As soon as the last day of January comes and goes, the idea of Valentine’s Day comes to everyone’s minds, whether they like it or not. Questions about the big V Day flash through every mind, male or female. What to get your significant other, or what to do for Galentine’s Day: do I watch sad movies on Netflix or drown myself in cards and chocolate?
Because Valentine’s Day is so commercially advertised with chocolates and candy hearts and mushy cards, it’s almost all anyone can talk about. Instead of focusing on the mass-marketed, billion-dollar “holiday,” let’s also celebrate these other great holidays in February!
American Hearth Health Month
Instead of thinking about which heart shaped cookie to get yourself or you partner in life, think about your own heart and how you can better maintain it. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. The American Heart Association uses the month of February to further educate people about the facts of heart disease and how you can help prevent it. While one might think the billion-dollar marketing of Valentine’s Day is excessive, cardiovascular disease (CVD) costs the United States roughly $300 billion dollars due to medications, healthcare costs, and work disability.
Black History Month
While also known as National African American History Month, this time is to remember and celebrate past achievements by black Americans and also seeks recognition of African Americans in the history of the United States. This movement was the creative idea of Carter G. Woodson, who first began celebrating “Negro History Week,” as a way to commemorate the black heroes of the past. Not only is this month deemed Black History Month by every single President of the United States since 1976, but is also recognized and celebrated by Canada and the United Kingdom.
LGBT History Month (United Kingdom)
While this is a holiday celebrated nationally for people in the UK, it’s definitely something we should get in on celebrating as Americans because it rocks. The United Kingdom uses this month to help challenge and overcome homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia. There are several speakers throughout the country that speak to the lives of the bullied LGBT community and events to follow. The first National Festival of LGBT History is being held over the Valentine’s Day weekend (I’m totally celebrating this instead of Valentine’s Day). This event is being completely run by volunteers. Different LGBT campaigners, scholars, and community pioneers will come together and share their stories and histories while educating others. More information about this incredible movement can be found at lgbthistorymonth.org.uk
Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Month
I could barely spell that word, much less pronounce it, but it is recognized this month nonetheless! That big word is also known as Bile Duct Cancer, which is pretty difficult to diagnose. Cancer cells arise in the bile ducts, inside and outside of the liver. While this form of cancer is generally more popular in men than in women, it usually only affects people that are between 50-70 years of age. While our age bracket is not directly affected, it is good to recognize this form of cancer this month to help remind your loved ones to always try to be as healthy as they cam, and get regular screens for any forms of cancer!
Teen Dating Violence Awareness And Prevention Month
This one is big. Break the Cycle is the leading nationally recognized nonprofit organization that provides dating abuse programs exclusively to young people and adults. Break the Cycle also hosts TeenDVmonth.org, which is the online hub for the prevention and awareness of dating violence for teens and adults. The website supplies viewers with resources to learn more about the subject and how to prevent it, and most importantly how and where to reach out when in need. Both Chambers of Commerce have declared the entire month of February to teen dating violence awareness and prevention! Throughout the month, communities and organizations will come together to educate on the importance of knowing the signs of the violence. The activists broke ground and celebrated victory in 2005 as well as 2013 when the importance of getting the message and knowledge of teen dating violence was highlighted in the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization! If you or anyone you know needs help, please visit teendvmonth.org for information on how to seek assistance.
Celebrate Everything
The month of February is always going to be known for the conversation hearts, teddy bears and other ‘I love you’ stuffed animals, and endless amount of chocolates and roses, but there are so many more things you can choose to look to. Keep your beating heart healthy, educate yourself on the history of how African Americans contributed to the growth and success of a great country, remind your loved ones to always get cancer screens, celebrate the people in the UK for finally having a month of their own to educate and celebrate the fabulous lives of the LGBT community, and most importantly know how to help a friend if you know they are suffering in a relationship. Contribute to the billion-dollar marketing strategy of a ridiculous holiday by buying the conversation hearts and chocolate and stuffed bears for your friends. While also recognizing that the month of February is much more than a commercialized holiday, you can help start movements to spread the knowledge of other important things that need attention too!
Sources used for info:
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/liver_tumor_center/conditions/bile_duct_cancer.html
http://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month
http://www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth/
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