Hypophosphatasia (hī-pō-ˌfäs-fə-ˈtā-zh(ē-)ə) or HPP is an inherited (genetic) metabolic disorder. People with this condition have low levels of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase (ALP), which often affects the development of bones and teeth. However, signs and symptoms vary widely, with mild cases causing only dental abnormalities while more severe types may have life-threatening consequences. Without adequate ALP, bones may become weak or soft, causing skeletal deformities, fractures, premature tooth loss, and pain, among other symptoms.

International Stuttering Awareness Day is observed annually on October 22. Stuttering is a communication disorder in which repetitions — or abnormal stoppages of sounds and syllables — break the flow of speech. There may also be unusual facial and body movements associated with speaking. International Stuttering Awareness Day shines a helpful spotlight on stutterers and educates the public about the causes. Stuttering is a communication disorder involving disruptions, or disfluencies, in a person’s speech, but there are nearly as many ways to stutter as there are people who stutter.  

World Osteoporosis Day on October 20, is the time to learn about osteoporosis. Celebrate good health and educate yourself and others about the value of taking care of your body and protecting your bones and muscles from disabling and life-threatening fractures.

Health Care Aide Day on October 18th was first created by the government of Manitoba, Canada, to honor healthcare aides. Since these talented professionals work around the clock and in a variety of situations (from acute care to home-, community-, and residential care), they are ever-present caregivers for the sickest and neediest portions of the population. In any public healthcare system, healthcare aides are indispensable.

COVID-19 continues to show the world what we’ve always known—infection preventionists (IPs) play a crucial role in keeping our neighborhoods safe and healthy. In addition to fighting a global pandemic, the infection prevention and control community is protecting us from surges in healthcare-associated infections, measles outbreaks, flu season, and so many other day-to-day infectious battles. 

World Food Day is celebrated annually on 16 October to promote global awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger, and to highlight the need to ensure healthy diets for all.Collective action across 150 countries is what makes World Food Day one of the most celebrated days of the United Nations calendar. Hundreds of events and outreach activities bring together governments, businesses, NGOs, the media, and the general public. They promote worldwide awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and for the need to ensure healthy diets for all.

October 15th is Global Handwashing Day, a global advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.

International Day of the Girl celebrates the importance, power, and potential of girls around the world. It is also a day to highlight girls’ needs and the particular problems they can face, and drive efforts that meet these needs and fulfill their rights – not benevolently for them but in partnership with them. 

Today, on World Mental Health Day, it will have been more than 18 months since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In some countries, life is returning to some semblance of normality; in others, rates of transmission and hospital admissions remain high, disrupting the lives of families and communities.

What began as an idea has evolved into a movement. The first National Walk to School Day – called Walk Our Children to School Day – was held in 1997. Since then, it’s come a long way.  In May 2012, the first-ever National Bike to School Day was celebrated across the USA.