South Florida Family Life January/February 2021

COMPLIMENTARY

JAN/FEB 2021

newYEAR NEWyou SECRETS TO A SUCCESSFUL FITNESS JOURNEY

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CHOICES EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

GREAT expectations SOUTH FLORIDA RESOURCES FOR PARENTS-TO-BE

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital

VIRTUALRIDERUNWALK

2021

LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST

Complete your event any time between Feb. 1 and 28.

Event Type

Registration Fee*

100K Ride, 50K Ride 5K Run, 3K Walk

$30

Johnny was born with a heart defect. When he was 8, he developed an infection that required open heart surgery.

His parents trusted his care to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

“It was a pretty intense and scary thing,” said his dad, John, but Johnny came through surgery successfully. “They gave me my boy back.”

Today, Johnny is a healthy teenager, playing sports and even running in Tour de Broward every year.

Don’t forget to post your photos and tag us on social media to show your support!

Connect with Us #TDB2021

Register TODAY at TourdeBroward.com

EXCELLENCE IN LEARNING ONLINE AND IN THE CLASSROOM Synchronous learning experience In-person school option daily for PreK - 5th Grades Daily access to one-on-one support from teachers Flexible learning plans allow seamless transition to virtual, hybrid and in class instruction as necessary SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY! VISIT WWW.NPBS.ORG/VISIT OR CALL 954-247-0179

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JAN/FEB 2021

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COMMUNITY CLOSE-UP Our special advertising section highlights local businesses and how they’re continuing to connect with the community.

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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU Resolve to stay fit and fabulous with these diet and exercise approaches.

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GREAT EXPECTATIONS Resources to help moms and dads navigate the journey of pregnancy and parenthood.

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SMART CHOICES Discover schools and activities that are just right for your child.

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SOUTH FLORIDA SPOTLIGHT

FAMILY HEALTH

FAMILY MATTERS

WORDS OF WISDOM

Move wellness to the top of your priority list this year.

Talking to children and teens openly about serious illness and death.

5 things only a mom would say on Valentine’s Day.

Staying in touch with the people, places and events in our community.

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You’ll both feel safe in our care.

Our integrated maternity program is designed to take care of you and your baby before, during, and even after your pregnancy. Committed to following your birth plan, but ready with one of the most advanced newborn ICU programs in the country should your baby ever need it. Stay at one of our spa-like Little Miracles maternity suites. Let us focus on your every need, so you can simply focus on your little one.

We are proud to be designated a Baby-Friendly Hospital for giving mothers the skills and support needed to feed and bond with their child.

Jackson Memorial Hospital Jackson North Medical Center Jackson South Medical Center Designated 2017 – 2022

For a tour or to find a physician, call 305-585-4MOM or visit JacksonMaternity.org.

Our mission is to enrich family life in South Florida by offering the highest quality publication and an unparalleled commitment to our readers and our community.

PUBLISHER Lisa Goodlin ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Stacey Jacques EXECUTIVE EDITOR Michelle Liem ASSISTANT EDITOR Shannon Pease-Severance DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Jennifer Jhon STAFF WRITER Greg Carannante SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS Suzy Miguelez • Sheila Ranson CREATIVE DIRECTOR Carrie B. Weeks PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS Toni Kirkland • Linda Seavey DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Tom Gonzales CONTACT US: 4611 S. University Drive, #224 Davie, FL 33328 Phone (954) 424-7405 info@familylifemediagroup.com

For information on where to find South Florida Family Life, or to become a distributor, call 954-424-7405 or e-mail info@familylifemediagroup.com Comments and suggestions are welcome.

South Florida Family Life is published twelve times per year

by Family Life Media Group. It is distributed free of charge throughout South Florida. South Florida Family Life is not responsible for statements made by advertisers or writers. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of information we print, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. All photography and letters sent to South Florida Family Life will be treated unconditionally, assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is forbidden.

Copyright 2021 by Family Life Media Group.

All rights reserved.

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SOUTH FLORIDA spotlight

Feeling free BIKE RIDING MAKES A COMEBACK

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long with a shortage of toilet paper and hand sanitizer, the pandemic has also prompted a short supply of bicycles. With venues shuttered and events canceled, more and more families have turned to bikes for fresh air and fun and demand for the two-wheeled form of transportation has skyrocketed.

“There has been a lot of demand but supply has been scarce,” said Andres Estevez, owner of Collareta Cycling in Plantation.

Business boomed in early spring, he said, but due to the shutdown of bicycle manufacturing factories, bicycles, parts and other inventory quickly became hard to come by.

“From a business perspective, it hasn’t been a great year, but from a rider perspective, it has been. Everywhere, people are riding bikes. They found a love of it.”

More than a dozen Broward County parks offer paths and trails for bicycling. Entrance fees have been waived during the pandemic, adding to weekend popularity at local parks for novice and expert riders alike. Select parks also have Bike Fix-It Stations with bike mounts, air and tools, and manicured mountain bike trails.

Brian Piccolo Park in Cooper City is home to a velodrome for bicycle racing.

The availability of these open spaces provides the perfect backdrop for the public to take part in Tour de Broward, a ride, run and walk that is organized virtually this year, allowing participants to complete events on their own time throughout February. More information can be found at www.tourdebroward.com.

Miami-Dade County Parks also has many park-based trails to choose from and offers a Bike305 program with online resources to help you find events, new routes, trails, bike safety tips and more. The park system has seen a significant increase in trail

use during the pandemic and has joined the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy initiative called Trail Moments, which encourages the community to share stories about how trails have positively impacted their lives this past year and beyond.

To see some inspirational stories — or to share your own — visit www.trailmoments.org.

Tune in for Mars touchdown NASA’s newest Mars rover, Perseverance, will touch down on the red planet on Thursday, Feb. 18, at about 3:30 p.m. in an event expected to be watched around the world.

Perseverance is a car-sized rover very similar to its predecessor, Curiosity, which successfully landed on Mars in 2012. Perseverance will be exploring a different area of the planet, though, searching for signs of life in a large-impact crater near the Martian equator called Jezero Crater.

South Florida can tune into live commentary on www.nasa.gov/live starting at 2:15 p.m.

Feb. 18, and celebrate the landing in person during an event Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale. At the museum, families can craft and launch their own stomp rockets, explore the surface of the red planet and the way meteorites impact geology, and play the rover takeover game to learn how rovers navigate the surface of Mars. All events are free with museum admission. Learn more at www.mods.org.

You don’t have to wait for the fun to begin! Check out #countdowntomars at https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/ to view an interactive Perseverance profile, create a boarding pass to Mars, and print posters, stickers, fact sheets, mission patches and more.

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“We Can’t Imagine Life Without Her” - Twinell and Jeff, Grateful NICU parents of Bella Read their full story at BrowardHealth.org/Patient-Stories

NEONATAL UNIT OFFERS SPECIALIZED CARE FOR SPECIAL BABIES After a surprise pregnancy and then unexpectedly delivering baby Bella at just 25 weeks, the Lowe family is grateful that their pregnancy journey brought them to the Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital. Although you may never need it, it’s comforting to know a higher level of care is available when unplanned emergencies happen.

Our newly expanded Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit features 70-bed private rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology and is staffed by highly trained, compassionate caregivers.

To schedule a virtual maternity tour, call 954.355.5020.

Being Healthy Starts Here.

1600 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale Follow us:

COMMUNITY CLOSE-UP

Let nature work its magic on you

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As 2020 amply demonstrated, sometimes you just need to get away from it all, and what better refuge from the stresses of modern urban life than nature? Maybe you’ve heard about the natural areas of Broward County Parks but have never been to one. Maybe you’ve visited one or more and have just forgotten about them. Or maybe you’re new to the area and have never even heard of these urban oases.

Resolve to change that in 2021 by discovering — or re-discovering — nature’s paradise.

Pre-COVID-19, our natural areas hosted occasional programs, such as nature hikes, site tours, educational classes and environmental workdays, activities that are on hiatus during the pandemic. But a dozen of these sites are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week, and they serve as safe places to experience the restorative powers of nature. The sites are as small as about 7.5 acres and as large as 100 or so acres, with habitats ranging from pine flatwoods and cypress swamps to open prairies, hammocks and wetlands.

Recent studies have confirmed what common sense tells us: Nature is especially important to residents of urban areas, where ongoing development can steadily chip away at the few remaining parcels of unspoiled nature. In heavily urbanized Broward County, a series of bond issues in 1978, 1989 and 2000 made it possible to purchase and preserve natural lands.

Today, our countywide network of natural areas protects endangered habitat for native flora and fauna.

Amenities at these sites are intentionally limited to basics such as benches, a few shelters and interpretive signage.

The emphasis is on trails and boardwalks that enable visitors to enjoy walking, hiking, bird-watching and other non-intrusive activities that contribute to people’s physical, mental and emotional well-being.

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COMMUNITY CLOSE-UP

What every chronic pain sufferer needs to know

Personalized Pain Relief with Spinal Cord Stimulation

90% TRIAL SUCCESS

THE FIRST STEP is knowing your options. Millions of people worldwide experience chronic pain.1 But hundreds of thousands have found relief with a proven, drug-free therapy known as spinal cord stimulation (SCS). 2

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YOU CAN “TEST-DRIVE” SCS FIRST before making a commitment. Ask your doctor if you’re a candidate for our SCS trial procedure. If the trial is a success – and for 9 out of 10 patients, it is3 – you can choose to get the permanent implant.

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THE VAST MAJORITY of SCS patients are highly satisfied with our therapy; 96% say they’d recommend it to others with chronic pain.3

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POINT

DROP IN PAIN SCORE

SUBSTANTIAL, LONG-LASTING RELIEF is every patient’s goal. With a Boston Scientific SCS system, back pain patients had a nearly 6-point drop in pain score – even two years after implant.4

BOSTON SCIENTIFIC’S SCS SYSTEMS offer multiple therapies in one device. That means we can deliver different types of stimulation at the same time. So you have a better chance of finding relief than you would with an SCS system offering only one type of therapy.

References: 1 Nahin RL. Estimates of Pain Prevalence and Severity in Adults: United States, 2012. Journal of Pain.

2015;16(8):769-780. 2 American Association of Neurological Surgeons. aans.org. 3 Thomson SJ, Kruglov D, Duarte RV. A Spinal Cord Stimulation Service Review From a Single Centre Using a Single Manufacturer Over a 7.5 Year Follow-Up Period. Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface. 2017;20: 589-599. i:10.1111/ner.12587. N=321. 4 Veizi E, et al. Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) with Anatomically Guided (3D) Neural Targeting Shows Superior Chronic Axial Low Back Pain Relief Compared to Traditional SCS—LUMINA Study. Pain Medicine. 2017;18(8):1534-1548. doi: 10.1093/ pm/pnw286. N=426.

Indications for Use. The Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator Systems are indicated as an aid in the management of chronic intractable pain of the trunk and/ or limbs including unilateral or bilateral pain associated with the following: failed back surgery syndrome, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Types I and II, intractable low back pain and leg pain. Associated conditions and etiologies may be: radicular pain syndrome, radiculopathies resulting in pain secondary to failed back syndrome or herniated disc, epidural fibrosis, degenerative disc disease (herniated disc pain refractory to conservative and surgical interventions), arachnoiditis, multiple back surgeries. Contraindications. The Spinal Cord Stimulator systems are not for patients who are unable to operate the system, have failed trial stimulation by failing to receive effective pain relief, are poor surgical risks, or are pregnant. Patients implanted with the Precision Montage™ MRI, Precision Spectra™, or Spectra WaveWriter™ Spinal Cord Stimulator System with ImageReady™ MRI Technology are “MR Conditional” only when exposed to the MRI environment under the specific conditions defined in the ImageReady MRI Full Body Guidelines for Precision Montage MRI Spinal Cord Stimulator System and ImageReady MRI Guidelines for Precision Spectra or Spectra WaveWriter Spinal Cord Stimulator System Manuals (Head Only MRI scans). The Precision Montage MRI SCS System provides safe access to Full-Body MRI Scans only when used with the Avista MRI Leads and exposed to the MRI environment under the specific conditions defined in the ImageReady MRI Full Body Guidelines for Precision Montage MRI Spinal Cord Stimulator System. Warnings. Patients implanted with Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator Systems without ImageReady MRI Technology should not be exposed to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Exposure to MRI may result in dislodgement of the stimulator or leads, heating of the stimulator, severe damage to the stimulator electronics and an uncomfortable or jolting sensation. As a Spinal Cord Stimulation patient, you should not have diathermy as either a treatment for a medical condition or as part of a surgical procedure. Strong electromagnetic fields, such as power generators or theft detection systems, can potentially turn the stimulator off, or cause uncomfortable jolting stimulation. The system should not be charged while sleeping. The Spinal Cord Stimulator system may interfere with the operation of implanted sensing stimulators such as pacemakers or implanted cardiac defibrillators. Advise your physician that you have a Spinal Cord Stimulator before going through with other implantable device therapies so that medical decisions can be made and appropriate safety measures taken. Patients should not operate motorized vehicles or potentially dangerous machinery with therapeutic stimulation switched “on.” Your doctor may be able to provide additional information on the Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator systems. For complete indications for use, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and side effects, call 866.360.4747 or visit ControlYourPain.com. Caution: U.S. Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. Copyright © 2018 Boston Scientific Corporation or its affiliates. All rights reserved. NM-552214-AA

Learn more at Pain.com.

NM-552214-AA SCS_Patient Print Ad Infographic_SWW January/February Focus_Ad.indd 2021 | 1 S O U T H F L O R I D A F A 12/2/20 M I LY L12:25 I F E PM 11

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

According to a new survey of people with chronic pain, nearly half in Florida aren’t satisfied with their current treatment.

Carlos Rodriguez can relate.

As a former police officer, his pain developed after an on-duty accident, causing injury in his leg. Rodriguez tried surgeries and he couldn’t function while taking prescription medications. The pain was so debilitating that he couldn’t walk.

According to the CDC, more than 50 million chronic pain sufferers are struggling with pain that lasts for six months or longer without finding relief.

Chronic pain has been linked to restrictions in mobility, opioid dependence and depression.

Rodriguez sought help from a pain management specialist – a doctor trained to address chronic pain. That’s when he learned about spinal cord stimulation (SCS).

SCS is an FDA-approved implanted medical device that interrupts pain signals from reaching the brain. Unlike some surgical procedures, it can be personalized to an individual’s needs and is reversible.

Rodriguez didn’t know much about this treatment, but after completing his trial and full implantation with the Boston Scientific Spectra WaveWriter SCS System, he champions it.

“The experience of chronic pain is complex and unique to every person.

But pain management specialists have many tools in our arsenal that can provide adequate, lasting, personalized pain relief,” says Dr. Louis Raso, a pain specialist and owner of an interventional pain management practice in Florida.

Dr. Raso notes that for patients with chronic pain in the lower back, legs and feet, SCS offers a personalized experience that can treat multiple pain areas simultaneously. For those suffering from moderate lumbar spinal stenosis, interspinous spacers may relieve pain and discomfort in the lower back, legs, groin and buttocks. Alternatively, radiofrequency ablation delivers a small current to interrupt pain signals at the source. Individual results may vary.

To learn more, visit www.pain.com.

, r a e y w e n w you ne sful s e c c u s a o 3 secrets t

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f you’re like most people, January finds you energized and ready to do anything necessary to start a new fitness routine in the new year. And, if you’re like most people,

by February, your motivation vanishes along with the cookies you swore you wouldn’t eat. Studies show only 4 percent of people who join a gym in January step foot in that gym in February.

If you are one of the many who wanted this year to be different, there’s no way around it. You’re going to have to work for it. But there are three things you can do before you even lace up your sneakers to lay a foundation for success.

1) FIND YOUR WHY You’d be surprised how easy it is to figure out how you’re going to commit to your fitness journey when you know why you embarked on the mission in the first place. Ask yourself why you want to get in shape. Then ask again. And again…

Maybe even once again. You’ll know when you’re done. Once you get over the awkwardness of having a conversation with yourself, you might be surprised how powerful your “why” is.

The conversation might go something like this: Why do you want to get fit?

Because I want my jeans to fit better.

Why do you want your jeans to fit better?

So I can feel good about myself.

Why do you want to feel good about yourself?

Because I want to be confident.

Why do you want to be confident?

I want to be a role model for my daughters.

Or maybe it will go something like this: Why do you want to get fit?

Because my doctor said I’m pre-diabetic and I want

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O O RE

BY PA M M

Why do you want to live a long, healthy life?

Because I want to see my kids grow up.

Why do you want to see your kids grow up?

Because I love them and I want to share in their joys, sorrows and adventures.

Or maybe it will sound more like this: Why do you want to be fit?

Because I want to try my first triathlon.

Why do you want to do a triathlon?

To see if I have the strength and endurance to do it.

Why do you want to see if you have the strength and endurance to do it?

Because if I can finish a triathlon, I can do anything I set my mind to.

It may not be easy to keep peeling back the layers on your “why,” but the cliché is true — nothing worthwhile is easy. Once you’re crystal clear about the source of your desire, it becomes a million times easier to say no to the snooze button or girls night, and say yes to your workout — and yourself — instead.

2) HAVE A MEASURABLE GOAL I love fitness. As an Ironman triathlete, an avid runner, a running coach, a spin instructor and an all-around fitness geek, it’s fair to say I am obsessed with fitness. But I can’t support a goal of simply “getting fit.” The same goes for “getting in shape” or “toning up.”

Fitness goals must be objective and measurable. In other words, you should be able to attach numbers and dates to them.

If you have a weight loss goal, make sure it includes a specific number of pounds and a date. “Lose weight” becomes a long-term goal of “Lose 20 pounds by December 31st.” continued on page 14

to live a long, healthy life.

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Food Fibs DON’T FALL FOR YOUR OLD DIET TRICKS

BY SANDRA GORDON

Little white lies aren’t so bad when, say, your mother-in-law gifts you with a not-so-great sweater. With your diet, however, honesty really is the best policy.

That’s because the small food fibs you tell yourself as in “I need to eat this macaroni and cheese to get through the pandemic” can sabotage your health goals. Do any of these other common diet self-deceptions sound familiar?

You tell yourself: “I’m not losing weight because my metabolism is slow.”

Reality check: Your resting metabolic rate — the rate you burn calories when say, you’re glued to the TV — could be to blame for those stubborn pounds. But chances are, you’re just eating more than you think and not exercising enough, says David Edelson, an obesity medicine physician. With any weight gain, behavior is often a big component.

Diet fix: Still, why not test your theory? You can get your metabolic rate checked at an obesity medicine physician’s office (some upscale gyms offer it too) with an indirect calorimeter. This simple test measures the level of oxygen and carbon dioxide going in and out of your lungs to calculate your metabolic rate and determine your caloric output.

An abnormal (slow) result could signal a thyroid problem or a sleep disorder. But those are rare. To budge the scale, you’ll more than likely need to track calories with a food diary, get a good night’s sleep and exercise more to build muscle – the engine that drives metabolism. Doing all of those things may raise your metabolic rate by 5 to 10 percent, or an extra 100 calories per day.

You tell yourself: “I can just eye-ball my portion sizes to gauge calories.”

Reality check: “Most of us aren’t good at perceiving how much we eat,” says dietetics professor Sandria Godwin. In fact, with Godwin’s research in which subjects judged portion sizes just by looking at them, they underestimated amounts by an average of 23 percent.

Diet fix: If you’re serious about controlling portions, don’t guesstimate. Weigh meat with a food scale (aim for 3 ounces per meal) and measure everything else with teaspoons, tablespoons and measuring cups for at least a week and track it all in a food diary. After that, you can just eyeball amounts.

But go back to weighing and measuring every few months to tweak your portion-size perception. “Portions tend to get a little bigger and bigger over time,” Godwin says. To outwit continued on page 14

3 Secrets, continued from page 12 Once you have a long-term goal, add a few short-term goals to keep you motivated and to provide benchmarks of your progress.

Short-term goals might be: • Lose two pounds by February 1st.

• Lose 10 pounds by June 1st.

Say your goal is to complete an event, such as your first triathlon. “I will finish a triathlon” is a measurable, objective goal, for sure. But making it as specific as possible optimizes your chance for success. Choose a specific race, put it in on your calendar, and “finish a triathlon” becomes a long-term goal of “complete the local sprint triathlon, which requires a 300-yard pool swim, a 10-mile bike ride, and a 5k run, on August 14th.”

Short-term goals might be: • Swim 50 yards without stopping by February 1st.

• Bike eight miles and run one mile immediately after without stopping by June 1st.

Thinking of your fitness goal in measurable terms lets you determine where you need to be each month, each week and each day to achieve it.

3) SCHEDULE YOUR WORKOUTS “A failure to plan is a plan to fail.” Benjamin Franklin knew this was true way before we dreamed of holding tiny computers with calendars, alarm clocks and timers in the palms of our hands.

As all successful people know, what gets on the calendar gets accomplished.

Treat your workout time as you would any other appointment.

Create an event on your Outlook or Google calendar, pencil it into your planner or create an alert on your phone 20 minutes in advance. Do whatever works for you to carve out the time.

There’s no shame in relying on external accountability to help establish a new habit. You could start by: • Finding a friend, neighbor or co-worker to work out with.

• Attending classes at a group fitness studio with a strict cancellation policy. It’s hard to skip a workout you’ve already paid for.

• Joining a group fitness studio, running club, cycling club, masters swim team or hiking group for the community aspect. You won’t want to deal with the FOMO when you skip a workout.

• Becoming a member of an online accountability group. Or, gather your like-minded friends and create one yourself.

• Hiring a personal trainer.

Before you give up on fitness — or better yet before you buy that fancy workout tracker and the pricey yoga pants — ask yourself the hard questions. Being honest with yourself about your fitness goals will pay dividends over the long haul as far as keeping you on your fitness path. Because once you know your why, your what, and your when, the question of how becomes a whole lot easier to answer.

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Food Fibs, continued from page 13 your appetite, use a 9- to 10-inch dinner plate so portions don’t look too small and tempt you to go back for seconds. Of course, you can’t exactly haul this equipment to restaurants, so keep eating out to a minimum or just eat less of what you’re given because no matter how much you think you ate, it’s probably more than that.

You tell yourself: “My body needs a detox every once in a while.”

Reality check: Forget the seasonal juice fast. You actually need to detox every day. The good news? You don’t need to do anything special beyond eating a healthy diet.

“Your body is well-endowed with the apparatus to take care of the job,” says David L. Katz, MD, co-author of How to Eat. Your liver, spleen, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract constantly filter “toxins” out of your system – breakdown metabolic gunk such as fat molecules, spent red blood cells, urea (a byproduct of protein metabolism) and other waste products, all of which comes out in your feces, urine or sweat.

Diet fix: To keep these systems in good working order so you can continuously detox more efficiently, load up on unprocessed foods, such as fruits and veggies. Their high water and fiber content speeds waste through your GI tract. Get plenty of fluids, too (anything watery counts) so your kidneys can flush watersoluble by-products through your system. (You’re getting enough if you pee every three hours and urine is pale or clear and odorless.)

Regular exercise also helps keep your blood circulating through your arteries and delivers a robust supply of blood to your spleen, liver and kidneys. Meanwhile, avoid “toxins” by not smoking, shunning secondhand smoke and steering clear of foods high in refined sugar and artery-clogging saturated fat and trans fat.

You tell yourself: “Calories don’t count if I drink them.”

Reality check: Liquid calories count just as much, if not more than solid-food calories do. That’s because they’re not as satiating.

“When people drink water, milk, fruit juice, Pepsi, Red Bull, a smoothie or whatever beverage, they don’t compensate for those calories by reducing their food intake,” says Barry M. Popkin, Ph.D., Kenan Distinguished Professor at the UNC Gillings School of Global Health in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. In other words, liquid calories can slide in under your brain’s calorie-counting radar. Also consider that adults down an average of 533 beverage calories per day, which has doubled over the past 30 years. Gulp!

Diet fix: Aside from nonfat milk to help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, don’t drink your calories. Stick to water or non-caloric beverages like unsweetened iced tea between meals. And realize that when you do drink something caloric, including alcohol, it won’t fill you up but it will fill you out unless you exercise more or make a conscious effort to account for the calories.

You tell yourself: “I’ll eat less if I skip breakfast.”

Reality check: A major study that analyzed the breakfast patterns of 12,316 men and women for five years found that breakfast skippers were more likely to have a higher body mass index than breakfast eaters. The breakfast eaters also set a healthier tone for the rest of the day. They consumed fewer foods high in fat and sugar.

Diet fix: The study found you’ll only get that AM advantage if you start the day off with foods low in energy density, such as unsweetened hot or cold cereal, or whole-grain bread, fresh fruit and nonfat milk. Otherwise, breakfast can backfire. Your overall daily calorie tally will be higher if you feast on the likes of pastries and sausage/egg/bacon sandwiches, says Ashima Kant, Ph.D., the study’s lead researcher, which can lead to weight gain.

A NEW SPECIAL EXHIBITION PRESENTED BY

NATURE’S SUPERHEROES: LIFE AT THE LIMITS IS ORGANIZED BY THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, NEW YORK (AMNH.ORG).

January/February 2021 | S O U T H F L O R I D A F A M I LY L I F E 15

Great expectation To help moms & dads navigate the journey of pregnancy and parenthood, here is a sampling of some of our favorite resources throughout South Florida.

MATERNITY HOSPITALS Baptist Hospital

8900 N. Kendall Dr., Miami 786-596-1960 www.baptisthealth.net The Family Birth Place at Baptist Hospital was created with parents in mind with a warm and comfortable environment and specially designed birthing suites.

The latest technology is readily available for mothers and newborns, and neonatologists are available 24 hours a day for babies who need extra attention.

Programs for expectant parents include labor and delivery, breastfeeding and newborn care.

Broward Health Coral Springs 3000 Coral Hills Dr., Coral Springs 954-344-BABY (2229) www.browardhealth.org/maternityplace The Maternity Place at Broward Health Coral Springs provides top-notch care while keeping families’ privacy and comfort in mind. Special programs and services include 24-hour onsite neonatologist, all private postpartum rooms, water birth, family-centered Couplet Care, childbirth classes, prenatal yoga and siblings class. The Level II Neonatal Unit is staffed on a 24-hour basis with a highly skilled medical team to care for any baby needing special attention.

Broward Health Medical Center 1600 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale 954-355-4400 www.browardhealth.org/maternityplace The Maternity Place at Broward Health Medical Center provides exceptional maternity care in routine and high-risk pregnancies. In-house specialists include anesthesiologist, neonatologist,

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obstetrician and certified nurse midwife around-the-clock. The 24-hour, state-designated Level III Neonatal Unit is able to support the tiniest and most fragile of babies. Birthing classes and parent support groups are available.

provides maternity care at Jackson Memorial, Jackson North and Jackson South locations. A variety of birthing options are available, and specialists in maternal-fetal medicine, neonatal care and critical care are always on hand if needed.

Holy Cross Hospital

Kendall Regional Medical Center

4725 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale 954-771-8000 www.holy-cross.com A Baby-Friendly designated birth facility, Holy Cross Hospital maternity services include welcoming birthing suites, a private post-partum unit, NICU Level II, childbirth education, infant safety and CPR, lactation education and support.

11750 SW 40 St., Miami 305-223-3000 www.kendallmed.com Kendall Regional strives to provide individualized, quality maternity and newborn care with compassion and respect in a warm environment.

Labor and delivery rooms offer a relaxing setting with state-of-the-art technology. The secured maternity unit features 12 labor and delivery rooms, operating suites and recovery rooms nearby, 23 private postpartum rooms, a nursery, an eight-bed Level II and five-bed Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Homestead Hospital 975 Baptist Way, Homestead 786-243-8000 www.baptisthealth.net Homestead Hospital offers the comforts of home with the safety and security of a modern, technologically advanced hospital unit. Nurses are experienced in labor and delivery, newborn nursery and postpartum care. Anesthesiologists are available 24 hours a day and neonatologists are readily available for babies who require special, intensive medical care.

Jackson Health System • Jackson Memorial Hospital, 1611 NW 12 Ave., Miami, 305-585-1111 • Jackson North Medical Center, 160 NW 170 St., North Miami Beach, 305-651-1100 • Jackson South Medical Center, 9380 SW 150 St., Miami, 305-256-2150 www.jacksonhealth.org Jackson Health, designated by the World Health Organization and United Nations Children’s Fund as officially meeting Baby-Friendly standards,

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Memorial Hospital Miramar 1901 SW 172 Ave., Miramar 954-538-5180 www.memorialmiramar.com Professionals at Memorial Hospital Miramar help you through every stage of your childbirth journey — coaching and providing you with the knowledge and support to achieve a safe and treasured experience. The hospital features a NICU Level II, 18 LDR suites and family-centered care. Sign up for baby care, breastfeeding classes, infant massage, Lamaze, sibling classes, Hypno-birthing and more.

Memorial Hospital West 703 N. Flamingo Rd., Pembroke Pines 954-844-7110 www.memorialwest.com The nursing staff consistently ranks high with parents for compassion and professionalism at

ns Memorial Hospital West’s Family Birthplace. The hospital has 12 LDR suites, 26 postpartum rooms and Birthplace amenities include fully private rooms and bathrooms. A level II NICU is equipped with the latest hightech equipment and a highly trained staff.

Childbirth and breastfeeding classes offered in both English and Spanish. Additional workshops for siblings, grandparents, car seat safety, baby care, infant safety and CPR. A registered nurse is available for questions from all discharged patients.

Memorial Regional Hospital 3501 Johnson St., Hollywood 954-265-4484 www.memorialregional.com The Perry Family Birthplace at Memorial Regional strives to provide mom with well-deserved privacy and optimal rest with spacious suites furnished with a sleeper sofa, dinette and additional television for family and visitors. High-risk obstetrical care is offered through the Maternal Fetal Medicine Program. The Wasie Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is a level II and level III NICU continued on page 18

with 24-hour coverage by neonatology. Special emphasis on preparation and support for parents, with classes in infant safety & CPR, baby care, breastfeeding, boot camp for new dads and more.

Mercy Hospital 3663 S. Miami Ave., Miami 305-854-4400 www.mercymiami.com The newly remodeled maternity wing at Mercy Hospital offers private birthing suites and spacious private postpartum suites with views of Biscayne Bay. The hospital’s Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, special care nursery and an expert neonatologist are available 24 hours a day should the need arise. Mercy Hospital also offers childbirth education classes, lactation services, prenatal education, infant CPR and more.

Northwest Medical Center 2801 N. State Road 7, Margate 954-974-0400 www.northwestmed.com Northwest offers state-of-the-art maternity care and the only level III NICU in northern Broward County.

The nursery includes an advanced security system.

Classes are offered in baby care, childbirth education, breastfeeding, and more.

Palmetto General Hospital 2001 W. 68 St., Hialeah 305-823-5000 www.palmettogeneral.com The recently expanded Maternity Care Center at Palmetto General Hospital provides comprehensive services for expectant mothers through every stage of pregnancy. The team is composed of boardeligible and certified physicians and an experienced, multilingual nursing staff. A number of maternity education classes, including Childbirth Preparation, Infant Breastfeeding, Newborn Care and Infant and Child CPR, are offered.

CORAL SPRINGS • 10343 Royal Palm Blvd • 954 757-5557 COCONUT CREEK • 4425 Lyons Road • 954 977-9555

Plantation General Hospital

West Kendall Baptist Hospital

401 NW 42 Ave., Plantation 954-587-5010 www.plantationgeneral.com Plantation has 9 LDR suites, 6 high-risk pregnancy rooms, 17 private postpartum suites, advanced level III NICU, lactation services, tours,Consult-A-Nurse, follow-up support, and childbirth,breastfeeding and CPR education classes.

9555 SW 162 Ave., Miami 786-467-2000 www.baptisthealth.net Equipped with modern technology and a skilled staff, the Beautiful Beginnings Family Birthing Place focuses on a patient- and family-centered care philosophy. The Beautiful Beginnings Program for Expectant Parents offers a variety of classes for new and experienced parents, including childbirth preparation, breast feeding, newborn parenting, epidural anesthesia, Cesarean births and infant CPR.

South Miami Hospital 6200 SW 73 St., South Miami 786-662-4000 www.baptisthealth.net The Center for Women & Infants at South Miami Hospital is equipped with leading-edge technology and a team of highly skilled doctors, specialists and nurses to care for mothers and newborns from preconception to delivery. A Great Expectations program offers parents information about childbirth and parenting, and a Fetal Special Care and Maternal-Fetal Special Care Unit is available for high-risk pregnancies.

West Boca Medical Center 21644 State Road 7, Boca Raton 561-488-8000 www.westbocamedctr.com West Boca Medical Center, a recipient of the Healthgrades Labor and Delivery Excellence Award five years in a row, is a five-star labor and delivery unit featuring a team of highly-trained obstetrics-gynecologists, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, nurses and nurse practitioners, lactation counselors, social workers and more. West Boca Medical Center has an on-site Level III NICU, and the hospital offers lactation consult and support and a maternity education series taught by nurses, and postpartum support.

MIAMI LAKES • 6723 Main Street • 786 639-0004 PLANTATION • 819 N Nob Hill Road • 954 476-5747

POMPANO BEACH • 2101 N Federal Hwy • 954 783-4200

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ADOPTION RESOURCES A Child is Waiting www.davethomasfoundation.org This free resource takes you through the typical steps to adopt, from thinking about which type of adoption is right for you to celebrating adoption day.

Childnet www.childnet.us 954-414-6000

Florida Department of Children and Families www.myflfamilies.com Broward: 954-375-6092 Miami-Dade: 786-257-5148

Florida’s Adoption Information Center www.adoptflorida.com 800-96-ADOPT

Forever Family www.foreverfamily.org 1-888-365-FAMILY

Jewish Adoptions and Foster Care Options www.jafco.org 954-749-7230

BIRTHING CENTERS A Birth Center 3001 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Hallandale Beach 954-456-4682 www.abirthcenter.com Alternative maternity care for women who are anticipating a normal, low-risk birth. The team approach includes the client as an equal team member. Every effort is made to create the loving, intimate feeling of an at-home birth, while maintaining safety. Routine gynecological care also available.

Amazing Births & Beyond 17184 W. Dixie Highway, North Miami Beach 786-955-6560 www.amazingbirthsandbeyond.com Expecting moms can learn the techniques of HypnoBirthing, a method that teaches relaxed, natural childbirth education enhanced by self-hypnosis, through a series of classes at several locations. Additional services include doulas, chiropractic care, yoga, massage therapy and more.

Hollywood Birth Center 2316 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood 954-925-4499 www.hollywoodbirthcenter.com A home-like maternity care unit designed to help families, including siblings, become involved in the events of pregnancy and childbirth in a safe personalized setting. Natural childbirth with the support you need.

BREASTFEEDING Most hospitals offer breastfeeding classes, lactation specialists and support groups.

In addition, check out these resources.

Breastfeeding Helpline

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital

1-800-994-9662 www.womenshealth.gov National helpline offers support from trained breastfeeding counselors in both English and Spanish.

1005 Joe DiMaggio Dr., Hollywood 954-265-5324 www.jdch.com

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Broward County

1901 SW 172 Ave., Miramar 954-538-5000 www.memorialmiramar.com

954-765-0550 www.hmhbbroward.org/our-programs This community organization is working to improve access to prenatal care, education, advocacy and public awareness for all families in Broward County. www.llli.org Mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information and education.

After Hours Pediatric Urgent Care www.afterhourspediatrics.com • 5067 N. Dixie Highway, Oakland Park, 954-267-1621 • 6250 Lantana Rd., Lake Worth, 561-963-4874

Baptist Health Medical Plazas and Urgent Care www.baptisthealthbroward.com Multiple locations in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties.

Holtz Children’s Hospital 1611 NW 12 Ave., Miami 305-585-5437 www.jacksonhealth.org

Main Hospital Campus: 3100 SW 62 Ave., Miami Miramar Outpatient Center: 12246 Miramar Parkway, Miramar www.nicklauschildrens.org 2801 N. State Road 7, Margate 954-974-0400 www.northwestmed.com

Pediatric Associates www.pediatricassociates.com Multiple locations throughout Broward and Miami-Dade Counties.

CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS & URGENT CARE

3000 Coral Hills Dr., Coral Springs 954-344-3000 www.browardhealth.org

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital

Northwest Medical Center

La Leche League

Broward Health Coral Springs

Memorial Hospital Miramar

Plantation General Hospital 401 NW 42 Ave., Plantation 954-587-5010 www.plantationgeneral.com

Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital Broward Health 1600 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale 954-355-4400 www.browardhealth.org

CRISIS ASSISTANCE 211 First Call for Help dial 2-1-1- or 954-537-0211 www.211-broward.org By simply dialing 211, residents can access Broward County’s nationally accredited continued on page 20

January/February 2021 | S O U T H F L O R I D A F A M I LY L I F E 19

comprehensive helpline for information and referrals to all kinds of support, health and human services.

Free, confidential, and available for assistance 24 hours.

Women in Distress 954-761-1133 www.womenindistress.org Provides victims of domestic violence with crisis intervention, advocacy, support and shelter.

INFERTILITY Resolve

www.resolve.org A national nonprofit support group to assist couples dealing with infertility issues.

CONNECT and SHARE with other SOUTH FLORIDA PARENTS • Family Fun • School News • Parenting Advice • Cooking Tips for Kids • Online Resources • And More!

Join our Facebook Group

@ SFLFamilyLife to stay informed

MEDICAL INSURANCE Florida KidCare

888-540-5437 www.floridakidcare.org Free or low-cost health insurance for children, sponsored by the state of Florida.

MOMS’ GROUPS MOMS Clubs

www.momsclub.org Connect with other moms in your neighborhood for social gatherings, playdates and more.

Chapters exist in many communities, or get support to start your own club.

Mothers of Preschoolers www.mops.org Meet other like-minded moms through this international support network of Christian women with preschool children. Groups meet regularly at churches in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties.

South Florida Mothers of Multiples (formerly Coral Springs Mothers of Multiples) www.csmoms.org Provides understanding, guidance, and education to moms raising multiple birth children.

Supermoms www.thesupermoms.org Local group of members who chat online and gather in real life, either via planned playdates, parties or other events.

Dan Marino Outpatient Center 2900 S. Commerce Parkway, Weston 954-385-6200 www.nicklauschildrens.org Not-for-profit center offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment of children with special needs.

Unicorn Children’s Foundation Clinics Nova Southeastern University 7600 SW 36th St., Davie, 954-262-CARE www.nova.edu/unicornclinics Expert clinicians provide comprehensive spectrum of services including development assessment, diagnostics, autism education, assistance with feeding disorders and parent training to deal with challenging behaviors.

SUPPORT FOR PARENTS Children’s Services Council 954-377-1000 www.cscbroward.org Agency created by voters to provide leadership, coordination and funding for children’s services.

See website for list of funded programs.

Family Central 1415 W. Cypress Creek Rd., Fort Lauderdale 954-720-1000 www.familycentral.org Not-for-profit agency offers childcare assistance, counseling, education, family therapy and more.

Healthy Mothers/Healthy Babies Coalition 954-765-0550 www.hmhbbroward.org Community organization aimed at reducing infant mortality through education on maternal health, father involvement, safe sleeping environments and breastfeeding. HMHB is dedicated to providing resources and education to pregnant women, new parents and families.

Start Coalition of Miami-Dade

www.ppdsupportpage.com

SPECIAL NEEDS

The Parenting Place

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION MOMS (Mothers Overcoming Maternal Stress) 954-765-0550 www.hmhbbroward.org Program of the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition provides counseling and services to women suffering from maternal depression through group classes and in-home visits, both pre- and post-natal. Counselors available 24/7.

Postpartum Support International 800-944-4773 www.postpartum.net

Postpartum Support Online

Child Find

Health Care Clinics of Nova Southeastern University 3301 College Ave., Fort Lauderdale 954-262-4100 www.nova.edu/healthcare

S O U T H F L O R I D A F A M I LY L I F E

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital

7205 NW 19 St., Miami 305-541-0210 www.hscmd.org Serves as part of a statewide network of community-based organizations to reduce Florida’s high infant mortality and improve the lives of pregnant women and their families.

The Coalition is responsible for the establishment and oversight of the Miami-Dade Healthy Start system, which includes directing local, state and federal funding and provides oversight to local community organizations that deliver direct services to pregnant women and families of newborns, continuous care coordination to pregnant women and children birth to age 3, evaluating services and the needs of the community, and quality assurance and improvement responsibilities.

754-321-7200 www.browardschools.com Child Find is a public program that works to ensure that all children who need special education and related services receive a free appropriate education.

Serves as entry point for services from birth to age 5.

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NSU offers a range of clinic operations with services ranging from medical care, psychological services, speech and communications therapy, hearing and balance center, and more.

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NSU’s Mailman Segal Center for Human Development, 7600 SW 36 St., Davie 954-262-7127 msc.nova.edu The Parenting Place offers many support groups and classes for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and parents. Expectant families can prepare for their new addition, and new moms and dads can discover the wonders of their amazing newborn.

The Parenting Place also offers support with sleepless nights, fussy babies, and willful toddlers.

One-on-one parent coaching available.

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PaladinAcademy.com • 954-431-4224 Paladin_BrowardFamilyLife_Jan21_7.25x4.625.indd 1

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11/30/20 11:16 AM

Huntington Learning Center Huntington’s unique equation for success When it comes to learning, our solution is simple. Since 1977, we’ve combined proven methods with individualized instruction to give students the academic and emotional support they need to build confidence and exceed their potential. We are a learning family, striving to build and maintain relationships that last a lifetime.

Our proven 4-step approach: 1. Evaluation: Each student takes a comprehensive academic evaluation that pinpoints strengths and weaknesses.

2. Personalized Plan: Based on the results of the evaluation, we develop a personalized learning plan targeted to meet each student’s needs.

3. Customized Learning: Individualized tutoring is given to help students learn at their pace, and on their level, to build skills, confidence and motivation.

4. Communicate Progress: With permission, we keep parents and teachers in the loop with regular conferences to discuss the student’s progress.

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Area Stage Company Area Stage Company is South Florida’s premiere performing arts training facility offering conservatory-style classes and Broadway-quality productions year-round.

Learn acting, voice, dance, musical theatre and more while performing a full musical in front of an audience of friends and family. ASC was named Best Theatre Company in Miami in 2019 and 2020 by the Miami New Times and Coral Gables Magazine, and many alumni have graced the stages of Broadway. Enroll in our spring session now. In-person productions are back with safety and sanitation measures in place. Space is limited, and spots are going quickly. All ages and experience levels welcome.

Our Spring 2021 Season includes James and the Giant Peach Jr. and Newsies, with guest director/choreographer and alum of more than 10 Broadway shows Charlie Sutton. Students are split by age into two casts (ages 6-10 and ages 11 and up).

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January/February 2021 | S O U T H F L O R I D A F A M I LY L I F E 23

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Miami Children’s Chorus Experience the joy of singing with the Miami Children’s Chorus Serving South Florida youth since 1965, the Miami Children’s Chorus is recognized as one of the nation’s top youth choral performance programs with ensembles for youth ages 8-22.

Children can participate by audition and meet in weekly rehearsals to learn the necessary skills to be professional singers. These skills include healthy vocal technique, ear training, sight singing, stage presence and singing in a wide range of styles and languages.

MCC has toured nationally and internationally and has sung with The Cleveland Orchestra, with Queen Latifah at the 44th NFL Super Bowl, with Barry Manilow, André Rieu, Gloria Estefan, Jon Secada, Raul Di Blasio, and has performed

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in numerous productions with Florida Grand Opera. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, MCC now offers virtual programming and regularly presents virtual concerts.

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MCC is currently accepting students for the spring 2021 semester.

Visit www.miamichildrenschorus.org to schedule a virtual audition.

Check out the CSC 2019-2020 Annual Report at CSCBROWARD.ORG.

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Children’s Services Council of Broward County (CSC) In 2014, Broward County joined the national Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (CGLR) to increase the number of children reading at grade level by the time they complete 3rd grade. Studies show that children who cannot read at grade level by then are less likely to graduate from high school and generally succeed in life.

The CSC convened community partners like the Broward County Commission, Broward County Public Schools, the Broward County Library System, the Early Learning Coalition, United Way, Jim Moran Foundation, dozens of municipalities and others to form the Broward Reads: Campaign for Grade Level Reading Coalition. One Broward Reads initiative is the annual “Broward: Read for the Record,” an event that inspires adults to read with children and puts books in the hands of 40,000 4- and 5-year-olds across Broward.

To learn more about the work of Broward Reads, visit www.cscbroward.org/browardreads or call Sandra Bernard-Bastien at 954-377-1000.

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INFANT AND TODDLER GROUP CLASSES Parents build confidence, meet new friends, gain knowledge and support when you need it most using The Incredible Years® Curriculum.

MUSIC AND MOVEMENT SHARED STORY TIME CHILD EXPLORATORY PLAY This program is FREE, and you and your child can join from the comfort and safety of your home. The groups are 60 minutes, online via Zoom.

THIS PROGRAM IS FOR FAMILIES THAT LIVE IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY ONLY. TO REGISTER, CALL: The Miami-Dade Family Learning Partnership, Inc.

(305) 891-7323 The Miami-Dade Family Learning Partnership’s All in the Family Program is funded in part by The Children’s Trust. The Children’s Trust is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County.

FAMILY health

The road to wellness TRACKING THE TOP TRENDS FOR FAMILIES

BY MALIA JACOBSON

W

hile last year was marked by a public health panic, 2021 may be the year that personal health reigns. Families are embracing a more proactive approach to staying healthy in 2021, says Michelle B. Smith, a registered dietitian nutritionist. “Many families are wanting to take more control of their health and realizing that we have so much more control of our health than we previously thought.”

Ready to move family health and wellness to the top of your priority list this year? Here are five trends to track.

GREENER MEALS Recently, Yale’s program on Climate Change Communication found that Americans have become more willing to eat fruits, vegetables and other plant-based foods over the past year. Smith expects that tendency to continue. “I think a huge

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driving force behind this trend is the desire to improve one’s overall health and wellbeing,” she says.

However, during the pandemic, health food has become more expensive and less accessible for many families. “I think COVID has been a double-edged sword when it comes to plant-based eating,” says Smith. With meat shortages in some areas, and people eating and cooking more meals at home, experimenting with plant-based recipes made sense for some families.

But stress and financial concerns made adopting an entirely new way of eating close to impossible for many.

“This is where I remind my patients that the most expensive food items in your cart tend to be processed foods and meats.

When done with a whole-foods twist, plantbased eating isn’t just good for your overall health, but great for the health of your

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wallet, too!” Keep grocery bills in check by shopping the perimeter of the store first, where you’ll find minimally processed beans, grains, fruits and vegetables; save highly processed plant-based dairy and meat alternatives for occasional splurges.

Parents often ask about getting enough protein on a plant-based diet, notes Smith.

“We now know that as long as the diet is balanced, and enough calories are being consumed, this doesn’t have to be a worry.”

Plenty of plants offer protein, from peas to beans to whole grains like quinoa, so kids eating a well-rounded vegetarian diet can easily consume enough.

HIGH-TECH TRACKING Research in nutrition and physical activity suggests that preschoolers should take up to 15,000 steps daily and middle school-age kids should rack up 11,000.

Multiple sources, including the CDC,

recommend an hour of physical activity per day. With regular P.E. and recess on pause, that’s no easy feat, so more families are turning to wearable activity trackers to motivate kids to move.

Wearable technology was last year’s top fitness trend, according to the American College of Sports Medicine. Feature-rich kids’ fitness trackers from well-known brands like Fitbit, Garmin and Leapfrog are keeping up with their grown-up counterparts: Along with counting steps, some offer games and challenges, rewards for meeting exercise goals, and different settings for different types of exercise. Using integrated apps, parents can monitor health and activity metrics, monitor chores and screen time, and even dole out allowance.

Trackers are trendy, but do they work?

Scientists say yes. In multiple studies, kids who used fitness trackers were more active and spent more time outdoors.

Activity trackers may not be right for every child though, depending on their age, temperament, technical savvy and level of motivation. Families who want to try out the trend without worrying that their child will lose — or lose interest in — a pricey device can find basic models that track steps and a few other metrics at major retailers for about $20.

FOCUS ON VISION Thanks to increasing hours spent focusing on small screens, childhood myopia (or nearsightedness) was deemed a global epidemic in 2019. Adding to the issue is the current pandemic prompting long-term remote learning and an upswing in recreational digital device use. Remote learning also means that many children don’t have access to routine vision screenings at school. But even with vision screening, some common vision problems like convergence insufficiency, or problems coordinating the eyes to focus, are easy to miss, says Alan P. Pearson, OD Ph.D. Our eyes function best with a mix of close-range and distance viewing, so long hours on screens without breaks are problematic, says Pearson. “Blurry or double vision is a real problem for children because it’s going to interfere with the quality of learning, attention and focus.” Taking regular vision breaks of 20 seconds for every 20 minutes spent on screens can alleviate complaints like eyestrain and dry eyes.

Parents can look for signs of vision problems, that might not seem obvious at first, by tuning into four categories of symptoms: feeling-related complaints (“my eyes feel sore”), descriptions of how objects look (“the words look blurry”), changes in performance (like skipping or misreading words), and behavioral signs, which could include avoiding closevision tasks like reading, unintentionally winking or holding reading materials very close to the face. Noting symptoms in any of these areas warrants an eye exam from an eye doctor.

PET PARADE If your kids were begging for a puppy pre-pandemic, 2020 may have been their year. According to a recent study by TD Ameritrade, a third of Americans considered adopting a pet for companionship once social distancing became the norm last spring. Pets provide a bounty of health and wellness benefits to their humans, from lower levels of stress to an ever-present reason to go outside for a walk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pet owners are happier and more physically fit with lower blood pressure and better emotional health.

To make a pandemic pet adoption stick, make sure your lifestyle can accommodate a new animal companion even after work-from-home and remote schooling mandates are long past.

Families should also plan for pet-related expenses since owning a dog is said to cost an average of $1,200 per year.

Programs also available at our Virtual STEM Creation Center • Afterschool Enrichment • Day Camps • Homeschool Classes • Kids Day Out • Kids Night Out • Mommy & Me •Trial Classes

For dates, times and ages visit our website!

•Birthday Parties & Special Events In School STEM Field Trips STEAM Electives K-12 954-816-3346•www.BrightAndSmart.com

BEYOND VIRTUAL P.E. Despite the best efforts of their parents and teachers, many kids are getting less exercise during the pandemic, according to researchers from the University of Southern California. With extended remote learning and limitations on extracurricular activities, more families are looking for exercise options online.

Kids are getting in on the virtual exercise trend through virtual workouts and classes ranging from HIIT (high-intensity interval training) to yoga to dance fitness.

If a remote fitness class doesn’t sound appealing, one-on-one fitness coaching might be more motivating, especially for tweens and teens with specific athletic goals in mind.

Malia Jacobson is a journalist specializing in health and family topics.

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FAMILY matters

Candid conversations TALKING TO KIDS ABOUT A LOVED ONE’S DIAGNOSIS

BY CHRISTA MELNYK HINES

L

earning that you, your spouse or another family member suffers from an incurable illness or a serious, possibly fatal, injury is devastating. After the initial shock, you may wonder how to break the news to your children.

“What we try and tell parents is that we can’t fix things that are heartbreaking, but we can make them easier to understand,” says Heather Kinney, a healthcare child life specialist.

HOW MUCH TO TELL? While it’s normal to show sadness when sharing the news with your child, take time to process the information yourself before talking to your kids. When you do go to break the news, you may wish to have another adult present for emotional support.

Kinney suggests starting the conversation with: “I have something really important that we need to talk about. Do you think you are ready to listen?”

“A good rule of thumb is to be as honest as you can while taking into consideration where the child is developmentally,” says pediatric psychologist Crista Donewar.

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Decide whether to tell siblings together or separately. Consider their ages, personalities, the nature of the situation, and what feels right to you.

Most of all, “guard against trying to shield kids from information because what they’re imagining can be worse than reality,” says Allison DeLaney, chaplain and a hospice house bereavement coordinator. “What’s surprising is that kids often do better than the adults if given the chance.”

MANAGING QUESTIONS. Some children ask many questions while others won’t ask any right away.

“Some kids don’t want to know. That’s fine, too. That’s that child’s choice and way of coping, but keeping them out of the conversation without asking them is harmful,” DeLaney says.

You may find that “they dismiss the news the first time and then come back and have a few questions and need another explanation,” Donewar says. And don’t be surprised if your kids come back and ask you the same questions over again as the situation sinks in.

So what kinds of questions should you expect? parents or tap available community resources. If grief goes “The first thing kids want to know is ‘Are you going to die?’” unresolved, a child, especially an adolescent, may act out Kinney says. “Kids look to their parents to tell them the truth. through boundary-pushing and risk-taking. Clue your child’s If the first thing you tell them is a lie, how do they know to pediatrician and school teachers in on what has happened. trust you again? We all deserve the truth Also, surround yourself with about the people we love.” your own adult support network Kids typically wonder how the and resources for comfort and information will affect them. For emotional support. example, they might worry that “If mom “Over-sharing or relying on kids to dies, what if something happens to Dad? comfort you causes them a lot of stress Who will take care of me?” Help lessen and additional worry,” Donewar says.

Help your child build positive memories your child’s anxieties by explaining that Check online for area grief support with a dying loved one by creating your family has a plan in place to care camps for kids, art therapy, support legacy items. for them no matter what. groups and mental health professionals.

• Handprint of a loved one that a child can decorate for a garden stone.

They may also privately wonder, By providing resources to support the • Healing Journal or Memory Journal that “Did I do something that caused this healing process, you and your children includes life review questions and answers. to happen?” will feel less alone and better able to • A parent can write letters to children.

“Assure them that it’s not their fault,” manage your stress.

• Personal storytelling that imparts morals, DeLaney says.

For more information, check out values and life experiences.

How to Help Children Through a ALLOW THEM TO HELP. If your child • Check out StoryCorps, a free Parent’s Serious Illness by wants to be involved in some way to help downloadable app that records Kathleen McCue. care for their loved one, suggest practical conversations and offers question ideas.

LEGACY BUILDING ACTIVITIES

ideas like getting a drink of water and putting it on the bedside table, retrieving a box of Kleenex or quietly drawing a picture, DeLaney says.

SEEK SUPPORT. Your child may need to talk to someone else about her feelings. Connect with one of her close friends’

Christa Melnyk Hines is a freelance journalist, author and mom of two boys. Her latest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

Januray/February 2021 | S O U T H F L O R I D A F A M I LY L I F E 29

WORDS of wisdom

Straight from the Heart 5 THINGS ONLY A MOM WOULD SAY ON VALENTINE’S DAY

BY CHERYL MAGUIRE

O

n Valentine’s Day, long before your Mom days, you probably dined by candlelight in some swanky restaurant. But once you gave birth to those sweet little munchkins, your meal most likely involved baby spit-up or chicken nuggets. Besides the lack of a romantic dining experience this Valentine’s Day, you may also find yourself saying things like: 1. “Thank God this holiday doesn’t entail elves, fairies, leprechauns or any other magical night creatures.”

I’m not sure who came up with the brilliant idea of having “magical night creatures,” but I can guarantee it wasn’t a mom.

At night, moms are counting down the seconds until it’s time to go to sleep. The last thing on a mom’s mind is remembering to move an elf, retrieve a tooth or paint green leprechaun footprints on the floor. Plus, who would want to create a “leprechaun mess” knowing who will have to clean it up later – definitely not a mom! We have enough messes to clean daily. So, please don’t create a magical “cupid” that visits during the night — we already have more magic than Harry Potter at our house – thanks, but no thanks.

2. “I just need about 10 more hours on Pinterest to find the perfect Valentine’s Day craft, cupcake and card.”

Pinterest is a black hole that will suck all of the hours out of your day. Just when you think you found the perfect craft, cupcake or card to replicate for the 25 kids in your child’s class, you will see another one and then another one, and before you know it, the whole day is gone and you still haven’t picked up a glue gun or spatula.

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| southfloridafamilylife.com

3. “I know you already have five Valentine’s Day T-shirts but I couldn’t resist buying another one. I mean what other time can you wear a shirt that says, ‘Love-a-saurus’ with an adorable red dinosaur on it?”

Valentine’s Day kid shirts are adorable. And let’s face it, your teen isn’t going to let you dress them up in a “Love-a-saurus” shirt, so I’m going to dress them up in as many as possible while I still can. Some of my favorites besides “Love-a-saurus” are “More Spice than Sugar,” “I Choo-Choo Choose You,” and “You have a Pizza of My Heart.”

4. “Rose are red, violets are blue, I’ll give you some candy if you go number 2 — in the potty this time.”

Oh, the joys of potty training on Valentine’s Day! Enough said.

5. “I think a fair cut of your Valentine’s Day school candy would be half since I wrote all 25 of your Valentine cards.”

Not only do you have to write each kid’s name on the Valentine card, but you have to seal each envelope and then put candy or a sticker on it. If you are lucky enough to have 3 kids, that’s 75 cards in one night since, of course, you waited until the night before to do this “work.” Surely this warrants at least half of the candy take, if not more — actually 60/40 is probably a fairer cut.

Once that Hershey Kiss starts melting in your mouth, that hand cramp will be a distant memory, until next year.

Cheryl Maguire, the mother of twins and a daughter, might be found traveling deep into the Pinterest abyss this time of year.

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