Tag Archives: education

Lyme Disease Awareness Month

06 Thursday May 2021

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After a long, hard winter, many of us look forward to seeing the many signs of spring. We love to hear the birds sing, the flowers start to bud and the crickets chirp the night away. However, there is one area of spring that we can almost certainly guarantee that no one looks forwards to – the return of ticks.

The Centers for Disease Control estimate that approximately 476,000 people in the US are diagnosed with Lyme Disease each year. But because Lyme Disease can be incredibly difficult to diagnose, experts believe that number may be much higher. May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, so we felt it was a good time to learn more about this particularly creepy disease.

Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection, primarily transmitted by Ixodes ticks (more commonly known as deer ticks.) Not every deer tick has Lyme, they get it after feeding on an infected animal such as a mouse or deer. Then, they pass it along to the next animal or person they bite.

A popular misconception is that an infected tick must be attached for 24 hours to transmit Lyme, but one report has shown that it was after only 6 hours. The risk may be low on day one, but there is still a chance of transmission.

One of the scariest parts about this disease is the fact that it can mimic symptoms of other diseases. Patients with Lyme are often misdiagnosed with conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis and other psychiatric conditions.  

To prevent the contraction of Lyme Disease, work the following tips into active tick season (April through September) after being outdoors:

  • Inspect clothing and pets to find any lingering ticks.
  • Take a shower within two hours of being outdoors to help wash away any unattached ticks and conduct a tick check.
  • As previously mentioned, Lyme is commonly misdiagnosed, so educate yourself by knowing the symptoms.

Don’t let ticks stop you from enjoying the beauty of the season. Happy Spring from Lions Pride!

Ideas to Protect the Honeybees

13 Thursday Aug 2020

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If we were to ask you about your favorite summer creatures to watch, how would you respond? You’ve probably witnessed squirrels quickly scurrying up trees to escape the neighborhood dog, heard birds whistling original tunes and happily watched playful chipmunks playing with one another. There’s no question that summertime is the perfect opportunity to observe the wonders of nature, but there is one small but mighty creature that you might not always remember to add to your watchlist – the honeybee.  

Did you know that you have a bee to thank for every one of three bites of food you consume? Approximately 80 percent of all worldwide pollination is done by the combination of both wild and domestic honeybees. Sadly, the population is in great danger. According to US National Agricultural Statistics, the honeybee decline has decreased from about 6 million hives in 1947 to 2.4 million hives in 2008 (a 60 percent drop.)

Next Thursday, August 19, is National Honey Bee Awareness Day, a day created by beekeepers to promote and educate the public on the bee industry. Whether or not you use honey as a more natural alternative to sugar or just enjoy the delicious taste, now is your chance to help the world’s greatest pollinators. While there are a few factors beyond your immediate control; here are a few ways you can work to protect the dwindling bee population:

  1. Plant bee-friendly flowers

    According to the Honeybee Conservancy, one of the greatest threats to bees is the lack of safe habitats. Consider planting a garden filled with bees’ favorite flowers. Here are a few plants to keep in mind. Remember that you don’t need a lot of space to make a difference!

  2. Avoid pesticides in your garden

    Honeybees have susceptible nervous systems that can be disrupted by synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. When treating your garden from pests, try to avoid using synthetics and instead more natural solutions. Click here to read about gardening alternatives to pesticides.

  3. Create a bee bath

    Like all living creatures, bees can work up a thirst after a long day of hard work. Though, they have a bit more of a challenge because they can’t just turn a faucet. Add a bee bath to your garden to easily give bees a fresh water source. All you need is a shallow dish, plant pot, stones and fresh water. Create yours today!

  4. Support your area beekeepers

    When out shopping for produce, don’t forget to buy local! Area beekeepers and farmers are much more likely to promote bee-supporting practices than large commercial producers. Start a conversation when visiting your next farmer’s market.

These are only four of several ways that you can help save the honeybees. How will you help? Let us know your buzz-tastic ideas in the comments below.

Happy Honey Bee Awareness Day from Lions Pride!

Celebrating National Park Week with Virtual Tours

16 Thursday Apr 2020

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Each April, the National Park Service (NPS) teams up with the National Park Foundation to celebrate America’s natural treasures. The week encourages Americans to get out and enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer than through exploration, education and discovery. This year, of course, is different than any other year in recent memory due to the novel coronavirus.

Like many other organizations all over the country, the NPS has modified its operations by following the CDC as well as other state and local public health experts. At this time, the majority of national parks have closed their facilities and canceled their events to prevent the spread of COVID-19; however, operations are decided on a park-by-park basis.

Luckily, despite the current social distancing limitations, we all still have an opportunity to commemorate National Park Week. In 2020, NPS has placed its focus on digital experiences.

That’s right, it is still possible to visit the parks during National Park Week (April 18 to April 26); that is with the help of technology and a little imagination. Review this list of available virtual tours:

  • Clara Barton National Historic Site
    You can visit the home of founder and first president of the American Red Cross. Clara Barton’s house in Echo, Maryland, served as the first national headquarters of the organization, and was her home for the last 15 years of her life.
  • Crater National Park
    You can take a virtual trip to the deepest lake in the US. Crater National Park. Located in Southern Oregon, Crater Lake was formed by a volcanic eruption and collapse and currently holds the honor of the ninth-deepest lake in the world with the deepest measured depth coming to 1949 feet.
  • New Bedford Whaling National Park
    New Bedford, Massachusetts, was known as the capital of the 19th century whaling industry and a prominent safe haven along the Underground Railroad. You have the opportunity to take an interactive or video tour of the Nathan and Polly Johnson House, a home that welcomed and helped those traveling along the Underground Railroad.

If you don’t have time for an entire tour but are interested in a change of scenery, you might be interested to know that NPS also has live webcams placed all over the country. You can catch glimpses of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, Yellowstone National Park, Katmai National Park & Preserve and more.

We understand that life feels challenging right now, we must keep reminding ourselves that the social distancing is just a temporary setback. Before long, this period will just be a distant memory that we can look back on and be proud that we got through it together. But until that day comes, be sure to keep looking for joy – it might be right outside or in a virtual tour.

Happy Early National Park Week from Lions Pride!

 

 

 

Celebrate Popcorn Lovers Day

12 Thursday Mar 2020

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Popcorn fanatics unite! Today is Popcorn Lovers Day, which always takes place on the second Thursday of March. Don’t confuse this celebration with National Popcorn Day, a holiday that happens annually on January 19.

You may be wondering why did someone believe we needed a date to celebrate popcorn? The reason was pretty simple. The unofficial holiday was created only eight years ago by a man named Bob Matthews of Rochester, New York. The reason for its creation? It was Bob’s favorite snack, and he and his wife would eat it most Thursdays all year long.

You might scoff at the idea of popcorn for dinner, but when properly prepared, it can be a guilt-free indulgence. Let’s celebrate this poptastic unofficial holiday with some healthy fun facts:

  • A cup of plain popcorn contains only 31 calories.
  • Popcorn has more fiber than pretzels or potato chips, more protein than any cereal grain and more iron than eggs or roast beef. It really sounds like the perfect treat to us!
  • Many do not realize, but popcorn is a whole grain food, making it naturally high in key nutrients, including fiber, magnesium, phosphorous and manganese.
  • A study from the University of Scranton found that popcorn contains substantial amounts of polyphenols, antioxidants commonly linked to various health benefits, including better circulation, improved digestion and a reduced risk of many diseases.
  • Both the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, formerly known American Dietetic Association, and American Diabetes Association agree that popcorn can be exchanged for bread for people on weight control diets. We probably don’t have to tell you, but this is our all-time favorite fun fact. Learn more about how Lions Pride works to support Community Diabetes Education in Wisconsin.
  • With its low calories, high fiber content and low energy, popcorn has all the characteristics of a weight loss friendly food.
  • Even though it has a multitude of health qualities, preparation can make or break the nutritional value of popcorn. The best way to prepare healthy popcorn is on the stove or in an air-popper with no oil.

Learn more satisfying health benefits of popcorn.

How do you feel about popcorn? If you have a favorite way to enjoy popcorn or have chosen a bowl of popcorn as an alternative to make dinner, let us know in the comments below.

Happy Popcorn Lovers Day from Lions Pride!

Start of Women’s Heart Week

30 Thursday Jan 2020

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We are 30 days into the New Year, are you still working toward your resolution? Don’t worry; we’re not here to shame you into staying committed unless, of course, your goal is related to good heart health because Saturday is the start of Women’s Heart Week.

The Women’s Heart Foundation has dedicated the next seven days to promoting prevention, education, symptoms awareness and early intervention of heart disease. You might be surprised to learn that heart disease is the number one threat to women over the age of 34. According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death of women in the United States. In 2017, heart disease killed approximately 299,578 women – amounting to about 1 in every 5 female deaths. Most women are unaware of their high risk and fail to recognize symptoms.

Women today are, arguably, busier than ever before. They are continually juggling careers, community service, family life as well as many other caregiving responsibilities. Sadly, because of the lack of downtime, women’s symptoms go unnoticed, especially if they are mild. Next week is the perfect opportunity for women to take time for themselves and learn more about the disease.

The first line of defense is to schedule a doctor’s appointment. When meeting with your doctor, discuss getting your cholesterol checked and determining or not a diabetes check would be beneficial. The following tips can also help you reduce your risks:

  • Know your blood pressure – there are no symptoms associated with high blood pressure, so it’s essential to have it checked regularly. Uncontrolled blood pressure is more likely to lead to heart disease.
  • Quit smoking
  • Limit your alcohol intake
  • Make healthy food choices
  • Effectively manage stress levels

We were also shocked to learn about the prevalence of heart disease among women in our society. Whether you are a woman or care deeply for a woman, we encourage you to take some time next week to learn more about the disease. As one of the hardest-working muscles in the human body, the heart is too important to ignore.

Lions Pride continues to be grateful for the giving hearts of our donors.

Lions Pride Year in Review

26 Thursday Dec 2019

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Lions Lake Totem PoleChristmas is officially behind us. Can you believe it? With Thanksgiving falling late in November, we all had less time to prepare for the busiest season of the year, but we all managed to survive! Now, with the year quickly winding down, we hope you have some time to reflect on the past 360 days.

In 2019, we were proud to accomplish the following milestones:

  • Helped send over 1200 Wisconsin children to Lions Camp, where they were able to learn lifelong skills that will serve them well beyond their childhoods. Campers were able to participate in several outdoor activities, build lasting friendships and enjoy being kids in a fun, safe environment.
  • Collected and recycled eyeglasses to share with people in need all around the world. Each year our Eyeglass Recycling Center receives an average of 800,000 pairs of used glasses each year.
  • Screened the eyes of thousands of children from all around the state from ages 6 months to teenage. With early detection, we’re able to help preserve and protect a child’s gift of sight.
  • Provided local communities with essential diabetes education. Did you know that diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people aged 20 to 74, as well as a significant cause of other serious health complications? Our goal is to help reduce the number of blindness cases through education, early detection and treatment.

Of course, none of these accomplishments would be possible without the continued support of our gracious donors. We would not be “Today’s help, tomorrow’s hope” without you. We are incredibly thankful to have you by our side.

As we wrap up the year, we’d ask you to consider Lions Pride in your year-end giving plans. We are excited to announce our determined efforts to reach $10 million by the Wisconsin Lions State Convention in 2021. Attaining this goal will provide more than $300,000 in perpetuity to the Wisconsin Lions Foundation, promoting the Wisconsin Lions Camp and all statewide WLF projects. Let’s come together in support.

The Lions Pride Office will be closed for the remainder of the week. Happy Holidays to you and your family!

A 2017 Thanksgiving Message from Lions Pride

23 Thursday Nov 2017

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Today is a day to give thanks. Thanksgiving is one of our favorites times of the year Pumpkinsbecause it allows us a chance to reflect on all of life’s blessings. In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, we had some time to think about all that we’re thankful for here at Lions Pride. In 2017, we’ve been able to help financially support the Wisconsin Lions Camp and all WLF projects, which resulted in opportunities to:

  • Send over 150 Wisconsin children to Lions Camp this summer where they were able to learn lifelong skills that will serve them well beyond their childhoods. Campers were able able to explore various outdoor activities, build lasting friendships and enjoy being kids in a fun, safe environment.
  • Collect eyeglasses that were recycled and shared with people in need from all around the world.
  • Screen the eyes of thousands of children from all around the state from ages 6 months to teenage. With early detection, we’re able to help preserve and protect a child’s gift of sight.
  • Provide local communities with diabetes education. As you likely already know, diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people aged 20 to 74, as well as a significant cause of other serious health complications. Our primary goal is to help reduce the number of blindness cases through education, early detection and treatment.

None of these accomplishments would be possible without the generous support of our donors. We would not be “Today’s help, tomorrow’s hope” without you. We are so thankful to have you support us in our mission. We never grow tired of saying “thank you.”

The Lions Pride office will be closed today and Friday to celebrate the holiday. We’d like to wish you and your family a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

 

The 2017 C1 District Convention

05 Thursday Oct 2017

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Convention Season is upon us! If you’re a seasoned Lion or Lioness, you know thatLions Club International October kicks off a series of district conventions before the holiday break; next week, we’ll be headed to Dale’s Weston Lanes to meet with area Lions and spread the message of Pride at the 27-C1 District Convention.

The convention will begin Friday night at 7 pm with a live auction and seafood buffet. All clubs are asked to participate by donating an item or two. All proceeds will benefit WLF projects, including Lions Camp. The big question is, who will take home the famous putter this year?

Attending members will get their legs moving bright and early on Saturday morning with a Strides Run/Walk, taking place from 7 am to 11:30 am. The Strides events promote diabetes awareness and the importance of healthy exercise for people with and at risk of diabetes.

The remainder of the day will be dedicated to educational seminars for Lions to come together to learn, connect and share their passion for the LCI community. You’re not going to want to miss this event – especially if you are a new member. There’s no better way to learn about Lions than by attending one or more district conventions.

If you’re planning on attending the C1 Convention, be on the lookout for our Executive Director Geri Schlender and President Sam Kochel. We will have a table display set up in the Exhibition Hall if you’re interested in learning more about the impact of Lions Pride.

We’re looking forward to a weekend filled with camaraderie and education. Why are you excited to attend the C1 Convention? We’d love to hear in the comments below.

Happy Convention Season from Lions Pride!

Safely Viewing the 2017 Solar Eclipse

17 Thursday Aug 2017

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Rosholt EclipseHave you heard the news? A total solar eclipse is quickly approaching! This Monday, August 21, the majority of the United States will have a clear view of both total and partial eclipses (for the first time in 38 years.)

Although we are also excited to witness the nighttime wonder, we have several concerns that deserve addressing. Here at Lions Pride, you likely already know that we support one of the WLF’s largest projects; early child’s vision screening. So, it should come as no surprise that we’d want to do everything we can to educate our readers on how to view the eclipse safely.

Unfortunately, in Wisconsin, we will not have the opportunity to see a total eclipse, but we will still have an out-of-this-world view. But since the sun will not be completed covered, it’s important to remember that it is not safe to view directly with your naked eye. There are several types of solar filter glasses available (not to be mistaken for sunglasses,) but even these special glasses have certain risks.

The most critical case to keep in mind that most of these glasses are made with adults in mind, will likely not fit children properly and should not be used without adult supervision. Plus, if the solar glasses do not completely filter out 100% of the sun’s harmful UV rays, if they are not used absolutely perfectly or should there be any manufacturing defects, this will result in permanent and irreversible vision loss.

Dr. Michael Schecter, an optometrist in Columbus, Ohio, makes another important point about viewing the eclipse with kids:

“The biggest danger with children is ensuring proper use without direct parental supervision. During an eclipse, because the moon blocks so much of its light, if one looks at it without full protection, it does not cause pain as looking at the sun does on a regular day.Generally, if you try to look at the sun, it physically hurts, and you can’t see anything. During an eclipse, however, it is easier to stare for a bit, and even less than 30 seconds of exposure to a partially eclipsed sun, you can burn a blind spot right to your most precious central vision. With solar glasses, you can’t see anything except the crescent of light of the sun, but kids could have a tendency to want to peak around the filter to see what is actually going on up there. One failure, just one, where education and supervision fail, will have a devastating consequence.”

If you plan to view the solar eclipse on Monday, please do so safely. Sadly, one wrong move could result in a lifetime of vision loss that may not be immediately felt. If you do not have proper protection, please watch it on television. Lions Pride wants you to remember to protect and preserve your gift of sight.

The 2016 Wisconsin Lions State Convention

19 Thursday May 2016

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We-Are-Lions

How does that old saying go? “We’ll see likely see “lions, tigers and bears… oh my!” Technically, we’re only going to be seeing Lions, Lionesses and Leos this weekend, but we know that it’s going to be filled with fun at the upcoming Wisconsin Lions State Convention in Appleton.

Unlike many of our conventions, the activities actually start today at the State Golf Tournament to be held at Royal St. Patrick’s Golf Links from 10 am to 4 pm. Convention goers are invited to get out and enjoy the beautiful weathers while watching the pros perfect their golf game; followed by the opportunity to learn more about the Appleton area with tours of the History Museum at the Castle and the Fox Valley Tech Public Safety Training Center.

The fun officially begins the next morning at 8 am with the Strides Walk in the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel lobby, immediately followed by informative breakout sessions, which will take place on both Friday and Saturday. The theme at this year’s convention appears to focus on the magic involved in Lions. (We don’t think it’s a coincidence that we’re also hearing a lot about Harry Houdini who identified Appleton as his hometown!) We’re going to hear from experts about the future of Lions, the state of art technology involved in different programs such as vision screening and organ/tissue donations as well as the importance of staying up-to-date with changing technology to continuously recruit new members.

Of course, we’ll also have the opportunity to take part in more light-hearted presentations such as the Houdini Magical Experience and Beer 101 – Micro Breweries and Home Brewing.

We are most looking forward to the story of Bradley Wagner. He will be sharing his experiences with us about his time as a camper at the Wisconsin Lions Camp and enrolling in Lakeshore Technical College as a high school senior. Bradley is also a four-year varsity letter winner in cross country and has been diagnosed with a severe Autism, but he’s not done yet! We’re excited to hear about his plans for the future. See the descriptions of this weekend’s seminars.

In between, we’ll get to participate in district meetings, hear from keynote speakers and so much more. We can’t wait to spend another weekend filled with learning and friendship. We may be a little biased, but there’s no other group of people that we’d rather than spend our time with than with a group full of Lions.

Be sure and stop by the vendor and display booths, say hello to the folks from Lions Pride and pick up informational brochures.

Are you headed to the Wisconsin Lions State Convention this weekend? If so, which activity are you most excited for?

From all of us here, we hope you have a fun and educational weekend. See you in Appleton!