Now On to October

Fun events happen in October. October is the tenth month of the year on the Gregorian calendar, though its name comes from the Latin word octo, which means “eight”. Latin gave us other “8” words like octagon and octopus.

Football and Other Fall Sports-and Food

Football season is already a few weeks old and will be soon followed by basketball. Whether it’s for school, college, or pro teams, fans are in the stadiums or in front of televisions cheering their favorite team.

Some folks just show up for the food as tailgating has become a sport in itself.

Liz Weinandy, MPH, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center offers these suggestions to choose tailgating foods that are healthier than the typical fare.

Some healthy food options for tailgating

A grilling barbecue with various skewered meats and vegetables, including chicken, sausages, and bell peppers, being cooked over an open flame. — Photo by Huu1ef3nh Nhu01b0 Mavi on Pexels.com

Columbus Day- October 12

The United States has one federal holiday this month, Columbus Day, the second Monday of October. This day commemorates October 12, 1492, the day Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer, reached the Americas. (Although he never landed in what is now the United States.)

President Donald Trump issued this Proclamation on October 9, 2025

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 13, 2025, as Columbus Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also direct that the flag of the United States be displayed on all public buildings on the appointed day in honor of the great Christopher Columbus and all who have contributed to building our Nation.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day-October 12

Before Columbus and other Europeans arrived in the Americas, indigenous people already lived in North America. I’m not going to recount the long history of their interactions, but by presidential proclamation, we now commemorate them on the second Monday in October-Indigenous Peoples Day.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 10, 2022, as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also direct that the flag of the United States be displayed on all public buildings on the appointed day in honor of our diverse history and the Indigenous peoples who contribute to shaping this Nation.

I wrote about Native Americans in this post about watercress and in another about my trip to New Mexico.

The Rich History of Watercress in Native American Culture

In 1889, the Locvpokv Muscogee Creeks established the village of Talasi near the Arkansas River, later called Tulsa. The Council Oak remains a cultural landmark, where Native Americans hold ceremonies. This article explores watercress and its culinary uses, highlighting its significance to local indigenous communities and the environment.

Keep reading

The Art and Science of New Mexico

Taos is an art mecca both within the town and at the Taos Pueblo, which is also a must see for those interested in Native American history and culture. At the pueblo, tribe members display and sell handmade arts and crafts.

Keep reading

Remembering Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

“On Saturday, October 27, 2018, a man with anti-Semitic motivations entered Tree of Life synagogue in the Squirrel Hill section of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; he had an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle and three handguns, opening fire upon worshippers.

Eventually 11 civilians died at the scene and eight people sustained non-fatal injuries, including five police officers. Each person injured but alive at the scene received care at one of three local level-one trauma centers.

The injured had wounds often seen in war-settings, with the signature of high velocity weaponry.”

from Tree of Life Synagogue Shooting in Pittsburgh: Preparedness, Prehospital Care, and Lessons Learned

A goodbye to healers who listened-Squirrel Hill mourns and heals

I was horrified by news that another mass shooting had occurred, this time at a synagogue in a community called Squirrel Hill. A few days later, I realized I had seen that name before. I had met someone who lives and works there.

Keep reading

Halloween-October 31

Whether you like it or not, October is known for Halloween. While some reject it as pagan or evil, others make it fun and enjoyable without dark overtones.

Halloween, contraction of All Hallows’ Eve, a holiday observed on October 31, the evening before All Saints’ (or All Hallows’) Day. The celebration marks the day before the Western Christian feast of All Saints and initiates the season of Allhallowtide, which lasts three days and concludes with All Souls’ Day.

from brittanica.com

No Smoking sign with pumpkins — I snapped this photo at a farm in Georgia. I learned that tobacco smoke is as toxic to crops as it is to people. If you smoke, why not quit for Halloween. No Trick, Just Treat.

8 Questions for October

What personal expectations do you have for October?
How will you plan now to make your expectations happen?
Are you usually a spectator or a participant in life activities? (Think of the sports analogy.)
Where do you need more action, or more observation?
What would you gain, or lose, either way?
How do you approach commemorative holidays or observances?
The article I used about the Squirrel Hill shooting discussed “Lessons Learned”. Do you think we learn anything from shootings that makes us safer?
How do remember, reflect, and heal from your personal traumatic experiences?

If you are suffering mentally, emotionally, or physically from trauma, please seek help from your personal physician, spiritual advisor, or local mental health resources.

exploring the HEART of health

However you choose to observe the “holidays” of October, have fun, stay safe, respect others, and please follow and share Watercress Words.

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Author: Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

As a family physician, I explore the HEART of HEALTH in my work, recreation, community, and through writing. My blog, Watercress Words, informs and inspires us to live in health. I believe we can turn our health challenges into healthy opportunities. When we do, we can share the HEART of health with our families, communities, and the world. Come explore and share with me. View all posts by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.