Health Maintenance & Awareness
At Iuka Family Clinic, your health and well-being are our top priority. Feel free to visit this page for regular health awareness and maintenance updates! We want to make sure you are informed of the latest and best health advice.
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month
Cervical cancer screening is an important part of preventive care for women ages 21 to 65. Routine screening every 3–5 years, depending on the test used, can detect cervical cancer early or identify changes before cancer develops. Most primary care providers offer this service, making it easy to stay up to date. If you’re due for screening, now is the perfect time to schedule.
July is UV Safety Awareness Month.
This month serves as a vital reminder to protect your skin and eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is the leading cause of skin cancer. Key ways to minimize sun damage are Seek Shade, Apply Sunscreen, and Wear Protective Gear. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during peak hours between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours. Dress in UPF clothing, broad-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Visit the American Academy of Dermatology for more information.
February is American Heart Month
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, but many heart conditions are preventable. Regular checkups, blood pressure and cholesterol screening, healthy nutrition, physical activity, and tobacco cessation all play a key role in protecting heart health. American Heart Month is a great time to focus on prevention and take steps toward a healthier heart.
Join the Nation of Lifesavers. Learn CPR today: https://www.heart.org/en/nation-of-lifesavers
National "Wear Red Day"
National Wear Red Day, observed on February 6, 2026, raises awareness about heart disease—the leading cause of death for women. Wearing red is a simple way to show support, spark conversations, and emphasize the importance of heart‑healthy lifestyles and prevention.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month highlights the importance of early detection and prevention. Screening is recommended starting at age 45 and can help find colorectal cancer early—when it’s most treatable—or prevent it by identifying precancerous polyps. Screening options include colonoscopy or noninvasive DNA-based stool tests, making prevention and early detection more accessible than ever.
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Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/colorectal-cancer/screening/
National "Dress in Blue Day"
Dress in Blue Day on March 6, 2026, raises awareness about colorectal cancer, the importance of prevention and early detection, and shows support for survivors and their families. Wearing blue helps spark conversations and encourages timely screening that can save lives.
March 30, 2026 is National Doctors Day
Doctors Day on March 30, 2026, is an opportunity to recognize and thank physicians for their dedication, compassion, and commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services. Take this opportunity to express your own gratitude and appreciation for the physicians who care for you and your family.
Tips for Staying Healthy In Winter
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Boost Your Immune System: Frequent hand washing, Eat foods with Vitamin C, D, and Zinc (citrus, leafy greens, yogurt, salmon), Stay hydrated, Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
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Stay Active & Warm: Exercise (indoor or outdoor activities to boost immunity and mood), Layer up (loose layers, warm socks, hats, and mittens when outdoors), Safety First (take breaks during outdoor activities and limit time in the cold).
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Protect Your Mental & Skin Health: Manage stress (relax, connect with family), Get sunlight (spend time outdoors or in sunshine), Moisturize (combat dry skin with lotions and a humidifier).
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Prevent Germ Spread: Disinfect surfaces, avoid touching your face, and stay home when sick.
April is National Donate Life Month
April is National Donate Life Month, which provides education and encouragement for Americans to register as donors for organ, eye, and tissue. To learn more visit donatelife.net.
April is Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month
This month reminds us all of the importance of routine cancer screenings. Cancer screenings help detect any problems early, which means better outcomes for your health -- more treatment options, more healthy days, and more time with your loved ones. Talk with your doctor or visit preventcancer.org to determine what type of screenings are needed at every age. If you are uninsured, this site also has information on free and low-cost screening options.
National Nurses Week
May 6-12 is National Nurses Week, recognizing the invaluable contributions nurses make in healthcare and our lives while addressing the real-life challenges they face every day. Nurses are more than caregivers - they are the heart of healthcare. With compassion and resilience, nurses are value-generating clinicians essential to healthcare’s success. Give nurses you know a shout out and thank them for their hard work, especially during these challenging times. Celebrate their dedication and commitment to their patients and their profession, and tell someone about the excellent care you've received from a nurse.
May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month
This month is dedicated to raising awareness about hypertension, a "silent killer" affecting nearly half of U.S. adults. Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, but many don’t even know they have it. Most of the time there are usually no obvious symptoms of high blood pressure. When left untreated, the damage that high blood pressure does to your circulatory system is a significant contributing factor to heart attack stroke. The best way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked in a health care setting. Visit heart.org for more information.
June is Men's Health Month
Men in the United States die an average of 5 years earlier than women, with the leading causes of death being heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries. June is Men's Health Month, encouraging men to take control of their health, and for families to teach boys and young men healthy habits to last a lifetime.
Take the time this month to "get your engine light checked." Book an Annual Physical with primary care for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose screenings. This is your best defense against "silent" killers like heart disease. Ask your doctor if it is time to screen for prostate cancer, as it is one of the most common cancers among men. Remember your mental health! Chronic stress increases your risk of heart disease and depression. Asking for help if you are struggling is a sign of massive strength.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Screening is now recommended for anyone age 50+ with at least a 20 pack-year history (1 ppd 20 yrs, 2 ppd 10 yrs, etc.) who currently smokes or has quit within the past 15 years. Medicare and most other insurances are covering this CT scan as a preventive service. "Talk with your doctor today if you think you are a candidate," or something of that nature. Catching early improves survival by 65%.