West/Northwest Creative Living - July 2011

CreativeLiving Features 6 8

Be your own advocate Get the important information you need from your doctor.

Prevent your child from being cyberbullied Tips for taking a stand against online bullies.

Editor’s note I remember being picked on when I was growing up.

Kids can sometimes be so cruel to one another. It’s important to be sensitive to this fact, especially as schooltime draws near.

Children today face many difficulties and many different types of abuse from bullies. We’ve all heard about the horror stories of cyberbullying. Take the time to read this issue’s article on how to prevent this type of abuse. It’s important to protect our children, to communicate with them, and to take a stand for them. This article will give some helpful tips on where and how to begin.

Also in this issue be sure to take a look at the article about being your own health care advocate. Just as it is important to protect our children, it is important to protect ourselves.

Knowledge, as always, is our most important weapon.

Specialty Publications Editor

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

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Topics 3 Health & Fitness Mind • Body • Spirit

Out 9 Dining Local eateries

Living 4 Senior Care • Home

Business 10 Local Goods • Services

to School 8 Back Education

Home 11 At Decorating • Improvement

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.

For advertising call 687-4614.

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“After years of struggling with a A sleep apnea sufferer and oral appli- CPAP machine, I was overjoyed to find ance patient himself, Dr. Kitzmiller an oral appliance that worked to treat knows first hand the effects of sleep my snoring and sleep apnea. My mouth apnea and the benefits of his oral appliappliance is easy to use, does not restrict ance. His patients are thrilled with the my motions, and very portable when comfort and convenience of their oral traveling. My husband is grateful too!” appliance too! said Anne S. “The Somnodent is wonderful! It has Call Dr. Kitzmiller at 513-248-8848 to replaced my big, cumbersome CPAP schedule your complimentary consultamachine and bite guard. I no longer tion to see how Oral Appliance Therapy have to take it and distilled water along could be an option for you too!

Dr. Kitzmiller treats his snoring and sleep apnea patients with Oral Appliance Therapy

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Make a splash with Aquaris Can you imagine jumping into the swimming pool with your hearing aids on . . . on purpose? Life was meant to be lived fully, and everyday things like rain, sweat, or even swimming, shouldn't bring yours to a halt.

A new, completely waterproof hearing aid from Siemens allows you to keep hearing-and living-no matter what the weather or the activities you enjoy. The Aquaris is flexible, efficient, and watertight, resisting not just moisture, but also dust and dirt that can impede hearing aid function. It is also scratch-proof and virtually shock-proof.

With Aquaris, you're not sacrificing great hearing for these revolutionary features. This hearing aid also performs exceptionally and provides incomparable sound clarity and comfort in every situation. Aquaris prevents feedback before it starts, learns and automatically adjusts to your hearing preferences regardless of the environment, and also senses when someone is talking to you, no matter what direction the voice is coming from. It also comes in five

nature-themed colors and two designs so you can choose what best fits your preferences and lifestyle.

Several accessories are available as well, including a waterproof carrying case, sport clip, and wireless streaming device, to help you live actively and stay connected to your technology.

Sharon Christopherson, owner/audiologist at Christopherson & Clark Hearing Center, has over 30 years of experience in providing professional and thoughtful hearing care and has earned her patients' confidence in understanding their individual needs.

Sharon and her associate, Amy Smith, welcome the opportunity to serve you, too.

If you or someone you know is looking to enjoy every decibel of life to its fullest, call (513) 598-9444 today to make an appointment for a hearing consultation and free demonstration of this remarkable, resilient technology.

Clovernook celebrates 30 years of service Clovernook Health Care Pavilion is celebrating 30 years of serving the Tristate community as a long term care facility specializing in wound care and rehabilitation.

The wound care at Clovernook is like no other in the region!

According to Amy Mullowney, administrator: “Clovernook’s greatest asset is the employees that serve the residents who live here. You can not teach people to care and we have the most caring in the industry.�

The majority of the employees that work at Clovernook have longevity of five plus years of service.

Clovernook is set on six beautifully, landscaped acres and is cen-

trally located in the middle of Hamilton County.

Clovernook continually updates the building and grounds in order to stay fresh and clean looking.

The facility has just renovated some resident rooms making them large, deluxe private quarters with flat screen televisions with satellite, refrigerators, sofas, and private baths.

Clovernook will be recognizing their 30-year team members: Betty Christophel, STNA; Diane Harper, housekeeping and laundry director; Phyllis Radford, laundry assistant; and Cindy Hibbs, LPN. These ladies have dedicated their careers to serving the residents at Clovernook.

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How to choose the right home care agency for you A patient may be frail and unable to make some decisions on their own.

They may rely on the help of family or friends.

Selection of a home health care agency is a decision that should be based on needs.

Discharge planners, physicians, and senior centers can serve as advisors when choosing a reputable home care agency.

Hillebrand Home Health provides free assessments to determine the most cost effective care plan. Per visit or hourly rates vary by agency, skill level, acuity of care, length and timing of services.

Hillebrand Home Health has prepared a list of questions for you to ask when choosing the right agency for you: 1. What services do we need?

2. What will they cost and how often will we be billed?

3. What happens when our Medicare and/or private insurance runs out?

4. Will the same person be reliable, dependable and available throughout all care?

5. Is there a nursing supervisor who oversees all care and will help address any questions or problems that may arise?

6. Does the agency screen all caregivers by reference checks, fingerprinting and criminal background checks?

7. Will the nursing supervisor keep our physician informed of the progress or decline that our loved one is making?

8. How often is the Plan of Care updated?

9. Will the agency teach

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our family caregivers the health care skills so that the patient Dr. Matthew Witsken, can work M.D. Medical Director, towards Hillebrand Home Health regaining independence?

10. Is the agency Medicare and Medicaid certified? Is the agency a provider through the Council on Aging?

11. How long has the

agency been in business?

12. Does the agency have 24 hour/day, 7 days-aweek services?

The focus is to promote the emotional, physical, and spiritual enrichment of each person.

Most individuals do not know that in the State of Ohio home care agencies do not have to be licensed. What this means is that basically anyone can start a home health care agency, so you want to make sure that the company you choose has a good reputation and has experience in the health care field. Hillebrand Home Health has been licensed since its inception in 1993. You should also choose a company that is certified or accredited

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through Medicare and/or another government agency such as Medicaid or the Council on Aging.

For more information on Hillebrand Home Health, call 598-HOME. They are located at 4343 Bridgetown Road. Their goal is to promote the emotional, physical, and spiritual enrichment of each person. Call today and learn how this accredited home health agency can best serve you and your loved one.

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Be yourown advocate: Get the

both her and her family.

One day, about a year into her marriage, Williams became extremeBe your own advocate. Talk to your doctor to stay informed about your disease. ly bloated and This they lack access to credican be ble and reliable informa- experienced terrible stomchallenging if a person’s tion, causing them to feel ach pains which came on suddenly. Her husband cancer is considered rare, alone in dealing with knew something was seriwhich is defined by the their disease, according ously wrong when he National Institutes of to a national survey.

Health as a cancer that For many like newly- found her unconscious on the floor from pain. affects fewer than 200,000 wed Carolina Williams, He immediately people. getting the right diagnobrought her to the emerPatients with rare sis and information gency room. There a cancers are more likely about her GIST, a rare than those with more and life-threatening can- physician conducted a CAT scan which revealed common cancers to say cer, was important to a large mass in her stom-

information you

need Getting a diagnosis of any kind of cancer can be frightening. One of the first things many patients do is learn everything they can about their illness, including what options for disease management and treatment are available.

ach that was diagnosed as a benign cyst. After four days of medical procedures to drain the cyst, a 7-pound solid tumor was removed and tested for cancer.

“Once my doctor removed the tumor, I wanted to make sure that the hospital did the proper tests to check if the mass was cancerous,” said Williams.

“I wasn’t going to leave it up to chance so I requested that an oncologist perform the tests. I am glad that I pushed for this, because I was soon diagnosed with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor, or GIST, which is considered a rare form of cancer. I was then able to get the information I needed to help understand my disease,” she said.

When it comes to helping manage their own disease and acting as their own advocate, patients should seek out resources both through their physicians and reliable online websites.

For some rare cancers, like GIST, there are a number of online resources, including www.GISTTheFactsInfo.c om, an educational site for GIST patients and their families that was developed by Novartis Oncology.

“It is so important for people with cancer, especially those with a rare cancer like me, to act as their own advocate when it comes to getting the right diagnosis, disease information and ultimately the right disease management plan,” said Williams.

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Cedar Village Community celebrates Rehabilitation Center grand opening Cedar Village Retirement light therapy; recumbent bikes; resistive Community, located in Mason, recently knee exercisers; weighted arm pulleys; celebrated the grand opening of their rehabilitation treadmills; parallel bars newly expanded Rehabilitation Center. and large screen “Wii-habilitation” activWith board members, elected officials ities. In addition Biodex balance trainers and a proclamation by the Mayor and are the newest balance testing and trainCity Council of Mason, the grand open- ing tool available. With four test protoing was well attended cols and six training and provided a firstmodes, the Biodex helps hand tour of the new identify individuals who “Our grand opening of facility before it are predisposed to injury opened to the public. and can help improve stathe new Rehabilitation The Rehabilitation bilization and range of Center was a Center at Cedar motion.

Village is now open For life skills practice, tremendous success.” and offers outpatient the Rehabilitation Center and inpatient therapy has a full size kitchen, in a brand new state-of-the art therapy laundry, bedroom and bathroom suite gym and an updated and remodeled 50- incorporated into the therapy gym that bed inpatient unit. The Rehabilitation allows therapists to work directly with Center has an experienced staff of thera- patients in a safe and supervised setting. pists who provide consistency and speAdjacent outdoor spaces include a garcialize in all forms of therapy including dening area for horticulture therapy, as occupational, physical and speech. well as sidewalks, grass and ground for Therapy is available seven days per practice with walking. week.

The Rehabilitation Center also offers The Rehabilitation Center is designed driving assessments which are an addito meet individual patient needs. After tional component for successful rehabilihospitalization, inpatients recuperate tation. This screening includes cognitive and rehabilitate following surgery, illand physical skills tests as well as in-car ness or injury with the help of highly assessments which are important tools trained staff and equipment that can to ensure safety behind the wheel. adjust for all levels of care. Outpatients “Our grand opening of the new can continue their progress with their Rehabilitation Center was a tremendous same therapy team as they regain their success,” said CEO/President of Cedar strength and return to their daily lives.

Village Carol Silver Elliott. “We are The Rehabilitation Center therapy thrilled to offer this vital service to the gym incorporates active therapies comCincinnati community.” monly referred to as therapeutic exerThe Rehabilitation Center at Cedar cise. Improved outcomes are accomVillage is a nonprofit facility accepting plished with the help of state-of-the-art new patients. Call 754-3100 to schedule equipment including a medical laser for a tour today.

ADVOCATE from page 6 “Working with my doctor and learning more about my disease has helped me focus on the other important things in my life, including enjoying time with my husband and taking care of my son. They mean the world to me.”

About Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) GIST is a rare, life-threatening cancer of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Most cases of GIST develop in the stomach or small bowel. They often do not cause any specific symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose and to treat.

The exact number of people diagnosed with GIST each year is not known. In the U.S. alone, the incidence of GIST is estimated to be up to 6,000 new cases each year.

For more information about GIST, go to www.GISTTheFactsInfo.com.

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Parents prevent your child from being a victim of cyberbullying

More than 20 percent of today’s U.S. students report being a victim of cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying, the bullying of a person through the use of an electronic device such as a computer or cell phone, is becoming a growing national problem.

Anyone can be a victim of cyberbullying, but students are frequent targets.

From fake Facebook pages, to the posting of embarrassing videos and photos, to Kick a Ginger Day (harassing red-headed people based on a 2005 episode of “South Park”), more than 20 percent of today’s U.S. students, ages 10 to 18, report being a victim of cyberbullying (26 percent for girls versus 16 percent for boys).

Because of a number of highly publicized cases of cyberbullying – including most recently, the suicide of a Rutgers University freshman whose roommate posted a video of the student having sex in his dorm room – colleges, school districts, law enforcement and state legislatures are taking action to address cyberbullying.

More than two dozen states have specifically enacted legislation or updated statutes to address the growing problem of cyberbullying, according to FindLaw.com, the leading online resource for legal information.

Most new laws mandate that school districts enact policies involving cyberbullying, and take steps to suspend or expel

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students who engage in it.

Here are some tips from FindLaw.com on what parents can do now to prevent cyberbullying, and what to do if you suspect that your child is being singled out by cyberbullies: • Ask about friends or other kids. Your child may be reluctant to open up about being the victim of cyberbullying.

Start the conversation by asking your child if he has heard about other kids at school who have been victimized.

Because girls are more likely to be targets of cyberbullying, ask your student about groups of girls being mean to other groups or a specific girl, or if they’ve heard about boys texting inappropriate photos of girls.

• Watch for signs. Does your child seem withdrawn? Reluctant to use some forms of technology?

Maybe depressed?

These are generalizations, but if you’ve noticed any changes in your child’s behavior, he or she may be the victim of technology

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torment.

Have you noticed your child exiting out of a computer screen or smart phone quickly when you walk into a room?

Is he or she spending an increasing amount of time on the Internet each day (specifically at night) or using multiple online accounts? Your child could be a cyberbully.

• Set boundaries. It’s critical to talk to your child about cyberbullying – what it is and what to do if your child feels threatened. In addition, parents should set clear boundaries about your young person’s use of technology.

Clearly communicate your expectations for responsible use of technology and that, while you respect your child’s privacy, you intend to monitor it.

Explain the consequences if you believe your child is abusing or misusing technology such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, an email account or mobile device, or if it is interfering with their schoolwork.

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• “It’s just a joke.” Many kids may not perceive that they are involved in cyberbullying.

Creating a fake Facebook page, sending embarrassing photos of another student to each other with a cell phone or other actions involving the Internet or mobile communications may be perceived by kids as “normal,” what other kids at their school do, or as “a joke” or “prank.”

In fact, based on school policies or local or state laws, those “jokes” could get your child in a lot of trouble.

• It’s illegal.

Cyberbullying is serious and, in a handful of states, illegal.

If your child is involved in cyberbullying another child, he or she could face legal consequences, and you, as a parent, could become embroiled in a lawsuit if the parents of a student victimized by your child sue your child for emotional damages.

In a growing number of cases across the country, students are being held responsible for cyberbullying, facing consequences that range from expulsion from school to prosecution.

• Passwords are private.

Tell your kids not to share their online passwords with friends.

A common way that kids bully each other online (posting hurtful comments or sending fake messages) is to do so from another kid’s account.

• Friends don’t send embarrassing photos. Make it clear to your child and his or her friends – it is not cool to send embarrassing photos taken at school events, parVICTIM see page 10

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YMCA committed to community The YMCA has been committed to serving the community by providing quality child care for more than 30 years. They are the largest provider of child care programs in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area.

Tucked in the quiet community of Covedale is the Child Development Center West at 4991 Cleves Warsaw Pike. They offer child development programs Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for children ages 1.5 years to 10 years The Center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. They have been awarded three stars, the highest ranking,

by Ohio’s voluntary tiered licensing system, Step Up to Quality. Three stars indicates that the curriculum is an evi-

dence-based program aligned with Ohio’s Early Learning Standards and includes a child assessment system, as well as parent engagement components.

The YMCA’s Child Development programs are partnered with a wide range of community organizations to connect families, improve program delivery, and support children’s transitions to school.

Their professional staff is committed to providing programs that support the health and well being of young children in a learning environment that builds critical thinking abilities, reading readiness, learning processes, and fosters social and emotional growth. All lead teachers have college degrees.

To learn more about the Child Development Center or to schedule a tour of the facility please call 921-0911.

Where everybody knows your name Alan and Diane East know all their regulars by name. Every day they watch the door, hold it open, and welcome them home to Diane’s, Western Hills’ very own home style restaurant.

“We want people to feel at ease when they walk through our door,” says co-owner Alan. “We treat you how we’d want to be treated.”

The home style eatery

is family owned and operated. Their main dishes are homemade meat loaf and home style pot roast.

And they’re known for their blackberry cobbler.

The burgers are another popular item.

“Everybody claims theirs are the best in town,” said Alan, “But I’m tellin’ ya, every body who tries our burgers says they are the best.”

What really sets

Diane’s apart is the genuine personable service.

“How many restaurants do you know of where the owner talks to the people and knows them by name?” Alan asked.

Don’t worry, if you’ve never been, they’re looking forward to get to know you. Stop in today. Visit Diane’s at 1951 Anderson Ferry Road in Western Hills or call 451-6500.

Call 687-4614 to advertise in

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S.I. Concrete/Designs: Don’t replace - resurface Looking for an affordable way to increase the value and beauty of your home? S.I. Concrete/ Designs, a division of S.I. Pool Care can help.

Whether you’re looking into a new addition such as a pool deck, walkway, porch or patio or simply want to renovate your existing concrete, S.I. Concrete/Designs has the artistic ability to make your

dream project a reality.

“Sometimes the concrete is so deteriorated you have to tear it out and pour new concrete. We can do that for you,” explained owner Sam Ionna. “Many times, however, the basic foundation is in good shape, but the concrete is dull, chipped or cracked. In those cases we can do a simple repair, add an overlay, saving the

homeowner money.”

The overlay used by S.I. Concrete/Designs comes in colors so you can match your project perfectly to your home.

The overlay can even be stamped!

Concrete just isn’t for the outdoors, according to Sam. S.I. Concrete/Designs have created breathtakingly gorgeous floors and kitchen countertops.

“You can make that boring, unattractive countertop look like slate or marble,” he explained.

They also offer concrete staining including a vari-

The S.I. Pool Care family.

ety of colors and designs.

As with S.I. Pool Care, Sam, his family and the other S.I. Concrete/ Designs employees are dedicated to providing the best quality service to

their customers. They will work with you to make your dream project a quality completed reality.

For more information on S.I. Concrete/Designs call 859-331-4110.

VICTIM from page 8 ties, dances and other events to other students, who may ridicule or taunt the student in the embarrassing photo.

• It can haunt you. What many kids and adults don’t realize is that what you post on Facebook and other social media can remain accessible on the Internet for years and years.

Those hurtful comments, snide remarks and embarrassing photos (including inappropriate photos of their bodies or body parts) can be searched by college admissions offices and future employers.

sad, but true: Students can be intimidated and bullied by their teachers and school coaches, too. Insist that your young person always copies you, the parent, on any and all messages with their teachers and coaches.

• School policy. Find out if your school has a policy about cyberbullying.

Many schools are just starting to develop these policies (in some states, schools are mandated to do so under state law).

Unlike physical or verbal bullying that takes place on school grounds, most cyberbullying takes place outside of nor• Others are watching. Parents mal school hours. should strongly recommend to their kids Going through your Parent Teacher that they never, ever post or send to Organization (PTO or PTA), advocate anyone photos of themselves in sexually that your school set a policy for cybersuggestive poses. bullying outside of school hours.

There have been numerous legal cases of boyfriends forwarding photos • Safe place. Cyberbullying is very of their girlfriends (or ex-girlfriends) to real and it is possible that your student other students. could at some point be one of its victims.

Such photos can make their way to Ask your school to create a safe place the Internet and into the watchful eyes or resource for kids to report cyberbullyof child porn addicts. ing – such as a voicemail tip line – and ask your school to invite speakers to • Monitor emails with teachers. It’s address the issue.

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AE Door & Window can help you increase the value of your home Ready for a change but can’t afford to or don’t really want to move?

Do what many families across the Tristate are – look to AE Door & Window.

With a new garage door and energy efficient windows you can change the look of your home while increasing its value.

For more than 30 years, AE Door & Window Co. has been the leader in residential and commercial garage doors, entry and storm doors, garage door openers, windows and just recently awnings.

Benefits of a new garage door Give your home a whole new personality by replacing your garage door. Sure, a door that moves up and down isn’t amazing, but a door that moves you is another matter altogether! With today’s garage doors accounting for 30 percent more of a home’s facade, homeowners are increasingly looking to make their doors an integral part of the overall design. So, who better to turn to than America’s favorite garage door manufacturer – Clopay!

At AE Door & Window, they know you not only need to live with them, but they want you to

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look forward to seeing them every day. And, with the Clopay product, they are built to last. So, come in and let AE Door & Window help you find the perfect door for your home. Then be amazed as you increase your curb appeal.

Don’t worry about security.

An operating garage door can help protect the items in your garage.

Benefits of new windows Choosing your windows is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as you remodel your home. And, choosing the

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right window system for your home should be the most important factor in the decision. Why? AE Door & Window knows that the right windows can provide years of comfort and beauty while saving you hundreds of dollars on your energy bills.

AE Door & Window chose Aeris Windows to bring convenience and durability to your home. Available with different glass options, colors and superior designs, Aeris Windows are safe, secure, and energy efficient.

These windows help reduce noise and add a protective reinforcement from outside elements.

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Let AE Door & Window bring beauty, comfort and security to your home with Aeris Windows.

About AE Door & Window For more than 30 years, AE Door & Window Co. has been the leader in residential and commercial garage doors, entry and storm doors, garage door openers, windows and just recently awnings.

AE Door & Window works very hard to offer the best possible products at the most competitive pricing, along with the most professional installation and service departments possible.

Some satisfied customers include Kentucky Speedway, the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cincinnati Reds.

For more information on AE Door & Window visit or contact one of their show rooms, 1260 West Sharon Road, Cincinnati, 513-742-1984 or 8430 U.S. 42, Florence, 859-283-1984 or visit aedoorsales.com.

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