May sprouts awareness for a host of worthwhile causes that include skin cancer, mental health and arthritis. It is also the month to celebrate Nurses, Bike and Motorcycle Riding, and more.
Here we highlight a few of the month’s awareness initiatives and salutes.
Mental Health Month — Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. According to the National Mental Health Organization (NAMI), one in five Americans will be affected by a mental health condition in their lifetime and every American is affected or impacted through their friends and family. May is designated to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for equal care. Throughout the month, NAMI and participants across the country are raising awareness for the importance of mental health
This year’s theme is More Than Enough. NAMI wants every person out there to know that if all they did was wake up today, that’s more than enough. No matter what, they are inherently worthy of more than enough life, love and healing. Showing up, just as you are, for yourself and the people around you is more than enough.
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. With the onset of summer, there is no better time to check your skin than now. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Fortunately, it is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer and highly treatable when detected early. Since its inception in 1979, The Skin Cancer Foundation has always recommended using a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher as one important part of a complete sun protection regimen. However, sunscreen alone is not enough, For a full list of skin cancer prevention tips from the foundation visit their website prevention tips page.
May is recognized each year as National Arthritis Awareness Month. Arthritis is a disease that impacts more than 50 million Americans, making it the number one cause of disability in the country. That means 1 in every 5 adults, 300,000 children and countless families are affected by arthritis. These numbers are only going to keep growing—unless we take a stand.
There are many ways you can get involved. Here are a few:
- Sign up to participate in one of the foundation’s events and help fundraise for a cure.
- Learn more about their advocacy efforts and sign up to become an Arthritis Foundation Advocate.
- Make a donation – over 75 cents of every dollar raised supports the mission of finding a cure and providing tools and resources to improve lives.
NATIONAL BIKE MONTH. May kick starts the official start to outdoor activities and biking is a favorite for many. National Bike Month was established in 1956 as a way to celebrate the many benefits of riding.
The League of American Bicyclists — with a focus on individual and community wellbeing — will be highlighting how you can #BikeThere during Bike Month. There are so many ways to celebrate like biking to coffee or around the block, bike to work and more. Whether you’re riding for fun, fitness or with family, or taking essential trips to work or shop, you are part of their movement for safer streets, connected communities, a healthier planet, and happier people.
DATES TO KNOW:
>National Ride a Bike Day – May 7th
>Bike to Work Week – May 15th – 21st
>Bike to Work Day – May 19th
Whatever your passion, May sprouts are clearly visible for awareness initiatives and celebratory events, all are guaranteed to get you Socially Sparked®! A special shout out to Nurses and Moms, who have Socially Sparked our lives and continue to do so in countless ways. — We are Forever #SociallySparked! — Tweet us @sosparkednews & @asparks01.
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