As technology has continued to advance, ways in which people become involved in the causes they care about has also evolved. Thousands upon thousands of people continue to organize and attend rallies, protests, public speaking events and other types of events to raise awareness about something they deeply care about, but technology, social media and blogging have opened up new doors for even more people to get involved. Bloggers Unite is a community of people who care. It is a website that facilitates blogging events that happen across the blogosphere and asks people to write about a particular subject in order to raise awareness and to help make a difference in the world. Bloggers Unite has become one of the best resources for people to create and manage a campaign of their own, regardless of what it is or how big or small it is.
Here is a list of six upcoming blogging events from August to December that you, as a blogger and as a voice, can take part of in order to help make a difference in the world. As we know, the voice of one blogger can soon reach the computer screens of millions.
- Women’s Equality Day — August 26, 2010
On August 26th, 1920, the 19th Amendment was signed into the U.S. Constitution, giving women the right to vote. However, even after the Amendment was signed, some states refused to officially go on record in favor of the Amendment until as late as 1984. August 26th is a day that gives us the opportunity to recognize the struggle women faced when it came to being given the right to vote, as well as the ways in which women continue to struggle to have their equality recognized all over the world.
» Join the Women’s Equality Day blogging event
- International Literary Day — September 8, 2010
September 8th was proclaimed International Literacy Day by UNESCO on November 17th, 1965 and was first celebrated in 1966. International Literacy Day aims to highlight the importance of literacy to people, communities and to the world. Approximately 774 million adults (1 in 5) lack minimum literacy skills; two-thirds of those people are women. September 8th is a day to remind the international community of the status of literacy and adult learning globally.
» Join the International Literacy Day blogging event
- World Suicide Prevention Day — September 10, 2010
On average, almost 3,000 people commit suicide every day. The International Association for Suicide prevention has been sponsored by the World Health Organizations and others to advocate for the prevention of suicidal behavior, provision of adequate treatment and follow-up care for people who attempted suicide, as well as responsible reporting of suicides in the media. September 10th is a day to raise awareness of what must be done on a global and local level to prevent suicide.
» Join the World Suicide Prevention Day blogging event
- International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women — November 25, 2010
At least 1 in 3 women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime; the abuser is usually someone known to her. Violence against women continues to persist as one of the most heinous, systematic and prevalent human rights abuses in the world. It is a threat to all women, and an obstacle to all out efforts for development, peace and gender equality in all societies. The UN General Assembly designated November 25th as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and on that day governments, international organizations and NGOs are invited to organize activities on the day to raise public awareness of the problem.
» Join the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women blogging event
- World AIDS Day — December 1, 2010
HIV/AIDS has been a global epidemic for more than 27 years. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently published national HIV incidence that showed much higher numbers than previous estimates. Individuals and organizations will recognize World AIDS Day on December 1st and this year’s theme is leadership–from all sectors, including government, but also leaders among individuals and families, communities, non-profits and other organizations.
» Join the World AIDS Day blogging event
- Human Rights Day — December 10, 2010
Human Rights Day marks the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted on December 10th, 1948. UDHR set down the basic principles at the very heart of the human rights movement and has enabled remarkable progress in human rights, inspiring international human rights standards, laws and institutions that have improved the lives of many around the world.
» Join the Human Rights Day blogging event
Tags: activism, Bloggers Unite, blogging, blogging event, Centers for Disease Control, Changing the World, domestic violence, Health & Fitness, HIV/AIDS, Human Rights Day, Illness & Disease, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, International Literacy Day, Mental Health, mental illness, Politics, suicide, suicide prevention, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, violence against women, voting, Women's Equality Day, women's right to vote, Women's Suffrage, World, World AIDS Day, World Suicide Prevention Day
Parents of young athletes always have to be aware of the warning signs of heat illnesses that could affect their child. Heat illnesses that have the opportunity to come on when your child is exercising vigorously in unusually high temperatures and high humidity, which can result in heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke. To make sure you know what to be on the lookout for–and for the chance to ask an expert in the field any questions that may be on your mind about heat illnesses–Mom Central has teamed up with Leslie Bonci to host a Beat the Heat Twitter Party.
Gatorade’s Beat the Heat campaign is an ongoing effort to raise awareness and building communication about heat illness prevention. Leslie Bonci is an expert on sports nutrition, a consultant to numerous professional, collegiate and high school athletic programs and a registered dietitian.
Use hashtag #beattheheat tomorrow, August 18th from 3PM to 4PM EST and make sure to follow @MomCentral and @LeslieBonci. There is no RSVP required, just search Twitter for the #beattheheat hashtag and start participating in the discussion. By participating, you will not only learn a lot about heat safety, but you will also have the chance to win a pretty awesome gift pack, including Gatorade coolers, powder and $50 AMEX gift cards.
Tags: child athletes, children's activities, Family, Gatorade, Gatorade Beat the Heat campaign, Health & Fitness, heat illness, Illness & Disease, Leslie Bonci, Mom Central, Parenting, Social Media & Networking, Technology, Twitter, Twitter party
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently released a statement alerting people everywhere that the world is no longer in phase six of the influenza pandemic alert and that WHO is moving into the post-pandemic period.
WHO states that the H1N1 virus has largely run its course, but that does not mean that it is gone completely. There is a pattern of past pandemics that leads researchers to believe that H1N1 will took on the behavior of a seasonal influenza virus and will “continue to circulate for some years to come.” Also noting past pandemics, it is hypothesized that the virus will “continue to cause serious disease in younger age groups, at least in the immediate post-pandemic period.”
While we are not completely out of the woods when it comes to H1N1, there have been far less reports of people being diagnosed with the illness and far less reports of deaths because of it. It is okay to experience a mild sigh of relief. The Centers for Disease Control are gearing up for the upcoming 2010/2011 flu season, which will contain three vaccine viruses recommended by the World Health Organization and the FDA:
- A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like virus
- A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like virus
- B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus
From the CDC:
“This recommended composition of the seasonal vaccine for the Northern Hemisphere, including the United States, is the same composition that was recommended for the Southern Hemisphere’s 2010 influenza vaccines.”
Many people get headaches and migraines confused. Migraines make you wish you had a headache, or perhaps a rabid dog gnawing on your ankle instead of the throbbing, pulsating pain that comes with the migraine territory. 75% of adult patients who experience migraines are women, but they also affect approximately the same percentage of prepubescent boys.
When you have a migraine, it’s easy to think there’s nothing you can do to treat it. They don’t simply go away after taking a painkiller like a headache does, but there are a few things you should know about migraines that can save you from experiencing them as often.
First, let’s discuss why migraines happen. When you know why a migraine is coming on and what type of environment or activities you’re doing that trigger migraines, the easier it will be to stay away from those things, or at least limit your exposure.
Migraine attacks may be triggered by:
- Allergic reactions
- Bright lights, loud noises and certain odors or perfumes
- Physical or emotional stress
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Smoking or exposure to smoke
- Skipping meals
- Alcohol
- Menstrual cycle fluctuations, birth control pills, hormone fluctuations during the menopause transition
- Tension headaches
- Foods containing tyramine, MSG or nitrates
- Long exposure to light from computer screen, video screens and television
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There are certain foods you can incorporate into your diet or increase the amount of times they show up on your plate that will help fight migraines.
Millet
Millet is one of many whole grains that are part of a healthy, migraine-free life, and it contains magnesium, which kicks migraines to the curb.
Coffee
When it comes to coffee, it’s a love/hate relationship. Caffeine can give you migraine relief and is a major ingredient in many headache medications, but when you drink it excessively, it can actually cause migraines. Moderation is key!
Flaxseed
An Anti-inflammatory diet is beneficial to preventing migraines, so flaxseeds, with their omega-3s and fiber to boot, are your new food friend.
Fish
Also packed with omega-3s, fish should be your go-to protein choice, and is much better for headache prevention than processed meats.
Spinach
Vitamin b2 is known to help in the battle against the migraine, so make like Popeye and load up on your spinach.
Tags: b2 vitamins, caffeine, causes of migraines, coffee, fish, flaxseed, foods to fight migraines, get rid of migraines, Health, Health & Fitness, Illness & Disease, magnesium, migraines, millet, omega-3, prevent migraines, spinach, vitamins
One in five people in the United States is affected by a disability of some sort. That is an astounding number of people who every day, attempt to put their best foot forward and who are working every day to gain greater independence and create new possibilities for themselves.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has worked to eliminate the barriers and discrimination that those who live with a disability can face, including in the workplace. While the ADA has made great strides in it being unlawful for an employer of any kind of refuse to hire someone with a disability, about three quarters of people with a disability are unemployed and it isn’t by their own admission. Also, internet access for people with disabilities is only about half of what it is for those who are not living with a disability.
There is still a lot of work to be done in this country to ensure that those who live their lives with a disability are granted the same opportunities as those who are not and can still live happy and full lives.
Bloggers Unite is raising awareness and supporting people with disabilities and the people and groups who empower them by raising awareness. Bloggers Unite is asking that all bloggers, young and old, novice bloggers and veterans, band together on July 24th to empower people with disabilities.
It takes very little time to write a blog post and participate in Bloggers Unite’s People First: Empowering People with Disabilities blogging event. By all bloggers coming together on one day, you can really raise awareness and make a difference.
Join the event and publish your post on Saturday, July 24th letting people know that despite major gains, more needs to be done to ensure that people with disabilities enjoy the same access to resources and opportunities as those who do not live with a disability. There are currently 295 bloggers registered at Bloggers Unite for this event, so it is sure to be an amazingly resourceful and empowering day.
Tags: activism, Bloggers Unite, blogging, blogging event, Changing the World, disability, Fitness, Health, Health & Fitness, Illness & Disease, Mental Health, mental illness, World
I recently mentioned that I started going to a gym. I’ve been going to Planet Fitness, which I’ve been enjoying very much. I like that it’s a gym that caters to people (like me!) who have always believed that they were not fit enough to walk into a gym.
I used to work as a barista at a very pretentious coffee shop that just so happened to be located downstairs from a gym. I made health drinks, smoothies and teas more than anything else and I became very familiar with Whey protein. I also figured out very quickly how much I hate the smell of Whey protein, never mind even considering putting it in my mouth. The people I served these so-called healthy drinks that really weren’t all that healthy, but people ordered them because of the geniuses behind the marketing of said drinks, were very snobby. They were snobby and they were built! From the looks of these people, there was no way I was going to walk into a gym like that. I’d get the weird looks and the people wondering what Fat Planet I was just warped from.
Enter: Planet Fitness. A gym that is open, accepting and diverse. A place where I do not get the weird looks or the condescending fake-friendly smiles when I claim an elliptical machine. It’s a place of freedom! And hey, if anyone does pass judgment on you, they get thrown out and that is policy. Pretty cool, huh?
One of the policies at Planet Fitness is that you have to wipe down your machine after you use it. No matter what. No exceptions. There are little stations set up throughout the place where you can grab a paper towel and some spray solution that they put out and make sure your machine is clean before you leave. I’m paranoid though; especially when it comes to cleanliness. I won’t touch a machine until I wipe it down first and after finding some pretty scary information about gyms and workout centers and how they are being connected to MRSA, I’m so glad I have been so paranoid about this.
Late last month a hospital in Idaho voiced concern with an increasingly-spreading, antibiotic-resistant staph infection within the community. This staph infection, called MRSA, causes skin rashes or bumps that are incredibly difficult to treat.
The biggest concern the hospital has is that MRSA is now being found and transmitted in public settings like school gyms, workout centers and any public place or area where the skin transfers. While the health district will not keep track of the reported cases because it is not “evasive” beyond the outer skin layer, it is still very important to remember that when you enter a gym, wipe down the machine you are using both before you hop onto it and after you’re done.
I just recently began going to a gym fairly-regularly. Before just a month ago, I had never really put much emphasis on staying fit. As a plus-sized woman in my early 20′s who is also a smoker and a techie, not to mention I consume way too much caffeine, I am so not the candidate to be preaching about staying fit or how important it is. I am however, realistic.
Now, more than ever in recent years, I am experiencing a great deal of stress. There are some personal aspects of my life that bring on a good amount of daily stress, as well as a great big financial burden that has become my life. Put them together and add a good 12 hours a day, frequently more, in front of a computer and you basically have one of those Jiffy Pop containers on the stove that at any minute will erupt and start sending popcorn flying out every which way. So me and my partner joined a gym with our two very good friends.
With just a few workouts in, mostly me on an elliptical machine for an hour at a time as I zone out to televisions that are positioned from the ceiling or focusing on absolutely nothing but the decibel level of the music blaring from my headphones, I feel a lot different.
No, I am not in peak physical condition and it isn’t even a goal of mine to lose any weight at all. I’m comfortable with my weight and while it would be a healthy move to lose a few pounds, I refuse to believe I’m at a terrible risk for anything at my current weight. No, with just after my first hour on the elliptical machine I knew very well why I was going to keep up my gym-going efforts. I felt refreshed and my stress levels went way, way down.
A study back in 2007 has already proven that those who are physically fit produce less chemicals in the body that have been linked to damaging inflammation in adults who are stressed. In short, exercise makes you less-stressed and the less-stressed you are, less damaging chemicals will be released throughout your body and the healthier your heart will be.
In addition to reducing your stress, people who work out two times a week also have lower cholesterol and are at less risk of diseases like diabetes. These findings are more than enough motivation for anyone to start getting out more and begin getting just a little more active.
This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of NMEDA. All opinions are 100% mine.
No two people with a disability are the same, nor do two different people living with a disability have the same needs. That point is especially true when you enter the realm of driving. A disability should not possess the power to take away one’s ability to drive a vehicle or to ride as a passenger in a vehicle, especially considering there are resources available to disabled people, their loved ones and those who care for them. That is exactly the belief system held by the people of NMEDA, a national non-profit organization that is dedicated to educating consumers who are buying mobility equipment and products.
NMEDA has certified dealers readily available at an unbelievable amount of locations to help you or the person you care about pick out the absolute perfect automotive mobility solutions that will cater to the specific and unique needs of each individual. Their purchase process is simple and meant to take the stress off of you when it comes to figuring out exactly what you need and how it will work in your vehicle. NMEDA’s Quality Assurance Program is the only nationally-recognized accreditation program for the Adaptive Mobility Equipment Industry, making them not only an amazing resource for those who need them, but they have the accolades to prove how influential and consistent their service has been through the years.
What I really love about NMEDA is that they are a non-profit. They have a refreshing mindset where they believe that they must have a systematic and documented approach to the quality of service they give to people. They are a service that brings you, the people, straight to the resources you need, by making it possible for you to locate a dealer that is closest to you and giving you a simple process in order to get you what you need, when you need it. They also have an amazingly vast hub of information meant to make sure you are able to educate yourself about what it will take to get you or your loved one back on the road and back into the driver’s seat of their own life and independence.
NMEDA ensures that you are getting the service and the solutions that you need and that are completely right for you on a personal level. Stop scouring the internet or catalogs for adapted wheelchair vehicles and locate a NMEDA dealer by simply entering your zip code to get started.
