Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, celebrated in February, recognizes the accomplishments of Black Americans, and their enormous contributions to our nation. Black Americans have a long distinguished history of serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, defending their Nation with loyalty, honor and patriotism in every war since the American Revolution.
Messages for Communicators
- Through American history, generations of Black Americans have struggled with adversity to achieve the full benefits of citizenship in American society.
- The U.S. military has played a significant role in the civil rights movement in America, notably in the integration of the Armed Forces following World War II in 1948.
- Black Americans’ contributions to military medicine are many and ongoing.
- Black Americans have an increased risk of heart disease.
- They are at least 40% more likely to experience some form of cardiovascular disease and are 20% more likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic white Americans.
- Hypertension is the most common cause of further heart disease amongst African Americans, which is often affected by lifestyle factors like diet and exercise.
- Diabetes, frequently connected to heart disease, also occurs with higher frequency amongst African Americans.
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Black History Month (February 1-30)
Suggested social media message: Every February we celebrate the courageous and all-important accomplishments made by black individuals over the course of our history in honor of #BlackHistoryMonth
Black History Month (February 1-30)
Suggested social media message: How will you honor this #BlackHistoryMonth? Whether you're reading books, donating to charities, or supporting black-owned businesses, ensure you're doing your part to educate, understand, and honor the experiences of black individuals throughout our history.
Patient Appreciation Week (February 1-7)
Suggested social media message: It's #PatientAppreciationWeek! From all of us at our Air Force hospital and clinics worldwide, thank you for continued trust and support!
Patient Appreciation Week (February 1-7)
Suggested social media message: It's #PatientAppreciationWeek! From all of us at our Army hospitals and clinics worldwide, thank you for your continued trust and support!
Patient Appreciation Week (February 1-7)
Suggested social media message: It's #PatientAppreciationWeek! From all of us at our Navy hospitals and clinics worldwide, thank you for your continued trust and support!
Groundhog Day (February 2)
Suggested social media message: Punxsutawney Phil is at it again! Whether we get an early spring or 6 more weeks of winter, have a #HappGroundhogDay!
Army Nurse Corps Birthday (February 2)
Suggested social media message: The United States Army Nurse Corps was formally established by the U.S. Congress this day in 1901 - today we honor the dedicated service of over 11,000 men and women in the Army Nurse Corps.
National Women Physician Day (February 3)
Suggested social media message: #DYK? 35% pf physicians in America are women! #NationalWomenPhysicianDay is a reminder to celebrate the amazing work that these incredible women do everyday.
National Wear Red Day (February 4)
Suggested social media message: Don't forget to sport your best red clothes today in honor of #NationalWearRedDay in order to raise awareness of women's major health threat - heart disease www.health.mil/hearthealth
Ambulatory Nursing Week (February 7-13)
Suggested social media message: We're recognizing Ambulatory Care Nursing Week! Thank you to all of our ambulator care nurses for all that you do!
National Donor Day (February 14)
Suggested social media message: On #NationalDonorDay, we celebrate those who have received a donation and those who are registered donors. Consider for yourself the impact you could make by donating an organ and saving a life http://www.organdonor.gov/
Valentine's Day (February 14)
Suggested social media message: While boxes of chocolate and breakfast in bed may be the traditional methods of celebrating #Valetine's Day, consider these heart healthy alternatives to try with your special someone today!
National Condom Day (February 14)
Suggested social media message: You don't give your #Valetine an STI this holiday! This #NationalCondomDay, remember to be safe and use proper protection to prevent unwanted pregnancy and the spread of STIs. http://www.cdc.gov/condomeeffectiveness
National Caregivers Day (February 18)
Suggested social media message: It's #NationalCaregiverDay! Thank you to the millions of dedicated caregivers keeping our loved ones safe and healthy. http://warriorcare.dodlive.mil/Caregiver-Resources/
Coast Guard Reserve Birthday (February 19)
Suggested social media message: Happy Birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve! Here's to 81 years of Professionalism, Patriotism, and Preparedness.
Presidents Day (February 21)
Suggested social media message: Have a happy #PresidentsDay and take today to remember and honor those who served our country as commander-in-chief.
Eating Disorder Awareness Week (February 21-27)
Suggested social media message: This #EatingDisorderAwarenessWeek, remember there is no need to struggle alone. The road to recover is long and challenging, but help is available. Educate yourself on the signs of eating disorders to catch bad habits early and stop it before it starts.
Great American Spit-Out Day (February 24)
Suggested social media message: Today is #GreatAmericanSpitOut - if you're still struggling with an addiction to tobacco, consider making today the day you quit! http://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Total-Force-Fitness/Preventive-Health/TobaccoFree-Living
Great American Spit-Out Day (February 24)
Suggested social media message: Heads up: Smokeless tobacco like chew and dip can still cause cancer of the mouth, esophagus, and pancreas! Join thousands of others in the #GreatAmericanSpitOut and QUIT TODAY. http://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics-Total-Force-Fitness/Preventive-Health/TobaccoFree-Living
Great American Spit-Out Day (February 24)
Suggested social media message: The time has come! #QuitDipping today for the Great American Spit Out and begin your tobacco-free life http://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Total-Force-Fitness/Preventive-Health/TobaccoFree-Living