The month of February is a good example of the old saying that big things can come in small packages. This shortest month of the year, weighing in at 28 days, except for leap year, which adds an extra day every four years, is an interesting month filled with superstitions, romance, history, great events and honors.
Probably the coldest month of the year, it is often blamed for the condition called the February Blues. This state is described as the feeling of being low and having decreased energy.
Some explanations for this are that the lack of sunlight makes many feel down, the weather and the normal letdown from the aftermath of the active holiday season.
Some folks say it is because that is when you have to deal with the credit card bills we incurred due to our Christmas generosity. Our heating bills go up, and roads become more difficult to drive on in many parts of the United States.
We have heard a lot about the treacherous weather that has hit so much of our country. As a native of Michigan, I sympathize. I remember well the frozen pipes, ice-covered roads, the layer of extra clothing required to go outdoors and wishing to see the sun. Just one more reason I love this great state of ours.
The month begins popping right out of the gate with the huge question on everybody’s mind: Will Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog in Pennsylvania, see his shadow or not? If it sees its shadow, that means six more weeks of winter, boo.
This day has become more well-known thanks to the classic movie Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray. I watch it every year to get in the real mood of February.
While this month remains one of the most misspelled words in the English language, its name’s origin goes all the way back to the year 713 BC. The second King of Rome, Numa Pompilius, did the honors. The name comes from the Latin term februum, which means “purification,” via the purification ritual Februa held on February 15 (full moon) in the old lunar Roman calendar.
Before you know it, it will be Valentine’s Day, so plan ahead and be a hero. More on that in a future column.
Did you know that the month is also a romantic time for many animals as well? It is the mating season for animals such as bald eagles, owls and coyotes. So, if they seem a little happier…
This month honors two of our most popular presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. If I had a dollar for every black construction paper silhouette I cut out in elementary school, I could, well, in today’s economy, buy a large drink at Starbucks.
For pancake lovers like me, it may be of interest that this is when the maple trees’ sap begins to flow. I love trivia.
February is the month used to highlight Heart Health. Sometimes we take this amazing part of our body, which works so hard for us, for granted. Be aware of some of your body’s numbers that have a direct effect on your heart’s health.
Your heart rate: A resting heart rate should range from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Athletes normally have lower numbers.
BLP: These numbers are your blood pressure. It is suggested by the American Heart Association that a normal BP is 120/80.
Cholesterol level: Good levels (HDL), Bad DL. The average is above 60 and below 130.
This month of hearts, do your body a favor and see your doctor to see how your body is running. As a woman who has dealt with heart disease for almost thirty years, I am proof that check-ups, medication when needed and simple life changes like any increase in physical activity and trying to eat healthier can help.
Feb. 4 is World Cancer Day. I consider cancer to be public enemy number one. While research is trying hard to find a cure, there are so many different forms of cancer that it is staggering.
Like you, I have lost many loved ones and friends to this cruel disease. No one thinks it can happen to them, but all of us can be touched by the hand of fate.
I lost my children’s father, my dear Ron, and my mother to cancer, as well as several aunts and uncles. I have lost more friends to this disease than I can begin to list, like Mary Glenn from colon cancer, Judi Nicoletti from breast cancer, Claron Smith from pancreatic cancer, the list goes on. I will be writing more on this critical topic this month.
One of the saddest days connected with the month is that on Feb. 1, 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart only sixteen minutes before it was scheduled to land. All seven passengers were killed. Most of us who were watching our television at the time have it engrained on their psyche.
Wanting to change tone after that somber mention, it was in February of 1964 that the BEATLES were first seen on American television on the Ed Sullivan Show. I was one of the seventy million Americans who watched. Music has never been quite the same. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah…Yeah!
While we watch the conflict in our beloved country, it is hard not to get overwhelmed, maybe angry or depressed. Be sure to be kind to your precious body because it reacts to stress.
Eat sensibly, get enough sleep, go for calming walks, journal, play music you like; after all, it soothes the savage beast. Try watching some comedy shows, reading a book, talking with your family or friends, and limiting the time you watch the news. See you next week, be well and find something every day to feel grateful for, and smile
