Between the eeriness of Halloween and festivities of Christmas lies the month of November, home to the holiday of Thanksgiving– or better yet, the awareness month for numerous medical conditions.

By promoting awareness of these conditions, we can better our understanding of these diagnoses and the individuals battling them.

National Diabetes Awareness Month  

National Diabetes Month encourages individuals to come together, spotlighting diabetes awareness. Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high and your pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to effectively use.

Affecting over 38 million Americans, diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart– along with increasing the risk for cancers. 

Luckily, there are ways to manage your health in order to prevent the disease.

By maintaining a balanced, regular exercise routine and healthy weight, you can keep blood sugar levels within a target range. Additionally, regular health checkups, monitoring glucose levels and managing stress each play a crucial role in preventing health issues linked to diabetes. 

Lung Cancer Awareness Month  

Every November, people around the world work together to recognize and raise awareness of the challenges that come from a Lung Cancer diagnosis– one of the deadliest forms of cancer.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide, claiming more lives each year than breast cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer combined. This month emphasizes the importance of early detection, prevention and research funding. 

Many causes of lung cancer are linked to smoking, but non-smokers are also at risk due to factors like air pollution, random exposure and genetic predisposition, which is an increased likelihood of developing a disease based on the presence of one or more genetic variants in your family history.  

Promoting awareness is crucial, as early stage lung cancer often has no symptoms– making it harder to detect until it has progressed. A public understanding of the disease encourages individuals to recognize risk factors. By spreading recognition of the disease, we can better understand it and support loved ones who may be suffering from it, along with advocating for more research that can save lives.

National Epilepsy Awareness Month 

National Epilepsy Awareness Month is dedicated to increasing the understanding of a neurological condition that affects over 3.4 million people in the United States alone. 

Epilepsy is more than just seizures; it’s a complex disorder that can impact a person’s daily life, affecting their ability to work, drive and even participate in social activities. Epilepsy is often misunderstood, leading to stigma surrounding the topic and social isolation for those living with it.

This awareness month focuses on educating the public about the different types of seizures, recognizing their symptoms and promoting first aid for seizures. Early diagnosis and effective treatment can greatly improve life for those affected, but awareness is key to breaking down barriers to care and support. 

Spreading knowledge and a supportive environment can ensure that individuals with epilepsy are seen, heard and understood.

Prematurity Awareness Month 

Prematurity Awareness Month is dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by premature babies and their families. 

Globally, about one in 10 babies are born preterm, which means they arrive before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Premature birth is the leading cause of death among children under five and can lead to lifelong health complications, including developmental delays, respiratory issues and vision or hearing impairments.

This month serves as a call to action to improve prevention, early detection and support for families affected by preterm birth, along with recognizing the incredible strength of these tiny fighters and their families, who often endure long hospital stays and ongoing medical care.

By spreading awareness, we can advocate for better research, healthcare access and support systems, ensuring that more babies have the chance to thrive. Prematurity Awareness Month is a reminder that every baby deserves a healthy start in life.