Category: October Month

• VEGETARIAN MONTH – October

  

  VEGETARIAN MONTH

  Vegetarian Month is an annual designation observed in October. Even if you’re a meat eater, now’s the time to give some vegetarian recipes a try! As you probably know, vegetarianism is hugely popular among the millennial crowd. However, you may NOT know that it’s been around since before recorded history. Crazy, right? It’s one of the oldest diets in the book. 

  HEALTH BENEFITS 

  1. A vegetarian diet is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Lifestyles that are high in fruits, veggies, and other plant-based foods provide some of the most essential nutrients we need.
  2. Eating less meat supports heart health because it helps lower inflammation, and is high in dietary fiber. Plant-based foods can also significantly lower body mass index, which also promotes a healthy heart.
  3. Vegetarian diets can also help with weight loss if you keep processed carbs out along with the meat. If most of what you eat is fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds, it can actually be quite easy to lose weight.
  4. Cutting out meat may help to reduce your risk of diabetes, according to Loma Linda University School of Public Health.
  5. Finally, contrary to popular belief, you can still get plenty of protein on a vegetarian diet. If you do it right, it easily satisfies all of your nutritional needs.

  HOW TO OBSERVE

  Make a point to eat less meat this month. Don’t knock it ’til you try it! Make the yummiest (and prettiest) vegetarian meal you can find, and use #VegetarianMonth to post it on social media. If you don’t think you can go an entire month without it, that’s okay. Start out by trying Meatless Mondays. Do some online digging to find a few plant-based meals that you think sound tasty, and try cooking some of them up! And if you want some added incentives, here are a few things to remember. Meat is expensive; experts say vegetarians live longer, and… ice cream AND cheese pizza are vegetarian.

  HISTORY

  Celebrating this for an entire month stemmed from World Vegetarian Day, which was established by the North American Vegetarian Society on October 1st, 1977. But, vegetarianism itself dates back to a time before recorded history.

  If you happen to fall in love with eating vegetarian this month, don’t worry… you can take it a step further for your next challenge. November 1st kicks off vegan month. Good luck!

   

  July 22, 2015

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  National Day Calendar

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  October Month

• TALK ABOUT PRESCRIPTIONS MONTH – October

  

  TALK ABOUT PRESCRIPTIONS MONTH

  Talk About Prescriptions Month is an annual designation observed in October. This month, we are all encouraged to stay informed about the medications we use. All medication comes with a risk and can be extremely dangerous, even deadly if abused.

  One of the most dangerous kinds of medications is prescription medication. In fact, in 2017, the Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency in the United States because of the overuse and abuse of opioids. Research shows that since the late 1990s, these types of medications have been prescribed at a higher and higher rate. Because of the addictive nature of these painkillers, thousands of people in the United States became accidentally addicted after taking their recommended dosage.

  HOW TO OBSERVE

  Make sure you and your family are aware of your prescription. Use #TalkAboutPrescriptions to post on social media. It’s essential to research and talk about the medications we take because if we don’t, we can do considerable damage to our bodies without meaning to. If you or someone you know think they may have a problem with painkillers, look for these symptoms: use of the drug for longer than it was intended, trouble cutting down on the use of painkillers, or abstaining from activities like sports or spending time with family.

  TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR

  There are a few important questions you should ask your doctor when you get a medication prescribed. Question 1: How and when do I take it, and for how long? Question 2: What side effects can I expect, and should I do anything about them? Question 3: Will this medicine work safely with other medications I’m on? Question 4: How should I store this medicine? Question 5: Should I take this if addiction runs in my family/is this a prescription that people can become addicted to?

  Asking your doctor these simple question will help ensure your safety and will allow the medication to do exactly what it’s meant to do for you.

  HISTORY

  Talk About Prescriptions Month was founded by the National Council on Patient Information and Education in October 1985. The goal was to focus people’s attention on the importance of using prescriptions properly. They say the way to do this is to increase communication between healthcare professionals and patients for a safe, healthy community.

   

  July 22, 2015

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  National Day Calendar

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  October Month

• TACKLING HUNGER MONTH – October

  

  TACKLING HUNGER MONTH

  Tackling Hunger Month is an annual designation observed in October. You may not always see it in your community, but hunger continues to affect people in our country. 1 in 6 Americans, that’s 33 million people, do not know where their meals will come from on a daily basis. This month, everyone is encouraged to lend a hand in making sure nobody goes to sleep on an empty stomach. 

  HOW TO OBSERVE #TacklingHungerMonth

  Donate some non-perishable food to your local homeless shelter, and use #TacklingHungerMonth to post on social media and spread the word! October is generally the time of year people start getting ready for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Now is a great time to start thinking about helping those who may not get to enjoy big Thanksgiving dinners or cookies on Christmas Eve. There are many simple ways you can help, and it won’t take much of your time or money.

  1. Bulk up your food drive. Canned goods, peanut butter, dry beans, brown rice, olive oil, nuts, and soups are all excellent foods to donate, and they won’t put a dent in your bank account.
  2. Donate money. Relief agencies like Action Against Hunger, the Hunger Project, Feeding America, and Share Our Strength are always accepting donations with a goal in mind to make sure nobody goes hungry.
  3. Support food banks and make contributions of any kind, whenever you can. A little bit goes a long way when someone is going hungry.

  TACKLING HUNGER MONTH HISTORY

  Campbell’s Soup and Feeding America teamed up to found Tackling Hunger Month in 2002. Since then, people and organizations all over the country have designated October as a special month to donate, or host special community events so that nobody has to go hungry.

   

  July 22, 2015

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  National Day Calendar

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  October Month

• SQUIRREL AWARENESS MONTH – October

  

  SQUIRREL AWARENESS MONTH

  Squirrel Awareness Month is an annual designation observed in October. Yes, you read that right. A whole month dedicated to giving those furry, quirky little creatures a little appreciation. It’s a time to look around at a local park, or even right outside your window, and giggle at the silly mannerisms of squirrels.

  They may come off as a little mischievous and troublesome when they get into the bird feeders or even your attic, but you may not realize why they do what they do. Squirrels spend most of the warmer months gearing up for winter. Here’s the craziest part: experts estimate that squirrels find and bury three years of food during the warm months! They don’t hibernate during the winter, but they do like to stay cozy in their dens so they can sleep and snack until it warms up again.

  HOW TO OBSERVE

  Take some time to enjoy a squirrel’s strange antics. Catch some pictures or videos of squirrels and use #SquirrelAwarenessMonth to post on social media. You can even put out some extra walnuts for them to snack on, it could bring in quite a crowd! For another squirrely observance, National Squirrel Appreciation Day takes place on January 21.

  HISTORY

  The start of Squirrel Awareness Month came from an unlikely story. In 1995, Greg Bassett was at the Grand Canyon in Arizona when he noticed a squirrel standing near him, as he put it, “motioning” at him. And… the rest is (literally) history. He says seeing the squirrel changed his life. He went back to his home in Chicago and started the Squirrel Lovers Club, which was the beginning of what is now Squirrel Awareness Month. 

   

  July 22, 2015

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  National Day Calendar

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  October Month

• SPINACH LOVERS MONTH – October

  

  SPINACH LOVERS MONTH

  Spinach Lovers Month is an annual designation observed in October. If you’re someone who usually shies away from this leafy green, now is the time to give it another chance. Experts say spinach is one of the world’s top 10 Superfoods. And the best part is, you can easily incorporate it into almost any meal you make. It’s packed with antioxidants including Vitamin C and beta-carotene. One cup of fresh spinach gives you nearly DOUBLE the daily requirement for Vitamin K, which plays an important role in cardiovascular and bone health. And the list goes on and on. The best part? You can almost always find a way to add spinach to breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or all 3 if you’re feeling extra nutritious that day! Whether you sauté it in olive oil and add it to your eggs in the morning, or use it as a fresh bed for your salad during the day, it packs a big healthy punch. 

  HOW TO OBSERVE

  Have some spinach dip or spinach salad. Put some on your sandwich for added crunch, or blend it up in your fruit smoothie. Whatever recipe you choose, take a picture and use #SpinachLoversMonth to post on social media. Here are a few ways to make quick, healthy meals that incorporate this delicious veggie. 

  1. Spinach Smoothies. It might sound weird, but throwing a handful of spinach into the blender with your fruit is a great way to add extra nutrients to your sweet smoothie… and it doesn’t change the flavor! My personal favorite spinach smoothie recipe is 1 banana, 1/2 avocado, a handful of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, a few chunks of mango, 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk, and a handful of spinach to top it all off. Take it a step further by adding a sprinkle of chia and flax seeds. Talk about delicious and nutritious.
  2. Spinach in your omelet:  This is another great breakfast option, and it only takes a few minutes to do. Just saute a cup or 2 of spinach in olive oil on the stove top and throw it in your omelet with other veggies or meat.
  3. Spinach in your wrap or sandwich: This tip is so easy.  Simply throw a handful of fresh spinach into your wrap or sandwich; it really adds a tasty crunch!
  4. Spinach in pasta or stir-fry:  Since spinach doesn’t have a very intense flavor, it’s easy to saute it up (again, in olive or avocado oil) and throw it in with any hot homemade meals for supper. You won’t regret it!
  5. Spinach salad:  Great at any time of the day, spinach makes for a terrific salad base. Add any fruits, veggies, or meat you’re craving that day, and a little bit of oil-based dressing, and you’re set.

  HISTORY

  Our research has not identified the origin of National Spinach Lovers Month.

   

  July 22, 2015

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  National Day Calendar

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  October Month

• SELF-PROMOTION MONTH – October

  

  SELF-PROMOTION MONTH

  Self-Promotion Month is an annual designation observed in October. The idea behind celebrating this month is to boost the idea that there’s nothing wrong with being your own best promoter! Did you know 80% of the world’s population does not feel comfortable actively promoting themselves? It’s easy to feel like we’re bragging or being pushy when we speak or act in ways that show we think highly of ourselves or our work. But if we do it right, it can result in big opportunities.

  HOW TO OBSERVE

  Promote yourself. Let everyone know what makes you great. Use #SelfPromotionMonth to post on social media. To help you do it right, we’ve compiled a list of tips to help you be a successful self-promoter.

  1. Work on personal growth, and your professional growth will come right along with it. The more you believe in yourself and the work you do, the more genuine you’ll be as a self-promoter, and people will trust that sincerity.
  2. Act upon every opportunity you get, and always seek new ones. Sometimes, the best ways to help ourselves professionally are right under our nose, and we look past them. Don’t think about it too much. If you notice an opportunity, don’t ever pass it up.
  3. Network, network, network! In the professional world, WHO you know is often more important than WHAT you know. Making connections is a great way to self-promote, and if you do that, you’ll probably have others promoting you as well.
  4. Always ask for referrals and offer to be a referral source yourself. Having another person account for your success adds a big foundation for promoting the great work you do.
  5. Be a sponge. No matter how much of an expert you are (or think you are), there is always more to learn. Soak it all in. Stay open and eager to learn new things and other perspectives.

  HISTORY

  Self-Promotion Month was founded by international business speaker Debbie Allen. She had a goal in mind to raise awareness that being a self-promoter, and doing it shamelessly, is a great way to be bold and get noticed.

   

   

  July 22, 2015

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  National Day Calendar

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  October Month

• NATIONAL SAUSAGE MONTH | October

  NATIONAL SAUSAGE MONTH | October

  National Sausage Month is an annual designation observed in October. This month, we celebrate everything people around the world love about this juicy, delicious meat! (But, let’s be serious, we love eating it every month of the year.) Sausage dates all the way back to 8th century BC, when Homer wrote in “The Odyssey” about his characters eating an early variation of the meaty meal. Now, you can find some variation of sausage in millions of restaurants all over the world. We recommend getting a big juicy one to chow down on at a baseball game, or in your backyard to cook on a grill. 

  HOW TO OBSERVE

  Prepare some sausage to enjoy with family and friends. Use #NationalSausageMonth to post on social media. Here are a few extra exciting ways you can celebrate National Sausage Month in October!

  1. First and foremost, cook up some sausage! There are a ton of recipes for it, and the best part is, it can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Sausage doesn’t discriminate.
  2. Host a party for friends and family with sausage and beer. They’re a great pair for many reasons… especially because there are so many different kinds of both of them. Do some research and find about 7-12 different kinds of sausages and beer, see which goes best with what, and your party is sure to be a success.
  3. Learn a little more about sausage. It’s actually pretty interesting to learn about the way it’s made. See if you can find a sausage making class around you, or call up your local meat shop!

  HISTORY

  The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council founded National Sausage Month in 1994. 

  July 22, 2015

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  National Day Calendar

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  October Month

• RIGHT BRAINERS RULE! MONTH – October

  

  RIGHT BRAINERS RULE! MONTH

  Right Brainers Rule! Month is an annual designation observed in October. The human brain is divided into two hemispheres. Although the two halves look alike, they have some large differences. They do work together for some functions, but the theory is that in most people, one half is more dominant. The left side of the brain is prominent in facts and logic. The right side of the brain is considered to be the creative side. In October, we celebrate the right brainers.

  HOW TO OBSERVE

  Do something creative. Write a poem, sculpt, draw a picture, etc. to work the right side of your brain. Use #RightBrainersRule to post on social media. There are a few other things you should get in the habit of doing if you want to keep your brain sharp for as long as you live. 

  1. Spend a little bit of time reading or writing (or both) every day.
  2. Stay physically active… even if it’s as little as 20-30 minutes a day.
  3. Limit alcohol intake to 1 drink or less a day.
  4. Play memory games and push your creative limits to get that right brain going.
  5. Rest, relax, and laugh to help get your creative juices flowing.

  HISTORY

  Within our research, we were unable to find the origin of Right-Brainers Rule! Month.

   
  July 22, 2015

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  National Day Calendar

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  October Month

• RHUBARB MONTH – October

  

  RHUBARB MONTH

  October recognizes Rhubarb Month! We only eat the stalk of the plant, making Rhubarb unique for this reason. While stalk of the rhubarb is tasty with many health benefits, the leaves are quite poisonous, so stay away from that part! The sweet, tart stalks make delicious desserts and wines and take on the flavors of other fruits and berries. It’s even celebrated on several occasions throughout the year. To ring in the holidays, National Rhubarb Vodka Day is recognized on the first Saturday in December. 

  Here are some of the health benefits that are sure to make you want to give rhubarb a try. 

  -It can help with weight loss because it promotes a healthy metabolism.

  -It can help prevent Alzheimer’s and other diseases that affect the brain because the Vitamin K levels help keep brain cells healthy.

  -Rhubarb improves bone health, again, because of the Vitamin K that stimulates bone growth and repair.

  -It improves your vision thanks to high levels of Vitamin C and lutein.

  -Since it’s rich in Vitamin A, rhubarb is great for your skin and can even slow the aging process.

  HOW TO OBSERVE

  Use some rhubarb in cooking.  Use #RhubarbMonth to post on social media. Click here for a list of some amazing recipes that incorporate rhubarb. Happy baking!

  HISTORY

  Our research was unable to find the origin of Rhubarb Month.

  July 22, 2015

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  National Day Calendar

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  October Month

• RHIZOMES AND PERSIMMONS MONTH – October

   

  RHIZOMES AND PERSIMMONS MONTH

  Rhizomes and Persimmons Month is an annual designation observed in October.

  OBSERVE

  Use #RhizomesAndPersimmonsMonth to post on social media.

  HISTORY

  To Be Researched

  July 22, 2015

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  National Day Calendar

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  October Month