FREE
August 2016 | Volume 5 | Issue 8
momtomomnwi.com
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Party Pro. Parade. Pizza. Play. Play. Play. BELLABOO’S DOES IT ALL!
“This place is soooooo cooooool!” “We were guests at a birthday party, and were very impressed with the helpers. They were polite, energetic, and fun with the children.”
“This was the best birthday party Everyone had a great time!!”* * Real quotes from REALLY happy families
Play: 2800 Colorado St. Lake Station, IN | Visit: mybellaboos.com | Call: 219-963-2070 mom to mom nwi | august 2016 | page 2
Back to School Bash6 PRE-REGISTER TO ATTEND THIS FREE EVENT! All guests must pre-register to attend! No tickets will be available at the door. If you do not pre-register you won’t be able to attend! Register Here: http://tinyurl.com/ mom2mombacktoschool
FREE Giveaways Each registered family is automatically entered in a FREE RAFFLE for a family friendly outing! Additional raffle tickets for tons of fun can be purchased at the event. • Balloon Creations • Touch-A-Truck • Meet a Hero • Children’s Cooking (presented by Whole Foods Market) • Crafts • Face Painting • Fire Safety • • ID Cards & Finger Printing • Character Visits •
AND SO! MUCH! MORE!
Saturday, August 6th 2pm-5pm At Three Rivers County Park & Bellaboo’s (Come Rain or Shine) 2800 Colorado St., Lake Station, IN Check in at Three Rivers County Park Pavilion then head to PLAY at Bellaboo’s!
Celebration for KIDS + Preparation for PARENTS = FUN for Everyone!
letter from the editor
mom to mom feature
distracted parents moms you should know teens & the cell phone a penny saved is a penny earned back to school sleep tips
mtm: family health
a little off the top shifting from vacation to school
ask the doctor
kinesio-tape to improve posture & more
mom to mom eats
mindy’s menu - summer cookout
Did you miss one? Visit our new and improved website: MomtoMomNWI.com! Read past issues, subscribe and follow along on facebook!
5
ON THE COVER
Luke & Jake Rose
8 10 12 28 32
Photography By: Amanda Rose Photography
22 24
Sales Team Eva Williams Nichole Odijk DeMario
16
Contributing Writers Dr. Sandee Clark Nichole Odijk DeMario Mindy Gear Judy Miller Amber Neace Trina Bobrowski Debra Krieg-Lewis Brooke Recktenwall
26
PUBLISHER/Managing Editor Stephanie Vega Edwards Stephanie@momtomomnwi.com
Advertising & Submissions Mom to Mom NWI LLC PO Box 1261 Valparaiso, IN 46384 Layout Design Mark Halliar designs.by.mark@gmail.com Cover & Table of Contents Photography Amanda Rose Photography Printing Home Mountain Printing 3602 Enterprise Ave. Valparaiso, IN 46383
Mom to Mom NWI is a monthly publication by Mom to Mom NWI LLC. All rights reserved. Production without permission is strictly prohibited. All photographs & articles submitted become the sole property of Mom to Mom NWI Magazine. Š2016 Mom to Mom NWI LLC
letter from the editor stephanie vega edwards
S
back to school with a bang
Summer in Indiana is such a fun time of year. Between all the festivals, concerts, and fairs, our weekends get gobbled up with fun activities. But when August rolls around, we all feel the pressure to get ready for the upcoming school year and sometimes forget to enjoy those few carefree weeks that remain. But what if we didn’t? What if we were able to get ready for back to school and still have fun? When I started the magazine five years ago, I thought it would be great to have an event in August to coincide with back-to-school that was both FUN and informative. I knew that back-to-school fairs existed throughout the area but I wanted to do something a little different, something that pulled together school readiness, learning resources for parents, and a whole lot of fun for the kids. This year, I finally decided to run my idea by our friends over at Bellaboo’s, and they were more than willing to help me make this idea a reality. And that’s how the Mom to Mom, NWI Back to School Bash at Bellaboo’s was born. This FREE event is a first of its kind for the magazine, and I am so excited to be a part of something so fun for the community! Those who come will enjoy character visits from Once Upon a Time Celebration, Professional Face Painting, arts and crafts, and all the fun you can have inside Bellaboo’s! We have made this event a pre-registered only event so we could best accommodate our guests. We are already nearing our limit of 500, so if you want to come please register! We will be providing small packs with school supplies to the first 200 pre-registered kids to walk through the door. All pre-registered guests will receive a ticket into our drawings of exciting family experiences. You can also meet the Mom to Mom, NWI crew at the pavilion - I can’t wait to see you there! Take Care,,
Stephanie
Residency: Midwestern University, Downers G
Medical Training: Midwestern University, Downers G
Travis Haldeman, DO Obstetrics & Gynecology
Travis Haldeman, DO Obstetrics & Gynecology
Accepting New Patients. Call 219-759-6092. Portage: Portage Health Center II 3545 Arbors Blvd. Portage, IN 46368 Hobart: St. Mary Medical Center Suite 205 1400 S. Lake Park Ave. Hobart, IN 46342
Dr. Haldeman enjoys building relationships with his patients and families. He joins the team at Innovative Women’s Health to provide comprehensive women’s health and obstetrical care in a compassionate, caring environment. His medical interests include: ŸObstetrics ŸHigh Risk Pregnancy ŸHysterectomy ŸInfertility ŸOvulatory dysfunction and Perimenopause ŸLaparoscopy Ÿda Vinci robotic surgery
COMMUNITY
CARE
N E T W O R K Community Healthcare System ®
INNOVATIVE WOMEN’S HEALTH Hobart
Portage
affiliated with
Community Healthcare System
ST. MARY Medical Center 1500 S. Lake Park Ave. Hobart, Indiana
www.comhs.org
mtm: feature nichole odijk demario
nwi
R
distracted parents
Recently, my husband and I sat down to dinner at one of our favorite
dinner at fast food chains. Nearly 73 percent of parents were actively
local family restaurants. Shortly afterward, a mother and her daughter
focused on their phone. The experts indicated the parents appeared
walked in the door; the child’s nose nearly pressed against a cell
to ignore their children. We attempt to combat this distractedness in
phone screen jabbering away as she tried to get her mother to stand
our children by limiting screen time. Have you stopped to think about
near the Pokèmon she was about to capture. The mother shooed her
your own distractedness, more so how these distractions of choice
away, they sat down and the mother took a phone call moments later.
may affect our children now and in the future?
She proceeded to talk on the phone for the duration of their visit, her
Research suggests the impact may be negative. A study released this
daughter staring off into the distance. No conversation (don’t mind my
spring by psychologists at Indiana University suggests parents who
eavesdropping) and no interaction.
are distracted by smartphones and other technologies may raise chil-
Now this isn’t a tirade on parenting styles or an exercise in mommy
dren with shorter attention spans. Psychologists observed parents in-
shaming. Every familial and parental relationship is different. But one
teracting with their small children naturally and accessed, depending
thing is definitively evident – the family dynamic is changing because
on how little or how much the parent interacted with their children, the
we as a society are changing. We’re more distracted than ever be-
child’s attention span.
fore. Whether it’s a quick glance at a text message, a scroll through
In an animal-based study published in Translational Psychiatry, scien-
our social media newsfeeds or opting to take a phone call any time of
tists show that distracted parental attention may have effects on their
a day our attention is diverted on a regular basis.
infants’ development particularly their ability to process pleasure. The
My husband and I did not make a novel discovery by any means.
research indicated the maternal distractions may deprive babies’ de-
Researchers at the Boston Medical Center recently conducted an an-
veloping brains with development signals.
thropological study where experts witnessed how parent’s device us-
While distractedness early on may affect a child’s development or
age compromised their interactions with their children while eating
emotional state, other studies have indicated distractions when a child
is older may also be negatively impactful. A global study of more than 6,000 people by AVG Technologies, shed light on how a parent distracted by a cell phone made their children feel. More than half of children surveyed said they felt their parents checked their devices too often. Nearly the same percentage (52-percent) of parents said they were preoccupied with their devices too frequently. More than a third of the children said it made them feel bad when their parent were sidetracked by technology. This is more than coddling or children wanting to be the center of attention. This is a child recognizing their parent is not paying attention. These studies are shedding light on possible short and long term impacts, where the root cause is simple and easily changed – put down your device and be in the moment. What are the screen time rules you have for your children? Is it time to play by your own rules? What could you gain from gaining time being in the moment of your children’s lives rather than glued to a screen? Sound off on our Facebook page with your thoughts – we love hearing from our readers!! - mtm
mtm: feature nichole odijk demario
nwi
moms you should know: bra
B
Brandi Fuentes and her family were Wyoming transplants looking to
for and left her feeling miserable. Both women, each with four chil-
plug into their new hometown of Portage, Ind. The Fuentes’ connected
dren, had a strong desire for flexibility in order to have a more phys-
with a new home church and soon thereafter Fuentes developed a fast
ical presence in the growing children’s lives. A burgeoning cleaning
friendship with Tina Ferrand that quickly led to a budding business
business appeared to be a win-win.
idea.
What was paramount to Fuentes and Ferrand was that they compart-
Home Sweet Home Cleaning of Portage, Ind. opened for business
mentalize their business relationship and friendship in order to keep
just a few short months ago and the small business owners and best
both relationships intact.
friends already have more than a dozen clients throughout Porter and
“We made an agreement to keep our business and professional lives
Lake Counties.
separate. I know I can be with my best friend every day and run a
The inspiration for the business stemmed from both personal need and
business without their being any problems,” Ferrand says.
professional background. Fuentes worked for her family’s cleaning
Fuentes jokes she doesn’t see her four boys going into the family busi-
business in the “Equality State.” She also worked as a hair stylist and
ness as one would need a hazmat suit to get through their rooms, but
the long hours on her feet were wreaking havoc on her body. Ferrand
as the business grows so does her sons’ entrepreneurial spirits.
was looking for a change after determining her job as a cashier at a
“I want them [my children] to see how hard I work for them. They know
fast food chain would not have the upward trajectory she had hoped
how hard it is. My oldest has a desire to open his own construction
mom to mom nwi | august 2016 | page 10
andi fuentes and tina ferrand company and now he has a firsthand look at what it will take to start
their potential clients’ schedules. The duo then tag team the space for
that business,” Fuentes says.
maximum efficiency and thoroughness.
Ferrand adds, “I want my children to have a good work ethic and this
“We pay attention to every detail. We get to know our clients per-
business shows them how to achieve that.”
sonally. We want to make sure whatever they want we give them,”
The women say this business wasn’t possible without a lot of support
Fuentes says.
from their spouses and a significant amount of prayer. Those regular
They have also made an effort to remain involved in their community.
prayers and focus have not ceased. They are continuing to add new
Ferrand and her family volunteer a lot of their time at their church.
clients while maintaining their work-life balance.
Fuentes is a Portage Pop Warner board member. She and her hus-
“Our families are the most important thing in our lives. It’s what started
band regularly volunteer for their son’s football team.
all of this,” Ferrand says.
For anyone considering opening their own small business their advice,
Home Sweet Home Cleaning offers home organization; residential
“expect to invest some money…you have to spend money to make
cleaning on an annual, weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis, office
money.”
cleaning and deep cleaning. When they take on a new client they
To learn more about Home Sweet Home Cleaning visit www.home-
start with a free in-home assessment to determine frequency, prefer-
sweethomecleaningportage.com, check them out on Facebook, or call
ences and give a cost estimate. The assessment is scheduled around
219.628.0584. - mtm
mtm: feature kimberly blaker
nwi
teens & the cell phone: the social connection
I
If anything is synonymous with adolescence, the phone certainly
be, there are significant differences in the effects.
tops the list. Of course, this phenomenon isn’t unique to today’s
Psychologists say that teens need such opportunities for socializ-
teens. Think back to your own teen years. Remember the care-
ing in order to broaden and strengthen their social networks ac-
free days of lingering on the phone with your friends discussing
cording to the May 1999 issue of Globe Magazine. “Teens have
such important matters as what to wear to your brother’s (and his
a developmental need to check in with each other, to reaffirm
cute teammates’) baseball game, your secret crush on the new
their place in the group,” explains Sharon Gordetsky, President
boy next door, and the oppressive rules your parents have laid
of the Massachusetts Psychological Association, and “They get
down for the summer?
panicky at the prospect of being left out.”
In many respects, today’s teens are no
different.
study
A
conducted
by the University of Illinois found that the average
During the teen
However, while parents need to make allowances for their teen’s growing need to socialize, teens must also earn that privilege by adhering to general household courtesies
teen spends two
years this need for constant
social-
izing, that sometimes appears a lack of responsibility and a shortage of other in-
to three hours a
terests, is actually
day on the telephone (although only about half of that time is
crucial to your teen’s social development and sense of identity.
actually spent in conversation). While these statistics may seem
Nancy Cobb in Adolescence: Continuity, Change, and Diversity
excessive when considering how unhealthy such amounts of time
explains that adolescents’ friendships define “who they are and
spent plopped in front of the TV set or playing video games can
what they are going to be in life.”
mom to mom nwi | august 2016 | page 12
With modern technology, teen phone issues have become more
adhering to general household courtesies. These courtesies are best
complex, however. Seventy-eight percent of all teens now own cell
learned, not only by the establishment of rules, but by the examples
phones, according to a 2013 study conducted by Pew Research.
that parents set. Courtesies should be extended both ways.
More than half of these teen owned cell phones have been purchased by, and to alleviate, worried parents, as revealed by the
Rules and Solutions the Whole Family Can Live With
Detroit News.
There may come a point that an additional phone line, or cell
Whatever the reason for teen cell phone use, some additional con-
phone, for your teen is the optimum solution. Families are often
cerns that have arisen include high cell phone bills and safety issues
able to work out schedules and rules to eliminate most problems
that are posed when less experienced drivers are talking on the
posed by a single phone line. However, an additional line or
phone.
phone is sometimes necessary, or if nothing else, may eliminate
Regardless of teens’ high phone use, another related issue has
much tension that can arise. If business calls come directly to
evolved. According to twenty percent of teens surveyed by the Pew
your home, you have a large family, or Internet access signifi-
Internet & American Life Project, the use of online correspondence
cantly ties up your phone line, a second line may be the best
has become teens’ main means of communication with their peers.
solution.
For families with a cable modem, this is good news as it frees up
In addition, to reduce aggravations compounded by the summer
phone lines for family use and incoming calls. However, for those
heat and additional time that families spend together during the
connected via the phone line, there’s no relief.
long summer months, set rules regarding phone use. Allow for
Unless phone use is interfering with homework or chores, is sub-
your teen’s input, and take into consideration the needs of all
stantially replacing physical activity and family time, or is tying up
family members. By establishing rules during the summer, you’ll
the phone line preventing others from its use, there’s no harm in
also avoid conflict for the school year just ahead.
lengthy phone conversations. However, while parents need to make allowances for their teen’s
• Specify what times the phone may not be used including meal-
growing need to socialize, teens must also earn that privilege by
time, during homework, and after a certain hour at night.
• If you have more than one adolescent, set specific times that each
• Get call waiting or voice mail so that incoming calls can be re-
can use the phone and ask that they plan accordingly.
trieved. • Get a cable modem, and free up the phone line by setting aside a
• Require homework and chores be completed before using the
daily phone allowance. If your teen wishes to socialize beyond this
phone, or allow only a portion of the phone time to be used before
allotment, she can do so by email or instant messaging.
completion. • Keep phone pads and pens next to the phone and require written • Have consequences for not abiding by phone rules. Loss of phone
messages.
use would be appropriate. • Require your teen to answer any incoming calls that have not been picked up by the second ring.
During the teen years, this need for constant socializing is crucial to your teen’s social development and sense of identity.
• If your teen has a cell phone, require that he pay a determined portion of the bill. • Purchase prepaid minutes to keep teens from racking up high cell phone bills. - mtm
mtm: ask the doc dr. sandee clark
I
kinesio-tape to improve posture & more
In the last few years kinesiology taping has become a favorite go-
Lately in my office I have been applying the tape to many patients
to for back pain sufferers as well as many health care providers.
upper back for postural support. Many report to be “standing up
While it is safe, inexpensive and easy to apply, it can be used
taller” and feeling like they keep their shoulders back. Kinesio
alone or combined with other therapeutic interventions such as
tape offers great support especially to our flexion-addicted society
massage, physical therapy and chiropractic care. Kinesio tape
with so many people glued to their cell phones putting the necks in
can provide relief from painful and common back injuries, like
a locked flexion position for hours at a time. This flexed position
sciatica, herniated disks or simple muscle inflammation. Ankle
puts the neck extension muscles in a shortened position causing
and wrist sprains are also a common complaint where the tape
permanent shortening of the muscles, fascia and ligaments. This
can help support good nervous system flow. Lately in my office
often results in dysfunction, pain, premature joint degeneration,
it has been used to help pregnant moms deal with the pain often
headaches and difficulty achieving normal posture.
associated with pregnancy, such as low back pain, pubic bone
There are several brands of kinesiology tapes on the market avail-
pain and simply used as a belly support.
able today. Tapes are typically available in two-inch or four-inch
It is thin and elastic and provides safe, comfortable support with-
widths and some brands have handy precut tape specifically made
out restricting range of motion. Each application can be worn
for certain body parts such as knees, feet, shoulders and backs.
up to five days, providing therapeutic benefits the entire time it’s
And unlike traditional sports tape, kinesiology tape comes in fun
worn. You can shower with it and if the ends start to fray simply
bright colors and patterns. Don’t worry if you’re nervous about
cut the tips. Kinesio tape is also medication-free so it is definitely
applying the tape yourself, while some Chiropractic offices offer
safe during pregnancy. The tape works with the nervous system
kinesiology tape as an added treatment, most manufacturers’ web-
and lymphatic systems to reduce swelling and bring pain relief to
sites offer instructional videos or will help you find a practitioner
injured or overused muscles and joints. The often colorful strips of
in your area - mtm
tape can be easily cut from a roll and applied in various spider-like formations. When the tape is applied correctly, it achieves the last of these effects by lifting the skin to create a small space between the muscle and dermis layers. That space takes the pressure off swelling or injured muscles, allows smooth muscle movement and makes space for drainage and blood flow. Kinesio tape has actually been around for quite a while. Dr. Kenzo Kase, a Japanese chiropractor and acupuncturist, designed the tape and taping method back in 1979. Kase believed a flexible tape would stimulate better circulation to an injured muscle due to its tug on the skin. Traditional tape and taping methods were thought to be too restrictive and even exacerbate injuries due to the inhibited flow of inflammatory fluids under the skin. The brightly-colored kinesiology tape is made up of cotton fibers with polymer elastic strands woven throughout. Traditional athletic tape restricts blood flow and movement, kinesiology tape is pliable and allows for a full range of motion. Kinesiology tape became very popular after the 2008 Olympics with a lot of Olympians sporting the colored tape.
nwi
Back to School Health Fair
July 1st – August 31st
Services Offered: School Physicals School Sports Physicals Immunizations FREE Backpack plus supplies with all School Physicals (While backpacks and supplies last)
Uninsured – Underinsured Total Cost only $25 • Medicaid Patients are fully covered (MHS, Anthem, MDwise Excel Network) • Other Insurance Plans pay no more than $25 out of pocket expense, including Co-pay
Locations to Serve You:
3564 Scottsdale St., Portage 6450 US Highway 6, Portage 2490 Central Ave., Lake Station 6091 Broadway, Merrillville 6920 Indianapolis Blvd., Hammond 407 W. Indiana Ave., Chesterton
For Appointments or More Information Call
(888) 459-2349
Visit our Website www.northshorehealth.org
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday 1
Wednesday 2
August 2016 8
7
Thursda 3
Night Hike @ Taltree Arboretum 8:00pm-9:00pm Admission for non-members Nationa varies from $5 to $15 Chocolate Ch
9
10
Lake County Fair 14 Feed the Birds @ Indiana Dunes State Park at 10:00am For more info call (219) 926-1390
21 Shipwreck Stories @ Indiana Dunes State Park at 3:00pm Total time for this tour is about 45 minutes.
28
15 National Relaxation Day
22
16 National Tell a Joke Day
17
Hobart Lakefron Begins @ Festi - Four-day event live entertainme crafts and m
National Thrift Shop Day
23
24
30
31
National Tooth Fairy Day
29
Deep River Grinders Vintage Baseball in Hobart Starts at 2:00pm Admission is FREE
mom to mom nwi | august 2016 | page 18
ay
Friday
Saturday
4
al hip Day
11
18
nt Festival ival Park t featuring ent, arts & more!
25
5 South Shore Summer Music Festival Starts at 7:30pm Admission is FREE
12
19 35th Annual Lubeznik Art & Artisan Festival in Michigan City For more info call (219) 874-4900
6 Mom to Mom, NWI Back to School Bash @ Bellaboo’s Admission is FREE Must Pre-Registe
13
20 Pints in the Park Craft Beer Fest @ Wicker Memorial Park in Highland 4:00pm-8:00pm For more info call (219) 923-3830
26
27
Cinderella Ball @ Taltree Arboretum 6:00pm-8:00pm Register and purchase tickets at Taltree.org or call (219) 462-0025
Panther Pint Prowl Saint Paul Catholic School Gym in Valparaiso 3:00pm-6:00pm $45 regular admission $20 DD
T
Summertime Bucket List!
The first day of school is right around the corner – have you done everything you wanted to this summer? We’ve put together a list of things families enjoy doing in the summer months. How many of these items can you check off your summer bucket list? - mtm ___ bowling
___ parade
___ beach
___ obstacle course
___ zoo
___ game night
___ fishing
___ catch bugs
___ blow bubbles
___ fly kites
___ finger paint
___ paper airplanes
___ water fight
___ library
___ movie night
___ write a book
___ soccer
___ farmer’s market
___ treasure hunt
___ flea market
___ swim
___ pillow fort
___ magic show
___ mini golf
___ bird watching
___ sprinklers
___ telescope
___ visit grandparents
___ splash park
___ breakfast for dinner
___ cookout
___ bbq with friends
___ hike
___ tour fire station
___ nature center
___ play tennis
___ planetarium
___ sleep in tent
___ visit a farm
___ twister
___ sidewalk chalk
___ build with tools
___ wagon ride
___ craft night
___ frisbee
___ pillow flight
___ feed ducks
___ block tower
___ bean bag toss
___ card games
___ “drive in movie”
___ factory tour
___ hopscotch
___ make pizza
___ picnic
___ service project
___ kids plan dinner
___ balloon animals
___ fireworks
___ ride bikes
Kids Eat Free! The following restaurants have a Kid’s Night – where the kids eat free or at a discounted rate!
Joe’s Crab Shack
Steak ‘n Shake
Kids eat FREE - Mondays
Kids eat FREE - Saturday & Sunday
Three kids per adult entrée
for every $9 purchased at the
Amarillo Roadhouse
Portage and Valparaiso locations
Kids eat FREE - Tuesdays
Buffalo Wild Wings
with every adult entrée purchased
Half-Price Kids Meals - Sundays & Wednesdays
Texas Corral
Crown Point, Hobart and Valparaiso location. Dine-in only.
Kids eat for 99¢ - Tuesday
Denny’s
with each paid adult meal
Kids eat FREE - Tuesdays & Saturdays
Bob Evans Kids eat FREE - Tuesdays
4pm to 10pm with an adult entrée purchased ($4 minimum purchase). Two kids per adult entrée.
4pm to 7pm with every adult meal purchased
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Valparaiso & Chesterton locations
Kids 12 and under eat FREE - Sunday
Chili’s
Portage & Valparaiso locations One free kids’ meal for very adult meal purchased.
Kids eat FREE on Tuesdays Merrillville & Valparaiso Two kids per adult entrée
Pizza Hut Kids eat FREE - Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult entrée 4pm to 8pm - Chesterton location only
Fazoli’s Get 2 kids’ meals for 99¢ each - Tuesdays with the purchase of one adult entrée kids 12 and under from 5pm to 8pm
Old Country Buffet Kids 11 and under eat for $1.99 - Thursdays with the purchase of an adult buffet. Do you know of any other restaurants that offer FREE or nearly FREE meals? Email us at Stephanie@momtomomnwi.com and we will add them to our list!!
nwi
Community HealthNet Health Centers providing comprehensive Medical, Dental, Behavioral Health & Case Management services in Lake County, IN
CHN’s Events during National Health Center Week Pediatrics Day Patient Appreciation Day Back-to-School Events
Open House for CHN’s CenteringPregnancy Program ”The 1st Certified CenteringPregnancy program in Northwest Indiana” August 10th 9:00AM-12:00PM
Join CHN for a FREE Night of RailCats Baseball with the Family
August 9th
August 16th
@ the US Steel Yard
Stop by one of our five locations to pick-up FREE tickets CHN Locations:
For More Info: 219-359-4841
Main (Gary) Location Calumet High School (Gary) Location 1021 W. 5th Ave. 3900 Calhoun & Ridge Rd.
Hammond Location 5927 Columbia Ave.
Merrillville Location 6100 Broadway
Miller (Gary) Location 1015 N. Shelby St.
Call 219.880.1190 to schedule an appointment
www.chn-indiana.org
mtm: health amber neace
nwi
W
a little off the top
When I walked into A Lil’ Off The Top in Hobart, the last thing I was
• Place rubber band or pony tail holder on each end.
looking for was a haircut. I know, it seems odd to say that since it’s a
• Non-chemically treated hair is preferred (but any hair in good con-
hair salon, but I was there with my son to get his cut – I had no inten-
dition will be accepted).
tions of letting anyone lay their hands on my long locks! But as I was
• Gray hair is accepted.
waited for the stylist to finish up with my son, a little girl came in and
• Print hair donation form.
was asked if she wanted to donate her hair that she was having cut
• Place donation form and hair in ziplock bag and mail to Children
off. With as many times I had been there, it was oddly quiet that day
with Hair Loss
and I was able to hear the conversation between the stylist and the
• Donors are given a certificate in appreciation for their kindness.
little girl. I asked where the donation ended up and I was told that it
To learn more about Children With Hair Loss, go to their website,
was sent to a company that makes wigs for children at no charge and
www.childrenwithhairloss.us. You can download the hair donation
owner Connie Stewart had been sending donations to that company
form there or use the one we’ve included in the magazine. - mtm
for the past 3 years. Anyone that knows me knows that I am a sucker for kids and there isn’t really anything I wouldn’t do for them. I literally decided at that moment I was going to take the plunge and chop off my hair. I had them measure to see just how short it would be. As they measured it I thought to myself, “It doesn’t matter, I’ve already made up my mind!” They sectioned off my hair and there went the clippers. Within minutes, my long locks were cut – 9 inches in all!! My head felt so much ligther and my heart felt so much fuller. I knew my hair would soon be on its way to make a little kid smile – and it starts first with Children With Hair Loss. Children With Hair loss is a South Rockwood, Michigan based non-profit organization that provides wigs to ANY CHILD that has medically related hair loss including Alopecia, burns, Trichotillomania and other rare diseases and disorders. It is their mission to empower these children to become whole again by making hair replacement available to those who may be financially challenged and might otherwise not have a means of obtaining the hair they want and need. To this day, Children With Hair Loss has never charged a child. Currently, they provide a customized human hair replacement and care kit to over 300 children a year. If you are thinking about making a hair donation to Children With Hair Loss, please follow these requirements: • Hair should be at least 8 inches in length or longer is preferred. • Hair must be clean and dry, pony-tailed and/or braided (this keeps the hair in one direction).
mtm: health jennifer walker
shifting from vacation to school & keeping to healthy
D
Does the transition from summer vacation to the new school year usually leave you drained? Back to school shopping, registrations, and orientations can become a bit overwhelming. This year, shift your focus, keep it simple, and keep it healthy at home and through this transition.
MOMS MAKING Work from Home
Here are a few tips that can help this process and keep you from forgetting about your health & fitness in the meantime. 1. Make yourself a healthy breakfast at the same time you’re making them a healthy breakfast. Many moms get so busy focusing on the kids getting to school on time they forget to eat. Eat breakfast with them so your day is started the right way too.
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2. As you’re perusing for healthy lunches and after school snacks, be sure to find yourself some healthy options to have on hand for yourself. 3. Meal prep for yourself ahead of time on Sunday’s to always have food to grab and go – we moms are always on the move, be prepared. 4. Schedule 30 minutes of exercise for yourself, before the kids wake up for the day. Trust me on this, your entire day will benefit, your family will benefit, and you’ll be happier and more energetic to keep the family on time and in order. 5. As you find more time on your hands without the little ones, use this time to pursue your health and fitness goals and take on a new project for yourself. Remember to enjoy this time with your kids, and teach them to be healthy by focusing on proper nutrition even on the go! For more health & fitness tips, recipes, and snack ideas, visit Jennifer Walker on Facebook @jenniwalkerfitness - mtm
Here are some great snack/meals to have on hand for you and the kids to grab and go and keep you feeling good: Fresh fruit Apple slices with peanut butter Homemade popcorn in coconut oil Fresh veggies & hummus Fresh veggies & homemade ranch Plain Greek yogurt with berries, almond slivers, & honey Brown rice cake with peanut butter & mini chocolate chips Homemade flatbread pizza Organic yogurt Pistachios, almonds, or cashews not cooked in oil Homemade muffins Low fat mozzarella cheese sticks mom to mom nwi | august 2016 | page 24
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mindy’s menu mindy gear
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I
summer cookout
It’s August, and that means the end of summer is near. I think I
Have one last summer cookout with friends. I’ve also included
might be tearing up a little at the thought of back to school. For
a great and simple side of couscous. And of course we cannot
some people I imagine it is tears of joy, but for me…I love my
forget dessert. Peaches are in season and I love fresh peaches.
summers. A little more relaxing time with my family is always ap-
Normally I make peach pie, but occasionally I like to mix it up.
preciated before our hectic school schedules start. Here is a great
This is a great peach dessert with fresh ginger. It is amazing with
salmon recipe to help us celebrate the last few days of summer!
vanilla ice cream.
GRILLED SALMON I have decided that we should eat more fish. Fish has been served at a few events we’ve been to and it reminds me how much I like it. However, salmon has never been my favorite, but the many health benefits of wild salmon are convincing me to eat more. I was given a beautiful herb garden planter as a gift and have enjoyed adding many fresh herbs to my summer dishes. I used thyme, parsley and rosemary for this simple grilled salmon. If you choose to cook the salmon as a whole filet, cook about 7-8 minutes per side, 15 minutes total. I find it easier to maneuver in smaller portions.
Ingredients
Directions
4 – 6 ounce salmon portions
Rub the grill grates with oil to prevent the salmon from sticking. Preheat grill on medi-
Olive oil
um-high heat. Brush salmon with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Arrange salm-
Salt/pepper
on on grill and cook about 5 minutes, flipping carefully. Cook additional 5 minutes. Cut
About 2 Tbsp fresh herbs
the lemons in half and grill (cut side down) during the second 5 minutes. Arrange salmon
(thyme, marjoram, basil, rosemary, parsley, etc
2 lemons, cut in half
(more if you want more lemon juice on your salmon)
and squeeze grilled lemons over fish, sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs. This salmon goes well with the couscous recipe on the next page. mom to mom nwi | august 2016 | page 26
COUSCOUS Ingredients 2 Tbsp butter 2 Tbsp pine nuts 1 cup uncooked couscous 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp lemon zest 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Additional fresh herbs, if desired
Sprinkle of salt/pepper
1 can – 14.5 ounce low-sodium chicken broth
Directions Heat butter in pan until melted and brown (about 3 minutes). Add pine nuts and cook 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Add couscous and garlic, cook 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Add broth, stir and bring to a boil. Cover, remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and add zest, lemon juice, fresh herbs (if using) and salt/pepper. We served this with grilled asparagus brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper. My daughter also likes when I steam Brussel sprouts, place them on skewers, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and grill.
PEACH COBBLER
I love peaches! Eating fresh peaches, peach pie, peach muffins…it is all delicious. This peach cobbler is a unique blend of shortbread dough mixed in with sliced peaches. If you take the time to arrange them, it can be a beautiful dessert as well as yummy. The steps might sound long, but it does not take a lot of time to make.
Ingredients
Directions
1 cup butter, softened
Preheat oven to 400°. Beat butter, brown sugar, salt, vanilla and 2 ¼ cups flour at medi-
½ cup light brown sugar
um speed until just combined. Place dough on floured surface and roll to ¼ “ thickness.
1/8 tsp salt
Cut at least 14 rounds with a round cookie cutter (about 2 ½” diameter). Place single lay-
1 tsp vanilla extract
er of rounds on a sheet and refrigerate until you need them. Pulse ginger, cinnamon and
2 ¼ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
¼ cup sugar in a food processor 5-6 times until well-combined. Stir together the ginger
3 Tbsp unbleached all-purpose flour
mixture with the remaining ½ cup sugar in a large bowl. Add lemon juice, peaches and
½” piece of fresh ginger, peeled
3 Tbsp flour. Toss/stir to coat the peaches. Place peaches in a greased 9x9 baking dish
1 tsp cinnamon
or a cast iron skillet (I love my cast iron for baking!). Arrange in rows if you want a more
¾ cup sugar, divided
uniform look as you will be adding the shortbread discs part-way thru baking. Once
8 medium sized peaches, sliced thick
you have your peaches in a baking pan, pour any remaining juices over the peaches.
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and place the dough rounds
1 large egg-white, lightly beaten
among the peaches. Nestle them in between and arrange every few peaches. Brush the
2 tsp sugar
rounds with the beaten egg white and spring with the 2 tsp of sugar. Bake additional 17-20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with ice cream!
mtm: feature kimberly blaker
nwi
a penny saved is a penny earned
help your child to develop good saving habits for future financial stability
A
A 2013 review by Nellie Mae, a federal student loan program,
the spending categories in which they have a direct impact on
found the average credit card balance carried by college students
family expenses and agreeing on a reasonable amount in which
is $499, with 22% of students carrying between $500 to $4,000.
they can contribute to help cover the expenses can go a long way
As Nellie Mae points out, credit card usage isn’t going to go away.
toward preparing teens for adulthood.
So educating kids on how to use credit cards responsibly is nec-
Regardless of whether teens contribute or not, their working hours
essary to their future financial well-being. Fortunately, those who
should be limited to no more than 10 to 15 per week. According
learn and develop good saving habits early in life are more pre-
to Cobb, investigators have found that adolescents who work, es-
pared to deal with what lies ahead and develop into financially
pecially 20 or more hours per week, are not as engaged in school
responsible adults.
as their nonworking peers. Based on the findings of various studies, this can shortchange students in the long-term.
The younger set
Still, there are many ways teens can learn the value of money and
Begin teaching your child the concept of money, including the val-
develop good habits. In fact, limiting a teen’s funds may force her
ues of coins, from the ages of 4 to 6. During this time keep it simple,
to be more selective and make wiser financial decisions. Be sure
and allow your child to earn money to save in a piggy bank for
to give your adolescent an increased allowance and a clothing
small chores.
allowance, and help him to budget his money.
It’s all elementary
Tips your kids can bank on
By the time your child is 7, an allowance is essential to learning
Help your child develop good saving and spending habits with the
about money and developing good habits. Familiarize your child
following.
with banking, and open a savings account so she can watch her money grow. Help to set achievable goals, such as saving for a
• Allow your child to make some of her own spending decisions.
new toy or putting away for holiday gifts.
Place reasonable limits, and offer appropriate guidance while giving
Many banks charge service fees unless a minimum balance is kept,
opportunities to learn from her mistakes.
and frequent trips to the bank may be impossible. As an alternative, set up your own Family Bank. Give your child a spare checkbook
• Don’t loan your child money every time he wants it. But do offer
ledger or savings passbook, and copy blank savings deposit and
occasional opportunities for him to experience both the costs of bor-
withdrawal slips from your bank for your child to use. Require him
rowing (interest) and repaying the loan. When deciding whether to
to fill out the slips and log transactions in the ledger. Then give your
loan money to your child and how much, consider the purpose of the
child monthly interest for his savings.
loan, past repayment, and his ability to repay within a reasonable time. Charge interest on loans so children learn the cost of borrow-
The teen scene
ing. Remember that regardless of how financially savvy we raise our
Designer clothing, entertainment, and car expenses are the big-
kids, borrowing does have its place, at the very least, for acquiring a
gest areas of teen spending. Some also put away for college. But
home and reliable transportation, both of which can be wise invest-
few teens are prepared for the adult world, says developmental
ments even when borrowing is necessary.
psychologist Nancy J. Cobb in Adolescence: Continuity, Change, and Diversity. This is because the responsibility of covering food,
• Teach your child how to set financial goals. By the teen years,
housing, and health care costs is not something most teens are
these may include saving for automobile expenses, college, and oth-
primed for.
er long-range plans. And don’t overlook the importance of short-term
Those teens involved with the family budget and who contribute to
goals, which offer your youngster a feeling of accomplishment and
family expenses learn a valuable lesson. So opting to show teens
a boost in self-esteem.
Don’t loan your child money every time he wants it. But do offer occasional opportunities for him to experience both the costs of borrowing (interest) and repaying the loan.
• Require your child to put at least 10% of each paycheck, or allow-
• Discuss the different ways in which you save and invest your money
ance, into savings. If accustomed to this practice, it will be much easier
and explain how these different plans work. Point out both the benefits
to adhere to as an adult.
and the risks. Send your kids to pbskids.org/itsmylife/money/managing/article3.html where they’ll learn about money, goal setting, saving,
• Don’t be completely secretive about family finances. Children have
investing, and more.
few opportunities to see and experience the financial side of the adult world. This doesn’t mean you need, or even should, disclose every-
Try a computer program such as Family Bank by ParentWare to help
thing. But it’s easier for kids to understand if they can see it in concrete
your child track his allowance, expenses, loans, and more. This pro-
terms. Develop a detailed household budget, and explain it so your
gram is available for download of a free trial. It calculates interest for
adolescent can see how your family spends and why.
both savings and loans, allows children to write checks to their parents, creates graphs of their spending habits, and more. Visit download.cnet. com/Family-Bank/3000-2132_4-10077035.htmll - mtm
mom to mom nwi | august 2016 | page 30
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mtm: feature
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stephanie vega edwards
S
back to school sleep tips
Summer break is coming to an end, and that means it’s time to get
• Get the chores and homework done well before bedtime. Don’t
ready to go back to school. One of the biggest obstacles many fam-
leave anything until the last minute, as your child’s mind and yours
ilies have when it comes to getting their kids ready for back to school
need time to settle before it’s time for “lights out”.
is their sleep routine. Many are so used to going to bed late and sleep-
• Create a sleep environment that is cool, quiet, dimly lit, and comfort-
ing in – two things that don’t work together when you have to make a
able. The best temperature for sleep is between 60 and 68 degrees.
bus or get to school on time. And this isn’t only an adjustment for the
• Do a bedding check for everyone, replacing old worn-out pillows
kids, many parents will also need to be making these adjustments. .
and other sleep equipment. • Electronics should be kept out of the bedroom. This included video
The National Sleep Foundation encourages parents and kids to put
games, televisions, computers, and cell phones. Use of electronics
healthy sleep on the list of back-to-school necessities with these tips.
before bed can lead to poor sleep. Eliminate exposure to electronic
• Gradually adjust sleep and wake schedules 10 days to two weeks
media within an hour before bed.
before the start of school. This will help setting their biological clocks
• Limit caffeine, especially after lunch.
to the new schedule.
• Make sure your kids eat well and exercise regularly. Both these
• Keep a regular bedtime even on weekends. This makes sure kids
things promote sleep.
and teens are getting enough sleep. It also keeps their circadian
• Listen to your body! When it’s tired, go to bed! l - mtm
rhythms regulated. • Your kids should have a relaxing bedtime routine that is age appropriate. This helps kids wind down. The routine should be the same every night so they associate all steps with sleep.
SEPTEMBER IS CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH PLEASE JOIN US AS WE HONOR THEIR FIGHT Childhood Cancer Awareness Day Sunday
September 4, 2016 11:00 am-4:00 pm
Sunset Hill County Park
775 Meridian Rd. Valparaiso
Registration begins at 11:00 WALK steps off at NOON
Food Music Face painting Auctions Games Surprise Guests!
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ask about our advertising specials
p: 219.973.5138 e: stephanie@momtomomnwi.com
Donation $15 in advance $20 on event day – 4 and under free For more details and to register go to: nwicancerkids.org/events
(Labor of Love Childhood Cancer Awareness Day Porter County) Find us on Facebook: Northwest Indiana Cancer Kids Foundation Info: 219.728.6164 or loriestadt@yahoo.com Childhood Cancer is the #1 disease related killer of our children. Childhood Cancer is on the rise On average, 43 children are diagnosed every day in the U.S. alone. Research for children’s cancer is vastly and consistently underfunded
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