Air Force Health Themes: Women’s Health; Depression Awareness Published Oct. 7, 2016 17th Medical Group October marks Women’s Health Month, an opportunity to increase awareness about health issues important to women such as heart disease, breast and ovarian cancer, stroke, diabetes, chronic lower respiratory diseases, obesity and heart disease. This month the Mental Health Service will focus on the importance of recognizing preventable health problems and encouraging early detection and treatment of disease among women in the Defense Department community.The Air Force Medicine Service’s primary focus in October is patient centeredness. Patient centeredness is about putting the needs and wants of the patient first. It ties into being a high-reliability organization and providing trusted care. Patient centeredness requires strong, encouraging, leadership and a staff that has the passion to get to know what each individual patient needs.October is also a month to raise awareness about depression. Depression has strong connections to many other important themes covered recently, like post-traumatic stress disorder, mental health and suicide. It is important to explore its impact on Airmen, what they can do to seek help, and what the Air Force is doing to keep Airmen from getting depressed. The campaign for Suicide Prevention Month 2016, #BeThere, will encourage people to think about the many ways they can help themselves, a service member, veteran or beneficiary feel less alone. The theme also emphasizes helping those who are having thoughts of suicide find resources. It will explain through thoughtful messaging that everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention and will inspire communities to share and take action to support service members, veterans and family members.
