January Reflections and Resolutions

The first month of 2024 is coming to a close. The new year is a time for reflection and resolutions. We make new commitments to ourselves and others to do better and be better. We ask how we can be of service. For our part, we’ll help call attention to important issues throughout the year. Three choose January to draw attention to their causes.?

Blood Donor Month

January as Blood Donor Month is strategic. Winter months can experience low donations due to weather, illness, and other seasonal factors. According to NIH.gov, someone in the US needs blood almost every two seconds. Blood stores help patients survive surgeries, cancer treatments, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. A single blood donation can save up to three lives!?

Yet, a low percentage of eligible donors give blood each year, and the numbers continue to decline. This year, the US and other nations face historic shortages of emergency blood, platelets, and plasma. The most common deterrents reported are concerns about needles and time. The most frequent question asked is, Will it hurt? Donating blood is relatively painless, other than a slight pinch from the needle. Time should not be a prohibiting factor for most. It takes only about an hour to complete from start to finish. Visit donatingblood.org to learn more about how you can make a lifesaving donation.?

Poverty Awareness Month

The statistical truths about poverty are staggering. In the US, almost twelve percent of people live in poverty, and eighteen percent globally. That equates to approximately 40 million people in the US (equivalent to the entire state of California) and 1.1 billion worldwide (near the population of China) trying to survive impoverished conditions. The consequences of which are devastating.?

Children are the most affected. Estimates are that 22,000 die each day due to lack of resources. One in three will not have access to adequate shelter. One in five have no source of clean water. For one in seven, health services are absent. Individuals are less likely to leave poverty behind without education. Unfortunately, large numbers will not have access to education, and those who do will not finish school.?

Poverty is a complex issue. Contributing factors are many and vary by location. Sizeable solutions are often silenced, caught up in political fodder. We, as individuals, can make a difference with small increments of activism!

Support of organizations that offer food and housing resources help children and families with basic needs. Efforts to affect improvements in education, healthcare, and wages chip away at some of the core causes of generational hardship. Advocating for gender equality and environmental programs helps to eradicate poverty worldwide. If you care to learn how to get involved, try these resources for the US and global impact.?

Mental Wellness Month

What is mental wellness? It’s the ability to manage stress and adapt during difficult times. Poor mental well-being affects how we feel, think, and act. Without proper care of ourselves, there will be physical effects on the body with the potential for unwanted changes in mood and behavior. Prolonged high stress levels and buried emotions can result in an increased probability of anxiety, depression, or substance abuse issues trying to abate those feelings.?

Proper diet, sleep, and exercise are all essential to physical and mental health. Having routines that support mindful behaviors help us maintain a healthy state of mind within ourselves. Ensuring we have strong social connections and regular outlets to manage our thoughts helps maintain a positive mindset with ourselves and others. As we begin the new year, it’s a great time to check in with ourselves and consider new practices to support a healthier, happier 2024. As a starting point, consider reviewing https://www.nih.gov/health-information/emotional-wellness-toolkit

Thank you for giving your time to our goodwill series.Twenty-twenty four will see us continue efforts through Impact by 10K Humans to drive meaningful change in the world! We hope you’ll stay tuned!