Family & Kids Chatt Valley March 2023

MARCH 2023

Wise Choices for Moms & Families

CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY

© Tom Scott Photography

“in love?” Is your Tween

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

If your preteen or teenager tells you that she has ‘fallen in love’ with someone, be careful before assuming that this new relationship is ‘just a crush.’ While it is true that most teens do not find themselves in a romantic relationship that has the depth and the strong emotional involvement of a mature romantic relationship, some do. Your child may feel that she has ‘found the one’ that is for her and that she cannot live without him.

Try not to dismiss your child’s feelings

Dismissing your child’s feelings or trying to discourage the relationship is not wise. Refusing to acknowledge her feelings is likely to distance her from you and cause her to feel like you do not care about her, furthering her attachment to her new partner for emotional support. Instead, you want to be there to support your child as she navigates the complexities of an indepth romantic relationship. An in-depth relationship involves a deep level of trust, communication and respect that your child is not familiar with. Your goal is to teach your child the difference between a healthy romantic relationship and one that is not.

Provide examples of couples your family knows who have strong relationships and point out the great amount of caring and respect that each person involved in the relationship shows each other. Find examples of couples in entertainment who have good relationships and some whose relationship needs work and compare them. It is difficult for teens to build a healthy romantic relationship if they do not have a basis to model their relationship upon. You may even want to point out some mistakes you have made in the past in romantic relationships. Also, be aware that each day your child is looking to you to provide examples of healthy interactions in a romantic relationship. Be self-aware and bring to life what you are teaching your child by modeling caring and respect in your own romantic relationship.

Support your child and help them stay safe

If your teen is in an in-depth romantic relationship, she may feel that she cannot imagine being without her romantic partner, and the pair may feel like they are not complete when they are apart. Support your child by providing a place in your home they can hang out while being supervised by an adult. Although you have probably already discussed safe sex practices with your child, it is a good idea to review them. Also, talk with your child about finding a balance in the relationship and the importance of establishing a trust that enables both parties involved some freedom to spend time apart without strong feelings of jealousy arising.

If your child is in love with an older teenager, you must set some boundaries to ensure she stays safe. It is wise to discourage your child from becoming involved in a relationship with a teen that is much older than her. However, this may not be successful and in that case, you will need to set boundaries that ensure your child is always supervised by an adult.

To your child, it may feel like the relationship will last forever; however, most teen romances do not survive the life changes, such as moving to start a career, that occur during the transition to adulthood. Your support for your child is especially important when the relationship is broken off. Your child will need your help navigating the process of grieving the loss of the relationship. Make yourself available to your child so she can express her feelings, and help her adjust to her new normal by keeping her busy with activities and spending time with friends.

HOO’s HEALTHY

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder in which the body does not make enough hemoglobin, a protein that is part of red blood cells. Red blood cells do not function properly and perform their job of transporting oxygen to the cells in the body when they do not have enough hemoglobin. Thalassemia is often classified by type and by severity. Hemoglobin contains two components which are referred to as alpha and beta. There are two types of thalassemia, alpha and beta, which are named after the particular component of hemoglobin which is affected by the disorder that is not being made by the body. The severity of thalassemia is classified as trait, carrier, intermedia or major.

Someone who has a thalassemia trait may not show any symptoms at all, while someone with intermedia or major thalassemia may suffer from severe anemia. Someone with less severe thalassemia that does not cause symptoms may find out they have the disorder through a routine blood test performed for other reasons. Also, if a person discovers that a family member has the condition, they may ask to be tested to see if they are carrying the gene for it. Moderate and severe

RESOURCES: www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/thalassemia/facts.html

What is:THALASSEMIA

thalassemia is usually diagnosed very early due to newborn screening or through testing done when treatment is sought for severe anemia. Most patients with severe thalassemia start requiring treatment early in life.

Symptoms of thalassemia include pallor or jaundice, feeling tired, shortness of breath, an inability to tolerate exercise and a swollen abdomen from an enlarged spleen. The spleen may become enlarged because it is working harder to produce red blood cells. Also, the bone marrow within the bones is having to work harder to produce red blood cells, and it can become enlarged, causing the bones to expand and grow thinner and more brittle.

The treatment for thalassemia includes blood transfusions and, in some cases, a bone marrow transplant. New bone marrow received during a bone marrow transplant produces normal, healthy red blood cells. Some children require surgery to remove an enlarged spleen.

SAINT PATRICK'S DAY

Fun Facts

Top 4 Celebrations:

1. New York, New York has the world’s largest Saint Patrick’s Day Parade with bagpipers and Irish dancers.

2. Boston, Massachusetts has a large Irish influence and celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day for several days.

3. Chicago, Illinois dyes their river green as part of the fun festivities.

4. The fountains are dyed green in Savannah, Georgia and bagpipers line the streets in the Savannah Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.

Traditions:

• Listening to Irish music

• Attending church services in remembrance of Saint Patrick

• Wearing shamrocks and the color green

• Pinching those that are not wearing green

• Searching for leprechauns

• Wearing “Kiss Me, I’m Irish” shirts

Saint Patrick’s Day was first recognized in Ireland and is a day full of feasting and celebrations. It is a day set aside to celebrate the works of the great missionary, Saint Patrick. An interesting fact about Saint Patrick is that he was actually British. He was taken into captivity in Ireland, escaped back to Britain and returned to Ireland later in life to become a missionary.

Ireland, also known as “the land of Saints and Scholars,’’ is home to many great writers, including James Joyce, who wrote "Ulysses" in 1922 and Oscar Wilde who is a well-known poet, playwright and author of popular fairytales.

As the largest city and capital of Ireland, Dublin was named for the rivers that run through it, the river Poddle and the salty river Liffey. Over a thousand years ago, there was a ‘black pool’ of water where the rivers meet in the middle of the city that was known as the ‘Dubh Linn.’ The river Poddle once formed the moat around the Dublin Castle and was a source of fresh water for the city.

During St. Patrick’s Day, Dublin goes all-in with parades and celebrations with five full days of celebrations and parades during the Saint Patrick’s Day Festival. This celebration brings in a half a million people to the town each year.

HOO’s HUNGRY

Lucky Charms

CEREAL BARS

These no-bake bars are a no-joke, easy and fun whole grain treat.

DIRECTIONS

1. Prepare a 9×13 dish with waxed paper; and then spray the paper with non stick cooking spray.

2. Spray another sheet of wax paper with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

3. Then in a medium stock pot or dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.

4. Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until completely melted. Re move from heat.

5. Immediately add the cereal, stirring until the cereal is completely coated in the melted marshmallows.

6. Transfer the cereal mixture to the 9×13 dish. Use the extra piece of sprayed wax paper to press the cereal firmly into the dish.

7. Add sprinkles, candy or reserved marshmallows over the top of the cereal bars, pressing larger pieces into the cereal bars.

8. Allow to cool completely before lifting by the waxed paper and placing on a cutting board. Then cut into cereal bars.

Courtesy of tamaracamerablog.com

INGREDIENTS

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 5 cups marshmallows (miniature are the easiest but any size will work)

• 6 cups cereal(s) of choice

TIPS: Remove some of the marshmallows and save them to top off the cereal bars. You could use this recipe to mix and match different cereals and toppings to find new favorites. Cereal bars can be individually wrapped, placed in a gallon-sized freezer bag, and frozen for up to 6 months. Bring to room temperature before serving though cereal may be slightly soggy.

HOO’s HELPFUL

HAPPY to

clean

By Amanda Merrill, Family & Kids

sPringtime is A greAt time to Purge And orgAnize. Does the popular saying “spring cleaning” sound familiar? There is a little bit of science behind the saying. During the winter months, the lack of sunlight increases the production of melatonin in our brain causing us to feel tired. However, because of more hours of sunlight in the springtime, we have increased energy and may suddenly get the desire to reorganize or clean. So, seize the opportunity to purge, clean and improve the organization of your home.

cleAning Your House cAn imProve Your overAll mood. Researchers have found several health benefits to keeping a clean house. According to research, a tidy house gives us a sense of control and the ability to easily find items. Having a clean house also helps us stay organized, eliminating the distractions of clutter and focusing on the task we are completing. It gives us a project to focus on and create a beautiful result. Cleaning your house can actually reduce stress and even provide a physical workout. At the end of the day, when the tasks of cleaning have been fulfilled, cleaning also creates a sense of accomplishment. Spring is the perfect time to get that fresh start!

BreAk it uP into one tAsk At A time. Although cleaning your whole house may feel overwhelming at first, Doctor Dawn Potter recommends for people to just start. Maybe it’s cleaning out the garage, or just a closet, or how about the junk drawer! Begin by sorting items ‘to keep,’ ‘to dispose’ and ‘to donate.’ Then deep clean the area, in top to bottom fashion, before re-organizing your ‘keep’ items. If you need an extra hand, involve the kids. Make it fun for them with a game of sorting or speed. Entice them with a fun group activity once the chore is complete. Package up the donation items and bring your kids with you to the donation center or area non-profit so they can see the needs in your community, to encourage them to help others. That should make everyone feel good about cleaning their space this spring.

REFERENCE: http://bit.ly/3WkKAXi

Audiobooks are unsung heroes

By Jeannine Scott, Branch Manager, North Columbus Library

Studies show that listening to a book helps a child build understanding, critical thinking and imagination. Audiobooks build reading skills and a love of reading (Johnson, 2003). They are especially ideal for busy families, for kids with learning differences, and for ESOL students.

If your child listens while following along with printed text, it is referred to as a read-along. This process can help readers pick up on the connection between spoken and written language. Both read-along books and audiobooks also help readers learn correct pronunciations and language inflections.

Since the whole family can listen in to the same book at once, use time between audiobook sessions to discuss what you’re reading. Talk about characters, encourage everyone to predict what they think will happen next, or discuss what you would change about the story.

While listening can help a child soothe and sit still, audiobooks also provide an opportunity for the child to move around while reading. Just as many adults listen to books while working out, your child can listen while playing LEGOs®, doing cartwheels, eating a snack, etc.

Opt for an audiobook:

• On sick days.

• As a quiet activity to settle down.

• When learning a new language.

• During long travel (especially for little passengers prone to motion sickness).

• When after-school activities run late. Listen on the way home or while getting ready for bed.

• During family activities like taking a walk or doing chores.

• When the child wants to move around while they read.

• If your child has a learning or reading difference like dyslexia.

• For you, the grownup! Pop in an earbud while going about your day.

Check out Books on CD and Wonderbooks (a read-along experience like never before!) from any Chattahoochee Valley Libraries location, or connect to digital audiobooks through apps like Hoopla and Libby. With your library card, you can download audiobooks for free …and even play them through your home’s smart speakers! Visit www.cvlga.org to learn more!

HOO’s tips

By Linda Ligon, Family & Kids

An HerB contAiner gArden is tHe Perfect sPring Project for introducing Your cHild to gArdening. Starting a garden in a container is much less work than starting a garden from scratch in your yard. Also, a container garden can be kept indoors, making it easy to care for. Fresh herbs provide flavor to the dishes you prepare and consuming herbs can also have health benefits. Here are a few herbs that are both easy to grow and have nutritional benefits.

MINT is an aromatic herb that grows aggressively and needs its own container, but it is easy to care for. Select a potting soil that provides good drainage. Mint prefers to be kept evenly moist but do not overwater it. Provide mint with needed humidity by misting the plant between waterings if the leaves become dry. Mint, especially peppermint, is a good addition to salads and teas, and mint is known for its ability to soothe an upset stomach.

BASIL is an herb that is used in a wide variety of culinary dishes, especially in Italian recipes. It is a good complement to garlic and oregano and has multiple health benefits. There are several different types of basil. Sweet basil, the type most often used for Italian dishes, contains an antioxidant called eugenol which gives this type of basil a clove-like scent. Basil is also a good source of Vitamin K. Sweet basil likes temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees F and needs 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day. Plant basil in a well-drained container filled with nutrient-rich potting soil and, if possible, place the plants in a sunny window that faces south. Keep basil moist but do not overwater the plants or the roots may rot.

PARSLEY is a good container companion to basil and has many nutritional benefits. Like basil, this herb needs plenty of sunlight and moist, well-drained soil. Parsley is a good source of potassium, calcium, Vitamin K, Vitamin C and folate. Parsley adds flavor to omelets, meats, soups

sauces and is very common in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Highlight On

The Sara Spano PTA Clothing Bank is a project of the Muscogee County PTA and has been in existence since the 1950s. The project is designed to provide adequate clothing, footwear and accessories for disadvantaged school children of Muscogee County.

Children who are current Muscogee County School District students and need assistance are referred to the Sara Spano PTA Clothing Bank by Muscogee County School District personnel. The request is verified by authorized Muscogee County School District personnel before the student receives assistance. Students who are approved for assistance from the Sara Spano PTA Clothing Bank are eligible to receive assistance twice during the school year. The volunteers at the Sara Spano PTA Clothing bank are dedicated to the mission of providing an adequate supply of clothing (approx. one-week’s supply) for these children. The volunteers believe that when children have an adequate supply of clothing, it improves their well-being, health and self-esteem, enabling them to be ready to learn at school.

Sara Spano PTA Clothing Bank

When an eligible request is received, clothing items are selected for the student by Clothing Bank volunteers and delivered to the student’s school. Volunteers sort, clean and prepare the clothing for selection and delivery. The Clothing Bank receives all its donations from the community. Gently used children’s clothing items (including uniforms, jackets, shoes) and funds to purchase such items are always appreciated. Any adults interested in volunteering for or donating to this project are encouraged to seek more information on the Sara Spano PTA Clothing Bank Facebook page. A drop-off time and date may be scheduled for donations by sending an email to spanoclothingbank@ gmail.com. Monetary donations may be sent to P O Box 12474, Columbus, GA 31917.

Items that are especially needed at this time include children’s belts, children’s long sleeve shirts and khaki pants and jeans in larger girls sizes (14 and up, especially Husky sizes). The following hygiene items are also needed at this time: toothbrushes, toothpaste, gender-specific deodorant, 3-in-1 bodywash.

For more information, find the Sara Spano PTA on Facebook.

Dining Deals for Kids

MONDAY

Barberitos

Free kid’s meal with adult entrée after 4pm

Sapo’s

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

The Office

4-9pm: Kids 12 and under get a free kid’s meal with each adult entrée. Dine in only.

Tuesday

Chicken Salad Chick

Free Little Chick Meal with purchase of adult meal

Denny’s

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

Jason’s Deli

5-9pm: Free kid’s meal for kids 12 and under with each adult entrée; dine-in only

Ruby Tuesday

5-10pm: Kids 12 and under eat free with adult entrée

Wednesday

Your Pie

Kid’s meal $1.99 (pizza, drink & gelato) w/ adult meal

Red Robin

Kid’s meal $1.99 w/ adult meal for kids 11 and under

THURSday

Tuesday's Street Tacos & Burritos

Free kids meal with adult purchase; dine-in only

Saturday

Denny’s

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

sunday

The Simple Greek

Kids 12 & under get half-off kids bowl with purchase of regular size bowl. Not to be combined

MOE’s Southwest Grill

Free kid’s meal with purchase of adult entrée

Every day

219 On The Lake

5-9pm: Kids eat for $2.19 on kids menu (M-TH)

Bruster’s Ice Cream

Kids under 40” get free baby cone

McAlister’s Kid’s meals are $1.99 with dine-in order

All locations are Columbus, GA unless noted. Specials are subject to change without notice, so please verify them directly before dining. Send kids deals to Tammy@FamilyAndKidsGA.com.

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

2 Teen Crafternoon: Take & Makes. 3pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2811

2 Legos® in the Library. Ages 5-12yrs. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

3-4 River Dragons Hockey Game. Times vary. Columbus Civic Center; 706-653-4460

3-5 Cat in the Hat. Times vary. McClure Theatre, Springer Opera House; 706-3241100

4 Spring 2023 Vendor Fair. 9am-2pm. D.A. Turner YMCA; 706-322-8269

4 Museum at the Library: Artful Babies-a program of the Columbus Museum. Ages 0-24mo. RSVP. 10:30am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

4 CSU Schwob School of Music Kaleidoscope. 7:30pm. $22-$35. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612

7 Little Sprouts. 10am. $5-$7. Ages 3-5 years. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706327-8400

7 Colors of the Eclipse: Music Under the Dome Series. 5pm. $8. CCSSC.org or 706649-1477

7 Museum at the Library: Artful Babies-a program of the Columbus Museum. Ages 0-24mo. RSVP. 10:30am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

7 STEAMpunks-Stories & Science. 3pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

7 Whimsical Watercolors. Ages 5-12yrs. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

8 Museum at the Library: Mini Makers-a program of the Columbus Museum. Ages 2-4yrs. RSVP. 10:30am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

8 Mama B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support Group. 12:30-1:30pm. Columbus Pediatric Associates; 706-221-4602

8 MOPS of First Baptist. 6-7:30pm. First Baptist Church, Columbus; odonawhiddon@gmail.com

8-18 J4K Consignments Sale. Times vary. 3201 Macon Road, Columbus; 706587-1819

9 Budding Naturalist. 5:30pm. $5-$7. 1st5th grades. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-327-8400

9 Family Fun-Nights at the Library: Paint Your Family Portrait. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

10 Mario Party. Ages 5-12yrs. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

10 Teen Takeover: Fandom Club. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2811

10 The Peking Acrobats. 7:30pm. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612

10-11 Columbus Rapids Indoor Soccer Game. 5pm. Columbus Civic Center; 706653-4460

10-12 Cat in the Hat. Times vary. McClure Theatre, Springer Opera House; 706-324-1100

11 Museum at the Library: Mini Makers-a program of the Columbus Museum. Ages 2-4yrs. RSVP. 10:30am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

11 U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers Chorus. 7:30pm. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612

12 Columbus Rapids Indoor Soccer Game. 1:50pm. Columbus Civic Center; 706-653-4460

14 St. Patrick’s Day Party. 5-12yrs. 3pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

14 Teen Takeover. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2811

16 Legos® in the Library. Ages 5-12yrs. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

16 SLAM (Sweat Like a Mother). Noon1pm. Columbus Pediatric Associates; 706221-4602

17 St. Paddy’s Day 5K. 6:30pm. $30-$40. Big Dog Fleet Feet; runsignup.com

17-19 River Dragons Hockey Game. Times vary. Columbus Civic Center; 706653-4460

17-19 Cat in the Hat. Times vary. McClure Theatre, Springer Opera House; 706-324-1100

17-19 Guys & Dolls. Times vary. $22$42. Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688

18 Cookies with the Easter Bunny. 10am. $5-$15. Columbus Trade Ctr; eventbright. com

18 CSO: Remembering… 7:30pm. $20$40. RiverCenter; 706-256-3612

18 Uno, Dos, Tres Craft! Ages 5-12yrs. 3pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-2432782

19 Symposium for Kids. 2-5pm. $5-$12. Columbus Botanical Garden; 706-3278400

March Events

PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

20 Code Club: Videogames. 5-12yrs. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

21 Lego®s in the Library. Ages 5-12yrs. 3pm. South Columbus Library; 706-6838805

22 Mama B.E.A.R.S. Breastfeeding Support Group. 12:30-1:30pm. Columbus Pediatric Associates; 706-221-4602

22 MOPS of First Baptist. 6-7:30pm. First Baptist Church, Columbus; odonawhiddon@gmail.com

23 Columbus Rapids Indoor Soccer Game. 5pm. Columbus Civic Center; 706653-4460

23-26 Guys & Dolls. Times vary. $22$42. Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688

24 My Mad Science Lab: Bacteria and Viruses. Ages 7-12yrs. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

24 TBR: Teens Be Reading. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2811

24-26 Glass Makers Workshop: Spring Flowers. Times vary. Columbus Museum; 706-748-2562

25 Get Your Game ON! - Unplugged. 3pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2811

28 Picture Book Playdates. Ages 5-12yrs. 3pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

28 Teen Takeover. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2811

30 Legos® in the Library. Ages 5-12yrs. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

30-31 Guys & Dolls. Times vary. $22$42. Springer Opera House; 706-327-3688

Weekly Events

MONDAY

Simple Steps Storytime. Babies & Toddlers (Ages 0-36mo.) 10am; Preschoolers (35yrs.) 11am. Columbus Library; 706-2432813

Teen Takeover: Merry Pop-Ins. 3pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2811

TUESDAY

Simple Steps Storytime. Babies (0-24 mo.) 10am; Preschoolers (2-5 yrs.) 11am. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

Simple Steps Storytime. Families. 10:30am. South Columbus Library; 706683-8805

Unplug…For Chess’ Sake! Families. 4:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-2432782

WEDNESDAY

Simple Steps Storytime. Preschoolers (3-5 yrs.) 10am; Babies (0-36 mo.) 11:15am. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

Discovery Hub. Ages 3-5yrs. 11am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

Teen Takeover. Teens. 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

Library Games. 4pm. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

THURSDAY

Simple Steps Storytime. Ages 0-5yrs & Families. 10am. Columbus Library; 706243-2813

Discovery Hub. Ages 3-5yrs. 1pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

Sight Words Support @ Your Library. 3-5pm. 30-minute one-on-one practice session. K-3rd grade. Mildred L. Terry Library; 706-243-2782

Get Your Game ON! 4pm. South Columbus Library; 706-683-8805

Teen Takeover. 6pm. North Columbus Library; 706-748-2855

FRIDAY

Simple Steps Storytime: Rhythm & Rhyme. Ages 0-5yrs. & Families. 10am. Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

Fun Friday. Ages 5-12yrs. & Families. 3pm. North Columbus Library; 706-243-2813

SATURDAY

Toddler Time. 10am-Noon. $10. Ages 5 and under. Launch Trampoline Park; 706221-8680

Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age-appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained.

On March 12, most of the US will set their clocks forward an hour as the time ‘springs forward’ and Daylight Savings Time ends. Daylight Savings Time first started in Canada back in 1908 as a way for communities to make better use of the additional hours of sunlight within each day as a way to save the energy costs from burning fuel lanterns. In 1918, America adopted this same process.

Growing up, you may have thought that it benefited farmers in the 1900’s by having extended hours of daylight at the end of the day to harvest crops and tend to livestock. Surprisingly, many farmers preferred to keep the day length the same. The time change was an adjustment for dairy cows producing milk and the farmers preferred to complete their work in the morning versus the afternoon.

By Amanda Merrill, Family & Kids

Hawaii are the only two of the fifty states that have a permanent standard time.

A sleep specialist at Northwestern Medicine, Phyllis C. Zee, MD, PhD, stated that, “if we adopt permanent standard time, our internal clocks will more likely be in sync with the rotation of the Earth, seasonal changes and the sun clock.” According to research, if we made the switch to a permanent standard time, it could positively affect our mental, cardiovascular, and digestive health as well as the bodies’ ‘sleep clock’ or ‘circadian rhythm’ for the better.

In 2022, the U.S. Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act which considered making daylight savings time permanent. If it becomes a law, changing clocks twice a year would be a thing of the past. Regardless of the time change, keeping a regular bedtime, spending time outside and/or exercising in the morning will help keep your circadian rhythm

Ellis, 3.5 years Columbus

Joey, 2 years Columbus

Colt, 7 years Ellerslie

D li le one suffer from Carter

HOO’s HEALTHY

By Amy Massey Chief Operating Officer, Pediatric Acute Care

Pediatric Urgent Care Vs. ER

Is there a difference between a regular Urgent Care and a Pediatric Urgent Care?

Yes! Pediatric Urgent Cares are staffed by providers who are specifically trained to see children.

When should you go to a Pediatric Urgent Care versus the Emergency Room?

Pediatric Urgent Care clinics specialize in lower acuity care for ailments that you may not want to wait until a scheduled appointment with your pediatrician. These could be conditions such as— a rash, fever, asthma, cough, croup, sore throat, earache, diarrhea, vomiting, sprains, minor broken bones, minor cuts, minor eye injuries or urinary tract infections.

Some instances require emergency medical care provided by the hospital. You should go to the hospital if an infant less than 90 days old has a fever greater than 100.3, if your child is poisoned, has a seizure, experiences severe bleeding, has major broken bones, is burned severely, or has head trauma with a loss of consciousness.

What to expect at your ffiirst visit to a Pediatric Urgent Care?

Much like going to your pediatrician’s office, you can expect to fill out paperwork – please always bring your ID and insurance cards to every visit. After filling out paperwork, you will be called back by a nurse who will ask you and your child questions about the reason for your visit. Vitals will be taken as well as any testing (flu, covid, strep, etc.). Then you will be seen by a provider – either a Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant or Physician. If prescriptions are necessary, they will be sent to your pharmacy. After your visit, you should expect a copy of your record to be sent to your primary pediatrician.

What does it cost to go to a Pediatric Urgent Care?

The cost for your visit will depend on your insurance. Most just charge a standard copay; however a visit to the urgent care is almost always cheaper than going to your local emergency room!

Pediatric Urgent Care is located at 5555 Whittlesey Blvd, Unit L1 in Columbus. It is open from 4-10pm on weekdays and from 10am-6pm on weekends. If you are uncertain where to go first, you can call 706-507-5577 for advice. For more info, visit www.pediatricacutecare.net.

april 9 7am (Sunrise) 9am + 11am

Delivering joy to ColumbUS.

Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most joyous events. We know that compassionate quality care for you and your baby is one of the most important parts of your family’s journey. We’re here for your first step and all the possibilities after.

To learn more about our childbirth services or to schedule a tour call us at 706-320-8001 or visit online at MyStFrancis.com