June 2013 by DMI Agency

y o u r

c e n t r a l

v a l l e y

20 e n ju

f a m i l y

r e s o u r c e

Nutrition

Nuts Have It All!

Positive Parenting

Parent Agency Collaborative Effort (PACE)

Arts & Crafts Mini Lava Lamps

RAISE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013

EDITOR’S LETTER

f you’ve been a parent for more than a day you know it’s both abundantly rewarding and at times, frustrating. What parent hasn’t had to leave a store with a tantrumthrowing toddler in hand, or heard from their teenager’s lips how they were the worst parent in the world? Most parents can empathize with the challenging moments of childrearing. But what do you do if you suspect a child is being abused? Often it’s easier to look the other way, or minimize the signs, fearful to get involved. On page 14, Child Welfare Services explains “Reporting Child Abuse” and gives direct answers to questions perhaps we’ve all had at one time or another.

Maybe you’re a mom or a dad looking for support or to develop stronger parenting skills. If this sounds like a great idea then we have even better news for you. Formed in 2012, The Parent Agency Collaborative Effort (PACE) provides opportunities for parents to network with others parents in their communities and improve parenting skills. For more information about PACE and how a parent can make a difference in a child’s life, turn to page 10. Kids love to watch things grow and planting a garden provides delight as well as teaches them how to nurture. Right now is the perfect time for planting sunflowers and on page 12 Master Gardener Susan Schieferle provides instruction, as well as the recipe for making your own edible sunflower seeds. Now that’s a double bonus! Whatever stage of parenting you find yourself, we thank you for making us your trusted resource for current parenting topics. We are always happy to hear from you about articles that have provided valuable information or inspiration. We hope you’ll continue reaching out to us over the summer, and remember to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen if you find yourself out of doors.

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 | JUNE 2013

JUN

0 E 2

PUBLISHED BY DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291

EDITORIAL Executive Editor Karen Tellalian

Gardening

Assistant Editor TAYLOR VAUGHN

Got Sunflowers?

Content Editor Kyndal Kennedy ART & PRODUCTION Art Director ROSS Yukawa Graphic Designer CHRIS BLY

in this issue

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ADAM VALENCIA

Behavior

16 Arts & Crafts

Autism: The Wide Spectrum

18 Health

Humor

23 Happy Trails

Keith E. Williams

I’ve Figured It Out

25 Dental

Susan Schieferle

Jesus & Adriana Gonzalez

28 Calendar

31 Resources

Reporting Child Abuse: FAQ’s

Account Executive Bryce McDonald

Career and College Ready

SALES OFFICE 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 559.739.1747 • Fax 559.738.0909

24 Reading List

Board Books to Teach Tots

27 Family Focus

Strengthening Families Protective Factor #4: Social and Emotional Competence of Children

30 Safety

Cyber Bullying: Bullying in the Digital Age

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 area. 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. © 2013 DMI Agency

RAISE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Malkasian Accountancy LLP Gary Malkasian CPA JEFFREY Malkasian EA

ADVERTISING SALES Advertising Director Bridget Elmore

Nuts Have It All!

22 College Prep

Yeymi De Leon

Operations Manager Maria Gaston

20 Nutrition

LISA MILLER Virginia Strawser

26 Pet Care

Parent Agency Collaborative Effort (PACE)

Crystal R. R. Edwards JUSTIN & REBECCA REYNOLDS

10 Positive Parenting 14 Child Welfare

Billie Shawl

VIEW THE MAG ONLINE! issuu.com/raisemagazine

Facebook.com/RaiseMagazine

ON THE COVER: Joseph Parten, 3, of Visalia. (Photo by Jenny Parten)

RAISE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013

BEHAVIOR

Autism

T h e W ide Text by Lisa Miller, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist

RAISE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013

BEHAVIOR

t would be wonderful to have the type of memory that would allow freedom from all calendars, including Smartphone reminder chimes. Or perhaps it would be desirable to have more specific information at one’s fingertips such as knowing the statistics for every baseball player in both leagues. I have met children who can recite every member of the United States Government, past and present as well as every officer and battle in the civil war. Another young man is able to name not only the planets in the solar system, but also many other stars and galaxies, along with being an expert on the weather.

Spect rum Children and adults (which include accomplished individuals like Albert Einstein and Temple Grandin) with these talents often also have characteristics which place them on the spectrum of the pervasive developmental disorders as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV. Pervasive developmental disorders include Autism and Asperger’s Disorder or Syndrome. One of the main characteristics that differentiate gifted children with great memories from those on the spectrum is that of social difficulties. They struggle with being able to “read” people’s facial expressions and body language. They may not be able to make eye contact and cannot understand abstract concepts. For example, the statement, “It is raining cats and dogs,” may have a child looking for a new pet to fall from the sky into their arms. Being able to tell the difference between teasing versus bullying is another area of social difficulty. Sensory problems, such as being overwhelmed by loud noises, and having texture issues with food and clothing, are also prevalent. Many children choose to wear the same outfit day after day as it is the only one that “feels right.” Motor skills, such as kicking a ball or running also may accompany the other signs of being on the spectrum. So if your child is on the spectrum, how can she or he be helped to learn and excel in school and to fit in with their peers and get along with their siblings? First of all, parents of these children should know they are not alone. There has been a major increase in the number of youngsters diagnosed with spectrum disorders. While the cause of this increase is Books for Parents and Children Can I tell you about Asperger Syndrome? by Jude Welton Different Like Me by Jennifer Elder

unknown at this time, your child is likely one of several on the campus – and perhaps in the classroom – coping with these differences. Being sympathetic goes a long way in supporting these students in the class and these children at home. Being paired with a good student as a study buddy is a great idea, when possible. Decreasing sensory input is extremely helpful and actually necessary to improve the functioning of these individuals. Background noise can be very distracting. Also, preferential seating near the teacher eliminates visual distractions. These students may benefit from taking tests in a quiet environment, like the library. At home, turning down or turning off the television or music and speaking slowly in a soft tone of voice is helpful. Having a quiet, uncluttered, soothing place at home may be more easily accomplished than one at school, but even a quiet corner or being allowed to take a break in the office can help with school stress. Keeping a routine is essential, and when this cannot be done, being given a warning that a change in schedule is possible greatly reduces the chance of undesirable reactions (both external and internal). Structured social situations, like youth groups, are a positive, safe place for children to practice their social skills. Team sports may be a challenge for those on the spectrum; allow your child to try out different activities to see what they enjoy. Sports like martial arts, gymnastics or swimming may be a good fit as the participant is not singled out and is really competing against themselves. Art and music lessons may reveal other talents. Finally, relax and enjoy your delightful, talented and wonderfully unique child! Books for Parents The Everything Guide to Children with Asperger’s Syndrome by William Stillman The Way I See It by Temple Grandin, Ph.D. Look Me In the Eye by John Elder Robison

Web Site Resources www.unlockingautism.org www.aspergersydrome.org www.autism-society.org

RAISE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013

HUMOR

I’ve Figured It Out Text by Crystal R. R. Edwards

RAISE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013

HUMOR

t’s a well-established fact that I am not a morning person. Even as a kid, I would wander downstairs after hitting the snooze button four times, grunt when anybody talked to me, and pour myself a cup of coffee before lurching to a quiet corner of the house to stare at a wall and de-fog before heading to school. This is a nature-not-nurture thing. My mother is God’s own little chirpy bird who wakes up at 4:00 a.m. to clean the house, do the morning crossword puzzle, and work on world peace. I had her example shining at me for years, and still I barely manage to be functional before my third coffee.

My children seemed to take after their grandmother. They wake up every day right at dawn, no matter how late they were up the night before. They come downstairs prepared for breakfast and stimulating conversation on topics such as, “Can Superman see kryptonite through walls and thereby avoid traps?” and, “What happens in the fridge when the light goes out?” (The answers are “No” and “The leftovers multiply,” respectively.) They are full of noise and activity and demands and chaos. However, now that Birdie Sue is 10, the truth is slowly being revealed. She, at least, is not a throwback. She comes down the stairs, gets a cup of coffee, and sits on the couch in a daze. She looks like her dad, but she’s me to the core. Hedgehog is six and Tapper is four, and they’re still bouncing around the kitchen like coffeeaddicted kittens in a roomful of grasshoppers. But I think their time is coming, too. You see, I’ve figured it out. The previous mayhem and morning whirl was part of a plot. My children were engaged in a conspiracy to drive me out of my mind, one loud morning at a time. I’m on to them now. Here’s how I envision it. The three of them got together and planned out their day before I ever got up. The conversation must have gone something like this: Birdie Sue: Hey, Hedgie. ’Sup? Hedgehog: Not much. You? Birdie Sue: Nothin’ yet. Let’s go get Tapper. [Sound of door opening, boy waking up and crying out.] Tapper: Holy cats, you scared me! I was dreaming about my dried frog collection. What’s goin’ on? Birdie Sue: Nothin’ much, but we gotta hurry and plan our day before Mom wakes up. Hegehog: I made a list last night after lights-out. We haven’t done the “puke and gag on it” trick in a while. Tapper: Okay, I’m on it. What time? Hedgehog: Well, if you do that at 7:30, I’ll be ready for a neardeath experience sometime shortly after. Birdie Sue: Cool. I’ve been working up some real good original messes, so I’ll follow Hedgie’s stunt with a tempera paint and cat litter cocktail. Can I use your sippy? Tapper: Yeah, just don’t break it. It’s my favorite Diego one. Hedgehog: So this takes us up to about 8:15. Wanna play “Buzzword” again? Birdie Sue: Yeah! What’ll it be today? Tapper: How about “Arrgh”?

Birdie Sue: That’s always a cool one. She won’t know what hit her. Okay, so we all know the rules. Every time Mom says “Aargh!” to one of us, that one quiets down and another one takes over being hysterical. Hedgehog: Got it. Tapper: Got it. Birdie Sue: What do you guys want for lunch today? Hedgehog: PB & J. Tapper: Sandwich and ... I don’t know. Any suggestions? Hedgehog: Dog hair, sidewalk chalk, the wheels of a Matchbox car ... Birdie Sue: Nah, he’s done those a couple of times in the last few days. Let’s kick it up a notch. How about her engagement ring? Hedgehog: Yeah! I know where she keeps it. I can sneak into her jewelry cabinet and filch it while she’s plunging the toilet. [Pause.] Did I tell you guys about that? Birdie Sue and Tapper, in unison: No. Hedgehog: Well, about three or so this morning I stuffed a Pull Up, a doll, and half the box of Mega Blocks into the toilet and flushed it a few times. Mom will have to fish the Mega Blocks out by hand, rescue the doll and clean it off, then plunge the john to clear the Pull Up out. Birdie Sue: Excellent! Tapper: You’re an inspiration! Birdie Sue: So we ready? Hedgehog: Yep. Tapper: Mmm-hmm. Let me finish this nostril then I’ll start screaming. When I do, y’all head down the stairs and complain for breakfast and a trip to the playground. [Pause.] Tapper: Okay. Ready? Moooooooooooooooooooommmmm! I’m hungry! I have a booger on my finger! You said we could do art today! Mooooooommmmm! Now that I’m savvy to the plot, I’m fighting back. I leave all the breakfast things out for them and let them serve themselves. I get my coffee, collapse onto the couch, and begin my daily brain thaw. Birdie Sue, who would probably love to join me, is left to retrieve the milk from the refrigerator and pour it for her siblings, who are at that point halfway through a raging argument over who gets which chair and why do you always get to sit there and I never get to have fun and you’re a poopy-head. I’ll ease up in a month or so. But for now, I’m enjoying this. It’s almost worth waking up for.

RAISE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013

POSITIVE PARENTING

Parent Agency Collaborative Effort (PACE) Text by Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency

ne of the best ways to protect children and their future is to strengthen their parents. There are several resources and entities that support parents to help them be the best parents they can be. The Parent Agency Collaborative Effort (PACE) is a unique group in our community because it brings parents and these supportive organizations together. PACE was formed in May 2012 to provide parents with resources and opportunities to develop leadership skills, and to establish a meaningful partnership between parents and the agencies that provide services to them. This partnership ensures parents in our community are able to be heard by agencies, and thus can promote change in areas where change is needed. The parent members are from communities throughout the county, and each bring their own diverse perspective. Agency members include service providers such as Family Services, Family Resource Centers, Tulare County Office of Education, Tulare County Child Welfare Services and Tulare County Child Abuse Prevention Council. These entities offer health care, therapeutic services, educational opportunities, and mentorship for families within the county. Individually, each of the agencies seeks to support parents and families in their respective fields, but they come together through PACE to support parents and their efforts to create better environments for their children. “This group was founded to support everyday parents in becoming leaders in their own communities, where they can help create change in the world in which their children live,” states Debbie Benavente, staff coordinator for PACE. Parents who participate in PACE have the opportunity to develop their leadership abilities through various educational programs, improve their parenting skills, and interact with other parents in their communities. When asked about PACE, one participant said, “PACE has given me the opportunity

RAISE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013

to learn new strategies to effectively solve or find solutions to social issues. Through PACE I am able to network with other parents with similar struggles.” This highlights another important aspect of PACE: establishing relationships. Being a parent is never an easy task, but sometimes knowing you’re not alone and that you can right the wrongs you observe, can make the task a little less daunting. PACE meets monthly, and participants have found with the support of the group, they can put to good use the leadership skills they’ve learned in their day-to-day lives. Recently, PACE member, Salvador, attended a parade to watch his son in the school’s marching band. His child’s school band stood out from the rest; it was the only band that didn’t have uniforms. After attending leadership workshops, and with the support of other PACE parents, Salvador set out to change that situation. He and other PACE members developed a strategy for getting band uniforms for his son’s school. As a result of this collaboration, Salvador attended a school board meeting to request the school purchase uniforms for its band. Salvador’s efforts were successful; the band is expected to have new uniforms in time for the upcoming school year. As Salvador’s story demonstrates, parents can become agents of change within their communities, and parent voices matter. If you would like to build relationships with other parents and work together to create better environments for your kids, PACE may be the perfect opportunity for you. When you take the initiative to improve your child’s world, you are setting a good example for future generations to follow.

POSITIVE PARENTING

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

Mike Mayo, LCSW

Paul C. Bennett, 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

Frony Ritter, LMFT

Kent Henry, LMFT

Michael H. Shaffer, LCSW, LMFT

John A. Mauro, LCSW

Barry Sommer, LEP, LMFT

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

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RAISE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013

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

RAISE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013

GARDENING

got

Sunflowers?

Then You Shall Have Sunflower Seeds to Eat! Text by Susan Schieferle, Master Gardener

id you know that the tallest sunflower plant recorded was grown in the Netherlands? It was 25 feet and 5½ inches tall! You can grow sunflowers, too, in your own yard. Now is the time to plant them, and you can choose the height you desire based on the type of seeds you purchase.

Sunflowers are popular because they are very easy to grow and thrive in a lot of sun. Each sunflower is actually many flowers and collectively they are called a “head.” Sunflower heads look similar to the sun with their huge inner circle of tube flowers (where the seeds form) and their petal-like ray flowers which also look like rays of sun. When a sunflower is ready for harvest, humans can roast their seeds to eat. Birds will eat the seeds unroasted. The flower also produces a nectar which some insects like. Get busy planting. First, decide on the size of the sunflower you want to plant. 1. Look at your local nursery. Sunflowers can be up to six feet high with a 30-inch spread, or as small as two to three feet high with a 14-inch spread. 2. Consider the planting area. You can plant in large pots on your patio or in the corner of your yard. 3. Decide how many sunflowers you want in your yard. Second, the plants need six to eight hours of sun daily. Third, the soil you plant in should have good drainage. Mixing in compost and/or manure will help with drainage and adding nutrients. Sunflowers are a drought-tolerant plant. Fourth, plant two seeds per hole, and five to six inches apart if you are hoping for more than one sunflower plant. If the soil is kept moist, seedlings should appear within five to 10 days. If two seedlings emerge from one hole, choose the strongest seedling when they are about six inches high. Pinch the other one off to ensure the more vigorous one survives.

Fifth, water regularly. Making a “bowl” around each planted seed allows water to sit and gradually seep into the soil and roots. Drying and Harvest Time. How do you know when to harvest your sunflowers for the seeds? 1. When you see yellowing on the backside of the sunflower head, the front of the head becomes brown and dry, and most of the yellow “petals” have fallen off, it is time to begin the harvest process. 2. Cover the head with a brown paper bag to prevent birds from pecking at the seeds. Dry your seeds like this until the heads turn brown on the backside. Then get ready to act fast, as you do not want the sunflower seeds to fall off onto the ground. 3. Holding the paper bag, cut off the head 12 inches down on the stem. Turn the bag upright and run your hand along the face of the flower so the seeds fall off into the bag. 4. Put the seeds in a colander, rinse well, pick out any debris, and lay on a flat surface to dry for a couple of hours. 5. They are ready to eat raw or can be lightly salted and roasted in the oven.

June Gardening Tip: Keep on the lookout for hornworms, stinkbugs, and other vegetable bugs. Pick them off and drop into a bucket of soapy water. Insecticidal oil or soap sprays can also be used and are safe for your vegetables and the environment. Yellow sticky traps are a favorite of mine as whiteflies and aphids cling to them. May follow-up: My dinner plate dahlias are about 10 inches high. No buds yet, but I water them daily (they love to be moist) and keep a lookout for the tiny buds from which the gigantic flowers will emerge. After flowering, don’t forget to dig up the tuberous root in the fall, place in a zippered bag with sand, and store in a cool place until next spring.

RAISE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013

CHILD WELFARE

Reporting Child Abuse:

FAQ Text by Child Welfare Services

nyone who has ever observed or suspected child abuse knows the questions running through one’s mind can easily become overwhelming. “What should I do?” is often the main question, and it is a question many find difficult to answer. A likely explanation for this is the process of reporting child abuse (and what happens after reporting occurs) are topics many people don’t have any knowledge about. Though these situations are never easy, if the questions regarding what happens after someone reports child abuse are answered, perhaps taking the necessary steps to reporting child abuse will be an easier process. Below are answers to a few of the frequently asked questions regarding reporting of suspected child abuse.

When should I report child abuse? Some people may hesitate to report abuse because they feel it’s not their business to interfere with another family, or they’re not sure if what they’re observing is considered “abuse.” Remember child abuse occurs in ways other than physical abuse. A child can be abused emotionally, sexually, or be neglected (not having their basic needs met). These forms of abuse can be just as harmful as physical 14

RAISE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013

abuse. If you suspect a child is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 right away. If you have suspicions a child is at risk of being abused (or is being abused), it is important to report it to Child Welfare Services. You could be preventing further harm from coming to the child by reporting the abuse. When you call, trained staff will gather information from you and assess the situation to determine what steps to take in order to protect the child. If you are unsure whether

CHILD WELFARE or not what you’ve observed is abuse, you should still call the hotline. No action will be taken by Child Welfare Services if the information you provide does not meet the criteria for what is considered abuse. What happens when I call to report a child (or children) who I think is being abused? The hotline is staffed 24 hours a day by trained social workers who gather the necessary information required to assess the risk and determine the appropriate response in each situation. Not every case reported to the hotline will result in an investigation by Child Welfare Services. A case has to meet certain criteria in order to warrant Child Welfare Services investigation. If a case is opened, a social worker will then meet with family members, as well as others who may have relevant information to determine if abuse did occur. In cases where there is abuse, a plan will be developed in collaboration with the family to ensure that the child remains safe. How soon will the social worker do an investigation after abuse is reported? Response times are based on the level of risk to a child. If the child is considered to be in immediate risk of danger, a social worker will respond to the family’s home or the child’s school within two hours. In the cases where a child is not in immediate danger, a social worker will conduct their assessment within ten days of receiving the report. If I call the child abuse hotline, will the children be removed from the home? Children will only be taken into protective custody if it is determined they have suffered or there is substantial risk of suffering serious harm as a result of abuse or neglect. Whenever a child is taken into protective custody, a hearing is held by a Superior Court Judge or Commissioner within 72 hours to confirm whether or not there is a need for continued protective custody. What happens if a reported abuse is confirmed (also referred to as “substantiated”), and the child is removed from the home? If a child is removed from their home, a meeting is held by social workers, family members, and other relevant individuals to determine the best alternative living arrangement. If a child’s relative is appropriate and willing to take care of the child, then the child will be placed with them. If there are no relatives, then a child will be placed in a foster home until a more permanent placement can be found, or the child can be safely returned to the parents. Once I report suspected child abuse, is it true the family will be separated and never be together again? No. The mission of Child Welfare Services is to safely preserve or reunite families. Child Welfare Services ensures participants are provided with a range of services to improve family functioning and keep families intact. Families are involved in the process of determining what services they will receive, as their plan will build on the family’s strengths and specific goals they need to achieve. The goal of providing these services is to ensure the safety of the children while supporting and strengthening the family.

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 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month June 6th and 20th

*Call

623-0581 to RSVP

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

RAISE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013

ARTS & CRAFTS

RAISE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013

ART & CRAFTS

Mini Lava

Text by Virginia Strawser, Executive Director, ImagineU Interactive Children’s Museum

cience is fun and brings out the mad scientist in all of us! This month’s “science experiment” is a favorite of kids of all ages. Those of us who grew up in the 60s and 70s remember those groovy lava lamps; watching the globs of color dance around in the lamp was fascinating. Here’s a mini version that uses safe items found around the house instead of heat.

What you will need: 1. Clear plastic water bottle with label removed 2. Vegetable oil or other light oil 3. Water 4. Food coloring 5. Alka-Seltzer or generic effervescent equivalent, broken into fourths Directions: 1. Fill the water bottle half way with oil. 2. Drop eight to 10 drops of food coloring into the oil. (Darker colors work best. Yellow tends not to show up in the oil.) 3. Fill the bottle to within an inch of the top with water. Notice the oil and water don’t mix. Talk with your kids about which of the two is heavier or denser – the oil or the water. 4. Drop one-quarter effervescent tablet into the bottle. Do not put the cap on the bottle. Now the fun begins! As the effervescent tablet bubbles up, it brings the food coloring up through the water and into the oil, forming globs of color that resemble those groovy lava lamps. 5. Continue to drop one-quarter effervescent tablets in as the bubbling stops. Experiment by dropping one-half of an effervescent tablet in. Do the bubbles get bigger? Tips: Sometimes you need to gently shake the bottle, or tap it on the tabletop to get the food coloring to start moving. Putting too many of the effervescent tablets in at once makes a murky mess. Do not put the cap on the bottle until all the bubbling has stopped. If the solution is still bubbling, the gases can be trapped inside and create a force that will blast the top off. Once capped, you can store it for another day. Just pull it out and drop another effervescent tablet in and the fun begins all over again. Do not shake before opening – again, gases can build up. Making science fun makes learning fun. When learning is fun, children want to learn!

RAISE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013

HEALTH

Swimmer’s Ear

ummer is heating up and kids are hitting pools to cool down. With all the splishing and splashing kids are getting it: swimmer’s ear!

What is Swimmer’s Ear? Swimmer’s ear is a painful condition resulting from inflammation, irritation, or infection. Swimmer’s ear is also called otitis externa and is different from a regular ear infection. Usually when people say a child has an ear infection, they mean otitis media, an infection of the middle ear. This sometimes happens when a child gets a cold. Swimmer’s ear often affects children and teenagers, but can also affect those with eczema (a condition that causes excessively dry skin, leading to skin feeling itchy), or excess earwax. Because this condition commonly affects swimmers, it is known as swimmer’s ear. Swimmer’s ear happens when bacteria grow in the ear canal, which is a passageway to the eardrum. The delicate skin of the canal is protected by a thin coating called earwax. Most of the time, water can run in and out of the ear canal without causing a problem like when your child takes a bath or a shower. Bacteria begin to grow when the water stays in the ear canal. A lot of swimming can also lead to increased moisture trapped in the ear canal. Once the bacteria grow, the ear canal gets red and swollen. Children can also get an infection in the ear canal even if they haven’t been swimming. A scratch or other irritation to the ear canal can also lead to swimmer’s ear. Symptoms The most common symptoms of swimmer’s ear are itching inside the ear and pain that gets worse when you tug on the outer ear. Other signs may include: • Sensation that the ear is blocked or full • Drainage • Fever • Decreased hearing • Intense pain that may spread to the neck, face, or side of the head • Swollen lymph nodes around the ear or in the upper neck • Redness and swelling of the skin around the ear.

RAISE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013

Text by Yeymi De Leon, MD, Family HealthCare Network

If left untreated, complications may include: • Hearing loss. Hearing usually returns when an infection clears up. • Recurring ear infections. An infection can continue without treatment. • Bone and cartilage damage. When not treated an ear infection can spread to the base of the skull, brain, or cranial nerves. Diabetics and older adults are at higher risk for such dangerous complications. Treatment Your child’s physician should be consulted if they are having these symptoms. The physician can prescribe a treatment to reduce your child’s pain and to treat the infection. In the early stages, the treatment of swimmer’s ear includes careful cleaning of the ear canal and use of eardrops that inhibit bacterial or fungal growth and reduce inflammation. Mildly acidic solutions containing boric or acetic acid are effective for early infections, too. Swimmer’s ear needs to be treated to reduce pain and eliminate any effect it may have on your child’s hearing, as well as to prevent the spread of infection. Tips for Prevention this summer • Dry the ears. A dry ear is unlikely to become infected, so it is important to keep the ears free of moisture during swimming and bathing. • Use ear plugs when swimming. • Use a dry towel or hair dryer to dry your ears. • Have your ears cleaned periodically by a provider if you have itchy, flaky or scaly ears, or extensive earwax. • Don’t use Q-Tip cotton swabs to remove ear wax. This could actually pack the ear wax and dirt deeper into the ear canal, remove the layer of earwax that protects your ear, and irritate the thin skin of the ear canal. This creates an ideal environment for infection. Utilizing some of these helpful tips can reduce your child’s risk of swimmer’s ear and they can continue to splish and splash comfortably all summer long.

RAISE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013

NUTRITION

Nuts Have It

All!

Text by Justin and Rebecca Reynolds

ich in protein, energy, vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and packed with antioxidants, nuts are a crunchy, buttery, and wonderfully delicious super food. Just a small cupful of nuts as a snack or a side to lunch for our growing children will be doing more than good to keep them healthy, fit and full.

Eating nuts as a part of a healthy diet helps our hearts. When our children eat a handful of nuts, they lower the low-density lipoprotein (or “bad” cholesterol) level in their blood, which lowers their chances of heart disease. Along with taking care of the heart, nuts improve the health of the lining of arteries, and are full of essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamin E, and L-Arginine. Fiber helps our children feel fuller sooner and longer, which decreases over-eating; vitamin E helps stop the buildup of plaque in arteries, which decreases chances of coronary artery disease; and L-Arginine adds more improvement to the arteries by making the walls more flexible and less prone to blood clots. Nuts are rich in vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, folates, and contain minerals including magnesium, zinc, iron, calcium, manganese, potassium, fluoride, and selenium, which means they’re full of energy. Do you have children who are deficient in any of these? “Go nuts” and add a handful of vitamins to their daily snack time!

RAISE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013

NUTRITION

What’s great about nuts? • You can carry nuts wherever you go. • Whether cold or hot, they are safe in the car (and they won’t melt!). • There is no need for special containers. Plastic or cloth baggies, little cups, anything will work. • They have a long shelf life. It takes a long time for nuts to spoil. • They don’t have to be prepared. Just put them on the plate or in your child’s hand. • Almost all nuts we consume come in a nature-made shell, so you don’t have to worry about contamination issues from processing. • You can choose salted, plain, sweet or other forms of decorated nuts. (Our children love them all and often choose the salted or plain over the sweet.) Moderation With all the benefits, why shouldn’t you feed your children nuts every meal or snack? They contain a lot of fat – as much as 80 percent of a nut is fat. Even though most of this fat is a healthy fat, it’s still a lot of calories for our children. That’s why you should eat nuts and serve them to your children in moderation. In my opinion, an adult handful of nuts a day (about an ounce) for my children is perfectly fine. Use your judgment and don’t worry too much if they ask for seconds – they won’t always ask and the benefits of creating a positive snack habit is worth giving them a few more.

Oh, nuts! Nuts are beneficial, but can cause trouble if you or your children are allergic to them, and a growing number of children are these days. Unlike an allergy to spring flowers (like sneezing or runny noses), a nut or peanut allergy can cause difficulty breathing, itchy skin, nausea, vomiting and other serious health problems. A child with a nut allergy can have either a mild or severe reaction. An allergic reaction could happen right away or a few hours after the nuts are consumed. Keep this in mind when sharing nuts with your children – be watchful and aware. If any reaction occurs, no matter how mild, take your child to the doctor’s office immediately. You can never be too careful with your precious little ones.

RAISE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013

COLLEGE PREP

Career and College Ready Text by Jesus and Adriana Gonzalez, Educational Consultants, ILEAD

tudents have diverse interests, talents, and learning styles, and are sometimes motivated by having diverse options. Career and Technical Education (CTE) offers students opportunities for career preparation by providing them with academic and technical knowledge and work-related skills. These skills are necessary to be successful in postsecondary education, training, and employment while meeting the needs of employers, industry, and labor. Work-based learning opportunities enable students to connect what they are learning to real-life career scenarios. Students participating in effective CTE programs can also graduate with industry certifications, licenses and postsecondary certificates, or degrees that prepare them for in-demand careers within high-growth industry sectors. Having the option to pursue CTE empowers students by providing a range of opportunities that serve different learning styles. Generally, CTE relies on a powerful mode of teaching and learning cognitive science calls “contextual” or “situated” learning, both in classrooms and workplaces. For many students, applying academic and technical skills to real-world activities, using computers or other tools, and being able to see how their learning is related to the world of work is invaluable. A career focus can provide students with a sense of

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direction and can motivate them to achieve and stay in school. This is especially important for students who learn best by a “hands-on” style. CTE is once again gaining a lot of attention, and has become a massive enterprise. A recent study found high school students spent more than 1.5 billion hours in vocational courses. These included general labor market preparation in principles of technology, industrial arts, and consumer sciences. Students interested in pursuing a field of study not offered at their local high school are typically able to spend part of the school day at a regional vocational/technical center or community college setting as a dually enrolled student. Occupation specific courses are normally taken in the last two years of a student’s time in school (grades 11-12) and when enrolled in an articulated program, students can also earn credit towards a certificate or degree, ultimately saving money. Another benefit that occupationspecific education can offer high school students is the option to choose a career early on which may induce their interest to continue their preparation in college. Providing students with “hands-on” experience allows for success in the labor market, both in the short and long-term run. Research shows these students are more likely to find a job and enter a career of their choice. As businesses in need of skilled workers grow, so will the need for more career- and college-ready students. Studies have shown offering students the option of starting preparation for their chosen occupation during upper-secondary school tends to increase school attendance of 15-19-year-olds and improves labor market outcomes of high school graduates, whether or not they enter and complete a post-secondary education. Encourage your student to speak to their high school counselor or visit local community colleges to explore their options if a Career and Technical Education focus is of interest to them.

HAPPY TRAILS

Happy Trails Riders Shine at CALNET Horse Show Text by Happy Trails Riding Academy

appy Trails Riding Academy is proud to announce the two riders who represented our program and local community at the CALNET horse show in May came back with winning ribbons. Jenny Wong of Visalia and Kali Smyers of Lemoore began preparing for the show in February and all of their hard work has paid off! This is the 15th year Happy Trails has taken riders to CALNET (California Network for Equestrian Therapy), and each year Happy Trails riders come back with blue ribbons. The CALNET show is the largest horse show for disabled athletes in the country and is held at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. Numerous riders from more

Happy Trails Riding Academy Therapeutic Horsemanship

than 27 therapeutic riding centers in California attend the show and compete for top honors. CALNET provides a networking system for therapeutic riding centers and individuals involved with equestrian therapy in California and Nevada. CALNET promotes professional standards for therapeutic riding and safe competition opportunities for disabled equestrians. Classes riders can compete in include showmanship, dressage, obstacles, futures (similar to entry-level dressage where riders navigate through a pattern), and several equitation classes. “CALNET is one of our favorite events during the year because it gives our riders a chance to show off what they have been learning and practicing during their time at Happy Trails,” said Lisa Cotta-Meek, Happy Trails program director. “Not only do they get to showcase their skills for their friends and family, the riders also get to meet kids from other therapeutic riding centers and be social as well.” Although Happy Trails can only take a limited number of riders to CALNET this year, we are busy planning our own horse show at the end of the year so all of the riders in our program can participate in this great experience. Happy Trails Riding Academy is a PATH International premier accredited center which enriches the lives of children and adults with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities through equine facilitated therapy. Therapeutic horsemanship has been proven to provide a unique opportunity for self-improvement and independence in a positive learning environment while offering a challenging alternative to traditional therapy.

Be the solution Join online!

tularecountycapc.org Join CAPC for just $10 and become a part of the solution to child abuse and neglect in Tulare County. As a member, you will receive updates and the information you need to make a difference.

For more information, contact:

(559) 688-8685

info@wearehappytrails.com

www.WeAreHappyTrails.com

Location: 2773 E. Oakdale Avenue Tulare, CA 93274

Mailing: P.O. Box 572 Visalia, CA 93279

735-0456

Be counted. Be the solution.

RAISE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013

READING LIST

Board Books to Teach Tots

Manners, Colors, Animal Families and Early Skills Text by Lee Littlewood

y kids are well past the board book stage, but I miss the compact joy and enlightenment poured into these sturdy, fun baby shower musts. These new tot tomes are colorful, unique and packed with early life lessons.

Little Dinos Don’t Yell and Little Dinos Don’t Bite by Michael Dahl; illustrated by Adam Record. From Capstone Publishing’s Hello Genius line of educational, fun books for toddlers, this sturdy series of “Little Dinos” books promote positive behavior, good manners and first words. The dinosaurs inside bring to mind “The Flintstones,” with glasses, goofyfun faces and retro styling. In Little Dinos Don’t Yell, a bespectacled green T. Rex learns not to bite his shoes or his toys or especially his mom. Smartly though, the lesson doesn’t end there, and zesty instructions to “Bite a snack instead, Little Dino. Bite a juicy apple, a crunchy carrot, or a tasty cracker,” should resonate with tots who like to use their mouths too much. Little Dinos Don’t Yell encourages little dinosaurs not to yell and scream at their mom or dad or little sister but to be loud when playing outside and to be quiet when inside. Others in the indestructible series include Little Dinos Don’t Hit and Little Dinos Don’t Push. Penguin Says Please, Pony Brushes His Teeth, Bear Says Thank You and Duck Goes Potty by Michael Dahl; illustrated by Oriol Vidal. Also from the smart Hello Genius line and penned by Michael Dahl, this line of smaller board books, just as colorful and encouraging as the Hello Dinos line, promotes manners, self-care, speaking skills and animal recognition. Each book is humorous and vividly illustrated and colored, and features gentle lessons imparted by parental animals to their youngsters. Mommy, Where Are You and Baby, Where Are You by Mack. Translated from Dutch and created by

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artist Mack, these animal-parent recognition board books feature clear photographs with cute illustrated animals interspersed. The text may ask, “Baby giraffe, where are you?” and then there are four flaps (festooned with cartoonish baby or mother animals) to lift to find out which of the four is the right answer. Meant for toddlers aged 18 months and up, the books are focused on “the world surrounding the child” and are an appealing mix of whimsy, flap-lifting surprise and animal lessons. Little Acorn Grows Up by Edward Gibbs. With soft felt tactile acorn leaves kids can touch on the front cover, Gibbs’ sweet natural tale introduces a little yellow acorn who lies on the ground silently while animal after animal inquires into what he’ll be. To the mouse, acorn replies, “Someday I’ll be a great tree, and my roots will make you a home.” To the brown boar, who asks the “Little acorn, little acorn, what will you be?” he replies, “Someday I’ll be a great big tree, and my bark will scratch your back.” This goes on and on until one day the acorn, as promised, grows into a great big tree and “became everything it had promised to be!” A gentle, reassuring lesson in a tree’s growth, in promises and in nature’s cycle, Little Acorn Grows Up is also lovingly and beautifully illustrated. It’s an amazing beginning book for Earth Day, as well. Pinwheel by Salina Yoon. A bold, eye-catching plethora of exciting, spinning, colorful action, this board book is a spectacular display of kinetic art and poetry. Kids can turn wheels to see pinwheels, kites, hot air balloons and sunflowers and a school of fish change colors and patterns. Every color in the rainbow is here, as are rhyming phrases sure to entice smiles all around.

DENTAL HEALTH

Thumbsucking Help Your Child Break the Habit Text by Keith E. Williams, DDS, Williams Family Dental

abies at birth will reflexively suck any object placed in their mouth. This reflex is responsible for breastfeeding. Ultrasound scans show thumbsucking starts as early as 15 weeks after conception. Most children stop on their own between two and four years of age; for those who don’t, peer pressure at school usually does.

Parents often ask if they should intervene. Generally, thumbsucking isn’t a concern until the child’s permanent teeth start to erupt. At that time, continued aggressive thumbsucking can affect the shape of the palate and the alignment of the teeth. Consider intervention if the sucking continues past the age of four to five, or if there are obvious dental problems, like the front teeth tipping toward the lip.

Techniques to encourage your child to stop include: 1. Don’t mention it. Sometimes it’s being done for attention. 2. Use positive reinforcement. 3. Identify triggers. If the sucking is related to stressors, identify the issue and provide comfort in a different way. 4. Gentle reminders. Positive reinforcement is usually more effective than negative. Resist the temptation to use aversive techniquess. Finally, if you’re concerned with thumbsucking’s effect on their teeth, check with your dentist. In some cases your dentist may recommend a dental appliance to interfere with the habit.

RAISE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013

PET CARE

Keep Them Safe, Keep Them Home Text by Valley Oak SPCA

ireworks can be a nightmare for your animals. No matter how calm your dog usually is, the panic those loud noises create is enough to have them jump over a fence, run into traffic, dig holes under fences or chew through their leash or a screen.

Many pets get lost during this time of celebration, and you have to help them get through it. Make sure your dog is wearing a sturdy collar and a tag with updated information, and your cat should be wearing a breakaway collar and a tag and license as well. People celebrate for a few days, so it’s a good idea to keep your animals indoors, especially outdoor cats, during the whole holiday week. A dog in a panic can break a window if they want to run away from the noise so find a quiet room inside the house and make it cozy for them. Draw the curtains and leave a soft light on. Leave the TV or radio on with normal volume or soft music playing. Don’t think of taking them with you to holiday celebrations. It’s not a good idea. If you know your pets suffer with loud noises, speak to your vet ahead of time. Your vet can prescribe something to alleviate their anxiety. If you stay with them, don’t ignore them, but also don’t try to comfort them too much. This would reinforce the feeling that being scared is okay. Instead, while you hear the fireworks, talk to them in a happy voice and offer them treats. If you are having a BBQ and there’s going to be guests at home, keep the dog or cats in their quiet room. All the people, music, laughter and a firecracker here and there are enough for your pet to panic and get away. Just remember, this can be very, very traumatic for your pets, and they depend on you to keep them safe. If you haven’t done it, implant a microchip in your cats and dogs; if they already have one, make sure the company has all the updated information. Keep the number of the microchip handy. Some owners microchip their pets and then forget to give out their information, rendering the chip totally useless. If you don’t have your chip’s information, just stop by any veterinarian hospital or animal shelter. They can read the microchip and provide you with the necessary information. Did you know that only about two percent of the pets that go missing are ever reunited with their families? One reason for that dismal statistic is not all dogs are wearing a visible license and ID tag. They should be wearing a collar with tags on at all times, but what if it slips off or breaks in an emergency situation? That’s where the microchip comes in. Microchips act as one more safety net. Imagine all the pets that are separated from their families … then imagine the reunions that could happen if every single pet was microchipped. That means a lot fewer pets in shelters. It’s a win-win. This is the busiest week for shelters because of all the animals that get lost out of panic. Please help in keeping your pets safe and sound at home.

RAISE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013

FAMILY FOCUS

Strengthening Families Protective Factor #4

Social and Emotional Competence of Children Text by Billie Shawl, Child Abuse Prevention Council

trong families have some traits in common. Mostly, we don’t think too much about what makes a family strong. But we know such a family when we see one. It has been shown families who have the five protective factors are strong and therefore less likely to abuse or neglect their children. Their children are more likely to be successful in life. Those protective factors are: parental resilience, knowledge of parenting and child development, social connections, the social and emotional competence of children, and concrete support in times of need. It is not surprising the behavior of children affects their likelihood of abuse and neglect. Children who do not know how to interact with others, to share, to ask in an appropriate way for what they want or need, are more difficult to be around and more likely to push buttons. Maybe you have seen a child in the store having a “meltdown” or tantrum because they did not get what they wanted. Those children tend to evoke a negative response from parents, caregivers, and sometimes others around them. There was a recent incident of an airline passenger who slapped a toddler for crying over a long period of time. Since it was not his child, he was arrested. For multiple reasons, it is important to teach children social and emotional skills. This is where the knowledge of parenting and child development can be a great help to parents. The more they know about how to train their children, the better job they do and the better off their children will be. According to Huesmann & Guerra, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, “A growing body of research suggests that helping children to develop good social and emotional skills early in life makes a big difference in their long-term health and well-being.” Studies have also shown social skills are essential for academic success for children entering kindergarden. Children who are ready know how to get along with others, follow directions, regulate their emotions, control their behavior, find solutions to conflicts, cooperate,

understand how others feel and generally feel good about themselves. Contrast that child to one who is demanding, uncontrolled, dominating, assertive, selfish, and, consequently disliked by their peers and others. Research has demonstrated a link between antisocial conduct and poor academic performance. Children without social and emotional skills are in trouble academically from the start. Social and emotional skills are one of the benefits that come with interacting with peers in preschool. Children learn from watching others and from being taught how to adapt to situations they do not like. Siblings also provide teaching opportunities, but parents are key to imparting these skills. While some children seem to have a natural ability for getting along with others, some children need more guidance and consistent reinforcement. Parenting is both a challenging and rewarding job. Teaching children social and emotional competence takes on a new importance and priority when viewed as a “protective factor.” Knowing the importance of these skills requires parents to ask themselves if a child’s behavior is one the parent wants to reinforce or discourage. Consistency over time determines what a child learns and social skills affect academics, future success, and most importantly, self-esteem. They are children we all like to have around.

RAISE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013

CALENDAR

june 2013

calendar of events dates to remember

Les Miserables

JUNE 19

KJUG Concert in the Park

JUNE 28

4th of July 10K/2M Race

JULY 4

JUNE

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JULY

CALENDAR Critter Camp

Kids ages 5-14 can learn all about our animal friends and how to care for them through activities, crafts, and guest speakers. Cost: $60/week. When: June 17-21, 24-28 (ages 8-14); July 15-19 (ages 5-7) Where: Valley Oak SPCA, 29016 Hwy 99, Visalia Contact: 713-4688 or www.vospca.org

19 Les Miserables

Bring the family to the musical that has won acclaim world wide. Boasting a cast of 120 of the Central Valley of California’s greatest artists, an internationally renowned production staff, full orchestra and epic sets, Les Miserables will come alive at the College of the Sequoias Theatre in Visalia, California. Tickets are $18.50 – $22.50. When: June 19; 7p Where: College of the Sequoias Theatre, 915 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia Contact: 732-1851 Youth Gathering & Pow Wow

Tribal youth from throughout the state gather at the Tule River Indian Reservation for this unique event which celebrates the rich history and culture of Native Americans. Culture crafts, dancing, drumming, storytelling, sweat ceremonies, food vendors will be a part of this weekend experience. When: June 20-22 Where: Tule River Indian Reservation, 340 N. Reservation Rd., Porterville Contact: 782-5554 ext. 2109 or www.tulerivertribe-nsn.gov

28 KJUG Concerts in the Park

KJUG will once again bring the free summer concert Concerts in the Park event back to Exeter City Park. What a great night listening to big name country artists and enjoying the smell of “Small Town Charm.” When: June 28; 7p Where: Exeter City Park, E. Chestnut St. and S. “E” St., Exeter Cotnact: 592.5262 or lwachter@exetercityhall.com

4 4th of July 10K/2M Race

PACE

The City of Exeter with the Exeter Kiwanis sponsors this event on the 4th of July. Registration: $25; Day-of registration (closes at 6:30 a.m.): $35. The first 100 participants receive a free t-shirt. When: July 4; 7a Where: Exeter City Park, E. Chestnut St. and S. “E” St., Exeter Contact: 592-5262 or lwachter@exetercityhall.com Science Explorers

Bring the kids and watch them be fascinated by hands-on science experiments. Admission is $5/ person; kids under age two are free. When: Saturdays; noon-4p Where: ImagineU Interactive Museum, 700 E. Main St., Visalia Contact: 733-5975 or www.imagineumuseum.org

The Parent Agency Collaborative Effort (PACE) organization provides parents with the resources and opportunities to develop leadership skills as parents. Child care is provided for parents who bring their children, however, please contact Debbie Benavente prior to the meeting to make arrangements if you plan to bring your children. When: 3rd Monday of each month; 12:30-2:30p Where: Parenting Network, 1900 N. Dinuba Blvd., Visalia Contact: 624-7482 or DBenavente@tularehhsa.org Tulare County Library

First Tuesday Book Club (June 4, 6:30p) Mystery Readers (June 19, 6:30p) Where: Tulare County Library, 200 W. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: 713-2700 or tularecountylibrary.org

Studio Saturdays

AgVentures at Heritage Complex

In Arts Visalia’s Studio Saturdays classes, students learn the drawing and painting process, art historical movements, and art vocabulary. When: 2nd & 3rd Saturdays; 12:30-3p Where: Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: www.artsvisalia.org

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.; 9-4p Where: International Agri-Center, 4450 S. Laspina St., Tulare

Kids’ Night Out

Parents, take this opportunity to make it a date night out or a relaxing evening at home! Let your kids (ages 5-12) come to The Lifestyle Center for a night of exciting games, swimming and fun topped off with dinner and a movie. Pre-registration: $5/members, $15/nonmembers. Day-of registration: $10/members, $20/non-members. When: 3rd Friday of each month; 5-8:30p Where: The Lifestyle Center, 5105 W. Cypress Ave., Visalia Contact: 624-3416

Visalia Farmer’s 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

Fam i lear ly Fu n & ning Too !

Wed-Fri 10am-4pm / Sat 12pm-4pm

Admission $5 per person / Annual Family Memberships $72

Available for Private Parties!!! 700 E Main St, Visalia • 559 733 5975 visit imagineUmuseum.org for details Virginia Strawser, Executive Director • imagineUmuseum@sbcglobal.net

RAISE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013

SAFETY

Cyberbullying:

Bullying in the Digital Age

Text by Adam Valencia, Tulare County Office of Education

yberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology – cell phones, computers, and tablets, as well as communication tools such as social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites. Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles.

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How is cyberbullying different? Kids who are being cyberbullied are often bullied in person as well. Additionally, kids who are cyberbullied have a harder time escaping the taunting behavior, as it can happen 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and reach a kid even when he or she is alone. Cyberbullying messages and images can be posted anonymously and distributed quickly to a very wide audience, and it can be difficult – sometimes impossible – to trace the source. Deleting inappropriate or harassing messages, texts, and pictures is extremely difficult after they have been posted or sent. Despite the potential damage of cyberbullying, it is alarmingly common among adolescents and teens. According to i-SAFE (the e-safety foundation), cyberbullying is wide-spread. § More than half of adolescents have been bullied online, and about the same number have engaged in cyberbullying. § More than one in three young people have experienced cyber-threats. § More than 25 percent of adolescents have been bullied repeatedly through their cell phones or the Internet. § More than half of young people do not tell their parents when cyberbullying occurs. Parents and teens can help reduce cyberbullying statistics. • Parents can talk to teens about cyberbullying, explaining that it is wrong and can have serious consequences. Make a rule teens may not send mean or damaging messages, even if someone else started it, or send suggestive pictures or messages. Explain the consequences of participating in cyberbullying include loss of their cell phone and computer privileges for a time. • Parents can encourage teens to tell an adult if cyberbullying is occurring. Let them know they, the victim, will not be punished, and reassure them being bullied is not their fault. • Bullied teens should keep cyberbullying messages as proof the cyberbullying has occurred. The teens’ parents may want to talk to the parents of the cyberbully, to the bully’s internet or cell phone provider, and/or to the police about the messages, especially if they are threatening or sexual in nature. • Bullied teens can try blocking the person sending the messages. It may be necessary to get a new phone number or email address and to be more cautious about giving out the new number or address. For more information about cyberbullying, contact Tulare County Office of Education’s Choices Prevention Programs Supervisor Adam Valencia at (559) 6510155, or Joe Aguilar at (559) 471-9544. The Choices Prevention Programs provide bullying and gang recognition presentations to schools throughout Tulare County.

RESOURCES

important numbers at a glance:

City Information • 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

Fire & Police

County & City

• 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

• 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 • Child Abuse 24-hr Hotline, (800) 331-1585 • 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 • 5ive5ive9ine (Teen Health), 559teensmatter.org • Tulare County Animal Control, (559) 636-4050 • Visalia Animal Control, (559) 713-4957

Medical • Family HealthCare Network, www.fhcn.org • 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 • Dignity Health, Mercy & Memorial Hospitals, Lauren Small Children's Medical Center (661) 327-4647 • Sierra View District Hospital, (559) 784-1110

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

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 • 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 | JUNE 2013

FPO

RAISE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2013