Category: News, observances, history

August Timely Topics-school, sports, and sickness

In August we don’t have holidays to be busy with, but the start of the school year keeps families busy. Besides school, sports bring us together, which also brings illness together. I review these in this post.

updated August 1, 2025

August is a strange month. It’s the only month without a major holiday in the United States. Although the temperatures still feel hot and muggy, by the end of the month, students and teachers are back in school and college for the “fall” semester. (Of course, if you are south of the equator, your experience may look quite different.)

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Back to school, back to books

The main goal of school is education and reading is vital; books are the basic building blocks. That’s why Dolly Parton gives books away- read why here.

Inspiring Dreams: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Dolly Parton, inspired by a childhood story and personal struggles, established Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, providing free books to children. Her own experience led to the song “Coat of Many Colors,” conveying the value of love over material possessions. Through this initiative, she aims to nurture children’s dreams through the joy of reading.

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How much do you know about medicine?

Speaking of school, there are always tests. Here’s one for you. Find out how much you know about medicine by taking this quiz that I wrote especially for blog readers.

Friday Night Lights

Along with school comes sports. Although some go on year-round, many are tied to the school year, and football starts first in most places.

Even folks who don’t have a tie to a particular school adopt their local school’s team and follow faithfully. Fifty-plus years after my first football game as a college freshman, I still follow my team, the University of Oklahoma Sooners.

“Play like a champion today”

The OU Sooners football program has won 7 national championships and 7 players have received Heisman trophies. More importantly, the team never fails to show their fans exciting, hard-fought games. Even when they lose, they do so with plays that keep us guessing what’s going to happen next and wondering how such talented athletes can end up with the losing…

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Sore Throats and Sneezing

Although we think of colds and flu as winter illnesses, doctors start seeing patients with respiratory symptoms soon after school starts.

Places where people spend time together, like classrooms and dormitories, are prime places for people to share the viruses and bacteria that cause strep throat, colds, influenza, and COVID-19.

But there are steps we can take to lower the risk of exposure and illness. Check out the info in this post.

Head into the flu season with these 6 tips

We should all take influenza and COVID-19 seriously; consider my suggestions, talk to your personal doctor, keep up with recommendations from your local public health professionals, and do your part to keep your family and community well.

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Exploring the HEART of health

As the season changes, ask yourself these questions about changes you might want or need to make in your life.

  1. What one activity can I start or improve to nurture my wellbeing?
  2. How is social media helping or hindering my growth as a person?
  3. What new or improved skill will make my life easier or more productive?

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha

Help Watercress Words share the HEART of health

myReader Rewards club- photo of woman on a bench reading a book

My Reader Rewards Club is a great way to earn free books and Bibles for yourself, friends, and family! Your journey to earning free faith-based products starts HERE.
(When you sign up through these links, I can earn free books too.)

As a member, you’ll have access to inspiring literature, Bibles, special promotional offers, and much more. Earning points is easy—you’ll receive 25 points just for signing up!

Watercress Words Bookstore

Bookshop.org is an online bookstore that financially supports local, independent bookstores.

We believe bookstores are essential to a healthy culture and they are dedicated to the common good.

Bookshop.org donates a portion of every sale to independent bookstores.

Why March is Women’s History Month

March is celebrated as Women’s History Month in the U.S. to honor women’s contributions to history. In this post I introduce you to some women whose achievements have lead to positive changes in our society.

Every year in the United States, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to reflect on and honor the often-overlooked contributions of women to United States history.

From Women’s History Week to Month

The Education Task Force of Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women planned and executed a “Women’s History Week” celebration in 1978. The organizers selected the week of March 8 to correspond with International Women’s Day. The movement spread across the country as other communities initiated their own Women’s History Week celebrations.

In 1980, an assortment of women’s groups and historians—led by the National Women’s History Project (now Alliance)—successfully lobbied for national recognition.

In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the Week of March 8th, 1980 as National Women’s History Week. Eventually Congress passed resolutions calling for an annual Women’s History Month for which the President issues an annual proclamation.

Women’s History Theme-2026

Women’s History on Watercress Words

On my blog, I have recognized women for their achievements and contributions that make our country and world a better place to live. Many of these women worked in disciplines previously dominated by men.

When I entered medicine, most physicians were male, so I can identify with them. Thanks to the women who had come before me as physicians, we women who came after have made medicine a more woman-friendly profession. However there is still room for improvement in compensation and leadership opportunities.

Women Physician Astronauts-Exploring Health in Space

In this post I highlight women physicians and their exceptional service in healthcare and space research. Highlighted are Dr. Margaret Rhea Seddon, the first female astronaut from NASA, Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space, and Dr. Laurel Clark, who tragically lost her life during a space mission.

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How Women Changed and are Changing Healthcare

The first woman graduate of a United States medical school was born in Bristol England in 1821. Elizabeth Blackwell came to this country as a child and originally had no interest in medicine. But when a dying friend told her, “I would have been spared suffering if a woman had been my doctor”, she found…

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Dr Jane Goodall-Messenger of Hope-and Medal of Freedom Award

Dr. Jane Goodall received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Biden , recognizing her environmental activism. The Barbie Inspiring Women Series also features a collectible doll representing her legacy. Goodall advocates for mindful eating and local food production while promoting hope amid global challenges in her recent book, “The Book of Hope.”

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Our Auntie Rosa-Her Family Remembers Rosa McCauley Parks

“Our Auntie Rosa” by Sheila McCauley Keys reveals personal memories of Rosa Parks, showcasing her impact on family and society. The book highlights Parks’ dedication to civil rights, her nurturing role as a family member, and her legacy as a symbol of courage. Her life is celebrated both intimately and historically.

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Sharing the HEART of Women’s History Month

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Medical stethoscope and heart on a textured background

Dr Aletha

Featured Image

I took this post’s Featured Image in Washington, DC. The statue is the Vietnam Women’s Memorial.