Topic: Health & Wellness

There are many advantages to being able to plan for a pregnancy before becoming pregnant. While not always possible, planning a pregnancy offers numerous benefits, including emotional readiness, financial preparation, and significant medical advantages. For the mother, ensuring proper nutrition, treatment, and vitamin intake, such as folic acid (Vitamin B9), is vital for healthy fetal development.

In the first month of pregnancy, an important process is going on; the neural tube, which develops into the brain and spinal cord, begins forming. When the development of this structure goes awry, the brain and spinal cord do not develop properly. Disruptions in this process can cause neural tube defects (NTDs) in which the baby’s spine does not close as it should and there is a gap in the spine. The most common outcome of this defect is that the baby will be born with a condition called spina bifida (split spine). Spina bifida occurs in about 1 in every 2,875 births. About 1,500 babies are born with spina bifida each year.

Before the symptoms and treatment of spina bifida are discussed, it is important to note that there is an easily obtainable way to increase the odds of your child not being born with spina bifida. Research shows that taking 400 micrograms of folic acid daily before and during early pregnancy can reduce the risk of spina bifida by up to 70%. Women with a history of spina bifida-affected pregnancies are advised to take 4,000 micrograms daily. While a healthy diet is extremely important, diet alone may not provide adequate folic acid; prenatal supplements are essential.

Risk Factors

Several factors increase the risk of spina bifida, including:

• Obesity: Women with a BMI of 30 or higher have an elevated risk.
• Diabetes: Poorly controlled blood sugar levels can increase risks.
• Family History: A close relative or having a prior child with spina bifida increases the risk of spina bifida.
• Medications: Certain drugs, such as valproate and carbamazepine (used for epilepsy and bipolar disorder), are linked to spina bifida. If there is a chance you could become pregnant while taking them, discuss alternative medication options and reliable contraception with your medical practitioner.

Types of Spina Bifida

• Occulta: The most common form of spina bifida. With a small spinal opening on the baby’s spine, occulta is often without symptoms.
• Meningocele: A sac of fluid protrudes through an opening in the spine; nerves are not typically affected, though reduction of bladder or bowel control may occur.
• Myelomeningocele: Nerves and spinal cord tissue in a sac protrude through an opening along the spine. Usually, the protrusion is in the lumbo-sacral region.

The higher the lesion on the spine, the greater the risk of complications. The complications can include:

• Incontinence of bladder and bowel
• Sexual dysfunction
• Weakness and loss of sensation below the defect
• Paralysis of the legs
• Cognitive limitations

Causes

Scientists and researchers are not clear about the precise cause of spina bifida but they are clear about factors that can increase the probability of the condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of spina bifida can occur before birth, using routine parts of a pregnancy check-up (often called a “prenatal examination”).

• Ultrasound: Can detect the presence of spine abnormalities between 16–18 weeks of pregnancy.
• Sonogram: May show indications of a cyst on the spine.
• Amniocentesis: Confirms neural tube defects by analyzing amniotic fluid for the presence of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE).
• Blood Tests: Elevated maternal alpha-fetoprotein levels can indicate defects.

Treatment and Management

• Surgery: Fetal surgery means operating on a developing fetus while it’s still in the mother’s uterus to repair myelomeningocele, improving outcomes for the baby. Traditionally the optimal time to perform the fetal surgery is between the 22nd and 26th week of pregnancy. In some situations, the surgery is performed after birth, but outcomes are usually better when surgery is performed in utero.

If the child is born with physical differences, various treatments are available:

• Assistive Devices: Braces, crutches, walkers, or splints may be recommended to help individuals gain and maintain walking skills, or wheelchairs to support mobility.
• Rehabilitation Therapies: Physical, occupational, speech, and recreational therapies may aid development.
• Bowel/Bladder Management: Several management techniques may be available. Catheters and timed bowel regimens help manage symptoms. Medications may be an option.

Reduce Risk of Birth Defects

• Take prenatal vitamins: For example, 400 micrograms of folic acid daily before and during early pregnancy or as recommended by your physician.
• Get vaccinated: Stay updated on recommended vaccines.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity can increase risk.
• Avoid harmful substances: Avoid smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs.
• Manage chronic conditions: Control conditions like diabetes.
• Be mindful of toxins: Limit exposure to harmful chemicals.
• Consult a doctor: See your doctor before becoming pregnant. Review medications and medical history before pregnancy.

Regular prenatal care is essential for monitoring maternal and fetal health, reducing complications, and ensuring a safe pregnancy journey.

Planning for pregnancy and prioritizing prenatal care offer powerful opportunities to support both maternal and infant health. By making informed choices—such as taking folic acid, managing health conditions, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle—women can reduce the risks of birth defects and pave the way for a positive pregnancy experience. While challenges may arise, advances in care and supportive therapies provide hope for families, empowering them to nurture healthy, thriving children. With knowledge, preparation, and care, each step forward is a step toward a brighter, healthier future.

References

1. CDC.gov. Reproductive Health, May 15, 2024
2. MRC Vitamin Study Research Group. Prevention of neural tube defects: results of the Medical Research Council Vitamin Study. Lancet. 1991;338:131–137. PubMed
3. Czeizel A.E., Dudas I. Prevention of the first occurrence of neural-tube defects by periconceptional vitamin supplementation. N. Engl. J. Med. 1992;327:1832–1835. DOI · PubMed
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Use of folic acid for prevention of spina bifida and other neural tube defects—1983–1991. MMWR Morb. Mortal. Wkly. Rep. 1991;40:513–516. PubMed
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommendations for the use of folic acid to reduce the number of cases of spina bifida and other neural tube defects. MMWR Recomm. Rep. 1992;41:1–7. PubMed
6. This information was found in the online information provided by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
7. This information was found in the online information provided by the Cleveland Clinic.
8. This information was found on CDC.gov, Birth Defects, November 19, 2024.

The brain consumes around 20% of the body’s total energy, making it the most active organ relative to its size. For the brain to function at its optimal potential, it needs to have the proper nutrients, which comes from a healthy diet. The brain is the powerhouse of the human body and controls all our functions, from our thoughts to our emotions, all of our physical movements, and everything in between. To fuel all these functions, having a proper diet is essential.

Macronutrients and the Brain

Macronutrients are nutrients that the brain needs the largest amounts of to have enough energy to function throughout the day. Each macronutrient has a specific job which the body needs in order to be fully energized. Without the proper amount of energy, you may feel fatigued, have brain fog, and even experience psychological symptoms, such as depression and anxiety.

• Carbohydrates: There are two types of carbohydrates: simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates are easier for your body to break down and are found in foods like fruit, honey, and yogurt. Complex carbohydrates take longer for your body to break down. These are usually found in rice, pasta, and starchy vegetables.
• Fats: There are many functions that fats play in order to ensure your body is operating optimally. Incorporating fats into your diet allows your body to store energy, helps with hormone production as well as vitamin absorption. There are multiple kinds of fats: trans fat, saturated fat, and unsaturated fat. Trans fats are considered unhealthy. They are found in butter, pastries, and fried food. Saturated fats come from red meat, poultry, cheese, and dairy products. Saturated fats can increase cholesterol, so it is important to be mindful of how much saturated fat is consumed. Unsaturated fat is considered to be healthy and comes from salmon, mackerel, tuna, avocado, and nuts. Many people believe all fats are bad, but this is a common misconception. Having a diet that incorporates the right amount of fats is vital for neurological health and function.
• Proteins: Proteins are vital for not only brain function but for all muscle function. Proteins are made up of amino acids. There are two kinds of amino acids, essential and nonessential. Nonessential amino acids are created by the body. Essential amino acids need to be obtained through diet and can be found in meat, poultry, nuts, beans, soy, cheese, and fish.

Key Nutrients for Neurological Health

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), walnuts, and flax seeds. Essential for brain cell membrane integrity and reducing inflammation. May slow cognitive decline and support mental health by combating depression and anxiety.
• Antioxidants: Found in berries (blueberries, blackberries), dark chocolate, and leafy greens. Antioxidants can help combat stress and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
• B Vitamins: Found in whole grains, eggs, and fortified cereals. The B vitamins (B6, B9, and B12) play a role in producing neurotransmitters and maintaining nerve health.
• Vitamin D: Though you can get vitamin D from the sun, you can also get it from eating fortified dairy and fatty fish. Supports neuroplasticity and reduces the risk of mood disorders.
• Choline: Found in eggs, liver, and soybeans. Critical for acetylcholine production, a neurotransmitter involved in memory and learning.

Brain-Boosting Foods

Incorporating certain foods into your diet can significantly enhance brain health. The following foods are considered brain-boosting foods and can help promote overall brain health.

• Fatty Fish: A rich source of omega-3s for brain development, function, and cell communication.
• Berries: Packed with antioxidants which help protect the brain, and improve cognitive function, as well as memory.
• Leafy Greens: Most leafy greens are high in folate, vitamin K, and beta-carotene, which help protect the brain from cognitive decline and combat inflammation in the brain.
• Nuts and Seeds: Provide healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamin E to prevent cognitive decline and promote overall brain health.
• Whole Grains: Support steady glucose levels, reducing brain fog and improving focus.
• Turmeric: Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, enhancing neurogenesis.

Lifestyle Factors That Complement Nutrition

While diet plays a crucial role, other factors may contribute to neurological health:

• Regular Exercise: Exercise promotes growth of new brain cells, improves the connection between brain cells, and releases neurotransmitters that help with overall mood.
• Sleep: Promotes memory consolidation and allows the brain to repair itself while resting. Sleep allows the brain to optimize cognitive functions such as decision making or problem solving.
• Stress Management: Chronic stress can have negative impacts on the brain and body. Prolonged stress can lead to having a hard time remembering information and can skew decision making. Managing stress helps reduce the amount of cortisol, which also helps reduce anxiety and depression.

Nutrition is a cornerstone of brain health, influencing everything from memory to emotional well-being.

Stress is a normal response to challenges that arise in everyday life. In some situations, stress can be useful; it can increase focus, performance, energy, and alertness, allowing us to perform and think better. Experiencing stress can also help us build our coping skills and learn how to adapt easily. When stress becomes overwhelming or prolonged, it can have a severe impact on the brain and body. Understanding how stress works can empower you to manage its effects and help prevent the negative effects.

What Happens in the Brain During Stress?

When you encounter stress, your brain activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol to prepare your body to respond. This is known as the “fight-or-flight” response. While helpful in short bursts, such as responding to danger or meeting a deadline, long term or chronic activation of this system can harm the brain.

For more information on the HPA axis and its role in stress, visit APA’s Guide to Stress.

Fight or Flight

The fight-or-flight response is the body’s natural reaction to perceived threats. It prepares you to either confront the challenge (fight) or escape the danger (flight). This response involves a cascade of changes in your brain and body, including:

• Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure – To deliver more oxygen to your muscles and brain.
• Rapid Breathing – To supply more oxygen to the bloodstream.
• Release of Adrenaline and Cortisol – These hormones mobilize energy and sharpen focus.
• Heightened Senses – Vision and hearing become more acute to detect threats.

While this response can be lifesaving in short-term situations, chronic activation of the fight-or-flight system due to ongoing stress can lead to:

• Fatigue and muscle tension
• Increased anxiety or hypervigilance
• Cognitive impairments such as difficulty concentrating or remembering tasks

This is especially significant for individuals with neurological conditions, where prolonged stress can amplify symptoms and interfere with daily functioning.

Cortisol: The Brain’s Stress Hormone

Cortisol is a key player in the body’s stress response. In small doses, it:

• Boosts energy by mobilizing blood sugar.
• Enhances focus and alertness.
• Regulates inflammation and immune responses.

Though cortisol in little amounts can be healthy, prolonged exposure to cortisol from chronic stress can disrupt the brain and body. By managing stress effectively, you can keep cortisol levels in check and protect your brain and body.

How Stress Impacts the Brain

When the brain endures stress for a long time many different parts of the brain may be impacted.

Hippocampus

The hippocampus oversees the processes involving memory and learning. Chronic stress and high cortisol levels can cause the hippocampus to shrink, which can make it harder to remember and retain information. For example, stress might make it harder to remember where you left your phone, put your keys down, or pay attention during a meeting.

Amygdala

The amygdala, which processes fear and emotions, becomes hyperactive under stress. This can make small frustrations feel overwhelming or increase anxiety about everyday situations.

Prefrontal Cortex

Chronic stress weakens the prefrontal cortex, which governs decision-making and self-control. This may lead to impulsive behavior, poor time management, or difficulty concentrating.

Everyday Impacts of Stress on the Brain

Stress affects how we live, work, and interact daily. Some common signs include:

Cognitive Symptoms

• Forgetfulness
• Mental Fog
• Sleep Problems
• Difficulty Focusing

Emotional Symptoms

• Emotional Outbursts
• Anxiety
• Feeling Overwhelmed
• Feelings of Sadness
• Social Withdrawal
• Hypervigilance

Physical Symptoms

• Muscle Pain
• Digestive Problems
• Feeling Tired
• Weakened Immune System
• Skin Issues
• Appetite Changes
• Heart Issues
• Hormonal Changes

Strategies to Manage Stress

The good news is that our brains are resilient. There are many ways to mitigate stress:

• Practice Mindfulness – The 4-7-8 breathing technique can help reduce stress. Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. This can help reduce stress and anxiety.
• Exercise Regularly – Engaging in 30 minutes of exercise daily releases endorphins and can help your mood. Walking, yoga, boxing, or anything that makes you move can help with your overall stress levels.
• Get Enough Sleep – Having a sleeping routine is extremely important for managing stress. Have a bedtime, keep away from screens, and create a dark, comfortable sleep environment.
• Keep Social Connections – Being around friends can help with stress. Try to schedule some social time weekly if possible, or even keep connected via phone.
• Be Creative – Have a creative outlet that you enjoy. This can be playing music, journaling, arts and crafts, woodwork, or dancing.
• Seek Professional Help – If you feel like stress has become overwhelming, contacting a professional can be beneficial. Anyone who needs help can call the crisis hotline at 988.

Stress is a part of life, but its effects don’t have to be permanent. By understanding how stress and cortisol impact the brain and taking proactive steps to manage them, you can protect your mental health and improve overall well-being. If stress feels overwhelming, remember that support is always available—whether from a trusted friend, a professional, or a resource like this one.

For women with disabilities (WWD), medical equipment and facilities are often ill-equipped to meet their medical needs. This creates significant challenges during pregnancy, as routine prenatal care and childbirth require specialized tools that are rarely designed with accessibility in mind. Many women with disabilities report difficulties using traditional exam tables and scales. Adjustable height tables and accessible scales are rare, leaving women to navigate healthcare systems that inadvertently exclude them. Standard ultrasound machines often require positioning that may not be feasible for women with mobility impairments. Similarly, birthing equipment may not accommodate wheelchair users or women with limited physical strength.

Facilities themselves pose additional barriers, including narrow hallways, inadequate parking, and restrooms that do not comply with accessibility standards. “Women with physical disabilities encounter inaccessible providers’ offices and healthcare facilities, clinicians with limited understanding of how to provide prenatal care to women with disabilities, and a paucity of information related to pregnancy and disability.” (Powell et al, 2018). These barriers can deter women from seeking essential care. Accessing healthcare facilities often involves transportation hurdles. Reliable and accessible transportation is a critical but often overlooked component of healthcare equity.

Companies are beginning to develop more inclusive medical equipment, such as adjustable exam tables and portable ultrasound devices. These innovations are crucial in making healthcare more inclusive. Hospitals and clinics must prioritize accessibility improvements, including wider doorways, accessible restrooms, and staff trained in assisting patients with disabilities. Some key equipment needed for exam rooms include: Hi-Lo bariatric exam table, patient support rail, surgical stirrups, Hoyer lift and transfer board, as well as a wheelchair accessible scale. (Source: NYU Langone Health).

Advocating for systemic change, including enforcing ADA compliance and encouraging healthcare providers to invest in accessible equipment, is essential. According to the ADA:

Features of an Accessible Examination Room

1. A clear floor space, 30″ x 48″ minimum, adjacent to the exam table and adjoining accessible route make it possible to do a side transfer.
2. Adjustable height accessible exam table lowers for transfers.
3. Providing space between table and wall allows staff to assist with patient transfers and positioning. When additional space is provided, transfers may be made from both sides.
4. Amount of floor space needed beside and at end of exam table will vary depending on method of patient transfer and lift equipment size.
5. Accessible route connects to other accessible public and common use spaces.
6. Accessible entry door has 32″ minimum clear opening width with door open 90 degrees.
7. Maneuvering clearances are needed at the door to the room.

Support networks play a vital role in sharing adaptive strategies and resources. Community-led initiatives can amplify the voices of women who demand better care. Online forums and local groups can connect women to facilities and providers committed to accessibility. By advocating for change and embracing innovative solutions, we can move toward a future where every woman, regardless of her abilities, has access to the healthcare she deserves.

Many women with disabilities want to have children. Pregnancy often brings great joy but it also brings with it social, financial, and medical issues. There are some particular issues that are distinctive for women with disabilities. We, at Different and Able, have created a series of pregnancy-related articles that we will be sharing over the next few weeks that will begin to identify some of the concerns and offer some recommendations for addressing them. We hope that the series will be helpful to you and that you will give us feedback in terms of whether this series was helpful and for you to recommend other issues that you would like us to write about.

You’ve decided that you are ready to have a baby. You are excited and hopeful and looking forward to making your dream come true. You are imagining cute baby moments, decorating their room, and all the potential that the future holds. When you are living with a disability, sometimes challenges arise when you least expect them. 10 to 12% of women in the United States of childbearing age have a disability. (Signore et al 2021). While you may have been dreaming and planning to have a family, you may find that just getting pregnant is a challenge. You may need to find a medical specialist to help you, but you have the added challenge of finding one who is not only experienced with women who have a disability but who are also supportive of your dream. Unfortunately, everyone may not be as excited to support you as you might hope.

For women with disabilities (WWD), pregnancy can be an extraordinary journey. However, finding a healthcare provider who truly understands their unique needs remains a significant hurdle. Many physicians lack the training or experience to address the intersection of pregnancy and disability, often leading to miscommunication or inadequate care. Specialists who cater to pregnant women with disabilities are scarce. This scarcity forces many to travel long distances or compromise with less-than-ideal care providers. Even well-meaning doctors sometimes fail to grasp the complexities of having a disability. This can result in misconceptions, such as underestimating fertility or assuming higher pregnancy risks without proper evaluation. Additionally, language or accessibility barriers can impede effective communication between patients and providers, leaving critical concerns unaddressed. “…present-day WWD still perceive that their pregnancies are met with disapproval and biases from their care providers, experiencing what the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists describe as ‘insidious barriers to health care for women with disabilities…ignorance, social prejudice, and pervasive negative attitudes about life with disability’.” (Signore 2022).

Women should prioritize finding a healthcare provider with expertise in both maternal health and disability. “People with disabilities, especially women, face significant barriers to receiving proper reproductive health care.” (NCD study 2012). Recommendations from advocacy groups, social networks, and peer-reviewed directories can be invaluable. Organizations like the National Research Center for Parents with Disabilities offer directories and resources to help women connect with qualified providers. Support groups can also provide firsthand insights. Self-advocacy plays a crucial role. Women should feel empowered to ask questions about accessibility, experience, and approaches to handling disability-related needs during consultations. Your voice is key. Vocalizing your needs is vital in what may be a fight to get the care that you require. In reality, it can be hard to find your voice and speak up for yourself. Having an advocate to help speak for you is a valuable alternative. Find that person who has that vocal superpower to help you if you need it.

Many women with disabilities have successfully navigated pregnancy and childbirth with the right support. Stories of resilience and adaptability highlight the importance of advocating for one’s health. Look to success stories like Paralympian Mallory Weggemann. She successfully navigated the challenges of pregnancy and gave birth to her daughter in 2023. (Our founder Alexandra Nicklas interviewed Mallory. Check out the interview here.) Finding the right doctor may seem daunting, but it’s achievable with the right tools and persistence. Women with disabilities deserve to dream big and receive care that supports their journey into motherhood.

Resources

Special thanks to:

• Director Connie Lam, NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital
• Initiative for Women with Disabilities
• Elly and Steve Hammerman Health & Wellness Center

References

• Becker, H., Andrews, E., Walker, L. O., & Phillips, C. S. (2021). Health and well-being among women with physical disabilities after childbirth: An exploratory study. Women’s Health Issues, 31(2), 140-147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.whi.2020.10.007
• National Council on Disability. (2019). Quality-Adjusted Life Years and the Devaluation of Life with Disability: Part of the Bioethics and Disability Series. Washington, DC: National Council on Disability. ncd.gov
• National Council on Disability. (2012). Rocking the Cradle: Ensuring the Rights of Parents with Disabilities and Their Children. Washington, DC: National Council on Disability. ncd.gov
• Powell, R. M., Mitra, M., Smeltzer, S. C., Long-Bellil, L. M., Smith, L. D., Rosenthal, E., & Iezzoni, L. I. (2019). Adaptive parenting strategies used by mothers with physical disabilities caring for infants and toddlers. Health & Social Care in the Community, 27(4), 889-898. https://doi.org/10.1111/hsc.12706
• Signore, C. (2022). Pregnancy in women with disabilities: Past, present and future. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, 36(6), 769-770. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppe.12897
• Access Board: Medical diagnostic equipment standards
• New York Times: These Doctors Admit They Don’t Want Patients with Disabilities
• Women’s eNews: The Doctor Won’t See You Now: Why Do Barriers to Healthcare for Women with Disabilities Persist?

Disclaimer: This video contains adult content.

Dr. Cesare holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California, Davis. Her recent research on lower back pain during pregnancy was published in the Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy.

She specializes in pelvic and obstetric physical therapy and runs a woman-owned practice focused on pregnancy and postpartum fitness, return to running postpartum, and sexual and pelvic health. Her work includes adaptive sex education for individuals with varying mobility levels, limb loss, and neurological conditions.

Dr. Cesare’s clinical experience spans women’s and men’s pelvic health, obstetrics, general orthopedics, gastrointestinal issues, sports rehabilitation, acute and inpatient rehab, neonatal and adult ICU, wound care, and neuro rehabilitation. She is dedicated to advancing sexual health education and improving pregnancy and postpartum care across the mobility spectrum.

Currently, she is developing comprehensive maternal care programs at hospitals in Colorado, covering prenatal, inpatient postpartum, and outpatient postpartum therapy.

Dr. Irene Kling, Ph.D, CCC/SLP, is a licensed, certified speech-language pathologist, virologist, and owner of Kling Voice & Speech/Language Therapy Serviced, PLLC. Dr. Kling is also currently on the faculty of Mannes College the New School for Music, where she teaches, Care of the Professional Voice: Vocal Production and Vocal Health. She was also an adjunct professor and clinical supervisor at Adelphi University’s Manhattan Center. Along with her colleague, Dr. Steven Cox, Dr. Kling received the Adelphia University’s Center for Health Innovation Award (2017) for the creation of the Transgender Voice Program at Adelphi’s Manhattan Center. Dr. Kling is also a coauthor of the book Voice Rehabilitation: Testing Hypotheses and Reframing Therapy, which is a patient-centered, hypothesis-driven framework for clinicians beginning to practice and for practicing clinicians who want to hone their skills.

Interviewed by our Different & Able President and Founder, Alexandra Nicklas, Dr. Kling discusses her patient/client services of transgender voice habilitation, stroke rehabilitation, stuttering, articulation, accent reduction, and language development in children. Throughout her career, Dr. Kling truly has demonstrated her professionalism and her genuine interest in each patient/client. Dr. Kling continues her advocacy, education, and research on speech and language therapy to help individuals share their voice.

If anyone muttered the words, “Ali in October 2021, you will have been seizure free for 10 years;” I would have thought that person was crazy. Not in a million years would I think those words would come true. As we enter October 2021, these words have become a reality. I have been seizure free for 10 years. I have a life filled with accomplishments, hobbies, love, friendship and excellent health. I am so grateful to Dr. Orrin Devinsky, who found the right medication to control my seizures while reducing side effects. He is a constant source of support and encourages me to live life fully, even when times are tough. The journey to get to this place of freedom was not easy. Let’s rewind to where it all started.

It was late August in 2008 and I was starting my freshman year at Wheaton College. I was attending orientation; I had just moved into my dorm room, was attending meetings with my fellow professors and making new friends. I was excited to live independently and study new subjects. All this sounded amazing and I was ready. However, little did I know, my life would completely change in a few days. After two days of orientation with my mom, it was time I said goodbye. It was bittersweet. My mom and I are very close, so saying goodbye left me with sadness. But I had the excited jitters. I focused on the excitement. I would see her in a few weeks when I came home for the weekend. After everyone said their goodbyes, my friends and I went to Chase dining hall for an early dinner. I picked out cheese pizza, which was unusual because I never order pizza. Upon getting our food, we all carried our trays and picked a table to sit at. Then it happened. After taking a bite of pizza, my right arm became numb. I lost consciousness and fell out of my chair. I screamed for help. I thought I was dying. I had my first seizure. Now, the start of college life was mixed with managing epilepsy. Due to my brain injury from birth, doctors always knew I could be prone to seizures. But, no one ever knew when and if seizures would occur. My mom and I attended a plethora of doctor appointments. Between appointments, I was trying different medications and was undergoing twenty four to forty eight hour EEG’s. After two more seizures in the following two years and trying different medications, Dr. Orrin Devinsky found the right medication. I take the same medication to this day.

My seizures were under control but now I had to deal with real life and my future. Would I graduate college and get a job? Would I be plagued with future seizures? Would I have friends? These questions flooded my mind and anxiety creeped in.

Despite these questions and fear, I carried on. I continued with my college studies. I transferred from Wheaton College to Marymount Manhattan College sophomore year. I graduated with a B.A. in Speech Language Pathology and pursued my masters at Lehman College for a few years. My initial concerns about my life with epilepsy slowly faded away. But, I was not out of the woods. I failed my future life as a speech therapist and had to find a different career path. With much thinking and consideration, I decided to start a nonprofit organization called Different & Able that supports individuals with disabilities. My brain injury has resulted in physical, learning, speech and emotional struggles, not to mention epilepsy now. These struggles were the driving force behind starting my organization. It was my epilepsy however that motivated me more to help others and make Different & Able a valuable resource. Reflecting on all this, I came to a place of acknowledgement that my epilepsy is my biggest struggle I have accepted and learned to cope with. This is a special and rewarding feeling. This is something I would not have experienced without my epilepsy.

I was scared of my epilepsy at first. Accepting my epilepsy has made me a more well-rounded individual. It will never be clear sailing. I am seizure free but the disorder is still with me. I still get panic attacks and symptoms that can be the onset of a seizure. I make modifications to my life, some of which include getting enough sleep, eating three hearty meals per day and not exposing myself to strobe or flashing lights. However, I always look at the positives that epilepsy has brought to my life and how I can use my epilepsy to do good in this world. I am proud to have epilepsy but ever prouder that I have been seizure free for 10 years. It is a huge accomplishment and something I wish everyone could achieve.

World Sight Day was created to bring awareness to the vision loss that millions of people around the world face each day. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 2.2 billion people have a vision impairment worldwide.

Who is impacted?

Vision impairment can affect anyone, though individuals from low and middle-income countries are four-times more likely to develop an impairment than high-income countries. Many of these people have a treatable condition that becomes worse over time due to lack of resources and medical care.

According to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) women are also more likely to develop a vision impairment compared to men. Women are 12% more likely to have a mild vision impairment, 15% more likely to have a severe vison impairment, and 8% more likely to be blind. The disparities between men and women can be because of the longer life expectancy for women and cultural factors that may prevent women from receiving health care in certain areas of the world.

What can be done?

According to the IAPB there are strategies that individuals can implement to help maintain healthy. They outlined this using the 4P’s:

Prevent

• Eat healthy foods.
• Spend time outside.
• Be mindful of screen time.

Protect

• Use sunglasses when necessary.
• While playing sports or other recreational activities, use proper eye protection.

Preserve

• Schedule an eye exam.
• Follow doctor’s recommendations.

Prioritize

• Put your eye care first.
• Do not ignore early warning signs that something may be wrong.

Eye Facts

• The most common eye color is brown.
• Children with vision loss are 2.5x less likely to receive a formal education.
• Ommatophobia means fear of the eyes.
• The space between your eyebrows is called the Glabella.

20-20-20 Rule for Eyes

In recent times, individuals have been exposed to much higher amounts of screen exposure, which can strain the eyes. To avoid any injury to the eyes, scientists have recommended following the 20-20-20 rule.

After staring at a screen for 20 minutes, take a 20 second break by staring at something at least 20 feet away.

Additional Resources

VISION USA

Vision USA is a program funded by Optometry Cares – The AOA Foundation. It provides free eye exams to uninsured, low-income workers and their families. For more information about VISION USA, call 1-800-766-4466 or click here.

Essilor Vision Foundation

Essilor Vision Foundation’s statement reads: 12 million kids in the U.S. need vision care and over half of them will live with blurred vision in 2020. The Foundation is committed to making sure every child sees clearly. No child or family ever receives a bill for services from EVF. Click here for more information.

Orbis

Orbis is an organization that is working to ensure that individuals around the world have access to eye healthcare. We bring people together in the fight against avoidable blindness. We know we can’t do it all on our own, so we work with partners to evaluate the specific needs of each region, help develop a tailored plan to restore sight and put in place a long-term eye health strategy. Click here to read about their Flying Hospital, Country Programs, and Cybersight-telemedicine platform. https://www.orbis.org/en

OneSight

OneSight is a nonprofit organization with a mission to ensure that people around the world have access to eye exams and eyeglasses. Their mission statement reads: “OneSight is the independent nonprofit with the solutions, people and resources to eradicate the vision care crisis for good. We believe that when the world sees better, the world lives better—and that with clear vision, we can take on humanity’s greatest challenges.” Click here for more information.