Tips from the Spring '97 issue
Tips from the Winter '97 issue
Tips from the Summer '96 issue
From the Spring 1997 Issue:
Find a Pen Pal!
When you, a family member, or a friend is affected with TS, it is often very comforting to know that you are not alone. Whether you are looking for someone in a similar situation to share stories with or seeking a friend with similar interests, the new and improved NTSA pen pal program is a great way to contact other TS affected families and friends from around the world. If you would like a pen pal or cyber pal, fill out the form on this site. Remember to fill out the entire form (certain sections will be kept confidential if requested), so we can make the best match for you. For Ketogenic Diet Parents
Parents Helping Parents is selling a 200-page Ketogenic Diet Food Value Book for $12 plus $4 shipping. The book includes food value breakdowns for all kinds of foods and their brands from baby food to cheeses. Meant primarily for those who do hand calculations, samples of calculations for a couple meals, tracking charts and calendars, and empty worksheets are also attached. To order, call (408) 727-5775. Annual Resource Guide
Exceptional Parent has published their annual resource guide with over 1500 national organizations, products, and services for parents of children and young adults with disabilities. In addition to listings of parent to parent programs, early intervention programs, and federal information resources etc., advertisements of schools and equipment for disabled children and adults are worthwhile to see. Look for your copy at a local bookstore or call the Exceptional Parent Library at (888) 372-3737.
Disability Programs
The Easter Seal Society provides local programs for children and adults. Call (800)221-6827 for information about your nearest chapter. You may also want to ask about their summer camp programs in several locations throughout the country. Specialized Toys
Different Roads to Learning is an on-line catalogue of toys for the learning challenged. The toys designed for children ages 2-9, focus on skills leading to speech and language such as categorizing, concentration, and receptive language. The products are simple and specific. Check out their site or call them at 800-853-1057. Discounted Computers
If you are a disabled child/adult and cannot afford a computer, a Minnesota based non-profit group, DRAGnet offers several types of used machines on a cost recovery basis. Recognizing the need of computers for education, job training, and vocational education purposes, the group is giving a 10% cost recovery cash discount. Call (612) 378-9796 for more information.
Singing Instructions
When Melanie Green of Richmond, VA wants her son to clean-up or do other chores, she sings the instructions. She observes that singing registers better. A fact that has also been noted by many experts, singing works in many other situations such as when trying to give your child a bath. Aloe for the face
Did you know that aloe reduces redness of the angiofibromas on the face? Recommended by doctors for use after dermabrasion or laser treatment, it also works under normal conditions. Small Step Assistance
While the insurance company will cover basic medical expenses, the unmet need for additional physical/speech therapy, special education, and even everyday supplies such as diapers add up. The Courtney Leigh Small Steps Fund, founded by a TS parent, endeavors to assist families in providing their TS children with a greater quality of life. If you are interested in obtaining financial support, contact Frank Gallagher (201) 267-5511. Need to Travel?
If you need to travel to see a specialist or receive treatment but don't have money for the air fare, AirLifeLine is for you. An organization of volunteer private pilots who donate their time, skills, and aircraft, AirLifeLine will arrange your trip free of charge if it is less than 800 miles. It is open to any patient who is ambulatory, able to fly in an unpressurized plane, and demonstrates financial need. Call AirLifeLine (800)466-1231 for further information.
Beware of the Sun
Remember to use sunscreen on your/your child's face when out in the sun. The strong summer rays could cause permanent inflammation and redness in angiofibromas. Dermatologist Ron Silverman, M.D. suggests UVA Shade SPF45 (Schering-Plough) or Durascreen (Reed&Carnrick). Covering Your Skin Lesions
Corrective cosmetics do wonders in covering facial and body skin lesions at a relatively inexpensive price. Dermablend and Covermark both offer water-proof cream make-up developed by dermatologists that hides skin lesions very well. While Covermark is a little more expensive than the Dermablend, their product contains sunblock. Additionally, Covermark's customer service is phenomenal and can refer you to a trained cosmetician in your area. For information on store locations for Dermablend, contact NTSA. For Covermark, call their customer service at (800)524-1120 (request an information package with a sample). Potty Training with a Cheerio?!
If you are having difficulties potty training your son or don't know how to start, try putting a bright colored piece of cereal in the toilet bowl and instruct him to aim for it. - A tip from Melanie Green in Richmond, VA New Preschool Program by the Creators of "Sesame Street"
Searching for a wholesome and entertaining TV program for your child? The Children's Television Workshop has launched "Big Bag", a series that stresses feelings and how to get along with others through the use of puppets. Airing on the Cartoon Network at 9 a.m. on Sundays, it is a one-hour commercial-less program, perhaps the first for a commercial channel. "All of the situations we created with animation, our Muppet characters, and our kids on -screen really have to do with real-life experiences - things like sharing a crayon," says the show's creator and executive producer, Nina Elias Bamberger.
If you would like to share a useful tip or tidbit with others, contact the editor.
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