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National Black Music Month, or African-American Music Appreciation Month, is an annual celebration in the United States in June. It aims to recognize and honor the contributions of African-American artists, musicians, and composers to the nation's musical heritage and raise awareness and appreciation for the richness and diversity of African-American music. National Black Music Month began with songwriter and producer Kenny Gamble, Ed Wright, and Dyana Williams in 1979. President Jimmy Carter officially recognized and declared it on June 7, 1979. Since then, each President has issued a proclamation reaffirming the significance of African-American music and encouraging citizens to participate in various events and activities. Throughout June, various events, festivals, concerts, workshops, and educational programs are organized across the United States to celebrate the achievements and impact of African-American musicians. The celebration encompasses many musical genres, including gospel, jazz, blues, R&B, hip-hop, and many more. National Black Music Month serves as an opportunity to learn about the history and influence of African-American music and appreciate the talents and contributions of countless African-American musicians who have shaped and enriched the cultural landscape of the United States and the world.

Africa

Jun

ALS Awareness Month (CA): June

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June is ALS month in Canada. ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is neurodegenerative and fatal. The disease affects the nerve cells (motor neurons) that control a person’s muscles. As neurons deteriorate, the brain loses the ability to start and control voluntary muscle movement, which is why people with ALS often lose the ability to speak: The disease slowly paralyzes its victims, eventually taking away the ability to breathe. ALS was first discovered in 1869 by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot. It would be another 70 years before most people heard of the disease. In 1939 Lou Gehrig ended his career due to it. The blue cornflower represents optimistic hope for the future and is the official symbol for ALS/MND.

Africa

Jun

Alzheimer's Disease and Brain Awareness Month, Ntl.: June

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Worldwide, 47 million people are living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Join the Alzheimer's Association in going purple and raising awareness this June. The more people know about Alzheimer's, the more action we inspire. Alzheimer's is a progressive neurological disorder affecting memory, thinking, and behavior and the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all cases. Though the disease primarily affects older adults, early-onset Alzheimer's can also occur in people younger than 65. The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease remains unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Researchers have identified specific brain abnormalities associated with Alzheimer's disease, including: Amyloid plaques—clumps of protein fragments called beta-amyloid that accumulate between nerve cells in the brain, a primary marker of Alzheimer's disease. Neurofibrillary tangles—twisted strands of a protein called tau that build up inside nerve cells, which are believed to disrupt the normal functioning of nerve cells and contribute to the death of brain cells. Loss of connections between nerve cells (synapses)—resulting in impaired communication between brain cells, leading to memory loss and other cognitive difficulties. Inflammation—in the brain may play a role in Alzheimer's disease, although the relationship between inflammation and the condition is not yet fully understood. Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease usually develop slowly and worsen over time, ultimately interfering with daily activities and self-care. Early symptoms may include: Memory lapses. Difficulty recalling recent events or conversations. Trouble planning or solving problems. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include confusion, disorientation, mood and behavior changes, and difficulty speaking, swallowing, and walking. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, but treatments can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected. These treatments may include medications to help with memory loss, depression, sleep disturbances, and other behavioral symptoms. Non-drug therapies, such as cognitive stimulation, physical activity, and social engagement, can also help manage the disease. Research into Alzheimer's disease is ongoing, with scientists working to understand the underlying causes better and develop new treatments, including therapies that target amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Early detection and intervention may also help slow the progression of the disease, emphasizing the importance of increased awareness and research efforts.

Africa

Jun

Aphasia Awareness Month, Ntl.: June

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Aphasia Awareness Month is Sponsored by the National Aphasia Association each June to raise public awareness and understanding of aphasia and support persons with aphasia and their caregivers. Aphasia is a neurological disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate in terms of understanding and producing language. It is most often caused by damage to the brain regions responsible for language processing, most commonly the left hemisphere. This damage can result from a stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, or degenerative neurological conditions like dementia. Aphasia can manifest in various ways, depending on the location and extent of the brain damage. Common forms of aphasia include: Broca's aphasia: Also known as non-fluent or expressive aphasia, this form is characterized by difficulty speaking and forming complete sentences. People with Broca's aphasia often have grammar problems and may speak in short, halting phrases. They typically understand the language better than they can produce it. Wernicke's aphasia: Also known as fluent or receptive aphasia, this form is characterized by difficulty understanding language. People with Wernicke's aphasia may produce articulate speech, but their sentences may be nonsensical or contain invented words. They often need help understanding spoken and written language. Global aphasia: This is the most severe form of aphasia, involving extensive damage to the language-processing areas of the brain. People with global aphasia have significant impairments in both speaking and understanding language. Anomic aphasia: This form primarily affects a person's ability to find the correct words when speaking or writing. People with anomic aphasia can often speak fluently and understand language, but they may struggle to name objects or express specific ideas. Primary progressive aphasia: This is a rare form of aphasia that results from neurodegenerative diseases. It typically starts with mild language difficulties that worsen over time, eventually affecting other cognitive functions. Treatment for aphasia often involves speech and language therapy, which aims to help people improve their language skills and develop alternative communication methods. The effectiveness of treatment depends on various factors, such as the severity and cause of aphasia, the person's age, and their motivation to improve. In some cases, people with aphasia can regain most of their language abilities, while others may experience significant communication difficulties.

Africa

Jun

Bathroom Reading Month, Ntl: June

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Created in 1988, Bathroom Reading Month celebrates the 66 percent of Americans who admit to reading in the bathroom. It is a great way to multi-task and catch up on current events. Annually in June.

Africa

Jun

Book Month, LGBTQ+ Ntl. (1969): June

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Marking the anniversary of the Stonewall Riot in 1969, National Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Book Month is an American Library Association awareness campaign celebrating books about the LGBTQ+ lifestyle and authors from the community. This event first ran in 1992.

Africa

Jun

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month (AU): June

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Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is sponsored each June by Bowel Cancer Australia. The purpose of the month is to raise public awareness of a disease that claims the lives of ten Australians every day. Bowel cancer is the second most common type of newly diagnosed cancer in Australia, affecting men and women almost equally. It is Australia's second biggest cancer killer after lung cancer. However, if found early, Bowel Cancer is one of the most curable types. Bowel Cancer Awareness Champions donate their time, services, and creativity. Many also kindly make monetary donations to support Bowel Cancer Australia's work.

Africa

Jun

Brain Injury Awareness Month (CA): June

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The Brain Injury Association of Canada hosts National Brain Injury Awareness Month to increase public awareness of the effects and causes of brain injury in Canada. Brain injury in Canada is a silent epidemic and the number one killer and disabler of people under 44. Men are twice as likely to experience brain injury than women. Acquired brain injury is a non-degenerative and non-congenital impact on the brain that may result in a diminished or altered state of consciousness and impaired cognitive, physical, emotional, or behavioral functioning. The social, emotional, and economic consequences of brain injury are devastating not only to the survivors themselves but to family members, caregivers, support workers, and the community at large—anyone involved with working towards neuro-rehabilitation and recovery. There are currently no drugs or techniques that can cure a brain injury. Automobile accidents, sports injuries, cycling accidents, falls, strokes, tumors, aneurysms, and other non-degenerative conditions are all leading causes of acquired brain injury in Canada.

Africa

Jun

Burns Awareness Month, Ntl. (AU): June

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National Burns Awareness Month seeks to teach Australians burn prevention and the correct first aid treatment for burns. Winter is just beginning, which means increased use of candles, fireplaces, heaters, and ovens, not to mention hot water and other conveniences. Burns happen, but they happen less with precautions, and children (including adolescents) understand personal safety. See the Kidsafe website for brochures, tip sheets, and burns and burn prevention information.

Africa

Jun

Cancer from the Sun Month: June

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Skin cancer affects people of all ages. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer over a lifetime; 13 million Americans live with a history of non-melanoma skin cancer, and nearly 800,000 Americans live with a history of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Skin cancer is a chiefly lifestyle disease and is highly preventable. The most common cause is exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Pharmacists Planning Service, Inc. champions Cancer from the Sun Month. May also includes a month-long event devoted to melanoma by the American Academy of Dermatology.

Africa

Jun

Candy Month, Ntl.: June

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National Candy Month is an opportunity to explore your sweet tooth, try something new, or make some of your own. The National Confectioners Association list this month in their Candy Calendar as an official event, and that's pretty sweet!

Africa

Jun

Caribbean-American Heritage Month, Ntl.: June

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In June 2005, the House of Representatives unanimously adopted HCR 71, sponsored by Congresswoman Barbara Lee, recognizing the significance of Caribbean people and their descendants in the history and culture of the United States. On February 14, 2006, the resolution similarly passed the Senate, culminating a two-year, bipartisan, and bicameral effort. Since the declaration, the White House has issued an annual proclamation recognizing June as Caribbean-American Heritage Month. Dr. Claire Nelson, Founder and President of the Institute of Caribbean Studies, spearheaded the campaign to designate June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month. Through this month's commemoration, we hope to ensure that America is reminded that its greatness lies in its diversity, with Caribbean immigrants from founding father Alexander Hamilton to journalist Malcolm Gladwell, who have shaped the American dream. For centuries, the United States and nations in the Caribbean have grown alongside each other as partners in progress. Separated by sea but united by a yearning for independence, our countries won the right to chart their destinies after generations of colonial rule. Time and again, we have led the way to a brighter future together -- from lifting the stains of slavery and segregation to widening the circle of opportunity for our sons and daughters. National Caribbean-American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate those enduring achievements. It is also a chance to recognize men and women who trace their roots to the Caribbean. Through every chapter of our Nation's history, Caribbean Americans have strengthened our country—reshaping our politics, reigniting the arts, spurring our movements, and answering the call to serve. Caribbean traditions have enriched our own and woven new threads into our cultural fabric. Again and again, Caribbean immigrants and their descendants have reaffirmed America's promise as a land of opportunity -- a place where no matter who you are or where you come from, you can make it if you try. FAMOUS CARIBBEAN-AMERICANS Al Roker Alexander Hamilton Bob Marley Cicely Tyson Claude McKay Colin Powell Desi Arnez Doug E. Fresh Garcelle Beauvais Harry Belafonte Heather Headley Jamaica Kincaid Karlie Redd Karrine Steffans Kelsey Grammar Kerry Washington Laz Alonso Nia Long Sandra "Pepa" Denton Shaggy Orville Richard Burrell Shakara Ledard Shontelle Sidney Poitier Tatyana Marisol Ali Timothy Theodore "Tim" Duncan Tyson Beckford Zoe Saldana

Africa

Jun

Cataract Awareness Month: June

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Currently, more than 24 million Americans age 40 and older struggle with cataract(s), according to a report from Prevent Blindness America entitled "Vision Problems." It is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens, which blocks or changes the passage of light into the eye. Unlike many eye diseases, vision loss due to cataracts can be restored. Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the United States and has a 95 percent success rate. To educate the public on cataracts, Prevent Blindness America has declared June as Cataract Awareness Month. The national non-profit group provides free information through its dedicated web page at preventblindness.org/cataract, The following changes in your vision may be signs of cataract: 1) Blurred vision, double vision, ghost images, the sense of a film over the eyes. 2) Lights seem too dim for reading or close-up work, or you are dazzled by strong light. 3) Changing eyeglass prescriptions often. The change may not help your vision. It is possible to see the cataract in your eye. It may look like a milky or yellowish spot in the pupil (the center of your eye is typically black). "Although getting a cataract is common, it doesn't have to mean permanent vision loss," said Hugh R. Parry, president, and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. "One way to protect our vision is to make a commitment to take care of our eyes today, including getting a dilated eye exam, so we can help protect our sight for the future not just from cataract, but other eye diseases as well."

Africa

Jun

Child Vision Awareness Month: June

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Pharmacists Planning Service, Inc sponsors Child Vision Awareness Month. It's a reminder to schedule your child's annual optometry exam. With over half of Americans needing glasses, contacts, or laser surgery to correct vision problems, the chances of your child developing sight issues at some point are about 50/50. Children with excellent sight can quickly go from good to bad over a few months. If you notice your child is complaining about not being able to read the whiteboard at school, he or she tends to hold books and other items close to their eyes or finds him or herself tripping over things he or she doesn't see, your child's eyesight may be the issue. During June, many charities nationwide offer reduced cost or free eye exams.

Africa

Jun

Childhood Cancer Campaign Month, Intl.: June

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International Childhood Cancer Campaign Month raises awareness of the struggles of cancer-stricken children and the research needed to mitigate this disease. The Childhood Cancer Campaign Month event started in 2001 as a forum for Optimist Clubs worldwide to raise funds to cure cancer.

Africa