Don't Let the Flu Get You!

Picture provided by: MSNBC

Flu season is well upon us and considering the groundhog’s prediction of a longer winter, the flu season may stick around even longer. Yuck! The American Red Cross is concerned with everyone’s well-being and the East Georgia Chapter teaches ten different classes on health and safety. Although these classes are not necessarily geared towards flu prevention, here’s some information we should all be aware of during flu season.

Influenza, also known as the flu, is most common in the winter, but also occurs during fall and spring seasons. The flu is a highly contagious virus that can spread simply by talking to a person infected with the virus. While many have heard of the swine flu or bird flu, the most common type of flu is the seasonal flu, which affects 5-20% of Americans every year.
The following people are more likely to get the flu:

• People 50 years are older
• People who have chronic medical conditions
• Women who are pregnant
• Children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years old
• Children’s symptoms will often last longer since their immune systems are still developing.
• Elderly living in a long term care facility

Watch out for these symptoms to detect the virus as soon as possible!  

Picture provided by: Evidence Based Living

• Severe body aches
• High fever
• Headaches
• Extreme tiredness
• Sore Throat
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Avoid the Flu By Following These Simple Steps

• Take your vitamins!
• Practice good health habits. Eat a balanced diet, drink lots of fluids, exercise, manage stress and get a good’s nice rest.
• Keep your hands to yourself!
• Try not to spread germs. Always wash your hands with soap and water and use a tissue to cover your nose or mouth when you cough or sneeze.
• Stay home and watch movies!
• Try to avoid contact with others when you are sick. A distance of 3 feet is recommended.
• Get the Flu Shot! 




Picture provided by: Around Town Kids

• This is one of the most effective ways to fight the flu, reducing the risk up to 80%. People should get the shot every year. It is recommended you get the shot between September and mid-November, but your local CVS®, Kroger®, and RiteAid® are currently offering the vaccination. Do not worry if you do not have insurance. At CVS®, if you do not have insurance, you receive a $5 gift card!  

If you think you or someone you know might be getting sick, you should let a doctor diagnose the symptoms. Treat the flu as early as possible in order to avoid further complications. For more information, visit The American Red Cross’ web site at   to make sure you are Red Cross Ready to prevent or fight the flu!

For even more information, visit: flu.gov

- Mary Elaine Gambill

March is Red Cross Month

"For over a century, the American Red Cross has harnessed the generosity of the American people, mobilizing us to offer assistance in the wake of disaster. Whether aiding towns fighting rising floodwaters or nations struggling with starvation and disease, the American Red Cross and its international partners have served during crises across the United States and around the world. During American Red Cross Month, we celebrate our Nation's humanitarian spirit, and we recommit to providing relief and hope in times of crisis."

-- President Barack Obama, 2011 Proclamation

March is almost here which means it is almost time to celebrate the official Red Cross Month! Just a few days remain before the start of the month, making now the perfect time to recognize and celebrate the work and progress of the American Red Cross across East Georgia and across the nation. It is a time to remember where we started and look ahead to where we are going.    

                                      

(Images provided by the American Red Cross national website)  

The American Red Cross was established by Clara Barton in 1881 and received its congressional charter in 1900. The mission from the moment it was established was clear - to provide relief aid after disasters and provide communication services to families with loved ones in the military. In 1943, amidst the turmoil of World War II, the first Red Cross Month was officially proclaimed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and March has continued to be acknowledged as so to this day.

(Images provided by the American Red Cross East Georgia website)

Over 100 years after its inception, the American Red Cross aids in almost 70,000 disasters each year. Across the nation and internationally, the Red Cross lends a helping hand with disaster relief by providing shelter, food, basic necessities and emotional support. In addition to disaster relief, the American Red Cross has helped the Armed Forces stay connected with their families and accounts for more than 40 percent of America’s blood supply. With all of these services, the Red Cross remains dedicated to educating communities about preparedness through health and safety training.

Join in celebrating the achievements of the American Red Cross! Follow us on Twitter   and like us on Facebook for updates about our events throughout the month.


- Jessica Wu

The American Red Cross and Black History Month

To honor Black History Month, we thought we would take trip down memory lane and remember the most influential African Americans within the American Red Cross community.

Frederick Douglass, abolitionist and Red Cross supporter

When Clara Barton first established a Red Cross Association in the U.S., she sat at a table with abolitionist Frederick Douglass after the end of the Civil War to discuss the monumental foundation. Douglass was in full support of Barton and continued to support the efforts of the American Red Cross long after its establishment in 1881.

Francis Elliot Davis, American Red Cross nurse

In 1915 Francis Elliott Davis, a professional nurse at Freedman’s Hospital in Washington D.C., applied to serve with the American Red Cross. Although she was turned down the first time, she continued to seek a position with the Red Cross. Finally, in 1917 Davis became the first black nurse approved by the organization. She served as a nurse with the Town and Country Nursing Service.

After World War I, black men and women began to participate even more with the American Red Cross  and small, segregated chapters even began to develop in the South alongside main chapters. U.S. involvement in World War II opened the doors for integration on a national level and the American Red Cross began to make changes in its personnel policies.

The American Red Cross meets with black representatives

In fact, in 1942 the American Red Cross met with black representatives of 13 organizations to discuss the growing role they could serve in the Red Cross. In 1945, Frederick Douglass Patterson became a member of the American Red Cross Central Committee.

Frederick Douglass Patterson (left) meets with American Red Cross Chairman Basil O'Connor (right) and Jesse Thomas (center), special assistant to the director of Domestic Operations of the American Red Cross

This is just a preview to the extensive black history in the American Red Cross. To read more about the historic milestones through time and the influential people involved in bringing about changes in the American Red Cross, visit the online American Red Cross Museum. 

- Amanda Keuler

PlungeFest 2012 - Starting a Tradition

With a cloudy sky and a chill in the air, the plungers took off full speed into the freezing cold water of Lake Chapman. Lifeguards from our very own Students for the American Red Cross (SARC) at the University of Georgia stood by as participants took the full plunge. After raising over $10,000 to benefit the American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter, Shelterbox and the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, plungers and spectators celebrated and cheered for all of the hard work that led up to this moment.

As soaked plungers made their way back to dry land, everyone clapped for the success of the event and began to walk up to the pavilion for a delicious lunch provided by Shane’s Rib Shack, a warm fireplace and good company. With music coming though the speakers, hot dogs cooking on the grill and hot chocolate waiting on the table, the pavilion was filled with the excitement of the first successful PlungeFest.

Among the brave plungers was Board Member Courtney Gale who says, “It was a great event that encouraged the socialization and interaction of several different hard working non-profits in the Athens area. The American Red Cross stood in unity with its director in order to fulfill its commitment and mission of providing services to citizens of East Georgia.”

With everyone gathered in the warmth of the pavilion, the event concluded with an awards ceremony in recognition of the great contributions that have been made to PlungeFest 2012. 

 

- Jessica Wu

Severe Weather Awareness Week (Feb. 6 - 10)

 Photo courtesy of NASA

The weather has been relatively mild this week, but you never know what is around the corner. Which is why Georgia Governor Nathan Deal declared next week (Feb. 6 – 10) Severe Weather Awareness Week across the state. Throughout the week, Georgians are asked to think about their own preparedness and safety during severe weather.

The week kicks off on Monday, Feb. 6 with Family Preparedness Day. On this day, each household is asked to get a weather radio and program it to their specific county. These radios will keep families more aware of severe weather so that they will be able to prepare their homes, ensuring their safety during storms. The rest of the week will also focus on thunderstorm, tornado, lightning and flood safety.

The American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter is here to help you and your families remain safe during storms and will be here in the aftermath. Stay tuned to our blog, Facebook and Twitter to receive more updates about the informative week.

- Amanda Keuler

Boutique in Athens Shows Local Charities Some Love

Entourage Clothing & Gifts, a boutique located on S. Milledge Ave in Athens, Ga., will be celebrating Valentine's Day by giving away $2,500 to a local charity through its Facebook sweepstakes. The American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter is one of the candidates to receive this donation.

The East Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross supports 14 counties and all of its funding "comes from individual contributions, corporate donations, United Way, and fund-raising events [since] the Red Cross is not federally funded." The donation from Entourage would continue to allow the Chapter to help families in need when disaster comes through town.

You can help! All you have to do is follow these four easy steps:

1. “Like” Entourage's Facebook page
2. Visit the “$2,500 Giveaway” section on the sidebar
3. Click “Enter Sweepstakes” and allow the application to open through your Facebook
4. Register on the page and type in the “American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter” as your selected charity to win the donation

Make sure to enter the sweepstakes before February 29 so that your vote will count. After you have entered the sweepstakes, share it with your friends! What better way to spread some Valentine’s Day love than by helping the Chapter win the charity sweepstakes?

-Nina Kamber

SARC Raises Over $3000 in Letter Campaign

The Students of the American Red Cross at UGA recently participated in a fundraising campaign in an effort to support the East Georgia Chapter’s emergency services to families within its 14 county district. Members of the organization submitted addresses of their friends and family members. Then designated SARC representatives sent formal, typed letters to the given addresses, personalized with the name of each person.

The letters encouraged friends and family to donate money to the organization and help them reach their fundraising goals for the year. Although they didn’t quite make their goal, SARC was able to raise well over $3,000 with the letter-writing campaign. “We all had hoped for more,” said SARC advisor and Executive Director of the East Georgia Chapter, Jeff Taylor, “but based on the science it’s really quite good.” Eight students participated in gathering addresses and SARC members hope that even more students will participate next time. The letter campaign, along with other new fundraising initiatives from the SARC organization, has raised a total of $7,000 towards their $15,000 goal for the school year.

- Shelby Rudd

Twelve Days of Safety

As you celebrate the holidays and prepare for the new year ahead, take the following tips into account during the Twelve Days of Safety to keep this season safe, happy and bright! 

Ready-to-go Emergency Preparedness Kit

1. Prepare vehicle for traveling to grandmother’s house. Build an emergency kit and include items such as blankets or sleeping bags, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, compass and road maps, shovel, tire repair kit and pump, extra clothing, flares, and a tow rope.

2. Drive the sleigh and reindeer safely. Avoid driving in a storm. If travel is a must, let someone know the destination, the route being taken to get there, and how long it should take to arrive. If the car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along the predetermined route.

3. Help prevent the spread of the flu. Stay home if sick. Wash hands with soap and water as often as possible, or use an alcohol-based hand rub. Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing, and throw the tissue away after use. If a tissue isn’t available, someone should cough or sneeze into their elbow, not their hands.

4. Follow Santa’s fashion lead – dress in layers. When it’s cold outside, layered lightweight clothing will keep a person warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves and a hat will prevent loss of body heat.

5. Use a Red Cross-trained babysitter when attending holiday festivities. Red Cross-certified babysitters learn to administer basic first aid; properly hold and feed a child; take emergency action when needed and monitor safe play. Some may be certified in Infant and Child CPR.

6. Avoid danger while roasting chestnuts on an open fire. Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If leaving the kitchen even for a short period of time, turn off the stove. This is important because unattended cooking causes nearly 90 percent of all kitchen fires.

7. Be a lifesaver during the holidays. The Red Cross recommends at least one person in every household should take first aid and CPR/AED training. Visit www.redcross.org/training for details and to register.

8. Designate a driver or skip the holiday cheer. Buckle up, slow down, and don’t drive impaired. If someone plans on drinking, designate a driver who won’t drink.

9. When the weather outside is frightful, heat the home safely. Never use a stove or oven to heat the home. Never leave portable heaters or fireplaces unattended. Install smoke alarms.

10. Cut down on heating bills without being a Grinch. Get the furnace cleaned and change the filters. Make sure furniture isn’t blocking the heat vents. Close off any rooms not in use and turn off the heat in those rooms. Turn down the thermostat and put on a sweater.

11. Home for the holidays? Travel safely. Check the tire air pressure and make sure the windshield fluid is full. Be well rested and alert. Give full attention to the road – avoid distractions such as cell phones. If someone has car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.

12. Resolve to Be Red Cross Ready in the New Year. Get ready now in case someone in the household faces an emergency in 2012.

A Runner's View of Sleighbell 2011

With finals, work, relationships and everything else life seems to bring at full force this time of year, it is hard to remember what true joy feels like. Not the type of joy of making an "A" on an exam or the joy you get from going out with friends, but rather, the joy that makes you stop and remember why this life is so special. I had one of those moments on Saturday December 3, 2011 when I ran the annual American Red Cross East Georgia Sleighbell 5k race at Sandy Creek Park.

I woke up at 7:09 a.m. and rolled out of bed imagining what I could possibly wear that would keep me warm for the day's forecast- 34 degrees! After putting on my warmest socks, my tights normally reserved for skiing, a long sleeved t-shirt, a pullover and gloves, I ran out the door to find my car windshield frozen.

After pouring hot water on my windshield and remembering for a moment why I live in the South (I hate cold weather), I sped toward Sandy Creek Park. Arriving at the park, I found this picturesque landscape.

Amber Schreiner, a chapter public affairs intern and runner in Sleighbell 2011.

Fog stretched over the lake and created an air of mystery over the course while the sun fought its way through layers of dawn.

I was greeted by hundreds of beautiful people that were proud to wake up early and support the East Georgia Chapter while also staying in shape themselves. It is moments like these that make me truly grateful for the opportunity and privilege that I have. During the race, I tried to fight back my coaching instincts to tell everyone I passed (or that passed me), "Good job! Keep Going!"

Sprinting through the finish, I was filled with enthusiasm as finishers were gathered cheering for everyone else. Because running is really a personal competition, it seems support rather than hostility is always gathered at the finish line.

To my surprise, I ended up finishing 7th in my age group; but really, the beauty of the race was being reminded how wonderful this life can be if you let it.
 

The sunrise over Sandy Creek Park

Meet Carol Yeatts: Our Platelet Hero!

Carol Yeatts, her grandson Caleb, and husband Steve.

Carol Yeatts has donated platelets and blood since her college years at Emory University. In recent years, Carol donates platelets as much as possible. As an O+ blood type, she realizes the important responsibility she has as a universal donor.

“I donate because platelets have a shorter shelf-life than blood and because they are especially needed for chemo-patients,” says Yeatts.

A single platelet donation can provide enough platelets for a full therapeutic dose for a patient in need. In fact, some platelet donations yield enough platelets for two or three therapeutic doses. By contrast, it takes four-to-six whole blood donations to produce a single therapeutic dose. In this way, Yeatts is helping to save lives every time she donates platelets!

Are you thinking about donating platelets?

Here are some important facts to know before you donate platelets:

·      Platelet donations are collected at select American Red Cross Blood Donation Centers only.

·      Donors should not take any aspirin or products containing aspirin 48 hours before donation.  State regulations in New York require up to 3 days prior.

·      You can donate up to 24 times per year.

·      Plasma can be collected simultaneously with a platelet donation.  Plasma can be collected every 28 days up to 13 times per year.

·      The donation takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and may be a single or dual arm procedure depending on the collection device used.

·      Call 1-800-RED-CROSS for platelet donation opportunities at a local American Red Cross Blood Donation Center near you. 

·      The Athens, Ga. location is located at 3525 Atlanta Hwy in the Academy Sports shopping center, and the office phone number is 706-543-8656.

·      To pass the time while you donate, you may listen to music or simply relax during the donation process.  Most American Red Cross Donation Centers also offer TVs or DVD players.  Wi-Fi is also available at some locations.

·      If you are a platelet donor, you can still make regular whole blood or double red cell donations.  Both gifts are vitally important to patients with life threatening diseases.

·          A platelet donation is also called a 'platelet apheresis' or 'platelet pheresis' donation.

Though the American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter doesn’t do blood or platelet donations at its Pulaski Street, Athens, Ga. location, we wanted to share some information about the platelet donation process to clear up any confusion!

To learn more about platelet donation, and listen to inspiring stories like Carol’s, watch the following video: 

Safety in the Workplace

According to the United States Department of Labor’s 2010 Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average employed American spends 7.5 hours at work during the week. That means the average person spends approximately half of his/her waking hours at the workplace. This statistic may not shock you but if your business is not prepared for an emergency you could be at risk for injury during those 7.5 hours each and every day.

We all take great care in making sure that our homes are safe and prepared for emergencies and possible weather disasters, but what about when we are on the job? Have you ever stopped to think what you would do if a tornado, hurricane or even a fire afflicted your office? What if someone fell when trying to reach a high shelf and was injured?Would you know what to do?

It is important for your office to have an emergency plan and instruct every employee to keep themselves safe in the event of a disaster. You also want to make sure that your office has a full First Aid Kit. A First Aid Kit goes beyond bandaging paper cuts; it could help save your own or the life of one of your co-workers in an emergency.

At your next office meeting have an emergency plan discussion. Know where you stand and what steps you must make to ensure the safety of every employee. You can learn more about these steps and other checklists for your workplace emergency preparedness here.

Finally, here is an entertaining video of what NOT to do to prepare for an emergency at your office.

Spotlight Series: American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet Member Darius Rucker

The next American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet member in our spotlight series has conquered two genres of music over two decades. Beginning in 1986 with his rock band, Hootie & the Blow Fish, Darius Rucker swayed crowds with his deep intriguing voice.



In 1995, Rolling Stone acknowledged Rucker as the first African-American front man of an otherwise white rock band. Overcoming racial norms would become a pattern for Rucker when in 2008, he reintroduced himself to the world as a country singer. His single, “Don’t think I don’t think about it” became the first top 20 country hit recorded by an African American since 1988.

When Rucker isn’t topping the charts or defying racial norms, he can be found supporting good causes. In 2010, Rucker helped raise over $1.7 million to go towards the relief efforts in Nashville, Tennessee after the city was devastated by floods. A portion of these proceeds went directly to the American Red Cross, making Rucker an integral member of the celebrity council.

"Whether it is a call to action for blood drives, disaster relief, or just community outreach, the American Red Cross does an extraordinary job at not only meeting the immediate needs of a community, but also the preparation and planning for long-term support," says Rucker. "I am honored that they would include me in the Cabinet as a member and contributor."

Be Red Cross Ready for Fire in the Kitchen

The most effective way to protect yourself and your home from fire is to identify and remove fire hazards.  Sixty-five percent of home fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms.  During a home fire, working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives.

It has been found that most fires originate in the kitchen.  Follow these steps to avoid a fire while cooking.  Start by not wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.  Never leave cooking food unattended – stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food.  If you must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.

A stove after a house fire.

Fire Safety Tips for the Kitchen:

• Check your food regularly while cooking and remain in the home while cooking.  Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.

• Keep the kids away from the cooking area. Enforce a “kid-free zone” and make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.

• Keep anything that can catch fire – pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from your stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.

• Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.

• Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen.  Contact your local fire department to take training on the proper use of extinguishers.

• Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all the stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off.

• Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed.  Use the test button to check it each month.  Replace all batteries at least once per year.

The Red Cross responded to more than 62,960 home fires during the 2011 fiscal year. House fires are the worst disaster threat to families in the United States. To learn how to prevent a fire in your home and how to keep members of your household safe, you can download The Red Cross Fire Prevention and Safety Checklist.  Downloadable fact sheets are also available at http://www.redcross.org/ on how to be fire safe over the holidays, how to avoid home heating fires, candle safety, proper use of smoke alarms and teaching your children what to do in the event of a fire. 

Greek Life raising money for the American Red Cross!

This past Saturday marked the first Powder Puff Flag Football Tournament, a fundraising event coordinated by University of Georgia’s Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. All proceeds from the tournament went to the American Red Cross, the fraternity’s national philanthropy.

During the tournament, fraternity members served as referees, provided lunch and set up a first aid station for team participants. Five sororities participated in the intramural-style tournament with a minimum of seven players on each team. Alpha Gamma Delta proved champions of the day and took home the trophy although everyone present had a great time.

“This year was really about establishing the event; it was nice that we were able to give the American Red Cross some money,” said Brandon Breslin, philanthropy chair of the fraternity.

In appreciation, the Red Cross honored the members of Delta Sigma Phi for their generous donation. The fraternity seeks to expand the tournament next year in hopes of raising more money and also has a pageant, Miss Sorority Row, lined up for the Spring which will also benefit the Red Cross.

pictures to come soon!

Staying Prepared for Fire Prevention

For many people, October is about fall festivals, changing leaves and crisp weather. What most people do not know, however, is that October is also Fire Prevention Month and the American Red Cross encourages individuals to take steps to lessen the risk of a fire in their home. Unfortunately, many people learn quickly just how devastating a fire can be. Red Cross volunteers have witnessed firsthand not only the physical damaging effects caused by fires, but also the emotional damage people experience as a result.

Disaster victim meets with Red Cross Disaster workers at the scene of an apartment fire.

During Fire Prevention Month, the Red Cross reminds everyone of the steps they should take if a fire breaks out in their own home.

The most important thing to remember if facing a fire is to:
GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL 9-1-1 (or local emergency number).


Other important safety tips include:

To Prevent a Home Fire...
-Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
-Test them every month and replace the batteries at least once a year.
-Talk with all household members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.
-Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
-Keep items that can catch on fire at least three feet away from anything that gets hot, such as space heaters.

In Case of a Fire...
-Crawl low under smoke.
-Go to your outside meeting place and then call for help.
-If closed doors or handles are warm, use your second way out. Never open doors that are warm to the touch.
-Use caution when using a portable fire extinguisher.

Remember the word PASS when using the extinguisher:

Pull the pin and hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you.

Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.

Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.

Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

A Red Cross volunteer offers assistance with a victim of a home fire.

For more information on disaster and emergency preparedness, please visit http://eastgeorgia.redcross.org/ or call the chapter house at 706-353-1645.
(All photos courtesy of redcross.org)


By: Helen Farmakis, Public Affairs Intern