Cincinnati Philanthropist Has A Personal Cause
I’ve known Myrna Ethridge for about five years now, about as long as I’ve been working with the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati. She is a board member of the YMCA Black & Latino Achievers Program who believes so wholeheartedly in the cause because she is so passionate about the success of young people. Several years ago the YMCA honored her with its Lifetime Achievement Award.
I love being around Myrna because she always has a smile. This past year, however, I didn’t get to see as much of her. Myrna’s split second happened in 2000. Out of the blue, this vibrant wife, mother and grandmother was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH), a life threatening disease that has made even walking up a slight incline a difficult task.
Her challenges are real and her medication costs thousands of dollars each month, which was okay when she had medical insurance, but when she turned 65 in 2007, her drug plan was no longer covered and Medicaid only paid for a portion. An organization called the Caring Voice Coalition has eradicated her fear and eased her financial burden by providing her a yearly grant for the medications costs not covered by Medicaid.
It really struck a chord with me when Myrna told me the other day, “I probably wouldn’t be alive today if it weren’t for the Coalition.”
And so, it was no surprise to me when her next sentence was, “It is time for me to give back.”
Myrna is organizing (with help from a small committee) a dinner fund raiser for the Caring Voice Coalition, which is headquartered in Mechanicsville, Va. Pamela Harris, the organization’s co-founder and president, will be the special guest.
The With Every Breath dinner will be April 6, 2012 at the Sharonville Convention Center (11355 Chester Rd; 45246) beginning at 7 p.m. Cost is $80 per person. For reservations or more information, please call 513-374-8360 or email witheverybreath@fuse.net.
ABOUT CARING VOICE COALITION
Caring Voice Coalition empowers patients with chronic diseases to meet the challenges they are facing by providing financial assistance, insurance education and patient support programs. Their holistic approach and comprehensive program 
currently assists patients in the Greater Cincinnati area and nationally.
Chronic diseases supported by the Coalition are Pulmonary Hypertension, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Alpha-1, Complex Partial Seizures, Infantile Spasms, Huntington’s disease, Congenital Factor XIII, Chronic Granulomatous Disorder and Narcolepsy.
Photo right: Pamela Harris
A Reminder….
There is so much beauty all around.
Today and always, stop for a moment to appreciate it.
Source: tumblr.com via Carole on Pinterest
Spring Safety Tips For Pets
It’s hard to believe but it’s finally spring! We can all go out and work in the yard or play. I bet your pet is also enjoying the longer days and nicer weather. With the season change, I thought it’d be a good time to devote another column to reminding you of some things to consider when it comes to your furry or feathered friend.
Whether you’re in a home or an apartment, this is the time of year when we all like to keep our windows open. Please check all of your window screens to make sure there are no large holes. You don’t want to take chances on any insects, particularly mosquitoes that could have west nile virus. Birds can chew through screens so make sure their cages are kept out of reach of open windows.
In the same thought, always make sure you know where your pets are when you’re opening doors. All it takes is a split moment for a flighted bird, dog or cat to be past you on their way outside.
When it comes to spring cleaning, always be aware that household cleaners and chemicals are toxic to pets. Air fresheners can even be deadly to birds so use them with caution.
Are all of your pets’ vaccinations current? If not, now is a good time to make a visit to the vet.
Before you let your dog romp around in your back yard, if it’s fenced, make sure there is no winter damage that will allow your pet to escape. Also, this is a great time to make sure you are current with your license and identification tag, you may even want to consider microchipping as a permanent means of identification. Avoid letting your dog play in areas that have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. If you suspect your dog has accidentally walked on treated lawns, call your veterinarian right away.
Additionally, it’s a good ide
a to know which plants in your garden may be toxic to your pet. Here is a sample of some plants to be careful of: Azalea, Boxwood, Caladium, Chinaberry Tree, Daffodil bulbs, Elephant Ear, Foxglove, Holly berries, Hyacinth bulbs, Hydrangea, Lily of the Valley, Mushrooms, Philodendron, and Rhododendron. If you suspect your pet has eaten a poisonous plant, call your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
Always be mindful of conditions that could cause your pet to over heat. Heat stroke can be deadly but it’s so preventable. Never leave your pet inside an enclosed car in warm temperatures. Make sure your dog or cat has plenty of fresh, cool water and plenty of shade. Shaving your dog or cat can actually make it more susceptible to heat stroke because its fur was designed as an insulator.
If your pet is starting to overheat, one of the first warning signs is an increased and noisy panting rate. Other symptoms include thick saliva, red mucus membranes, hot skin, dazed look, vomiting and diarrhea, and an inability to move or get up. If you suspect your pet is overheating, offer small amounts of water or completely soak your pet with coot water. In extreme cases, contact your veterinarian immediately.
When it comes to traveling with your pet, make sure you call ahead. Airlines have policies on when they will and how they will allow pets to travel in cargo holds (due to safety issues with regard to the heat). If you take your dog to the beach, remember saltwater can cause vomiting or dehydration. It’s better to carry some extra water just in case. On boats, pets should always have life jackets. If you’re hiking, it’s best to avoid letting your dog drink from streams that could be contaminated with parasites and always carry a first aid kit for those unforeseen emergencies.
And, one last note. Be nice to your neighbors…clean-up after your pooch and please don’t leave a barking dog outside for hours.
Happy spring!
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