PPMD: Leading the Fight to End Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Every year, 20,000 new cases of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy are diagnosed in infants and children. Duchenne is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood and typically affects males, though it can occur in all races, genders, and cultures. It can be passed from parent to child but over a third of cases happen spontaneously, meaning there is no rhyme or reason as to why one person will contract it and another will not. There are many medical treatments that will help slow it down, but there is not yet a cure. That's where PPMD comes in.

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy is a non-profit organization, headquartered in Middletown, whose mission is to "improve the treatment, quality of life, and long-term outlook for all individuals affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy through research, advocacy, education, and compassion." The group has a number of objectives including identifying promising research, making state-of-the-art information about treatment options available to everyone, creating a supportive community for people affected by Duchenne, and encouraging policymakers to afford the same priority to Duchenne as they do other disorders.

PPMD focuses on research, advocacy, education, and compassion to help meet their goals and objectives. They also sponsor and take part in a number of campaigns and events that promote family empowerment and community awareness. Some of these events include a race called "Run For Our Sons," a monthly donation campaign called S.T.I.R, several annual national and regional conferences, and supporting grassroots efforts to raise money and awareness.

Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy's corporate office is located at 1012 North University Boulevard in Middletown. To get more information or find out how you can help, call 513-424-0696 or visit their website at www.parentprojectmd.org

Ohio Deparment of Health Prescribes Summer Safety

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is focused on keeping Ohioans safe this summer. At their website, Ohio.gov, they have listed several ways to help make sure you have a healthy but fun-filled summer.

Healthy Swimming: Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the ODH regularly tests state parks and Lake Erie beaches for the presence of bacteria that may be harmful to your health. They recommend that beaches that receive results with higher levels of bacteria post warning signs, and results can also be found at the Ohio Department of Health website or by calling 1-866-OHIO-BCH (644-6224). If you are swimming in a lake, reduce your chances of getting sick by staying away from visible discharge pipes, keeping your head out of the water, showering after swimming, and waiting 24 hours to swim after heavy rainfall.

Mosquitoes: Take extra steps to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites. West Nile Virus has infected people of Ohio for the last seven years and is spread only by mosquito bites. Be aware that mosquitoes are the most active during the early morning and late evening hours. If you must be outside during those hours, wear extra bug repellent and protective clothing - mosquitoes are least likely to bite people wearing lighter colors. Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Around your home, remove discarded tires, unused flower pots, and other water-holding containers. Keep roofs and gutters clean and outdoor pools and saunas chlorinated. Change birdbaths weekly.

Cookout Safety: Every year, about 140 cases of E. coli are reported in Ohio. Most of these cases come from eating undercooked , contaminated ground beef, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. Wash your hands often, especially after changing a diaper, using the bathroom, touching animals, and before cooking. Cook your ground beef to 160 degrees and do not eat beef that is pink in the middle. Keep raw meat away from other foods while you are cooking. Drink only pasteurized milk and juice and drink water only from safe sources that have been treated with chlorine. Do no swallow lake or pool water while swimming. Make sure you wash all fruits and vegetables before eating them.