hellobeautifulcreatures

I’m coming out as disabled. It’s about time. I’m a 25-year-old with 80-year-old bones. Inside my mother’s womb, I developed mostly normally. But my legs didn’t show much growth in the sonograms; there was a mutation lurking on the long arm of the COL2A1 gene of chromosome 12, involved in making Type II collagen . One letter switched in the gene, an amino acid wrongly substituted , cartilage forming too tender within me. My rare bone disorder , spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, causes collagen in the joints to form incorrectly, short stature, arthritis, neck instability, scoliosis, joint inflammation, chronic pain, and other issues. It’s actually a form of dwarfism; I just happen to be on the taller end of the spectrum at 4’6”. Facing all of this, knowing at a young age that my bones would deteriorate much quicker than my friends, wasn’t scary. I’d need joint replacements and surgeries. I knew my path. I learned to love my body for what it is and all I can do, even with pain. For many ...

Officials of The Dow Hotel Company (DHC), a leading national hotel owner/investor and operator, today announced the completion of the $ 10 million renovation of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport – Rosemont. The renovation focused on all aspects of the hotel, including guest rooms , public spaces and back-of-house areas. “With the conclusion of this top-to- bottom renovation , the hotel has achieved ‘like-new’ status, making it competitive with any product on the market,” said Murray L. Dow II, founder and president, DHC. “In the last 19 years, DHC has overseen 20 renovations of similar scope. The property is positioned to provide experiential travel to upscale business and leisure guests who want something more than the ‘typical’ big-box stay.” The renovation enhanced virtually all aspects of the hotel. Guest rooms received fresh soft goods, upholstered furniture and artwork. All guest baths gained new tiling, while some were converted to stand-up showers. Pub...

Preparing a home for aging parents, relatives or yourself can be a challenge. But with help from local professionals, there are many ways to transition a home for safety and comfort. Being able to move around the home is a priority, said Perry Pascucci, owner Walk-in Tubs of Oklahoma, and bathrooms are a big problem area . “Accidents in the bathroom are the leading cause of broken hips and other injuries, including arms,” he said. “As we grow older, we can become unstable easily.” Climbing into and out of a bathtub can be difficult and dangerous with its wet surface. For older residents, getting into a bathtub can be difficult, and going from the seated position to standing can also pose a potential problem. That’s why walk-in tubs have become more popular with aging homeowners, he said. His business will be one of more than 100 vendors at the Senior Living Expo on Saturday at Renaissance Hotel & Convention Center, 6808 S. 107th East Ave . The special tubs allow p...