7 Things to be Thankful For From 2016
Every new year brings the promise of growth, the hope of prosperity and the chance of change. However, as the months continue, each given year begins to mean something different to every individual. Some experience seasons of happiness whereas others meet periods of disappointment or monotony. As always, 2016 has done what every year does--include times of good and bad. Though for some, this year has been one of more downs than ups and this season of thanksgiving has been hard. As a devout optimist, I went in search of the positives and compiled this heartwarming list to remind everyone that there is a silver lining and so much to be thankful for. For those finding themselves down, this one’s for you.
In Health… According to the American Heart Association, the rate of heart disease and stroke related deaths continue to decline. They explain that while these two statistics are steadily decreasing each year, the trend is due to a combination of efforts such as fewer people smoking and receiving secondhand smoke, better emergency response to heart disease, scientific research advances, and increased public awareness about healthy living. However, while these two rates may be dropping, the statistic of Americans suffering from cardiovascular diseases is rising due to obesity, high blood pressures, and persisting unhealthy diets. As stated by the American Heart Association President Mark Creager, M.D., “We cheer the progress we’ve made, but realize we have much more to accomplish.”
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In Wildlife... Giant Pandas are no longer endangered and the wild tiger population is increasing!
These lovable black and white mammals and iconic symbol of conservation was reported no longer be on the list of endangered species by the international body for species in early September of this year. Their increase in population is accredited to a decrease in poaching that originally landed them on the Red List of Threatened Species in the 1990’s and the expansion of the panda’s protected habitat.
The Global Tiger Initiative began in 2010 with a meeting between Asian governments in Russia where they established the goal of doubling the wild tiger population by 2022. Six years later, there has finally been an increase in the wild tiger population from under 3,200 to 3,890. “For the first time after decades of constant decline, tiger numbers are on the rise. This offers us great hope and shows that we can save species and their habitats when governments, local communities, and conservationists work together,” said Marco Labertini, the General Director of the World Wildlife Fund.
In Veteran Affairs… Most military veterans do not qualify for dental assistance as to be eligible, one must be 100% disabled and have been a POW or have developed a dental issue during their active service. With that said, Aspen Dental has been committed to meeting the needs of these deserving veterans with more than 400 offices across the nation and the realization that mobile accessibility is highly effective. They paired with Got Your 6, a nonprofit that aids veterans to utilize their dentists and help more than 4,000 veterans in need of care. Their mission to assist veterans with dental needs will lead to better health, increased confidence and greater opportunity for the patients. A veteran himself and Aspen Dental dentist of nearly a year, Eric Sharks, joined the company because of their commitment to helping veterans and encouragement of others to adopt veteran patients free of charge. Through their campaign, Healthy Mouth Movement, Aspen Dental sets up a mobile office in 30 states to aid this specific population and we hope that their good work continues and inspires other companies to adopt the practice.
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In Energy... Portugal abandoned fossil fuel power for four days and functioned solely off of the renewable sources of wind, solar, and hydro-generated electricity. Other European countries such as Denmark and Germany have also done such tests to decrease their fossil fuel usage and it is said that this trend will become more common among the European countries as scientists and experts experiment with wind, solar, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy. According to Mark O’Malley, an engineering professor and coordinator for the European Energy Research Alliance, the answer to utilizing renewable energy efficiently lies in a balance of the different forms of renewable energy depending on the supply and capability of each country’s situation. Portugal’s example of effective renewable energy reliance is only one of the first and we can look forward to many more strides towards cleaner energy usage.
In Sports…While the Chicago Cubs professional baseball team was the first to win the World Series twice in 1907 and 1908 it would be another 108 years until they claimed the title of champions again. Finally, the Cubs broke the streak with a World Series win against the Cleveland Indians on November 2nd. However, it was not won without a battle and for fans on both sides, the seventh and final game was a nail biter. The Cubs led 6-3 through the seventh inning until Cleveland’s Rajai Davis hit a clutch homerun with Jose Ramirez and Brandon Guyer on base to bring in 3 runs and bring us to a tie in the 8th inning. The entire nation was headed into extra innings. With everyone on the edge of his or her seat, each play was crucial and could make it or break it. In the 9th, no runs were scored and the Cubs took the lead in the 10th as Miguel Montero hit a single into left with the bases loaded to bring in a run. The Indians had 3 outs to get back in the game but with a final ground out, the Cubs sealed their fate and reaped success.
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In Entertainment... This was a big year for two beloved talents, Jackie Chan and Leonardo DiCaprio.
After 50 years of work and more than 150 films, Jackie Chan received an Honorary Oscar Lifetime Award on November 12th at the Governors Awards hosted by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. The martial artist, actor, producer, stuntman and singer has built an amazing, admirable career and while he stated in 2014 that he would no longer be preforming big stunts in movies, he is not through with his career and we can continue to enjoy his other talents.
After six nominations since the age of 19, Leonardo DiCaprio finally won the title of Best Actor in a Leading Role for The Revenant. His acceptance speech was one to remember and received a standing ovation. Not only did he give credit where credit was due and express his gratitude and humility, but he also highlighted the importance of climate change awareness, acknowledgement, and action as The Revenant was about man’s relationship with the earth. Way to go Leo; not only are we proud of your well-deserved award but grateful for those in the limelight who stick up for what they believe in.
In Politics…On November 8th, America voted in three women of color to join the original pioneer, Mazie Hirono (D-HI), in the Senate. Hirono was elected in 2012 and became the first Asian-American woman senator. Now in 2016, Kamala Harris (D-CA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) have joined her to quadruple the female population in this legislative chamber. While that does mean only 4 out of the 100 seats are female and far from a large percentage, every new seat is a great accomplishment. These women have so much to be proud of and are surely inspiring those who look up to them to follow their dreams to achieve their goals. #bossbabes
No matter where you find yourself in this season of thanksgiving, 2016 has been a year of celebration for so many things from healthier populations of people and animals to wins for sports teams and underdogs.
