FR
EE
APRIL
2020
www.southjerseymom.com
PREVENTION TIPS FOR
AUTISM & WANDERING
Amazing SUMMER CAMP SECTION
CORONAVIRUS
FACTS
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
• Health & House Plants • Scoliosis Care • Free Grocery Delivery Offer
See inside Page 15
Shop groceries simpler & faster with curbside Pickup or Home Delivery. Get the app or go to
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Expiration 1/31/2020. $30 minimum order. Restrictions apply.
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EDITOR suggestions (page 7). Kids of all ages are now learning online, food is thinning out in grocery stores, cleaning products and toilet paper are scarce. It’s challenging to plan ahead with the current pandemic climate. But, as we hold onto hope and look towards summer when our lives are hopefully rebuilding and resuming be sure to check out South Jersey MOM’s Summer Camp Guide (starting page 10).
T
Photo credit JCPenney Portrait Studios
here’s no doubt that the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has us all scared for our families and experts stress the importance of being prepared. Over the past weeks South Jersey has shut down to flatten the curve to prevent the virus from spreading, see The Department of Health and Human Services
Fraternal twins Payton (blue) and Jordan (red), 5, love sports, not only playing, but watching big brother play varsity football and basketball and big sister play lacrosse. The boys will likely be playing T-ball this spring.
Special thanks to those doing the vital work that leaves them exposed. It’s not just everyone working in health care, though they’re certainly the front line, but the others keeping our society functioning. It’s the delivery guys, the Uber and taxi drivers, the police officers and the MTA workers, grocery and pharmacy staff.
Photos by Jennifer Peacock
Your friend & fellow MOM, Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for great South Jersey MOM giveaways!
Karen Ognibene Executive Editor karen@superiorgx.com
ENJOY LIFE IN FULL BLOOM WITH BETTER HEARING ADVANCED ENT PROVIDES A FULL SPECTRUM OF PEDIATRIC HEARING AND SPEECH SERVICES Hearing loss can affect a child’s ability to develop communication, language, and social skills. Early intervention is key!
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South Jersey MOM April 2020
CEO/Publisher Christopher Ognibene • (609) 670-1794 chris@superiorgx.com Executive Editor Karen Ognibene • (609) 230-6280 karen@superiorgx.com Marketing & Business Development Specialist Michelle Scianni • (856) 986-9606 michelle@superiorgx.com For General Advertising Inquiries Marissa Josephick • (856) 537-7089 ocrazyjane@gmail.com Production Manager Lisa Celfo lisasjmom@gmail.com
Karen Ognibene, MA, LPC Licensed Professional Counselor
Dolores Hoffman, Samantha Gill, Jess Michael, Matthew Brenner and Rochelle Gilken
Psychotherapy for Adults and Couples, Psychoanalysis and Trauma Treatment Specialties:
Depression • Anxiety Relationship Issues Eating Issues • Grief & Loss Low Self-Esteem PTSD and Trauma EMDR Psychodynamic Person Centered Therapy
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Editorial Assistant Julia Ognibene Cover Photographer Jennifer Peacock www.southjerseymom.com Katelyn Shea • Web Designer allthatsdigital.com • (215) 366-3316
Superior Graphics Print Management LLC publishes South Jersey MOM™ monthly and distributes it throughout the region. The publication is available free of charge at select locations. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without the authorization of the publisher. Superior Graphics Print Management, LLC, Publisher of South Jersey MOM P.O. BOX 268 • Wenonah, NJ 08090 Main: (609) 670-1794 Fax: (856) 210-1524 All materials and services provided in this magazine are for informational or educational purposes only
Enter Your Child’s Photo to Be On Our Next Cover Every issue South Jersey MOM features a local child on the cover. If you think you have the “Cutest Kid in Town”, send a 4x6 photo to South Jersey MOM. P.O. Box 268, Wenonah, NJ 08090. On back of photo write child’s name and age along with guardian contact info.
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AUTISM & WANDERING prevention TIPS promoting safety in the home & community
49%
wander
Similar to the wandering behaviors in seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s, children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are prone to wandering away from a safe environment. Because many children with ASD have challenges in areas of language and cognitive function, it is critical for parents to understand ways to keep their child or adult with autism safe. Identify Triggers/Teach Self-help
Install Home Safeguards
Be aware of any known triggers that could prompt fleeing (loud noises, bright lights, fears, etc.) and work towards teaching your child safe alternative ways to respond.
Install secure locks (exterior doors), home security system or door/window chimes; fence yard; secure gates; keep garage opener out of reach; use baby monitors and visual prompts like simple stop signs.
For an individual who demonstrates bolting behaviors due to fear or stress, etc., use aids, such as noise-cancelling headphones, and teach calming techniques using favorites topics or items.
Secure Personal Safeguards Have wearable identification on your child; Temporary Tattoos are great for field trips and other outings; Check with local law enforcement to see if they offer Tracking Devices.
Teach Safety Skills Enroll your child into swimming lessons. Final lessons should be with clothes and shoes on. Use social stories to teach individuals with autism ways to stay safe, and use favorite objects or tools to demonstrate when itʼs outside time versus inside time.
Create Community Awareness Alert trusted neighbors, and introduce them to your child; fill out an alert form for local police, include a current photo and unique characteristics, likes, fears, and behaviors; alert the school, and bus drivers.
Remain Hyper Vigilant HIGH ALERT
prevention education response
Stay on extra high alert during warmer months, holidays, vacations, camping trips, transition periods, outdoor gatherings, a recent move to a new home or school, visiting an unfamiliar setting, public outings.
Call 911 Remain calm and always call 911 immediately if an individual with ASD is missing; law enforcement should treat each case as “critical.” Law enforcement agencies are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) for additional assistance.
Search Water First Immediately search areas that pose the highest threat first, such as nearby water, busy streets, train tracks, and parked cars.
Initiate a “tag, youʼre it” system during family gatherings and transitions. Tag one responsible adult to closely supervise your child for an agreed-upon period of time.
For more tips and resources, visit nationalautism.org. www.southjerseymom.com
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Our Obsession with Houseplants Should be
MORE ABOUT HEALTH AND LESS ABOUT BEAUTY By Cheryl Lynne Potter gens and other airborne particles. Plants can also add moisture to the air. Furnaces and air conditioning can help to sap our indoor humidity. This decrease in humidity can help put us at risk for catching a cold or even worse, getting the flu. It can even cause our skin to itch. Researchers have discovered that a collection of spider plants can help to increase a room’s humidity. Carpets, paints, cleaners, print toners, inks and many other indoor objects give off pollutants, known as volatile organic compounds. These compounds can build up in the air, irritating our eyes and skin, making it difficult for us to breathe. Researchers say, houseplants can help soak-up these pollutants. Some good plant air-scrubbers is the English ivy, asparagus fern and the dragon tree.
I
t’s not unusual for moms to gush with pride about their children's accomplishments. In fact, that same scenario also rings true for those of us who have a love affair with our houseplants. It’s not unusual to hear plant parents talk about their plants with so much enthusiasm, you sometimes wonder if they're actually talking about real children.
Today, many millennials seem to have that same pride about their plants. You can, without any difficulty, download many social media websites and discover them talking non-stop about the variety and care of their houseplants. Some even give tours on social media about their vast plant collections. Experts say the resurgence of houseplant’s
6 | April 2020
popularity is due to today’s visually driven social media websites. Instagram, especially, has become the go-to site for houseplant fanatics. This plant obsession has many millennials spending a lot of money. According to the 2019 National Gardening Survey, 52.3 billion dollars was spent last year on lawn and retail sales. A quarter of that money was spent by millennials, between 18 to 34 years of age. Since 2014, this age group has grown at a higher rate in gardening participation than any other age group. In fact, compared to their older counterparts, who have a steady 35% gardening participation rate, millennials in this age group have a 29% participation rate. Yet, some people think this whole plant craze is simply nothing more than another social media fad. This can be nothing further from the truth. Today, many millennials are well aware that plants should be admired for more than their beauty. Houseplants can help with our physical and mental health. Plants can also help us breathe better and can help to clear toxins out of the air. They can even help in boosting our morale, as well as eliminating stress. Researchers have discovered that rooms with plants have less dust and mold than rooms without any plants. Some plants, like the Chinese evergreen and the peace lily, have leaves and other plant parts that act like natural catchers of aller-
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Plants can help to brighten-up your surroundings and even help to lift-up your spirits Some plants, however, can be used as part of home health remedies. The gel from an aloe plant can help to treat sunburn and other minor burns. Mint is an herb plant that can help with bloating, gas and other health problems that you may experience after you eat. Lavender is another important herbal medicine that has been around for centuries. This fragrant purple plant’s oil can be either inhaled or massaged into your scalp as a form of aromatherapy. You can also boil the leaves for tea. Some studies suggest that lavender can also help to calm you and relieve your stress. Houseplants have an alarming effect on most people. Plants can help to brighten-up your surroundings and even help to lift-up your spirits. Plants have so much going for them. It’s no wonder why so many of us have a love affair with our plants.
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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and you What is coronavirus disease 2019?
What are severe complications from this virus?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
Some patients have pneumonia in both lungs, multi-organ failure and in some cases death.
Can I get COVID-19? Yes. COVID-19 is spreading from person to person in parts of the world. Risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19 is higher for people who are close contacts of someone known to have COVID-19, for example healthcare workers, or household members. Other people at higher risk for infection are those who live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Learn more about places with ongoing spread at https:// www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission. html#geographic. The current list of global locations with cases of COVID-19 is available on CDC’s web page at https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/locations-confirmed-cases.html.
The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but is now spreading from person to person. The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses at https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19? Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of: • cough • shortness of breath
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should • Stay home when you are sick. • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
How does COVID-19 spread?
• fever
People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventive actions.
What should I do if I recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19? If you have traveled from an affected area, there may be restrictions on your movements for up to 2 weeks. If you develop symptoms during that period (fever, cough, trouble breathing), seek medical advice. Call the office of your health care provider before you go, and tell them about your travel and your symptoms. They will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness. While sick, avoid contact with people, don’t go out and delay any travel to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.
Is there a vaccine? There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to take everyday preventive actions, like avoiding close contact with people who are sick and washing your hands often.
Is there a treatment? There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms.
For more information: www.cdc.gov/COVID19 CS 314937-H 03/06/2020
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Family researched options for scoliosis care, found
INNOVATIVE FUSIONLESS OPTION
certain patients with scoliosis who are still growing and for whom surgery is indicated. Because of Shriners Hospitals for Children and Dr. Samdani’s leadership, our hospital system has a patent on the new device designed specifically for VBT surgeries. “The ability to utilize a child’s growth to correct the curve in their back is a leap in the way these children like Danika are treated. Properly selected patients can achieve curve correction while maintaining mobility,” stated Dr. Samdani.
D
anika, or Dani, as she prefers to be called, was diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of 9. Her parents, Steve and Kimberly, sought an orthopaedic physician in the Washington, D.C. area. Danika was braced at 10 years old, but despite bracing, her curve progressed. Two years later, they were researching innovative treatments for scoliosis. They were reading up on spine fusions, and that is when they came across a Facebook support group about vertebral body tethering (VBT), an alternative to spine fusions. They knew they needed to find out more. An appointment was made in August 2018 to see Amer Samdani, M.D., chief of surgery at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Philadelphia. The leader in completing VBT surgeries, Dr. Samdani, provided Dani and her parents options for her spine care. After
8 | April 2020
a few months, her curve increased, and in May 2019, it was time to make a decision. Danika was a prime candidate for VBT with a 41-degree curvature of the spine. Her surgery date was scheduled for September 2019, nearly a year after she first came to the hospital. Little did Danika’s family know during the planning of her surgical date that she would be the first patient to have the surgery post-FDA clearance, with a new device specifically for VBT. Although the procedure had been completed over 450 times before Danika’s surgery, she was now the first to have the operation with the new device. The Tether™ is the first commercially available product used specifically for anterior vertebral body tethering, a surgical procedure, and a promising alternative for
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❝The ability to utilize a child’s growth to correct the curve in their back is a leap in the way these children like Danika are treated. Properly selected patients can achieve curve correction while maintaining mobility❞ Danika fills her time by creating art pieces – she loves to paint. She even painted canvases for her teachers when she finished sixth grade. She also enjoys listening to music while painting. Besides painting, Danika enjoys traveling the country with her parents and sister. They went to Hawaii during the summer before her surgery. If Danika could tell her pre-surgery self something post-surgery, it would be “It is worth it.” www.southjerseymom.com
Orth paedic care for kids. Why Choose Us Experience Highly trained and trusted leaders in quality orthopaedic care and rehabilitation, using innovative and advanced technology.
From Routine to Rare Shriners Hospitals for Children — Philadelphia specializes in 85 different pediatric orthopaedic conditions, from sprains to scoliosis.
Rehabilitation Services Inpatient and outpatient evidence-based, physical, occupational, speech and recreational therapy by compassionate professionals in a collaborative, positive and supportive environment.
For more information: Visit shrinersphilly.org or call 215.430.4000
Follow along on social media: @ShrinersPhilly @ShrinersPhilly @ShrinersPhilly
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summer camp guide
Why Space Camp?
W
elcome to Space Camp! Since opening in 1982, Space Camp has provided a unique, hands-on, STEM experience for students of all ages to train like astronauts! Space Camp is a place for learning, growing and having fun, and we can’t wait to share it with you. You may be asking, “Why choose Space Camp?” Space Camp is a one-of-a-kind experience at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, the Official Visitor Center for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Each year, trainees of all ages travel from across the United States and 150 countries to participate in our programs. Trainees learn space and flight history, work together as teams, experience simulators, complete simulated space missions, and learn what it really means to be an astronaut. Our location allows us to share Huntsville’s rich history and starring role in the Space Race and space exploration with our trainees. Home to Dr. Wernher von Braun
10 | April 2020
and the German rocket team that built the Saturn V moon rocket, Huntsville played a prominent role in putting man on the moon. The area has become a technologically advanced city known for space science, missile defense and biotechnology research. There’s no better place to learn about space than “The Rocket City.” At Space Camp, trainees explore the amazing artifacts housed at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Experience firsthand our National Historic Landmark Saturn V rocket, the Smithsonian Institution’s largest artifact; the Apollo 12 moon rock; mobile quarantine facility and Pathfinder Space Shuttle! Our curriculum teaches STEM principles, leadership and teamwork, while encouraging fun and creativity. Program instruction is aligned to national science
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and math standards and framed with an exciting, immersive experience amidst a backdrop of mankind’s greatest technological achievements in space hardware. Space Camp has inspired and nurtured the dreams of trainees, leading many to pursue careers in STEM fields. 96% of Space Camp graduates say their Camp experience increased their interest in STEM topics, while 61% of graduates are currently in or studying careers in aerospace, defense, energy, education, biotech or technology. Space Camp has ten graduates who have become astronauts working with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), European Space Agency (ESA), or in commercial space industry, plus two cosmonauts with the Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities (Roscosmos). Our staff is dedicated to providing a safe and exciting atmosphere for our trainees. Staff are trained to make Space Camp a fun and memorable experience for our trainees! With 24-hour security and nursing staff, Space Camp provides a safe and secure environment for all camp trainees. So, what are you waiting for? Your out-of-this-world experience is waiting for you! Get started on the adventure of a lifetime! If you have questions about attending one of our programs call 1-800 637-7223 or visit www.spacecamp.com
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HAVE A
SCIENCE PACKED SUMMER
Learn more at: www.fi.edu/summer-camp
JCC CAMPS AT MEDFORD JCC Camps at Medford enriches children’s lives by teaching values and life skills in a fun, safe and inclusive Jewish environment, while building confidence, sharing successes and creating lasting friendships. Camp is built on the fundamental values of family, love, respect, justice and charity, compassion and kindness. Watch our camp video and learn more at jcccampsatmedford.org.
LIBERTY LAKE SUMMER DAY CAMP Liberty Lake Day Camp is a transformative experience, teaching life skills to inspire young people to change the world. Campers enjoy 60 magnificent shady acres -OUTDOORS & SCREEN-FREE. Kids can customize their day with the “Freedom of Choice” elective program - 60+ activities. Open Houses: March 1 & 22, April 5 & 26, May 17. www.libertylakedaycamp.com
12 | April 2020
EARLY CHILDHOOD CAMPS AT THE KATZ JCC Early Childhood Camps at the Katz JCC, an award-winning summer day camp, is the place for little campers ages 2-5 to have big fun! Through STEM activities, creative arts, theater, music, sports, swim lessons, cooking and more, our professional camp staff ensure your child has a fun summer experience. Learn more at katzjcc.org/ecccamps; (856) 424-4444 x1242.
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Think Outside...No Box Required • OVER 70 DIFFERENT OFFERINGS • AGES 3 TO 15
• 47 NEW CLASSES FOR 2020
Join us for one or more weeks June 22 - August 20
REGISTER TODAY! Visit our Open House:
Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m. For more information, contact: Martha Cameron, Director of Summer/Auxiliary Programs, mcameron@mfriends.org, (856) 914-4493
summer.mfriends.org
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Register at our Open House Sunday, April 26 • 11am - 2pm
Save $250/camper (New Camp Families only!) Schedule a personal tour with us!
jcccampsatmedford.org • (856) 751-1666 400 Tuckerton Road • Medford, NJ
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“Every BODY can move, every MIND can create, every HEART can express. Discover Dance with us!”
Spend your summer with us and discover more than dance at CORE!
June 22nd —August 1st, 2020 Fantasy Ballet Day Camp and Pop Stars Day Camp Inquire About Our: • July FREE Dance Day • Girl’s Got Grit • Pointe Bootcamp • Advance Dance Intensive ages 3-8 • Choreography Workshops • And more! CORE Academy of Movement Center for Dance & Fitness 10 Hartford Road • Mt Laurel, NJ 08054
856.778.5955 • www.coremovement.com
STEM BASED
SUMMER CAMPS For Girls & Boys!
• Robotics Club • After School Programs • Competition Teams • Programming & Coding Young Engineers 6-8 years old
Once upon a Storybook Summer For little campers ages 2-5
Camp runs weekly starting in July For more information call 856.424.2777 or email contact@njres.org LEGO Robotics 9-12 years old
VEX Robotics 12 years and up
at a Come see us ouse Camp Open Ham - 1pm
l 26 • 10 Sunday, Apri amper ve $100on/c sa d n a r ) ly te is Reg strations ew camp regi (N
ROBOTECH Educational Services Inc. 3815 Church Road, Suite 7 • Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054
856.424.2777 • www.njres.org 14 | April 2020
Schedule a personal tour with us! katzjcc.org/ECCCAMPS • (856) 424-4444 x1242
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I’M EXPECTING VIRTUA. Whether you’re a busy mom about to expand your family or thinking about becoming a mother for the first time, we’re here to get you there. That means whether your “there” includes an OB or a midwife, support for breastfeeding, critical NICU care, or a variety of information and guidance, we want to be your partner in this exciting journey. Let’s talk about getting you there.
We Deliver.
virtua.org/WeDeliver
833-OB-FOR-ME