CONCERNING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY, DID YOU KNOW...?
Here's an op-ed in today's NY Times that has some interesting information on the month about to depart from us for another year, February.  It was of interest to me because my birthday is in this month.  But did you ever wonder why February is shorter than other months?  Read on:
"I WAS born on the last day of February, the runt month of the year. I’ve always felt sorry for February, squeezed between the big months of January (named for the Roman god Janus, keeper of gateways and entrances) and March (after Mars, the god of war).  February, with only 28 days and no powerful gods to advocate for it, commemorates a pagan fertility and purification festival celebrated by flogging women with animal skins. The reason February is an abused month is found in its origins as the clean-up month that was shrunk or stretched so the calendar could keep pace with the sun’s progress through the seasons.
The first Roman calendar, legend has it, had 10 months and no February. Beginning at the vernal equinox with March, it ended with December. In an agricultural society, winter was of little importance, and thus went undivided.  January and February were added about 700 B.C. by the second king of Rome, Numa Pompilius. He made all the months 29 or 31 days (the Romans were said to be suspicious of even numbers), but shorted February, the last month of the year, by giving it only 28."

Read the whole thing.  At the end, the author makes an interesting proposal concerning February; he suggests shortening both January and March, and adding the days to the February calendar, to make the month equal to all others.  Interesting...

SPRING IS COMING...
And for some that can mean allergies and "itchy" eyes.  What can you do if this affects you, too?  Read on:
" I see a lot of patients who suffer from allergies at the first sign of spring. In fact, seasonal allergies are reported to affect at least 20% of the population. Some people have sneezing, runny nose and congestion while others complain more of itchy eyes or a scratchy nose or throat. Oral medications can help counteract all of these allergy symptoms, but if you have only itchy eyes, there are some treatments that may help you that won't make you drowsy.  First, try to avoid environmental allergens by keeping the windows of your home and car closed, and consider the use of an air filter. Refrain from rubbing your eyes and instead use a cool washcloth compress to soothe the itching.  Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops may relieve itchy eyes, or your doctor may recommend OTC or prescription drops containing an antihistamine and/or other anti-allergy medications. There are also some nasal sprays that can treat eye discomfort along with nasal symptoms.
Finally, people with severe symptoms may benefit from allergy shots. Please be sure to talk with your doctor about the best treatment for your specific situation."

"Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you." -Spanish proverb