National Autoimmune & Chronic Disease Awareness Calendar 2024

CBD and Chronic Diseases

Did you know that CBD and turmeric may be help to manage the symptoms of many different chronic diseases and disorders including autoimmune diseases & non-autoimmune disorders?

Browse the list of autoimmune diseases, chronic illnesses and other related awareness months/days in our calendar below and learn more about each disease: 

JANUARY

Thyroid Awareness Month 

  • An estimated 200 million people across the world are living with some form of thyroid disease including Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Grave's Disease, both of which are autoimmune diseases

National Glaucoma Awareness Month

  • Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased intraocular pressure, leading to progressive vision loss and potentially blindness if untreated.

FEBRUARY

American Heart Month

  • Heart issues are often seen in people with autoimmune diseases including but not limited to:
    • Vasculitis
    • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
    • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
    • Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
    • Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD)
    • and more

Raynaud's Awareness Month

  • Raynaud's disease is a condition characterized by episodic vasoconstriction of blood vessels, typically in the hands and feet but also sometimes seen in the nose, ears and rarely, the nipples (especially in pregnant or nursing women). Raynaud's can lead to reduced blood flow in the affected areas and may cause numbness, tingling, pain and in more severe cases, tissue damage.

MARCH

Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month

Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath around nerve fibers in the central nervous system, leading to communication disruptions between the brain and body, and causing a wide range of physical and cognitive symptoms.

National Endometriosis Awareness Month

  • Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain, irregular bleeding, and potential fertility issues.

APRIL

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month (IBS Awareness)

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, without any detectable structural abnormalities.
    • National Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Day - April 19th, 2024

Sjögren's Syndrome Awareness Month 

  • Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the body's moisture-producing glands, causing symptoms like dry eyes and dry mouth, and can also impact other organs and systems.

Sarcoidosis Awareness Month

  • Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of tiny clumps of immune cells (granulomas) in various organs, most commonly the lungs and lymph nodes, which can lead to organ dysfunction.

Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month

  • Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement, causing tremors, stiffness and balance problems due to the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain.

MAY

Lupus Awareness Month 

  • Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks various organs and tissues in the body, leading to inflammation and when severe enough, even organ damage. 

Fibromyalgia Awareness Month 

  • Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and heightened sensitivity to touch, often accompanied by sleep disturbances, cognitive issues and mood changes.

Arthritis Awareness Month 

  • There are over 100 different types of arthritis, both autoimmune arthritis and non-autoimmune arthritis. These disorders are also sometimes referred to as rheumatic disorders. Some of these include:
    • Osteoarthritis (OA)
    • Inflammatory Arthritis
    • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
    • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
    • Ankylosing Spondylitis
    • Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
    • Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
    • Sjögren's Syndrome
    • Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD)
    • Septic Arthritis

Celiac Awareness Month 

  • Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the ingestion of gluten (protein found in wheat) triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine, leading to nutrient malabsorption and various digestive and systemic symptoms.

Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month 

  • Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics. (Celebrated May 15th - June 15th)

Mental Health Awareness Month

Days:

May 10th 2024 - World Lupus Day

May 12th, 2024 - Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) & Fibromyalgia International Awareness Day 

May 19th, 2024 World IBD Day (Inflammatory Bowel Disease which includes Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis)

JUNE

Scleroderma Awareness Month 

  • Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues, which can also affect internal organs like the heart, kidneys and lungs, leading to impaired function and potentially serious complications.

Vitiligo Awareness Month

  • Vitiligo is a skin condition where the immune system destroys melanin-producing cells, leading to the development of white patches on the skin.

Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month

  • Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder that causes weakness in the voluntary muscles due to impaired communication between nerves and muscles.

    Men's Health Month

    June 25th, 2024 - World Vitiligo Day

    JULY 

    Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month

    • Juvenile arthritis is a term used for a group of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that affect children, causing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, which can impact growth and development.
    • Juvenile arthritis affects nearly 300,000 kids and teens in the United States

    Grave's Disease Awareness Month

    • Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, leading to an overactive thyroid gland and symptoms like weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and bulging eyes.

    Days: 

    July 23rd, 2024 World Sjögren's Day

    AUGUST

    Psoriasis Awareness Month

    • Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches that can be itchy and painful, caused by an overactive immune response.

    Gastroparesis Awareness Month

    Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach’s ability to empty its contents is delayed due to impaired muscle function or nerve damage, leading to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort.

      SEPTEMBER

      Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month 

      • Rheumatic disease is an umbrella term that refers to arthritis and several other conditions that affect the joints, tendons, muscle, ligaments, bones, and muscles. 
      • Some common rheumatic autoimmune diseases include, but are not limited to: 
        • Rheumatoid Arthritis 
        • Lupus
        • Psoriatic Arthritis
        • Scleroderma
        • Sjögren's Syndrome
        • Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder (MCTD)
        • Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) 

      Pain Awareness Month

      • National Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Month
      • Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder where red blood cells become abnormally shaped, leading to blockages in blood flow, pain, and increased risk of infections.

      Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness Month

      • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that causes irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen levels, and ovarian cysts, leading to symptoms such as acne, weight gain, and infertility.

      Interstitial Cystitis Awareness Month

      • Interstitial cystitis is a chronic bladder condition characterized by pelvic pain, frequent and urgent need to urinate and discomfort that can be relieved by bladder emptying.

      Days:

      September 13th, 2024 - Celiac Awareness Day 

      OCTOBER

      National Eczema Awareness Month 

      • Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation, redness, and itching, often resulting in dry, cracked skin due to an overactive immune response.

      National ADHD Awareness Month

      • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning.

      NOVEMBER

      Crohn's & Colitis Awareness Month

      • Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are both types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, with Crohn's affecting any part from mouth to anus and ulcerative colitis primarily impacting the colon and rectum.

      American Diabetes Month 

      • There are 3 types of diabetes - Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes. While only Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease, all types of diabetes are more common in those living with various autoimmune diseases.

      National Epilepsy Awareness Month

      • Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

      DECEMBER

      December 3rd, 2024, International Day of Persons with Disabilities