World COPD Day

AAPA is a supporter of the National Lung Health Education Program (NLHEP) in collaboration with government, medical, and other health professional organizations. COPD is the fourth major cause of death in the United States. Because of this the NLHEP has been implemented to develop and promote a nationwide program designed to identify COPD in its early stages. The US COPD Coalition works to raise awareness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and to improve prevention and treatment of this lung disease.

Heartburn Awareness Month

AAPA has partnered with the National Heartburn Alliance (NHBA) to support its mission to provide a community of support for heartburn sufferers. NHBA provides free educational materials about the causes and effects of heartburn, as well as self-care tips that offer patients relief and improved quality of life. More than 60 million Americans suffer from heartburn, and PAs are encouraged to screen, educate, and treat patients for the condition.

National Family Caregivers Month

National Family Caregivers Month is a nationally recognized month that seeks to draw attention to the many challenges facing family caregivers, advocates for stronger public policy to address family caregiving issues, and raises awareness about community programs that support family caregivers. AAPA is a sponsoring organization of NFC Month. For more information visit the National Family Caregivers Association or call 800/896-3650.

National Drowsy Driving Prevention Week

November 2--8 is Drowsy Driving Prevention Week. Driving while drowsy is a major contributor to an estimated 100,000 motor vehicle crashes per year and results in more than 1,500 deaths nationwide. Additional information on this national campaign to save lives  is available from the National Sleep Foundation and CDC. AAPA is a national cosponsor of the campaign.