CreativeLiving West/Northwest • August 2009
INSIDE: INSIDE: Wow Windows The beauty of fall
Seton High School A novel idea
Judson Village Your family is our family
B Ba ac ck k tto o
S Sc ch ho oo oll great deals to save, look cool
An Advertising-Sponsored Magazine Published by The Community Press/Recorder.
CreativeLiving Features 7 9 11
Fitness fun with your family Stop being couch potatoes and take some tips from this helpful article on how to stay healthy!
Back-to-school savings Learn how to get an ‘A’ in back-to-school savings.
Keeping kid’s healthy Great ideas on how to keep your kids healthy as they head back to school.
Editor’s note Can you believe it’s already time to start making back to school plans? For great savings and advice on bargain hunting, be sure to read through our back-toschool section. There’s lots of savings to be discovered from fashions to supplies. In addition, check out some great guidlines on how to keep your child healthy as he or she heads back to the classroom. You’ll also find some wonderful ideas on how to stay fit as a family and enjoy some real bonding time. Also in this issue you’ll learn about some great senior living options.
Specialty Publications Editor
Contact Creative Living is a monthly advertising-sponsored magazine published by the Specialty Publications Department of The Community Press/The Community Recorder.
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Departments Health 3 Children’s Hearing • Vision
& Fitness 7 Health Mind • Body • Spirit
Living 4 Senior Apartments • Care
8 At Home
6 Better Hearing
9 Back to school
Quality of life
Decor • Repair
Clothes • Supplies
Questions and comments can be sent to Editor Melissa Hayden c/o The Community Press/394 Wards Corner/Loveland, OH 45140 or e-mail mhayden@communitypress.com. For advertising call 923-3111.
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Hearing Loss: Ensuring your child is not a statistic
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n estimated 1.4 million young people in the United States have a hearing loss. Yet only 12 percent of them are receiving the help that they need, according to a national study by the Better Hearing Institute (BHI). This study found that too many children with hearing loss are not getting help and are at risk for social, emotional, behavioral, and learning difficulties. “Children need to be able to hear in every environment including the
classroom, home, community, on the playground or sports field,” says Dr. Laurie DeWine, one of the audiologists at The Place for Better Hearing. “Even a mild hearing loss can create a handicapping condition for many children and adolescents.” Too many parents hear the word “mild” and assume it means the hearing loss is not serious enough to do something about. Audiologist Stefanie Godbey explains: “Children with mild hearing loss can miss 25 to 50 percent of speech signals, especially during class-
room discussions. The literature clearly shows that untreated hearing loss affects nearly all dimensions that even children with 'minimal' or unilateral (one ear) hearing loss are at risk academically when compared to their normal hearing peers.” Three out of four parents surveyed by BHI indicated their children experienced problems due to hearing loss. What types of problems? The most serious problems experienced impacted social skills, school grades and language development, emotional health,
relationships with peers, self-esteem, and relationships with family. So, why don't parents get their children's hearing treated? The BHI study found that some parents minimized, denied, or in some instances, chose to ignore the seriousness of their child's hearing loss. Three out of 10 parents expressed concern about how people might perceive their child if he or she wore hearing devices. The Place for Better hearing recommends your child have their hearing tested:
• If your infant fails an at-birth hearing screening in either ear, follow-up with an audiologist within 90 days for more testing. • Before entering kindergarten by an audiologist. • If your child has frequent ear infections for more than three months. These children are at risk for temporary and sometimes permanent hearing loss and should be closely monitored. To schedule a hearing screening, call The Place for Better Hearing at 9220123.
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Why choosing the right caregiver is so important
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s the number of seniors in the U.S. continues to grow – indeed, the first “baby boomers” will turn 65 in 2011 – so does the market for non-medical senior homecare. Chances are, you will at some point be looking for a caregiver for an elderly family member. Family Bridges Home Care is one of the areas leading providers of nonmedical senior homecare. According to Michael Garfunkel, owner of Family Bridges: “At Family Bridges, we are dedicated to working with clients and their families to ensure the best possible non-medical homecare. Nothing is more gratifying than providing the quality care
that allows an elderly client to stay in their own home. “Today’s seniors wish to maintain their independence and quality of life as long as possible. At the same time, their adult children are often sandwiched between taking care of their own offspring and helping their elderly parent, who may live hours away. That’s why the Family Bridges non-medical homecare has become popular in the Cincinnati area. “Many seniors do not require a nurse, but simply need the assistance Family Bridges provides helping with the tasks of daily living.” Family Bridges services include, meal preparation, basic household chores,
personal hygiene, shopping, companionship and, in some case, simply providing a respite for family caregivers. Due to the increased need for such assistance, many non-medical homecare agencies are sprouting up across the landscape. However, not all agencies are alike, and it’s important to understand the differences. Most have only been open a few years or less and may not have stringent hiring requirements. For more information on how Family Bridges is the best non-medical homecare provider for you and your family please contact one of the case managers at 531-9600 or 770-0600 and visit www.familybridges.com.
Quality nursing care, rehabilitation at Clovernook
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lovernook provides quality nursing care and rehabilitation, as well as one of the most progressive, effective wound care centers in the Tristate. Clovernook is nestled into six park-like acres in the residential neighborhood of North College Hill and its caring, professional staff is dedicated to serving the needs of the residents and their families. The Progressive
Wound Centre was opened in 2004, due to Clovernook’s successes in healing vascular, venous, diabetic, surgical, pressure and complex wounds. The Progressive Wound Centre team uses state of the art products and innovative treatments. With quality care, careful monitoring, and a unified team approach, the professionals at The Progressive Wound Centre advance healing in dramatic ways.
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The Progressive Wound Centre is like no other in the region! All rehabilitation therapies: Physical, occupational, speech, respiratory, and recreational are available to their residents. Clovernook is Medicaid and Medicare certified and provides private pay, as well as some private insurances. They provide long-term and short-term care, and skilled and intermediate care.
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A Beacon at the Top of the Hill For Whom Does Judson Care?
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udson Village has provided generations of caring for the elderly and disabled in Cincinnati. They have many dedicated employees who have served their residents for decades.
Where is Judson located? Judson Village is located in Western Hills at 2373 Harrison Avenue. When looking for Judson you will find the historic landmark – the Oskamp Mansion. Conveniently located near to I-75 and I74, Judson is just minutes away.
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Judson's history In 1948 Judson opened as the Baptist Home Center in the Oskamp Mansion. Later the name
respect to race, color, creed, religion.
Prepared to care for you or your loved one
fering from memory impairment. The Rehab unit offers physical, occupational and speech therapy provided by profes-
also collaborates with the best health care professionals including geriatric physicians, dentists, optometrists, counselors,
Judson has many dedicated employees who have served their residents for decades. became Judson Care Center, after Adoniram Judson the first American Baptist Missionary. Since the early days and still true today, they share their love for all without
Judson Village recently completed a $1.4 million renovation in order to make available even more services: The Mathew's Unit, a secure unit for people suf-
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sional therapists who can help with your short-term or long term therapy needs. The staff are experienced and trained in orthopedics, stroke and dementia needs. Judson
dentists and ministers to assure that residents’ physical, social and spiritual needs are met.
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Don’t skimp on hearing health and miss out on life
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n these troubled economic times, people are cutting back on more than just the obvious extras like vacations and dining out. About 30 percent of Americans are also putting off doctorrecommended health care treatments – including hearing aids – because of finances. Many people with hearing loss are choosing to postpone purchasing hearing devices, but patients should think twice before skimping on their hearing health. First, because hearing loss occurs gradually, by the time you recognize your need for hearing aids, you may have already experienced some
deterioration of quality of life. People with hearing loss experience stress, fatigue, embarrassment, and an ever-narrowing social life. Untreated hearing loss can affect people physically, socially, psychologically, emotionally, and even financially. Fortunately, recent advancements in hearing technology can help you reverse these effects and regain the confidence you need to participate fully in your life and relationships. Second, today’s hear-
ing devices are a far cry in style from the devices of the past. They are designed to be as discreet or as colorful as you desire, helping wearers to
some sensory cells in the auditory system can happen to anyone, including presidents! If you have asked when a good time to buy
investment. So, skimp on the gourmet coffee or the luxury cruise, but please, don’t skimp on your hearing. Call Christopherson
“If you have asked when a good time to buy hearing aids is, the answer is probably now.”
feel less self-conscious and more comfortable. Third, the stigma surrounding hearing aid use has decreased significantly – after all, damage to
hearing aids is, the answer is probably now. The positive changes that hearing devices can bring to your life usually far outweigh the initial
Clark Hearing Center at 598-9444 to see how hearing aids can help you or a loved one or for a free copy of the “Consumer’s Guide to Hearing Aids.”
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Fresh ideas for fitness fun with your family
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ith kids and adults alike banking more hours than ever in front of the TV and computer, it’s time for a fresh outlook on staying fit. Working out by doing fun activities with your kids is not only healthy for everyone, but it’s a great way to bond and build memories. Here are some unique exercise ideas that will get you and your family in shape:
1. Swing those hips with hula hoops Hula hooping is just as much fun today as it was in your younger years. Buying a couple of hoops is an affordable way to get the family together, moving and smiling at the same time. Turn on some music and see who can hula the longest. For mom and dad, consider using a sports hoop. These weighted hoops help you to burn 110 calories with just 10 minutes of activity. These superior hoops help build cardiovascular fitness and muscles. Plus, the circular motion helps promote correct body alignment and posture.
2. Juggle your way to fitness fun
juggle? If so, spend some time teaching and practicing with your kids. If not, take to the Internet for instructions. Learning a new activity will take some time, but showing your children that even adults can learn new things is a great life lesson. Plus, your kids will love showing off their new talent to their friends. Juggling burns calories and is a great way to increase hand-eye coordination. Add an extra healthy element by using tennis balls instead of balls filled with sand. Why? Tennis balls bounce and roll when you drop them, so you’ll be chasing them all over, thus getting more physical activity.
Taking a walk to the neighborhood playground is commonplace for families, but what if you took this fun activity one step further? Pack some extras in a backpack for when kids are done with the monkey bars and slides. A Frisbee, lawn tennis and water guns offer additional fun for kids. And don’t just sit on the blanket under the tree – get out and get involved. Be the parent who climbs all over the swing set. Run around after the Frisbee as your 4-year-old learns how to properly throw it. You’ll be the coolest mom or dad in the park.
3. Shake your groove thing
5. Be exercise class buddies
Get your whole family together to practice different types of dancing. Have each person pick their favorite tune and follow their dance style– it can be silly, fast, slow or traditional. It’s a great way to let each person’s individuality show while moving your whole body. Have a little more time? Coordinate a routine with your family and practice together. Have each person give input on the steps. You’ll have a great time bonding together and you never know when the routine will come in handy at a party or family gathering.
4. Pump up park time
More gyms and community organizations are offering classes for both parents and their kids. Try taking a swimming lesson together. Perhaps yoga is something unique you and your daughter could share. Even karate classes are now being offered for families. Check around in your community to find out what options are available. Learning together as a family is a great experience. Have your own fun family activity planned? Whatever it is, just get moving and you’ll build memories and muscles at the same time. Courtesy of ARAcontent
Do you know how to
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Need more energy?
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re you trying to lose weight, gain weight or have more energy? Shake Shack Nutrition, 6701 Ruwes Oak at Rybolt Road, has just the answer. Shake Shack Nutrition was opened in April by Laureen Niehaus-Beckner and Gary Niehaus. It is a nutrition club dedicated to improving the quality of life and health of its
clients. The Club, Niehaus says, offers a Starbuckstype environment while striving to teach proper nutrition. Upon visiting Shake Shack Nutrition, clients receive the Club’s special nutrition shake which comes in 52 flavors from strawberry cheesecake to chocolate caramel cappuccino, and green herbal tea to boost energy, burn fat
and provide antioxidants. The shakes are meal replacement because they contain a high amount of protein, vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Niehaus says the Club experience includes a body composition and wellness profile to track progress. This is a unique westside destination worth checking out! For more information call 574-7200.
Preview Productions clearance sale
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t’s time to go shopping for great deals on clothes and accessories for your favorite doll with Preview Productions’ clearance sale, for selected items, now in progress. The savings are amazing with $1, $2 and $3 price tags! Discover the exciting doll fashions of summer when you visit Preview Productions in Newtown.
You’ll find lovely sun dresses, skirt sets and sport outfits, as well as western wear. There’s plenty of accessories too from bows to jewelry to shoes! Fall is around the corner and owner Joyce Rosselot and her assistants Susan Lehr and Sarah Watters have been busy designing, sewing, and stocking the doll
clothing boutique with the latest in fall fashions. For Halloween, Preview Productions features handmade witch and wizard costumes, as well as a line of mermaids and recognizable princesses. The best selection is always in the store, located at 6720 Main St. in Newtown. Call 271-2524 for details.
The beauty of fall, right outside your window
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ust when you’re sick of the summer flowers in your windowboxes along comes fall with the mums, cabbages and pansies, like ribbons of color! Wow Windowboxes offer four seasons, so your boxes are never empty. This is a full-service company that sells you the box, fills the box, hangs the box and irrigates the box. You do nothing but enjoy the beauty. Wow Windows is starting fall planing at the beginning of September, so please get your order in the very beginning to enjoy the richness of fall!
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Winter plantings are started around Thanksgiving. Call Sue Schneider at 277-9550 or e-mail
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sschneider1372@yahoo.com. You may also contact Bret Schneider at 519-5131 or by e-mail bret@wowwindowboxes.
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Get an 'A' in back-to-school savings I
t seems like the bell just rang concluding the last day of school, but already it’s time to start planning for next year to ensure your kids are prepared for success. With list in hand, you hit the stores to get necessary items. How can you get all the things your child needs and still stay within your budget? First, check your inventory at home to see what you have before you head to the store. Extra paper stored in the closet from last year or hand-me-downs from big brother or sister can be useful. After you take inventory, it’s time to make a precise shopping list. Sit down with your son or daughter and determine
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what he or she needs ahead of time. Then head to a store that can give you a good value for the items on your list. Need clothing for your brand-conscious kid? For younger children, stick to discount and consignment stores that offer quality, brand-name clothing for less. Gently used brand-name clothing can be a great way to get them in the styles they want at a price that won’t make you gasp. The age-old problem always exists at back-to-school time – you want to find a great deal and your kid wants the coolest new stuff. What are the most valuable yet trendy items your children are sure to love? Below are a few of the hottest, yet affordable, items for this year’s back-toschool season:
Gartner and Mead fashion products Bold designs in trendy colors make back-to-school fun. These two lines offer designs in polka dots, paisley, flowers,
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swirls and more -- allowing your special students to mix and match folders, binders, notebooks and other supplies. They can express themselves and you can save at prices starting at 99 cents.
Ativa 4GB flash drives Available in a variety of fun patterns, students love having these fashion-forward devices, not only because they are cool, but because they allow students to have their homework, notes and projects with them at all times. For $14.99 your child is sure to get their use out of it. Want another money-saving tip? When items are on sale, buy extra. Certain things like paper, pencils and folders will always be used, so why not stock up when they are being sold at a discounted price? Courtesy of ARAcontent
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Great times, quality education await at YMCA
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ducational programs do not have to be boring. At the YMCA-West Child Development Center, children are encouraged to have fun while learning. With quality programs and experienced professionals, YMCA-West Child Development Center is striving for excellence in educating children of all ages. The center begins taking children at 18 months of age through 11 years of age and currently has about 100 children participating in its programs. The high-quality programs offered at the YMCA-West Child
Development Center have a one star rating by Step Up to Quality Program and include a low student-to-teacher ratio. “At the YMCA-West Child Development Center, we strive for quality of care and education for the child and the whole family,” says Angie Good, director of the center. “Our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.” The YMCA-West features a long-standing summer camp and school age program. The program involves the children in two to three field
trips a week which are then related to other learning activities. These activities are designed to reinforce skills the children have already learned in areas of math, science, literacy, and social studies. Also offered at the YMCA-West Child Development Center are pre-school programs operating under direction received from Cincinnati Public Schools to better prepare the children for kindergarten. For children of any age, the YMCA-West Child Development Center offers educationallyfocused programs in a fun, clean atmosphere.
School districts search for children with disabilities
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chool districts throughout Ohio are participating in an effort to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities, birth through age 21. For children birth through age 2, a disability means that a child has a delay in one or more of the following developmental areas: Adaptive behavior, cognition, communication, physical development, sensory development, and/or social or emotional development.
For children ages 3 through 5, a disability means that a child has a documented deficit in one or more of the following developmental areas: Communication skills, hearing abilities, motor functioning, social/emotional behavior functioning, or vision abilities. For school-age students, a disability means a person having one or more conditions such as autism, developmental handicap, hearing handicap, multi-handicap,
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orthopedically and/or other health handicap, severe behavior handicap, speech and language handicap, specific learning disability, traumatic brain injury, or visual handicap. Many unidentified children with disabilities are preschoolers. If you know a child you think may have a disability, please contact Director of Special Schools Services for Mt. Healthy Susan Heitner, at 728-4444.
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Guide for keeping kids healthy as they head back to school
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s children head back to school, parents face another season of fighting cold and flu germs. In an average year, children catch six to 10 colds. In families with children who are in school, the number of colds per child can be as high as 12 a year, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. Here are some must-know tips from Feder to combat illness as kids head back to school:
3. Catch symptoms at the onset To better chances of nipping symptoms in the bud, be prepared by updating your medicine cabinet with choices that address early symptoms. Also consider over-thecounter options beyond antihistamines, decongestants or cough suppressants since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have questioned the safety and effectiveness of these ingredients for children.
1. Humidity and hydration are a must Dry nasal passages are more vulnerable to cold and flu viruses. When humidity levels are low, consider using a humidifier to add moisture to kids’ bedrooms when sleeping and in other areas of the home. Drinking lots of fluids like water and juice is also a great way to stay healthy and hydrated. 2. Killing germs is easy Some viruses and bacteria can live from 20 minutes up to two hours or more on surfaces like cafeteria tables, playground equipment and desks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The good news is that cold and flu viruses can easily be killed with hand washing. Insist kids wash their hands with plain soap and water around the house and while at school.
4. Pack some personals It’s polite to share; it’s not polite to share germs. Smart parents will pack a few items like a small personal crayon pack, an individual mini pencil sharpener or mechanical pencils to reduce kids sharing germs. Packing a travel size hand sanitizer and pocket packet of tissue in their backpack is also a good way to combat illness while they are at school. According to the Mayo Clinic, the common cold is the No. 1 reason why children miss school. The CDC estimates that nearly 22 million school days are lost annually due to the common cold alone. Courtesy of ARAcontent
St. Aloysius on the Ohio builds faith, values, academics
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estled on the banks of the Ohio River in historic Sayler Park, St. Aloysius on the Ohio School has been a great place for children to learn and grow for more than 136 years. In the past three years, major renovations were made to the building including the addition of air conditioning, soundproof ceilings, windows and new student lockers. This school year the school features new computers and smart boards in the classrooms and a new computer lab, equipped with 25 computers. They are also celebrating the school being nominated for the Panasonic
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National School Change Award. This award is given to six schools nationally for positive changes in the school community. Each day, these classrooms come alive with activities as 125 students are challenged academically, nurtured spiritually and tested physically. The students enjoy a safe, friendly environment that encourages mutual respect and self-discipline. St. Aloysius provides a solid faith-based Catholic education for pre-kindergarten through grade eight. The pre-kindergarten program, which is state certified, offers both fulland part-time options to
meet the needs of the students and parents’ work schedules. The school’s low student-to-teacher ratio allows individual attention from a fully-certified staff. For students with special needs, academic support services are provided from specialists including a speech pathologist, reading specialist and disabilities tutor. Enrichment activities are offered through athletics, art, music, foreign language and one of the best Accelerated Reader programs in Cincinnati. Call 941-7831 or 9413445 to schedule a personal tour and receive an information packet.
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Considering Seton High School? A Novel Idea!
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xplore the Seton story and you’ll be intrigued by every chapter! Strong characters, rich history, exceptional setting and powerful faith and values are the backbone of Seton. Enriched with exceptional academics in a faith-based education, Seton’s offerings include a college-prep comprehensive curriculum with 15 advanced placement classes and volumes of course electives. This year, Seton is the only Catholic high school to be included in C-STEP, (Science, Technology, Engineering Program) funded by the National Science Foundation and based at
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the University of Cincinnati. A leader in Catholic education, Seton’s incredible state-of-the-art campus offers students everything they need to learn and excel. All freshmen, sophomores and juniors have their own personal Tablet PC. The wireless campus literally offers the world to students and the possibilities are endless. Combined with an experienced staff knowledgeable, not only in their field, but in the world of technology, curriculum is presented by incorporating the best practices in education.
The setting at Seton also includes an on-campus, 900-seat, air-conditioned Performance Theatre that was renovated over the summer. The
Series celebrates 40 years of exceptional entertainment, unlike any other program in the city. Through the leadership of the Sisters of Charity,
All students participate in community service. With more than 30 co-curricular activities, 12 varsity sports and an exceptional fine arts program,
“...The welcoming atmosphere and spirit at Seton is legendary, they even have a national school spirit title to prove it!”
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theatre’s sound system was replaced with the latest technology available, new carpet was installed, and lighting, painting and interior improvements were made. Seton has a renowned performing arts tradition. This year the Seton-Elder Performance
Seton instructs and challenges their students to thrive in an environment that promotes exceptional growth, preparing young women for their future. From the class of 2009, 99 percent are continuing with post-secondary education.
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Seton offers something for everyone. The welcoming atmosphere and spirit at Seton is legendary, they even have a national school spirit title to prove it! Once you begin your story at Seton, you’ll see why it is a best-seller!
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