By Rick Sheridan

Each month there are numerous festivals and special events. Here are several of the important month-long events and the causes that they represent. This list is especially relevant for senior citizens. These listings mostly come from two sources, Chase’s Calendar of Events, and A Pilgrim’s Almanac, by Edward Hays.

National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month (May 1-31). This event helps to raise awareness of how to reduce the triggers that cause allergic reactions, such as heating ducts that harbor mold, dust and bacteria. Sponsored by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. More information:  http://www.aafa.org/page/asthma-and-allergy-awareness-month.aspx (or https://tinyurl.com/zte7r3r)

National Arthritis Awareness Month (May 1-31). An annual observance since it was founded in 1972 by a Presidential Proclamation. Arthritis is a leading cause of disability that affects more than 50 million people in the US.  During the month of May, the Arthritis Foundation hosts the Walk to Cure Arthritis in more than 100 cities, along with other events to help raise awareness. More information: http://www.arthritis.org

National Osteoporosis Month (May 1-31). Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle — so brittle that a minor fall can cause a fracture. The good news is that Osteoporosis can be prevented through diet and exercise.   More information: http://www.nof.org

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month (May 1-31). This event was established by the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports in 1983. This month encourages individuals and groups to promote fitness activities, and to get people to reflect on whether they are getting enough exercise on a regular basis. More information: http://www.fitness.gov

National Salad Month (May 1-31). This event has been going on for more than 20 years, and it celebrates healthy eating through salads. More information: http://www.saladaday.org

National Stroke Awareness Month (May 1-31). This annual event is designed to help raise awareness about stroke prevention, symptom recognition and stroke recovery. More information: http://www.stroke.org

Social Security Education Month (May 1-31). Many people do not understand how this program works and this month is devoted to educating the public about how they can benefit from the social security program. More information: https://blog.ssa.gov/national-social-security-month-shines-a-light-on-our-online-services/

Play Tennis Month (May 1-31). The Tennis Industry Association sponsors this event to promote the health and recreational benefits of playing tennis. More information: http://www.tennisindustry.org

Rick Sheridan is a semi-retired professor of communications who lives in Colorado Springs. He taught at Wilberforce University (Ohio), and has also lectured at Stanford University and other institutions. Rick also works part-time as a journalist. His news and feature articles have been published by the Dayton Daily News, Chicago Sun-Times, Tampa Bay Times, Senior Wire, and many other publications. For more information, visit http://www.RickSheridan.com.