Hi All,
Happy February! February is always celebrated as heart month and some people confuse the reason because of Valentine’s Day. February is named heart month to spotlight the role of heart disease and the impact it has on women in particular. The first Friday of February, February 3rd, is designated as Wear Red D ay. Wearing red symbolizes an awareness of the disease. So let’s wear red on that day and support lifestyle changes that will help us lower our risk of getting heart disease especially as we get older.
February is also the month giving the nod to inventors. Inventors Day has been officially celebrated in the US since 1983 when President Reagan chose February 11th as the date. It was the birthday of Thomas Edison, and he was one of the most prolific inventors the world has seen.
A t the end of February, on the 26th, is the National Letter to an Elder Day. In a world of texting and instant messages letter writing has fallen by the wayside. This holiday celebrates sending an elder a handwritten letter of love. This day c o mes once a year and honors the art of letter writing, as a way, to send love, one letter at a time. “A letter has power. It can be read once, and re-read when you need it,” says Jacob Cramer, founder of Love for Our Elders, a non- profit based in Cleveland, Ohio. This group aims to alleviate social isolation among older adults one letter at a time. And so far, it seems to be working whether across the street or worldwide.
I would encourage you to think about writing a letter to an elder, someone you know o r maybe you do n’t know and let them know how you are thinking about them and wishing them good things. Share a fond memory that they can read over and over again. Take the time to send love, care and concern to not only the elders that you see all the time but to the ones who need it the most, the ones who have no one. If you are interested in learning more visit loveforourelders.org. Or see me with questions.
Wishing you all a Happy Valentine’s Day!
Stay well,
Mary