However, there are several other causes celebrated during the month of July as well.
Perhaps one vital cause celebrated in July is UV Safety, which is important as the summer season brings several outdoor activities. According to the American Academy of Opthamalic Executives, eye MDs across the nation are urging Americans to protect their eyes and their children’s eyes by wearing sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats.
Sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats are the best defense system for eyes against the sunlight and harmful UV rays. In order to be effective, they must be worn at all times outside, even when it’s overcast. The American Academy of Opthamalic Executives recommends that sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays be used.
July also is a major time to visit parks, and has been designated as National Park and Recreation Month. According to the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), frequently going to a park and being active can reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, help ward off obesity and decrease feelings of depression.
In addition, active users of public parks have a lower body mass index. People who visit parks for longer periods of time also have significantly lower systolic blood pressure, and park users who are more physically active and who make frequent contact with friends during their leisure are less likely to report feeling depressed.
With several summer social gatherings, the month of July also has been designated as Social Wellness Month. According to the Web site www.wordsofwellness.com, simple solutions to improve social wellness includes speaking in public, articulating thoughts both in public and personal conversations, practicing tact when giving suggestions, making others feel important, attending social events and neighborhood cookouts, visiting neighbors and friends, reconnecting with old friends, asking questions rather than doing all the talking in a conversation, sending thank you notes and learning how to say “no” to avoid taking on too many volunteer activities.
The month of July also is National Cell Phone Courtesy Month, and is declared as so to promote proper cell phone etiquette. Cell phone etiquette includes not displaying anger during a public call, setting phones on silent or vibration when at public places or meetings and letting calls go to voicemail during a meeting or performance.
On the health front, the month of July is National Hemochromatosis screening and awareness month.
According to the Hemochromatosis Information Center’s Web site, hemochromatosis is a leading cause of iron overload disease. Those who suffer from hemochromatosis absorb extra amounts of iron from their daily diet, and the human body cannot rid itself of the excess iron.
Over time, the excesses build up in major organs, such as the heart, liver, pancreas and joints, and if the extra iron cannot be removed the organs become diseased.
The Hemochromatosis Information Center, advises that those who think they may have hemochromatosis or have been diagnosed with the disease to find a physician that treats hemochromatosis, use blood tests to determine iron levels and get genetic testing for hemochromatosis.
Other causes celebrated this month include International Group B Strep Awareness Month, National Black Family Month, National Grilling Month, National Vehicle Theft Protection Month and Roots and Branches Month and National Culinary Arts Month.
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