December 2012 Northland Family by Marty Novak

BOOK BUZZ: The gift of a good book

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How to deal with frostbite & the winter blues

Local WIC breastfeeding initiation ranked No. 1

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Lib ert y T ri bune , T h e K e a rne y C o uri e r, G l a d s to ne Di s pat c h

GIFTS FOR ALL

Every year on the Saturday before as they could bring donations togethThanksgiving, a coalition of child er. welfare organizations sponsor National The gifts collected this year will be Adoption Day. This year, on Nov. 17, distributed among children’s homes Families for Adoption gathered in the operated by MBCH Children and FamNorthland at Pleasant Valley Baptist ily Ministries in the Kansas City suburb Church for a large community adopof Peculiar; the St. Louis, Pattonville and tion celebration and collection for Bridgeton areas; and the southwest children’s homes throughout the state Missouri community of Mt. Vernon. of Missouri. The group leaders, husband-andFamilies for Adoption is a regional wife team Galen and Teresa Herbic, support group that began in 2005 with say they thank God for all of the about 100 foster and adoptive families. contributions from the community, and The ministry has their families and grown to more friends. than 420 mem“We couldn’t bers, and for the do this without trepast eight years mendous support those members and generous, have collected caring hearts,” items for the Galen Herbic said. resident foster chil“This is a calling dren of Missouri that is beyond us. children’s homes. It’s about showing The effort was love for the less inspired by the fortunate.” grandmother of Liberty and Walt Mynatt aka Mr. Tooter the Clown posone of the group’s es with Elise Lamb, who was adopted from Kansas City busiChina. Her parents are Gerald and Judy nesses contribmembers, who Lamb. Volunteer clowns blew up balloon lived in a chiluted gifts, water animals and objects for National Adopdren’s home most tion Day event at Pleasant Valley Baptist bottles, food and of her early life. Church. Activities included a music walk, door prizes for crafts and a Bible quiz. The grandmother the children and explained that families at the Nov. some years the home where she lived 17 collection, which commemorated did not receive enough Christmas gifts National Adoption Day. The annual for all of the children living there. Beobservance has a mission of encourcause of this, she experienced being aging the adoption and fostering of sent back to her room and excluded orphan children. from the Christmas celebration. “One of our families left for Ethiopia After hearing this story, Families for today to adopt their son, Jude. Another Adoption leaders made a commitfamily arrived with their new twin baby ment to help provide gifts for the youth girls from China. We celebrate that and in Missouri’s children’s homes as long the many other adoptions and foster

Northland Family is a special section published the first week of each month by Liberty Tribune, The Kearney Courier and Gladstone Dispatch, divisions of NPG Newspapers, Inc. MAILING ADDRESS: 104 N. Main St., Liberty, MO 64068 Advertising inquiries: 816-781-4941 Editorial inquiries: northlandfamily@npgco.com

Families for Adoption provides holiday cheer for residents of Missouri children’s homes

Contributed photos

Kevin and Kim Nelson celebrate National Adoption Day with their newly adopted twin daughters from China, Marin and Mckenna, and their biological son, Kaden. Marin and Mckenna are also pictured on the cover.

care families this year,” Teresa Herbic said. “Our hope and our prayers are to inspire families to open their homes to children who are so very precious and just wanting someone to call Mommy or Daddy.”

The Herbics have two adoptive children of their own. “Now we can wake up Christmas Day with peace and joy knowing we have cared for the children who need it most,” the Herbics said.

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Keep kids engaged and occupied during holiday shopping Holiday shopping with kids can be fun. Kids enjoy giving gifts, and bringing them along on shopping excursions to offer their input can make the season that much more special for youngsters. But bringing the little ones along on a holiday shopping trip also can be tricky, as kids can easily grow tired or bored at the mall. The following are a few tips to ensure kids and adults enjoy their holiday shopping trips together. Bring backup — Kids might find shopping enjoyable at the outset, but visiting store after store can drain them of that enthusiasm. To quell the inevitable boredom, bring along some backup, such as a handheld video game or a tablet or e-reader on which kids can watch a favorite film or television show. Choose your shopping destination wisely — All malls and retailers are certainly not equal, especially when kids will be accompanying you for a day of shopping. Some malls offer attractions for kids, such as a merry-go-round or a live performance with a holiday theme. Such attractions provide some balance to a shopping trip, giving kids something to look forward to

between store visits. Don’t be a Scrooge — An ice cream cone, some holiday cookies or a hot chocolate might not be the healthiest fare for youngsters, but such items can make a shopping excursion that much more enjoyable. When shopping with kids in tow, relax a youngster’s dietary restrictions so they can enjoy some holiday treats while shopping till they drop. Give kids some spending money — Kids are more likely to engage themselves in a holiday shopping trip if they have some spending money of their own. Offer children some money before leaving the house, and tell them the money is theirs to spend on gifts as they see fit. Kids might just enjoy looking for the perfect gift and hunting down a holiday bargain as much as Mom and Dad. — Metro Creative

Northland Grandfamilies focuses on energy tips Representatives from Kansas City Power & Light and Missouri Gas Energy will address the Northland Grandfamilies Support Group at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, at North Cross United Methodist Church. Information will be presented to help individuals manage and reduce their utility bills this winter. Northland Grandfamilies is a cooperative program between Clay County Senior Services and the University of Missouri Extension Council of Clay County. In addition to the monthly support group meetings, the program provides education, advocacy and referrals to various social service agencies for grandparents and other relatives raising children. The group meets at 10 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month at North Cross United Methodist Church, 1321 NE Vivion Road in Kansas City North. To register for the Dec. 12 meeting or to learn more about the Northland Grandfamilies Program, call the University of Missouri Extension Office at 407-3490.

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D e c. 6, 2012

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The Accidental Parent Social networking is crucial to my parenting By Betsy Lee

I don’t need a village to raise my children. But I do need my 346 Facebook friends. I need them to commiserate with me when my children are driving me crazy. I need them to celebrate my 4-year-old’s superior math skills and my 7-month-old’s first attempt at crawling. I need them share their wisdom regarding fevers, coughs, colds, bumps and bruises. I am a modern mother. I need Facebook.

And, apparently, so do the nearly 23 million other mothers with children younger than age 18 who are active members of the online community. All you need to do is watch “The Social Network” to learn that Facebook wasn’t created with mothers in mind. It was designed to help the single find friends, dates and, eventually, mates. But somehow, from the slough of party pics posted by beautiful teens and 20-somethings, rose a platform akin to what

1950s mothers had in their perfectly manicured neighborhoods. We have a place to share and, albeit virtual, a place to gather. There are Facebook groups galore. Groups for single, moms, natural moms and — my personal favorite — moms who need wine. The rampant success of the social media network means that, when I post something about my daughter’s fever, I get responses ranging from “give

her a coffee enema,” from my new-age, alternative medicine friend, to “strip her and cover her with cool, wet cloths,” from my aunt who is in her 70s. Facebook helps me diagnose my children’s illnesses. Just like (Continued on Page 11)

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Local WIC breastfeeding initiation ranked No. 1 The WIC program at Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center has been ranked No. 1 in the state of Missouri in breastfeeding outcomes for infants 6 months of age. The WIC program ranked third in the state for its rate of breastfeeding initiation, meaning introducing breastfeeding at birth. The rate of mothers breastfeeding their infants at 6 months averages 14 percent statewide, however, 27 percent of the mothers who receive WIC services from Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center continue to breastfeed at 6 months — almost double the state’s rate. The health center’s WIC program was honored at the Missouri WIC Association’s recent annual meeting, for its contribution to the health and wellness of WIC participants and their infants in the promotion of breastfeeding. The center also announced that a contract to continue to provide WIC services for federal fiscal year 2013 has been signed with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Under the terms of the contract, the Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center will be able to serve 3,200 persons eligible for WIC every month. Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center provides services at 4820A North Oak Trafficway in Kansas City North and at 800 Haines Drive in Liberty.

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Comprehensive care at Lung Cancer Clinic Lung cancer is a complex disease, often requiring sophisticated testing and an experienced medical team to treat it effectively. That’s why Liberty Hospital created the Lung Cancer Clinic. The clinic features a team of board-certified physicians with unique skills in treating the most common and complex lung problems. The team acts quickly to evaluate each patient and recommend treatment, usually the same day. “The great thing about the Lung Cancer Clinic is that it brings all of our resources together in one location for the patient,” said Dr. Michael Gibson, a thoracic surgeon with Liberty Hospital. “We streamline testing and treatment. That means we can get the patient the answers they need as quickly as possible, and that can relieve a great deal of their stress and anxiety.” In addition to the hospital’s thoracic surgeons, the Lung Cancer Clinic team includes pulmonologists, oncologists and radiation oncologists. For those patients who need surgery to remove a lung mass, video-assisted thoracic surgery is the treatment of choice. “This is a minimally invasive surgical technique that we use for almost all of our patients,” Gibson said.“The advantage is that patients recover and heal faster.” Most patients leave the hospital sooner with less pain and return to work or treatment quicker than with traditional open surgery. “The outcome for VATS is just as good as for standard open surgery, plus there is less trauma to the body, and a 70 percent lower risk of complications after surgery,” Gibson said. Lung Cancer Clinic patients also have ready access to a complete range of non-surgical treatments that may be required to effectively treat lung cancer including radiofrequency ablation, chemotherapy and radiation oncology. The Liberty Hospital Cancer Center also recently received a three-year accreditation with commendation from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons. Less than 30 percent of hospitals in the United States receive this accreditation. The commission only grants accreditation to facilities that are voluntarily committed to providing the highest level of quality cancer care. Liberty Hospital has been fully accredited since 2003. For more information about the Liberty Hospital Lung Cancer Clinic, call 792-7185.

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Frostbite is relatively common and can occur to anyone who is exposed to extreme cold. Awareness of frostbite and how to prevent it can help people who hope to spend ample time outdoors this winter avoid this potentially painful condition. What is frostbite? Frostbite is the freezing of body tissue, most notably the skin. Certain areas of the body are more susceptible to frostbite, including the nose, ears, toes, and fingers. Those who have circulation issues or diabetes

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frostbite may be more vulnerable to frostbite and will have to be extra diligent in covering up when venturing outdoors.

Symptoms of frostbite Frostbite is a serious injury to the body that is caused by freezing tissues. It can create a loss of feeling in the affected areas and even the loss

of fingers, toes and limbs. Cases of frostbite vary in severity. They can range from mild frostnip, which is just a temporary cessation of feeling in extremities, to superficial frostbite, where only the outer skin is affected, to deep frostbite, the most severe type of frostbite wherein the underlying tissues also freeze, possibly resulting in permanent damage

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or even amputation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, frostbite can initiate with redness or pain in any area of the skin. As it progresses, the skin may take on a grayish-yellow hue. Numbness may set in, and the skin could feel very firm or even waxy. Progressed frostbite will appear black, and blistering may be present. A person experiencing frostbite is typically unaware that the condition is occurring because of the numbness. It often takes the trained eye of another person to point out frostbite. Treating frostbite Depending on how long the skin has been exposed to extreme weather, frostbite treatment can vary. At the onset, individuals experiencing the primary symptoms of frostbite, including redness, tingling or numbing, can benefit from moving into a warm room. Removal of wet and cold clothing is also advisable. The affected tissues should be warmed gently

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with warm water. The water should be comfortable to the touch in areas not affected by the frostbite. Do not use hot water. If warm, water is unavailable, use body heat to warm the body. This can be done by tucking cold hands under armpits or sitting on them with dry legs. It is inadvisable to use a dry heating source, like heating pads or a campfire, to thaw frostbitten skin. Also, avoid massaging or disturbing the tissue on frostbitten skin, which can cause further damage. Prompt medical attention should be sought to determine the severity of the frostbite. A combination of warm therapy and hydration could help salvage damaged tissues. Preventing frostbite The easiest way to ward off symptoms of frostbite

is to be diligent in preventing it from beginning. This includes wearing several layers of clothing. The innermost layer of clothing should be something that wicks moisture away from the body. Mittens provide more protection than gloves, and wool socks can add an extra layer of warmth to feet and toes. Ears and the face can be covered by scarves or special hat-and-mask combinations. Increasing physical activity will help keep warm blood pumping through tissue and help a person to stay warm. Avoid smoking tobacco because it can constrict blood vessels and increase one’s risk for frostbite. On the same token, do not drink alcohol because it may create the sensation of warmth and may lead a person to think he or she is warm, even if frostbite is occurring. Keeping a few chemical hand warmers available as well as keeping an extra blanket tucked in a car trunk can help one avoid a cold-weather emergency and reduce the risk for frostbite. — Metro Creative

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Quell cabin fever to avoid

wintertime blues Some people love winter, while others can’t wait for the warm air of spring to make its triumphant return. For the latter, cabin fever can become a problem as winter progresses. Cabin fever is the feeling people get when they are relegated to spending long periods of time indoors. Because winter weather can be harsh, cabin fever most often occurs in the winter, when the weather outside discourages people from spending time outdoors or opening their windows to let fresh air in. Though there’s nothing you can do about the weather, you can take steps to quell cabin fever and avoid the wintertime blues.

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Many people feel winter is a time to hibernate, which can make them more susceptible to cabin fever. But even when the weather outside isn’t conducive to a backyard pool party, you can still stay active to fend off cabin fever. Exercise regularly — Regular exercise has both physical and mental benefits, the latter of which can be especially valuable to those hoping to quell cabin fever. Exercise releases certain neurotransmitters in the brain that alleviate pain and improve mood. Regular exercise during the winter months can reduce the risk of developing cabin fever while making the months more enjoyable as well. Get outdoors — We don’t have to spend hours in a gym each day to stay active during the winter months.

It’s still possible to spend ample time outdoors when the weather is cold. Walk or run when the conditions allow or embrace an activity such as skiing or snowboarding to get off the couch and spend some quality time outside. If cabin fever is proving especially problematic, you might be suffering from a condition known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. SAD is a mood disorder that occurs at the same time every year, most often in the winter, and may be a result of reduced serotonin production related to decreased exposure to sunlight. Also known as seasonal depression, SAD can mimic depression, and men and women who suspect they might be suffering from SAD should consult a physician. — Metro Creative

I tried other weight loss programs. They didn’t work. Dr. Robert Huster did a comprehensive evaluation and planned my own treatment program. Sure, there were some life changes, but he and his staff supported me the whole way for long term success. You can do it, too. Do it now. There is only one weight loss program in the Northland with a physician board certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine. Many insurance plans now cover medically supervised weight loss. Check your plan for details.

Robert M. Huster, M.D., FACOG Highland Park Professional Plaza 1500 N. Church Road, Suite C • Liberty, Missouri (816) 781-9620

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LIB ERT Y T RI BUNE , T H E K E A RNE Y C O URI E R, G LA DS TO NE DI S PAT C H

BOOK BUZZ: The gift of a good book there’s a snap in the air, sounds of bells on the breeze and a warm glow of candlelight softening the night. Festive times are here — holidays to cheer. no better month to celebrate classic reads than in our “Gift of a Good book” month. newsbee’s searched out grand titles just for you and for yours. amidst all the merriment, “page-on” and enjoy.

The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit by Emma Thompson hop down a new trail with peter rabbit. the mischievous bunny in a blue jacket is back, thanks to author emma thompson, an actress with a gift for writing, as well as acting. “the Further tale of peter rabbit” finds peter up to his ears in trouble. curiosity can kill a cat, and it spells double trouble for peter when he returns to mr. mcGre-

gor’s garden and stumbles onto a wicker basket. peter tumbles inside and makes short work of some picnic sandwiches — full up, he falls asleep, only to be wakened when the basket begins to “joggle.” horrified, peter realizes the basket been placed on a wagon bouncing down a road. so begins a mishap that takes peter far from hearth and home, and a highland ﬂing he’ll never forget. soft pastel paintings by eleanor taylor, grace the pages, reminding readers of the original book about peter and other woodland creatures written by beatrix potter.

Return to the Willows by Jacqueline Kelly

— along with some new friends in “return to the willows” by Jacqueline Kelly. the action begins on the river on a trip with mole and water rat, sailing along as pleasantly as can be. that is until rat springs some news on mr. mole. their buddy toad, the reckless racecar ruffian, has a new means of transportation. with that, toad ﬂoats high above them in a yellow balloon. oh, bother, toad is on another manic kick — if it isn’t one thing, it’s another. madcap escapades abound, concluding in a swashbuckling finale. Gorgeous, detailed paintings by clint young bring the characters and settings to life and assure that this sequel will become a classic in its own right.

hold onto your hats. if you loved “wind in the willows” by Kenneth Grahame, you’ll rejoice that toad, mole and water rat are back

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own child had had similar symptoms. The diagnosis was the rare but potentially fatal Kawasaki disease. The condition, which starts with a rash, eventually leads to the swelling of all major arteries. Later, a cardiologist, another Facebook friend, called to offer the same diagnosis. Kogan rushed her son to the hospital. He was treated and, after a few days, released to continue healing at home. Facebook is a place for mothers to find support. In December 2011, I joined hundreds protesting the Target corporation’s reaction to a nursing mother. The campaign, supported and organized completely via Facebook, brought nursing mothers together across all 50 states. The protest made national and local headlines. Facebook was also one of the first places I shared my story after giving birth. Comments from my many friends and family online made me feel even more jubilant. In fact, Facebook has become the modern baby announcement. Mothers post Facebook updates when they are in labor, and more and more often, the first time loved ones see a picture of a new baby, it is on the Facebook wall of the mother. In 2010, the Washington Post chronicled the touching story of a young mother — completely

(Continued from Page 4) Deborah Kogan, who woke up on Mother’s Day 2011 to find that her son, age 4, was covered with an itchy rash. According to CBS News, she took him to an urgent care center and, while waiting to see a doctor, snapped a picture of him and shared it with her Facebook community. The doctor diagnosed the small boy with strep throat and sent him home. Within hours, mothers across the globe weighed in with their own diagnoses. One, Kogan reported, stood out. A friend recommended that she head to the emergency room immediately. A few years ago, the friend reported, her

using her Facebook status updates and comments made by her friends and family. In this remarkable article, Shana Swers shared her joy on Facebook, posting that she had given birth her first child, Issac, born at a healthy 8 pounds, 4 ounces. Later, she posted about struggling with a rare heart condition caused by childbirth. Just moments after her death, family shared a wrenching post about the loss of their mother, wife, daughter, and friend. The final line of the article, which was nearly all Facebook status updates, is a tear-jerking post from her husband, which reads “I love you wifey wife, I love you, I love you, a million times over I love you.” Facebook is the place that we record our lives and the lives of our children. It is a place where we find feedback and solace. In our fast-paced modern world, where so many of us parent in isolated twosomes, Facebook has created a community. And I, one of millions, wholeheartedly embrace it. Betsy Lee is a Kansas City journalist and columnist who lives in a perpetually messy house with her husband, three children and two pets. She can be reached at contactbetsylee@gmail.com.

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Caring Assistance with Daily Needs Medication Assistance Assistance with Bathing & Dressing Special Diets Paid Utilities Housekeeping & Laundry Service 24 Hour Nursing Newly 24 Hour Security Renovated Daily Menu Selections Transportation to Doctors Daily Activities

D e c. 6, 2012

Lib ert y T ri bune , T h e K e a rne y C o uri e r, G l a d s to ne Di s pat c h

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NO PAYMENT UNTIL APRIL 1, 2013 Get all that Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun has to offer and free parking all year long with a 2013 Gold Pass. Plus new in 2013 – the largest waterpark expansion in Oceans of Fun history nearly doubling the waterpark ride capacity.

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