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Hit the gym. Eat better. Hone a new skill or passion. Limit screen time. Guzzle down more water, perhaps.

We all do it– we set New Year’s resolutions to help us become better people in the new year. These promises to ourselves are done with the best of intentions. Yet unfortunately, many of these resolutions fall flat and don’t make it past January. So, how do we set New Year’s goals and stick to them? The key is to commit yourself to your resolutions and learn from your mistakes. You can do it this time around!

The practice of setting New Year’s resolutions didn’t just start a few years back– try thousands of years. History.com writer Sarah Pruitt said that ancient Babylonians are the first ones to have made New Year’s resolutions some 4,000 years ago. During a 12-day religious festival, Akitu, the Babylonians crowned a new king or reaffirmed their loyalty to the reigning king, she said. They made promises to the gods to pay their debts and return anything they had borrowed. If the Babylonians kept to their word, their gods would favor them in the new year. If not, they would fall out of the gods’ favor, according to History.com.

Despite the tradition’s religious roots, resolutions are mostly a secular practice nowadays. Instead of making promises to gods, people typically make promises to themselves for self improvement in the new year. That may be why most people fail to follow through on their resolutions. According to recent studies, almost half of the American population will make resolutions with only 8% actually successful in fulfilling their goals. Yet that low record will probably not stop people from making goals at the start of every year. After all, the tradition has been in practice for more than 4,000 years.

With 2024 here, there are some ways for making your resolutions and keeping them, as recommended by from Harvard Medical School:

• Dream big! Want to run a marathon or triathlon? Lose 25 pounds? With a little perseverance and support from your friends and family, you can achieve your goals. 
• Break these big dreams into small steps. Completing smaller steps propels you to finish your ultimate goal. Make a list with easy jobs first. Being able to check off your top line items will give you the motivation to keep going. There is something about finishing a to-do list that feels so good.
• Learn from the past. Any time you fail to make a change or don’t complete a task, consider it a step in the right direction. When you hit a bump in the road, consider what worked and what didn’t. Maybe you took on too big a challenge? Maybe take a step back and make a less ambitious goal, or break the goal into even tinier steps!
• Commit yourself. Hold yourself accountable through written or verbal affirmations. This will help you through the tough spots with your journey. Create a Facebook page devoted to your goals and detail your steps. Make a less-public promise to your partner, friend, coworker or friend. Whatever you do, make yourself accountable.
• Give yourself thanks. Forget perfecting every step. Set your sights on finishing that marathon, not reaching for a personal best the first time around. If you complete it, you’re still a winner, even if you end up walking some. Be proud of yourself for what you have accomplished! Maybe you wouldn’t have done this last year, but you took the necessary strides to get the goal completed this time round.

Making a change and setting big goals can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Get the Special Health Report, Simple Changes, Big Rewards: A practical, easy guide for healthy, happy living to learn how to incorporate simple changes into your life that can reap big rewards. Happy New Year!

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The TV that you purchased on Black Friday is stacked against the thirty other toys, gadgets, and clothing items sitting in your closet next to rolls of gift wrap and Scotch tape; decorations have taken over every inch of the house, and your calendar is full of activities. The holiday season is in full swing and now more than ever, everyone is feeling the stress.

So, how do you simplify your life this season? Opt to celebrate it as a minimalist holiday.

Having a minimalist holiday can mean different things to different people. For me, it means not buying a bunch of junk for my family that will clutter our home. It’s about being purposeful with my time, money, and energy, prioritizing quality over quantity. By doing this, we can reduce stress, waste, and bring more genuine cheer to the season.

Transitioning to a minimalist holiday can be challenging, especially if you’re used to the traditional way of celebrating. Yet at the end of the day, it’s all about being intentional: doing less, buying less, partaking in something new, putting people before things, and focusing on gratitude.

A big part of the holiday season is gift giving, which is one way to show your loved ones how much you care about them. However, not only can the act of shopping be overwhelming, but the stress of finding the right things for your kiddos, parents, siblings, friends, coworkers, and even your children’s teachers can cause too much unnecessary stress. Here are some tips to help navigate shopping this year:

• Set a budget: It’s so easy to go overboard and not be mindful of the costs of presents for everyone in your life. This year, like with most things in your life, set a budget and maximum price for gifts for different people, from your immediate family to coworkers. 
• Consider experiences over material gifts: Instead of material gifts that might be used for a short time, explore experiences for your loved ones instead. Examples could include movie or concert tickets, a cooking class, or museum passes.
• Look at gift cards or consumable gifts: Rather than contributing to the clutter of unwanted gifts, gift cards allow the recipient to choose what they want or need. Also consider giving items that are to be used, such as skincare products, snacks, or holiday beverages. Instead of being stuck inside your home, once they are used they’re gone!
• Send an e-card: Instead of sending physical holiday cards that might end up in the trash, send an e-card to convey your season’s greetings.

When it comes to minimalist decorations, less is more. Think about neutral colors rather than the traditional bright red and green– stick to whites, creams, and grays to create a calming atmosphere. Maybe add touches of gold or silver for a little pizzazz, but don’t go overboard. Rather than purchasing excessive decorations, consider finding natural elements such as cedar, branches, and pinecones to decorate your shelves and countertops. For those wanting to add candles to the mix, Mojave Desert Skin Shield has you covered. Candles are an easy way to add an inviting glow to the home, and scents like peppermint or cinnamon are particularly reminiscent of the holiday season.

The same ideas apply to your holiday activities – keep it simple. It might be hard to limit holiday extravaganzas because of work parties, school programs, parades, etc., but prioritize the most meaningful events. Try to keep schedules open for quality time with friends and family.

Minimalism is about intentionality and mindfulness, so remember to stay present and enjoy the moments that matter. Consider these ideas for more options to simplify your season. Happy holidays!

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With the onslaught of winter ahead of us, it is time to begin caring for both our skin and bodies in a different way. Dry brushing is one such ayurvedic practice that can help. Dating back at least 3,000 years, Ayurveda is a traditional Indian holistic system of medicine for the mind, body, and being. It is ruled by the belief that everything is connected, and general health and wellness is reached by keeping your inner and outer being harmoniously operating as one. Dry brushing aims to promote balance of not only the skin, but the entire body.

What is dry brushing?

In Ayurveda, dry brushing is a practice utilized to promote detoxification, balance, and radiance of the entire body. By sweeping a brush in gentle movements across the top of the skin, it is a form of massage that can have significant and lasting benefits.

Choosing a brush

There are a variety of dry brushes that can be found on the market today. Brushes should have firm, natural bristles, and may either be handheld or affixed with a handle. Some brushes may advertise being an ionic brush; this means that the brush’s bristles are ion-charged, and create a negative charge when creating friction with the skin. Ionic brushes help balance the body’s electromagnetic energy.

Benefits of Brushing

On the surface, dry brushing provides light exfoliation and removes dead, rough cells, leaving the skin soft and smooth. However, the practice also works to stimulate lymphatic drainage and circulation throughout the body. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system that ensures everything is moving correctly through the body, from fluids to pathogens that could cause illness. Dry brushing helps increase both blood flow and stimulates lymphatic drainage, which allows for pathogens and toxins to move through and out of the body more quickly. This results in it remaining flowing and operating soundly, reducing inflammation and stagnation for overall wellness.

How to Dry Brush

Dry brushing is a simple, intuitive practice that can easily be incorporated into any routine. For best results, aim to brush daily before showering.

- Start at the end of the limbs and work upwards. Begin at the feet and work up the body, and similarly start with the hands and move towards the heart. 

- Use the brush to make gentle sweeping movements. Make circular strokes around the stomach and lymphatic glands in a clockwise motion. Opt for shorter strokes around the joints.

- Do not press hard. The lymphatic system operates close to the skin’s surface; for this reason, it only requires delicate, light strokes to be affected.

- Pay attention to how your skin responds. Dry brushing will leave the skin red at first, and can exacerbate skin issues such as eczema or psoriasis. Take care to not press too hard until you understand how your skin is affected by dry brushing.

- Take your time with the practice. It is supposed to be relaxing and rejuvenating, and should be treated as such!

At Mojave Desert Skin Shield, we have created our own Ionic Body Brush to assist clients with their body brushing practice. The brush’s copper bristles add negative ions back to the surface of the skin, aiding in balancing the body’s electrical charge while helping improve skin texture. This brush is crafted from sleek beech wood and natural horse hair, with a strap to be easily handheld. Both simple and beautiful, the Ionic Body Brush will keep your body radiant on the inside and out all winter long.

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As winter approaches with its colder weather, sweatshirts, pants and jackets tend to keep most of the body covered day-in and day-out. Yet come November, razors are ditched by many for another reason: to raise awareness for cancer by way of No-Shave November.

During this month-long journey, participants forgo shaving and grooming to bring about conversation and raise cancer awareness. It’s all about embracing our hair – which many cancer patients lose during chemotherapy treatments – and letting it grow wild. Participants also donate the money typically spent on shaving and grooming to educate others about cancer prevention, save lives, and help those who are fighting the disease. More than $12,000,000 has been raised for cancer awareness and research since 2009, supporting nonprofits working to treat and defeat cancer.

Nearly everyone knows someone who has been afflicted with cancer – a large group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells that can affect just about any organ. Although the causes of development aren’t completely understood, many factors are known to increase possible risk; some are modifiable, such as tobacco use, poor diet and excess body weight, whereas others are not, like inherited genetic mutations. These risk factors may act simultaneously or in sequence to promote cancer growth.

More than 1.9 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the United States in 2023, with close to 600,000 deaths from cancer this year. Everyone ultimately is at risk of cancer, although cases rise with age– 88% of people diagnosed with cancer are over 50 years old and 57% are 65 years and older. 

Help cut your chances of getting cancer with these six lifestyle tips from the Mayo Clinic:

- Of course, don’t use tobacco! Nix the cigs and chewless tobacco, which causes many cancers, such as lung, mouth, throat, pancreas, bladder, etc.

- Nosh on a healthy diet: Eating plenty of fruits, veggies, whole grains and beans can make a difference in your health. Try the Mediterranean Diet, which focuses mostly on plant-based foods. Also limit alcohol intake and processed meats.

- Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active: By keeping yourself at a healthy weight, it may lower certain cancers like breast, prostate, lung, colon and kidney. Exercise matters, too; it’s key for maintaining optimal health, in general, but it also may lower the risk of breast and colon cancer. Shoot for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.

-Shield yourself from the sun: Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and also one of the most preventable. Cover your skin, avoid the midday sun, stay in the shade when possible, lather on sunscreen (try SPF 30), and don’t use tanning beds.

- Get regular medical care: Get regular screenings for cancers and do your own self-exams. This can increase the chances of finding cancer early when treatment is most likely to succeed. Work with your provider about the best cancer screening schedule for you!

So do you want to join the hair movement now? Stop shaving and start fundraising here, or support the cause by donating to your favorite team or participant.

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In a world full of peak economic development, continuous technological advances and financial resources, the fact that millions of people are living in poverty is a moral outrage. This is not solely an economic issue, but rather an extremely complex problem that takes a multi-faceted approach to help solve. It is for this reason that the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is recognized each year. This year, the theme for the day is “Putting Dignity in Practice for All.”

Established on October 17th, 1987, the annual observance “honors the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger,” according to the United Nations. The day offers an opportunity to acknowledge the effort and struggle of those living in poverty, a chance for people to make their concerns heard, and a moment to recognize that poor people are the first to fight against poverty.

A word used often, many may wonder what poverty truly means. The United Nations notes that it’s more than just a lack of income and resources to sustain life. It also manifests into hunger and malnutrition, limited access to education and other basic services, social discrimination, as well as lack of participation in decision-making.

According to the United States Census, 11.5 percent of the U.S. population lived below the poverty line in 2022, which equates to 37.9 million people. This is a 1 percent increase from before the pandemic in 2019. These numbers run in contrast to the fact that America ranks first as the richest nation in the world in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Yet particularly in the United States, the problem with the accuracy of these statistics is that they don't take obvious indicators into account, said Grace Bonilla, president of the United Way of New York City. For example, measures look at pretax income instead of actual take-home pay, and don’t consider family composition or the cost of child care. That’s why actual poverty might be far more widespread than we imagine. As a response, the Census Bureau has adapted measurements to consider some of these factors, though they still don’t produce the most accurate account.

What is actually being done to eradicate poverty in the United States? During the pandemic, those in poverty and many who straddled the border were able to use refundable tax credits and stimulus payments to stay afloat. Unfortunately, those programs have since expired and caused poverty rates to skyrocket; in particular, the rate for children has doubled from 5.2 percent in 2021 to 12.4 in 2022, according to the Census Bureau. 

Yet other social programs are actively working to combat the problem. This includes HeadStart, as well as Social Security, which lifted 28.9 million people out of poverty last year, according to census data. In its report, the Census Bureau said Social Security was the "most important anti-poverty program in 2022." Still, there are many more things the government can continue to do to help solve our poverty problem, such as raising the minimum wage, providing permanent paid family and medical leave, supporting pay equity, and many more.

In addition to these programs and policy changes, how can we, as citizens, help those living in poverty or straddling the line? Here are few things that can make a difference:

- Celebrate the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on Oct. 17, 2023, by tuning into Facebook Live for a special United Nations’ ceremony. Get more info here!

- Donate to one of the many charities dedicated to helping those in poverty.

- Support local food banks in your area by donating groceries or supplies.

- Support local businesses with a track record of helping impoverished communities.

- Make kits or fundraise for those experiencing homelessness in your neighborhood.

Poverty is preventable. America has the power to ensure that all people can build financial stability and live their lives comfortably. Learn more about the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and how to raise awareness.

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The most prevalent form of dementia, Alzheimer's is a disease that many have been affected by in one way or another– whether it’s a parent, a grandparent, aunt or uncle, or even a family friend. This month on September 21st, World Alzheimer’s Day will aim to bring more awareness to the disorder.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Alzheimer’s disease is a disorder characterized by changes in the brain that lead to deposits of proteins. It causes the brain to shrink and cells to eventually die, resulting in a gradual decline in memory, thinking, behavior, and social skills. This ultimately diminishes a person’s ability to function. Nearly 6.5 million people in the United States aged 65 years and older live with the debilitating disease. This included my grandfather and best friend who succumbed to it 10 years ago this year.

Early signs of Alzheimer’s include forgetting recent events or conversations and overtime, it typically progresses serious memory problems and the ability to perform daily tasks. While medicines may improve or slow the progression of the disease, there is currently no treatment that fully cures it.

However, that is not to say that good news isn’t on the horizon. This year, researchers discovered fresh gene variations related to Alzheimer’s risk, which could pave the way for predictive blood tests in the future. This new research could significantly aid in diagnosing Alzheimer’s before symptoms even emerge.

Alzheimer’s is a disease that has thousands of factors influencing it. This includes amyloid plaques and tau tangles, as well as dozens of other factors such family history, advanced age, past head trauma, etc.

However, there are some ways to love your brain that may make a difference in your risk:

● Break a sweat: Hit the pavement and get your heart rate up to increase blood flow to the brain and body. Numerous studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline.

● Hit the books: Formal education in any stage of life will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Take a class at a community college, local recreation center, or online.

● Nix the cigs: To no surprise, evidence has shown that smoking increases the risk of cognitive decline and many other ailments.

● Follow your heart: Risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes can negatively impact your brain. Take good care of your heart and your brain might follow.

● Heads up! Protect your noggin by always wearing a seat belt, using a helmet when doing contact sports or riding a bike, and taking steps to prevent falls. Brain injury can obviously raise your risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

● Fuel up right: Eat a healthy diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruits to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Certain diets like the Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) contribute to risk reduction. Don’t be afraid to nosh on that yummy hummus or tabbouleh!

● Challenge your mind: Keep your mind sharp by doing something challenging like building a piece of furniture, completing a jigsaw puzzle, or playing games like bridge. Challenging your mind may have short- and long-term benefits on your brain.

To celebrate World Alzheimer’s Day coming up on September 21st, help spread awareness, volunteer at your local Alzheimer’s association or donate! Let’s work together to see an end to this brain disorder in our lifetime.

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For new college freshmen, preparing for the next four years of your life should be such an exciting time. Of course, picking your major, scheduling classes, scouring big box stores for your dorm essentials and prepping for your big move on campus are some of the most fun pieces of the collegiate puzzle. However, then you are left with the most unpleasant piece: how do you pay for college’s hefty price tag?

While some may be granted a scholarship, have help from parents or a relative, or can dig into their pockets, many prospective students end up relying on student loans, resulting in massive loan debt for years post-college and long into careers.

This has become a significant problem in society today.

According to Forbes.com, the costs of college have increased dramatically over the last 30 years, with tuition growing from $4,160 to $10,740 at four-year public colleges and from $19,360 to $38,070 at four-year private colleges. With these increases, the need for student loans has heightened to new levels. Today, more than half of all university students leave school with debt.

Forbes.com notes that there is currently $1.75 trillion worth of student loan debt nationally (composed of both federal and private loans), with more than $28,950 owed per borrower on average. Luckily, students have been able to hold off on paying their student loans back for close to three years during the pandemic. However, that time is quickly coming to end; interest rates will start accruing on federal student loans again in September.

For years, borrowers were holding out hope that President Joe Biden would discharge a portion of student debt. Yet this summer, the Supreme Court unfortunately struck down his plan to eliminate more than $20,000 in loans per person. Further, a federal appeals court recently halted new regulations designed to make it easier for borrowers defrauded by their school (like these schools) to receive student loan forgiveness. The program, Borrowers Defense to Repayment, offers federal student debt relief to those who enrolled in programs through misrepresentation or lies about key aspects such as career prospects, earnings potential, etc. While it’s not the final straw, if the new regulations are ultimately struck down, the Borrower Defense program would remain intact. However, new applications would not be reviewed under the new regulations. Instead, they would be subject to the prior set of regulations that were established under the Trump Administration.

Regardless of what happens on the national scale, if you’re in need to help with paying off your student loans, it’s important to start with your student loan servicer, which is assigned to you by the federal government or private lenders when you initially receive your loans. They should be your first point of contact. You can find your federal student loan servicer by logging into your My Federal Student Aid account. For private loans, ask the original lender whom to contact for billing or repayment inquiries. This way, you can:

● Lower student loan payments

● Pay less temporarily

● Pursue debt cancellation or forgiveness programs that you might qualify for

If you’re nervous about contacting your lending service or if you need additional student loan help, you can get a personalized plan of action from a nonprofit credit counselor or a nonprofit organization that advises on student loans. Search for a counselor trained by a respected organization such as the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.

You could also pay to work with a traditional financial planner! Look for one who is a Certified Student Loan Professional to help ensure they understand all the ins and outs of student loans. Get a rundown of more loan resources and everything you need to know here.

Want to help in other ways? Consider these nonprofits that help repay student loans.

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As a child, I used to think of the term “boundary” as having a negative connotation to it. Defined by Oxford Languages as “a limit of a subject or sphere of activity,” I used to associate the word with other things that would get me in trouble, similarly to “forbidden” or “against the rules.” The word “boundaries” itself was indicative of things I couldn’t do, so my childlike mind associated that as something negative and unpleasant.

It wasn’t until I was in my mid-twenties that I came to form a more advanced understanding of boundaries as being a necessary, important part of everyday life. I remember a shift when all of a sudden this term “boundaries” was being used in everyday conversation with my friends when discussing our relationships with family, partners, and one another. Rather than being used as a “negative” word, when I began using it it became a form of advocating for myself. The creation of my personal boundaries was key to structuring a life I was happy with for myself, as well as to forming healthy and successful relationships.

Boundaries can look like different things, depending on the nature of each specific relationship they’re applied to. However, each and every relationship should have boundaries in some form; many already do, even if you don’t call them that! Common boundaries in a romantic relationship could be not being intimate with other people beyond your partner, or not talking about a former traumatic experience. Familial boundaries, especially boundaries with parents can often be difficult to form, because often parents feel a sense of entitlement to their children’s mental, emotional, and physical entities (i.e expecting their child to always provide a level of emotional support, expecting them to always give someone a hug, etc.). However, failing to form boundaries within familial relationships can quickly become draining and triggering for all involved Creating healthy boundaries protects one from overextending themselves in relationships, thus allowing the relationship space to remain beneficial and safe.

Just as boundaries are important to set in our external relationships, it is also important to set them with oneself. Often considered a form of self-care, boundaries can be set in areas of our personal life such as our finances, work, daily routine, and physical and mental health. Many examples of boundaries with oneself may be things we already commit to, such as sticking to a financial budget, not looking at any screens before bedtime, or only drinking two cups of coffee per day. However, boundaries with oneself can also be more abstract. It could be honoring the promises you make to yourself, or nourishing your body whenever you are hungry. Boundaries with oneself are rules set up in order to ensure that we are living to the highest standard that we can.

Of course, the concept of boundaries is only useful and beneficial when implemented with the correct intent. Over the past several weeks, there have been conversations in the media about the misuse of clinical terms and “therapy speak,” or when they are used by people to control and/or manipulate the other person in the relationship. These are tricky waters to navigate, however, one may advocate that deepening our understanding and practice of creating healthy boundaries can help us recognize when they are being weaponized in an unhealthy way. There may not be a perfect answer or solution to this issue, but remaining conscious of truth creates the space for us to identify its absence as well.

When we have boundaries that we assert in relationships with others and with ourselves, we are able to communicate clearly what we do and don’t want within those spaces. This allows us to honor our truth, and to live out our lives in an intentional, healthy way.

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I don’t know about you, but when Memorial Day comes around every year, I am filled with anticipation because it means that swimming sessions, playground time, long walks around the neighborhood, and impromptu cookouts are on the horizon. Whatever your fun summer shenanigans may be, here are some tips to stay safe and healthy throughout the season.

Unfortunately, 2023 is turning out to be one of the hottest years on record. During these record scorchers, make sure your water bottle is filled up to remain hydrated throughout the day; try to stay away from caffeine or alcohol if you’re spending a lot of time outside. Also, wear loose-fitting clothes and avoid dark colors that absorb the sun’s rays. Working outside or doing yard work? Slow down and try not to overexert yourself, and make sure to take frequent breaks.

One favorite way to beat the heat is by swimming, be it at your local city pool, beach, nearby lake or river. If you plan to spend some time around the water this summer, remember that safety needs to come first. Here are some tips to know about water safety, according to the Red Cross:

• Ensure that every family member who swims has these skills of water competency: able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance and then get out of the water safely.
• Have layers of protection by adding barriers to access water easily, making life jackets available, and providing close supervision of children to prevent drowning.
• Know what to do in a water emergency– including how to help someone in trouble, calling for emergency help and doing CPR.

When it comes to protecting your largest organ– your skin– shade, the right clothing and sunscreen are your biggest defenders. While the sun is great for reducing stress, being active, and getting your daily dose of Vitamin D, it can still cause damage and even skin cancer. That’s why staying in the shade is ideal, as well as wearing wide-brimmed hats with long-sleeved shirts and pants, if possible. We also can’t forget sunglasses– they protect your eyes from UVA and UVB rays, plus help prevent cataracts. Of course, the right sunscreen is a must-have. Put on a broad spectrum sunscreen that filters out both UVA and UVB rays with a SPF of 15 or higher on all exposed skin. Supplemental skincare products, such as MojaveDesert Skin Shield’s Organic Chaparral Protective Mist, can provide an additional boost to your sunscreen routine.

Another huge part of the summertime is grilling! We love our cookouts in the summer, but consider some precautions when putting your favorite meat, veggie or fruit on the fire:

• Always supervise a grill when in use; don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
• Never grill indoors (this might be a no brainer, but you would be surprised!).
• Make sure all the kiddos and pets stay away from the grill.
• Keep the grill out in the open and away from the house.
• Use long-handled tools, especially those made for cooking on the grill, to keep you or your designated griller safe.

Hopefully, you love summertime just as much as our family! Staying safe, happy and healthy, just requires a few simple precautions. Here’s to lots of sunshine, cool drinks, fun dips in the water and lots of fun all season-long. Cheers!

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There is a recently minted holiday that many may not know much about or even celebrate: Juneteenth, which falls on June 19th each year. 

The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1st, 1863, which issued that all enslaved people in the Confederate states “shall be then, thenceforward, forever free.” In actuality, however, it didn’t instantly free enslaved people. It only applied to places under Confederate rule, and not to slave-holding states already under Union control.

Juneteenth marks the official day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were freed. According to History.com, Confederate General Robert E. Lee had surrendered at Appomattox Court House in early 1865 in Virginia, but slavery had remained in effect in Texas - that is, until the U.S. General Gordon Granger stood on Texas land and read General Orders No. 3: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.” Juneteenth honors the end of slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday.

In 1866, freedmen in Texas organized the first of what became the annual celebration of "Jubilee Day" on June 19th. Over the following decades, Juneteenth commemorations grew to feature music, barbecues, prayer services, and other activities; as Black people migrated from Texas to other parts of the country, the Juneteenth tradition grew. 

In 1979, Texas became the first state to make Juneteenth an official holiday; several others followed suit over the years. Following the 2020 murder of George Floyd, national protests and reckonings over race helped set the stage for Juneteenth to be honored as a federal holiday; Congress passed a resolution establishing it as such, which President Biden signed into law on June 17, 2021.

Whether you have long-celebrated or you're just learning about this important day, Juneteenth is one holiday that everyone can commemorate. Here are five ways to do so:

- Celebrate: Red is the color associated with the holiday, as it symbolizes sacrifice and transition. Celebrations for Juneteenth typically include red foods, such as red velvet cake, red beans, hibiscus tea, watermelon, and barbecued meats. Popular sides include corn bread, collard greens and cabbage, which in Black traditions represent prosperity, good fortune, and wealth, according to AARP.com.

- Support Black-owned Businesses: Help mark the holiday by supporting Black-owned businesses in your town or online. Here are a few options on where to buy Black-owned home goods, apparel, skin care and wines, as recommended by Sisters from AARP, a newsletter celebrating Black women.

- Spread the Word: Educating yourself about Juneteenth is the first step; it’s important to spread the word about the holiday, educating your friends and family as well.

- Donate to Supportive Organizations: One way to celebrate Juneteenth is by donating to organizations that support Black communities. Find organizations that resonate with your beliefs or support causes you are passionate about. This includes the American Civil Liberties Union, Audre Lorde Project, Bail Project and the Black Journalists Therapy Relief Fund.

- Attend Juneteenth Events: Several cities have offerings for the holiday, both online and virtually. The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., has a full lineup of digital resources to mark the holiday, including musical performances, lectures, and a guide for researching ancestors. Juneteenth NY will host a three-day, online and in-person Juneteenth summit featuring performances, a parade and lectures. If you're on the West Coast, check out the African American Community Service Agency's 40th Annual Juneteenth in the Park Festival in Santa Barbara County, with events that focus on wellness, education and entertainment spread throughout the area.

Let’s pass down the history, learning from the past for a better future. Eat, drink and be merry this Juneteenth! Learn more!

Image: The Juneteenth Flag, created by activist Ben Haith.

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