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LIFESTYLE LETTER

AUGUST 2021 PUBLISHER

Aaron Swart | aaron.swart@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

It's August, Midlothian! WE HOPE THIS ISSUE MEETS YOU IN THE MIDST OF SUMMER VACATIONS, FAMILY REUNIONS, POOL PARTIES AND GRILLING-OUT GET-TOGETHERS! With plenty of things to do and places to go with our loved ones in RVA, there’s also

Mary Ellin Arch | maryellin.arch@lifestylepubs.com PUBLISHER A SSISTANT

Meghan Butcher, The Dirty Blonde Stylist thedirtyblondestylist@gmail.com SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

B&G Marketing

the hint of fresh beginnings in the air as we begin to prepare for the new school year,

AD DESIGNER

new schedules, and planning the routine we’ve vacated for a brief moment….

Matthew Endersbe

While we hold on to summer, we welcome you to the Kids & Pets Issue! We’ve had so much fun putting this month’s issue together for you, our readers, as we highlight the joys of parenthood with soccer players who care about community, devoted dancers and their moms, a preview of the Chesterfield County Fair, expert advice on managing children's food allergies, dentist-recommended cavity prevention tips for your kids, and even pets who demonstrate amazing agility skills! We’re excited to continue to partner with business leaders in the community who

L AYO UT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Laurel Otey, Emily Alwood, M. Katherine Fisher, Dayna Scarberry CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Hunter Henkel, Hunter Henkel Photography Emily Alwood, EmmiClaire Photography

desire to share their hearts with you, and we hope you’ll be energized and inspired as you hold your family close and celebrate our village and the many wonderful changes and opportunities for growth that await.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

Please sit back, grab a cold glass of lemonade, and enjoy. The best is yet to come!

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Fondly.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Aaron Swart, Publisher

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER FC Richmond soccer player. PHOTOGRAPHY BY HUNTER HENKEL, HUNTER HENKEL PHOTOGRAPHY 4

Midlothian Lifestyle | August 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian

Proverbs 3:5-6 Midlothian Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Midlothian areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Midlothian Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE AUGUST 2021

FEATURES 14 Beyond the Game For FC Richmond, soccer is more than sport - it's also about developing responsible kids

16 Devoted to Dance Families agree: They love Legacy Dance for the caring instructors and the studio's family feel

22 Never Fear They Make It Fun Penterson & Booth dentists stress prevention, family care and a great experience for all patients

30 Catch the Fun! The Chesterfield County Fair is

22 14

back and better than ever after last year's COVID cancellation

DEPARTMENTS

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Local Experiences

Giving Back

Locally Owned

22 Local Limelight 28 Healthy Lifesytle 30 Locals Only 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Animal Kingdom

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GOOD TIMES

Chesterfield County Farmer's Market The Chesterfield County Farmers Market is celebrating its 10th season! The market is open Wednesdays through Sept. 15, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., off Mimms Loop in the Chesterfield County Government Complex. Come out, grab some lunch from the food trucks and enjoy shopping with the various vendors throughout the market. PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHESTERFIELD COUNTY.

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Midlothian Lifestyle | August 2021

NOW OPEN FOR LIVE PERFORMANCES! Catch an upcoming show at The Perkinson Center for the Arts & Education’s 20,500 square-foot state-of-the-art performing and visual arts center. Don’t forget to enroll in a class or immerse yourself in local art at the Baxter and Elaine Perkinson Gallery — our community has missed you! Black Violin, the Grammynominated hip-hop duo August 12, 2021

SPICE Cultural Festival, a two-day international festival August 13 - 14, 2021

Luminar with Magic Castle’s LA magician, Michael Rangel August 27 - 28, 2021

Sonic Butterfly, an immersive chromatic harp experience September 3, 2021

For more information or to purchase tickets, view our event schedule online! perkinsoncenter.org | 804-748-5555 | 11810 Centre Street, Chester, VA 23831

AROUND TOWN

THE BASICS: 5 SIMPLE PRINCIPLES HELP LITTLE LEARNERS TO THRIVE

Aug. 20. Online registration will be available starting Aug. 20, and in-person registration will be avail-

Nonprofit organizations, social services and

able on site Monday, Aug. 23, through Wednesday,

government agencies, school systems and health-

Aug. 25, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day. The fall session will

care entities are rallying around The Basics - five

run from Tuesday, Sept. 7 through Friday, Dec. 17. To

simple things parents, caregivers and child care

request a catalog or for information about becoming

providers can do to help young children thrive.

a member, email info@LLIChesterfield.org.

The Basics provide the framework and tools for interacting with little learners in fun and meaningful ways. These five evidence-based parenting and

COUNTY AND ARTS CENTER TO HOST CULTURAL FESTIVAL Chesterfield County, in partnership with the

care-giving principles are: + Maximize Love, Manage Stress

Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education, is

+ Talk, Sing, and Point

excited to announce the inaugural Chesterfield

+ Count, Group, and Compare

Sharing Practices of International Cultures through

+ Explore through Movement and Play

Engagement (SPICE) Cultural Festival, Aug. 13-14.

+ Read and Discuss Stories

This free community event at the Arts Center

Founded in Boston by Ron Ferguson, Ph.D.,

and Chester Village Green will celebrate diversity

The Basics Inc. grew out of the Achievement Gap

and multiculturalism through the arts. Bring the

Initiative at Harvard University in partnership

entire family to enjoy live music, art gallery shows,

with the Black Philanthropy Fund. Amy Bartilotti,

cultural performances, guest speakers, hands-on

coordinator of the Office of Family & Community

crafts for children and more. Food trucks featuring

Engagement

international cuisine also will be on site.

Chesterfield

County

Public

Schools, heard Dr. Ferguson speak at a conference

Details: chesterfield.gov/SPICE

and brought The Basics to Richmond. The website, rvabasics.org, features free, downloadable Tip Sheets with suggested activities for each of the five principles, along with other resources. Local partners include Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond, Chesterfield County and Chesterfield County Public Schools, and many others.

LLI FALL CATALOG COMING OUT SOON The course catalog for The Lifelong Learning Institute in Chesterfield will be available on Friday,

Midlothian Lifestyle | August 2021

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle. com/Midlothian using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

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LOCAL EXPERIENCES

KIDS + PETS WHILE IT’S NOT OVER YET, SUMMER IS SOON COMING TO AN END AND WHAT BETTER WAY TO BID ADIEU THAN TO SPEND TIME WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND OUR FAVORITE FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS! Embrace the end of the season by gathering the kids, dogs, and adults alike for some indoor and outdoor recreation and exploration, petfriendly destinations that embrace our furry friends, and our end of summer and return to school summer party ideas!

END-OF-SUMMER HURRAH + If you're still practicing physical distancing, you can't beat taking in a movie at the Goochland drive-in theater. + Pick up the last of the fresh produce from the Chesterfield Farmers Market before it closes in September. At the County Government Complex (see Good Times for more information). + Get a head start on Christmas shopping at Merchants Square in Williamsburg, then cool off with a stop for Kilwins ice cream. + Take an eagle-watching tour with a guide – don’t forget your camera! + After a COVID cancellation in 2020, the State Fair of Virginia returns in September. You know you want a funnel cake!

Midlothian Lifestyle | August 2021

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KIDS AT PLAY

Shutterstock

+ Littles will love Dodd Park's nature-themed playground. Check out Chesterfield Parks and Recreation's StoryMap resource to explore. + Mini-golf, batting cages, go-karts and more are at the Windy Hill sports complex. + Your kids will love monkeying around at the GoApe ropes course and zipline in Williamsburg. + Forget Virginia Beach. Yorktown Beach is closer and just as much fun. + Something’s always in season at Chesterfield Berry Farm. Extend the fun by making berry shortcakes or tarts at home.

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PET-FRIENDLY EXPERIENCES + For a change of pace from dog parks, try out the new agility course at Goyne Park in Chester. + You and your pooch will enjoy a long nature walk at Chester Linear Park. + Tire out your dog with a romp at Rockwood Park’s Ruff House and then a run at the new CTC-Hull dog exercise facility. + Woofy Wellness Ranch, Short Pump Dog Park and Texas Beach have places for pups to get wet. Texas Beach: 907 Texas Ave, Richmond. + Dogs are a must at the Yappy Hour Pooch Patio Party at Park Lane Tavern, Thursday, Aug. 26, 3 to 9 p.m.

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CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian

GIVING BACK

ARTICLE MARY ELLIN ARCH PHOTOGRAPHY HUNTER HENKEL, HUNTER HENKEL PHOTOGRAPHY

B E YO N D T H E G A M E

FOR FC RICHMOND, SOCCER IS MORE THAN SPORT - IT'S ALSO ABOUT DEVELOPING RESPONSIBLE KIDS AND HELPING THE COMMUNITY

Midlothian Lifestyle | August 2021

FOR FC RICHMOND YOUTH SOCCER, THE LOGO

Junior Board members, all high school sophomores or

“BEYOND THE GAME” MEANS MORE THAN JUST WORDS.

older with at least one season of participation, help select

In fact, games are just one part of what this recreational, player

a monthly “Beyond the Game” player, assist with digital

development and travel soccer organization does. A big compo-

media, and organize activities including parent and player

nent of the program is character-building and community service.

workshops, healthy lifestyle programming, coach appreci-

“Our staff at FC Richmond is committed to developing not

ation events, and charity projects like Angel Tree adopt-a-

only soccer players but also well-rounded, responsible young people,” said Trip Ellis, director of coaching.

family at Christmastime. “Character building and community service are an import-

FC Richmond is a private, nonprofit organization that uses

ant aspect of FC Richmond, teaching players to go “Beyond

all fees and contributions to enhance youth soccer in Greater

the Game” and have a presence and impact in our community,”

Richmond. The league, led by Trip Ellis and Trip Dunville, assis-

said Lynne Ellis, community outreach program manager.

tant director of coaching, develops over 2,000 players each

Founder Dave Amsler began organized soccer in Richmond

year. Trip Ellis holds USSF "A" and National Youth coaching

in 1971, when he started the first summer soccer league. It

licenses, and played professionally with Richmond’s Kickers as

quickly grew to more than 1,100 youth players. Five years later

well as in Philadelphia and Raleigh. Trip Dunville was an elite

Dave founded the Richmond Strikers, Richmond’s first travel

high school player in the 1980s, was inducted into Douglas

soccer program. In 1985 Dave founded FC Richmond. To date,

Freeman’s Hall of Fame in 2018, and played for the nationally

FC Richmond has produced over 900 college players, 21 U.S.

ranked Senators at Davis and Elkins College.

Youth National team players, 24 professional players, and a

The organization uses a Player Progression Model in which

Gatorade National Player of the Year.

participants typically enter at the recreational level, which

The league has been going strong ever since. Now with over

focuses on inclusive play and skills development at the U4

35 years of history under its belt, FC Soccer has become a

through U19 age levels. Competitive team selections begin at

fixture in Greater Richmond and a powerhouse on the local

U9-U10 in the Futures Program and go through U11-U19 in the

youth sports scene. While Dave passed away in June at age 73

Classic and Elite travel team programs.

– a personal blow for the league – FC Richmond has emerged

But learning soccer is just one component. Players are coached to develop not only soccer abilities but also work ethic, discipline, commitment, accountability, and other character traits essential to success in school and in life.

from the loss more determined than ever to keep his legacy alive through future seasons and community service work. “Dave was an impactful mentor and coach who established very high standards for all of his players,” said Trip

And FC Richmond takes the character component a step

Ellis. “These high standards have been the foundation of FC

further, incorporating a Junior Board of Directors of youth

Richmond, creating an environment for producing high-level

members who serve as FC Richmond ambassadors, devel-

soccer players and successful individuals for generations.

oping leadership, collaboration, event planning, and public

He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue on for

speaking skills as they engage FC Richmond families and carry

many more generations to come.”

out community service projects.

fcrichmond.com

WE'RE COMMITTED TO DEVELOPING NOT ONLY SOCCER PLAYERS BUT ALSO WELL-ROUNDED, RESPONSIBLE YOUNG PEOPLE."

CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian

ARTICLE MARY ELLIN ARCH | PHOTOGRAPHY HUNTER HENKEL, HUNTER HENKEL PHOTOGRAPHY

LOCALLY OWNED

DE VO T E D T O DA NC E

Midlothian Lifestyle | August 2021

LEGACY SCHOOL OF DANCE FAMILIES AGREE: THEY LOVE LEGACY FOR THE CARING INSTRUCTORS AND THE STUDIO'S STRESS-FREE FAMILY FEEL

ASK A GIRL WHY SHE DANCES, AND YOU’LL GET A RANGE OF ANSWERS. Outgoing Taylor says dance makes her happy, “happier than my birthday.” Quiet Charlotte is drawn to dance “as a way to express myself without having to talk to people.” Charlotte’s sister, Cate, likes how dance class encourages friendships with girls from other schools she’d otherwise never meet. Little Gabby says dance “allows me to be physical and look pretty doing it.” Her sister, Jordyn, says dance “has helped me become more structured, disciplined and confident in my schoolwork. I’m physically, mentally and emotionally balanced because of dance.” Now, ask why these girls dance at Legacy School of Dance specifically, and their responses are strikingly aligned. “The instructors are always there for you, like a second mom,” said Ava Brace, 13, a Robious Middle student in her fifth year at Legacy. “You’ll never hear them say, ‘Go out there and win.’ They say, “Have fun,” said Abby Morris, 15, a Monacan High student in her fifth year at Legacy. “They’ll never put you in a program you wouldn’t enjoy.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

“The teachers try to make sure you’re happy and comfortable,” said Taylor, 13, a Providence Middle student who has danced for 10 years. “You feel like you can tell them anything.” “This is a place to get the stress off your mind,” said Jordyn Adkins, 14, a Steward School student in her third year at Legacy. Little sister Gabby, 8, in her third year of dance, concurred: “If you’re playing a sport, they go hard on you. In dance they want you to learn but they don’t go hard on you.” The girls’ moms echoed the praise for Legacy’s instructors and the family atmosphere created by co-owners Kimberly Ligatti, artistic director, and Mary FarrMaynard, business manager. Abby’s mom, Susan Morris, specifically chose Legacy after a disappointing experience at another studio. “My daughter wasn’t having fun there,” Susan said. “We interviewed several studios. This was the most grounded, downto-earth, realistic place. … The girls trust their instructors, and you know they’re happy here.” She added that she appreciates that the studio offers constructive feedback, on dance and life topics. Jordyn and Gabby’s mother, Tarsha Adkins, shared that Jordyn danced for years at another studio, but now prefers Legacy. “They don’t put their dancers in a box; they treat them as dancers,” she said. “And the dance moms here are amazing. I haven't met one dance mom here who isn’t truly supportive.” Legacy, at 2441 Colony Crossing Place in Midlothian, teaches ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical and tap for ages 2 through adult. More than a dozen instructors, all with higher-level dance education and some with professional experience, lead the classes, which serve about 1,000 girls, boys and adults (some taking multiple classes).

Midlothian Lifestyle | August 2021

All the moms said Legacy instructors see the

“Kim tells you everything, especially last-minute

dancers holistically, coaching them not only on

changes. There are no surprises. We know well in

dance but also on school, social pressures, and

advance what’s going to happen and when.”

their futures.

Jenn commended Kim for her ability to work with

“Instructors have truly made this place feel like

“so many girls and their personalities,” and for keep-

family. They are dance teacher, mother and ther-

ing classes going during COVID. Girls noted that

apist,” said Ava’s mother, Jenn Brace. “They also

instruction continued via online platforms until the

instruct them in life, helping them through difficult

studio could safely reopen, and the moms expressed

times and to navigate things like social media.” Ava

satisfaction with the studio’s COVID precautions.

added, “They pretty much gave us a talk on every girl teenage topic ever.” The moms also praised Kim and Mary for the studio’s efficient operation.

“I felt safe here during COVID,” Cyreeta said. “It’s a clean environment.” The owners said they’re humbled by the praise. “Starting Legacy was a dream come true, but I

“Mary is so pleasant and makes it so easy,” said

never knew the impact it would have on so many

C.C. Eakes, mother of Charlotte, 14, who attends

students and families,” said Kim. “It's our goal to be

Robious Middle, and Cate, 10, who attends Bon

a special part of their village – an additional support

Air Elementary. “She helps you sign up and takes

system that talks them through life lessons and

the stress away in matters of scheduling and pay-

cheers them on.”

ments.” Charlotte and Cate have danced for nine and seven years, respectively. “Kim is, like, bionic. She’s the main mom; she’s unmatched,” said Cyreeta Price, Taylor’s mom.

“We've been blessed to have the support of so many wonderful families,” said Mary. “Our Legacy families truly are the best!" legacyschoolofdance.com CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT

Never Fear They Make It

Fun

PENTERSON & BOOTH DENTISTS STRESS PREVENTION, FAMILY CARE AND A GREAT EXPERIENCE FOR ALL PATIENTS, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN ARTICLE MARY ELLIN ARCH | PHOTOGRAPHY HUNTER HENKEL, HUNTER HENKEL PHOTOGRAPHY

HERE’S A POP QUIZ FOR PARENTS:

In fact, baby teeth are important as they

1. What’s the No. 1 most prevalent preventable disease in children?

set the stage for permanent teeth to come in

2. What sugar substitute shows promise in helping protect

properly. Children use their primary teeth for

against cavities?

years for chewing, and baby teeth are crucial

3. At what age should a child first visit the dentist?

for proper speech development, Dr. Lynn

How’d you do? Keep reading for the answers, courtesy of Dr.

said. With early diagnosis, decay in primary

Lynn Booth of Penterson & Booth Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

teeth can be treated, so that the teeth can

in Midlothian.

be preserved and fall out on their own, when

You may have already figured out the first answer. Dental caries

their critical function has been accomplished.

– also known as tooth decay – is the most prevalent chronic disease

Some studies show genetics may increase

in both children and adults, according to National Institute of Dental

the chance of having primary tooth cavities,

and Craniofacial Research, the federal government’s lead agency for

and studies also show having a sweet tooth

scientific research on dental, oral and craniofacial health.

can be inherited. However, everyone can

Fortunately, tooth decay is almost entirely preventable.

reduce the chance of tooth decay through

“The tooth is the only part of the body that can’t heal itself. So

consistent prevention including avoiding

it’s important to see your dentist regularly and develop good oral

sugar, twice-daily brushing and flossing,

hygiene habits at a young age,” said Dr. Lynn Booth, who along with

using dentist-approved mouth rinses, and

her husband, Dr. Stephen Booth, own and operate the dental prac-

visiting the dentist regularly for cleanings,

tice at 5954 Harbour Park Drive in Midlothian.

checkups and sealants.

“Treating tooth decay is best done as soon as possible,” Dr. Lynn

What is good oral hygiene? It’s the

added. “The sooner a cavity is treated, the more conservative the

removal of bacteria and leftover food par-

restoration. A small cavity can be treated with a minimally invasive

ticles that combine to create cavities. This

restoration called a filling, to fill in the pit caused by decay while pro-

means wiping infant teeth with a wet cloth

tecting the tooth from further damage.”

after each feeding, teaching and supervis-

In addition, it’s important to preserve baby teeth. Why is this important? Baby teeth just fall out anyway, right? 22

Midlothian Lifestyle | August 2021

ing older children in thoroughly brushing CONTINUED >

“We believe a dentist and patient become a team for treating an individual’s dental needs.”

CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

Top preve ntion ste p s

Cavitycausing foo d s

+ Clean teeth twice daily

+ Candies & cookies

"My 8-year-old daughter cannot

+ Use child-sized brush with

+ Soda, juice & sport drinks

stop saying how much she likes

+ Chocolate milk

the dentist now.. ... Never heard that

+ Floss twice a day

+ Dried fruit & fruit strips

from her at her pediatric dentist, and

+ Use fluoride toothpaste

+ Pretzels & crackers

I certainly don't remember saying

+ Schedule dental checkups

+ Bedtime bottles for babies or

that growing up myself - I dreaded

toddlers should not contain

the dentist. I wanted to give a shout-

juice. Only water.

out to you guys because you always

soft bristles

twice a year + Ask your dentist about protective sealants

Midlothian Lifestyle | August 2021

Patie nt te stimonial

do such a great job!" - Julia B.

and flossing after meals, and limiting sugary foods.

dental team that understands how important it is that

New research shows that xylitol, a sugar alcohol used

children have a positive experience at the dentist and who

as a sugar substitute, can protect teeth from harmful

bend over backward to make sure that happens.

bacteria, suggesting that sweet foods containing xylitol may be a better choice.

“It is our No. 1 priority to make sure that all of our patients always have a positive experience at our office, especially

So, when’s the best age to schedule a child’s first visit to

children,” said Dr. Lynn. “We see too many adult patients

the dentist? There are actually two answers to this question.

who have had a bad experience as a child, and it affects

Dr. Lynn encourages parents to bring their babies to

them for the rest of their lives. We go above and beyond to

the dentist before age 1, to start acclimating them to the

make sure that does not happen, to earn trust by explaining

doctors and the surroundings, as well as to educate the

the procedures so patients know what to expect, and by

parents on home hygiene, provide dietary recommen-

using comforting words and actions to put them at ease.”

dations, go over family history, determine any congenital

Parents can help by reading their children library

issues, and answer parents’ questions. Children generally

books about going to the dentist, showing them photos

tend to be more cooperative around age 3, which is the

of the dentist and the dental team, and having children

age Dr. Lynn recommends scheduling their first cleaning.

watch another family member to set a good example and

“Because we’re a family dental practice, it’s not

become familiar with dental experience. It's also import-

only convenient for our patients to come to their visits

ant to avoid negative questions like “Did it hurt?” and to

together, but it also allows us to become familiar with

talk positively about what to expect from a dental visit.

the entire family’s dental and medical history, along with

To learn more, contact Penterson & Booth Family and

perhaps some of the dental conditions that might be

Cosmetic Dentistry at 804.293.0684, visit their offices

genetic,” said Dr. Lynn. “By going to the same dentist,

at 5954 Harbour Park Drive, or check out the website,

parents can show nervous children that receiving dental

pbddssmiles.com.

treatment can be a positive experience.” Penterson & Booth strives to make their offices kid-

Quiz answers, if you didn’t catch them in the story:

friendly with TVs in every exam room, fuzzy blankets,

1. Tooth decay.

goodie bags, and a treasure drawer of toys for not having

2. Xylitol.

any cavities or for a brave patient who did well with a restor-

3. By age 1 just to visit and for parental education. By

ative procedure. There’s also a friendly and compassionate

age 3 for a first dental exam.

“EVERYONE CAN REDUCE THE CHANCE OF TOOTH DECAY THROUGH CONSISTENT PREVENTION.”

Exam rooms feature TVs and air purifiers

CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian

We Specialize In

Amazing Smiles! All Ages General Dentistry Cosmetic / Invisalign / Whitening Implants / Consultative

Serving Midlothian families for over 40 years 5954 Harbour Park Drive

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CityLifestyle.com/Midlothian

HEALTHY LIFESYTLE Laurel Otey

ARTICLE LAUREL OTEY, LAYERED LIVING PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

When Your Child Can't Have a Cupcake LOCAL EXPERT OFFERS SIMPLE BUT IMPORTANT TIPS FOR HELPING YOUR CHILD MANAGE FOOD ALLERGIES

FOOD ALLERGIES ARE A SERIOUS, POTENTIALLY LIFE-THREATENING HEALTH PROBLEM THAT AFFECT 32 MILLION AMERICANS. Initially, a food allergy diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Follow these four tips to manage your family’s food allergies more confidently.

GET EDUCATED Always read ingredient labels. Look for allergy warnings on packaged and premade foods, medications, and supplements. Milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, and sesame make up 90% of all food allergies in the U.S. Currently, only the first eight are required to be included on labels. The recently passed Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education & Research (FASTER) Act now includes sesame as a top allergen. It must be added to product labels starting Jan. 1, 2023.

Credit: Fauxels, Pexels

If you have an allergy to a food not in the Top 9 list regulated by the FDA, learn where else these foods may hide, such as “natural/artificial flavoring.”

Educate your child about their allergy as early as

Living, a holistic wellness practice. She

possible. Kids’ books about food allergies are a great

serves as a family wellness educator

place to start.

specializing in autoimmune disease, food allergies, and stress reduction. Health

CREATE AN ALLERGY-SAFE ENVIRONMENT When a child is first diagnosed with a food allergy, it may be beneficial for the whole family to, initially, eliminate that food. This helps all members become educated about where the risks lie and how to talk

Laurel Otey is the owner of Layered

Midlothian Lifestyle | August 2021

coaching, prenatal classes and corporate talks are available worldwide. LayeredLivingLife.com

Laurel Otey

about their allergy. It’s also a great way to gain

Freeze a stock of allergy-safe cupcakes at home

insights into the social-emotional aspects that your

for birthday parties. When hosting a party, keep likely

child is trying to navigate.

allergy risks separate from the rest of the food.

There are two approaches to managing food aller-

When dining out, call restaurants to find out what aller-

gies at home.

gy-safe options they offer. Make sure your server under-

Option 1: Make your home entirely free of the allergens that affect your family. This means removing all foods containing that allergen or that may have been cross contaminated. Option 2: Create dedicated zones in your fridge and pantry for allergy-safe v. unsafe foods. Make sure all family members understand and follow the plan.

stands you have a true allergy, not simply a preference.

MINDSET IS EVERYTHING Model a safe, positive attitude toward living with food allergies. Show your child how to be a good self-advocate by reading labels and always bringing their allergy medi-

In addition to foods and beverages, check your med-

cation. Help your child practice saying, “No, thank you”

ication and supplement ingredients. Talk to your phar-

when allergy-safe foods aren’t available. Then, redirect

macist or call the manufacturer if you have questions.

toward activities everyone can participate in.

Personal care and beauty products are also

Managing food allergies can be stressful and isolat-

potential allergy risks. Learn which brands are safe

ing for children, especially teenagers. Be understand-

and stick with those.

ing of their challenges. Seek support, when needed.

Pet food and supplies may also include common allergens. Crawling babies and curious toddlers can easily get