Injuries are a leading cause of disability for people of all ages — and they are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 1 to 44. The good news is everyone can get involved to help prevent injuries.
During National Safety Month, Allen Temple is working with community members to help reduce the risk of injuries. This June, we encourage you to learn more about important safety issues like prescription painkiller abuse, transportation safety, and slips, trips, and falls.
- Prescription painkiller abuse: Prescription painkiller overdoses are a growing problem in the United States, especially among women. About 18 women die every day from a prescription painkiller overdose — more than 4 times as many as back in 1999.
- Transportation safety: Doing other activities while driving — like texting or eating — distracts you and increases your chance of crashing. Almost 1 in 5 crashes (17%) that injured someone involved distracted driving.
- Slips, trips, and falls: One in 3 older adults falls each year. Many falls lead to broken bones and other health problems.
So, let’s all pledge to make a difference. Spread the word about ways to reduce the risk of injuries. Encourage communities, workplaces, families, and individuals to identify and report safety hazards. Together, we can share information about steps people can take to protect themselves and others.
Men’s Health Month
This June is Men’s Health Month!
Anchored by a Congressional health education program, Men’s Health Month is celebrated across the country with screenings, health fairs, media appearances, and other health education and outreach activities. The centerpiece of Men’s Health Month is National Men’s Health Week; a special awareness period passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bill Clinton on May 31, 1994 now recognized internationally. This year, National Men’s Health Week starts on June 15, and ends on Fathers’ Day, June 21.
Goal of Men’s Health Month
The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. This month gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury. Show your solidarity with the campaign to bring awareness to men’s health by celebrating “Wear Blue Friday,” on June 17th, the Friday before Father’s day.
To quote Congressman Bill Richardson (Congressional Record, H3905-H3906, May 24, 1994):
“Recognizing and preventing men’s health problems is not just a man’s issue. Because of its impact on wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters, men’s health is truly a family issue.”
