“It’s a simple project: Run one mile for every soldier killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom.”

That’s the idea behind Run for the Fallen, a cross-country running relay to honor those killed in Iraq.

Jon Bellona, director and founder of the event, came up with the idea to organize a team to run the length of America from California to Arlington National Cemetery — dedicating each mile to a different soldier who never came home.

Bellona was inspired to create this mobile memorial while coping with the loss of his best friend and former college roommate, 1st Lieutenant Michael J. Cleary who was killed in Iraq in 2005 — 10 days before he was due home.

Regardless of your feelings about the military, the conflict in the Middle East, or politics in general, this two-month marathon is a moving story — one that illustrates the very personal loss exacted on those whose sons, brothers, fathers, daughters, sisters, mothers, and friends were killed in action.

Sadly, the scope of personal tragedy gets glossed over in news reports of felled troops half a world away. It gets tainted by political views. And it gets overshadowed as people grow desensitized to the losses caused by this distant-seeming war.

So this Fourth of July weekend, if you see a runner planting an American flag with a soldiers story by the roadside, give them a wave.

Spend time with friends and family. Grill those burgers, hop into that pool and bite down into that crisp, cool, watermelon.

But when it comes time for fireworks, take a moment to reflect on how very lucky we are to be enjoying these pleasures. And acknowledge how grateful you are to those who volunteered to leave these comforts and loved ones behind because they felt they could, they felt they should, help make the world a better place.

Editor’ Note: Run organizers encourage everyone to go out and run a mile or more in their communities on the final day of the event, August 24.

At the time this article was published, 4,635 soldiers have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. And counting.

For more info on the event, and how you can support the cause, see www.runforthefallen.org.

Technorati Tags: Run for the Fallen, 1st Lieutenant Michael J. Cleary, Operation Iraqi Freedom, killed in action, Jon Bellona, Michael Cleary, Hamilton College, Dallas Pennsylvania, Fourth of July, 4th of July, honor soldiers, cross-country relay race, memorial, Arlington National Cemetary, Taji, Iraq

Photo Credits: Run For the Fallen and iStockPhoto

Motorists in California and Washington must heed a new driving law — one thats expected to save hundreds of lives.

As of July 1, the youngest teen drivers in California may not use their cell phones at all while driving, and other motorists (18 and older) must switch to a headset or hands-free device if they wish to talk and drive.

In Washington, drivers on cell phones must first break another law before officers can cite them for also talking on their cell phones while committing those infractions.

Cell phones are an undisputed distraction while driving. A study published in Experimental Psychology examines just how actions like talking and listening on a phone can actually interfere with visual tasks like driving. And a recent report from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration says that 25% of all accidents are caused by distractions including talking on cell phones.

These western states are not the first to mandate new standards. New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Utah have already jumped on the “banned” wagon. The new laws are a measure to help cut down on avoidable accident-related injuries and deaths by keeping drivers’ hands on the wheel, and eyes on the road. Other states are likely to follow suit with their own versions of these laws.

California has been preparing drivers for this switch for more than a year — through road-side messaging and media. But what’s curious about this law they want people to take seriously, is the almost laughable fines.

While Washington offenders will have to cough up $124 for a ticket, drivers busted for blabbing with their phones to their ears in California will be fined $20 — less than a parking ticket, a non-moving violation with little risk of injuring other drivers. A second offense moves up to $50, and subsequent fines can go higher than that.

But drivers on the whole are a betting lot. They’re betting the odds that they won’t get caught running that red light, rolling through that stop sign, speeding, and now, using their cell phones inappropriately while driving.

So if the states mean business, they should drive home this point with more stringent punishment that doesn’t tempt drivers to risk it, but teaches them how to do it legally, and safely, in the first place.

Technorati Tags: hands-free cell device, ban on cell phones, new driving law California, car accidents, California driving law, Washington driving law, GlamFit

Photo Credits: iStockPhoto

Just when you thought is was safe to go back to your BBQ favorites…

This summer seems especially plagued by food recalls. The recent salmonella scare kept our salads and burgers tomato-free for weeks.

And now, the Centers For Disease Control has confirmed another outbreak — this time of e. coli found in burger meat that’s sickened more than 30 people in Michigan and Ohio.

Fortunately, this outbreak is more contained than the recent tomato trials. And officials have pinpointed the source of the contaminated meat to products sold at Kroger’s grocery stores in Michigan and Ohio between May 21 and June 8th.

Kroger is voluntarily recalling all ground beef products sold with the Kroger label in Michigan and select Ohio locations, those locations and is working with officials to determine how the contaminated meat made it onto their shelves.

So check your fridge and freezer. If still have ground beef from Kroger’s purchased within those dates, you can return it for a refund. Otherwise just toss it.

Symptoms of e. coli include stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. Many cases will resolve themselves, but in extreme cases, patients require hospitalization.

But as the 4th of July weekend rolls around, don’t let these food scares minimize your menu. Experts remind you that undercooked meat can lead to some illnesses. So if you’re unsure, buy a meat thermometer and heat meat to at least 160-degrees. And remember that just because meat is brown, it might not have reached the temperatures needed to kill harmful bacteria.

Technorati Tags: e.coli, salmonella, food-borne illness, food recalls, Centers for Disease Control ( CDC) GlamFit,

If you’re a milk-drinker, you probably already know that calcium is good for you. But a recent study highlights the importance of Vitamin D — both in helping us absorb calcium for strong bones and teeth and now, to prolong your life.

The report published in the June 23, 2008 edition of the Archives of Internal Medicine claims that people with the lowest levels of Vitamin D were about twice as likely to die in the next 8 years, than those with sufficient levels of the vitamin.

It’s important to note that the average age of participants in the study was 62 years-old. And also that the findings do not suggest consumers rush out to pump up on D. In fact, high doses of vitamin D, can actually be dangerous.

But the findings do offer interesting insight for researchers as to the importance of Vitamin D and its relationship, in particular, to healthy heart function and a healthy immune system. So regardless of how you get it, Vitamin Dearns an”A” when it comes to your health.

Technorati Tags: cardiac arrest, prolong your life, health benefits of Vitamin D, GlamFit, milk

Photo credit: iStockPhoto

Americans have hit a new high. And this time it’s not at the gas pumps.

A study releasedyesterday sets a new record for life expectancy in this country. And while the US still lags behind numerous other countries in terms of how long we stick around, we’re taking a step in the right direction.

The preliminary stats from CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics cite that life expectancy from birth is about 78.1 — the first time Americans have broken the 78 barrier. Overall, women have higher life expectancies than men with white women living longest — 81 years. Black women are next at 76.9 years, followed by white and black men (76 years and 70 years respectively.)

Talking about increases in life expectancy by fractions of a year probably doesn’t sound terribly impactful to the averagereader. But in order to get these statistics, the CDC had to look also at what’s killing us. And there’s where the best news lies.

One of the primary reasons we’re living longer, is because the top causes of death are on a slow decline. The flu, pneumonia, lower respiratory diseases, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, liver disease, and cirrhosis are all down 3% or more, according to the study. And while the report doesn’t theorize as to why that is, it’s safe to say that improvements in treatment, patient education, and access tocare are probably the reason.

As the boomer generation ages, findings like these will becomes increasingly important — for the mental and physical well-being of everyone they touch. So if we’re trending up, if the medical profession continues to make advances in fighting disease and educating patients, and if we take proactive responsibility for our own health, there’s no reason we can’t catch up to the countries that are outliving us.

Technorati Tags: aging, baby boomers, life expectancy, CDC, aging population

Photo Credit: iStockPhoto