WHY MOST AMERICANS ARE “UNFAMILIAR” WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA?

In an article written by Heather C. Cobb in The NAMI Advocate Magazine, she quotes NAMI, Executive Director, Mike Fitzpatrick as saying “Americans are not sure what to think about schizophrenia.” The article is titled “Schizophrenia: A Reality Check,” and it reveals some really major statistics showing the gap between “the needs of individuals who live with schizophrenia, the needs of caregivers and public Attitudes.”

The article goes on to state that two million Americans live with this disease, and only one third receive treatment, although there is treatment available. “With medication, symptoms can be controlled successfully and 50 percent improve significantly or recover completely over time.” NAMI Advocate, Cobb, Heather C. p5.

NAMI Medical Director, Ken Duckworth served on the advisory committee for a report about how “public attitudes affect the acceptance of individuals living with the illness in the community and their access to healthcare.” The article goes on to state that the committee found it is addressed as a public health issue and a discrimination issue.

Mike Fitzpatrick states, “We know what to do to increase opportunities for recovery, but it requires public support, which depends on public attitudes.”

It is necessary to support this survey and help to change public attitude, so that more outlets for recovery are made aware of, and more sufferers get the help that is available to them.

You can find the results of the survey at HERE:

THE SILVA MIND POWER CENTER

Reminder about your invitation from AnnMarie Cunniff

LinkedIn Dear Anne, This is a reminder that on July 16, AnnMarie Cunniff sent you an invitation to become part of their professional network at LinkedIn. Follow this link to accept AnnMarie Cunniff's invitation. https://www.linkedin.com/e/isd/307730933/POrMfTYQ/ Signing up is free and takes less than a minute. This is a reminder that on July 16, AnnMarie Cunniff wrote: > To: Anne acunniff4852.oppositional@blogger.com [acunniff4852.oppositional@blogger.com] > From: AnnMarie Cunniff [acunniff4852@gmail.com] > Subject: Invitation to connect on LinkedIn > > Anne, > > I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn. > > -AnnMarie The only way to get access to AnnMarie Cunniff's professional network is through the following link: https://www.linkedin.com/e/isd/307730933/POrMfTYQ/ You can remove yourself from AnnMarie Cunniff's network at any time. --------------

© 2008, LinkedIn Corporation

You Haven't Responded to Annmarie Cunniff's Invitation

Just a Reminder! Annmarie Cunniff sent you an invitation on to connect on Reunion.com. Do you know Annmarie? Yes No Tell us, and see if someone's searching for you! Reunion.com - Find Everyone from Your Past.™ You have received this email because a Reunion.com Member sent an invitation to this email address. You can stop receiving follow-up invitations by selecting to opt out. For assistance, please refer to our FAQ or Contact Us. Our Address: 2118 Wilshire Blvd., Box 1008, Santa Monica, CA 90403-5784

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR EVERYONE

Autism Speaks Awards

e-Speaks || July 25, 2008
Autism Speaks Awards More than $4.5 Million in Basic and Clinical Grants
Autism Speaks has awarded 24 new grants in the fields of basic and clinical research dedicated to autism. Two types of grants were awarded: two-year Pilot grants that explore newer, particularly innovative lines of research, and three-year Basic and Clinical grants that build on more established research. The funded projects take a variety of approaches toward revealing the underlying biology and causes of autism. Read more about the newly funded grants here and see the complete list of Pilot and BASIC AND CLINICAL GRANTS

Olympian Joins Tacoma's 4th Annual Walk Now for Autism
850 participants raised over $76,000 at the 4th annual Tacoma Walk Now for Autism, which took place at Cheney Stadium. Walkers were treated to an inspirational speech by local Olympic weightlifter Melanie Roach. Read more and view photos here. Join us at one of our Walks across the United States, Canada or in the United Kingdom; find your local event here.


La. Governor Signs Autism Insurance Bill into Law
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal signed House Bill 958, the autism insurance reform bill, into law on July 2. The bill had passed the legislature unanimously in June. The new law requires health insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders in patients under age seventeen. Covered treatments include: habilitative care, rehabilitative care, pharmacy care, psychiatric care, psychological care, and therapeutic care. Benefits are capped at $36,000 per year and $144,000 over the lifetime. Coverage will begin on January 1, 2009. For more information, visit HERE.


Family Services Committee Requests Grant Proposals
Autism Speaks is once again seeking proposals to fund projects that will enhance the lives of those affected by autism spectrum disorders. Proposals for these family services grants are sought in the following areas: Recreation/Community Activities; Education; Equipment/Support Technology; or Young Adult/Adult Services. Educators, trainers and services providers who work with individuals with autism are invited to apply. Applications are due by September 26, 2008 11:59 p.m. (EST). Since the inception of Autism Speaks' Family Services Community Grant program in December 2007, over $1 million has been awarded to 50 community programs across the nation. Read more.


Stars, Families Enjoy "Over the Top" Circus Performance
Neil Patrick Harris Autism Speaks and Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus teamed up on July 16 to welcome celebrities, families affected by autism and the general public to the opening night performance of the "Over the Top" show at Los Angeles' Staples Center, which promoted autism awareness while raising funds for Autism Speaks. Read more and see photos here.


"Autism: The Musical" Nominated for Five Emmy Awards
"Autism: The Musical," which premiered at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival, has been nominated for Emmys in five categories: outstanding nonfiction special; outstanding directing for nonfiction programming; outstanding cinematography for nonfiction programming; outstanding picture editing for nonfiction programming; and outstanding sound editing for nonfiction programming (single or multi-camera). The documentary tells the story of five children, their families and one acting coach as they heroically mount a full-length original stage production. Purchase "Autism: The Musical" on DVD here.


In Their Own Words: The Crucial String
In our latest "In Their Own Words" essay, a mother recounts her 15-year-old son with autism's upbringing, comparing it to beautifully playing an instrument that is missing a crucial string. Read more.
DONATE NOW/CONTACT US

SUPPORT LEGISLATION TO REDUCE CRIMINALIZATION AND PROVIDE RESOURCES FOR POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION EDUCATIONresources

July 24, 2008

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has introduced a package of bills, the Advancing America's Priorities Act (S. 3297) that includes the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Reauthorization and Improvement Act (MIOTCRA) and the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act (S 1375). These two bills address important priorities for people with mental illnesses -- reducing criminalization, and providing education and services on postpartum psychiatric disorders. Both bills are among more than 30 pieces of legislation that Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) has placed a hold on in the Senate, halting all action. By combining the bills into one package, sponsors hope to force a vote and overcome the hold.

Act Now!

Contact your Senators today and urge them to support these two important bills that are included in the Advancing America's Priorities Act.

Learn More

Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act

The Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act (S 2304/HR 3992) was originally enacted in 2004. This program provides grants to communities and states for jail diversion, community reentry services, and other initiatives to address the needs of people with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders who come into contact with the criminal justice system. The MIOTCRA Reauthorization and Improvement Act would ensure continued increases in overall funding levels for this program. Learn more about MIOTCRA, or read a copy of the bill.

Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act

The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act authorizes grants for educational programs and services for postpartum disorders, including postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. The bill also authorizes a consensus research conference and the development of a plan concerning postpartum depression and psychosis.

GET THE BEST GRADES!

"Get The Best Grades With The Least Amount of Effort" is as program designed to help students of all ages get the secret to studying smarter rather than harder. If you or your child has difficulty keeping the grades up...then you will benefit from this program. It is not designed for lazy people, it is designed to help you get the MOST OUT OF EACH STUDY SESSION BY STUDYING SMARTER.
CLICK HERE TO BEGIN

THIS IS TO IMPORTANT TO IGNORE!

For those of you trying to reach your Senator or Representative's Office about Children’s Autism Medicaid Waiver (Line Item 5920-3010), expect delays. If you cannot reach them leave a message with an aid and they will take down your information and get back to you. I did find that the aids will not be able to tell you which side of the fence your Representatives are on, but our only objective is to let them know how we feel and ask them to support our views.

Please connect with me :)

I looked for you on Reunion.com, but you weren't there. Please connect with me so we can keep in touch. Do you know Annmarie? Yes No Tell us, and see who's searching for you! Reunion.com - Find Everyone from Your Past.™ You have received this email because a Reunion.com Member sent an invitation to this email address. For assistance, please refer to our FAQ or Contact Us. Our Address: 2118 Wilshire Blvd., Box 1008, Santa Monica, CA 90403-5784

THIS IS TOO IMPORTANT TO IGNORE:

As an advocate for families of members with disabilities, I received this notice today and it is one that we cannot possibly ignore: Please take action immediately and pass this information on.

Dear Massachusetts Autism Advocate:

With the stamp of his veto this past week, Governor Deval Patrick has once again told low-income children with Autism Spectrum Disorders that they would not be able to receive the intensive home-based services (including ABA and Floor Time) provided under the Autism Waiver program. Governor Patrick cut $1 million in funding from this critical program, even though our children are already underserved by this program! During the initial eleven day enrollment period in November 2007 the families of more than 1,100 Massachusetts children with ASD applied for just 80 slots available under the Waiver. Hundreds of low-income children continue to languish on the waiting list!
It is time speak on behalf of low-income children with ASD living in Massachusetts!

Our state legislature recognized the critical need for funding of this program and budgeted $4 million for Fiscal Year 2009. This would double the number of available slots in the program to 160!!

Governor Patrick needs to be aware that this already underserved population simply cannot afford to be shortchanged again. Every child with autism deserves the opportunity to have appropriate intensive intervention. Their future quality of life depends on it.
How Can YOU Help?

1. Immediately CALL YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE AND STATE SENATOR at 617-722-2000 and urge them to support an override of Governor Patrick’s veto of $1 million in funding for the Children’s Autism Medicaid Waiver (Line Item 5920-3010). If you are not sure who your representative and senator are you can find out HERE

2. CALL Speaker of the House Salvatore DiMasi at 617-722-2500 and Senate President Therese Murray at 617-722- 1500 and ask them to support an override of Governor Patrick’s veto of $1 million in funding for the Children’s Autism Medicaid Waiver (Line Item 5920-3010).

3. Forward this email to everyone you know and ask them to MAKE THE CALL too!!

The override CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED, but we all have to get on the phones to our legislators immediately. Today is the day that you can truly make a difference for a child with ASD.

Thank You,

Judith Ursitti
Massachusetts Chapter Advocacy Chair
Autism Speaks

VICTORY ON MEDICARE!

July 16, 2008

Late yesterday, the House and Senate successfully overrode the President's veto of legislation (HR 6331) making critical reforms and improvements to the Medicare program for beneficiaries living with mental illness. The vote in the House was 383-41 and the vote in the Senate was 70-26.

NAMI is extremely grateful for the efforts of advocates all across the country that e-mailed, wrote and called their Senators and House members. Your advocacy made a tremendous difference! Please take the final step of thanking members of Congress that supported the legislation and voted to override the President's veto.

Act Now!

Click here to thank your Senators and House members who voted in favor of HR 6331, or to express your concerns to those who voted against the measure.

Learn More

View additional information on HR 6331.

Invitation to connect on LinkedIn

LinkedIn Anne, I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn. -AnnMarie Learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/e/isd/307730933/POrMfTYQ/

© 2008, LinkedIn Corporation

AN INTRODUCTION TO ADHD

Have you ever had trouble concentrating, found it hard to sit still, interrupted others during a conversation or acted impulsively without thinking things through? Can you recall times when you daydreamed or had difficulty focusing on the task at hand?
Everyday Health offers a good explanation and a starting point if you notice the signs of ADHD in your child.

SIGNS TEENS NEED SLEEP!

(HealthDay News) -- Teenagers need to get plenty of sleep -- between 8 1/2 and nine hours every night -- to feel good and keep their bodies healthy.

Pay attention to these warning signs, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, that you may not be getting enough shuteye:

* Difficulty getting out of bed in the morning.
* Problems focusing.
* Falling asleep at school during class.
* Feeling depressed, irritable, moody or sad.

Last Reviewed 07/14/2008 | Last Updated 07/14/2008

Dialysis Dangers and Injury

Dialysis Dangers and Injury

DOES IT REALLY EVER CHANGE?

SICK OF YOUR KIDS BACKTALK? HERE'S HOW TO STOP IT!

Effective Consequences Story Contest
Win Our New Consequences DVD!
Blog for Empowering Parents

There are moments when we hit it right as parents: when we stick to our guns, choose the right consequence for our kid’s behavior, and find that it actually works. It’s not easy to always get a bulls-eye, but we sure remember the moments we do! Empowering Parents wants to hear about your best use of consequences with a child, whether you’re a parent, teacher, grandparent or relative. We’re looking for creativity, consistency and good advice. Besides helping other parents, your story could be published in Empowering Parents alongside articles by James Lehman and Dr. Bob Myers. You’ll also win a free Complete Guide to Consequences program, because, let’s face it, very few of us always get it right! (Plus, everyone who enters is eligible to win the program via a drawing that will be conducted on August 4, 2008.)

* Contest Rules: 1,000 words maximum
* Enter by July 29, 2008
* Winners will be notified by August 5th
* 1st through 5th place will win the new “Complete Guide to Consequences” DVD by James Lehman. (Another 5 winners will be chosen by random drawing on August 4th.)

Send all entries to: editor@empoweringparents.com

BULLYING IT AIN'T JUST FOR BIG KIDS NOW!

EP IS LOOKING FOR EMPOWERING PARENTS

DON'T SLAM THE DOORAND OTHER WORDS OF WISDOM

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AskDrSears.com

AskDrSears Homepage
Sears family of Pediatricians, co-authors of best selling "The Baby Book."
Get Important Information and valuable advice from the Dr. Sears Family.

Treasury Of Health Secrets

Treasury Of Health Secrets

LASER SPINE ORTHOPERDIC SURGERY

Just running through my daily routine this morning, by opening the browsers and setting the programs that I would normally be using, I ran across this article.
GET YOUR LIFE BACK: LASER SPINE ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY!. I began to think, (as usual, also), WHY WOULD ANYONE NOT WANT TO REPAIR THEIR SPINE AND STOP THE SUFFERING FROM THEIR BACK CONDITION?

It seemed like a dilemma to me until I realized these 3 things.
1. Lack of insurance.
2. Addicted to medication.
3. FEAR

The Law of Attraction teaches, that you create your own reality. In other words,if you stay stuck where you are and choose not to breakthrough to change because of one of the 3 issues above; then you will never change the quality of your life. The Universe has finally, offered an alternative to living without the 3 issues above...take a step forward, shore up your courage, and move through to health and well being.

STEP #1 IS NOT AN ISSUE IN MASSACHUSETTS ANY LONGER. We have mandatory insurance. Every family must have medical insurance or be penalized.

STEP #2 AGAIN, NOT AN ISSUE. Doctor's should be offering alternatives to the conditions that require people to stay on pain medication, endlessly. Resolve the issue with an alternative to drugs, and guide the patient to the other side of the addiction.

STEP: #3 AND AGAIN, NOT AN ISSUE. There are way... too many ways...to overcome the fear...to stay stuck in that state of mind. I can acclaim to this because, I am an example of recovery from FEAR or PHOBIA.

I used "The Secret" as the tool to recover From Agoraphobia. I cannot honestly say, I am symptom Free, but I have absolutely, dramatically changed my life. Issues of addiction, pain and fear are under my control now. Why would anyone continue living their life, with anything less than the ability, to move in the direction of their dreams?

It is at least necessary to research the method above (Laser Spine Surgery) before continuing in the direction of any of the 3 "gates" above.

Right now, you might be thinking, "Why do we Have Free Speech," but just let me say this, I could not get through my day, without passing on information like this to those who suffer from serious back issues.

Do the research...make a decision to change your life, and move forward to joy, happiness and freedom from pain and heartache.

New Hampshire Walk Now for Autism

Sunday - October 5, 2008
Greeley Park - Nashua, NH

Kick-off Information
We are pleased to announce that our kick-off this year will again be held at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester, NH. It will be on Tuesday July 22 from 7:00pm-9:00pm. To RSVP please go to For more information please email newhampshire@autismspeaks.org or call 888-627-6227.

This event will feature New Hampshire native Molly Ola Pinney, founder and director of the Global Autism Project. For more information please click here.

Upcoming Events

Dear Friends and Family,

In support of Autism research, we're hosting a fund raising event in early August. The event, a 3-day Men's Novice Hockey Tournament with a BBQ and Pizza Party, will be held at the Ice Den Arena in Hooksett on August 1st, 2nd and 3rd. In addition to the Hockey Tournament, we are also conducing an on-line auction (see link below). We invite you to take a look at the items that have been donated in support of our fund raising efforts - there's some really great stuff listed! Our goal is to raise more than $ 20,000 + for this great cause.
If you'd like to help...

* Visit the on-line auction...AND BID!
* PLEASE forward this email with the on-line auction link to your family and friends - the more traffic we get, the more funds we can raise!
* JOIN US on August 1st, 2nd and 3rd for some great hockey and fun for the whole family (visit from the Hooksett Fire Department, Bounce House/Slide for the kids, DJ Music, great food etc.)
* Make an individual donation in whatever amount you would like, checks can be made payable to Autism Speaks NH Division and can be mailed to 30 Gailor Lane, Hooksett NH 03106


Walk Information
Our walk this year will be on Sunday October 5, 2008. Registration will be at 10:00am and the walk at 11am. Our walk will be held again at Greeley Park in Nashua, NH.

To register for the walk please go HERE
Interested in volunteering on walk day? Please email newhampshire@autismspeaks.org for more information.



Team Captain Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure that you have completed all of the steps necessary to have a successful Walk Now for Autism team this year.

* If you haven’t already registered, register as Team Captain online HERE.
* Set a fundraising goal and “people” goal for your team
* Make sure all team members have registered themselves on-line
* Involve your company/employer
* Did you email your co-workers to join the team?
* Did you involve your boss to rally your company team?
* Encourage all team members to be active fundraisers for autism research, awareness and advocacy
* Email or call team members regularly to answer questions and check on their progress
* Create team tee-shirts, buttons or a banner to increase your visibility on Walk day

8 quick, simple Steps to Raising $1,000 before Walk Day...

Step 1 - Start by donating $25 to yourself
Step 2 - Ask four family members for $50 each
Step 3 - Ask ten friends to donate $20 each
Step 4 - Ask five co-workers to donate $20 each
Step 5 - Ask five neighbors to donate $20 each
Step 6 - Ask 10 people from your school, place of worship or gym to donate $20 each
Step 7 - Ask your boss for a $50 company donation
Step 8 - Ask five businesses that you and your family frequent for a donation of $25

Every little bit helps you reach your goal - and adds up quickly!

Donations
Encourage your donors to donate online through your personal page on our website. They don't have to write a check, you don't have to fill out a separate form and it gets credited to you much faster!

If you have donations in form of a check, send them in now. You won't have to bring them on Walk Day - one less thing to worry about as you're headed out the door to join the fun!
Don't forget to send in a completed donation form along with the check (made out to Autism Speaks). It's wise to write your participant ID on all checks as well. This will ensure that you get credit for your hard earned efforts. Please allow 2 weeks for the donation to show up on your personal page.

Mail all donations to:
Autism Speaks
Donations processing
5455 Wilshire Blvd
Suite 2250
Los Angeles, CA 90036

And don't forget to check out the exciting walk incentives! How about a DVD player or an iPod?

Thank you again for your support as we Walk Now for Autism! Please do not hesitate to contact the Autism Speaks New England Chapter Office for further information at 888-627-6227 or by email newhampshire@autismspeaks.org. We are here for you!

Margin Sufficient to Override Expected Presidential Veto

July 10, 2008

By a vote of 69-30, the Senate on July 9 passed a critical package of Medicare beneficiary improvements. In addition to preventing a cut in fees to physicians, the legislation (HR 6331) also makes improvement to the Part D drug benefit and establishes parity for cost sharing for outpatient mental health services. Yesterday's vote was on motion to cut off debate; the Senate later cleared the package by voice vote. The margin was sufficient to override an expected presidential veto - the House passed the legislation on June 24 by a 355-59 margin, more than enough to override a veto.

A Major Victory for Medicare Beneficiaries Living With Mental Illness

The Senate vote was a tremendous win for long sought improvement to the Medicare program. The voice of NAMI advocates from a across the country made a huge difference in securing additional support in the Senate. In addition, Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) was present for the vote, despite his ongoing treatment for brain cancer.

LEARN HOW YOUR SENATOR VOTED

READ MORE BACKGROUND INFORMATION

READ NAMI'S LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR HR6331

I've had personal experience learning this!

“Children don’t grow if parents don’t take risks. Hold back and watch how they’re going to solve their problem instead of rushing in to make it better.”
HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH WHEN "Doing for Your Child?"

WE ARE ALL ANGRY!

We should all be aware of this and pay close attention to how we can make the changes necessary. Please watch the whole thing.

pogo2u wants to keep up with you on Twitter

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-The Twitter Team

About Twitter

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WHEN TO CALL A PROFESSIONAL

DIAGNOSING BIPOLAR DISORDER
Diagnosis
When to Call a Professional
A manic episode is a serious problem requiring immediate treatment. However, a person in a manic episode may not be aware that he or she is sick. Some people with this illness may have to be brought to a hospital, even when they don't want to go. Many patients are grateful later when they learn that they were pushed to get the treatment they needed.

If you observe manic symptoms in a person who is unaware of his or her condition, arrange a consultation with a health care provider. Treatment can prevent symptoms from accelerating, and can improve a person's progress and functioning over time.

A person with known bipolar disorder who exhibits symptoms of worsening depression should promptly contact his or her mental health provider.WHEN TO CALL A PRO

Does Your Child Say This? “Whatever.”

Kids generally say “whatever” to their parents when they’ve already lost the argument.
Read the rest of the ARTICLE HERE

Does Your Teen Make Fun of You?

An Ezine About Child Behavior and Parenting | Empowering Parents | James Lehman and The Total Transformation® Program
Does your child seem to constantly make fun of you? Mocking, imitating
and laughing at parents can be harmless fun, but it can also become an
annoying behavior that undermines your authority.
Check out the whole article by clicking above.