Get the Lead Out!

So the norm on this blog is usually about my journey to get to a healthy weight, my success in getting there, and what I'm doing now to continue to succeed. But, you know, once in a while, it's going to be a post about general health issues.

So this one is very near and dear to my heart, Lead Awareness. Curtain up.  Meet my nephew, Julian.

Beautiful baby, wasn't he?

Approximately 13 years ago, as a baby, Julian tested positive for lead poisoning. He had been exposed to lead while his parents were renovating their home.

PLEASE check out the following link for their  story back then.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_quWDKXeeOA&feature=player_embedded

Things have changed in Julian's family dramatically since the discovery and diagnosis of lead poisoning and his mother's quest to do everything she could to help her child and to make sure that he had every tool available to him to succeed, to be a happy, healthy child and to have a successful education. 

It has been a long road.  Julian has had many academic setbacks and challenges, but also some huge successes. 

His mother, Leann, has been so committed to not only spreading the word about the dangers of lead, but also to free households everywhere from lead-contaminated products, including some children’s toys, rubber garden hoses and even some cheap jewelry.   And she goes to great lengths to make her point!  MEET LEADIE GAGA!

Did you know that paint made before 1977 — often used on the windowsills of older houses — is one of the worst culprits, especially in areas with many historic buildings?   As the wood ages, the paint can chip off or turn to dust, coating the floor, where children can easily get it on their hands and accidentally ingest the toxin, she explained.  And we're not just talking about children "chewing" on windowsills or eating paint chips.

I am very proud to say that this woman now known as as "Leadie Gaga" is my sister-in-law.  She is an amazing woman and had taken GIANT steps to protect our children against this monster known as lead.

For more, check out yesterday's article on NJ.com, http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2010/10/leann_howell_raising_awareness.html

I hope that you will all take the time to see the video on YouTube, to read the link above, and to BE AWARE!

How is Julian today?  Well, he is doing well in school, with Science, World History, and English Honors, and 2A's in Phys. Ed. and Band.  He lettered in the High School Marching Band while still in the 8th grade.  Not only is he a member of the high school band, but is a member of the concert band, jazz band, as well as a local string band.  His instruments?  Alto sax, bari sax, tenor sax, trombone and tuba!

I'm asking you to PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE be aware, be aware of lead.  Be aware when you're doing ANY kind of house renovations, whether it be stripping paint, stripping floors, removing windows, renovating kitchens and bathrooms.   Protect your family and yourselves from this monster known as LEAD!