Category: December Month

  • INTERNATIONAL SHARPS INJURY PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH – December

    INTERNATIONAL SHARPS INJURY PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH

    Every year in December, International Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month serves as a reminder to follow safety protocols where needles and other medical sharps are concerned.

    In the medical world, sharps are materials or items with sharp points or edges that may cut or puncture the skin. Needle sticks alone account for 400,000 sharps injuries per year. Other items may include:

    • Needles
    • Syringes
    • Lancets
    • Auto injectors
    • Infusion sets
    • Connection needs
    • Scalpel blades

    Punctures and cuts not only create a wound but also introduce bloodborne pathogens into the body. Many safeguards have been put in place that reduces or eliminate the risk of injury by sharp devices. However, they still occur.  Healthcare employers conduct training that is designed to prevent needle sticks and teach employees what to do if one occurs. The observance encourages the review of protocols and training. It’s also a time to assess how injuries occur and implement safeguards to improve outcomes.

    HOW TO OBSERVE

    During the month, sharps injury prevention is the focus. Many healthcare employers will review their protocols and the incidence of sharps injuries. Further steps that can be taken during December include:

    • Reviewing sharps standards in your facility.
    • Eliminating unnecessary use of sharps.
    • Never recapping sharps.
    • Using personal protective equipment.
    • Properly disposing of sharps.
    • Using retractable needles.
    • Reviewing sharp injuries to prevent future ones.
    • Joining or hosting a seminar on sharps prevention.
    • Reviewing articles on infection control.
    • Attending educational events.

    Use #SharpsInjuryPreventionMonth to use on social media.

    HISTORY

    The International Sharps Injury Prevention Society (ISIPS) founded International Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month in 2013 to increase education regarding sharps injuries and reduce their occurrence.

     

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  • LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE MONTH – December

    LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE MONTH

    Learning another language comes with a wealth of benefits. That’s why December is National Learn a Foreign Language Month.

    Most people learn a second language while in school. They may not be proficient in the language, especially if they do not have the opportunity to speak conversationally in that language. However, the opportunity to learn another language comes with many benefits.

    • It improves your understanding of your native language.
    • Your understanding of other cultures improves.
    • Your confidence improves.
    • Job opportunities improve.
    • It makes travel easier in countries where the new language is spoken.

    Learning a new language also provides a boost to our brains by improving memory, creativity, attention span, and reducing cognitive decline. It’s never too late to learn a new language. However, it is easier the earlier you start. That also means children tend to master a second language faster than adults. But don’t let that discourage you. If you have children, learn alongside them.

    There are many platforms for learning a new language. And with over half the world’s population being bilingual, you can learn, too. Whether you take a class or download a language application, Learn A Foreign Language Month is the perfect time to do it!

    HOW TO OBSERVE #LearnAForeignLanguageMonth

    Dust off your old Spanish textbook or sign up for a French class. Learn a Foreign Language Month celebrates languages and the benefits of speaking a new language. You can also:

    • Immerse yourself in the new language by spending time with others who speak it fluently.
    • Offer to teach someone a language you’re fluent in speaking.
    • Take a sign language class.
    • Download a foreign language application.
    • Pick up a book about the foreign language you’re interested in learning.

    Share your experience learning a foreign language by using #LearnAForeignLanguageMonth.

    Educators and families, please visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for more ways to Celebrate Every Day!

    LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE MONTH HISTORY

    National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this observance but it has been celebrated since at least 2009.

     

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  • WORLD TWIN TO TWIN TRANSFUSION SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH – December

    WORLD TWIN TO TWIN TRANSFUSION SYNDROME MONTH

    Expecting parents know the excitement and anxiety that comes with pregnancy. With a twin pregnancy (and other multiple pregnancies), that excitement doubles. Risk factors increase, too and that’s why World Twin to Twin Transfusion Awareness Month (World TTTS Month) serves to provide information for parents expecting twins and their doctors.

    TTTS is a rare condition that only happens when twins (or other multiple pregnancies) share a placenta during gestation. Twin pregnancies occur at a rate of 31.1 to 1000 births and TTTS occurs in about 10 percent of twin pregnancies. Still, it’s important to learn about the syndrome, how it’s diagnosed and treated.

    The placenta provides blood flow and nutrients during gestation. When twins share the placenta, sometimes they share the placenta unequally. This is called unequal placental sharing. As a result, one twin will receive more blood flow than the other. Blood will also transfuse between the twins when they share the same vascular structures.

    Symptoms include:

    • A sudden increase in abdominal size
    • A rapid increase in weight
    • Abdominal pain or tightness
    • Early contractions

    The obstetrician will conduct frequent ultrasounds to diagnose and identify TTTS early. If TTTS is present, the doctor will monitor the pregnancy closely. Treatment is available to ensure the babies grow equally and receive the same amount of blood flow.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldTTTSMonth

    Learn more about TTT syndrome especially if you’re expecting twins. Speak with your physician and report any symptoms to your doctor. Share the observance on social media to help increase awareness. When you do, use #WorldTTTSMonth.

    WORLD TWIN TO TWIN TRANSFUSION SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH HISTORY

    The TTTS Foundation founded World TTTS Awareness Day to educate the public and increase overall awareness and understanding of the risks associated with monochorionic twins, triplets, and other multiple pregnancies.

     

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  • NATIONAL CAR DONATION MONTH – December

    NATIONAL CAR DONATION MONTH

    National Car Donation Month serves as a reminder that we can give in many ways to causes we care about without writing a check. Every year in the U.S., we donate 750,000 vehicles with the most donations occurring in December.

    Each December, car dealerships, celebrities, and ordinary citizens celebrate National Car Donation Month with generous donations to the causes they choose. Even those without a car to donate have a role. They participate through social media by proclaiming their favorite cause and encouraging donations from others. All month long, the observance encourages us to consider making a car donation to our favorite charities. This alternative donation is yet another way to support our favorite organizations in December and all year long, too.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCarDonationMonth #MyRideMyCause

    Donate a car to your favorite cause at MyRideMyCause.org or participate in the social media events to support your favorite charity. Your gift will help make a difference in someone’s life. And we know not everyone has a car to donate. However, we all have the power to share the message and to get involved.

    • Share the message on social media using #NationalCarDonationMont and #MyRideMyCause.
    • Not all charities accept car donations, but Causenetwork Foundation helps with the process. Learn more about car donation from MyRideMyCause.org.
    • Your generous gift makes a difference in over 1 million+ charities recognized by the IRS.

    Hashtags for the events include #NationalCarDonationMonth and #MyRideMyCause with new ways to participate being added each year.

    NATIONAL CAR DONATION MONTH HISTORY

    CauseNetwork Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) charitable foundation that provides free fundraising tools for charities, founded National Car Donation Month to bring awareness to vehicle donations. The foundation enables all US registered charities to be able to benefit from this generous way to give (previously, <1% of charities had a car donation program).

    Car donations can be made to any of the 1MM+ charities recognized by the IRS on MyRideMyCause.org. The program sends the net proceeds from the auction of the donated vehicles to the donor’s charity, and the donor receives a receipt for the maximum tax deduction allowed by law.

    In 2018, the Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the celebration to be observed annually.

     

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  • NATIONAL PEAR MONTH – December

    NATIONAL PEAR MONTH

    All December long, National Pear Month recognizes the flavor and versatility of this delicious fruit.

    Whether they are enjoyed fresh off the tree or as a preserve, pears add significant nutritional benefits to any diet. In the United States, there are ten varieties of pears. They range in color, texture, and sweetness making them useful for a wide range of dishes.

    Subtly alter a pear by lightly baking it and releasing the juices. It makes an elegant presentation and an even more delicious dessert. Pair it with wine and cheese for an elevated flavor. Add pears to soup to take advantage of their luxurious texture and forgiving character.

    Pears offer so much with their variety and abundance. During National Pear Month, enjoy all they have to offer!

    HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPearMonth

    Don’t hesitate to explore pear recipes for supper this month. They will add a whole new flavor profile to your cooking.

    • Roasts, chicken and turkey all receive upgraded flavor when pears are added.
    • Salads come alive with sliced pears and light vinaigrette dressing.
    • Add a pear chutney to just about any pork dish and you won’t be disappointed. The spicy sweetness adds a warm flavor that is deliciously satisfying.
    • As mentioned above, pears and cheese go well together. That means, they also complement each other on a crusty pizza, too.
    • When it comes to turkey leftovers, add a few slices of pears to your turkey and cranberry sandwich. The combination will be one of ultimate satisfaction.
    • Many vintners offer pear wines that delight the tongue. Their subtle sweetness sometimes leans toward a dessert wine, but not always. Some pear wines are made for lingering over.

    Try a new variety of pears. Check out the recipe page for several new pear recipes and use #NationalPearMonth to share yours!

    Educators and families, visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for projects to help you Celebrate Every Day!

    NATIONAL PEAR MONTH HISTORY

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture proclaimed December National Pear Month in 2004.

     

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  • December National Months

    DECEMBER NATIONAL MONTHS

     

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  • WORLDWIDE FOOD SERVICE SAFETY MONTH – December

    WORLDWIDE FOOD SERVICE SAFETY MONTH

    Worldwide Food Service Safety Month is an annual designation observed in December. The goals of this month are to focus on keeping food safe as it’s prepared in the service industry, as well as reminding us to be safe and cook properly when we are making our own food at home. This month, the holidays are in full swing; so what better a time than now to practice safety while cooking?

    Did you know more than 200 diseases are spread through food alone? One in ten people become sick every year from eating contaminated food, and 420,000 people are killed from these illnesses every year. These types of illnesses can cause long-term health problems if they don’t kill you, so it’s very important to be adamant about consuming safely prepared food. Children younger than 5 years old are at the highest risk. The good news is, proper food preparation can prevent almost all foodborne illnesses. Remember, everyone has a role in keeping food safe. It’s a shared responsibility among the government, producers, food service industries, and consumers.

    HOW TO OBSERVE

    Use #WorldwideFoodServiceSafetyMonth (we know, it’s long) to post on social media about how you are participating in WFSSM. Here are some food hygiene tips for next time you’re cooking a meal at home.

    1. Wash your hands with warm water and soap before handling food and make sure you thoroughly wash them again when you’re done.
    2. If you have any cuts on your fingers, hands, or wrists, cover them with bandages before handling food.
    3. Thoroughly wash your fruits and veggies with clean, warm water before use.
    4. Make sure your cooked foods are separate from raw foods to avoid harmful bacteria cross-contamination.
    5. Use fresh utensils when switching from raw meat to other foods during preparation.
    6. Regularly wash your dishcloths and towels in the kitchen using hot water to keep as clean as possible.
    7. Do not undercook your meat. Use a thermometer to make sure you get it right!
    HISTORY

    Worldwide Food Service Safety Month has been recognized since December 1994 to remind everyone that food safety is crucial when cooking for others and ourselves.

     

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  • UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHTS MONTH – December

    UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHTS MONTH

    Universal Human Rights Month is an annual designation observed in December. This month and every month to follow, people all across the globe are encouraged to come together and stand up for equality, justice, and the dignity of all humans. December is a time to honor the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, an international document stating the basic rights and fundamental freedoms to which all human beings are entitled. These rights include freedom from discrimination, the right to equality, and the right to be considered innocent until proven guilty.

    HOW TO OBSERVE

    Use #UniversalHumanRights, #HumanRights, and #StandUp4HumanRights to post on social media. The Dignity & Respect Campaign says the best way we can celebrate Universal Human Rights Month is by working to find common ground with those around us who may not have the same background as we do.  Their advice is to remember that we were all born into the same world, we are all humans, and our different races, religions, beliefs, and cultures shouldn’t divide us. This December, take a little time out of your schedule to educate yourself. If another culture makes you anxious or apprehensive, learn more about their history and why they do things the way they do. Chances are, it’ll humanize them and help you understand that they aren’t people to be “afraid” of, or to dislike. This month, you can also:

    • Read a book about the Declaration of Human rights, or about human rights in general
    • Spread the word on social media
    • Go out of your way to treat everyone with respect, kindness, and equality
    • Teach others about why human rights for everyone are so important
    HISTORY

    The Universal Month for Human Rights started in 1948 when the United Nations wrote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

     

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  • TOMATO AND WINTER SQUASH MONTH – December

     

    TOMATO AND WINTER SQUASH MONTH

    Tomato and Winter Squash Month is an annual designation observed in December.

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  • SPIRITUAL LITERACY MONTH – December

    SPIRITUAL LITERACY MONTH

    Spiritual Literacy Month in December challenges us to read at least one book on spirituality. This December, we can broaden our minds or deepen our faith by reading a book (or 5) about spirituality, faith, or religion. It’s important to remember that you can be spiritual without being religious. Religion is organized and has specific beliefs that usually come with a strict set of rules. However, spirituality is more of just believing in something bigger than humanity and being empowered. Spiritually does not necessarily stick to a set of rules or believe precisely what someone else believes in. So, whether you’re spiritual, religious, or just plain curious, get reading this month to learn more about what stirs up the souls of others around you.

    “A book is a garden, an orchard, a storehouse, a party, a company by the way, a counselor, a multitude of counselors.” -Henry Ward Beecher

    HOW TO OBSERVE #Spiritual Literacy Month

    When you’ve decided which book(s) you want to read this month, snap a photo and share it on social media. Be sure to use #SpiritualLiteracyMonth or #SpiritualLiteracy. There are many reasons why reading a spiritual book is beneficial, too. Here are just a few of them:

    1. Simply put, it’s good for your soul. Reading a spiritual book opens your mind in ways you probably didn’t realize it could. It also offers an uplifting, refreshing view of the world and universe we live in.
    2. It will lower your stress levels. Studies show that reading spiritual literacy can improve mental and physical health. It can also help keep you calm in stressful situations.
    3. Reading spiritual books introduces you to a whole new world. Spiritual books can awaken you spiritually and mentally. They also open up your range of thinking and imagination to an entirely different level.
    4. It is exciting and fun! Even if you don’t agree with some of the viewpoints you are reading about, learning other perspectives and ideas will help you understand other people. You will also gain a well-rounded knowledge of others’ spiritual life.

    SPIRITUAL LITERACY MONTH HISTORY

    Authors, Frederic and Mary Brussat, founded Spiritual Literacy Month in 1996. They encourage people to read texts from all different religions to gain respect for the world’s religions and the spiritual traditions that come along with them.

     

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