March 2013

y o u r

c e n t r a l

v a l l e y

f a m i l y

r e s o u r c e

College Prep

"A-G" Courses for College Admissions

Behavior

Keeping the Bed Dry at Night

Gardening Pizza Garden ‌ Yum!

013 2 CH M AR

Ensuring that

Your Family has a lifetime of

Healthy Smiles.

This Family Plan includes children who are enrolled full-time in

• No Deductibles

college until age 23, or children who are not enrolled full-time in

• No Pre-existing Condition Limitations

college until age 18.

This plan is only honored at Williams Family Dental. This dental plan is not an insurance plan that can be used at any other dental office. Visit VisaliaSmiles.com for savings on comprehensive coverage.

Keith E. Williams DDS Inc. 2

559.667.4304 2744 West Main, Visalia, CA 93291 Visaliasmiles.com RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013

• Immediate Eligibility • and many more features...

The Williams Family Dental Comprehensive Dental Plan is designed to proved affordability and greater access to quality dental care.

EDITOR’S LETTER

A

sk any parent what they want most for their children and the overwhelming answer is, “For them to be healthy.” We wish and hope and pray for our children to be born healthy and we do everything possible to ensure proper nutrition while they are infants. Then, the toddler years hit and getting them to try a variety of healthy foods can be challenging.

It helps to develop healthy eating habits early. Justin and Rebecca Reynolds give some great advice on “Filling Your Children’s Plates the Nutritious Way” on page 19. Children learn to eat what we eat, and making smart decisions about types of foods and portions doesn’t require a Ph.D. Along with making better choices when it comes to food is staying active and getting enough rest. Staying active doesn’t always mean going to the gym, as it can be as simple as taking a daily walk or riding a bike. Tulare County Health and Human Services share what a positive impact daily activity and proper rest can have on our body, mind and future. For more ideas about how to incorporate these into your daily routine, turn to page 12.

If you’ve ever dealt with bed-wetting you know how heartbreaking that can be for both the child and the parent. When nothing you’re doing seems to work, it isn’t easy to stay positive. Years ago, frustrated parents would use humiliation tactics (hanging the wet bed sheets outside for all to see) hoping the child’s embarrassment would magically stop the nighttime soakings. On page seven, Barry Sommer explains some of the reasons bed-wetting happens, gives advice on what to do, and most importantly, how to stay positive so longterm psychological damage doesn’t occur.

We hope you find these, and all of our articles, helpful. Our goal at Raise is to be a valuable resource for you in raising healthy and happy children. In doing so, if you find you need a little levity in your day, you won’t want to miss Crystal R. R. Edward’s article, “Say What?” on page eight. Crystal always finds the humor in parenting. Another critical component is staying positive during some of the more challenging days.

The staff at Raise appreciates the time you take in reading and for your comments. Be sure to find us on Facebook – we’ll be watching for you.

Until next time,

Karen Tellalian, EXECUTIVE EDITOR For more information or to submit a story idea, email Karen@dmiagency.com or call (559) 739-1747 or fax (559) 738-0909.

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013

3

6

Behavior Keeping the Bed Dry at Night

ma

rch

20

13

PUBLISHED BY DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 EDITORIAL Executive Editor Karen Tellalian Assistant Editor TAYLOR VAUGHN Content Editor Kyndal Kennedy Calendar ciara norton

in this issue

ART & PRODUCTION Art Director ROSS Yukawa

8

Humor

16 Fitness

"Say What?" Communicating With Your Child

17 Dental Health

10 Child Welfare

Non-Minor Dependents

12 Positive Parenting

Healthy Lifestyles

20 Adventures 23 Happy Trails 24 Calendar 27 Resources

Pizza Garden … Yum!

18 Nutrition

Filling Your Children's Plates the Nutritious Way

"A-G" Courses for College Admissions

26 Health

Understanding the Common Cold

Raise Magazine is distributed in Visalia, Exeter, Woodlake and Tulare.

If you would like copies available at your business, call 559.739.1747 Raise Magazine is published 12 times a year and distributed at hightraffic locations in the South Valley av rea. For a list of locations, call the DMI Agency office. Views expressed in columns are those of the columnist and not necessarily those of DMI Agency or its advertisers. © 2013 DMI Agency

4

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013

CAROLINA QUEZADA Crystal R. R. Edwards Jesus & Adriana Gonzalez JUSTIN & Rebecca Reynolds LEE LITTLEWOOD mariya Grigoryan Susan Schieferle

ADVERTISING SALES Advertising Director Bridget Elmore

Lively Tales for Young Girls

22 College Prep

ANDY SaLAZAR BARRY SOMMER

Operations Manager Maria Gaston

21 Reading List

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Malkasian Accountancy LLP Gary Malkasian CPA JEFFREY Malkasian EA

14 Gardening

Graphic Designer CHRIS BLY

SALES OFFICE 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 559.739.1747 • Fax 559.738.0909 VIEW THE MAG ONLINE! issuu.com/raisemagazine

Facebook.com/RaiseMagazine

ON THE COVER: Marieligh Grace Coon, 5, of Visalia.

Photo by Janette Smith Photography.

Choose the One Where Family Comes First

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013

5

BEHAVIOR

Keeping the Bed

Dry at Night Text by Barry Sommer, Educational Psychologist, Marriage and Family Therapist

6

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013

BEHAVIOR

P

arents often get frustrated or anxious about their children staying dry at night after they’ve mastered daytime toileting. When your child wets the bed, nights can be filled with anxiety and upset. Nighttime dryness is a tricky skill for a child to master, and it is more common than you think.

Almost half of all children still wet the bed at age three. In fact, most child development specialists consider nighttime wetting normal until age six, when only 12 percent of children still wet the bed. What's more, bedwetting is hereditary; more than 70 percent of kids whose parents were both bed-wetters end up the same. Eighty-five percent of children eventually outgrow bed-wetting. In the teenage years, only two to five percent of children, or one child per class, continue to wet their bed. Bedwetting boys outnumber girls by a ratio of four to one.

Think of bed-wetting as a communication problem: the bladder and the brain don't communicate during sleep. The bed-wetting child literally sleeps through his/her bladder signals.

Delay in bladder control can occur if there is a delay in awareness of bladder fullness, a small bladder, or the bladder-emptying reflex continues to be strong well into later childhood. These components of bladder maturity occur at different ages in different children. Bed-wetting is simply a developmental lag in the mastering of a bodily skill. There are late walkers, late talkers and late dry-nighters.

Bed-wetting is not an emotional or psychological problem, nor does it reflect a dysfunctional family.

It is a problem of sleeping too deeply to be aware of bladder function. If your child is a deep sleeper, the process is even more difficult because he/she hasn't yet learned to wake up and head for the potty when their bladder feels full. The most difficult aspect of wetting is its effect on a child’s self-esteem.

Bed-wetting can be a source of embarrassment for children, causing them to refrain from certain age-appropriate activities, such as sleepovers. Parents may become frustrated with their child’s wetting because it is a drain of time, energy and money.

There are a lot of good ideas to help children stay dry at night. Consider these bed-wetting busting strategies: 1: Stick to a regular bedtime By following a regular routine, you can help train your child to empty their bladder at the appropriate times throughout the day and night.

2: Limit liquids in the evening There’s no need to restrict water and other fluids excessively, but tapering your child’s consumption of fluids during and after dinner is a good idea.

Remember that bed-wetting is not caused simply by having a full bladder overnight, but by failing to wake up to urinate when the bladder needs to be emptied. So, be careful not to restrict water and other fluids to the point that your child is uncomfortably thirsty.

It may also be helpful to cut back on drinks containing caffeine, like cola or hot chocolate, in the evening hours.

Caffeine can increase the rate at which urine is produced.

3: Increase water consumption during the day Another way to cut back on fluids at night is to encourage your child to drink more fluids during the day. When the bladder is filled, the bladder is enlarged and the muscles that control urination are exercised and strengthened. This approach encourages children to increase their fluid intake during the day, to think about the sensation of a full bladder, to respond to their bladder at the first signal, and to fully empty their bladder each time they have to go.

4: Use the bathroom before bed Just like brushing teeth, your child should be sure to urinate right before he/she goes to bed so that they can start the night with a completely empty bladder. “Sometimes kids run into the bathroom and partially void, so it's a good idea to remind them to relax and let all of their urine out,” says Howard Bennett, MD, author

of Waking Up Dry: A Guide to Help Children Overcome Bedwetting. “If a child has difficulty following this rule, I ask them to do a double-void before bed – pee 30 minutes before they go to sleep and then again right before they get in bed.”

5: Keep a bed-wetting journal Experts found that allowing children to “own” their problem, and take some responsibility for fixing it, can be very helpful, especially for bedwetting in older children. Children over 10 can change their own pajamas and sheets and place wet ones in the washing machine. Doing something as simple as putting stars on a calendar every day a child stays dry overnight can help then recognize any behavior patterns that contribute to their success.

6: Be mindful of how you communicate A laid-back attitude is key, so whatever you do, avoid scolding or punishing your child for wetting the bed – something he/she can't actually control. Encouragement and appropriate praise for dry nights is recommended. When we look at typical nighttime routines, the last thing that children often hear is, “I love you. Don’t wet the bed tonight.”

When parents are encouraged to say instead, “I love you, keep the bed dry tonight”, a surprising number of children master keeping the bed dry. You can act as a cheerleader for your child, or read one of the many children’s books about bed-wetting that are available.

If by age six, your child is not consistently dry at night, consult his pediatrician. There are behavioral and medical treatments that help most children. Bed-wetting is a common and embarrassing problem that can greatly affect children and families.

It is neither the fault of the child nor the parent. Despite the frustrations that families have to endure, the most important thing to remember is that with care and perseverance, bedwetting is a problem that can be successfully treated.

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013

7

HUMOR

"Say What? " Communicating With Your Child Text by Crystal R. R. Edwards

H

edgehog was 18 months old and starting to chatter like an extroverted chimpanzee. We worked regularly on her vocabulary because I somehow had the idea, probably generated by the four-foot tall stack of parenting books next to my bedside, that I should spend at least three hours a day talking directly to her, singing to her, and reading to her. Her picture book was open on her lap while I, pregnant with my third child and with no lap to spare, sat beside her. She pointed to an illustration.

“Fosh,” she said.

“Fish,” I replied.

She nodded in agreement. “Fosh.”

“No sweetie. It's fish. Fi-ih-ih-ish. Fiiiiish.” I sucked in my breath as Tapper tried to kick my ribs out from under me. He had a new trick where he would give a sweeping roundhouse and completely flip over, taking a few bones and organs of mine along with him.

“Fi-ih-ih-ish. Fooooosh.”

And that's when I realized I was never going to effectively communicate with my children. Hedgehog was my second child; her elder sister and I used to regularly butt heads when it came to things like pronunciation, proper vocabulary – as well as more subtle linguistic mechanisms like word emphasis. To this day, Birdie Sue will respond to “How was school?” with “It wasn't bad” and “It wasn't bad.”

Both responses send me scrambling for her school folder to see what note the teacher or crossing guard may have left and if any detentions or black eyes were involved.

8

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013

When Tapper was born, things got even worse. For the first 28 months of his life he barely said anything. Where his sisters were loquacious, often driving me to tears because they just wouldn't stop talking, he was silent. Normal words that babies and toddlers use seemed to escape him entirely. No requests for drink, food, or toys were made verbally. Instead, he would look intently at whatever he wanted for a full, silent minute, then quickly raise one eyebrow. Not both, just one. It was like rearing Mr. Spock. I checked his ears regularly – not for hearing problems, but for tell-tale Vulcan points at the tips.

When he was nearly 2 ½ years old, he finally spoke. We were sitting on the living room floor. I had him on one thigh and Hedgehog, about four, on the other. At some point the cuddling turned to tickling and Hedgehog squealed at a decibel level comparable to a bat on the wing.

Tapper turned his head and looked directly at her and said “You loud.

No.” And then raised his eyebrow at her.

I was on to the kids by this point, having learned with some difficulty through the years that they never show their parents their

HUMOR true talents. They save it for school, for daycare, for the middle of church. “A cat's butt is called an ANUS!” Birdie Sue had proudly, and loudly, announced one day during the elevation of the Host. I got a little teary-eyed. I had no idea she knew anatomy. I was so proud of her.

A little over a year ago, we set Birdie Sue up with her own email account. She was in the second grade and wished to pass notes to her friends and grandparents. We found an excellent online email service for children that had phenomenal parental controls (Zoobuh.com, if you'd like a recommendation). I set the account up so all email that is sent and received from her account is copied to me. What I read makes me want to either laugh or cry, sometimes both.

“I lik u, but not lik lik u,” read one to a male friend of hers during that first month of emailing. “Yoor verry nice and I want to be your frend alwees, butt I dont think I want a boyfrend.” An emoticon of a wagging puppy replaced her name in the signature, as did a smiling face wearing a ball hat. She copied this message to a mutual female friend, who replied “I lik lik yoo! I want a boyfrind!” Ten emoticons of beating hearts followed this last sentence.

I was immediately on an online Facebook chat with the mothers of both the boy and the girl. All three of us were in near-hysterics.

“I'm so proud of how Birdie Sue handled that!” said the boy's mom.

“My daughter is insane!” said the girl's mom.

“What's wrong with my son?” the boy's mom asked the girl's mom.

Sensing danger and the possibility of canceled playdates, I faked connectivity problems and let them hash it out alone. I turned my attention to Birdie Sue.

“You replied to his email very nicely,” I stated. “I'm glad you were so kind. It's not easy, is it?”

“Huh? Mom, I didn't want to be uninvited to his birthday party.

He drives me crazy, but Ted is his best friend and Ted will be there.”

So much for my years of hard work teaching her to treat everyone respectfully while “speaking your truth.”

Hedgehog, now nearly six, finally did learn how to say “fosh” properly, as well as “march meelow,” “eunuch horns,” and “bock” (those cubic doo-dads you put things into – you know, one bock, two box). Tapper, now nearly four, continues to sit quietly and watch things with a First Mate's eyebrow raised, except when he gets on his pet topics of bugs, cars, and bugs driving cars. I usually have to shove a march meelow into his mouth to shut him up.

And Birdie Sue? She continues to amaze and astound us with her communication skills. Just this morning, Boss Man and I were relaxing in our bedroom during a lazy morning while the kids played computer games in another part of the house. Both of us were playing with our iPhones. His buzzed as a new email arrived. He opened it and groaned, then handed it over: Dear Dad and Mom, Tapper peed on your office char and the floor.

[A shocked-face emoticon was placed here.]

Love, Birdie Sue We still have a long, chatty row to hoe.

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013

9

CHILD WELFARE

Text by Child Welfare Services

W

hen a youth turns 18 years old, he/she is legally considered an adult. However, those of us who have children that age know very few 18-year-olds are capable of facing the world alone and managing everything that being an adult entails. For foster youth, these challenges can be even greater. Until last year, foster youth almost always emancipated (left the foster care system) when they turned 18 and became legal adults. The future for these youth was relatively bleak. Between 40 and 50 percent of foster youth became homeless within 18 months of emancipation, while roughly 50 percent of them experienced unemployment within the first five years of emancipation.

These alarming statistics indicated that these youth needed more support after emancipating. At 18 years old, many lacked the maturity and preparedness required to successfully assimilate into the adult world. To help foster youth in California as they transition from minors to adults, Assembly Bill 12 was enacted on January 1, 2012.

This law allows foster youth to continue to receive foster care support as a “Non-Minor Dependent” up to the age of 21, if they so choose.

In order to qualify to be a Non-Minor Dependent, a foster youth must meet one of the following five conditions: 1. In the process of completing high school or an equivalent program.

2. Currently enrolled in a college, community college, or a vocational education program.

3. Participating in a program designed to remove barriers to employment.

4. Employed at least 80 hours a month.

5. Unable to be involved in one of the above situations because of a medical or a mental health disability.

If a youth meets any one of these conditions and decides to remain under the jurisdiction of the court as a Non-Minor Dependent, he or she has the following options for living arrangements: • Home of an approved relative • Foster Family Home • Licensed Independent Foster Family Agencies • Legal Guardian (must be approved by juvenile court) • Group Home (placement due to medical condition) • Transitional Housing-Plus (Foster Care for 18-24-year-olds) • Supervised Independent Living setting* *Living options for individuals in a Supervised Independent Living Setting (SILP): • Apartment • Room & Board • College Dorm • Roommate Setting • SILP participants may receive up to $799 per month for rent and other expenses (based on their needs) * Roommates and landlords do not need to be assessed. * It is important for discussions to occur between the young adult and the supervising agency and/or case managers to help the youth reach a responsible decision about the living arrangement.

10

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013

There are several intended outcomes for this bill, but the primary one is to provide a safety net for our most vulnerable youth that will help them become successful adults. You may wonder: how does this new law affect me? For the majority of the population, it only affects you if you choose to let it. AB 12 is meant to support a population in need and, as such, it presents an opportunity for others to become mentors to these young adults and to have a positive impact on their future.

There are several ways that one can provide support and encouragement to this population of young adults, at this crucial point in their lives: Employ them. If you are a manager or business owner, consider giving a Non-Minor Dependent a job. Encourage the individual responsible for hiring at your workplace to consider this population.

These youth are often hard-working and truly appreciate the opportunity to have a job. You can take them under your wing and help them succeed in their role at your company.

Rent them a room. The youth who participate in the SILP receive a monthly allowance for rent, so if you have an extra bedroom in your home, consider renting it out to an emancipated foster youth.

Nearly 65 percent of youth leaving foster care need immediate housing, and that extra room in your home may be a good fit for one of these youth.

Become a Foster Parent. The need for foster homes that will provide care, support, and guidance for this population is immense.

Though they are legally adults, they differ from the majority of other young adults in that many foster youth have experienced unimaginable loss, separation, strife, and challenge – all of which may have left them without permanent connections in their lives.

These are but a few opportunities for caring individuals to make a difference in the lives of these vulnerable young adults, and the rewards are many. At one point or another, we all need guidance to navigate the hurdles of day-to-day living. As you help these youth build a foundation for a smoother transition into adulthood, don’t be surprised if the relationship you develop with them, as a co-worker, landlord, or foster parent, makes a welcome change in both of your lives!

CHILD WELFARE

An Independent Practice Association providing

excellence in mental and behavioral health care delivery in Central California Kristin Sorensen Alldredge, LMFT

Melinda L. Mauro, LCSW

Ross M. Becker, PhD, LCSW

Mary K. McDonald, PhD

Frances E. Becker, LCSW Paul C. Bennett, LCSW

623-0581

Lisa A. Miller, PhD

Sandra T. Bennett, LCSW

Lori Pasion-Gonzales, PhD

Linda Del Rio, LMFT

Diane B. Post, LCSW

Lynn W. Gonzales, LCSW

David G. Richards, LCSW

Sue Enterline, LCSW

Colleen Richards, LCSW

Jacquelyn Harris-Groeber, PhD

Children of all ages throughout Tulare County need safe place as they go through a difficult time in their lives.

Are you ready to be their shelter in a storm?

Mike Mayo, LCSW

Kent Henry, LMFT

John A. Mauro, LCSW

Frony Ritter, LMFT

Michael H. Shaffer, LCSW, LMFT Barry Sommer, LEP, LMFT

1212 W. Main Street Visalia, CA 93291 559-738-0644

www.thehelixgroup.org

Tulare County Foster Care Licensing offers: • Ongoing training • Support and mentors • Networking

Attend one of our orientations 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month March 7th and 21st

*Call

623-0581 to RSVP

We will hold your big hands as you connect with little ones.

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013

11

POSITIVE PARENTING

Text by Child Services Network of Tulare County

M

ore and more evidence is surfacing about how a healthy lifestyle has a positive impact on your body, mind, and future. We all want the best for our children, so guiding them to live a healthy lifestyle is an essential tool for success. As with anything, the younger an individual starts developing healthy habits, the more likely he/she will be to stick to these practices over time. If you are going to embark on a mission to improve your child’s health habits, you must hold yourself to the same standards.

You cannot ask your children to make an effort to live a healthier life if you aren’t willing to put in the effort yourself. The best strategy may be to make this a family effort.

Here are three areas you can work on to improve your family’s health: Sleep. Encourage your child to value a good night’s rest, every night. Sleep is essential to growth, physical healing, and even good performance in school. Psychologist Michele Borba stated, “A lack of sleep can have a serious impact on childrens' abilities to learn and perform at school. In fact, in one recent study, Tel Aviv University researchers found that missing just one hour of sleep can be enough to reduce a child’s cognitive abilities by almost two years the next day. For example, a sixth-grader who loses precious zzz’s the night before a big test could end up performing at a fourth-grade level.” So make sure to limit your children’s caffeine intake, and ensure they have a good sleeping environment (a dark room, with no television). Set a reasonable bedtime that allows them to get the recommended eight to 10 hours of sleep each night. As your children get older, talk with them about the importance of getting enough rest and how it can have a positive effect on everything else they do.

Eat. The food a child grows up enjoying will often set the stage for his/her food choices throughout life. Reducing (or better yet, eliminating) the amount of junk food and increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables your child consumes is the first step toward achieving healthy eating habits. Make an effort to stock up your pantry with healthy foods, and serve a healthy dinner most days of the week. If your children bring their own lunches to school, teach them to include foods made from whole grains, fresh fruits, and healthy proteins. If your child is old enough, ask him/her to help you prepare dinner or to pick out healthy menu items as you shop for groceries or write menu plans for the week.

12

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013

While it is important to teach children what they eat is important, it is equally important to be mindful of how they eat. Eating appropriate portions and eating only when hungry are two important lessons for them to learn. (A good general guideline to follow is that the appropriate serving size of a food item should be about the size of an individual’s own fist).

Discourage your children from snacking out of boredom or just because they see food on the counter, and encourage them to choose alternatives to sugary drinks, such as milk, flavored water, or 100 percent juice drinks, by keeping your refrigerator stocked with these items. Again, example is better than precept: the more you model healthy eating habits, the more inclined your children will be to follow suit.

Exercise. An active lifestyle is a major contributor to good health. Whether you work out at the gym, follow a home exercise program, or simply take a daily walk or bike ride, it is important to keep your body moving. Activities such as bowling or miniature golf are great ways to have fun while being active.

With the spring season just around the corner, plan to enjoy the outdoors by spending time as a family playing sports or exploring a nearby park. These are great ways to get in some healthy exercise and show your kids that you value exercise as a part of your health regimen.

The benefits of a healthy lifestyle will be evident in several areas of your life. More than likely, you and your children will have more energy, get sick less often, and have a brighter outlook on life. Studies have shown that people who practice healthy living have better memory and mental functioning than those who don’t. Also, the long-term benefits (such as having a healthier heart and a lower risk of disease) will be a priceless gift that you give to yourself and your children.

POSITIVE PARENTING

A Weekend Event for Women

Record your story at

Jill Ludlow

Imagine what it would be like...

to take some time to be quiet to worship Register online at to listen fullsail.org to heal or call 559.627.8202

March 8 & 9, 2013 Fri. 6pm - 9pm Sat. 9am - 4pm Neighborhood Church, Visalia

TICKETS $49 ($59 week of) Group Rates Avilable

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013

13

GARDENING

Wood Industries will provide a FREE gallon bag of garden soil to any child who stops in to start a garden project!

7715 Ave. 296, Visalia | 559.625.9426

14

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013

. .Yum! GARDENING

Pizza Garden Text by Susan Schieferle, Master Gardener, University of California Cooperative Extension

W

ho doesn’t like pizza, especially homemade? You can grow your very own pizza garden. The fresher the toppings, the better the pizza.

What you will need: 1. Two-by-six foot raised bed or garden plot that has been readied for planting: You could also achieve the same garden by using several five-gallon plastic tubs, the kind used to store playground equipment (with drainage holes in the bottoms).

2. Soil: If growing in containers you can buy a soil planting mix for vegetables or make your own garden soil with: one-third peat moss , onethird vermiculite and one-third compost.

3. Seedlings: 1 Roma or round tomato 1 Green bell pepper 1 Orange or yellow pepper 1 Basil A hint of oregano 16 Leeks or onions

4. How to Plant: Divide the bed in half. Place the tomato plant in the center of one half. Divide the second half into six, one-foot squares. Plant the peppers, basil and oregano into four of the squares and the onions (and/or leeks) into the remaining two squares.

If using five-gallon buckets, plant the tomato in one, the peppers in a second, the herbs in the third and the leeks (or onions) in a fourth.

• Dig a hole slightly deeper and wider than your seedling • Carefully lift the seedling from its pot • Gently massage the roots by holding the base of the stem • Put into the hole and cover with soil • Make a “finger bowl” around the seedling • Water slowly and deeply

5. How to care for the Pizza Garden: • Water lightly every day for the first week, and then switch to every three days. As the plants grow and the weather warms, water more deeply and as needed by checking the soil for moisture or dryness.

If growing in containers, you may need to water daily or even twice daily when the plants develop fruit.

• Fertilize monthly with about one teaspoon of vegetable fertilizer worked carefully and thoroughly into the soil area surrounding plants. You can also dissolve the fertilizer in a watering can and sprinkle at the base of the plants.

Use a shower of water to dislodge insects (like aphids) from leaves.

Inspect plants regularly and pick off worms or use an insecticidal soap.

6. When Can We Make Pizza?

Remember, vegetables take time to flower and produce; some longer than others.

Tomatoes: 55 to 100 days to harvest Bell Peppers: 50 to 65 days to turn green, 80 to 85 for full color Basil and Oregano: These seedlings have leaves which can be pinched off now to use as herbs, but letting them grow will produce a bushier and more abundant plant later.

Onions and Leeks: 50 to 75 days So, in about two or three months, you are ready to harvest, make pizza and “eat” your hard work! Go get started!

February Review: Your marigolds have germinated and are seedlings ready to be planted among your vegetables. If you planted in a cardboard egg carton, the entire carton may be planted in the ground around your pizza garden. These yellow and orange flowers will make a colorful addition to your veggie seedlings plus providing a nice fragrance.

March Gardening Tip: March is traditionally called “bridge” month. We are bridging between winter and spring. If you have existing vegetable plots, this is the time to add compost to the beds, shovel into the soil and rake smooth for planting.

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013

15

FITNESS

10 Tips for Improving Your Family's Health Text by Andy Salazar, Empower Fitness

C

reating healthy habits in our children starts at home.

Sometimes the hardest part to creating a healthy and fit household is changing our own bad habits; children will model their parent’s behavior. Here are 10 tips to help improve your family's health, and create a lifelong love for fitness.

16

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013

1. Create family goals that relate to fitness. Sign the family up for a 5k run or walk that you train for together. This is an easy and fun way to exercise as a family.

2. Find fun and interesting ways to make healthy, low-calorie tasty foods. Involve the family in menu planning and cooking.

3. Plan a family trip that involves exercise. Take hikes or go on bike rides as a family.

4. Eat homemade dinners as a family.

Talk about all of the physical activities you did for the day or are planning to do.

5. Learn about how our bodies work.

Learn what a calorie is a, how bodies burn calories, and how to read food labels. Then educate our children about them.

6. Stay positive about your body and appearance. Teach our kids how to love themselves and to think positively about themselves. Always praise healthy decisions and effort, celebrate each goal achievement.

7. Make daily exercise a priority. Lead by example with your health and fitness routine. As often as possible, do family activities together, like going for a walk, or playing soccer or basketball.

8. Drink lots of water. Get rid of sugary drinks and drink only water and unsweetened tea. Encourage your kids to drink four to eight 16 oz. glasses of water a day.

9. Eat your fruit and veggies. Make eating plenty of fruit and vegetables a staple of your diet. Try to eat the recommended five portions of fruit and veggies per day.

10. Teach our kids how to handle stress. Eliminate it from their lives. A regular exercise routine is a great outlet and helps eliminate stress.

Improving Your Families Health

Creating a healthy, fit home environment is possible if you use these 10 tips. Start off slow by making small changes week-after-week. Before you know it, you will be incorporating all of the healthy tips to your daily lives. Remember, our children are lead by example; if we want our children to be health and fitness conscious throughout their entire lives, we have to model that within our own. Get started today and change the roadmap of your family's health and fitness history for generations to come.

DENTAL HEALTH

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body Text by Mariya Grigoryan, D.M.D.

O

ral health is critically important to the overall health and well-being of child and teens. Childhood caries are a preventable and transmittable infectious disease, caused by bacteria.

The bacteria interact with sugar in the food and beverages, turning it into acid that dissolve tooth enamel, causing caries. Dentists say that the most important part of tooth care happens at home. Brushing and flossing properly, along with regular dental checkups, can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Caries are the most common chronic disease in children. If left untreated pain and infection caused by tooth decay can lead to problems in eating, speaking, and learning.

To prevent your child from getting cavities, they need to remove plaque, the transparent layer of bacteria that coats the teeth. Have your child brush his/her teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day.

Parents have a key role in helping their children to develop a proper oral hygiene routine in the first years of their life. Parents should lead and supervise until motor and mental functions allow the child to routinely perform proper tooth brushing techniques alone.

Early preventative dental visit shave been shown to reduce dental disease. Proper toothpaste is important in oral care. Fluoride, the most common active ingredient in the toothpaste, is what prevents cavities.

Fluoride plays a key role in preventing and controlling caries by

helping to reduce loss of minerals from tooth enamel and promotes replacement of minerals in dental enamel. Fluoride supplementation is prescribed to children where community drinking water is not fluoridated. Training toothpaste is available for very young children to prevent excess fluoride ingestions.

Proper Brushing Tips: • Hold toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gum line. Gently brush from where the tooth and gum meet to the chewing surface in short strokes.

• Get used to brushing two to three minutes. Some electrical brushes have timers.

• To clean the chewing surfaces of your teeth, use short strokes, tipping the bristles into the pits and crevices.

• Early childhood is a time in which children are exposed to new tastes, textures, and eating experiences. It is important to establish both good oral hygiene technique as well as healthy eating patterns.

Parents should emphasize consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and dairy products, and minimize consumption of foods and liquids high in sugar.

Gentle, Caring Touch Dentistry At the office of Dr. Mariya Grigoryan your child's smile is our priority.

We offer comprehensive care for the whole family.

• Periodontal Care • Laser Treatments • Restorative Work • Orthodontics • Teeth Whitening • Implants THE OFFICE OF

Dr. Mariya Grigoryan, D.M.D. 2634 W. Walnut Ave. Visalia CA 93277 p 559.732.7224

The Grigoryan family Simon, Mariya, Hyke and Gary

Boston Graduate School of Dentistry, Certificate for Orthodontic Treatment Certificate for Oral Conscience Sedation, Fellowship Recognition for Implant Placement Member American Dental Implant Association, Certificate for San Francisco Implant Placement

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013

17

NUTRITION

18

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013

NUTRITION

Filling Your Children’s P lates the Nutritious Way Text by Justin and Rebecca Reynolds, Local Business Owners

A

healthy diet helps children grow and learn. It can also help instill positive eating habits, build self-esteem, prevent obesity and help prevent other weight-related diseases. Encouraging a healthy diet for our children starts in the kitchen with the parents. We have the opportunity to teach by example and control how our children fill their bellies – but only for a short time. Start teaching them from infancy, and let’s give them the tools they need to continue to feed their bodies nutritiously and properly.

I have been asked how I get my children to eat so well. They like the crust on wheat bread, the peel on an apple, and brown rice with baked fish is their favorite dinner. I tell my friends they have never known anything different – they eat what we eat. They believe when they get a bowl of fruit, packed with kiwi, bananas, apple slices, and berries, they have made out like bandits. When we cook, we bake or grill instead of fry, eat fresh veggies (if available) over canned, and I very rarely use the salt shaker. When recipes call for salt, I wait until the dish is complete and see if it was really needed. Nine times out of 10, it’s not. Children need to learn to taste the food for the freshness naturally born into it. Fresh food is delicious! Learn from Sam-I-Am in Dr. Suess’ children’s book Green Eggs and Ham: “You do not like them, so you say—try them! Try them!

And you may! Try them and you may, I say!”

I have great news for you: a degree in nutrition isn't needed to raise healthy kids. Remember that you, the parent, control the dinner plates. You decide which foods to buy and when to serve them. If your kids are constantly begging for the sugary snack, don’t purchase them anymore. They can’t ask for what isn’t available to them. Think of the “food pyramid” as a plate: fill half of your child’s plate with vegetables and fruits, another fourth of the plate with whole grains (like brown rice or oatmeal), and another fourth of the plate with protein. Your protein and whole grains might mix, like a peanut butter sandwich on whole wheat bread. With a plate created by nutrition, you don’t have to worry about your child eating some or all of it. Add a drink of milk or water instead of sugary juice (or try something sugar free like Crystal Light if you are struggling with a picky drinker).

Don’t serve oversized portions. Control the quantity of food your children consume. If they are eating three meals per day, with healthy snacks in between, they are not going to go hungry. Teach them to eat to “maintain” instead of

eating to “get full.” Don’t squabble when they don’t want to “clear” their plates, but ask them if their bellies are full and excuse them from the table if they are. Take their dish off the table and when, an hour later, they are asking for more food, encourage them to have a glass of milk or water, wait till snack time, or wait till the next mealtime. Kids are smart – they will learn they need to eat enough to get them through till the next meal and eat to be content with that. As a parent, you will start to learn what portion sizes to put on their plate from what they are eating or not eating.

Limit your child’s intake of fast food and junk food. Whose idea is it that kids only like pizza, corndogs, macaroni-ncheese and chicken nuggets? They like it because that is what is served. We have rewritten the “child’s menu” in our house.

My two-year-old twin daughters love chicken soft tacos – lettuce and all. When I first served it to them I thought, “Well, it’s worth a try.” And they ate the entire thing! They also enjoy homemade split pea and ham soup, chili beans mixed with veggies and grilled sirloin … and why wouldn’t they? Let your children try new foods and always put fresh cooked (or raw) veggies and different fruits on their plate. If they don’t eat it the first time – try, try again. It might be the third time they have fresh cucumbers on their plate when they finally decide to try them. My four-year-old son loves when we place a small veggie plate on the table with fresh red bell peppers, cucumbers and baby carrots (his favorite – no ranch needed) and it makes me happy to watch him enjoy foods that will nourish his constantly growing body.

So get your Ph.D. in raising healthy kids by becoming a creature of habit. Remember: kids will watch your example.

Try the same fresh foods, without the salt, and you will start to realize how much you enjoy the fresh side of life. It might be you who will proclaim, “Say! I like green [veggies] and ham, I do! I like them Sam-I-Am!”

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013

19

ADVENTURES

Forestiere

Underground Gardens

W

ith popular areas like Yellowstone National Park and Sequoia National Park practically in the Central Valley’s backyard, many people often overlook the other smaller forest areas. Well, not this month. Grab your family and head over to the Forestiere Underground Gardens in Fresno for this month’s local adventure.

This California Historical Landmark, located at 5021 W. Shaw Ave. is a subterranean complex of courtyards, patios, fruit trees and flowers. And the best part it … it’s all underground!

The Forestiere Underground Gardens were created by Sicilian immigrant, Baldassare Forestiere, who moved to America in 1901 to pursue his dreams. Forestiere was an architect, engineer, horticulturist, spiritual artist and environmentalist who created his underground world with the ancient catacombs in mind.

20

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013

The underground landscape that he created is dominated by arches, stonework, passageways and vegetation. There are no architectural drawings to look back on though because Forestiere created his entire underground masterpiece by using only his mind and simple tools such as picks, shovels and wheelbarrows.

He did not use any dynamite or motorized mechanical merhods.

By the time he was 44 years-old, Forestiere had created over 10 acres of underground magnificence. He lived for 23 more years and it is unknown how many more acres he carved by the time of his death in 1946.

Today, the Forestiere Underground Gardens are open to the public, so bring the whole family. All tours are weather permitting and even though it’s a little chilly now, don’t forget that if you wait until the hot summer to check out this local adventure, temperatures will be well over 100 degrees underground. Because the temperatures underground can also get extremely cold, the Gardens have been closed for the winter season but are scheduled to reopen for the spring and summer starting on March 2, 2013. Adult tickets are $15, kids $7.

READING LIST

Lively Tales for Young Girls Text by Lee Littlewood

C

apitalize on the love of reading innate to most girls ages seven to twelve. These age-appropriate books introduce an energetic superhero foursome, a half-mermaid, half-girl, a twin named Pepsi McDonald and a heroic Irish horse.

Emily Windsnap and the Land of the Midnight Sun by Liz Kessler; Candlewick Press; 272 pages; $15.99.

The fifth book in the best-selling series about half-mermaid, half-girl Emily Windsnap, this adventurous, mystical read sends Emily and her friend Aaron to the North Pole seas to find the cause of dangerous storms. There, the result of the King of the Sea's nightmares are revealed, and Emily and her friends encounter twists and turns in the land of icy mountains and glaciers, rushing to save King Neptune before it's too late.

A "keep 'em on their toes" tale that's perfect for graduates of The Little Mermaid and lovers of all things under the sea, (dolphins, magic shells, colorful merfolk, icy adventure), plus lively pre-teen speak, Kessler's book rocks. It can certainly be read-alone, without the first four books, though when your young reader falls for this one, she'll want the others.

Destiny Rewritten by Kathryn Fitzmaurice; HarperCollins; 338 pages; $15.99.

Eleven-year-old Emily has been told her entire life that her destiny is to become a poet, and her famous namesake is Emily Dickinson. But when she loses her treasured volume of Dickinson poetry, Emily and her friends search bookstores and thrift shops all over town. It's then that she begins to unravel the mystery of her own destiny and locate a beloved lost family member, thanks to the book search.

Very well-written, with lovely, flowing prose that'll hook readers young (and even old), Fizmaurice's richly textured tale about unexpected connections is absorbing and smile-worthy.

Horse Diaries: Darcy by Whitney Sanderson; illustrated by Ruth Sanderson; Random House; 142 pages; $6.99.

The refreshingly vintage Horse Diaries series is penned in a self-explanatory manner and told from the horse's point of view. Darcy is a gray Connemara pony, carrying peat and exploring the rugged countryside in Ireland in 1917. Her best human friend is Shannon, her owner family's eldest daughter.

But when Shannon's mother needs a doctor, Darcy discovers a skill of courage (running through bogs) that changes her life forever.

With undertones of war and potato famine and authentic Irish speak, Sanderson's historically accurate tale is still child-friendly enough for sevento 10-year-olds, who'll love hearing a steadfastly loyal horse's thoughts and actions.

The Ultra Violets by Sophie Bell; illustrated by Chris Battle; RazorBill/Penguin; 300 pages; $12.99.

Purple goo begins this zesty anime-style tale, which stars four girls who find themselves splattered with the bubbling, genetically altering substance.

The girls, from a visionary leader to a girly girl on platform roller skates to a freckled "short stuff" and a shy sweetie-pie, develop super powers to take on all kinds of foes. The first in a certain-to-be series with more to come, including a website (www.ultra-violets. com) with games, quizzes and character profiles, the purple-lettered chapter book is modern, colorful and bold enough to hook lots of young fans.

With plenty of confidence in their new series, RazorBill is featuring The Ultra Violets at The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books and even ComicCon in July.

The Genius Files: You Only Die Twice

by Dan Gutman; HarperCollins; 289 pages; $16.99.

Gutman's New York Times' bestselling Genius Files series follows brother and sister twins Coke and Pepsi McDonald as they dodge villains all the way to Elvis' home, Graceland. A hilarious read peppered with quirky bits of Americana, the series, and this book especially, subtly teaches geography, through wacky photos and odd road trip family scenarios.

Sister Pepsi is certainly peppy, and just as witty and smart as her brother, Coke. The pair has been locked in a burning school, pushed into a sand pit, and even thrown into a vat of bubbling Spam in past stories. But You Only Die Twice is more souvenir and adventure friendly, full of weird-but-true American locations.

Super funny and hysterically kid-friendly for both girls and boys, Gutman's The Genius Files is personality plus.

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013

21

COLLEGE PREP

“A-G” Courses for College Admissions Text by Jesus and Adriana Gonzalez, Educational Consultants, ILEAD

T

o prepare academically for the rigors of college, there is no substitute for getting a solid and broad academic education.

This means your child would benefit by taking challenging courses in academic subjects and maintaining good grades in high school.

Becoming familiarized with the A-G course pattern sequence is essential for a high school student wanting to enter college.

Research shows that students who complete algebra and geometry by the end of ninth grade are more likely to go to college than those who do not. By taking these college-prep courses early, students are then prepared to take advanced math and science courses in high The California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) require the following college preparatory pattern of classes for admission: The subject requirements • History/social science (“A”): Two years, including one year of world history, cultures and historical geography and one year of U.S. history, or one-half year of U.S. history and one-half year of American government or civics.

• English (“B”): Four years of college preparatory English that includes frequent and regular writing, reading of classic and modern literature, and practice listening and speaking.

• Mathematics (“C”): Three years (four years recommended) of college-preparatory mathematics that include the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two- and three-dimensional geometry.

• Laboratory science (“D”): Two years of laboratory science providing fundamental knowledge in at least two of the three disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.

22

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013

school. Research also indicates that students who take courses in the arts disciplines and who participate in the arts (performing arts and visual arts) often do better in school and on standardized tests.

The arts help students to learn; they often give students a richer understanding of history, science, literature and math.

Below is a helpful list that outlines the A-G subject requirements.

It is essential that students work together with their parents and high school guidance counselor in planning their courses to ensure that the A-G requirements are met, especially since course titles vary from school to school. These courses are required for students who want to attend a four-year college. Even if a student is interested in attending a junior college, community college or technical college, he/she can still take most of these courses since they provide the preparation necessary for various types of postsecondary education.

• Language other than English (“E”): Two years of the same language other than English or equivalent to the second-level of high school instruction.

• Visual and performing arts (“F”): One year, including dance, drama/theater, music or visual art.

• College-preparatory elective (“G”): One year chosen from the “A-F” courses beyond those used to satisfy the requirements above, or courses that have been approved solely for use as “G” electives.

Admission to campuses and/or programs is extremely competitive and requires students to satisfy far more demanding standards. Those who meet minimum requirements will receive a comprehensive review of their application by admissions staff. However, students should remember that these are only the minimum requirements and that most students take more than the recommended courses. Also, keep in mind that these requirements are taken into consideration along with a weighted G.P.A. that includes the college-prep courses and any college preparatory exams, such as the ACT or SAT.

EQUINE ASSISTED ACTIVITIES AND THERAPY (EAAT)? Text by Happy Trails Riding Academy

E

HAPPY TRAILS

quine Assisted Activities and Therapy (E.A.A.T.) is a term used to describe therapeutic horsemanship; it uses the horse's dynamic movement to improve trunk mobility and strength which, in turn, affects limb function. As the horses body moves, the rider's body moves like it is walking. No piece of gym equipment can replicate this three-dimensional motion. The horse provides a consistent and rhythmic movement pattern that facilitates the treatment goals, which are crucial to the rider's success.

Some of the physical benefits of E.A.A.T. include increased balance, strength, and flexibility. There are also cognitive benefits, including increased ability to process information and improved language skills.

Psychological/social benefits include increased independence and selfconfidence, new friendships, fun, and enjoyment.

There are many different types of E.A.A.T. classes and Happy Trails Riding Academy offers the following: Therapeutic Horsemanship, Equine Assisted Therapy, Interactive Vaulting, Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy/Learning, and Therapeutic Driving. Therapeutic Horsemanship and Interactive Vaulting classes are discussed in more detail in the following paragraphs.

Therapeutic Horsemanship (TH) group classes consist of two to six participants in which English and Western Horsemanship skills are the focus. Therapeutic Horsemanship teaches a person with a

disability how to ride a horse. However, the environment of the horse can provide more than just riding skills, it provides an atmosphere to teach companionship, responsibility, leadership, vocational skills, and educational skills. Riding a horse provides a unique and often profound recreational or leisure activity for many people.

Interactive Vaulting (IV) is gymnastics and ballet on the back of a moving horse; teamwork is critical as there are often two to five vaulters participating at one time. Interactive Vaulting is a modification of traditional vaulting. The basic vaulting positions are taught, as are exercises, but many other aspects are added and subtracted depending on the needs of the individual vaulters. The appeal of the class is that it provides an environment where the vaulter can progress at his/her own speed while still being part of a group working together. Instead of being competitive, the class is designed to encourage teamwork, to discover and practice new skills, and to have fun.

This tax season:

Get better service for the same cost Chain tax preparers and do-it-yourself software are often NO CHEAPER THAN A LOCAL CPA. Your tax situation is unique and you deserve personal service from an experienced tax professional you can trust.

Children, your first home, a long-awaited promotion – each affects your taxes and calls for sound financial planning.

Schedule your consultation today and rediscover personal service.

559-734-4952 bergcpa.com

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013

23

CALENDAR

march 2013

calendar of events dates to remember

Beauty and the Beast

MARCH 2

Climbing the Hump Snow Shoe Walk

MARCH 9

Dawn of the Space Age

MARCH 15

MARCH

24

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013

APRIL

CALENDAR

2 Beauty and the Beast

Downtown Visalia Spring

Valley Performing Arts Council presents Sidewalk Sale Beauty and the Beast like you’ve never Bring the whole family for this fun threeseen before. The adaptation of the classic day event that will feature clothing, food, 1925 film will be performed by 20 local businesses and more! members of the State Street Ballet of Santa When: March 14-16 Barbara and the Fresno Ballet Theatre.

Where: Downtown Visalia Tickets starts at $29.50.

Contact: www.downtownvisalia.com When: March 2; 2p Where: Saroyan Theatre, 15 Dawn of the Space Age 730 M Street, Fresno This planetarium public show will be a fun Contact: 445-8100 or family event. Come and experience the www.fresnoconventioncenter.com majestic wonder of space.

When: March 15; 7p Where: Pena Planetarium, 9 Climbing the Hump Snow Shoe Walk This challenging full-day trial will consist 2500 W. Burrel Ave., Visalia of a 2.5 mile, 2,200 foot elevation hike Contact: 737-6334 and a replenishing lunch. This winter wonderland event is only open to 10 Tulare County Library participants so sign up fast! Tickets are First Tuesday Book Club (March 5, 6:30p) $63. Snow shoes and expert guide will be Socrates Café (March 12, 6:30p) provided.

Mystery Readers (March 20, 6:30p) When: March 9 Where: Tulare County Library, Where: Sequioa and Kings Canyon 200 W. Oak Ave., Visalia National Parks Contact: 713-2700 or Contact: www.sequoiahistory.org www.tularecountylibrary.org

10 The Rock and Worship Roadshow

Join Spirit 88.9 and 100.1 for this family event. Artists will include MercyMe, Jeremy Camp, Kutless and more. No tickets required, $10 at the door.

When: March 10; 7p Where: Save Mart Center, 2650 E. Shaw Ave., Fresno Contact: www.spirit889.com Graffiti Run

Prepare to be drenched in color at this family 5K event. Music, food, festivities and color will all be involved in this funfilled experience.

When: March 10; 9a Where: Woodward Regional Park, 7775 Friant Rd., Fresno Contact: www.thegraffitirun.com

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias

Offering children ages 6-18 a safe and fun place to go to after school. Programs focus on education, sports, arts, healthy life skills and character building. $10 annual fee.

When: Monday – Friday, hours vary by community Where: Visalia, Exeter, Tulare, Porterville, Farmersville and Ivanhoe Contact: 592-4074 or www.bgcsequoias.org

Imagine U Interactive Children’s Museum

Imagine U offers a variety of weekly interactive exhibits, events and activities designed to entertain and engage your preschool child. Cost: $5 ages 2 & up.

When: Wednesday-Friday, 10a-4p & Saturday 12-4p Where: 700 E. Main St., Visalia Contact: 733-5975 or www.imaginemuseumorg AgVentures at Heritage Complex

Agricultural Learning Center and Farm Equipment Museum with nearly 15 professionally designed interactive displays. Children learn about science and technology, food and nutrition, environmental issues, social studies and more!

When: Mon. – Fri., 9a-4p Where: International Agri-Center, 4450 S. Laspina St., Tulare Contact: Venue Phone, 688-1030 Visalia Farmers Market – Harvest of the Valley

Weekly event open to the public featuring free live music, kids’ activites, cooking demonstrations and local, fresh produce available for purchase. The market also accepts EBT and WIC. When: Saturdays, 8-11:30a Where: Sears parking lot at Mooney and Caldwell, Visalia Contact: 967-6722 or www.visaliafarmersmarket.com

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013

25

HEALTH

Understanding the Common Cold Text by Carolina Quezada, MD, Family HealthCare Network

P

reventing your child from catching a cold seems to be an ongoing task for many parents. Research has shown that colds are the most common illness among children of all ages; children can experience up to eight to 12 colds a year. It is also shown to be the number one reason children stay home from school.

What is a Cold?

A cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. More than 200 different viruses can cause a cold, with rhinovirus and coronavirus being the most common culprits. Except in newborns, colds in healthy children are not dangerous. Colds usually go away in four to 10 days without any special treatment.

Parents also often confuse a cold with the flu. Flu symptoms are often more severe and tend to last for one to two weeks.

What are typical symptoms to look out for?

• Watery nasal mucus secretions • Nasal congestion • Sneezing • Fatigue • Fever (sometimes) • Sore throat • Cough Postnasal drip may also cause your child to have a sore throat.

The cold virus can affect your child’s sinuses, throat, bronchial airways and ears. Children may also have diarrhea and vomiting.

During early stages of a cold your child may be restless and complain of a headache and congestion. Mucus secretions from the sinuses may also turn darker and thicker as the cold progresses.

How to Prevent Your Child from Catching a Cold: The common cold is spread mostly by hand-to-hand contact.

For example, when a child with a cold touches his or her nose and then touches another child, the virus spreads. The best way to prevent children from catching colds is to teach them proper hand washing after every bathroom trip, before every meal and after playing at school or at home. You can also make hand washing a fun activity by having your child sing “Happy Birthday to You” twice, as this is the recommended length of time (20 seconds) to slough germs off hands while washing hands with warm, soapy water.

If your child has a cold it is important to protect others from catching it. If your child is showing symptoms, it is wise to keep them home from school and avoid contact with others. Parents

26

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013

should share with their child the importance of covering his or her mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing. If a tissue is not available, coughing or sneezing into their upper sleeve or elbow is effective. Always remember to wash or sanitize hands afterwards.

What you can do when your child gets a cold: A cold usually will go away on its own and without special treatment, but here are some tips to help you make your child more comfortable: 1. Rest is important. Let your child take a nap and go to bed earlier for a few days.

2. Give your child plenty of liquids.

3. Use a humidifier in your child’s room at night. The humidifier will create a humid environment that will help to keep your child’s nose and chest clear. It will also help them breathe easier.

4. It is always important to check in with your child’s provider before administering any medication. Don’t ever give cold or cough medicine to children especially those under the age of six without first discussing with your child’s provider. Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, particularly fever.

5. Relax. Read them a story, watch a movie or listen to music.

6. Wash their hands.

Remember! Antibiotics do not work in treating a cold. Antibiotics kill bacterial infections, but colds are caused by viruses, not bacteria.

When should you call your child’s provider?

You should always feel comfortable to contact your child’s provider if you have questions. Call the provider if your child is not improving after a few days of symptoms, or if your child experiences a high fever, vomiting, chills and shakes, a hacking cough, difficulty breathing or extreme fatigue. These could be signs of something other than the common cold, such as the flu or something more severe. If your child has asthma, diabetes, or other chronic health conditions, call your child’s provider to discuss medications, cold symptoms, and managing your child’s medical condition.

RESOURCES

important numbers at a glance:

City Information • Tulare County website www.co.tulare.ca.us • City of Visalia website www.ci.visalia.ca.us • City of Tulare website www.ci.tulare.ca.us • City of Exeter website www.cityofexeter.com • City of Woodlake website www.cityofwoodlake.com • Visalia Parks & Recreation, (559) 713-4365

Other Important Numbers

Fire & Police

County & City

• Tulare County Fire Department, (559) 747-8233 • Visalia Fire Department, (559) 713-4266 • Tulare Fire Department, (559) 684-4300 • Exeter Fire Department, (559) 592-3714 • Woodlake Fire Department, (559) 564-2181 • Tulare County Sheriff’s Department, (559) 636-4625; (559) 733-6218 • Visalia Police Department (Non-Emergency), (559) 734-8116 • Visalia Police Department, Gang Suppression and Narcotics Unit, (anonymous tip hotline) (559) 713-4737 • Tulare County - End Gang Hotline, (888) 363-4264 • Tulare Police Department, (559) 684-4238; (559) 686-3454 • Exeter Police Department, (559) 592-3103 • Woodlake Police Department, (559) 564-3325 • Kings & Tulare County California Highway Patrol, (559) 441-5400

• Tulare County Services - United Way, Dial 2-1-1; www.211ca.org • Delta Vector Control District, (559) 732-8606; www.deltavcd.com • Tulare & Kings Counties Suicide Prevention Task Force (Non-crisis), (559) 624-7471; www.sptf.org • Child Abuse Prevention Council, (559) 735-0456; www.tularecountycapc.org • Child Abuse 24-hr Hotline, (800) 331-1585 • Domestic Violence/Shelters, (559) 732-5941, (559) 685-9515; www.fstc.net • Sexual Assault 24-hr Confidential Hotline, (559) 732-7273; www.fstc.net • Alcohol/Drug Programs, (559) 733-6123 • Parenting Network, (559) 625-0384; www.parentingnetwork.org • Tulare-Kings Right To Life, (559) 732-5000; www.tkrl.org • The IRMA Network, (559) 732-5000; www.theirmanetwork.org • Latinos4Life, (559) 732-5000; www.latinos4life.org • 5ive5ive9ine (Teen Health), 559teensmatter.org • Tulare County Animal Control, (559) 636-4050 • Visalia Animal Control, (559) 713-4957

Medical • Family HealthCare Network, www.fhcn.org • Kaweah Delta Medical Center, (559) 624-2000 Emergency Room, (559) 624-2213 • Visalia Walk-In Medical Clinic, (559) 627-5555 • Tulare Regional Medical Center, (559) 688-0821 • Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency, (559) 624-8000 • Children’s Hospital Central California, (559) 353-3000 • Dignity Health, Mercy & Memorial Hospitals, Lauren Small Children's Medical Center (661) 327-4647

Education • Tulare County Library, (559) 713-2700; www.tularecountylibrary.org • Tulare County Office of Education, (559) 733-6300; www.tcoe.org • Visalia Unified School District, (559) 730-7300; www.vusd.org • Tulare City School District, (559) 685-7200; www.tcsdk8.org • Exeter Union School District, (559) 592-9421; www.exeter.k12.ca.us • Woodlake Public Schools, (559) 564-8081; www.woodlakepublicschools.org

Add your numbers below

Nationwide • American Association of Poison Control Centers, (800) 222-1222; www.aapcc.org • Center for Disease Control and Prevention, (800) 232-4636; www.cdc.gov • California Poison Control, (800) 222-1222; www.calpoison.org • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, (800) 273-8255; www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org • The Trevor Project (LGBTQ), (866) 488-7386; www.thetrevorproject.com • Missing Child Hotline, (800) 843-5678 • Road Conditions, (800) 427-7623

REMEMBER, WHEN IN DOUBT, DIAL

9-1-1

Add your numbers below

RAISE MAGAZINE | MARCH 2013

27

WHEN WE SEE KIDS ...

We see a cowboy But mostly, when we see sick or injured kids, we see they get the state-of-the-art medical care they need. The diagnosis and treatment of children is different from adults. Dignity is caring for our future at the area’s only comprehensive pediatric program in Kern County so they can get back to being … well … just being kids. And you? You get your cowboy back.

Whether in the doctor’s office, or a hospital emergency room, the decision is yours when choosing where your child will be treated. Ask for the Lauren Small Children’s Medical Center at Memorial Hospital.

ChooseMercyMemorial.org