may 2017
SLIDE INTO SUMMER SAFETY pg. 6
Wichita Family • May 2017 - 1
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Todd Vogts
Publisher Todd Vogts publisher@wichitafamily.com
Wichita Family Magazine is published 12 times a year by Lucky 7 Publishing LLC. Wichita Family Magazine is available free, at schools, stores, restaurants, libraries, retailers and local attractions, as well as other places families frequent. For a complete list of where to find Wichita Family, or for subscription rates, email us at publisher@wichitafamily.com or visit our website at www.wichitafamily.com. Copyright 2017 by Lucky 7 Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Wichita Family Magazine is not responsible for errors, omissions or contest fulfillment from third parties. Reproduction in part or in whole without written permission is strictly prohibited. Wichita Family is distributed free of charge. The magazine’s advertisers make this possible, so support them! We reserve the right to edit submitted material. All submissions will be considered for publication, but we reserve the right to refuse material. Materials will not be returned. Any editorial content or advertising published is the property of Lucky 7 Publishing LLC. 2 - www.wichitafamily.com
A Changing Seasons Essay
A time for growth, renewal KENDALL VOGTS
Columnist
As those of you who have read my articles in the past know, I am very easily moved by the changing of seasons. I always have romanticized views of winter, summer, and fall because of sweet memories from my past. You have heard me talk about spending time at the lake in the summer, running on my favorite trail in the beautiful fall weather with crisp leaves underfoot, and you have also heard me bring up my memories of Christmas — cooking in the kitchen with my sisters and Mom. But now that spring is clearly upon us, the only memory I used to be able to share is one of a past professor. Brilliantly spacey, he always talked about how the end of fall and winter brought death to nature, while springtime brought birth, new life, and growth. It is quite evident as the warm weather and rain showers come, this is where we are. My trees have budded and now have luscious leaves decorating the branches. I have also brought back to life plants that my dad and I put in last year. I swore that during the winter months, the season of death, they were goners. However, I am splendidly pleased to say that my Boxwoods, Live Forevers, and my rose bush are living and providing my, as of right now, shabby yard with a little beauty. Along with providing life to the plants in my yard, I am providing life to a sweet baby girl inside my tummy. Yes, the publisher and I are expecting our first baby in September. And since I already know what you’re thinking, I know how hot I’m going to be in the summer, and I am totally OK with that. Now that I have this sweet baby blooming in my belly, just as my flowers
are blooming outside my window, I can cherish these sweet, romanticized thoughts about springtime. Along with these sweet thoughts about our baby girl, I have also been wondering something that touches on all moms, expecting and moms who have already had children. As Mother’s Day approaches, is a Mom a Mom even if her baby is still tucked safely in her belly? What qualifies you as finally reaching “Mom” status? Does it come with the first sound of baby’s heartbeat? Is it achieved with the first flutter of movement? Do Moms have to give birth or have new or adopted children in their arms before they get that first Mother’s Day card? I know that my views are not everyone’s, but here is my take. My baby was my baby as soon as I saw that positive pregnancy test. From that second on, I thought about her, and did and didn’t do things in order to protect her. That is when I became a Mom. Since hearing her heartbeat, seeing her move around on the sonogram, and watching my belly grow, those feelings have only been solidified. Card or not, I hope that as Mother’s Day approaches, all of you Moms are feeling cherished. Treat yourself to some time, just for you! Get out in the sunshine, do something with your kids that you all truly enjoy. Hug your sweeties and remind them that they once went through a season of growth, where you protected them, loved them and slowly watched them grow and bloom into your sweet child. Ah, sweet springtime! A season of freshness, newness and life, and a time to celebrate mothers, motherhood and the saints that motherly figures are! I hope that in this time of growth and sunshine, you are able to make many memories that allow you your own romanticized views of spring.
Wichita Family • May 2017 - 3
PUT SOME SIZZLE INTO YOUR
FATHER’S DAY GRILLING Beef on Steak Salt
Beyond the
FLAME 4 - www.wichitafamily.com
J
FAMILY FEATURES
ust ask any dad, he’s sure to agree: a perfectly seasoned steak flame-kissed to perfection is one of the great pleasures of summer grilling. This Father’s Day, you may be able to teach dad a few tricks of your own. Start by selecting a premium-quality steak like those from Omaha Steaks, which are aged at least 21 days to reach the peak of tenderness then flash frozen to stay that way. Then take that guaranteed quality to the grill and try a new method, such as slow, steady smoking, for an ultimate flavor experience. Find tips to make your summer grilling great at omahasteaks.com.
Beef on Steak Salt
Total time: 1 hour, 20 minutes 1 Omaha Steaks T-Bone (30 ounces) 1 package (3 ounces) Omaha Steaks Original Beef Jerky 3 tablespoons kosher salt Thaw steak 24-48 hours in refrigerator. Using box grater finely shred enough beef jerky to yield 2 tablespoons; mix with kosher salt. Pat steak dry on both sides and season with 1-1 1/2 tablespoons jerky salt. Allow seasoned steak to sit 45 minutes-1 hour, uncovered, at room temperature. Heat gas or charcoal grill to 450 F and oil grates to prevent sticking. Grill to desired doneness based on thickness of steak. Let steak rest 5 minutes. Garnish steak with remaining jerky salt.
Smoked King Cut T-Bone
7 Steps to Great Steak
Achieve steakhouse-worthy results at home with these tips from Omaha Steaks Executive Chef Grant Hon. 1. Proper preparation. Clean and heat your grill to high. Make sure to oil grates after cleaning. 2. Prepare your steaks. Pat steaks dry and season food before grilling. Use sea salt and freshly cracked pepper or a complete steak seasoning or rub. 3. Searing. Sear steaks over high heat and avoid moving them before they’re fully seared on all sides to protect flavor and juiciness. 4. Handling steaks on the grill. Use tongs or a spatula to turn meat on the grill; poking with a fork can damage the meat. 5. Controlling your cook. Close grill cover as much as possible while cooking to maintain a temperature around 450 F. This helps lock in flavor and prevent flare-ups. After determining the amount of time you’ll need to reach your desired doneness, use the 60/40 grilling method. Grill 60 percent on the first side then 40 percent after you turn the steak over for an even cook. 6. Juiciness. After grilling, allow steaks to rest tented with foil for 5 minutes between cooking and serving. This lets juices redistribute for the best-tasting and juiciest steak. 7. Finish and enjoy. Garnish steak and serve with style. Add colors, textures and flavors to make perfectly grilled steak even more memorable.
1 Omaha Steaks King Cut T-Bone (48 ounces) 1 tablespoon Omaha Steaks Steak Seasoning 2 tablespoons kosher salt Thaw steak in refrigerator 48-72 hours. Remove steak from vacuum packaging. Prepare dry brine by combining steak seasoning and salt and rubbing into meat on both sides. Place meat on wire rack uncovered; refrigerate 18-24 hours or overnight. Tip: If time doesn’t allow for overnight brining, let rubbed steak sit on wire rack at room temperature at least 1 hour. Cook to desired doneness with preferred indirect grilling method, placing food next to, instead of directly over, the fire. Gas or Charcoal Grill For gas grill, ignite one burner and leave others off. Adjust side burner until thermometer in grill lid reads 400 F. Place smoking box or foil pouch of wood chips over ignited burner. Place steak on grate over burners that are off. Keep grill covered and maintain temperature at 400 F. For charcoal grill, arrange hot coals evenly on one side of charcoal grate. Add wood chunks to coals and allow to smoke 10 minutes. Place drip pan with water in center of grate to keep drippings from burning. Place cooking grate over coals and place steak on grate, centered over drip pan. Place lid on grill. Adjust air
GRILLING | GAS OR RED HOT CHARCOAL
THICKNESS
RARE 120°–130°
vents to bring temperature to 400 F. Face side with filet mignon away from hottest portion of grill; larger side should be facing heat source. Smoke 40-55 minutes for mediumrare 48-ounce T-bone steak. Flip steak one time, halfway through cooking time. Verify temperature using kitchen thermometer before removing from grill. If desired, finish exterior of smoked steak over direct heat 1-2 minutes per side once it reaches desired temperature. Allow steak to rest 15 minutes before cutting and serving. Kettle or Bullet Smoker Arrange hot coals evenly on one bottom of smoker grate. Add wood chunks to coals and allow to smoke 10 minutes. Place drip pan with water under rack. Place cooking grate over coals and place steak on cooking grate centered over drip pan. Place lid on smoker. Adjust air vents to maintain 250 F. A medium-rare 48-ounce T-bone steak rested at room temperature for 1 hour prior to cooking should require 1 hour-1 hour and 15 minutes to reach proper temperature, which can be verified with a kitchen thermometer. If desired, finish exterior of smoked steak over direct heat 1-2 minutes per side once it reaches desired temperature. Allow steak to rest 15 minutes before cutting and serving.
Preheat grill on high, 600 F. Lightly oil and season steaks. Cook steaks covered. Rest 3-5 minutes before serving.
MEDIUM RARE 130°–140°
MEDIUM 140°–150°
WELL DONE 160°–170°
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Wichita Family • May 2017 - 5
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
SLIDE INTO SUMMER SAFETY
S
FAMILY FEATURES
ummer is a time for playground fun, camping, boating, swimming, biking and other outdoor activities. Longer days mean more time outside and more physical activity, which translates to increased potential for injuries. Playground falls, lawnmower accidents, campfire and fire pit burns are some common childhood injuries that can happen during summer months. “Sustaining a serious injury can be a life-altering event for a child,” said Chris Smith, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Shriners Hospitals for Children®. “We see patients every day with injuries caused by accidents and we are committed to raising awareness about how to stay safe.” These tips from Shriners Hospitals for Children can help your family enjoy a fun, injury-free summer.
Go Outside and Play
Outdoor play provides physical and mental health benefits, including opportunities for exercise, creative expression, stress reduction and access to a free and natural source of vitamin D – sunlight. Before sending kids out to play, make sure they are wearing shoes to protect their feet from cuts, scrapes and splinters, and wearing sunscreen to protect against sunburns and harmful ultraviolet rays.
6 - www.wichitafamily.com
Tips for a fun, safe summer
Playground 101
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that emergency departments treat more than 200,000 children ages 14 and younger every year for playground-related injuries. Before your kids head to the playground, keep these precautions in mind: n Choose parks and playgrounds that are appropriate for their age and offer shock-absorbing surfaces. n Teach children that pushing and shoving on the playground can result in accidents and injuries. n Remind kids to go down the slide one at a time and to wait until the slide is completely clear before taking their turn. Teach them to always sit facing forward with their legs straight in front of them and to never slide down headfirst. n Remind children to swing sitting down. Encourage them to wait until the swing stops before getting off and to be careful when walking in front of moving swings.
Make a Safe Splash
While playing poolside may be a blast, Safe Kids Worldwide reports that drowning is the leading cause of injury-related deaths for children ages 1-4 and the third-leading cause of injury-related deaths among those under 19. Additionally, the University of Michigan Health Systems estimate that about 6,000 kids under the age of 14
are hospitalized because of diving injuries each year, with 1 in 5 sustaining a spinal cord injury. Prevent accidents and injuries with these tips to ensure your family’s safety around water: n Instruct children to never swim alone or go near water without an adult present. n Give children your undivided attention when they are swimming or near any body of water. n Always jump in feet first to check the depth before diving into any body of water. n Never dive in the shallow end of the pool or into above-ground pools.
Fun on the Water
Boating, tubing and other water sports can be great fun but can also be dangerous. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, nearly 71 percent of all boating fatalities are drownings, 85 percent of which are a result of not wearing a life jacket. Here is what you can do to enjoy the water safely: n Always have children wear a Coast Guard-approved, properly fitted life jacket while on a boat, around an open body of water or when participating in water sports. n Educate yourself. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 86 percent of boating accident deaths involve boaters who have not completed a safety course. n Always check water conditions and forecasts before going out on the water.
Fire Safety Simplified
According to the CDC, more than 300 children ages 19 and under are treated in
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
emergency rooms for fire- and burn-related injuries each day. Use these tips to help keep children safe around fires, fireworks, grills and other heat sources: n Teach kids to never play with matches, gasoline, lighter fluid or lighters. Make a habit of placing these items out of the reach of young children. n Do not leave children unattended near grills, campfires, fire pits or bonfires. Always have a bucket of water or fire
extinguisher nearby whenever there is an open flame. n Take your child to a doctor or hospital immediately if he or she is injured in a fire or by fireworks. n Leave fireworks to the professionals. To see more tips, find activity pages and learn how to become a “Superhero of Summer Safety,” visit shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/safesummer.
When the Unexpected Happens
I
t was a beautiful, sunny day when Jordan Nerski headed to the playground with his mother, like millions of other kids on summer vacation. One minute Jordan was climbing on the jungle gym and the next he was on the ground with a broken elbow.
Accidents like these are why emergency room doctors and staff refer to the summer months as “trauma season.” During these warm, action-packed months, kids spend more hours active and outdoors, often without adult supervision, increasing the chance of injury. When these accidents occur, parents want the best care possible for their children. Jordan’s mother Jackie received a recommendation from a friend who suggested that she bring her son to the Shriners Hospital for Children — Portland walk-in fracture clinic. “The experience we had was truly amazing,” Jackie Nerski said. “It was a stressful time since he was in a lot of pain, but everyone from the greeter at check-in to the doctor made it the best experience.” A simple and streamlined process, Jordan, equipped with an X-ray docu-
menting his break, was checked-in at the fracture clinic, treated and casted in under 2 hours. Jordan returned with his mother for follow-up visits to ensure his elbow was healing properly and they found every visit to be stress-free and informative. “At each visit, every care was taken for his comfort and to answer all my questions to appease my anxiety,” Jackie Nerski said. “It was an experience that was fantastic; though one I hope we don’t need again, but if we do, we know where to go.” Including the Portland location, there are 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children in the United States, Canada and Mexico that provide specialized care to children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate, regardless of the families’ ability to pay. Of these 22 hospitals, 13 also offer walk-in fracture clinics.
Wichita Family • May 2017 - 7
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