Monthly Archives: June 2012

World Hepatitis Day: A Planet United

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National awareness initiatives are amazing because they pull together a whole country for one common idea.  But worldwide awareness events, in which an entire planet of people comes together in support of the same cause, are even more awe-inspiring.

Take World Hepatitis Day, for example.  The World Hepatitis Alliance sponsors the event on July 28 each year.  And the statistics surrounding hepatitis explain why it’s so important that everyone across the world participates.  According to the World Hepatitis Alliance, “Shockingly one in 12 people worldwide is living with either chronic hepatitis B or C. While this is far higher than the prevalence of HIV or any cancer, awareness is inexplicably low and the majority of those infected are unaware.”

World Hepatitis Day

People need to be made aware of how widespread hepatitis infection is globally and how to get tested.  World Hepatitis Day promotions therefore take place everywhere from Russia and China to right here in the US.

To help spread the word, the World Hepatitis Alliance offers World Hepatitis Day campaign materials in a variety of languages including English, Spanish, and Chinese.  Check it out now to see how you can contribute!

Making The Bus Monitor Cry: An Accidental Anti-Bullying Campaign

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It’s funny how things work out.  When one young teenager in Rochester, NY posted a video of students harassing their bus monitor on YouTube, it was meant to make people laugh – at the bus monitor’s expense, of course.  But as the video turned viral, the cruel teens’ “joke” quickly transformed into an anti-bullying awareness campaign.

According to the Washington Post, the video features 68-year-old Karen Klein “trying to ignore the stream of profanity, insults and outright threats” coming from at least four middle school boys.

No Bully Zone

But now, thanks to a few wonderful people on the Internet, more than $100,000 has been raised to send Klein on a vacation.

The idea started on Reddit, when Max Sidorov from Toronto, Canada, decided to help. “I saw the video and I had the idea of helping her,” Sidorov told the Los Angeles Times. “The best thing that came to mind was starting a fundraiser to send her on vacation.”  With that, Sidorov initiated a funding campaign on Indiegogo.

What started out small, with a goal of a mere $5,000, has expanded exponentially.  As of this writing, Sidorov’s campaign has raised a total of $251,390.  It’s nothing short of incredible.

Why did the campaign catch on so quickly? “Bullies,” Sidorov said. “That’s the real reason. People want to stand up for the little guy and everybody just forwarded it. I just had a good idea and everybody else took it and ran with it.”

Obviously this amount of money will more than pay for a vacation.  What do you think Klein should do with the extra cash?

Take the Sun Seriously for a More Carefree Summer

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Summer’s all about fun in the sun whether you spend your free time at the beach, by the pool, or in the yard.  But just like all of life’s best adventures, you’ve got to be responsible to enjoy the sun’s rays to the fullest.  Be aware of and adhere to UV safety guidelines and you’ll have a more carefree June, July and August.

To prepare Americans for National UV Safety Awareness Month this July, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers the following tips:

  • Avoid prolonged sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
  • When participating in outdoor activities, use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15
  • If you’ve got especially fair skin, cover up with long sleeves and a visor or hat
  • Be sure to keep an eye out for changes in your skin

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has also set up a toolkit filled with smart UV safety awareness promotions.  It comprises sample announcements, tweets, and even e-cards.

Promotional Malibu Sunglasses

Remember:  UV rays don’t just harm our skin, but also our eyes.  Cover up with a stylish pair of shades this summer and you’ll look and feel great!

National Headache Awareness Month: Tips for Headache Prevention

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Did you know that you’re more likely to suffer from a bad headache in the warm summer months than during any other time of the year?  A recent Harvard University study revealed that a person’s risk for a severe headache jumps by 7.5 percent for every 5 degrees Celsius increase in temperature.  It’s no wonder that Americans observe National Headache Awareness Month each June when summer’s just heating up.

Man with Headache

Other factors that add to an individual’s propensity for getting a headache during the summer include dehydration and over-exercising.  On hot days especially it’s important to get enough water. Dehydration in any season can cause a nasty headache, but it’s understandably even worse when the weather is warm.  Along those same lines, those who take part in strenuous exercise in hot weather are at high risk for developing a headache.

Yahoo! Health also points several summertime triggers that may be linked to contracting a migraine:

  • Sugar substitutes found in diet drinks
  • Barbecue sauces that contain MSG
  • Hot dogs that contain nitrates
  • Dark alcohols that contain tyramine, sulfites, and histamines

Now that you’ve got the information you need to enjoy the next few months headache-free, share the wealth!  Headache awareness advertising items are great reminders about how to avoid massive migraines.  Giveaways as simple as bottled water can help everyone combat headaches this June and all summer long!

Think Ahead: International Blondie and Deborah Harry Month

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Not a fan of the accordion or into surf rock? Perhaps you’re into the classics. Perhaps you’re into melodic, hard-hitting, emotive rock.

Meet Deborah Harry. Best known as the brains and beauty behind Blondie, this rock group is currently comprised of Chris Stein, Clem Burke, Leigh Foxx, Matt Katz-Bohen and Tommy Kessler. The band was founded in 1974 with a temporary hiatus between 1982 and 1997. In their expansive career, the group has gone on to sell over 40 million records, become a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee (2006) and even win a Juno Award.

July is International Blondie and Deborah Harry Month – a chance for us to celebrate the music of this iconic group and to thank Deborah Harry for her impacting contribution to music and to opening the door for women in music everywhere.