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DeKalb County

Make memories together with DeKalb Park District!

FREE! DEKALB KITE FEST

Sunday, September 7th from 11:00 am-3:30 pm

DeKalb Kiwanis Park, Fairview & South 4th Street

Face Painting • Crafts • Food Vendors • Music

Strolling Entertainment • *NEW* Bounce House

FREE! HOWL-O-WEEN DOG COSTUME CONTEST

Saturday, October 18th starting at 11:00 am

Katz Park, 393 West Dresser Road

Bring your dog in costume to compete for the top prize!

PUMPKIN SMASH & BASH NOW FEATURING KIDS ZONE!

Saturday, November 1st from 11:00 am-2:00 pm

Hopkins Park Sled Hill & Shelter Building, 1403 Sycamore Road

Pumpkin Smash • Bounce House • Crafts • Games • Food Trucks • And Much More! Kids Zone: $5 per child; ages 2 and under admitted free of charge

MOM/SON ‘DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC’ DATE NIGHT

Friday, November 14th from 6:00-7:30 pm

Haish Gymnasium, 303 South 9th Street

Magic • Pizza • Treats • Mom & Son Fun

$35R/$42NR per couple • Must register in advance

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Saturday, December 6th from 9:00-10:30 am

River Heights Golf Course Clubhouse, 1020 Sharon Drive

Light Buffet Breakfast • Meet Santa • Craft • Holiday Stories

K$14R/$19NR • Registration Deadline: December 3rd (or until sold out)

For registration and details on these and all park district programs, scan the QR code or visit dekalbparkdistrict.com

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Five Ways to Support your

Gut Health for the Fall Season

Gut Health Tips for Smooth Fall

Three Ways to Reduce Home Allergens

Chemical-Free Tips for Allergy Relief

Why your home’s water quality matters

Simple Upgrades for Cleaner Water

Back-to-School food allergy guide

School Allergy Prep for Safety

Parent Source is distributed in the Daily Chronicle

Project Manager | Lisa Angel • Design & Layout | Sophia Gibilisco

We reserve the right to include and edit all editorial content of this publication.

The Northwestern Medicine Ben Gordon Center provides a wide variety of mental health and substance use services to the DeKalb community.

The Living Room is open 24/7 at our center, offering a space for adults experiencing a crisis to meet with a peer — you do not need an appointment and there is no cost to visit. You can also call our dedicated crisis line at 866.242.0111.

To learn more about our services, please call 815.756.4875 during our business hours: Mondays – Thursdays: 8:00 am – 8:30 pm Fridays: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

You can also visit us to find out if you are eligible for same-day admission to our outpatient programs.

Five Ways to Support your Gut Health for the Fall Season

As fall routines ramp up and calendars fill, it’s natural to feel a little off-kilter. Transitioning from the relaxed pace of summer to the structure of a new school and work schedule can take a toll, not just on your time but also on your digestive system, too. Studies show that stress can affect health through its impact on gut bacteria.

To help you stay energized, focused, and feeling your best this season, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner is sharing her go-to gut health tips. These simple, effective strategies will help keep your digestion on track so you can ease into autumn with confidence and comfort.

1.Boost digestion before breakfast

Blatner suggests starting your morning with a warm glass of lemon water before eating anything. This easy habit helps rehydrate your body after a night’s rest and gently wakes up your digestive system. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the natural acidity of lemon can help break down food in your stomach and set the tone for smoother digestion all day long.

2.Get moving early

Incorporating a little light movement to your morning routine can do wonders for your gut. Whether it’s a quick walk, a gentle yoga flow or a few minutes of stretching, getting your body moving can promote regularity. This small step not only supports gut health but also boosts energy levels throughout the day.

3.Take time to destress daily

Chronic stress can affect your mood and therefore disrupt your gut microbiome. Set aside a few minutes each day to unwind with a calming ritual, like deep breathing, journaling or sipping a cup of herbal tea. These simple stress-reducing habits can help lower cortisol levels, which in turn supports a more balanced and resilient digestive system.

4.Be consistent with mealtime

Your digestive system thrives on routine. Another way to promote regularity is by sticking to consistent mealtimes, even on the weekends. Eating at roughly the same times each day helps “train” your gut to expect and process food more efficiently, reducing uncomfortable symptoms like bloating and sluggishness.

5.Give your body time to digest

Blatner also advises that staying upright after meals is key to avoiding indigestion, especially if you’re prone to issues like acid reflux. Lying down too soon after having a meal can interfere with your body’s natural digestive flow. Try to allow for a few hours between your last meal and bedtime to support better digestion and sleep.

6.Make smart, balanced meal choices

What you eat plays a major role in how your gut feels. Blatner recommends focusing on balanced meals that are rich in protein, fiber, and a variety of nutrients to keep energy levels stable and digestion running smoothly. Recipes like this Superfood Egg Sandwich from Eggland’s Best are packed with gut-friendly ingredients like Greek yogurt, spinach, and seeds, and can be enjoyed at any time of day.

Eggland’s Best eggs contain more than double the Omega3s compared to ordinary eggs, which can be beneficial for reducing inflammation in the gut and promoting a balanced gut environment. Eggland’s Best eggs also contain six times more Vitamin D compared to ordinary eggs, which helps boost your body’s immunity and helps fight off harmful bacteria.

Superfood Egg Sandwich

Prep time 15 minutes

Cook time 10 minutes

Yield 2 servings

Ingredients

• 4 Eggland’s Best organic eggs, large

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise substitute (1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, pinch of salt, pepper to taste)

• 4 slices grain bread (for example, wheat, spelt and rye bread)

• 1 packed cup raw baby spinach leaves, arugula, cucumbers and microgreens

• 2 teaspoons mixed seeds (for example, a mixture of chia, pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds)

• 1 small avocado, sliced

Preparation

• Bring eggs to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.

• Drain and cool, then peel and chop.

• Add Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper and mix.

• Add sliced cucumbers, avocado, spinach and arugula. *Disclaimer: greens to be thoroughly washed before consuming.

• Top with egg mixture and add seeds. Then add avocado and microgreens.

• Build sandwich and repeat! Slice and serve.

With these tips and this tasty recipe, you can help to start off your autumn routine feeling more energetic and ready to face each day. To find Eggland’s Best eggs near you, plus more recipe inspiration, visit www.EgglandsBest.com.

Three Ways to Reduce Home Allergens

Summer’s warmer months also herald the start of peak allergy season. If you are someone who has asthma or suffers from allergies, you know firsthand how important it is to keep your home dust- and pollen-free.

However, if you aren’t selective enough with your cleaning products, your good intentions of regular home cleanings may unintentionally introduce allergens and chemicals back into your space, potentially making asthma and allergy symptoms worse.

Amy Cadora, chief brand and mission officer and home cleaning expert at Norwex, is offering three expert tips for reducing allergens in your home without the use of harmful and irritating chemicals.

Known for banning over 2,700 harmful chemicals from their product lines, Norwex offers a plethora of better-for-you products with cleaner formulations to help you tackle your deep clean this spring.

1.Dust, Dust, We Must!

No one loves to dust, but it’s important to remove it from your living spaces. Besides being unsightly, dust can contain up to 45 harmful chemicals, including phthalates and flame retardants that can potentially trigger asthma symptoms.

Instead of reaching for a traditional cleaning spray, Cadora suggests opting for a dustgrabbing microfiber tool like the Norwex Dusting Mitt. This handy microfiber dusting mitt makes quick work of cleaning and keeps surfaces dust-free longer than typical chemical-laden dusting sprays, all without harmful or irritating chemicals. The mitt is also machine-washable, offering a more sustainable alternative to disposable cleaning wipes.

For harder-to-reach areas like fan blades and elevated air vents, use a microfiber wand like the EnviroWand. The tool features extra-fine, statically charged microfiber on one side to grab dust, pet hair and other small particles, and a layer of plush microfiber on the other side to

pick up dust and keep it from resettling. Pro tip: Attach the wand to a Norwex mop handle for extra length, making it easier to regularly clean those hard-to-reach areas.

2.Keeping Laundry Clean and Allergy Free

When you wash your laundry, you’re not just removing dirt and odors from clothing. You’re also washing out pollutants and pollen that easily attach to fabrics and can trigger allergies and asthma.

3.Creating a Better, Cleaner Sleep Space

Because of this, it’s important to be selective when choosing a detergent. To thoroughly remove grime and allergens without adding skin irritants and other potential triggers, make sure to use a safe and effective laundry detergent free of harsh chemicals.

Cadora advises choosing a formulation like Norwex’s PowerZyme Laundry Detergent. This highly concentrated, enzyme-based powder eliminates stains and odors and dissolves grease and grime to get laundry super clean and fresh-smelling. Like other Norwex laundry detergents, it’s powerful and free from potential irritants like chlorine bleach, phthalates, parabens, ammonia, and more.

Pro tip: It’s not just the detergent that matters in reducing irritants on your skin but also the way you dry clothes. Dryer sheets may seem like a safe choice, but they can also contain skin-irritating chemicals and fragrances, so Cadora would suggest switching to natural wool laundry balls like these Fluff and Tumble Dryer Balls. Dryer balls deliver static- and wrinkle-free laundry without introducing irritants and softening agents to clothes. They can also reduce drying time by separating and creating space between your clothes to allow for better air flow while naturally softening the fabric.

Your bedroom should be a sanctuary - a space for rest, recovery and relaxation. But for many, it can also be a hidden hot spot for allergens that disrupt sleep and affect overall well-being. From pet dander to pollen, understanding the common allergens that can be found in your bedroom is the first step toward creating a healthier, better sleep routine.

If your furry friends share your bed, you’re likely sharing more than snuggles. Pet dander can easily settle into bedding and mattresses, meaning you need to regularly clean these soft fabrics. Cadora recommends grabbing Norwex’s Mattress Cleaner, which uses a unique, enzymepowered formula designed to help remove organic material and allergens like body oils, pet dander, dust mite feces, and other contaminants from pillows, comforters, pet bedding, fluffy toys, and fabric furniture.

What you use to clean your space can and should help you breathe easier. By implementing Cadora’s three tips this allergy season, you can reduce allergens invading your space, promoting a healthier environment for you and your loved ones.

To learn more about these safer cleaning products and others, visit www.Norwex. com.

Why your home’s water quality matters

Doyou think about your home’s water quality? From daily showers to brewing your morning cup of coffee, you use water for so many everyday tasks, including ones that can impact your well-being. That’s why it’s important to learn more about the water quality in your area.

What affects water quality?

Tap water goes on quite the journey before it reaches your home. Water from natural sources like lakes, rivers and groundwater flows to municipal water treatment facilities where it is cleaned and purified. While these treatments make water safe to drink, some minerals and chemicals can impact the taste of your water and affect your skin and hair.

After it’s treated, the water flows to storage tanks and then pipes before it enters your home. During its travel, the water can pick up sediments and other contaminants that impact your water quality. Luckily, there are various technologies you can easily install in your home to filter the water you use every day.

Better tasting drinking water

Does your tap water have a chlorinated or metallic taste? This is a common problem with a relatively simple solution. Installing an under-sink water filtration system can reduce the contaminants responsible for this taste, as well as other chemicals and sediments that negatively impact water quality.

When looking for a filtration system, consider a reliable, certified system like the Delta® Clarifi Tankless Under Sink 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis System. Using six filtration stages, the system removes more than 90 contaminants from your drinking water, including chlorine, chloramine, microplastics, PFAS, lead, arsenic, heavy metals, chemicals, nitrates, pharmaceuticals and more.

The system is certified against National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) standards and is designed for reliable, easy-to-use inhome water filtration. The carbon and reverse osmosis filters have a two-year life span with indicator lights so you know when a filter needs changing. The simple twist-and-lock mechanism doesn’t require water shutoff, so when it’s time to replace the filters, you can do so in minutes. You can even customize your water with an optional remineralizer that adds good-for-you minerals like electrolytes, calcium and magnesium back into your filtered drinking water.

Hair & skin upgrade

In your bathroom, unfiltered water contains impurities that can strip the natural oils from your skin and hair, causing dryness and dullness. A simple fix is to upgrade your current shower head with a filtration attachment. Just like your under-sink filtration system, a shower head with a water filter can reduce common contaminants.

For the perfect DIY shower upgrade, consider picking up the Delta® Clarifi™ Premium Shower Filter Attachment. The lightweight and durable attachment is easy to install and can be concealed behind your existing shower head. Simply attach between your current shower head and supply line to reduce impurities that may cause dry skin and hair.

Not only does the filter reduce chlorine and sediments from your water, but it looks good doing it, too. Available in seven finishes, including Matte Black, Chrome, Champagne Bronze and Polished Nickel it’s easy to find one that matches your existing aesthetic.

Upgrade your water quality

Improving your home’s water quality doesn’t have to be complicated. The right products can instantly improve your water so you can drink, cook and shower with confidence. To learn more about water quality and solutions, visit Delta Faucet’s Water Quality Resource.

Back-to-school food allergy guide

What parents need to know

Children spend anywhere from 800 to 1,100 hours at school each year. For those with food allergies, that time comes with added risks. From cafeteria meals to classroom snacks, the risk of food allergy exposure is an everyday concern.

And with good reason: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 13 children, roughly two per classroom, are affected by food allergies. Of those, 42% have experienced at least one severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis. For children at risk, even a small exposure can be lifethreatening.

The good news? With the right preparation, you can help your child manage food allergies with care and consistency. Discover how to educate, plan and confidently communicate with school staff and other parents to support your child throughout the school year.

Awareness & education are key

What is a food allergy? Simply put, it’s an allergic reaction that occurs after eating a food allergen. Your body’s immune system mistakenly responds to a certain food as if it were a harmful germ, causing an allergic reaction.

In children, the most common food allergies are to peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fin fish, and shellfish. A serious allergic reaction can involve two or more body organs, including the skin, lungs, stomach, and/or heart. Symptoms may include:

• Hives on the skin, sometimes on several parts of the body

• Shortness of breath, wheezing, repetitive cough

• Tightness in the throat, hoarse, trouble swallowing

• Swelling of the tongue, lips or throat

• Stomach discomfort such as abdominal cramps, diarrhea or vomiting

• Blood pressure changes

• Pale, faint, dizzy, confused

Epinephrine is the only medication that can stop anaphylaxis. Administer it as soon as possible. Remember the rule: “Epinephrine First, Epinephrine Fast.”

10 tips for a safe school year

Here are 10 essential tasks to help ensure your child with food allergies is safe, supported and included at school.

1. Schedule a back-to-school health checkup. Obtain updated medication forms, epinephrine prescriptions and an emergency care plan. Discuss whether new food allergy therapiessuch as biologics - might offer added protection in case of accidental exposure.

2. Meet with school staff. Discuss food allergy accommodations in the cafeteria and classroom. Review the emergency plan. This is especially important if your child starts a new school.

3. Teach your child how to stay safe. Help your child recognize signs of an allergic reaction and understand when and how to ask for help. Make sure your child knows who to turn to and what steps to take in an emergency.

4. Be ready for the first day of school. Submit all required school health forms, drop off your child’s epinephrine and share a copy of the emergency care plan.

5. Pack allergy-safe meals and snacks. Make sure your child only eats what is safe based on his or her dietary restrictions.

6. Plan for snacks and special events. Confirm school policies for snack times and meals during field trips. Encourage no sharing of food.

7. Ensure epinephrine is easy to access. Find out if the school stocks epinephrine, where it’s stored, and if the staff is trained to administer it in an emergency. Remember, your child is permitted by law to self-carry an epinephrine device.

8. Address bullying and exclusion. Talk with your child about speaking up if they are being excluded, teased or bullied due to food allergies. Encourage talking with a trusted adult.

9. Check in with your child. Make it a habit to ask your child how things are going at school, including if there’s any difficulty managing food allergies.

10. Keep the conversation going. Communication between home and school is key. Keep teachers, school nurses and staff informed of any changes in your child’s health or needs.

Food allergies don’t have to get in the way of a safe, fun school year. With a little planning and teamwork, you can help your child thrive in and out of the classroom. For more information, tools and resources, visit www. AllergyAsthmaNetwork.org.

Move, act, dance & play with DeKalb Park District!

At DeKalb Park District, kids discover what they love — and grow while doing it! From high-energy sports to the performing arts and swim lessons, we offer youth programs that build conﬁdence, creativity and friendships.