National Nutrition Month
National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition education and information campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. The theme for 2015 is “Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle.” Consuming fewer calories, making informed food choices and getting daily exercise are key to maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the riks of chronic disease and promoting overall health. See Eat Right for excellent tips, recipes and expert information for people of all ages.
Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM)
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), the non-profit advocate for programs to help problem gamblers and their families, created and sponsors this grassroots campaign. Six to eight million Americans meet criteria for gambling addiction, and many more are affected by an individual’s gambling problem. Signs of problem gambling include becoming restless or irritable when trying to stop or cut down on gambling; lying about gambling to loved ones; and developing financial problems due to gambling. Gambling disorders are associated with a wide range of problems, including depression, domestic violence, bankruptcy, substance abuse and suicide. Find FAQs on Problem Gambling as well as a broad array of useful tools and resources.
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Every year, about 140,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and more than 50,000 people die from it. The risk of getting colorectal cancer increases with age. More than 90% of cases occur in people who are 50 years old or older. Colorectal cancer screening saves lives, but many people are not being screened according to national guidelines. Learn about screening options and learn more at the CDC’s Screen for Life campaign.
March 24 – American Diabetes Association Alert Day – Take the Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test – it’s free, it only takes 60 seconds and it could save your life. Here are some ways to lower your risk.
Other Observances
National Kidney Month
Red Cross Month
1-7 – National Severe Weather Preparedness Week
2-6 – National School Breakfast Week
2-8 – National Sleep Awareness Week
15-21 – National Poison Prevention Week
16-22 – Brain Awareness Week
24 – World TB Day
ESI EAP offers 24-7 access to counselors and a wide variety of support resources for employees and family members who are facing difficult health challenges. We also offer wellness benefits and health risk assessments, including discounts for weight loss programs, exercise and nutrition programs, and stop smoking programs. If you want to learn more about how ESI can provide more employee EAP benefits and more employer services, call us at 800-535-4841.