Category: February Month

  • NATIONAL CANCER PREVENTION MONTH – February

    NATIONAL CANCER PREVENTIONS MONTH

    Nearly everyone who receives a life-changing diagnosis asks if there was anything they could have done to prevent it. National Cancer Prevention Month tackles that question during February.

    According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 1.9 million people are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States. Nearly half of those diagnoses are breast, prostate, lung, pancreas, or colon cancers. And yet, more than 40 percent of all cancer diagnoses can be linked to a preventable cause – nearly half.

    National Cancer Prevention Month focuses on the things we can control to lessen our odds of developing cancer. Five of the top recommendations for lessening our risk include:

    • Regular exercise
    • Maintaining a healthy weight
    • Eating healthy foods
    • Quitting or never starting smoking
    • Limiting alcohol use

    Other actions that help to prevent cancer or catch it early include routine checkups, treating or preventing other health conditions, and knowing your risk factors. We can’t stop every form of cancer yet, but we do have the tools to decrease our risk factors.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #CancerPreventionMonth

    Take prevention seriously in February and learn more about lessening your risk factors. We can’t do anything about hereditary risks, but there are many steps we can do to better our odds of avoiding a cancer diagnosis. Other ways to participate include:

    • Support research into preventative measures.
    • Encourage your loved ones to join you on a journey of prevention.
    • Speak to your doctor about your risk factors.

    Use #CancerPreventionMonth to join the conversation.

     NATIONAL CANCER PREVENTION MONTH

    For more than a decade, cancer and health organizations have been promoting National Cancer Prevention Month with awareness campaigns. Some of those organizations include:

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  • NATIONAL FASTING FEBRUARY

    NATIONAL FASTING FEBRUARY

    National Fasting February reminds us that our metabolic health underlies many of the diseases that we associate with aging, from diabetes to cancer to Alzheimer’s disease. Regularly switching from burning sugars to burning stored fats can reduce our risk of metabolic disorders such as diabetes and other conditions of aging.

    February is a month for transforming new health resolutions into healthy habits and lifestyles. Since 1964, February has been American Heart Month to help raise awareness of preventable risk factors of cardiovascular disease including obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Diet heavily influences many of these risk factors. But there is a growing consensus among healthcare professionals that a healthy diet depends not just on what we eat but also when we eat.

    National Fasting February celebrates the benefits of intermittent fasting on metabolic health. Practicing intermittent fasting is as simple as changing the timing of your meals. It gives your body at least a 10-12 hour break from metabolizing sugar every night.

    Intermittent fasting does not require any change in the content of your diet, but rather merely a shift in the timing of your food and sweetened beverage intake. Regularly refraining from consuming any calories for just 10-12 or more hours can increase levels of brain-fueling ketones. It also:

    Science-backed ways to practice fasting for metabolic health include:

    • Time-restricted eating: 10-16 hours of overnight fasting every day or several days per week
    • Alternate day fasting: Eating fewer than 500 calories every other day
    • The 5:2 diet: Two consecutive or non-consecutive days per week of eating fewer than 500 calories

    HOW TO OBSERVE #FastingFeburary

    Visit lifeapps.io/fasting-february/ to learn more about how to participate in National Fasting February and to read about the health benefits of intermittent fasting.

    1. Choose a fasting schedule that works best for you. Practice it all month long. Intermittent fasting is not a fad diet, but rather a lifestyle for metabolic health. If you’ve never fasted before, start with time-restricted eating. This involves fasting for at least 10-12 hours every night, ideally starting in the early evenings. Don’t worry if you can’t make it to 12 hours at first – work up slowly. Throughout the month, you may work your way up to a 16-hour or an occasional 24-hour fast.
    2. Download the LIFE Fasting Tracker app to track your fasts. Create a fasting Circle, invite family members or join a public LIFE Circle to fast in a supportive social environment.
    3. Share your experiences with intermittent fasting and post photos of how you break your fasts on social media with the hashtag #NationalFastingFebruary.

    If you are an experienced faster or looking to achieve weight loss, you may try practicing alternate day fasting or a 5:2 weekly fasting schedule this month.

    NATIONAL FASTING FEBRUARY HISTORY

    Intermittent fasting was developed as an alternative to calorie restriction interventions for studies of human aging and chronic disease prevention. Calorie restriction has long been considered by researchers to be a gold standard in prolonging lifespan in many animal species. But calorie restriction, which in humans typically involves eating fewer than 1,200 calories per day, is incredibly difficult for humans to practice. Researchers including Dr. Valter Longo, Dr. Mark Mattson, and Dr. Satchidananda Panda, and others are now finding that intermittent fasting may be just as effective or even more effective than calorie restriction in terms of delaying and preventing diseases of aging.

    LifeOmic, the creator of the LIFE Fasting Tracker app, submitted Fasting February in 2019. The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed Fasting February to be observed annually beginning in 2019.

    Safety

    Fasting for 12-16 hours and exercising while fasted are safe practices for most individuals, except for pregnant women and individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. However, you should consult your primary care physician to make sure that you don’t have a health condition for which fasting is contraindicated.

    Prolonged fasting or going more than 24-36 hours without calories is the subject of early clinical trials. However, it isn’t necessary to glean the metabolic health benefits of fasting. You should drink plenty of water while fasting. You may need to supplement your water with a blend of electrolytes if you are practicing prolonged fasting. Zero-calorie beverages (unsweetened tea and coffee) will also not break your fast. You can consume artificially sweetened beverages while fasting in a pinch, but your gut microbes can break down some artificial sweeteners, and these sweeteners tend to increase your sweet cravings.

    Intermittent fasting will not turn an unhealthy diet into a healthy one. You should try to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables when you aren’t fasting. It’s also best practice to break a fast with a relatively low glycemic index (low carbohydrate) meal to avoid spiking your blood sugar.

    Learn more about intermittent fasting safety by reading this FAQ with fasting researcher Dr. Krista Varady, particularly the “Safety” section.

    About Life Fasting Tracker

    The LIFE Fasting Tracker app was created by LifeOmic, a precision health software company headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. LifeOmic works with healthcare providers and academic institutions, including the Indiana School of Medicine, to power precision medicine and personalized treatments for cancer and other diseases using ultra-secure cloud technologies. LifeOmic’s LIFE apps provide the missing link to patient engagement in precision healthcare.

    The LIFE Fasting Tracker app, free to download for both iOS and Android, is the easiest and most social way to fast. Launched in late 2018, the app makes it easy and fun to harness lifestyle changes to improve metabolic health. With the app, you can track your progress on any fasting schedule, see when you start burning fats for fuel, and intuitively log how you are feeling. You can share your fasts and give and receive encouragement within custom Circles of people you care about, from friends to coworkers to healthcare providers. Join hundreds of thousands of users in their journey to better health.

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  • NATIONAL ENROLLED AGENTS MONTH – FEBRUARY

    NATIONAL ENROLLED AGENTS MONTH

    Throughout February, National Enrolled Agents Month recognizes the contributions of the professionals who represent and advocate for taxpayers all year long.

    Whether a taxpayer’s needs range from the simplest tax return to the most complex business concerns, an Enrolled Agent provides assistance and representation. Enrolled Agents are tested and licensed by the U.S. Treasury and have unlimited right to represent taxpayers before the IRS. Enrolled Agents know how to make sense of the numbers and when to file the forms. They take the daunting tax code and break it down.

    In 1884, Congress passed the Enabling Act and at the same time recognized Enrolled Agents. President Chester A. Arthur signed the act into law on July 7th of that same year. Also called the Horse Act of 1884, the legislation went into effect following the Civil War. The legislation helped regulate those acting as agents for people making claims against the government for property seized during the war. While there is no doubt the government seized property for the war effort, it was necessary to ensure those representing the claimants met a set of standards.

    Today there are more than 53,000 Enrolled Agents across the country and worldwide who assist taxpayers. Each one meets a strict set of guidelines, testing, and education requirements.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalEnrolledAgentsDay

    All month long, learn about the services Enrolled Agents provide. As a taxpayer, it’s essential to know that an Enrolled Agent is one of the few who can represent you before the IRS. So what else can an Enrolled Agent do for you? Visit www.NAEA.org to find out more.

    Use #NationalEnrolledAgentsMonth to share on social media.

    NATIONAL ENROLLED AGENTS DAY HISTORY

    The National Association of Enrolled Agents founded National Enrolled Agents Month in February 2019 to recognize the long history and wide variety of services provided by Enrolled Agents.

    With just fewer than 11,000 members 38 affiliates representing 43 states, the NAEA (our nation’s society) serves the taxpayer. Headquartered in Washington, DC, since 1981, the location has helped it exceed expectations in its level of advocacy and government relations activities on Capitol Hill.

    In December 2018, the Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Enrolled Agents Day to be observed every February.

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  • NATIONAL EMBROIDERY MONTH – February

    NATIONAL EMBROIDERY MONTH

    National Embroidery Month in February recognizes the talented stitchers who turn needle and thread into an art form.

    Since ancient times, humans have left their mark on textiles with colorful threads. Some created elaborate works of art woven into tapestries. Others made ceremonial attire for warriors, priests, and the betrothed.

    Over time, embroidery retained its creative expression but also served a commercial purpose, too. Elegant monograms identified business logos cleanly and beautifully. Bold artwork stood out on jackets and caps.

    And still, in the arts and crafts world, embroidery filled a niche of handmade items and artwork that commercial embroidery just doesn’t create. Two of the best embroidery skills celebrated together.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalEmbroideryMonth

    Celebrate National Embroidery Month by sharing your favorite embroidery items. If you embroider, then you are challenged to create a new piece to share. Find some new colorful threads and patterns to try and get creating! You can also:

    • Teach someone to embroider.
    • Take up embroidery for the first time.
    • Create a one-of-a-kind design.
    • Give a gift of embroidery
    • Thank someone who embroiders as a hobby or professionally.

    Use #NationalEmbroideryMonth to share on social media.

    NATIONAL EMBROIDERY MONTH HISTORY

    National Embroidery Month began in 1992 to promote commercial monogramming and embroidery. However, since then, the observance has spread to hobbyists, museum enthusiasts, and commercial endeavors.

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  • NATIONAL WEDDINGS MONTH – February

    NATIONAL WEDDINGS MONTH

    Ahh, February. The month of all things “love.” Why not honor weddings during the month that honors American Hearts, Valentine’s, and Chocolate Souffle?! February is National Weddings Month; a celebration of the beauty of unconditional love and the excitement of marriage and wedding parties.

    Did you know that more than 2.4 million couples get married in the U.S. every year, and about 16 thousand of them get married on Valentine’s Day?! Even though the majority of weddings do take place during the summer months (specifically June, August, and September), February does own the most weddings to a single day. Since it’s known as the most romantic month on the calendar, it seems fitting to give weddings an extra special celebration in February. According to the National Association of Bridal Consultants, it’s also the month that most brides and grooms-to-be start doing serious wedding planning. That may be because December is the most popular month for proposals!

    So, let romance win in February and celebrate all things wedding-related.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalWeddingsMonth

    National Weddings Month is an excellent time to celebrate romance and the excitement of weddings.

    • Share a picture from your wedding.
    • Begin planning your wedding.
    • Visit wedding venues for your big day.
    • Call florists, DJs, bands, banquet halls, caterers, and dress shops.
    • Design your announcement and invitations.
    • Send Save-the-Date cards.

    Share your plans and excitement on social media, too. Include tips and recommendations for the best businesses for weddings. Businesses, celebrate the month with promotions and deals. The brides, grooms, and parents will thank you!

    Use #NationalWeddingsMonth or #WeddingMonth to post on social media.

    NATIONAL WEDDINGs MONTH HISTORY

    In our research, we were unable to find the creator of National Wedding Month.

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  • NATIONAL HEART MONTH – February

    NATIONAL HEART MONTH

    February focuses on the heart making it National Heart Month. Anyone can be at risk for heart disease. More and more, our sedentary lifestyles are putting us at risk at a younger age. Obesity, high blood pressure, and smoking all increase our risk factors.

    Each one of those we can take action to lower our risk. Get moving. Remove stress. And quit smoking. Eat healthier.

    Even small changes help make a difference. Reduce the amount of fast food. Eat more greens. Take the stairs. Walk the kids to school. Go outside and play with the kids or walk the dog.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalHeartMonth

    Talk to your physician about your risk factors. Walking is one of the healthiest and safest activities we can do for ourselves. Learn more at www.cdc.gov and use #NationalHeartMonth to share on social media.

    Review these signs for heart disease risk:
    1. High blood pressure. Millions of people in the United States have high blood pressure, and millions of them are as young as 40 or 50. If you are one of them, talk to your doctor about ways to control it.
    2. High cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity are all conditions that can increase your risk for heart disease. If you fall into this category, work on eating healthy and getting some physical activity a few times a week.
    3. Smoking cigarettes. Over 35 million adults in America are smokers, and thousands of young people pick up the habit daily. If you’re a smoker, do your best to quit or cut down. It’s what’s best for your health.

    NATIONAL HEART MONTH HISTORY

    The American Heart Association proclaimed February as National Heart Month.

     

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  • NATIONAL HOT BREAKFAST MONTH – February

    NATIONAL HOT BREAKFAST MONTH

    February is a cold month for most of us, so what better way to start our days than with a steaming hot breakfast? National Hot Breakfast Month is celebrated every February to encourage everyone to set aside some extra time every morning to a make hot, fresh breakfast.

    “What nicer thing can you do for somebody than make them breakfast?” -Anthony Bourdain

    You know what they say about breakfast… It’s the most important meal of the day! However, in the busyness of everyday life, it’s easy to put breakfast on the back burner and just grab a quick granola bar on your way out the door in the morning. This month, we are challenged to wake up a little earlier and take the time to really enjoy breakfast. You may be surprised at how much better you feel throughout the day when you allow yourself plenty of time in the morning to fully wake up, make breakfast, maybe listen to your favorite podcast as you get ready for the day. Appreciating the beauty that the morning brings and enjoying a hot breakfast will surely make you feel more full, more energized, and just overall better all day long!

    HOW TO OBSERVE #HotBreakfastMonth

    Use #NationalHotBreakfastMonth or #HotBreakfastMonth to post pictures, recipes, and other inspiration for your friends! Here are a few ideas for healthy, hot breakfasts you can whip up this month. Hopefully, you can get into a routine and continue making tasty, hot breakfasts throughout the rest of the year! (Remember, you can do a TON of variations of these ideas based on your preference.)

    • Hot toast with peanut/almond/cashew butter, bananas sliced up, and chia seeds sprinkled over the top
    • Berry smoothie. Throw your favorite berries, half a banana, some cashew or coconut milk into a blender for a few minutes for a delicious, refreshing side to your hot meal. (Smoothies obviously aren’t a hot breakfast, but they go great on the side.)
    • Oatmeal with fried egg(s) over the top
    • Avocado spread over toast with a fried or poached egg on top
    • Overnight egg bakes for much less work to do in the morning
    • Egg breakfast muffins (basically mini quiche without the breaded crust for a healthy version)
    • Sweet potato and black bean stuffed breakfast burrito

    NATIONAL HOT BREAKFAST MONTH HISTORY

    National Hot Breakfast Month was created to encourage us to get up and start our day the right way! We were unable to find the creator of National Hot Breakfast Month.

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  • NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH | February

    NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH | February

    Each year throughout National Children’s Dental Health Month in February, the American Dental Association promotes a different campaign targeting a new dental health goal.

    National Children’s Dental Health Month brings together dental health professionals, caregivers, parents, and teachers to give children the best start on oral health. From brushing and flossing to healthy snacks and routine dental visits, the month also includes Give Kids A Smile Day on February 6th.

    Tips for Brushing

    • Don’t skip – Making it a habit requires sticking to the schedule. Even when there is a special occasion or if our child is tired, we need to reinforce the importance of brushing.
    • Make it fun – Songs that last 2 minutes will help. Reading to your child while they brush may help, too. Even a puppet brushing his teeth can be motivating.
    • Learn by example – Children emulate their parents. Brush with your children and they will want to be just like you.
    • Trial and error – Try different kinds of toothpaste until you find the one junior likes.  Try using the smallest amount he will allow and working your way up to the recommended amount. Even a tiny amount is better than no toothpaste.
    • Don’t give up – The pain of cavities and lifelong dental issues is more costly and damaging than the dealing with these few moments of nagging battles twice a day.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #ChildrensDentalHealthMonth

    Celebrate the month with healthy dental habits and healthy teeth!

    To find out more about their annual program, visit www.ada.org for campaign resources. Use #ChildrensDentalHealthMonth to share on social media.

    NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH HISTORY

    The ADA promotes National Children’s Dental Health Month.

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  • NATIONAL CHERRY MONTH – February

    NATIONAL CHERRY MONTH

    Since the cherry trees come to life in February, it’s the perfect time for National Cherry Month! Throughout Washington D.C., the cherry blossoms burst to life just in time for the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

    This annual event began in 1912. The people of Japan sent 3,000 cherry trees as a gift to the United States as a symbol of friendship between the two nations. A single cherry looks a bit like a little heart, and February is the month of love. Since Presidents Day is February and one particular president is paired with chopping down a cherry tree – folklore or not – February and cherries just go together.

    In the United States, Washington, California, and Oregon produce the most cherries. This bright red fruit offers many benefits, too.

    • Drinking tart cherry juice reduces the risk and lessens the symptoms of gout.
    • A 1 cup serving of cherries contains 97 calories, 3 grams of fiber, and is packed with vitamin C, potassium, copper, and manganese.
    • Eating cherries may help reduce inflammation in conditions like arthritis.
    • They may also lower blood pressure and improve heart health thanks to the potassium they contain.

    Besides all the health benefits, cherries just taste good. Eat them raw or add them to baked goods.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCherryMonth

    Celebrate National Cherry Month by adding some cherries to your shopping list. You can mix them into your breakfast or snacks. They’re good for you and packed full of antioxidants, too! Try these ideas to add cherries to your diet:

    • Blend cherries in a smoothie.
    • Mix cherries into oatmeal.
    • Add dried cherries to trail mix.
    • Add cherries to baked goods.
    • Eat them raw for the maximum benefit and flavor.

    While you’re making your list, visit the National Day Calendar recipe page for cherry inspiration! Use #NationalCherryMonth to share on social media.

    NATIONAL CHERRY MONTH HISTORY

    Michigan Governor William G. Milliken first proclaimed February as National Cherry Month.

     

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  • NATIONAL BIRD FEEDING MONTH | February

    NATIONAL BIRD FEEDING MONTH | February

    During National Bird Feeding Month in February, keep the bird feeders filled and your binoculars ready. The month is also an opportunity to learn more about birds and birding as a hobby.

    Bird watching and feeding have become a popular hobby. By providing basic shelter and seed, hobbyists watch from their windows or along trails. While it’s a year-round hobby, watching during the depths of winter offers some of the most beautiful birding available. Not only do you see the birds against a white backdrop, but the variety of birds in winter climates will increase your interest.

    • Be sure to feed regularly and place your feeder away from predators.
    • Set binoculars near the window for best viewing.
    • Obtain a bird book for identifying new species.
    • Consider planting native plants to provide habitat for birds.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalBirdFeedingMonth

    Fill up the bird feeder or add one this month. For great tips on feeding the birds in your area, visit DIY Garden. They’ve provided a birds-eye view of bird habitat and feeding needs. Other ways to celebrate include:

    • Starting a bird journal.
    • Joining a birding club.
    • Teaching someone to identify birds.
    • Share your photos and discoveries.

    Use #NationalBirdFeedingMonth to share social media.

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

    NATIONAL BIRD FEEDING MONTH HISTORY

    In 1994, Congressman John Porter established February as National Bird Feeding Month due to the harsh conditions endured during one of the coldest months of the year.

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