INTERNATIONAL DAYS SEPTEMBER IN TERNATI O NAL DAYS
3rd September – National Walk to Work Day
5th September – International Day of Charity
Sponsored by the Australian government and supported by all state and territory governments in this country, National Walk to Work Day involves, as the name suggests, walking to and from work but, of course, could also involve walking away from and back to your home (if you work at home) as well as any other walking activity!
Charity means generosity, aid and helpfulness, especially toward the needy or suffering. International Day of Charity marks the death date of Mother Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997) who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitute a threat to peace. Born in 1910, Mother Theresa went to India aged 18 years and thence devoted herself to helping the destitute, founded the order of Missionaries of Charity (1950) and ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned and dying, while guiding the Missionaries of Charity’s expansion, first in India and then in other countries, including hospices and homes for the poorest and homeless. The Day is to foster the implementation of charity, volunteerism and philanthropy, to alleviate the worst effects of humanitarian crises, supplement public services in health care, education, housing and child protection, and assist the advancement of culture, science, sports, and the protection of cultural and natural heritage.
Health benefits of walking include: • increased cardiovascular and pulmonary (heart and lung) fitness; • reduced risk of heart disease and stroke; • improved management of conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, joint and muscular pain or stiffness, and diabetes; • stronger bones and improved balance; • increased muscle strength and endurance; and • reduced body fat.
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