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Like many families today, the Ishizus utilize a variety of tools to communicate, including cell phones, text messages and e-mails. From left are: C.J., 9; Chad; Melissa; and Jacob, 11.
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The Family Plan: Stay Connected Technology changes the way families communicate. By Bryan C. Sualog Advances in technology have changed the way family members talk to one another. Though cell phones, networking sites and instant messaging make communicating much easier, it’s important to be wary of what lurks in cyberspace — and whom your children are speaking to.
Cell Phones
With cell phones becoming more affordable, the number of people with a cell phone has skyrocketed. Many people even carry more than one — one for business and one for personal use. But not just adults own cell phones. Many school children are also carrying them today. “I have been in telecom for over 10 years now, and it’s absolutely fascinating to see how much it’s grown with the various demographic groups, especially the youth,” said Dino Zervoulakos, product manager for GTA Mpulse Wireless. “I see more and more parents buying their children mobile phones due to a number of reasons. You can see how much has changed over the years.” According to Chicago-based C&R Research, 7 percent of children ages 8 to 11 had cell phones in 2003, Zervoulakos said. In 2008, that figure grew to 26 percent. In the same period, the percentage of children ages 12 to 14 with mobile phones nearly tripled rising from 21 percent to 58 percent.
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Keeping Tabs
Though it seems unnecessary, cell phones have become a tool for parents to keep tabs on their children. “About a decade ago, keeping track of your children meant talking to them about where they were going, who was going to be there and when they were coming home,” Zervoulakos said. “Mobile phones give parents an additional means of staying in touch with their children in this day and age where parents and children are often separated from each other by work, school, after-school activities and malls.” This is true for Chad and Melissa Ishizu of Dededo, who have two sons — Jacob, 11, and C.J., 9 — who both attend St. John’s School. Jacob received a cell phone just this year because his parents felt he was old enough to handle the responsibility. Jacob uses the phone to let his parents know if he needs to stay after school, to ask if he can go to a friend’s house, or if he forgets something at home. “It’s a good way to keep track of where he is,” Chad said. Unlike many parents who buy their children prepaid cell phones to ensure they don’t rack up huge bills, Chad said they put Jacob on a postpaid plan to determine how many minutes he uses on average. “He actually doesn’t use it all that much — basically just to call us at work or after school to make sure we’re going to pick him up. It’s made communication a lot easier.” But the Ishizu kids aren’t the only ones having fun with their cell phones. Melissa got into the habit of text messaging on her BlackBerry. Chad said she is sending so many text messages that they changed their cell phone plan to include
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unlimited text messaging. “I was telling her, ‘You have 3,000 minutes. Why don’t you just call?’ But she keeps on texting,” he said.
The Internet
Aside from cell phones, Melissa and Chad face the reality of the Internet and the dangers of cyberspace. Before Jacob and C.J. started using the Internet, their parents had a talk with them about Internet safety, cyber bullying and what information
is not appropriate to give out. “It’s Guam, but anything can happen,” Chad said. Jacob first started using MSN Messenger to chat with friends and uses e-mail to keep in touch with family members. “Sometimes I e-mail my grandma in Hawaii. I do it every once in awhile,” Jacob said. “Yeah, whenever he wants something,” Chad chimed in.
No Secrets
Chad said one of his concerns is that his kids will give out too much personal information and put themselves in danger. Although Jacob is allowed to chat with friends, Chad and Melissa make it a point to go through his “friends list” so they know whom he is chatting with. One of the great things the Ishizus love about the Internet is the accessibility — especially with the children’s teachers. For example, Melissa said St. John’s School uses a Web site called www.mygradebook.com for teachers to communicate with parents. The site also posts children’s grades to date. “It’s so convenient,” Melissa said. “We can monitor his grades. … There are no hiding papers. There are no hiding test scores. It just shows up right there.”
Everyone is Different
With so many ways of communicating, it’s important to choose an avenue that suits one’s needs. On the phone front, many come equipped with cameras and Internet access and are able to play videos and music. A good cell phone can take the place of purchasing additional devices, such as digital cameras, mp3 players and hand-held games. Zervoulakos said, “It ultimately saves them money, serves as a means of communication and makes their child happy at the same time.” 14
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Focus on
Life
JB Borja, pictured here with his mother, holds a ukulele given by her more than a decade ago. JB uses his music to help others looking for positive outlets of expression.
Aleta Borja, pictured here, speaks out about suicide prevention after losing her brother to it last year.
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Community comes together for suicide prevention. By Faye Varias
A
leta Borja is a vision of serenity and poise as she waits patiently for our interview to start. “What do you want to know?” she asked. The topic is grim, but Aleta chooses to share her story to help others in similar situations. Just prior to Thanksgiving of 2008, Aleta lost her brother, Rico, to suicide. “Of course, I’ll never truly know why,” she said. The last chapter in her brother’s life remains blank; there was no note. Often, realization of the truth about suicide comes too late for many.
Rico began staying with their father in his home in Tumon. She said that it wasn’t until later that she looked up the medication and realized that one of its side effects for patients between 13 and 20 years old is increased thoughts of suicide, “which kind of defeats the purpose,” she said. However, she said she wasn’t going to blame the medication or the therapy.
His Last Decision
A couple of days before Thanksgiving of 2008, Rico told their father he was picking up a few things from their home in Ipan. That was the last time they saw him alive. “I didn’t see any of it,” Borja said. “I think the signs were there, but we thought that he was past that. He was going through therapy, and just when I let my guard down is when he did it.” According to the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse (DMHSA), Guam endures
Strong Bonds
Aleta and Rico grew up mostly with their mother in Ipan, though their father was always in the picture. They were both involved in school and enjoyed hanging out with their friends. Aleta said that while she developed more of an independent lifestyle, Rico and their mother were inseparable. “Those two ... they were very close, like peas in a pod,” she said. Four years ago, on a trip for Rico to Washington, D.C., for student leaders, their mother became sick. However, it wasn’t until Rico and his mother were on the flight home that they realized the severity of her illness. “It turned out she had pneumonia,” Aleta said. “On the way back to Guam, they had to make an emergency landing in Alaska after she had passed out.” Aleta flew to Alaska to be with her mom and brother. For two weeks they waited for her to recover, but things didn’t get better. “They used the phrase ‘deep in the woods,’” she said, “and they gave us the decision to wait it out or to basically pull the plug. Mind you, we’re 20 and 16. That’s a hard decision to make.” With the support of her mother’s siblings, Aleta and her brother made the decision to let their mother go. “We accepted that it was God’s will and it was her time,” she said. After that, Rico was never the same again.
A Painful Loss
Borja moved in with Rico in the house she and her brother grew up in. She became his legal guardian. At first, she said it seemed like her brother was in denial. “That first year [after her death], it almost seemed like he didn’t acknowledge it, like he blocked it out,” she said. “He would sit in his room, play video games ... which, at the time, I thought was normal for his age. I didn’t realize he may have been struggling with bigger issues.” Around Thanksgiving of 2007, he fell into a deep depression. He became more withdrawn, Borja said, and expressed that he was having suicidal thoughts. “I immediately told my dad,” she said. “We decided we needed to never leave him alone and we had to get him help. So he began to see a therapist and was put on a mood stabilizer.”
a disturbingly high rate of suicide, with 29 deaths by suicide and 61 attempts investigated by the Guam Police Department between Jan. 1, 2007, and Nov. 30, 2007. Guam’s rate of suicide averaged 19.7 per 100,000 persons over the age of 10 years from 1997 to 2007. A 2007 survey conducted by the department also revealed that among young people, Chamorro students had the highest percentage – 34 percent – of actual attempts of suicide followed by 28.8 percent of students of multiple ethnicities and Filipino students at 13.6 percent. The numbers are so gut-churning, it’s like looking over a bridge railing. Borja dealt with it in her own way and didn’t talk September 2009
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“I’m glad that I’ve come forward and shared my experience. The unfortunate thing is — while it benefits those around us, it didn’t benefit him. ... I think about him all the time. But I am slowly moving forward.” — Aleta Borja, pictured here with her brother Rico
about it. She said, “I haven’t brought myself to support groups. I want to deal with it on my own terms. ... I wish I could have got to him and showed him I love him. I’m sure he knew, but there’s just no way to know what he was thinking.” At the Holiday Resort and Spa in September, the DMHSA conference on suicide took place. It is the first time Borja has ever
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spoken publicly about her situation.
Looking for a Bright Side
Sometimes, when a man’s mind is locked into suicide, there’s an openness to different situations. If one is open to suicide, he might be open to less absurd notions as well. The person just has to stay alive long enough to find other options. JB Borja, owner of JB’s Ukulele Hut and coordinator of the program Music Matters, was involved in the conference to provide positive alternate activities for both children and adults. According to the DMHSA, the involvement of role models and other activities help in channeling energy into a more positive outcome. JB first became involved with the organization when he was asked to speak at the Youth for Youth Conference. He shared his experience of quitting drinking and focusing his energy more on music and playing the ukulele. “From the get-go, my mission was always to promote a fun, drug-free island culture,” JB said. “I just happen to sell ukuleles.” Through Music Matters, JB has partnered with the DMHSA to offer music clinics and workshops to help patients with not only prevention, but also recovery. “The goal is to have spin-off projects as well,” he said. For example, if someone is looking for alternative activities but isn’t really into music, perhaps they could get into sports, cars, or dance. “The community is better for it,” he said. He added, “It’s such a simple thing ... a piece of wood with four strings, but it has such a positive impact.” Borja said, “I’m glad that I’ve come forward and shared my experience. The unfortunate thing is – while it benefits those around us, it didn’t benefit him.” She added, “I think about him all the time. But I am slowly moving forward.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION Local Programs: Life Works Guam: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Suicide Prevention Program and Rainbows for All Children Guam Contact: Marie Virata Halloran
Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse, Prevention & Training Branch Phone: 671-477-9079 thru 83 Crisis Hotline: 671-647-8833 Web site: www.peaceguam.org
Phone: 671-632-0257 University of Guam, I Pinangon, Campus Suicide Prevention Program Address: I Pinangon Campus Suicide Prevention Program Division of Social & Behavioral Sciences College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences UOG Station, Mangilao, GU 96923 Phone: 671-735-2888/9 E-mail: i_pinangon@yahoo.com Web site: http://www.uogsuicideprevention.org
Emergency Contacts: Local Emergency: 911 Sanctuary Hotline: (671) 475-7100 Suicide Hotline: 1-800-621-4000 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Teen Suicide Hotline: 1-800-552-8336 Youth Crisis Hotline: 1-800-843-5200 The National Help Line: 1-800-SUICIDE
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TELL-TALE SIGNS Leading suicide expert Lisa Firestone, Ph.D., details suicide’s progression and how to halt it. 1. Losing interest in school, work, or hobbies “A male friend won’t tell you he’s sad, but he will tell you if he’s lost interest in his hobbies,” said John Draper, Ph.D., director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. “Disruptions in those areas are real signs.” What he’s thinking: What’s the use? My work doesn’t matter anymore. Why bother even trying? Nothing matters anyway. Warning signs: Decreased work or academic performance, giving up hobbies or other previously enjoyed activities. Don’t: Cajole or demean. Nor should you assume that this is just a slump and wait for things to pass. Do: Gently but persistently point out that he may have a problem and that treatments are readily available. 2. Directing hatred toward himself “Tearing oneself apart creates the psychological pain and desperation that drive the suicidal person,” Firestone said. “Suicide becomes a way to escape the pain and aggravation.” I’m incompetent, stupid. What he’s thinking: I’m ugly, disgusting. I’m a fool, a creep, a reject. I don’t deserve anything; I’m worthless. Warning signs: Statements of helplessness, extreme psychological pain, desperation, increased irritability and anger.
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Don’t: Judge, turn away, or otherwise feel that these are feelings “real men” shouldn’t have or talk about. Do: Listen. Allow him to express his feelings. Offer him a more compassionate evaluation of himself. 3. Feeling like a burden to family and friends “I’ve had patients insist in front of their wives, ‘No, no, you’ll be better off without me,’” said David A. Jobes, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at the Catholic University of America. “Family members don’t feel that way.” What he’s thinking: See how bad I make everyone around me feel? They’d be better off without me. I’ll just stay away and stop bothering them. Warning signs: Moodiness, lack of communication, lethargy, exhaustion, hopelessness. Don’t: Ask vague questions like, “You’re not thinking about doing anything, are you?” This telegraphs disapproval. Do: Talk openly. Ask, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” If his answer doesn’t sit right, ask him again. 4. Talking about suicidal thoughts “As simple as it sounds, talking about wanting to die by suicide is a very clear and dangerous warning sign,” Joiner said. Unfortunately, that sign is often missed or ignored. What he’s thinking: I’d better plan it. It’s the only thing I can do. I have to buy a gun and then find a deserted back road, maybe. Reading or writing about death, reminiscing about a dead person, saying things like, “I might as well be dead.” Don’t: Assert that suicide is immoral and leave it there. He desperately needs help. Don’t let him reassure you he’s fine. Do: Empathize with the pain but not the solution. Find a counselor. Call the hotline numbers. 5. Initiating his own demise “People can become so despondent, and yet they hide intentions,” said Eric Caine, M.D., co-director of the Center for the Study of Prevention of Suicide at the University of Rochester. “They might tell a doctor they’re fine.” What he’s thinking: I can’t even do this! I’ve thought about this long enough. Look, I’m miserable every minute. Just end it. It’s the only way out! Warning signs: Preparing a note, a will, or both; giving away prized possessions. Don’t: Be sworn to secrecy. What’s more important: his confidence or his life? Do: Remove means (guns, pills, poisons). Connect him with crisis counselors. Time is running out. 6. Sudden, dramatic mood change — for the better “In his own mind, he may finally be at peace with his decision — not the decision to seek help, but the one to end it all,” Firestone said. What he’s thinking: This is the solution to all my problems. I have made my decision. I am in control now. All this pain will soon be over. Warning signs: An unexpected, even jarring brightening of his disposition, especially one that doesn’t feel natural to you. Don’t: Think, “Whew, everything’s fine now! I can stop worrying about him for awhile.” Do: Ask him to give help a chance — tell him he can always decide to kill himself later. Arrange for help immediately! Source: Men’s Health Magazine September 2009
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Keep Your Child Safe While home security systems do not create a 100 percent safe house, they lessen the potential danger to your child at home. By Faye Varias It’s a no-brainer that safety is the priority for parents when it comes to their children. Scary statistics ranging from child abductions to the rising number of sexual predators could make confining children to a bubble-wrapped room sound tempting. While that’s a “It’s unfortunate that gross exaggeration of many of our customers a measure to protect come to us after the fact, your children, throwing caution to the wind isn’t a when they’ve already wise option either. There been burglarized. are a number of ways to Burglary is a serious maintain balance and still keep your children safe. problem, but aside from First and foremost, having items stolen, the old adage about break-ins pose a danger not talking to strangers for people present in is still a good practice. According to John Cruz, the house.” general manager at PacAir Ltd., homeowners – John Cruz, can take basic precautions general manager at PacAir Ltd. like this to protect their homes and families. After all, home security and child safety go hand-in-hand. PacAir Ltd. installs various home security systems for both residential and commercial properties.
Prevent Break-Ins
“The first thing you want to avoid is creating blind spots around house. Keep overgrown vegetation to a minimum,” Cruz said, “especially if you live near a 28
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parenting parenting jungle area.” Though many people don’t believe it’s necessary, alarm systems are great to have, he added. “It’s unfortunate that many of our customers come to us after the fact, when they’ve already been burglarized,” Cruz said. “Burglary is a serious problem, but aside from having items stolen, break-ins pose a danger for people present in the house.” He also said that it’s unfortunate that people avoid installing systems to save money. “Some people also tend not to want all the areas covered for the sake of saving a few dollars,” he said. “I think if you invest in a system, then you should do what you can to provide a full perimeter of protection. ... I learned from experience.” Cruz said, gone are the days when the doors can go unlocked. It’s not being paranoid — it’s being safe instead of sorry.
Safety Measures
In addition to deterring intruders, several systems are meant to keep watch on children, Cruz said. “Most systems have what they call a
latch key function,” he said. “The system can be programmed to be disabled at a certain time.” For example, if children are expected to be home from school before 4 p.m. and the alarm isn’t disabled by then, parents can be notified so they can contact their children and find out why they aren’t home yet. “This works well for middle-school age or high-school kids who have parents who work full time,” Cruz said. He said a feature will alert the homeowner when doors and windows are opened. While this is meant to keep intruders from sneaking in, it can also prevent children trying to sneak out. “There are many other types,” he said. “It depends on what you’d like to have.” He added, “Don’t wait until it’s too late. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Take care of yourself so you can work and live in peace and have a sense of security.”
Infant Safety Tips for the Home 1) Get some gates for your stairs. As your baby grows, he or she will see
those stairs as an irresistible mountain to climb. Install a good-quality gate at the top and bottom to avoid falling accidents. If you have a walker in your home, you must have gates. 2) Prevent suffocation. Although it may feel easier sometimes, sleeping with your baby in your bed is dangerous. Blankets and pillows could accidentally cover your baby’s mouth, who may be too small and weak to move them out of the way, especially if you’re the one weighing it down. Don’t take the risk. Put your baby in a crib or bassinet near the bed. 3) Prevent choking. Keep the toys of older children away and out of reach. Magnets are especially dangerous, since they can attract each other inside your baby’s tummy, causing perforations, blockages, and even death. Several older kids toys have been recalled due to loose magnets. If your baby is eating solids, make sure they are no larger than a dime. Babies under 10 months should be given pureed food only. Keep foods soft and mushy
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until your baby’s back teeth are in for chewing (around 2 years). 4) Water safety. Nearly 30 children, mostly infants, die every year from drowning in buckets. Any tall container with water inside is dangerous. Your baby will lean over to explore, fall in, and not be able to pull himself out. Use cleaning buckets and chemicals only when your baby is napping or being supervised by someone else. Keep a toling lock on the lid to avoid explorations and accidents. An instant is all that it takes for life to change dramatically. Never lower your guard when water is around — indoors or out. 5) Prevent burns. Many young children are severely burned by accidentally turning on the hot water in the bathtub. Set your water heater to 120 degrees, or purchase an anti-scald device that will shut the water off automatically. Don’t carry your infant and a hot drink at the same time — unless using a travel mug. A wiggling baby is almost sure to spill that coffee, and her skin is much more sensitive to temperature than yours. Always have working fire alarms (test monthly) in your home. Consider and discuss your fire routes to exit the home in case of a fire. Interconnecting the alarms is always a good idea. That way if the one in the basement goes off, the one outside your room will let you know. 6) Recalled items. Thousands of products are recalled every year. Strollers, car seats, baby carriers, medicines, playpens, cribs ... these are just a handful of the items that have been pulled off the market due to safety issues. New or old, make sure you are not using recalled baby products that could harm your infant. 7) Tip-overs. Some infant deaths result from furniture tipping over
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and crushing young children. Furniture, TVs, ovens, bookcases, dressers, etc. Avoid this by not placing items that will be tempting for your baby to reach on top of climbable furniture. If a bookcase or dresser seems unsteady, use anchors to hold it to the wall. 8) Windows and coverings. If your blinds have long cords, either attach them firmly to the base of the window or purchase a blind winder. A blind winder will be easy for you to reach, but not for your infant. Keep cribs or playpens away from dangling items of any kind. 9) Houseplants. Balance your home’s inner beauty with smart placement and consideration of houseplants. Did you know that some of the most common houseplants are poisonous? Plus, dangling leaves are a magnet for exploring fingers. One good tug, and the whole pot could come crashing down seriously hurting a child. The dirt and decorative stones can easily cause choking or sickness in your baby if swallowed. Try to tuck the plants into corners your baby cannot wander. 10) Electricity. Save yourself a heartache by placing covers on your outlets and extension cords. Also, all outlets in the kitchen and bathrooms (or anywhere near water) should be installed with interrupters that will cut the flow of electricity immediately if they get wet. Never leave cords of curling irons or kitchen appliances dangling over the counter edges. Pudgy little fingers will grasp and pull at them. Source: http://www.the-essential-infant-resource-for-moms.com
parenting parenting
Play dates are a great way to encourage children to develop friendships. Above, Meghan and Madison (ďŹ rst and second from left) play with their friends Jordan and Elizabeth.
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Teach your child to be a good friend By Christine Restuvog
L
ast month, I attended a wedding that three of my very close friends were in — friends I’ve known for more than 20 years. We laughed, danced and shared stories of how we’ve grown. Growing up in Guam, I was fortunate enough to develop long-lasting, healthy and meaningful friendships with people who attended Cathedral Grade School, Bishop Baumgartner Middle School and the Academy of Our Lady of Guam with me. We have literally seen each other grow from girls and boys to women and men. Though I hope my children will develop the same healthy, long-lasting, meaningful friendships I’ve made, I can help them start by teaching them how to be a good and respectful friend.
Share Experiences
Depending on what age your child is, it is important to share your childhood friendship experiences with him or her. Talk about the characteristics of your good
friends and inform them of the ways you made your friendship last. Carlene Rios, mother of two, said, “I have explained to [my daughter] Nicole what a good friend is and have shared several friendship experiences, mostly good ones.” Rios used her friend, Cecilia, who consequently became Nicole’s godmother, as an example. “I remind Nicole time and time again about her Nina Celicia and I, and how we have been friends since 1992. I give her advice to mirror our friendship with her friends, which in turn, will help her become a good friend and have long-lasting friendships.” It is also necessary to discuss friendships from which you have learned. For example, explain a conflict situation you experienced and how you may or may not have worked it out. Both scenarios will give your child a sense of what works best.
Lead by Example
With anything in life and as a parent, if we want our children to be respectful and have good manners,
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it must first start in the home. “I think anyone can teach their children to become a good friend, be respectful and have good manners at a young age, but it must start from home because no matter where they go in this world, they will take that with them,” Rios said. At any age, support your children and teach them the characteristic of being a reliable friend. Ways to do this range from organizing play dates or making time to take them to a friend’s birthday party or fun get-together. It is your responsibility as a parent to illustrate reliability and show up to an event as promised. Rios enables her daughter Nicole to spend time with her friends at their home.
“There are also times when Nicole asks me to drop her and her friends to the mall so they can watch a movie and hang out. I agree to this as long as there is adult supervision,” she said. Rios also encourages play dates for her younger daughter, Camarin, at her day care center. “I consider the time with her classmates at Mercy Heights Nursery ample time for Camarin to make friends and have play dates,” she said.
Self Check
So how can you make sure you’re raising a good friend? According to www.disneyfamily.com, research shows that parents who are nurturing — but not permissive — produce children with strong social skills. When you reach out
to your child, it’s being loving. When he or she reaches out to another child, it’s being friendly. If you can answer yes to the following questions, you’re giving your child the right stuff: • Do you consider your child’s feelings, desires and needs? • Are you interested in his or her daily activities? • Do you respect your child’s point of view? • Do you express pride in his or her accomplishments? • Do you offer support and encouragement during times of stress? Making friends sounds as simple as child’s play, but if you watch any young child, you’ll see how hard it really is. A 2year-old will be taking turns on the swing one minute and grabbing his buddy’s toys the next. A 4-year-old may spend an hour playing make-believe with a pal only to end up screaming, “I don’t like you. You’re not my friend anymore.” While the skills of friendship come naturally as children mature, parents can and should take steps to help the process along. Christine Restuvog resides in Yona with her fiancé, John, and her three children — Madison, Meghan and Ethan.
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Dealing
health spot health spot
with
Fido While pets bring us joy and companionship, they can also bring us allergies.
By Faye Varias
Most pet owners believe their pets increase their quality of life. According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), even though nearly 15 percent of all people are allergic to dogs or cats, about one-third of those allergic to pets lives with one anyway. The organization conducted a study of 341 adults who were allergic to cats or dogs and had been advised by their physicians to give up their pets; only one out of five did. Apparently, the benefits of pet companionship outweigh the drawbacks of
“The joy and love of having a cat and a dog, for me, supercedes my allergic reactions to them. I would rather take more extreme measures to control my allergies than get rid of [my pets].” — Eileen Chiu, Pet Owner 36
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health health spot spot pet allergies for many owners. Eileen Chiu of Harmon said, “The joy and love of having a cat and a dog, for me, supercedes my allergic reactions to them. I would rather take more extreme measures to control my allergies than get rid of [my pets].” Chiu is extremely allergic to dust, dust mites, and pet dander, which she controls by taking prescribed medicine. Dr. Velma Harper of Harper Veterinary Hospital said she also believes that the value a pet adds to any family far outweighs an allergy concern, so long as it isn’t life threatening. She said, “Current research also indicates that the more allergens that children are exposed to at a young age, the less likely they are to be allergic. Additionally, solutions can be put on the haircoat of a dog or cat to prevent dander, usually the cause of allergic reactions, from entering the environment. They are very effective.” When Chiu made it clear to her doctor that she wasn’t getting rid of her pets, he advised her to get HEPA filters, a high-efficiency air filter, to control the allergens in her household as well as change her carpets to tiles and wash her sheets every two weeks. “In addition, he recommended taking Allegra for the rest of my life,” she said. While some people try to avoid allergens by getting so-called hypoallergenic dogs, the HSUS states such dogs don’t exist. There are simply breeds that shed less than others. Harper said, “Usually dogs that do not shed are those considered ‘hypoallergenic.’” However, the usual culprit are the glands in the animal’s skin that secrete tiny allergy-triggering proteins that linger in the animal’s fur, but also float easily in the air. Allergens are present in the animal’s saliva and urine, too, and may become airborne when saliva dries on the fur. The severity of reaction to these allergens varies from one person to the next, ranging from mild sniffling and sneezing to life-threatening asthma, and can be complicated by simultaneous other allergens in the environment. Harper said the solutions called Allerpet-C for cats and Allerpet-D for dogs are highly effective when used on animals. “It prevents the dander from
entering the environment,” she said. Living comfortably with a companion animal despite being allergic to him or her requires a good understanding of the allergic condition. Chiu said, “It’s not the pet’s fault if the owner is allergic to them. If you want a pet, it is your responsibility to take necessary measures to control your allergies. Do research and know what you’re getting into. Don’t get a pet and give it back because you’re allergic.”
If your pet causes non lifethreatening allergies for you or a family member, take these steps to keep your pet and reduce your allergic symptoms: Create an allergy-free zone in the home — preferably the bedroom — and strictly prohibit the pet’s access to it. Use a highefficiency HEPA air cleaner in the bedroom. Consider using impermeable covers for the mattress and pillows because allergen particles brought into the room on clothes and other
objects can accumulate in them. Use HEPA air cleaners throughout the rest of the home, and avoid dust-anddander-catching furnishings, such as cloth curtains and blinds and carpeted floors. Clean frequently and thoroughly to remove dust and dander, washing articles such as couch covers and pillows, curtains, and pet beds. Use a “microfilter” bag in the vacuum cleaner to effectively catch all the allergens. Bathing your pet on a weekly basis can reduce the level of allergens on fur by as much
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as 84 percent. Even cats can become accustomed to being bathed. Check with your veterinarian’s staff or a good book on pet care for directions about how to do this properly, and use whatever shampoo your veterinarian recommends. Don’t be quick to blame the family pet for allergies. Ask your allergist to specifically test you for allergies to pet dander. And understand that allergies are cumulative. Many allergy sufferers are sensitive to more than one allergen. So if you’re allergic to dust, insecticides, pollen, cigarette smoke, and cat dander, you’ll need to reduce the overall allergen level in your environment by concentrating on all of the causes, not just the pet allergy. For example, you may need to step up measures to remove cat dander from your home and carefully avoid cigarette smoke during spring, when it is also difficult to avoid exposure to pollen. Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, can improve symptoms but cannot eliminate them entirely. They work by gradually desensitizing a person’s immune system to the pet allergens. Allergy-causing proteins are injected under the person’s skin,
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triggering the body to produce antibodies, which block the pet allergen from causing a reaction. Patients are usually given one dose per week for a few weeks to months — depending on the severity of the allergy — and then can often manage with one injection per month. Additional treatments for allergies to pets are symptomatic, including steroidal and antihistamine nose sprays and antihistamine pills. For asthma, multiple medications, sprays, and inhalers are available. It is important to find an allergist who understands your commitment to living with your pet. A combination of approaches — medical control of symptoms, good housecleaning methods, and immunotherapy — is most likely to succeed in allowing an allergic person to live with pets. Of course, if you do not have a pet and are considering one, and know you are pet-allergic, be sure to consider carefully whether you can live with the allergy before you bring a new pet home. Except in the case of children, who sometimes outgrow allergies, few allergy sufferers become accustomed to pets to
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whom they are allergic. Too many allergic owners obtain pets without thinking through the difficulties of living with them. And too often, they end up relinquishing pets, a decision that is difficult for the owner and can be life-threatening for the pet. Source: Humane Society of the United States
sponsored by:
Juggling School and Teenhood One teenager uses managing her busy high school schedule as practice for the real world. By Bryan C. Sualog
S
ince middle school, 17-year-old Gizzele Valencia has volunteered with her church, participated in sports and joined organizations, such as the National Honor Society, the drama club and the student council — all while excelling academically. With pop quizzes, soccer games, student council meetings and homework — a student’s life can get a little overwhelming. Adults sometimes forget how stressful this time can be for teens who are still finding themselves. But Valencia said, “When I don’t do anything or when I don’t know what’s going on at my school, I feel left out. I want to be a part of it because it’s fun. I enjoy volunteering and helping out and doing all those activities with my peers.” She added that all the extracurricular activities help take her mind off the stress from school.
Prioritization
Valencia said being able to prioritize helped her maintain a balance between education and all of her extracurricular activities. But education is the top priority for this Notre Dame High School senior. Valencia’s mother, Cristina, said, “I can’t interfere with what she wants, but I want her to prioritize her academics and discipline herself.” She added, “We always talk about time management. Anything that you do, you have to plan ahead. It’s like an instinct. ... For me, planning ahead is very important because it enables you to do what you want to do. I want Gizzele to grow more independent and knowledgeable.”
Organization
To ensure that she doesn’t forget anything, Valencia said she likes to write all of her appointments and assignments down in her planner. “I write everything down, and when I’m done with it, I cross it out.” Over 40
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teen teen scene scene
Gizzele Valencia, a senior at Notre Dame High School, (standing, eighth from left) gathers with her school paddling team during a competition.
the weekend she makes a checklist of everything that she needs to get done. This year, she is serving as the vice president of her school’s National Honor Society and is a member of the Notre Dame paddling team and drama club. Although she tries her best to be organized, she said it’s something that she still needs to work on.
Coping with stress
Juggling so many things at one time can lead to a lot of stress, and depending on how teenagers handle the stress, it could either be good or bad for them, said Peter J. Cruz, recreation therapy coordinator for the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse. “People don’t realize that stress [can be] good for you and essential for the development of an adolescent.” Cruz, who has been in the mental health field for more than 20 years, said stress can be put into two categories: eustress and distress, good and bad, which can come from a variety of sources — peer pressure, school or puberty. When a child can’t channel the pressure positively into eustress, it becomes distress, which he said can harm the individual both physically and mentally if he or she doesn’t have a good support system. “A lot of times, they
end up on the wrong side of the tracks,” Cruz said. He added that these situations can lead to substance abuse, juvenile delinquency, or verbal or physical aggression toward authority or other peers, and from there, individuals can become isolated and depressed. Therefore, Cruz said parents need to set a good example for their children. “Kids nowadays go by the philosophy, ‘I’ll do what I see you do. Not what you tell me to do.’ If you have parents that practice good coping skills and lead a good,
healthy lifestyle, the majority of the time it transcends to the child.”
Goals
For other teenagers in Valencia ’s position, her advice to them is to set goals for themselves. She said, “It’s good to live in the moment, but you have to know what you’re doing, especially in high school because you can’t get into college without high school. You have to start thinking about life.”
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products love products wewe love
10 Fun Goodie Bag Treats By Sarah Imler
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It happens so often — your kids come home from parties with a goodie bag full of tooth-rotting sweets and little plastic toys that end up strewn across the living room floor. By the time you’ve stepped on the third piece of rock candy and put the kids to bed, you inwardly swear that you’ll never subject another parent to this madness. Look no further as Guam Family compiled great ideas from parents just like you for creating party bags that will be a success with kids and parents alike.
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2 1) Sustainable Party Bags
2) Crayons
You don’t have to be an environmentalist to give back to Mother Nature. The pull of an easy, themed plastic bag is tempting, but choosing an earth-friendly, biodegradable paper bag can be a fun start when making gift bags. Let your kids decorate their guests’ bags with markers, crayons, glitter and stamps. If you want to spare the mess, Google your theme and print pictures to be pasted onto the bags. This gives the bag a personal touch. 42
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Crayons are great party favors simply for their longevity. After the party is over, your little guest will be making works of art worthy of the kitchen fridge. Encouraging their creative sides doesn’t have to be expensive, either. The Underground Dungeon in Barrigada sells the five basic colors in packs of three.
3) Party Hats
No children’s party is complete without hats for the occasion. Whether they’re made of cardboard paper or cloth,
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themed hats always make an event lively.
price and availability.
4) Trail Mix
A practically mess-free activity for kids is applying temporary tattoos. This is a great way to get the parents involved in some of the fun, too. If you want to be more genderspecific with your party bags, try dinosaur tattoos for the boys and fairy tattoos for the girls. There is a wide variety of temporary tattoos that you can match to your party’s theme.
A healthy and delicious alternative to candy is trail mix. It also saves parents from the inevitable chaos that follows such sugary binges. You can buy it premixed or make your own tasty combination. My favorite recipe is this: 1 part almonds, 1 part raisins and 2 parts granola cereal distributed evenly into sandwich bags. You can add or subtract ingredients depending on
5) Temporary Tattoos
productswe we love love products
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6) Sidewalk Chalk
If you have a sidewalk and appreciate abstract art, why not let your young guests get busy turning your driveway into a crazy mural? Even if you don’t have driveway space, kids will love this party favor, because it is something they can use when they get home. Don’t worry, parents, the best part of sidewalk chalk is it washes away with the next rain cloud.
7) Jump Rope
Kids are barrels of energy. Why not siphon some of that into a physical activity that is both fun
9 and rewarding? An active kid is a healthy kid. Your party bag will reflect that with the addition of the timeless jump rope. Whether used alone or with three people, the jump rope is a classic children’s toy that never goes out of style.
8) Slide Puzzles
This brain teaser has returned as a popular party favor in recent years. As a kid, this was my favorite party favor because I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. While not every kid is keen on puzzles, they usually are diverting and educational
toys — at least for a few golden minutes.
9) Mixed CDs
The wonderful thing about kids’ parties on Guam is their way of bringing family together. Pictures are great mementos of these events, but if you want your guests to take home a lasting piece of nostalgia, make a mixed CD of party songs. Ask your kids what songs they’d like on the CD and add some that you think the parents might enjoy, too. This is a fantastic way of saying, “Thanks for coming!” to your friends and family.
10) Pencils
And lastly, some of the most appreciated party favors are the most understated. School supplies are often costly when added up, so a couple extra pencils really do come in handy when every penny counts. Pencils that match your party’s theme will be a big hit with kids and parents. *These items are available locally at many department stores and party shops, including The Underground Dungeon, Moylan’s Party World, K-Mart and PayLess Supermarkets.
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calendar of calendar of events events
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GAIN’s Bark at the Park at Ypao Beach
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GHRA Bowling League kicks off
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Labor Day
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calendar calendarof of events events Don’t miss out on the fun this month!
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Calendar of Events in September September 5
• Fonte Valley Boonie Stomp
• Department of Public Health and Social Services Child Passenger Safety Month Fair
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• Fonte Valley boonie stomp. For more information call 653-2897 or e-mail davelotz@ite.net. • Department of Public Health and Social Services Child Passenger Safety Month Fair at the Micronesia Mall Center Court September 6 • GHRA Bowling League kicks off at 1 p.m. at Century Lanes
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• Hit Radio 100 Ugly Dog Contest at Julale Shopping Center
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• Tarzan Swimming Hole Boonie Stomp • Hagåtña Fiesta • Salvation Army Community Outreach at the Micronesia Mall
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• Talofofo Fiesta will run through Sept. 21
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• Ritidian to Falcona Beach Boonie Stomp
September 7 • Labor Day September 12 • Hit Radio 100 Ugly Dog Contest at Julale Shopping Center • Tarzan Swimming Hole boonie stomp. For more information call 653-2897 or e-mail davelotz@ite.net. • Hagåtña Fiesta in honor of Dulce Nombre de Maria • Salvation Army Community Outreach at the Micronesia Mall Center Court September 13 • GAIN’s Bark at the Park at Ypao Beach
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• Mangilao Fiesta • Upper Sigua and Alutom Falls boonie stomp • Department of Public Health and Social Services Food Safety Fair at Micronesia Mall
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September 19 • Talofofo Fiesta in honor of San Miguel. Will run through Sept. 21. • Ritidian to Falcona Beach boonie stomp. For more information call 653-2897 or e-mail davelotz@ite.net. September 26 • Mangilao Fiesta in honor of Santa Teresita. • Upper Sigua and Alutom Falls boonie stomp. For more information call 653-2897 or e-mail davelotz@ite.net. • Department of Public Health and Social Services Food Safety Fair at the Micronesia Mall Center Court.
If you’d like to place your special event or sports activity on our calendar, e-mail us at editor@guamfamily.net. September 2009
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centerstage centerstage
HIGH HOPES Father Duenas valedictorian Stephen Gatewood aspires to become a doctor and travel the world. By Faith V. Realica As the motto for Father Duenas Memorial School, “Fortes in Fide — Strong in the Faith” are words by which 18-year-old Stephen Gatewood lives. Gatewood is a proud alumnus and aspires to uphold the traditions and values he was taught by his alma mater.
A School Enthusiast
Did You Know Stephen Gatewood graduated top of his class and gave a tribute during his valedictory address to William Roth, who also “graduated” with them serving his last year as the principal of Father Duenas Memorial School.
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Gatewood considers himself an enthusiast when it comes to school. Upon looking at his resume, one finds that he is quite accomplished, but he remains modest about his achievements. In May 2009, he graduated as the valedictorian of his class and always strived to do his best in his studies. From the beginning of his high school years, he has consistently maintained a place on the A honor roll while holding several leadership positions, such as school council representative, song fest coordinator, and class vice president and president. He gives credit to his fellow classmates and faculty for the success of the class events. “My friends helped me out, and the faculty . . . [gave] me advice. It wasn’t too challenging — it was fun,” he said. Some of his best memories are of the class barbecues that the school council planned on campus near the old Father Duenas gym. They were a time of bonding and promoted school spirit among classmates.
centerstage centerstage Tournament and participated in several other junior golf championship competitions held in Malaysia, California and the Philippines. However, it seems that with all his victories in the sport, Gatewood is humble about his achievements. “I’m — Stephen Gatewood not anything special, but I try to play golf,” he said. Another familyinspired sport that Gatewood got into is basketball. He made his high school’s varsity team and played forward for two years. With his father and brother also into shooting hoops, the sport is considered a family affair.
“[My parents are] always there, always encouraging me, no matter what.”
Brotherhood
Extracurricular Activities Aside from school, Gatewood also took part in scholastic sports and other recreational activities throughout the year. Since he can remember, he played golf. Starting off with only a plastic toy golf club and matching ball, Gatewood said his grandfather frequently took him to Admiral Nimitz Golf Course for several rounds in the field. From then on, he stuck with the sport and has played both for competition and leisure. He has come a long way from learning how to putt and execute a hole-in-one. Gatewood was ranked the number one player on the Father Duenas golf team his freshman year, was part of the Guam Junior Golf Academy, took second place at the 2005-2006 All Island High School Championship Golf
Aside from academics and sports, Gatewood expressed that he has formed a strong brotherhood with several of his classmates. He recalled the numerous study groups, projects and other activities that they took part in as a crew. Since Gatewood’s graduating class comprised of 85 seniors, the whole group shares a close-knit kinship, and he regards them as lifelong friends. “FD is a lot of brotherhood. The relationships that I built with my friends over the years and also the faculty staff there . . . I feel that it has had an impact on me and my life,” he said. Gatewood also considers his parents as “the primary force that drives me,” he said. “They’re always there, always encouraging me, no matter what. They have never pushed me to do anything I didn’t want to do and have always loved me.” Gatewood remembers his mom helping him with late-night papers, his dad waking up at the crack of dawn to drop him off at basketball practice, and both of them constantly being providing with an overflow of moral support. Gatewood will attend the University of San Diego in the fall and plans to pursue biology and pre-med. With a long-time dream of becoming a doctor, he is considering taking up either anesthesiology or radiology and traveling the world. If you’d like to recommend a student who is making a difference, e-mail: editor@guamfamily.net.
Expand your Talents Today! For Children: Acting/Modeling Hula/Tahitian Tippy toes Ballet Hip-Hop/Creative Dance Jiu jitsu/Little Dragons Your Baby can READ Kindermusik/Sign Language Jump Rope/Theatre After School Tutoring
For Teenagers and Adults: ASVAB/GED Prep Women’s Hula Women’s Tahitian Women’s Belly Dancing Salsa, Meringue, Cha-Cha Hip-Hop Women’s Self Defense
Studio Hours: 7:30am-6:30pm Office Hours: 2pm-6pm Phone: 475-8269 Open Monday-Sunday Located in Maite across Plumeria Garden Hotel e-mail: thetalentbox@gmail.com September 2009
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Write the name of each animal on the line below it, then have fun coloring! (Check your answers on page 52)
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Let the fun begin! Locate and circle the alligator with the sharp teeth.
PET OF THE MONTH
r a e B Meet Bear is a beautiful medium-sized dog who loves children and fellow four-legged pals, including cats and other dogs. He has a sad history, as he was adopted from the shelter as a puppy but was returned because his family was moving and couldn’t bring him with them. He is house-trained and eager to love. If you are interested in adopting Bear or any other cat or dog, please contact GAIN at the Yigo Animal Shelter at 653-GAIN (4246) or e-mail guamanimals@yahoo.com.
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Plants
crossword puzzle
(Check your answers on page 52)
ACROSS 1. Plants make their food with this process. 3. A “transport system� 7. Plants need this gas for photosynthesis. 8. Where most plants make their food. DOWN 1. A kind of kingdom. 2. Holds the beginning of a new plant. 3. Product of photosynthesis (along with oxygen). 4. Plants produce this. 5. Source of energy. 6. Used by many plants to take in water and minerals.
Colors
search and circle the words below on the right side of the page (Check your answers on page 52)
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Green
Black
Red
Taupe
Orange
White
Pink
Purple
Blue
Brown
Yellow
Lavender
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Kusina Kusina Veie Pancit 2 cups dry vermicelli noodles 3 cups water 1 cup sun dried tomatoes in olive oil (sliced) 1 tablespoon minced garlic 2 tablespoons sesame seeds 1 cup red bell peppers (sliced) 1 cup mushrooms (sliced) 1 cup fresh spinach (sliced) 1 /2 cup olive oil Directions: 1. In a large bowl, soak dry vermicelli until soft and set aside. 2. Heat a medium frying pan to medium heat and saute sun dried tomatoes and garlic and mix well. 3. Reduce heat and add red bell peppers and mushrooms until brown and crisp before turning heat off. 4. Toss spinach in and mix well. 5. Add sesame seeds to vermicelli along with olive oil and sauteed veggies and mix well. 6. Transfer into a medium pot and put over medium heat for five minutes while seasoning as desired. 7. Remove from pot and serve.
Chocolate Oatmeal 1 cup dry oatmeal 1 cup white grain rice 3 1/2 cups water 1 cup sugar 1 box 3.4 oz. instant chocolate pudding 1 cup milk 1 cup half and half 1 /4 cup corn starch
From Our Kitchen to Yours Recipes by Denise Rita Santos
Directions: 1. Brown the rice in a medium-sized pot. 2. Add two cups of water and bring to a boil. 3. Add oatmeal and cook on medium heat for 15 minutes. Add remaining water until soft and thick. Do not allow to dry. 4. Add sugar while stirring and simmer on medium to low heat. 5. In a medium bowl, mix chocolate pudding, milk and half and half. Add to the rice mixture and continue stirring. 6. Mix 1/2 cup water and cornstarch. Add to the rice mixture and stir well until thick. 7. Remove from heat, let cool and serve.
Have a recipe you’d like to share? E-mail high-resolution photos, ingredients and instructions to editor@guamfamily. net, and you may be published in the next edition of Kusina in Guam Family!
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sneak peek sneak peek
Coming Next Month! October Features:
• Finance: Investing 101 • Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Facts about the disease and stories of survival.
In Our Other Departments: • Living in Two Households • Holiday Cooking Made Easy • Pet of the Month • Fun Books to Read
ANSWERS Page 48 1. Zebra 2. Rhinoceros 3. Elephant
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4. Lion 5. Alligator 6. Giraffe