Bikers will take to the saddle this weekend for a 150-mile ride to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. If exercising for your own health isn't enough motivation for you, how about for the health of others? The month of October offers various opportunities to be altruistically active:

Oct. 7

What: Hook-A-Cure Fishing Rodeo

Why: Proceeds benefit the Louisiana Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Where: Joe´s Landing, Barataria

Anglers of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate for a donation of $50 (adult) and $25 (children under 18). The donation is tax deductible. Usually diagnosed in early childhood, cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening genetic disease that affects the lungs and other organs.

For more information, contact Ashley Mills at 455-5194 or email amills@cff.org

What: Free Wellness Day for Women

Why: Increase health awareness

Where: Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge

Sponsored by the Women´s Nutrition Research Program, the wellness day will offer free health screenings, health-related talks and exhibits from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, call (225) 763-3099 or visit www.pbrc.edu.

Oct. 7-8

What: MS Tour for the Cure, a 150-mile bike ride

Why: Proceeds benefit the Louisiana Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Where: Begins and ends at Southeastern University, Hammond

Come out and support the 1,500 cyclists riding to raise money to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis, a chronic and often devastating disease of the central nervous system with which someone is newly diagnosed every hour of every day.

For more information, call 832-4013 or visit www.mslouisiana.org.

Oct. 21

What: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk

Why: Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society

Where: Audubon Park, shelter No. 10 (parking available at the zoo)

Wear comfortable shoes and a pink ribbon at this noncompetitive walk to raise awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society´s fight against breast cancer. Registration 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m., opening ceremony 10 a.m.

For more information, contact Cheryl Fourcade 469-0021 or email makingstridesneworleans@cancer.org.

What: Light the Night Walk

Why: Proceeds benefit the Louisiana Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Where: Zephyr Stadium

Every 10 minutes someone in the United States dies from leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma, and someone is diagnosed with one of these cancers every five minutes. The Light the Night Walk, which commemorates lives touched by blood cancers, is a community celebration that will include music, refreshments and family activities.

For more information, call 837-0945 or visit www.lightthenight.org/la.

Oct. 22

What: Down Syndrome Association of Greater New Orleans 4th Annual Buddy Walk

Why: Proceeds benefit DSAGNO and the National Down Syndrome Society

Where: Zephyr Stadium

The half-mile fun walk promotes inclusion, acceptance and awareness of people with Down Syndrome. It will be followed by an after party at nearby LaSalle Park, which will feature food, music by the Top Cats and Papillion, children´s activities and door prizes.

For more information, contact Karen Scallan at 251-8953 or email kscallan@dsagno.org.

Oct. 27

What: Hole-A-Ween Golf Tournament

Why: Proceeds benefit Easter Seals of Louisiana

Where: Tchefuncta Country Club, Covington

Easter Seals of Louisiana offers direct assistance to children and adults with disabilities throughout the state. In addition to guiding families through the health-care system, the organization provides medical equipment, home modifications, summer camp tuition assistance and statewide scoliosis screening for children grades five through eight.

For more information, call (800) 695-7325.

What to do about Osteoarthritis

The small and delicate joints of the upper spine enable you to move your head to the left and right, up and down. When osteoarthritis affects these vulnerable joints, it can cause sudden attacks of severe pain and decrease mobility of your neck. Learn what you can do to protect these joints and receive practical tips in Arthritis Info from the American Arthritis Society. For a free sample issue write to: American Arthritis Society, 28 State St., Suite 1100, Boston, MA 02109. Include a first-class stamp for return postage; no envelope is necessary.)