In God We Trust!

By Cheree Zamarra
Spartanburg SC
August 10, 2009

Editor’s Note: This was sent to us by one of our readers, I would like to share it with you. I hope you like, it gives us a lot to think about.

We would like to know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

A little Biblical Humor to Start the Day…..

 

Q. What kind of man was Boaz before he married Ruth ?
A. Ruthless

 

Q. What do they call pastors in Germany ?
A. German Shepherds.

 

 

Q. Who w as the greatest financier in the Bible?
A. Noah He was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation.

 

 

Q. Who was the greatest female financier in the Bible?
A. Pharaoh’s daughter.. She went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a Little prophet.

 

 

 

Q. What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible?
A. Jehovah drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden in a Fury. David ‘s Triumph was heard throughout the land. Also, probably a Honda, because the apostles were all in one Accord.

 

Q. Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible?
A. Samson . He brought the house down.

Q. What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longer lived in in Eden ?
A. Your mother ate us out of house and home.

 

Q. Which servant of God was the most flagrant lawbreaker in the Bible?
A. Moses. He broke all 10 commandments at once.

 

 

 

Q. Which area of Palestine was especially wealthy?
A. The area around Jordan . The banks were always overflowing.

 

 

Q. Who is the greatest babysitter mentioned in the Bible?
A. David He rocked Goliath to a very deep sleep.

 

Q. Which Bible character had no parents?
A. Joshua , son of Nun.

 

Q. Why didn’t they play cards on the Ark ?
A. Because Noah was standing on the deck. (.)

PS… Did you know it’s a sin for a woman to make coffee?
Yup, it’s in the Bible. It says . . ‘He-brews’

KEEP SMILING!!!! GOD LOVES YOU BUNCHES AND BUNCHES !!!!
Friends are God’s way of taking care of us.

Hero of the Week – Steven Carter

By Dan Samaria
Publisher/GCC
August 10, 2009

Editor’s Note: Each Week we will be Honoring people or groups that are making a difference in helping others especially during this tough times in America.

When we as Americans are put through a test, we come out in flying colors on the other side.

We would like to know what you think? And if you know someone or group that we can Honor. You can contact us at dan@youngchronicle.com

This week we will be honoring: Steven Carter. Here is his story:

“Lots of people ask me why I make the drive from Missouri to Tennessee every other week to donate platelets. It’s simple. Knowing that I’m helping a child is the greatest pleasure I can get.”

Many years ago, a boy from my hometown in Missouri went to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for treatment. As a result of his experiences, I learned about the great research and clinical care that occurs at the hospital. After he passed away, I wanted to find a way to give back to St. Jude. I began donating money and, since I had just moved to Memphis, I also began donating platelets at the hospital’s Blood Donor Center.

Even though I later relocated to Mississippi and then to Missouri, I knew I needed to continue helping the children. So, for the past seven years, I have returned to Memphis every two weeks to donate platelets.

Lots of people ask me why I make that drive from Missouri to Tennessee so often. It’s simple. Knowing that I’m helping a child is the greatest pleasure I can get.

Ever since I began donating, I’ve been encouraging my friends and relatives to tour St. Jude and donate platelets. Some have taken me up on the offer; some haven’t, but I spread the word as much as I can.

The donation process is actually enjoyable. I walk in with a big, old smile, and everybody in the Blood Donor Center greets me. Then I go through the interview process. They check my iron and take my temperature. Then I climb into an easy chair, put on my headphones and watch TV while I donate.

It’s not hard. You could sit at home for an hour or so watching a movie on TV. Why not spend that time at St. Jude donating platelets—knowing that you’re helping a child in need?

The drive home is always great. I go home with a smile, knowing that I’ve helped somebody. I never have a bad day when I come to St. Jude.

Since I’ve spent so many hours in the St. Jude Blood Donor Center, I’ve had the chance to meet a few of the children who come in there to receive platelets. Those kids are far stronger than I am. They always have a smile on their faces.

No matter where I am in the country, I’ll continue to come back every other week. My message to you is this: Please help! The children of St. Jude need as much help as they can get.

Every day St. Jude performs about 15 to 25 platelet transfusions for children undergoing treatment at the hospital. If the St. Jude Blood Donor Center does not have enough donated platelets, it must purchase them at a cost of $500 to $700 per unit.

By donating platelets at St. Jude, you can help a child while helping the hospital save money. If you plan to be in the Memphis area, why not consider making an appointment to donate? Simply call (901) 595-2024 or dial toll-free 1-866-2STJUDE (278-5833), ext. 2024

Source: St. Jude Hospital

 

Soldier of the Week – SFC William Tomlin III

By Dan Samaria
Publisher/YC
August 8, 2009

Editor’s Note:
Hometown: Barkhamsted, CT
Awarded: Silver Star

After two full days of fierce fighting in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan, approximately 300 enemy fighters began closing in on SFC William Tomlin III and his scout platoon of 45 soldiers. They were part of the U.S. Army’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team.

It was April 9, 2007, about 9:30 a.m., with the temperature already near a scorching 120 degrees. Tomlin, as the scout platoon leader, was maneuvering his platoon near Chakak, Afghanistan to extend the battalion’s security zone when he heard the sharp crack of incoming hostile fire from enemy fighters. Immediately, he sprang into action and instinctively ordered a small team of snipers to scout for the incoming enemy, but soon enemy gun fire and rocket propelled grenades rained down on the team halting their efforts.

Tomlin immediately rose to the occasion to lead a dismounted counter-attack against the enemy forces which had closed to within 15 meters of the platoon’s location.

“I grabbed three or four guys with me, and we moved into a position where we could suppress the bad guys,” said Tomlin.

During a non-stop six hour battle, Tomlin had one goal in mind – keep his fellow soldiers safe while not being overrun by enemy forces that had his platoon outnumbered six to one. He surged ahead of friendly forces to single-handedly employ multiple weapon systems including fragmentary hand grenades, AT-4s and his M4. Simultaneously, he directed the fires of platoon-organic heavy weapon systems.

By the third assault, Tomlin was suffering from severe dehydration and was near exhaustion, according to his award citation. But, he was able to work hand-in-hand with his Joint Tactical Air Controller, directing the devastating effects of close air support to within 100 meters of his platoon. Additionally, he organized reinforcements from four separate units into a cohesive element that ably completed the enemy’s destruction. These efforts helped lead his scout platoon to victory without a single American loss.

Tomlin’s leadership, personal courage, and selfless dedication in the presence of a determined, numerically superior enemy force were the difference between victory and defeat on this day. For his valorous actions, he was awarded the Silver Star.

Editor’s Note: From Excerpts from an article by Jim Moore in America’s North Shore Journal, Dec. 1, 2008.

• Hometown: Barkhamsted, CT
• Awarded: Silver Star

We would like to know what you think? dan@goldcoastchronicle.com

Source: Our Military

Patients of the Week – Javon and Jakayla Bass

By St. Jude/PIO
August 5, 2009

Javon and Jakayla Bass
8 and 3 years old

Diagnosis:

Javon was discovered to have acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in 2003 and his sister Jakayla was found to suffer from ALL in 2008.

Javon and Jakayla’s Story:
When Javon was 2 years old, he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common form of childhood cancer. He underwent three years of chemotherapy at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Near the end of his treatment, doctors discovered Javon had suffered a relapse and would need more chemotherapy, as well as radiation. Javon began his new course of treatment at St. Jude, and was nearly always accompanied by his mom, Lisa, and baby sister, Jakayla.

In fall 2008, about a month before Javon finished treatment for a second time, Jakayla became sick. She had the symptoms of a cold, and then she stopped eating. Lisa took her to their local doctor, who did blood work. The results of those tests were troubling, and the doctor quickly referred the family to St. Jude.

At St. Jude:
Faced with the possibility that not one, but two, of her children were suffering from cancer, Lisa was devastated. “I thought I was in a dream, and I’d wake up,” she said. But she trusted the medical experts at St. Jude.

St. Jude doctors quickly determined that, like her brother, Jakayla suffered from acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She began an intense chemotherapy protocol.

Lisa says that it was hard for Javon to learn that his little sister had cancer too, but the Child Life specialists at St. Jude explained to him that he could help her get through it, and that made him feel better.

The two children couldn’t be closer. They like to sing together and play Gameboy™.

“Jakayla loves Javon,” Lisa said. “She wants him always by her side.”

And although Jakayla still has two more years of treatment to go, Lisa is happy to report that her little girl is in remission.

Editor’s Note: To help give hope to children like Javon and Jakayla who are fighting life-threatening illnesses, please become a Partner In Hope.

We would like to know what you Think? dan@goldcoastchronicle.com

Source: St Jude Hospital

Wish of the Week – Grace

By MWF/PIO
August 8, 2009

During her wish to be in her own original fairytale, 6-year-old Grace learned that even the most imaginative wish can come true. But her mother, Jeanette, learned something even more important: that a Make-A-Wish^® experience can restore a family’s hope and joy.

“A wish is a powerful thing,” Jeanette said. “I completely underestimated it.”

Grace’s Imagination Powers a Fairytale Wish

Grace is diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis, an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack blood vessels throughout the body. Each week, she must visit the doctor to combat the condition’s effects.

Still, Grace has a lively spirit with an imagination to match. Wish granters knew they’d have to be creative to make her fondest wish come to life. They weaved together elements from the most famous and beloved fairytales, crafting a day that would create thrilling memories for Grace. They also got her input on fantastic creatures she’d like to see in her personal fairytale.

Her wish began with a limousine ride to the Seattle Children’s Theater, where she met her fairy godmother. Grace received her own set of fairy wings as she took a prime seat to watch a customized stage production based on the children’s book Goodnight Moon. The cast even invited Grace up on stage; they incorporated a “red space giraffe,” one of the fantasy creatures she wished for, into the production and then presented it to her.

Seattle Becomes a City of Fantasy

And the experience just kept getting better: The cast invited Grace to an Alice in Wonderland-inspired tea party after the show. But she couldn’t stay long – she had to zip over the Pacific Science Center. A chauffeur dressed as a pirate took the wheel of a Candyland-themed golf cart to deliver her to the center.

There, Grace got to see amazing creatures – though they were all real creatures, they equaled everything she could create with her imagination. She learned about blue whales and enjoyed a private show in the planetarium.

Still, her fairytale day wasn’t over. At Seattle’s iconic Space Needle, Make-A-Wish^® volunteers and supporters were waiting for her arrival. They were dressed in animal hats, masks and costumes. Talented performers from the cast of Seattle’s Teatro Zinzanni also joined the fun, parading around like Grace’s own personal menagerie of circus animals.

The party continued upstairs in a private room where Grace, her family and friends enjoyed “space” strawberries and cake. A juggler, a face painter and even the Easter Bunny provided entertainment for the night.

Grace’s Joy Eclipses Her Illness

Grace’s fairytale day came to a close at a Maggiano’s Little Italy restaurant in Bellevue. The entire staff wore fairytale-themed hats for their guest of honor.

Jeanette was moved to tears several times as she saw how enthralled Grace was during her wish. It transported them all away from the world of those difficult weekly medical treatments.

“Those moments were a million miles away and sharply juxtaposed to the thrill of the entire day,” Jeanette said.

Source: Make A Wish Foundation

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think? dan@goldcoastchronicle.com

Officer of the Week – Sergeant John Gerard Coughlin

Remember September 11, 2001
Angels Among Us
Sergeant John Gerard Coughlin
Shield 375
ESS-4
August 4, 2009

Editor’s Note: We at the Chronicle, will never forget those police officers, who have given their lives in 9/11. Each week we will honor one with their stories.

This week we feature:

Sergeant John Gerard Coughlin
Shield 3751
ESS-4

John G. Coughlin was a giving man, and that kept him very busy.

Sergeant Coughlin, 43, was with the emergency services unit of the New York Police Department. In his spare time, he was a volunteer firefighter in Pomona, N.Y., where he lived with his family. “He was always on the go,” said his wife, Patricia Coughlin.

He was good at spoiling his three daughters, Erin, 16, Tara, 13, and Kayla, 6. He took them parasailing, white-water rafting and to amusement parks. He took them to baseball games, but there was a slight complication. He was a Mets fan and all three girls are Yankees fans — Mrs. Coughlin is neutral — and so they went to both stadiums. When the Yankees played the Mets in the World Series, well, that got a little tense.

A former Marine, Sergeant Coughlin was active in the Rockland County detachment of the Marine Corps League, helping older veterans and doing honor guard duty at funerals. “He loved that,” his wife said. “Once a Marine, always a Marine.” One of his favorite times was the middle of December, when he would take a week’s vacation to work on the Marine Toys for Tots Program. “He was a firm believer that every kid should have a toy for Christmas,” Mrs. Coughlin said.

– The New York Times 12/15/2001

Source: NYP Angels

Firefighter of the Week – Lt. Stephen Gary Harrell

By Alysha Sideman
Advance Staff Writer
August 8, 2009

He loved his family, his job and making music, and was loved for his sense of humor, quick wit and kind heart.

His family came first, but Stephen Harrell had two other loves — firefighting and music.

When he attended the funeral of another firefighter, he was so moved he wrote a song about it. The lyrics were about the people and children the fireman left behind.

Ironically, it is now a song about his own family.

As the lieutenant on duty Sept. 11 at Ladder Co. 10, located across from the World Trade Center, Mr. Harrell and his fellow firefighters were some of the first to respond to Tower 1 after it was attacked.

He is now listed among the missing. Reports placed him in the center staircase of Tower 1, somewhere between the 30th and 40th floors.

Compounding the hardship for his family, his older brother, Harvey, 49, a lieutenant with Rescue Co. 5, Concord, is also missing.

Mr. Harrell’s dream was to have one of his songs recorded professionally said his wife, Meghan. Fortunately, he made amateur recordings of many of his songs and some of his friends are now trying to make that dream come true.

“Having a part of him — even if it is just his voice — really helps. It will help to carry on his memory for our daughter. It gives me something tangible to hold on to,” Mrs. Harrell said.

Writing songs was cathartic for Mr. Harrell and now listening to them will be for his wife and his daughter.

“He saw a lot of people pass away in his lifetime. This is how he dealt with it,” Mrs. Harrell added. And his musical talents weren’t just confined to singing and songwriting.

As a young man, he took music classes at the College of Staten Island, and later he filled his home and surrounded his wife with all kinds of music — and three pianos.

“He was a wonderful musician. There wasn’t an instrument he couldn’t pick up and play by ear. He played the saxophone, trombone, clarinet, trumpet, baritone horn and piano,” she said.

On their wedding day, he sang Eric Clapton’s classic “Wonderful Tonight” to his wife in front of all the guests.

Born in Plant City, Fla., he was brought to Midland Beach before his first birthday, and moved to Westerleigh in 1993 as a newlywed. After seven years there, the couple settled in Warwick, N.Y.

A 15-year veteran of the Fire Department, Mr. Harrell, 44, was the officer on duty with “probies” on Sept. 11. His career choice may have been prompted by his older brother, Harvey, but firefighting was also in his blood.

“They were six in the family, including Stephen, and all very close. He was best friends with Harvey and Dave,” said Mrs. Harrell. “But he was always helping people. It was part of his personality. He was also fearless. He was a natural (firefighter).”

Before he was promoted to lieutenant in 1998, he had worked as a firefighter in Brooklyn at Ladder Co. 122, Engine Co. 255 and Ladder Co. 157.

“Stephen was not only my brother, he was one of my lifelong best friends, along with my other brother, Lt. Harvey Harrell Jr. — who I call Buddy — who also perished in the World Trade Center that day,” said David Harrell. “We were all close in age and closer in life. We grew up together, we became men together and we stayed together. I don’t know if we were more like the Three Musketeers or the Three Stooges, but we were three together, forever.”

Before Stephen Harrell’s daughter, Holly Rae, was born, he was a member of many rock ‘n’ roll bands — singing and playing the saxophone. After she came along, he wrote songs about her and sang to her. He continued to perform for special occasions, including every family wedding and at Fire Department benefits. Mr. Harrell played the baritone horn for the New York City Skyliners Drum and Bugle Corps. He once performed a solo of “Tonight” from “West Side Story” in Roosevelt Field, L.I.

“Stephen was my inspiration in music,” said his sister, Cynthia Casserly. “I plan to play one of his favorite songs, ‘Amazing Grace,’ on my bagpipes at his memorial.”

Mr. Harrell was an avid skier and took part in the Firemen’s Ski Races at Hunter Mountain for many years. He also skied at resorts in Canada, and enjoyed golf and basketball.

“In his young days, he spent many a night playing basketball and football anywhere he and his friends could find an empty lot. It was not about competition or winning. It was about friendship, fun and laughs,” added his brother, David.

Mr. Harrell had a very close relationship with Holly Rae, now 7, and coached her soccer team.

“She embodies everything that is good about Stephen, and that is a whole lot. He was an original. He had an abundance of friends who loved his sense of humor, quick wit and kind heart. A wonderful father and husband, he will always be in our hearts,” said Mrs. Harrell.

In addition to his wife, the former Meghan Truppa; his daughter, Holly Rae; his brother, David, and his sister, Cynthia, surviving are his parents, Miriam and Harvey Lee Harrell Sr.; another brother, William, and another sister, Barbara Lee Harrell.

Source: Staten Island Advance and FDNY Ten House

Seen Through the Eyes of the Pilgrims

 

By Matthew Spana
Kid Reporter
Scholastic News
August 8, 2009

On board the Mayflower II to Plimouth Plantation in Massachusetts. 

 Imagine traveling for nine weeks, under the deck of a ship, crowded together with 100 other passengers and a variety of animals. You are sometimes wet, cold or sick, as you and your fellow travelers are searching for a new beginning in a new land.  This is how the first settlers of Plymouth, Massachusetts, came to America.

As I walked on board the Mayflower II, a copy of the original ship, I could see how these Pilgrims lived as they traveled across the Atlantic Ocean. The replica ship was given to the U.S. by England over 50 years ago.  Like the original it is neither big nor comfortable. 

According to legend, when the Pilgrims first arrived, they saw Plymouth Rock and rejoiced at the new land. That rock is still in Plymouth. It, too, is really small. Plymouth Rock is where many believe William Bradford and the Mayflower Pilgrims who founded Plymouth Colony in 1620 first landed in America. It is the most visited rock in New England!

I also toured the Plimouth Plantation, which is a recreation of a 1627 English village. I learned how the Native Wampanoag people lived, as well as the new colonists from England.  It was interesting to learn how they built their different shelters and gathered their food. I walked around the Wampanoag village smelling food cooking over open fires. The food samples we got to taste were pretty good too! By the way, Wampanaogs have lived in the area for more than 12,000 years.

 

Editor’s Note: PHOTOS: Matthew on board the Mayflower II. Photos Courtesy Matthew Spana

We would like to know what you think? And here any stories of what you did for your summer. dan@youngchronicle.com

 

Source: Scholastic News

Safety Tips for Nursey

 

By Parents
August 8, 2009

Learn how to keep your baby safe and sound in the nursery.

 

Safety Basics

 

You and your baby will be spending a lot of time in the nursery, so take steps now to make sure it’s a secure environment for your little one. Here are some safety tips:

 

1. Keep drapery and blind cords out of baby’s reach from the crib and changing table.

2. Place a working smoke detector in or near your child’s bedroom.

3. Make sure that window guards are securely in place to prevent a child from falling out the window.

4. Never place a crib, playpen, or other children’s furniture near a windo

5. Put plug protectors in unused electrical outlets.

6. Make sure your child’s toy box doesn’t have a heavy, hinged lid that could trap your child.

7. Use a cool-air humidifier instead of a vaporizer–to avoid burns. Clean it frequently, and empty it when not in use to prevent bacteria and mold growth.

 

The Changing Table

 

1. Use a safety belt on the changing table.

2. Keep baby powder and other supplies out of baby’s reach when changing.

3. Never leave a child unattended on a changing table.

4. Put carpet or a nonskid rug beneath the crib and changing table.

 

 

The Crib

 

1. Remove bumper pads, toys, pillows, and stuffed animals from the crib by the time baby can pull up to stand.

2. Remove all crib gyms, hanging toys, and decorations from the crib by the time baby can get up on his hands and knees.

3. Make sure the crib has no elevated corner posts or decorative cutouts in the end panels.

4. Fit the crib mattress snugly, without any gaps, so baby can’t slip in between the crack and the crib side.

5. Make sure slots on crib are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart.

6. Make sure that all screws, bolts, and hardware — including mattress supports — are in tight to prevent the crib from collapsing.

7. Make sure there are no plastic bags or other plastic material in or around the crib.

8.  Check the crib for small parts and pieces that baby could choke on.

9. Make sure the night-light is not near or touching drapes or a bedspread where it could start a fire.

 

       To reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), put baby to sleep on her back in a crib with a firm, flat mattress — no soft bedding underneath her.

 

Editor’s Note: All content here, including advice from doctors and other health professionals, should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.

We would like to know what you think? dan@goldcoastchronicle.com

Source: Parents

Understanding Cerebral Palsy

 

by: Steven J. Bachrach, MD
August 7, 2009

 

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder that affects muscle tone, movement, and motor skills (the ability to move in a coordinated and purposeful way). Cerebral palsy can also lead to other health issues, including vision, hearing, and speech problems, and learning disabilities.

CP is usually caused by brain damage that occurs before or during a child’s birth, or during the first 3 to 5 years of a child’s life. There is no cure for CP, but treatment, therapy, special equipment, and, in some cases, surgery can help a child who is living with the condition.

 

About Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is one of the most common congenital (existing before birth or at birth) disorders of childhood. About 500,000 children and adults of all ages in the United States have the condition.

 

The three types of CP are:

1. spastic cerebral palsy — causes stiffness and movement difficulties
2. athetoid cerebral palsy — leads to involuntary and uncontrolled movements
3. ataxic cerebral palsy — causes a disturbed sense of balance and depth perception.

Cerebral palsy affects muscle control and coordination, so even simple movements — like standing still — are difficult. Other vital functions that also involve motor skills and muscles — such as breathing, bladder and bowel control, eating, and learning — may also be affected when a child has CP. Cerebral palsy does not get worse over time.

 

Causes of Cerebral Palsy

The exact causes of most cases of CP are unknown, but many are the result of problems during pregnancy in which the brain is either damaged or doesn’t develop normally. This can be due to infections, maternal health problems, or something else that interferes with normal brain development. Problems during labor and delivery can cause CP in some cases.

Premature babies — particularly those who weigh less than 3.3 pounds (1,510 grams) — have a higher risk of CP than babies that are carried full-term, as are other low birth weight babies and multiple births, such as twins and triplets.

Brain damage in infancy or early childhood can also lead to CP. A baby or toddler might suffer this damage because of lead poisoning, bacterial meningitis, malnutrition, being shaken as an infant (shaken baby syndrome), or being in a car accident while not properly restrained.

 

Diagnosing Cerebral Palsy

CP may be diagnosed very early in an infant known to be at risk for developing the condition because of premature birth or other health problems. Doctors, such as pediatricians and developmental and neurological specialists, usually follow these kids closely from birth so that they can identify and address any developmental delays or problems with muscle function that might indicate CP.

In a baby carried to term with no other obvious risk factors for CP, it may be difficult to diagnose the disorder in the first year of life. Often doctors aren’t able to diagnose CP until they see a delay in normal developmental milestones (such as reaching for toys by 4 months or sitting up by 7 months), which can be a sign of CP.

Abnormal muscle tone, poorly coordinated movements, and the persistence of infant reflexes beyond the age at which they are expected to disappear also can be signs. If these developmental milestones are only mildly delayed, the diagnosis of CP may not be made until the child is a toddler.

 

Preventing Cerebral Palsy

In many cases the causes of CP are unknown, so there’s no way to prevent it. But if you’re having a baby, you can take steps to ensure a healthy pregnancy and carry the baby to term, thus lowering the risk that your baby will have CP.

Before becoming pregnant, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet and make sure that any medical problems are managed properly. As soon as you know you’re pregnant, proper prenatal medical care is vital. If you are taking any medications, review these with your doctor and clarify if there are any side effects that can cause birth defects.

Controlling diabetes, anemia, hypertension, seizures, and nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy can help prevent some premature births and, as a result, some cases of cerebral palsy.

Once your baby is born you can lower the risk of brain damage, which could lead to CP. Never shake an infant, as this can lead to shaken baby syndrome and brain damage. If you’re riding in a car, make sure your baby is properly strapped into an infant car seat that’s correctly installed — if an accident occurs, the baby will be as protected as possible.

Be aware of lead exposure in your house, as lead poisoning can lead to brain damage. Remember to have your child get his or her immunizations on time — these shots protect against serious infections, some of which can cause brain damage resulting in CP

 

How Cerebral Palsy Affects Development

Kids with CP have varying degrees of physical disability. Some have only mild impairment, while others are severely affected.

Associated medical problems may include visual impairment or blindness, hearing loss, food aspiration (the sucking of food or fluid into the lungs), gastroesophageal reflux (spitting up), speech problems, drooling, tooth decay, sleep disorders, osteoporosis (weak, brittle bones), and behavior problems.

Seizures, speech and communication problems, and mental retardation are also common among kids with the severe form of CP. Many have problems that may require ongoing therapy and devices such as braces or wheelchairs.

 

Treatment of Cerebral Palsy

Currently there’s no cure for cerebral palsy, but a variety of resources and therapies can provide help and improve the quality of life for kids with CP.

Different kinds of therapy can help them achieve maximum potential in growth and development. As soon as CP is diagnosed, a child can begin therapy for movement, learning, speech, hearing, and social and emotional development.

In addition, medication, surgery, or braces can help improve muscle function. Surgery can help repair dislocated hips and scoliosis (curvature of the spine), which are common problems associated with CP. Severe muscle spasticity can sometimes be helped with medication taken by mouth or administered via a pump (the baclofen pump) implanted under the skin.

A team of professionals will work with you to meet your child’s medical needs. That team may include therapists, psychologists, educators, nurses, and social workers.

Many resources are available to help and support you in caring for your child. Talk to your doctor about finding those in your area.

 

Source: Kids Health

Editor’s Note: We would like yo know what you think? dan@youngchronicle.com

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