It’s national what month?

It’s February and that means it’s, well, take your pick. It seems in our age, every month has a certain day that we recognize, but in trying to bring awareness to certain subjects, each month also has its special cause. Although certain months have more than one cause going on.

I think many people think of Valentine’s Day when it comes to February. Basically, this Tuesday, Feb. 14, we remind people how special they are to us. For some we send out cards to family and friends. This week The New Prague Times has a page dedicated to photos of grandchildren from their grandparents. On Valentine’s Day other people follow the more romantic aspects of the day with flowers, candies or other gifts.

That day is likely the most recognized aspect of February, although in the last few decades there have been other events added. Recently The Times had a page recognizing it as National Children’s Dental Health Month. It’s also American Heart Month or National Heart Month. All of those are reminders of making healthy choices. February is also Black History Month, reminding people of the contributions of African Americans. One radio station I listen to frequently is recognizing musicians.

Of course there are other events that are being recognized this month that are probably not as well known. February is also Canned Food Month, Creative Romance Month, Great American Pie Month, National Bake for Family Fun Month, National Bird Feeding Month and National Cherry Month. Most are pretty self-explanatory, as they are to bring awareness to each item. To be honest Creative Romance had me wondering, turns out it’s to bring more romance into couple’s lives. There is one I found, National Library Lover’s Month, I’m surprised that hasn’t been advertised more. It’s for people who not only love to read, but also love the fact there are libraries, buildings dedicated to the written word.

It’s not only February, but March is filled with its well known celebrations, St. Patrick’s Day and Women’s History Month and some not as well known - National Music in Our Schools Month, National Frozen Food Month, National Craft Month and National Caffeine Awareness Month. The last one is actually to make people aware of how much caffeine they have in their diet and make more healthy choices. At first I thought it might be centered on my favorite morning beverage, coffee.

Now if you’re thinking, “Do we really need all of these?” The short answer is probably not; on the other hand think of all the messages that are out there. We are bombarded with a plethora of messages not only every month, but each day. Some might think the only way to get their message out there is to create an awareness program and place it in a certain month. Some of these messages have had better success in reaching large groups of people, others haven’t. So however you decide to observe February or March or any other month this year, I hope you enjoy it.