All - Leep Calendar

North America Occupational Safety & Health Week is the first whole week of May. Organized by the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE), the Interdisciplinary Association of Occupational Health and Hygiene of Mexico, the Civil Association (AISOHMEX), and other organizations, this week raises awareness about the occupational risks that many professions face, and preventative measures workers can take to protect themselves.

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May

Old Friends, New Friends Week: May 17-23

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Old Friends, New Friends Week, or Friendship Week is celebrated annually on the third week of May. It's a time for making new friends and remembering old ones. Chat with someone on the street, pick up the phone, and call a friend you last heard from over a year ago. This event's founder, Dr. Jan Yager, stated her purpose: "to celebrate and make time for old and new friends and remember how vital friends are for our emotional and physical health and well-being and even professional or career success." Friendship is an integral part of life. Get out there, appreciate your friends, and make a few new ones!

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May

Older Americans Month: May

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Older Americans Month is an annual observance held in May to celebrate and recognize the contributions of older adults to society. This month-long celebration aims to raise awareness about the issues affecting older adults and to promote their well-being, engagement, and inclusion in their communities. The history of Older Americans Month dates back to 1963 when President John F. Kennedy designated May as "Senior Citizens Month" to honor older Americans and to draw attention to their needs and accomplishments. Later, in 1980, President Jimmy Carter changed the name to "Older Americans Month." Each year, the Administration for Community Living (ACL), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, leads the observance and chooses a theme to guide the celebrations and activities. These themes typically focus on aspects of aging, such as healthy living, financial security, caregiving, and civic engagement. Throughout the month, various organizations, including community centers, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, organize events and activities to support older adults and their families. These events may include workshops, health fairs, intergenerational activities, fitness classes, volunteer opportunities, and social gatherings. Older Americans Month is an opportunity to recognize the valuable contributions of older adults to our society and to ensure that they continue to thrive and have access to the resources and support they need. It is a time to celebrate their achievements, share their stories, and advocate for policies that promote their well-being.

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May

Orthodox Pentecost (C): May 31

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Orthodox Christians follow the Julian Calendar rather than the Gregorian Calendar and celebrate most holidays a week later. Orthodox Pentecost is a Christian observance celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit into the disciples of Jesus Christ following His ascension to heaven (Easter). It is always held on the seventh Sunday after Easter and coincides with the Jewish festival of Shavuoth. Pentecost marks the beginning of the Christian faith as an official movement in 33 AD. In the Commonwealth countries, Pentecost is also called Whitsun or Whit. Its significance to Christians can be paralleled with the Holy Month of Ramadan in the Islamic faith and the receipt of the Decalogue in Judaism. In all instances, the disciples (Christian) and prophets (Islam and Judaism) received instruction and word from God/Holy Spirit, defining the basis of the faith.

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May

Osama bin Laden Killed (2011): May 2

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May 2, 2011, is the anniversary of the death of Osama bin Laden. Below is the official White House Statement on the event. 11:35 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda, and a terrorist who’s responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children. It was nearly ten years ago that a bright September day was darkened by the worst attack on the American people in our history. The images of 9/11 are seared into our national memory—hijacked planes cutting through a cloudless September sky; the Twin Towers collapsing to the ground; black smoke billowing up from the Pentagon; the wreckage of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where the actions of heroic citizens saved even more heartbreak and destruction. And yet we know that the worst images are those that were unseen to the world. The empty seat at the dinner table. Children who were forced to grow up without their mother or their father. Parents who would never know the feeling of their child’s embrace. Nearly 3,000 citizens taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts. On September 11, 2001, in our time of grief, the American people came together. We offered our neighbors a hand, and we offered the wounded our blood. We reaffirmed our ties to each other, and our love of community and country. On that day, no matter where we came from, what God we prayed to, or what race or ethnicity we were, we were united as one American family. We were also united in our resolve to protect our nation and to bring those who committed this vicious attack to justice. We quickly learned that the 9/11 attacks were carried out by al Qaeda—an organization headed by Osama bin Laden, which had openly declared war on the United States and was committed to killing innocents in our country and around the globe. And so we went to war against al Qaeda to protect our citizens, our friends, and our allies. Over the last ten years, thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our military and our counterterrorism professionals, we’ve made great strides in that effort. We’ve disrupted terrorist attacks and strengthened our homeland defense. In Afghanistan, we removed the Taliban government, which had given bin Laden and al Qaeda safe haven and support. And around the globe, we worked with our friends and allies to capture or kill scores of al Qaeda terrorists, including several who were a part of the 9/11 plot. Yet Osama bin Laden avoided capture and escaped across the Afghan border into Pakistan. Meanwhile, al Qaeda continued to operate from along that border and operate through its affiliates across the world. And so shortly after taking office, I directed Leon Panetta, the director of the CIA, to make the killing or capture of bin Laden the top priority of our war against al Qaeda, even as we continued our broader efforts to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat his network. Then, last August, after years of painstaking work by our intelligence community, I was briefed on a possible lead to bin Laden. It was far from certain, and it took many months to run this thread to ground. I met repeatedly with my national security team as we developed more information about the possibility that we had located bin Laden hiding within a compound deep inside of Pakistan. And finally, last week, I determined that we had enough intelligence to take action, and authorized an operation to get Osama bin Laden and bring him to justice. Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. No Americans were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties. After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body. For over two decades, bin Laden has been al Qaeda’s leader and symbol, and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies. The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat al Qaeda. Yet his death does not mark the end of our effort. There’s no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must—and we will—remain vigilant at home and abroad. As we do, we must also reaffirm that the United States is not—and never will be—at war with Islam. I’ve made clear, just as President Bush did shortly after 9/11, that our war is not against Islam. Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims. Indeed, al Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own. So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity. Over the years, I’ve repeatedly made clear that we would take action within Pakistan if we knew where bin Laden was. That is what we’ve done. But it’s important to note that our counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to bin Laden and the compound where he was hiding. Indeed, bin Laden had declared war against Pakistan as well, and ordered attacks against the Pakistani people. Tonight, I called President Zardari, and my team has also spoken with their Pakistani counterparts. They agree that this is a good and historic day for both of our nations. And going forward, it is essential that Pakistan continue to join us in the fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates. The American people did not choose this fight. It came to our shores, and started with the senseless slaughter of our citizens. After nearly ten years of service, struggle, and sacrifice, we know well the costs of war. These efforts weigh on me every time I, as Commander-in-Chief, have to sign a letter to a family that has lost a loved one, or look into the eyes of a service member who’s been gravely wounded. So Americans understand the costs of war. Yet as a country, we will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly by when our people have been killed. We will be relentless in defense of our citizens and our friends and allies. We will be true to the values that make us who we are. And on nights like this one, we can say to those families who have lost loved ones to al Qaeda’s terror: Justice has been done. Tonight, we give thanks to the countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who’ve worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome. The American people do not see their work, nor know their names. But tonight, they feel the satisfaction of their work and the result of their pursuit of justice. We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism, and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country. And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of the burden since that September day. Finally, let me say to the families who lost loved ones on 9/11 that we have never forgotten your loss, nor wavered in our commitment to see that we do whatever it takes to prevent another attack on our shores. And tonight, let us think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11. I know that it has, at times, frayed. Yet today’s achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people. The cause of securing our country is not complete. But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to. That is the story of our history, whether it’s the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens; our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place. Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are: one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. May God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America. END 11:44 P.M. EDT

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May

Osteoporosis Prevention Month, Ntl. (US): May

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The National Osteoporosis Foundation sponsors National Osteoporosis Month each May. It is a national awareness-building and fundraising initiative calling on women and men to start conversations about bone health and family history as the first step toward protecting themselves and future generations from osteoporosis. In honor of National Osteoporosis Month, health professionals, osteoporosis educators, patients, caregivers, and advocates are asked to join the conversation. National Osteoporosis Month also occurs in Canada each November. International Osteoporosis Day occurs in mid-October.

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May

Otter Day, World: May 27

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World Otter Day raises awareness about otters. Otters are semi-aquatic mammals of the Mustelidae family, including weasels, ferrets, and badgers. There are 13 different species of otters worldwide, and they are known for their playful, curious behavior and sleek, streamlined bodies. Otters are well-suited to life in and around water. Their fur is dense and waterproof, which helps to keep them warm and dry while swimming. Their webbed feet facilitate swimming and diving, and they can hold their breath underwater for several minutes. Otters are carnivorous and feed on fish, crustaceans, amphibians, and small mammals. Using their dexterous front paws, otters catch and manipulate their prey. Many species of otters are social animals and live in groups, while others are more solitary. Otters communicate with each other using a range of vocalizations, including whistles, grunts, and chirps. Otters live around rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, where habitat loss, pollution, and hunting have landed some varieties on endangered or vulnerable lists.

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May

Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, Feast of (PH): May

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An annual celebration of the Virgin Mary in the Philippines, Our Lady of Good Peace and Voyage is a month-long celebration of the Mother of Jesus Christ throughout the archipelago nation. Special masses are said each day. Parades and festivals occur throughout the country. As a nation of islands, blessings on travel figure prominently in the celebration Image: By Roel Balingit - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77572480

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May

Pansexual Visability Day: May 24

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It is Pansexual Visibility Day, a day to proudly declare your sexual desire for Homosapiens of every persuasion curated according to your unique preferences. What began as defined areas of sexual orientations: gay, lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual, has morphed into over forty different identities in the past decade, each with its rainbow style flag, its truth, its change to grammar, and its focus on "I." One of these new designations is pansexual, which those identifying as such insist is different from bisexual. Or, depending on who you consult, not separate but a subset because you can be both. Don't worry if you are confused. Pansexual Visibility Day came into being by LGBTQ+ Twitter activists to celebrate pansexuals and encourage education about their truth. Bisexuality means you are sexually attracted to men and women. Pansexual means you are attracted to men, women and any other of the forty different designations now populating gender identity and human sexuality. You are sexually attracted to human beings, regardless of sex, gender, or identity, and who you are attracted to changes, morphs, and merges as often as you like. Panromantic Visibility Day is another new day. It describes people who change romantic attractions day-to-day or hour-by-hour, whether or not sexual feelings are involved.

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May

Parrot Day, World: May 31

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World Parrot Day, first held in 2004, celebrates the beautiful tropical species of birds called parrots. Three hundred and fifty varieties of parrots exist, and one-third face potential extinction due to loss of habitat and the exotic pet trade. World Parrot Day seeks to raise awareness about protecting parrots in the wild and best practices in caring for parrots as pets. Annually May 31.

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May

Peace Officers Memorial Day: May 15

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Peace Officers Memorial Day is a national observance in the United States that pays tribute to local, state, and federal peace officers who have died or received an injury in the line of duty. It is observed annually on May 15 and is part of National Police Week. The observance began on October 1, 1961, when Congress authorized President John F. Kennedy to designate May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day through a joint resolution (Public Law 87-726). In honor of the fallen officers throughout the United States, flags fly at half-staff. Various memorial services, candlelight vigils, and other events pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., serves as the focal point for many of these events, featuring the engraved names of over 22,000 officers who have lost their lives while serving their communities since the first recorded police death in 1791.

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May

Peacekeepers' Day, International United Nations: May 29

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International United Nations Peacekeepers Day acknowledges the vital role of peacekeepers in the many hotspots around the globe. If war is the most horrible human invention, and it is, then peacekeepers are the first line of defense against it.

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May

Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month, Ntl.: May

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Stokes are generally associated with adults, but children have strokes too. May is Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month, a chance to increase awareness about pediatric stroke and the steps to mitigate its possibility. For tools to help you raise awareness, visit http://chasa.org/you-can-help/pediatric-stroke-awareness.

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May

Pentecost (C): May 24

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Pentecost (or Whitsunday) is a Christian observance celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit into the disciples of Jesus Christ following His ascension to heaven (Easter). It is always held on the seventh Sunday after Easter and coincides with the Jewish festival of Shavuoth. Pentecost marks the beginning of the Christian faith as an official movement in 33AD. In the Commonwealth countries, Pentecost is often called Whitsun or Whit. Its significance to Christians can be paralleled with the Holy Month of Ramadan in the Islamic faith and the receipt of the Decalogue in Judaism. In all instances, the disciples (Christian) and prophets (Islam and Judaism) received instruction and word from God/Holy Spirit, defining the basis of the faith.

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May

Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Week (NZ): May 4-10

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PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK IN NEW ZEALAND Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Week in New Zealand focuses on raising awareness about the mental health challenges faced by parents during the perinatal period, encompassing pregnancy and the first year after birth. This week educates the public, healthcare professionals, and policymakers about the significance of perinatal mental health and advocates for better support and resources for affected individuals and families. Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Week aims to improve awareness and understanding of perinatal mental health conditions among the general public and healthcare providers in New Zealand to reduce the stigma associated with these conditions, encourage parents to seek help and promote the availability of resources and support. The week advocates for systemic changes in treating perinatal mental health issues, including improving screening and treatment options for conditions in addition to more significant investment in mental health services. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that all parents in New Zealand receive the support they need to maintain their mental health and well-being during the perinatal period. WHAT IS "PERINATAL?" The term "perinatal" refers to the period surrounding birth. It typically includes the time from the 22nd week of gestation (approximately the sixth month of pregnancy) to seven days after birth. However, in broader contexts, it can sometimes extend to cover the entire duration of pregnancy and the first year after birth. In the context of perinatal mental health, it encompasses mental health conditions that occur during pregnancy (antenatal) and the postpartum period (after childbirth), highlighting the significance of mental health care throughout this critical time for both the parent and the baby. TOP FIVE MOST COMMON PERINATAL CONDITIONS Perinatal mental health conditions are mental health issues that occur during pregnancy and the first year after childbirth. The top five perinatal mental health conditions are: Perinatal Depression—Perinatal depression includes both antenatal depression (during pregnancy) and postpartum depression (after childbirth). Symptoms can range from sadness and fatigue to severe mood swings and inability to bond with the baby. It affects many new mothers and, in some cases, fathers. Perinatal Anxiety—This condition includes generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that occur during the perinatal period. Symptoms include excessive worry, fear, and intrusive thoughts, which can significantly impact a parent's ability to function. Postpartum Psychosis—A rare but severe mental health condition that usually develops within the first few weeks after childbirth. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, severe mood swings, and confusion. Postpartum psychosis requires immediate medical attention as it can pose severe risks to both the mother and the baby. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)—PTSD can occur after a traumatic childbirth experience. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event. This condition can affect a parent's ability to care for their baby and engage in daily activities. Perinatal Bipolar Disorder—Bipolar disorder can be triggered or exacerbated by pregnancy and childbirth. Symptoms include extreme mood swings that range from manic episodes (high energy, euphoria, or irritability) to depressive episodes (low energy, sadness, or hopelessness). Proper management and treatment are crucial for the well-being of both the parent and the baby. These conditions require timely recognition and appropriate treatment to ensure the health and well-being of both the parent and the child. THE EVENT'S HISTORY Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Week was established in New Zealand in 2014, driven by the Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa (PADA). Recognizing the urgent need to address perinatal mental health issues in the country, PADA aimed to increase public awareness and understanding of conditions such as perinatal depression and anxiety, which can have profound effects on parents and their families. Healthcare professionals, mental health organizations, advocacy groups, and community members across New Zealand actively participate in Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Week. Activities during the week include educational workshops, seminars, and webinars aimed at healthcare providers to enhance their knowledge and skills in supporting parents with perinatal mental health issues. Support groups and mental health organizations host events and campaigns to share information and personal stories, creating a supportive community for those affected. Social media campaigns using hashtags such as #PMHAWNZ and #PerinatalMentalHealthNZ are prevalent, helping spread awareness and connecting individuals to resources and support networks. Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Week in New Zealand is vital in highlighting the mental health challenges faced by new and expectant parents, fostering a more supportive and informed community, and advocating for better mental health care and resources for parents and families. Australia observes a similar week in November.

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