Don’t miss out on the opportunity to share content regarding these August events! If you haven’t seen our previous July blog with additional content for healthcare you can check it out here. The August observances do differ from those of July, as in there are no observance days for the month of August. Each month does have its own observances, so no two months will share the same topics.
In creating the observance content I’ve noticed some commonalities. Most observances are sponsored by an organization trying to bring awareness on a topic, education for the public, and preventative tips. These organizations have information often hosted on a website. If you work in a partnership with one of these organizations you should certainly consider adding this information into your Message on Hold recording and additional marketing content.
These observances provide the ideal topics to inform your patients and let them know any procedures that can be used to prevent them. In addition to healthcare preventative services you can share common symptoms of these topics.
Children’s Eye Health & Safety Month –
Sponsored by Prevent Blindness America- Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month focuses on raising awareness of the difference of child eyes and adult eyes. According to Buda Vision Source, reports estimate about 25% of students in grades K-6 have vision related problems that impact their performance in school. This monthly observance reminds parents the importance of protecting and having their child’s eyes checked regularly.
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In support of Children’s Eye Health & Safety Month this August, please recognize the importance of protecting and maintaining children’s eye health. As with anything, early detection is key to diagnosing and treating vision-related problems. Children’s visual systems matures quite rapidly within the first few years, making regular comprehensive eye exams a must for children. In addition, increasing awareness of protecting children’s eyes from the sun is part of eye health and safety. Schedule your child’s routine eye check-up today!
National Breastfeeding Month – 
The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee observes August as Breastfeeding Awareness Month to bring attention to the benefits of breastfeeding children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics healthy mothers should breastfeed their child up until they are 6 months old. Research shows that breastfeeding has unlimited health benefits to infants for example those breastfed are less likely to become obese and have increased protection from infection.
On Hold Script Sample for National Breastfeeding Month-
As part of its Healthy People 2020 initiative and in honor of August being National Breastfeeding month, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that healthy mothers exclusively breastfeed their infants for the first 6 months of life. If you’re pregnant, schedule to meet with a lactation consultant to learn the scientific evidence about the benefits, challenges, and other issues related to breastfeeding and breast milk.
Message on Hold Script Sample for World Breastfeeding Week–
World Breastfeeding Week – August 1st through the 7th, is about working together for the common good! This week-long event will call on advocates and activists, decision-makers, and celebrants to forge purposeful partnerships to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding – by anyone, anywhere. Become a part of the movement at ‘Breast Feeding Week dot org.’
National Immunization Awareness Month – 
Immunization Awareness Month was created to bring awareness to immunizations that are available for people of every age from infants to the elderly and everyone in-between. According to vaccines.gov August is the ideal time for vaccination as it is before children will return back to school and typically around the time of year the flu shot becomes available.
Message on Hold for National Immunization Awareness Month-
During the month of August, National Immunization Awareness Month, take the time to learn more about vaccines and make sure that you and your loved ones have received all of the vaccinations you need; you can help prevent harmful diseases from affecting you and your family. Talk with your healthcare provider about what vaccines you and your family need and keep putting your healthiest foot forward!
Neurosurgical Awareness Month – The American Association of Neurological Surgeons observes Neurosurgery Awareness during August. This year the focus is on trigeminal neuralgia neuropathic pain associated with nerve injury or lesions, according to National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes.
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Taking place in August 2018, Neurosurgeon Awareness Month will focus on Trigeminal Neuralgia or TN. TN is a chronic pain condition that affects the 5th cranial nerve, one of the most widely distributed nerves in the head. Trigeminal Neuralgia occurs most often in people over age 50, although it can occur at any age, including infancy; the disorder is more common in women than in men. For more information on neurological disorders or research programs funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, contact ‘N I N D S dot N I H dot gov.’
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month – -876356-edited-722479-edited.png)
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) affects up to 1 in every 6,000 people. According to Disability Benefits Help Org. it is the leading genetic cause of death in children under 2 years. SMA is caused by a genetic mutation and has three main types.
Script Sample for Spinal Muscular Atrophy-
August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month. The main cause of Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a genetic mutation, which affects the production of SMN proteins. Without SMN proteins, the body slowly loses the ability to move these muscles, resulting in a loss of motor function. SMA can affect anyone; one in every 6,000 people are affected annually and it is the leading genetic cause of death in children under 2 years old. To learn more about Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and how you can make a difference for those affected, please visit ‘Disability dash Benefits dash Help dot org.’
Gastroparesis Awareness Month – The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) are working to improve the understanding of gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the stomach muscles. It can occur in 1 in 4 people as a complication of long-standing diabetes. .
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This August – Gastroparesis Awareness Month, focus on important health messages about gastroparesis diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life issues. Gastroparesis is a condition where symptoms occur, and the stomach empties too slowly. Symptoms may begin following a virus infection. Other possible causes include diabetes, surgeries, some medications, and other illnesses. The goals this awareness month include improving understanding of gastroparesis to help patients and families manage the condition and encouraging preventive strategies. Learn the signs and symptoms at ‘About Gastroparesis dot org’ and talk to your doctor.
Psoriasis Awareness Month – 
Psoriasis is a genetic autoimmune disease affecting 7.5 million Americans according to Biotechnology Innovation Organization. Psoriasis causes red, scaly patches that itch, crack and bleed. There is no cure for Psoriasis, but treatment options are available. The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) sponsors Psoriasis Awareness Month to raise awareness and educate the public.
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The National Psoriasis Foundation reminds you that August is Psoriasis Awareness Month and Psoriasis isn’t contagious… but awareness is! Psoriasis is a chronic, noncontagious, genetic autoimmune disease that appears on the skin. It is the most common autoimmune disease in the country. Visit ‘Psoriasis Awareness Month dot org’ to join the movement and help raise awareness and dispel myths about the disease.
National Health Center Week
August 12 – August 18
According to the National Association of Community Health Centers one in every fifteen people living in the United States depends on health centers. Health centers provide services to all people, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status. Health Centers serve over 25 million Americans at over 9,000 sites.
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Celebrate National Health Center Week – August. 12th through the 18th! Health Centers are proud to celebrate over 50 years of service and continue to be ranked among the highest quality and cost-effective care providers in the nation. Health Centers provide their services to all people, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status. Visit ‘Health Week Center dot org’ for tools and resources to support your activities. Consider coordinating your celebrations to showcase the innovative programs and services your health center provides in the community.
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