Chronic Disease and Health Action Item

Visit here for past health action items

Cervical Cancer Month - January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness of cervical cancer and promote information on prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and cure. This toolkit can assist your organization in sharing important information with your networks about cervical cancer.

• • Cervical Cancer Awareness Toolkit 
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Fact sheets, videos, PSAs, and downloadable posters to share with your audience. Great for screening & prevention messaging.
  • National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) - Dedicated to cervical health education, free downloadable materials, awareness toolkits, and local chapters that host events during Cervical Health Awareness Month.
  • Cancer Support Groups - Weekly/Monthly professional-led support groups to help people affected by cancer. These support groups provide a place for cancer survivors to work through the feelings and challenges they've experience with other people who have gone through similar experiences.

Heart Health Month 

• When is heart health month?
• 25 Ways to Take Part in Heart Health Month
• Howard County Health Guide - High Blood Pressure
• Heart Disease Facts

Heart Health Awareness and Resources

• • ABC's of Heart Health
  • Heart Smart Basics  
  • Heart Health Tracker
  • 7 Strategies to Live a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle\
  • Register for heart health and high blood pressure wellness workshops in Howard County here!

Colorectal Awareness Month 

Colorectal Cancer Awareness

• • • When is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month and how can I build awareness?
    • Use these posts and images to spread the word that colorectal cancer screening saves lives on social media
    • Wear blue and support the mission to end colorectal cancer

Colorectal Cancer Awareness and Resources

• • • Basic Colorectal Cancer Information
    • Colorectal Cancer Symptoms  
    • Colorectal Cancer Screening Information
    • Colorectal Cancer Screening Program
    • How to Prevent Colorectal Cancer
    • Tips to Live Healthy to Prevent Colorectal Cancer

- Tobacco Prevention and Cessation

Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Awareness

• Start your quitting journey by learning how to quit
  • Reasons why calling a quitline can be key to your success
• Common withdrawal symptoms and what you can do about them
• Learn about quit smoking medicines

Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Resources

• What's in tobacco smoke
• Crushing the habit flyer  
• Tobacco cessation program flyer  
• HCHD Cancer Program Pamphlet  
• Vaping and E-cigarette Myths and Facts  

- Youth Health Awareness

• Anemia in Children and Teens: Parent FAQs
• Diabetes in Children
• Flu: A Guide for Parents of Children or Adolescents with Chronic Health Conditions
• Overweight/Obesity in Children Facts
• Sickle Cell Disease: Information for Parents

Youth Health Resources

• Chronic Conditions and School
• Fitness and Children with Chronic Illnesses
• Sleep Health for Children

- Breast Cancer Awareness

• General Breast Cancer Information
• Causes of Breast Cancer
• Symptoms of Breast Cancer
• Screening for Breast Cancer Explained
• Get Involved with the National Breast Cancer Foundation
• Talking with children about breast cancer

Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention Resources

• Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program
  • Cancer Programs Brochure  
• Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center's Breast Center
  • Claudia Mayer / Tina Broccolino Cancer Resource Center
    • Peer mentor program, support groups, individual counseling, wig salon
• Maryland Department of Health's Breast and Cervical Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment (BCCDT) Program

Diabetes Awareness Resources

• • • • American Diabetes Association (ADA)
        • ADA 60-Second Risk Test for Type 2 Diabetes
          
          • Take a quick one-minute quiz to find out your risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
        • ADA Diabetes Alert Day Risk Test
          • A simple online tool offered each March to help raise awareness and assess your diabetes risk.
        • ADA: Managing Your Diabetes - Beyond the Meter
          • Explore tips and tools for managing blood sugar, lifestyle, and emotional well-being beyond glucose monitoring.
      • Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists: Self-Care Behaviors to Manage Your Condition
        • • Discover key daily self-care habits recommended by experts to help you live well with diabetes. 
        • Spanish Resources: Recursos en español para personas con diabetes y prediabetes
      • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Diabetes Basics
        • • Get clear, science-based information about what diabetes is, its types, and how to manage it. 
        • CDC: Diabetes and Prediabetes Fact Sheet
          • Review key facts, statistics, and prevention strategies for diabetes and prediabetes in the U.S.
        • CDC: Eating Well with Diabetes
          • Find nutrition guidance, meal planning ideas, and healthy eating tips for people living with diabetes.
        • CDC Prediabetes Risk Test
          • Answer a few short questions to see if you’re at risk for prediabetes and learn next steps for prevention.
      • Office on Aging and Independence Newsletter
        • Stay informed about programs, events, and resources supporting older adults in Howard County.

Diabetes Resources and Programs

• • • Living Well with Diabetes: Toolkit is a free, virtual, 6-week workshop in which participants who have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes will learn the skills to manage their diabetes and health. Caregivers, partners, support persons and family members are also welcome to register.

            Offered by:

• • • •  Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center  
        • Offered in English
        • Virtual or In-Person
        • Register here: https://living-well-with-chronic-conditions-toolkit-mha-2025-2zcho.events.hcgh.hopkinsmedicine.org/
    • This six-week diabetes disease self-management program (DSMP) is designed for people and/or their caregivers living with type II Diabetes. Weekly topics include glucose monitoring, skin and foot care, appropriate exercise, nutrition, and healthy eating and maintaining a balance blood sugar. This program meets for 2.5 hours for six consecutive weeks. 

Offered by:

• • • Department of Community Resources and Services - Office of Aging and Independence
      • • • Offered in English, Spanish, and Korean
          • In-Person (English)
          • Register here: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/howardcounty/activity/search/detail/153063?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

Dining with Diabetes

• • Dining with Diabetes is an evidence-based, national Extension program for adults with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes and their families that teaches healthy meal planning and other self-management skills to help control this disease. Click here for more informaiton.

Click here to get more resources on diabetes prevention and management.

STRESS MANAGEMENT

- National Minorty Health Month

National Minority Health Month Awareness and Resources

• When is National Minority Health Month and how can I build awareness?
• Use this toolkit to spread the word about National Minority Health Month and resources available
• U.S. Playbook to Address Social Determinants of Health
• Minority Health and Health Equity Resources
• Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Program

Men's Health Awareness Month 

• Men's Health Awareness Resources

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Men's Health Facts: CDC is the nation's leading science-based, data-driven, service organization that protects the public's health. CDC puts science into action to help children stay healthy so they can grow and learn; to help families, businesses, and communities fight disease and stay strong; and to protect the public's health.
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness: What started as a small group of families gathered around a kitchen table in 1979 has blossomed into the nation's leading voice on mental health. Today, we are an alliance of more than 600 local affiliates who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need. There is often a strong focus on men’s physical health — fitness, annual checkups, and heart health — but mental well-being is equally as important because mental health is health!
  • Urology Care Foundation: The Urology Care Foundation is committed to advancing urology research and education. We collaborate with researchers, health care professionals, patients and caregivers to improve patients’ lives. June is Men’s Health Month, and the Urology Care Foundation encourages men everywhere to take charge of their well-being by getting checked for urological health.

Mental Health Awareness Month 

• Howard County Mental Health Resources
  • Athelas Institute: Athelas Institute is a non-profit organization that provides support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including mental health services.
  • Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center: The Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center is a 24/7 resource that offers intervention for individuals experiencing a crisis or contemplating suicide. It also provides shelter and counseling services to those in need. 
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Howard County: NAMI Howard County is a local affiliate of the national organization that provides free support groups, educational programs, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness.
  • Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Howard County: This community promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, as well as their families and friends through education, support groups, and more.
  • TeenHealth Matters: TeenHealth Matters is part of the Howard County Health Department. It serves to connect friends, parents, mentors and the people who care the most to the resources needed for teens to stay safe, happy, and healthy.

• National Mental Health Resources

  • Mental Health America: Mental Health America is the nation’s leading national nonprofit dedicated to the promotion of mental health, well-being, and condition prevention.Mental Health America founded Mental Health Month in 1949 and has led the effort every May to promote mental wellness nationwide.
  • National Council for Mental Wellbeing: The National Council for Mental Wellbeing is a membership organization that drives policy and social change on behalf of more than 3,200 mental health and substance use treatment organizations and the more than 15 million children, adults and families they serve.
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. 

💙 June is Men's Health Month!

Men's Health Month is an opportunity to encourage men and boys to prioritize their physical and mental well-being. Regular checkups, preventive screenings, physical activity, healthy eating, stress management, and seeking support when needed can help prevent serious health conditions and improve quality of life.

This month, we encourage men to take charge of their health by scheduling routine medical appointments, learning about their risk factors, connecting with local resources, and having open conversations about mental health and wellness. Together, we can help build healthier communities and support the men in our lives in living longer, healthier lives. 💙

Explore HCLHIC’s Healthy Living and Veterans resource pages to learn more about services available in Howard County:
🔗 https://www.hclhic.org/healthy/eating

🔗 https://www.hclhic.org/healthy/older-adult

🔗 https://www.hclhic.org/healthy/physical-activity

🔗 https://www.hclhic.org/resources/veterans-resources

Falls Prevention Awareness Month 

• Brain Injury Association of America Falls Prevention and Awareness
• American Physical Therapy Association Balance and Falls
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Older Adult Fall Prevention
• National Council on Aging Falls Prevention Awareness Week