Tag disability

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AWARENESS MONTH

Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month during March encourages support for the nearly 400,000 people diagnosed in the United States with this unpredictable disorder.

While not contagious, it can be devastating if untreated and challenging to diagnose. Symptoms often develop over time. Many times, physicians rule out other conditions before making a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis.

It is a disease of the central nervous system, affecting the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Each day, those living with multiple sclerosis do everything they can to push forward. Despite all the challenges they face, they persevere and often, with treatment, you and I wouldn’t know the struggles they overcome.

Common signs of the disease include trouble walking, difficulty maintaining balance, fatigue, numbness or tingling, and vision problems. These symptoms can vary widely depending on which nerves are affected and the level of damage to the nerves.

“Multiple sclerosis may be a part of who you are, but it doesn’t define you as a person. You are who you are, and MS can’t take that away from you.” -Clarissa, diagnosed in 2006

MS destroys the myelin surrounding the nerves and over time results in reduced communication between the nerves and the brain.  Symptoms include visual issues, difficulty with balance and coordination which ultimately limits mobility and overwhelming fatigue.

HISTORY

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America sponsors Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month along with many other programs.

“Even when we’re in periods of remission, we are struggling psychologically on a daily basis.” -Meagan Freeman, family nurse practitioner

HOW TO OBSERVE

Learn more about multiple sclerosis and its symptoms. Visit www.mymsaa.org to find out how to provide support to a loved one or a friend who has MS.   Use #MultipleSclerosisAwarenessMonth to share on social media. Reach out to someone you know who has multiple sclerosis. Talk openly with them about it to learn more. While it may be a tad uncomfortable at first, they will be glad you wanted to learn more.

Messy Bun Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Mom MS Warrior Mother T-Shirt#MultipleSclerosisAwarenessMonth
Messy Bun Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Mom MS Warrior Mother T-Shirt
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month In March We Wear Orange T-Shirt#MultipleSclerosisAwarenessMonth
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month In March We Wear Orange T-Shirt
Ms Warrior Heart Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month T-Shirt #MultipleSclerosisAwarenessMonth
Ms Warrior Heart Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month T-Shirt
Microwave Safe Therapy Mittens with Flax Seeds - Moist Heat Therapy Relief for Hands and Fingers for Stiff Joints, Trigger Fingers, Inflammation, Raynauds, Carpal Tunnel, Natural Aromatherapy Gloves #MultipleSclerosisAwarenessMonth
Microwave Safe Therapy Mittens with Flax Seeds – Moist Heat Therapy Relief for Hands and Fingers for Stiff Joints, Trigger Fingers, Inflammation, Raynauds, Carpal Tunnel, Natural Aromatherapy Gloves

WORLD STROKE DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 7 Comments

World Stroke Day, on October 29th, seeks to emphasize the serious nature and high rates of stroke. The day is also observed to raise awareness of the prevention and treatment of strokes.

According to previous statistics, one in six people were expected to have a stroke during their lifetime. Fifteen million people around the world have strokes each year. It’s also the leading cause of disability. A stroke may cause paralysis, sensory disturbances, aphasia, and emotional disturbances.

Over 6 million people die as a result of a stroke. Throughout the world, stroke is the second leading cause of death. Additionally, current statistics suggest that the number of people expected to have a stroke has increased. Now, one in four people is likely to have a stroke.

Stroke Warrior - Stroke Survivor Red Awareness Ribbon Long Sleeve T-Shirt#WorldStrokeDay
Stroke Warrior – Stroke Survivor Red Awareness Ribbon Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Get Well Soon Gifts for Women or Men - Inspirational Blanket, Feel Better After Surgery Gifts for Sick Women, Thinking of You Gifts for Friend Sister Coworker, Surgery Recovery Gifts for Her Him#WorldStrokeDay
Get Well Soon Gifts for Women or Men – Inspirational Blanket, Feel Better After Surgery Gifts for Sick Women, Thinking of You Gifts for Friend Sister Coworker, Surgery Recovery Gifts for Her Him
Stroke Recovery Activity Book - Strokes and Other Traumatic Brain Injury workbook: With Stroke Recovery Games and Puzzles for Stroke Patients. The ... book. Great as gifts for stroke recovery. #WorldStrokeDay
Stroke Recovery Activity Book – Strokes and Other Traumatic Brain Injury workbook: With Stroke Recovery Games and Puzzles for Stroke Patients. The … book. Great as gifts for stroke recovery.
What You Must Know About Strokes: How to Recover from a Stroke and Prevent another Stroke #WorldStrokeDay
What You Must Know About Strokes: How to Recover from a Stroke and Prevent another Stroke
Early Warning Signs

Knowing the early warning signs of stroke saves lives. Early symptoms of a stroke usually happen suddenly. These symptoms include:

  • Numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
  • Confusion or trouble talking
  • Trouble seeing
  • Dizziness or trouble walking
  • Severe headache

If you or a loved one is having any of these symptoms, it’s important to act F.A.S.T.

F = Facial Weakness
A = Arm Weakness
S = Speech difficulty
T = Time loss is brain loss.  Call 911 when these symptoms are present.  Don’t wait!

Early warning signs of a stroke may disappear after a few minutes. However, the symptoms may still indicate a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Even if symptoms disappear, it’s important to receive medical attention right away.

It’s important to know the symptoms of a stroke. Furthermore, it’s also important to know that strokes can be prevented. In fact, up to 90% of all strokes can be prevented by addressing certain risk factors. These risk factors include hypertension, diet, smoking, and exercise. Through an emphasis on prevention, the World Stroke Association hopes to cut the number of strokes in half by 2030.

WORLD STROKE DAY HISTORY

In the 1990s, the European Stroke Initiative had the idea to create a global awareness day for the strokes. Due to financial restrictions, the awareness day was limited to Europe only. The country celebrates its awareness day on May 10th. In 2004, a World Stroke Day was established at the World Stroke Congress in Vancouver.

In 2006, Canadian clinical neuroscientist, Dr. Vladimir Hachinkski helped to incorporate a World Stroke Proclamation. During that time, the International Stroke Society merged with the World Stroke Federation. The result of this merger was the World Stroke Organization (WSO). Under the management of the WSO, the first official World Stroke Day was held on October 29th, 2006.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldStrokeDay

Here are some ways to observe this day:

  • Know your risk of having a stroke
  • Attend an informational discussion on strokes at a local medical facility
  • Take action to prevent a stroke by quitting smoking, changing your diet, and reducing hypertension
  • Learn the early signs of stroke and how you should respond
  • If you have experienced a stroke, share your survivor story with others

Visit www.strokeassociation.org for more resources and use #WorldStrokeDay to share on social media.

I'm A Survivor Stroke Awareness - Red Ribbon Brain Attack T-Shirt #WorldStrokeDay
I’m A Survivor Stroke Awareness – Red Ribbon Brain Attack T-Shirt
World Stroke Day Awareness Red Ribbon Oct 29th CVA Survivor T-Shirt #WorldStrokeDay
World Stroke Day Awareness Red Ribbon Oct 29th CVA Survivor T-Shirt
Brain Aneurysm and Stroke Awareness Red Ribbon Support Tee #WorldStrokeDay
Brain Aneurysm and Stroke Awareness Red Ribbon Support Tee
WOLF CREEK BLANKET Co. - Compassion Blanket - (50X65) Strength Courage Super Soft Warm Hugs, Get Well Gift Blanket Healing Thoughts Positive Energy Love & Hope & Fluffy Comfort #WorldStrokeDay
WOLF CREEK BLANKET Co. – Compassion Blanket – (50X65) Strength Courage Super Soft Warm Hugs, Get Well Gift Blanket Healing Thoughts Positive Energy Love & Hope & Fluffy Comfort

NATIONAL SPORTS DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

October is a prime time for National Sports Day. That’s why on October 16th, the fans, families, and athletes of all the sports converging on the month come together to celebrate their favorite athletic events. All disciplines of a sport take the field, from the youngest to the seasoned professional.

While golfers hit the links to get at least nine more holes before the snow flies, hoopsters gear up for the season ahead. The puck hits center ice early in October, while baseball aims for the bleachers and clears the bases.

Football is heating up with tackles, kicks, and offsides. Don’t forget, volleyball digs midseason, too. Runners in most of the country love October. Events like 5k, half, and full marathons throughout the nation feature opportunities to enjoy the fall weather and beautifully changing landscapes. In the Western Hemisphere, families gather to watch soccer’s final kickoff. The intensity builds, and every game ends with memories of wicked kicks or the goalie’s best save.

From a young age, family road trips took many to cheer on siblings in a variety of sports. We hauled our gear from place to place, and the team knew the season was drawing to a close when the duffle bags began to smell.

We played soccer and did gymnastics. My team even won the district championship. Those strengths and lessons stayed with me as an adult. Team work translates easily from the field to a workplace.

NATIONAL SPORTS DAY HISTORY

National Sports Day - 1v1 Soccer Championship

Wale Rocks (pronounced Wally) in partnership with National Day Calendar founded National Sports Day in 2019 to celebrate the athletes, families, and fans of all sports. National Sports Day is about the benefits of sporting competition. When our youth have an opportunity to play competitively, they advance their skills and build great habits to take with them into adulthood. Family members who support them create a bond that brings them together, improving the family unit and communities throughout the nation.

Children excel at a sport when given a chance to practice under the pressure of competition in the game brain. And with soccer becoming a National Sport for all ages, Wale Rocks chose it as their first sport to spotlight.

With all sports, practice is vital. However, time touching the ball under the pressure of competition makes players excel. With the support of great coaches working their magic, these young novices mature into confident players. How exciting to watch their confidence grow.

Wale Rocks is also creating a special event to mark the National Sports Day launch.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalSportsDay

Gather your friends to enjoy watching your favorite team. Get out and play, too. No matter your skill level, relishing the challenge and physical activity will be worth it. Besides, getting together with friends and family to celebrate a favored pastime is one of the best ways to Celebrate Every Day®. And when you do, take a team photo and share it using #NationalSportsDay.

MEDICALERT AWARENESS MONTH

Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

Not all medical bracelets are created equal and that’s why August has been designated as MedicAlert Awareness Month.

Are you a diabetic? Are you allergic to penicillin? Do you require certain life-saving medication in an emergency? Do you wish to invoke a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order under certain situations? MedicAlert can tell the doctors caring for you what they need to know. A medical ID can save precious time in diagnosing the reason for the emergency. It can also clue doctors in on any allergies the wearer has before administering medication or first aid. In an emergency, you may be unable to speak for yourself. A MedicAlert bracelet speaks for you – and may well make the difference in saving your life.

Sport Medical Alert Bracelet for Men and Women Free Personalized Engraving. Includes an Emergency Medical Card and Tyvek Sleeve to Carry Your Emergency Medical Information
Sport Medical Alert Bracelet for Men and Women Free Personalized Engraving. Includes an Emergency Medical Card and Tyvek Sleeve to Carry Your Emergency Medical Information
VNOX Medical Alert Bracelets for Men & Women Kids with Free Engraving Adjustable Stainless Steel Mesh Emergency Medical ID Bracelets Wristband
VNOX Medical Alert Bracelets for Men & Women Kids with Free Engraving Adjustable Stainless Steel Mesh Emergency Medical ID Bracelets Wristband
Alert ID Tag for Watch Band, Laser Engraved Apple Watch Safety Plate, Fitness Runners ID tag for Sport smartwatch, Medical tag for Wrist Band
Alert ID Tag for Watch Band, Laser Engraved Apple Watch Safety Plate, Fitness Runners ID tag for Sport smartwatch, Medical tag for Wrist Band

The MedicAlert Foundation has been around for over sixty years. In 1953, 14-year-old Linda Collins of Turlock, California cut her finger badly and had to go to the hospital. During a sking test at the hospital (standard procedure), Linda went into anaphylactic shock and nearly died. Motivated by her brush with death, Linda thought up the concept of the silver bracelet, with the medical symbol on one side, special medical instructions on the other. Linda and her father, a doctor, sent the design to a jeweler in San Francisco who designed the first MedicAlert bracelet.

In the next decade, MedicAlert grew to national prominence in the medical field. In the seventies, MedicAlert launched its computer database, which it vastly updated and expanded in the nineties. Today, the MedicAlert website provides useful information and resources for wearers of MedicAlert bracelets, their families, and the medical community. MedicAlert has affiliates in nine countries: the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, Malaysia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

MedicAlert also works in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association, has a national “emergency response service” for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia, at risk of becoming lost. If you’re interested in getting a Medic Alert bracelet for yourself or a family member, contact the Medic Alert Foundation at MedicAlert.org.

HISTORY
MedicAlert Awareness Month was declared by the MedicAlert Foundation, to promote the life-saving qualities of the MedicAlert bracelet.

HOW TO OBSERVE
Learn more about the MedicAlert bracelet. Use #MedicAmertBracelet in social media correspondence.

There's an Apple Watch for everybody.
There’s an Apple Watch for everybody.

NATIONAL BARRIER AWARENESS DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

On May 7 we are charged with breaking down obstacles on National Barrier Awareness Day.  We are responsible for dissolving stigmas that keep people with disabilities from advancing in education.  It’s an opportunity to tear down walls and build ramps that will help provide access.  

Evelots Mobility Half Step-Indoor-Outdoor-Sturdy-Lightweight-NonSlip-Large Size by Evelots
Evelots Mobility Half Step-Indoor-Outdoor-Sturdy-Lightweight-NonSlip-Large Size

by Evelots

Where there are misunderstandings, there is potential for the development of new technology that may bridge the gap.  Policies that are antiquated and are preventing those with disabilities from accessing their full potential can be re-assessed.  If there was ever a time to speak up about questionable treatment of a human being, National Barrier Awareness Day encourages us to do so now.

Prairie View Industries TH1232 Threshold Ramp, 12 x 32 Inch by Prairie View Industries
Prairie View Industries TH1232 Threshold Ramp, 12 x 32 Inch

by Prairie View Industries

“Today some 36 million Americans suffer from some form of handicap. Eighty percent of Americans will experience some disability in their lifetime. That makes it necessary for all of us to understand and appreciate both the barriers they must surmount and the contributions that they can make to our society.

Many disabled people face financial, cultural, and physical barriers because of a lack of public understanding of their needs. We must become more aware of the barriers that prevent or inhibit so many of our fellow Americans from participating fully in the life of our society, and how much more they could contribute if those obstacles were removed….”

Visible and invisible barriers are equally difficult to overcome.  With advocacy, education and awareness these obstacles can be lifted, empowering people with disabilities to live more independent fulfilled lives.

There is a long way to go in giving access to everyone. I suffered an anyuerism stroke and spinal cord cyst about 7 years ago. This has limited where I can go and what I can do. The limitations are financial as well as physical. There are lots of innovative products out there but, losing my job and becoming disabled has prevented me from regular insurance options.

The only alternative is Medicare and most of the products are not covered. I had to buy my own lift to help me in and out of bed and into my wheelchair. There are great products out there that would go a long way toward regaining my walking ability.

Invacare Get-U-Up Hydraulic Stand-Up Patient Lift, 350 lb. Weight Capacity, GHS350 by Invacare
Invacare Get-U-Up Hydraulic Stand-Up Patient Lift, 350 lb. Weight Capacity, GHS350

by Invacare

Things we take for granted, myself included until it’s no longer possible. Public spaces like stores, restaurants, malls, boardwalks, beaches and even getting in and out of vehicles is a major challenge. Most of us have to make further sacrifices to venture there. I thought the worst part of being disabled was what you have already lost. That was wrong the worst is how much more you might have to sacrifice to participate in a full, active, independent life.

Before a stroke on the beautiful beaches of tge Florida, Alabama Gulf Coast.
The beautiful beaches of the Gulf Coast.

I am pleased to see the addition of beach mats. As I live just a few miles from some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches, they are no longer as inaccessible as the moon…

Beach mats for wheelchair access. Photo by dreamtimes.com
Mats like these allow wheelchair access to the shores.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Break the barriers and work toward eliminating all of the cultural, employment, legal, and physical obstacles that confront individuals with disabilities!  Share your support using #BarrierAwarenessDay.

HISTORY

Proclamation 5472, signed by United States President Ronald Reagan, was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on May 8, 1986, declaring May 7 of 1986 as National Barrier Awareness Day. Since that day, many people across the country have continued to observe National Barrier Awareness Day each year on May 7.

See also World Password Day

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