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To med or not to med, that is the question?

To med or not to med, that is the question?  And although you are looking for me to give you a quick fix answer, unfortunately I can’t.  In matter of fact, every person living with Tourette Syndrome reacts differently to the medications.  So it is hard for me to come right out and tell you a medication you should use.

But what I can say it that there are a lot of options.  Alternative natural approaches have proved to work for many people.  Things like staying away from artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrups, certain dye colors in food and much more could help you.  Or certain diets to have high fish oils or lots of protein could help.

Shelia Rogers wrote a book titled Natural Treatments for Tics and Tourettes which could be beneficial to read.

The main thing to remember is that there is not a cure for Tourette Syndrome.  The other important factor to consider are the side effects of medications.  A lot of people with TS also have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and the medication that helps one issue could make the other issues worse.  So I always say treat the issues which is the biggest problem at the time, then move on to the others.  Often times people say the OCD is worse than the ADHD and TS issues. Once again, it is different for different people at different times.

When we discuss medications, I STRONGLYsuggest speaking with a doctor first.  They have experience and know the potential side effects.  Some medications require EKG’s be done to track the heart while other medications may cause low blood pressure.  Please seek medical advice when it comes to medications.

You can check with your local Tourette Syndrome Association for a list of recommended doctors in your area who deal with Tourette’s.   There may also be some support groups where you can chat with other parents about what has worked for their children.

I’d also recommend the book Children with Tourette Syndrome: A Parents’ Guide.  This has much needed information which could help.

You should also remember that when it comes to Tourette’s little things could help ease the tics:

1. Get a lot of sleep so you are relaxed the next day
2. Have a healthy diet
3. Listen to relaxing music on the way to school/work or even while you are at school/work
4. Stay away from caffeine’s like soda, coffee and chocolates
5. Make sure other people around you understand Tourette’s because when you know others know about your condition, it is less stressful for you
6. Take frequent breaks and get up and walk around for a few minutes throughout the day
7. Drink lots of water
8. Know your schedule before you start the day
9. Build up your confidence in whatever it is you are doing, it will create less stress
10. Focus on your strengths and celebrate your successes with friends and family

These are just a few things I have seen work for me and others.  Can you think of other things to add to this list?

Keep checking back as I’ll list the appearances on TV, radio, newspaper, and magazine, etc that promote the movie.
CheersTelevision
• The View- Patricia Heaton will be a guest on Tuesday, December 2nd http://abc.go.com/daytime/theview/index

 

The Early Show- Patricia Heaton will be a guest on Tuesday, December 2nd around 8:00-8:30 EST http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/earlyshow/main500202.shtml

 

• Rachel Ray- Patricia Heaton will be a guest on Dec. 5th  www.rachaelrayshow.com

 

 

• Entertainment Tonight- Patricia Heaton will be a guest the week of Dec. 1st www.etonline.com

 

 

• Great Day St. Louis-CBS Ellen, Brad’s mother, will be a guest the on December 1st www.greatdaystlouis.com

 

 
Radio

• 
  B98.5 Steve and Vikki Show (Atlanta)- Brad and Patricia Heaton will be guests during the week of December 1st-  www.b985.com (listen online)

 

 

• WSB 750 Scott Slade Show (Atlanta)- Brad will be a guest the week of Dec. 1st www.wsbradio.com (listen online)

 Newspaper

Atlanta Journal Constitution- Thursday December 4th

St. Louis Post Dispatch- Saturday or Sunday December 6th or 7th

Washington Post

Kansas City Star

Marietta Daily Journal

 
Magazine

People Magazine (ad on page 41) December 8th issue

Education Week December issue

 
Other

Hello,

It is time to introduce you to me, or shall I say Jimmy Wolk, who plays me in Front of the Class.  Jimmy is a great person and an even better guy.  He’s got a great personality and gets along with everyone.  I know the people on the set took a liking to Jimmy from the beginning.  We really have a lot in common.  This is Jimmy’s first big role and something tells me you’ll be seeing a lot more of him.  I first learned about Jimmy during casting when the producers and directors said they felt they had someone special to play me.  He was not a big name in the industry, but they kept saying “This guy can act!”  They took a risk and the rest was history. 

Jimmy first had to learn about not only me and my personality, but also about Tourette Syndrome.  I was recorded on video and explained to Jimmy that there is a method behind the madness with the Tourette’s.  That each tic has its own personality.  We wanted to make sure that the tics in the film came across naturally, almost unconsciously.  We didn’t want it to be forced.  Jimmy learned and then he acted.  And he did a great job.

When I first arrived in Shreveport on set, people thought I was Jimmy, but then they realized it was the “real” Brad Cohen and they quickly said “Wow, Jimmy really has Brad down nicely.”  Our tics were identical.  Jimmy’s positive energy came across throughout the entire movie.  I’m honored to have Jimmy play me in the movie.  As I told Jimmy, this movie is about the underdog getting a chance and becoming successful.  Similarly, Jimmy was the underdog for the part as many other big name people were up for it, but the directors and producers took a risk on Jimmy and he is about to shock the world.  Thank to Hallmark Hall of Fame for taking the risk and giving Jimmy his first gig.  I’d say he did a heck of a job! Cheers

We had a chance to visit the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta and it was a great experience. Not only did we get to meet Ron Clark, but we also had a chance to see one of the neatest schools in America.

http://www.ronclarkacademy.com/

If people say the sky is the limit, then wait till you meet Ron. WHe had a dream to have a school like no other in the world. And that is what he did. There is a slide inside the building, technology all over the place, flat screen TV’s in the bathroom, hidden classrooms behind bookshelves (much like Scooby Doo shows), and much more.

This middle school for grades 5-8 will be one where the students have a chance to travel around the world and have meaningful instruction. Be sure to check out the website and enjoy the pictures!

I had a chance to visit Kent County as their keynote speaker on the first day of school. After speaking with the superintendent of the school district, he quickly told me his goals for having me. It was to remind teachers that “Successful Learning of All Students” is our goal. And that “Everyone Can Make a Difference in the Life of a Child.”

I would like to thank Mr. Pack and the other staff members I met for a great experience.

http://www.stlcc.edu/mc/media/disabilityawareness2007.wvx
Click here to see 35 minutes of Brad Cohen speaking

I had the opportunity to speak to the Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education (IAASE), they had their 8th Annual Spring Conference and they invited me to be there keynote speaker and then do a more in depth look at how they can create a more positive classroom and school experience for kids with special needs. My presentation was titled, “Celebrating Abilities and Creating a Positive Attitude for All. Over 300 people were in attendance.