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October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Down Syndrome Awareness (4)

What is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that causes delays in physical and intellectual development. It occurs in one in every 691 live births. Individuals with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. It is the most frequently occurring chromosomal disorder. Down syndrome is not related to race, nationality, religion or socioeconomic status. The most important fact to know about individuals with Down syndrome is that they are more like others than they are different.

For families living with someone with Down Syndrome, every day is a chance to promote Down syndrome awareness. The calendar, however, provides us with one month during the year when we can really step up those efforts. IMG_0589

How can you promote Down Syndrome Awareness?

  • Distribute National Association for Down Syndrome (NADS) posters and bookmarks to area schools, libraries, or businesses (you can order them through the NADS office or the website: www.nads.org)
  • Provide your obstetrician or your family doctor with updates about how your child is doing and, if they are receptive, with family photos or information about Down syndrome
  • Donate books about Down syndrome to your local school or library
  • Talk to your child’s class
  • Arrange for a NADS speaker to give a presentation at your child’s school or at an organization in your community.
  • Contact local media about doing a human interest story about your family or about activities involving people with Down syndrome in your area.
  • Write a letter to your local paper

Prom portrait (2)Organize a special event during October to highlight the gifts of people with Down syndrome—a performance, or an art exhibit or a screening of a movie or video featuring characters with Down syndrome (you could also show the NADS video, Talents that Inspire)

DS awarenessOrganize a “Down Syndrome Awareness Day” at a local restaurant or community event.

The transition to adulthood can be a very difficult time for families living with a person with Down Syndrome. Planning for the future is a critical part of this transition. If you would like more information on estate planning for your family, give C.H. Edwards, Inc. a call at 516-249-5200 or visit our website at www.chedwards.net.

Written by: Denise Visco

Quitting is Not an Option

Quitting is Not an Option

Note to self:

There will be times when you want to quit
and the words you write
or the art you create
will feel like it fails you.
There will be days when everything seems worthless
and pouring your heart onto a page
feels like complete a waste of time
I admit there are days when I want to pack it in . . .
But I can’t
There were times I think about going through my files
and deleting them all . . .
But I don’t

There are nights when I feel hopeless and angry.
I feel frustrated,
as if there’s an entire world either against me,
or at any minute,
bad news will show its face,
and all that I have will slip through my fingers
and crumble to dust
So I tighten my grip . . .
There are mornings when the alarm clock rings
but my thoughts are too heavy
for me to lift my head from the pillow.
I know there will always be doubt
and there will always be reasons
why my dreams are just beyond my reach.
There will always be critics
and there will always be someone
to point out my flaws

There are days when my battle is uphill
but the hill is too steep,
and it feels as if I may lose my footing.
There are times when I want to quit.
But I can’t
Because quitting is not an option
So write on, Poet
There’s an entire world out there
waiting to find you

rainy day

Written by Ben Kimmel
www.thewrittenaddiction.com

 

A Visit To Seven Ponds Orchard

A Visit To Seven Ponds Orchard

Seven Pond 2Fall on Long Island calls for weekends filled with “Farm Fun”. This past weekend was a beautiful weekend to be out on thSevan Pond 1e east end! Taking a trip “out east” is always a fun way to spend time with loved ones. Not only for your time spent together, but the beautiful scenery you will experience. With so many “U Pick” farms to choose from, you’re sure to find something that you will love! Seven Ponds Orchard, in Water Mill was filled with many Long Island Folks this past Sunday.

The weather was perfect to pick apples, pumpkins and corn! In addition to their Apple Trees and Pumpkin Patch, the market was filled with other fresh produce, pies, homemade jams, apple cider, apple cider donuts and even flavored honey sticks! Kids were having a blast too, as they enjoyed the farms corn maze, and a special tractor ride around the farm! With reasonable prices, walking out of the farm with a full bushel of assorted apples, a large pumpkin (for carving of course), five ears of corn, a pint of fresh cider and a handful of honey sticks was a steal!

Seven Pond 4Seven Ponds Orchard is located at 65 Seven Ponds Rd, Water Mill, New York 11976 and is open seven days a week from 9am to 6pm! 

Enjoy the Fall Season while it lasts! Plan a trip to visit our Long Island farms this weekend!

Written by: Amanda Haase

5 Things To Know Before Your Next Mammogram!

5 Things To Know Before Your Next Mammogram!

The lifetime risk of a woman in the United States of getting breast cancer is one out of eight. Mammograms help detect cancer at its early stages with the use of full field digital imaging. Although going for an annual breast exam may seem helpful in detecting tumors, research has shown that the death rate of women suffering from breast cancer is nearly identical to those women who have received mammograms annually. Before walking into the doctor’s office for your next mammogram it is important to know these five facts:mammogram

Mammograms May Offer Less Benefit Than You Think –
Many women believe that a mammography reduces the risk of breast cancer deaths by at least half. In reality, mammography, at best, offers a reduction of 20 percent and prevents only one breast-cancer death per 1,000 women.

Mammography May Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer in Women with a BRCA 1/2 Mutation –
Women carrying the mutation BRCA ½ that are exposed to radiation (including mammograms) before the age of 30 are twice as likely to develop breast cancer, compared to women who do not have the mutation. Research has also found that the radiation-induced cancer was dose-responsive. Quite simply meaning the higher the dosage, the bigger the risk!

False Positives are Common (and Dangerous) –
The risk of having a false-positive test results is shockingly high. Having a false-positive can give women stress and anxiety and subject them to other unnecessary testing which can cause other risks on their own.

Mammograms May Not Work if You Have Dense Breasts –
50 percent of women have dense breast tissue, which makes reading mammograms harder to read. Dense breast tissue and cancer both appear white on an X-ray, making it hard for doctors to tell the difference.

There are Other Screening Options –
There are other screening options available. It’s your body and you have the right to utilize your options!

So now you know the facts! Consider these facts when you attend your next annual mammogram. Remember, it’s your body, take control and be aware!

C.H. Edwards, Inc. recognizes October as Breast Cancer Awareness month. Through our blog and other social media efforts, we strive to educate and bring awareness to all.

Written by: Amanda Haase

Disney’s Not So Scary Halloween!

Disney’s Not So Scary Halloween!

 

It`s the most wonderful time of the year for all fall lovers out there. And whats better than a season filled with pumpkins, trick or treating and caramel apples? Well that’s adding Disney of course! This past week I attended Mickey`s Not So Scary Halloween Party in Orlando, Florida. This event runs from September 1st till October 31st from 7:00 PM to midnight on select nights. sandra 1
Fall is my favorite season and being in Disney made it even more magical. Here are my top 5 favorite parts of the Mickey`s Not So Scary Halloween Party. My favorite part was defiantly all the Halloween treats. From ghost cupcakes to candy corn ice cream to pumpkin spice cookies, there was a spooky treat to satisfy any sweet tooth. My second favorite part was the trick or treating. There were several candy stations set up around the park, which is any candy lovers dream. My third favorite part was the Happy HalloWishes firework spectacular. This magical firework show included clips from different Halloween themed movies and also included classic Disney Halloween tunes. My fourth favorite part was the Halloween decor. Disney is always known for going above and beyond for any sandra 2occasion and Halloween is no exception. There were pumpkins and other Halloween decor all over the park. It felt like a real life Halloweentown! And last but not least were the characters. Each classic Disney character was dressed up in different Halloween costumes. Minnie Mouse was dressed as a purple witch, Goofy was a pilot, Donald Duck was a pumpkin and there were so many more. Besides my favorite parts of Mickey`s Not So Scary Halloween Party, there are many other spooktacular events such as dance parties, a villain takeover of Cinderella`s castle, several rides and attractions,Villains Castle Show and Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade. No matter if you are a kid or a kid at heart, this is the perfect event for any Halloween fan.

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

Help the Fight Against Cyber-Bullying!

Help the Fight Against Cyber-Bullying!

facebookAttention parents and guardians everywhere. As of you may know, the 21st Century has taken a turn into a technological era within the past 10 years. Beginning with Instant Messaging and MySpace, to now the most current sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, Snap chat and Instagram.

This generation of children and young adults frequently use these sites for communication with friends as well as posting pictures, liking, commenting etc. It is important that as a parent you are monitoring your children’s use on these sites. Although your child may be using the sites appropriately, others may not.
It is a sad, cruel reality that these sites are being used for cyber bullying.

Cyber-bullying is the act of threatening and bullying others through the use of a social media site. Although, it may only be words, and not physical, it is the mind that is being manipulated.
In addition to Cyber bullying through these networks, many students are using these sites to pose threats of harm toward schools and other classmates. Do not be fooled though, these acts of crime are not being ignored. Police are able to track the user on these sites and go forth with charges on the acts of the crime. yik yak

In a popular new social media application called “Yik Yak” users are able to write an anonymous post, which can be read by anyone in that geographic area up to a 1.5 mile radius. These are the applications in which it makes cyber bullying and threats much easier to access due to the simple fact that it is a anonymous user.

cyber bullyingAs a parent/ guardian it is essential to keep track of your child’s use of social media networks. Making sure that they are using them appropriately and thinking smart when it comes to threats and cyber bullying. It is important to let your children know that it is “OK” to come to you, if something is upsetting or bothering them.

Ensure your child’s safety and fight against cyber bullying!

Written by: Amanda Haase

The Fault in Our Stars: Book Review

The Fault in Our Stars: Book Review

Many of us have most likely heard of the new film that recently came into theaters; The Fault In Our Stars; Originally a book written by John Green. The story line is about Hazel Grace, a girl battling cancer, who comes across Augustus Waters, a cancer survivor, at their weekly Cancer Support Group. In addition to both of them dealing with a life of Cancer, they share something else, they’re in love!the fault in our stars

I’m usually not a big bookworm; it is not often that I find a book with a story line that interests me. But when I saw this book in a Barnes & Noble , I supposed, let me give it a shot. One chapter in and I could not set the book down. The novel was such an easy read and the story kept you wondering, what will happen next?

A Fault In Our StarsI will confess however, of course, the story line was gloomy at some points but also hilarious. There were points in the book where I couldn’t stop laughing.
I have not yet seen the movie. When I first acquired the book, I made a promise to myself that I would finish the book and then see the film. I had the old motto that “the book is always better than the movie” stuck in my head.

I can honestly say, coming from a girl who is not fond of reading, that the book was unquestionably amazing and a must read! Nevertheless, I do recommend reading the novel prior to seeing the film.

The book stands at spot number 9 on USA Today Best Selling Book. If you are looking for the book, you can order it on Amazon.com or pick it up at a book store near you for a reasonable price.

Written by: Amanda Haase

 

Celebrating Sesame Street’s 45th Anniversary!

Celebrating Sesame Street’s 45th Anniversary!

seasame 1969It`s time for America`s most loved puppets to celebrate their 45th anniversary on TV. Sesame Street premiered on public broadcasting television stations on November 10, 1969 and has produced over 4,300 episodes.  From the first premier until now, this educational children`s program has won 159 Emmys, several Grammys and, as of 2009, as many as 77 million adult seasame 1979Americans had watched the show as children. There is much more behind this show besides the countless lessons and celebrity appearances.

Here are the top 5 secrets behind Sesame Street. The first secret is the Count’s love of numbers isn’t exactly just a play on his name. Vampires are supposed to have arithmomania which is a strong need to count surrounding objects. The second secret is that the original idea of the show was to focus on Bert and Ernie. This failed testing led to the creation of the characters Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch and Snuffleupagus.seasame 1989

The third seasame 1999secret is  the trashcan dweller, Oscar The Grouch actually fell in
love. It might seem that he only loves grumpy weather but in a now banned
episode, Oscar fell in love with the Wicked Witch of the West. This episode was banned due to the content being deemed too scary for children. The fourth secret is that Elmo was originally used as just a character in the background and did not debut till season 12.

Not only did he become one of the most famous puppets he ended up becoming the only puppet or non-human to testify before Congress in 2002, advocating for increased funding for music programs. The last secret is “Sesame Street” is named after the “Arabian Nights” phrase “Open, Sesame!”

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month!

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month!

C.H. Edwards, Inc. recognizes September as Life Insurance Awareness Month! Of the 317 million individuals living in America, 95 million American adults remain without life insurance coverage.family_history

Life insurance is one of the most important insurance policies one can acquire. Life Insurance allows your loved ones to continue living a comfortable lifestyle after you pass. Is there anyone who depends on you financially and would be unable to continue their current lifestyle if you were to unexpectedly pass? Would your children be able to attend the college of their dreams if you were to be in a catastrophic accident? Life insurance provides individuals a level of guaranteed security.

Most Americans claim that life insurance is too expensive, and that is why they do not have it. Term life insurance policies allow individuals to obtain life insurance protection with a less expensive premium. This less expensive form of life insurance provides an individual with protection for an allotted period of time. That means you can choose to have a 10, 20 or 30 year life insurance policy so that your children can still go to their dream college if something tragic were to happen to you. In contrast, whole life insurance policies provide individuals with guarantee security for the duration of their life. These premiums are typically higher because they accumulate cash value as well.

If you do not have life insurance, there is no better time than now to get it! Where do you begin? Start by researching what type of plan would best suit the needs of your family. Our experienced agents at C.H. Edwards, Inc. are available to answer any questions you may have regarding life insurance.

Contact C.H. Edwards, Inc. for all of your insurance needs. You can rest assured knowing that your family is in the right hands as we have been providing our clients with unparalleled insurance services since 1925. Call us today at 516-249-5200 or visit our website at www.chedwards.net.

Written by: Denise Visco

Good News for Coffee Lovers!

Good News for Coffee Lovers!

Here`s some good news for all you coffee lovers out there! As coffee may seem like a necessity to a person`s daily routine, it is actually proven that there are many more benefits then to just give you energy. Here are 5 reasons why a person should drink coffee everyday. The first reason is that coffee is a popular way of how most Americans get their antioxidants, according to a study in 2005. While fruits and vegetables also have tons of antioxidants, the human body seems to absorb the most from coffee. The second reason is that just coffee for blogsmelling coffee can make you less stressed if you suffer from sleep deprivation. This was proven by a study conducted by the researchers at the Seoul National University. The third reason is that coffee can lessen the chances of a person developing Parkinson`s disease. ScienceDaily reported in 2012 that drinking coffee may help people with Parkinson’s disease control their movement. Ronald Postuma, MD, the study author, said, “Studies have shown that people who use caffeine are less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease, but this is one of the first studies in humans to show that caffeine can help with movement symptoms for people who already have the disease.” The fourth reason is coffee can make you more intelligent. CNN reports that coffee actually makes your brain work in a more efficient way. Time Reporter, Michael Lemonick says, “When you’re
sleep-deprived and you take caffeine, pretty much anything you measure will improve: reaction time, vigilance, attention, logical reasoning — most of the complex functions you associate with intelligence.” And the last reason is that coffee can increase your athletic performance. This is a good tip for any athlete. The New York Times reports that “Scientists and many athletes have known for years, of course, that a cup of coffee before a workout jolts athletic performance, especially in endurance sports like distance running and cycling.” The reasoning behind this is that caffeine increases the number of fatty acids in the bloodstream. This increase allows athletes` muscles to absorb and burn those fats for fuel, therefore saving the body’s small reserves of carbohydrates for later on in the exercise. So next time you are about to enjoy a cup of coffee just remember there are many more benefits to a cup of coffee besides the energy boost.

Written by: Sandra Costanzo