Important Health Events in May

April 15, 2011 – In May, several health events that contribute to the health and well-being of youth are being observed including:

• The National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy – The latest U.S. teen pregnancy data has been positive – just in 2009, the teen birth rate declined six percent.  Nevertheless, currently, 3 in 10 girls in the U.S. get pregnant by age 20.  Taking place on May 4, 2011 and organized by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, the National Day has the support of over 200 national organizations, including the National School Boards Association (NSBA).  On National Day, teens nationwide will be asked to visit StayTeen.org to participate in a number of online activities – including the National Day Quiz – that deliver teen pregnancy prevention messages and challenge them to think about what they might do “in the moment.”  To learn more about the Day and ways to promote it, download the Day’s brochure.

• Food Allergy Awareness Week – Created by the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN), this year’s Food Allergy Awareness Week (FAAW) will be held May 8-14, 2011 and the theme is “Be a FAAN Hero.”  Approximately three million children in the U.S. have food allergies and each year, there are more than 300,000 food allergy-related emergency room visits among children.  According to FAAN, school nurses, principals, teachers, friends, doctors, parents, and extended family members are all part of a heroic group that practices safe food allergy management and vigilance to avoid potentially life-threatening reactions.  FAAN’s website includes several ways and materials to celebrate the week, including sample presentations to educate others about food allergies.

• National Physical Education and Sport Week – National Physical Education and Sport Week is being held May 1-7, 2011.  The week is sponsored by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (NASPE/AAHPERD) and provides activities for teachers and their students.  This year’s theme is “Let’s Move in School”, a national initiative spearheaded by NASPE/AAHPERD that aims to increase physical activity before, during, and after school.  During National Physical Education and Sport Week, schools can register to host a “Let’s Move in School” celebration.  To access “Let’s Move in School” resources, click here.

• National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day – NSBA has also expressed support for this event. This year’s event to be held in Washington, DC on May 3 will focus on building resilience in young children dealing with trauma.  It will open with an art exhibit at the Shakespeare Theatre and continue with a tribute to youth who dealt with trauma in their childhood.  Organizations also can participate in art events at the community level on the Day.  Information on holding a local event will be available through this page on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s website. For ways to participate in the Day, click here.