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          Annual Health Observances


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Annual Health Observances NIAMS Monthly Health observances, Happy Family Sitting in a yard
              Health Observances are special days, weeks, or months dedicated to raising awareness about important health topics. Below find a list that includes health observances related to conditions that affect the bones, joints, muscles, and skin. Each observance includes links to resources to help educate patients and community members about these conditions. NIAMS also provides a Social Media Toolkit****with resources to help people in your community take steps to improve their health.
February | April | May | June | July |August | September | October | November
              February Is Black History MonthFacebook X

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              Lady hugging child in field
**What does heritage have to do with health?**Many Black/African Americans experience conditions and diseases of the bones, joints, muscles, and skin. Black History Month is an opportunity to learn about these conditions and to share resources and information with your patients and community members. NIAMS offers more than 40 Health Topics with information related to symptoms, treatment, and tips for daily living.**Share these resources:**Living With Arthritis: Health Information Basics for You and Your FamilyLiving With Lupus: Health Information Basics for You and Your FamilyAtopic Dermatitis (Eczema)Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)OsteoarthritisSclerodermaBone Health and OsteoporosisHidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)You can order some materials about these and other topics for free by visiting the NIAMS Publication Ordering System or calling toll free at 877–226–4267 (for telecommunications support, dial 711). Many publications are available in other languages besides English, including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.See All Health Topics**For more information:**Black and African American Health (Medline Plus, National Library of Medicine)Black/African Americans Minority Population Profile (Office of Minority Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)Community Health and Outreach: Kidney Sundays (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health)
              April Is National Minority Health MonthFacebook XMany people in racial and ethnic minority and American Indian and Alaska Native communities experience conditions and diseases of the bones, joints, muscles, and skin. National Minority Health Month is an opportunity to learn about these conditions and to share resources and information with your patients and community members. NIAMS offers more than 40 Health Topics with information related to symptoms, treatment, and tips for daily living.Being more aware of the health and health care disparities that affect racial and ethnic minorities can improve your ability to assist and educate those who are more at risk. Some people may have an increased risk for certain health conditions, but they can still take steps to improve their health and to minimize those risks.**Share these resources:**Living With Lupus: Health Information Basics for You and Your FamilySclerodermaSystemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)Bone Health and OsteoporosisNIAMS *Community Outreach Bulletin*You can order some materials about these and other topics for free by visiting the NIAMS Publication Ordering System or calling toll free at 877–226–4267 (for telecommunications support, dial 711). Many publications are available in other languages besides English including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.See All Health Topics**For more information:**National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)HHS Office of Minority Health (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)Minority Health Information (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
              May – National Women’s Health WeekFacebook X

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              Group of women hugging and smiling at the camera in urban setting
National Women’s Health Week starts each year on Mother’s Day to encourage women and girls to make their health a priority.Many women experience conditions and diseases of the bones, joints, muscles, and skin. National Women’s Health Week is an opportunity to remind women and girls, especially those with underlying health conditions and women age 65 and older, to take care of their health. Take time to learn about these and other conditions that affect women and share resources and information with your patients and community members. NIAMS offers more than 40 Health Topics with information related to symptoms, treatment, and tips for daily living.**Share these resources:**Living With Lupus: Health Information Basics for You and Your FamilyOsteoporosisFibromyalgiaSystemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)Bone Health and OsteoporosisPregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Bone HealthYou can order some materials about these and other topics for free by visiting the NIAMS Publication Ordering System or calling toll free at 877–226–4267 (for telecommunications support, dial 711). Many publications are available in other languages besides English including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.See All Health Topics**For more information:**Office of Research on Women’s Health (National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)HHS Office on Women’s Health (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)May Is Arthritis Awareness MonthFacebook X"Arthritis" literally means “joint inflammation” in Greek or Latin. Joint inflammation is a symptom or sign rather than a specific diagnosis, but the term “arthritis” often refers to any disorder that affects the joints.People with arthritis can feel pain and stiffness in their bodies, sometimes making it hard to move or causing their joints to become swollen. Arthritis Awareness Month is an opportunity to learn about the different types of arthritis and their causes, symptoms, and treatments, and share resources and information with your patients and community members.**Share these resources:**Living With Arthritis: Health Information Basics for You and Your FamilyArthritisKids Pages: Healthy Joints MatterYou can order some materials about these and other topics for free by visiting the NIAMS Publication Ordering System or calling toll free at 877–226–4267 (for telecommunications support, dial 711). Many publications are available in other languages besides English including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.See All Health Topics**For more information:**Arthritis Basics (The Centers for Disease Control)Arthritis: Frequently Asked Questions (The Centers for Disease Control)May Is Lupus Awareness MonthFacebook XSystemic lupus erythematosus, or lupus, is an autoimmune disease. Typically, the body’s immune system fights foreign invaders, like germs and viruses. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system isn’t working properly, and it attacks healthy tissues.Lupus can affect many parts of the body and can affect people differently. One person with lupus may have swollen knees and fever. Another person may be tired all the time or have kidney trouble. Someone else may have rashes. Lupus Awareness Month is an opportunity to learn about lupus and share resources and information with your patients and community members.Because lupus affects each person differently, there is no simple answer for how it can be managed. There are things people can do to help them cope with the disease.**Share these resources:**Living With Lupus: Health Information Basics for You and Your FamilySystemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)You can order some materials about these and other topics for free by visiting the NIAMS Publication Ordering System or calling toll free at 877–226–4267 (for telecommunications support, dial 711). Many publications are available in other languages besides English, including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.See All Health Topics**For more information**Understanding Lupus (The Centers for Disease Control)Pregnancy and Lupus (The Office of Research on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)Lets Take Charge! Initiative (The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration)May Is National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage MonthFacebook X

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              Lady on a kayak smiling at camera while on a body of water
**What does heritage have to do with health?**Many Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders experience conditions and diseases of the bones, joints, muscles, and skin. National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is an opportunity to learn about these conditions and share resources and information with your patients and community members. NIAMS offers more than 40 Health Topics with information related to symptoms, treatment, and tips for daily living.**Share these resources:**Asian-Language ResourcesLiving With Arthritis: Health Information Basics for You and Your Family – English (Also available in Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese)Living With Back Pain: Health Information Basics for You and Your Family - English (Also available in Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese)Living With Lupus: Health Information Basics for You and Your Family – English (Also available in Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese)Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) – English (Also available in Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese)Back Pain - English (Also available in Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese)Osteoarthritis - English (Also available in Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese)OsteoporosisSports InjuriesYou can order some materials about these and other topics for free by visiting the NIAMS Publication Ordering System or calling toll free at 877–226–4267 (for telecommunications support, dial 711). Many publications are available in other languages besides English, including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.See All Health Topics**For more information:**Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (Office of Minority Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)Health Disparities Among Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders (National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control Services and Prevention), U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesHealth of Asian or Pacific Islander Population Information (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders Health Information (Office of Minority Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)May Is National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention MonthFacebook XOsteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle. This leads to an increased risk of fractures, or broken bones. People with osteoporosis will most commonly break hip, spine, and wrist bones. While osteoporosis is the most common bone disease, it is often called a “silent disease” because it can progress without any symptoms until a fracture occurs. National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month is an opportunity to learn about osteoporosis and share resources and information with your patients and community members.**Share these resources:**Bone Health ResourcesOsteoporosisKids Pages: Healthy Bones MatterWhat is Bone?Bone Health and OsteoporosisBone Health and Osteoporosis: What it Means to YouBone Mineral Density Tests: What the Numbers MeanCalcium and Vitamin D: Important for Bone HealthOsteoporosis in MenJuvenile OsteoporosisKids and Their BonesPregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Bone HealthExercise for Your Bone HealthYou can order some materials about these and other topics for free by visiting the NIAMS Publication Ordering System or calling toll free at 877–226–4267 (for telecommunications support, dial 711). Many publications are available in other languages besides English, including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.See All Health Topics**For more information**Bone Health for Life: Health Information Basics for You and Your Family (National Clearinghouse for Osteoporosis and Bone Diseases)Exercise for Your Bone Health (National Clearinghouse for Osteoporosis and Bone Diseases)Osteoporosis (Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
              June Is National Men’s Health MonthFacebook X

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              Men standing together with a basketball smiling at camera
Many men experience conditions and diseases of the bones, joints, muscles, and skin. National Men’s Health Month is an opportunity to remind men and boys about health problems that can affect them and encourage them to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury. Take time to learn about these conditions and share resources and information with your patients and community members. NIAMS offers more than 40 Health Topics with information related to symptoms, treatment, and tips for daily living.**Share these resources:**Living With Arthritis: Health Information Basics for You and Your FamilyOsteoarthritisGoutBone Health and OsteoporosisOsteoporosis in MenYou can order some materials about these and other topics for free by visiting the NIAMS Publication Ordering System or calling toll free at 877–226–4267 (for telecommunications support, dial 711). Many publications are available in other languages besides English, including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.See All Health Topics**For more information**Men: Take Charge of Your Health (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion)Men and Depression (National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health)June Is National Scleroderma Awareness MonthFacebook XScleroderma is an autoimmune and rheumatic disease that causes inflammation in the skin and other areas of the body and involves many systems. This inflammation leads to patches of tight, hard skin. Scleroderma is also a connective tissue disease and can affect tendons and cartilage along with the skin. National Scleroderma Awareness Month is an opportunity to learn about scleroderma and share resources and information with your patients and community members.There are several forms of scleroderma that can affect different people in different ways. While there is no known cure for scleroderma, there are some things people can do to help cope with the condition.**Share this resource:**SclerodermaYou can order some materials about these and other topics for free by visiting the NIAMS Publication Ordering System or calling toll free at 877–226–4267 (for telecommunications support, dial 711). Many publications are available in other languages besides English, including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.See All Health Topics**For more information**Scleroderma (MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine)
              July Is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness MonthFacebook X

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              July Is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month
Children can get arthritis just like adults. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the term used to describe arthritis in children. JIA is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the body’s immune system—which normally helps to fight off bacteria or viruses—mistakenly attacks some of its own healthy cells and tissues. It causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of motion. Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month is an opportunity to learn about JIA and share resources and information with your patients’ families and community members.**Share these resources:**Juvenile Idiopathic ArthritisKids Pages: Healthy Joints MatterYou can order some materials about these and other topics for free by visiting the NIAMS Publication Ordering System or calling toll free at 877–226–4267 (for telecommunications support, dial 711). Many publications are available in other languages besides English, including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.See All Health Topics**For more information**Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (Medline Plus, National Library of Medicine)Childhood Arthritis (Centers for Disease Control)
              August Is Psoriasis Awareness MonthFacebook XPsoriasis is a chronic or long-lasting skin disease that results in scaling and inflammation of the skin. Most forms of psoriasis cause patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales. These patches can itch or feel sore. They are often found on the elbows, knees, parts of the legs, scalp, lower back, face, palms, or soles of the feet. They can also show up other places, such as on the fingernails, toenails, genitals, or inside the mouth.Psoriasis can affect a person’s day-to-day life. Health care providers understand the impact of the disease and can work with the patient to help reduce the symptoms. Psoriasis Awareness Month is an opportunity to learn about psoriasis and share resources and information with your patients and community members.**Share these resources:**PsoriasisKids Pages: Healthy Skin MattersYou can order some materials about these and other topics for free by visiting the NIAMS Publication Ordering System or calling toll free at 877–226–4267 (for telecommunications support, dial 711). Many publications are available in other languages besides English, including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.See All Health Topics**For more information**Psoriasis (Medline Plus, National Library of Medicine)
              September 15 – October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage MonthFacebook X

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              September Is National Hispanic Heritage Month
**What does heritage have to do with health?**Many people of Hispanic/Latino heritage experience conditions and diseases of the bones, joints, muscles, and skin. National Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to learn about these conditions that affect Hispanic/Latino communities and to share resources and information with your patients and community members. NIAMS offers more than 40 Health Topics with information related to symptoms, treatment, and tips for daily living.**Share these resources:**Living with Lupus: Health Information Basics for You and Your Family – English (Also available in Spanish.)NIAMS Portal en EspañolSystemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus) – English (Also available in Spanish)Osteoporosis – English (Also available in Spanish)Bone Health and OsteoporosisYou can order some materials about these and other topics for free by visiting the NIAMS Publication Ordering System or calling toll free at 877–226–4267 (for telecommunications support, dial 711). Many publications are available in other languages besides English and Spanish, including Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.See All Health Topics**For more information:**Latino and Hispanic American Health (Medline Plus, National Library of Medicine)Hispanic/Latino Health Information (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)MedlinePlus – Información de Salud de la Biblioteca Nacional de MedicinaNIH Spanish Health Information PortalSeptember Is Healthy Aging® MonthFacebook XAs people age, they may experience conditions and diseases of the bones, joints, muscles, and skin. Healthy Aging® Month is an opportunity to learn about these and other conditions, and share resources and information with your patients and community members. NIAMS offers more than 40 Health Topics with information related to symptoms, treatment, and tips for daily living.**Share these resources:**Living With Back Pain: Health Information Basics for You and Your FamilyLiving With Arthritis: Health Information Basics for You and Your FamilyBack PainOsteoarthritisBone Health and OsteoporosisYou can order some materials about these and other topics for free by visiting the NIAMS Publication Ordering System or calling toll free at 877–226–4267 (for telecommunications support, dial 711). Many publications are available in other languages besides English, including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.See All Health Topics**For more information**Skin Care and Aging Resource Center (National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health)
              October – Bone and Joint Health National Action Week (October 12-20)Facebook X

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              October – Bone and Joint Health National Action Week
Bone and Joint Health National Action Week is an opportunity to learn about conditions that affect the bones and joints and to share resources and information with your patients and community members. NIAMS offers more than 40 Health Topics with information related to symptoms, treatment, and tips for daily living.**Share these resources:**Living With Arthritis: Health Information Basics for You and Your FamilyBone HealthJoint HealthOsteoporosisKids Pages: Healthy Joints MatterKids Pages: Health Bones MatterWhat is Bone?Bone Health and Osteoporosis: What it Means to YouBone Mineral Density Tests: What the Numbers MeanCalcium and Vitamin D: Important for Bone HealthKids and Their BonesExercise for Your Bone HealthYou can order some materials about these and other topics for free by visiting the NIAMS Publication Ordering System or calling toll free at 877–226–4267 (for telecommunications support, dial 711). Many publications are available in other languages besides English, including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.See All Health Topics**For more information**Bone Health and OsteoporosisOctober Is National Physical Therapy MonthFacebook XExercise and physical activity are good for almost everyone. And preventing injuries before they happen is important. If someone you know has an injury, encourage them to see a doctor to find out if they need physical therapy. National Physical Therapy Month is an opportunity to learn about injuries and other conditions and to share resources and information with your patients and community members.Physical therapy can:Help a person manage pain, recover from injuries, and maintain mobility as they age.Be adapted to an individual’s needs, challenges, and goals.Allow a person to participate in their own recovery and well-being, which can be empowering.**Share these resources:**Living With Back Pain: Health Information Basics for You and Your FamilyMuscle, Tendon, and Ligament HealthSports InjuriesKids Pages: Healthy Muscles MatterYou can order some materials about these and other topics for free by visiting the NIAMS Publication Ordering System or calling toll free at 877–226–4267 (for telecommunications support, dial 711). Many publications are available in other languages besides English, including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.See All Health Topics
              November Is National Native American Heritage MonthFacebook X

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              November Is National Native American Heritage Month
**What does heritage have to do with health?**Many Native Americans experience conditions and diseases of the bones, joints, muscles, and skin. National Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity to learn about these conditions and to share resources and information with your patients and community members. The Indian Health Service provides quality health care on reservations that helps American Indians and Alaska Natives take care of themselves and helps to strengthen future generations. NIAMS offers more than 40 Health Topics with information related to symptoms, treatment, and tips for daily living.**Share these resources:**Living with Lupus: Health Information Basics for You and Your FamilyLiving with Arthritis: Health Information Basics for You and Your FamilySystemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)Rheumatoid ArthritisSclerodermaBone Health and OsteoporosisYou can order some materials about these and other topics for free by visiting the NIAMS Publication Ordering System or calling toll free at 877–226–4267 (for telecommunications support, dial 711). Many publications are available in other languages besides English, including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.See All Health Topics**For more information:**Tribal Health Research Office (National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)Honoring Health Newsletter (National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)American Indian and Alaska Native Health Information (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)National Native American Heritage Month Information (Library of Congress)November Is National Healthy Skin MonthFacebook XSkin is the largest organ of the body and plays an important protective role. It holds body fluids in, prevents dehydration, and keeps harmful germs out. Healthy skin is important because it can prevent sickness or damage to the bones, muscles, and internal organs.National Healthy Skin Month is an opportunity to learn about skin health and conditions and to share resources and information with your patients and community members. NIAMS offers more than 40 Health Topics with information related to symptoms, treatment, and tips for daily living.**Share these resources:**Skin HealthKids Pages: Healthy Skin MattersAcneAtopic Dermatitis (Eczema)PsoriasisVitiligoSclerodermaYou can order some materials about these and other topics for free by visiting the NIAMS Publication Ordering System or calling toll free at 877–226–4267 (for telecommunications support, dial 711). Many publications are available in other languages besides English, including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.See All Health Topics**For more information**Skin Care and Aging Resource Center (National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health)
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