May 31 is World No Tobacco Day. The World Health Organization began this global observance in 1987 to highlight the health risks associated with tobacco use and to encourage governments to adopt effective policies to reduce tobacco use.

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is the most common heart disease in children and young adults in developing countries. WiRED has updated its RHD module for students to describe this serious but completely preventable disease.

May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month and Clean Air Month, reminding us that we’re entering the season where many people become vulnerable to environmental conditions.

When recently asked about hepatitis, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) spokesperson Jonathan Mermin, M.D., said: “Why are so many Americans dying of this preventable, curable disease?” Dr. Mermin speculated that many deaths could be avoided with simple testing for and treatment of hepatitis.

Do you know the range for healthy blood pressure? Do you know the signs of stroke? The month of May is a good time to refresh your knowledge about these conditions, because this is National High Blood Pressure Month and American Stroke Awareness Month.

WiRED International’s board and volunteers wish to thank the VMware Foundation for its recent generous donation in honor of an employee (who wishes to remain anonymous) who has been with the company for many years. WiRED plans to spend the funds on its “Mothers’ and Children’s Health” program.

Summer is almost here. The season promises sun, fun — and alarmingly this year, the Zika virus.