Carolina Parent April 2015 by Carolina Parent

parent CAROLINA

April 2015 • Free

THE TRIANGLE’ S FAMILY RESOURCE

Understanding

TASTE BUD Transformations FOOD ALLERGY THEORIES

Causes and Solutions

WAYS TO EXPERIENCE SCIENCE

POWER UP for Our Fit Family Challenge

NC Museum of Life & Science

APRIL 2015 | carolinaparent.com

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Montsorri Community School

✓ 18 months – 8th grade ✓ Individually-paced instruction ✓ Hands-on learning

The Hill Center Pre-School & Elementary Tours April 14th & 23rd

✓ Fine arts programs ✓ After-school activities ✓ Extended care ✓ AMS & SACS accredited

Inspiring independence, self-discipline, & leadership in a challenging, multi-age environment

4512 Pope Rd. Durham, NC 27707

919-493-8541 www.mcsdurham.org

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Baby and Company

Personalized Care And A Welcoming Environment Go Hand In Hand.

Deliver at Baby+Co.

We accept all major insurance plans. 226 Ashville Ave. Cary NC 27518

www.babyandcompany.com

(919) 852-1053 carolinaparent.com | APRIL 2015

Lukas, age 10 Crohn’s disease patient

UNC Healthcare

We’re Champions of Future Champions

As a leading children’s hospital in the Southeast, we help ensure today’s bright futures grow into tomorrow’s champions.

{PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY AND IBD} The UNC Children’s gastroenterology program offers comprehensive and individualized diagnosis and treatment for a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

• GI specialists, nutritionists, nurses, psychologists and surgeons with access to the most advanced technologies and therapies, working together to provide treatment

• Access to research programs and clinical trials • Appointments available at two convenient locations—Chapel Hill and Raleigh 4

APRIL 2015 | carolinaparent.com

UNCChampions.org

April

CONTENTS FEATURES

24 28 32

Fit Family Challenge, Part 1 Power Up!

Taste Bud Transformations Why Your Child Hates Broccoli

Food Allergies on the Rise Understand Possible Causes and Treatments

IN EVERY ISSUE

7 8

April Online Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note

10 FYI 10 Education 11 Community 12 Food 15 Health 17 Style 18 Understanding Kids 21 Tech Talk 22 Hammer, Nails and Diaper Pails

Excursion

CALENDAR

Our Picks

Daily

N.C. Science Festival

carolinaparent.com | APRIL 2015

NC Symphony

THUR, MAY 7 | 7:30PM

MEMORIAL HALL, UNC-CHAPEL HILL

FRI/SAT, MAY 8-9 | 8PM MEYMANDI CONCERT HALL, RALEIGH Grant Llewellyn, conductor UNC-Chapel Hill’s Carolina Choir Enjoy a semi-staged production of Shakespeare’s beloved play while the North Carolina Symphony plays Mendelssohn’s passionate music.

SEASON FINALE

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Seats selling fast — Buy Now! ncsymphony.org | 919.733.2750 See participating sponsors at ncsymphony.org/contribute

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APRIL 2015 | carolinaparent.com

Southpoint Pediatric Dentistry

WHAT’S NEW AT

carolinaparent.com

Join Our Fit Family Challenge!

Camps and Track-Out Programs

Get ready to power up for our 2015

in our Camp Directories.

Fit Family Challenge, which runs April 21-June 15. Registration opens

carolinaparent.com/directories/camps

Find day or residential camps and track-out activities that suit your child

April 1 at carolinaparent.com/fitfamilychallenge. You can win prizes and it’s free to join!

… Lifestyle  Family Health  Fit Family Challenge 2015 Spring Guide Head to spring festivities in the Triangle. Try your hand at easy crafts. Bloom with new styles.

… Things to Do  Seasonal  Spring Guide to the Triangle

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instagram.com/ carolinaparent

carolinaparent.com | APRIL 2015

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parent CAROLINA

EDITOR’S NOTE

Celebrating Food, Fitness and Hard Work

Member of the

Morris Media Network

morris.com

GROUP PUBLISHER Sharon Havranek

PUBLISHER

Brenda Larson • blarson@carolinaparent.com

EDITOR

Beth Shugg • bshugg@carolinaparent.com

he picky eater. Every family has one. The greener and more

bitter the meal, the less likely your selective sweetheart will eat what

Carolina Parent’s editorial and design staff: left to right Beth Shugg, Lauren Isaacs, Odile Fredericks, Cheri Vigna and Janice Lewine.

Janice Lewine • jlewine@carolinaparent.com

ART DIRECTORS

Cheri Vigna • cvigna@carolinaparent.com Melissa Stutts • mstutts@charlotteparent.com

WEB EDITOR

you have so painstakingly prepared.

Odile Fredericks • ofredericks@carolinaparent.com

This month in “Taste Bud Transformations: Why Your Child Hates Broccoli” on

DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

Lauren Isaacs • lisaacs@carolinaparent.com

page 28, we chew on research that may provide scientific refuge to parents of picky eaters who have patiently tried to understand their child’s vanilla approach to eating. Believe it

ASSOCIATE EDITOR • CALENDAR/DIRECTORIES

or not, taste preferences may be due to a grouping of genes we inherit that make us more

SALES TEAM LEADER • MEDIA CONSULTANT Candi Griffin • cgriffin@carolinaparent.com

MEDIA CONSULTANTS

— or less — sensitive to certain tastes.

Regina Alston • ralston@carolinaparent.com Sue Chen • schen@carolinaparent.com

In “Food Allergies on the Rise: Understand Possible Causes and Treatments” on

ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATOR Kia Moore • ads@carolinaparent.com

page 32, find out why there may be hope for your nut- or dairy-allergic child. Recent studies reveal strategies that may help desensitize children to foods they are allergic to.

MORRIS VISITOR PUBLICATIONS

Speaking of food, we’re shining our nutrition spotlight on two families who

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT Karen Rodriguez

will receive not only customized dietary plans, but also guidance for how to lead

PRESIDENT

Donna Kessler

more active and balanced lives as part of our second annual Fit Family Challenge,

DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING

which kicks off April 21 and lasts through June 15. Turn to page 24 to meet the Gomez

Donald Horton

and Ojala families as they embark on a journey toward healthier lifestyles. Beginning

PUBLICATION MANAGER Kris Miller

April 1, you can register your family to participate in the Fit Family Challenge at myfitfamilychallenge.com/carolinaparent. Don’t miss your chance to win the grand prize: a family vacation to Universal Orlando® Resort! Lastly, we’d like to toot our own horn for a sentence or two. In February, the Parenting Media Association awarded Carolina Parent with four awards: a gold for our September 2014 “Mommy Guilt” feature layout, and silvers for General Excellence, our 2014 Fit Family Challenge article series and our Healthy Families e-newsletter. Thank you, PMA judges, for bestowing these honors upon the Carolina Parent team.

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Cher Wheeler

5716 Fayetteville Rd., Suite 201, Durham, NC 27713 phone: 919-956-2430 • fax: 919-956-2427 email: info@carolinaparent.com advertising@carolinaparent.com • editorial@carolinaparent.com

Circulation 40,000. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. Carolina Parent reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the publication’s standards. Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Winter has melted away — FINALLY. Open your windows and let in the joyous sounds of birds singing and children playing. Spring is here and we are ready to celebrate it with you!

Beth Shugg, Editor

APRIL 2015 | carolinaparent.com

A publication of the Visitor Publications Division of Morris Communications Company, L.L.C. 725 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901 Chairman and CEO President William S. Morris III Will S. Morris IV

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› FYI

education

Wake Education Partnership Rebrands Itself as Wake Ed In an effort to enhance its mission for educational excellence in the Wake County Public School System, Wake Education Partnership has rebranded itself as WakeEd. The organization will continue to engage the business community and community-at-large in collaboration with WCPSS in an attempt to provide every student excellent educational opportunities, highly effective teachers and strong leaders. Learn more at wakeed.org. Photo courtesy of Virginia Todd

1600

Isaiah Austin Delivers Inspirational Message Former Baylor College basketball star Isaiah Austin addressed students at Saint Raphael Catholic School in Raleigh on Jan. 26. Austin made headlines in 2014 when, just days before the NBA Draft, he was diagnosed

The point scale of the redesigned

with Marfan syndrome, a potentially life-threatening disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue. He

SAT for 2016. The new version will

spoke to students about his faith and his experiences playing basketball. Last year he established the Isaiah

remove the penalty for wrong

Austin Foundation, which raises funds for Marfan syndrome research and provides support for those with

answers and the essay will be

the diagnosis. Learn more at isaiahaustinfoundation.org and saintraphaelschool.org/isaiah-austin.

optional. Source: The College Board

Wake County Student Creates Foundation Michael Nook, a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and a junior at Wake Early College of Health and Sciences in Raleigh, recently founded the National Scholar Foundation, a nonprofit organization providing college scholarships to middle and high school peer tutors. He created the foundation, which will award $2,000 in scholarships this year,

21 million

after attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Launch Entrepreneurship Program in 2014. Learn more about these scholarship opportunities at nationalscholarfoundation.org.

The number of students attending American colleges and universities, constituting an increase of about 5.7 million since fall 2000. Source: National Center for Education Statistics

APRIL 2015 | carolinaparent.com

POLL

What allergies run in your family? Cats

Nuts

Molds

16%   14%     14%

Dairy

Wheat

Dogs

Eggs

Other

Fish

Soy

12%

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North Carolina farm-partners by delivering fresh fruits and vegetables weekly to its thousands of members across the state. Last year, member support enabled The Produce Box to deliver more than 1,600 boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables to low-income families, 300 pounds

currently contain citrus, mixed greens, potatoes and

of bulk produce per week to the Food Bank of Central &

root vegetables, and will have strawberries, beets,

Eastern North Carolina, and 400 produce packs for kids in

onions and asparagus and more as the growing season

the Camp High Hopes summer program. The boxes

porgresses. Learn more at theproducebox.com.

My 3-year-old loves spicy tuna and really loves a seaweed salad. I now have to order her own roll and salad because she eats all of mine. — Jennie Marie Staton At 5 years of age my son started eating sardines with spicy mustard on crackers. Because his dad does. — Brandi Compton Mendenhall

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Tops Survey For the second time in three years, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh ranks as the state’s most visited historic attraction, according to an annual survey by the Matthews, N.C.-based Carolina Publishing and Associates.

My 5-year-old likes goat cheese, oysters and pickled onions. Not all together, of course. — Nicole Stirling

The museum reported 973,738 visitors in 2014, followed by Fort Fisher State Historic Site in Kure Beach with 748,664 guests. The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro ranked third in the survey with 743,774 visitors.

Hillsborough Christian Academy Hillsborough Christian Academy K - 5th Grade •Challenging & Engaging Academics •Christian Character •Small Classes - Big Results

www.HillsboroughAcademy.org

community

Japanese sushi, fusion pork belly lettuce wraps, Indian and Thai curries, Colombian soups, Spanish tapas, etc. They’re 2 and 6. — Patti Hammond Mulligan

The Produce Box in Raleigh supports more than 40

512 US Hwy 70 East Hillsborough, NC 27278 Tel: (919) 732-0888

What is the most exotic food your child has ever eaten?

Raleigh Produce Company Supports Low-Income Families

See our website for open house date or call for a private tour

FYI

Pediatric Therapy Associates

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FYI

food

Honey Mustard Soft Pretzels These pretzels are similar to the soft, delicious pretzels you can buy in mall food courts. Yield: 13. Ingredients for the pretzels: 2 cups of warm water 2 tablespoons of honey 2¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast 2 cups of white whole-wheat flour 1 tablespoon of salt 1 teaspoon of dry mustard powder 4 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil or other neutral-flavored oil Ingredients for the honey mustard glaze: 1 large egg yolk 3 tablespoons of honey 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon of dry mustard powder Coarse sea salt or pretzel salt Instructions 1. Pour the warm water and honey into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with the yeast, stir gently and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes; the yeast should be foamy.

2. Add 1 cup (120 grams) of white whole-wheat flour, salt and dry mustard powder to the yeast mixture, mixing with a wooden spoon until combined. Add the remaining 1 cup (120 grams) of the white whole-wheat flour and mix until combined. Add the unbleached flour by the cup until the dough comes together in a ball and feels tacky. Resist the urge to add more flour — you want the dough to have just enough flour so you can begin kneading. Transfer the dough to a lightly-floured surface and soak the mixing bowl to make cleanup easier. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Wash your mixing bowl and wipe it dry with a towel. Lightly oil the inside of the bowl.

5. Wipe off the excess flour from your work surface. You need to have some surface tension to roll out your dough and more flour will make your dough slip around. Roll each piece of dough into a strip that is 18 inches long. Twist the strip into a pretzel shape (see photo) and transfer it to one of the prepared baking sheets. Cover it with a kitchen towel and continue to form pretzels. Leave about 2 inches of space between each pretzel. Let the pretzels rest until they rise slightly, for about 15 minutes.

6. For the honey mustard glaze, combine all the ingredients in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth. Brush the pretzels evenly with the glaze using a pastry brush. Sprinkle the pretzels with salt.

7. Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Let the pretzels cool on a wire 3. Place the dough inside of the oiled bowl, turning it to completely cover all sides with a thin film of oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap (you can also cover the bowl with a plate instead to save plastic), and leave it in a warm spot for one hour or until the dough has doubled in size.

4. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside. Punch down the dough and transfer it to a lightly floured cutting board. Knead the dough once or twice and divide it into 13 pieces (about 2½ ounces each — 70 grams — if you are using a scale to measure).

APRIL 2015 | carolinaparent.com

rack for at least 15 minutes. The pretzels are best when eaten the same day, but they will keep at room temperature, uncovered, for up to two days. Do not store the pretzels in a covered container or they will become soggy. Recipe and photo reprinted by permission from “Baking With Kids” by Leah Brooks (Quarry Books, $22.99).

Have you given birth recently?

Duke Pediatric Dentistry

Are you feeling depressed and/or anxious?

Women’s Mood Disorders

UNC’s BIOMOM research study is trying to understand the causes of Postpartum Depression

You may qualify if: •You recently had a baby (within past 4 – 8 weeks) •You are currently feeling sad, blue, depressed and/or anxious •You are African-American or Latina If interested contact one of our BIOMOM Research Assistants. Eligible participants will receive a $50 gift card for one 60 min study visit and brief phone visit. Wake Co. Health Dept. Erika Campos 919-350-8136 Alamance Co. Health Dept. Terry Edwards 336-513-4213

UNC Amber Ivins 919-843-4420 ECU Stacy Botex 252-744-8744

What did your child do in preschool today?of International Preschool

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Our children had fun with their friends at our sister school Beijing Royal School in Beijing, China.

Raleigh Half Day Preschool for ages 2 to 5!

Full day option available with a special program at Jasper’s or TKZ

Children love our Technology : One-on-one iPad Program, Coding, OSMO, and 3D Language Arts Program! Spanish & Chinese • Reading, Math & Writing • Art, Music, Science Smart Boards and iPads • Yoga • International Assessments After School Classes: Dance, Soccer, Chess, STEM Club Register now for 2015-2016 school year (limited spots available)

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The game is about to start...

NextCare Come in for your $25 sports physical today!

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Open 7 Days A Week with Extended Hours 10 Convenient Locations in North Carolina

1-888-705-8556 NextCare.com Visit website for clinic hours and specific location details.

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FYI

health

BY KATHERINE KOPP

U.S. Healthy Eating Index Shows Ups and Downs The total Healthy Eating Index 2010 score (the most recent available) reflects a measure of overall diet quality. For children ages 2-17 in 2003-2004, 2005-2006 and 2007-2008, totals ranged from 47-50 percent, revealing that children’s and adolescents’ diet quality fell considerably short of recommendations. The average scores for all Healthy Eating Index 2010 components also fell below standards. Dairy (milk and milk products) and total proteins (meat, fish, poultry, eggs, etc.) were closest to the standards (83-86 percent for children and 80-84 percent for adolescents, respectively). Scores for greens, beans and whole grains were farthest from the standards (14-18 percent for children and 16-18 percent for adolescents, respectively). This meant that 2- to 17-year-olds consumed far less than the recommended level of dark green vegetables, beans and whole grains. On average, the component scores were similar across the three periods. Learn more at childstats.gov/americaschildren13/ health6.asp.

25%

The number of children ages 2-5 who are overweight or obese. Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Time for THE Talk?

Most Active N.C. Cities

Many parents find it difficult to talk with their children about sex. These tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics may make “the talk” a little easier:

Where do North Carolina cities rank in Wallethub.com’s “100 Best and Worst Cities for an Active Lifestyle” list?

a Be prepared. Practice what you plan to say.

48. Raleigh

a Be honest. Let your teen know that information about sex should come from you.

51. Durham 63. Charlotte

a Listen. Give your teen a chance to talk and ask questions.

79. Winston-Salem

a Try to strike a balance. While teens need privacy, they also need information and guidance.

81. Greensboro

a Ask for help. If you just can’t do it alone, ask your pediatrician, a trusted aunt or uncle, or a member of the clergy for help.

Findings are based on the country’s 100 most populated cities and how well they accommodate or encourage an active lifestyle.

Katherine Kopp is a freelance writer in Chapel Hill. carolinaparent.com | APRIL 2015

Madison University Mall

Easter at University Mall

Raleigh Vein & Laser Center

PHOTO WITH THE BUNNY 11AM-8PM DAILY

EASTER SATURDAY EVENTS, APRIL 4TH

9:30am-10:30am Breakfast with the Bunny at FREE for Children 12 & under RSVP to www.chickfilarestaurant.com/universitymall-nc/home 9:30am-noon Baskets & Bonnets FREE Craft Activity 10:30am-12pm Hop on Down the Bunny Trail Free gifts & treats from participating businesses While supplies last Visit the Mall information table to learn more. details: www.universitymallnc.com

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Oral & Maxiolofacial Surgery Associates

APRIL 2015 | carolinaparent.com

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FYI

style

Let this athletic ensemble inspire and energize you to start the Fit Family Challenge. BY LAUREN BELL ISAACS

5. 4.

4. 5.

1. Dress Blue Chi Mesh Tank, athleta.com, $42 2. Gunmetal Fire 1488 Mirrored Aviator Sunglasses, shopzerouv.com, $14.95 3. Birds of Paradise S’well 17 oz. Bottle, swellbottle.com, $35 4. Aubergine Printed Fly-By Compression Capri, underarmour.com, $54.99 5. Ice Cube Blue Nike Free 4.0 Running Shoe, nike.com, $90 Lauren Bell Isaacs is the digital media specialist for Carolina Parent. carolinaparent.com | APRIL 2015

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UNDERSTANDING KIDS state as a “signal” before acting in response, sometimes leading them to respond with a cannon when a slingshot would have sufficed. It is not easy to help a child in such a situation. If she is unable or unwilling to discuss her feelings in the moment — and many are not able or willing — simply acknowledging that something has changed for her that is hard for her to talk about lets her know that you recognize her distress and are attempting to understand her point of view. It may not make the feeling any less troubling, but could help her to reduce

When Children are Controlling or Rigid BY LUCY DANIELS CENTER STAFF

ontrolling or rigid behaviors from children come in many forms: defiance, stubbornness and bossiness, to name a few. It’s probably safe to say nearly all

children express themselves in one of these ways occasionally.

Some children, however, tend to have more difficulty being flexible and

agreeable, which may lead to power struggles at home and at school, especially when participating in groups and developing friendships.

Understanding the Need to Control There are a number of reasons why a child might feel the need to control a situation. The key to understanding why a child behaves a certain way is to think of his or her behaviors as expressions of emotional states. Stubbornness, inflexibility and bossiness are all expressions of emotional states — signals of how a child feels on the inside. Emotional states provide parents with signals that something is happening that a child either likes or doesn’t like. When a child begins to feel irritable, stubborn or bossy, it tells us something is occurring in or around the child that is uncomfortable

APRIL 2015 | carolinaparent.com

and that the child would like to change it. The problem for many children in such an emotional state is that they don’t attend to the signal; i.e., they don’t realize why they are reacting this way and instead respond with a certain behavior. In these moments, children who feel this way have a number of significant challenges: n They don’t see themselves as bossy or irritable, which complicates addressing it. n They usually feel the problem is occurring because of how someone else is acting. n They don’t recognize their emotional

her previous level of rigidity and begin to explore various ways of responding more appropriately.

Identifying Controlling Behavior As with all behaviors, we suggest that parents first distinguish whether a particular behavior is out of the ordinary or ongoing. Attempting to control comes in many forms, including resisting the family’s plans or insisting that playmates follow certain rules. Could the child’s need to exert control be a temporary response to a recent event, such as the arrival a new sibling or the start of a school year, or does it seem to be persistent?

Signs That a Child Needs Help If a child’s seeking of external control is persistent and seems to consistently interfere with his ability to comfortably move through a typical day, as well as develop and sustain relationships with peers, more specialized help in exploring and working through the child’s internal difficulties may be needed. For further information about how and when to seek additional help, visit lucydanielscenter.org. The Lucy Daniels Center is a nonprofit agency in Cary that promotes the emotional health and well-being of children and families. Visit lucydanielscenter.org to learn more.

IMacs Giggles

Woodplay of the Carolinas

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CHILDREN’S ORCHARD

#12

Come Grow With Us!

Montessori Children’s House of Durham

From buttoning coats to writing stories to practicing multiplication, Montessori Children’s House of Durham can guide your child through all stages of growth and development.

Launching Pad

2015-2016 openings for 3-4 year olds wait list available for other levels, 18 months-6th grade

Our World. Our Classroom.

2800 Pickett Rd • Durham NC 27705 • 919-489-9045 • mchdurham.org

Reduce ✿ Reuse Recycle ✿ Resale

Earth Day Event Children’s Orchard Wednesday, April 22

Bring in ANY reusable bag and get Get a Basketful of BarGains. 50%* of your purchase back On February 28th, our store will be overflowing with so many special occasion clothes in store credit. you’ll want a basketful. Come early for best selection.

…Recycle…Resale Day Event ay, April 19

able bag and get 50%* back in store credit.

ed for fying purchase cash or credit her offer.

CHILDREN’S ORCHARD

Reduce…Reuse…Recycle…Resale Swift Creek Shopping Center Earth DayRd., Event 2865 Jones Franklin Raleigh/Cary Saturday, April 19 919-852-0550

Get a Basketful of BarGains. On February 28th, our store will be overflowing with so many special occasion clothes Now you’ll want a Now basketful. Come early for best selection. offering Offering Summer Camp Summer Programs Camp 123 Main St., Ann Arbor, 313-555-1212 Programs

* Store credit has no cash value, may only be redeemed for merchandise, and is not valid on day of receipt. Qualifying purchase does not include ANY and getor50%* salesBring tax andinmust be reusable paid for withbag cash, check credit card only. Maximum credit $50. Not valid with any other offer.

of your purchase back in store credit.

*Store credit has no cash value, may only be redeemed for merchandise, and is not valid on day of receipt. Qualifying purchase does not include sales tax and must be paid for with cash or credit card only. Maximum credit $50. Not valid with any other offer.

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e. n o e m o s I l l d e t n a o e t lo ne l y o do v a h t . I o t s a h l e I f e k no w w f h a pp y l t e ’ s n y o d ak e m to m The Pros and Cons of Anonymous Social Media BY CAROLYN JABS

eeping secrets is part of growing up. Deciding what you’ll tell people about yourself — and others — is one way to develop an understanding of privacy

and trust. Thanks to Facebook and other forms of social media, nothing is secret. Therefore, many teens are switching to anonymous apps like Whisper, Secret, Yik Yak, Streetchat and Fess to let off steam without worrying about repercussions. Teens confess crushes and mistakes, make edgy jokes, laugh over embarrassing moments and divulge sensitive information. Some open up about abusive relationships, conflicts with friends and family, health concerns and even selfdestructive behaviors.

Anonymous apps enable young people to explore who they are and to discover that their problems are not unique. Given the potential for serious problems, it’s easy for parents to overreact. Armed with a basic understanding of anonymous social media, you’ll be in a better position to talk to teens about it. Here are questions worth asking:

1. What apps are you using? Just as important, find out what apps your child’s friends are using. Many kids feel they need to have a particular app simply to keep track of what’s being said by others.

2. How are the apps being used? Some teens use anonymous apps wisely

— posting funny messages or supporting people who are having a tough time. Others are seduced by the popularity contest. In order to get more “likes,” they push the envelope with posts that are increasingly outrageous, sexual or cruel. Teens need to hear that you expect them to live up to their values in private as well as public settings.

3. What’s the appeal? Help your child think through the pros and cons of anonymity. How does it influence what people post? Be sure your child understands that privacy policies often change and anonymity is never guaranteed. Remind your child that police

TECH TALK

can and do track down people who break the law by making threats or posting sexual photos of minors.

4. What’s the role of GPS? Many anonymous apps depend on smartphone location services. YikYak, for example, was designed by college students so people on the same campus could share random messages. In high schools, the program has been used for bullying, bashing teachers and reporting bomb threats. Yik Yak erected “geofences” designed to make the app off-limits for many public schools but, of course, that doesn’t stop students from accessing it in other settings. Remember, you can always disable the smartphone’s GPS feature.

5. Which sites should be off-limits? Make it clear that you don’t want your child to use “random chat apps” such as Omegle, Chatrandom and Tinychat, which make it all too easy for teens to connect with strangers. Also, steer your child away from sites that have developed a reputation for bullying. Ask.fm, for example, is notorious for cruel questions such as, “Why are you fat?” or even “Why don’t you kill yourself?” Some developers are creating anonymous social networks that bring out the best in people. Let (let.com) is an app that encourages users to award stars to each other and claims to have zero tolerance for bad behavior. Outpour (outpour.io) allows users to share positive comments they might be too shy to make in person. Their motto: “Go find the beauty in people, and tell them.” Opening up candid conversation about these apps defuses their power. Teens may not tell their parents everything, but they should have confidence that when they are burdened by a secret, Mom and Dad are still the best people to confide in. Carolyn Jabs raised three computer-savvy kids, including one with special needs. Visit growing-up-online.com to read more of her columns. carolinaparent.com | APRIL 2015

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HAMMER, NAILS & DIAPER PAILS

A Wagon Filled With Memories BY PATRICK HEMPFING

“

Photo of Jessie courtesy of Patrick Hempfing

et’s clean out the garage today.” How did this statement come from my mouth? If I had typed these words, I

could have highlighted the sentence and pressed the delete key before anyone saw it. However, like all words, once they’re spoken in front of witnesses, you can’t take them back. Mattie, my wife, quickly seconded the idea and Jessie, my nine-year-old daughter, made it unanimous. I then pointed out what I saw as the most likely problem in tackling this massive project — too many supervisors. “We can only have one supervisor!” I emphasized. Jessie’s hand shot up from the kitchen table, at which point I recognized that I need to raise my hand faster or yell “Me!” when I end such sentences. Besides attempting to tackle this project with two supervisors — yes, Mattie also likes to lead — I knew our personalities would enter into play. There’s Mr. Sentimental (me). I know Jessie can’t use her pink ball glove anymore, but we have to keep it forever. Then there’s Mrs. Clutterfree (Mattie). “We haven’t used it in the last five years. Take it to Goodwill.” Finally, there’s Miss Open Every Box. “What’s in that box? Let’s pull that box down.” We weren’t into

APRIL 2015 | carolinaparent.com

this project long before I concluded that a trip to the dentist for a root canal would have been more fun. At day’s end, I was pleased with our progress. The car would have to stay parked in the driveway for the night since the garage floor was covered with everything, but family harmony is more important. Did we have differences of opinion? Yes. Did I go to bed exhausted? You bet. Will I get to be the supervisor for day two of garage cleaning? Like Jessie’s odds of getting a horse for her next birthday, not a chance. Though I had been dreading this project, we relived special memories. Mattie and I pulled out possessions we hadn’t seen in years — and that Jessie had never seen. One box contained love letters and poems I wrote to Mattie before we

were married. Jessie and Mattie laughed when I read one letter aloud. I can’t believe I wrote such mushy stuff — and it worries me a little that I have no recollection of writing it. Jessie said she could part with her tiny red wagon. Mattie, Mrs. Clutterfree, said, “We can’t give that away. That’s where Jessie had her apple sales.” Jessie’s preschool class once took a field trip to an apple orchard. We filled her bag in no time. When we got home, we decided to have an apple sale. We made a sign that said, “Apples For Sale – Only 25 Cents.” Jessie loaded her apples into her little red wagon and set up shop with her newly acquired red and green inventory. We had so much fun selling and buying apples, learning about money, giving change, and talking about how to run a successful business that we repeated the process after Halloween with Jessie’s trickor-treat candy. My most sentimental moment came when I pulled a sign away from the wall and found half of a pink, plastic Easter egg. Jessie hid plastic eggs long after Easter had ended. To make hide-and-seek last longer, she split each egg in half. I, Mr. Sentimental, said, “Oh, I’m keeping this.” Of course, Mrs. Clutterfree’s immediate response was, “Trash!” The garage cleanup will probably take several more days. Will I find the other half of the pink egg? Mattie better hope not, because if I do I’m saving it, and I’ll store it in Jessie’s tiny red wagon. Patrick Hempfing had a 20-year career in banking, accounting and auditing before he became a father at age 44. He is now a fulltime husband, stay-at-home dad and author of a monthly column titled “moMENts.” Follow Hempfing at facebook.com/patricklhempfing and twitter.com/patrickhempfing.

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JOIN US AT EVENTS TO EARN BONUS POINTS! Stop by our table to sign up and get promo code. APRIL 11: Quintiles Girls on the Run, Durham // APRIL 12: Touch A Truck, Chapel Hill May 2: Big Muddy Challenge, Youngsville // May 2: Meet in the Street, Wake Forest

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Fit Family Challenge, Part 1

POWER UP! BY KURT DUSTERBERG

he Fit Family Challenge is a

Meet the Families

healthy lifestyle program that

Let’s learn about our spotlight families and what kinds of challenges they anticipate. In our next two issues, our panel of experts will share with readers the advice they have given the Gomez and Ojala families, and we will follow them to see how they are changing their lives for the better.

inspires families to get active, make healthy nutritional choices and create long-term habits that will serve each family member well.

Families register online at

carolinaparent.com/fitfamilychallenge to track their activities for a chance to win prizes, including a family vacation to Universal Orlando® Resort. There is no cost to register and take part in the Fit Family Challenge, which runs April 21 to June 15, 2015.

Carolina Parent will follow the

progress of two families for eight weeks and report on their challenges and progress in our May and June issues. The Gomez family of Holly Springs and the Ojala family of North Raleigh will receive customized plans and motivational guidance from three experts as they embark on this life-changing journey.

The Gomez Family Katherine Gomez and her husband David live in Holly Springs. Katherine is a stay-at-home mom and David is a process engineer for a startup Research Triangle Park company. They are well into their parenting years. Six-year-old Anthony is in kindergarten at Middle Creek Elementary School in Apex and Andrew is almost 2 years old. And yet, Katherine sometimes feels stuck in neutral. “I feel like we haven’t quite gotten out of survival mode,” Katherine says. “We’re not taking charge of meal planning. We talk a lot about joining a gym. We say, ‘When things settle down we will do that.’ But our oldest son is 6 now and we still haven’t done it.” Before their children were born, Katherine and David embraced physical activity with a rare passion. Both ran marathons and participated in triathlons. Saturday mornings were reserved for long runs and bike rides. Parenthood changed all that. “Now that we have kids, we choose sleep over exercise,” says Katherine, who taught eighth-grade English until Anthony was born. “Other than chasing the boys and our two dogs, we’re not really intentional with exercise.” Both Anthony and Andrew are active and like to play outside. David helps coach Anthony’s baseball team. While that’s a good start for both The Gomez family: Katherine, David and their sons Anthony and Andrew. Photo courtesy of Melissa Hayes Photography

APRIL 2015 | carolinaparent.com

parents, Katherine anticipates a difficult road. “We also realize how quickly you can backtrack,” she says. “If you go two or three weeks of being sedentary, then you’re pretty much starting over. It will take time, but small steps will have big rewards.” It will also take some commitment for the Gomez family to change their eating habits. “We’re starting pretty much at ground zero,” Katherine says. “A lot of our meals are fast food or take out. We may do a Crock-Pot meal once a week.” The challenge ahead is a big one, but Katherine is ready to embrace it. “We’ve been looking for a reset button on our whole lifestyle,” she says. “This would give us an excellent support system and the challenge we have been talking about.” The Gomez family has set three primary goals:  Eating home-cooked meals. Ideally Katherine and David would like to prepare a healthy dinner at home three or four times a week. “It’s important for the boys’ health and ours,” Katherine says. “Saving money would be a positive side effect.”  Achieving a healthy weight gain for the boys. While Mom and Dad would like to lose a few pounds, Anthony and Andrew are a bit underweight. “While my husband and I both fall into the overweight category, both of our boys are in the very low percentile of weight gain,” she says. “It’s going to be a challenge for the nutritionist. They need a lot of the healthy fats.”  Improving Mom and Dad’s fitness. Katherine looks to David’s parents, who are in their 70s, for inspiration. They owe their good health to eating well and walking several miles a day. “We see that and we know it’s going to take a lot more than hope to be in that good of physical condition down the road,” Katherine says. “I would like to see us doing something three to five days a week, just something to get moving together. I need to turn things around.”

Getting everyone on the same nutritional page won’t be easy. Katherine isn’t so sure Anthony is making good choices when he buys his lunch at school. Andrew isn’t much of an eater at all, even if he’s eating fast food. David takes a pass on breakfast. “When I feed my family healthy meals, I know I feel a lot better and more positive,” Katherine says. “Food is fuel for your body. Mentally, you need to eat well to be at your best. And if you do exercise, you stop craving the fast food and junk.”

The Ojala Family Ben and Stacy Ojala had the right idea on a recent family outing to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh. When they finished exploring, rather than getting back into the car, they walked to a barbecue restaurant a half-mile away. “It was great that we walked, but then we ate barbecue and fried chicken,” Stacy says. “So we didn’t eat anything healthy.” The Ojalas’ three kids keep them on their toes. Eight-year-old Julia and 6-year-old Andy attend Durant Road Elementary School in North Raleigh. They both take part

Meet the Experts Gaye Esser, owner of Redefine Balance, will serve as the life coach — or balance expert — for our spotlight families. She will apply the principles of her business to help our spotlight parents find time to meet their individual needs, as well as those of their children. Evie Houtz from Be Active Kids will serve as the families’ fitness instructor. She will help our spotlight parents discover the best ways to help everyone enjoy an active and fun-filled lifestyle. Tracy Owens, owner of Triangle Nutrition Therapy, is a board-certified sports and clinical dietician who will create customized nutrition solutions for our spotlight families that are simple and easy to follow.

GET OUT THERE! Stop by our Fit Family Challenge booth at these fun events:  April 11 – Quintiles Girls on the Run, Durham; gotriangle.org  April 12 – Touch a Truck, University Mall, Chapel Hill; troop39nc.org.  May 2 – Big Muddy Challenge, Youngsville; bigmuddychallenge.com.  May 2 – Meet in the Street, Wake Forest; wakeforestnc.gov/ meet-in-the-street.aspx. carolinaparent.com | APRIL 2015

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in the neighborhood swim club and enjoy rollerblading. Five-year-old Ian isn’t quite as motivated to be active but, as a preschooler, he enjoys pretend play and would like to try playing soccer. “It’s a bit of a challenge sometimes because they want screen time,” Stacy says. “We want to change our lifestyle. It’s not terrible, but we want to be more active.” In the past they exercised together, but Ben didn’t enjoy it as much as Stacy, who used to run 5Ks. In recent years, it has been harder to find the time. “I’m tired by the end of the day,” she says. “I feel guilty if I go to the gym all the time and leave him (with the kids). On weekends I feel like I could go work out, but that’s my time with the family.” Like so many families, the Ojalas of North Raleigh try to make healthy choices, but doing it consistently often seems impossible. Ben works from home for Western Governors University, an online educational institution, and Stacy works full time as the communications manager for The Body Shop in Wake Forest. “If you have a day where you work a half-hour longer than you anticipated, you just don’t want to eat at 8 p.m. and then clean up,” Stacy says. She admits they eat out a lot, often choosing pizza or Mexican food — meals that please the family. The Ojalas would like to achieve three primary goals:  Weight loss for Ben and Stacy. Juggling jobs and parenting responsibilities often means parents lose sight of staying fit. Stacy has a gym membership and

Building Blocks

enjoys the workouts. Ben might be more inclined to lift weights or do yoga. “I will go through a stretch where I’m really good and I go back to the gym,” Stacy says. “Once you lose a few pounds, you get motivated. But as I get older, I find that it gets harder to sustain it and get it back.”

 Getting the kids excited about being active. Stacy would like the children to show more initiative about choosing their own activities. “It’s not so much that we’re dragging them somewhere and they end up liking it,” she explains. “I want to turn it around so they’re coming up with ideas, and they’re educated about why it’s important.”

Wake Academy

 Preparing nutritious meals. The Ojalas prepare healthy meals — just not enough of them. And they would like to solve some of the dilemmas that go along with mealtime, like finding ways to cook vegetables that will appeal to Julia, Andy and Ian. “And I would like to cook healthy quickly,” Stacy points out. “When we do plan something healthy, we’re not sitting down to dinner until 7:30 p.m. You can’t be active and eat healthy. It’s kind of one or the other, usually.”

Women’s Mood Disorders

On the positive side, the Ojalas are not homebodies, but they will need to find activities they can participate in together. “We try to be active, but I think we struggle — myself in particular,” Stacy admits. “It has gotten really hard for both me and my husband to find time to get to the gym. And Ian doesn’t like hiking and doing active things. If we could do something as a family where we all could be active, it would be family time that would be productive.”

Have you given birth recently and are you depressed?

Doctors at UNC Chapel Hill are seeking women for a medical research study of an investigational drug for Postpartum Depression. You may be eligible if you are: • Female between the ages of 18 and 45 • Gave birth 20 weeks ago or less • Currently experiencing depression after giving birth

Stay tuned next month for an update on the customized plans our panel of experts have created

This study requires a 4-day in-patient stay on the Perinatal Psychiatry Unit at UNC hospital. Participants will have their in-patient costs paid for by the research study and will receive up to $1300 for participation.

for both families to help them achieve their fitness and nutritional goals. In the meantime, be sure to register your family for Carolina Parent’s Fit Family

For additional information, please call Katie at 919-445-0218.

Challenge at carolinaparent.com/fitfamilychallenge. Kurt Dusterberg is a freelance writer who lives in Apex. He is the Carolina Hurricanes correspondent for NHL.com and the author of the book, “Journeymen: 24 Bittersweet Tales of Short Major League Sports Careers.”

This study was approved 2/23/2015 by the Committee on the Protection of the Rights of Human Subjects Biomedical Institutional Review Board, IRB# 14-0516, and sponsored by the UNC Department of Psychiatry.

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TASTE BUD

TRANSFORMATIONS Why your child hates broccoli BY CAITLIN WHEELER

t’s lunchtime at a friend’s house. Your toddler refuses to eat the broccoli “trees” your friend serves while her son gobbles

them up. You do which of the following? (A) Laugh and blame genetics: “Her daddy won’t eat green veggies either!” (B) Chalk it up to your daughter’s age: “She’s going through a phase — her tastes will mature naturally.” (C) Sigh dramatically and blame yourself: “I can’t handle the emotional battle — chicken fingers keep us all sane.”

The truth is, taste preferences aren’t a matter of nature,

nurture, inheritance or experience. Your daughter’s sense of taste and flavor perception results from the fascinating combination of three things: n Her taste buds and genetic predilections. n Other sensory perceptions such as smell, mouth-feel,

attractiveness and how it makes her feel physically and

emotionally. n Her personal experience with food, culture and her

environment.

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five rare alleles. (Alleles are alternative forms of a gene.) The TAS2R8 gene’s two most common alleles are for tasting and Those tiny bumps on your tongue are not taste buds, but nontasting. The tasting form is mostly dominant over the papillae, which protect the microscopic taste buds growing nontasting form. Since all people have two copies of every along their sides. Infants have thousands of taste buds gene, combinations of the TAS2R8 gene variants determine throughout their mouths, while adults have about half as whether someone tastes bitter foods intensely. many. These will regularly die off and be replaced, but food preferences will not change with the development of “new” Lots of Taste Buds + Bitter Gene = Supertaster taste buds. People who maintain more taste buds and have a highTaste buds identify five different tastes: sweet, sour, functioning TAS2R38 gene can be much more sensitive to bitter, salty and umami, which means pleasant savory taste tastes than others. These people makeup about 25 percent and was named by the Japanese scientist who identified it in of the global population and are called “supertasters.” They 1908. All babies have a strong preference for sweet foods — have a natural dislike of anything bitter, such as cruciferous give them sugar water and they will smile and stick out their vegetables, alcohol, coffee and anything overly sweet. tongue. If your daughter is a supertaster, she may indeed have a “In fact, babies like it even before they’re born,” Hayes genetic excuse for not liking broccoli. But the story doesn’t end says. “Babies in the womb will make sucking motions when there. saccharine is injected into amniotic fluid.” On the other hand, babies show distinct displeasure if Sense of Smell offered bitter substances. This is a “There are only five known self-protection tactic. Sweet breast ARE YOU A SUPERTASTER? tastes,” says Hiroaki Matsunami, milk is filled with caloric goodness a professor studying the genetics while bitter tastes may indicate TEST 1: You’ll need a cotton ball, blue food of olfaction in the microbiology toxins. dye, a piece of paper with a whole-punchdepartment at Duke University. The intensely strong sized hole and a magnifying mirror (or a “We don’t know how many basic preference for sweet tastes friend willing to count). smells there are. Definitely more gradually decreases as we grow, Dip the cotton ball in blue food dye and than five — probably hundreds.” in part because we have fewer use it to gently coat the front third of your Matsunami says sense of smell taste buds as we age. On average, tongue. Cover your tongue with the paper. is the major part of your food children have about 10,000 taste Look in magnifying mirror at the bit of experience. “You can eat an orange buds — twice as many as adults. your tongue visible through the hole. Count candy or a strawberry candy and the number of pink bumps you see within your taste buds can only sense The Bitter Gene Effect the circle. that both are sweet,” he explains. Scientists have also identified If you have: n Less than 1: You’re a nontaster “All the important but subtle some of the genes associated differences between the two come (25 percent of the population) with tasting. One of these, the n 15-35: You’re an average taster from the nose.” TAS2R38 gene, discovered in (50 percent of the population) Plus, you probably don’t 2003, has been shown to be n More than 35: You’re probably a supersmell that orange candy the way associated with our perception of taster (25 percent of the population) someone else does. Scientists bitterness. If your TAS2R38 gene believe that sensory receptors in is highly functional, you will have TEST 2: PROP Sensitivity. True supertasters the nose differ from person to a stronger reaction to bitter foods, have both a large number of papillae AND person, with some differences while someone who has a low a highly functional TAS2R38 gene. To see genetically inherited. Research functioning TAS2R38 gene might if you have the gene, look online for a into genetic smell preferences is not notice bitterness at all. “supertaster kit” that includes a test-strip quite new and scientists are still According to the Genetic sample of PROP, which is a chemical that determining the extent of personal Science Learning Center at the elicits a strong reaction to bitterness from differences. University of Utah, TAS2R8 has

How Taste Buds Work

two common alleles and at least

supertasters.

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Crunchy Vs. Crispy “Food taste tests include much more than smell and taste,” says Lee Stapleton, a director at Sensory Spectrum Development Labs in Kannapolis. Along with teams of professional tasters, Stapleton helps companies determine what customers will like. “Companies incorporate a lot of psychology into their marketing,” she says. “They want feedback on how all the senses are going to affect a food experience. Texture and mouth-feel are important — things like crispiness, crunchiness, stickiness and creaminess. The appearance is important as well — the color, the shape, the packaging.” It could be that your daughter doesn’t like the softness of overcooked veggies or broccoli’s aroma or “little tree” appearance.

Other Influences Even supertasters and keen smellers can learn to love foods with bitter tastes and pungent scents. Food scientist Hayes is a supertaster himself, and therefore extra sensitive to bitter tastes. But he drinks black coffee every morning and he likes beer — the more bitter, the better. This is because he associates beer with friends and experiences he had in college, and coffee with that pleasant burst of energy he gets after drinking it. Experience with food over time is the most important ingredient of taste preference, says Susan Wyler, a licensed clinical nutritionist at Triangle Nutritional Wellness in Chapel Hill and former editor of Food and Wine magazine. Wylar, who has a master’s degree in public health from UNC-Chapel Hill, has written a number of well-received books — most recently “The Diabetes Solution,” which she co-wrote with Dr. Jorge Rodriguez, M.D. “If a certain food is served at family celebrations like Thanksgiving, then you’ll develop a fondness for it. A lot of pleasure comes from those associations,” Wyler says. Such associations can be negative as well. “When I was 6, I got sick right after eating watermelon, and I couldn’t eat it for 20 years,” she says. “If someone is sick, you might not want to treat them with their favorite foods.”

APRIL 2015 | carolinaparent.com

Cultural preferences are also the result of learned habits. Babies in Latin American countries don’t have a natural preference for spicy foods; their parents just give these foods to them early and often. There are similar cultural differences with respect to smell. “Monell (a research laboratory) tried to make a stink bomb for the U.S. military and they found it incredibly hard to come up with a cross-culturally repulsive smell,” Hayes says. So, your choosy daughter’s environment might include TV advertisements showing carefully photographed cheese-oozing pizzas, sweet snacks served at school or a friends’ house, or the “child’s menu” offered at nearly every restaurant in town.

The Power of Choice

Taste Buds

What differentiates humans from animals is the ability to consider issues and make choices. Why not choose to make eating bitter-tasting foods a positive experience in your home. Here’s how. n Change the way it’s presented. “If you’ve always boiled Brussels sprouts, try roasting them with a little olive oil to bring out their natural sweetness,” Wyler says. She also suggests steaming extra vegetables to keep in the refrigerator, then tossing them with lemon juice and olive oil. You could, for example, serve broccoli with a variety of dips — hummus, honey mustard, guacamole or your favorite dressing — then let your child take control. n Model healthy eating. Believe it or not, your kids want to do what you’re doing. If you eat broccoli, that is behavior they’ll want to emulate. n Make it a positive experience. Never force your child to finish his vegetables or he’ll associate them with a negative experience. Just continue to offer broccoli, time and time again, remembering that it often takes repeated exposure to interest a child in a particular food type. Caitlin Wheeler is a freelance writer living in Durham.

E. Laree Johnson

CH Pediatrics & Adolescents

Triangle Montessori Academy Duke ADHD

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The School of Integrated Studies

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Food Allergies on the Rise Understand possible causes and treatments BY JAMIE LOBER

ood allergies are on the rise in developed countries and researchers are trying to discover why. According to a 2013 study by the Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention, food allergies among children increased by 50 percent between 1997 and 2011.

There’s a good chance you know — or even parent — a child who has

its Infant and Toddler Health Web page that “postponing solids —

a food allergy. Dr. Ceyhun Ozturk of Little Oaks Pediatrics in Raleigh

including highly allergenic foods — past 4 to 6 months of age also

says “one in 13 children in the United States is affected by food

hasn’t been shown to prevent asthma, hay fever, eczema or food

allergies.” The prevalence of peanut allergies among children, for

allergies.”

example, more than tripled from .4 percent to 1.4 percent between

A recent study, however, concluded that early introduction of

1997 and 2008, according to a 2010 study conducted by the American

foods containing peanuts may decrease the development of a peanut

College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

allergy. The study, conducted at King’s College in London, included

more than 600 infants ranging in age from 4 to 11 months. Each

Why are these increases occurring? Understanding the possible

causes has stumped many experts.

Hypotheses

child was randomly assigned to either regularly eat or not eat foods with peanuts until they were 5 years old. The study indicated that for every 100 children, 14 would normally go on to develop an allergy by

Allergy and immunology experts are unable to offer an exact cause

the age of 5. For children who, as infants, were introduced to foods

for the increase in allergies, but have formed a few hypotheses.

with peanuts, that number fell by 86 percent, to just two out of every

According to the UCLA Food and Drug Allergy Care Center, the

100 children. The findings could apply to other allergies, but doctors

“hygiene hypothesis” states that excessive cleanliness interrupts the

warn not to experiment at home.

normal development of the immune system, which can lead to an increase in allergies. “In short, our ‘developed’ lifestyles have eliminated the natural variation in the types and quantity of germs our immune systems

Doctors and researchers are hopeful that, based on this new evidence and more research, early introduction of foods can help curb food allergies, and new protocols will follow.

need for (them) to develop into a less allergic, better regulated state

Identification

of being,” the UCLA Food and Drug Allergy Care Center website

The first step to solving this mystery is to understand what is going

states.

on during an allergic reaction.

Another hypothesis published in 2006 by the Adverse Reactions

“Food allergy basically occurs when your immune system

to Foods Committee at the American College of Allergy, Asthma

inappropriately forms allergic antibodies to foods someone has

and Immunology, suggests that a child’s risk of developing a food

been exposed to during their life,” says Dr. Joel Hartman of Allergy

allergy is greater when the child is fed solid foods before 6 months

Partners of the Piedmont.

of age. The Mayo Clinic, however, challenges this view, asserting on

APRIL 2015 | carolinaparent.com

This struggle usually arises during a child’s first and second year

of life and often manifests as an allergy to milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish and/or shellfish. “Milk is tough, especially if kids are reactive to milk in baked goods, so families have to be diligent about label-reading, because milk, soy, wheat and egg can be hidden in a lot of foods,” says Dr. Emily Langley of Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center, which has locations throughout the Charlotte area. Parents of allergic children should ask questions at restaurants if they are unclear on what entrees contain, and should keep an eye on their allergic child if he or she does eat something he or she is allergic to, since the reaction may not appear immediately. “Typically food allergy presents within 20 to 30 minutes if not immediately after

delaying the introduction of highly allergenic foods to high-risk infants. This meant delaying the introduction of cow’s milk until age 1; egg until age 2; and fish, peanuts and tree nuts until age 3. More recent guidelines are less stringent but still unspecific. “(The AAP) determined in 2008 that there was no convincing evidence for delaying the introduction of highly allergenic foods, but the report did not provide guidelines on how and when to introduce them, so it is still a highly debated topic among pediatricians and allergists,” Ozturk says. “The medical community is split on the issues, but there are good proponents to delay allergenic foods, but also proponents for introducing them as early as 4 to 6 months — except cow’s milk, because consuming high amounts of cow’s

you eat a food, and a kid will develop hives or a rash around (his)

milk before 12 months makes you run the risk of developing low

face, chest or all over his body; may experience swelling of the lips or

hemoglobin or anemia.”

tongue; may start coughing, wheezing, having difficulty breathing; or have nausea, vomiting and diarrhea,” Langley says. Identification is not always straightforward. “It can overlap with a lot of other conditions like food sensitivities, gastrointestinal illnesses,

Some factors are out of parental control. “Kids most at risk have a family history like a parent or sibling with an allergic condition — whether it is asthma, food allergy, eczema or environmental allergies,” Langley says.

viral illnesses or food intolerances, so it can be difficult to discern if it

Nobody said managing food allergies would be easy.

is an allergy or another medical illness going on,” Langley adds.

“It is a life-threatening condition and also a change in lifestyle for an entire family,” Langley says.

Confirmation To confirm a food allergy, see a doctor. “We take history and decide

Treatment

the best way to test, but the only absolute way to make certain you do

In an effort to treat food allergies, several universities across the U.S.

not have a food allergy is for the allergist to perform what is called an

are performing desensitization clinical trials.

open food challenge in the office, where the patient brings the food

A clinical trial being conducted at Stanford University combines

to the office and over a period of an hour or two we introduce small

a shot of the drug Xolair with slowly increasing exposure to the foods

amounts, increasing (the amount) over that time,” Hartman says.

that a patient is sensitive to. So far, 700 participants in the clinical

This helps rule allergies out.

trials have developed the ability to eat foods that previously triggered

Based on the clinical reaction, doctors may choose to run a skin

an allergic reaction. The treatment begins with a series of injections

test, which involves pricking the skin with an extract of the allergenic

to lower the patient’s immune response. Slow and low exposure to

protein and looking for what is called a “wheel and flare response,”

the allergen follows and then researchers increase the “dose” of the

which is the appearance of a small hive or mosquito bite at the site of

allergy-causing food over the course of up to a year.

the skin prick, Langley says. Or, doctors may choose to run a blood

“I am hopeful that over the next decade that we may have

test called a RAST (radioallergosorbent test), she says, which helps

something to offer families other than just avoidance and treatment

identify allergy antibodies to a certain food.

of acute situations,” Langley says.

Guidelines

Jamie Lober, author of “Pink Power,” has a passion for health promotion and disease prevention. Contact her at jamie@getpinkpower.com.

Ozturk says in 2000, the American Academy of Pediatrics advised

carolinaparent.com | APRIL 2015

camp section

Y of the Triangle

MORE SUMMER 2015 Summer Day Camps At the Y, your child can enjoy MORE swimming, sports, games and good, old-fashioned fun! Our positive role models make parents enjoy camp as much as the kids. We offer convenient locations throughout the Triangle.

APRIL 2015 | carolinaparent.com

camp section

Camp Kanata

Camp Invention

Sign up now at campinvention.org or call 800.968.4332. Camp Invention builds confidence in children entering grades 1-6! Local educators will be leading the week of hands-on fun.

Camps in your area! In partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, an Agency of the Department of Commerce

DURHAM BULLS 2015 SEASON SCHEDULE

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USA BASEBALL AT THE DBAP

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carolinaparent.com | APRIL 2015

camp section

St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summer Camp

Artspace

For a complete listing of youth and adult classes, please visit our website:

www.artspacenc.org

Rising K-12 and adults!

Pope Foundation

Schoolhouse of Wonder

APRIL 2015 | carolinaparent.com

JUNE 15 THRU AUGUST 14, 2015

camp section

LifeTime Fitness

triangletabletennis.com 919.388.0272

Triangle Table Tennis

2900 Perimeter Park Dr., Ste. 200 Morrisville, NC 27560

Weekly Camps & Clinics

Mon.-Fri. – 12:30-3:30 p.m.

Please see website for schedules.

Tournaments Open Play Lessons

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Leagues

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carolinaparent.com | APRIL 2015

camp section

Duke Soccer for Girls Residential Camp I ........June 13-16, 2015 Day Camp .....................June 15-19, 2015 Residential Camp II.......June 18-21, 2015 Elite Camp ...................July 25-28, 2015

Montessori Childrens House of Durham

www.DukeSoccerSchool.com

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• Camp options for children 15 months through 6th grade

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• Many options available that appeal to your child’s interests, including partnerships with local businesses STEMforkids and Soccer Shots

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Learn more on our Website:

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Our World. Our Classroom.

2800 Pickett Rd • Durham NC 27705 • 919-489-9045 • mchdurham.org

Bizzy Broomz

Join Carolina Parent on the Capitol grounds April 21 as we announce the start of our Fit Family Challenge! Check carolinaparent.com/ fitfamilychallenge for more details. 38

APRIL 2015 | carolinaparent.com

Clay Creations

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Jon Choby

carolinaparent.com || APRIL APRIL 2015 2015 carolinaparent.com

39 39

camp section

New Hope Camp What are you doing this summer?

Camp Motorsport

Summer Day & Overnight Camps

Rising K-9th New Teen Camp for Rising 10th-12th New High School Crew Camp Archery, Swimming, Canoeing, Arts, Sports and more! From more info: NewHopeCCC.org | 919-942-4716 | info@newhopeccc.org

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Chapel Hill Tennis

find our

CAMP DIRECTORY .

at carolinaparent.com/directories/camps

Wake Tech Community College

APRIL 2015 | carolinaparent.com

April OUR PICKS BY JANICE LEWINE Photo courtesy of Durham Parks and Recreation

Earth Day Celebrations Enjoy sustainability activities, an art market and live entertainment at the Earth Day Festival April 19, noon-5 p.m., at Rock Quarry Park. Earth Fair on the Brickyard at N.C. State University is April 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and offers dozens of exhibits and demonstrations for all ages. Cary’s Earth Day Celebration is part of the town’s Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival April 25, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., in Bond Park. Fitness-minded families can register online to race in the Earth Day 5K and Kids Dash April 25, 9 a.m., in the Briar Chapel neighborhood of Chapel Hill. Learn more at durhamnc.gov, sustainability. ncsu.edu/changeyourstate/earth-day/

“Peter Pan” Join Carolina Youth Ballet on a spectacular journey to Never Land April 11, 1 p.m., at

Mebane Dogwood Festival

Fletcher Opera Theater in Raleigh. The

Welcome spring at the 27th Annual

family-friendly ballet features professional

Mebane Dogwood Festival April 24-25.

flying scenes, beautiful costumes and beloved

Live entertainment, carnival rides and

Peter Pan characters. Carolina Youth Ballet

more than 100 craft and food vendors

is affiliated with Triangle Academy of Dance

light up the downtown streets Friday,

in Cary. Purchase tickets, $12-$27, online at

6-10 p.m., and all day Saturday, 10 a.m.-

carolinayouthballet.tix.com or at the door.

10 p.m. The Dogwood Festival Car Show, showcasing dozens of makes and models, is Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Image courtesy of Jennifer Rhoades

Learn more at mbamebane.com. carolinaparent.com | APRIL 2015

›

CALENDAR

daily

1 WEDNESDAY

Crabtree Casters. Learn to fish. Instruction and bait provided. Participants 16 and older must have a valid N.C. fishing license. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the boat rental dock. Registration required. FREE. 6:30-8 p.m. Lake Crabtree County, 1400 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville. 919-460-3355. wakegov.com/parks/lakecrabtree. History Corner: Can a House Talk? Learn a bit of house history and hunt through the new exhibit “Rural Revival: Photographs of Home and Preservation of Place.” Ages 6-9 with adult. Register online. $1/member; $3/ nonmember. 10-11 a.m. N.C. Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. 919-807-7988. ncmoh-programs.com. History Hunters: This Old House. Visit the new exhibit “Rural Revival: Photographs of Home and Preservation of Place” and discuss what buildings can tell us about the past, and how we

might save the structures for the future. Ages 10-13. Register online. $1/ member, $3/nonmember. 11:15 a.m.12:15 p.m. N.C. Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. 919-807-7988. ncmoh-programs.com. Natural Explorations Hike: Nature’s April Fools. Take a guided hike to see if plants and animals can look or act like something other than what they really are. All ages. Registration required. FREE. 3-4 p.m. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 919-856-6675. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill. Storytime for Tots:”Step By Step.“ Parent and child read a story, learn about ants and make a craft. Ages 2-5. Registration required. $4/child. 1-2 p.m. Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville. 919-460-2723. wakegov.com/parks/ lakecrabtree. Wee Walkers: Up in the Trees. Children discover the shapes, textures, sounds and smells of nature. Ages 1 and older

with parent. Registration required. $8/resident, $10/nonresident. 10-11 a.m. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org.

2 THURSDAY

Wee Walkers: Up in the Trees. See April 1.

3 FRIDAY

Pop-In Playtime Club. Drop-in inflatable play. Wear socks. $7/child, $5/ sibling. Free for adults. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pump It Up of Raleigh, 10700 World Trade Blvd., Raleigh. 919-828-3344. pumpitupparty.com/raleigh-nc.

4 SATURDAY

17th Annual Lebanese Festival. Take the family for traditional Lebanese food, entertainment, games, belly dancing and a fortuneteller. Noon-7 p.m. City Plaza, Fayetteville St., Raleigh. tlanc.us.

Beginning Fishing Clinic. Learn the basics of fishing. Ages 7-15. Meet at the fishing pond. Registration required. $4/child. 9-11 a.m. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 919-387-4342. wakegov. com/parks/harrislake. Birding with Vernon. Join bird enthusiast Vernon for an easy walk while looking and listening for feathered friends. Discover different types of birds and their habitats. Meet at the Waterwise Garden. FREE. 8:30-10 a.m. Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville. 919-460-3355. wakegov.com/parks/lakecrabtree. Kid Power Safety Workshop. Kids ages 3-6 develop stranger safety skills, set boundaries on touching and teasing, and learn skills to deal with bullying challenges. Registration required. $35/residents, $52.50/nonresidents. 10 a.m.-noon. Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W. Ballentine St., Holly Springs. 919-567-4000. hollyspringsnc.us.

300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane • Blowing Rock, NC 28605

Tweetsie

JUNE 5-14 ADULTS ................................$41* KIDS 3-12 .............................$27* KIDS 2 and UNDER ............ FREE *Includes 6.75% NC Admission Tax

Advance purchase of tickets is recommended. Ticket sales are final. Events are rain or shine.

tweetsie.com

or call 877-TWEETSIE (877-893-3874)

42139712-A1-7-A.indd APRIL 2015 |

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3/4/15 2:35:10 PM

› Opening Day at Western Wake Farmers Market. Enjoy more than 50 vendors, live music, children’s activities, face painting and more. FREE. 8 a.m.noon. Western Wake Farmers Market, 1225 Morrisville Carpenter Rd., Cary. westernwakefarmersmarket.org.

5 SUNDAY

“Starring North Carolina!” See costumes and props from movies and television shows, including “Bull Durham,” “Last of the Mohicans,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” “Dawson’s Creek,” Sleepy Hollow and dozens more. Learn how the Tar Heel State became one of the nation’s top film and television production locations. Purchase tickets online. $10 adults, $7 ages 7 and older. Free for ages 6 and younger. Noon-5 p.m. N.C. Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. 919-807-7900. ncmuseumofhistory.org.

6 MONDAY

Kids Fun-Days: Animal Babies. Children hike, make projects and engage in nature activities. Ages 5-8. Registration required. $12/resident, $16/nonresident. 1-3 p.m. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org. Parent and Child Clay Workshop: Birdhouses. Use slabs to create a birdhouse out of clay and decorate it. Ages 2-14. Registration required. $15/child. 10-11:30 a.m. Durham Arts Council, Northgate Mall, 1058 W. Club Blvd., Durham. 919-560-2726. durhamarts.org. Tiny Tots: Colors in Nature. Ages 18 mos.-3 yrs. develop fine motor skills using natural objects. Registration required. $2/child. 10:30-11 a.m. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 919-662-2850. wakegov. com/parks/crowder . What’s That Invasive? Learn about nonnative, invasive plants you may find in your garden or backyard. Registration required. FREE. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Lake

Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville. 919-460-3355. wakegov.com/parks/lakecrabtree.

7 TUESDAY

Curious Creatures: Cool Coyotes. Discover wildlife and their habitats through hikes, activities and crafts. Ages 5-8. Registration required. $12/ resident, $16/nonresident. 10 a.m.noon. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org. Little Historians: “The Great Tomato Mystery.” Play food and farm games, make a seed mosaic and help the girls in the “Great Tomato Mystery” find Mamma’s prize-winning tomatoes. Registration required. $4/child. 11 a.m.-noon. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 919-856-6675. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill. Nature Families: Three Cheers for Trees. Learn the role trees play in communities through games and hands-on activities. Make paper and learn about things made from trees. All ages. Registration required. $5/family. 11 a.m.-noon. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 919-662-2850. wakegov.com/parks/crowder. Parent and Child Clay Workshop: Birdhouses. See April 6. 4-5:30 p.m. Time for Tots: Community Helpers. Learn about the history of familiar community helpers, including teachers, doctors, firefighters and police officers. Make a service badge. Ages 3-5 with adult. Register online. $1/ member, $3/nonmember. 10-10:45 a.m. N.C. Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. 919-807-7979. ncmoh-programs.com.

8 WEDNESDAY

Nature Friends: Forest Friends. Learn the different part of a tree and which animals call trees home. Make a leafy craft to take home. Ages 6-9. Registration required. $4/child. 11 a.m.-noon. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 919-662-2850. wakegov.

com/parks/crowder. Nature Watchers: To Be a Tree. Explore seeds, cones, leaves and trees through hand lenses and observation. Read a fun story and make a tree costume to learn the parts of a tree. Ages 3-5. Registration required. $4/child. 1-2 p.m. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 919-662-2850. wakegov.com/parks/crowder. Parent and Child Clay Workshop: Birdhouses. See April 6. 4-5:30 p.m.

9 THURSDAY

Kid Creations. Kids ages 3-5 and parent make a craft together. Registration required. $2/residents, $3/nonresidents. 10-10:30 a.m. Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W. Ballentine St., Holly Springs. 919-567-4000. hollyspringsnc.us.

10 FRIDAY

Durham Mocha Moms Support Group. Take part in a support group for mothers of color and mothers raising children of color. Children welcome. FREE. 10 a.m.-noon. Grey Stone Church, 2601 Hillsborough Rd., Durham. mochamoms.org. Sunset Campfire. Sing songs, roast marshmallows and learn how to build a fire. Meet at the Cypress Shelter. Registration required. $5/family. 7-8:30 p.m. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 919-387-4342. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake.

11 SATURDAY

13th Annual Quintiles Girls on the Run Spring 5K Fun Run. Cheer on 800-plus young girls who will cross a 5K finish line for the first time. Enjoy a post-race celebration with food, interactive playgrounds, music, performances and more. This is a Carolina Parent Fit Family Challenge registration event. Ages 1-7 can participate in a Kiddie-K. $25. 9 a.m. (Preregistration starts at 7:45 a.m. or you can register online.). American Tobacco Campus, downtown Durham.

CALENDAR

daily

gotr5krun.com. 16th Annual Frog Fest. Celebrate frogs and water quality in Wake County with crafts, games, live music, food trucks and a meet-and-greet with live frogs and reptiles. All ages. FREE. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 919-6622850. wakegov.com/parks/crowder. Atlantic Avenue Orchid and Garden Open House. Enjoy prizes and a professional balloon twister. FREE. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Atlantic Avenue Orchid and Garden, 5217 Atlantic Ave., Raleigh. 919-239-8078. atlanticavenuegarden.com. Family Gardening Series: Pizza Garden. Learn how to grow a pizza garden using basil, oregano, tomatoes and peppers. Ages 5 and older with adult. Registration required. $6/ member, $8/nonmember. 10-11:15 a.m. N.C. Botanical Garden, 100 Old Mason Farm Rd., Chapel Hill. ncbg.unc.edu. Family Rhythm Jam. Drumming and stories for ages 3 and older with parent. Drums to loan. $10/family. 10-11 a.m. Music Explorium, 5314 Hwy. 55, Ste. 107, Durham. 919219-2371. musicexplorium.com. Fearrington Village Open Studio Tour. Take the family to enjoy a self-guided tour of 22 workspaces and learn the creative process of visual artists. Works include pottery, woodwork, jewelry, altered books, fiber art, collage, painting, drawing, photography, sculpture and more. A map of the studios is available online. FREE. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fearrington Village, Hwy. 15/501, Pittsboro. fearringtonartists.org. Kid Power Safety Workshop. See April 4. New Wave Swimming 5K. Take part in a 5K run for New Wave, a coachoperated and parent-owned nonprofit organization that provides year-round swimming for ages 4 and older. Register online at https:// fsseries.com/ new-wave-swimming-5k. All ages. $30. 8 a.m. Bond Park, 801 High House

carolinaparent.com | APRIL 2015

â&#x20AC;ş

CALENDAR

daily

Road, Cary. newwaveswimteam.org. Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Take part in a 1.5-mile walk and kids activities to increase awareness about autism. Register online. FREE. 8:30-11:30 a.m.; walk begins at 10 a.m. Duke University, East Campus, Durham. walknowforautismspeaks.org/triangle. Weed Warrior Basic Training. Learn about non-native, invasive plants you may find in your garden or backyard. Take part in a volunteer opportunity at 1 p.m. to help control them. Ages 12 and older. Registration required. FREE. 10 a.m.-noon. Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville. 919-460-3355. wakegov.com/parks/lakecrabtree. YogaFest NC 2015. People of all levels, ages and mobility enjoy a retreat to practice accessible and diverse styles of yoga. Enjoy samples, demonstrations, a vegetarian lunch and more. Register online; limited space available. All ages. $50. 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. McKimmon Center at NCSU, 1101 Gorman St., Raleigh. 919-522-2646. youcallthisyoga.org.

12 SUNDAY

Fearrington Village Open Studio Tour. See April 11. Noon-5 p.m. Mom and Me Upcycle Basic Jewelry Design Class. Learn the basic techniques in making earrings and bracelets. Ages 9 and older. Register online. $15 plus $5 supply fee. 2-3:30 p.m. Southern Charm Gift Boutique, Cary Towne Center, 1105 Walnut St., Cary. 919-233-1598. etsy.com/shop/ southerncharmgifts2. Touch A Truck. Kids can explore vehicles including fire trucks and construction vehicles, and enjoy bouncy houses, face painting and more. Touch A Truck is a joint fundraiser benefitting UNC Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospitals Promise Grant and Chapel Hill Boy Scout Troop 39. This is a Carolina Parent Fit Family Challenge registration event. $6/person with a maximum of $25/family. Free for ages 1 and younger. Noon-4 p.m. Rain date is April 19, noon-4 p.m.

University Mall Parking Lot, 201 S. Estes Drive, Chapel Hill. 919-968-4789. troop39nc.org/troop-committee/ touch-a-truck. Young Ecologists: Night Adventures. Explore the preserve as the sun goes down for owls, deer, snakes and more. Take a flashlight. Ages 10-13. Registration required. $12/resident, $16/ nonresident. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org.

13 MONDAY

Forest Friends: Wiggly Worms. Learn about worms and how they help make soil rich for plants. Ages 3-5 with adult. Meet at the Cypress Shelter. Registration required. $4/child. 1-2 p.m. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 919-3874342. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake. Nature Tots: Wiggly Worms. Learn about worms and how they help make soil rich for plants. Ages 1-3 with adult. Meet at the Cypress Shelter. Registration required. $2/child. 10:3011 a.m. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 919-3874342. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake.

14 TUESDAY

Pop-In Playtime Club. See April 3. Time for Tots: Community Helpers. See April 7.

15 WEDNESDAY

Crabtree Casters. See April 1. Wee Walkers: Soft as a Feather. See April 1.

16 THURSDAY

Curious Creatures: Crazy Caterpillars. See April 7. 1-3 p.m. Wee Walkers: Soft as a Feather. See April 15.

17 FRIDAY

5th Annual Kidznotes Benefit Concert. Celebrate the 315 kids who became young musicians this year. Enjoy live performances by Kidznotes

APRIL 2015 | carolinaparent.com

and guest artist Sara Caswell. Purchase tickets online. All ages. $100/ person. 6-9 p.m. Durham Convention Center, 301 W Morgan St., Durham. kidznotes.org/fifth-annual-kidznotesbenefit. Nature Nuts: Nests. Learn about the world around them and parents share in the joy of discovery. Ages 3-5 with parent. Registration required. $10/ resident, $13/nonresident. 10-11 a.m. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-3875980. townofcary.org. Night Out in Nature. Kids spend a night out in nature making new friends in an old-fashioned, campstyle program. Ages 8-12. Registration required. $18/residents, $23/nonresidents. 6-9 p.m. Stevens Nature Center/ Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org.

18 SATURDAY

Cary Fit Month: Yoga Event. Take part in a yoga session. All ages. FREE. 9-10 a.m. Bond Park, 801 High House Rd., Cary. townofcary.org. Family Fit: Dare to Dribble. Enjoy a synchronized basketball routine by The Bugg Ball Handlers, a kid version of the Harlem Globetrotters, and learn some dribble skills. $5 ages 1-adult. 11 a.m.-noon. Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-834-4040. marbleskidsmuseum.org. Family Yoga in Nature. Combine nature and yoga. Ages 2 and older with parent. Registration required. $16 resident, $20 nonresident. 11:30 a.m.1 p.m. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org. Kids Art Activity. Kids ages 4 and older enjoy an art activity and twisted balloons. FREE. 4-6 p.m. Southern Home Crafts, 111 N. Salem St., Apex. 919-233-1598. Make It, Take It: Lighthouses. Learn about some of the lighthouses that line the coast and make a paper lighthouse. Drop-in program. FREE. 1-3 p.m. N.C. Museum of History, 5 E.

Edenton St., Raleigh. 919-807-7992. ncmuseumofhistory.org. Meet the Trees Family Hike. Enjoy a scavenger hunt to meet the trees of the Piedmont. Learn fun tree lore and how to identify some common trees. Make leaf presses to take home. Ages 6-10 with parent. Registration required. $8/member, $10/nonmember. 1:30-3:30 p.m. N.C. Botanical Garden, 100 Old Mason Farm Rd., Chapel Hill. ncbg.unc.edu. Nature Nuts: Nests. See April 17. Parent and Child Class: Sculpting Animal Friends. Using mixed media, parent and child create beautiful and unique sculptures. Grades K-5. Registration required. $40/member, $50/ nonmember. 1-3 p.m. Artspace, 201 E. Davie St., Raleigh. 919-821-2787. artspacenc.org. Senses of Spring. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the woods to listen for birds, smell flowers in bloom and more. All ages. Meet at the Cypress Shelter. Registration required. $5/family. 1:303 p.m. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 919-3874342. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake. Wiggly Worms. Recycle a tennis ball container into a worm hotel that you can take home. Ages 5-8. Children must be accompanied by an adult. FREE. 9-10 a.m. Logan Trading Co. 707 Semart Dr., Raleigh. 919-828-5337. logantrd.com.

19 SUNDAY

Family Feature: Rocking Around the Park. Conduct scientific tests to discover the hidden identity of rocks. Learn the three types of rocks and play the rock cycle game. All ages. Registration required. $5/family. 2-3 p.m. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 919-662-2850. wakegov. com/parks/crowder. Pottery Workshop for Beginners. Learn basic hand-building techniques to create animal sculptures, bells and more. Ages 8 and older. Registration required. $20. 2-4 p.m. Art Adventure Studio, 107 Spring

› Hollow Ln., Cary. 919-233-1598. etsy.com/shop/lynnesueart. Touch-A-Truck. Enjoy a hands-on experience with vehicles of all kinds, including emergency, construction, military and more. Adult supervision required. Children with special needs can enjoy a horn-free experience 1-2 p.m. FREE. 1-4 p.m. Apex Community Park, 2200 Laura Duncan Rd., Apex. apexnc.org.

20 MONDAY

Pop-In Playtime Club. See April 3.

21 TUESDAY

“Starring North Carolina!” See April 5. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

22 WEDNESDAY

Home School Day: Energy Stars. Learn how to make paper, harness the power of the sun to cook food and more. Ages 6 and older. Registration required. $6/ child. 10-11:30 a.m. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 919-856-6675. wakegov.com/ parks/yatesmill. Jackson Auto Salvage Celebrates Earth Day. See how the facility recycles auto parts for reuse. At the top of each hour, one lucky person will be chosen to press a button to crush a car. Enjoy free pencils and refreshments. Wear closed-toe shoes. Children must be accompanied by an adult. FREE. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Jackson Auto Salvage, 7120 Poole Rd., Raleigh. jacksonautosalvage.com.

23 THURSDAY

Pop-In Playtime Club. See April 3.

24 FRIDAY

Crowder by Night: Alive After Dark. Stroll around the pond in search of nighttime critters. Play games and try to catch nocturnal animals. Take a flashlight. All ages. Registration required. $5/family. 7-8 p.m. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 919-662-2850. wakegov.com/parks/crowder.

CALENDAR

daily

Curious Creatures: Millipede Magic. See April 7. Durham Mocha Moms Support Group. See April 10. Kid Creations. See April 9.

Casa Club Spanish Immersion Preschool

25 SATURDAY

Bike for Hope. Take a 50-mile bike ride at 8 a.m., a 32-mile bike ride at 9 a.m. or 15-mile bike ride at 10 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult and be able to ride a bike. Proceeds benefit The Foundation of Hope for Research and Treatment of Mental Illness. Register online. $45 and older. Trek Bikes, 10911 Raven Ridge Rd., Raleigh. April 3 - 12 walkforhope.com. Adapted by John Clark Donahue Curiosity Club: Insect Safari. Children & Thomas Olson embrace science and nature while Original Music by Haskell Fitz-Simons developing skills and knowledge Sponsored by ARS / Rescue Rooter - Raleigh Arts about the natural world. Ages 5-8. Commission - United Arts Council - Duke Energy Registration required. $12/resident, N&O - Empire Properties - Golden Corral $16/nonresident. 2-4 p.m. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 raleighlittletheatre.org Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. 919.821.3111 townofcary.org. Families On! Challenge. Enjoy 16 unique challenges and obstacles, music, food, games and more. Register 139550-A1-6.indd 1 online. Hosted by the YMCA of the Triangle and WakeMed. All ages. $20 and older. Staggered start times begin at 9 a.m. WakeMed Soccer Park, 201 Soccer Park Dr., Cary. familieson.com/events/raleigh#1. Family Fishing Fun. Learn to fish the old-fashioned way. Supplies provided. Ages 5 and older with adult. Registration required. $5/family. 9-10 a.m. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 919-8566675. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill. Little Sprouts: We Love Trees. Learn about the natural world through stories, short hikes, crafts and more. Ages 3-5 with adult. Registration required. $8 /member, $10/nonmember. 10-11 a.m. N.C. Botanical Garden, 100 Old Mason Farm Rd., Chapel Hill. 919-962-0522. ncbg.unc.edu. Paddle the Pond. After basic instruction, explore the pond’s many features by canoe. Canoes, paddles and life

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Camelot Academy

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jackets provided. Subject to suitable weather conditions. Ages 5 and older with adult. Registration required. $5/ family. 11 a.m.-noon. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 919-856-6675. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill. Pet Vet Play Day. Read a book with a therapy dog, make a bow wow bite, paint a portrait of your pet and explore careers in pet health. $5 ages 1-adult. 11 a.m-2 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-8344040. marbleskidsmuseum.org. Plants for the Birds. Learn about the plants that birds, butterflies and beneficial insects like. Ages 10 and older. $10/person. 10 a.m. Atlantic Avenue Orchid and Garden, 5217 Atlantic Ave., Raleigh. 919-239-8078. atlanticavenuegarden.com. Spring Daze Arts & Crafts Festival and Earth Day Celebration. Take the family to enjoy more than 180 local artists, entertainment on four stages, a children’s village, games and festival foods. Held in conjunction with Spring Daze, the Town of Cary’s Earth Day Celebration includes exhibits, hands-on activities and games that teach visitors how to preserve natural resources and protect the environment. FREE. 9 a.m.5 p.m. Bond Park, 801 High House Rd., Cary. 919-469-4061. townofcary.org.

26 SUNDAY

Girls World Expo. Girls ages 11-18 take part in workshops, seminars, demonstrations and more to explore college and career choices, learn about nutrition and hear success stories from creative women leaders from all walks of life. Admission is free, but registration is required. Visit the website to print free tickets. FREE. Noon-4 p.m. Embassy Suites, 201 Harrison Oaks Blvd., Cary. girlsworldexpo.com/ triangle-raleigh-nc-april-2015. Hill Mile One-Mile Race and Kids’ Dash. Take part in a competitive 1-mile race, a recreational 1-mile walk or kids’ dash for ages 10 and younger. The event features prizes, face paint-

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ing, food trucks and more. Proceeds from the race provide scholarships for students and teachers. Register online. $5-$30. 2 p.m. The Hill Center, 3200 Pickett Rd., Durham. hillcenter.org. Rock Painting for Beginners. Paint two rocks. Ages 10 and older. Register online. $15 plus $5 supply fee. 2-4 p.m. Southern Charm Gift Boutique, Cary Towne Center, 1105 Walnut St., Cary. 919-233-1598. etsy.com/southerncharmgifts2.

27 MONDAY

Smart Enough to Go to College: Five Things to Learn Before You Apply. Parents and guardians of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who aspire to attend higher education learn things to help their student. Registration required by emailing lqnederveen@mac.com with “April 27 workshop registration request” in the subject line. $100/person. 6:30-8 p.m. McKimmon Center, NCSU, 1101 Gorman St., Raleigh. aspiringaspies.com.

28 TUESDAY

Weather-ology. Learn how meteorologists study weather. Play a board game about hurricanes and severe weather preparedness. Ages 6-12. Registration required. $8/child. 1-3 p.m. Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville. 919-460-2723. wakegov.com/parks/lakecrabtree.

29 WEDNESDAY

“MythBusters: Jamie & Adam Unleashed!” Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage, co-hosts of the TV series, "MythBusters," perform on-stage experiments to support or debunk urban myths. $44-$84. 8 p.m. Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. 800-745-3000. ticketmaster.com. Pop-In Playtime Club. See April 3.

30 THURSDAY

“Starring North Carolina!” See April 5. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Photo courtesy of N.C. Science Festival

N.C. SCIENCE FESTIVAL The 2015 N.C. Science Festival features events all over the state April 10-26. Below are several local festival events. Visit ncsciencefestival.org for the full schedule.

STATEWIDE STAR PARTIES April 10-25 – Explore the night sky with telescopes and learn about the stars. Statewide Star Party events occur at Old North Durham Park, American Tobacco Trail, Morehead Planetarium, Eno River State Park, Jordan Lake and other sites. ncsciencefestival.org.

THE SCIENCE OF MUSIC April 10 – Examine vinyl records, learn how to use microphones to record a live band, experiment with sound frequencies and more. FREE. 4-6 p.m. The Shed Jazz Club, 807 E. Main St., #130, Durham. ncsciencefestival.org/2015_event/the-science-of-music.

FAMILY SCIENCE FAIR AT MARBLES April 11 – Sign up to display your own science project or explore others’ creations and investigations. Registration closes April 8. $5 ages 1-11. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-834-4040. marbleskidsmuseum.org/familysciencefair.

BUBBLE-OLOGY AT MARBLES April 11 – Make giant bubbles, stir up a cauldron of bubblicious potion and play around with how different

frames and solutions create different kinds of bubbles. $5 ages 1-11. 1-3 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-834-4040. ncsciencefestival.org.

GADGETS AND GIZMOS: EGG DROP WITH THE ENGINEERING PLACE April 12 – Engineer a protective packaging to help an egg survive a drop. $5 ages 1-adult. 1-3 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-834-4040. marbleskidsmuseum.org.

HANDS-FREE ORIGAMI AT DUKE UNIVERSITY April 13 – Explore hands-on demonstrations about polymers, programmed assembly, chemistry, light, 3-D printing and biomedical engineering. All ages. FREE. 5:30 p.m. Gross Hall, Duke University, Durham. ncsciencefestival.org/2015_event/origami.

JUNK JAMS AT THE SCRAP EXCHANGE April 13 – Examine acoustics in action using a collection of instruments built from buckets, pots, pans and other reclaimed materials. 12:30-1:20 p.m., 1:30-2:30 p.m. The Scrap Exchange, 2050 Chapel Hill Rd., Durham. ncsciencefestival.org/2015_event/scrap-exchange.

carolinaparent.com | APRIL 2015

SOAP BUBBLES AND MATHEMATICS

BODY BIOLOGY

April 14 – Dr. Frank Morgan, author of the “Math Chat Book,” discusses how soap bubbles continue to confound and amaze mathematicians. Enjoy demonstrations, explanations and a guessing game with prizes. Grades 5 and up. 4:30 p.m. 2203 SAS Hall, 2310 Stinson Dr., Raleigh. ncsciencefestival.org/2015_event/soap-bubbles-and-math.

April 19 – Explore body biology with guest star scientists from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. $5 ages 1-adult. Noon-2 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-834-4040. marbleskidsmuseum.org.

“THE NATURE OF SCIENCE”

April 19 – All ages enjoy simple machine challenges at self-paced stations. Dress to get messy. Registration required. FREE. 1:30-2:30 p.m., 2:30-3:30 p.m. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 919-856-6675. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill.

April 16 – WRAL’s Greg Fishel interviews prominent meteorologist Kerry Emanuel, a professor of atmospheric science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. Emanuel conducts research on hurricanes, climate change and the effects that climate change may have on severe weather. FREE. 7 p.m. WRAL 3D Theater, N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh. ncsciencefestival.org/2015_event/town-hall.

LANDFILL SAFARI April 17 – Tour the closed Wilders Grove Landfill by bus to learn how it’s producing energy while providing habitats to deer, coyote, turkeys and other animals. The tour will also stop at the Raleigh Yard Waste Center and East Wake Transfer Station so participants can examine how waste is transported and disposed in the county. Call to register. FREE. 1 p.m. Wilders Grove Solid Waste Services Facility, 630 Beacon Lake Dr., Raleigh. 919-996-6872. ncsciencefestival.org/2015_event/landfill-safari.

RALEIGH ROCKIN’ WALKIN’ TOUR April 17 and 24 – Explore the varied rocks and minerals that make up the buildings of downtown Raleigh and use samples to find out how the rocks were made and why they are used for buildings. FREE. 3 p.m. Bicentennial Plaza, N.C. Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. ncsciencefestival.org/2015_event/raleigh-rockin-walkin-tour.

MAGNET MAYHEM April 18 – Make and take an electromagnet, experiment with magnetic shields and test magnetic force with hot and cold magnets. $5 ages 1-adult. 1-5 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-834-4040. marbleskidsmuseum.org.

“WHAT THE DOG KNOWS: THE SCIENCE AND WONDER OF WORKING DOGS” April 18 – Author and professor Cat Warren shows the multifaceted science, rigorous training and skilled handling that underlie the amazing abilities of dogs that work with their noses. FREE. 2 p.m. Flyleaf Books, 752 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Chapel Hill. ncsciencefestival.org/2015_event/cat-warren.

APRIL 2015 | carolinaparent.com

SIMPLE MACHINES FIELD DAY

“RATIONAL COMEDY FOR AN IRRATIONAL PLANET: AN EVENING OF SCIENCE HUMOR” April 21 – From the lighter side of helium to the darker side of the moon, science comedian Brian Malow dispels science misconceptions and explores the science in everyday life and sci-fi films. FREE. 7 p.m. N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh. ncsciencefestival.org/2015_event/rational-comedy-2015.

THE BIRDS AND THE BEES OF OAKWOOD CEMETERY April 24-26 – Explore the lives of the honeybees and blue birds that call Oakwood home. Enjoy interactive honeybee activities and explore the Blue Bird Trail to understand why these critters are important to the environment. FREE. 10 a.m. April 24-25; noon April 26. Historic Oakwood Cemetery, 701 Oakwood Ave., Raleigh. ncsciencefestival.org/2015_event/oakwood-2015.

DNA DISCOVERY DAY April 25 – This extravaganza includes activities related to the discovery of the structure of the DNA helix by Watson and Crick in 1953. On display will be hands-on activities designed to stimulate science discovery and exploration for all ages. FREE. 10 a.m. Johnston Community College’s Workforce Development Center, 135 Bestwood Dr., Clayton. ncsciencefestival.org/2015_event/dna-day.

WONDERFUL WORLD OF WILDLIFE April 25 – Visit with native wildlife ambassadors, make Earth Day crafts, track box turtles through the woods and more. FREE. 10:30 a.m. Piedmont Wildlife Center, 489 Leigh Farm Rd., Durham. 919-489-0900. ncsciencefestival.org/2015_event/ wonderful-world-of-wildlife.

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EXCURSION

The North Carolina Zoo BY CAITLIN WHEELER

iraffes are the tallest land animals — 6 feet at birth. Ever looked one in the eye? Whether you’re 6 feet or 42 inches, you can come face-to-face with one at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro. “Up on the observation deck, you realize just how tall these guys are,” says Gavin Johnson, head of publicity for the North Carolina Zoo. For $2, you can buy “giraffe food” from the zookeeper and hold it out to these gentle animals. “A giraffe’s tongue is super long, and they’ll just lick the food right out of your hand,” Johnson says. Feeding the giraffes is one of the top attractions at the zoo, but for the acrophobic, there are another range of options — 500 acres of them, actually, making the North Carolina Zoo not only one of the largest in the nation, but also the perfect destination for a day trip from any location across the state.

Historic Residents Ham the Chimp — the first hominid in outer space — was one of the North Carolina Zoo’s early residents. This spring, a T-Rex takes top celebrity status at the zoo. In 2012 and 2013, the Zoo’s “Dino World” exhibit set attendance records. Now Dino World is back and, according to Johnson, “way bigger and way better.” The 2015 exhibit includes 19 animatronic dinosaurs, a fossil dig and one “live” dinosaur. This live T-Rex has a personality more akin to a giraffe than a monster, but he will definitely be a scene-stealer, a 14-footer walking through the crowds to meet and greet — and pose for selfies.

Tiny Tracks If you’re looking for a slightly smaller creature, check out the zoo’s baby animals. There are two 2-year-old gorillas, five chimpanzees under the age of 5, and four lion cubs that were born in July. “They are all super-cute and playful and always attract a big crowd,” Johnson says, adding that most little kids especially like the baby chimps, who are about their size. When little kids wave or dance in front of the chimps, Johnson says, the chimps often mimic the kids, dancing and waving back at them. The North Carolina Zoo’s play area, KidZone, is another big draw. “There are always a couple of mothers who complain that they drove two hours to get to the zoo and then their child spent the entire time in KidZone,” Johnson says. KidZone features a theme of “connecting kids to nature” and offers a stream for kids to play in, a mud café, a “treetop trail”— a wooden walkway with ropes that allows kids to experience a forest canopy — and a shed filled with dress-up clothes and vet equipment for the aspiring veterinarian. Don’t forget about the butterfly garden!

Photo courtesy of North Carolina Zoo

Main Attraction Be sure to check out the main animal exhibits, too. “The elephants are extremely popular,” Johnson says. “Even compared with the dinosaurs, these are big animals.” True to the zoo’s commitment to providing natural habitat enclosures, the elephants wander freely in the 7-acre “Watani Grasslands” exhibit, where the vegetation mimics African grasslands. Meanwhile, Anana, the polar bear, is enjoying an $8 million renovation to her home, which features extensive viewing areas, a cave filled with artwork and several interactive computer stations. When you’ve had your fill of walking the 5 miles of zoo trails (or taking the shuttle throughout the park), you can sit back in the North Carolina Zoo’s 4-D theater, which will complement Dino World this spring by featuring an animated dinosaur movie. The other movie option is a bit more mainstream: “SpongeBob.” For more information on the zoo, including hours, directions, tickets, special attractions and camp options, visit nczoo.org. Tickets are sold separately for Dino World, the 4-D theater, feeding the giraffes and the carousel. Caitlin Wheeler is a freelance writer living in Durham. carolinaparent.com | APRIL 2015

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