Take Initiative for a Cause: Be Your Own Health Advocate

Written by Uptown Liz Public Relations Intern Britnee Brotherton

At one time or another, I, like most women, am guilty of being stubborn, hard to budge, set in my ways, or headstrong. One area in particular being personal health. It is vital that women take initiative and learn to be their own health advocate, especially when it comes to cancer. One great resource that ladies everywhere can and should use as a reference is “15 Cancer Signs Women Ignore” on WebMd. To some, these signs may seem like normal nuisances or occurrences, but it is vital to your well being that they do not go unnoticed. Signs that should not be ignored:

1. Unexplained Weight Loss

2. Bloating

3. Breast Changes

4. Between-Period Bleeding or Other Unusual Bleeding

5. Skin Changes

6. Difficulty Swallowing

7. Blood in the Wrong Place

8. Gnawing Abdominal Pain and Depression

9. Indigestion

10. Mouth Changes

11. Pain

12. Changes in the Lymph Nodes

13. Fever

14. Fatigue

15. Persistent Cough

To read more about each of these and how to determine if you may be suffering from one of them read the entire article on WebMD.

Uptown Liz is a company that encourages and urges people everywhere to serve as their own health advocate. The founder’s sister, Liz, who died of breast cancer at just 28 years old, did not ignore her early signs of the disease. Sadly, after misguidance from a medical professional, the breast cancer took over until it was too late. Let Liz’s story be your example. Listen to your mind and body, and know that even if a doctor is not willing to run the right tests you CAN find one who is! Go on. Be hard-headed about it!

Wheels for a Cause: Hyundai Helps Give Children Hope

Written by Uptown Liz Public Relations Intern Britnee Brotherton

Thanks to some help from my parents - wait! Let me rephrase that because I know my mom will read this. Thanks to my wonderful parents’ undying love for me, I am proud to carry the title of “new car owner.” There are only a few things that can still give me the feeling that I once had as a child on Christmas morning, and my new car did just that! In fact, I was so thrilled that I did not roll down the windows for about a month in fear of losing that “new car scent.” New wheels are exciting, but sometimes it is difficult to rationalize spending such a heavy chunk of change on a new ride. Hyundai is easing buyer’s remorse through their program Hope On Wheels.

Hope On Wheels was created in 1998 by Hyundai Motor America to help fight childhood cancer. Hyundai expects by the end of 2010, the foundation will have donated more than $23 million to children’s hospitals across the nation. This month alone, Hyundai will donate $6.8 million in honor of Children’s Cancer Awareness Month. It is comforting to know that your big purchase has the potential to change the lives of children.

Sticking to my new self-proclaimed motto “to have hope,” I encourage you to visit the Hope On Wheels Web site and view their “What is Hope?” video. Also, find more ways to give back during Children’s Cancer Awareness Month by visiting Cure Search, Children’s Cancer Research Fund and Uptown Liz.

Housewife for a Cause: Real Housewife Dina Manzo Aids Sick Children

Written by Uptown Liz Public Relations Intern Britnee Brotherton

My guilty pleasures include Diet Coke, Mexican food, cooking with lots of butter, sleeping past 10 AM, Teen Mom and of course, The Real Housewives series on Bravo. My favorite of the series - hands-down – is New Jersey! Love or hate these ladies, they are hard to get enough of! I must admit, I sometimes overindulge in the catfights, fashion and friendships. Thankfully, Dina Manzo, who has recently left the show, has offered addicts like myself a way to turn this vice into something positive.

Dina joined her celebrity status and charitable spirit to start Project Ladybug. This inspiring foundation possesses a mission to “enrich the lives of children with life threatening conditions.” The foundation works close with St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital to provide ill children and their families with emotional and physical support. Project Ladybug hosts multiple fundraising events, along with selling ladybug-inspired products, of which the proceeds go to help less fortunate children. Show your support by making a donation online or by shopping the ladybug line at Euphoria New York.

Don’t forget:  you can turn your guilty pleasure of shopping into philanthropy by visiting Uptown Liz!