By Mika Hartman Hudson Hartman To Help Kick Off Down Syndrome Awareness Month In Unique Annual National Down Syndrome Society Video Presentation Hudson Jag Hartman of Pass Christian, Mississippi, will appear in the bright lights of Broadway on Saturday, September 17, as part of the annual National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) Times Square Video presentation. The one- hour video of roughly 500 photographs includes children, teens, and adults with Down syndrome from all 50 states. These collective images promote the value, acceptance, and inclusion of people with Down syndrome in a very visible way. The photo of Hudson was selected from more than 2,400 entries in the NDSS worldwide call for photos. [His/Her/Their] photo will be shown on two JumboTron screens in the heart of Times Square, thanks to the support of ClearChannel Outdoor. The two screens are located above Dos Caminos restaurant in Father Duffy Square. The presentation will be live streamed on the NDSS Facebook page from 9:30-10:30am ET on September 17. Hudson is pictured rocking his World Down Syndrome Day shirt. This Kelly and Kelso shirt features Hudson in animation design, too. So 2X Huddy will be in NYC Lights! The Times Square Video presentation will be followed by the New York City Buddy Walk® in Central Park. The flagship Buddy Walk has taken place in New York City since 1995 as part of the National Buddy Walk Program. Buddy Walk events are held in hundreds of cities across the country, as well as select international locations. For more information about the New York City Buddy Walk on September 17 or the National Buddy Walk Program please visit www.ndss.org. About NDSS The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome. NDSS envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities. Founded in 1979, NDSS supports and advocates for the Down syndrome community by focusing on three key areas of programming: Resources & Support, Policy & Advocacy, and Community Engagement. Within these focus areas NDSS engages in various activities, events, and programs on topics that are critical to our community such as federal and state advocacy and public policy, health and wellness, education, and employment. NDSS creates resources to support individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers across the lifespan and hosts awareness and engagement events throughout the country including the National Buddy Walk® Program, the Times Square Video presentation and New York City Buddy Walk®, Racing for 3.21 on World Down Syndrome Day, Run for 3.21, DC Golf Outing, the annual NDSS Gala & Auction, and various other events. Visit www.ndss.org for more information about NDSS. About the National Buddy Walk® Program Since 1995, the National Buddy Walk Program has been the premier Down syndrome awareness, advocacy, and peer-to-peer fundraising program in the world. It was created by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and to raise funds for local and national incentives to support the Down syndrome community. Today, roughly 150 Buddy Walk events take place in cities across the country and in select international locations. To learn more and find a Buddy Walk near you, visit www.buddywalk.org.

By Kara Kimbrough Deciding to list some of my favorite restaurant dishes around the state was a little concerning. After all, everyone’s tastes are different and what may appeal to me may not be everyone’s idea of heaven on a plate. However, response was positive after the first two installments of can’t-miss dishes on the Gulf Coast and in the Pine Belt, so I’m ready to move on to the Jackson Metro Area. There’s no way I can list them all, but here are a few on my and others’ top places to enjoy a meal or dessert. My first pick is 100% nostalgia-based…I’ve written about Scrooge’s being one of the first restaurants I frequented after moving to Jackson after college. There’s something comforting about knowing the same Scrooge-Burger is still available (the location has changed, but I can get past that) for me whenever the urge to revisit the past arises. Topped with bacon, sauteed onions, mushroom gravy and chili, the massive burger quickly sends me back to a simpler time. Even better, the Scrooge-Burger is as good as the one I remember. Scrooge’s Restaurant & Pub, 5829 Ridgewood Rd., Jackson. 601-206-1211. Another Jackson landmark that has changed locations, but still serves up classic Italian dishes is Cerami’s. Since opening near the Reservoir in 1977, Cerami’s now holds court in Flowood, offering the familiar salad wagon and many of the same dishes, including my favorite, old-school spaghetti and meatballs. Cerami’s, 5417 Lakeland Dr., Flowood. 601-919-2829. If you read my column with any regularity, it’s pretty obvious I frequent Italian restaurants quite often and will choose a pasta meal before almost any other. One of my favorite places to indulge in my favorite cuisine is Biaggi’s in Ridgeland. The menu contains a multitude of delights, but my favorite has to be baked ziti al forno. It’s a delectable dish of pasta, shrimp, grilled chicken, caramelized onions, crispy pancetta, Italian cheese blend and lobster cream sauce. Biaggi’s, 970 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland. 601-354-6600. You can actually indulge in this next treat in either Flowood or Madison – whichever one you choose, the deliciousness translates from one county to the next. Blue-plate specials draw diners from far and near, but it’s a thick slice of caramel cake that attracts me anytime I’m near either of these locations. Along with a hot cup of coffee in a thick Primos mug, it’s the perfect ending to any meal or anytime snack. Primos Café, 2323 Lakeland Dr., Unit A, Flowood. 601-936-3701. Also 250 Baptist Dr., Madison. 601-853-3350. If you’re in Madison and have worked up an appetite, a trip to Mama Hamil’s Southern Cooking & BBQ might be in order. Everyone raves about the massive buffet and sumptuous barbecue, but it’s Mama Hamil’s potato salad that brings me by. Picking up a container to go is never a bad idea anytime a special event is on the horizon. I can make the copycat version, but it’s not the same as the original. Mama Hamil’s, 751 Hwy. 51, Madison. 601-856-4407. Next week, I’ll venture further north to list some Delta delicacies, along with college town favorites. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

By: Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson With inflation at its highest levels since 1981 and drivers getting squeezed at the pump by high gas prices, consumers are not just paying more for goods and services, they’re also paying more attention. We see that at the Department of Agriculture and Commerce as our consumer protection inspectors receive more requests for investigations at stores, and our petroleum inspectors field more complaints about questionable fuel. We want customers to get what they pay for, and we want businesses to succeed. Both of those depend on a fair market and that’s just good business. The state legislature designated MDAC’s Consumer Protection Division to enforce retail food safety and sanitation laws in grocery and convenience stores, to ensure businesses adhere to weights and measure standards, to require compliance with food labeling requirements, and to verify UPC bar codes so customers are charged at the register the same as the price on the shelf. MDAC inspectors routinely examine meat market sanitation, ensure food is stored at proper temperatures, confirm the availability of hot water and soap in restrooms, monitor stores for insects and rodents, and seek to keep spoiled or expired meat off the shelves. In the 2022 fiscal year, the Consumer Protection Division conducted 4,517 total inspections of businesses which included 5,842 retail scale inspections; 4,517 retail food sanitation inspections; 34,827 items for net weight; 2,762 disposition of garbage inspections; and 1,354 UPC price verification inspections. MDAC performs these inspections routinely. As consumers feel the cost pressure of inflation, they are more aware of the prices on the shelves. When prices go up, complaints – especially about prices at the register not matching prices on the shelves (UPC) – go up as well. Once we receive a complaint, the inspector investigates and, if a violation is found, works to get the business into compliance. If the complaint is not a violation, the inspection serves as an educational opportunity for the business and the customer. The same goes for our Petroleum Products Inspection Division which regulates 2.3 billion gallons of fuel consumed from Mississippi locations a year. All retail motor fuel – including gasoline, ethanol blended fuel, diesel, biodiesel, and kerosene – fall under this division which has samples analyzed at the Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory. The Mississippi State Chemical Lab checks for octane number, alcohol content, diesel flash point, biodiesel content, and whether water is present in the fuel. On site, inspectors check calibration as well as confirm signage to ensure the proper price is displayed and the proper fuel matches the advertised claim. The Petroleum Products Inspection Division conducts annual inspections of all fuel pumps (Retail Motor Fuel Dispensers) in the state. Last fiscal year, that included 57,745 registered devices at 2,657 stations. In addition to the routine inspections, there were 223 consumer complaints all of which were investigated within 24 hours. About 32 percent of the complaints required corrective action for noncompliance. Between the routine inspections and consumer complaints, the Department enforced 997 “stop sales.” While the Department of Agriculture and Commerce cannot do anything about the price of gas, we can make sure you get what you pay for, and the product is what it claims. As gas prices go up, complaints increase, but the violation rate stays about the same. I suspect you’re keeping an eye on costs, too. If you’re in a retail grocery store and see a discrepancy between the cost on the shelf and the price at the register, or notice spoiled or unsanitary food, please reach out to the MDAC Consumer Protection Division at 601-359-1148. Likewise, if you have problems at the pump and suspect you’re not getting the right fuel, the correct amount of fuel, there is water in the fuel, or you’re being charged incorrectly, please contact the Petroleum Products Inspection Division at 601-359-1101. Most businesses in Mississippi in violation of our fair market laws do so inadvertently. They want to treat their customers – their neighbors – fairly, and, when we point out noncompliance, they work quickly to remedy the situation. So, be sure to look for the “seal of approval” on all scales and pumps where you shop. You, our inspectors and Mississippi businesses working together can continue the fair standards that make our free market work.

Ever wonder why goofballs walk this earth? You know them, not a serious thought in their head for more than fifty-eight seconds at a time. They believe that life is a playground, and they need to enjoy each and every ride that exists. And taking on a serious role, where they have to act the part of the heavy? “Not happening, dude! That’s not the way I roll!” But we absolutely love having them in our lives, anyway. They have the ability to bring light and laughter wherever they go. Why are they here? When there is so much at stake? When children are being abused, nations are being plundered, and countless people are losing everything they have worked for years to acquire. What is their contribution to help this hurting world? Well, first of all, ain’t none of our business why God decided to make that particular version of His creation. I do believe He knows what He is doing, and He can make sense of it all. But, if I had to hazard a guess, and believe me it is only a guess, it would be this: What if everyone on earth were exactly like you or me in personality? Oh my. Just the thought makes me cringe. What if all of us were absent-minded, or serious to a fault, or perfectionists that drive everyone to want to drink, or legalists, or complainers, or any other personality we see. We would quickly drive each other up the wall, or life would get very boring, and a lot of work would never get done. We need each other. Warts and all. Every kind of person is essential to our life on earth. (Well, excepting homicidal sociopaths, I refuse to believe those kinds of traits are essential.) There is the Sanguine – who rarely meets a stranger. Fun and outgoing, but can be impulsive and spontaneous at the worst possible time. The Melancholy – a creative type, but also prone to worry and angst. Then the Phlegmatic – agreeable, steady minded, considerate, warm, but with a tendency be a wee bit dramatic. And the Choleric – brave and ambitious, but also can be bossy, deceitful, irritable and a tad violent. The Supine – sweet and quiet, but gets their feelings hurt very easily. And then there is all the rest of us, a mixture and blend of these major temperaments. Together we are a big ol’ melting pot of people, with every trait, ability, strength, fault and need you can imagine. Every person is needed. Just the way the Creator intended, I have to believe. So, what do you do when the one next to you is being irritating? Just sigh, hold your tongue and take a moment to try to imagine everyone approaching life just like you. (That’s enough to make you work a little harder to appreciate that co-worker whose stomping on your last nerve.)

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) will close all lanes of Interstate 20 westbound/Interstate 55 southbound at State Street in Jackson on Saturday, August 13, starting at 4:30 a.m. to perform a maintenance repair on a roadway dip. The closure is anticipated to last approximately 48 hours. During the closure, I-20 westbound/I-55 southbound traffic will be directed to I-55 northbound and I-220 southbound to detour around the closure. Local traffic should consider an alternate route on local roads during the closure. Although safe for travel, severe rain and flooding has caused the road failure to continue dipping. After shutting down the interstate, MDOT maintenance forces will work around the clock to level up the roadway with milling and asphalt placement. “We knew there was a possibility that continued heavy rainfall and flooding, coupled with all of the Yazoo clay, moisture and wet soil underneath the roadway, could result in further dipping of the interstate at this location,” said Brad White, MDOT Executive Director. “This project is mandatory maintenance in preparation for the permanent repair.” MDOT crews will also perform other critical work that is necessary at the closure location. This includes replacing sections of guardrail in the area that have been recently damaged. In addition to the guardrail repair, district bridge crews are going to perform bridge inspections along the closed stretch of interstate. “This is one of the most heavily traveled roads in our state and we understand this closure will inconvenience traffic throughout the Jackson-metro area, however it is needed to keep this roadway safe and passable,” said White. “I appreciate our district crews maximizing this closure by working around the clock to complete other critical work items in addition to leveling up the dip in the interstate, such as the guardrail replacement and bridge inspections. These operations would have taken place later this year, each resulting in closures of the interstate.” This stretch of interstate sees well over 100,000 vehicles daily. During the closure, motorists should plan an alternate route ahead of time and allow extra travel time this weekend. The public is reminded to be alert for roadside crews placing signs before, during and after the closure. During the closure, MDOT will update the public regularly on the progress and expected duration of the repair and closure. Motorists can stay updated on this project and others by visiting MDOTtraffic.com, downloading the free MDOT Traffic app, or following @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter. For information about how to navigate highway work zones safely, visit GoMDOT.com/drivesmartms.

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By Kara Kimbrough Following up on my promise to share new “must try” restaurant dishes, it’s time to move a little further north from the Gulf Coast to the Pine Belt. Filled with close to 20 cities and towns offering a plethora of great restaurants, ranging from family-owned diners to fine dining, it’s hard to narrow down my favorites. However, it must be done and if your eatery didn’t make the list, drop me an email and I’ll include it in future columns. As I mentioned last week, call first before heading out to a new place. With labor and food shortages still causing problems, many restaurants adjust hours at a moment’s notice. 1. Collins…it’s one of those places people sometimes describe with the words, “Oh yeah…I pass by it all the time when I’m traveling on Highway 49.” One of the best reasons for a detour is Deli Diner, a somewhat humble-looking establishment housed in a renovated Sonic frequented by me and high school friends. Fast forward to today, when regional and national publications are describing the fresh, innovative cuisine of the family-owned restaurant. Sandwiches, paninis, burgers and an impressively-long list of salads are on the menu. So far, my favorite pick is the grilled redfish sandwich; running a close second is Deli Diner’s shrimp po’boy. 704 S. Fir Ave., Collins; 601-765-4359. 2. Further west in Columbia, Magnolia Grille is known as one of the best places to dine when in search of a sumptuous Southern buffet, steak dinner or healthy salad bar. And that’s the short list. Each dish is worth a try, but I gravitate to one outstanding dish: Mardi Gras pasta. Pasta is tossed with chicken, shrimp, sausage, peppers and onions and seasonings, then topped with a creamy Cajun sauce. Who needs New Orleans when this dish is on the menu? 115 R A Johnson Dr., Columbia; 601-736-2222. 3. One of valuable perks of working for Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson was discovering restaurants in nearby Brookhaven. A co-worker treated me to lunch at Broma’s Deli on my first day and I’ve been hooked ever since. As a creature of habit, the French Dip sandwich with the restaurant’s famous homemade chips is my regular order. It’s a shame, too, since I’ve never sampled anything else on the menu, including burgers, salads, soups, loaded potatoes and much more. 1203 Hampton Dr., Brookhaven; 601-823-2224. 4. In the eastern part of the Pine Belt, Laurel is quickly becoming the destination of choice for tourists from around the U.S. and even the world. One of my favorite things about Laurel is the transformation of old downtown buildings into shops and restaurants that retain the charm of yesteryear. Lee’s Coffee & Tea, housed in a Sears store from a bygone era, is a charming place to enjoy the aforementioned beverages, order a bountiful breakfast or stop by for lunch. At my Laurel friend’s urging, I ordered founder Aunt Lee’s pimento cheese sandwich. It’s a unique combination of a BLT and homemade pimento cheese. Skeptical at first, I was a quick convert to the unique sandwich. Stop by for this treat and so much more. 409 W. Oak St., Laurel; 601-649-4161. 5. Asking me to pick a favorite at one of Hattiesburg’s hundreds of restaurants in a near-impossible task. I’ll stop short of saying it’s “the best,” but the ‘que at Strick’s BBQ is pretty close. Another hard task is selecting one item as Strick’s star. Strick’s has been a Hattiesburg staple for 42 years so they've had plenty of time to perfect the menu. But, if I have to pick one, Strick's hickory-smoked wings are at the top of the list. 3802 W. 4th St., Hattiesburg; 601-264-2502. Moving further north to share culinary delights in the central part of the state is on tap for next week. Feel free to share your favorite places, along with top menu picks for an outstanding meal. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

The Mississippi Ag & Outdoor Expo, the State’s largest buying exhibition of everything for agriculture, the outdoors, and hunting and fishing, returns to the Trade Mart in Jackson August 5-7. The Ag and Outdoor Expo will be hosted by The Foundation for Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks and presented by Southern AgCredit. “This show will highlight the incredible hunting, fishing, agricultural and outdoor spirit of our great state,” said Don Brazil, CEO of The Foundation. “The Foundation is proud to be a part of this show and we look forward to the great time we will have together in August!” Mississippi’s premier outdoor show will fill the 60,000 square foot exhibit floor of the Trade Mart with displays of tractors, implements, power equipment, boats, UTVs, rods, reels, lures, game calls, outdoor clothing and more, all available at special Expo pricing. For the younger members of the family, an archery shoot will be hosted by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. The MDWFP Museum of Natural Science will have a special display featuring animals and interactive displays for children. Joining the Expo for a great August weekend of activities at the Fairgrounds will be the exciting Bulls, Bands, and Barrels event, scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 6 at Mississippi Coliseum. Featuring rising country music star, Chase Matthew along with Justin Champagne and Cole Jones, Bulls, Bands and Barrels promises to be an unforgettable experience. World renowned championship cowboy, Chris Shivers will be a featured guest/participant at the event as well. Ag and Outdoor Expo Dates and Ticket Info: Show Hours 12 to 7 p.m. – Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Sunday. Tickets Adults – 13 years & older … $12.00 Kids – 6-12 years old ………. $6.00 Kids – 5 years and under ….. Free

The man had a heart attack. His cardiologist then told him he had to walk at least forty-five minutes daily, the rest of his life. So off he went, just like the mailman – rain, sleet, snow, or burning sun. Walking became a regular part of his days. Then he began to notice discomfort in his foot, which developed into severe disabling pain. He went to the foot doctor, who diagnosed him with plantar fasciitis. She agreed with his cardiologist to keep on hoofing it, as walking would benefit healing the plantar fasciitis, while it also helped protect his heart. So, she sent him to a special shoe store to be fitted with walking shoes that would protect the foot problem area. Sure enough, the shoe doc knew what to do, and fitted him with special ‘Plantar Protect Shoes.’ Daily promenading through the neighborhood continued. Slight groaning and griping included. But then the day came when he began to notice pain somewhere else. Swelling on the outside of his foot. Told his foot therapist, who informed him he was compensating for the plantar pain by walking on the outside of his foot. By trying to protect himself from the original site of pain, he was now causing pain somewhere else. So, he had to purchase a different pair of shoes that will protect from both problems, keep walking, and make certain to ice his foot afterwards. Beginning to sense a pattern here, folks? Layer upon layer? Sounds exactly like some people who have emotional pain in their life. Someone grows up with a less-than-wonderful childhood. This leaves memories that create issues and difficulty living as an adult. Trying to avoid that pain, they find ways to cope. Drinking, drugs, escapism by gambling or compulsive shopping…et cetera. Anything to find a way to deal with the pain and continue living. But that very coping skill can create a problem in itself. So now, there can be addiction, family issues, job loss, financial ruin, or whatever else, in addition to the original problem. Don’t do that. Don’t hurt yourself worse, by trying to handle your hurt. Now, I do recognize that too many times there are no easy pat answers to our physical or emotional pain. Anyone who tells you that there is - can be lying to your face. Aching and hurting are an ongoing part of living, especially the more of life we experience. But it’s smarter to do our dead-level best to notice and deal with the original pain as soon as possible. So hopefully it doesn’t develop into a bigger headache as time goes on. Like that small insignificant spider web on your porch that you ignore today – twenty-four hours later it can be this massive, disgusting, slimy mess that clings to your face and hair when you stumble through it on your way out of the house.

By Mika Hartman Many will already recognize “lagniappe” as a commonly used word; for me, the word has a whole new meaning since Hudson was born. Lagniappe (lan-yap): “Something given as a bonus or EXTRA gift” and the cajun meaning is “a little EXTRA”. Hudson is lagniappe. Our family received lagniappe the day he was born. Down syndrome is lagniappe. This entire journey and those on it with me are lagniappe. I could go on and on. Its the NOLA-call for receiving anything extra, or better yet, receiving something for free. So Hudson’s love is a perfect example of this…. It’s free, it’s extra and it makes the world better. In June, I had the privilege of attending the National Down Syndrome Congress Convention in New Orleans… IN PERSON! It was four fun-filled, educational, energizing days of truly connecting with my Down syndrome family. From doctors, research teams, families, new technologies and future research, I learned so much and I am so encouraged. All Down syndrome research has been lacking in funds and support. In a typical year, 80 million would be the most raised to conduct the research done. So this resulted in few studies and certainly none being conducted routinely. To put in perspective, Autism research typically has 200-250 million per year. So the difference is huge, until now. Down syndrome research is expected to hit 150 million this year and we have 8 studies going on now to improve the quality of life and the why the extra chromosome causes more medical needs. I will tell you that I had been asked to participate in a study while living in Colorado. I was pregnant and the research team came daily to my hospital room during my heart failure. I, then and now, would only participate in needed and good research. I would not ever help in early detection of Down syndrome to provide information that would lead to an abortion. But research that is good, inclusive and improves life, I am all in as long as the integrity of the study is only for benefits of the person born or being born with Down syndrome. I am saying this because the research that is being done is good. Research to help prevent or prolong the affects of Alzheimers, studies to learn about sleep apnea and treatments, studies to help medicine and therapies, and so much more. Why research is important: People with Down syndrome have a different “disease spectrum”. The 6 million human beings alive today with Trisomy 21 need bold solutions to many major medical conditions. Autoimmunity, COVID-19, Alzheimer’s, Leukemia, Autism, Seizures, Congenital Heart Defects and more. Research is not a quick process. Most trials in a translational science start in a petri dish to an actual clinical trial in 4 years. Then once effective and safe in clinical trial, it then moves to regulatory approval and medical care. So the more funding, the more that can be in the works for our friends. It takes money, time and willingness to participate. What we have learned: 60% of adults with Down syndrome have been diagnosed with at least one autoimmune condition 50% of people with Down syndrome display hypothyroidism, attributed to autoimmune thyroid disease 25% of people with Down syndrome have been diagnosed with one or more autoimmune skin conditions 10% of adults with Down syndrome have been diagnosed with celiac disease Type 1 diabetes, “Down syndrome arthopathy”, and other, more rare autoimmune conditions are also more common So with this information, the question becomes “Is there a way to stop this autoimmune attack?” I am in no way medical, but this research is easy to understand. When you have an extra copy of a chromosome, especially the 21st chromosome, you can determine that 4 of 6 interferon receptors are encoded on chromosome 21. So basically it creates receptor “overdose”. This leads to “over-reaction” throughout the immune system. Even in the general population, interferon hyperactivity is known risk factor for autoimmunity. Chronic interferon hyperactivity could lead to premature aging and exhaustion of the immune system later in life. Too much of a good thing sometimes is bad… this is an example of that. JAK inhibitors could attenuate the ill effects of interferon receptor overdose. JAK inhibitors are small molecules designed to inhibit the JAK enzymes acting “downstream” of the interferon receptors. They are pills that can be taken daily and are fully reversible because they rapidly clear the body. In the study, 10 participants saw benefits with zero adverse events. 6/6 participants with alopecia aerata experienced hair growth. 2/2 participants with atopic dermatitis saw complete remission. 1/1 participant with psoriasis saw complete remission. 2/5 participants showed improvements in hidradenitis suppurativa. ALL participants showed normalized immune markers. 7/7 participants with clinically significant anti-thyroid autoimmunity displayed decreased levels of autonantibodies. Lastly, significant improvements in one measure of visuomotor function, and anxiety/depression scores. Participants were asked to “track” a path with a pencil. It was shown that the JAK inhibitors taken created less errors in this testing, too. Conclusion: This trial was a success and it has been deemed safe. Skin pathology is clearly improved with alopecia, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis showing the best responses. Other autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid disease, may also benefit from this intervention. Tantalizing preliminary results justify the investigation of potential improvements in neurological function. 7/12 participants are now taking this medication with a prescription. The value and integrity question was raised on the neurological improvement. I believe that anything you can do to provide a better quality of life is good. I value a person because we all play a part in this world. Improving anyones life is good, hence the word improve. If it doesn’t help an individual, this wouldn’t create us to then devalue them. All studies meet an ethics board and they do not take lightly the reasons for the studies and always put the person with great intentions as the top priority. As you can see in this one study alone, it matters. Improving quality of life is the mission and these results did just that. This provides hope for families. Answers are everything on this journey. My job as Hudson mom and advocate is to provide him his best life and the tools to achieve this. Here is an example of a study with new technology: Alzheimers is a very real threat to our community. They have linked Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) to early onset Alzheimers. Side note: Children with Down syndrome really should have a sleep study conducted by age 4. Larger tongues and smaller airways can occlude needed oxygen, especially during sleep. And now, with this knowledge of overlap with Alzheimers it's more important than ever. Once diagnosed, many doctors will want to intervene with CPAP machines, teach sleep positions, use oral devices to place tongue in a better position and so forth. This new technology/treatment is called Inspire Upper Airways Stimulation (UAS) therapy. It’s basically a pacemaker for the lungs and tongue. This is the first implantable device for treating OSA. Inspire USA works from inside the body and with the patient’s natural breathing process. A deep breath will send a sensor attached to the tongue to move the tongue to allow the airway to open. I am not medical, so please talk to your doctors about all the details. As a mom, this is named so appropriately: Inspire! I am inspired. Here is an example of new therapy coming: JASPER (Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement, and Regulation) is a treatment approach based on a combination of developmental and behavioral principles developed by Dr. Connie Kasari at UCLA. JASPER is a play-based intervention that teaches social communication skills to young children with autism. This therapy made its way in to many of my conversations and classes because of the overlap and direct connection to Down syndrome and autism. Hudson is dual diagnosed and this therapy sounds, well, needed. I am a fun and energetic mom, but getting Hudson to be engaged in play can be difficult and with short spans of attention to a task. It seems this therapy is designed to connect these dots and make playing fun for all. As you can see, new tools in my moms toolbox for Hudson are exciting, inspiring and encouraging. These are only a few examples of all I learned. I am so encouraged that we are getting more funding that will benefit my son and the life I pray for daily. A world that accepts him, cheers for him, values his life and plays a role in his successes… all while helping give him the quality of life he deserves. Quality of a persons life is so important and the research being conducted makes this a priority. Research and development should be ongoing, readily available and participation is a must. The more we learn, the more we can provide, ensuring the life of a person with Down syndrome is respected, loved and cared for. The proverbial ball is rolling and new research is coming. Investing either monetarily or by participation is key to keeping this good forward motion rolling as fast as possible. My Hudson loves life and makes the world better. Going to conventions, connecting with families, seeing a small part of the work that is being done was great for my heart. One of my favorite takeaways was seeing the siblings of a brother or sister with Down syndrome being doctors or therapist on the stage who are developing mind-blowing tools because of the love they have. These siblings have firsthand knowledge of this life I have, they have so much love and respect, they want to make the world better, too. Moms, dads, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, and medical teams who love people with Down syndrome, together are lagniappe, too. EXTRA love is free!

By Kara Kimbrough Last-blast-before-school trips and other reasons to hit the road in search of fun and sun caused readers to reach out asking for my favorite dishes around the state. Looking back, I realized the same places and their signature dishes are often on the list. I’m happy to share these tried-and-true places if you want to drop me an email. However, it’s time to branch out and include a few others. The list is so long I have to divide the list, focusing first on the state’s southern region. The remainder of my picks will be shared in future columns. In no particular order, here are a few can’t-miss dishes in the southern part of the state. As with any restaurant these days, it’s best to call before you go to check days and hours of operation. 1. Thorny Oyster in Bay St. Louis is perhaps better known for its fresh, innovative seafood dishes, but it’s the post-dinner peach-blueberry crisp that keeps calling me back. The crisp might sound like an ordinary dish, but when you taste the dish filled with fresh fruit with a brown sugar oat topping with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, you’ll understand why it made the list. 104 N. Beach Blvd., Bay St. Louis; 228-688-0401. 2. J’s in Waveland is a humble place tucked into a strip mall, but don’t let the exterior keep you from stopping in. I sampled J’s fried shrimp stuffed potato years ago during a media tour and have been going back for more ever since. Don’t expect gourmet food or fancy surroundings; instead, you’ll get friendly, down-home service from the twin sister servers and delicious, hearty dishes like grilled steaks, pasta and po’boys. 304 US-90, Waveland; 228-467-9176. 3. Burger Burger’s burgers…sounds like alliteration, but it’s actually a great culinary option when seeking an old-school Gulf Coast experience. Don’t expect a normal round bun with a similarly-shaped patty. Instead, expect grilled burger pieces topped with a secret sauce lining a po’boy bun. Make that a very long bun, freshly-baked and delivered straight to the restaurant. Enjoying this unusual treat while sitting on the veranda as ceiling fans twirl overhead and large oak trees provide additional shade creates an unforgettable meal. 1039 E. Howard Ave., Biloxi; 228-432-5183. 4. Downtown Bistro in, as the name suggests, downtown Gulfport, was new on my culinary radar when a friend and I stopped by recently to listen to live music and enjoy a meal. I gravitated to the appetizers on the menu and spotted the grilled cheese, blackberry jam and smoked bacon sandwich. Learning the accomplished chef considers it one of his signature dishes, I anticipated an above-average sandwich. My expectations were raised even higher when I tasted what I can easily call one of the best sandwiches of my life. 1307 25th Ave., Gulfport; 228-284-4531. 5. Finding great pizza on the Gulf Coast is not at hard as you might think. There are many locally-owned pizzerias from which to choose; one of my favorites remains Tony’s Brick Oven Pizzeria. I simply can’t get enough of the gumbo pizza topped with shrimp, crab meat, sausage, tomatoes, okra, cheese and spices. Running a close second is the spicy shrimp pizza. 2417 14th St., Gulfport; 228-868-9877. Next week, I’ll reveal some of my favorite dishes in central Mississippi before traveling to the state’s northern region. Speaking of traveling north, the 30th anniversary of NYC Restaurant Week is in full swing through Aug. 21 for those enjoy dining out – and who doesn’t in the culinary capital of the world? Meals are offered at the set price of $30, $45 or $60 at 600-plus restaurants. If you’re headed to NYC, take the opportunity to sample 60 cuisines in over 80 neighborhoods in the five boroughs during the special promotion. For detailed information, check out: nycgo.com. Kara Kimbrough is a food and travel writer from Mississippi. Email her at kkprco@yahoo.com.

There will be a prayer walk on Sunday, August 7 at 3:00 PM at #HindsCentralAcademy. Come join us to pray for the upcoming school year teachers, students and faculty.