March 14th is the World Kidney Day! 9 out of 10 people with kidney disease do NOT know about it! Check your kidney health at least one time per year! Especially if you have T2D and/or High blood pressure.

International Women's Day (IWD), celebrated on March 8th annually, marks a global observance to honor women's achievements and advocate for gender equality. The day traces its origins to the early 20th century, catalyzed by women's labor movements in North America and Europe. The first National Woman's Day was observed in the US on February 28, 1909, inspired by the Socialist Party of America. In 1910, Clara Zetkin, a German activist, proposed the idea of an international day at the International Socialist Women's Conference, leading to the first IWD in 1911, celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. A core motive for IWD's inception was advocating for women's suffrage rights. The IWD gained recognition from the United Nations in 1977, which officially invited member states to proclaim March 8 as the UN Day for women's rights and world peace to highlight issues such as gender inequality, violence against women, and the need for gender parity in various sectors. In some countries, IWD is an official holiday, and men honor the women in their lives with flowers and small gifts. While there have been advancements in women's participation in politics and the workforce, significant gaps remain. IWD has mobilized movements, influenced policies, and brought attention to women's rights, showing the power of collective action in driving social change. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Women%27s_Day Art&Text🫶ChatGPT.

World Obesity Day, observed on March 4th, is dedicated to promoting practical solutions to end the global obesity crisis. Obesity, a complex health condition characterized by excessive body fat, is a major risk factor for various diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. Historically, obesity was mostly seen as a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Many of the Venus figurines, made 20,000+ years ago, are corpulent ladies and thought to symbolize fertility, health, and abundance, maybe idealizing body size in times where food scarcity was a constant threat. Ancient medical texts saw it as a health risk, but only in the 20th century research highlighted it as a medical condition. It's caused by a combination of genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors. Poor diet, lack of physical activity, and sedentary lifestyles are key contributors. Obesity affects all age groups and socioeconomic classes, over 10% of the population. However, prevalence rates vary significantly across different regions and populations. In recent years, developing countries have witnessed a rapid rise in obesity rates, a shift attributed to urbanization and changes in lifestyle and dietary habits. Obesity's toll on health, life quality, and economy is huge. World Obesity Day calls for united efforts for change, advocating for healthy lifestyles, supportive policies, and research to combat this challenge. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obesity Art&Text🫶ChatGPT.

Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus, known as endometrium, grows outside the uterine cavity. This aberrant tissue growth can occur on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining, and other areas, leading to pain, infertility, and other complications. It was first clearly described in 1860, but symptoms consistent with the condition were mentioned in texts 4000 years ago. Epidemiologically, endometriosis affects 10% of women of reproductive age, 176 million women worldwide. The condition is most commonly diagnosed in women in their 30s and 40s, although it can occur in any female post-puberty. Management of endometriosis includes a combination of pharmacological and surgical options. Medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hormonal therapies, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs are used to manage symptoms. In more severe cases, surgical interventions, including laparoscopy, may be necessary to remove endometrial lesions and improve fertility. The impact of endometriosis is multifaceted, affecting physical, mental health and quality of life. The condition also imposes economic burdens due to healthcare costs and lost productivity. Psychologically, it can lead to anxiety, depression, and other emotional stressors, emphasizing the need for comprehensive care and support for affected individuals. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endometriosis Art&Text🫶ChatGPT.

Valve Corporation, an influential player in the gaming industry, was co-founded by Gabe Newell in 1996 after he left Microsoft. Valve produced iconic games like "Half-Life" and "Portal" and revolutionized digital distribution with its Steam platform. Newell also implemented a unique flat organizational structure that fosters innovation and employee autonomy, setting them apart as a distinctive and forward-thinking company in the tech world. The Valve Corporation Handbook for new employees, published March 2012, is a distinctive guide reflecting the company's innovative and unconventional work culture. It has a candid and engaging approach to introducing Valve's flat organizational structure, where traditional hierarchies are eschewed in favor of a more democratic, self-managing ethos. Employees at Valve enjoy an unusual level of autonomy, with the freedom to select their projects and teams, emblematically illustrated by the concept of desks on wheels, enabling staff to physically move to the workspaces where they feel they can contribute the most. They hire "T-shaped" individuals—people who are not only experts in their field but also like to collaborate. The handbook includes humorous illustrations and comics to convey the company's culture and expectations; it is a reflection of the company's core philosophy that prioritizes innovation, independence, and a deep belief in its team members. Handbook: https://bit.ly/3wzMn3r Valve: https://bit.ly/3wCO7Jr Art&Text🫶ChatGPT.

Bulgaria's Liberation Day, observed on March 3rd, commemorates the country's liberation from Ottoman rule, achieved in 1878 through the Treaty of San Stefano (Then a village west of Constantinople, present-day Istanbul; Today's name is Yeşilköy). This pivotal event followed the Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878), where Russia, with Bulgarian volunteers, fought against the Ottoman Empire to liberate Bulgaria. The war was a response to the Bulgarian April Uprising in 1876, which, despite its suppression, drew international attention to the Bulgarians' plight under Ottoman oppression. The conflict's brutality, particularly the Batak massacre, garnered sympathy for the Bulgarian cause, influencing Russia's decision to intervene. Key figures include Russian Tsar Alexander II, who ordered the military campaign, and Bulgarian revolutionary leaders like Vasil Levski and Hristo Botev, who laid the groundwork for national liberation through their resistance movements. The Treaty of San Stefano created a large autonomous Bulgarian principality under Ottoman suzerainty, but the subsequent Berlin Congress in July 1878 reduced its territory significantly. Despite this, March 3 remains a symbol of Bulgaria's struggle for independence and national identity, celebrating the end of almost five centuries of Ottoman dominance and the beginning of a new era in Bulgarian history. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberation_Day_(Bulgaria) Art&Text🫶ChatGPT.

Aspirin, one of the world's most famous and widely used medications, was first registered on March 6, 1899, by the German company Bayer AG. The active ingredient, acetylsalicylic acid, was synthesized by chemist Felix Hoffmann. His motivation was personal; he sought a less irritating substitute for salicylic acid to alleviate his father's rheumatism. The history of aspirin's active ingredient dates back centuries, with salicylate-rich willow bark being used for pain relief and fever reduction in various cultures. However, it was not until the 19th century that scientists began to isolate and modify salicylic acid to reduce its side effects, leading to the creation of acetylsalicylic acid. Upon its release, aspirin quickly became a staple in medicine cabinets worldwide, renowned for its efficacy in reducing pain, fever, and inflammation. Over time, studies also revealed aspirin's role in reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, attributing to its blood-thinning properties. Internationally, aspirin is known by various names, such as "acetylsalicylic acid" in scientific communities and "aspirina" in several Latin languages. In some countries, it is sold under different brand names, but "aspirin" remains a globally recognized term. Aspirin's name comes from "A" for acetyl, "spir" from the spirea plant (a source of salicylate), and "in," a common suffix for medications at the time. More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspirin Art&Text supported by ChatGPT.

Every year on 1st of March, Bulgarian people celebrate a centuries-old tradition called the day of Baba Marta (baba means ‘Grandma’ and Marta means ‘March’), related to sending off the winter and welcoming the approaching spring. On that day and a few days afterwards, Bulgarians exchange and wear the so-called “Martenitsas” – decorative pieces of red and white twisted threads, symbolising health and happiness and a lucky charm against evil spirits. Martenitsas come in a variety of shapes and sizes: bracelets, necklaces, tassels, pompoms and balls.The white is a symbol of purity, innocence, beauty and joy. The red is associated with health, vitality, fertility and bravery. The custom of wearing Martenitsa is probably one of the most interesting Bulgarian traditions. According to one of the many legends, this tradition is associated with the founding of the Bulgarian state in 681 AD. The first martenitsa was made by Ahinora, the wife of Khan Asparuh (the founder of Bulgaria) in the second half of the seventh century, when Asparuh crossed the Danube and found the Bulgarian lands. Ahinora, while waiting for her husband, decided to send him wishes for good health and prosperity. She tied a twisted white and red thread to the leg of a swallow and send the bird to deliver the message for health and love.

At Bayer, we are committed to helping deliver the best possible care for patients. Sustained Disease Control will set a new benchmark for the management of retinal vascular diseases. Gr8 days are ahead of us.

Today we celebrate the power of human creativity and ingenuity. At its core, innovation involves implementing something new or improving an existing product or method in a way that adds value or solves problems. It's a driving force behind societal, economic, and technological progress. Examples of the last decade: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: Lately with generative AI, these technologies have revolutionized industries by enabling smart automation, predictive analytics, and personalized user experiences. AI's applications range from healthcare diagnostics to autonomous vehicles, significantly enhancing efficiency and capabilities. Blockchain: Beyond its initial application in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, blockchain has introduced a new paradigm for secure, decentralized transactions and data management, impacting sectors such as finance, supply chain logistics, and secure voting systems. CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing: It allows for precise editing of DNA, offering potential cures for genetic disorders, advancements in agricultural bioengineering, and treating infectious diseases. Renewable Energy: Innovations in solar and wind energy and improved battery storage have accelerated the transition towards cleaner, sustainable energy sources, mitigating climate change impacts. 5G: Its rollout has marked a significant leap in wireless communication, offering vastly increased speed and connectivity. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Innovation Art&Text 🫶 by ChatGPT.