International Scurvy Awareness Day 2024: Scurvy is a life-threatening malnutrition disease that remains prevalent in many countries. It is caused by malnutrition and starvation, as well as the consumption of highly selective diets that exclude fruits and vegetables.
International Scurvy Awareness Day is observed on 2 May. This year, the event is set to be observed on Thursday. Everyone should celebrate the day to spread awareness about scurvy and the ways to prevent it.
International Scurvy Awareness Day 2024: History
The disease was first noted in the Crusades, dating back to the 11th to 13th centuries. European Christian powers sent forces to conquer opposing religions, and it was common for soldiers to lose strength and develop health problems during these long journeys.
It was not until the 1500s that scurvy was officially recognized as a life-threatening illness after an estimated 2 million sailors died from the disease.
The high death toll caused by the disease sparked concern and investigation by naval commanders and physicians alike. In 1801, Commodore George Anson reported that 1,855 of his 2,000 men were suffering from scurvy.
This prompted a physician named James Lind to investigate the disease, which ultimately led to the development of treatment methods that used citrus fruits to prevent the disease and helped sailors maintain good health during voyages. Despite Lind's findings, he died before they could become widely adopted.
It was only at the end of the 1800s that prevention measures, such as daily rations of vitamin C in the form of juice, became commonplace.
After suffering immense losses during long voyages across land and sea, scurvy became a known disease that could be fatal and highly preventable for many years. Despite this, the disease is still largely associated with the stereotypical pop-culture pirate.
International Scurvy Awareness Day 2024: Significance
Today, International Scurvy Awareness Day is observed in a variety of ways, including the payment of respects to the many souls who have died from the disease.
It is also a day to raise awareness about the disease and its impact on individuals and communities. The day is also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of proper nutrition and lifestyle choices for preventing and treating scurvy.
One of the most important ways to prevent scurvy is to ensure a healthy and balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. It is also important to take precautions such as eating whole grains and seeds and avoiding diet high in saturated fat and sugars.
If you are experiencing symptoms of scurvy, such as low vitamin C levels, fatigue, and diarrhea, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications of the disease.
International Scurvy Awareness Day 2024: Celebration Tips
Let's take a look at a few ways to celebrate International Scurvy Awareness Day 2024:
You can donate money or help those who are suffering from scurvy on this day. Donate food or money to someone who needs it.
Inform others about scurvy and how they can fight it. It is important to spread awareness to prevent the disease. International Scurvy Awareness Day is the best opportunity to make others aware.
Try to take care of yourself by including vitamin C in your daily diet. That's how you can protect yourself from scurvy and stay healthy.
(Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated by AI and published after the content was editorially modified and verified by a human based on their own judgement and expertise. The Quint does not publish AI-generated content without direct human involvement and oversight)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)