American Lung Association

If you've ever stopped to wonder what exactly is in your container of Palmolive soap, you're not alone. Despite a little known New York State Environmental Conservation Law requiring companies to semi-annually report product ingredients and research, big names in the household cleaning world have been biting their tongues about what they've been putting in our household cleaning products. Now, they're facing a lawsuit from environmentalists for withholding information. To hear additional details about this, read more

Boy do I love a list. A who's better than whom, ranked for the world to see. Time magazine's list of 100 most-influential people dropped today — they've got it separated into categories like Leaders and Revolutionaries, and Heroes and Pioneers, lest we get our Mariah Carey confused with our Sheik Mohammed al-Maktoum. The best part is to see who wrote whose blurb — Rob Reiner wrote Hillary's. Here are the first five listed in the leaders category — they oh so fairly included all three presidential candidates. Check out the whole list and see what you think.

1. Dalai Lama: Not only is he in exile fighting to free his nation from oppression, but he’s also responsible for the religious inspiration of millions. And you thought your job was tough.
2. Vladimir Putin: Russians love him, some fear him, and his love of country may be the key to reforming a Russian Empire.
3. Barack Obama: Whatever the outcome of this election, many are arguing that he has changed the face of American politics and reinvigorated the idea of hope.
4. Hillary Clinton: Like her competitor for the democratic nomination, she too has also changed the face of American politics, launching the idea of true equality into the new century.
5. John McCain: Whether you see him as a maverick or as a continuation of the current administration, his ability to face some very tough situations has made him a true leader.

What else are we ranking up today? Dirty air in cities. To see the list of smoggy goodness, read more

It's that time of year — the dreaded, but necessary flu shots are here. The American Lung Association kicked off their "Faces of Influenza" public awareness campaign emphasizing the importance of getting vaccinated.

One of our favorite celeb moms, Jennifer Garner, joined the efforts along with famous parents, Dean Cain and Joy Behar. Jennifer said,

"Women play an important role in a family. It's our job to take care of those we love, that's why I make sure my family is protected against influenza. Influenza isn't just a cold. It can be much more serious. Chances are you or someone you know should be immunized."

The campaign is aimed at reaching moms, pregnant women, those with chronic illness, children six months to five years of age, and caregivers (which means dads and babysitters, too). Sadly, influenza, along with other complications, kills roughly 36,000 Americans a year.

To find a clinic in your area, go to the American Lung Association website and type in your zip code. The site also allows visitors to schedule reminders for the following year.

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