Today marks the start of National Diabetes Awareness Month. I know many people who are diabetic. I, of course, support them every way I possibly can. I think it is wonderful that there is a month devoted to raising awareness about this disease. I must admit that I am also bothered by how much recognition is given to some diseases and disorders, but yet others never get mentioned.
I know there are far too many conditions, diseases, and disorders affecting people around the world. There aren't enough months in a year to designated to each one of these health conditions. It bothers me that some disease, such as, breast cancer, or diabetes get such immense attention. There are so many other issues that people deal with on a daily basis that don't get any mention. I'm not saying we should stop recognizing the diseases that are getting media hype. I just wish more people would become aware of different types of conditions and disorders. I wish more people would take the time to educate themselves about diseases that are widespread around the US, and the world.
I'll be honest. I was clueless about many different types of cancers, and other health related topics until I was diagnosed with cancer. I didn't take the time to research other health conditions, and learn about ways I could contribute to them. I figured if it didn't affect me directly, why should I bother. That was the worst way I could have thought. Just because I wasn't dealing with those types of challenges at that time, doesn't mean I would never to affected by them. Obviously, I am now dealing with cancer everyday. I am fighting for my life.
I have changed the way I think. I have researched, and volunteered my time to many different organizations that want to raise awareness about cancers, and many other health conditions. No one cause is more important than another. That's why I don't understand why there are so few disorders that get recognized. Why do these health concerns get an entire month when there are so many that don't get recognized at all? It boggles my mind.
I believe that we all need to educate ourselves about different organizations and causes that we come across each day. Many of us ignore the conditions that we are uneducated about, or that haven't hit close to home. It's wonderful to donate money to these such organizations, but I believe it goes further than that. I wish more people would do their research. It's so important to inform ourselves about what is going on in the world. I also think that if more people volunteered their time to hospitals, and other organizations, we could spread the word about the "lost" diseases and disorders. Money can go a long way to help these organizations and the medical research behind them, but time can also go a long way. We many not all have extra cash to give, but we all can make time. Even one hour a month can greatly impact the lives of those dealing with these conditions.
Please don't think that I am trying to preach to anyone. Who am I to say what you do with your time and money? I know how much my views, and my approach towards many different diseases have changed. I hope that some of you may become a little more open-minded about all of the conditions that aren't publicly displayed everywhere. Just because one disease, or disorder is praised for a month, doesn't mean it's any more or less important than others. Lets share the wealth, not just monetarily, but also the wealth of knowledge.
