Monday, December 5, 2011

Saving Julie From Scoliosis

Published Thursday, December 01, 2011 3:01 AM at The Eagle

Saving Julie from Scoliosis
 
The following information was provided by a third party, and was not prepared or edited for accuracy by The Eagle.
LOS ANGELES ( Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Look in the mirror ,do you see a slight curve on your back? 3% of us have scoliosis.  It's a minor problem for most people, but for some children it's severe and requires treatment.
At 39, Julie Flores enjoys the little things in life but it wasn't too long ago Julie's routine was a lot different.
"I just felt like it was painful, it was no fun," Julie told Ivanhoe.
It started with a head tilt at the age of five. By the time Julie turned eight, her upper body was bent almost in half. She was diagnosed with dystonia, a movement disorder that causes involuntary muscle spasms. By then severe scoliosis had set in too.
"I'll never forget one comment someone made of a high school boy who saw her and said 'oh look at that giraffe'," Lidia Flores, Julie's mother, told Ivanhoe.
By the time Julie hit 30, even house work caused unimaginable pain.  Then, her mom found Dr. Frank Acosta.
"Hers was an extreme case where her spine was essentially shaped like an s," Frank Acosta, M.D., Director of Spinal Deformaty at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, explained.
"This is a pretty severe case, yeah, one of the worst i have ever seen," Dr. Acosta stated.
After two operations doctor Acosta placed screws down Julie's spine with help from computer navigation. The goal was to take some pressure off her lung, organs and nerves and realign her spine. After 9 weeks at the hospital and 4 months of physical therapy the operation was a success.
"I sat next to her and Julia was I think two inches taller than me," Lidia said.
"When I got up and I sat up, I was like wow," Julie said.
Julie can now stand up straight for the first time in 31 years.
"I feel like God gave me this whole brand new life again," Julie said.
Eventually bone will grow up and down Julie's spine over the rods that were surgically implanted. The years of compression caused some damage to her lungs but Julie is now almost pain-free.

Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for more information.

Monday, November 21, 2011

I said it once, and I will say it again...

Its amazing to me how resilient and confident children are nowadays. As Amber and I prepared for Aiden's surgery today, we felt the gambit of emotions ranging from anxiety to despair. All the while, the person going through the surgery, Aiden, is calm, cool, and collected. His spine is being operated on and we are the ones exhibiting these emotions. Aiden, once again, showed us a very valuable lesson. His calm demeanor is evidence that those afflicted with trauma, pain, or a medical condition can still touch those around them. As well as set an example for how to deal with adversity!

Thank you to everyone for their positive thoughts. They truly work!

Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for more information.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

What Does Surgery Mean to Him?

On November 21, 2011, our son, Aiden, will go into Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) for surgery to help treat his Infantile Scoliosis. This surgery, the Grow Rods, will be used to help correct the abnormal curve of his spine, as well as, attempt to impede further increases in degree curvature (his curve is currently 70 degrees+). The surgery for a 5 year old is not performed very often and comes with some risks. However, our doctor, Peter Sturm, is one of the best. We are hoping his experience and knowledge will change Aiden's life forever.

At only 5 years old, Aiden has had 2 different types of braces and 14 body casts to help alleviate the curve of his spine. Although about 3% of the population has some type of scoliosis, those patients with degree curves of 50 degrees and higher is only 0.03%. Needless to say, what Aiden has is rare. Amber and I have always been open about his treatment and talk to Aiden regularly about his condition. He takes his limitations with a grain of salt and strives to be as normal as possible. However, his daily life has been altered due to the casting and doctor appointment. People always ask him why he wears a cast, his clothes never fit properly, people stare, and school is altered because of all the appointments at the doctors. Now that we have neared the time when surgery is inevitable, Amber and I know what the benefits (and drawbacks) are for our son. But what does this surgery mean for him?

Aiden knows that he will never be able to play football. He knows that he has 6 pre-op appointments October 27, 2011 to prepare for the surgery (i.e. Cardiology, blood work, EKG, Titanium and Nickel Testing, Pulmonary Testing, etc). He knows that his back will be cut open from the base of the neck to the top of his buttocks. He knows he will have hundred of stitches to close his surgical wound. He knows that he will be in pain. He knows he will spend time in ICU after the surgery. He knows we will spend Thanksgiving at the Hospital. He knows that he will have to go back in to CCHMC for additional surgeries every 9-12 months. He knows that eventually he will have to have another major surgery to add new rods. He knows that he will have 3 months of no contact or play. He knows that his diet will change. He knows that he will have to wear a brace for 3 months. He knows that his back is a part of him and he needs it. He knows that it will be a long road for his recovery. Aiden knows all these things at the young age of 5.

After telling him all these things, we asked him if he was ok with his surgery. We asked him if he wanted to go through with it. And this is when Aiden showed that there was one thing he didn't know. He asked me "I don't have to wear any more casts? That means I will be normal?". And with a few short inquisitive questions, Aiden showed me that I didn't know everything. Aiden will always be normal. His scoliosis is normal to us. But to him, he wants to be like the other kids. Not only will this surgery attempt to help his scoliosis, it will begin a new chapter for him and his quest to be normal. Now that is a question only time will answer.

Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for more information.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

A Step in the Right Direction

A doctor in New York is in the beginning stages of a minimally invasive surgery to correct spinal deformities caused by scoliosis. The doctor, Vishal Sarwahi, M.D., Director of Spine Deformity Surgery at Montefiore Medical Center, stated that he could minimize the number of incisions, x-ray exposure, and recuperation time with this new procedure. Although his control group consisted of adolescent scoliosis patients, his work seems promising. These advances in the fight against scoliosis are important, even if they are not on a grand scale. Please check out the full article at PR Newswire.

Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for more information.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

New Initiatives with CCHMC

The Scoliosis Foundation is once again partnering with Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center on new initiatives involving patient care, mainframe database access for scoliosis patients & doctors, and doctor/nurse practictioner training. We are hoping to get started quickly so more detailed information to come soon!

Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for more information.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

'One Degree at a Time' Golf Outing Update

The Scoliosis Foundation has updated the information for the golf outing to be held on August 27, 2011 at Glenview Golf Course. This information can be found on the Auction Items and Golf Info link from the outing page. Some of the updated event info includes:

$100 Golf Registration Fee includes:
  • 18 holes of golf with cart
  • City BBQ dinner
  • Gift bag
  • Entry into Longest Drive contest
  • Entry into Closest to the Pin contest
  • Entry for Door Prizes
  • Beer - at golf course and after party


Extras - with cost
  • Gimme/Mulligan/Throw Package $20
            Limit 2 per team
  • $10,000 Hole In One Contest $20
            Limit 1 per player - played on South Course Hole #5
  • Split-the-Pot
            1 for $1/10 for $5/20 for $10

  • Cornhole Tournament $20 per team
            Played during after-party at the Century Inn
  • Silent Auction Price Varies
            See below for detailed items - items subject to change


Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/GolfOuting.html for more information.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

3rd Annual 'One Degree at a Time' Golf Outing

The Scoliosis Foundation is accepting groups for the 2011 golf outing. The outing will be on August 27, 2011 at the Glenview Golf Course. There will be food, fun, prizes, games, silent auction, and an after party at the Century Inn down the street from the golf course. Please signup via the website or send an email to andrew@thescoliosisfoundation.org. Space is limited so please confirm your group quickly to reserve your spot. Thank you for your support!

Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for more information.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Recap of Spinal Fusion Study

A recent return to spinal fusion patients 10 years after surgery treatment for scoliosis returned surprising results. There seemed to be very little degeneration with the spine, as well as, limited effect on balance and movement. Although this study was for scoliosis patients 21 years and younger, it provides positive results for the future. As the treatments, surgeries, and medical plans evolve and progress, scoliosis patients both young and old can find a little solace in the long lasting effects. Please find the full article here.

Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for more information.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Monday, June 27, 2011

NASCAR Event July 8, 2011

Join us for a special evening of NASCAR Fun!
Ø Silent Auction of One-of-a-Kind NASCAR and Cincinnati Sports Memorabilia!
Ø Showing of the NASCAR/CMT movie “PettyBLUE” in HD on a 12 Foot Screen!!
Ø Meet and talk with the Director about the making of “PettyBLUE” !!!                                  Benefit for the Scoliosis Foundation of Cincinnati.  Event from 5:30pm to 9:00pm  – $20 donation for admittance.    100% of donations benefits educational programs for families with children fighting Infantile Scoliosis, and treatment research at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.   ActionCOACH matches donations up to $20 for GrowthCLUB attendees!!!!

Location is the Oasis Convention Center - 902 Loveland-Miamiville Road, Loveland, Ohio

Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for more information.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

NASCAR EVENT JULY 8th

On July 8, 2011, The Scoliosis Foundation will hold a special event at The Hilton Garden Inn 5300 Cornell Road Cincinnati, OH 45242.

This is one day prior to the NASCAR event at the Kentucky Speedway on July 9, 2011.

The Scoliosis Foundation proudly presents a special limited viewing of the CMT movie "Petty Blue" in HD. For a suggested donation of $20 per person, each attendee will be able to view the movie in HD on a 12' screen, interact in a question/answer session with the director Mike Viney, and bid through a silent auction on select NASCAR and Cincinnati sports memorabilia. All donations will benefit research through the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. As you may already know, each donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please register for the event through the foundation website and secure your spot at this one time event.
 
Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for more information.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Even the Royals are not Immune

Princess Eugenie, the younger child of Prince Andrew and the original Fergie, endured a lengthy surgery to place pins on her spine to correct scoliosis when she was 12 years old. She is an inspiration for those following her and those preparing for treatment against this condition.


Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for more information.

Friday, June 3, 2011

JUNE IS NATIONAL SCOLIOSIS AWARENESS MONTH

Since 2008, when the NSF and the government declared June as National Scoliosis Awareness Month, the programs involved in this awareness has grown significantly. Please take some time to look at our website, become acquainted with the various types of scoliosis, and take action in the fight to find a cure for this condition! Your help is vital in making progress towards a cure and The Scoliosis Foundation thanks you for your help!!!

Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for more information.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

New Blog Site

Due to Yahoo! discontinuing their blog service at Yahoo! Pulse, I have moved the blog website to http://scoliosisfoundation.blogspot.com/ . I have moved over all of the previous blogs and will use this trusted site from now on. Please feel free to re-read the previous posts and follow my blog in the future. Thanks for your continued support!

Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for more information.

When It Hit Home.....

As previously posted on May 18, 2011 on original blog

A little while ago, Aiden starting complaining about how his 13th Mehta cast was hurting him. Through his crying and whimpering, the triage on the open wounds caused by the rubbing of his skin against the cast, and the obvious size constraint, Amber and I didn't know what to do at this point. We called Dr. Peter Sturm at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) and his nurses agreed to get us in right away. In the past, we would wait to get into CCHMC and only see the nurses. However, this time, Aiden was able to see the nurses, radiology technicians, surgery technicians, AND the doctor. They all agreed the cast was too tight and hurting Aiden, but made the choice to keep it on until his June appointment (his regular visit where he will have the cast taken off and degree curve measured). They broke the cast around the belly hole and re-petaled the rough edges so they didn't hurt him as much. Through all of this, Aiden showed remarkable strength. It was not until that night that our last 4 1/2 years really hit home for me.

Aiden and I were sitting on the couch and I was looking at his cast. I kept on saying how good it looked and repeatedly asked how it felt to him. Aiden began to tear up and looked down at the floor. I asked him what was wrong. For the first time in his entire treatment, he looked at me with tears in his eyes and "Daddy, I don't ever want to have a cast again!". We talked about how he has had many casts but he told me how he was sick of getting them and didn't want anymore. Amber and I are very frank with our children, so I told him that what would happen if he didn't get the casts. After a brief pause, he said, "It's ok daddy, we will be ok without a cast."

I couldn't help but grab him and hold him. Even knowing the negative consequences, he had finally hit the wall with his treatment. Aiden never complained one bit, but now, he was willing to take a serious gamble with his health in order to gain relief. It was difficult and eye opening, but long overdue. With everything he has had to endure, Aiden always showed strength. Now, he looked to his parents for comfort and relief. We explained how it wouldn't be long before he got it off and he seemed to find solace in our approach for the time being.

Amber and I know there are parents out there who endure daily struggles with their children. There are some of these parents who endure much more than we could imagine. Some of them are sources of strength for us to deal with Aiden's treatment. For all of you that have to deal with adversity, we thank you for your strength and courage!!! We wish you the best of luck in all future treatment. Just remember, there will be a time when every aspect of your child's condition will hit home, and when it does, embrace it. Be honest, be strong, and be diligent! Your child will always be your child, so cherish every moment, even when it is difficult!

Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for more information.

1st Annual 'Sprint for Spines' 5K Run / Walk - SIGN UP TODAY!.

As previously posted on May 6, 2011 on original blog

We cordially invite you to participate in The Scoliosis Foundation’s 1st Annual ‘Sprint for Spines’ 5k Run / Walk on Saturday, June 25, 2011 at Kestrel Point @ Winton Woods Park.

Your entry fee will be used in an ongoing effort to help find a cure for scoliosis. Your fee will cover your race entry, race t-shirt, refreshments, event activities, and official scoring. There will also be awards for the top winners in each division. The participant fee for each runner / walker is $25. There are additional prizes for reaching one of the fundraising milestones listed on the information sheet. ALL proceeds will directly benefit The Scoliosis Foundation.

You will receive your official participant number for the event via email one week prior to the event.

You can register via phone, email, online form submission or mail and payments can be made by check or online submission. You can also register to race on the day of the event. If you choose to register on the day of the
event, the entry fee will be $30 per participant. To register online, please visit
www.sprunning.com/register.html and find The Scoliosis Foundation's event and click register.

Your registration fee is tax-deductible.

Registration Information

The Scoliosis Foundation's 'Sprint for Spines' 5K Run / Walk will be coordinated and monitored by Steve Prescott Race Coordination. The online registration will be conducted by Steve Prescott and payments can be made via secured online payment submission at www.sprunning.com/register.html. If you choose to fill out the form and mail in the registration, please send form and check made payable to The Scoliosis Foundation to:

The Scoliosis Foundation
PO Box
31158
Cincinnati, OH 45231
Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for more information.

Another New DNA Genetic Test That Benefits Scoliosis Patients.

As previously posted on April 27, 2011 on original blog

What if you could test DNA from a saliva sample of a scoliosis patient and determine, with clear cut fact, the best course of treatment for him/her? The day has come for this dream to become a reality!

Ten years in the making, ScoliScore is a newer DNA genetic test that does just what it is supposed to do. By testing DNA in the saliva of any scoliosis patient, it can determine, through high or low scores, the probability that the current degree curvature will become better or worse over time. This information is vital to treating scoliosis patients because it accurately assesses the need for x-rays, braces, casting, and/or surgery.

By limiting x-rays, the patient is subjected to less radiation and health concerns from the procedures. The doctors using this test take the guesswork out of the treatment plans given to scoliosis patients and base them on clear cut facts. The genetic testing used is complicated and involved, yet becoming more and more widespread due to its significance in scoliosis treatment.

Dr. Mark Locke, Director of Pediatric Orthopedics at Moore Orthopedic Clinic, loves the new test. He discussed the impact of the test on diagnosing treatment options for scoliosis patients. He gives an example of how a scoliosis patient with a 15 degree curve who has a high test score will eventually have that curve increase exponentially. Conversely, if the test had come back with a lower score, the curvature would remain the same. In general, a high test score indicates the curve will increase in degree measurement where a low score indicates the curvature will remain low.

The ScoliScore DNA genetic test is another example of how advancements in medicine can benefit scoliosis patients and their treatment options. This line of medicine needs more advancements similar to this DNA test in order to gain ground on this debilitating condition. The information contained in this post came from http://www.midlandsconnect.com/news/video.aspx?list=195149&id=577018.

Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for more information.

ATTENTION ALL NASCAR FANS.

As previously posted on April 22, 2011 on original blog

The Scoliosis Foundation is preparing to offer a special viewing of the movie "Petty Blue" (about the life of Richard Petty and his family) with special guest Mike Viney. Mike Viney is the Director of the movie and his resume includes:
CREDITS
Director - Petty Blue (CMT, 2010)
Director - Demons For Angels (Narrative Short, 2008)
Director - Chasing Sunday (FOX, 2007)
Director/Editor - Dale (CMT, 2007)
Show Head/Senior Producer - NASCAR Hot Wired (Speed, 2010)
Senior Producer - NASCAR Confidential (Speed, 2008)
Senior Producer - Road To Daytona (ABC, 2008)
Show Head/Senior Producer - NASCAR: Chasing Glory (ESPN2, 2007)
Senior Producer - Beyond The Wheel (Speed, 2005-6)
Producer - Hey Rookie, Welcome To The NFL (FOX, 2004-5)
Segment Producer - NFL Films Presents (ESPN2, 2004)
Segment/Field Producer - NFL Under The Helmet (FOX, 2003-4)
Producer - 3 Games To Glory I, II, III (DVD, 2002, 4-5)
Associate Producer - Hard Knocks: Dallas Cowboys (HBO, 2002)
AWARDS & NOMINATIONS
EMMY Nominee, Outstanding Sports Documentary - Dale (2007)
EMMY Winner, Outstanding Live Event Turnaround - Beyond The Wheel (2006)
EMMY Nominee, Outstanding Live Event Turnaround - Beyond The Wheel (2005)
EMMY Nominee, Outstanding Sports Series - Hard Knocks: Dallas Cowboys (2002)

There will be a a short update on the foundation and then the movie. There will be time after the movie to ask Mike some questions on what it was like to work with Richard Petty, the Earnhart family, and countless other drivers and celebrities. Mike will be coming up to Cincinnati from Charlotte for the NASCAR Race in July at Kentucky Speedway. There will be limited seating so check back at www.thescoliosisfoundation.org for more information.


All credits and references taken from http://www.mikeviney.com/

Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for more information.

Recent Scoliosis News at Cincinnati Children's Hospital

Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for more information.


As previously posted on April 12, 2011 on original blog

Dr. Peter Sturm Joins CCHMC
Dr. Peter Sturm, recently named The Alvin H. Crawford Chair of Spine Surgery and Co-Director, Crawford Spine Center, came to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) after leading the Shriner's Hospital in Chicago, IL. He brings with him decades of service to orthopedics and specifically, scoliosis. He was trained under the infamous Dr. Min H. Mehta (the Mehta cast is named after her) on specialized casting for infantile scoliosis. Dr. Sturm brings a wealth of knowledge to the Orthopedic Department already known for its advances in medicine. Dr. Sturm is an advocate for casting as an alternative to spinal fusion surgery which can hamper spinal development in children. His work in this area will continue as he is the lead investigator on a multi-center study regarding this issue.

HemiBridge Spinal Clip
The HemiBridge Spine Clip, a 2 inch square device, is a breakthrough in scoliosis treatment created by Dr. Eric Wall. A medical device 17 years in the making, the HemiBridge Spine Clip is a plastic square that promotes straighter growth by using the power of the spine in correcting a curvature. This device controls the growth in each vertebrae and acts as a counter device for scoliosis. The HemiBridge Spine Clip was just granted FDA approval for Phase I clinical trial. “It’s the only current FDA-approved study of a class 3 pediatric orthopedic device of any sort,” Wall says. “We’ve now got approval to start using it in humans.”

CCHMC continues to make advances in the field of scoliosis research. These doctors, along with the other fantastic doctors and support staff at CCHMC, make scoliosis treatment more bearable and practical. Please visit www.thescoliosisfoundation.org for more information regarding scoliosis and ways to help out the cause of finding a cure.

Full Article from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Stacy Lewis - Scoliosis Patient and America's Next Great Golfer

As previously posted on April 4, 2011 on original blog

Stacy Lewis is an inspiration to everyone from little girls, female athletes, and female golfers to scoliosis patients, surgery patients, and those afflicted with conditions affecting their passions in life. Stacy's just recently won her first LPGA event at the Kraft Nabisco tournament. She is a source of inspiration for any scoliosis patient, but more importantly, to anyone looking for a way to overcome adversity in their life. Congratulations to Stacy Lewis.

Article reporting on Stacy's 1st LPGA Win

Biography of Stacy Lewis - an Inspirational Story

Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for more information.

1st Annual 'Sprint for Spines' 5k Run / Walk.

As previously posted on March 24, 2011 on original blog

Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for more information.
We cordially invite you to participate in The Scoliosis Foundation’s 1st Annual ‘Sprint for Spines’ 5k Run / Walk on Saturday, June 25, 2011 at Kestrel Point @ Winton Woods Park.

Your entry fee will be used in an ongoing effort to help find a cure for scoliosis. Your fee will cover your race entry, race t-shirt, refreshments, event activities, and official scoring. There will also be awards for the top winners in each division. The participant fee for each runner / walker is $25. There are additional prizes for reaching one of the fundraising milestones listed on the information sheet. ALL proceeds will directly benefit The Scoliosis Foundation.

You will receive your official participant number for the event via email one week prior to the event.

You can register via phone, email, online form submission or mail and payments can be made by check or online submission. You can also register to race on the day of the event. If you choose to register on the day of the
event, the entry fee will be $30 per participant. To register online, please visit
www.sprunning.com/register.html and find The Scoliosis Foundation's event and click register.

Your registration fee is tax-deductible.

Registration Information

The Scoliosis Foundation's 'Sprint for Spines' 5K Run / Walk will be coordinated and monitored by Steve Prescott Race Coordination. The online registration will be conducted by Steve Prescott and payments can be made via secured online payment submission at www.sprunning.com/register.html. If you choose to fill out the form and mail in the registration, please send form and check made payable to The Scoliosis Foundation to:

Steve Prescott
PO Box 454
Mason, OH 45040

PLEASE HELP OUR CAUSE BY USING GOODSEARCH!.

As previously posted on March 15, 2011 on original blog

As you know, The Scoliosis Foundation was started to raise money to support the research of the Orthopedic Department at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) as well as many other companies involved with scoliosis research and patient advocacy. We have had several events thus far and were able to donate some money to fantastic causes. We would like to now offer another way to raise money for the foundation's mission and vision. Below is an email that was sent from Good Search. If you wouldn't mind, use Good Search as your search engine instead of Yahoo or Google. Each time you use it with The Scoliosis Foundation as your charity of choice, money is being raised. It's that simple. Please forward this on to any friend or family member so we can expand this fundraising project.
Subject: The Scoliosis Foundation Needs Your Help!
As you know, I'm a supporter of The Scoliosis Foundation and I want to share with you a simple way for you to help support this organization or any other cause that you care about.

Just download the GoodSearch – The Scoliosis Foundation toolbar at http://www.goodsearch.com/toolbar/the-scoliosis-foundation Each time you search the web with GoodSearch's Yahoo-powered search engine, about a penny will go to The Scoliosis Foundation. Also, every time you shop online at 1,000 participating stores including Amazon, eBay, Target, Apple, Staples, Expedia, etc., a percentage of your purchase will be donated for free! The site also has thousands of money-saving coupons! To give you a sense of how the money can add up, the ASPCA has already earned more than $30,000! Please tell 10 friends about the GoodSearch toolbar today. They've been featured in the NY Times, the Wall Street Journal, CNN, Oprah Magazine, Good Morning America and more.

Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for more information.

Mild Idiopathic Scoliosis Impairs Postural Stability in Female Patients

As previously posted on March 12, 2011 on original blog

In the recent news article summarizing the results of a study on posture and balance in female scoliosis patients, the conclusion seemed to be indicative of a "no-brainer". As one might believe, posture and balance are affected when a curvature of the spine is present. This curvature, or abnormality in spinal growth, creates an imbalance in how children or adolescents can stand, sit, and balance themselves. As one might believe, the spine acts as a center of gravity (COG) that allows the body to balance itself with relation to the other parts of the body. If this COG is affected, then balance of the body is changed for the patient. As you can imagine, especially with children who are in the process of developing complete motor skills anyway, this can be detrimental to the physical and mental development of the child.

The study focused on adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients with only a mild curvature of the spine (mean curve at 15 degrees). In the tests that followed, children showed signs of instability when facing basic posture and balance tests (with eyes open and closed). The study concluded that more information is needed in order to determine how the variable curve in scoliosis patients affects balance and postural stability in the long term. There have been similar studies relevant to this particular one, but they never seem to gather much data that is new or influential. Most of the conclusions in similar studies, along with this one, seem to be common sense in nature. There is hope that a more in depth and conclusive study can determine the long standing effects of scoliosis on balance and posture for male and female patients, including submissions for correction of this imbalance. The abstract (I cannot provide my signon for the full article according to the website - which is ridiculous) can be found at :

http://medicalnewscenter.com/out/out.cgi?http://www.modernmedicine.com/modernmedicine/Modern+Medicine+Now/Mild-Idiopathic-Scoliosis-Impairs-Postural-Stabili/ArticleNewsFeed/Article/detail/710401?ref=25

Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for more information.

Events Announcement

As previously posted on March 5, 2011 on original blog

ANNOUNCEMENT
Please check out http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for news updates, events, and information regarding scoliosis and the foundation.
Events
1st Annual 'Sprint for Spines' 5K Walk/Run will be held on June 18, 2011. Registration and race start will be held at Kestrel Point @ Winton Woods Park. The cost per participant is a minimum of $25 and teams can be formed for the race. Please contact amber@thescoliosisfoundation.org for more information regarding this event.

3rd Annual 'One Degree at a Time' Golf Outing will be held August 27, 2011 at the Glenview GC. The cost per player is $100 which covers golf, cart, contests, and food/drinks. We will also have a silent auction and other events (including an after party). Please contact andrew@thescoliosisfoundation.org or the website for more information.

1st Annual 'Rock Your Spine' Music Festival will be held in the fall of 2011. We are currently looking for local Cincinnati rock groups who wish to perform as part of an all day music event. There will be food/drinks, events, and kid friendly activities so the whole family can enjoy the music! Please visit our website for more information or contact amber@thescoliosisfoundation.org if you are interested in performing at the event.

Thank you for your continued support of The Scoliosis Foundation!

Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for more information.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Scoliosis, not collision, likely left whale bent, expert says (as seen on CNN)

As previously posted on February 27, 2011 on original blog

I first came across this story a week ago, and did not know how to to take it.

CNN reports that a large humpback whale was seen around Hawaii and was showing signs of distress. As you can see from the picture, the whale has a similar curve to the pictures we show on our website. The experts are saying that the cause of the disfiguration is scoliosis. The whale's spine can be seen in a state similar to scoliotic curves in humans. I can't help but wonder how that whale must feel. I hope he gets relief soon. Please see the full article at

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/02/11/scoliosis-not-collision-likely-left-whale-bent-expert-says/


Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for more information.

New DNA Test Predicts Risk of Severe Scoliosis.

As previously posted on February 21, 2011 on original blog

Although the new DNA testing came about almost 2 years ago, this procedure is growing in significance and prevalance among scoliosis patients. The DNA test, a quick swab of the inside of the mouth, can determine with high probability the risk of a curvature in adolescents becoming more severe. It can determine the course of action for a doctor and patient, as well as, aid in the functionality of the spine at critical junctions in treatment.

This medical breakthrough is monumental in the sense that it offers a streamlined approach to care compared to the "wait and see" approaches of the doctors today. This is not a knock on doctors, but how can you accurately prescribe treatments if the cause is unknown, future detriments are unknown, and the outcomes are unknown. To answer this....YOU CAN'T! So this test is another milestone achieved by the geniuses at Axial Biotech. Feel free to read the entire article located at http://nyp.org/news/hospital/dna-severe-scoliosis.html. You can also find additional information on the Scoliosis Information page located on our website www.thescoliosisfoundation.org. Thank you for your continued support!Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for more information.

Welcome to the Blog

As previously posted on February 12, 2011 on original blog
 
 
WELCOME TO THE SCOLIOSIS FOUNDATION'S BLOG
This blog is used in conjunction with The Scoliosis Foundation and its core mission principles. This blog will offer news updates, treatment options, and personal experience stories to help those patients currently, historically, or possibly dealing with this condition. We hope you find this blog informative and emotionally moving at the same time. We aim to break down stigmas and assumptive barriers about scoliosis and continue our search for a cure.If you would like more information, please feel free to visit our website anytime. You can also link back to this blog from the site as well.
http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/

We appreciate you taking the time to read about scoliosis. We hope that this blog helps in recruiting people in the fight against this condition. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us via our website. Thanks for your continued support in our fight against scoliosis.

Please visit http://www.thescoliosisfoundation.org/ for more information.