Make a difference - pass it on

How about it? - Random Act of Kindness

National Random Acts of Kindness Week held February 9-13!


What is a Random Act of Kindness?

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is the heart of the kindness movement whose aim is to help everyone create a better world by spreading awareness and increasing engagement in kind actions.

Randomactsofkindness.org is a platform where media, education, community, social networking and entertainment connect people with inspiration, tools, resources, organizations and a larger support network to help them take action, get involved, harvest and share the benefits of kind actions in their daily lives and society. Randomactsofkindness.org is dedicated to providing users with dynamic means to teach, learn, collaborate, grow and communicate the kindness they care about in their unique ways.


Here are some easy and fun things you can do!

Examples:

Say Good Morning to someone!

Smile at someone!

Ask someone how they are really doing!

Tell someone they look beautiful today!

Hold the door for them going in some place!

Ask someone else about their day!

Leave a water bottle for your mail carrier!

Buy a cup coffee!

Cook a meal for someone!

Give care packs to the homeless!

Pay for someones dry cleaning bill!

Donate to a worthly cause on behalf of someone else!

Pay for a meal for someone else while you are getting your meal!


The possibles are endless think of one or more things to do this week to share an act of kindness!


Have a great week!

iparticapte.org

Volunteer to live a healthier life is not just something we say at UnitedHealthcare, it is something we do. More than 70 percent of our employees volunteer to help others. Through our collaboration with the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), UnitedHealthcare is championing this volunteer spirit and helping launch a new era of service that can strengthen America and help people live healthier lives.
Volunteering and community service can be a powerful force for improving both our communities and our personal health and well-being. Individuals who volunteer experience greater happiness, increased self-esteem, and improved mental and physical health. Coming together to serve others makes a positive impact on everyone.
UnitedHealthcare recognizes Americans are the most generous givers of their time, and we can’t relent. Join us in supporting the “I Participate” movement to build a stronger, healthier America.



About Us
Share Fave About Us

Entertainment Industry Foundation
The Entertainment Industry Foundation harnesses the collective power of the industry to raise awareness and fund for critical health, educational and social issues in order to make a positive impact in our community and throughout the nation. People from every facet of the entertainment community – actors and executives; guild and union members; and employees of studios, networks and talent agencies – volunteer their time, talent and services to support our work.

Founded 67 years ago by Samuel Goldwyn and other Hollywood luminaries, EIF has raised millions of dollars for cancer research and prevention; diabetes awareness; education and creative arts; and other social programs.

EIF's CEO Lisa Paulsen was just named one of The Nonprofit times Power & Influence Top 50, celebrating the nonprofit sector's top executives and thinkers for their impact and innovation.

EIF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that meets all 20 Better Business Bureau standards.

Visit www.eifoundation.org.



iParticipate
The Entertainment Industry Foundation has mobilized the entertainment community around a groundbreaking initiative designed to inspire a new era of service and volunteerism. This multi-year campaign, called “iParticipate,” hopes to make service a part of who we are as Americans and show what we can achieve when we all pull together.

As part of its launch, the four major broadcast networks - ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC - and other cable channels participated in an unprecedented, week-long television event from October 19-25, 2009, with more than 100 shows highlighting volunteerism.

EIF produced a series of public service announcements that focus on key areas where volunteers are needed most. Celebrities volunteered their support including: Blythe Danner, Morgan Freeman, Faith Hill, Matthew McConaughey, Gwyneth Paltrow, Simon Baker, Emily Deschanel , Eva Longoria Parker, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Masi Oka, Michael Strahan, Kate Walsh, and Rainn Wilson. EIF enlisted Jesse Dylan, the creative force behind Bono's "Red" campaign and "One" and will.i.am's iconic "Yes, We Can" video, to create, direct and produce the PSAs.

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