Sunday April 7th is World Heath Day
Since the idea was born in 1948 at the First Assembly and officially took effect in 1950, the World Health Organization has promoted this annual celebration to highlight an area of concern around the world. Their goal is to create awareness through World Health Day activities. Previous World Health Day themes have included mental health, maternal and child health, and climate change.
World Health Day, April 7, 2019, will focus on securing universal health coverage (UHC) across the globe. According to the World Health Organization’s website, UHC “is about ensuring all people and communities have access to quality health services where and when they need them, without suffering financial hardship. It includes a full spectrum of services needed throughout life, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care- and is best based on a strong primary health care system.”
It’s hard to believe that over half of the world’s citizens do not have access to adequate healthcare services! Although progress is being made in countries in all regions of the world, millions of people still have no access at all to health care. These individuals and families are forced to decide between getting the health care they need and paying for other daily expenses such as food, clothing and shelter. WHO believes that health care is a human right and would like your support to spread the word about this critical issue facing men, women, and children around the world.
For more information about World Health Day, or to find out how your club can get involved in the fight to secure universal healthcare for people of all nations, visit https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/world-health-day-2019. You will also find links to key messages for your community regarding the celebration, as well as to videos and communication materials for your club’s use.
National Volunteer Week is April 7-13, 2019
National Volunteer Week is celebrated annually worldwide to promote volunteerism, and in the United States it is organized by the Points of Light Foundation. It is the perfect week to volunteer; work on your President’s Special Project and GFWC 7 Grand Initiatives!
April is National Cancer Control Month 
The purpose of National Cancer Control Month is to raise awareness and to educate the public about the need to prevent cancer through healthy lifestyle choices and public health initiatives such as screening and improved access to care and treatment.
Cancer is a leading disease of today, right after heart disease. There are over 100 types of cancer, but they all start with some cells that begin to divide without stopping and then spread to surrounding tissues or organs. There are many causes: genetics, smoking, overexposure to sun and UV radiation, unhealthy nutrition, alcohol abuse, lack of physical activity, being overweight, radiation and exposure to some carcinogens.
Our bodies are designed to send signals when something is wrong. We know our own bodies the best and more often, than not, when something is wrong. Listen! Know the signs:
- American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org/
- National Cancer Institute: https://cancercontrol.cancer.gov/