All - Leep Calendar

May is Healthy Vision Month. Studies show there is a gender gap in eye disease. Women are more likely than men to suffer from sight-threatening conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and glaucoma. In support of Healthy Vision Month in May, the American Academy of Ophthalmology reminds women to make vision a top priority. Women make up 65 percent of AMD cases, 61 percent of glaucoma and cataract cases, and 66 percent of blind patients. Why the inequity? There are a few theories. On average, women live longer; many eye problems are age-related. Some eye conditions, such as dry eye, are more common in women, young and old. Social and economic factors affect women’s access to eye care, especially in developing countries. Whatever the cause, there are a few unique vision problems women need to watch out for more than men. Dry eye occurs at double the rate in postmenopausal women.3 In general, women are more susceptible to autoimmune diseases than men, many of which affect vision, such as lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome and hyperthyroiditis. Also, pregnancy can cause vision changes due to hormone fluctuations. Good news is most vision loss is preventable. The Academy offers five simple steps to take control of your eye health today: 1. Get a comprehensive medical eye exam at age 40. Early signs of disease or changes in vision may begin at this age. An exam by an ophthalmologist – a physician who specializes in medical and surgical eye care – is an opportunity to carefully examine the eye for diseases and conditions that may have no symptoms in the early stages. For those concerned about the cost of an exam, the Academy’s EyeCare America® program may be able to help. More than 5,500 dedicated volunteer ophthalmologists provide eye exams and care, often at no out-of-pocket cost to eligible patients. Learn if you qualify at eyecareamerica.org. 2. Know your family history. Certain eye diseases can be inherited. If you have a close relative with macular degeneration, you have a 50 percent chance of developing this condition. A family history of glaucoma increases your glaucoma risk by four to nine times. Talk to family members about their eye conditions. It can help you and your ophthalmologist evaluate your risk. 3. Eat healthy foods. A diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, benefits the entire body, including the eyes. Eye-healthy food choices include citrus fruits, vegetable oils, nuts, whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables and cold water fish. 4. Stop smoking. Smoking increases the risk for eye diseases such as cataract and age-related macular degeneration. Smoking also raises the risk for cardiovascular diseases which can indirectly influence your eye health. Tobacco smoke, including second-hand smoke, also worsens dry eye. 5. Wear sunglasses. Exposure to ultraviolet UV light raises the risk of eye diseases, including cataract, fleshy growths on the eye and cancer. Always wear sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection and a hat while enjoying time outdoors. “Eye exams aren’t only about checking a person's visual acuity or sharpness, but also determining the overall health of their eyes,” said Rebecca J. Taylor, M.D., clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “We encourage women as well as men to get regular eye care. By making vision a priority today, we can help protect our sight as we age.”

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May

Walk in the Woods Month (UK): May

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May is the Walk in the Woods Month. Sponsored by The Tree Council, this event highlights the need to enjoy trees and wildlife. During this time, there are wildlife tours and talks and other activities where people can enjoy trees. People can check out the Tree Council website for maps and events that they can participate in their locality. Those who wish to organize their own Walk in the Woods event, they can also list their even in the said website.

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May

Walking Month, Ntl. (US/UK): May

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National Walking Month is the perfect hook for getting colleagues and employees on their feet and more active. Try a walking meeting, progressive lunch, or take the long way to the office. Whatever you do, United Kingdom, get up and start walking.

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May

Water, Drinking Water Week: May 1-7

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Tap water (sweet water) provides safe drinking water, sanitation and supports industrial, agricultural, medical, and recreational activities. Life expectancy rates are directly attributed to improvements in water quality, which removes many water bourn diseases including typhoid fever. It also drastically improves sanitation. Tap water in most American communities is some of the safest drinking water supplies in the world. However, places like Flint, Michigan have shown that even in America, there is room for improvement. For over 40 years the American Water Works Association has celebrated Drinking Water Week the first full week in May each year.

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May

Wetlands Month, American.: May

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American Wetlands Month is a joint initiative of the Environment Protection Agency, federal, state, tribal, local, non-profit and private sector organizations, to celebrate the vital importance of wetlands to our Nation’s ecological, economic, and social health. Wetlands help improve water quality and supply, reduce flooding and provide critical habitat for plants, fish and wildlife.

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May

Woman, Victorious Woman Month Intl.: May

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Victorious Woman Month celebrates the achievements of women. It is an initiative of the Victorious Woman Project. Annually in May.

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May

Women's Health Care Month, Ntl.: May

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National Women's Health Month encourages women to take steps in their own health care that will allow them to live longer, healthier and happier lives. Listed below are common screening tests to include in any annual visit with your doctor: Clinical Breast Exam Gynecological Care Pap Smear Mammography Colonoscopy Blood Pressure Check Cholesterol Screening Colorectal Screening Physical Check-ups HIV and other testing for sexually transmitted diseases Bone Mineral Density screening Eye, ear and dental exams A1C (blood glucose) test Immunizations

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May

Young Achiever's Month: May

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Young Achievers Month honors students in grades 5-10 (ages 10-15) whom have shown early leadership, mentorship and act as positive role models for their peers. This is an international initiative.

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May

Youth Traffic Safety Month, Global: May

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Car crashes are the number one killer of teens in the United States and a leading cause of death in countries around the world. Youth-led campaigns like Global Youth Traffic Safety Month (GYTSM) promote safe teen driving through a peer-to-peer model. Global Youth Traffic Safety Month (GYTSM) was formed in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to support the United Nations 2007 Global Road Safety Week. It was originally called National Youth Traffic Safety Month, but in 2011, the campaign grew to become a global effort and was rebranded as Global Youth Traffic Safety Month. GYTSM is an annual campaign held each May, which encourages youth organizations to engage in traffic safety projects in their local communities. The campaign offers a toolkit for ideas on projects, and youth are empowered to create unique ways to address teen driver safety.

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May

Air Quality Awareness Week: May 2-6

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Created in 2006 by the US Environmental Protection Agency, National Air Quality Awareness Week seeks to educate the public about various forms of pollution and toxins that can inhibit the quality of air both indoors and out. It further seeks to help people and communities make small changes that improve their lives and those of their loved ones.

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May

Baby Day, Ntl.: May 2

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Who doesn’t love babies? They’re so cute, curious and just plain lovable! National Baby Day has no sponsor and is an unofficial holiday that occurs in early May, a week or so before Mother’s Day. It’s an opportunity for retailers to have sales and mom’s to show off the latest edition to the family. Like many events in the LEEP, this is another that came into being simply by people proclaiming and celebrating it. Enjoy ’National’ Baby Day.

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May

Bank Holiday (UK/IE): May 2

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Bank holidays are a public holidays in a number of countries, most notably the United Kingdom and its former colonies. Bank holidays are days the banks are closed. Often the general population is given the day off as well, but this is not guaranteed.

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May

Brothers & Sisters Day, International: May 2

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International Brothers and Sisters Day is an unofficial event with no sponsor and through custom occurs on May 2 each year. This is one of two days a year to honor brothers and sisters specifically, in addition to Siblings Day, which is an official international event.

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May

Charter Schools Week, Ntl.: May 2-6

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Since 2010, several independent research studies have found that students in charter schools do better than their traditional school peers. The most recent of those studies, by the Center for Research on Educational Outcomes at Stanford University, found that charter schools do a better job teaching low income students, minority students, and students who are still learning English than traditional schools. Separate studies by the Center for Reinventing Public Education and Mathematica Policy Research have found that charter school students are more likely to graduate from high school, go on to college, stay in college and have higher earnings in early adulthood. National Charter Schools Week brings students, parents, teachers and communities together across the country in celebrating the many successes of charter public schools. It always occurs the first full week of May.

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May

Childhood Nutrition Employee Appreciation Week: May 2-6

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Childhood Nutrition Employee Appreciation Week occurs during the spring each year and is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of the men and women who help create nutritional meals for school children. Ideas that allow you to show your appreciation, whether a director, teacher, student or parent include: Post an Appreciation on the Wall View List of Appreciated Employees Send an E-Card Give a real card Most of all, simply remember to say thank you for all your hard work. Sponsored by the School Nutrition Association.

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