August Awareness Days

August is Psoriasis Action Month

Psoriasis Action Month is observed each year in August to raise awareness about psoriatic disease, including psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and encourage education, support, and advocacy for those affected. Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease that causes inflammation and can impact the skin, joints, and overall quality of life. More than 8 million people in the United States live with psoriasis, and nearly one-third may develop psoriatic arthritis.

This year’s Psoriasis Action Month focuses on sharing trusted information, uplifting patient stories, and connecting individuals with resources to better understand and manage psoriatic disease. Raising awareness helps reduce stigma, promote early care, and ensure those affected have access to the support they need.

You can take action by:
• Learning the facts about psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
• Sharing accurate information to increase awareness and understanding
• Supporting individuals living with psoriatic disease
• Advocating for research, improved care, and access to resources

Key facts to know include: psoriasis is more than a skin condition, psoriatic disease can affect joints and daily life, and early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms. Through continued research, education, and advocacy, we can work toward better care and a future without psoriatic disease.

Together, we can raise awareness, reduce stigma, support the psoriatic disease community, and help advance efforts toward a cure.

#PsoriasisActionMonth #PsoriasisAwareness #PsoriaticArthritis #HealthAwareness #PatientAdvocacy #ChronicIllnessAwareness #DisabilityAwareness #UMBC

August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month

SMA Awareness Month is observed each year in August to raise awareness about spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord and impacts the muscles used for activities such as breathing, eating, crawling, and walking. SMA is caused by a deficiency of a motor neuron protein called SMN, as well as other rare forms of SMA that result from chromosome mutations. Through increased awareness, advocacy, and support, communities can help improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by SMA.

This year’s SMA Awareness Month focuses on shining a brighter spotlight on the needs, experiences, hopes, and voices of the SMA community. While awareness efforts continue year-round, August provides an opportunity to foster conversations, promote understanding, and encourage action through education, advocacy, fundraising, and community support. Misinformation, limited awareness, and barriers to resources can impact the lives of those living with SMA, making continued education and outreach essential.

You can take action by:
• Learning about SMA and sharing accurate information with others
• Raising awareness by sharing SMA stories, resources, and educational materials
• Advocating for policies and programs that support individuals and families impacted by SMA
• Participating in SMA Awareness Month events, fundraisers, or community activities
• Supporting organizations that fund research, care programs, and resources for the SMA community

Key facts to know include: SMA affects the motor neurons responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement, symptoms and progression can vary widely among individuals, and ongoing research has led to advancements in treatments and support options for people living with SMA. Community advocacy has also played an important role in expanding newborn screening, improving access to care, and advancing research efforts. With continued awareness, education, and support, we can help create a future where individuals with SMA have greater opportunities, resources, and quality of life.

Together, we can amplify SMA voices, celebrate the strength and resilience of the SMA community, promote understanding, support research and care initiatives, and work toward a future where everyone impacted by SMA has the support they need to thrive.

#SMAAwarenessMonth #SpinalMuscularAtrophy #CureSMA #DisabilityAwareness #RareDiseaseAwareness #Accessibility #HealthAwareness #RareDiseaseCommunity #UMBC

 

August 21- World Senior Citizens’ Day

World Senior Citizens’ Day is observed each year on August 21 to recognize the contributions of older adults and raise awareness about issues affecting seniors, including health, elder care, and social inclusion. The day encourages appreciation, respect, and support for the aging population.

You can take action by:
• Learning more about the experiences and needs of older adults
• Showing appreciation for the contributions of seniors in our communities
• Supporting efforts that promote healthy aging, care, and inclusion

At UMBC, the Erickson School of Aging Studies prepares future leaders to improve the lives of older adults and caregivers through interdisciplinary education, research, and hands-on experiences. Students learn about aging, public policy, management, and innovative solutions that support aging communities.

Together, we can celebrate older adults, promote awareness of aging issues, and continue building communities where seniors are valued, respected, and supported.

#WorldSeniorCitizensDay #SeniorCitizensDay #HealthyAging #AgingAwareness #UMBC #EricksonSchool #CommunitySupport