October 18th marks World Menopause Awareness Day. The purpose of this health observance is to spread awareness of menopause, break down stigma surrounding it, and increase knowledge of support options for those going through it. 

• Visit International Menopause Society’s World Menopause day headquarters.
• Get menopause resources from the Office on Women’s Health. 
• Download Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR)’s Menopause Preparedness Toolkit.
• Visit Menopause Society’s education hub for patients.

According to data from the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., there are currently over 4 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States, and in 2024 over 300,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in U.S. women. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This health observance is meant to educate the public about breast cancer and emphasize the importance of early detection and access to high quality health care in treating breast cancer. 

• National Mammography Day (October 18th) –  Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early. A mammogram can detect breast cancer before symptoms arise. Visit Verywell Health’s mammogram guide to find low or no-cost mammograms near you. 
• Explore the history behind Breast Cancer Awareness Month with BreastCancer.org.
• Learn all about breast cancer signs, symptoms, and prevention strategies with the CDC.
• Get breast cancer support and resources from the American Cancer Society.

Bone and Joint Health National Action Week, observed every year from October 12-20, focuses on raising awareness about musculoskeletal conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. These include arthritis, back pain, osteoporosis, and trauma-related injuries, which can significantly impact quality of life and mobility. The week is dedicated to promoting education, prevention, and treatment strategies for these conditions.

• Visit the NIAMS page on Bone Health and Osteoporosis for detailed information on maintaining strong bones, preventing bone loss, and managing osteoporosis. It covers risk factors for osteoporosis, how bone density is measured, and treatment options like lifestyle changes, medications, and supplements. 
• Get evidence-based resources, including clinical guidelines, prevention strategies, and interventions to help health care providers, policymakers, and individuals improve bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis at the Healthy People 2030 osteoporosis hub.
• Get expert tips on how to keep your bones healthy from the Mayo Clinic.

According to National Institutes of Health (NIH) data, approximately 1 in 100 pregnancies at 20 weeks or later is impacted by stillbirth, with around 24,000 stillbirths occurring annually in the United States. October has been designated Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. The purpose of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month in the U.S. is to honor and support families affected by miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss, while raising public awareness and creating a safe space for grieving parents. 

• The Pregnancy Loss Support Program provides resources for individuals and families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss, including peer counseling, support groups, and referrals to help facilitate healing.
• The CDC’s Stillbirth Communication Resources page offers a range of materials aimed at improving understanding and awareness of stillbirth. It includes informational brochures, communication guidelines for healthcare providers, and resources to support families affected by stillbirth. 
• The Safe to Sleep® website features a page titled Grief & Infant Loss Resources, which provides support and connections to organizations that assist families dealing with the loss of an infant, particularly those affected by Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and related sleep issues.

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