Syracuse parent jan2014

January 2014

Being Sue Edson

Balancing family, life and a career in SU Athletics

Safety first on the slopes!

A Resolution Q&A

family

FYI

some helpful information for your family

Be an active family on your next vacation

If this is the case, avoid a tropical resort for the next family trip and think about implementing more activity and recreation into the travel itinerary. An active vacation is a trip that is built around physical activity. Instead of keeping the poolside chaise warm, you may be participating in a walking tour or hiking across a national park.

Such vacations provide a respite from the daily grind and benefit the mind and body.

Estimates from U.S. News and World Report suggest that active travel accounted for $60 billion in vacation spending in 2007.

Over the past five years, the number of people interested in active vacations has continued to grow and, as a result, more destinations are catering to such vacationers. Those ready to embark on an active vacation can choose from a host of options and locales. The varieties of activities are abundant!

Horseback riding: Making a trek on horseback is a great way to see the countryside from a new perspective. Many resorts worldwide offer horseback riding in which you can tour mountains, crags, trails, and

other adventures. Some resorts pair horseback trekking with camping and other activities for a well-rounded adventure.

and sounds of the city as a pedestrian and mingle with locals as you squeeze in some shopping.

Water sports: Many vacationers enjoy water sports like kayaking, canoeing, river rafting, riding jet skis, surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Depending on your skill level, you may be able to work with a water sports company that offers experienced guides to help you through some of the more challenging parts of the trip. Some vacation providers also may offer training and certification, such as becoming SCUBA certified.

Mountain climbing: Boost adrenaline levels by scaling mountains or rocky crags nearby. Many companies offer climbing courses so you can learn before exploring.

Rely on experienced climbers to assess your skill level and choose mountain ranges that match up well with your skill level. Novice climbers may be able to rent gear if they’re not yet ready to purchase.

Biking and hiking: There are thousands of miles of trails just waiting to be explored.

Many national parks and wildlife refuges have walking and biking trails, or you can create your own travel itinerary and explore trails less traveled.

Biking and walking tours also are possible in urban areas.

See the sights

Volunteering: Volunteering allows you to marry a vacation with social consciousness. For example, Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit with worldwide reach that helps make affordable housing a reality. You may be able to volunteer your time helping to build houses or making improvements anywhere in the world.

BLESSED SACRAMENT SCHOOL

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For many families, taking a snooze on a white-sand beach is not really an alluring activity. Think about how often your kids are in favor of taking a nap when they’re at home and not on a beach!

3 year olds through 6th grade Elementary School Accredited by the Middle States Commission Offering Faith, Knowledge, Discipline, Morals, and Dividends for Life since 1931.

Providing your child with academic excellence in a positive and personal environment!

Tours available. Call for an appointment.

Open House on January 29th 2014 6:00 - 7:30 pm

3219 James Street • Syracuse, NY 13206 315-463-1261 • www.blessedsacramentschool.org

some helpful information for your family

family

FYI

Travel top-notch to Walt Disney World •If there is a character that your child DISCOVERY CHARACTERS:

desperately wants to meet, look for the printed guides, or find a cast member with access to a phone and ask them to call the CHIP Hotline. They’ll be able to find your character’s scheduled appearance times and locations, if any, for the day.

TRAVELING WITH INFANTS? •Each park has a Baby Center, usually

near First Aid, where parents can buy diapers, wipes, baby food and other essentials. This quiet area also has highchairs, kid-sized potties and private rooms for nursing moms.

TREASURES: •YouHIDDEN may already know about Hidden

Mickeys (Imagineers subtly "hide" Mickey Mouse silhouettes in plain sight), but did you know there has been a

tribute to the late, beloved Mouseketeer, Annette Funicello hidden in the parks for years? Look for "A net full of Jell-O" hanging from the ceiling in the Muppet Vision 3D pre-show area in Disney's Hollywood Studios.

DINING SECRETS: •When you're booking dining reserva-

tions at Disney's Hollywood Studios, ask for the Fantasmic! Dinner Package, available at certain participating restaurants within the park. In exchange for eating an earlier dinner, you'll get reserved seating for the park's amazing nighttime show.

Bonus: It's FREE!

For more information on your first or next Walt Disney World Vacations, contact your local AAA Travel Center, Call 1.888.320.5631 or click AAA.com. Carol A. DiOrio is the Assistant Vice President at AAA Western and Central New York. She can be reached at (315) 451.5914.

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Although I have visited Walt Disney World many times, I recently had the opportunity to visit the park with a few close friends that have never been there before. On one evening during that short trip, I was lucky to be their escort around the park. The look of childlike awe on their faces, combined with the laughter of pure joy that escaped their mouths, was worth every stomach-dropping minute that I endured plummeting down Splash Mountain with them earlier that same day. Enjoying the sheer excitement while watching adults wave to Mickey during the evening Electrical Parade as it floats down Main Street was priceless.

Want to make the most out of your Walt Disney World vacation? Here are four of the most common tips and littleknown tidbits that I shared with guests

when I worked there.

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By Carol A. DiOrio

JANUARY 2014 SYRACUSE PARENT

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meals in minutes

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fast and easy meals to get your family to the table on time

Skillet goulash

Ingredients:

1/2 pound elbow macaroni 1 1/2 pounds ground beef 1/2 green pepper, chopped 1 onion, chopped 1 jar spaghetti sauce 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

Cook macaroni; drain and cover to keep warm. In a large skillet, brown the beef, pepper and onion over high heat for 6 to 8 minutes, or until no pink remains in the beef, stirring frequently. Drain off excess liquid. Add macaroni, spaghetti sauce, garlic powder, salt and black pepper; mix well. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer 5 to 7 minutes, or until heated through; serve.

Ready in: 15 min Prep time: 5 min Cook time: 10 min Yield: 1

Ready in: 30 min Prep time: 15 min

Cook time: 15 min Yield: 4

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Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich Ingredients

2 slices bread 2 tablespoons butter, softened 1 tablespoon sour cream 2 slices Swiss cheese 1 thick slice deli cooked chicken breast meat 1 slice deli ham

Directions

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Spread butter on the outsides and sour cream on the insides of the bread slices.

Layer sandwich as follows: Bread slice, cheese slice, chicken, ham, second cheese slice, second bread slice. In a small skillet over medium heat, grill sandwich until meat is heated through and cheese has melted.

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole Ingredients

8 saltine crackers 1/2 cup butter 1 large head cauliflower, steamed 1 can evaporated milk 1 cup mayonnaise 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

Steam cauliflower. Preheat the oven on broil. Crumble saltines into a small bowl

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SYRACUSE PARENT JANUARY 2014

and mash with butter until softened.

Place steamed cauliflower into a 9-by13-inch casserole dish. In saucepan, combine milk and mayonnaise with whisk, bringing it to a boil for one minute. Take pan from the heat and stir in cheese until melted. Pour over the cauliflower and crumble cracker mixture over the top.

Place into oven and broil until golden brown.

Ready in: 20 min Prep time: 10 min Cook time: 10 min Yield: 8

what’s inside

learning curve

healthy family

11We’re in this together:

13 How to prevent tip-over

A Resolution Q & A

12 Safety first on the slopes!

17 This is an open letter to

would-be pediatric doctors

accidents

from the editor 6 Looking back on... a not-solucky ‘13

calendar

4 Fast and easy meals for this year’s festivities

pay it forward 5 Melt Away the Midwinter Blues

family FYI 2 Be an active family on your next vacation

3 Travel top-notch to Walt Disney World

dollars & sense 18 Parents: Teach teens to under-

8 What’s happening around you

meals in minutes

contents

this winter season

safety zone

stand the value of the dollar

feature story 14 Being Sue Edson

7 Protecting children from lead poisoning

12 Safety first on the slopes!

16 ‘Back to Sleep’ is safest for your baby

Fundraiser

Melt Away the Midwinter Blues Fundraiser On Friday, Feb. 7, the CNY Brain Aneurysm Awareness Campaign will host its Melt Away the Midwinter Blues Fundraiser at Barbagallo’s Restaurant in East Syracuse. The event will run from 6 to 10 p.m.

Attendees will enjoy dinner, desserts, wine and spirit tastings from Varick Farm and Winery, Merritt Winery and Bailey’s.

Everyone will home a complementary bottle of wine sponsored by Varick Farm and Winery. Every hour, attendees will enjoy different entertainment, raffles and a silent auction.

The campaign is committed to helping those affected by a brain aneurysm, educating the public about brain aneurysms and funding research relating to brain aneurysms.

Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door and can be purchased at braincny.org.

JANUARY 2014 SYRACUSE PARENT

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from the editor

Looking back on… a not-so-lucky ’13

publisher

David B. Tyler

You know how it goes – some years are good, some are great and, well, some are not so great or downright horrible.

Not to be a Debbie Downer at a time when we should all be looking forward to a new, clean slate with optimism in our heart and opportunity on the agenda, but, looking back on 2013, I realize there were some things that were not so great…

To start out the year, I hit a deer less than a half-mile from my home.

I tore my ACL skiing in March and my basement flooded in December.

Poor me, right?

Not one to dwell on the negative, though, I find myself looking for the positives in 2013.

My children are healthy. My family is happy. We had a wonderful vacation in Disney in April and spent many weekends on the beach at my family’s camp during the summer. The kids continued to learn and grow at school and went to summer camp at Lourdes. They had fun with their friends, doing things like going apple picking (above, Cassidy is at left and Jacob is second from the right.)

Jacob remained active and successful in baseball, basketball and football and went to not one, but two, Buffalo Bills games with his best buddy, his dad.

Our littler cheerleader, Cassidy, got her layout and standing and running tuck this year, and joined her cheer team at the National Championships in Disney World for the second year in a row.

I worked at a job I love; my husband was busy with work projects this year, taught many college courses and published a book.

Our days in 2013 were busy, hectic and sometimes full of stress, but they were ours – and there was plenty of good to make up for the bad.

So, although 13 may be considered an unlucky number, I guess I’ll look back with fondness on 2013, warts and all.

Stay up-to-date with us on Twitter, @SRYparent, and at facebook.com/SyracuseParentMagazine.

Jennifer Wing editor

Jennifer Wing can be reached at jwing@eaglenewsonline.com

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SYRACUSE PARENT JANUARY 2014

434-8889 ext. 302 dtyler@eaglenewsonline.com

editor

Jennifer Wing 434-8889 ext. 340 editor@syracuseparent.net

associate editor

Farah F. Jadran 434-8889 ext. 306 calendar@syracuseparent.net

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Linda Jabbour 434-8889 ext. 304 ljabbour@eaglenewsonline.com

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creative director

Sean Haney 434-8889 ext. 331 art@eaglenewsonline.com We want your news! Contributions can be sent to Farah Jadran, Associate Editor, Syracuse Parent Magazine, 2501 James Street, Suite 100 Syracuse, New York 13206. Original contributions become the property of Syracuse Parent Magazine. Contributions cannot be acknowledged or returned. To contact us please call 315.434.8889, or fax 315.434.8883 Syracuse Parent Magazine is a unit of Community Media Group LLC. Published monthly. Deadline for advertising and calendar events is the 10th day of the month preceding publication. Display advertising rates available upon request. Syracuse Parent Magazine reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. We do not guarantee any of the information, services, or products published in this or any issue. The opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this paper. Copyright © 2008 by Syracuse Parent Magazine. No portion of Syracuse Parent Magazine may be reproduced without permission from the editor.

the best ways to play while keeping danger away

safety zone

Protecting children from lead poisoning Do you have a child under six years old in your life? If you do, it’s important to know how to protect that child from lead poisoning. First, make sure your child gets tested for lead at age one and two years old. Second, know where lead can be found indoors and out and make sure children are not getting lead on their hands, in their mouths or breathing it in.

While anyone can become lead poisoned, children are especially at risk because their bodies absorb lead more easily than adults. They are also more likely to put things in their mouth that have lead in them, such as chipped paint or toys and jewelry that contain lead.

The most common cause of lead poisoning is lead-based paint dust from older window frames, doors and trim or walls. Lead paint was used in homes built before 1978, after which a law was passed to remove it from household paint. When a home is repaired or renovated, lead paint can peel, chip

or flake from sanding and scraping. Dust that you can’t even see can be breathed in, causing lead poisoning. Lead dust can also settle on the child’s toys or get on his hands, which he may put in his mouth.

Why is lead poisoning so serious for children? Too much lead in the body can cause permanent damage to the brain and nervous system. This can lead to problems with learning and paying attention, slow their growth and development, cause hearing and speech problems,

and lead to aggressive behavior.

There is no safe level of lead exposure for children. And because most children with lead poisoning do not look or act sick, it is important to screen children who are six months to six years old for lead. Screening should be done at all check ups, or at least annually. The screening will let you and your doctor know if your child needs to be tested for lead at times other than the usual one and two years old. Talk to your doctor about lead screening and testing.

Children can be exposed to lead in many ways, from the toys they play with and the dirt in the yard they play in to the water they drink. Testing for lead helps ensure your child’s health now and in the future.

For more information on protecting children from lead poisoning, call the Madison County Health Department at 366-2361 or visit healthymadisoncounty. org.

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Faith & Values • Academic Excellence • Family & Community • Full Day Kindergarten • Hot Lunch Program • Pre-K - 6th grade • Art Appreciation • One of the top academic schools • Technology Classes integrated in a three-county area on NYS tests. throughout the school • Spanish taught beginning in • Transportation available • Tuition Scholarships available Kindergarten • Instrumental & Vocal Music Programs • After School Program

Everyone WINS, when everyone LOSES! Drop pounds and get in shape with the support of your friends and our instructors in this 8 week challenge program.

Open House January 23rd 4-6pm

ONLY $199 Applications Available

(315) 437-9417

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720 West Manlius Street E. Syracuse, NY 13057

33218

CNY Karate & Kobudo Schools

400 Salt Springs Street • Fayetteville • 637-3961 www.icschool.org Applications now being accepted. Please call for an appointment and personal tour.

Prestigious Middle States Accreditation

For every pound that you lose, you’ll get a buck back! If you lose the largest percentage of weight, you’ll get double back and free classes for two months!

CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED. SIGN UP TODAY! JANUARY 2014 SYRACUSE PARENT

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calendar

here is what’s happening around you

Tue Jan 7 FIRST STEPS. Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9:30 AM. Calling all Toddlers! First Steps is an action packed, language building program that features music, movement, rhymes and stories. For children who are good walkers. 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. 637-6374. fflib.org.

FABULOUS 4’S AND 5’S STORYTIME. Tuesdays at 10:30 AM. Help your preschooler get ready to read as we enjoy stories together and build important early literacy skills. 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville.

637-6374. fflib.org.

FFL QUILTING CLUB. 3 to 5 PM on Jan. 7 and 14. Beginners and experienced quilters welcome! We will be working on lap quilts.

Instruction provided, and we all help each other! You can choose to bring your own fabric and keep your quilt when finished, or use donated fabric and donate your finished quilt for use by local charitable agencies. Use on-site machines, or bring your own. Registration required. 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. 637-6374. fflib.org.

Wed Jan 8 TERRIFIC 2’S AND 3’S STORYTIME. Wednesdays at 10:30 AM. Nurture a love of books with your 2 or 3 year old. We will learn letters, sounds and words as we share stories, songs and rhymes. 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. 637-6374. fflib.org.

Read, Sing, Play Storytime.10 to 10:30 AM on Wednesdays.Brighten your winter Wednesdays with this lively program filled with stories, songs, rhymes and active movement games. January programs will have a winter theme. No registration is required.

Designed

primarily for ages 2-5. Paine Branch Library. 113 Nichols Ave, Syracuse. 435-5442.

Sat Jan 11 LITTLE MAKERS. 10:30 to 11:30 AM. Discover the new Little Makers play area! Read a story about electricity and learn about Lightup Little Bits Kits, then make light-up creations! This program promotes literacy and STEM skills. For children ages 5-8. Registration required.

300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. 637-6374. flib.org.

Toddlers’ Tango. 11 AM. Come to Children’s World for creative music and dance for your little ones. Toddlers’ Tango helps build self esteem and confidence through the incorporation of props and instruments to music; Free; Call 435-1900 with any questions.

(Parents must accompany children.) Robert P. Kinchen Central Library, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse.

SEW-A-THON FOR JOSEPH’S HOUSE. 10 AM to 2 PM Jan. 11 and 1 to 5 PM on Jan. 12. Join the members of the community as they sew items for local young mothers in need. They will be making sleep sacks and other simple projects the families in Joseph’s House. All are welcome as long as you can cut material, fold cloth or sew. If you are able to bring your own sewing machine, please do. The library also has six machines that will be available if you are not able to bring your own. 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. 637-6374. fflib.org.

Tue Jan 14 AUTHOR SKYPE WITH MARISA SILVER. 6:30 to 8 PM. Join in a lively discussion of the “Mary Coin” followed by a Skype with the author, Marisa Silver. 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. 637-6374. fflib.org.

Thu Jan 16 SMARTPLAY. 10:30 AM to Noon. Drop in and shop at the FFL Grocery Mart or put on your own puppet show. Play with games, puzzles, storyboards and more. Smartplay encourages discovery, creativity and the development of early literacy skills. Appropriate for young children ages 5 and below. 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. 637-6374.

Fri Jan 17 SYRACUSE CRUNCH VS. HERSHEY BEARS. 7 PM, The Oncenter War Memorial Arena, 800 S. State St., Syracuse; syracusecrunch.com.

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SYRACUSE PARENT JANUARY 2014

calendar Sat Jan18 SNOWMOBILE RIDE FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. 10 AM-1 PM . The town of Clay Recreation Office’s annual Snowmobile Ride for Children with Special Needs is an opportunity for parents or organizations that provide for special needs children, to allow them to experience one of New York state’s famous winter pastime in a controlled, safe fashion with experienced riders. Pre-registration required. Refreshments will be served. Contact Florence at 652-3800 x 139 to register.

If you have a two-person snowmobile or the ability to tow a sleigh, you can volunteer your time for a good cause. All snowmobiles must have current registration and insurance. Town of Clay Assessor Rob Bick will coordinate volunteer sleds. You can reach him at 6523800 x 116.

SU MEN’S BASKETBALL VS PITT. 4 PM. Come watch the Syracuse Orange Men’s Basketball team as they play against University of Pittsburgh. Ticket prices vary. Carrier Dome, 900 Irving Ave., Syracuse; suathletics.syr.edu.

YogaKids. 11 AM. Offering an interdisciplinary approach to learning that utilizes yoga practices and poses; Free; Call 435-1900 with any questions. Robert P. Kinchen Central Library, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse.

‘SNATCHABOOK’ STORYTIME. 11 AM. Featuring a special storytime with “The Snatchabook” by Helen Docherty & Thomas Docherty. Great for ages 3 to 6! Barnes & Noble. 449-2948. 3454 Erie Blvd East, DeWitt.

Sun Jan 19 SEWING 101. 3 to 5 PM. Never touched a sewing machine before?

Has it been years since you took Home Ec? This is the class for you!

Learn how to get started with sewing, practicing straight lines, curves, threading the machine and more. The library will provide the machines and any supplies you may need. A $5 nonrefundable fee is required to sign up for this class. 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. 637-6374.

Mon Jan 20 ELECTRICITY DAY! 1 to 5 PM. Boys and girls can drop into the FFL Fab Lab from 1 to 5 p.m. on this day off school and play with electricity using Snap Circuit and Little Bits Kits! 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville.

637-6374.

Thu Jan 23 It’s A Dance Party! 3:30 PM. Come shimmy and shake those winter blues away, listen to some cool tunes and maybe learn a few new dance moves. For ages 5 to 12. 435-5326. Hazard Branch Library.

1620 W Genesee St, Syracuse.

Fri Jan 24 FRIDAY FRENCH: COVERSATION AND BEYOND! 2 to

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3:30 PM. Join others in conversation and more on all things French!

Registration required. 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. 637-6374.

JANUARY 2014 SYRACUSE PARENT

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calendar

here is what’s happening around you

Sat Jan. 25

only the defining power of the names and expectations bestowed upon us by our parents, but also how we come to define ourselves. Barnes & Noble.

3454 Erie Blvd East, DeWitt.

‘LEGO MOVIE’ HANDS-ON LEARNING “LEARN ABOUT IT” EVENT. 11 AM. Come for a Hands-On Learning event and count

MOVIE: ‘CAPTAIN PHILLIPS’ 6:30 PM on Jan. 28 and 1 PM

down to “The Lego Movie.” Activities, fun and surprises for all who attend. Space is limited, so please RSVP in store at customer service or by phone 449-2948. Barnes & Noble. 3454 Erie Blvd East, DeWitt.

on Jan. 31. Come to the FFL to see the brand new movie starring Tom Hanks, “Captain Phillips.” 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville.

SOCIETY OF CHILDREN’S BOOK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS GROUP. 7 PM. Welcome, Central New York

Sun Jan 26

children’s writers and illustrators! Come for a discussion at the children’s stage. A great way to get information and connect with local authors and illustrators. Barnes & Noble. 3454 Erie Blvd East, DeWitt.

MONTESSORI ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE. 2 to 4 PM. Montessori School of Syracuse, located in Dewitt, will hold an Admissions Open House. The school provides over 150 children, ages 3 through 12, from 20 different school districts with a quality preschool and elementary education based on Montessori philosophy and methods. Montessori School of Syracuse strives to help students reach their full potential as independent, life-long learners and caring global citizens. Information about the school and the Open House is available at mssyr.org or by calling 315.449.9033.

Wed Jan 29 CHINESE NEW YEAR STORYTIME & CRAFT. 4 to 5 PM. Celebrate the Chinese New Year with a story time and craft! 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. 6376374. fflib.org.

SUNDAY MUSICALE: CANDELIGHT TRIO. 2 to 3 PM. Come

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL STORYTIME. 11 AM. Children and their parents

enjoy a Sunday Musicale concert by Candlelight Trio: Bob Connell and his wife Janice, piano and violin music. 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville.

637-6374.

are invited to experience the joy of reading and discovery during this special animal themed storytime! Great for preschoolers and toddlers.

Barnes & Noble. 3454 Erie Blvd East, DeWitt.

Tue Jan 28 BARNES & NOBLE BOOK CLUB. 6 PM. Join the group by the

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fireplace as they discuss “The Namesake” by Jhumpa Lahiri., who reveals not

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SYRACUSE PARENT JANUARY 2014

Staff on call

learning curve

24 HOURS A day!

A Resolution Q&A

Olivia re-acclimated to preschool after the holidays. From the first day she started school, she has been so incredibly brave and confident.

I have never had to worry about separation anxiety with her. The first day I dropped her off at school, she waved W e’r goodbye and blew me a r e e in t h i s to g e t h big kiss and said "See ya In what way will mom." She loves school and I'm Olivia celebrate New sure she'll be so excited to get back Year's Eve without staying up into the routine after a few weeks off.

until midnight?

While Olivia and Henry are still too young to stay up and watch the ball drop, we are already beginning our New Year's traditions as a family. We will likely enjoy dinner together and talk about resolutions for the new year.

Olivia and Henry love to have dance parties, so I'm sure we'll be cranking up the music and watching them bop around the room.

Do you and Rich make resolutions to take on as a family?

Now the kids are getting older and able to understand the meaning of making resolutions, we will probably start talking about them. As two full-time working parents, we enjoy nothing more than spending more time together...so that will likely be a big part of our resolution this year.

Does Olivia make resolutions?

Olivia hasn't made a New Year's resolution yet, but I would expect her to make her first resolution this year.

She is very loving with her little brother, but has moments when she bosses him around like many big sisters do. I'm sure her resolution will have something to do with being kind to Henry.

How will you help Olivia get back into the swing of preschool after the holidays?

I don't think it will be too tough to get

n Cole m

an

What new things will you want to try with both Henry and Olivia?

I always try to engage them in a new activity and expose them to all kinds of social settings. They have both participated in a wonderful music program called "Music Together" since the time they were each 8 months old.

It has helped to foster a love for music and dance at an early age. Olivia has also enjoyed ballet class and she started learning how to ski last year.

In the new year, I would like to give them the opportunity to explore other activities to find what they love.

Are there plans for some new family trips or “staycations� in 2014?

Since my family is scattered across the country, we try to spend as much of our vacation time traveling to see them.

I come from such a tight knit family and travel has always been a huge part of our lives. Now that the kids are getting older, it will be easier to travel with them.

Whether we travel within the country or abroad, to a warm climate or a colder location, we will have time together.

Now that I have children of my own, I appreciate that time more than ever.

Megan Coleman is the content managing editor at CNY Central and an evening NBC 3 news anchor. Follow her and start a conversation on Twitter at @MegsNewsFlash; we already do!

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It’s amazing what you can learn in five minutes, so we did just that with your local evening anchorwoman, CNY Central’s Megan Coleman! Read on and learn about how her family spends quality time together as a new year begins:

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JANUARY 2014 SYRACUSE PARENT

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safety zone

the best ways to play while keeping danger away

Safety first on the slopes!

The great outdoors beckons men and women in the wintertime, when skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and sledding are just a few of the many cold weather activities to entice athletes out of their homes.

Though winter sports can help fend off cabin fever, those who don’t exercise certain safety precautions might find themselves dealing with another kind of fever. Cold weather can leave adults and children susceptible to illness or injury if they aren’t careful. The following are a few safety tips for winter sportsmen who want to make the most of the coming winter sports season.

Inadequate clothing is one of the easiest ways a winter sportsmen can fall victim to illness or injury. But the right clothing can go a long way toward ensuring this winter sports season is fun and illnessand injury-free.

Wear protective head gear. Protective headgear can help sportsmen avoid colds and head injuries. When venturing outdoors in the winter, always wear a protective wool ski cap. Most body heat is lost through the head, but wool caps help your body retain warmth on cold days and nights. In addition, sportsmen should always wear protective headgear when skiing, sledding, snowboarding or playing ice hockey. Even the most experienced sportsmen can suffer a head injury when playing a winter sport, but the appropriate headgear can prevent head injuries to veteran and novice athletes alike.

Also, dressing in layers is another way to stay warm and prevent illness in the winter months. Kids are especially susceptible to cold weather, so parents should dress them in one more layer than they dress themselves. When wearing scarves, sportsmen should tuck their scarves in so they don’t get tangled with sporting equipment.

It’s a good idea to remove drawstrings from kids’ clothing. Drawstrings on winter hats, overcoats and pants can prove harmful to children. These drawstrings can easily get tangled and lead to strangulation. Parents should remove all drawstrings from kids’ winter clothing

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SYRACUSE PARENT JANUARY 2014

before kids participate in winter sports.

No time, like snow time Skiing and snowboarding are immensely popular in the winter, but that popularity should not overshadow how dangerous these activities can be. Seek instruction if you have never tried an activity before.

Ski resorts typically require guests with no previous skiing or snowboarding experience to get lessons before they can take to the slopes. These lessons are a must for novice skiers and snowboarders and even those athletes with no recent experience on the slopes. Parents should also be aware of the dangers of allowing children to snowboard. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children seven years of age and younger should not snowboard.

Also, be especially cautious when entering or exiting the ski lift. Ski lifts pose a significant injury risk, so skiers and snowboarders should always be attentive when entering or exiting the lift.

Sledding is a great way to have some fun in the winter snow. But even though sledding is often seen as a carefree activity, it can be risky as well. First, never sled near traffic. Sledding near traffic is a definite no-no, as it risks the lives of sledders and motorists alike. Always make sure you sled in an insulated area far away from roadways.

Both adults and children should sled feet-first or sitting up. Sledding feet-first or sitting up greatly reduces a sledder’s risk of suffering a head or neck injury. Never sled while lying down head first. Also, never sled on ice. Sledding on ice can cause injuries and make it difficult to control a sled. When sledding, only do so on packed snow. Do not allow a sled to be pulled by a vehicle. Being pulled by a vehicle while on a sled might seem like fun, but it’s nearly impossible for oncoming traffic to see a sledder behind a vehicle, and it’s very easy for the sled to fishtail into oncoming traffic.

On the Ice Winter is a great time to go ice skating or play some hockey. However, ice sports like skating and hockey can be especially dangerous, and it’s wise for adults and children to be as cautious as

possible when getting in some ice time.

Ice that forms on moving waters, including rivers and creeks, is never safe enough to skate on. Such waters should always be avoided no matter how thick the ice may appear. When going ice skating or playing hockey outdoors, only do so on waters that are supervised and have been tested and approved for skating.

Skate with the crowd and never skate alone. Skating alone might give you all the room in the world to perform a figure eight, but skating alone leaves you with no backup should the ice break and you fall in or if you injure yourself in a fall. When skating, never skate against the crowd.

The winter season is definitely a time to be adventurous and have fun, but of course, having fun should still require safety first!

healthy family

tips and ideas for keeping your family fast, fit, and feeling great

How to prevent tip-over accidents Modern conveniences in a home are meant to be enjoyed. However, items such as televisions, appliances and furniture can prove quite dangerous when they are involved in tip-over accidents.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says between the years of 2008 and 2010, 43,400 Americans were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries related to the instability of televisions, furniture and appliances. Between the years of 2000 and 2010, 293 fatalities were reported, the highest percentage of which were among children ages one to eight. Fifty-two percent of injuries involved only furniture falling. Data from Brooke's Angel Wings, an organization that hopes to raise awareness about the dangers of unsecured furniture and televisions, says every two weeks a child loses his or her life to an accident involving unsecured furniture or televisions in the home.

Fortunately, tip-over deaths and injuries are preventable.

Individuals making improvements around their homes may want to give special attention to renovations that can improve safety in and around the house. One of the first steps to take is securing furniture and televisions to prevent tip-over accidents.

One of the single easiest methods of preventing tip-over injuries is to anchor furniture, televisions and appliances to the wall. All furniture with shelves, drawers and doors -- anything that can be climbed on or pulled over by curious children -- should be anchored into a stud with an appropriate device. Even if an item seems stable or heavy, some simple precautionary measures can help prevent an injury and possibly save a life.

Many different safety devices that can prevent tip-over accidents are now available. Products from Safety First to Kidco to Hangman all offer furniture straps to secure items. However, do-it-yourselfers can use "L" brackets as well as other bolts and hardware that are sturdy enough to hold the weight

that may entice children to climb up the dresser.

•

Keep items you do not want children to have out of sight. of a fully-loaded piece of furniture. Remember, walls can always be repaired should damage occur from bolts and straps. But lives cannot be replaced.

Flat screen televisions are safer when mounted on a wall than they are when placed atop a piece of furniture. If televisions are on a TV stand, they should be secured to the surface.

Homeowners hoping to prevent tipover accidents can follow these tips. loading dresser drawers, put •theWhen heaviest items at the bottom and the lightest items in the top drawers.

• Do not put things on top of dressers

•

Do not assume children will remember the dangers associated with climbing or always follow the rules.

•

Don't forget to also secure computer monitors.

•

Check safety straps frequently to be sure they are still secure.

•

Think about other items around the house that can present a danger were they to fall. Secure everything and anything that is large and could cause injury if it fell down onto a person.

Homeowners should not put off securing items around the house. Spending five minutes now can prevent a tragedy later on.

JANUARY 2014 SYRACUSE PARENT

13

feature story

Being Sue Edson Balancing family, life and a career in SU Athletics

BY FARAH F. JADRAN It’s a chilly Syracuse day and you and your family are taking part in the traditional walk up University Hill. The kids are bundled up to brave the cold, but their Orange spirit is what’s really keeping them warm. The final Syracuse University Football game of the 2013 season is the destination. You’re going to the Carrier Dome to watch the Orange take care of business.

Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m., so you’ve probably waited until 3 o’clock or later to make way to your seats. But next to the Dome’s crew and staff, there is one woman who arrived at 11:30 a.m. to get game day underway. The intricately planned behind-the-scenes communications not only set a tone for what’s said by national and local broadcasters during the game, but also how the postgame action rolls out.

In action, off the field Sue Cornelius Edson, the Assistant Athletics Director/Communications (Football), stands in the Dome’s press box with seven people gathered around her. It is 12:30 p.m. and now there’s only three hours left before kickoff.

Today is also Senior Day – SU plays Boston College and it happens to be the last game to bring the team’s record up for bowl eligibility. It’s kind of an important game.

The list of responsibilities for Sue and her staff is somewhat endless. If it has to do with communications and it hasn’t been assigned yet, it’s very likely to land on Sue’s plate. Sue is responsible for the athletic communications operation, which disseminates information for all varsity sports to appropriate organizations and manages the department website, SUAthletics.com.

Sue met with her staff and also

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welcomed a few people who would be helping for the first time. “It can be a little overwhelming the first time, I know,” Sue explained to them.

All the tasks needed before the game and through each quarter were assigned, in addition to what would happen during post game. People were placed in charge of making copies, running stats to different booths and the media, and taping and transcribing during both SU’s and BC’s press conferences.

Sue told me, “The goal is to close up and walk out of the Dome six hours after kickoff.” Today, this means that leaving by 9:30 p.m. would be good.

“Today makes me nervous.” Sue and I took a few minutes to talk about the game and what her journey at SU has meant thus far. There were a lot of new people working behind the scenes today and if there’s one thing Sue does not like, it’s chaos within her crew. “We’re putting everyone in the right spot,” she said. “I have total confidence in everyone, I just expect it.”

Before the game, 19 student-athletes and five student managers will get a photo with their family and one more with SU Head Football Coach Scott Shafer.

Sue’s Orange pride runs deep with her alumna status. She graduated in 1990 with a dual degree in broadcast journalism from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and policy studies from the Maxwell School.

Sue started as the assistant sports information director soon after graduating and became the director of athletic communications in 1997.

An SU family member Until this season’s Tulane home game, Sue had never missed a game.

The weekend prior, her husband of 17

years, Rob, passed away unexpectedly.

In that moment, the family’s general routine changed forever. Like his college sweetheart, Rob shared a passion for college athletics and dedicated more than 20 years of his life to the field at both SU and Onondaga Community College.

Six weeks later, Sue made her way back to the SU grid iron. Her 14-yearold son Thomas had a lacrosse game in Maryland and SU football was battling the Terrapins that same weekend. The family was aiming to regroup and become stronger. “That weekend worked nicely.”

The Nov. 30 game in the Dome brought the Edsons to about two-andhalf months past the day they lost Rob, but the student-athletes, coaches, staff and even the visiting staff and media, continue to be supportive.

The camaraderie of those working in college athletics and those covering it, runs deeper than many outsiders might assume. On this day, the Boston Globe’s Mike Vega stopped to talk with both Sue and her 11-year-old daughter Tracey.

He asked how they were doing but also he was excited to meet Tracey after talking to Sue about how each of their daughters play youth basketball months back at ACC Media Day. Like Sue mentioned to me, there is not a blueprint for how to deal with what her family is going through. However, the community and the SU Athletics family have helped them every day.

“One of the student-

feature story athletes (an SU football player) wrote me and the kids the most unbelievable card,” she expressed this with obvious emotion and gratitude. “He said he prayed in the end zone before the game and that he told Rob to meet him in the end zone.” During the game in question – he put six points on the board for the Orange to meet Rob in the end zone as planned. “It was so impactful for us.”

Sue’s apparent influence on the team and the SU Athletics culture is not just noted outside of the Dome. The most recent of her accolades includes a 2012 induction into the Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Hall of Fame.

And if you’re not out of breath yet, her halftime lunch was interrupted to iron out a few issues, answer some media questions and listen to her daughter Tracey read Sue’s text messages to her out loud. Even though Tracey insists on a $2 per text message fee, she had this to say about her mom, “I just like watching her. She’s a role model for me.”

Also, Sue has already given Coach Shafer her halftime report and she’s keeping up on stats to hand over for the TV broadcast. “The more knowledgeable they (national sportscasters) sound, the better we did our job.”

We headed down to the field, stats in hand for Shafer, with less than five minutes on the clock. The game was close and the Orange tension was high. With 3:31 left to play and the Orange down by one point, I asked her, “Are you nervous?” She replied with a definite, “Yes.” With only a two-minute drill left and no timeouts, the Orange went to work. Sue used the trainer’s table stocked with sports tape to continue writing her stats from her iPad. The Orange quickly moved up the field during this time. An eightyard quarterback run and a BC penalty for pass interference put the ball on the Eagles' 33-yard line. With five more sharp plays, each march-

ing the squad further into the red zone, there was only one way out… With 12 seconds left on the clock, QB Terrel Hunt connected with Josh Parris on a tight-end throwback. Parris roared into the end zone and the Orange had done it. Sue, watching every second of it, simply said, “Wow.” With the extra point, the Orange prevailed 34-31. The game was over, but now it was Sue’s turn to take over. She rushed to midfield to meet Shafer and national media for a quick postgame interview. About 15 minutes later, she would run the post-game presser for both Shafer and student-athletes. Thanks to Sue’s coaching, the players at the podium spoke with confidence.

In this presser, the team and coaches were overcome by pride with the exhilarating win with seconds to go. Shafer had this to say, “Today was a war about character.” It is fair to assume that Sue’s character has become known to many across the nation.

On injuries and taking over for those who can’t go into the game, Shafer also said, “The next man is up and it’s his job to get it done.” Again, it is known that when one of SU’s own needs help and can’t be on the job, it’s next woman (or man) in.

On Dec. 8, 2013, SU earned a spot in the Texas Bowl (which was played on Dec. 27, after Parent went to press) in Houston. What’s in a bowl for Sue? “I love it,” she said.

“There’s nothing like game day. With a bowl, there’s about another month of football (for the ‘Cuse).

There’s so much energy.”

And for those keeping time, Sue left the Dome at 9:25 p.m. that night… five minutes earlier than planned. Stat noted.

JANUARY 2014 SYRACUSE PARENT

15

safety zone

the best ways to play while keeping danger away

‘Back to Sleep’ is safest for your baby

By Christine Aris, NNP, BC, St. Joseph’s Hospital Apnea Center The “Safe to Sleep” campaign is national campaign with a goal of helping families lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other causes of sleep-related infant deaths.

The cause of SIDS is not known. The best way to describe what happens is the triple-risk theory, the notion that an outside trigger, such as sleeping on the stomach or second hand smoke, can cause SIDS in at-risk infants, who are usually between two and four months of age. SIDS cannot be prevented, and there are easy and effective ways that parents can lower the risk.

The number one way to reduce the risk of SIDS is to place babies on their backs to sleep. Parents frequently ask if they can let their babies sleep on their stomachs because their babies don’t like sleeping on their backs. Babies do wake up more when they sleep on their backs but waking up is their bodies’ way of protecting them. When they sleep on their stomachs, they sleep more soundly and are harder to wake up. Although SIDS is rare, there is no way to tell which babies will die of SIDS. After the “Back to Sleep” campaign was started in 1994, SIDS rates in the U.S. dropped more than 50 percent. Since 2000, fewer babies are sleeping on their stomachs, but about 13 percent of parents still place their babies to sleep on their stomach. The number of deaths has also stayed the same, with more than 2,000 babies in the United States dying each year from SIDS or other sleep-related deaths.

Many parents choose to put their babies on their side, thinking that it is safer. But, because babies can roll onto the stomach, they have even more risk because it is unfamiliar to them.

Parents worry that if their babies are on their backs they will spit up and choke in their sleep. There have been no such infant deaths on the back, but a few babies did die that were sleeping on their stomachs. In fact, babies clear their airways better when sleeping on the back because gravity pulls fluid back into the stomach and away from the airway.

Another reason why back is best is that a baby sleeping on their stomach can re-breathe air that is low in oxygen and high in carbon dioxide. Some babies are not able to get out of danger if they are sleeping face down on a mattress. Also, infants are less likely to hold on to heat and overheat during sleep, which may increase the risk for SIDS. Sudden changes in heart rate and blood pressure control can also occur when sleeping on the stomach. It’s important to also note that when babies are awake, tummy time helps prevent flat spots from forming on the back of the head, and builds strong neck and shoulder muscles.

Another thing that parents can do to lower the risk of SIDS is to provide a safe place for their infants to sleep. The safest place for babies to sleep is in their own cribs, near their parents. Cribs should meet federal safety standards and be checked for any missing parts. A firm mattress and a crib sheet should be all that is in the crib. Soft objects, such as bumper pads and stuffed toys, loose bedding, blankets, pillows and quilts, can smother a baby.

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Parents should never sleep with their babies in adult beds or couches where they can get into dangerous sleep positions.

Babies should be kept clear from all second-hand smoke.

Almost every scientific study on SIDS has shown that smoking plays a major role. Overheating is also dangerous. Parents should keep the room just warm enough for a baby sleep in layers without heavy blankets. Breast feeding can also lower risk for SIDS. SIDS is not a subject that people want to talk about at the birth of an infant. However, many parents who have lost infants to SIDS or a sleep related death have said they wished that someone had talked to them about what can be done to lower the risk before their babies died.

learning curve

Ka

re

rg a n Be

mo -M oo

re

e Am tiv c e other’s persp Dear Residents, Congratulations! You have picked a great career path and I am thankful that you have chosen to dedicate your time and talent to our kids.

There are few things you might want to keep in mind as you progress in your career.

Please remember you are treating children, who are in turn people. Please treat them with the same courtesy you would give an adult.

It’s great that your supervising doctor asks Mom and Dad if it’s OK for you to participate in the exam, but I suggest asking the kid too. They’re the one you’re going to poke and prod and to them, well, you’re merely a stranger in a white lab coat.

As a child, I spent some time in a teaching hospital. l still remember my doctor always asking me if it was OK if the med students came in. Not my mom or dad, but me. It made me feel like I had a say in how

I was treated and gave me a smidgen of control. For the record, I never said, “no.”

Then, once you get the OK, dear resident, please introduce yourself to the child.

Explain why you’re there - that you’re learning, that you like caring for children, that you loved science when you were their age. Ask him a question about sports, or music or what grade he’s in. Once you get a kid talking, they tend to tell you lots of stuff. Some of the stuff might prove helpful in their medical treatment.

It must be nerve wracking to be shadowing a doctor and told to conduct the exam while the doctor talks to Mom, but the interaction between patient and doctor is as important as the exam and the notes you will take. If your patient was a 60-year-old man you wouldn’t walk in and start poking at his abdomen without saying, “Hello, I’m Dr. Learning the Craft ....” So pretend that little boy sitting on the papercovered exam table wearing the cotton robe that doesn’t cover everything is a 60-yearold man and extend him the same courtesies.

And when you’re done, don’t be afraid to ask your young patient how you did.

You might find it to be the most accurate, honest and helpful critique you will ever receive.

Good luck and thanks!

The Mom of Your Patient

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JANUARY 2014 SYRACUSE PARENT

17

dollars & sense

making, spending & saving - tips and techniques for family finances

Parents: Teach teens to understand the value of the dollar

by Mary Jo Rapini, MEd, LPC ‘Tis the beginning of the New Year and a new beginning for some is right around the corner. Budget discussions in Congress, as well as in the common home, seems to be the topic most likely to stimulate some thought as people everywhere gather during this festive season and look forward to what financially might be ahead for them next year.

Although everyone is concerned with the national debt and their own finances, in a recent poll, teens reported feeling very optimistic about theirs. It appears the reason they are so happygo-lucky about their finances is because they are expecting mom and dad to take care of them until they are 27 years old. What a change this is compared to twenty years ago when most kids couldn’t wait to leave home and get out from under mom and dad’s watchful eye.

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SYRACUSE PARENT JANUARY 2014

The president of Junior Achievement USA, in a recent statement, said that teens expect to live with their parents longer because many of them are unsure about their ability to budget or use credit cards. Interesting too was the finding that 33 percent of the teens surveyed in the Junior Achievement USA said they do not use a budget, and even worse, 42 percent of that group were not interested in learning to budget. Although the majority of the kids polled thought students were borrowing too much to pay for college, only 9 percent of them were currently saving for college. One third of them hadn’t even talked to their parents about higher education.

Schools do not have time to teach kids about saving money, budgeting, or opening a savings account or any of the other issues related to finances. This has to come from parents because parents are still the number one influence on how their children save money, budget and pay

dollars & sense for expenses. College costs and debt has reached an astronomically high number, and the average kids finish college now with at least a $20,000 debt. No age is too young to begin teaching your child the importance of money and saving. It all begins with a piggy bank, and expands with savings accounts, bonds and other types of investments.

Below are some suggestions of ways to help your child understand the value of a dollar, so they will be more realistic about their future and their money instead of depending on yours.

1. Begin when they are a baby. Saving money for college or higher education should begin with the first day of your child’s life.

2. Kids learn best when chores are rewarded with money, and teaching them that some of that money should go into savings. Parents who talk to their kids about saving some money raise kids who automatically have money saved.

3. No chores, no allowance. An allowance is sort of like paying someone for vacation or existing. Who does that in the real world? Why would you teach your child that lesson?

4. Set an example: You cannot have everything you want.

Explain to your child that you have to earn enough to buy things you want.

5. Many parents parent with guilt instead of discipline when teaching their children about money. If you give your child what they want, you are telling them that you don’t think they can earn it. Confidence is built when we work toward a goal or desire and our hard work pays off.

6. Teach your children to price shop and also look for bargains. This can be taught by clipping coupons and checking prices from one store to another. It also helps your child re-evaluate how much they want something.

Sometimes this alone will deter them from spending money on a frill they didn’t really want or need.

College debt is a huge problem in our country. Kids take out huge loans yet are never really prepared for what to expect in regards to their financial debt after college.

Living within your means and teaching your children to do the same is part of parenting.

Lessons taught young correlate highly with adults who understand the importance of saving and budgeting. Your kids don’t need the “stuff” money can buy half as much as they need the time you give teaching them about how long it takes to save for that “stuff.”

Mary Jo Rapini, MEd, LPC, is a licensed psychotherapist and co-author with Janine J. Sherman, of “Start Talking: A Girl’s Guide for You and Your Mom About Health, Sex or Whatever.” Read more about the book at StartTalkingBook.com and more about Rapini at maryjorapini.com.

2/28/14