International Day for Biological Diversity

International Day for Biological Diversity 

 2024 Theme 

"Be part of the Plan"

The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity is pleased to announce the Biodiversity Day 2024: 

Be part of the Plan

Although every Biodiversity Day has its own special significance, this year’s global celebrations bring a renewed sense of hope.

Around the world, governments and people are showing what they are doing to Build Back Biodiversity.

Biodiversity remains the answer to several sustainable development challenges. From nature-based solutions to climate, health issues, food and water security, and sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity is the foundation upon which we can build back better.

“From individual species through entire ecosystems, biological diversity is vital for human health and well-being. The quality of the water we drink, the food we eat, and the air we breathe all depend on keeping the natural world in good health.”

- António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General

Part of the International Day for Biological Diversity focuses on biodiversity as the foundation for our food and health and as a key catalyst for transforming food systems and improving human well-being. Join the conversation, take action, and be a catalyst for change! Below is a list of things that you can do to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity for your well-being:

*Reduce your meat consumption

*Eat and purchase seasonal foods

*Buy local foods

*Reduce your food waste

*Compost your food scraps

*Reduce food packaging by using reusable bags or reusing

  glass jars or containers

*Avoid single-use plastics like plastic straws, coffee cups, 

  plastic cutlery, take out containers or plastic water bottles

*Promote local and indigenous biodiversity for food and 

  nutrition


Resource
1. International Day for Biological Diversity - 2024 Theme

Spotlight on Asparagus

Spotlight on Asparagus

Asparagus is a perennial garden plant belonging to the Lily family. It is harvested in the spring when it is 6 to 8 inches tall. The most common variety of asparagus is green in color. There are two other edible varieties available. White asparagus is grown underground to inhibit its development of chlorophyll content, therefore creating its distinctive white coloring. It is generally found canned, although you may find it fresh in some select markets, and it is generally more expensive than the green variety since its production is more labor-intensive. The other edible variety of asparagus is purple in color. It is smaller than the green or white variety (usually just 2 to 3 inches tall) and features a fruitier flavor. It also provides benefits from phytonutrients called anthocyanins that give it its purple color.

Nutrition Information
Low in calories, only 20 per 3.5 oz. serving
Contains no fat or cholesterol
Very low in sodium
A good source of potassium. (1)
A source of fiber (2 grams per 3.5 serving)
An excellent source of folic acid
A significant source of thiamin and vitamin B6

Selection

Asparagus stalks should be rounded, and neither fat nor twisted. Look for firm, thin stems with deep green or purplish closed tips. The cut ends should not be too woody, although a little woodiness at the base prevents the stalk from drying out. Once trimmed and cooked, asparagus loses about half its total weight. Use asparagus within a day or two after purchasing for the best flavor and texture. Store in the refrigerator with the ends wrapped in a damp paper towel.

Preparation and Cooking

Thin asparagus does not require peeling. Asparagus with thick stems should be peeled because the stems are usually tough and stringy. Remove the tough outer skin of the bottom portion of the stem (not the tips) with a vegetable peeler. Wash asparagus under cold water to remove any sand or soil residues. It is best to cook asparagus whole. If you want to cut asparagus into small pieces, it is best to cut them after they are cooked. Asparagus can be served hot or cold.

Serving Ideas

•  Add cold asparagus to your favorite salad.

•  Toss cooked pasta with asparagus, olive oil, and your favorite pasta spices. 

•  Chopped asparagus make a flavorful and colorful addition to omelets.

•  Sauté asparagus with garlic, mushrooms, and tofu or chicken for a complete meal.

Recipes

Asparagus Recipes & Tips from The Produce Lady

How To Make Perfectly Roasted Asparagus

EatingWell, Asparagus 
Food Network, Asparagus recipes

National High Blood Pressure Education Month and World Hypertension Day

The World Hypertension League (WHL) is a division of the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) and is in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO).

Every year, 17 May is dedicated to World Hypertension Day (WHD). World Hypertension Day was established to highlight preventable stroke, heart, and kidney diseases caused by high blood pressure and to communicate to the public information on prevention, detection, and treatment.

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force applied against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood through the body.


Know Your Blood Pressure Number
The first number, systolic blood pressure, measures the maximum pressure exerted as the heart contracts. A measurement over 90 and under 140 is generally considered normal for an adult.

The lower number indicates diastolic pressure is a measurement taken between beats when the heart is at rest. A measurement over 60 and under 90 is generally considered normal for an adult.

High Blood Pressure is a Global Epidemic. Over 1.5 billion people worldwide suffer from high blood pressure (or hypertension).

Lower Your Sodium

Prevention and Control of High Blood Pressure

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight

2. Eat More Fresh Vegetables and Fruits

3. Cut Back on Salt Intake
4. Exercise
5. Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly
6. If you are on medication, take the medication as prescribed.

Resources
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). National High Blood Pressure Education Program

The World Hypertension League (WHL).  The World Hypertension League's (WHL) objectives are to promote the detection, control, and prevention of arterial hypertension in populations.

National Employee Health and Fitness Month

Employees’ Health And Fitness Programs

Workplace Wellness Programs enhance the
overall health and productivity of your organization.

Benefits For Employers

Increase employee productivity

Improve health care costs

Less illness and injuries

Reduce employee absenteeism

Benefits For Employees

Less stress

Improve physical fitness

Better eating habits or weight control

Increase physical and mental health 

Global Employee Health and Fitness Month™ is administered annually by the National Association for Health and Fitness. NEHF is a national health observance created to promote the benefits of physical activity for individuals through their worksite health promotion activities. Founded in 1989, National Employee Health and Fitness Month has enlisted tens of thousands of participants from employers worldwide.

For More Information on how to Improve Employee Health and Fitness, visit the following links:
Global Employee Health and Fitness Month

National Employee Health and Fitness Day Campaign

NCPAD The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability

UN International Day of Families

Food brings us together; family keeps us together.

National Family Month is celebrated every year from
Mother's Day through Father's Day.

May 15th is the United Nations International Day of Families. 

2025 Theme: Family-Oriented Policies for  Sustainable Development

The 2025 International Day of Families focuses on “Family-Oriented Policies for Sustainable Development” as a lead-up to the November Second World Summit for Social Development. It highlights how supporting families through national policies is essential for tackling global challenges like poverty, inequality, urbanization, and climate change while advancing the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

International Day of Families, 

The Family Meal, a Tradition Celebrated Worldwide

National Women’s Checkup Day, a part of National Women's Health Week

National Women’s Health Week is organized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health (OWH). The goal is to empower women to make their health a top priority. 

Some women are so busy caring for their families that they neglect to care for themselves. During National Women’s Health Week, remind your wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and/or girlfriend to take steps to improve their health and prevent disease.

The annual National Women’s Health Week kicks off on Mother’s Day. Dedicate this day to visit or make an appointment with your healthcare professional. Schedule a check-up. Prevention and early detection are crucial to one’s health. To learn more about National Women's Health Week, visit the following links:

National Women's Health Week 

National Women's Checkup Day

Why is it important for women to participate in National Women's Checkup Day?

Women need regular checkups because screening tests, such as mammograms and Pap tests, can find diseases early when they are easier to treat. Some women need specific screening tests earlier, or more often than others. Screenings and routine care can help women lower their risks of many health conditions, including heart disease.

How can women participate in this important event?
Women can participate in National Women’s Checkup Day by:
Contact their current health care professional to schedule a checkup and get important screenings on National Women’s Checkup Day.

Discussing with their health care professionals which screenings and tests are right for them, when they should have them, and how often.

For information about participating in National Women’s Checkup Day and other National Women’s Health Week activities, visit the National Women’s Health Week website at https://www.womenshealth.gov/nwhw/ 

Women's Health Month

The information provided here is from the National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC). 

A Shrimp-filled Journey from around the World

Global Shrimp Delights: A Culinary Journey. Join us on a shrimp-filled journey worldwide, from prawn curry (India) to Paella (Spain).

Resources and Recipes

1. LouisianaShrimp Association

2. Food Network, Healthy Shrimp Recipes
3. TasteAtlas, Shrimp, and Pawn Dishes Around the World. 

Stamp Out Hunger with the National Association of Letter Carriers

On Saturday, May 9, 2026, the National Association of Letter Carriers will do its part to Stamp Out Hunger across America. Now in its 34th year, the Stamp Out Hunger effort is the nation's largest single-day food drive, having collected more than 1 billion pounds of food since its inception in 1993. In 2012, Americans donated more than 70 million pounds of food, marking the ninth consecutive year that at least 70 million pounds were collected. 


The Stamp Out Hunger food drive provides food to local food banks and pantries that rely on donations. With more than 50 million Americans at risk of hunger, food banks nationwide continue to experience record demand for emergency food assistance.

Donate items, such as canned meats, fish, soup, bottled juice, vegetables, pasta, cereal, and rice that do not require refrigeration. Please do not include expired items or glass containers.

Help out

Place non-perishable food products in a bag and leave
them on your mailbox. Your Letter Carrier will deliver
the food to local food banks.

To find out how you can help, go to

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

National Barrier Awareness Day - Barriers to Health Care

Barriers to Health Care

• “After you turn into an adult with cerebral palsy, there is little medical support. Most of the studies, surgeries, and what have you are done with children with cerebral palsy. I walk into a doctor’s office and say I have cerebral palsy and get “that look” from the doctor. The look most adults with CP have seen numerous times in their life, the look of “Oh crap, I am going to have to Google this when I get home.” - Mary Catherine

People with disabilities encounter a range of barriers when they attempt to access health care including the following.

Prohibitive costs

Affordability of health services and transportation are two main reasons why people with disabilities do not receive needed health care in low-income countries - 32-33% of non-disabled people are unable to afford health care compared to 51-53% of people with disabilities.

Limited availability of services
The lack of appropriate services for people with disabilities is a significant barrier to health care. For example, research in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu states of India found that after the cost, the lack of services in the area was the second most significant barrier to using health facilities.

Physical barriers
Uneven access to buildings (hospitals, health centers), inaccessible medical equipment, poor signage, narrow doorways, internal steps, inadequate bathroom facilities, and inaccessible parking areas create barriers to health care facilities. For example, women with mobility difficulties are often unable to access breast and cervical cancer screening because examination tables are not height-adjustable and mammography equipment only accommodates women who are able to stand.

Inadequate skills and knowledge of health workers
People with disabilities were more than twice as likely to report finding health care provider skills inadequate to meet their needs, four times more likely to report being treated badly and nearly three times more likely to report being denied care.

Addressing barriers to health care

Governments can improve health outcomes for people with disabilities by improving access to quality, affordable health care services, which make the best use of available resources. As several factors interact to inhibit access to health care, reforms in all the interacting components of the health care system are required.

Policy and legislation
Assess existing policies and services, identify priorities to reduce health inequalities, and plan improvements for access and inclusion. Establish health care standards related to the care of persons with disabilities with enforcement mechanisms.

Service delivery

Provide a broad range of modifications and adjustments (reasonable accommodation) to facilitate access to health care services. For example, changing the physical layout of clinics to provide access for people with mobility difficulties or communicating health information in accessible formats such as Braille. Empower people with disabilities to maximize their health by providing information, training, and peer support. Promote community-based rehabilitation (CBR) to facilitate access for disabled people to existing services. Identify groups that require alternative service delivery models, for example, targeted services or care coordination to improve access to health care.

Human resources
Integrate disability education into undergraduate and continuing education for all healthcare professionals. Train community workers so that they can play a role in preventive health care services. Provide evidence-based guidelines for assessment and treatment.

WHO response

In order to improve access to health services for people with disabilities, promote strategies to ensure that people with disabilities are knowledgeable about their own health conditions and that healthcare personnel support and protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.

Resources
1. Access To Medical Care for Individuals With Mobility Disabilities, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights
2. Disability and Health, World Health Organization

May 6, International No Diet Day - A Celebration of Body Acceptance and Body Shape Diversity

International No Diet Day (INDD) is annually observed on May 6th. It is a celebration of body acceptance and body shape diversity. The day is dedicated to raising awareness of the dangers of diets. A blue ribbon is used to symbolized INDD cause.

The INDD was created in 1992 by Mary Evans Young, a British woman who decided to fight the diet industry in order to raise awareness of the dangers of dieting, anorexia nervosa, and other eating disorders.

The Goals of the INDD:
1. Doubt the idea of one "right" body shape.
2. Raise awareness of weight discrimination, size bias, and fatphobia.
3. Declare a free day from diets and obsessions to body weight.
4. Present the facts about the diet industry, emphasizing the inefficacy of commercial diets.
5. Show how diets perpetuate violence against women.
6. Honor the Victims of eating disorders and weight-loss surgeries.

Resources:
International No Diet Day. Wikipedia 

Tuna Creations, Sustainable Seas World Tuna Day

Tuna Creations, Sustainable Seas. From classic to stylish, each dish offers a taste of the ocean's bounty, sustainably sourced and beautifully served. #WorldTunaDay #tuna

Tuna is a saltwater fish belonging to the mackerel family (Scombridae). It is one of the few fish species that can maintain a body temperature higher than that of the surrounding water.

Mercury Concerns

Questions & Answers from the FDA/EPA Advice on What Pregnant Women and Parents Should Know about Eating Fish, FDA

Fish are a high-quality protein source, and lower mercury fish are a good choice for everyone. This advice is specifically for women who are pregnant, might become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, and for young children, but everyone can follow this advice.

Albacore has more omega-3 fat per ounce, but since it comes from a larger tuna species, it also has more mercury. On the other hand, chunk light comes from a smaller fish species and has less mercury and omega-3 fat.

The Food and Drug Administration and EPA recommend that women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing moms and young children eat up to 12 ounces (2 average meals) of lower-mercury fish and shellfish each week. Since albacore ("white") tuna has more mercury than light tuna, when choosing your 2 fish, you can safely eat up to 6 ounces of albacore tuna each week (which is a healthy serving of tuna for one average meal).

Use the chart to help you choose which fish to eat each week. Eating a variety of fish is better for you and your child than eating the same type every time.

Canned Tuna
Tuna is one of the easiest protein sources to keep on stock for a quick meal.


Choosing the Right Can
Water and Oil-packed tuna can be used to create a healthy recipe. The most common water-packed varieties in the market are albacore and chunk light. Albacore has a milder flavor, while chunk light tends to have a stronger flavor. Three ounces of tuna canned in water has the following nutrition information:

Recipe

Tomato, Tuna & Tarragon Salad

Serves 6

Ingredients.
1/2 cup diced Red Onion
1/3 cup low-fat mayonnaise
Freshly Ground Pepper To Taste
6-ounce, 2 cans chunk light tuna in olive oil, water-packed
2 Celery stalks, thinly sliced
1/4 cup Packed coarsely chopped fresh tarragon leaves
8 cups torn lettuce, or mixed greens

Directions.

1. Place the onion in a small bowl and cover with cold water. Refrigerate for 20 minutes. Drain.

2. Whisk mayonnaise and pepper in a medium bowl. Add tuna, celery, tarragon, and onion; stir to combine. Serve on top of the lettuce (or mixed greens) with tomato and lemon wedges.

Resources

1. World Tuna Day, United Nations
2. Healthy Canned-Tuna Recipes, Skinnytaste

From Tree to Table: Celebrating Arbor Day with Garden Fresh Delights

A Tour through Our Garden

From Tree to Table:
Celebrating Arbor Day with Garden Fresh Delights

"Arbor Day is a time to celebrate the wonders of nature
and to plan for an even greener future by
planting and caring for trees."

Our Mango Trees

Last year, our mango tree produced over 80 fruits.
This year looks like another high yield.

Our Banana Plant(s)

I asked for a Banana Plant for my birthday (July 5, 2020).
It stood about 2 feet high. In less than 10 months, the
banana plant grew to a height exceeding 10 feet.
In November 2021, the Banana Plant produced an
amazing first harvest. In addition, that
one Banana Plant is now 4 Banana Plants.
Banana plants appear to multiply as fast as rabbits.

John Denver - Plant a Tree

While growing up in East Meadow, New York, we had a huge apple tree in our yard. I would climb up the tree and sit on the branches for hours, eating the apples while watching the world below.

When Jake and I moved into our home in 1998, we planted a mango tree. We watched it grow and flourish. Then, in 2005, Hurricane Wilma hit and damaged the tree. We tried to nurse the tree back to health for years, but the infection had spread into the roots.

Finally, on April 25, 2012, we removed the old tree and replanted a new Valencia pride mango tree. Today, the tree stands tall, even after surviving Hurricane Irma.

In April 2018, we decided to plant another Mango Tree. This time, we planted it near the road so that if people walked or drove by, they could grab a mango.

Planting a fruit tree is good for the environment and economics and marks special moments.

Visit the Arbor Day Foundation. Resources, membership, free trees, and a lot more.

Our Nation's Forests are National Treasures

Zucchini Walnut Bread

Zucchini Walnut Bread

Yield: 2 loaves (12 slices per loaf)
Servings: 24
Equipment: Two 9-by-5-inch loaf pans
Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients
3 large eggs
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups whole-wheat flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups shredded zucchini (about 1 pound)
½ cup walnuts chopped finely

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat two 9-by-5-inch loaf pans with cooking spray.
• Whisk eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla in a large bowl. Whisk all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
• Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth. Fold in zucchini and walnuts. Divide the batter into the loaf pans and smooth the tops.
• Bake for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the loaves cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Turn out onto a wire rack for about 1 hour.

Nutrition Information.
Calories (kcal) 214
Protein (g) 3
Carbohydrates (g) 25
Total Dietary Fiber (g) 1
Total Sugars (g) 13
Added Sugar (g) 13
Fat (g) 12
Saturated Fat (g) 1
Cholesterol (mg) 23
Calcium (mg) 26
Potassium (mg) 84
Sodium (mg) 125

Forks, Fields & Future: An Earth Day Reflection

Earth Day

What Is Your Ecological Footprint?  

Small Changes Make a Big Difference

April 22, 1970, marked the first Earth Day, which awakened nearly 20 million Americans from all walks of life to launch the modern environmental movement. From that first Earth Day came the passage of the landmark Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and many other environmental laws. Today the Earth Day Network (EDN) works with over 75,000 partners in 192 countries to broaden diversify and mobilize the environmental movement. More than 1 billion people now participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world.

Earth is Our Home—Let's Protect It
National Geographic 

Earth - Small Changes Make a Big Difference

YouTube has a wide range of resources, from the young, older, news, family, scientist, schools, communities, governments, and industry describing how they are making a difference and how we can make a difference in saving our Earth.

Mobilize The Earth

Green Mom

Cost of Food

Americans have been spending less and less on what we eat. But those savings come with a high cost: obesity, diabetes, and big health care bills. Here's a look at how our diet has changed over the last 50 years, and what we can do to make it better.

Recycle Guys