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27 December 2011
PAMPERS 3 S: Keeping your baby Soft, Smooth and Supple
Pampers Nigeria is keeping moms abreast with information on keeping your baby soft smooth and supple!
26 December 2011
MERRY CHRISTMAS
A beautiful Christmas wish to every mom, dad, and families out there and an exciting 2012.
Lack of planning makes us ineffective, as the 2011 comes to a close, let us devote time to plan ahead for the 2012. Wishing you a better year ahead.
Lack of planning makes us ineffective, as the 2011 comes to a close, let us devote time to plan ahead for the 2012. Wishing you a better year ahead.
BLUNDERS TO AVOID ON YOUR JOB IN 2012
As the year 2011 comes to a close, it is imperative that working moms review our work behaviors in this year, Plan for a better 2012 and commit to our plan. There are some habits that we may have done this year that we may need to take a critical look at,, though they may not be contained in your organizations handbook, they are obviously not very good and may cost you your job.
Every organization has an employee hand book and in this handbook are stipulated rules and guidelines by which all members of staff should conduct themselves. The employee handbook contains information about company policies and procedures. In some countries it may also form part of an employee’s terms and conditions of employment. Informations such as holiday arrangements, company rules and disciplinary and grievance procedures. It can also provide useful source of information to new staff as part of the induction process. A written employee handbook gives clear advice to employees and creates a culture where issues are dealt with fairly and consistently. Sexual harassment, profanity, and absenteeism were probably all covered in your company orientation. But chances are, a few egregious behaviors-like gossiping and bullying-didn't make their way into the employee handbook. Even so, these missteps might be grounds for immediate dismissal. Read on as we reveal seven on-the-job blunders that could get you fired.
1. Chronic lateness: When it comes to getting to work on time, you may think "better late than never," but your employer probably feels differently. According to experts, tardiness costs businesses more than $3 billion each year in lost productivity. And the effect on the bottom line is significant: An employee who's 10 minutes late every day has, by the end of the year, taken the equivalent of an entire week's paid vacation.
2. Sharing too much information (TMI): Among friends and family, your life may be an open book, but revealing too much information at work could be an instant career-buster. This is especially true when it comes to personal medical issues, family secrets, or relationship problems. And don't even think about sharing the details of your intimate encounters-remember, although you may be friendly with your coworkers, it's always important to maintain a professional demeanor on the job. Some working moms who feel their spouses are not supportive enough always go on and on about how she is the only one doing everything! You think your colleagues really care who does what in your home? Only a few good ones who are almost not alive will care. My opinion is that it is just best to keep your family life private and get on with your job as professionally as possible.
3. Gossiping:You may think of it as idle chatter, but engaging in juicy water-cooler conversations could be risky business. According to a 2005 issue of HR Advisor, workplace gossip can reduce productivity, alienate employees, and break down trust within teams. In some cases, the office rumor mill could even earn you a pink slip. In 2007, four town employees in Hooksett, New Hampshire, were terminated after discussing false rumors of an improper relationship between the town administrator and another employee. Working moms will be too busy thinking about their job as well as the work load waiting for them at the home front to be engaging in idle gossip. They may be more responsible with work than their single counterpart. Moms are advised to remain focus and use their time well so that nothing suffers while we idle away
4. Fowarding Spam: Some people on my email contact list are guilty of this one. Whether it's a chain letter that promises to bring good luck or a YouTube video of silly pet tricks, it's not appropriate office communication. Nowadays, there's email overload in virtually any workplace, and forwarding SPAM to your colleagues will probably just annoy them. Plus, your boss may be watching: According to the 2001 Electronic Policies and Practices Survey, nearly 62 percent of employers exercise their legal right to monitor employees' email. Therefore let us be careful.
5. Warbdrobe Malfunctions. These days, lots of office dress codes are business casual—but that doesn't mean anything goes. In a recent U.K. study, employers were asked which habit they found most annoying among employees, and more than 25 percent responded that it was unsuitable clothing or appearance. Moreover, according to a survey by California-based staffing service Accountemps, nearly 40 percent of managers said they thought workers appeared too casual when dressing down.
6. Being a Cellphone Addict. Mobile phones are invaluable devices for touching base, making plans, and averting catastrophes. But at work, you should be focused on the job at hand--not chatting with Mom from your cubicle. The problem is, some cell users are so addicted that they duck out of meetings to answer their phones or send text messages. Instead, turn off the ringer from nine to five, and if you must talk on the phone, do it from a private area.
7. Bullying. As it turns out, bullying isn't just found in schoolyards. A growing body of research suggests that intimidation and abuse run rampant in the workplace. According to the Workplace Bullying Institute (WBI), on-the-job bullying can be defined as "repeated, health-harming mistreatment" that may include verbal abuse, offensive conduct, or sabotage. Although historically, workplace harassment guidelines are limited to guarding against sexual and racial discrimination, since 2003, 13 states have introduced some version of the Healthy Workplace Bill to address status-independent harassment.
21 December 2011
Yuletide Quintuplets Makes Husband Happy
Wow! Wonders of multiple births. The Lagos Teaching hospital delivers Mrs Shofunlayo, of her quintuplet recently. WM learnt that, unlike many men who run away at the sight of such births, Wale Shofunlayo is perhaps the happiest man at the moment. This is understandable, considering that his wife was on Friday, safely delivered of quintuplets three girls and 2 boys. Wale is a legal practitioner based in lagos. This multiple delivery has turned LUTH into a Mecca of sorts as it was recording such a medical feat for the first time.
“Wale, can it be true? How did you do it? Some jokingly say they don’t want to touch me so I don’t implicate them,” he told Daily Sun in an interview on Tuesday at LUTH.
Smiling heartily as he spoke, he disclosed that his wife was moved to the hospital two months after conception so that she could be under the close watch of medical experts.
“She spent seven months here at LUTH so they could take care of her,” he said, disclosing that throughout the period, he did not entertain any fear that anything would go wrong. His confidence was reinforced by his belief in God’s word that He would complete and perfect the good work He had started.
“I feel great and I thank Almighty God for His mercy. I also give kudos to the doctors and nurses that handled the CS (caesarean section),” he said.
According to him, about 50 medical personnel, led by one Professor Ajayi, handled the operation.
The Ogun State indigene, who lives in Ikorodu area of Lagos State, disclosed that until the last minute, they were expecting four kids, based on the scan conducted.
“After the four were brought out, Prof. Ajayi suspected that something was still inside. He gently pressed it and pronto another baby was brought out.”
He affirmed his belief that God would equally help him with the means to take care of them and their elder brother, who he said is about two years old.
His wife, Olayemi, who was in a stable condition, said it was a surprise and equally thanked God for the successful operation.
“It was a surprise. I was actually expecting four,” she said.
She added that the operation lasted about 80 minutes and that the babies were healthy with four of them weighing about 1.5 kilogrammes each while one weighed 1.8 kilogrammes.
The LUTH Public Relations Officer, Mrs Hope Nwawolo, who confirmed the medical feat during Daily Sun visit to the hospital, commended the team that performed the operation.
For now, Ward B, where Mrs Olayemi is recuperating, is the most visited building in the expansive hospital with many excited persons, thronging the place to catch a glimpse of the mother and her kids. The tots are, however, still under intensive care and there is a restriction on visitors into the unit.
Source: Sun News
15 December 2011
PAMPER DAY FOR WORKING MOMS
Holiday is coming! Works and schools are closing, goodbye school runs and early morning traffic, the girlfriends are coming to town, and so are the relatives and this is the time the help decides to go travel home. So, welcome all the cooking, the cleaning and yet you need to make room for grooming too
All this business of being a woman can cause serious stress and HSF Spa and Wellness Center is committed to bringing to a zero level every of the stress. On the 18th of December 2011, Working Moms will be enjoying their stress free selves at the HSF Spa and Wellness Centre Ikoyi, Lagos.
This event is hosted in Conjunction with TW magazine. This special event tagged ‘Pamper day for the Total Woman’ will not only be relaxing but will also reward our hard working moms who have toiled all year round juggling work and family.
Invitees will be treated to FREE pamper sessions including spa treatment, massage, facials, rolling and sauna as well as the first of its kind in Nigeria treatment in the floatation tanks with lots of canapes and cocktails in a serene environment. I am already floating!!!
EVENT DETAIL:
Date: Sun 18th Dec 2011
Time: 2pm – 6pm prompt
Venue: 2 Raymond Njoku Street S/W Ikoyi, Lagos
THIS EVENT IS STRICTLY BY INVITATION!!!!!!!!
14 December 2011
Missing Tosin. Everyone is praying and waiting for your return, Tosin.
"Someone Created a blog site to spread the news about Dr Tosin Oyelowo going missing, and she hopes the medium can help find her and bring her back home to her loving family and friends. I am posting same here to reach out to more people. Please spread the word about missing Tosin"
Yesterday, I heard one of the worst news ever. I found out that the beautiful lady whose picture is on the left, Tosin Oyelowo, went missing on Friday, December 9th in Charleston, South Carolina where she is working as a resident after graduating from the University of Charleston West Virginia School of Pharmacy last summer. I never even knew her personally, but I remember seeing her at several events here in Raleigh, NC (where she and her parents have lived for some years since they moved to US from Lagos, Nigeria) including her dad's 50th birthday party some years ago. I remember noticing her beautiful skin and calm persona. To hear that she went missing few days ago is very shocking and painful. If I didn't even know her personally but I'm crying as I am typing this, then I can't even imagine what her parents, family and friends are going through right now.
The news was sent to me as a prayer request text from a friend of mine. I, immediately, called him back to find out what happened and he told me. Heartbreaking, to say the least. My friend mentioned that he had done a google search and there was nothing about it on the news and he felt that it will be great idea to use Facebook and social media, in general, to spread the news and help increase the chance of someone finding her. However, he wasn't too sure if to go ahead and do that on his own. I went ahead and told him that I will go ahead and do something about putting the news out there for everyone to spread since the media will not do it (and we all know why).
To know that such a young and beautiful black lady with incredible potential is missing and there is nothing about it on google or on the news is extremely devastating. However, thanks to the internet, I know we can do something about it. Spread the news. I am hoping we can use the social media to circulate this news and help bring her back home. We might not be powerful enough to have this on every TV news channel, but I believe we can use the power of the internet to bring Tosin back home. Pls, post this link and let people see her face. Make sure every friend or family member of yours does the same. If you see her anywhere or have any information, please call 911 and alert the police in your vicinity. If the news media will not do it, we will use the resources that we have to spread the word.Everyone is praying and fasting for her return but I know we have to take action and broadcast the word; I believe God uses people to answer prayers. I believe she will be found by God's grace. Let us use the power of the internet to let the world know about her, hopefully find her and bring her back home to her loving family and friends!Here is a link to her pharmacy school profile - http://academicdepartments.musc.edu/pharmacy_services/residency/residents/2011_12/oyelowo.htmlAnd here is an article about her winning a scholarship from the Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation - http://readme.readmedia.com/Olutosin-Oyelowo-Receives-Scholarship-from-Alpha-Kappa-Alpha/1882198
12 December 2011
INTRODUCING BEAUTY OVERDOSE MAGAZINE
B.O.M: The New Fashion and Beauty Magazine for the Young and Contemporary Woman
B.O.M is the brainchild of Award winning and New York certified makeup artist Eni Balogun. It is a publication which consists mainly on issues of beauty, health, hair, lifestyle, fashion, travel and entertainment. It’s a publication covering the most important things in the International scene and mostly the African beauty industry. B.O.M is every woman's luxury beauty guide and happens to be the only Health & Beauty magazine in the Nigerian market today.
B.O.M speaks to the new Nigerian woman -- urban, always cosmopolitan; as downtown as she is uptown; cultured and multi-cultural and always on the edge of fashion, culture and entertainment. The magazine represents a new, original voice on the news stand, a voice that speaks to a generation of women, old and young, from diverse cultures, upbringings and interests. It is an international & domestic home resource for all beauty professionals, beauty brands & companies, restaurant’s, hospitals and also to the general public. Serving establishments working in practically every industry cutting through from motion pictures to printing and publications, fashion, bridals, casuals, landscape beautification, stylists, advertising, entertainment, corporate, beauty parlours, health sectors, spas and more.
With featured articles on health & beauty of the industry’s upcoming beauty professional’s i.e. Hair stylists, makeup artists, health practitioners, cosmetic companies and manufacturers, B.O.M updates its readers on the most innovative beauty equipment's. It’s the most reliable source which delivers invaluable information and news on current product.
Beauty Overdoze offers a diverse range of articles that combine artistic and business skills, personal and financial growth, health, beauty and creative thinking, entertainment and events
and the latest beauty information and products. With great opportunities designed for makeup & beauty professionals, beauty brands and consumers who share the passion for the love of everything glamorous and beautiful. From high fashion makeup, health topics and hair to high fashion clothing & accessories.
CELEBRITY WORKING MOM CHIOMA CHUKWUKA-AKPOTE ON MARRIAGE
I agreed to marry my husband because he was the only person who knew me for who I am. I met him before I became an actress and it was just on a platonic level, nothing very serious. I liked him as a person, but I kept looking elsewhere.
But when the emptiness was there, that was when I realized I was missing out on a lot of things.
We courted for a long time, but not too long.
I love his simplicity,and personality. He's a very humble and gentle person.He's God fearing,very humorous and so many things that I can't begin to list now.
I like everything about him. There is no total package. You have to like everything about a person for you to be able to settle down with the person.
My journey into matrimony, it's been very beautiful and very rewarding and I'm grateful to God for that.
My journey into matrimony, it's been very beautiful and very rewarding and I'm grateful to God for that.
The greatest lesson I learnt about marriage is to be patient, you don't talk all the time. You've got to do more of listening than talking.
Listening to what your partner isn't saying sometimes results to what he or she does not want to hear.
Listening to what your partner isn't saying sometimes results to what he or she does not want to hear.
You should be sure of who you are and who your partners is. That is the first thing and be sure that the love is enough to pull you through.
09 December 2011
SEARCHING FOR JOB WHILE PREGNANT
Searching for a job in Nigeria is not easy. The unemployment rate is high. Do mothers stand a chance in job hunting? Most times, the fact that you are married simply bumps you off certain jobs. Being pregnant then your pregnancy bump may bump you off the work, if you are not careful. It is recommended that when you’re expecting a baby, you work hard at your job hunting strategy so as not to allow your belly to bump you off the top of the employer’s candidate list. Moms are advised to shine a light on their skills. With tips from New York City brand Expert, Samantha Ettus. Working Moms can still have a job change while pregnant, all you need to do is let your professionalism speak for you. Pregnancy is not a disease. In fact some women are strongest when they are pregnant. Enjoy the tips below. I hope it helps. You can add more tips you feel will work especially in a country like Nigeria;
Do your homework. During an interview, you want your smarts to glow, not your pregnancy. Research the company’s history, and then you’ll be prepared to speak about its management team, product, philosophy and culture.
Be a pro. Even if your interviewer is friendly, save the scoop on your new nursery for after you’re hired. Instead, keep the interview focused on you, your skill set and what you can bring to the position.
Talk about reality. A potential employer might worry that you’ll leave after the baby arrives or be overly distracted by new mommyhood. So assert your strong work ethic and your plans to manage workflow to show you’re more than capable of handling your job postpartum.
Do your homework. During an interview, you want your smarts to glow, not your pregnancy. Research the company’s history, and then you’ll be prepared to speak about its management team, product, philosophy and culture.
Be a pro. Even if your interviewer is friendly, save the scoop on your new nursery for after you’re hired. Instead, keep the interview focused on you, your skill set and what you can bring to the position.
Talk about reality. A potential employer might worry that you’ll leave after the baby arrives or be overly distracted by new mommyhood. So assert your strong work ethic and your plans to manage workflow to show you’re more than capable of handling your job postpartum.
07 December 2011
Gay/Lesbian Ban: Obama Dares Nigerian Senate, Issues Presidential Memo
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA.
…Directs Federal Agencies, Missions Abroad To Protect Gay Rights.
Lagos, December 6, (WorkingMoms) – Barely a week after the Nigerian Senate criminalized same sex marriages and unions, the President of the United States of America Barack Tuesday issued a Presidential Memorandum directing “all federal agencies engaged abroad to ensure that U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of LGBT persons.”
Since the proclamation of the anti-gay law by the Nigerian Senate, pro-gay protests in major cities of West have urged Western nations to intervene in Nigeria. Some western nations have even threatened to withdraw aid to countries that ban gay unions.
Nigeria is a very conservative nation with very strong traditional values though you may find a sizeable number of lesbians and gays who would rather remain in the closet than openly declare that they are gay.
Senate President, Senator David Mark who Thursday defended the bill passed with overwhelming majority in the Senate told the visiting German Ambassador to Nigeria, Dorothee Janetzke – Wenzel that the ban on same sex marriage in Nigeria remains ‘irrevocable.’
Senator Mark maintained that the ban would remain in spite of the threat by foreign nations to withdraw assistance to Nigeria.
“It is unfair to tie whatever assistance or aid to Nigeria to the laws we make in the overall interest of our citizens otherwise we are tempted to believe that such assistance comes with ulterior motives.
“If the assistance is aimed at mortgaging our future, values, custom and ways of life, then they should as well keep their assistance,” he stated.
But Obama in a statement from the Office of the White House Press Secretary today said, “The struggle to end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons is a global challenge, and one that is central to the United States’ commitment to promoting human rights.”
The statement further said that Tuesday’s Presidential Memorandum directing federal agencies to protect gay rights abroad applies to the Departments of State, the Treasury, Defense, Justice, Agriculture, Commerce, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Export-Import Bank, the United States Trade Representative, and such other agencies as the President may designate.
According to the memorandum, the agencies were specifically charged to:
“*Combat the criminalization of LGBT status or conduct abroad.
*Protect vulnerable LGBT refugees and asylum seekers.
*Leverage foreign assistance to protect human rights and advance nondiscrimination.
*Ensure swift and meaningful U.S. responses to human rights abuses of LGBT persons abroad.
*Engage International Organizations in the fight against LGBT discrimination.
Report on progress.”
The full text of the Presidential Memo reads:
“FACT SHEET: Working to Advance the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Persons Globally.
“The struggle to end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons is a global challenge, and one that is central to the United States’ commitment to promoting human rights.”
--President Obama, December 6, 2011
Since taking office, President Obama has demonstrated that his vision for a brighter future includes greater equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Americans. The President and this Administration are dedicated to eliminating barriers to equality, fighting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and engaging LGBT communities across the country. The Administration’s dedication to LGBT rights does not stop at our borders, as the President made clear at the United Nations in September of this year when he said: “no country should deny people their rights because of who they love, which is why we must stand up for the rights of gays and lesbians everywhere.”
Today, President Obama issued a Presidential memorandum that directs all federal agencies engaged abroad to ensure that U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of LGBT persons. Under the Obama Administration, agencies have already begun taking action to promote the fundamental human rights of LGBT persons everywhere. And now, following an interagency process coordinated by the National Security Staff, this memorandum directs the first-ever U.S. government strategy dedicated to combating human rights abuses against LGBT persons abroad.
Today’s memorandum applies to the Departments of State, the Treasury, Defense, Justice, Agriculture, Commerce, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Export-Import Bank, the United States Trade Representative, and such other agencies as the President may designate.
The memorandum directs agencies to:
*Combat the criminalization of LGBT status or conduct abroad.
*Protect vulnerable LGBT refugees and asylum seekers.
*Leverage foreign assistance to protect human rights and advance nondiscrimination.
*Ensure swift and meaningful U.S. responses to human rights abuses of LGBT persons abroad.
*Engage International Organizations in the fight against LGBT discrimination.
Report on progress.
Even before today’s memo, U.S. agencies have been working to protect and promote the rights of LBGT persons around the world. Since January 2009, Secretary Clinton has directed the Department of State to champion a comprehensive human rights agenda—one that includes the protection of LGBT people.
Around the world, the State Department is:
*Engaging bilaterally and regionally in conjunction with U.S. embassies, civil society, and multilateral agencies to encourage countries to repeal or reform laws that criminalize LGBT conduct or status.
*Reinforcing the human rights of LGBT people in multilateral fora, such as the UN Human Rights Council. In June 2011, the United States joined South Africa and a cross-regional group of co-sponsors in passing the first-ever UN Human Rights Council resolution on the human rights of LGBT persons.
*Promoting human rights worldwide. U.S. embassies are declaring the United States’ support for the human rights of LGBT people through innovative public diplomacy. Ambassadors and embassies have hosted public discussions and private roundtables, published op-eds and supported Pride events.
*Supporting LGBT human rights defenders and civil society groups, with programmatic and financial assistance, including efforts to document human rights violations; build advocacy skills; provide advocates with legal representation; and, when necessary, relocation support.
*Reporting on the conditions of human rights of LGBT people in each of its annual, country-specific Human Rights Reports.
*Strengthening the Department’s personnel and consular policies. The Secretary extended the range of legally available benefits and allowances to same-sex domestic partners of foreign service staff serving abroad. The United States also incorporated gender identity into federal equal employment opportunity policies in 2010.
*Protecting LGBT refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants through a protection strategy developed with other U.S. Government agencies, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and NGOs.”
…Directs Federal Agencies, Missions Abroad To Protect Gay Rights.
Lagos, December 6, (WorkingMoms) – Barely a week after the Nigerian Senate criminalized same sex marriages and unions, the President of the United States of America Barack Tuesday issued a Presidential Memorandum directing “all federal agencies engaged abroad to ensure that U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of LGBT persons.”
Since the proclamation of the anti-gay law by the Nigerian Senate, pro-gay protests in major cities of West have urged Western nations to intervene in Nigeria. Some western nations have even threatened to withdraw aid to countries that ban gay unions.
Nigeria is a very conservative nation with very strong traditional values though you may find a sizeable number of lesbians and gays who would rather remain in the closet than openly declare that they are gay.
Senate President, Senator David Mark who Thursday defended the bill passed with overwhelming majority in the Senate told the visiting German Ambassador to Nigeria, Dorothee Janetzke – Wenzel that the ban on same sex marriage in Nigeria remains ‘irrevocable.’
Senator Mark maintained that the ban would remain in spite of the threat by foreign nations to withdraw assistance to Nigeria.
“It is unfair to tie whatever assistance or aid to Nigeria to the laws we make in the overall interest of our citizens otherwise we are tempted to believe that such assistance comes with ulterior motives.
“If the assistance is aimed at mortgaging our future, values, custom and ways of life, then they should as well keep their assistance,” he stated.
But Obama in a statement from the Office of the White House Press Secretary today said, “The struggle to end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons is a global challenge, and one that is central to the United States’ commitment to promoting human rights.”
The statement further said that Tuesday’s Presidential Memorandum directing federal agencies to protect gay rights abroad applies to the Departments of State, the Treasury, Defense, Justice, Agriculture, Commerce, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Export-Import Bank, the United States Trade Representative, and such other agencies as the President may designate.
According to the memorandum, the agencies were specifically charged to:
“*Combat the criminalization of LGBT status or conduct abroad.
*Protect vulnerable LGBT refugees and asylum seekers.
*Leverage foreign assistance to protect human rights and advance nondiscrimination.
*Ensure swift and meaningful U.S. responses to human rights abuses of LGBT persons abroad.
*Engage International Organizations in the fight against LGBT discrimination.
Report on progress.”
The full text of the Presidential Memo reads:
“FACT SHEET: Working to Advance the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Persons Globally.
“The struggle to end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons is a global challenge, and one that is central to the United States’ commitment to promoting human rights.”
--President Obama, December 6, 2011
Since taking office, President Obama has demonstrated that his vision for a brighter future includes greater equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Americans. The President and this Administration are dedicated to eliminating barriers to equality, fighting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and engaging LGBT communities across the country. The Administration’s dedication to LGBT rights does not stop at our borders, as the President made clear at the United Nations in September of this year when he said: “no country should deny people their rights because of who they love, which is why we must stand up for the rights of gays and lesbians everywhere.”
Today, President Obama issued a Presidential memorandum that directs all federal agencies engaged abroad to ensure that U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of LGBT persons. Under the Obama Administration, agencies have already begun taking action to promote the fundamental human rights of LGBT persons everywhere. And now, following an interagency process coordinated by the National Security Staff, this memorandum directs the first-ever U.S. government strategy dedicated to combating human rights abuses against LGBT persons abroad.
Today’s memorandum applies to the Departments of State, the Treasury, Defense, Justice, Agriculture, Commerce, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Export-Import Bank, the United States Trade Representative, and such other agencies as the President may designate.
The memorandum directs agencies to:
*Combat the criminalization of LGBT status or conduct abroad.
*Protect vulnerable LGBT refugees and asylum seekers.
*Leverage foreign assistance to protect human rights and advance nondiscrimination.
*Ensure swift and meaningful U.S. responses to human rights abuses of LGBT persons abroad.
*Engage International Organizations in the fight against LGBT discrimination.
Report on progress.
Even before today’s memo, U.S. agencies have been working to protect and promote the rights of LBGT persons around the world. Since January 2009, Secretary Clinton has directed the Department of State to champion a comprehensive human rights agenda—one that includes the protection of LGBT people.
Around the world, the State Department is:
*Engaging bilaterally and regionally in conjunction with U.S. embassies, civil society, and multilateral agencies to encourage countries to repeal or reform laws that criminalize LGBT conduct or status.
*Reinforcing the human rights of LGBT people in multilateral fora, such as the UN Human Rights Council. In June 2011, the United States joined South Africa and a cross-regional group of co-sponsors in passing the first-ever UN Human Rights Council resolution on the human rights of LGBT persons.
*Promoting human rights worldwide. U.S. embassies are declaring the United States’ support for the human rights of LGBT people through innovative public diplomacy. Ambassadors and embassies have hosted public discussions and private roundtables, published op-eds and supported Pride events.
*Supporting LGBT human rights defenders and civil society groups, with programmatic and financial assistance, including efforts to document human rights violations; build advocacy skills; provide advocates with legal representation; and, when necessary, relocation support.
*Reporting on the conditions of human rights of LGBT people in each of its annual, country-specific Human Rights Reports.
*Strengthening the Department’s personnel and consular policies. The Secretary extended the range of legally available benefits and allowances to same-sex domestic partners of foreign service staff serving abroad. The United States also incorporated gender identity into federal equal employment opportunity policies in 2010.
*Protecting LGBT refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants through a protection strategy developed with other U.S. Government agencies, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and NGOs.”
Source: The Will Nigeria
06 December 2011
NGOZI OGUGUAH DELIVERS HER MIRACLE BABY
"Girls are good too but I did not pray to God for a girl rather, I prayed for a healthy child. I am not particular about gender when looking for a baby. I have always been a genderless person. All I wanted was a healthy child
After 11 years of waiting for more, Emmanuel and Ngozi Oguguah welcome their miracle baby, Doshinnechukwu Delbert Oguguah. Delbert arrived on the 8th of November, 2011, he weighed 4.2kg at birth. His birth just added one more son to Oguguah's family. His birth is what you will term a miracle baby being that he is coming 11 years after the birth of the Oguguah twins. Emmanuel Oguguah is the Vice Chairman Board of Trustees, Actors' Guild of Nigeria. Nollywood Director/Producer while his wife Ngozi is a research Scientist with the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, Ngozi is one strong working mom, who is doing a good job at juggling work and family. And Emmanuel a very supportive husband. Working moms Mary Ikoku had a chat recently with this super mom of 3 sons, Ngozi and below is our chat;".
Mary: Good morning Ngozi, Congratulations on the birth of your baby
Ngoz: Thank you Mary and God bless you indeed for always looking in to know how I am doing.
Mary: My pleasure NG but today's call is a bit different. I will like to have a little chat with you about your latest addition. How do you feel about your new addition?
Ngozi: I am more than happy, and I have not stopped thanking God for the gift of a new baby. My twins were born eleven years ago and ever since, I have prayed to God for more, and today, God blessed me with a healthy baby boy. I am happy, I am proud and I am grateful to God.
Mary: Would you have preferred a girl this time?
Ngozi: Girls are good too but I did not pray to God for a girl rather, I prayed for a healthy child. I am not particular about gender when looking for a baby. I have always been a genderless person. All I wanted was a healthy child. Also, I come from a family background where gender is not an issue. Boy or girl does not make any difference, all I have to do is bring them up well enough. The basic thing is good upbringing. Don't forget that I am not 20 years, by next year, I will be celebrating my 40th birthday. For someone like me, gender is the least thing on my mind at the time of pregnancy. My health and that of my child was more important to me.
Mary: How was it pushing at almost age 40?
Ngozi: Traumatic I must say. So many health issues. I think the long gap between this baby and my twin plus my age, all added to it but I am grateful to God for everything. At the end of it all, I am with my baby, he is a healthy child and I am healthy too, Please what more can I ask for? Whether boy or girl the most important thing is good upbringing of the children, Boy/girl is immaterial.
Mary: How did you cope juggling the pregnancy, your work, taking care of the twins and your family.
Ngozi: My husband was extremely supportive. He bridged the gap. Things I couldn't do , he would do for me. And then, my boss at work, was very supportive too. Any time I was ill, he will often ask me to take the day off. My colleagues at work were also there for me, my children, my domestic help, in short everybody was helpful in one way or another. i cant forget members of the moms group, especially the BB Group. The Working moms on BB, really helped to keep me going. The tips, we share online, the BB chat, the food samples they post on the chat, their jokes, they all helped me. Even on the day of my labour, I had my Blackberry phone on me, I was constantly in touch with other moms on BB, in fact they helped me through labour, I still remember the baby shower that was organized for me by the moms, the food, the gifts and all the love shown me. I can only say a big thank you to you all.
Mary: Any word for moms like you who are waiting for more and moms who are juggling work and family and will need to go back to work after having a baby?
Ngozi: Moms in waiting, just have it at the back of your mind that with God all things are possible. Do your part and allow God do the rest. And to moms who are working and will be going back to work after having a baby; My advice is they should go back happily without guilt, just make sure you use all the support that are at your disposal. We all need each other to survive.. You can never to it all alone.
Mary: Thank You so much Ngozi for your time. Enjoy the rest of your day and kisses to our baby Doshinnechukwu.
Ngozi: You are always welcome Mary, It is always nice talking with you. Bye.
Ngozi: My husband was extremely supportive. He bridged the gap. Things I couldn't do , he would do for me. And then, my boss at work, was very supportive too. Any time I was ill, he will often ask me to take the day off. My colleagues at work were also there for me, my children, my domestic help, in short everybody was helpful in one way or another. i cant forget members of the moms group, especially the BB Group. The Working moms on BB, really helped to keep me going. The tips, we share online, the BB chat, the food samples they post on the chat, their jokes, they all helped me. Even on the day of my labour, I had my Blackberry phone on me, I was constantly in touch with other moms on BB, in fact they helped me through labour, I still remember the baby shower that was organized for me by the moms, the food, the gifts and all the love shown me. I can only say a big thank you to you all.
Mary: Any word for moms like you who are waiting for more and moms who are juggling work and family and will need to go back to work after having a baby?
Ngozi: Moms in waiting, just have it at the back of your mind that with God all things are possible. Do your part and allow God do the rest. And to moms who are working and will be going back to work after having a baby; My advice is they should go back happily without guilt, just make sure you use all the support that are at your disposal. We all need each other to survive.. You can never to it all alone.
Mary: Thank You so much Ngozi for your time. Enjoy the rest of your day and kisses to our baby Doshinnechukwu.
Ngozi: You are always welcome Mary, It is always nice talking with you. Bye.
04 December 2011
CHILD PROOFING YOUR HOME
In July 05, I had just returned from the Uk with my second son. My first son was barely 2 years old and a very active boy. Child Proofing my home and environment was the constant thing on my lips. I had this neighbor who lived on the ground apartment, who never discards properties he no longer uses. Under my stairs, he kept a 1900 gas cooker, a vehicle engine, motor spare parts and all sorts of junks. I complained severally to my husband to please speak to this neighbor to find a way to get rid of those obsolete items. When I realized that my plea for sanity wasn't yielding anything and my child proofing slogan not translating to reality, I decided to do the big work myself. I woke up one morning, and decided it was a Child-Proofing Exercise Day, With the help of my security guard, I was able to move all the junks out, cleaned up the stairs and I was happy I did. Why did I do this? Because, when you are raising toddlers, Child-Proofing your environment must be top of mind, lest you stand the risk of domestic accident that are really uncalled for. There have been many cases of home accidents that could have been prevented. For instance the picture illustration above is Bimpe (not real name). Bimpe is a young Nigerian girl whose legs were badly burned in a home accident.
Another was born and developing as a normal child should. He was full of activities. His parents looked forward to his future which was quiet promising. Then, it happened! At 9 months, Dave’s life was cut short by a careless act; he was drowned by a bath of water left uncovered in the bathroom!
She was a beauty to behold, light skinned, slender and intelligent. By a careless act of pouring kerosene into a lit lantern, Angel sustained severe burns from her buttocks down! After battling with this for several months, she finally succumbed to death from complications. These are two true life examples of home accidents which have led to the death of many promising children and to permanent disability in others. Some families have lost all their children to home accidents which could have been prevented.
Home accidents are not rare events in our environment. They are adverse events that occur during a child’s interaction with the home. The home is an environment made up of physical, chemical, biological, and social elements all of which a child interacts with daily. As beneficial as some of these elements may be in the home, they could constitute hazards if not properly handled or well managed. A child’s interaction with the environment in fact begins from conception, as events during conception, pregnancy, delivery; postnatal and subsequent events in life can make or mar a child. One of the millennium development goals (MDGs) is environmental safety and control of pollution targeted at the child’s larger environment. It is of much importance therefore to ensure a safe home environment as the home constitutes the child’s immediate environment.
Accidents that could occur in the home include
• Burns from hot water, naked flame, electricity, chemicals, excessive cold, fuel explosions
• Drowning from home pools, bathtub, baths and uncovered large water containers
• Suffocations
• Cuts and penetrating wounds from sharp objects lying around
• Fractures and injuries from falls especially from heights
• Accidental poisonings from kerosene, bleach, soaps/ detergents, medicines, batteries, tobacco, pesticides
• Foreign body aspiration in airways/ ears/ nostrils
• Firearms injury
Children are vulnerable to home accidents for several reasons. These include their inquisitive nature, ignorance, desire to play adult, helplessness and daringness. They are also particularly vulnerable because they eat more, drink more and breathe more than adults when considering their weights. Their hand-to-mouth behavior and play close to the ground magnifies their exposure. They are also growing and developing and their developmental processes may be disrupted by these accidents. It is worthy to note that home accidents are multi-staged, correlating with the age of the child per time.
Considering the effect a home accident may have on a child, it becomes extremely necessary to create a safe home environment. The following are home safety tips to prevent home accidents.
For burns, do not
• Use naked flames such as candles at home
• Allow children into the kitchen. Allow older children with adequate supervision.
• Use electrical kettles with long cords
• Transport hot objects from one place to another. If you have to mix water, take cold to hot!
• Leave hot objects within a child’s reach
• Pour fuel into a lit lantern or generator in use
• Leave matches, cigarette lighters and other flammables within a child’s reach
• Give a child hot food or fluids
• Leave naked wires lying around the home
Do
• Lower water heater temperature or use a safety tap
• Keep children away when handling inflammables/ hot substances
• Keep refrigerators well locked
• Use safety plugs for electrical sockets
For poisonings,
• Keep away all medicines out of the reach of children. Have a first aid box and keep all medicines there after ensuring that they are well labeled. Keep the first aid box under lock
• Do not use containers previously used for consumable items to store non-consumables
• Keep away all chemicals
• Dispose batteries properly
• Do not smoke! Even the residual odor of cigarettes on the clothes could predispose a child to respiratory tract infections.
If you have a gun,
• Never leave it loaded
• Ensure the safety latch is on
• Keep it away from the reach of children
For other accidents, do not
• Leave sharp objects around the home
• Leave child unattended on any height
• Leave unused polythene bags carelessly
• Use generators or any machinery emitting smoke in enclosed areas
• Leave any large container containing water opened
• Leave children unattended near pools
• Force feed a child
Do
• Construct child safety guards around pools, staircases, balconies especially above ground level
• Ensure soak-away is well constructed
• Keep water wells locked
• Ensure adequate immunization for your child against tetanus
• Keep away small objects which could be inserted into the mouth, ears or nostrils
• Avoid giving toddlers nuts as they could aspirate it
• Inspect their body for injuries they might be keeping away from you. A daily bath for the younger ones by you might be very helpful
These are some safety tips to make the home environment safer. The technology available in individual homes may necessitate further precautions. It is of importance therefore to weigh the benefits of any technology you desire to introduce into your home against the possible risks and take adequate precautions to prevent accidents from it. It is also important to consider possible risks when assigning tasks to a child at home.
Lastly, the attainment of the heights desired for your child is dependent on a normal growth and development. It is therefore necessary to do all you can to protect them from accidents and injuries. Remember, ‘A stitch in a time saves nine!’ The nine stitches might not undo the harm.
N.B. - Names used in this article are not real.
IS YOUR CHILD ANOREXIC?
The earlier you can spot an eating disorder, the better chance you have of raising a healthy, unaffected child. I found this interesting and thought I could share it with my readers.
An illness that starts young
It's estimated that up to 24 million people suffer from eating
disorders, including at least 10 percent of late-adolescent girls and
adult women. While the disease is also known to affect boys, parents
need to keep a particular eye on their girls, especially if they are
athletes or people pleasers. Early traces of the illness can be seen
around age 7, when kids often start referring to themselves as "fat."
Today, 95 percent of people with eating dis-orders are between the ages
of 12 and 25.
disorders, including at least 10 percent of late-adolescent girls and
adult women. While the disease is also known to affect boys, parents
need to keep a particular eye on their girls, especially if they are
athletes or people pleasers. Early traces of the illness can be seen
around age 7, when kids often start referring to themselves as "fat."
Today, 95 percent of people with eating dis-orders are between the ages
of 12 and 25.
What causes eating disorders? Sharon Fried Buchalter, PhD, a clinical
psycholo-gist with advanced training in child and adolescent
psychology, points to a variety of factors, ranging from psychological
(low self-esteem) to genetic (depression, chemical imbalances) to
social (super-thin celebrities on magazine covers). What parents say
matters, too. "Talking about feeling fat, your own dieting or your
kids' weight can have a negative impact on how children look at
themselves," says Jane Shure, PhD, a Philadelphia-based psychotherapist
who has specialized in treating eating disorders for more than 20 years.
psycholo-gist with advanced training in child and adolescent
psychology, points to a variety of factors, ranging from psychological
(low self-esteem) to genetic (depression, chemical imbalances) to
social (super-thin celebrities on magazine covers). What parents say
matters, too. "Talking about feeling fat, your own dieting or your
kids' weight can have a negative impact on how children look at
themselves," says Jane Shure, PhD, a Philadelphia-based psychotherapist
who has specialized in treating eating disorders for more than 20 years.
The consequences of an eating disorder can range from very serious (low
blood pressure, rotted teeth, stunted growth, loss of menstruation,
liver damage, osteoporosis, ulcers) to fatal (heart attacks). In fact,
eating disorders are the deadliest of all mental illnesses, according
to the Renfrew Center, an eating disorder education and advocacy group
with several treatment facilities. The mortality rate for anorexia is
12 times higher than that of all other causes of death in females 15 to
24 years old.
blood pressure, rotted teeth, stunted growth, loss of menstruation,
liver damage, osteoporosis, ulcers) to fatal (heart attacks). In fact,
eating disorders are the deadliest of all mental illnesses, according
to the Renfrew Center, an eating disorder education and advocacy group
with several treatment facilities. The mortality rate for anorexia is
12 times higher than that of all other causes of death in females 15 to
24 years old.
Warning signs
What begins as seemingly normal behavior (a child says she ate at a
friend's house or exercises more frequently) can quickly become a
serious problem. Alarm bells should go off when children:
What begins as seemingly normal behavior (a child says she ate at a
friend's house or exercises more frequently) can quickly become a
serious problem. Alarm bells should go off when children:
- Regularly refuse family meals or skip lunch at school.
- Stick to a few "safe" foods, including vegan or low-fat, low-carb options.
- Talk about (and fear) being fat even when they are slim.
- Become obsessed with exercise.
- Attempt to create a "perfect" image in every area of their lives.
- Consistently exaggerate the size of their body or body parts.
- Have an overriding sense of shame about themselves and their body.
- Experience rapid weight loss.
If you notice any of these signs, consider making a trip to your
family doctor or pediatrician. "He or she will listen to your concerns,
interview your teen alone and do a physical exam," says Laurie Mitan,
MD, head of the eating disorders program at Cincinnati Children's
Hospital Medical Center. If there is a problem, the doctor will know
where to turn next. "Having a mental health therapist, a medical doctor
and a registered dietitian is best," says Dr. Mitan, "though patients
with more severe
diseases will need a psychiatrist." Anti-depressants are an effective
part of the treatment for bulimia and binge-eating disorder, she adds.
Many patients with anorexia may appear depressed, but this often
results from malnutrition and will improve with weight gain.
family doctor or pediatrician. "He or she will listen to your concerns,
interview your teen alone and do a physical exam," says Laurie Mitan,
MD, head of the eating disorders program at Cincinnati Children's
Hospital Medical Center. If there is a problem, the doctor will know
where to turn next. "Having a mental health therapist, a medical doctor
and a registered dietitian is best," says Dr. Mitan, "though patients
with more severe
diseases will need a psychiatrist." Anti-depressants are an effective
part of the treatment for bulimia and binge-eating disorder, she adds.
Many patients with anorexia may appear depressed, but this often
results from malnutrition and will improve with weight gain.
Anorexia and bulimia are the most well-publicized eating disorders,
but they are not the only ones. Here, a brief primer on these complex
illnesses.
but they are not the only ones. Here, a brief primer on these complex
illnesses.
Anorexia nervosa
Present in about 1 percent of the general population, anorexia is the
third most com-mon chronic illness among adolescents. Sufferers are
very underweight, sometimes to the point of emaciation. Terrified of
being fat, they severely restrict calories. "Ironically, their fear
only tends to heighten as the weight drops off," says Trisha Gura, PhD,
author of Lying in Weight: The Hidden Epidemic of Eating Disorders in Adult Women.
Present in about 1 percent of the general population, anorexia is the
third most com-mon chronic illness among adolescents. Sufferers are
very underweight, sometimes to the point of emaciation. Terrified of
being fat, they severely restrict calories. "Ironically, their fear
only tends to heighten as the weight drops off," says Trisha Gura, PhD,
author of Lying in Weight: The Hidden Epidemic of Eating Disorders in Adult Women.
What to look for: A child who
skips meals, eats tiny portions or eats in strange ways (chewing food
for half an hour, spitting food out before swallowing). Children with
anorexia may avoid food-related events (such as a family barbecue or a
pizza party with friends) or make excuses to avoid eating ("I'm not
hungry"; "I have a stomachache").
skips meals, eats tiny portions or eats in strange ways (chewing food
for half an hour, spitting food out before swallowing). Children with
anorexia may avoid food-related events (such as a family barbecue or a
pizza party with friends) or make excuses to avoid eating ("I'm not
hungry"; "I have a stomachache").
Bulimia nervosa
Most bulimics are of normal weight and display few outward signs of
their problem, making it difficult for parents to catch on. Affecting
about 4 percent of the population, bulimia consists of cycles of binge
eating (usually sweets and junk food) followed by unhealthy behavior
that rids the body of the calories. About 80 percent of bulimics vomit
to purge, but other methods include laxatives, diuretics, fasting,
compulsive exercise, enemas or other medications. Kids can lose major
nutrients, especially potassium, which helps to regulate the heart. In
chronic cases, the body has so little potassium that physical function
suffers and hospitalization is needed.
Most bulimics are of normal weight and display few outward signs of
their problem, making it difficult for parents to catch on. Affecting
about 4 percent of the population, bulimia consists of cycles of binge
eating (usually sweets and junk food) followed by unhealthy behavior
that rids the body of the calories. About 80 percent of bulimics vomit
to purge, but other methods include laxatives, diuretics, fasting,
compulsive exercise, enemas or other medications. Kids can lose major
nutrients, especially potassium, which helps to regulate the heart. In
chronic cases, the body has so little potassium that physical function
suffers and hospitalization is needed.
What to look for: Empty food
packages around the house, bathroom smells or running water (the sound
covers the vomiting). Children with bulimia may have scratched or
black-and-blue knuckles (from scraping their fingers against their
teeth); they may also use the bathroom at unusual times or make
frequent bathroom trips, especially right after meals. Note the
excessive use of mouthwash and breath mints.
packages around the house, bathroom smells or running water (the sound
covers the vomiting). Children with bulimia may have scratched or
black-and-blue knuckles (from scraping their fingers against their
teeth); they may also use the bathroom at unusual times or make
frequent bathroom trips, especially right after meals. Note the
excessive use of mouthwash and breath mints.
Binge-eating disorder (BED)
BED consists of bingeing—like bulimia—but there's no purging. Those
with BED tend to be obese and racked by low self-esteem. They may also
be frequent dieters who binge with the sense that they can't stop
themselves. Research shows that between 15 and 50 percent of people
enrolled in dieting programs suffer from BED. The consequences mirror
those of obesity: high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and
gallbladder disease.
BED consists of bingeing—like bulimia—but there's no purging. Those
with BED tend to be obese and racked by low self-esteem. They may also
be frequent dieters who binge with the sense that they can't stop
themselves. Research shows that between 15 and 50 percent of people
enrolled in dieting programs suffer from BED. The consequences mirror
those of obesity: high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and
gallbladder disease.
What to look for: A child who
eats a lot of food quickly, exhibits a pattern of emotional eating or
feels ashamed or disgusted by the amount that he or she eats. Note any
irregular eating patterns, especially skipping meals and eating at
unusual times (such as late at night).
eats a lot of food quickly, exhibits a pattern of emotional eating or
feels ashamed or disgusted by the amount that he or she eats. Note any
irregular eating patterns, especially skipping meals and eating at
unusual times (such as late at night).
Why is it so important to catch eating disorders early?
About 76 percent of people treated for anorexia either recover
completely or make significant progress. But the earlier treatment
begins, the better the outcome. "Getting into treatment in the first
six months can make all the difference in a child's life," says Dr.
Shure.
About 76 percent of people treated for anorexia either recover
completely or make significant progress. But the earlier treatment
begins, the better the outcome. "Getting into treatment in the first
six months can make all the difference in a child's life," says Dr.
Shure.
As the disorder takes hold, the physical and psychological damage
becomes much harder to reverse. "Initially, there's a lot of excitement
for kids at being able to meet the goals they set," notes Dr. Shure.
Later, however, they realize that even if they want to eat more or
exercise less, they can no longer control their behavior. "In the first
months it is much easier to help somebody out of it. After a year, the
system is patterned, making it much more difficult—and leading to years
of treatment."
becomes much harder to reverse. "Initially, there's a lot of excitement
for kids at being able to meet the goals they set," notes Dr. Shure.
Later, however, they realize that even if they want to eat more or
exercise less, they can no longer control their behavior. "In the first
months it is much easier to help somebody out of it. After a year, the
system is patterned, making it much more difficult—and leading to years
of treatment."
What should you do as a concerned parent? If you notice even one thing
that seems off, listen to your gut. And if your child's friend, her
friend's parent, her coach or her school nurse comes to you with things
they've noticed, hear them out, urges Dr. Mitan: Your child's life
could depend on it.
Rachel Silver's did. She's now a thriving 21-year-old junior at the
University of Miami. "She is happy, healthy, engaged, and has a good
attitude toward food and exercise. She wants to move on with her life,"
her mother says. "We credit Rachel's recovery to her will not to be a
sufferer for her entire life—and especially to early diagnosis and
treatment."
that seems off, listen to your gut. And if your child's friend, her
friend's parent, her coach or her school nurse comes to you with things
they've noticed, hear them out, urges Dr. Mitan: Your child's life
could depend on it.
Rachel Silver's did. She's now a thriving 21-year-old junior at the
University of Miami. "She is happy, healthy, engaged, and has a good
attitude toward food and exercise. She wants to move on with her life,"
her mother says. "We credit Rachel's recovery to her will not to be a
sufferer for her entire life—and especially to early diagnosis and
treatment."