| Being Grace: A Story for Children about Scoliosis Contributor(s): Hyjek, June (Author), Dieterichs, Shelley (Illustrator) |
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ISBN: 0989642712 ISBN-13: 9780989642712 Publisher: Meridian Media Publishing OUR PRICE: $17.96 Product Type: Hardcover Published: September 2016 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes - Bullying - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes - Self-esteem & Self-reliance - Juvenile Fiction | Health & Daily Living - Diseases, Illnesses & Injuries |
| Physical Information: 0.25" H x 8" W x 10" (0.76 lbs) 32 pages |
| Themes: - Topical - Self-Esteem |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Being Grace intends to raise awareness of Scoliosis and shows us the emotional consequences of the condition through the story of Grace, a young giraffe who is diagnosed at an early age. With her curved neck, Grace finds herself bullied at school because she looks different from the other giraffes. But her crooked neck allows her to do something none of hte other giraffes can do, and she beings to understand that something that may seem wrong can actually be right. Grace learns that all that matters is what she believes, not what other people say. She finds joy in just being herself, and accepts that all she can do is be "Grace." Scoliosis is an often misunderstood condition, generally relegated to the back of the funding line and mimized to just a "skeletal disorder." Yet, it impacts more than 12 million people in the U.S. alone, about 4.5% of the population, with 500 more being diagnosed each day. What used to be a condition mainly of young white girls, now impacts people of both genders and all ethnic backgrounds and ages. Billions of dollars are spent each year on patient treatments (more than $3 billion), but very little is being done to discover a cause or a cure. More than 8,000 patients who underwent Scoliosis surgery in their youth become permanently disabled each year, with a 14-year reduction in life expectancy. While the physical effects of Scoliosis are complex and can be difficult and painful to manage, so are the emotional aspects. It creates a deformity, an imperfection, in a world that praises beauty and expects our youth to be perfect. What makes it more difficult is that the outward symptoms of the condition (the curved spine) begin to emerge in young girls and boys at a time when physical appearance can greatly impact self-esteem. Being Grace can help these young children to understand the condition and have compassion for themselves and others who are different. Just like Grace, they can discover self-acceptance and realize that perfect comes in all shapes, sizes and colors -- even crooked. |
Contributor Bio(s): Hyjek, June: - "As an Author, Speaker and MindBody Coach, June Hyjek offers comfort and encouragement through her books, meditations and workshops to people who are experiencing the challenges life can offer, leading them to a place of grace and peace. Her philosophy on pain and stress emphasizes the emotional impact of those challenges, and the importance of creating physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. June is a graduate of the Advanced Training Program at the Center for MindBody Medicine, with a focus on mindbody therapies for pain and stress. In addition to her training at the Center, she is a Certified Hypnotherapist with the American Alliance of Hypnotists and is a Reiki Master. June has also studied and continues to practice a wide variety of meditation techniques, including mindfulness, transcendental, Chi Kung, chanting and mantras, as well as many Buddhist and Hindu practices. Personally, June deals with debilitating complications from Scoliosis and has moved through the physical and emotional pain of seven spine surgeries, finding healing through mindbody approaches and the loving support of others. Her personal experience provides the passion for her work and her speeches, which offer inspiration and hope for achieving and maintaining wellness. Topics June speaks on: Scoliosis: Beyond the Curve Meditation for Health and Wellness Food as Medicine: The Healing Powers of Food What You Think is What You Feel: The Emotional Aspects of Pain & Stress The ABZ's of Pain & Stress: Changing Your Outcome by Changing Your Thoughts Seven Steps for Personal Growth & Optimum Well-Being Understanding Your Chakras In June's award-winning book, Unexpected Grace: A Discovery of Healing through Surrender, she offers hope, comfort and direction to those going through the difficulties we all face in life. She shares her personal story of moving toward physical and emotional healing through the seemingly simple act of letting go. June's meditation CD, Moving into Grace, uses the imagery of gentle movement to help the listener experience freedom in the body and discover a place of center, balance - and Grace. June's new book, Being Grace, shares the emotional consequences of having Scoliosis and coming to self-acceptance through the story of Grace, a young giraffe who is diagnosed at middle school age. Certified by the Aerobics & Fitness Association of America, June's expertise also includes traditional fitness practices with specializations in chronic disease, spinal stabilization, orthopedic disabilities, eating disorders and seniors. Although recently deemed "medically retired" from an active role as a personal trainer, June continues to coach her clients on incorporating exercise, movement and nutrition in the management of pain and stress. She is also certified with Lee Hecht Harrison in Transition Management and with Body Balance University in Mat Pilates. More information on June, her book and CD, upcoming events and her blog can be found on her website, http: //www.aplaceofgrace.net or www.junehyjek.com. Contact her at 860-985-9850 or june@aplaceofgrace.net. LinkedIn: http: //www.linkedin.com/pub/june-hyjek/3/329/482 Facebook: http: //www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=1654751112 Twitter: https: //twitter.com/JuneHyjek MindBodyNetwork: http: //mindboydnetwork.com/june-hyjek" |