• Distracted Driving Campaign November 2010

    www.distraction.gov, www.trafficsafety.org  


    What is it?

    Distracted driving is a factor in more than 300,000 crashes each year, almost 6,000 people die and approximately 500,000 people were injured.  98% of people feel that they are safe drivers even though ¾ report that they perform other tasks while driving.  Studies show that texting on a cell phone while driving increase crash risk more than 33 times.  Safer driving habits will decrease the chances of having a crash. 

     

    How can you make a difference?

    ·         Keep a safe following distance.

    ·         Be mentally focused and relaxed without road rage.

    ·         Teach children and family members good driving habits.

    ·         Sign the pledge to be a focused driver.

    ·         Do not use handheld devices or text message while driving.

    ·         Encourage others not to use handheld devices while driving.

    ·         Commit to wearing seat belts every time.

    ·         Don’t pull off until all passengers have buckled seat belts.

    ·         Know your own state law.

     

  • Prematurity Awareness Day (March of Dimes) – November 18, 2010

    www.marchofdimes.com


    What is it?

    Prematurity Awareness Day is part of the March of Dimes Prematurity Awareness Month (November 2010).  The goal of promoting prematurity awareness during the month of November is to bring attention to the leading cause of death in American newborns.  The March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign was launched on January 30, 2003.

     

    How can you make a difference?

    ·     Visit www.marchofdimes.com and begin formation of teams for the March for Babies

    ·     Partner with the local March of Dimes and other agencies to have a March for Babies preregistration rally (call-out rally)

    ·     Register teams as Sigma Gamma Rho Teams and start fundraising

    ·     Solicit pledges to meet goal of at least $1,922 in the spring

  • American Diabetes November 2010

    www.diabetes.org 


    What is it?

    November is American Diabetes Month®. This year, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) (www.diabetes.org) is asking: “How will you Stop Diabetes®? The future is in your hands.”This month is a time to communicate the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of diabetes prevention and control. For years, the American Diabetes Association has used this month as an opportunity to raise awareness of the disease and its serious complications. There are plenty of ways to become involved in American Diabetes Month and the Stop Diabetes movement this November.  ADA African American Initiatives are a targeted approach to increasing the awareness of the seriousness of diabetes and emphasizing the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices such as moving more and eating healthier.

     

    How can you support?

    ·     Host a "Taste and See" cooking demonstration at a health fair.  Show participants healthier ways to prepare food for the entire family, particularly family members with diabetes, and how best to integrate healthy eating into everyday life.

    ·     Encourage your church to sponsor a "Diabetes Day," where church your pastor or other members of the clergy can devote time to talk to members about the seriousness of diabetes, the risk factors for the disease and what one should do to reduce their risk.

    ·      Visit the ADA Web site (www.diabetes.org) to download posters and flyers to share with chapter and community members.

    ·      Beginning October 15, visit www.stopdiabetes.com, or texting JOIN to 69866 (standard data and message rates apply) to learn about more ideas for your chapter. Call 800-DIABETES to learn how you can bring a workshop to your city or to request materials.