The government has released new estimates stating that nearly 24 million humans in the US have diabetes, an increase of more than 3 million in two years. This means that about 8% of the US population is affected and up to 95% of that is type-2 diabetes which is linked with obesity, poor diet and a lack of exercise (National Institutes of Health).

Up to 25% of people do not know they have diabetes which is why it is imperative that educate and inform other humans so they can get the proper treatment.

It is the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States.

Risk factors for Type-2 diabetes:

1. Obesity
2. Poor diet
3. Sedentary lifestyle
4. Increased age - 21% of people over 60 have diabetes
5. Family history - Diabetes tends to run in families
6. Ethnicity - Diabetes is more common in the African-American, Native American, Latino, Pacific Islander and Asian-American populations
7. History of metabolic syndrome
8. History of gestational diabetes

Symptoms of Type-2 diabetes

1. Frequent urination
2. Increased thirst
3. Unplanned weight loss
4. Weakness and fatigue
5. Numbness or tingling in hands, legs or feet
6. Blurred vision
7. Dry, itchy skin
8. Frequent infections
9. Slow healing of cuts and bruises

Thought this was an interesting article. We all know how good exercise is supposed to be for our health, but now there is research that shows that starting exercise early in life can help prevent breast cancer. All the more reason we should be exercising!

Here is the link for more information...

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/05/13/breast.cancer.teens.ap/index.html?eref=rss_health

We've received numerous emails and comments about what our next cause should be... Now we're putting it to a vote. What in your mind are people ignorant about? Where can FiveHumans spread some knowledge? Cast your vote on our blog page!

We also encourage you to tell us your story about how your cause has affected your life by sending an email to mystory@fivehumans.com

Today is a great day for FiveHumans, I'm still smiling from all the excitement.

An article in the Seattle PI was published about Lee, his type 1 diabetes, our autism t-shirt and everything FiveHumans. I am still amazed a reporter wanted to talk to me, how cool.
Please check it out and spread the word:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/358259_fivehumans09.html

If you actually purchase or receive the PI on your doorstep, you can find us on the front page of the Local section.
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We also filmed a Public Service Announcement today at NW Afternoon. It is a 15 second spot informing viewers that 1 in 150 children will be diagnosed with Autism this year and also how they can go online to FiveHumans.com to support autism and other causes. It will air today 4/9 at 3 pm PST, KOMO, Channel 4. Aaron said he made a weird face after his face tired of smiling and I think I looked away from the camera (it was odd to be smiling when talking about autism and the staggering statistic) so we'll have to see if we look like complete tools or not. hee hee

Thanks to the following for coming today and supporting us: Kristin, Stacy, Bob, Michelle, Nicole, Kitt, Arian, Dan, Cliff, Mark and Jill.

If you want to see our cheesy faces and the faces of our beautiful friends, the show we were in the audience for will air on Friday or Monday.
http://www.komotv.com/nwa/

Personally, I think the whole day has been kind of surreal but I am enjoying every minute of it.

Having launched just five months ago, FiveHumans™ is off to a busy start. Aside from influencing thought, and educating minds, we are committed to raising money for our partnered organizations through hip designs on fashionable T-shirts. Check out what's been going on...

SHIRTS

For National Autism Month FiveHumans™ has designed a one-of-a-kind t-shirt focusing on the heavy stats surrounding this disease. This t-shirt is pre-loaded with insightfulness, speaking volumes in representing autism righteousness. 10% of the sales price is donated to Autism Speaks.
Available in Men's, Women's and LittleHumans'. Click the following link to view autism shirts:
http://www.fivehumans.com/category/4004248141/1/autism.htm

CHARITY

FiveHumans™ has chosen to partner with the Autism Speaks®, which is now the nation's leading non-profit organization devoted to autism. The goal of Autism Speaks is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. They are committed to raising the funds necessary to support these goals, and we intend for FiveHumans™ and our friends to be a big part of this effort. Click the following link to view our autism page:
http://www.fivehumans.com/content/Autism_Info.htm

MY STORY FEATURE

FiveHumans™ launched a new feature on our site called, "My Story", which will showcase stories of real people affected by a particular disease or cause in some shape or form, and provide a rare glimpse into the lives of fellow Humans and their experiences.

Meet Doreen, a devoted mother of two, including seven year old son, Aiden, who was diagnosed with autism when he was two years old. Doreen shares her experiences, beginning when Aiden was born, to where he is today, and everything in between. Click the following link to read her story (video coming this week):
http://www.fivehumans.com/content/Doreen-s_Story_-_Page_1.htm

THANK YOU!

Today starts Autism Awareness Month and looking online you can see how many people are affected by this cause. It is really important that we pay attention to our children and start talking about ways we can help this cause. I have included an article that I found on Ernie Els, the professional golfer, his son has been diagnosed with Autism.

Please spread the word, the more we get people talking about it, the more we can make a change.

http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/family/archives/134950.asp

I came across this article on what parents can do when they suspect their child might have Autism. I have heard from so many that there is not a lot of support out there and sometimes children are diagnosed late. The early you are able to get diagnosed the better off your child will be. I hope this helps...

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/03/25/ep.autism.advocacy/index.html?eref=rss_health

Also, April is Autism Awareness Month...we need to all take part to bring about awareness on this disease.