November is National Family Caregiver Month as proclaimed by U.S. President Barack Obama in 2012. In many American families, caring for a loved one who can no longer care for themselves because of debilitating injury, disease, or other cause falls to relatives, spouses, partners, friends, and neighbors. These caregivers dedicate many hours to tending the … Read more
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is the best known holiday on the Hindu calendar (and it’s observed by Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists, too). A five day celebration of light’s victory over darkness, the festival is bright and colorful, popular with children and adults, and filled with fireworks, sweets, gifts, and other treats. This year … Read more
Halloween (October 31) costumes are usually associated with children and adults, but these days, family pets are getting in on the action too. In fact, almost 15% of Americans will buy their pet a costume this year, and the figures are on the rise as more and more people transform their dog or cat into … Read more
(Note: Last week, I talked about running and the Nike San Francisco Women’s Marathon & Half Marathon, the largest women’s marathon in the world. This is my post-race follow-up) Race Day was fabulous! My injury decided miraculously not to complain too much although I did take some breaks to stretch along the way. It slowed … Read more
ALL ABOARD THE SMILE TRAIN! World Smile Day® and National Orthodontic Health Month Getting braces is a symbolic rite of passage for many preteens and teens. It’s an exciting time, albeit an uncomfortable and expensive one. There is something so cute about a big tin grin although never having had braces myself I have to … Read more
The month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed in the United States as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month as well as internationally, for the purpose of raising awareness of breast cancer and support for cancer charities. “People go through challenging moments of losing people and of having their life threatened from illness and … Read more
OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF SENIORS: National Centenarian Day, September 22 A sentiment appropriate for National Centenarian Day as well is this statement made by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 as he initiated August 21st as National Senior Citizens Day to acknowledge the life-long contributions our nation’s seniors. He stated, “For all they have achieved … Read more
Created by the Kappa Delta Sorority in 1999, National Women’s Friendship Day took place on the third Sunday in September to promote friendship between women and bring attention to the importance and value of women in society. In 2009, the day was expanded to include the entire month of September. Today, International Women’s Friendship Month … Read more
National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: How Can We Help? With the month of September bringing National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, it makes me reflect on how lucky I am, lucky to have healthy kids. Sure, they get the random cold or injury that drags us down and forces us to miss a few soccer games, … Read more