All - Leep Calendar

All Souls Day (Commemoration of All the Faithful Dead) follows All Saints' Day. It is a day set aside for Christians to commemorate their departed loved ones. Devote families visit grave sites offering flowers and prayers for those who have died. Others light candles to signify light for the dead souls or bake a special bread or cake, to leave upon the grave.

Africa

Nov

ALPHA-1 Awareness Month (AU): November

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RAISING AWARENESS OF A DEADLY GENETIC DISEASE ALPHA-1 AWARENESS MONTH ALPHA-1 Awareness Month seeks to raise awareness about Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) and encourage people to get tested early if the disease runs in their family. AATD is a genetic disorder that affects the production of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT), a protein primarily made in the liver. AAT helps protect the lungs from damage caused by inflammation and infection. When someone has AATD, their body produces too little protein or an abnormal form that cannot function properly. This deficiency can lead to lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema and, in some cases, liver disease. WHO IS AT RISK OF AATD? AATD is an inherited condition, meaning individuals inherit defective genes from their parents. To develop the disorder, a person must inherit two faulty copies of the AAT gene (one from each parent). People with one defective gene copy are carriers and may have mild or no symptoms but can pass the gene to their children. AATD is most commonly seen in people of European ancestry, especially Northern European descendants. Individuals with a family history of lung or liver diseases may also be at higher risk. There is currently no cure for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. However, early diagnosis and appropriate management can help slow the progression of the disease and reduce complications. Treatments focus on managing symptoms, preventing further lung damage, and improving the quality of life. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF AATD? The symptoms of AATD can vary widely depending on whether the lungs or liver are primarily affected: —Lung Symptoms: Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Chronic cough, Frequent respiratory infections, Fatigue In severe cases, development of emphysema at a younger age (often before 40), even without smoking —Liver Symptoms: Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), Abdominal swelling, Fatigue, Enlarged liver, Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), and liver failure in some cases. Some individuals with AATD may develop liver problems in childhood (e.g., neonatal jaundice) or later in adulthood. TREATMENT Treatment for AATD depends on the severity and the organs affected, primarily focusing on managing symptoms and preventing further damage: —Lung-related treatments: a) Bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids to help open airways and reduce inflammation b) Oxygen therapy for those with severe lung disease c) Pulmonary rehabilitation programs that include exercise and breathing techniques d) Augmentation therapy, patients receive infusions of alpha-1 antitrypsin protein derived from donor blood plasma. In some cases, this can slow the progression of lung disease. —Liver-related treatments: a) Regular monitoring for liver function b) Liver transplantation in severe cases of cirrhosis or liver failure —Lifestyle changes: a) Smoking cessation is crucial, as smoking worsens lung damage in people with AATD. b) Avoiding exposure to lung irritants, such as dust or chemical fumes, is also essential. c) Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, good nutrition, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the disease and improve long-term outcomes. Testing for AATD is recommended for anyone with early-onset emphysema, unexplained liver disease, or a family history of AATD.

Africa

Nov

Alzheimer's Disease and Awareness Month, Ntl.: November

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November is National Alzheimer’s Disease and Awareness Month. This public awareness campaign seeks to inform people about the disease and how to care for those living with it. As proclaimed by then President Ronald Reagan in 1983, people are encouraged to wear purple-colored shirts to show solidarity.

Africa

Nov

American Enterprise Day: November 15

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FBLA-PBL sponsors American Enterprise Day. This promotion honors the American free enterprise system with educational information, public relations, and symposiums.

Africa

Nov

American Heritage Month: November

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In 1993, AHEF partnered with Houston ISD to initiate and celebrate the first American Heritage Month (AHM). American Heritage Month supports the teaching and understanding of the founding history, philosophy, documents, and principles of the United States of America.

Africa

Nov

American Indian Heritage Month, Ntl.: November

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November is National American Indian Heritage Month, a time to learn about the people who inhabited this land well before colonization and continue as part of our national identity. On August 3, 1990, this became a national observance when President George H. W. Bush declared November National American Indian Heritage Month. Native Americans use this time to share their culture, history, and traditions and to air their concerns on the local issues that affect them. Its first sponsor was Pale Moon Rose, a Cherokee-Seneca native and the founder of the American Indian Heritage Foundation. Federal agencies provide information about Native American history, culture, and issues to employees during this time.

Africa

Nov

Andromeda Viewing Week, Worldwide: November 17-22

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The Andromeda Galaxy, or M31, is a spiral galaxy approximately 2.537 million light-years from Earth. It's the nearest spiral galaxy to our Milky Way and is on a collision course with it in about 4 billion years. This galactic giant galaxy becomes visible to the human eye during the autumn months in the Northern Hemisphere. To view, choose a clear, dark sky away from city lights. Andromeda will appear as a faint, blurry smudge in the constellation of Andromeda, which can be found by first locating the Great Square of Pegasus. Two lines of stars extend from the square, forming a "V" shape. Andromeda Galaxy is located just above these lines. The optimum time to view Andromeda this week will be at the new moon when the sky is darkest. Binoculars or a small telescope can enhance the viewing experience, revealing more details of the galaxy, including its bright core and dust lanes.

Africa

Nov

Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, Intl.: November 2-8

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International Animal Shelter Appreciation Week is initiated by The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and observed in many nations through the Humane Society International. This awareness campaign honors animal shelters and the dedicated people who work in them throughout the world. During this event, people are encouraged to support their local animal shelter by becoming educated in their services, volunteering, or donating supplies. Additionally, this week seeks to educate people about the threats confronting animals, including puppy mills, dog fighting, abuse, and search and rescue during natural and manmade disasters. The International Humane Society helps all animals, from mice and rabbits to horses, cattle, and eagles. This week, learn about what they do in your country and support or volunteer if you can.

Africa

Nov

Antibiotic Awareness Day (EU): November 18

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European Antibiotic Awareness Day strives to raise awareness of the threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the need for antibiotics. Today, health organizations spread information about the proper use of antibiotics and the pitfalls of self-medication.

Africa

Nov

Antibiotic Awareness Week, World: November 18-24

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World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) aims to increase awareness of global antibiotic resistance and to encourage best practices among the general public, health workers, and policy-makers to avoid the further emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance. This event first ran in 2015.

Africa

Nov

Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week, World: November 18-24

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IT'S ABOUT YOUR HEALTH! WORLD ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE WEEK World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) is a global campaign led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and encourage best practices among the public, health workers, and policymakers to prevent the further emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections. The campaign takes place annually from November 18 to 24. HISTORY OF THE EVENT WAAW began in 2015, following the adoption of a global action plan on antimicrobial resistance by the World Health Assembly in May of the same year. The week-long event promotes understanding of AMR and fosters the implementation of strategies to preserve the efficacy of antimicrobials, which are vital for treating infections in humans, animals, and plants. Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve and no longer respond to the drugs designed to kill them. This resistance makes standard treatments ineffective, infections persist, and the risk of spread to others increases. AMR is a natural phenomenon exacerbated by the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and agriculture. TREATING ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE Treating AMR involves a multifaceted approach, including: Antibiotic Stewardship Ensuring the appropriate use of antibiotics by prescribing them only when necessary and in the correct dosages. Infection Prevention and Control Implementing hygiene practices, vaccination, and infection control measures in healthcare settings to reduce the spread of resistant infections. Research and Development Investing in developing new antibiotics, vaccines, diagnostics, and alternative treatments. Surveillance and Monitoring Tracking antibiotic use and resistance patterns to inform treatment guidelines and policies. IMPORTANCE OF AVOIDING ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE Avoiding AMR is critical because it: Preserves Treatment Efficacy Ensures that antibiotics and other antimicrobials remain effective for treating infections. Protects Public Health Reduces the burden of resistant infections, which can lead to prolonged illness, higher medical costs, and increased mortality. Safeguards Medical Advances Maintains the effectiveness of antimicrobials necessary for surgeries, cancer treatments, and other medical procedures. CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AMR is primarily caused by: Overuse and Misuse of Antimicrobials Excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics in humans and animals accelerates the development of resistance. Poor Infection Prevention and Control Lack of proper hygiene and infection control practices facilitates the spread of resistant microorganisms. Inadequate Sanitation and Hygiene Poor sanitation and inadequate infection control in healthcare settings and communities contribute to the spread of resistance. IF NOTHING CHANGES... If AMR continues to spread unchecked, the consequences are dire: Increased Mortality Resistant infections can lead to more prolonged illnesses and a higher risk of death. Healthcare Costs Treating resistant infections is more expensive due to more extended hospital stays, additional tests, and the need for more expensive drugs. Threat to Global Health Security AMR undermines progress in modern medicine, making procedures like surgeries and chemotherapy riskier due to the potential for untreatable infections. World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week serves as a crucial reminder of the collective action needed to combat AMR and safeguard the future of medicine. The global community can work together to address this pressing health challenge through education, prevention, and innovation.

Africa

Nov

Apprenticeship Week, Ntl: November 16-22 (est)

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Recognizing apprenticeship's pivotal role in fortifying the American workforce with the requisite skills for a dynamic economy, the President designated National Apprenticeship Week annually. Apprenticeship programs are instrumental in equipping workers with practical on-the-job training and classroom education, expediting their professional development, and enhancing their employability. The Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion initiative broadens apprenticeship opportunities across various economic sectors. This task force, comprising diverse stakeholders, including business leaders, tradespeople, labor representatives, and educators, has been charged with crafting strategies for implementing new, industry-recognized apprenticeship programs.

Africa

Nov

Arbor Day, (WS): November 7

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With a focus on preservation and saving the island nation's rainforest, Arbor Day occurs on the first Friday of November in Samoa.

Africa

Nov

ARIA Music Awards (AU): November 19 (est)

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ABOUT AUSTRALIA'S ARIA AWARDS The Australian Recording Industry Association Music Awards (commonly known as the ARIA Music Awards or simply The ARIAs) is an annual event celebrating the Australian music industry put on by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). The event date is typically scheduled in September or early October. The date given here is estimated based on previous years' dates. The ARIAs began in 1987 and have become the premier event on the Australian music calendar. Voting is through members of the Australian music industry (including artists, producers, engineers, and video directors) plus five publicly voted awards: Song of the Year, Best International Artist, Best Australian Live Act, Best Video, and the Telstra ARIA Music Teacher Award, which is awarded earlier in the year. The winners take home the ARIA, a stylized inverted pyramid trophy. Initially, the ARIA Music Awards were held in small venues with audiences of around 600 people. As their popularity increased, they moved to larger venues, including the Sydney Opera House and the Star Event Centre. Today, they are also telecast on national television. CATEGORIES The ARIA Music Awards features numerous categories, including Album of the Year, Single of the Year, Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, Best Group, and Breakthrough Artist, as well as genre-specific awards for categories like Best Pop Release, Best Rock Album, Best Urban Album, Best Country Album, and more. In 1988, the ARIAs inducted successful career artists into the ARIA Hall of Fame award. Notable inductees include AC/DC, INXS, John Farnham, Kylie Minogue, and Crowded House. The ARIAs are instrumental in shaping public and international perceptions of Australian music. They've launched successful international careers and are considered a critical achievement in the global music scene. 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 only 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

Nov

Arlington International Film Festival (US-MA): November 6-19 (est)

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The Arlington International Film Festival (AIFF) showcases a diverse array of films from both local and international filmmakers, fostering a unique platform for cultural exchange in the heart of Massachusetts. Founded in 2010, the AIFF has quickly emerged as a premier event, celebrating the art of filmmaking and its power to bridge cultures. The festival screens a curated selection of narrative and documentary films, animated works, and shorts each year, spanning various genres and themes. The festival also hosts panel discussions, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, workshops, and networking events, enhancing the cinematic experience for attendees and professionals alike. Local schools and colleges play an integral role in the festival, with a specific segment dedicated to student film submissions. This initiative underscores AIFF’s commitment to nurturing young talent and giving budding filmmakers a platform to share their visions.

Africa