Charity Week; Day One, Fighting Disease

During the season of giving, we know many of you would like to donate your money, much needed items, or volunteer your time to charity.  But where do you start?  

This week, with Christmas right around the corner, we thought we would highlight some  charitable organizations worthy of your contributions.  Today we're starting with the war against diseases.  These are all top rated charities according to the American Institute of Philanthropy.  All those listed also meets all 20 Standards for Charity Accountability set forth by the Better Business Bureau.

Mostly we're focusing on cancer, but there are so many fighting the good fight, they are also worth mentioning.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: 

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. Their mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Click here to find out how you can help their cause.

Cure Search for Children's Cancer:

Their oncology group is a network of physicians, nurses, and scientists whose collaborative efforts have turned childhood cancer from virtually incurable, to one with a 78% cure rate.  They are dedicated to raising  funds for childhood cancer research, and are committed to conquering childhood cancer through scientific discovery and compassionate care.  Click here to find out how to donate, advocate, and support their cause.

Cancer Research Institute:

CRI is dedicated exclusively to the support and coordination of laboratory and clinical efforts that will lead to the immunological treatment, control, and prevention cancer.  Click here to find out the many ways to donate to this organization.

 Breast Cancer Research Foundation:

Their mission is to  is to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer by providing  funding for innovative  research, and increasing public awareness about good breast health. Currently, over 90 cents of every dollar donated goes to breast cancer research and awareness programs. Click here to donate.

Here are some organizations helping fight or cure other diseases or illnesses:

The Foundation for AIDS Research:

The foundation is dedicated to ending the global AIDS epidemic through innovative research. amfAR plays a catalytic role in accelerating the pace of HIV/AIDS research and achieving real breakthroughs. amfAR-funded research has increased our understanding of HIV and has helped lay the groundwork for major advances in its study and treatment. Here's how to donate. 

American Lung Association:

They work to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through Education, Advocacy and Research.  You can find how to get involved and donate on their website.

Diabetes Action Research and Education Foundation:

Diabetes Action is committed to the prevention and treatment of diabetes and to the funding of innovative, promising research aimed at finding a cure for diabetes and diabetes related complications. Donate here.

Parkinson's Disease Foundation:

PDF is a leading national presence in Parkinson’s disease research, education and public advocacy. They fund promising scientific research to find the causes of and a cure for Parkinson's while supporting people with Parkinson’s, their families and caregivers through educational programs and support services. Find out how you can give to PDF here.

Muscular Dystrophy Association:

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. Here's how you can help.

Just a few ideas of ways you can donate this Christmas season.  More worthy charities tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by,

Your friends at MBC

Tis the Season...

Although it’s the-season-to-be-jolly, it’s definitely not the season-to-stay-healthy for many.  The holidays can be a stressful, depressing time for some, not to mention the inevitable weight gain most of us pack on this time of year.  

 

Depression

For some, the holidays are not a joyous time; for some they’re difficult and painful to get through.  This could be because of the loss of a loved one, divorce, or anxiety of the upcoming year.  It can also be a time of introspection, loneliness, and reflection which can bring on feelings of despair. 

 Here are some tips for fighting holiday depression:

• Are your traditions working for you?  If not, get rid of them and create new ones. 
• Go outside, get some fresh air and exercise. 
• If you suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) take vitamin D supplements, or use phototherapy to relieve depressive symptoms.
• Don’t compare the current holiday to holidays past, just enjoy it and make new memories to cherish.
• Do something for someone else. Try volunteering some time or donating needed items to charitable organizations in your area.
• Remember, alcohol is a depressant and may add to your holiday melancholy.
• Spend time with supportive and caring people.  Try to make new friends or reach out to ones you haven’t talked to in awhile.

Loss 

If your depression is caused by the loss of a loved one, have a family discussion about what each member wants to do for the holidays and how much they think they can handle.   

•  If you live alone, invite a friend for dinner, go to a movie, or start a new book.  
•  Alleviate yourself of some holiday pressures.  Limit gift buying and giving, and decorate as much as you are ready for. Let someone else host and cook. Be sure to take care of your own needs and get adequate rest and exercise.
• If you’re up to it, acknowledge the absence of your loved one, toast in their honor, or visit the cemetery or memorial site.  Cry, smile, and laugh, if you need to and enjoy creating new memories and new traditions with family and friends. 

Don't Forget the Elderly

Holidays can be very lonely and stressful for the elderly. Remember to include them in your family gatherings.  The passing on of traditions, becoming the guest instead of the host, deaths of spouses or siblings are all things you might not think about, but can add to their feelings of loss and sadness.   If they’re able, try to involve them in the holiday preparation, let them help decorate or cook.  Make them feel important.

Destressing 

• Try to set realistic goals and pace yourself. Make a list and prioritize the important activities. Be realistic about what you can and cannot do. Don’t spread yourself too thin, you don’t have to attend every party to which you’ve been invited.

• If you're in charge of preparing the holiday meals, start cooking early so you can enjoy the holidays. Create sauces, jams, cookies, and other items that will keep until the guests arrive in advance.
• Simplify. Bake only one type of cookie instead of a dozen.   
• If you get tired, take a break.  The wrapping, baking, and shopping will be there when you’re rejuvenated.
• Don’t go into the red.  Give gifts of your time or services, or pull names for gift exchanges. Enjoy free activities, such as driving around to look at holiday decorations; window shop, build a snow man, go caroling.
• Return Gifts Later.  The day after Christmas is not the time to return unwanted gifts. Wait until after the New Year when shopping crowds have diminished.

Holiday Weight Gain

The holiday season brings festive family get-togethers, office parties and other traditional activities. What common thread do these activities have? Food, food and more food (with a side of alcohol). The average American gains 5 to 7 pounds over the holidays. 

• When we spend an entire day shopping, we usually end up making poor meal choices by eating fast food, which is high in fat and calories and low in nutritional content. Keep it as healthy as you can.  Avoid "super-sizing", limit fried foods, and avoiding high fat condiments such as dressings, mayonnaise, sauces and cheese. Instead, slather that burger with mustard, ketchup or fat-free dressing or order a salad. 
•  Don't skip meals or eat very little most of the day to save up so that you can eat more at a party or dinner. Eat at your regular times, with perhaps a little lower fat or smaller portions in general. If your meal will be later than usual, have a snack to curb your appetite so that you are not too hungry when you get there.
•  Looking for healthy holiday entertaining ideas? Instead of a traditional holiday cookie exchange, invite friends over for a light meal that includes vegetable soups, fresh breads, fruits and lettuce salads. Plan the event so that food is not the main focus.  Plan activities such as games and a gift exchange.   
•   If you’re traveling during the holiday and staying where there is no gym, bring an exercise band or DVD so you can get your physical activity in. 
•  Modify your recipes to make them lighter.  The sugar and fat content in most holiday recipes can be altered without a noticeable difference in taste. Use low-calorie substitutes for butter, shortening, and sugar, and cook with skim milk.   Strong-flavored cheeses, such as gorgonzola or aged parmesan, add more "oomph" per ounce and have less fat than easy melters such as cheddar.  
• Don't forget the roasted vegetables -- squash, sweet potatoes, parsnips or tomatoes. These vegetables require little if any fat to prevent sticking, and roasting them with your turkey, ham, or prime rib is an ideal cooking method.
•  Watch out for hidden calories in your holiday beverages.  Alcohol is high in calories and some mixed drinks contain up to 450 calories per glass. Soda, fruit punch, and eggnog can be loaded with sugar and calories.  By drinking water and diet sodas you stay calorie free. 
•  Moderation is key; whether we’re talking red meat, alcohol, or cookies, try to balance intake of these items with fruits and vegetables, lean meats and other healthy choices. 
•  Make the season one of sharing. If you are given sweets or other special foods, then share them with family and friends or take them to work.

Eat Out Fear-Free

1. Cocktails: Order your food first. It’s the first thing you’re offered when you walk into a restaurant. But after just one drink, you’re more likely to order the 2,400-calorie Bloomin’ Onion rather than a green salad to start. Until you’re placed your food order, stick with water. 
2. Ordering: Choose before you go. Check out the menu online or call and ask the restaurant to email or fax it to you. Decide what to order in advance and stick with it.
3. Waiting: Don’t go in on an empty stomach. Have a small low-calorie snack before you eat out so you’re not tempted to munch while you wait for a table or your food. Turn down bread or ask that it be placed out of reach.  
4. Portions: Less is more. Most restaurants give you far more food than you need or can eat. Beat the system by ordering two appetizers instead of an entrée, sharing a meal with a friend, or asking for a take-out container when you order so you can put half your meal aside before you eat. 
5. Cooking styles: Steer clear of fats. Beware of anything cooked with cream, such as sauces or soups, also, butter, oil, gravy, au gratin, breaded, Alfredo, blackened, battered, or fried. Stick with poached, baked, broiled or steamed.  Or ask if your meal can be cooked “light” and ask for sauces and salad dressings (plain oil and vinegar is best) on the side.

Party Time 

• Once again, keep alcohol intake down. Drinking sparkling water instead of alcohol will keep your brain from forgetting to watch what you eat. Not to mention that alcohol itself contains 7 calories per gram. That’s twice as much as sugar!
• As with eating out, enjoy a pre-party snack. Arriving hungry to a party makes us more likely to overeat. Plan and prepare to combat this by eating before a party.
• Move away from the buffet. Find a room that’s not full of food. You’ll be less tempted to eat if you can’t see what you’re missing.
• Bring a party platter of sliced veggies and yogurt dip, or another healthy appetizer.  Then you’ll know there will be at least one healthful choice to nibble on. 
• Avoid recreational eating by setting a one plate rule. At parties and holiday dinners we tend to eat beyond our body’s physical hunger simply because food is there and eating is a social activity.  Also, try to eat slowly and possibly on a smaller plate.
• If you overindulge at a holiday gathering, don't just decide that you have blown it and that you won't try to keep a healthy diet until after the New Year. An occasional lapse does not cause excessive weight gain but several weeks of over-eating may.  Instead of giving up, learn from your mistakes and plan better for the next time.

The Gift of Health

Looking for fitness and exercise gift ideas, here you go:

• Yoga mat 
• Exercise Ball 
• Weights
• Personal Training Session 
• Workout Video 
• Fitness Video Game 
• Jump Rope 
• Fitness Fashion

1. Sneakers
2. running pants
3. bicycle shorts
4. sweats
5. swim goggles
6. towel
7. gym bag
8. outdoor gear for outdoor sports, such as, wool socks, gloves, long underwear, hat

• MP3Player, of if that is out of your budget, a new set headphones and a gift certificate for downloadable workout tunes.
• Gym Membership 
• A gift certificate for indoor sports such as bowling or mini golf.  

Have a healthy and happy holiday from MBC

Sources:
Bangor Daily News
Associated Content
Kaiser Permanante
Nurse Tips
Wellness Corporate Solutions
California Progress Report

Don't get taken this holiday season

According to the National Retail Federation, 39 million consumers will do their holiday shopping online this year.  If you are one of these 39 million, make sure you do it safely.  Credit card numbers are stolen every day by untrustworthy online retailers, and before you know it, thousands of dollars worth of merchandise has been purchased on your dime.   

Online merchants expect to lose $3.6 billion this year to fraud by spammers, scammers and dishonest retailers.  But shopping online is convenient.  You don’t have to deal with crowded shopping malls, finding a parking space, or rude shoppers and sales clerks.  It’s not impossible to shop safely online as long as you follow a few basic guidelines.  

Shop Securely.

Try to avoid shopping on the PC that your children use to chat with their buddies and play games online. Those computers are often already infested with spyware. An infected system will undermine all of the other precautions you might take to avoid online fraud. You should also update your anti-virus software before shopping online and use a firewall to block potential intruders. 

Stay Clear of Shady Looking Sites. 

While it isn’t always possible to tell at first glance whether a site is legitimate or not, some red flags might present themselves to warn you off.  These include, poor design, a strange web address, and multiple pop-up windows that you can’t close. If you notice any of these suspicious signs, stop shopping and close your browser windows.

Trust your Merchant.

Search engine shopping can lead to random merchants no one has ever heard of.  Better to go to a major, trusted site, such as, amazon.com, to search for that sought after Christmas gift.  If you do find the merchant through a shopping search engine like Google Shopping, look for seller ratings. Google doesn't guarantee  the integrity of the sites that come up in its searches, but it’s a good sign if you find mostly positive ratings.

Use Your Head. 

Be sure to read and understand a merchant’s shipping and return policies before making any purchases.  You don’t want to place an order to later find out later it won’t be received until January 5^th, or that it can’t be returned.

Looking for deals and afraid you can’t find them online?  Check well-established online coupon sites such as couponcabin.com and currentcodes.com.  They list promotional codes for discounts that you can enter at participating web vendors during checkout.

Be sure to print a copy of each receipt or confirmation e-mail you receive. Keep all of your receipts in a folder, filed away in a safe place.

If you’re unfamiliar with an online retailer, do your research.  The Better Business Bureau and RipoffReport may offer some insight.  Or you can look at user reviews on such sites as Eopinions.com. 

Always make sure you are on a “secure” site when using your credit card online. The URL should have an https at the beginning (s for "security").

Click With Care. Never buy anything advertised via unsolicited e-mail. Such offers are almost always a phishing scam to get your personal and banking information or a rogue site wanting to put malicious software on your computer. The Better Business Bureau warns that legitimate businesses don’t send E-mails asking for follow up financial information. Your best protection is to not click on any links--even if the message looks legitimate--but to type in the merchant's URL manually to double check its validity.  

Shopping Only Email Address.  If you worry that giving away your e-mail address at multiple online merchants might wind up cluttering your inbox with more junk mail, consider creating a new, free email address specifically for online shopping purposes. This allows you take action if a merchant you're doing business with sells or rents your e-mail address to marketers. 

Social Security Number is Off Limits.

  If a site asks for it during the checkout process, it’s probably a scam site.

Use Protection. 

Take advantage of the automatic identity theft protection that comes with many credit cards.  Because this protection is available, it’s best to use your credit card instead of debit cards or cash for your holiday shopping. If erroneous charges end up on your statement, you can call the credit card company, which should investigate on your behalf. While debit card issuers have largely adopted that same approach, your bank account could be overdrawn while you dispute charges, especially if the fraud goes undetected for awhile. Credit card companies are required to allow shoppers to dispute charges and many companies cover charges made on stolen cards, which is why they expect to lose so much money during the holiday season. Check your credit card statements frequently because many card companies have time limits on when customers can dispute charges.

Alternatives.  

 If you like the idea of the convenience of online shopping, but are truly wary of using your credit card online, there are still plenty of alternatives to entering your account number with online retailers. Many financial institutions and card issuers, including Bank of America, Citibank, Discover, and PayPal, offer customers the ability to generate unique, "virtual" or "one-time use" account numbers that are good for a single transaction or a handful of specified transactions only and cannot be reused.  For many, they’re more trouble then they’re worth, but will give that super cautious shopper peace of mind.

Online Shopping Exclusive Password.

Make up a new password to do your shopping.  Make sure it’s different than the password you use for any of your banking and other important online services.  It should be easy for you to remember, but not easy enough for dishonest retailers to figure out.  A combination of numbers, letters, and symbols is best for security.

Sheath the Cell Phone. Shopping with mobile devices can come with its own set of security challenges, since shortened URLs can more easily trick shoppers into visiting harmful sites. Also, it’s not wise to shop on public Wi-Fi networks.  It can leave your personal information accessible to hackers.  

Don’t be taken for a ride this season.  And remember, you’re at risk whenever you use your credit card, not just at online retailers.  So, create a strategy and play it safe when shopping online and the risks for fraud will go down tremendously.  Have a safe, secure holiday.

Christmas can be hazardous to your health.

Okay, that may be a little over dramatic, but in truth, there are certain dangers that come hand in hand with the-season-to-be-jolly.

Trees:

Christmas trees account for 250 fires annually, resulting in 14 deaths, 26 injuries and more than $13.8 million in property damage.  These fires are usually started by shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches.

The video below, from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, is an eye opening example of how fast a room can be engulfed in flames during a Christmas tree fire.

The best way to keep your tree from catching fire?  Buy it fresh and keep it wet.  A fresh tree has green needles which are difficult to pull from the branches and don’t break when bent.  When tapped on the ground, a fresh tree shouldn’t lose many needles.

Your tree stand should hold at least a gallon of water.  The general rule is one quart of water per inch of the stem diameter.  An average six foot tree with a four inch diameter truck can consume as much as one gallon of water a day.  When watered properly, a fresh cut tree will keep some natural fire retardant for about twenty-one days.

Remember to keep your tree, as well as other Christmas decorations, away from heaters, lights, fireplaces, radiators, stoves, candles, and ash trays.  A recommended safe distance is three feet.

Poisoning and other hazards:

 Do you ever wonder if the tree you’re bringing into your house is toxic?  Or if a snow globe breaks, can the water inside harm your child?  Scott and White Health Care has kindly put together this list  to either ease our minds, or make us more cautious of what we’re bringing into our homes during the holidays.

Pine Tree (all species)
Christmas trees are non-toxic and usually harmless in regard to toxic exposure concerns. They can scratch the throat if ingested.

Christmas Tree Preservative
Usually contain sugar 90-95%, some form of citric acid, alum and maybe some other trace elements. Drinking the water that contains the preservative is considered usually non-toxic unless ingested in large quantities.

Christmas Tree Ornaments
Most ornaments are made of plastic, glass, Styrofoam, wood and metal. These are considered non-toxic but may present a physical hazard if broken. Other ornaments that are not toxic but can cause mechanical injury are angel hair, glitter, icicles and tinsel. These small things can be inhaled, ingested, placed in the eye or on the skin and can cause irritation.

Christmas Globes
These are also known as snow globes. Some contain little pieces of plastic or glitter but are not considered toxic. The water in these globes is not toxic but may be contaminated with bacteria. If one of these gets broken it is advisable to throw it away.

Bubbling Christmas Lights
These fluid-filled bubbling lights contain at least 50% methylene chloride. Methylene chloride is a respiratory tract and mucous membrane irritant and can cause headaches. Dermal contact may cause irritation and burns. If ingested, methylene chloride can cause CNS depression (sleepiness) and respiratory failure (breathing problems).

Mistletoe
Mistletoe is in the Phoradendron species. Ingestion of any part of the plants usually leads to gastroenteritis, but can also lead to hallucinations, hypotension or hypertension and seizures. The gastroenteritis can last up to eight hours. Fewer than two berries are probably not enough to cause toxicity but ingestion of an unknown amount may require evaluation by a physician.

Poinsettias & Holly
Neither plant is considered toxic. They can, in cases where someone has eaten a large quantity, be considered mildly toxic in that they can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea and therefore are a possible risk for dehydration. Holly’s are from the Ilex genus and all plants in that genus causes nausea and vomiting if eaten in large enough amounts.

Flocking
Once placed on the tree it is inert plastic. If ingested it is considered a foreign body ingestion.

Tinsel & Wrapping paper
On a rare occasion tinsel or wrapping paper may contain lead in some of the inks that are used. A small amount ingested should not be a problem but if unsure, then a lead level might be considered appropriate. Do not burn tinsel or wrapping paper.

Fireplace Logs
Metallic salts produce fireplace and log colors, which can be toxic if ingested, even in small amounts in some cases. Make sure the flu is open to avoid combustion vapors and carbon monoxide in the home.

Alcohol
Leaving alcohol around for little children to drink by accident can be a fatal mistake. Ethanol in children can cause hypoglycemia (and subsequent convulsions) and if not recognized can be fatal.

Food
Food poisoning is always a concern, especially during the holidays when foods get left out for office workers to graze on during the day. Safe food handling practices should be observed.  Visit the health department for information about food safety.

Keep in mind many decorations, ornaments, and toys pose a choking hazard to small children.  Use care when buying Christmas presents or bringing small objects into your home and call the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission(C.P.S.C.) at 800-638-CPSC for information on toy safety.

Keeping pets safe during the holidays:

• Holly, mistletoe, and Poinsettias are toxic to  animals and cause cause symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, and even more serious symptoms like temporary blindness and seizures.
• Our pets love to chew on things, err on the side of caution when buy and placing, lights, ornaments, and decorations.
• Tinsel and ribbon are especially tempting to cats and kittens, but can pose a choking hazard, and can severely damage the intestines.  Steer clear of these if you have an indoor cat.
• Chocolate: Pets should never be given chocolate as it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, heart arrhythmia, and death even when it is eaten small amounts. Be sure to keep chocolate off of tables where pets may have access.
• Ham:  This meat is very high in fat and will cause severe stomach problems for pets if eaten in even small amounts.

Keep hazards out of your holidays by using your head, reading labels, and erring on the side of caution.  Have a safe and sane holiday from your friends at MBC.

Sources:

Argyle Veterinary Hospital

Is your home free of dangerous products?

by Steve Bulzomi

With holiday shopping just around the corner, we thought it would be a good idea to mention product safety.  More than 20,000 people in the United States are killed, and 30 million injured every year by defective products.

According to consumer protection agencies, even with recalls, more than 23 million defective products are likely being used in the United States alone.  Products are recalled because they have the potential to seriously injure or kill the users. 

Last week alone, a number of products were recalled.  They include:

Roman shades and roller and roll-up blinds by Hanover Direct Inc, the parent company for Domestications, The Company Store, and Company Kids.  This is an expansion of a recall that started a little over a year ago.  The products were sold from January 1996 through October 2009.

Back in May a 22-month-old boy became trapped in the pull cord of a roman shade. His father rescued him, but he later died.  The products were recalled because strangulation might occur if a child's neck becomes entangled in the cords. Concerning the roller blinds, a child can be strangled if his or her neck becomes entangled in the blind's continuous loop pull cord, if is not attached to the wall or floor with a tension device.

Since 1990, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that nearly 250 infants and young children have died from accidentally strangling on window cords.

Click here for info.  

 

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Spark and Spitfire brand inline skates are being recalled by Rollerblade USA.  These were sold at sporting goods stores and on the internet from September 2009 through July 2010

Apparently the bolts attached to the frame and wheel axle can be loose on new skates, which can cause the rider to fall. 

There have been 31 reports so far, one having resulted in minor injuries.

Click here for more info.

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Pottery Barn is recalling their Clay Task Lamp, the Montgomery Task Lamp, and the Montgomery Floor Lamp because a wire running through the lamps could be pinched or severed at the lamp's adjustable point, which could cause an electric shock.

For more info about this recall, click here.

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The 2011 model Giant Anthem X 29er mountain bicycle is being recalled by Giant Bicycle Inc. because the bike frame can crack, causing the rider to fall.  Small, medium, and large sizes were sold by bicycle dealers nationwide in August.  So far, no injuries have been reported.

Click here for info.

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Big Ideas Marketing has recalled horse-on-a-stick riding toys.  The toys were sold at Love's Travel Stop and Country stores nationwide from May 2010 through July 2010.

 The reins pose a strangulation hazard to young children and the Consumer Product Safety Commission has received one report in which a 2-year-old boy became entangled in the reins at his neck.   

For info regarding this recall, click here.

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Small, medium and large rocking horses with bridles are being recalled by Rocking Horse Depot. The rocking horses were sold at Rocking Horse Depot's website from November 2006 through December 2009.  Again, the reins are long enough to pose a strangulation hazard to young children.

A 21-month old girl became entangled in the reins at her neck.  Her parents freed her without injury.  For info, click here.

If you or a loved one is ever injured by a defective product, don’t hesitate to call us for a free consultation. Or visit our website.

For more recall information visit Consumer Reports online or the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission.

Sources:

The News Tribune