Category: May Month

  • NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH – MAY

    NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

    National Mental Health Awareness Month in May focuses on bringing tools, resources, and education to the general public

    Each year Mental Health America, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and other mental health organizations across the country organize events, webinars, and more to improve mental health access across the country.

    Mental health is a hot topic. This is good news. It means the stigma for mental health issues is slowly going away. Mental health issues are finally getting the attention they deserve. Healthcare workers and individuals feel they can discuss mental health more openly. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t still work to do, however.

    As a whole, we often misunderstand mental health because it is hard to define. Additionally, mental health includes several areas. These areas involve one’s social, emotional, and psychological well-being. Mental health affects thoughts, feelings, and actions. When one has positive mental health, they are better equipped to handle stress, be more productive, and realize their full potential.

    While we focus on our physical wellbeing, the food we eat, exercise, and getting regular check-ups for vision and dental care, we often forget to take stock of our emotional and spiritual needs. Everyday demands take their toll.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

    Share the message. Taking care of our mental health is as normal as eating healthy, exercising, or even saving for the future. Share your story to help others understand that achieving mental health is a daily process.

    If you or someone you know needs to seek assistance check out one of these resources:

    Mental Health America
    nami.org
    mentalhealth.org
    National Institutes of Mental Health
    Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration
    American Psychiatric Association

    You can also learn about these 5 Advocates Who Influenced Modern Mental Health Care.

    Use #MentalHealthMonth to share on social media.

    MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH HISTORY

    Mental Health America created Mental Health Awareness Month in 1949 to provide Americans with tools and resources as part of their outreach program to improve mental health. Each year the campaign includes a theme.

    Past campaign themes:

    • 2020 – Tools 2 Thrive
    • 2019 – 4 Mind 4 Body
    • 2018 – Fitness 4 Mind 4 Body
    • 2017 – Risky Business
    • 2016 – Life with Mental Illness
    • 2015 – B4 Stage 4
    • 2014 – Mind Your Health

     

     

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  • MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH – MAY

    MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH

    May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. With warmer weather, it’s time to remind everyone to be on the alert and to share the road with motorcyclists.

    Riders who have been cooped up all winter are excited to be out on the road again, but that shouldn’t stop them from using caution.

    Both motorcyclists and motorists need to be aware of their surroundings. Checking blind spots, and mirrors and using turn signals are necessary when changing lanes and when passing.

    Distracted driving has been on the rise, too. Distractions during driving could mean the difference between seeing a motorcyclist or not when preparing to change lanes.  Don’t let one text change anyone’s life forever!

    Riders need to take precautions as well. Take a defensive driving course, wear protective gear and keep your bike in its best working condition. Also, be aware of any road hazards and dangerous weather conditions.

    Most of all, enjoy your ride and make it home again!

    HOW TO OBSERVE #MotorcycleSafetyAwarenessMonth

    • Be alert to riders on the road. Take your time, signal, and check your mirrors.
    • Leave enough distance between your vehicle and the rider in front of you.
    • Riders, wear protective gear, obey traffic laws, and maintain your ride.
    • Take a motorcycle safety course.
    • Enjoy the ride! For more information visit www.nhtsa.gov/safety/motorcycles.
    • Use #MotorcycleSafetyAwarenessMonth to join the conversation on social media.

    MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH HISTORY

    The National Safety Council declared Motorcycle Safety Month as a way to alert motorists to increased motorcycle traffic and reduce the number of motorcycle-related traffic fatalities.

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  • NATIONAL MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH – MAY

    NATIONAL MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH

    National Military Appreciation Month in May is a month-long observance honoring the sacrifices of the United States Armed Forces.

    Today, the United States Armed Forces is comprised of six branches including the Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force. The U.S. military force is 2.2 million strong and includes National Guard and Reserve units.

    There are more military-related observances during the month of May than any other month, so it is an appropriate time to celebrate the men and women in uniform.  During May, we recognize Loyalty Day, VE Day (the end of World War II in Europe on May 8, 1945), Armed Forces Day, Military Spouses Day, and Memorial Day.

    The month honors active duty, guard and reserve members, and veteran service members. All month long, publicly honor the U.S. military and all they do to serve and protect their country.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #MilitaryAppreciationMonth

    • Thank military personnel and veterans for their service.
    • Host a luncheon, picnic, or another event to recognize their service.
    • Share your experiences in the military.
    • Recognize family members of military personnel.
    • Support veteran causes such as Honor Flights and Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
    • Visit Military.com to learn more.
    • Use #MilitaryAppreciationMonth

    NATIONAL MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH HISTORY

    Congress declared National Military Appreciation Month in 1999 to honor the sacrifices of the United States Armed Forces.

     

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  • MELANOMA AWARENESS MONTH – MAY

    MELANOMA  AWARENESS MONTH

    Check and protect your skin during Melanoma Awareness Month in May. The campaign brings to light the importance of skin protection and early detection. With longer days in the sun, it is a good time to remind everyone to wear sun protection and to get cancer screenings.

    The first Monday in May is also National Melanoma Monday – a day focusing on skin health and the deadliest of skin cancers.

    It’s important to be pro-active. When in the sun, wear sunscreen or other skin protection including hats and long sleeves. Spend time in the shade and take an umbrella with you. The sun’s rays can cause damage even on cloudy days.  Re-apply sunscreen, too!

    Learn what to look for when performing a skin exam. If you suspect a mole or other growth, see a dermatologist. Don’t wait.

    HOW TO OBSERVE

    Visit aad.org for information on preventing melanoma and learning more about performing an exam. Help find a cure by making a donation.  Use #MelanomaAwarenessMonth to share on social media.

    HISTORY

    We were unable to identify the source of Melanoma Awareness Month.

     

     

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  • NATIONAL WATER SAFETY MONTH | May

    NATIONAL WATER SAFETY MONTH | May

    National Water Safety Month in May prepares us for recreational activities.

    Water is an attraction during the summer months. Whether we’re drawn to lakes and rivers or public pools and water slides, safety is a necessary concern. We use the water for leisure, sport, and general outdoor relaxation. Boating with or without motors, swimming, fishing and many other kinds of recreation take place in and around the water.

    • Protecting children around water should always be a number one safety concern.
    • An adult should always be supervising children around water, whether it’s a pool, lake.
    • Follow all facility rules and don’t rely on floatation devices for keeping your child safe.
    • In the water, make sure an adult joins the child.

    HOW TO OBSERVE

    Practice water safety. For more water safety tips, visit www.nationalwatersafetymonth.org the website below.  Use #NationalWaterSafetyMonth to share on social media.

    HISTORY

    The World Waterpark Association, the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, The National Recreation & Park Association and the American Red Cross created National Water Safety Month.

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  • NATIONAL CHAMBER MUSIC MONTH | MAY

    NATIONAL CHAMBER MUSIC MONTH | May

    In May of every year, musical ensembles gather before intimate audiences in small concert halls, auditoriums, and even residences to perform a wide range of music.

    Historically, chamber music was performed in palace halls or large rooms of homes.  Compared to concert music where several of the same instruments are presented, each musician in the ensemble performs with a different musical device from the other musicians.

    HOW TO OBSERVE

    Check out local listings and attend a chamber performance.  Use #NationalChamberMusicMonth to share on social media.

    HISTORY

    This May marks the fifth-annual National Chamber Music Month. For each of the last four years, Chamber Music America has powered this nationwide celebration of small ensemble music and the results have been truly inspiring. For more information on National Chamber Music Month visit www.chamber-music.org.

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  • ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH – MAY

    Asian American & Pacific Islander - May

    ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH

    May has been designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Across the nation, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders contribute to a rich and deeply rooted heritage.

    Whether speaking to first, second, third, or fourth-generation immigrants, their impact is powerful and inspiring. From migrant laborers to inventive trailblazers, the month is a time to acknowledge their hardships, culture, achievements, and beliefs.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #AsianAmericanAndPacificIsanderMonth

    • During the month, attend celebrations and special exhibits taking place at museums, libraries, and universities across the country.
    • Get reading about Polynesian history and the Aloha State.
    • Watch a documentary about the transcontinental railroad. Learn about the working conditions for many Asian Americans.
    • Take a class in Japanese Washi papermaking.
    • Learn to make Pho.

    Use #AsianAmericanAndPacificIslanderMonth to share on social media.

    ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER MONTH HISTORY

    Congress first passed a joint resolution in 1978 authorizing the President to proclaim a week-long celebration of Asian and Pacific American heritage. President Jimmy Carter’s proclamation took place on March 28, 1979, and the first Asian and Pacific American Heritage week took place the week of May 4, 1979.

    In 1990, the proclamations expanded to a month-long observance. In 1992, Congress passed legislation recognizing the previous proclamations and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and annual designation in May.

    President Obama’s proclamation in 2009 expanded the observance to include Pacific Islanders.

    For a complete history and access to proclamations, visit www.loc.gov/law/help/commemorative-observations/asians.php

    If you enjoy exploring history and heritage, check out these other celebrations:

     

     

     

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  • National Mediterranean Diet Month – May

    NATIONAL MEDITERRANEAN DIET MONTH

    When it comes to flavor and health in one package, National Mediterranean Diet Month in May has us covered. From fresh herbs and vegetables to succulent seafood and wine, this cuisine satisfies.

    One way to get the best out of a Mediterranean diet is to indulge in the whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables along with the healthy oils our bodies need. Olive and canola oils are rich in good cholesterol. Add fish and chicken to the menu and limit red meat to only a couple times a month and we’re well on our way to enjoying a Mediterranean lifestyle. Finish it off with a glass of red wine occasionally and plenty of exercise.

    HOW TO OBSERVE

    Are you looking for a flavorful, easy to follow diet? The Mediterranean diet meets the guidelines for the food pyramid. Give it a try during May and you might find it a lifestyle changer. Use #MediterraneanDietMonth to share on social media.

    Oldways founded National Mediterranean Diet Month in 2008.

     

     

     

     

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  • National Strawberry Month – May

    NATIONAL STRAWBERRY MONTH

    Sweet and bright, National Strawberry Month beckons in May.

    We eat them fresh out of the garden, blend them in smoothies, add them to parfaits and bake them into pies. Strawberries tantalize us in ice cream and milkshakes, too. We create preserves with them and give them to our sweethearts covered in chocolate or whipped cream.

    These slightly tart berries aren’t even berries. Strawberries belong to the rose family and reproduce from runners, not seeds. There are over 400 different varieties, and each berry produces approximately 200 seeds on the outside of the fruit.

    They’re nutritious, too. Strawberries are low in sugar and excellent sources of vitamins C and K.

    HOW TO OBSERVE

    Use #NationalStrawberryMonth to share on social media.

    HISTORY

    We were unable to identify the source of National Strawberry Month.

     

     

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  • National Salsa Month – May

    NATIONAL SALSA MONTH

    National Salsa Month in May a vibrant way to add flavor and color to any recipe.

    Salsa means sauce in Spanish. While we may be most familiar with tomato, pepper and onion salsas, any fresh fruit or vegetable can be made into salsa.

    We can make fresh salsa all year long with produce that is in season. When our gardens produce a bounty, canned salsa preserves the flavor for the winter months. We can also purchase in bulk when the timing is right to save money.

    In some parts of Indiana, if someone asks you for a mango, they might be asking you for a bell pepper!

    Salsas don’t have to be spicy, but even when they are the heat can be a subtle flavor that only lingers for a moment on the tongue. These sauces burst with aromatic spices and go well with a variety of meats, dips, and desserts. They pair well with wine and cheese, too.

    Don’t hesitate to experiment, but be cautious when using hot peppers. The capsaicin can be harmful depending on where the pepper ranks on the Scoville scale.

    After making your salsa, keep the colors bright by adding a squeeze of lemon or lime to the recipe. The acid prevents the fruits from turning brown.

    HOW TO OBSERVE

    Make several different salsas in May. Why not start with something traditional like the salsa on the National Day Calendar recipe page. Throughout the month, try new or exotic fruits and flavors. Tell us what salsas inspire you! Use #NationalSalsaMonth to share on social media.

    HISTORY

    We were unable to identify the source for National Salsa Month

     

    Relevant Observances

    National Totally Chipotle Day
    National Avocado Day
    National Mason Jar Day
    National Nachos Day
    National Spicy Guacamole Day
    National Sauce Month
    National Chip and Dip Day
    National Tortilla Chip Day

     

     

     

     

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