Disability Rights of West Virginia

11/04/2026

Diabetic Eye Disease Month in November aims a spotlight at of the disease. It's a time to learn what you can do during Diabetic Eye Disease Month to be supportive of those who have it and those who are at risk.

The biggest concern with diabetic eye disease is that there are no warning signs. When you have diabetes, the best course of action is to be proactive. Diabetes increases the risk for a wide variety of health concerns, but vision loss is one of the most common and preventable.

Getting an annual comprehensive dilated eye exam is essential. It's not enough to have a routine eye exam when you have diabetes. Make sure your ophthalmologist knows your health history and that you are requesting the correct exam. Follow the link to learn more.

Diabetic Eye Disease Month in November aims a spotlight at of the disease. It's a time to learn what you can do during Diabetic Eye Disease Month to be supportive of those who have it and those who are at risk.

11/04/2026

National Family Caregivers Month in November recognizes the dedication of family members who provide round the clock care to loved ones. The month sheds light into their demanding days, but it also identifies their needs.

When medical conditions demand attention, family step into roles, they are often unprepared to accept. They become caregivers instead of partners or friends. Sometimes this change occurs in an instant.

From morning to night, a caregiver balances the needs of the patient and their family. They also see to financial matters and the household necessities. Caregivers rarely have time for themselves. There's always another thing to be done. However, a caregiver requires rest, too. Follow the link to learn more and ways you can help.

National Family Caregivers Month in November recognizes the dedication of family members who provide round the clock care to loved ones. The month sheds light into their demanding days, but it also identifies their needs.

11/03/2026

This November, "Where Community Sparks Hope" serves as a reminder that no one impacted by epilepsy should have to navigate their journey alone. Hope grows through the connections we build with family, friends, caregivers, healthcare providers, advocates, and peers who offer support, understanding, and encouragement. During NEAM, we invite everyone to come together to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and strengthen the community that helps people with epilepsy thrive.

Follow the link to learn ways you can become involved.

November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month (NEAM). By going "All In for NEAM", we can educate others & address stigma.

11/03/2026

Long-Term Care Awareness Month is observed every November. Today we are asking everyone to show support to those giving and receiving long-term care.

Did you know that 70% of men and women over the age of 65 will need some kind of long-term care services? This kind of care can be very expensive and can take a toll on the family as a whole as they try to figure out payment, roles of family members, and other logistics of making long-term decisions for a loved one. When taking care of someone long term, it usually means feeding them, helping with personal care, bathing them, and helping with other daily tasks.

The more we understand the emotional, physical, and economic toll that long-term care can take on loved ones, the more we can prepare for our own futures so we don't become a burden to the people we love the most. Follow the link to learn more.

Long-Term Care Awareness Month is an annual designation observed in November. Today we are asking everyone to show support to those giving and receiving long-term care. Here's a list of statistics surrounding long-term care.

11/02/2026

National Home Care and Hospice Month in November recognizes the dedicated professionals who make a daily difference in the lives of the people they serve.

Home health care and hospice caregivers come in many roles, from therapists and aids, administrators and nurses, CNAs and social workers. Their compassion and attention to detail improve the lives of every resident under their care. Their patience and time provide improved quality of life and peace of mind for family members. The month celebrates these qualities and so much more.

Both home care and hospice care can be provided in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and patients' homes. Caregivers deliver a variety of duties from personal care to medical services with compassion and professionalism. Their days may be long and demanding, but they provide support to those who need it most.

National Home Care and Hospice Month is a good opportunity to learn more about home and hospice care. Follow the link.

National Home Care and Hospice Month in November recognizes the dedicated professionals who make a daily difference in the lives of the people they serve.

11/02/2026

National Alzheimer's Disease Month in November shines a spotlight on the most common form of dementia. While the entire month is dedicated to raising awareness about the disease, it also focuses on increasing support for caregivers and sharing available resources.

If you think it only affects seniors, you'd be wrong. Early-onset Alzheimer's targets those under the age of 65. Over time, the disease becomes debilitating because of its progressive nature. Available treatments slow the progression, but there is no cure.

Caregivers provide 24-hour care in most circumstances. As the disease progresses, the stress becomes overwhelming. Often, they receive respite from visitors but many become isolated as time passes. A broad spectrum of resources from support groups to memory care and educational tools provides caregivers assistance.

Follow the link to learn more.

National Alzheimer's Disease Month in November shines a spotlight on the most common form of dementia. While the entire month is dedicated to raising awareness about the disease, it also focuses on increasing support for caregivers and sharing available resources.

11/02/2026

In November, American Diabetes Month focuses attention on the growing cost of diabetes on America's health.

Diabetes impacts more than 30 million people in the United States. From the physical, emotional, and social effects to the financial and damaging health consequences, diabetes can happen to anyone.

There are two types of diabetes. While Type 1 diabetes is not as preventable, it can be managed well with insulin injections. Managing Type 1 diabetes might also require frequent blood sugar monitoring, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. Education is key to learning how to manage symptoms of Type 1 diabetes. However, type 2 is much more preventable, and some actions can be taken.

• Get a physical. Regular checkups let us know where we stand and what changes we need to make. Ask questions, too!
• When we make small changes, we are more likely to stick with them. So, add one or two small changes at a time, instead of huge sweeping changes.
• Keep track of your goals. We are more likely to be honest if we write down our daily intake than if we just guess.
• Get a buddy. It's more fun when we make changes together than if we go it alone.
• Follow the link to learn more.

In November, National Diabetes Month focuses attention on the growing cost of diabetes on American's health.

10/31/2026

10/29/2026

World Stroke Day, on October 29, seeks to emphasize the serious nature and high rates of stroke. The day is also observed to raise awareness of the prevention and treatment of strokes.

Fifteen million people around the world have strokes each year. It's also the leading cause of disability. A stroke may cause paralysis, sensory disturbances, aphasia, and emotional disturbances.

Knowing the early warning signs of stroke saves lives. Early symptoms of a stroke usually happen suddenly. So, think F.A.S.T. if you notice yourself or a loved one with any of these symptoms:
F = Facial Weakness
A = Arm Weakness
S = Speech difficulty
T = Time loss is brain loss. Call 911 when these symptoms are present. Don't wait!

World Stroke Day, on October 29, seeks to emphasize the serious nature and high rates of stroke. The day is also observed to raise awareness of the prevention and treatment of strokes.