National Sapphire Segulah Day on May 12 is a day of gratitude for single parents of special needs children to remind them their service and sacrifices of love are seen, appreciated, and not in vain.
#SapphireSegulahDay
Single parents of special needs children deserve a day especially for them to celebrate the sacrifice they make every day caring for their child. The job is stressful, to say the least. Their days are busy, and so are their nights. Many go days with very little sleep, or no sleep at all. In addition, there is the endless advocating to make sure their child has access to services and support to help them live their best quality of life. Today, let’s show our gratitude for those single parents and let them know just how much we appreciate them.
What does Sapphire Segulah Mean?
In the Hebrew language “Sapphire” means “Precious” and “Segulah” means “Peculiar Treasure.” While we refer to children that are born with disabilities as “special needs,” they are so much more. They are a combination of special, some peculiar, but all are a treasure. A Precious Peculiar Treasure.
Most parents of special needs children don’t start out being single. In fact, many were in long-term marriages or relationships. Unfortunately, the new and unknown challenges of caring for a child with special needs often tests the strength and bonds of marriage and relationships. As a result, separation or divorce leaves one parent to care for a child with special needs. However, single parents have the strength to continue parenting alone because they know their Precious Peculiar Treasure is the most rewarding gift they will receive.
Tips for Single Parents
Caring for children with a disability can be challenging, but very rewarding, too. By simply showing love and providing a positive environment, they are encouraging their child to thrive. Single parents can raise their treasure successfully.
Set up a routine for your child, including bedtime, meals, chores, homework, and quiet time.
Practice self-care to avoid additional stress, anger, or depression.
Encourage your child by supporting positive reinforcement and praise.
Keep your child’s environment full of structure, including a set of rules for reinforcement.
Be helpful, loving, and compassionate to your child, especially during times change.
To be trusted with such a precious commodity, is indeed the highest honor, and one that is truly special. I wouldn’t change it for the world. ~La Dana Lucious on being a parent to her Precious Peculiar Treasure
Words of Encouragement
Being a single parent is a hard job. Being a single parent to a child with disabilities is a harder job. Sometimes, it may seem like nothing is going as planned. Remember, you are one of many navigating this adventure. In fact, you are a superstar to your child!
You manage the life of a peculiar treasure normal parents could never imagine. You are a therapist, a doctor, a nurse, and friend to your child. You are appreciated and admired by those in your life who see you going above and beyond to provide care and comfort to your little treasure. The next time you feel overwhelmed, upset, or confused, think about the wonderful life you are providing your child.
Today, we celebrate you! We want you to brag about the accomplishments you and your child have reached together. Share your passion to provide a stable and productive life for your child. You deserve to let the world know that even though you get tired, frustrated, and maybe upset, there is not a single mountain you wouldn’t climb to help your peculiar treasure feel love.
SAPPHIRE SEGULAH CELEBRATION
Learn about resources through your local social service agency to help with your child’s needs.
Join an organization that supports single parents raising children with disabilities.
Accept help from family members when they offer.
Take time for yourself when possible to decompress and reset your mind.
Offer to clean, run errands, shop, or babysit to give single parents a break.
Get active in your local education system by volunteering your time.
Volunteer for your local Special Olympics or other activities that support disabled children in your community.
Send a note of gratitude to a single parent who cares for their special needs child.
Buy a gift card and offer to babysit for a single parent to allow them time away from the home.
Visitsapphire-segulah.comto learn more about the non-profit organization that is going the extra mile to support single parents of children with disabilities.
Share your story and photos of you and your special needs child on social media using #SapphireSegulahDay.
FOUNDER
In 2022, National Day Calendar and La Dana Lucious of Great Exploit Ministries began working together to create National Sapphire Segulah Day. Each year on May 12, we use the entire day to show gratitude for the single parents of special needs children.
Great Exploit Ministries is a non-profit organization offering ministry and advocacy resources to an ever-increasing population of single parents caring for their special needs children.
NATIONAL SPRAY TANNING DAY | Third Thursday in March
Get your glow on and celebrate National Spray Tanning Day on the third Thursday in March by getting a fresh spray tan!
#NationalSprayTanningDay
After the winter, our skin can be dull and dry. Today on National Spray Tanning Day, prepare to glow all spring and summer with a natural spray tan. In fact, spray tanning is a great way to achieve a healthy head-to-toe glow and is customizable for any skin tone.
There are two types of spray tanning. The first uses an automated spray booth. The second uses a professional spray tan artist creating an air-brushed glow using a handheld spray machine. Both options allow for a customizable and desirable color that compliments all skin tones. In addition, both types of spray tanning involve being sprayed with a liquid solution that contains dihydroxyacetone (DHA).
Dihydroxyacetone is a naturally derived and fermented active ingredient that reacts with your skin to mimic a tan for a temporary amount of time. After getting a spray tan, it’s important to leave the solution on your skin for between four and 24 hours, rinsing when you have achieved your desired color. A spray tan:
Provides a sun-kissed glow in just minutes.
Evens out uneven skin complexion.
Gives skin a more toned appearance.
Boosts confidence.
Can be customized based on your preferences.
Contains vitamins to lock moisture into skin.
Gives an even and streak-free tan.
Offers an option for tan lines.
Includes optional scents based on your preferences.
Tantalizing Benefits
There are many benefits to spray tanning. Not only can you achieve a sun-kissed look in just minutes, spray tanning also gives you a major confidence boost! The average spray tan, whether it be in an automatic booth or by a professional spray tan artist, takes about 5 minutes. For most people, when taking the route of traditional sun tanning, it can take hours or days to begin seeing a sun-kissed glow. Sadly, many people receive a sunburn instead of a tan when choosing the traditional sun tanning.
How Do You Prepare for a Spray Tan?
Preparing for a spray tan can help to elevate your overall experience. To get the most natural looking and long-lasting tan, be sure to:
Shower, exfoliate, and shave/wax 24-28 hours before your session.
Arrive for your appointment with clean skin. Do not apply moisturizers, deodorant, oils, or make-up before your appointment.
Wear loose-fitting, dark colored clothing to prevent bronzer transfer.
Schedule your manicure and/or pedicure appointments prior to your spray tan appointment, so that your tan does not fade prematurely.
Bring a rain jacket if there is a chance of rain to protect your tan while it is developing.
Avoid rinsing or getting wet for a minimum of 4 hours. You can leave your tan on for up to 24 hours before rinsing.
Post Spray Tan Tips
Your post-spray tan care is just as important as the preparation! Be sure to keep in mind the following tips to help your tan last as long as possible:
Rinse your spray tan with warm water and minimal soap/scrubbing.
Pat dry after rinsing your tan instead of wiping off moisture.
Apply moisturizer after your shower and then daily to extend your tan.
Avoid swimming/bathing for the first 24 hours after your spray tan.
Use self-tanners to help extend the length of your tan.
Flaunt your favorite outfit to wear once your spray tan is fully developed and rinsed.
Encourage your friends and family to utilize spray tanning as a healthy way to glow.
Share photos of your spray tan on social media using the hashtag #NationalSprayTanningDay.
Be on the lookout for giveaways, promotions, and events nationwide surrounding National Spray Tanning Day by following @mystictan, @versaspa, and @norvellsunless on Instagram.
ABOUT #NationalSprayTanningDay
National Day Calendar designated National Spray Tanning Day on behalf of Sunless, Inc. brands Mystic Tan, Norvell, and VersaSpa in 2022, to be celebrated on the third Thursday in March each year. National Spray Tanning Day encourages people to safely enhance their skin with a natural-looking glow!
Sunless, Inc. is the leading industry authority in the sunless tanning industry with over 30 years of experience. The company offers sunless tanning technology alternatives such as spray tanning and self-tanning products in the place of harmful UV rays. Sunless, Inc. creates the best of the best when it comes to spray tanning booths, equipment, and solutions. The advanced spray technology delivers streak-free and natural-looking tans every time.
With decades of experience, Sunless, Inc. creates the best of the best when it comes to spray tanning equipment, solutions, and self-tanners. The brands Mystic Tan, Norvell, and VersaSpa are iconic among frequent spray tan users.
You can instantly locate a salon that provides spray tans by Mystic Tan, VersaSpa, or Norvell by using their salon locator.
The entire month of October is a celebration of cryptocurrencies and the cultivation of new economic growth opportunities they bring.
#CryptocurrencyMonth
Cyptocurrency is a class of digital currencies that exist outside the governance of any one country’s economy or government. While fiat currency is a system of money used and accepted in a particular country, cryptocurrencies are digital coins and tokens, minted electronically on a blockchain using cryptography. Cryptography is the science of protecting data by transforming it into a secure format.
How does cryptocurrency work? All cryptocurrencies run and operate on something called blockchain. A blockchain is a record of transactions updated and held by currency holders that cannot be altered, deleted, or destroyed. Each transaction also affects succeeding transactions, which makes tampering with a previous transaction virtually impossible. This visibility establishes trust, accountability, and transparency.
Can you buy things with cryptocurrency? Absolutely. Many cryptocurrency platforms allow you to use your digital funds to purchase items. For example, Expedia allows you to book a vacation for a small fee. Retailers are beginning to allow payment of goods using cryptocurrency. If you have a large amount of cryptocurrency in your digital wallet, you might be able to secure a home loan using your currency as collateral. Of course not everyone takes cryptocurrency as payment, but if you have PayPal, you can use your currency to pay for goods through their new service Checkout With Crypto.
Crypto Facts
The first cryptocurrency purchase of a physical product was in 2010 for two pizzas.
A man in Wales accidently threw out his hard drive containing 7,500 Bitcoin (now worth millions) and is appealing to his local city council to excavate the landfill it ended up in.
It’s virtually impossible to ban cryptocurrency, but many countries have implemented strict regulations on exchanges.
In 2018, someone bought a CryptoKitty Dragon for 600 Ethereum valuing at $170,000. Amazingly, that same CryptoKitty now has a value of $1.5 million.
There are there more than 9,500 cryptocurrencies in existence today.
There are thousands of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, and others. The value of these assets is largely determined by how much people invest in them, and they hold the same value everywhere in the world.
Top 3 Cryptocurrencies
Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency in the digital world making it’s debut in 2008 and still holding the #1 spot in cryptocurrency. Money transfer occurs through the bitcoin network of registered users. All transactions are verified and authenticated by nodes and recorded on the blockchain.
Ethereum is the second largest open-source blockchain with a large variety of financial services. According to Ethereum.org, “While Bitcoin is only a payment network, Ethereum is more like a marketplace of financial services, games, social networks and other apps that respect your privacy and cannot censor you.”
Tether is the largest stablecoin in cryptocurrency.
Stablecoins differ from other cryptocurrencies in that their value is “pegged” to a particular fiat currency (for example, the US Dollar), so its value is as stable as the asset it’s pegged to. Tether and other stablecoins are used for lending and converting one crypto to another.
ENGAGE IN THE CRYPTOCURRENCY WORLD
Take a class to learn about cryptocurrency.
Invest in cryptocurrency.
Learn the history of cryptocurrency, including who is credited with being the “founder” of this digital currency.
Teach a class to beginners if you are an expert cryptocurrency user.
Share #NationalCryptocurrencyMonth on social media.
DIGITAL MONEY HISTORY
In 2022, Guy Gotslak from My Digital Money and National Day Calendar created National Cryptocurrency Month to be celebrated each year the entire month of October. My Digital Money allows customers to invest cash or part of a self-directed IRA into cryptocurrency.
The first mention of cryptocurrency appears in 1983 by David Chaum. After introducing his concept of encrypted electronic money in a conference paper, Chum began to develop a proto-cryptocurrency named Digicash. Using key encryption to withdraw money from a bank, Chaum successfully transferred money to a recipient without using a financial institution.
In 2008, Satoshi Nakamoto (not his/her real name) introduced Bitcoin and information on how to operate it using blockchain technology. However, it is know Nakamoto would make reference to current economic conditions involving financial institutions, including bank bailouts. In fact, a headline in The Times ran announcing a new method to exchange currency without financial institution involvement.
Early exchanges of currency made a lot of money for people and their investments. Unfortunately, that money was sometimes associated with illegal activity, such as drug sales, prostitution, and theft. Luckily, like all technology, knowledge increases resulting in substantial improvements. Today, anyone can use cryptocurrency to secure their own financial portfolio.
Fans across the globe celebrate Star Trek Day on September 8 to remember the timeless legacy Star Trek has made on society and pop culture.
#StarTrekDay
On September 8, 1966, a television series pilot known as Star Trek was introduced on American television. Aiming for an adult audience, this was the was the first time a scientific fiction series would explore morality through scientific narratives. Most movies or television shows would contain science but would often create conflict of suffering and injustice to solve problems. However, Star Trek was different. The series would put actors in the forefront making scientific arguments, while providing peaceful solutions to problems without using violence.
What was the first episode of Star Trek? In a galaxy far, far away “The Man Trap” aired as the pilot episode for Star Trek: The Original Series. Creator Gene Roddenberry’s vision to successfully deliver a storyline of intergalactic drama full of diversity, acceptance and hope became a reality on todays date. Though the series intention was to be a fictional story, Star Trek would become a futuristic franchise, showcasing humans living in harmony with space and Earth.
The Starship Enterprise
The original cast of the Star Trek series was one of the most diverse looking characters ever seen on television at the time. The main crew consisted of:
Ship Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner)
First Officer and Science Officer Spock (Leonard Nimoy)
Chief Medical Officer: Leonard H. “Bones” McCoy (DeForest Kelly)
Host a Star Trek Marathon with your friends and family.
Dress up in your favorite Star Trek character and host a Treki party.
Learn Klingon (the official Star Trek language).
Find a Star Trek convention and attend.
Introduce Star Trek to a new generation.
Post your Star Trek moments on social media and tag #StarTrekDay.
EARTHING CONTRIBUTIONS
For 56 years, Star Trek has been captivating audiences across the world. Now considered one of the most successful franchise, the legacy of the original series continues to greet millions of fans. In 2022, Paramount+ is paying special tribute to fans by hosting a variety of celebrations honoring Star Trek through the years.
September 1 we celebrate National Hotel Employee Day and honor nearly 2 million employees who work in the industry.
#HotelEmployeeDay
Across the United States, hotel employees play a key role in some of Americans’ most important life events. Whether they’re helping facilitate family reunions, preparing for wedding receptions, or assisting guests with vacation activities, hotel employees are the backbone of any hotel stay. In addition, they keep guests safe, give back to their communities and are critical to making our nation’s nearly $2 trillion travel and tourism industry run smoothly.
The hotel industry is a vibrant, innovative, and dynamic business. The success of each hotel depends upon the hardworking employees who staff the property on a daily basis. Each employee, including those who work behind the scenes, plays an important role in everyday operations.
Hotel Employee Facts
There are nearly 2 million hotel employees in America.
The hotel industry offers employees more than 200 different career paths.
More than 50% of hotel general managers got their start in an entry level position.
On average, entry level hotel workers receive a raise within 9-12 months of being hired.
About 80% of entry level hotel workers are eligible for a promotion in less than one year of being hired.
Hotel Operations
What makes a hotel property successful? A successful hotel depends on the day-to-day activity of each employee. Providing guests the best experience possible requires a partnership among every section, department, and employee in the hotel. In fact, hotel employees typically work in one or more of nine major areas:
Lobby and guest services
Food and beverage
Recreation and events
Rooms
Security
Engineering and maintenance
Sales and marketing
Accounting
Human Resources
Book It
There are many different types of hotels and a variety of factors to consider before booking a stay, including location, amenities as well as reviews and recommendations. Technology has transformed the way guests book their hotel rooms. Today, hotel bookings make up 15 percent of all U.S. ecommerce, with some 500 online bookings happening every minute. Here are some consumer tips when booking hotels online:
Look before you book. Take time to verify the hotel’s booking site by checking the URL address. It’s important to know you are giving your personal information to the right hotel. Although the hotel name may be part of the URL, double check the website address to ensure it’s not a third-party vendor using a hotel’s identity without permission.
Take advantage of loyalty programs. Sign up for loyalty programs at your favorite hotels. Loyalty programs are free and offer a host of benefits. Remember to always book directly with the hotel to ensure you’re getting your points.
Ask the right questions. Before providing your credit card information, check the following:
What is the cancellation/trip change policy?
Is it a secure payment site? The URL should have a small lock and start with https://, and not http://.
Is the site, in any way, affiliated with the hotel?
Book directly with the hotel or a trusted travel agent. This helps ensure you get what you want and need from your reservation and provides the better value.
SHOW EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION
Thank a hotel employee in person
Leave a good review about your hotel stay online
Create a bucket list of must-stay hotels and visit those places
Tag and post #HotelEmployeeDay when you share photos of your hotel stay on social media
ABOUT NATIONAL HOTEL EMPLOYEE DAY
In 2022, The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and National Day Calendar decided to celebrate National Hotel Employee Day each year on September 1. The day is meant to thank hotel employees for their hard work and dedication and recognize the integral role they play in our nation’s travel, tourism, and hotel industries.
For more than 100 years, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) has been the representative and advocate for the U.S. lodging industry and its employees. AHLA is the only national association representing all segments of the hotel industry, including major chains, independent hotels, management companies, REITs, bed and breakfasts, industry partners and more. In addition to representing most U.S. hotel properties, AHLA represents the millions of employees who make them run, including:
Team members who work in both front and back of the house roles
NATIONAL COMPASSIONATE LEADERSHIP WEEK | SECOND Full Week in September
The second full week in September celebrates National Compassionate Leadership Week to create a more compassionate world.
#NationalCompassionateLeadershipWeek
Our lives are unpredictable because of constant disruption in our daily routines. As we shuffle our family life with our professional life, we often feel overwhelmed and uncertain. As adults, we look towards other adults as a source of inspiration and reassurance. Oftentimes, we turn to our colleagues for leadership and guidance. Management and other organization leaders everywhere are more than just employers, they are becoming a source of compassion for their employees.
Leading with Compassion
Companies today are faced with the decision to become more active in employee lives. In fact, employees, consumers, and stakeholders are demanding that companies take care of their people, their communities, and the world around them, too. Old expectations of working for the bottom line no longer exists as a company goal. In fact, successful companies today work towards a double bottom line, a balance between strengthening the business and the employees that work there.
Company culture today consists of a new kind of employee. Studies show that people entering into the workforce are too young, too diverse, too disengaged, too tired of not being heard and respected. Companies that include compassion in their leadership achieve success quickly because performance is always at a peak.
Can you deliver a strong, successful business using compassion? Absolutely. The most successful companies can be compassionate and deliver strong results in business, education, politics and in our communities. Companies that produce compassionate leaders provide unspoken benefits of increased leadership and productivity, not to mention an increase in morale in the work place.
How can companies show compassion for their employees? There are many things a company can do for their employees to show more compassion. Opening communication is a perfect way to learn about company values, expectations, and goals. Most importantly, it’s a great opportunity to give and receive praise and acknowledgement. Forming important bonds within a company helps leaders identify whether an employee is having problems outside of work. In return, knowing those problems is an opportunity to show compassion and offer extra support.
The TramutoPorter Foundation
For over 20 years, the TramutoPorter Foundation has been a leader in expanding compassionate leadership in the workplace. Their mission to create a more compassionate world has allowed them to form partnerships to help solve challenges in business, education, politics, and within families.
The TramutoPorter Foundation has been working on behalf of several compassionate causes. They have implemented a scholarship fund to support students who have lived through and risen above adversity. The foundation formed a partnership with the RFK Human Rights Organization to create a program to promote workplace dignity. In addition, they have been working together to gather life-saving supplies for refugees feeling Ukraine. The foundation also announced a new partnership with Boston University that includes an endowment for scholarships in its school of public health. The endowment will support more compassionate approaches to solving global health challenges. Most importantly, it will create programming that will deliver a compassionate leadership curriculum to be delivered digitally.
JOIN THE COMPASSIONATE LEADERSHIP MOVEMENT
Offer and attend training to encourage compassionate leadership skills.
Check in with employees often and take time to listen to them.
Schedule workshops for employees through human resources.
Attend the Compassionate Leadership Conference in 2023 during Compassionate Leadership Week.
Nominate a leader who has demonstrated by example empathy in action for the Compassionate Leadership Award to be awarded each year during the Compassionate Leadership Week.
HISTORY
Donato Tramuto and National Day Calendar created National Compassionate Leadership Week to be celebrated the second full week of September each year.
The TramutoPorter Foundation was created in 2001 by Donato Tramuto and his longtime partner and Co-Founder Jeffrey Porter, after Donato lost two close friends and their son on 9/11 after visiting him in Maine. Donato was planning to join his friends on that day and a last-minute dental emergency prevented him from joining his friends and decided to return to Los Angeles the night before. Sadly, Donato’s friends perished in the plane that hit the South Tower of the World Trade Center that day.
Donato was devastated by the tragic event and the loss of his friends. Instead of letting grief and anger consume him, he decided to create the foundation in their memory. Today, the memory of his friends and those who lost their lives that tragic day lives in Donato’s heart. He continues to dedicate his life to spreading compassion and understanding in the world to help solve problems, particularly in areas of health, education, and human rights.
Compassion Movement
Tramuto and Porter continue to spread its message of compassion through Compassionate Leadership Week. This week celebrates compassionate leaders by bringing attention to the proven benefits of compassionate leadership. It shows through their own example and many other leaders, that it’s possible to be compassionate while delivering strong results whether it be in business, education, politics or in our own families and communities.
In 2021, the TramutoPorter Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary by pledging to expand its compassionate work envisioning compassion movement. In April 2022, the foundation launched a new book, authored by Tramuto, called The Double Bottom Line: How Compassionate Leaders Captivate Hearts and Deliver Results. The book and Tramuto were featured in Fortune, Forbes, Fast Company, Investors Business Daily, Katie Couric Media and many other media outlets.
About
Donato Tramuto
Founder & Chairman, Health eVillages
Founder & Chairman, TramutoPorter Foundation
Author & Healthcare Activist
Donato J. Tramuto, is the former CEO of Tivity Health® , Inc., (Nasdaq: TVTY), and is widely recognized for his commitment to social change and transformational leadership in healthcare innovation. The New York Times deemed him “a global health activist.” Tramuto is also the founder and chair of The Tramuto Foundation, which advances rights to education and healthcare access for young people. In addition, the foundation combats human right violations. He launched the foundation in memory his two friends and their 3 year old son who lost their lives on 9/11 when United Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower. Tramuto was scheduled to be on that flight. However, and due to a toothache, he never boarded the plane.
Since the launch of the foundation, over 100 young adults have received a TramutoPorter Foundation Scholarship. All scholarships awarded help young adults pursue their dream of a college education. With the financial support from other organizations, the TramutoPorter Foundation delivers on their promise to make the world a more compassionate place. Tramuto is a sitting member of the board for the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization and their Leadership Council Chairman. In fact, his commitment has led to funding a three-year, $1 million grant addressing workplace bullying in the U.S. and Europe. Amazingly, this leading national initiative also addresses workplace dignity and inclusion.
A Compassionate Leadership Task Force, launched in September 2021 will initiate a pilot with a number of Boston colleges and universities to address the significant epidemic around loneliness and social isolation among our young and older adults. The task force will implement existing interventions by integrating them into community-centered organizations, like faith-based organizations. In addition, they will assist colleges and universities to address the compassionate leadership umbrella and how intergenerational connections can reduce the loss sense of relevancy among young and older adults.
Published Author
Tramuto is a successful published author. His works include:
Life’s Bulldozer Moments: How Adversity Leads to Success in Life and Business
The Double Bottom Line: How Compassionate Leaders Captivate Hearts and Deliver Results
Awards
Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope (2014)
RFK Embracing His Legacy Awards (2016)
PharmaVoice RedJacet Recipient Award
Tramuto is also a passionate champion of cutting-edge approaches to healthcare access, drug safety, and addressing the social determinants of health (SDOH), defined by the World Health Organization as the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. Under his tenure as CEO of Tivity Health and following his execution of a successful turnaround, he transformed the business business model to center around partnering progressively, profitably and collaboratively with consumers, payers, healthcare practitioners and employers in cutting-edge approaches to SDOH conditions including nutrition, fitness and social connection, that improve health outcomes and reduce medical costs.
Before joining Tivity Health, Tramuto’s record of bringing together social commitment with healthcare innovation included his founding of Physicians Interactive Holdings (Aptus Health sold to WebMD in 2019). As a global provider of insight-driven digital engagement solutions for healthcare professionals and consumers. Reflecting a conviction that universal healthcare is a basic human right for all people, he launched Health eVillages in 2011, a non-profit organization providing state-of-the-art mobile health technology in the most challenging clinical environments and working to broaden healthcare access.
Boards
Brown University Healthcare Leadership Board
Advisory Board of Boston University School of Public Health
Robert F Kennedy Human Rights Europe
Health eVillages
Zeel Health
Esperta Health
Gryphon Investment Executive Advisory Board
Executive in Residence at Promerica Health, Concierge Health, Sharecare, Gento Health, and Skyscape
Honorary Scholar in Residence at St. Joseph’s College, Maine
Achievements
Honorary Doctorate: University of Massachusetts at Lowell
Every year on May 15, advocates educate and raise awareness for skin-to-skin contact on International Kangaroo Care Awareness Day. Also known as kangaroo care, skin-to-skin contact encourages everyone to embrace this important practice between newborns and mothers immediately after birth, especially those in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
The term “kangaroo care” got its name from the type of care a kangaroo mother provides their infant. A kangaroo mother has a little pouch on the front if its body. This little pouch acts as a second womb. When a joey, or baby kangaroo, is inside the pouch, it stays warm and protected. In addition, the pouch also offers a cozy environment in which to grow. Just like a mother kangaroo, a human mother can offer the same security.
During the first moments and days after a birth, a mother places their infant onto her chest and covers the baby with a blanket. This skin-to skin contact between baby and mother helps babies thrive. Though kangaroo care is primarily done in the NICU where premature babies need a lot of extra care, many hospitals have implemented this practice as part of the birthing process. In some instances, a caregiver provides the contact just as well as a birth mother can.
There are many evidence-based health benefits for skin-to-skin contact between baby and mother. For example, kangaroo care helps premature babies gain weight more quickly. Some other benefits for the baby include:
Stabilizing heart rate and body temperature.
Improving breathing pattern and oxygen saturation levels.
Improving sleep patterns.
Decreases crying and reduces stress.
Increases the success rate of breastfeeding.
Increases chances of an earlier discharge from the NICU.
Kangaroo care is not just beneficial for babies, however. Parents also benefit from doing this type of care in the hospital. Parents can increase their bond with their baby as well as increase their confidence in their ability to care for their baby. Additionally, mothers who practice kangaroo care might also have an increased supply of breastmilk.
SUPPORTING #KangarooCareDay
Attend an event to raise awareness for kangaroo care, such as walks, seminars and workshops.
Learn about the benefits kangaroo care provides to premature babies and parents.
Talk to a new parent about kangaroo care.
Share your journey using kangaroo care with your infant.
Fundraise on behalf of parents of premature babies, hospitals and healthcare workers.
Provide stuffed kangaroo animals to your local NICU.
Raise awareness for this day on social media using #InternationalKangarooAwarenessDay and #KangarooCareDay.
INTERNATIONAL KANGAROO CARE AWARENESS DAY HISTORY
In 1979, Dr. Edgar Ray and Dr. Hector Martinez began working together to find a way to help the survival rates of premature babies. While working in a large maternity unit in Bogota, Columbia, they started to change how care was provided to low birth weight infants using skin-to-skin contact. At the time, underdeveloped countries had limited resources to increase the survival rate of infants born with low birth weight.
After performing revolutionary experiments on how to improve the overall health of premature infants, Dr. Ray and Dr. Martinez concluded skin-to-skin contact was just as effective as more expensive treatments. Within a few years, over 500 babies thrived, significantly reducing the death rate of infants in Columbia. The movement became known as the Kangaroo Mother Care Program. Kangaroo Mother Care has three main components:
Early and continuous skin-to-skin contact between the mother and her infant.
Exclusive breastfeeding.
Early discharge.
Today, Kangaroo Mother Care is practiced in hospitals around the world. New studies are consistently being done, including the importance of the father of the newborn participating in
National Check Your Wipers Day (Día Nacional de Revisar Tus Limpiaparabrisas), on May 16, reminds drivers in Latin America to regularly check their windshield wipers to ensure optimum visibility in the event of inclement weather on the road.
According to a recent study conducted by the Statistics Yearbook of Collisions on Federal Highways 2020, the Mexican Institute of Transportation reported that 29.33% of the accidents recorded were caused by road, vehicle, and natural agents such as rain, wind, fog, smoke, hail, and snow.
A survey by MICHELIN® Wiper Blades found that 92% of drivers agree that poor wiper blades can affect their driving ability. However, 90% of drivers do not plan the time to check their wipers properly and 55%+ do not know how to check their wiper blades properly.
The Mexican National Meteorological System (SMN) informed that the rainy season, which started in April, could last for 6 months. Checking vehicles wiper blades ensures that the windshield wipers provide adequate visibility in inclement weather. In the case of wipers blades, the recommendation is to change them every 6 or 12 months.
OBSERVING #CheckYourWipersDay
On National Check Your Wipers Day, ensure your family’s driving ability and safety by checking the windshield wipers on all your cars. Great reminders on when to check your wipers include:
During an oil change.
When you fill gas.
After a car wash.
Before a road trip.
At the start of Winter and Spring seasons.
Add checking your wipers to your maintenance checklist. When you celebrate, be sure to use #CheckYourWipersDay on social media.
NATIONAL CHECK YOUR WIPERS DAY HISTORY
The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Check Your Wipers Day in September of 2021. As of 2022, due to seasonality, MICHELIN® officially requested May 16th become National Check Your Wipers Day (Día Nacional de Revisar Tus Limpiaparabrisas) for countries in Latin America. Additionally, MICHELIN® changed the November 16 observance to International Check Your Wipers Day to be celebrated in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia. Both the May 16 and November 16 observances are a reminder to educate drivers about checking their wiper blades.
Regular car maintenance includes routinely checking the condition of the wiper blades for optimal performance. It also helps you avoid getting caught in inclement weather.
Every year on April 27th, World Tapir Day aims to create a community around tapir awareness and conservation.
What does a tapir look like? Well, it looks like a pig with a trunk. Some people refer to them as a boar crossed with an anteater. However, tapirs aren’t related to any of these animals. Instead, they are related to horses and rhinos. Weighing over 600 pounds, tapirs are the largest land mammals in South America. This herbivore also lives in Central America and Southeast Asia.
There are four recognized types of tapirs, including:
Brazilian tapir
Malayan tapir,
Baird’s tapir
Mountain tapir
Both the Brazilian tapir and the mountain tapir are on the list of threatened species. In addition, the Malayan tapir and the Baird’s tapir are endangered. Today, there are only 3,000 Malayan tapirs globally and 5,000 Baird’s tapirs.
Other facts about these interesting animals include:
Tapirs have been around for so long that they are commonly called living fossils.
The gestation period for tapirs is between 13 and 14 months.
Tapirs are an umbrella species, which means that protecting them will help protect other species it shares a habitat with.
The snout on the tapir is very flexible.
Tapirs in the Amazon are hunted for their meat.
Baby tapirs have spots and stripes that make them resemble a watermelon. These markings disappear as they grow older.
Tapirs are known as the “gardeners of the forest.” Some people believe that tapirs are instrumental in re-growing the rainforests because they eat a lot of fruit and disperse seeds wherever they go.
HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldTapirDay
Zoos worldwide that have tapirs hold many special events on this day.
Tapir conservation organizations also host events to help spread awareness about this unique animal.
Learn more about tapirs.
Donate organizations, such as the Tapir Specialist Group, that are helping to protect the tapirs.
Go check out your local zoo’s tapir exhibit.
Watch the documentary “The Tale of the Tapir.”
Help spread awareness for tapirs by posting pictures and fun facts about the animal on social media.
When doing so, don’t forget to use #WorldTapirDay.
WORLD TAPIR DAY HISTORY
Tapir lovers and conservationists from around the world banded together to establish this special animal day. They hosted the first World Tapir Day in 2008.
International Plastic Free Day is a call to action and brings attention to the plastic we use every day. On May 25th, commit to using no single-use plastic for one day (including bottles, take-out food containers, utensils, bags and wrappers.)
Over 380 million tons of plastic is produced every year. Half of all plastic produced is single-use – meaning it’s thrown away after just one use. Since only 9% of all plastic gets recycled, most of it ends up littering our communities, filling our landfills, and polluting our oceans.
International Plastic Free Day creates awareness of just how much plastic we use every day, and how we can use less of it. Consider all the ways single-use plastic is used in our daily lives:
Beverage bottles
Cleaning products in plastic jugs
To-go containers
Food packaging
Cups, straws, lids
Storage bags
Product packaging
Participation is simple: Say “No” to single-use plastics for one day. Don’t buy it, refuse it, don’t use it. The day also encourages learning how to swap sustainable products for single-use plastics. For example, swap:
Single-use straws with reusable bamboo straws.
Reusable tumbler for drinking both hot and cold beverages.
Reusable cloth bags for shopping.
Silicone bags for sandwiches and snacks.
Compostable garbage bags.
HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalPlasticFreeDay
Before May 25th, take the plastic-free challenge and commit to using no single-use plastics all day long. Every time you do, one less piece of plastic will be added to the environment. During International Plastic Free Day you can also:
Start a conversation about single-use plastic and its impact on the Earth.
Learn how plastic waste impacts our environment.
Discover one permanent change you can make to create less plastic waste.
Visit Free the Ocean for more ways to reduce plastic waste.
When you participate, be sure to use #InternationalPlasticFeeDay and share on social media to help raise awareness.
INTERNATIONAL PLASTIC FREE DAY HISTORY
Free the Ocean founded International Plastic Free Day to raise awareness surrounding one of the most pressing issues involving our environment. The day is a call to action and brings attention to the plastic we use day-to-day.
The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed International Plastic Free Day to be observed annually on May 25th.
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