All - Leep Calendar

Fabry is one of the 7,000 rare diseases most people have never heard of, which is one reason Fabry organizations in the US, Canada, and Australia have chosen the month of April as Fabry Awareness Month. Caused by a defective gene, the GLA gene, Fabry disease inhibits the creation of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A, which is essential in the metabolic breakdowns of fatty substances. Without the proper breakdown of nutrients, persons with Fabry are susceptible to kidney failure, heart attacks, and strokes earlier in life. This month is about raising awareness of the disease and providing those suffering from it or caring for those with it with support, tools, and community.

Africa

Apr

Facial Protection Month, Ntl.: April

06:20 AM | -

In early spring, multiple organizations observe National Facial Protection Month teaches people how to protect their mouth, eyes, and face in sports and during work activities. Athletes have a 60% greater risk of injury in any of these areas than non-athletes. Wearing safety equipment, including helmets and mouth guards, often prevents life-altering injuries. This month is an opportunity to check your safety equipment and educate yourself and those you care about the importance of proper protective gear in sports and work.

Africa

Apr

Fair Housing Month: April

06:20 AM | -

The United States has come a long way in its fight for freedom and equality for all citizens. Fair Housing Month, a cause best articulated by the late Dr. Martin Luther King, is set aside each year to educate the public about the laws concerning real estate and the Fair Housing Act of 1968 with its 1988 amendments. The Fair Housing Act is a federal act in the United States intended to protect the buyer or renter of a dwelling from seller or landlord discrimination. It is unlawful to refuse to sell, rent to, or negotiate with any person because of their inclusion in a protected class. Protected classes are race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or handicap. The Fair Housing Act does not allow lessors or sellers to: Refuse to rent or sell housing. Refuse to negotiate for housing. Make housing unavailable. Deny a dwelling. Set different terms, conditions, or privileges for the sale or rental of a dwelling. Provide different housing services or facilities. Falsely deny that housing is available for inspection, sale, or rental. It is illegal to persuade owners to sell or rent (blockbusting) for profit motives. Deny anyone access to or membership in a facility or service (such as a multiple listing service) related to the sale or rental of housing based on the aforementioned protected classes.

Africa

Apr

Family Day (ZA): April 1

06:20 AM | -

The day after Easter is Family Day, a national holiday in South Africa.

Africa

Apr

Financial Capability Month, Ntl.: April

06:20 AM | -

National Financial Capability Month began with a Presidential proclamation. It focuses on robust consumer education and helping everyone take ownership of their financial future by ensuring everyone has access to the information and tools that empower them to operate safely and with astuteness in the marketplace. Unlike Financial Literacy Month, which focuses on debt management, in April, Financial Capability Month focuses on the economy as a whole. This event includes small businesses and building an economy that employs more and more Americans. National Financial Capability Month is about the entire economy and what every person, company, and institution brings to it. Resources for teachers and community groups are available at: www.MyMoney.gov www.ConsumerFinance.gov

Africa

Apr

Financial Literacy Month: April

06:20 AM | -

Financial Literacy Month began in April 2000. The purpose of the month is to highlight the importance of financial literacy and teach Americans how to establish and maintain healthy financial habits. These include savings, investing, managing credit effectively, getting out of debt, planning for retirement, first home, and college for children. Most Americans experience their first run-in with credit and debt during college, and many programs are geared towards college students and helping them learn to manage debt and spending wisely. With the ever-popular memes and jokes that the US educational system teaches students about everything except relevant and real-life solutions to problems, including how to deal with finances, this event is much-needed and gaining more and more popularity nationwide.

Africa

Apr

Foot Health Awareness Month, Ntl.: April

06:20 AM | -

Adults, are you aware that the size of your feet changes as you age? The most common changes occur in the arch, which provides balance and width. You may have had a narrow foot in your 20s and 30s. As you enter your 40s, you realize your shoes are starting to get tight. Don't panic—that's normal. Podiatrists suggest that even as an adult, your feet are measured twice a year to ensure your shoes fit properly. Real problems arise when your shoes contribute to the pain in your hips, back, neck, headaches, and feet. Women are particularly vulnerable to bunions due to wearing high-heeled shoes with narrow toes. National Foot Health Awareness Month occurs each year in April.

Africa

Apr

Frog Month, Ntl.: April

06:20 AM | -

April is National Frog Month. We're still determining how it started or where it came from, but several organizations have adopted it. The National Wildlife Federation is leading, and other organizations include Busch Gardens, which uses this month to showcase its 90 different varieties of frogs. According to Busch Gardens: "Instead of drinking water, frogs soak it into their body through their skin. Frogs breathe through their nostrils but absorb about half the air they need through their skin. Frogs use their eyes to help them swallow food." The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) also has a program you can participate in, FrogWatch USA. FrogWatch USA is AZA's flagship citizen science program that invites individuals and families to learn about the wetlands in their communities and help conserve amphibians by reporting the calls of local frogs and toads. For over ten years, volunteers entered their FrogWatch USA information and ongoing analyses of these vast amounts of data, which in turn has been used to help develop practical strategies for the conservation of these critical species. Frog Watch USA is a fabulous opportunity for parents and teachers to introduce children to science and research, saving frogs simultaneously.

Africa

Apr

Fun at Work Day, Intl.: April 1

06:20 AM | -

In 1996 Playfair created International Fun at Work Day to increase awareness of the importance of bringing a playful attitude to work. Studies have shown that a playful workplace can inspire creativity, build team spirit, and create an atmosphere where people want to come to work each day. It produces increased productivity, and everyone wins. Take time on April first to engage your coworkers and have a little fun. Go for lunch, meet on the grass under a tree, or bring a silly string in to get things started. No matter what you do, the mantra today is to have fun!

Africa

Apr

Grange Month: April

06:20 AM | -

National Grange Month celebrates the community organization of agricultural husbandry called The Grange. The Grange is a family, community organization with roots in agriculture. Founded in 1867, The Grange is a national organization with a local focus. Members learn and grow to their full potential as citizens and leaders. The Grange has been instrumental in bringing about avenues for rural access, from rural mail delivery to electricity, supporting social reform, including women’s suffrage, and assisting groups such as the deaf and hard of hearing through financial contributions and awareness campaigns.

Africa

Apr

Grilled Cheese Month, Ntl.: April

06:20 AM | -

National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Month celebrates one of our favorite sandwiches. What kind of bread you use or cheese is up to you. People often pair grilled cheese with bacon, ham, and other lunch meats. Today's version of grilled cheese originated with the invention of the bread slicer in the early 20th century by James L Kraft, who subsequently invented the first processed cheese. Logically, the two inventions came together.

Africa

Apr

Guitar Month, Intl.: April

06:20 AM | -

International Guitar Month (IGM), held annually since April 1987, celebrates guitars and guitar products. GAMA and NAMM sponsor IGM to help retailers create interest, attract new customers, and develop loyalty.

Africa

Apr

Heartworm Awareness Month, Ntl.: April

06:20 AM | -

National Heartworm Awareness Month focuses on educating pet owners about the dangers and preventative measures they can take to ensure their pets do not become victims of heartworm. Since the first diagnosis of canine heartworm disease over one hundred years ago, heartworm infection has become a significant health problem affecting pets today. Heartworm infection is caused by worms (Dirofilaria immitis) that may grow into 14-inch-long adults. These adult worms live in the right side of the heart and the lungs' arteries. Heartworm infection can cause severe damage to these arteries, eventually leading to heart failure and, in extreme cases, damage to other organs, such as the liver and kidneys. Dogs of any age and breed are susceptible to contracting heartworm disease. While cats appear more resistant to heartworm infection than dogs, with fewer worms surviving into adulthood, they are still susceptible to infection. They can also suffer from the effects of heartworm disease. Cats do not contribute significantly to spreading the infection. Although the risk of heartworm infection varies from state to state, heartworm disease occurs in all of the contiguous 48 states and Hawaii. It is most concentrated in the southern United States.

Africa

Apr

Holy Humor Month (C): April

06:20 AM | -

God has a sense of humor (if you ever doubt this, tell Him your plans). Holy Humor Month reminds Christians to enjoy the healing power of laughter and the joys of celebration. Church prayer groups throughout the country participate in this event.

Africa

Apr

Humor Month, Intl.: April

06:20 AM | -

International Humor Month was founded in 1976 by comedian and best-selling author Larry Wilde, Director of The Carmel Institute of Humor, to heighten public awareness of the therapeutic value of laughter in improving health, boosting morale, increasing communication skills, and enriching the quality of life. Today International Humor Month is celebrated in the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. "Since April is often bleak and grim and taxes are due on the 15th, it can be one of the most stressful times of the year," says Wilde, author of 53 books on humor. "Besides," adds Wilde, "it's the only month that begins with All Fool's Day, a day which has sanctioned frivolity and pranks ever since the 1500s." The idea of laughing and the use of humor as a tool to lift ailing spirits is growing. Scientific research now indicates that the curative power of laughter and its ability to relieve debilitating stress and burnout may be among our great medical discoveries. Ways to celebrate National Humor Month include telling a joke a day and watching a comedy show or movie each night to unwind and playing practical jokes on your family, coworkers, and friends.

Africa