Down Syndrome: Brooke’s Story

National Down Syndrome Awareness Month - Brooke Garbe

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month

 

by Mina Frannea

Down Syndrome is a congenital disorder in which extra genetic material causes delays in the way a child develops, both mentally and physically. This disorder affects about 1 in every 800 babies born in the United States. In an effort to bring awareness to this condition, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) established the “Down Syndrome Awareness Month” which is traditionally observed in the month of October. The purpose of Down Syndrome Awareness Month is to advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome and to continue to bring awareness for those who are affected by Down Syndrome and their families.

This year, four-year-old Brooke Garbe helped kick off National Down Syndrome Awareness Month as one of 200 people whose photo was selected to appear in the National Buddy Walk Video presented by NDSS in Times Square in New York City. Brooke’s photo (shown above) was selected from over 1,000 entries in the NDSS worldwide call for photos.

Caterpillar Stickers: Ten Year-Old with Dyslexia Co-Authors New Children’s Book

You’re Invited to the Official Book Launch and Signing Party on November 11th!

 

SPECIAL BOOK SIGNINGS BY SEERAY!
Saturday, November 3rd and 10th from 1:00pm – 2:15pm at
Plano Children’s Theatre
3201 Custer Street, Ste. 706
Plano, TX. 75075

Following a heart-warming story of personal triumph, one Dallas-based ten year-old is delighted to announce the launch of her new children’s book, Caterpillar Stickers. However, unlike most authors, Sierra Rene Flad a.k.a. See Ray faces challenges that make her achievement extra special: she faces the daily struggle of Dyslexia.

When See Ray found reading such a struggle that she developed a fear of school, her parents worked diligently to help her discover of the joys of reading. With new-found confidence and skills far beyond her years, See Ray has co-authored a new children’s book with her Mom, Ruth Flad, that proves anything is possible!

Stop by and meet Sierra and Ruth at the official book launch and signing party for Caterpillar Stickers:  Sunday, November 11th from 1pm – 3pm at Barnes & Noble, Preston Road in Plano.

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

September is National Childhood Obesity Month

by Gordon Echtenkamp

Over the past few decades, childhood obesity rates in the United States have skyrocketed, increasing more than fourfold among those ages 6 to 11. More than 23 million children and teenagers in the United States ages 2 to 19 are obese or overweight putting them at early risk for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and even stroke. If America’s trend continues at its current pace, all 50 states could have obesity rates above 44 percent by 2030, according to a new report from Trust for America’s Health and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and according to the same report, at the current rate of weight gain, by 2030, 57.2 percent of Texans will be obese. The good news is we can do something about it.

Make it a family effort. Setting a good example is the best way to reinforce the importance of exercise to your child. For instance, you could take the whole family on a weekend day trip to a state or national park and go hiking. If you don’t feel like going that far, get creative – transform your backyard or a nearby park into an obstacle course and compete in Family Olympics. When your child sees you participating in and enjoying regular exercise, they’ll be more likely to pick up the habit.