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Community Cares
Working together to help maintain bone health in people with multiple myeloma
Taking care of a loved one with an illness, such as cancer, can be both physically and emotionally challenging. For caregivers of the approximately 70,000 American adults currently living with the second most common blood cancer, multiple myeloma, there are additional responsibilities associated with taking care of their loved ones.
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Grocery insight: What is fair trade and how does it make a difference?
When buying groceries, shoppers have the potential to impact countless people who work behind the scenes producing the foods and beverages that end up in households across America. Purchasing Fair Trade Certified products has been on the rise for the last 30 years, but most people still aren't aware of the impact fair tr...
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Distracted drivers plague nation's roadways
Many people who encounter a car weaving wildly out of its lane, speeding up and slowing down randomly, veering into oncoming traffic or breezing through stop signs will immediately think "drunk driver." While drunk driving is an extremely dangerous hazard on American roadways, this behavior is just as easily associated w...
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Gift ideas that embrace the true meaning of the holiday season
When the commotion of the holidays sets in, it's easy to forget the true meaning of the season. Giving back and helping others is what makes this time of year so special. As you rush from store to store buying gifts for your loved one, you might wonder how you can make a difference. Some simple steps can have a big impac...
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Harnessing the power of the moustache
Do you sport a retro moustache that complements your style? Or maybe a chevron moustache that says you don't mess around? Now you can use your facial hair style for good when you participate in Movember.
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Awareness and education are key to bridging the communication gap between people with diabetic nerve pain and healthcare providers
In the United States there are nearly 26 million people with diabetes and one of the most common complications of the condition is diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a form of nerve damage. More than one in five of these people experience painful DPN, also known as diabetic nerve pain, as a direct result of this nerve...
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Five easy ways to support the troops during the holidays
Supporting the troops is an important thing to do - but sometimes it's hard to figure out how to give your support. Here are five easy ways to thank those people who keep us safe every single day - even if you don't personally know someone serving. And it's the perfect time of year to do it. With the holidays coming up, ...
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Creativity, organization, and activism help communities cope with police budget cuts
With schools back in session and the holidays approaching, many of us start to think more about the security of our communities. While crime is down, budget cuts in police departments across the country add to local concerns, and people in your community may be seeking new, cost-effective ways to make your neighborhoods ...
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Clean Water Act celebrates 40 years of water improvements
The Clean Water Act was established 40 years ago with the goal of protecting waterways and ensuring homes and offices receive clean drinking water. As the legislation marks its 40th anniversary, water officials and water consumers alike are looking back on the accomplishments and planning for new ways to continue water q...
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Lift loved ones up when medical costs get them down
Medical costs are the leading cause of bankruptcy in the U.S., according to crowdsourcing.org. So how do you help family and friends struggling with sometimes overwhelming expenses? For many, crowdsourcing websites are becoming an empowering source of financial support, with estimates that more than $2.8 billion will be ...
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Recognizing the stories of remarkable women pioneers, known and untold
Women continue to break the glass ceiling barriers and establish equal footing in leadership, business and government, all thanks to female pioneers who make positive impacts in their communities, display leadership qualities and lead by example through their vision, courage and ingenuity.
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Online service delivers your A-through-F letter grade to any member of Congress
With public opinion surveys showing the popularity of Congress at or near all-time lows, a free online service is empowering thousands of citizens to send an easy-to-understand letter grade to any member of the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives.
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national news
Boy Scouts of America votes to end century-old ban on gay scouts

Jennifer Tyrrell hugs Pascal Tessier after a resolution passed to allow openly gay scouts in the Boy Scouts in GrapevineBy Marice Richter GRAPEVINE, Texas (Reuters) - The Boy Scouts of America voted on Thursday to lift a century-old ban on openly gay scouts in a major victory for gay rights activists, but the decision means a sea of change for an organization that depends heavily on faith-based groups. More than 60 percent of the group's National Council, comprised of some 1,400 delegates, voted in favor of ending the ban, effective January 1, 2014, the group said in a statement. A prohibition on openly gay adult leaders remains in place. ...


Thu May 23 21:55:35 UTC 2013
Bridge collapses in Washington state, sending cars into river
(Reuters) - Part of a four-lane freeway bridge over the Skagit River in Washington state collapsed on Thursday, sending vehicles and people into the water below, authorities said. The collapse on Interstate 5 took out the northbound and southbound sides of the span and occurred at about 7 p.m. local time in Mount Vernon, 55 miles north of Seattle, Washington State Patrol spokesman Trooper Mark Francis said. "I've got reports of vehicles and people in the water," Francis said. He added that he did not know if anyone was injured. The cause of the collapse was not immediately known. ...
Thu May 23 22:26:35 UTC 2013
Obama in heated exchanges with Code Pink anti-war protester

Protester Benjamin interrupts U.S. President Barack Obama as he speaks about his administration's counter-terrorism policy at the National Defense University at Fort McNair in WashingtonWASHINGTON (Reuters) - The woman who interrupted President Barack Obama's speech on counterterrorism policy on Thursday is well-known around Washington as a perennial protester on national security issues. Medea Benjamin, a founder of anti-war women's group Code Pink, began demonstrating years ago on Capitol Hill, becoming an almost routine presence at hearings where high-ranking officials of the Bush administration appeared to talk about the Iraq war. ...


Thu May 23 19:43:20 UTC 2013
Boy Scouts vote to end ban on gay youth members
[Updated at 6:55 p.m. CT] DALLAS – The Boy Scouts of America, one of the country’s largest and oldest youth organizations, decided on Thursday to break 103 years of tradition by allowing openly gay members into its ranks. The controversial move was approved by more than 60 percent of the approximate 1,400 votes cast by [...]
Thu May 23 18:55:38 UTC 2013