Goal For The Green

The cause of Autism continues to be in the spotlight, or at least, in the center of great debate. Many still feel that autism is caused by the mercury based preservatives used in vaccines. Numerous studies have and are, still dispelling this theory, or link because Thimerosol, was removed from vaccines in 2001.  Even, still many parents are convinced otherwise, and are choosing to not vaccinate their children, in hopes of avoiding autism.

Many experts feel that autism may be caused by a wide range of many factors, including genetics and the environment.  Today, there is still NO known cause, and it is still a mystery as to what factors are key in the onset of the disorder.  Scientist’s are still saying there is no link found between Autism and vaccines.

As I have said before, environmental factors should and must be considered, as there is no such thing as a genetic epidemic.  Still, I’m left to recall in my day, there were perhaps three shots we were required to have.  Polio, Tb, and smallpox.  Now, there are over thirty shots a child is subjected to by the time they reach age 5.  Leaves me to think something is not right somewhere in this picture.  No  small wonder that some parents who have children affected by ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), feel that there is a conspiracy going on.

Here is what we know about Autism.

The odds of autism are 1 in every 150 children in the United States.  In the U.K. the odds are 1:88, or one in every 54 boys.  Another unknown, is that boys are 4 times more likely to be affected by the disorder than girls.  Yet girls, are often times more profoundly affected.

Often typically appearing before the age of 3, Autism is a lifelong non-progressive disorder.

Signs and symptoms include, language and communication deficits, including withdrawal from social contacts, lack of making eye contact, and extreme reactions to their immediate environment.

It costs approximately $3.2 million to take care of an autistic person over their lifetime.  Indirect costs for autistic individuals and their parents can range from $39,000 to $130,000 annually.  Let’s not forget that there are still many who are institutionalized.

The divorce rate of parents with autistic children is at 80%.  Sibling in the environment are under tremendous pressure to help care for their affected sibling on the spectrum.

There is cause to be encouraged, as far as cost factors involved in treating autism.  As of Friday, January 30, 2009, Democratic leaders of the House and Senate have pledged to provide expanded insurance coverage to families to help pay for the expense of diagnosis and treatment of people with autism. There is a nationwide effort that has been proposed similar Legislation in 30 states , including Connecticut. It is a much needed and helpful thing for all families dealing with ASD.

The Montague Corporation Redefines Park and Ride with Swiss Bike

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Winter 2009 – With global warming and wild swings in gas prices
at the center of the evening news, many are searching for an easy way to save energy
while also saving money.  One by one, major metropolitan areas around the world have begun to place a stronger emphasis on alternative transportation as a means of reducing carbon emissions and congestion.  Just recently the U.S. government even went so far as to pass bicycle commuter legislation that treats those that ride to work similar to those that drive to work. Incentives, like new bike lanes and congestion charges, such as those instituted by London, Stockholm, and Singapore, have set the stage for a change in the way the world travels and commutes.  The century old bicycle is set to revisit its roots as a transportation vehicle.

Or is it? Simply jumping on a bike and pedaling off to work can be a far reach for many
Americans as long distances, adverse road conditions, and bad weather can all get in
the way, let alone asking that people give up the comfort of their car.

Recognizing the difficulties that most people have with taking the first step toward
bicycle commuting, Montague Corporation, a Massachusetts based bicycle
manufacturer has launched SwissBike™, a line of bicycles that allow people to choose
to the moment how they would like to travel or commute. SwissBikes are full-size bikes,
with full-size performance, but they fold to fit in the trunk of a car, on the train, bus, or
even in a cab. The multiple functions of these bikes neatly fill in the gaps that often
cause people to write off commuting and traveling by bike.

David Montague explains: “Most people’s commute to work is farther than they feel
comfortable riding a bike and as a result, they believe the only way to get there is by car.
In this case, you simply put a SwissBike in the trunk of your car, you drive part way to
work, park, and pull out your SwissBike for the rest of the ride. And if the day isn’t nice,
or you don’t have the energy, you simply leave the bike safe and dry in the trunk until
another day. We call it “Redefining Park and Ride” commuting. It’s easy, it’s good for
you, it saves money, and it’s a manageable step for most people.”

For 2009, Montague introduced a refined commuter model, the SwissBike TX that offers
21-speeds, slick tires, front suspension, disc brakes, and the CLIX™ Wheel Release
System, (see www.clixqr.com). The TX has an MSRP of $699.00, a price that can easily be recuperated in gas savings and health.  Montague also offers other SwissBike models.

“The SwissBike range of bikes offers a great ride for all levels of riders,” said Jonathan
Vandenberg, sales manager for the SwissBike. “The patented folding technology found
in the SwissBike provides the cyclist with a great combination of performance and
portability.  At the same time these bikes are fun, healthy and good for the
environment.”

SwissBike is a division of the Montague Corporation which is based in Cambridge,
Massachusetts and is dedicated to advancing cycling through the development of
inventive technologies that provide its customers with an unprecedented combination of
performance and convenience. Visit www.swissbike.com or call toll free (800) 736-5348 for more information about SwissBike products and technologies.

How are you doing with those resolutions you made almost two weeks ago?  Don’t feel bad if you’ve already botched your resolved efforts.  Many people give up, because they do not have the proper mindset.  It is key to achieving your goals and desired results.

I’m sure you know, you can have do or be anything you want in life.  But, do you believe it? We’ve been conditioned to think we can’t achieve or obtain the life we want.  So, we are left to wonder how do we get there?

The last resolution that I made and kept, was 27 years ago , when I quit smoking. I ate lemon heads when I wanted a cigarette.  It worked!  It was a lot better than that gum they had out then.  How is chewing something that tasted like you licked the ashtray going to make you quit smoking?  No Thank-You!

First of all,you need to know what it is that you really want.  Then get in touch with it.  Set aside some quiet time to meditate and take an inward journey.  Like the Bible says get to “know thyself.”  It is a learning process as well as a commitment, to train your mind to get in the proper mindset.  A proper mindset is complete with vivid visions and positive actions necessary to help you create the life  and desired results you want.

The Law of Attraction teaches us that like attracts like.  Whatever your thoughts are, you attract those thoughts into your life.  But, did you know your thoughts create your life? So, with that thought in mind, there is no room for negativity.

Resolutions, no…I don’t do that.  What I do is set goals, both long and short term goals. I put them in writing, and put them on a message board where I am sure to see them at least three times a day.  It gives me a sense of empowerment, when I can cross something off the list as an accomplishment.

Which brings me to a great example of accomplishment.  Did you ever ask yourself how President elect Barack  Obama, executed the most effective campaign ever created to win the election?  Well, obviously, he has the proper mindset, to have achieved the winning results.  I believe he used something like the five P’s, which are proper preparation prevents poor performance.  He properly prepared for the goal he set out to  achieve.  The outcome, the most brilliant campaign ever, lacking any poor performance.

Whatever, your choice is, resolutions or goal setting, understand that the process takes time and commitment to yourself.  Always tell yourself that you are worth whatever it takes, to get to where you want to be.  Be consciously aware of the steps necessary to creating change.  It is a process.  Take one day and one challenge at a time, and live everyday in the NOW.