World Leprosy Day, observed each January 30th, serves as a reminder of the need to eradicate leprosy and its stigma around the world.
Leprosy is one of the oldest known diseases, having been documented at least 2,000 years ago in China. It is caused by Mycobacterium leprae bacteria that affect the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract and eyes. In those who are not treated properly (such as with Multi Drug Therapy), it can lead to permanent damage or deformity such as facial paralysis or loss of fingers or toes due to nerve damage. However, if treated early with effective drug therapy there are no long term effects; however without treatment it may result in death after 5-10 years depending on how advanced your disease is at diagnosis.
If you have a few extra minutes, have the kids draw some of their favorite dinosaurs from books or movies; this is a great way for them to learn about different species!
The idea behind Yodel for Your Neighbor Day is to remind us that our neighbors are special, and we should treat them as such. It’s a way for us all to come together in celebration of the human voice, which—as anyone who has ever heard a yodeler knows—can be used in many ways.
