NAPSI—According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in order to preserve and improve your health, you need to do two types of physical activity each week—aerobic and muscle-strengthening.
What You Can Do
Most adults need at least:
• 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (such as brisk walking) every week
• muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms)
• 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (that is, jogging or running) every week.
If 150 minutes a week sounds like a lot of time, you might be glad to learn that you don’t have to do it all at once. Not only is it best to spread your activity out during the week, you can break it up into smaller chunks of time during the day. Just be sure you’re doing your activity at a moderate or vigorous effort for at least 10 minutes at a time. Try going for a 10-minute brisk walk, three times a day, five days a week.
What Others Are Doing
Many people are getting an assist in all this from what may seem to some to be a surprising source. To help meet the need for better health education, Chrysler Group has gotten together with the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) to increase awareness about health and wellness disparities in minority communities and to promote achievable strategies that members of those communities can pursue to improve their health.
We all know about Chrysler Group’s prowess as an auto manufacturer. What we may not know is that the company has been a leader in bringing innovative health programs to its employees and their families in order to improve their overall health and to reduce costs. The carmaker has received several awards from the National Business Group on Health for the strength and relevance of its health and wellness efforts. In fact, the company’s headquarters complex in Auburn Hills, Mich., offers employees many wellness amenities such as a fully equipped fitness center, an on-site pharmacy and health care offices, all within an environment that offers many recreational opportunities, such as walking trails, baseball fields and volleyball courts. Now, the goal is to take the company’s passion for health and wellness beyond the corporate walls, into the communities that could benefit most. The car company says it focused its message to working journalists because as leaders in their communities, they are in a unique position to educate people about health and wellness best practices.
The program is called Get Moving with Chrysler Group and has two parts, a walking challenge and an interactive “health and wellness experience” featured at the national conventions this past summer, touching more than 3,000 journalists.
During the walking challenges, several local chapters of the NABJ and NAHJ engaged in spirited competitions, as a way to earn dollars for their scholarship funds for aspiring journalists.
So can a company that makes cars come up with a way to encourage people to get out and walk? One such company has and the results are good for our health.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA) will “Rock the Ribbon” during Breast Cancer Awareness Month with specially designed t-shirts and temporary tattoos all to benefit breast cancer research.
During the months of September and October, the BCRFA encourages businesses and schools to “Rock the Ribbon” in honor of someone that has been touched by this disease. T-Shirts and temporary tattoos can be ordered through the BCRFA for $15 (short sleeve) and $20 (long sleeve).  Tattoos are just $1 each.  A minimum order of 72 is required to personalize the front of the shirts with your school or business name.  Proceeds from the “Rock the Ribbon” gear will benefit the BCRFA to fund research at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center.
To learn more about the campaign or to order your “Rock the Ribbon” gear contact the BCRFA at 205.996.5463.

The Birmingham Black Nurses, Inc. (BBNA) will host a LEGENDS IN WHITE GALA.  This event will honor nurses in the Birmingham area who have made major contributions to the profession and the community. Among those to be honored will be Dean Doreen Harper from UAB School of Nursing and Mrs. Bea Price, a Tuskegee Airman Nurse. Additionally, we will present the 2013 BBNA scholarships to deserving students to continue his or her careers in nursing. The scholarships will be awarded to unlicensed students currently enrolled in a nursing program.
The “LEGENDS IN WHITE GALA” will be held on Saturday, November 2, at 6p.m. This Black Tie event will be held at:
Hyatt Regency Birmingham – Wynfrey Hotel, 1000 Riverchase Galleria, Birmingham, Alabama 35244.
The Birmingham Black Nurses Association, Inc. is a chapter of the National Black Nurses Association. We are an equal opportunity professional organization with a dedicated mission to serve. We strive to promote healthcare and illness prevention for everyone.

NAPSI—For many Americans, last year’s flu outbreak serves as a reminder that it’s a good idea to get a flu shot—the sooner, the better.
In fact, a recent survey found that 47 percent of Americans surveyed report that they are more likely to get a flu shot this year, given last year’s outbreak. The survey was sponsored by CVS/pharmacy.
To help, here are some tips on how to stay healthy and avoid the flu.
• Get The Flu Shot Every Year, As Early As You Can: It’s important to get the flu shot every year because it is the most effective way to prevent the spread of influenza to others and your immunity to the virus declines over time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting a flu shot as soon as vaccine is available. A high-dose vaccination is recommended for people over the age of 65, as they are at greater risk of developing severe illness from the flu.
• Keep It Convenient: To make getting a flu shot more convenient, over 7,500 CVS/pharmacy locations and 650 Minute-Clinic sites offer the shot during daytime, evening and weekend hours. No appointment is necessary and many health plans are accepted, including Medicare Part B, which typically covers the cost of a flu shot.
• Wash Hands Frequently: Touching everyday items, such as door handles and other surfaces, can be difficult to avoid. To help combat germs, wash hands frequently (especially after coughing or sneezing) with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose. Alcohol-based soaps and hand sanitizers such as CVS/pharmacy Brand Instant Hand Sanitizer with Aloe can be effective when you are on the go.
• Practice Good Health Habits: Getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, managing stress, drinking adequate fluids and eating nutritious foods are all healthy habits that can help to keep your immune system in top condition during flu season. If you do get sick, a pharmacist can be an excellent resource on over-the-counter remedies.
• Make Sure Children Are Safe: Children under 5 (especially under the age of 2) are at high risk for flu-related complications. Remind school-age children of the importance of hand washing, coughing into their elbows rather than hands and using tissues when they sneeze. Please note: The influenza vaccine is not approved for children younger than 6 months of age.
To learn more, visit www.CVS.com/Flu.