Newswise — Experts from Central Michigan University are available to comment on a variety of spring-related topics, including:
"¢ Spring break safety (alcohol, sexual assault)"¢ Spring allergies"¢ Tax season"¢ Brain Awareness Week (March 12-18)"¢ National Autism Awareness Month (April)"¢ National Charter Schools Week (April 30-May 6)
TOPIC: Alcohol safety and sexual assault avoidance during spring breakStephen Thompson, associate professor of physical education and sport
Mark Minelli, professor of health sciences
Stephen Thompson and Mark Minelli can discuss how high school and college students can socialize and have fun safely during spring break vacation. Thompson says the risk of sexual assault rises during spring break, and that young women should stay with their group.
"The best advice I can give is to look out for each other and do not allow separation," says Thompson, a nationally recognized sexual aggression expert. "In other words, stay together."
Minelli, who has studied drug and alcohol addictions and prevention programs, warns that binge drinking, a common spring break activity, can lead to alcohol poisoning causing death, and he urges moderation.
TOPIC: Dealing with spring allergiesDr. Ahmad Hakemi, physician assistant program director
Dr. Ahmad Hakemi, an internist who was in private practice in clinic settings for many years, can offer steps that allergy sufferers can take to minimize the sneezing from spring allergies. He advises using vacuum cleaners that only use bags to collect the dust, sleeping on hypoallergenic mattress and pillow covers and keeping pets outside of the bedroom. "If over-the-counter drugs don't work, see your doctor for skin testing," Hakemi says.
TOPIC: Tax SeasonJim Neurath, School of Accounting instructor
Jim Neurath can discuss the ins and outs of tax season, including procrastination of taxpayers and new items on tax returns.
"The Telephone Excise Tax Refund is a new one-time payment available on the 2006 federal tax return. Taxpayers can either check a box to take what the government gives them, or they can choose to possibly save more money by going through a long, drawn-out computation by pulling all of their telephone bills from March 2003 through July 2006. This was passed to help the taxpayer, but it is very likely that the cost of coming up with how much they will save will greatly outweigh what they actually save in the long run," Neurath said.
Neurath is a certified financial planner and a certified public accountant. He teaches financial accounting and federal income tax at CMU.
TOPIC: March 12 through 18 is Brain Awareness WeekGary Dunbar, professor of psychologyDirector of the Brain Research and Integrative Neuroscience Center
Gary Dunbar can discuss the importance of recognizing Brain Awareness Week. Dunbar says "the purpose of Brain Awareness Week is to make the public aware of the importance of neuroscience research and the impact it has on the health and well-being of all people. It is also an opportune time to let the public see how some of their tax dollars are being spent to the betterment of the global community, and to showcase the results of private support from individuals, companies and foundations that have provided facilities and support for critical neuroscience research."
Dunbar conducts research on experimental treatments for Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Parkinson's diseases. He directs CMU's Brain Research and Integrative Neuroscience Center and specializes in the recovery of function after brain damage. He has published several articles and book chapters on his research.
TOPIC: April is National Autism Awareness MonthPatricia Kopetz, professor of counseling and special education
Patricia Kopetz, a 2006 Fulbright Scholar with expertise in autism, is available to discuss National Autism Awareness Month, which takes place in April, as well as any other autism-related matters.
Kopetz says the month "gives everyone associated with persons on the autism spectrum — their families, teachers, related services and respite care providers, professionals in diagnosis and treatment, and all others interested in those with autism and/or the study of autism — superb reasons to CELEBRATE gifts of autism, including: the amazing accomplishments of individuals with autism — their uniqueness and their successes; what we've learned through their lives about the world; their contagious enthusiasm, their strengths and their continuous quest to learn; through them, fascinations to behold and better appreciate, such as color, music and collections; and the remarkable ways in which they enrich our lives. Additionally, dedicating the month to celebrating and creating awareness of the continued gains we're making in understanding, diagnosing, and treating autistic conditions — along with recognizing the dedicated and tireless efforts of teachers, caregivers, respite care and direct service providers, and other professionals who aspire to conceive an even better world for individuals on the spectrum — honors the worldwide momentum that seeks to resolve its mysteries."
Kopetz is a former elementary school teacher and university administrator with significant experience working with traditional and special-needs students, including prospective special education teachers. In addition to her interest in autism, she has studied urban and special education.
TOPIC: April 30 through May 6 is National Charter Schools WeekJames N. Goenner, executive director of The Center for Charter Schools
http://www.TheCenterforCharters.org
James Goenner is available to comment on National Charter Schools Week, which takes place in late April and early May, and other matters related to charter public schools.
"As the first and largest university authorizer of charter public schools in the nation, Central Michigan University is committed to advancing quality educational options and accountability for children and their families. National Charter Schools Week provides an opportunity to reflect on how much has been accomplished and how much is left to do to fulfill the charter promise," says Goenner. "Authorizing charter public schools is not about creating a type of school. It is about providing passionate professionals with the opportunity and flexibility to create quality educational options and environments in order to meet the needs of students and their families. Charter public schools empower parents with an increased ability to choose a school for their child, based upon the learning environment and programs offered, rather than simply being assigned a building based upon the zip code in which they live."
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