Every day, we take about 20,000 breaths without a second thought… until breathing becomes difficult. Today, we raise awareness about the “Big Five” lung diseases:
Asthma, COPD, Acute Lower Respiratory Infections, Lung Cancer, and Tuberculosis.
🔴 Lung diseases cause 1 in 6 deaths worldwide.
⚠️ 1.76 million people die from lung cancer each year (the most deadly cancer)
🚭 Quitting smoking at any age significantly lowers your risk.
🌬️ COPD is the 3rd leading cause of death globally.
Let’s protect our lungs and our future by taking action:
✅ Breathe clean air
✅ Get regular checkups
✅ Quit smoking
✅ Raise your voice for lung health

🫁 Your lungs matter. You matter.
📚 Learn more:
🌐 https://firsnet.org/world-lung-day-2025/ (Forum of International Respiratory Societies)
🌐 https://www.lung.org/ (American Lung Association) 

 Why You Should Get Your Flu Shot Before the Peak

As the weather cools down, flu season starts to heat up — and that means it’s time to think seriously about your annual flu shot. At Veritas Family Medicine, we want to help you stay healthy, protect your loved ones, and avoid the worst of flu season by getting vaccinated early.

Let’s break down what you need to know and why timing really matters.

💉 Why You Should Get Your Flu Shot Early

It takes about two weeks after getting your flu shot for your body to develop full protection. So, if you wait until flu activity is already high in your area, you may not be protected in time.

Getting your flu shot early (in September or October) offers the best chance to:

• ✅ Build immunity before flu viruses become widespread
• ✅ Protect those around you , especially infants, seniors, and people with chronic illnesses
• ✅ Avoid missing work, school, or holiday gatherings due to illness
• ✅ Reduce your chances of serious complications like pneumonia or hospitalization

📚 Learn more:

🌐 CDC – Flu Season Resources (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
🌐 WHO – Influenza Facts & Prevention (World Health Organization)
🌐 American Lung Association – Flu Prevention Tips (American Lung Association)
🌐 CDC – Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccines (CDC Vaccination Info)

Every year on September 21, we come together globally to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
This day is a powerful reminder of the 55+ million people worldwide affected by this devastating disease and the families, caregivers, and communities who stand beside them.
You can make a difference.
- Share facts and stories
- Support a fundraiser
- Talk to a loved one about dementia
- Be part of the conversation

Together, we honor memories, even as they fade.
If you would like to make a donation or learn more about Alzheimer’s disease click the link below. 

https://www.alz.org/about/awareness-initiatives/world-alzheimers-day

💪Physical: Move your body, eat nourishing food, get enough sleep, stay hydrated, and limit harmful substances.
🧠 Mental/Emotional: Practice mindfulness or meditation, journal thoughts or feelings, talk to someone you trust, take breaks and rest.
🤝 Social: Connect with supportive people, set boundaries, and spend quality time with others.
🌱 Spiritual/Reflective: Practice gratitude, spend time in nature, and reflect on values or purpose.
⏰ Routine & Boundaries: Create a daily routine, say “no” when needed, and limit screen time.
🎨 Creative/Exploratory: Try a new hobby, do something fun or relaxing, and allow space for spontaneity.

Helpful Resources!!!

https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2025/06/24/default-calendar/self-care-month-2025?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Self-Care Month 2025"

https://www.teladoc.com/health-talk/5-self-care-strategies/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Self-Care Strategies - 5 Tips for Self-Care | Teladoc"

https://bewell.stanford.edu/self-care-strategies-and-challenges/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Self-care strategies and challenges - Stanford BeWell"

https://www.mountcarmelhealth.com/blog-articles/self-care?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Self-Care | Mount Carmel Health System"

https://www.arizonacollege.edu/blog/self-care-month-how-to-avoid-two-sneaky-stress-starters/

At the heart of quality healthcare is patient safety, and today, we stand together to promote safer care for everyone. World Patient Safety Day is a global initiative that highlights the importance of preventing harm in healthcare settings, by ensuring good hygiene, proper medication use, and open communication between patients and providers.

Together, let’s reduce preventable harm and create a safer, more transparent healthcare environment for all.

🔸 We follow strict hand hygiene and infection control protocols.
🔸 Our staff is trained in emergency response and patient communication.
🔸 Prescriptions and dosages are double-checked to prevent errors.
🔸 All patient records are kept secure through protected digital systems.

💬 What can YOU do?
✔️ Speak up if something doesn’t feel right (you know your body best.)
✔️ Wash your hands — and encourage others to do the same.
✔️ Ask questions — because informed patients are safer patients. 

Sept 7–13, This year’s theme is "Ageless Adventure," a reminder that no matter our age, life is still full of joy, growth, and new experiences. 🧡 Join us as we honor our residents, caregivers, and the vibrant community that makes aging a beautiful journey.

Let’s also recognize the importance of independence and the simple steps we can all take to stay strong, safe, and supported as we age. 

Helpful Links: 

• National Assisted Living Week – NCAL / AHCA — Planning guides, graphics, toolkits, and official resources AHCA/NCAL
   
• “Get Ready for National Assisted Living Week 2025” — Blog post with ideas and resources for 2025 celebrations AHCA/NCAL
   
• “’Ageless Adventure’ Revealed as Theme for National Assisted Living Week 2025” — Official announcement of the 2025 theme AHCA/NCAL