Tag Archives: health

World Osteoporosis Day

by on 20. Oct, 2013 in Unofficial Holidays

Milk glassWhat is World Osteoporosis Day?

World Osteoporosis Day (WOD) was founded by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) to inform people on how they can prevent this silent bone disease by raising awareness about osteoporosis and the risk factors that can lead to the disease.

Learn more about osteoporosis, symptoms, risk factors, prevention and treatment here.

When is World Osteoporosis Day?

October 20 of each year.

How does IOF raise osteoporosis awareness?

Each year, the IOF focuses on a particular theme related to osteoporosis  and launches a year-long campaign to raise awareness of osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis and treatment. This year’s theme is “3 Steps to Unbreakable Bones: Vitamin D, Calcium and Exercise.” Find out how to build strong bones and prevent osteoporosis here.

Sources: iofbonehealth.org, worldosteoporosisday.org
Photo Source: By Stefan Kühn (Own work) CC-BY-SA-3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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World Egg Day

by on 11. Oct, 2013 in Food Holidays

Today is World Egg Day!

The International Egg Commission proclaimed the second Friday in October World Egg Day as an event to celebrate the egg all over the world. First celebrated in 1996, World Egg Day is meant to help raise awareness on the benefits of eggs and their potential to feed the world.

Why have a day just for honoring eggs? Here are just a few reasons:

1) Eggs are one of the most versatile foods on the market. Whether you’re eating them for breakfast – scrambled, fried, poached, baked – using them to bake a cake, or to enrich your favorite sauce, eggs can be utilized in a variety of ways to make any meal delicious.

2) Eggs have a high nutrient density. They provide 12% of the Daily Value for protein as well as other nutrients such as vitamin A, B6, B12, folate, iron, phosphorus, and zinc. The quality of protein in eggs is so high that they are used as the standard by which the protein quality of other foods is measured by scientists. All the important amino acids, the building blocks of body protein, are found in an egg in the right proportions for your body’s needs. Egg yolk is also an excellent source of choline which helps form brain tissue and plays a role in preventing heart disease.

3) If you are interested in weight loss, research indicates that increased protein and reduced carbohydrate intake stabilizes blood sugar between meals, which can lead to reduced between-meal snacking.

4) Economically and nutritionally, studies have proven that eggs are one of the best protein buys.

World Egg Day is celebrated in countries across the globe with egg cookery shows, egg painting, special consumer discounts on eggs, and egg giveaways and seminars where visitors are told the beneficial properties of eggs. Some places even have festivals featuring music and various egg competitions bringing people together to celebrate the egg. You can celebrate at home by trying out new recipes including eggs and learning more about their health benefits.

Sources: International Egg Commission, thinkegg.com

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Melanoma Monday

by on 06. May, 2013 in Unofficial Holidays

The American Academy of Dermatology has designated the first Monday in May as Melanoma Monday. In 2013, Melanoma Monday is on May 6.

Melanoma Monday is part of a national effort to raise skin cancer awareness among Americans. People are encouraged to get an examination of their skin to screen for cancer, as early detection has been instrumental in saving lives. Wear orange on Melanoma Monday to help spread skin cancer awareness.

The scary, but true reality is that 1 in 5 Americans will be diagnosed with a form of skin cancer at some point in their life. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in America, and melanoma (the deadliest form) is most often found in 25 to 29 year olds.

Despite these frightening statistics, there are steps you can take to protect yourself against skin cancer. If you have to be outside between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm (the time of day when the sun is strongest), seek out shade when available and wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face and the top of your head. Wear a broad-spectrum, waterproof sunblock that contains an SPF of 30 or more, and be sure to reapply every two hours.

Sources: AAD, Altius Directory

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National Stress Awareness Day

by on 16. Apr, 2013 in Unofficial Holidays, Weird Holidays

April 16 is National Stress Awareness Day!

It’s no coincidence that National Stress Awareness day falls on April 16, the day after taxes are due. The Health Resource Network (HRN) started this health conscious holiday in 1992 with the goal of raising awareness surrounding causes of stress and ways to reduce it.

Stress, no matter its source, can pose as a major health risk and has been linked to many other serious complications, especially when it comes to heart health. No matter how much you have on your plate, take some time today to relax and de-stress.

Some relaxation techniques you can try: going for a run to clear your head, taking a walk out in nature, participating in a yoga class, taking a long nap, or listening to soothing music. Whatever your method, it’s important that you always take time to decompress, not just for your health but for your sanity as well!

Sources: eHow, Holiday Insights

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World Health Organization Established

by on 07. Apr, 2013 in History

On April 7, 1948, the United Nations established a specialized group with the priority of international public health and safety called the World Health Organization.

The World Health Organization (or simply, WHO) was preceded by The League of Nations Health Organization whose covenant stated they would “endeavor to take steps in matters of international concern for the prevention and control of disease, even in cases of dire human hardship.” World War II hindered the efforts of The League of Nations Health Organization and it was decided that a new agency would be put in place.

By July 22, 1946, 61 countries acknowledged by the United Nations had signed the constitution of the World Health Organization, but the constitution didn’t officially come into force until April 7, 1948. April 7 has also come to be known as World Health Day, which celebrates the establishment of the World Health Organization.

The World Health Organization is concerned with communicable diseases, sexual and reproductive health, nutrition and food security, occupational health, substance abuse, and other issues that affect public health around the globe.

Sources: Wikipedia, WHO

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World Vegetarian Day

by on 01. Oct, 2012 in Food Holidays, Unofficial Holidays

FruitlegumesOctober 1 is World Vegetarian Day!

World Vegetarian Day was established in 1977 by the North American Vegetarian Society to kick off Vegetarian Awareness Month by celebrating vegetarianism and promoting awareness of the benefits of a vegetarian diet.

Whether you’re a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian, visit worldvegetarianday.org to find out how you can celebrate World Vegetarian Day. And, of course, no matter what your usual diet, stick to a vegetarian diet today. Check out the vegetarian section at Allrecipes.com for veggie recipes.

Learn more about the vegetarian diet, the advantages and disadvantages of vegetarianism, and how to get the nutrients you would usually get from meat by clicking here.

Interested in becoming a vegetarian? Today’s the day to start. Learn how to make the transition by clicking here.



Sources: holidayinsights.com, punchbowl.com, worldvegetarianday.org

                    

    
                    
       
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Make Your Bed Day

                    
                    

                        by 
                        on 11. Sep, 2012
                        in Weird Holidays
                    

                    
                    

                        
Make You Bed Day might not sound like anything to get excited about…especially if you already make your bed every day…or if you so loathe making the bed that your bed is perpetually unmade.


But did you know that making your bed – as mundane as it sounds – every morning can boost your happiness, create a peaceful environment, and make you more productive? Just check out how one woman, who once hated making her bed and never did, discovered the happiness that comes from the 3-minute task over at Apartment Therapy.


Making your bed can also improve health by promoting a  more comfortable sleeping environment, which results in a better night’s sleep.


If you’re a habitual bed-maker, kudos to you! If you never make your bed, give it a go today, then do it again tomorrow, then again the next day to see how it feels. Maybe you’ll pick up a new healthy habit!


Not sure how to make your bed? Don’t worry, The Art of Manliness will show you how in their easy-to-follow, illustrated guide.


Sources: Holiday Insights, Apartment Therapy, Yahoo! Voices

                    

    
                    
       
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National Relaxation Day

                    
                    

                        by 
                        on 15. Aug, 2012
                        in Unofficial Holidays
                    

                    
                    

                        
August 15 is National Relaxation Day!


Stressed? Overworked? Sleep deprived? Luckily, today is National Relaxation Day: a day to avoid all stressful activities and partake only in your favorite or much-needed relaxing activities.


Ok…so you probably can’t ditch every stressful activity, like school or work, but set aside at least an hour to relax. Spend time at a spa, lounge in a hammock or next to the pool, head to the beach, catch a movie, read a book, sweat away stress with a yoga routine, take a bubble bath, catch up on sleep, or do absolutely  nothing but laze around.


Just remember that Relaxation Day isn’t just about being lazy. Taking time to relax reduces not only the mental symptoms of stress but the physical symptoms as well. Click here to learn more about relaxation techniques that can help you relieve stress and maintain good mental and physical health.


 


Sources: holidayinsights.com, mayoclinic.com

                    

    
                    
       
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National Walk to Work Day

                    
                    

                        by 
                        on 05. Apr, 2012
                        in Nature Holidays, Unofficial Holidays
                    

                    
                    

                        
The first Friday in April is National Walk to Work Day!


Today is intended to have a positive effect on the health of society and be a break for our environment from the pollution that is emitted by vehicles.


It is estimated that a whopping 86% of Americans take their car to work, 5% ride public transportation, and the remaining use alternate means of transportation. Take this opportunity to help reduce carbon emissions by walking to work today.


Walking has been proven to prevent obesity, reduce “bad” cholesterol, increase “good” cholesterol, lower body fat, reduce fatigue, and improve your overall mood. You really can’t go wrong with all of those health benefits!


If your workplace isn’t exactly within walking distance, we wouldn’t recommend walking a few miles on the highway and dodging cars just to celebrate National Walk to Work Day. Just take a nice long walk when you get home – we’ll understand!


Sources: SF Examiner, Huffington Post

                    

    
                    
       
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Banana Lover’s Day

                    
                    

                        by 
                        on 27. Aug, 2011
                        in Food Holidays
                    

                    
                    

                        
Banana.arp.750pixAugust 27 is Banana Lover’s Day!


If you’re a banana lover, we don’t need to explain why sweet, creamy, potassium-packed bananas are such a popular fruit. But for those of you who eat bananas for their flavor instead of their nutritional value, find out why bananas are so ridiculously beneficial for your health at whfoods.com.


There’s only one way to celebrate Banana Lover’s Day: Eat more bananas! Whether you eat them whole, combined with other foods, or baked into breads or pastries, there’s no wrong way to enjoy bananas on Banana Lover’s Day. Bananas also make great additions to smoothies, both because of their nutritional value and creamy texture. Head to Chiquita.com to find smoothie recipes and tips on how to make the perfect banana smoothie.


Love to bake with bananas? Try one of the recipes below!


Banana Banana Bread


Banana Crumb Muffins


Banana Cookies


 


Sources: punchbowl.com, whfoods.com

                    

    
                    
       
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