Monthly Archives: October 2012

National Book Month: Fall into Reading!

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As our digital world continues to grow, it seems the old fashioned book is losing popularity. But despite our increased use of TV and the Internet, reading is still super-important.

According to the National Book Foundation, when you read, you “Embark on the journey of a lifetime, travel to exotic places, mythical lands and experience adventure beyond imagination.” All you need is to have an open mind and a good book.

The Giving Tree

Encourage the people in your life to get back into reading during National Book Month this October! It’s a great initiative for schools and libraries to take part in. Use newsletters, games and other National Book Month giveaways to get your message across.

The National Book Foundation also offers reading lists for middle school and high school students. Check them out now!

3 Easy Ways to Support Breast Cancer Awareness

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Can you believe we’re already halfway through Breast Cancer Awareness Month? If you haven’t gotten involved yet, now’s the time. Here’s how you can help:

1. Walk

Many companies and organizations have organized fundraising walks to benefit breast cancer research. In fact, Motivators will be participating in the Oct. 21, 2012 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Jones Beach, NY. If you’re in the NY area and would like to sign up or donate, simply click here. You can also find an event near you here.

Team Motivators at the 2011 Jones Beach, NY Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk

2. Distribute

One of the easiest ways to spread the word about any awareness campaign is to hand out giveaways. At the Jones Beach Making Strides Walk, we’ll actually be handing out some breast cancer awareness promotional products of our own: pink beach balls! Giving away an awareness gift is smart because its message will last weeks, months and even years afterward.

3. Talk

In this economy, it’s understandable if you don’t have the extra cash to spend on a donation or giveaway. But you’ll be happy to know you can still help out, even with a budget of $0. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is all about spreading the word to women about how to take control of their breast health. Simply talking — out loud or online – about important breast cancer issues can make a big difference in someone’s life.

Doing one or more of these three easy things can have a bigger impact than you realize. Take action today!

Today is World Mental Health Day

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Mental health, according to the Surgeon General, “refers to the successful performance of mental function, resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships with other people, and the ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity.” Those who aren’t mentally healthy are therefore considered mentally ill. But many Americans take their mental health for granted until something goes wrong.

That’s why the World Health Organization (WHO) sponsors World Mental Health Day each year. Its goal, according to WHO, is to promote “open discussion of mental disorders, and investments in prevention, promotion and treatment services.”

World Mental Health Day

This year’s initiative, which takes place today, Oct. 10, 2012,  focuses on depression worldwide.

Did you know that more than 350 million people suffer from depression? And while treatment does exist, fewer than 10 percent of people with depression receive it.

Help raise awareness about the prevalence of depression and mental illness worldwide by giving out mental health promotional items. Your giveaway may just inspire a suffering individual to seek help.

Vegetarian Awareness Month: Why Go Vegetarian?

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Did you know that 7.3 million Americans call themselves vegetarians? Some people are vegetarians for political or economic reasons, while others do it for their health. Help spread awareness about the benefits of vegetarianism this October during Vegetarian Awareness Month.

Vegetarian Diet

The awareness initiative kicked off on Monday, October 1 with World Vegetarian Day. The observance, headed by the North American Vegetarian Society (NAVS), promotes “the joy, compassion and life-enhancing possibilities of vegetarianism.”

Vegetarian diets can be very healthy. According to the Huffington Post, a study conducted by the German Cancer Research Center found that vegetarian men and women have significantly reduced risks of early death when compared to non-vegetarians (30 and 50 percent, respectively).

Lots of vegetarians refuse to eat meat because of how farm animals are treated. Pro-vegetarian lifestyle website ChooseVeg.com asserts that the “average vegetarian spares the lives of over 50 animals each year,” which adds up to thousands throughout a lifetime. That’s because many of the animals people eat are raised in horrible conditions known as “factory farming.”

Some choose to live a vegetarian lifestyle for the environment’s sake. Becoming a vegetarian can help ease the stress on Earth’s limited natural resources, reduce pollution, fight global warming and save certain animal species from extinction. Dr. David Brubaker, PhD elaborates: “The way that we breed animals for food is a threat to the planet. It pollutes our environment while consuming huge amounts of water, grain, petroleum, pesticides and drugs. The results are disastrous.”

As you can see, there are so many different reasons one might choose to become a vegetarian. While Vegetarian Awareness Month is not about converting all of your friends and family to vegetarianism, it is the perfect time to introduce people to the reasons for and benefits of living a meat-free lifestyle. Use vegetarian awareness giveaways to help communicate your message!