Bonjour!
Aujourd’hui, nous parlons de mois Internationale de la Francophonie. Got that?
It’s International Francophone Month!
What’s a francophone you ask? Well,
it’s someone who speaks French as their “primary language, whether referring to
individuals, groups, or places.”
I’m
unsure what the significance of hosting the this theme
in March is, but I can tell you that the purpose is to celebrate the “dynamic
and vibrant community.” French is recognized as one of the two official
languages in Canada. In fact, 9.5 million Canadians are considered to be
francophone. French is spoken in many other countries around the globe, as
well.
So, get yer French on this month! À la prochaine, mes amis!
March
also happens to be Epilepsy Awareness Month. For those of you that do not know,
Epilepsy
is “a symptom of a neurological
disorder - a physical condition - that from time to time produces brief
disturbances in the normal electrical functions of the brain.” It is estimated
that 300 000 Canadians are living with Epilepsy.
The
purpose of Epilepsy Awareness Month is to bring awareness to the disorder and
attempt to remove the stigma associated with it. By doing so, the hope is that
those afflicted by the disease will be able to speak about living with Epilepsy
without feeling ashamed. Celebrate Epilepsy Awareness Month and help to remove
the shame and stigma from the disorder!
A switch
to a more serious theme of March National Months – National Colon Cancer Month.
Colon
Cancer Canada suggests “Colon cancer is the second leading cause of both male
and female cancer-related deaths in Canada. In 2013, an estimated 23,900
Canadians were diagnosed with colon cancer.” And, if you think that’s
intimidating, nearly half of those diagnosed dies as a result. However, this
form of cancer is actually one of the most preventable, as 90% of early detections
lead to a full recovery – hence the purpose of the month-long event.
Starting
the discussion, and taking the fear and/or embarrassment away from it can, in
fact, actually save lives. And, that’s something I think we can all get ‘behind!’
March is
home to National Nutrition Month! According to the Dietitians
of Canada, the purpose of National Nutrition Month is to “remind
us of the importance of healthy eating and the positive impact nutrition has on
our health and well-being.”
Like many National events, such as this, each year, the
presenting organization takes on a different theme. This year, the theme is “Simply
Cook and Enjoy” with the hope that it can inspire families to cook and eat
healthy meals together. The literature and promotion for this theme provides readers
with “practical advice and cooking and food skills from dietitians.”
With such
a push on healthy eating and active lifestyles, I think this makes for an
excellent focus for this year’s event. There’s nothing better than prepping and
creating a meal with a group of people! Okay, so maybe there are SOME things
better than this, like having someone else cook YOU a meal AND doing the dishes
afterwards, but this is a close second. At least this way there are more people
to help with the clean up!
Enjoy a month of nutritious foods and healthy choices! Be well!
Happy
National Professional Social Work Month! This is the first of the March monthly
celebrations!
Professional
Social Workers play an important role in our society. Social work is “a professional and academic discipline
that seeks to improve the quality of life and subjective well-being of
individuals, groups, and communities through research, policy, community
organizing, direct practice, crisis intervention, and teaching for the benefit
of those affected by social disadvantages such as poverty, mental and physical
illness or disability, and social injustice, including violations of their civil
liberties and human rights.” (Say that all in one mouthful!)
As a
result of the importance social workers play in the lives of anyone requiring
their assistance, I think it’s only fitting that these hardworking men and
women are rewarded with a Month showcasing the work they do. I think some of us
(myself included) take for granted the struggles others face, as we ourselves,
may be fortunate enough not to require their assistance. So, here’s to
healthier communities, and the people who dedicate their lives to building them
through support and guidance when times are tough!
