“YOU SHOULD SUBSCRIBE TO Disease-a-Month journal.” Huh? At first, I thought my friend was joking with me. I thought she was teasing me—but she was not making it up. Just the title, to me, was weird. I could not imagine this magazine having a high circulation list.
I became acquainted with the magazine when she shared a copy of hers with me. Indeed, the title was Disease-a-Month, and when she handed me the magazine, I became a believer.
I was aware of many specialized magazines and journals that focus on specific health topics. Some are dedicated to various cancers, some to psychological diseases or weight disorders, and others to age-related health topics.
My copy of Brain and Health (formerly called Neurology Now) had just come in the mail. It is a magazine published both in hardcopy and online formats that centers on neurological conditions, treatments, real patient stories of coping with the disease, and the latest research and treatments. Past issues featured topics like migraines, neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.
Many of us receive magazines and mailings that cover our specific health areas. Often, copies are available in our doctors offices where we can take a copy with us or subscribe to it online, free of charge. Sometimes, money is raised to support disease research or publish magazines to help with disease education. The old saying “knowledge is power” is supported by these publications. When we know things about our health conditions or disorders, it can help us live more safely and powerfully.
Another way that we become aware of health information is by months that have a theme for a specific disease or disorder. Sometimes, the disease might have a day, a week, or a month. When a day, week, or month is named after a disease, a lot of positive things happen—awareness of the illness increases, information on current research on the disease is available, and opportunities are offered to join support groups, participate in research groups, or volunteer in the area.
What is the purpose of special observances? The National Archives says that special observances were designed for the purpose of providing awareness to everyone. Commemorative activities conducted for these observances should be educational.
Again, a month took on a theme. During the evening news, I heard that Breast Cancer Month was going to be Sunday, October 1 to Tuesday, October 31, 2023. In social media, a site said that National Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week is Sunday, March 12 to Saturday, March 18. There are many months dedicated to medical topics or diseases. I wondered, “How does a disease get assigned to a month? Can any group or individual create a disease of the month?”
When you search online, you can begin the process to apply for a day, week, or month. There are application forms to fill out and directions that prompt you. Some sites include Diversity and Inclusions (https://diversity.fsu.edu/resources/ monthly-observances-and-celebrations), Register a National Day or Month (https://nationaldaycalendar. com/register-a-national-day/), and How to Start a National Day for Your Organization (https:// memberclicks.com/blog/how-tostart- a-national-awareness-dayfor your-association/).
Themed months do not just center on health topics. Sometimes a theme may be fun, whimsical, or a part of daily life. Some fun months include: National Popcorn Day, Friday, January 24, 2023; National Daughters Day, Monday, September 25, 2023; National Donut Day, Friday, June 2, 2023; and National Puppy Day, Thursday, March 23, 2023.
I recall many national days or months from news media: National Pi Day, National Pierogi Day, National Margarita Day, and National Mashed Potato Day (National Mashed Potato Day, on October 18, 2023, is “one holiday that spud lovers in the United States look forward to every year”).
Of course, if there is not already a month for the disease or theme you want, then you can create and register your own holiday! There are many noble reasons why a person wants to create a new themed month.
Perhaps the editor of Healthy Living News could start working on creating a National Health Writers Day.
Sister Karen Zielinski is the Director of Canticle Studio. Canticle Studio is a part of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, OH’s overall advancement effort and has a mission of being a creative center where artists generate works, products, and services in harmony with the mission of the Sisters St. Francis. She can be reached at kzielins@sistersosf.org or 419-824-3543. ✲
