Nashville – It’s common knowledge that a healthful diet is an important part of a healthful lifestyle, but many people have trouble figuring out what to do when planning an overhaul of their diet. The Department of Health is reminding Tennesseans during National Nutrition Month® this March that an easy way to focus on eating better is to start with the basics.

“By starting slowly and giving yourself a good foundation, you can work toward a healthier life,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “Change doesn’t have to be dramatic to make a difference.”

The theme for National Nutrition Month® 2010 is “Nutrition from the Ground Up.” The goal of the observance is to encourage people to make informed food choices and develop sound eating habits. TDOH offers these suggestions to improve your nutrition:

• Focus on fruits and veggies. Take a good look at your current diet and you’ll probably realize you’re not eating enough fruits and vegetables. Add a serving each day to one meal and increase it every few weeks. Adding more of these foods to your diet is important whether you buy frozen, canned or fresh. Visit www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.com for recipes and more information about including fruits and vegetables in your meal plan.
• Look for locally grown foods. From farmer’s markets to community-supported agriculture, you have many options to find new, fresh foods in your area. This can be a great way to eat well and support your community at the same time.
• Make calories count. Too often, people think of foods as “good” or “bad” and that only those on the “good foods” list are OK to eat. When choosing between options, focus instead on the one with more of the vitamins and nutrients you need. Foods with the fewer calories aren’t always the healthiest options. To figure out how many calories you need to achieve a healthy weight, visit www.mypyramid.gov.
• Test your taste buds. A healthy eating plan emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy. It also includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans and nuts. Those are the basics, but within this wide range there are always opportunities to try new things.
• Expand your horizons. Try a fish you’ve never eaten or find a new vegetable recipe. By testing yourself, you might find new healthy favorites to add to your regular grocery list.
• Trick yourself with treats. A healthful diet doesn’t mean deprivation. If you have a sweet tooth, have fruit and yogurt for dessert. If you want a snack in the afternoon, have some trail mix or nuts. There’s no reason to go hungry just because you’re making healthful changes.

The Department of Health has other resources to help you improve your nutrition. Check out our online cookbook full of simple, healthy recipes that can be prepared with common, inexpensive ingredients. Find the cookbook at http://health.state.tn.us/nutrition/recipies.html.

TDOH also employs registered dietitians at health departments across the state. These health professionals provide counseling on issues from infant nutrition to diabetes and obesity for adults. You can also submit a question online through the “Ask a Dietitian” service. Submit your question with the form at http://health.state.tn.us/nutrition/ask_diet_form.html.

Get Fit Tennessee also offers free and simple tips for improving nutrition every day. You’ll find examples of proper portion sizes, a food journal to help you track your eating habits, and you can sign up to receive a daily e-mail tip to help you lead a more healthful life. Learn more by visiting the Get Fit Web site at www.getfittn.com and clicking “Nutrition.”

National Nutrition Month® is an education and in formation campaign created by the American Dietetic Association. For more tips on building your healthful diet from the ground up all year long, visit www.eatright.org and click “For the Public.”

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health is reminding parents that children under the age of 10 require two doses of H1N1 flu vaccine in order to be fully immunized against the virus. H1N1 flu vaccine is plentiful in Tennessee and widely available through county health departments and other providers across the state. Tennessee’s county health departments are providing this vaccine at no charge to patients.

“We urge parents not to put off getting their child’s second dose of H1N1 flu vaccine,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “H1N1 flu activity could continue for months, and this is also the time of year when seasonal flu viruses appear. It’s not too late to get these important vaccinations to be sure your child is protected throughout the flu season.”

According to recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all children between the ages of six months and nine years need two doses of H1N1 vaccine in order to have full immunity against the virus. These doses should be spaced at least four weeks apart.

Children of all ages have a high risk of contracting influenza, especially children under the age of two. Any child who has a chronic health condition like asthma, neurological conditions, sickle cell disease, heart disease or diabetes is at increased risk for complications from flu. Getting the flu can mean children missing school and activities, and sometimes results in hospitalization or, sadly, even death. From April through December 2009, the CDC has reported 289 flu-related deaths in children. Of those deaths, 12 were children in Tennessee.

To date, Tennessee has distributed more than 2.45 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine to health providers across the state. Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza.

If you have questions about H1N1 flu vaccine, contact your health provider or the Tennessee Flu Information Line toll-free at 1-877-252-3432. To find your nearest flu vaccine locations, visit the Tennessee Department of Health Flu Shot Locator at http://health.state.tn.us/fluclinic/default.aspx.

“I applaud the efforts of these organizations in improving the health and fitness of Tennessee citizens,” said Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen. “The work of these groups and the individuals they inspire helps Tennessee become a healthier state and puts us on track to live longer lives.”

Shining Star Awards are given for work to promote healthy habits in the following areas: Where we Live (communities), Work (employers), and Learn (educational settings). The 2009 Shining Star Award recipients are as follows:

• City of Johnson City
• Eastman Chemical Co., Kingsport
• Hamblen County Health Council, Morristown
• Lewis County Health Council, Hohenwald
• Orange Grove Center, Chattanooga
• Outdoor Chattanooga Mobile Bicycle Fleet
• United Way of Greater Chattanooga
• The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga
• Vanderbilt University, Nashville
• WDEF News 12, Chattanooga

“These Shining Star Award winners prove that just a bit of motivation is all it takes to help people become more active and improve their health and fitness,” said Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN, Commissioner of Health. “Community efforts like these, in partnership with state initiatives including Project Diabetes and Get Fit Tennessee, are encouraging more Tennesseans to make the changes to lead more healthful lives.”

The Tennessee Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Health was created to address the health and fitness needs of all Tennesseans through the promotion of healthy lifestyles. The council recognizes that to be successful in affecting a change in the lifestyle habits of Tennesseans, a cooperative effort will be required of government agencies, businesses, communities and individuals that share the goal of enhancing the quality of life in Tennessee through the promotion of healthy lifestyles. For more information visit the Tennessee Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Health’s Web site at http://health.state.tn.us/governorscouncil/index.shtml.

Governor Bredesen has been instrumental in the creation and development of several initiatives aimed at improving Tennesseans’ health status. Project Diabetes is his innovative public health initiative launched in 2006 to address the epidemic of Type 2 diabetes in Tennessee. To learn more about Project Diabetes, call 615-253-8729 or e-mail Project..

Governor Bredesen also created Get Fit Tennessee, a statewide awareness program to educate Tennesseans about Type 2 diabetes and risk factors that lead to the disease, such as obesity. Visit the Get Fit Web site at www.getfittn.com for more information and free tools that can help you improve your health and fitness.

“I believe you will marvel, as I constantly do now, at just how much a doctor can learn in four years.” — Robert T. Cochran Jr., M.D.

In Understanding Chronic Pain, Cochran’s first book, he spoke with patients about their experience with unrelenting pain, developing a “thesis that chronic pain was a form of mental illness, and that by understanding and treating the mental illness one could often cure chronic pain.” Cochran saw links between chronic pain and issues such as childhood trauma, depression, substance abuse and bipolar disorder.Cochran was available to sign books for his readers.

NASHVILLE, TN:  Legislation protecting the integrity of elections in Tennessee overcame its first hurdle towards passage this week with approval by the Senate State and Local Government Committee.   The bill requires voters to provide photo identification to guard against fraud and assure only U.S. citizens vote.

“Unfortunately, we know that voter fraud exists and that there are people who try to be dishonest in an election,” said Senator Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro), Chairman of the Committee and sponsor of the bill.  “This bill aims to curtail such abuse by making sure those persons voting are who they say they are.”
The bill, SB 150, provides for various forms of photo identification to be used including a driver’s license, military identification, a valid passport, government employee identification cards, and any federal and state-issued identification cards that contain photographs of the voter.  The legislation does not apply to those in nursing homes.  It also allows for those who are indigent to sign an affidavit swearing their status as an eligible voter.  In addition, the bill provides for a “provisional ballot” which would only be counted if the election counting board is able to verify current and valid identification of the voter within three days.

Last April a U.S. Supreme Court decision validated the right of states to require voters to produce photo identification.  According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, of the 24 states that have a voter-ID requirement, seven states specify a photograph be shown to prove identification, including neighboring states Georgia, Florida, and Louisiana.  In no state is a voter who cannot produce identification turned away from the polls.  All states have some recourse for voters without identification to cast a vote or provide for a provisional ballot.

The voter integrity legislation has been approved for the past several years in Tennessee’s State Senate but has failed in the House of Representatives along party lines with Democrats opposing the bill.

“This legislation makes it clear to everyone that Tennessee has the right to make sure that those voting are legitimately casting their votes, and are U.S. citizens,” added Senator Ketron.  “I am hopeful that this measure, which has been upheld by the courts, will be approved by the full General Assembly this year.”

Also on the agenda…

In other action in the State and Local Government Committee this week, legislation was approved to update the political composition of the State Election Commission which has been dominated by Democrats for generations.  State law currently requires that the political composition of the five-member State Election Commission be three members of the majority party and two members of the minority party.  In 2008, the majority party changed prompting the need to replace one Democrat on the state board with a Republican.  The terms of office for State Election Commission board members, however, are on a four-year cycle, which is in conflict with state law given the shift in power.

“The Republican Party, now holds the largest number of seats in the General Assembly,” said Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville), sponsor of the bill.  “In order to reflect the new majority and comply with state law, we propose to temporarily add two new Republicans to the mix.  The Democrats are in mid-term and won’t go gracefully.”

Under the bill, SB 547, the new members would rotate off in two years when their terms of office expire.  The make-up of the board would consequently return to a five-member status after that time.

Tennessee law also requires county election commissions to reflect the change in majority status by giving Republicans three members of the five-member boards statewide.  Those terms of office will be up next month.

Finally, the Senate State and Local Government Committee approved legislation sponsored by Senator Doug Overbey (R-Maryville) requiring that a convicted felon must pay all fines and court costs imposed before being eligible to have their voting rights restored.  Currently, a person convicted of a felony must be pardoned, discharged from custody or supervision, and have paid all restitution to the victim of the offense to have their rights of suffrage restored.  This legislation, SB 440, would add the payment of fines incurred as a result of the felony as a condition for restoring the right to vote.

Legislation approved by Judiciary Committee strengthens rights of property owners

The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved legislation sponsored by Senator Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) to strengthen the rights of property owners in cases of eminent domain.  The potential for abuse of government power in cases of eminent domain has been a growing concern for citizens nationwide in recent years, particularly after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Kelo v. New London, which opened the floodgates.  The 5-4 high court decision condoned the rights of local governments to take private property for public use in the name of economic development.

After the Kelo case, many state legislatures moved into action in 2006 to improve their eminent domain laws, including Tennessee.  The legislation, SB 521 and SB 522, approved by the Judiciary Committee would further strengthen that law to provide additional checks and balances to protect citizens from abuse.

Tennessee’s 2006 post-Kelo law reiterated that a “taking” must be for “legitimate public use.”  It prohibited land used predominantly for agriculture production from being considered a blighted area.  It increased notification requirements for eminent domain action from 5 to 30 days, allowing land owners to receive a fair hearing in court with time to prepare their case and provided for attorney’s fees if the property owner is successful.  It also required government entities seeking eminent domain action to deposit moving and other expenses into an account for the owner of land seized through eminent domain.   The bill approved by the Committee this week would further strengthen that law by providing that approval must be given for eminent domain “takings” by the locally-elected governing body.  It also gives property owners the right of first refusal to buy back property from an eminent domain taking if it is not used for the purpose for which it was taken within ten years.

“The protection of homes and small businesses and other private property against unreasonable government seizure is a fundamental principle of our form of government,” said Senator McNally.  “These two additional protections will provide the checks and balances needed to make help safeguard against abuse.”

Senate Education Committee hears update on efforts to improve students’ health

The Senate Education Committee heard testimony this week regarding the state’s Coordinated School Health Program’s efforts to improve the health of students in Tennessee.  Coordinated School Health Director Connie Givens told the committee that the program is a national model that is making a significant difference to help Tennessee children make healthy choices and improve student performance.

Tennessee ranks among the highest states in the nation for the incidence of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.  Forty-one percent of students in the state’s schools are overweight or obese.  These adolescents have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight adults who are subject to these life-threatening health conditions.

Beginning as a pilot project, the program was implemented statewide in 2006.    That legislation was sponsored by Senator Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro), General Welfare, Health and Human Services Chairman Rusty Crowe (R-Johnnson City), Senator Steve Southerland (R-Morristown) and Speaker Pro Tempore Jamie Woodson (R-Knoxville), among others.  It provided for a Physical Education Specialist and a Coordinator of School Health position within the Tennessee Department of Education and called for 90 minutes of physical activity for K-12 students.

There are eight components to the Coordinated School Health Initiative including health education, physical activity, nutrition services, school health services, counseling, a healthy and safe school environment, community involvement and health promotion for school staff.  The program also partners with other health care agencies to provide a vast array of health screening services to accomplish those goals.  Givens said the results of the program have included reduced absenteeism, improved academic performance and higher graduation rates.

Research shows that poor health habits in children are associated with poorer academic achievement.  It also shows schools that offer intense physical activity programs have shown positive effects on student academic achievement.

The Committee, in partnership with the American Heart Association, also honored three Tennessee schools for excellence in implementing the Coordinated School Health Law.  Lincoln County High School received “highest honors” for outstanding achievement by a Tennessee high school, E.O. Coffman Middle School in Lawrence County received the award for excellence in a junior high school, while North Stewart Elementary School in Stewart County topped the list for elementary schools.

Turning the tide on Tennessee’s disturbing health status to help future generations make healthy choices is important not only to improve the health of individuals but also for the economic health of the state due to rising health care costs.

Finance Official updates Senate Finance Committee on federal stimulus money

State Finance Commissioner Dave Goetz appeared before the Senate Finance Committee this week where he continued to urge caution regarding the stimulus money coming to the state through the federal U.S. Economic Recovery Act.  The state has revised its statistics on how much will be coming into Tennessee to $4.5 billion over a two-year period.  Earlier predictions were in the $3.8 billion range.

Goetz said he is cautioning leaders at all levels of government in Tennessee to remind them it is a temporary assistance plan and that if recurring expenses are involved to expect the money to disappear at the end of the two-year period.  He also said the federal government is issuing guidance on how the money must be spent daily and that there is nothing to prohibit the federal government them from changing its mind at any time regarding those rules.

Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris questioned Goetz and Department of Transportation Commissioner Gerald Nicely about the need to implement an orderly process to the lawful expenditures of stimulus funds.

“The State Constitution mandates that all expenditures are subject to appropriation by the Legislature,” said Leader Norris.  “The governor has given us his word that he will comply.”

Issues in Brief

Hunting and fishing rights / SJR 30 — The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a resolution this week to amend Tennessee’s Constitution to protect the rights of citizens to hunt and fish.  The measure will be voted on in the same manner as the “Victim’s Rights Amendment” in 1998, the “State Lottery Scholarship Amendment” of 2002, or the recent amendment to give property tax relief to the elderly.  The measure was approved in the 105th General Assembly but must pass by a two-thirds majority in the current legislature before citizens can expect to see the resolution on the ballot in November 2010.

Abortion / SJR 127 – Legislation was filed on Monday by Senator Diane Black (R-Gallatin) to give Tennesseans the opportunity to restore their voice in determining what state law should be regarding common sense protections for abortions.  SJR 127 passed the State Senate overwhelmingly last year but failed along party lines with Democrats voting against the measure in a House Subcommittee.  The resolution addresses a State Supreme Court decision in 2000 that struck down provisions in Tennessee law allowing women to receive “informed consent” information about the surgery and to wait 48 hours before they receive an abortion, making Tennessee more liberal than the courts required in Roe v. Wade.  The earliest this amendment, if approved, could go to voters is 2014.

Coal Fly Ash – Legislation was presented by Senator Tim Burchett (R-Knoxville) to the Senate Environment Committee this week to ban the future storage of coal fly ash in lagoons.  The bill, SB 1559, would prohibit the State Conservation and Environment Department from issuing a permit for disposal of fly ash in holding ponds.  It also prohibits issuance of a permit in landfills unless they contain a liner for protection of groundwater and are capped properly.  Debate on the bill will continue in the committee next week.

Vacancies / County Commissioners — The full Senate passed legislation this week to correct a problem arising from an interpretation of a 2008 law that revised procedures for filling vacancies by a county commission.  That law required a county commissioner to resign from the county commission if they accept an appointment made by that governing body.  Some attorneys have interpreted this to include any appointments made by the county commission, including internal appointment to boards and committees, such as budget and finance committees, beer boards, ethics committees etc.  The legislation, sponsored by Senator Doug Overbey (R-Maryville) clarifies that it was not the intent of the 2008 law to prevent a county commissioner from serving on any board or commission if he or she could lawfully serve on that board prior to the act.

A representative from Star Physical Therapy Group shares some information with an Austin Peay Student

One of the biggest obstacles Americans face today in maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not knowing where to begin. If a family is new to our community, they may not be familiar with what businesses are here in Clarksville and what services or products they may offer for an individual or family to maintain healthy living for their entire family. Also, if an individual is looking to begin a diet or workout program, they might not be aware of avenues that  may or may not be available to them as well.

In this rapidly growing  city, many people may not know of the services that can offer recreation or nutrition assistance for their family. However, on February 19, the 2009 Austin Peay University Recreation Wellness Expo will not only showcase these local companies, but will make the Expo absolutely free for anyone in the Clarksville community who is interested in finding out more ways to maintain or, in some cases, change their personal wellness.

Several Clarksville companies, including health spas, chiropractor clinics, physical therapy clinics, community programs and services, health clubs, among others will be available for demos, gift certificates, product samples, and business information and offer ways in which they can help you or your family make choices that will promote wellness in every aspect of your everyday life.

A representative from Doctors Care discusses their medical services.

Austin Peay University Recreation Fitness Graduate Assistant Lauren Wilkinson said about the event:

“We hope that friends and family of the Austin Peay Community will encourage their friends or coworkers to come along with them to this event. We will be giving away door prizes, so everyone who attends will be leaving with something.”

The Expo will be held in the Foy Fitness and Recreation Center on the campus of Austin Peay from 11:00am to 3:00pm and is free to the general public. For more information on the Wellness Expo, please contact Cindy Moore or Lauren Wilkinson at University Recreation at (931) 221-7564, or or .

According to the CDC, there is no cause for alarm as it is early in the flu season, and the resistant strain, known as H1N1 displayed a dominant presence at the start of last year’s flu season only to switch to the strain known as H3N2. The current influenza vaccine is formulated to defend against the three dominant strains, H1N1, H3N2 and Influenza B.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no reason to panic although 49 out of 50 trials resisted Tamiflu as it can still be treated with other flu medications.

CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding said, “It is still very early in the season. There is very little influenza out there. This is probably actually not going to affect very many people because we don’t use a lot of antiviral drugs in our country.” Gerberding said, “Most people with influenza don’t get any treatment.”

In an average year 36,000 Americans die from the flu and three strains of flu circulate in a normal flu season called H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B. The H1N1 strain which mostly comes from Hawaii, Massachusetts and Texas is the strain that is turning up resistant samples. “We can’t predict whether or not these strains will end up being the most important strains in this year’s flu season. This particular H1N1 could fizzle out,” Gerberding said.

While the H1N1 influenza strain has shown resistance to Tamiflu antiviral medication, it is still susceptible to another antiviral medicine called Relenza. Tamiflu is made by pharmaceutical giant Roche AG and Gilead Sciences Inc., which claims that if taken quickly enough is said to both prevent and treat the flu. Relenza is made by GlaxoSmithKline, under license from Australia’s Biota Inc.

The CDC recommended that Relenza be used alone or a combination of Tamiflu and an older drug called rimantadine should be used if infection with H1N1 is suspected. The CDC said that there is still time for preventative action as it’s early in the flu season and recommends vaccination for protection. The peak time for the flu season is usually in February.

Source: http://topnews.us/content/21167-us-flu-resistant-flu-drug-tamiflu

Yes, I get a spiritual lift at the club, in addition to honing and developing my muscles and maintaining stamina by physical exercise; it stimulates my mental and physical abilities. On the treadmill I can read a magazine such as  (a magazine devoted to religious news), or watch the Golden Girls or Cheers (two of my favorite comedy shows).  These benefits are foods for the soul.

One of the keys to successful exercise is the combination of discipline and persistence.  Keep trying. Most people get off to a great start with their fitness programs but gradually lose interest or “momentum. ” To maintain such a rewarding regimen demands dedication. There are dozens of excuses from dropping out of an exercise program , including stress at home or work, medical appointments, children’s sports programs,  even an injury — all weaken the resolve to perform physical fitness activities.

One of the leading excuses perhaps is the failure to budget time. For a fit body and soul, one has to give priority to exercising. “I just didn’t have the time” is the most common excuse people use for hanging up their sneakers.

To your body and soul a favor and make time by writing in time for exercise on your calendar or daily planner and treat it with preference. My time at the club in the mornings is consecrated and hallowed; I appreciate its energy for the rest of the day.

Exercising, wherever it’s done, gives fitness to body and soul.

“Dignity and justice for all of us” is the theme of this year’s International Day for Persons with Disabilities, as well as for the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In the United States, we are fortunate to have the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), passed in 1990, and the recently passed Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA), which restores much of the original meaning and intent of the ADA that has been watered down over the years, and which will take effect on January 1, 2009.  Even so, there is still much work to be done to ensure equal rights for people with disabilities, and to overcome attitudes and stigmas that still exist today, both in the U.S. and in other countries around the world, especially those without such legislation as the ADA. Following are some excerpts from the United Nations Enable website, “Rights and Dignity for Persons with Disabilities”:

• The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, December 3, aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

• Around 10 per cent of the world’s population, or 650 million people, live with disabilities.  If one includes the members of their families, there are approximately 2 billion persons who are directly affected by disability, representing almost a third of the world’s population.

• All over the world, persons with disabilities continue to face barriers to their participation in society and are often forced to live on the margins of society.  They are routinely denied basic rights such as to equal recognition before the law and legal capacity, freedom of expression and opinion, and the right to participate in political and public life, such as voting.  Many persons with disabilities are forced into institutions, a direct breach of the rights to freedom of movement and to live in the community.

• Eighty per cent of persons with disabilities – more than 400 million people – live in poor countries and there is a strong link between disability and poverty. For example, the statistics on employment for persons with disabilities are staggering.  In developing countries, 80 per cent to 90 per cent of persons with disabilities of working age [are] unemployed and in industrialized countries it is estimated to be between 50 per cent and 70 per cent.  The rights to education and health are also routinely denied.   Ninety per cent of children with disabilities in developing countries do not attend school, says UNESCO.

• Approximately 20 million women acquire disabilities as a result of complications during pregnancy or childbirth.

• This continued marginalization against persons with disabilities highlights the need for all States to sign, ratify and implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol.  The United Nations and the global community must ensure that all its work is inclusive of persons with disabilities.

• On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, as well [as] during the year-long celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, let us use ‘dignity and justice for all of us’ as a rallying call, as these principles are far from being realized for everyone.  Dignity and justice are embodied in the civil, cultural, economic, political, and social rights promoted by the Convention. Therefore, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a time to make a renewed commitment to the ratification and full implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol.

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol was adopted on 13 December 2006 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, and was opened for signature on 30 March 2007. There were 82 signatories to the Convention, 44 signatories to the Optional Protocol, and 1 ratification of the Convention. This is the highest number of signatories in history to a UN Convention on its opening day. It is the first comprehensive human rights treaty of the 21st century and is the first human rights convention to be open for signature by regional integration organizations.

The Convention marked a ‘paradigm shift’ in attitudes and approaches to persons with disabilities. It takes to a new height the movement from viewing persons with disabilities as ‘objects’ of charity, medical treatment and social protection towards viewing persons with disabilities as ‘subjects’ with rights, who are capable of claiming those rights and making decisions for their lives based on their free and informed consent as well as being active members of society.

The Convention is intended as a human rights instrument with an explicit, social development dimension. It adopts a broad categorization of persons with disabilities and reaffirms that all persons with all types of disabilities must enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms. It clarifies and qualifies how all categories of rights apply to persons with disabilities and identifies areas where adaptations have to be made for persons with disabilities to effectively exercise their rights and areas where their rights have been violated, and where protection of rights must be reinforced.

Legislation alone will not ensure that persons with disabilities can enjoy their human rights.  States will need to formulate effective policies and programs that will transform the provisions of the Convention into practices that will have a real impact on the lives of persons with disabilities.  For persons with disabilities, as for all persons, the denial of one right can lead to the denial of other rights and opportunities throughout their lives.

This International Day for Persons with Disabilities is a time to make a renewed commitment to these principles of dignity and justice and to ensure implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.  All human beings are not only entitled to rights, but also have the responsibility of making universal human rights a reality for all of us.”

Click on  Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for more information on the convention and its Optional Protocol and International Day of Persons with Disabilities. You can also contact:

Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Division for Social Policy and Development
United Nations Headquarters
Two United Nations Plaza, 13th Floor
New York, N.Y. 10017
Email:

Founder/Director & Episcopal Priest Becca Stevens

The spirit of the “holiday season,” which is kicked off by Thanksgiving, is buoyed by hopeful, upbeat music and encouragement to express good will to all, but is often squelched by frenetic desires to do too much. That overwhelming energy zap can be circumvented in at least three inspirational ways by the women of Magdalene House, who will speak on Sunday, December 7 at 10:30 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Clarksville.

What can this program do for you?

1. You’ll give yourself the gift of absorbing astonishing stories of hope and even self-redemption. Even though I contend personally that we’re all already “redeemed” just as we are, I’ve noticed that a process of self-acceptance (“love” if you will) must be honored. Magdalene House offers women who have fallen into prostitution and drug abuse the opportunity to change those influences through group support. In a November 3 Nashville City paper article, Nate Rau quotes a Magdalene House participant, “. . . it’s the love, the support. . . They’re not judgmental.” The success rate of approximately ¾ of graduates never returning to prostitution or drugs speaks for itself. Founder/Director and Episcopal priest Becca Stevens told Rau, “We ask people to give in gratitude for all they have been given.”

2. You can give to this wonderful program by simultaneously enjoying Thistle Farms pampering products, made by women in the program, which include: candles, room spray, multi-fragranced or non-fragranced lotions and soaps, mini-sachets, salt scrubs and body and lip balms.

3. You can buy these excellent-quality products for others in the true spirit of the season, thereby radiating your generosity out even further.

After hearing two women share their heart-rending stories to our teary-eyed congregation last year, I strongly recommend that you join us in person, but if you can’t, you can order from this extraordinary organization at www.thistlefarms.org.

Stevens, who started “Thistle Farms” in 2002, has written two books. “Hither & Yon” is Stevens’ latest book encompassing her thoughts on steps you can take and preparations you can make on your own spiritual journey. “Sanctuary,” is about some unexpected places where she has encountered God – a trail in the Andes, her son’s bathtub, a Kroger parking lot. The book written by the Magdalene women – “Find Your Way Home” – sounds intriguing to me.

Hope to see you Sunday, December 7 at 3053 41-A South (Madison Street) about two miles from K-Mart and Walmart on the left (next to a horse pasture).

If so, you may be clenching and grinding your teeth at night while you are asleep.  It is estimated that over 95% of people experience this uncontrollable habit at some point in their lives.  Teeth grinding may be caused by stress, or sleep disorders, and abnormal bite, crooked or missing teeth.

These habits can escalate into serious pain and problems of the temporomandibular joint, or the TMJ, which joins the lower jaw to the skull. TMj disorders can mimic migraine headaches, earaches, sinus infections and tooth abscesses.  It can cause dizziness, ringing in the ears and muscle pain that radiates down the neck and shoulders.

A clenched jaw can exert up to 300 pounds of pressure, which can wear teeth down, causing painful cracks.  Teeth can become very sensitive to cold temperatures.  Over time, arthritis, inflammation and degenerative joint changes can occur.  The disc in the joint can shift and make clicking or popping sounds.  It can also “lock” out of place.

Headaches, jaw and muscle pain can seriously disrupt the quality of one’s life.  Often time’s people are treated with anti-depressants or prescription pain medicine only to mask or place a band aid over the underlying condition.

Recognizing that stress and chronic pain is hard to eliminate from our lives, over the past several years I have intensified my research into the proper diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

Conservative pain-free treatment options are available and have the potential to eliminate the painful symptoms linked with tooth clenching and grinding.  First, an accurate disorder must be diagnosed by a qualified dentist extensively trained in the jaw joints, bite problems, and the musculature associated with the face, head, and neck.  Frequently, diagnostic imaging such as MRI and CT Scans are required to make an accurate diagnosis.

Once a diagnosis has been made, a treatment plan can be developed based on each individual’s condition and needs.  And just like any other problem, if left untreated it will only get worse.

If headaches, face, or jaw pain are disrupting the quality of your life or you think you may be clenching or grinding your teeth, why not consider a proper examination rather than living with the pain?

The Clothesline Project is an international event that bears witness to the effects of sexual violence in the community. The project gives its participants the opportunity to print T-shirts in honor of men and women who are survivors of sexual and domestic violence. These shirts will be displayed on a clothesline to raise awareness of the impact violence has on the community.

The Clothesline Project (CLP) originated on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, in 1990, and was designed to address the issue of violence against women. Women affected by violence express their emotions by decorating a shirt. They then hang the shirt on a clothesline to be viewed by others as testimony to the problem of violence against women. Locally the Clothesline Project has also been displayed at the Clarksville-Montgomery County Library.

APSU has been hanging the Clothesline Project since 1997. Since its inception, the project has amassed more than 400 T-shirts. For more information, contact Dr. Jill Eichhorn, coordinator of APSU’s Women’s Studies Program, (931) 221-6314. The national project website is http://www.clotheslineproject.org/

I’m not a crier. However, my emotions ran the gamut from elation to tears as I participated in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk for the Cure in Nashville on Oct 4th.  As I walked the 5K race with my daughter and thousands of others, I read memorials on t-shirts such as “In memory of Mom” but also many happier phrases such as ”In celebration of my sister”. I felt overwhelmed by so many who’d been affected by breast cancer. My sister, Pam Thompson, is a survivor and is doing well.  She completed her surgery, chemo, and radiation about 2 years ago.

This year’s Nashville Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® raised over $1 million for the fight against breast cancer!  It’s not too late to make a donation.

There was much celebration and hope. One of my favorite t-shirt slogans was “Cancer Sucks”. If you ever have the opportunity to participate in one of the walks, I highly encourage you to do so. It was an experience I’ll always remember.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. Today, this grassroots effort is an international organization with a network of volunteers working through local Affiliates and Komen Race for the Cure® events.

Komen runs one of the most innovative, responsive grant programs in breast cancer today. In addition to funding research, the Foundation and its Affiliates fund community-based breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment projects for the medically underserved. In 1992, the Greater Nashville area held it’s first Race at Centennial Park with 500 participants. The Greater Nashville Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure was founded in 1997.

Up to 75 percent of the net proceeds raised by Greater Nashville’s participation in Komen Race for the Cure stays in Middle Tennessee to fund outreach programs and initiatives that address the specific unmet breast health needs of our community, and a minimum of 25 percent of net proceeds raised supports the Komen for the Cure Award and Research Grant Program.

Complimentary food and drinks will be offered while supplies last, and the event will feature children’s activities, finger printing, games, air evac helicopter, fire trucks, law enforcement vehicles, ambulance, crime scene unit, bomb squad, K-9 team, tactical team, explorers, Clothes Line Project, wood work shop, handprint project and the Charter Internet trailer.

Door Prizes will be given out at the event and you must be present to win. Grand Prize giveaway will be two sets of Suite Tickets to the December 7th Carrie Underwood Concert. Many other terrific prizes will be given out during the Even

The AARP Board meeting will be held October 7 in the conference room of Regents Bank on Second Street. The agenda includes Christmas planning, and chapter plans for service to the Palmyra Health Care Center.

The Chapter will also partner with the Ajax Turner Senior Center to provide free cataract screenings to be administered by Loden Vision Center on November 12 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.  A total of 16  fifteen minute slots, eight for the senior center and eight for AARP, will be offered. Candidates for the screening must be 50 years of age, and not have had prior cataract surgery. Symptoms may include blurred vision, glare, haze, and nighttime visual difficulties. For more information or to make an appointment for one of these exam slots, call David Cook at 931-645-3370 or the Senior Center.