If I can do it, You can do it!
By: Amy C. Beck, Executive Director

     I was at a normal weight when I was diagnosed with my muscle disease and placed on large doses of steroids. The neurologists warned me the steroids would make me hungry all the time, and apt to gain weight in college. I laughed it off. Ha! I wouldn’t gain with all the walking I’d be doing. But, they were right! I was famished. I could finish dinner and be ready to go for fast food. My face swelled and I gained. It’s not surprising that over my 30 years of the disability and steroids, my weight has been a roller coaster ride. As I became steadily more sedentary, and my age increased, the weight battle became harder and harder.

     At one point, my doctors almost gave up on me. Who wants to strong arm the 250 pound+ steroid taking, wheelchair using woman about her weight, when she can’t exercise much because of her disability? None of them wanted to have “the weight talk.” But finally, a physician made an important connection for me between my extra weight and my health. About five years ago I began going quickly from a sniffle to bronchitis every time I caught a cold. As a result, I had to get breathing treatments, a nebulizer, and had to add a pulmonologist to my list of physicians. My breathing function would have to be monitored, as my muscle disease compromised my ability to cough and get rid of normal secretions from a cold. At an office visit, the pulmonologist said he believed my decreased coughing ability may not have been from my disability, but rather my big belly. The belly was taking up room for breathing and coughing! Losing some belly could help me breathe and cough better! He said this was true for anyone who was carrying a lot of excess weight. I tossed this around in my head for a few months. Then, about two years ago, I joined a well known, online weight loss program.

     I am not perfect, and the journey is slow, but I’m so happy that I’m doing it! If you’re like I was, you are not sure how to get started and stay motivated. Your total weight loss goal is too large to think of —because it seems unreachable. Why start when you don’t think you can make it to your goal of losing 50 pounds, 75, or more? 

     I’ll tell you why, a loss of even 5 or 10% of your weight can help you reduce or avoid many of the illnesses we sedentary folks get. You will feel better, breathe better, sleep better, move better, and look better. Eating better makes your insides feel better too! If you are subject to stomach upset from rich food, too much fat, or just plain too much food, you should notice a difference. Losing weight allows you to take control of something important in your life, because, after all, we have to eat to live. So, let’s figure this out together. 

     OK, so are you still reading this to hear how I’m doing with my weight loss journey? I have lost about two thirds of what I need to lose, and haven’t used a nebulizer for more than two years. I’ve gone down 4-5 sizes in clothing, and I sleep better and feel great! My doctors have been astounded and complimentary. I lose slowly, but I’m hanging in there. I want to get all the extra weight off my body. It might take me two more years, but I will get there. Two years ago, at 252 I had my toe in the morbid obesity range, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40. I am proud to say now at 194 I am sticking my toe in the just plain old overweight range (BMI of 30)! About 35 pounds to go!

     To help you with your own weight loss journey, I’ve compiled a list of things that have helped me and others lose weight. I know you can do it, and I’m behind you every step of the way!

     Amy’s Top Weight Loss Secrets:

1. Eat what you love. If you don’t love it, don’t eat it.

2. Write down everything that goes in your mouth, every bite, lick, or taste. People who journal their food consumption lose more than those who don’t.

3. Find some low calorie snacks to help you on the way. For me it’s pretzels, sugar free pudding, fruit, and low calorie ice cream treats.

4. Get weighed every week. Feel free to come in and use LVCIL’s accessible scale any time we are open. No questions asked!

5. Get some cheerleaders behind you. Mine are Cara, Debbie, and Renee. They understand and support me through thick or thin. I can always talk food and weight with them.

6. Find a weight loss group. Mine is online, but there are plenty of support groups of many varieties that meet locally and online as well.

7. Find some low calorie recipes you love and use them.

8.5-7 servings of fruit and veggies each day fills you up!

9. Fiber counts, read your labels.

10. Get moving! If you can’t get into high voltage exercise with your disability, even fidgeting helps.

11. If you fall off the wagon, get back on the next morning. Forgive yourself and move on.

12. Slow and steady wins the race; I lose about 4/10 lb a week on average.

     Always remember to talk to your doctor before starting a weight loss routine. They are experts and can help you set weight loss goals, plan routines, and decide the right amount of weight you need to lose. They can help you lead a healthier life.

     Hoping to see LESS of you real soon!
  
   
   About LVCIL
   The Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL) is dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and promoting the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life.
   LVCIL provides services for its consumers such as information and referral, peer support, independent living skills, and individual and systems advocacy. The organization also provides housing search and support, services for landlords, a 24-hour sign language interpreter referral service, youth transition services, and community outreach through specialized programs and groups.


New Year’s Resolutions “How to Guide”
By: Annette Drobil

     It’s just a date on the calendar, but around the world, celebrations are held to ring in the New Year. Historically, gym memberships peak in December and January, sometimes doubling or tripling from the rest of the year. Diets abound! I WILL quit smoking, stop biting my nails, clean the garage, etc. We all feel like we need a break from the indulgences from the holidays so maybe it’s a little easier to resolve to make life changes around the New Year.
 
     But how can we stick to those promises to our self? It’s easy to feel like you failed if unable to keep a New Year resolution. This feeling of failure could then lead to depression. The website www.43 things.com lists some great tips for sticking with your resolutions:

• Don’t be impulsive when making resolutions. Think for a week or more about making a commitment. Consider talking to a friend and asking if they can “see me doing this” in the coming year.

• Don’t carry over resolutions from previous years. If you have the same goal, consider changing it to be more manageable. For example, if you committed to losing weight last year, this year commit to exercising 3 days each week and cutting out dessert. 

• Stay positive. Instead of “I will never bite my nails again” try “I will take good care of my nails.”

• Shorten your deadline. Shoot for keeping your resolution until July. It’s likely that you will keep the resolution through the rest of the year if you make it to July.

• Acknowledge the obstacles. Recognize the challenges of sticking to your resolution so you are prepared. For example, if you commit to not eating dessert, include a few exceptions like allowing yourself a piece of cake at birthday celebrations.

• Tell everyone! You feel more responsible if other people know your goals. Also try writing them down so you see what you have committed to.

• Use notes and other reminders. Sticky notes on your refrigerator help remind you to commit to your dietary goals. If you need to carve out time on your schedule to be able to commit to your resolution, block the time out on your calendar and keep the appointment with yourself! This works for commitments to go to the gym more or to call your grandmother regularly.


2010 Fan Group Schedule
February 13th—@ LVCIL from 10:00-Noon. Dr. 
Christie Gilson, professor of Education at Moravian College, will speak on  “Dating and Relationships.”

March 13th—@ Rascal’s Food and Fun, 6616 
Ruppsville Rd., Allentown from Noon-3:00. Lunch and an afternoon of games!

April 10th—@ LCCC, Schnecksville Campus from 10:30-Noon. Jodie Steiner will talk about her own fascinating journey of transition.

May 8th—@ LCCC, Schnecksville Campus from 
10:30-Noon. Jordan Toman will present the story of his life, including his life in Europe.

June 12th—Highmark Walk for a Healthy 
Community in Bethlehem. FAN Group will assist LVCIL staff and volunteers by participating in the Highmark Walk. More details will come in the Spring.

July 10th—@ Promenade Shops in Center Valley from 1:00-3:00. We will spend an afternoon together.

August 14th—@ Parkway Bowling Lanes in 
Allentown. Time TBA. We will try our luck at bowling and games at Parkway.

September 11th—@ LVCIL from 1:00-5:00. Bring your favorite snacks for movie day!

October 9th—@ Old Country Buffet in Whitehall 
from 11:00-1:00. Lunch!

November 13th—@ LCCC, Schnecksville Campus from 10:30-Noon. Edward Wilson will speak about his life experiences.

December 11th—@ LCCC, Schnecksville Campus from 10:30-Noon. Holiday party and planning for 2011!

Future Advocates Now! (FAN) is a group of young adults with disabilities that meets every month to discuss the issues that impact our lives. We spend time together and, most importantly, support each other. For more information, please call Robbie at 610-770-9781 ext. 29.


Ask Robbie
By: Robbie Graves

Dear Robbie:
I’ve been hearing a lot about HPRP lately. What is it? Can it help me?—Concerned in Bangor

Dear Concerned in Bangor:
HPRP stands for the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program. If you are a person with a disability and are about to lose your housing due to financial hardship, you may be eligible for assistance through one of the HPRP programs administered through the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living.  If you qualify, assistance may include rental assistance, security and utility deposits, utility payments, and moving cost assistance.  To apply, you must show proof of income and assets, and be in immediate danger of becoming homeless due to financial hardship.  For more information, please contact one of our Community Support Coordinators or Robbie Graves at 610-770-9781 ext. 29.



LVCIL Welcomes New Board President, Members
By: Greg Bott

     This October, LVCIL welcomed a new President, as well as Christie Gilson, Christina Moyer and Angela Uliana Murphy, to its Board of Directors.
      During the October board meeting, the gavel was passed from former President Thomas Burns to current Board President Ham Malek. Ham is the founder and President of Access-Ability, Inc. and holds a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering and Architecture from Lehigh University. He is very active in the community, and is a familiar face around LVCIL. Ham has served as the former Board Vice President and is currently a member of the LVCIL Finance Committee. 
     Christie Gilson, Ph. D. is an assistant professor in the Education Department at Moravian College. She holds a Ph. D. in Special Education and a Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She also received her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Illinois State University. Christie has taught, researched, and worked in disability services for more than ten years. Previously, she was the Chair of the Illinois Statewide Independent Living Council.
     Christina Moyer is the Director of Career Services at Lehigh Carbon Community College. She holds a BA in Political Science from Slippery Rock University, and has previously worked in many aspects of the theme park industry. She was previously the Director of Retail, Licensing and Promotions for ArtsQuest, and she currently volunteers for the local Walk to Defeat ALS.
     Angela Uliana Murphy has been a partner in Murphy & Murphy PC since 1993 where her practice specializes in special education. She received her Juris Doctor from Dickinson School of Law, and her BA from Muhlenberg College. Angela is the co-founder of a support group for parents of children with Asperger’s Syndrome and is a frequent presenter at the ARC of Lehigh and Northampton counties.


S2L the 311
By: Seth Hoderewski

     S2L continues to grow in 2010! Since our last newsletter we have done some great things! Our “Meet and Greet” in October allowed some S2Lers to meet potential mentors and start the mentoring process. The next phase is preparing Person Centered Plans for each S2L participant.

     In November, a representative from SSI came to speak to S2L parents. It was a great opportunity for discussion, Q & A, and also for parents to meet and speak with one another. This sparked the desire for information surrounding special needs trusts, which was covered in a parents meeting at the end of January.

     The Real World Lehigh Valley: Winter-fest was held on December 29th and 30th. The two days of facts and fun covered everything from “What they can and can’t ask you during a job interview” to seminars on “Learning about your learning style” and “Let’s make a New Year’s Resolution.” The best seminar was a test run of LVCIL’s new interactive transition workshop, “Have You Thought About Life?” It was a hit! Winter-fest also gave the group an opportunity to get together, socialize, and have some fun during the long winter break from school.

     Thanks to everyone who has supported and continues to support the S2L program. You’ve helped to make it what it is today. We see nothing but continued growth with your support! For any questions about the S2L program, or if you are interested in mentoring, please call Seth @ 610-770-9781 ext. 19. Below is the upcoming tentative schedule. 

February 13th, Saturday—@ LVCIL from 9-Noon *THIS DATE HAS CHANGED FROM FEBRUARY 20th *For the Young Adults – Dating and Relationships

March 20th, Saturday—@ LVCIL from 9-?? Parents Meeting–You and your child’s IEP

April 1st, Thursday—@ LVCIL from 9-3 SPRING BREAK! 


Upcoming LVCIL Events!

February 1st—@ LVCIL from 10:00-11:30. First Monday Program presents “Finance 101.” Experts from Susquehanna Bank will cover topics such as basic finance and budgeting. This program is FREE! RSVP required. To RSVP for this program, please contact Annette at 610-770-9781 ext. 27

February 10th—@ LVCIL from 10:30-1:30. Craft class/Lehigh Valley Action Team meeting. Crafting will begin at 10:30. No experience necessary and assistance is provided. Lehigh Valley Action Team will meet from 11:00-1:30. You’re welcome to attend this free, casual gathering where people come together for peer support, activities, and guest speakers. You may bring a lunch. For more information, call Debbie Rozear at 610-770-9781 ext 24.

March 1st—@ LVCIL from 10:00-11:30. First Monday Program presents “Finance 101.” See February 1st for program information.

March 10th— @ LVCIL from 10:30-1:30. Craft class/Lehigh Valley Action Team meeting. Crafting will begin at 10:30. No experience necessary and assistance is provided. Lehigh Valley Action Team will meet from 11:00-1:30. You’re welcome to attend this free, casual gathering where people come together for peer support, activities, and guest speakers. You may bring a lunch. For more information, call Debbie Rozear at 610-770-9781 ext 24.

April 14th—@ LVCIL from 10:30-1:30. Craft class/Lehigh Valley Action Team meeting. Crafting will begin at 10:30. No experience necessary and assistance is provided. Lehigh Valley Action Team will meet from 11:00-1:30. You’re welcome to attend this free, casual gathering where people come together for peer support, activities, and guest speakers. You may bring a lunch. For more information, call Debbie Rozear at 610-770-9781 ext 24.

April—@ LVCIL. Date and time TBA. Landlords for All Workshop.

April—@ LVCIL. Date and time TBA. Landlords for All “Meet and Greet.” Landlords and consumers will meet each other to discuss potential housing and exchange information.


Housing Services
By: Debbie Rozear

     An old-fashioned winter is upon us. Snow is falling and the temperature outside keeps dropping. As you sit reading this article, take a moment to think about those who are doing without. Got a chill? Just turn up the thermostat, put on a sweater, get something hot to drink, and cover up. What luxuries, and to think we all take the simplest things for granted. With today’s economy, people are losing their homes due to eviction and/or foreclosure, because they cannot afford daily living. Expenses keep increasing, unlike our financial resources, which are remaining level from year to year.

     In times like these many people are out in the cold day after day, or spend much of their time in shelters. They try so hard to survive these rough times, but an unexpected disability, loss of a job, or a plethora of other reasons has made it increasingly difficult. Are you within the population of disabled individuals who are struggling right now to keep from being evicted or foreclosed? At LVCIL we provide housing services such as prevention and retention, and we can also help you find something that is affordable and accessible for people who are in need. We are here to help you maintain your current living situation. If we are unable to help you directly, we will look for other sources and give you information of how you may possibly be helped. It’s very important to be totally up front and honest with us about what is going on in your life that is causing the eviction or foreclosure. No one can assist you if you are not willing to step up to the plate and disclose your current circumstances. And, don’t worry, everything that is said to a staff member at LVCIL is kept completely confidential.

     Did you know that 51% of the staff and board members at LVCIL are people with disabilities? When someone answers the phone here, nine times out of ten you are talking to someone who has a disability too. When we say that we understand... we truly do. We are either living our life with a similar disability or know someone in our office family who lives with similar struggles every day. We are here to help you and provide you with the support that you need. Although we may not be perfect, we put our best foot forward in providing what we hope to be outstanding services. If you are in need, give us a chance to work with you. Trust us enough to point you in the right direction so that you may live a more fulfilled and independent life.



Custom Computers/Upgrades/Repairs
Doug Williams of Allied PC Tech provides custom computer service at affordable rates. Repairs any computer brand. Doug, who is also a person with a disability, offers a 50% discount on labor and any parts needed are sold at his wholesale cost for others with disabilities. Seven years experience and is a certified “Microsoft Partner.” References available. Call 610-434-4634 or email doug@alliedpctech.com • www.alliedpctech.com (When contacting Doug please mention that you are referred by LVCIL so you can qualify for the special discounted rate for people with disabilities.)


Pennsylvanians with Disabilities Day!

Come join us at our 21st Annual Luncheon Celebration on Friday, April 9th at the Green Pond Country Club in Bethlehem. The festivities begin with a social hour at 11:00, with lunch being served at Noon. Cost: $18.00 per person.

This year we are pleased to announce that Nicholas Butterfield and Coca-Cola Park will be honored for their service and sensitivity to the needs of persons with disabilities.

For more information, please contact Thomas Burns at 610-395-3877.


Saving Energy in Winter
By: Francisco Sainz de la Peña

     A house ready for winter will add comfort to your life and save you money. Since it’s never too late to take care of those important details for energy saving, here are a few important and effective suggestions for preparing your home:

• Make sure that windows and doors are not allowing any cold air into the house. If your windows do not close tightly insulate them with do-it-yourself plastic-film, storm windows kit.
• Check the attic for adequate insulation and also check for air leaks.

• The temperature of the water heater should not be higher than 1250 F. It’s a safety measure if you have children, or if someone does not have full sensation due to a disability. Most water heaters last between 10 to 12 years, so be prepared to replace them within that time frame.

• If you are going to replace any appliance, look for the new Energy Star information. The Consumer Report is a good publication to find out about what the ratings are for the different brands of appliances on the market. They also have a website with very useful information.

• Don’t use the fireplace to help heat the house because it uses the hot air produced by your heating system to keep the fire alive. Also, remember to close the fireplace damper.
 
• Have your furnace tuned up at least every other winter.

Other things to consider:

• Benefit from solar energy by keeping windows blinds, drapes and curtains that face south, open during the day. Be sure to close them at night to save energy. 

• Trade in your old incandescent holiday lights for new LED lights. Use a timer to have them on for no more than 6 to 7 hours per day.

• Remember that the most common places for air leaks in a house are: windows, doors, floors, walls, ducts, ceilings, electrical outlets, vents and plumbing, connections from outside, and fireplaces.


New Staff Member Joins LVCIL
     This November, Greg Bott joined the LVCIL as the Development Coordinator. A recent graduate from Kutztown University, Greg hails from Jim Thorpe where he previously worked as a writer for the “What’s Happening in Carbon County” magazine.

     “I’m excited and fortunate to be a part of the LVCIL staff,” Greg said. “I love my job, and everyone here is great!”

     When not working, Greg enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, Kelly, playing the guitar, and idolizing Star Wars.
 
     So, the next time you’re at LVCIL, stop in and welcome him to the LVCIL team!


4---Livin’ Winter 2010