April 2023 FACS of Life Calendar

April 1: International Pillow Fight Day

April showers may bring May flowers, but they can also bring a lot of extra time indoors. Instead of having extra time in front of the TV or on devices consider an organized pillow fight! It’s fun, gets energy out, and if you set boundaries at the beginning it is sure to create fun family memories.

April 3: The Importance of Physical Activity

Physical activity benefits our health in numerous ways. Just take a look at what the World Health Organization has to share about it:

“Regular physical activity can:

• improve muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness;
• improve bone and functional health;
• reduce the risk of hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, various types of cancer (including breast cancer and colon cancer), and depression;
• reduce the risk of falls as well as hip or vertebral fractures; and
• help maintain a healthy body weight.

In children and adolescents, physical activity improves:

• physical fitness (cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness)
• cardiometabolic health (blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, glucose, and insulin resistance)
• bone health
• cognitive outcomes (academic performance, executive function)
• mental health (reduced symptoms of depression)
• reduced adiposity

In adults and older adults, higher levels of physical activity improves:

• risk of all-cause mortality
• risk of cardiovascular disease mortality
• incident hypertension
• incident site-specific cancers (bladder, breast, colon, endometrial, oesophageal adenocarcinoma, gastric and renal cancers)
• incident type-2 diabetes
• prevents of falls 
• mental health (reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression)
• cognitive health
• sleep
• measures of adiposity may also improve”

April 5: Gold Star Spouses Day

Being a gold-star spouse takes commitment and work! Elevate is a skills-based program for couples in committed relationships that gives the space to elevate your relationship. If you are in or around Monroe County and want to participate in the amazing in-person workshop starting May 1, sign up for our free dinner and registration event.

April 7: World Health Day

On 7 April 2023  ̶  World Health Day  ̶  the World Health Organization will observe its 75^th anniversary.

In 1948, countries of the world came together and founded WHO to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable – so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health and well-being.   

WHO’s 75th anniversary year is an opportunity to look back at public health successes that have improved quality of life during the last seven decades. It is also an opportunity to motivate action to tackle the health challenges of today  ̶  and tomorrow.  

Join WHO on a journey to achieve Health For All.

April 9: Easter Egg Safety

“Egg Hunts still exist today using these real eggs and then are brought in and provided to eat with the holiday meal.  It is important to consider basic Easter Egg Food safety is you choose to dye and hunt fresh, real eggs. “

A blog post by Gilmere County FACS Agent Nancy Adams.

April 11: National Pet Day

“Most families are likely, not complete until they bring home the family pet. “

A blog post by Gilmere County FACS Agent Nancy Adams.

April 13: Make Your Lunch Count

Did you know that taking a break from your work routine actually increases your potential for productivity and momentum at work?  The Average American worker has trended to never leave their desk during the day due to “Fear of Lunching out, (FOLO).”  TGI Fridays actually commissioned the study that found the majority (1/3) eat lunch at their desks everyday and 73% do this at least twice a week.  The pressures of the job and tasks on the table have workers skipping this essential refueling time.  The lunch meal gives your body the opportunity to gain the energy from food to get you through the tasks at the end of the day.  The study found that workers didn’t feel like they were being encouraged to break away from their tasks for lunch during the middle of the day.  Make Your Lunch Count day encourages awareness and deviation back away from this trend.  Be sure to use sound nutrition options from MyPlate.org to fuel your body with the right choices too.

April 15: World Art Day

Art tends to be a global connector and peace path maker amongst cultures.  World Art Day is a day that sheds light on the importance of and various types of art, noting that the diversity of art helps to make our world a better place.  April 15^th was chosen as the annual day to focus our thoughts as its honors Leonardo Da Vinci’s birthday.  This is also an appropriate time to be sure to support and entertain ongoing conversations about the importance of the opportunity to participate in various forms of art and art education within schools.  April tends to boast many school concerts, exhibits and fairs that show off local expressions; be sure to attend or encourage your youngster’s participation.  Other ways to celebrate include visiting a museum or creating your own masterpiece! 

April 17: Fad Diets

As we round the corner towards summer people start thinking about weight loss for bathing suit season. While weight loss isn’t necessarily a bad thing our goals should be realistic and our health should be our primary concern. Fad diets make big promises that are not in line with what we know research says about healthy weight loss and keeping weight off. If you are looking to lose weight know that healthy weight loss happens at a rate of 1.5 to 3 lbs. per week. Your weight loss plan needs to include physical activity and a well-balanced diet. If you are interested in learning more about healthy weight loss contact your local Extension agent for guidance on research-based, safe, programs UGA Extension offers to help with nutrition and weight loss.

Keep a watch out for a podcast episode of Fad Diets in the first season of the FACS of Life Podcast!

April 19: Meal Planning

This is a weekly or monthly chore for the cooks in your home; even if this is a feat that they enjoy, there still seems to be an ease to slip into that dreaded routine or simply need some new ideas to spice things up from time to time.  The importance of meal planning lies in nutrition.  MyPlate offers many ideas on how to create a meal that will align with recommendations of healthy options in each category.  Half veggies and fruits, half protein and grains and a daily intake of dairy are recommended each time you make your plate/ meal.  Meal planning also needs to include observances of your budget and your time needed to prepare it.  There are lots of ways to include the whole family in weekly or monthly meal planning sessions.  Consider assigning each family member a day of the week for the month.  Try considering special themed meals: Slow Cooker Sundays, or Refrigerator Cleanout Soup Saturdays are a great way to start. 

April 2: National Minority Health Month

Did You Know? A 2003 assessment found that 58% of African Americans had basic or below basic health literacy, compared with 28% of non-Hispanic whites. The HHS Office of Minority Health encourages us to work with our communities to improve their health literacy this National Minority Health Month: https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/nmhm/

April 4: International Carrot Day

I love carrots! Not only are they a great snack and the base of many sauces and dishes enjoyed around the world, but they are also really good for you because they are packed with vitamins and minerals. Studies on carrots have shown a wide range of health benefits like reducing cancer risk, lowering cholesterol, and eye health.

April 6: National Burrito Day

Most people love a really good burrito. To reduce the calories and fat content try making some simple alterations. Since the tortilla meats your grain needs so forgo the rice. Choose either sour cream or cheese, and don’t go crazy on either one. Consider substituting beans instead of choosing meat, but if you would prefer meat choose chicken. These tend to be lower in fat even when considering cooking methods at a restaurant. Load up on the veggies if you really want a packed burrito. Veggies are important for the vitamins and minerals they provide your body, they increase the fiber in your diet, and they are low in calories.

April 8: Budgeting for All Ages

Staying on top of the rapidly changing world of personal finance is a challenge. Financial products and services are constantly changing. And as if that were not enough, financial information needs change With every age and stage of the life cycle. No wonder consumers are often frustrated. Read more here.

April 10: National Sibling Day

In 1995, a native New Yorker Claudia Evart was inspired by the earlier loss of her two siblings to create a day that would in turn provide a platform to celebrate the special sibling bond for others.  She picked the annual date April 10^th honoring her late sister.  Evart Founded the Siblings Day Foundation, a tax-exempt foundation in 1997 to provide access to support groups and other sibling resources as well.  Whether young or old, siblings (frequently and notably are likely of the same generation) share so many special memories, events, customs, and culture growing up together.  Parents can opt to help their own children celebrate each other this year with matching or themed outfits for the day.  Many modern-day older sibling’s celebrations include marking the day with a Social Media Post noting special fond memories.  Other ideas to join in the fun include scheduling time to be together with your siblings for a meal, talk of pastimes and memories, look through old pictures, and laugh and cry about it all.

April 12: National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic family favorite for many American families. They are good with just cheese, bread, and butter grilled to perfection. However, this simple sandwich can be made with so many creative twists. Try using different cheeses paired with vegetables such as spinach, tomatoes, ribboned zucchini, or broccoli. You can try fruits and fruit spreads too! One of my favorite twists on this classic is brie cheese with fig preserves and arugula on multigrain bread.

April 14: National Gardening Day

“Every year around this time in Spring there is lots of excitement and anxious gardeners waiting on pens and needles for the perfect day to start their Spring/ Summer gardens (or update their flowerbeds with new seasonal annual plants).  In the south, we refer to this popular seasonal moniker as “Blackberry Winter.”  The precise timing for when you ‘should’ feel safe in moving your newly seeded veggies and other tender plants outdoors is dependent on being safely past the likely chance of frost.”

A blog post by Gilmere County FACS Agent Nancy Adams.

April 16: Preparing to Purchase a Home

People don’t buy a home every day, so it’s unfamiliar territory to most of us. How do we prepare for a process we’re not familiar with? It’s helpful to have a guide. In the next few paragraphs, you will find some real-world guidance toward being ready to buy your home. 

Read the full article by Matt Harner, loan officer with Prime Point Mortgage, here. 

April 18: Paying for College

Coming up with the resources to pay for college can be a daunting task. However, it is about resources, not just money. Resources include preparing well for what colleges and universities look for in students they will offer scholarships to. Read more here.

April 21: National Kindergarten Day

The first Kindergarten (which means garden for the children) was developed in Germany in 1837 centralized around the idea that children learn best when they are able to learn through play.  Freidrich Wilhelm August Frobel was the teacher that began this unorthodox tradition recognizing that this provided students the opportunity to transition smoothly from home to school.  The United States quickly jumped into this standard as well, and while not required, is the perfect opportunity for youth to have some time learning the culture of a typical day of school, while still offering flexibility of schedules, rest, play, and social time during the day.  Today’s a great day to reach out to the Kindergarten teachers you know and love to celebrate and thank them for their contributions to the role they play in fostering that initial love and impression of school in youth!

April 23: National Picnic Day

Today’s a great day to get outside, breathe that fresh spring air and enjoy the fun of a simplistic meal outdoors.  Modern day picnics include that special mountain vista with a close friend or loved one, hand held foods or those on the lighter side with minimal cook/ prep time, atop a blanket for two or a few!  A literal throwback to 18^th Century al Fresco French dining under the sky, their piquenique or meal outdoors is a popular way to dine or seek quality re-fresh time.  On this National Picnic Day, round up your family and closest friends and create a special retreat to enjoy each other and a meal outside!  Soak up the sun, breathe in the air, enjoy the beauty of the new spring flowers in bloom.  Don’t rush, just enjoy!

April 22: Earth Day

Science classes across the globe have quite the role today in sharing about our great planet and its many resources.  During these discussions, it is important to share how the earth has changed over time and what has created or ushered in these changes.  No matter what political party line is drawn in the sand, it is important to know that there are both renewal and non-renewable resources that we must tend to in order to steward this great planet and all it offers us.  The great thing is that there is room for action in so many areas.  From tree plantings to clean up days to buying practices, Earth day is a great day to learn how you can do your part to help save and protect or planet for years to come.  Join in the fun and organize a group of friends to participate in a local trash pickup, or even consider one of the larger state and worldwide groups taskforce; you can register your event or see others at Earthday.org 

April 24 & 25: National Immunization Week

Article coming soon!

April 26: Pretzel Day

Coming soon!

April 28: National Arbor Day

Arbor day is one of the many agriculturally related celebrations of the Spring Season.  It’s a day to celebrate the importance of trees in all of our lives.  In modern times, you can find many schools boasting arbor day efforts locally and encouraging the planting of trees; likely too, an Ag and Natural Resources Extension Agent may compile efforts locally and host a planting or tree sapling dispersal.  It’s also a great time to focus our efforts to deforestation (46% worldwide) and note that trees provide clean air and water and protect our healthy soil.  Trees support biodiversity, good health, and help to counter climate change.  There are many jobs related to trees from researchers to arborists.  Trees also provide food and raw materials that help us build our homes and other structures.  Today’s a day to definitely, if you feel led, to hug a tree!

April 29: International Dance Day

Lindy hop, jitterbug, salsa, tango, ballet, and foxtrot; they are all expressions of art by the way of grooving and swaying our bodies.  Whether you enjoy dancing with someone, or watching the pros convene, April 29^th is the day set aside to get your dance on!  The earliest signs of dancing are evident from paintings in Egyptian tombs dating back over 9000 years.  Along the history and development of dance around the world there are so many ways to embrace or practice no matter your age or rhythm capabilities.  If nothing else, today is a great day to talk with others and reflect on favorite trends through the years or note the beauty in the various movements or clothing artifacts associated with each style. Get your boogie on!