Health awareness months are a great way to learn more about specific conditions, safety hazards, and symptoms that are highlighted each month.

For example, April is National Facial Protection Month, and while fortunately that doesn't mean that our kids have to wear gas masks to school, it is a good time to remember to make sure that they wear mouth guards, helmets, and protective eyewear when playing sports.

April is also:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month - learn about IBS or irritable bowel syndrome.
• National Autism Awareness Month - a great time to review the early signs of autism.
• National Child Abuse Prevention Month - learn to prevent child abuse and report child abuse if you think a child is being abused or neglected.
• National Youth Sports Safety Month - learning to play sports safely can help prevent many sports injuries.
• Occupational Therapy Month - occupational therapy can help your child with developmental delays.
• Sports Eye Safety Month - although most parents think that eye safety is limited to sports, it is important to remember that you need to prevent eye injuries everyday.