Provider Quality

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Each year, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer than with any other type of cancer. There are three types of skin cancer: basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma. They all require medical attention, but melanoma is the most serious as it is most likely to spread to other parts of the body.

May is Healthy Vision Month. This is a great opportunity to learn how to keep your eyes healthy and safe. The National Eye Institute encourages you to: • Get an eye exam. This is the best way to check your vision and know if your eyes are healthy. Talk to your eye doctor about how often you should have one. • Live a healthy lifestyle. Maintain a healthy weight and eat foods like fish and dark leafy green vegetables to lower your risk of eye disease. Don't smoke. Smoking is as bad for your eyes as it is for the rest of your body.

As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside families during some of their most vulnerable moments. We tend to view childhood as a carefree time that evolves into stress and anxiety once the pressures of adulthood set in. However, that is not the case. One thing remains clear: mental health is just as important as physical health — and this is especially true for children. Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week is an opportunity to reflect on how we can better support young people and break down the barriers that prevent them from thriving.