Healthy Living

A vegan refers to someone who doesn't use or eat animal products. Unlike vegetarians, who don't eat meat, vegans:

don't eat any animal products: meat, dairy, and eggs
avoid cosmetics and products that test on animals
don't wear fur, leather, or wool

The Benefits

People follow the vegan diet for three main reasons:

Concussions Potentially Play Role in NHL Deaths

Unfortunately the saying, "I went to a fight the other night and a hockey game broke out," is especially true lately. 3 former or current National Hockey League (NHL) enforcers (a hockey team's most gruesome position to play) have died in the last four months.

These tragedies may not be coincidence, since each case exibits the known effects of extreme or repetitive concussions.

Submitted by LenaG2012 on Thu, 02/09/2012 - 19:57

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the problem:

I am a senior in high school working on changing the access to healthy, local, and delicious food at school. Our school districts limitations have made the quality of school food very poor. About 81.5% of our school has free or reduced lunch and those same students rely on two out of three of their daily meals from school, therefore, in order to have successful students we need fuel that is going to make us successful. We have a large percentage of students who play sports and most play more than one. Our school food is unattractive and most students go hungry rather than eating the food because of its poor quality. The taste, the healthy quality, the attractiveness of the food, and knowledge of how to be healthy are all problems I am working towards solving.

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why it's important:

I was with Food Empowerment Education Sustainability Team, (FEEST), which I worked for as a journalism intern for 2 years and am now a senior intern. During my time I realized School food improvements are really important to me because food is something anyone from anywhere can identify with. It brings people together and connected. When food is bad for you, is of poor quality and brings you down instead of feeding your soul no one wants to eat it and it takes away from the relationship we have with our food. Especially for youth, food is a big thing. Learning now where our food comes from and what we need to support our bodies is very important. For me coming from a single parent, below poverty line family, it’s that much more important to me to break that cycle of unhealthy living based on income. I have learned now a days someone’s access to quality of life is defined by what they make and it should never be that way. Growing up I never realized how bad cheap fast food was or stuff from a box or a can because it was cheap and it’s what we had. Now that I’ve grown up and become exposed to the truth behind all of those products I want to make sure people, especially youth are aware of all there options and can chose to eat healthy without sacrificing taste. It’s something that really important to me and want to be involved in helping change that.

the plan of action:

My goal is to create an alternative lunch menu item that meets all health requirements, budget, is healthy, and still tastes good for 100 students, staff, and district nutritionist. I started last year by creating a school garden in which students and staff volunteered their time to help plant and take care of. Now that I’m a senior I have decided to take it to the next level. I have spent many hours researching school food requirements and communicating with the district nutritionists on what we have access to as far as the district, what it takes for food to be approved on the menu, and how much it all costs. Now that I have done this I am planning to create a menu that follows the these same requirements but make it even more healthy and attractive, taste better, still fit within budget, while trying to incorporate school garden food to cut costs. Since starting this project I have had so much support from staff in almost every way, I’ve had students approach me in the garden wanting to help or taste things, and I’ve

how you can get involved:

One of the biggest ways others can help is with their time. Helping us build the garden up and make it more sustainable to last a longer amount of time. Anyone can help of any age and in any form whether it be by donating materials or supplies, to just spending some time planting with us. My idea is the more help the better but a little goes a long way

project updates:

videos:

Submitted by kahoople on Thu, 02/09/2012 - 17:11

the problem:

The mental health of our children and youth is an incredibly important issue in today’s society. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for adolescents and the third leading cause of death for those slightly younger than adolescents. The CDC reports that 14% of youth between 9th and 12th grade have thought about suicide, and 11% have actually made a specific plan for committing the act.* Mental health concerns are particularly high for more marginalized populations, as many of these individuals are in high risk environments. For example, in a nationally representative survey of a youth in an inner city environment, 8% reported a lifetime prevalence of sexual assault, 17% reported experiencing physical assault, and 39% reported witnessing violence.** Exposure to trauma of this kind is clearly linked to a higher preponderance of behavioral and mental health difficulties in youth. However, these same mental health issues continue to be heavily stigmatized by our culture. This prevents many youth from coming forward with their difficulties, and not enough youth are aware of the fact that there are people available to help them. Furthermore, few youth realize how common it actually is to struggle with these kinds of issues. These are problems I want to address – I want to make children and youth in my community, particularly those in inner city New York, realize that they are not alone in struggling with these issues, and that there is help out there.
*www.astorservices.org/finding-out-teen-suicide-prevention.php
**www.nctsn.org

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why it's important:

This cause is incredibly important to me, for a variety of reasons. I’ve worked intimately with children and youth in a variety of settings, from being a camp counselor to a trusted nanny, and I know how important and wonderful this population is. I also am still a youth myself – at 22 I don’t think I quite count as a full-fledged grown up yet! The idea of those younger than me and like me struggling with mental health issues in silence is terrible, and is something I want to battle against. This is a fight I am already fighting in many ways, working as a research aide at Astor Services for Children and Families, based in Rhinebeck, NY, trying to find out more about the problems that youth struggle with and the best ways to solve them. Astor is a not-for-profit behavioral health agency that provides services to children of all ages in a variety of settings, ranging from community health programs to residential treatment. We serve children throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley region and the Bronx. Through Astor, I’d like to start spreading mental health awareness by speaking at schools and other youth-serving organizations. I’d like to spread mental health awareness by disseminating both current mental health facts and statistics and the stories of the clients we currently serve at Astor, written by the clients themselves. If possible, I’d like to even bring current Astor clients to speak to other children and youth about their experiences and struggles with mental health. It has been shown that both hearing about other’s struggles, as well as sharing one’s own struggles, can help children and youth persevere and endure difficult life circumstances.* Spreading mental health awareness will also help to dispel stigma. I’d also like to include in these talks information on how to go about receiving mental health services, empowering those that need help to get the process of getting help going. I believe that the sharing of children and youth’s stories, as well as the spreading of other information related to mental health awareness, will have a profound impact on both the youth we already serve at Astor and those in the community that still need our help.
* On Playing a Poor Hand Well, by Mark Katz

the plan of action:

In order to spread mental health awareness, I’d like to start visiting schools and other organizations that serve children and youth, starting with the Bronx and Mid-Hudson Valley, and beyond if possible. I’d like to bring with me dissemination materials, like brochures filled with facts on mental health and the stories of current clients. Hopefully, I will also be able to bring along with me some support staff to participate in these talks as well. I’d also like to, if possible, bring clients with me on these talks to share their stories – this would require support staff to ensure the well-being of youth that accompany me on these trips. I’d also like to bring with me information on how to start receiving mental health services, and for each site I go to, be prepared with information specific to mental health services in that site’s area. Ideally, I’d like to do these talks at least twice a month for a year or longer, coming into contact with as many children and youth as possible. By accomplishing these goals, I feel that my project will have a deep impact on everyone I reach, and that this impact will disperse outwards as those I am able to talk to share what they have learned with others.

how you can get involved:

Anyone can help with this project. Simply talking about mental health issues in a knowledgeable and caring way helps dispel stigma, and helps increase the chance that children and youth that need help will seek it. Anyone that is present at these information sessions I hope to hold will then also be able to spread this information. They say knowledge is power, and in the case of mental health awareness, that is certainly true. I want to spread that power!

project updates:

Submitted by acstelling on Thu, 02/09/2012 - 04:04

the problem:

Food Forward attacks issues of joblessness and nutrition-related health problems. Knowing how to cook directly affects long-term eating habits. 28% of adults do not know how to cook (Huffington Post), while US obesity will increase to 50%, 7,800,000 more people will have diabetes, and 6,800,000 more will have heart disease by 2030 (Columbia University). Additionally, USA has 8.5% unemployment, but a booming food and service industry:~8,000,000 jobs with projected increase through 2018 (USBL).

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why it's important:

Vocational. Personal. Communal. Food Forward will partner with non-profits which work with specific populations (i.e. homeless, disadvantaged youth, young adults) to develop courses which cater to needs identified by the organizations. Students will gain skills to pursue personal and professional goals both in and outside of the kitchen. The programs also include a “Pay it Forward” initiative to empower participants to positively affect the local food system and teach others how to cook.

the plan of action:

Food Forward’s courses equip students with practical cooking and food business skills as well as a working knowledge of current food system issues pertaining to justice, the local economy, health, and the environment. I myself boast no expertise in working with specific populations, but I have proven myself as an organizer and advocate. I am confident in my ability to forge partnerships with existing non-profits in order to develop programs that effectively address the specific needs and desires of each student population. Food Forward also includes an apprenticeship program, whereby local chefs and producers give students hands-on opportunities equipping them for work in restaurants and artisanal production. This collaboration also provides students a “foot in the door” of the local food industry. The “Pay it Forward” initiative will train students to start their own community cooking groups to teach others basic cooking skills and garner awareness about food system issues.

how you can get involved:

n/a

project updates:

Submitted by mandeexoxo on Wed, 02/08/2012 - 21:51

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the problem:

What is the purpose of hand sanitizer? Which top brands work and why?

vital stats:

people impacted:

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why it's important:

Everybody keeps spending their money on hand sanitizers. I keep hearing "Can I borrow your hand sanitizer?" But who said that it works? I did the research and project to see whether sanitizer is even worth the buy.

the plan of action:

Well, I did my research and found the top brands in my school and then decided to test it on a bacteria on the hands.

how you can get involved:

n/a

project updates:

Submitted by bmayfield22 on Wed, 02/08/2012 - 15:54

the problem:

Developing our junior high and high school students to become focused on helping other people.

vital stats:

people impacted:

300

people involved:

300

why it's important:

Growing up if I didn't have youth leaders who were on my side, I am convinced I would be in tons of trouble and not focusing on being a youth leader.

the plan of action:

To acquire a pastoral degree to become a youth pastor who starts a youth group. Preferably in an area where our youth has lack of help.

how you can get involved:

n/a

project updates:

Submitted by Georgia Huston on Tue, 02/07/2012 - 23:10

the problem:

Teen Pain Help Foundation is designed to help children and teenagers with chronic pain by raising funds for treatment, research, education, and increased public awareness.

Together we can help children and families going through chronic pain conquer it, and live the happy, healthy lives they deserve.

Every parent and family deserve peace of mind, every child deserves comfort, and every person deserves health.

Our goal is to reinforce self-awareness, independence, and joy back into these kids' lives. With your help we can provide answers and guidance for those who feel helpless.

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why it's important:

I was diagnosed with chronic pain when I was a freshman in high school, three years ago, after it destroyed my life. I want to make sure that I can help as many kids suffering as possible and show them that they are not alone. There are kids in pain right now crying under their blankets. Nobody knows why. Their families can't help. They are scared. Their doctors are baffled. They're alone, suffering. It just seems hopeless. We are here to help those kids.

the plan of action:

Teen Pain Help Foundation is designed to help children and teenagerss with chronic pain by raising funds for treatment, research, education, and increased public awareness.

Together we can help children and families going through chronic pain conquer it, and live the happy, healthy lives they deserve.

Initially, we will be raising money for the Whole Child Foundation. It is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

These people are leading the fight against chronic pain and are creating wonderful new programs to help kids dealing with chronic pain.

how you can get involved:

People can help by donating (www.teenpainhelp.org) or helping bring public awareness in any positive way.

project updates:

Submitted by irishgirl1996 on Tue, 02/07/2012 - 22:33

the problem:

Each day babies are born into this world unhealthy and we want to help stop it. The March of Dimes organization helps mothers lead healthy pregnencies.

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why it's important:

We think that all babies have the right to be born into a healthy life

the plan of action:

The Middlesex Do Something Club is organizing a group of people to do the March For Babies walk on April 29th. Our goal is to get atleast 20 people involved. We will all be donating a minimum of 10 dollars to the cause.

how you can get involved:

Others can help by either finding a local walk near them or donating to our team by following the link . Thank you for yourt support ! http://www.marchforbabies.org/team/t1774092

project updates:

Submitted by chitwtay on Tue, 02/07/2012 - 20:48

the problem:

We are trying to get the word out about the Gardasil vaccination, which has affected all of us "Xena Warriors." We are all ill because of this vaccine, some more than others. Many have died and many are comatose. Getting the word out is more important to us than pretty much everything.

vital stats:

people impacted:

people involved:

why it's important:

I am personally affected by this vaccination. I am extremely sick beyond words, and because this is a vaccine, few people know and even fewer are willing to believe the effects that they see right in front of them. Medicine rarely helps the immense pain I am in daily, and focusing on getting better is one of the most important things in my life right now. Getting the word out through our group members is something I will never stop focusing on.

the plan of action:

We've blogged, we've facebooked, some of us (me included) are in a Gardasil documentary. I, along with some other affected girls, were in a news cast.

how you can get involved:

Research!!! You need to tell everyone you know that this vaccination is extremely dangerous and even deadly.