“For many children, symptoms improve with age and behavioral treatment. During adolescence, some children with ASD may become depressed or experience behavioral problems, and their treatment may need some modification as they transition to adulthood.”

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

“The latest analysis estimates that 1 in 68 children has ASD.”

CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

“Thyroid nodules are solid or fluid-filled lumps that form within your thyroid, a small gland located at the base of your neck, just above your breastbone.  Treatment depends on the type of nodule. A goiter can sometimes occur when your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism).”

MAYO Clinic

“Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of certain important hormones.  Women, especially those older than age 60, are more likely to have hypothyroidism.  It upsets normal balance of chemical reactions in your body.  Unlikely symptoms in the early stages, but over time, untreated it can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease.”

MAYO Clinic

“The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has developed the CAGE questionnaire to help the alcoholic or family to determine if alcohol use is problematic.

• Have you ever felt you should Cut down on your drinking?
• Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
• Have you ever felt bad or Guilty about your drinking?
• Have you ever had a drink the first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover (Eye opener)?”

Go to striveforgoodhealth.com and learn more in Alcohol Awareness Month in Part II.

“More than 7 percent of all American adults have an alcohol use disorder. These adults drink too much, too often, and in ways that harm their health, their happiness, and their relationships. An intervention, in which the family outlines alcohol’s consequences, can push these people to enter treatment programs. Once there, counseling sessions, relapse prevention coaching, and support group work can help to support recovery.”

AmericanAddictionCenters.org

“Nearly 1 in 5 women and 1 in 67 men in the U.S. have experienced rape or attempted rape at some time in their lives. The more we spread awareness and educate folks on the issue, the more allies we have in the effort to support survivors and prevent sexual violence before it happens.”

NSRVC (National Sexual Violence Resource Center)

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is an annual campaign to raise public awareness about sexual assault and educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence.  It is observed in April.

Each year during the month of April, state, territory, tribal and community-based organizations, rape crisis centers, government agencies, businesses, campuses and individuals plan events and activities to highlight sexual violence as a public health, human rights and social justice issue and reinforce the need for prevention efforts.

Prevent sexual assault before it starts.

Sexual violence is a hard topic to many to be able to talk about if not at least awkward to many.  Yet sexual assault is a very serious public health problem that affects millions of women and men that the public should be made aware about.

In the United States, 1 in 5 women have experienced completed or attempted rape, and about 1 in 15 men have been made to penetrate someone in their lifetime. Most victims first experienced sexual violence before age 25.

Statistics underestimate the problem because many victims do not tell the police, family, or friends about the violence.

Our ultimate goal is to call attention to and stop sexual violence before it begins.

Sexual violence also includes

• Unwanted sexual contact
• Non-contact, unwanted sexual experiences (such as verbal sexual harassment)

Sexual violence can be committed by anyone.

• A current or former intimate partner
• A family member
• A person in position of power or trust
• A friend or acquaintance
• A stranger, or someone known only by sight

Sexual violence impacts health in many ways and can lead to long-term physical and mental health problems. For example, victims may experience chronic pain, headaches, and sexually transmitted diseases. They are often fearful or anxious and may have problems trusting others. Anger and stress can lead to eating disorders, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.

The key is PREVENTION:

How?

1. Define the problem.
2. Identify risk and protective factors.
3. Develop and test prevention strategies.
4. Assure widespread adoption.
5. The ultimate goal is to stop sexual violence before it begins.

For further info. go to the internet covering this topic in more detail like the National Sexual Violence Resource Center or MAYO clinic or CDC.