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EMPATHY FOR A DESTRUCTIVE DISEASE: WORLD DUCHENNE'S AWARENESS DAY World Duchenne Awareness Day, observed annually on September 7, aims to raise global awareness about Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a severe and progressive muscle-wasting disease. The day seeks to educate the public, support affected individuals and their families, and advocate for research and treatment advancements. By highlighting the challenges faced by those with Duchenne, the day promotes understanding, solidarity, and action towards finding a cure. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. It results from mutations in the DMD gene, which encodes dystrophin, a protein essential for muscle function. The gene's absence or deficiency of dystrophin leads to the deterioration of muscle fibers over time. DMD primarily affects boys, with symptoms typically appearing in early childhood. DUCHENNE'S IMPACT ON A PERSON'S LIFE Unlike Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which is an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system, Duchenne is a genetic disorder that primarily impacts skeletal and cardiac muscles. The following illustrates several challenges. Duchenne muscular dystrophy significantly impacts physical health. Early symptoms include difficulty walking, frequent falls, and trouble climbing stairs. As the disease progresses, muscle weakness spreads, leading to the loss of the ability to walk, respiratory difficulties, and heart complications. Most individuals with Duchenne require a wheelchair by their early teens and may face life-threatening cardiac and respiratory issues by their twenties. The progressive nature of Duchenne also affects social and emotional well-being. Individuals with Duchenne and their families often experience significant emotional stress due to the physical limitations and the relentless progression of the disease. Social isolation, anxiety, and depression are common, making psychological support and community inclusion critical components of care. THE EVENT'S HISTORY World Duchenne Awareness Day began on September 7, 2014, upon initiation by the World Duchenne Organization (formerly the United Parent Projects Muscular Dystrophy). The date symbolizes Duchenne's seven most common symptoms, raising awareness about these early indicators. SEVEN COMMON INDICATORS OF DUCHENNE The seven most common symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) typically manifest in early childhood and progressively worsen over time. These symptoms are indicators that parents and healthcare providers often look for to diagnose the condition: Delayed Motor Milestones Children with Duchenne often experience delays in reaching developmental milestones such as sitting, standing, and walking. They may start walking later than typical children. Difficulty Running and Jumping As muscle weakness progresses, children may struggle with activities that require running, jumping, or climbing stairs. They may appear clumsy and frequently fall. Frequent Falls Due to muscle weakness, children with Duchenne are prone to frequent falls. They may need help maintaining balance and coordination. Gower's Sign Gower's Sign is a distinctive way of rising from the floor, where the child uses their hands to "walk" up their own body for support due to weakness in the hip and thigh muscles. Calf Muscle Enlargement (Pseudohypertrophy) The calf muscles may appear unusually large due to muscle tissue being replaced by fat and connective tissue—one of the early noticeable signs. Waddling Gait Children with Duchenne often develop a waddling gait due to weakness in the hip muscles. Their walk may appear swaying and unsteady. Difficulty Climbing Stairs Climbing stairs becomes increasingly difficult due to progressive muscle weakness, particularly in the legs and pelvic muscles. Children may need to use handrails for support or may avoid stairs altogether. These symptoms are often accompanied by other signs, such as fatigue and difficulty raising arms, with respiratory and cardiac complications as the disease progresses. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing Duchenne muscular dystrophy and improving the quality of life for affected individuals. HOW TO PARTICIPATE The day has since grown into a global movement, with events and campaigns held in numerous countries to spotlight the urgent need for research, better treatments, and support for those affected. Here's how to participate. Awareness Campaigns On World Duchenne Awareness Day, various organizations, advocacy groups, and communities participate in awareness campaigns. These efforts include educational seminars, social media campaigns, and public service announcements to inform the public about Duchenne muscular dystrophy, its symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis. Fundraising Events Fundraising events, such as charity runs, walks, and auctions, are organized to support research initiatives and provide resources for affected families. These events often bring together patients, families, healthcare providers, and supporters to foster a sense of community and shared purpose. Educational Programs Schools, universities, and medical institutions conduct educational programs and workshops to discuss the latest advancements in Duchenne research, treatment options, and patient care. These programs aim to increase understanding among healthcare professionals and the general public, promoting better support and care for those with Duchenne. Community Engagement Community centers and local organizations host gatherings and activities to celebrate the resilience of individuals with Duchenne and their families. These events provide opportunities for social interaction, support, and sharing personal stories, helping build a supportive and informed community. Online Participation Social media platforms are vital in spreading awareness and connecting people worldwide. Hashtags like #WorldDuchenneDay and #DuchenneAwareness designated stories, photos, and educational content, reaching a broad audience and fostering global solidarity. World Duchenne Awareness Day is a powerful platform for raising awareness, driving research, and fostering a global support community for those affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy. By spotlighting the challenges and needs of individuals with Duchenne, the day contributes to increased understanding, improved care, and the ongoing quest for a cure.

Africa

Sep

Father's Day (AU): September 7

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Father’s Day in Australia occurs on the first Sunday in September with family reunions and other celebrations of fatherhood.

Africa

Sep

Folic Acid Awareness Week: September 7-13

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FOLIC ACID AWARENESS WEEK: PROMOTING PRENATAL HEALTH One of two focus weeks on folic acid, health advocates across the United States observe Folic Acid Awareness Week, a dedicated effort to educate the public about the critical role of folic acid in health, particularly in prenatal development. This initiative, led by the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aims to raise awareness about the benefits of folic acid and encourage its consumption among women of childbearing age. The primary goal of Folic Acid Awareness Week is to highlight the importance of folic acid in preventing birth defects and to promote its consumption through diet and supplements. The campaign seeks to inform women about the necessity of adequate folic acid intake before and during pregnancy, as well as its broader health benefits. WHAT IS FOLIC ACID? Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, a B-vitamin (B9) naturally found in certain foods. It is crucial for the production and maintenance of new cells, DNA synthesis, and overall cellular function. Foods rich in folate include leafy green vegetables, fruits, beans, and fortified grains. Folic acid is also available as a dietary supplement and is commonly added to fortified foods such as cereals and bread. THE IMPORTANCE OF FOLIC ACID IN PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT Folic acid is essential for prenatal development, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy. Key benefits include: Preventing Neural Tube Defects—Adequate folic acid intake before and during early pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida and anencephaly, which occur when the neural tube does not close properly. Supporting Placental Development—Folic acid plays a role in the formation of the placenta, supporting the transfer of nutrients from mother to baby. Reducing Other Birth Defects—Folic acid may also help prevent other birth defects, including some congenital heart defects and cleft lip and palate. DO POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN STILL NEED FOLIC ACID? While the primary focus of folic acid intake is often on women of childbearing age due to its critical role in preventing birth defects, postmenopausal women still benefit from adequate folic acid intake for overall health. Folic acid supports: Cellular Health—Continued cell production and maintenance are essential for overall health and well-being. Cardiovascular Health—Folic acid helps reduce homocysteine levels in the blood, which is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Cognitive Function—Adequate folic acid intake has been linked to better cognitive function and may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Folic Acid Awareness Week serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of folic acid in promoting prenatal health and preventing birth defects. By raising awareness and encouraging the consumption of folic acid, the campaign aims to improve health outcomes for women and their babies. Supported by the National Birth Defects Prevention Network and the CDC, this initiative underscores the need for continued public health education and access to essential nutrients for all women, regardless of age.

Africa

Sep

Grandma Moses Day (1860): September 7

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You are never too old to follow your dreams. Laura Ingles Wilder began writing the Little House series in her 60s and didn't publish her last book until age 78. Grandma Moses, the primitive American artist, didn't begin painting until she was 78! Today is the anniversary of her birth and a celebration of never being too old to try something new.

Africa

Sep

Grandparents Day, Ntl.: September 7

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National Grandparents Day honors the devotion and support provided by grandparents. Often grandparents become the parents if their children cannot care for their children. They play an essential role in childhood development and provide a foundation of security and wisdom about the past. Annually on the Sunday following Labor Day in the United States. National Grandparents Day was first observed in 1978.

Africa

Sep

Headache and Migraine Awareness Week, Ntl. (AU): September 7-13

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Headache Awareness Week is brought to you by Headache Australia. A national charitable organization dedicated to advocacy, research, and education. Headache Australia is the only organization in Australia that aims to support the more than 5 million Australians affected by headaches and migraine. Headache Australia is a division of the Brain Foundation. The Brain Foundation was established in 1970 by members of the Australian Association of Neurologists and the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia to reduce the incidence and impact of brain, spine, and nerve disorders, diseases, and injuries through the provision of support, community education, and research.

Africa

Sep

Independence Day, (BR)(1822): September 7

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Brazil’s history is similar to the United States in that it is a former colony built primarily through slavery. Unlike the United States, it did not require a civil war to free the slaves. Like the United States, it did have to fight for its freedom from its colonizer, Portugal. Brazil ultimately gained its independence on September 7, 1822. Independence Day marks this anniversary.

Africa

Sep

Jerusalem Falls (C)(J)(70AD): September 7

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The fall of Jerusalem and the second temple's destruction is a critical date in Jewish and Christian theology that resonates even today. JEWISH: September 7, 70 AD, witnessed the fall of the eternal city of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple used by the Hebrews to worship God. The Hebrews believe God lived in the temple, in the room called the Holy of Holies. The temple is where the Hebrews performed animal sacrifices for God and the center of their faith. For four years, the Hebrews of Palestine waged war against the Romans for control the city and their way of life. Emperor Titus and his second-in-command, Tiberius Julius Alexander, would ultimately conquer Jerusalem, destroying the Second Temple and exiling the remaining Hebrew population. The Sanhedrin, leaders of the faith, would eventually escape to Yavneh and spend the next 125 years creating the Jerusalem Talmud. In the days before Passover, Titus began attacking the city of Jerusalem, using four legions, three from the west side and the fourth advancing east at the Mount of Olives. On the west side, the attack began at the Third Wall, which was breached in May, making it easy for the Romans to seize the temple, which was destroyed by fire. For Jewish people, it is a day of sorrow as it marks the end of the Hebrews' temple-based faith and the beginning of Talmudic Rabbinism (modern Judaism). The temple's destruction is known as Tisha b'Av in the Hebrew calendar and occurs in the month of Av. In the Gregorian calendar date is September 7. CHRISTIAN: The fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple mark the fulfillment of the prophecies of Christ. No longer would God reside in a temple room; now, God is omnipresent, living in the hearts of humans and accessible to all. For most Christians, it signifies the destruction of the old faith and the evolution of the New Testament, God's new covenant with man. The Old Testament remained as a historical reference, part of the faith, but not the foundation. MODERN-DAY ITERATIONS In the nineteenth century, Protestant factions split into a new form of the faith called Dispensationalism, practiced today by non-denominational evangelicals and some more mainline groups, including the Southern Baptist Convention and Pentecostal church. Dispensationalism places the teachings of the Old Testament in higher importance over the New Testament. The faithful believe that time was essentially suspended for 2,000 years and initiated again with the establishment of the nation-state of Israel in Palestine in 1948. A core objective of Dispensationalists is re-building the Hebrew temple in Jerusalem and reviving its customs before 70AD on the land where the Al Aqsa mosque stands. These actions, they believe, are required to bring Christ back to earth for the End Times, a great battle where they will be saved, and all others, including those of the Jewish faith, will perish. Politically, Dispensationalists are called Christian Zionists and represent nearly 300 million of the two billion Christians worldwide. Their beliefs and goals greatly influence and dramatically impact geopolitics and current events, despite being less than 4% of the global and 15% of the Christian population.

Africa

Sep

Lunar Eclipse (Total): September 7-8

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A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes into the Earth's shadow and appears to go dark. Eclipses can occur one to three times a year and fall into the following categories: Partial—A partial lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through a portion of the Earth's shadow, the umbra, covering a part of the Moon, giving a reddish-brown hue to the side shadowed by the Earth. Penumbral—A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth's outer shadow, also known as the penumbra, dimming its intensity and giving it a gray or brownish color. Total—A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth's shadow completely covers the Moon as it passes in front of the Sun. During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon appears reddish-brown. Unlike a solar eclipse, you can watch a lunar eclipse with the naked eye.

Africa

Sep

Moon—Full: September 7

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A full moon occurs when the moon is illuminated by the sun and on the opposite side of the earth. Its ecliptic longitude is 180 degrees. For centuries, people have applied names to full moons to track the seasons and as a point of reference. The names listed below come from Native American and Colonial American traditions passed down through generations. Here are the common names for full moons in each month in the Northern Hemisphere (the Southern Hemisphere doesn't do this tradition): January: Wolf Moon—Named after the howling of wolves during the cold winter nights. February: Snow Moon—Named for the typically heavy snowfall. March: Worm Moon—As the ground thaws, earthworms emerge, attracting birds. April: Seed Moon—Time to plant for the fall harvest. May: Flower Moon—Named for the abundance of flowers in May. June: Strawberry Moon— due to the short harvesting season for strawberries in the northeastern United States. July: Buck Moon—when new antlers grow on male deer (bucks). August: Sturgeon Moon—when sturgeon fish are abundant in North America's Great Lakes. September: Harvest Moon—time to harvest crops. October: Hunter's Moon—game is at its fattest, allowing hunters to stock up for the winter months. November: Beaver Moon—when beavers build their winter dams. December: Cold Moon—long, dark, and cold nights. Full moon names vary between cultures, regions, and traditions; several full moons have alternative names. The above are the most common. A blue moon occurs when two full moons are in a single month, and February is the only month in the year that occasionally does not have a full moon. A blood moon describes a total lunar eclipse.

Africa

Sep

Neither Snow nor Rain Day (1914): September 7

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Neither Snow nor Rain Day is observed in the United States to commemorate the opening of the New York City Post Office on September 7, 1914. The observation is named to honor the inscription on the building, which reads: “Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night, stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” The James A. Farley Post Office building (also known as the New York City main post office building) was named in honor of the 53rd Postmaster General and erected in 1912.

Africa

Sep

Nephrology Nurses Week: September 7-13 (est)

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ABOUT NEPHROLOGY NURSES' WEEK Nephrology Nurses' Week, celebrated annually in September, honors the dedicated professionals who specialize in caring for patients with kidney disease. Organized by the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA), this event recognizes the critical role nephrology nurses play in managing and treating renal health conditions. First established in 2005, Nephrology Nurses' Week highlights the specialized skills and compassionate care these nurses provide. Nephrology, the branch of medicine concerned with kidney function and diseases, requires expertise in managing chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Nephrology nurses are essential in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, dialysis centers, and outpatient clinics. They perform vital functions such as administering dialysis, educating patients about kidney disease management, monitoring patients' responses to treatments, and providing emotional support to patients and their families. The symptoms of kidney disease can be subtle and often include: —Fatigue. —Swelling in the legs and ankles. —Changes in urination patterns. —High blood pressure. Early detection and management are crucial, and nephrology nurses play a pivotal role in identifying these symptoms and implementing appropriate care plans. Nephrology Nurses Week is not just a celebration of these specialized nurses, but also a platform to raise awareness about kidney health. Through educational activities, outreach programs, and professional recognition, the event aims to enhance the visibility of nephrology nursing and inspire more healthcare professionals to join this vital field.

Africa

Sep

Police Cooperation, Intl. Day of: September 7

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The United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution A/RES/77/241 dated 10 January 2023, has designated 7th September as the International Day of Police Cooperation, starting in 2023. The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and acknowledged the various resolutions that encourage cooperation between the UN and international organizations, which contributes to better coordination and coherence among police and law enforcement institutions. The Assembly also noted the efforts of the UN Inter-Agency Task Force on Policing in providing technical assistance to Member States in the fight against all forms of transnational organized crime. The resolution emphasized the need for international cooperation to strengthen various areas related to preventing and combating transnational crime, particularly organized crime, and countering terrorism. It also acknowledged disparities in policing capabilities among Member States and called for international cooperation on capacity-building, technical assistance, gender mainstreaming, and human rights respect.

Africa

Sep

Pratipada Shraddha, Bhadrapada Purnima (H): September 7-8

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Today Hindus mark the Bhadra Pad Purnima Pratipada Shraddha. Pratipada Shraddha is a ritual for deceased family members who died on Pratipada Tithi, including Shukla and Krishna Paksha Pratipada. Special ceremonies are reserved for people who die on Tithi. At that time, the moon is weak; therefore, it cannot provide the deceased with its auspicious blessings for their journey upon death. Pratipada Shraddha is also known as Padwa Shraddha. PLEASE NOTE: We use the Indian civil calendar, the official holiday calendar in India. The Hindu faith has many calendars, each specific to different regions and tribes, with dates and celebrations marked by differing positions of the sun, moon, and stars. Names of months and holidays and the corresponding dates in the Gregorian Calendar may vary widely from one calendar to the next. Determine the proper calendar before attending local events.

Africa

Sep

Salami Day: September 7

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Salami Day honors the cured sausage called salami, which has existed for more than 2,000 years. This Mediterranean delicacy morphed into several varieties as it spread from country to country. Salami is fermented meat and thus contains lactic acid bacteria, and its name comes from the Italian word salame, meaning salt. Salami is made from beef or pork and spices. Salami Day was created in 2006 in Henrico, Virginia, by the Salami Appreciation Society.

Africa