Posts Tagged ‘Rett Syndrome’

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Request for Secret Billionaires Club

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

This is a special request to the members of the secret billionaires club.  You know, the club of not-so-secret billionaires who are meeting and discussing how they can share their wealth with organizations and people that need it.

I would like to throw a couple hats into the ring:

Please send funding for Rett Syndrome research and for Rett clinics.  The Rett clinics are getting hammered and are in dire need of money or they will get closed down.  Most Rett families do not get the same level of care as families of children with Autism and the laws are changing to squeeze Rett groups out.

For more information on Rett Syndrome drop me a line and if you can at the very least, order some of my books because a part of all proceeds go towards Rett Syndrome research.  We would love to find a cure for this in our lifetime.   Please make sure that money also gets earmarked directly for funding for clinics specifically and/or research specifically.  We want the money to not be wasted and every penny towards the good and better welfare of our girls. 

Another group that needs money are the elderly who are living alone on fixed incomes.  They are being hit and hard because they are not a vocal screaming group and like people with special needs, they can be taken advantage of financially and taxwise.

Anything you can do to get funding going to Rett Syndrome, the elderly and while you are at it, getting jobs going back in America would be grealy appreciated.

Thanks guys and gals!

May 21 2009 Mid Day

If you are looking for a day job, part time work, suggestions for saving money or investing, please check out my book, Practical Money Making, that is listed right after his paragraph in this very post.  There are some great suggestions and ways to survive the Depression we are in.

  Practical Money Making-Surviving Recession, Layoffs, Credit Problems, Generating Passive Income Streams, Working Full Time or Part Time and Retirement

Interested in any of my books?  You may want to make a stop over  here. Please click through to purchase my books and some other interesting items that actually ARE on sale.  

Have you read my book, “Bad Tax Idea, Good Tax Idea“?   Please order it today.  The tips inside can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars!  Tax planning should be done year round and not just two weeks into January or later. 

Part of all the proceeds from the sales of that book  go  to Rett Syndrome research.  One girl is born with Rett Syndrome worldwide every fifteen minutes.   My daughter Arianna has Rett Syndrome and we are working to do all we can to make her life easier and find a cure in her lifetime.  Boys born with the Rett gene generally die at birth.

Kim Isaac Greenblatt

Request for Secret Billionaires Club

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Rett Syndrome Autism Spectrum and Business

Saturday, May 16th, 2009

There is discussion these days about Rett Syndrome not falling under the autism spectrum.  It does and if you are the parent of a special needs child you need to help keep it under the autism spectrum.  It was research in the Rett gene that helped with cancer research and indications that autism itself may be part of the same gene pattern.

With money being slashed left and right, it is important to write your Congressional leaders to let them know that we need to have funding to help our kids and research with Rett Syndrome.

It seems that the squeakiest wheel gets the grease so please make your presence loud and known.  Rett Syndrome girls can’t talk for themselves and we are their advocates.  If we don’t look out for them, who will?  Certainly not people who are screaming for money for their own agendas.

If we can take one tenth of a military budget for Rett research and care for our girls we wouldn’t have anything to complain about.  Come on, NIMH, keep Rett Syndrome under the autism spectrum.

Also, please note that President Obama supports In Home Support Services and any attempts to cut funding would be illegal at the Federal level.  Make your voices known and loudly.

If you give or receive IHSS please do what you can to join the meetings and protests that are taking place.  I don’t normally go out on advocating things (well, that isn’t true, is it readers?) but this is defintely a good and worthwhile cause as well.

The cost for taking care of special needs isn’t cheap and the alternative for people taking care of the people at home would be to institutionalize them (more money) or to let them walk the streets.  For the more wild and aggressive behavior of some patrons that is an invitation for disaster and problems.  If slight noises set some sensitive special needs people off, isn’t it better to have them cared for in a quiet, comforting environment?

Have a good weekend people.

May 16 2009

If you are looking for a day job, part time work, suggestions for saving money or investing, please check out my book, Practical Money Making, that is listed right after his paragraph in this very post.  There are some great suggestions and ways to survive the Depression we are in.

  Practical Money Making-Surviving Recession, Layoffs, Credit Problems, Generating Passive Income Streams, Working Full Time or Part Time and Retirement

Interested in any of my books?  You may want to make a stop over  here. Please click through to purchase my books and some other interesting items that actually ARE on sale.  

Have you read my book, “Bad Tax Idea, Good Tax Idea“?   Please order it today.  The tips inside can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars!  Tax planning should be done year round and not just two weeks into January or later. 

Part of all the proceeds from the sales of that book  go  to Rett Syndrome research.  One girl is born with Rett Syndrome worldwide every fifteen minutes.   My daughter Arianna has Rett Syndrome and we are working to do all we can to make her life easier and find a cure in her lifetime.  Boys born with the Rett gene generally die at birth.

Kim Isaac Greenblatt

Rett Syndrome Autism Spectrum and Business

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Friday The 13th IS GREAT for Rett Syndrome Research News

Friday, February 13th, 2009

In keeping with the news of the last day or so, MIT scientists have been doing mouse studies showing that with IGF-1, Insulin Growth Factor, they have been able to slow down and reverse some symptoms of Rett Syndrome in mice.  This is fantastic news because that indicates that there is on the horizon a potential treatment to make the lives of Rett Syndrome girls more livable.  The study is careful to point out that this isn’t a cure but if it can get spinal cells regenerating, keep our daughters healthier, help their heart rate, their breathing and ability to move, I am all for improving the quality of life.

Ironically, Friday the 13th should be a number of coolness for this country as well.  Thirteen stars on the original colonial flag for thirteen colonies.  The numbers one and three represent the numbers of mystical perfection in some religious doctrines.

I personally just am happy that there is great news on the research front and that makes this coming President’s Weekend so much sweeter with possible financial good news from the President and Congress in hopefully getting the stimulus package rolling into the American public’s pocketbooks and purses.

Please help me celebrate the good news and holiday by either making a donation for Rett Syndrome research or by buying one of my books.  Partial proceeds are donated to Rett research.

If you are strapped for cash,  anything you can do is appreciated.  Write your Congressional representatives to help Rett research and keep on praying.

In the California continuing information battle over will we get refund checks vs warrants/nothing, there has been no change on that particular front.  According to the news, there will be more taxes in California for 2009 (no surprise there to be honest with you) and I am inclined to just roll my state refund over into prepaying any 2009 tax liability that I might have.

Please don’t cut any funding for schools or special needs care, State legislature members.  Governor, please remember that you were elected on a platform for helping people.    Remember that there are lots of people who can’t help themselves and their caregivers need to make a wage to take care of them.  Don’t cut funding to help workers of special needs people!

Make sure that you don’t pet too many black cats and walk under any ladders today just to play it safe if you are superstitious.  The ladder superstition is based on practicality since you don’t want a paint bucket to hit your head.  The black cat crossing your path is just plain nonsense.  I would be more concerned if I had pet allergies (like some of my friends to) in having a cat come up and brush against my leg.

Maybe we can have some good luck cash brush against our leg from the economic stimulus package instead.

  

Take care everybody and have a safe, healthy, wealthy and happy weekend.

Interested in any of my books?  You may want to make a stop over  here. Please click through to purchase my books and some other interesting items that actually ARE on sale. If you like poker, Heroes (the TV series), comic books, Watchmen, etc, there may be some fast links to get you to what you are looking for.  Have you read my book, “Bad Tax Idea, Good Tax”?   Please order it today.  The tips inside can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars!

 If you are looking for a day job, part time work, suggestions for saving money or investing, please check out my book listed below.  Part of all the proceeds from the sales of that book  go  to Rett Syndrome research.  One girl is born with Rett Syndrome worldwide every fifteen minutes.   My daughter Arianna has Rett Syndrome and we are working to do all we can to make her life easier and find a cure in her lifetime.  Boys born with the Rett gene generally die at birth.

  Practical Money Making-Surviving Recession, Layoffs, Credit Problems, Generating Passive Income Streams, Working Full Time or Part Time and Retirement

 Kim Isaac Greenblatt

 

Friday The 13th IS GREAT for Rett Syndrome Research News

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Dystonia or Seizure-Knowing the Difference Can Save Money

Sunday, December 14th, 2008

In the business of taking care of special needs, specifically for Arianna, a lot of money is spent on research in Rett Syndrome on seizures and dystonia.

Dystonia looks a lot like seizures and Rett Syndrome girls may  have seizures but a lot of the findings are that they are misdiagnosed as seizures where it is in fact dystonia.

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder in which sustained muscle contractions cause twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures.  If you have seen some of the Rett girls you will see that their hands or legs may be twisted inward as well as wringing.

 In the case of Rett girls, a lot of the muscle contractions are due to Rett Syndrome.  Arianna has suffered with extreme twisting of her leg and arms and the signature wringing of the hands for Rett Syndrome indicates to me, albeit as a layperson, that Rett is closely associated with dystonia.

What are some symptoms of dystonia?

Symptoms vary according to the kind of dystonia involved. In most cases, dystonia tends to lead to abnormal posturing or  movement. Many sufferers have continuous pain, cramping and relentless muscle spasms due to involuntary muscle movements.  Arianna has suffered with this.

Early symptoms may include loss of precision muscle coordination (for non-Rett girls or guys, this sometimes is first manifested in declining penmanship, frequent small injuries to the hands, dropped items and a noticeable increase in dropped or chipped dishes), cramping pain with sustained use and trembling. Significant muscle pain and cramping may result from very minor exertions like holding a book and turning pages.   For a lot of people, at first blush,  the response is “Oh my gosh, it is a seizure!”.

 It isn’t a seizure in this case.

The person suffering from dystonia may find it  difficult to find a comfortable position for arms and legs with even the minor exertions associated with holding arms crossed causing significant pain similar to restless leg syndrome. Affected persons may notice trembling in the diaphragm while breathing, or the need to place hands in pockets, under legs while sitting or under pillows while sleeping to keep them still and to reduce pain. Trembling in the jaw may be felt and heard while lying down, and the constant movement to avoid pain may result in the grinding and wearing down of teeth, or symptoms similar to TMJ.  Swallowing can become difficult and accompanied by painful cramping.  In the case of Arianna, there is a lot of teeth grinding.  For a lot of other Rett Syndr0me girls, there is teeth grinding as well.  In some cases, fixing cavities helps, in most others from what I’ve read and talked with Rett parents, the grinding is always there.

What does that mean as a parent or provider for a Rett child or anybody who is suffering from seizures?  If  neurological tests are inconclusive for seizures, check for dystonia.  It can save you money and aggravation for the person who has their muscles locking up and are in pain.  The shaking and shivering looks like a seizure and it can be draining for the person so look for medicines and therapies to try and ease their pain.

Be wary that the current batch of dystonia drugs have side-effects that cause stomach and intestinal pain and cramping so be careful.

Always, always consult a doctor or a specialist.

By getting the correct diagnosis you can also save money and keep medical expenditures down.  More to the point, don’t you want to end the suffering of the person that has dystonia?

If you want to help in Rett Syndrome research, you might want to order a copy of my book on Practical Money Making.  Part of all proceeds from sales goes to Rett research.  Check it out below.  Happy Holidays!

  Practical Money Making-Surviving Recession, Layoffs, Credit Problems, Generating Passive Income Streams, Working Full Time or Part Time and Retirement

 

Kim Isaac Greenblatt

What is the difference between a seizure and dystonia?

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Flexibility in dealing with Special Needs

Sunday, December 7th, 2008

One of the biggest things that you need to do when dealing with special needs is to remember to be flexible. It means if something isn’t working in your life, in your loved one’s life or in the overall scheme of care for any requirements that you need to maintain a great quality of life (or at bare minimum a decent one), stop and re evaluate.

When Arianna had her VNS (Vagus Nerve Stimulator) placed in her, Sharren and I were scared and we weren’t sure if that was the right thing to do. It was to help Arianna from getting seizures.  For a few years, it turned out that it was okay because based on what we were seeing, we saw Arianna grow and thrive.

We had the VNS turned off over a year ago because of some problems. It didn’t seem to be helping her anymore.   and it is looking more and more that Arianna and other Rett Syndrome girls suffer from dystonia, which causes seizure like symptoms.  We had Arianna’s VNS removed a few weeks ago and she is doing great now.  She had partial paralysis on one arm and her cheek and that seems to be sorting itself out. 

Each person’s situation is different and what works for one,may not work for another. So, if the VNS is working for you or your loved one, super.  If not, you may want to consult with your medical team and reconsider.

Try to make the best decisions you can at the time with the advice from the medical community and people who have gone through what you are going through before.  It isn’t easy and it isn’t always a straight line.

Be willing to keep an open mind on some things and on others, particularly your children’s, partner’s or your health, be certain that you don’t do anything to make things worse. 

The same holds true in less serious situations.  If there is a certain activity that can’t be done because somebody is under the weather that day, make sure that you reschedule to get to it another day.  One example would be soccer practice if your child is in AYSO (a great program by the way that just finished it’s current season).

Be sure to err on the side of doing more fun things than less if you can to keep joy in your family’s life.  Notice that I said “fun” and that shouldn’t be equated with “expensive” or even “things that cost money to have fun”.

But that is for another article. 

In the meantime, relax, stay flexible and remember that there will always be things that you HAVE to do.  Know the difference so you can know what things you might WANT do.  When well-meaning friends or relatives start up with you, take a second, sit down, listen and try to avoid punching them in the nose.  Realizing that you know the best things to do for your situation, it sometimes doesn’t hurt to listen, you might hear something or read something in one of their emails that might make sense or open a new perspective for you.

If they are just ranting or aren’t opening that new perspective, you still can be flexible enough to forgive them and save being the tower of strength when you need to deal with hospital stays, school preparations, dealing with government agencies, and jerks.

Just a reminder that if you run a business or are dealing with your day job to do what you need to do to stay open and keep working.  In this economy, you need to keep an income stream.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, and of course, please stay flexible!  Try to have a happy holiday without spending too much money!  If you are also interested in trying to deal with our current economic situation, you may want to check out my book. 

Practical Money Making-Surviving Recession, Layoffs, Credit Problems, Generating Passive Income Streams, Working Full Time or Part Time and Retirement 

 

Kim Isaac Greenblatt

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profitable

Friday, November 14th, 2008

My book of my first fifty or so blogs is out.  If you enjoy my whimsical and informative posts about starting your own business, dealing with savings, dealing with our current recession/depression, coping with special needs situations, please check out my book. Priced affordably with a no-frills, basic money-saving cover for these rough economic times, the information inside is fun, informative and hopefully will save you money and your sanity. By the way, the book is white on white and that is why the green letters would just kind of float here on the page – that is why the way to reach it is by the text :) .

 
profitable

 

The particulars:
Paperback: 108 pages
Publisher: Kim Greenblatt
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1606220020
ISBN-13: 978-1606220023

 

Want something else to sweeten the deal? 

Part of the proceeds of all my sales go to research for finding a cure for Rett Syndrome.  Rett Syndrome affects a girl born every fifteen minutes.  Boys born with the Rett gene die at birth. In these trying economic times, research for Rett Syndrome has been tough because of competition for money from other projects. Your purchase of this or any of my books will help funding to improve the quality of life for millions of people.

Kim Isaac Greenblatt

The profitable book culled from the great blog is out!

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Rett Syndrome Picnic Los Angeles October 25 2008

Saturday, October 25th, 2008

Today we had our Southern California Rett Syndrome picnic.  Special thanks again to Sherri Brady for doing a fantastic job organizing the event.  Special thanks to all the participants and sponsors.  If anybody has any pictures or links to share, please post them in comments so I can get them out there.

Don’t forget the other Rett Syndrome events that we have and we will see you next year as well!

Here are some videos from the event:

Kim Isaac Greenblatt

You are reading the profitable blog and here are some videos for the So Cal Rett Syndrome Picnic 2008.

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Inexpensive Marketing Gifts for Trade Shows and Clients

Monday, October 6th, 2008

Ah, the good old days of trade shows where companies would give you t-shirts, teddy bears, inflatable beach balls, designer wines -- anything they could engrave or inscribe their name and product on. Because of rising costs, a lot of cool marketing freebies are a thing of the past.

In order to become profitable, it is a sad fact that you almost end up spending money.  One of the ways to attract business is to attend a trade show.  For a lot of people, in the current economic client that may not be a good way to spend your money but it is a great way to network and if you are looking to hit as many potential distributors or customers as you can, it may be money spent profitably.

In the attached video, I touch on the same information that I will talk about here.  I attended a special needs expo in Los Angeles today and they gave out pens and the wristbands that seem to be hot these days.  You know, the elastic plastic bands that mention the cause or company they are supporting.  The pens they were giving out promoted different agencies and had their phone numbers.  Two of the wristbands I received were interesting.  One was from Special Children’s Art, a group being directed by a Rett father who Sharren and I know where he goes out to schools and organizations and has children make murals, etc incorporating special needs children to interact and be part of the creative process.

I also received a wristband that was yellow, green, blue, red and violet promoting eating fruit.  Wild! It actually makes sense because kids will remember to eat one of every different color fruit to get all the different vitamins they need. Great marketing idea!

You basically don’t want to go nuts giving out marketing items for clients even though they could be considered a tax deduction.  Remember you still have to layout the cash to get the items and that is money that is out the door. Longtime readers know also that I am not a fan of running up meaningless deductions because the name of the game is to make money, not concentrate on tax deductions that really aren’t helping at best and raising red flags at worst.

If you are thinking about using flyers to paper car windshields you better check with local zoning first and the same thing with going door-to-door or getting permission to hand out flyers at malls.  If you are lucky you will get 1% sell through and out of that the people who call you may not use your goods or services.  Most of the time the flyers end up on the street aggrevating the parking lot attendants, the mall people but delighting officers who want to cite you for littering.

Magnets work great -- they stick on the fridge and most people will remember you at tax time.  Calendars work well except after the year is over, some people toss the magnet or they start ignoring what is on it and it gets used to hold up their kid’s spelling test results.

Here is the video that goes along with this post.  Hope you enjoy it!


Kim Isaac Greenblatt

You are reading Kim Isaac Greenblatt’s blog, profitable, and checking out inexpensive marketing gifts for customers and trade shows.

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The Second Carnival of Special Needs and Money

Thursday, October 2nd, 2008

Welcome to the October 2, 2008 edition of special needs and money. This is our second carnival! Where does the time fly? As usual dear carnival guests, do your own research and due diligence with any business claims found on the net. The popcorn is popping, the children are having fun. Looks like a great day for a carnival. Our second carnival is on, let us check out the booths and rides! Shall we get started?

special needs-the money go round

Steve Holder presents Paying for Medical Costs of A Brain Injury posted at Head and Brain Injuries, saying, “Kim… I hope this article fits the theme of your carnival. I have another one that is in a similar vein I’m going to submit separately. If you pick either or both articles, I’ll put a link to your blog on my web site. Best of luck with your Blog! Steve”

Steve Holder presents Traumatic Brain Injury – The Medical Insurance Maze posted at Head and Brain Injuries, saying, “Kim… This is the other article I thought might fit your blog carnival. Feel free to use one now and one later on an upcoming carnival. I’ll put a link back to your site for each article you choose. Thanks! Steve”

Michelle McFarland-McDaniels presents Funding Autism Treatment Takes Resourcefulness and Determination posted at Autism Assistance Resources and Information.

special needs-the emotional roller coast

Evidently, nobody has any emotional issues or questions this month when it comes to money or special needs! Whoo hoo! 
Just in case, please check out my article “When filing out Medical or Govt Forms, Take your Time at my blog, profitable.

Sometimes money seems to be everything and it can get very depressing. One way to try to come to grips with it might be, Thinking Poor But Happy. It might help you save some money and ease some of the emotional weight that is something we just don’t need when dealing with special needs situations!

 
Steve and Michelle, thank you for your submissions this month!

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of special needs and money using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

You are reading Kim Greenblatt’s blog, profitable, and his second carnival of Special Needs and Money.

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Second Carnival of Special Needs and Money Coming Up

Friday, September 26th, 2008

The dead line is approaching for my second carnival of special needs and money. My first carnival was a little on the light side in terms of content, so if you have a blog that is relevant to autism, Rett Syndrome, CP or any other special needs issue or something that deals with money and special needs, please send the listing through the Blog Carnival.

I am trying to get relevant articles up that deal with coping with special needs situations and of course, trying to keep an income stream, leave alone trying to stay profitable. Anything that makes sense (or even venting) is welcome. No spam, ads for inappropriate items (you are smart enough to know what I mean), junk mail or something that really doesn’t belong in the submission.

Please keep writing your political representatives and the candidates to keep funding for special needs programs. Our particular group tends to not get heard in politics unless we are screaming with everybody else, so keep the screaming up.

I especially would like to see Rett Syndrome blogs or articles for the next carnival if you have them.

Keep the faith and this is a short post!

Kim Isaac Greenblatt

You are reading Kim Greenblatt’s blog, profitable and his request for entries for his Second Carnvial of Special Needs and Money that is coming up.

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