It’s the most common gastrointestinal disorder in the world. Between 25 million and 45 million people in the United States are living with it. It can lead to a poor quality of life, depression and anxiety. And its direct and indirect costs to society exceed $21 billion annually. And yet, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is rarely part of the overall healthcare conversation. That makes June, as Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month, the right time to learn about this widespread and often life-changing issue.

Most people are aware of the damage that a stroke can do. But what many may not know is just how frequently that damage is done. Each year, more than 795,000 people in America experience a stroke. Nearly 140,000 of those victims die, making stroke the fifth leading cause of death. And those who survive often face lifelong physical, mental and emotional disabilities — stroke causes more disabilities each year than accidents, diabetes and nervous system disorders like multiple sclerosis.

That’s why American Stroke month is the time to learn what you can do to prevent a stroke, and how to recognize the symptoms to minimize lasting, debilitating aftereffects.

Know your enemy during National Colorectal Cancer Month.

With the abundant publicity surrounding breast cancer, pancreatic cancer and skin cancer, one of the deadliest forms of this disease often flies under the radar: colorectal cancer. In fact, only lung cancer claims more lives each year than this indiscriminate killer. That’s what makes National Colorectal Cancer Month the right time to learn about detection, treatment and what you can do to improve your chances of prevention.

It’s time for mental health to become top-of-mind

World Mental Health Day is October 10. It’s a day that can’t come soon enough. Nearly one in five American adults lives with a mental illness that requires treatment. But estimates show that only half of those people receive treatment. That’s because unlike other diseases, mental illness still carries a social stigma that often dissuades people from seeking the treatment that can improve their lives — from their mood, to their emotions, to the ability to relate to other people.

Games, Sets, Matches, Sprains & Strains

It’s not only back-to-school time, it’s back-to-school-sports time. And by now the action is in full swing. While we’re enjoying the thrill of competition, we hold our breath a little bit at the prospect of injuries. Fortunately, most are minor sprains and strains that a little TLC can take care of without a long stint on the sidelines, or the trainer’s table.

THERE’S A LOT OF SUMMER LEFT. DON’T GET TICKED.

A look online at any map of tick activity tells you all you need to know: our corner of the world is swarming with them. And even though summer may be starting to wind down, tick activity remains high through December. That means your risk of contracting Lyme disease through a tick bite is still high. And that’s why you need to take every precaution to avoid contact.