Virus Appreciation Day
It's hard to imagine anyone on the receiving end of a virus appreciating. Computer viruses that cause the blue screen of death, the virus that causes the common cold, who wants to appreciate those? Someone did because it's Virus Appreciation Day. Rather than appreciate viruses, be prepared instead.
* Stop clicking on those provocative "you have to see this" fake video posts on Facebook.
* Avoid opening .exe files in email from unknown sources.
* And for those other kinds of viruses? Hand washing can be your best defense against some viruses according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
If the movie "Contagion" has you itching for more virus-related flicks, celebrate the holiday with these movies:
* A classic from the mind of Michael Crichton: "The Andromeda Strain"
* Watch for Milla Jovovich - "Resident Evil" and the sequels, " Apocalypse" (2004), "Extinction" (2007) and "Afterlife" (2010)
Techies Day
Maybe the true inspiration for Virus Appreciation Day is connected to Techies Day. The holiday was conceived in 1999 as "a day for tech professionals and organizations to volunteer their time, talent and skills to encourage students in grades K-12 to learn more about careers in technology" according to Techiesday. Their techies must be out on an extended lunch because the website has not been updated since at least 2003.
* Keep Techies Day alive by thanking your favorite techie.
* Learn more about technology and encouraging kids to do the same. After all, you never know when you may have to combat a virus.
National Chili Week
When most people hear the word chili they think of a dish with a meat and bean dish, although the "original "chili" originally meant beans served in a spicy tomato sauce" and was meat-free according to Foodtimeline. The type without meat is typically labeled vegetarian on recipes, menus and cans. Chili con carne, or chili with meat, is the complete name for the dish we commonly call simply chili. Does it really matter as long as it's spicy and tasty? Expand your chili repertoire with Chili Blanc, chili with twice the beans or Texas-style Chili.
National Child Health Day
Once celebrated on May 3, National Child Health Day now has a permanent home in the calendar on the first Monday of October. The holiday was first proclaimed by, originally proclaimed by President Calvin Coolidge in 1928. "Children are our most precious resource. They are our joy in the present, and our hope for the future. As loved ones and educators, mentors and friends, we must do everything in our power to protect the health and well being of our Nation's children and the promise of their futures " according to President Barack Obama.
* Play outside with kids: run, jump in raked leaves or practice kicking a soccer ball.
* Lead by example to encourage kids to make healthy food choices.
* Watch a sports safety video with your kids from SafeKidsUSA.
