A Doll for Kids with Diabetes

I apologize for not posting for a couple of weeks; I hope everyone had a happy holiday season. Some girls probably received an American Girl doll for Christmas. For those with physical disabilities, American Girl sells a small wheelchair on which a doll can sit. The company will begin selling a diabetic care kit as an accessory for its dolls on January 1. As someone who used to read its magazine, I'm pleased to see American Girl is expanding its inventory while keeping girls with special needs in mind. For more information about American Girl and its products, you can go to www.americangirl.com. I wish all of you a Happy New Year; please stay tuned for more posts in 2016!

Remembering the Rights of People with Disabilities

Yesterday was Human Rights Day, but its significance applies every day. This observance by the United Nations recognizes the civil, cultural, economic, political, and social rights of people with disabilities as well as other groups. This year's theme is "Our Rights. Our Freedoms. Always." For more information about Human Rights Day, go to http://www.un.org/en/events/humanrightsday/.

An Important App

Some people will be getting an Apple iPhone for Christmas. Senior citizens and others with disabilities should consider downloading the free five-star Medical Alert Service app on their iPhone. A backup for the Medical Alert device worn around one’s neck, the app can be used for emergencies. The app by GreatCall, Inc. can be downloaded here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/5star-medical-alert-service/id467690272?mt=8. Be safe this holiday season!

A Day in the Life of a MetLife Special Needs Planner

A MetLife special needs planner who works in Melbourne, Florida, is featured in a marketing video recently posted on YouTube. Yours truly appears in the video around the 1:10 mark and at the end. To view the video, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnIFwS-9Mlc&feature=youtu.be

Today's Our Day

Today is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities or simply Disability Day. Sponsored by the United Nations since 1992, this observance promotes awareness of various disabilities and encourages discussions of disability issues. This year’s theme is “Inclusion matters: access and empowerment for people of all abilities.” For more information about this day, go to http://www.un.org/en/events/disabilitiesday/.

Thankful for Caregivers

On this day, I am especially thankful for my parents, who are still my caregivers after 29 years. Did you know November is National Family Caregivers Month? Caregivers assist people with disabilities in various activities of daily living. They make it possible for us to lead meaningful and enjoyable lives despite our limitations. A great Web site for caregivers is http://www.caregiveraction.org/. I'm also thankful for you, my readers. Happy Thanksgiving!

Coping with COPD

November is COPD Awareness Month. Caused by long-term smoking or inhaling other pollutants, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease that makes breathing more difficult. Other symptoms are frequent coughing, wheezing, and tightness in the chest. COPD can be treated with oxygen therapy and medications. For more information about this disease, go to http://www.copdfoundation.org/. On a related note, November is also Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month.

A Spotlight on a Dance Company

Special Spotlight Theatre is a dance company for school-aged children and adults with and without disabilities in Brevard County. Its annual recital “Anything Goes-Dance Varieties” (including ballroom, hip-hop, jazz, tap, country, modern, and more) took place yesterday at the Eau Gallie High School Performing Arts Auditorium in Melbourne. There were also refreshments, raffles, and a bake sale. Special Spotlight Theatre allows those with special needs to participate in the arts. For more information about this group, go to http://www.specialspotlight.com/.

Dealing with Diabetes

November is National Diabetes Month, and today is World Diabetes Day. Diabetes is a disease in which a person has high blood sugar. Symptoms include frequent urination and excessive thirst and/or hunger. There are Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes with Type 2 being more common, and some pregnant women have gestational diabetes. If diabetes is not treated with insulin and a healthy diet, it can lead to complications. For more information about this disease, go to http://www.diabetes.org/.