Open Your Eyes and Be Thankful

A blind mother in the Nepal sees her baby for the first time, thanks to the organization Cure Blindness.

Of all of our senses, many would say that the gift of sight is the most significant. I was reminded tonight of how truly wonderful our gift of sight is while watching National Geographic's Explorer TV show, which highlighted North Korea – the secret country we have limited contact with.

North Korea has always been a fascinating country to me, especially due to the constant controversy surrounding the country and its dictator leader, Kim Jung Il. I can't fathom how brainwashed the people are over there and often wonder what would happen if they could see how life outside their hermit county is.

The story I watched took place in Pyongyang – North Korea's capital and where the most "privileged" of Kim Jung Il's people live. It showed various aspects of the country and its people and the show was only able to videotape because the country’s people thought it was strictly for educating surgeons on how to perform the eyesight-saving surgery (which it was, in part).

Part of the story followed Dr. Sanduk Ruit, an amazing man whose team travels to less fortunate countries and performs surgeries that helps people who are blind from cataracts to be able to see again. It showed the thousands he "healed" during his 10-day stay in North Korea. Because of North Korea’s strict rules for displaying adoration for their countries “great leader,” when the people's bandages were removed, they went up to praise Kim Jung's portrait.

Not one person said thank you to Dr. Ruiz, who was the one who technically healed them... I know they don't know any better, but that bothered me... so from millions of miles away, I'd like to say thank you to Dr. Ruiz for making an impact in our world. You set the true example of living a selfless life – something we all can aspire to.

If you're interested, check out his great organization, Cure Blindness, and learn more about him and his staff and their stories and the amazing miracles they perform to those that need it most.

Consumer Consequence: How GREEN Are You?

After reading an article by Desiree Cooper of Detroit Free Press (sent to me by my lovely friend Nikki), I decided to take a look at a game called Consumer Consequences, which is designed to illustrate the impact of our lifestyles on the Earth by calculating your ecological footprint. It's part of American Public Media's special series, "Consumed," which explores whether the modern American lifestyle is sustainable in the long run.

The game asks you a series of questions about your lifestyle, and as you play, it will show you how many "Earths" of natural resources it would take to sustain all 6.6 billion humans if everyone lived like you. After taking it, I discovered that if everyone lived like me, we'd go through 3.7 planets. The place where I received the most points (which is a bad thing), was in the food category and shopping habits. My eating out habits and the type of food I consume - lots of meat and dairy didn't help (it's time to increase my veggie and fruits intake). I also am a self-proclaimed shopping addict when it comes to clothes and accessories. Time to start mending things where I can and stopping shopping as much as possible...

There are lots of hints and facts along the way that show you where you can help our planet. One thing I found interesting was that a plugged in cell phone charger consumes energy and adds to your monthly bill. I'm going to make a better effort to unplug mine daily from now on. I scored low for how much garbage I go through (one bag a week), due to all that I recycle, so that was a plus.

Take the quiz, it's VERY interesting!

Have You Been Hugged Today?

I've made a pact to myself to hug more.

Not just because the time I get to spend with friends and family is few and far between nowadays, but because now I've also learned that hugging actually has health benefits. Who woulda thunk it?

A study by University of North Carolina researchers found that hugs increase the "bonding" hormone oxytocin (essentially the hormone of love) and decrease the risk of heart disease.

In fact, it was found that when couples hugged for 20 seconds, their levels of oxytocin increased. Those in loving relationships had the highest increases. Meanwhile, levels of the stress hormone cortisol decreased in women, as did their blood pressure.

Another study indicated that hugging and handholding reduce the effect of stress. Two groups of couples were asked to talk about an angry event, but one group had previously held hands and hugged, while the others sat alone.

It was found that:
- Blood pressure increased significantly more among the no-contact group as compared to the huggers.
- Heart rate among those without contact increased 10 beats a minute, compared to five beats a minute for huggers.

What's more, it's suggested that contact such as hugs and hand-holding before the start of a rough day "could carry over and protect you throughout the day." Isn't that pleasant sounding?

Read the stats and article referenced here. They're pretty amazing! And remember: a hug is free and the benefits are priceless, so hug away your day!

The Face of Autism

Here's Quinn's story.

Being Autistic, Being Human

The Centers for Disease Control reports that 1 in 150 children in the U.S. is now diagnosed somewhere on the spectrum of autism, making it a condition that affects many lives and families across the nation.

The word "autis" in Greek is the word for "self" and is a condition when a person lives - literally - in their own world.

Reports tend to focus on the physiology and neurology behind autism, or on the possible causes or cures. The more I've learned through these stories, the more interested I've become in learning about the inner workings of people living with autism.

I'll never forget a boy with autism I met a few years ago. I've never been more astounded by the human mind. The boy, we'll call him Charlie, was in a Special Ed classroom setting, but if you were to base on looks alone, you wouldn't think he belonged. He looked "normal," however, he had a hard time communicating. He just made noises and you had to guess as to what he wanted. After sitting with him for awhile and feeling as if I was talking to myself, I saw the amazement of his mind. He began writing his name, and his perfect printing astounded me (think book-worthy print). I then started talking to him about math, and then I gave him some equations to work out... his math skills were amazing. I was taken aback... why couldn't he communicate then?

I learned that Charlie has a type of autism called Asperger Syndrome, which is characterized by "difficulties in social interaction and by restricted and stereotyped interests and activities." This explains his facination with math.

Since then, I've made it a goal to continue to learn about autism and the people affected by it. I recently came across a radio segment on American Public Media's Web site. Throughout the segment, the featured guests discuss life with their child with autism and how it has deepened their understanding of human nature.

Tune in here to hear their thoughts. And make sure to check out Quinn's story in the YouTube video above to learn about one boy's journey with autism.

News Flash: Divorce Rates Down, Marriages Lasting a Lifetime

It's a shame the media chooses to focus on celebrities and their extravagant marriages followed by bitter divorces... new studies actually show that divorce isn't hip at all - at least in REAL life.

According to recently released Census Bureau stats, divorce rates were reported as being the highest ever. But, because the stats were compiled in 2004, these aren't relevant anymore since it is nearly four years later... (silly government, why can't these stats come out in a timely manner?) In actuality, new studies show divorce rates in 2007 are down, and in fact, are as low as they were in 1970.

So, make sure to stock up on those 25th anniversary cards - chances are that those who take those forever vows will be with their life partner until death.

To me, things are looking up in America!

Is it because more young people are worried to go through what they saw their parents experience? Or are more getting married after getting a college education? Read interesting CBS article with varying opinions on why this is happening here.

Haitian Baby Saved

PHOTOGRAPH BY REGINA H. BOONE

I read a story the other day by Patricia Montemurri of Twist about a Michigan girl who had such a big heart to save a Haitian baby that had a tumor the size of a baseball and was incredibly touched.

The story highlighted 20-year-old Midland native Mallery Thurlow and her love of God and calling to be a missionary to the people of Haiti - one of the world's poorest countries.

Reading this gives me hope for our future... and shows the world that all us younglings aren't selfish... It also shows how people coming together can make a giant difference in the life of an innocent (and adorable) child. Read the story here and prepare to be touched.