VOLUME 3
Kee p ing Dad s He al t hy THE SIX SCREENINGS MEN NEED TO SCHEDULE
25 CONVERSATION STARTERS THAT REALLY GET KIDS B LO O M I N G T O NOPEN PA R E N T. C O MUP 1 TO
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CONTENTS
inside //
AG E S & STAG E S 08 BABIES PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
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TODDLERS & PRESCHOOLERS HANDLING SEPARATION ANXIETY
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SCHOOL AGERS 25 CONVERSATION STARTERS THAT REALLY GET KIDS TO OPEN UP
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TWEENS/TEENS TALKING WITH A CHILD WHO MAY BE GAY
FAMI LY 16 MOMS HOLIDAY FAMILY STRESS
20 DADS KEEPING DADS HEALTHY
22 PETS COULD MY DOG BE A THERAPY DOG?
COLUMNS + G UI DES 24 LOCAL SPOTLIGHT:
OUTREACH FOR LEGAL LITERACY
I N EVERY I SSUE 04 EDITOR’S NOTE 07 SNIPPETS 26 HIDDEN GEMS 27 WACKY CALENDAR
ON THE COVER AIDEN (AGE 5 ) Aiden may be one of the busiest five-year-olds in Bloomington! He recently started Kindergarten at Edgewood Primary School and is active at his church and in sports. He enjoys T-ball, football, basketball and is a green belt in karate. His favorite food is honey buns, and he loves all superheroes. When he is not active in sports, Aiden is watching Scooby Doo. He looks forward to being a fireman when he grows up so he can help people. PH OTO LY NET T E WEB ER PHOTO GRAPHY
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GREETINGS
M E E T T H E S TA F F PUBLISHER Mary Wynne Cox | Mary@bloomingtonparentmagazine.com
E D I TO R Susan Bryant | Susan@bloomingtonparentmagazine.com
A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H E R / A DV E R T I S I N G D I R E C TO R Macie Mulvaney | Macie@bloomingtonparentmagazine.com
W E B D E V E LO P E R Wendy Hasser | Wendy@bloomingtonparentmagazine.com
A DV E R T I S I N G C O O R D I N ATO R Karen RIng | Karen@bloomingtonparentmagazine.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kahlie Cannon | Kahlie@bloomingtonparentmagazine.com
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WARM & FUZZY
hat’s the best way I can describe the next few months ahead of us. Crisp fall days leading into first snowfalls. Autumn’s hot apple cider and winter’s hot cocoa. Outdoor adventures followed by serious fireside snuggling. And best of all, favorite comfort foods with favorite people at the holidays. This time of year is perfect for bringing families together – what’s on your agenda this season? At Bloomington Parent we’re busy thinking of what our readers might like to see in future issues. Have an idea for us? Drop us a line with your suggestions or feedback – we’d love to hear it! In this issue, we’ve covered a range of topics we hope you’ll find helpful. First up, can I get the attention of the dads out there? Did you know that there are six essential health screenings you should get? If you avoid the doctor like the plague (pun intended) you could be missing some important signs of potential health problems. Take a look at Keeping Dads Healthy to get you started.
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INTERN Meg Wynne | Meg@bloomingtonparentmagazine.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Louise Schlesinger, Megan S. Bohrer, Jennifer Thompson,
Moms, do you find the holidays to be more stressful than joyful? While spending time with extended family can be a highlight of the season, there are often uncomfortable dilemmas that pop up along the way. See how local experts advise handling several common but difficult scenarios in Holiday Family Stress. Who’s got a kid out there who answers your questions about school, friends and life in general with a “yes,” “no” or “fine”? (My hand is raised!) If you’d like some help getting an actual dialogue going with your child, check out our 25 conversation starters in Look Who’s Talking! You might just find a few to sneak in at dinner tonight. Also be sure to check out this issue’s Hidden Gems and Local Spotlight, which showcase just a few of the interesting and unique places to visit in Bloomington. Have a place we need to include next time? Let us know! As always, thanks for picking up this issue of Bloomington Parent! We appreciate your support and hope your family enjoys all the “warm and fuzzy” moments this season has to offer.
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B U S I N E S S M A N AG E R Roxanne Burns | Roxanne@bloomingtonparentmagazine.com
Pete DiPrimio, Jennifer Spencer, Julie Warren
CA L E N DA R O F E V E N T S calendar@bloomingtonparentmagazine.com
C O N TAC T U S bloomingtonparent@bloomingtonparentmagazine.com
COPYRIGHT Bloomington Parent Magazine is published quarterly. Copyright 2016 by Midwest Parenting Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of products, commentary, or services herein. For information on subscriptions, editorial guidelines, advertising rates and more, visit bloomingtonparentmagazine.com.
SNIPPETS BITS OF INFO YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW LEAF PEEPING When are the peak dates for viewing fall foliage in Southern Indiana? • • •
TURDUCKEN: FACT OR FICTION?
September 20 – September 30 October 1 – October 11 October 12 – October 28
According to the Farmers’ Almanac, we can expect the best and brightest reds, yellows and oranges sometime between October 12 – October 28.
Fact! A turducken is deboned chicken stuffed into a deboned duck stuffed into a deboned turkey. This method of stuffing one animal inside the gastric passage of another is a recipe method called “engastration” – a manner of food preparation that can be traced back to the Middle Ages.
Source: www.farmersalmanac.com/peak-fall-foliage-dates
Source: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turducken
POP QUIZ Who is the only president to be elected to one term, defeated for a second term, then elected again four years later?
FUN FACT The average annual snowfall for Bloomington is 16 inches. It’s not much, but you can still ski, snowboard and go tubing right down the road at Paoli Peaks where they’ll make snow when Mother Nature is not cooperating.
GROVER CLEVELAND. He was both the 22nd and 24th president. Source: www. acts.randomhistory.com/2008/10/20_election
Source: www.usclimatedata.com/climate/bloomington/indiana/ united-states/usin0046, www.paolipeaks.com/snow-report
FORGET THE RAISINS… Kids want CANDY on Halloween! In particular, trick-or-treaters in Indiana have a sweet spot for Reese’s Pieces according to a 2015 state by state poll of Americans’ favorite candy for this holiday. (So show ‘em the chocolate this Halloween and avoid getting egged!) Source: www.influenster.com/article/americas-favorite-halloween-candy-state-by-state
3,154 That’s how many seats are in the IU Auditorium. And did you know that you can get married there? Wedding ceremonies take place in the Hall of Murals with receptions in the Grand Foyer. Source: www.iuauditorium.com/venue-rental-other-services/ frequently-asked-questions-1, photo credit: www.iuauditorium.com B L O O M I N G T O N PA R E N T. C O M
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BABIES
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY GET YOUR BABY’S ORAL HEALTH OFF TO A GOOD START
I’VE HEARD THAT NURSING (ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT) IS LINKED TO CAVITIES – IS THAT TRUE? The staggering health benefits of breastfeeding have been well-documented for both mother and child. Some have suggested, however, that night-time breastfeeding can cause cavities in the baby. Interestingly, there have been few vetted studies showing a causative relationship between the two. There are several credible studies, however, demonstrating that early childhood decay is a relatively recent development. Anthropological research shows that thousands of years ago, decay in infants was extremely rare. Science indicates that infants were exclusively breastfed during that period of time. While it is true that breast milk does contain lactose, (which in theory means it can potentially cause decay), breast milk is much less likely to cause decay than formula, juices, and other alternatives to breastfeeding at night, with the exception of water. Virtually every time I see young children that have cavities, we are able to identify a cause (typically drinking juice, soda, or other sugary/acidic drinks). The health benefits of breast milk for the child supersede any potential risk for decay. S UB MI TTED BY DR. G AV I N R . R OT HR OC K, DDS , LIBERTY FA MI LY D EN T I ST RY
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WHEN DOES MY CHILD NEED TO SEE THE DENTIST FOR THE FIRST TIME? WHAT TYPICALLY HAPPENS AT THIS APPOINTMENT? A child’s first "happy visit" should be by age one. At this appointment, the hygienists will have the child sit in mom or dad’s lap, or if they want to or can sit still, they can sit in the big chair by themselves. The hygienist will show them the instruments and turn them on so they know how they look and sound. The hygienist and doctor will go over basic facts and preventive measures on how to care for the teeth and how oral hygiene is very important for overall health. Some of the top facts they will share are: avoiding juices, not putting them to bed with a bottle, using a silicone brush to clean gums and as soon as teeth start coming in, using a soft bristle toothbrush and start getting in to a routine of brushing twice a day. S UB MI TTED BY DR. KEEN A N C AV E, D M D A N D DR . JENNIFER KLOBOV ES, D DS, L A N D M A R K FAMILY DENTA L CAR E
HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD THROUGH THE TEETHING PROCESS? The most important thing you can do for your child when they are teething is to keep them comfortable. There are a couple of things that you can try if your baby seems to
be uncomfortable during the teething process. You can place a wet washcloth in a clean plastic bag and chill it in the refrigerator. Once chilled remove the washcloth from the plastic bag and let your baby chew on it. The texture of the washcloth will massage your baby's gums while the cold temperature will numb the pain. You can also use a teether, but just chill it in the fridge. Do not put it in the freezer as it can get too hard and potentially damage your baby's gums. If your baby does not like the cold temperature of a teether just massage the gums with a
clean finger. Numbing gels and creams are available to rub on a baby's gums, but the FDA warns that some of these medications can contain benzocaine which should not be used on children under 2 without the guidance of a physician. The American Dental Association recommends scheduling your child's first dental visit once your child gets their first tooth or at least by their first birthday. S U B M I T T ED BY D R. SEELY E PARK ER, D DS, B LO O M I NGTO N D ENTAL GRO UP
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TODDLERS & PRESCHOOLERS
HANDLING SEPARATION ANXIETY
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TIPS FOR CHILDREN (AND THEIR PARENTS) TO PART LESS PAINFULLY BY M EG A N S. BOHR ER
t’s a moment that many parents eagerly anticipate and dread simultaneously – the first day of preschool. Parents of toddlers know all too well that these tiny humans are not by nature fans of change, and while moms and dads view this day as a momentous step in the right direction, it also reminds them that their babies are growing up. Cue the emotions, all of them. Most experts agree that some degree of separation anxiety, for both preschoolers and parents, is completely normal, but there are ways to mitigate these concerns to ensure that a child has a positive first experience with school.
EXPECTATIONS Even the most well-adjusted preschoolers and parents will feel some level of anxiety and nervousness about the first day of school. After all, this is a big adventure for the whole family. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) website advises, “Remember that separation is a process. Expect that your child (or yourself) will need time to feel comfortable with the new situation.” Give it a week or two of adjustment time and be realistic about the process. Jen Smallwood, Director of the Center for Children and Families at the YMCA in northwest Bloomington, says “Children pick up on anxieties of their parents quickly and easily.” She urges parents to stay positive and excited. Reading books about going to school is also a fantastic way to expose children to this new experience. Smallwood particularly likes A Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn and Ruth E. Harper.
EXPOSURE Make sure that your preschooler is familiar with their new school before the first day. Smallwood recommends that parents and their prospective preschoolers visit ahead of time to familiarize everyone with the new environment. The NAEYC also encourages parents and children to visit and participate in back to school activities and open houses, or if unable, to arrange a time for the child to meet the teacher. Gradual entry may be a possibility at some schools, according to Smallwood. With this approach, parents may attend with the child for a few hours on the first day. The
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child can then go without the parents for increasingly longer periods of time until they are able to stay for the whole day.
ESTABLISH A ROUTINE One of the very best ways to create a smooth transition to school for your preschooler is to create a routine that is followed every single day, Smallwood says. She adds that parents should be realistic about how much time they truly have for this routine so they don’t end up feeling rushed or resentful. For example, she has seen parents read a story, give three kisses and then say good bye. The routine can vary, but consistency is the key.
EXIT STRATEGY Smallwood is not a fan of the “sneaking out” method of dropping off kids. She says this approach can make kids anxious and stress out over whether or not their parent is coming back. “Saying goodbye may feel harder in the moment, but it is important to say goodbye.” For kids (and parents) who are struggling, she recommends sending a comfort item and some family photos with the child to give them a sense of security in the transition. This also allows the child to connect with their teacher as they share these items.
ENLIST THE EXPERT Take advantage of the teacher’s expertise and experience if your child is having a hard time saying goodbye. Allowing the teacher to console an upset preschooler cements the teacher’s role as an authority figure and care provider and helps build their bond. Chances are, the teacher has seen the full range of emotions and reactions to starting school and will be well-equipped to handle them, not to mention more emotionally objective than mom or dad.
TRY READING A FEW OF THESE BOOKS TO HELP YOUR PRESCHOOLER ADJUST TO SCHOOL: Berenstain Bears Go to School by Stan & Jan Berenstain
How Do Dinosaurs Go to School? by Jane Yolen & Mark Teague
How Do Dinosaurs Say I’m Mad? by Jane Yolen & Mark Teague
Llama Llama Misses Mama
by Anna Dewdney
Little Critter: First Day of School by Mercer Mayer
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn & Ruth E. Harper
No one ever said that saying goodbye was easy, and when it comes to your little one, emotions are often multiplied. Take solace in knowing that others have treaded these waters before you. With some advance preparation and a little tough love, you’ll both make it to the other side!
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SCHOOL AGERS
LOOK WHO’S TALKING! 25 CONVERSATION STARTERS THAT REALLY GET KIDS TO OPEN UP BY SUSA N BRYA N T
PARENT: How was your day at school? KID: Fine. PARENT: What did you do? KID: Nothing.
W PARENT: (sigh)
ho hasn’t had an “exchange” like this with their child at some point? As parents, we want to truly know what’s going on in the lives of our children. What’s happening in their social circle? How do they view themselves? What interests or passions do they have that we can help develop? Unfortunately, in our efforts to get kids to open up and share their thoughts, we can inadvertently fire questions at them that feel more like an inquisition than a conversation. How can we start a dialogue that children will actually want to participate in? It may help to pose questions that they find interesting to answer. Here’s a few to try next time you have dinner together, are shuttling off somewhere in the car or find a quiet moment before bed.
11. Do you think you are shy? Outgoing? Somewhere in the middle?
1.
If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you would do?
19. Describe what your perfect day would look like.
2.
What are three things you absolutely cannot live without?
20. Have you ever picked up a skill really fast?
3.
What would you want to be famous for?
21. Do you think adults have forgotten anything about what it’s like to be a kid?
4.
What’s the worst day at school you ever had? The best day?
22. Is there any one sound that drives you crazy?
5.
Is there anyone you would like to switch places with for a day?
23. If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do?
6.
What’s the best thing anyone has ever said about you?
24. If you had to change your name, what would you change it to?
7.
What are the most important qualities a friend should have?
25. Would you want to see what your future holds or not?
8.
Do you think you would want to have a family of your own one day?
9.
What do you think the best job in the world would be?
10. If you could be any character in a book or movie, who would you choose?
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12. Do you think movies are ever like real life? 13. What’s the hardest thing about being a girl? A boy? The best thing? 14. What three words describe you best? 15. What’s your biggest pet peeve? 16. What’s the scariest dream you’ve ever had? 17. If you had your own house, what would you have in it and how would you decorate it? 18. If you were the parent, and I was the child, what’s the first thing you would do?
Remember, this is a conversation so be sure to give your answers to these questions too! Your child may be surprised by what you say, which might just spark another conversation.
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TWEENS/TEENS
TALKING WITH A CHILD WHO MAY BE GAY TIPS FOR APPROACHING THIS SENSITIVE SUBJECT BY JEN N I F ER SP EN C ER , PH D
“I think my son might be gay. I want to approach him about the subject, but I’m not sure how to start the conversation. If he’s not, I think he will be upset that I asked. But if he is, I want him to know that we support him. How can I handle this in the best way?” This can be a delicate topic for parents, but younger generations are typically much more comfortable with gender issues than their parents. Presenting yourself as open to the discussion is the first step.
OPENING THE CONVERSATION One way to ease into the conversation would be to talk about gender orientation in general. You could bring this up as part of a larger discussion on current events. With this being an election year, you might discuss the topic in terms of educating yourself on the different candidates’ platforms on important issues. You could have a conversation about sports figures or music stars who have come out, giving you an opportunity to show your support of them. If you suspect your son may be gay, he will likely be listening to how you perceive and accept LGBTQ (lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender/queer topics.) Your positive LGBTQ views can influence what your son may choose to disclose. Another general discussion to have with your son is to touch on the idea that orientation is not just gay or straight, but a continuum. Your son may not identify completely as gay or straight, but somewhere in between, or as asexual or nonsexual. Often kids will seek out friends or mentors from the LGBTQ community before coming out to family. If you create a family culture of acceptance and love, your child will be more comfortable discussing the subject if you decide to ask him directly – be sure to do this in a private setting where he feels safe. Don’t be offended if he shares information with one parent and not the other right away. If your son appears uncomfortable or unready for a discussion, give him some space to decide to whom, where and when he wants to disclose information. It’s important to note that sometimes adolescents feel pressure to conform not from family members, but from sports teams or religious groups.
PARENTAL RESPONSE The problem most therapists see for kids who have a non-heterosexual orientation is rejection from their family. It is a common cause of homelessness and suicide among LGBTQ youth. Societal acceptance is increasing, but there is still stigma and discrimination against those in the LGBTQ community.
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A child’s mental health is significantly affected by rejection from parents. Sometimes the rejection is straightforward. This can be devastating for a child or adolescent still living in the home where he or she faces rejection from the parent on a daily basis. Orientation is not a behavior, but part of the child’s basic identity. Teens can also interpret what the parent considers a random comment about dating as an expectation for their behavior. For example, asking your son which girl he wants to take to the prom, or asking a daughter if there are any cute boys in her class can be heard by the adolescent as a message to be straight. A better question would be “Is there anyone going to the dance with you?” A question worded in this way also leaves the opportunity for kids to go to an event in a group rather than as a couple, which can also help a child sort through difficult issues with less pressure. Give your teen some breathing room if he or she is still working through their feelings themselves One of the best things you can
do as a parent is to welcome your child’s friends and partners, regardless of their orientation. A broader approach of acceptance and kindness towards all LGBTQ individuals is a place to start these conversations. If this is genuine and frequently modeled, your son will not have any reason to keep his orientation a secret from you.
Dr. Spencer is a psychologist with twentyfive years in practice. She is the owner of Spencer Psychology, a group practice in Bloomington that sees adults, adolescents and children. The practice focuses on research validated treatments including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and a neurological reprocessing technique (EMDR) for clients who have experienced trauma. More information is available at www.spencerpsychology.com.
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MOMS
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Holiday Family Stress STRATEGIES FOR COPING DURING “THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR” BY P E TE DI P R I MI O
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elcome to the holidays, when spending time with family can be fun – and also leave you frazzled. Tension between siblings, parents and in-laws often builds during seasonal visits, resulting in dilemmas to resolve, crises to overcome and drama to squash. And oh yes, peace and goodwill to display. How do you do that? We asked IU psychology professor Linda Smith and Bloomington psychologist Lori K. Campbell for some guidance on handling some common holiday stressful scenarios.
SCENARIO # 1
Every year, your mother-in-law expects your family to travel several hours to her house on Christmas Eve and wake up to open presents in her home. You have accommodated her wishes for the past four years, but your children are growing up fast, and you would really like to have a Christmas morning spent in your own home. This is a conversation you have been dreading with her because you know it won’t go over well. Smith: This is a conversation your husband should have since it’s his mother. The general rule for defusing: Validate the other’s viewpoint, kindly but firmly state your decision – with no negative statements of the other’s point of view. I had this exact conversation with my mother. I told her how Christmas at home had been magic for me as child and that I want my children to know their house can be magic. Campbell: If you and your husband agree about starting your own family tradition, then he should talk to his mother. Mothers can usually forgive their sons for just about anything, not always true for daughters-in-law! Of course, you and he need to have gone over what he will say, how he will respond to his mother, and how he will say you are in total agreement, yet still understand her feelings.
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M O M S C O N T. SCENARIO # 2 You've recently learned that your son is allergic to gluten and nuts and have expressed these dietary restrictions to your mom and dad who are hosting the holiday dinner. As you all sit down to eat and you carefully select appropriate dishes for your son, your dad makes a loud proclamation that food allergies in kids these days is overblown hype. Everyone appears uncomfortable and they look at you to see how you will respond. Smith: Affirm, be kind, be kindly firm. For example, "This is what the doctors have advised as being important. I’m glad for your help with this.” The more zen one is, the less stressed one will be. Campbell: Use humor to diffuse the situation (for example, “Oh Dad, very funny! Let’s drop it for now and I'll get information we can look at together to understand the diagnosis”). Or, ask if he could join you in the other room to explain how his words can
affect your son – feeling bad about himself for being different, encouraging him to disregard his allergy, etc.
SCENARIO #3 A relative gives a present to your child that you don’t approve of (think violent video games for your son or makeup for your 10-year-old daughter). To complicate things, your child loves the present. Smith: I am a firm believer in “less” said is often more effective. I would not make a big deal at the moment or to the giver. On the video game, if really violent, I would take it away. If sort of violent, I would let the child play, but only with a parent, and limit time. For the makeup, I would let her have it, only for pretend play, and not make a big deal of it. Campbell: Is this big enough to make an issue of it? I suggest letting your children accept the gift, even if they know it’s not okay with you. Then discuss it at home. You could exchange the gift, replace it, or let the children donate it. Your children can learn many things from this: a kind response (even when we don’t get what we want), how to handle others with different opinions and charity.
SCENARIO #4 At a family get-together, an uncle loudly starts to voice his political or religious views, which are very different from the values promoted in your family. Your kids are listening with rapt attention, looking like they expect you to say something in response. Smith: This is an opportunity to teach children about values – after the event. At the event, you might change the subject, direct their attention elsewhere or go for a walk. When you are home discuss why these views are different from yours. Campbell: Just because someone is looking at you expectantly, you are not required to respond! If you feel that this is too big to let go, then in part it depends on your family – do you
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discuss and debate good naturedly or do you argue angrily? Perhaps you want to teach your children about standing up to someone, or how to share beliefs in polite discussion? This is a great teaching opportunity.
SCENARIO #5 Your family has discussed a dollar limit for exchanging gifts. You really need to follow this guideline, but your sister keeps going way overboard on what she buys for your family, making you feel bad for sticking to your budget. Smith: Assume she does it because she wants to and does not expect more from others. Be thankful, and let it go. Campbell: You feeling bad for doing what has been agreed upon may be a “you” or “her” issue. Do you feel like there is more to your sister’s overspending than just generosity? If so, discuss that with her. If it is simply generosity, explain that you feel bad spending less on her family while she spends more on yours. Suggest she buy things for your family at other times if she wants to give more to them. If this is a value decision to not spend as much as your sister, remind her of the agreed-upon amounts. If she continues, let it go. Although spending time with family can be a highlight of the holiday, it can also have its share of uncomfortable situations. Try to stay focused on the positive moments of the season that make it special for your family and do your best to keep the unpleasant ones from turning you into a Grinch. New Year’s is just around the corner, which might be the perfect time to make a few resolutions about how to handle next year’s holiday!
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DADS
Keeping Dads Healthy THE SIX SCREENINGS MEN NEED TO SCHEDULE
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BY P E TE DI P R I MI O
or dads who treat going to the doctor with the same enthusiasm as asking for directions or buying Justin Bieber concert tickets, take a deep breath. Just like having broccoli at dinner, it’s good for you, says Dr. Laura Knudson, a physician at IU Health Southern Indiana in Bloomington. “One analogy I’ve used to get guys to take care of themselves is treat yourself the way you’d treat your car. You do an oil change. You do routine maintenance. If you hear something funny, you get it checked out. The body is pretty amazing. It can do a lot of stuff. You can get away with a lot of stuff, but there are things you can do to keep it tuned up and running better.”
In general, men are less likely to go to doctors than women. Why? Knudson offers an unscientific observation. “For some guys, I think there is shame in going to a physician. For women, I don’t think there is as much of that thought process. Guys feel there is something wrong with them if they go.” She pauses. “Yes, that’s a gross generalization.” What should men get screened for? According to the U.S. Preventative Task Force, the big six issues are obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, depression and colon cancer. “They are the ones you get the most bang for your buck,” Knudson says, adding that “Exercise addresses or treats five of the six things men should be tested for.”
HERE’S A CLOSER LOOK AT THESE TESTS: OBESITY: Obesity is measured by body mass index
(BMI), which is a ratio of height to weight. You are considered underweight if your BMI is less than 18.5. You are overweight if your BMI is between 25 and 30. If your BMI is over 30, you are considered obese. “It’s easier to address it the younger you are,” Knudson says. “If you see your weight creeping up, do something about it.” HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: Knudson says two measurements of 140 over 90 are considered high. “It’s called the silent killer. People often don’t have symptoms. It should be tested in the office, and
outside of the office. There is something called ‘white coat hypertension’ where you’re in a doctor’s office and it’s uncomfortable and don’t know what’s going on, so your blood pressure goes up. Mine does that and I’m a doctor. DIABETES: All adults ages 40 through 70 should get checked for diabetes, says Knudson, as well as, “Anyone who is overweight or has a family history of poor eating habits with a high consumption of sugar or high fructose corn syrup.” One thing that will help – stop drinking sodas. “I’d like to make then vanish from the face of the earth,” says Knudson. Juices aren’t much better. “A lot of juices have sugar in them,” she says. “Even if you buy 100 percent juice, it’s still just a big shot of sugar. I prefer people eat the fruit rather than a drink, or only have six to eight ounces a day.” CHOLESTEROL: Knudson says men 35 and over should have their cholesterol checked at least every other year. They should start a decade earlier if they have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease. Increased exercise, a healthy diet and medication can help lower cholesterol. DEPRESSION: This is an area men often don’t want
to talk about says Knudson. “Who wants to talk about emotions? All adults should be screened for depression. It affects every part of your life.” The quickest test is the Patients Health Questionnaire 2 (PHQ2), which involves answering these questions: In the last two weeks, have you been bothered by 1) a decrease in pleasure in doing things and 2) feeling down, depressed or hopeless. “If you say yes to either of those, you should get further screening,” Knudson says.
Finally, Knudson recommends getting an annual flu shot and getting a tetanus shot with a pertussis booster if you’re in close contact with babies. Although it’s easy to avoid, men really do need to make their health a priority and stay on top of the various issues that can affect them. “In the end,” Knudson says, “it’s important to have a good long-term relationship with a physician.”
COLON CANCER: The best test for colon cancer is a colonoscopy, says Knudson, which should be done at ages 50 and 75; sooner if you have a family history of colon cancer. If your father developed it at age 47, you should start being tested 10 years earlier, at 37. There are two less invasive tests – a stool test (which looks for signs of blood in stools) and a colo guard test (which looks for cancer DNA markers in stool samples). Knudson says this is 96 percent effective, but you’d still have to have a colonoscopy for final confirmation. Also, prostate screening is a hot topic. At one time, it was considered a key part of a physical, both with a blood test and a finger test. Now, not so much because, “We’re doing more testing, but we’re not saving more lives,” says Knudson.
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PETS
Could My Dog Be a Therapy Dog? FIND OUT IF YOUR POOCH HAS THE RIGHT STUFF!
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BY J E N N I F E R TH O MP S O N
o you have the type of dog people flock to? Is your dog able to lie patiently on the ground while many hands stroke his or her fur, and maybe even pull on a tail? Is your dog mild-mannered, gentle and obedient? Does he or she play well with other dogs, and not react aggressively in their presence? Does your dog have self-control? If you answered yes to these questions, then your dog may just have what it takes to become a therapy dog.
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Therapy dogs are brought to different facilities for the purpose of bringing joy, comfort and peace to those they encounter. They are often found at hospitals, nursing homes, libraries, group homes and schools. Therapy dogs are different from service dogs in that they are personal pets that are usually trained by their owners. They are not taught to help people with specific disabilities like service dogs, who are highly trained for that purpose. Service dogs travel throughout the day with their owners. Therapy dogs do not go everywhere with their owners, but instead travel to certain locations for the primary purpose of bringing a smile to people’s faces.
What makes Fido fit for this job? According to Madalyn McKenney Moorman, trainer and owner of local dog training business Mad 4 My Dog (M4MD), “a good therapy dog needs to like people, should not be too exuberant and should have a lot of socialization. This can come with age, maturity and training.” Training good behaviors while your dog is still a puppy is a great way start. M4MD offers a puppy training class, three levels of basic training (including a Therapy Prep class), as well as other classes, seminars and workshops. The Therapy Prep class teaches a dog how to be around medical equipment, to handle greetings and how to respond well to loud startling noises. It also teaches the dog how to walk through a crowd while remaining connected and responsive to their handler. “It is important to keep in mind that even with training, not every dog is cut out to be a therapy dog,” says Moorman. “Some do not crave human interaction. You don’t want to put them in a situation that will be too stressful. You need to see, hear and listen to your dog. If it appears to be too much, let go of the expectation. Keep in mind that it isn’t just about a class. It is a process over time to create the bond and teamwork. It is a big commitment.” The Monroe County Humane Association (MCHA) also offers information for therapy dog teams through its VIPaws program. The dog and its handler are trained in various situations and tested on 23 different skills before going out into the community. Leslie Hudson, the Humane Education and Outreach Coordinator for the MCHA says, “Volunteers are required
to commit to two years of service. During each year, they must volunteer for at least two hours. The volunteers will receive a uniform to wear when they serve, a background check is needed and they also pay fees. The teams put in a lot of heart, time and even some money into serving.” Hudson has seen firsthand how these visits benefit the community. “When the dogs go to De-Stress Fest at Indiana University’s Wells Library to help students during the most stressful part of the semester, students talk about how important this is and the positive impact it has. Seeing the animal brightens people and reduces stress,” she says. “When the dogs go to support groups for people recovering from strokes it can be extremely powerful. They may not be able to own a pet anymore and this may be the only interaction they have with a pet now.” Hudson says the experience is an “intense program that makes a huge difference in the community.” Currently, the need in the Bloomington area is great. VIPaws averages at least five requests per week for visits, but currently have only eight teams. So, if becoming a therapy dog team is something you’ve considered with your furry friend, now could be the perfect time to get involved. Interested in finding out more? Check out these links: Mad 4 My Dog www.mad4mydog.com Monroe County Humane Association www.monroehumane.org
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SPOTLIGHT
Outreach FOR
Legal Literacy GIVING KIDS VALUABLE INSIGHT INTO OUR LEGAL SYSTEM
H a civil case?
BY LO U I S E S C H L E S I N G E R
ow much do you know about the U.S. Constitution? Or about how our legal system really works? Can you state the difference between a criminal and
kids respond really well to the law students and build a relationship with them. The law students are great role models.” Teachers not only use the program to meet academic standards for government, but also to augment vocabulary lists and to have deeper current events discussions in the classroom. One teacher even bought pocket U.S. Constitutions for each of her students.
In Bloomington, many children know the answers to these questions thanks to the Indiana University Maurer School of Law’s Outreach for Legal Literacy program (OLL), which brings legal concepts and the American judicial system to life. “I firmly believe that law should not just be the province of experts and professionals,” says law professor Aviva Orenstein, who founded the program in 1994. “As a citizen, you have to understand your legal rights and the legal organization we have in America.”
The program ends with an exciting mock trial held at the law school, where the elementary students perform all the roles – defendant, plaintiff, attorneys, witnesses, jurors and bailiff – and a law professor serves as judge. The trial is about an alleged assault and uses a context and characters that are familiar to kids, for example using story lines from Harry Potter, The Avengers, Finding Nemo, etc.
Today an executive board of law students runs OLL, with Orenstein as their advisor. The students earn pro bono credits from the law school in recognition of their commitment to civic engagement. Last year 36 law students presented the yearlong program in twelve classrooms at four MCCSC elementary schools, Harmony School and St. Charles School. Teams of law students are assigned to a fifth-grade class, which they visit for an hour each week throughout the school year. The law students develop interactive lessons that are updated each year. According to teacher Vicki Dawson, “The
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V I C KI DAWS O N ’ S C L ASS O U TS I DE TH E I N DI A N A U N I V E R S I TY M AUR ER S C H O O L O F L AW W I TH TH E I R O L L M E N TO R S B R A N D O N DAWSON A N D A L I VA N C L E E F
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Not only does the OLL program teach children about the law and judicial branches of government, it also stimulates curiosity, analytical thinking, creativity, public speaking skills and self-confidence. Orenstein says that over the years she’s seen children who seem to be marginalized for being difficult in the classroom, but who excel at crossexamination during the mock trial. She says, “This probably was the first time that anyone told these kids that they were good at anything. It rewards a different aspect of a student’s tool set. It’s not just about taking notes for an exam.” For their part, the law students find that
they often understand legal concepts better by having to explain Constitutional rights, criminal law, torts and trial procedure at a fifth-grade level. And they are frequently impressed by how rapidly elementary students absorb this knowledge. “I’m always amazed by the questions they ask and the conclusions they draw. It’s really mature,” says law student Andrea Herschberger.
INTERESTED IN MORE OPPORTUNITIES? INDIANA STATE LEGISLATURE PAGE PROGRAM Experience an exciting firsthand overview of the legislative branch of government at the Statehouse in Indianapolis, and get an excused absence from school to do it! Find out more at one of the webpages below. Applications for 2017 will be available by this December. Depending on the political affiliation of your state senator or representative, visit:
Other law students agree that the process is just as valuable for them as their young students. Trevor Gresham says he’s gratified that by the end of the year the students have “become more interested in seeking out knowledge on their own.” Alex Avtgis remarks that it’s “just amazing” to be a part of the children’s lives at a stage when they are developing beliefs about what it means to live in a community with laws. Megan Van Pelt laughs that she enjoys challenging negative stereotypes about lawyers and showing the students that the profession is about dispute resolution and justice. OLL also offers a version of the program at two afterschool programs: Fairview’s Banneker at the View and Girls Inc. OLL board members are receptive to serving more classrooms and providing oneday events with any group and any age, as long as law student volunteers are available. For more information, contact Andrea Herschberger, OLL Executive Board President, at andrea.herschberger@gmail.com.
www.indianasenatedemocrats.org/ opportunities/pages www.indianahousedemocrats.org/ students/page www.indianasenaterepublicans.com/ page-program
P HOTOS ( A B OV E & B E LOW ) : St. Charles School students in Vicki Dawson’s class chose an Avengers theme for their mock trial last spring. Bruce Banner (Hulk) is the plaintiff in the case. He charges Thor with assault and battery after Thor uses his hammer to hit Bruce during an argument over which type of pizza to order. Thor claims he acted in self-defense to stop Bruce from turning into Hulk, citing as evidence that Bruce said, “You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry.” The jury must decide if Thor is liable for Bruce’s injuries, and if so, how much money he should be ordered to pay Bruce
www.indianahouserepublicans.com/ page-program INDIANA BAR FOUNDATION PROGRAMS The Indiana Bar Foundation oversees a number of civic engagement programs. These include We the People, the Indiana High School Mock Trial, the Indiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council and the United States Senate Youth Program. Information is available at www.inbf.org or contact Collin Gruver, Director of Civic Education Programs, at (317) 608-6503 or cgruver@inbf.org. TEEN POLICE ACADEMY Learn about law enforcement duties and operations at a weeklong summer program presented by Bloomington Police Department officers. Information and 2017 application materials will be posted on www.bloomington.in.gov/ police and the department’s Facebook page, or contact Lt. Steven Kellams at (812) 339-4477 or kellams@bloomington.in.gov.
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GEMS
HIDDEN GEMS THE BEST FINDS ONLY THE LOCALS KNOW BY JULIE WA RREN , D I R EC TOR OF TOUR I SM , V I S I T B LO O M I N GTO N
SOAPY SOAP COMPANY
FOUNTAIN SQUARE MALL
This local soap producer doesn’t just crank out deliciously scented soaps made from super healthy and earth-friendly ingredients, they also let you make deliciously scented soaps made from said ingredients! Soapy Soap Company offers workshops most Sundays at 2 pm (and by appointment) for $35 per person. You can choose from various scent and exfoliating ingredients and shape your soap into whatever your heart desires, including into hearts. A great activity for school-aged kids, especially for gift-giving season as you’ll end up with a few bars of soap depending on the shape and size you create. To find out more, visit www.soapysoapcompany.com
This set of historic buildings on the south side of the square features unique shops that appeal to adults and kids alike. The building also hosts numerous events this time of year that are especially fun for little ones. The downtown trick or treat trail runs through the mall in late October, there are special holiday activities starting in late November and a very friendly (and fairly priced) Santa Claus sits for photos through December. Even when there aren’t events taking place, the building is a fantastic place to explore (kids love riding in the glass elevator) and it’s gorgeously decorated during the holidays. Get more info at www.fountainsquarebloomington.com.
www.visitbloomington.com
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FUN & WACKY CALENDAR
DID YOU KNOW THAT THERE IS AN OFFICIAL HOLIDAY FOR JUST ABOUT ANYTHING YOU CAN THINK OF? HERE ARE A FEW FUN DAYS WORTH CELEBRATING!
OCTOBER 10/5
WORLD TEACHERS DAY WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE TEACHER?
10/11 IT’S MY PARTY DAY A GREAT REASON TO CELEBRATE YOU!
10/12
TAKE YOUR TEDDY BEAR TO WORK DAY SEND TEDDY OFF WITH MOM OR DAD.
10/17
WEAR SOMETHING GAUDY DAY YOUR CHANCE TO GO CLOTHES-CRAZY!
10/25 SOUREST DAY PUCKER UP FOR SOME SOUR TREATS.
10/30 CANDY CORN DAY TRY EATING THEM WITH PEANUTS!
10/31 HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREAT!
NOVEMBER 11/6 NACHOS DAY MAKE SURE TO ADD EXTRA CHEESE!
11/6 SESAME STREET DAY WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTER?
11/11 ORIGAMI DAY WHAT CAN YOU MAKE OUT OF PAPER?
11/14
PICKLE DAY DO YOU LIKE SWEET OR SOUR?
11/15 PHILANTHROPY DAY FIND A WAY TO GIVE BACK.
11/24 THANKSGIVING DAY GOBBLE UP LOTS OF TURKEY TODAY!
12/20 GAMES DAY WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOARD GAME?
12/24 & 12/25
HAPPY HANUKKAH AND MERRY CHRISTMAS HAVE FUN CELEBRATING!
12/30
BACON DAY DIP YOUR STRIP IN MAPLE SYRUP!
11/28
12/28
FRENCH TOAST DAY
NEW YEAR’S EVE
TRY IT WITH SOME FRESH FRUIT ON TOP.
DECEMBER 12/4 COOKIE DAY ADD EXTRA CHOCOLATE CHIPS.
12/10
GINGERBREAD DECORATING DAY DON’T FORGET THE GUMDROP BUTTONS!
12/16
UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER DAY RAID GRANDMA’S CLOSET.
HOW LATE CAN YOU STAY UP? SOURCES WWW.DAYSOFTHEYEAR.COM, WWW.HOLIDAYINSIGHTS.COM
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