Category: May 08

  • WORLD OVARIAN CANCER DAY – May 8

    WORLD OVARIAN CANCER DAY

    Every year on May 8th, World Ovarian Cancer Day increases global awareness for this deadly disease. The day also unites those living with ovarian cancer, as well as survivors and their families.

    #WorldOvarianCancerDay

    In 2018, the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition estimated nearly 300,000 cases of ovarian cancer across the globe. According to their report, ovarian cancer caused 185,000 deaths. These numbers are also expected to increase by 2040. Ovarian cancer is the 8th most common cancer worldwide and is also the 8th most common cause of death for women. The highest incidences of ovarian cancer occur in Asia and Europe.

    The good news is, women can take action to lower their risk of ovarian cancer. Women who exercise at least 30 minutes a day can decrease their risk of ovarian cancer by 20 percent. Along with staying physically active, women should consume foods that are high in Vitamin D and A. Another way to lower the risk of ovarian cancer includes avoiding the use of talcum powder, which is known to contain carcinogens. Women who breastfeed their children also have a lower risk of getting this type of cancer.

    According to health experts, only women with symptoms of ovarian cancer need to get tested for it. These symptoms include:

    • Suddenly feeling full when eating
    • Pain and discomfort in the pelvic area
    • Frequent need to urinate
    • Changes in bowel habits
    • Weight loss
    • Extreme fatigue
    • Abnormal bleeding, especially during or after menopause

    Women with these types of symptoms, or who have family history of ovarian cancer, should see their doctor. The earlier ovarian cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat. If it’s not caught early, the cancer could spread to the pelvis and abdomen.

    HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD OVARIAN CANCER DAY

    Over 170 organizations around the world hold events on this day. These events include educational seminars, walks, and fundraisers. Women are encouraged to have teal parties, which is the official color for ovarian cancer awareness. Women can dress in teal and wear teal-colored accessories.

    To participate:

    • Wear teal and ask others to do the same.
    • Learn more about the symptoms of ovarian cancer.
    • Commit to lowering your risk of ovarian cancer by adapting a healthy lifestyle.
    • Donate to an organization that funds research for ovarian cancer.

    Share this day on social media with #WorldOvarianCancerDay

    WORLD OVARIAN CANCER DAY HISTORY

    Leaders from ovarian cancer advocacy organizations established World Ovarian Cancer Day in 2013.

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  • INTERNATIONAL THALASSAEMIA DAY – May 8

    INTERNATIONAL THALASSAEMIA DAY

    Every year on May 8th, International Thalassaemia Day commemorates thalassaemia patients who are no longer with us. It’s also a day to celebrate the patients that are alive and fighting for a better quality of life.

    #InternationalThalassaemiaDay

    Thalassaemia is a genetic hemoglobin disorder. Hemoglobin is the iron-rich protein found in red blood cells. The function of hemoglobin is to transport oxygen to the blood. A person with thalassaemia has less than normal amounts of hemoglobin. This can make life very difficult, as it usually requires multiple blood transfusions. Some people with the disease need a blood transfusion every two weeks.

    According to the latest statistics, around 280 million people throughout the world have thalassaemia. About 439,000 have a severe form of the disease. Thalassaemia is most common in the following ethnic groups:

    • Italian
    • Greek
    • Middle Eastern
    • South Asian
    • African

    Thalassaemia causes a variety of symptoms in the body. Some of these symptoms include anemia, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, increased risk of infections, and abdominal swelling. Some people with thalassaemia also have too much iron in their system. When the body has too much iron, it can damage the heart and liver.

    Children with this condition often experience a failure to thrive. This means they grow slowly. Children with thalassaemia might also have skull bones that are not shaped normally. For most children, these symptoms show up within the first two years of life.

    HOW TO OBSERVE INTERNATIONAL THALASSAEMIA DAY

    Every year the Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) comes up with various activities that spread awareness for thalassaemia. The goal for these activities is to fuel discussions centering around the theme for the year. If you would like to participate, find out how you can support the work of the TIF. You can also learn more about thalassaemia and other hemoglobin disorders or donate blood. Spread awareness for this day with #InternationalThalassaemiaDay.

    INTERNATIONAL THALASSAEMIA DAY HISTORY

    The president and founder of TIF, Panos Englezos, established International Thalassaemia Day in 1994. He created the day in memory of his son, George, who lost his life to thalassaemia. Each year the TIF creates a special theme for the day. Recent themes have included:

    2020: The dawning of a new era for thalassaemia: Time for a global effort to make novel therapies accessible and affordable to patients.
    2019: Universal access to quality thalassaemia healthcare services: Building bridges with and for patients.
    2018: Thalassaemia past, present, and future: Documenting progress and patients’ needs worldwide.
    2017: Get connected: Share knowledge and experience and fight for a better tomorrow in thalassaemia.
    2016: Access to safe and effective drugs in thalassaemia.

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  • WORLD RED CROSS DAY – May 8

    WORLD RED CROSS DAY

    Every year May 8 is celebrated as World Red Cross Day to honor the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement founder Henry Dunant, who was born on this day in 1828. The day aims to broaden the public’s understanding of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

    #RedCrossDay

    The International Committee of the Red Cross was founded in the year 1863 in Geneva, Switzerland as a private organization to provide swift and efficient humanitarian response to people in war and disaster-affected areas. The Red Cross committee consists of 17 and 25 members who are empowered to direct lifesaving events and safeguard victim’s dignity on a national and international level under the human rights legislation.

    Red Crescent Societies are affiliated and work in cooperation with the World Red Cross to assist in the activities of the movement. National Red Crescent societies and Red Cross Societies are found in almost every nation worldwide.

    The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is an international humanitarian movement with approximately 17-million volunteers, members and staff worldwide which was founded to protect human life and health, to ensure respect for all human beings, and to prevent and alleviate human suffering.

    The First Geneva Convention recognized the red cross on a white background as the single, distinctive emblem. Since the symbol was to reflect the neutrality of the armed forces medical services and the protection conferred on them, the emblem adopted was formed by reversing the colors of the Swiss flag.

    HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD RED CROSS DAY

    Learn more about Red Cross and its founder Jean-Henri Dunant who initiated Red Cross after a meeting with Napoleon III.

    Donate blood to save the lives of people in need of blood.

    Watch for and attend local programs that honor local heroes who have made an invaluable impact on life protection. In many local events, several people may be recognized in various categories such as law enforcement, military, and fire and rescue.

    Follow on social media with #RedCrossDay #Everywhere4EveryoneHistory

    WORLD RED CROSS DAY HISTORY

    The first Red Cross Day was celebrated on May 8, 1948. The official title of the day has changed over time, and it became “World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day” in 1984.

    This date is the anniversary of the birth of Henry Dunant, who was born on 8 May 1828. He was the founder of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize.

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  • TIME OF REMEMBRANCE AND RECONCILIATION – May 8 and 9

    TIME OF REMEMBRANCE AND RECONCILIATION

    On May 8th and 9th, the day is set aside as “The Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War.” These two days recognize the sacrifices and loss of military and civilians during the second global war. As an observance, non-governmental organizations and individuals are urged to pay tribute to the victims of World War II. On May 8, 1945, World War II Allies accepted the unconditional surrender Nazi Germany. The anniversary is also known as Victory in Europe or VE Day.

    #TimeOfRemembranceAndReconciliation

    World War II began in 1939 and ended in 1945, though conflicts before led to the world war. Nearly all nations at the time broke out into two warring factions, the Allies and the Axis. Allies included United Kingdom, U.S.S.R, the United States, and others. The Axis comprised several nations, including Germany, Italy, and Japan. It was fought in Europe, in Russia, North Africa, and in Asia.

    Did you know:

    • Civilian deaths totaled 50 to 55 million.
    • 70 million people fought in WWII.
      • The Soviet Union lost 7.5 million soldiers.
      • The U.S. lost 400,000.
      • Great Britain lost 330,000.
      • China lost 2.2 million.
      • Among the Axis powers, the German army saw 3.5 million casualties.
      • Italy lost 77,000.
      • Japan lost 1.2 million.
    • Only one out of every four men serving on U-boats survived.
    • The mortality rate for POWs in Russian camps was 85%.
    • Only 20% of the males born in the Soviet Union in 1923 survived the war.

    HOW TO OBSERVE TIME OF REMEMBRANCE AND RECONCILIATION

    Watch for Articles about remembering World War II victims published in magazines, newspapers, or online. Learn the history of World War II in Europe. Use #TimeOfRemembranceAnd Reconciliation to share on social media.

    Follow on Facebook.

    TIME OF REMEMBRANCE AND RECONCILIATION DAY HISTORY

    It is an annual international day of remembrance designated by the United Nations General Assembly on November 22, 2004.

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  • NATIONAL STUDENT NURSE DAY – MAY 8

    NATIONAL STUDENT NURSE DAY

    National Student Nurse Day takes part in National Nurses Week on May 8th. The day honors student nurses as they pursue a career in medicine.

    #NationalStudentNursesDay

    Student Nurses are at the cutting edge of technology, learning the latest life-saving techniques. At the same time, they are practicing skills in programs that have been built upon medical science. Each year, the demand for nurses grows. Now more than ever, the nursing field needs more people dedicated to the field of medicine. Their drive to care, learn, and specialize in nursing will make a difference in the lives of millions of individuals and the families who love them each year.

    A registered nurse (RN) will attend four years of nursing school to attain a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Nurses also branch out into specialties advancing their careers into other areas of medicine.

    National Student Nurses Day celebrates these students and their achievements.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL STUDENT NURSE DAY

    Encourage a student nurse you know. As they pursue their career, it can be a challenging time. It’s an overwhelming undertaking and one that friends, family, and peers should support in every way possible.  If you’re in the nursing profession, offer words of wisdom and support. Families and friends show your support, too, and let them know how proud you are of their direction and focus. Use #NationalStudentNurseDay to share on social media to give a student nurse you know a shout-out.

    NATIONAL STUDENT NURSES DAY HISTORY

    In 1953, Dorothy Sutherland of the U.S. Department of Health proposed a Nurse Day observance. While a proclamation never came, National Nurse Week was observed the following year. The American Nurses Association established National Student Nurse Day to recognizes student nurses in 1998.

    May 8th Celebrated History

    1877

    The first Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show opens at Gilmore’s Gardens in New York City. Thirty-five breeds were represented by approximately 1,200 dogs.

    1886

    In Atlanta, Ga, Dr. John Pemberton launched his altered, alcohol-free tonic called Coca-Cola. In face of prohibition, Pemberton’s elixir sold as a temperance drink, though another ingredient contained a form of cocaine (the coca plant is a source). Eventually, a process removing the cocaine from the coca leaves left Coca-Cola free of the schedule II drug.

    1945

    World War II in Europe officially comes to an end with the unconditional surrender of Germany. Victory in Japan would come three months later.

    1999

    Nancy Mace graduates from The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. She is the first woman to graduate from the military college.

    May 8th Celebrated Birthdays

    Phillis Wheatley – 1753

    While the exact date of her birth is uncertain, history records Phillis Wheatley as the first African American woman to publish a book of poems. She was educated by her Boston slave-holders and soon after the publication of her first book Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, was emancipated.

    Henry Dunant – 1828

    In 1863, the Swiss businessman co-founded the International Committee for Relief to the Wounded. The organization is known today as the International Federation of the Red Cross.

    Harry S. Truman – 1884

    Harry S. Truman took office after the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945. Within a few months, the war in Germany ended, atomic bombs ended the war in Japan, and the Cold War began.
    In 1948, Truman famously defeated Thomas Dewey by a narrow margin for reelection. He set out to create social reform with his New Deal and supported the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

    Akebono Taro – 1969

    The American-born sumo wrestler emigrated to Japan. In 1993, he became the first non-Japanese-born sumo wrestler to earn the rank of Yokozuna – the highest rank in Japan’s national sport.

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  • NATIONAL WOMEN’S CHECKUP DAY – Second Monday in May

    NATIONAL WOMEN’S CHECKUP DAY

    National Women’s Checkup Day on the second Monday in May each year focuses on the importance of regular routine visits for women.

    #WomensCheckupDay

    As part of National Women’s Health Week, the observance provides ways to help women take steps to maintain better health. Routine health checkups provide an opportunity to catch problems before they become unmanageable. Speaking with your physician about risk factors, early signs and symptoms and concerns can help to alleviate minor daily issues and identify issues to watch. Additionally, your physician can recommend screenings and order baseline tests that can be used for comparison at a later time.

    Yearly well-woman visits are important and should include discussions of your health habits and family history, setting health goals, and scheduling or receiving screenings or necessary exams.  Screening would include blood pressure, cholesterol, cervical cancer, and others.

    HOW TO OBSERVE WOMENS CHECKUP DAY

    Schedule a checkup if you haven’t had one recently. Make a list of concerns before you go as well as any family history important to note. Include on your list questions to ask your physician, too. There are simple ways to improve your health, too. Ask your doctor what is best for your lifestyle.   Use #WomensCheckupDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL WOMEN’S CHECKUP DAY HISTORY

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services promotes National Women’s Checkup Day and is part of National Women’s Health Week. For more information, visit women’s health.gov.

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  • NATIONAL HAVE A COKE DAY – May 8

    NATIONAL HAVE A COKE DAY

    Each year on May 8th, millions of people across the country celebrate National Have a Coke Day. Coca-Cola, often referred to as Coke, is a carbonated soft drink produced by The Coca-Cola Company.

    #NationalHaveACokeDay

    The original filing date for Coke as a registered trademark of the Coca-Cola Company in the United States is March 27, 1944.  As of 2013, Coke distributes products in over 200 countries around the world as consumers down more than 1.8 million company beverage servings each day.

    While the holiday focuses on the bubbly, carbonated beverage, the drink and its associated memorabilia inspire collectors across generations. From sign art to vintage soda fountain glassware, collectors love to replicate classic flavors with authentic style. 

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL HAVE A COKE DAY

    There are so many ways to celebrate this day. While enjoying your favorite Coca-Cola product, you can explore the company’s history. You can also discover which collectibles are truly valuable and which ones just tug at our heartstrings. While you share an icy cold beverage with a friend, watch old Coke commercials. You can also enjoy a float or a frozen Coke. Don’t forget to debate diet vs. original, too. Another way to celebrate is by exploring the world of vintage soda fountains. Step back in time and savor a delicious ice cream soda. For the adults, share your favorite mixed beverage or a flavored variety of this iconic soft drink. While you celebrate, don’t forget to use #NationalHaveACokeDay to share on social media. 

    NATIONAL HAVE A COKE DAY HISTORY

    In the late 19th century, John Pemberton invented Coca-Cola, at Pemberton’s Eagle Drug and Chemical House in Columbus, Georgia. He intended to patent the beverage as medicine. However, Asa Griggs Candler bought out the business. Candler’s marketing tactics led Coke to its dominance of the world soft-drink market throughout the 20th century.

    Coco-Cola Timeline:

    May 8, 1886 – Coco-Cola goes on sale for the first time as a tonic during the temperance movement. 

    1891 – Bottling of Coco-Cola begins for the first time at the Biedenharn Candy Company in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

    1894 – The first outdoor wall advertisement promoting the Coca-Cola drink was painted in Cartersville, Georgia

    1914 – Atlanta’s Fleeman’s Pharmacy opens its doors. The longest-running commercial Coca-Cola soda fountain anywhere became a historic landmark of Atlanta and Coca-Cola. The pharmacy closed its doors in 1995 after 81 years.

    1944 – The Coca-Cola Company manufactures its one-billionth gallon of Coca-Cola syrup on July 12th. 

    1955 – The company produces its first cans of Coke.

    National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this iconic beverage holiday. 

     

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  • NATIONAL COCONUT CREAM PIE DAY – May 8

    NATIONAL COCONUT CREAM PIE DAY

    National Coconut Cream Pie Day on May 8th celebrates its own slice of deliciousness. This delicious pie is made with a sweet coconut cream filling. Pie lovers know a thick layer of real whipped cream topped with toasted coconut make this pie irresistible. 

    #CoconutCreamPieDay

    There are plenty of pie holidays on the National Day Calendar. In fact, every month includes at least one. The last pie holiday we celebrated was National Blueberry Pie Day, kicking off the blueberry season. However, unlike blueberries, coconut trees produce their fruit all year long. And the milk and meat are processed for canning and drying, making it easily accessible for year-round baking.  

    HOW TO OBSERVE COCONUT CREAM PIE DAY

    If you save your celebrating for the pie holidays, this is the only one in May. The next one doesn’t come along until June 9th on National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day, and for pie lovers, that’s a bit of a wait. Bake up a coconut cream pie. It won’t take long, and you won’t be disappointed. If you need a recipe, we found one for you to try. Share your favorite recipes, too!

    Homemade Coconut Cream Pie

    Share your slice using #CoconutCreamPieDay on social media. 

    NATIONAL COCONUT CREAM PIE DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this baking holiday. 

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