Bee Healthy
Autism month looks

to educate public

April is Autism Awareness Month, and Autistic Services Inc., the only Western New York agency whose primary mission is to provide personalized services to individuals with autism spectrum disorders, will host a series of events that will help increase awareness about autism.

"Individuals with autism make contributions to our society which enrich all of our lives, and Autism Awareness Month is an excellent opportunity to celebrate their efforts," said Executive Director Veronica Federiconi. "It also allows us to recognize the dedication and sacrifices that their families make each and every day."

Some upcoming events include a spaghetti dinner on Thursday, April 24; a conference dealing with sensory strategies, which have revolutionized autism education, on Saturday, April 26; and a trip to Dunn Tire Park to watch the Bisons play on Sunday, April 27.

The spaghetti dinner and raffle will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Ellicott Creek Fire Hall, 45 South Ellicott Creek Road, Amherst. The cost is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for children 4-10 and free for children 3 and younger.

The conference will be held from 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Classics V Conference and Banquet Center, 2443 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst. Paula Aquilla, co-author of the book "Building Bridges Through Sensory Integration," will describe how sensory processing differences and needs can impact learning and behavior in both the home and school settings. Attendance is $10 for professionals and $5 for parents and individuals with ASD.

The Bisons' game will take place Sunday afternoon. ASI representatives will be present at informational tables in the main concourse of the ball park, and informative data about the agency and some autism facts will be displayed on the stadium Jumbotron between innings. No information concerning cost has been provided.

For more information on any of these events or for more

ways to help fight autism, call

631-5777, ext. 318.

Spring tips

to get active

With warmer weather around the corner, many people who have been inactive are getting ready to spring into an exercise routine or fair-weather sport.

However, it is important to not rush into things when starting. Lack of proper conditioning can result in a season-ending injury.

Overuse injuries, such as tendonitis or tennis elbow, are very common at this time of year, said Dr. Donald Brown, manager of physical therapy for Lifetime Health.

Brown offers the following tips on how to get back into a sport or start exercising:

•Maintain good health habits over the winter. It may be too late for this year, but it is yet another reason to pass on the third helping of mashed potatoes next holiday season.

•Progressively prepare yourself for your seasonal sport. For example, if you are a golfer, get out to the driving range a couple of times before your first round of the year. Think about what kind of flexibility and activity level it takes, Brown said. Walking is one of the easiest things to do to ease back into physical activity.

•Remember to check equipment, especially footwear. Make sure your equipment is in good shape and is still adequate for you. Proper equipment is necessary for all kinds of activities, even gardening or spring cleaning.

•Stretch frequently. Think about which muscles you use, and stretch before and after activity. Consult with a physical therapist if you are unsure what stretches to do for a particular muscle group.

Starting off your season on the right foot is one of the best ways to prevent injury later on, Brown said. "Many people don't realize physical therapy can be proactive, rather than reactive."

People with injuries in one part of their body, such as chronic back problems, can be given function-specific exercises that work another part of the body, such as the legs, that won't aggravate the existing injury.

As a result of direct-access legislation passed in 2007, individuals no longer need a prescription from a primary care physician to see a physical therapist.

Lifetime Health Medical Group offers physical therapy services in Amherst, Buffalo and West Seneca. For more information, call 839-9529 or visit www.lifetimehealth.org.