Family to Family: 2015

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[Familyhealthnotes] Family Health Notes - November 2015

Institute for Disability Studies

Family Health Notes

November 2015

Inside this issue:

1) Webinar - Medical Home: Primary Health Care We All Deserve – Nov. 12, 12 p.m.

2) Open Enrollment Time for the Health Insurance Marketplace

3) Prematurity Awareness Month

4) Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Overview for Educators

5) I’m Determined Has Resources for Parents, Too

6) Embracing a Culture of Accessibility in the Workplace

7) 2016 IEP Training

_______________________________________________________________

1) Webinar - Medical Home: Primary Health Care We All Deserve – Nov. 12, 12 p.m.

What is a medical home and why, as a parent of a child/youth with a special health care need should you advocate to implement it as standard care? This medical home webinar presentation scheduled for Nov. 12, from 12 to 1 p.m. will cover the origins and evolution of the medical home model, how to talk to your primary care manager, what should be offered and the positive outcomes to having a medical home. The presenter, Keishawna Smith, is the parent consultant with the Mississippi Family 2 Family Health Information and Education Center at the Institute for Disability Studies. To register for this webinar presented in conjunction with the Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center (MSPTI), visit https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1119181160746849537.

2) Open Enrollment Time for the Health Insurance Marketplace

Open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace has started and will go through January 31, 2016. Here are some important dates to remember:

· December 15, 2015 – last day to enroll in or change plans for new coverage to start January 1, 2016

· January 15, 2016 – 2016 coverage starts for those who enroll or change plans by December 15, 2015

· January 31, 2016 – 2016 open enrollment ends. Enrollment or changes between January 16 and January 31 take effect March 1, 2016

· First time enrollees can get coverage through the following link: https://www.healthcare.gov/get-coverage/

· Do you have a 2015 plan? Log in to update your application, compare and renew, or change for 2016 at this link: https://www.healthcare.gov/marketplace/global/en_US/registration

· Would you like help in person? You can find a trained assister in your community to help you: https://localhelp.healthcare.gov/

For more information about the Health Care Marketplace, contact Mississippi Family 2 Family at 601.432.6929 or ksmith@ihl.state.ms.us.

3) Prematurity Awareness Month

What is a premature birth? It is a birth that is at least three weeks before a baby’s due date. It is also known as preterm birth (or less than 37 weeks—full term is 40 weeks). Important growth and development occur throughout pregnancy—especially in the final months and weeks. The earlier a baby is born, the more severe his or her health problems are likely to be. Although the United States has seen sustained improvement in its preterm birth rate, it has one of the highest rates of preterm births of any industrialized country. More infants die from preterm-related problems than from any other single cause. Those who survive may face lifelong problems such as delayed development, cerebral palsy, breathing/respiratory problems, visual problems, hearing loss or feeding and digestive problems.

What can you do? (Best Practices)

1. If you smoke, stop! Tobacco use can contribute to premature birth and respiratory problems. Need help quitting, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

2. Avoid alcohol or drugs.

3. Get prenatal care as soon as you think you may be pregnant and throughout your pregnancy.

4. It’s never too early to talk to your primary care manager about

a. A pre-pregnancy checkup

b. How to control risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes

c. A healthy diet and prenatal vitamins

d. Warning signs or symptoms of preterm labor that will need medical attention

e. What to do if you have already had a preterm birth

f. Breastfeeding and other options

For more information, visit the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/preterm/Pages/default.aspx.

4) Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Overview for Educators

The IRIS Center at Vanderbilt Peabody College offers Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Overview for Educators. This informational module covers the early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and provides an overview of the difference between medical diagnosis and an educational determination of ASD. The module also includes instructional considerations for teachers who have students with ASD in their classrooms, as well as things to keep in mind when working with families of those students. For more information, visit http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/asd1/.

5) I’m Determined Has Resources for Parents, Too

The I’m Determined project, a state directed project funded by the Virginia Department of Education, focuses on providing direct instruction, models, and opportunities to practice skills associated with self-determined behavior. This project facilitates youth, especially those with disabilities to undertake a measure of control in their lives, helping to set and steer the course rather than remaining the silent passenger. I’m Determined also has good resources for families interested in developing their child’s self-advocacy, decision making, self-management and other skills associated with self-determination. To review these resources, visit http://www.imdetermined.org/parents/resources/

6) Embracing a Culture of Accessibility in the Workplace

There’s more to workplace accessibility than installing a ramp. Learn how much more in this post for the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) by Emily Ladau, author of the Words I Wheel By blog. To view the blog, visit http://www.aucd.org/template/news.cfm?news_id=11510&parent=16&parent_title=Home&url=/template/index.cfm.

7) 2016 IEP Training

The Mississippi Department of Education Office of Special Education is presenting a series of informational sessions for families of students with disabilities. You can join in a training session from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at a session near you. Upcoming locations:

· January 21 - MSU, Kahlmus Auditorium, 1000 Hwy 19 N, Meridian

· March 1 - Harrison County School District Central Office, 11072 Hwy 49, Gulfport

For more information, contact the Office of Special Education at 1.877.544.0408 or at http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/OSE.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Family Health Notes~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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[Familyhealthnotes] Family Health Notes - October 2015

Institute for Disability Studies

Family Health Notes

October 2015

Inside this issue:

1) Mississippi Disability Awareness Fair – Oct. 9, Jackson

2) Parent Training Sessions – Oct. 7, Starkville; Oct. 28, Hernando

3) Campaign for Healthier Babies Month

4) Fall Dyslexia Conference – Oct. 20, Clinton

5) ADHD and Related Concerns Conference – Oct. 23-24, Hattiesburg

6) Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

7) Bullying Prevention Month

8) Family Voices of Mississippi

9) Webinar - Medical Home: Primary Health Care We All Deserve – Nov. 12, 12 p.m.

_______________________________________________________________

1) Mississippi Disability Awareness Fair – Oct. 9, Jackson

The Mississippi Disability Awareness Fair will be held Friday, Oct. 9, at 10 a.m. at the Jackson Medical Mall at 350 Woodrow Wilson Avenue in Jackson to promote the awareness of resources and stakeholders that provide opportunities for people with disabilities. Fourteen sponsors are participating in this free event. Meet Chris Howard, new executive director of the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services. Enjoy a wheelchair basketball exhibition by members of the USM Golden Eagles wheelchair basketball team and White Cane safety events. Food and refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Dorothy Young at 601.853.5210 or dyoung@mdrs.ms.gov.

2) Parent Training Sessions – Oct. 7, Starkville; Oct. 28, Hernando

The Mississippi Department of Education, Office of Special Education is presenting a series of informational sessions for families of students with disabilities. Join staff from the Bureau of Parent Engagement and Support from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 7, at the Hilton Garden Inn at 975 Highway 12 in Starkville and on Oct. 28, at the DeSoto County Schools Administration Office at 5 East South Street in Hernando. Sessions will be held in Meridian in January and in Gulfport in March. For more information, visit http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/OSE.

3) Campaign for Healthier Babies Month

“Most women don’t understand the importance of seeing their doctor before pregnancy and the few simple steps they can take to give their future babies a health start in life” was the quote from Beth Adcock, the Dixie Division Chairman for the March of Dimes in 1995. With the advancement in technology and more information about women’s health and prenatal care, more women understand the importance but the work is not done. Access to care, nutrition and affordable insurance are still issues for women, expecting mothers and current mothers. Mississippi Family2Family (MS F2F) is committed to connecting pregnant women, mothers and families to information about health care information and enrollment. The MS F2F is also dedicated to educating families on children getting early screenings and continuous screenings and children receive coordinated, ongoing and comprehensive care within a medical home. For more information about the Affordable Care Act, enrollment or early screenings, contact Shawn Smith at the MS F2F at ksmith@ihl.state.ms.us.

4) Fall Dyslexia Conference – Oct. 20, Clinton

The Fall Dyslexia Conference is scheduled for Tues., Oct. 20, from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on the second floor of the B. C. Rogers Student Center in MC Anderson Hall at Mississippi College (MC) in Clinton. The conference is sponsored by the Dyslexia Education and Evaluation Center at MC. Cost for the conference is $35 for parents, $50 for professionals and $25 for students. Continuing education units will be offered. The deadline for registration is Oct. 16. For more information or a registration for, call 601.925.7766.

5) ADHD and Related Concerns Conference – Oct. 23-24, Hattiesburg

The 12^th Annual ADHD and Related Concerns Conference will be held Oct. 23 and 24, at the Temple Baptist Church Student Center in Hattiesburg. Russell A. Barkley, PhD, an internationally recognized authority, is the keynote speaker. Dr. Barkley will speak at a special dinner for physicians only on Oct. 22. For more information or to register, visit https://www.adhdconf.com/.

6) Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

In October 1988, President Ronald Reagan deemed October as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. President Reagan said, “When a child loses his parents, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child, there isn’t a word to describe them. This month recognizes the loss so many parents experience across the United States and around the world. It is also meant to inform and provide resources for parents who have lost children due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, stillbirths, birth defects, SIDS, and other causes.” For more facts about Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, visit the following links.

FAQ on Stillbirths:

http://www.firstcandle.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Facts-On-Stillbirth-2013.pdf

FAQ on SIDS:

http://www.firstcandle.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Facts-On-SIDS-SUID-2013.pdf

Safe Sleeping Facts For Babies:

http://www.firstcandle.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SafeSleepSavesLives-2013.pdf

7) Bullying Prevention Month

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over a period of time. Bullying doesn’t just affect the child being bullied but also has lasting effects on the child doing the bullying. This is a real issue and with the wide spread usage of electronic technology, cell phones, computers and tablets, bullying has gone viral. For information on the risk factors for children at risk of being bullied, children who are more likely to bully others, warning signs, how to respond and prevention, visit http://www.stopbullying.gov/.

8) Family Voices of Mississippi

Family Voices aims to achieve family-centered care for all children and youth with special health care needs and/or disabilities. Throughout its national grassroots network, Family Voices provide families with resources and supports to make informed decisions, advocate for improved public and private policies, build partnerships among families and professionals, and serve as a trusted resource on health care. The Family Voices vision is for every child and youth with special needs to receive family-centered care. For more information about Family Voices of Mississippi, contact Shawn Smith at 1.866.883.4474.

9) Webinar - Medical Home: Primary Health Care We All Deserve – Nov. 12, 12 p.m.

What is a medical home and why, as a parent of a child/youth with a special health care need should you advocate to implement it as standard care? This Medical Home webinar presentation scheduled for Nov. 12 at noon will cover the origins and evolution of the medical home model, how to talk to your primary care manager (PCM), what should be offered and the positive outcomes to having a medical home. The presenter is Keishawna Smith, parent consultant with the Mississippi Family 2 Family Health Information and Education Center at the Institute for Disability Studies. To register for this webinar presented in conjunction with the Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center (MSPTI), visit https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1119181160746849537.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Family Health Notes~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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[Familyhealthnotes] Family Health Notes - September 2015

Institute for Disability Studies

Family Health Notes

September 2015

Inside this issue:

1) Webinar - Medical Home: Primary Health Care We All Deserve – Sept. 2, 12 p.m.

2) Final Statewide Hearings on School Funding Initiatives – Sept. 3 and 8

3) September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month

4) Mississippi Sickle Cell Foundation’s Charity Celebration – Sept. 18, 7–10 p.m., Jackson

5) Looking for Technology for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities?

6) DOJ Issues Guidance on Service Dogs

7) Young American Engagement Toolkit
8) Mobile Friendly Resources for Families: HealthyChildren.org

_______________________________________________________________

1) Webinar - Medical Home: Primary Health Care We All Deserve – Sept. 2

This presentation is an overview of what a medical home is and why, as a parent of a child/youth with a special health care need, you should advocate to implement it as standard care. This presentation will also cover the origins and evolution of the medical home model, talking to your primary care manager (PCM), what should be offered and the positive outcomes to having a medical home. Shawn Smith, parent consultant for the Mississippi Family to Family Health and Information Center (MS F2F) at The University of Southern Mississippi Institute for Disability Studies, is the presenter for this webinar which is co-sponsored with the Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center (MSPTI). To register, go to https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7227743407768780290.

2) Final Statewide Hearings on School Funding Initiatives – Sept. 3 and 8

Mississippians can express their opinions about proposed school funding initiatives during a series of public hearings in late summer. The hearings, announced by Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, will run through Sept. 8. These initiatives will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot. Initiative 42 would require lawmakers to fund “an adequate and efficient system of free public schools.” Initiative 42-A says lawmakers must fund “an effective system of free public schools.”

The hearings, each starting at 5:30 p.m., will be held:

» Sept. 3 at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Biloxi

» Sept. 8 at the Mississippi School for the Arts auditorium in Brookhaven

For more information, visit http://www.sos.ms.gov/About/Pages/Press-Release.aspx?pr=610.

3) September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month

September marks National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness month. With approximately 72,000 Americans living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), and an estimated two million, including 1 in 12 African Americans carrying the genetic trait for the disease, SCD represents the most commonly inherited blood disorder in this country. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Sickle Cell Disease Initiative is working to improve the lives of individuals and families struggling with the disease by improving access to quality care and collaborating with key partners in government, the private sector, researchers, and families affected by SCD. For more information or to find out how to help contact the MS F2F Family Coordinator, Keishawna Smith, at 601.432.6929 or your local sickle cell foundation. In Jackson, the Sickle Cell Support Group meets the first Saturday of every month in the common area of the Jackson Medical Mall at 350 West Woodrow Wilson. The next meeting is Sat., Sept., 5 at 11 a.m.

4) Mississippi Sickle Cell Foundation’s Charity Celebration – Sept. 18, 7 – 10 p.m., Jackson

The Mississippi Sickle Cell Foundation continues to break the silence, give voice to the cause, and work to find a cure for Sickle Cell Disease. The Foundation stands on the frontlines of providing support to more than Mississippi 2,000 patients and their families who deal with this genetic disorder every day. The Foundation invites you to celebrate the Sickle Cell community and honor long-time pediatric practitioner Dr. Mary Gail Smith. Dr. Smith has treated thousands of children with blood disorders like sickle cell disease at the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s Children’s Cancer Clinic for decades. Be a part of the “Charity Celebration” on Fri., Sept. 18, 2015 at the Mississippi Museum of Art in Downtown Jackson. This event kicks off at 7 p.m. For tickets, go to http://mssicklecellfoundation.org/.

5) Looking for Technology for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities?

There has long been a need for a service that helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) access technology. The Arc decided to step in to help centralize resources in this field. Through a partnership with the Comcast Foundation, The Arc was able to create the Tech Toolbox. Staff from across The Arc’s chapter network came together to design a one-stop-shop, peer-reviewed directory of technology products that are effective for people with I/DD. Through this directory, chapter staff, people with I/DD, and the general public can find, review, and post examples of technology tools that work well for them. There are already over 500 apps and devices in Tech Toolbox, and the list will continue to grow with your input! For more information, visit https://toolbox.thearc.org/.

6) DOJ Issues Guidance on Service Dogs

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division recently issued a new resource on service animals, titled Frequently Asked Questions About Service Animals and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This publication provides helpful guidance on general rules governing service dogs that employers may want to review to ensure they are providing equal access for both employers and customers who may use them. In addition, it defines what constitutes a service animal and the many ways they assist people with a variety of disabilities, not only visual impairments. To view the guidance, visit http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html.

7) Young American Engagement Toolkit

This toolkit, created by Enroll America, provides strategies, tools, and resources that encourage young Americans to enroll in health insurance, including effective messages and communication techniques that families, pediatric clinicians, and community-based organizations can utilize to enhance access to care. For more information or a copy of the toolkit, visit https://www.enrollamerica.org/research-maps/toolkits/young-americans/.

8) Mobile Friendly Resources for Families at HealthyChildren.org

Now available in mobile and tablet versions, these family-friendly articles provide a variety of health information, including explaining medical home and its benefits for families. Articles are available in English and Spanish. For more information, visit https://www.healthychildren.org/English/Pages/default.aspx and https://healthychildren.org/English/family-life/health-management/Pages/Your-Childs-Medical-Home-What-You-Need-to-Know.aspx

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[Familyhealthnotes] Family Health Notes - August 2015

Institute for Disability Studies

Family Health Notes

August 2015

Inside this issue:

1) Hearings Scheduled Statewide on School Funding Initiatives – August and September

2) Webinar - Medical Home: Primary Health Care We All Deserve – September 2, 12 p.m.

3) Medical Home Provides Partnership for Families

4) About Autism in Toddlers – Free Online Tool

5) Parent Checklist to Help Ensure that Children Thrive at School

6) Talk, Read, Sing Together Every Day! Toolkit

7) August is National Eye Exam Month and National Immunization Awareness Month

_______________________________________________________________

1) Hearings Scheduled Statewide on School Funding Initiatives – August and September

Mississippians can express their opinions about proposed school funding initiatives during a series of public hearings in late summer. The hearings, announced by Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, will run through Sept. 8. The initiatives will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot. Initiative 42 would require lawmakers to fund “an adequate and efficient system of free public schools.” Initiative 42-A says lawmakers must fund “an effective system of free public schools.”

The hearings, each starting at 5:30 p.m., will be held:

» Aug. 13 at the Gale Center in Hernando

» Aug. 17 at the Link Centre in Tupelo

» Aug. 20 at Temple Theater in Meridian

» Aug. 27 at Delta State University’s Bologna Performing Arts Center in Cleveland

» Sept. 1 at the Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center in Hattiesburg

» Sept. 3 at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Biloxi

» Sept. 8 at the Mississippi School for the Arts auditorium in Brookhaven

For more information, visit http://www.sos.ms.gov/About/Pages/Press-Release.aspx?pr=610.

2) Webinar - Medical Home: Primary Health Care We All Deserve – September 2, 12 p.m.

3) Medical Home Provides Partnership for Families

The family-centered partnership is the cornerstone to medical home; it is the trusting, collaborative, working partnership between providers and families, respecting diversity and recognizing that families are the constant in a child’s life. Want to learn more about establishing a medical home for your family? For more information, visit http://www.medicalhomeinfo.org/for_families/partner_with_physician.aspx. In Mississippi, email Shawn Smith with Mississippi’s Family to Family Health Information and Education Center (MS F2F) at ksmith@ihl.state.ms.us.

4) About Autism in Toddlers – Free Online Tool

A new online tool, About Autism in Toddlers, is now available free of charge for parents and professionals interested in learning how to recognize the early signs of autism spectrum disorder in very young children. The tool includes videos on the core features of autism and information on the importance of early identification. This is the first in a series of free online tools being developed as part of Autism Navigator, a collection of resources created by the Autism Institute at Florida State University College of Medicine. Additional free resources and tools will be available in coming months. For more information, to watch a preview (3:21 minutes) or to register, visit http://autismnavigator.com/resources-and-tools/#about.

5) Parent Checklist to Help Ensure that Children Thrive at School

A new parent checklist includes key questions, tips, and resources that parents and caregivers can use to help ensure that their children are getting the education they deserve. It was developed by the U.S. Department of Education in collaboration with America Achieves, National Council of La Raza, National PTA, and the United Negro College Fund. A blog in English and Spanish provides more information. The checklist follows the recent release of the Set of Rights from the Department outlining what families should be able to expect for their children's education - from access to quality preschool to an affordable, quality college degree. For a copy of the six-page checklist, visit http://www2.ed.gov/documents/family-community/parent-checklist.pdf. Visit the English blog at http://www.ed.gov/blog/ and the Spanish blog at http://www.ed.gov/blog/2015/07/una-nueva-guia-para-padres-habilita-la-participacion-de-las-familias-en-la-educacion/. The Set of Rights is available at http://www.ed.gov/blog/2015/06/the-critical-voice-of-parents-in-education-2/.

6) Talk, Read, Sing Together Every Day! Toolkit

The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Education, in partnership with Too Small to Fail, are providing these critical resources to families, caregivers, and early learning providers. Talk, Read, Sing Together Every Day is a free suite of resources that can help enrich children’s early language experiences by providing tips for talking, reading and singing with young children every day beginning from birth and extending into the early years. To view the blog, visit http://toosmall.org/blog/engaging-families-and-communities-to-bridge-the-word-gap#skip_intro. For resources, visit http://toosmall.org/community/resources#Guides.

7) August is National Eye Exam Month and National Immunization Awareness Month

Set up an eye exam. It’s important to make sure that your eyes and your families eyes are in good condition. The Vision Council of America notes that 12.2 million Americans require some sort of vision correction but don’t use any. Nearly 50% of parents with children under 12 have never taken their children to an eye care professional. Five reasons why they should have an eye examination:

1. Save a headache - Unexplained headaches could be a sign that you need glasses or a new prescription

2. Perform well in school - One out of every four children has vison problems. A common reason children fall behind in school is poor, undetected vision.

3. Determine prescription - Your eyes change over time. An optometrist can determine if you need eyeglasses or contact lenses, or if you need a stronger prescription to reduce eyestrain and help you see better.

4. Detect eye conditions - With an eye exam, an optometrist can spot the early signs of diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma and high cholesterol.

5. Prevent conditions - Many serious eye diseases often have no systems. An eye exam can help detect the early signs of diseases, such as macular degeneration or cataracts. Early detection is key to prevent serious damage.

Immunization helps prevent dangerous and sometimes deadly diseases. Talk to your doctor or nurse to make sure that everyone in your family gets the shots they need to stay protected against serious illnesses like the flu, measles and pneumonia. Adults need to get their shots—just like kids do.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Family Health Notes~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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