You may have heard of Movember, the month when men grow their facial hair in solidarity with men’s health issues, like testicular and prostate cancer. The trend has taken hold across the world and even generated its own spinoffs, like “No-Shave November.”

‍Movember started in Australia as a grassroots movement and began to become widespread in the early 2000s. Since then, the campaign has only grown, so you’re sure to see plenty of men rocking facial hair this November. 

Let’s take a moment to discuss what you can do to take care of your health, raise awareness, and show your support for men’s health issues. 

What Movember Is All About 

Movember is all about men’s health. Rather than focusing on one specific medical concern, Movember encourages us to spread awareness of the many health risks specific to men. Mental health is a huge focus during the month, as studies have shown that men are statistically far less likely to seek help for things like anxiety and depression. 

Men seek treatment less frequently for a variety of medical conditions, largely due to a culture that encourages men to be stoic and deal with things themselves. Regular checkups and cancer screenings are more likely to be put off or skipped entirely by men. We’re here to encourage guys to take charge of their health and break the cycle of stigmas that prevent so many men from properly taking care of themselves. 

Mental Health 

Mental health is a major issue for men, not just in the US but across the world. In the United States, men are 3.6x more likely to die by suicide than women. There are many reasons for this, but a lot of it comes down to a lack of comfort in discussing emotions. While we’ve made great progress, some men still feel ashamed of talking about their emotions, especially with a medical professional like a therapist or psychiatrist.  

 As a society, it’s important to treat mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression, with the same care and empathy we treat physical ailments. 

‍Here are some common signs of depression that men should look out for: 

• Anger and irritability—especially if it’s atypical behavior
• Insomnia and trouble sleeping 
• Increased intake/abuse of alcohol and drugs 
• Withdrawing from friends and loved ones 

It’s important to remember that many of these signs can appear before the person is consciously aware that they’re suffering from depression. While these symptoms aren’t unique to men, it’s important to remember that men are less likely to openly talk about what they’re experiencing. That’s why it’s important to be an active listener and to try and pick up on nonverbal cues from the people you care about. If you think someone is struggling, encourage them to talk to a professional, and offer a safe and non-judgemental ear. 

If you or someone you know is in in crisis, reach out to the suicide & crisis lifeline by calling or texting 988 for help.

Sexual Functioning 

One area where men feel a lot of stigma is in their sexual function. As men age, their levels of testosterone naturally tend to drop. This decrease can result in lower libido, delayed orgasm, and even erectile dysfunction (ED).

Though it’s completely normal for your interest in sex to decrease a little as you age, major changes or difficulties are often a source of great anxiety and embarrassment. For example, even though erectile dysfunction is very common and usually highly treatable, available data indicates about 39% of men with ED never discuss it with their doctor. Fortunately, medical professionals can offer various solutions. Whether you try simple lifestyle changes or medication, or look into a more advanced treatment like hormone therapy, it’s likely there’s a solution to fit the need. Lack of communication is often the biggest hurdle, so talk to your doctor if you’re struggling and encourage others to break the stigmas also. 

Physical Health 

It isn’t just mental health that men are less likely to seek help for. Physical ailments are also reported by men at a lower rate than women. The reasons are essentially the same. With a culture that celebrates physical strength and ‘working through the pain,’ men are more likely to feel like they need to simply push through it. The statistics bear this out, as a recent survey showed that less than half (46%) of men had a routine checkup in 2022. 

It’s imperative for men to get routine checkups, especially as they age. Prostate cancer is the third leading cause of death in men, and testicular cancer can be life-threatening and incredibly life-altering, if not caught early. The good news is that both of these cancers are generally fairly treatable when caught in time. Help the men in your life by encouraging them to get routine physicals, learn to perform a self-exam for signs of testicular cancer, and if you have a loved one that isn’t taking care of their health the way they should—talk to them. 

Movember is all about men’s health. From mental health to cancer, it’s time for men to break the cycle of silence. Talking about health concerns, be it anxiety, physical health, or sexual function, is crucial to living a long, healthy, and happy life. Whether you’re a man hoping to improve your overall health or you want to encourage a loved one to do the same, we hope this article has provided you with some helpful facts and resources. Happy Movember, and good health to all! 

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Whether you have younger kids who are trick or treating, or you’re attending a Halloween party, Halloween is full of celebrations and activities. It may also be a time of year when healthy eating and overall good habits slip. 

‍But what if you didn’t have to sacrifice fun for healthy choices?

We’ll share tips for you to keep you and your family healthy while still enjoying the treats Halloween has to offer.

Keep reading to learn more.

Eat before you go

Whether you’re heading to a Halloween party, or taking your kids trick or treating, eating before you head out can help you maintain your health.

‍How?

Giving your kids a healthy snack before they go door to door will help them stay full and keep them from eating candy out of hunger while trick or treating. 

And instead of heading to a Halloween party on an empty stomach, eating a meal that fills you up will help you stay away from overindulging on treats and other sugary foods.

‍Try a snack or a meal rich in complex carbs. The fiber in complex carbs digests slower, providing a more steady release of glucose (energy) in the bloodstream and preventing energy crashes. It also helps you feel full for a longer period, making you (and your kids!) less likely to eat too many simple sugars like candy. 

Trick or treat with a small bag

Rather than sending kids off with a large container to collect candy, try giving them a smaller bag. This will help stop them from collecting too much candy and limit the amount of treats they have to snack on—or bring home to the family to share.

Host a party with healthy foods

If you want to socialize but are concerned about overindulging in unhealthy food typically served at parties, consider hosting your own party. You can serve your own healthy recipes, offer healthy snacks, and decide how many sweets and sugary beverages to provide. 

This doesn’t mean you have to avoid sweet foods altogether.

Serving chocolate? Choose dark chocolate. It contains 2 to 3 times more flavanol-rich cocoa. Flavonols help with the production of nitric oxide, which can relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, helping to lower blood pressure. It’s also rich in important minerals that support immunity, keep bones and teeth healthy, and improve sleep quality. 

Another option is to use fruits and healthy Halloween recipes like roasted veggies or pumpkin hummus rather than candy and sweets.

Avoid consuming too much chocolate, candy, and sugar

Halloween is an easy time to overindulge in candy, chocolate, and sugar in general. High sugar intake can lead to inflammation, high blood pressure, weight gain, and diabetes. 

While it’s best to avoid simple sugars, it’s more feasible to practice portion control. Set a daily limit for the amount of sugar, chocolate, and candy you allow yourself to consume. 

Try restricting treats to after dinner, or lunch. And work together with family and friends to hold each other accountable. 

Store the candy, chocolates, and sweets out of sight

By keeping the sugary snacks out of sight, you can reduce your temptation to over consume them. 

It’s easy to eat chocolates when they're sitting on your kitchen counter. It’s much harder when they're completely hidden in the cupboard and you’ve forgotten all about them. 

Buy candy for trick or treaters at the last minute

Instead of buying a box of treats long before Halloween—making it more likely you and your family eat them before the holiday, try buying treats at the last minute.

Then, because trick-or-treaters will be at your door soon, you’re less likely to risk eating too much candy in case you run out. 

Conclusion - How to have a fun and healthy Halloween 

It’s easy to start picking up bad habits and eat poorly around Halloween. 

It’s also ok to enjoy some treats in moderation. But making proactive choices and adding some tricks into your routine can help you and your loved ones have fun and stay healthy all season long. Having fun is important too—and now you have some tools to help you to gain control of the foods you’re consuming.

If these tips were helpful, feel free to share this article with someone who might benefit from them.

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In the United States alone, over 300 million people have a smartphone. For many, that increase in connectivity through technology has led to becoming disconnected from the outdoors.

During National Great Outdoors Month, we look to celebrate and explore our surroundings and discover the many beautiful sights our world has to offer. 

‍What activities can you take part in to embrace the outdoors?

‍Where should you explore? 

‍How should you celebrate? 

Besides spending time outside, how else can we take part in helping our environment and the many communities that thrive outdoors?

In today’s article, we’ll be touching on the many activities and places you can visit to celebrate Great Outdoors Month. Keep reading to discover more!

What physical activities can we take part in?

There’s no shortage of activities to do outdoors.

From rock climbing to canoeing, with such a diverse landscape across the country, there’s bound to be some kind of activity to enjoy.

We know there are many benefits from exercise itself. It can help control weight, improve mood, and reduce the risk of heart diseases. But combining exercise with spending time outdoors could have a profound impact on your well-being.

But physical activity isn’t the only way to reap the benefits of spending time outside. Just being out in nature is good for us. 

In fact, spending time outdoors may actually reduce stress. 

‍While there are many different outdoor activities you can take part in, some ideas include:‍

• Cycling - this is a great cardio workout that puts minimal stress on our joints yet challenges core muscles and legs. 
• Hiking - explore your local area or a national park while improving your cardiovascular health and decreasing stress.
• Paddling - spending time on the water by kayaking or canoeing with others is a great way to enjoy the weather while working your muscles and cardiovascular system, and it may even help improve stability.
• Rock climbing - challenge your abilities and enjoy the natural landscapes by rock climbing.
• Walking - physical activity doesn’t have to be strenuous to be beneficial. Take a walk in your local park, or a stroll through a zoo or nature preserve.
• Garden - gardening is a great way to reap the benefits of being outside and get some mild exercise. 
• Have a picnic or BBQ - eating outside feels good. Have a picnic with friends or family or invite them over for a BBQ and share the benefits of being together and being outside. 

How to celebrate great outdoors month and where to explore

Getting out and active is a great way to celebrate this June, but there are other ways you can  celebrate Great Outdoors Month by contributing and helping the environment and local communities.

Here are a few ideas:

• Plan a trip - whether traveling solo or with friends and family, planning a trip is a great way to celebrate. 
• Spend some time outdoors - You don’t have to go on a big trip to celebrate this month. Go to the local park and throw the ball around or go on a small hiking trip to explore your local area.
• Visit national parks - with a total of 63 national parks in the United States there are lots of landscapes to explore. From the Grand Canyon in Arizona to Yosemite National Park in California, America has plenty of national parks to discover.
• Conserve the outdoors - Help celebrate this month by cleaning up. Participate with local groups hosting events or host your own. You can even go out and clean up the trails, parks, and other local spots in your area.
• Volunteer as a summer camp counselor - spend some time helping others as a counselor at a summer camp. ‍

Conclusion - Great Outdoors Month

Great Outdoors Month is a time to embrace the surrounding landscapes and nature. 

Whether you decide to take a day trip fishing or to explore a national park you’ve never been to, we encourage you to get outdoors and find some time to get active and enjoy all the beautiful landscapes our country has to offer.

Make sure to share this with a friend or family member who you’d like to take with you on a trip or adventure during Great Outdoors Month!

New Year's Eve is an exciting time for millions of Americans looking forward to fireworks, food, and countless celebrations to ring in the New Year!

And while New Year's Eve is often seen as a time to let go of the past year and focus on the new opportunities ahead, the dangers that many of our celebrations present make it a very difficult day for some.

How Dangerous is New Year's Eve?

It's important to know just how dangerous New Year's Eve can be in order to help your family stay safe during the holiday. Below are some of the most common causes of accidents, injuries, and death during the New Year holiday.

Traffic Accidents

The National Safety Council estimates between 308 and 514 traffic-related deaths during the 3-day New Year's Eve holiday period. That’s about 6 to 7 deaths per hour due to fatal accidents!

Some, if not most, of these accidents will be due to alcohol consumption during the holiday. According to the NSC, in 2019, 36% of fatal car accidents involved drunk driving.

One of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others is to stay off the roads if you can. And, if you do go out, be sure to have a designated driver or hire a car if you’ll be drinking. 

Fireworks

Fireworks are a dangerous part of the New Year's Eve Holiday. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 10% of fireworks fires happen between December 30 and January 3, peaking on New Year's Day!

Burns from fireworks can be deadly and injure a person's hands, face, eyes, and arms. The NFPA says that over 9,000 people are sent to the emergency room every year due to firework injuries, showing just how serious these injuries can be.

It's not just adults that get hurt by fireworks either. The 2018 U.S. Consumer Safety Product Commission Report found that one third of all firework injuries that year involved children and teens younger than 15 years old.

Gunfire

According to data from Shot Spotter, a forensic investigation system, statistics showed that 22.9% of gunfire incidents in 2015 happened on a single day - New Year's Eve!

People fire guns into the air in celebration at midnight on New Year's. According to the CDC, this is dangerous since bullets can fall to the ground hard enough to be fatal.

Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol poisoning is a serious condition, and can affect people without them knowing it. This is especially true around the holidays when many people drink more than usual. American Addiction Centers found that on New Year's Eve, people consume 4.4 alcoholic drinks on average, making it the second most alcohol fueled holiday in America next to Mardi Gras. This excess drinking on New Year's Eve can lead to alcohol poisoning.

The CDC estimates that 2,200 people die of alcohol poisoning every year. And New Year’s Eve sees an increase in ER visits and hospitalizations due to excessive alcohol consumption. 

Staying Safe and Sane this New Year's

Fortunately, many of the dangers common to New Year's Eve can be avoided by following simple tips. Below is a list of some of the best ways you and your family can stay safe during the holiday.

1. Don't Play with Fireworks - It sounds simple, but avoiding playing with fireworks can be one of the best ways to prevent injuries to you or your children. Instead, visit a firework show or enjoy the fireworks on your TV screen from the comfort of your own home!

2. Avoid Hazardous Areas - If there's an area in your city that had lots of gunfire accidents last year, it's best to plan ahead and avoid that area this year. You don't want to risk a fatal gunfire accident.

3. Drink Responsibly - If you're going to drink, stick with the CDC's recommended amount of 1 to 2 drinks per day to enjoy the holiday. Better yet, make some non-alcoholic drinks that are just as tasty (and safer)!

4. Avoid Driving while Drunk - With Uber and Lyft around, there are so many options for getting a ride even when you're intoxicated. You can also leave your car keys at home or with a friend to ensure you don't drive drunk accidentally.

5. Drive Defensively - Even if you're not driving drunk, you can still be involved in a car accident. Drive defensively, put down the cell phone, and keep an eye on the road to help you avoid an accident this holiday.

6. Watch out For Others - If you see your loved ones drinking excessively, playing with fireworks or guns, or attempting to drive impaired, speak up and prevent an accident!

This New Year's doesn't have to be dangerous. By following these tips and being informed on the dangers of the holiday, you and your family can stay safe and sane and start the New Year off right (and injury free)!

What is Hispanic & LatinX Heritage Month

“Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the history and countless contributions that Latinos have made to the nation over the years. This month we also honor the cultural richness of Hispanics, who come from Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.” — National Hispanic Council On Aging (NHCOA),

Originally enacted by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968, the annual celebration was originally only a week long. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed the bill that extended it to a month-long celebration from September 15 — October 15 every year.

Today, Hispanic Heritage month is celebrated nationwide as a way to honor the contributions made by Hispanic Americans.

It’s common to see displays of art, music, literature, poetry, food, clothing, and other cultural expressions as well as recognition of those who have contributed to the fields of science, business, and politics.

Why is Hispanic Heritage Month celebrated over two different months?

Most heritage months begin on the first and end on the last day of the month. So, why is Hispanic Heritage Month different?

September 15th is the day that several Hispanic nations gained independence from Spain. These nations include Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

When President Johnson originally established Hispanic Heritage Week, it began every year on September 15th as a way to honor this date. The week also included the anniversaries of the dates Mexico, Chile, and Belize each gained independence.

When the celebration was expanded to a month, it made sense to continue to honor these important dates.

Who celebrates Hispanic & Latin X Heritage Month and why?

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated by all Americans as a way of recognizing and honoring the unique cultural contributions of the many Hispanic individuals and groups within the US.

According to the US Census Bureau, the month-long period was set aside to,

“celebrate the culture and traditions of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.”

2021 Hispanic Heritage Month Theme

Every year The National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM) chooses the theme and the poster that will represent Hispanic Heritage Month.

This year’s theme — “ESPERANZA: A CELEBRATION OF HISPANIC HERITAGE AND HOPE”

Here are the posters for this year! Click here to learn more about the artists

The Deadliest Day of the Year

For many living in the US, Independence Day is a day of celebration - a day to spend with family and friends. A day of BBQs, fireworks, and expressions of freedom. 

But it’s also the most dangerous day of the year. 

According to the Pew Research Center, 

“45,000 people visit U.S. hospital emergency rooms for treatment of injuries on July 4 and 5 – nearly 91,000 in total, by far the highest daily numbers in the entire year.”

What accounts for this surge in injuries?

The top two causes are fireworks and alcohol. 

Accidents involving alcohol and/or fireworks account for the majority of deaths and injuries that occur over the 4th of July holiday but other injuries are also more common. 

Fireworks-Related Accidents

The most common injuries (not surprisingly) are caused by fireworks. In fact, fireworks-related accidents surge for several weeks surrounding the holiday. 

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) 2019 fireworks annual report,

“An estimated 7,300 fireworks-related injuries (or 73 percent of the total estimated fireworks-related injuries in 2019) were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during the 1-month special study period between June 21, 2019 and July 21, 2019 (95 percent confidence interval 4,700-9,900).” 

While it may not surprise you to learn that fireworks cause so many injuries (and deaths), what may surprise you is that many of these accidents are caused by what has been labeled “safe and sane” fireworks. 

In fact, hand-held child-friendly fireworks, like the much-beloved sparklers, account for a huge number of serious burn injuries each year. 

And while accidents involving fireworks do account for the largest number of injuries, they aren’t the only type of injuries that occur in higher numbers on the 4th. 

Driving-Related Accidents

There are more car accidents, primarily alcohol-related accidents, on the 4th of July than any other holiday - including New year’s Eve!

According to a 2017 report by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), July has higher rates of alcohol-related accidents than any other month. 

And while this graph from the National Safety Commission shows that there are fewer fatalities caused by drunk driving in recent years than in the past, 4th of July still trends much higher than average. 

Other Common Injuries

Fireworks and traffic accidents aren’t the only causes of the increase in injuries on this holiday. 

Other common causes include:

Grilling Accidents 

Grilling safety is such a big concern, the CDC has an entire page dedicated to it. Burns, cuts, and improperly cooked food account for the majority of these types of injuries. 

Food Poisoning

Food-borne illnesses are common around the holidays. And with BBQs and potlucks taking center stage on Independence Day, food from multiple households is often left out all day. Combined with the July heat, this contributes to high numbers of food-borne illnesses on this particular day. 

Drownings/Water & Boating Accidents

Pools, lakes, beaches, water parks - water and the 4th tend to go hand-in-hand, especially in the warmer areas of the US. Combined with increased alcohol consumption, drownings and near-drownings occur far more frequently on this day than others.

According to the CPSC, 

“The July 4th holiday has traditionally seen an increase in the number of pool and spa drownings, compared to an average week during the rest of the summer.” 

Heat Stroke/Dehydration/Sunburn

Heat & sun injuries are also common on the 4th of July as Americans gather outdoors to celebrate. Hot July temperatures and all the fun-in-the-sun activities lead to the increased rates of these injuries. 

Lasting Impact of 4th of July Injuries

We wanted to learn more about the impact of these holiday-related injuries on individuals and families. So, we reached out to our Evidation Members. 

We asked a series of questions to find out how many of them had been injured (or had a family member injured) on 4th of July as well as to determine the level of impact the injury had and any lasting effects.

Here’s what we learned. 

Only 5% of respondents said that they (or someone in their immediate family) had been injured on the 4th of July. 

Of those over 6% required hospitalization, 35% were treated in the ER, and over 25% were treated in an urgent care. 

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52% of those injured changed their habits as a result of the injury and over 25% said that the injury significantly impacted family members or loved ones. 

What does this tell us?

That the majority of those who were injured were hurt badly enough to require emergency medical attention AND badly enough to inspire lasting changes to their holiday traditions. 

Independence Day Safety Tips

Injuries may be more common on the 4th of July, but you can reduce the risk by celebrating safely!

Nothing is less fun than spending a holiday in the ER. A few simple precautions can help ensure a safe, fun day for you and your family. 

Here are some tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe while celebrating! 

1. Watch a public fireworks show! Many cities, and even small towns, offer fireworks displays. This is a great way to enjoy the show without personal risk. 
2. If you do use personal fireworks, do so before consuming alcoholic beverages, keep a water supply within reach, avoid lighting fireworks while in hand, and supervise children and animals closely. 
3. Stay hydrated! Make sure to drink plenty of water. And remember, if you celebrate with alcohol as well, double your water intake!
4. Use a designated driver! Don’t get behind the wheel after drinking. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a cocktail or a beer while celebrating, but be responsible!
5. Use sun protection. Dress appropriately for the weather and use sunscreen if you will be outdoors.
6. If you’ll be near water, drink responsibly and supervise children carefully! 
7. Keep an eye on food left out and make sure anything you eat (or give children to eat) is fully cooked and kept at safe temperatures.
   

Honoring Juneteenth

At Evidation, we celebrate the connection between identity and whole person health. In this spirit, we honor Juneteenth (short for “June 19th”) which marks the end of slavery in the United States.

What is Juneteenth

While Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1st, 1863, only a tiny number of people were actually freed at that point.

In Texas, the last enslaved African Americans were declared free two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation and two long months after the fall of the city of Richmond.

Juneteenth, which commemorates the anniversary of that historical event, June 19th, 1865, has been observed and celebrated ever since.

Juneteenth is not just a pivotal landmark in American history for many Black Americans, but a representation of independence, freedom, and hope. A moment in time where the road to equality seemed more visible than it had ever been. Some of the most impactful pioneers in the history of civil rights were born from the breath of life that June 19th generated.

History of Juneteenth Celebrations

Juneteenth festivals could be observed extending from one state to another as formerly enslaved individuals relocated throughout the country.

Juneteenth celebrations commonly included singing, dancing, and coming together over food and fellowship.

Some of the first sightings of Black fashion have been connected to Juneteenth celebrations as clothing was a vital part of these festivities.

One way for formerly enslaved people to celebrate their emancipation was by wearing bright and vivid attire that they were unable to wear while enslaved. There are significant connections between those early festivities and modern-day Juneteenth gatherings that exist today.

Juneteenth Inspires

While we celebrate Juneteenth this weekend, let’s use this as an opportunity to remember that the fight for equality and liberty for Black Americans is not yet finished. Many injustices persist, and we must reflect on their impact on health and identity.

Today we fight to bridge the gap to access essential resources, education, healthcare, and equal opportunities, and representation that one day will be celebrated in ways that Juneteenth has paved the way for.

The True Meaning of Memorial Day

For many of us, memorial day is the unofficial start of summer. It’s the day the neighborhood pool opens. The day the parks, beaches, and amusement areas start filling up. The day the BBQs, picnics, and beach parties begin.

And it’s good that we enjoy these things. After all, it’s for these things that our service members fight.

But while we enjoy these freedoms, we should also take the time to remember why we honor memorial day in the first place.

History.com defines Memorial Day as,

“an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.”

Unlike Veteran’s Day, which honors all of our service members, Memorial Day is special in that it is a day of remembrance.

And for our veterans and for the families and loved-ones of fallen service members, Memorial Day is often a day of honor and pain. A day of remembering. A day of visiting graves and paying tribute to fallen friends and loved-ones.

History of Memorial Day

Memorial Day (formally Decoration Day) was declared a national holiday in 1971 but has been observed since the end of the American Civil War.

And while the tradition of visiting the graves of fallen soldiers began sometime during the civil war, the first recognized formal observance was held in May 1868 and annually after that.

The first recorded observance, however, actually occurred three years earlier, just after the end of the war. It was held by freed slaves in Charleston, South Carolina in honor of fallen union soldiers.

If you’re interested in learning more, this post from History.com is an excellent resource.

Memorial Day, Mental Health, and Veteran Suicide

While memorial day traditionally focuses on those who’ve given their lives while in active duty, it’s important that we not lose sight of those who’ve given all in service, whether their sacrifice occurred during active duty or after their service has ended.

Rates of mental health problems and suicide among vets and active duty service members are staggering and and have increased in recent years. Many sources indicate a rate of around 20 suicides per day.

According to an article by Militarytimes on the latest report on veteran suicide rates,

“The rate of suicide among veterans ticked upwards in recent years despite increased public attention and funding on the problem.”

It’s important to note that while this report was released in November 2020, the numbers reflect rates from 2015–2018. Data suggests that these rates have continued to increase and have escalated even more during the Covid-19 pandemic.

So, since May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, we’d like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to those who’ve lost their lives in service to this country — both on the battlefield and at home — and we’d like to remember those who are still with us but struggling.

Thank you. And thank you to the families of those we’ve lost. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Resources

Honoring The Fallen On Memorial Day

• Carry The Load
• How Do You Place A Flag On A Veteran’s Grave
• Wreaths Across America

Nonprofits Supporting Veteran & Military Families

• America’s Gold Star Families
• Highly-Rated Nonprofits Dedicated to Veterans and Military Service Members

Veteran Mental Health & Suicide Prevention

• Veteran Suicide Prevention
• Veteran Mental Health
• Mental Health Resources For The Military Community
  

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