It was the deluge of well intentioned invitations to join these many causes that made want to start my research. I wondered to myself, how many other causes share this month with the Granddaddy(or should I say Grandmama) of them all Breast Cancer Awareness? Researching this quandary became a huge and somewhat overwhelming task. I found that there are so many different causes that claim October as their awareness month that I’m not completely sure I could find them all.  But I thought that I’d give you some of the ones that stood out amongst the plethora of “month” months.

National Breast Cancer Awareness: The Susan G. Komen Foundation

Lupus Awareness: Lupus Foundation of America (In 2008 the LFA and affiliates designated May as Lupus Awareness Month to include special events into the observance)

Spina Bifida Awareness :Spina Bifida Association

Liver Awareness : American Liver Association

Celiac Sprue Awareness: Celiac Sprue Association

Healthy Lung Month: American Lung Association

Down Syndrome Awareness: National Down Syndrome Socitey

Brain Injury Awareness: Brain Injury Association of America

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Energy Awareness: Federal Energy Management Program

Cyber Security Awareness: National Cyber Security Alliance

Jazz Awareness: Jazz and Heritage Festival and Foundation

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgendered History Month: GLBTHistoryMonth.com

Hispanic Heritage Month: HispanicHeritageMonth.gov

Disclaimer:

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have the Flu or H1N1 Flu, please consult your doctor.

Cold and flu season for me is a stressful time of year. Since being a Lupus patient, my daily regime includes immuno-suppressants. This time of year my home is scrubbed and sterilized, and my family all go through flu shots. Hand sanitizer is found in abundance and tissues are readily available. Now, with the newest pandemic of H1N1 flu—commonly known as the Swine Flu—this time of year is probably just as stressful for everyone. One thing we all need to remember is that the best ways to prevent H1N1 flu are the same ways that we prevent the normal every day garden variety of the flu.

I am not saying that H1N1 flu is anything to take lightly, but neither is the flu. We must remember that the World Health Organization estimates that the flu claims as many as 500,000 lives annually. So, no matter what the strain of flu is going around, we all need to take precautions to guard ourselves against it.

The first line of defense against the flu is vaccination. It may be unpleasant to face the needle but recent studies have shown that the injected vaccine may be more effective than the less invasive inhaled versions. A flu vaccine is especially important for people with chronic medical issues such as asthma and autoimmune diseases (Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis), the elderly (65 year+), pregnant women, and children ages 6 months to 2 years. It is also prudent to remember that the vaccine for seasonal flu does not defend against H1N1. There is a separate vaccine just for Swine Flu. And, as always, when in doubt ask your doctor.

Other steps to take in preventing the flu are simple to follow:

1. Cover it up! Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or with your upper sleeve when you cough or sneeze. And make sure that tissue gets in the trash!
2. Hands off! It is hard to do but try not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth. That touch will spread the flu germs.
3. Wash your hands! Proper hand washing means using soap and water, making sure you wash for at least 30 seconds before rinsing. If a sink is not available use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
4. Stay at home! If you have flu symptoms it is best to stay at home to limit your contact with others. You should stay at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.

These steps are even more important for those with compromised immune systems—like those of us with autoimmune diseases (Lupus, RA, MS) and people with HIV/AIDS. If you have a severely compromised immune system, it may be beneficial to use antiviral medications, which are most effective when used within the first two days of illness. Antivirals are normally reserved for extreme cases, so, again, consult a doctor about this procedure. Because those with compromised immune systems are at the highest risk for complications it is best to take every possible measure to avoid illness all together.

Take responsibility for your health, this flu season. Your health is in your hands!

What I liked best about the answer was separated into precise sections.
-How it’s suppose to work
-Studies supporting the benefits
-The truth about why it’s all hooey
-Studies against
-Rant from husband

Referring to source 1 describing how Alkaline Water works: “Wait, now they’re just putting random words together! Do they even know what “electrolysis” means? It’s using electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen gas! How that could possibly bring water molecules closer together is beyond me! Not to mention that the water probably doesn’t even make it past your esophagus before it’s been neutralized–your stomach is highly acidic compared to MILDLY basic water. Doesn’t make any sense…I’ve heard a lot of stupid claims before, but this….erg, arg!….I’d rather have magnets in my pillow….”

and of course wrapped up with a great conclusion

In case you still have any doubts about whether or not the marketing on this product is legitimate or a scam? Well, consider that a leading supplier of Alkalized Water, called Kangen, has actually adopted the domain, kangenscam.com, to pitch their product.

They even advertise “water classes” to educate people on adopting the alkalized water lifestyle. Despicable.

Throw in a video and picture and you got a great answer.

These past few weeks, the staff and community at Mahalo have been hard at work, churning out How-To pages on these very themes. The first two topics could help you achieve the last one—and Mahalo is here to help you on your way.

We can help you “get in the mood,” with our informative page on the super-powerful Zombie cocktail. Get the recipe—and learn a bit about the guy who invented it. (He was an adventurer and bootlegger, who founded the exotic and tacky “tiki” bar and restaurant movement.)

Once you’re loosened up, you could learn a bit about porn… In this instance, we can veer away from How-To’s, to learn interesting tidbits about RedTube. Did you know their interface is modeled on YouTube? Or that an average of 7.5 million Americans visit the sit every month? Not quite the stats that Twitter gets, but still quite impressive (by the way, Mahalo can help you learn how to make money on Twitter). And, even after all that, you still need some tips on how to get pregnant, Mahalo can assist you with a How-To page about improving your fertility with yoga.

Happy How-Tos, everybody!

We’ve all been there. You’re in your third sequel after Raiders of the Lost Ark, crazy Soviet lady is chasing us and a swarm of murderous ants are on our tail, all impeding our pursuit of the crystal skull. So what do you do if you don’t have a 1950s refrigerator around to protect you? Fortunately Mahalo has your handy guide for how to survive a nuclear attack.

But until then, we have the little things to worry about. We’ve added how to clean up cat urine along with how to get cheap car insurance.

But why fret, when there are so many things you can be excited about? Now’s the time to live, my devoted Mahalo HowTo blog devotees. Take up a new skill, go on an adventure (somewhere without Swine Flu preferably). That’s why we wrote up a guide on how to become a stunt double. Those lazy movie stars will have nothing on you.

If the answer to any of those questions was no, try a few tips for improving your memory. Exercising your brain is just as important as exercising your body. You can study a new language, do crossword puzzles or Sudoku, or play online games that challenge your mind. You should also get enough sleep — your brain stores new memories during your sleep cycle.

For more strategies, check out Mahalo’s How to Improve Your Memory. And if all else fails, try putting your keys in the same place every day. It’ll be one less thing your overstressed brain needs to remember.

Of course, it all boils down to getting enough sleep (something many people have trouble with), but there are a few tips that can help as well:

• Go to sleep at the same time every night.
• Use light therapy when you wake up, to adjust your body to being awake.
• Schedule something fun for first thing in the day, so you’re looking forward to getting up.

Those are just a few quick ideas–for more suggestions, visit Mahalo’s page on how to wake up early.