Sunday, November 25, 2012 is the first in 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, established in 1991 by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership, to eliminate violence against women around the world. Read the full story

The Aloe Vera juice craze is on the rise!!

Aloe Vera juice is known to have many beneficial factors.  Extracted from the Aloe plant, the juice is made up of purified water, sugar, Aloe Vera gel, Aloe Vera powder, calcium, honey, and so forth. It can be mixed in with any juice or vegetable drink you like and can be used for many health purposes.

According to www.livestrong.com, Aloe Vera may help reduce the risk of lung cancer, control type II diabetes, and treat skin burns.  Aloe can be used in various forms such as lotions and pills and is also used regularly for skin and hair treatments.

Aloe Vera juice has become very popular among teenagers and adults. “I love drinking Aloe Vera juice, I have very dry skin and it prevents me from not being so dry,” Chabot student Sequoia Wheeler-Capers said.

The juice is becoming a craze and is also very cost efficient, “I’m not sure how much we sell a day specifically, but it is a lot,” Hayward Walgreen’s worker Abraham said. “Right now we have a sale on Aloe Vera juice, it is buy 2 for $5,” Abraham further explained. Walgreen’s also sells two flavors of the juice; peach and mango.

Even though there are many valuable aspects of Aloe Vera juice, there are some side effects that people should look out for if they drink it habitually. According to the Nutrition, Health, and Fitness Resource Center, Aloe Vera juice when consumed in an excess amount, can lead to abdominal cramping, diarrhea, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. It may also trigger an allergic reaction, such as skin rash and skin irritations for some people. Furthermore, Aloe Vera juice is  not recommended for pregnant women.

Besides the side effects of Aloe Vera taken in large amounts, the drink provides many medical benefits that can improve your well-being. Aloe Vera juice can be purchased at many convenience stores and at Walgreen’s where they give a 2 for $5 deal.

National Preparedness Month Flier

September is National Preparedness Month, which is meant to encourage all Americans to take simple steps to ensure the safety of themselves and their loved ones in the chance of an earthquake, fire, or other catastrophic disasters.

Ad Council, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Citizen Corps jointly sponsor National Preparedness Month, now in its seventh year of existence.

The federal government has created the website Ready.gov as a one-stop location for tips on how to make a survival kit, devise a plan for communication after the fact, and stay informed of all the latest developments.

According to Ready.gov, a survival kit should consist of a minimum of three days’ supplies. Essential items to include are three gallons of water, one per day for drinking and sanitation, non-perishable food items, a battery-powered or hand crank radio, preferably with a weather band so that important information transmitted over the Emergency Broadcast System could be accessed at any time, a flashlight with batteries, and a first aid kit.

It would also be a good idea to add, among other items, a wrench or pair of pliers to shut off the gas or water mains, extra layers of clothing, a dust mask, and local area maps. Ready.gov has a much more comprehensive list of items recommended including advice for families with small children or with pets.

One interesting item not listed on the disaster preparedness sheet is a car power inverter. Running via the cigarette lighter it provides 12 volts of power – enough to power a laptop, portable radio, cell phone charger, or rechargeable power pack.

Power inverters start at around $25 and go up but could be immensely handy if the power is off for a considerable period of time. Some newer model vehicles may have a 12V, three-prong output already built in so individuals should make sure to check their owner’s manuals.

Furthermore, it’s crucial to ensure that family and friends have a plan to meet at a pre-designated place in case of emergencies. Telephone service may be compromised, so emergency text message systems or social networking websites, such as Facebook and Twitter, may be the only available forms of communication.

According to an American Red Cross survey released this summer, 1 in 5 adults would attempt to contact responders through e-mail, social networking, or through a website. As a result, it’s worth ensuring that everyone in the family from the grandparents on down at least know how to compose and send an e-mail or text message.

Ready.gov has links to downloadable PDF files of all the information needed, including printable, foldable checklists and wallet identification cards for children and adults. CitizenCorps.gov also provides online training courses in a variety of subjects, including citizens’ guides to disaster preparedness and official FEMA emergency management programs.

Residents of the Bay Area also have access to the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter, which has developed partnerships with government agencies, businesses, and community organizations. Supported by its 2,000-strong volunteer network, the chapter provides training in CPR, first aid, and disaster preparedness throughout the community.

For more information visit www.bayarearedcross.org, ready.gov, listo.gov, citizencorps.gov, or call these toll-free numbers: 1-800-BE-READY or 1-888-SE-LISTO.