World Sickle Cell Day – June 19th

June 19th is World Sickle Cell Day! Sickle cell is a global public health problem. You can help by learning more, knowing if you have the trait, donating blood, and becoming a bone marrow donor or sharing about donating newborns cord blood to a public bank!

Did you know?

• Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is the most frequent genetic disease worldwide. It is characterized by a change in the shape of the red blood cell from a smooth, donut-shape into a crescent or half moon shape. The half moon shaped blood cell can block blood flow in the body. This can lead to pain, bacterial infections, and other health problems.
• Sickle cell disease is inherited and can only occur when both parents are carriers of trait genes for the particular condition.
• It is estimated that 500,000 are born every year with this severe condition and that 50% of them will die before the age of 5 years.
• SCD affects black populations from African origin and Arabic, Indian and Caucasian populations from Southern Europe.

Have a great weekend!

Sources:

1. 3rd World Sickle Cell Day

2. Sickle-cell disease and other hemoglobin disorders

3. World Sickle Cell Day

National Bullying Prevention Month

October is National Bullying Prevention Month and today we are bringing you 5 ways you can help someone who is being bullied from Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center.

Listen and show support. Can you think of the time when you were alone and had no one to support you? How did you feel? Now think of a time when you did have someone support you? How did that make you feel?

Consider how simple it is to tell someone you care. Your support can be very meaningful! If someone is experiencing bullying, show them that you’re listening by allowing them to talk about their experiences. Help them come up with ways to talk to their parents and what to do it that doesn’t help. It’s okay if you can’t help fix the problem, you can focus on being supportive.

Tell an adult. Let your teachers or parents know about bullying so they can help. Bullying not only includes physical fights, but words too, both online and in person. Sometimes, the first person you tell may not be able to help you, but don’t give up! Keep telling someone until you get help. Adults do care about what happens to you and your peers.

Ask other to join together against bullying. Together with others, you can make a difference. You and your peers can team up and start a bullying prevention program or hold an event to raise awareness. Check out Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center website for ideas.

Help them get away from the situation. If you see someone being bullied, instead of turning your back, help the student to turn her back to the bullying by walking to class with her. You can also tell her she doesn’t deserve what’s happening and that she has the right to be safe.

Request a governor’s proclamation. It’s easier for someone to be bullied when no one sticks up for him or her. Kids who are bullied often feel like no one cares. You can show them that they are not alone! Be a friend and invite them to hang out with you. Have lunch together, play together, or walk to class together.

If you see cyberbullying, write someone nice on the student’s wall or let the person bullying know it’s not cool to make fun of people online. You can anonymously report cyberbullying and many service providers will take steps to address the issue.

Have you ever been bullied or helped someone who has been bullied? Tell us about your experience in the comments!

Resources:

Hold your own event

Tips to stop cyberbullying

Prevent Bullying

Sources:

You are not alone – Ways to be there as a kid or teen

 

 

 

Happy World Teachers Day!

Today, we are giving a shout out to all the amazing teachers out there! You shape the minds of the future and inspire us everyday. Thank you for everything you do!

 

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Today, we are bringing you facts about domestic violence.

Did you know?

• Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors in a romantic relationship or between family members. This may include abuse by a boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse or parent. The abusive behaviors can include physical, sexual, verbal and/or emotional abuse. (Prince William County Virginia)
• 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the United States have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.
• Girls and women between the ages of 16 and 24 have the highest rates of domestic violence. (Prince William County Virginia)

What can I do?

Domestic violence can impact everyone, but you can make a difference. If you are experiencing abuse, talk to someone you trust and consider getting help to end your relationship safely. If you know someone who is experiencing abuse, educate yourself to be an important source of information and support.

Check out these resources:

1. Visit the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence to learn more.
2. To get help, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or go online to DomesticShelters.org.
3. Domestic violence resources

Have a topic you would like to see covered on our blog? Let us know in the comments!

Have a great weekend! 🙂

Sources:

1. National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

2. NCDV – New York

3. Prince William County Virginia – Teenagers and Domestic Violence

Fruits & Veggies—More Matters ® Month

Healthy Eating PlateHealthy Eating PlateSeptember is Fruits & Veggies—More Matters ® Month. Today, we are bringing you our Top 5 reasons to eat more fruits and vegetables from the Fruits & Veggies More Matters’ website. For their complete list, check out their website here.

1. Fruits and veggies are delicious and nutritious. They come in all colors and sizes. Think of the rainbow when choosing your fruits and veggies. The more colors you have on your plate, the more nutrients and vitamins you are eating.  
2. Convenience. Fruits and veggies are nutritious in any form – fresh, frozen, canned, dried and 100% juice, so they’re ready when you are.
3. Fiber. Fruits and veggies provide fiber that helps fill you up and keeps your digestive system happy and healthy.
4. May reduce disease risk. Eating plenty of fruits and veggies may help reduce the risk of many diseases, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and some cancers.
5. Vitamins and Minerals. Fruits and veggies are rich in vitamins and minerals that help you feel healthy and energized.

   

   Healthy Eating Plate

We’ve only mentioned some reasons here, but there are so many more! Check out these different resources listed below:

Choose My Plate – Nutrients and Health Benefits

Check out these great Fruit & Veggie Recipes.

Do you know what is a serving size of fruits and vegetables? Learn more here.

Learn how to eat more fruits and vegetables here.

What are your favorite fruits and vegetables? Share them in the comments.

Stay Healthy! 🙂

 

Sources:

1. Fruits and Veggies – More Matters – 10 reasons to eat more fruits and vegetables

2. Choose My Plate – Nutrients and Health Benefits

3. American Heart Association – Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Check out this awesome infographic to learn some quick facts!

Learn all about fitness and physical activity by clicking here. Tell us your favorite ways to exercise in the comments!

Have a great weekend! 🙂

Source:

Blank Children’s Hospital – 10 Surprising Tips about Childhood Obesity

Psoriasis Awareness Month

Welcome to another Wellness Wednesday! August is Psoriasis Awareness Month so today, we are sharing some information about psoriasis.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis (suh-RYE-uh-sus) is a long-lasting (chronic) disease  that causes skin cells to build up on the surface of the skin, forming itchy red raised areas (plaques) and thick scales. It can appear anywhere on the body, but is most commonly found on the scalp, knees, elbows, and torso. Overtime, psoriasis can get better or worse. It may go away completely before suddenly reappearing.

For some kids, psoriasis is just a minor inconvenience, but for some it can be quite serious. Psoriasis can lead kids to feel self-conscious about their appearance. Sometimes that affects their emotions, and some kids may develop low self-esteem and even depression as a result.

Right now, there’s no cure for psoriasis, but there are many good options available to treat psoriasis symptoms. Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet and weight, also can help ease the symptoms.

Causes

Doctors aren’t sure why people get psoriasis, but they do know how the disease works. Remember, Psoriasis isn’t contagious. Some people inherit the genes that make them more likely to having it. Many with psoriasis have an immediate family member who also has the disease.

Check out this infographic for more information:

For more information, click here and here.

What topic would you like to see covered in our Wellness Wednesdays? Tell us in the comments!

Sources:

1. Dermatology Associates of Atlanta

2. Kids Health – Psoriasis

3. National Psoriasis Foundation

Fun Fact Fridays – World Youth Skills Day

sJuly 15^th is World Youth Skills Day. Today, we’re bringing you a few facts about youth and employment.

Did you know?

• Young people are almost three times more likely to be unemployed than adults.
• Young people are also exposed to lower quality jobs, greater labor market inequalities, and longer and more insecure school-to-work transitions.
• Women are more likely to be underemployed and under-paid, and are more likely to undertake part-time jobs or work under temporary contracts.

Why is this important?

Education and training are important factors that determine success in the labor market. Unfortunately, existing systems do not address the needs of many young people and do not prepare them for the labor force.

You can learn more here. Tune in to the United Nation’s Live Broadcast on July 15. RSVP here.

Have a great weekend! 🙂

Sources:

World Youth Skills Day 2016

World Sickle Cell Day – June 19th

June 19th is World Sickle Cell Day! Sickle cell is a global public health problem. You can help by learning more, knowing if you have the trait, donating blood, and becoming a bone marrow donor or sharing about donating newborns cord blood to a public bank!

Did you know?

• Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is the most frequent genetic disease worldwide. It is characterized by a change in the shape of the red blood cell from a smooth, donut-shape into a crescent or half moon shape. The half moon shaped blood cell can block blood flow in the body. This can lead to pain, bacterial infections, and other health problems.
• Sickle cell disease is inherited and can only occur when both parents are carriers of trait genes for the particular condition.
• It is estimated that 500,000 are born every year with this severe condition and that 50% of them will die before the age of 5 years.
• SCD affects black populations from African origin and Arabic, Indian and Caucasian populations from Southern Europe.

Have a great weekend!

Sources:

1. 3rd World Sickle Cell Day

2. Sickle-cell disease and other hemoglobin disorders

3. World Sickle Cell Day