Men's Health Matters: Movember

 

No, it is not a typo! So, for work, I have to find interesting topics that ranging from heritage observances to other fun details and feature them weekly on the website.  So, for November, I came across this thing called Movember, and naturally, I was curious.  Initially, I thought it was a typo, but I learned it's an actual thing that has been in existence since 2003. It is an annual event in November where men grow their mustaches to raise awareness for men’s health, specifically: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. This resonated with me, especially as I feel there is more emphasis these days on girl children, women’s rights, women’s health, feminism, and so on. So, I decided to shine a spotlight on men in my workplace because men’s health matters.

I learned that Movember originated in Australia when two friends, Travis Garone and Luke Slattery were inspired by a friend’s mother who was fundraising for breast cancer. They decided to create a similar campaign and in the first year, 30 people grew their mustaches and raised approximately $7000 for the Prostrate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

Since then, the movement has spread to other parts of the world and has raised over 1 billion dollars funding over 1,200 men’s health projects. I am not a fan of mustaches or beards. If there was a way, we could do away with bodily hair. but for this cause bring it on.

You too can participate in (Mo) from November by fundraising, growing a mustache, or encouraging friends and family to join this cause. Every conversation and donation helps create a healthier future and reminds us that men’s health matters as healthier men lead to stronger communities.

I may not have a mustache to grow, but I will be cheering on anyone who is growing one for Movember and beyond!

Remembering 9/11: A Day of Remembrance and Reflection

September 11, 2001, is a day that will forever be etched in our collective memory. On this day, the devastating terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington D.C., and United Airlines Flight 93 resulted in the loss of thousands of innocent lives.

As we reflect on this fateful day, may we honor the victims, their families and the first responders who risked everything to save others. Together, let us continue to strive for a world where love triumphs over hate.

Thriving on the Spectrum: Honoring Autism Awareness Month

 April is National Autism Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Originally just a week-long event started in 1972, it expanded to a month-long event in 2021 to promote acceptance and understanding of autism.

Growing up, I didn’t know anyone with autism and throughout my childhood never encountered anyone on the spectrum. Fast forward as an adult for every 5 people I know, one of them has a family member or knows a family that has someone on the spectrum mainly from Generation Z. It is thus very important that for people like me who are ‘new’ on encountering people with autism that there is continuous learning.

This year’s theme for Autism Awareness Month is “Moving from Surviving to Thriving,” and the Autism Society encourages everyone to help create a more inclusive society where autistic individuals are acknowledged and provided with opportunities.

Personally I will be celebrating my nephew Adam and cheering my sister Jackey for  effortlessly being a one man army in her community of  Malaga, Spain as she continue to promote acceptance, inclusivity and understanding of  Adam’s unique strengths and perspectives as just another 10 year old boy. I still remember the first time he confidently said, “Hello Aunt Joey” I felt like I had won the lottery. And over the years, he has made so much progress and I’m sure he will amount to much.

During this month and beyond, I invite you to share stories about the daily lives of individuals on the autism spectrum and highlight their contributions. If you know a real Good Doctor like Shaun Murphy in the ABC series that would be a great read.

Remember that together we can work towards a society that empowers individuals with autism to thrive.

The World through Art

 

World Art Day is celebrated annually on April 15 as declared by the International Association of Art and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

This day was first celebrated in 2012 and promotes the sharing and enjoyment of art while highlighting its contribution to cultural diversity, education and sustainable development. On this day, people are encouraged to engage with art through various activities, exhibitions and cultural events.

World Art day promotes diverse art expressions and encourages creativity. Various forms of art  such as painting, sculpting, drawing, photography and calligraphy are recognized as well as performance arts like dance, theater and music.

Engaging with art has been shown to improve mental and emotional wellbeing especially as it encourages creativity innovation and self-expression.  Art unites as it transcends borders, languages and cultures, bringing people together highlighting the richness and diversity of art forms worldwide.  It also fosters empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives.

By celebrating World Art Day we recognize the significance of art in our lives and its ability to bring people together, inspire creativity and promote understanding.

Rallying around African Americans and the Arts- Black History Month

February is Black History Month, a tradition that got its start in the Jim Crow era before it was officially recognized in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial celebrations. It honors the historical contributions, culture and significant achievements of African Americans.

Each year, there is new theme for Black History Month. This year, it’s “African Americans and the Arts,” paying homage to the varied history and life of African American arts and artisans.

I thought a great way to honor this month was to highlight some activists from the past that happen to al have birthdays in February. These Black American heroes challenged societal norms and advocated for justice, inspiring generations to stand for what’s right. Their courageous acts continue to resonate today, reminding us of the ongoing struggle for equality and empowerment in our society.

 From Rosa Parks, we can learn the importance of standing up for what we believe in the face of adversity. Fredrick Douglass's work reminds us to continuously strive for personal growth and development. We can embody his spirit by advocating for ongoing learning, improvement and empowerment in our professional lives.

 Langston Hughes’s work emphasizes the importance of embracing diversity and celebrating individual voices. In today’s workplace, we can honor his legacy by encouraging open communication, valuing different perspectives and fostering a culture of inclusivity.

 Let’s carry their spirit forward not just during Black History Month, but every day as we strive to  a world that values inclusion, equality and empowerment for all.