October 10, 2013

Today we celebrate:

International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction – This is a day to participate in improving the disaster preparedness of your community. Disasters are happening at an increased rate these days and as far as I can tell, there is no part of the country that is safe. So find out what you need to do to be prepared and help your community to be prepared as well.

National Angel Food Cake Day – Light and airy, this is delicious with strawberries and whipped cream.

Naval Academy Day – On this day in 1845, the Naval School (later known as the United States Naval Academy) opened in Maryland with 50 students and 7 professors.

World Mental Health Day – The World Health Organization celebrates this day that was created by the World Federation of Mental Health. The purpose is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and help those who need it to find help for their issues.

National Depression Screening Day – This is a day to raise awareness of the signs of depression and anxiety disorders and to participate in a screening program so that you can get help if you need it.

World Porridge Day – This is a day that started in Scotland and has spread throughout the world as an effort to feed hungry children in poor countries. Porridge is a traditional dish in Scotland and it is easy to make for large groups of hungry people so Mary's Meals (a Scottish-based charity) has been working hard to use it to feed people all around the world.

World Sight Day – Celebrated on the second Thursday in October, this is a day to get your eyes tested. If you are like me and only get them tested once every 7-9 years, give or take a little, get in gear and go to the eye doctor. Apparently, there are a lot of preventable eye issues that can be diagnosed and treated by the doctor but if you don't go, you don't get it fixed. Ok, ok, you talked me into it. I'll go.

Squid Day/ Cuttlefish Day – On this cephalopod day, we focus on the exciting squids and cuttlefish. Did you know there is a giant squid that lives in the deepest of the oceans? I'm not sure why it used to come up and attack the sailing ships of 3 or 4 hundred years ago and not the ships of today, but we'll count our blessings because those things are huge.

To celebrate today, show your kids pictures of squids after you have their eyes checked so you know they can see the pictures. Then have some porridge and angel food cake for lunch. In the afternoon, get screened for depression and general mental health and then call up the Naval Academy and ask their advice for getting your household and neighborhood prepared for a possible disaster.