Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month- This is a time that is used to raise awareness for the Cerebral Palsy difference. You may or may not see more people wearing the color green this month not just because of St. Patricks Day but also to aid in raising awareness for Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral Palsy in case you do not know much about it is a very common motor and movement difference. It is a neurological based difference that affects a child's motor skills, movements, and muscle tone. Cerebral palsy is caused by brain damage that develops while the baby is still in their mother's uterus, during labor and delivery, or shortly after birth.,
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month- This time is used to educate communities on the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental differences and reflect on the progress made toward improving these individuals quality of life! As of 2012, developmental differences are a common diagnosis these days. One in six children, 15%, are currently being diagnosed with a developmental disability or delay. Developmental disabilities occur among all socioeconomic groups and races. Four main types of developmental differences exist. The four classifications are nervous system differences, sensory-related differences, metabolic differences, and degenerative differences. Based on reports from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. These conditions begin during the developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime. Some examples of more common developmental disabilities include; ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Cerebral Palsy, intellectual disabilities and vision impairment.,
Kidney Awareness Month- This time is utilized to raise awareness of the importance of our kidneys, their functions, and awareness of kidney disease that typically affects people without them even knowing until it has progressed quite a bit. According to the National Kidney Foundation, "Kidneys filter 200 liters of blood a day, help regulate blood pressure and direct red blood cell production. But they are also prone to disease; 1 in 3 Americans is at risk for kidney disease due to diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney failure. There are more than 30 million Americans who already have kidney disease, and most don’t know it because there are often no symptoms until the disease has progressed." March 14 is National Kidney Day and the National Kidney Foundation offers multiple things to help raise awareness for this vital organ!,
Multiple Sclerosis Month- Multiple Sclerosis is a difference that involves an immune-mediated process in which an abnormal response of the body’s immune system is directed against the central nervous system. The Central Nervous System is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Within the Central Nervous System, the immune system causes inflammation that damages myelin — the fatty substance that surrounds and insulates the nerve fibers — as well as the nerve fibers themselves, and the specialized cells that make myelin. When myelin or nerve fibers are damaged or destroyed in MS, messages within the CNS are altered or stopped completely. Damage to areas of the Central Nervous System may produce a variety of neurological symptoms that will vary among people with Multiple Sclerosis in type and severity. The damaged areas develop scar tissue which gives the disease its name – multiple areas of scarring or multiple sclerosis. The cause of Multiple Sclerosis is not known, but it is believed to involve genetic susceptibility, abnormalities in the immune system and environmental factors that combine to trigger the disease.
People with Multiple Sclerosis typically experience one of four disease courses. There are over a dozen treatments to help modify the Multiple Sclerosis disease process.,
Social Work Awareness Month- According to the National Association of Social Workers, National Professional Social Work Month is an opportunity for social workers across the country to turn the spotlight on the profession and highlight the important contributions they make to society. Our nation’s more than 680,000 social workers have amazing tenacity and talent. They confront some of the most challenging issues facing individuals, families, communities, and society and forge solutions that help people reach their full potential and make our nation a better place to live. We celebrate the contributions of social workers during National Social Work Month in March!
Trisomy Awareness Month- According to the Therapy Center of Buda, March is Trisomy awareness month, so it’s a perfect time to explain “what is trisomy?” Most people have 23 pairs of chromosomes, for a total of 46 chromosomes in total. Trisomy is a genetic disorder in which an individual has an extra chromosome (partial or whole). Early identification is important in order to best evaluate, treat, and monitor for any possible developmental deficits or possible medical complications. Educating others of trisomy is important to not only provide a better understanding of the syndromes but to reinforce the notion that early intervention is vital for academic and social success.
March 1- Self-injury day/ international wheelchair day- Self Injury Awareness Day (SIAD) is a day that is dedicated to people being able to be open about self-harm, and to raise awareness of the issue. They also take this time to educate others on what self-harm is, and how to best prevent yourself or others from reaching a point where you consider trying it or doing it yourself. International Wheelchair Day- This is an annual day of events and activities which take place around the World when wheelchair users celebrate the positive impact a wheelchair has on their lives.
March 21- World Down Syndrome Day- According to the World Down Syndrome Day website, "World Down Syndrome Day is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. Down Syndrome International (DSi) encourages our friends all over the world to choose their own activities and events on WDSD to help raise awareness of what Down syndrome is, what it means to have Down syndrome, and how people with Down syndrome play a vital role in our lives and communities. The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome."
March 26- Purple Day for Epilepsy- On March 26th people are encouraged to wear purple to support and raise awareness for those who have epilepsy. Epilepsy is a neurological difference that occurs when nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures. This condition can be treated and managed with medications, but it alone is not curable. It does require a medical diagnosis. Aside from medications, epilepsy can also be treated in some cases through surgery, medical devices, or even sometimes dietary changes. This difference can occur due to genetic differences, or an acquired brain injury, such as a trauma or stroke. There are various types of epilepsy and seizures. It is important to note that not all people who have seizures have epilepsy! According to WebMD, "Non-epileptic seizures (called pseudoseizures) are not accompanied by abnormal electrical activity in the brain and may be caused by psychological issues or stress. However, non-epileptic seizures look like true seizures, which makes diagnosis more difficult. Normal EEG readings and lack of response to epileptic drugs are two clues they are not true epileptic seizures. These types of seizure may be treated with psychotherapy and psychiatric medications."
It is important to remember that ANYONE who has ANY TYPE of difference, all they want it to be treated with kindness, respect and care just like everyone else! They just want to feel included, and not feel like they are as different from others as people can make them feel. So, always be sure to try and include anyone and everyone no matter where you are or what you're doing! Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can have the greatest impacts on people!
Best Regards,
The Inspiring Hummingbird!