Creative Living - East/Northeast April

Editor’s note

CreativeLiving

If the ole saying rings true: April showers bring May flowers, then we are sure to have a month of beautiful bountious blooms!

Yes, this month has been very gray.

However, we hope that this issue of Creative Living will shine a little light back into your life.

Inside you’ll find a variety of articles about local businesses that are able and ready to help you with your home, your health, your every need.

Also be sure to check out our features including a guide to seafood, for any taste and budget; a piece about the value of video games; and another about sprucing up your home for spring.

Features 8 14 16

Spruce up your home for spring Expert advice on how to make your home feel fresh and new this season.

Video game benefits Study reveals that video games offer kids developmental and social benefits.

A guide to seafood Check out these great tips on seafood for every taste and budget

Specialty Publications Editor

Contact Page 15 Creative Living is a monthly advertising-sponsored magazine published by the Specialty Publications Department of The Community Press/ The Community Recorder.

Topics 3 Health & Fitness

Living 12 Senior Care • Home

7 Gifts for Mom

14 Kid Care

Mind • Body • Spirit

Mother’s Day

8 At Home

Remodeling • Decorating

10 Local Business Goods • Services

Health • Socializing

Questions and comments can be sent to Editor Melissa Stewart c/o The Community Press/ 394 Wards Corner/Loveland, OH 45140 or e-mail mjstewart@communitypress.com.

16 Dining & Entertaining

For advertising call 687-4614.

Recipes • Restaurants

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Snore? Can't tolerate CPAP? Dr. Kitzmiller has a solution Dear Reader:

leaks, strap marks on their face, sinus problems and feeling like Darth Vader. I My name is Dr. Timothy Kitzmiller and I have sleep apnea. I started snoring did my research and enrolled in special training to prowhen I was in vide a CPAP my late 20’s. alternative Over the years called an Oral my snoring got Appliance. It is worse and I a medical would wake device that fits myself up with over the teeth a gasp or a and holds the snort. lower jaw forMy wife, ward, keeping Lori, was conthe airway stantly having open. to wake me up I now expeto stop snoring rience quiet, or start breathunrestricted, ing. I finally healthy sleep decided that wearing my after 23 years Oral we both Appliance. My deserved a quiet wife is thrilled night’s sleep. I because now underwent an she gets a overnight sleep great, quiet study to find night’s sleep out if I had the without snorlife-threatening ing or worrycondition called ing about me Obstructive suffocating.

Sleep Apnea. To And the hunmy surprise I dreds of found out that I patients we’ve was not only treated over snoring but the years rave stopped breathabout finding a ing 28 times per treatment hour! It was recthat’s comfortommended that able and effecI start using a tive!

Continuous Dr. Kitzmiller treats his patients and himself with Oral Appliance Therapy.

Give us a call Positive Airway at 513-248-8848 to schedule your comPressure (CPAP) machine.

I struggled with my CPAP since I like plimentary consultation to see how Oral to sleep on my side. I could finally relate Appliance Therapy could be the solution for you too! to our patient’s struggles with mask

Want More Information?

Visit cincisleep.com

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Stress linked to allergies New studies from Ohio State University now demonstrate the link between increased stress and the direct correlation to increased allergy symptoms.

The rate of allergy sufferers has been on the rise in the last 10 years, especially in children.

Children react differently to substances, which might include milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts, pollen, dust and animal dander, to name a few. This can trigger a nervous system stress response that in a child may show up as coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, rashes, non-attentiveness, irritability, reoccurring colds, stomach discomfort, and so on.

When chronic, it’s called allergies, asthma,

migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, eczema, psoriasis, behavioral disorders such as ADD and ADHD. “All three of my children have suffered from allergies since toddlers,” explained a mother of a patient.

“Over the years we have tried all the over-thecounter medications which progressed to prescriptions. The only things that changed were the strengths of the medications and the side effects.

Since going through the BAX3000 system my children have experienced a great relief of their symptoms. They are sleeping easier and are more alert and feeling better during the day.”

As you see there’s

help!

Dr. Luke Reineck, of Living With Motion Chiropractic, is using the BAX3000 by BioVeda Technologies. This technology measures stress levels, identifies substances that cause stress levels to rise, and couples these environmental stressors with a positive stimulus. In this case it’s the release of endorphins triggered by nerve bundle stimulation during light therapy. Successful neurological relaxation training allows the body to no longer respond in a stressful manner, allowing the body to function and feel much better!

For more information call 831-4433 or visit www.livingwithmotion.co m.

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Dr. Atluri says ‘no pain, more gain’ Dr. Sairam Atluri knows what it’s like to be inflicted with life-altering pain.

That’s why he’s dedicated the last 14 years of his life to helping Cincinnati men and women regain their lives.

“Taking away someone’s pain is very gratifying,” said Dr. Atluri of Interventional Spine Specialists. “Happy patients who give you hugs – you can’t put a price on that.”

His patient Sandra Pierce says she can’t put a price on how her life has improved after visiting Dr. Atluri.

After four back surgeries and several different medications, Pierce, who suffered with “severe” back pain that nearly crippled her, visited Dr. Atluri in 2001. “Nothing up until then had helped – nothing,” she recalled, her voice shaking.

After trying epidural treatments that worked only for a while, Dr. Atluri suggested a spinal cord stimulator. A spinal cord stimulator is a device used to exert pulsed electrical signals to the spinal cord to control chronic pain. Desperate to walk again and live without constant pain, Pierce was willing to try anything.

“I just kept praying to God: ‘Lord please help me be released from this,” she explained. “God gave me the answer. This has been a complete success for me from when it was first put in until now! I take just one pain pill in the

morning and I’m ready to go.”

Pierce said she is eternally grateful for Dr. Atluri and his staff – her miracle answer to prayer.

“Dr. Atluri and his staff are just wonderful,” she said. “He’s so down to earth and caring. They are great people who really know what they’re doing. My whole life has changed because of them.”

Dr. Atluri is happy to have given Pierce back a pleasant, productive existence.

Recognized as a “Top Doctor” by Cincinnati Magazine in 2007, 2010, and 2011, Dr. Atluri completed both a fellowship in pain management and anesthesia residency at the University of Cincinnati, Department of Anesthesia.

He was named one of the top 70 interventional pain physicains in the United States by Becker’s Orthopedic and Spine Review. He has authored many articles in the official Journal of the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians. Dr. Atluri has held a board membership with the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians and served as vice president for the Ohio chapter of American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians.

For more information on how Dr. Atluri can help you please call 624-7525.

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Helping women in difficult times The people we surround ourselves with in difficult times can make a difference in our attitude and determination.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers occurring in women and the second most common cause of death after lung cancer.

The loss of a woman’s breasts to cancer can affect her self-esteem, her sex drive, and just how she feels about herself as a woman.

“No one cries here alone,” said Karen Murphy, a 15-year certified mastectomy fitter at Burlington Pharmacy Health Care. Murphy and Melissa Morris are used to

giving and receiving lots of hugs. They’re used to sharing tears as well.

Many women needing post-mastectomy devices, wigs and scarves as a result of surgery, receiving chemotherapy or for other medical reasons have come to Burlington Pharmacy Health Care because of the outstanding support and care of the professional fitting specialists there.

Burlington Pharmacy Health Care carries a wide assortment of post-mastectomy products, wigs, scarves, sleep caps and other headpieces. They offer personalized and private fitting appointments with their profes-

sional fitting specialists.

“It is a very private atmosphere. We like taking time with each customer to get to know them as a person before we begin the fitting,” said Morris. “It’s very important to us that it be a pleasant and comfortable experience.”

Burlington Pharmacy Health Care also encourages their customer’s friends and family to come and support women as they choose wigs, scarves, and other headpieces while they receive treatment.

“We invite them to come with our customers,” said Murphy.

“Getting opinions from

friends and family that they know and love is very reassuring and helpful,” she said.

Karen and Melissa are honored to support, encourage, and advise women who are looking for post-mastectomy devices and head coverings. “It is an emotional time. It’s important for them to have a support team that cares. Our personal care and quality customer service set us apart,” said Murphy.

“At the end of the day, we are making a difference in a life,” added Morris.

Serving the tri-state since 1976, Burlington Pharmacy Health Care

has the area’s largest home medical equipment showroom filled with a variety of top quality, state-of-the-art medical equipment and supplies.

Whether you are looking to purchase new, used or simply renting, we have it all. Stop by and let our experienced and knowledgeable staff show you why we say “large enough to serve, small enough to care!”

For more information call 859-586-6700 or visit www.burlingtonpharmacy.com.

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G I F T S

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A beautiful gift for a beautiful lady Mother’s Day is just around the bend. There’s no better way to say “thank you” and “I love you” to that special woman in your life than with a beautiful, personalized piece of jewelry from Markus Jewelers.

Currently available is the fanatically popular and very affordable Posh Mommy collec-

tion. Aim for the heart and strike a cord with these unique engravable gifts. Choose from sleek sterling silver discs, loops or tags.

Engrave an intial or name and even include a birthstone for a personalized gift she’ll cherish always.

Posh Mommy has received rave reviews by such celebrities

as Ellen and Oprah, as well as mommies across the nation.

Other delighful pieces are available at Markus Jewelers.

Now, is the time to order birthstone or other family jewelry for this special holiday.

Markus Jewelers is Anderson Township’s only full service jewelry store with two experienced

jewelers on the premises.

Customers from all over the tristate are taking advantage of the on-site repair services including chain repair, ring sizing and restringing. Watch band and batteries are done while you wait.

Call 474-4950 for more information or visit Markus Jewelers at 2022 Eight Mile Road.

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hree fast ways to spruce up your home for spring

reshening and cleaning your house as warm weather approaches is as much a rite of spring as welcoming the first robin to arrive in your backyard. But between a busy home life and a hectic work schedule, you may find yourself pressed for time, and summer may arrive before you’ve finished your spring cleaning.

If you’re short on time, it’s possible to make your home look, feel and smell fresh for spring – even if you have to postpone indepth cleaning. Here are a few tips on how to make simple, speedy decor

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warm weather.

To renew stored linens or clothes, slip a fresh dryer sheet between layers of garments. You can also use dryer sheets to keep winter clothes from developing a musty aroma while they’re stored throughout the spring and summer months.

Then continue to light a QuickScent candle in the Clean Cotton fragrance to carry this fresh laundry smell throughout your home all spring.

Step 3 - Bring in the sound of spring

updates to give your house a spring-like atmosphere:

look of spring.

Creamsicle orange, classic rose pink, cotton white, natureinspired greens, and Step 1 - Brighten the watery blues are all look great accent colors for Making your spring decor. house look brighter For quick cleaning for spring can be as tasks that will instantsimple as opening all ly spruce up your the blinds and curhome’s interior, vacutains that you kept um carpets, wipe closed against windown baseboards and ter’s chill. Another quick fix is to replace woodwork (especially if they’re painted heavier drapes with white), and dust/vaclight sheers that weluum cloth lampcome in the spring shades. If you have sun. some extra time to Replace heavy comforters and quilts spare, consider washing windows. It’s one with lighter bedspreads and throws in task that’s a great time investment colors that evoke the because it makes a

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big impact on how your home looks both inside and out.

Step 2 - Create fresh scents Fragrance experts at The Yankee Candle Company Inc. suggest that while deep spring cleaning is sure to make your home smell clean, there are faster, easier ways to freshen indoor aromas. Scent is closely associated with mood, and you can create a springlike oasis in your home by simply burning a premium scented candle in a fragrance that evokes

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What does spring sound like? It probably does not sound like a crackling fire or holiday music – sounds you may closely associate with winter months. Don’t overlook the impact the right sounds can have on making your home feel fresher for spring.

Before guests arrive, pop in a CD of your favorite upbeat music. If the climate allows, open windows to welcome in the natural sounds of spring, from the chirping of birds to the sounds of children playing outdoors.

Save the heavier spring cleaning chores for when you have time to do them, but don’t wait to make your home feel fresh for spring with these quick, simple steps.

Visit www.yankeecandle.com to learn more about the QuickScent candle and other spring fragrances.

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Is it a New Roof Time for your home?

A record snow-fall winter is being followed by a windy, record-breaking rainy spring, and roofs everywhere are showing the effects. Jim and Sandy Krajceck of Florence knew that this was the year they would need a roof, so they called A New Roof Time.

“I had read about Roof Time in the Recorder, and thought, boy, if I ever need a roof, I’m calling them!” said Jim Krajceck.

“So last month, we noticed a stain on one of our ceilings and I thought, I better call.

“I phoned at night, expecting to get a machine, and was pleasantly surprised when Missy answered the phone. We set up an appointment, and danged if they didn’t get here a little before scheduled!

“The estimator went into our attic with a thermal camera and quickly found our leak. He then went up on the roof and took pictures and measured our roof. Then he came down and explained everything to me, and gave me a very detailed estimate. I asked a lot of questions, and he answered all of them.”

Jim and Sandy were so impressed they hired Roof Time to do the work and were scheduled for an installation. Krajceck went on to say that the Roof Time crew were extremely neat and clean as they took off two roofs, worked on the chimney, cleaned the old gutters and added new leaf guards.

“I had checked them out on Angie’s List and the BBB and learned they

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A Roof Time crew members working hard.

had no complaints and the highest ratings,” he said. “About two weeks after the roof was put on, we learned why so many of their customers spoke so highly of them. My wife discovered water all over our floor. Naturally, we called Roof Time, thinking it had to be the

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he finally helped us find that the refrigerator had a broken line and was leaking. You don’t find that kind of old-fashioned dedication to customer service too much anymore.”

A New Roof Time roots began in 1995, when Rick and Sandy Feltner operated a small family business from their home. Fifteen years later, Sandy’s roof. Dale Shoemaker daughter Missy answers arrived within minutes of the calls and grandson our call, and climbed up Justin is a project estimaonto the roof in a driving tor. rain to check it, then Estimates are free, and crawled all through our include an attic inspecattic to be sure it was dry. tion, as well as color digiThe roof was fine; no tal pictures of what they leaks. He didn’t want to find. Today’s best technolleave us with the problem, ogy, such as thermal camso he kept hunting until

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eras are utilized in order to pinpoint hidden leaks and decay. Satellite measuring ensure ‘to the inch’ measurements, for ‘to the penny’ pricing.

“I don’t think I’ll ever need a new roof, because I’m 68 and this is a 30year roof,” said Krajceck.

“But I have recommended A New Roof Time to everyone I can, because I couldn’t be happier with the work they performed.

They were prompt, very clean, very professional, and perfectly precise.”

For a free quote on roofing, gutters or insulation, call their offices at 513-753-8463 or 859-3418463.

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The many advantages of owning a fiberglass pool

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A Blue Hawaiian Fiberglass Pool is known as the “permanent pool.”

Not only does fiberglass never deteriorate, it actually strengthens with age! Fiberglass is 17 times stronger than concrete with a flexible strength of 54,000 psi, allowing up to 12 inches of flexibility.

That’s movement that destroys most pools.

These pools also carry a 35-year limited warranty against leaking caused by structural defects in the laminate.

Unlike concrete or vinyl liner pools, fiberglass pools never have to be drained for liner replacement, acid washing, remarciting, replastering, or painting. This can save the pool owner thousands of dollars!

Fiberglass pools have a smooth, non-porous surface that doesn’t harbor resident algae, making cleaning 90 percent easier.

In addition, they do not require large amounts of chlorine, algaecides or other sanitizer, therefore resulting in up to 66 percent less cost in chemicals.

These pools are built in a modern factory under a strict quality control standard, with constant supervision, not in a backyard like concrete and vinyl pools. They can be installed quickly with a minimum of disruption to your home and neighborhood. Fiberglass pools are also swimmer friendly – no more skinned knees or torn bathing suits due to a rough plaster surface.

You also save money

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S.I. Pool Care can drop a pool in your backyard.

on pool heating costs.

Fiberglass pool walls act as an insulator allowing you to cut back the time your pool filter pump has to run, reducing your pool

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heating and electric cost.

For more information on fiberglass pools contact S.I. Pool Care at 859-3314110 or visit www.sipoolcare.com.

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Bernecker’s takes pride in saving you money For the last couple of years Bernecker’s Shingle Clean and Gutter Guards Service has been trying to get the word out about the importance of your shingle roof and gutter maintenance.

The cost of replacement of these items is soaring, so its very important to maintain your home necessities. Bernecker’s shingle cleaning method saves your shingle life by removing black fungus that soften your shingles and cause granular loss – plus, not to mention the fresh look it gives your home.

We also have been pro-

moting our leaf protection system, LEAF RELIEF. This system offers the same protection as major gutter guards systems at half the costs. They challenge their customers to

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Bernecker's is a preferred Leaf Relief contractor.

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get the other guys’ price first. They will even halve the price on gutter protection.

Bernecker’s passes their low over head on to their customers.

Bernecker’s have a great referral base and an A+ BBB rating.

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Bringing something new, rewarding to life Community spirit can’t be created simply by bringing people together.

It has to be cultivated through personal connec-

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tions, shared interests and a genuine feeling of neighbors caring for neighbors. At Seasons, a continuing care retirement

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community in Kenwood, you immediately know the campus has a special personality that’s developed over the past 23

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years. It’s a sense that this place, and the people who live there, are going to bring something new and rewarding to your life.

First, there is the amazing setting. In the midst of everything you love and the life you’ve built in Cincinnati, Seasons is nestled on its own private reserve of century-old trees, conveniently located in the heart of the Kenwood neighborhood.

Then there is the superb personalized service, with an emphasis on delivering true hospitality in every way. Their maintenance-free living means your time is freed up for the activities you choose to enjoy, not spent on chores and upkeep of your home.

The finishing touch is the people. You’ll instantly feel like a member of the community, as you interact with friendly neighbors and gracious staff throughout the day.

The Assisted Living Director, Robyn Kelly, was first a family member, and now an employee. When Robyn moved her family to Cincinnati and started looking for an Assisted Living community for her father-in-law, Thomas Kelly, she had heard from several people that the Courtyard at Seasons was the most desirable community in the Greater Cincinnati market.

With her career’s worth of Assisted Living and Nursing Administration as a reference, Robyn, and her husband, toured several other communities, but ultimately chose Courtyard at Seasons because of the tenure in the staff, the beautiful

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facilities, and the warm welcome received during their tour. Robyn’s fatherin-law came to Courtyard for a weekend stay to “just try it out” and quickly decided to make it his new home. Some months later, Seasons was pleased to welcome Robyn’s talents and experience onboard when Robyn joined the staff as Assisted Living Director.

Each staff member strives to create a family atmosphere for Courtyard residents; one of companionship, individual attentiveness, and caring medical guidance.

As a 23-year employee of Seasons, Betsy Flynn felt that Seasons was the right place for her mother.

But she wanted the decision to be her Mom’s.

After touring several local communities, Betsy’s mom decided Seasons was where she wanted to call home.

Betsy says, “We no longer worry, we have peace of mind that Mom has a full social calendar, and is having fantastic meals prepared by Chef Dennis Glosser. She participates in programs that are entertaining and educational.”

As a Sales Counselor at Seasons Betsy knew the adjustment can be tough, but during a recent conversation with her mom, her mom shared she doesn’t miss her house of 33 years. That’s when the family knew, Seasons had truly become her home.

Seasons invites you to visit by calling 457-4731 to schedule a tour or personal appointment. It takes SEASONS see page 14

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Cedar Village hosts art show and reception on April 28 Cedar Village Retirement Community, located in Mason, will hold an Opening Minds through Art show and reception on Thursday, April 28 from 6-7 p.m. The public is invited to attend this free event that showcases dozens of original works of art created by individuals with dementia.

Opening Minds through Art, OMA, is part of a partnership between Cedar Village and the Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University. OMA is based on the principle that individuals with dementia are capable of expressing themselves creatively. OMA is not about creating art and no one who participates is or was an artist.

Rather, it is about helping individuals to make choices, to find a way to express themselves even when their language skills are limited or nonexistent.

The results of OMA are measured by observing participant behavior and interaction, a qualitative index of their engagement. The results have been remarkable. In addition to the incredible art work that has been created, participating in OMA promotes social engagement, autonomy and dignity through the experience of creative self-expression.

Each weekly session of OMA begins with 15 individuals with dementia matched up on a one-to-one ratio with a caring volunteer. The volunteers do not create the art. Instead, they monitor, encourage and assist. OMA's founder, Elizabeth Lokon, shares a completed work of art – from calligraphy to embroidery, from painting to sculpture – as inspiration for the day's project.

Each participant receives their supplies for the day, packaged like a gift, and then they use them to create their own interpretation of the example.

Caregivers report tremendous benefits from participating in the program.

Sharon Eilerman, caregiver to OMA participant Albert Paul, said, “He loves going to OMA. He lights up and is so engaged with his partner. He talks and converses with others and he's so proud each week of his completed, solid, art

Cedar Village is a not-for-profit retirement community, located at 5467 Cedar Village Drive in Mason. Formed by the merger of two longtime Cincinnati Jewish nursing homes, Cedar Village opened its doors in March 1997.

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project. It's been so wonderful to watch him excel in this fabulous program.”

Opening Minds through Art is conducted by Scripps Gerontology Center, an Ohio Center of Excellence at Miami University and made possible by the Fisher Foundation, the Cedar Village May-Drury Fund in memory of Polly Anne and Edwin P. Drury, with special thanks to Dr. Gordon Margolin.

Cedar Village is a not-for-profit retirement community, located at 5467 Cedar Village Drive in Mason. Formed by the merger of two longtime Cincinnati Jewish nursing homes, Cedar Village opened its doors in March 1997.

For more information, call 754-3100.

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Enjoy the best years of your life at Sutton Grove Enjoy the best years of your life making friends, being active, living fulfilled at Sutton Grove.

Fun. Comfortable.

Relaxing. Secure. That's what you call home that's what you'll call Sutton Grove.

Sutton Grove is a hidden treasure in the heart of Mount Washington, within walking distance to Kroger, local banks, the library, post office and pharmacy.

It is a peaceful and secluded independent retirement community designed for your pleasure and living enjoyment.

Seventy-five spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments are located on three floors. Elevator service accesses the second and third floors.

The apartments are unfurnished, so you More importantly, you're not can surround yourself just a resident at Sutton Grove, with your own furniyou're a member of a family. ture, pictures and decorations so you feel The home health care right at home. agency, on-site seven days Weekly housekeeping, a week, helps to promote nutritious meals and most maximum independence activities are included in your monthly rent, which and dignity while providing such services as starts at the reasonable bathing, dressing, medicarate of $950 a month.

There are pet-friendly and tion reminders and assistance with other daily livpet-free areas, as well.

Residents also have the ing activities.

More importantly, choice to have meals you're not just a resident included in their rent or at Sutton Grove, you're a cook on their own.

Although Sutton Grove member of a family.

You're known by name is an independent living and cared about. community, personalized For more information support and health care or to arrange a tour, call services can be designed 231-0008. for your individual needs by a home health care agency.

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ideo games offer kids developmental, social benefits, study shows

ears about video games often grab headlines, but a growing body of research shows that video games can actually be beneficial to your child’s development.

Kids can learn academics, social interaction and cooperation and even history from video games, a new report shows.

The study, spearheaded by Cheryl K. Olson, a researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Center for Mental Health and Media in Boston, indicated video game benefits can include: • Providing an outlet for creativity; • Allowing children and teens to try on roles (from new sports to different personalities or professions) in a safe environment; • Providing practice in planning and recognizing consequences; • Helping manage difficult emotions; • Promoting interest in exercise and sports; • Improving visual/spatial skills; • Nourishing self esteem, pride and socialization skills.

So how can parents ensure their children are reaping benefits from game playing, while avoiding possible negatives for their emotional and physical well-being? Experts agree on several points:

Get educated “One reason parents may be concerned about video games is that they don’t feel comfortable with the controls,” says Olson, an assistant cliniVIDEO see page 15

SEASONS from page 12 something special to be¬ a true community. Come see what that difference is at Seasons. Seasons will be happy to share with you what makes them the right place for your loved

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one whether you are looking for Independent Living, Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing.

Start living the life you deserve at the price you can afford.

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fair amount of reading.”

VIDEO from page 14

Establish boundaries

sons, Olson’s latest research shows. “It’s just fun” was the primary reason cited by both boys and girls for playing video games, but other reasons included the challenge of mastering the game, the joy of learning something new, and the desire to relax.

“Parents may worry about the appeal of violent content in games, but our research suggests that children enjoy video games more for the chance to figure out Keep an open mind problems, express creResearch has ativity, compete with shown that video games can have many friends, and even teach friends how to play,” benefits for children, Olson notes.

• ESRB.org, the from building eye“A game doesn’t home page of the hand coordination, to have to be labeled Entertainment teaching important Software Rating Board. math, reading and spa- ‘educational’ to benefit The website allows tial skills, to providing children. For example, recent games such as parents to search for a a means of socializaBakugan and the specific game by title tion and an outlet for Professor Layton series or publisher, learn its negative feelings. build problem-solving ESRB rating and why Children play video skills, and sneak in a the board awarded games for many reacal professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.

“A mom who’s not sure whether a comic book or a movie is appropriate for her child can flip or fastforward through it. If she’s worried about a video game, but lacks the skill to play it, she’s left frustrated and a bit embarrassed.”

Fortunately, parents can find plenty of resources online to help them better understand a particular game and the affect it might have on their child, including:

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that rating. The ESRB assigns ratings to help parents determine if a game is appropriate for their child.

• Grandtheftchildhood.c om, Olson’s website with information drawn from her book by the same name. The site explores a variety of issues relating to video games and offers perspective backed by Olson’s own research and the work of many others.

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Experts agree that it is a parent’s right and responsibility to set boundaries for children and teens, including healthy limits on video game play. As with other media, parents need to choose video games wisely. Parental controls for game consoles and computers help parents restrict what games their children play based on age-based ESRB ratings. They may also consider limiting where their child can play. Moving the video game console out of the teen’s or child’s room and into a common area of the house keeps parents tuned in to what their child is playing, and makes it harder for a child to choose games over sleep. With games that promote social and interactive play, and encourage fun physical activity, parents might find themselves drawn into their children’s games.

“Allowing your child to teach you how to play a video game is a great way to build your relationship and share interests.” Olson says.

“As with any activity a child is interested in, parental involvement and guidance can help a child get the greatest benefit from it.”

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guide to seafood for every taste and any budget

ome diners are often intimidated to try seafood or may think it’s too expensive to enjoy regularly. But with the wide assortment of types and dishes available today, there is an option out there for every taste and any budget. It’s easy to find fresh, delicious, affordable seafood meals the whole family will enjoy.

New England Lobster Rolls.

Seafood expert and Red Lobster Executive Chef Michael LaDuke offers tips for navigating your way to a perfect seafood meal.

• Start simple.

When eating seafood for the first time, or introducing seafood to kids, start with something simple.

Try shrimp as a topping on a salad or your favorite pizza.

Shrimp is great seafood for beginners because it is widely available and very reasonably priced.

• Try it grilled.

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Seafood is often prepared ovenbroiled or sauteed, but why not try your next piece of fresh fish, such as salmon, grilled over an open flame?

“Wood-fire grilling sears in the natural juices of fresh fish while adding subtle flavor,” says LaDuke. “Not to mention, grilling is a healthful way to prepare protein-rich seafood.”

with a sauce or topping you already know and love. A well-known seasoning, like Parmesan cheese, or a common crusted topping, like pecans, can be paired with your favorite fresh fish and add a new dimension to your meal. A good fish for seafood beginners is tilapia, because of its mild taste and light texture.

• Find comfort in familiar flavors.

Broadening your seafood horizons is easy when you start

• Create your own combination.

Next time you’re dining at a seafood restaurant, order a combination plate,

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which allows you to savor multiple flavors and try different preparations at the same time.

This lets you discover the type of seafood you enjoy the most.

• Discover daily specials. A special or standalone menu is a great place to find new or unique dishes to try.

“Ask a seafood expert about daily specials and promotions,” says LaDuke. “This is often where the chef can get a little more creative with tastes.”

It also allows you to rely on the advice of a trusted resource to find new seafood varieties like rainbow trout, mahi-mahi or halibut.

• Get great seafood at a great value. Quality seafood doesn’t have to cost a pretty penny. Instead, try premium seafood like lobster in a more approachable dish like soup or a sandwich.

As you decide what your next seafood meal will be, consider Chef LaDuke’s advice and know that even with so many options to choose from, there are a host of great tasting dishes for every taste and any budget.

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