All - Leep Calendar

The people who work while the rest of us sleep are known as the Nightshift. They're our first responders, hospital, hospitality, and factory workers. They serve in the dark, adjusting their lifestyle to our 24-hour world. Today is the day to acknowledge and thank them.

Africa

May

No Diet Day, Intl.: May 6

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Sponsored by ISAA, the International Size Acceptance Association, International No Diet Day promotes size acceptance and seeks to end weight-based discrimination worldwide using advocacy and visible, lawful actions. British citizen Mary Evans Young created International No Diet Day in 1992. Young was the director of Diet Breakers in the UK and saw a need for women, especially, not to be ashamed of their bodies. It quickly became an International sensation with annual observances in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Israel, Denmark, and Brazil. The symbol of this event is a light blue ribbon. Today restaurants globally observe this day by focusing on healthy, tasty food that satisfies and doesn’t mean diet. It’s about enjoying food and your body, regardless of size or shape. The National Organization for Women also sponsors International Love Your Body Day in October.

Africa

May

No Homework Day: May 6

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No Homework Day is a national event created by wacky holiday inventors Wellcat. It’s kind of the kick-off to summer, right before finals when students can say to their teachers and professors one day each year. “Not tonight, It’s National No Homework Day.” Of course, you might get double the homework on the next school day! Enjoy!

Africa

May

No Socks Day: May 8

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No Socks Day is sponsored by Wellcat and is simply a day to not wear socks—for whatever reason.

Africa

May

Nurses Day, Intl. (1820): May 12

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International Nurses Day occurs on May 12, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth (May 12, 1820 - August 13, 1910). Nightingale is considered the founder of modern nursing.

Africa

May

Nurses Week, Ntl.(1820): May 6-12

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National Nurses Week is a week-long program ending each year on May 12th, Florence Nightingale's birthday. The American Nurses Association (ANA) has supported and promoted the nursing profession since 1896. Each of ANA's state and territorial nursing associations promotes the nursing profession at the state and regional levels. Each celebrates these dates to recognize nurses and their contributions to the community. The ANA supports and encourages National Nurses Week recognition programs through the state and district associations, other specialty nursing organizations, educational facilities, and independent healthcare companies and institutions.

Africa

May

Nursing Week, Ntl. Skilled Home: May 11-17

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American Health Care Association sponsors National Skilled Home Nursing Week to increase positive community relations. Today's care communities proactively communicate that skilled care centers are light years ahead of previous renditions. Each year's theme is a rallying point and a way to foster a positive attitude toward care in long-term and post-acute care centers.

Africa

May

Nutty Fudge Day, Ntl.: May 12

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Today is National Nutty Fudge Day. This rich candy was invented in the 1880s in the United States and combines sugar, butter, chocolate, and milk. Who decided to add nuts? Nobody knows. However, one thing is sure. It is delicious!

Africa

May

Obstetric Fistula, Day to End, Intl.: May 23

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"Shame, isolation, and segregation are among the indignities faced by the hundreds of thousands of women and girls worldwide who suffer from obstetric fistula, an injury of the birth canal after prolonged and obstructed labor. The girls and women afflicted by the condition, which is preventable and largely treatable, are often plagued by chronic incontinence. As a result, they face devastating social stigma. The majority of women and girls who suffer from fistula are poor. Their inability to receive prompt medical treatment not only deprives them of their health and dignity but is a violation of their human rights. UNFPA leads the Campaign to End Fistula. Since 2003, UNFPA has supported over 100,000 fistula repair surgeries, and campaign partners have supported thousands more, enabling women and girls in more than 55 countries across Africa, Asia, the Arab region, and Latin America to regain hope and rebuild their lives. One survivor, Nasiwelo Bisolomo, lost her baby at the age of 18 after a prolonged obstructed labor at home. She suffered from fistula for the next 46 years. She nearly lost all hope when she heard of a UNFPA-supported fistula camp and traveled 300 km to undergo the life-transforming healing surgery. Now, she is helping spread the word that fistula treatment is available. It is time for the world to heed the call made by United Nations Member States in the 2018 United Nations Resolution on Ending Fistula in which they committed to eradicating the condition within a decade. Yet, achieving this goal requires increased investments, innovations, and partnerships. Failure to take action will undermine our chances of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, meeting the commitments of the International Conference on Population and Development, and ensuring no one is left behind. No woman or girl should be deprived of her dignity, hopes, and dreams. Fistula is a human rights violation – end it now!" —Statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem for the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 23 May 2019

Africa

May

Occupational Safety and Health Week, (US/CA/MX): May 5-10

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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.

Africa

May

Old Friends, New Friends Week: May 18-24

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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!

Africa

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.

Africa

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

Africa

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.

Africa

May

Otter Day, World: May 28

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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.

Africa