July Is Disability Pride Month Along With More Healthcare Observances

July is a significant month for many health campaigns, including Self-Care Month and Disability Pride Month, to name a few. 

With summer in full swing, it's an ideal time to improve your lifestyle, get a yearly check-up, and raise awareness on important issues. Plus, many organizations are offering events and ways to support these causes from afar. 

In this article, we'll cover the various healthcare holidays observed this July. We'll also include how you can support or learn more about each of these important health topics. 

World Disability Pride Month

World Disability Pride Month started as an American celebration in the 90s but has since spread worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 15% of people around the world live with some form of disability.

Many people living with disabilities experience discrimination and unique challenges, especially when it comes to the workplace or accessibility of public spaces. This discrimination is especially pronounced within the American workplace, where, as of 2024, 41.7% of disabled individuals were employed compared to 77.7% of non-disabled individuals.

However, Disability Pride Month aims to help advocate for those living and working with disabilities. This observance was first established on July 26th, 1990, when the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law.

This law extended civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities and required public spaces and workplaces to be disability friendly, with the goal of curving discrimination.

The World Health Organization recognizes this observance with a new theme and campaign each year. 2024's campaign is "We Want a Life Like Yours."

There are several ways to celebrate and support Disability Pride Month, including:

• Spread awareness or share your story on social media. Social media is one of the most powerful and effective methods to connect with others in the modern era. Use hashtags like #DisabilityPride and #DisablityPrideMonth to show your support.

• Attend a Disability Pride Month event or parade in your area. Many cities around the world hold events for disabled individuals to celebrate. See if there's anything going on in your area this July.

• Donate to a Disability Pride Month campaign. Donating to disability-oriented organizations and campaigns can help support pro-disability policy changes and protections for people all over the world.

• Show someone you know your support. Sometimes, it's the little things that matter the most. One of the best ways you can show your support this month is by talking with a disabled person about how you can help them or asking them to share their story. 

Social Wellness Month

Social Wellness Month recognizes the importance of strong and healthy social connections for our overall well-being. This observance started in the early 2000s as more scientists started recognizing the connection between good health and positive social connections.

Studies suggest that social connections not only lead to overall improved levels of happiness but may even help us live longer. Some research also suggests that strong social connections can help reduce the symptoms or slow the progression of dementia and Alzheimer's.

Social connections and well-being are especially important for older adults, who may struggle with weaker support networks. Some great ways for seniors to connect with others include going to senior centers and attending group events and hobby classes.

There are plenty of ways you can support yourself and others during Social Wellness Month this July; these include:

• Going to or hosting group events. Connecting with others in a group or community setting can help create a sense of inclusion and togetherness. Some ideas for events include concerts, classes, and hobby meetups.

• Nurture your existing connections. Keeping in touch with your friends and family is essential, whether it's asking how their day was or planning a hang-out session.

• Volunteer. Sometimes, it can be good to get out of your comfort zone and support a cause you believe in. Volunteering can be a great opportunity to not only meet new people but also give back to your community.

International Self-Care Month

International Self-Care Month is all about taking your own needs into consideration. This observance started as a single day, originally celebrated on July 24th. However, in recent years, it has grown into a vital month-long holiday observed from June 24th to July 24th each year.

In the past few years, scientists and researchers have begun recognizing the role of self-care and emotional health in overall well-being. This has led to increased awareness and support for personal issues.

Self-Care Month aims to raise awareness and dispel any guilt or shame around taking time for yourself. In modern society, it can be easy to feel like needing a break is wrong. Many people internalize this guilt and end up overworking or feeling burnt out.

This month, the goal is to help people learn about how to care and advocate for themselves. Here are some of the best things you can do to practice self-care:

• Get regular exercise. Even simple activities like walking or yoga can help get you active during the day, boosting mood and overall well-being.

• Eat healthy. Taking care of your body is an essential part of self-care, which includes healthy eating. This doesn't mean going on a diet or cutting out all junk food, but it can look like opting for an apple instead of a cookie during snack time or drinking more water throughout the day.

• Nourish your social connections. Studies have shown that social connections are an essential part of your well-being and can even help you destress.

• Spend more time outside. Getting out into a park or into nature can help you relax and reduce overall stress.

• Do something you love. Hobbies are a great outlet for tension and can help boost creativity.

• Talk about your mental health. Whether it's with a therapist or a trusted friend, it's important to get your thoughts and emotions off your chest. Sharing your experiences and perspectives can help you process your emotions and reduce anxiety or stress. 

Other Healthcare Campaigns This July

In addition to those included above, here are a few more essential national health observances for July:

• World Brain Day – Celebrated on July 22nd, World Brain Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of brain health and neurological issues. The most important thing you can do to show your support is to get regular brain health check-ups. 

• National UV Safety Awareness Month – As more people get outdoors to experience summer fun, it's becoming increasingly important to learn about the dangers of UV radiation. Long-term exposure to the sun's UV rays without wearing sunscreen can increase your risk of skin cancer. This July, remember to wear sunscreen and learn how to be safe outdoors. 

• Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month – Arthritis is an issue that many people assume only affects seniors. However, many children live with juvenile arthritis. 

• National Minority Mental Health Month – More than 20% of the United States population lives with a mental illness today. However, minorities may be disproportionately affected. The month of July aims to help advocate for mental struggles among minority communities and make it easier for underserved populations to get the mental health care they need.  

Showing Your Support This July

As July approaches, it's important to have compassion for the upcoming healthcare observances. From Disability Pride Month to Self-Care Month, these awareness campaigns can help us become more aware of the diverse health issues that affect our communities and how we can address them.

There are plenty of ways to get involved, including advocating on social media, donating to organizations, attending group events, and reaching out to members of your community. Continued education and advocacy for these causes can create positive change in our lives and the lives of others.