Category: Awareness

Race for the Cure

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure was founded by Nancy G. Brinker in 1982 to spread the breast cancer awareness in the world. Today, the group is the largest in the world to support breast cancer movement. Special races are held worldwide to raise funds and support the patients. You can participate in the races or donate the non-profit organization to support their cause.

Initially, only women were allowed to participate in the races. Later, men, children, families, and organisations joined the races. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure conducts special races which include:

  1. Race for the Cure
  2. Rally for the Cure
  3. Bowl for the Cure
  4. Cook for the Cure
  5. 3 Day Walk for the Cure
  6. Ride for the Cure

You can see thousands of people participating in the races. Some of them are fighting breast cancer, some have lost families due to the disease, some are honoring their acquaintances, while some are just having fun in the sun by walking. A festive environment can be found at the races with dances, freebies, DJ’s, live music shows, and performances before and after the races.

The entry for the race costs from $25 and you can contribute more by additional donations. Participating in the race is a special excitement for the people as it gives a sense of satisfaction to having done something for the cause. The winners get a prize of course. But, everybody is a winner for having getting outside and participating in the race.

Numerous information centers are set up during the race so that people can get to know about the check ups and tests to be done. Information is given on what to do and whom to approach in case of any symptoms of breast cancer. Contact the Quad city Affiliates if you want to participate in the race. There may be no cure as of now for the disease but the fighting spirit prevails.

 

International Women’s Day 2012

World is celebrating the 101 st International Women’s Day on March 8 with seminars and events everywhere. Women have emerged as a global power fighting for their rights and demanding equal status in the society. Women bring a lot of difference in daily lives as well in global developments. The female is needed every where but has been limited most of the time.

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8 since 1911. Global events and seminars mark the celebration of women and their success. Women have been encouraged to vote, lead, manage, and negotiate in political, business, health, education, sports, military, and family among other areas. Special privileges and reservations have been given to women for bringing up the status of the girl power.

China, Nepal, Cuba, Russia are some of the countries which declare March 8 as a national  holiday. While in some countries such as China only women get a national holiday on March 8, some other countries such as Bulgaria celebrate Women’s day as Mother’s day.

Women presidents, Prime ministers, Home ministers, and other representatives bring empathy and leadership in the politics. In corporate sectors, women are largely encouraged to take up high positions as they bring a great deal of patience often required for these jobs. Education for girls and employment for women has been a common agenda for most of the nations. Parents consider girl as a crucial asset for the family and respect women in the family to a a great extent.

Women networks in workplace a common for many multinational companies to address women issues and encourage women. Support groups have been established to bring awareness among women about right and wrong and other abuse aspects. Women courts have been providing special legal and family justice for women in many parts of the world.

Areas of Improvement

However, women in some countries such as Saudi Arabia cannot drive or cannot travel alone, while in USA women do not have a right to have an abortion. Some countries such as Afghanistan are rated as most dangerous place for women. Rapes, abduction, abuse, discrimination, and murder of women is still a common phenomenon. Women safety is a prime concern for most countries. Lack of  basic food, shelter, and clothing is still prevalent in most parts of the world.

Women organisations have been helping women for their growth. Women must get education and be independent by getting a job. Fighting for the rights and demanding justice and respect must be a women’s responsibility. A woman should respect herself and gain confidence in self to shine in the world. Putting others first and letting self down is not a solution and the right example in all cases. Communication and networking skills are a must for a successful career. Personal safety and awareness of surroundings is the necessity of the modern world.

Finally, respecting other women, spreading love, and appreciating womanhood also give a positive approach to the daily situations. Do respect women in your family, workplace, and in your community to celebrate the International Women’s Day.

Salvation Army

Operating since more than a century, Salvation Army changed many lives through their Adult Rehabilitation Centers. The goods donated by the donors are sold at the thrift stores or family stores at reduced prices. The funds generated thus are used to help many adults going through rough phases in their lives. So, donate your unused items and help change a life through the Salvation Army.

Salvation Army has around 120 rehabilitation centers throughout the United States. These centers provide clean living environment for poor and broke people. They provide food, working opportunities, clothing, and spiritual services to the adults in the rehabilitation centers. They also have anti-pornography programs, alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs, combating human trafficking programs, elderly services, disaster relief,  youth camps, entertainment services, missing persons services, and so on. The sole method of running the centers is through the funds generated at the thrift stores.

Salvation Army is similar to the Goodwill programs. The Salvation Army has several drop off locations, stores, centers, pickup trucks to donate your items. Find your local center and do donate your unused items. You can obtain a receipt for your donations mentioning the total worth of items you gave. The receipt can be used to get tax exemption while submitting the tax forms.

Your unused items including large ones such as the sofa, television, computers, electronic goods, lighting fixtures, chairs, bed, and so on can be donated to the Salvation Army. All these items can be sold at the local thrift stores and funds can be generated. A unique way to donate is to give your air miles to the Salvation Army which in turn will be used to transport people during emergencies and natural disasters. You can schedule monthly donations, through your personal will, car donations, and so on.

Salvation Army also provides employment opportunities to eligible people apart from housing and transport facilities for the officers. The donation guide gives you an idea of the value of the donations made. It is better to prepare a list of items so that the team can give you a receipt when you deliver the goods. Next time, before you throw away any useful thing, consider giving it to the Salvation Army!

Japan – Earthquake, Tsunami, Nuclear explosion ….

The largest economy in Asia and third largest economy in the world, Japan, is now faced with the largest crisis. A 8.9 magnitude earthquake shook Japan, which led to a 27  feet Tsunami wave, that collapsed its nuclear plants resulting in explosion and dangerous radiations. Nature remains the most powerful with no escape from its effects. People worldwide pray and hope speedy recovery(?) for Japan.

Japan

Japan, the land of rising sun, comprises thousands of islands on the pacific coast of East Asia. The Japanese Yen is the currency and people practice Shinto and Buddhism religions in Japan.  With a strong history of resilient people and mighty leaders, Japan plays a prominent role in the world. Being the fourth largest exporter and fifth largest importer in the world, Japan has a strong hold in world’s economy.

Japan has excellent infrastructure with the its expressways, railways and roadways. Its high work ethics and affectionate people attract a lot of tourists from all around the world. Its manufacturing practices and technological production measures have set an example to the rest of the developing nations.

Earthquake

Earth has many earthquakes over the years but the most dangerous ones that are felt on the surface of the earth.  They are caused by faulty planes in the earth’s interior that send seismic waves to the surface. Human activities such as mine blasts or nuclear tests can earthquakes.

Scientists can estimate but cannot predict the occurrence of earthquake. Seismographs record an earthquake, the scale of three or lower is unnoticeable while the scale of seven or higher is devastating.   They can trigger tsunamis, cyclones, land slides, and volcanic activities among others.

Due to its location, Japan is prone to earthquakes and typhoons. The proximity to water proves to be dangerous naturally. Many earthquakes have shook up Japan in the past. The Japanese are prepared for similar disasters but were helpless when the magnitude was around 9 on March 11, 2011 followed by a monster Tsunami!

Tsunami

Sudden movements of earth planes under the oceans beds cause a large displacement of water. The displaced water result in large waves widely known as ‘tsunami‘. The waves travel with a speed of a jet under the water. When these waves hit a land, they cause a height of waves submerging the land around. In 2004, Indonesia and other surrounding nations were devastated by a monster tsunami in the Indian ocean.

Japan had many tsunamis in the past but the recent one is more dangerous. The waves hit within minutes of the warning. Older people and younger children who could not reach higher places lost their lives. Millions of people could not be traced with families entirely clueless whether their loved ones are alive or not. Funeral organisations cannot handle the large number of dead bodies appearing every day. However prepared the people are, all remain helpless under the power of nature.

Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy provides a clean and safer energy and helps reduce green house effects. The large energy generation with high safety standards has encouraged nations to set up nuclear plants. The developed nations encouraged the nuclear plants to meet the never ending demands of people.

Nuclear energy plants supply electricity to most of Japan. While nuclear plants are built with concrete and steel containers and have sound evacuation plans, the recent disaster in Japan had cut off power to the nuclear plants. The containers need power to supply to maintain the coolants and the equipment. One by one, the nuclear plants are exploding releasing large amounts of nuclear radiation in to the atmosphere. The exposure to the radiation may result in cancers and other complications to the current and future generations.

Help

All nations are sending people, equipment, money, and all other required things to Japan. The social networks such as the twitter and face book are helping people to stay in touch when the other means of communication is disrupted. Google has set up person finder options through which one can track their loved ones. The economy is having effects through out the world.

You can help by contributing to the Red Cross or any other organisation. Emergency preparation kits are now mandatory for all house hold everywhere!

Fight Against Corruption

Well, corruption is an international epidemic prevalent in all countries. According to the 2010 corruption index, Somalia is the most corrupt country and Singapore, Denmark, and New Zealand are the least corrupt countries. Corruption hinders a nation’s progress no matter how hard its leaders try. Citizens are fighting back corruption through all means. In India, a social activist, Anna Hazare, opted for a hunger strike to pass a bill against corruption.

Corruption

Corruption is as common as the money itself. It may be getting a college seat, a railway reservation, or a movie ticket, piracy, human right abuse, or major scams involving governments and politicians. Huge amounts of money or goods are exchanged pushing a country in to its decline. Transparency International, a Berlin based firm, recently released a list of corruption index in the world. The results are alarming.

Here are the most corrupt countries:

  1. Somalia: 1.1
  2. Myanmar: 1.4
  3. Afghanistan: 1.4
  4. Iraq: 1.5
  5. Uzbekistan: 1.6
  6. Turkmenistan: 1.6
  7. Sudan: 1.6
  8. Chad: 1.7
  9. Burundi: 1.8
  10. Republic of Equatorial Guinea: 1.9

Here are the least corrupt countries:

  1. Denmark: 9.3
  2. New Zealand: 9.3
  3. Singapore: 9.3
  4. Finland: 9.2
  5. Sweden: 9.2
  6. Canada: 9.1
  7. The Netherlands: 8.9
  8. Australia: 8.7
  9. Switzerland: 8.7
  10. Norway: 8.6

The corruption index of 10 is highly clean and 0 is highly corrupt. The most corrupt countries have weak governments while the least corrupt countries set up strict measures against corruption.

Anna Hazare

India’s corruption index is 3.3, which is highly dangerous to its growth. Despite large educated population, exports, and growing economy, India is still suffering from corruption. Transparency and accountability are absent in most of the public and private sectors. Education, healthcare, revenue, judicial, transportation, and political corruption is prevalent in India. Corrupt politicians and criminal leaders tend to rule the developing nation. Though rich in natural and human power resources, India’s growth is hindered by its corruption. The youth and the learned desire a thorough revamp of the entire system.

Anna Hazare is a social activist in India who has been working for social causes since man years. At age 73 years, he resorted for hunger strike for passing Lokpal bill. According to the bill, any corrupt case is handled by a special committee of representatives whose verdict stands against over any other department or committee. A retired soldier and the recipient of Padmashri award, Anna Hazare has inspired many lives and is fighting for the justice in rural India.

Social Media

Let’s not undermine the power of social media in the light of latest revolutions in the Middle East. You can join Anna Hazare during his fast and support him on his facebook page. The fight against corruption will need the support and backing of many citizens worldwide.

Totally Vegan or Ritually Vegetarian

Due to the alarming number of heart attacks and cancers, the vegan and vegetarian diets are getting more popular. While buying food products, vegans and vegetarians often get confused whether to purchase a particular product or not. The chemical names of the ingredients do not give away the origin.  Here are some tips and ideas that might help. 🙂

Vegan

Vegans are people who do not eat animal or dairy products and may sometimes also avoid using leather and other products derived from animals. The People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) recently released a list of food items that are safe for vegans and vegetarians. The numerous choices they listed are sometimes surprising and unaware of. The Vegan items are essentially meat free, egg free, fish free, gluten free, gelatin free, dairy free, and do not include any animal products. Some of the items include:

  • Ghirardelli Hot Chocolate
  • Nestle Nesquik Syrup
  • Famous Amos Sandwich Cookies
  • Fritos
  • Lay’s Potato Chips
  • Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars
  • Wise Onion Rings
  • Hershey’s Syrup
  • Sara Lee Cherry Pie
  • Pillsbury Treat Toppers
  • Thai Kitchen Noodle Bowls

The list is endless and it is surprising that most famous brands do manufacture products in different flavors that are safe for vegans and vegetarians.

Vegetarian

Vegetarians are people who do not eat animal products but consume dairy products. They mostly promote consuming fruits and vegetables. Vegetables basically get digested easily and are rich in fiber. The anti-inflammation chemicals in the vegetables do reduce tumors and pains. The author of Crazy Sexy Diet,  Kris Carr admits that becoming a vegetarian helped her reduce her cancer and get fit in her life.

Some people who do not believe in vegetarianism argue that harming plants also is killing them. Some say that egg is also a vegetarian item. Further, some say that animal foods offer instant strength and proteins. In contrast, some vegans and vegetarians are looking for drugs and vitamins that do not contain any animal derivatives. Music legend Paul McCartney says that if slaughter houses had glass walls, everyone would turn a vegetarian.

Vegetarians can select the listed items above apart from natural fruits and vegetables. Healthy recipes can be prepared with vegetables and there a wide variety which you can choose from. Vegetarian food items can also be bought online. Some alternatives include:

  • Hummus
  • Soy
  • Tofu
  • Beans
  • Pulses
  • Grains
  • Falafel
  • Minestrone

Anyways, its an individual’s choice and everybody is free to eat what they like. After all, this is a free country. 🙂

Symptoms of Stroke

We all might have received chain mails about symptoms of heart stroke. Worldwide heart stroke symptoms observed not only in seniors but also young children in teens and adults. Here are some symptoms which we all must be aware not only for our selves but also for our near and dears which are put into an incident to be easy to remember.

Stroke: Remember The 1st Three Letters… S.T.R ..

During a party, a friend stumbled and took a little fall – she assured everyone that she was fine and just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. (they offered to call ambulance)

They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food – while she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Ingrid’s husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital – (at 6:00pm , Ingrid passed away.)
She had suffered a stroke at the party. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today.

Some don’t die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead. It only takes a minute to read this…

Stroke Identification

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke…totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

Recognizing a Stroke

Remember the ‘3’ steps, STR. Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster.
The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions :

  1. S * Ask the individual to SMILE ..
  2. T * = TALK. Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (eg ‘It is sunny out today’).
  3. R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS .

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call the ambulance and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

NOTE : Another ‘sign’ of a stroke is
1. Ask the person to ‘stick’ out their tongue.
2. If the tongue is ‘crooked’, if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke.

As a prominent cardiologist says, if everyone who knows this can educate 10 other people; you can bet that at least one life will be saved.

and it could be your own..

Anuradha Koirala – CNN Hero of the Year 2010

For her work towards stopping human trafficking and sex slavery, Anuradha Koirala won the CNN Hero of the year 2010. All the heroes receive $25, 000 for continuing their work, but the winner receives additional $100, 000. Anuradha Koirala plans to contribute the amount towards establishing hospitals for women and children in Nepal.

Anuradha Koirala won the award and she says that the award increases her responsibility even more in stopping the crime. Small children get lured and kidnapped to bigger cities and get forced in to prostitution and sex workers. The crime has roots in many parts of the world. The children or the younger women get traumatized with the incidents. Often, they end with HIV positive, AIDS, STDs, lost limbs, mental depression, and other problems. The kidnappers abandon these workers once they get ill.


Anuradha Koirala and her group in Nepal help these suffering people to regain their lives. The rape victims and sex trafficking survivors are rescued by Anuradha’s group and brought back to the shelter. She teaches the rescued girls and women arts, crafts, sewing and any work they are interested. ‘Maiti Nepal’ helps the children to get hope back to life and adapt to normal life again.

The awards were announced on Thanksgiving night in California. The show was hosted by Anderson Cooper! and the performances included Bon Jovi, John Legend, and Sugarland among other celebrities. CNN Heroes walked the red carpet and received a standing ovation from the audience.

Opt out of the Yellow Pages Paper Version

Why do you need a paper version of the yellow pages when you can get all the addresses online. You can opt out of the delivery service with a simple click.

Yellow pages have been a great source of finding local information. But, the heavy books which we receive and which we never use are a waste of paper. The directories are of course a great source and you can train your children to search through indexes through the book.


But, if you are internet friendly and never use the book, you can stop the book delivery. You can opt out of the yellow pages and be guilt free.

Similarly, you can find other directories at your doorstep and simply opt out. Go green and save the paper. 🙂

CNN Heroes – 2010

CNN nominates every year top heroes who have made a difference in the society. These are normal people who care for the community around us. You can nominate before August and the voting closes by November 18th. The winner is shown on Thanksgiving night.


This year the top ten heroes are:

  1. Narayanan Krishnan
  2. Aki Ra
  3. Harmon Parker
  4. Evans Wadongo
  5. Dan Wallrath
  6. Anuradha Koirala
  7. Linda Fondren
  8. Susan Burton
  9. Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow
  10. Guadalupe Arizpe De La Vega

I think that Narayanan Krishnan and Anuradha Koirala do a great job in protecting the powerless. My vote is for Narayanan Krishnan as he devoted his life for feeding the hungry people in his community and within his own capacity.

You can select and vote the most inspiring accompishment at CNN.

CRY 2010 Walk – Let’s make a difference

Dear Readers,

It would be great if you can make it for this event or even donate for this cause.
Take few minutes to go through some of the numbers on children in India and in America

http://america.cry.org/site/know_us/cry_america_and_child_rights/stat…
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CRY America Chicago Action center presents

WALK FOR CHILD RIGHTS 2010

By participating in this walk, you can ensure that thousands of
underprivileged children in India are restored their basic rights to
live, learn, grow and play.

5 KM and 3KM Walk for families

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Time: 9.30am onwards
Venue: Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve (opp. Springbrook Golf
Course) 2220 W 83rd St, Naperville, IL 60564

Other than snacks and water, participants will also receive an
attractive CRY T-shirt and finishers of the walk will receive
participation certificates. Post event activities include balloon &
mehndi artists, Dosa BBQ and exciting raffle prizes.

For more information, email i…@crychicago.org or call Sunil
Kulkarni: (630) 440-8718; Girish Rao: (847) 372-1068

Sponsors for CRY Walk 2010 in Chicago include Zee TV, OfficeMax and
CyberKorp.

CRY – Child Rights and You America Inc. (CRY America) is a 501c3 non-
profit organization driven by its vision of a just world in which all
children have equal opportunities to develop to their full potential
and realize their dreams.