64 | SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 Reliable Drivers Best Rates! AIRPORT | APPOINTMENTS ERRANDS | SHOPPING | & MORE! Call/Text David 248.210.7710 or 248.690.6090 or Email david@reliable.ws 24/7 AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION 64 | SEPTEMBER 12 • 2024 The Bulletin Board Tay-Sachs Awareness Month: Prioritize Your Health with Jscreen Shari Ungerleider from New York and Myra Sack from Boston have one thing in common: They both lost a child to Tay-Sachs disease. It is hard to believe that, after all these years, babies are still born with Tay-Sachs and other devastating genetic diseases. The challenge is ensuring that future families don’t have to suffer. The solution is simple: accu- rate, comprehensive genetic screening and person- alized genetic counseling for prospective parents. Both Myra and Shari are vocal advocates of genetic screening. They have teamed up with Jscreen, a national nonprofit public health ini- tiative dedicated to preventing Jewish and other genetic diseases and educating communities about the importance of preconception genetic testing. This September (Tay-Sachs Awareness Month and Rosh Hashanah), Jscreen will raise awareness about genetic screening so that every family can plan for a happy new year and a healthy future. Jscreen makes genetic testing simple, accessible and affordable by offering easy-to-use at-home saliva test kits. The Jscreen Reproductive Carrier Screen gives prospective parents a deep under- standing of their risk of having a child with a genetic disease. Designed for individuals between 18-45, it tests for over 200 genetic diseases, including Tay-Sachs and other diseases commonly found in the Jewish population as well as diseases common in other groups. If a carrier couple is identified, Jscreen provides them with telehealth genetic counseling to discuss their results and options available for family planning. Tay-Sachs disease is a rare, inherited genet- ic disease mainly affecting infants and young children. Tay-Sachs is caused by absence of the enzyme HexA, which causes excessive accumu- lation of specific lipids in the brain and nerve cells, resulting in progressive neurological dam- age. Babies born with Tay-Sachs disease usually develop normally for the first few months, but as the disease progresses, they begin to regress. The children become blind and deaf, suffer from sei- zures and have respiratory issues. Children with Tay-Sachs often die before the age of 5. There is no cure for Tay-Sachs disease, but genetic testing and counseling allow people to determine if they have an increased risk of having a child with the disease. “ A simple, at-home saliva test can really help families avoid heartbreak. Jscreen is there every step of the way to provide information about Tay- Sachs and other diseases, and to help prospective parents make decisions about the future of their families, ” explains Karen Arnovitz Grinzaid, exec- utive director of Jscreen. Myra Sack and Matthew Goldstein with their late daughter, Havi SPOTLIGHT Gesher Human Services, one of the largest human service agencies in Metro Detroit that also pro- vides financial education, will be offering a free webinar called the Marriage Money Masterplan at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13. Approximately one in four marriages end because of conflict due to finances, according to the Jimenez Law Firm. The 2024 Fidelity Couples and Money Study found that more than a quar- ter of partners felt resentful for being left out of financial decisions and more than half can’t agree on how much money they need to save for retire- ment. This workshop will help married couples, along with those who are engaged or in a long-term relationship, learn the importance of managing money, budgeting, saving and investing together. It will also cover topics such as adopting similar parenting money styles when making financial decisions for children, open communication, financial goals, income and expenses, and finan- cial infidelity. To register, go to geshermi.org/ events. “Talking about money is not the easiest, but developing strategies for finances as a couple can only make your relationship stronger, ” said Gesher’s financial education manager, Laltsha Cunningham. Free Virtual Workshop to Promote Financial Harmony Among Michigan Couples LOOKING FOR A DRIVER AND COMPANION? Retired medical assistant seeking employment helping individuals with rides to appointments, shopping or other needed activities. Having worked in the medical profession for 45 years, I assure you a loving and caring experience. CALL SHERI 248-568-9212 A CAREGIVER /COMPANION offering part time, full time or 24 hours care with light house keeping. Available for transportation to Doctors appointments, shopping, errands, airport and more. EXCELLENT REFERENCES! (248) 270-1226 MAX THE HANDYMAN 248-356-0114 You Name It – I’ll Do It! Toilets • Disposals • Electrical • Door & Lock Repair • Shower Grab Bars • ETC