August 2011 • Complimentary Issue • www.qcfamilyfocus.com
Cooling Off In The Summer Sun When Should Your Children Get Their First Eye Exam?
Be Safe In School Zones Win VIP Passes to the Circus
August 2011
Serving Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois
QCFamily Focus
Publisher: Mike Mickle Editor: Karen Mickle Magazine Design: Jessie Smith Photographers: QC Family Focus Photography Tassy Johnson • Nick Martel Shannon Colgan • Estelle Nester Janet Meyer Videographer: Harry Walker
Contributing Editors David W. Deuth Kim Fein Curtis Ford John C. Frederick O.D. Maggie Gehlsen Keene Hart Kelly Hendershot Lori Hillebrand Brianna Huber Lisa A. Lockheart Mike Mickle Diana Spranger Phyllis Zalenski Join thousands of others as they help us promote happy healthy families in the QCA. Call 940-7875 for more information. QC Family Focus Magazine is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mickle Communications Group LLC. Publication of advertising and articles does not constitute endorsement. The publisher reserves the right to refuse and/or edit any materials for publication. You can contact us at QC Family Focus Magazine, P.O. Box 194, Bettendorf, Iowa 52722, 563-940-7875 or email: mmickle@qcfamilyfocus.com. ©Copyright 2011.
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Monthly
Plan A Family Movie Night Making Your Tablet Computer Family-Friendly
Money Management in Times of Disaster Good News for Infertile Couples in the QCA
Check out our QR Code on the front cover of QCFF. Use your smart phone to scan it and you will find all of our contact information and a link to our website! Front cover photo taken by Shannon Colgan at Davenport’s new spray park.
Tune in to WYEC 93.9 for QC Family Focus Radio!
Each weekday at 8:20am and 5:20 pm, you’ll hear our Family Focus spotlight. Then every Saturday from 9am to noon, it’s QC Family Focus Weekend. You’ll hear from our experts, we’ll share some of the best deals from our advertisers and give you the latest on events happening in the QCA! Set your dial to 93.9! QC Family Focus - august 2011
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Your Mickle’s Worth From Chaos to Calm in one day. That’s what happened this past month in the Mickle house. The stars aligned and Kyle and Kate ended up at separate camps on the same week! Okay, I’ve gotta be honest. The first 24 hours they were gone, the silence was almost deafening. We are accustomed to chaos in our house. On most days, all three of the kids had at least one activity. Many days, they each had numerous places to be. So, to have two children gone, soccer season over, baseball wrapped up and just Matt-man to entertain seemed almost too easy. He spent most of the week playing with friends. We asked him if he’d miss his brother and sister. “No, way! I’m going to enjoy being an only child for a week!” I was sure he was mistaken. Surely, he would miss his older brother and sister. Nope. On the particular Sunday that Kyle and Kate left, Karen took Kyle to his camp and I took Kate to her camp. They were in different towns, hours apart. On the way home from dropping off Kate, I said, “ Matt, how is it gonna feel having the entire upstairs to yourself tonight?” “It’s gonna be great. I’m sleeping in Kyle’s room while he’s gone. I want my own tv!” Wow, his brother hasn’t even unpacked at camp and Matt’s already moving in to his room. “What do you want to do this week?” “I want to have friends over every day! I won’t have to worry about Kyle or Kate annoying us!” Three days into the summer camp excursion, I was ready for both of our oldest children to come home. Kyle was hours away at a basketball camp. I could at least talk to him a few times a day. He had his phone with him. He was working hard but at least the dorm and gym he was spending time in was air-conditioned. That made it easier. Kate was in a cabin with no air-conditioning in the 125 degree heat index. She went to a Christian camp and was not allowed to bring a phone. Sunday-Friday, during the hottest week we’ve seen in Iowa in years and I have no contact with my daughter. Those of you who know me, will realize it did not make for a pretty week. At one point, I called the camp office to check on things. No one
By Mike Mickle answered the phone. I sat in my office obsessed with what might be going on with Kate. I decided after my newscast at Independent News Network, I was leaving work and heading to the camp. I was going to check on her. Call it divine intervention, but roughly an hour before I planned to head out, the camp sent out an email to all the campers’ parents. They explained what they were doing to make sure the children did not get overheated. Everything was under control. I was relieved to hear that everyone was doing well, but secretly disappointed that I had just lost my excuse to go see her. Meanwhile, the youngest Mickle was lovin’ life. He was requesting his favorite meals, enjoying playdates that lasted from mid-morning until dark and at one point realized, “Hey, I haven’t gotten in trouble for three days!” He was right. With his brother and sister gone, he had no one to argue with! Still, when Thursday arrived, I drove safely but wasted no time getting to Kyle’s camp. I was ready to have my oldest son back home. Picking him up at a college where he’d been living in a dorm for a week made me flash forward. Before I know it, this will be real. It won’t be a week. It will be the next stage in his life. On Friday, when we went to pick up Kate, I couldn’t wait to find her, hug her and bring her home. Again, realizing that at some point, she too will be grown and gone and I may or may not hear from her everyday. Not something, I want to dwell on, but must prepare for. Truth is, I love the chaos. I want to take them to their activities, I enjoy the basketball, baseball and soccer games, the baton competitions, the piano recitals and soon the swim meets. Karen and I had a week to enjoy the calm, spend time with each other and get caught up on some things that had perhaps been neglected. Now, it’s time to get back our “real lives.” However, I’m not sure Matt is on the same page. While, I think he was happy to see them, he’d be more than willing to send them away again for another week... or month... or year. Enjoy the rest of your summer! Best regards, Mike
Watch QC Family Focus come to life on television each Friday.
Family Focus Friday
only on WQAD’s midday newscast! 4
august 2011 • QC Family Focus
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august 2011 • QC Family Focus
Races, Races, Races!
Maggie Gehlsen Miss Scott County’s Outstanding Teen
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hew! Has this summer flown by or what?! With the start of school becoming the main priority for many of us, you’re probably thinking, “how, how, HOW am I going to find time to exercise?!” It’s true, the school year is always busy for many of us, but here’s a few ideas to stay healthy (and happy!) this coming fall. In our neighboring county, Clinton county, wellness is the focus on September 10th. The Family Wellness Fest will take place, along with a half marathon, 10k run, a 5k run/walk, volleyball tournament, bags tournament, kids’ activities, and health and wellness vendors. It’s a great way to get the whole family involved in supporting a healthy lifestyle. On September 25th, just a couple weeks after the Wellness Fest and Half Marathon in Clinton, is the Quad Cities Marathon, starting and ending in
Recipes
downtown Moline. The Quad Cities Marathon not only puts on a 26.2 mile run, but also a half marathon, 5 person relay, 1 mile walk, 5k run/walk, and kids’ races, too! There truly is something for everyone. The event benefits prostate cancer research and helps to fund screening. The Quad Cities Marathon has been noted as the “Midwest’s favorite marathon” and provides a wonderful scenic course, traveling along the Mississippi and covering four cities, three bridges, two states, and one island. Another great way to get the whole family involved via races is through the Lagomarcinos 5k Hot Chocolate Run on Saturday, October 29th, in Moline. Not only is there a 5k run/walk, but there’s also a kids’ fun run. Personally, I’m a chocolate fanatic, so what’s great about this is the free chocolate sampler that comes with your entry... gotta have a guilty pleasure every once in a while, right? ☺ All of these races are a great way to get the whole family out and moving, plus finishing a race is a goal you can accomplish altogether! So get out, GET MOVING!, and have a wonderful return to the 2011-2012 school year!
from your friends at
After-School Delight
Ap pple Salad S
All you do: 1. C ombine peanut butter, milk powder and coconut in a medium bowl. All you need: D, LD D 2. S tir in oats, wheat germ and honey • ½ cup Hy-Vee creamy peanut until thoroughly combined. butter 3. S hape into 30 (1-inch) balls. Roll in • ¼ cup Hy-Vee instant nonfat dry rice cereal. Chill thoroughly before milk powder serving. pineapple • ¼ cup Hy-Vee flake coconut 4. S tore remaining balls in the ® cara amel crème e parfaits refrigerator. • 1/3 cup Hy-Vee rolled oats ® Org ganic pump fla ax granola 5. I f desired, drizzle with melted • ¼pkin cup and wheat germ chocolate or roll in your favorite • 2 tbsp Hy-Vee honey cereal. • 1/4 cup crispy rice cereal Serves 30
l, com mbine dice d apples, p pineapple andCarbohydrate: yogurt and a mix we55mg, ll. Dietary Fiber: 4g, Fat: 4g, Protein: 6g, Nutrition facts per serving: Calories: 140, 20g, Cholesterol: Saturated Fat: 1.5g, Sodium: 140mg, Sugar: 3g, Trans Fat 0g ervin ng top mixtu ure with gra anola and enjoy!
% vitamin A, 10% vittamin C, 6% ca alcium, 2% iron n erving g: Calories: 11 10, Carbohydra ate: 25 g, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Dietary Fiber: 3 g, Fat: 1 g, 0 g, So odium: 0 mg, Sugar: S 18 g Tra ans fats: 0 g QC Family Focus - august 2011
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Plan A Family Movie Night By Kim Fein RIA Federal Credit Union
Here are a few ideas to get you started: Make it official. Set a movie start time and stick to it. Friday nights are a great night because it’s a way to de-stress after a long week of work and school. Start the movie after a no-hassle dinner of pizza or mac-n-cheese. Have fun with it. Make tickets and sell them at a “box office” (a large cardboard box that’s cut out and decorated to look like a real box office). You can even “usher” your parents to their seats, using a small flashlight like in the old days. Set the scene. A darkened room and plenty of comfy seats are a must. Bean bag chairs and large pillows on the floor are great movie seats. Make it snack-a-licious. Movies are always better when you have your favorite snacks. Movie candy will give everyone a theatre feel. But don’t forget the popcorn and pretzels. Schedule an intermission. Give everyone a chance to take a break and hit the “concession stand”. Play a guessing game. For example, pause the movie and the first person who shouts out the next line gets a point. At the end of the movie, add up the points and whoever has the most wins a prize. Once your family gets in the swing of planning a movie night, you can come up with different ideas. You might include a theme night, movie marathon or watching a movie outdoors. Whatever your ideas are, you are sure to have some summer fun!
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Making Your Tablet Computer Family-Friendly
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By Lori Hillebrand Northpark Mall Verizon Wireless Store Manager
t’s no secret tablet computers are hot items on the market right now. The tablet is an outstanding tool to help organize hectic family schedules, manage those long lists of errands and entertain the kids on family road trips. There are now a variety of tablets to choose from and each offers countless features, apps and accessories that are great for active families. Verizon Wireless carries an assortment of tablets, including the Motorola XOOM and Samsung Galaxy Tab, all of which are much easier to hold, relax and travel with than laptop computers. Here are just some benefits of owning a tablet: Portable: Tablets are thinner, lighter and smaller than a netbook or laptop. Tablets are about the size of a piece of paper or a little smaller, and are perfect portable entertainment systems. They are also often cheaper than installing DVDpowered LCDs in the car headrest, and have a battery life longer than that of a laptop, allowing for even longer video viewing. To help protect your tablet, Verizon Wireless offers many accessories, such as screen protectors and screen wipes, that can protect your high-tech piece of equipment from smudges, sticky fingers and scratches when you’re on the road. Adaptable: The tablet is adaptable to virtually every daily routine. Read the newspaper or the latest articles from your favorite magazines. Check your email, Twitter or Facebook and respond to messages instantaneously. The tablet also allows you to utilize many of the same apps you use on your smartphone and allows you to sync with many other devices, including a laptop, desktop and digital calendar. Tablets also include video chatting features, allowing family members of all ages to connect face-to-face, even if you’re on opposite sides of the country. Learning: Younger children are accustomed to learning in new ways. Keep them engaged in learning yearround, and on-the-go when needed, with flash card or phonics apps. Whether your child is at a pre-school level or later in elementary school, there are apps available to help further their development. Compatibility: Tablets boast some amazing features and are compatible with countless applications. For instance, tablets are known to be excellent e-readers. You can download apps like iBook or Google Books, and open up a world of imagination for the bookworm in your family. These apps create a virtual library for you or your young reader, allowing for book sharing, reading and organizing without limits. And since it’s portable, you can read whatever you choose, whenever you choose. So which kind of tablet is right for you? Visit your local Verizon Wireless store to try out a handful of tablets. Our team of experts are happy to show you and your family all the highlights of the tablet first hand to help you determine which best fits your family’s needs. Stop by one of our stores in the Northpark Mall, Southpark Mall, Park Avenue in Muscatine or Elmore Avenue in Davenport and we’ll help get you started. 10
august 2011 • QC Family Focus
A Better Way to Pay for College
DHCU Community Credit Union’s Student Choice Private Loan Solution
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Kelly Hendershot Marketing Communications Officer, DHCU Community Credit Union
ith zero origination fees, lower interest rates and flexible repayment options, it is easy to see why our private student loan solution is a better way to pay for college. Whether you are a student yourself or the parent of a student, DHCU Community Credit Union is here to help. Our Student Choice private loan solution will help fill funding gaps that federal aid can leave behind. As the cost of both public and private colleges and universities continues to increase, federal funding has not kept pace. This growing gap between what college costs and the financial aid available is causing many families to resort to higher cost private student loans to pay for higher education. Since DHCU Community Credit Union is here for one reason only – to serve our members – we are able to offer more competitive student loan options and save you money. Student loans are a longterm relationship and it is important to choose a lender carefully. Be sure you read the fine print and compare fees, terms and repayment options (not just rates) when comparing student loans. Read more about how to choose student loans and the financial aid process in general by visiting dhcu.studentchoice.org. Remember, DHCU Community Credit Union's goal is not just to help you fund a college education for yourself or a family member, but to become your financial partner for life. Visit us online at dhcu.studentchoice.org to apply or find out more about our full-range of products designed just for young adults. You can also apply for a student loan by calling our 24/7 student lending call center at 866-6866810.
When discussing expenses with your student, be sure to include these nonbillable items: • Books—Look into renting textbooks or buying used books when possible at your school's bookstore. • Fees—There may be fees for attending orientation, and annual fees for things such as student activities, health services, and telecommunications. • Supplies—There's a wide variance. • Health insurance—Your policy may cover your student, but, if not, most colleges require purchasing insurance. • Transportation—There's the cost of moving a resident student to school, as well as trips home for holidays and parental visits to colleges. • Athletics, sororities and fraternities, and clubs—These programs usually charge fees, and there may be costs for outings. • Laptop computer—These days just about every student needs one. • Cell phone—Make sure your student's plan has sufficient coverage where the college is located. • Housewares—The cost of sheets, rugs, lamps, posters, and other items can really add up. • Toiletries—From toothpaste and deodorant to hair products and cold remedies. • Cleaning products—Vacuum cleaners, dust cloths, and other cleaning supplies. • Laundry supplies—Students will need detergent, dryer sheets, and a supply of quarters for washers and dryers. • Food and groceries—Dining halls are open only at certain hours. Students will need other groceries too. • Social life—Every student needs the occasional pizza or movie night.
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Book your neighborhood block party, back to school festival or birthday party now!
Can't decide if you want to rent the giant Slide or the Obstacle Course? Now you can have both in one awesome inflatable! QC Jumps and More has a new Obstacle Course/ 18 ft. Slide Combo. Call to reserve it today! Or, if the kids just want to jump all day, rent one of our 15 x 15 ft. bounce houses.
Great for birthday or graduation parties, company picnics, or just a day of fun! 12
Call 563-940-7154
or check out our website at www.qcjumps.com. august 2011 • QC Family Focus Free Delivery within the first 20 miles.
New Research Shows One of Every Six Drivers in School Zones is Distracted Quad Cities Safe Kids
PARKS &
one in three child pedestrian deaths occur between 3 and 7 p.m., making afternoons the most dangerous time for children to walk. Drivers who were not wearing a seat belt were the most likely group in the study to also be driving distracted, meaning drivers engaging in one risky behavior are more likely to engage in multiple unsafe driving behaviors. While the debate over laws governing hand-held electronic device use while driving continues, simply having a law on the books may somewhat decrease the prevalence of distracted driving. The study, which covered communities in 15 states showed that those states with laws regulating cell phone or hand-held electronic device use in a vehicle were 13 percent less likely to have distracted drivers in school zones. “Multitasking while driving can have deadly consequences,” said Keene Hart “Drivers need to shut off their phones and pay attention to the road, especially in areas that are filled with children.” Safe Kids Walk This Way, a grassroots pedestrian safety initiative in more than 600 schools nationwide, is made possible through support from program sponsor FedEx Corp. Through this year-round program, children learn safe pedestrian behaviors; school communities identify the pedestrian hazards surrounding their schools; and school pedestrian safety committees and task forces lead efforts to educate pedestrians and drivers about safe behaviors, enforce traffic laws and improve environments for child pedestrians. The study on distracted drivers in school zones was made possible through a grant from FedEx. For more information about the new report on distracted drivers, tips for drivers and pedestrians or background on the Walk This Way program, call 202-6620600 or visit www.usa.safekids.org/wtw/. Safe Kids Quad Citiesworks to prevent unintentional childhood injury, the leading cause of death and disability to children ages 1 to 14. Safe Kids Quad Cities is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing unintentional injury. Safe Kids Quad Cities was founded in 1997 and is led by Genesis-Illini Hospital 309-281-2460
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REATIO N DE EC
CITY O F DAV ENPO RT
Quad Cities drivers are more likely to be distracted while driving – putting child pedestrians at risk. As kids head back to school, new research from Safe Kids USA shows that one out of every six drivers in school zones is distracted by the use of cell phones, eating, drinking, smoking, reaching behind, grooming and reading. The study also found that unbelted drivers are 34 percent more likely to be distracted than belted drivers, afternoon drivers are 22 percent more likely to be distracted than morning drivers, and females are 21 percent more likely to be distracted than males. The study, “Characteristics of Distracted Drivers in School Zones: A National Report,” consisted of more than 40,000 observational road-side surveys conducted by local Safe Kids researchers in 20 locations across the United States. Use of electronics (such as cell phones, PDAs and Smartphones) was the leading category of distraction while driving at 9.8 percent. This is a 2.5 percent increase over a 2008 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration survey that showed a rate of 7.3 percent. “The public expects drivers to be on their best behavior when they are near schools, however the new study shows the opposite is true when it comes to distracted driving,” said Keene Hart, Safe Kids Quad Cities coordinator. “With recent research demonstrating that the driving skills of a distracted driver are as bad as or worse than an intoxicated driver, the overall relevance of this study is clear. Almost one in six drivers in a school zone behaves like a drunk driver.” A study was done last year in the afternoon time frame. The national finding that afternoon drivers are 22 percent more likely to be distracted is significant because throughout the year
RTMENT PA
It is a Family Fiesta-celebrating a fantistic summer and starting off the new school year right! Come join the fun by bringing your whole family to the
5th Annual Back To School Fiesta at Garfield Park! This fun family event has games, sports, crafts, activities, bingo, dunk tank, pinatas and more with prizes of back to school supplies!
Friday, August 12th • 1:00-7:00 pm Garfield Park • Admission is FREE
Davenport Parks and Recreation 563-328-PARK (7275) www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks QC Family Focus - august 2011
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Discover More with Field Trip Packs from the Rock Island Library By Lisa A. Lockheart Publicity and Outreach Liaison, Rock Island Library
“Let Nature be your teacher,” said William Wordsworth, but for parents, teachers and Scout leaders who are looking for a little extra help, there are some new resources available. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Education just selected the Rock Island Public Library as the latest lending location for its Field Trip Packs and Resources Trunks. Each Field Trip Pack contains hands-on equipment and reference materials to encourage nature exploration by children in grades prekindergarten through three. Resources Trunks are large plastic containers filled with a variety of supplemental items to enhance lessons in 10 environmental topics. All items correlate to the Illinois Learning Standards or Illinois Early Learning Standards. The kits help parents, teachers and others teach children about such varied subjects as Illinois aquatic life, birds, fossils, insects, spiders, forests, prairies and more. Available kits
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august 2011 • QC Family Focus
and suggested grade levels include: • Field Trip Packs: Pre-kindergarten through 3rd grades • Aquatic Illinois: Grades 5 through 9 • Illinois Birds: Prekindergarten through 8 • Illinois Fossils: Grades 7 through 10 • Illinois Insects and Spiders: Prekindergarten through 6 • Illinois’ Invasive Species: Grades 7 through 12 • Illinois Prairies: Grades 4 through 8 • Illinois’ State Symbols: Kindergarten through 6 • Illinois Tree Trunk: Prekindergarten through 10 • Illinois Wild Mammals: Prekindergarten through 8 • People & Animals from Illinois’ Past: Prekindergarten through 6 These resources are available for free checkout. For more information, please call the Rock Island Public Library Children’s Room at 309-732-7360.
QC Fall Bridal Fair presented by
Saturday, September 17th 9am – 2pm I Wireless Center $5.00 Admission Register to Win Great Gifts!
Pantone 541 - Blue Black
Pantone 280 - Blue Pantone Yellow
Pantone 7406 -Yellow Pantone 300 - Blue Black
For complete details or vendor information, please call (563) 344-7000 or log onto www.qcfallbridalfair.com
QC Family Focus - august 2011
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Just For Kids! Kid’s Calendar
Movies in the Park • August 5th & 12th Come watch some movies on a 20’ x 25’ inflatable screen. Bring your lawn chairs! •Concessions will also be available. • Movies •Aug 5-TANGLED •Aug 12 TRON-LEGACY • Time: 8:45 PM - 10:30 PM Admission: Free. Riverside Park, 3350 5th Avenue, Moline, IL Call 309-524-2424 for more information. Ya Maka My Weekend • August 12th-13th A celebration of Caribbean culture, the festival brings the islands to the Quad Cities. Featuring reggae and steel drum bands. Visit the open-air marketplace offering authentic island wares. Enjoy Caribbean foods, sand volleyball tournaments and a children’s craft area. The family area, featuring a pirate costume contest, limbo contests and street performers, is another highlight of this summer festival. Event hours are Friday 5:00 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. and Saturday, 12 noon - 12:30 a.m. Hug-A-Book with Jim Gill • August 18th Free early learning event for ages two to five with children’s singer and author Jim Gill. Gill will lead a ‘read-a-long/sing-a-long’ family concert featuring stories and songs from his book, A Soup Opera. Each child receives a new, free book to keep, courtesy of the Merrill Harris Fund of the Rock Island Public Library Foundation. Free and open to the public. Event is in the Community Room of the Main Library downtown. 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM • Admission: Free. Rock Island Public Library, 401 19th Street, Call 309732-7360 for more information. Free Kids Craft Day • Saturday August 20th John Deere Pavilion • 10:00am-4:00pm •Theme: Corn
Get Your Savings Into Gear With Our New Rewards Program!
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august 2011 • QC Family Focus
R.I.A. Federal Credit Union 563.355.3800 • 800.742.2848 www.riafcu.com
Just For Kids!
QC Family Focus - august 2011
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Just For Kids! It’s the Greatest Show on Earth! Now, here’s your chance to be a VIP for an upcoming performance of the Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey Circus. Fill out the contest entry below for your chance to win four premium seats and an up close encounter with the performers. Good luck!!
Name_ _____________________________________________________________ Address_ ___________________________________________________________ City__________________________State______Phone number_________________ My favorite part of the circus is_ _________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ My favorite part of QCFF is_ ____________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Send entries to: Circus VIP, c/o QC Family Focus Magazine, P.O. Box 194, Bettendorf, IA 52722 Only one entry per person. Entries must be postmarked by August 15th.
Congratulations to Shannon Kussatz
of Bettendorf. She and her family won 4 tickets to the live stage performance of Hairspray at Circa 21 in Rock Island.
Congratulations to Tina Jacobs Hulse.
She was our winner for 4 tickets to an upcoming River Bandits Game. Have fun Tina! Thanks for reading QC Family Focus magazine. 18
august 2011 • QC Family Focus
Just For Kids!
QC Family Focus - august 2011
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Money Management in Times of Disaster Phyllis Zalenski Family Resource Management Specialist, Iowa State University Extension
Just one flood, fire, or is protected from both fire and water. Documents tornado can wipe out a lifetime include automobile titles, tax records, stock and of savings. Secure your finances bond certificates, deeds, wills, trust agreements, from unexpected events of birth and marriage certificates, photos, passports nature. Here are five steps and insurance policies. Keep originals in a rented everyone can and should take to safe deposit box. And don’t forget the household protect their home and finances. inventory file! Get the Right Keep “Emergency Fund” Cash or Insurance: Review your Savings Account: In case of an emergency or insurance policies and find sudden evacuation, be sure to keep enough cash out what they do and do not cover. Learn the or traveler’s checks in a safe place; one that can be difference between replacement cost coverage quickly accessed. ATM’s may not be available in versus standard coverage, which only pays the the event of a disaster. Also, consider opening up actual cash value of insured property. Be sure that an emergency savings account or designate a credit you have enough insurance to cover recent home card exclusively for emergency use. renovations or improvement. Know that most Safeguard Your Home and Property: Take homeowner insurance policies do not cover flood steps to minimize potential damage to your home. damage, so be sure to consider flood insurance for Install smoke detectors on every floor. Store large both your structure and its contents. Learn more sheets of plywood to cover windows in the event of by visiting www.Fema.gov, www.FloodSmart. high winds. Reinforce roof and foundation moorings gov and www.iii.org. in case of tornadoes. Inventory Your Household Possessions: For insurance purposes, be sure to keep a written and visual (i.e., videotaped or photographed) record of all major household items and valuables, even those stored in basements, attics or garages. The more you insure with Allstate, the less you pay. Create files that include serial numbers and store In fact, safe drivers who insure their home and car receipts for major appliances and electronics. Have can save up to 33%. Add coverage for your motorcycle, jewelry and artwork appraised. These documents boat insure or ATV and even more. firstpay. to see The more you withsave Allstate, the Call lessme you are critically important when filing insurance how much you caninsure save. their home and car In fact, safe drivers who claims. For help in conducting a home inventory, can save up tomore 33%.you Add coverage for your motorcycle, visit www.knowyourstuff.org or www.iii.org. The insure with Allstate, the lessRdyou pay. Christy Cox 5159 Utica Ridge The more you insure with Allstate, the lessand youcar pay. Protect Important Financial Documents: In fact, safe drivers who insure their home (563) 359-4079 Theboat moreoryou insure with Allstate, the less you pay. Davenport, IA 52807 ATV and save even more. Call me first to see In fact, safe drivers who insure their home and car 5159 Utica Rd.for Store copies of irreplaceable financial and can save upinsure to 33%. Add coverage In family fact, drivers who their home and caryour motorcycle, PhRidge 563.359.4079 howsafe much you can save. Davenport save upcoverage toand 33%. Add coverage for your motorcycle, documents in a safe place, preferably can onesave thatup tocan boat or ATV save even more. Call me first to see 33%. Add for your motorcycle,
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boat or ATV and save more. Call me first to see how much you can save. boat or ATV and save even more. Calleven me first to see Christy Cox 1140 E Kimberly Rd Ste 200 how much you can save. how much you can save. IA 52807 (563) 359-4079 ChristyDavenport, Cox 5159 Utica Ridge Rd. Ph 563.391.1226 Cox (563) 359-4079 Christy Cox Christy 5159 Utica Ridge Rd. Davenport (563) 359-4079 (563) 359-4079 Davenport ChristyCox@allstate.com 5159 Utica Ridge Rd. 5159 Utica Ridge Rd.
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ChristyCox@allstate.com Davenport Davenport ChristyCox@allstate.com ChristyCox@allstate.com
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Discount subject to terms, conditions and availability. Actual savings will vary. Property insurance is subject to availability. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL. © 2009 Allstate Insurance Company.
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Since 1989
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august 2011 • QC Family Focus
Discount subject to terms, conditions and availability. Actual savings will vary. Property insurance is subject to availability. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance IL. © 2009insurance Allstate Insurance Company. Discount subject to terms, conditions and availability. ActualCompany, savings Northbrook, will vary. Property is subject to Discount subject to Allstate terms, conditions availability. Actual savings will vary. Property insurance is subject to availability. Fire andand Casualty Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL. © 2009 Allstate Insurance Company.
DiscountInsurance subject to terms, conditions and Actual savingsCompany. will vary. Property insurance is subject to availability. Allstate Fire and Casualty Company, Northbrook, IL. availability. © 2009 Allstate Insurance
availability. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL. © 2009 Allstate Insurance Company.
The Biggest Parenting Decision
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By Curtis Ford Nash Nash Bean & Ford, LLP
Does your child - already feel comfortable with this person - have to move far away to live with this person - fit in with other children in the home What happens once you’ve chosen a guardian? One of the most important steps you can take in naming a guardian for your child is to discuss it with the potential guardian. While you may view this person as the best choice to fill your shoes, he may feel differently for a variety of reasons. It would not be fair to either the guardian or your child to be surprised by this selection on top of the emotional jolt of their loss. What happens if you don’t name a guardian? If your child loses both parents and a guardian was not named, he will have to go to family court and a judge will decide – without your input - what happens to your child and who will serve as a surrogate parent until he turns 18. As much as we want to witness all the great moments in our children’s lives, we need make one of the most important parenting decisions ever, and legally name another person to raise our children in the unlikely event of our death.
e all plan on watching the milestones in our children’s lives: the first step, the first day of school, the first date, graduations, weddings. But what if something happens to us and we’re no longer around to witness these events? Who will play the cheerleader for your child in these moments? Who will soothe the broken hearts? As much as we hate to think about our own deaths, when you have children, naming a guardian and writing your will and estate plan is another milestone for your family. How do you select a guardian? We all have important people in our lives, but choosing a guardian is a more involved decision than automatically picking our best friend, sister or parent. Some things to think about: Does the potential guardian - have a good relationship with your child - have similar values and religious beliefs - have a similar parenting style Nash Nash Bean & Ford are members of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. To receive a copy of our most recent newsletter “Your - have enough space in their home for additional family and Estate Matters” or for a free consultation on Estate or Long Term Care Planning, call 309-944-2188, 309762-9368 or 1-800-644-5345. You may also contact our firm by email at info@nashbeanford.com or visit members our web site at http://www.nashbeanford.com. devotes its practice primarily in the areas of estate, business and tax planning and - have a schedule that can accommodate children and activi- related areas ofThethefirm law, as well as elder law and trust administration and probate. We offer guidance and advice to our clients in every area of estate planning. ties This column is designed for general information purposes only, and is not intended, nor should be construed or relied upon, as legal advice. Please consult your attorney if specific legal information is desired.
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Early Vision Screening For Children
T
he wonders of the world are often first encountered through the eyes of a child. Yet without good vision, a child’s ability to learn about the world becomes more difficult. Vision problems affect one in 10 preschoolers and one in five school age children. Children often don’t realize they have vision problems, yet until age 12, vision is 80% responsible for the learning process. Since many vision problems begin at an early age, it is very important that children receive proper eye care. A common misconception is the thought that school screenings are adequate. Unfortunately, these screenings take place later in childhood than the ideal time for starting treatment and are often not sensitive enough to detect all eye problems. Current recommendations are for every child to undergo an eye examination by age three. The American Academy of Pediatrics, The American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and the American Academy of Ophthalmology all support this recommendation. Among the conditions an eye care professional will look for are amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid), color deficiency (color blindness) and refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism). On average more than one child per classroom suffers from amblyopia or strabismus (crossed or lazy eye). The earlier a visual problem is detected the sooner treat-
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John C. Frederick O.D. Dr. Frederick, with Eye Surgeons Associates, is fellowship trained in Pediatric Ophthalmology and recently recertified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is a member of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Dr. Frederick practices in Bettendorf, Iowa and Rock Island and Silvis, Illinois. For more information, please see visit: esaeyecare.com.
ment can be instituted. Take for instance, amblyopia therapy. Treatment is much more effective at an earlier age, but can be attempted up to about age nine. If found early enough, treatment can often completely restore vision. If not treated by the age of two there is a greater chance of losing binocular visual function (the ability to use the two eyes together – or depth perception). Treatment may be as simple as glasses or using eye drops, but also may involve eye patches or surgery. A toddler’s eye exam should be as customary as regular check-ups by the doctor, getting immunizations and seeing the dentist. ESA wants every child to begin their schooling on the right foot, so we have special pricing on eye exams for incoming Kindergartners for the 2011 – 2012 school year. Don’t let vision interfere with school performance, call today.
Keppy Lawn and Landscaping Lawn maintenance, landscaping , outdoor lighting, aeration, fertilizer.
Call 563-528-0972 or 563-528-6083 You enjoy the summer weather with your family. Leave the lawn work to us. Fast, Affordable, Friendly Service.
If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can BECOME it.
The Children’s Therapy Center of the Quad Cities providing Physical, Occupational, Speech, and Feeding Therapy. Therapists are licensed in both Iowa and Illinois. For more information, call 309-762-9552 or visit our website www.ctcqc.org. QC Family Focus - august 2011
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Because raising children is our most important job
Because babies don’t come with an instruction manual
Because finding a person to care for your child while you’re at work can be overwhelming.
Let us help you.
log on to: www.scottcountykids.org stop by: 600 W. 4th Street
Davenport, IA
or call:
(563) 326-8221
For Kids prenatal through age 5 24
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child care is important….choose wisely
Healthcare For Your Family Brianna Huber Child Health Consultant
a new patient visit is that when a family member has a health care need, scheduling an appointment to be seen may be quicker and easier than if your family has never been seen before by that provider. Before calling your new provider to schedule an appointment, be prepared to give personal information about your family members including full name, date of birth, address, and insurance information. Once you have scheduled the appointment, you will want to write down the date and time of the appointment so that you do not forget. In addition, it is helpful to bring to the appointment your family’s insurance card, immunization records, and a list of current medications for each family member. Having a place to call home for your family’s routine medical, dental, and vision needs is the first step to ensuring your family’s health. If you need help finding a medical, dental, or vision provider, or scheduling an appointment, please call the Scott County Care for Kids Program at 563-328-4114.
CAVITY FREE CLUB
5108 Jersey Ridge Road Davenport, Iowa 52807
563-355-0437
CAVITY FREE CLUB
abcdentistry@mchsi.com
accepting new patients
Come check us out at the Back to School Event at the ballpark with our very own Quad Cities River Bandits on Sunday, August 28th from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. The girls will be out and about with our office personalities Oscar the Fish and Al the Alligator
CAVITY FREE CLUB
Do you have a place to call home when it comes to your family’s medical, dental, and vision health? Most of us know where to go in the case of a medical, dental, or vision emergency, but do you have a place to call home when it comes to your family’s routine medical, dental, and vision health? A medical, dental, and vision home includes having a primary care provider that offers regular check-ups; provides complete care including prevention, education, and emergency services; and provides treatment services. Having a medical, dental, and vision home allows your family: • to build a trusting and caring relationship with your provider, therefore allowing your family to feel more comfortable interacting with the provider and office staff. • to have one medical, one dental, and one vision provider that knows your family’s entire medical, dental, and vision history, and coordinates care with other providers and specialists as needed. • to get connected to health education, support, and services in the community. Finding a medical, dental, and vision provider is the first step to ensuring your family’s health. If you need to establish a medical, dental, and vision home, you may want to ask yourself the following questions as you search for a provider: • Does the provider accept your method of payment? • Is the office easy for you to get to? • Does the provider have office hours that work for you? • Does the provider have a plan for care after office hours? • Does the provider offer information and materials in your primary language? • Does the provider offer interpreter services if needed? Once your family has selected a provider, it is important to begin a patient-provider relationship. This can be done by scheduling a new patient visit. Scheduling a new patient visit allows your family, and the new provider, to establish a trusting and interactive relationship. It helps you get to know each other, and your provider is able to better understand your family’s health care needs. Another benefit of scheduling
www.alexbrandtnerchildrensdentistry.com
Cavity Free Club Winner May - 5 year old Leland Madesian June - 4 year old Braedyn Vaske
Located Inside South Park Mall next to Von Maur
CAVITY FREE CLUB
QC Family Focus - august 2011
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Our friendships
define us at Senior Star.
Our personalized services may set the standard. But we’re most proud of what sets us apart — genuine, meaningful friendships, everywhere you turn. Come tour and see the difference that makes us who we are. Senior Star. Changing the way people think about senior living.
4500 Elmore Avenue | Davenport, IA 52807 (866) 415-6909 | seniorstar.com
To learn about Anytime tours, visit seniorstar.com SM
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Retirement Here I Come
By Diana Spranger RN, Administrator s I sit to write this article, I do it with mixed emotions. For the better part of two years now, I have been working with the great people who work so hard to publish this magazine every month. It has been a wonderful experience for me. I was drawn immediately to the magazine because of it’s diversity and bright colors on the cover; it’s truly an “eye catcher”. Today, as I sit to write the final article for me, I am filled with excitement for what the future holds for me. At the end of the month, I will be retiring from Bettendorf Health Care after 13+ years. It’s been a tremendous ride for me and what a learning process. I’ve been in Long-term care for 30+ years and have loved it! I have made so many friends, it’s seldom I leave the house that I don’t see someone I have worked with over the past 30 years. I’ve met so many people in the facilities I’ve been involved with and so many along the way who truly care about the frail and elderly of Iowa and Illinois. The lessons I’ve learned are invaluable and I would not trade these past many years. Though I
A
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have a sense of excitement about the future, I will desperately miss the residents and staff here at BHCC and the peers that I rub shoulders with in the health care community. In the next several years, I have no idea where life will take me but I believe I still have much to offer. My future is not set in stone, but I do have a desire to continue to touch people’s lives. My thanks to Mike and Karen for all their help and patience with the monthly article; a special thanks to all those in the healthcare field who have befriended me over the years as well as the staff and management team at Bettendorf Health Care. Thanks to all the families and friends who entrusted us with the care of their family and friends. My sincere appreciation to Healthcare of Iowa for their support and the opportunity they granted me for the past 13 years to do what I love; care for people… I will draw comfort from the fact that I am sure I will continue to see many of you from time to time and will continue to visit my parents as long as they reside at Bettendorf Health Care. Until later, I don’t know what my future holds, but I do know who holds my future…
Bettendorf Health Care Center
A Place To Call Home
2730 Crow Creek Rd • Bettendorf, IA • (563) 332-7463 • We offer skilled rehab 6 days a week. That means you can get well and go home. • Our elegant dining area comes complete with china, crystal, linen table cloths and fa mily-style dining. • You never know when you might need special care. That’s why we work closely with all area hospitals and accept admissions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. • We are conveniently located on Crow Creek in Bettendorf. •We offer tours of our facility 7 days a week! • Activities for all ages and abilities, a variety of religious services, and a caring and competent staff.
When you can’t go home, we’re the next best thing! QC Family Focus - august 2011
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A New Normal M
By David W. Deuth, President of Weerts Funeral Home
ost are probably familiar with the common saying that goes something like this: “The only two certain things in life are death and taxes.” Indeed, among both generations and centuries, it seems that we can scarcely do more about one than the other. When speaking to groups on various topics, I often interject a little statistic that has alarmed – and humored - many people: ten out of ten people die. Laughable, perhaps, on one side of the coin, it is a stark reality on the other. That death is a certainty for each of us is the stark reality I witness daily as a funeral director. Unlike the wellknown co-conspirator “taxes”, death knows no boundary of income, socioeconomics, marital status or number of dependents. It can be neither mitigated nor avoided with the help of good advice or even good planning. Indiscriminate and universal with respect to age, gender, race, religion and ethnicity, death, we have come to understand, is as common as it is certain among mankind. Linda’s Dad died one year ago this month. Several times since, I have found myself caught off-guard when I see his pictures in our home. These photos can still whisk
my mind into an earlier whirlwind of his cancer diagnosis, the numerous trips back to Minnesota, the eventual stroke that claimed his speech, the peaceful moment he slipped from the earthly into the heavenly, and the funeral events that celebrated his imprint on his family, his friends and his corner of the world. For twenty-two years, I’ve found myself coaching and guiding families in their similar whirlwind experiences. Among the most basic elements following the death of someone close to us is the notion that we can never really be “the same”. And yet, by honoring their lives and their memories, we create new and meaningful ways to find meaning in living without their physical presence…and this, in turn, helps us to find our “new normal”. We sure didn’t pack away the pictures of Linda’s Dad in a box since his death. On the contrary, we’ve placed several in prominent places so we DO see them each day. As we reflect, remember and reminisce on her Dad and his life, we’ve found that we laugh about some memories and we still cry about some others . . . and this alone, unlike the proverbial “death and taxes” adage, creates neither a diminishing nor deflating effect, but rather an empowering experience as we honor his memory by learning to live a “new normal”. There sure isn’t much any of us can do to change the reality of death and taxes. But we can choose to find a new normal . . . and Remember Well. David W. Deuth, CFSP, is the owner of Weerts Funeral Home in Davenport. He can be reached at 563.355.4433 or by email at Dave@WeertsFH.com.
When You Need A Trusted Friend . . .
We’ll Be Here When You Need Us
Kimberly at Jersey Ridge Road, Davenport | Phone 563.355.4433 Answered 24 Hours Full Website: www.WeertsFH.com | Mobile Website: m.weertsfh.com | Email: Info@WeertsFH.com 34
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Sports Performance Videos- Let us document your athlete’s abilities in a professionally-produced DVD. Great for College scholarship applications. Sports Highlight Reels- Our experts can turn your team’s games into a slick highlight DVD that the players and their families will enjoy for years to come. Marketing Videos- A great way for non-profits or privatelyowned businesses to spotlight what you have to offer. We’ll help develop the script, do the interviews and capture compelling video that shows what you bring to our community. Legacy Videos- The perfect way to document a loved one’s life. We’ll interview your family member, use family photos and video to create a mini-documentary that will be passed down for generations to come. Mickle Communications Compelling Video, Professionally Produced. Call 563-940-7875 or email mike@micklecommunications.com. Stop by our new office located inside the River’s Edge! Across from Modern Woodmen Park 700 West River Drive in Davenport.
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