One of the things I have learned in the past year, as I have delved further into the local special needs community, is that there is power in connection.I think most humans have a desire to connect with one another in a meaningful way.Yes, there is always a desire to find a special someone with which you can share your life, but beyond that, there is a peace that comes from a shared experience among peers, friends and acquaintances.No matter your circumstance, you are not alone! I have learned this lesson more powerfully in a very short time, and it has been a wonderful experience.As I have jumped into the deep waters of the special needs community, I have learned that there are many more parents, friends, caregivers and professionals out there than I had previously imagined.The one thing we all have in common is a shared bond of experience driving us to help and encourage one another.Luckily, my experience has been more positive than others I’ve known who have come before me, and I hope that’s a sign of increased awareness, empathy, and understanding.We are all in the same battle together, and it is a huge waste of energy to conduct yourself in a negative way.Positive connection is key.Sharing your experience so that others who follow in your footsteps may have less of a burden is a gift and a blessing.I have been fortunate to have wonderful friends and mentors who have helped me when I have been solidly stuck in frustration or simply had no idea what to do next.It is my hope that in some way I am returning the favor to others now.Read More »
Well, the allergy-free pies are baked and the kitchen looks like a tornado came through it.Now the house is quiet and my mind is actively figuring out all of the details for tomorrow’s Thanksgiving soiree.Amidst this flurry of thought, I find myself reflecting on Thanksgiving.No, I’m not talking Pilgrims and Indians, or even a chaotic turkey dinner with family.I’m talking about Thanksgiving in terms of personal meaning.Giving thanks.Thankfulness.Reasons to be thankful.Read More »
With the memory of the melamine pet food scare still fresh in the minds of many, the Environmental Working Group is publicizing a new threat: potentially toxic doses of fluoride in dog food.An EWG analysis found troubling levels of fluoride in 8 of 10 dog foods tested. The concentration of fluoride was up to 2.5 times higher than the safe level the EPA sets for drinking water. Some puppies may be exposed to five times this limit.The fluoride in dog foods originates in bone meal and animal by-products. EWG recommends choosing dog food brands free of bone meal and meat by-product ingredients like chicken by-product meal, poultry by-product meal, chicken meal and beef meal.
FDA advisers have recommended lowering the maximum dose of over-the-counter acetaminophen -- the key ingredient in Tylenol, Excedrin and many other pain-killing medications.The advisers' vote followed the release of a report last month which found that severe liver damage and even death can result from a lack of consumer awareness that acetaminophen can cause such injury.Many people may take more than the recommended dose of acetaminophen-based pain relievers in the mistaken belief that taking more will be more effective without posing health risks. And consumers may also not know that acetaminophen is present in many over-the-counter products, including remedies for colds, headaches and fevers, making it possible to exceed the recommended acetaminophen dose accidentally.
