Family Lehigh Valley
September - October 2012
Pric take eless one!
.com
Back to School for Grown-ups Fabulous Fall Fashion - you already own!
Fun Things To Do Back to School Infection Protection
Family Lehigh Valley
A Thrive, LLC Publication 905 Harrison Street, Suite 104 • Allentown 18103 610-762-9011 editor@lehighvalleyfamily.com
On The Cover: Alyssa and Allie of Bethlehem. Photo Courtesy of Pix-Ology, LLC.
www.LehighValleyFamily.com
OUR TEAM Publisher Jeff Tintle, II
Editor
Laura Putt Editor@ lehighvalleyfamily.com
Associate Editor Vicki Bezems
Photography: Janet Sena Pix-Ology, LLC
Contributors
Art Villafane Adrienne Nenow Thomas Lichtenwalner Denise Continenza
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Copyright© 2012 by Thrive, LLC. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the express written permission of the publisher. Thrive, LLC assumes no responsibility for damages arising from errors or omissions. Thrive Media, 905 Harrison Street, Suite 104, Allentown 18103. www. lehighvalleyfamily.com. Lehigh Valley Family’s monthly issues are available online at www.lehighvalleyfamily.com. Print issues are published bi-monthly (Jan/Feb; March/April; May/June; July/Aug; Sept/Oct; Nov/Dec); and are available at libraries, churches, health clubs, medical facilities, child care centers, preschools, educational centers and other locations where publications are generally found. Print subscriptions are available for $20 (6 issues).
FROM THE EDITOR Back to school time is here again. I don’t know about you, but I just can’t believe the summer has passed so quickly. Wasn’t it just springtime? I always feel like the close of summer is the start of something new. It offers an opportunity to get reorganized and start the school year on a fresh foot. We hope that this issue of Lehigh Valley Family brings you lots of new ideas to make this school year your best and most organized yet. And should you find yourself needing a little help, as all parents do from time to time, there is a listing of tutors on page 9 to get your student back on track. And of course, the women out there can agree that fall is a chance to break out some new (or old) fashion. There is something exciting about dusting off those favorite jeans or boots once cold weather arrives again. We have a featured article about using some of your summer items to fashion into new, autumn appropriate outfits. Last but not least, I am proud to say that we are entering our fourth year of publishing Lehigh Valley Family. I am so proud of our past three years and excited as we look to our future. We hope to become a staple in your lives through offering you not only timely articles and information in print, but also a comprehensive calendar of events on our website, and opportunities to interact with other parents via our Facebook group. The team at Lehigh Valley Family thanks our readers and advertisers for getting us to this point. I personally am so grateful to work alongside a dedicated team. Each member is passionate about bringing the best information and resources to other families in the Valley. We look forward to growing alongside your family for many years to come. Thank you!
- Laura
table of contents
For families of Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and Beyond!
The Get Organized Issue FUN and GAMES 5 Fun Facts 9 Wuzzles 19 Wuzzle Answers
p.16 features 6 9 11 13 14 16
p.9 Back to school means catching colds. Keep infection at bay with these tips!
18 20 22
Get Back into the School-Day Groove Infection Protection for Back to School Celiac Disease: A Growing Health Concern The Gangrene Hour A Sour Economy Makes Many Sweet on School In the Digital Age, Biological Clocks Don’t Tick as Loudly It’s Never to Early to Start Holiday Planning Transform Your Sweet Summer Style into Fabulous Fall Fashion Fun Things To Do
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Newsflash! Want to Test Out New Toys?
We are looking for several families who would like to be given toys to review for our holiday 2012 issue. Visit our Facebook page to express your interest in being a toy-tester!
Know a Beautiful Baby?
We are proud to partner with the March of Dimes for the 4th year. Please support this important cause by entering your beautiful baby, or voting for a baby, at www. themorningcall.com/beautifulbaby. 2013 marks the 75th anniversary of the March of Dimes in the Valley, who provides information and resource to pregnant woman as well a families coping with the birth of a premature baby.
For over 30 years, Bayada Nurses has been providing special nurses for special children. One-on-one car for medically fragile children Feeding tube and respiratory care Disease management Home safety evaluations Trachescstomy and ventilator management Services 24 hours, 7 days
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Fun, But Usless, Facts... • The human brain has the capacity to store everything that you experience. • The chances of you dying on the way to get your lottery tickets is greater than your chances of winning. • Smelling bananas and/or green apples can help you lose weight! • The average person spends three years of his or her life on a toilet. • When you are looking at someone you love, your pupils dilate, they do the same when you are looking at someone you hate. • You are about 1 centimeter taller in the morning than in the evening. • The can opener was invented 48 years after the can. • In Chinese, the KFC slogan “finger lickin’ good” comes out as “eat your fingers off”. • Men who kiss their wives in the morning live five years longer than those who don’t. • Bullet proof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers were all invented by women.
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• A donkey will sink in quicksand but a mule won’t. • A hummingbird weighs less than a penny. • Each year, there are more than 40,000 toilet related injuries in the United States. • The inventor of the Waffle Iron did not like waffles. • The Yo-Yo originated as a weapon in the Philippine Islands during the sixteenth century. • Donkeys kill more people annually than plane crashes. • When you take a step, you are using up to 200 muscles. • To sell your home faster, and for more money, paint it yellow. • 40% of women have hurled footwear at a man. • Your fingernails grow faster in winter.
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Get Back Into The School-Day Groove By Adrienne Nenow
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egardless of your age, breaking from one routine into another can be challenging, especially when one is switching from a lenient agenda of attending pool parties, relaxing at the beach, and palling around with neighborhood friends to a more demanding routine of waking up early and homework deadlines. However, with proper preparation and organization the change in routines can be stress free and painless.
Night Before
The key to a smooth morning lies with accomplishing as much as possible the night before. You can take your time packing lunches and choosing the next day’s outfit. It is also a good time to make sure all homework has been completed and all necessary items, such as folders, are packed. Furthermore, showering the night before saves a chunk of time.
Tips:
• Checklists are a great way to stay organized and ensure that priorities are completed. Go over the checklists with your child to engage and make them familiar with the routine. It also makes the routine more interesting for children if they get to “be in charge” of the checklist. • The child can help pack lunches by selecting a special snack to add. • Also, if there are any extra-curricular activities planned for the next day, the night before is a convenient time to pack
September / October 2012
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up any practice gear, or equipment, and include a nutritious after-school snack. • A week or so before school begins, it may be a good idea to start going to bed at a regular time since the child will be waking up earlier. It will help to ease into the swing of things.
Morning
Mornings are typically seen as the foundation of the day. Whether it’s waking up on the “right-side of the bed” or indulging in a healthy breakfast to kick-start the day, the idea emphasizes the importance of a positive beginning.
Tips:
• Ten extra minutes could make the difference between a smooth or hectic morning. Therefore, it may be wise to judge how much time it takes to go through your morning routine and then add 10 or 15 minutes to your time frame. When it comes to saving on stress, it is better to be early rather than fret over being late. • Breakfast can be nutritious and quick, whether you scramble a batch of eggs or pour a bowl of cereal. If you find yourself really pressed for time, consider a whole-grain granola bar or hard-boiled eggs (which can be prepared earlier in the week). • Being early allows you to reaffirm that lunches are packed, book bags are assembled, teeth are brushed, and shoes are tied. Additionally, since traffic jams are unpredictable, extra time is convenient for handling any obstacles without the www.LehighValleyFamily.com
added stress regarding potential lateness. • A week or so before school starts is a good time to gauge how much time you will need in the morning. Assess how long the trip is to the bus stop or school. Additionally, it may be a good idea to practice waking up early one or two days so the child is used to the change.
Through-out the Day
Organization is key to making sure important notices, announcements, or homework hand-outs don’t get lost within the “black hole backpack”. Teachers tend to hand out various papers through-out the day for each of the student’s different classes. For example, your child could receive flyers featuring upcoming events in homeroom, and then receive worksheets for homework in the next three classes, as well as obtaining past graded assignments. Point being, all those papers can get mixed up and muddled, creating a “black-hole backpack” where potentially important papers or homework could go missing for a few weeks.
Tips:
• Labeled folders or even slim, light weight, three ring binders are an excellent way to keep important papers organized. • When preparing for going back to school, kids love
picking out their new supplies. Let them label which folders they want for each subject so they create their own routine for where they will place their assignments. If folders or notebooks are bought in bulk, or the school has restrictions against brightly colored or decorated supplies, perhaps the child could create smaller unique labels, maybe adding a small sticker or two to personalize it.
End of the Day
• Extra-curricular activities are a great way to add diversity into a routine and engage your child in social atmospheres. Since extra-curricular activities should be an enjoyable and positive way to relieve stress, they shouldn’t over-burden the child. Make sure the activities fit nicely into your routine, leaving time to complete homework in the evening without rushing, as well as some time to unwind. • Study hours are a helpful way to make sure homework is completed the night before. It’s a good idea to designate a time frame for when homework and studying should be completed. A set schedule helps keep a routine flowing and ensures priorities are being accomplished. • The routine comes full cycle with the check-list and preparing items for the next day.
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Now Registering for Fall 2012 - Programs for 3-5 yrs. old Contact Robin Hagy at 610-395-3613 x29
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Children’s Centers (LVCC) is a leader in providing high-quality early education and child care. We offer:
Programs for children ages six weeks to 12 years
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Scholarship assistance
LVCConline.org ∙ (610) 820-5333
Moms Morning Out Program
Christian Based Informal/Instructional Day Program Summer Program for Children 18 months to 2 nd Grade Fall 2012 Program 18 months to 5 years of Age Contact Jennie Weitzel for more info 610-395-3613 x40 Both Programs located at 1208 Brookside Road, Wescosville, PA
www.LehighValleyFamily.com • Lehigh Valley Family
Great Study Skills Hold the Key to Academic Success By Nina Pinsley, Club Z! In-Home Tutoring of the Lehigh Valley
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ost parents can agree that their children seem to receive more homework than ever before, yet there’s been no shortage of news about how children in schools across the country are failing to keep up. When students are working harder and still getting poor grades, clearly there’s an underlying problem. The problem is that children for the most part don’t have the study skills they need in order to succeed in the classroom. A major key to educational success is having strong study skills. Unfortunately, most schools don’t teach children how to study. Instead, they pile them up with homework assignments and leave them on their own to figure out the best way to go about studying. Additionally, most parents don’t think to teach their children how to study and those that do aren’t quite sure where to start. “Having good study habits is a skill that is learned,” explains Mark Lucas, CEO/Founder of Club Z! In-Home Tutoring Services. “Children aren’t born knowing how to study anymore than they are born knowing how to read. They need to be taught the most effective way to study in order to excel.” According to the National Education Association, children in grades 3-6 can handle up to one hour per day of homework, and even more time for older children. For the most part that hour per day may be wasted if the child doesn’t know how to effectively utilize the time. Here are several homework tips to help children be successful, including: • Choose an ideal study location in the house that offers plenty of space for books, has good lighting, and is free from distractions, such as the television. • Keep their school materials organized in a planner and use a calendar to mark important exams and project due dates. • Make sure the child is well prepared with all the necessary resources they need, such as pencils, paper and a dictionary.
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• Have your child take breaks when they become frustrated. As much as you may want to do the work for them, it’s better if they complete the work on their own. “We offer a very effective one-on-one study skills program for students of all ages,” says Lucas. “The feedback we have received from parents and children has been tremendous. Once you give a student the tools they need to really understand how to study, their confidence level increases and they become more engaged in the whole learning process.” The Club Z! study skills program focuses on the most important issues when it comes to improving a child’s education. The program teaches students how to be effective and efficient students. They work independently with children to teach them skills in organization, time management, classroom participation, note-taking, memorization, and comprehension. They also help children to identify their preferred learning style so they can use that information to get the most out of their study time. “Our study skills class is an integral part of helping children learn how to draw upon their abilities to succeed at their studies. We teach children how to study smarter, not harder,” says Lucas. Find out more about how Club Z! can enhance your child’s study skills by visiting our web site at: www.clubztutoring. com/LehighValley or by calling 610-351-3500. www.LehighValleyFamily.com
Need a Tutor?
Find one that best suits your needs: Club Z! Tutoring of the Lehigh Valley 610-351-3500
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Bethlehem Village Shoppes 3650 Nazareth Pike, Bethlehem,18017. 610-967-3265 www.kumon.com
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Lear Educational Center
1901 Hay Terrace, Suite 1901. Easton. 610-252-0965 www.leareducationalcenter.com plear@leareducationalcenter.com
Services Provided:
• Reading/remedial and advanced • Math • Writing • Study skills • Homework help • SAT/ACT Prep • College Prep • Spanish at all levels
Additional Information:
The Lear Educational Center offers specialized and general tutoring, building confidence, and ultimately raising grades. After 12 years the Lear Center has become one
WUZZLES! Answers on page 19 A
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of the leading reading tutoring centers for remedial, and advanced instruction in the Lehigh Valley. We are Wilson Reading Certified, and are skilled with students with IEPs. We also offer specialized programs for Auditory Processing disorders, and behavioral modification. Programs are delivered one teacher to one student, individualized, and reviewed for progress effectiveness. Ms. Lear is documented at the PA federal court level as a special education expert. Consultations are free, and assessments are 25% off with the mention of this magazine listing.
Pam Wisniewski Reading and Academic Tutor 4505 Charles Street, Easton.
Services Provided:
484-241-5108
• Wilson Reading and Language Program • ADD/ADHD Support • Behavior Modification Plans • Reading Assessment • Academic Tutoring • Homework Support • Organizational and Study Skills
P.R.E.P for Success Tutors 610-791-3627
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• One-on-One In-Home Tutoring • Math • Science • English • Reading/Writing • History/Social Studies • Foreign Language • Study Skills • Homework Helper • Test Prep
Infection Protection for Back to School
By Jamie Zanelli, Good Shepherd Pediatric Rehabilitation
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t’s back to school time! This may mean that illness-causing germs may soon be returning to your home. Taking a proactive stance against cold, flu and other germs can help keep your home and your loved ones infection-free.
Here are some easy tips to prevent the spread of germs in your house: HANDle with Care Handwashing is the number one defense strategy against germs. It is extremely important to teach your children to wash their hands often. Be sure they wash vigorously for at least 20 seconds … this is enough time to sing “Happy Birthday” two times. By the way, don’t forget to wash your own hands regularly as well! Wipe Out Disposable disinfecting wipes are a convenient ally in the war against germs. Remember to wipe down door knobs, toilet flush handles, faucet handles, countertops, handrails, refrigerator handles, tables, cellphone cases, TV remotes, and computer keyboards and
mice. Always follow the instructions on the label – some products require you to let them stand wet for a few minutes while the surfaces air-dry. Toss It or Wash It If you have a family member who is currently sick, consider using disposable paper towels to avoid infection from germs clinging to cloth towels and surfaces. Bath towels and linens should be washed regularly in hot water and not re-used. Some plastic toys can be washed in the dishwasher, while many stuffed animals can be tossed in the washing machine. Don’t forget to replace toothbrushes after recovery from an illness. Sometimes It’s Not Nice To Share It’s best not to prepare meals if you’re the one who is sick. Also, try to discourage your family from sharing food and utensils for at least one week during acute illnesses. Be sure to wash dishes thoroughly with hot water. Change your dish towels regularly and dispose of your kitchen sponges frequently.
Stop and Drop So many different items travel with us when we are outside of our homes: purses, backpacks, lunchboxes, etc. Drop them at the door when you come home. You’d be surprised at the amount of germs that make their way onto your kitchen table courtesy of the bottom of your purse. Don’t forget to remove your shoes before walking throughout your house, too. If you wear sandals or flipflops, rinse your feet before bedtime. Be Prepared The single best way to prevent the flu is to get the flu shot every fall. Talk to your doctor about recommended vaccines for yourself and your family. Take a Time Out If you’re sick, protect your co-workers or classmates by staying home. Be sure to maintain healthy eating habits and drink plenty of fluids. While your body fights to eliminate your illness, it’s also important to get plenty of rest. The energy you conserve and the fuel you provide with food and fluids will give your body what it needs to get the job done. Antibiotics Aren’t Always the Answer Remember that antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. Viruses, such as the cold and flu, are not affected by antibiotics. This means you won’t always need an antibiotic when you’re sick. Talk more about antibiotics with your doctor. It’s always better to take an offensive position than a defensive position when it comes to the war on germs. Following these simple steps regularly will help you and your family stay healthy all year long. Jamie Zanelli, RN, CPN, is a pediatric clinical specialist for the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital Pediatric Unit. She studied nursing at Lehigh Carbon Community College and is now enrolled in the BSN program at Chamberlain College of Nursing. Jamie is a certified pediatric nurse and a certified basic life support instructor.
Celiac Disease: A Growing Health Concern By Vicki Bezems, Lehigh Valley Family in failure to absorb certain nutrients. Over time, this can lead to vitamin deficiencies that deprive the brain, peripheral nervous system, bones, liver and other organs of vital nourishment. Celiac is hard to diagnose because it can cause such a wide array of symptoms. There are no typical signs of celiac, but because it is a gastro-intestinal disorder, it often causes diarrhea, bloating and abdominal pain. Celiac can also cause less obvious symptoms, such as irritability or depression, anemia, joint pain, muscle cramps, skin rash, mouth sores or tingling in the legs and feet, osteoporosis in older adults and stunted growth in children. It can lay dormant and strike at any age. Celiac is more likely to develop in those with type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroid disease, Down syndrome, and colitis. Left untreated, celiac disease sufferers are more likely to develop certain cancers and other diseases. Some people suffer a less severe intolerance to gluten, called gluten sensitivity. “Unlike celiac disease, gluten sensitivity walks a blurry diagnostic line. There’s no s we peruse the aisles of the supermarket these days, or the menus in our favorite restaurants, we see the term “gluten free” definitive way to diagnose the condition, like a blood everywhere. What exactly does “gluten free” mean, and why is test. The condition is also not associated with as serious side effects and doesn’t have the same genetic it important? markers as celiac disease,” according to a report Gluten is a protein found in foods containing wheat, barley, rye and by ABC News, February 2012. Nonetheless, the oats; these include bread, pasta, cookies, pizza crust, cereals, salad treatment is the same: a gluten free diet. dressings, ice creams, sauces, and many other processed foods. Gluten triggers an immune response in people with celiac disease, also known We talked with several individuals who have either as gluten intolerance. Celiac disease is a growing health concern in the been diagnosed with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, United States and in Europe. According to a recent study, one percent including one mom who, on her own cognition, of non-Hispanic whites in the U.S. -- close to two million Americans decided to eliminate gluten from her family’s diet. -- have celiac disease, but most are not aware they suffer from it. Their experiences illustrate how gluten intolerance can When people with celiac disease eat foods with gluten, it can cause alter lifestyles and how it can be managed. inflammation and damage to the small intestine, which can result (Continued on Page 12)
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www.LehighValleyFamily.com • Lehigh Valley Family
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Leiah
Leiah, six years old, from Wescosville, PA, has celiac disease. Since she was three years old, her parents had noticed that her belly was distended but dismissed it as “milk belly.” At her routine well-visit, her doctor noted that she was not growing at the rate she should have been. She had no other symptoms. Knowing that the celiac gene is carried by northern European women, her mother, Amanda, who is of Irish and Scottish descent, decided to have her tested. Leiah’s blood test was positive for celiac. Doctors suggested an endoscopy, but Leiah’s parents decided to put her on a gluten-free diet, a noninvasive approach to confirming her diagnosis. For Amanda, eliminating gluten from Leiah’s diet meant big changes at home. Even after buying Leiah all glutenfree products, Amanda realized that Leiah’s food could be contaminated by all the other foods the family used; their three older children, who all tested negative for celiac, continued to eat the same foods they had always eaten, The family bought a second toaster and a second waffle iron for use in preparing Leiah’s foods. They realized that cooking and serving utensils could be cross-contaminated and began to avoid sharing these items. Amanda learned to bake gluten free and stocked up on large quantities of gluten free flour blends to save on the high cost of these foods. She also went through all the other personal products in the house, such as shampoos and skin lotions, to make sure they were gluten free, trying to prevent any “build-up” of gluten in Leiah’s system. Now, one and a half years after gluten was eliminated from Leiah’s diet, she is growing normally. She will start first grade in September, but the family will not try to navigate school menus; she’ll bring her own lunch to ensure that she doesn’t accidentally eat anything containing gluten. If she did, there would be no outward signs until the build-up again caused intestinal damage.
Nathaniel
Nathaniel, of Allentown, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was nine years old. Because diabetics are likely to have celiac disease, Nathaniel was tested for celiac while he was in the hospital. The results were negative; nevertheless, his mother, Lori, decided to eliminate gluten from his diet to prevent him from developing celiac. As soon as the gluten was removed, frequent stomach aches that he had had since he was very young, went away. With her oldest son being off gluten, Lori decided to eliminate it from the diets of everyone in the family. Almost immediately, many symptoms that she herself had experienced for years were relieved: her gastro-intestinal problems that had been diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome, and problems sleeping. Her two-year old used to have constant itching and diarrhea, which also went away. Both her seven-year old daughter’s stomach pains and her husband’s eczema disappeared.
12 September / October 2012
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Asked how she protects her family from exposure to gluten, Lori advocates educating the children. “When they have gluten, they realize they get sick. The problem is you might not even experience symptoms,” she explains, “but this is what’s going on in your body. You don’t want celiac. The best thing is educating your child on what celiac is and what gluten will do to you, and that celiac is related to other diseases, even cancer.” Lori’s passion for learning about the foods we eat have led her to pursue a degree in nutrition, which she will be starting in the fall.
Nancy
Nancy, 53, was diagnosed with celiac in 2008. She attributes the onset of her celiac symptoms to a period of major stress: Her mother passed away in January 2004, and three weeks later her husband lost his job. Nancy had experienced stomach discomfort, bloating and frequent bowel movements since 2004 and was initially tested for celiac, with negative results, in 2006. She ignored these signs for a couple of years until her older brother was diagnosed with celiac. Her symptoms continued getting better or worse, depending on her diet, but she didn’t see the correlation at the time. “Things got really dreadful in January 2008 after a Christmas filled with cookies and all things gluten (spent in the Lehigh Valley with my husband’s family – I do love my mother-in-law’s Christmas baking!). My energy levels plummeted, as did my weight. I had done a little research on celiac and discovered that the blood test I had taken had a 30% false negative rate depending on how much gluten was present in my system at the time, so for the second test I ate gluten at every meal all week,” Nancy told us. Nancy is director of sales and client services for a firm which provides services to attorneys and lenders nationwide. Her responsibilities entail a large amount of travel. Asked how her diagnosis has changed her lifestyle, Nancy responds, “I was pretty happy to discover what was wrong and what to do about it, so in all honesty it changed my lifestyle quite positively. The worst I can say is that I miss the ease with which I used to approach food. When I am eating away from home, I try to do research before I go to determine how gluten-free-friendly a restaurant is. If that’s not possible, I’ve learned to ask a few questions based on the food type.” If you or anyone in your family has unexplained symptoms that you suspect could be caused by celiac disease, contact your physician. If you receive a positive diagnosis, you are not alone. There are many products, resources and support available locally and online. Talk to your doctor, contact your local hospital or health network, visit your local health food store and go to www.celiac.org or www.celiac.com. Sources: www.health.yahoo.net/news, www.celiac.com, www. mayoclinic.com, www.abcnews.go.com. www.LehighValleyFamily.com
The Gangrene Hour
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t has been dubbed “the gangrene hour” by those who study families or work with them. The time slot that marks the transition from work to home or school to home is one of the most lethal times of the day, especially for working parents. Everyone is tired and in need of a change by the late afternoon. Kids have been forced to be somewhat quiet and controlled all day. They are ready to burst with requests, demands, and information. Parents are exhausted from the hassles, details, and noise of the work environment. All parents want is peace and quiet. But instead, our quest for retreat and rejuvenation in our homes more often than not resembles a crowded cage of hamsters, crawling on top of each other, yanking at one another on all sides. It is not long before patience gets strained and the battles begin, as no one’s needs are being met. Everyone is groping for attention but no one has any to give. So what is a family to do? Try some of these strategies for a peaceful transition to family life at the end of the day. Debrief! Take the last few minutes of your work day to sit back and plan for tomorrow. Try to avoid working until the bitter end and flying out the door, leaving your work area in shambles for the next morning. Take a few moments to
By Denise Continenza, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Penn State Extension-Lehigh County clean up and plan ahead for the next day. Make a list of tasks that you will finish or begin the next morning. Doing so will help you feel in control, as you will have an action plan for the following day. Drive home quietly. Try to avoid the overstimulation of pulsating music. Reflect on your day; pat yourself on the back for the things you did well. Meditate or pray to help you relax and feel in control. Take notice of the world around you, such as the birds, or falling leaves. Put work behind you. Don’t think about the tasks you left undone or the meetings that did not go well. You are off the clock, and you have already determined what you will tackle tomorrow. Get ready to shift gears. Make a mental list of what you need to do that night with your family. Do not overbook the agenda, and plan in some fun and down time for yourself as well. Establish a “no request” or a “no complaint” zone for thirty minutes after you come home. Explain to your family that for the first half-hour you are home you will not answer any requests
for permission, nor will you respond to complaints. Tell them you need time to recharge your mental power source before you can respond thoughtfully. Change your clothes as soon as possible. Get out of the work mode and into the home mode. Balancing work and family is often like leading two distinct lives. Just like it is hard to act professional when you are sporting blue jeans, it is hard to be relaxed when you are dressed like you are still at work. Have meals planned ahead of time Digging through the freezer trying to pull a meal together adds even more stress to a household. Know at breakfast what you are making for dinner. Assign some of the preparations to older children when possible. Working and raising a family is often compared to leading two lives. Or as one parent put it, “I feel like I leave one fulltime job and go to another!”. However you perceive your dual role, remember which one pays the most and has everlasting benefits!
A Sour Economy Makes Many Sweet on School By Laura Putt, Lehigh Valley Family
A Sour Economy Makes Many Sweet On School By Laura Putt, Lehigh Valley Family
Ada Rivera, Wescoe School 2009 Graduate
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ince the economic crisis began in 2008, it is hard to find someone who is unscathed by the economic downturn. The fact is, the mix of questionable job security, diminished investments, plus doubtful social security when we become seniors means that most of us will continue to work until the age of seventy or beyond. This new reality has caused many Americans to reevaluate their career and situation in life. Is it stable? Do I see my future in this field? If I have to work for 30 more years, do I have time to change course? With all of those working years ahead, many people are deciding to head back to school to pursue higher education. Since 2009, the U.S. Department of Education cites a twentythree percent increase in the number of non-traditional students enrolled in U.S. colleges. A non-traditional student is defined as twenty-five and older, returning to school for any reason. Eight million adult students were enrolled in college in 2010, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. In the Lehigh Valley, Muhlenberg’s Wescoe School has witnessed the growing trend. Experts have predicted that adult enrollment will grow by yet another twenty percent over the next five years. As you might imagine, attending college as an adult isn’t an easy choice to make. One must consider the financial implications, and also the personal sacrifices the student will have to make. Returning to school is a commitment not only for the student, but also his or her employer and family. To garner the inside scoop of what life is really like as an adult
14 September / October 2012
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student, we sat down with Ada Rivera, a 2009 graduate of The Wescoe School, wife, mother of two, and employee of Lehigh Valley Health Network. LVF : “Since you had a family and worked full-time while going back to school, what strategies did you use to manage your time to maintain balance to reach your goals?” Ada: “I made sure all written assignments were completed and isolated to one day, such as a Saturday or Sunday. If there was material that needed to be read in advance, I broke it up every night so by the time my assignment was due all the material was reviewed prior to Saturday or Sunday. My husband assisted me a great deal by his support and additional help with the kids and home chores.” LVF: “What misconceptions did you have about going back to school? How did they change?” Ada: “I felt I would not have the dedicated time to spend on school work and I felt the material would have been too challenging for me since it was over 10 years since I had attended school. My misconceptions changed the first three weeks of class. I loved the team I was paired with and cohort I was in. Every individual was extremely supportive of one another. I did not feel intimidated since all I saw in the group was a bunch of smiling and supportive faces cheering me on.” LVF: “As a parent, your choice to return to school had an impact on your family as well. Do you feel there are life lessons learned for your children by them watching you go back and work hard for your degree?” Ada: “I truly hope so. They have seen the value education has brought to our lives. My daughter is 12 and my son is 10. The greatest impact has been on my husband, who has been so www.LehighValleyFamily.com
inspired that he is already preparing his education journey this year.” LVF: “How do adult learners (vs. traditional students) benefit by taking courses while they are in the workforce?” Ada: “I think they benefit tremendously since they already have the foundation of experience in the workforce. The most value in learning with others is hearing the stories, challenges, celebrations that they each have to share. As a traditional student, information is textbook based and you do not relate or make it your own since you do not have the experience in the field.” LVF: “What would you tell an adult learner who was thinking of going back to school but is hesitant?” Ada: “I was quite scared prior to starting school again, but it was honestly the best experience I have ever had, since I spent my time with adult learners who had experiences to share with others. I felt I had more to contribute based on the experience I already had in the field. The time spent on school work was extremely manageable, eight hours a week at the most.” LVF: “Would you say that having a degree has opened doors for you since you have graduated?”
Ada: “Yes, I was promoted soon after receiving my degree and have been given many project opportunities to enhance my skills and experience. Furthermore, Governor Corbett has appointed me a role on the State’s Cancer Control, Prevention, and Research Advisory Board.” Financial Implications to Consider There is no doubt that the cost of education is steep. Fortunately, there are many options available to help cover the costs. But does education pay? A study by The Apollo Research Group found that adult students who hold a job while enrolled earn an average of a 22 percent return on their tuition dollars. The return is significantly higher for certain degrees like engineering (53 percent), IT (49 percent), business (43 percent) and nursing (36 percent). When weighing the financial decision, one expert offered this rule: Don’t borrow more than you can pay in 10 years, or by the time you retire, whichever comes first. Student loan payments should be 10 percent or less of your gross income. We are fortunate that the Lehigh Valley is rich with colleges who have special programs to cater to adult students. Ask around, do your homework, and perhaps you will find that now is the time for you to make a positive change for your future.
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In the Digital Age, Biological Clocks Don’t Tick as Loudly By Dr. Mary Greiss-Coult, Seasons of Life OBGYN
N
owadays, it seems that many women are waiting longer to begin their families. We often finish high school, possibly attend college or obtain a specialty degree and then only begin to think about how to incorporate relationships and a new family into our everyday routines. This timeline of transitions is vastly different than what many of our mothers or grandmothers were accustomed to in their day. In fact, from 1970 to 2006, the number of women aged 35 or older giving birth for the first time increased by nearly eight times! In 1970, only 1 out of 100 births were to a woman aged 35 or older; today, 1 out of every 12 babies is born to a woman over the age of 35. Those numbers show a dramatic increase which speaks volumes about changes within our culture. It seems a main reason that a woman may decide to wait to begin her journey to motherhood is education. In
1990, the U.S. Census found that 19 percent of women who’d given birth held a bachelor’s degree, and in 2006, that rate was up to nearly 26 percent. In 2000, women aged 25 to 34 with at least a bachelor’s degree had fewer total children and were less likely to have ever given birth compared to women of the same age who had less than a high school education. Today, more women than ever report that having an education and a career outside the home are an essential part of their identities. Women want to get to a point in their career where they are stable - making a respectable salary, and possessing the influence to negotiate a family-friendly schedule without losing their seniority or position. Other reasons women list for waiting to have children include: • Wanting greater financial security • Having better emotional and psychological well-being • Improved social stability • Having a more stable marriage and other relationships • Improved stability in a job or career • Having better choices in birth control • Knowing medical technology may be available to assist in achieving pregnancy, if necessary
16 September / October 2012
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www.LehighValleyFamily.com
Regardless of the reason, waiting to have children certainly does seem to have its advantages. However, there is one major downside to waiting- our bodies were not designed to wait until our 30’s to start having babies. The ability to conceive and maintain a pregnancy becomes more complex as the years add up.
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A female fetus has 6–7 million eggs at 20 weeks of gestation in utero. This number decreases to approximately 1–2 million at birth; 300,000–500,000 at puberty; only 25,000 at age 37 years; and 1,000 at age 51 years (the average age of menopause in the United States). The ability for a women to conceive with each cycle declines gradually but significantly beginning around 32 years of age, and decreases even more rapidly after age 37. The quality of our eggs declines well into our thirties which inevitably translates into the increasing prevalence of infertility, miscarriages, multiple births, and birth defects that affect pregnancies in women after the third decade of life. So if a woman does choose to wait to bear children until after she satisfies a sense of emotional, financial, and social stability, what steps can she take to ensure the best odds of success? The same answer really applies to a woman of any age, education, or career choice. You need to prepare your body for pregnancy. ou ideally should try to get your body and mind into a great state of health. Stop smoking, stop over-use of alcohol, eliminate addiction to any other substances, limit stress, follow a healthful diet, and exercise when able. You should also establish a good relationship with your OBGYN or other women’s healthcare provider. Make your expectations and concerns about future fertility known and discuss any questions you have openly. These transparent discussions with your healthcare provider will help you make better decisions about contraceptive or medical treatment options in the meantime. Taking the time to plan out these important choices will help you realize your personal fertility goals according to your own unique timeline.
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Never Too Early to Start Planning for the Holidays By Vicki Bezems, Lehigh Valley Family
D
oes just thinking about the holidays make you feel tired and stressed? Or do you put it off until you absolutely have to, for instance, the third week in December? Do you get so pushed for time that you have no opportunity to shop for the best prices or find gifts within your budget? Now is the time to take charge and change everything! “What? School has hardly started,” you say. By doing some planning in advance – and sticking to your plan – it is possible to savor traditions and the company of family and friends in the glow of an organized home during the holidays, without driving yourself to exhaustion or breaking the bank. It’s never too early to choose a strategy for accomplishing everything that you want to do. There are oodles of resources available to help you with holiday planning. Two favorites of mine are the Ultimate Christmas Countdown Checklist from Realsimple.com and Organizedhome.com. Real Simple breaks down holiday preparations into phases with a timeline. Organized Home offers a broader approach to getting ready for the holidays, giving you a choice of three carefully designed plans to choose from: the “Christmas Countdown”, which covers only holiday prep chores; and the “Holiday Houseworks Plan” and the “Holiday Grand Plan”, which are comprehensive organizing plans that get you started in late August or early September. “Both of them seek to move through the house on a weekly basis, with decluttering, deep-cleaning and organizing assignments designed to bring the whole house to a ready state by the time December rolls around.” The website also offers printable calendars and checklists, blogs and online reminders. The Real Simple method involves using a timeline, starting three to six months ahead of the holidays. Phase one: decide where you and your family will be spending the holidays
(at home or with out of town relatives), making travel arrangements and buying airline tickets if necessary. Phase two: two to three months ahead, schedule your time and commitments, making a gift budget and list, and start to do some serious Christmas shopping. At this point you can look for sales on large purchases, such as electronics, and specials that will be available on Black Friday. Create a gift wrapping station and keep it stocked with gift tape, scissors, paper, and gift bags, ready to wrap each gift as you buy it!. You can also start baking items that can be frozen, update your holiday card list, make plans for house guests, and shop for cards or wrapping paper. One month before Christmas, complete your online shopping to allow time for delivery, take inventory of your decorations and replace any that are worn or broken, and start addressing holiday cards. By the week after Thanksgiving, you will be ready to buy a live tree or bring the artificial one out of storage and decorate. You should mail your cards, finalize your holiday menu and place any special orders for holiday meal items. Ship your out of town gifts no later than the second week in December. One week before Christmas, deep clean your house. Do your food shopping this week and start cooking – preparing anything you can at least two days before. The day before, charge your camera and video batteries, finish cooking, assemble toys that will be surprises and make a schedule for the next day. Regardless of which method you prefer, there are three fundamental rules to follow to stay organized: 1. Start early. 2. Make checklists for everything. 3. Create a budget and stick to it. If you follow these three rules, you will experience a less stressful, more organized, more affordable holiday season. You’ll be ready to sit back, enjoy the atmosphere you’ve created, and savor the holiday spirit!
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Our choice. The boys being accepted at Juilliard in New York meant we had to find a more flexible option for traditional studies. Finding a qualified cyber school with curriculum, books and everything prepared made it easy for us as parents and helped our boys focus on learning. Our school.
PA Cyber. It gave them the opportunity and the flexibility to pursue music at that level without sacrificing education. Without PA Cyber, we don’t think it would be possible. Believe me, with all they have to offer, it’s very hard not to fall in love with PA Cyber. It’s the kind of public school you always hoped for your children someday… available today.
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1. Think Twice About It 2. Walk on Water 3. Space Invaders 4. You Are Always on my Mind 5. Keep on Smiling 6. It Doesn’t Add Up
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Sweet Summer Style Into Fabulous Fall Fashion By Amanda Furbeck, Lehigh Valley Family Stylista
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I
t can be so hard to let go of summer, especially when it means abandoning summer style to fall fashion. I hate to pack away my favorite summer items, knowing that I might not feel like wearing them again next year when the fashions change. And since fall weather in the Lehigh Valley can be so varied, it is tough to know what to wear when. It’s too soon for winter sweaters, but too late for tiny tanks and light-hearted flip-flops. But I hang on as long as I possibly can, mixing the seasons with select wardrobe twists in order to eke out a few more weeks of wear from those summertime favorites. If you’re like me, you’re probably going to “need” a few fash-
ion staples to bring in the fall and winter seasons. Keep your eyes open for a thigh-length sleeveless coat, a light-weight turtleneck or two, and an elbow-length, light-weight cardigan, in black or neutral, to pull everything together. You also might want to consider anything that comes in black leather, especially knee high boots and a shrunken or fitted jacket. For accessories, think chunky gold chains, bright colored clutches, and over-sized handbags. And whatever you do, don’t forget the tights! Stylish shorts. You know that great-fitting pair of stylish shorts you just love? They don’t have to be relegated to the bottom of your closet just yet. Mix them up with a pair of
tights, an awesome pair of high heels or chunky ankle boots, and a cardigan over a tank. A splash of statement jewelry will balance the look so you’ll be effortlessly awesome. Maxi dress to fall mainstay. Your maxi can make it a little longer this fall, as this style is still going strong. For the ultimate in comfort chic, wear it with a lightweight turtleneck and a pair of lived-in cowboy boots. If your maxi is sophisticatedly simple, you can dress it up with a great pair of strappy heels and a cardigan. And if it’s really chilly, you can toss your sleeveless coat over top, too. Add a belt if you feel like you need a little more shape showing through all those layers. White jeans. Crisp white skinny jeans are still great for the fall season; just layer them with heavier textures to keep them from looking too summery. Try them on with a pair of tall black boots and a belted, striped top or a few layers of tank tops. Complement the look with your black leather jacket to stay casual yet pulled-together. Capris and cargos. If you still have a pair of wide-legged capris or gauchos hanging around, they’ll look terrific with your knee high boots, turtleneck, and sleeveless coat. A large gold, chain necklace will dress up the look.
Summer tanks. Perfect for layering all year round, you can throw a tank over your turtleneck or under your cardigan. Layer them with a great pair of shorts, capris, or even a maxi skirt. For the most impact, choose two light-weight tanks in contrasting hues, such as purple and teal, to take advantage of the color-blocking trend without looking like a fashion slave. Floaty sundress. Don’t ban your flimsy, gauzy, summer dresses just yet. For a look that has just a little bit of edge to it, add black tights or leggings, black boots, and a lightweight cardigan or turtleneck and leather jacket. The lighter and more pastel-colored the dress, the edgier the look will be. Keep jewelry simple and let the contrasting styles stand out. More fall trends. Fashion for this fall is all about opulence, glam, and going over-the-top. Whatever look you love, wear it to the extreme. A few things to watch for are the return of the pants suit (in all its retro, patterned glory), layers of denim (yes, you can wear your denim shirt and your favorite blue jeans together again), brightly colored jeans, highwaisted pants, glamorously high heels, and leather. Lots of black leather. You don’t have to go all out with a brand new wardrobe to be fabulously in-style this fall. Just pick a few favorite pieces and mix them in with your summer style for a look that is as beautiful as you are!
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www.LehighValleyFamily.com • Lehigh Valley Family
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Sept 8-9
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Thru Sept 3
The Great Allentown Fair has operated for more than a century. The Fair is steeped in the tradition of its rich agricultural roots while highly emphasizing education for the nonagrarian public. Its diverse entertainment offerings attract attendees of all ages and tastes.
Sept 5
Be Late for Something Day
Schpotyaahr Fescht. 12-6 p.m. Werley’s Corner Hotel 4590 Werley’s Corner Road, New Tripoli. FREE! Musical entertainment at 2:00 p.m Jack Snyder & Friends (Sat.) The Majestics (Sun.) FAMILY FUN! Children’s activities all day Farm Animals • Scarecrow Making • Pumpkin Painting • Fishing Pond Basket Making • Crafts • Straw Maze • Watermelon-Eating Contest PLUS…Basket Raffle • Heritage Crafts • Tours • Bachman Family History Tent Food Court • Baked Goods • and much more, both days!
Sept 7
National Lazy Mom’s Day
September 15
6th Annual Barn Tour of Saucon Valley Barns. 9:30- 4. Beethoven Waldheim Club Pavilion, 1984 Waldheim Road, Hellertown. This year’s tour includes: Saucon Valley Country Club’s two very large unusual early twentieth century open frame dairy barns, a granary and a corn crib, an extended supported forebay barn, a unique posted forebay standard barn, a restored frame standard barn with an accompanying summer kitchen, and more.
September 14-16
Blast Furnace Blues Festival. Enjoy three days of scorching’ blues music as SteelStacks welcomes some of the finest contemporary and traditional blues artists from around the region and throughout the nation. 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem.
Sept 22
Elephant Appreciation Day
October 5-7 & 12-14
Every Wednesday
Story time at 11 a.m. with Cops ‘N Kids. “Wild and Wonderful Wednesdays,” sponsored by KNBT, a Division of National Penn Bank, includes free books and an 11 a.m. story time. Northampton Community College Fowler Family Southside Center 511 E. Third Street, Room 403.
September 27 - 29
Allentown 250th Birthday Celebration! There is a ton of stuff planned that is sure to please the whole family. Check out the calendar of events at www.Allentown250.com
Sept 28
Ask a Stupid Question Day
Every Sunday
The Emmaus Farmers market offerings tend to really expand in variety and scope as the summer months begin. Come on out to get the first of the heartier vegetables and fruits, starting with strawberries, beets, carrots, snap peas and so much more.10 am - 2 pm.
October 6
“Just Born Saturday Series” runs from 10 a.m. – Noon. Pirate and Princess Story Time - Shiver me timbers! Join Commodore Kellie for a bounty of merry pirate mayhem. Talk like a pirate, sing a family-friendly sea shanty, earn a pirate name, hear fun stories, and discover some hidden treasure inside yourself! Pirates are masters of disguise and surprise, so come in your pirate or Halloween costume, and be prepared for the unexpected! Please call 610-861-5526 to register. Registration not necessary but helpful. Cops ‘N Kids Reading Room. Northampton Community College Fowler Family Southside Center. 511 E. Third Street, Room 403. Bethlehem.
Oktoberfest. Experience an authentic German Oktoberfest with a special Pennsylvania flair. Highlighting the event is the 100-foot by 240-foot Yuengling Festhalle tent at PNC Plaza, featuring German food, beer, and German, rock and polka music. 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem.
October 22 Caps Locks Day
October 13
Easton Farmers’ Market – Apple Day. Join us Saturday, October 13th for the Easton Farmers’ Market in Centre Square, Downtown Easton, PA. Come celebrate the bountiful apple harvest with apple tastings, delicious apple treats, and apple themed crafts. Don’t miss the apple pie eating contest! 45 vendors will be offering locally grown produce, plants, meats, cheeses, baked goods, breads, specialty foods, arts and crafts. Featuring live music as well as weekly kid’s crafts. 9-12. Downtown Easton’s Centre Square.
October 27
Cranky Co-Workers Day
Throughout October
October is a fun month. Parades, trick-or-treating, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, harvest festivals, the list goes on and on! Visit LehighValleyFamily.com often to stay in the loop and know what is happening and when.
October 21
Introduce the kids to the excitement and drama of theatre! Set sail for fun when the acclaimed New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players performs the family-favorite The Pirates of Penzance with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra. The New York Times calls this fully staged comic masterpiece “an endearing production with high musical standards and spirited performances.” 7 pm. Allentown Symphony Hall.
October 30
Haunted Refrigerator Night
Want to Support Healthy Babies? the time is NOW! please join us:
Monday, October 29 , 2012 Mack Customer Center, 2402 Lehigh Parkway South, Allentown.
Bring together top local chefs showcasing their culinary masterpieces, a generous sampling of fine wines and a lively auction featuring one-of-a–kind packages and you’ve got a perfect recipe for the Lehigh Valley Signature Chefs Auction event. This event helps raise important funds for the March of Dimes. For more information contact Tracy Trapp, 610-814-7002 or ttrapp@marchofdimes.com
Working Together for Stronger, Healthier Babies