Thoughts and Prayers for Boston!

We at OH are sending our thoughts and prayers for everyone to be ok at the Boston Marathon.

Here is some additional information: 

*  Trying to reach a loved one? Text, don’t call

The Massachusetts Emergency Management agency tweeted the message earlier that if you're trying to reach friends and family and can't get through via phone, texting is your best option as it requires less bandwidth. The Boston mayor's hotline is also a land line option: 617-635-4500.

*  If you are 'Safe and Well,' please register to say so

The Red Cross "Safe and Well" page exists to let concerned friends and family know you're OK. Sign in there if you are in the Boston area and someone might be worried about you. The Red Cross also urges youto update your social media pages, too.

*  Reach out with tips

The crime tips hotline in Boston can be reached at 800-494-TIPS.

*  House someone who is displaced

Boston.com has set up a Google Doc for those who need a place to stay or have a place to house runners who can't get back to their hotels or fly out of the city.

*  Do not rush to give blood in Boston

The Red Cross tweeted that there is "enough blood on shelves to meet demand," following the tragedy in Boston. However, American Red Cross spokeswoman Anne Marie Borrego tells NBC News that she encourages those who want to help or give back in some way to schedule a time in the future to give blood. Most importantly, people — especially those in Boston — can help by visiting the Safe and Well website, and to "listen to local authorities."

ObesityHelp Staff

Please take down homepage article with tortoise and hare pics.

A note from the editor:  OH Members: Your thoughts and concerns are very important to me. Out of respect and compassion I have removed the graphic as requested.  Please do note that the article and graphic were posted prior to the marathon and the tragedy that occurred in Boston.  *On a personal note...my niece was just minutes away when the explosions occurred.  We finally heard from her an hour or so later and thankfully she is safe.  I extend my thoughts and prayers and my heartfelt sympathies to all.

How very thoughtful and caring OH ... they are and will remain in my thoughts and prayers indeed.... my heart goes out to all those affected by this horrible tragedy... the lives lost, those hurt, those experiencing the horror first hand and even those experiencing the horror second hand as we sat and watched the story unfold ... My hat off to ALL the HELPERS and ALL the CARING people .... those that refuse to make this tragedy about them and step in to help in any measure that they can ... those who continue to promote wellness and the continuation of life on a planet filled with so many more caring people that overshadow the bad by far and wide .... Let's be helpers and let's continue to run races ... some faster,,, some slower .. each at their pace on a steady and steadfast journey ... let not evil overcome good because the good outweighs the bad by far and wide .... I ran this morning ... 6 miles along the beach and back as I counted my blessings and I prayed for peace, tranquility, unity and harmony .... I prayed for the hurting people .... and once again the words of Mister Rogers came to mind....

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers - so many caring people in this world.” — Mister Rogers

Hi Martalinda,

Your post is very inspirational in a time of so much loss.  There are so many heros and she'roes that made a difference yesterday, and in other areas of our country with various situations that occur. 

Thanks for writing this post along with the quote from the wise Mister Rogers.

As always, thanks again!
Member Services Team

What a beautiful post martitalinda...you have such a way with words and you are so insightful and appreciated.

I'm new here and from Boston. So terrible and tragic!! I knew people that were there when it happened but lucky enough not to be injured thank god!!!!

So overwhelming knowing this happened in my own backyard

Welcome to OH MerColeman23...so happy that your friends/loved ones are safe and thinking of you during this time.

Thank you OH.  My boyfriend and I both knew and worked at one point with Krystle.  Too hard to have to see that graphic.

Hi Kerry,

Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your friend Krystle.  Having lost the love of my life in a very tragic accident...I do understand the trauma of unexpected and sudden loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with you in this very difficult time.