Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Rededication, commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem following its desecration by Syrian Greeks in 164 BCE. Despite being a late addition to the Jewish liturgical calendar, the eight-day Hanukkah festival has become a cherished and cheerful holiday. It is also known as the Festival of Lights, and it is traditionally held in December.

Hanukkah festivities are primarily held at homes. The menorah, also known as the hanukkiah, is an eight-branched candelabrum that is lit every night of the holiday until it is fully illuminated on the eighth night. Lighting the menorah is a central part of the holiday. It is customary to consume meals that have been cooked in oil as a tribute to the fabled Cruse of Oil.

The European (Ashkenazi) potato pancakes known as latkes and the beloved Israeli sufganiyot jelly donuts are the most well-known Hanukkah dishes. During this time, children are given modest sums of money as well as nuts and raisins. Hanukkah has developed as the primary holiday for giving gifts in the Western Jewish calendar as a result of the influence of Christmas, which occurs around the same time of year.

Hanukkah observance now has a noticeable communal component. Jewish communities frequently come together for communal festivals and ceremonial candle lightings. Hanukkah songs are sung and traditional activities like dreidel are played during these celebrations.

December is Worldwide Food Service Safety Month. Did you know more than 200 diseases are spread through food alone? One in ten people become sick every year from eating contaminated food, and 420,000 people are killed from these illnesses every year. These types of illnesses can cause long-term health problems and possibly be deadly, so it’s very important to be adamant about consuming safely prepared food.

Here are some facts about food safety:
1. Food-borne diseases can be deadly
2. Freezing doesn’t kill bacteria
3. Cross-contamination can occur in the refrigerator
4. Chopping boards contain more germs than toilets
5. The five-second rule (Contrary to popular belief, bacteria can get attached to food as soon as the food touches the floor).

You can protect the food you and your loved ones consume by maintaining proper hygiene, learning to store food items properly, and to clean utensils and any cooking equipment properly. The more knowledge you have, the better equipped you can be against foodborne illnesses.

National Hand washing Awareness Week is observed on December 5th-11th every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hand washing can prevent 1 in 3 diarrhea-related illnesses and 1 in 5 infections, including the flu.

Personal hygiene begins and ends with our hands. Hand washing is one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of infection. It can also help protect you from getting sick with illnesses that are caused by germs. The CDC also estimates that hand washing could prevent up to 80% of these illnesses.

Hand washing can help prevent the spread of these diseases because it removes harmful bacteria from your hands before you touch other people or things. The CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, which is about as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Help protect ourselves and others from getting sick and spreading germs by remembering to wash your hands.

World AIDS Day is observed annually on December 1. This is a chance for people all over the world to come together in the battle against HIV, to support those who are living with HIV, and to remember those who have passed away from an AIDS-related illness. The first ever worldwide health-related holiday was established as World AIDS Day in 1988.

Every World AIDS Day has a distinct subject, and this year’s topic is “Equalize.” The catchphrase “Equalize” is a call to action. It is a call to action for all of us to pursue the tried-and-true methods required to redress disparities and assist in the eradication of AIDS.

Governments, civil society organizations, and UN agencies collaborate annually to promote campaigns centered on particular HIV-related issues. Some of these campaigns include:

• A lot of individuals wear red ribbons, which are the universal sign of HIV awareness, support, and solidarity.
• Groups of HIV-positive individuals and other AIDS response-focused civil society organizations rally to support the communities they work with and to raise money.
• Globally, awareness-raising efforts take place.
• People with HIV speak out on matters that are significant to them.
• Events serve to emphasize the epidemic’s current status.

World AIDS Day is still pertinent now as it has always been, serving as a reminder to both individuals and governments that HIV still exists. Increased financing for the AIDS response is still essential in order to increase understanding of the effect of HIV on people’s lives, reduce stigma and discrimination, and improve the quality of life for individuals living with HIV.

November is recognized as Epilepsy Awareness Month.

It’s estimated that four in every 100 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy. Although 3.4 million people and their families are currently affected by epilepsy in the United States, there is still much that is misunderstood about this brain disorder. People with epilepsy and seizures experience multiple daily challenges, such mood changes, sleep, thinking and memory issues, social and financial concerns.

Here are some facts about epilepsy:

• Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can affect any one of us regardless of race, age, or gender.
• Seizures are a symptom of epilepsy. Not all seizures are the same. Many people with epilepsy have more than one type of seizure.
• 1 in 10 people will have a seizure and 1 in 26 will develop epilepsy during their lifetime.
• Symptoms of a seizure are different from person to person.

Over the years, epilepsy has been misunderstood and stigmatized. This increases the overall importance of raising awareness about epilepsy and overcoming those stigmas. This month as you learn more about the history of epilepsy, educate others about epilepsy and seizures.

Native American Heritage Month is observed to recognize the extraordinary Native Americans who have made significant contributions to enhancing the character of the country. The term “American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month” is often used to describe this month.

One of the earliest proponents of creating an American Indian Day was Dr. Arthur C. Parker. He was the curator of the Museum of Arts and Science in Rochester, New York, and a Seneca Indian. May 16, 1916, saw the first declaration of American Indian Day. George H.W. Bush signed a joint resolution in 1990 that called for November to be recognized as National American Heritage Month.

The month of November is a time to celebrate the many and varied cultures, histories, and customs that exist, as well as the significant contributions made by Native Americans. This month gives us an opportunity to raise awareness about tribes and educate communities about the different difficulties that Native Americans have encountered both historically and currently.

Let us pledge to continue helping the remaining Native American tribes and educating people about their sacrifices during this month.

For the month of November people around the country come together to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s Disease. Did you know, there are over 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s Disease? Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging and the disease gets progressively worse as time goes on. Here are some warning signs someone with Alzheimer’s may be experiencing:

• Memory loss
• Trouble handling money
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks
• Decreased or poor judgment
• Misplacing belongings
• Changes in mood, and behaviors

Although these symptoms are related to the signs of  someone with Alzheimer’s, consult with a healthcare provider first and foremost for a more accurate diagnosis.  

Alzheimer’s is not only challenging for those facing the many challenges this disease brings, but is also challenging to those caring for their loved one’s with the disease. Each day brings on new challenges as the disease gets progressively worse. 

This month, take some time to learn about the many different ways to help and support a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease or a loved one caring for someone with the disease.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. This month highlights the need for more research to be conducted while cultivating a better understanding of the disease.

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and is also known as the leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women worldwide. Each year, 218,500 people are affected by lung cancer in the United States. Out of these, about 142,000 succumb to the disease.

According to the Lung Cancer Foundation of America, you can find different ways of raising awareness through wearing the lung cancer ribbon throughout the month of November, donating to lung cancer research, and sharing important awareness facts on your social media platforms.

To honor those who have been impacted by this disease, we’re joining millions across the country to participate in Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Every breath we take is a gift given to us by our lungs. Let us continue to lead healthy lives and take care of ourselves. Celebrate this month by having the most vital organ in your body checked!

The field of medicine known as respiratory care focuses on the promotion of ideal cardiopulmonary function, health, and wellness. Respiratory therapists identify, treat, and combat conditions that damage the lungs.

Our lungs are the doorway that can help us lead a healthy life. Which is why the importance of taking great care of ourselves cannot be stressed enough. Specialists in respiratory care are the unsung heroes that improve the quality of life for countless individuals worldwide by assisting them in maintaining healthy lungs!

Respiratory therapy has not been a popular practice among the general population for decades. The week-long celebration of the field of respiratory care serves to raise awareness of the value of lung health. There are currently over 100,000 respiratory therapists residing in the United States. Celebrate this week by having the most vital organ in your body checked!

Every breath we take is a gift given to us by our lungs. Let us continue to lead healthy lives and take care of ourselves.

International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) reminds us that while our industry was turned upside down and continues to be challenged by COVID-19, basic practices to prevent procedure- and surgical site-related infections remain critical to protecting patients and maintaining the reputation of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) as providers of safe, high-quality care.
If you work in a healthcare facility, or anywhere people might be at risk of catching an infection, you will want to read this. International Infection Prevention Week happens every year the third full week of October. It’s a time set aside for healthcare professionals and the public to get involved in an international effort to promote infection prevention and control.
You know you should be cleaning your hands but do you really practice it? It’s been said that we touch our face 50-100 times in a day. Think about it; when you get dressed, scratch your head or rub your eyes, then go to pets or tap on the keyboard at work. These are all opportunities to spread germs. Here are some tips to keep those pesky germs away.
Infection prevention is an often-overlooked aspect of the nursing profession. However, it is a vital part of patient care that helps to keep patients healthy, happy, and out of danger. By using the tips from this article, you can have a meaningful impact on your patients’ health by preventing infections in their environment, the hospital or clinic itself, and even in their communities.
Educate yourself on how to protect yourself against colds and flu, and help minimize the spread of infections in your workplace, your home, and any public spaces that you frequent. International Infection Prevention Week also provides a good opportunity to reinforce safety protocols and pest control measures at work, school or any other place of business. Protect yourself year round—not just during this Week.