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Concurrent with National Poison Prevention Month for people, March has also been declared National Pet Poison Prevention Month. Pets are highly susceptible to poison, many of which we don't consider harmful because they are benign to us. According to healthy pet advocates Four Muddy Paws, the following are the most common toxins for dogs and cats: Common Dog Poisons 1. Chocolate 2. Mouse and Rat Poisons (rodenticides) 3. Vitamins and Minerals (e.g., Vitamin D3, iron, etc.) 4. NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) 5. Cardiac Medications (e.g., calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, etc.) 6. Cold and Allergy Medications (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, etc.) 7. Antidepressants (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) 8. Xylitol (common in toothpaste and chewing gum) 9. Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) 10. Caffeine Pills Common Cat Poisons 1. Topical spot-on insecticides 2. Household Cleaners 3. Antidepressants 4. Lilies 5. Insoluble Oxalate Plants (e.g., Dieffenbachia, Philodendron, etc.) 6. Human and Veterinary NSAIDs 7. Cold and Flu Medication (e.g., Tylenol) 8. Glow Sticks 9. ADD/ADHD Medications/Amphetamines 10. Mouse and Rat Poison Four Muddy Paws recommends pet parents check with the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center for a complete list of preventative actions and ways to pet-proof your house at https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control. You can also download the ASPCA Poison Control APP from your favorite APP store at https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/apcc-mobile-app.

Africa

Mar

Pharmacist Awareness Month (CA): March

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Pharmacy Awareness Month in Canada celebrates and educates Canadians about pharmacists' contributions in delivering healthcare. Pharmacists across Canada have expanded their scope of practice in the past ten years by doing more for their patients.

Africa

Mar

Pig Day, Ntl.: March 1

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National Pig Day in the United States celebrates pigs, the animal kind, not the male kind. The first National Pig Day occurred in 1972 and was created by sisters Ellen Stanley, a teacher in Lubbock, Texas, and Mary Lynne Rave of Beaufort, North Carolina. Its sole purpose is to accord the pig its rightful, though generally unrecognized, place as one of man's most intellectual and domesticated animals. Today Pig Day does not have an official sponsor or organizer. Zoos and schools celebrate it, and other industries throughout the US, as a day to give pigs a break by learning about pigs. Or as a day to enjoy bacon, chops, and other delicious meats.

Africa

Mar

Pit Bull (Pitty's) Celebration Month: March

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March is Providence Animal Center's Pit Bull Celebration Month, a month-long focus on adoptions and a subsidized spay-neuter drive. Affectionately referred to as "Pitty's" by their owners, a pit bull is a broad term for several breeds and mixed breed dogs classified as work dogs. Pitties are prized for their loyalty, affection, and intelligence, traits that sometimes leave them unfairly maligned due to their fiercely protective nature. Natural guard dogs, attacks, when they occur, are usually due to poor training or owner handling. The month's highlight is St. Pitty's Week. St. Pitty's is an essential fundraiser for Providence Animal Center's Fix-a-Bull program. Funds raised subsidize the spay-and-neuter outreach and behavior initiative targeted at the most in-need dogs within the Greater Philadelphia area. For people living in Media, Pennsylvania, or off the Mainline, several bars and restaurants host fundraising nights, drink specials, and other special events.

Africa

Mar

Plan a Solo Vacation Day: March 1

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If you've never had the opportunity to travel solo, this is a great day to plan your adventure. There are several benefits to traveling solo. Go where you want. Do what you want; best of all, you don't have anyone to answer to, and you can explore anything your heart desires. It's also a great way to meet the locals. When you're ala carte, you're more approachable. NOTE FROM LAURA I've traveled all over the world, to nearly 60 countries, and I can readily say my favorite places as a single woman traveling include Beirut, Lebanon; New Delhi, India; Manila and Cebu in the Philippines; Vienna, Austria; Belize; Muscat, Oman; Nairobi, Kenya; and Sibiu, Romania (beyond charming and affordable!). WHEN IT COULD BE BETTER I was not too fond of Sri Lanka and Cuba, simply because neither was well-developed or easy to get around as a solo single woman. Cuba was complicated because I had bed bugs at both of my hotels—the second was a last-minute booking due to my mistake of booking part of my stay on the other end of the island, which I couldn't get to. That wasn't clear until I arrived in Havana. Otherwise, I wish I had more time there. Sri Lanka was a rolling disaster and a good lesson in what not to do and why questions need to be asked rather than assumed. I went during Eid al Fitr. Since I lived in a dry country in the Middle East where pork is illegal, being non-Muslim, my goal was to escape Ramadan restrictions and enjoy wine poolside and bacon with breakfast. I assumed that Sri Lanka, a Buddhist-majority country with only a seven percent Muslim population, would be the perfect escape. I needed to do my research better. The bars (including hotels) in Columbo don't serve liquor during Eid as a sign of respect, and my five-star hotel eliminated pork for the same reason. No wine and no port, that was bad enough, but what destroyed the trip was the 6 AM hour-long first prayers broadcast by loudspeaker on the beach directly outside my oceanview hotel room each day of Ramadan and then Eid. It wasn't the call to prayer (which I find comforting and that lasts less than three minutes). Oh no. They broadcast the entire one-hour service every morning by loudspeaker from 6-7 AM. Trust me. I would have been just as peeved if it were morning mass! My five-day trip to Sri Lanka was the worst trip I've ever taken. It didn't need to be. I should have asked questions before going, and I should have gone at a different time of year. Lesson learned. TIPS FOR SOLO TRAVELERS First, if it is an "all-inclusive resort," check to ensure you won't be the only single person at a popular honeymoon destination. I made that mistake in Mexico, but I still loved the trip! It was a little lonely and a tad awkward at dinner time. I often use Airbnb rather than a hotel in European, Oceania, and North American cities. It is far less expensive, and the washer and dryer come in handy on trips over five days. Typically, I travel slightly off-peak season and always book four-or five-star hotels. The trick is to use the AMX Platinum card to reserve and choose a room one price level below the suites. In every case except one, I've been upgraded to a suite. Use a similar tactic with airfare. Most carriers open up the business and first-class seats that aren't sold 24 hours before the flight. You can bid on these for a few hundred dollars and usually win. Winning the bid gets you free lounge use and more weight on luggage, not to mention better food, priority boarding, and a comfortable seat. Another reason for booking expensive hotels is access to the concierge to arrange day trips, travel, and events with reputable suppliers. Once I get the lay of the land and obtain a quality driver or guide via the hotel concierge, I'll usually stay in an Airbnb or a friend's house on return trips. Also—and this is important—always leave a couple of dollars daily with a thank you note for the cleaners who make up your room. They will take good care of you! The other network I use extensively for travel is the ex-pat community. Ex-pats travel a lot, and most know of homes, drivers, and guides in various countries. A great driver or guide can make all the difference to a single traveler. Traveling alone is a fantastic experience. It is quite freeing, and frankly, of all the places I've been alone, only that mentioned above was a nightmare. Enjoy! __________ Plan a Solo Vacation Day is created by Solo Travel Portal.

Africa

Mar

Play the Recorder Month: March

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Play the Recorder Month celebrates the woodwind instrument that looks like a flute called a recorder ever since 1993. Throughout the month, members of the American Recorder Society hold concerts and lessons throughout the country in public spaces, including libraries, schools, and shopping malls.

Africa

Mar

Poison Prevention Awareness Month: March

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Poison Prevention Awareness Month is one of two poison-related events in March. The second is Poison Prevention Week during the second half of the Month. The U.S. Poison Control Center notes, "A child is accidentally poisoned every 30 seconds! And more than 50 percent of all poisoning occurs at HOME in children under five years of age." Thousands of children are poisoned yearly by everyday household products such as insect sprays, cleaners, paints, bleach, perfumes, and medicines. National Poison Prevention Month educates parents about the dangers of common household poisons and what they can do to keep their children safe. The following are guidelines for parents from the National Poison Control Center: What is poison? Information for Kids. How can you get poisoned? You can get poisoned by eating, drinking, touching, or smelling something that can make you sick or hurt. Some things, like medicine, can make you sick if you take the wrong kind or too much. Always ask a trusted grown-up before you take any medication. Never put anything in your mouth if you are unsure if it is safe to eat. Ask a grown-up first! Where are poisons found? Poison exists in every room in your home or outside, like some plants, berries, and mushrooms. What can you do if someone gets poisoned? If you think you got into a poison, tell a grown-up immediately! They will call the poison center, and the poison center will tell them how to help you. If you think your mom or dad, your brother or sister, or even your friend got into a poison, you can call the poison center too. Learn the poison center's phone number, 1-800-222-1222, and make sure you have the poison center number on or near your house's telephones. How can you be prepared? Ask your mom or dad to teach you what is dangerous and what is not. Sometimes poisons can be colorful or have exciting designs on the packaging. Avoid anything you aren't familiar with unless an adult says it's okay. Encourage your family to have a plan in case someone gets poisoned. Like fire and tornado drills, a well-practiced plan of action can keep you and your family safe.

Africa

Mar

Prayer, World Day of: March 1

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Regardless of faith, World Day of Prayer, first observed in 1927, is an opportunity for the world to come together and pray for universal peace, prosperity, and understanding.

Africa

Mar

Read Across America Day (1904): March 1

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Read Across America Day is an initiative of the National Education Association (NEA) and is supported by thousands of institutions nationwide. Its purpose is to encourage people to read and raise awareness about the joy of reading. It's celebrated on March 2, the birthday of the late beloved children's author Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel), March 2, 1904. When the second falls on the weekend, schools will mark this day on the first.

Africa

Mar

Red Cross, American Month: March

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Established in 1943, American Red Cross Month occurs each March. 2012 Presidential Proclamation of American Red Cross Month: "After more than 130 years of providing humanitarian relief at home and abroad, the American Red Cross reflects the compassion and generosity central to our national identity. At moments of profound need, the actions of men and women across our country reflect our noblest ideals of service—from search-and-rescue teams that brave disaster zones to ordinary citizens who deliver not only lifesaving care and supplies but also hope for a brighter tomorrow. During American Red Cross Month, we pay tribute to all those whose dedication to relieving human suffering illuminates even our darkest hours. A visionary humanitarian and unyielding advocate for those in need, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross in 1881 after many years of tending to soldiers and families injured in war's wake. In the generations that followed, the American Red Cross served as a force for peace and recovery during times of crisis. Presidents of the United States have called upon the American Red Cross time and again, beginning when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Red Cross Week during the First World War and continuing into the 21st century. Today, emergency response organizations like the American Red Cross continue to play a vital role in responding to disasters that cast countless lives and communities into harm's way. When devastating storms struck cities spanning the Midwest to the Eastern Seaboard this past year, the American Red Cross and other relief organizations were instrumental partners in preparedness, response, and recovery. And when a devastating earthquake shook Japan's Pacific coast, they answered by extending support to the people of Japan and standing with them as they rebuilt. We are reminded in times like these that the strength of our humanitarian response and the measure of our resilience are drawn not only from the committed action of relief organizations but also from individuals who step forward, volunteer, or give what they can to help their neighbors in need. With generous spirits and can-do attitudes, Americans from every corner of our country have come together again and again to show the true character of our Nation. As we celebrate American Red Cross Month, let us resolve to preserve and renew that humanitarian impulse to save, serve, build, and carry it forward in the year to come. Therefore, I, Barack Obama, President of the United States of America and Honorary Chairman of the American Red Cross, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 2012 as American Red Cross Month. I encourage all Americans to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities and by supporting the work of service and relief organizations." Barak Obama

Africa

Mar

ReFIRED, Not Retired Day: March 1

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With so many approaching retirement age with ten to twenty years of a good life before them, the original estimates of needing five to ten years of income for retirement no longer apply. Most people now need 20-30 years of retirement income. People in retirement are healthier than previous generations. Most people would prefer to spend their golden years being useful, whether volunteering for their favorite cause or starting their own company. ReFIRED, not Retired taps into the Baby Boomers' zest for life and desire to continue living, loving, and excelling in retirement. These men and women have the skills, the intelligence, and the energy, so this day is all about getting excited about your third age and entering into a new adventure. What are the key characteristics of a ReFIRED person: *You are inspired to make the best of life after retiring. *You realize that it is a time of freedom and choice. *You don't feel guilty about making "selfish" decisions. *You look at this time as a time of opportunity. *You minimize regrets. If the above describes you, you are part of the ReFIRED generation.

Africa

Mar

Saint David's Day (UK)(589 AD): March 1

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March 1, 589 AD, the Bishop of Menevia in Wales, today known as Saint David, died. The Welsh celebrate Saint David's Day to honor the man who established Christianity within the Welsh kingdom. He is the Bishop responsible for the strict rules of monks, known as The Monastic Rule of David. In these rules, Bishop David decreed that monks had to pull the plow themselves and subsist on bread and water seasoned with salt and herbs. Their evenings were spent in prayer, reading, and writing. His last words were, "Be joyful, and keep your faith and your creed, and do the little things that you have seen me do and heard about. I will walk the path that our fathers have trod before us." "Do ye the little things in life" is the abbreviated version and a popular saying in Welsh today. Bishop David was declared a saint in 1120 by Pope Callixtus II.

Africa

Mar

Samiljol (KR/KP)(1919): March 1

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In 1919, the Korean Peninsula was under Japanese occupation. At the time, Seoul was the capital city. The people of Korea had grown weary of the now ten-year occupation. On March 1, 1919, the entire peninsula erupted in protest, with over two million people in 1,500 towns and villages participating. It was the first concentrated and organized movement against the occupation and is known historically as the Samil Independence Movement. Over the next twelve months, 7,000 Koreans died at the hand of occupying forces, another 16,000 were wounded, and nearly 50,000 were arrested. Samiljol, or Korean Independence Day, is a national holiday celebrated on the anniversary of the uprising each year in both communist North and democratic South Korea.

Africa

Mar

Sauce Month, Ntl.: March

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March is National Sauce Month celebrating what we pour onto food or dip food in. There are eight types of sauces: Brown sauces Emulsified sauces Sauce béarnaise Green sauces Hot sauces Sauces made of chopped fresh ingredients Sweet sauces White sauces If you’re not sure what one of these eight types of sauces is, this is a great month to find out.

Africa

Mar

Save Your Vision Month: March

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Every year in March, the American Optometric Association reminds Americans of the importance of eye health and regular exams with a public awareness campaign. Individual members and affiliated associations are encouraged to distribute local news releases and post to social media with materials provided by AOA. Last year's campaign alerted 140 million consumers about nutrition's critical role in maintaining eye health and vision.

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