March Health Observances & Community Actions

Prepared for the Greater Huachuca Area Branch NAACP Health Committee

March Call to Action: March is about prevention, protection, and proactive health choices.
By taking small, informed steps, we strengthen not only our own health—but the health of our entire community.

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1. Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Focus: Early detection saves lives

Key Facts: Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. Black adults are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages and have higher mortality rates. Screening can prevent cancer or detect it early when treatment is most effective.

What You Can Do:
•    📅 Schedule a screening (colonoscopy or at-home stool test) if you are 45 or older.
•    🗣️ Talk to family members about your family health history.
•    🥦 Add fiber-rich foods to your meals and reduce processed meats.
•    📲 Share screening reminders and local resources on social media.

🧠 2. Brain Injury Awareness Month

Focus: Prevention, treatment, and recovery support

Key Facts: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result from falls, vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and violence. Early treatment improves outcomes, and prevention strategies reduce risk.

What You Can Do:
•    🚗 Wear seatbelts and ensure children are in proper car seats.
•    🪖 Use helmets when biking, skating, or riding motorcycles.
•    🏠 Fall-proof your home, especially for seniors.
•    🤝 Support individuals recovering from brain injury through awareness and compassion.

👁️ 3. Workplace Eye Wellness Month

Focus: Protecting vision on the job

Key Facts: Thousands of eye injuries occur annually in workplaces—many are preventable. Eye strain from screens also affects productivity and long-term vision health.

What You Can Do:
•    🥽 Wear protective eyewear in hazardous environments.
•    ⏳ Practice the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds).
•    📅 Schedule a comprehensive eye exam.
•    🖥️ Adjust screen brightness and posture to reduce strain.

🩺 4.  National Kidney Month

Focus: Kidney health and disease prevention

Key Facts: 1 in 7 adults has chronic kidney disease (CKD), and many don’t know it. High blood pressure and diabetes are leading causes. African Americans are disproportionately affected.

What You Can Do:
•    🩸 Check your blood pressure and blood sugar regularly.
•    💧 Stay hydrated and reduce sodium intake.
•    📅 Ask your doctor about kidney function tests if you’re at risk.
•    📣 Encourage loved ones with diabetes or hypertension to monitor their kidney health.

👂 5. National Nutrition Month

Focus: Making informed food choices

Key Facts: Healthy eating reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. Small changes can have lasting impact.

What You Can Do:
•    🥗 Add one extra serving of vegetables daily.
•    💧 Choose water over sugary drinks.
•    🛒 Read food labels to reduce sodium and added sugars.
•    🚶🏾‍♀️ Pair healthy eating with physical activity.

🧒🏽 6.  Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Focus: Inclusion, access, and support

Key Facts:
Individuals with developmental disabilities often face healthcare access barriers. Inclusion strengthens community health overall.

What You Can Do:
•    🤝 Promote inclusive community programs and events.
•    📚 Learn about local disability support services.
•    🗣️ Advocate for accessible healthcare and education.
•    💙 Support families caring for individuals with special needs.

🧴 7. National Poison Prevention Week
 (Third Week of March)

Focus: Preventing accidental poisonings

Key Facts: Poisoning is a leading cause of injury-related deaths. Many cases involve medications and household chemicals.

What You Can Do:
•    🔒 Store medicines and chemicals out of children’s reach.
•    ☎️ Save the Poison Control number: 1-800-222-1222.
•    💊 Safely dispose of unused medications.
•    📢 Educate children about household safety.