February 2013 by DMI Agency

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

Humor

Are We There Yet?

Behavior

Catch Kids Being Good â&#x20AC;Ś One Bean At A Time

Positive Parenting

Helping Children Deal with Loss

0 Y2 R A RU F EB

RAISE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

EDITOR’S LETTER

t wasn’t that long ago we sat with our own children and pondered what, besides GPAs, would be important for college admission. Our kids were fully integrated into extra-curricular activities, because we believed the benefits of sports and music would play an important role in their development, even beyond what colleges would deem necessary.

There’s another important, but often over-looked activity we can teach even our younger children, and that’s volunteering. Certainly, there’s no cheering or season-ending trophy, but teaching our children to look out for and care about others is one of the greatest gifts we can bestow upon them, which in turn helps develop a strong feeling of achievement in them. On page 22, Educational Consultants Jesus and Adriana Gonzalez talk about the importance of volunteering, as well as other areas likely to be considered by college admission offices. But, even if your child is not college-bound, these activities can go a long way in a child’s overall development. If you missed January’s article on getting your egg carton greenhouse, we have good news – it’s not too late. Master Gardener Susan Schieferle can get you started with what you’ll need on page 14. She also includes a very helpful list of vocabulary terms and some suggestions for hearty planting. At Raise Magazine we love these articles as almost any child can plant and nurture flowers and vegetables, even if they have two left feet and are tone deaf (such as I am). I’m not sure what parent has never asked themselves if they were on the right track in molding their child’s behavior. In my era of growing up, parents used the fear of consequence as a primary parenting tool. Thankfully, parenting and discipline have changed since then, but feeling overwhelmed at times as a parent has not changed; especially if you are parenting a strong-willed child. Lynn Gonzales, LCSW, discusses how to “Catch Kids Being Good,” a system for rewarding good behavior, in her article on page 6. We feel very blessed to be able to bring you some of the best information about raising healthy and well-adjusted children. We’ve had a tremendous amount of positive feedback from you, our readers, and much like the children in the article mentioned above, your comments serve as our reward. We thank you for that. We’d also like to mention that Raise would not be possible without financial support from our advertisers. In order to keep this a free publication and resource, we rely on our advertisers’ belief in what we’re doing. Just like we appreciate the positive notes and calls, our advertisers would appreciate hearing from you just the same. Letting them know you recognize their contribution and support of this resource would be such a nice thing to do for them and I know they’d appreciate it.

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 | FEBRUARY 2013

Behavior

R FEB

Catch Kids Being Good … One Bean At A Time

UA R

0 Y 2

PUBLISHED BY DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 EDITORIAL Executive Editor Karen Tellalian Assistant Editor TAYLOR VAUGHN Content Editor Kyndal Kennedy ART & PRODUCTION Art Director ROSS Yukawa

in this issue

Graphic Designer CHRIS BLY CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Crystal R. R. Edwards Jesus & Adriana Gonzalez

Humor

17 Dental Health

Are We There Yet?

20 Adventures

LEE LITTLEWOOD

10 Child Welfare

23 Happy Trails

24 Calendar

Team Decision Making

12 Positive Parenting

27 Resources

Helping Children Deal with Loss

Growing Marigolds with Children

What Parents Should Teach Children Outside the Classroom

Heart Health: It's What's for Dinner

21 Reading List

Non-Fiction Books to Inform and Assist

22 College Prep

Benefits of Extra-Curricular Activities

26 Health

Prevent the Flu

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

RAISE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

Susan Schieferle BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Malkasian Accountancy LLP Gary Malkasian CPA JEFFREY Malkasian EA

SALES OFFICE 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 559.739.1747 • Fax 559.738.0909

18 Nutrition

STEPHANIE ZUNIGA

ADVERTISING SALES Advertising Director Bridget Elmore

16 Family Focus

LYNN GONZALES mariya Grigoryan

Operations Manager Maria Gaston

14 Gardening

JUSTIN & Rebecca Reynolds

VIEW THE MAG ONLINE! issuu.com/raisemagazine

Facebook.com/RaiseMagazine

ON THE COVER: Lily Glazier, 5, of Exeter. Photo by CJ Hopper Photography

RAISE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

BEHAVIOR

Catch Kids Being Good

One Bean At A Time Text by Lynn Gonzales, LCSW

orking parents often feel overwhelmed with the demands of raising children while balancing work and household responsibilities. When it comes to discipline, modern parenting experts recommend the use of a positive behavioral system that includes emotional and physical rewards rather than punishment (taking away toys and/or freedoms). The problem with using a positive system is the time it takes to consistently implement rewards when feeling overwhelmed with day-to-day tasks.

In order to change behavior, parents need to be consistent, have clear expectations, as well as understand the goal. Ideally, we want to “shape” our children to make good decisions based on their own desire rather than fearing punishment from an authority figure/parent. “Shaping” refers to molding our children toward a path that will lead them toward success. Parents who utilize yelling, spanking and other forms of punishment essentially teach the child to fear the consequences of their behavior. Instead of fearing the consequences, children need to learn to be responsible for their own choices/behaviors and to be able to think through whether or not their choices are healthy or unhealthy for themselves and others. Making positive comments and providing rewards for a child’s positive choices increases a child’s self esteem and helps him/her focus on the behaviors that will improve his/her life. With acknowledging the good choices, the child naturally steers away from bad behavior. There are many ways to positively shape a child’s behavior. During my years of helping families, I developed a simple, yet effective, method for parents to use with their children using beans as tokens. “Good choice” beans are portable (can be taken on trips, in your purse in Ziploc bags) and exciting for children. The key to success with changing behavior is to catch them doing “good” things in the moment and catch them often. Children love the acknowledgement of their positive behavior and parents often report that they enjoy less yelling and feeling less angry.

RAISE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

“Good Choice” Beans (Recommended for children 4-10 years of age)

1. Fill a container with dry kidney or pinto beans 2. Obtain another cup or container, place your child’s

name on the container, and draw a line at a level that is reachable with their beans within a reasonable time. *Use shorter periods of time for younger children (such as a day or two) and up to two weeks for older children. 3. Explain to your child that these are “good choice beans” and they can never lose beans for inappropriate behavior. Explain that these beans are only for good choices and only a caregiver can put the beans in their cup. They cannot tamper with the beans. 4. Brainstorm with your child examples of good choices. Examples include the following: brushing teeth, calming down by using a healthy method (timeout), responding to parent’s requests, completing chores, using words rather than acting out when upset. The harder the good choice is for the child, the higher the number of beans that they can earn. 5. Discuss what they want to earn once they reach the line on the cup. 6. Remember to set limits with regard to what they earn. You can set a money limit and/or the focus can be an activity of the child’s choice that you do with them. It is important that the reward have meaning to the child. *Examples: a toy (under a specific price limit), staying up one night to watch a favorite TV show, extra special one-onone time with a parent (meals out, game time, etc.).

Uplifting Solutions Have the body you once had – or imagined ... • Breast Augmentation • Breast Lift • Breast Reduction

also ask about … • Tummy Tuck • Ultrasonic Liposuction • Browlift/Facelift • Eyelid Surgery • Laser Resurfacing • Botox, Radiesse, Juvederm and Sculptra • Lip Enhancement • Complete Skin Care Line

738-7572

By Alex Lechtman, M.D., F.A.C.S. Board-Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

The Aesthetic Center alechtman@vmchealth.com 5530 Avenida De Los Robles (West of Applebee’s), Visalia

Visalia Medical Clinic

All follow-ups are performed personally by Dr. Lechtman at The Aesthetic Center. ASPS CareCredit Financing accepted. RAISE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

HUMOR

Are We There Text by Crystal R. R. Edwards

RAISE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

acationing with small children is one of the most complicated things a parent can ever do. When Birdie Sue, our firstborn, was under 18 months old we treated her more like luggage than anything else, albeit luggage that had its own suitcase full of disposable diapers and backup bottles and sippy cups.

We packed our overnight bags and packed her extra-large Samsonite hardcase, packed an in-car box with her rattling toys and softtouch cloth picture books and small quickdissolving baby snacks, packed extra clothes, diapers and wipes into every available space in the car itself, and packed 20 plastic grocery bags next to those just in case we had pants issues, puke issues, spill issues, or anything else that had a high biohazard rating. When her little sister, Hedgehog, came along, Birdie Sue was three and a half. We packed the same items for Hedgehog, but for Birdie Sue brought LeapPad talking books, Pull-Ups, even more sippy cups, baggies of dried cereal and boxes of raisins, dolls, sticker books, 10 extra empty grocery bags, five more changes of children’s clothing, Crayola’s Color Wonder markers and books, five Raffi CDs (if I never hear “Baby Beluga” again, I’ll be happy), a portable DVD player a stack of movies like “Monsters, Inc.” and every episode of Dora the Explorer ever produced. Birdie Sue turned five, Hedgehog was nearly two, and our son Tapper joined the fun. We added movies, added books, added dolls and another LeapPad, added Hannah Montana and the Wiggles CDs, and renewed my prescription for anti-anxiety pills. By this point the car was no longer big enough for Donald and I, so we switched from traveling in his little car to driving in an SUV. In the years since, we’ve decided we need a tour bus with high-capacity luggage bays set beneath the passenger area and at least three heavily barred containment areas for when the “She’s touching me! Am not! Are too! Tapper get your foot off my eye!” games begin. Also, a more powerful antianxiety prescription. We recently took a winter overnight trip to Galveston Island, Texas. The temperature there in the winter remains in the 50s, so swimming was out of the question, but Donald and I decided that it wasn’t going to hurt the kids to bundle up and run around on the beach collecting shells and whatnot. There are many museums and interesting attractions on the island as well, so we planned to interrupt the beachcombing with things like the aquarium at Moody Gardens and a visit to the ELISSA, a tall ship built in 1877. We intended to leave home at about 9 a.m. and arrive in Galveston about five hours later, spend the rest of the day messing about, stay in a hotel for the night, then spend the whole next day doing island activities.

HUMOR While “intended to leave home at about 9 a.m.” sounds simple, the reality is that we didn’t leave home until about 11:30 a.m. Everybody was up, dressed and filled with breakfast at the usual time, but the unpacking, repacking, unpacking, re-repacking, threats of lifelong grounding, unpacking, no-we-can’t-take-the-cat-ing, re-re-repacking, and promises of marital counseling took up an additional two and a half hours. We were finally in the car and moving out of the driveway when someone piped up from the back seat, “Can we stop at a potty? I have to go.” The car trip, once it was really underway, wasn’t too bad because we’d packed every conceivable thing into the car to distract them and to prepare for any disasters. Since we didn’t have a set schedule and we were already going to be too late to do any daylight activities, the drive there was filled with interesting stops at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston to look at the Saturn V and to complain about the sleet that had been falling since daybreak. When we reached Galveston, we were in good moods, high spirits, and clothes that smelled like Funyuns and spilled apple juice. This is where the fun part of the vacation ended. When one visits the coast, one desires seafood for supper. What one doesn’t consider is that one’s children are true-blue Texans and tend to gravitate more toward food that moos rather than food that swims or crawls about on a seabed. It took a little bit of fast-talking, but we finally convinced the kids that seafood was kind of like underwater beef, just a different color and taste. Everyone ordered crab, which would have been fine except three of the five of us cannot be trusted with crab leg cracker thingies.

I know there’s a better description than “thingies,” but after watching the kids try to open one another’s arms with them, “thingies” is all I can manage to say without throwing in a cuss word or two. An hour later, the kids had eaten and, covered with crab, butter and flakes of cracked shell, Donald and I were finally able to eat our own cold meals. The hotel was nothing short of a slumber party gone horribly, strangely awry. Two queen beds and a roll-away are all we required, and the general idea should not have been too foreign to our kids. Lie down, shut up and go to sleep. Darlings. I mean it. Stop kicking your sister. No, you can’t wear my glasses. Yes, we’re near the ocean. No, we can’t swim with the – hey! I said stop kicking her! Did I mention updating to a more powerful prescription earlier? I’m pretty sure I did. The rest of the vacation went well. I was astonished at the lack of complaints during the cold, windy seaside hiking. I watched the kids wandering in circles, head down against the rain and eyes scanning the sand for unusual shells, and I felt proud. They may have changed the way I take vacations, but they also added something I think I missed all those times my perfectly planned jaunts went off without a hitch. I think I'm starting to like the hitches. I just wished they wouldn’t spill french fries all over the back of the car.

RAISE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

CHILD WELFARE

TEAM Decision Making Text by Child Welfare Services

ow does Tulare County Child Welfare Services (CWS) decide where a child is placed after it's been determined the child can no longer remain at home? Last year, a significant change in this process occurred; in May of 2012, Tulare County became the 27th county in California to implement a process called Team Decision Making (TDM). Team Decision Making is an innovative process that enables the people who care about a child that becomes involved with Child Welfare Services to meet in order to make the best placement decision. The process focuses on valuing the perspective and input of people who know the child and who they see as important in the child’s life, in addition to ideas from professionals who are dedicated to caring for the children and families in our community. Removing a child from his or her home is a decision that should not be taken lightly, as it will forever impact the family. Child Welfare Services professionals understand this and, as a result, take many other steps before doing so. Until recent years, CWS has been the primary decision-maker in determining if the only way to keep a child safe was to remove him or her from the unsafe environment. In these situations, the social worker would complete a risk assessment tool and consult with supervisors, and a juvenile court judge would make a finding as to whether or not the removal was necessary and aligned with the law. In contrast, for counties that use TDM, once the social worker has

determined that removing the child appears to be necessary for their safety, a group meeting is called so that every other possible option can be explored. Additionally, if a child’s current foster care placement is in jeopardy, a TDM meeting is called to see if the placement can possibly be preserved with further supportive services. Who is invited to come to a Team Decision Making meeting? Aside from the social worker and TDM facilitator, the parents, child(ren), foster parent (if applicable), CWS supervisors, therapists, pastor, relatives, and any other person the family sees as a support may be invited to the meeting. This allows for a multi-perspective assessment of all options. It also makes CWS practices transparent to the community; this is vital, as CWS needs the eyes, ears, care, support, and perspective of the entire community in order to best protect the children who live in it. Families who are struggling and in need of supportive services are better served by a ‘community’ – one agency alone does not have the ability to do so effectively. In the event the team decides that removal is the only way to keep a child safe, other critical decisions can also be made, such as ensuring that siblings are placed together whenever possible and are returned to their home as quickly as possible. Team Decision Making has revolutionized the way CWS conducts business with families, community members, and foster parents. Since implementing the practice, many Tulare County families, foster parents and service providers have experienced the power of TDM meetings; the responses of participants has been overwhelmingly positive. A participant stated: "It was very important for the well-being of the children ... I liked the way in which the decisions were made." This success, which is a direct manifestation of the community’s collaborative efforts, has proven the beneficial outcomes of our village “raising its children together.”

Tulare County Child Welfare Services would like to express their gratitude for Tulare County’s support of the annual Holiday Toy Drive. This year’s “Brighten a Child’s Winter Sky” campaign exceeded expectations with the collection of over 1,900 toys. The donations came from over 50 collections sites throughout the county. These donations allowed the distribution of toys to children, many of whom may not have received any gifts this season had it not been for these contributions. In addition to the gifts that were donated, a total of $13,500 was generously contributed by the members of our community. Thank you to all of you who showed your support for foster care youth by sharing the spirit of the holiday season with them.

RAISE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

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

DESIGN (PROOF)

Mary K. McDonald, PhD

Client: Professor Toy Linda Del Rio, LMFT Designed by: Cribbsproject - New Media Design Sue Enterline, LCSW Project: Ad for Raise MagazineLynn FebW. Gonzales, LCSW Size: 1/4 page Jacquelyn Harris-Groeber, PhD Date: 1.11.13

Diane B. Post, LCSW

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

623-0581

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?

Sandra T. Bennett, LCSW

Kent Henry, LMFT

John A. Mauro, LCSW

Mike Mayo, LCSW Lisa A. Miller, PhD

Lori Pasion-Gonzales, PhD Colleen Richards, LCSW

David G. Richards, 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

Everything You can Think of...

and Even More!

Thursday, November 1, 2012* Thursday, November 15, 2012* Thursday, December 6, 2012*

*Call

623-0581 to RSVP

We will hold your big hands as you connect with little ones. CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE! www.professortoy.com

25% OFF

Any ONE item in the store. Limited to one per customer or family per day. Not valid with any oﬀer promo or discount and Legos. Oﬀer expires 2/28/13

Like Us on Facebook and check for Coupons! VISALIA 3448 S. Mooney Blvd. • Caldwell Across from PartyCity 559-625-3857

FRESNO • New Store! 7897 N. Blackstone • Near Nordstrom Rack 559-448-8697

RAISE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

POSITIVE PARENTING

Helping Children

Deal with Loss Text by Child Services Network of Tulare County

oss is an inevitable part of life. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts as parents, we cannot protect our children from having to face loss at some point in their lives, whether it is the disappearance of a favorite pet, the end of a friendship due to conflict, or a loved one’s passing away. It is our job as parents to guide our children through the grieving process and help them heal as much as possible. In doing so, we also help them develop the tools to deal with the losses they may experience in the future. Below are some strategies to help you in this process. Prepare. In her book, On Children and Death, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, M.D., states the best way to help your child deal with loss is to talk about it before they experience it on a personal level. “Although many adults are uncomfortable talking about death, you should look for opportunities when you can bring up the subject with your child, such as the death of someone in the neighborhood or on the news, or someone else that your child isn't closely attached to.” This will help your child grasp the notion that death is a part of life, and that everything must die eventually. Express Emotion. We all handle our emotions differently and if you have multiple children, one may react to the death of a pet more severely than another. As a parent, it is important not to undermine your child’s emotions, no matter what they are. Help your children express their emotions, and let them know it's okay to be sad and it’s normal not to feel like themselves for awhile as they mourn. Ask your children what they are feeling, and encourage them to share what they’re thinking about. If you’re experiencing a loss along with your child – such as the death of a family member or family friend – do not be afraid to show your emotions. Allowing your children to see you cry or letting them know you’re feeling sad may prompt them to openly communicate about what they themselves are feeling. Honesty is the Best Policy. Many questions will arise when an animal or person dies, when parents divorce, or when the family moves away from all that is familiar to a child; it is important that your responses be as honest as possible. You may have to simplify your answers, depending on the age and level of understanding of your children, but make an effort to be as direct as possible. Consider the possible consequences when you

RAISE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

tell your children that their pet ran away and may return “someday,” when you know the pet has died. You may lose their trust when they find out the truth, and you will have missed an opportunity to teach your child about loss. Get Help. There are times when we may not be able to deal with a loss without help. Some form of counseling may be necessary to help children process the emotions related to the loss. Let your child know there is nothing wrong with seeking guidance from a therapist, religious leader, or any other capable individual in order to get through a difficult time. Move Forward. Every loss leaves a void that must be dealt with. While it is normal and healthy to take some time to grieve and process emotions that result from losing something or someone, it is essential your child eventually move forward. Parents can play an important role in helping their children not to dwell on the loss and to move beyond the negative emotions they are feeling. The wounds may never completely heal, but encourage your child to adapt to the changes in their lives that the loss may have caused. Getting your children back into their normal routines after a few days (depending on the nature of the loss) may actually help them feel their world hasn’t changed so much, after all. Never Underestimate the Power of Love. We may not be able to take away our child’s pain, but demonstrations of affection and unconditional love during such tough times will help smooth the path toward recovery. While the loss itself may be tragic, it is also an opportunity for personal growth. So, do your best to help your child learn from the experience. Your efforts will be rewarded, both in healing from the current loss and also during the inevitable losses and difficult times he/she will experience in the future.

POSITIVE PARENTING

20th Annual

FEBRUARY 8, 9 & 10 Visalia Convention Center

Lots of Kids Activities Kids Potting Clinic

Record your story at Book Fair

BABW Bear Giveaway

General Admission $7 . Seniors $5 Children Under 12 Free

$2 off Ticket Discount at OSH or at BABW Store Locations FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.VisaliaHomeShows.com or call (559) 713-4000

PRODUCED BY

RAISE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

GARDENING

January Review: Your â&#x20AC;&#x153;egg carton greenhouseâ&#x20AC;? seedlings should be ready (or almost ready) to plant in your outdoor garden. The vegetable seeds recommended last month are very tolerant to our cold, winter weather. February Gardening Tip: If you did not ready your outdoor vegetable garden for planting in January, do that now. Add compost and/or manure to your garden soil and till or mix in. Mulching garden beds after planting will help prevent moisture loss and control weeds. 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 | FEBRUARY 2013

GARDENING

Growing Marigolds with Children

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

arigolds are diverse flowers that grow well in our hot Valley summers. They come in many colors with yellow, orange and often with splashes of red in the petals being the most popular. Marigolds are easy to grow and attract butterflies.

Did you know that the marigold flowers and leaves have a very pungent smell which certain insects dislike? For this reason, marigolds are often used as a companion plant in small vegetable gardens, however, be aware that marigolds are not reliable for preventing all insect problems. Starting marigold seeds indoors in February will allow you to plant them outdoors in March when you plant your vegetable garden. The children’s book Lily’s Garden of India is a story about Lily’s mother who has a garden filled with plants from all over the world. One day Lily enters the “Garden of India” and discovers marigolds. These marigolds talk to her and tell her how they became famous in India. Be sure to buy this book or read it at the library.

Let’s Get Started! You will need: 1. A planting container 2. Seed starting mix or indoor gardening soil 3. A package of marigold seeds 4. Water 5. A sunny location for the seeds to germinate First, place soil mix into containers. Second, open the package of seeds and help your child read the back label to see how deep to plant the seeds into the soil. Third, plant two seeds about ½ inch below the surface. Pat soil over the top. Fourth, lightly water the soil until moist. Fifth, place the container near a sunny window. Check containers daily to make sure the soil is moist. In about 10 days, your child should see the seeds begin to germinate. These seedlings grow quickly, and soon they will be ready to plant into your garden or vegetable garden. Be sure to have your child check the package label to see how far away to plant the seedlings from each other outdoors.

Vocabulary before we get started: Diverse: different or assorted uses. Pungent: a very strong, overpowering smell. Companion Planting: growing certain plants together that are reported to mutually benefit from close association in the garden. In January we used egg cartons to start vegetable seedlings. You may use an egg carton, an empty six-pack seedling holder, an empty yogurt or plastic container with drainage holes poked in the bottom, or another recyclable container. Cardboard egg cartons are great because the egg cups can be separated and directly planted into the soil after seedlings have emerged. RAISE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

FAMILY FOCUS

What Parents Should Teach Children Outside the Classroom Text by District Attorney's Office

hildren today have many opportunities to learn and grow, but, unfortunately, there are also many opportunities to make the wrong choices and face the consequences.

As our children return to the classroom after winter break, the District Attorney’s Office encourages parents to remember that some of the most lasting lessons are learned from you...whether those lessons are supportive and good, or bad – and deadly. Children Aren’t Mini-Adults Car accidents are the number one killer of teens. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that 19 percent of U.S. fatalities were related to teen driving crashes. The potential for grave danger is not limited to teen drivers. In June 2011, an 11-year-old boy was stopped in the Mojave Desert on Interstate 15. Deputies discovered that the mother’s boyfriend had encouraged the boy to follow him in a separate automobile. The boyfriend was charged with willful cruelty to a child resulting in possible injury or death. In Tulare County, in April 2011, an adult passenger allowed an 11-year-old girl to drive just a short distance in a driveway, which resulted in her running over and killing a toddler. In January 2010, an 11-year-old driver ran through a stop sign striking a vehicle, killing the driver, his six year-old sister, and mother. The mother’s boyfriend survived the crash and was later convicted of multiple counts, including felony child abuse and involuntary manslaughter. Although these risks are avoidable, parents often fail to consider the dangers associated with children riding other types of vehicles, such as ATVs and quads. A recent study on ATV driving found that children comprise 15 to 20 percent of all ATV drivers and children suffer 30 to 40 percent of injuries or fatalities due to ATV accidents. In 2007, in Tulare County, a 4-year-old boy was riding a modified ATV when he drove across a roadway and was killed by a big rig. In September 2010, a 10-year-old boy in Kings County rode his quad out on the roadway and was killed by an oncoming truck. Set an Example As adults, it is important to lead by example. If parents obey the rules of the road, their children are more likely to follow the rules as well. Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) partnered with Liberty Mutual to research what parents can do to help their children avoid becoming part of a tragic statistic. Parents who discuss safe driving with their teen and enforce consequences are more likely to have a safe teen driver. According to the NHTSA, the causes of the fatalities teen drivers are responsible for vary from driving under the influence to distracted

RAISE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

driving and speeding. In 2008, it was estimated that 12.4 percent of drivers 12 and older had driven under the influence at least once. In Tulare County last year, criminal charges were filed in 67 juvenile cases where a teen was driving under the influence of alcohol. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, distracted driving ranks with drunk driving as one of the leading causes of fatal and serious injury crashes. Distracted driving can vary from cell phone usage to eating while driving. According to NHTSA, drivers under the age of 20 are the most likely to drive distracted. This is changing, however, as a result of the tragedies that have been occurring due to the use of cell phones and texting while driving. In Rohnert Park, California, an 18-year-old girl was texting while driving when her vehicle slammed into a vehicle carrying a two-year-old girl and her mother. The two-year-old was killed and the mother was seriously injured. Now this teen, with no prior record, is facing vehicular manslaughter charges. Teach Children to Use Technology Safely Cell phone texting has become, for some teenagers, a preferred method of communication. As potentially dangerous as texting is while driving, some teenagers are venturing from sending a flirtatious text message to “sexting.” Sexting is the exchange of sexually explicit conversation and nude or partially nude pictures via text messaging. Most teens probably haven’t considered the social or criminal consequences of sexting. Beyond the humiliating prospect of a photo being distributed around school, or the Internet, the minors involved could be charged criminally with possession and distribution of child pornography. Possession of a nude or semi-nude picture of a minor (on a cell phone) or forwarding the image may result in a felony charge and could result in the minor having to register as a sex offender, which could affect future job prospects. According to a 2009 survey, 22 percent of teen girls and 20 percent of teen boys have sent nude or semi-nude photos of themselves over the Internet or with their phones and 39 percent of all teens have sent sexually suggestive messages. Parents, contact your cell phone providers to learn about features to keep your children safe. Check out information about sexting, e-mail, and cyber bullying at www.netsmartz.org. Then, talk with your kids about good choices and being safe long after the school bell stops ringing.

DENTAL HEALTH

Primary Herpetic Gingivostomatitis Text by Mariya Grigoryan, D.M.D.

hildren with primary herpectic gingivostomatitis (PHGS) develop many painful sores on the lips, tongue, gums and inside the mouth. The cause of PHGS is the Type I Herpes virus. The virus spreads easily among young children through saliva via shared toys, drinking cups or eating utensils. Infection by type I herpes virus has occurred in close to 70 percent of middle-aged adults, but most of the infections are subclinical. Most often the infection is seen between the ages of six months and five years, but occasionally is seen in adulthood. The mouth sores make swallowing painful, so your child may not want to eat or drink. The sores usually heal within two weeks. Individuals infected with PHGS may experience fever, anorexia, irritability and headaches. The disease presents as numerous pin-head vesicles, which rupture rapidly to form painful irregular ulcerations covered by yellow-grey membranes. The lymph nodes

may swell and bad breath may also develop. The fluid released by the ruptured vesicles releases virons which are live viruses capable of infecting others. Common oral areas affected by the virus are tongue and palate, but the virus can be presented anywhere. In severe cases patients can also develop complications such as pneumonia and meningitis. Treatment includes fluid intake, good oral hygiene and gentle debridement of the mouth. In healthy children, the lesions heal spontaneously in seven – 14 days without scars. Gently and carefully brush your child's teeth and tongue each day. Oral rinse to kill germs may be used. Since eating and drinking will be painful for the child, applesauce, gelatin or frozen treats are good choices. Your child needs to keep eating and drinking while he/she has PHGS. Avoid hard foods such as nuts, chips, pretzels and popcorn. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest. In severe cases, acyclovir can be very helpful, especially if used in the early stages of the virus. Therapy to relieve the symptoms include topical dyclonine hydrochloride, ibuprofen and acetominophen.

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 | FEBRUARY 2013

NUTRITION

RAISE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

NUTRITION

Heart Health:

IT’S WHAT’S FOR DINNER! Text by Justin and Rebecca Reynolds, Local Business Owner

ebruary is “Heart Health Month” and in honor of this noble craze we are focusing on making our children’s hearts healthier. February is also the month of love, with Valentine’s Day around the corner; there's no better gift of love we can give to our babies than to lower blood pressure, aid healthy brain function and decrease ADHD.

Where does this adventure take us? Under the Sea! Fish is a low-fat, high-quality protein that is filled with nutrients such as vitamins D and B2 (riboflavin). Other beneficial supplements include calcium and phosphorus. And as if that isn’t enough, fish is also rich in minerals such as iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium and potassium. The protein our children eat will help them feel full longer and give them longterm energy. The biggest benefit of fish, however, is the omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3’s are the second most important thing a child (and adult) should be consuming in their daily diets (the first being a good multi-vitamin). Two omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Our bodies don’t produce omega-3 fatty acids, so we must get them through the foods we eat. Omega-3’s help with eye development, brain development, cholesterol, hair, skin and joint health. They keep your heart healthy whether it’s in the developing stage (like a baby in the womb and mom is taking in the omega-3) or the heart is already matured (crawling, scooting or walking around). Omega-3’s help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of sudden death, heart attack, abnormal heart rhythms and

strokes. They also aid in healthy infant development of brain, vision and nerves during pregnancy, decrease the risk of depression, ADHD, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, diabetes, and reduce the risk of inflammation and arthritis. Omega-3’s are found in every kind of fish but are especially high in fatty fish such as salmon, trout, sardines, herring, canned mackerel, canned light tuna and oysters. Our children – a 3-year-old and twin 2-year-olds – absolutely love when we have fish for dinner. They call it “chicken-fish” (for some reason, letting them know it’s going to taste good by putting the word “chicken” in front of it has become extremely reassuring). We eat a lot of tuna and we never have leftovers when I bake flakey white fish in the oven, like tilapia, catfish or mahi-mahi. I don’t use a lot of specialty fish recipes; I just spray the casserole dish, put a couple tablespoons of butter in the dish, add the fish, and sprinkle with the wanted seasonings (lemon pepper, garlic powder and/or creole seasoning). If I’m feeling really fancy, I will squeeze a half of a lemon over the fish before I add the seasonings … it’s that simple! It’s fast, delicious and full of healthy benefits. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least two times per week as a part of a healthy diet, but feel free to double that. Fish is great baked, over salads, on a bun in place of a hamburger, grilled, used in tacos or even boiled in soups. Healthy and delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. Fish is easy and cooks up quickly if you’re in a time pinch for dinner. Add a green salad and some cooked vegetables on the side and the entire family will be impressed by the gourmet meal placed before them. The best time to start a new eating habit is now, so get something “fishy” going on in the kitchen and give your heart a break!

RAISE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

ADVENTURES

Project Survival’s

orty miles northeast of Visalia is the small town of Dunlap. With less than 200 people who know Dunlap as home, it seems that this microscopic community would be pretty easy to overlook. But, for over 25 rare and wild cats, Dunlap is their sanctuary, their home and their Cat Haven. Gather up the kids and head out for an adventure full of spots, stripes and whiskers.

Founded in 1993, Project Survival’s Cat Haven consists of 100 acres to the west of King’s Canyon National Park and is open for tours yearround – even in these chilly winter months. Cheetahs, Tigers, Bobcats, Jaguars, Clouded Leopards and Amur Leopards are just a few of the cat species that reside in the Cat Haven. If your children have a love for animals, big or small, this adventure will definitely open their eyes to the world of wildlife and something they will remember for years to come. All of the cats at the Cat Haven are unique in their own way. For example, the Snow Leopard, one of the world’s rarest cat species, has the highest jump of all cats, which can be up to 40 feet. The Cheetah is the

RAISE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

fastest cat and can reach speeds of up to 70 mph. How’s that for a heart racing adventure? But not to worry, the Cat Haven has taken precautions to keep the animals and guests safe. The Cat Haven all started when its founder, Dale Anderson, decided to dedicate his life and career to preserving and understanding wild cats. His passion first began as a young boy when he made the decision to someday own a wild cat. It’s safe to say he surpassed his childhood dream. Since his decision 20 years ago, the Cat Haven has become not only a safe and fun place for the cats and the volunteers, but for the visitors as well. Tour tickets start at $6 for children and $9 for adults and provide around two hours of entertainment. Group tours, field trips and educational classes are also available. Some of the classes taught at the Cat Haven include: introduction to Osteology, ecosystem adventure, track & trails, conservation ethics and careers working with animals; making this adventure not only a lot of fun, but educational too! Make sure you and your family wear comfy walking shoes as this tour consists of a quarter-mile walk on a sloped and decomposed granite trail. Tours can be hot and humid or cold and rainy so dress accordingly because the cats are always out. For more information on this local adventure visit www.cathaven.com or call 338-3216.

READING LIST

Non-Fiction Books to Inform and Assist Text by Lee Littlewood

hese books tell fascinating, true tales of strength and also help kids laugh about body parts and learn how to perform onstage.

Double Victory by Cheryl Mullenbach; Chicago Review Press; 266 pages; $19.95. This important book, peppered with black and white photographs, tells the often-forgotten stories of the determined African American women who fought racial injustice well before the civil rights movement began. These women spoke up during World War II, a time when women of all colors were expected to work hard but also stay quiet. Subtitled "How African American Women Broke Race and Gender Barriers to Help Win World War II," Mullenbach tells of not only more famed heroines such as Mary McLeod Bethune and Lena Horne, but also others just as impressive. Betty Murphy Phillips was the only black female overseas war correspondent, while Deverne Calloway was a Red Cross worker who led a protest at an Army base in India. A new, diverse look at the behind-thescenes effort during a war that's been studied many times before, Double Victory also includes a helpful biography.

What Body Part is That? by Andy Griffiths; illustrated by Terry Denton; Feiwel and Friends; 180 pages; $12.99. Highly witty, hugely entertaining and slightly gross, What Body Part is This? is fully illustrated and "without the boring technical jargon and scientific accuracy that normally clog up the pages of books of this type". From the popular wacky-tale author Griffiths, (The Cat on the Mat is Flat and Killer Koalas from Outer Space), this kid-friendly guide aims to be 99.9 percent fact free! Shoulders, for example, are described as having their main function "to help you avoid difficult questions. You do this by raising and dropping your shoulders rapidly. This is called shrugging." If it weren't for kidneys, "we wouldn't have kidney machines, kidney-shaped swimming pools, kidney beans, or Nicole Kidneyman. That's all there is to know about kidneys." Extremely funny and totally, especially boy-friendly, Griffiths' latest is a hoot.

Ekaterinoslav: One Family's Passage to America by Jane Yolen; Holy Cow Press; 53 pages; $15.95. This memoir told in verse is prolific author Yolen's tale of her father's rocky journey toward the American dream. Part family story, part immigrant tale, Yolen's strong narrative prose brings to life a gone era as she precisely translates historical facts and family lore. From 1870s Ukraine to Ellis Island, Yolen's family's journey is insightful, awe-inspiring and uniquely American. With a few photographs, timeline and glossary, Ekaterinoslav is graceful, moving, and even funny at times.

So You Wanna Be a Superstar: The Ultimate Audition Guide? by Ted Michael; Running Press Kids; 162 pages; $10.95. This fun go-to guide, probably one-ofa-kind, presents straightforward, wellorganized advice for kids 10 and up to help with the audition processes. Penned by Ted Michael, a graduate of the Juilliard School, and with an introduction from singer and actress Lea Salonga, (the voice of Princess Jasmine in Aladdin), this interactive guide includes quizzes, checklists, and even YouTube video tips. Other chapters include "Discovering Yourself," "Show Choirs and Glee Clubs," and "Dealing with Disappointment." Whether kids want to learn to act, sing or work behind the stage scenes, Michael's "inner superstar" book is great fun for performers and wannabes.

RAISE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

COLLEGE PREP

Benefits of Extra-Curricular Activities Text by Jesus and Adriana Gonzalez, Educational Consultants, ILEAD

ollege admissions officers look for students who are not only excelling in academics, but those who are well-rounded as well. Participation in extracurricular activities gives students a competitive edge while demonstrating many great qualities such as leadership, responsibility and motivation. Admissions officers are more likely to consider applicants who demonstrate commitment and passion rather than applicants who are superficially involved in many activities. In high school, there are many opportunities for students to become involved in extra-curricular activities. The following highlights some examples of how students can enrich their high school experience as they prepare for college.

School Clubs. Parents can help guide students toward activities that complement or enhance their interests and abilities. Most campuses have multiple options students can choose from. Anything from student government, to chess or robotics club can give students an experience outside of the classroom where they can utilize their skills and build upon them. A student who is a great writer may consider working for the school newspaper, while one who is a talented photographer may consider helping with the school yearbook. Most high school music programs also have extra-curricular components that allow for experiences outside of the classroom. A band review, a music concert, or competition teaches students the time and commitment required to prepare for such events. Sports. With extracurricular sports, students learn critical thinking skills, leadership skills and keep their bodies healthy while having fun. Meeting new friends, working together as a team and developing healthy competitiveness are important strides in social and emotional growth. Being involved in sports also allows students to experience confidence as they build and master their skills. They grow emotionally as they learn to handle the disappointment of losing a game or they gain a sense of accomplishment by winning a championship. Sometimes students feel that they need to participate in popular or highly visible sports such as football, baseball, volleyball or softball, but there are many other sports such as soccer, swimming, tennis or golf that students can build great skills from.

RAISE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

Volunteering. Giving back to the community is an invaluable gift that comes with many great benefits. Students experience hands-on work and meet many wonderful people along the way. They also gain a great sense of accomplishment, especially when they witness firsthand the gratitude of those benefiting from their services. Whether it is the Boys & Girls Club, a senior center or a church, volunteering with any organization can help students learn more about themselves and perhaps even put them on the path to a future career. Some high schools offer academic credit for volunteer work through service learning. To find out if your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s school offers this option, encourage them to talk to their counselor. Volunteer work illustrates interest and character. When students list their volunteer service on college applications, it demonstrates to admission officers the value and commitment theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll bring to the campus community. Achieving a balance between academics and extracurricular activities can be a challenge for students. Working within timelines and under pressure gives students the added skills to prioritize and balance their activities while maintaining competitive grades. They should always remember to add activities as their time permits, and to leave a little time for fun with their friends. Before you know it, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be heading off to college!

HAPPY TRAILS

Sienna Villa with Vixen

Text by Happy Trails

ienna Villa is a friendly, confident six-year-old girl who loves spending time with friends, playing with her dog, galloping around the house, dancing and making new friends. Most people would never know Sienna suffers from an undiagnosed condition that has left her with underdeveloped muscles, delayed cognitive ability and an inability to speak. When Sienna was 10 months old, both of her grandmothers noticed that she wasn’t rolling over, crawling, babbling, scooting or anything else that seemed appropriate for her age. This discovery sent Sienna on a journey to Children’s Hospital Central California where doctors ran an array of tests but came up with no answers.

Although doctors could not determine a specific diagnosis for Sienna, it was apparent that she had very low muscle tone, among other things, and they recommended that she start physical and occupational therapy, which ended up helping her to start crawling and walking by age two. However, Sienna continued to struggle with her muscle tone and posture, spent much of the time in a hunched-over position, and had yet to utter a single word. When she was three, Sienna was referred to Happy Trails Riding Academy by her doctors and therapists. In the beginning, Sienna was very distracted by her parents’ presence during her riding lessons, struggled to focus on instructions, needed much assistance from her side-walkers to help her stay upright in the saddle, and had very low stamina. After nearly three years at Happy Trails, Sienna’s posture and balance are vastly improved, her attention span has increased, and she participates in the full hour-long lessons twice per week. “She has made great strides with communication and following instructions in the past two years,” said Klara Bergtholdt, cccupational therapist and one of Sienna’s instructors at Happy Trails. “This is demonstrated by her increased use of signs during class and participation with activities. She has a personality that wins the hearts of the volunteers and horses alike.” Despite her limitations, Sienna continues to be a positive, friendly, happy and lovable girl that brings joy to everyone she meets, and loves to wave “hello” to the horses as her family drives up the driveway.

RAISE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

CALENDAR

february 2013

calendar of events dates to remember

Find the Biggest Tree

FEBRUARY 16

Father Daughter Dance - Magical Carpet Ride

FEBRUARY 22

Gnarly Neon 5k FEBRUARY 23

FEBRUARY

RAISE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

MARCH

CALENDAR Disney on Ice

Bring the whole family as Disney presents Dare to Dream, starring Tangled star, Rapunzel. Other guests include Cinderella, Prince Charming and Princess Tianna. Experience the sparkle and excitement of a Disney movie … on ice! When: Feb. 1 – Feb. 4 Where: Selland Arena, 700 M Street, Fresno Contact: 445-8100 or www.fresnoconentioncenter.com Cinderella

This event is the 33rd production for Green Acres Little Theatre and will include more than 80 students from Green Acres Middle School. Come and be delighted at this family event that will have the glass slipper, the pumpkin and more! Tickets at $10. When: Feb. 7-8; 7:30p, Feb. 9; 1p and 7:30p; Feb. 10; 2p Where: Rotary Theater, 330 S. Dollner St., Visalia Contact: 730-7671

16 Find the Biggest Trees

If you enjoy nature and all of its beauties then this event is for you. Participants will wander the snow covered forest in search of some of the biggest trees. This off-trail event will include the reading of a topographic map and is considered moderately difficult. Time is running out to sign up for this chilly day; only 10 participants allowed. For $63 you can join in on the fun and support Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. When: Feb. 16 Where: Sequoia National Park Contact: www.sequoiahistory.org

22 Father Daughter Dance - Magic Carpet Ride

Imagine U Interactive Children’s Museum

For this magical event, young ladies ages 4-16 can be escorted by dad to a night of fun. Tickets are $50 per couple and include music, dancing, refreshments and a photo. When: Feb. 22 Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 East Acequia, Visalia Contact: www.ci.visalia.ca.us

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

23 Gnarly Neon 5k

AgVentures at Heritage Complex

Be ready to get down and dirty as you skip, walk or run through colorful chaos at this event. Show up in your whitest clothes and be ready to go wild with color as you participate in this event for the whole family. Tickets start at $25. When: Feb. 23, 9a Where: Woodward Park, 7775 Friant Road, Fresno Contact: http://gnarlyneon5k.com

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

Tulare County Library

Visalia Farmers Market – Harvest of the Valley

First Tuesday Book Club (Feb. 5, 6:30p) Socrates Café (Feb. 12, 6:30p) Mystery Readers (Feb. 20, 6:30p) Where: Tulare County Library, 200 W. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: 713-2700 or www.tularecountylibrary.org 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

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 | FEBRUARY 2013

HEALTH

Prevent the Flu ... Before it Gets to You! Stephanie Zuniga, PA-C, FHCN Woodlake

ou may have heard concerns regarding the contagious viral illness known as influenza, or the “flu.” Flu season started early this year; this year has been more severe than in previous years and has already resulted in many deaths and countless hospitalizations. Below is some valuable information so you and your family are prepared to prevent the flu, before it gets to you.

Common symptoms of the flu include: • Fever (frequently high) • Chills • Body aches • Fatigue • Headache • Runny nose or nasal congestion • Sore throat • Cough • Vomiting and diarrhea

The key to avoiding the flu is prevention. The most effective way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu shot every year as soon as the vaccine is available. But it’s not too late if you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet this season. Every person six months and older should get a flu shot; some children may require two separate doses. The flu shot is especially important for high-risk populations, including pregnant women, young children, adults 65 years and older, caregivers of young children, and those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart and lung disease. Children younger than six months are unable to get the flu shot; therefore anyone caring for them should be vaccinated.

The flu can be distinguished from the common cold because flu symptoms are more severe and tend to last for one to two weeks. The flu is usually diagnosed based on symptoms, but can be confirmed by a simple test. Your healthcare provider may prescribe antiviral medication, which lessens the duration and shortens the course of illness. Antibiotics will not treat the flu. It is also important to rest, drink plenty of fluids and take fever-reducing medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. You should stay home from work or school until you are fever-free for 24 hours without having to take these medications. Complications of the flu include pneumonia, dehydration, and respiratory complications that may require hospitalization and can even lead to death.

The following precautions are essential to preventing the spread of the flu: • Frequent hand-washing with soap and water or alcoholbased hand sanitizers • Covering coughs and sneezes • Avoiding close contact with sick individuals • Staying home from work or school when you experience flu symptoms • Frequent cleaning and disinfecting of household and work surfaces that may be contaminated

Warning signs that should lead you to go to the emergency room include: • Trouble breathing • Bluish skin color • Dehydration (being unable to drink enough fluids, lack of tear production, decrease in urination) • Persistent vomiting • Confusion • Chest or abdominal pain

RAISE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2013

Part of staying healthy is making sure your child is up-todate with well-child check-ups and recommended vaccines. A well-child check-up is a routine exam during which your child’s healthcare provider will assess your child’s growth and development, as well as discuss any problems or concerns that you may have. Children need to have a check-up every few months during infancy and then every year starting at two years old.

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 • 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 • 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 • Child Abuse 24-hr Hotline, (800) 331-1585 • 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 | FEBRUARY 2013