This seems to be the month to take closer look a myriad of health issues, including World Food Day to increase of the awarness of hunger throughout the world.

Monthly Events

World Blindness Awareness Month. Almost 180 million people around the world suffer from blindness or visual impairment. EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, reminds everyone that most vision loss can be prevented if people have access to the right information and treatment. http://www.eyecareamerica.org/eyecare/

National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Ten million animals go into shelters every year. For more information go to http://www.americanhumane.org/protecting-animals/special-events/adopt-a-dog-month/

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. "Beginning as a Day of Unity observation in October 1981, the observance grew into the first domestic violence awareness month in October 1987." For more information go to http://www.ndvh.org/

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. First held in October 1985, National Breast Cancer Awareness month aims to provide information about resources and treatment for breast cancer, which is expected to account for more than 40,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2009. About 2.5 million survivors of breast cancer live in the United States today. For more information, go to http://nbcam.org/index.cfm

National Ergonomics Month. Sponsored by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (http://www.hfes.org/web/default.aspx), National Ergonomics Month seeks to create awareness of ergonomic issues through community-based activities at colleges and universities, high schools, and corporations.

Weekly Events

National Customer Service Week. Oct. 5-11. Created to raise awareness of the importance of customer service, and also an opportunity to say “thanks” to those people who strive to satisfy custom¬ers and create a pleasant relationship between buyers and sellers. More information is available at http://www.nationalcustomerserviceweek.com

Hearing Aid Awareness Week. October 18-24. Sponsored by the International Hearing Society and recognized by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ National Health Observances Calendar, this week is a spotlight on consumer awareness of state-of-the-art hearing instrument technology. For more information, go to http://ihsinfo.org/IhsV2/About_Us/040_Consumer_Advocacy.cfm

National Freedom of Speech Week. Oct. 19-25. Celebrating the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: “Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech.” For more information go to http://www.freespeechweek.org/


Daily Events

World Vegetarian Day. October 1. Founded by the North American Vegetarian Society in 1977, and the kick-off to Vegetarian Awareness Month. For more information go to http://www.navs-online.org

World Food Day. October 16. Established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, this day seeks to increase awareness of the problem of hunger in the world. For more information go to http://www.un.org/Depts/dhl/food/index.html

Halloween. October 31. Trick or treat! Learn about this holiday’s origins. For more information go to http://www.history.com/content/halloween