Family Life 2018

2018

A Special Supplement to

Building an Eco-Friendly Family How families can go green together

The Benefits to Breaking Bread Why making time for family meals is important

PAGE 2

FAMILY AND PARENTING

Contents 2 How to prevent household poisonings

3 How families can go green together 4 How music and singing benefits children 4 How first time parents can cope with colic 5 Families must emphasize cyber awareness to stay safe 6 Plan for a successful family vacation 6 Options when paying for long-term care 7 Caring for braces at any age 8 Why making time for a family meal is important 2018 Family & Parenting is published by the Owatonna People’s Press 135 W. Pearl, Owatonna, MN 55060 and printed by Cannon Valley Printing, Northfield, MN. No portion of the advertising or editorial content of Family and Parenting may be reproduced without permission of the publisher. ©2018 All Rights Reserved.

Publisher: Tom Murray Advertising Director: Ginny Bergerson Media Consultants: Emily Kahnke, Lisa Richmond, Erin Rossow, Kyle Shaw Advertising Design: Nikkie Gilmore, Jenine Kubista, Kelly Kubista

Friday, January 26, 2018

How to prevent household poisonings P eople never want to think of their homes as dangerous places, but the average home has its share of hazards. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 38,000 people in the United States lost their lives to unintentional poisonings in 2014, while Express Scripts® Canada reports that poisoning is the fourth-leading cause of injury deaths among Canadians of all ages.

While the statistics about poisoning deaths are alarming, the good news is that such deaths are preventable. The CDC, in conjunction with the American Association of Poison Control Centers, offers the following poison-prevention tips.

you know you are taking the appropriate dosage. · Dispose of unused, unneeded or expired medications.

Household chemicals

· Read all labels before using household products that contain chemicals, such as cleaners and disinfectants. · Keep all products in their original containers so you have readily available access to the ingredients and directions whenever using the products.

Such information can save lives should someone be poisoned or ingest a potentially deadly product.

Medications · Never mix products that contain chemicals, as · Take only prescriptions that are prescribed to doing so can create toxic gases. · Open windows and turn on ceiling fans or you by a healthcare professional. Never take another person's medication, and do not take longer box fans when using household cleaners. Do not or more frequent doses than prescribed, especially use such products in enclosed spaces. · Wear protective eyewear and clothing when with regard to pain medications. · Read all warning labels on medication bottles using chemicals and/or pesticides to safeguard and read the additional one or two pages of infor- your body from exposure. mation that accompany your prescription. · Turn on the light when taking medications so See POISONINGS page 7

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Friday, January 26, 2018

FAMILY AND PARENTING

PAGE 3

How families can go green together I

Teaching youngsters to brush their teeth without the faucet running is one way parents can encourage their kids to embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, heating water accounts for roughly 90 percent of the energy washing machines require to clean clothes. By washing clothes exclusively in cold water, families can drastically reduce the energy their washing machines consume, and clothes will still be clean at the end of each wash cycle.

Wash only in full loads. Whether washing clothes or washing dishes, families who want to go green together can resolve to only run their washing machines or dishwashers when both are full. The EPA notes that only doing full loads of laundry can save more than 3,400 gallons of water each year. When washing dishes, do only full loads but avoid overcrowding the dishwasher. Overcrowding

might mean some dishes are not thoroughly cleaned, which may require running another load or washing them by hand, both of which can be wasteful.

Turn off the faucets when brushing teeth. Another way families can pitch in to conserve energy and save money together is by turning off the faucets when they brush their teeth. Parents of young children can brush their teeth with their youngsters in the morning and at night, explaining to them how brushing without the faucet running can save untold gallons of water every year. This will conserve water and lower the monthly water bill.

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nterest in eco-friendly lifestyles has long since spread beyond environmentalists and activists and has become a goal for people from all walks of life. Going green can even be done as a family.

Families have multiple incentives to embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle. Going green can protect the planet for younger members of the family who will have to confront the consequences of today’s decisions for decades to come. Going green also can save families money the moment they decide to change their lifestyles, providing a more immediate incentive.

Families interested in making their efforts to be more eco-friendly a team effort can embrace the following strategies.

Wash clothes in cold water. According to the

through windows when the weather outside is cold, keeping more warm air inside and reducing the need to hike up the thermostat. In the summertime, heat from the outside may pass through window glass easily, but it’s far more difficult for heat to pass through fabric. By hanging energy-saving curtains together with their children, parents can explain how the curtains are more than just decorative; they are also a helpful ally in protecting the planet.

Going green together as a family can help parents save money and provide a valuable teaching opportunity that can benefit youngsters and the planet for years to come.

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FAMILY AND PARENTING

Friday, January 26, 2018

How music and singing benefits children

M

usic is everywhere: on the radio, in movies and television shows and as a backdrop when shopping or celebrating milestones.

Music is an integral part of cultures all over the world.

Music can express emotions not easily conveyed otherwise. It also provides a sense of community and belonging and can help unite the divided.

Playing musical instruments or singing has a number of benefits. From the earliest days after their birth, children can be calmed by music. Music helps

people work out their feelings and can be uplifting and comforting when people need a boost. While many people are familiar with the mood-enhancing benefits of music, they may not know that music also has developmental benefits.

According to Don Campbell, internationally known educator and author of “The Mozart Effect for Children,” music enhances intelligence, coordination, emotional expression, creativity, and socialization skills. Studies have suggested that music and movement affect all areas of development. Music can bolster listening skills, improve motor skills, assist with problem solving, and promote spatial-temporal reasoning. Many others say that music can calm and focus the mind, which is why it so often employed by therapists.

In the book, “The Importance of Music,” author Ellen Judson cites a 10-year study that tracked more than 25,000 middle and high school students. The study showed that students in music classes receive higher scores on standardized tests than students with little to no musical involvement.

In addition, singing and engaging in musical

appreciation sharpens one’s ability to communicate.

Learning a piece of information attached to a tune will more readily embed that information in the brain.

For example, many children learn the alphabet via song. Pairing lessons with song can help anyone retain information more easily.

Music also is fun, so much so that kids may not realize they’re actually learning while singing. Matthew Freeman, development manager of “Sing up,” a national singing project to help enhance music in children’s education, states that children don’t think of singing as work and may be more willing to participate.

Song can be used to reinforce all different subjects, from language arts to mathematics.

Children or adults who are apprehensive about meeting new people can use music as a means to open the door to new friendships. Joining a choral group will immediately introduce people to others who enjoy music as well. Group singing is less intimidating than singing alone, so it takes some of the pressure off of a person and can staunch performance anxiety.

Music is beneficial throughout one’s life and can be an enjoyable way to make learning more fun.

How first-time parents can cope with colic F irst-time parents face many challenges upon bringing their new babies home.

One of the more frustrating challenges new parents may face is colic, a confusing condition that can be uncomfortable for both parents and their babies.

to exhibit symptoms within a few weeks of being born. While the condition is frustrating for parents and babies, colic often improves by three months of age.

How to handle a baby with colic

What is colic?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, roughly 20 percent of all babies will develop colic, a condition in which children may cry inconsolably, scream, extend or pull up their legs, and pass gas.

When a baby develops colic, the causes of which are unknown, his or her stomach may be enlarged or distended with gas.

What are the symptoms of colic?

Babies tend to be finicky, so those that are fussy are not necessarily dealing with colic.

But when healthy babies who are well-fed experience the following symptoms, colic might be the culprit.

Predictable periods of fussiness: Babies who have fussy periods each day during similar time frames may be experiencing colic. The AAP notes that these periods of fussiness are particularly common among babies with colic between the hours of 6

p.m. and midnight.

Intense or inconsolable crying: The Mayo Clinic says babies with colic may experience intense, high-pitched crying that sounds distressed. During these bouts of crying, babies’ faces may be flushed, and it may be nearly impossible for parents to console their babies.

Inexplicable crying: Babies tend to cry when they are hungry and when they have soiled themselves. But babies with colic will cry for no apparent reason.

Changes in posture: During a colic episode, babies’ legs may curl up and they may clench their fists. Abdominal muscles also may tighten during colic episodes.

The AAP recommends that parents who suspect their baby has colic first consult their pediatricians to confirm that the baby’s crying is not linked to a serious medical condition. Once something more serious has been ruled out, parents can discuss multiple topics with their pediatricians: Nursing: Mothers who are nursing

may try eliminating potentially irritating products, such as caffeine, onions and cabbage, from their diets.

Formula: The AAP suggests parents discuss protein hydrolysate formulas with their pediatricians if food sensitivity is causing the discomfort.

Pacifiers: Pacifiers may provide instant relief from colic to some babies, while others may refuse pacifiers outright.

More information about colic is available at www.healthychildren.org.

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FAMILY AND PARENTING

PAGE 5

Families must emphasize cyber awareness to stay safe

T

he internet can be an invaluable resource t h at h a s fore ve r changed the way people live their lives. But the everchanging internet can be a safety risk, and families must always be on guard to keep themselves safe.

The potential dangers of the internet can affect both children and adults. Here are some ways families can protect themselves and still get the most out of the web.

Set up filters

Many devices come with security features and filters that can limit access to certain content. Limits can be established based on age or even by preventing access to specific websites.

Whenever a new app is installed, parents should read through the usage information and peruse the security settings. This is especially important for social apps. Restrict who can access account

information or profiles by toggling between “public” and “private” in the settings when applicable.

Filtering software can be used for streaming movies.

ClearPlay, for example, can be set to remove certain parameters, like nudity, sexual dialogue and profanity.

Recognize cyberbullying

Instances of cyberbullying have grown alongside the popularity of the internet. Cyberbullies tease and taunt through email, social media and other online modes of communication.

The organization NoBullying says that 52 percent of young people in the United Kingdom report being cyberbullied, but many will not confide in their parents when the abuse occurs.

More than half of young people in North America also have experienced cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying can take

Did You Know?

P

laygrounds are meant to be entertaining outdoor respites and places where children can engage in some much-needed fun and exercise. But playgrounds also can be the sites of serious injury and may even contribute to child fatalities. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says that the four equipment pieces most often associated with injuries include climbers, swings, slides, and overhead ladders.

The majority of injuries result from falls and equipment failure and take place more often in public playgrounds rather than home play areas.

Injuries from playground falls can be serious, ranging from fractured bones to brain and spinal injuries. Deaths resulting from playground injuries are rare, especially in Canada, states Parachute, a national charitable organization

Thanks to mobile devices, internet access is at an all-time high and requires users to exercise a growing amount of caution.

many forms, including sending mean messages or threats, spreading rumors, posting hurtful messages on social media, stealing account information, sending damaging messages, and circulating sexually suggestive pictures or messages about a person.

Anyone, regardless of age, who spends time on social media can fall victim to cyberbullying. By block-

dedicated to preventing injuries. Throughout North America, playground fatalities are most often caused by strangulation. To continue to make playground play safer, parents and children can: • visit only those playgrounds that have safe, soft surfaces beneath the equipment, • avoid clothing that has cords, drawstrings or straps, such as those on “hoodie” sweatshirts. Neck warmers are safer than scarves, • ensure playground equipment is used only in the manner it was intended, • supervise children at all times on the playground, and • routinely inspect and maintain equipment.

ing people and limiting the amount of personal information they share online, individuals can reduce the likelihood that they will be victimized by cyberbullies.

warn that what goes on the internet tends to stay on the internet, even when one thinks he or she has deleted it. What’s more, a person can never verify if a person Understand digital has made a copy of a post or a picture and saved it. permanence Images, opinions and more Many people do not fully can come back to haunt grasp that the internet cre- people who post them onates a trail of information line. Stop and think before that never really goes away. putting information online.

Computer security experts If users might one day be

uncomfortable discussing something they shared online, then they should resist the temptation to share it in the first place.

Many families rely on the internet every day. Families should always give careful consideration to the information they share online, holding back any details that might be private or put their security at risk.

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FAMILY AND PARENTING

Friday, January 26, 2018

Plan for a successful family vacation

V

acations provide a chance to rest, recharge and experience new locales. Family vacations also provide an opportunity to make lasting memories parents and their children will remember forever.

According to the 2016 American Express Spending and Saving Tracker, 70 percent of Americans expected to travel for leisure in 2016. In addition, the Family Travel Association notes that between 35 and 40 percent of family travel is multigenerational. That means extended families comprise a large part of the

travel market, even if trips are not associated with traditional family vacations. “Experimental travel,” or visiting locations that stray from the norm, has grown in popularity as people are more concerned with experiences than simply seeing a particular location.

Family trips are one of the fastest-growing segments of the tourism industry. Families traveling together can heed the following advice to ensure their next trip is successful.

Be flexible with travel dates. Traveling during off-peak seasons can mean fewer crowds and lower prices.

Consider taking the kids out of school during a random week of the year rather than during scheduled breaks, such as winter vacation or spring break. Prices often spike during popular travel times and dip during less popular times, such as when kids are in school.

Consider a vacation rental. Look beyond the traditional hotel for accommodations. Prices on private rentals may be comparable or less expensive while providing travelers with more space. This is especially valuable to large families who want a little more breathing room. Kids can retreat to one area while the adults hang out in another, something that may not always be possible in standard hotels. Renting

Options when paying for long-term care A ging has its side effects, as it’s inevitable that individuals’ bodies and minds will change as they approach their golden years. Illnesses, disabilities and other conditions may speed up the changes in certain individuals.

While many seniors continue to live independently well into their golden years, some require long-term care. The decision to move an elderly relative into a long-term care facility can be difficult. In addition to the emotional effects of such a decision, families must deal with the financial repercussions.

Long-term care services can be costly, and many general healthcare insurance plans do not cover long-term care. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers that an assisted living facility may cost roughly $3,300 per month for a one-bedroom unit, while a nursing home may cost between $6,200 and $6,900.

Seniors or families who have enough income and savings may be able to pay for long-term care services without assistance.

But those who cannot afford to do so may need to utilize different programs or

resources to pay for long-term care.

Long-term care insurance: According to WebMD, commercial insurers offer private policies referred to as long-term care insurance. These policies may cover services such as care at home, adult day care, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. However, plans vary widely. In addition, the cost for care and eligibility requirements may change as a person ages, so it’s best to purchase this insurance while young and relatively healthy.

Government assistance: Government health programs may pay for a portion of certain care but not all of the services offered by long-term care facilities. For example, the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association says government health care programs may cover only a small percentage of the costs for nursing homes or other specialized residential care facilities, or perhaps none at all depending on the circumstances. In the United States, Medicare is the Federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older and

See LONG-TERM CARE page 8

a condo or home with a kitchen also means families can prepare their own meals, which helps to curb costs.

Encourage input from all. One person’s idea of a good time may differ from everyone else’s. Poll family members regarding their vision of a dream vacation and spend time trying to cater to at least one of these ideas per person. Make certain children have a say as well, as they’ll be more likely to go along with plans that they were involved in making.

Extend the fun to others. One way to maximize enjoyment is to plan vacations with other families.

This way children have a group of friends with whom they can share the fun and different experiences.

What’s more, parents can enjoy adult time with friends. Some resorts discount for large groups, so this can be a cost-saving measure as well.

Expect some hiccups. Vacations can be relaxing, but getting there sometimes can be a challenge. Go into the vacation process recognizing the potential for traffic or airport delays and plan accordingly to keep children occupied. Pack plenty of snacks as well.

Family vacations are an entertaining way to spend time together. With advanced planning and some patience, the end results can be well worth the work.

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FAMILY AND PARENTING

Caring for braces at any age B races are often necessary for children and adults to develop straight, healthy teeth. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, braces help fix teeth that are crooked, too close together and too far apart. Braces also can be employed to address under- or overbites. Fortunately, braces no longer carry the stigma they once did, and many children are eager to embrace this orthodontic gear if it means achieving a more attractive smile and a properly aligned bite.

One thing that kids (and adults) who wear braces need to consider is that oral hygiene is imperative while wearing braces. Taking good care of braces and teeth is essential to avoiding problems now and when the braces are eventually removed.

Compliance

The rules orthodontists give their patients are intended to make the duration of time wearing braces as short as possible. Therefore, avoiding hard or sticky candies and resisting any urges to open items or bite

Braces require more detailed care to help keep teeth healthy and strong.

on inflexible items, such as pencils, is crucial. Broken hardware or snapped wires will only prolong the length of treatment if they have to be replaced frequently.

Brushing

Braces will collect more food particles and bacteria than teeth without brackets and wires. Those with braces may have to change the way they brush their teeth and the frequency with which they brush their teeth. Orthodontists may recommend brushing after each meal to keep food particles from being lodged and plaque from building up. More time should be spent brushing to ensure all crevices and surface areas are addressed. Consult with the orthodontist about the products that may help keep teeth clean. Toothbrushes may need to be replaced more often if braces cause the bristles to wear down quickly.

Threader floss

Flossing should continue while wearing braces, even though flossing with braces can be difficult. Many

orthodontists recommend “threader floss” that allows patients to floss properly around wires. This type of floss has a stiff end that permits flossing between brackets.

Reusable plastic floss threaders in combination with regular floss also can be used. Children should be careful not to put too much pressure on wires or brackets when flossing so they don’t accidentally dislodge any hardware.

Keep appointments

Poisonings Storage

· Store all medications and household products in places that cannot be reached or accessed by children or pets. · When taking medications or using household products, take children with you if you must answer the phone or when the doorbell is ringing. Even if the medicine or product will only be out of your sight for a moment, that brief moment is enough time for curious kids to be poisoned. · Follow the guidelines on the packaging with

routinely for adjustments is a necessary part of wearing braces. Those who skip appointments or do not follow the advice of a skilled doctor

may need to spend more time wearing braces. If something becomes loose or dislodged, visit the orthodontist right away.

The benefits of wearing braces are numerous. Proper care can make braces even more effective and a lot more comfortable.

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Visiting the orthodontist

From Page 2

Disposal

PAGE 7

regard to the disposal of chemical products. · When disposing of medications, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises taking advantage of community-based drug "takeback" programs. If no such program exists, the FDA notes that almost all medicines can be discarded in the trash, but advises following the drug disposal guidelines available at www.fda. gov.

Thousands die each year due to unintentional poisonings, but men and women can take various steps to prevent those deaths from occurring in their homes. TF173862

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PAGE 8

FAMILY AND PARENTING

Why making F time for family meals is important

amily meals are about much more than what is served for dinner.

Research indicates that spending time together around the table as a family promotes a host of benefits.

Family meals have been linked to improved communication skills, healthier bodies and even academic advantages for school-aged children.

Harvard researchers conducted a long-term study to look at the effects of various components of family life to see which had the most profound impact on childrens’ development.

When compared to story time, family events or even playtime, family dinners offered the most benefits.

According to The Family Dinner Project, a nonprofit organization currently operating from the offices of Project Zero at Harvard University, recent studies link regular family meals with the kinds of behaviors that parents desire for their children.

These can include • improved academic performance, • high self-esteem, • low risk of substance abuse, • low risk of depression, • reduced chances of teen pregnancy, • low rates of obesity, and • low likelihood of developing

Long-term Care From Page 6

for some people younger than 65 who are disabled. Medicare generally does not pay for long-term help with daily activities. Medicare pays for very limited skilled nursing home care after a hospital stay, but not for many assisted living facilities.

Medicaid is another option that pays for health services and long-term care for lowincome people of any age. First, applicants must determine their eligibility for Medicaid.

Medicaid is typically only available after most

personal assets have been depleted. Even with Medicaid, a resident of a long-term care facility may need to pay a portion of the care out of pocket. What’s more, as part of the application for Medicaid, a “look back” at assets is required to deter gifting assets in order to qualify.

Paying for long-term care requires planning well in advance of when such services may be needed.

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Friday, January 26, 2018

eating disorders.

Even though scheduling conflicts can sometimes make family meals difficult, 59 percent of families report eating dinner together five times a week, according to the “Importance of Family Dinner IV” report.

Including the above benefits, here are some more reasons to gather around the dinner table four or more times a week.

Designated family time: Family meals allow kids to count on spending time with their parents. Consider turning off all electronic devices and make dinner time all about conversation. Such discussions can improve cognitive skills and linguistic development.

Decreased food pickiness: A 2000 survey from the Obesity Epidemiology and Prevention Program at Harvard Medical School found that kids between the ages of nine and 14 who ate dinner with their families ate more fruits and vegetables and therefore consumed higher amounts of many key nutrients.

Family meals are a great opportunity to introduce new, healthy foods.

Controlled portions: Eating at home can help curb calories, fat and salt

consumption by giving families greater control over the ingredients in their meals.

Discussed problems: Children who routinely eat with their parents may be more inclined to discuss problems that can, if hidden, develop into serious illnesses, such as depression or eating disorders.

Curbed dangerous behaviors: Eating family dinners at least five times a week drastically lowers a teen’s chance of smoking, drinking and using drugs, according to Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children.

Twenty percent of children who eat with their family fewer than three times a week get C’s or lower on their report cards, according to CASA. Only 9 percent of teens who eat frequently with their families do this poorly in school.

Relieved stress: Adults benefit from family dinners, too. Sitting down to a meal can reduce tension and strain among working parents.

Family meals are important for a number of reasons. By understanding the benefits, families can increase their chances of sitting down together for food and conversation.

Celebrating Life and Learning

Parents are their children’s first and most important teachers.

Community Education is a program of Owatonna Public Schools, and has exciting early learning experiences for children between the areas of birth to kindergarten entrance and their families.

• Early Childhood Family Education Parent/Child Classes • Bright Beginnings (a school readiness) Preschool • ‘Lil Learners Preschool • Early Childhood Screening

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