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FEATURES Genetic factors play role in stuttering TOR K: My child stutters. Why does he do this? What can we do to help him? DEAR DOC- In particular, you can help your child by doing the following: DEAR READ- ER: I remember the first time I met someone who stuttered. He was a playmate when I was in grade school, whose parents knew my parents. He talked about his parents a lot, but I never heard him say the words "mother" or "father." It was always "m-m-m-mother" or "f-f- f-father." Dr. K by Anthony L. Komaroff, M.D. — Do not pres- sure your child to speak to strangers or per- form in public. — Work with family members or teachers to provide a relaxed environ- ment for your child. Your child may benefit attentive listener. — Do not fin- ish your child's words or sen- tences and do not interrupt. — Be a patient, When I asked my mom about him, she explained that he was probably hav- ing "emotional prob- lems." That made sense to me; I couldn't think of another reason why someone would have trouble saying such sim- ple words. My mom's "diagnosis" reflected common beliefs. For a long time, stuttering was believed to be a psy- chological problem. But recent research suggests that stuttering has a strong biological basis, even though it may also be affected by emotions. For example, stuttering tends to run in families. Obviously, that could be explained by emotional tensions in the family. But it also could indicate that genetic (inherited) factors play a role. In fact, recent studies indicate that genetic fac- tors probably play a larger role than scientists once thought. A study pub- lished in 2010 in the New England Journal of Medi- cine identified specific changes in genes (short sequences of genetic material) that may increase the risk of stutter- ing. At least one of these genes is particularly active in parts of the brain linked to motor function and emotion. Speech involves tremendous motor coordi- nation. There also is evidence that strong emotions and anxiety can intensify stut- tering. You can't change your child's genetic inher- itance, but you can influ- ence his emotional state. Dear Annie: Our son has been dating ''Nicole'' for several years. She has two teenage daughters from a previous marriage. Although they live several hours from us, my husband and I have done everything to make ''Nicole'' feel wel- come. Thursday, September 20, 2012 – Daily News 5A Soon-to-be daughter-in-law is difficult to let her borrow it if she wished. She said it was ''too old-fashioned.'' from working with a speech-language patholo- gist (SLP). SLPs use many different types of speech therapy to treat stuttering. Some of the most effective methods include: — Using a computer or other devices to give immediate feedback on how the child is doing with various strategies. It is possible that dis- speaking. — Teaching exercises for breath control and reducing tension on the vocal cords. — Modeling slower Last Christmas, she and her daughters opened their gifts, tossed them aside and went to watch TV. In May, I sent her a Mother's Day card wishing her a nice day with her kids. She responded with an e-mail saying that since her mother passed away, she no longer celebrates Mother's Day. A month later, she was in an accident and spent a few days in the hospital. We sent flow- ers and wishes for a speedy recov- ery. Our son said the flowers were not her favorite so she threw them out. Annie's Mailbox by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar Two months ago, my son pro- posed to Nicole. We sent a nice engagement gift with a note saying we would be happy to help with the wedding preparations. After two weeks, I asked my son whether the gift had arrived. He said, ''Yes. It's sitting on the table. She hasn't got around to opening it.'' A day later she sent an e-mail that said, ''I will be making my own decisions about the wedding.'' No mention of the gift. covering genes that cause stuttering might one day lead to specific treatments that reverse the adverse effects of these genes. More likely, recent genetic discoveries may help identify kids who could benefit from early treatment. Such treatment of stuttering is the best hope for preventing symp- toms from getting worse and becoming a long-term problem. Genetic studies could identify newborns who are at risk for stutter- ing and begin treating these high-risk children early in life. Such treatment helped my childhood friend. He learned to reduce his stut- tering and became a high- ly accomplished doctor. Dr. Komaroff is a physician and professor at Harvard Medical School. To send questions, go to AskDoctorK.com, or write: Ask Doctor K, 10 Shattuck St., Second Floor, Boston, MA 02115. Last week, the two lovebirds came to a family event at our home. I mentioned to Nicole that I have an antique bridal veil that is a family heirloom, and I would be honored have been very accommo- dating. Nicole simply seems rude and unkind, and the relationship will not get bet- ter unless your son demands it. Please continue to be welcoming, but back off a bit so she doesn't feel smothered. Don't make suggestions or offer opinions about the wed- ding. She is not receptive or appre- ciative. Instead, find things to com- pliment about her plans so she is less insecure about her status and taste. Nicole is likely to be a diffi- cult daughter-in-law. Our sympa- thies. Nicole's behavior. I under- stand that marrying her is his choice and not ours. Are we approaching this wrong? — Perplexed Parents Dear Perplexed: No, you Our son shrugs off should matter, and maybe they have a point, but it's my decision. I have no problem waiting for the right person and realize it may never hap- pen. I love my family and don't want to hurt their feelings. Other than rudely telling them to ''butt out,'' how can I get them to stop? — Enough Dear Enough: As long as you understand that you may be missing out on some terrific partners for superficial reasons, this is entirely your choice. It is not rude to say, ''I know you love me and mean well, but I need to make my own deci- sions, whether you agree or not. Please stop commenting on my social life.'' Dear Annie: I am a 57-year-old male in good health and physical shape. I have been divorced for 26 years. I have not been on a date in three years. This is not because I don't wish to date, but because I don't want to just go through the motions. family members, and I know they care about me and don't want me to be alone. The problem is, they con- stantly say, ''You must lower your standards if you want to find some- one.'' What are my standards? Sim- ply put, I have no desire to be with someone I am not physically attracted to. They don't think this I am close to my children and from ''Omerta in New York,'' who sent a monetary gift to a friend in financial straits, insisting that he use it to buy a ''luxury'' item. She was offended when he used it to pay an outstanding bill. I wonder whether she ever con- sidered that, to her friend, knowing he would have electricity or tele- phone use for the next month might be a luxury. Ending their 40-year friendship over this is certainly her loss. — Cherish Your Friends Annie's Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please email your questions to anniesmailboxcomcast.net, or write to: Annie's Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. University partners in local foodshed mapping For those who want fresh, locally grown food, a helpful tool is now available online, created by California State University, Chico faculty and staff in part- nership with the North- ern California Regional Land Trust. The Department of Geography and Plan- ning, with funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and in partnership with the land trust, created a 'foodshed' map that shows the movements of foodstuffs in their jour- ney from producer to consumer. "The foodshed map answers questions about where the fresh summer vegetables on your plate were grown, who grew them and how they reached your plate," Moose Lodge hosts fundraiser The Red Bluff Moose Lodge is host- ing a fundraiser to benefit the Alterna- tives to Violence organization from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Oct. 6. This event is slated to be held annual- ly with three local service groups host- ing the venue site alternately from year to year. The Red Bluff Elks Lodge and the Tehama County VFW are in line for the next two years when the rotation will begin again at the Moose Lodge. The day starts at 10 a.m. with Sierra Sound Car Audio 35th $ 226 So. Main St., Red Bluff 527-3735 All CD's 13.99 Red Bluff Garden Club Is Brewing Up "A Bewitching Affair" Program & Luncheon Featuring Floral Design House of Design Sat., Oct. 27, 2012 Carlino's Event Ctr., Rolling Hills Casino Kate Gleim Reserved Tickets $25.00 Last date to purchase is October 16, 2012 Tickets: Kathy 527-9403 Diane 824-5661 House of Design 909 Jefferson St. Red Bluff Anniversary Sale or less a live auction of treasures donated by the local merchants and individuals will be held in the afternoon. All proceeds will be donated. This event is open to the public. For more information, to be involved or donate call Kathy Vegoe at 529-6666. Karaoke by Ron Keenan; local mus- cians and bands will be playing and singing throughout the day and into the evening. Raffles will be held periodically and C & C PROPERTIES 741 Main Street, Suite #2 Red Bluff, CA 96080 1-800-287-2187 (530) 527-2187 An Independently owned and operated Member of Coldwell Banker Residential Affiliates. FOR 24/7 PROPERTY INFO CALL 1-888-902-7253 2 BD 2 BA 1000 SQ.FT. 2 BD 2 BA 1344 SQ.FT. 3 BD 2 BA 1157 SQ.FT. 2 BD 2 BA 1104 SQ.FT. FORECLOSURES AND HOMES UNDER $200,000 3 BD 2 BA 1144 SQ.FT. 1 AC $59,900 Prop Code 4009 3 BD 2 BA 945 SQ.FT. 0.07 AC $89,900 Prop Code 4699 3 BD 1 BA 1216 SQ.FT. 1.16 AC $99,900 Prop Code 4849 3 BD 2 BA 11760 SQ.FT. 0.249 AC $100,000 Prop Code 4879 3 BD 2 BA 16430 SQ.FT. 0.129 AC $105,400 Prop Code 4199 3 BD 2 BA 15780 SQ.FT. 0.151 AC $109,000 Prop Code 4059 3 BD 2 BA 1721 SQ.FT. 0.83 AC $129,000 Prop Code 4699 3 BD 2 BA 1248 SQ.FT. 1.99 AC $129,900 Prop Code 4909 3 BD 2 BA 1152 SQ.FT. 2.99 AC $135,000 Prop Code 4079 2 BD 1 BA 884 SQ.FT. 0.37 AC $138,500 Prop Code 4939 3 BD 1 BA 10360 SQ.FT. 0.132 AC $139,500 Prop Code 4679 1 BD 1 BA 10800 SQ.FT. 0.149 AC $148,000 Prop Code 4099 3 BD 1 BA 1224 SQ.FT. 0.51 AC $149,000 Prop Code 4959 3 BD 2 BA 10800 SQ.FT. 0.141 AC $149,500 Prop Code 4729 3 BD 2 BA 1493 SQ.FT. 0.09 AC $155,000 Prop Code 4019 4 BD 2 BA 15720 SQ.FT. 0.276 AC $175,000 Prop Code 4969 5 BD 2 BA 24920 SQ.FT. 0.144 AC $189,000 Prop Code 4529 3 BD 2 BA 1716 SQ.FT. 4.95 AC $195,000 Prop Code 4169 3 BD 2 BA 1468 SQ.FT. 0.55 AC $198,000 Prop Code 4979 3 BD 2 BA 12240 SQ.FT. 0.262 AC $199,000 Prop Code 4229 3 BD 2 BA 1926 SQ.FT. 3.67 AC $199,900 Prop Code 4179 3 BD 2 BA 1811 SQ.FT. 2.39 AC $200,000 Prop Code 4239 $9,499 Prop Code 4249 $27,500 Prop Code 4709 $39,500 Prop Code 4729 $59,900 Prop Code 4319 TEHAMA COUNTY REAL ESTATE TEAM • OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK www.redbluffcoldwellbanker.com See All Tehama County Listings at said Cathie Benjamin, instructional support technician for Geogra- phy and Planning. "The lessons of sus- tainability make us all more aware of the need to know where our food comes from and how it is grown. We are fortu- nate to be living in the northern Sacramento Valley, because there is such a myriad of food choices." distributed at member businesses. The Buy Fresh Buy Local, North Valley (BFBLNV) newsletter, "Eater's Guide to Local Foods," is online. Previously, it was Local products shown on the foodshed map include seasonal vegeta- bles and fruits, local wine, olive oil, grass- fed beef, goat cheese and pastured chickens grown and manufac- tured by members of BFBLNV. Many members sell at JUST MOVE IT Part of a national campaign to promote physical activity for American Indians and Alaskan Natives FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST 11:30 AM Registration and Start Psycho Fitness & MMA 1450 Schwab St., Red Bluff non-competive walks and runs. Open to families, individuals of all ages and people of all cultures. Join us for a series of For more information contact Avery Vilche at 200-2224 or Renee Timmons at 567-5528 ROLLING HILLS CLINIC DAILYNEWS RED BLUFF TEHAMACOUNTY Dear Annie: I read the letter their farms and at local markets.