OCTOBER HEALTH AWARENESS 

This month, our Public Policy Advocates want to bring focus to three (3) specific health issues that impact our NAWBO members.  We have all heard the sayings that “Health is Wealth” and “Information is Power.”  So, as a result, we are bringing VISIBILITY to the following three (3) causes: Mental Health Awareness, Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness.

As women business owners, we have all been directly or indirectly impacted by these issues. These issues impact each woman business owner regardless of race, religion, or financial status.  Considering the recent national coverage regarding the events of a young female entrepreneur and YouTuber, we will provide a heightened focus during the last two weeks of October on Domestic Violence Awareness with specific resources that can assist locally.  

We ask each NAWBO member to help us bring further awareness this month by wearing the color of the cause that you resonate with the most at our Monthly Meeting at the Witte Museum on October 28, 2021. 

1. MENTAL ILLNESS AWARNESS WEEK (wear lime green)

In 1990, Congress established the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) in recognition of NAMI's efforts to raise mental illness awareness. Since then, mental health advocates across the country have joined NAMI in the effort to educate the public about mental illness.

Worries about running your business, staffing issues, poor financial planning, accumulating debt, or just finding a balance between one’s personal life and business can be overwhelming.  YOU ARE NOT ALONE.  The first week in October is a reminder to focus on what is truly important – your wellness.

There are various ways to nourish your mental health. Here are some practical things you can do to keep a healthy mindset:

• Leisure Time: Go for a walk or try a new yoga class.
• Social Connection: Talk to someone. Join a Facebook focus group that shares a passion for one of your favorite hobbies.
• Therapeutic Ideas: Adopt a new pet. Start a garden.  Get a deep tissue massage.

For more information go to: https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/mental-illness-awareness-week

2. BREAST CANCER (wear pink)

The past year has posed a challenge to just about everything including obtaining critical medical care to screen and prevent breast cancer.  According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, your survival rate can be around 99%. Early detection is critical to this survival rate and includes conducting monthly breast self-exams, scheduling annual clinical breast exams, and mammograms. 

The NAWBO SA Public Policy Advocates want to support our members by providing access to education, information about screening and support services that may be needed.  You can learn more about early detection, breast cancer symptoms, and some healthy habits at Breast Cancer Early Detection - National Breast Cancer Foundation

You can also get more information at: https://www.preventcancer.org/event/breast-cancer-awareness-month-2021/

3. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (wear purple)

October has been the month where domestic violence and its victims are observed. Domestic abuse can take many forms whether it is physical abuse or emotional and psychological abuse. For many women, they may be unaware that they are in an abusive relationship.

The purple ribbon is used for several other important causes, but it’s also in honor of domestic violence victims and support for the growing awareness. 

Please visit the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence at https://www.ncadv.org for tips on creating a safety exit plan, the warning signs of abuse, and how you can help others.

Texas Statistics:

• 40.1% of Texas women¹ and 34.9% of Texas men² experience intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner rape and/or intimate partner stalking in their lifetimes. Read more here 

National Statistics: 

• On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men.1

Read more here and here

Domestic victimization is correlated with a higher rate of depression and suicidal behavior. Click link regarding this statistic: Nonfatal Domestic Violence, 2003-2012 (ojp.gov)

For anonymous, confidential help is available 24/7 with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY).