Health & Wellness Journal Health
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Sept - Oct 2012
INSIDE
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Inspire, Inform & Educate
beauty
17 th Edition
Promoting Health Education in
How to Find Out Which Vitamins Work For You It is good to be cautious and ask professional advice before taking certain supplements since they might affect you one way or another.
Our Community
PAGE 7
Healthy Food for Healthy Skin By Alex Brennt Despite all sorts of face creams that people use to look beautiful and young, healthy food along with sports and healthy sleep takes the leading position in this “quest”. PAGE 8
The Houston Department of Health and Human Services is Here for You
What Every Woman Should Know About Ovarian Cancer By Dr. Mai Brooks Ovarian tumor is a silent disease. Most patients have no symptoms until the malignancy spreads to the upper abdomen. PAGE 10
5 Ways To Reduce Your Health Care Costs By Matt Mahoney The costs for health care in the United States are growing by leaps and bounds. Here are 5 practical steps you can take to lower your costs of medical care and coverage. PAGE 16
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Stephen L. Williams, Director for HDHHS
ublic health is the activities of society, usually government, that seeks to create the highest level of health for the greatest number of people. Public health utilizes a variety of strategies to prevent communicable and chronic disease within a community. In Houston that service is rendered by the Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS). HDHHS is a full service public health department providing broad environmental services for air, water and food; human services, disease investigation, preparedness and limited clinical services. Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States with a population of 2.3 million people and 634 square miles, a very large patient demographic indeed. Continued on pg 4
“The greatest wealth is health.”
~ Virgil
September 2012
Behind The
Journal
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Publisher’s Message
Keith J. Davis, Sr.
SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr. VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis
In this issue we are celebrating Health and Wellness and Medical Professionals. It is our honor to pay tribute to the men and women who serve humanity by keeping our communities healthy. It is because of you we live the highest quality of life in the world. In the words of an ancient proverb, “He who has health, has hope. And he who has hope, has everything.” We are wealthy because of your sacrifice to keep us that way and for that we are eternally grateful. As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support d-mars.com, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.
EDITING CONSULTANT Sharon Jenkins OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Johnny Ray Davis, Jr. ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla
CONTENTS
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Onyebuchi Okoh C.T. Foster Eric D. Goodwine PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes
The Houston Department of Health and Human Services is Here for You ....................................
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Helping Children with ADHD Succeed at School .........................................................................
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Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Dentist? ............................................................................................
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How to Find Out Which Vitamins Work For You ............................................................................
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Healthy Food for Healthy Skin .......................................................................................................
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How to Manage Cancer-Related Fatigue ......................................................................................
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What Every Woman Should Know About Ovarian Cancer ............................................................. 10 Optimists Live Longer and Other Top Reasons to Stay Positive ................................................... 12
LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Ferland Antwine
Preparing for A New School Year: 5 Tips for Success .................................................................. 12 How to Combat the Growing Problem of Loneliness and Social Isolation in Our Lives ................ 13
DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden
Are You Grinding? ..........................................................................................................................
14
5 Ways To Reduce Your Health Care Costs .................................................................................... 16 Emotional Woes May Last for Childhood Cancer Survivors .......................................................... 16
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sharon C. Jenkins Jeanne Segal Alex Brennt Andrea Avery Rachel G. Baldino Zeb F. Poindexter Dr. Mai Brooks www.sixwise.com Eve Kessler Matt Mahoney Roseanna Leaton
MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month “Good health and good sense are two of life’s greatest blessings.”
How To Feel and Look Younger .....................................................................................................
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What You Need to Know About The Americans With Disabilities Act and How It Can Impact You
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September, 2012
The Houston Department of Health and Human Services is Here for You Continued from pg 1 They have approximately 1,100 employees and has an annual budget of around $100 million. Stephen L. Williams serves as the Director for HDHHS. He was the former Executive Manager for Travis County Health and Human Services and Veteran Services. He also served as Administrator of Public Health and Deputy Director of Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department. “I insist that our health center and multiservice center staff be actively engaged in their neighborhoods. Were lyon their access and credibility during times of crisis. Our AIM(Access, Intervention and Mobilization) initiative got usupclose and personal with residents,” said Williams. AIM is a tool that the Health Department usesto reach local communities and house - holds in need. This year AIM has been able to reach 6,718 people in the Houston. “People forget that food is our first medicine. We are trying to address some of the obesity and chronic disease issues by creating community gardens and holding farmers markets at our neighborhood facilities,” according to Williams. “The neighborhood volunteers who work with the gardens get the good gardening exercise as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. We also offer healthy cooking classes for kids and adults for all the new produce we introduced to these neighborhoods.” HDHHS in its comprehensive approach to feed a community also serves more than 1.2 million meals a year to low income seniors through the Harris County Area Agency on Aging. Under the direction of Williams, HDHHS utilizes innovative methods to meet the community’s needs. HDHHS initiated two model programs to improve the health and futures for low income students. The HDHHS Vision Partnership engages multiple community partners to provide mass vision screening, exams and fittings for glasses for children who otherwise would not have vision correction. Williams stated: “It took about two years, but once we engaged HISD Superintendent Terry Grier, our children’s vision initiative took off. He saw the value in the program and ensured that his principals were on board with managing the transportation and securing the parental consent. He even gave us $200,000 to offset our expenses for providing vision services to his students.” A second program, Project Saving Smiles, provides dental sealants to eligible second graders to reduce the probability of tooth decay later. Thousands of missed school days are avoided due to tooth aches. An innovative HIV testing program for the community is called “Hip-Hop for
HIV Awareness.” Hip Hop is a partnership with local community based organizations and a popular urban contemporary radio station to conduct mass HIV and STD testing for at risk African American youth and young adults. “HIP HOP for HIV is an innovative partnership between HDHHS, Radio One and several other community based organizations to motivate young African Americans to be tested for HIV. The young people we test are for the most part healthy and do not routinely access health care. Most would have no way of knowing their HIV status without the HIP HOP program. For their time in testing
they receive a ticket to a concert with performances from up and coming hip hop stars,” said Williams. One of the unseen services of HDHHS is epidemiology. Epidemiology is the study of diseases, their origins, their impact and the strategies that may prevent them in the future. HDHHS epidemiologists collect and analyze disease reports and can quickly recognize unusual or unexpected patterns and make recommendations to disrupt future transmission. The epidemiologists work closely with the HDHHS laboratory, one of the largest public health laboratories in the state. HDHHS planners work closely with epidemiologists, the laboratory and other local government agencies to plan and prepare the city, neighborhoods and families indisaster preparedness. Hurricanes and influenza can be equally disastrous to a community unprepared. According to Williams, “In a health crisis, you have to be creative to quickly and correctly respond. H1N1 influenza was a particularly sudden, and to parents frightening, crisis. We worked closely with the Texas Association of Local Health Organizations for IT support and the various school districts to create a real time monitoring system for school absenteeism. We were able to instantly detect spikes in illness at the classroom level. This system is still in place and we continue to monitor for unexpected patterns of absenteeism at the schools.” HDHHS has partnered with nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and the Harris County Hospital District primary care clinics to enhance access to clinical services for residents. HDHHS manages 11 multi-service centers throughout Houston. Multi-service centers provide office and program space for a variety of community social services such as English classes, job training, senior services, WIC, literacy, information and referral and many others. Nearly 80,000 mothers and children under the age of six participate in WIC. Education is a key component of successful
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public health. Teaching young parents the value of good nutrition and on-time infant immunization will create healthier children and communities. Public health professionals provide effective strategies for avoiding sexually transmitted diseases, air borne infections and other infectious diseases. HDHHS public health environmental personnel enforce regulations that protect the air, water and food in Houston. Houston’s semi-tropical environment and vast petrochemical industry provide unique challenges in maintaining a healthy respiratory environment.
Health and Human Services Foundation
The Mission of the Houston Department of Health and Human Services Foundation is to enhance the services to Houstonians. “The creation of the HDHHS Foundation was an important step in generating funding for our vision program, Project Saving Smiles and HIP HOP for HIV. The foundation board is able to solicit and receive contributions that may be too cumbersome to funnel through the city structure. The additional funding enables the projects to be more nimble and to operate at full capacity,” said Williams. As we look at the total picture of HDHHS today, we are reminded of this quote by Samuel Johnson: “To preserve health is a moral and religious duty, for health is the basis of all social virtues. We can no longer be useful when we are not well.” HDHHS is serving the Houston community well because it has assumed the moral responsibility to do so, for the folks at HDHHS it is about service.
For more information about the department services:
Please access our website or call
www.houstontx.gov/health 832-393-5169.
September 2012
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September, 2012
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September 2012
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Who’s Afraid of the How to Find Out Which Big Bad Dentist? by Andrea Avery
Vitamins
Work For You
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ear of visiting a dentist is one which hits a great majority of people. This article discusses ten easy tips on how to avoid and overcome fear in yourself or your children. Are you fearful to visit the dentist? Did you know you’re not alone? It’s a proven fact that a lot of people don’t see an oral professional because they’re afraid. Are you one of them? Fear is often called, “the worst of all emotions”. It can hit us in a moment’s notice to varying degrees. But, fear of going can grow over a period of time from a very young age. Then, as we age, it increases in severity and keeps us from providing ourselves with vital oral health. So what are people afraid of that is associated with the dentist? • 1) The unknown. • 2) Distrust. • 3) Putting themselves in someone else’s care. • 4) Pain. • 5) Needles. • 6) Expensive treatments. Here are some great tips to help you get a good night’s sleep the day before your scheduled visit: • 1) Get to know him and his staff. • 2) Don’t be afraid if he asks you some personal information. Be willing to share comfortably and completely about your health needs or issues. Have the assurance he’s not going to share your information with anyone other than those who need to know in his office. • 3) Allow him to discuss in full what each procedure he plans to do will involve. Ask as many questions as you need to. Keep your imagination in check as much as possible.
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• 4) Once you feel comfortable with your new oral hygiene team, don’t leave. Give yourself time to adjust to their office, the staff and the new procedures. If you decide to leave, you only open yourself up to renewed feelings of distrust or fear once more. • 5) Be sure to ask about their policies on client safety or if an infection should arise. • 6) Take deep, long breaths. Meditate. • 7) Work hard to unlearn fear. If you went through a fearful situation with a former dentist when you were younger, or you heard about someone who did, this is how fears grow. Keep telling yourself repeatedly that past experiences do not affect future ones. • 8) Concentrate on the positives in the situation. Cast negative thoughts out as soon as they begin to arise. • 9) Don’t teach fear to others, especially your children. Avoid using emotionally charged words to describe dental visits such as, “Be brave.” or, “Don’t be afraid.” • 10) Schedule an early appointment to avoid worry. Sharing these tips with your children will go a long way to help cement them within your own head. And, they will point your little ones in the right direction to good oral hygiene. It’s important for children to know what to expect and it’s our responsibility to teach them. If you notice any fear in them, don’t push them away or make light of it. Rather , take them to the dentist and let them get to know him on a personal level. They will soon come to trust him as well and be happy to sit in his chair one day. Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
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ocal grocery stores around the world have many rows of vitamins, with each claiming to have essential elements to advance and maintain good health. It is very true that vitamins are necessary for the human health since they help the body to guard against diseases and promote a general sense of well being. Nevertheless, it is vital for individuals to realize that not all vitamins are right for everyone. Some vitamin and vitamin supplements can lead to serious medical complications if taken by the wrong individuals. Thus, it is imperative to find out what vitamins are right for you before rushing to purchase them from your local store. Below are three basic steps and tips one ought to follow: The most basic step is to consult with a medical expert about vitamin supplements. It is good to be cautious and ask professional advice before taking certain supplements since they might affect you one way or another. Then, consider taking a multivitamin. According to the latest research, multivitamins are appropriate for virtually anyone. They offer reasonable amounts of a wide range of nutrients thus filling any gaps in an individual’s diet. Often one pill per day is enough. If it is necessary, add extra supplements of single-vitamin. For instance, if one is a vegetarian or elderly, he or she may need an extra vitamin B supplement. For those individuals with limited exposure to sunlight, they may need supplements of vitamin D. The final as well as one of the vital
steps is to complete the intake of vitamin supplements with a healthy diet. A well balanced diet will enhance the function of the vitamin supplements that an individual is taking. The herbs of gold products comprise of unique and natural vitamins, herbs, nutrients and minerals that are highly effective in the body. The products are of high quality, since their production is based on traditional practices in combination to modern research and technology. There are numerous products of herbs of gold suitable for different individuals. Most of the vitamins are available at a reasonable price, and some online sites such as Brisbane offer discounts to all their customers. Vitamins are not produced naturally in the human body, yet they are essential for it to function properly. The most important way humans get vitamins is through the food they consume. However, it is a long process before these vitamins can be absorbed into the body and start to benefit an individual. That is why many people go for vitamin supplements since they work quickly and are highly effective. The effect of natural vitamins wears off quickly thus one keeps taking them to maintain the benefits. On the other hand, vitamin supplements have a long lasting effects, which ensures that an individual remains healthy and in good shape. Virtually all vitamin supplements have instruction on how to take them, so that an individual does not take too much or too little. Remember, taking the wrong dose will either result in mild or even serious consequences! Taken from: www.content4reprint.com
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September, 2012
Healthy Food for Healthy Skin By Alex Brennt
Have you ever wondered about what you eat? If not - here is all the needed information on what to eat to look good. Despite all sorts of face creams that people use to look beautiful and young, healthy food along with sports and healthy sleep takes the leading position in this “quest”. So the guarantees of the beautiful skin are:
Seafood 1
Active Components: Omega-3, Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, Zinc Effect: Smooth and Clean Skin
The importance of seafood for health can’t be overestimated. Also it influences the condition of the skin, especially when we talk about oysters and “fatty” sorts of fish like salmon. Specific fatty acids that are contained in fish decrease the dryness and prevent inflammations. Moreover, this element affects the circulatory system improving the flow of blood. The better the flow of blood is - the better skin looks. The zinc that is contained in fish prevents the inflammation of the sebaceous glands and forming of pimples and acne.
Citrus Fruits 2
Red&Green3Vegetables
Vitamin C is well-known in medical world; it can Active Components: Vitamin A, Beta-Carotene be found as a component of various creams, in Effect: Healthy and Smooth Skin particular those that are used for face. This vitamin stimulates the production of collagen, which is the The skin is the largest organ, which, as well as the base protein for connective tissue. When the synthesis other “components” of our body, needs vitamins of this protein is slowed down (which is caused by that are contained in different kinds of vegetables. the aging), the skin becomes “sluggish”. That is why The most important for skin are green and red frequent consumption of oranges, grapefruits (as well as Active Components: Vitamin C (also orange) vegetables: for example, spinach and tomatoes), in mild portions, provides the elasticity of skin Effect: Smooth and Elastic Skin carrot. and slows down the appearance of wrinkles. In addition, Red and orange vegetables contain a lot of betavitamin C is a great antioxidant. carotene, which is and essential source of vitamin A (good antioxidant as well). The same vitamin is also contained in green leafy vegetables. These products help the skin create more new cells and get rid of old ones, thereby prolonging the youth.
Nuts
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Active Components: Vitamin E Effect: Young and Soft Skin Nuts are somehow like a treasure chest full of useful elements. Mainly it is vitamin E, which is contained in almonds. This vitamin has great ability to fight the process of aging of the skin. Also it protects the skin from the influence of the ultraviolet rays, keeps the perfect balance of the moisture, and finally – makes the skin younger and softer. Almonds, pistachios and walnuts have a considerable deposit of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.
5 Whole Grain
Active Components: Rutin and Vitamin B Effect: Clean and Moisturized Skin
Whole grains contain a lot of Rutin which is known for its antioxidant abilities. This element also prevents inflammations and appearance of other skin diseases. And this is not all, because when we talk about whole grains the list of the abilities will continue almost forever. Still the idea remains the same – the proper consumption of the whole grain products prolongs the youth of the skin and influences human body in general. The same can be mentioned about the other “participants” of the list.
So as you can see the products we consume everyday really contain a lot of elements that have a positive effect on our body. If you eat properly, your skin will look young, and you will feel yourself young. Still, don’t overdo it; a lot of products in the list are allergens.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alex is a student at a university studying dermatology. If you want to know more about how to become a dermatologist you can contact me. Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
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September, 2012
How to Manage Cancer-Related Fatigue What Every Woman Should Know By Rachel G. Baldino, MSW, LCSW
People often describe cancer-related fatigue as “overwhelming” and “paralyzing.”
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atigue is the most common side effect of cancer treatment -- up to 96 percent of people with cancer experience it. However, cancerrelated fatigue is often more severe, and more overwhelming, than everyday fatigue that most everyone experiences from time to time. “Cancer-related fatigue feels very different from everyday fatigue,” Lillian Nail, PhD, RN, a cancer survivor who has studied this side effect at the University of Utah School of Nursing, told the American Cancer Society. “’Overwhelming’ is the most common description,” Dr. Nail said. “When compared with the fatigue experienced by healthy people, cancer-related fatigue is more severe, it lasts longer, and sleep just doesn’t bring relief.” Low blood count, sleep disruption, stress, and not eating enough all contribute to cancer-related fatigue, as does the physical burden that cancer treatments put on your body. According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America: “The type of cancer treatment you receive can determine the pattern of fatigue you experience. Cancer treatments commonly associated with fatigue include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, immunotherapy, bone marrow/stem cell transplant, and/or a combination of treatments. With radiation therapy, your body needs extra energy to repair damaged skin tissue. Radiation therapy can cause cumulative fatigue (fatigue that increases over the course of treatment). Fatigue brought on by radiation therapy usually lasts from three to four weeks (but can persist for months) after treatment ends. With chemotherapy, as anti-cancer drugs work to destroy cancer cells, they can also harm healthy red blood cells and decrease new red blood cell production. Chemotherapy can also disrupt your eating and/or sleeping habits. In general, chemotherapy-related fatigue usually peaks at the time when blood counts are low (nadir), which is generally a few days after treatment.”
Distinguishing Cancer-Related Fatigue From Depression
Health care providers often confuse fatigue for depression and vice versa because the symptoms of both conditions are so similar. With depression, however, there is an inability to feel pleasure, along with feelings of sadness, despair, guilt and other negative emotions. Signs of cancer-
related fatigue, meanwhile, include: • Tiredness, weariness or exhaustion, even after sleep • Lack of energy to do regular activities • Trouble concentrating, thinking clearly or remembering • Feeling negative, irritable, impatient, or unmotivated • Lack of interest in normal activities • Paying less attention to personal appearance • Spending more time in bed or sleeping • Short of breath after light activity • A need to stop in the middle of activities to rest
Managing Cancer-Related Fatigue
Cancer-related fatigue is an oftenoverlooked part of having cancer, but ignoring this condition in yourself or your loved one will only make coping with it more difficult. To help manage cancerrelated fatigue and gain some control over your energy levels and your life: Going for short walks will help to increase your energy when you feel fatigued. 1. Modify your daily routine. Don’t expect to keep up with all that you used to. Prioritize what’s most important, and cut out the rest. 2. Schedule according to your energy. Make plans to do the most important things during the times when you feel most energized. 3. Take regular breaks. Keep activity to short intervals, then rest, or even nap, in between. 4. Eat well. Lots of fruits and vegetables, pure water and a healthy mix of carbs, protein and fat will help keep you going strong. 5. Exercise if you can. You don’t want to overexert yourself, but some exercise will help to increase your energy levels. Start with a 15-minute walk, swim or bike ride a few times a week, and increase it from there. 6. Delegate and conserve. Ask friends or family to do some errands or chores around the house, then conserve your energy as much as possible by planning simple meals, shopping at non-peak hours and doing things that can be done sitting down. 7. Manage your stress. A cancer support group may help you to share your challenges with others who understand. Activities that take your mind off of fatigue, such as reading or listening to music, are also good stress relievers.
About Ovarian Cancer
By Dr. Mai Brooks
I
n 2011, approximately 21,990 patients are estimated to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the United States. An estimated 15,460 will die of this disease. Thus, it is the most deadly of the gynecological malignancies. The average lifetime risk of ovarian malignancy is 1.7% in the USA. African American women have a lower incidence of this tumor. Women who have never had children are at higher risk. Cancer risk is lower in those who have given birth, breastfed, have had tubal ligation, or took oral contraceptives. Ovarian tumor is a silent disease. Most patients have no symptoms until the malignancy spreads to the upper abdomen. Common complaints include abdominal discomfort, bloating, and feeling full. By this time, 70% of the patients already have advanced disease. Yet, there is no reliable screening test for women of average risk. Pelvic exams are important for cervical cancer screening, but are not reliable for the detection of ovarian cancer. The tumor marker CA-125 is only elevated in the blood of only about half the women with early-stage ovarian cancer. To complicate matters, CA-125 level can be abnormal in many benign conditions such as endometriosis, pregnancy, ovarian cyst, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroid, pancreatitis, abdominal infection, lung infection, and liver disease such as cirrhosis. Unfortunately, ovarian cancer in general cannot be diagnosed by just a needle biopsy, because this method is not reliable for this disease. A suspicious finding usually leads to invasive surgery in order to definitively tell whether the ovarian cyst or mass is cancer or not. For women who have the hereditary BRCA gene mutation, the lifetime risk of ovarian cancer can be as high as 60%. BRCA gene testing should be performed when there are multiple family members with ovarian cancer, bilateral or early onset breast cancer, both breast and ovarian
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tumor in the same person, or male breast cancer. This gene can be passed on by either the male or female parent. Patients with the hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) syndrome have a 3.5 fold increase in the risk of ovary tumors. (Of note, their lifetime risk of uterine cancer can be as high as 60%). Removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes is the most effective method to prevent the malignant ovarian disease in hereditary cases. Because ovarian cancer usually does not develop until middle age, it is generally safe to wait until after the woman has completed childbearing. During this time, intensive monitoring with CA-125, pelvic exam, and transvaginal ultrasound is recommended. An alternative to surgery is the use of oral contraceptives, which may decrease the ovarian tumor risk by 50% The treatment for ovarian cancer usually starts with open abdomen surgery to remove as much tumor as possible. Surgery also allows accurate staging, which then dictates whether or not the patient needs chemotherapy afterwards. In certain cases, chemotherapy is given both in the vein as well as into the abdominal cavity (intraperitoneal infusion). Sometimes, radiation is also administered. When the tumor is confined to one or both ovaries (stage 1A and 1B), the five-year survival rate is 90% or better. However, most patients have stage 3 or 4 disease at presentation. At this point , the five-year survival rate is only 18-45%. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Mai Brooks is a surgical oncologist/ general surgeon, with expertise in early detection and prevention of cancer. More at http://www.drbrooksmd.com, http:// thecancerexperience.wordpress.com and http://progressreportoncancer.wordpress. com. Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
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Optimists Live Longer and Other New School Year: Preparing for A
Top Reasons to Stay Positive (and HOW to do it in this Economy) By www.SixWise.com
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xpecting good things rather than bad things to happen, or being optimistic, does much more than just put a smile on your face, it may add years to your life. Focusing on the brighter side of life may help you to live a longer, healthier and happier life. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh analyzed data from more than 100,000 women and found those who were optimistic were: • 14 percent less likely to die from any cause than pessimists • 30 percent less likely to die from heart disease after eight years of follow-up • Less likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes or smoke cigarettes Further, women who were very mistrustful of others, a trait researchers called “cynically hostile,” were 16 percent more likely to die during the study period, and 23 percent more likely to die from cancer, than women who were not. As though you need even MORE reasons to get happy, past research from Yale University found that those who are optimistic in middle age can expect to add at least 7.5 years to their life -- even after adjusting for age, gender, physical health and socioeconomic status. And research from The Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania has found people who are happy: • Do better at work, school and sports • Are less depressed • Have fewer physical health problems • Have better relationships You Can be Optimistic Even in Tough Times With unemployment rates rising and the U.S. recession showing no signs of slowing, it may seem like an odd time to be optimistic. But in reality it may be the ideal time. “The best of times emotionally, are often not the best economically,” says John Dearlove, founder of Sixwise.com. “My Grandparents used to talk affectionately about the good old days. These stories inevitably included the Great Depression and how they made it through and overcame the trials and tribulations while lovingly remembering their passion for each other. The worst of times often brings people together and helps you realize greater value for each other. It can also drive you apart at first, until you realize what’s most important is nurturing your meaningful relationships -- instead of focusing on materialistic things.” Staying Healthy in a Stressful World Too much stress makes it difficult to
5 Tips for Success By Eve Kessler, Esq.
W
ith school just around the corner, there’s no time like the present to prepare for a new school year. As parents it’s your job to manage your child’s education and secure her rights under the law. Following are some tips to help you establish a collaborative partnership with your school to achieve those goals:
1. Talk and listen to your child
Find out how she feels about school, as well as her likes and dislikes. Until she settles in to her new environment, she may be nervous or anxious. Encouraging her to verbalize concerns will allow you to allay those you can, and will also help you assess how her adjustment progresses. Recurring issues may signal the need for further action on your part.
2. Speak with your child’s teachers
stay positive, but no worries. This complete training program CD will allow you to: • Identify the Three Major Sources of Stress and embark on a practice for transforming your stress into lifeenhancing experiences. • Choose from a menu of 14 Short Mental Imagery Exercises for addressing such stressors as anger, anxiety, disappointment, guilt, regret, sadness, decision making and more. • Learn and practice the Physical Stress Buster series, designed for use right at your desk. • Use the Mind-Body Progressive Relaxation to shift gears, replenish your energy, and increase your vitality and clarity of mind. Read More & Order Staying Healthy in a Stressful World Now! In fact, although just 17 percent of those who responded to a new survey by Qualtrics Labs Inc. said they were happy or somewhat happy with America’s overall quality of life, 34 percent still believe their overall quality of life will improve in 2009, and 35 percent believe the economy will improve as well. “Research shows Americans are surprisingly optimistic about their future quality of life despite saying they are very unhappy about their current state,” said Ryan Smith, director of Qualtrics. “These two statistics may reflect the resiliency of America -- as things get worse, we become increasingly optimistic for a brighter future.” The TOP Way to Stay Positive in Tough Times A hard time is only a bad thing if you let it be. In other words, YOU control how you view a situation and whether you
perceive it negatively or positively. So if negative thoughts enter your mind, do not give them any attention. Instead, focus on the many good things in your life and be grateful for what you have, especially the things you may take for granted, like food, shelter, your health and people who love you, and whom you love in return. “The ability to be in the moment in a relaxed state of mind is key, no matter what the world around you is doing, you must know that you are physically, spiritually and emotionally all right,” Dearlove says. “In fact, your life can become fantastic and you can overcome all hardship by switching your attitude to one that turns adversity into opportunity,” he continues. Practicing daily affirmations after you wake up, before bed or anytime during the day can help your thoughts to focus only on the bright side. When you feel stressed out, affirmations can also help you to relax. The Pure Relaxation CD, which uses guided meditations and music that will calm your mind, soothe your emotions and create a state of deep relaxation in your body, is a also an excellent tool to help you do so. And remember, dwelling over the past (either good or bad times), worrying about the future or even waiting until tomorrow to “get your life together” causes you unnecessary stress and hardship. Focus instead on the present moment and what’s happening here and now. Enjoy the little moments -- the time spent with your family, a walk in the woods, watching the sunset -- and revel in the peace and well-being it will bring to your life. Reprinted with Permission from the free Security/Wellness e-Newsletter at SixWise.com
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Within the first few weeks of a new semester, find out from her teachers if she is having difficulty with homework, is unable to complete work independently, begins but can’t complete assignments, or has difficulty recalling instruction during the school day. Also ask about her social adjustment as that may be impacting her academics.
3. Observe your child at home
Does she complain about physical illness or invent excuses in order to stay home from school? Does she have friends? Does she talk about or know the names of classmates? Does she use only negative comments when talking about school?
4. Get organized •
Develop a profile of your child’s strengths and concerns, both in and out of school. • Keep an ongoing file or journal of meetings, phone calls, letters, etc. • Put every concern, request and objection in writing to all involved. • Compile a binder with tabs for evaluations, IEPs, samples of current performance (writing samples, tests, projects, activities, homework, etc.) and written communications. • Include a chart listing all evaluations by date, evaluator, test given, major areas of concern, and recommendations. • Make two copies of all evaluations/ reports; keep one as an original and use the other as a working copy. • Bring this file/binder with you to all meetings regarding your child. Eve Kessler, Esq., an attorney with The Legal Aid Society, NYC, is President of SPED*NET Wilton (CT) and a Contributing Editor of Smart Kids.
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How to Combat the Growing Problem of Loneliness and Social Isolation in Our Lives By Rachel G. Baldino, MSW, LCSW
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o you have a deeply trusted confidant, a friend so special and so dear to your heart that you feel totally at ease talking to her about your deepest secrets, your most profound sorrows, and your greatest joys? Do you have more than one? If you answered yes to one or both of the above two questions, you are part of a very fortunate but ever-shrinking group of Americans, according to an important new study about the widespread growth of social isolation in the United States. Lynn Smith-Lovin, a sociology professor at Duke University, and one of the key researchers involved in conducting this in-depth, comprehensive study, says the findings indicate that one fourth of Americans reported feeling that they have nobody with whom they can discuss their innermost thoughts, worries and woes. According to Shankar Vendantam’s recent Washington Post article about this study, this is “more than double the number who were similarly isolated in 1985. Overall, the number of people Americans have in their closest circle of confidants has dropped from around three to about two.” What Katrina Can Teach Us About Our Increasing Sense of Social Isolation and Our Decreasing Sense of Social Obligation Like all Americans, Smith-Lovin was particularly struck by the deeply disturbing images of so many of our desperate, stranded fellow citizens waving from the rooftops of their ravaged homes in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Indeed, in the Washington Post article about her study, Smith-Lovin is quoted as saying that the Katrina images resonate with her so profoundly “because those people did not know someone with a car.
There really is less of a safety net of close friends and confidants.” In addition, Smith-Lovin and her colleagues maintain that there is a direct connection between our nation’s evergrowing sense of loneliness and social isolation and another, equally vexing social problem: a significant decrease in our collective sense of social obligation. Specifically, what sense of moral obligation do each of us feel toward our fellow citizens, especially when they are going through tough times-as so many did in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina? What are the forces behind this dramatic increase in social isolation, and the corresponding drop in our sense of social obligation? Not surprisingly, sociologists such as Robert D. Putnam, the author of Bowling Alone, cite numerous causes, including the dramatic increase in television watching over the past several decades, the similarly dramatic increase in the length of our commutes to and from work, and the fact that fewer and fewer of us are joining clubs (such as bowling leagues) and other social groups. The question about whether the latest advances in communications technology (cell phones, email, the Internet, etc.), are bringing us closer together or driving us further apart remains unanswered-though of course sending email messages and “surfing the Net” do tend to be solitary activities for most people. Certainly the older we get, the more effort is required of us to create and maintain new, lasting friendships with like-minded people. Children, teenagers, and even young adults have greater access to potential friends in their neighborhoods, schools, sports teams, summer camps, etc. At college, in particular, where many young people share the same living
The good news is that there are many ways to expand our social horizons and form deep, lasting friendships.
The latest research indicates that more of us are feeling more socially isolated than ever before.
environment, they often have ample time and opportunity to engage in wonderfully long, late-night discussions about their innermost hopes, fears and dreams. But as we age and become more wrapped up in the day-to-day responsibilities of managing our over-booked lives, we end up having less and less time to devote to the rather time-consuming but profoundly worthwhile task of building close, lasting friendships. For this reason (among others), some adults come to regard their spouses or significant others as their one and only true confidants. But what if that one special person leaves or dies? It may sound morbid or depressing even to speculate about such things, but this is why people do need to have more than one close friend in their lives. Exactly How and Where Can Busy Adults Meet Potential Close Friends and Confidants? 1. Join a pre-formed group that fulfills a particular need. For instance, if you are a stay-at-home parent of small children, consider joining a parenting group such as Mom’s Club, chapters of which can be found in many communities throughout the U.S. Or, if you have a specific hobby or interest, join a group that is based on that hobby, such as a gardening club, an adult soccer league, a bowling team, or a book club. You can go to your town hall (or check your town’s website) to find out more information about local clubs. 2. If you are shy, or if your job requires you to engage in public speaking, consider attending some Toastmasters meetings, both as a way to enhance your social confidence, and as a way of meeting potential friends, who may also understand how it feels to struggle with shyness. 3. If no group focused on your interests currently exists in your town or neighborhood, consider starting one of your own. For instance, I have a friend who moved to a new town, and as a way to meet some of her new neighbors, she decided to launch a book discussion club, a club that continues to meet monthly to this very day. Through this club (that she took the initiative to start), my friend has
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met several very nice people, including one person who has now become one of her closest confidantes! 4. Many people find (or rediscover) a profound sense of community and social connectedness by starting to attend (or returning to) religious services at their local churches, synagogues, mosques, and/ or other places of worship. 5. If you are a busy single parent, consider attending a dance sponsored by your local chapter of Parents Without Partners. Not only is it possible to meet potential romantic partners at such events, but it’s also possible to meet potential friends who are also single parents. and who therefore already understand many of the joys and challenges that you face every day. 6. Consider volunteering at a hospital or community organization, where you are likely to meet other, equally civic-minded people (and potential good friends). 7. If you don’t already know your neighbors, consider striking up a conversation the next time you see one of them. You never know-sometimes simple, good-natured, neighborly small talk can lead to more interesting and profound conversations. 8. Consider taking a continuing education class at one of your local colleges or universities, and, once you get there, talk to the professor and the other people you meet in the classroom, not just about the subject at hand, but about any interesting topic that comes to mind. 9. Make a point of taking an interest in everyone you happen to meet. Almost every individual who crosses your path has at least one fascinating story to share, so ask questions that are not excessively probing and personal, but that do manage to show your genuine interest in your fellow human beings. 10. Consider reconnecting with a former dear friend who you have fallen out of touch with in recent years. You might be surprised to find out just how easy it can be to “pick up right where you left off” with certain great friends from your past.
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Are You Grinding?
By Zeb F. Poindexter, Contributing Writer
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e have been experiencing an increase in the number of patients with bruxism. Bruxism is the periodic grinding of teeth, generally in a clenched side to side motion. Though predominantly seen in athletes and high stress individuals, this condition has no age pre-delineation. I have seen children grind as early as three years of age, and I have also seen older people grind their teeth down to the nub which can expose the nerve and be very painful. With the advent of computers, cell phones, television, and all sorts of devices that contribute constant engagement, an increased stress from occupational endeavors is occurring, and it is no wonder why bruxism is on the rise. A simple solution has yet to be discovered, but current treatment involves wearing a custom-made mouth guard with its thickness depending on the existing bite. This guard for the most part is worn at night; however, it may be necessary to wear it during the day as some people are daytime bruxers as well. No matter which category you fit into, if you find yourself with chipped and/or worn front teeth, more than likely you are
a buxer. The force you exert is at least 5x to 10x greater than your normal chewing (the average is 250 lbs per square inch). This can actually flake off enamel on the surface or below the gum line. In the most severe of cases patients can split teeth in two or create cracks through the teeth (hence the term ‘Cracked Tooth Syndrome’). “Ice chewers”, (predominantly iron-deficient patients are predisposed to becoming a candidate for root canals due to excess force on the teeth and may benefit from a guard to help break their habit). Considering the choice to wear a guard can aid in keeping your teeth in several ways: 1. Breaking bad oral habits 2. Stabilize and/or reposition teeth into a better fit. 3. Improved habits for better oral hygiene 4. Relaxed facial muscle position can improve facial aesthetics (less wrinkles) 5. Breaking the muscle pattern during clenching can relieve tension headaches. 6. Opening the collapsed bite can relieve pressure on the nerves in the ear and improve hearing. 7. Psychologically, wearing a tray may help formulate good dietary habits as an aid to control obesity.
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Ways To Reduce Emotional Woes May Last for
Your Health Care Costs Childhood Cancer Survivors
By Matt Mahoney
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he costs for health care in the United States are growing by leaps and bounds. Here are 5 practical steps you can take to lower your costs of medical care and coverage. Adjust Your Deductible The two main component of a health insurance plan are the premium and costs you pay for health care via your co-pay, coinsurance and deductible. The more you agree to pay for your health care, the less your monthly premium will be. Insurance companies know that when people have a financial stake in their own health care bills they tend to be more judicious in their use of medical services. Agreeing to pay a higher deductible, or rate of co-insurance, will result in lower monthly premiums. Sometimes these reductions can be quite significant and if saved will cover most if not all of the cost of the higher deductible. This approach is less effective for people who use a lot of health care services every year, racking up large bills. However, for people who are generally health and don’t use a lot of health care, they can realize dramatic savings using a high deductible health plan. Plans with high premiums are guaranteed to cost you a lot of money even if you don’t go to the doctor. Plans with high deductibles will only cost you a lot if you actually use medical services. Use Tax Advantages There are a few ways to reduce your health insurance costs using the income tax system. The first and most common way is to use a health savings account otherwise known as an HSA. An HSA is a special banking account you are allowed to put pretax money in to spend on health care costs. The money you put into your health savings account does not get taxed as regular income. Depending on the tax bracket you are in, this can be a significant discount on health care costs. Many health care plans do not cover things like maternity, dental services and eye care. However, these services can be paid for out of an HSA. To be eligible for an HSA, you must have a high deductible health insurance plan that meets the IRS requirements for health savings accounts. Generally you have to carry a high deductible and the plan has to have limits on total out of pocket cots. If you are facing large health care bills,
you may be able to deduct them from your income tax. You are allowed to deduct any medical expenses above 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. There are a wide
variety of services that can be included in this amount, even a mileage deduction for transportation to and from the hospital. Make sure to consult a tax advisor if you choose to go this route. Use Your Free Preventive Care All health insurance plans are now required to provide free preventive care, so make sure you use it. Routine checkups and some testing is free for adults. Well baby visits and immunizations are free for children. These are significant benefits so make sure you are taking full advantage of them. Shop Around One of the reasons health care has become so expensive is there is little price competition. Don’t be afraid to ask what a doctor charges, especially for planned or expected health care. Some hospitals can be very competitive on price for services like labor and delivery, while others can be quite expensive. Don’t assume health care costs the same everywhere, it certainly does not. Emergency rooms are especially to be avoided if you are looking to reduce your health care costs. They should only be used for true emergencies. For non life threatening medical issues like ear infections or even a cut requiring stitches, consider using an urgent care or local clinic. The costs of services at these locations can be a tenth of what an emergency room will charge. Stay Healthy This may sound like tired advice, but staying out of the hospital is the best way to reduce your costs. Try putting everyday activities in terms of what they may cost you in the long run. Sitting on the couch with a big bowl of ice cream is much more expensive than a nice walk outside. If living a long life isn’t enough motivation to be healthy now , consider that your unhealthy lifestyle will cost you a lot of money in health care costs.
(HealthDay News) -- Adult survivors of childhood cancer can suffer emotional problems and reduced quality of life because of the long-term physical effects of their cancer treatment, a new study finds. Researchers used data from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study to assess the effects of scarring, disfigurement and persistent hair loss experienced by more than 14,000 adult survivors of childhood cancer. The survivors were compared to siblings who did not have childhood cancer. Survivors with persistent hair loss had an increased risk of anxiety; female survivors with persistent hair loss had an increased risk of depressive symptoms; and survivors with a head or neck, arm or leg disfigurement had an increased risk of depression. The findings were published May 21 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. “The results show that cancer treatments can affect childhood cancer survivors’ physical appearances and their quality of life long after they turn 18,” study first author Karen Kinahan, an advanced practice nurse at Northwestern University, said in a university news release. “I have patients who are asymmetrical because of radiation treatments, others with scars on their faces and necks from
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Learn more about your health insurance deductible, part of my comprehensive guide on health care plans. Private health insurance can be very expensive. Make sure you read as much as possible in order to minimize your costs now, because when you do need medical care you may not have the time Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
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biopsies and surgeries and some who’ve had the amputation of a limb,” she noted. “The results of this study help illustrate the complex chain of events childhood cancer can have on quality of life as an adult,” senior author Kevin Krull, an associate member in the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital departments of epidemiology and cancer control and psychology, said in the news release. “We have long been aware that radiation therapy is associated with increased risk for emotional distress and social problems, though we did not fully understand the process this involves. The current study begins to map this process,” Krull noted. Kinahan added that efforts to improve coping skills and emotional adjustment should be implemented for patients at highest risk. “A natural next step would be to make efforts to minimize alterations to the physical appearance of pediatric cancer patients during diagnosis and treatment,” she said. More information The U.S. National Institute has more about the long-term effects of treatment for childhood cancer. Taken from: www.everydayhealth.com Last Reviewed 05/29/2012 | Last Updated 05/29/2012
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How To Feel and Look Younger
What You Need to Know About ... The Americans With Disabilities Act and How It Can Impact You By www.SixWise.com
G By Roseanna Leaton
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any of us look in t he m i r ror a nd expect to see ourselves looking as we looked twenty some years ago. We still feel young and expect to look the same way to. Most people will agree that as you age you almost always find it hard to believe that you really are the age that you are! Looking young has almost become a worldwide obsession. Billions of dollars are spent upon research into ways that can help you to look younger, let alone the cash spent on products themselves. Methods range from dietary to cosmetic, including invasive surgery and superficial creams or potions. A lso important, although frequently overlooked, is the impact of your own mind and your emotional world. Your genetic heritage inevitably impacts upon how well you age or how young you look. Your lifestyle habits in terms of diet, alcohol intake, whether or not your smoke, what exercise you partake in, how much sun you expose yourself to, how you balance work and recreation time all have an impact upon how you look. But something that seems to be a lot less tangible, although it does have a tangible effect upon your looks, is how happy, relaxed and positive you are in your outlook. How much fun you have and how young you feel will be reflected in how you look. Your outer physical body mirrors your inner thoughts and emotional experiences. When you feel younger you will also look younger. Spending time with children keeps you feeling younger. Youthful exuberance is contagious! It doesn’t matter what age the children are; babies or teenagers alike have a very youthful effect
upon those whom they come into contact with. Think about this for a moment. What do you do when you spend time with a baby? You smile, stick out your tongue, make faces, and play any number of little games, all with the intent of making baby smile or laugh or repeat words. You act like a child yourself as you play with baby. As baby becomes toddler and then teenager you find yourself adapting and developing those games and play time. You think of it as the baby’s play time, but in actual fact it is your play time as well. The child in you resurfaces. You get back in touch with your inner child as you spend time with children. You are reminded of your own youth. You become more positive, more open, more relaxed and able to have fun. You see the world with child like eyes as you seek to connect and identify with children. If you do not have children, or don’t spend time with children, you can still choose to mentally place yourself in a position of child like wonder. You can intentionally adopt a child like attitude, and imagine that you are seeing things for the first time. This is a really fun thing to do and it’s amazing how much more you see as your focus changes and your mind becomes more open. Feeling young is achieved through your focus and attitude. The knock on benefit is that you look younger too. Roseanna Leaton, specialist in hypnosis mp3 downloads to help you to feel youthful. About the Author With a degree in psychology and qualifications in hypnotherapy and NLP, Roseanna Leaton is one of the leading practitioners of self-improvement. Grab a free hypnosis mp3 from http://www. RoseannaLeaton.com and find out how you can feel younger.
arrett Bonham, who formerly worked as a knight at the Medieva l Times dinner theater in Schaumburg, IL, is suing the company, alleging they fired him for filing worker’s compensation claims. The job required that Bonham fight duels and jousts (with real swords and lances) and take choreographed falls from horses. Now, Bonham says, “Just about every joint in my body hurts,” as he was injured multiple times during the course of his 10-year position as a knight. Part of his $75,000-lawsuit contends that the employer violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) because they did not offer Bonham a different job--one he could perform despite his injuries. Many Americans are unaware of their rights under this Act, or are unaware of the act altogether. The Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted in 1990 to protect people with all types of disabilities from discrimination. It was the world’s first comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilities. The Act guarantees equal opportunity for this group of individuals in the areas of public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government ser vices a nd telecommunications. For those of you who are disabled or know and love someone who is, knowing the essentials of this Act will ensure you get the protection and accommodations to which you’re entitled. Who Is Eligible? A DA pr ot e c t ion a ppl ie s , primarily, to disabled individuals. A person is “disabled” under the Act if he or she meets one or more of the following requirements: • The person has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of his/her major life activities. • The person has a record of such an impairment. • The person is regarded as having such an impairment. Under certain circumstances, people (parents, for instance) who have an association with a person with a disability, or those who are coerced or subjected to retaliation for helping a person with disabilities assert their rights under the ADA, may also be protected.
Five Titles The Act is divided into five titles: 1. Employment (Title I): B u s i ne s s e s mu s t pr ov id e “reasonable accommodations” to people with disabilities in all aspects of employment, including the application process, hiring, training, wages, benefits, advancement etc. Possible changes may include altering the layout of workstations, restructuring jobs, etc. Employment-related medical exams are highly regulated under the Act. 2. Public Services (Title II): Public services including state and local government services, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, and public transportation systems cannot deny service to people with disabilities and must be accessible to them. 3. Public Accommodations (Title III): Ne w constr uct ion mu st be accessible to people with d isabi lit ie s, a nd ex ist ing structures that have barriers to this group must have them removed if “readily achievable.” Public accommodations include restaurants, hotels, grocery and retail stores, privately owned transportation systems, etc. 4 . Te le c om mu n ic a t i on s (Title IV): Companies offering telephone service to the general public must have telephone relay service for those who use telecommunications devices for the deaf (TTYs) or other similar devices. 5. Miscellaneous (Title V): C oerci ng , t h re aten i ng or retaliating against the disabled or those who attempt to help them assert their rights under the ADA is prohibited. Important ADA Facts to Know Knowing the facts will ensure you’re well equipped to protect your rights or the rights of someone close to you. •Employers are only required to accommodate a “known” disability of a qualified applicant or employee. If the employer is unaware of the disability, and the individual does not request accommodation, the employer is not obligated to provide one.
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How to Get Help Under the ADA
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•Most accommodations under the ADA are triggered by a request from the person with the disability. If the person is unable to suggest an appropriate accommodation, the employer should work with the person to identify one. •Employers are required to make accommodations only if they do not impose “undue hardship.” Undue hardship is defined as “action requiring significant difficulty or expense,” which could include factors such as the cost of the accommodation in relation to the size, resources, etc. of the employer’s business. In the event of an “undue hardship,” the employer must try to identify another accommodation option and give the employee the option of paying for a portion of the accommodation resulting in undue hardship. •An employer may not ask or require a job applicant to take a medical examination before making a job offer. •An employer may not make any pre-employment inquiry about a disability or the nature or severity of a disability. They may, however, ask an individual about their ability to perform specific job functions •An eligible small business may take a tax credit of up to $5,000 per year for accommodations made to comply with the ADA. •A full tax deduction, up to $15,000 per year, is available to any business for expenses of removing qualified architectural or transportation barriers to comply with the ADA. •In the case of leased places of public accommodation, such as doctor’s offices or day cares, both the landlord and the tenant are legally responsible for making necessary changes to comply with the ADA. •Individuals who use illegal drugs are not covered by the ADA. •Alcoholics are covered by the ADA, if he or she is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job. However, an employer can discipline, discharge or deny employment to an alcoholic whose use of alcohol adversely affects job performance or conduct. Reprinted with Permission from the free Security/Wellness e-Newsletter at SixWise.com If you’d like more information about the Americans with Disabilities Act--such as general ADA information, answers to specific technical questions, free ADA materials or information about filing a complaint--the U.S. Department of Justice has a toll-free ADA Information Line at: •1-800-514-0301 (voice) or •1-800-514-0383(TTY)
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