Category: September Month

  • NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH – September

    NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH

    The month provides a platform for services and professionals to educate the public about substance abuse treatments and mental health services.

    While substance abuse and mental health services are nothing new, the stigma attached to them remains. September provides not only an opportunity to help eliminate the stigma but to demonstrate the human face behind the disease. The month serves as a celebration of the steps taking to improve access, information, and treatment.

    Through seminars, documentaries, public service announcements, and awareness walks, communities will bring hope. These messages will include access to referrals, phone numbers, and tools. Every year, new resources, data, and treatments become available. Improving awareness and access, along with preventative education improve outcomes.

    Along with education, the month celebrates those who succeed in recovery. Each success story seeks to improve understanding and provide answers to those who still have questions. Families, first responders, clergy, employers, and communities as a whole play a part in recovery and awareness. Success stories include barriers and obstacles. And the success stories aren’t just for those living the struggle; they’re for those who help tear down the barriers.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalRecoveryMonth

    Look for events near you. Participate in a seminar, awareness walk, or attend a documentary to learn about addiction. Celebrate your journey of recovery to help others succeed with you. Follow the history of National Recovery Month at the SAMHSA website. Use #NationalRecoveryMonth to share on social media.

    NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH HISTORY

    In 1989, The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) launched National Recovery Month to increase awareness surrounding mental health and substance abuse. At the same time, they wanted to celebrate the success stories to illustrate that living in recovery is possible. Each year, the SAMSHA selects a theme, highlighting an area of focus and creating a toolkit for organizations to use.

     

  • NATIONAL DISEASE LITERACY MONTH – September

     

    NATIONAL DISEASE LITERACY MONTH

    National Disease Literacy Month in September sets out to improve a person’s overall understanding of their diagnosis and the associated services needed to make care decisions. More specifically, the month focuses on children, their knowledge of the conditions they have and the care they need every day.

    Even though getting well or taking medicine to keep us healthy should be a simple concept, it’s not. We know medicine is confusing. It hurts and interrupts our lives. Children know it as painful, messy and cumbersome, too. However, learning to understand the purpose of their treatments in meaningful ways may make a difference in their lives.

    Over 90% of children do not understand their disease or chronic illness.  We often resist what we don’t understand. Children skip medications and treatments. As a result, their condition worsens and treatments are less effective and outcomes worsen. Interactive programs in fun, friendly environments offer a way for children to learn about their conditions.

    Through educational games, children learn about their illness and how it is managed. If children understand their disease and how to better manage it, the hope is to improve overall results.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL DISEASE LITERACY MONTH

    Help children learn more about their condition so they can lead a healthier life. Understand the child’s view of their condition. Volunteer, donate and share your experiences. Visit hemonauts.com to learn more. Use #DiseaseLiteracyMonth to share on social media.

    HISTORY OF DISEASE LITERACY MONTH

    Hemonauts founded National Disease Literacy Month to increase children’s understanding of their chronic illnesses and conditions. Children with chronic illness and diseases already face so much adversity. They aim to improve children’s overall health and outcomes while having fun, too. Hemonauts actively develop children-friendly ways for children to better understand their conditions setting them on a path to a lifetime of improved management goals.

    The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Disease Literacy Month in 2019 to be observed annually during the month of September.

     

  • NATIONAL SQUARE DANCE MONTH – September

    NATIONAL SQUARE DANCE MONTH

    Swing your partner and dosey-do, don’t let go. September is National Square Dance Month, here we go!

    Square dancing was first documented in 16th-century England, but familiar in France and throughout Europe, too. As European immigrants settled in North America, they brought the dance with them. In the early years of the country, there was mixing of dancing styles between black and white people. The stereotype many Americans have of square dancing as an activity for old white people is a misjudgment. Early forms of square dancing actually have roots in the African-American slave communities.

    The Western American square dance may be the most widely known form worldwide, possibly due to its association in the 20th century with the romanticized image of the American cowboy. Square dancing is, therefore, strongly associated with the U.S. Nineteen U.S. states have designated it as their official state dance. Though square dancing has undergone considerable development since then, many countries and regions have attained the status of square dancing as a folk dance.

    GRAB A PARTNER

    The art of square dancing requires a few standard requirements, beginning with dancers. Four couples, eight dancers total, arranged in a square, with one pair on each side facing the middle of the square. Women are positioned to the left of the men, known as the corner. The dance moves counterclockwise in a circular flow. The handhold is when one dancer’s hand comes together with the other dancer’s hand. When the grasp is broken, the handhold is over. To Allemande left means to hold left hands and walk around each other, then return to their original position. The Ladies Chain is when the ladies are singled out to walk towards each other and hold right hands. While walking through, they drop hands and give the left hands to each others’ partner.

    HOW TO OBSERVE

    Participating in a local square dance club is also a great way to get involved in the community and make life-long friends. Joining a square dance class is the best way to learn how to swing your partner and dosey-do!

    Use #NationalSquareDanceMonth in social media.

    HISTORY

    While we were unable to identify the source of National Square Dance Month, in the early 1970s, efforts were being made for a Congressional resolution for September to be declared as National Square Dancing Month. No evidence has been found at this time that a decision, joint or otherwise, was made.

     

  • BETTER BREAKFAST MONTH – September

    BETTER BREAKFAST MONTH

    There is no better time to celebrate breakfast than during the entire month of September. It’s Better Breakfast Month! Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day. Eating breakfast has many health benefits. Eating a regular morning meal helps control weight and can guide us towards eating healthier meals regularly throughout the day.

    It’s that time of year again. Kids are getting back to school, and everyone is beginning to prepare for the winter months ahead. It’s important to take stock of how to start off the day. Consuming a well-balanced breakfast in the morning gives our bodies energy to get our day started the right way. Kids who have a healthy meal before school starts consistently perform and behave better at school. Having breakfast as a family every morning to talk about daily plans and promotes healthy eating. Breakfast is essential, but don’t skip the fun of preparing breakfast with your kids!

    Breakfast food can be anything you want it to be, within reason of course. Cereal is the most common breakfast food. However, if you wake up with a hankering for a slice of leftover pizza, enjoy it! Pizza is good for you when consumed in moderation. For years, eggs got a bad rap on the food pyramid. Recently, eggs have been proven to provide essential vitamins and minerals needed to promote a healthy diet.

    A complete breakfast should contain a balance of all the major food groups. Protein, dairy, fat, and carbohydrates. These elements are vital to maintaining stamina and fending off hunger throughout the day. Though carbs and fats are needed in the daily intake of nutrients, it’s important to not overindulge in these two areas. However, a little bit won’t hurt you.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #BetterBreakfastMonth

    Start your day with a complete breakfast. Set a time aside for the family to grab a quick bite to eat before everyone heads out the door. Share recipes with friends and family on healthy ideas for breakfast.

    Celebrate Better Breakfast Day on September 26.

    Use #BetterBreakfastMonth in social media correspondence.

    Educators and Families, visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for more ways to celebrate!

    BETTER BREAKFAST MONTH HISTORY

    Originating during World War I, the United States government encouraged citizens to eat a Better Breakfast. The program gained momentum again during World War II. Then, in 1951, the Cereal Institute promoted Better Breakfast Month for the first time in September. Research gathered by the institute suggested that breakfast was the most important meal of the day. They selected the month to coordinate with children returning to school and businesses gearing back up after the lull of summer vacation. As a result, September became the ideal time to promote the benefits of a healthful and delicious breakfast.

     

  • FALL HAT MONTH – September

    FALL HAT MONTH

    Fall is here, and it’s getting colder, so it’s time to break out the headgear. It’s Fall Hat Month! During Fall Hat Month, switch out of the cool-weather head protection and into stylish felt and fabric styles

    Hats were probably one of the first items of clothing found among primitive humankind. In ancient times, hats were considered a symbol of rank and status. Sculptures of Egypt, drawings of ancient China, and coins of early Greece and Rome depicted prominent individuals wearing hats, which was more than likely an indication of where they were on the hierarchy. By the seventeenth century, hats had become a worldly attire. Interestingly, hats were available in the new world, but supplies like beaver were exported to Europe due to popularity. Strangely, wearing a straw hat after September 15 in 1920 America would get you mugged.

    Hats have played an impressive role in human history. Presumably, U.S. President William Henry Harrison died shortly after his inaugural address because he refused to wear a cap on that cold, nasty day. A month later he was dead of pneumonia. Though it’s inaccurate hats prevent you from losing most of your body heat through your head, they are still a good idea to wear in cold or stormy weather. It never hurts to have an extra layer of protection during the winter months!

    When choosing fall and winter headgear, it’s a good idea to remember hats, like every other fashion accessory, depict the season. It might be a little strange to purchase a lighter, pastel hat for the winter months. Keep in mind there are plenty of fashionable designs to choose from. Gentleman or lady, whatever your head size and personal tastes, there’s a hat somewhere that is just for you.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalFallHatMonth

    Finding that special hat might require some help from friends. A day of shopping might be necessary to honor National Fall Hat Day.

    Use #NationalFallHatMonth in social media correspondence.

    Educators and families, visit the National Day Classroom for ways to bring the Celebrate Every Day way into your classroom!

    NATIONAL FALL HAT MONTH HISTORY

    Hats have been enjoyed since the beginning of time, even making their way into songs. Rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Gene Vincent (“Be Bop A-Lula”) named his backup band the “Blue Caps” after the blue flat caps President Dwight Eisenhower wore while golfing. The most notably known hat is referred to as “Newsboy caps,” which has enjoyed a resurgence in the U.S. and Europe. This hat style is now popular for both men and women. Avid hat wearers call them “cabbie hats,” or more formally, “flat caps.”

    Headwear Information Bureau originally sponsored Fall Hat Month reminding the public that as the seasons change, felt and fabric hats better protect our heads for the weather. They also fit the styles for the season.

     

  • HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH – September 15 to October 15

    HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

    From September 15th through October 15th, we recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month. During the four weeks, celebrations honor the heritage and contributions made by members of the Hispanic community. With great fanfare, celebrations sweep across Latin America, Central American, and Mexico, and Chili commemorating each country’s independence from week to week!

    CONTRIBUTIONS

    As of 2020, the Hispanic population has grown to nearly 62 million people in the United States. According to Pew Research data, that number may be higher since not all who are of Hispanic descent identify as Hispanic. Furthermore, that same year, more than half of the Hispanic population were registered to vote, a historic milestone.  As the Hispanic population grows, more opportunity presents itself to embrace the rich culture and vast history they share. From coast to coast, we celebrate Hispanic heritage every day in mainstream society. It is not only reflecting our cultural differences; it adds a different perspective to our lives for us to enjoy.

    Hispanic people across the country contribute to society in unprecedented ways. Historically, Alberto Gonzales is credited as being the first Hispanic U.S. Attorney General, while Mel Martinez is considered the first Cuban-American U.S. Senator. Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, both members of the Hispanic community, served as members of the U.S. Senate. Sonia Sotomayor is the first Hispanic to sit as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Undeniably, representation from the Hispanic community is also found in schools, public offices, medical, fashion, and every aspect of business.

    In addition, pop culture contributions by the Hispanic community flourishes thanks to many talented artists, such as Salma Hayek, George Lopez, Carlos Santana, and Jennifer Lopez. Finally, we need to give credit to the countless tasty Hispanic recipes found across the nation. Hispanic food has increasingly become a part of mainstream Americana. We relish the flavor and spice deeply infused into the traditions. Dishes ranging from tacos and tamales to Cuban sandwiches, tequila, and Mojitos, entice us to enjoy the Hispanic heritage, one bite at a time.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #HispanicHeritageMonth

    Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by joining local celebrations. It is a fantastic way to meet new people. Additionally, you can learn more about the contributions Hispanics have made in politics, business, the arts, sports, fashion, and cuisine, to name a few. Embracing the history and traditions of another culture not only broadens your knowledge, but it also teaches appreciation of other people and their customs.

    Join Priscilla Subramaniyam on her Positivity: Pass It on Channel for interviews throughout the month. We’ve included the first one below.

    Use #HispanicHeritageMonth in social media correspondence.

    HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH HISTORY

    Originally, President Lyndon Johnson declared Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968. Through later legislation submitted by U.S. Rep. Esteban Torres (D-California), the week expanded to National Hispanic Heritage Month under the direction of President Ronald Reagan in 1988. Festivities begin on September 15th, marking the anniversary of independence for the Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

     

  • NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH – September

    NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

    September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Also known as Suicide Awareness Month, the month shines a spotlight on a topic not often talked about.

    Everyone is affected by suicide, not just the victim. Suicide impacts family and friends long after the loss of a loved one. On average, one person commits suicide every 16.2 minutes. Two-thirds of the people who commit suicide suffer from depression.

    “We use this month to reach out to those affected by suicide, raise awareness and connect individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services. It is also important to ensure that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention. NAMI is here to help.” – National Alliance on Mental Illness Website

    One way to help prevent suicide is to increase access to treatment for depression. However, identifying depression can be difficult. Not all people who suffer from depression show signs. The first step in identifying someone who is suffering from depression and contemplating suicide is to see how serious the issue is. Talking to the person involved and asking about their thoughts will decrease the trigger of suicidal action. Suggesting a counselor or treatment for depression might also help. Often, people who are depressed need a caring friend. A common fallacy is that people who talk about suicide never act on it. If a friend or loved one is talking about suicide, it’s time to get help for that person.

    The mental health of yourself or a loved one can never be taken too seriously. Whether the weight of a long-term struggle or a crisis weighs you down, allow friends, family or a profession to lighten the burden by finding support.  There is no shame in seeking help.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalSuicidePreventionMonth

    Learning about suicide prevention during the month of September is a great way to educate yourself and others. If you or someone you know needs emergency assistance, contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. Find more help at www.nami.org/Find-Support.

    Use #NationalSuicidePreventionMonth on social media.

    Regarding the question of suicide, keep it a question. It’s not really an answer.” – Peter McWilliams

    NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH HISTORY

    The National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) has designated September as National Suicide Prevention Month.

  • NATIONAL LIBRARY CARD SIGN-UP MONTH – September

    NATIONAL LIBRARY CARD SIGN-UP MONTH

    As kids head back to school, there’s no better time for them to discover the treasures awaiting them in the local library. September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month!

    A library card can be a rite of passage for your child, giving them a sense of obligation and responsibility. As a library patron, children learn the importance of caring for things that belong to others. Children take the essential early step in their development when they obtain their library card and become a conscientious member of the community.

    Visiting your local library also encourages your child to read. Reading helps brain development and provides a solid foundation of the language and literacy skills. Opening a book encourages children to travel to far away places and let their imagination sore. Develop reading as a hobby early and young for every child.

    Libraries of the World

    The world’s oldest running library is the St. Catherine’s Monastery in the Sinai, Egypt. It was built in the mid-6th century C.E. And, the Vatican houses the most extensive collection of religious material in the world. When the Great Library of Alexandria burned down (circa 640 C.E.) among the great works believed to have been lost was the private collection of Aristotle.

    The U.S. Library of Congress houses over 150 million items as the world’s largest library. This accomplishment takes up to 830 miles of shelves. In contrast, only one person at a time fits in the world’s smallest library on the streets of New York. The reader can choose from just 40 books

    HOW TO OBSERVE

    Visit your local library to get your library card today. You might also enjoy volunteering at your local library to read to children.

    Use #LibraryCardSignUpMonth in your social media correspondence.

    Families and educators, visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for resources, projects and ways to Celebrate Every Day!

    HISTORY

    In 1987, the American Library Association funded the first Library Card Sign-Up Month.

    There are over 1,500 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day with National Day Calendar!

  • NATIONAL AMERICANA MONTH – September

    NATIONAL AMERICANA MONTH

    During September, National Americana Month brings the nation together to reflect on elements of life in the United States that have knitted us together and made us Americans.

    All across the country, images of Americana appear in shop windows up and down small town streets. Whether it’s parades on Independence Day or concerts and county fairs all summer long, we each have developed traditions and a sense of nostalgia that forms a part of who we are as an American.

    Religion, politics, language and histories collide and become heavily woven as cultures become rooted in the United States. The evidence is found in the art, literature and music of Americana.

    Through every decade since the word Americana was coined in 1841, folk music has influenced a broad range of musical styles in the United States. Often the voice of oppression and rebellion, lyrics not only become a battle cry or anthem, but an oral history frequently repeated. Its ability to inspire and influence other genres of music continues today.

    Our idea of Americana may be found in the very food we eat or in a turn of phrase. It may be an adventure on Route 66. Along the way, perhaps engaging in a friendly debate about baseball, hoops or an election while stopping at a roadside stand to savor dishes that have become uniquely American.

    Other views of Americana are of the coastal sort.  Take your pick. Historical or theatrical, poetic, scientific, uptown, downtown, city slicker or country bumpkin, Americana comes in all shapes and sizes.  The question for National Americana Month is, what does it mean to you?

    HOW TO OBSERVE

    Indulge in the nostalgic and quintessentially American music, flavors, art, and events you love most.

    Franklin, Tennesse will be ground zero for National Americana Month! All month long, enjoy live music, BBQ, tournaments, and more! Go to www.visitfranklin.com/americana for the complete schedule of events.

    Can’t make it to Franklin? Americana is everywhere in the United States! Explore all month long and share using #NationalAmericanaMonth on social media.

    Special Events:

    The Great Americana BBQ Festival in Franklin, TN
    Art Scene in Downtown Franklin, specifically the Visitor Center in Franklin, TN featuring photographs by Anthony Scarlatti
    Viva! NashVegas Radio Show in Franklin, TN
    ForkFest in Leiper’s Fork, TN
    Studio Tenn’s production of The Battle of Franklin in Franklin, TN
    Vintage Base Ball Tournament in Franklin, TN
    Mantra Artisan Ales Block Party in Franklin, TN
    Americanafest in Nashville, TN
    Denny Laine with The Cryers: 50 Years of Stories & Music in Franklin, TN
    Music Tourism Convention in Franklin, TN
    Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival in Franklin, TN
    Shakespeare in the Park in Franklin, TN

    NATIONAL AMERICANA MONTH HISTORY

    The Williamson County CVB founded National Americana Month to inspire everyone to celebrate what Americana means to them. Americana, much like art, inspires people in different ways. To some it is nostalgia. For others it is music, food or culture. For some, it’s celebrating who you are as an American. National Americana Month was founded in Franklin, TN, home to the Americana Music Association, the Americana Music Triangle, and Music City Roots.

    The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Americana Month to be observed annually in 2017.

     

  • PULMONARY FIBROSIS AWARENESS MONTH – September

    PULMONARY FIBROSIS AWARENESS MONTH

    Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month in September makes a concentrated effort toward spreading knowledge, increasing activities, support, and funding for those affected by this life-altering disease.

    Also known as PF, Pulmonary fibrosis is a group of devastating lung diseases that cause scarring in the lungs. The scarring limits the oxygen intake necessary for the brain, heart, and other organs to function.

    Symptoms include a dry, hacking cough and shortness of breath. PF affects over 200,000 Americans and is difficult to diagnose. Misdiagnosis is not uncommon. There are also 50 thousand new cases diagnosed each year. 

    While there is no cure, research is underway. The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF)  national registry, the PFF Patient Registry, has reached its target enrollment of 2,000 patients from across the country. Researchers will use the data in the Registry in studies that will lead to a better understanding of how to diagnose, treat and eventually cure the disease.

    Awareness of pulmonary fibrosis is on the rise. From Broadway to the gridiron, members of the PF community everywhere are stepping up to battle the disease. One notable person working toward finding a cure is actress and comedienne Julie Halston, who annually hosts the best of Broadway in “Broadway Belts for PFF!” in New York City. Performers pay tribute to Michael Kuchwara, former theatre critic for the Associated Press, who passed away from the disease in 2010.

    In addition, Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard joined the fight against PF in 2016 by becoming a spokesperson for the Foundation and launching fundraising initiatives. Howard’s father, Reginald B. “Doc” Howard, succumbed to PF at age 52 when Jordan was only 12 years old.

    HOW TO OBSERVE Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month

    You can celebrate PF Awareness Month by:

    • Going blue for pulmonary fibrosis. Show your support to those living with PF. Share a selfie while wearing blue clothes, painted nails, or even blue hair. Post your selfie on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtags #BlueUp4PF and #PFAwarenessMonth. Be sure to tag @PFFORG in your posts.
    • Join a PF event near you. Whether it’s a walk, run, hike, or bike along a trail, raise awareness and funds while enjoying the month of September. Build a team, walk individually, volunteer or donate to help support research in the fight against the disease.
    • Host a blue bake sale, blue jeans day at work, athletic event, or trivia night.

    PULMONARY FIBROSIS AWARENESS MONTH HISTORY

    The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation founded Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month in 2012 to unite the pulmonary fibrosis community and raise awareness and funds for a cure for this deadly disease.

    The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month to be observed every September beginning in 2017.