Part of RiseUP means taking charge of your health. Understanding not only wellness, but illness. Making sure you have the best, most up-to-date thinking on a particular disease or condition so you can have an active voice in your care. Learning about national health observances can help you do just that.

A health observance is a special day, week or month Congress has set aside to focus on particular health topic. Typically, each month features multiple health topics. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services compiles all this information into one calendar of National Health Observances.

Most importantly, the calendar provides links to sponsoring organizations for more information about each health topic. These organizations typically advocate for patients coping with a disease or condition; they are here to help you help yourself. So click, read and learn.

More Information from Anthem

Anthem, the provider of UMS medical plan, offers its Healthy Solution Newsletter, packed with practical information you can use to improve your health, make wiser decisions about care and get the most value from your health care benefits.