Health observances and events for October.

Autism Month

Autism Society Canada (ASC) is a national incorporated non-profit charitable organization. It was founded in 1976 by a group of parents committed to advocacy, public education, information and referral, and support for its regional societies. The term "autism" is often used in two different ways. It is used to refer specifically to Autistic Disorder and it is also used more generally to refer to all Autistic Spectrum Disorders.  The term "spectrum" refers to a continuum of severity or developmental impairment in adults and children. To learn more or to support this cause, please go to http://www.autismsocietycanada.ca .

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in Canadian women. It can also be found in men, but this is rare. When breast cancer is diagnosed early, the treatment options have a higher degree of success. Therefore early detection and screening is critical. Learn more at http://www.cancer.ca

Celiac Awareness Month

The Canadian Celiac Association is a national organization dedicated to providing services and support to persons with celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis through programs of awareness, advocacy, education and research. Celiac disease is a medical condition in which the absorptive surface of the small intestine is damaged by a substance called gluten. This results in an inability of the body to absorb nutrients: protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, which are necessary for good health.
Although statistics are not readily available, it is estimated that 1 in 133 persons in Canada are affected by celiac disease. Visit http://www.celiac.ca for more information.

Influenza Awareness Month

Influenza, the flu, is caused by a specific virus that typically comes around each fall or winter. People who get the flu usually have an abrupt onset of fever, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, cough, and weakness, usually lasting two to seven days. The cough and weakness can last for up to six weeks making physical activity and even day to day tasks difficult.

The influenza vaccine (flu shot) is made from particles of killed flu viruses. It contains three different types of influenza viruses (two types of influenza A and one of influenza B). A person who receives the flu shot develops immunity for the types of flu in the vaccine. Learn where you can get your flu shot by calling 1-877-844-1944. The best protection against the flu is a robust immune system and daily healthy habits. Your naturopathic doctor or healthcare professional can help you design a specific health plan based on your unique needs. 

International Walk to School Month

International Walk to School events encourage a more walkable world – one community at a time. It is more than just getting together with children and going for a walk to school as a special event. This is certainly important, but the event's greater aim is to bring forth permanent change in communities across the globe. Click here to learn more.

Health, Work & Wellness Conference - October 16-18 in Vancouver, B.C.

Healthy Workplace Month

A yearly celebration of workplace health in Canadian organizations. A specific week is set aside each year to increase awareness about the importance of workplace health to personal and organizational performance.

There are many activities on this site that you and your organization can participate in during the week. There are plenty of resources and ideas to assist you in developing a strategic, comprehensive approach to organizational health. Get all the details at http://healthyworkplaceweek.ca