San Joaquin Woman Mar 2011

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March 2011

209 MOMS

The Magazine For San Joaquin Women

edition

FOSTERING LOVE ONE CHILD AT A TIME

Vince Camuto “Malinas” woven leather sandal with sequins, $89. Dillards.com • 1-800-345-5273

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March 2011 PUBLISHER Roger Coover PUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR Deitra R. Kenoly EDITOR Karen Bakhtegan CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dr. Param K. Gill Charleen Earley Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Greg Severi Lindsay Ortez GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jason Ente Dan Loeffelbein Cover photo by Lindsay Ortez www.lindsayophotography.com San Joaquin Woman magazine is published four times a year by The Record, 530 E. Market Street, Stockton, CA 95202. All information written for publication in San Joaquin Woman magazine is believed to be accurate. Readers must assume all responsibility for their own actions based on this information. Occasionally a product or company may be named in an article, but does not constitute an endorsement of said product. San Joaquin Woman magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers.

Photos and content become the sole property of San Joaquin Woman magazine and may be used, published or edited without limit or obligation to the author.

Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.

Reproduction is prohibited without the permission of the publisher. For more information, go to sanjoaquinwoman.com.

To advertise in San Joaquin Woman magazine, call (209) 546-8200

Karen Bakhtegan Editor

If you are a parent, about to become a parent or just thinking about it, this is the San Joaquin Woman edition for you. Without exception this was the most fun I have had working on the magazine since its conception in 2007. What could be more fun than hauling a bunch of toddlers out to the country for a fashion photo shoot? Sounds like a true test of one’s patience, doesn’t it? Well not with the group of tots we had to work with.

These kiddos were naturals! I must confess, however, that it was my trusty, talented and very patient photographer, Lindsay Ortez, that made all the magic happen.

Thanks, Lindsay!

Now the true test of my resolve was the group of middle school girls – my own daughter included – that I dragged into Campbell’s in the Village to model spring fashions.

Let’s just sum it up by saying none of the clothes I chose the previous day were worn in the photos. Twelve-year-old girls have rules about what they will and will not wear. Thankfully, Campbell’s has something to please everyone, and I owe Debby Dittman and her crew a big thank-you for letting us wreak havoc in her store for a few hours. All in all and a few gray hairs later, that was a pretty fun day as well. The girls did a great job, as did my photographer and friend, Greg Severi. The friend part may be in question after giving him that assignment!

Last but not least, the teen girls were more than eager to model their Winter Formal attire. I was not present at that shoot, so if drama ensued, I am unaware. Once again, special thanks to Lindsay Ortez.

Take a look inside this issue, and in addition to the kid’s fashions you will find food, outings, home improvement, financial advice, health information and much more, all geared toward local moms at all stages of parenting and pre-parenting.

And as always, we want to hear from you. Give us your feedback, ideas, inspirations and even criticism (constructive, of course) by emailing me at kbakhtegan@recordnet.com or sjwoman@recordnet.com.

Ha�y Spring 2011!

San Joaquin Woman Magazine Team

Rachael Martinez

Deanna Luna

Magazine Team Coordinator

Magazine Account Executive

san joaquin woman CONTENTS

FEATURE

8 Foster Parenting

FASHION 10 Tot Culture 12 Dr ama Tweens 16 Teen Scene

PEEK-A-BOUTIQUE 18 Willow Tree PJ Polk adots BW Black & Whites

HOME LIFE 20 Color Me Neutr al Nursery A

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25 Say Cheese/Mini Pizzas

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OUT AND ABOUT 26 World of Wonders Science Museum

FINANCE 28 Ask Carrie Financial Aid and Child Assets

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HEALTH & BEAUTY 30 Maternity Care St. Joseph’s Medical Center

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FEATURE

FOSTERING LOVE ONE CHILD AT A TIME

By Charleen Earley

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MARCH 2011

While the three most basic needs of a child’s life are food, water and shelter, another basic need that trumps them all is what Patty and CJ La Mar have given 74 foster kids over the past fourteen years – love.

The couple currently cares for two biological kids, one adopted and three foster kids ranging in ages 10 months to 17 years old. It’s a labor of love.

for 16 years. “They’ll come in sad and disconnected, and then come alive.”

Christensen, along with her team, help future foster parents prepare their homes as well as receive necessary resources and training in order to become foster parents. The cost to do this is priceless.

“We tell people it’s the best thing we’ve ever done and the hardest thing we’ve ever done,” said Patty of Manteca. “It’s a joy to be able to love them and care for them. I can’t fix all the problems they were exposed to, but while they’re at my house, I can love them for today.”

The process begins by attending an orientation meeting and filling out an application packet at home. Next, a licensed social worker is assigned to you, someone who will tour your home and advise you of your next steps.

“We have a good training program that goes through all the ins and outs of becoming a foster parent,” added Christensen.

“It’s important because the foster parents are with that child 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They’re the most important person in that child’s life.”

“In addition to this number, there are also children who are already in foster care that, sometimes through no fault on their own, need to be moved into another placement,” said Christensen. “This could change this number to 50 or 60 children per month.”

Regardless of nationalities or ages, they all need a better home from where they started.

“The rewards of foster parenting have to do with watching a child come out of a severely neglected home and become secure, blossom and literally come alive and out of their shell,” said Christensen, who has worked in child welfare

Requirements to become a foster care parent have changed over the years, said Christensen, who said their non-profit organization is basically an extension of the state at the county level.

“You don’t have to be married, you could be single; you don’t have to own a home, you could be a renter; and you don’t have to be straight, you can be gay,” she said.

On average, about 40 new children a month are processed through The Foster Parent NETwork of San Joaquin County, which doesn’t account for private agencies. Foster and Adoptive Home Recruiter Karen Christensen said they currently have approximately 1,743 children in foster care in San Joaquin County, and 45% of them are under 18 months old.

Out of the 1,743 children currently in foster care, Christensen said roughly 43% are Hispanic, 27% Caucasian, 25% African American, 4% Asian and 1% are Native American.

“I always tell people to investigate everything, do the research and be realistic. For me it’s a calling.

I just love it and think it’s great, even though I wish there wasn’t a need for it.”

For Patty, she’s thrilled to witness happy endings for these children.

“It basically costs your life!” said Christensen.

“It’s not for everybody. It’s for someone who wants to give back and invest their time into the life of a child. The reimbursement rate is really not enough.”

Patty agrees foster parenting is not for everyone.

“It’s more than babysitting – this child is part of your family, and it can be so rewarding,” she said.

“When parents are not able to reunify with their child, and finding a new parent, well, there’s something cool when you hand a new parent their baby for the first time. It’s my ultimate favorite,” said Patty. “To be a part of that is amazing.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.SJGOV.ORG OR CALL THE FOSTER PARENT NETWORK AT

209.465.5437 (KIDS).

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209 M OM S

TOT CULTURE • 6 Months rielle Herrera Anaiya Gabtha Deanna Perez d an ra rre He n Parents: Na

lla Outfit and umbre

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ths and Kimberly Washington City: Stockton Penney, shoes from Payless Sh oe Source

Parents: Markell

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Bestever Giraffe Baby Mat Dillard’s

• Age 3 a Grizzle Alexandrithew and Melissa Grizzle

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MARCH 2011

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E S B I B A Look A Book A Zany Seek and Find Adventure

by Bob Staake Barnes & Noble

DO YOU HAVE A STYLISH TOT? Send us a photo. We may use your couture kiddos in our next TOT CULTURE feature.

Send to: SJWoman@recordnet.com Photos by Lindsay Ortez • www.lindsayophotography.com Sa n Joa q ui n Wo m an

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Dram aTweens

DramaTweens Spring has almost sprung, and these seventh graders from Claudia Landeen School in Stockton know that bright colors and nautical prints will be the superstars of fashion for the warm weather months of 2011.

Shot on location at Campbell’s in the Village Photos by Greg Severi

Sabrina Kelly • Jordan Bakhtegan • Marissa Aparicio • Elizabeth Miller

All clothing, shoes and accessories are available at Campbell’s in the Village, Lincoln Center, Stockton

BECAUSE POINT A TO POINT B DOESN’T ALWAYS HAVE A DOCTOR IN BETWEEN. Sutter Gould Urgent Care Centers offer extended weekday and weekend hours, and all-day walk-in appointments. You’ll also find up to the minute wait times posted online to make staying on top of your health even easier. It’s where convenience meets quality, personalized care from a name you trust.

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F MIKAYLA MONTIEL Dress and accessories from Wet Seal; shoes from Forever 21

Photos by Lindsay Ortez • www.lindsayophotography.com

A S H CARISSA DUNIGAN Dress from Michael Kors

KAMI HERRERA Dress from Macy’s; shoes from Steve Madden; accessories from JC Penney

Springtime brings school dances, formals, parties and graduation. These freshmen from East Union High School in Manteca know how to make a statement at any event with fashion finds from local retailers.

H I O N Teen Scene LINDSEY MACHADO Dress from Dillard’s; shoes from JC Penney; accessories from Forever 21

JULIANNA QUEIROLO Dress from Forever 21; shoes from Macy’s; accessories from JC Penney

SAMANTHA KINARD Dress, shoes and accessories from Macy’s

HAILEY NEVES Dress and shoes from Macy’s; accessories from Icing

FEATURE

e u q i t u o b a peek

U B A K PEE

tion in a c lo t n ie n e v con e n o in s e u iq t Three bou

Co-owners Tami Enos and her daughter Bri McClerkin specialize in unique children’s clothing and accessories for infant to toddler boys and girls. Featuring everything from high-end clothing to baby shower gifts, Willow Tree also offers a complete registry so friends and family can pick from a list of items chosen specifically by you!

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Lodi! n w o t n w o d n

Tree w lo il W e h t e Stores insid PJ Polkadots 823-1357

Pam Hulsebosch offers an array of unique personalized items that make great gifts for children: toy tubs, accessory cases, placemats, lunch boxes and much more. She also specializes in canvas artwork and tile art for more great gifts.

BW Black & Whites 334-6880

Bre Baszler provides family photography, specializing in children, to create unforgettable memories to last a lifetime.

Photos by Lindsay Ortez • www.lindsayophotography.com Sa n Joa q ui n Wo m an

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Color m e neutral

HO ME LIFE

COLOR ME NEUTRAL Create a nursery rooted in neutrals to make future redesigns painless

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First comes love, then comes the color palette to match that baby carriage. The stress of preparing for your little one’s arrival can detract from these moments of love and joy, but setting the color palette can make planning the rest of your nursery décor fall more easily into place.

“When we think of style, it’s not just the classic nursery,” says Shalena Smith, founder of Los Angelesbased Ga Ga Designs. “It can be a contemporary or modern style, and setting a theme is not necessary.

The nursery should feel like the rest of the way the house feels.” Smith, who has worked with celebrities like P. Diddy, recommends starting with determining color schemes and looking at how the rest of your house is styled.

With nurseries, there’s always the baby blue, pink, pale green and soft yellow that we are all familiar with,

but you don’t have to keep with tradition. Using neutral color palettes are a great way to add a soothing and sophisticated look to a nursery, and it provides a lot of wiggle room for your growing child.

“Thinking ahead is very important,” says Sherri Blum of Sherri Blum Designs, the interior designer’s line of canvas wall art and other wall décor for children.

“Many new parents imagine their baby only in the infant or toddler stage, and don’t think about how their choices for the nursery might later work or not [work] with an older child who now has their own tastes, opinions and different needs.” Blum recommends pairing a stronger color with a neutral for a soothing and sophisticated look, she but warns of bright or stimulating colors, which can be overwhelming for a developing baby.

MARCH 2011

“Most parents want a soft, serene environment for their baby. This is comforting to both the baby and parents, who will spend many nights in this nursery,” Blum says. “However, today more parents are opting for unique color combinations and variations of these standard baby colors.

“Rather than baby blue or pale pink, many are choosing a soft aqua blue or salmon pink or soft orange. Then parents are pairing these with unexpected secondary colors such as soft chocolate brown or black.”

Roselle Hope of Roselle Andrea, an interior design and product company that specializes with infants located in New York City, recommends gray as an interchangeable and unique neutral that can easily blend with other colors, since it comes in is own range of tones.

“For a nursery, the goal should always be to unify parents and the child, because the nursery is space that is utilized [by] parent and child at the same time. That’s what it’s for,” Hope says.

“The most important thing to think about when considering a color or design for a nursery is lifestyle. Select colors that blend with the overall tone of your home. Try to incorporate all the family needs to create a room that you’re comfortable with and fits into your life.” © CTW Features

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FOOD

Q

SAY CHEESE! How do you : please a pack of picky eaters?

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Do-it: themselves personal pizzas

WHAT YOU WILL NEED: Pizza crust Pizza sauce A variety of pizza toppings including shredded cheese Round or rectangular pizza pans or cookie sheets • Divide pizza dough into single-size portions or take a whole pizza crust and designate a section for each kid.

• An efficient way to make a lot of individual pizzas: pat most of the dough into a large rectangle and make a grid pattern with strips of remaining dough. Let kids fill the grids with the toppings of their choice. When the pizza is baked, use a pizza wheel or large knife to cut along the grid lines.

• Explore other pizza shapes. How about hearts, flowers, bears, fish or even kid-shaped pizzas?

• Make individual pizza pockets – or calzones – by spreading half a round of raw pizza dough with sauce and toppings, leaving a 1-inch border. Fold the other half over and seal the edges by pressing the dough together with a fork. Brush with olive oil and bake.

• For a quick and easy pizza night, start with pre-baked pizza crust or make your pizza dough ahead of time.

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Where scientists

By Charleen Earley Photos by Lindsay Ortez A command most kids hear on a regular basis is “don’t touch that!” but they’ll never hear those words uttered at the World of Wonders (WOW) Science Museum located on North Sacramento Street in Lodi.

“We tell every child when they visit to touch everything,” said Board President Sally Snyde of the non-profit organization. “Here it’s all hands-on. It’s a fun and relaxing way to learn about science.”

Patterned after the Exploratorium in San Francisco, doors to the 9,000-square-foot building opened in 2005, which boasts 35 exciting exhibits. Over 25,000 children and adults visit annually.

Snyde said their main goal is to inspire their young visitors to someday become scientists and engineers.

“Everything around us is about science. We are losing science teachers because they’re focusing more on math. Science is what created computers and phones,” said Snyde. “We want to create the next generation of American scientists.”

From a $13,000 “electrifying” four-foot plasma ball – Snyde’s favorite exhibit – donated by KR and Robbie Hovatter, to a flight simulator, the museum also has cool

experiments to do, such as how to make Mystical Milk or Quicksand.

The museum’s partnership with the Exploratorium allows it to lease exhibits on a revolving basis.

However, in the future, the museum board members plan to create their own exhibits from the Exploratorium Cookbook.

In May, visitors will have a windy-good time with an eight-foot tornado, again compliments of KR and Robbie Hovatter, who donated funds for the museum to purchase it from the Exploratorium.

“Our next major event is the Reptile Round-Up on April 2 from 10 am to 3 pm,” said Snyde. “We are still working on the details, but there will be snakes, geckos, lizards and more!”

Snyde loves working at the museum, not just because she gets to play with the exhibits.

“It’s exciting to inspire these kids to be the next astronauts and engineers,” she said. “They’re learning without even knowing it!”

For more museum hours, location and information, visit www.wowsciencemuseum.com or call 209-368-0WoW (0969).

are born

CAREER & F INANCE

YOUR CHILD’S ASSETS AND FINANCIAL AID: WHAT COUNTS AND WHAT DOESN’T

Story By: Carrie Schwab Pomertanz

Dear Carrie: If my child has a custodial Roth IRA, is that considered the child’s asset for financial aid purposes? — A Reader Dear Reader: I can answer your specific question pretty quickly: Your child’s custodial Roth IRA is not considered an asset that could affect financial aid eligibility. In fact, neither students nor parents are required to report qualified retirement assets (regular or Roth IRAs, 401(k) plans, etc.) on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

So when it comes to determining aid eligibility, these assets don’t count.

Please note: If your child took a distribution from an IRA, that would be considered income, would be reported on the FAFSA, and would affect eligibility – but that’s a very unlikely scenario.

But even though that’s pretty straightforward, I’m glad you asked the question because the larger issue of assets and financial aid is important – and can be very confusing.

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ASSETS: JUST ONE COMPONENT Your (and your child’s) assets are just one part of the aid eligibility calculation. Of course, income plays a substantial role, along with the number of people in your household, how many in your family are attending college (including you), and whether your child is a dependent. The best way to understand this is to complete the FAFSA, which you can do online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. By the way, if you are uncertain if you will qualify, you might want to consider applying anyway. You might be surprised by how much aid you can get, and the application is necessary for getting government-sponsored student loans.

When it comes to assets, aid calculations assume that a certain percentage is available to pay for college: for parents, it’s a maximum of 5.64 percent; for students, it’s a maximum of 20 percent. Again, the actual “Expected Family Contribution,” as it’s called, will vary for a slew of different reasons, but if all things were equal, and you’ve got $25,000 in the bank, you’ll be expected to use $1,410 before financial aid is awarded. If your child has $25,000 in a non-529 account, the school will expect $5,000 to be used before financial aid is awarded.

Obviously, it’s beneficial to have fewer assets in the child’s name and more in the parents’ names – which is one reason custodial accounts have fallen out of favor as a way of saving for college. Custodial accounts are always in the child’s name, so aid calculations assess those assets at the 20 percent rate.

NEW RULES FOR 529 PLANS But what about 529 college savings plans?

As of July 2009, financial aid calculations treat any custodial education savings plans – 529 plans (including prepaid tuition plans) and Coverdell accounts – as assets of the parents as long as the child is a dependent on your tax return. (If your child is not claimed as a dependent, those accounts are treated as the child’s assets.)

In other words, 529 and other educational account assets have relatively low impact on a student’s financial aid eligibility. If you’re going to give money to your children for college, it might be better to consider the 529 plan vehicle rather than a traditional custodial account. And just for the

record, always keep in mind that as with any investment, it is possible to lose money in a 529 plan. Also, be sure to consult a tax professional to discuss your specific circumstances.

And remember that when it comes time to actually pay for college, 529 plan assets can only be used for qualified expenses: tuition, room and board, books and supplies, and a computer (if explicitly required by the school). Part-time students are eligible to use 529 assets to pay for many expenses if they are attending at least half-time; for those attending less than half-time, only tuition can be paid for with 529 plan assets.

There’s also an interesting strategy if you have relatives who want to contribute to your child’s education: A grandparent or someone else can open a 529 plan in their name, with the child as beneficiary, rather than depositing money in your plan. Since the contributor “owns” the account, it has zero impact on FAFSA financial aid calculations.

(Some schools use the CSS Profile, which does request balances for any plans that name the student as a beneficiary.)

I’ll close by pointing out something I hope is obvious: Financial aid should go to those who need it. I would never suggest that someone try to “game the system” to secure financial aid. However, it is absolutely prudent and responsible for you to take complete advantage of the aid that is rightfully yours. Thanks for the question, and good luck!

Note: For more on the topic, you can go to http://www.finaid.org/savings/529plans.phtml.

Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (tm) is president of the Charles Schwab Foundation and author of “It Pays to Talk.” You can e-mail Carrie at askcarrie@schwab.com. This column is no substitute for an individualized recommendation, tax or personalized investment advice.

To find out more about Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2011 CHARLES SCHWAB & CO. INC. MEMBER SIPC

H EALTH & BEAUTY

PREPARING FOR CHILDBIRTH

By Param K. Gill, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. Gill OB/GYN Medical Group, Inc. Pregnancy is the beginning of an incredible journey, but the time to start preparing for childbirth is before you become pregnant. I recommend that women schedule a preconception checkup with their OB-GYN doctor.

Your doctor will examine you to make sure that you are in good health, and talk to you about medications, diet, exercise, and any lifestyle changes to consider.

Preparing for childbirth is something that a woman begins to do from the time her pregnancy is confirmed. When a women suspects she is pregnant, and throughout her pregnancy, it is very important that she has regular appointments with an OB-GYN for prenatal care. Monitoring the mother’s health and the baby’s development is vital to ensure the best outcomes for both mother and baby.

Whether it is a woman’s first pregnancy or her third, she usually has lots of questions.

I recommend that my patients prepare by learning as much as possible about pregnancy, development of the fetus, labor and delivery, and caring for a newborn.

Becoming informed is the best way to be engaged in the birth process and gain confidence as a new mother.

Women should have open communication with their obstetrician and feel comfortable asking them about anything. Really, no question is silly or insignificant. Your doctor and his or her office staff have a wealth of resources to offer; just ask. Some patients will come to

Ready for

an appointment and say, “I know I had something to ask you, but I can’t remember what it was.” I recommend pregnant moms keep a list handy to jot down questions as they arise, and take it with them when it’s time for their next prenatal visit.

There are popular books about “what to expect when you’re expecting,” that are very informative and easy to understand.

Most hospitals offer prenatal and childbirth preparation classes. These are very beneficial.

Mothers who take childbirth preparation classes report they need less pain medication and anesthesia during labor. Dads are more helpful and feel more involved in the delivery process when they have attended childbirth classes. The childbirth classes will help you prepare for what to take with you to the hospital.

For many women, childbirth is the first time they have ever been a patient in a hospital.

Check to see if the hospital where you plan to deliver offers tours, and if so, take advantage of the opportunity. That way, when the time comes to deliver, you’ll be familiar with the environment and feel more comfortable in your surroundings. Make a list of questions about the hospital and your stay to take with you for the tour. Be sure to ask about the hospital’s visiting policy, and who is permitted in the room during the delivery.

Also ask about breastfeeding, lactation support, and practices to encourage bonding with your newborn.

How will you know when it’s time to go?

During the last weeks of pregnancy you may feel tired, heavy, and more than ready to give birth. Keep in mind that your due date is an estimated date of delivery. Two weeks before or after your due date is typical. You will have more frequent visits with your OB doctor toward the end of your pregnancy.

Your physician will look for physical changes that will indicate your delivery time is near.

Your physician will talk to you about what signs to look for, such as the baby “dropping” (which means the baby is moving down into the pelvic cavity to get in position for birth), changes to your breasts including possible leaking, mucus discharge or spotting (signs the cervix is thinning or beginning to dilate), what to do if your water breaks, and the differences between false and real labor (during real labor contractions intensify, the time between contractions shorten, and the duration of contractions is longer). When to go to the hospital varies from woman to woman, depending on her individual conditions. Your doctor will tell you at what point during labor you should go to the hospital.

Once you get to the hospital, try to relax and rest in between contractions. How your labor progresses will depend on a variety of factors, including whether it is your first pregnancy or if you have had other children. Trust in yourself, your preparations, your doctor, and your care team… and get ready for the wondrous experience ahead!

Childbirth?

Have a pre-pregnancy health exam Schedule an OB appointment as soon as you suspect you’re pregnant ■ Continue prenatal care throughout your pregnancy ■ Arm yourself with information – read, ask questions ■ Attend prenatal and childbirth preparation classes ■ Tour your hospital and pre-register ■ Make a list of what to take to the hospital and pack your bag in advance ■ Talk to your doctor about plans to breastfeed and pain management options during delivery ■ Select a pediatrician for the baby ■ Prepare your home for the things you and your baby will need when you return from the hospital ■ Relax and wait for the big day ■

■

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About the author: Dr. Param Gill has been practicing at St. Joseph’s Medical Center for more than 25 years, and heads the largest independent OB/GYN group in Northern California. Gill OB/GYN Medical Group, Inc. has offices in Stockton, Lodi, and Manteca.

www.gillobgyn.com

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Lindsay Ortez’s photography has been gracing the pages and often the covers of San Joaquin Woman Magazine as well as San Joaquin Lifestyles Magazine for nearly a year. We discovered her talent when she came to us with her beautiful pregnancy photography, and we quickly found out what a priceless find she was when she began working with us on the magazines. Lindsay is the proud mother of Teagan, the adorable child on the cover of this issue, in addition to a savvy business woman who has turned her natural artistic talent into a lucrative business.

selectionofphotographsby

LINDSAYORTEZ ORTEZ photography

While her specialties are pregnancy, babies and children, Lindsay can turn just about anything into a work of art with her eye for beautiful locations and her knack for getting just the right expression out of her sometimes-reluctant subjects.

We are proud to have Lindsay on board the San Joaquin Woman team.

To view more of Lindsay’s work, visit www.lindsayophotography.com.

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San Joaquin Lifestyles, San Joaquin Woman, and San Joaquin Bride & Groom Magazines are available at many area locations

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Dameron Hospital is well known for comprehensive Women’s Services. This year alone over 1,600 babies began their lives at Dameron Hospital. Dameron’s A.G. Spanos Family’s Start of Life Center offers both mothers and infants a safe, caring environment for child birth. On site services include a Level III Intensive Care Nursery with 24 hour Neonatology coverage and the Oshtory Pediatric Center.

Dameron Hospital will support you in finding an Obstetrician and Gynecology physician who will listen to you and one you will feel comfortable with.

W OMEN ’ S S PECIALIZED S ERVICES : Pregnancy

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Colposcopy

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Infer tility

Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery Urinary-Stress Incontinence Hormone Therapy & Management Premenstrual Syndrome

DAMERON

COMMUNITY

DOCTORS:

Gentry Vu, M.D. Robert Southmayd, D.O. Bhagya Nakka, M.D. OB/GYN ■ Pankaj Thaker, M.D. FACOG Sudevi Thaker, M.D. FACOG ■ Melba Berbano, M.D., ■

More Than Healthcare – Your Care!

525 W. Acacia St. ■ Stockton, CA 95203 209.944-5550 ■ www.dameronhospital.org

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