September/October 2013 by Pocono Magazines

Pocono Family M A G A Z I N E©

is published bi-monthly in the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania by

Pocono Magazines

Pocono Magazines, LLC. 1929 North Fifth Street Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-424-1000 pmags@ptd.net PUBLISHER/EDITOR Larry R. Sebring CREATIVE DIRECTOR/EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Barbara McMahon ASSISTANT CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jane Cumberland WEB DESIGN/DIGITAL ISSUES Graphicus Design, LLC

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Amanda Belanger Jordan D. Lewis

CONSULTANTS Dr. Jonathan A. Goldner, DO, FCCP, FCCM Suzanne F. McCool, M.C. Commissioner

PHOTOGRAPHY & ART Andrea Rimberg Andrei Protsouk Doug McNeill Jordan D. Lewis James Chesnick James Smeltz Marlana Holsten Matt Siptroth Vinzon Lee

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Brian Hardiman Dr. Jonathan Goldner Kathy Dubin-Uhler Pete Pappalardo Suzanne McCool ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE Andy Porter

Pocono Living Magazine and Pocono Family Magazine, two regional publications filled with articles, features and photography exploring and capturing the real Pocono Mountains living experience. Our publications

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2 POCONO FAMILY MAGAZINE© SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

September/October 2013

What’s Inside

FAMILY Forecast Calls for Fun 4 Be Prepared for Severe Weather 6 Afterschool Nutrition 8

FOOD

by Pete Pappalardo

Scrapple 10

Nutritious Meals Made Easy 13

PETS

Driving with Dogs 14

TRAVEL

Back to School Road Trip 16

HEALTHY LIVING

5 Reasons You are Not Losing Fat 18 Until There’s a Cure 20 What It Means to be a Physician 22 by Dr. Jonathan A. Goldner

OVER 55 5 Ways Boomers Can Stay Active 26

COMMUNITY

September at PEEC 30 September at MCEEC 31 Programs from Stroud Region 32

HOME & GARDEN

Autumn Edibles 34 A Year-round Deck 36 Let’s Preserve Tomatoes 38

22 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 POCONO FAMILY MAGAZINE© 3

PHOTO: Getty Images/CONTENT: Family Features

Family

Forecast Calls for Fun Get Kids Outdoors No Matter the Weather

arents often keep a running list of rainy day activities, crafts and games to keep kids indoors when the forecast is soggy. But if your kids have never dodged rain drops, built a snowman or enjoyed a lazy summer afternoon outside, they’re missing out on something wonderful. Weather was cited as the biggest barrier to getting kids outdoors by 61 percent of parents recently surveyed by the National Wildlife Federation. But the outdoor activities kids love, such as running, jumping, climbing, playing games with friends and taking nature walks, are a great strategy for keeping children healthy and happy. “Children are safe to play outside in most kinds of weather barring the extremes,” said Lindsay Legendre, manager of the National Wildlife Federation’s Be Out There movement. “Regular outdoor play is so important to kids’ healthy development and a little rain shouldn’t stop them from being out there. Parents might enjoy puddle jumping again themselves.”

Bring on the Rain. Rain can sometimes be blamed for causing children to catch colds or flu, particularly when their hair or feet get wet. However, rain cannot make you sick. Dress children in waterproof hats, boots and raincoats to keep kids from getting too soggy. If storm conditions develop, get out of any body of water and seek shelter in a nearby building. Prepare for mud and splashes in advance by keeping a heavy mat and dry towels by the front door.

4 POCONO FAMILY MAGAZINE© SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

How Hot is too Hot? When temperatures climb, make sure to have plenty of water available and take precautions, such as applying sunscreen and wearing loose clothing that is light in color. Try to schedule outdoor time during the early morning and evening, which are often the coolest part of the day.

Allergies. In many areas, seasonal allergies are another challenge for parents to contend with in regard to outdoor play. Experts say, in addition to any allergy medications recommended by your pediatrician, there are steps you can take to help allergic kids enjoy the outdoors. Encourage kids to go outside in the early morning and evening when pollen counts are lower. Cool shades or sunglasses can prevent allergens from entering their eyes. Have them shower and wash their hair once they come back in. Baby, It’s Cold Outside.

Many moms and dads are reluctant to send kids outside when temperatures drop. The American Academy of Pediatrics urges parents to dress kids in several thin layers to keep them dry and warm, including warm coats, boots, gloves and hats. It’s also important to set reasonable time limits on outdoor play and have children come inside periodically to warm up. And don’t forget the sunscreen, as sunlight, especially reflecting off snow, can cause burns. “Kids should get at least 60 minutes of exercise every day, and it’s great if they can do so outside for the fresh air and more room to play,” said Dr. Jennifer Shu, a pediatrician and author of Heading Home with Your Newborn. For more tips and advice on getting kids outside, visit www.BeOutThere.org/Weather and www.BeOutThere.org. For more National Wildlife Federation news, visit: www. nwf.org/news. P

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Creative Sandwiches Homemade Ice Cream & Cakes Cappuccino & Espresso

Family

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housands of people are impacted by severe weather threats every year, yet many are unprepared to handle Mother Nature’s wrath. Before storms strike, families should have an emergency supply kit on hand and a crisis plan in place.

Create a Crisis Plan Busy families spend most of their days apart, at school, work, sports practices or other activities, so your family may not be together when disaster strikes. Before an emergency occurs, gather your family to make important decisions about what to do in the event of a crisis: • Establish meeting places in your home, neighborhood and a nearby town. • Discuss the best ways to communicate. Make sure to share cell phone numbers and email addresses with family members, school personnel and close neighbors. • Schools, daycare providers, workplaces and apartment buildings should all have site-specific emergency plans that you and your family need to know about. Keep a copy in a readily-accessible location. • One of the most difficult things to do in an emergency is establish communication between family members. The Link2Cell feature on select Panasonic telephones links up to two cell phones to the cordless telephone. This allows consumers to make and receive cell calls anywhere in the home, with or without a landline connection, and allows access to your address book even when your cell phone is out of reach. • In your cell phone’s address book, label the contact information for one person as “ICE” or “In Case of Emergency.” If you are in an accident, authorities are trained to check phones for an ICE listing.

6 POCONO FAMILY MAGAZINE© SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

PHOTO: Getty Images/CONTENT: Family Features

Keep Emergency Supplies On-Hand An emergency supply kit is made up of basic household items that become critical in a crisis. Essential supplies include: • Each family member will need food, infant formula, pet food and water for three days. The average person needs one gallon of water per day for drinking and sanitation. Check your supplies every six months for expired food or water. • Extra cash and copies of personal documents. • A battery-powered or hand crack radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert are essential. • Stock a small toolbox with a flashlight, extra batteries, wrench for turning off utilities, manual can opener, and whistle to signal help.

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•A cordless telephone. Select Panasonic phones have an intercom feature that ensures easier communication flow throughout the house. The noise reduction element suppresses background noise and enhances the user’s voice at the same time, making voices easier to understand in loud conditions. Additionally, unlike most cordless phones which stop working when there is a power outage, the handset batteries will power the base unit for up to three hours of talk time when the electricity fails. • Medications and measuring spoons for each family member. • Change of clothing for each family member, along with personal hygiene items, diapers and trash bags. P

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Family

Afterschool Nutrition and Activities Improve Educational Success “It is imperative that children have access to healthy nutrition options, and are introduced to physical fitness routines at an early age,” says Jackie Thurnau, early childhood and afterschool specialist, YMCA of the USA. “A few simple strategies can help give kids the nutrition they need while encouraging healthy, active play afterschool. Y afterschool programs, for example, promote healthy eating, a love for learning, and social and emotional development while complementing lessons learned during the school day.” The Y also offers five tips for busy parents and caregivers to provide their kids with brain-boosting healthy snacks and fun physical activity after the school day is over:

PHOTO/CONTENT: BPT

Offer a variety of foods

illions of students are heading back to school with high hopes for a great school year. When it comes to educational success, most parents and caregivers focus on what happens in the classroom, but what takes place after school is equally important to academic success. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly 50 million Americans - including more than 16 million children and teens younger than 18 - live with food insecurity, meaning they struggle to feed their families. Many of these children receive free or reduced-cost meals during the school day, but are at risk of hunger when school is out. While healthy activities and proper nutrition benefit physical health, they also impact mental health and children’s success in school. A nourished body means a nourished mind, and several studies show children who don’t get the proper nutrition can experience difficulties focusing, socializing and learning in the classroom.

8 POCONO FAMILY MAGAZINE© SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

It’s important for parents to encourage children to eat a wide variety of nutritious foods that support physical and mental wellness. Whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables should be at the heart of snack times. Save time by cutting veggies for snacking every Sunday and putting portions into resealable bags or containers; kids can just grab, snack and go whenever they’d like.

Be creative when introducing new foods While some kids are adventurous eaters, many are resistant to trying new things. Never force children to eat a particular food. If you face resistance, ask nicely if they’ll taste one bite. If you still have troubles, include children in the purchasing and preparation of

the food. Be creative in how the food is offered - a little dip can make eating fun. Try low-fat dressing, fat-free yogurt for fruits, vegetables, crackers and more.

Limit sweet drinks When it comes to what children drink, sweet soft drinks and juices are high in calories and sugar and are typically low in nutrition. Water is the best way to hydrate, but who says water can’t be fun to drink, too? Liven up your kids’ drinks with fresh sliced oranges, lemons or limes for a colorful splash of healthy flavor. Remember, dehydration can impair memory and make it difficult to pay attention, so make sure your student drinks H2O to stay focused. [Source: Psychology Today]

Limit screen time While a little TV or time on the computer can be enjoyable for kids (and a welcome break for adults), we all want our kids to appreciate being active. Start the school year with clear rules about how much screen time is allowed each day. For example, if you allow one hour of screen time after school is out, your child knows that she has 60 minutes to divide between playing online and watching her favorite TV show before bed.

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Encourage physical play It’s important for parents to encourage and participate in active play. Whether it’s joining an organized youth team or simply hosting play groups at a local park for a few rounds of tag, parents need to make sure kids understand physical activity is a priority. Don’t forget to lead by example; take walks with your children and get outdoors and help them explore Mother Nature. P Visit the Pocono Family YMCA’s website at www.poconoymca.org to find out more about their extensive program offerings for adults and children.

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Food

Scrapple

The Crown Jewel of Pork Products BY PETE PAPPALARDO

Some newbies

to the Poconos are confronted by ideas they might find strange, like the fact that their water comes from a hole in the ground or that school is out for the first day of deer season. But nothing typifies the unique and mysterious ways of northeastern PA better than scrapple, that toothsome and delightful breakfast treat known and loved by generations of locals.

10 POCONO FAMILY MAGAZINEÂŠ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

he first question most transplants ask when confronted by scrapple is, “What is that stuff?” The question is usually accompanied by a pained and puzzled look of something like disgust, odd when you consider that this query often comes from the same people who will happily snarf down a hotdog on a sweltering city street served by an ill-shaven man dressed in recycled clothes and sporting a dirty white apron. Imagine my surprise when I discovered as an eager young college student that there was no scrapple in North Carolina, although the clerk there was happy to report that they had “liver puddin’” and the requisite “wall o’ grits” that that included a dizzying array of fast, slow, flavored and hominy grits. Grits. What is that stuff? At any rate, in better stores you will find scrapple in grey bricks of varying sizes, wrapped in cellophane and waiting for a ride to your Sunday breakfast home. Good meat departments will have bricks of the wonderful pork product the size of a loaf of bread, for the simple reason that scrapple begins life in a bread pan. The process is not as odd as one might think; there was a day before dollar menus when nothing edible was wasted, and so the last thing that happened after farmers made chops, hams, bacon and sausage from their pigs was the creation of scrapple, which is “everything but the oink.”

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Any cook who understands the basis of a killer chicken soup knows the secret of good scrapple, which is nothing more than pork stock with some grain additives. Placed in a large cauldron reminiscent of the witches scene in MacBeth, all the bones of the pig are simmered gently until the meat falls off the bones. The fat is skimmed off, leaving a broth which is then thickened by the addition of grain and continually stirred until it reaches the consistency of porridge, after which it is poured into bread pans and cooled, yielding a pan of scrapple that when properly cooked yields a golden brown taste treat like no other. Connoisseurs of the delightful pork product will give mass-produced scrapple a wide berth. Topping the list of scrapple that does not deserve the name is that hateful Big Meat Brand Scrapple, which has three strikes against it. First, it is definitely not local, violating the first rule of macrobiotic eating. (If you think those two terms don’t belong together, you need to join a group for sensitivity training to appreciate local culture, just as soon as I get one started.) Fresh pork scrapple has a delightful tang no other can match. Notice I mention pork scrapple, because you can make a very nice scrapple out of deer as well, although that is a rare delicacy you won’t find in a store. Secondly, you can see streaks of fat in the supermarket

continued on next page SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 POCONO FAMILY MAGAZINE© 11

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Four tasty slices of Gary’s Meat Market scrapple, ready for the pan.

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stuff; good scrapple has none of that. And lastly, the big brand people use yellow corn-meal, the mark of a true cretin. There are local meat markets that use white cornmeal, which is pretty tasty as well, but for my money the variety which uses buckwheat is the real deal. Cooking scrapple is an art in itself. Rich in the sticky protein called collagen, a quarter inch slice of scrapple will stick fast to almost any frying pan made by man, including so-called “non-stick” Teflon pans, unless it is liberally coated in butter. Margarine just won’t do here; only butter yields that golden brown color and delightful crunch of a properly prepared piece of scrapple, the perfect accompaniment to two eggs cooked sunny-side up. An alternative, almost too good to be believed, is deepfried scrapple, which I like to call “nook-lee-ar” scrapple because it is ready in a nanosecond and the interior is roughly the temperature of the sun. As you might have surmised, scrapple is not a daily ingredient of a heart-healthy diet, although, like anything else, it is fine in moderation. Real raconteurs will look past scrapple’s origins and plain appearance and see it for what it really is: the crown jewel of pork products and a homage to the reputation of Pennsylvania as the original home of almost everything good about America. P

Peter Pappalardo, writer, teacher, outdoorsman and musician, was born in East Stroudsburg General Hospital, and spent his youth in Shawnee-0n-Delaware when route 80 was just a twinkle in President Eisenhower’s eye. He received his doctorate from Indiana University of Pennsylvania only moments before he retired from teaching, ensuring that his vast resultant knowledge wouldn’t subsequently harm his students. He is the author of two novels, Bluegrass and The Compleat Dartshooter, both of which chronicle life in East Pennsylvania. Samples of his meanderings can be seen at his website, www.Bluegrasschronicles.com. He is proud to be implicated in raising four fine sons, all of whom fortunately favor their sainted mother.

PHOTO: Getty Images/CONTENT: Family Features

Nutritious Meals Made Easy

Ten Minute-Stroni Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Serves: 8 For those who enjoy preparing home-cooked, nutrient-rich meals, but are often pressed for time, canned foods are essential cooking tools. A well-stocked pantry, or “Cantry,” ensures you always have healthful fruits and vegetables on hand - no matter the time of year. “Cans’ ironclad seal locks in freshness, flavor and nutrients, so you can rely on canned foods to create wholesome and delicious meals for your family,” said Elizabeth Fassberg, MPH, RD, CDN, owner of EAT FOOD, a food and nutrition consultancy in New York City. “Cooking with canned food means you know what you’re serving your family and helps cut down on eating out.” To get the most nutritionally from your canned foods, here are Elizabeth’s tips: • Select fruits that are packed in their own juice, water or 100-percent fruit juice.• When possible, opt for canned vegetables or soups with no sodium added or low sodium products. If these options are not available, rinse the vegetables before you use them. • Refrigerate leftover canned goods in a glass or plastic container. So if you’re not sure what to make for dinner tonight, look no further than your “Cantry.” P For more recipes visit www.Facebook.com/ CansGetYouCooking and www.Pinterest.com/ CansGetUCooking.

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 large onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1/2 teaspoon dried savory 1/4 teaspoon ground sage 1 quart canned, low-sodium chicken broth 1 cup 100% vegetable juice 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar 1 cup canned, diced tomatoes (no-salt added) 1 cup canned navy beans or chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 can (8 1/4 ounces) sliced carrots, drained 1 can (8 1/4 ounces) cut green beans, drained 1 can (4 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained Parmesan cheese (optional) Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté頵until transparent, about 2 minutes. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, savory and sage, and cook 10 seconds. Add broth, vegetable juice and vinegar, and bring to a boil. Add tomatoes, navy beans, carrots, green beans, and mushrooms; simmer 4 to 5 minutes. Serve in bowls garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 100; Total fat 2.5g; Saturated fat 0g; Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 380mg; Carbohydrate 14g; Fiber 3g; Protein 5g; Vitamin A 80%DV*; Vitamin C 25%DV; Calcium 4%DV; Iron 10%DV *Recipe and image courtesy of Mealtime.org.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 POCONO FAMILY MAGAZINE© 13

Pets

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Driving with dogs:

Tips to keep everyone in the car safe

t’s only natural for man’s best friend to stay close by his master’s side, but for dog owners who drive frequently, bringing Fido along for the ride can be risky. The problem is particularly worrisome for older drivers; a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham showed that for people 70 years and older, crash rates were higher among those who frequently drove with pets in the car. But for many drivers, leaving precious pets behind isn’t an option. The best compromise is to find solutions that will get you from point A to point B without compromising the safety of human or animal passengers.

14 POCONO FAMILY MAGAZINE© SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Distracted driving is a growing concern and a loose pet in the car certainly numbers among the potential hazards that can take your eyes - and mind - off the road and lead to accidents. While older drivers might not be as likely to be distracted by texting or smartphone surfing, even those who have spent many years navigating the roads need to honestly assess how having a pet in the car can divert their attention away from the road. To stay safe on the road when Fido is with you, remember these tips:

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Don’t allow pets in the front seats. Having a pet sit on your lap is obviously distracting, but if he’s in the front passenger seat, the problem can be just as bad. In the front seats, your pet is more likely to be within your line of sight and obstruct your view of the road. An unrestrained dog in the front seats could also be easily injured if you have to slam on the brakes or swerve, or are hit from behind. The force with which airbags deploy also poses a safety hazard for dogs in the front seat - if you’re in an accident and they inflate and hit your dog, he could easily sustain an injury.

Create separation. There are a variety of pet barriers on the market that can keep your pet from moving between the front and back seats of your car. Installing a barrier will help keep your pet out of your way and diminish concerns about him being propelled forward in case you have to make a sudden stop. Restrain your pet.

There are a number of options for pet restraints in your vehicle. Pet seatbelts and car seats will help keep a dog safely in place. Keeping a crate in the car is also a good option. Make sure it’s secured and large enough so that he can stand up, turn around and comfortably sit or lay down. Add a soft pad in the bottom of the crate and it might just become your pet’s favorite new way to travel.

Brush up on your driving skills.

Today’s driving environment is probably very different than it was when you first got your license. A refresher course, like those offered by AARP Driver Safety, is an ideal way to ensure that your skills are up to date. Brushing up on defensive driving techniques and the essential rules of the road will help keep everyone in your car safe - and you may even qualify for a multi-year automobile insurance discount from your insurance company (check with your agent for details). AARP Driver Safety courses are available in a classroom or online setting, in both English and Spanish.

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Pets are important members of the family, so it’s only right that drivers consider their safety, just as they would for any other passenger. For more safe driving tips and information about AARP Driver Safety, visit www.aarp.org/drive. P SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 POCONO FAMILY MAGAZINE© 15

Travel

Back to School Road Trip Whether you’re a parent driving your college-age student to school or you’re heading out on your first solo road trip back to campus, you can make sure your trip is stress-free and prevent unnecessary break downs on the road.

Check your tires

PHOTO/CONTENT: BPT

While you can’t avoid all debris on the road that could cause a flat tire, you can make sure your tires are in the best shape possible before you set out on your trip. Inflate your tires to the air pressure recommended by the manufacturer. This can be found on the inside of the driver’s door. Do not inflate them based on the numbers on the sidewall of your tire. Tires are manufactured for a variety of vehicles, but the manufacturer determines the correct air pressure based on other aspects of the car. Inspect the tread on your tires. Any signs of wear like little - or no tread - or visible threads signal that tires need to be replaced.

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Update your GPS Summertime is notorious for road construction and driving around to take an alternate route or sitting in traffic can waste time and gas. That’s why it’s important that you update your GPS before you hit the road. In addition to avoiding construction, keeping your GPS up to date provides other benefits: • Stay safe by avoiding unnecessary stops in unfamiliar neighborhoods, particularly at night. • Save time and money by using your GPS to locate restaurants, hotels and gas stations so you’re not driving around aimlessly.

Freshen your fluids For most college students, maintaining a vehicle is not usually at the top of the list of priorities. Taking care of basics like changing your motor oil, oil filter, air filter and checking the level of other fluids like radiator coolant can save you from costly repairs. Taking the time to make sure your car is maintained can mean an enjoyable trip back to school and a great start to the new school year. P 16 POCONO FAMILY MAGAZINE© SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Autumn Cascade photo: Matt Siptroth SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 POCONO FAMILY MAGAZINE© 17

Healthy Living

aving trouble sticking to your diet? When your body doesn’t respond to your efforts the way you expect, it’s easy to lose the motivation to continue. “Most dieters are using outdated or inefficient methods to reach their goals,” says Dian Griesel, Ph.D., coauthor of “TurboCharged: Accelerate Your Fat Burning Metabolism, Get Lean Fast and Leave Diet and Exercise Rules in the Dust.”

PHOTO: Pressmaster, Fotolia.com/CONTENT: StatePoint

Dian Griesel, and co-author Tom Griesel are attempting to debunk the myths many people believe about weight loss. “Many dieters see slow results due to bad practices rooted in misguided belief,” says Tom Griesel. “But if you get the basics right, rapid fat loss is not difficult to achieve and you will see your body transform much more quickly.”

Five Reasons You Are Not Losing Fat

If you are not satisfied with your results, the writing duo is offering five suggestions for why you may not be losing fat fast enough:

Wrong goal: If your goal is an arbitrary number based on your scale, you are already setting yourself up to fail. Scale weight doesn’t tell you anything about your actual body composition -how much fat you have and how much you’re losing. Your scale weight could fluctuate for several reasons, such as hydration level, water weight or muscle loss. Setting the right goal and monitoring changes in your body composition is the first key to success.

18 POCONO FAMILY MAGAZINE© SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Water retention: Proper hydration is critical to fat loss and overall health. However, too little or too much water can cause problems. Water intake requirements are influenced by several factors, like weight and activity levels. A good starting point is to consume 1/2 ounce of water per pound of current body weight. Drink at least 16 ounces first thing in the morning -- pure water is best -- and more if you are thirsty.

Too much exercise: Excessive exercise creates stress and can be counterproductive when you’re restricting calories, causing loss of muscle mass. Low-intensity activities like walking— along with minimal strength training to retain muscle mass—is all that’s needed.

Too much of the wrong thing: Diet is the most efficient way to create a caloric restriction, maintain blood sugar levels, which are conducive to fat loss, and provide all the nutrients you need for optimal health. If you’re not seeing positive changes in body composition, the problem is almost always your diet.

Stress and lack of sleep: Chronic stress can have an adverse effect on hormonal balance, which can hinder fat loss and cause loss of essential lean body mass. Stress and lack of sleep disrupt many delicate physiological functions. Regularly practicing some method of relaxation and getting seven to nine hours of sleep every night will make a big difference in your fat loss efforts.

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Monday through Saturday by appointment Call: 570-424-1235 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 POCONO FAMILY MAGAZINE© 19

Healthy Living

The “C” word can be very scary. The three most commonly diagnosed cancers among women in the United States are cancers of the breast, lung, and colon and rectum. Whether it’s your diagnosis or that of a friend or family member, cancer is a difficult experience for everyone. Until There’s a Cure, empower yourself with lots of information, surround yourself with a great team of doctors and embrace the love of your support system during this time of uncertainty. Breast Cancer While all breasts are made up of three main parts - glands, ducts, and connective tissues - no breast is typical. They vary from woman to woman. The way breasts look and feel can be affected by age, weight

20 POCONO FAMILY MAGAZINE© SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

or medications. Most women say their breasts feel lumpy or uneven, but a lot of the time, it’s only when an unusual lump is found that notice is taken. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women regardless of race or ethnicity. There are different kinds of breast cancer; the most common types are ductal carcinoma, which begins in the lining of the breast ducts, and lobular carcinoma, which starts in the lobules, the glands that produce milk.

BREAST CANCER

RISK FACTORS younger age during first menstrual period, starting menopause at a later age, being older at birth of first child, never giving birth, not breastfeeding, long-term use of hormone replacement therapy, changes in the breast cancer-related genes BRCA1 or BRCA2, personal history, family history, age, diet, lifestyle

SYMPTOMS

SCREENINGS

new lump in breast or underarm, thickening/swelling of part of breast, irritation/dimpling of breast skin, redness/flaky skin in nipple area or breast, pulling in of the nipple or pain in nipple area, nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood, any change in size/shape of breast, pain in any area of breast

mammogram, clinical breast exam, self breast exam

There are some ways to help lower your risk of breast cancer: get screened for breast cancer regularly, watch your weight and stay active, find out the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy and limit your alcohol intake.

based on characteristics: size, invasive or non-invasive, in lymph nodes or not, and spreading to other body parts

Can Men Get Breast Cancer? Yes, although it’s not very common, men can get breast cancer. It can happen at any age, but is most common in men who are between 60 and 70 years old. For every 100 cases of breast cancer, less than one is in men. The signs for breast cancer and treatment in men are almost the same as in women.

Lung Cancer Approximately one in 16 women in the United States will develop lung cancer in her life. Lung cancer occurs when irregular cells grow rapidly within the lung tissues. Sometimes it begins in stealth mode with no symptoms.

LUNG CANCER

There are two main types of lung cancer: small-cell and non-small cell. Small-cell is divided into two stages: limited (confined to one RISK FACTORS

SYMPTOMS

smoking (main cause), secondhand smoke, work exposures, radon gas, air pollution, family history, diet, lifestyle

persistent cough, chest pain, breathing difficulties, hoarseness, flu-like symptoms

TREATMENT OPTIONS surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biologic therapy, radiation often more than one kind of treatment is used

National Cancer’s Survivor Day is a worldwide celebration of life. Traditionally observed on the first Sunday in June, this symbolic event brings together survivors to show that there is meaning and fulfillment in life after a cancer diagnosis.

lung and possibly nearby lymph nodes) and extensive (cancer has spread to the other lung and beyond). Non-small cell is assigned to a stage of one through four, depending on how far it has spread. Lung cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer — don’t smoke! If you do smoke and suffer from lung cancer, you may also suffer from guilt. Switch your focus and instead get the help you need to quit and make healthy changes in your lifestyle.

SCREENINGS chest x-ray, sputum test

STAGES

TREATMENT OPTIONS

location of original tumor, how many tumors and their size, whether it has spread to lymph nodes, cell appearance under microscope, if it has spread to other body parts, staging system is different for the two types of lung cancer

surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapies

Small Cell – limited and extensive stages Non-Small Cell – (use TNM system) (T) Tumor size, (N) Spread to lymph nodes, (M) Metastasis – whether cancer has spread

Colorectal Cancer Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, is a cancer of the large intestine or the rectum. The large intestine is the last section of the digestive tract and consists of the colon and rectum. The colon is four to six feet long, and the last seven to nine inches of it is called the rectum. Colon cancers develop from adenomatous polyps (also called

COLORECTAL CANCER

STAGES stages 0-IV tell whether cancer is limited to one area in breast, or has spread to healthy tissues inside breast or other parts of body

RISK FACTORS

SYMPTOMS

changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation or narrow stools for more than a few days), urgency for a bowel movement or feeling like you need to move your bowels even if you just did, blood in the stool, stomach pain, KEEPING A POSITIVE ATTITUDE weakness Relaxation techniques during the cancer process can improve your sense and/or fatigue

personal history, hereditary, age, race , diet, lifestyle

of well-being. Yoga, massage therapy and music can help with stress and anxiety as well as lower your blood pressure, reduce pain and ease some side effects of chemotherapy.

Sources: www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/ www.breastcancer.org/treatment/ www.livestrong.com/article/189771-early-symptoms-of-lung-cancer-in-women/ www.cancercenter.com/lung-cancer/lung-cancer-staging.cfm www.healthywomen.org/condition/colon-cancer www.healthywomen.org/condition/colon-cancer www.mayoclinic.com/health/relaxation-and-cancer/MY01744

“adenomas”) that grow larger and eventually transform into cancer. This disease is not only highly beatable and treatable, but also highly preventable. Regular screening and removal of polyps can reduce colorectal cancer risk by up to 90%. Unfortunately, fear, denial and embarrassment keep many people from being screened. SCREENINGS

STAGES

recommended for at-risk men and women over age 50 ANNUALLY - fecal occult blood test (FOBT) — detecting microscopic amounts of blood in stool - fecal immunochemical test (FIT) – similar to the FOBT, this test is more specific to finding blood coming from the lower gastrointestinal tract EVERY FIVE YEARS - flexible signoidoscopy – inspects rectum and lining of left colon with thin tube connected to light and camera - double contrast barium enema – injecting barium into colon for x-ray EVERY 10 YEARS - colonoscopy – thin tube that allows examination of entire large intestine

poconohealthsystem.org/Spirit

Stage 0 – innermost lining of colon or rectum Stage I – hasn’t spread beyond wall Stage II – spread into muscle layer of colon or rectum Stage III – spread to one or more lymph nodes Stage IV – spread to other body parts

TREATMENT OPTIONS surgery, chemotherapy, radiation

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 POCONO FAMILY MAGAZINE© 21

Healthy Living

What it Means to be a Physician…

BY DR. JONATHAN A. GOLDNER, DO, FCCP, FCCM

On the evening of August 9, 2013, I had the privilege of being the keynote speaker for The White Coat Ceremony delivered to the incoming freshman class of 2017 at The Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton. The White Coat Ceremony is frequently done at most medical schools at the end of the first week of orientation for the new students. Each one is called up on stage and are helped to put on their white coat by the administration and faculty of the school. It is an extremely happy time that is witnessed the student’s family and friends and symbolizes the start of their participation in the medical profession. Preparing for this speech gave me the time to reflect on my own feelings of why I became a physician. It was not easy as I worked to put on paper “words of wisdom” that I wanted to convey to these student physicians. It has been thirty years since I graduated medical school and a lot has changed in the science of medicine. But what I hoped to convey to these new students was that the art of medicine, that of using compassion and empathy should never change.

22 POCONO FAMILY MAGAZINE© SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

White Coat Ceremony The Commonwealth Medical College August 9, 2013 Keynote Speech

I am truly humbled and honored to be asked to speak to you today on this momentous occasion. Today is a very important day. It is the day that you are going to put on a white coat as a member of the medical profession. You are being inducted into the most honorable and noble society there is, that of helping others. I remember my first week in medical school, wondering if I had what it takes to be a physician. I did not know if I was smart enough, was I going to pass out when I saw my first surgery making a fool of myself and could I stand the rigorous amounts of studying and stress. We know that you are going to do fine, even if you do not. Many talk about this being a journey, but today is not the start of this passage for many of you. This started a long time ago and finally has culminated with you being in front of me now. Nor is this the end of that journey after you tried so hard to get here, but I would call it a “turn in the road.” But it is an important turn. My road started at the age of 16, when my Dad, who was a general practitioner, got me my first job in the local hospital-in the maintenance department. My medical career started with learning not to put the black wire together with the white wire, learning how to pull a septic pump from the sewer tank, and for a real treat I got to clean out the grease trap in the hospital kitchen. But what it really taught me was about camaraderie, respect, teaching and something that is effective in medicineworking as a team. I remember getting on the elevator with a physician who was in their white coat; being a kid, working in the maintenance department after saying “Good morning,” I only got a grunt in reply. My Dad shrugged it off as, “he’s a surgeon, and they’re always like that.” I thought to myself, one day that I would try to improve that. My father practiced family medicine for 50 years before a stroke occurred one day while he was seeing a patient. He told anyone that would listen that he loved

practicing medicine and taking care of patients. His office was in our house and he would go through a door to get there. It sort of made it easy to come home every night. He used to take me on house calls after his office hours. I remember as a child waking up in the morning finding vegetables on our porch which is the way some of the farmers used to pay for their health care. Many a night, after I heard the phone ring, I would hear his footsteps go past my bedroom door on his way to the hospital to care for someone. After four years of medical school and one year of internship, he did things that I would only dream about doing. He delivered babies, set and casted fractures, assisted at surgery and took care of his own hospitalized patients. He used to have an x-ray machine in the office that was built in the 1950s when he started his practice. I am fairly certain he gave us, his family, more radiation than the patient when he took an x-ray. I also believe the county sent in a hazmat team to retrieve it when he retired. Obviously today, the science of medicine is quite different, but the art of medicine, the use of compassion and empathy is very much the same. For you, this new road starts with lots of late nights, and seemingly endless hours of anatomy, biochemistry, genetics, pharmacology and even the dreaded microbiology. But in this maze of information and examinations, you are going to learn how to heal. You will even learn how to save lives. And when you can’t heal or save a life, you will learn the important art of compassionhow to walk with someone through some of the most difficult, touching and intimate moments a human being can experience. And it all starts here—putting on the white coat. Today, these white coats are really clean. Savor the smell, how white it is…it will never be same after today. For a physician, it is our socially acceptable backpack. It will be filled with reflex hammers, stethoscopes, otoscopes, penlights and procedure logs. As time goes on, the number of items decrease and I would say it is continued on next page

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Healthy Living generally true that the number of items in the coat is inversely proportional to the seniority of the person wearing it. Don’t forget to look at it on occasion, you will be surprised how filthy it gets from normal daily activities and it does not always smell like roses. Putting on this white coat when you see your first patient most likely will not instill unwavering confidence, superior medical knowledge, experience or a steady hand. What it most likely will do is instill a lot of anxiety, some nausea and a feeling of “what did I get myself into now” kind of thinking. But the good news is this is normal and you should expect it. You are being taught and trained at a medical school that in its short life has already an excellent reputation for academics and clinical training. Your administration and faculty here at TCMC truly care about you and will do everything possible to ensure that you get the necessary training and experience to be a great physician. Some days late at night, while studying for a morning exam, you may doubt that. That is also normal. But you will realize when you graduate what they have given you and appreciate where you have gotten together. I thought long and hard about what I wanted to tell you today. I wanted it to come from my heart, give you thoughts that were practical and useful to you that I learned over the past 30 years. I also wanted it to be something that you would remember 8 years from now when most of you will be going into your own medical practice. 24 POCONO FAMILY MAGAZINE© SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

The first and most important is that you will have unbelievably uplifting experiences being a physician. There is no higher calling or more positive feelings than in helping to heal the sick and injured. You will develop relationships with your patients that are unparalleled in other professions and you will be highly regarded by others for doing so. Being a physician comes with a lot of great days that are very happy and positive. Being

part of a team that saves a life is a great feeling. However, some days despite your best efforts, your patient may succumb to an illness or injury. You will have self-doubts about your abilities and even possibly a lot of guilt. Those days may be very dark and disheartening. You will need to expect those and realize that it will get bright again. To get through those dark days, embrace your family and friends, do not shut them out. Before you can take care of others, you will need to take care of yourself. Depend on your fellow students, help each other and watch over each other. Do not wait for someone to ask for help. Look for signs they are in trouble and ask if they are OK. Be persistent, many of us refuse help initially.

The second tenet I have for you, is to act professional. Play well in the sandbox with others as medicine is a team sport these days. Listen to your team and the patient, as they are also part of the team. Do not be offended when they question what you order. There has been many a nurse, pharmacist, respiratory therapist or even a surgeon or two that has stopped me from making a mistake. Do not let your ego get in the way of helping your patient. The third tenet is from this point on in your medical career, you will always be learning. I learn every day and every patient will teach you something. You will see thousands of patients in your career, but a few will be transformative and those you will always remember. I want to relate to you the story of one of mine. One Saturday night about 20 years ago, I received a phone call from a hospice nurse that she had an elderly gentleman that had a terminal brain cancer and was having persistent seizures all day at home. She felt that he needed to be admitted to the hospital for control of the seizures. It was late, I was about to go home and I was extremely tired. Although I am not the type to yell on the phone, I am quite sure that I expressed my displeasure to having been called at that hour with a problem that had been occurring all day. I was frustrated as I was close to going home. After waiting for this patient for over an hour and then admitting him to the hospital, I was witness, as his family had been all day, to these unrelenting seizures. It was absolutely horrible. This patient was clearly dying in distress,

with it all witnessed by a family hovering at the bedside. With one dose of an intravenous medication, the seizures stopped and he appeared comfortable. The family could not express enough thanks and gratitude. I realized in that one hour I had done more for that one patient and his family than any other patient that day, that week or probably that month. He died peacefully the next day with his family at his bedside. I could not save him, but I relieved his suffering and that of his family. I had reminded myself that this was what being a physician was all about. The fourth tenet is you will find the greatest pleasure in giving things away. Many of the things that we do as a physician are uncompensated. Many of you will be asked by Aunt Mabel what you think about the mole on her arm and congratulations, suddenly as of last week, you have now become the family expert for advice on healthcare reform. Go out of your way to treat the indigent. Your thanks will be that you are making a difference in helping someone. Be a leader in your community and volunteer your time to work with any one of many great organizations such as the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society to name just a few. Give your time to doing a medical mission in a foreign country or work on a Disaster Medical Assistance Team in the United States. You will be reminded how precious life is, how much fun it is to help people, and be shown gratitude that is just unconditional. The fifth tenet is be a mentor and a teacher. Many will look up to you for guidance whether it be your patients, family, community members or medical students in the future. Physicians will give their time and efforts to mentor and teach you and thus your obligation in the future, is to give back that time to other students of all disciplines. Today you are putting on your white coat and I hope that you never have to take it off till the day that you want to retire. We are so proud of you and so glad you are here. I am especially humbled to be before you but I leave you with one final important thought. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to say hello to the maintenance man, he is part of the team. Thank you. P

Jonathan A. Goldner, DO, FCCP, FCCM is board certified in internal medicine, critical care, and geriatrics. He is a Clinical Asst. Professor of Medicine with both the Commonwealth Medical College and the Penn State College of Medicine. Dr. Goldner is the Chief Medical Executive for Medicine and Chronic Disease, Director of Critical Care and immediate past Chief of Staff for Pocono Health Systems. He practices internal medicine with PMC Physician Associates, Pocono Internal Medicine Specialists in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 POCONO FAMILY MAGAZINEÂŠ 25

PHOTO: MonkeyBusiness, Fotolia.com/CONTENT: StatePoint

Over 55

Five Ways Baby Boomers Can Stay Active While it’s difficult to encapsulate the moods of tens of millions of people born between 1946 and 1964, one thing has often been said about boomers -- they share a determination to stay forever young. Next to improving diet and shunning tobacco, nothing a person does increases life expectancy more than exercising, according to the National Institute on Aging. As such, many boomers are busy with their quest for immortality on the bike paths and exercise mats of America. While exercise is great for body and mind, it doesn’t come without risk. And an injury can derail a routine quickly. Here are five ways boomers can ensure they’re staying safe and having fun with exercise:

• Know your limitations: Don’t increase the intensity of physical activity too quickly, especially if you have existing cardiovascular, joint or muscle problems that could be aggravated as a result.

• Spice rack resources: Turmeric, ginger and cayenne pepper all have anti-inflammatory properties, as well as many other health benefits. Stick to your good-for-you, energy-boosting diet by giving your bland foods a lowcalorie kick with spices, roots and herbs.

• Boost your metabolism: As we age, our metabolism slows down. Avoid compounding this with stress or fatty, heavy meals. To maintain a healthy weight and avoid insulin spikes or hypoglycemia, try eating small, balanced meals six times a day, rather than three big ones. Eating at the same time each day in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere speeds up digestion and makes energy more readily available. • Recharge at night: You’ll need your shut eye with your new active lifestyle. Luckily, exercise can contribute to longer, deeper sleep, helping replenish and rebuild every cell in the body. This goes beyond beauty sleep. Great sleep can aid longevity. Don’t let potential aches and pains stop you from exercising regularly. The sooner you start moving, the better you’ll look and feel. With a few tricks, you can exercise more safely and pain-free. P

Work with a licensed trainer at first, who can assess your strength, flexibility, balance and endurance, and create a custom workout program accordingly.

• Try something new: New activities can keep you motivated and help you avoid over-working particular joints and muscles. Consider something totally different, such as pickleball, a fast-paced court sport combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. • Take control: Whether gardening, golfing or dancing, it’s inevitable that physical activity will create occasional muscle pain, stiffness, swelling and bruising. Pain can be immobilizing and depressing, so managing it is important. “Avoid medications that mask pain coming from strained or damaged tissues,” says Jyl Steinback, author of “Superfoods: Cook Your Way to Health,” and executive director of ShapeUpUS.org. “Instead, consider a homeopathic medicine, such as Arnicare Gel, that works naturally with the body to help it heal and won’t interfere with other medications you’re taking. I bring it with me whenever I exercise.”

Barrett Paradise Friendly Library Cresco, PA 570-595-7171 www.barrettlibrary.org

Pocono Mountain Public Library Tobyhanna, PA 570-894-8860 www.poconomountpl.org

Clymer Library Pocono Pines, PA 570-646-0826 www.clymerlibrary.org

Western Pocono Community Library Brodheadsville, PA 570-992-7934 www.wpcl.lib.pa.us

Eastern Monroe Public Library Branches Hughes Library (main branch) Stroudsburg, PA 570-421-0800 www.monroepl.org Pocono Township Branch Tannersville, PA 570-629-5858 Smithfield Branch Marshalls Creek, PA 570-223-1881 Bookmobile 570-421-0880 x49

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Black bear in the DWGNRA photo: Matt Siptroth

Community

September at Pocono Environmental Education Center The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is located at 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry, PA. You can call them at 570-828-2319, or visit their website at www.peec.org for more information on their programming.

Monarch Madness Saturday, September 7 – 1:00-3:00pm $5. Join us for a fun afternoon in the fields and forests. Learn about the wonderful world of the monarch butterfly as we search for the brightly colored caterpillars. Please do not bring nets – we want to be gentle with these delicate creatures. EcoZone! Afternoon Saturday, September 7 – 1:00-4:00pm. $5. Explore our new hands-on, discovery room. Crawl through the bat cave, sit in the eagles’ nest, and more! Introduction to Fishing Sunday, September 8 – 10:00am-12:00pm. $10 child / $5 adult. Learn the basics of fishing and then try your luck on our ponds. We provide the equipment. No fishing licenses required. Spaces limited. Call to reserve your spot! Introduction to Canoeing Sunday, September 8 – 2:00-4:00pm. $5. Enjoy the last weekend of the summer with a canoe paddle across our pond! Beginners are welcome – we teach you everything you need to know. Dress appropriately – you may get wet. Call to reserve your spot in a canoe. Volunteer Day – Pike County Day of Caring Saturday, September 14 – 9:00am-12:00pm. “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”Gandhi. This is the perfect day to become involved with our volunteer program. All ages are welcome. Snacks will be provided. Introduction to Home Canning: Tomatoes Saturday, September 14 – 9:00am-12:00pm. $25. Learn the basics of canning. Join Allison Taylor for a fun morning and leave with knowledge, experience, & a jar of tomatoes!

Fungus Among Us Sunday, September 15 – 10:00am-12:00pm. $5. Search for fungus and lichen as you learn about the amazing world of decomposition and nutrient cycling. Harvest Festival Saturday, September 21 – 10:00am-4:00pm. $5 per car. Celebrate Fall at PEEC’s 3rd annual Harvest Festival! Enjoy animal presenters, arts & crafts, hands-on activities, conservation exhibits, live music, local food, old-timey activities, and more! Bring your family and friends to this great event! Adult Nature Weekend September 27-29. $195 / $145 commuter. Take a weekend off and relax in the Poconos! Enjoy interpretive hikes, canoeing, bird walks, art classes, waterfall tours, animal presenters, campfires, and more! Ages 21 and up, please. Includes two nights of lodging and six meals. Brownie Badge Fest Saturday, September 28 – 9:00am-12:00pm / 1:00-4:00pm. Half day $12 / Full day $20. Bring one scout or an entire troop, and let us teach the badges! Overnight lodging is available – call for rates. EcoZone! Afternoon Sunday, September 29 – 1:00-4:00pm. Free. Explore our new hands-on, discovery room. Crawl through the bat cave, sit in the eagles’ nest, and more! PRO SERIES: Birds, with Dr. Terry Master Saturday, September 28 – 10:00am-4:00pm. $30. Learn from the experts. Join Dr. Terry Master, Biology Professor at ESU, for an indepth look at the birds of the area. Spaces are limited - call to reserve a seat in the van.

September at Monroe County Environmental Education Center The Monroe County Conservation District’s Environmental Education Center, at Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary on Running Valley Road near Bartonsville, offers many educational programs year-round. Visit their website at www.mcconservation.org or call 570-629-3061 for more information. Hike to the Top Saturday, September 7 – A discovery hike to the top of the unnamed ridge across the road from the EE Center building from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. These seldom used trails offer opportunities to see undisturbed wildlife, a huge glacial erratic boulder and do some off-trail exploring in search of clear view from the top. The hike is not strenuous but steep in spots, we’ll take it easy. Wear proper hiking shoes or boots, bring water and a snack. Cost: $5/non-members, $3/children under 12. All EE Center members free. Public Bog Walks Wednesdays, September 11, 18, & 25 - Guided walks in the bog are held each Wednesday through September 11 and will begin at 10 a.m. Public walks are open to anyone, while private walks for organizations and school groups are scheduled on request. Meet at the Bog parking lot. Cost: $6/non-member, $4/ EE Center or Nature Conservancy members and children under 12. Please wear appropriate footwear. Each walk lasts approximately 2 1/2 hours and explores the floating boardwalk and surrounding area. Pre-registration is required for all bog walks. Call for directions. Fields of Fun Saturday, September 14 – The fields of late summer are a blaze in goldenrod and a buzz with insects. Join Environmental Educator Darryl Speicher at 10 a.m. as he explores the fields of the Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary. Cost: $5/ non-members, $3/children under 12. All EE Center members are free.

Full Moon Hike in the Bog Thursday, September 19 - Join an Environmental Educator as we explore the bog during a full moon. Meet at the Bog parking lot by 6:30 p.m. for this 2 1/2 hour walk and bring a flashlight. Pre-registration is required. Cost: $6/non-member, $4/EE Center or Nature Conservancy member and children under 12. Call for directions. Hawk Mountain Field Trip Wednesday, September 25 - Environmental Educator Brian Hardiman will lead this trip to internationally-known Hawk Mountain, the oldest hawk migration monitoring site in the world. Participants will have outstanding opportunities to see a variety of birds of prey while learning about their migration dynamics. Meet at the EE Center at 8:30 a.m. and return 5:30 p.m. Cost: $20/non-member, $14/EE Center member, and includes van transportation. Binoculars, food and drink, and comfortable hiking shoes are recommended. Dress for the weather and be prepared for a moderately strenuous one-mile hike to the lookout. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required. Thursday Walks With Darryl Thursday, September 26 - participants will be treated to an interpretive walk at a different location with Environmental Educator, Darryl Speicher. The last walk will be held on Thursday, November 21. We will be using the new MCEEC van and going all over the region to explore and have fun. The van will leave at 8:30am and return in time for lunch. For location information, call the EE Center at 570-629-3061 or visit our website at www. mcconservation.org. Cost: $15/non-member, $10/EE Center member. Registration deadline is the Tuesday before each walk. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 POCONO FAMILY MAGAZINE© 31

Community

Events at Stroud Region Open Space and Recreation

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Stroud Region Open Space and Recreation offers many programs year-round at their Day Street center and in the various parks in the Stroudsburg/East Stroudsburg area. Visit their website at www.srosrc.org or call 570-426-1839 for more information. The following is just a short listing of some up-coming events. Their recreational, educational, cultural and environmental program offerings are for toddlers through adults and include everything from sports, fitness, sewing, steel drum instruction, and Red Cross training to dog obedience.

Eighth Annual Levee Loop Trail Run & Walk Saturday, September 28 - The 4.5 mile trail run and walk on the levee leads through water, sand, grass, trees and several parks. Prizes are awarded to the top two men and women finishers in each age division. A fun walk of the Levee Loop will begin before the race, so bring the whole family! T-shirts are available to the first 100 registered participants! Registration forms are available at the Day Street Community Center Registration: 8:00 am, Times: Race begins 8:30 am, Walk begins at 8:45 am Race Fee: 20 early registration before September 16; $25 after September 16, Walk Fee: $10 early registration before September 16; $15 after September 16, $30 family registration (includes up to four shirts) Location: Dansbury Park OctoberFest Saturday, October 12 - Make your own fresh apple cider by grinding apples in an old-fashioned ciderpress and turning the crank! Decorate a Halloween Pumpkin! Make hand-dipped candles and build your own scarecrow and dress it up in a style that’s all your own. Join the fun of Potato Sack Races, Pumpkin Head Twirlers, Face Painting, Push-That-Bale Race, roaming magicians, and more! Enjoy festive window paintings and ghoulish displays as well as live music. Bring the whole family and enjoy a wonderful autumn afternoon in Miller Park! October Fest is co-sponsored by the Eastburg Community Alliance and the Stroud Region Open Space and Recreation Commission. Time: Festival 11:00 am-4:00 pm, Fee: Free Location:Miller Park

Ride the Train/See the Re-Enactment Saturday, October 12 - Ride the train with President Lincoln! A special passenger excursion train commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War will depart from SteamtownNHS at 9:00 am in Scranton, PA and will arrive at the East Stroudsburg station at approximately 11:30 a.m. A Civil War era band and several Civil War generals will accompany the President aboard the train. A re-enactment and a performance by the band will take place during our annual Octoberfest. Get your tickets for the train excursion directly from the Steamtown website::http://www.nps. gov/stea/planyourvisit/trainridesandexcursions.htm. The train is departing from Steamtown NHS at 9:00 am. Location: Steamtown to Miller Park Santa Claus is Coming to Town! Saturday, December 14 - Children of all ages are invited to the Day Street Community Center for an afternoon of holiday fun and a visit from the big man himself! Little ones will delight in having their picture taken with Santa, participating in holiday games and crafts, enjoying some sweet treats and to top off the event we’ll be showing the classic “Santa Claus is Coming to Town!” Register at least one week in advance. Time:2:00-5:00 pm Fee:$15/1st child; $10 each additional child Location: Day Street Community Center

River Road Red photo: J. D. Lewis

Home & Garden

Autumn edibles: Tips for fall gardening and second plantings

eople choose to garden for many reasons: Food is fresher and tastes better. It’s a healthy hobby that exercises the body. It saves money. Numerous reports show an increasing number of homeowners are growing their own fruits, vegetables and herbs. As summer’s end nears, you may think gardening season is over. The good news is with a few strategic tips, you can keep your green thumb going and enjoy a plethora of autumn edibles for months to come. -

Step 1: Select second plantings Second plantings are the plants you use for the latter part of the gardening season. Late summer is typically the best time to plant these varieties. Call your local extension offices or access information online to find regionalized planting schedules and recommended plant varieties.

CONTENT: BPT

The length of the fall season and when the first frost will likely hit are important considerations when selecting second plantings. Keep in mind that fast-maturing vegetables are ideal for fall gardening and they should be planted early enough to reach maturity before the first frost arrives. 34 POCONO FAMILY MAGAZINE© SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Popular second plantings that yield a delicious late fall/early winter harvest include broccoli, lettuce, turnips, collards, carrots, peas, radish, spinach, leeks and beets. Some people even claim root vegetables and cole crops like kale and turnips taste better after the first frost. www.farmers-basket.com

Step 2: Prepare your garden space If you plan to use your current garden space for second plantings, remove the early-season plants that are done producing. Add those plants to your current compost bin or create a new compost pile with easy-to-use, stylish options from Outdoor Essentials. Wood-slate bins blend well with the outdoor aesthetic and the design allows oxygen to circulate and facilitate the composting process. Next, prepare your garden space. Elevated garden beds are growing in popularity because they look great anywhere in your yard or on your patio, and are easy to move if necessary. Raised garden beds from Outdoor Essentials elevate the plants so gardeners don’t have to bend over and risk injury. They are ideal for fall because gardeners can regulate the temperature of raised beds with ease. On hot days, move or add a shade netting to protect plants from the heat; when frost is a threat, cover the entire bed for protection. While you’re getting your hands dirty, fall is the perfect time to plant spring flowering bulbs. A little outdoor work now and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful flowers when spring arrives next year.

Step 3: Enjoy the harvest Tend your garden daily for the best results - it may just need a quick check for pests and proper soil moisture. Typical benefits of late-season gardening include fewer bothersome bugs and the soil has better water retention. As plants grow, pick the fruits and vegetables and enjoy Mother Nature’s bounty. If your plants become crowded, pluck a few out to help remaining plants grow roots and increase the harvest yield. You may be surprised just how many cool months your plants provide you with fresh, delicious produce. Fall is a great opportunity to keep gardening momentum alive. So get started and decide what second plantings are best for your space. In as little as 30 days you could be eating the freshest, most flavorful vegetables you’ve ever had, all while under the gorgeous autumn sun. P

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CONTENT: BPT

Home & Garden

A Guide to a Year-round Deck

uring the warm summer months, having an outdoor deck for barbecues and gatherings with family and friends is a great addition to any backyard. The approach of cool weather may signal the end of barbecue season, but homeowners can still use their deck after the warm temperatures have passed. “Although decks are generally a summer attraction, there are ways to make them accessible during the winter as well,” says Stephen McNally, TAMKO Building Products Inc.’s vice president of sales and marketing.There are many ways to make your deck functional and enjoyable during the winter, no matter where your home is located. -

Step 1 - Warm up your deck The addition of a fireplace can transform your deck into an outdoor gathering spot and a scene-stealing area for those cool nights. The type of fireplace you decide 36 POCONO FAMILY MAGAZINE© SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

appeared on your deck. Cooking oil, suntan oil and other greasy substances can stain your deck over the course summer use. But before applying cleaner to your deck, make sure to test it in an inconspicuous spot to ensure that it will not change the coloring of your deck boards.

Step 3 - Spice up plant life

on for your deck can add beauty and charm as well as complement your existing color scheme and deck furniture and decorations. Outdoor fireplaces can be made from stone, brick, tile or even granite, so the color options are endless. “Outdoor fireplaces can be big, beautiful and elaborate, but there are other options for homeowners who prefer to keep their outdoor living space simple,” McNally says. If a large outdoor fireplace is not for you, but you want to enjoy your deck on cool winter nights, consider the addition of a fire pit, fire bowl or even a chiminea. Structural safety and potential fire hazards are serious considerations when deciding on a fireplace, so having your deck inspected before you begin installing an outdoor fireplace is suggested. If you install an outdoor fireplace of any kind, make sure that it is done to the manufacturer’s standards.

Step 2 - Reducing summer dirt and grime As the summer months come to an end, your deck is due for a well-deserved, thorough cleaning. Fall is a great time for this necessary chore because other outdoor tasks, like gardening and mowing, usually begin to decrease. “Semi-annual cleaning of your deck is part of the required maintenance that reduces dirt, dust, grime and other residue build-up that the summer months have left behind,” McNally says.Use a garden house to rinse your deck. A fan-tip nozzle works best, but make sure the pressure from the hose does not exceed the manufacturers regulations. Ensure that you have removed all food and trash particles from the summer so that they do not contribute to build-up over the winter. For TAMKO’s EverGrain decking products, use a nozzle with pressure that does not exceed 1,000 psi. While rinsing your deck can reduce dirt and grime buildup, water alone will not remove the stains that have

When it comes to enjoying outdoor living, beauty is everything. A well-installed deck can offer a certain aesthetic appeal by itself, but plant life can make a big difference, even in the winter time. When the cool temperatures of late fall start to move in, you can help your plants extend their life. Move them closer to your house, ideally under a roof, to delay when they are hit by frost. If you have time before a frost sets in, help protect your plants by covering them with lightweight blankets or plastic sheets overnight and uncover them in the morning. If you want to decorate with plants during the cool months, there are a variety of colorful, cool vegetables that make handsome pot-fillers. Consider plants with purple and dark-green leaves like beets, Chinese cabbage, kale, mustard, spinach or even herbs. Mixing several types of plants together in the same pot can have a nice effect and the addition of garden art statues can add a pop of color. P

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Home Food Preservation: Let’s Preserve Tomatoes

Look for More to Come in Our Next Issue… November/December 2013 You May Also Enjoy

Pocono Living Magazine

Home canning can provide quality, nutritious food for your family and be a satisfying and rewarding experience. However, improperly canned foods can be a source of frustration, wasted food, money, and time; and serious illness. Learn up-to-date procedures on canning your own tomatoes, safely, so that you can enjoy them this winter! In this class participants will learn how to preserve tomatoes using a boiling water bath or pressure canner. Instructors will focus on specific techniques such as removing the skin, preparing tomatoes for juice or sauce, canning tomatoes, and preparing salsa. One packet of resource information will be available for each person/ couple. A limited number of reference books will be available for optional purchase.

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Available at Local Businesses and by Subscription Pocono Mts Publications, LLC 1929 North Fifth Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-424-1000 • pmpubs@ptd.net

Classes will be held September 11, 2013, from 7:00-9:00 PM, and again on September 12, from 10:00 AM -12 PM at the Monroe County location of the Penn State Extension, 724 Phillips Street, Suite 201, Stroudsburg, PA . For more information on this, and other services offered by the Extension in our area, call them at 570-421-6430.

Pocono Family Magazine

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