Twitter Party Invite: Get Money Chic This Holiday Shopping Season with the NFCC and GLO!

30 Wednesday Nov 2011

Please join Girls’ Lunch Out, WestGlen, and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling on Twitter Wednesday, December 7 at 9 pm ET to talk about holiday spending, get holiday spending tips, and learn about tools to help you become  “Money Chic” this holiday season and throughout the entire year.

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) is the nation’s largest non-profit financial counseling organization. The NFCC provides financial counseling and education on all things money like smart spending during the holidays, how to create a monthly budget, and calculators to help you buy a home or pay off debt.

We’ll have lot of fun discussing money saving tips for the holiday shopping season, and we’ll be giving away prizes to help you get (and stay) Money Chic.

Get Money Chic with @girlslunchout and @NFCCdebtadvice

Date: Wednesday, December 7

Time: 9-10 pm ET

TweetGrid Link: http://bit.ly/sodoq6

Hashtag: #NFCCMoneyChic

Hosts: @GirlsLunchOut and @NFCCdebtadvice

RSVP for prizes to help you get Money Chic!

Help us spread the word by tweeting:

Get #NFCCMoneyChic with @girlslunchout and @NFCCdebtadvice http://bit.ly/usxPOs Wednesday 12/7 at 9 pm ET

Follow the NFCC on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for  money tips about buying a home, saving for college, paying off debt, or saving money for retirement.

Posted by | Filed under debt, finance, Holiday, news, NFCC, women's interest

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October Is National Spina Bifida Awareness Month

20 Thursday Oct 2011

October is National Spina Bifida Awareness Month, a time to educate the public and further understanding about Spina Bifida while celebrating the lives of the more than 166,000 Americans affected. Every day in the United States, an average of 8 births are affected by Spina Bifidaor a similar birth defect of the brain and spine. It remains the most commonly occurring complex birth defect in this country.

The root cause of Spina Bifida is unknown and the effects for each person are different. Hispanics have an abnormally high rate of diagnosis. Hispanic mothers are one-and-a-half to two times more likely to give birth to a child with Spina Bifida than non-Hispanic Caucasians.

Spina Bifida is not one condition. It is a multitude of problems that affect the mind, the body and the spirit. Advancements in treatment and prevention, however, have opened new doors for those with Spina Bifida. While it presents unique challenges, those affected by Spina Bifida are able to attend school, work, raise a family, and spend time with friends just like everyone else.

This year the Spina Bifida Association (SBA) hopes to bring to light through pictures the successes of those who live each day with this birth defect.

By launching “Celebrate SB,” a Facebook photo contest designed to acknowledge the accomplishments of our community, people around the country can encourage each other to tell their story through a symbolic photo or favorite frame. These pictures aim to highlight how our community celebrates their lives — going to school, working, raising a family, spending time with friends — every day while taking on a multitude of challenges that affect the mind, the body, and the spirit.

To learn more about contest rules, please visit: www.facebook.com/spina.bifida.learn.

Encourage people in your community to join us on Facebook and VOTE throughout the end of October! This is a month of celebration.

For more information about Spina Bifida Awareness Month, please visit: www.spinabifidaassociation.org

Posted by | Filed under children, children's health, family, kids, parents, special needs, Spina Bifida, 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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Help the NFCC Encourage the Fight Against Identity Theft This October

05 Wednesday Oct 2011

Posted by in children, family, finance, identity theft, NFCC, parents

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There’s always a risk of becoming a victim of identity theft. But did you know there are many things people can do to minimize that risk both online and offline? That’s why the nonprofit, National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) has teamed up with the National Sheriffs’ Association and the National Association of Triads to encourage you to fight identity theft by taking part in the 4th Annual Protect Your Identity Week, October 16-22.

Although it’s important for all of us to protect ourselves from identity theft, a special emphasis is being placed on child identity theft protection this October. It’s scary that studies have shown children are 51 times more likely to have their Social Security numbers stolen than adults. As an adult, we must set an example by arming ourselves with the resources and information needed to keep children’s identities safe.

Here are a few of the many ways to get involved with PYIW this year:

  • NFCC Member Agencies and supporting Coalition Members will offer free identity theft education and protection events in communities across the country this month, including workshops, cell phone recycling, and paper shredding powered by Cintas, a leader in document destruction. AllClear ID, a recognized expert in identity theft protection, will provide materials on ID theft education in general as well as tips specific to child identity theft. To find an event near you, check out this event map!
  • Easy to follow tips, resources and a self-assessment ID Quiz to determine your own personal risk of identity theft are all available for your reference on the Protect Your ID Now website.
  • Be sure to also read and share the First Steps For Victims section so that you will be prepared in case you’re the next victim.
  • Finally, get involved with PYIW on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and the blog at www.ProtectYourIDNow.org where tips and PYIW articles will be provided all throughout October.

Please join the fight by encouraging your friends, family, and readers to visit www.ProtectYourIDNow.org to learn more and get involved.

There’s still time to enter Bridgestone’s Road Show Rally!

04 Tuesday Oct 2011

Posted by in Campaigns, contest, education, family, parents, safety, teens

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As Bridgestone Americas’ Teens Drive Smart Road Show Rally, a high school grant contest promoting safe driving, comes to a close this week, there is still time for all interested teens to get their video submissions in for a chance to win a $5,000 donation to their school!

Any individual or group of teens interested in participating in this contest are to create a 30-second to two-minute video describing the following:

  • What they have done in their community to spread the safe driving message;
  • What they would like to do in the future to alert others about the dangers of driving distracted;
  • And why a road show rally should come to their school.

Entrants will be judged by three criteria: Creativity, Need, and Story and are to submit their videos by this Friday, October 7th. The grand prize winning school will receive the Road Show Rally and $5,000 donation!

More information can be found by visiting www.teensdrivesmart.com/road-show-rally-tour.html. Be sure to also check out Teens Drive Smart on Facebook and Twitter!

National Safe Boating Council Launches New Awareness Video to Encourage Safe and Responsible Boating

13 Tuesday Sep 2011

Posted by in Campaigns, education, environment, family, outdoor enthusiasts, parents, safety, Travel

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Did you know that according to the U.S. Coast Guard, of those who died in boating accidents in 2010, almost three-fourths of all accident victims drowned — and more than 85 percent of those who drowned were not wearing a life jacket? Most boaters know to have a life jacket on board for every passenger on their vessel. But having them on board and wearing them could mean the difference between a great day on the water and a potential tragedy. That’s why the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) is encouraging the public to join the ‘Wear It!’campaign, a fun way to remind family and friends about the importance of boating safety, education, and to help save lives!

To further encourage safe and responsible boating, the NSBC and their partner organizations recently launched a new awareness video urging the public to be alert and aware while on the water, and always wear a life jacket. This special message can be viewed by visiting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hve8Mu5a_cw.

For those interested in this important awareness campaign, below are a few of the many ways to get involved:

  • Share the informative Awareness Video with your family, and remind them that there’s no excuse not to ‘Wear It!’
  • Enter the Safe Summer Campaign Contest by submitting a safe boating story. The contest has been extended until September 30, 2011! The grand prize winner will receive a Summer Fun package, which includes a life jacket, beach towel and Flip Mino HD camcorder!
  • Check out Boating Safety “Sidekicks”, a safe boating kidsite, where children can learn about the importance of wearing a life jacket early on with coloring pages, games, quizzes and more!

To learn more, visit www.safeboatingcampaign.com, and follow the NSBC on Facebook and Twitter!

Help Bridgestone Rally Teens Against Distracted Driving Through High School Grant Contest

08 Thursday Sep 2011

Posted by in contest, education, family, parents, safety, teens

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Did you know teens are 50 percent less likely to speed, 71 percent less likely to drive after drinking and 29 percent less likely to use their cell phones while on the road if they have parents who actively talk to them about the associated dangers? That’s why Bridgestone Americas wants to inform you of their Teens Drive Smart Road Show Rally 2011 Tour, a high school grant contest promoting safe driving and the importance of learning these behaviors before a driver sits behind the wheel.

So as your teens head back to school this fall ask, “Are you ready to rally?” Any individual or group of teens interested in participating in this contest will create a 30-second to two-minute video describing the following:

  • What they have done in their community to spread the safe driving message;
  • What they would like to do in the future to alert others about the dangers of driving distracted;
  • And why a road show rally should come to their school.

Entrants will be judged by three criteria: Creativity, Need, and Story and are to submit their videos by October 7th. The grand prize winning school will receive the Road Show Rally and a $5,000 donation!

More information can be found by visiting http://www.teensdrivesmart.com/road-show-rally-tour.html. And while you’re there, be sure to check out Teens Drive Smart on Facebook and Twitter!

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!

NFCC Offers a Quick and Easy Way to Better Manage Your Finances

13 Wednesday Jul 2011

Posted by in debt, family, finance, homeowners, NFCC, Savings

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With the summer months come island vacations, beach trips, even beach houses, and though we look forward to these things year round we don’t always budget for them. We all understand the importance of making smart financial decisions, but when excited, it’s easy to overlook these often high price tags especially during this time of year. That’s why the nonprofit organization, National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), is providing a quick and easy way to better manage your finances.

The NFCC has created numerous calculators to help folks make smart financial decisions. These calculators can be used not only for big summer purchases, but can also help plan for future year round issues by providing estimates for questions such as “How long will it take to pay off my credit card,” or “How soon can I eliminate all my debts?” These calculators offer analyses that can help you compare and judge the best ways to handle such important financial decisions.

You can give these helpful tools a try by visiting http://www.nfcc.org/FinancialEducation/calculators.cfm, where you will also find brief summaries offering a glimpse of what each calculator offers. And while you’re there, you can check out the different types of calculators offered so that if down the road you have a question concerning things like loans or retirement, you’ll know these are available for your reference.

For more information visit www.nfcc.org. And be sure to follow the NFCC on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook to see how trustworthy financial help is only a shareable click away!

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