December 2012 by DMI Agency

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RAISE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2012

EDITOR’S LETTER

‘Tis the Season

rowing up, I was practically an only child. Both sisters were in their late teens when I was born, and holidays, especially Christmas, often centered on the baby in the family – me. Presents filled the living room and soon after, the torn and shredded wrapping paper. But, there was always that one gift – that one educational present (in my case, a dictionary) that brought about feelings of disappointment. To this day, I remember that gift over all the others.

Developing a grateful spirit in our children is an important task. With the holidays upon us, Child Psychologists Barry Sommer and David Richards address this issue with some practical tips in their article, “Holiday Planning: Teaching Children to Receive Gifts Graciously” on page 8. Often, holidays can bring as much tension to a family as joy. Stressed-out parents might not recognize the effects on children, but there is help available. The article, “Strengthening Families: Five Protective Factors” by Executive Director of Child Abuse Prevention Council, Billie Shawl, increases the health and well-being of families, especially in times of stress or crisis. Be sure to read the action items and hotline found on page 16. One of the most common risks of a holiday gathering is the urge to overeat, or to make unhealthy food choices. Can anyone else relate? I’m not sure I could actually get through Christmas without baking, but if I bake it, I must eat it. On page 18, Nutritionist Rebecca Reynolds takes some of our favorite recipes and provides ways to decrease sugar, fat and white flour, without sacrificing taste. According to Rebecca, you can have your cake and eat it, too, and that alone makes me look forward to a happy holiday. The Raise staff appreciates all of the calls, emails and notes about the positive impact the magazine has had on our region. We feel very fortunate to be able to provide a valuable resource for parents, grandparents and the community. We want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season, and look forward to seeing you in the new year.

Karen Tellalian, EXECUTIVE EDITOR For more information or to submit a story idea, email Karen@dmiagency.com or call (559) 739-1747 or fax (559) 738-0909. RAISE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER

2012

Behavior

E D EC

Teaching Children to Receive Gifts Graciously

MBE

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PUBLISHED BY DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 EDITORIAL Executive Editor Karen Tellalian Assistant Editor TAYLOR VAUGHN Content Editor Kyndal Kennedy ART & PRODUCTION Art Director ROSS Yukawa

in this issue

Graphic Designer CHRIS BLY CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Andy Salazar barry sommer

Humor

13 Fitness

Fighting Fear and Phobias

17 Dental Health

10 Health

Cold & Flu Season

12 Pets

Caring For Your Pets This Winter

22 Adventures 24 Calendar 26 Safety 27 Resources

14 Gardening

Make a Mini-Terrarium for the Holidays

'Tis the Season to be Baking

20 Positive Parenting

Foster Parenting

23 College Prep

A Closer Look at Community College

Raise Magazine is distributed in Visalia, Exeter, Woodlake and Tulare. If you would like copies available at your business, call 559.739.1747 Raise Magazine is published 12 times a year and distributed at hightraffic locations in the South Valley av rea. For a list of locations, call the DMI Agency office. Views expressed in columns are those of the columnist and not necessarily those of DMI Agency or its advertisers. © 2012 DMI Agency

RAISE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2012

Jeri Burzin Jesus & Adriana Gonzalez Justin & Rebecca Reynolds mariya Grigoryan Susan Schieferle BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Malkasian Accountancy LLP Gary Malkasian CPA JEFFREY Malkasian EA

ADVERTISING SALES Advertising Director Bridget Elmore

Strengthening Families

18 Nutrition

DAVID RICHARDS

Operations Manager Maria Gaston

16 Family Focus

billie shawl Crystal R. R. Edwards

SALES OFFICE 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 559.739.1747 • Fax 559.738.0909 VIEW THE MAG ONLINE! issuu.com/raisemagazine

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Cover Photo: Teagan Bryant, 11, of Exeter, and Fletch, 3. Photo by Elly Jo Photography

RAISE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER

2012

HUMOR

Text by Crystal R. R. Edwards

ig Boss Man and I have been struggling lately in one particular area of parenting. We are trying, with varying degrees of failure, to keep from passing our neuroses on to our children. Between phobias and irrational obsessions, there’s a lot around here we’re not allowed to talk about or do when the crew is around. I have to act happy that the seam in my sock toe is only slightly crooked, and he has to ignore the fact that a bee is flying by the closed window when he is sitting inside the house. We both have to ignore the three things sitting on the counter with random spaces in between without rearranging them so they are equidistant. We grin and bear these discomforts and compulsions until the children are distracted by something, and then we quietly disappear into another room to hop up and down and perform various armflapping exercises to try to shoo the bad juju away. The one thing we simply cannot keep from them, however, is our shared fear of heights. I don’t care if it’s a simple three-step stool, it takes me less than 10 seconds atop it to start a shaking fit that lasts over an hour ... and that’s when I’m in the house by myself. Add two large cats, three inconveniently located children, and a husband reading an engineering magazine (IEEE’s Spectrum, for you propellerheads playing along at home) and walking into things at the same time, and I generally get the sweats before I even have the stool out of the storage closet. Big Boss Man is probably even worse than I am about it, as my phobia is selective – I love roller coasters, and I used to rappel and do all sorts of crazy dangling-from-cliffs tricks while wearing a harness. He, however, has no such exceptions: if it’s higher than his navel, he’s having none of it. Which is why I think the man’s cheese has finally slid off his cracker.

RAISE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2012

Big Boss Man got bit by the ho-ho-holiday spirit and decided that instead of just hanging the two safe strings of lights around the garage door and front porch, he was going to climb around up on the roof to hang lights on the upper eave. Like many of the newer homes, we have random rooftops jutting out everywhere, making it (in theory) easy to climb out a window then on up to the top level with only a small ladder. His announcement startled me. He can’t even watch the Quidditch scenes in “Harry Potter” movies without turning green around the gills. What on earth was he thinking? I got the kids settled down in front of a movie (“I don’t want you to see your Daddy fall, that’s why!”), then went to stand out front to spot him. The plan was that he’d crawl out Tapper’s window at the back of the house, then onto the upper roof, then walk to the front of the house along the rooftop. My neighbor Bill, his wife Lola, and her visiting brother were all out putting their lights up, so I had a chat with them. I kept watching the roof out of the corner of my eye. Big Boss Man never appeared. At long last I thought I heard a sound around the right side of the house, so I shuffled around the corner to call for him. “Honey, is that you?” I didn’t see him, so moved toward the backyard a little more.

HUMOR Still no Donald, and I was on the opposite side of the house from the back fence gate. I started hot-footing it to the front door, figuring that by the time I got through the house and to the backyard the dust would have settled and he’d be lying there, at best, stunned. I started imagining how I was going to explain this to the children, and so soon before Christmas. “You see, Daddy was up on the roof and got a little uppity with Santa, who was doing a surprise site inspection. They got to talking smack, then sparring. What Daddy didn’t realize is Santa wears that big black belt for a reason. But it’ll all be okay. The doctors say Daddy will be out of traction by your senior year of high school ....” Having your dad fall off a roof is just stupid. Having your dad get the living squeak kicked out of him by Santa Claus rocks the rockrock. As I rounded the front corner of the house, I nearly slammed into him. He still had the strings of lights criss-crossing his chest like a holiday bandoleer; he was removing his hammer and packet of nails from a pocket on his cargo pants. He was also shaking, and white as a lily. He looked up at me. “No. Just ... no.”“Hmm?” With a shaking hand, I finally took a drink from the water bottle I’d brought out with me some 15 minutes before. Bill came over from his front yard to put his opinion into play. “That’s high up, Cryssi,” said Big Boss Man. “Kind of magical how it stays that way all the time, huh? Did you think it was going to be different this year or something?” “Dude,” said Bill. “What were you thinking?”

Donald looked at Bill, looked at me (calmly sipping), and looked back up at the top of the roof. “I’m a chicken,” Donald said, “and there’s one thing I know about chickens: They keep their butts on the ground.” Our joint resolution this year is one of those daft New Age sorts of things everybody our age comes up with. Every generation has something like this, when the 30-something year olds think they’ve finally found the answer to an improved lifestyle. It just so happens that our generation believes that fear holds us back. So we’ve resolved to live fearlessly. We (the Big Boss Man part of We, actually) say it’s to better ourselves. We (same disclaimer, please) say it’s to show our children a better path. We (the Me part of We this time) think that’s just crazy talk, and We (this is getting kind of confusing, but it’s easy if you remember it’s the royal We this time) have only one response: Hang the lights, cowboy, then We will think about it. I actually have, pardon the pun, high hopes this year for keeping to that resolution. I will live fearlessly, because I will be staying here at home and not putting myself into situations where fear even comes into play. I will probably also spend the time re-alphabetizing my spice rack, crocheting a laptop cozy, and meeting my work deadlines more or less on schedule. In other words, I will be bored to death and predictable. Ugh. Maybe I’ll change that light bulb in the stairwell tomorrow. I’ll need to be on the fourth rung of the ladder, but I have to start somewhere. Baby steps, people. Baby steps.

RAISE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER

2012

BEHAVIOR

RAISE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2012

BEHAVIOR

Teaching Children to Receive Gifts Graciously Text by David Richards, LCSW and Barry Sommer, LEP, MFT

ew parenting milestones are as embarrassing as the first time your child openly expresses ingratitude when receiving a gift. Be comforted by the fact that you’re not alone in experiencing this. Most kids struggle with expressing gratitude properly, and holding back on negative reactions to undesired gifts. This holiday season, do some prep work to avoid gift disasters.

Teach and Reinforce Good Habits Early On Simply teach, model and practice an automatic “thank you” anytime someone thinks of you and offers a gift. Take advantage of children’s love of pretend play to act out different scenarios. Practice: “Let’s say that Aunt Sue’s present turns out to be green polka-dotted, white-striped, and purple-starred mittens, but you really wanted a new game. What do you do?” Help them understand that people may have their feelings hurt if they say, “I don’t like it!” by role playing them giving you a gift and you expressing a similar reaction. Teach your older child how to write a thank you note in an ageappropriate way, making sure your child is involved in the whole process from picking out thank you stationary to sticking stamps on the envelopes. As you work together, talk about how a thank you note will make someone feel, and how thoughtful it was of that person to give a gift in the first place. Model Being Grateful Tell your children that you are so thankful for them! Since your actions shape your children’s habits, make sure you shower your spouse and other people with thanks for thoughtful gestures. Talk aloud about the delights of giving to others. Let them observe you writing thank you notes, and hear you thank people for their kindnesses.

Be Prepared for the Occasion of Disappointment We have all experienced the disappointment of receiving a gift that’s not what we had hoped for or expected. Some children, depending on their age and temperament, have difficulty modulating and regulating feelings and their expressions. When a child doesn’t express gratitude properly, it doesn’t mean the child is bad or spoiled. They may cry or get mad when they open a gift that’s disappointing to them. Children often lack gracious gift-receiving etiquette: saying aloud that they dislike gifts, tossing clothing gifts to the side, saying they already have one, or refusing to say “thank you.” Remember that empathy is the cornerstone to appreciation and young children are often self-centered. Perhaps your kids have been treated so generously that they no longer appreciate the givers and instead expect the gifts. They have a bad case of the “gimmes.” Remain patient and re-teach the social grace of saying, “Thank you for your thoughtfulness,” and acting gracious. If your child refuses to use developmentally appropriate gift receiving manners after you teach and practice with them, it’s ok to limit their gift receiving until they are ready to behave in a way that is acceptable. Gratitude is a Powerful Tool for Increasing Life Satisfaction Thankfulness means being grateful for people and things and appreciating how lucky we are to get them. It’s a lesson that children need to be taught. A gift means that someone “thought of you.” Teaching this process to your children starts by having your child buy a gift for someone else. Have them go through the process of choosing a simple gift that they think someone would like, purchasing it (or perhaps hand-making it), wrapping it and then giving it. They learn that it takes a great deal of effort. When someone dislikes their gift they are crushed, when they like it they are elated. Children then can begin to understand the thought and effort someone took to give them a wrapped box and how important it is to be thanked first. What’s inside, is second. The positive emotion of gratitude connects us to the kindness of others.

RAISE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER

2012

HEALTH

Cold & Flu

SEASON

Text by Children's Services Network of Tulare County

inter is nearly here, and with this chilly season comes the high probability that either you or your children are going to catch a cold or a stomach bug. Since no one enjoys getting sick, here are a few ways that you and your family can try to prevent coming down with one of these illnesses.

Stay active. One of the main reasons why the rate of people getting sick skyrockets during winter is because everyone spends more time indoors, and thus we are in closer proximity to one another than during the warmer months. On the days when it’s not rainy or too foggy, bundle up in warm clothes and go for a walk or bike ride. Hand washing. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent getting a cold or flu virus. Both of these viruses are spread by coming into direct contact with a sick person’s oral or nasal secretions. In general, merely being in the same room as someone or even hugging someone who has a cold or the flu is not enough to catch their illness. These viruses are most commonly spread by sharing utensils, drinks, and so forth with someone who is already sick, or by touching objects that an infected person has sneezed or coughed on. Contact with contaminated surfaces is a main culprit in the spread of disease. But, by washing your hands (or using hand sanitizer) before you eat or touch your eyes or mouth, you’re more than likely going to kill the germs that would cause you to get sick. Hand washing is essential to preventing the spread of these viruses, so encourage your children to wash their hands as often as possible (especially when they are sick). Also, help prevent the spread of germs by teaching your children to cover their mouths when they cough, and to sneeze into a tissue or the crook of their elbow. The fewer germs they leave behind for others to pick up, the better. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Ensuring that you and your family get enough sleep and have a healthy diet will help keep your immune systems functioning appropriately. Dr. Akiko Hall, a pediatrician and columnist, describes how

RAISE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2012

good, healthy foods can reduce the likelihood that you or your kids will get sick with one of these bugs. “Good food translates into some protein, some carbs, not too much fat or sugar, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Protein is needed to rebuild cells in our bodies; carbs are our major energy source. Fruits and vegetables are key, because that’s where we get many essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These naturally occurring chemicals help with many important functions in our bodies, including keeping our immune systems strong.” Dr. Hall also states that getting the right amount of sleep is important to maintain healthy immune systems. Toddlers or preschoolers need about 11-13 hours of sleep a night, kids who are 5-10 years old need about 10-11 hours, for 11-13 year olds about 9-10 hours, and teens need 8-9 hours. Lastly, getting a flu shot is a key component in reducing your and your children’s risk of getting the flu. Dr. Karen Haught, Tulare County’s Public Health Officer, states that everyone over the age of six months should receive the flu shot at the beginning of flu season (November) to be protected against the flu as early as possible. The flu vaccine is available at many locations throughout the county, and a simple Internet search can help you find the one closest to you. Additionally, the Tulare County Immunization Program has a website where you can check when and where its low-cost flu clinics are being held. Unfortunately, nothing can guarantee that you won’t catch a cold or flu. If someone in your family does get sick, there are a few things to keep in mind. Remind sick individuals to keep washing their hands and covering their mouths when they cough or sneeze to avoid infecting anyone else. Overthe-counter cold medicines can be used to help relieve their symptoms – as long as they are taken as directed. Note that, if you or your child has a fever or other flu-like symptoms, it is important to stay home until at least 24 hours after the fever or symptoms have gone away. Other than that, the age-old advice is true: the best things to help one recover from the cold or flu are sleep, fluids and time.

HEALTH

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The Central Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only magazine designed for parents of children ages pre-K through high school. Reaching Visalia, Exeter, Tulare and Woodlake!

RAISE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER

2012

PETS

Caring for Your Pet this Winter Text by Valley Oak SPCA

he hustle and bustle of the holidays has begun. By taking proper precautions, you can help your pet enjoy the holiday season.

Holidays At Home  With everyone coming and going, watch out for open doors and sneaky pets.  Ask guests to keep an eye out for pets under foot and remind them that sometimes your normally friendly dog or cat may be less than willing to deal with enthusiastic children and rooms full of unfamiliar people. Provide a special quiet place with a blanket and fresh water for your pets to retreat to when the festivities get too stressful.  If you are a cat owner, note that a disruption, such as the rearrangement of furniture around the house for the holidays, may cause your feline to stop using the litter box.  Also, don’t forget, New Year’s Eve can be a scary and dangerous time for our pets. Fire crackers and sparklers can be hazardous and deadly. Loud noises can cause dogs and cats to panic and run away.  If you are going to be away from home for the holidays, whether your pets are in a kennel or with a house sitter, make sure you leave detailed instructions with the person caring for your pets, including directions for any medications, feeding schedule and veterinarian’s number.

RAISE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2012

Cold Weather Concerns  Canines may lose their sense of smell in wet, cold, winter weather, and can easily become lost. In fact, more dogs are reported lost during this time of the year than in any other season, so make sure yours always wears proper identification.  Provide your companion animal with a warm place to sleep, far away from drafts and off the floor. Dog and cat beds with a warm blanket or pillow are especially cozy.  Please keep cats inside. Felines who spend time outside can freeze or become lost, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to fatal infectious diseases, including rabies. Some outdoor cats seek warmth under the hoods of cars, so if there are any such kitties in your neighborhood, remember to bang loudly on the hood and wait a few seconds before starting your vehicle.  Leaving your pets unattended in a vehicle in extreme weather is not only dangerous, it’s also illegal. Per California Penal Code 597.7, a first conviction for violation is punishable by a fine not exceeding $100 per animal.  If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take them outdoors only long enough to relieve themselves.  Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to

housebreak during the winter. If necessary, paper train your puppy inside if they appear to be sensitive to the weather.  If your dog spends a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities, increase their supply of food, particularly protein, to keep their fur thick and healthy.  Wipe off your dog’s paws, legs and belly when they come in from outside. This will remove any salt, antifreeze or other harmful chemicals that could hurt your dog should they ingest them when licking their paws.  Antifreeze, even in very tiny doses, is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Because of its sweet taste, animals are attracted to it. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle. To prevent accidental poisonings, more and more people are using animal-friendly products that contain propylene glycol, rather than the traditional products containing ethylene glycol. Call your veterinarian or The ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA/ NAPCC) if you suspect your animal has been poisoned. If you suspect your pet has gotten into a potentially poisonous substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s emergency hotline: 1-888-4-ANI-HELP for round-the-clock telephone assistance.

FITNESS

family fun

FIT TIME Text by Andy Salazar, Empower Fitness Training

he CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends that adults and children get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week. As busy parents, 30 minutes can seem impossible with the demands of everyday life. A perfect solution is to combine family time with fitness time. This will help you reach your fitness goals, and create a life-long love of fitness for your children.

Also, introducing the concept of good sportsmanship is important at this age; parents can role model being a “good sport” along with enjoying physical activity. Here is one idea of a fun game that small children will love. The game is called “Crazy Jumps.” Start in a straight line in an open space and see who can jump the farthest. While jumping make silly gestures, sounds and movements. Record who reaches the other side of the yard first. Your preteen or teenager, however, might not enjoy a game of Crazy Jumps as much as younger children; instead you might organize a family/friend softball game or train for a local fun run.

Being physically active as a child plays a vital role in development. Exercise improves strength, coordination and endurance; it helps relieve stress, and teaches self-discipline. With childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes on the rise, exercise is more important now than ever before. Studies show that there is a direct relationship between obesity and hours spent watching TV. Exercising as a family should be a time of playing, laughing and fun. It can be as simple as riding bikes to the neighborhood park or a family-made obstacle course that challenges both parent and child. Each child will be unique in their abilities, and will vary in developmental stages. The goal for younger children (age five to eight) will be different than with your preteen or teenager. Younger children should focus on basic motor skills such as kicking, throwing and catching. They will enjoy group activities such as T-ball and soccer.

Here are a few more ideas to aid in your family fitness journey: • Play a game of Tug-of-war • Hula-hoop to your favorite ’50s music • Relay race alternating movements; hopping on one foot, bear crawl or skipping. • Play basketball Don’t make exercising a chore; it should be something you and your family look forward to doing. Set a weekly routine in motion and you and your family will be on your way to a healthier, fitter future. Remember to always warm up and stretch before any physical activity, and to cool down when the activity is finished. Be creative, burn calories, and above all have fun!

RAISE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER

2012

GARDENING

Wood Industries will provide a FREE gallon bag of garden soil to any child who stops in to start a garden project! 7715 Ave. 296, Visalia | 559.625.9426 14

RAISE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2012

Make a

GARDENING

MINI-TERRARIUM

Holidays for the

Text by Susan Schieferle, Master Gardener, University of California Cooperative Extension

ince December is a chilly month, we will take a break from planting in the garden. Do you remember the â&#x20AC;&#x153;initial bowlsâ&#x20AC;? we made using succulent plants in October? It is time to pinch off pieces from our succulents and use them to make a mini-terrarium. This terrarium imitates a succulent habitat in a tiny space. Mini-terrariums are fun to make and can be used as a holiday gift or decoration.

December gardening tip: If you have a live Christmas tree, be sure to water often. Prune dormant deciduous trees, shrubs and vines. Protect tender plants from frost by covering them with special fabric covers from the nursery. Prune rose bushes or trees you have by referring to the below website for instructions: http://ucanr.edu/sites/UC_Master_Gardeners/files/133193.pdf. November follow-up: You should see green leaves emerging from your amaryllis bulb. Check for moisture and water only when needed. Be sure your bulb has plenty of sunlight.

Supplies needed: 1. A clear, acrylic water globe, found at most craft stores 2. Loose potting soil (from a bag) 3. Small amount of petite succulents, pinched off of larger ones. 4. Straw 5. Glitter in a small shaker bottle 6. Holiday color ribbon Assembly: 1. Clean the outside of the globe; unscrew plastic lid; pry out the plastic seal inside top rim. 2. Have an adult punch three holes into the plastic seal. 3. Turning the lid upside down, place the globe on the lid for stability. 4. Gently pour or spoon loosened soil into the globe until it measures two inches from the top. 5. Gradually pour trickles of water through the top, gently stirring with a straw until moist. 6. Pinch off five to seven petite succulent leaves, leaving enough of the stem exposed to bury in the soil. 7. Using the straw, make small holes for placement of succulents. Place succulents into the soil, patting down the soil around each piece. 8. Delicately sprinkle glitter on and around succulents, being careful not to pour onto the plants. 9. Place the globe seal back on top. Display on the lid, watering through the hole as needed. Tie ribbon around the top of the globe and enjoy or give as a gift!

RAISE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER

2012

FAMILY FOCUS

Strengthening Families Text by Billie Shawl, executive director of CAPC

o you know what you can do to strengthen your own family? What can you do to support and strengthen families in your neighborhood, at work or in the community?

The US Center for the Study of Social Policy conducted extensive research and identified five factors as key requirements for every family, and particularly for families under stress or in crisis. They are called “The Protective Factors” because, when they are present, they increase the health and well being of children and families and serve as buffers that reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect. In Tulare County, the Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC) and other organizations that work with families are focusing their efforts on teaching and encouraging parents to implement these factors to help strengthen their families. The goal is to reduce the numbers of children affected by abuse and neglect. This approach builds on existing strengths within communities and families, and is being adopted as the preferred approach across the nation. Following is a summary of each of the Five Protective Factors, and future articles will take an in-depth look at each. CAPC’s goal is to help residents of Tulare County understand the role these factors play in the health of our families, so we’ll all be better prepared to help families in our circles of influence. 1. Parental Resilience is that ability to “bounce back.” We all have everyday stressors and occasional crises. How well and how quickly can we find solutions and regain our emotional stability? How positive is our attitude when things do not go right? How hopeful are we and able to roll with the punches? Parents in crisis risk directing their anger and frustrations by lashing out at their children. If parents learn to develop a more resilient approach to challenges, they are stronger and able to find creative solutions. Some people seem naturally to have a high degree of resilience, but others need help and encouragement to develop it. On a scale of 1-10, how resilient are you? 2. Knowledge of Parenting and Child and Youth Development means that parents have tools to help channel their child’s behaviors. Knowing what to expect at different ages and stages helps parents know what is appropriate and what behaviors may not be appropriate. Since children do not come with “manuals,” there is often a lot of “on-the-job” learning. The more parents know about how to parent and what children do at each level of their development, the more effective a parent is at guiding his or her child to be happy and well adjusted. Not all parents had good parental role models. Parenting skills have changed over the years, so what was once considered the way to handle children may not be the best or most creative way to deal with a situation today. Hopefully, we humans are learning more and more about effective tools to raise a child. What have you learned that works best in dealing with your child? Does the same approach work with every child? 16

RAISE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2012

3. Social Connections means that parents have someone to turn to for advice, for a listening ear, for emotional support, and for help. Isolated families, whether the isolation is circumstantial or happens because parents remove themselves from others, are more likely to resort to behaviors that are not healthy or life enhancing. Because of our modern lifestyles, people can be isolated emotionally, and it is common today to not know one’s neighbors. Families that have people around them can receive the emotional support, encouragement and assistance they need from time to time. Who is in your circle of support? Whose circle are you a part of? 4. Concrete Support in Times of Need directly affects a family’s ability to care for their children. Not to have what a child needs, whether it is shelter, a bed, food, clothing, or medical attention, is very distressing and stressful for parents. It is easy to imagine how parents must feel during natural disasters when meeting these basic needs is difficult. But many Tulare County families live below the poverty level and struggle every day to meet these needs. Our families face a variety of barriers to gaining the help they need, including language, culture, transportation, and the lack of knowledge about where to go for help. Higher levels of financial insecurity can result in increased incidents of child neglect and abuse. In Tulare County, families can find resources by dialing 211, which connects them to a person at a computer with access to an up-to-date database of services and resources. However, friends and neighbors, coworkers or churches can serve critical roles in helping to meet a family’s needs. Who do you help and who helps you? Is there a family in your neighborhood who needs help today? 5. Social and Emotional Competence of children relates to a child’s ability to know what he or she is feeling, express emotions appropriately, and empathize and relate with others. Children who are able to be social and share with others tend to create much less tension and stress on the family and those around them. These children have learned to adapt in the family, at preschool, and other situations that put them with other children and adults. They are happier and other people want to be around them. These children are also those who tend not to command negative attention and “push the buttons” of the people around them. How well does your child relate to others? While strengthening families with the Five Protective Factors is the approach of professionals working with families in need, it is also a way for communities, neighborhoods, and extended families to help each other. Communities and neighborhoods can support connections to help reduce isolation. Instead of judgment and condemnation, offers of material and emotional support can make a difference in how parents respond. As a result, families are strengthened and children are protected. The challenge is to put into action the idea that “it takes a village to raise of child.” Put the protective factors to work in your family and with families in your neighborhood, your school, church, or those you meet along the way. Everyone will benefit, especially the children who might have been the ones to experience abuse and neglect. You may never know what effect your actions may have.

DENTAL HEALTH

Enamel Defects Text by Mariya Grigoryan, D.M.D.

melogenesis Imperfecta (AI) is a hereditary tooth development disorder in which the teeth are covered with thin, abnormally formed enamel. AI is passed down through families as a dominant trait. That means you only need to get the abnormal gene from one parent in order for you to get the disease.

The enamel of the tooth is soft and thin. The teeth appear yellow and are easily damaged. Dentists can identify and diagnose the condition. If this condition is left untreated, the enamel is easily fractured and damaged. The teeth have a high risk of dental

cavities and are hypersensitive to temperature changes. In the United States, one in 14,000 people are diagnosed with this condition. Teeth affected by this condition may be prone to disintegration either post eruption or pre-eruption. Treatment for this disorder is complex. Adolescents affected with AI have been known to become reclusive and withdrawn, and even to threaten suicide because of their disfigured teeth. Treatment of baby teeth and adult teeth usually involve crown restorations. Children with AI usually have malocclusion (crooked teeth), thus it is important to have a restorative dentist and orthodontist be involved in the treatment process.

Gentle, Caring Touch Dentistry At the office of Dr. Mariya Grigoryan your child's smile is our priority. We offer comprehensive care for the whole family.

• Periodontal Care • Laser Treatments • Restorative Work • Orthodontics • Teeth Whitening • Implants THE OFFICE OF

Dr. Mariya Grigoryan, D.M.D. 2634 W. Walnut Ave. Visalia CA 93277 p 559.732.7224

The Grigoryan family Simon, Mariya, Hyke and Gary

Boston Graduate School of Dentistry, Certificate for Orthodontic Treatment Certificate for Oral Conscience Sedation, Fellowship Recognition for Implant Placement Member American Dental Implant Association, Certificate for San Francisco Implant Placement

RAISE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER

2012

Tis’ the

NUTRITION

erry, Christmas! I have a gift for you this December: you get to bake your cake and eat it, too! You are welcome.

What comes with Christmas? Warm, baked goods fresh out of the oven–cookies, cakes, sweet breads, and more. Our children, husbands, parents, siblings, friends, neighbors all love comfort baked goods. Now you can give them these homemade, delicious, memory-building gifts with an even higher level of thoughtfulness … you can make them healthier. We all love baked goods, but unfortunately the primary ingredients are sugar and fat … the good news is we can change that. Healthier doesn’t mean more difficult; it’s all about substitutions. Use fruit substitutes in place of butter, margarine, or shortening. Instead of these fatty oils, use fruit purees like applesauce (my personal favorite), pear, apricot or prune. These fruits have natural sugar, instead of processed sugar, which adds sweetness and flavor, and is easier for our bodies to process. Using fruit as the “fat” in the recipe is a huge alteration, and makes for guilt-free eating. You can use the full amount of fruit puree in place of the fat, or for maximum texture and flavor, only replace half. (I get my fruit throughout the seasons and puree what my little family won’t eat and then freeze it in freezer quart bags. This way, I have it when I want to bake in the winter and holiday seasons and I don’t waste the fresh fruit.) If you don’t have any fruit puree handy, you can also use baby food fruits or yogurt; try a different one with each batch and decide what your favorite regiment is. We’ve worked on the fat, now let’s tackle the sugar. As I said before, using the fruit puree will add a natural sugar and sweetness to your dessert, so because of this, you can decrease

RAISE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2012

your sugar by 25 percent. For example, if it calls for 1⅓ cup sugar, use ¾ to 1 cup. Then increase your sweet spices (like cinnamon, pumpkin spice, etc.) by ¼ of a teaspoon also. You’ll be amazed by the outcome; your baked goods will come out sweet and delicious. I always enjoy sharing these sweet treats with my three young children because I know they have less fat, less sugar, and the kids love them. We can all become “The World’s Best Mom”. Cutting down on the fat and sugar is what will help the most with healthy baking, but here’s another way to encourage positive eating habits with our delicious desserts this holiday: try swapping some of your white flour for whole wheat flour. (I have done the full amount with wheat flour in some recipes, which turned out great, but then had to pull back and use less on other recipes that needed the lighter flour for the best results. I usually start with half white, half wheat, and then up the amount a little each batch to see what balance is acceptable.) Whole wheat flour helps our children with portion control; it makes them feel fuller faster and longer so they won’t eat as much. Two cookies will satisfy their craving instead of four, and that’s a huge difference. Making these small changes in your homemade comfort foods will change the result of holiday eating … no more ten-pound gain. Remember that even though these are healthier options, everything should be eaten in moderation. Warm snickerdoodles are a delicious treat – one is not enough, but two could be. Enjoy them and then give your body a break before you and your kids devour more. Having even just an hour in between will allow time for our bodies to battle the next sweet treat it will have to break down and process. Our goal is to burn it as energy instead of storing it as fat. Skip the store-bought cookie dough or cake mix and whip up a homemade (and home-altered) recipe that you can feel especially great about giving and eating. Happy Holidays and Happy Baking!

Season

NUTRITION

to be

Baking

Text by Rebecca Reynolds, Local Business Owners

Tip #1: Transforming your batter into lower-fat can leave the dough a little more sticky … remember to spray your pans or cookie sheets with canola or vegetable oil to reduce losing your final product on the pan. Tip #2: If you’re worried about cholesterol, use egg substitutes. You can purchase and use Egg Beaters, or if you don’t have those on hand, you can substitute 2 egg whites for one whole egg. This saves 10 grams of fat and 100 calories.

RAISE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER

2012

POSITIVE PARENTING

Foster Parenting Text by Child Welfare Services

mericans everywhere seem to get excited about opportunities to make a difference, and to share and care for their neighbors and others in need. We know that Tulare County is no different. There is no shortage of charitable organizations here and Tulare County residents give generously. But have you ever thought about making a more direct impact on someone’s life? More specifically, a child’s life?

The opportunity to make a significant and lasting difference in a child’s life is available to you. In Tulare County, there is a dire need for individuals to participate in our Foster Care program by becoming foster parents to children who are in need of a home. Foster Care is a program that provides shelter to children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or abandonment, or when parents are ill or incarcerated. Care may be needed for a child on an emergency basis for just a short period of time, or for a period of time lasting years. More than 1,000 children in Tulare County’s Foster Care program are cared for by wonderful foster parents, but many more children are still in need of a secure and stable home. The minimum requirements for becoming a foster parent are relatively simple. You must: ✔ Be 18 years of age or older. ✔ Be financially self-supporting (able to meet your own family needs). ✔ Receive a criminal record clearance and have no criminal records involving violent crimes or crimes against children. ✔ Participate in CPR and First Aid Certification courses (provided by Tulare County’s Foster Care Licensing Program). ✔ Have a home that meets basic safety requirements. Becoming a foster parent is a truly rewarding experience, and individuals from diverse backgrounds have chosen to participate in our Foster Care program. The one thing they all have in common is that they have the desire to help our county’s children. Drew and Ganessa, a Tulare County fostering couple, give a personal account of the foster parenting experience: Q: How long have you been foster parents, and how many foster kids do you have? We’ve been foster parents for almost three years. Currently we have one foster daughter, age 18 months, and we are in the process of adopting our daughter who joined our home at 15 months old, and our son who joined our home at his birth.

Q: How did you decide that you wanted to become foster parents? We both love children and had heard there was a great need for good foster parents. We discussed our intentions with our teenage daughters and once we realized they were on board with us becoming a foster family and were excited to help, we knew it was right to move forward, so we did so excitedly. Q: Once you made that decision, what did you do? We contacted the Tulare County Child Welfare Services department and were put in touch with a very lovely person named Mary Morton, who then directed us to orientation so that we could move forward with the process. Q: Were there staff and resources available to help you through the process of becoming a foster parent? Amazing staff and resources were available to us throughout the entire process and are still currently available to assist us, even years after becoming licensed foster parents. Q: What has been the greatest reward of being a foster parent? Drew’s answer: Knowing that I can give a child some happiness and stability, all while helping a child and his or her family is the greatest reward for me. Ganessa’s answer: The greatest reward for me is getting to work with the children in our home and their parents. It has been extremely rewarding to be able to witness the major changes and transformations that take place, not only for the children, but for their parents as well. If you would like to know more about becoming a foster parent, Tulare County’s Foster Care Licensing staff provides monthly information sessions and orientations. Our licensing staff will help you through the process of becoming a licensed foster parent, at every step of the way. And as Drew and Ganessa stated, ongoing training, support and resources for our foster parents are always available. Please call with any questions or to inquire about upcoming foster parent orientations at (559) 623-0581. This could be your opportunity to make a significant difference in a child’s life.

RAISE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2012

POSITIVE PARENTING

623-0581 Children of all ages throughout Tulare County need safe place as they go through a difficult time in their lives.

Are you ready to be their shelter in a storm? Tulare County Foster Care Licensing offers: • Ongoing training • Support and mentors • Networking

Attend one of our orientations Thursday, November 1, 2012* Thursday, November 15, 2012* Thursday, December 6, 2012*

*Call

623-0581 to RSVP

We will hold your big hands as you connect with little ones.

An Independent Practice Association providing

excellence in mental and behavioral health care delivery in Central California Kristin Sorensen Alldredge, LMFT

Melinda L. Mauro, LCSW

Ross M. Becker, PhD, LCSW

Mary K. McDonald, PhD

Frances E. Becker, LCSW Paul C. Bennett, LCSW

Mike Mayo, LCSW Lisa A. Miller, PhD

Sandra T. Bennett, LCSW

Lori Pasion-Gonzales, PhD

Linda Del Rio, LMFT

Diane B. Post, LCSW

Lynn W. Gonzales, LCSW

David G. Richards, LCSW

Sue Enterline, LCSW

Colleen Richards, LCSW

Jacquelyn Harris-Groeber, PhD Kent Henry, LMFT

John A. Mauro, LCSW

Frony Ritter, LMFT

Michael H. Shaffer, LCSW, LMFT Barry Sommer, LEP, LMFT

1212 W. Main Street Visalia, CA 93291 559-738-0644

www.thehelixgroup.org RAISE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER

2012

ADVENTURES

Snowshoeing

hink it’s harder to find outdoor activities in the snow without purchasing expensive snowboards, skis or other snow-trekking equipment? Well, think again. Snowshoeing can be a great adventure for the whole family and often at a cheaper price than paying for a pass at a ski lodge.

Wolverton Meadow in Sequoia National Park features a large snow play area, perfect for snowshoeing and other family-fun activities. Many say, if you can walk, you can snowshoe. Snowshoes work by distributing the weight of the person over a larger area so that the person’s foot does not sink completely into the snow, a quality called “flotation.” They make exploring the powdery snow that much more enjoyable, and possible, without over-exertion and soggy socks. The park offers Ranger-led walks; generally two-hour, one-mile walks which include free snowshoes for your group. These walks are favorites for those looking to make visiting the Sequoias in the winter an educational and insightful experience as well as just good oldfashioned fun in the snow. For those looking to make their own adventure and go off on their own, the Wuksachi Lodge rents a variety of snowshoes at great prices. It’s important to keep in mind that for some children, snowshoeing can be strenuous, but for kids who’d like to try the sport, Wuksachi has Monster Dino™ snowshoes to make their time on the trail even more fun! There are plenty of trails to choose from to explore the beauty and serenity of the Sequoias and the friendly staff at Wuksachi are always happy to help you plan your adventure.

RAISE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2012

In addition to the lower price of rental equipment, snowshoeing is a safer sport than the typical snowboarding or skiing activities, and it’s easy to learn! It is a great way to keep up with physical fitness during the winter months and a perfect way to enjoy the mountain air at the same time. The go-at-your-own pace of snowshoeing provides views of the Sequoias one can’t get speeding down a mountainside or from a lodge window. Although this local adventure is suggested for a fun experience with friends and family, many have taken to snowshoeing as a favorite hobby – notably runners and hikers. Snowshoeing is one of the fastestgrowing winter sports and one of the easiest to get started with. So, this adventure could very likely end up a past-time. The beauty and proximity of our very own Sequoia National Park surely make it a possibility. For more information, visit the Sequoia National Park and Wuksachi Lodge website at www.visitsequoia.com.

COLLEGE PREP

A Closer Look at Community College Text by Jesus and Adriana Gonzalez, Educational Consultants, ILEAD

eginning a career at community college can lead a student to be just as successful as one who directly enters into a four-year university. Some parents will encourage their child to begin their career at a community college to help ease the transition and rigors of â&#x20AC;&#x153;college lifeâ&#x20AC;? while obtaining the first part of their education at only a fraction of the cost.

Community college tuition currently ranges anywhere from $1,200 up to $1,800 per year (not including cost of books or other expenses). Also appealing is the fact that a community college can be in close proximity to a family support system. Additionally, communities in surrounding areas of a college district or campus tend to have local transportation system programs with discounted fares or student promotions, which help to alleviate transportation as a barrier in accessing a college education. These are some reasons community college can be a great first choice. If your child is entering community college with the goal of transferring to a four-year university, an extremely helpful resource that shows what courses articulate (transfer) to another institution is www.assist.org. This website shows the agreements between accredited colleges for courses that can be transferred from one institution to another. Although it is a free and accessible resource, it is highly encouraged that this tool be utilized with the guidance of a college advisor or counselor. Students attending community college in years past were able to wait on declaring a major, however, now students will be asked to select a major program of study

upon college entrance in order to efficiently work towards completing their educational goals. Students who begin their college career with uncertainty, as many will, can consult the career center where they can find resources including a battery of tests that provide helpful information. The results can help them to determine a career path, whether it be vocational, a two-year degree, or for transfer. Most community colleges offer student success or career courses that help students navigate college career paths and campus resources. Furthermore, there are several academic support programs that focus on first-year students developing successful educational habits while promoting networking relationships with local community members that in turn can help students meet their academic and professional goals. Your child can ask their high school counselor for more information or contact your local community college. Resource: For up-to-date information on community colleges or any postsecondary institution in the U.S. visit the Department of Education website: www.collegecost.ed.gov and select the College Affordability and Transparency List link.

RAISE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER

2012

CALENDAR

december 2012

calendar of events dates to remember

Mystery of the Christmas Star DECEMBER 7

Santa Paws DECEMBER 8

Resolution Run JANUARY 1

DECEMBER

RAISE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2012

JANUARY

CALENDAR

6 Downtown Visalia’s Holiday Open House

8 Santa Paws Zoo staff will celebrate the holidays by giving 'presents' to the animals in their care. Elephants, lemurs and orangutans will be among the animals receiving the chance to rip the wrapping off of tasty treats. General admission: adults $7; children $3 (ages 2-11); Fresno Chaffee Zoo Members are FREE. When: Dec. 8; 9a-6p Where: Fresno Chaffee Zoo, 894 W. Belmont, Fresno Contact: www.fresnochaffeezoo.com

Take a ride on our horse-drawn carriage for just $5 (up to four people) then stop by 109 W. Main Street for your $5 photo with Santa. New this year is the Spectacular Polynesian Fire Dancing Team performance at 7 p.m. west side of Encina Street. Bring a canned food items to support our month-long food drive benefitting a local food pantry. When: Dec. 6 and 13, and 20; 5-8p Where: Downtown Visalia Contact: 732-7737 or www.downtownvisalia.com 15 Model Train Display Presented by the Visalia Electric Railroad Modelers and Historical Society. For two 7 Mystery of the Christmas Star days, all layouts will be running. Display will New show! This modern reference to the be located next to Hobby Lobby. Admission traditional Christmas story investigates is free; donations are welcome. possible dates for the birth of Christ and When: Dec. 15 (10a-8p); Dec. 16 (11a-6p) looks at recorded sightings of significant Where: Sequoia Mall, astronomical events during this important 3303 S. Mooney, Visalia time in history. What signs in the sky might Contact: Cecil or Darlene Eppler 733-1196 have been so intriguing as to cause three wise men to cross a desert in search of a newborn King? Mystery of the Christmas Star will 1 Resolution Run answer all of these questions and more, while Bank of the Sierra's 1st Annual Resolution charming audiences of all ages. Tickets $4. Run is here to promote good health as well When: Dec. 7 and 14; 7p as giving back to the community. Distances Where: Pena Planetarium, include 5k, and a kids 1-mile run. Two 2500 W. Burrel Ave., Visalia charities, chosen by public vote, will be Contact: 737-6334 awarded the Resolution Run proceeds. Register by December 28. When: Jan. 1; 9:30a 7 Friday Nite Rocks! Where: Bank of the Sierra, A fun-filled night, for kids ages 5-13, of 128 E. Main St., Visalia Rockwall climbing (child must weigh at least 30 pounds to climb the Rockwall), games Contact: www.valleyresolutionrun.com and interactive play with the new XerDance system. Wireless dance pads provide a fun Zoolights at Fresno Chaffee Zoo and interactive atmosphere! Pre-Registration: Spend a quiet evening at the Zoo with your $5 members/$15 non-members; day of the family. Go for a stroll through brilliantly event: $10 members/$20 non-members. lit pathways, take a photo with Santa, and Registration closes at 3 p.m. the day of event. enjoy live entertainment. Complimentary hot Space is limited to 20 participants. chocolate and cookies will be served. General When: Dec. 7; 6-8p admission: adults $6; children $3 (ages 2-11). Where: The Lifestyle Center, When: Most evenings in Dec.; 5-8p 5105 W. Cypress, Visalia Where: Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Contact: 624-3416 894 W. Belmont, Fresno Contact: www.fresnochaffeezoo.com

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias

Offering children ages 6-18 a safe and fun place to go to after school. Programs focus on education, sports, arts, healthy life skills and character building. $10 annual fee. When: Mon. – Fri., hours vary by community Where: Visalia, Exeter, Tulare, Porterville, Farmersville and Ivanhoe Contact: 592-4074 or www.bgcsequoias.org Imagine U Interactive Children’s Museum

Imagine U offers a variety of weekly interactive exhibits, events, and activities designed to entertain and engage your preschool child. Cost: $5 ages 2 & up When: Wed.-Fri., 10a-4p & Sat., 12-4p Where: 700 E. Main St., Visalia Contact: 733-5975 or www.imagineumuseum.org AgVentures at Heritage Complex

Agricultural Learning Center and Farm Equipment Museum with nearly 15 professionally designed interactive displays. Children learn about science and technology, food and nutrition, environmental issues, social studies and more! When: Mon.-Fri., 9a-4p Where: International Agri-Center, 4450 S. Laspina St., Tulare Contact: Venue Phone, 688-1030 Visalia Farmers’ Market – Harvest of the Valley

Weekly event open to the public featuring free live music, kids’ activities, cooking demonstrations and local, fresh produce available for purchase. The market also accepts EBT and WIC. When: Saturdays, 8-11:30a Where: Sears parking lot at Mooney and Caldwell, Visalia Contact: 967-6722 or www.visaliafarmersmarket.com

RAISE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER

2012

SAFETY

Keep Your Holidays

From Going Up in Flames! Text by Tulare County Fire Department

or most of us, the holiday season represents a time for family festivities and good cheer. What few of us consider is that the holiday season is a time when there is an increased risk of home fires. According to Tulare County Fire Department, many households engage in holiday activities that serve as some of the leading causes of U.S. home fires, including cooking. Christmas trees, candle usage and holiday decorations also significantly contribute to the seasonal causes of home fires. Add to that the hectic nature of the holidays, when people are trying to accomplish multiple tasks at one time, and the chance for home fires grows even further.

“As everyone gets busier during the holidays, we often become rushed, distracted or tired,” says Cyndi Delman, fire inspector of Tulare County Fire Department. “That’s when home fires are more likely to occur.” Fortunately, with a little added awareness and some minor adjustments to holiday cooking and decorating, the season can remain festive and safe for everybody. “By taking some preventative steps and following simple rules of thumb, most home fires can be prevented,” says Delman. With unattended cooking as the leading cause of U.S. home fires and home fire injuries, it is recommended to stay in the kitchen while you’re frying, grilling or broiling food. Most cooking fires involve the stovetop, so keep anything that can catch fire away from it, and turn off the stove when you leave the kitchen, even if it’s for a short period of time. If you’re simmering, boiling, baking or roasting food, check it regularly and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking. Also create a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food and drinks are prepared or carried. Have activities that keep kids out of the kitchen during this busy time. Games, puzzles or books can keep them busy. Candles are widely used in homes throughout the holidays, and December is the peak month for home candle fires. The nonprofit National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) statistics show that more than half of all candle fires start because the candles had been too close to things that could catch fire. It is encouraged that residents consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles. However, if you do use traditional candles, keep them at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn, and remember to blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed. Use candleholders that are sturdy, won’t tip over and are placed on uncluttered surfaces. Avoid using candles in the bedroom where two out of five U.S. candle fires begin, or other areas where people may fall asleep. Lastly, never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle. According to NFPA, U.S. fire departments annually respond to an average of 250 structure fires caused by Christmas trees. Nearly

RAISE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2012

half of them are caused by electrical problems, and one in four resulted from a heat source too close to the tree. Tulare County Fire Department offers the following advice for picking, placing and lighting the tree: • If you have an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant. • If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut 1-2 inches from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand, and be sure to water it daily. • Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit, and is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights. • Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use. • Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of ministring sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. • Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. • Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed. • After Christmas, get rid of the tree. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside the home. • Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer. By following these fire prevention tips and measures, you can greatly reduce the risk of fire in your home, and enjoy a safe holiday season. “The holidays can quickly turn from joyful to tragic when a fire occurs,” says Delman. “By taking simple precautions, people can avoid potential fire hazards, and make this time of year a healthy and happy one.”

RESOURCES City Information

important numbers at a glance:

• Tulare County website www.co.tulare.ca.us • City of Visalia website www.ci.visalia.ca.us • City of Tulare website www.ci.tulare.ca.us • City of Exeter website www.cityofexeter.com • City of Woodlake website www.cityofwoodlake.com • Visalia Parks & Recreation, (559) 713-4365

Other Important Numbers County & City

Fire & Police • Tulare County Fire Department, (559) 747-8233 • Visalia Fire Department, (559) 713-4266 • Tulare Fire Department, (559) 684-4300 • Exeter Fire Department, (559) 592-3714 • Woodlake Fire Department, (559) 564-2181 • Tulare County Sheriff’s Department, (559) 636-4625; (559) 733-6218 • Visalia Police Department (Non-Emergency), (559) 734-8116 • Visalia Police Department, Gang Suppression and Narcotics Unit, (anonymous tip hotline) (559) 713-4737 • Tulare County - End Gang Hotline, (888) 363-4264 • Tulare Police Department, (559) 684-4238; (559) 686-3454 • Exeter Police Department, (559) 592-3103 • Woodlake Police Department, (559) 564-3325 • Kings & Tulare County California Highway Patrol, (559) 441-5400

Medical • Kaweah Delta Medical Center, (559) 624-2000 Emergency Room, (559) 624-2213 • Visalia Walk-In Medical Clinic, (559) 627-5555 • Tulare Regional Medical Center, (559) 688-0821 • Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency, (559) 624-8000 • Children’s Hospital Central California, (559) 353-3000

Education • Tulare County Library, (559) 713-2700; www.tularecountylibrary.org • Tulare County Office of Education, (559) 733-6300; www.tcoe.org • Visalia Unified School District, (559) 730-7300; www.vusd.org • Tulare City School District, (559) 685-7200; www.tcsdk8.org • Exeter Union School District, (559) 592-9421; www.exeter.k12.ca.us • Woodlake Public Schools, (559) 564-8081; www.woodlakepublicschools.org

Add your numbers below

• Tulare County Services - United Way, Dial 2-1-1; www.211ca.org • Delta Vector Control District, (559) 732-8606; www.deltavcd.com • Tulare & Kings Counties Suicide Prevention Task Force (Non-crisis), (559) 624-7471; www.sptf.org • Child Abuse Prevention Council, (559) 735-0456; www.tularecountycapc.org • Domestic Violence/Shelters, (559) 732-5941, (559) 685-9515; www.fstc.net • Sexual Assault 24-hr Confidential Hotline, (559) 732-7273; www.fstc.net • Alcohol/Drug Programs, (559) 733-6123 • Parenting Network, (559) 625-0384; www.parentingnetwork.org • Tulare-Kings Right To Life, (559) 732-5000; www.tkrl.org • The IRMA Network, (559) 732-5000; www.theirmanetwork.org • Latinos4Life, (559) 732-5000; www.latinos4life.org • Tulare County Animal Control, (559) 713-4957 • Visalia Animal Control, (559) 564-3346 • 5ive5ive9ine (Teen Health), 559teensmatter.org

Nationwide • American Association of Poison Control Centers, (800) 222-1222; www.aapcc.org • Center for Disease Control and Prevention, (800) 232-4636; www.cdc.gov • California Poison Control, (800) 222-1222; www.calpoison.org • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, (800) 273-8255; www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org • The Trevor Project (LGBTQ), (866) 488-7386; www.thetrevorproject.com • Child Abuse 24-hr Hotline, (800) 331-1585 • Missing Child Hotline, (800) 843-5678 • Road Conditions, (800) 427-7623

REMEMBER, WHEN IN DOUBT, DIAL

9-1-1

Add your numbers below

RAISE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER

2012