February
Health Calendar

By Carrie Barnes and Carlos J. Queirós

Full Calendar Bilingual Health Resources (agosto/ septiembre 2005)

Heart Health Month

AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month

National Donor Day

Heart Health Month
Heart disease and stroke rank as the top killers of Hispanics in the United States, claiming the lives of 29.3 percent of the more than 117,000 Hispanics who die each year, according to the American Heart Association Call 1-800-242-8721 (English/Spanish).

Health Calendar January February March April May  June July  August  September October November December

AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month
Low vision is not a normal part of aging.
You may not have heard of it, but age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a principal cause of vision loss among Americans 65 and older, according to Prevent Blindness America. AMD robs people of their central vision and often the ability to read a book, recognize a face, or make out fine details. About 14 million Americans have low vision resulting from AMD, cataracts, glaucoma, or other disorders, according to Lion’s Eye Health Program. Older Hispanics have particularly high rates of visual impairment, often brought on by cataracts, glaucoma, or diabetes. Unfortunately, many people with low vision are unaware of the resources available to help them live active, independent lives. Low vision is not a normal result of the aging process. Regular eye exams are essential to prevention. People 65 or older should get a complete eye exam every year or two, even if they have no vision problems.

National Donor Day (February 14)
Promise your heart to someone special this Valentine's Day.
As you read these words, there are more than 92,000 people, including many children, waiting for organ transplants that could save their lives; 15 percent of them are Hispanic. By the end of the day, 19 people will have died waiting for a life-saving organ. In 2004, over 800 Hispanics died waiting. You have the power to donate life. On and around February 14, 2007, participating Saturn retailers, along with nonprofit health organizations nationwide, will sponsor donor drives to raise awareness and encourage blood, marrow, organ, and tissue donations. At participating Saturn retailers and community locations throughout the United States, you can give blood, put your name on the National Marrow Donor Program Registry, or become an organ or tissue donor. But you don’t have to wait until then.

Additional Resources:
	Learn more about becoming an organ donor.
	Visit the Latino Organization for Liver Awareness (LOLA) or call 1-888-367-LOLA (-5652) (English/Spanish).
	To donate blood or tissue, visit the American Red Cross (English).
	Visit MedlinePlus for more information about organ donation.
	If you live in Southern California or Puerto Rico call 1-866-POR VIDA (1-866-767-8432) for information in Spanish.