All - Leep Calendar

NATIONAL ECZEMA WEEK: RAISING AWARENESS AND SUPPORTING PATIENTS IN THE UNITED KINGSOM Each September, National Eczema Week is observed across the United Kingdom, dedicated to increasing awareness about eczema and providing support for those affected by this chronic skin condition. Organized by the National Eczema Association (NEA), this week-long campaign aims to educate the public about eczema, promote research, and improve the quality of life for millions of Britons living with the condition. The primary goal of National Eczema Week is to raise awareness about eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, and to highlight the challenges faced by those who suffer from it. The campaign focuses on educating people about the symptoms and triggers of eczema, promoting early diagnosis and effective treatment options, and advocating for better patient care and support. ECZEMA'S IMPACT ON LIFE Eczema can significantly impact a person's life, affecting their physical, emotional, and social well-being. The condition often causes: Physical Discomfort—Intense itching, redness, and inflammation can lead to severe discomfort and pain. Sleep Disturbances—Persistent itchiness can interfere with sleep, leading to fatigue and reduced quality of life. Emotional Stress—Eczema can cause feelings of frustration, embarrassment, and anxiety, mainly when flare-ups are visible. Social Isolation—The visible symptoms may lead to self-consciousness and social withdrawal, impacting relationships and daily activities. WARNING SIGNS OF ECZEMA Recognizing the warning signs of eczema is crucial for early intervention and management. These signs include: Dry, Sensitive Skin—Skin that feels dry, rough, and sensitive to touch. Red, Inflamed Patches—Areas of red, swollen, and inflamed skin. Severe Itching—Persistent itching, which can be incredibly intense at night. Blisters and Oozing—In some cases, the affected areas may develop blisters that ooze and crust over. Thickened, Scaly Skin—Chronic eczema can lead to thickened, leathery patches of skin, known as lichenification. RELIEVING ECZEMA While there is no cure for eczema, various treatments and strategies can help manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups: Moisturizing Regularly—Using fragrance-free moisturizers keeps the skin hydrated and prevents dryness. Identifying Triggers—Avoid known triggers, such as certain soaps, detergents, fabrics, and foods, which can exacerbate symptoms. Medications—Over-the-counter and prescription treatments, including topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and antihistamines, can help control inflammation and itching. Lifestyle Changes—Implementing stress-reduction techniques, such as mindfulness and relaxation exercises, to help manage emotional triggers. Seek Professional Help—Consult a dermatologist for personalized treatment plans and guidance on managing the condition effectively. National Eczema Week is vital in raising awareness about eczema and supporting those affected. By promoting education, research, and advocacy, the campaign aims to improve the lives of individuals with eczema and to foster a better understanding of this challenging skin disorder. Through collective efforts, it is possible to provide relief and hope to millions living with eczema.

Africa

Sep

Elephant Appreciation Day: September 22

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The holiday was founded by pachyderm lover Wayne Hepburn when he became so fascinated by an elephant-shaped paperweight given by his daughter. It is a perfect day to show your love and affection to this giant animal. You can have an elephant-themed party, choose to adopt an elephant from one of many rescue organizations, or take a trip to the zoo. A personal note from Laura: On a trip to Kenya in 2015, I stopped at the elephant orphanage outside of Nairobi. They had approximately 15 baby elephants they brought out to eat from bottles with a bunch of ostriches. It was hilarious, and we had the opportunity to pet the baby elephants in addition to watching them. My sister does not have any pets, but she loves elephants. In her name, I decided to foster one of the young baby elephant calves, Ziwa, from the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Many foster parents support each elephant with different monetary amounts, usually $50 per year, and it's a small price to pay for priceless conversation. When people ask my sister if she has any pets, she proudly shows a picture of Ziwa and answers, "Yes, I adopted an elephant. Her name is Ziwa." Most African and Asian nations with elephant populations have similar non-profits working to save orphaned elephants. The babies are often left to die when poachers kill their parents for their tusks. Elephants are endangered in many parts of the world. Today is a day to learn about them and possibly step up to the plate and help ensure they survive. Happy Elephant Appreciation Day!

Africa

Sep

Emma M. Nutt Day (1878): September 1

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Emma M Nutt was the world's first female telephone operator, and she started her job on September 1, 1878. She was employed by the Edwin Holmes Telephone Dispatch Company in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Africa

Sep

Emmy Awards, Primetime: September 14

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The Primetime Emmy Award is an American award bestowed by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in recognition of excellence in American primetime television programming since 1949. Originally known as the “Emmy Award,” Primetime was added to the title with the addition of the Daytime Emmy Award ceremonies in 1973.

Africa

Sep

Employ Older Workers Week, Ntl.: September 20-26

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National Employ Older Workers Week, observed annually during the last full week of September, focuses on recognizing the vital role of older workers in the U.S. workforce. The week aims to increase awareness of the older labor segment and develop strategies to harness their potential. The definition of "older worker" typically refers to individuals who are 55 years and older. This demographic is a growing portion of the workforce. Sixty-four percent of adults between 55 and 65 are in the workforce as of 2022, one point higher than the overall percentage of adults in the workforce and ten points higher than the percentage of adults 18-24. During the week, the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is showcased. SCSEP is a program that offers on-the-job skills training to older individuals with limited financial resources, helping over one million older Americans enter the workforce. HIRING HURDLES FOR OLDER PEOPLE IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS Older workers face unique challenges in the workplace. They often encounter age-related biases and stereotypes, impacting their employment opportunities and professional growth. Despite laws protecting workers over 40 from job discrimination, many techniques used to acquire jobs now actively, whether intentional or not, exclude older workers from the screening. Some of the automated system tactics used widely by companies to remove older workers, add burdens to the application process, and create hurdles include: Requiring self-recorded videos, a pre-interview interview, with applications. Requiring audio Q&A recordings of questions prior to a tender of interview. Requiring MBAs rather than equivalent work experience and excluding applications without MBAs. Using algorithms to exclude applications with work experience before a certain year. Using algorithms to exclude applications with college degrees before a specific date. Requiring technological knowledge and skills in the application process irrelevant to the position. Forcing people with decades of experience to take basic skills tests to apply for a position. SEVEN ADVANTAGES OF HIRING OLDER WORKERS Older workers have been working with technology their entire lives. They are the people who had to learn from scratch how to use computers, actually know what a C prompt is, and what life was like before the Internet—they built it. Their youth occurred during the rise of computers, biotech, and gaming. They know how to communicate full thoughts—in complete sentences. Hiring older workers can offer several advantages over hiring younger workers. Here are seven. Experience and Knowledge: Older workers bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to their roles, including soft skills, deep industry knowledge, skills honed over many years, and practical insights into business operations and strategies. Work Ethic and Reliability: Older workers grew up with and have a strong work ethic and reliability. They often demonstrate commitment to their jobs, show up on time, and take pride in their work, leading to higher productivity and quality output. Lower Turnover Rates: Older employees have lower turnover rates than younger workers. This stability reduces the costs and disruptions associated with the frequent hiring and training new staff. Mentoring Abilities: With their extensive experience, older workers can serve as mentors and trainers for younger employees. They can pass on valuable skills, knowledge, and professional wisdom, helping to develop the next generation of workers. Strong Communication Skills: Older workers often possess strong communication skills honed over years of professional and life experiences. This skill is invaluable in roles that require negotiation, customer service, or team collaboration. Adaptability: Contrary to some stereotypes, many older workers are adaptable and willing to learn new technologies or methods. Their willingness to adapt can be a significant asset in an ever-changing workplace. Diverse Perspectives: Older workers can provide diverse perspectives that enhance creativity and problem-solving within a team. Their different life experiences can contribute to a more rounded and comprehensive approach to business challenges. Mature people grew up in a world before social media and fragmented information, where knowing how to add and subtract in your head and understanding a map and how to read it didn't make them helpless without a phone. Their viewpoint, experience, and wisdom manifested in the temporal rather than the digital world. Throughout their lives, they experienced dramatic shifts in society and technology, more change than any previous generation before or since, making them highly adaptable, steadfast, and grounded. People in their 50s, 60s, and early 70s came of age in generations when children were expected to be self-sufficient, accountable, and responsible. As children, they made decisions about time management, what to say and think, and practiced unregulated dispute resolution. Older adults grew up taking risks and learning and were not coddled or shielded from criticism, strife, opinions they didn't like, or life lessons. These attitudes make them particularly adept at diplomacy, seeing the big picture, and considering alternative ideas. National Employ Older Workers Week highlights the importance of diverse workplaces that challenge and leverage older employees. It seeks to promote practices that help them succeed, such as flexible work arrangements, ergonomic work environments, and opportunities for ongoing professional development. The focus of this week is particularly crucial given the demographic shifts in the U.S., with an increasing number of adults aged 55 and over continuing or re-entering the workforce. National Employ Older Workers Week is the exclusive official week in the United States supporting older workers.

Africa

Sep

Employee Appreciation Day, Remote: September 22

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Remote employees are increasingly essential to the global economy. Some are overseas, and others are down the street. They often perform crucial skills such as editorial, coding, website maintenance, and customer service. Remote Employee Appreciation Day is the day to recognize their efforts and help them feel part of the team.

Africa

Sep

Encouragement (Day of), Ntl.: September 12

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National Day of Encouragement gives people the extra support they may need to do what they want or need to do. Sponsored by the Encouragement Foundation at Harding University in Arkansas, the event began in 2007. On September 12, 2007, Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe signed a proclamation designating this day as the "State Day of Encouragement." In 2011, the 112th US Congress made it a national observance.

Africa

Sep

Enkutatash (ET/ER)(C): September 11

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Enkutatash is a public holiday in Ethiopia and Eritrea that marks the beginning of the New Year in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church's calendar. "Enkutatash" means "gift of jewels" in the Amharic language. The festival of Enkutatash began over 3,000 years with the Queen of Sheba, a figure from the Hebrew Bible celebrated in Ethiopian history and mythology. According to legend, when the Queen returned to Ethiopia after visiting King Solomon in Jerusalem, her chiefs welcomed her by replenishing her treasury with jewels. Enkutatash celebrations include church services, family gatherings, singing, and gifts. It also marks the end of the rainy season and the start of the Ethiopian spring, with blooming yellow daisies (Meskel flowers) covering the landscapes. The daisies, traditionally gifted by children on this day, symbolize the New Year, much like holy at Christmas. Enkutatash is a time for renewal, reflection, and hopes for a prosperous year. Despite its religious origins, the holiday is celebrated by people of all faiths in Ethiopia, Eritrea, and their diaspora communities worldwide.

Africa

Sep

Environmental Health Day, World: September 26

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These objectives of World Environmental Health Day are eliminating food waste, increasing sustainability in energy and farming, addressing logistical concerns, and highlighting the need to protect the planet and climate to ensure life continues. Each country hosts its activities and forums for education and action. Annually on September 26.

Africa

Sep

Equal Pay Day, Intl.: September 18

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International Equal Pay Day, celebrated on September 18th, symbolizes global efforts to ensure equal pay for work of equal value, highlighting a core commitment of the United Nations to human rights and opposition to all forms of discrimination, particularly against women and girls. Despite this, women are still paid less than men globally, with a gender pay gap of around 20 percent due to historical and structural inequalities, poverty, and unequal access to resources and opportunities. Progress towards closing the gender pay gap has been slow and challenging, although the principle of equal pay for men and women is widely accepted. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) address these issues, focusing on achieving gender equality and empowerment for all women and girls, while promoting decent work, economic growth, and equal pay for work of equal value for everyone, including young people and persons with disabilities. The mainstreaming of a gender perspective is deemed crucial in realizing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Achieving equal pay is a significant milestone for human rights and gender equality, requiring collective global efforts. Key stakeholders like the United Nations, including UN Women and the International Labour Organization (ILO), invite member states, civil society, women's organizations, businesses, and workers' and employers' organizations to actively promote equal pay and the economic empowerment of women and girls.

Africa

Sep

Estuaries Week, Ntl.: September 19-26 (est)

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National Estuaries Week raises awareness of the importance of estuaries (wetlands where freshwater rivers meet the ocean) and allows people to be more responsible for these natural resources. Established in 1988 as a single day, National Estuaries Week expanded to a week. There are exhibits, estuary tours, and festivals throughout the country.

Africa

Sep

Eye Health Week, Ntl.(UK): September 21-27 (est)

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NATIONAL EYE HEALTH WEEK: PROMOTING VISION CARE IN THE THE UK Each September, the United Kingdom observes National Eye Health Week, a dedicated effort to raise awareness about the importance of eye health and the impact of vision issues on individuals' lives. This week-long campaign organized by Eye Health UK aims to educate the public on maintaining good eye health and preventing vision loss through regular check-ups and healthy lifestyle choices. The primary goal of National Eye Health Week is to highlight the significance of regular eye examinations and proactive eye care. The campaign seeks to inform the public about the causes of vision impairment, encourage preventive measures, and promote the benefits of early detection and treatment of eye conditions. IMPACT OF SIGHT ISSUES ON YOUR LIFESTYLE Vision problems can profoundly affect a person's life, influencing their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Key impacts include: Reduced Quality of Life—Vision impairment can limit daily activities, such as reading, driving, and using electronic devices, reducing overall independence and quality of life. Emotional Distress—Sight issues can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and depression, mainly if they limit a person's ability to engage in previously enjoyed activities. Increased Risk of Accidents—Poor vision can increase the risk of falls and other accidents, especially in older adults. Social Isolation—Vision impairment can challenge social interactions, potentially leading to isolation and loneliness. WARNING SIGNS OF VISION PROBLEMS Recognizing the warning signs of vision issues is crucial for timely intervention. Common signs include: Blurry Vision—Difficulty seeing objects clearly up close or at a distance. Frequent Headaches—Persistent headaches, often caused by eye strain or uncorrected vision problems. Difficulty Reading—Trouble focusing on text, requiring more light or magnification to read. Squinting—Frequently squinting to see better, especially in bright light or when focusing on distant objects. Eye Pain or Discomfort—Persistent eye pain, redness, or discomfort. Double Vision—Seeing two images of a single object. PROTECTING YOUR VISION Individuals can take several steps to protect their vision and maintain good eye health: Regular Eye Examinations: Schedule comprehensive eye exams with an optometrist or ophthalmologist at least every two years or more frequently if recommended. Healthy Diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, mainly those beneficial for eye health, such as vitamins A, C, E, and omega-3 fatty acids. Protective Eyewear: Wear sunglasses with UV protection to shield eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays, and use protective eyewear during activities that pose a risk of eye injury. Limit Screen Time: Reduce prolonged exposure to screens, take regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds), and ensure proper lighting to minimize eye strain. Quit Smoking: Avoid smoking, as it increases the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and other eye diseases. National Eye Health Week underscores the importance of proactive eye care and regular check-ups in maintaining good vision and overall health. The campaign aims to empower individuals to take charge of their eye health and prevent vision impairment by raising awareness and providing valuable information. Through collective efforts and a commitment to eye care, the UK can ensure a future where everyone can enjoy a healthy vision.

Africa

Sep

Fairtrade Fortnight (UK): September 21-October 4

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Fairtrade Fortnight is when campaigners, businesses, schools, and places of worship show their support for the farmers and workers who grow the United Kingdom's food in developing countries. From breakfasts to banquets and bake-offs to business awards, communities across the UK use their creativity, connections, and local knowledge to open more doors to Fairtrade. This event moved from February/March to September in 2024, where it will continue to be celebrated in the years ahead. Fairtrade Fortnight began in 1994.

Africa

Sep

Fall Begins, Northern Hemisphere: September 22

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Today is the first day of the year's season, sequestered between the long, hot days of summer and short, bitterly cold days of winter, otherwise known as Autumn (or Fall). Fall begins at the autumnal equinox when the sun crosses the celestial equator and moves from the northern hemisphere to the southern hemisphere each September. OR Fall occurs south of the equator when the sun crosses the same line from the southern hemisphere to the northern each March. Whichever sphere you live in, happy first day of Fall (or Spring).

Africa

Sep

Fall Hat Month: September

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Worn for practical reasons, status symbols, religious observances, and fashion statements, hats have played an essential role in the history of humanity. September is Fall Hat Month, initially declared by the now non-existent Headwear Information Bureau. (The current company with this name is a real estate leasing organization). It signals the time of year when summer hats give way to the felt and leather hats of fall and winter. Fall Hat Month coincides with Spring Straw Hat Month in April when the felt hats of fall and winter give way to the straw and fabric hats of Spring and Summer.

Africa