For Your Health and Theirs: How to Help Japan’s Earthquake and Tsunami Relief

It’s hard to wrap our minds around a devastating natural disaster like the earthquake that hit Japan last week, and harder still to address such events on a site like ours. Many prefer to turn a blind eye, afraid of feeling that their daily concerns are shamefully trivial and luxurious next to the urgent needs of victims in Japan. Admittedly, worrying about water weight or judging Jillian Michaels can seem trite in the face of a tsunami, and it’s hard not to feel guilty about drinking kombucha that costs $5 a pop and attending a $15 yoga class, when so many people have lost their homes and livelihoods in one fell swoop.

But if we ignored Japan’s earthquake and nuclear meltdown, we’d be missing out on two important things (and so would you): A powerful reminder to appreciate and maintain our own good health, and the opportunity to learn and live better by helping out others in the middle of a crisis. So, instead of turning a blind eye, we hope you’ll take a moment to appreciate how important your health is (and continue giving it your utmost time and effort) and check out these ways you can Japan’s victims reclaim their own:

The American Red Cross: Officially supported by President Obama, the American Red Cross is one of the first and biggest organizations to provide disaster relief in Japan. Text redcross to 90999 to make a $10 donation, or choose a way to DONATE HERE.

Global Giving’s Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund: Global Giving has already raised $100,000, to be distributed to International Medical Corps, Save the Children, and other organizations on the ground to provide immediate relief and support. DONATE HERE

International Medical Corps: The IMC is already on the ground and working to provide immediate disaster relief, and you can act equally fast: To make a $10 donation, simply text MED to 80888, or DONATE HERE.

Shelterbox: This organization provides emergency shelter and supplies in kits that include a disaster relief tent for an extended family, blankets, water storage and purification equipment, cooking utensils, a stove, a basic tool kit, a children’s activity pack and other vital items. HELP SEND SUPPLIES

Happy Hearts Fund: Started by Petra Nemcova, former model and survivor of the tsunami in Thailand in 2004, HHF focuses on helping children in the wake of natural disasters, particularly through education, technology, and providing sustainable aid that lasts beyond initial relief efforts and media attention. DONATE HERE

For more organizations and information about disaster relief funds, check out InterAction’s Japan Disaster Relief page.

photo: Los Angeles Times