Sunday, July 3, 2011
Feel Teal Club Magazine
 The start of another month and the beginning of another chapter in awareness.... The Feel Teal Club has launched their first magazine, complete with monthly updates from supporters, this is just one more step in their journey of raising much needed awareness for women worldwide. The July edition shares details of Ovarian cancer events with special highlights from the many contributors. Comedian Shelly Ryan takes time out (from publishing her 1st book) to share a Gilda Moment, we meet a young Australian Entrepreneur with a dream, catch up with what's happening in the music biz and news of a song to support the Feel Teal campaign...this issue is available at the following link. Be sure to download a copy and show your support for this worthy cause! http://issuu.com/msd23/docs/mag_cover_1 http://titansofteal.yolasite.com/resources/mag_cover_1.pdf Labels: awareness, debbie stevens, feel teal club, fsm, lee's hope, ovarian cancer, sacha, shelly ryan, support, women |
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Traumatic Brain Injury-All you need to know!
| What types of TBI are there? Any injury to the head may cause traumatic brain injury (TBI). There are two major types of TBI: Penetrating Injuries: In these injuries, a foreign object (e.g., a bullet) enters the brain and causes damage to specific brain parts. This focal, or localized, damage occurs along the route the object has traveled in the brain. Symptoms vary depending on the part of the brain that is damaged. Closed Head Injuries: Closed head injuries result from a blow to the head as occurs, for example, in a car accident when the head strikes the windshield or dashboard. These injuries cause two types of brain damage: Primary brain damage, which is damage that is complete at the time of impact, may include:
Secondary brain damage, which is damage that evolves over time after the trauma, may include:
What physical problems occur after TBI? Physical problems may include hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears), headaches, seizures, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, decreased smell or taste, and reduced strength and coordination in the body, arms, and legs. What communication problems occur after TBI?People with a brain injury often have cognitive (thinking) and communication problems that significantly impair their ability to live independently. These problems vary depending on how widespread brain damage is and the location of the injury. Brain injury survivors may have trouble finding the words they need to express an idea or explain themselves through speaking and/or writing. It may be an effort for them to understand both written and spoken messages, as if they were trying to comprehend a foreign language. They may have difficulty with spelling, writing, and reading, as well. The person may have trouble with social communication, including: * taking turns in conversation * maintaining a topic of conversation * using an appropriate tone of voice * interpreting the subtleties of conversation (e.g., the difference between sarcasm and a serious statement) * responding to facial expressions and body language * keeping up with others in a fast-paced conversation Individuals may seem overemotional (overreacting) or "flat" (without emotional affect). Most frustrating to families and friends, a person may have little to no awareness of just how inappropriate he or she is acting. In general, communication can be very frustrating and unsuccessful. In addition to all of the above, muscles of the lips and tongue may be weaker or less coordinated after TBI. The person may have trouble speaking clearly. The person may not be able to speak loudly enough to be heard in conversation. Muscles may be so weak that the person is unable to speak at all. Weak muscles may also limit the ability to chew and swallow effectively. What cognitive problems occur after TBI? Cognitive difficulties are very common in people with TBI. Cognition (thinking skills) includes an awareness of one's surroundings, attention to tasks, memory, reasoning, problem solving, and executive functioning (e.g., goal setting, planning, initiating, self-awareness, self-monitoring and evaluation). Problems vary depending on the location and severity of the injury to the brain and may include the following: * Trouble concentrating when there are distractions (e.g., carrying on a conversation in a noisy restaurant or working on a few tasks at once). * Slower processing or "taking in" of new information. Longer messages may have to be "chunked," or broken down into smaller pieces. The person may have to repeat/rehearse messages to make sure he or she has processed the crucial information. Communication partners may have to slow down their rate of speech. * Problems with recent memory. New learning can be difficult. Long-term memory for events and things that occurred before the injury, however, is generally unaffected (e.g., the person will remember names of friends and family). * Executive functioning problems. The person may have trouble starting tasks and setting goals to complete them. Planning and organizing a task is an effort, and it is difficult to self-evaluate work. Individuals often seem disorganized and need the assistance of families and friends. They also may have difficulty solving problems, and they may react impulsively (without thinking first) to situations. How is TBI diagnosed? The speech-language pathologist (SLP) works with the person and his or her family/caregivers as part of a team that may also include: * doctors * nurses * neuropsychologists * occupational therapists * physical therapists * social workers * employers * teachers The team works together to evaluate the person and develop an appropriate treatment plan. The SLP completes a formal evaluation of speech and language skills. An oral motor evaluation checks the strength and coordination of the muscles that control speech. Understanding and use of grammar (syntax) and vocabulary (semantics), as well as reading and writing, are evaluated. Social communication skills (pragmatic language) are evaluated with formal tests and the role-playing of various communication scenarios. The person may be asked to discuss stories and the points of view of various characters. Does he or she understand how the characters are feeling, and why they are reacting a certain way? Can he or she explain how different characters' actions affect what happens in the story? The person may be asked to interpret/explain jokes, sarcastic comments, or absurdities in stories/pictures (e.g., what is strange about a person using an umbrella on a sunny day?). The SLP will assess cognitive-communication skills. Is the person aware of his or her surroundings? Does the person know his or her name, the date, where he or she is, what happened to him or her (orientation)? Recent memory skills are assessed, such as whether the main details in a short story are retained. Executive functioning is evaluated. The SLP assesses the patient's ability to plan, organize, and attend to details (e.g., completing all of the steps for brushing teeth). The SLP may read an incomplete story and ask for a logical beginning, middle, or conclusion. The person may be asked to provide solutions to problems (reasoning and problem solving; e.g., "What would you do if you locked your keys in your car? How can this problem be avoided in the future?"). For more information about when to refer someone for a cognitive-communication evaluation, see Cognitive-Communication Referral Guidelines for Adults. If problems are observed, the SLP will evaluate swallowing and make recommendations regarding management and treatment. The focus of this evaluation will be to ensure that the individual is able to swallow safely and receive adequate nutrition. Additional swallowing tests may be recommended as a result of this evaluation. If necessary, the SLP may also evaluate the benefit of a communication aid or device to express basic needs and ideas. To contact a speech-language pathologist, visit ASHA's Find a Professional. http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/tbi.htm Labels: awareness, brain injury, communicating, health, mental, support |
Friday, November 12, 2010
Awareness CONTAGIOUS!
 Staying in touch is what builds good communication skills between people and business. The same applies when networking...promoting, advertising and marketing, all play a considerable role if you intend to keep traffic flowing while gaining more public interest. Raising awareness is no easy task, so, keeping all the "above" in mind is necessary if we are to succeed! With a lot of hard work, long hours, and NO pay, we forge onwards....always working towards the same goal and for the ultimate result.....an early screening method for detecting ovarian cancer. Awareness for ovarian cancer is growing- More and more people are getting on-board the "awareness" phenonmenan which is great news for the cause and even better for those involved. There's still a long way to go, especially if we are to carry the same status as that of our "Gynaecological-sister"; breast cancer. The words "Teal" & "Awareness" are synonymous with ovarian cancer, the results evident when using the Google search engine. For example, type in 'teal" 'awareness' 'ovarian cancer' and a Google search will deliver 51,200 results....however, type in 'pink' 'awareness' 'breast cancer', (9,690,000 result) and you see exactly what we are up against! However, progress is being made and we owe much to the internet and the use of Social networks. At Facebook, there's definitely signs of "change" with new "awareness" pages sprouting; new designs and logo's,and more contacts! Let's face it, it's the list of friends which we all rely on when building our awareness-pyramid............and the Feel Teal Club is no exception. We pride ourselves on cross-promotion, giving everyone an equal opportunity to share their information whilst sharing the crucial awareness message further! The Feel Teal Club remains committed to sharing relevant links and always happy to promote. Constantly updating our pages to keep the public informed, if it's in the news, the Feel Teal Club has you covered! Our message is still the same but with one small difference—we’re committed to raising awareness, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year, until a diagnostic test has been found! UPDATES.......To encourage the public interaction, a Guestbook is now operating to accept messages of support.....Stay tuned for the Club's Chat-room! http://www.feeltealclub.com "Awareness" is contagious so let's keep spreading the message. Labels: awareness, campaign, debbie stevens, events, ovarian cancer, research, social network, support |
Sunday, July 18, 2010
FEEL TEAL CLUB AWARENESS
 The Feel Teal Club was especially designed for the general public & Artists of every industry. Worldwide, the colour TEAL was chosen to represent Ovarian cancer, though sadly, it is still yet to be widely recognised. We continue to raise awareness for Ovarian cancer, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year, with the focus on the need for an early diagnostic screening test which will save more lives of the women & girls around the globe. As a Club, we are all contributing to a common purpose, supporting the Community, while supporting each other. Also at Facebook! Labels: awareness, feel teal friday, ovarian cancer, support, women |