A time to celebrate life. June 5 is National Cancer Survivors Day. If you have been touched by cancer you know that each day is one to celebrate the ups, downs and complexities of life.
Caribbean American Heritage Month. Since the 1500s, the American continent has had a close relationship with the Caribbean islands (Alexander Hamilton was a Caribbean immigrant, along with many others over the years). For more information visit http://www.caribbeanamericanmonth.org/the_cahm_bill
Gay and Lesbian Pride Month. In commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall riots in Greenwich Village, which launched the modern movement for greater tolerance of gay, lesbian, transgender, and bisexual people in the United States, Gay and Lesbian Pride Month recognizes the impact that members of the GLBT community have had on the world. For more information visit http://www.nwhp.org/news/gayandlesbian_month.php
National Aphasia Awareness Month. Aphasia is a communication disorder that impairs a person’s ability to speak, understand others, and process language. It affects up to 1 million Americans, leaving them isolated, frustrated, and depressed. Aphasia can result from stroke, a head injury, a brain tumor, or other neurological causes. Most common among older people, it can occur in people of all ages. For more information visit http://www.aphasia.org/
National Candy Month. Don’t go overboard for the whole month, but don’t deny your sweet tooth a little enjoyment in June. The best practice for good nutrition is to eat a healthy variety of foods each day and exercise regularly. That should leave room for the occasional chocolate bar or cookie in your diet.
National Fishing and Boating Week, June 4-12. Head out to the water for this national celebration of fishing and boating coordinated by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (scheduled for most states’ free fishing days, which allow the public to fish without a license). For more information visit http://www.fws.gov/refuges/mediatipsheet/Stories/201105_NationalFishingBoatingWeek.html
National Tire Safety Week, June 5-11. More than 900 million tires travel U.S. roads on cars and light trucks every year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 600 deaths every year are caused by underinflated tires, and it recommends a visual inspection and pressure check of all tires once a month and before every long trip. More than something to celebrate, tire safety can save a life. For more information visit http://www.rma.org/index.cfm
Men’s Health Week, June 13-19. Men’s health is a family issue. Men’s Health Week is intended to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. For more information visit http://www.menshealthmonth.org/week/index.html.
National Cancer Survivors Day, June 5. The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation defines a “survivor” as anyone living with a history of cancer—from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of his or her life. For more information visit http://www.ncsdf.org/
Flag Day, June 14. The “Stars and Stripes”, the official National symbol of the United States of America was authorized by congress on that Saturday of June 14, 1777 in the fifth item of the days agenda. For more information visit http://www.nationalflagday.com/history.asp and http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/jun14.html
Father’s Day, June 19. Celebrate your father or a father-figure. For some up-to-date facts and figures about the men we love, visit http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/cb11-ff11.html
Summer Solstice, June 21. An instant in time when the Earth’s axial tilt is most inclined toward the sun in the northern hemisphere, and when summer traditionally begins. What does this mean? IT'S SUMMER! Go out and enjoy this longest dayof the year.