According to the US Census, fathers make up 72 million of the nation’s population. Grandfathers make up 29 million. The idea for Father’s Day came over a century ago from Sonora Smart Dodd wishing to honor her father, a widowed Civil War Veteran and single father to six.
Father’s Day means something different to different people. There is likely a very personal reason why you look forward to or dread the coming of this day. Where you live or grew up could also be a factor in your response to the day. The day is celebrated worldwide on varying days of the year. It can be a day to cherish and celebrate the men in our lives regardless of biological affiliation
Father’s Day Around the World
There are many articles related to the various days that countries utilize for their celebration of Father’s Day. A good overview can be found at the Spruce. The second paragraph from that link states: “Traditions vary for Father's Day celebrations around the world. For example, some countries link Father's Day to the Feast of St. Joseph on March 19, which celebrates Joseph of Nazareth, father of Jesus. In Germany, Father's Day is commonly celebrated by men loading wagons with beer and heading off into the woods. In Russia, Father's Day overlaps with their Defender of the Fatherland Day. So, while fathers are honored, many of them march in military parades in their home towns on the same day.” There are 38 countries represented from this site with the month of celebration breaking down into: 7 celebrate in March, 16 celebrate in June, 1 in July, 4 in August, 5 in November, and 1 varies but always on the 6th Sunday after Easter. To learn about the dates and traditions of Father’s Day even further feel free to see Wikipedia.Father’s Day and the Men’s Health Week Campaign
Father’s Day is a great time to tell the men in your life how much you care about them. This is why the Men’s Health Week campaign was designed to coincide with Father’s Day in the United States. Instead of focusing on what could happen if you ignore your body let’s look at 6 ways you can refocus your health. Everyday Health provides a checklist of what men can actively do to protect their health for both themselves and their loved ones. These 6 ways to better health are:- Get Enough Sleep: Aim for seven to nine hours per night.
- Stop Smoking: If you quit now, you'll lower your risk for cancer, COPD, and other smoking-related illnesses.
- Exercise More: Try to fit in 2 ½ hours of aerobic activity, plus muscle-strengthening exercises, each week.
- Eat Healthy: Your diet should include a variety of fruits and vegetables daily.
- Reduce Stress: You'll feel much more relaxed if you avoid drugs and alcohol, connect socially, and find support.
- Get Regular Checkups: Positive outcomes are more likely with early detection.
Creating a Father’s Day to Remember
If you’re looking for things to do with and for your father look no further than this article at All Pro Dad. Jackie Bledsoe shares not only wonderful creative suggestions but also provides links to photo tutorials if you want to create your slide show and/or order products with family photos on them. These 5 memory worthy ideas are:- Share and write down old stories the two of you have together
- Go through old family photos
- Take him somewhere special
- Get the grand-kids to do something special
- Visit him wherever he is
