February - Heart Month

Heart Health Month


February’s focus is heart health.A strong, healthy heart pumps oxygen-rich blood to the entire body and is essential to good health. That’s why we’re happy to share several ways you can live better and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Know your cholesterol.Many Americans have high cholesterol, and, because it can increase your risk for heart disease, it’s important to know if you do too. The American Heart Association recommends that everyone over age 20 have a fasting cholesterol blood test every five years. A few Florida and South Carolina Publix pharmacies offer screening at a reasonable fee. Click here to see if there’s a location near you, and then make an appointment with the pharmacist.

Eat a nutritious diet.Even if your cholesterol checks out normal, it’s still a good idea to strive for a heart-healthy diet. Diets high in cholesterol have been shown to increase your risk for developing coronary artery disease. Only consume enough calories to reach or maintain a healthy weight, and include plenty of fruits, veggies, and whole grains while minimizing fats, salts, and cholesterol. The FDA recommends this nutritional daily content:
Saturated fat: Limit to 8–10% of daily calories
Fat: 30% or less of daily calories
Cholesterol: Less than 300 mg daily
Sodium: Less than 2300 mg daily (High salt diets can increase blood pressure, and, in turn, raise your risk for heart disease.)


Shop smart.In order to eat well, you have to shop smart. Check out these two tools—they’ll make it easier to find foods right for you.

Nutrition shelf tags (located next to or below a variety of products’ prices).
Our registered dietitian created these red-and-green tags using FDA and USDA labeling criteria and dietary guidelines. Whether you’re concerned about cholesterol, fat, sodium, or more, they take the guesswork out of reading food labels. When you spot one, you’ll know, at a glance, if a food meets your particular dietary needs. Learn more here or pick up a brochure at your neighborhood Publix.
http://www.publix.com/
Or go to any store in your area of town they are willing to help to get you on the right and or should I say Heart Healthy track!




Shopping lists dedicated to specific dietary concerns.These “Right Foods for You” shopping lists will help you make more conscious food choices—without doing any research of your own. List types include low in fat, low sodium, 100 calories or less, gluten-free, and more. Go to http://www.publix.com/ for the shopping list!


Make more changes.Along with the detailed changes discussed here, you can further reduce your risk by exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and reducing stress in your everyday life. If you’re unsure how to start, stop in and chat with your Publix pharmacist for advice.



Again, if you do not have a Publix go to your local food chain and see how they can help or visit them on-line and see the tools that they may have!



References:FDA Heart Health Online. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/hearthealth/index.html
Healthy Lifestyle. American Heart Association. Available at: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200009
HeartHub for Patients. American Heart Association. Available at: http://www.hearthub.org/
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Available at: http://www.nhlbisupport.com/cgi-bin/chd1/step1intro.cgi



Always check with your doctor with anything health related!



Happy Hearts

Why Volunteer in 2011?

When making your list of New Year’s resolutions, did you think to add to that list volunteering? Well it is not to late the month of January is not over yet so it is still part of the New Year right? (It is in my book anyway) why not add volunteering as a change you will make in 2011?

The two biggest hurdles for volunteers are finding the opportunity and finding the time. Both of those obstacles can be overcome because the city and surrounding areas that you live in continually need new volunteers as well as those that have given in the past.

So first step is deciding the area of need in which you would like to serve. What is your passion? What are you most concerned about? There are many areas. Hunger, homelessness, poverty, city beautification, animals, women’s issues, government, health, and education are just a few.

Websites such as 1-800Volunteer.org & VolunteerMatch.org enable you to search for volunteer opportunities based on areas of need or your own interests as well as location. The Hands On Network and The United Way also maintain a lot of information to help on your way to becoming a volunteer!

Time commitments for volunteers are more flexible than many people realize. It’s not always necessary to commit weekly or even monthly, though the needs of different agencies do vary. Also check with your company, if you work or your spouse works outside the homebase) as many organizations give employees time off with pay to volunteer on a regular basis. Your Human Resources office or a network within your company would have more information on that. ASK don't be shy others will be glad to help you I am sure of it!

Have regular get-togethers with friends or family? Consider using one of those outings as a time to volunteer. Serving together is a great way to develop relationships while giving back to the community.

Organizing a corporate outing? Why not coordinate a company service project? Volunteering with co-workers helps build teamwork and camaraderie and also gives the company publicity in the community you live within.

Do you know of any shelters in your area that need donated items - this is a great way to give back - clean out those closets and see what you can donate.

By finding an area of need and being creative with your time, you can resolve to volunteer regularly in 2011. So volunteer this wonderful New Year - Volunteer One Person At A Time! You will make a difference even if it is only one Starfish you help it made the difference to that one!


Thanks for volunteering!

Enjoy,

Janice

January Awareness Month

National Volunteer Blood Donor Month

January is National Volunteer Blood Donor Month (NVBDM). To increase awareness of blood donation the nations leading blood donation organizations, America's Blood Centers, AABB, and the American Red Cross, have joined together to promote NVBDM. First-time and regular donors are encouraged to make a difference to their communities by scheduling an appointment to give blood this January. Remember, just one pint of blood can help save up to three lives.




National Mentoring Month

National Mentoring Month (NMM) highlights mentoring and the positive impact it can have on young lives. Spearheaded by the Harvard Mentoring Project, MENTOR and the Corporation for National and Community Service, the first-ever NMM was held in January 2002. This month-long outreach campaign focuses national attention on the need for mentors, as well as how each of us- individuals, businesses, government agencies, schools, faith communities and nonprofits can work together to increase the number of mentors and assure brighter futures for our young people.





National Poverty in America Awareness Month


One in six American children still lives below the poverty line. The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CDHD) invests in community-based solutions. They know no religious boundaries. They support projects that break the poverty cycle for good.





Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

The National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) founded in 1997 is a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to serving women with, or at risk for, cervical cancer and HPV disease. Over 4,000 members have joined the NCCC; Members include women and family members/caregivers/friends, women's groups, cytotechnologists, pathologists, clinicians, laboratories, technology companies, cancer researchers, hospitals, organizations providing cervical cancer screening programs, and other related




Find it in you're heart to give and or volunteer!

Happy New Year 2011

What does the New Year Mean to you?


For some it is simply changing the calendar. For others, the New Year represents a renewed hope of a better tomorrow.

My wish for you is that you are looking forward to 2011 with optimism that your world is and will be what you want it to be.

In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship,love and generous giving, never in want.






National Day of Service January 17, 2011

What is National Day of Service:

What is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service?
After a long struggle, legislation was signed in 1983 creating a federal holiday marking the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The federal holiday was first observed in 1986, making 2011 the 25th anniversary of the King federal holiday.

In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading this effort. Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service – a "day on, not a day off." . The MLK Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, the President's national call to service initiative. It calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems. The MLK Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King's vision of a "Beloved Community."



Veterans of America - What I did this day of service:

I had a wonderful time giving back on this day that I have off from work - this year I lended a helping hand to the Veterans of America a wonderful organization that I have helped over the last few years and will contiune for they are a worthly cause!


What they do:

Your donation of clothing and household items to the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) generates over 50 percent of the funding for programs to help all veterans throughout the country. The VVA supports local, state, and national service programs dedicated to: Improving the general welfare and hospital care of all veterans, especially homeless and disabled veterans
Assisting veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other disabilities
Working closely with veterans of other conflicts
Taking the lead on women and minority veterans' issues
... and much more

March of Dimes and Huggies - what do they have in common?

Get Involved with Every Little Bottom

A recent study, commissioned by Huggies and led by Dr. Cybele Raver of NYU, showed 1 in 3 moms in our country struggles to provide diapers for her baby. These moms often have to cut back on basic things like food and utilities. Can you help?

EveryLittleBottom.com offers several ideas — here are some:

• Spread the word. In your community center, at your children's school, your place of worship, on Facebook or Twitter, let people know about the urgent need many moms face.
• Donate to a local diaper drive. Use the ZIP code finder on EveryLittleBottom.com, to locate organizations in your area that accept diapers. Many have wish lists (through Amazon) that make it easier to know what products will be most helpful.
• Attend community events. There are more than 1,500 local events, like diaper drives. Find one in your area at EveryLittleBottom.com.






What is Diaper Need? Diaper need is the struggle to provide babies with an essential need - diapers. Some mothers face having to clean out and reuse soiled diapers or have to choose between diapers and other basic needs like food. HUGGIES® recently conducted a study that found 1 in 3 American moms have had to face this choice.

Babies suffer without clean, dry diapers

Diaper need means babies are kept in wet, dirty diapers for extended period. They sometimes must wear diapers that have been cleaned out and put back on*. As a result, they are more likely to experience signs of irritation and discomfort, cry more, and suffer from worse diaper rash.

Imagine everything it takes to be a mom. Now imagine it without diapers.

Moms struggling against diaper need are more likely to miss work or school, stay home when they need to go out, or keep their babies out of daycare — which usually requires a full day's supply of disposable diapers*. Without enough diapers for routine changes, moms feel distressed* and find parenting even more difficult.

We can all make a difference

Together, we can help more babies have enough diapers. HUGGIES® created Every Little Bottom to help fight diaper need but we need your help.





http://www.huggies.com/en-US/promotions


This was events in my own area!


Sam's Club

The Every Little Bottom program aims to help needy families that struggle to provide diapers for their babies. For every package of specially marked HUGGIES® diapers and wipes purchased at Sam’s Club from 10/1-12/31, the HUGGIES® brand will donate one diaper to a diaper bank. Sam’s Club® has decided to help even more by hosting diaper donation drives in all Sam’s Club locations. Look for the diaper donation bins at Sam’s Club October 1-31, 2010. Donate an unopened pack of diapers (any brand, any size) and the HUGGIES® brand will distribute them to families in need.

Location: 10690 BEACH BLVD, FL, JACKSONVILLE, 32246
Date: October 1 – October 31, 2010
Phone: (904)928-0017

Sam's Club

The Every Little Bottom program aims to help needy families that struggle to provide diapers for their babies. For every package of specially marked HUGGIES® diapers and wipes purchased at Sam’s Club from 10/1-12/31, the HUGGIES® brand will donate one diaper to a diaper bank. Sam’s Club® has decided to help even more by hosting diaper donation drives in all Sam’s Club locations. Look for the diaper donation bins at Sam’s Club October 1-31, 2010. Donate an unopened pack of diapers (any brand, any size) and the HUGGIES® brand will distribute them to families in need.

Location: 6373 YOUNGERMAN CIR, FL, JACKSONVILLE, 32244
Date: October 1 – October 31, 2010
Phone: (904)573-9702

December 5, 2010

International Volunteer Day

The International Volunteer Day (IVD) provides an opportunity for volunteer-involving organizations and individual volunteers to work together on projects and campaigns promoting their contributions to economic and social development at local, national, and international levels. IVD was established by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 40/212 on December 17th, 1985.



IVD offers an opportunity for volunteer organizations and individual volunteers to make visible their contributions - at local, national and international levels - to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Over the years, rallies, parades, community volunteering projects, environmental awareness, free medical care and advocacy campaigns have all featured prominently on IVD.

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme has made volunteering for one or more of the MDGs its theme for IVD 2010, reminding people around the world of the difference that they can make. It will be an opportunity to highlight and showcase just how volunteerism is contributing to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Meeting the MDGs will require the engagement of millions of people through volunteer action. Through an online community, (www.facebook.com/unvolunteers), Share the Story is inviting you to join the global discussion about how volunteerism can tip the balance towards meeting the MDGs. The deadline for meeting the Goals is 2015. Already, volunteers are contributing their expertise; communities are taking action to improve their lives; and decision makers are increasingly realizing the value of volunteerism. These stories don’t make the news, but they are changing the world. For more information on UNV's IVD campaign, please visit Share the Story.

But this year’s IVD is also significant for another reason. It marks the launch of the tenth anniversary of the 2001 International Year of Volunteers (IYV+10), which also coincides with the European Year of Volunteering. IYV+10 will be an opportunity for people all around the world to join a global effort to reinvigorate the spirit of volunteerism.

Apart from mobilising thousands of volunteers every year, UNV works closely with partners and governments to establish national volunteer programmes to create structures that foster and sustain local volunteerism in countries. Through the Online Volunteering service volunteers can take action for sustainable human development by supporting the activities of development organizations over the Internet. Every day thousands of people are volunteering, online or on-site, contributing to peace and development and working to achieve the MDGs.

Plan Now to Celebrate

National Wear Red Day 2011






Heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, taking the life of 1 in 3 women each year. This means women just like you - mothers, sisters, friends - are dying at the rate of one per minute.

National Wear Red Day is Friday, February 4, 2011. Make It Your Mission to save lives. Together we can make a difference.


Why celebrate National Wear Red Day® ? Because heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women. Because there are so many women who still don't know what you know -that heart disease kills. And because we need to keep funding research that helps save the lives of the women we love.

There are many ways to show your support - from simply wearing red to helping organize an event at your workplace, school or local organization or just with family and friends.

You can also fundraise with our easy-to-use Wear Red Day fundraising tool. To get started:
1. Create Your Own Fundraising Page: Start Now!
2. Choose the profile that fits you
3. Answer a few questions
4. Done! Now you have a fundraising page that you can share through Facebook , twitter, Linked In and more. Or you can embed the form on your blog or Web site.
Download our Wear Red Day Action Kit now

Can't fundraise? No problem. You can still access everything you need to raise awareness.
• Download free resources
• Find event ideas for Wear Red Day
• See Where The Money Goes
• Find a Local Event


Be sure to become a fan of Go Red For Women on our Facebook fan page so you can get the latest updates on National Wear Red Day.

Jennie Garth, Go Red For Women Spokesperson and Heart Health Advocate
"I lost my father to heart disease many years ago. I have made it my mission to fight heart disease in women. Make It Your Mission too. Wear Red, spread the word and raise funds to fight this preventable disease. Together we can help stop heart disease in our lifetime". - Jennie



National Wear Red Day is Feb. 4, 2011


Now is the time to start getting ready for National Wear Red Day 2011. Begin by setting up a fundraising page as an individual or group, or for your school or workplace. You can also search for and contribute to the fundraising page of someone you know. Donations support medical research, awareness, education, and community programs to help women live longer heart-healthy lives. Last year, more than 17,000 companies went RED - will your company be one of them this year?




http://www.goredforwomen.org/wearredday/