Every year on June 14th, people around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day (WBDD). The event serves to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood. It also shows how easy and uncomplicated it is to donate blood.

This week is International Men’s Health Week, a time to bring awareness to health issues affecting men disproportionately and focuses on getting them to become aware of problems they may have or could develop, and gain the courage to do something about it.

National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month (MHAM) is observed in June to honor the headache and migraine communities that are continuously working together for headache disorders to be recognized as legitimate neurobiological diseases. The month is observed by raising awareness about the many different types of headache disorders and encouraging people with headache disorders to consult a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment.

June is National Aphasia Awareness Month, a month-long campaign to increase public awareness about aphasia and the people living with it. This national awareness campaign asks you to learn more about this disorder that affects a person’s ability to comprehend language and communicate after a brain injury or stroke.

Cataracts are a common eye condition that affects people over 40 and newborns. It is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, but also the most treatable if caught early with a procedure that has an over 95% success rate. This month is Cataract Awareness Month, a time to raise cataract awareness and educate people about one of the leading causes of treatable vision loss in the United States.

On June 5th each year, we commemorate National Cancer Survivors Day. NCSD is the day each year that we pause to honor those who are living with a history of cancer for their strength and courage. It is also a day to acknowledge the contributions of their families, friends, and healthcare providers, as well as those engaged in cancer research.

It is important to be aware of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), its symptoms, and how it is treated. Thousands suffer from it every year, but not many are talking about it or seeking help for it. PTSD can occur after a traumatic event –war, physical or sexual assault, accidents, among others – with symptoms including depression, anxiety, nightmares, and even paranoia. PTSD can affect anyone who has experienced trauma.

The World Health Organization holds World Tobacco Day on May 31st of each year, intending to spread awareness about the risks of tobacco use and how we can make the world tobacco-free. This yearly observance also informs the public of the dangers of using tobacco, the business practices of tobacco companies, what the WHO is doing to fight the tobacco epidemic, and what people around the world can do to claim their right to health and healthy living and to protect future generations.

This month, we observe National Blood Pressure Education Month by raising your awareness and using that knowledge to fight unseen, potential risks. Due to a tendency to show either minor or even no symptoms at all, high blood pressure has earned the nickname “the silent killer.” Knowledge of one’s high blood pressure — and then taking action — greatly reduces the possible risks of related health problems.

Through Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month, people are encouraged to understand the risk factors associated with this condition. Preventative measures which promote healthy bones include sufficient calcium intake, achieving adequate levels of vitamin D, and performing bone-healthy exercises.