Monday, December 4, 2017

National Handwashing Awareness Week (December 3-9)



December is Aids Awareness Month


AIDS is a medical condition. A person is diagnosed with AIDS when their immune system is too weak to fight off infections.

Since AIDS was first identified in the early 1980s, an unprecedented number of people have been affected by the global AIDS epidemic. Today, there are an estimated 34 million people living with HIV and AIDS worldwide.

Around 2.7 million people became infected with HIV in 2010. Sub-Saharan Africa has been hardest hit by the epidemic; in 2010 over two-thirds of AIDS deaths were in this region.

The epidemic has had a devastating impact on societies, economies and infrastructures. In countries most severely affected, life expectancy has been reduced by as much as 20 years. Young adults in their productive years are the most at-risk population, so many countries have faced a slow-down in economic growth and an increase in household poverty. HIV and AIDS in Asia causes a greater loss of productivity than any other disease. An adult's most productive years are also their most reproductive and so many of the age group who have died from AIDS have left children behind. In sub-Saharan Africa the AIDS epidemic has orphaned nearly 15 million children.

In recent years, the response to the epidemic has been intensified; from 2002-2008 spending on HIV and AIDS in low- and middle-income countries increased 6-fold. Since 2008, spending has not increased so substantially, but it is still significantly higher than it was before 2002. The number of people on antiretroviral treatment has increased, the annual number of AIDS deaths has declined, and the global percentage of people infected with HIV has stabilised.

*Sources: From AVERT, AVERTing HIV and AIDS, http://www.avert.org/aids.htm

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Saving Pets, One Label at a Time

In honor of our furry friends who need a home during their golden years, We are offering you Rescue & Adopt Return Address Label from Bradford Exchange Checks.

Send good vibes, while saving canine cuties with these adorable pets address labels from Bradford Exchange Checks®. These colorful designs feature words that perfectly describe the relationship you have with your faithful companion like sidekick, unconditional, love, loyalty and more! The cause-conscious theme is enhanced by dog silhouettes and paw prints in a rainbow of fun colors. Each canine design also encourages responsible owners to spay and neuter their furry friends to control the pet population. And best of all, a portion of the proceeds from your order will be donated to a national no-kill animal shelter.

Plus, you'll find these pets mail labels are amazingly practical too, arriving in a set of conveniently self-sticking labels. These dogs address labels are perfect for hundreds of uses, so don't wait! Order now! Rescue & Adopt checks are also available.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Friday, September 29, 2017

Mineral Radiance Cleansing Gel From AHAVA

AHAVA Dead Sea Laboratories was founded to study the powerful, rejuvenating minerals found in the Dead Sea. Since then AHAVA has grown to become the definitive Dead Sea mineral beauty expert.


Click on the Image to Purchase

Thursday, September 28, 2017

ABC Mouse

ABCmouse.com

ABCmouse.com is the leading online early education curriculum for parents, preschools and kindergartens in the United States and Canada.

This award-winning curriculum has been created in close collaboration with early childhood education experts and offers over 8,500 books, games, songs, puzzles, and art activities. Each with specific learning objectives in the subjects of reading, mathematics, beginning science, social studies, art, and music, to go along with over 850 complete lessons across all subjects.

To date, more than 10 million children ages 2-8 have completed more than 2 billion learning activities on ABCmouse.com at home, in classrooms, libraries, and other community institutions!

ABCmouse.com has recently launched their comprehensive second-grade curriculum designed to address the learning needs and interests of second-grade students with the goal of preparing them for the critical transition to the third grade.

Special Offer 38% Off an Annual ABCmouse.com Membership! Receive 12-Months for Only $59.95!

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Win Free Goodies at 1-800-PetMeds!

Win Prizes

Share a photo of your pet with our 1-800-PetMeds box

for a chance to win free goodies! Tag #1800PetMedsPet

Click HERE to Enter!

1-800-PetMeds Pet Supplies Free Shipping $49

Friday, August 4, 2017

Neuroscience Reveals What Fasting Does To The Brain (And Why Big Pharma and the Food Industry Won’t Study It)

Anti News Network

“Dietary changes have long been known to have an effect on the brain. Children who suffer from epileptic seizures have fewer of them when placed on caloric restriction or fasts. It is believed that fasting helps kick-start protective measures that help counteract the overexcited signals that epileptic brains often exhibit. (Some children with epilepsy have also benefited from a specific high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet.) Normal brains, when overfed, can experience another kind of uncontrolled excitation, impairing the brain’s function, Mattson and another researcher reported in January in the journal Nature Reviews Neuroscience.”

Read more...



Thursday, August 3, 2017

Normal couple opens home to traveling cyclists

As Ha Joo-Young ate a breakfast of thin Dutch pancakes with choices of fillings from bacon to strawberries on Saturday morning, the 23-year-old South Korean said, “We are lucky today.”

Ha and his traveling companion, Jo Yong-Ju, 19, had spent the night at the home of Willy Hunter and Rebecca Houtsma in Normal, making the connection through a website for cyclists called “Warm Showers.”

The website describes the “Warm Showers Community” as “a free, worldwide hospitality exchange for touring cyclists.”

Read more...



Warm Showers

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Siloam Springs man suspected of having sex with donkey

Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette

A Siloam Springs couple concerned about their pet donkeys placed a camera on their property and captured images of a man suspected of having sex with one of the animals.

Everett Compton, 49, of Siloam Springs was arrested in connection with four counts of bestiality; four counts of criminal trespass and five counts of cruelty to a animal. He was being held Wednesday in the Benton County Jail with a $5,000 bond set.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Joshua Fritz, a Siloam Springs police officer, was called June 21 to 1850 E. Cheri Whitlock Drive for a report of sex crimes involving an animal.

The owners of the donkeys said someone had been harassing their pets for the last three years so they posted signs around their property warning people against trespassing and feeding the donkeys. The couple also put up a game camera, which recorded a person at 1:30 a.m. May 27 and June 4 placing a bag over a donkey's head and on both occasions the man is seen behind the donkey, according to the probable cause affidavit.

Read more...

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Loretta Lynn’s Left Side Paralyzed In Shocking New Health Update…Pray Now

God Fitting

Loretta Lynn‘s brother, Herman Webb, has offered an update on his country legend sister following her stroke in early May. Although she was “kind of” paralyzed on one side after the stroke, Webb says that Lynn is “doing really good” now.

“She can talk, and Loretta told me that she thought she’s going to be okay,” Webb tells Closer Weekly. He adds, “Her left side was kind of paralyzed, but [she can get around by] herself now, she just has to use a walker.”

Read more...

Friday, July 28, 2017

Do you know what happens if you add white vinegar to your laundry? I had no idea!

Nicer Days

A lot of people keep a bottle of vinegar in the pantry, but do you have one in the laundry room too?

White vinegar has some incredible benefits when it comes to keeping clothes soft clean and bright. Take a look at all of the things vinegar can do for you:

Read more...



Monday, July 3, 2017

CELEBRATING OUR INDEPENDENCE

Scott Tipton (R-CO, 3rd)

For 241 years, Americans have demonstrated their passion for living in a country founded on protecting “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” by celebrating Independence Day. This tradition is a celebration of the actions our founding fathers took when they declared that our new nation would be independent from the tyrannical crown of England. Since then, the United States has overcome periods of adversity and made remarkable contributions to the rest of world, all in an effort to preserve our way of life.

On the 150th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, President Calvin Coolidge shared the significance of Independence Day. In his speech he stated, “It is not so much, then, for the purpose of undertaking to proclaim new theories and principles that this annual celebration is maintained, but rather to reaffirm and reestablish those old theories and principles which time and the unerring logic of events have demonstrated to be sound.”

Ninety one years later, Coolidge’s timeless quote continues to serve as a reminder that since our founding, our nation has remained committed to its core principles. While technological and societal advances continue to push the boundaries of our achievements, the one thing that remains unaltered is our nation’s commitment to uphold the principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence.

As we share this holiday with our friends and families, it is important to also remember the ones who have made sacrifices for our freedom. Just as our founding fathers relied on citizens to draw arms against the British forces in order to win our independence, we ask men and women to engage in selfless service to this country.

As terrorist groups continue to perpetrate evil acts around the world, many uniformed service-members are deployed overseas and are unable to be with their loved ones right now. It is because of these brave men and women that we are able to celebrate Independence Day out of harm’s way.

I am thankful every day to have the privilege of living in the United States. From my family to yours: have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Thompson, Tsongas Introduce Resolution to Mark July as ‘Park and Recreation Month’

Glenn W. Thompson (R-PA, 5th)

U.S. Representatives Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA) and Niki Tsongas (D-MA) have introduced a resolution to designate July as “Park and Recreation Month” to celebrate federal, state and local public parks and recreation systems.

H. Res. 406 recognizes the important role that public parks, recreation facilities and activities play in the lives of Americans and the contributions of employees and volunteers who work daily to maintain public parks across the nation.

“As a lifelong resident of rural Pennsylvania and an avid outdoorsman, I strongly support our nation’s parks and recreation facilities,” Rep. Thomson said. “Our parks provide countless recreational and educational opportunities for individuals and families to engage in the outdoors. This resolution simply recognizes and supports Park and Recreation Month and the many benefits that our parks provide to all Americans.”

“With Park and Recreation Month we encourage kids and families to get outside and enjoy the beautiful parks that play such an important role in our communities,” Rep. Tsongas said. “Our public spaces bring communities together, provide unique places to explore and learn about nature and help maintain our quality of life. I thank Rep. Thompson for his partnership in this effort and look forward to visiting some of the great parks in my district this summer.”

RESOLUTION HIGHLIGHTS

Park and recreation facilities generate opportunities for people to come together and experience a sense of community. They pay dividends to communities by attracting businesses and jobs and increasing housing values.

In the United States, public park operations and capital spending generates nearly $140 million in economic activity annually.

Ninety percent of people in the U.S. agree that public park recreation facilities and activities are important government services, a figure that displays a base of support that spans across all people in the country regardless of race, income, gender or political party affiliation.

Nearly 75 percent of Americans agree that it is an important to ensure all members of their community have equitable access to public park and recreation facilities.

The most economically sound communities are those with ample and healthy public park and recreation facilities and activities.

A key factor in business expansion and location decisions is the quality of life for employees with a premium placed on adequate and accessible public parks and open space.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS IMPACTS

Public parks and recreation facilities foster a variety of activities that contribute to a healthier society.

People who use public parks and open spaces are three times more likely to achieve the recommended levels of physical activity than non-users.

Americans living within a 10-minute walk of a park have higher levels of physical activity and lower rates of obesity.

Recreation programs at public parks provide children with a safe place to play, access to healthy foods, opportunities to be physically active and enrichment facilities that help prevent at-risk behavior such a drug use and gang involvement.

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Addiction Treatment Gap Awareness Week (April 24-April 30)


The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) will be hosting the first ever Addiction Treatment Gap Awareness Week April 24th to 30th, 2017. This national awareness week will be dedicated to recognizing the significant gap in treatment for those with the disease of addiction.

The statistics which reflect the severity of the treatment gap are staggering. Nearly 20.5 million Americans suffer from a substance use disorder (SUD), yet only 1 in 10 people with SUD receive treatment.

"ASAM has been dedicated to helping physicians treat addiction and save lives since 1954. The first ever ABPM addiction medicine exam is the catalyst for moving addiction into mainstream medicine,” said Kelly Clark, MD, MBA, DFASAM, President of ASAM. "Certifying more addiction medicine physicians and educating the public can help close the treatment gap and ensure that patients receive the care they need."

Addiction medicine was recognized as an American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) subspecialty in 2016, and the first-ever addiction medicine certification exam from the American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) will certify physicians in this subspecialty and offer them the unique ability to treat those with addiction. The ABPM addiction medicine exam will allow physicians to become board-certified in addiction medicine and will help close the treatment gap. ASAM is working diligently to promote this opportunity to as many physicians as possible. For a limited time period, ABMS board-certified physicians may qualify to take the exam by either meeting practice experience requirements or completing an addiction medicine fellowship.

During Addiction Treatment Gap Awareness Week, ASAM is hosting an informational webinar on April 25th with experts from federal organizations and ABPM to help physicians learn about the process of becoming certified and treating this insidious disease. ASAM is also collaborating with other organizations to promote awareness of this chronic brain disease, diminish stigma, and help those in need receive proper treatment.

Together, we can close the treatment gap. Join us for Addiction Treatment Gap Awareness Week from April 24th to 30th and help treat addiction and save lives.

Monday, March 6, 2017

Making Melons Safer with Steam

Steam can more effectively combat E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria on cantaloupes than traditional removal methods. That's the finding of an Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientist in Pennsylvania.

Dike Ukuku and his colleagues at the ARS Food Safety and Intervention Technologies Unit in Wyndmoor has demonstrated that a relatively inexpensive steam cleaner designed to remove wallpaper and clean outdoor grills can rid cantaloupes of E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria more effectively than existing washes and chlorine treatments.

The ARS study involved submerging cantaloupes in a bath inoculated with E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria strains. After drying and refrigeration, the cantaloupes were cleaned with a commercially available power steamer. The technique produced sufficient heat to kill surface pathogens but not enough heat to damage the fruits.

Pathogen levels on the surfaces of the steam-treated melons were generally 1,000 times lower than those on untreated melons. Pathogens on cut-up pieces of the cantaloupes were reduced beyond detection. Pathogen levels on steam-treated cantaloupes were about 100 times lower than those found on cantaloupes sanitized with chlorine.

Processors and distributors could apply steam when cantaloupes are put into washers or as they are moved on conveyor belts during processing, Ukuku says. The technique also may effectively sanitize watermelons, honeydews, cucumbers and baby carrots.

The new technology could reduce the number of foodborne disease outbreaks from contaminated produce, which annually cause nearly one million illnesses and more than 100 deaths.

Read more about this research in the March 2017 issue of AgResearch magazine.

President Donald J. Trump Proclaims March 2017 as Women's History Month

We are proud of our Nation's achievements in promoting women's full participation in all aspects of American life and are resolute in our commitment to supporting women's continued advancement in America and around the world.

America honors the celebrated women pioneers and leaders in our history, as well as those unsung women heroes of our daily lives. We honor those outstanding women, whose contributions to our Nation's life, culture, history, economy, and families have shaped us and helped us fulfill America's promise.

We cherish the incredible accomplishments of early American women, who helped found our Nation and explore the great western frontier. Women have been steadfast throughout our battles to end slavery, as well as our battles abroad. And American women fought for the civil rights of women and others in the suffrage and civil rights movements. Millions of bold, fearless women have succeeded as entrepreneurs and in the workplace, all the while remaining the backbone of our families, our communities, and our country.

During Women's History Month, we pause to pay tribute to the remarkable women who prevailed over enormous barriers, paving the way for women of today to not only participate in but to lead and shape every facet of American life. Since our beginning, we have been blessed with courageous women like Henrietta Johnson, the first woman known to work as an artist in the colonies; Margaret Corbin, who bravely fought in the American Revolution; and Abigail Adams, First Lady of the United States and trusted advisor to President John Adams.

We also remember incredible women like Mary Walker, the first woman to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor; Harriet Tubman, who escaped slavery in 1849 and went on to free hundreds of others through the Underground Railroad; Susan B. Anthony, the publisher and editor of The Revolution and her friend, Dr. Charlotte Lozier, one of the first women medical doctors in the United States, both of whom advocated for the dignity and equality of women, pregnant mothers, and their children; Rosa Parks, whose refusal to give up her seat accelerated the modern civil rights movement; Shirley Temple Black, the famous actress turned diplomat and first chief of protocol for the President of the United States; Anna Bissell, the first woman CEO in American history; Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean; Ella Fitzgerald, the First Lady of Song and the Queen of Jazz; and Sally Ride, the first American woman astronaut.

America will continue to fight for women's rights and equality across the country and around the world. Though poverty holds back many women, America cannot and will not allow this to persist. We will empower all women to pursue their American dreams, to live, work and thrive in safe communities that allow them to protect and provide for themselves and their families.

America is also mindful of the fight that continues for so many women around the world, where women are often not protected and treated disgracefully as second-class citizens. America will fight for these women too, and it will fight to protect young girls who are robbed of their rights, trafficked around the world, and exploited.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 2017 as Women's History Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand seventeen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-first.