Fatherhood and Men’s Health Panel NYC– A Healthy Baby Begins with Two

This just in....

Fatherhood and Men’s Health Panel – A Healthy Baby Begins with Two
WHEN: Friday, April 30, 2010 6:00 – 8:00 pm
WHERE: Hue-Man Bookstore & Cafe
2319 Frederick Douglass Blvd (Between 124th and 125th Streets)
New York, NY 10027
Tel: 212-665-7400

Join award winning author and producer, Tonya Lewis Lee in a panel discussion about men’s health and fatherhood in minority communities.

Tonya Lewis Lee, has been the spokesperson for A Healthy Baby Begins with You Campaign for the last three years, and will serve as moderator of the panel discussion.

The panelists will be:
Dr. Garth Graham, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health
Roland Warren, President, National Fatherhood Initiative
Segrid Renne, Director at Northern Manhattan Perinatal Network
Dr. William J. Parker, Medical Director, Planned Parenthood of Washington, DC
Dr. Jermane Bonds, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies

Earth Day 2010

Last year I attended a Leadership Seminar in Anchorage, Alaska and it changed the way I saw our planet FOREVER! Built around the theme of sustainability, the conference featured keynote speaker and environmental expert, Jerome Ringo of the Apollo Alliance http://apolloalliance.org/. With permission from Michael Jackson's estate, he opened with the video Earth Song and I saw it that day amidst the snow capped mountains with new eyes.

I returned home energized and committed to doing a better job of using our natural resources wisely. I turned the water off while brushing my teeth, began washing my clothes in cold water instead of warm, recycled the plastic bags from the supermarket and switched to recyclable ones. Most importantly I've spread the word to others. From guiding my children to develop an Earth conscious lifestyle (even our 3 year old son takes the plastic bottles out to the recylce bin) to conducting workshops about going green in order to save our home, the Earth.

So why should we go green?

“The world has a fixed amount of natural resources - some of which are already depleted. So as population growth greatly strains our finite resources, there are fewer resources available. If we intend to leave our children and grandchildren with the same standard of living we have enjoyed, we must preserve the foundation of that standard of living… what about saving clean air, water, fuel sources and soil for future generations?”
http://www.gogreeninitiative.org/content/WhyGoGreen/

So what will you do with your children today for the 40th celebration of Earth Day?

Chocolate Chip, your family resource, has some ideas. Our 6 year old will start the day out planting trees at her elementary school. I compiled a "Things You Can Do" fact sheet that will be distributed to students to stimulate conversation and perhaps encourage each family to consider what small steps they can take to save our planet. Her Daisy Girl Scout troop will spend the evening planting daisies at our local library.

This year, President Obama is encouraging us to do our share by getting involved in the Earth Day of Service. Go to www.Serve.gov/EarthDay for details on activities in your community.

It doesn't have to end there, check out Disney Nature's new release, Oceans (or rent there previously released Earth), opening in theatres today.

Be inspired by MJ today, check out Earth Song and commit to a renewed focus on the environment. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOnL5c8LMqM

Going Green:

12 Small Things You Can Do to Make a BIG Difference

1.Reduce Re-use Recycle
2.Shorten your shower
3.Turn off lights when you leave the room
4.Turn off your computer at night
5.Unplug unused chargers and appliances
6.Only run the dishwasher or washing machine with full loads
7.Wash laundry in cold water instead of hot
8.Tell your parents about leaks around the house
9.Stop using disposable bags – order reusable ones
10.Buy a reusable water bottle, and stop buying plastic disposable bottles
11.Walk or ride a bike to your errands that are two miles or closer
12.Support your local economy and shop at your farmer’s market

Compiled from several kid friendly sites

http://www.nick.com/minisites/biggreen/#
http://disney.go.com/disneygroups/friendsforchange/#/disneygroups/friendsforchange/
http://planetgreen.discovery.com/work-connect/green-teens.html

April is Autism Awareness Month

According to www.autismspeaks.org, the nations largest autism science and advocacy organization, Autism, a complex developmental brain disorder, affects 1 in 110 children and 1 in 70 boys and the numbers are growing. Learning the signs can lead to early diagnosis http://www.autismspeaks.org/whatisit/learnsigns.php.

You may be aware that Holly Robinson and Rodney Peete's son RJ was diagnosed with Autism shortly after his 2nd birthday. Since then they have become advocates for educating families about living with Autism. The Peetes recall the exhaustive list of things that doctors said that RJ would NEVER be able to do, like say "I Love You" on his own. But look at him now!!!! He and so many others are defying the prognosis because of early diagnosis and their parents valiant efforts to understand Autism so they could live happy, productive lives. Never say Never!!!

The Peetes introduce two new books: Not My Boy? by Rodney Peete and My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson-Peete and RJ's twin sister, Ryan. I applaud them for being at the forefront of this movement and sharing their story with us.

New Yorkers can meet the Peetes at upcoming book signings:

Barnes & Noble Lincoln Square on April 1, 2010

Toys R Us Times Square on Saturday April 3, 2010

Check out the link below to HollyRod Foundation for a video featuring RJ and footage of his growth and development and the full calendar of book signings. Links to purchase the books on Amazon follow.

http://www.hollyrod.org/#/home/4535995402

http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Charlie-Holly-Robinson-Peete/dp/0545094666/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1254973826&sr=8-12

http://www.amazon.com/Not-My-Boy-Familys-Journey/dp/1401323618/ref=pd_sim_b_1#noop