Weekly health and fitness agenda: World Malaria Day, BIO

This week ends with FIBO 2010, the first annual World Healing Day and World Malaria Day. On May 3, all eyes will be on BIO in Chicago to see what innovative health therapies and products will be available in the near future.

World Healing Day
April 24, 10 am
Worldwide

World Healing Day is celebrated with a series of local 24-hour events beginning at 10am on April 24. It began as an outgrowth of the Princeton University research that found collective "human consciousness could affect computers physically around the world." World Healing Day recognizes various religious and spiritual practices with celebrations addressing world healing including World Prayer Day, World Yoga Day, World T'ai Chi Qiong Day and World Meditation Day. http://www.worldhealingday.org/World_Healing_Day/World_Healing_Day.html
http://www.worldtaichiday.org

World Malaria Day
April 25
Worldwide

World Malaria Day (WMD) 2010 is a day to recognize one of the greatest global public health challenges that kills a child every 30 seconds and is treatable and preventable. This year is especially important because it is the targets countdown or "Counting Malaria Out" campaign. The UN has called for universal coverage to all people at risk of malaria to achieve the 2015 goal of near-zero deaths. On the days leading up to WMD, start tweeting and get involved with events in your area. http://www.rollbackmalaria.org/worldmalariaday

Pepsi's Refresh Project Awards for April
April 31
Online

Pepsi's Refresh Project is a new campaign based on social-cause marketing; the program is simple and user-friendly, basically if you have an idea on how to better your community's health, share it and get people to vote. RefreshEverything.com opened its third round of submitting and voting for winning community health ideas. Each month 32 grants are distributed, totaling 1.3 million dollars (715,000 Euros). To learn more http://www.refresheverything.com/

BIO International Convention
May 3-5
Chicago, IL, USA

The 23rd Annual BIO convention, the global biotechnology industry event of the year, takes place May 3-5 in Chicago, Illinois. This year's theme is Heal, Fuel, Feed the World and boasts keynote luncheons with US Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush and former US Vice President Al Gore. More than 15,000 participants ranging from scientists to C-level executives worldwide will be introduced to the latest in biotech innovations for healthcare, industrial and environmental, and food. Tickets are $2945 (€2182) non-member and $2145 (€1590) member conference rate.  http://convention.bio.org/

Move for Health Day
May 10
Worldwide

In 2002 the World Health Organization created the day to promote physical well-being and urged member states to engage in national and local campaigns since annually 1.9 million people die from inactivity. With obesity a concern in many nations, May 10 offers an opportunity to get physical with various local events and learn more about physical health. For more information on what your nation has planned and facts about the benefits of exercising, go to: http://www.who.int/moveforhealth/en/

Evolution Asia Yoga Conference 2010
May 14-17
Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong

The 4th annual Asia yoga event events brings together yoga enthusiasts and masters worldwide to explore the world of yoga through practice with a range of beginning and intense classes plus the yoga bazaar offers discounts on cutting-edge yoga wear and gear. There are also educational sessions on spiritual cleansing, body balance, Thai yoga therapy and much more. The event will also offer a hip-hop dance class and trance dance party. To purchase an all-access four-day pass by May 13 for HK$ 4,799 (€463.75) or onsite at the event for HK$5,299 (€512)go to: http://www.asiayogaconference.com/2010/

World Hepatitis Day
May 19
Worldwide

World Hepatitis Day is about bringing attention to the fact that 1 in 12 are living with chronic hepatitis B or C. The World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA), is a non-profit organization that represents 280 hepatitis patient groups worldwide, has organized links and information to a number of campaigns taking place on May 19 to promote hepatitis screenings, vaccinations and awareness.  Learn more at  http://www.aminumber12.org

World No Tobacco Day
May 31
Worldwide

World No Tobacco Day is an initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) and this year's program is focusing on health promotion to stop the alarming rates in which young girls are smoking and being marketed to. WHO reports one billion people could die during this century because of tobacco use. May 31 is a good day to talk to your children about the harmful effects of tobacco use and also a great date to stop smoking. For more information visit: http://www.who.int/tobacco/wntd/2010/announcement/en/