Category Archives: Health

Fight Malaria and Get Activated with Code Purple

23 Monday Jan 2012

Posted by in Campaigns, education, family, Health

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Fact: There are more than 225 million cases of Malaria reported each year worldwide.  This life-threatening disease is caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through bites of infected mosquitoes, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  ING Activewear created MOSKEETO ARMOR™, a fabric that is mosquito repellent and certified for up to 50 washes! ING Activewear and Touch the World have teamed up with fashion designers Guy Wood of 5001 FLAVORS, Lawrence Pizzi, and D. Barak Stribling to launch this product internationally through the Code Purple Event. This life changing technology has initiated an international campaign against Malaria and is centered on MOSKEETO ARMOR™. MOSKEETO ARMOR™ holds the potential to save millions of lives across the world. Thanks to Touch The World (TTW), ING Activewear has been able to help distribute the MOSKEETO ARMOR™ to those in need in Africa.

February 16th marks the launch of the Code Purple Event during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City. The event will spread awareness and raise funds to distribute this product to every soul living in an environment where Malaria is a risk factor. The fundraising event will feature unique collections from the aforementioned designers, as well as special musical guest performances, a live auction, raffles, and giveaways.

Check out this video to learn more:

How can you get activated?

  • Win a Ticket to The Code Purple Event:  If you are in the NYC area, head on down to Mood Fabrics starting on January 16th, located at 225 West 37th Street New York, NY, and take a picture with your Mood bag. BE OUR STAR and STEP in front of the Code Purple Event Step-and-Repeat.  Then log onto Code Purple’s Facebook Page, post your picture to the Wall, and immediately tell us why you are inspired by this campaign and should be at the event on February 16th in NYC! Winner must provide their own transportation to and from the event.
  • Wear Your Support: If you can’t make it to the event, you can show support by picking up your hoodie at www.INGactivewear.com or make a donation at www.codepurpleevent.com.  For every hoodie purchased through ING Activewear’s website, ING Activewear will contribute by donating another hoodie to be sent to Africa to better someone’s life.

Join Code Purple Event in their mission of Covering, Protecting, and Saving Lives. Get ACTIVATED today!

New PSA empowers Hereditary Angioedema patients to enter the new era for HAE treatment

05 Monday Dec 2011

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Imagine being someone who lives with a very rare and potentially life-threatening genetic condition that that occurs in about 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 50,000 people. Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) causes attacks of painful, debilitating, and disfiguring swelling that make its victims virtually unrecognizable.  Until recently, anabolic steroids—which can cause unwanted short- and long-term side effects—were the only treatment choice available. In the new “Looking at HAE from the Outside In” Public Service Announcement (PSA) Campaign, the U.S. Hereditary Angioedema Association (HAEA) is empowering patients with the knowledge that there is a new era for HAE treatment and patients now have a choice.

Anabolic steroids, as the only FDA-approved treatment for HAE, did help patients manage their symptoms, but they are not considered suitable for children.  And many patients–especially women–have expressed concerns about steroid-related side effects such as weight gain, facial hair growth, mood changes, and menstrual irregularities.  Anabolic steroids may also cause liver toxicity and elevated cholesterol levels, which may be associated with increased risk for heart attack and stroke.

Because of these risks, the HAEA has released a new public service announcement that brings the symptoms of HAE to life in a way never before seen.  Using cutting-edge special effects technology, the viewer sees the bodies of HAE patients morph from swollen to normal, amplifying what it feels like to have an HAE attack using authentic patient words and images. The PSA educates viewers about the potential risks associated with anabolic steroids and empowers HAE patients to enter a new era for HAE treatment – patients now have a choice. I invite you to check out this new, informative video PSA below:

This PSA campaign is the latest in the HAEA’s efforts to promote education and empowerment as the cornerstones of broader awareness of HAE and improved patient outcomes. If you think you or a loved one may be living with Hereditary Angioedema, please visit www.haea.org for more information on physician referrals, available treatment options and more.

Posted by | Filed under Health, men's interest, news, women's interest

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Emmy Award Winning Actor Stars in New Asthma PSA Campaign

17 Monday Oct 2011

Did you know that there are currently over 7 million children in the U.S. who suffer from asthma? The The Will Rogers Institute, the nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting medical research and educating the general public on topics of health and fitness, is sharing an exclusive PSA campaign with the public this month.

It’s startling to learn, but asthma has been identified as one of the country’s most common and costly illnesses!  Because of this fact, we must do everything we can to educate and discuss this condition and help change these statistics for the future of our children.   WRI has released a new PSA campaign that highlights the danger signs and health risks associated with asthma, starring Emmy award winning actor Bryan Cranston, best known for his starring role in the AMC drama series Breaking Bad.

For an exclusive look at the PSA, please visit the campaign page: www.westglen.com/online/wripsa.html

This month, with the help of Cranston, WRI is getting out there and sharing this PSA with the public.  The simple signs of asthma to look out for include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Wheezing
  • Coughing
  • Shortness of breath

Take notice of these signs and symptoms and determine whether it’s appropriate to talk to their child’s doctor about asthma. Together, by educating, we can really make a difference.

You can show your support by  getting the word out about this PSA campaign by sharing with your blog, Facebook or Twitter followers.

For even more information, including free health booklets, please visit: www.WRInstitute.org.

Posted by | Filed under asthma, children, children's health, family, Health

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The National Weather Service Invites You to Help Stress the Importance of Lightning Safety Awareness

19 Tuesday Jul 2011

Posted by in education, environment, family, Health, men's interest, outdoor enthusiasts, safety, sports enthusiasts

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Summer is time for backyard barbeques, trips to the beach and lots of outdoor fun, but it’s also a time when the atmosphere heats up and dangerous thunderstorms become more frequent. Did you know lightning is the third highest storm-related killer, following floods and tornadoes? That’s why the National Weather Service (NWS) and its lightning safety partners are working to stress the importance of reminding your family that, “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!“

This year, the NWS unveiled a new community-based volunteer preparedness program to increase awareness about the danger of lightning at outdoor recreation venues, like parks, concert arenas, and golf courses as well as open water locations such as swimming pools and beaches. The agency created lightning safety awareness signs that local communities can install at these public places to encourage people to go indoors when they hear thunder! Because almost all lightning injuries and deaths can be prevented, such education and awareness is crucial.

Interested in getting involved with this important awareness campaign? Here’s how you can help:

  • Watch this very special Public Service Announcement, where Ellen Bryan, winner of the 2011 Miss Ohio title, tells the story of why she supports this campaign and safety initiative, and share it with your family and friends. Ellen has been affected personally by a lightning-related injury, as her sister was struck while working on a golf course and was severely injured and ultimately paralyzed.
  • Stop by the NWS website and pick up an interactive safety awareness widget, the special online version of the traditional safety awareness sign! Readers can easily insert the widget onto their social media networks by grabbing the code on the website.
  • Share NWS recommendations with your family and friends for quick and easy safety tips! A few examples include:
  1. Get into a substantial building or hardtop vehicle at the first rumble of thunder;
  2. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after the last thunder clap;
  3. Keep away from plumbing, electrical equipment and wiring during a thunderstorm.

To learn more, visit www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov and be sure to check out the NWS on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media channels!

Make the First Five Count for your Child or Loved One!

24 Tuesday May 2011

Posted by in autism, education, family, Health, kids, parents, special needs, women's interest

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All parents know how important the first five years of a child’s life are. They’re incredible years of learning that shape children’s futures. Yet, every year 1.45 million children, all under the age of five, enter school with learning and health issues that put them far behind their peers and have a lasting, negative effect on their ability to meet their full potential.

As the leading provider of autism and early intervention services, Easter Seals know what’s possible when kids get the support they need – and also what happens when they don’t. Because of this, Easter Seals has created a new program called Make the First Five Count which encourages parents to be more aware of the social and developmental milestones their children should be reaching during the first five years of life. Some of these developmental milestones include:

Cognitive: Thinking skills: including learning, understanding, problem solving, reasoning, and remembering.

Social/Emotional: Interacting with others; having relationships with family, friends, and teachers, cooperating, and responding to the feelings of others.

If a child misses a milestone, or if something doesn’t feel quite right, notify your doctor — it might indicate a problem. The most important thing for parents is to follow their instincts and share their concerns with their pediatrician. Recognizing a problem in developmental milestones is the very first step to ensuring your child gets the services he or she needs early – at the time they can benefit the most. When kids get the right treatment and therapy early in life, they’re ready to learn alongside their peers and build lifelong skills. Known as early intervention services, these therapies work to strengthen a child’s physical, social, emotional and intellectual abilities well before kindergarten.

To show you how early intervention changes lives please check out Kyle’s story in the link below. Kyle is a first grader who was diagnosed with a form of autism at age 2; thanks to early intervention services through Easter Seals Kyle’s teachers say he may be able to live independently someday. You can view Kyle’s story by visiting the link below: http://www.westglen.com/online/makethefirstfivecount.html.

Learn more about the Make the First Five Count program by visiting www.makethefirstfivecount.org. Parents can also check out CVS Caremark’s All Kids Can Program which has assured the delivery of Easter Seals services to the lives of nearly 100,000 children with disabilities served by Easter Seals nationwide.

NPHF Invites You to Help Promote Immunizations for Hispanic Adolescents

10 Tuesday May 2011

Posted by in adolescents, children's health, Health, parents, women's interest

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The Nurse Practitioner Healthcare Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to “raising the bar” in healthcare and has just launched a great campaign called, “Immunizations: Choice for Life,”  which is using social networking to heighten awareness of the need for immunizations for Hispanic adolescents.

Through this awareness program, Spanish language resources and information will be featured with links to up–to-date information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Immunization Action Coalition.

Why the need for such awareness? The U.S. Office of Minority Health notes that Hispanic adolescents have lower rates of immunization than do their Caucasian counterparts against hepatitis B, influenza, pertussis, human papillomavirus (HPV), and measles/mumps/rubella (MMR).  Immunizations are well recognized as a way to prevent needless suffering, illness, and deaths and are safe and effective for adolescents.  They not only protect the immunized adolescents but also help prevent the spread of infectious diseases to teens’ family members and friends too.

Immunizations for adolescents include:

1.       The hepatitis B vaccine,

2.       the HPV vaccine (for females),

3.       the meningococcal vaccine,

4.       and catch-up vaccines for childhood immunizations missed, including those protecting against mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR), chicken pox (varicella), pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, diphtheria, and polio.

“Healthy People 2010” waged an active campaign to increase adolescent immunization rates and it did make a difference!  Now it’s our turn to continue the trend with the “Immunizations: Choice for Life” program.

More information about this mission can be found by visiting these two resources:

www.nphealthcarefoundation.org

www.westglen.com/online/18594.html (Spanish language only)

Attention New Yorkers: Help Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis from Interfering with a Loved Ones Productive Lifestyle

21 Monday Mar 2011

Posted by in arthritis, chronic pain, Health, parents, women's interest

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Did you know that approximately 1.3 million people in the United States are living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)? RA is a chronic disease that can lead to long-term damage, resulting in chronic pain, loss of function and disability; however early treatment can stop joint damage. The Arthritis Foundation is asking you to spread awareness to your readers about RA to help facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.

Studies have shown that early aggressive treatment of RA can limit joint damage, which in turn limits loss of movement, decreased ability to work, higher medical costs and potential surgery. In fact, early diagnosis and treatment can help stop joint damage.

If you:

  • Have pain or swelling in 3 or more joints
  • Have stiffness in 3 or more joints
  • Feel pain in the wrists, fingers or toes
  • And have had this problem for less than 12 months

Then you might benefit from a screening to determine if you have RA.

Because Rheumatoid Arthritis is a serious disease, early diagnosis and treatment are critical to enable those affected to continue living productive lifestyles. Advancements in research and drug development, joint protection techniques and self-management techniques have made it possible for more people with RA to live healthier and more fulfilling lives.

For even more information, tips and resources, visit: http://www.arthritis.org/chapters/new-york and check out this special video PSA: http://www.westglen.com/online/Arthritis 60.wmv. The PSA also provides a phone number, (866) 720-4297, for viewers in the New York area to call and receive a free phone screening!

Join In Supporting National Autoimmune Diseases Awareness Month

09 Wednesday Mar 2011

Posted by in education, family, Health, news, women's interest

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What does “autoimmune disease” mean to you? Do you know how it affects the people in your life? Or maybe even yourself? The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA), is reminding folks that during March we celebrate National Autoimmune Diseases Awareness Month.  This is a category of disease which affects more Americans than Cancer and remains one of the top 10 killers of women under the age of 64.  I kindly ask for your help in this mission to spread awareness among Americans by encouraging your friends and family to learn more about autoimmune diseases this month.

During the awareness month, we ask supporters to take notice of the 50 million of our friends, family, and co-workers who suffer every day with one or more of the 100+ autoimmune diseases and introduce you to the “We are 50 Million” campaign.  “We are 50 Million” will spotlight autoimmune patient stories from around the country answering the question, “How Many of the 50 Million Does Your Family Represent?”  The answers to this question highlight important facts about autoimmune diseases which everyone should be aware of.  Supporters of this mission are also encouraged to text A-A-R-D-A to 20222 to donate $5 for the benefit of AARDA research by the Mobile Giving Foundation in order to help future research.

Did you know that?

  • 50 million Americans have an autoimmune disease comprising a major U.S. health crisis
  • There are 100+ autoimmune diseases including: lupus, Crohn’s disease, celiac, Addison’s disease, vasculitis, vitiligo, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and ulcerative colitis.
  • Autoimmune diseases tend to “cluster” in families, for example, if your grandmother had rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or lupus, you could be at greater risk for developing an autoimmune disease.
  • Less than 13 percent of American’s can name an autoimmune disease and yet it ranks as deadly as Cancer and Heart Disease.
  • Autoimmune diseases target women 75 percent more often than men and they are one of the top ten killers of women under the age of 64.

For more information visit the official website at www.aarda.org or find AARDA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/American-Autoimmune-Related-Diseases-Association-AARDA/128417011188.

You can also visit www.westglen.com/online/videoURL to watch a special announcement from AARDA.

VitaTrack iTunes App Helps Make Folic Acid Tracking Easy

07 Friday Jan 2011

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Planning for a pregnancy can be both an exciting and stressful time for a couple.  Whether it’s the first, second or third time around, the mom-to-be wants to do everything she can to protect her baby before it comes into the world.  In honor of January’s Birth Defects Prevention Month the Spina Bifida Association is introducing readers to the VitaTrack Folate Tracker App available on iTunes and a very worthy challenge program that goes along with it!

  • What exactly is VitaTrack Folate Tracker? VitaTrack is an easy way to give your baby the best possible start by consuming and tracking the required amount of folic acid prior to and during pregnancy.  And the great part about it… the App is free!

  • Folic Acid Facts: You may already know that folic acid is essential for a baby’s development.  And that for women who could become pregnant, doctors recommend 400 mcg/day of folic acid in addition to folate in food.  Maintaining an adequate intake prior to pregnancy can reduce the risk of serious birth defects like Spina Bifida by up to 70%. Studies also show that folic acid may also help prevent some congenital heart defects and pre-term delivery.
  • Some benefits and features of the App:
  • ­Helps ensure that you get enough folic acid for your baby’s health and development
  • ­Enters the food and vitamins you consume by simply selecting menu items and portion size
  • ­Easy-to-read graphs tell you if you are meeting the Recommended Dietary Allowance for folic acid

Ready for the challenge program? During Birth Defects Prevention Month, VitaPath, the creator of VitaTrack Folate Tracker, is announcing a “DOLLAR PER DOWNLOAD” challenge program. VitaPath will make a $1.00 donation to the Spina Bifida Association for each download and registration of the app in the U.S. during the month of January 2011. Even more reason to get out there, share and download!

To get involved, learn more and download simply visit:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/vitatrack/id364355699?mt=8#

Marfan Syndrome- A Frequently Undiagnosed Genetic Disorder

23 Thursday Dec 2010

Posted by in Campaigns, children's health, education, family, Health, news, parents

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Long arms or legs may provide an advantage when playing sports, but did you know that these characteristics can be caused by a serious medical condition that can be life-threatening? Approximately 200,000 Americans have Marfan syndrome or a related disorder, yet experts say that about half of those are not diagnosed! The National Marfan Foundation is spreading awareness about how to recognize the signs of Marfan syndrome so those who think they may be affected can seek an evaluation and proper treatment.

So what is Marfan syndrome you ask? Marfan syndrome is a disorder of the connective tissue. Connective tissue holds all parts of the body together and helps control how the body grows. As a result, Marfan syndrome features can occur in many different parts of the body, including the eyes, bones and joints, and heart and blood vessels.

People with Marfan syndrome frequently have telltale signs that are easy to see.

  • They are often taller than unaffected family members, with disproportionately long arms and legs.
  • They may have an indented or protruding chest bone and a curved spine, flat feet and loose joints.
  • They may be nearsighted and have dislocated lenses in their eyes.

What can’t be seen is the effect of the condition on the aorta. It is prone to enlarge and could tear or rupture – leading to a sudden, early death – if it’s not treated.

It is a genetic condition, so people are born with Marfan syndrome, but outward signs may not be evident until the teens or 20’s. However, even if the outward signs are not evident, the aorta may be enlarged and needs to be treated and monitored from a young age. Three-quarters of people with the condition inherit it from a parent, but one-fourth are a spontaneous mutation, which means they are the first in their family to be affected.

If you or someone you know has any of these features, an evaluation is necessary. New diagnostic criteria have been defined for those with a family history of the condition and for those who may be a sporadic case.

By simply spreading awareness, you can help reduce deaths from Marfan syndrome. For even more information, tips and resources, you may visit: www.marfan.org/marfan.

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