Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Be Prepared! Don't let the flu bug get you this season!

Keep yourself and your family healthy this flu season.

Flu Prevention Tips:

1. Wash your Hands- wash your hands often and thoroughly, you should wash your hands with soap under warm water for at least 20 seconds.

2. Avoid touching your face- think about how many times a day you touch your face, and how many other things you touch with your hands, avoid doing this and you'll expose yourself to a lot less germs.

3. Get plenty of Sleep- Sleep is key to keeping your immune syestem up and running. Eight hours of sleep a night is ideal, and naps during the day are very healthy too.

4. Get a flu shot- it's not to late!

If you do Get the Flu:

1. Stay Home- limit your exposure to other people by staying home as soon as you start feeling sick.
2. Don't share things- like utensils, blankets, and towels.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Youth Volunteers, learn about humanitarian law at this years first annual "War Games"


In order to help youth understand what is and is not legal and appropriate during wartime situations, Camp Williams partnered with the American Red Cross Utah Region to help them learn by doing. The event took place on Monday, January 16th, from noon to 5:30 pm, the youth played an extended “war game” on the grounds of and in the buildings of Camp Williams.

Teams of youth from the American Red Cross Youth Services Program rotated through various stations simulating wartime situations, including trying to get humanitarian aid such as food across a field without being “sniped” and treating the wounded based solely on medical need, among other exercises. At each station, points were given for following International Humanitarian Law and subtracted for not following it. The exercise concluded with a “War Crimes Trial” where youth participants found out how well they fared in following International Humanitarian Law, which was based on the Geneva Conventions designed to protect combatants and non-combatants during war.

Click this link for an article about the event

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Two years since Haiti, how the Red Cross is Helping

Today marks two years since the Devastating earthquake hit Haiti.
Watch this video below to learn what the American Red Cross has accomplished there in the past year and what they hope to accomplish there this year.



Friday, January 6, 2012

Blood Donor Appreciation Month




























January is Blood Donor Appreciation Month!
The American Red Cross wants to thank everyone who has donated blood and as a result helped thousands of people in need.

Never donated blood before? Why not start now! January is the time when blood donations are needed the most, since supplies of blood tend to dip due to fewer donations, but the number of people in need of blood is still great.


Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Make a New Year's Resolution to be a College Student who's Red Cross Ready

Getting prepared for a disaster is an important thing for everyone to do.
 As a college student venturing into the young adult world, being prepared for a disaster probably isn't on your mind. It's one of those things I'm sure you're used to your parents taking care of, but it's something you need to think about. Many students shy away from making a preparedness kit because they don't have the money or time to spend on it.
Here are some ways you can cheaply and easily start becoming prepared for a disaster. 
  • Be informed about what emergencies are likely to happen in your area
  • Get a kit, or make your own that includes at the least these basic items
    • A Flashlight with back up batteries
    • A basic First Aid Kit
    • Copies of your Important Documents(birth certificate, social security card, etc)
    • Extra Cash
  • Make a Disaster Plan with your housemates
    • Know where your emergency kit is
    • Know where the shut off to the electricity and gas is 
    • Choose a place to meet during in case you are separated