Important Happenings this week!

Every week it seems we hear about a nationally recognized day (or week/month) to celebrate or recognize.
There are literally so many it is hard to keep up with them all.

Everything from "National Noodle Day" (yes, you read that correctly) coming up later this month, to "National Fluffernutter Day"!  I have no idea what a "fluffernutter" is, but apparently someone thought it was important enough to designate it's own day of recognition.

However, there are certain seasons of celebration that we adopt for a very good, very necessary reason. For many, this is a great way to pass along information and raise money for a worthy cause.

So, pay attention and don't skip any of these this week!

First, you probably know by now that it is "Breast Cancer Awareness" month. It's hard to miss the professional football players sporting the pink socks and ribbons on their uniform.
















There is no doubt this cause is extremely important!  Just about everyone can think of someone they know who has been affected by this horrible disease.  Let's all do what we can to eliminate it for good!  For more information on how you can help, visit their website:
http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month

Next up is another very important cause!  
It is "National Fire Prevention" week!  There are simply too many people taken from us every year due to house fires.  The sad part is that this is most times completely preventable.
There are little things you can do that could end up saving your life.
Some important steps to take would be:

1- Don't smoke in the house, especially when laying down.  Many people say "I would never fall asleep with a cigarette in my hand."  However, the people who died from this very thing would probably have said the same thing.  If you are going to smoke in your home, make a habit to stand up and walk around.  It sounds silly, but this is the best habit (other than NOT SMOKING) to ensure you never fall asleep with a cigarette in your hand!

2- Make sure your smoke detectors are working, and that you have one in every room.  The bedroom is the most important room for this!  If you are sleeping when a fire breaks out, that smoke detector downstairs in the kitchen is not going to do much good!  Take 15 minutes every few months to change the batteries.  There is no excuse not to do this, the result is priceless!

3- Plan your escape!  Get the whole family involved in this.  Make a diagram of the house and make note of all the possible exits.  It sounds obvious, you think you would know where they are, but if it is dark and full of smoke you would be surprised how easily panic can make you lost.  If you have a plan in place, and practice it, you will be prepared if the worst happens!  Be sure to set up a "meet point" outside.  Maybe beside the tree in your neighbor's yard, and make sure everyone knows where it is.  Make it something simple and easy to remember, especially for the kids!

For more information or to sign up for their newsletter, click on the link below!
http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-public-educators/safety-source-newsletter

Finally, it is "Mental Illness Awareness Week."
You know, there are times in life when we are affected by things that we leave untreated.
When we come down with a cold, it is not unusual for many people to just "deal with it" until it goes away or gets better.
But, when you are dealing with mental illness, you cannot afford to just ignore it.  Every year there are millions of people treated for some variety of mental illness.  But, there are so many more who are not.   These people desperately need our help and our support.
Whether it is yourself, a friend, or a loved one who is suffering, there are resources available to help you.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness was established to provide the much needed help and support to all those who are suffering or caring for someone who suffers from mental illness. 
Go to their website, where you will find lots of valuable information.  
Do NOT let this one go!

https://www.nami.org/miaw