New CDC Website for Youth Violence Statistics

Violent injury and death disproportionately affect adolescents and young adults in the United States. Homicide is the second leading cause of death among youth aged 10-24 years. Violence is also a major cause of nonfatal injuries among youth. However, it is possible to prevent violence and help our youth to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. Monitoring and tracking trends in youth violence across the United States provides critical data to help prevent youth violence.

CDC's new website provides national and state-specific statistics on youth homicide and non-fatal assault-related injury rates. These data can help public health officials, researchers, practitioners and the public to describe and monitor youth violence trends and to develop and evaluate prevention programs and strategies. Together we can create communities in which youth are safe from violence.

To view the new Youth Violence Statistics website, click here.

June 15-21: Men's Health Week

Did You Know? June 15-21, 2009 is Men's Health Week.The purpose of Men's Health Week is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. This week gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury. For more information, please visit the Men's Health Week website.

June 7-13 is National Headache Awareness Week

During National Headache Awareness Week (June 7-13, 2009), the National Headache Foundation (NHF) is launching “Headache U: It’s all about YOU,” the first headache education program of its kind designed to help people with headache take important steps toward getting relief. Each year, 90% of all men and 95% of all women have at least one headache . Despite many people having frequent and sometimes severe headaches that affect their family, social and work life, most do not actively seek relief from their condition .

Four simple strategies can get sufferers on the right course to relief:

- Realize that headaches matter, and take your headaches seriously;
- Learn all you can – be a student of your own headaches;
- Pay more attention to your personal headache patterns – track your headaches, and try to find clues to triggers and solutions;
- Take control and get the help and care you deserve: many resources are available.

For more information, please visit the National Headache Awareness Week website or go direct to the "Headache U" website.

Did You Know? June is Aphasia Awareness Month

June is National Aphasia Awareness Month. Aphasia is a communication disorder that impacts an individual's ability to process language, and affects approximately one in 250 people in the United States. Although aphasia most commonly affects older adults, it can occur in individuals of all ages, ethnicities and gender. Individuals with aphasia may struggle with depression secondary to the difficulty communicating thoughts and feelings, and the treatment of depression allows the individual to cope with the aphasia and focus on recovery. For more information about aphasia, please visit the National Aphasia Association.

Older Americans' Mental Health Week

May 24-30 is Older Americans' Mental Health Week. Depression and other mental illnesses are NOT a normal part of aging! The goal of this week is to raise awareness of the impact of mental illnesses in this age group, reduce stigma of mental illness and treatment, and encourage public policy that supports positive mental health in older adults. For more information, please visit the Older Americans' Mental Health Week website.

National Women's Health Week: May 10-16

Celebrate National Women's Health Week May 10 through 16, 2009. The theme "It's Your Time" encourages women to take simple steps towards a longer, healthier and happier life. During this week, women are encouraged to start eating healthy, exercise daily, and visit your doctor for routine screenings, as well as paying more attention to positive mental and emotional health! For more information, visit the National Women's Health Week website.

May is Older Americans Month

May is Older Americans Month! Older adults are the fastest-growing segment of the population, and Older Americans Month celebrates those over the age of 65. For more information, please visit the Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging.

May is Mental Health Month!

Mental Health Month is celebrated in May as an opportunity to provide information about positive mental health to the greater community. This year's theme is Life Your Life Well, and more information can be found on Mental Health America's 2009 website.

The Ohio Psychological Association, in collaboration with the Chalmers P. Wylie VA Care Center is sponsoring a Mental Health Month event on Wednesday, May 20th from 9-3pm. There will be twelve speakers on various mental health topics, as well as informational booths from local mental health organizations. For more information, visit the OPA Mental Health Month website.

CDC's Health Aging Program Bief

The CDC's Healthy Aging Program has released the 2nd Issue Brief in The State of Mental Health Aging series. The 2nd Issue Brief describes 3 selected evidence-based interventions for community-dwelling older adults.

The 1st Issue Brief (released in late 2008) presents national-level data on 6 indicators of mental health for adults 50 years old and older.

April 25 - May 2: National Infertility Awareness Week

Did You Know? April 25 - May 2nd is National Infertility Awareness Week. More than five million individuals and couples in the U.S. struggle with infertility, and those struggling with infertility may experience difficulty with depression, anxiety, self-esteem and identity. For more information about NIAW, please visit the RESOLVE website.