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Today is . . . . Everything You Do Is Right Day
On this date . . . Barney Oldfield sets land speed record of
131.7 mph at Daytona (1910)

Inside This Issue: (Clickable links)

• Editor's Note -Feedback Please

• Chocolate Lover? Make It Dark! -health Tip

• Newest Peer Focus Group Meeting Brief -march 8, 2004

• ADAPT Goes to Washington -support micassa

• Group Speaks Out on MiCASSA -attracts media attention

• CMS Wheelchair Policy Victory! -cms policy clarification

• Upcoming Forums -Your Voice Counts!

• Weakening the I.D.E.A. Hurts Kids -what you can do right now

• Talk Back! -Subscriber Comments

• Limpy the Cat -Disabled Renaissance Cat

• Cognitive Dissonance VIII -by john pistorius

• Word-Finding Help -free word of the day service

• Free Support Group Tools -free help for group leaders

• Help For Increased Brain Power -Super Charge Your Brain

• Nutritional Supplements To Boost Brain Power -Feed Your Brain

• Pittsburgh Area Meeting Notices

• Thank You! -the people who make it all possible

• PABIA-NEWS Subscriber Policy

• Subscribe/Unsubscribe Instructions

• View previous editions online here.

Editor's Note

Hi Folks,

This edition of the PABIA-NEWS is quite long. I want to hear from you regarding the time it takes to receive this newsletter in your email program. I know that those of you with slower connections must need to wait for it to come into your inbox.

For those of you who prefer to print this newsletter, inbox delivery is probably best. This is because the web page has margins that pint when you print the newsletter from the site.

For those who prefer to have clickable links for easy switching between articles without scrolling, online is best. I can't create links that point to the articles within the newsletter with my current software program.

I've posted the Cognitive Dissonance essay on the pabia.org website to save you downloading time. Thanks to Bill Shuster and Skip Goebel, I've decided to post the entire series of Cognitive Dissonance essays in one place on the web for easy access. You can access them at http://www.pabia.org/Archives/Newsletters/Cognitive%20Dissonance/cognitive_dissonance.htm

(two line link must be copied entirely to paste into browser)

Since I already post this newsletter on the http://www.pabia.org website, I'm considering posting it to the website and sending out the table of contents with links to the page where it is published instead of burdening your inbox each month. What do you think? Please take a moment to drop me a note at jp@pabia.org and tell me. Just put the words Online or Inbox in the subject heading.

Thanks,

John Pistorius

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Chocolate Lover? Make It Dark!

Health Tip

Being a chocolate lover, I know the pleasure of slowly melting a wonderful piece of this soothing substance in my mouth. I always knew chocolate was good for me, but met with conflicting opinions from others.

Well, now I have proof -- A recent study has uncovered evidence showing that chocolate may actually have healthful properties—specifically, high concentrations of antioxidant substances called flavonoids.

This study, performed at the University of Dundee, UK, concluded dark chocolate acutely reduces platelet activity, and has potential to reduce Cardio Vascular Disease and thromboembolic disease.

I don't know about you, but I'll be heading out to my favorite chocolate seller to stock up to beat the rush!

(Source: Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis 2003; 1 Supplement 1 July: abstract number P2002 http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/isth2003/abstract.asp?id=10185)

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New Peer Focus Group Meeting Brief

Monday, March 8, 2004

The third meeting of the newest peer support group was a success with ten people in attendance. Malin Lowenadler-Shadel led the discussion and directed the meeting. The main topic discussed was work related issues.

Attendees shared insights into negative thought stopping techniques as a means for overcoming depression.

Ton Byrnes, coordinator of the Indiana Twp. meeting attended. Tom invited others to attend the next Indiana Twp. support group meeting held at Harmarville. He also shared information about the speaker scheduled for the April meeting.

Some attendees raised concerns about funding sources for health care, rehabilitation and independent living services. Others initiated conversation about stress and decision making issues related to employment.

The next meeting of this group will be held March 23, 2004 at 7 p.m. Anyone interested in attending can contact John Pistorius at 412.481.0443 or jp@pabia.org for more information.

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"ADAPT Goes to Washington"

ADAPT Press Release:

No More Stolen Lives! Hold Hearings on Institutional Bias! Pass MiCASSA and S.1394

Washington, D.C. -- Determined to be "heard" on removing the nation's institutional bias in Medicaid funded long term care services, 500 ADAPT activists are converging on Washington, D.C. March 20-25. Kicking off the campaign to get legislative hearings scheduled is a March to the White House at sundown on Sunday, March 21. Marchers from all over the country will carry the messages "No More Stolen Lives: End the Institutional Bias" and "No More Waiting for Home and Community Services."

ADAPT is in D.C. to press Senate Finance Committee Chair Charles Grassley (R-IA) and Ranking Democrat Max Baucus (D-MT) to hold hearings on removing the institutional bias in Medicaid, the nation's major funder of long term care services and supports. There are several bills with bi-partisan support now in Congress which would allow disabled and older Americans to choose to receive their long term care in their own homes instead of being forced into nursing homes as is now the case.

At least two of the bills (S.1394, Money Follows the Person Act, and S.1971, MiCASSA, the Medicaid Home and Community-based Services and supports Act) remain buried in the Senate Finance Committee. ADAPT and the 700 other
organizations supporting these bills want Grassley and Baucus to hold hearings and move the bills to the Senate floor.

Medicaid, a state-federal partnership, mandates states to pay for nursing homes, but not for the same services in one's own home. In 1999, in L.C. and E.W. v.s. Olmstead, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that this practice amounts to illegal forced segregation when the person could be adequately served in the community. In 2000, President George Bush issued both an Executive Order mandating implementation of the Olmstead decision, and his New Freedom Initiative which called for all federal Departments to assess and plan for removal of barriers to people with disabilities accessing all aspects of their communities.

"In this election year, it's imperative that Congress and the President get their priorities straight. There are too many people in this country being denied the freedom we say we are fighting for around the world because those people are forced into nursing homes and other institutions by the Medicaid institutional bias," said Bob Kafka, National ADAPT Organizer. "In essence, our failed public policy is stealing away years and lives from people who deserve so much better from their country. Our march to the White House on Sunday will be led by people who have been freed
from institutional settings to enjoy typical lives in the community, and we will all be demanding 'No More Stolen Lives.'"

For more information contact;

Bob Kafka 512/431-4085
Marsha Katz 406/544-9504
 

(Source: JUSTICE FOR ALL -- A Service of the American Association of People with Disabilities http://www.aapd-dc.org/JFA/JFAabout.html )
 

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Group Speaks Out on MiCASSA

Small Effort Gets Media Attention

Hi all,

Well we were able to get a small group of five to go to the Watertown Housing Authority Mid Town Towers to see Senator Schumer speak. We carried our bright
fluorescent signs about MiCASSA. We were greeted by folks with some trepidation as they thought we were there to protest against Schumer. We let them know we were there to show support for Senator Schumer as a sponsor of MiCASSA and also for MiCASSA itself. The group of seniors relaxed some. They asked what MiCASSA was and I was quick with the handouts.

Then the head of the Watertown Housing Authority came along and asked us to leave because our signs were not allowed in the building. We didn't argue with the man but rather stepped outside to the front doors. There we were greeted by WWTI TV 50. They asked us about our signs and MiCASSA and if they could interview us. We happily agreed to an interview. They spoke to me first and Aileen Martin covered more when I got stuck.

Then the gentleman from the Watertown Housing Authority came outside and asked us what our issue was. We explained our position and he apologized, welcoming us back in. So back in we went.

Senator Schumer was around 20 minutes late which gave us more time to talk to people about MiCASSA. Two reporters from the Watertown Daily Times spoke to Aileen and the other advocates. Also Matt Delsignore, from WLOT interviewed Aileen about MiCASSA. We may have been picked up by WTNY - Channel 7 and other sources but it was hard to tell.

Senator Schumer arrived. He walked through the aisle to the podium and stopped to check out our signs. He said "MiLASSA?" (I wasn't hired for my drawing ability). Then we said "no, MiCASSA" and said "You sponsor it." He said yes he knew what MiCASSA was and supports it. He went on down and had his speech.

His speech was related to stopping the move to change Social Security. Alan Greenspan has issued a statement recently arguing for cutting benefits to people who are not retired yet. Senator Schumer spoke that there is a movement in Congress to follow this argument. He said, "You know sometimes Congress will ask how high when Greenspan says jump." Sen. Schumer circulated a petition to the President opposing this sort of benefit slashing in Social Security. He took questions from the floor.

When all questions about the Social Security topic were covered he looked back to us and said, "Do you folks that are here for MiCASSA want to say anything?" Well you know we did! I point blank told him that we need Congress to move now and get hearings started on MiCASSA. Also Rebecca, a volunteer advocate, spoke up on how long we have been fighting for MiCASSA and on how much money the government can save with MiCASSA through deinstitutionalization.

I did approach Schumer at the end to personally thank him for sponsoring MiCASSA and introduce myself. He was in a hurry but took the time to speak to as many of us as possible. Meantime Rebecca was speaking to the lady staffer he had with him.

All in all it was an awesome experience!! It also goes to show that even a little mouse can approach a lion.

Elizabeth A. Patience
Statewide Systems Advocate
Northern Regional Center for Independent Living

(source: NATIONAL ADAPT MAILING LIST - Adapt MiCASSA List)

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CMS Wheelchair Policy Victory!

CMS Retracts Power Wheelchair Policy Clarification

(Congratulations to disability advocates around the country, and particularly the ITEM Coalition, for urging CMS to reevaluate its policy. Our advocacy efforts can and do make a difference folks. The following article illustrates how we can positively impact life for people with disabilities in these United States of America.)

Thursday, March 18, 2004-The ITEM Coalition is pleased to announce that CMS has retracted its Power Wheelchair Policy Clarification issued in December, 2003 based on concerns raised by stakeholders such as the ITEM Coalition!  Together we have made a real difference!
 
Pasted below is a notification from the Director of CMS' Congressional Affairs Group to congressional health staffers stating that the Policy Clarification is being retracted (the notification is available on http://www.insidehealthpolicy.com/).  The notification further states that CMS will hold another Open Door Forum to address further issues and concerns related to the Medicare power wheelchair benefit.   CMS is also
apparently going to issue a press release outlining key themes it heard in the comments it received in the Listening Session held earlier this month. 
 
CMS' action directly corresponds with the ITEM Coalition's recommendations in its two letters to Secretary Thompson and comments to the CMS Listening Session.  In these documents, the Coalition advocated for the Clarification to be rescinded and for a new policy to be proposed with an opportunity for public comments.  We are drafting a press release commending Secretary Thompson and CMS Administrator McClellan for this action and also praising Senate Finance Committee Chairman Grassley for his helpful efforts on this issue.
 
The Steering Committee would like to thank the membership for all their hard work on this issue!  We will provide more information on future steps by CMS when they are
announced.
 
=============================

U.S. House and Senate Notification
Thursday, March 18, 2004

To: Congressional Health Staffer
From: Carleen Talley
Director, Congressional Affars Group
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Subject: CMS Plans to Announce Actions to Address Power
Wheelchair Concerns
 
I know that many of you have inquired with concerns regarding power wheelchairs and a recent bulletin which suppliers have asserted represents a change in CMS policy.
Accordingly, I wanted to let you know that CMS has decided to retract the December 9, 2003 Durable Medical Equipment Regional Carrier (DMERC) Article which was intended to reiterate our coverage policy on power wheelchairs. The coverage policy remains unchanged from when it was originally put into place in 1985. CMS will continue to pay claims as it has prior to and following the issuance of the December 9, 2003 DMERC Article.
 
We are taking this action in response to concerns voiced by the power wheelchair community which were brought to the agency's attention through our Open Door Forums and Listening Sessions held in February and March. We will be providing more information on additional action steps that will soon follow. Specifically, CMS is planning to issue a press release shortly which will review the eight primary themes garnered from the multiple Listening Sessions and Open Door Forums on this issue, and will provide CMS' response to the issues raised. In addition, we will soon hold a follow-up Open Door Forum at which all four Medical Directors from the DMERCs will be present.  We will continue to keep you updated as we have additional information.

If you have questions, please contact Tricia Rodgers (202) 690-5445 on my staff.
Thank you.

Amelia Steed
Congressional Liaison, Regions I & X
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Office of Legislation/Congressional Affairs Group
(202) 690-7125
(202) 690-8168 fax
 
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Upcoming Independent Living Council Forums

Your voice is important!

The Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council (PA SILC) is conducting its annual hearings on the state plan for independent living (SPIL). These  hearings help determine how independent living funds should be used to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians with disabilities.

Mark the following dates, times, and forum locations on your calendar:

March 23, 2004 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
PANTALL HALL & CONFERENCE CENTER
135 East Mahoning Street
Punxsutawney, PA 15767
1-800-872-6825

March 25, 2004 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT GREENSBURG
SMITH HALL LOUNGE
1150 Mt. Pleasant Road
Greensburg, PA 15601
724-837-7040

March 26, 2004 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
WINGATE INN
Route 30 Box 106
Latrobe, PA 15650
724-539-0400

March 30, 2004 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
RADISSON LACKAWANNA STATION HOTEL
700 Lackawanna Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
570-342-8300

April 1, 2004 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
BELL SOCIALIZATION SERVICES
160 S. George Street
York, PA 17403
717-848-5767

Light refreshments will be served.
 

Several options are available if you cannot attend a forum:

• You may call your comments into the SILC office Monday -Friday from 2:00 - 4:00 PM AT 1-800-796-9163,

• Fax your comments to them at 717-236-8800,

• email them to BJMPASILC@HOTMAIL.COM,

• or mail them to the postal address below prior to April 2, 2004.

• PA STATEWIDE INDEPENDENT LIVING COUNCIL
  2 N. SECOND STREET, SUITE 100
  HARRISBURG, PA 17101

Please consider the following questions regarding funding and independent living.

1. Do you believe the Independent Living Council is serving your needs?

2. What are the unmet transportation needs in your area?

3. Do you believe we need more Independent Living Centers?

Our people must stand up and be heard on this issue.

It is important to all of the people who are living with the consequences of brain injury. This is your chance to help make positive change happen. It is too easy to put this down and forget about it.

Do it now! Write down your answers to the above questions and anything else that you believe would help you or your family member to live independently.

Any questions? Contact John Pistorius at 412.481.0443 or email jp@pabia.org.

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Weakening the I.D.E.A. Hurts Kids

WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW
In Priority Order

Time is short - the rally is next week! Here's what you can do to help, even if you can't make it to DC:

---

(1)

Send the template letter* found at fourchildrenleftbehindfrm17.showMessage-topicID=195.topic to your Senators via fax or e-mail by March 22, 2004. Tweak as needed. Contact information for your Senators can be found by simply entering your Zip Code at www.congress.org or www.senate.gov .

*Rationale & talking points related to the template letter can be found at pub60.ezboard.com/fourchildrenleftbehindfrm17.showMessage?topicID=196.topic
 

---

(2)

Participate in the National Call Your Senators Day on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2004

Again, phone numbers for your Senators can be found by simply entering your Zip Code at www.congress.org or www.senate.gov

 

** For the Call-In Day, simply say that you are "calling to urge Senator ______ to Vote No to S.1248 because it will hurt children with disabilities by weakening the I.D.E.A." That's all you have to do - they tally the calls so every call counts!
 

---

(3)

Sign the League of Special Education Voters' online petition which can be found at www.petitiononline.com/nos1248/petition.html
 

---

Here's a copy of the template letter, cut and pasted below:

Dear Senator _______________________________,

My family desperately needs help that only you and the other Senators on Capitol Hill can provide. We need you to stop this extremely dangerous and reckless IDEA reauthorization train from derailing and potentially harming 6.5 million students who receive special education services in America. If families like mine do not get the help that we need, we will suffer physically, emotionally, and financially.

There are no valid reasons for having to bring Part B of S.1248 to the Senate floor this year. Part B of the IDEA is permanently authorized, and the present IDEA legislation (IDEA ‘97) is actually much more aligned with No Child Left Behind than either H.R.1350 or S.1248. This is especially true now that the No Child Left Behind rulemaking process for individuals with disabilities has begun taking form.

The proposed House and Senate bills (H.R.1350 and S.1248) are neither grounded in present No Child Left Behind realities, nor are they based on reliable data to validate any of the major changes proposed therein, changes which will only serve to hurt children and the people who love and care for them. Both bills are already obsolete, given that they were first drafted prior to many of the No Child Left Behind rules being released and prior to states and local districts having an opportunity to figure out what they would eventually look like.

Families across this country now understand what No Child Left Behind looks like for students with disabilities. We are terrified, and these bills will do absolutely nothing to help our kids escape the numerous unintended consequences that will compromise their access to learning and productive futures.

H.R.1350 and S.1248 are certain to push students backwards rather than forwards. Both bills will compromise access to the general curriculum and banish any hope of having many of our students with disabilities make AYP and become proficient by 2014. It is not the fault of our children and families that No Child Left Behind did not carefully consider them in the first place. Now the same people who brought us this controversial legislation are looking at dismantling our only safety net.

Until No Child Left Behind has been completely rolled out, is understood by all the relevant stakeholders, and has thoroughly addressed the unintended consequences that our students face as a result of its enactment, I am begging you to ask Senator Frist to please remove S.1248 from this year’s calendar and allow our families to reclaim time with our students so that we can work with them to assure that they truly are not left behind.

Please feel free to contact me at any time should you want to discuss this further. I may be reached at: Phone _______________________ Email ____________________. Let me know how I can best help you with your consideration of this life-altering legislation.

Thank you for your serious consideration of this most important matter. The lives of members of my household depend on it.

Sincerely,

____________________


Source: Sandy, Illinois alpy2@aol.com
Volunteer Co-Webmaster, www.ourchildrenleftbehind.com (IDEA reauthorization)

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Talk Back!

Subscriber Comments

You are to be commended for what you are doing and for what you have been doing for so many years. Thank you for keeping me posted. -Jeannette

• My wife and I were at the meeting last night (March 2, 2004) and I just wanted to let you know I read your latest essay on the website today as well as the previous ones I pulled up from the links. You have a great talent for presenting a visual image. I read somewhere that most people have over 300 negative thoughts of one kind or another in the course of a day (it's too cold, I'm too old, I hate this or that..., This won't work, etc.). Most of them reinforced since childhood and developed over the years. We need a lot of tools, methods and ideas to fight that big of an army. I think you have a great thing going there. A lot of people are hungry for those ideas. Thanks-Bill Shuster

• Just wanted to say great newsletter. I am going to include your "Just faking, lazy" portion in my fight for my daughter Kaitlin. Those were her special education teachers words to me . Great job on always helping. -Bobbi Schmidt

• I am totally impressed with what you do. I am most impressed with your writings on Cognitive Dissonance. Is there a way I could receive the whole article in a file? or perhaps is there a book I could buy from you that you have written on the subject? This is cutting edge stuff! Thank you and I hope you write more.....Skip Goebel
   

• It is a real comfort to know people like you and others that are in the group are supportive of our family and other families in the area. I really would love to get more involved with the group and helping others out.-Jodi Pecze

• I wanted to let you know that I just spoke to Sheila from Cape Town (South Africa) and we had a lovely long conversation.  I am forwarding some info. to her and we decided to remain in contact and to work together to hopefully one day start a therapy centre in SA for parents with BI children. Thanks to you and Karen for putting us in contact with each other. Regards-Elna, Pretoria, South Africa

Editor's note-Sheila from Cape Town contacted me about starting a peer support group in her area for parents of near drowning children with brain injury. A couple of months later, I met another mom (Elna) online who lives in Pretoria whose son nearly drowned. I gave them each other's contact information and they have established contact. At the same time, another woman became acquainted with both of them and shared their contact info. How does that happen from across the globe? Only by the grace of God.

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Limpy the Cat, AKA- The Captain

Disabled Renaissance Cat-a Real Survivor!

by Bob Murfee

Limpy was born to a wild mother in the forest and, when he was but a kitten, was taken w/ his bothers & sisters into the woods.  They were, however, the sad victims of attack by a raccoon that killed the mother and all the litter, save for one male kitten who was fast enough to get away.  However, the raccoon bit off his rear-left foot.  As a result, he grew up w/ a limp and quite a personality.  I got him when he was 6 months old and trotting around on all-threes, he named himself "Limpy".  And what a personality he is!

He has the whole neighborhood at his feet, wandering everywhere.  He comes home sometimes at 2:00 AM and, very matter-of-factly sits in front of the house-no one anywhere-and proceeds to meow an operetta at the front door till someone awakens, comes downstairs and lets him in.  No big deal, as he sees it.  That's the way it's supposed to be.

Limps, a week or so ago, started acting very low-key, not his usual self.  So we took him to the vet.  We were initially given the good news that he doesn't have Leukemia!  (Well, thank God for that.)  Further tests told us that there seems to be something wrong in his intestines, which, we pray, isn't cancer.  Then the vet pointed to an odd spot on the x-ray and said, very soberly, "I'm afraid that is a bebe!"

Hearing this, I was very upset!  That some idiot would shoot 'The Captain' (as Limps is also known)...! And he said it looked like the bebe was quite old.  Can't figure who, where, or why this could have happened. But it did.  And Limps, like a Renaissance gent, kept going and we never knew anything of it! 

As you can imagine, he is one heck of a cat! Indeed, I feel that most animals, not being confused w/ all the oral chit-chat that people engage in, broadcasts and the like, learn to depend upon more of an "internal-self" to communicate. That is not unlike what we call "psychic", the ability to read other natural signs. Many times you can tell when a dog or cat is 'foreseeing' a storm or such.

We don't know what the intestinal problem is, but I am very concerned as this is the neatest cat I've ever known.  My friends, I don't know what procedures you follow: prayer, meditation or what.  But, may I ask that you spend a little energy on behalf of Limps.  Losing him would be very hard.

(Bob lives in the "City of St. Francis" (San Francisco, CA.) with his wife, Carole & 16-year-old daughter, DeDe; and their dog, Pilgrim & two three-legged cats, Limpy & Crystol. He lives by the ocean, a block from the waves and a half block from Golden Gate Park, where he walks on a daily basis.)
 

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Cognitive Dissonance VIII

Stereotypes, Perceptions and Facing Reality.

John Pistorius

Because of the length, and to save your downloading time, I've posted this section on the Pittsburgh Area Brain Injury Alliance web at http://www.pabia.org/Archives/Newsletters/Cognitive%20Dissonance/cognitive_dissonance.htm

Thanks for reading on. -JP

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Help with Word Finding

Two Websites Offer Free 'Word of the Day'

Even a minor bump on the head can cause word finding problems. The following sites offer a free email Word of the Day service:

Dictionary.com Word of the Day http://www.dictionary.com/wordoftheday/
(C) 2004 by Lexico Publishing Group, LLC.

To subscribe to the list by email, send a blank message to: join-WordoftheDay@lists.lexico.com

Subscriptions can be turned on and off from the Web at http://www.dictionary.com/wordoftheday/list/
 

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day-To subscribe to the html version of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, featuring audio pronunciations, interactive surveys, and more visit:
http://www.startsampling.com/sm/wod/changeofaddress.iphtml

(c) 2004 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated

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Support Group Tools

Free Help for anyone Starting or Running Peer Groups

We offer free tools to anyone interested in starting or improving a support group. The following list of tools are available free of charge by email or on CD by postal mail:

• Meeting Notice Poster - for public posting in supermarkets, doctor's offices, community bulletin boards, storefront windows and any other place where the public can view them.

• Facts about Head Injury/Brain Trauma Brochure - used to raise public awareness of the incidence of TBI and to advertise individual groups. Customized to include group name and current contact info.

• Sign-in sheet - used to maintain contact with attendees for notification of meetings and upcoming events.

• Phone call log - used to maintain contact with callers for follow-up and meeting notices.

• Meeting Notice Post Cards - personalized template (four per sheet) used to notify attendees of upcoming meetings by postal mail. Usually sent out a week to ten days before each meeting to insure timely arrival.

• Press Release Templates - used to notify local press of upcoming meetings. Usually sent out 20 to 30 days in advance of meetings to improve chance of publication. Can boost attendance and raise public awareness of brain injury and prevention efforts.

• Welcome Poster - used at building entrance and meeting room door to welcome attendees.

• Directional Arrows Signs- aids people in finding meeting room.

• Restroom Directional Arrows Signs- aid people in locating rest rooms.

• Speaker Evaluation Form - used to collect attendees thoughts and comments.

We also offer one-on-one assistance with starting new support groups. A PowerPoint Presentation entitled Starting and Facilitating a successful Peer Support Group is being developed and will be included on the CD as soon as it is finished. Anyone interested in obtaining help and receiving the Support Group Development/Facilitation Tools, can contact John Pistorius at jp@pabia.org.

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Help For Increased Brain Power!

Super charge your brain
 

A few things you can do NOW to really help improve your brain function and memory.

• Lifelong learning and training. Intellectual stimulation promotes brain growth - use it or lose it. Take courses, read challenging books, take up a hobby, do crossword puzzles and memory exercises and play intellectually stimulating games.

• Regular exercise. Several studies have now demonstrated the cognitive benefits of regular physical activity, even for those who may have physical limitations or emotional impairments. Activity promotes blood flow to the brain, and physically active older people have higher cognitive test scores and better reaction time.

• Daily activities. Especially helpful are activities that keep you involved with other people. Consider doing volunteer work, traveling to new places, gardening, knitting or crocheting and group activities.

• Stress reduction. Studies in animals have shown that chronic stress alters the structure of the brain and interferes with normal physiological functions that in turn can hurt cognitive function. Popular stress reduction techniques include physical activity, meditation and prayer. Seek professional help if needed.

• Sleep. Many people are plagued by sleep disturbances. Failing to get enough sleep and especially enough REM, or dream sleep can impair cognitive function. There are many popular books on sleep that can help; if those fail, seek professional assistance. Many hospitals now have sleep clinics. Don't be fooled by the sleep-inducing effects of alcohol, which can actually disrupt sleep.

• Emotional stability. Studies indicate a distinct connection between emotional health and cognitive ability. Depression is common and may actually result in injury to the brain. Affected people may not recognize their depression; it often takes a family member or close friend to notice it and suggest doing something about it. Regular exercise, group activities and volunteer work may help, but if self-help measures fail, professional treatment is recommended.

• Good nutrition. Inadequate intake of a number of nutrients can impair brain function. Older people with higher intakes of the antioxidant nutrients vitamins E and C and beta carotene (found in richly colored vegetables and fruits) have been shown to have better memories. As people age, caloric needs decline but nutrient requirements rise, so it becomes even more important to make calories count toward good nutrition. Only about 15 percent of Americans over 65 consume what nutrition experts say is a good diet for older people. Many eat inadequate amounts of protein, B vitamins like folic acid, B6 and B12 and the antioxidant nutrients.

• Drinking plenty of water. People also tend not to drink enough water. Lack of water can cause cognitive impairment in all people, not just those who survive brain injury.

• Curry for the brain. Why does Alzheimer's disease strike only 1% of India's over-65 population vs. 10% of America's? New UCLA research finds one reason may be Indian food's curry spices, especially turmeric, which contains the antioxidant curcumin. Daily low doses of curcumin slashed deposits of brain plaque (a hallmark of Alzheimer's) by 50% in mice. Probable reason: Curcumin is a strong anti-inflammatory, similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, also tied to fewer Alzheimer's cases.

• Fish oil for depression. Studies show fish-eaters get less depression. Now Dutch research reports fish oil may help cure depression. "It's a breakthrough finding," says psychiatrist Norman Rosenthal of Georgetown University, author of the new book The Emotional Revolution. Fish oil contains two omega-3 fatty acids: EPA and DHA. In a study of people with ordinary "unipolar" depression, adding just 2,000 milligrams of EPA-type fish oil capsules daily to regular medication halved depression scores in three weeks, possibly because fish oil raises brain levels of serotonin, a mood-controlling neurotransmitter. In recent Harvard research, very high doses of fish oil also relieved manic depression.

• Vitamins boost kids' IQ. Want your children to score higher on IQ tests? Try vitamins, says David Benton, a psychologist at Britain's University of Wales Swansea. He estimates that one-third to half of children might boost non-verbal IQ scores, sometimes "dramatically," by taking supplements.

• Folic acid, an all-round brain saver. To keep memory sharp as you age, eat lots of folic acid, a B vitamin found in leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits and dried beans, say Tufts University researchers. They find that people with the highest blood levels of folic acid have little or no memory loss after middle age. Folic acid also seems to help prevent Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. A lack of folic acid allows a buildup of toxic homocysteine, which clogs blood vessels and damages brain cells, says Mark Mattson of the National Institute on Aging. He finds animals low in folic acid develop severe Parkinson's symptoms. An easy brain protector: supplements with 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid.

• Minerals boost brainpower. Have trouble concentrating or recalling words? You may have marginal deficiencies of minerals, says Mary J. Kretsch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Western Human Nutrition Research Center in Davis, Calif. She found that men given a low-zinc diet for three weeks lost their ability to quickly recall specific words, and women with borderline anemia (lack of iron) lost concentration and focus. The danger is especially great in dieting women, Kretsch notes.

• In recent research at the Memorial University of Newfoundland, older people who took multivitamin/ mineral supplements for a year improved on tests of short-term memory, concentration, abstract thinking and problem solving.

• It's blueberries again -- and spinach. A few years ago, Tufts research proclaimed antioxidant-rich blueberries, strawberries and spinach as brain food. A slew of new evidence confirms it, at least in animals. Elderly rats fed blueberry extract beat younger rats on memory tests at the University of Houston. In Canadian studies, blueberries reduced stroke damage in lab animals. Researchers credited blueberries' anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting activity. And at the University of South Florida, investigator Paula Bickford found that feeding animals spinach reversed learning loss that comes with age. How much might help? In human terms, the animals ate about 1 cup of blueberries a day or a large spinach salad.

Source: http://platinumlotus.com/brain.html

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Nutritional Supplements To Boost Brain Power

• Ginkgo biloba: this herb is well know for its "smart drug" properties by increasing the blood flow in the tiny blood vessels in the brain and works against free radicals. Ginkgo improves the retention of learned behavior increasing learning recall and short-term memory.

• Lecithin: contains Phosphatidylserine (PS) and other phospholipids, improves attention, concentration, mood and short-term memory.

• Coenzyme Q10: it protects the nerve cells from oxidative damage by free radicals; is found naturally in the mitochondria of every cell in the body which is essential for energy production and is commonly known for improving heart health.

• DHA: This is an omega 3 essential fatty acid derived from fish and algae. Every cell membrane in the body is made up of these essential fatty acids and this form is more effective than flaxoil as it metabolizes quicker.

• Folic Acid: In a recent study of 678 nuns, atrophy of the brain at autopsy showed those with Alzheimer''s had the lowest folic acid levels.

• Water: shrinkage of the brain can be a result of chronic life long dehydration.

Source: Feed your head: Nutrients may help prevent Alzheimer's Disease.
http://www.island.net/~ipincott/article25.htm

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Pittsburgh Area Brain Injury Alliance

Upcoming Meeting and Social Event Notices

Pittsburgh

Monroeville

Indiana Twp.

Indiana County

Bowling Event

Next Pittsburgh Area meeting date: Tuesday, April 6, 2004

TIME: 7:00 P.M.
TOPIC:
PLACE: 1323 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh Near Mercy Hospital and AJ Palumbo Center
ADMISSION: Free
PARKING: Free Parking Lot adjacent to the building.
Contact: Ed Crinnion at 412.761.9870 or John Pistorius at 412.481.5482.
Refreshments provided.

Upcoming Pittsburgh Meeting Dates:

• April 6

• May 4

• June 8

• July 6

• August 3

• September 7

• October 5

• November 2

• December 7

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The next Indiana Twp. meeting date: Tuesday, April 13, 2004

Time: 7:00 P.M.
Place: the McLaughlin Education Center of HealthSouth, Harmarville.
Admission: Free
TOPIC: Life Care Planning for children with disabilities and How to maximize government benefits with Mark L. Sanders of Advocates For Dignity.
Parking: Free Parking in the HealthSouth Parking Garage
Contact: Tom Byrnes at 412-531-0343 or Ann Ciotoli at 412-828-1300
Refreshments provided.

Upcoming Indiana Twp. Meeting Dates:

• APRIL 13

• MAY 11

• JUNE 8

• JULY 13

• AUGUST 10

• SEPTEMBER  14

• OCTOBER 12

• NOVEMBER 9

• DECEMBER 14

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The next Monroeville Area meeting date: Thursday, April 8, 2004

TIME: 7:00 P.M.
PLACE: Cross Roads Presbyterian Church, 2310 Haymaker Road, Monroeville, Pa.
TOPIC:
ADMISSION: Free
PARKING: Free parking lot adjacent to the building.

Contact: Denise Patterson at deenomad@aol.com or Paul Damon at 412.372.2888
Refreshments provided.

Upcoming Monroeville Meeting Dates:

• April 8

• May 13

• June 10

• July 8

• August 12

• September 9

• October 14

• November 11

• December 9

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New- Indiana County Brain Injury Support Group

When: Thursday, April 15, 2004
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Topic: Peer Support Discussion
Place: Indian Haven Community Home, 1675 Saltsburg Ave., Indiana, PA 15701
Admission: Free
Parking: Free Parking Lot adjacent to the building.
Contact: Becky Myers 724.349.5934 or BILL Compton 724.639.9416
 

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Western PA BIM / HS Recreational Bowling League

Where: Fun Fest Entertainment Center, 2525 Freeport Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238
WHEN: Monday March 22nd and April 19th.
COST: $7 per person, for 3 games, shoes, 2 slices of pizza & unlimited fountain drinks.
TIME: 3:30 PM TO 6:30 PM on Lanes #35 to 40

Bowling at Fun Fest is Wheel Chair Accessible and there are Bowling Ramps.
For more information contact Tom Byrnes at 412-531-0343.

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Thank You!

These are the people that make it possible.

Ed Crinnion (412) 761-9870 for your continuing efforts in keeping the Pittsburgh Area Brain Injury Alliance together, funding the organization's website and supplying refreshments for PABIA meetings.

Becky Myers (724) 349-5934 and Bill Compton (724) 639-9416 for your continuing commitment to peer support in Indiana County.

Denise Patterson and Paul Damon (412) 372-2888 for your ongoing coordination of the Monroeville area Peer Support Group.

Ann Ciotoli, MaryAnn Stritmatter 412-828-1300 and Tom Byrnes (412) 531-0343 for your  commitment to peer support in Indiana Twp.

Malin Lowenadler-Shadel and Lisa Taubman, for your help with the new group addressing the interests and needs of adults recovering from Brain Injury who are facing the challenge of professional role continuation, and those who seek reintegration into educational and career settings.

Jim Sproat and realty Counseling Co. Inc. (412) 381-1166  for your support of the PABIA-NEWS, electronic newsletter and for the use of your digital camera. We greatly appreciate your help. Anyone interested in contacting Jim to thank him personally, can call or visit his website at http://www.realtycounseling.com.

PABIA-NEWS Contributors- your insight, articles, poems and comments are vital to the success of this publication.

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Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down. -Oprah Winfrey

PABIA-NEWS Subscriber Policy

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We are friends and I do like to pass the day with you in serious and inconsequential chatter. I wouldn't mind washing up beside you, dusting beside you, reading the back half of the paper while you read the front. We are friends and I would miss you, do miss you and think of you very often. -Jeanette Winterson

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And so, without a sword, David defeated and killed Goliath with a sling and a stone! -1Sa 17:50

'Till next time, Seek to be and remain Barrier-Free.

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