All - Leep Calendar

Who said scientists don't have a sense of humor? World Kraken Day is about celebrating cephalopods in literature and mythology. Two examples are the giant squid from "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" by Jules Verne and the Kraken of Scandinavian mythology (often summoned by Nordic gods and, more recently, by discredited American attorneys). The Kraken first appeared in an Icelandic story called Örvar-Oddr in the 13th century AD. The most recent cephalopod to gain fame in entertainment is the octopus in the 2021 Academy Award-winning Best Documentary from South Africa, "My Octopus Friend." Cephalopods are a species of marine animals and include squid, octopuses, cuttlefish, and nautiluses. There are over 800 species worldwide, and they've been with us for over 300,000 years. Marine scientists celebrate International Cephalopods Awareness Days in October as a teaching tool and a call for marine environmental preservation.

Africa

Oct

Louisiana Art and Folk Festival, Columbia (US-LA): October 11

06:20 AM | -

The Columbia Art and Folk Festival features music, food, and down-home entertainment as the longest-running festival in the state of Louisiana. Annually in October.

Africa

Oct

Migratory Bird Day, World: October 11

06:20 AM | -

World Migratory Bird Day occurs on the second Saturday in May in the US and Canada and the second Saturday in October in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean each year. Why Celebrate Migratory Birds? Public awareness and concern are crucial components of migratory bird conservation. Citizens who are enthusiastic about birds, informed about threats, and empowered to become involved in addressing those threats can tremendously contribute to maintaining healthy bird populations. By modeling what can be done and involving people, their interest and involvement in stewardship can grow. One of the most successful vehicles for public education on migratory birds is World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD). Across the Americas, Bird Day events provide great ways for people to get involved.

Africa

Oct

Obesity Day, World: October 11

06:20 AM | -

Obesity leads to several non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, and cancer. Treating the effects of obesity worldwide is projected to cost US$1.2 trillion per year by 2025. World Obesity Day seeks to promote healthy weight and investment in the prevention, management, and treatment of obesity. It is a call to action for governments and health services. The World Health Organization seeks to reduce global obesity by 25% by 2025. This event first ran in 2015.

Africa

Oct

Penguin (African) Awareness Day: October 11

06:20 AM | -

African Penguin Awareness Day raises awareness about the beautiful and endangered African penguins and informs the public on what we can do to help. Overfishing and pollution have endangered these birds. SANCCOB and other environmental groups host this event each year. Supporting it can be as simple as adopting a baby penguin chick from their website. If in Capetown, check out the Penguin Festival, which occurs this month.

Africa

Oct

Pulaski Memorial Day, General (1779): October 11

06:20 AM | -

Each year, on October 11, Americans pause to remember General Casimir Pulaski, who gave his life for American independence during the Revolutionary War. Casimir Pulaski was a Polish patriot and renowned military strategist in Europe, but that didn't stop him from giving his life for American freedom and joining the cause in 1777. Having witnessed the occupation of Poland firsthand, Casimir Pulaski knew better than anyone the struggle for independence, writing to George Washington, "I came here, where freedom is being defended, to serve it, and to live or die for it." October 11 was proclaimed as a General Pulaski Memorial Day in 2010 by president Barack Obama to mark the anniversary of his death at the Siege of Savannah, Georgia, in 1779.

Africa

Oct

Sausage Pizza Day, Ntl.: October 11

06:20 AM | -

National Sausage Pizza Day in the United States is a day for Americans to celebrate three of their favorite foods: sausage, pizza, and sausage pizza!

Africa

Oct

Southern Food Heritage Day: October 11

06:20 AM | -

Barbeque, Cajun spices, deep-fried, and gumbo, what is your favorite Southern style and flavor? Today is the day to dig in and enjoy. Championed by the Southern Food & Beverage Museum of New Orleans.

Africa

Oct

Urban Wildlife Week, Intl.: October 11-19 (est)

06:20 AM | -

International Urban Wildlife Week occurs during Urban October and began in Los Angeles in 2015. Its original focus was on P-22, the beloved wild cougar that roamed the hills and cities of the greater Los Angeles area. Unfortunately, P-22 had to be euthanized in early 2023, plunging the entire metropolis into mourning, with over 6,000 Angelinos attending his memorial service. Despite it being one of the largest cities in the world, Los Angeles has a robust wildlife population, including coyotes, deer, golden eagles, rabbits, cougars, bobcats, raccoons, and even its flock of green parrots who have thrived in the city since they escaped a pet store fire in the early 1980s. In fact, all cities have wildlife, even yours (and not just rats). P-22's legacy continues with the now International Urban Wildlife Week by the National Wildlife Federation, which is supported by nature conservancies worldwide. It focuses on the necessity of wildlife zones, animal crossings over highways, green spaces, and clean-up rivers to encourage cohabitation. For example, in 2019, Utrecht, Netherlands, started a trend in Europe by planting flowering plants atop its city bus stops to provide bees and pollinators with an environment. Other cities in Europe quickly followed suit. Additional examples include: China's sponge cities double as flood mitigation. Milan, Italy's plant-covered skyscrapers. MENA nations, including Tunisia and Saudi Arabia, use grey water (recycled water) for everything from gardens to toilets. Urban wildlife projects create a more livable environment for people, plants, and animals. They preserve habitat, clean toxins from the air, reuse valuable resources, and provide defense against flooding, fires, and landslides. International Urban Wildlife Week is your opportunity to consider the nonhuman living entities around you and how best to ensure you both thrive. Header image: Desert dove cares for her newly hatched chicks in a windowsill nest on the Saudi Aramco campus in Dhahran, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Photo LD Lewis

Africa

Oct

Wife Carrying Championships, Ntl. (US-ME): October 11 (est)

06:20 AM | -

Founded in 1999, the North American Wife Carrying Championships originate from the Finnish games, which began in 1991. For spectators, this 278-yard race of men carrying their wives through various obstacles is quite a spectacle and a good time for all. This race determines the winner for the US and Canada. PLEASE NOTE: Treat all televised and venue-specific events (sporting, concerts, trade shows, etc.) as estimated. Several factors can cause an event to move dates at the last minute, including weather, strikes, natural disasters, political upheaval, conflicting programming, pandemics, and current events. Because of this, always verify the event with the promotor before committing resources. LEEP often estimates dates based on the previous year's schedules, as the final dates are unknown until a few months, weeks, or days before the event. If the date is known to be estimated, you will see an (est) following the date in the title.

Africa

Oct

Youth Climate Adaption Action Day, World: October 11 (est)

06:20 AM | -

YOUTH CLIMATE ADAPTATION ACTION DAY: FORGING A RESILIENT FUTURE On the second Saturday of October, the inaugural Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day marks the first simultaneous mobilization of young people globally, with a particular focus on Africa, to create a unified movement driving adaptation actions. This landmark event invites all individuals below 35 from universities, schools, youth-led organizations, UN agencies, NGOs, or those acting independently to participate and contribute to the cause. The objectives of the Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day are threefold: —Raising awareness and increasing young people's knowledge of climate adaptation —Driving youth-led adaptation actions in Africa and around the world —Building a robust youth adaptation movement within educational institutions and youth organizations WHAT IS ADAPTATION? Adaptation in the context of climate activism refers to the strategies and measures taken to cope with and mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change. It involves adjusting policies, practices, and structures to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience against climate-related hazards. Focusing on adaptation is crucial for young activists as it addresses their communities' immediate and long-term needs, particularly those most affected by climate change. The Global Center on Adaptation champions the event. By engaging young people in adaptation actions, the event empowers them to take proactive steps in their local and global communities. It inspires youth to promote sustainable and adaptive practices, making them feel inspired and motivated. Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day is important because it highlights the critical role of youth in addressing climate change. With the urgency of the climate crisis, young people are not only the most affected by future climate impacts but also possess the creativity and energy needed to drive innovative solutions. This event provides a platform for them to share knowledge, collaborate on projects, and amplify their voices in the global climate discourse, instilling a sense of responsibility in them.

Africa

Oct

Anti-Poverty Week, (AU): October 12-18

06:20 AM | -

Based upon the "Ten Principles of Fair Trade" and the "17 Sustainable Development Goals," Anti-Poverty Week in Australia seeks to: Strengthen public understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty and hardship around the world and in Australia; and Encourage research, discussion, and action to address these problems, including steps for individuals, communities, organizations, and governments. The Australian Anti-poverty Week falls during the week of the United Nations International Anti-poverty Day on October 17 each year.

Africa

Oct

Bone and Joint Action Week, Ntl.: October 12-20

06:20 AM | -

The Global Alliance supports bone and Joint Action Week for Musculoskeletal Health. This event was previously known as the Bone and Joint Decade. Upon the conclusion of the decade, it became an annual weekly observance surrounding the following annual days: World Arthritis Day on October 12 World Spine Day on October 16 World Trauma Day on October 17 World Pediatric Bone & Joint Day on October 19 World Osteoporosis Day on October 20 US patient and healthcare organizations, medical schools, government agencies, health systems providers, and industry have come together to support the United States Bone and Joint Initiative (USBJI). It seeks to improve the prevention of bone and joint disorders and the quality of life for those affected. Movement is an issue for nearly one in two Americans over the age of 18 and for many children. Musculoskeletal disorders include arthritis, back pain, fracture, osteoporosis, sports trauma, and other ailments affecting function and mobility. The goal of this week is to increase awareness and provide factual information while supporting research.

Africa

Oct

Case Management Week, Ntl.: October 12-18

06:20 AM | -

NATIONAL CASE MANAGEMENT WEEK: CELEBRATING THE ROLE OF HEALTHCARE CASE MANAGERS National Case Management Week, held annually in the second full week of October, is a time to recognize and celebrate the essential role of case managers in the healthcare system. This event highlights their significant contributions to patient care and outcomes. Case management is a collaborative process that assesses, plans, implements, coordinates, monitors, and evaluates the options and services required to meet a patient’s health needs. Effective case management can dramatically improve patient outcomes by ensuring that patients receive the appropriate care, avoid unnecessary hospital readmissions, and experience a more seamless journey through the healthcare system. WHAT IS A MEDICAL CASE MANAGER? Medical case managers, often registered nurses or social workers, serve as patient advocates, guiding individuals through the complexities of healthcare. Their responsibilities include: —Coordinating medical services. —Facilitating communication between patients and healthcare providers. —Managing insurance issues. —Connecting patients with necessary resources and support systems. By addressing medical and psychosocial aspects of care, case managers help patients achieve better health outcomes and enhance their quality of life. The Case Management Society of America (CMSA), a professional organization dedicated to supporting and developing case management professionals, champions the event. Through National Case Management Week, CMSA aims to raise awareness about the critical role of case managers and their positive impact on patient care. National Case Management Week is important because it spotlights the underappreciated work of case managers. These professionals play a vital role in ensuring that patients navigate the healthcare system effectively, receive timely and appropriate care, and have access to the resources they need to manage their health. The event also allows case managers to share best practices, network with peers, and advocate for the profession. In essence, National Case Management Week underscores the importance of case management in improving patient outcomes and the overall efficiency of the healthcare system. By recognizing and celebrating the contributions of case managers, the event promotes a greater understanding and appreciation of their indispensable role in healthcare.

Africa

Oct

Chicago Marathon, Bank of America (US-IL): October 12 (est)

06:20 AM | -

The Chicago Marathon is one of several major marathons each year in the United States and worldwide. In November 1976, at the Metropolitan YMCA on LaSalle St., five key founders of what would eventually become the Bank of America Chicago Marathon met to begin discussions and planning. Those present included Wayne Goeldner, physical education director of the Hyde Park YMCA; Wendell "Wendy" Miller, a partner in a financial advising firm and founder of Midwest Masters Running Club; Bill Robinson, Executive Director of Friends of Parks; Sharon Meir, Director of Women's Sports, at the Loop Center YMCA; and Dr. Noel Nequin, Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation at the Swedish Covenant Hospital. At this meeting, the group decided it was time for a marathon in Chicago. The first race occurred in 1977. PLEASE NOTE: Treat all televised and venue-specific events (sporting, concerts, trade shows, etc.) as estimated. Several factors can cause an event to move dates at the last minute, including weather, strikes, natural disasters, political upheaval, conflicting programming, pandemics, and current events. Because of this, always verify the event with the promotor before committing resources. LEEP often estimates dates based on the previous year's schedules, as the final dates are unknown until a few months, weeks, or days before the event. If the date is known to be estimated, you will see an (est) following the date in the title.

Africa