September 4th is World Sexual Health Day. This term is misunderstood by many. Sexual health is often mistakenly interpreted as the absence of disease, although the precise definition includes the wording “physical, emotional and social well-being.” In other words, if a person has no diseases, but does not feel comfortable, this does not mean that he is healthy. Let's try to find out what sexual health is and how to improve it? Sexual health is closely related to sexual behavior - a set of attitudes, mental reactions and actions that are aimed at satisfying sexual desire. The quality of sexual life, emotional and physical pleasure directly depends on a sense of security and peace of mind, so one of the “pillars” on which good sexual relationships rest is safe sex. Here we are talking not only about preventing unwanted pregnancy, but also about protecting against sexually transmitted diseases. Humanity has known about STDs for a long time, but medicine in those days was poorly developed, and people did not have a clear idea of ​​the methods of transmission of certain sexually transmitted diseases, so they spread quickly and could become a real disaster, not inferior in the number of victims to typhoid fever or smallpox . In the Middle Ages, gonorrhea and syphilis became headaches. Interestingly, the first is mentioned in the Bible as one of the sources of ritual uncleanness. There are three theories about the origin of syphilis. The most popular version blames the sailors from Christopher Columbus's ship, who contracted the disease from the aborigines of the island of Haiti. Subsequently, they brought it to almost every port where they stopped, and many of the men, after traveling, also took part in the military campaigns of the French king. According to another theory, syphilis was also brought to Europe by sailors, but much earlier, since according to the results of research, dental changes were found in some skeletons from Pompeii, which may be characteristic of congenital syphilis. The third hypothesis suggests that the birthplace of this disease was Africa, from which the infection spread along with slaves. One way or another, there was no escape from syphilis in the Middle Ages. The disease could develop for years, but ultimately disfigured the person and led to death. Medicine could not provide effective drugs to patients because it was centuries away from Alexander Fleming's discovery. There were many misconceptions, among which one of the most persistent was the myth that syphilis and gonorrhea are two manifestations of the same disease. This legend has existed for more than 100 years. Today, syphilis, like gonorrhea, can be successfully treated, but this does not mean that you can relax and forget about safe sex, because a new threat looms ahead. In 2018, a patient in the UK was diagnosed with a new strain of gonorrhea, which cannot be treated with antibiotics. Similar cases have also been reported in Japan, France and Spain. Doctors are seriously afraid of a new epidemic of incurable gonorrhea, which can lead to serious consequences for the human body. For example, women without proper treatment in the acute form can become infertile. Not only syphilis and gonorrhea pose a danger. Dozens of other diseases are transmitted sexually, some of which cannot be treated. Every person has the right to enjoy and express their sexuality without violence, fear or risks to their health. However, rights always go hand in hand with responsibilities, so it is important to respect your partner, not impose your own opinion on him, and not try to realize your rights through violence or coercion against another person. Another important aspect of sexual health is consent. Any actions of a sexual nature, which include not only sexual intercourse itself, but also kisses, hugs, and touches, must be performed with the approval of both partners. Otherwise, there is not just a violation of the sexual rights of another person, but real violence.

Most working people experience increased stress at work or perform heavy physical labor. Psychological and physical stress negatively affects human health. He becomes tired, irritated, and “feeling off his feet.” He needs to rest. That is why people came up with a wonderful holiday - Retraction Day. It is celebrated annually on September 4 and belongs to the category of funny holidays. Despite the fact that Pullback Day appeared relatively recently, many people willingly celebrate it. Judging by the name, the roots of this unofficial holiday come from Russia. It is there that the words are used: pull away, pull away. But perhaps the origin of Relaxation Day came from Europe, where the holiday is called differently and celebrated a little earlier or later. It doesn't matter at all. The main thing is that any person without a twinge of conscience can have a good time on September 4th. Pullback Day is usually celebrated at the very beginning of autumn, on September 4th. At such a time, the weather stabilizes: there is no longer sweltering heat, but it is not cold either. You can also swim at sea, in a river or in any other open body of water. Also, in the first days of autumn it is customary to visit forests, plantings, and parks. Children go to school in September, but at the beginning of the educational process they do not yet have an increased workload. Autumn is rich in natural gifts: tomatoes, peppers, apples, grapes, watermelons, melons. When going on an outing, you can take these products as a small snack. Every person needs a break from everyday routine and everyday worries: those working in production, in trade, everyday life and public services, in medicine, school, and in the construction industry. It is also relevant for mothers on maternity leave and for ordinary housewives. Such a holiday is required by students and even pensioners and the unemployed. The day of relaxation is relevant for married couples and single people at any age. You can rest on Saturday or Sunday, or any other time, but on the Day of Relaxation on September 4 (regardless of the day of the week) - this is mandatory. This unofficial holiday is created for active recreation in nature, for parties and get-togethers with friends, to spend time with a loved one or just “laze on the couch” in front of the TV with a cup of coffee or a glass of beer. 1. A trip to the river with a picnic, relaxation at the dacha, in the forest, at the sea. 2. Party with friends in a cafe or in another area. 3. Sauna with swimming pool, hydromassage and massage treatments. 4. Sports recreation at the stadium, billiards, tennis, bowling club. 5. Visit to an amusement park, bike ride, karaoke. 6. Going to a concert of your favorite singer, visiting the theater. 7. Fishing, hunting, equestrian club, other entertainment. Those who like to relax at home can watch their favorite movie, listen to pleasant music, read a book, or flip through a modern magazine in a calm atmosphere. Girls who love shopping can arrange a trip to a clothing supermarket. And lovers of culinary art will prepare a delicious dish with exotic ingredients for themselves and their family members. You should not make work plans or complex tasks on this day. You just need to rest. That is, you need to do what your “soul desires.” You just can’t overdo it and behave stupidly, do things that you would be ashamed to even remember. A day of relaxation is needed in order to gain strength, remove negativity and further work with double motivation and inspiration, remembering the 4th of September.

On September 4, taekwondo athletes around the world congratulate each other on International Taekwondo Day. The date was chosen for a reason: on this day, Korean martial art was officially named an Olympic sport. This happened on September 4, 1994, at the Paris Congress. It was then that the International Olympic Committee proposed to supplement the traditional program of the games with this art of combat at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. And yet, despite such a significant event, fans of this type of Korean wrestling had to wait more than a decade until, at the General Assembly in the Vietnamese city of Ho Chi Minh City in 2006, the World Taekwondo Federation presented another official holiday to the calendar - World Taekwondo Day, dated 4 1st September. Taekwondo, revered in Asian countries, received the title of Korean national martial art in 1971, and in 1972, Kukkiwon was founded - a training center that united all the taekwondo federations that then existed in the country and began assigning dans and issuing official certificates to its graduates. Just a year later, in 1973, immediately after the founding of the World Taekwondo Federation, from May 25 to 27, the First International Championship in this type of martial arts was held in Seoul for two weight categories of fighters. The event was attended by 19 countries: Austria, Brunei, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Cote d'Ivoire, El Salvador, Mexico, France, Malaysia, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Korea, Philippines, Japan, Singapore, Uganda, USA and Germany. In 1975, Korean martial art was approved as an official sport by the Amateur Athletic Association of the United States (AAU), as well as the World Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF). In 1976, Taekwondo was also recognized by the International Military Sports Council. On July 17, 1980, Taekwondo was approved as a demonstration sport for the 1988 Seoul Games and the 1992 Barcelona Games. This meant that Asian wrestling could now make a name for itself and gain popularity throughout the world. As history has shown, success was not long in coming. The approval of taekwondo as an official Olympic competition in 1994 gave him the opportunity to be present not only in Sydney, but also in all subsequent competitions: Athens, Beijing, London, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo. Taekwondo originated more than 200 years ago in Korea, at the same time as other Asian martial arts. Despite the fact that in the 1970s an attempt was made to unify the techniques inherent in this fight, even today one can find minor differences in terms of fighting skills and abilities among people from different federations. And yet, in general, this Asian martial art is famous for one important characteristic - special combinations of strikes and throws with legs and arms. Just like other martial arts, taekwondo helps its practitioners improve their ability to concentrate and has a beneficial effect on their physical and mental health. Taekwondo athletes have faster reactions to dangerous situations and are able to stand up for themselves and protect others. Their philosophy is based on Taoism and Confucianism, which means that they are characterized by such moral principles as politeness, integrity, observation, self-control and indestructible fortitude.

Intellectual game shows have always been a great success among viewers. While watching the program, you can learn a lot of new things and test your own knowledge. Of even greater interest are programs in which you can take part and do not even need to travel anywhere. It’s enough just to send a letter with a tricky question that real experts should answer. This principle of passive contact with the audience is used in the television program “What? Where? When?”, which over its almost half-century history has become legendary. Birthday "What? Where? When?" celebrated on September 4. It was on this day in 1975 that the first pilot episode was aired. That program only vaguely resembled the program we all know and love. It did not yet have the intensity of the intellectual battle that appeared later. There was no team of experts either. In the first editions, two teams played and families acted as opponents. Filming was carried out in a cozy home environment, and the footage was edited before being broadcast. Vladimir Voroshilov was the ideological inspirer of the program. In collaboration with Natalia Stetsenko, who later became his wife, he created this project, and later became the host of an intellectual game for almost 20 years. In the first years there was simply no need for a presenter, but time passed and the program changed. In 1976, the program changed its specifics and began to focus on a young audience. Students began to be invited to filming. A top with two arrows was introduced into the game. According to the rules, he indicated that he must answer the question. If the participant did not cope with the task, then a second player, pointed at by another arrow, came to his aid. The teams did not have time to think, so the game did not yet include live discussions. The prizes were not money, but books, but gradually new rules began to appear. In 1977, the players "What? Where? When?" began to answer questions from viewers. The top was now pointing at the envelopes containing them, rather than at the players. It was also decided to leave only one team of experts and add a minute for discussions. In the same year, the game acquired a symbol - an eagle owl nicknamed Fimka, who personified wisdom. In 1991, the club was again renamed “intellectual casino” and from that moment the game for money began. Initially, Vladimir Voroshilov himself came up with questions for the game. Letters from viewers began to arrive only a few years after the launch of the program. When the popularity of "What? Where? When?" took off sharply, Voroshilov received whole bags of envelopes, but it was impossible to take the first one he came across and use it in the game. First, the most interesting questions from TV viewers were selected. Then the answer to each of them was carefully checked for accuracy. The name of the presenter was not disclosed for many years. In the Ostankino cafe, where filming took place in the early years, only the crew was in the frame. The presenter remained invisible and the audience heard only his menacing voice. Only in 1980, at the end of the program, Voroshilov revealed himself. After his death in 2001, Boris Kryuk, the son of Natalia Stetsenko and the stepson of Vladimir Voroshilov, became the presenter. His identity was also kept secret for a long time. The film crew even used modern technology to subject his voice to special processing and change it beyond recognition. Although the intrigue was ultimately destroyed, experts still refer to him only as “Mr. Presenter.” That very living eagle owl Fomka inspired the creators to add a personal rating for each expert in order to determine the most productive among them. First, the winner received an honorary prize - a wooden pendant in the shape of a bird, which was later replaced by a “Crystal Owl”. To make the show even more popular, the creators added a musical break and began inviting famous performers. Initially, recordings of performances were used, but later the musicians began to sing live. The musical break has become another important tradition of the “What? Where? When?” club.

There are many holidays celebrated at the beginning of September. There are both serious reasons for their establishment, such as the beginning of the school year, and not so much. One of the fun holidays that falls at the beginning of Indian summer is the Day of Unfamiliar Roads. It is celebrated both by lyrically minded romantics who believe in their lucky stars and rely on fate, and by purposeful realists who are accustomed to relying only on themselves. Brave people who are not ready to put up with the routine of everyday life look to the future with optimism, despite the popular wisdom: “An unfamiliar road is a dense forest.” Those who cannot sit in one place boldly choose unknown paths: they go on long journeys or simply radically change their life circumstances. The lyrical heroine L. Gurchenko addresses such desperate brave men in the song she performed in the movie “Station for Two”: Many literary works are devoted to choosing a life path. A plot with a crossroads, at which the hero has to decide where to move next, is often found in epics and Russian folk tales. On the Prophetic Stone, standing at the fork of three roads in front of Ilya Muromets, it was written: “Ride to the right - you will lose your horse, go to the left - you will be married, if you go straight - you will be killed.” The heroes of the epic epic have long been dead, but the theme of choosing the right direction of movement is still relevant. Everyone who is at a crossroads and ready to step into the unknown celebrates September 4 as the Day of Unfamiliar Roads. Each of us would like to know what awaits him after the next turn of fate. A person who has taken the unbeaten path can only guess what events await him in life. Unexplored paths are chosen not only by surveyors searching for minerals, but also by travelers, scientists, mountaineers, rock climbers and other fans of extreme sports. A reward awaits each of them at the end of the road: the discovery of a deposit, an acquaintance with the life of an African tribe, a scientific invention, or the conquest of a mountain peak. The Day of Unfamiliar Roads is a holiday not only for those who cannot sit still and want to know what is beyond the horizon. On September 4, people who have long dreamed of, but did not dare to radically change their lives, take a step into the unknown. Choosing an unknown path is akin to a spontaneously started journey with an unpredictable ending. But risk, as we know, is a noble cause. In the finale of his poem, director, screenwriter and poet E. Ryazanov encourages everyone to take a step and step onto an unfamiliar road: “Strive to change your life! Don’t be afraid to change your life!”

Nuclear Support Specialist Day in Russia is celebrated on September 4. For a long time, all information related to the invention and use of weapons of mass destruction was hidden from ordinary people. Unknown scientists worked in secret laboratories and lived in closed towns. The main thing that the country needed to know was that the USSR was a nuclear power capable of withstanding the most formidable enemy. In 2006, a presidential decree designated September 4 as a professional holiday for those who forged the nuclear shield of the fatherland over many years. On this September day in 1947, a special department was created in the Soviet Union to manage the testing of a new type of weapon. This was not another whim of Secretary General Stalin. Nuclear weapons were an urgent need for the country of the Soviets, because two years ago the United States demonstrated monstrous power to the whole world by dropping bombs on the cities of Japan. Comrade Stalin managed to maintain the most imperturbable appearance, leading American leaders to the erroneous idea that no one in the USSR understood what nuclear weapons were. In fact, Soviet physicists have been conducting research on the formation of atomic energy from fissioned uranium for a long time. In the conditions of the most difficult war in 1942, the Academy of Sciences began development urgently, but the test of the first Soviet atomic bomb took place only in 1949. The consequences of the explosion at the Semipalatinsk test site shocked representatives of the government and armed forces of the USSR. The blast wave destroyed everything located within a radius of 1 km, leaving behind a monstrous dose of radiation. Beginning in the mid-20th century, the two superpowers of the USSR and the USA entered into an irreconcilable battle for nuclear primacy, called the “Arms Race”. Soon, the Soviet Union shocked the world community with the invention of thermonuclear and hydrogen weapons, and an intercontinental ballistic missile was developed. The nuclear race slowed down only in the 90s; the tragedy at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant played a big role in this. Having come to their senses, states are cutting back on nuclear testing costs, and the United States is launching a program to dismantle atomic weapons. Facts on environmental damage caused to nature, human health and even the ozone layer of the Earth were made public. At the moment, Russia has incredible military power, accumulated during the years of the Soviet Union. Full control is exercised over the preservation and safety of the powerful atomic potential. This responsibility falls entirely on specialists in the field of nuclear support, whose necessary work is marked with the memorable date of September 4.

The common man often does not know what a heavy burden lies on the people who save and protect their lives. In every country, in every state on the planet, specialized services operate, the main goal of which is to prevent or try to minimize human casualties in catastrophic emergency situations. Their name is lifeguards (the name may vary depending on the country and language barriers). In Armenia, 2008 was marked by the decision of the state government to announce the date of the country's new professional holiday - Rescuer Day, in order to truly, without any preamble, note the importance and extreme need for these selfless and fearless people. So that highly qualified specialists of this very necessary profession in the modern world know that they are valued and remembered. And about those who laid down their lives for the lives of others in need of help and salvation. Rescuers from Armenia already had experience in eliminating the global consequences of an emergency situation. In 1988, a terrible earthquake struck northern Armenia and thousands of volunteers from all over the Soviet Union rushed to the aid of their fellow men. Based on the results of the “lessons learned” from the Spitak earthquake, a decision was made to create a specialized service in the country to save lives and eliminate the consequences of emergency situations. Armenian rescuers played an equally important role during the bloody war at the very beginning of the 90s. Thanks to the bravery of these people, hundreds (and perhaps thousands) of human lives and destinies were saved. They were able to “cleanse” their country in the literal sense of this expression - they cleared vast territories in the state from mine traps and other deadly devices. It is on this wonderful day that all rescuers, without exception, working for the benefit of their homeland are honored. Particularly distinguished specialists are presented with congratulations and presentations of certificates and awards. In specialized units, mass festive events are held on this solemn day. Not only the rescuers themselves are present here, but also their families. After all, everyone understands perfectly well that without a 100% protected rear it is impossible to complete the assigned tasks and achieve the optimal result.

Labor Day in Canada and the USA (Labor Day)

Having accepted independence in 1991, the President of Moldova adopted a decree on September 3 on the transition of all existing customs structures under a single leadership. It is September 4 that is considered the day of the creation of the modern Customs Service, which is the central administrative body. The main responsibilities of the service are to protect the national and economic security of the state in accordance with international standards, create favorable conditions for the movement of goods across the state border, simplify trade procedures without violating customs control rules. An important mission of the customs structure is cooperation with civil society and the business community, with the aim of developing international trade that helps attract foreign investment. Geographically, Moldova is located in the southwest of Eastern Europe, and borders on the west with Romania, and on the south, east and north with Ukraine, occupying most of the area between the Prut and Dniester rivers. Interacting with neighboring countries, the work of the customs service of Moldova is aimed at combating possible customs offenses at the state border of countries. All this contributes to the development of a professional and transport administration that implements international standards to simplify customs procedures and protect the public, strictly using customs legislation. Since October 1994, the customs service of the Republic of Moldova became a member of the World Customs Organization, which confirms its full compliance with international standards and norms. Since then, the customs authorities of the Republic of Moldova have been constantly developing, mastering modern technologies and practices used in developed world countries. In honor of the anniversary of the formation of the customs structure, already in independent Moldova, in 1995 the president of the country established such a professional holiday as Customs Worker's Day, which is celebrated annually on September 4.

In the folk calendar, Agathon Ogumennik falls on September 4th. This holiday is associated with the Orthodox day of remembrance of the passion-bearers who suffered martyrdom from the pagans. Coming from a noble family, Agathonikos lived in Nicomedia at the end of the 3rd century. The man had the gift of exhortation, thanks to which he was able to convert many pagans to Christianity. Having learned about this, Emperor Maximian sent the mayor Eutholmius to bring the preacher to him for trial. Eutholmius captured Agathonicus, his faithful disciple Pricips and some other Christians. The mayor subjected his captives to cruel torture. Eutolmius killed someone on the way to the imperial court. The emperor sentenced Agathonik to beheading. Before his execution, the martyr was again tortured, forcing him to renounce his faith. People called this day Ogumennik. It was believed that on the night of Agathon, the goblin comes to the threshing floor before a long winter hibernation. There he plays with the hay stored for the winter, scattering it. Therefore, in the evening the men, having prayed to Saint Agathonikos, went out on patrol to the threshing floor. They put on the sheepskin coat inside out and took a poker in their hand. They drew a circle with a poker and sat in it. The goblin, in the form of an ordinary man in a sheepskin coat, belted with a red sash, and in shoes put on backwards, could not cross the circle and harm the threshing floor guards. On this day they especially watched beautiful young girls, not letting them go into the forest alone. Otherwise, the goblin could take them to be his wives. In general, on Agathon they tried not to go into the forest unless absolutely necessary. It was believed that the owner of the forest could spin and confuse travelers. They also tried to baptize babies by September 4th. There was a belief that instead of unbaptized babies, the goblin throws his own children into the cradle. On September 4, housewives baked pies and laid them out in utility rooms to appease the brownies. There was a belief among young girls: if you do not touch food all day, but only pray, then beauty and youth will not be abandoned for a long time. On Agathon it was forbidden to give or accept gifts. Gluttony and stinginess were also not recommended. Otherwise, you could invite misfortune and illness upon yourself. It was believed that good done on this day would be returned a hundredfold. People believed that the weather pattern on Ogumennik would not change until October. People were happy if September 4 turned out to be clear and cloudless, because in this case one could expect clear weather without rain. If at sunset the sky was clouded from the north, then strong winds were to be expected.

Catholic Feast of Saint Rose Of Viterbo

Orthodox holidays on September 4:

Memorial Day of the Martyr Agathonikos of Nicomedia

Feast of the Georgian Icon of the Mother of God

Memorial Day of the Holy Martyr Gorazd

Memorial Day of St. Isaac of Optina