Happy World Health Day to all who are reading this. Here's to many more happy and healthy days. To those who may not be so healthy, this day should not be a discouraging one, but rather an uplifting and heartwarming way of keeping your hopes up. For those helping out people with disabilities, you should not loathe or fear that your assistance is hindering or impeding their happiness; you are making their lives easier, after all. Whether it’s helping a loved one or a stranger, characters such as Leonard from the film The Lovely Patient show us that it is not impossible to do this.

Having a family member with a disability, it may seem difficult to continue having a normal life, but this is not always the case. While you may be taking care of another person besides yourself, it does not have to be seen as a crutch. Leaving the question standing, how does one make taking care of someone fun? Here are some ways to make being around the person you are taking care of does not feel like a chore.

THEY ARE STILL PEOPLE

• The first thing you must remember is that they are human, and humans enjoy interacting with one another, we are social beings after all. You should not look at the person as a victim of health problems, but rather as a friend who just needs a little more help.

HOME SWEET HOME

• Adjusting the living situation is one major task that may be daunting, but the benefits weigh out more than the losses. Making a place easier to live is what people want anyway.

HOBBIES CAN STILL BE FOR THEM

• Making sure that they’re active is key to not realizing they have a disadvantage. It's a healthy distraction just as long as they are not hurting themselves in the process. The hobby may also be beneficial in the recovery of some.

Looking back at the film The Lovely Patient, it displays these tips in certain ways. Leonard always makes sure he is supportive of his mother, Katherine, even when she puts herself down. He knows that being disabled should not be seen as a crutch. The living situation for the two of them is not ideal, but Leonard makes up for this by being there for whatever she needs. It may cost him at times, but he knows she is his priority. Leonard’s mother throughout the film does not show any hobbies besides going to therapy, but by looking at this through a different lens, it is her hobby. She is keeping herself active through her recovery which can become a hobby after a while.

Supporting people with disabilities is no easy task, but these ways should help shed a light on what can be done to make not only their lives easier but, yours as well. Our health is important which is why this day was created, but remember that those with disabilities are celebrating this day as much as we are.

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The last day of February marks the ninth annual Global Rare Disease Day. Its goal is to raise awareness for diseases that are almost unknown to the general public, since they only affect a limited number of individuals, but the importance of this day goes beyond the goal of just gaining attention. Rare disease day is organized so that policy and research can turn their attention to disorders that lie outside general knowledge; this in the hope that, in the near future, some of these diseases might be cured, or, in some cases, that policy might change to improve the lives of some of the individuals suffering from these distinct ailments.

The organization in charge of raising awareness for this day (Eurordis) defines a rare disease as one that affects fewer individuals than 1 in 2000 in Europe and fewer than 1 in 200,000 in the US. So far, they recognize over 6000 rare diseases, each bringing its own challenges to the patients suffering from these. One of the challenges faced is the mere diagnosis of the disease, since its rarity makes it difficult for doctors to detect early on.

One such rare disease that’s often difficult to diagnose is male breast cancer. Male breast cancer is usually detected in males 60 to 70, and makes up 1% of all breast cancer cases. The risk of this disease occurring is usually increased by high estrogen levels, radiation exposure, and family history of breast cancer. Initial diagnosis of it is done through the checking of lumps on the patient’s breasts. Because the disease is fundamentally the same as all breast cancer, research for the treatment and prevention of this disease is similar for both men and women. Currently there are several foundations that raise money for breast cancer research, such as the Susan G Komen Foundation and the National Breast Cancer Foundation. However, what makes male breast cancer a rare disease is its difficulty in diagnosing patients because of lack of awareness, and the low percentage of men who suffer from this disease. The Lovely Patient (distributed by World Wide Motion Pictures) is a film that depicts a character who suffers from this rare ailment (Frank Hartsfield, played by John Collier). The film tells the story of Leonard Marshall (played by John Glenn) who loses his job, but quickly has to find another job in order to provide for his mother. He finds an opening to be a driver, and in this job he befriends Frank Hartsfield, who becomes a father figure to Leonard. Their relationship puts into the screen a depiction of those suffering from the rare illness, and in this way it brings awareness to the disease, while one dramatic string envelops how those around them are affected by it. To learn more about this day, or to see how you can help, visit www.rarediseaseday.org.

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The 2015 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium is being held December 8-12 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. About 7,500 researchers and medical experts from 96 countries are expected to attend.

This event is designed for researchers, physicians, health professionals, patient advocates, and others who share the mission and interest of battling and conquering breast cancer.

The Symposium gives researchers the chance to present their latest findings, work with other scientists, and collaborate ideas.

Battling with breast cancer doesn’t just involve finding a cure, but it is also important to make a positive effort and difference in the lives of people affected by breast cancer.

In the World Wide Motion Picture film, The Lovely Patient, Leonard discovers the true importance in family and the community revolving around breast cancer. He struggles to help his mother get past breast cancer and meanwhile learns it is not limited to just females.

Large reflective international studies of male breast cancer are presented at the Symposium each year and are understudied because of its rarity. However, it is a mission for researchers to inform the public of the unique characters male breast cancer patients have compared to women.

Don’t forget to check out the heartfelt film, The Lovely Patient. Even though it might make you tear up, you will surely feel the genuine love and bond Leonard creates with different cancer patients.

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Hopefully we can all be inspired to make a difference in the lives of others, not just on this day but every day. A few movies that are inspirational are The Lovely Patient and Ways to Live Forever. Both these movies demonstrate how important it is to make a difference in others’ lives and to restore faith in humanity. The Lovely Patient (2014), directed by Sylvester Folks, tells the story of a young man who goes to great lengths to get a job in order to support his sick mother. As he embarks on this task, he meets a few other characters too whom he touches the hearts of and lends a helping hand. The boy, Leonard, played by Joseph Glenn is a truly lovable character who will restore your faith in humanity.

The movie Ways to Live Forever (2010) directed by Gustavo Ron, teaches that we have the power to make differences in others’ lives and they can make a difference in ours, even for just a short time. The main character Sam, played by Robbie Kay teaches us what it means to be alive and the impact we can have on others’ lives, especially our parents and friends. So, this make a difference day, show someone you care about them and make a difference in someone’s life. Or just see one of these great movies!

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This month is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and one great way to show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness than to share a few movies with your friends that bring attention to this disease. There are a number of thought-provoking, and sometimes funny, movies centered around cancer.

50/50 (2011) directed by Jonathan Levine, tells the story of a 27 year-old journalist, Adam, played by Joseph Gordon- Levitt, who has a rare cancer and must undergo chemotherapy. Adam skeptically begins going to the young and inexperienced therapist, Katie McCay (Anna Kendrick), and he slowly begins to open up to her about his disease and how it affects him. During chemo treatments, Adam befriends Alan (Philip Baker Hall) and Mitch (Matt Frewer), two older cancer patients who give him perspective on life, love, and illness. Although Adam at first claims to everyone that he is fine and handling his disease well, his composure slowly begins to unravel as the realities and seriousness of his illness become increasingly sharper. When the doctor informs him that his body is not responding to the chemotherapy and his only option is dangerous surgery, he is forced to emotionally confront his situation, and figure out what and who in his life is truly important to him.

Decoding Annie Parker (2013), directed by Steven Bernstein, is based on true events, and is the hopeful and touching story of two remarkable women and their fifteen-year battle against a cruel and insidious illness, breast cancer. Waged on both scientific and emotional fronts, they are drawn together not just by the disease but by their shared determination and unconventional approaches to their research and to their lives. The two women are played by Samantha Morton and Helen Hunt.

Terms of Endearment (1983), directed by James L. Brooks, depicts thirty years in the lives (and love/hate relationship) of Aurora Greenway (Shirley MacLaine) and her daughter Emma (Debra Winger). Terms is still a must-watch today for two big reasons: the A-list cast, including Jack Nicholson, Danny DeVito, Jeff Daniels, and John Lithgow; and the reminder that young women are not victimless when it comes to breast cancer.

The Lovely Patient (2014) tells the story of 19-year-old Leonard Marshall (Joseph L. Glenn) and his mother who struggle to survive in their rundown motel. Leonard aspires to help his mother recover from a stroke, but when he gets fired from his job he does not reveal to his mother he is unemployed. Leonard successfully finds an opening for a driver for hire position under a former truck driver Frank, played by John Collier, who is a male breast cancer patient living at a cancer treatment clinic. Leonard learns that Frank needs a "gopher" to help him around the clinic and a driver to take him to his daughter’s wedding. Leonard relationship continues to grow with Frank as he becomes the father he never had.

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Instead of driving through In-N-Out and grabbing a delicious hamburger, eat your vegetables and while you’re at it celebrate National Eat Your Vegetables Day on June 17th! This is an annual holiday the United States celebrates in hopes to eat healthier as a nation and combat the increasingly number of obese children and adults in the nation. The entire month of June celebrates fruits and vegetables, although it is a stark contrast to last week’s National Donut Day which reportedly brought in 10 million dollars for Krispy Kreme. Michelle Obama has been a proud partner with Play 60 in an effort to focus on eating healthy and exercising at least 60 minutes a day for kids and adults. Ever since she has been first lady she has promoted her Let’s Move campaign designed to make America a healthier place.

The movie The Lovely Patient which was written and directed by Sylvester K. Folks is a story about a young teen trying to take care of his cancer-struck mother. Now although cancer is the worst possible of health concerns, doctors say that eating at least three servings of vegetables a day greatly decreases one’s chance of getting cancer. This year’s veggie platter of the year is a Mediterranean dish that has vegetables, a variety of cheeses and Herb Greek yogurt mix.

If anything use National Eat Your Vegetables day to strive for a better lifestyle of both eating and exercising. The link to The Lovely Patient is available right here and don’t forget the date, June 17th 2015!

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National Cancer Survivor Day is a celebration that honors those who survived all forms of cancer. It is held every year on June 7th and considered to be one of the largest cancer celebrations here in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, there are over 13 million cancer survivors alive in the US today, and that number will grow to almost 18 million by 2022. With amazing turnarounds, there are great opportunities for people to connect with each other about their struggles and bring inspiration on Cancer Survivor Day.

There are many inspirational short stories and films that talks about cancer survivors. In the book What Helped Me Get Through, a color cancer survivor, Suzanne, says hope is one of the reasons why she’s still living today.

“There is always hope, and that hope is sometimes changing.  It means something different for each person in any given situation.  When one doctor tells you there is nothing more that can be done, he is merely saying that he has exhausted his expertise.  The next oncologist may have more up his sleeve.  Hope may come in the second, third, or fourth opinion, or totally evolve into a different form."

In the film, The Lovely Patient, one part of the film concentrates on a man who deals with male breast cancer and is in desperate need in finding a way to his daughter’s wedding. This goes to show that this illness is often overlooked, and by bringing awareness to such such event as National Cancer Survivor Day, people have a greater appreciation for raising issues about cancer.

It’s a never ending battle and it’s unpredictable for these survivors. There are many ways of living a healthier lifestyle after treatment. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables and limiting red meat and processed foods can help prevent cancer from coming back. Another part is to get regular screenings to detect early cancer and to get it treated immediately. Exercising is an alternative way for survivors to continue to be healthy.

Remember to save this day on your calendar to celebrate this inspiring event. Also, be sure to check the book (What Helped Me Get Through) and purchase the film here.

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Did you know that more than two million people who live in a country as wealthy as the United States live on two dollars a day. For many of us of us that’s less than we spend on a daily cup of coffee. Today is a great day to balance out the karmic scales because it’s Donate a Day's Wages to a Charity day, celebrated on the second Wednesday of every May, which is today. Giving back to the community helps provide much needed relief to those who need it most.

John’s Hopkins Hospital opened in 1889 and its mission statement is to improve the health of the community and the world by setting the standard of excellence in medical education, research and clinical care. Diverse and inclusive, Johns Hopkins Medicine educates medical students, scientists, health care professionals and the public; conducts biomedical research; and provides patient-centered medicine to prevent, diagnose and treat human illness. This organization has helped further science by discovering of the genes responsible for breast cancer, pancreatic cancer and brain tumors.  The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is one of the largest non-profit organizations that dedicates its time to researching leukemia and lymphoma cancers. It’s mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Their focus is blood cancers in all forms, from leukemia to Melanoma. Another great option is your local Children’s hospital are also a great place to donate, for example CHOC and CHLA.

Other charities include:

Endure to Cure,

Love Hope Strength,

Pablove Foundation,

Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation,

Mylifeline,

Curing Kids Cancer,

University of Colorado Cancer Center.
While distributing the films Ways To Live Forever, World Wide Motion Pictures has worked with these charities to bring awareness to childhood cancer. Anyone of these charities would be glad of your donation and it would go toward a worthy goal, of helping children.

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Strokes cause a tremendous toll on millions of Americans every year, young and old, male and female, and from every background. The good news is that 80% of strokes are preventable.  Though one out of six people will suffer from a stroke in his or her lifetime, the vast majority of Americans do not think that stroke is a large health concern. This is why American Stroke Month is important. Each May, the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association take opportunity to spread stroke awareness on American Stroke Month by rallying Americans behind their cause.

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When this happens, a part of the brain is unable to get blood and oxygen causing it and the brain cells to die. Strokes can cause long-term effects such as physical challenges, communication problems, as well as emotional and behavioral challenges.

Stroke prevention starts with controlling key risk factors, including, cigarette smoking, lack of physical activity, and high blood pressure. If you are having a stroke, it is imperative to get immediate medical attention which may minimize effects of a stroke and prevent death. A quick and easy way to remember how to recognize a stroke is to think of FAST, face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, time to call 911.  Now that you know how to prevent, recognize, and how to act when a stroke occurs, you can be a stroke hero.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is an astonishing true-life story of a man who had the world in his hands but became a bed bound, hospitalized stroke survivor. This movie does a wonderful job of depicting how quickly a stroke can occur and the side effects that come with it. For another insight on how a stroke can affect you or the ones you love watch The Lovely Patient, which showcase the effects of strokes and portrays them in a realistic light. Films such as these are important because they educate the audience about strokes. Help others learn about the harsh realities of stroke by sharing one of these beautiful films with them.

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Love is in the air, and whether you have special someone or not, snuggling on the couch with a great film with a heartwarming love stories, is the perfect way to spend Valentine's Day. If you want a story about the first hints on love, then you should watch Ways to Live Forever - the charmingly hesitant chemistry between Ella Purnell, best known for Maleficent, and Robbie Kay, best known for playing Peter Pan in “Once Upon a Time,” is magically innocent.  For a love story past adolescence, see Rusty Steel, a Romanian action film with a romantic subplot, featuring car chases, exploding sea vessels, and some great kissing scenes between the gorgeous Irina Bucescu and Johann Urb. For the LGBT genre, Pop Kowboy an action packed, quirky comedy about three outsiders finding their place in the world.

Today is not only Valentine’s Day, but also Organ Donor Day, and though it may seem to be an unusual combination, a connection can definitely be made.  Love is symbolized through the heart, but it doesn’t stop there. Love is shown in many ways, and one of those ways is becoming an organ donor. The current organ shortage has lead to eighteen people dying a day while on the waiting list. On the other hand seventy-nine people get another chance at life with their new organ and can live a long healthy life. Over 120,000 people are waiting for lungs, hearts, kidneys and livers on the waiting list, while about 15,000 people donate their organs per year. If this situation is unchanged, we will never be able to save everyone. Become a donor at the DMV and you too can save lives. Love comes in many forms, from your first love to the love you feel for your children.

World Wide Motion Pictures has a number of films that will make you feel good about both of these yearly milestones.

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