Day 107: World Health Day

In 1948, the World Health Organization held the First World Health Assembly. The Assembly decided to celebrate 7 April of each year, with effect from 1950, as the World Health Day. The World Health Day is held to mark WHO's founding, and is seen as an opportunity by the organization to draw worldwide attention to a subject of major importance to global health each year. The WHO organizes international, regional and local events on the Day related to a particular theme. Resources provided continue beyond 7 April, that is, the designated day for celebrating the World Health Day.

We live in an era of medical breakthroughs with new wonder drugs available to treat conditions that a few decades ago, or even a few years ago in the case of HIV/AIDS, would have proved fatal. For World Health Day 2011, WHO will launch a worldwide campaign to safeguard these medicines for future generations. Antimicrobial resistance and its global spread threaten the continued effectiveness of many medicines used today to treat the sick, while at the same time it risks jeopardizing important advances being made against major infectious killers.

Keep a Child Alive (KCA) is dedicated to providing life-saving AIDS treatment, care and support services to children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India by directly engaging the global public in the fight against AIDS. KCA currently funds 10 orphan care and clinical sites in India, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and South Africa.

There is a profound difference between living and life. Living may extend time for another day. But life is far more than sleeping and waking. Life is more than merely existing. And, although it would be easier, life cannot be bought in a pill. That is why Keep A Child Alive buys more than just the pills needed to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa and India. It buys the essential nutrition, shelter, support and education to help ensure those pills are taken properly and effectively. It buys the things we all take for granted, but that make all the difference. A bed. A roof. A ride. A book. A smile. KCA offers children, their families and entire communities a shoulder to lean on and a heart that beats for them. Because KCA believes we can do something far bigger and better than buy the ability to live. We can buy the dignity that is life. We can buy compassion. Buy love. Buy the cure. Buy life. Because the more you buy, the more you save. KEEP A CHILD ALIVE.

Donation $5

To support Keep A Child Alive, please visit:  http://keepachildalive.org/

Day 106: National Student Athlete Day

National Student Athlete Day, a program of the National Consortium for Academics and Sports (NCAS), has been celebrated annually on April 6 since 1987. National Student Athlete Day celebrates the outstanding achievements of high school and college student-athletes who have excelled in academics (3.0 GPA or above) and athletics while having made significant contributions to their schools and communities.

Today, campuses around the country will observe National Student Athlete Day for the 14th consecutive year. Some in college sports say the need is growing to encourage student athletes to keep their eyes on their studies as well as on the ball, especially African American student athletes.

Statistics show that the graduation rate for Black student athletes of both genders continues to lag behind their peers. The trend is particularly pronounced in basketball, where the gap in graduation rates between Black female athletes and their White peers is widening.

Though the academic performance of Black student athletes lags behind others, they are graduating at a rate exceeding that of Black students who do not compete in sports. This supports the view that athletics can be an important instrument through which the overall academic performance of Black students can be improved.

Right To Play is committed to every child’s right to play. They give children a chance to become constructive participants in society, regardless of gender, disability, ethnicity, social background or religion. Through games and sports, they help create social change in communities affected by war, poverty and disease. 

A team of top athletes from more than 40 countries supports Right to Play. As role models, these athletes inspire children and raise awareness about Right To Play internationally. Their aim is to engage key decision-makers from the development, sport, business, media and government sectors and further ensure every child benefits from the positive power of sport and play.

Each week, more than 688,000 children take part in regular sport and play activities and a combined total of more than 1 million children attend regular programming and special sports events and festivals. This is made possible by more than 15,000 local Coaches, Teachers and Leaders.

Donation $5

To support Right to Play, please visit: http://www.righttoplay.com/

Day 105: Stress Awareness Month

For the 19th consecutive year, April 2011 has been designated Stress Awareness Month. During this month, health care professionals and health promotion experts across the country will join forces to increase public awareness about both the causes and cures for our modern stress epidemic. Sponsored by The Health Resource Network (HRN), a non-profit health education organization, Stress Awareness Month is a national, cooperative effort to inform people about the dangers of stress, successful coping strategies, and harmful misconceptions about stress that are prevalent in our society.

Do you really know what stress is? According to Webster, stress is "mental, emotional, or physical TENSION or strain." There are two different kinds of stress -- the kind that makes you feel overwhelmed (ex: when you have too many things to do), and the kind that makes you feel excited (ex: when you are looking forward to something). However, both "positive" and "negative" stress have the same physical effect on your body when unchecked -- they deplete your reserves and leave you drained. The only solution is to either make a conscious effort to spend more time in a lower gear, or take time in between bursts to rest and recuperate.

Stress is a lot more than the things to which we give that label. Every change is a stressor. Going back to school is a stressor that includes several stressors of scheduling classes, writing papers, and absorbing new ideas, yet it is also an opportunity to learn many things.

When we think of stress we usually think of stress on adults. What about the kind and amount of stress children experience through trauma, drastic changes in their lives, or a serious illness? They experience stress differently than adults do, who have coping capabilities, whereas children do not. They need assistance in dealing with heavy stress.

Project Linus is comprised of hundreds of local chapters and thousands of volunteers across the United States. It is their mission to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who experience stress from being seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need of the handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.” The comfort brought to a child by a Project Linus security blanket should not be underestimated. Thanks to our many blanketeers and our chapter coordinators, millions of children and their families have been given comfort and security at a time when they need it most. In addition, blanketeers are given an opportunity to use their talents and abilities in a most rewarding way.

With chapters in all 50 states, Project Linus continues to grow. Blankets are collected locally and distributed to children in hospitals, shelters, social service agencies, or anywhere that a child might be in need of a big hug. They also provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children.

Donation $5

To support Project Linus, please visit: http://www.projectlinus.org/

Day 104: National Poetry Month

Ink runs from the corners of my mouth.
There is no happiness like mine.
I have been eating poetry.

—from “Eating Poetry” by Mark Strand

Inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month is now held every April, when publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries, schools and poets around the country band together to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture. Thousands of businesses and non-profit organizations participate through readings, festivals, book displays, workshops, and other events.

National Poetry Month is a month-long, national celebration of poetry to widen the attention of individuals and the media—to the art of poetry, to living poets, to our complex poetic heritage, and to poetry books and journals of wide aesthetic range and concern. They hope to increase the visibility and availability of poetry in popular culture while acknowledging and celebrating poetry’s ability to sustain itself in the many places where it is practiced and appreciated.

In coordination with poets, booksellers, librarians, and teachers, the Academy chose a month when poetry could be celebrated with the highest level of participation. Inspired by the successful celebrations of Black History Month (February) and Women's History Month (March), and on the advice of teachers and librarians, April seemed the best time within the year to turn attention toward the art of poetry—in an ultimate effort to encourage poetry readership year-round.

Young Chicago Authors (YCA), founded in 1991 by Bob Boone, encourages self-expression and literacy through creative writing, performance and publication. YCA provides student-centered, artist-led workshops free to youth ages 13-19 in local schools and communities. YCA’s process emphasizes artistic development, mentorship, and creating safe spaces where a young person's life matters. Through their words, young people can promote tolerance and remove barriers to transform their lives and society. Now in its 18th year, YCA serves more than 3000 teens through workshops, performances and publications, and reaches audiences and readership of more than 40,000 adults and teens annually. YCA is home to the youth poetry festival Louder Than A Bomb, and Say What magazine.

Donation $5

To support Young Chicago Authors (YCA), please visit:  http://www.youngchicagoauthors.org/

Day 103: National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Approximately 772,000 children are confirmed by Child Protective Services each year as being abused or neglected. These confirmed cases, however, represent only a fraction of the true magnitude of the problem. Child maltreatment is a significant public health problem in the United States. In 2007, approximately 772,000 children were confirmed by Child Protective Services as being abused or neglected. These confirmed cases, however, represent only a fraction of the true magnitude of the problem. Most cases are not reported and child maltreatment remains a largely hidden problem.

There is overwhelming scientific evidence that child maltreatment can lead to a broad range of physical and emotional health problems. Short-term physical injuries include cuts, bruises, burns, and broken bones. Abuse can also lead to permanent disabilities including visual, motor, and cognitive impairments. Prolonged maltreatment causes extreme or "toxic" stress that can disrupt early brain development and impair the functioning of the nervous and immune systems, leaving children vulnerable to chronic diseases later in life. For example, maltreatment has been associated with heart, lung, and liver disease in adulthood.

Yesterday, today and tomorrow, the King County, Washington community has come to rely on Childhaven as a recognized leader in therapeutic child care for the youngest victims of abuse and neglect. By focusing on research-based methods of attentive care, developmental therapy and parenting education, Childhaven’s approach is proven to forever change lives. By investing in Childhaven today, the community helps to ensure the unlimited potential of children who will go on to become nurturing, loving parents themselves.

To break the cycle of abuse and neglect, Childhaven is the only nonprofit organization in King County dedicated to the mission of healing young and vulnerable victims of abuse while breaking the cycle that leads to more hurt, more trauma. For many children, Childhaven is the one constant in a young life marked by unpredictability and turmoil. For many families, they are their first real chance to stay together. They come to Childhaven from lives marked by abuse and neglect. They leave with enduring relationships and hope for the future.

Donation: $5

To support Childhaven, please visit:  https://www.childhaven.org/

Day 102: World Autism Awareness Day

On December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/139, tabled by the State of Qatar, which declares April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in perpetuity.

This UN resolution is one of only three official disease-specific United Nations Days and will bring the world's attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions. The World Autism Awareness Day resolution encourages all Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention. It further expresses deep concern at the prevalence and high rate of autism in children in all regions of the world and the consequent developmental challenges.

World Autism Awareness Day shines a bright light on autism as a growing global health crisis. WAAD activities help to increase and develop world knowledge of the autism epidemic and impart information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. Additionally, WAAD celebrates the unique talents and skills of persons with autism and is a day when individuals with autism are warmly welcomed and embraced in community events around the globe.

By bringing together autism organizations all around the world, we will give a voice to the millions of individuals worldwide who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help. Please join us in our effort to inspire compassion, inclusion and hope. 

 

ArtStream is a regional organization based in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area whose mission is to create artistic opportunities for individuals in communities traditionally under-served by the arts. They are a consortium of compassionate, professional, experienced artists who wish to serve the needs of their clients. Their goal is to reach out to members in various groups such as persons with disabilities, seniors, people with short or long term illnesses and their families or caregivers, immigrants, veterans, people who are grieving, and students and teachers. Their purpose is to inspire and help heal through various art forms such as theatre, puppetry, visual arts, multimedia, music, and dance. This is accomplished through interactive workshops and productions, on-going classes, seminars, performances, and training.

Almost everyone has at least the fleeting fantasy to be an actor.

For those with Autism and Down syndrome, that impulse isn't necessarily any different.

ArtStream is a pretty amazing organization that runs five Inclusive Theater Companies for those suffering from developmental, and sometimes physical disabilities. "Participants are completely involved in the creative process," explains Director of Development Lennie Magida, "coming up with a concept, writing a script, rehearsing the project and doing performances."  People who might never have the chance to step on stage, people who you might assume couldn't manage the rigors of live performance, are doing it - with a new show debuting this week.

The average play or musical is a serious undertaking, requiring roughly five months to grow from idea to stage-ready. Professional actors help out, offering participants extremely personalized attention, as everyone's challenges vary. "Someone on the autism spectrum might be really good at memorizing lines but doesn't have the facility to get at the emotional aspect of the lines," explains Magida.

Donation: $5

To support ArtStream, please visit: http://www.art-stream.org/

Day 101: National Autism Awareness Month

Autism Awareness Month is here! Many people still do not fully understand what Autism is, much less understand the fine differences between various ASD-like disorders and Aspergers. During April, many charitable organizations and autism specialists help people understand more about the disorder as well as raising money for research. Currently it is not known what causes ASD. April is a time to remind people that more is needed. Also, April is a time when those with ASD are in the spotlight, reminding the world that they are here to be loved.

It is estimated that one in every 110 children is affected with some sort of autism spectrum disorder, a pervasive developmental disorder that impacts every child uniquely. Many in the autism community often encounter people who have little knowledge of autism. People are frequently unaware of the daily struggles that occur with you, your child, or your students.

In order to highlight the growing need for concern and awareness about autism, the Autism Society has been celebrating National Autism Awareness Month since the 1970s. The United States recognizes April as a special opportunity for everyone to educate the public about autism and issues within the autism community.

Bob and Suzanne Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism, founded Autism Speaks in February 2005. Since then, Autism Speaks has grown into the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. They are proud of what they've been able to accomplish and look forward to continued successes in the years ahead.

They are dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. They are committed to raising the funds necessary to support these goals.

Autism Speaks aims to bring the autism community together as one strong voice to urge the government and private sector to listen to their concerns and take action to address this urgent global health crisis. It is their firm belief that, working together, we will find the missing pieces of the puzzle.

Autism Speaks. It's time to listen.

Donation: $5

To support Autism Speaks, please visit:  http://www.autismspeaks.org/