October Wellness Awareness Month

National Domestic Violence Awarement Month

National Bullying Prevention Month

Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Every 9 seconds, a woman in the U.S. is beaten or assaulted by a current or ex-significant other.

1 in 4 men are victims of some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.

You do not need to suffer in silence. It is okay to get help!

National Assistance: www.thehotline.org – Talk with an advocate on the website.

National Domestic Violence Hotline – Get Help Today   1-800-799-7233

Local Assistance:  https://www.centerffs.org/serv

Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the “Day of Unity” held in October 1981 and conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The “Day of Unity” soon evolved into a week, and in October of 1987, the first National Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. In 1989 Congress passed Public Law 101-112, officially designating October of that year as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Such legislation has been passed each year since.

 National Bullying Prevention Month

Here are some great steps you can take to help stop bullying.

  1. Learn more about the issue. The more informed and better educated you are, the better you can make an impact.
  2. Practice what you preach. Children mock what they see, so be a good role model for the little ones around you.
  3. Talk to your kids. Ask them about experiences at school, and make sure they feel comfortable and know they can always come to you if something happens.
  4. Monitor what your child does online. Right now, cyberbullying is the fastest-growing type of harassment amongst young people.
  5. Form a group in your community or school system that stands for bullying prevention. Some good sources of support for this may be local businesses, PTA’s, local government, and service clubs in your area.

  Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

According to the ASPCA, approximately 3.3 million dogs enter shelters every year.

Benefits of owning a dog:  

  1. Human and canine both enjoy increased activity and social interaction through daily walks.
  2. Humans develop patience as they learn the ways of their new four-legged companion.
  3. Dogs explore the many scents of the human lifestyle, usually discovering shoes are off limits. 

No matter the breed, size or demeanor of the human, er, canine, the shelter will take the time to find the right home for their animals. They schedule visits and have procedures in place to promote healthy adoptions for families and individuals. While some dogs have experienced injury or illness, the shelters work with veterinarians to heal the animals before making them available for adoption.

Of course, donations and volunteers are always welcome. Dogs love to be walked, played with and loved even if they haven’t found their forever home.  Every moment they spend socializing increases their opportunity for adoption.  During Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, visit, volunteer, donate and adopt!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Monthly breast self-exams, annual doctor’s exam, and a mammogram are the three things are your best bet for catching breast cancer in its earliest stages. Trust your judgment when it comes to your body. Don’t ever feel like you are overreacting if you “think” you feel something in your breast. If it doesn’t feel right, have it checked out. The worst (or best) thing that can happen is that you get checked and it turns out to be nothing.

Disclaimer:

Wellness articles from Cumberland WELL are of a general nature and are not meant to replace any medical treatment or advice. Cumberland WELL is not a medical provider and does not have licensed health care professionals on staff. Individuals looking for medical treatment or advice are encouraged to always seek assistance from a qualified medical professional. These articles are of an informational purposes only.