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Rare diseases: Increasing awareness for better patient outcomes
(BPT) - Getting a diagnosis of any cancer can be frightening, but for those diagnosed with a rare cancer, the emotional toll can be much worse. For some of these patients, the journey to a correct diagnosis may take years, and once they receive an accurate diagnosis, it can be extremely difficult for these patients to find accurate information on their disease. One of the first things patients do is research everything they can about their illness, including connecting with someone who is al...
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Still texting while driving? Quitting might be easier than you think
(BPT) - Most Americans know texting and driving is dangerous but it continues to be a problem, especially for young drivers. While 97 percent of teens agree that texting and driving is dangerous, 43 percent still admitted to continuing to do it, according to a recent survey. The 2012 AT&T survey of teen drivers also fo...
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Taye Diggs joins the fight against childhood hunger with breakfast program
(BPT) - Studies show and experts agree: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. After a good night’s rest without eating, kids’ brains and bodies are ready to refuel. Breakfast can help kick-start a child’s metabolism, energy and focus for learning according to a report published in the Annals of Nutrition and ...
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The new year welcomes a new generation of inspiration
(BPT) - In 2012, the world watched as women made historic gains in everything from Congress, with an all-time high of 20 women in the U.S. Senate – to the field, where they’ve won 100 total gold medals at the Olympics. In 2013, MAKERS.com moves us to reflect on the important advances made by women in years past to in...
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Why greener schools can make a difference in kids' lives
(BPT) - As awareness about the environment continues to grow, it’s becoming more apparent that “going green” not only benefits the planet – it benefits the entire population, especially its youngest segment. When children learn in safe, comfortable, toxin-free school environments, their futures are that much brighter. ...
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Active duty military: 'We'd do it again'
(BPT) - If you could start over again, would you make the same decision? According to a recent survey, 78 percent of active duty military personnel say a resounding “yes.” When you think of the sacrifices that our men and women in uniform have made, especially in recent years, this overwhelming positive response may seem odd. But when you consider the dedication to duty and our nation that they exhibit, it’s not all that surprising. Yet, as war efforts draw down and the military reduces the...
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Veterans with hearing loss experience renewed hope
(BPT) - As our nation’s heroes continue to return home from the fronts of two major wars, it is a great time to recognize the tremendous toll service to our country can have on the brave men and women who selflessly choose to protect our freedoms throughout the world. While there are many devastating effects of war, th...
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Pay it forward: the next generation of women who are changing the world
(BPT) - The roles and perceptions of women have greatly evolved over the last 50 years. From homemaker to executive, women have fought for their voice and advanced tremendously – altering virtually every aspect of American culture. In 2013, the women of the past continue to pay it forward and emerging leaders take the r...
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Caregiver 101: Creating a safe and happy environment for your loved ones
(BPT) - Nearly 66 million people, or 29 percent of the U.S. adult population, are providing care to someone who is ill, disabled or aged, according to the National Center for Caregiving. And, according to AARP, 61 percent of family caregivers who are 50-plus also work either full-time or part-time. How can busy caregive...
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What's in your drinking water?
Water is essential to our planet and our lives. But do you know what's really in your drinking water? You might be surprised to see that your hometown has been identified as one of the best or worst cities in the country for water quality, or to learn about the significant difference in costs of filtering your own water versus buying bottled water. Filtrete Brand, the maker of do-it-yourself plumbed-in water filtration products, took a closer look at some of the issues faced when it comes ...
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Giving back is the best way to spread holiday cheer
(BPT) - If there’s one thing that unites us, it’s that doing something nice for someone else has a way of making us feel good. And sometimes, there’s no better reminder of this than hearing stories of those who give back to improve the lives of others. Make-A-Wish grants wishes to kids with life-threatening medical con...
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Join the next generation of doing good - philanthropy 2.0
(BPT) - In the past, giving money to a charity was considered one of the best ways to do a good deed. But thanks to modern technology, the face of philanthropy is changing as people around the world become more connected. Lending a helping hand to people has always been an inherently good thing. But new perspectives ...
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national news
Powerful tornadoes strike in four central U.S. states

A tornado touches down southwest of Wichita, Kan. near the town of Viola on Sunday, May 19, 2013. The tornado was part of a line of storms that past through the central plains on Sunday. (AP Photo/The Wichita Eagle, Travis Heying)By Chris Francescani (Reuters) - A massive storm front swept north through the central United States on Sunday, hammering the region with fist-sized hail, blinding rain and tornadoes, including a half-mile wide twister that struck near Oklahoma City. News reports said at least one person had died. By 9:30 p.m. Central Standard Time, more than two dozen tornadoes had been spotted in parts of Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas and Illinois, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and local news reports. ...


Mon May 20 03:05:00 UTC 2013
Arias jury to weigh possible death sentence in Arizona murder trial

Jodi Arias cries as she listens to Steven Alexander, brother of murder victim Travis Alexander, makes his victim impact statement to the jury in PhoenixPHOENIX (Reuters) - Jodi Arias, facing the possible death penalty for the murder of an ex-boyfriend in Arizona, was due back in court on Monday for the final phase of a four-month-long trial. Arias, 32, was found guilty of murdering Travis Alexander, whose body was found slumped in the shower of his Phoenix-area home five years ago. He had been stabbed multiple times, had his throat slashed and been shot in the face. The same jury that convicted Arias of murder, found last week she had acted with extreme cruelty and ruled her eligible for the death penalty. ...


Mon May 20 08:41:03 UTC 2013
Monster machines fan out on U.S. farms facing slow sow

A farm sits in the distance near a corn field in RedkeyBy Tom Polansek and Mark Weinraub SHERIDAN, Illinois (Reuters) - With the U.S. spring planting season off to a historically slow start, an increasing number of farmers are counting on powerful tools to catch up: Monster machines that sow 36 rows of corn at once and feature high-tech innovations like computer-guided directional equipment. The technological wizardry from companies like Deere & Co and AGCO Corp is pitted in a frantic race against time, with farmers scrambling to get seeds in the ground because a slow start depresses yields and reduces the size of their harvest. ...


Mon May 20 06:04:59 UTC 2013
Tornadoes tear through central U.S. [VIDEO]
Less than a week after a string of tornadoes killed six people in north Texas, a massive storm system tore through the center of the country on Sunday, spawned at least a dozen tornadoes, killing at least one person, injuring a dozen others and causing extensive damage from Georgia to Minnesota. A tornado at least [...]
Mon May 20 08:28:31 UTC 2013