Category: March 28

  • NATIONAL TRIGLYCERIDES DAY – March 28

    NATIONAL TRIGLYCERIDES DAY

    On March 28, National Triglycerides Day shines a spotlight on one of the key factors to a healthy lifestyle.

    #NationalTriglyceridesDay

    The observance serves as a reminder to patients and practitioners to know about the hidden risks of triglycerides. Learn your numbers and take steps to bring them to healthy levels.

    High levels of triglycerides in your blood can be a risk factor for heart disease. Triglycerides are different from cholesterol, though they are both a type of lipid or fat stored in your blood. They serve different purposes. While triglycerides store unused calories and give the body energy, cholesterol builds cells and some hormones.

    Monitoring triglycerides is important for heart health. A blood test will tell you if your triglycerides are within normal limits. If they’re not, high triglycerides can be a sign of other conditions such as:

    • Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
    • Metabolic syndrome (cholesterol, weight and blood sugar are all a factor)
    • Hypothyroidism
    • rare genetic conditions

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL TRIGLYCERIDES DAY

    • Include a triglycerides check with your routine physical exam.
    • Visit with your doctor to learn how triglycerides impact your health.
    • Ask your doctor for advice on how to maintain healthy levels, too.
    • Your primary care is your go-to source and will be able to guide you on your risk factors.
    • Use #NationalTriglyceridesDay to share on social media.

    NATIONAL TRIGLYCERIDES DAY HISTORY

    National Triglycerides Day was founded in 2018 to encourage awareness of healthy triglyceride levels and the role they play in a healthy lifestyle.

    The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the day to be observed on March 28th.

    Triglycerides FAQ

    Q. How do doctors test for triglycerides?
    A. Doctors test for triglycerides with a blood test called a lipid panel.

    Q. How many people in the United States have high triglyceride levels?
    A. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three adults age twenty and over have elevated triglycerides.

    March 28th Celebrated History

    1963

    The Birds premieres in New York City. Director Alfred Hitchcock draws out the suspense as actors Tippi Hedren, Rod Taylor and Jessica Tandy encounter a series of increasingly aggressive birds.

    1949

    British mathematician and astronomer, Fred Hoyle, coined the term “big bang” in an attempt to dispute the theory that all matter was created from one giant explosion. Hoyle’s description took place during the broadcast of the scripted radio show BBC Third Programme.

    1977

    Rocky wins Best Picture at the 49th Academy Awards. The film was nominated for eight other awards, including Best Screenplay and Best Actor, both of which would have gone to Sylvester Stallone had he won. Rocky did go on to win Best Director (John G. Avildsen) and Best Film Editing.

    1979

    Three Mile Island Nuclear accident occurred near Middletown, PA. Unit 2 of the nuclear power plant partially melted down causing the plant to be shut down.

    1982

    Norfolk Scope hosted the first Women’s NCAA Basketball Championship where Louisiana Tech defeated the University of Cheney, Pennsylvania 76-62.

    March 28th Celebrated Birthdays

    Frederick Pabst – 1836

    The German-born businessman built a reputation in Milwaukee, Michigan, when he joined his father-in-law Philip Best’s brewing company in the mid-1800s. In 1889, the business was renamed Pabst Brewing Company, and Pabst grew it into the largest brewery in the United States by the end of the century.

    Ángela Ruiz Robles – 1895

    In 1949, the Spanish teacher invented an electronic encyclopedia that is considered the precursor of today’s e-books. She later designed an updated version that included options for sound recordings.

    Victor Mills – 1897

    While working for Proctor & Gamble in the 1950s, the American chemical engineer worked on many innovative projects. One of his most notable was the disposable diaper, Pampers.

    August Anheuser Busch, Jr. – 1899

    Heir to the Anheuser-Busch brewing company, “Gussie” Busch grew the brewery into the world’s largest after his father saw it through Prohibition. In 1953, he bought the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team.

    Marina Raskova – 1912

    In 1934, Marina Raskova became the first woman in the Soviet Union to pass the aviation navigator exam and become the country’s first licensed female navigator.

    Reba McEntire – 1955

    The award-winning American country singer-songwriter and actress has been performing since the early 1970s. She became a household name in the 1980s. In 1984, she won her first Country Music Award for Female Vocalist of the Year. It would not be her last.

    Byron Scott – 1961

    The American athlete played 10 seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association bringing home three championship rings. He would continue his career as the head coach of the Lakers and then the Cleveland Cavaliers.

    Stefani Joane Angelina Germanotta – 1986

    Known as Lady Gaga, the singer-songwriter and actress rose to prominence during the 2010s and gained critical acclaim for her music and acting performances.

    Notable Mentions

    Maxim Gorky – 1868
    Byrd Baylor – 1927
    Mario Vargas Llosa – 1936
    Bernice King – 1963
    Vince Vaughn – 1970
    Julia Stiles – 1970

  • NATIONAL BLACK FOREST CAKE DAY – March 28

    NATIONAL BLACK FOREST CAKE DAY  

    March 28th recognizes a decadent and delicious dessert on National Black Forest Cake Day. Black Forest cake is the English name for the German dessert Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte, meaning “Black Forest cherry torte.”

    #BlackForestCakeDay

    Most often, bakers layer several sheets of chocolate cake with whipped cream and cherries between each layer to make Black Forest cake. Then they decorated the cake with whipped cream, maraschino cherries, and chocolate shavings. Some traditional recipes call for sour cherries between the layers and a Kirschwasser (a clear liquor distilled from tart cherries) to be added to the cake. In the United States, bakers usually do not use alcohol. However, in Germany, liqueur is a mandatory ingredient. Otherwise, the cake can not legally be sold under the Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte name.

    The cake is named after the specialty liquor (Schwarzwalder Kirschwasser) of the region of the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) mountain range in southwestern Germany.

    Beyond the history of the cake, bakers and pastry chefs create elegant displays when baking Black Forest cake. The combination of rich chocolate layered with contrasting color and bold red cherries offer bakers an opportunity to design remarkable pieces. Their decadent interpretations leave us with fantastic memories and a sweet piece of cake to enjoy, too. 

    HOW TO OBSERVE BLACK FOREST CAKE DAY

    • Visit your favorite bakery and order a delicious black forest cake to bring home.
    • Give your favorite bakery a shout-out.
    • Or, break out the cake pans and bake one up yourself.
    • You can also watch cake decorating shows to see what bakers design with a black forest recipe. What’s your favorite slice?
    • As you celebrate, be sure to use #BlackForestCakeDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL BLACK FOREST CAKE DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this cake holiday. While we do, we sure do enjoy tasting the cakes as we go!

    Black Forest Cake FAQ

    Q. Where does the Black Forest cake get its name?
    A. Though one might think the Black Forest region of Germany has something to do with a name like Black Forest cake, one would be almost correct but not quite. The brandy used to make the cake is called Schwarzwald Edel Kirsch or Black Forest Nobel Cherry. The cherries and the liquor that is distilled from them all come from the Black Forest region of Germany.

    Q. What kind of frosting is used on Black Forest cake?
    A. A light vanilla frosting complements the rich flavors of a Black Forest cake.

  • NATIONAL SOMETHING ON A STICK DAY – March 28

    NATIONAL SOMETHING ON A STICK DAY

    Observed each year on March 28th, National Something on a Stick Day is a food holiday that lets you use your creative talents. Once you get started, the possibilities are endless.  Foods that come on a stick are fun and easy to eat.

    #SomethingOnAStickDay

    There isn’t much that can’t be put on a stick when talking about food. Soup might be that one exception, though if it were flavorful frozen, we might make an exception.

    From cool summer treats like the Popsicle to frozen food staples like the corn dog, food on a stick is one of the world’s great inventions. Fresh fruit kabobs and skewers of grilled veggies and meat are both summer favorites.

    Street fairs and food trucks have created a variety of recipes made to go on a stick that takes us from breakfast to after-party hunger with flavor combinations that sometimes make us wonder why we haven’t tried that before!  Whether it is fresh and healthy or breaded and deep-fried, menu choices are broad and plentiful for National Something on a Stick Day.

    HOW TO OBSERVE SOMETHING ON A STICK DAY

    • Get inventive and create your own combination. How about grilled pear on a stick? Or perhaps meat and cheese squares or brownie and marshmallows bites? Have a creative breakfast, lunch or dinner and have fun with the day!!
    • Master eating with chopsticks.
    • Serve each meal on a stick. French toast for breakfast? Serve it cut up on toothpicks. Salad for lunch? Slide all the fixings on a skewer. The same goes for supper. Be creative and involve the whole family in the planning. Just don’t serve soup.
    • Challenge the family to create or name as many foods on a stick as possible. 
    • Have you ever put family photos on a stick or created something similar to a Flat Stanley?
    • Take a group photo using a selfie stick. That’s right, put your phone on a stick. 
    • Create a photo booth. Use fun props, many of which are on a stick.
    • Educators and families, visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for more ways to Celebrate Every Day!
    • Use #SomethingOnAStickDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL SOMETHING ON A STICK DAY HISTORY

    Our research was unable to find the origin and the creator of National Something On A Stick Day.

    Something on a Stick FAQ

    Q. Who can celebrate this day?
    A. Anyone can celebrate National Something on a Stick Day. All you need is a skewer or chopsticks and your favorite foods. Some foods already come on a stick! Corn dogs and popsicles come to mind.

    Q. Does this day require cooking?
    A. No. Or at least it doesn’t have to. Make fruit kabobs or have an ice cream bar. Slice up some pb&j sandwiches and put them on a skewer.

  • NATIONAL WEED APPRECIATION DAY – March 28

    NATIONAL WEED APPRECIATION DAY

    National Weed Appreciation Day on March 28th each year reminds us that some weeds are beneficial to us and our ecosystem. Humans have used weeds for food and as herbs for much of recorded history. Some are edible and nutritious, while other weeds have medicinal value.

    #WeedAppreciationDay

     
    Do you remember as a small child the fun you had with dandelions? Well, these bright yellow flowers serve a purpose. Dandelions are a food source for insects and some birds. Humans eat young dandelion leaves and enjoy tea and wine made from the leaves and flowers. The Native Americans used dandelions to treat specific ailments. Nutritionally, dandelions contain a source of vitamin A and C, calcium, iron, and fiber.
     
    Before using any weed as a food source, make sure it is correctly identified and free of herbicides and pesticides. Research the safe edible part of each weed and find useful cooking and preparation tips.
     

    HOW TO OBSERVE WEED APPRECIATION DAY

    • Take the day to learn some of the benefits of the plants, weeds, flora, and fauna around us.
    • Create a wildflower or native species garden. 
    • Identify the “weeds” in your neighborhood. 
    • Do you want to learn more? Read 5 Edible and Medicinal Weeds.
    • Learn the uses and share your knowledge using #WeedAppreciationDay on social media.
     

    NATIONAL WEED APPRECIATION DAY HISTORY

     Our research was unable to find the origin and the creator of National Weed Appreciation Day.
    Weeds FAQ

    Q. I’m confused. Are weeds bad or good?
    A. A weed is basically any plant that grows where it’s not wanted. For example, if your vegetable garden is overrun with lambsquarter, it might be stealing nutrients from your tomatoes and onions. This prolific plant was once used to make lettuce salads or cooked and used as a replacement for spinach. And it still can be, but it’s known more as a nuisance in the gardening world. Many other weeds have gained this reputation because they are unsightly and difficult to remove. They don’t follow the rules of other plants that gardeners and farmers have found to make for successful planting. 

    Q. Is there a list somewhere that tells me what’s a weed and what isn’t?
    A. Yes. The Federal Noxious Weed list is maintained by the USDA. Some states also maintain lists.

  • AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION ALERT DAY – Fourth Tuesday in March

    AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION ALERT DAY

    American Diabetes Association Alert Day is observed annually on the fourth Tuesday in March. This one-day “wake-up call” informs the American public about the seriousness of diabetes and encourages all to take the diabetes risk test and learn about your family’s history of diabetes.

    #AmericanDiabetesAssociationAlertDay

    Diabetes Facts:

    • Diabetes impacts approximately 34.2 million Americans. That’s about 10.5 percent of the U.S. population.
    • Of those living with diabetes, 7.3 million – 1 in 7 adults – don’t know they have it.
    • The risk of developing diabetes increases with age. But there are other factors, too. Ethnic background may increase your risk.
    • An additional 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes each year.

    There are two types of diabetes. While Type 1 diabetes is not as preventable, it can be managed well with insulin injections. Managing Type 1 diabetes might also require frequent blood sugar monitoring, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. Education is key to learning how to manage symptoms of Type 1 diabetes. However, type 2 is much more preventable, and some actions can be taken. 

    Ways to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes:
    • Eliminate sugar and refined carbs
    • Work out regularly and avoid a sedentary lifestyle
    • Make water the primary beverage
    • Maintain a healthy weight
    • Quit smoking
    • Eat a high fiber diet
    • Optimize Vitamin D levels
    • Take natural herbs, such as curcumin and berberine, that increase insulin sensitivity

    Type 2 diabetes is not preventable for everyone. However, making healthy choices provides the best chance of not getting it. In the United States, 9 out of every 10 cases of diabetes can be avoided if the above lifestyle changes are implemented. Families, schools, workplaces, communities, and healthcare providers can all work together to make healthy choices easier.

    The observance encourages you to discover if you or your loved ones are at risk for type 2 diabetes. Consider taking this fast and easy Diabetes Risk Test

    HOW TO OBSERVE AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION ALERT DAY

    • Learn your risk factors.
    • Speak with your doctor and have your blood sugars tested.
    • Families, we’ve included a downloadable nutrition color page you can print off to use at home when teaching your children about diabetes or nutrition in general.
    • Use #AmericanDiabetesAssociationAlertDay to post on social media to share the news about the opportunities all have to check and manage their health risks.

    AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION ALERT DAY HISTORY

    The American Diabetes Association created Alert Day as part of its awareness programs in 1986.  It has been a part of their growing diabetes education and prevention efforts in the United States ever since.

    Diabetes FAQ

    Q. How do I know if I have type I or type II diabetes?
    A. Your doctor will conduct tests to determine the type of diabetes you have.

    Q. Who should participate on this day?
    A. Everyone should be aware of their risk factors and take action to improve their health. This awareness day is one of many reminders of the ways our lifestyles can impact our health.