Can your birth month tell you what types of illnesses you'll have? What body parts you need to be more mindful of? What risk you have of contracting different ailments? If one study is to be believed, yes. The study, which was published in 2015, suggests that the month you were born can have an effect illnesses, diseases, or ailments.
The study combed the records of 1.75 million patients born between 1900 and 2000 who had been treated at Columbia University Medical Center. Researchers compared those records to 1688 diseases and found a correlation between 55 diseases (including ADHD, asthma, and even ear infections) and birth month. The Washington Post examined these and found that while the beginning months of the year were more susceptible to things like cardiovascular disease and asthma, people born toward the end of the year were generally more likely to have ADHD and other ailments.
According to U.S. News and World Report, researchers think that the pregnant mothers' exposure to certain seasonal conditions could be a factor when it came to the child's health. For example, a woman pregnant during warmer months might get more vitamin D exposure, while a woman expecting during colder months, might be exposed to the flu virus.
Of course, the study should be taken with a grain of salt—it's specific to New York City, and the doctors emphasize that environmental and genetic factors are more indicative of whether you might contract a disease or illness.
Here, a list of the increased risk factors for ailments affecting each month. This doesn’t note the good things—like the protective advantages per month—so you’ll need to do a deeper dive into the study (and your medical background) for that.
January: January babies need to keep an eye on their hearts, with a focus on high blood pressure and heart disease.
February: February babies have a higher likelihood of malignant lung tumors and bronchitis.
March: March babies are more apt to have heart disease and circulatory issues.
April: April babies are more likely to have heart issues.
May: No correlations. Lucky!
June: Asthma is something people born in June should keep an eye on.
July: No correlations here. Lucky!
August: Sorry, August babies—eye infections are more common.
September: There are correlations to eye infections, respiratory infections, asthma, psychosocial issues, and fevers.
October: October babies need to be wary of lung and respiratory problems, viral infections, eyesight problems, and stomach issues.
November: November babies need to be aware of correlations to ADHD, colon issues, tonsillitis, and learning difficulties.
December: Nothing major here, but December birthdays are more apt to bruising.
Next up: 15 Wellness Books That Will Change Your Body and Mind
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.
