Community Health Charities of California

Congratulations to @ContraCostaCnty Treasurer Tax Collector Department for receiving CHC's Campaign Commitment Award!

Happy Friday everyone! This week's Spotlight Charity of the Week is...*drum roll*: Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (FSMA) In 1984, a small group of parents across the country banded together to support, comfort and educate each other about the devastating disease affecting their children; Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Their purpose was twofoldto support families affected by SMA and to fund research leading to a treatment and eventually, a cure. Families of SMA has grown fr...om this courageous group of families to an international network of fundraising and support including 31 volunteer Chapters throughout the United States. Since 1984, our legacy is one of unparalleled research progress and patient support, from grassroots fundraising to global scientific leadership. Families of SMA has funded over $50 million of SMA research in three areas: Basic Research, Drug Development and Clinical Trials. To see the Spotlight of the Week on Health Matters at Work-California Resource pages click HERE>>> http://www.healthmattersatwork.org/California-Resources-Sou

Can you believe it's already July?! This heat often makes us want to keep cool indoors; below are some tips from our member charity, The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, on how to remain active during the hottest part of summer: 1. Turn Screen Time into Active Time: Just because the TV is on doesn’t mean you can’t move your body! Do leg lifts and stomach curls as a family when you watch your favorite program, or try jumping jacks and push-ups during commercials. 2. Beat ...the Sun: The heat of the sun is most intense around noon. Try heading out for a walk early in the morning or in the evening after dinnerand bring the whole family! If you can’t walk outside, try a brisk stroll around your local mall. 3. Indoor Fitness: If you think it is too hot to exercise outside in July, it might be the perfect time to sign up for an indoor fitness activity. Whether it’s yoga, gymnastics, Zumba or an indoor trampoline park, find something that your family enjoys enough to keep coming back for more. 4. Create Screen-Free Bedrooms: Studies show that children who have computers and TVs in their bedrooms spend an average of 1-2 more hours in front of a screen every day. Make sure this isn’t your child, and always put family time before TV time. 5. Get Wet: July is the perfect month to play in the pool. Bring the whole family and spend the afternoon in the water. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen!

Are you attending the 2013 Annual SMA Conference and interested in learning more about fundraising for Families of SMA? Email [email protected] to set-up a one-on-one meeting with one of our Development Managers during the conference!

Today's lupus fact: Today people with lupus are leading healthier lives and living longer than at any time in history, thanks to researchers who continue to dis...cover more about the underlying science of the immune system. For more information about Lupus Awareness Month, visit www.lupus.org/awareness. See more

Lupus Fact of the Day: As many as 80 percent of people with lupus experience fatigue. For some, fatigue can be debilitating, even to the point of forcing them to stop working. For more information about fatigue and lupus, please visit http://bit.ly/bHTxlj.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently proposed changes that could limit access to disability benefits for people with CF. The SSA will host a specia...l teleconference on Friday, May 10, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. ET to discuss the proposed changes and answer questions from the CF community. Learn more: http://bit.ly/13fwUhV See more

Today's lupus fact: Lupus is primarily treated by a rheumatologist, a physician who specializes in conditions affecting the joints and muscles. Some people with... lupus may need additional care from specialists, like a dermatologist for skin disease, a nephrologist for kidney disease, or a cardiologist for heart complications. For more information about Lupus Awareness Month, visit www.lupus.org/awareness. See more

Families of SMA is looking for volunteers to help out with a mailing tomorrow and Monday at the National Office in Elk Grove Village, IL! Email Amber at [email protected] for more information.

I WALK to end hydrocephalus for _____________________ ?

Make Your Voice Heard! Click on www.ctf.org/advocacy and send a message to your congressperson asking for continued support of NF research. Please share this post with your friends.. it's important we get as many letters sent as possible. www.ctf.org/advocacy

Join us for CHC-NE Day at the Omaha Storm Chasers game next Thursday, April 18th at 6:35 p.m.