New study regarding autism risks

Welcome back,
Okay, so I didn't make my projected deadline for the Patrick Henry book review again! I just don't think I have the patience to listen to the CDs to find out where I was. Let alone, it seems to be snowing again in Virginia, so I can't really do much. Since it doesn't seem like my personal assistants will be working for me anytime this week, I plan on getting a lot of writing done. Still, be on the lookout for the book review this Wednesday. I might just do it! For the time being, I heard a interesting piece of news related to autism today. A recent study showed the impact that age had on pregnancy risks. According to the study, your risk for autism increases by 18% for every five years in a woman's age
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Citation for TV Program: "Health Alert " Fox channel 5 WTTG DC, News at 5 pm, February 8, 2010

Makeover for 23-year-old young woman on the Tyra Banks show.

Okay,

So it looks like I'm going to be snowed in for another big snowstorm. Over the last the last couple of months, Virginia has said records amounts of snow. Not that I mind, but that's one of the positives to moving here and what do we get? I can't figure it out.. I guess this will allow me the time to catch up on some writing projects. That being said, I haven't forgotten about my promise to continue my series on Patrick Henry's I am Potential. That blog post was scheduled for Wednesday, but it's going to take me a few hours to figure out where I left off in the book and write an adequate post. So look for it later on this weekend..

Today, I want to highlight something very special on my blog. I just happened to be watching the Tyra Banks show and see clips from upcoming shows. In my area, the Tyra Banks show is shown during the three o'clock and four o'clock time slot . Well, I just happened to be watching the three o'clock episode oddly featuring women who are newly divorced and struggling to find themselves again- but that's besides the point. Anyway, they previewed clips from her next show which included random strangers who thought they had fashion sense trying to make over some of the people on the streets of New York. me tell you, the people with fashion sense were right to pick the people they did because their transformations were amazing..

Part of the show included Tyra telling this inspirational story of meeting one of her fans on the street. This fan, named Janelle,, who happens to be in a wheelchair with CP, was "walking" with her mother and just happened to see Tyra up ahead. Obviously, Janelle wanted to meet her. So her mother introduced the two of them. But you know what the first thing Janelle said was? It was: "Tyra, I want a makeover!"

So that's what Tyra did.

Turns out, Janelle avidly watches America's Next Top Model, so as part of the surprise, she had two of her favorite models Yvonne and Aminat to help out.

Janelle wanted to make over.. but why? She puts it best saying, "She wanted to prove that people in wheelchairs would like makeovers once in a while,"

In the end, Janelle came out wearing a pink sweater with some kind of Leopard print underneath and black tights. She was also accessorized with a pink headband.

I applaud Tyra so much for doing that for Janelle. Like her, I have never disabled models in media, which is something I would like to see more of.

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Citation:

Citation for TV Program: the Tyra Show: CW channel 3 or 463 (WDCW or WDCWDT) February 5 at 4 PM

Growing Problems in Adults with CP.

Welcome Back~

Okay, so silly me.. I can't remember whether I posted this article before or not. This article makes some startling revelations as to the growing number of health problems in adults with CP. I know it's true because I've already experienced a few of these problems myself. But I figure if you know what to expect, then you are better prepared for what may come in the future. That's what I keep telling myself anyway.

http://physical-disabilities.suite101.com/article.cfm/cerebral_palsy_in_adults

On a personal note, I realize that I have yet to finish my book review of Patrick Henry's book, I Am Potential. For those of you looking forward to the continuation of the series, I am truly sorry it's taken me so long. I have every intention of finishing it- starting Wednesdays from now on. I will do my best to start where I left off, but I really can't be sure if I'm doing so because I'm going from a audio book. Also, if you have any other suggestions or comments, feel free to e-mail me.

Okay, so it's not Friday but..

So,

I don't usually post on Sunday, but like I said I was only going to write when I thought it it was important. Well, it is.. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition does it again with one of the most touching episodes I have seen to date. This show featured the Creasey family. This family of five consists of Tricia and William along with their three children, Brittany, McKenzie and Michaela;This courageous is facing , the biggest challenge of their lives- with their mother facing stage IV colon cancer. Despite this devastating diagnosis and countless chemotherapy treatments, the mother (Tricia) still manages to maintain her job as a teacher at a local high school.

"It's very hard to think of what may happen, but you find that strength from somewhere to keep on going," Tricia says.

In her spare time, Tricia uses her story in an effort to create awareness about colon cancer. She currently serves as survivor chair in Relay For Life, a foundation focusing on early diagnosis and prevention of the disease. In the midst of the chaos, home improvements are the least of their worries.

"Right now, we're spending close to $1, 400 a month just on chemo treatments whether we pay a medical bill or replace a window, there's no second thought. Tricia has to have this chemotherapy to stay alive," says her husband, William.

With the help of country singer Jewel, the team builds a log cabin with a contemporary family feel while the family is away enjoying a fun filled vacation at Disney World. Their primary goal was to create a medically safe environment for her, while creating a family centered atmosphere to make memories that would last a lifetime. Head designer Ty Pennington focuses on Tracy, hoping to give her her own personal space to recharge.

"When you go inside, the [old house] looks fine. But there's no way she can get any rest and relaxation in her own home.. She can't even go to the bathroom and have privacy and for someone going through chemo, they need a place to recharge. This week, we're going to give her that." he says.

The focus for the girl's rooms? For eldest daughter, Brittany, a visit to Paris would become the theme. On the other hand, a world full of games would be ahead for the youngest twins, McKenzie and Michaela.

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Citation for TV Program: "The Creasey Family" Extreme Makeover: Home Edition , ABC channel 7 WJLA. January 31 at 8 PM

Encouragement:Anna Johannes

Hey Guys,

I'm liking the new goals I've set for myself in this blog; I'm thinking God agrees with me because there seems to be more news segments on disability lately. This one featuring 16-year-old Anna Johannes. She is not your typical swimmer. Born with only a part of left arm, she hasn't let that stop her from accomplishing your dreams. She has already won five gold medals participating in disabled events involving swimming in Colombia.

She also hopes to pursue her dreams of becoming a more accomplished swimmer and participate in the 2012 Paralympic games. In order to prepare herself, she attends practices at 4: 45 AM with other nondisabled swimmers.

"The kids just want to be seen as all other kids not a disabled first. For instance, in Anna's case, I'm a swimmer who just happens to have part of her arm." Said Diane Johannes

Citation for TV Program: "Anna Johannes " News segment Lindsay Murphy reporting, Fox channel 5 WTTG Washington DC, News at 10 pm, January 25, 2009

Enough with catching up.. starting fresh

Welcome back,

So it seems like I have been on a long sabbatical- taking time out for myself, working on my book, and spending a lot of time with family. Try as I might, this blog has become less of a daily activity for me. I am almost 30 years ago now and well it's hard to juggle everything (as I'm sure most to you will agree!) That being said, this blog will be updated whenever possible; but I'm not pressuring myself anymore to get it done. I have proven myself that I can maintain a blog and deal with the reality of real deadlines. It's about time I started getting out there and living my life. My readers would probably appreciate this blog more if it had more quality articles rather than quantity. That's going to be my new goal- providing new and up to date information.

Today's topic of information: A Nick News Special aired last night entitled "The Face of Courage: Kids Living with Cancer". This 30 minute program openly discusses in child- friendly terms what it means to have cancer, its treatment, and the overall physical as well as emotional impact of the disease. I know what you are thinking, "But it's not a disability.." In its own way, it can be. These kids are limited sometimes by what they can do because of the cancer. They are sometimes treated differently because of their circumstances; they are often considered "contagious". But as Linda Ellerbee explains, "Today, the diagnosis of cancer is not an automatic death sentence. You're about to meet some kidswho are living with cancer and although the road these kids travel is not an easy one, it is a road paved with hope, strength, and courage."

At its core, cancer is a disease categoried by "bad" cells self replicating to create tumors. These spread rapidly, destroying destroying the healthy tissue or bone. This can occur throughout the body, depending on the type of cancer someone has.

"Your life just changes the minute you find out," one girl says.

There are three types of treatment when dealing with cancer. The most typical is chemotherapy and radiation. Chemotherapy is a powerful combination of drugs usually given through an IV in an effort to destroy the cells. Radiation, on the other hand, shoots x-rays directly to the impacted area, in effect shrinking the cancer. Typical side effects of chemotherapy include nausea and the loss of one's hair.

This disease is not something you can get over, it often requires reoccurring doctor appointments and medical related treatments. This can result in a lot of kids being homeschooled or kept out of school .Tantyani from Avon, Massachusetts was in the hospital for seven months for leukemia (cancer of the blood)

"You never knew how precious life was to you until you're at the hospital while the rain is dripping down, you feel all this emptiness. Meanwhile, you learn all of these new life lessons, like instead of being depressed and mad, create something from that." She said

In some scenarios, however, it requires a more aggressive solution. This was the case of Alexandra from Brooklyn New York and Hector from Bronx, New York. Alexandra had to have a right leg removed because it was spreading so quickly while Hector had to his right eye removed because he had cancer of the soft tissue around the eye.

"It was hard because I knew I was going to look different from other people," Hector said

This special was very informative and I apologize I was not able to copy all of the inspirational quotes from the show. This show skipped from scenario to scenario and it was difficult to keep track of who said what. I have included the show information below for those who want to inquire more.

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Citation for TV Program: "The Face Of Courage: Kids Living with Cancer" , Nickelodeon Prime Time Channel 253 , at 11 PM, January 24, 2010

Merry Christmas! God bless us, everyone!

Merry Christmas Everyone,

Okay, I was fooling myself if I thought I was going to get all of the posts up for Christmas. I still have a lot to do, but I don't think I'll get it done by tomorrow! (December 25) For that reason, I want to wish you a wonderful day with you family and friends. I will be spending the day with my family. But before I go, I wanted to share this website with you. It explores the miracles that can happen over Christmas if you just believe.

http://oregonfaithreport.com/2009/12/real-life-christmas-miracles-bring-inspiration/

Wishing you a blessed Christmas, Debbie