December is known as a time for family, friends, and acts of random kindness that make the holiday season so memorable. In doing our part for helping create a better world, we took some time to highlight the healthcare awareness efforts that could need your support during this winter month.
Take a look below and let us know where you plan to get involved!
Awareness Days:
World AIDS Day
On December 1st, we look to the National AIDS Trust and partnered agencies around the world to raise awareness for World AIDS Day. It has been 40 years since the first case of HIV-related death was recorded and we are raising awareness this year to help limit the spread and eradicate HIV/AIDS entirely. Bring awareness by “Rocking” the Red Ribbon and help destigmatize the conversation around HIV/AIDS.
This holiday season is moving fast, so if this awareness day was not on your calendar ahead of time, it can be easy to miss. Thankfully, there are efforts you can take part in year-round. While December 1st is focused on World AIDS Day, raising funds, awareness, and support for the efforts to combat HIV/AIDS related complications and death is an ongoing effort, so check out your local agency to see how you can help.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 3rd marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The United Nations and other international groups look to raise awareness of increasing inclusion and equality for all, so people can live full, involved, and healthy lives, no matter what disabilities they have. The UN has scheduled several public speaking events to talk about how to become a more inclusive world, so be sure to check out the events before the day is over.
If you are looking to help educate those around you, the UN has several educational videos on why we need efforts such as these. Along with the new materials that will be coming this December, the UN’s resources cover a wide range of disabilities, previous efforts, and future plans for creating a better world for us all.
Awareness Weeks:
National Handwashing Awareness Week
COVID has been an unforgettable reminder of how detrimental simple habits can be to our health. From December 1st to the 7th, help raise awareness about how a good handwashing is the first line of defense against contagious sicknesses, both in terms of spreading them to others or catching them yourself. The CDC’s Life is Better with Clean Hands campaign explains that a healthy hand wash is at least 20 seconds with soap and hot water.
In 2001, Henry the Hand was created as a nonprofit mascot for proper handwashing. He is used to teach young children the basic 4 principals of handwashing: wash your hands when they are dirty and before eating, do not cough into your hands, do not sneeze into your hands, and, above all, so not put your fingers into your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you are looking to educate others on the right way to wash your hands, then Henry the Hand is a great place to start.
National Influenza Vaccination Week
From December 6th to the 12th, the CDC asks that people pay extra attention to the need for influenza vaccinations. As we get closer to the end of the year, it is more and more likely that you will be surrounded by more people, some strangers and some friends, than you have been in recent months.
Whether it is through shopping, travelling, or simply hosting for the holidays, it is very likely that you will come in contact with someone who is either infected with, or a carrier for, the flu. The best way to avoid sickness and other complications that come with it this holiday season it to take the influenza vaccine before it is too late.
Many clinics offer the flu shot for free or at a severe discount to help cut down on future sicknesses, so be sure to head to your local clinic today and be extra safe this holiday season.
Awareness Months:
National Safe Toys and Gifts Month
With all of the excitement that comes with gift buying and gift giving, novelty can sometimes take the place of safety. Groups like Child and Family Services have made December an awareness month for National Safe Toys and Gifts in order to remind people to pay extra attention to what they are introducing to children. Groups like CFS have listed out some of the most common dangers that get overlooked with children, leading to injury and, in some cases, death.
Just because something seems harmless or was considered so when you were a child does not mean that it is still considered so. Make sure that you read all directions and warning signs on toys and games before giving them to children, especially if they will be left unsupervised with the items.
December is a month to celebrate our family, friends, and those who make the world a little better every day. Get together with those in your community to pass good wishes on to those in need and have a fantastic holiday season.
If you are looking to start the new year with a new opportunity, check out our job board here. If you are looking for something different than what we are currently offering, then send us your updated resume and we’ll connect you with a dedicated recruiter.
