Don't Crow About a Cure for Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is incurable! That is the stark reality for anyone who has a child diagnosed at birth – along with the knowledge that their lives will be inexorably affected by whatever caused the disorder.
Although around one in ten babies born with cerebral palsy (CP) will be affected by some sort of birth injury, it is now considered that other causes, mainly some instance of damage to the brain while the baby is developing in the womb, are the most common reasons for CP in infants.
When you are learning about what the disorder will mean for you and your child, many things will be talked about – therapies, surgeries, medication – but, unfortunately, no cure. And although it is good to know that advancements in these specifics, as well as equipment, education and even attitudes to disabled people are occurring all the time, cerebral palsy is still firmly on the incurable list.
So, it was with some trepidation that I read about a new treatment, being pioneered in the US, claiming to have found a cure.
The study, published in the Science Translational Medicine journal, tells of experiments which helped cerebral-palsied rabbits to regain "almost... normal mobility levels" by the use of nanomedicine (the medical application of nanotechnology – matter on a molecular scale).
If you are affected by an illness or injury the reporting of these so-called cures and miracle studies can be really dangerous. You have to steal yourself into not pinning too much hope on them, but when you read a headline like "Special brain treatment may help the 750,000 US children and adults suffering from cerebral palsy", you can't help but take a small intake of breath and hope with all your heart.
Like countless other trials and studies before it, for all manner of drugs and procedures, this new study has been carried out by a promising-sounding group of medics from some of the US's top study and healthcare centres.
It involves injecting a drug, used for its anti-inflammatory properties, into rabbits' brains via microscopic molecules called dendrimers to specifically target the damaged areas of brain tissue.
The authors say they have proved that rabbits suffering cerebral palsy-like symptoms which received the treatment within six hours of being born underwent dramatic improvements in motor-function.
Apparently, rabbits were used for the research because their brains are closest to humans in that their development takes place partially in the womb and carries on after birth. So, the authors say, there is now an indication that humans may have a "window in time" straight after birth where the damage in the brain can be identified and targeted with a nano-device.
In the various articles I sought out regarding this new technique it was quite clearly stated in all of them that the medics and researchers know they are still some way off being able to provide humans with a treatment for cerebral palsy – so, why do writers of such medical articles feel the need to headline their pieces with such misleading language.
As a reader, and party with an interest in cerebral palsy, all I really want to know is that research is being done, and for their efforts I am thankful to the authors of this study. However, what I do not want is false hope. And for a writer to blithely suggest that this breakthrough "brain treatment" may help those already suffering from cerebral palsy is an inaccuracy of the cruellest order.
Yes, the study has promise. Yes, the authors have proven efficacy in their fields. But, no amount of nanomedicine is going to help those who are living with cerebral palsy now, or those babies, and their families, who will be born with CP in the near future. For these people, the reality is intrathecal baclofen therapy, diazepam, botulinum toxin and selective dorsal rhizotomy – and the seeking of brain injury compensation to help pay for such treatments – because there is no cure for cerebral palsy in the here and now, and these are the realities that CP sufferers and their families face.
So, my request to medical journalists and writers out there is please, please, please be more speculative with your headlines. Don't shout about running when the authors of the research you are reporting upon have not yet said they can walk. Please do not grab at phrases such as "almost... normal mobility" and plant them in the first sentences on a report which suggests that there is a cure on the horizon for a disorder which has thus far been deemed incurable.
Cerebral Palsy is a cruel disorder which wreaks havoc on lives and robs families of "almost... normal" lives. Headlines and news stories purporting miracles really do not help.

Busting Up Bake Sales

If someone wants an issue to be front and center in American politics-do something to make Moms mad. The Obama Administration's latest front in the battle against obesity, is the regulation of snacks and food that are not the requisite breakfast and lunch. First up on the firing line is the beloved bake sale.
In an era of dwindling resources for public schools, bake sales are often the lifeblood of parent organizations, interest clubs and students saving for class trips. While obviously not the bastion of health consciousness, they are capable of bringing in serious money for cash-strapped school with some schools reporting they were able to raise up to $50,000. So what is a regulator to do? Address the rapidly rising rates of childhood obesity or anger Moms and students alike with an all out ban?
Unfortunately, like too many issues mired inside the Beltway, this is not an either or situation. It is, however, one that requires leadership willing to address the real issues instead of dealing with Band-Aid solutions. So what's going on here?
As much from a perspective as a Mom as well as a leadership expert, it seems most politicians are unwilling to discuss the fundamental importance of effective parenting in the outcomes for children. Regulators and advocates try to skirt this issue by addressing touchy subjects with overarching approaches that end up failing everyone. Blanket approaches are taken to address one issue that ends up causing another-or more. Preaching to families to eat healthy foods is great and if there is no culture, resources or real-life reference points to support a switch to fruits and vegetables from junk food, it simply isn't going to happen. (Moreover, the real issue is what is going on in the lives of these families, that is the parents, that they anesthetize themselves and their kids with food, rather than opting to live healthy, balanced lives.)
So in an effort to address obesity in families that clearly needing broader support than admonitions to eat more greens, the political answer comes in the form of banning a cultural tradition that many enjoy. Perhaps the Department of Agriculture could consider the following leadership basics of building support and real-life solutions:
· Create Connections: No greater network exists than parents of school-age children. Many would agree with the basic precepts of healthy eating and encouraging that behavior in the schools and no one wants to be told they can't do something they have always done and enjoyed. Talk with those who will be impacted by your decision before the news stories hit the stands.
· Manage the Pace of Change: While change is fundamental to life, people can only take so much at one time. Has anyone at the USDA talked to the Department of Education to find out how much money is being cut from schools? Perhaps a bit snarky, and yet, when a group is already under siege attacking a tradition can be the straw that breaks the camel's back.
· Create Buy-In: Change doesn't take place by telling other people what to do, change happens, as people are inspired to make other choices. By engaging parents and schools in genuine discussions around healthy eating across the spectrum of students' lives new approaches and workable solutions can more easily be found.
· Engage Everyone's Talents and Skills: One of the biggest complaints against federal regulation is the feeling that someone without any connection to a person's neighborhood or town, is making decisions for them. If incentives were put in place to encourage local strategies what one school does may look different than another and in the end, a customized approach that creates results is much better than a blanket policy the is the target of ridicule, aspersions and avoidance.
I am all in favor of improving the quality of food our children consume and I would be the first to say a drastic decline in the prevalence of processed foods would serve everyone. The point of this article is that superficial strategies like banning bake sales serves no one. For the children that are consuming large quantities of sweet, fattening foods they will get it, if not from a bake sale then somewhere else. For families that maintain a more balanced diet and few dollars for a plate of cookies is a win-win.
True leadership evolves at the level at which the issue exists. Each school needs a vibrant, engaged parent body that is willing to examine the situation of their particular school and make appropriate "policies" for each situation. Perhaps asking for a variety of baked goods that include fruit, whole grains and other more wholesome ingredients is a good start. For others it may be including fruits and vegetables in their offering and some schools may find other ways of raising money. By taking leadership out of the hands of those who are living with the issue, we disempower the very people we need to be more engaged with it-the parents.
The solution to the problems we face as a nation will not be found, nor created inside the Beltway. It is important for each person to engage their leadership in their lives and starting by addressing healthy eating habits is a good-and easy place to do it. Let's hope the government encourages leadership and doesn't squelch it.

Kathleen Schafer is at the forefront of leadership development with more than 20 years experience. Grounded in the rough and tumble world of politics, experienced in business, honed in academia and broadened by her own journey to create a balanced life, she brings remarkable insights on how individuals can develop their leadership potential to successfully create productive and fulfilling lives. Kathleen personal presence in one-on-one coaching, seminars, and keynote presentations transforms peoples perspective on what they can accomplish and how to walk it in the real world everyday. Her leadership tools are simple, easy to understand allow you to quickly integrate them into your life, starting now!

Tips in Choosing the Right Dentist for You

There are many people who are on a quest to find the best dentist for them. However, how will you get the one that will offer you the best patient care?
If you are on a search for a dentist, do not forget that healthy teeth are not just about looking good. It's more about being healthy. Your teeth are a part of your body and their health can greatly affect your body in general too. So with this in mind, if you are hunting for a dentist, it's essential that you take this task as seriously as if you were looking for a full time doctor. There are some considerations that you must bear in your mind to find the right dentist for your oral needs.
One of the best ways to start your journey in finding the best dentist is through the recommendations of your family and trusted friends. Getting their references can give you a fresh new start to find the right dentist for you. They can give you firsthand advice from a person that had personal experience with the dental provider. The information that you will get from them is more valid and it is confirmed. They can give you advice on which dental office you should choose to get the best service available for you and your family.
Upon visiting the dental clinic for the first time, one thing that will give you a good impression is the cleanliness of their area. Of course if their space, tools and equipment are well cleaned and organized it can also mean that they also have the ability to give safe and top quality patent service, too. This is one of the things that you should keep an eye out for. In addition to that, never be afraid to ask about their sterilization procedures, making sure that the tools and equipments used in their dental procedures are clean and sterile. By asking questions, you can ease your mind concerning how they safely practice dental procedures.
Another thing that you will consider is the suitability of the dentist to your lifestyle. Like, for example, the distance of their office to your house. It is much easier to go regularly if it will only take you few minutes to get to the dental clinic. The availability of emergency care is also a must to check, so that you will know where to go to in times of emergency and urgent dental needs.
Lastly, check the credibility and proficiency of the dentist. See to it that they have undergone proper training and education. This will determine how skillful and knowledgeable they are. A dentist that keeps up with the current dental news and procedures is a plus factor. Dentistry is constantly evolving and an efficient dentist should have the modern knowledge about what the latest dental standards are these days. Most importantly, verify if they have a license to practice dental care.
If you use these tips when you are searching for a good dentist, it will be a lot easier to find one. Take time to do thorough research before settling on a dentist. You will surely find the best and the most efficient one in your area.

Enterprise Mobility Solutions

Conversion of a website to mobile app is easy, simple and convenient for enterprises to empower business processes. Mobile websites provides data, images and video and leverage the device-specific hardware features like GPS, camera, contacts, accelerometer, and gyroscope. Mobile apps can be installed and distributed on either Apple App Store or Android Market. A smartphone app can run without an internet connection and has the ability to store local data offline (caching). Here are the detailed features and functions of mobile web apps:

Features

• Rich user experience with unique look and feel optimized for mobile
• Cross-platform compatibility
• Optimize website for more than one phone or screen size
• Supports advanced features such as Multimedia, WiFi and 3G
• GPS, Accelerometer, camera capabilities
• Supports widgets or interactive content
• Filtered search
• Portrait and landscape orientation
• Easy to install and download apps
• Social Media and bookmarking integrated
• Supports online shopping
• Streamlined mobile version of website with unique look and feel

Professional mobile developers can design, develop, test and deploy mobile web apps, with the same look and feel of native apps. A prototyped native app works on a variety of mobile platforms like iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry using a single code base. Enterprises can make use of the latest mobile technology to design and develop mobile apps with a streamlined interface. You can leverage different cross-platform frameworks to create mobile applications and deliver mobile user experience because your app performs just like native apps.

Here are some of the benefits of developing mobile apps:

Benefits

• Cross-platform compatibility
• Optimize website for more than one phone or screen size
• Supports advanced features such as Multimedia, WiFi/3G, GPS, Accelerometer, camera, and contacts
• Widgets support
• Filtered search
• Analytics support for tracking visitors through devices, content preferences and usage patterns
• Portrait and landscape orientation
• Easy to install and download apps
• Develop and deploy cross-platform mobile apps with re-usable mobile components
• Social Media and bookmarking integrated
• Supports online shopping
• Cost and scalability advantage

Enterprises can engage their mobile development team and develop custom web applications for different operating systems and a variety of mobile devices. A mobile developer can build custom mobile web applications in different categories including:

• Business
• Social Networking
• Music & Entertainment
• Gaming
• Education
• News
• Maps & Navigation

Seven Mental Illusions That Influence Our Everyday Thinking

A big part of living SMART is staying conscious, awake and aware. In fact, most of us like to believe that's what we do most of the time. But after reading the book, "Thinking Fast & Slow" by Daniel Kahneman, I've discovered that I am seldom as awake and aware as I think I am. In fact, far too often I frame most of my decisions like a lot of you-in the easiest and most comfortable ways possible. Fortunately, now that I have a better understanding of how human thinking and decision-making works, I can be more awake and conscious about some of the most routine illusions that befall us all.
Okay, so what are some of the biggest mental illusions that all of us fall victim to, and how do they affect our individual realities? The biggest by far is that our minds strive to achieve coherence and understanding no matter what we face. In other words, we can (and do) rationalize and justify just about anything we want if it suits the story of meaning we have accepted. Plus, because our minds labor towards "sense-making" at every waking second, we frequently see the world as more tidy, simple, predictable and coherent than it often is. More times than not, we believe just about anything to avoid uncertainty or confusion. We constantly make judgments quickly, stereotype, and jump to conclusions without even being aware we are doing the jumping. Even worse, we don't like to be wrong, and we'll avoid winning in order not to lose. While some of these mental processes are certainly valuable and save a lot of time, we error if we use with them without awareness. And guess what? Like it or not, we think in these ways much of the time.
Here are 7 mental illusions to watch out for on a daily basis:
1) The halo effect. When you think someone is attractive-or like and agree with what they say, you will automatically give them more credibility than otherwise. You will believe most of what they say and overlook things (like the truth!) or ignore anyone that disagrees with them. While there is no question that we all do this, we usually just do it without awareness. The opposite is also true. If you don't like the way someone looks or you don't like them for any reason whatsoever--you'll distrust what they say and be suspicious--regardless of whether they are telling the truth or not. Remember, we ALL do this ALL the time.
2) WYSIATI-What you see is all there is! Because we want to make sense of our experiences, we don't even see what doesn't fit our picture of reality. This is pretty scary when you realize that people who don't want to believe something-politically, religiously, and educationally--can't hear or see an opposing view. If you have a hard time grasping a different point of view--that's probably because you don't want to! Again, the reach of this illusion is huge and yes, we all do it all the time.
3) The Availability Bias. Because our minds seek coherence and compatibility, we naturally gravitate to ideas, suggestions and meanings that we have heard or believed before. This bias is also strong with whatever attracts your attention including the latest dramatic events on the nightly news, or the most notorious Hollywood divorce. Because these events are so vivid, they stand out and appear bigger and more relevant than do other experiences in your life-and we frequently make choices accordingly. Studies show that unless we are conscious, we will make choices believing something is more correct when it is in bold type, when we read it more than once somewhere, or even if we heard it in a commercial. Understand? We just about always are blinded by our natural tendencies toward what we have seen or heard before. Don't believe me? Do you ever purchase popular name brands even if a better and cheaper one is available?
4) Framing Affects Our Stories. As story making beings, we tend to put a frame around everything we believe. That frame helps us keep things in context-but it can work against us. For example, advertisers know that if they present certain information one way vs. another they can often motivate us without our knowing about it. The most amazing example of this is the fact that in some countries the rate of organ donation is almost 100%! In other countries, like the U.S., the rate of organ donation is very low. This low rate is attributed to the fact that people must "opt-in" and consciously decide to become organ donors when getting their driver's licenses. In other countries where participation is nearly 100%, they are required instead to consciously "opt-out" or they are automatically enrolled. Because people nearly always take the easy route, and retailers and others know that about us, they frame the process in a way that gives them what they want-and most of us comply.
5) The Illusion of Understanding. We are drawn to stories that are simple to understand, and concrete rather than abstract. And because we like to make sense of everything-our view of the past is frequently just a story we have created to understand what happened within our worldview. This "hindsight bias" goes so far that it actually makes it very difficult for us to even recall what we used to believe before we changed our mind. Plus, as Kahaneman explained, "the illusion that we understand the past fosters overconfidence in our ability to predict the future."
6) The illusion of validity and skill. Because so many of these mental biases work together to create our understanding and beliefs, it is difficult to unravel why we actually believe what we do. In fact, in our desire to maintain coherence we tend to overestimate skill (and ignore concrete evidence) if it fits within the stories we have created. For example, we so want to believe that professionals know what they are doing, and are working for our benefit, that we often ignore choices that should never ever be turned over to others-like our health, finances and relationships.
7) The Optimistic Bias. This is a bias I never thought I would want to watch out for-but it is rampant in our culture and important to know. This bias says that we tend to overestimate our chances at success and underestimate our chances at failure. A large part of our estimations come from our desire to believe that when we are in charge we know enough to be in control. Why do people go into a business with no chance to succeed? Why do most teenagers believe they are going to grow up to be the next superstar? Why do criminals think they will never get caught? This bias along with the illusion of skill tends to make us ignore anything that stands in the way of our desires. Of course, I'm not giving up this bias altogether-but I do want to be aware of it before making any important decision.
Believe it or not, these aren't all the illusions and biases described in this book, just the ones I think are the most important to remember. As a person who believes that our lives and experiences are created as a result of our consciousness, this information is vital. That's because if we do "get to make it up", then knowing what we are using to create our worldview can definitely impact the outcome. More than anything, this book reminds me that it is challenging to stay conscious, awake and aware, and that real thinking requires effort. While not everyone is ready to take on that challenge, the quality of our life depends on it.

Online Casino - Launched in April 2012

Just like its name, Sklots is a very unique online casino with a very quirky website. In case you are wondering, 'Sklots' stand for 'Skill' combined with 'slots'. Sklots is licensed by the Government of Gibraltar and regulated by the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner. It was the smart people from St Endellion Ltd, a private limited company, who came up with the idea for Sklots. The online gaming software platform is provided by Arcadelia AB and ROOT9, MediaLab, and PlayJam.

Getting Started
The good news is that even though Sklots casino is a cutting edge online casino it is still very simple to open an account with them. They have quick and easy step by step instructions which will help you choose your username, account and submit your email address. After you deposit some money into your account you will be ready to start playing some seriously fun Sklots games!

Customer Support
Sklots Casino's main language is English and it accepts UK Pounds as its currency. You can deposit and withdraw money via either Visa or Mastercard. Their very friendly and efficient customer support team is available around the clock via email or live chat. They unfortunately do not allow US players at present.

Sklots online casino is committed to safe, fair and secure online gaming. They go the extra mile to protect their players' privacy and you can rest assured that they will always keep your privacy and details confidential and safe from hackers.

Sklots Cares
Something we really appreciate about Sklots is that they are not just in it for the money. They care about making people aware about the possible threat of gambling addiction and they make this quite visible by placing a large link to the Gamble Aware.co.uk initiative on its home page. This gambling information website has a wealth of information about gambling regulation, social responsibility and how the gambling industry is funding studies to boost further education and treatment of gambling addiction. It also tells people how to get help if they suspect they may have a gambling problem.

Casino Games
Sklots.com focuses on instant play games and offers players the choice of either playing for fun or for real money. We really liked the fact that this is not just one more cookie cutter online casino which is like a thousand others we have seen before. This is new and funky and the owners really thought about what they could do to stand out from the rest of the crowd.

Sklots online casino has games to suit all types of players, whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned player. Sklots games are skill bonus slot games that pay out more the if you play more. They also have scratch card games, which they call Skratch card games, because they have altered these games to include a level of skill and have a bonus rounds. Some of our favourite games include Skratch and Click-n-Clear Sklots and Icicle Climb Sklot and, as well as more old school games like video poker, blackjack, and european roulette.

Sklots online casino allows you to put your skills to the test and play slots games against other players against the clock. You will be able to compete against thousands of other players around the world. It is a new type of permanent tournament format but you can also play 'one versus one' games. We have to admit that Sklots is in fact so unique that the only way you will really know what we are talking about is to give them a visit yourself!

Adult Incontinence Products That Manage Incontinence Properly

Too many people suffer from incontinence with no protection and no idea of its cause. Get educated and get on your way to living a better life free of the hassles of this tiresome condition.
Side Effects
Many people find that they cannot seem to shake the embarrassment of their condition. They have gone their whole lives with absolute control of this aspect of their body and now they have less to work with. Embarrassment is just one of the many emotions you may be dealing with.
You may feel unsure of yourself, with less self-confidence to be on time to places or be able to fulfill certain tasks. You may more easily lose control when you put strain on yourself by working hard in any environment. Weeding or mowing the lawn may be an even worse chore than it once was. Laughing or jumping up and down can cause leaks as well. With so many things holding you back you may sometimes feel useless or less able.
You are not useless, however! Cheer up and do something great for yourself by finding out the cause of your problem and treating it. There is nothing better than solving your problem so that you can be more carefree to live the life you want to live.
Root Causes
Did you know that incontinence is actually the symptom of another condition? The trouble is that it can come from a number of causes. The trick is pinpointing yours. Talk to your doctor about the medications you are taking and possible reasons for your sudden lack of control.
Certain medications may cause you to lose control of your bowel or urinary tract. Though fecal incontinence is less prevalent it is still very much a problem that needs to be dealt with. Look at the drugs in your cabinet. You may be able to easily switch to another one. If not, there are always ways to treat your condition as it is.
Getting Help
The great news is that so many products and methods have been created and found to help with incontinence. Try these now for better control and a better quality of life.
Adult Incontinence Products
There are many great adult incontinence products on the market today. You can choose from anything from removable guards or actual disposable underwear. Some guards come with bags and some are Velcro. The right absorbency and style is for you to discover. It can be surprisingly fun to try out products to find the perfect one for you.
So get some new undergarments that look just like your others, if you wish, and find comfort in the great protection. There is no reason that you should stay away from certain activities or places now. Shield yourself from leaking and embarrassment.
Kegel Exercises
An exercise that may help you is called the kegel exercise. It involves holding in your urine in brief pauses when you need to go. Do not try to hold it in for long periods or while you are not sitting on the toilet. When you are already in position to urinate, do so, and then pull back. Hold it for a second, and then let it go and pull back with your muscles again. It can be difficult at first, and you may never have complete control over these small muscles, but this exercise can help you to gain control.
It has been known to help women having babies to control their pushing at the right time. Doctors have thanked many women for doing this exercise during the months of pregnancy. It can help you just as well. Take these steps and look into how you can improve your life today while living with incontinence.