Celebrate the Year of the Dragon: A Feast of Color, Flavor, and Fortune

As we usher in the Year of the Dragon this Chinese New Year on February 10, 2024, we're not just marking another calendar date but embarking on a vibrant journey through a mosaic of traditions, colors, and, most importantly, flavors that promise luck, health, and prosperity.

The Chinese New Year is a time when families come together, not just in China but around the globe, to honor past traditions and welcome the future with open arms and full tables.

The Feast of Fortune

The Dragon, a symbol of strength, luck, and health, guides us through this year's festivities, where food plays a pivotal role in attracting good fortune. Here's a glimpse into the symbolic banquet:

• Dumplings: Shaped like ancient gold ingots, devouring dumplings is believed to bring wealth. Whether filled with pork, shrimp, or vegetables, the more you eat, the richer your year will be.

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• Longevity Noodles: These uncut noodles represent a long and prosperous life. Handle them with care to avoid cutting short your luck.

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• Tray of Togetherness: A platter divided into sections, usually six or eight, brimming with dried fruits, nuts, and sweets, symbolizes family unity and a harmonious blend of luck and fortune.

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• Spring Rolls: Golden and filled with vegetables or meat, they resemble gold bars, ushering in wealth and prosperity.

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• Oranges and Citrus Fruits: Their golden hue and sweet taste are auspicious symbols of luck, wealth, and abundant happiness.

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• Sweet Rice Balls: Their round shape and sticky texture represent family togetherness and reunion, essential values during this festive time.

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• Fish: A staple for ensuring abundance, the word for fish sounds like 'surplus,' promising a year of plenty.

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• Year Cake: The name of this sticky rice cake is a homophone for 'higher year,' symbolizing growth, success, and reaching new heights.

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• Eight Treasure Rice: Adorned with eight lucky ingredients, this dessert promises sweetness and prosperity in the year ahead.

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• Prosperity Cakes: With their cracked tops resembling flourishing flowers, these cakes are believed to bring blossoming fortunes.

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• Almond Cookies: Round-like coins; these cookies are a crunchy nod to a year filled with financial fortune.

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• Whole Chicken: A symbol of completeness and unity, serving a chicken in its entirety, including the head and feet, ensures a prosperous and united year ahead.

As we celebrate, let's remember that while the Lunar New Year is a shared moment across various cultures, each brings its own unique flavors and traditions to the table. Whether you're feasting on dumplings, savoring the sweet stickiness of nian gao, or enjoying the festive crackle of spring rolls, every bite is a step into a year filled with promise, health, and prosperity.

Happy New Year! May the Year of the Dragon roar with joy, luck, and success for you and your loved ones.

National Shut-In Visitation Day Your Visit Can Make a Big Difference

People who are shut-in may be lonely, have difficulty going to the market, 
cooking meals and/or eating. 

Your visit can make a big difference.

Most recently with Hurricane Sandy and the unpredictable weather conditions; we became aware of a large number of disabled and elderly people trapped in their homes and apartments (some trapped over 16 stories high.)

How you can help.

If you are interested in helping, there are numerous programs available, such as:

Meals-on-Wheels Programs (check your local listing)
Big Brothers and Big Sisters Program
Check local religious organizations.

National Pizza Day - Garden Pizza

Yields: 2 Servings

Serving Size: 1/2 pizza

Ingredients

1 Pizza Crust, 7-inch

8 Asparagus

2 Tbsp Red Onions

6 Grape Tomatoes

1 sl Squash

1/3 Red Pepper

1/4 cup Mixed Greens

1/3 cup Part-Skim Mozzarella, shredded

Nutrition Information

Heart Healthy Red Foods

 A Symphony of Scarlet Delight

Food Sources

Apples, Beets, Cayenne, Cherries, Cranberries, Kidney Beans, Red Grapefruit, Pomegranates, Radicchio, Radishes, Raspberries, Red Bell Peppers, Red Cabbages, Red Chili Peppers, Red Corn, Red Currants, Red Grapes, Red Onions, Blood Red Oranges, Red Pears, Red Peppers, Red Plums, Red Potatoes, Red Tomatoes, Rhubarb, Strawberries, Watermelons

Do you know other foods that are Red?

About Red Fruits and Vegetables.

Red fruits and vegetables get their color from natural plant pigments called lycopene or anthocyanins. Both are phytonutrients, which have health-promoting benefits, such as:

• Reduces the risk of several types of cancer, especially prostate cancer
• Reduces the risk of heart disease
• Protects our bodies’ cells from environmental damage (harmful free radicals)
• Lowers blood pressure
• Lowers LDL cholesterol
• Aids in memory
• Maintains the health of the urinary tract system

Lycopene is a carotenoid and antioxidant. Examples of food sources include tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, and papaya.  

Anthocyanins, an antioxidant found in cranberries, raspberries, red grapes, strawberries, and other red-to-purplish fruits and vegetables, may help protect cells from damage.

In addition, red fruits and vegetables contain many vitamins and minerals and are rich in fiber. Fiber helps maintain the digestive system.

Kidney Bean, Red Onion and Tomato Salad
New York Times, by Nigella Lawson 

Ways to increase Red Food Intake:
Add strawberries or raspberries to cereal or low-fat yogurt.
Freeze seedless red grapes for a sweet snack.
Add thin slices of red tomatoes or red apples to a sandwich.
Add red kidney beans to soup, salads or rice dishes.
Dice tomatoes and red apples and add to a salad.

Definitions:
Phytonutrients (or phytochemicals) are found in plants and are part of what gives fruits and vegetables their colors. They help protect plants from diseases found in the environment and protect us in a similar way. Studies have linked an increase in fruit and vegetable intake with lowering the risk of specific cancers and heart disease. The following list describes how phytonutrients may also help protect human health.
1. Act as an antioxidant.
2. Improves immune response.
3. Improves cell-to-cell communication.
4. Destroys cancer cells.
5. Repairs DNA damage caused by toxins in the environment.

Antioxidants. As the body uses oxygen, there are by-products (known as “free radicals”) that can cause damage to cells. Antioxidants can prevent or slow down the damage caused by these free radicals and decrease the risk of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants may also improve the immune defense and lower the risk of infection. Some examples of antioxidants include vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, lycopene, and flavonoids.

National Bagel and Lox Day Bagel Terminology and Nutrition Information

General Bagel Rules

*1 ounce of a bagel equals 80 calories (most bagels weigh about 3 ounces).
*Scooped, when the inside of the bagel is removed (Saves about 40 to 80 calories). 
*Smear equals about one to two tablespoons of cream cheese.

Joy Bauer, RD takes us through the bagel's history from its start in the royal palace of Poland, to the streets of Manhattan's Lower East Side to the plates of millions of Americans. Find out what's in a bagel and how you can enjoy the bagel without the guilt.

Meal Planning

Super Bowl Food Safety and Healthy Recipes

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends closely refereeing food safety violations so every party-goer returns home a winner.

Illegal Use of Hands. Unclean hands are one of the biggest offenders for spreading bacteria, and finger foods are especially susceptible. Chefs and guests should wash their hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before and after handling food. Be sure to clean surfaces often and wash platters before refilling them with fresh food. 

Offside. Prevent violations at all costs and keep uncooked and ready-to-eat foods in their own zone. The juices from raw meat may cross-contaminate other food if they contain harmful bacteria. Use one cutting board for raw meat and poultry and another for vegetables. If you use only one cutting board, wash it with hot soapy water after preparing each food item.

Time Out. Call a "time out" and use a food thermometer to be sure foods are cooked safely. Steaks should be cooked to 145 °F, ground beef to 160 °F, and all poultry to 165 °F.

Holding refers to never holding hot or cold foods for more than two hours at room temperature or between 40 °F and 140 °F. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers promptly to block offensive bacteria from multiplying. When in doubt, throw it out; do not eat it.

Instant Replay

There is no opportunity for an instant replay. To avoid these violations, make sure you understand the rules completely. Great resources are available before kickoff at the USDA's 

Selected Federal Agencies with a Role in Food Safety.

Resources

1. USDA. Avoid a Food Safety Penalty This Super Bowl Sunday

2. Julie Upton, RDN: A Game-Day Game Plan For a Healthier Super Bowl Spread

3. Kara Lydon, RD @karalydonRD  50 Plant-Based Super Bowl Snacks

National Girls and Women in Sports Day Resources in Sports Nutrition and Dietetics

From the National Girls and Women in Sports Day 

Thousands of sports educators, coaches, athletic directors, recreation directors, association members, sponsors, students, and parents across the country will show their support. 

The mission of the National Association of Girls and Women in Sport (NAGWS) is to develop and deliver equitable and quality sports opportunities for all girls and women. 

National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) History
NGWSD is celebrated in all 50 states with community-based events, award ceremonies, and activities honoring the achievements of girls and women in sports and encouraging their participation.

NGWSD began in 1987 as a day to remember Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her athletic achievements and her work to assure equality for women's sports. NGWSD has evolved into a day to acknowledge the past and recognize current sports achievements, the positive influence of sports participation, and the continuing struggle for equality and access for women in sports.

NGWSD is jointly organized by the National Girls and Women in Sports Coalition. The Coalition combines the experience and resources of four premiere girls- and women-serving organizations in the United States: Girls Incorporated,  the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport, and the Women's Sports Foundation. 

Significant Events in the Law
NAGWS has served girls and women in sports for more than a century. A  variety of programs have been initiated to prepare teachers and coaches to work with female students and to challenge individuals and institutions to look at how they do business each day. 

In January 2013, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a Dear Colleague Letter clarifying the school’s obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Rehab Act) to provide extracurricular athletic opportunities for students with disabilities. The OCR’s announcement underscores our belief that every student, regardless of sex, means, race, religion… and ability, should be able to reap the benefits of sports.

Specifically, the Dear Colleague Letter does the following for schools:
1. Clarifies when and how schools must include students with disabilities in mainstream athletic programs
2. Defines what true equal treatment of student-athletes with disabilities means
3. Encourages and provides a road map for schools to create adapted programs for students with disabilities
Title IX/gender equity issues have been a long-time focus of NAGWS programs through programs like the National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). 

The Importance of
Nutrition in Sports Resources

Lisa Dorfman, RDN, was featured on NBC to discuss key ingredients to a successful sports nutrition eating plan.

Resources.

1. Sports, Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition – A Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
2. Collegiate & Professional Sports Dietitians Assn. (CPSDA), Facebook
3. Nancy Clark, MS, RD, CSSD, Sports Dietitian
4. Lisa Dorfman, MS, RD, CSSD, LMHC, aka The Running Nutritionist®

Feeding Tube Awareness Week Meet People Leading Active Lives

The overall objective of Feeding Tube Awareness Week is to help raise awareness of enteral/tube feeding as a positive and often life-saving medical intervention for those who are unable to eat and drink enough on their own to sustain life and thrive (and in the case of children, grow and develop).

Moreover, Feeding Tube Awareness Foundation hopes to break down the social stigma that is currently attached to tube feeding by:

• Highlighting the positive outcomes associated with tube feeding
• Giving more information about the reasons people require tube feeding
• Countering stereotypes and misinformation about tube feeding

Feeding Tube Awareness Foundation is raising awareness of tube feeding through Feeding Tube Awareness Week

.

Tube Feeding Program at
 Medical Service Company

How Do G-Tubes Work?

National Fettuccine Alfredo Day

Fettuccine Alfredo

2 servings

Ingredients

¾ cup vegetable broth (see Tips for Two)
4 large cloves garlic, peeled
4 ounces of whole-wheat fettuccine
2 teaspoons cornstarch, mixed with 1 tablespoon water
2 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
⅛ teaspoon freshly ground pepper, or to taste
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Combine broth and garlic cloves in a small saucepan; boil over high heat. Cover, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until the garlic cloves are soft, about 15 minutes.
2. After the garlic has simmered for about 10 minutes, cook fettuccine in the boiling water, often stirring, for 8 minutes. Cook until the fettuccine is just tender, about 1 minute more.
3. Meanwhile, transfer the garlic and broth to a blender. Process until the mixture is smooth, about 1 minute. (Use caution when blending hot liquids; see Tip.) Return the mixture to the pot and simmer over medium-high heat. Add cornstarch mixture; whisk it until slightly thickened, about 15 seconds. Remove from the heat and whisk in sour cream and pepper. Return the pot to very low heat to keep the sauce warm. (Do not boil.)
4. Drain the pasta and place in a large bowl. Add the sauce and ½ cup Parmesan; toss to coat well. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately, passing the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan separately.

Tips for Two: Leftover canned broth keeps up to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in your freezer. The leftover broth in aseptic packages is kept in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Add to soups, sauces, and stews; use for cooking rice and grains; add a little when reheating leftovers to prevent them from drying out.

Pureeing hot liquids: Hot liquids can splatter out of a blender when turned on. To avoid this, remove the center piece of the lid. Loosely cover the hole with a folded kitchen towel and turn the blender on. Better airflow will keep the contents from spewing all over the kitchen—and yourself.

Make your Recipes & Menus Stand out with Nutrient Analysis Services, Recipe modifications, &/or Menu Development.  http://dietitians-online.blogspot.com/p/nutrient-analysis-services.html  

Contact Dr. Sandra Frank recipenews@gmail.com 

February 6, National Frozen Yogurt Day

Ingredients
1/2 cup (102 g) Frozen Vanilla Greek Yogurt
Variety of Fresh Fruits. 1 Tablespoon of each: Orange, Strawberries, Blueberries, Kiwi, Raspberries, & Mango

Nutrition Information

How to Make Frozen Greek Yogurt

Nutrient Analysis Services

Ensure accurate and cost-effective nutrient analysis and food nutrition facts labels for your recipes and menus utilizing an extensive research database. A valuable service for the Recipe Blogger, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will enjoy and benefit from the Nutrition information and a Registered Dietitian.

For more information, visit Dietitians-Online Nutritional Analysis Services
contact: Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND

recipenews@gmail.com
954-294-6300

Happy Valentine's Day with the Healthy Heart Collection

A Collection of heart-shaped and heart-healthy foods with a
special valentine messages for a heart-healthy life.

Wishing you love, laughter, health, and friendship.

Homemade Soup Day - Southwest Black Bean and Vegetable Soup

Serves: 13

Serving Size: 3/4 cups

Ingredients.

1 onion, large, chopped

1 green pepper, medium, chopped

2 garlic cloves

1 (32 ounces) low sodium chicken broth

1 (15 ounces) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 (15 ounces) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

28 ounces diced tomatoes, unsalted

6 ounces chopped green chilies

1 (15 ounces) can corn, drained
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Directions.

1. In a large nonstick saucepan, sauté vegetables and
garlic until almost tender.

2. Stir in all ingredients and bring to a boil.

3. Simmer 20 minutes.

4. Soup freezes well.

Nutrition Information

Resources.
1. Wikipedia. Soups - History, Types, and Varieties
2. Food Network.  Healthy Soup Recipes
4. EatingWell. Healthy Winter Soup Recipes


Ensure accurate nutritional analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and over 30 years of experience. A valuable service for Recipe Bloggers, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will benefit from the Nutrition information and a Registered Dietitian. Contact: Dietitians-Online.com; Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND at recipenews@gmail.com  954-294-6300

World Cancer Day

WHAT IS WORLD CANCER DAY?
World Cancer Day takes place every year on February 4 and is the singular initiative under which the entire world can unite together in the fight against the global cancer epidemic. 

World Cancer Day is an initiative of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), through which the aim is to help save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about cancer and pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action against the disease. 

World Cancer Day is a chance to improve general knowledge around cancer and dismissing misconceptions about the disease. From a global level, the message focuses on the following four myths.

Myth 1: Cancer is just a health issue.
Truth: Cancer is not just a health issue. It has wide-reaching social, economic, development, and human rights implications.

Myth 2: Cancer is a disease of the wealthy, elderly and developed countries.
Truth: Cancer is a global epidemic It affects all ages and socioeconomic groups, with developing countries bearing a disproportionate burden.

Myth 3: Cancer is a death sentence.
Truth: Many cancers that were once considered a death sentence can now be cured and for many more people, their cancer can now be treated effectively.

Myth 4: Cancer is my fate.
Truth: With the right strategies, a third of the most common cancers can be prevented.

World Cancer Day

A global event taking place every year on 4 February, World Cancer Day unites the world’s population in the fight against cancer. Taking place under the tagline ‘We Can. I Can.’, World Cancer Day 2016-2018 will explore how everyone – as a collective or as individuals – can do their part to reduce the global burden of cancer. Read more about World Cancer Day and how to get involved on www.worldcancerday.org.

A truly global event, World Cancer Day unites the world’s population in the fight against cancer.

Taking place under the tagline ‘We Can. I Can.’, World Cancer Day 2016-2018 will explore how everyone – as a collective or as individuals – can do their part to reduce the global burden of cancer.

Read more about World Cancer Day and how to get involved here.

Did you know that each year, over 12.7 million people receive a cancer diagnosis and 8.2 million people die from the disease? If no action is taken, the worldwide cancer burden is expected to reach 26 million new diagnoses and 17 million deaths by the year 2030, with the most rapid increases occurring in low- and middle-income countries. 

It’s not all bad news as 30-40% of cancers can be prevented, and one-third of cancers can be cured through early diagnosis and treatment. UICC aims to help people understand how to take steps to prevent cancer and live a healthier and longer life.

A Healthy Diet and Physical Activity

A healthy diet and regular adequate physical activity are of major importance to preventing cancer and maintaining good health throughout life.

*Be as lean as possible without becoming underweight.
*Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day.
*Avoid sugary drinks. Limit consumption of energy-dense foods. (particularly processed foods high in added sugar, or low in fiber, or high in fat). 
*Eat more of a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans.
*Limit consumption of red meats (such as beef, pork and lamb) and avoid processed meats. 
*If consumed at all, limit alcoholic drinks to 2 for men and 1 for women a day. 
*Limit consumption of salty foods and foods processed with salt (sodium). 
*Don’t use supplements to protect against cancer.

Quit Tobacco 
Tobacco kills more than 5 million people a year, an average of one person every six seconds. You can prevent cancer when you stop smoking, chewing, and sniffing tobacco. Try to avoid exposure to passive smoke to further reduce your risk. 

Sun Exposure 
Excessive exposure to UV radiation (either from the sun or from artificial sources such as sun beds) is associated with accelerated skin aging and different types of skin cancer. Stop using sun beds and avoid excessive sun exposure. Remember to use sunscreens and protective clothing as an effective cancer prevention method.

For additional preventative measures, visit World Cancer Day – Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).

World Cerebral Palsy Day - Feeding Challenges

Meet my son, Jake.

Written by Tracy S. Williams, BS, Nutrition Educator. 

Learn more about Tracy at Tracy's Plate

World Cerebral Palsy Day

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a broad term used to describe a group of chronic “palsies”- disorders that impair movement due to damage of the developing brain. CP usually develops by age 2 or 3 and is a non-progressive brain disorder, meaning the brain damage does not continue to worsen throughout life. However, the symptoms damage often changes over time- sometimes getting better and sometimes getting worse. CP is one of the most common causes of childhood disability.

About 10,000 infants are diagnosed with CP and up to 1,500 preschoolers in the U.S. are recognized as having CP each year. The United Cerebral Palsy Association estimates that more than 764,000 Americans have CP. Congenital cerebral palsy caused by a brain injury during a baby’s development in the womb is responsible in about 70% of the children who have the condition. It is present at birth, although it may not be detected for months. An additional 20% have congenital cerebral palsy due to a brain injury during the birthing process. In most cases, the cause of congenital cerebral palsy is unknown, however, some possible causes are:

An infection during pregnancy may damage a fetus’s developing nervous system. They include rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus (a herpes-type virus), and toxoplasmosis (an infection caused by a parasite that can be carried in cat feces or inadequately cooked meat). Other undetected infections in pregnant women are being recognized as an important cause of developmental brain damage in the fetus.

· Severe jaundice in the infant. Jaundice is caused by excessive bilirubin in the blood. Normally, bilirubin is filtered out by the liver. Often, newborns’ livers need a few days to start doing this effectively, so it’s not uncommon for infants to have jaundice for a few days after birth. In most cases, light therapy clears up jaundice and there are no lasting health effects. In rare cases, severe cases of jaundice can damage brain cells.

· Rh incompatibility between mother and infant can be a cause of cerebral palsy. In this blood condition, the mother’s body produces antibodies that destroy the fetus’s blood cells. This leads to jaundice may cause brain damage in the newborn.

· The physical or metabolic trauma of birth can be a cause of cerebral palsy. This can produce brain damage in a fetus whose health has been threatened during development. Severe oxygen deprivation to the brain or significant trauma to the head during labor and delivery can be the cause of cerebral palsy.

Feeding Skills

Feeding skills have been cited as a contributing factor that can affect the life expectancy of those with CP. Managing these can positively affect the life span of an individual with cerebral palsy. When people with cerebral palsy have feeding and digestive challenges, a nutrition care program can be beneficial. Skilled registered dietitian nutritionists work with physicians to adjust diet, food intake and nutrition supplements to enhance overall health. Effective dietary therapy can be devised to meet the individual’s unique needs taking into account digestive challenges and the ability to properly chew, swallow and self-feed.

Nutrition practitioners can adjust textures and consistency of food by pureeing, chopping, and grinding foods for a smoother eating experience. Foods can be softened with broth, gravy, milk, or juices. Liquids can be thickened to improve swallowing. Self-feeding is a skill that significantly enhances the quality of life for someone with a disability, although caregivers, family or friends may still be needed. Speech therapists can teach patients, their friends, or caregivers about adaptive feeding tools that can accommodate different levels of ability. Appropriate techniques can include space between feedings, to allow for natural swallowing, or feeding smaller portions throughout the day. In the most severe cases, some people with cerebral palsy rely on a feeding tube for partial or total nutrition intake. It is important to adjust to allow sufficient time between bites and drinks for natural swallowing. Some meals should be scheduled around medication times to avoid stomach upset, curb appetites and address feelings of being tired.

If a person with cerebral palsy has trouble with asphyxiation, reflux, or pneumonia, he or she should avoid foods, such as nuts, seeds, and hard or stringy foods. Diets can be changed to provide more calories, better balance, compensate for deficiencies and enhance digestion. Vitamin, minerals, and food supplements may help with malabsorption or who tire when eating. High fiber choices can curb constipation while prune and apricot juices may provide natural laxative qualities. Some people with cerebral palsy need to control drooling and aspiration, in addition, use long-term anti-seizure medications can contribute to an increased risk of tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and bacterial infections. Dietitians may advise substituting added sugars and carbonated drinks with fresh fruits and vegetables. Dentists will encourage proper dental hygiene like regular brushing, drinking fluorinated water and regular checkups

Many people fight stereotypes and those with disabilities are no exception. Barriers individuals with disabilities face begin with people’s attitudes that are often rooted in misinformation and misunderstandings of what it’s like to live with a disability. One misconception is that all people living with disabilities are brave and courageous, but people with disabilities just need to adapt to a currently different lifestyle. Sometimes wheelchairs are used as typical mobility devices rather than for people who are only ill or sickly. In past decades, segregating people with disabilities in separate schools and institutions reinforced the perception that people with disabilities could only interact with others who have disabilities. Any person who does not have a disability can offer assistance, but most people with disabilities prefer to take responsibility for their own care when physically possible both in the community, within all parts of society. It is okay for curious children to ask questions about disability. Discouraging curious children from asking questions teaches children that having a difference or disability is wrong or bad. Many people with a disability will not mind answering a child’s question. People with disabilities go to school, get married, have families, do laundry, grocery shop, laugh, cry, pay taxes, get angry, have prejudices, plan and dream about their future like everyone else. It is important to encourage participation from people with disabilities by providing accessible meeting and event sites. It is important for advocates to speak up when negative words or phrases are used for people with a variety of disabilities.

Cerebral palsy can affect someone who has it in a variety of ways. Some people with cerebral palsy can be impacted by having the limited verbal ability, limited cognitive ability, all four limbs affected or just their legs impacted. Some people use one cane or crutch; some people use a walker or two crutches. Some people use a manual wheelchair or motorized wheelchair. Some people may have some nutritional issues due to some difficulty feeding themselves or having digestive issues. You may have met one classmate, colleague or friend with cerebral palsy, but that does not mean even everyone is impacted in the same way by the same diagnosis. All people with disabilities deserve the same level of respect and it is important to help those with disabilities advocate against social misconceptions.

Resources
1.  CP NOW nonprofit & CP Daily Living

2. United Cerebral Palsy