All - Leep Calendar

International Wheelchair Day began with Steve Wilkinson in 2008 as a way to celebrate people that live in wheelchairs and raise awareness about the challenges they face. Annually on March 1, it's on his late mother's birthday in 1929—and singer Michael Flanders, born March 1, 1922. Flanders depended upon a wheelchair after contracting polio in 1943. Wheelchairs originated in ancient civilizations. Rolling beds and chairs with wheels transported those with difficulty walking or standing. However, the modern wheelchair as we know it today did not begin to take shape until the 19th century. The first patent for a self-propelled wheelchair was filed in 1869 by Stephen Farfler, a wheelchair user. Farfler's design was a three-wheeled chair that the user could propel. It included a hand-operated brake and steering mechanism, an essential development in wheelchairs, as it allowed autonomous movement and control. In the early 20th century, improvements in materials and manufacturing techniques led to the development of more lightweight and maneuverable wheelchairs. New designs were comfortable, including adjustable footrests and armrests, padded seats and backrests, and improved suspension systems. During World War II, the need for mobility devices for wounded soldiers led to further advancements in wheelchair design. New materials, including lightweight metals and plastics, made it possible to create wheelchairs that were both durable and easy to transport. Wheelchair design continued to evolve, with new features and technologies that improved the comfort, safety, and mobility of wheelchair users. Electric-powered wheelchairs arrived in the 1950s. In recent years, new materials and technologies such as carbon fiber and 3D printing have created increasingly lighter, more durable, and customizable wheelchair designs. Today, wheelchairs are an essential tool for millions of people worldwide with mobility impairments. People of all ages and backgrounds use them, and they play a crucial role in enabling people with disabilities to live independent, active, and fulfilling lives.

Africa

Mar

White Chocolate Cheesecake Day, Ntl.: March 6

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Each year in early March, we celebrate National White Chocolate Cheesecake Day. This ancient dessert initially used just cheese, honey, and flour. Over the centuries, the recipe has evolved to include cream cheese, fresh cheese, graham crackers, and sugar. The first known cheesecakes date back to 776 BC when Olympic athletes were given cheesecakes to re-energize them before competing. Today, cheesecake is one of the most beloved desserts in the world.

Africa

Mar

Weed Appreciation Day (Plant): March 28

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Weed Appreciation Day is about looking at the plants within your yard that aren't wanted. Some are native to the area, and others may be invasive species that rob the soil and steal nutrients. Of the more than 200,000 plant species known to man, approximately 8,000 are classified as weeds. Often, it just depends on where they are as to how they are perceived. For some people, the wild blackberry plant is a weed; for others, it is a valuable fruit. Asparagus was once thought of as a weed until Ziryab (Abu l-Hasan 'Ali Ibn Nafi) introduced it to the court of Andalusia in the eighth century AD as a delicacy and part of a three-course meal (something else he invented). Bamboo is considered a weed for many, but it is also an essential building tool and food in many parts of the world. Watercress is another weed that is now a cash crop. Take a look at what you have in your yard. Perhaps there are ways to work with nature rather than against it, and that is what Weed Appreciation Day is all about!

Africa

Mar

Wedding Proposal Day (Spring): March 20

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Twice a year, Proposal Day® falls on the equinox, generating worldwide discussion among eligible singles seeking marriage. The day allows singles to press the issue if so inclined. For those not ready to marry, this day also supports rescue animals in shelters. If you're not prepared to propose, you're encouraged to add to your family by adopting an animal. Not just dogs and cats but rabbits, birds, and other animals often find their way into shelters too. Can't have pets? Try a fish! Created and trademarked by John Michael O'Loughlin. The event is no longer sponsored, but continues as an internet tradition.

Africa

Mar

Water Day, World: March 22

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World Water Day is led by UN-Water, focusing on water conservation and use, blending the natural and social sciences, education, culture, and communication. Contrary to popular belief, the most valuable natural resource in the Middle East is water, not oil. People can live without oil. Nothing lives without water. Control of rivers and aquifers underlies the conflicts in the region and has for centuries. Religion is the excuse used to mobilize and conscript. Water is a primary reason. The Middle East is simply a microcosm of the global issues surrounding water. Water is essential to poverty reduction and equity. It creates economic benefits, helps preserve all natural resources, and safe, secure access to water builds peace. World Water Day is devoted to caring for this precious natural resource and educating the world on its need and conservation.

Africa

Mar

Walk in the Sand Day: March 21

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Walk in the Sand Day is an effort to focus on shore erosion and the necessity of safeguarding our beaches for today and the future. Everyone is encouraged to head to a beach (or sandbox if you're too far from the ocean) and walk for an hour barefoot in the sand. Consider the importance of breaches to the environment, life, and commerce.

Africa

Mar

Walk in the Park Day: March 30

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Cherry blossoms, early spring flowers, melting snow, and birds a twitter, what better time of year to get out of the winter doldrums and reconnect with nature? That may be the reason someone dubbed this day Take a Walk in the Park Day. Who that was, we may never know. However, it is a great idea. Give it a try.

Africa

Mar

Waffle Day, Intl. (SE): March 25

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International Waffle Day is a Swedish event that marks the Our Lady's Day (Vårfrudagen in Swedish, which sounds like a waffle, thus waffle day). Our Lady's Day is the lay term for the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin, and it is the day the angel Gabriel told the Virgin Mary she would conceive the Messiah in the Christian faith. Though not usually associated with faith anymore in Sweden, the day continues to be celebrated as waffle day within the nation and elsewhere in the world.

Africa

Mar

VO (Voiceover) Day, Ntl.: March 15

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Video games, cartoons, documentaries, and commercials, are just some of the media that use voiceover talent. Voiceover or VO is acting in which everything is done with the voice. We don't see the actor, but we hear his/her words, emotion, and passion in what or how he/she says what they say. National VO Day is about celebrating these talented people and appreciating their work.

Africa

Mar

Vietnam Veteran's Day (1973): March 29

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March 29, 1973, is the anniversary of the day the last official US troops left Vietnam, eleven years after the beginning of the war—conflict. War was never officially declared. During those 11 years, over 58,000 Americans lost their life. Each name is commemorated in black marble at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC. The Vietnam War forever changed American culture. It was the first prolonged conflict that was never won or lost and was hugely unpopular with the American public. It defined the 1960s, gave birth to the hippy movement, and ushered in the drug culture. It continues to plague many who lived through it on both sides, physically and psychologically. An estimated two million civilians and 1.1 million fighters for the Vietnamese also lost their lives. This day is set aside by Presidential Proclamation each year to honor the men and women who gave their lives during the Vietnam war.

Africa

Mar

Vernal Equinox, Northern Hemisphere: March 20

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A national holiday in Japan, the Vernal Equinox occurs in March in the northern hemisphere, when the earth's access is a tilt at zero degrees, favoring neither the northern nor southern hemispheres. It is the official beginning of spring and is a highly auspicious day in faiths that base their calendars on the sun's movement.

Africa

Mar

Viagra Day (1998): March 27

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INTERNATIONAL VIAGRA DAY Celebrating a Serendipitous Discovery March 27, 1998, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States granted Viagra's approval. Today, that anniversary is known as International Viagra Day. Various men's health advocacy groups and media outlets have used the occasion to discuss erectile dysfunction (ED), highlight new research, and reduce the stigma surrounding men's health issues. Viagra — the little blue pill spearheading the conversation around men's intimate health — remains one of the most recognizable prescription drugs in modern medicine. Here's a closer look at its origins, how it works, and why it continues to stand out in the global marketplace. THE OOPS THAT CREATED OH YEAH! Viagra is the brand name for sildenafil citrate, a compound initially studied in the early 1990s by scientists at Pfizer's research facility in Sandwich, England. Andrew Bell, David Brown, and Nicholas Terrett formed the team that discovered sildenafil. The researchers were investigating its potential as a treatment for angina (a heart condition) when volunteers in clinical trials reported an unexpected side effect: it helped men with physical intimacy. While sildenafil wasn't the effective heart medication Pfizer hoped it would be, it showed promise in treating what was then a sensitive, often-hidden issue of ED. Viagra was the first oral medication expressly indicated for ED. Almost immediately, the world's XY population embraced the drug as a breakthrough therapy. By the early 2000s, Viagra had become a cultural phenomenon, referenced by everyone from late-night talk show hosts to sitcom writers. From a business standpoint, Viagra's success was swift and sizable. Throughout the early 2000s, its sales soared, surpassing $1 billion annually at their peak. In a global market for ED drugs estimated in the billions of dollars, Viagra's brand recognition has helped Pfizer retain a large share, even as generic versions and competitor medications have entered the scene. WHY VIAGRA MATTERS TO MEN Viagra gave millions of men a non-invasive option to address ED — a condition that can stem from aging, cardiovascular issues, diabetes, stress, or psychological factors. The ability to restore intimate satisfaction has had profound impacts on self-esteem, relationships, and quality of life. As a result, Viagra quickly became synonymous with hope for men facing ED, opening up conversations about masculine health in ways that were once considered taboo. HOW VIAGRA WORKS Classified as a PDE5 inhibitor, sildenafil citrate blocks the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which assists in regulating blood flow in the male membrane. By inhibiting PDE5, Viagra relaxes blood vessels, improving blood circulation to specific areas of the body. When arousal occurs, this relaxed state allows more blood to flow into the area, elevating the region in ways beneficial to the results sought. Viagra is sold worldwide, with the United States accounting for a significant share of the prescription market. High awareness, direct-to-consumer advertising, and insurance coverage for ED medications (in some cases) have all contributed to robust sales in the country. Other significant markets include Europe (notably the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy) and parts of Asia, where regulatory approvals and cultural acceptance of these treatments have grown. Viagra's meteoric rise from a failed heart medication to a top-selling prescription drug represents one of the pharmaceutical industry's most enduring success stories. Twenty-five plus years after its approval, Viagra continues to shape conversations about men's health and enrich the lives of men globally.

Africa

Mar

Veggie Month (UK): March

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Veggie Month in the United Kingdom, celebrated in March, encourages people to eat more vegetables and highlights the benefits of a plant-based diet. It promotes healthier eating habits but also about understanding the environmental impact of food choices. During Veggie Month, various events educate people about vegetarian and vegan diets, including cooking demonstrations, recipe sharing, and discussions about sustainable agriculture. In terms of vegetables that are in season in the UK in March, you'll find a variety of hearty vegetables that thrive in the cooler weather. Some of these include: Leeks—prized for their mild, onion-like flavor, leeks are versatile and can be used in various dishes, from soups to pies. Brussels Sprouts—these small, cabbage-like vegetables deliver a slightly bitter, nutty flavor. Parsnips—a root vegetable, parsnips are sweet and can be roasted, boiled, or used in soups and stews. Cabbage—available in several varieties, cabbage is a staple in many dishes and can be used in everything from salads to fermented foods like sauerkraut. Kale—a hardy green vegetable, kale is packed with nutrients and added to salads, smoothies, or as a cooked side dish. Swede (Rutabaga) is a root vegetable that is a cross between a cabbage and a turnip (swede). It is often mashed or used in stews. For those looking to plant vegetables in March for a summer or fall harvest in the UK, consider the following options: Tomatoes: Start them indoors in March and transplant them outside after the last frost. They require a sunny spot and regular watering. Peppers: Like tomatoes, peppers should be started indoors and moved outside in late spring. They need warmth and sunlight to thrive. Beetroot: Easy to grow, beetroot can be sown directly into the soil in March for a summer harvest. Carrots: These can be sown directly into the ground in March. They need loose, well-drained soil. Lettuce and Salad Leaves: Perfect for continuous harvesting, these can be sown directly into the ground or in containers. Peas: Hardy and easy to grow, peas can be sown directly into the ground in March. They require support as they grow. Remember, gardening success can vary based on specific local climate conditions, so it's always a good idea to consult a local gardening expert or resource for tailored advice.

Africa

Mar

Vascular Anomalies Awareness Month: March

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Vascular Anomalies Awareness Month, observed annually, spotlights a group of often misunderstood and underdiagnosed medical conditions. This dedicated month aims to raise awareness, improve understanding, and foster support for those affected by vascular anomalies. Vascular anomalies encompass a broad range of conditions related to abnormal blood vessels. These conditions can vary significantly in appearance, location, and impact on health. Anomalies are classified into two main groups: vascular tumors, such as hemangiomas, and vascular malformations, which include conditions like lymphangiomas and arteriovenous malformations. Vascular Anomalies Awareness Month was created to increase understanding and awareness of this condition. Though not rare, it is not widely recognized by the general public or even by many healthcare professionals. This lack of awareness can lead to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and a lack of support for patients and their families. Additionally, the month aims to dispel myths and provide accurate information about these conditions. One key challenge in discussing the prevention of vascular anomalies is that many of these conditions are congenital, meaning they are present at birth. Factors like genetic mutations play a significant role, although the exact causes of many vascular anomalies remain unknown. Consequently, there are currently no established methods for preventing them. Anyone can be born with a vascular anomaly, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or geographic location. The onset of symptoms and the severity of these conditions can vary widely. Some individuals may live with minor, asymptomatic anomalies, while others may experience significant health challenges. Vascular Anomalies Awareness Month is a call to action for increased research, better treatment options, and enhanced patient care. It's a time when patient advocacy groups, medical professionals, and families unite to share stories, educate the public, and support one another. Through these efforts, the month contributes to a greater understanding of these complex conditions, paving the way for better medical outcomes and a more informed and empathetic society.

Africa

Mar

Vaquita Month, Save the: March

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The vaquita is the most endangered marine mammal in the world. This exquisite porpoise with spot-dog eyes lives in the northernmost portions of the Gulf of California and averages four to five feet (1.5-2 meters) in length. Gestation is ten months, and a vaquita cow can only birth one calf a year, and that calf requires five years to mature to adulthood. Currently, ten vaquitas exist in the wild, with none in captivity. Since their discovery in 1958, their numbers have declined by 50 percent annually. Vaquitas face extinction due to illegal fishing. Like the pangolin, the vaquita's plight is due to poaching, in this case, for the totoaba, a similarly-sized fish. The totoaba's swim bladder is used in alternative medicines in China, and the rarity of the fish fetches a high price there. The illegal gillnets used to scoop up totoaba trap the vaquita underwater and, as mammals, cause them to drown.

Africa