By Amir Mohammad
Public Health
Dr. Amir Mohammad
Public health systems in the US continue to face persistent challenges: chronic diseases account for the majority of illness burden and cost, lung and respiratory conditions remain leading causes of disability, and men’s health outcomes often lag due to lower preventive care utilization.
As November begins, public health professionals, communities and health care systems have an important opportunity to bring attention to several major health issues that impact millions of Americans.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in three US adults have prediabetes, and many are unaware of it. World Diabetes Day, observed on Nov. 14, serves as a reminder to raise awareness, promote screening, and advance lifestyle and policy interventions that reduce risk. As we enter the winter season, when health systems often face additional strain, residents are encouraged to learn their diabetes risk, maintain healthy eating habits, stay active and follow up regularly with their health care providers.
November also features the global Movember campaign, which uses creative outreach – like mustache challenges, social media engagement and community events – to raise awareness about men’s health issues. These include prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. The broader public health goal is to promote preventive screening and encourage men to take an active role in managing their health.
Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November emphasizes the importance of prevention, early screening, research and advocacy for those affected by lung cancer.
US Antibiotic Awareness Week, observed Nov. 18-24, highlights the responsible use of antibiotics and the growing need to combat antibiotic resistance.
Locally, the Orange Health Department, in partnership with the Orange Visiting Nurse Association, will continue to host flu vaccine clinics throughout November. If you or your loved ones have not yet received your flu shot, it’s not too late. Call today to make an appointment. Flu is preventable, and getting vaccinated helps protect you and your community.
Dr. Amir Mohammad is the director of the health department for the town of Orange.