Autism Awareness Month shines a needed spotlight on this complex condition

There are few health topics as prevalent in the public mind these days than autism. It is a condition for which we are only beginning to finally glean some much-needed awareness. The rate of autism in children is a particularly wide concern, and parents, educators, physicians and researcher all looking for answers. Now add to the fact that there is a lot of misinformation out there, and you can see how this is an issue where greater public awareness and education are of particular importance.

That’s why we’re spreading the word that April is Autism Awareness Month. Nationwide there will be a host of activities, ranging from congressional and presidential recognitions to online events to community programs. A particular emphasis this year is not only education and awareness, but also acceptance, to make sure those with autism are welcomed and integrated into society as a whole.

Do you know someone on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or who has been affected by autism, and is making a difference? If so, how about nominating this certain someone online for some attention through social media? The 1Power4Autism initiative promotes individuals who make a difference for autism. There are also walks, races, triathlons, silent auctions, etc., to raise public interaction and awareness.

There doesn’t have to be any gloom and doom about Autism Awareness Month. Put on the Puzzle Ribbon, a festive, multi-colored ribbon to be worn in April, reminding us not only of spring and rebirth but also that autism is a part of every community, every ethnicity and creed and level of society, and all individuals touched by it deserve a voice. Scrubin also has some great scrubs to let you show your support as well. Check out the Rainbow Puzzle and Au-Some scrubs for medical professionals, and add dash of springtime color that also promote autism awareness and acceptance to your work wardrobe!

Autism now affects one in 68 children. Research, guided care, special education and outreach can go a long way toward a positive impact in the lives of these children. So make a donation to the Autism Society, which has more than a hundred affiliates across the nation, offering a bevy of services and programs. With so many ways to show support and encouragement to those with ASD and the people who love them, it’s easy to find a way to get plugged in.

 

A double dose of gratitude for National Dentist's & National Doctor's Days

It is nice to every now and then take time out of our chronic busyness and give a big thank you to some men and women in the healthcare profession who really deserve it. March brings us both National Dentist’s Day (3/6) and National Doctor’s Day (3/30), so join us this month in showing our appreciation!

Perhaps not high on anyone’s list of favorite things, regular visits to the dentist’s office are necessary to insure healthy teeth and gums and to keep our smiles sparkling. And for anyone who’s ever experienced an abscess tooth or oral pain, the dentist comes as a godsend. Dentists help us look our best and feel the best about ourselves. We’re proud here at Scrubin to take chance to say thanks!

So, outside of a hearty “job well done” and a kind word, what is the best way to show gratitude to all the dentists out there? The best way to appreciate their work is to honor it, and that means making sure to practice good habits for oral health care. That means what we all think it means: thorough brushing every day (more than once a day is preferable), flossing and regular visits to the dentist. Laying off some of those other, not so healthy habits would be nice too (ditch the tobacco, and do any of us really need ANOTHER cup of coffee?). On the treatment side, if you’ve had any dental discomfort — bleeding gums, or undue sensitivity to hot or cold — delay no longer in getting it checked out.

And rather than restricting appreciation to just your own dentist, post on social media to say thank you to all the dental professionals out there, and contribute a little to everyone’s mindfulness about good oral health. Get those hashtags ready!

And now to the physicians. The doctor is a figure associated with some foreboding, some frustration, probably lots of emotions at once. None of us perhaps like seeing them per se, even if they are the kindest person we know. But we all can be thankful and grateful that they are there when we need them. Our physicians are literally our go-to people for our healthcare needs, from primary care to specialized treatments, from routine checkups to complicated surgeries and innovative treatment options. March 30^th is National Doctor’s Day, an excellent opportunity to take one day out of the year and show our doctors how much we appreciate them outside of some health scare.

There are numerous ways to say thank you, from a nice card to a thoughtful e-mail. Again though, the best way to honor their contributions is to spread the word about good health habits. Practice what you preach: if you’ve been procrastinating, go ahead and schedule that physical!

Also, there are some materials and items, from coffee mugs to stickers to stamps that put the word out there about National Doctor’s Day. Browse here!

To our dentists and doctors, thank you for your service and here’s to many more years of helping all of us with our health!