Issuu

JUNE 2016

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY ies ctivit A & s E Camp GUID -23 S 20 PAGE

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Providing Quality Oral Care for All Ages

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Dr. Cathy Cook

Gentle Dentistry for the Entire Family! ACCEPTING ALL MAJOR INSURANCES, CARE CREDIT AND OFFERING FINANCIAL OPTIONS

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HOO’s HEALTHY

Decoding Food Labels

When you shop for groceries, take the time to read food labels to ensure you are spending your money on healthy, nutritious food. Here is how to decode the labels you find on food and what you should look for when planning nutritionally balanced meals for your family. Serving size: This is at the top of the Nutrition Facts label and is one of the first parts of the label you should look at. The rest of the nutrition facts label is based on one serving, so you need to determine how many servings are in the package and consider if you plan on eating more than one serving at a time. If you eat two servings instead of one, you will need to multiply the calories, fat, and other nutrients listed on the label by 2. Total Calories and Fat: If you are counting calories as part of a weight loss plan, this part of the label is very important. Again, keep in mind the number of calories and amount of fat listed is per serving when determining if this food is appropriate for your family’s healthy eating plan. One important number is the percentage of calories from fat. It is a good idea to limit the

number of calories from fat to about 30% of your total calorie intake for the day. The total amount of trans fat per serving is also listed. You want that to be 0%. Scientific studies have proven trans fats increase the chances of developing heart disease and should be completely avoided. Percent Daily Value (DV): Use this part of a label, which lists the percentage of the daily recommended amount of a nutrient that is provided by one serving, to help with healthy meal planning. This number is based upon a 2,000 calorie a day diet. For some nutrients, like fat, cholesterol, and sodium, you want the percent DV to be in the ‘low’; range per serving, at about 5%. However, you want the percent DV of vitamins, minerals, and fiber to be in the ‘high’ range, about 20%.

Going over the 100% DV of fat and sugar can lead to weight gain, and eating more sodium than the 100% DV can lead to high blood pressure. Try keeping a food diary if you are not sure if your meals are exceeding the 100% DV of fat, sodium, and sugar, and also note the calories for each serving of food you eat. If you are eating a diet more or less than the 2,000 calories a day, you will need to re-calculate the percent DV of the nutrients. Ingredients label: If a food has more than one ingredient, it is required to have an ingredient list. The ingredients are listed by weight, with those with the most weight listed first. Use the ingredients list to look for healthy foods having whole grains as the first ingredient and to avoid foods that have allergens or unhealthy ingredients, such has high fructose corn syrup.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Tammy Usie Publisher

TheValley.com

Tammy@HooKnows

253-212-7270 Cell

Dear Parents of the Chattahoochee Valley, Welcome to our handy, parenting resource guide. I hope you will find lots of helpful choices on products and services for you and your family, along with some informative articles, handy resources and fun features. If you like our magazine, then you’ll love our website, www. HooKnowsTheValley.com. There you can read our magazine online, find other resources and use our SHOPPING DIRECTORY. This virtual buying guide provides our readers with a comprehensive list of local, family-friendly businesses. Plus with the ability for consumers to leave reviews on these businesses, it will help other parents make buying decisions. I invite you to go leave a few reviews to help us build this resource and share them with other parents like yourself.

AD DEADLINES

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Tammy Usie

HOO KNOWS SPECIAL FEATURES Hoo’s crafty.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 15

HOO’S Helpful.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 11

HOO’S Fit.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24

HOO’S hungry.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 27

HOO’S Fun.. . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 8, 9, 28 & 29

hoo’s parenting.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 13

HOO’S healthy.. . . . . . . . . . .page 3, 5 & 25 HOO KNOWS® Community Digest does not assume responsibility for products and services listed in this magazine. Ads may not be reproduced, in any way, without written consent. HOO KNOWS® is a trademark of Cinah Media Group LLC. For information on operating your own digest, contact us at 1-888-HOO-5609.

Where to Find HOO? Publix: Columbus & Phenix City Chick fil-A: Columbus & Phenix City Family & Kids of the Chattahoochee Valley

PLUS: Check your local kid-friendly doctors & dentists, attractions, restaurants & retail shops. Children attending FT Benning daycares, preschools & elementary schools each receive a copy, as well as elementary students at most all private schools in Columbus & Phenix City...plus all kids attending major daycares and preschools.

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’s HEALTHY

LUPUS

AWARENESS Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, pain, and damage to almost any part of the body. It results from the body’s immune system malfunctioning and creating antibodies that attack parts of the body, including internal

organs and the skin. Lupus appears most often in women between the ages of 15 and 44, although it is possible for men and children to develop lupus. It is estimated that about 1.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with lupus.

What are the symptoms and how is lupus diagnosed? A butterfly-shaped rash that covers the cheeks and the bridge of the nose, fever, joint pain and a feeling of extreme fatigue are some of the more common symptoms; which often appear and disappear in a cycle of ‘flare ups’. Can you get lupus from someone else or inherit it? Lupus is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from person to person. Scientists have not been able to link lupus to a particular gene and therefore cannot say with certainty that you can inherit it. However, statistics show that if your family health history includes lupus, you may be at higher risk of developing the disease. Is there a treatment for lupus? Can it be cured? The goal of a treatment plan for lupus is to prevent and decrease the severity of flare ups using the right combination of medications. It can take awhile for this combination to be found, but once it is, patients can live relatively normal lives. At the present there is no cure for lupus.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

SHOPPING guide activities Academy Dance Camps...................23 Chattahoochee Valley Libraries....32 Clement Arts Camps.........................22 East West Martial Arts Camps......... 2 Elite Dance Camps............................. 21 Growing Room Camps.......................11 Independance Day Celebration....... 5 Mathnasium Camps..........................22 My Gym.................................................22 Oasis Summer Camp........................ 21 Performance Dance Camps............22 Prodigy Dance Centre.......................20 The Columbus Museum...................20

TELL THEM

Childcare/ education SENT YOU! Calvary Christian...............................30 First Presbyterian Day..................... 31 Grace Christian School....................30 Kumon...................................................26 Lakewood Child Development ......30 Night Owl Kids Care.............................. 3 St. Luke Schools................................. 31 Sylvan Learning Center...................23 Westminster Christian..................... 31

healthcare Columbus Counseling...................... 15 Columbus Spine & Performance... 19 Cook Dental Care.................................. 2 James Lopez, DDS................................9 Pediatrics After Hours...................... 12 Pediatric Dentistry of Columbus...27 Pediatrics at Brookstone Centre...28 Rivertown Pediatrics.......................... 8

Home/ Handy Mary Varner, Realtor...........................9 Sparkles Cleaning Service.............. 19 Turfscapes Lawncare........................ 19 Warehouse World Mini Storage..... 19

Shopping/ Retail Baby Elements....................................24 Giggles & Grins Photography......... 19 Jessica Fowler Photography.......... 12 Mickayla’s Place - Resale................28 Once Upon A Child - Resale.............7

food & beverage Chick-fil-A............................................24 Chill Yogurt Cafe................................ 15 Stevi B’s Pizza Buffet........................24

TELL THEM

SENT YOU!

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Wild LET THEM RUN

We buy & sell kids clothes and gear!

Located in The Landings at exit 8 off I-185 | 2521 Airport Thruway, Columbus, GA 31904 706.507.3737 | onceuponachildcolumbusga.com |

/onceuponachildcolumbusga

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s Fun

Summer Fun on a Budget Entertaining your kids during the summer break does not have to mean breaking the bank. Here are some tips on how to keep kids busy on a budget:

craft day or a LEGO day, at your house, the kids will have no reason to beg to be taken to play and eat at the fast food restaurant.

Watch for free or low-cost events and programs in your local area. Many churches hold vacation bible school in the summer or have free weekend festivals. The local library may have a summer reading program along with free craft days or free movie days. Find and explore the local parks, and look for programs offered by the local parks and recreation department.

Look for discounts for venues you would like to visit during the summer. If you qualify for military discounts or your employer provides discounts for some venues, do your homework to find out which ones and use the information when planning your summer vacation.

Instead of eating out, have a cooking day at home. Have your child select a recipe they would like to learn how to prepare. Your kids will have fun learning how to cook and bake along with developing skills they can also use later. Join a playgroup or help your kids connect with other kids in the neighborhood. If you host fun playdates, like a

Of course, if your kids’ friends are visiting expensive amusement parks or visiting the fast food restaurant several times a week, your kids may be asking why they can’t do it too. This is the perfect opportunity to teach your kids about the importance of making a budget and sticking to it. Explain that other families may have more money to spend on entertainment, but you have something to spend with them that is just as valuable your time.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’s Fun

Sensational Sleepovers Whoever coined the phrase “sleepover” must still be laughing – because, as many of you know, very little sleeping actually goes on! I’m always looking for fun ideas and recipes to keep the nightowls happy – here are some that you might like to try, too.

Make a Sleepover Pillow: Buy and prewash some inexpensive white pillowcases. Then hand out fun fabric pens so guests can create a one-of-a-kind souvenir they can take home. (If you put a piece of cardboard inside the pillow case, it will keep ink from seeping through to the other side.) Go on a Backyard Treasure Hunt: Hide all the goody bags in one place somewhere in your backyard. Then create some clues to lead guests in search of the treasure. Tape the first clue to the back door. When they reach the next spot, have another clue already there to lead them on, until they get to the prize. You can make the clues like riddles, or give the guests a compass and write directional clues to follow. Mix Up Great Munchies: Part of the fun of a sleepover is munching on some yummy treats. Brownies are always a hit and they’re super simple, too. Or try your own trail mix concoction by experimenting with candies, cereal, and chips.

Proudly serving the families of Columbus. #1 Bradley Park Ct, Columbus 706.315.7075 Mary@MaryVarner.com l

Dining Deals

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

With deals this good, save the mess and dine out!

MONDAY

thursday

Chick-fil-A, Phenix City

Captain D’s

5-7:30p: Free kid’s meal with regular priced combo

Chick-fil-A, Wynnton Rd

Get 2 free kids’ meals with purchase of an adult entrée. Dine in only

Chill Yogurt Cafe & Pizzeria

5-9pm: Free kid’s meal per $5 minimum adult entrée

5-7:30p: Free kid’s meal with regular priced combo Kids 12 & under eat free (1 topping 8” pizza & drink) with purchase of adult entrée (11” pizza and a drink). Limit 1 per adult. Dine in only.

Sweet Frog Yogurt

6-8pm. Buy one yogurt mix, get one 50% off

Zaxby’s 5-8pm: Free kid’s meal with adult entrée

Tuesday Atlanta Bread Company

5pm-close: Free kid’s meal with an adult meal Chill Yogurt Cafe & Pizzeria Buy one regular 11” pizza, get one of equal or less value at 50% off with valid school ID. Limit 1 per customer, with ID only.

MOE’s Southwest Grill

saturday Steak & Shake Free kid’s meal with every $8 purchase

sunday Steak & Shake

Free kid’s meal with every $8 purchase

Stevi B’s Pizza

Kids eat for $.99 after 4pm

Texas Roadhouse

Sundays: Kids 12 & under get Jr. Kids Meal for $1.99 with adult entrée (certain holidays are excluded)

Denny’s

Willy T’s

TGI Friday’s

3-10pm: Kids under 13 eat free with adult entrée

every day

Willy T’s

Golden Corral

4-9pm: 1 free kid’s meal per regular meal purchase

Kids 3 & under eat free with adult meal purchase

wednesday

Children 3 & under eat free with purchase of an adult entrée. Kids ages 5-7 get discounted prices

4-10pm: Up to two free kids’ entrées with adult entrée. For kids 10 and under

11-5pm: 1 free kid’s meal per regular meal purchase

Hartz Chicken Buffet

Applebee’s Kids’ meals are half off with the purchase of an adult entrée. Limit: 4 kids per adult

All locations are Columbus, GA unless noted. Specials are subject to change without notice. Please verify them directly before dining. If you know of a kids’ special not listed here, contact Tammy@HooKnowsTheValley.com.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

Hoo’s helpful Entryway As the first and last access point of your home, a lot of activity occurs here. Coats, scarves, hats and bags are dropped everywhere, while dirty shoes are kicked off and left behind. To control your unruly entryway, try creating a drop zone near the door. The addition of a coat rack or hooks make it easy to hang up outerwear, while a storage bench is a convenient place to take off shoes and neatly stow them away. Kitchen Since the kitchen is the heart of the home, many family members congregate here. Establish a corner of the kitchen counter to drop lunch boxes, bottles and coffee mugs used throughout the day. To prevent a pile-up of papers and misplaced items, set up a command center with enough space to file mail and bills and store your keys and other small essentials. Living Room Depending on the size of your living room and how you use the space, you may need to establish several drop zones. For example, a coffee table tray or basket is ideal for storing remotes and chargers. Add storage cubes as a convenient place to store and hide laptop cords, tablets, gaming equipment and children’s toys. Consider labeling a bin for each family member to store their stuff. Bedroom To clear clothing clutter, use a valet rod to hang up tomorrow’s outfit or clothes that need to be taken to the tailor or dry cleaner. Additionally, try designating a dresser drawer as a drop zone for jewelry, watches, or other valuables.

Control the

Clutter with Drop Zones

After returning home from a long day at work, a weekend soccer tournament or an all-day shopping excursion, it’s natural to want to drop everything and relax. However, literally dropping everything can cause a tremendous amount of clutter in the home, leading to stress, misplaced items and wasted time. To eliminate the clutter that busy lifestyles create, try establishing designated drop zones throughout your house to regain a sense of order. Don’t worry, you can still drop everything and relax when you come home – just drop everything in the right spot.

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’s PARENTING

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FREE PLAY Recent scientific research has shown that free play is more than just a chance for kids to take a break from classwork or burn off energy. Kids who are allowed time for free play actually are building their brains and laying the foundation for strong social skills. This mental and social workout, according to research, could help prevent the depression and anxiety disorders that many kids develop in the preteen and teen years. Here is an overview of the explanation on why play, which has been described as the ‘work’ of childhood, is so important.

Free play encourages kids to discover themselves and learn about their world

Free play is defined as play directed by kids. During the period of time for free play, kids have a chance to connect with who they are and what interests them the most. This gives them a sense of control over at least the portion of their time allocated for free play. Kids learn to make decisions and guide themselves through the exploration of their interests, a crucial skill that will be valuable into adulthood. Free play helps social skills

develop

Unlike organized activities, where kids have to put up with a bully no matter what, the freedom to quit a free play activity helps kids develop social skills. Kids learn quickly that when they play fair and take turns, others will want to play with them. They also learn to be sensitive to the feelings of others and how to build friendships. If your child is good at making friends, he is less likely to feel depressed and isolated. In fact, the research study found kids said that they feel happiest when they are playing with friends.

Free play helps kids learn leadership skills

When kids participate in an activity organized and run by adults, all the decisionmaking and organization has been done for them already. In free play activities where kids decide to play a game together, some of the kids will need to take the lead and organize the activity. This gives them an opportunity to exercise planning and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to be flexible when the activity does not go exactly as planned. The ability to be flexible and easily change directions when necessary is a valuable life skill. Adults who lack this resiliency often feel anxious or depressed. Free play helps kids learn to manage strong emotions

During free play, kids might have to try something a bit scary, like the new slide at the playground, or they may have to deal with the disappointment of losing at the pickup game of kickball. In any case, having the chance to deal with emotions is valuable. Teens and young adults who have not properly learned to manage fear and anger are more likely to feel anxious and fearful of losing control of their emotions easily.

A Page In A Book

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Recommending the Best Books

for Children and Teens By Gerry P. Smith

Kids Dig Dinosaurs

A kid’s first introduction to dinosaurs has become a childhood rite of passage in this century. Even though they haven’t roamed the earth in millions of years, dinosaurs have surged to the front of the pack among creatures that stir kids’ imaginations. The following titles are delightful early introductions to dinosaurs that younger children will really sink their teeth into!

Dino-Baby

By Mark Sperring, Illustrated by Sam Lloyd (Bloomsbury)

Dino-Baby follows a sweet dinosaur family as they prepare their child for the arrival of a new baby. The older sister learns the importance of quiet time during naps as well as the joys of baby dino kisses. Teaching the baby good manners and how to use the potty are also important things that an older dino sibling can help with. It’s a special privilege for older siblings to be the one to introduce new arrivals in their family to the wonderful world of dinosaurs. “Dino-Baby” is both an ideal baby-on-the-way title as well as a sweet picture book introduction to dinosaurs that a big sibling can look forward to sharing with the new baby.

If I Had a Raptor By George O’Connor (Candlewick Press)

What would it be like to adopt a raptor and keep it as a pet? In this book, a young girl wants to have all her bases covered before bringing a dinosaur into the family. It would need cozy places to curl up in and sunny spots to stretch out in. She’s sure that her raptor would sleep all day (and run around all night). As the girl’s visions of a raptor as a pet expand, young readers may begin to pick up the similarities between pet raptors and pets of a feline variety. With illustrations that profile the cat-like behaviors a raptor might exhibit, this is a delightful musing on adopting a dinosaur as a pet.

Dinosaur Kisses

By David Ezra Stein (Candlewick)

As soon as baby Dinah emerged from her egg, she was ready to explore her great big world. She wastes no time stomping and chomping her way around it. But when she sees a kiss for the first time, Dinah knows that it’s something that she wants to try, too. Unfortunately when she tries to pucker up for a kiss, she accidentally eats her target instead. Just as it seems that kissing isn’t something that is going to work out for Dinah, another option is revealed. A perfect partner breaks out to help her whomp, stomp, and chomp her way to a kiss that works for dinosaurs like her.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

HOO’s CRAFTY

one-of-a-kind

dinosaur soap

These adorable soaps will make whining about hand washing, nearly extinct. They also make great birthday party favors or cute gifts to give.

Directions Cut up the glycerin soap base into 1″ pieces and melt in a glass measuring cup in the microwave. Heat 30 seconds at a time until it’s all melted.

supplies clear glycerin melt & pour soap base plastic dinosaurs

Stand your dinosaurs up in the silicone molds, and fill spaces halfway with soap. Then spritz the tops to get rid of air bubbles. Let that harden for 20 minutes.

glass measuring cup

Now, heat more soap and fill the rest of the way. (Filling it all at one time will make your dinosaurs float and not be stuck in the middle.) Then spritz again. Let it harden for at least an hour.

silicone molds

spritz bottle with rubbing alcohol

JUNE E

provided in partnership with:

National Doughnut Celebration. 1:30pm. Free. Mildred Terry Public Library; cvlga.org/events/kids

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Ready. Set. Reptiles! Live Animal Show. 3-4pm. Free. Columbus Library, cvlga.org/events/kids

Saturday Movie Madness: Jumanji (PG). 3:30pm. Included with admission. Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain; callawaygardens.com

Scavenger Hunt. All day. Explore the library and win a small prize. Mildred Terry Public Library; cvlga. org/events

American Girl Book Club. 6:30pm. Ages 6-9. Barnes & Noble, Columbus; 706-653-7880

Friday Family Flicks: Pixels (PG13). 3pm. Free. South Columbus Public Library; cvlga.org/events Home Depot Kids Workshop. 9am-Noon. Free. Ages 5-12. Columbus store; 706-322-9240. Phenix City store; 334-297-2045

Puppy Tales. 10:30am. Free. North Columbus Public Library; cvlga.org/events

Carmike Sensory Movie: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Out of the Shadows. 11am. RSVP. Hollywood Connections; autismhopecenter. com/carmike-sensory-movie.html

Library activities Chattahoochee Valley www.CVLGA.org 706-243-2669

Phenix City-Russell County

1501 17th Avenue, Phenix City www.phenixcitylibrary.com 334-297-1139

Troup-Harris

706-628-4685 www.thclibrary.net

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LEGOs in the Library. 2pm. Free. Ages 11 and under. Columbus Public Library; cvlga.org/events

La Leche League meeting. 10am. Columbus Public Library; lllofga. org/columbus.html

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Junie B. Jones: The Musical. Thurs.-Sat.10am. Sun. 2pm. Cost TBA. Riverside Theatre; 706-5078444; theatre.columbusstate.edu

Fantastic Fridays: Bright Star Touring Theatre. 10:30am-Noon. Free. Columbus Museum; columbusmuseum.com

Ga Sweetheart’s “Under the Sea” Pageant. Noon. Columbus Library. 404-643-8611.

Flea Market & Post-Wide Yard Sale. 8am-2pm. Fort Benning; benningmrw.com

Lowes Build & Grow Clinic. 1011am. Free. 1st-5th grades, Columbus; 706-320-9292

Second Saturday: Family Fun. 10am-12pm. 11am - Storytime. Columbus Museum; columbusmuseum.com

Fandom Film Fest. 3pm. Free. Columbus Library; cvlga.org/events

American Girl Book Club. 6:30pm. Ages 10+. Barnes & Noble; 706653-7880

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Junie B. Jones: The Musical. Thur.Sat. 10am. Sun. 2pm. Cost TBA. Riverside Theatre; 706-507-8444 or theatre.columbusstate.edu

Fantastic Fridays: Fiddlin’ Dan the Mountain Man. 10:30am-Noon. Free. Columbus Museum; columbusmuseum.com

Friday Family Flicks: Air Bud (PG). 3pm. Free. South Columbus Public Library; cvlga.org/events

Magical Mayhem with Ken Scott. 4:30pm. Free. Columbus Public Library; cvlga.org/events/kids

EVENTS 18

Daddy & Donuts. 10:05am. Free. Mildred L. Terry Public Library; cvlga.org/events

Saturday Movie Madness: Kung Fu Panda 3 (PG). 2pm. North Columbus Library; cvlga.org/events

Face 2 Face Teen Support Group. 6pm. Free. Ages 13-18. Columbus Counseling Associates; 706-3271222 or ccacolumbus.com

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Junie B. Jones: The Musical. Thur.Sat. 10am. Sun. 2pm. Cost TBA. Riverside Theatre; 706-507-8444 or theatre.columbusstate.edu

ABC’s of Drumming with Dr. Dwight. 1:30pm and 3pm. Free. Columbus Public Library; cvlga. org/events/kids

Brilliant Builders: LEGO and K’NEX. 4pm. Free. North Columbus Library; cvlga.org/events

Fantastic Fridays: Sean Driscoll. 10:30am-Noon. Free. Columbus Museum; columbusmuseum.com

Independence Day Celebration and Carnival. 5pm-9pm. Free. Gardner Field, Fort Benning; benningmwr.com

Young Eagles Day at Flightways Columbus. 8:30-11:30am. Free. Ages 8-17; 706-323-6565 or youngeagles.com/flightplan/flight.asp

Celebrate America at The Rock Ranch. 2pm-9pm. Concert and fireworks after dark; therockranch. com

Independence Day Celebration: Fireworks and Concert. 3pm10:30pm. Free. York Field, Fort Benning; benningmwr.com

Fandom Film Fest. 3pm. Free. Columbus Library; cvlga.org/events

Mindcraft Monday. 2pm. Build worlds and play games in Mindcraft. North Columbus Public Library; cvlga.org/events

Autism Support Group Meeting. 6:30pm. Columbus Regional Conference Center, 710 Center St; 706-604-6333 or autismhopecenter.com

Weekly Events Monday

Family Night at Chick-fil-A Wynnton Road/Midtown. 5-7:30pm. Crafts and fun. 2421 Wynnton Rd, Columbus

Family Night at Chick-fil-A Phenix City. 5-7:30pm. Crafts and fun. 3711 U.S Hwy 280, Phenix City

Tuesday

Teen Bible Study at the Skate Shed. 6pm. 4343 Armour Rd, Columbus; theskateshed.com

Thursday

Toddler Tales at Barnes & Noble. 10am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706653-7880

friday

Creature Feature. 10am-1pm. Free. Oxbow Meadows; oxbow. columbusstate.edu

saturday

Market Days on Broadway. 9amnoon. Columbus; 706-596-0111 or uptowncolumbusga.com Michael’s Kids Club Meeting. 10am-Noon. Ages 3+. See store for details. Saturday Storytimes at Barnes & Noble. 11am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706-653-7880 Treetop Canopy Trail. 11am, 2pm & 5pm. $5. RSVP. Oxbow Meadows; oxbow.columbusstate.edu Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained. For more, visit MuscogeeMoms.com.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

TOYS MEANT FOR

ROYALTY! Perhaps it’s the fairy tales of youth that launch our interest in castles. These elaborate structures are the seat of power in countless imagined kingdoms. So it’s a natural outcome that many kids find playing with castle toys part of their ultimate childhood fantasies. Whether they are enacting their own epic intrigues or playing out a version of scenarios from their favorite tales, castle toys are prime real estate of every kid’s pretend-play landscape!

Knights Castle Tent

(Discovery Kids)

For turnkey castle play, the Discovery Kids Knights Castle Tent is a quick and easy way to create an instant fortress for kids to rule. Crafted with durable nylon, this play tent features a roof and floor that make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor play. Colorful graphics and classic castle design elements (crenelations, arched windows, peaked roof) reinforce the royal vibe. The stretch-corded tent poles also make for easy assembly and fast breakdown. When the castle is uninhabited, the whole edifice collapses to a flat, compact and handily portable package for the royals on the go!

Imaginext Lions Den Castle

(Fisher-Price)

With the noble lion as its sigil and defender, this castle play set is ready to host big adventure. Designed for small hands and big imaginations, the Lions Den comes with fierce elements that will spark scenarios that change and evolve with each play session. Movable elements allow kids to craft defensive actions or plan their own attacks on the fortifications – the adventures are theirs to design and implement. Including a ranging lion and three characters with various armor and weapons, this set can also be expanded with additional figures to grow new tales from within the Imaginext Lions Den Castle.

My Soft World Castle Block

(Edushape)

Little hands have the tools they need to build their very own small kingdom with the My Soft World Castle Block Set. Featuring lightweight blocks and figures crafted with soft, yet durable foam, these pieces are the building blocks for a tiny realm that’s sized just right for the preschool-aged crowd. No sharp edges or hard knocks come with this soft play set. With wonderfully colorful graphics that add royal flair to the turrets and towers, and a fantastic cast of characters that are ready to move in, this soft building set offers all the pretend-play elements for a child’s first castle adventures.

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Moms’ Marketplace LOVE ON YOUR LAWN

Turfscapes

LAWN MAINTENANCE & LANDSCAPING COMPANY

COMMERCIAL . RESIDENTIAL . LICENSED . INSURED

DWTURFSCAPES@BELLSOUTH.NET

706-587-4666

1/2 OFF

1ST MONTH WITH NEW ANNUAL CONTRACT

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Get hands on with our weekly art-making camps! July 11-15 | Art and Science: Ages 5-7 July 18-22 | Art and Science: Ages 8-10 July 25-29 | Art and Nature: Ages 11-13 All classes are held 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. | $145 Museum member/$165 future member

SUMMER CAMPS & ACTIVITIES GUIDE www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

Summer Classes Begin June 13th

June 13-30 Closed July 4-8 July 18-22

Winner of 2015 National Title

Classes include: Hip Hop, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Leaps/Turns, Ballet, Pointe, Tumbling, and Breakdance/B-boy

Fall Dance Classes August 8th

Open House July 23rd 9am-1pm Pre-register online starting July 11.

* Nemo and Dory Dance Camp - July 25-28

* Summer Class Punch Cards - 10, 15, 20, or 25 * 10% off camp when enrolled in classes * Discounts for multi-classes, siblings, unlimited classes

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SUMMER CAMPS & ACTIVITIES GUIDE Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Summer Classes, Camps & Birthday Parties are Better Indoors!

IS #1 SUMMER FUN at My Gym!

.. Million s of kids agree.

(706) 507-2966 • mygym.com/columbus MyGymColumbus

Summer Music, Dance, & Drama Camps For more information, please visit www.clementarts.org

SUMMER CAMPS & ACTIVITIES GUIDE www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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All Natural Baby Boutique

~Natural skin care products

~Cloth diapers ~Baby Carriers ~Teething & Breastfeeding aids

10% OFF ith ad

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5828C Moon Rd, Columbus/ BabyElementsBoutique.com

706-507-5105

HOO’s FIT

Fill Up Without Filling Out

When it comes to losing weight and taking care of your body, it’s really about a couple of basic principles: eat smart and move more. Most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in calories and fat. Many contain lots of water and fiber to give you a feeling of fullness. A deliciously simple way to fill up without filling out is to eat watermelon, which contains 92% water. Every cup packs a gram of fiber for only 46 calories. It’s fat, cholesterol-free and has no sodium. For more deliciously healthy recipes, visit www.watermelon.org

Here are some easy ways to fill up your plate with watermelon: • Spoil your appetite with a slice of watermelon before your meal. It will help curb your hunger by satisfying your taste buds. • Top grilled salmon with a watermelon salsa. • Start a meal with a watermelon soup seasoned with mint, ginger and lemon.

www.FamilyAndKidsDigest.com

The

HOO’s HEALTHY

a study on delayed cord clamping Could waiting just three minutes before clamping the umbilical cord after childbirth make a difference in your child’s motor and social skills? According to a new Swedish study, children of mothers that delay cord clamping, reap the benefits later in life – especially for boys it seems. Delaying cord clamping is already known to benefit babies by increasing iron levels in their blood for the first few months of life, researchers write in the most recent edition of JAMA Pediatrics. “There is quite a lot of brain development just after birth,” said lead author Dr. Ola Andersson of Uppsala University in Sweden. “Iron is needed for that process.” For the study, researchers followed up on 263 Swedish children born at full term to healthy mothers about four years earlier. As newborns, the children had been part of a larger study in which a total of 382 babies were randomly assigned to either early cord clamping (within 10 seconds) or late cord clamping (at least three minutes after birth). Four years later, the children were similarly intelligent regardless of when their cords had been clamped, but there were some notable differences. “When you just meet a child, you wouldn’t see or notice any differences,” Andersson told Reuters Health. “But we could see the differences in fine motor function.” The children were tested for IQ, motor skills and behavior. Parents also reported on their children’s communication, problem-solving and social skills. Results of the study showed that overall brain development and behavior scores were similar for both groups, and there was no significant difference in IQ scores. However, more children in the delayed cord clamping group had a mature pencil grip on the fine motor skills test and better skills on some social aspects compared to those whose cords were clamped early.

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Kids

Doctor

Sue Hubbard, MD kidsdr.com

Researchers found that boys benefitted much more than girls. Iron deficiency is much more common among male infants than among females. Delaying cord clamping by three minutes allows an extra 3.5 ounces of blood to transfuse to the baby, which is equivalent to a half gallon of blood for an adult, Andersson said. “There’s a lot of iron in that volume,” he said. “Even three minutes can have quite a lot of effect on the iron in the blood in the body for a long time after birth.” The new study provides evidence of benefit for full-term babies in a developed country where nutritional deficiency is extremely rare, Andersson said. “When a baby transitions from inside the womb to outside the womb, if you think about what nature does, it is not to clamp the cord immediately,” said Dr. Heike Rabe of the Brighton and Sussex Medical School and University Hospitals in the UK. Why do doctors traditionally clamp the cord quickly? About 60 years ago, doctors began clamping the cord almost immediately because it was thought that it would reduce the risk of hemorrhage for the mother. Doctors now know that is not the case. Even though the scientific understanding behind cord clamping has changed, it’s still difficult for some doctors to change how they’ve always done things. Today, parents can have more say in how their baby is born and whom they choose to deliver their child. Parents-to-be should discuss their wishes with their OB/GYN or family doctor ahead of time and weigh the pros and cons of delaying cord clamping for their particular birthing process.

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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HOO’s CUTE

CONTEST Visit our website to enter: w w w. h o o k n o w s t h e v a l l e y. c o m

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HOO’s HUNGRY Pesto chicken

veggie meatballs

Bite-sized foods, mixed with letting your little ones help prepare their meal, are great ways to get your kids to expand their palates. Fancy toothpicks and dipping options seal the deal!

DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Gently press a paper towel on your zucchini to remove extra moisture, then place your veggies into a blender/food processor and pulse until finely minced. Then stir in the pesto. Fold in the ground chicken breast until it’s well-combined. Try not to over-work the mixture. Line a baking sheet with foil or a silpat and drizzle with oil. Using a scoop, a spoon, or just your hands, make 1” balls. Bake at 375 degrees for 13-15 minutes. Serve with your favorite sauce, pasta, or on a sandwich. Enjoy!

Ingredients • 1 pound ground chicken • 1/2 medium red bell pepper • 1/2 medium carrot, peeled • 1/2 of a zucchini • 3 tablespoons pesto • salt to taste • 1 tablespoon olive oil • frilly toothpicks & dip sauces

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Wise Choices for You & Your Family

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from one child to another (sizes newborn to 16)

Buying Days Mon - Thurs 10 AM - 5 PM Drop off any day

Store Hours Mon - Fri: 9 AM - 7 PM Saturday: 10 AM - 6 PM Sunday: Closed

a children’s resale shop

706-221-1154 I 2401 Whittlesey Rd I Columbus, GA 31909

Jokin’ Around Why you wouldn’t you want to fight with a snail? It might try to slug you! Why couldn’t the skunk go shopping? It didn’t have a scent in its wallet! What is smarter than a talking cat? A spelling bee! How can you learn more about spiders? Check out their website! What kind of bear stays out in the rain? A drizzly bear! What do you call a cow with two legs? Lean beef!

HOO’s FUN

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EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

If you would like to feature your school or child care option, call Tammy at

253-212-7270

Currently Enrolling for the 2016-17 school year! Limited Space Available

CCS Offers: K3-12th Grade Fine Arts Biblical Instruction Athletics Non-Common Core Curriculum Extra Curricular Activities Challenging Academics Dual Enrollment AP and Honor Classes Before and After School Care CALVARY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 7556 Old Moon Road Columbus, GA 31909 www.CalvaryKnights.com / 706.323.0467

Teaching the Whole Child the Whole Truth

A Ministry of Calvary Baptist Church

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SMALL CLASS SIZES K3-6TH GRADE BEFORE/AFTER CARE ENRICHMENT CLUBS MILITARY DISCOUNTS •

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2303 DOUBLE CHURCHES, COLUMBUS I 706.323.4441

Building a strong foundation for life.

As a parent, you want what’s best for your child. It’s your heart’s desire. At St. Luke, it’s our commitment. With a mission to develop the mind, body and spirit through outstanding academics and activities in a faith-based environment, we are providing a strong foundation for success – at the next level of education and beyond. From Preschool to our Early Learning Center to St. Luke School, our calling is to prepare and inspire your child to excel, wherever life takes them. Visit school.stlukeum.com to learn more. 318 11th Street | 706-256-1301 ST.LUKE SCHOOL

EARLY LEARNING CENTER

PRESCHOOL

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