Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day and Resources

What is Metastatic Breast Cancer? 

MBC is a nonprofit patient advocacy group dedicated to the concerns of women and men living with metastatic breast cancer. They strive to help those living with stage IV breast cancer be their own best advocate by providing education and information on treatments and coping with the disease.

Metastatic Breast Cancer

Resources and References
1. Metastatic Breast Cancer Support & Education 

National Dessert Day - Healthy Choices

Dessert is a confectionery or sweet course that concludes the main meal. The course usually consists of sweet foods, fruit, and possibly a beverage such as a dessert, wine or liqueur, but may include coffee, cheeses, nuts, or other savory items. In some parts of the world, such as much of central and western Africa and most parts of China, there is no tradition of a dessert course to conclude a meal.

The term "dessert" can apply to many items, including cakes, tarts, cookies, biscuits, gelatins, pastries, ice creams, parfaits, pies, puddings, custards, and sweet soups. Fruit is also commonly found in dessert courses because of its naturally occurring sweetness. 

Pink Desserts 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 

Recipes Below are Parfait Desserts

Pumpkin Pie Parfait with Cranberry-Walnut Relish

Strawberry Parfait with Granola

Mango Parfait

Strawberry Shortcake Parfait

Red, White, and Blue Parfait

Resources
1. Dessert, Wikipedia
2.  Healthy Dessert Recipes, EatingWell
3. Healthy Baking Alternatives, Jessica Cox, RD, Eatright
4. 9 Vegetables You Can Eat as Dessert, EatingWell

A Gulf Fritillary Visits Our Garden

           A Gulf Fritillary Visits Our Garden

This week, I caught a flash of bright orange dancing through my garden — a Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae)! With its fiery wings and graceful flight, this butterfly is one of Florida’s most frequent visitors, especially in gardens that welcome pollinators. Watching it glide between my Pentas, Lantana, and Zinnias reminded me why gardening for wildlife brings such joy.

The Gulf Fritillary, also known as the Passion Butterfly, is common across the southern United States, Central America, and the Caribbean. Despite its bright orange wings resembling a Monarch, you can tell them apart by the silver spots on the underside of the Fritillary’s wings.

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Host and Nectar Plants

To attract and support Gulf Fritillaries:

• Host plant (for caterpillars): Passionvine (Passiflora incarnata, P. suberosa, or P. foetida).

• Nectar plants: Lantana, zinnias, Mexican sunflower, verbena, and firebush.
  In my garden, the Fritillary landed on my [insert plant name here — e.g., “purple lantana”], sipping nectar before circling my passionvine to lay eggs.

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Life Cycle

Like Monarchs, Gulf Fritillaries go through four life stages — egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and adult. The caterpillars are striking — bright orange with black spines — and love to munch on passionvine leaves. Don’t worry, they won’t harm the plant long-term!

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Why They Matter

These butterflies are important pollinators and a sign of a healthy garden ecosystem. Their presence shows that your garden offers both food and safe shelter for wildlife.

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My Reflection

Each time I see a butterfly, I’m reminded of resilience and transformation. The Gulf Fritillary, with its fiery wings and gentle purpose, brings color not only to my flowers but also to life itself.

Our garden is an excellent butterfly habitat — colorful flowers, natural light, and space for fluttering wings. 

Crack into Endless Possibilities - World Egg Day

Eggs are vital in feeding people in both developed and developing countries. They are an excellent, affordable source of high-quality protein that can be produced almost anywhere, making them a valuable food source worldwide.

International Egg Commission (IEC) Chairman Joanne Ivy explained: “As an industry, we feel very privileged to be producing a product that can benefit so many people; we have publicly pledged to work with food organizations and developing nations to help provide access to eggs for everyone.“

Crack Into Endless Possibilities

Globally, over 1 billion people are underfed and undernourished; the egg industry believes it can make a difference and help to stop this.  With the help of the IEC and international egg associations from around the world, the international egg industry has pledged to work with the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation, food organizations, and developing nations to help feed the world’s growing population and make eggs available to everyone.

Nutrition

Recipe: Strawberry Omelet 

Ingredients

Non-Stick Spray
1 Egg White
2 Tbsp Non-fat Milk
1/2 cup Strawberries

Nutritional Analysis

Playing it Safe with Eggs

Nutritional Analysis Services

Ensure accurate and cost-effective nutritional analysis and food nutrition facts labels for your recipes and menus, utilizing an extensive research database. A great service for the Media, Cookbook Publishers, Restaurants, Writers, Chefs, Recipe Websites and Blogs. Your readers will enjoy and benefit from the Nutrition information.

For more information, visit Dietitians-Online Nutritional Analysis Services

Contact:
Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND
recipenews@gmail.com
954-294-6300

  

Mental Health in Humanitarian Emergencies

World Mental Health Day 

World Mental Health Day serves as a powerful reminder that there is no health without mental health. Each year on October 10, individuals and organizations around the globe come together to raise awareness, promote understanding, and advocate for mental well-being for all.

This year’s theme, “Mental Health in Humanitarian Emergencies,” focuses on the urgent need to support the mental and psychosocial needs of people affected by crises — including natural disasters, wars, pandemics, and other emergencies.


💚 The Hidden Toll of Crises

Humanitarian emergencies cause not only physical harm but also profound emotional distress. It’s estimated that one in five individuals living through such crises will experience a mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Providing mental health support during these times isn’t just compassionate — it’s lifesaving. It gives people the strength to cope, the space to heal, and the foundation to rebuild their lives and communities.

To make this possible, governments, health professionals, educators, and communities must work together. By investing in evidence-based, community-driven interventions, we can respond to immediate needs and foster long-term recovery.


🧠 Nutrition and Mental Health:
The Mind-Body Connection

Mental health and nutrition are deeply intertwined. Food provides more than calories — it delivers the nutrients that regulate mood, cognition, and emotional balance. During crises, when food security and stress levels are both at risk, maintaining proper nutrition is essential to mental health care.

🍎 How Nutrition Supports Mental Well-Being

• Omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds) may reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• B vitamins (from leafy greens, beans, eggs, and whole grains) help produce serotonin and other neurotransmitters that stabilize mood.
• Iron and zinc deficiencies are linked to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
• Antioxidant-rich foods like berries and citrus fruits help combat oxidative stress in the brain.
• Fermented foods such as yogurt and kefir promote gut health, which is connected to emotional regulation through the gut-brain axis.

Even small improvements — like adding fruits, vegetables, and water to emergency rations or providing nutrition education in shelters — can make a meaningful difference in mental resilience.


🩺 Spotlight: Eating Disorders in Crisis
 Understanding Anorexia Nervosa

In humanitarian or high-stress environments, mental health disorders like anorexia nervosa can become more severe or overlooked.
Anorexia is a serious eating disorder characterized by food restriction, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. It is not simply about food — it’s about control, identity, and emotional pain.

During emergencies, disruptions in food access and the stress of instability can worsen disordered eating behaviors. Recognizing the signs early — extreme weight loss, obsessive thoughts about food or body size, withdrawal, and fatigue — is vital.

Treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach that combines medical care, nutrition therapy, and psychological support. Rebuilding a healthy relationship with food takes time, patience, and compassion.

🌱 Building Resilience Together

As communities recover from crises, mental health and nutrition programs should be part of every humanitarian response plan. When individuals are nourished — physically and emotionally — they are better able to adapt, rebuild, and thrive.

Simple steps like:

• Integrating mental health counseling with nutrition support programs,
• Training local caregivers to identify early signs of distress, and
• Providing safe spaces for community meals and conversation,
• can transform recovery efforts and restore hope.

💬 Final Reflection

“Good mental health and good nutrition are both essential for survival, recovery, and growth. When we nourish the mind and body together, we strengthen the human spirit.”

On this World Mental Health Day, let us commit to creating a world where mental health is valued, protected, and accessible for all — especially for those enduring the hardest of times.

Together, we can build stronger, more resilient communities — one meal, one conversation, and one act of kindness at a time.

Resources

1. World Mental Health Day, Theme: Mental Health is a Human Right. WHO

2. NIH, Transforming the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses.

3. If you believe you suffer from depression or mental illness, seek help. Mental Health America

Call the 24-hour, toll-free, confidential National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or go to 

https://988lifeline.org/

 

October 10, National Angel Food Cake Day

Angel food cake first became known in the United States in the late 19th century. The name came from the airy lightness of the cake. Angel food cake is prepared using whipped egg whites and is usually baked in a tube pan.

Ingredients/Directions
Angel Food Cake, 1/12 of 9" cake, store-bought
1/4 cup each: Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, and Raspberries

Top with berries

Resources and References

1. Food Network, Classic Angel Food Cake

2. Wikipedia: Angel food cake. This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License

Nutritional Analysis Services
Ensure accurate and cost-effective nutritional analysis and food nutrition facts labels for your recipes and menus utilizing an extensive research database. A great service for the Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, Recipe Websites and Blogs. Your readers will enjoy and benefit from the Nutrition information.

For more information, visit Dietitians-Online Nutritional Analysis Services

contact:
Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND
recipenews@gmail.com
954-294-6300

National Moldy Cheese Day - Should I throw the Cheese Away?

Mold on soft cheeses, such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, and ricotta cheese should be discarded.  The same is true for any kind of cheese that shreds, crumbles, or slices. With these cheeses, the mold can send filaments throughout the cheese. In addition, harmful bacteria, such as listeria, brucella, salmonella, and E. coli, can grow along with the mold.

Mold generally can't penetrate far into hard and semisoft cheeses, such as cheddar, Colby, Parmesan, and Swiss. So you can cut away the moldy part and eat the rest of the cheese. Cut off at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) around and below the moldy spot. Be sure to keep the knife out of the mold so it doesn't contaminate other parts of the cheese.

Not all molds pose a risk. In fact, some types of mold are used to make cheeses, such as Brie and Camembert. These molds are safe to eat.

If you're not sure what type of cheese you have or what to do if it grows mold, the safe course is to discard it.

Resource

If a piece of cheese has mold growing on it, should I throw the cheese away? Mayo Clinic Katherine Zeratsky, #RDN

World Octopus Day - Food Resources

Octopus Food Resources

Nutrient Profile

How to Cook Octopus

by Kyle Phillips, featured in Spruceeats

Best Recipes for Octopus,
Food & Wine

It may seem daunting, but the octopus is worth tackling at home. Whether grilled or braised, the tender tentacles are incredibly delicious and can be served in a myriad of ways.

Pan-Seared Octopus with Italian Vegetable Salad 

by Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo

National Salmon Day - Recipe, Nutrition Profile, and Health Benefits

Salmon with Rice Pilaf and Green Beans

Ingredients
3 ounces Salmon, grilled
1/3 cup Rice Pilaf
1/2 cup Green Beans

Health Benefits of Salmon

1. Salmon is a fish high in omega-3 fats. Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid that may help lower cholesterol levels and support heart health.

2. Salmon is rich in high-quality protein. Your body requires protein to heal, protect bone health, and prevent muscle loss, among other things. Salmon provides 22–25 grams of protein per 3.5-ounce serving.

3. Salmon is an excellent source of several B vitamins, which are needed for energy production, controlling inflammation, and protecting heart and brain health.

4. 100 grams of salmon provide 11–18% of the RDI of potassium, which helps control blood pressure and prevent excess fluid retention.

5. A 100-gram serving of salmon provides 59–67% of the RDI of selenium, a mineral involved in protecting bone health, improving thyroid function, and reducing the risk of cancer.

6. Astaxanthin is an antioxidant found in salmon that may benefit heart, brain, nervous system, and skin health.

7. Consuming salmon can help protect against heart disease by increasing levels of omega-3 fats, decreasing levels of omega-6 fats, and lowering triglycerides.

8. Consuming salmon may help you control your weight by reducing appetite, boosting metabolic rate, increasing insulin sensitivity and decreasing belly fat.

9. Salmon and other fatty fish can help lower inflammation, which may reduce risk factors for several diseases and improve symptoms in people with inflammatory conditions.

10. Frequent salmon consumption may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, protect fetal brain health in pregnancy, and decrease the risk of age-related memory problems.

11. Salmon has a delicious flavor and can be prepared in many ways. Canned salmon is a convenient and inexpensive option.

Resource
1. 11 Impressive Health Benefits of Salmon, Healthline, Franziska Spritzler, #RDN
2. Salmon Recipes, delicious

National Pierogi Day - Potato Pierogis

The origins of pierogi date back hundreds of years and are deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of Eastern and Central Europe. While their exact origins are debated, most historians attribute their beginnings to Poland, where pierogi became a national dish and cultural symbol. Early mentions of this dish appear in Polish cookbooks as far back as the 13th century, describing filled dumplings served during holidays and celebrations.

Some theories suggest that pierogi were influenced by Asian dumplings, which were brought to Europe by traders or travelers along the Silk Road. Others link their spread to Ukrainian, Russian, and Slavic communities, where similar dumplings—such as varenyky, pelmeni, and pirohy—developed regional variations.

Pierogi were traditionally made for special occasions:

• Christmas Eve (Wigilia) – filled with sauerkraut and mushrooms

• Easter – sweet versions with fruit or cheese

• Harvest festivals – hearty potato or buckwheat fillings

When Polish and Eastern European immigrants arrived in North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they brought pierogi recipes with them.

Today, cities like Pittsburgh, Chicago, Cleveland, and Detroit proudly celebrate their heritage with pierogi festivals, family recipes, and even pierogi races at baseball games.

These little dumplings have evolved into a global comfort food, symbolizing home, tradition, and togetherness — delicious reminders of the cultural journeys that shaped them.

Recipe

Pierogi are often semi-circular, but triangular and rectangular ones are also found. Typically, it may be stuffed with mashed potatoes, fried onions, cheese, cabbage, sauerkraut, meat, mushrooms, spinach, or other ingredients, depending on the cook's preferences. Dessert versions of the dumpling can be stuffed with cheese or a fresh fruit filling, such as cherries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches, plums, or apples.

Potato Pierogis
4 servings

Ingredients
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup cold mashed potatoes
1/2 cup grated reduced-fat Cheddar cheese, (2 ounces)
24 wonton wrappers, (about 6 ounces)
2 cups thinly sliced onions
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream

Directions
1. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat; add chopped onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Transfer to a bowl and mix in mashed potatoes and cheese.
3. Lay a wonton wrapper on a cutting board. (Keep remaining wrappers covered.) Cut wrapper into a circle with a 3-inch round cookie cutter, preferably serrated.
4. Place about 2 teaspoons potato filling just to one side of the center of the circle.
5. Moisten the edges with water, using a pastry brush. Fold wrapper over filling and press edges together to seal.
6. Flute the edge with the tines of a fork. (Be careful not to pierce the wrapper.)
7. Set the pierogi on a baking sheet and continue filling pierogis until the filling is used up. (Keep prepared pierogis covered with a damp cloth as you work.)
8. Put a large pot of water on to boil. Heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat; add sliced onions and cook, stirring often, until tender and lightly caramelized, 10 to 20 minutes. (Reduce heat and/or add a little water, if necessary, to prevent scorching.) Set aside and keep warm.
9. Drop in about half the pierogis in boiling water. Cook until wrappers are tender and pierogis float to the top, 3 to 4 minutes. Retrieve the pierogis with a slotted spoon and place them in a pan with onions. Repeat with the remaining pierogis.
10. Place the pierogis and onions over medium-low heat and shake the pan to coat the pierogis with onions; warm through. Serve immediately with reduced-fat sour cream.

Resources

History of Pierogi” — Upstate Pierogi Co. describes how pierogi evolved from peasant food into a staple across social classes, with special varieties for holidays.  https://www.upstatepierogico.com/history-of-pierogi 

“Poland’s Most Famous Dish: PIEROGI” — Discusses regional variety, meaning of pierogi ruskie, and their role in Polish cuisine.  https://culture.pl/en/article/polands-most-famous-dish-pierogi 

“Pierogi | Meaning, Types, Recipe & Polish Culture” — Encyclopædia Britannica. Covers origin stories, first mentions in Polish cookbooks (e.g. Compendium Ferculorum 1682) & filling varieties.  https://www.britannica.com/topic/pierogi 

“Where Did Pierogi Originate From? The History Of …” PolishFoodies. Explores theories linking pierogi to Asian dumplings via travel routes and describes arrival in Poland by 13th century.  https://polishfoodies.com/where-did-pierogi-originate-from/

World Cerebral Palsy Day - Feeding Challenges

Meet my son, Jake.

Written by Tracy S. Williams, BS, Nutrition Educator. 

Learn more about Tracy at Tracy's Plate

World Cerebral Palsy Day

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a broad term used to describe a group of chronic “palsies”- disorders that impair movement due to damage of the developing brain. CP usually develops by age 2 or 3 and is a non-progressive brain disorder, meaning the brain damage does not continue to worsen throughout life. However, the symptoms damage often changes over time- sometimes getting better and sometimes getting worse. CP is one of the most common causes of childhood disability.

About 10,000 infants are diagnosed with CP and up to 1,500 preschoolers in the U.S. are recognized as having CP each year. The United Cerebral Palsy Association estimates that more than 764,000 Americans have CP. Congenital cerebral palsy caused by a brain injury during a baby’s development in the womb is responsible in about 70% of the children who have the condition. It is present at birth, although it may not be detected for months. An additional 20% have congenital cerebral palsy due to a brain injury during the birthing process. In most cases, the cause of congenital cerebral palsy is unknown, however, some possible causes are:

An infection during pregnancy may damage a fetus’s developing nervous system. They include rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus (a herpes-type virus), and toxoplasmosis (an infection caused by a parasite that can be carried in cat feces or inadequately cooked meat). Other undetected infections in pregnant women are being recognized as an important cause of developmental brain damage in the fetus.

· Severe jaundice in the infant. Jaundice is caused by excessive bilirubin in the blood. Normally, bilirubin is filtered out by the liver. Often, newborns’ livers need a few days to start doing this effectively, so it’s not uncommon for infants to have jaundice for a few days after birth. In most cases, light therapy clears up jaundice and there are no lasting health effects. In rare cases, severe cases of jaundice can damage brain cells.

· Rh incompatibility between mother and infant can be a cause of cerebral palsy. In this blood condition, the mother’s body produces antibodies that destroy the fetus’s blood cells. This leads to jaundice may cause brain damage in the newborn.

· The physical or metabolic trauma of birth can be a cause of cerebral palsy. This can produce brain damage in a fetus whose health has been threatened during development. Severe oxygen deprivation to the brain or significant trauma to the head during labor and delivery can be the cause of cerebral palsy.

Feeding Skills

Feeding skills have been cited as a contributing factor that can affect the life expectancy of those with CP. Managing these can positively affect the life span of an individual with cerebral palsy. When people with cerebral palsy have feeding and digestive challenges, a nutrition care program can be beneficial. Skilled registered dietitian nutritionists work with physicians to adjust diet, food intake and nutrition supplements to enhance overall health. Effective dietary therapy can be devised to meet the individual’s unique needs taking into account digestive challenges and the ability to properly chew, swallow and self-feed.

Nutrition practitioners can adjust textures and consistency of food by pureeing, chopping, and grinding foods for a smoother eating experience. Foods can be softened with broth, gravy, milk, or juices. Liquids can be thickened to improve swallowing. Self-feeding is a skill that significantly enhances the quality of life for someone with a disability, although caregivers, family or friends may still be needed. Speech therapists can teach patients, their friends, or caregivers about adaptive feeding tools that can accommodate different levels of ability. Appropriate techniques can include space between feedings, to allow for natural swallowing, or feeding smaller portions throughout the day. In the most severe cases, some people with cerebral palsy rely on a feeding tube for partial or total nutrition intake. It is important to adjust to allow sufficient time between bites and drinks for natural swallowing. Some meals should be scheduled around medication times to avoid stomach upset, curb appetites and address feelings of being tired.

If a person with cerebral palsy has trouble with asphyxiation, reflux, or pneumonia, he or she should avoid foods, such as nuts, seeds, and hard or stringy foods. Diets can be changed to provide more calories, better balance, compensate for deficiencies and enhance digestion. Vitamin, minerals, and food supplements may help with malabsorption or who tire when eating. High fiber choices can curb constipation while prune and apricot juices may provide natural laxative qualities. Some people with cerebral palsy need to control drooling and aspiration, in addition, use long-term anti-seizure medications can contribute to an increased risk of tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and bacterial infections. Dietitians may advise substituting added sugars and carbonated drinks with fresh fruits and vegetables. Dentists will encourage proper dental hygiene like regular brushing, drinking fluorinated water and regular checkups

Many people fight stereotypes and those with disabilities are no exception. Barriers individuals with disabilities face begin with people’s attitudes that are often rooted in misinformation and misunderstandings of what it’s like to live with a disability. One misconception is that all people living with disabilities are brave and courageous, but people with disabilities just need to adapt to a currently different lifestyle. Sometimes wheelchairs are used as typical mobility devices rather than for people who are only ill or sickly. In past decades, segregating people with disabilities in separate schools and institutions reinforced the perception that people with disabilities could only interact with others who have disabilities. Any person who does not have a disability can offer assistance, but most people with disabilities prefer to take responsibility for their own care when physically possible both in the community, within all parts of society. It is okay for curious children to ask questions about disability. Discouraging curious children from asking questions teaches children that having a difference or disability is wrong or bad. Many people with a disability will not mind answering a child’s question. People with disabilities go to school, get married, have families, do laundry, grocery shop, laugh, cry, pay taxes, get angry, have prejudices, plan and dream about their future like everyone else. It is important to encourage participation from people with disabilities by providing accessible meeting and event sites. It is important for advocates to speak up when negative words or phrases are used for people with a variety of disabilities.

Cerebral palsy can affect someone who has it in a variety of ways. Some people with cerebral palsy can be impacted by having limited verbal ability, limited cognitive ability, all four limbs affected, or just their legs impacted. Some people use one cane or crutch, while others use a walker or two crutches. Some people use a manual wheelchair or motorized wheelchair. Some people may experience nutritional issues due to difficulties feeding themselves or digestive problems. You may have met one classmate, colleague, or friend with cerebral palsy, but that does not mean everyone is impacted in the same way by the same diagnosis. All people with disabilities deserve the same level of respect, and it is important to help those with disabilities advocate against social misconceptions.

Resources
1.  CP NOW nonprofit & CP Daily Living

2. United Cerebral Palsy
3. World Cerebral Palsy Day

October 6, National Noodle Day - Vegetarian Pad Thai

Noodles are a food made from doughs containing such foods as rice, wheat, potato, buckwheat, maize, legumes, and nuts. There are various shapes, from long, thin ribbons, strips, curly waves, pipes, tubes, and strings. Noodles are usually cooked in a mixture of boiling water and/or oil. Depending upon the type, noodles may be dried or refrigerated before cooking.

Vegetarian Pad Thai, premade 
(stir-fried rice noodle)

Nutritional Analysis

Resources and References
1. The Nibble: Noodles
2. Wikipedia: Noodle
3. EatingWell, Healthy Noodle Recipes

Nutritional Analysis Services
Ensure accurate and cost-effective nutritional analysis and food nutrition facts labels for your recipes and menus, utilizing an extensive research database. A great service for the Media, Publishers, Writers, Chefs, Recipe Websites, and Blogs. Your readers will enjoy and benefit from the Nutrition information.

For more information, visit Dietitians-Online Nutritional Analysis Services.

Contact:
Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND
recipenews@gmail.com
954-294-6300

World Farm Animal Day and Vegetarian Awareness Month

World Farm Animal Day, founded in 1983, is dedicated to exposing and memorializing the needless suffering and death of cows, pigs, turkeys, chickens, and other innocent, sentient animals raised and slaughtered for food. World Farm Animals Day will continue until animals are no longer seen as commodities and are raised for their flesh and by-products.

Animal Rescues That Will Make You Happy
that PETA Exists

Vegetarian Resources

1. The Vegetarian Resource Group
2. Peta
3. Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetics Practice Group (VN DPG), Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
4. The Vegan Society
5. Ginny Messina, RDN - Vegan Dietitian: Recipes to Try - Pinterest 

Note from Author.  Education materials are designed to be "Family Friendly;" therefore, I chose not to portray the slaughter of animals.

October Wellness News

Current News, Resources, and Events in Nutrition, Food, Health, Environment, Safety, and Disability Rights. Encourages awareness and inspires ideas for Journalists, Educators, Consumers, and Health Professionals. 

October Monthly Events

October Health, Nutrition, and Food Events
Monthly Events

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month National Disability Employment Awareness Month Dyslexia Awareness Month  Global Diversity Awareness Month Health Literacy Month Learning Disability Awareness Month National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month  National Chiropractic Health Month National Dental Hygiene Month National Depression Education & Awareness National Down Syndrome Awareness Month National Liver Awareness Month Domestic Violence Awareness Month National Crime Prevention Month   National Cyber Security Awareness Month National Physical Therapy Month   National Reading Group Month National Spina Bifida Awareness Month  National Work and Family Month German American Heritage Month Italian-American Heritage Month Polish American Heritage Month Talk About Prescriptions Month World Menopause Month National Photographer Appreciation Month Adopt a Shelter Dog Month Fair Trade Month Gourmet Adventures Month

UNICEF Tackling Hunger Month Halloween Safety Month National Farm to School Month Vegetarian Month National Apple Month Corn Month  National Bake and Decorate Month Caffeine Addiction Recovery Month National Caramel Month  National Chili Month National Cookbook Month National Cookie Month National Country Ham Month National Dessert Month National Pasta Month National Pickled Peppers Month National Pizza Month National Popcorn Poppin' Month National Pork Month  National Pretzel Month Sausage Month National Seafood Month National Spinach-Lovers Month Non-GMO Month Co-op Awareness Month Eat Better, Eat Together Month National Kitchen and Bath Month

Weekly Events

1-2 Yom Kippur
1-7 Universal Children's Week
1-7 National Walk Your Dog Week
3-10 No Salt Week:
5-11 Mental Illness Awareness Week
5-11 Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week
5-11 4-H Week
5-11 National Metric Week
5-11 Fire Prevention Week
6-12 Pet Obesity Week
6-13 Sukkot
11-14 FNCE, Nashville
12-18 National Chestnut Week 
12-18 National Food Bank Week
12-18 OCD Awareness Week
13-18 National School Lunch Week
13-18 World Rainforest Week
19-25 International Infection Prevention Week
19-25 National Chemistry Week
20-26 Food & Drug Interaction Education
20-24 National Health Education Week
20-26 Freedom of Speech Week

Daily Events

1          UN International Day of Older Persons, World Vegetarian Day, International Coffee Day, National Homemade Cookies Day, Vegan Baking Day,  Yom Kippur (sundown), National Pumpkin Seed Day, National Kale Day, Walk to School Day

2          UN International Day of Non-Violence, World Day for Farmed Animals,  National Fried Scallops Day, National Produce Misting Day

3          National Caramel Custard Day, World Smile Day

4          National Taco Day, World Animal Day, Vodka Day, World Child Health Day, National Banana Pudding Day, World Porridge Day

5          UN World Teachers Day, National Apple Betty Day, National Depression Screening Day, Country Inn Bed & Breakfast Day

6          Noodle Day, World Cerebral Palsy Day, National Plus Size Appreciation Day, National German-American Day, World Day of Bullying Prevention (First Monday), Sukkot

7          National Frappe Day, National Chocolate Covered Pretzel Day, National Eat Fruit at Work Day  

8          National Perogy Day, National Fluffernutter Day, National Salmon Day, World Octopus Day, Bullying Prevention Day (2nd Wednesday), S.A.V.E. (Stop America's Violence Everywhere) 2nd Wednesday, National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day (2nd Wednesday)

9          World Post Day, National Moldy Cheese Day, International Beer and Pizza Day, National Depression Screening Day (Thursday of first full Week)

10        World Mental Health Day, National Angel Food Cake Day, World Homeless Day, National Cake Decorating Day, National Metric Day, World Egg Day

11        International Day of the Girl, National Sausage Pizza Day, Southern Food Heritage Day, National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, I Love Yarn Day (2nd Saturday)

12        National Gumbo Day, National Farmer’s Day, World Arthritis Day, Columbus Day

13        Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, National Yorkshire Pudding Day, Columbus Day observed; Indigenous Peoples' Day (2nd Monday)

14        National Dessert Day, Chocolate-Covered Insect Day, Native American Day, International Face Your Fears Day (2nd Tuesday); Simchat Torah

15        UN International Day of Rural Women, Global Hand Washing Day, National Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Day, National Mushroom Day, National Roast Pheasant Day, National Chicken Cacciatore Day, National Cheese Curd Day, National White Cane Safety Day  

16        World Food Day

17        UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, National Pasta Day, Mulligan Day, Mammography Day (Third Friday)  

18        World Menopause Day, National Chocolate Cupcake Day, Meatloaf Appreciation Day, National Mammography Day, Sweetest Day (3rd Saturday

19        National Seafood Bisque Day 

20        World Osteoporosis Day, National Brandied Fruit Day, International Chefs Day, National Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day

21        National Apple Month, Global Iodine Deficiency Disorder Day, National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day

22        National Nut Day, National Color Day, National Tex-Mex Day

23        National Boston Cream Pie Day

24        United Nations Day, World Development Information Day, National Bologna Day, Food Day

25        National Greasy Foods Day, World Pasta Day, Sourest Day

26        National Mincemeat Pie Day, National Pumpkin Day, National Chicken Fried Steak Day, Mother-in-Law Day (Always 4th Sunday)

27        National Farm to School Month, National American Beer Day 

28        Wild Foods Day, National Chocolate Day

29        National Oatmeal Day, World Stroke Day

30        National Candy Corn Day, Haunted Refrigerator Night, Checklist Day

31        Halloween, National Magic Day, National UNICEF Day, Trick or Treat for UNICEF, Nevada 36th State, National Caramel Apple Day, Frankenstein Friday

	Months
	January	July
	February	August
	March	September
	April	October
	May	November
	June	December