Blue Ridge woman authors book on health

Teresa Holler of Blue Ridge has written a book, "Holler for your Health: Be the Key to a Healthy Family," which she says every one needs to read about hazardous chemical exposure and health.She's also calling it "The Give Big Book Tour" as she is giving part of the profits to Blue Ridge Autism School.

Holler is a physician's assistant who has studied the human body and reaction to hazardous chemicals in our environment like air pollution for example. She will be at the Blue Ridge Library on Wednesday, May 21at 7:30 p.m.

She is very impressed with the Blue Ridge Autism Center and believes a variety of perhaps hazardous environment issues and genetic issues have contributed to the alarming rise in autism.

This is an advance of her book which will hit the book market in August, she said.

The things we have around us can be detrimental especially to children. Regarding paint, carpet or even a new car she said, "It you can smell it, it is probably toxic." Her advice is to air things out. Check labels for VOC's--Volatile Organic Compounds she said as a preventative when painting for instance.

She told The Botetourt View that cancer rates in America in 1908 were 1 in 8,000. Now she says they are approaching 1 in 2.

She works with Cardiology doctor, Dr. Savage in Roanoke and also has an association with Dr. Leo Galland in New York City, who operates the Foundation for Integrated Medicine and promotes many approaches to health and healing.

Advice? Holler offered, "Fix the things you can!" like the following:

-Avoid silver dental fillings
-Eat fish lower on the food chain like tilapia
Used canned salmon instead of tuna
-Strengthen your natural detoxifiction -- sweating is good for you (unless you are very young or elderly check with your doctor.)
-Eat cruciferous veggies -- raw is better than cooked but eat them -- broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage
-Use flax seed meal in cooking

Her book is $20 and will be on sale after her talk.

-Cathy Benson

Desperate Mothers Watch the Clock Tick as Their Child's Opportunity to Reach Their Full Potential Slips Away

I found something amazing going on right here in the Roanoke Valley. I visited the Blue Ridge Autism Center (BRAC) today, and am glad that I did! When I was younger I worked with children with special needs, some of them autistic. These children were sent to “day treatments centers” for glorified babysitting. My job was to assist them with basic needs such as going to the bathroom or eating.

The contrast between the children I remember from my early years and those at BRAC is striking. The BRAC children are much more functionally and socially advanced than I would ever have expected. I even had the pleasure of seeing a child hug his mother while he looked her directly in the eye and told her he loved her. As my heart melted I recalled the words of Jenny McCarthy in her book, “Louder Than Words”, as she described the hardship mothers of autistic children endure when eye-contact and verbal communication are trampled by autism. Clearly, this center is helping children.

Perhaps this is why the mother of a local autistic child was reduced to tears when she was told there was no room for her child in the program. Indeed, because early intervention is crucial for autistic children, the lack of room for her child may mean the difference between transitioning into a “normal” kindergarten and facing a lifetime in an institution.

Sadly, she is not alone in her plight. There are currently more than 50 children who have been denied these life changing services because BRAC has outgrown their facility and has insufficient funds to expand.

After being inspired by Oprah’s television show “The Big Give”, I have decided to intervene. Although I am launching my national “Give Big Book Tour” in August, I will be offering a FREE seminar called “Stop Treating! Start Preventing” at the Blue Ridge Library on Wednesday, May 21^st at 7:30 pm. Please come on out and bring donations for the Blue Ridge Autism Center. (I will be donating a percentage of proceeds from book sales as well) In addition to cash donations, they are in need of laptop computers, software, educational testing supplies and educational toys. They have a wishlist on their website: www.blueridgeautismcenter.com.

American Children Shouldn't Have to Die Alone

When compassion can’t wait and single parent families are in despair, the Andre Sobel River of Life Foundation helps with urgent expenses to allow these caregivers to stay at their child’s bedside during catastrophic illness. Join me as I partner with this wonderful organization so these precious children can feel the loving arms of their mothers while facing scary medical treatments and preparing for death. Find out how you can help: www.andreriveroflife.org. Or see the calendar for an event near you.