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    Feb. 4: World Cancer Day, Homemade Soup Day, Thank a Mailman Day, USO Day

    World Cancer Day

    Cancer. It's a word we hear every day of our lives. It is not just one disease; it is many. But what they all have in common is the ability of their cells to invade other parts of the body and divide uncontrollably.

    Estimates for 2012 in the United States predicted 1,638,910 new cancer diagnoses and 577,190 deaths. Chances are good that you know at least one person who was either diagnosed with or passed away from cancer last year.

    Today is "World Cancer Day." The 2013 campaign will focus on Target 5 of the World Cancer Declaration: Dispel damaging myths and misconceptions about cancer. Some of those myths are:

    Myth 1: Cancer is just a health issue.

    Myth 2: Cancer is a disease of the wealthy, elderly and developed countries.

    Myth 3: Cancer is a death sentence.

    Myth 4: Cancer is my fate.

    Homemade Soup Day

    Nothing warms the stomach and the soul like a hot bowl of homemade soup. But in addition to the comfort they offer, some soups have been touted for their healing qualities as well. From detoxifying your body of impurities to boosting your immune system, soups have been used for centuries as a way to promote good health and cure what ails us.

    Today is "Homemade Soup Day," and the best way to celebrate is by stirring up a batch of your favorite recipe. Feeling feverish? Here's a great recipe from Yahoo! Shine that will have you feeling better in no time!

    The Ultimate Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

    Thank a Mailman Day

    Many of our public servants work day in and day out to make our lives safe, comfortable and convenient. Our mail carriers are no exception. Imagine having to pick up your mail at the post office each day, or perhaps only receiving it in good weather!

    Today is "Thank a Mailman Day," and gives us the perfect excuse to show our appreciation for their hard work and dedication. If you'd like to go one step further than a sincere "thank you," you might want to review the official guidelines for tipping and gift-giving for U.S. Postal workers. Here's an abbreviated version: Carriers are permitted to accept a gift worth $20 or less from a customer per occasion. However, cash and cash equivalents must never be accepted in any amount.

    USO Day

    Today is "USO Day," commemorating the incorporation of the United Services Organization on Feb. 4, 1941. The USO's primary mission is to lift the spirits of American troops and their families. Possibly best known for its entertainment of deployed troops, the USO actually manages several events and programs that fit within their mission.

    You can celebrate by getting involved. Check out the many ways you can help by visiting the official USO website.

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