DC Parent-Source-Back-to-School2012

Parent Source Back to School 2012 | Parent Source | 1

Serving DeKalb County

6 tips for boosting back-to-school success

Let’s talk about it: Eating disorders & self injury Tips for inspiring young readers

Fall Resource Guide for Parents

2 | Parent Source | Back to School 2012

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Back to School 2012 | Parent Source | 3

Table of Contents 4

Secrets of safe sleep: What parents need to know before putting baby to bed

5

Invest in family-healthy diets by growing half your plate

6

Do you hear what I hear?

8

Brooke Burke-Charvet manages work, life and family with allergies.

9

6 tips for boosting back-to-school success

10 Making a move easier for your child 11 Let’s talk about it: Eating disorders & self injury

12 Put kids’ dental health on the fast track 14 Tips for inspiring young readers

Parent Source is distributed in the Daily Chronicle

Project Manager: Lisa Angel Design & Layout: Allison LaPorta We reserve the right to include and edit all editorial content of this publication.

4 | Parent Source | Back to School 2012

Secrets of safe sleep: What parents need to know before putting baby to bed (ARA) - When a baby arrives in your home, the world changes.

Even after the months of preparation and planning for the little one’s arrival, the love a parent feels is stronger than could have been imagined and so is the protective instinct.

Giving your baby the finest of everything and keeping her safe are the top priorities for parents, but the gap between what seems like the right thing to do and what will actually be best for your child can be wide.

It’s second nature to plan an adorable nursery that’s coordinated from the art on the walls to the crib to the changing table. But while there’s an infinite supply of bedding sets that appeal to your taste in decorating, those sets might not be safe. In fact, the breathing hazards presented by soft, cushy bedding have caused organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics to recommend against using plush pillows, blankets and bumpers.

Creating a safe sleeping environment for your baby is easy, and you can rest easy - or as easily as new parents can knowing that your baby is both comfortable and safe. Consider these tips to give your baby the best sleeping environment.

• Always place your baby on her back whenever you’re laying her down to sleep. Since the National Institutes of Health (NIH) launched its “Back to Sleep” campaign in 1994, urging parents to put babies to sleep on their backs, deaths from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) have been reduced by nearly half, according to a study published in the journal “Pediatrics” in March 2012.

Whether it’s nap time or night time, this is the safest position.

• Use a crib that meets current safety standards. While there might be sentimental value attached to a crib passed down through generations of family members, it’s not likely to meet the most upto-date ideas of safety. Even if you have a modern crib, it’s important to pay attention to recalls millions of drop-side cribs have been recalled in recent years. To see if your crib has been affected, check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website at www.cpsc.gov.

• In your crib, place a firm mattress that fits in place snugly. Try out the “two finger test” - if mom can fit two or more fingers between the mattress and the side of the crib, the mattress is too small.

• Choose a bedding set that supports baby’s safety. Quilt and bumper sets might be cute, but the importance of safe sleep for your baby should be paramount. A simple sheet is enough for your baby’s crib, when combined with a comforting wearable blanket that keeps baby feeling secure.

Crib sets offered by Halo have won multiple awards for safety and include SleepSack wearable blankets, crib sheets and a decorative crib skirt. More information can be found at HaloCribSet. com.

• Breastfeed, if possible, but when finished, put baby back to sleep in her own safe sleep area near your bed. It’s perfectly fine to share a room, but sharing a bed presents hazards for your baby.

• Encourage your baby to use a pacifier, once breastfeeding has been established. Pacifier use has been reported to be associated with a reduced risk of SIDS. • Don’t dress baby too warmly for sleep, even if that’s what you think is comfortable. Keeping baby’s temperature at a safe level is important, so avoid overdressing and keep the room temperature at 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a SleepSack will also help to keep baby’s temperature regulated all night long.

• Never put your baby down for sleep - either for a nap or overnight - on any soft surface or furniture, such as sofas, chairs, adult beds, quilts or sheepskins.

It’s easy to feel as though you should give your baby a soft, snuggly place to sleep, but taking a practical and informed approach to baby’s sleep environment is best.

When it comes to what’s safest, remember to decorate the room, not the crib. For more information about safe sleep for your baby, visit www.halosleep.com.

Back to School 2012 | Parent Source | 5

Investfamily-healthy in

diets by growing half your plate (ARA) - Healthy eating is defined in many different ways, but the United States Department of Agriculture replaced the former Food Pyramid with MyPlate - creating an easy visual for everyone to enjoy healthy and balanced meals.

The MyPlate graphic shows a place setting. The dinner plate is divided in half. One half of the plate is composed of fruits and vegetables, and the other half grains and proteins. To see exactly how much that amounts to for each member of your family, visit www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov. The sad reality is most Americans do not eat this many fruits and veggies in a day. If you’re interested in changing your family’s eating habits, how can you get them to fill up half of their plates with fruits and vegetables?

This summer, consider adapting your family’s eating habits to mimic the MyPlate graphic. Although most on-the-go families don’t eat that many fruits and vegetables, it’s easy to do, especially if you plant a garden and buy from local farmers markets. When you grow your own fruits and vegetables it can help save time and money, but the benefits go much deeper. Growing fresh produce is a rewarding experience that provides your family with quick and healthy alternatives to snack foods. Even a finicky child will most likely eat a carrot that they grew themselves or snack on some salsa from their very own garden.

Growing enough fruits and vegetables to fill half your family member’s plate is easier than it sounds- here are some tips to accomplish this task this summer:

* Plan a garden. Map out a space in your backyard that will make a nice garden plot. Keep it in a sunny spot, away from trees and buildings. Consider installing a fence around the spot, especially if your backyard is frequented by bunnies or deer. If you don’t have a backyard, check out your city’s community garden plots to borrow or rent. Or consider creating a container garden on your deck, balcony or patio. It is easy to grow veggies in any space.

* Make a list. Write down the vegetables and fruits you want to grow, keeping in mind what plants thrive in

your zone, as well as the spacing you have available. If you don’t have space for enough fruits and vegetables to last you the entire summer, consider participating in a co-op or making a visit to your local farmers market once a week to add in a variety of fruit and vegetable options.

* Start planting.

Give your plants all the nutrients they need to grow well, so you can experience a bountiful harvest. If planting in containers, the Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix works perfectly for smaller pots or more arid environments, the Miracle-Gro Organic Choice Potting Mix provides an organic potting soil option and the Miracle-Gro Expand N Gro Concentrated Potting Mix is lightweight and expands with water, making it easier to move larger containers while planting.

* Weeding, pruning and watering.

Once planted, fruits and vegetables will likely need a little growing assistance in the form of pulling weeds, pruning back overgrown plants and of course, watering. For best results, water deeply each morning before the heat of the day has taken its toll. Container gardens tend to need to be watered more frequently because growing plants can quickly soak up water added to the container.

With good maintenance, your plants should provide you with a large and delicious harvest.

* Serve up those fruit and veggie dishes. When you’re ready to harvest, start planning menus that will make good use of your garden’s growth. Visit www.groyourown.com to find many delicious recipes that will use different fruits and veggies from your garden. And don’t forget about the USDA’s MyPlate proportion recommendation. When serving, try and keep half of the plate full of what you harvested out of your own backyard to maintain healthy eating habits. If you find yourself with more fresh produce than your family can eat, consider donating to a local food pantry or sharing your harvest with friends and neighbors.

6 | Parent Source | Back to School 2012

Do you

hear

what

I hear?

(ARA) - Due to the increased use of earbuds, adolescent hearing loss is up 5 percent over the last decade, which now affects 20 percent of U.S. adolescents ages 12 to 19, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. It’s no surprise the increase in popular portable digital media player ownership from 18 percent to 76 percent over the past five years, along with frequent use at loud volumes, has contributed to young people losing their hearing.

“Since hearing loss in children and teens is on the rise, it is important for adults to play an active role in prevention and seek out methods to minimize hearing loss, such as understanding safe volume levels,” says Michelle Atkinson, vice president of Energizer North America Marketing.“Ensuring your children have the appropriate products can make a big difference in their lives.”

Noise induced hearing loss is caused by exposure to loud sounds and usually occurs gradually over time, according to the Better Hearing Institute. Since this form of hearing loss is painless and invisible, it would be difficult for you to detect the problem in your children and grandchildren. But, there are things you can do to help prevent NIHL. “Even minimal hearing loss can result in educational and behavioral problems in children”, said Lara Noble, Au. D., CCC A, Chief Audiologist of the Center for Hearing and Speech of St. Louis.“It is important for people to practice safe listening habits with the kids in their life.”

Safe listening tips

Do you need a hearing aid?

* Turn it down. Get into the habit of listening to the TV, radio and personal audio devices at a softer level.

Don’t miss out on important moments in your life. If you experience any of the symptoms below, you should contact your physician and ask for their referral on a hearing specialist:

* Get high-quality earbuds with noise cancelation or sound isolation properties. * Use 60 percent of a device’s volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time, since the longer the duration of exposure, the greater the risk.

* Your lack of hearing starts to interfere with your normal way of life. * You have trouble understanding people on the phone.

* Download a noise meter app to determine the sound levels in your environment.

* You have a hard time following conversations when people are speaking at the same time.

* For an affordable and effective way to protect your hearing, use earplugs.

* You misunderstand others when they are talking to you. * Your family and friends complain you’ve got the volume too loud on the TV or radio.

For more information on these symptoms, visit www.healthyhearing.com.

For those who need a hearing aid, Energizer ZEROMERCURY hearing aid batteries are a superior solution. The batteries are recently improved and more powerful than ever, and with EZ Turn & Lock packaging that allows for hassle free battery dispensing, Energizer is a reliable choice. Find out more at www.energizer.com/hearingaid.

Back to School 2012 | Parent Source | 7

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8 | Parent Source | Back to School 2012

Brooke Burke-Charvet manages work, life and family with allergies Plus important tips to help you manage your allergies this spring

(ARA) - Every year, an estimated 40 million Americans suffer from indoor and outdoor allergies, and managing everyday life can be challenging when also faced with troublesome symptoms, like sneezing and itchy, watery eyes.

Long-time allergy sufferer Brooke Burke-Charvet recently teamed up with the makers of non-drowsy Claritin to star in a short film, “The Difference is Clear,” which is available now on the brand’s YouTube Page - www.YouTube.com/Claritin.

The film is a crazy, over-the-top look at two versions of one busy woman’s day who is juggling work, life and family while also dealing with allergies.

“My life is pretty hectic - from raising four kids, to hosting Dancing with the Stars, being co-CEO of Modern Mom.com and releasing a fitness DVD,” says BurkeCharvet. “It’s important for me to keep my allergy symptoms under control, to help me be at my best, on and off camera. I take Claritin for non-drowsy, 24hour relief from my worst allergy symptoms. It’s proven to keep me as alert and focused as someone without allergies. I’m so excited that I had the opportunity to star in ‘The Difference is Clear,’ it was fun to act out the two versions of my character’s day in such a crazy, over-the-top way.”

To view “The Difference is Clear” and behind-the-scenes footage from the shoot, visit www.Youtube.com/Claritin.

Here are some tips that can help allergy sufferers, like Brooke, be at their best this spring, and all year-round: • Treat immediately: Have allergy medicine on hand and start taking it as soon as symptoms start.

• Know your nemesis: Recognize what causes your allergy symptoms; if grass pollen is one of your triggers, wear a mask when mowing the lawn or avoid mowing altogether.

• Wash wisely: Shower and wash hair immediately after returning indoors to remove pollen and prevent it from being transferred to furniture and linens.

• Cover up: Keep windows in the home and car closed. In the car, set the air conditioner on recirculate; at home, be sure to change filters often.

• Check the pollen forecast: Peak pollen production occurs in the early morning, so try to plan outside activities at other times of the day. Get the pollen counts for your area with the Claritin Allergy Forecast on www.Claritin.com, or on your mobile phone at mobile.Claritin.com.

Back to School 2012 | Parent Source | 9

6

tips for boosting back-to-school success

(ARA) - Excitement, anticipation, anxiety - back-to-school time is filled with many emotions for both kids and parents. By planning ahead, parents can make gearing up for the start of the school year a fun experience that eases the transition while boosting enthusiasm.

Consider the six ideas below to help position students for success before heading back to the classroom:

1. Set a schedule now

4. Set up a homework area

2. Shop for school supplies together

5. Stock up on sensible snacks

3. Hold a family celebration

6. Review what the school requires

New teachers, classmates, homework and other challenges may create some apprehension and nervousness during the first couple weeks of school. Stay positive and explain that some anxiety is normal and that everyone needs time to adjust to new things. Help reduce stress by creating a daily routine before school. Checklists and charts allow children to be organized and get into a schedule. For instance, a set time for homework, snack time, free time and bed time are good things to have on a schedule.

Seeing all the new trends and designs that stores have to offer for back-to-school supplies can be really exciting for children. Allow them to personalize their supplies and feel excited about using them. A few new outfits also provide kids with a boost of encouragement and confidence for the new school year.

Start an annual tradition that celebrates the start of the school year. For example, have a family cookout with hotdogs and s’mores the weekend before school starts. This helps build excitement for the new school year, but also gives them a relaxed setting to talk about any back-to-school anxiety they may be feeling.

This area should be organized, quiet and well-lit. You should also allow your child to personalize this space to make it more appealing and fun, without providing distractions. Some items you might want to incorporate in this area are a dictionary, atlas, calculator, art supplies, paper and pencils. Make sure to have plenty of snacks ready for homework time to avoid the distraction of a grumbling belly. Choosing a snack that offers protein, such as cheese and crackers or an apple with peanut butter will keep them satisfied until dinner.

After a long day at school, kids are hungry and need snacks that satisfy them through all their homework assignments and other after-school activities. Stock up on a variety of wholesome, non-perishable snacks that you can keep on hand year-round. For example, Lance now offers more than 20 varieties of sandwich crackers, including whole grain, granola and all-natural varieties. All Lance Sandwich Crackers are made with real peanut butter or cheese fillings, and contain no preservatives, no high-fructose corn syrup and zero grams of trans fat.

Don’t forget the basics. Review all medical documents that pertain to annual physicals and immunizations and get the information to the school for your child’s file. Also, make the teacher and school nurse aware of any conditions your child may have such as allergies, chronic medical conditions or special learning accommodations. Doing this ahead of time helps ease back-to-school stress for Mom and Dad, too.

For additional tips on how to get your family ready for back-to-school time, visit the Lance Snacks Pinterest page.

10 | Parent Source | Back to School 2012 Keep the communication open. It can be hard to tell your kids that they’ll be moving, but making sure they know they can talk about how they’re feeling about the move is important. Try to keep the conversation positive by telling them about all the fun things they’ll be able to do in their new home, but acknowledge that they’ll feel some sadness about leaving their old one.

Help them say goodbye. Organize a going-away party for your children and their friends, and work with the parents of their friends to gather contact information so they can keep in touch after you move.

Keep them involved with inventory. Take a minute with each child to go through toys and clothes to see what can be donated. By letting them help with these decisions, you can eliminate any angst that might come if they realize something they wanted was left behind when you get to your new home.

Making a move easier for your children

(ARA) - The idea of moving can be a cause for excitement with all the interesting new opportunities that will pop up in the new location. But for children, who may only know one place as home, a move can also entail fear of the unknown.

When planning a move with younger children in the household, it’s important to take some steps to make this major transition easier on your kids. Here are some tips from the moving experts at Penske Truck Rental for helping your children adapt to a new place, along with some practical moving advice for families:

Pack a first-day box. Have each child pack a box of things that they will want the first day you move into your new home, like favorite toys, books or stuffed animals.

Have the movers pack these boxes last so they are the first thing that is unloaded when you arrive. If you are moving a long distance, have each child pack another bag with items to keep them entertained during the trip.

Form a moving team. Creating roles for your older children so they can help you move can make your move go quickly and smoothly. If possible, arrange for somebody to watch your younger children so you can focus on moving tasks. Hiring movers can also help take some of the pressure off you so you can tend to your children. Your younger children may also be thrilled by the chance to see the moving truck up close, so take the time to show them.

Introduce them to the new home. Showing your children new parks and other attractions in your new community will help them feel excited about their new home. Plan ahead to get them enrolled in activities with other children so they can quickly make new friends.

However, be sure to explain to them that making new friends takes time, so they aren’t discouraged if it doesn’t happen right away. Communicate with their teachers to see if there’s anything special you can do to help your children feel more comfortable at school.

By doing the little things to help your children cope with the tough parts of moving, you’ll put them in a position to acclimate quickly and easily. For more helpful moving tips, visit www.PenskeTruckRental.com.

Back to School 2012 | Parent Source | 11

Let’s Talk About It Eating Disorders

&

Self Injury It is estimated that up to 10 million women and 1 million men in the US are fighting the battle of an Eating Disorder. 86% of these individuals report the onset of their Eating Disorder by age 20. It is estimated that up to 3 million Americans engage in some form of Non-Suicidal Self Injury. 90 percent of these individuals begin as teenagers.

According to Fran Tierney, MA, LCPC, a Psychotherapist and Coordinator of the Eating Disorder and Self Injury Program at the Ben Gordon Center, Eating Disorders (ED) are a complex condition that arises from a combination of factors, which lead to maladaptive coping mechanisms such as restricting food intake, binging and purging, over-exercising or emotional over-eating. Those who struggle will also experience a negative preoccupation with body image and weight. Though the symptoms seem to revolve around food, ED’s really are about uncomfortable emotions and thoughts contributing to a difficulty managing these experiences.

According to Tierney, Non-Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI) can be defined as the intentional destruction of one’s own body tissue without suicidal intent but as a way of

managing emotions that seem too painful to express verbally, using purposes that are considered socially unacceptable. Examples of self-injury include: cutting, burning, scratching, banging, and in some cases tattooing and piercing.

It is important for parents, teachers, school counselors, and other medical professionals to be aware of the signs and symptoms for both ED’s and NSSI. If you have concerns about someone, it is imperative to express your concern in a non-judgmental way and to encourage him/her to talk to someone who can help.

The Ben Gordon Center, DeKalb’s comprehensive counseling center, offers a multidisciplinary approach to treatment of both Eating Disorders and Self Injury including individual & group psychotherapy; family therapy/support & education; nutritional counseling; and psychiatric assessment/monitoring.

For more information on our services you can: Visit our website: www.bengordoncenter.org; Reach us by phone 1-815-756-4875 or Email us at eatingdisorders@bengordoncenter.org or selfinjury@bengordoncenter.org.

12 12 || Parent ParentSource Source || Back Backto toSchool School2012 2012

Put

kids’

dental health on the fast track NASCAR star Greg Biffle offers tips to help ‘give kids a smile’

(ARA) - When you’re a NASCAR driver like Greg Biffle, driver of the No. 16 3M Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, nothing makes you smile like a trip to victory lane. But for millions of children in this country, that smile is impossible. Severe tooth decay often causes children to hide their smiles, and they’re unable to eat, sleep or pay attention in class because of the pain.

Children’s dental health is a major concern when you consider that: >> One third of all children in America are without dental insurance. >> More than 16 million children in the U.S. have untreated tooth decay, more than any other chronic infectious disease, including asthma, early-childhood obesity and diabetes. >> Approximately 80 percent of tooth decay in this country is suffered by 25 percent of its children. >> Household economic disadvantage is the single best predictor of tooth decay in children. >> 51 million school hours are lost each year to untreated cavities.

That’s why Biffle teamed up with 3M ESPE Dental, Henry Schein Cares, the American Dental Association (ADA) and the ADA Foundation to Give Kids a Smile and put good oral health on the fast track for young fans of NASCAR. Across the country, Biffle is helping deliver the message to children about healthy habits like brushing, flossing, visiting the dentist and making smart food choices.

“As a parent, I want to do everything I can to protect my daughter’s health and teach her good lifelong habits,” says Biffle. “When you consider how much dental health impacts children’s ability to learn, self-confidence and overall quality of life, you want to do everything you can to help them be healthy. For children in need, it is even more of a challenge, so we’re working with 3M ESPE Dental, the American Dental Association, the ADA Foundation and Henry Schein Cares to provide education, free screenings and treatments.”

Biffle shared these recommendations from the ADA for your children:

Back to School 2012 | Parent Source | 13

>> Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. >> Floss once a day. >> Eat a balanced diet and avoid sugary snacks and drinks. Frequent access to sugary drinks, not the quantity, increases the likelihood of tooth decay by feeding bacteria that attacks tooth enamel. >> Visit the dentist regularly. >> Reward children each time they exhibit good dental health, perhaps with a sticker on a calendar. >> Make dental care non-negotiable. Children know they must be buckled in car seats. Dental health should be equally mandatory. >> Set a good example by following these recommendations. Research shows that children mimic parents who exhibit good dental health.

Biffle is supporting the yearlong celebration of the Give Kids A Smile program’s 10th anniversary in 2012. Fans can follow the program on Facebook at www. facebook.com/GiveKidsASmile. The yearlong education program includes a national public service announcement featuring Biffle and ongoing outreach to parents and children, community events and media. Give Kids A Smile is an ADA initiative where dentists and their dental teams provide free oral health care services to children from underserved communities across the country.

Throughout the year, there will be more than 1,600 Give Kids A Smile events around the country providing dental services to more than 400,000 underserved children.

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14 | Parent Source | Back to School 2012

Tips

for inspiring

young readers (ARA) - It’s never too early or too late - to help your child discover the joy of reading.

In fact, reading aloud to your child helps build important vocabulary and language skills that last a lifetime. Despite the considerable evidence of a relationship between reading regularly to a child and that child’s later reading development, six out of 10 babies and five out of 10 toddlers are not read to regularly by parents or family members.

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) and the Buddig Be A Reader campaign offer scores of activities, tips and resources for raising readers of every age:

Start reading to your children when they are very small and make this time together a special time without everyday distractions. Continue reading aloud to children even after they’re reading on their own.

Choose books carefully and ask your kids what they like and don’t like.

Your children’s input will help you guide them to good books.

Consider books with big, bright colorful illustrations and pictures of familiar objects for infants or very young toddlers. Preschoolers like playful animals, both real and imaginary. Add “how-to” and craft books for young readers ages 6 to 11.

Encourage your child to read aloud to younger brothers, sisters, family members or friends.

Make a commitment to read aloud at least once a day. Even 15 minutes of daily reading can make a big difference in your child’s reading comprehension and literacy development.

Set a good example by reading frequently and sharing your enthusiasm for reading. Talk about the books you read and your favorite authors.

Set up a home library. A few books on a special shelf are a great start to building a book collection your child will treasure for years.

Visit your local library, bookstores, yard sales and thrift stores to find good books new and old to read together. Not sure what book is right for your child’s age group or reading level? The American Library Association and the Library of Congress publish lists of recommended books to guide parents in making selections.

Check out RIF’s monthly activities calendars for engaging reading and writing activities in English and Spanish and get reading.

Visit the RIF Reading Planet for games and interactive activities your child will love to enjoy at home or on-the-go.

Help give underserved kids a head start by donating to the Be A Reader Virtual Book Drive. Visit www.buddig.com/bookdrive to make a donation of $5 or $10 and you’ll receive a coupon from Buddig lunchmeats.

Larger donations could earn you an insulated lunch bag or backpack.

Funds raised through the Be A Reader Virtual Book Drive will be used to purchase new books for children living in poverty.

Back to School 2012 | Parent Source | 15

During the yearlong Be A Reader campaign, parents and their children are encouraged to create their own reading and literacy experiences wherever they may be. To help nourish young minds, Carl Buddig & Company is partnering with RIF to raise a minimum of $100,000 for children’s literacy programs.

For more information about the Be A Reader campaign visit www.Buddig.com. For additional tips to help your child discover the joy of reading, visit www.RIF.org.

The Ben Gordon Center offers confidential and caring mental health and substance use treatment for children and adolescents and families. Specialized treatment is available for: · · · · · · · · · ·

Depression ADHD/ADD Eating Disorders Autism Spectrum Disorders Divorce Conflict and Behavioral Concerns Mood Disorders Stress Anxiety Substance Abuse

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