Kids Say the Funniest Things

HEALTH & SAFETY E-Cigarette Use Among Youth Alarming

In response to alarming levels of e-cigarette products—including flavored e-cigause among youth in the United States — in- rettes—to remain on the market for cluding a 78% increase among high school several years without a scientific review. students in just one year — on September 10, • End marketing practices that appeal to 2019 Bloomberg Philanthropies announced the kids. Research has shown that the creation of a new $160 million initiative to end marketing practices of Juul have been the youth e-cigarette epidemic. “patently youth-oriented.” Nearly half of Goals of the initiative, “Protect Kids: Fight Twitter in 2018 were of people between 13 Flavored E-Cigarettes,” include banning all and 17 years old. flavored e-cigarettes and stopping Juul and • Stop online e-cigarette sales until sales to other e-cigarette companies from marketing kids can be prevented. E-cigarette their products to children. The three-year companies currently have insufficient program is led by the Campaign for Tobac- protections in place to keep kids from co-Free Kids, which has partnered with other purchasing their products online, including leading organizations including parent and the inability to properly verify the ages of community groups concerned about the purchasers through remote sales. nation’s kids and health. More than 3.6 million middle and high school this initiative, and while it has made substantial students in the United States use e-cigarettes, progress, there is still much to be done. accounting for about one-third of all U.S. e-cigarette users. E-cigarettes with kid-friendly The day after this program was launched, the flavors such as mint, mango, and gummy bear Trump Administration announced that it planned are fueling this epidemic; 97% of kids who use to clear the market of flavored e-cigarettes, a e-cigarettes use the flavored varieties, and 70% promise that it walked back on January 2, 2020 report the flavors as the reason they use when it announced that it would exempt several e-cigarettes. categories of flavored e-cigarette products. The creation of the initiative came as health authorities in 33 states are investigating more than 450 cases of severe respiratory illnesses associated with vaping. Juul—which now represents over 70% of the e-cigarette market in the United States—delivers high levels of nicotine, with each Juul pod delivering as much nicotine as a pack of 20 cigarettes. Nicotine is highly addictive and impacts developing brains: adolescent exposure to nicotine can reduce attention, learning and memory. The initiative supports local advocacy efforts in cities and states including legislative and regulatory measures to: • Remove flavored e-cigarettes from the marketplace. Researchers have identified more than 15,000 e-cigarette flavors available online. • Ensure e-cigarette products are subjected to review before they reach the market and products now on the market are reviewed promptly. Under current law, the

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is required to review all e-cigarette products before they are allowed to be sold.

However, the FDA has significantly delayed this review process, allowing current

the public accounts following Juul on It has been about one year since the launch of New data released last month demonstrate the impact of these actions and the actions taken by others. According to the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS), released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), among high school students, e- cigarette use declined to 19.6% in 2020, after increasing by 135% from 2017 to 2019 (from 11.7% to 27.5%). Despite the decline, e-cigarette use among U.S. youth remains at epidemic levels, driven in large part by a dramatic increase in the use and sale of menthol e-cigarettes and disposable e-cigarettes, two categories of products that were exempted from the Trump Administration’s policy on flavored e-cigarettes earlier this year. While the decline in youth e-cigarette use shows meaningful progress, the new data reflects the need to adopt clear measures to drive down youth e-cigarette use rates to a far lower level and set our nation on a course to permanently reverse the youth e-cigarette epidemic. j

tobaccofreekids.org fightflavoredecigs.org DECEMBER 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 6 FDOT School Zone Safety Improvements

The Florida Department of Transportation • Alachua, 6 school zones (FDOT)’s District 2 will begin a districtwide • Baker, 1 school zone school zone safety improvement project the first • Bradford, 3 school zones week in December that will include enhance- • Clay, 15 school zones ments at more than 150 school zones across • Columbia, 6 school zones Northeast Florida. • Duval, 77 school zones This project is part of a statewide effort to • Levy, 3 school zones improve school zone safety in response to • Nassau, 10 school zones House Bill 493, passed during the 2017 Regular • Putnam, 13 school zones Session. This includes implementation of a • St Johns, 9 school zones specific, uniform system of high-visibility • Suwannee, 3 school zones markings and signage within one-mile of all • Taylor, 4 school zones schools on arterial and collector roads. As part of the $1.5 million project, FDOT District take less than a day to complete. FDOT expects 2 will upgrade 151 school zones in 13 counties the project to be completed by Summer 2021. with enhanced school zone signage and, in j some locations, flashing beacons. Those • Gilchrist, 1 school zone Upgrades at each school zone are expected to counties are: www.fdot.gov

Kids really do say the funniest things! Please share your favorites with us by e-mailing your story directly to editor@jax4kids.com. One entry each month will be turned into a cartoon to be published in the next issue of Jax4Kids. We’ll send you the original cartoon as a keepsake.

HEALTH & SAFETY When & How to Use Hand Sanitizer

The Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) recommends washing hands with soap and water whenever possible because handwashing reduces the amounts of all types of germs and chemicals on hands. But if soap and water are not available, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can help you avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. The guidance for effective handwashing and use of hand sanitizer in community settings was developed based on data from a number of studies.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of microbes on hands in some situations, but sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs.

Soap and water are more effective than hand sanitizers at removing certain kinds of germs, like Cryptosporidium, norovirus, and Clostridium difficile. Although alcohol-based hand sanitizers can inactivate many types of microbes very effectively when used correctly, people may not use a large enough volume of the sanitizers or may wipe it off before it has dried.

Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

Many studies show that hand sanitizers work well in clinical settings like hospitals, where hands come into contact with germs but generally are not heavily soiled or greasy. Some data also show that hand sanitizers may work well against certain types of germs on slightly soiled hands. However, hands may become very greasy or soiled in community settings, such as after people handle food, play sports, work in the garden, or go camping or fishing. When hands are heavily soiled or greasy, hand sanitizers may not work well. Handwashing with soap and water is recommended in such circumstances.

Hand sanitizers might not remove harmful chemicals, like pesticides and heavy metals, from hands.

Although few studies have been conducted, hand sanitizers probably cannot remove or inactivate many types of harmful chemicals. In one study, people who reported using hand sanitizer to clean hands had increased levels of pesticides in their bodies. If hands have touched harmful chemicals, wash carefully with soap and water (or as directed by a poison control center).

If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Many studies have found that sanitizers with an alcohol concentration between 60–95% are more effective at killing germs than those with a lower alcohol concentration or non-alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Hand sanitizers without 60-95% alcohol 1) may not work equally well for many types of germs; and 2) merely reduce the growth of germs rather than kill them outright.

When using hand sanitizer, apply the product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount) and rub the product all over the surfaces of your hands until your hands are dry.

The steps for hand sanitizer use are based on a simplified procedure recommended by CDC. Instructing people to cover all surfaces of both hands with hand sanitizer has been found to provide similar disinfection effectiveness as providing detailed steps for rubbing-in hand sanitizer.

Swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause alcohol poisoning.

Ethyl alcohol (ethanol)-based hand sanitizers are safe when used as directed, but they can cause alcohol poisoning if a person swallows more than a couple of mouthfuls. From 2011 – 2015, U.S. poison control centers received nearly 85,000 calls about hand sanitizer exposures among children. Children may be particularly likely to swallow hand sanitizers that are scented, brightly colored, or attractively packaged. Hand sanitizers should be stored out of the reach of young children and should be used with adult supervision. Child-resistant caps could also help reduce hand sanitizer-related poisonings among young children. j

cdc.gov

CALL TO ARRANGE YOUR HOMESCHOOL CLASS! WE WILL ACCOMODATE YOUR CO-OP GROUP! SMALL CLASS SIZES AND WE FOLLOW ALL CDC GUIDELINES!

Things to Do

Health & Safety

Virtual Light Up the House 5k • December 5

Grab your sneakers and get ready to ‘Light Up The House’ during the festive holiday season for critically ill children staying at the Ronald McDonald House of Jacksonville. Athletes of all levels are invited to run, walk or stroll on their own time, anywhere. Be a part of the first ever Virtual Light Up The House 5k event. Run amenities include an event T-shirt, complimentary pair of Ronald McDonald House striped socks, run swag bag for the first 100 participants, a race bib, and access to weekly contests. Visit website to register and learn about more fundraising opportunities. Ronald McDonald House / 904-807-4663 / astrickland@rmhcjax.org / rmhcjacksonville.org

Festival of Lights 5k • December 5, 5:30pm

The Festival of Lights 5K will be held the same evening as San Marco’s Holiday Magic. The 5k and 1 mile will both start and finish on San Marco Blvd. in the Square. The 1 mile run starts at 5:30pm, followed by the 5k at 6pm. This event will feature a course that will be totally lit with luminaries, finisher medals, Santa Claus, horse drawn sleigh rides, Toy Soldier Stilt Walker, The Grinch, free chocolate, snow machines, Christmas music, jingle bells for your shoes, and awards for best stroller decoration. Entry fees range from $15 to $35. Due to COVID-19, race entries will be limited, and social distancing guidelines will be in place. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals of Jacksonville is dedicated to improving the health and welfare of kids in North Florida and South Georgia by increasing funds and awareness for UF Health Jacksonville and Wolfson Children’s Hospital. By supporting this race you are helping provide much-needed funding for the purchase of life-saving medical equipment, educational resources and Child Life supplies. Funds raised in North Florida and South Georgia stay local. San Marco Square / 1986 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / 1stplacesports.com

Flu Vaccination Drive-up Clinic December 9, 10am to 1pm

If you have insurance, please remember your insurance card. Walgreens flu vaccine vouchers will be available for uninsured individuals, at no cost, during the immunization clinics. The vouchers will accommodate recipients on a first come first serve basis and are subject to availability. Please schedule an appointment in advance. Winston Family YMCA / 221 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.dcmsonline.org

Run Santa Run December 12, 5:30pm

The Run Santa Run offers a 5K as well as a 1 mile fun run. The race will feature Christmas lights, decorations, and music along the course, a Candy Cane station, Hershey Kiss Station, custom Santa finisher medals to all participants, and hot chocolate. All participants will also receive a Santa suit to wear during the run. Race entry fees range from $15 to $40. Due to the current COVID crisis race entries will be limited and social distancing guidelines will be in place. They will also have a virtual option if you do not want to attend in person. Henry J. Klutho Park / 204 W 3rd Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206 / 1stplacesports.com

Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Health & Safety events.

DECEMBER 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 7

EATING WELL Holiday Eating Survival Guide

Start with a healthy breakfast perfectly OK to try a little spoonful of a food To eat in the morning is to “break the they are interested in; that way if they don’t (overnight) fast”, and many studies have like it, a large portion is not wasted. Smaller shown that children can concentrate better portions are always better, and never shame a when they do not skip breakfast. Eating child if they cannot finish everything on their breakfast also helps to regulate blood sugar plate. levels and is a prevention against obesity. During the holidays, providing a healthy Try these (healthier) favorites breakfast for you and your family can help Butternut squash: a good source of vitamins A, prevent overeating later in the day. Include B, C and E as well as calcium, magnesium, nutrient-dense foods high in protein and fiber and zinc. such as Greek yogurt with berries, whole-grain toast with natural peanut butter or a breakfast Here is a simple recipe for Squash Soup that I burrito with scrambled eggs and veggies. love from Paula Deen. Substitute fat free Bring something to the table children to help – kids of all ages can assist If you are visiting relatives or friends for a within their level of ability. Show them how to holiday meal, offer to bring one or two sides measure ingredients and demonstrate how to that are healthier options and that you know safely chop vegetables. your kids will like. This could be a spaghetti squash macaroni and cheese, or a lasagna Ingredients layered with veggies. Ask your host what is • ½ teaspoon salt planned for the main dish, so if you choose to • 2 tablespoons butter be plant-based or gluten-free for example, you • 3 (13 2/4 oz) cans chicken broth (or can bring some of your family favorites to the vegetable broth if desired) table as well. • 2 peeled and diced carrots Steer away from sugared beverages • 2 lb. halved, peeled and seeded, cut in to It is tempting to eat/drink items that we 1-inch pieces butternut squash OR normally do not during the holidays, especially pre-cut ready-to-use squash available in if we are dining at someone’s else’s house. We the frozen vegetable section know that one 12-ounce can of regular soda • 1/3 to ½ cup fat-free half-n-half has about 10 teaspoons of sugar, that added Directions up over time, can lead to weight gain and Place the squash in a saucepan along with dental caries. Sodas and other sweetened carrots, onions, and broth, then add in the salt. drinks such as sweet tea/lemonade/fruit Simmer for 40 minutes uncovered. Puree the punch can add a lot of empty calories and/or soup in a blender or food processor along with caffeine to your child’s diet. Talk to your kids 2 tablespoons of butter. Pour a little hot puree before going out to avoid a meltdown during into the 1/3-1/2 cup half-n-half so not to dinner. Tell them that one glass of soda is OK, curdle; add to soup. Serve with a dollop of but after that it’s water to drink. sour cream if desired. Enjoy! j

Be mindful

Teach and encourage mindful eating. That means to listen to your body when it starts to feel satisfied and not “stuffed”. Tell them it is half-n-half in place of heavy cream. Invite your • 1 cup diced onion Aurea Thompson, MSH, RD, CSP, LD/N Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Hanukkah Puppy Chow Recipe

Ingredients:

3 Tbsp. peanut butter 1 bar of nondairy white chocolate 1 1/2 c. gluten free cereal 1/4 c. powdered sugar 3 Tbsp. nondairy white chocolate chips 1 handful gluten free pretzel sticks blue colored allergen-friendly candies such as NoNo’s

Instructions:

1.

2.

3. In a microwave safe bowl, warm up the peanut butter and white chocolate together until just melted.

Place the cereal in a large plastic bag, add the melted peanut butter and white chocolate to coat the cereal. Add the powdered sugar, seal, and shake vigorously until evenly coated.

Pour into a bowl, add the pretzels, white chocolate chips, and NoNo’s (or other blue-colored candies). Things to Do

Eating Well Events Publix Aprons Gingerbread Houses December 5, 10am; December 6, 13, 20, 10am and 2pm; December 12, 19, 10am, 2pm, 6pm

This class allows you and your children (up to three kids) to decorate your own gingerbread house. One adult is required for each family group; children should be at least 4 years old. Registrations are made on firstcome, first-served basis. Cost is $75 Price is for family up to 4 participants, add one seat per family to the cart. Publix Apron's Cooking School / 904-2624187 / 10500 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / www.publix.com

Jax Cooking Studio: Holiday Pies Make and Take December 18, 2pm to 4:30pm

Gear up for the holidays with pie baking as a gift or enjoy it as the perfect dessert. The chef will teach you tips and tricks for making beautiful, delicious pies. You will learn to make pie crust that is easy and so much tastier than any ready-made grocery For more kid-friendly Hanukkah recipes for kids, visit forkandbeans.com j

Recipe and photo courtesy forkandbeans.com store crust. The menu features Black Forest Pie — Decadent chocolate and cherry blend, Maple Peanut Butter Pie — This creamy pie is balanced with maple syrup and peanut butter, and Sweet Potato Pie with Ginger Pecan Streusel — An upgraded classic. Cost is $60 per person. This class is for adults. Jax Cooking Studio / 904-379-6220 / 14035 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / jaxcookingstudio.com

Publix Aprons Cooking School New Year's Celebration December 30, 6:30pm December 31, 5pm

Adults are invited for a New Year's Celebration cooking class. The menu will feature Baby Arugula Salad with Pears, Bacon, Chevre, and Honey Truffle Vinaigrette, Ricotta & Spinach Ravioli with Lobster, Brown Butter, Tarragon & Chorizo Crumbs, Dijon, Garlic & Herb Crusted Beef Rib Roast, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, and Salted Caramel Macadamia and Dark Chocolate Tart. The cost is $60 per person. Publix Aprons Cooking School / 904-2624187 / 10500 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / www.publix.com

Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Eating Well events.

SPECIAL NEEDS Connecting Thru Music

It all started when Karen Demuth’s son Dante was born with Down Syndrome and without an esophagus. He is non-verbal with hearing and visual deficiencies. As with many children born with special needs, it was important to Karen that Dante’s quality of life improved as he lived in a solitary world solely immersed in his battery operated toys.

Traditional therapies provided a slow and steady growth, but the transformation she was hoping for in Dante didn’t occur.

Everything changed when she discovered KinderMusik with Dinah Frilling. After 3 months of home based music lessons, dramatic growth in Dante occurred. His social skills skyrocketed as he started to interact with those around him through music. Music unlocked his world.

What was this unique program? Music therapy!

Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals. Music therapy interventions can be designed to promote wellness, manage stress, improve communication and mobility, and provide unique opportunities for social interaction and learning. Research in music therapy supports the effectiveness of interventions in many areas such as facilitating movement and overall physical rehabilitation, increasing motivation to engage in treatment, providing emotional support for clients and their families, and creating an outlet for expression of feelings.

After learning about the power of music, Karen asked Neptune Beach Elementary (NBE) Principal Elizabeth Kavanagh if a music program could be started at the school. Unfortunately, funding was not available. Understanding the importance of music for children with special needs, Karen with the Beaches community started fundraising.

Connecting Thru Music also had to bring a board certified music therapist to the current music program at Neptune Beach Elementary. Through community effort and generosity, Connecting Thru Music (CTM), a weekly music program for children with special needs at NBE was started. Shortly after, CTM was able to provide services to their second school, Mandarin Oaks Elementary. Thus, Connecting Thru Music was born with the mission to provide music therapy and related music services to enhance the cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and development growth of children with special needs throughout Duval County and the Northeast Region of Florida. Now, not only is Dante thriving, over 300 children with special needs in public and private settings are receiving this very vital service.

Currently CTM is providing music services to over 180 students at their in-school programs and thanks to The Kids Hope Alliance, children with developmental and intellectual abilities are receiving their services during after school and holiday/summer programs. Goals, curriculum themes and core words are part of the program and the students’ progress is monitored to assure efficacy.

CTM is actively partnering with community organizations to bring music therapy to even more children with special needs. They are committed to continual growth and improvement of their program in order to reach as many children as possible throughout our region.

Starting with the COVID-19 pandemic, CTM introduced a virtual platform so that learning and development can continue at home and at sites when a live class is not feasible. The same attention to goals and progress are a part of these sessions. The benefit of this model is that the parent/care provider is included so that they can assist, understand the goals and can reinforce learning between sessions. Connecting Thru Music must raise $136,000 annually to sustain the programs at Neptune Beach and Mandarin Oaks Elementary Schools, so donations are extremely helpful. If you would like to donate, you can:

Make a one-time donation.

Make an annual donation and be featured on CTM’s website, have a plaque in the classroom or school, and receive a quarterly update on the program.

Make a recurring monthly donation and receive a CTM keychain and be mentioned on their website.

Visit connectingthrumusic.com for more

information. j connectingthrumusic.com

Things to Do needs community is welcome to participate. Event package includes a pre-flight training Special Needs Events session, all the necessary flight gear (suit, helmet, goggles). Each flyer will be assisted Autism Society - REACH for Knowledge December 2, 11am Girls and women on the autism spectrum are often forgotten or missed completely. What is needed is a collaborative and integrated approach that enables females to reach their potential. Join online for the next session of REACH as they talk to Judith Hebron, by specially trained Flight Instructors during the event with extra attention and accommodations based on participant needs. Each flyer receives 2 flights (1 minute each) for $39.95 and a free video. iFly / 904-712-3388 / 10579 Brightman Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www. iflyworld.com author of Education and Girls on the Autism Spectrum, as they attempt to address the gender gap in the understanding of autism. By establishing close collaborations between girls on the spectrum, their parents, teachers and specialists, the field can move forwards in terms of providing understanding and an appropriate educational framework for success. Free and held online via Facebook Live. Autism Society of Florida / 407-207-3388 / info@autismfl.org / www.autismfl.org CARD Adult Resource and Support Group December 11, 12noon December 16, 6pm CARD-Jacksonville runs a resource and support group for constituents who are ages 26+. This group will provide a space for healthy social dialogue among adults who have autism spectrum disorder or a related disability, while discussing real-world situations and community resources. Online registration is required. After registration, Autism Navigator for Classroom Success – Addressing Challenging Behavior December 2, 3:30pm This no-cost webinar series is for regular you will be sent the Zoom meeting link and password. CARD Jacksonville / 904-244-3131 / Audrey. Bringman@jax.ufl.edu / med.jax.ufl.edu education and special education teachers, district-level personnel, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, early interventionists, psychologists, behavior specialists, social workers, college students, and anyone else interested in learning about students with autism. Participants will learn about an evidence-based framework to prioritize goals using a lens of active engagement and a layer cake of teaching strategies to promote learning and positive behavior. Free and online. FSU Autism Institute / 850-644-4367 / CathAutism Society – Online Holiday Party December 11, 7pm The Autism Society of Florida hosts an online holiday party for ages 11-14. Teens can chat with friends, play holiday bingo, win raffle prizes, and more. There will also be a movie watch party. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the event. Free and online. Autism Society of Florida / 407-207-3388 / info@autismfl.org / www.autismfl.org erine.Zenko@med.fsu.edu / med.fsu.edu Fridays with FDLRS – Social Skills: TeachCookies with Caring Santa December 6, 12noon to 2pm Families will have the opportunity to meet with Sensory Towne's Caring Santa in a safe and patient environment. Santa will be here, photo opportunities, cookie decorating, playtime with Santa and more. Cost is $15 per child. Sensory Towne / 904-551-6443 / 8380 Baymeadows Road Suite 6, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / sensorytowne.com ing Replacement Behaviors December 18, 11:30am to 1pm The FDLRS Administration Project and Associate Centers Network are proud to offer a series of parent webinars to take place virtually over the 2020-2021 school year. The 90-minute webinars are conducted during lunch hours on a designated Friday and are free of charge and open to all. Register online and the URL will be sent to you in an email the day prior to the event. In order to develop appropriate social skills in our All Abilities Social at iFly December 7, 5pm to 8pm All Abilities Night at iFly is a unique event that makes the dream of flight a reality for those in the special needs community. This program has been custom designed for those with physical and cognitive challenges to create an environment of support and inclusion, while focusing on making what children, they must be taught. Addressing the principle behind teaching replacement behaviors will be explored and this session will give parents the tools they need to create positive interactions with their children. Steps for guiding children to make good choices will also be examined. FDLRS Administration Project / 386-3122265 / ahearnm@nefec.org / www.fdlrs.org seems impossible, possible. For more details and to reserve your spot please contact them at 904-712-3388 or sales@ iflyjacksonville.com. Everyone in the special Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Special Needs events. DECEMBER 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 9