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1160 James Savage Suite C
Midland Mi 48640
989-835-4041 800-782-4160
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| December 2009 Happy Holidays |
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SAVE THE DATE
PIANO PALOOZA 4
DUELING PIANOS
Entertaining you with music and laughter.
MARCH 12, 2010
Horizons Conference Center
6:00-10:00 PM
KATIE O'MARA MC
Silent Auction
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More than 400 people attended a recent dedication ceremony for the unveiling of a bronze memorial statue of Helen Keller at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C.
Several of the speakers quoted Keller's statement, "Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the face." Keller was famous for being the first person who is deafblind to earn a Bachelor of Arts (Radcliffe, 1904). She was world famous as a speaker, writer, political activist and symbol for all people with disabilities. The statue is the first child to be depicted in The National Statuary Hall and the first well-known person with a disability.
Keller lost her sight and hearing when she was only 19 months old, but became an international advocate for people with disabilities.  |
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Depression, often called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a
depression that occurs each year at the same time, usually starting in the fall or winter months. It is more than just the "winter blues" or "cabin fever."
SYMPTOMS
People who are diagnosed with SAD have many of the common signs of depression:
- Sadness
- Irritability
- Aniety
- Loss of interest
- Withdrawl from social events
- Increase of appetite
- Increased need for sleep
CAN I PREVENT THE ONSET OF SAD?
If you think you have the symptoms of SAD, see your Doctor. Your doctor will want to make sure that these symptoms are not caused by another form of depression or major medical illness. All types of depression can result in harm to self or even suicide if not attended to.
How can I tell if I have SAD?
It is very important that you do not diagnose yourself. If you have symptoms of depression, see your doctor for a thorough assessment. Sometimes physical problems can cause depression. A health professional should be the person to determine the level of depression and recommend the right form of treatment.
If you have been diagnosed with SAD, here are some steps to take to help to prevent it from coming back:
- Eat a well balanced diet
- Try to spend time outside
- Stay involved in social circles
- Stay active
- Try to exercise for 30 minutes a day
Seek counseling, if needed during the winter. |
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National Family Health Month
Vision isn't all in the genes. The environment influences, such as near-point work like reading, that are associated with nearsightedness, especially when it develops later in the teens and 20s.
Some genectically linked eye problems:
- Nearsightedness
- Farsightedness
- Color vision deficiency (a.k.a, Color blindness
- Retinitis pigentosa, a rare progressive decline of the retina
Some eye problems that have mixed causes:
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Glaucoma ( fluid build-up in the eye that damages the optic nerve)
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Age related macular degeneration (progressive decline of the part of the retina)
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Amblyopia ("lazy eye")
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Strabismus (when eyes are aligned in different directions)
Amblyopia and strabismus usually show up in very early childhood, and there's great success treating them with patches, special eyewear, vision training or surgery.
Children could get eye exams as early as six months. If you have a family history, it is just a great way to take preventitive measures to ensure that your children are seen by an Optimologist very early on.
A routine check up from age three and then before kindergarten is recommened.
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SAVE THE DATE
JOIN US
Buffalo Wild Wings
Midland
Wednesday December 9, 2009
for our FUNDRAISER.
Ask your server for our flyer. You can also get one by email info@dnmm.org.
JOIN US
Fazoli's
Midland
Through the month of December
Take our flyer in, and order the family feast.
$19.99
Family size spaghetti or fettuccine alfredo
Family size salad
Plus a dozen bread sticks!!!!
Feeds four to six people
$5.00 goes to
Disability Network of Mid Michigan
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IN THIS ISSUE:
Letter from
Sara Kristal
Executive Director
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Officers:
Jerry Pritchett, President
Sharon Leenhouts,
Vice President
Vacant, Secretary
Harry Leaver, Treasurer
Members-at Large
Tim Troy
Bill Bateman
June Price
Peter Jensen
Executive Director:
Sara Kristal, M.A., C.R.C
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| Volunteer Corner
Ed Sheppard is our volunteer of the month.
However, he is now considered an intern and is working with us through New Horizon's Computer Learning Center. He started in September of this year and has since accumulated more than 35 volunteer hours. He learned about our volunteer opportunities through
and found a position that matched his skill set and would help him gain valuable work experience. He chose to volunteer at Disability Network because his brother has a disability and he wanted to contribute to an organization that helps people with disabilities. Ed said that his favorite part about volunteering is the people he works with. In comparison to his other job, the environment is much more relaxed and everyone here is friendly and nice. Aww, shucks Ed! You're friendly and nice too! Thank you for all your hard work!
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BE AN ADVOCATE
Share this news letter with your friends, family and
co-workers
Together we can make a difference.
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Adult Peer Group Calendar
December 14
Peer Group Holiday Lunch
All counties
11:30-1:00
DNMM
December 17
Peer Mentor Training
9:00-1:00
DNMM
December 18
Peer Mentor Training
9:00-1:00
DNMM
December 21
Peer Meeting
Saginaw
10:00-11:00
Buttman Fish Library
If you have any questions about the Peer Support Group or Mentor Information
please call
835-4041
800-782-4160
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As we seek to grow, and to increase the number of people we are able to help, we will strengthen our network, allowing us to provide increased services to those who need them.
At the Disability Network, we believe that it's not the disability that prevents people from
participating in our communities... it's the barriers placed in front of them.
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