October is here and along with it there's a hint of Fall in the air. As we get back to routine, our days get busier and busier. After-school activities, long commutes, homework, and household chores dictate the course of our nights. So when and how do we squeeze in family dinners? If the answer is never or rarely, you need to make an effort to change that. And October is just the time for that change.
October is Eat Better, Eat Together month. It is a time for families to come together and have quality time during dinner. A number of research studies have suggested that eating dinners as a family has many advantages:
Did you know that the iconic smiley face was created in 1963 by Harvey Ball, an artist from Worcester, Massachusetts. This image went on to become a symbol for good will and happiness, and universally it is recognized by all irrespective of our politics and religion. But the over-commercialization of the smiley face left Ball worried as he felt the symbol was losing its value and purpose. This concern compelled Ball to create World Smile Day.
World Smile Day has just one purpose - all of us need to devote one day to making people around us smile through our acts of kindness. This day was first celebrated in 1999 and since then has been observed every year on the first Friday in October.
There are two startling facts about breast cancer - it is reportedly the second most common type of cancer women are diagnosed with and 1 in 8 women who are born in this country will get breast cancer at some point in their lives. However, it has been found that an early diagnosis is the best way to beat this disease.
Celebrating me means everyday rewards...just not the thing that hurts me or all the progress I've made...it's crazy. Would you celebrate getting a new job by promptly ditching your business attire or celebrate winning a singing competition that got you an awesome contract by ditching your voice lessons or celebrate sobriety by having a drink. Pick an analogy - the question is would you celebrate a success by returning to what set you back or ditching what got you there?
17.3 million. This is the number of people who died globally in the year 2005 due to heart disease and stroke. This number represents 30 percent of global deaths. And this number is expected to hit 23 million by the year 2030. In order to bring about awareness about this disease which is the biggest cause of deaths worldwide, the World Heart Federation created World Heart Day in 2000. Ever since, September 29th is recognized as World Heart Day. One of the main aims of this day is to promote preventative measures that can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
September 27th marks the 18th annual Family Health & Fitness Day. This day is the nation's largest family event where thousands of families across the country participate. The primary goal of this day is to get families involved in fitness related activities, encouraging them to exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle. FHFD also gives families an opportunity to try out the various fitness programs offered by the local community.
Today is the 13th annual National Women’s Health & Fitness Day. An estimated 80,000 to 100,000 women of all ages are expected to participate in fitness related activities all over the country on this day. It has been reported that more than 1,000 groups across the country will host women’s health and fitness events at senior centers, hospitals, health clubs, park and recreation districts, local health and service organizations, schools, retirement communities, houses of worship, and other community locations.
Discover how to balance life, work, and dance with Jeni Dzenis. This talented dancer has been dancing her entire life and has figured out a way to continue even after establishing a career and a family. Read more about Jeni Dzenis and her experience with Shazzy Fitness.
I can’t honestly say why I risked it all. There was no burning bush, no lightning bolts. No apparitions and no voices in my head.
For all of us 9/11 conjures up images of tragedy, devastation and sadness. The iconic twin towers crumbled. Three thousand innocent men, women and children lost their lives to terrorism. But, out of the debris and ashes that accumulated, the human spirit rose with strangers helping each other. Countless acts of service and compassion followed for days after. What was meant to break us apart only brought us closer. The acts of service that swarmed New York City in 2002 inspired the nonprofit organization MyGoodDeed along with other service organizations to launch 9/11 as National Day of Service and Remembrance.
The words lazy and mom are seldom seen next to each other. In fact, 'lazy mom' can be considered to be an oxymoron because there is no such thing as a lazy mom. The truth is most mothers can't afford to be lazy. From sunrise until the kids hit the bed moms are up and about. Endless cleaning, washing, picking, folding, cooking, working fills her day and often times night. So it comes as a shock, then a relief and then sheer joy that there is such a day called Lazy Mom's Day celebrated the first Friday in September.
When was the last time you took a course or tried to learn something new? If you can’t remember then it is time to do so. The first week of September is Self-University week, which has been sponsored by Autodidactic Press since 1989. The goal of this week is to remind people that getting an education is not just a phase in your life. It should be a lifelong process. It should be something you pursue to better yourself. It is a responsibility you need to shoulder to shape a better tomorrow.