ARCHIVES: MARCH IS…
HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!
WHO WAS ST. PATRICK?
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17, the saint’s religious feast day and the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years. On St. Patrick’s Day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast–on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.
St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is one of Christianity’s most widely known figures. But for all his celebrity, his life remains somewhat of a mystery. Many of the stories traditionally associated with St. Patrick, including the famous account of his banishing all the snakes from Ireland, are false, the products of hundreds of years of exaggerated storytelling.
Did You Know?
There are 36.5 million U.S. residents who claim Irish ancestry. This number is more than eight times the population of Ireland itself (4.5 million).
FOR MORE ST. PATRICK’S DAY FACTS VISIT THE HISTORY CHANNEL…READ MORE>>
HAVE A HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!
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March is Red Cross Month
Support the American Red Cross
About Red Cross Month
March is Red Cross Month, a time to remind everyone of the work of the American Red Cross in communities across the country and around the globe – and how we depend on public support to help people in need.
The American Red Cross was created in 1881 by Clara Barton and officially chartered by Congress in 1900 to provide national and international relief during disasters, and to give relief to the military and serve as a means of communication between members of the Armed Forces and their families.
From the beginning, people in this country have volunteered and donated funds to support the Red Cross in its mission to provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
In 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed the first Red Cross Month in support of Red Cross fundraising efforts to respond to needs brought on by World War II. Since that time, every president, including President Obama, has designated March as Red Cross Month.
Today, the American Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters a year, providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those affected. Through a worldwide network, the American Red Cross provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families – in war zones, military hospitals and on military installations around the world. Red Cross Blood Services collects and distributes more than 40 percent of this country’s blood supply. And, more than 9 million people across the United States receive American Red Cross training in first aid, water safety and other skills every year.
Thanks to the generous support of people in this country, the American Red Cross is able to mobilize to help people in need. The Red Cross is not a government agency, but relies on donations of time, money and blood to do its work.
Your generosity helps provide life-changing and often lifesaving services down the street, across the country and around the world. Show your support during Red Cross Month because moments of hope are made possible by people like you.
Legacy
See how dedication to the mission of the American Red Cross has continued from one generation to the next.
Presidential Quotes
From President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943 to President Obama in 2010, see what our presidents have had to say about the American Red Cross.
National Nutrition Month 2012

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The theme for March 2012 is “Get Your Plate in Shape.”
National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. The key messages are featured in the “Get Your Plate in Shape” Nutrition Tip Sheet. The collection appears on the Nutrition Education Resources page.
REGISTERED DIETITIAN DAY
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Registered Dietitian Day increases awareness of registered dietitians as the indispensable providers of food and nutrition services and recognizes RDs for their commitment to helping people enjoy healthy lives. The fifth annual Registered Dietitian Day will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 14, 2012.
BLOGGING NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH
Are You Blogging National Nutrition Month?
How do you get your plate in shape every day? If you have a food or nutrition blog, we encourage you to let people know your thoughts on what it means to “Get Your Plate in Shape.” Whether you write a post about NNM once a week or just once, let people know what the month means to you—and show it off by posting a widget on your blog.
How can you blog National Nutrition Month?
- Beginning on March 1, add the widget to your blog.
- Write about what “Get Your Plate in Shape” means to you. Be sure to include a link to the National Nutrition Month page to help your readers learn more about the month.
- Send your blog to media@eatright.org and we will include it in our blogroll.
- READ MORE>>
March is
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Every year, more than 140,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and more than 50,000 people die from it.
How Can You Reduce Your Risk?
The risk of getting colorectal cancer increases with age. More than 90% of cases occur in people who are 50 years old or older. Colorectal cancer screening saves lives, but many people are not being screened according to national guidelines.
If you’re 50 years old or older, getting a screening test for colorectal cancer could save your life. Here’s how—
- Colorectal cancer screening tests can find precancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. In this way, colorectal cancer is prevented.
- Screening tests also can find colorectal cancer early, when treatment often leads to a cure.
What Are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?
Precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially at first. You could have polyps or colorectal cancer and not know it. That is why having a screening test is so important. Symptoms for colorectal cancer may include—
- Blood in or on the stool (bowel movement).
- Stomach pain, aches, or cramps that do not go away.
- Losing weight and you don’t know why.
These symptoms may be caused by something other than cancer. If you’re having any of these symptoms, the only way to know what is causing them is to see your doctor.
When Should You Begin to Get Screened?
You should begin screening for colorectal cancer soon after turning 50, then keep getting screened regularly. Some people have a higher risk because they have inflammatory bowel disease, a personal or family history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer, or genetic syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (also known as Lynch syndrome). If you are 50 years old or older, or think you may have a higher risk for colorectal cancer, talk to your doctor about getting screened.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for colorectal cancer for all people until they turn 75 years old, and for some people when they are older than 75. If you are in this age group, ask your doctor if you should be screened.
What Are the Screening Tests for Colorectal Cancer?
Several tests are available to screen for colorectal cancer. Some are used alone; others are used in combination with each other. Talk with your doctor about which test or tests are best for you. The USPSTF recommends these tests—
- Colonoscopy (every 10 years).
- High-sensitivity fecal occult blood test (FOBT), also known as a stool test (every year).
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy (every 5 years) with high-sensitivity FOBT (every 3 years).
How Can I Pay for Screening Tests?
Many insurance plans and Medicare help pay for colorectal cancer screening. Check with your plan to find out which tests are covered for you. To find out about Medicare coverage, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
March is Kidney Month
Reducing Your Risk Of Chronic Kidney Disease Is Easier Than You Might Think
If you have high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney disease, you’re at risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD). But the news isn’t all bad. Preventing CKD is not as difficult as you might think. March is National Kidney Month and here are some prevention tips from the National Kidney Foundation…
More Kidney Month News:
- Are You At Risk For The Silent Disease? Take This Quiz And Find Out
- Reducing Your Risk Of Chronic Kidney Disease Is Easier Than You Might Think
- Simple Tests That Can Save Your Life, Act Now!
- National Kidney Foundation to Promote “World Kidney Day”
- Celebrate Family on World Kidney Day
- Simple Steps Can Prevent The Progress Of Chronic Kidney Disease
- Risk Factors for Chronic Kidney Disease Still Going Unaddressed
- Listen to a message from Sean Elliott
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