MAY 2024 health observances and EVENTs

Other May health observances: 

• Global Employee Health and Fitness Month (https://www.gehfm.org/)
• National Physical Fitness and Sports Month (https://health.gov/news/202205/moveinmay-celebrate-national-physical-fitness-and-sports-month)
• High Blood Pressure Education Month (https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/high-blood-pressure/high-blood-pressure-education-month)
• National Senior Health and Fitness Day (https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/topics/exercise-and-physical-activity) 

JUNE 2024 health observances and EVENTs 

Men: Take Charge of Your Health - MyHealthfinder | health.gov

Movember - Changing the face of men's health - Movember

Other health observances in June include:

National Safety month, National Safety Month - National Safety Council (nsc.org) 

Family Health and Fitness day (2nd Saturday in June) Family Health & Fitness Day | National Recreation and Park Association (nrpa.org) 

july 2024 health observances and events

Protect Yourself, Family and Pets from Excessive Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation (weather.gov)

July is UV Safety Awareness Month. While sunshine is essential for your body to process vitamin D, ultraviolet (UV) radiation can quickly damage your skin, no matter your skin tone. 

Sun exposure puts everyone at risk

People at the greatest risk for sun damage are those with a skin type that does not tan but always burns after sun exposure, according to Andrew F. Alexis MD, MPH, Vice-Chair for Diversity and Inclusion and Assistant Professor of Dermatology. Individuals with underlying photosensitive disorders, like lupus, or those who take medications that create sun sensitivity, such as tetracyclines, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or some antihypertensives, are also at higher risk for sun damage. “Individuals who have a personal or family history of melanoma or other skin cancers should also be more vigilant about sun protection,” Dr. Alexis says.

Yet, there is a common misperception that naturally darker skin pigment adequately protects Black, indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC) from the harms of sun exposure, including skin cancer. “Having skin of color does not provide complete immunity to skin cancers,” Dr. Alexis notes. “We are all susceptible and should take precautions including regular surveillance of our skin.”

How to protect yourself

The best way to protect yourself against sun damage begins with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 for outdoor activities. “Reapply your sunscreen every two hours, wear a broad brimmed hat and other sun protective clothing, plan activities before 10am and after 4pm when possible, and seek shade,” he urges. For individuals with hyperpigmentation disorders such as melasma, he recommends using a tinted sunscreen to protect against both visible light and ultraviolet rays to prevent increased darkening.

Although moderate sun exposure that does not cause redness (primarily a sign of UVB injury) or tanning (primarily a sign of UVA injury) is considered safe, this varies from person to person and depends on environmental conditions, including latitude, time of year, time of day, and the sun’s reflection off of water, Dr. Alexis says. “If you want Vitamin D, then I suggest taking oral supplements instead of prolonged sun exposure, given the balance of risks to benefits.”

How to Safely Enjoy the Summer Sun | Patient Care (weillcornell.org)