August Monthly Poll

National Psoriasis Awareness Month

Next on the list of August month-long celebrations is National Psoriasis Awareness Month! (Okay, so maybe "celebration" isn't the best word to use here, but, what can you do?) 

Psoriasis is "a common, chronic relapsing/remitting immune-mediated skin disease characterized by red, scaly patches, papules, and plaques, which usually itch." It is believed that 2-4% of the population suffers from this disease. There are also 5 different types of Psoriasis 

1. Plaque - the most common form of Psoriasis (85-90%), is identified as "raised areas of inflamed skin covered with silvery white scaly skin."
2. Guttate - can be "characterized by numerous small, scaly, red or pink, teardrop-shaped lesions."
3. Inverse - "appears as smooth inflamed patches of skin."
4. Pustular - "raised bumps filled with noninfectious pus."
5. Erythrodermic - also known as "oral psoriasis" and is the least frequent form, found in only 6-20% of those who have psoriasis on their skin.

Not unlike National Immunization Awareness Month, there doesn't appear to be a lot of background information available. The main purpose to the Month that I could find is relaying the message that Psoriasis is not contagious, but it is important to talk about as a means of debunk the myths surrounding the disease. People affected by Psoriasis sometimes have to deal with the scrutiny and judgement of others who do not understand what the disease is. Despite it being a fairly common affliction, we remain quite ignorant of what Psoriasis actually is. This Month aims to change that. Although...they make it kind of tough when they barely identify any information about how to get involved. 

Image found at: http://www.checkbook.org/sitemap/health/Psoriasis/default.cfm?)

National Immunization Awareness Month

Welcome to August, folks! The first theme for this month is National Immunization Awareness Month. 

Now, I know what you're thinking...why on earth would anyone want to celebrate (painful and terrifying) injections? Well, I'll tell you - they're important! Take it from me, I'm no fan of needles, BUT, I'm also not a fan of getting sick and/or dying, so...there's that! 

Before we get into why this is a thing, perhaps we should have a brief discussion on what immunizations actually are. The highly academic definition (Wikipedia) identifies immunizations as "the process by which an individual's immune system becomes fortified against an agent." The CDC, identifies an immunization as "The process by which a person or animal becomes protected against a disease," while also noting that the "term is often used interchangeably with vaccination or inoculation." Generally, one begins receiving a series of immunizations at a very early age (some as early as a few months after birth). Others are received for various reasons, such as prevention from a newly discovered disease or course of treatment, or for the purposes of travel.   

Over the last number of years, a recent backlash has developed regarding the implications of receiving a number of vaccinations. A debate surrounding whether or not these recommended doses are more harmful than not - particularly a question of the link between early vaccinations and the higher prevalence of autism in children. I'm going to be honest here, part of me does worry about why we are required to receive so many injections, but the rational part of me (some might question if this actually exists!) would like to believe that there is obviously a good reason for doing so. I'm certainly no expert. I'm leery of certain vaccinations, but that is mostly due to their non-medical ingredients and the fact that I'm allergic to most of them. But, I also don't have children, so I'm not sure that I can fully understand the debate where it concerns the safety of an infant and the 'risk' of them developing negative side effects (i.e. the rise in autism prevalence). I think that this perceived link is merely a coincidence. When you think about it, medical knowledge has increased over the last several decades, as has the number of people living on the planet. So, I think that makes sense to see higher numbers of individuals with seemingly uncommon diseases/disorders/illness/etc.  

Okay, let's move on... National Immunization Awareness Month was created in the United States. The purpose of this month-long event was to provide "an opportunity to highlight the need for improving national immunization coverage levels." There really isn't a whole lot of information about when it began. There does appear to be a new theme each year, but I am unable to identify what that is for this year. Perhaps the mission of this event has been lost?  

At any rate, immunizations are important. They help us stay healthy. Healthy people leads to more productive societies. So, let's all stay healthy, okay?

July Monthly Poll

Another month has passes! Yikes! Well, I guess this means you should check out the July Monthly Poll! To vote, click here! 

As always, the poll will be opened until the end of the month following (August). The results of the poll will be shared soon after. Can't wait to see what you all have to say!

National Parks and Recreation Month

Flowing quite well from the last post, July is also National Parks and Recreation Month! 

National Parks and Recreation Month began in 1985 in the United States, although it wasn't officially recognized until 2009. The official designation was the result of the National Recreation and Park Association and the U.S. House of Representatives. The purpose of both the original and formally recognized theme is "to recognize the importance of parks and recreation in establishing and maintaining the quality of life for, and contributing to the physical, economic and environmental well-being of communities." Each year a new theme is established, as the focus of that particular month. This year (2014), boasts the title of "Out is In" where the focus is on "setting trends instead of following them, making 2014 the year people go outside, change their outlook, and get involved in their community through parks and recreation."

As we have seen over the last year and a half through DailyTastyNugget, there are endless activities and reasons to head outside. Walking, biking, running, frisbee, family time, hanging out with friends, the benefits of the sun and/or fresh air, and the freedom to just get out of the house are some of the possibilities of taking advantage of the outdoors. So, do yourself a favour, since there are only a few days left of this month, why not step outside and do something different each day! And, do you know what the best part of enjoying the outdoors is? It's FREE! So, get out there! 

(Image found at: https://www.athensclarkecounty.com/images/pages/N3861/July%20is%20Parks%20and%20Rec%20Logo.gif)

National Picnic Month

Not unlike or previous celebration, this theme comes in the form of both a month and day event! Happy National Picnic Month, everyone! National Picnic Day, however, takes place in April for some reason, but July is also home to National Teddy Bear's Picnic Day, so I suppose that makes up for it!  

(Image found at:http://homefoodsafety.org/vault/2499/web/Picnic_Eating.jpg)

National Picnic Month was created to "celebrate the love of being outside enjoying each others company by having a nice relaxing picnic. It's a time to celebrate the open air, nature all it has to offer." Although there doesn't seem to be anything to indicate when this became a thing, it certainly makes sense to have July as the celebrating month. After all, this is generally when the weather begins to get nice, the kiddies are out of school, and ants are in abundance ready to steal your crumbs upon arrival.  

The thing about picnics, though, is that you have to be awfully keen on the out of doors in order to participate. There are many critters that like to stumble onto your blanket, into your containers, and well, some even end up in your tummy! I think the best picnics are the one's born out of spontaneity. You know the ones...it's a summer morning, you look out, it's beautiful, so you pack a bag and head out. This in and of itself is pretty terrific, but then the sun begins to fade behind some dark clouds and you rush to pack up your things and book 'er to the car, only to be caught in a magical rainstorm, where the only thing you can do is laugh and release your inner-child! Okay, so this has literally never happened to me, but, don't you think it sounds fun?  

Picnics usually come with some pretty tasty food, as well. Picnic staples include, sandwiches, various salads, lemonade, fruit, cheese and crackers, etc. Basically, it kind of becomes a mish-mash of whatever you can conjure up, unless you preplan it. And, since most of the items you require for a picnic are in season at this time, it also becomes a fresh and refreshing potluck, of sorts.  

Whatever you pack, and wherever you park, one of the best parts of a picnic (besides the amazing food you will consume, or the scenery and natural settings you generally surround whilst partaking in picnics) is the time you get to share with the people you are with! Maybe it's your family, maybe it's a good group of friends? Or, maybe it's a special someone? Regardless, there is nothing better than relaxing, having a good laugh, and enjoying all the wonders of a picnic! May you have plenty of opportunity this month to engage in an afternoon of picnicking! 

(Image found at: http://nl.r2rassoc.com/Templates/aug2012/html/images/article6.png)

National Ice Cream Month

I scream, you scream, all month long eat ice cream! Yep! That's right! The second tasty celebration for July - National Ice Cream Month!

(Image found at: http://fashionplaytes1.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/ice-cream-2.jpg)

Thanks to former President Ronald Reagan, National Ice Cream Month was declared in 1984. Apparently this was the result of the frozen treat's substantial growth, and overall consumption by Americans. National Ice Cream Day also falls under the month of July, and is meant to be celebrated in conjunction with the month-long theme, as well. 

(Image found at: http://govbooktalk.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/reagan-ice-cream-proclamation.jpg)

What's not to love about a month dedicated to ice creamy goodness?! Lactose intolerant? Can't have cow products due to allergies or veganism? No problem - there are so many alternatives out there! My personal favourite is coconut-based ice cream. It's super rich, and mighty tasty! Even better, why not plop a scoop or two into your favourite glass along with a nice healthy dose of root beer? The possibilities for enjoying ice cream are endless!