Everyone’s New Year’s Resolutions are different. Some of us will focus on health, some on money, some on family, some on work, some on relationships, and the list continues.

What almost all resolutions have in common is that they are aimed at improving upon something, such as making a positive beginning or change. The thing about resolutions is that many people don’t stick to them, due to lack of motivation or boredom.
If you’re looking to change all that and make a New Year’s Resolution related to health, it can be helpful to “mark your calendar for health”.

The 2012 National Health Observances from the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion provides a comprehensive listing of designated months during the year for health awareness and education. Visit www.healthfinder.gov for a complete listing of national annual health observances.

You can show your support of these health awareness months in many ways. Here are a few suggestions that will help you stay health-minded all year long, and make changes in your life that will last beyond 2012.  

In February, participate in the Heart Walk with our local Erie Chapter of the American Heart Association and promote heart health awareness. Visit: www.americanheart.org to learn more.

In May, you can celebrate Bike to Work Month by organizing a group ride of co-workers who live in your neighborhood. The American League of Bicyclists has resources on how to plan events in your community.

June is Great Outdoors Month. Get to know and love Erie County, by participating in the Let’s Move Outside: Erie County Recreational Passport program this summer, from June through October. Keep an eye out in your community; you can expect to see passports and information about the program during the month of May.

September and October are back-to-school safety time.  Consider volunteering at your neighborhood school to encourage pedestrian safety and reduce aggressive driving during International Walk to School Day.

All of the above suggestions and many of the observances listed below are initiatives that the Erie County Department of Health promotes and supports. If you would like to learn more or become involved, contact: wellness@ecdh.org.

January
    Birth Defects Prevention Month
February
    American Heart Month
    Cancer Prevention Month
    Wear Red Day—February 3
March
    Nutrition Month    
    Poison Prevention Month
    Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
April
    National Public Health Week—April 7-13
    Environmental Education Week—April 15-21
    Infant Immunization Week—April 21-28
    Minority Health & Health Disparities Month    
    STD’s/Family Planning Awareness Month
    Distracted Driving Awareness Month
May
    Nurses Week - May 6-12
    Melanoma/Skin Cancer Awareness Month
    Stroke Awareness Month
June
    Great Outdoors Month
    Home Safety Month
July
    UV Safety Month
August
    Immunization Month
September
    Cholesterol Education Awareness Month
    Ovarian Cancer Month
    Prostate Health Month
    Food Safety Education Month
October
    International Walk to School Day—October 3
    Talk About Prescriptions Month
    National Preparedness Month
    Children’s Health Month
    Breast Cancer Awareness Month
November
    American Diabetes Month
    Great American Smoke out
    National Survivors of Suicide Day—November 7
December
    Drunk & Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month
    International AIDS Awareness Month

This information is distributed by Erie County Department of Health, 606 W. 2nd Street, Erie, PA 16507, 814-451-6700, www.ecdh.org.

 Kimberly Beers, CHES, Health Educator
 Erie County Department of Health