Parent Magazine St Johns - January 2022

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SALUTE TO OUR HEROES ISSUE

JANUARY 2022

MOM FINDS MISSION AFTER TODDLER NEARLY DROWNS

‘FURRY FOURLEGGED HEROES’ LIKE SIMONE BILES AND NAOMI OSAKA, OUR KIDS CAN BE MENTAL HEALTH HEROES OUR LOCAL SPORTS HEROES This issue of

is provided courtesy of

Wolfson Children’s Hospital has one vision: HOPE

Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville provides care to all children, regardless of their

BEST

CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS

ability to pay. As a not-for-profit organization ranked among the top children’s hospitals in the nation, we can provide life-saving care to children because of the generosity of people like you.

Give now at HopeStartsHere.com or call 904.202.2919.

Opening in early 2022, our new Children’s Critical Care Tower — home to higher-capacity, state-of-the-art Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Units — will provide hope for our region’s most critically ill infants and children.

Help us make sure that hope will always start here at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. ©2021 Baptist Health

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J A N U A RY 2 0 2 2

CONTENT

features 06 09

OUR LOCAL SPORTS HEROES

in each issue

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MOM FINDS MISSION AFTER TODDLER NEARLY DROWNS

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FROM THE EDITOR

HEALTHY 386

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ST JOHNS COUNTY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT’S LETTER

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HEALTH CORNER

FOSTERING HEROES

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BOOK NOOK

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“

I wouldn’t be here today without my two furry, fourlegged heroes. I couldn’t live without them.”

2 ageP

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OUR COMMUNITY HERO CONTEST WINNER: FLAGLER COUNTY FIRE RESCUE LIEUTENANT ANDREW HARDESTY

LIKE SIMONE BILES AND NAOMI OSAKA, OUR KIDS CAN BE MENTAL HEALTH HEROES

‘FURRY FOUR-LEGGED HEROES’: BELLA AND SADIE SAVE THEIR HUMAN AFTER A STROKE. HOW TO BE A SUPERHERO TO YOUR CHILD

FROM THE EDITOR

Happy New Year!

I am excited to be introducing our first Heroes issue! If the past few years have taught us anything, it is that there are heroes around us all the time. We are excited to highlight some of our local heroes and how some national heroes are helping with important subjects like mental health.

Some of my favorite heroes are found within my close circle - my husband, who serves his church and community; my sisters in my sorority, who are always making a difference; my coworkers at Parent Magazines Florida, who put forth their best effort every day; and my children and grandchildren, who are raising good citizens for the next generation.

As we start 2022, I wish you health and happiness. Whatever your resolutions may be, I send warmest wishes for strength to reach them. Our resolution at Parent Magazines Florida is to connect

Parent Magazine is published by TouchPoint Innovative Solutions.

PUBLISHER Howard M. Holley Sr. EDITOR Dr. Barbara C. Holley MANAGING EDITOR Jeanne Coates ART DIRECTOR Leslie Proctor SALES AND MARKETING DIRECTOR Jeanne Coates EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Christina Langston • St. Johns School District Vikki Mioduszewski • Wolfson Children’s Hospital Danielle Taylor • St Johns School District Erin Wallner • Flagler Health+ INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING? If you would like to advertise in Parent Magazine, please call 386.449.8353 or email us at jeanne@touchpointis.com IDEAS FOR ARTICLES? Send your article ideas or provide feedback to barbara@touchpointis.com

with our readers more. We will be launching a series of short surveys to make sure that we are giving you what you want.

Have a wonderful January!

PO Box 350682 Palm Coast, FL 32135

DR. BARBARA C. HOLLEY EDITOR, PARENT MAGAZINES

CONTACT US www.ParentMagazinesFlorida.com @ ParentMagazinesFlorida @ ParentMagazinesFlorida

All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without the express written consent of the publisher.

TouchPoint Innovative Solutions assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. © 2022 TouchPoint Innovative Solutions. All rights reserved.

Information contained in these materials are neither sponsored or endorsed by the School Board of St. Johns County, its agents or its employees.

JANUARY 2022 | 3

St. Johns County School District

By Tim Forson, Superintendent of Schools

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appy New Year and welcome back! I hope you were able to enjoy quality time with loved ones over the holidays and relax during the winter break. The new year is the perfect time to highlight some of the amazing educators, support staff and students we have in the St. Johns County School District. People are our greatest asset and I always enjoy showcasing the many talented folks we have on our team.

At the annual banquet last month, I had the honor of announcing our district School-Related Employee of the Year, Beth Sullivan, a 27-year paraprofessional at The Webster School.

Ms. Sullivan is described by her principal and colleagues as an outstanding employee with the heart of a servant who holds her students to the highest standards of excellence in academics and behavior. Her initiative and innovation make her classroom projects engaging and fun. Ms. Sullivan constantly displays compassion and empathy for all people and routinely helps those in need. She is an asset to her school and our district, and I am proud to submit her name to the Florida Department of Education for the School-Related Employee of the Year state competition.

School-related employees are the backbone of our district, and I was so pleased to recognize all these hardworking people who do everything from preparing healthy meals, to assisting teachers in the classroom, getting students safely to and from school, keeping our grounds and buildings clean, providing healthcare to students, and performing secretarial duties, just to name a few! Our district could not be successful without you!

I am so glad to announce the return of our annual CHARACTER COUNTS! 6 Pillars 6K/3K Run/Walk! This family fun community event is Saturday, February 5 at 9 a.m. beginning and ending at Palencia Elementary School. Online registration is available at https://bit.ly/31YaxG9.

Race proceeds support CHARACTER COUNTS! initiatives throughout the St. Johns County School District. The run/walk is open to all ages, and the top three winners will be awarded in each of the age categories as well as the overall male and female finishers. A cash donation will be awarded to the top three schools with the most registrants. Race participants who preregister will receive a tech t-shirt and other goodies from area businesses and organizations.

The second semester brings the annual High School Showcase on Thursday, January 13 at the World Golf Village Convention Center from 3:30 – 7:00 p.m. All parents and students are invited to attend to learn about the high school Programs of Choice and meet representatives from each high school. In addition, the St. Johns County Secondary STEM Fair is Wednesday, February 9.

For the most up-to-date information, recognitions, highlights and fun facts, be sure to follow the St. Johns County School District on social media! We are on Facebook @SJCSD; Instagram @sjcsd2021; Twitter @SJCSD and LinkedIn. I look forward to the coming weeks and months and spending time in our schools getting to talk with not only students, teachers and administrators but also support personnel and school staff as we head full force into the new year!

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CHARACTER COUNTS! In St. Johns County

6k3k RUN • WALK

Register by January 7, 2022, to receive a race t-shirt and other goodies from sponsoring businesses and community organizations!

PRESENTING SPONSOR

REGISTER AT RACESMITH.COM

Our Local Sp

By Jeanne Coates

F

lorida is rich with talent, and it is very evident in the sports arena! You don’t have to look far from your front door to find someone who has excelled in football, golf, swimming or other sports. We are proud to highlight a few here.

Tim Tebow: Tim attended Nease High School in Ponte Vedra Beach.

He attended the University of Florida, where he won two national championships in 2006 and 2008. He also became the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy in 2007.

He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2010. He played for the Jets, Eagles and Patriots. He even played pro baseball in 2016.

Off the field, the Tim Tebow Foundation brings faith, hope and love to those needing a brighter day in their 6 | S T J O H N S PARENT M A G A Z I N E

darkest hour of need. Their missions include special needs ministry, orphan care and prevention, children with profound medical needs and anti-human trafficking.

Cliff Avril: Cliff attended Clay High School, where he was a four-sport star in football, track and field, weightlifting and basketball. He attended Purdue University and was drafted in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.

In 2013, he moved on to the Seattle Seahawks and retired in 2018.

His real heroic actions can be seen by his founding of the Cliff Avril Family Foundation in March 2014. Inspired by the loss of his grandmother and his mother’s diagnosis of diabetes, Cliff realized the importance of educating today’s youth about healthy living.

orts Heroes

The Cliff Avril Family Foundation’s mission is to increase the awareness of Type 2 diabetes in youth, to encourage healthy living through nutrition and exercise as well as to provide educational support and opportunities to youth in Haiti, along with various community-based organizations in Jacksonville, Seattle and Charlotte.

Vince Carter: Vince graduated from Mainland High School in Daytona Beach. He played basketball, football and volleyball while in high school. In his professional career, he played in the NBA for 22 seasons for the Toronto Raptors, New Jersey Nets, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings and Atlanta Hawks. He was Rookie of the Year in 1999 and was a nine-time NBA All-Star.

In 1998, he established the Embassy of Hope Foundation to help address the needs of children and their parents. The Vince Carter Embassy of Hope Foundation provides food baskets at Christmas, helps clothe needy families and more.

Baseball Hall of Fame.

Chipper Jones: Chipper attended school at T. DeWitt Taylor High School in Pierson and the Bolles School in Jacksonville.

He played for the Atlanta Braves. His accomplishments include being named at MLB All-Star eight times and winning the 1995 World series. He is in the National

The Chipper Jones Family Foundation established the Around the Horn Field of Dreams Program. The program has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair and refurbish ball fields in Florida and Georgia. It provides JANUARY 2022 | 7

help to youth baseball in communities where Chipper Jones has played baseball: Pierson and Deland, Florida, and Atlanta. Little league and YMCA programs have benefited from the Chipper Jones Family Foundation.

Lisa Andersen: Lisa went to Seabreeze High School. She won four straight women’s world surfing championships between 1994 and 1997. She was inducted into the Surfer’s Hall of Fame in 2002.

Lisa was a trailblazer for women in surfing, being the first woman to appear on the cover of Surfer Magazine.

Phil Dalhausser: Phil attended Mainland High School in Daytona Beach. He went on to play volleyball for the University of Central Florida. As a professional beach volleyball player, he has won multiple world championships and Olympic Gold medals.

Phil has sponsored charity volleyball tournaments to raise funds for charities such as St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, as well as donated signed volleyballs for charity auctions.

Reilly Opelka: Reilly Opelka is a tennis professional who moved to Palm Coast at the age of 4. He played in Wimbledon in 2015, and has 2 ATP singles and 1 doubles title. He also advanced to the fourth round in the 2021 Open.

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In the 2021 Miami Open, Reilly donated $100 for each of ace he served to the Wings of Life Foundation, an institution that works for spinal cord injury research. In December 2021, he participated in a celebrity tournament for the Sally Wilkey Foundation.

Caeleb Dressel: Caeleb graduated from Clay High School and swam for the University of Florida, graduating in 2018. He won his first gold medal in 2016 and in 2020 won five gold medals.

Caeleb is still active in professional swimming and is known to be a genuinely nice guy, stopping to encourage younger swimmers and being a great role model with his down-to-earth manner.

Laura Brown: She played on the University of Florida golf team until 1991.

During that time, she received first-team AllSEC and honorable mention All-American honors. She joined the LPGA tour in 1994 and played on the tour until 1997. In 1998, she became the coach of the women’s golf team at Daytona State College. Brown has continued her involvement with the LPGA, as she is a Class A Member of the LPGA Teaching and Club Professional Division. In 2010 she was named LPGA National Coach of the Year.

She was also named the 2005, 2010 and 2011 LPGA SE Section Coach of the Year. Additionally, Brown has received the 2005, 2010, 2011, 2014 and 2016 NJCAA Ccoach of the Tournament Award. Brown serves as the president of the NJCAA Women’s Golf Coaches Association and was inducted into the NJCAA Coaches Association Hall of Fame in May 2009.

While sports accomplishments are something that many of us would like to emulate, the more important thing is what you do with your time, talents and fame. True heroes have a passion for helping others and contributing to the community.

Our Community Hero Contest Winner: Flagler County Fire Rescue Lieutenant Andrew Hardesty

By Jeanne Coates

T

to monitor the victim’s vital signs. He adamantly refused transport to the hospital but was extremely thankful for all the help.”

he definition of a hero is a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities. Lacy Page nominated Andrew Hardesty, a lieutenant with 14 years’ experience with Flagler County Fire Rescue and seven years with North Lauderdale Fire Rescue. In her nomination, Lacy mentioned that Lt. Hardesty had saved a man from drowning in September. I was anxious to hear more. Lt. Hardesty was kind enough to give us this recollection:

We also asked Lt. Hardesty if he considers himself a hero. He said, “I honestly do not consider myself a hero.

I consider myself a compassionate human being who finds pleasure in serving the people around him and his community. I chose this career to be able to do exactly that. I am delighted that my passion for this position has awarded me the title of hero, but it is my genuine pleasure to be able to serve my community and the people inside of it.”

“The incident in September was a straightforward call involving a beachgoer who presumably was a good swimmer but was unaware how strong a rip current can become. Here in Florida, rip currents have become one of the most common causes of nearshore drownings.

Being an active member of the Flagler County Marine Rescue division we train for this eventuality and when our station received this call each member knew their part. Even though the team and the members were activated, the victim’s outcome was positive due to the kindness of strangers and their willingness to come to the aid of the victim prior to our arrival. Once on scene, I noticed the victim and bystander who was helping keep the victim calm and head above water until further assistance could be given. I was first to enter the water with a floatation device, and shortly behind me was my backup swimmer who was able to assist the victim and me to shore without further complications. The victim was exhausted once back to shore but was very thankful to be there. Our medical rescue crew on scene was able

When asked what he would like to share on how to be a hero in your own life? He advises, “Be compassionate to the needs of others. Find a need and fill it. Reach out to a stranger, neighbor or organization in need, and become a volunteer in your community. Put the needs of others before your own, the reward of being a servant to others is more fulfilling than any recognition or payment you can ever receive.”

Lt. Hardesty has been married for 15 years and is the proud father of two boys, 8 and 12 years old. It is our pleasure to recognize Lt. Hardesty’s service and share his wisdom.

JANUARY 2022 | 9

Mom Finds Mission After Toddler Nearly Drowns

By Juliette Allen

E

very night, Mandy Harry tiptoes into her 3-yearold son’s room, kneels at his bedside and prays.

It’s become a nightly ritual since the day Calvin, the youngest of Harry’s six children, almost lost his life.

“We were having a great day,” Harry recalled. “There were maybe 15 or 20 adults there and lots of kids.

Calvin was playing in the pool with his friends and his siblings, with his puddle jumpers [floats] on.”

From pool party to panic

After more than an hour of splashing around, Calvin approached his mom and asked her to remove his floats so he could get something to eat.

On the afternoon of Saturday, March 27, 2021, the Harry family was celebrating a flag football victory with a pool party at a friend’s house.

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“I took them off and watched him walk into the house,

and then I started chatting with a friend right next to the pool,” Harry said. Minutes later, she heard a sound she’ll never forget: her sister, Karen Brown, screaming Calvin’s name.

Heroes in action Harry turned to see her little boy lying on his back on the pavement next to the pool.

“Calvin was lifeless. He was blue,” Harry remembered.

“We picked him up and his arms were just hanging down.”

She started chest compressions but Brown, who takes annual CPR classes, quickly took over.

In shock, Harry still couldn’t quite piece together what had happened.

“Calvin had never gone into the pool before without his ‘puddle jumpers’ on, so I didn’t expect him to venture back in after I saw him walk inside,” she said.

That night, Calvin was put into the care of Jeffrey Shirts, MD, a resident physician with the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville.

“We heard some sounds on his lung exam that made us a little concerned about water getting into his lungs, but he had no other symptoms,” Dr. Shirts explained.

“All we could do at that point was watch and see which direction he would go from there. Thankfully, he improved and we were able to wean him off oxygen overnight.”

After one night of receiving high-flow oxygen – which helps open up the collapsed airways that often accompany non-fatal drownings – Calvin was given the all-clear to go home. He is now 100% back to normal.

What stands out to Harry most about Calvin’s time in the hospital is the compassion Dr. Shirts showed, sharing an almost identical story of his own.

“If even just a couple more minutes had passed, we would be looking at a much different outcome,” Harry said. “I am so grateful for everything Luke did.”

“It was my older son’s birthday party a few years ago, and my younger son, Fynn, had taken off his life jacket so he could eat,” Dr. Shirts recalled. “We don’t know when or how he ended up back in the pool, but an older girl pulled him out. I remember feeling so powerless. We ended up on the same floor at Wolfson Children’s as Calvin. It has given me a small sense of the fear and uncertainty parents go through when their children are admitted. It definitely shaped how I interact with the parents as their doctor, especially the parents of kids with drownings like Calvin.”

Calvin’s comeback

Drowning dangers

First responders with St. Johns County Fire Rescue and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the home within six minutes. Because Dorow had already pulled Calvin out of the pool and Brown performed CPR, Calvin had a chance to survive.

With her son Calvin safely back home, Harry has vowed to dedicate her life to educating others about the dangers of pools and other bodies of water.

The hero who spotted Calvin floating face down and pulled him out of the pool turned out to be 14-yearold Luke Dorow, a friend of one of Harry’s other sons, Nathan.

The toddler was taken by ambulance to Wolfson Children’s Emergency Center at Baptist Medical Center South, where Dhaval Patel, MD, a pediatric emergency medicine specialist with Wolfson Children’s and Emergency Resources Group, performed an evaluation and ordered a chest X-ray. Though the results were promising, the decision was made to transport him on the Kids Kare Mobile ICU to Wolfson Children’s Hospital’s main location in downtown Jacksonville for observation.

“I wish more people knew what drowning looks like,” she said.

Jessica Winberry, prevention coordinator with THE PLAYERS Center for Child Health at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, said drowning is often fast and silent, not the loud splashing scene typically portrayed in movies.

“It does not take long for a child to lose consciousness underwater,” Winberry explained. “It only takes a few inches of water for a baby to drown, and it can happen J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2 | 11

in places like the bathtub, [the] toilet and buckets.

Toddlers and younger children are more likely to drown in pools or retention ponds, and we see the highest risk for older children in open bodies of water like lakes, rivers and the ocean.”

To ensure kids stay safe in the water, Winberry recommends parents:

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Mandy Harry with her family

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Assign a “Water Watcher” to actively supervise kids any time they are swimming. This designated adult should not be distracted by their phone, a book or conversations with others.

Stay within an arm’s reach of children at all times.

Install multiple layers of protection around bodies of water. Door locks, alarms (for doors, windows and pool entrances) and fences around pools are a few examples of barriers. Remember, no single barrier is 100% effective!

Remove all toys and floats from the pool/water when swim time is over so a child does not try to reach for an item and fall in.

Get trained in CPR to provide life-saving care, should a child need it.

Enroll children in swimming lessons annually to keep skills sharp.

Use only United States Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Life jackets need to fit properly and be worn correctly. Products that are not USCGapproved are not considered life-saving devices.

While Harry learned all of this in the most difficult way possible, she is committed to spreading the word to prevent another family from going through a tragedy.

In the meantime, she’s grateful for every night Calvin spends peacefully sleeping and the opportunity she once took for granted: to watch her boy grow up.

THE PLAYERS Center for Child Health at Wolfson Children’s Hospital provides child injury prevention information through Safe Kids Northeast Florida. Programs offered include water safety, car safety, infant safety, bike safety and home safety. To learn more, call 904.202.4302.

Originally ran in Baptist Health Juice on May 14, 2021 12 | S T J O H N S PARENT M A G A Z I N E

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Winter Wellness Tips to avoid common coldweather health hazards.

By Carolyn Tillo and Emilie Pennington

Look out for little ones.

Daniel Thimann, MD, a pediatric emergency medicine specialist at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, outlined some tips for keeping children safe.

“My most important reminder to parents is to let kids be kids, but pay attention to what they are doing,” Dr. Thimann said. “There’s a lot going on this time of year, so it’s easy to get distracted. Most of the injuries we see in the Emergency Department can be prevented by having a child wear his or her seatbelt in the car and helmet while riding a bike. Parents should use safe sleep practices when putting babies to bed (baby on his or her back, no pillows or blankets in the crib).”

Dr. Thimann warned adult supervision is especially critical when kids are swimming. On the playground, injuries may result from falls off monkey bars or jungle gyms. If you have a trampoline, Dr. Thimann says to be careful and only allow one jumper at a time. Parents can also consider placing a net around the trampoline.

Guard your heart.

Adults also need to take charge of their own health this time of year so they can better care for others. George Le-Bert, DO, a noninvasive cardiologist with Baptist Heart Specialists, said increased alcohol consumption during the holidays could lead to atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat that can lead to stroke, blood clots or heart failure. Dr. Le-Bert said monitoring your diet and avoiding overconsumption of food and alcohol is crucial.

Monitor your mental health.

During the winter, people may experience depression, including seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or post-holiday blues, according to experts with expressive therapies at Baptist Behavioral Health. As people try to reach their goals and resolutions, they may also experience anxiety.

Kristi Seybolt, MS, LMHC, manager of Inpatient Social Services for Wolfson Children’s Hospital and Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, says to prioritize three to five meaningful goals to focus on throughout the year.

By setting SMART goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, you will increase the likelihood of attaining your goals.

To help with depression and anxiety, you can try to find gratitude in what is happening in your life now, and shift your mindset to the present, Seybolt said. Focus on finding creative or social outlets that help you unwind like creating art, listening to music, taking a workout class or joining a book club.

“Find a set time for creativity and leisure,” Seybolt said.

“Develop a daily or weekly schedule with a designated time and try to stick to it.”

Protect your overall health.

Eating right, meditating and exercising can also help improve your health during the winter months, according to Marylin James, DO, a family physician with Baptist Primary Care.

“Eat what’s in season,” Dr. James said. “It’s always important to stay in sync with nature if you wish to maintain balance and stability within your body.”

Dr. James recommends eating soups regularly, with lots of herbs and other superfood ingredients like ginger, turmeric and garlic. These ingredients help soothe conditions where you develop excessive phlegm, including bronchitis, sinusitis and common colds.

Getting moving, even when it’s a little cooler outside than Floridians are accustomed to, is also important.

Dr. James recommends at least 20 minutes of exercise every day.

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Like Simone Bi Can Be Mental

I

’ve worked in child and adolescent mental health for

message could not come at a more critical moment

several decades and have never seen anything like

for America’s kids.

what we are experiencing today. Our heroes – pop

stars, movie stars, athletic stars — are normalizing the mental health struggles so many of us and our families face every day. They are sending a powerful message that there is no shame in getting help — and that

As children, we’re taught that anyone can become a hero. From Greek mythology to the Marvel Universe, heroes emerge from unlikely circumstances to achieve extraordinary things. Most importantly, they sacrifice to achieve something bigger than themselves.

The brave journeys of stars like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka resonate with so many of us. We’ve always admired them for their athletic prowess, but now they have sacrificed their immediate professional goals because of a transformative realization: mental wellbeing is the foundation for everything else. They are bravely saying that their athletic achievements, their stature and, most critically, their happiness as individuals are supported on a bedrock of good mental health. By putting mental health first, at the pinnacle of their fame, they are changing our society for the better.

And they are sending a powerful message to our children. Like many Americans, I was surprised when I saw that Biles had withdrawn from the team gymnastics competition at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

That quickly turned to admiration as I heard her admit that she, too, has mental health struggles. “I had to do what’s right for me and not jeopardize my health and well-being,” she said.

The pressure felt by Olympians is mirrored in the Olympic and non-Olympic-sized events in our kids’ lives, whether it’s pitching in a school baseball game or taking a weekly spelling test. It’s not the impact of the event but how the child feels about the event.

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les, Our Kids Health Heroes

By Harold S. Koplewicz MD, Child Mind Institute

What Biles and Osaka have done is to demonstrate that even the greatest among us can struggle, and it’s OK to admit it. It’s ok to pause, process and ask for help. It’s even ok to decide on a new path forward.

I can tell you that this honesty and strength translated into an immediate impact for the 12-year-old girl I am treating for separation anxiety. When I told her about Biles, I saw a feeling of relief cross her face. It said, “Someone else feels like I do. I’m not alone.”

Mental health disorders are the most common health problems of childhood and adolescence, affecting one in five kids. And kids don’t just “grow out” of these challenges; in fact, they increase the risk of later depression, school failure, substance abuse and suicide. More than 6,000 young people aged 15-24 die by suicide each year, and 1.2 million teens visit the emergency room each year for suicidal ideation or attempts. More chilling are those who suffer in silence: two-thirds of kids with a mental health disorder will never get the help that they need.

A big barrier to seeking care is stigma. When a famous person – a hero – speaks up, they give kids the most incredible example. A young person watching knows that if an Olympian or a tennis champion can prioritize her mental wellbeing on the world’s biggest stage, I can do it, too.

When athletes demonstrate this self-care it is even more important, because it explicitly shows kids that mental health is health. Mental health and physical health shouldn’t and can’t be seen as separate entities. We want everyone to pay attention to their total well-being.

Each year, the Child Mind Institute has a campaign featuring celebrities offering candid insights about their own mental health challenges. There is intense power in hearing that those whom we idolize share our struggles, our anxieties, our sense of uncertainty and even our shame. The second, and most critical, part of that message is that there is always help; you just need to speak up.

Standing up for yourself and your health isn’t selfish, it’s heroic. Take it from the heroes we all admire.

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Fostering Heroes

A

By Brianna Carter

ny parent will tell you it takes a village to support the healthy growth of their children. From grandparents and aunts and uncles to cousins and friends that are family, it’s those bonds of love and care that carry through in celebrations and crises. For foster children, those hero helpers may look a bit different.

While foster parents open their homes to children, providing comfort and a sense of stability, there are still many holes that need to be filled to effectively provide for the complete needs of a child in foster care. We’ve found some local organizations who give it their all to support these children and their families and to help them get essentials and feel the warmth of home.

a lot of services in the area [where I was teaching] and the students needed more,” she says. In 2019, with the support of her own friends, she decided to fill those gaps herself through Fostering Connections.

Although resources and supplies, like laptops and school supplies, are part of the programming offered

by Fostering Connections, they strive to provide access to items that aren’t covered by stipends and Medicaid.

“There are a lot of potholes in the services for kids.

Things like contact lenses aren’t provided for, or braces,” notes Simpson-Gotham.

In Florida, foster care is privatized, operated by an organization in the county, usually a nonprofit. St. Johns is the only county in the state where operations are handled by the county, which has perks and disadvantages. One downside is the inability to fundraise, notes Aubrie Simpson-Gotham, founder and CEO of Fostering Connections, a non-profit that serves St. Johns, Volusia, Flagler and Putnam counties

In addition to offering grants for these needs, SimpsonGotham says it’s access to education and mentorship that are the most crucial needs she sees. To fill that void, Fostering Connections has a program called Career Readiness Academy. It is the cornerstone of the nonprofit’s mission. “It’s heartbreaking to see what these kids are going through. But it’s inspiring to open doors and open life for them and show them opportunities. It’s rewarding.”

During her teaching career, Simpson-Gotham noticed huge gaps in the system for children, especially kids in foster care. After working for a non-profit, she was determined to find a way to fill the voids. “There weren’t

One recent effort to acquire permanent transportation for a young man to get to work is particularly memorable for Simpson-Gotham. “It totally changed what was available to him.”

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There are numerous options to build the mission of Fostering Connections, from monetary donations to inkind new items, as well as volunteering opportunities. For education and career development, individuals can also act as a job coach or mentor to assist in a foster child’s longterm success.

But Fostering Connection isn’t the only local organization supporting foster families.

In Volusia County, Kidd’s Are First endeavors to benefit children--fostered, orphaned, or disadvantaged--in the surrounding area. Marie Bonham saw a need to bring essential items to children in the foster care system that state, local and federal governments did not provide. It was founded in 2002 and operates on a 100% volunteer basis. Clothing donations often stock the unique KRFashions boutique. The store, which opened in 2010, is a completely free resource where children can “shop” for outfits and accessories, as well as school supplies, toys, uniforms and sports equipment.

Kidds Are First is always looking for volunteers and donations to support their efforts and grow their impact.

For more information, review their website (https://www. kiddsarefirst.org/) or social page (https://www.facebook. com/kiddsarefirst).

Kids First Florida is a nonprofit organization that supports children who have or are experiencing abuse or neglect, specifically in Clay County. According to their website, the organization is responsible for finding and funding safe and appropriate housing when returning home is not an option. Information for this entity can be found at https:// kidsfirstofflorida.org/.

Intervention Before Separation Founded in 1902 as an orphanage, Children’s Home Society (CHS) has served Florida for nearly 120 years. With support throughout the state, their core mission, “Building bridges of success for children” is a pivotal cornerstone of an overarching goal: intervention before separation.

Regional Director of Northeast Florida, Ernie Hamilton,

has been serving families in various capacities for 29 years.

Though he acknowledges separation of families may be required at times, “Our long-term goal is to keep that family together, that unit together, because we know that children thrive when they have the security of their family.”

To drive the mission, CHS employs multiple programs to mitigate family separation. Programs range from the Healthy Start initiative, which provides prenatal information, to the Healthy Family program, which supports parents with newborns, and continues to the Community Partnership School program, providing a range of interventions and resources to meet the needs of each family and adapt as those requirements shift.

Additionally, they connect families to mental health and counseling support in the local area. With the goal of keeping the nuclear unit intact, introducing a foster family placement is a final method, with the intention of reunification whenever possible.

“We are more of a support service to the child, we have our clinical programs, we have therapy throughout the schools, within the family unit. There are just all types of things. It’s fascinating. We really get to see the turn or the evolution of the child,” says Hamilton.

But he also knows the organization cannot do their work and be successful operating as an independent agency.

“It definitely takes a community collaboration,” he says, noting that most of all, children require love and care, whether they are in a foster home or not.

Foster parenting may not be accessible to every household, but there are countless ways to support children and families in care. Whether it’s donating money, offering a skills or trade class, or even supplying a family with a complimentary service, like haircuts or mechanic work, the possibilities to uplift the local foster families and children are as plentiful as the talents amongst community members.

For more information on foster care in Florida: https:// www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/foster-care/howdo-I.shtml or to learn how to become a child advocate visit: https://guardianadlitem.org/.

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2 | 21

‘Furry Four-Legged Heroes’ Bella and Sadie save their human after a stroke.

By Wesley Roberts

W

hen Bella (back) wasn’t comforted with treats and Sadie wasn’t around, the neighbor knew something was wrong.

A few weeks before Christmas 2018, St. Augustine resident Alexandra Naspolini was enjoying a cup of coffee when she heard a neighbor’s dog barking frantically at her back door.

“Everyone in the neighborhood has a dog so I didn’t know whose it was at first,” said Naspolini, who lives across the street from Maureen Hatcher and her Labrador retrievers named Bella and Sadie. “When I realized the dog was Bella, I tried to comfort her with some toys and treats. But she was so unsettled, I knew something wasn’t right and grabbed a leash.”

22 | S T J O H N S PARENT M A G A Z I N E

An alarming discovery When Naspolini stepped out of her house, she saw Sadie standing by Hatcher’s open front door, barking loudly. Naspolini ran across the street and entered Hatcher’s home, where she discovered her neighbor lying unresponsive on her bed.

Hatcher, 62, was showing clear signs of a stroke: confusion, weakness on one side of the body and trouble speaking. Naspolini called 911.

Eleven minutes later, St. Johns County Fire Rescue arrived and transported Hatcher to Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, home to one of only seven certified Comprehensive Stroke Centers in Florida.

“Ms. Hatcher was having an ischemic stroke, caused by a blood clot blocking a vessel that supplies blood, and thus oxygen, to the right side of her brain,” explained Nima Amim Aghaebrahim, MD, an interventional neurologist with Baptist’s Comprehensive Stroke h Nima Amim Center. “When the brain is Aghaebrahim, MD deprived of blood, cells die and permanent brain injury can occur. Timing is everything.

One of the most important factors that can lead to a good outcome for patients in these situations is to get the blood vessel opened quickly and successfully.”

When she arrived at Baptist Jacksonville, Hatcher was whisked away to the Neurovascular OR for an emergency surgical procedure to unblock the brain vessel.

Dr. Nima used a special device called a stent retriever to remove the clot by making a small incision in the groin and then passing a microcatheter into the blocked vessel.

The minimally invasive procedure, called an endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), took only 20 minutes. Just hours after the procedure, Hatcher was already FaceTiming with her family. Three days later, she was discharged after regaining all strength on her left side.

The first thing Hatcher did when she got home was walk across the street to thank her neighbor. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw how well she was doing,” said Naspolini. “The last time I saw her, she was on a stretcher being loaded into an ambulance.”

Groundbreaking research It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when Hatcher’s stroke occurred because no one else was home at the time. She awoke at 7 a.m, feeling ill and collapsed in the bathroom around 11 a.m., but Bella didn’t arrive at Naspolini’s back door until around 2 p.m. By then, seven hours had elapsed.

In years past, it was unknown whether acute ischemic stroke patients like Hatcher would benefit from EVT if six or more hours had passed since the onset of stroke symptoms as brain cell death can happen rapidly in some patients.

But a groundbreaking study known as the DAWN trial showed that certain stroke patients would benefit from

the emergency surgical procedure, even six hours after the brain attack and, in some cases, up to 24 hours. And the trial showed that those same patients had fewer disabilities and an increased ability to carry out daily activities after 90 days.

“The DAWN clinical trial is revolutionary because it truly impacted the way stroke patients are treated,” said Dr. Nima, who was recently recognized with the 2018 “Young Investigator Award” by the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology for his research with a subgroup of the DAWN trial.

“Because of this research, we now know that patients can benefit significantly from intervention outside of a six-hour window, like in Hatcher’s case, and even up to 24 hours after the onset of symptoms,” he said.

Hatcher is forever grateful to her Stroke Center team and her neighbor, but she also owes her life to her beloved dogs. Little did she know when she rescued Sadie, a black Labrador retriever, in 2013, Sadie (and her best pal Bella) would someday rescue her.

“I wouldn’t be here today without my two furry, four-legged heroes,” said Hatcher. “I couldn’t live without them.”

BE FAST and CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY if you observe any sign of a stroke. For more information on the certified Comprehensive Stroke Center at Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, visit baptistjax.com/stroke.

B Balance: Is there a sudden loss of balance or coordination?

E Eyes: Is there persistent blurred vision and/ or sudden trouble seeing?

F Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms.

Does one arm drift downward?

S Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?

T Time: If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately.

Originally ran in Baptist Juice on January 18, 2019 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2 | 23

How To Be a SuperHero to Your Child

B

By Jocelyn Gordon

eing a hero to your child means honoring the commitment to watch over and protect them. This commitment requires that you cultivate the ninja-like ability of balancing the razor-edged sword of self-care and self-sacrifice.

Below are some ways you can nurture your superhero status in the eyes of your child: Take care of yourself Even superheroes need to recharge. What if the superhero abilities you wish to develop are longevity and optimal health? Certainly, you would want to look at the health factors and risks in your life, explore your biological age and make investments towards cultivating practices that nurture cellular health. Some of these include:

Ì Good sleep hygiene - A chronic lack of sleep can negatively affect your cardiovascular and immune systems making you more susceptible to heart disease, diabetes and infections.

According to data compiled by the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Study, longevity is positively impacted with an average of seven to eight hours of sleep a night.

24 | S T J O H N S PARENT M A G A Z I N E

Ì Mitigating the stressors in your life - Stress can cause

irritability and irritability can make you less patient, and if there is any skill required for raising a child, it is patience.

Take stock of your life, visit with your GP and work with health advocates to support you in making the necessary behavioral changes that help you become less reactive and more present to your children, family and life. Bonus: stress management also contributes to your longevity and makes you more pleasant to be around!

Ì Eating well - The benefits of eating well are boundless

and include supporting your immunity, reducing inflammation and helping you find your optimal weight. Eating well and demonstrating the tenets of a balanced diet, also provides your child with nutritional guidance to last a lifetime. Be the example.

Ì Exercising regularly - In addition to feeling more

comfortable in your body and clothes, regular exercise helps to balance your hormones, boost your energy and release feel-good chemicals that reduce pain whilst elevating your mood. Plus, you’ll be more agile, flexible and strong, making you the fun parent who can play, clown around and endure the physical rigors of raising a child.

Explore your Origin Story

Honor and live from your core values

Every superhero has an origin story and most of them include loss, betrayal, neglect or abuse. Your origin story and your relationship to it affect how you relate to yourself and your child (and to all aspects of your life).

As mentioned earlier, superheroes demonstrate specific core values. Some of these include loyalty, courage, kindness, harmony, creativity and selflessness. What are your core values and what does your family “stand for”?

A way to start or revisit your personal healing and origin story is to take the ACE assessment. ACE stands for Adverse Childhood Experiences and the assessment measures the amount of trauma an adult has experienced before the age of 18. Divorce, addiction, mental health challenges, physical abuse and more are considered.

A study done in collaboration with the CDC and Kaiser Permanente reveals that high ACE scores are the main culprit of employee absenteeism, the rising costs of medical care, multiple marriages, risky behaviors and early mortality.

A fun exercise I suggest to my coaching clients is to enroll the family in identifying collective core values, finding or making images that represent them, coming up with a fun family superhero name (a la “The Incredibles”) and then making a visual family emblem that can be displayed in the house. You can even get them printed on t-shirts. Allow your children to hold you accountable to those values just as much as you hold them accountable through your heroic leadership.

Although the pain and trauma of your past are not your fault, it is your responsibility to heal. Be honest with yourself and know that no one endures life without struggle and discomfort. Be sure to rally a team of supporters and therapists who can help you with the inner work of walking victoriously along your own hero’s journey.

Practice active listening When was the last time you felt really seen, heard and understood by someone? What was their body language?

How did they talk? How did they listen? I am sure the moment made a positive impression - the type of impression you want to make in your children’s lives.

Children want and have the innate survival need to be seen, loved and safe. Studies show that active listening hearing what the other person is saying and making sure that you understand the complete communication - helps to create positive neural pathways that nurture feelings of safety, trust and connection. In the leadership world, it is documented that consistently nurturing these pathways makes you someone that others want to follow. Active listening makes you a leader and to your child, that makes you a hero.

Be Human and Be Kind Life is full of peaks and valleys, gains and loss, love and heartbreak. Normalize and demonstrate the healthy expression of emotion, conscious communication, forgiveness, repair and expansive self-care. Apologize when you make mistakes and do your best to keep your word.

Overall, practice kindness - towards yourself and your child.

This will surely elevate you to hero status in the hearts and eyes of your child.

Resources & References: ACE Score Assessment - https://www.npr.org/sections/healthshots/2015/03/02/387007941/take-the-ace-quiz-and-learnwhat-it-does-and-doesnt-mean CDC & Kaiser ACE Study - https://www.cdc. gov/violenceprevention/aces/about.html?CDC_ AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc. gov%2Fviolenceprevention%2Facestudy%2Fabout.html The Chemical Consequences of Active Listening - or Not https://www.oneaccord.co/blog/the-chemical-consequencesof-listening-or-not

So before you cut off your child in mid-sentence or assume you know what they mean, take a deep breath, make sure you’re not doing anything else such as texting or watching a show, then get on your child’s level and be sure to look them in the eye. Allow them to complete their thought as you observe their body language and pay attention to their emotional tone as well as their words. Again, before you respond, breathe, consider any qualifying questions that will help you understand, then speak. Start with reflecting back on what you heard. Repeat … often.

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2 | 25

Welcome to the

Book Nook!

By Debbie Trask

Who’s Your Hero?

by Kama Mastromonaco Reading Age: Baby - 7 years Kama Mastromonaco believes true heroes are not the superheroes of movies, but the people who stand on the frontlines during a crisis, who lay their lives down for us on a daily basis, and those who are the closest to us and offer consistent inspiration, education and protection.

This inspirational and colorfully illustrated picture book presents children with positive influences and strong role models to help them grow in today’s society. Included are a doctor, nurse, farmer, pilot, mother, father, brother, sister, firefighter, policeman, teacher, construction worker and soldier. Each has brief description of why that character should be considered a hero.

Courageous People Who Changed the World (Little Heroes) Board book

by Heidi Poelman & Kyle Kershner Reading Age: 2-5 years

From the intrepid efforts of Susan B. Anthony to the quiet courage of Rosa Parks, Courageous People Who Changed the World is a young child’s first introduction to the brave people who fought to make the world a better place. Simple text and adorable illustrations tell the contributions of eight champions of freedom: Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, Susan B. Anthony, Malala Yousafzai, Harriet Tubman, William Wilberforce, Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. A quote from each individual is included on each spread along with colorful, delightful artwork.

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Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women (Volume 1)

by Elena Favilli & Francesca Cavallo Reading Age: 6 years and up

The New York Times bestselling Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is a children’s book packed with 100 bedtime stories about the lives of extraordinary women from the past and the present, illustrated by 60 female artists from all over the world.

This must-have volume brings readers on an empowering journey, introducing them to the real-life adventures of trailblazing women from Elizabeth I to Malala Yousafzai. The unique narrative style of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls transforms each biography into a fairytale, filling readers with wonder and a burning curiosity to know more about each hero. Each woman’s story is also accompanied by a full-page, full-color portrait that captures her rebel spirit.

National Geographic Kids Chapters: Kangaroo to the Rescue!: And More True Stories of Amazing Animal Heroes

by Moira Donohue Reading Age: 7 - 10 years

National Geographic Kids is back with another installment in the Animal Heroes line of National Geographic Chapters books. Get ready to meet more amazing, medal-worthy critters in this action-packed collection, including a kangaroo to the rescue! Filled with engaging photos, fast facts and fascinating sidebars, readers won’t want to put this book down.

National Geographic Kids Chapters: Hero Dogs

by Mary Quattlebaum Reading Age: 7 - 10 years

Calling all dog lovers! Join the adventure as National Geographic Kids Chapters presents a trio of true stories about incredible acts of canine heroism. From Glory the bloodhound, who saves lost pets, to terriers who help raise orphaned hippos, these brave pups are sure to inspire young animal lovers.

50 Real Heroes for Boys: True Stories of Courage, Integrity, Kindness, Empathy, Compassion, and More!

by Christy Monson Reading Age: 7 - 10 years

50 Real Heroes for Boys teaches young boys everywhere that being a man only requires being yourself—but your best self. Bright, colorful portraits by over a dozen international artists accompany true stories of men who knew that character—things like integrity, kindness, empathy, courage, respect for women and more—mixed with their own unique gifts—art, athletics, creativity, dance, music, curiosity and more— could make the world a better place. Readers will find Jackie Robinson, who used courage to break barriers in sports; Jim Henson, who used humor to uplift the lives of millions; Dav Pilkey, who used perseverance to push through dyslexia and become one of the world’s most successful children’s book authors; and many more! The book also includes dozens of stories of women like Marie Curie, Eleanor Roosevelt and Jane Goodall, because boys can have women heroes too! Written by marriage and family therapist Christy Monson, 50 Real Heroes for Boys reminds boys everywhere what true masculinity is all about.

The Hero Next Door: A We Need Diverse Books Anthology

by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich Reading Age: 8 - 12 years

This middle-grade short-story collection--this one focused on exploring acts of bravery-features some of the best known-voices in children’s authors, including R. J. Palacio (Wonder), Rita Williams-Garcia (One Crazy Summer), Linda Sue Park (A Long Walk to Water) and many more.

Not all heroes wear capes.

Some heroes teach martial arts.

Others talk to ghosts. A few are inventors or soccer players. They’re also sisters, neighbors, and friends. Because heroes come in many shapes and sizes. But they all have one thing in common: they make the world a better place. This vibrant anthology features thirteen acclaimed authors whose powerful and diverse voices show how small acts of kindness can save the day. So pay attention, because a hero could be right beside you. Or maybe the hero is you.

My Hero: Military Kids Write About Their Moms and Dads

by Allen Appel Reading Age: Elementary

Working through the Armed Services YMCA, Alan Appel and Mike Rothmiller have collected more than 100 essays from children whose parents are serving or have served in the military. The children’s heartfelt, moving, sometimes funny and completely honest observations about their moms and dads truly capture the emotional connection between parent and child. It is a connection that cannot be severed even when a parent is thousands of miles away, gone for long stretches of time, and in danger. Inspiring, heartbreaking and genuine, this book provides a fascinating look inside the hearts and minds of kids who love and honor their moms and dads as heroes - at home or on the battlefield.

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2 | 27

Hero #1

by Jennifer Li Shotz Reading Age: 8 - 12 years 3 book series Hero, a retired search-andrescue dog, is not prepared for a stray puppy to come into his life. But when he and twelve-year-old Ben find Scout injured and afraid, the new addition leads them down an unexpected and dangerous path. When Scout goes missing, it’s up to Hero to use his search-and-rescue skills to find Scout and bring him home. Get ready for a canine adventure full of danger, loyalty and the unbreakable bond between a boy and his best friend.

Ember (Rescue Dogs #1)

by Jane B. Mason & Sarah Hines-Stephens Reading Age: 8 - 12 years Book 1 of 4: Rescue Dogs

Action and adventure with high stakes and a happy ending -- and dogs! After Ember is rescued from a devastating house fire, she longs for a forever home. But every family that adopts the yellow Lab puppy brings her back, saying she is untrainable, has too much energy or is just plain destructive. After three failed placements, young Ember is out of options.

The Sterling family runs a ranch that turns rescued dogs into rescue dogs. They’re willing to take a chance on the young Lab, not knowing that Ember’s first rescue will test her skills and strength beyond imagination.

Paws of Courage: True Tales of Heroic Dogs that Protect and Serve

by Nancy Furstinger Reading Age: 10 - 14 years Modern wars recruit more than just human soldiers.

Our canine companions also serve in the line of duty and under fire, whether helping police protect our home turf or accompanying soldiers on missions abroad. Readers 28 | S T J O H N S PARENT M A G A Z I N E

will cheer for the hero dogs featured in this collection, profiled with stunning photos and inspiring tales of bravery, friendship, heroism and devotion. Their touching stories are sure to inspire animal lovers everywhere.

Stories for Kids Who Dare to Be Different: True Tales of Amazing People Who Stood Up and Stood Out

by Ben Brooks, Quinton Winter (Illustrator) Reading Age: 8 - 12 years The follow-up to Ben Brooks’s New York Times bestselling Stories for Boys Who Dare to Be Different, this book offers more extraordinary true stories of amazing people who broke the mold and changed the world for the better. The resulting message? Be yourself, and your dreams might come true.

With the help of Quinton Winter’s striking full-color illustrations, Brooks offers an accessible compilation of 76 famous and not-so-famous influencers from the past to the present day, every single one of them a rule-breaker and stereotype-smasher in his or her own way. Entries include Emma Gonzalez, Andy Warhol, Bjork, Hans Christian Andersen, Sally Ride and so many more -- heroes from all walks of life and from all over the world.

Never Too Young!: 50 Unstoppable Kids Who Made a Difference

by Aileen Weintraub & Laura Horton Reading Age: 8 - 12 years

Anyone—no matter how young—can make a difference!

Meet 50 incredible kids who had a positive impact in their communities . . . and the world.

From Picasso, who changed the art world forever, to Malala Yousafzai, the brave teen who was shot for advocating education for girls, the 50 kids profiled in Never Too Young! will inspire and empower young readers. Some, like Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges and Stevie Wonder, are prominent figures, while others who are lesser known though their achievements are just as compelling. They come from a variety of historical periods and backgrounds, and have made an impact in politics, sports, the arts, science, and more.

Behind every scan is a story.

When the team at Radiology Associates takes and reads a scan, we’re looking at more than just muscle and bone. Before us is an enlightening health history and a blueprint for the future. A snapshot revealing what—and who—you need to get you on a path to living a happier, healthier life. From regular exams to triumphant battles, we’ve been a part of so many stories throughout our 60 years of service. This year, we’re sharing how each scan tells the story of our patients, our rad techs, our doctors and our commitment to the quality, personalized care you deserve.

386-274-6000 RadiologyAssociatesImaging.com

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