2024 The APA Living Today Jan. Feb. edition

STRENGTH. UNITY. INVOLVED. DIGITAL EDITION VO LUME 06 . NO. 1

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! r a e Y w e N y p p a H

2024

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IN THE COMMUNITY

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BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Vote Early! Avoid Lines Page 4

Create Your Legacy Page 6

Why Think Positive?

Page 8

10 SWEET & SAVORY

Don’t Forget Your New Year’s Mochi!

Page 10 & 11

12 SPOTLIGHT

A Life Driven By Purpose Page 12 FANHS Scholarship Program Page 13 A New Chapter Page 14 & 15

16 STORY THREADS Year Of The Dragon Page 16 & 17

18 HEALTH & WELLNESS

YEAR of the DRAGON TH E A PA L I V I NG TODAY

RSV Is Spreading Among ChildrenHere’s Why & When To See A Doctor Page 18 & 19

20 NEWS & EVENTS

Beloved Little Tokyo Community Program Needs Your Support Page 20 & 21

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CHINA BEFORE COMMUNISM ALL-NEW 2024 PRODUCTION WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

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T H E A P A L I V I N G T O D AY

FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK: This should be a great year as this year is represented by the Year Of The Dragon. The Dragon represents imperial power and authority while the personality traits of those born in the Year Of The Dragon are charisma, intelligence, confidence, power in addition to being gifted and lucky. While we venture into yet another year, one definitive trait of successful people is they are able to take strategic action and usually have a group of people (or what we will refer to as a team) around them.

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EDITOR-IN-CHIE F Terri Torres

DIRE CTOR

Jim Chong

A RT DIRECTOR

Layne Imada

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & SOURCES Val Acoba Mafae Yunon-Belasco Nico Belasco June Bond Jessie Bowen Linda Claramo Leslie Edman Elite Publications Beverly Engkabo Toby Gomez Ines Ruiz-Huston Linda Norris Tanya Parmelee Anna Sass- HerLife Carrie Sass - HerLife Michelle McCowan-Smith Terri Torres Cathy Wei CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Tim Ulmer Jim Chong Deadline to submit newsworthy information from non-profits, charitable organizations, or other sources is the 19th of each month for the following issue. Submitting information does not guarantee it will be featured.

Submit information to: jtc.publicist@gmail.com • Attn: Jim Chong The APALT is digitally published bi-monthly by the APA Living Today.

APALT does not assume responsibility for the authenticity or accuracy of news materials furnished for publication.

Jim T. Chong

This is a great year that we can harness the fact that this is a year that will manifest many breakthroughs and possibilities. I want to also mention that as you plan for this year, here are a few things that can be instrumental in helping you achieve some goals you will be establishing (or have already established).

VISION - Make sure you are able to see not just what is infront of you, but what is beyond the horizon.

PASSION - Embrace the natural drive you have for things you want to achieve and ensure that they support your own dreams and not just the dreams of others.

RESULTS - Create tangible results that you can measure and point to.

As you plan and execute your decisions this year, make sure you pay attention to what you are truly wanting to accomplish and document your progress, lessons, and stories along the way. One word summarizes this for me and that is “Legacy”. Create your legacy that you can be remembered by. In this way, what you accomplish and the “stories” surrounding your journey this year can potentially be timeless and evergreen.

I want to thank those that have contributed and those that will continue to contribute to the success and production of this publication.

A big shout out to Layne Imada who has been so instrumental through his experience and development skills in developing and capturing our stories and images for them to be remembered.

– Jim T. Chong, The Wok Star and Legendmaker High Level Media PR, Branding and Publicity Principal of APA Living Today

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The Asian Pacific American Living Today is a bi-monthly newspaper dedicated to providing a comprehensive publication, both in print and online, that seeks to raise awareness of issues of interest to Asians and associated ethnic groups in California and abroad.

Objectives

Strength - To give a voice to the community for sharing and lauding accomplishments and concerns.

Unity - Unite readers about the issues facing Asian Pacific Americans. Promote and encourage readers to take an active role in raising awareness in the community and its contributions and concerns.

Involved - Ask readers to be involved in the community as an informed member.

While we most directly address the concerns of Asian Pacific Americans, our publication is not a racial or ethnic sorting. It is a gathering of all those who wish to gather.

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​ arch 5, 2024, Presidential M Primary Election Update

Presidential Primary Party Information: How to Vote for U.S. President Contact: Voter Registration and Elections voterinfo@saccounty.gov • (916) 875-6451

DECEMBER 11, 2023 - Every four years, California conducts a Presidential Primary Election. In this election, voters help select a presidential candidate to represent their party in the November General Election. If you are registered with a qualified political party, you will receive a ballot with presidential candidates for your party only.

If you are not registered with a qualified political party, you are a “No Party Preference” (NPP) voter and will receive a ballot without presidential candidates.

If you are a NPP voter and want to vote for a presidential candidate, you may request a ballot for a party that allows crossover voting for the Primary Election only. Parties that allow this are: • American Independent Party • Democratic Party •​ Libertarian Party ​​ Voters that “crossover” are not re-registered with this party. After the election you will still be registered as NPP. The Voter Registration and Elections Office (VRE) is mailing crossover cards to NPP voters beginning this week. Complete and return the card if you would like to request a crossover ballot.

Visit our website for more information on How to Vote for US President.If you are a NPP voter and want to vote for a presidential candidate in the Green Party or Peace and Freedom Party or Republican Party, you must re-register with that specific party. To change your voter registration, visit registertovote.ca.gov.

The registration deadline for the March Presidential Primary is February 20, 2024. After this date you may register and vote a Conditional Voter Registration (CVR) ballot at the VRE office or any Vote Center. The VRE office is open for voting beginning Monday, February 5, 2024. Vote Centers open beginning Saturday, February 24, 2024.

Please visit our website at elections.saccounty.gov for more information.

If you have questions, please contact VRE at (916) 875-6451, voterinfo@saccounty.gov or by calling our toll-free voter hotline at (800) 762-8019.

Sign up to receive Voter Registration and Elections updates.

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Create Your Legacy

By Jim T. Chong the Wok Star and Legend Maker

This year, there are many things we can focus on. As I grow older, I realize the importance more as to the decisions that I’ve made in life and also how I want to be remembered. As we end out this year, I hope you create some great measurable milestones for the upcoming year. I will be focused on the things I want to achieve this year to set the stage for the future generations.

I look forward to the many endeavors and opportunities that will emerge to help us create the footprints that we will leave in the virtual sand here on earth. Understanding Community and Culture are two very significant things for us to consider on how we are to build for the future.

Jim T. Chong with Neil Nayyar, Honey Lum, and Sacramento Elected Officials Mayor Darrell Steinberg, Katie Valenzuela, Eric Guerra

We all get to determine what our Legacy will be.

Jim T. Chong

Let’s all “Remember where we came from…and live our life to where we want to be.”

The WokStar with International Entertainer Derek Leggins

Golden Harvest Parade and Festival taiko

Larry_And_Sandy at Trax Kitchen and Taproom

The WokStar interviewing Beverly Johnson aka Queen Beverly WokStar with Alice and The NorCal Corvette Camaro Group Jim T. Chong (the Wok Star and Legend Maker) is an innovative business and community leader focused on helping people tell their story and creating their legacy. For more information about Jim, visit JimTChong.com For More Information, Contact: Jim T. Chong the “Wok Star” - Hybrid Media Marketing PR Publicist Next Level Media; Visibility Professional, Founder of Global Chamber Cooperative • (916) 747-9366 • JTC.Publicist@gmail.com http://www.ZoomTurtle.com

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Are you interested in helping us share about your culture or community? We want to hear from you. Contact Jim at (916)747-9366 or jtc.legendmaker@gmail.com

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Why Think Positive?

By Dr. Jessie Bowen

Positive Thoughts Bring You the Benefits and Advantages You Desire.

Positive thinking is more than just a feel-good concept; it has the potential to change our lives in profound ways. It goes beyond simply being optimistic and encompasses a mindset that actively seeks out the good in every situation.

Jessie Bowen When we adopt a positive mindset, we are able to shift our focus from problems to solutions, from limitations to possibilities. This shift in perspective allows us to approach challenges with a sense of empowerment and creativity, leading to more favorable outcomes.

Scientists say that the average person has more than 6,000 thoughts in a single day. So, the question is: What are you thinking? Whether positive or negative, your thoughts, combined with your emotions have a dramatic impact on your life and the lives of others.

To truly harness the power of positive thinking, it must become a consistent practice in our daily lives. This means consciously choosing positive thoughts and reframing negative ones on a regular basis. It means setting aside time each day for gratitude practice, affirmations, and visualization. It means surrounding.

Incorporating positive thinking into our daily lives requires discipline and commitment, but the rewards are well worth the effort. By embracing a positive mindset, we can unlock an abundance of opportunities, attract the experiences and relationships we desire, and ultimately create a life filled with joy, success, and fulfillment.

Jessie’s book ,Law of Attraction. Your Thoughts Determine Your Destiny

QUESTION FOR THE READER

For more information or to contact Dr. Jessie Bowen, you can visit his website at https://coachjessiebowen.com.

Destiny”. Learn about the impact of one’s thoughts on their future outcomes.

The book is available on Amazon and other online book stores. https://shorturl.at/enOP6

Are your thoughts influencing your life in the direction you want to go? Are you willing to begin practicing positive thinking?

In order to have a deeper understanding of the profound impact of one’s cognitive processes and their resultant consequences on one’s life, please check out Jessie’s book “Law of Attraction. Your Thoughts Determine Your

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Elite Publications Contact: (916)747-9366 • Email: jtc.publicist@gmail.com Are you ready to write your story? Contact us! For more information, visit www.ElitePublications.org or calI/text (919) 618-8075

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CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATIONS

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Don’t Forget Your New Year’s Mochi!

Kagami Mochi:

A Sweet New Year Tradition

By Carlotta Villa | Source: Arigato Travel December 26, 2021

New Year in Japan is a big deal, it’s one of the most important and biggest celebrations in the country! In addition to New Year’s Eve on December 31st which is called Omisoka, Japan also celebrates the entire New Year period, which runs from January 1st to 3rd, and is called Shogatsu. For this reason, there are lots of traditions related to this period, one of them being kagami mochi. Chances are that you’ve already seen this funny-shaped yet beautifully decorated dessert in anime, manga and movies. Or, if you live or have been to Japan during the winter time, you’ve probably noticed kagami mochi pop up in every supermarket, konbini and department store.

This New Year’s treat/decoration is usually placed in front of one’s home Shinto altar or, in its absence, in the living room, kitchen or main entrance.

It is believed that when the new year begins, a god called Toshigami will visit, and offering them kagami mochi will bring good luck for the new year.

The best day to set up and decorate kagami mochi is generally around December 28th. The 29th is avoided because its pronunciation is reminiscent of the word “suffering”, and the 31st is considered a “lastminute” set up, and therefore unlucky (it would be rude to decorate only one night before the visit of Toshigami!).

Do you want to know more about this peculiar cake? Then keep reading and let’s learn everything about this beautiful – and delicious – New Year tradition!

WHAT IS KAGAMI MOCHI? As previously mentioned, kagami mochi is one of the symbols of the Japanese New Year. It is a typical dessert made up of two mochi (steamed, pressed and oval-shaped rice cakes) one on top of the other, the smaller one on top and the larger one as a base.

The top part is decorated with leaves and, depending on the region, dried persimmons, kelp and other regional elements. A typical Japanese bitter orange called daidai is placed on the top of the two mochi cakes.

The kagami mochi is then displayed on a small pedestal called sanpo. A traditional sheet of paper called shihobeni is always placed under the cake.

This paper not only has a practical and aesthetic function but above all represents a good omen for the home – it is believed that it will prevent any house fires or other domestic disasters for the years to come.

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Kagami mochi is named after an old-fashioned bronze mirror (kagami in Japanese) that is considered sacred. Moreover, it has a very strong symbolic meaning: the two rice cakes symbolize the past year and the new one that’s about to come. The overlapping of the two mochi also represents the moon (yin) and the sun (yang). It signifies that happiness and fortune overlap, and therefore, brings good luck.

The daidai symbolizes the passage of time – its name in fact also means “generations”. It represents the continuation of a family through the past, present and future.

Kagami mochi is therefore the symbol of the year that passes, good resolutions and wishes for the year to come.

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SWEET & Savory

HOW DO WE EAT KAGAMI MOCHI? Kagami mochi is not eaten right away. It is in fact consumed after the New Year’s celebration, specifically January 11th, in the traditional ritual of kagami biraki. Since it’s not eaten immediately, the kagami mochi dries down and has a harder consistency compared to the more common mochi that are chewy and soft.

So how to open this cake? Kagami mochi cannot be simply cut with a knife. This is not only because, given its hard consistency, it would be quite difficult, but above all it’s because it would bring bad luck (and we certainly don’t want to ruin all the good luck accumulated thus far!). It’s because, originally, kagami biraki was a samurai ritual for good luck, and words such as “cut” were associated with seppuku (ritual disembowelment)

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and therefore extremely unlucky. Moreover, by cutting a kagami mochi with a knife it would be like comparing it to a negative cut, such as a severing of bonds between people. So to open and eat the kagami mochi, you need to break it either with a hammer or with your hands!

Once broken, the small pieces of mochi are used in different dishes, such as desserts like zenzai (red bean soup), the traditional new year soup called ozoni or even senbei (rice crackers).

Although it used to be a tradition to make kagami mochi at home, in recent times it’s more common to buy a ready-made version in supermarkets or convenience stores – some of them are also decorated with the zodiac sign of the new year! It’s also really common to find kagami mochi made of plastic with individually packaged mochi pieces inside it.

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SPOTLIGHT

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A Life Driven

By Purpose

By June Bond, FANHS Museum Board Member

Modesto “Larry” Dulay Itliong was born on October 25, 1913, in San Nicolas, Pangasinan, Philippines, then a U.S. territory. One of six children of Artemio and Francesca Itliong, he left for the United States in 1929 at the age of fifteen.

FANHS Museum Crew: Gail LaGasca, Erwin Mina, Beverly Engkabo, Votaire Victorio (Exhibit designer), Corie Mina, Debra Louie, Terri Torres, June Bond

He joined his first strike in 1930 in Monroe, Washington, and by 1933, he organized farmworkers in California’s Salinas Valley. Soon after, Itliong also helped organize the Alaska Cannery Workers Union. During WWII, he served as a steward on a US Army transport ship.

After the war, he settled in Stockton, California, where he resumed his activism.

During the 1940s and 1950s, he continued to organize farmworker, longshore and warehouse unions.

After organizing multiple labor unions, he was asked to organize the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC), a newly chartered union in the AFL-CIO in 1959; though the union was largely Filipino, members included Mexican, Arab, African American and Caucasian workers.

The AWOC voted to strike against grape growers in Delano in September 1965.

Larry Itliong advocated for Filipino and Mexican workers striking together; thus, putting an end to the practice of “pitting one group against the other”. This concept led to Cesar Chavez’s National Farm Workers Association (NFWA) joining the picket lines. The AWOC and the NFWA then merged to form the United Farm Workers (UFW) and the massive 1965-66 grape strike and a boycott commenced; drawing immense national attention and support. The national and international Delano Grape Strike lasted five (5) years and resulted in needed changes to labor and civil rights.

Dolores Huerta and her son, Emilio Huerta, as well as Paul Chavez, Cesar Chavez’s son, was in attendance. The Mayor of Delano, Joe Alindajao, also attended the event. They graciously shared experiences they had with Larry Itliong and their recollections of the Delano Grape Strike. Hearing their memories was one of the highlights of the afternoon.

Stop by and visit the Museum at 337 E. Weber St., in Downtown Stockton to see the new Larry Itliong exhibit as well as the new Alaskeros (Filipino seasonal migrant workers in Alaska) exhibit. The Museum is still at limited hours and open by appointment only, so contact them at (209) 932-9037 and leave a message or email at fanhsmuseum@aol.com at least two weeks in advance, to make your appointment.

Larry Itliong resigned from the UFW in 1971. He continued to advocate for workers’ rights, traveling throughout the U.S., Brazil, Chile, and other labor movements across the world. A meaningful part of his legacy is the opening in 1974 of Delano’s Paulo Agbayani Retirement Village, a retirement community for aging Filipino workers as he was instrumental in its establishment. His community activism continued until 1977 when he passed away at the age of 63.

Pattie Itliong Serda

October 25th was proclaimed as Larry Itliong Day in California in 2019 and he was inducted into the California Hall of Fame in 2021.

Membership applications can be requested by sending an email to: STOCKTONFANHS@outlook.com

On October 23, 2023, the Filipino American National Historical Society Museum proudly unveiled the Larry Itliong Exhibit. The Museum was honored to have Larry Itliong’s daughter, Patti Itliong Serda participate in the unveiling.

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One side of exhibit

@fanhsstockton www.fanhsstockton.com

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A New Chapter

By Nico Belasco

The year 2023 brought an abundance of blessings to the Filipino American National Historical Society Stockton Chapter. The community has created so many memories, shared countless good times, and experienced immense growth since this time last year. But as always, all good things come to an end. As we enter into a new year, we are also welcoming a new chapter for the FANHS family in Stockton. Join us as we say thank you to our outgoing officers and hello to our new ones.

Outgoing and Incoming FANHS Stockton Chapter officers pose after being recognized.

From one of our first gatherings of the year, the Chicken Adobo Plate pick-up event, to wrapping up 2023 with our highly anticipated annual Christmas party, and everything in between, this year’s activities truly were nothing short of amazing. We have so much gratitude and admiration for those that helped us on our mission to strengthen and educate our community. From the organizing teams to the event attendees, you all hold such a special place in our hearts and we are eternally grateful.

Through it all, one of our greatest joys was spreading awareness of the rich history that we as Filipino Americans in Stockton hold. Icons like Larry Itliong, Dr. Dawn Mabalon, and countless others have shown us time and time again that there is a special kind of power that runs through our veins. We in Stockton, stand on land that our parents, grandparents, greatgrandparents, and ancestors had to fight to be on. Through the trials and tribulations that they faced, one thing that they all had was the power of perseverance. Each and everyday, despite the discrimination that they faced in the form of “Positively No Filipinos Allowed” signs and straight up racist encounters, they showed up and proved that they deserved to be where they were. As we welcome the new year, we look forward to keeping that same persevering spirit alive and well in everything that we do.

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We’d like to extend a thank you to the outgoing officers for the tremendous work that they have done throughout their term. The past few years would not be what it was if not for these hardworking individuals…

Linda Claramo, President Rena Quilenderino, Vice President Anne Balbarino, Secretary Mariah Taloa - Secretary Ameila Regacho, Treasurer Maria Abasolo, Treasurer Addie Suguitan - Membership Lead Patsy Gomez - Fundraising Lead

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The night that the Stockton Unified School District Board of trustees unanimously approved Filipino/a/x American Studies.

Events throughout the year.

With this, we’d also like to welcome our incoming set of officers who are already well on their way to continuing the legacy and elevating the Filipino American National Historical Society Stockton Chapter to even greater heights.

Say hello to…

Mafae Yunon-Belasco - President Elizabeth Claramo - Vice President Agatha Julia Reed - Secretary Eric Quillinan - Treasurer Nico Belasco - Youth Leader This incredible group of gamechangers have a lot of exciting surprises up their sleeves. From plans on encouraging more youth involvement, to fun new initiatives to educate others of the beautiful history that we have, there is so much to look forward to.

Being a Filipino in the United States looks different for everyone. But one thing we know for sure is that knowing your roots and understanding where you come from holds so much power. We encourage each and everyone of you to dig deep, research, document, and share your family’s story. We hope that with this, you discover more about yourself and take pride in the journeys of those that came before you, from the Philippines to America.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your wonderful families! We look forward to seeing you in 2024. Here’s to all of the great things that are to come! The future’s looking bright.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

New FANHS Stockton Chapter Officers

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YEAR OF THE DRAGON Source: My Pandit

The Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, signals the beginning of a new cycle in the Chinese zodiac, from one animal to another. 2024 welcomes the Year of the Dragon, which begins on February 10.

Dragon is known as the symbol of power, success, good luck, fortune, and kindness. There was a Chinese legend when the Jade Emperor asked all the animals to come for the race, everyone expected the Dragon to be in the first place, but he came late. When the Emperor asked him the reason he said that on the way, he came across a village suffering from drought, and when he saw the villagers a deep sense of pity coursed through his mind and he stopped by to make it rain on the village and help them. The Jade Emperor was very happy and gave him the fifth position. The Emperor is said to be a reincarnation of the Dragon. Dragon is the most respectable, lovable, and affectionate animal. In Chinese astrology, Dragon is the fifth Zodiac animal, and the years of the Dragon zodiac are said to be 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, and the next upcoming Chinese year of the Dragon would be 2024. Each Chinese year of the dragon follows a 12-year cycle to repeat itself, and the Dragon years are associated with the Earthly branch, Chen.

What Does Dragon Mean in the Chinese Zodiac?

There are many Chinese legends about the Dragon. As per the Chinese Dragon zodiac tales, the Dragon is the only imaginary animal. The Dragon is assumed to be the most auspicious of all animals. They conquer their enemies and spit fire when they get angry. Chinese natives are said to be the descendants of the Dragon. The Dragon is said to have combined features of other animals too.

The people born under this Zodiac sign are hot-tempered, mysterious, and noble. People with the Dragon zodiac sign are born with leadership qualities.

They can get all work done easily. They know the path to success. Most of the time, they are the centre of attraction wherever they are.

Every Chinese year of the Dragon has one of five elements associated with it.

Here is the chart which will guide you about the years of the Dragon and its associated element.

Chinese Dragon Zodiac Calendar Element Associated 1940: February 8, 1940, to January 26, 1941 Metal 1952: January 27, 1952, to February 13, 1953 Water 1964: February 13, 1964, to February 1, 1965 Wood 1976: January 31, 1976, to February 17, 1977 Fire 1988: February 17, 1988, to February 5, 1989, Earth 2000: February 5, 2000, to January 23, 2001 Metal 2012: January 23, 2012, to February 9, 2013 Water 2024: February 10, 2024, to January 28, 2025 Wood Thus, every Dragon is classified as Dragon Metal,

Is April Month A Dragon Zodiac?

Dragon Water, Dragon wood, Dragon Fire, and Dragon Earth. Each combination influences the personality traits of the people born in it. However, no two people born in different dragon zodiac years would have the same personality traits because a different element would influence them. To find out the Chinese year of the Dragon you were born in, you have to check the year, the

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month, the hour, and lastly, the associated element with your birth year. The people born with a Dragon Zodiac are already so fortunate that they may not need any other lucky charm to fulfil their desires.

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Based on the calculations made by the school of feng shui, Each Zodiac animal is assigned a year corresponding to its rank. Like this 12 years cycle, every month is also associated with one of the Chinese Zodiac signs. As the Dragon possesses the 5th rank, its corresponding month is from April 6 to May 5. So, this way, each year will be a combination of the zodiac year and zodiac month.

For example, 2024 is the year of the dragon, and subsequently, each month is associated with a zodiac animal starting from Rat, Ox, Tiger, Dragon, etc.

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STORY THREADS

Chinese Astrology For people Born In The Dragon Year

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“WE’RE MORE THAN JUST VANILLA.”

The people born in the Dragon year are considered the most eligible, fortunate, and noble. They are born with good luck and are assumed to be the luckiest among other zodiac animals. This is the only imaginary zodiac among all the other 12 zodiac signs. However, there are some other facts about their health, wealth, and fortune that we will now talk about. They live a wealthy life and never need to worry about their financial matters. They may have some stomach ailments and some travel-related dangers, which need to be taken care of. They should not ignore their health. Also, they should keep a sharp eye on their travel plans. They can choose any career they feel keen on as they follow their desires. They can be artists, writers, actors, doctors, leaders, and business people.

Year of the Golden Dragon The year 1940 and 2000 are known as the Golden Years of the Dragon, the 4697th Chinese Dragon Zodiac year (60-year cycle * 17 stem branch, i.e.

60*78+ 17 = 4697). The Golden Dragon zodiac year is the year of prosperity and wealth. The famous fighter and actor Bruce Lee was born in the Golden dragon year. His date of birth was 27th November 1940; another celebrity born in the Golden Dragon zodiac year was John Lennon on 9th October 1940.

Year of the Dragon: Dragon Lucky Numbers

RESULT DRIVEN CREATIVE MARKETING & DESIGN ON A DIFFERENT LEVEL

Zodiac sign Dragon’s lucky numbers are 1, 6, and 7, while the numbers 3 and 8 are considered unlucky. 1st and 16th days of any lunar calendar are supposed to be lucky days for them.

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Are Dragon Years Lucky in Chinese Astrology?

Yes, in Chinese astrology, Dragon years are supposed to be the luckiest years for a person to be born. That is why sometimes the people of China seek and adjust their newborn babies’ birth dates if medically possible as per the year of the dragon. Dragon children are most sought after in Chinese culture. There is one more myth that when the year of your birth sign comes around (after a 12-year cycle), it seems bad luck for them.

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The next year of the dragon is 2024. People born with the Dragon zodiac symbol have to be more cautious about their health, career, and relationship.

Several examples of greatness in the dragon zodiac signs like Charles Darwin, born on 12th February 1809, who was an Earth Dragon and Russian President Vladimir Putin, born on 7th October 1952, is a Water-Dragon.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

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RSV Is Spreading Among Children-Here’s Why & When to See a Doctor Source: NYU Langone Health • Patient Care RSV, a common childhood illness known for producing cold-like symptoms, is on the rise just as flu season kicks off. Add to that a predicted COVID-19 surge this winter and you have the makings of what some experts are calling a “tripledemic” of flu, COVID-19, and RSV—though questions remain about whether all three will peak at the same time.

“Usually, one virus dominates at a time,” notes Jennifer L. Lighter, MD, a pediatric infectious disease specialist and hospital epidemiologist at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone.

RSV cases in the United States typically peak in late December to mid-February. But that pattern changed with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, when cases nearly disappeared, says Arun Chopra, MD, pediatric service chief at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that cases fell to historically low levels during the 2020–2021 season.

What is behind the current surge? No one knows for sure, but many experts suspect the end of COVID-19 masking and social distancing is playing a role. Now that more people are out and about—unmasked and in crowds—the virus is circulating again. People who are susceptible to the virus are becoming infected, including some older children who never had RSV before because of masking and distancing over the past two years.

The uptick in infections this year may also reflect a more aggressive RSV season.

“It’s probably a combination of all those things that’s leading to more viral spread,” says Dr. Chopra.

Among children under 5 years of age, RSV accounts for roughly 2.1 million outpatient visits and 58,000 hospitalizations in the United States each year, according to the CDC. Adults can get RSV, too. And while most cases are mild, older adults and people who are immunocompromised can experience severe symptoms. Because immunity to the virus is short-lived, it is possible for your child to get RSV more than once—even in the same season. But reinfections are usually less severe than the initial illness.

How RSV Spreads RSV spreads from person to person mostly through coughs and sneezes. Children can get RSV when respiratory droplets containing the virus enter their eyes, nose, or mouth.

Here’s how RSV affects children, how it differs from the flu and COVID-19, and what to do if your child develops symptoms.

RSV can live outside of the human body for many hours, so it is also possible for children to pick up the virus via contact with contaminated surfaces. That can happen when little hands handle germy objects, such as doorknobs and tables, and then children touch their eyes, nose, or mouth before washing their hands.

What Is RSV?

Symptoms of RSV

Respiratory syncytial (pronounced sin-SISH-uhl) virus is a common respiratory illness, one that most children get before the age of 2. Symptoms are often mild, and the infection usually resolves on its own.

RSV often mimics a bad cold. Your child may have one or more symptoms, such as a runny or stuffy nose, cough, sneezing, or fever. Children may develop additional symptoms over the course of the illness. In infants, RSV may show up in other ways.

Your child may be irritable or less active or less hungry than usual.

However, RSV can lead to serious infection, particularly in infants and young children, and in older children who have certain chronic conditions, such as asthma.

In more severe cases, the infection can lead to trouble breathing, and that is when babies require medical care. Their breathing is faster than usual, and they will look like they are working to breathe. Their nostrils may flare, their stomach looks like it is being sucked in, and the rib cage becomes more accentuated. If a baby’s blood oxygen level dips, the lips may appear bluish in color.

“Once in a while, it can reach the lower airways, and that’s when it can cause a problem,” says Dr. Lighter.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

When to See a Doctor Whether your child has RSV or some other infection, do not hesitate to seek help.

“Parents’ instincts are usually pretty good,” says Dr. Chopra, so if you are worried, trust your gut and call your pediatrician. Sometimes a doctor can provide help over the phone or by a video doctor visit. Other times they want to see your child in person.

A baby who isn’t eating or drinking as usual and produces fewer wet diapers than usual may be getting dehydrated, observes Dr. Chopra. In that case, says Dr. Chopra, it’s time to visit the pediatrician’s office for evaluation.

Doctors may perform rapid testing to determine whether a child has RSV, the flu, or COVID-19. During an office visit, a doctor can also check a child’s blood oxygen level.

If it is low, the doctor can provide addition oxygen and, if necessary, arrange for the child to go to the hospital.

Any time a child is working hard to breathe, that is a sign of distress that needs immediate attention. Children who are having difficulty breathing need to go to the emergency department.

There is no specific treatment for RSV, but doctors can provide supportive care, including supplemental oxygen. “We just make sure that if they need help breathing that they get the help to breathe when they’re in the hospital,” says Dr. Lighter.

In addition, children with fever or dehydration can receive needed medication, fluids, and nutrition during their hospital stay. Most children get better in two to three days, although sometimes very sick children may remain in the hospital longer, adds Dr. Chopra.

How Serious Is RSV? RSV typically lasts a week or two, and most kids get better on their own. But the virus can cause more serious infections. Sometimes RSV can lead to bronchiolitis, an infection of the lower respiratory tract, or pneumonia, a lung infection. Infants, especially those who are under 6 months of age, are particularly vulnerable to having more severe RSV. “The smaller you are, the more at risk you are, partly because your lungs are smaller,” explains Dr. Chopra. “The smaller airways lower down in the lungs get inflamed and get more plugged up and narrow.”

Very young infants and babies born prematurely are even more prone to serious infection, as are children who have heart and lung disease, adds Dr. Chopra.

Among infants younger than 6 months of age who have RSV, roughly 1 to 2 percent may need to be hospitalized, CDC data show. Also at increased risk are children under the age of 2 who were born with a heart condition or who have another chronic condition. For example, having a condition that makes it difficult to swallow or to cough up mucus, or having a weak immune system, can put a child at greater risk of RSV.

Is It the Flu, COVID-19, or RSV? RSV produces some of the same symptoms as the flu and COVID-19. Cough and fever are common symptoms of each infection. “They all present very similarly,” Dr. Lighter

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points out. So how do you know if your child has RSV and not another respiratory virus?

One telltale difference: Kids with RSV usually do not develop gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. GI involvement is more common in cases of the flu and COVID-19 in children, while RSV, for the most part, is limited to the upper respiratory tract. If a child has moderate to severe symptoms, your child’s doctor can test for each of these viruses to help determine treatment. If it’s the flu, your doctor may prescribe oseltamivir, a medication approved for flu treatment in children 2 weeks of age and older. Whether it’s the flu, COVID-19, or RSV, you should keep your child home to recover and prevent others around your child from getting sick.

Caring for a Child with RSV Most children with mild RSV symptoms need little more than supportive care. Make sure that your child is getting lots of rest and drinking enough water and other fluids to prevent dehydration. If your child is congested, gently squeeze and hold a bulb syringe at the base of the baby’s nostril and release. The suction will extract mucus from your child’s nose. Expel the secretions into a tissue by squeezing the bulb. Repeat the process on the other nostril. Over-the-counter medication, such as acetaminophen, can help relieve pain and bring down a fever.

Contact your child’s doctor if symptoms persist or worsen. Consider it a medical emergency if your child is having difficulty breathing.

Preventing RSV Currently, there is no vaccination to protect against RSV. But there are several potential vaccines in the pipeline. “It’s a really exciting time. I think in the next couple of years we’ll have a few choices,” says Dr. Lighter.

In the meantime, everyone can help to lower the risk of getting or spreading RSV by taking the following steps: • Wash hands frequently with soap and water • Cover coughs and sneezes • Help your child keep germy hands away from their eyes, nose, and mouth avoid close contact with people who are sick: no kissing, handshaking, or sharing cups and utensils • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces • Stay home if you are sick Since infants are at greater risk of severe RSV, you may need to take additional precautions if there’s a newborn at home. It’s prudent during respiratory season for visitors to wear a face mask around the baby, at least during the first few months of the child’s life, Dr. Lighter explains.

The most vulnerable infants—those born prematurely or those who have heart or lung disease—may be eligible for a type of medication called palivizumab. The drug is administered by injection once a month for 5 months during respiratory season to prevent severe RSV, explains Dr. Lighter.

It’s also important for anyone eligible for a flu or COVID-19 vaccine to stay to up to date on their shots to help slow the spread of these respiratory illnesses and prevent children from getting sick.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

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Beloved Little Tokyo Community Program Needs Your Support

The Little Tokyo Nutrition Services (LTNS) community program has served the Little Tokyo and Boyle Heights communities for 47 years.

By Rafu Reports 11/24/2023 • 11/27/2023 Source: Rafu Shimpo Volunteers serve meals to senior citizens as part of the Little Tokyo Nutrition Services.

THE LITTLE TOKYO NUTRITION SERVICES (LTNS) community program has served the Little Tokyo and Boyle Heights communities for 47 years.

Despite being an important pillar in the community for many years, delays in government funding and current economic conditions are now impacting the continued existence of LTNS.

Prior to the COVID pandemic, LTNS offered both congregate and home delivery meals. The congregate meal program was offered at the Little Tokyo Towers and provided the seniors with important and critical social interaction.

This directly addressed the issues of isolation and loneliness.

In 1976, recognizing the need for nutrition and supportive services for senior communities in the 9th Council District of the City of Los Angeles the late Councilmember Gilbert Lindsay championed a motion to create funding for these important services. This motion gave birth to the LTNS, which has served seniors in the Little Tokyo and Boyle Heights communities with an unparalleled and fierce commitment.

During the challenges presented by the pandemic, LTNS continued to provide our home delivery meals and pick-up meals. LTNS recently restarted the congregate meal program.

Setsuko Nakama has been the executive director for LTNS for the past 39 years. She has dedicated her personal and professional life to this program.

LTNS staff and volunteers have strong cultural, community and age-related ties with the seniors in the program. They are dedicated and committed to ensuring that the needs the seniors are met in all aspects of their lives.

LTNS provides critical nutrition and supportive services daily to 130 seniors who are part of an extremely vulnerable population. Food insecurity and isolation greatly impacts the lives of the seniors serviced by LTNS. Through the home delivery meal program, LTNS staff and volunteers have developed personal relationships the seniors and their caregivers.

Over the past 47 years, LTNS has served and improved the lives of thousands of seniors. It has built a reputation of excellence and personal commitment to the JA/AAPI communities in Little Tokyo and Boyle Heights.

In numerous instances, they are the only consistent daily contact the home bound senior receives. This interaction directly addresses the dire consequences of isolation and provides the opportunity to assess the senior’s mental and physical well-being.

In essence, the daily interactions constitute ongoing and active welfare checks for the seniors. If a problem or issue is identified, the participant’s caregiver and/or family member are immediately contacted.

LTNS primarily depends on government funding from the City of Los Angeles to support its services. Unfortunately, the funds do not come on a timely and consistent basis. With the current economic challenges that are greatly impacting all underserved communities, there’s an even greater unmet need for a program like LTNS.

About The Little Tokyo Nutrition Services (LTNS) Provides congregate and home-delivered Japanese style meals as well as activities to qualified older adults. For more information about food programs, please visit our Food Program Fact Sheet. NOTE: as of July 2023, the location’s congregate program is closed due to renovations. They have meal pickups at Union Church.

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TIRED OF THE NEGATIVE NEWS? When you advertise in HERLIFE, you are not only promoting your business, you become part of the solution to combat negative news.

In every issue of HERLIFE we tell positive, uplifting good news stories about San Joaquin County.

LTNS has provided meals and social interaction for seniors since 1976.

Anyone willing to support LTNS can donate funds by accessing http://LTSNS.org or by sending a check to:

Let’s do this together!

JOIN US…BE THE POSITIVE.

Little Tokyo Nutrition Services

244 S. San Pedro Street, Unit 408 Los Angeles, CA 90012

Our mission is to continually raise the image of our own region— because our region is worth it.

Contact carrie@herlifemagazine or anna@herlifemagazine.com for more information

LOS ANGELES JAPANESE DAILY NEWS The Rafu Shimpo has been the nation’s leading Japanese American newspaper since its original publication. We are proud to have served the Japanese American community from our Little Tokyo office in Downtown Los Angeles since 1903.

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