FREE • GRATIS TM
BACK TO
SCHOOL
2 Back to School
Tips for grabbing the best deals on school clothes
8 Healthy Kids
8 Health & Wellness
Why Kids Should Wear Blue Light Blocking Glasses. Presented by:
Common Childhood Rashes and What to Do About Them
TUK LIVING
onth m s i h t In Issue. ol cho S o t k c Ba ds and i K y h t l Hea vents Local E
Issue 03
visit us at www.rgvfamilymagazine.com
August 2019
RGV Family Magazine • August 2019 | 1
AUGUST
2019 Publisher RGV Family Magazine Administration Sonia Escobedo Design & Production C-Media Distribution RGVFM Circulation Writers Kimberly Blaker Christa Melnyk Hines Sarah Lyons Special Thanks to All Our Advertisers
RGV Family Magazine
RGV Family Magazine is a free monthly publication. No portion of the materials published on these pages may be reprinted or republished in any form without the express written permission of RGV Family Magazine or its owner. The content of this magazine is based on general information on different topics about family, parenting, lifestyle and other general topics. RGV Family Magazine, owners, administration, writers, photographers or it’s contributors from any department accept no responsibility for inaccuracies, errors or omissions and the advertiser is solely responsible for ad content and holds publisher harmless from any error. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by the advertisers or the editorial contributors. All rights reserved.
www.rgvfamilymagazine.com 2 | August 2019 • www.rgvfamilymagazine.com
I
Manage hectic school mornings
f a typical school morning sees your family rushing around and out the door with nary a moment to spare, only to be left feeling like you ran a marathon by 9 am, a new approach to your routine might be necessary. Mornings, especially in households in which parents who work outside of the home and have one or two kids requiring drop-off at their respective schools, can often be hectic. Starting off the morning feeling harried and stressed can carry over into the mood of the day, affecting productivity as a result. According to Dr. David Anderson, PhD, senior director of the ADHD and Disruptive Behavior Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute, busy mornings can be the most stressful moments of the day. Homework hour and getting prepared for bed are other typically stressful times of the day for families. If less stressful mornings are a goal for your family, try these strategies.
Start the night before
Doing as much preparatory work the evening before can make quite a difference in taming hectic mornings. Things that can be done in advance include checking and stocking backpacks, signing paperwork, making lunches, setting out clothing, showering, and having breakfast foods ready to go.
Establish a ‘launch pad’
Ann Dolin, a Virginia-based education specialist, suggests having a launch pad, or a place where all school-related items are prepped and stored. It can be a basket, box or another
container big enough to contain school items. Children can drop and pick up the items as needed.
Make the routine the boss
Positive Parenting Solutions founder Amy McCready says families can implement a “when-then” routine that sets the tone for the morning. “When everyone is dressed, hair combed, breakfast eaten, and school supplies packed, then you can watch 10 minutes of an educational cartoon.” This puts the routine in control rather than making the parents the bad guys.
Make kids responsible
Too often parents add more stress to their plates by showing up at school with forgotten lunch boxes or band instruments. Instead, parents can stop rescuing their children and help train them to be more responsible — an essential trait.
Chart wake-up times
It may seem like micromanaging, but scheduling wake-up and bathroom times can help everyone know where they should be and when they should be there. It also helps avoid bottleneck situations in the bathroom or kitchen. Keep morning madness to a minimum with some simple strategies. Send us your comments in www.rgvfamilymagazine.com
BACK TO SCHOOL
Tips for grabbing the best deals on school clothes Children and parents often look forward to the dawn of a new school year. But before the first homeroom session can take place, parents may need to take their students clothes shopping. According to a 2018 survey by Deloitte, parents spend an average of $510 per household on apparel, school supplies, electronic gadgets, and other items for their kids’ return to school. The back-to-school season runs from July through September, during which American households alone spend $27.6 billion, which is second only to the holiday season in regard to the most lucrative times for retailers. Apparel is a large part of backto-school shopping. Many parents find they need to outfit their kids with a new wardrobes each year. Jeans and leggings that fit like a glove in June may only reach midcalf by Labor Day. To make the shopping process less harried and more productive, parents can employ these strategies.
TAKE INVENTORY
Go through kids’ wardrobes and see what can be salvaged and what might need to go. This is the perfect opportunity to put aside gently used, outgrown items that may be passed on to someone else who can use them. Be sure to make a list of any items that the school requires, particularly in regard to uniforms or dress codes. By knowing what’s in stock in the closet, you’ll have a clear idea of what you need to buy.
CHECK FOR TAX-FREE DISCOUNTS
Some states or cities offer taxfree or discount shopping incentives, which can add up to considerable savings. It may be well worth the effort to stock up on necessities during these times.
VINIL • CERAMIC TILE • LAMINATE • WOOD • AND MORE
COLCHONES KING SIZE
SIGN UP FOR LOYALTY PROGRAMS
If yours is a child who prefers certain brands, sign up early in the year for such brands’ loyalty clubs. For example, the popular retailer Hollister has Club Cali that, with each purchase, grants points toward discounts. Plus, you may be privy to sale advertisements before the general public.
TILE SPECIAL
.55¢ SQ. FT.
**NO CREDIT NECESSARY** 2 LOCATIONS 1919 E. SAUNDERS | 3805 SAN BERNARDO | LAREDO TX
SALAS (956) 701-3038 (956) 568-1999
BEST ‘ LIL SCHOOLHOUSE
Learning Center & Daycare Over 15 Years Experience
GET ENOUGH TO GET BY
While certain clothing sales happen between July and August, oftentimes the real savings begin in October, according to the budgeting resource Money Crashers. Wait until that time to buy the bulk of kids’ school clothes. After all, the first weeks of school are usually warm, and summer clothing will still suffice with a few new items thrown in to freshen up wardrobes.
DESDE
24999
$
RECAMARAS
CARPETS Eduardo & Magdalena Gonzalez Owners
Newborns - 12 years TSR! Certified Hot Balanced Meals Full Time Pre-K 4120 E. Saunders 956-725-2378 7:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
INVEST IN QUALITY SHOES
Sneakers and other shoes can be expensive. However, investing in quality brands can help you avoid having to buy shoes frequently. Watch for shoe sales and stock up on coupons. Many stores offer “buy-one, get-one half off” during the back-to-school season. In addition to these tips, save more by shopping overstock stores or warehouse clubs for name-brand items at lower prices.
1420 Laredo St. 956-725-6319 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
815 Los Presidentes 956-568-2581 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 603 Shiloh 956-602-0655 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
visit us at www.bestlilschoolhouse.com
Texas Raising Star Provider And Texas School Ready System RGV Family Magazine • August 2019 | 3
BACK TO SCHOOL
3 tips to establishing a
SUCCESSFUL HOMEWORK AREA
High school students may be expected to complete as much as 17.5 hours of homework per week. 1
Create a communal homework table.
The Harvard Graduate School of Education notes that youngsters who seem reluctant to do their homework may benefit from doing their afterschool work at a communal table. With parents nearby, such students may feel less lonely and may be less likely to procrastinate if they know mom or dad are nearby. Students who are not reluctant to do their homework may benefit from working quietly in their bedrooms.
2 Clear the area of distractions.
Distractions like televisions, devices that are not necessary to complete assignments and even younger siblings can make it hard for teenagers to concentrate on their work. Designate a time each day for homework, ensuring that the television is off and that devices have been placed on “Do Not Disturb.” In addition, high school students with younger siblings can expect their brothers and sisters to be finished with their homework first. Make sure youngsters recognize the importance of staying quiet until everyone has finished their homework. Encourage younger siblings to leave the homework area and play quietly or read elsewhere in the home.
Include a break between school and
3 homework time.
Much like parents may like a few minutes to unwind when getting home from work at night, kids likely won’t want to dive right into their homework after getting home from school. A break between the school day and homework time can help kids clear their heads so they’re more capable of concentrating when they sit down to do their work. A good work environment at home can help kids live up to their academic potential.
4 | August 2019 • www.rgvfamilymagazine.com
H
igh school students have a lot on their plates. Today’s parents often lament that kids’ schedules are far more hectic than their own schedules were when they were teenagers. But for many high school students, a familiar foe their parents have no doubt encountered is proving a considerable source of stress. Homework has long been the bane of high schoolers’ existence. Studies regarding just how much homework is being assigned to teenagers are somewhat outdated, which makes it difficult to determine just how much work kids are being asked to do after school lets out. A 2014 survey from the University of Phoenix found that high school teachers assign, on average, 3.5 hours of homework per week. Multiply that figure by five, which is the number of different teachers many high school students have in a typical school day, and the survey concluded that high school students may be expected to complete as much as 17.5 hours of homework per week. Though the study, which is the only one of its kind to be conducted in recent years, is older, there’s little reason to suspect today’s high school students are being asked to do any less than their predecessors were in 2014. While parents might not be able to do much to lessen their children’s homework workload, they can take steps to ensure their homes are as homework-friendly as possible. The following are three ways to do just that.
Like us on Facebook facebook.com/rgvfamilymagazine
90 DAYS - SAME AS CASH
King Set
STARTING AT
$350
NO
REVISAMOS SU CREDITO
Queen Set STARTING AT
RUDY CAMPOS OWNER / OPERATOR
$150
Get the Best Mattress at the Best Price!
956-999-2804 3216 SAN BERNARDO AV. LAREDO, TX 78040
www.mattressclearancewarehousetx.com
RGV Family Magazine • August 2019 | 5
HEALTH & WELLNESS
BY CHRISTA MELNYK HINES
Common Childhood
and What to Do About Them
When to seek emergency care “Special care and concern should be given to the child who appears acutely ill with fever and rash,” – Corvette says.
“Seek prompt care in an emergency room setting for urgent treatment. Do not procrastinate on these types of rashes.”
6 | August 2019 • www.rgvfamilymagazine.com
From itchy and perplexing to kind of creepy...
A
larmed by that angry red rash splashed across your child's body? Rashes run the spectrum, signaling anything from a mild viral infection to a chronic or even life-threatening illness. Since the list of rashes and their causes is extensive, you may wonder what's what and when to call the doctor. First, avoid self-diagnosis. "Viral and allergic rashes both can present as a diffuse, splotchy, blanching, pinkish rash. Because the rashes look similar, it can be impossible sometimes to tell the difference just by appearance," says dermatologist Reginald B. Henry, M.D. Below are the more common types of childhood rashes and typical treatment methods. Check with your family physician or dermatologist to correctly diagnose and treat a mysterious rash.
Diaper rash
Even the most conscientious diaper-changing parent may see an uncomfortable, red,
puffy rash blossom on her baby's bottom. Babies can suffer from diaper rash after a bout of diarrhea, as a side effect from antibiotics or if they recently started eating solid foods. Change your baby's diaper frequently, and use wipes without alcohol or fragrances to gently pat the area dry. Treat the area with a protective barrier ointment after each diaper change. If the skin appears infected with blisters, oozing discharge or painful open sores, call your pediatrician.
Eczema
About 10 percent of infants and children suffer from atopic dermatitis or eczema. The chronic disease is especially common in families with a history of allergies and asthma. According to the National Eczema Association, 65 percent of children are diagnosed in their first year of life and 90 percent by the time they are five years old. Eczema is extremely itchy, but is not contagious. It appears as red, scaly dry skin and can vary in severity.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Physicians generally treat eczema first with an over-the-counter cortisone cream to calm the red, inflamed skin. Throughout the year, treat skin with moisturizers. "Lotions are better in the humid months, ointments in the winter months," Henry says. "Don't over-treat your child if the dermatitis isn't really bothering her."
viruses that present with a rash include Fifth Disease, molluscum contagiosum, chicken pox (varicella), roseola and hand, foot and mouth disease. Depending on the diagnosis, your physician may prescribe antiviral medications.
Bacterial
Staphylococcal and streptococcal bacteria often cause infections with rashes, including impetigo, scarlet fever (strep throat with a rash), folliculitis and cellulitis. Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferiand transmitted by ticks, can cause a bull's eye rash. If you suspect Lyme Disease, seek medical attention immediately. Bacterial infections are typically treated with antibiotics.
Viral
Viral-related rashes are splotchy, blanching (disappears when pressed), pinkish-colored and usually accompany other symptoms like fever, diarrhea, sore throat and lethargy. Typical childhood
Warts are another viral skin condition commonly seen among kids. Although warts generally resolve on their own, "due to the fact they are contagious, we tend to treat them with a spray or liquid nitrogen every one to two weeks until they are gone," says dermatologist Donna Corvette, M.D. "We can also treat with various topical acids and sometimes we use blister beetle juice which is quite effective."
Parasitic
A pimple-like skin rash that's extremely itchy and contagious could be caused by scabies, which is a mite that burrows into the skin. Because scabies can spread quickly through skin-to-skin contact, your physician may recommend treating the entire family with a topical medication.
Fungal
The name might make you shudder, but ringworm (tinea corporis), a red circular skin rash, is caused by a fungal infection, not a worm. The rash doesn't always itch, but can spread from skin-to-skin contact. Treat with an anti-fungal product.
Allergies
Rashes like hives are allergic reactions that are typically splotchy, blanching, pinkish and intensely itchy. A new food or a new medication could be the culprit. Consult with your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. (Seek immediate medical attention if your child has trouble breathing or experiences swelling of the tongue, lips or face.) Contact dermatitis like poison ivy or exposure to other irritants can also cause itchy allergic reactions. Treat the area with an over-the-counter cortisone cream. For insect bites, try ammonia-containing products like AfterBite Kids®. Henry also recommends oatmeal baths, baking soda compresses, and Sarna® lotion or Noxzema®cooled in the refrigerator to help relieve itching.
Writer, Christa Melnyk Hines, is a mom of two sons, ages 12 and 14, who have sported a variety of questionable rashes over the years. Christa is the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.
NECESITAS PAGINAS DE INTERNET?
Paradise Party Adventures
Paginas de Internet para tu negocio a Bajo Costo y en pagos accesibles
Reserve your special day
LLAMA AL
956-235-3676
Pregunta por nuestros paquetes
50 dlls deposit 5 hrs rent we open 1 hour before for set up Prices are 300 Mon thru Thu 400 Fri, Sat and Sunday.
Paradise party Adventures Taking deposits for Summer.
956-324-4381 RGV Family Magazine • August 2019 | 7
HEALTHY KIDS
How to reduce damage to eyes resulting from
PROLONGED SCREEN TIME
TUK LIVING
A
ccording to a 2015 report published in the Daily Mail, many people spend more time on their devices than they do sleeping. A recent Nielsen Company audience report also found that adults in the United States devote about 10 hours and 40 minutes each day to consuming media on their personal computers, tablets, multimedia devices, TVs, and more. Researchers continue to study the effects of screen time on personal health, but there is reason to believe that screen time may be especially harmful to vision. Devices force the eyes to focus at near range, and over time that can have an adverse effect on vision. Prevent Blindness America says that eye fatigue, dryness and blurred vision are some of the common effects of prolonged screen use, but these are not the only concerns. Digital devices also expose the eyes to blue light. While research as to how blue light impacts vision is ongoing, there is concern over the long-term effects of screen exposure since these screens are in close proximity to the eyes and use is often prolonged. Prevent Blindness America says that studies suggest continued exposure to blue light over time can lead to difficulty focusing, premature aging of the eyes and even damage to retinal cells. A recent study by the National Eye Institute found the frequency of myopia, also known as near-sightedness, has increased exponentially in the last few years. Reasons include a spike in time spent looking at things close-up and a lack of outdoor activities that require focusing elsewhere. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that a separate study recently found that excessive screen time usage in adolescents was associated with development of acute onset esotropia, or crossing of the eyes, and that limiting usage of gadgets decreased the degree of eye crossing in these patients. Eyes, just like any other muscle, require a varied workout to remain healthy. Many vision experts recommend the 20-20-20 rule. According to this rule, for every 20 minutes of looking at a screen, a person should look away at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds or more. This will help eye muscles to relax. The group All About Vision says to use proper lighting, such as ambient lighting. Position a computer monitor so that windows or lights are to the sides instead of in front or behind it. Be sure indoor light isn’t too bright, as bright light can contribute to glare and fatigue. Antireflective lenses on eyeglasses or filters for screens also can help absorb some of the blue light and limit how much reaches the retina and accesses the central nerve of the eye. This may alleviate digital eye strain as well. Screen users may want to adjust the display of their devices so they feature a cool, gray tone, which produces less glare. Eyes can be adversely affected by screen time unless strategies are implemented to limit strain and to rest muscles. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT
www.tukliving.com 8 | August 2019 • www.rgvfamilymagazine.com
Why Kids Should Wear Blue Light Blocking Glasses Technological devices with screens emit blue light, which can be particularly damaging to children. Their eyes are not fully developed before the age of 18, therefore children’s eyes are more vulnerable to the harm of blue light. Blue light is particularly harmful to the eye. The blue band of the light spectrum contains more energy and directly passes through your eye, causing myopia and macular degeneration, which can lead to vision loss.
Exposure to blue light may cause: • • • • • • •
Headache Insomnia Blurred vision Depression Myopia Macular Degeneration Early Cataracts
TUK lenses reduce the amount of potentially harmful blue light from: • • • • • • •
LED & fluorescent bulbs Cell phones Tablets Video Games Computer Laptops LED TVs
To order Blue Light Blocking Glasses visit us at
www.tukliving.com