Taking the mind and body

Anyone who has had a loved one, relative or family friend diagnosed with Alzheimer knows that this disease is brutal, and requires support and patience. With or without warning it wipes you of your memory, and then leads to more health complications because of not remembering to eat and so on..

According to CNN, 5.4 million people suffer from Alzheimer's in the United States, and is the sixth leading cause of death. The Alzheimer's Association states that by the middle of the century 16 million people will be diagnosed with this condition.

When my grandma was detected with having Alzheimer's six years ago, she didn't want to believe that she had the disease. She was known throughout the family as having the best memory. As the years went on she began to forget more and more. She no longer recognized or remembered where she lived or who her own family was.

Anyone who is familiar with Alzheimer's knows that there are three different stages to the disease. The first stage is preclinical, and for research purposes only to find out if patients have Alzheimer's even when they don't have any cognitive or memory problems. The second stage is mild cognitive impairment where someone may show small signs in their behavior and memory. If you are diagnosed in this stage it is just prolonging the cycle the disease will take. The last stage known as dementia is when memory, thinking and behavioral problems have become so severe that the persons ability to function is hindered dramatically.

My grandmother was diagnosed at stage two, and she stayed at that same stage for about three years until it got worse. There is still not a cure for the disease, but there are many medications to prolong the cycle of this horrible disease. The main importance is to stay supportive, loving and understanding to whoever may have this illness.

Project Pregnancy

Around 820,000 teens get pregnant annually according to most recent government statistics. The struggles of a teen mom include a very long list of demands and sacrifices. Gaby Rodriguez, a senior at south -central Washington highschool made being pregnant her senior project. After six long months she finally revealed to nearly 700 of her fellow students that she was in fact not pregnant.

She faked her own pregnancy for six months, and wore a home-made prosthetic bulge made out of wire mesh and cotton quilt batting. Only a handful of people knew she was faking including her mother, boyfriend and her highschool principal.

The point of the experiment was to show everyone about the perception of a pregnant highschool student, and the stereotypes and rumors she had to face. The 16-year-old A student will share the results of her project in May.

This story sheds some light on the struggles young pregnant teens have to face when they are at school every day. If you were in the same situation would you want anyone judging you?

Student with no hands awarded for Penmanship

Fifth grader Nicholas Maxim was born without hands and limbs, but that didn't stop him from winning an award for his participation in Zaner-Bloser's 20th annual National Handwriting Contest.

With a can do attitude Nick walked up to the stage, and received a trophy during a school assembly in front of his family, friends and teachers for his excellent penmanship.

His story is inspirational to many, considering the tough odds he has overcome. To many of his friends he is no different than them. He can play football, soccer and write just like the rest of his friends.

He writes by clutching a pencil between his upper arms, and goes about every task the same way, tryinn hard at everything he does.

Zaner Bloser has now decided to create a new category in his honor, and the winner will receive the Nick Maxim trophy.

Many people all over the world with disabilities can look up to Nicholas Maxim, and not let their disability be a hindrance to them but rather a way to overcome and aspire the greatest obstacles in life.