BROWSING:  Health

guidedogs-3September is National Service Dog Month, dedicated to raising awareness and showing appreciation for the extraordinary work that service animals do.

“Perfection” being the American model enables us to avoid the reality that we all have special needs. The brain does not function perfectly for anyone throughout a lifetime. We all have imbalances that start in the brain; some occur prior to birth, and others after. With most neurologically typical births, the child’s brain development continues and they can quite gracefully assimilate environmental inputs received by their senses. A neurologically compromised individual struggles to function in the chaotic environment of light, sound, taste, touch, smell, words and feelings; and they need to learn coping mechanisms in a highly-structured manner. The truth is: we are all far from perfect.

The long, busy and active days of summer are finally here! This is the perfect time to freshen up your snacking habits.

campcopneconic-1For kids, summer camp can be a profound experience – an opportunity to be outside and physically active, gain confidence and resiliency – and to unplug from technology! Since 1916, The YMCA Camp Copneconic has been providing outdoor programs for kids and families. According to Executive Director John Carlson, Camp Copneconic has become the leading camp in the nation in forging partnerships with local organizations to meet the changing health needs of the community, and provide high-quality care for all children at camp.

Practiced for hundreds of years, midwifery is a medical profession that is present all over the world. Throughout that time, it has morphed into a refined and evidence-based childbirth method in which many people have expertise. The field, itself, includes both Certified Nursing Midwives who work with hospitals, as well as midwives who have their own practices.

Every year, aquatics-based activities bring tens of thousands of people to the water – along with thousands of preventable injuries. Swimming, boating, fishing and kayaking are a few of these activities that can and should be safe, if you follow a few preventive measures.

You might be surprised to know that one of every two Americans over the age of 30 has periodontal disease. After the age of 65, this unfortunate statistic increases to 70 percent. Currently, 64.7 million Americans are affected – 56.4 percent are men and 38.4 percent are women.

Love Your Melon is a nationwide organization that has found a place here in Flint. Dedicated to improving the lives of children with cancer, the simple idea of donating and selling beanies allows both the givers and receivers to smile big.

insteppedorthics-11Pedorthics is the management and treatment of conditions of the foot and ankle that requires fitting, making and modifying footwear, sole inserts, and arch supports. The treatment implements special footwear to help those who have painful or disabling conditions caused by disease, congenital defect, or injury.

The weather is warm … the grass is green … and the weeds have shown up, as well. Did you know that those pesky dandelions on your lawn also pack a punch with lots of health benefits?

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease associated with the loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells deep in the brain. As the nerve cells die, the amount of dopamine in the brain is decreased. Because dopamine helps regulate the body’s movement, the loss of dopamine leads to decreased mobility.

The Flint drinking water contamination has been a community disaster like few others, creating immediate and future challenges for families. Many are asking, “What can I do to help? How can I stand with Flint?” In the year of its 40th anniversary, Crim Fitness Foundation is redoubling its efforts to create opportunities for all residents to lead healthy lives.