Author: Jenifer Baker, RN

November 9, 2022

November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month (NEAM). “There is No Neam without Me”

Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disease. A person is considered to have epilepsy when they have 2 or more seizures in greater than 24 hours. Consider this: 1 in 10 people will experience a seizure in their lifetime, and 1 in 26 will be diagnosed with Epilepsy. Seizures are also part of the Fatal Five – the top...

Categories General/Resources

September 21, 2022

Accessible National Park Adventures

The National Parks are offering an Access Pass that is free for US citizens, or permanent residents, with permanent disabilities. This is part of the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Series. Many of the national parks have these passes available on site, but not all of them. They can be obtained by completing an application...

Categories Community/Resources

June 15, 2022

Monkeypox: What You Should Know

You may have been hearing information regarding a rare disease called monkeypox.  This, however, is not a new virus.  In fact, it was first discovered in 1958, when a pox-like disease began to appear in colonies of monkeys that were being contained for research. Monkeypox was first detected and recorded in a human in 1970 in Africa. It is in...

Categories Community/General

April 20, 2022

Put a Little Spring in Your Step with the Adapted Fitness Program at the Butler YMCA

The Butler YMCA began running a series of fitness classes March 14, 2022. These classes are listed as being ideal for individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. Caregivers and support staff can attend free of charge. The program was developed by Corrado Bello who has worked at the Butler Y for almost 3 years in membership and as a personal...

Categories Community/General/Resources

January 5, 2022

Myths and Facts Covid-19 Vaccination

Being armed with the most accurate information regarding COVID-19 and the vaccines can help you make an educated decision about vaccination. This short video may help answer some of the questions that you have and dispel some of the myths surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations. For more information you can go to Centers for Disease Control-Coronavirus 19 at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html and Johns Hopkins...

Categories Community/General/Resources

December 8, 2021

STATION MD

At the latest Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Nurses Network (PADDN) virtual conference Dr. Maulik Trivedi of StationMD was a guest speaker. He presented information on a growing trend in healthcare, telemedicine.  This company is geared specifically toward individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in group residences. StationMD is staffed by board certified medical professionals who have experience in taking care of...

Categories General/Resources/Technology

September 8, 2021

Caring for Yourself and Others After the Pandemic

In part two of a recent webinar series sponsored by Health Advocate© “Addressing the Repercussions Of COVID-19 On Employees’ Health,” guest speaker, Dr. Raffi Terzian-health advocate Senior Vice President of clinical operations; Senior Medical Director; Board Certified Emergency Room Physician, shared insight on this topic. One of the main concerns discussed during this webinar was the impact on the future...

Categories Community/General

August 4, 2021

Water You Waiting For? Head Out to the Moraine State Park Regatta!

Great things are happening at Moraine State Park. The annual Moraine State Park Regatta is taking place after having to be put on hold last year.  They will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the park starting August 6th, 2021. There are lots of fun activities planned which are detailed below.  The most exciting news is that the Leadership Butler...

Categories Community/General

June 2, 2021

June is National Camping Month

After more than a year of living with the COVID-19 pandemic, people are ready to get out and about. And growing in increasing popularity is the trend in camping.  More and more people are taking their travels on the road in RVs.  It’s a great way to vacation while still following safety guidelines. Many of these RVs are like personal...

Categories Community/General/Resources

March 31, 2021

A Little Girl Couldn’t Speak. So We Listened

I recently took part in a webinar hosted by Developmental Disabilities Nursing Association. The title, Unspoken Symphony, intrigued me. I am a musician and as a HCQU nurse working for many years with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, I’m all ears.   After the usual housekeeping information, we were introduced to a family by way of a recorded video. ...

Categories General/Resources