S p r in g - Su m me r 0 9 V O LU M E I V , I SS UE 2
What’s inside the Loop Charity Run/Walk Pages 2-3 FSSP Staff Page 3 Bulletin Board Page 4 Support Groups Page5 Be Calm Page 6 H1N1 Flu Page 7 Larimer County Emergency Notification System Page 7 HCP Staff Page 7 Unified Play Group Schedule Pages 8-9 Summer Camps in Colorado Page 10 Eye Protection and UV Rays Page 11 Who’s Who at the Loop Page 11 Larimer County Early Childhood Council Survey Insert
The Search is On The 2010 Celebrating Success Calendar will focus on children and adults with special needs and their siblings
and /or with their pets
If your child or adult with special needs is interested in posing for next year’s calendar please contact: Michelle Bullock at 377-0457or Mindi Pryce at 226-8674
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Crossed The Finish Swine In ‘09 April 4, 2009, 40 runners and walkers along with several volunteers braved blizzard-like conditions to participate in the First Annual 5K Flying Pig Run/ Walk sponsored by Family Support Services Program at Foothills Gateway Inc. (FSSP) Proceeds from this and other Family Support Services Program Council fundraisers are used to fund Respitality Nights, Advocate Education Grant, Unified Play Group, and the Larimer Loop as well as other projects to benefit families enrolled and on the waiting list for the Family Support Services Program at Foothills Gateway Inc. sponsors two fundraisers each year (typically Spring and Fall).
Year-round Family Support Services Program Council is the advisory board for the program. We meet on the second Monday of each month from 12 noon-2pm at Foothills Gateway Inc. A light lunch is served and a stipend is available to caregivers in need of childcare in order to attend council meetings. The Council is looking for more members. If you are interested in attending a meeting or have questions please contact Pam Miller at (970) 266-5409. We are a fun group of people who are dedicated to the welfare of all families enrolled in and on the waiting list for the Family Support Services Program at Foothills Gateway Inc.
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Thank you to our major sponsors of the First Annual Flying Pig 5K Run/Walk
Foothills Gateway Inc. Children’s Case Management Coordinator/EIC Coordinator Sondra Lee (970) 266-5424 sondral@foothillsgateway.org Children’s Case Managers Sarah Hodges (970) 266-5394 sarahh@foothillsgateway.org Paige Sorensen (970) 266-5426 paiges@foothillsgateway.org Susan Welchans (970) 266-5395 susanw@foothillsgateway.org Brenda Karlin (970) 266-5422 brendak@foothillsgateway.org Pam Miller (970) 266-5409 pamm@foothillsgateway.org Timarie Bashor (970)266-5437 timariep@foothillsgateway.org Katie Dockery 266-5425 katied@foothillsgateway.org Emily Balch 266-5418 emilyb@foothillsgateway.org Matt Cloven 266-5445 mattc@foothillsgateway.org Danielle Garfield 266-5411 danielleg@foothilllsgateway.org
the
network
Family Support Services Program Council Members Brenda Tuttle (Parent)-Chair Mindy Schneider (Parent)-co-Chair Michele Bullock (Parent) Mindi Pryce (Parent) Libby Stoddard (Parent) Kim Walkenhorst (LCDHE –E.P.S.D.T.) Debbie Lapp (Foothills Gateway Inc.) Sondra Lee (Foothills Gateway Inc.)
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BULLETIN BOARD Attention Families receiving Family Support Services! Quarterly expense forms are due July 5, 2009 Foothills Gateway Inc 301 W Skyway Dr Fort Collins, CO 80525 Fax: (970) 267-3497 Sibling Support Group Family Support Service Program Council at Foothills Gateway Inc is in the beginning stages of planning for a Sibling Support group to be offered in the late Fall of 2009. This opportunity will be offered to both families enrolled in Family Support Services Program and on the waiting list. If your family would be interested in this support group please contact your Case Manager.
cial Needs has a library of videos and books in topics related to such topics as Asthma, Autism, Early Childhood, Special Education, Traumatic Brain Injury as well as a host of other topics. For a complete list of our videos and books please contact: Ginger Hilyard at (970) 498-6732
The Larimer County Child Care Assistance Program Will be conducting Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) interviews at the Estes Park Human Services Office (1601 Brodie Avenue) on the following Wednesdays June - August 2009: June 3rd & 24th 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Attention Early Childhood Fami- July 8th & 22nd 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. lies We need your Help The Early Childhood Council of August 5th & 19th Larimer County is working on a 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. project to increase the ability of children to get health care. Rocky Mountain Medical OutfitTo do this, we need to underting & Recycling stand what health services families are using now. Please A Colorado non-profit redistribcomplete the survey inserted in utes disposable & durable health goods. For more inforthis issue of the Larimer Loop mation visit www.RMMOR.org and mail to: or contact via email at 1730 S College Ave., Suite 200, Fort Collins, CO 80525 , RMMOR@comcast.net or via phone at (970) 266-8190 email it to ecchealthsurvey@frii.com or complete online at www.surveymonkey. The Larimer County Special com/s.aspx?sm=5606bR10tKM Needs Registry is a database Nigg04vxECw 3d 3d containing information about Spanish versions individuals in Larimer County are also available by email at with special needs who may ecchelathsurvey@frii.comp or require assistance in the event http://www.surveymonkey.com of a disaster. The information /s.aspx?sm=NbDij54wc1H45V may also be used to assist JBm2KdPg_3d_3d emergency personnel and volVideos and Books available for check out Larimer County Health Care Program for Children with Spe-
unteers in providing assistance. Input or update your information in the registry at: www.larimer.org/apps/special needs/
Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind Family Retreat This conference is for families who have a child who is deaf, blind or deafblind. It will be a family affair as parents attend educational workshops and exchange information, discover available resources, and network with others. Friday, June 05, 2009 at 5:00 PM-Sunday, June 07, 2009 at 12:00 PM Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind 33 North Institute Street Colorado Springs CO 80903 Phone: 719-578-2225 Contact:Gina Quintana Quintana_G@cde.state.co.us Web Site:www.csdb.org Colorado’s IFSP Training Training about developing an IFSP. Topic's covered are Learning about the Child and Family, The Routines-Based Interview, Developing the Plan of Action, Supports and Services June 17, 2009, 8:30 AM Developmental Pathways 325 Inverness Drive South Englewood CO 80112 Contact: Laura Merrill, 303-360-6600 laura.merrill@state.co.us www.eicolorado.org Register online at www.eicolorado.org under training and events. Accessing Services: Navigating the Mental Healthcare SystemLearn how to navigate the mental health care system. FREE. June 20, 2009 at 10:00AM Arapahoe Douglas Mental Health Network 155 Inverness Drive West Englewood CO 80112 303-779-9676
Email:Info@admhn.org Web Site:www.admhn.org Summer Symposium: Assistive Technology Supporting Literacy June 22,2009 at 8:00 AM-June 23, 2009 at 8:00 AM The Conference Center at Adams 12 Five Star Schools 1500 East 128th Avenue Thornton CO 80241 The Symposium will explore the effective application of Assistive Technology to support literacy learning PreK-12. Contact:Sarah Barthel 303-315-1280 or sarah.barthel@ucdnever.edu www.assistivetechnologypartne rs.org Denver Adult Down SyndromeAGING ISSUES ACTION GROUPThe Aging Issues Forum is a bimonthly educational, informational and support group sponsored by the Mile High Down Syndrome Association, the Alzheimer Society of Colorado and the Denver Adult Down Syndrome Clinic. Our goal is provide information and support to families and caretakers with regards to the aging issues of persons with Down syndrome. July 27, 2009 at 9:30 AM Alzheimer Association Building 455 Sherman St, Suite 500 Denver CO 8020 Contact:Margaret Froehlke 303-813-1669 Email: director@denverdsclinic.org Web Site: www.denverdsclinic.org
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Support Groups LOCAL SUPPORT GROUPS Parent Education Support Group This group is sponsored by Family Support Services Program Council and is open to the public. For more information please contact Brenda Tuttle at (970) 267-8705 or brenda@peakpeak.com EMPOWER Colorado/DREAM EMPOWER Colorado/DREAM is a nonprofit organization created by parents and families to support, educate and advocate for parents and families of children with mental health issues (brain disorders). Meetings are the last Thursday of each month For more information call: Kim Ramsay at (970) 226-4058 www.empowercolorado.com Bacon Autism Support Group Contact: Phyllis Zimmerman At dzerman@yahoo.com List Serve Address: FortCollinsAspergers_Autism @yahoogroups.com Asperger’s Syndrome Support Group Contact: Debbie Homan (970) 224-1117 or dhoman@cygcb.com Autism Society of Larimer County Family Meet and Eat Night 3rd Thursday of each month 6pm at :CiCi’S Pizza 2721 S College Ave Fort Collins, CO 80525 (970) 377-9640 aslc@autismlarimer,org Special Needs Book Club 4th Sunday of each month, 2pm at: Reader’s Cove 1001 E Harmony Rd, Fort Collins, CO 805525 (970) 377-8540 aslc@autismlarimer,org
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group Meets the 4th Monday of each month at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 3411 S Taft Ave, Loveland, CO Call (970)231-4617-Pat Mile High Down Syndrome Larimer County New Parent Group Focus: birth to 5 years old Meets on the 3rd Friday of each month from 6:30-8:30pm Plymouth Congregational Church,916 W. Prospect Rd, Fort Collins, CO Contact: Wanda & Larry Werth (970) 498-9519 for specific information www.mhdsa.org Parents of Asthmatic & Allergic Children Meetings quarterly-call for dates and times (970) 4958153 Cindy Coopersmith Brain Injury Support Group Provides support, information and social/recreational activities for individuals with brain injuries, family members and community participants. Meets 1st Saturday of each month 11am Golden Corral 3025 23 Ave Greeley, CO 80631 Contact: Michelle Sauder at (970) 330-5326 Thompson Autism/Asperger’s Parent/Community Support Group Meets on the 2nd Monday of each month during the school year. 6pm-8pm Thompson School District Administration Building 800 Taft Ave Loveland, CO Contact: Margi Scoufis (970) 613-6771 Epilepsy Support Group Provides support for people with epilepsy, their family and
community members. Meets 1st Monday of each month, 7pm 2101 16th Street Greeley Contact: Allison Sedlacek (970) 304-6420 x2331 www.epilepsycolorado.org
ONLINE SUPPORT GROUPS sos4psk@yahoogroups.com Special Online Support for Parents of Special Kids is a list serve for parents who reside in Northern Colorado. To join email sos4psk-subcribe@yahoo.com Federation of Families or contact Supports families of youth, who Brenda Tuttle at have emotional, behavioral and brentuttle@yahoo.com or mental disorders. (970) 267-8705. Call Libby Stoddard for dates www.p2p-co.org and times at Parent-to-Parent of Colorado (970) 223-9162 www.peakparent.org www.coloradofederation.org PEAK Parent Center . 800-284-0251 Stepping Stones for Kids www.autismcolorado.org Psycho-educational therapy Autism Society of Colorado groups for children dealing www.xxyysyndrome.org with divorce or loss of a parent Chromosomal Disorders Call Arleen R. Brown www.dyslexia.rmbida.org at(970)221-1440 or Randy International Dyslexia Mergler at (970)495-4624 Assoc./Rocky Mtn. Branch www.ldacolorado.com D.I.S.H Dietary Intervention Sup- Learning Disability Asoc. port and Hope is designed to Of Colorado provide educational information www.cde.state.co.us/ctbl/ and support in the area of dieColorado Talking Book Library tary and biomedical intervenwww.rfbd.org tions in the treatment of Autism Recording for the Blind and Spectrum Disorders. Dyslexic www.nofascolorado.org Meets the first Tuesday of the month at the Poudre Fire Author- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome ity, located on the corner of Tim- www.handsandvoices.org Hearing Impairments berline and Westchase in Fort Collins. Contact Phyllis Zimmer- www.infantilescoliosis.org man at 970-206-4979 or email Infantile Scoliosis www.mhacolorado.org dzerman2@yahoo.com Mental Health America of CIRCLE OF PARENTS! Colorado Informal "get together" for parwww.spdnetwork..org ents to meet and discuss parent- Sensory Processing Disorder ing questions and concerns. Foundation Who: Families with children 3 – www.coloradospinabifida.org 8 years old Colorado Spina Bifida Asoc. When: Tuesdays, 4 – 5p.m. www.acbco.org Where: Fit for Fun Family Fun American Council of the Blind of Center,4103 So. Mason St. Colorado Fort Collins, CO www.anchorcenter.org (Cost: Free for parents; $3 Anchor Center for charge per family for kids. It is Blind Children recommended that parents call to RSVP for their first visit contact :Betsy Baier 970 232-1163 or betsy.baier@lfsco.org
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As Temperatures Rise So Do Tempers—BE CALM •"Just STOP!" is the key --
for the overwhelmed person and for you. Incredible things happen if everyone is able to just STOP:
Most typical children will respond well to typical enticements and threats of punishment. If you made it this far, your child probably isn't one of them. Here, our focus is on preventing over-heated meltdowns. We anticipate problems and try to head them off: we stop, we stay calm, and we negotiate if possible. Here are details of the defusing technique -- labeled "Plan B" by Dr. Ross Greene (1999). •Head off big fights before they begin. When things start going badly, redirect to a positive direction rather than criticizing the misbehavior. For example, if the child is arguing with a peer, then suggest a new activity such as having a snack, rather than handing out a punishment. •Pick your fights. Is this fight worth chipping away at your relationship with the child? Remember, this is not war. Psychologist Dr. Steven Covey (1989) reminds parents to keep in mind what you want your child to think about you when he delivers your eulogy. If you are a teacher, keep in mind how you want the child to remember the school year. •Give transition warnings. Many special kids have trouble with transitions. Discuss in advance what is expected. Give plenty of warnings. Have the child repeat out loud the terms he just agreed to. Some children need to negotiate for those "two more minutes." A little extra patience on the caregiver's part may help avoid a useless meltdown. •Watch the "stress speedometer." Imagine that a child (or you) is a car with a stress speedometer. When that speedometer reaches 60 miles per hour (mph), the back wheels will spin out and nothing can prevent a crash. Attempts to intervene during the spin out will just prolong the system failure. The goal, then, is to keep anyone from hitting 60 mph. So imagine you enter the scene when the child is at a stress level of 40 mph. For the child, the anxiety of the current situation is getting to him. You laugh -- or you divert, or you negotiate -- and the “stressometer” comes down to 30 mph. Great! You are on the right track. Keep it up. However, the next day, the same intervention brings the child up to 50 mph. Back off! You are just a moment away from 60 mph, and the horrible meltdown that will then be unstoppable. Just STOP, and walk away. •This is not the time to give in to our impulse to just get done with it. You might have the self-control to do that, but your special child may not have been born that way. Don't assume that just because you can handle it, he can as well. All brains have equal rights, but all brains are not constructed the same.
It works! Even five or ten minutes are all most people require to regain their composure and ability to think clearly. These few minutes spent to avoid a crisis certainly beat enduring a much more negative and lengthier meltdown. With the benefit of time, most people will come around to the right conclusion on their own, and comply. Once you have calmed down, the correct method of behavioral management will seem almost blatantly obvious. For example, we try to keep it positive. We discuss seeking to understand and making the child part of the problem-solving process. We discuss choosing only productive punishments. When you are calm, these approaches are not exactly rocket science, and are almost self-evident. When you are overwhelmed yourself, these approaches are not available. Further stressing the child does not work and is actually counterproductive. She is already overwhelmed. She is already overloaded and over-stimulated. Being further stressed just inflames the situation, and ultimately makes it harder for your child to achieve her goal: regaining composure so that her own brain can reach the right decision. Source: About. com Reprinted from the book Kids in the Syndrome Mix of ADHD, LD, Asperger's, Tourette's, Bipolar and More! by Martin L. Kutscher, M.D.; copyright © 2005 Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Reprinted with permission. This article may not be reproduced for any other use without permission.]
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Health Department Monitoring H1N1 (Swine) Flu Outbreak The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment is closely monitoring the outbreak of H1N1 (Swine) Flu. Find more information on H1N1 (Swine) Flu and what you can do to prepare and to prevent illness at wwwcde.gov/H1N1flu or at www.cdphe.state.co.us/epr/H1N1.html (Informacion en espa単ol) For information on what a pandemic is, pandemic flu, what Larimer County is doing to prepare, and what you can do to be informed and prepared, go to www.larimerflu.org The CO HELP telephone line is now open through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Call 1-877-462-2911 for H1N1 (Swine) Flu information in English and Spanish or to speak with an information specialist. Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority has implemented a new enhanced emergency notification system. This system allows us to CALL YOU to alert you to an emergency in your area. The system uses phone numbers in the 911 database. Those numbers are traditional or hardwire phone lines. Our new system allows you to enter additional information into our emergency notification system to be called if there was an emergency in your area. There is no cost to you for this service and the information you enter is protected. With our new system you can enter your cell phones, a text device, email address, fax number, or work phone number. In addition, you can sign up to receive an alert at multiple addresses within our County. If you would like to sign up for alerts at your home address but also at your work address, our system will allow you to do that. You pick where, you pick how. The Emergency Notification system will be utilized in emergency situations. Emergencies are defined as imminent or potential threats to life and / or property. Emergencies may include but is not limited to the following; Missing endangered child (Amber Alert) Missing endangered adult Flood Wild fire Police activity that would require you to evacuate or to take shelter Natural gas leak Severe threatening weather
Health Care Program for Children with Special Needs Mailing Address and Phone Number: Health Care Program for Children with Special Needs Larimer County Department of Health and Environment 1525 Blue Spruce Dr Fort Collins, CO 80524
(970) 498-6732
Larimer County Staff Team Leader/Community Health Services Director Averil Strand, RN, MSN (970) 498-6760 Nursing Coordinator Cindy Bradrick, RN BSN 498-6747 Program Coordinator Ginger Hillyard, BSW (970) 498-6732 CO-HEAR Regional Coordinator Annette Landes, SLP (970) 217-9532 Family Regional Consultant Brenda Tuttle (970) 267-8705 Nutrition Regional Coordinator Donna Uhlrich, RD (970) 498-6732 OT/PT Regional Coordinator Caryn Stanwyck, MS, PT (970) 691-1223 Social Work Regional Coordinator Anne Chaisson, MSW (970) 498-6733 Audiology Coordinator Nancy Alexander, MA, CCC-A (970) 586-6812
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Unified Play Group A playgroup for kids of all ages and abilities Summer 2009 Schedule Friday Play Dates June 12 2PM-4PM
Bowling at Sweetheart Lanes, 2232 W 1st. St, Loveland, CO (970) 667-4800 RSVP to Brenda Tuttle (970) 267-8705 or brenda@peakpeak.com by June10th to qualify for your first game free compliments of the Tanning Salon, Loveland.
June 19 2PM-4PM
Lee Martinez Farm, 600 North Sherwood Street, Fort Collins
June 26 2PM-4PM
Pizza Party at Chuck E Cheese, 105 W Prospect Rd, Fort Collins, (970) 221-2122
July 3
Happy Independence Day! No meeting this week
July 10 10AM-12PM Boyd Lake, 3720 N County Road 11-C , Loveland, CO. Meet at the Swim Beach July 17 10AM-12PM City Park Pool. 1599 City Park Ave,Fort Collins, CO 80521, (970) 484-7665 July 24 11AM-1PM Gardens at Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80526 (970) 4162486. Join us for Reading Retriever. Amy Fristoe and her furry companion. Kids will read gardening-related books along with Claudeen Jean 11am – noon. July 31 10AM-12PM Inspiration Park, Spring Canyon Park, 2626 W. Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins, CO Aug 7 12PM-2PM
Winona Pool, 1615 E 4th St, Loveland, CO 80537, (970) 962-2435
All children must be supervised by a Personal Care Provider at all times.
A “personal care provider” is defined as a person who accompanies the child and assists the child with all necessary daily living skills. Please note that this is not a respite group. . *Ending times are approximations.
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Family Play Dates June 20 10AM-12PM Lyric Cinema Café , 300 Mountain , Fort Collins, CO Free Morning cartoons &$5.00 all you can eat cereal July 18 10AM-5PM
Water World, 1850 W 89th Ave, Denver - (303) 427-7873
Aug 15 10AM-12PM Tie Dye Party, Location to be announced. Contact Brenda Tuttle for more information (970) 267-8705 or brenda@peakpeak.com
June 4 7PM-9PM
Mom’s Night Out Island Grill, 2601 S. Lemay, Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-266-0124
June 18 7PM-9PM
Chat & Craft Night, Moxie Java, 2815 E Harmony Rd # 102 Fort Collins, CO 80528 - (970) 266-8080
July 2 7PM-9PM
Tres Margaritas, 3400 S. College, Fort Collins, 225-3811
July 16 7PM-9PM
Chat &Craft Night, Catalyst Espresso Bar and Tasting Lounge, 3501 S. Shields, Fort Collins, CO 80526. If we get tired of crafting the event that evening at the Tap Room is :Clown Box Comedy Improv: On Tap! 8pm $7
August 6 7PM-9PM
East Moon Asian Bistro, 2400 E Harmony Rd, Fort Collins - (970) 223-0666
August 20 7PM-9PM Chat & Craft Night, Wild Boar Coffee,1510 South College Ave. Fort Collins, CO 80524 970-372-2334
August 28 10M-1PM BACK TO SCHOOL BRUNCH Potluck Brunch, Brenda Tuttle’s House, 1445 Wakerobin Ct, Fort Collins, CO, (970) 267-8705 Please bring a dish to share and RSVP by August 27th.
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Special Needs Summer Camps In Colorado Adams Camp Special Needs Camp: Developmental Disabilities Camp Address The Learning Camp Snow Mountain Ranch, YMCA of the Rockies Granby, Colorado 80482 The Learning Camp has been building confidence and USA academic success since 1996 by combining tutoring with (303) 563-8290 traditional summer adventures. We are the original Rocky Off-Season Address Mountain camp for boys and girls 7-14 with ADD, ADHD, 6767 S. Spruce St. Ste. 102 dyslexia and other learning disabilities. Located in the Vail Valley of Colorado, travel from all over the USA and the world Centennial, Colorado 80112 USA to experience friendships, adventures and academic (303) 563-8290 preparation for the school year ahead. Co-ed - Overnight Camp Intensive Therapy program for children 4-8 with special Camp Address needs and their families. Adventure overnight camps for Box 1146 children ages 8-20. It is a magical week for kids with special Vail, Colorado 81658 needs and their families. Join us in Colorado this summer! USA (970) 524-2706 Champ Camp Camp Season: June 8, 2009 to August 28, 2009 Weeklong camp for Children (14-17 yrs) with asthma Multiple camper discounts available July 19-25,2009 Financial assistance available Glacier View Ranch In Ward, Co (near Boulder) Here is a list of some of the camp experiences available to Colorado children with special needs .
Website:http://www.learningcamp.com Camp Big Tree Special Needs Camp: Autism Camp Address PO Box 697 Breckenridge, Colorado 80424 USA (970) 453-6422 Co-ed - Overnight Camp Religious Affiliation: None Camp Big Tree is a five-day camp for children 12 - 16 with sensory processing disorders. July 7 - 11, 2009. Adventure based activities at our mountain lodge in Breckenridge. Easter Seals Special Needs Camp: Physical & Developmental Disabilities Camp Address PO Box 115 Empire, Colorado 80438 USA (303) 569-2333 Overnight Camp
Activities: Archery, Arts & Crafts, Asthma Education, Canoeing, Hiking, Rick Climbing, Rope Course, Soccer, Swimming Camper application available at wwwlungcolorado.org/Champcamp.htm Scholarships based on net income and number of exemptions $35 non-refundable processing fee Questions: Contact April Obholz at (303) 847-0279 or champcamp@lungcolorado.org
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Lack of Eye Protection From UV Rays May Cause Damage Now and Later in Life“ Prevent Blindness America Warns Public on Possible Immediate and Lasting Effects of UV Damage CHICAGO (April 29, 2009) – Ultraviolet (UV) rays are well known for their damaging effects on the skin. One area of the body that sunscreen cannot protect is the eyes. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause “sunburns” to the eye, also known as photokeratitis. The painful condition may result in temporary loss of vision for 1-2 days. In addition, the presence of pterygium, a growth of tissue that forms on the white of the eye, is in direct correlation to the amount of UV exposure that the person has been subjected to. Without treatment, this condition may require surgical treatment. The damaging effects of UV rays may not develop until years later. In fact, UV damage is cumulative and has been linked to cataracts and macular degeneration later in life. The delicate skin around the eye and the eyelids is also susceptible to UV damage. According to the Office of Air and Radiation at the Environmental Protection Agency, basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer to affect the eyelids and may appear on the lower lid, in the corners of the eye and under eyebrows. Prevent Blindness America, the nation’s oldest volunteer eye health and safety organization, has declared May as UV Awareness Month to help educate the public on how to protect their eyes. Fortunately, protecting the eyes and vision is easy and does not have to be expensive. No matter what time of year it is or what the weather forecast is, sunglasses that block 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays should always be worn in conjunction with a brimmed hat. While UV-A has lower energy, it penetrates deep into the eye and may injure the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sight in the center field of vision. UV-B radiation is presumably more dangerous and is mainly absorbed by the cornea and lens of the eye and can damage those tissues. Wrap-around sunglasses are best as they protect the eyes and the skin around the eyes. Some contact lenses may offer UV protection but they can’t protect the entire eye and the skin around it. “When we head outside to enjoy the great outdoors, we all need to remember to protect one of our greatest gifts—our sight,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. “We adults need to be good examples for our children and encourage them to get in the habit of protecting their vision for years to come.” According to the American Optometric Association, children are at a greater risk of UV damage because the lenses of their eyes are more transparent, which allows more short wavelength light to reach the retina. Parents looking to purchase sunglasses for their children should remember to buy sunglasses with the proper UV protection. Sunglasses without UV protection may shade the eyes but actually cause the pupils to dilate, allowing in even more harmful rays. And, children’s glasses should be made of unbreakable polycarbonate to fit their active lifestyle. The frames should be bendable and the lenses should not pop out. The child should try the sunglasses on and make sure they shield enough of the eye above, below and on the sides. For more information on the dangers of UV exposure and more information on how to choose the best sunglasses for adults and children, please visit preventblindness.org/uv or call (800) 331-2020. Source: http://www.preventblindness.org/news/releases/043009_1.html
Who’s Who at the Larimer Loop Newsletter Editor: Brenda Tuttle, HCP Family Consultant and FSSP Council Co Chair (970) 267-8705 brenda@peakpeak.com Newsletter Review Team: Ginger Hillyard, HCP Program Coordinator (970) 498-6732 Kim Walkenhorst, EPSDT Coordinator and FSSP Council Member (970) 498-6755, Sondra Lee Children’s Case Management Coordinator at Foothills Gateway Inc (970)266-5424 Tim O’Neill Executive Director at Foothills Gateway Inc. (970) 226-2345 Debbie Lapp Director of Resource Coordination and Development at Foothills Gateway Inc (970) 226-2345 Averil Strand, RN, MSN HCP Team Leader/Community Health Services Director (970) 498-6760 Libby Stoddard Parent, FSSP Co Chair (970) 227-7196 Health Care Program for Children with Special Needs Larimer County Department of Health and Environment 1525 Blue Spruce Dr Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 498-6732 Foothills Gateway, Inc. 301 W. Skyway Drive Fort Collins, CO 80525 Phone: (970) 226-2345
Larimer LOOP C/O Brenda Tuttle Family Support Services Program Council Foothills Gateway Inc. 301 W. Skyway Drive Fort Collins, CO 80525 (970) 267-8705 brenda@peakpeak.com
Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Fort Collins. CO Permit No. 483
* Have you received two copies of this newsletter? Would you prefer to receive this newsletter electronically or in Spanish? Please contact Brenda Tuttle at (970) 267-8705.
Never Underestimate Your Child’s Abilities This is a lesson I learned a few months ago. Although I have always accentuated my son’s (Keith) strengths it is not always easy to focus on those strengths especially, since I (like many other parents) have to identify his needs (weaknesses) in order to get services for him. Recently we had a family crisis, my mother suffered a massive stroke and was in a coma for 5 days in Grand Junction. I took Keith with me to see her. During the drive to Grand Junction, I was worried about how he would react to seeing his Grandmother incapacitated and his mother and aunts in a highly emotional state. When we arrived at my mother’s hospital bed side, Keith dispelled all of those concerns by fearlessly walking to her room, grabbing her hand, and kissing her on the cheek. Everyone in the room was awestruck. My mother seemed to respond to both Keith and I. In fact that was the last time she was responsive. Two days after we arrived in Grand Junction, my mother passed away. Again I was worried about Keith’s ability to attend the funeral service. Unfortunately, this was not the first loss he has faced. He has lost his grandfather, uncle and a class mate. All three services were too emotionally charged for him to successfully attend. In an effort to be proactive, I hired a local person to care for him while I attended the service. When the morning arrived for the service, Keith insisted on going with me to the funeral home so, he, the sitter and I went to the funeral home. I then had her drive him to a local bookstore and thought I would not see them until after the service. They did go to the book store and picked out a ‘Book on CD’. Keith then stated that he wanted to go to the service so, the sitter took him back to the funeral home. They quietly sat in the back of the room for the entire service. I spotted him half way through the service when I stood up to pay tribute to my mother. During this time of crisis whenever I thought Keith was going to be an extra burden to bare, he proved to be a source of strength! Thank you to everyone who thought of me, prayed for me, sent me cards and emails, called etc. during my time of grief. Your support is greatly appreciated and valued. My mother was a compassionate person who loved all of her family members unconditionally. I miss her dearly. -Brenda