Download a copy of this infographic here.

There is often confusion about Memorial Day relative to Veterans Day, which was first observed in 1926, to recognize and appreciate all veterans who have served our country- particularly those who are still with us. Memorial Day, which began in 1868, is focused on honoring those individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice preserving our country and the freedom for which it stands.

The first large observance for Memorial Day was held in 1866 at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. Various Washington officials, including Gen. and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, presided over the ceremony. After speeches, children from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphan Home made their way through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting prayers and singing hymns.

More than one million American servicemembers have died in wars since the first colonial soldiers took up arms in 1775. All Americans are direct beneficiaries of these sacrifices. Some specific actions you might take on this special day might include:

• Visiting memorials
• Visiting one of the 135 veterans’ cemeteries across the nation that protect the remains of our country’s fallen
• Flying the U.S. flag at half-staff until noon
• Volunteer or donate to non-profits serving survivors
• Reading to children about the meaning of the holiday. Some books that are appropriate for children four to eight include:
  • Memorial Day by Mir Tamim Ansary
  • Memorial Day Surprise by Theresa Martin Golding
  • The Wall by Eve Bunting

While this weekend is often considered the unofficial kickoff to summer, it’s important not to forget its true meaning and sentiment. We must never forget what these heroes have done and what their loved ones have lost.

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Magellan Federal has a long legacy of service to military survivors which dates back 1879. We are honored to be a leader in supporting military survivors, providing surviving military families with information and compassionate case management that helps them navigate a very complex set of issues and benefits.

Thirty years ago, President Ronald Reagan deemed March to be Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Awareness months are an important advocacy tool, as they provide opportunities to reflect on progress and continue meaningful conversations about the future. For many people with developmental disabilities, ensuring these discussions take place can be the difference between being invisible and living as full citizens in their communities.

Developmental disabilities awareness is something near and dear to me, not only as the president of TMG by Magellan Health—supporting the largest self-directed long-term services and supports program of its kind in the country—but also because of my graduate work. During my practicum, I worked on the South side of Chicago, assisting low-income families who had children with developmental disabilities. Too often, these families, many of them single mothers, struggled to find the necessary services to help their children live as independently and inclusively as possible. The isolation the children experienced was heartbreaking.

Fortunately, in the 20 years since then, I’ve seen wonderful strides in the resources available for people with developmental disabilities, as well as greater expectations for community inclusion. Self-direction has played a crucial role in this progress. With self-direction, individuals choose not only the services they receive and who provides them, but also how they live their lives. This means people have control over things many of us take for granted: living where and with whom we want; making our own schedule; having meaningful, lasting relationships; pursuing our hobbies and passions; and finding meaningful work or volunteer opportunities. There’s been an amazing nationwide movement towards self-direction, which is not only a best practice, but also the cornerstone of TMG’s work in Wisconsin’s innovative IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) program.

While there’s been great progress in raising expectations and increasing opportunities and resources for individuals with developmental disabilities, there’s still much to overcome on the path towards greater acceptance and inclusion. Thankfully, as community inclusion and self-direction are becoming more commonplace, society increasingly recognizes the contributions that people with developmental disabilities can make. As a leader in helping individuals create healthy, vibrant lives, Magellan Health is at the forefront of self-direction with its Wisconsin program, and is building a strong self-direction component in its new managed long-term services and supports (MLTSS) program, Magellan Complete Care of Virginia.

So as you make your way through March, take time to think about the people in your life and in your community and how we can all support one another. Learn how to be a better advocate for individuals with disabilities at sites such as ACL.gov and NACDD.org, and read stories of self-direction in TMG’s The Path Ahead. Encourage and support inclusion and independence whenever you can. But mostly, take the time to get to know people for who they are and appreciate their individual gifts and talents.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, but you can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease. Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have heart disease. According to the U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, ways to lower your risk include:

• Watching your weight.
• Quitting smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Controlling your cholesterol and blood pressure.
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
• Getting active and eat healthy.

February is great time to take control of your health and know your health numbers.