Family & Kids Chatt Valley Aug 2017

AUGUST 2017

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

© Jessica Fowler Photography

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

Celebrating our 10th Anniversary Season!

Cover Sponsor Pg. 5

22

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

NOW OFFERING IMPLANTS!

Dr. Cathy Cook

Gentle Dentistry for the Entire Family!

ACCEPTING ALL MAJOR INSURANCES, CARE CREDIT AND OFFERING FINANCIAL OPTIONS

MONDAY NIGHTS ARE

S

FREE Zax Kidz Meal between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. with the purchase of an adult meal.

(Limit one Zax Kidz Mealsper adult meal purchase. Dine-In only) VALID AT THESE LOCATIONS ONLY: 7626 Schomburg Rd. • Columbus • 706.507.3235 1915 Auburn Ave. • Columbus •706.507.9297 6190 Bradley Park Dr. • Columbus • 706.320.0046 7033 Ruffie Way • Midland • 706.289.1258

Limited-time offer. Offer valid at this location only, on Mondays, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Adult meals include any Most Popular Menu Item, Meal Deal, Zalad or Sandwich Basket.

Kids must be present when ordering. Each restaurant independently owned and operated. © 2014 Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc. “Zaxby’s” and “Zax Kidz” are registered trademarks of Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc.

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

HOO’s PARENTING

What’s Healthier…

SCHOOL LUNCH OR

PACKED LUNCH? If you’ve decided to send your kids to school with a packed lunch because you feel it’s healthier than school lunches, you might want to take a closer look at what you’re putting in it.

60% of packed school lunches failed to meet nutrition standards set by the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), reported the Journal of Child Nutrition, Fall 2016. Children’s packed lunches scored negatively on amounts of dessert and snack food calories, as well as saturated fats and sodium. Only 27% of packed lunches met three or more NSLP standards for protein, grains, fruit, milk and vegetables.

In the past, school lunches often exceeded levels of fat and sodium recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. But today, due to the improved requirements, many school programs receive high scores in protein, fats, calcium, iron, sodium and vitamins.

Convenience might be superseding healthy choices in your packed lunches. According to the Journal study, the culprits are prepackaged desserts, snack chips, and SSB’s (sugar-sweetened beverages). Who doesn’t love a sweet treat, and kids are no exception. But even if the packaged dessert has as little as 100 calories, that’s one-fourth of a four hundred calorie lunch! Snack chips can appear healthy if they are baked and made with whole grains. But beware, they often have a higher sodium content to make up for the loss of flavor from frying.

Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB’s) claim they are healthy because they contain added vitamins.

But interestingly, the study found that packed lunches containing SSB’s were significantly more likely to have low amounts of proteins, fiber, and calcium, along with excessive amounts of sugar.

Send only 100% fruit juice, but be aware of the sugar content. While fruit juice may seem more “natural” than drinks with added high-fructose corn syrup, raw fruit is even better because it delivers a lower concentration of sugars along with fiber that makes you feel full longer.

Packed lunches can still be healthier than school lunches, even after accounting for parents’ limited time to prepare them. One strategy is to shift your focus away from trying to limit fats, sugars, and sodium in your kids’ lunches. Instead focus on what to include. Try including a variety of proteins, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables by using these tips.

Lean-protein sources for packed lunches can include deli meats, peanut butter, chicken, eggs and beans. Low-fat dairy can come from yogurt, cottage cheese and cheeses. Whole grain can be incorporated into lunches through breads, cereals and high-fiber tortillas. Fruits and vegetables can be packed in the form of cooked, canned, dried or raw. Swap out high-calorie snacks and desserts for hummus with vegetables, nuts, seeds, popcorn, dried fruits, and whole fruits with yogurt.

3

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

44

Tammy Usie Publisher

TheValley.com

Tammy@HooKnows

253-212-7270 Cell

Dear Parents of the Chattahoochee Valley, Welcome to our handy, parenting resource guide. I hope you will find lots of helpful choices on products and services for you and your family, along with some informative articles, handy resources and fun features.

If you like our magazine, then you’ll love our website, www.

HooKnowsTheValley.com. There you can read our magazine online, find other resources and use our SHOPPING DIRECTORY. This virtual buying guide provides our readers with a comprehensive list of local, family-friendly businesses. Plus with the ability for consumers to leave reviews on these businesses, it will help other parents make buying decisions. I invite you to go leave a few reviews to help us build this resource and share them with other parents like yourself.

AD DEADLINES

The 1st of the month for the next month’s issue

Tammy Usie

HOO KNOWS SPECIAL FEATURES Hoo’s crafty.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 20

HOO’S hungry.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 5

HOO’S Fit.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 21 & 27

hoo’s Parenting.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 3

HOO’S healthy.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 7 & 23

hoo’s Picks.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 12

HOO Knew?.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 25

hoo’s tips.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 8

HOO KNOWS® Community Digest does not assume responsibility for products and services listed in this magazine. Ads may not be reproduced, in any way, without written consent. HOO KNOWS® is a trademark of Cinah Media Group LLC. For information on operating your own digest, contact us at 1-888-HOO-5609.

Where to Find HOO? BULK LOCATIONS: Chick fil-A’s in Columbus & Phenix City Family & Kids of the Chattahoochee Valley

PLUS: Check your local kid-friendly doctors & dentists, attractions, restaurants & retail shops.

Children attending FT Benning daycares, preschools & elementary schools each receive a copy, as well as elementary students at most all private schools in Columbus & Phenix City...plus all kids attending major daycares and preschools.

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

HOO’s HUNGRY

SLIDERS SLOPPY JOE

Let your kids measure, stir, and assemble these perfect sloppy joe sliders. Easy for little hands but full of flavor even adults will love.

DIRECTIONS In a skillet, start to brown the ground beef. Then, stir in the chili powder and salt, and continue cooking until the meat is cooked through, then drain.

Reduce the heat to low, stir in the ketchup, sugar, vinegar and 1/2 cup water and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thickened.

Stir in the carrots and corn, and cook, partially covered, until the vegetables are tender and heated through.

Serve on slider buns, topped with a handful of shredded cabbage and pickle chips.

INGREDIENTS • 1 lb. ground beef • 1 tbs chili powder • salt to taste • 3/4 cup of ketchup • 1 tbs apple cider vinegar • 1 tbs light brown sugar • 1/2 cup frozen crinkle carrots • 1 cup shredded red cabbage • crinkle cut dill pickle chips • potato sliders buns or mini rolls

55

6

SHOPPING GUIDE activities Academy Dance.................................. 31 Chattahoochee Valley Libraries.... 12 Clement Arts.........................................9 Elite Dance.............................................9 Growing Room....................................29 Highland Kids Academy.................. 13 iCON Wrestling................................... 15 Mathnasium........................................28 Oasis Child Enrichment Center....28 Performance Dance Centre............. 21 Prodigy Dance....................................... 5 The Columbus Museum..................... 9 Ultimate Youth Sports......................32

TELL THEM

Childcare/ education SENT YOU! Calvary Christian...............................26 First Presbyterian Day School.......26 Grace Christian School....................26 Kumon...................................................27 Lakewood Child Development ......29 St. Luke Schools.................................26 Sylvan Learning Center...................26

Food & Beverage Chick-fil-A............................................ 14 Chill Yogurt & Pizzeria..................... 13 Yola’s Coffee & Cafe............................ 14 Zaxby’s..................................................... 2

healthcare Columbus Counseling...................... 15 Comprehensive Women’s Care...... 14 Cook Dental Care.................................. 2 Ctr for Reproductive Services.........11 Dr. Alberto Lugo, DMD...................... 15 Family Counseling of Columbus... 18 Pediatric Dentistry of Columbus...24 Pediatrics at Brookstone Centre...22 Rivertown Pediatrics.........................11

Home/ Handy Turfscapes Lawncare........................ 15 Warehouse World Mini Storage..... 15

Shopping/ Retail Bricks and Minifigs...........................20 Edward Jones, Brad Brooks............30 Happy Honey Pot............................... 18 Jessica Fowler Photography..........25 Kilwins Columbus.............................22 Mickayla’s Place - Resale................22 Once Upon A Child - Resale...........30 The Posh Peach.................................... 7 Wee Blessings.....................................25

TELL THEM SENT YOU!

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

HOO’s HEALTHY According to studies of kids with autism, an infant who has a sibling diagnosed with autism may be at increased risk of also having autism. A recently published study holds good news for parents of these at-risk infants. The study showed using a type of video feedback therapy during infancy may help reduce the severity of autism symptoms.

In the study, a group of parents were taught by a therapist to use a method called the Video Interaction for Promoting Positive Parenting Programme (VIPP). The goal of VIPP is to improve the atrisk infants’ communication and social interaction skills by teaching parents how to interact with their infant. At the start of the study, the participants were randomly divided into two groups. One group of infants received the therapy and one did not. Both groups were then followed through toddlerhood, to the age of 39 months, and their developmental progress was compared. Researchers found a reduction in the severity of autistic symptoms in the group that had received the therapy.

This study consisted of only 54 families, so it is considered small and in need of validation by larger studies, but it brings hope that early intervention in infancy may help prevent at-risk children

NEW

AUTISM TREATMENT for at-risk infants from becoming severely autistic later in childhood. Health care professionals usually will not provide an official diagnosis of autism until your child is over age two but there are symptoms that all parents of infants can watch for. They include: • Not smiling or showing affection • Not reacting to loud noises or won’t look when called by name • Not babbling or cooing • Won’t make eye contact • Does not reach out for you when she wants to be held If you think your infant is showing any of these signs or misses other developmental milestones, discuss it with your doctor at once. If your doctor eliminates other conditions that cause developmental delays and determines it is likely your infant has autism, ask for help finding an autism treatment program for your child.

7

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

8

HOO’s tips

BETTER BUS

SAFETY

FOR MILLIONS OF SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN, EACH DAY BEGINS AND ENDS WITH A BUS RIDE. WHILE PARENTS ENTRUST THEIR CHILDREN’S SAFETY TO THE CAPABLE HANDS OF BUS DRIVERS, THESE TIPS FROM THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR PUPIL TRANSPORTATION PROVIDE SOME MEASURES PARENTS CAN TAKE AND LESSONS THEY CAN TEACH TO INCREASE THEIR CHILD’S SAFETY.

BEFORE THE BUS

• Ensure backpacks are packed securely so papers and other items don’t scatter as the bus approaches.

• Create a morning routine that puts kids at the bus stop five minutes before the scheduled pickup time. This helps avoid a last-minute rush, when safety lessons are easily forgotten, and ensures kids are safely in place for boarding.

• Instruct children to walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, advise them to stay out of the street, walk single-file, face traffic and stay as close to the edge of the road as possible.

• If kids must cross a street, driveway or alley, remind them to stop and look both ways before crossing.

• Verify that the bus stop location offers good visibility for the bus driver; if changes are needed, talk with nearby homeowners or school district officials to implement changes. Never let kids wait in a house or car, where

the driver may miss seeing them approach the bus.

• Remind children that the bus stop is not a playground. Balls or other toys could roll into the street and horseplay can result in someone falling into the path of oncoming traffic.

ON THE BUS RIDE

• Instruct children to allow the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching it.

• When boarding the bus, items can get bumped and dropped.

Caution children that before picking anything up, they should talk to the driver and follow instructions to safely retrieve their possessions.

• Teach safe riding habits: stay seated with head, hands and feet inside at all times; use a seatbelt (if available); keep bags and books out of the aisle and remain seated until the bus stops moving.

• Remind kids that just like when riding in your car, loud noises are off limits so they don’t distract the driver.

LEAVING THE BUS

• Remind children to look before stepping off the bus. If they must cross the street, teach them to do so in front of the bus by taking five big steps away from the front of the bus, looking up and waiting for the driver to signal that it is safe to start into the street.

• For parents who meet their kids at the bus, remember that in their excitement kids may dart across the street. Eliminate the risk by waiting on the side of the street where kids exit the bus.

• Make the bus ride part of your daily “how was school?” discussion. Encourage kids to talk about the things they see and hear on the bus, so you can discuss appropriate behaviors and, if necessary, report any concerns to school administrators.

• Bullying is more prevalent than ever and buses are no exception.

Ask your child to tell you about any bullying they observe, whether against another child or themselves, and talk about how to shut down bully behavior.

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

Fall Semester 2017 Music • Drama • Art • Dance Supporting adoption and foster care

www.clement-arts.org

9

10

Dining Deals

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

With deals this good, save the mess and dine out!

MONDAY

thursday

Chick-fil-A, Phenix City

MOE’s Southwest Grill

5-7:30p: Free kid’s meal with regular priced combo

Chill Yogurt Cafe & Pizzeria

5-9pm: Free kid’s meal per $5 minimum adult entrée

Kids 12 & under eat free (1 topping 8” pizza & drink) with purchase of adult entrée (11” pizza and a drink). Limit 1 per adult. Dine in only.

sunday

Zaxby’s

Kids eat for $.99 after 4pm

5-8pm: Free kid’s meal with adult entrée

Tuesday Chill Yogurt Cafe & Pizzeria

Buy one regular 11” pizza, get one of equal or less value at 50% off with valid school ID. Limit 1 per customer, with ID only.

Stevi B’s Pizza

Texas Roadhouse

Sundays: Kids 12 & under get Jr. Kids Meal for $1.99 with adult entrée (certain holidays are excluded)

Monday-Friday Steak & Shake Happy Hour, 1/2 price shakes or drinks from 2-5pm

Denny’s

4-10pm: Up to two free kids’ entrées with adult entrée. For kids 10 and under

every day

Ruby Tuesday

Golden Corral

5-10pm: 2 kids under 13 eat free with adult entrée

TGI Friday’s

3-10pm: Kids under 13 eat free with adult entrée

Kids 3 & under eat free with adult meal purchase

Hartz Chicken Buffet

Children 3 & under eat free with purchase of an adult entrée. Kids ages 5-7 get discounted prices

wednesDAY Applebee’s Kids’ meals are half off with the purchase of an adult entrée. Limit: 4 kids per adult

All locations are Columbus, GA unless noted. Specials are subject to change without notice.

Please verify them directly before dining. If you know of a kid’s special not listed here, contact Tammy@HooKnowsTheValley.com.

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

Oh Yeah!

Our patients are back in school and getting smarter by the day.

We challenge you to make it a great year!

www.RivertownPediatrics.com // 2416 Capstone Court, Columbus, GA // 706-327-1281

11

12

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

HOO’s PICKS

APPS to LOVE

montessori operations

minion rush Race with the Minions in the awardwinning, fan-favorite runner Despicable Me: Minion Rush! Run as fast as you can while jumping, dodging, rolling and knocking Minions off the track in despicably actionpacked levels.

An app dedicated to learning about addition & subtraction, for kids 5 to 8. Applying a 100 year old proven pedagogy with the best of technology and fun monsters to introduce these 4 very important concepts (addition, subtraction, doubles/halves, odd/even).

the wonder weeks The Wonder Weeks is an award winning, bestselling, baby app that’s a personalized weekly calendar of your baby’s mental development during the first 20 months, that will keep you informed about the leaps and bounds, sleep regressions, and the fussy phases of your baby.

music superheroes Mathy and Matteo present musical concepts through games with 5 different areas: Exercise tempo on the drums; Get in rhythm with dance; Exercise the right notes; Learn to play music with the correct tempo, rhythm, and notes; Listen and try to guess dozens of instruments. Great app for little musicians!

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

HOO’s CUTE

CONTEST Visit our website to enter: w w w. h o o k n o w s t h e v a l l e y. c o m

Aaniyah, 9 months Columbus

Jada, 4 years Columbus

Liam, 1 Columbus

13

14

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

We are expecting

Y ou!

Maria V. Gonzaga, MD OB/GYN

1900 10th Ave. Suite 300 Columbus, GA (706) 341-3311 | comprehensivewomenscare.com

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

15

Moms’ Marketplace Feature your business here, Call Tammy at 253-212-7270

LOVE ON YOUR LAWN

Turfscapes

LAWN MAINTENANCE & LANDSCAPING COMPANY

COMMERCIAL . RESIDENTIAL . LICENSED . INSURED

DWTURFSCAPES@BELLSOUTH.NET

706-587-4666

1/2 OFF

1ST MONTH WITH NEW ANNUAL CONTRACT

Tammy Usie creative boutique & brokerage

MARKETING l DESIGN l SALES l EVENTS 253.212.7270 TammyUsie@gmail.com

16

AUGUST

PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

3

12

5

12

VIP Time for kids with special needs. 6-8pm. $10. Launch Trampoline, Columbus; launchcolumbus.com Home Depot Kids Workshop. 9am-Noon. Free. Ages 5-12. Columbus store; 706322-9240. Phenix City store; 334-297-2045

5

Watermelon Express Train Ride. 9:30am. Sam Shortline, Downtown Cordele Depot; samshortline.com

9

La Leche League meeting.

10am. Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Rd; www. lllofga.org/columbus.html

10

Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale. 9am-5pm. Columbus Library; cvlga.org/ attend-it Fore Kids Junior Golf Tournament. 10am. $10-$20.

Ages 8-15. Godwin Creek; forekidscolumbus.com

15

Face 2 Face Teen Support Group. 6pm. Free. Ages 1318. Columbus Counseling; 706-327-1222; ccacolumbus.com

19

Junior League Lakebottom 5K and Diaper Dash.

6:30am. $15-$20. Lakebottom, 18th St; runsignup.com

19

Clement Arts Open House.

5:30-7:30pm. Porter Campus, 90 40th St, clement-arts.org

Butterfly Release. 9amNoon. Columbus Botanical Gardens; columbusbotanicalgarden.org

11

19

Life is Better at Benning Expo. 9am-1pm. Benning Club’s Supper Club; benning.armymwr.com

Summer Trail Ramble. 10amNoon. $5 parking. Ages 10+. 2.9 moderate miles.

F.D. Roosevelt State Park; gastateparks.org/FDRoosevelt

21

The Great American Total Solar Eclipse. 10am - 5pm.

Live streaming of NASA MegaCast. Auditorium, Columbus Public Library; cvlga. org/attend-it

21

Solar Eclipse Activities.

1-2pm. Coca-Cola Space Science Center; ccssc.org

21

The Great American Total Solar Eclipse Activity. 4pm.

Make & take craft. Columbus Public Library; cvlga.org/ attend-it

26

Young Eagles Day at Flightways Columbus.

8:3011:30am. Free. Ages 8-17.

Columbus Airport; 706-3236565 or youngeagles.com/ flightplan/flight.asp

26

Watermelon Express Train Ride. 9:30am. Sam Shortline, Downtown Cordele Depot; samshortline.com

EVENTS 29

Social Skills Groups for Kids.

5 classes over 6 weeks. Register by August 25. Pastoral Institute; 706-649-6507 ext.

1361 or pastoralinstitute.org

Weekly Events MONDAY Stream Walk. 9:30am. $2, $5

parking. Ages 4+. Liberty Bell Pool; F.D. Roosevelt State Park; gastateparks.org/ FDRoosevelt

Toddler Tales at Barnes & Noble. 10am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706-653-7880

Kids Night Out. $10. 6pm practice. 7pm competition.

Ages 5-18. Bows not provided. Archery Connection; 334-480-9997 or archeryconnection.net

SATURDAY Night Owls’ Parent’s Night Out. 6-10:30pm. CSU Cunningham Ctr. $25 per child, $35 in diapers. 706-5778727. nightowlkidscare.com

17

Water Wonders. 4pm. $2, $5 parking. F.D. Roosevelt State Park; gastateparks.org/ FDRoosevelt

Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained. For more information on these events: Muscogeemoms.com.

Market Days on Broadway.

9am-Noon.www.uptowncolumbusga.com Michael’s Kids Club Meeting.

10am-Noon. Ages 3+. See store for details.

FRIDAY

Toddler Time. 10am-Noon.

Launch Trampoline Park; launchcolumbus.com

Night Owls’ Parent’s Night Out. 6-10:30pm. CSU Cunningham Ctr. $25 per child, $35 in diapers. 706-5778727. nightowlkidscare.com

Saturday Storytimes at Barnes & Noble. 11am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706-6537880

Make & Take. 4pm. Free.

Phenix City-Russell Library; phenixcitylibrary.com

Saturday Kids Class. Noon1:30pm. $25. Painting with A Twist, paintingwithatwist. com/columbus

LIBRARY ACTIVITIES

Chattahoochee Valley www.CVLGA.org 706-243-2669

Phenix City-Russell County 1501 17th Avenue, Phenix City www.phenixcitylibrary.com 334-297-1139

Troup-Harris

706-628-4685 www.thclibrary.net

18

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

Feelings weighing you down?

We can help you find your strength.

Call 706-327-3238

Safe for little ears.

Also listen online at thetruthlife.com or on the free app.

HOO’s Fun

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

19

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

20

HOO’s CRAFTY

HANDCRAFTED

KINDNESS ROCKS This easy craft and is perfect way to spend an afternoon.

You can give them as gifts, or you can hide them around town as part of the ColumbusGaRocks movement.

DIRECTIONS First things first, find your new specimens and let your kids have fun giving their new muses a good scrub and a bath.

Once they are dry, lay out the newspaper and start a basecoat of paint in a color you love. Then let it dry completely.

Use your paint pens or sharpies and add adorable words of encouragement across your rock’s surface. And let that dry too.

Then give it a good coat of clear overcoat spray and yes, let it dry. Now you’re ready to hand them to people who could use some kindness or hide them for others to find!

SUPPLIES Smooth rocks Paint Paint Pens Sharpies Newspaper Clear Coat Spray

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

HOO’s FIT Almost all kids enjoy the sweet taste of fruit juice and many toddlers will not leave home without taking along a sippy cup filled with fruit juice. However, the American Association of Pediatrics has recently changed their guidelines for what ages parents should start giving infants juice and how much juice toddlers and big kids should drink.

INFANTS UNDER 12 MONTHS: Previous guidelines allowed for fruit juice to be served to infants over six months. The new guidelines advise parents to wait until their infant is 12 months before introducing juice. This is to prevent babies from suffering poor nutrition as a result of filling up on so much juice that the intake of breast milk (or formula) and table food is reduced.

Introduce fruit to an infant over six months of age who is ready for table food by serving fruit purees.

TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS: For kids in the 1 to 4 years age group, the AAP recommends a cup of fruit a day and up to four ounces of this can come from 100% fruit juice. Also, serve juice in an open top cup and only at meal times. Allowing your toddler to sip juice all day from a sippy cup can lead to cavities.

21

New Recs on

Juice YOUNGER SCHOOL AGE KIDS: Kids age 4 to 6 can start drinking more juice, up to 6 ounces a day.

OLDER SCHOOL AGE KIDS AND TEENS: Older kids are allowed up to 2 1/2 cups of fruit a day, with one cup (8 oz) coming from fruit juice.

When shopping for fruit juice, only buy juice labeled 100% fruit juice. Juice blends and cocktails have sugar added. Nutritionists encourage parents to focus on serving fresh fruit to kids who are picky eaters to fulfill the recommended amount of fruit servings each day, instead of letting their child eat fruit gummies or chews.

Put fresh fruit into smoothies or yogurt and, for older kids, keep a bowl of fruit on the counter so they can help themselves.

22 22

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

HOO’s HEALTHY

mumps cases are on the rise in the u.s.

Mumps is a highly contagious disease that is on the rise. Symptoms include uncomfortable swelling on one or both sides of the cheeks.

These swollen salivary glands are the most characteristic sign of mumps, which is caused by a virus and usually spread through coughing.

It occurs most often in children and teenagers 5 to 14 years old but anyone can catch the mumps virus at any age.

In addition to swelling, the region can become painful when touched or while chewing, especially when consuming foods that stimulate the release of salivary juices or drinking orange juice or other juices that are acidic. Other symptoms may include: • Fever lasting 3 to 5 days • Headache • Nausea • Occasional vomiting • Weakness • A decrease in appetite • Swelling and pain in the joints (and in boys, of the testes) In 1967, the mumps vaccination program started, and then in 1971, a three-vaccine dose called MMR (mumps, measles and rubella) was made available to the public. This had a dramatic impact on reducing the number of reported mumps cases. Unfortunately, mumps cases are on the rise once again.

The typical schedule for the MMR vaccine is: First dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and second dose at 4 through 6 years of age.

Teens and adults should also be up-to-date on MMR vaccinations.

The

23

Kids

Doctor

Sue Hubbard, MD kidsdr.com

In areas where there is an outbreak, some physicians are recommending that children receive a third dose of the MMR vaccine. States such as Washington, Arkansas, and Missouri have seen a significant increase in mumps in 2016 and early 2017. In Texas, cases are at a 20-year high.

The MMR vaccine protects against currently circulating mumps strains, but the effectiveness of the vaccine may decrease over time. That’s one reason cases may be on the upsurge. Another reason may be that some areas have a higher number of unvaccinated children, allowing the disease to spread quickly throughout a population.

Outbreaks can still occur in highly vaccinated U.S. communities, particularly in close-contact settings. In recent years, outbreaks have occurred in schools, colleges, and camps. However, high vaccination coverage helps limit the size, duration, and spread of mumps outbreaks.

A child with mumps will become contagious beginning a day or two before the swelling begins, and the contagious period will continue for about 5 days after the swelling has started.

It’s interesting to note that approximately one third of those infected with mumps do not show obvious swelling. As a general guideline, keep your child with mumps away from school and child-care for 9 days after the gland swelling has begun.

If your child has the mumps, notify your doctor if your child’s condition becomes worse, especially if she develops abdominal pain, shows an unusual lack of energy, or (for boys) his testicles become painful.

24

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

’

Talking!

Saying "I Love You!" Spanish: Te amo Chinese: Wo ài ni German: Ich liebe dich Japanese: Watashi wa, anata o aishiteimasu French: Je t’aime Italian: Ti amo Hawaiian: Aloha wau iā ‘oe Russian: Ya lyublyu tebya

HOO’s FUN Jokin’ Around about animals

Why did the cow cross the road?

To get to the udder side!

What do you call a bear with no teeth?

A gummy bear!

What do you call a pig that knows karate?

A pork chop!

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

HOO knew?

History of Popsicles In England, it’s an ice lolly, to New Zealanders, they’re icy poles and the Irish call them freeze pops. Here in the United States, we call them Popsicles® or ice pops. The mind behind this summer indulgence wasn’t a marketing genius, or even a chef, it was an 11-year-old boy, named Frank Epperson.

Frank was just a young boy in 1905, in Oakland, California, when one night he accidentally left a glass – filled with water, powdered soda mix and a wooden stick for stirring – outside, overnight. When Frank found it in the morning, the soda mixture was frozen solid, so he ran the glass under hot water and removed the ice pop using the stick as a handle. Frank knew he had a great idea on his hands, and he made the pops for his friends, and eventually for his own children. In 1923, Epperson filed for a patent for his invention. Up until then, he had been calling them “Eppsicles,” but his children insisted on calling them “Pop’s ‘sicles.” The latter name stuck and the Popsicle® was born.

Popsicles originally sold for just five cents and came in seven flavors (including cherry, which is still the most popular). Nowadays you can find them from coast to coast and in crazy and even gourmet flavors. Well done Frank Epperson!

25

26

Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION DIRECTORY

To feature your school or child care option, call Tammy at 253-212-7270.

Teaching the

in the Heart of Columbus.

K4-8th Grade

318 11th Street 706.256.1301 school.stlukeum.com

26

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com EDUCATION DIRECTORY

HOO’s FIT

27

What do the foods your children eat have to do with the grades they bring home? Surprisingly, a lot more than you think. Research shows that certain vitamins and nutrients support brain health and development. That means the foods your child consumes can give them an academic edge, in the classroom and in life.

EATING FOR

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

POWERFUL PROTEINS

Protein for breakfast and lunch will not only curb hunger pangs throughout the school day, but will also help sustain mental energy and level moods. Kid-friendly ideas include eggs, organic chicken/turkey/beef, non-GMO nitrate-free turkey bacon, and beans. Have leftovers from last night? Dinners traditionally have more protein, so eating last night’s leftovers for breakfast is a good brain-boosting option.

INCREDIBLE CARBOHYDRATES

Healthy complex carbohydrates elevate levels of serotonin in the brain, which has a calming effect. Some ideal carbs are brown rice, quinoa and oats.

coconut oil. Eat more meals with cold-water fish like salmon to get more omega-3 essential fats.

MIGHTY NUTS AND SEEDS

These nutritional powerhouses provide generous amounts of calories, fats, complex carbs, protein, vitamins, minerals and fiber. Let kids enjoy making their own seed-nut snack mixes.

Also, try swapping traditional peanut butter for other nut butters like almond or cashew.

VIVACIOUS VEGGIES AND FRUIT

Real, whole foods like fruits and vegetables support brain health while calming the nervous system during times of stress.

Blueberries, raspberries and strawberries are full of antioxidants FANTASTIC FATS Did you know the brain is about 60 percent fat? That and vitamin C, which research shows helps regulate cortisol, a means when your kids eat healthy fats, it can support brain hormone responsible for stress. And don’t forget bananas! Not development and cellular health. Pack snacks with nuts, seeds only are they full of potassium, but they also help the body produce and avocado. Use healthier oils such as extra-virgin olive oil or hormones that help reduce stress and promote better sleep.

©2017 Kumon North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The Kumon

MATH PROGRAM Kumon Math builds the understanding and confidence in math your kids need to succeed in school and in their world of tomorrow.

ENROLL YOUR KIDS TODAY!

ENR O ...

1290 Double Churches Rd., Suite K, Columbus, GA 31904

706.257.6963 • kumon.com/columbus-north

SAVE

50%

...

Kumon Math & Reading Center of Columbus - North

ND 7A

Learn more by attending a free Parent Orientation at

EFORE 9 / 30 / 1 LL B

ON

MATH REGISTRATION!*

*Offer valid at participating Kumon Centers only when you enroll between 9/1/17 - 9/30/17.

Most Kumon Centers are independently owned and operated. Additional fees may apply.

Where Smart Kids Get Smarter.

28

Wise Choices for You & Your Family EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Start the School Year off Strong, and Stay Strong!

3rd Annual Back to School Chess Tournament AUGUST 19

The Mathnasium Method helps children understand math by teaching it in a way that makes sense to them. When a child understands math, their confidence soars, and is able to do progressively more — more advanced work than they would have ever believed possible. Before you know it, your child could become crazy about math!

W FOR A PREPARE NO OL YEAR HO STRONG SC

H FREE MAETN T M S S ASSE ) ($99EXPV8/3A1/1L7UE

“We are the expert Math Coaches of Mathnasium. As school begins, your child needs a strong start in Math.

Don’t wait until math homework struggles sneak up.

Let us give them a huge boost in skill and confidence that will help ensure their success the entire school year. Call today for your FREE No Risk Math Assessment. You’ll be glad you did!”

855-331-MATH 1 S T –12 T H G RA DE S • HOM E W ORK HELP • S AT /AC T PREP

www.mathnasium.com/columbusbradleypark ColumbusBradleyPark@Mathnasium.com 6501 Whitesville Rd, Suite 100, Columbus

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com EDUCATION DIRECTORY

29

Wise Choices for You & Your Family

30 30

Living in the Now, Preparing for the Future Learn how you can redefine your savings approach toward education and retirement. Call or visit a financial advisor today.

Brad Brooks

Financial Advisor

www.edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

EDS-5422C-A

.

7790 Veterans Pkwy Suite B3 Columbus, GA 31909 706-576-2206

STYLE OUTSIDE THE LINES

Back-to-school looks for less!

Located in The Landings at exit 8 off I-185 | 2521 Airport Thruway, Columbus, GA 31904 706.507.3737 | onceuponachildcolumbusga.com |

/onceuponachildcolumbusga

www.HooKnowsTheValley.com

31 31