Emerald Coast Parent Magazine | January february 2017 by Rob Williams

parent Emerald Coast Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Your MagazineTM

January+February 2017

contents

16 11 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

FAMILY BUILDERS

Your House: Clutter-Free

The key to good organization is that everything needs a home

Simple Ways to Show Your 9 28 Kids Love

YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH

Your kids know you love them, but who can’t benefit from a few simple reminders now and then?

11 16

by Focusing on Joys Rather than New Year’s Resolutions

How to Host a Fondue Party

Helpful Advice from One Teen to Another

Spark up some lively conversation with your kids. Take the FamilyChatter Challenge.

FAMILY FUN GUIDE

Dip Into Romance

Living life to its fullest begins with staying healthy, fit and safe. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Youth ...............................21 Strains and Sprains Are a Pain...................................... 22

Create a Great Year for Your Family

42 Teen Talk

Family Chatter.................................................................... 26 That’s Good to Know! ...................................................... 28 Show Her You Care, Show Him You Care....... 29-30 Teach Your Kids Something New! ...............................32 Snacks—Recipes for Tasty Get-togethers ............... 37 Crafts—Get Creative with Your Kids .......................... 39

Get to know the people, places and things that make this coast special! Seasonal Events .................................................................44 The Arts ..................................................................................44 Runs, Walks & More ..........................................................45 Sounds Fun.......................................................................... 46 Reoccurring Local ............................................................. 46

26 FamilyChatter

parent Emerald Coast It’s Your MagazineTM

Welcome to Emerald Coast Parent magazine. We like to consider this your magazine. We look forward to hearing from local readers like you on a regular basis. Let us know how we might be able to participate in the continued improvement of this beautiful area where we all live and work. As busy parents ourselves, we place a high value on spending quality time with our children and are always looking for fun crafts, recipes, events and outing opportunities to add to our family calendars. If you have fun, easy and cost-effective ideas that you'd like to share with our community of readers, please feel free to email them to us at info@itsyourmagazine.com. Your ideas might just end up being featured in an upcoming issue! Here's a list of things we'd love to receive from you: • Personal stories and pictures of you and your family out and about enjoying a favorite local attraction, restaurant or event • Recommendations and endorsements of local stores, services and restaurants • Ideas for fun crafts • Your family’s favorite recipes Let’s make this a great local magazine, together! Thanks, The EC Parent Team

To advertise in Emerald Coast Parent, contact Nathan Wilson: nathanwilson@itsyourmagazine.com Phone: 503-710-1720

Publisher Nathan Wilson Creative Director Rob Williams Snacks & Crafts Editor Tasha Williams and Lexy Cruz © 2015 It’s Your Magazine. All rights reserved. Emerald Coast Parent content may not be used or reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopy, without the express written permission of the publisher. Emerald Coast Parent is not responsible for the loss of or damage to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork or any other unsolicited material. Unsolicited material will not be returned. It’s Your Magazine and its affiliates, contributors, writers, editors and publisher accept no responsibility for errors or omissions with information and/or advertisements contained herein. It’s Your Magazine’s liability in the event of an error is limited to a printed correction. It’s Your Magazine does not assume liability for products or services advertised herein and assumes no responsibility for claims made by the advertisers.

By Alyssa Chirco

Your House:

Clutter-Free Growing up, I always wondered how my mother managed to accumulate so much “stuff.” Our house seemed to be filled with the toys my sisters and I no longer played with, our closets with the clothes we no longer wore. Then I became a mother myself. And finally I understood. It starts with books about what to expect and is quickly followed by a cascade of typical baby gear—blankets, baby swings, bouncy seats, and more. As children grow, you find yourself with closets full of outgrown clothes and shoes. Art projects and crayon drawings and milk carton piggy banks find their way home from school. Year after year, birthdays yield new gifts that leave toy chests overflowing and bedroom floors almost indiscernible.

According to a 2012 study conducted by UCLA’s Center for Everyday Lives of Families, American families are overwhelmed by our stuff. This clutter creates stress for both parents and children and is a common source of household tension. But by eliminating the possessions that no longer serve a purpose in your family’s life and developing a longterm strategy for managing the possessions that do, it is possible to create a clutter-free Continued on page 7

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Continued from page 5

living space—even when you live with kids. Here’s how to get started.

DE-CLUTTER FIRST. De-cluttering is the first step to creating a more peaceful and harmonious home. Identify the possessions you are ready to get rid of by arming yourself with a few large trash bags and tackling one room in your home at a time. Collect old or broken toys, outgrown clothes and anything else that is no longer serving a purpose in your family’s daily life. Not sure if you are ready to let go of some items permanently? Create a holding spot where you store them for three to six

months. Then, go through your items again. Anything you have been able to successfully live without is ready to leave your home.

DEVELOP AN EXIT STRATEGY.

DON’T GET TOO EMOTIONAL.

To de-clutter successfully, you need a strategy for getting rid of unwanted possessions. Make extra cash by hosting a garage sale or listing items on a site like Craigslist or eBay. Sell outgrown kids’ clothes and shoes at a resale or consignment shop. Donation is another great way to get rid of your stuff while also teaching your children about the importance of helping those less fortunate. Get in the habit of routinely donating items you no longer use to children’s hospitals, church nurseries, homeless and women’s shelters, or charitable organizations like Goodwill or Vietnam Veterans of America.

Clutter often collects when we get overly attached to our belongings. Keep in mind that letting go of items with sentimental value doesn’t have to mean getting rid of the memories too. Have old baby clothes turned into a quilt to keep your family warm. Scan all of your kids’ artwork into the computer and use a website like PlumPrint.com to transform the pictures into an elegant coffee table book. Remember that sometimes it is necessary to let go of items from your past to make room for your family to grow in the future. Continued on page 8

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FIND A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING. Clutter refers to more than just items you no longer need; it can also result when you fail to designate clear storage and display spaces for the possessions your family uses every day. Keep clutter in check by maintaining a well-organized home with designated spaces for all of your belongings. “The key to good organization,” says professional organizer Jodi Granok, “is that everything needs a ‘home,’ a specific place for specific items.” Granok recommends investing in a variety of bins, boxes, drawers and shelves to organize your home, and especially your children’s rooms and play spaces. “Make sure your child can reach frequently used items in order to maintain organization without your assistance,” she advises.

“The key to good organization is that everything needs a ‘home,’ a specific place for specific items.” KEEP UP WITH THE LAUNDRY. According to Granok, keeping up with the laundry is one of the best ways to keep your home organized and clutter-free. “In my opinion,” says Granok, “clothes and laundry piles are the gateway drug to other forms of clutter. When you allow family members to drop clothes and laundry throughout the house, there is an increased chance of other types of piles being acceptable as well, such as coats, shoes, backpacks and paperwork.”

JUST DO IT. If you want to maintain a home that is clear of clutter, resist the temptation to put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Spend a few minutes putting items away after you use them. Insist that your kids hang up coats and backpacks after school. File papers immediately instead of allowing them to pile up on the kitchen counter. Motivate yourself by focusing on the end result: a clutterfree home your whole family can enjoy. v Alyssa Chirco is a freelance parenting journalist and mother of two elementary-aged children. Like most parents, she wages a daily battle against the clutter that inevitably collects in her home. 8 • January+February 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

28 Simple Ways By Gayla Grace

to Show Your Kids Love

Your children know you love them, right? Nevertheless, I’m sure they could still use a few extra strokes or simple reminders of how important they are to you. Heres are 28 simple ways you can say “I love you.” Enjoy!

4. Find a unique quality about your child and praise him for it. Whether it’s a sensitive spirit toward a sibling or a quick-to-forgive gesture toward friends, tell him how it makes him special.

know you notice when they do their best.

5. Indulge in a child-specific treat and enjoy some one-on-one time. Ask for input and make plans ahead so your child knows it’s a special occasion.

9. Play outside together on a cold day. Make snow angels. Go sledding one more time.

1. Surprise them with a new game on Saturday morning. Enjoy donuts and hot chocolate while learning to play the game. Be sure to include the whole family.

6. Compliment your child in front of another adult. Be specific with an example of good behavior as you beam with pride.

2. Tell them the story of their birth. Show pictures of how they looked as a newborn and talk about who came to visit in the beginning. Make sure they know how excited you were when they entered your life. 3. Love them despite their faults. Offer them grace freely and often.

7. Praise their efforts, not just results. Don’t expect perfection on every chore or straight As on every report card. Let them

8. Let them pick their favorite book and read it to them, even when you don’t want to.

10. Accompany them to walk the dog. Ask about their day at school or a budding friendship. Listen more than you talk. 11. Allow them to be messy. Play with finger paints and play-doh. Go outside and spray silly string on each other. 12. Display their artwork on your refrigerator or window. Talk about what a great job they did and how you love to look at it every day. 13. Put a surprise in their lunch. Include a note that says, “I love you.” Continued on page 12

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • January+February 2017 • 9

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By Christina Katz

Create a Great Year for Your Family by

Focusing on Joys Rather than Resolutions

New Year’s resolutions have become heavily commercialized. Messages coming from all directions would have you believe you are falling short as an acceptable human being in a multitude of ways. You are too poor, too unfit, too uneducated, too lonely, too busy, too selfish, too boring. You name it and you need to change it, preferably starting on January 1. But unless parents are clear that they are enough as they are, you risk passing this annual habit of self-recrimination onto your children and their future children. This year, resist external messages designed to make you and your family feel inadequate and flip New Year’s resolutions on their heads. Resolve to no longer let an annual holiday undermine your family’s sense of wholeness and worth. Resolution comes from the word resolve, meaning to make a decision or determination. This January 1, why not become determined to resist self-criticism altogether? Take some time over the New Year transition to assess everything you enjoy.

This year, resist external messages designed to make you and your family feel inadequate and flip New Year’s resolutions on their heads. Here are a few family discussion topics that will help you focus on building your family up rather than on tearing each other

down. Because, of course, when you feel critical of yourself, nit-picking your kids swiftly follows. Instead, start discussing these topics over the holidays and, as the New Year approaches, watch the never-good-enough season transform into the joyful ringing in of the New Year every family craves.

Discuss what was joyful last year. What choices did family members make that brought them joy? Were there some decisions any family members made that created disappointment? You can learn as much from what did not work as you can from what did work, so don’t be afraid to admit to any mistakes you feel you may have made. A balanced year is full of ups and downs.

Express feelings of joy. Have a deeper conversation about choices you made last year that brought you joy. What were the smartest decisions you made from your perspective? How did these

positive choices make you feel? Would you make these same choices again? One of the best ways to milk more joy out of last year is to spend time discussing last year’s happiest moments before the New Year rolls in.

One of the best ways to milk more joy out of last year is to spend time discussing last year’s happiest moments

Imagine next year as even more joyful. Ask each family member to make up a story about what an even more joyful year would look like. They can make the story as ambitious or inspired as they like. For example, maybe one family member wants to get admitted to a college of her choice while another simply wants to maintain a Continued on page 13

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Continued from page 9

14. Get off social media and completely tune in when they’re talking. Refrain from multitasking and focus on their needs. 15. Patiently help with homework. Don’t raise your voice when you have to explain it one more time. 16. Ask for their ideas when you plan your next vacation. Look at fun places to visit on the computer and dream together for future trips.

17. Sit under the stars and just enjoy being with each other. 18. Take off your serious hat and make them laugh. Tell jokes or watch a funny movie together. Tickle them until they cry. 19. Offer a no-rules day. Let your kids stay in their PJs all day and eat and play whatever they want. 20. Ask your child to sing to you. Join in and finish the song as a duet. Let your child know you love hearing her beautiful voice. 21. Surprise them with a simple gift through the mail, such as a comic book, a glow-in-the-dark pencil, or their favorite player’s card. Include a note of “I love you.”

22. Make s’mores around the fire pit or roast marshmallows in the fireplace. Include a cup of hot cocoa or favorite beverage with it. 23. Start fun traditions for holidays and birthdays that your child can look forward to as a family.

24. Get to know their friends and encourage healthy friendships. Take everyone out for a movie night or bowling night once in a while.

26. Allow them to be who they want to be. 27. Treat them with respect. Don’t interrupt when they’re talking. Ask for their opinion as often as possible and include them in family decisions as they get older.

25. Be their biggest fan. Let them experiment with sporting activities, music lessons, and other extracurricular activities. Cheer them on as they seek to find what fits for them.

28. Hug, kiss, and shower them with physical affection every day. Tell them at least once a day, “I love you.” v

BOOKS TO HELP YOUR KIDS FEEL LOVED You Are Special, By Max Lucado Little Things Long Remembered: Making Your Children Feel Special Every Day, By Susan Newman

101 Ways to Make Your Child Feel Special, By Vicki Lansky Oh, The Places You’ll Go, By Dr. Seuss Gayla Grace is a freelance journalist who is always looking for new ideas on how to show love to her five children.

12 • January+February 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Continued from page 11

long-time enjoyable activity. Remain nonjudgmental. Joy is not a competition and each person’s joy is unique. Each family member can tell the story that makes them feel content, and no one else in the family should interject their ideas or expectations.

Affirm each other’s visions. After everyone has shared, family members will feel motivated to help each other. First affirm the validity of each family member’s dream. Make sure everyone feels supported by each other. Stressing teamwork in achieving shared individual goals can help reduce sibling rivalry. Kids who are empowered to be authentic don’t have to compete with anyone. Parents can take whatever actions they can throughout the year to support each family member’s dream. And parents should expect support for their dreams, as well. Don’t sit back and let the kids have all the fun!

You are the creator of your family traditions; you don’t have to go along with the crowd. You are the creator of your family traditions; you don’t have to go along with the crowd. So celebrate the New Year in positive, constructive ways that build family members up, rather than in negative, critical ways

that tear family members down. When you teach your family members to use joy as a touchstone for making choices this year and every year, you give them the keys to creating personal satisfaction in their lives, and you get to watch your family grow closer than ever every year.

New Year’s Eve Family Share This New Year’s Eve, go ahead and try to stay up until the ball drops. You don’t have to stay up until midnight unless it makes sense for your family. If you have younger children, why not watch a television broadcast from an earlier time zone? Most likely you can stream the broadcast online. After dinner, before the New Year arrives, have each family member share a bit of their joy from the previous year. Younger kids may need help, but try to let them gather materials and present on their own as much as possible. Notice how younger children’s enthusiasm might give older family members permission to be more effusive. Encourage the whole family to show interest and ask questions so that each presenter can make new discoveries about their passions. Here are some interesting ideas for family members: • Toast your joys with a glass of sparkling juice • Sing a song

• Read a passae aloud from a favorite book • Teach others in the family how to do something you enjoy • Play a favorite video or board game together • Perform a short skit • Prepare one of your favorite dishes or tasty dessert • Make collages of your joys • Show a favorite television or movie trailer • Make a family joy altar with photos and candles or string lights • Take the family on a guided tour using Google maps • Share a video of you and your joy in action • Daydream out loud about future, imagined joys

Resources for a More Joyous New Year Family Bucket Lists Bring More Fun, Adventure & Camaraderie into Every Day by Laura Krupicka Gracious Living in a New World, Finding Joy in Changing Times by Alexandra Stoddard Finding Joy: 101 Ways to Free Your Spirit and Dance with Life by Charlotte Davis Kasl Simple Abundance, Daybook of Comfort & Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach v

Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz strives to live a joy-centric life, despite whatever else is going on in the world. She knows there is nothing more important to pass along to future generations. ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • January+February 2017 • 13

9th Annual Mardi Gras Parade Saturday, February 25th Parade rolls at 2:00p.m. 14 • January+February 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

The Good Times Roll at HarborWalk Village for the 9th Annual Mardi Gras Parade. Come enjoy decorative parade floats, dazzling costumes, beads, beads and more beads on the Destin Harbor! Revelers cheer as parade participants float, pedal, push, ride and walk through the waterfront parade route. Local judges evaluate parade entries on their level of spirit, creativity, and overall enthusiasm throughout the parade.

Catch the fun at HarborWalk Village. Parade rolls at 2:00 p.m., and live music on the main stage beginning at 12:00p.m. For more information visit HarborWalk Village on Facebook. v

Emeraldgrande.com/harborwalk-village/

By Lara Krupicka

Dip Into Romance: How to Host a Fondue Party

What is it about fondue that makes it so romantic? Perhaps the appeal comes from it being an exotic meal, or the intimacy of sharing food from a communal pot. Maybe the leisure required when eating a meal one bite and dip at a time adds a certain spice to the air. Whatever the cause, Swiss fondue makes for an undeniably romantic affair—good cause for hosting a fondue party this Valentine’s Day weekend. We’re here to dish the details for holding your own couples’ fondue party, making it fun and easy for you and your spouse/significant other.

The Guests While you could create a romantic candlelit fondue dinner for two, it’s easier and just as much fun to invite several other couples to join you. We suggest three to four couples total, including the hosts, depending on how many courses you want to include in your meal. If you don’t mind hosting it potluck, asking each couple to bring ingredients for one course not only disperses the food prep, it also adds variety, as each couple has the opportunity to select their favorite ingredients to share.

If you choose to have two cheese fondues, try to ensure that they contain different cheeses and seasonings. The Courses Oftentimes we think of fondues as strictly melted cheese or chocolate. But Webster’s Dictionary defines fondue as both a preparation of melted cheese usually flavored with white wine and kirsch and a dish that consists of small pieces of food (meat or fruit) cooked in or dipped into a hot liquid. A menu with two cheese fondues, a hot oil or broth (oil cooks faster and more thoroughly) for cooking meats, and a chocolate fondue for dessert suits a Valentine’s couples party quite well. If you choose to have two cheese fondues, try to ensure that they contain different cheeses—one sharp and one mild—or different seasonings..

The Dippers Add flavor to your fondue meal through the morsels you choose for dipping. Here are our favorite dippers for each type of fondue:

Cheese Fondue • French or Italian bread cubes • Blanched raw vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, cauliflower and broccoli • Apple slices • Pretzels • Smoked sausage slices

Hot Oil or Broth • • • •

Marinated beef cubes Marinated or breaded chicken bites Pork tenderloin pieces Shrimp

(You will also want to serve sauces with the meats. Some options include mustard sauce, barbecue, hoisin, curry, chimichurri, piquant, béarnaise, and chipotle mayo.)

Chocolate Fondue • Angel food or pound cake or frozen cheesecake • Marshmallows • Fruit: strawberries, bananas, mandarin orange slices, dried apricots, pineapple chunks • Pretzels • Donut holes • Oreo thins • Graham crackers

The Supplies Now is your chance to break out that fondue pot you received as a wedding gift! Don’t have one? You can always make do with a crockpot set on low (taking care to stir often) or a regular pot set over a heat source such as a chafing fuel, gel burner or electric burner. Or borrow a fondue pot. You will want one pot for each course of the main meal, reusing one for dessert.

Fondue forks are highly recommended as well—particularly for use in cooking meats. The longer rod keeps your fingers safe, and heatproof handles make it possible for the fork to be left in the pot of oil or broth without heating up. Plus many fondue forks are color coded, allowing each guest to keep track of their fork in the pot. Table forks can be used with cheese and chocolate fondues, although you’ll find it easier to stab and hold onto dippers using a fondue fork. A Lazy Susan can also be quite handy for serving dippers or for sauces used on meats. One created for a fondue meal contains a stationary center platform for the fondue pot, surrounded by a rotating tray for sauce bowls.

Now is your chance to break out that fondue pot you received as a wedding gift!

The Romance As if the food weren’t enough to create an amorous atmosphere, there’s a tradition that accompanies the eating of fondue that might be the capstone on creating a very Valentine-y evening. It’s the tradition surrounding a lost morsel—that is, what one does upon discovering their fork has come out of the fondue pot empty, leaving their dipped bite behind. One version says that when a woman drops a bite in the pot, she has to kiss every man at the table, and when the offender is a man, he buys the table a bottle of wine. We prefer to follow the rule that the offending party must kiss their partner. You’ll be surprised at how often you and your guests will “lose” a piece in the fondue over the course of an evening! So tuck the kids in bed early, cue up your favorite dinner music playlist, and gather some friends for an evening of dreamy dining. Continued on page 18

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • January+February 2017 • 17

FONDUE RECIPIES Classic Swiss Fondue • • • • • • • • •

2 c. grated Gruyere 2 c. grated Swiss 1 ½ tbs. cornstarch or flour 1 large garlic clove, peeled & crushed 1 ½ c. dry white wine 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice 2 tbs. kirsch Dash of nutmeg Dash of cayenne pepper

In a mixing bowl, toss cheeses with cornstarch to coat. Rub inside of saucepan or fondue pot with garlic, then discard garlic. Pour wine and lemon juice into pan and heat on medium until simmering, not boiling. Reduce heat to low and add cheese to wine, a handful at a time. Stir until melted between additions. Add kirsch and cook for 2 more minutes. Season with nutmeg and cayenne. Keep on warm heat in fondue pot to serve.

Mustard Sauce (for dipping cooked meats) • • • • •

½ c. light brown sugar 1 to 1½ tbsp. dry mustard 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour ⅓ c. cider vinegar 1 beef bouillon cube in ⅓ c. hot water • 1 tbsp. lemon juice • 2 eggs beaten to lemonyellow color • 1 drop yellow food coloring

Combine the brown sugar, dry mustard, and flour in the top of a double boiler. Mix thoroughly. Add vinegar and beef bouillon. Stir until smooth. Add lemon juice and beaten eggs and stir until well blended. Place over barely boiling water and cook, stirring constantly until mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and add food coloring. Beat with a whisk until smooth and slightly bubbly. Serve hot.

Mexican Hot Chocolate Fondue • • • •

1 c. heavy cream 1 c. whole milk 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 lb. semisweet or dark chocolate, chopped • 1 tsp. instant espresso powder • 1 tsp. ground chipotle chile, or ½ tsp. ground cayenne pepper • ½ tsp. vanilla extract

Combine cream, milk and cinnamon in a medium saucepan. Cook over mediumlow heat, watching until small bubbles appear around the edge of the pan. Reduce heat to low and cook 5 minutes. Gradually stir in chocolate with cream mixture until melted and smooth. Add espresso powder, ground chipotle and vanilla. Continue to cook over low heat for one minute, stirring well. Transfer to fondue pot kept on low heat.

Lara Krupicka is a parenting journalist and mother of three. She and her husband have been hosting Valentine fondue parties for over ten years. 18 • January+February 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

YOUR FAMILYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

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fe its fullest evteo ry d

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In a medical emergency, every minute matters. So, at North Okaloosa Medical Center, you’ll find faster care in the emergency room. We work diligently to have you initially seen by a medical professional* in 30 minutes – or less. And, with a team of dedicated medical specialists, we can provide a lot more care if you need it. In addition, for minor illnesses and injuries, we offer Fast Track service during peak hours to help you spend even less time in the E.R.

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Youth Today it’s not uncommon to see both children and teens using laptops, handheld devices such as smart phones, tablets or gaming controllers on a daily basis. The exploding popularity of gaming systems and computer usage may be putting our youth at a greater risk of developing repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The carpal tunnel is the narrow passageway of ligament and bones in the wrist that houses the median nerve and tendons. Repetitive movements, such as typing on a computer or playing a video game or musical instrument for a long period of time, can cause the tendons in the carpal tunnel to swell and pinch the median nerve, causing CTS. Although CTS typically affects individuals age 30 and over, physicians are reporting complaints of CTS symptoms from younger individuals. Symptoms most commonly associated with CTS include burning, tingling or numbness in the palm of the hand and in the fingers. Symptoms are most often noted in the thumb, index finger and two middle fingers, and may include loss of strength or coordination in the hands. Children and teenagers are spending hours at the computer every day, putting strain on their wrists and hands that formerly was only seen in adults. Both groups should follow these tips to avoid repetitive stress injuries: • Use a chair that can be adjusted for your height to avoid bending your wrists to type. For children, it may be wise to purchase special furniture and a special computer mouse and keyboard designed for smaller bodies and hands. • Place the keyboard at a level slightly lower than normal desk height. • When using handheld gaming devices or tablets, put a pillow in your lap and rest your arms on the pillow.

• Make sure to take frequent breaks from repetitive tasks to give your body a rest.

If you or your child experience symptoms associated with CTS, please visit your physician to help prevent permanent damage to the median nerve. Other activities and risk factors may also contribute to CTS, such as: • Intensive racquet sports, such as tennis • Gymnastics • Trauma, such as breaks or sprains in the wrist that may cause swelling in the carpal tunnel

Mild cases of CTS are usually treated with the use of a brace or splint. These are typically worn at night to prevent the wrist from bending and help to open the carpal tunnel so that the median nerve has as much room as possible. Allowing the wrist to rest may help the swollen tendons to shrink. Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, may also help the swelling subside. In more severe cases, a physician may recommend a cortisone shot or injection to help reduce inflammation in the carpal tunnel. If neither of these treatments help, surgery may be suggested to help relieve the pressure on the median nerve. It is normally an outpatient procedure that takes less than an hour. Fortunately, very few people are permanently injured by CTS and symptoms generally improve with proper exercises and treatment. Preventative measures are the key to keeping symptoms from surfacing or returning. v

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FAMILY’S A

Strains and Sprains Are a Pain If you’re an active kid, you may get a sprain or a strain at some point. Strains and sprains are common injuries, especially for kids who are very active or play sports. Let’s find out more about them.

What Are Strains and Sprains? Muscles contract and relax (almost like rubber bands) to help your body move. So a strain is exactly what it sounds like: a muscle that has been stretched too far. It’s common for people to strain the muscles in their backs, necks or legs. Bones meet at joints, such as elbows, knees, or shoulders. That’s where your body bends and rotates. Strong, elastic bands of tissue, called ligaments (say: LIH-guh-muntz), hold bones together in the joints. A sprain happens when those ligaments have been overstretched (mild sprain) or torn (severe sprain). Ankles, wrists and knees sprain easily.

Ankles, wrists and knees sprain easily.

How Does a Strain or Sprain Happen? Strains often happen when you put a lot of pressure on a muscle or you push it too far, such as when lifting a heavy object. Strains can be more likely to happen if you haven’t warmed up first to get blood circulating to the muscles. They’re also common for someone returning to a sport after the off-season. That first time playing softball after a long winter off might lead to a strained calf or thigh muscle. Sprains are caused by injuries, such as twisting your ankle. This kind of injury is common in sports, but it also can happen any time you trip or fall. One mom sprained her ankle when she got tangled in the pants she was trying to put on!

If You Get a Strain or Sprain Stop! That’s the word to remember if you get a strain or sprain. Don’t use the part of your body that’s hurt. That means not walking on a hurt ankle or using a hurt arm. Tell a grown-up right away so that he or she can get you to a doctor, if necessary. It can be hard to tell the difference between a sprain and a broken bone, so it’s often a good idea to see a doctor. In some cases, you might need to go to the emergency department.

How Is a Strain Different from a Sprain? What Will the Doctor Do? Even though both can hurt a lot, strains are not as serious as sprains. Because a strain is pain in the muscle, it may start to hurt immediately or several hours later. The area will be tender, feel sore, there may be some swelling, and it might also appear bruised. A sprain will probably start to hurt right away. Usually, the injury will swell and look bruised, you might find it hard to walk or move the injured part, and you may even think you have broken a bone. 22 • January+February 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

First, a doctor will look at your injury. He or she may gently touch the area, check the color, feel if your skin is warm or cold, and look for swelling and tenderness. If you hurt your ankle, your doctor might ask to see if you can stand on it. In some cases, the doctor will order an X-ray to tell if the bone is broken. If you have a strain, the doctor will probably tell you to rest the injury and maybe take some pain medication.

If you have a sprain, the doctor might have you wear a splint or temporary cast to support and protect the injured area. He or she may wrap the injury with an elastic bandage to reduce swelling and provide extra support. Also, the doctor may tell your mom or dad to give you pain medication. The doctor will also ask you to rest the injured area and not play sports until it is healed.

What Should You Do Now? It’s very important to follow your doctor’s instructions. When you get home, remember RICE. We’re not talking about the food! RICE is a way to remember how to take care of your injury. It stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. • Rest the injured part of the body. • Apply ice or cold packs to the injury during the first day. Apply the ice for short periods of time (10-20 minutes at a time). Don’t keep ice on the area continuously. Make sure to keep a towel between the ice and your skin. Cold helps bring down swelling so that the injured area will be less puffy. • Wear an elastic compression (say: kum-PREH-shun) bandage or splint if it is recommended by your doctor. Compression means to apply or press something together. When an injury is wrapped firmly, the pressure can prevent or decrease swelling (puffiness).

Make sure it is not wrapped too tightly, though, because that could prevent good blood flow, which is really important. • Elevation means raising the injured part so that it’s higher than your heart. You can use pillows to raise it up. This also prevents swelling.

After 24 hours, your doctor may say its OK to use warm compresses or a heating pad for short periods of time to soothe aching muscles. This should be done with an adult’s supervision to prevent overheating the area or burning the skin. Just like the ice, heat should not be applied directly to the skin. You should have a protective layer like a towel between your skin and the warm compress. You may need to take pain medications that have been ordered by your doctor. It’s good to remove any tight jewelry or clothing so that you can have good blood flow to the injured area. A strain takes about 1 week to heal. A bad sprain may take longer—as long as 3 to 4 weeks to heal or sometimes even longer. While your strain or sprain heals, take it easy and don’t do stuff that could cause another injury. If you’ve visited the doctor for your injury, you may have a followup visit to make sure everything is healing just right. When you’re all healed, your doctor will give you the green light to do your favorite activities again. v © 1995-2016 The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.

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FAMILY BUILDERS Strong Family Relationships Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Just Happen

How old should a child be before they are given a cell phone? Does age really have anything to do with it?

FamilyChatter LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE AND TALK TOGETHER!

CHALLENGE YOUR FAMILY TO ANSWER EVERY QUESTION! Tell your family about an event where you felt really lucky to have had things go the way they did.

Keep track of which questions you and your family have answered by marking them off as you go.

What would be on the menu for your perfect Valentine dinner?

What would you choose to save if your house caught on fire? Why?

26 • January+February 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

At what age is a person considered an adult? Why do you think so?

What would you do if you won the lottery— the BIG one?

Give three examples of how your family is different from other families.

If you could be invisible for a day, where would you go and what would you do?

What do you appreciate about your mom, dad and siblings?

Are you a good friend to others? Why do you think so?

What are three fears you have in life that scare you the most? Explain why.

If you had to choose to be abnormally tall or short, which would you choose? Why?

How do you define character? What are some ways in which you can demostrate good character?

What are some of your personal strengths/skills that make you unique? What are some of your weaknesses?

Would you prefer to play a video game by yourself or a board game with your family? What game would you like to play?

How old should a child be before they are given a cell phone? Does age really have anything to do with it?

Do you feel that professional athletes are overpaid? Why?

What is the best thing and worst thing about the country we live in and why?

If you lost your sight today, what are some sights that you would miss the most?

CHATTER TIPS:

Here are a number of places you can use these questions to spur on great conversation! At the kitchen table • In the family room during commercials In the backyard • On road trips in the car Yell them out loud—out of the blue—just for fun! ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • January+February 2017 • 27

That’s Good to Know!

InformationYou Can Use!

A O T S P I T 8 1 FE I L R E I P P HA o ln a r By Pam M

Don’t Give Up on

“Happily Ever After” 1. Be in the moment. Today, it is easy to unintentionally ignore the people around us by escaping into the digital world. Limit your use of phones and computers when you are with your family.

2. Listen more, talk less. Instead of jumping in with the events of your day, ask him about his meeting, the upcoming merger, or his new boss. Sometimes men like to vent too.

3. Say “I love you” every time you leave. We never know what fate has in store.

4. Continue to dream together. Your dreams may be postponed while your kids are small, but that doesn’t mean they are

gone. Talk about them, do research, and keep that fire burning until it becomes a reality.

not. We often forget our partner in parenting is working hard on their end too. A simple “I couldn’t do it without you” goes a long way.

5. Have your own interests. While part of a couple, it is important to remain an individual. Make time to do the things you enjoy and support your husband when he does the same.

8. Don’t wait to celebrate. Open a

6. Let the little stuff go. Does it

alone together is just as important as a work function or a friend’s 40th birthday party.

really matter how the dishwasher is loaded or if the tools are put in the wrong spot on the pegboard? Choose peace over being perfect.

7. Show gratitude. We all work hard,

whether we are taking home a paycheck or

bottle of wine when you complete a big project. Buy a new outfit when you lose five pounds. Applaud the moments and milestones.

9. Schedule a regular date night and don’t cancel it. Your time

10. Keep fit. Being married and having a family is not an excuse to let yourself go. Make healthy choices, exercise daily and visit your doctor regularly. Continued on page 31

28 • January+February 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

10 WAYS to sh w Let’s face it, most of us could use a little jump-start now and then when it comes to relationships. That’s why we’ve included this section. Simple acts of kindness are a great way to say “I care about you.” Date nights are great, but when life gets busy, sometimes all that’s necessary are little reminders!

R E H y u care Suprise her with something sweet and thank her for all she does. Help her choose a New Year’s resolution—then, help her keep it. Reafirm her often—expess your gratitude, love and commitment. Encourage her to relax and have fun with her children. Volunteer your help around the house with day-to-day chores. Take her out for a mini-date (coffee, tea, donuts . . . and conversation). Pick up after the children when she least expects it—surprise her.

Challenge yourself to complete all 10 ideas in each issue. Don’t just focus on the easy ones!

Take your kids out for some fun and encourage her to enjoy some well-deserved downtime. Wash the dishes when she cooks. Send her a love note in the mail.

EC Parent Magazine • January+February 2017 • 29

M I H y u care Plan a barbeque—invite friends he enjoys. Suprise him with a coffee at work. Tell him how much you appreciate his help around the house.

Challenge yourself to complete all 10 ideas in each issue. Don’t just focus on the easy ones!

Help foster teachable moments with him and his children. Encourage him to spend time with friends. Take him on a movie date—let him choose the movie. Bring him a snack while he is watching TV. Encourage him to play with his kids! Send him a love letter in the mail. Ask him what some of his dreams are if the sky was the limit.

30 • January+February 2017 • EC Parent Magazine

Continued from page 28

11. Fight fair. Don’t bring up past fights. Leave the family and friends out of it. Stick to the issue at hand and resolve it. If you can’t do it on your own, get professional help.

12. Talk about money, even when it is tight. Hiding money problems or ignoring them won’t make them go away. Get it out in the open and tackle it together instead of waiting until it’s out of control.

13. Make sex a priority. Yes, you may be tired from work,

P L AY TA L K

kids and everyday life, but a marriage needs intimacy. Put down the computer, set the DVR, and put the kids to bed early. You will be glad you did.

14. Say what is on your mind. While you don’t want to complain about every little thing, don’t ignore your feelings to spare his. Find a nonconfrontational way to voice your concerns.

15. Act silly. Dance around the room, have a pillow fight, or

COMPLIMENT LISTEN

chase each other with the threat of an ice cube down the back. Let your kids see you laughing together.

16. Connect throughout the day. Kiss hello and goodbye. Share the high points as your day moves forward with a call or text. If traveling, check in using Facetime or Skype after a long day away from each other.

17. Admire your man. Let him know how good he looks in

that new shirt. Praise him for a job well done fixing the sink. Watch him playing with your children and tell him how lucky the kids are to have such a great dad.

18. And last, apologize when you are wrong. It’s as simple as that. v

Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three. She and her husband have been married for 26 years. EC Parent Magazine • January+February 2017 • 31

HEAR LOVE FORGIVE C E L E B R AT E

Teach Your Kids Something New!

cise r e x E d n a Fitness G a v in , M D y : M a ry L . b d e w ie v Re

As adults, when we think about exercise, we imagine working out in the gym, running on a treadmill, or lifting weights. But for kids, exercise means playing and being physically active. Kids exercise when they have gym class at school, during recess, at dance class or soccer practice, while riding bikes, or when playing tag. The Many Benefits of Exercise Teach childen that everyone can benefit from regular exercise and that being active may: • • • • •

build stronger muscles and bones result in having a leaner body reduce their chances of becoming overweight decrease their risk of developing type 2 diabetes lower thier blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels • result in a better outlook on life

Besides enjoying the health benefits of regular exercise, kids who are physically fit sleep better. They’re also better able to handle physical and emotional challenges—from running to catch a bus to studying for a test.

The Three Elements of Fitness If you’ve ever watched kids on a playground, you’ve seen the three elements of fitness in action when they: 1. run away from the kid who’s “it” (endurance) 2. cross the monkey bars (strength) 3. bend down to tie their shoes (flexibility)

Age

Minimum Daily Activity

Parents, encourage your children to do a variety of activities so that they can work on all three elements. Endurance develops when kids regularly get aerobic activity. During aerobic exercise, the heart beats faster and a person breathes harder. When done regularly and for extended periods of time, aerobic activity strengthens the heart and improves the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to all its cells. Teach your kids that aerobic exercise can be fun. For instance: • basketball • bicycling • skating

• soccer • swimming • tennis

• walking • jogging • running

Improving strength doesn’t have to mean lifting weights. Instead, teach them to do push-ups, stomach crunches, pull-ups, and other exercises to help tone and strengthen their muscles. They can also improve their strength when they climb, do a handstand, or wrestle. Stretching exercises help improve flexibility, allowing muscles and joints to bend and move easily through their full range of motion. Kids get chances every day to stretch when they reach for a toy, practice a split, or do a cartwheel.

The Sedentary Problem

Being overweight or obese in childhood has become a serious problem. Many things add to this epidemic, but a big part of it is that Comments

Infant

No specific requirements Physical activity should encourage motor development

Toddler

1½ hours

30 minutes planned physical activity AND 60 minutes unstructured physical activity (free play)

Preschooler 2 hours

60 minutes planned physical activity AND 60 minutes unstructured physical activity (free play)

School age

Break up into bouts of 15 minutes or more

1 hour or more

32 • January+February 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Continued from page 32

kids are becoming more sedentary. In other words, they’re sitting around a lot more than they used to. Kids and teens now spend hours every day in front of a screen (TVs, smartphones, tablets, and other devices) looking at a variety of media (TV shows, videos, movies, games). Too much screen time and not enough physical activity add to the problem of childhood obesity. Teach kids the value of living an active lifestyle and encourage them to spend less time in sedentary activities. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents: • Put limits on the time spent using media, which includes TV, social media, and video games. Media should not take the place of getting enough sleep and being active. • Limit screen time to 1 hour a day or less (2 to 5 years old). • Discourage any screen time, except video-chatting, for kids younger than 18 months. • Choose high-quality programming and watch it with your kids to help them understand what they’re seeing. • Keep TVs, computers, and video games out of children’s bedrooms and turn off screens during mealtimes.

The National Association for Sport and Physical Education offers these activity guidelines for infants, toddlers and preschoolers (see chart on page 32). Infants and young children should not be inactive for long periods of time—no more than 1 hour unless they’re sleeping. And schoolage children should not be inactive for periods longer than 2 hours.

Raising Fit Kids Teach your kids that the key to a healthy lifestyle is combining regular physical activity with a healthy diet. Here are some tips for raising fit kids: • Help your kids participate in a variety of age-appropriate activities. • Establish a regular schedule for physical activity. • Make being active a part of daily life, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator. • Embrace a healthier lifestyle yourself so that you’ll be a positive role model for your family. • Keep it fun so that your kids will come back for more v

How Much Exercise Is Enough? Teach your children to exercise often. How much is enough? Kids and teens should get 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily.

PENSACOLA LITTLE THEATRE CLASSES FOR AGES 4 THROUGH ADULT ,

ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE ARE WELCOME BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS BUILD SELF -CONFIDENCE HAVE FUN

SNACKS & CRAFTS

Frozen Fruity Sweet and Salty Yogurt Bars YOU NEED • 1 cup Strawberries (fresh) • 1 cup Blueberries (dried or fresh) • 1 cup Pineapple (dried) • 1 cup Bananas (dried) • (3) 2 oz. bags of sweet and salty trail mix • 32 oz. plain or Greek yogurt • Mixing bowl • 8” x 8” glass casserole dish DIRECTIONS • In the mixing bowl, combine yogurt and all additional ingredients. • Mix slightly. • Pour yogurt mixture into your glass casserole dish. • Spread the mixture evenly and freeze for 3-4 hours. • Remove dish and allow to thaw for 10-15 minutes. • Cut into square portions and freeze until serving time. Tip - To serve, simply remove from freezer and arrange on a decorative plate.

Nutella Biscotti Cookies with Strawberry Hearts YOU NEED • 3/4 cup Nutella • 1/4 cup Biscotti spread • 1 egg • 1 cup of flour • 1/2 cup chocolate chips • Strawberries

Nutella fans will love these delicious cookies. If you’ve never had Nutella, before your taste buds are in for a treat.

• • • • •

Pearl sprinkles Cookie sheet Mixing bowl Spatula Ziploc heavy duty bag

DIRECTIONS • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. • In the mixing bowl beat your egg and then add Nutella. Mix until it is glossy and smooth. • Mix in flour. • Roll cookie dough into quarter size balls and make an indent with your finger for filling. • Warm Biscotti spread. • Fill ziploc bag with biscotti spread. Cut a small hole in the tip of the ziploc bag. Squeeze bag to fill the indent of each cookie. • Bake cookies for 10 minutes. • Cut strawberries in half vertically. Cut a small “ v” shape at the top of the strawberry to create a heart. • Place each strawberry heart in the Biscotti filling. • Melt chocolate chips for chocolate drizzle and pour into another ziploc bag. • Drizzle chocolate over the cookies and then sprinkle with the pearls.

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • January+February 2017 • 37

Sweatheart Cheesecakes INGREDIENTS • Heart-shaped silicone mold • Jello no-bake cheesecake mix® • Food coloring gel • Fine paintbrush DIRECTIONS • Prepare cheesecake according to the directions on the package. • Spray molds thoroughly with non-stick spray. • Place a small amount of graham cracker mixture into each mold and press down to create a ¼ inch crust. • Divide cheesecake mixture into three bowls. Add food coloring to create pink, orange and yellow. • Pour each colored mixture into two hearts; this will create 6 colored hearts. There will be some mixture left over. • Put the mold into the refrigerator for one hour. Then move it to the freezer for one more hour. This allows the cheesecake to harden enough to push out of the mold. • Remove the mold from the freezer. Apply pressure to the bottom of each heart until it pops out. • Squeeze some red food coloring gel onto a plate. Using the fine paintbrush, paint sayings such as KISS ME, BE MINE, and CUTIE PIE on the top of each heart. • Allow hearts to thaw before serving.

Cheesecake meets Valentine’s Day with these fun-sized, personal cheesecakes!

Compliments of Miryam Quinn Doblas M.S. R.D., www.eatgood4life.com

Strawberry and Cream Popsicles YOU NEED • 1 cup heavy cream • 1 cup low fat Greek yogurt • 1/3 cup maple syrup • 1 cup frozen strawberries • 2-3 tbls. orange juice • Dixie cups • Pospsicle sticks DIRECTIONS • In a blender puree strawberries and orange juice. • In a bowl whip heavy cream and sugar until soft peaks form. Fold in yogurt and half of the strawberry puree. • Snip the top edge of the Dixie cups with scissors for easy peeling. • Fill Dixie cups ¼ of the way with the whipped mixture. Add about a teaspoon of the strawberry puree and spread evenly using your finger over the top of the whipped mixture. • Fill the cup with remaining whipped puree. Place a popsicle stick in the middle of each popsicle and freeze 4-5 hours before serving.

38 • January+February 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Tip: Substitute your favorite fruit or make an assortment of flavors. Children love these because they’re fun; you’ll love them because they’re healthy.

Canvas Valentine MATERIALS • 4” x 6” canvas • Assorted paint brushes • Various acrylic paints

• Paper plate • Paper towels • Cup with warm water

INSTRUCTIONS • Squeeze paint onto different sections of your paper plate palette. • Decorate each Valentine canvas with a variety of heartfelt words and shapes. • Clean the paint brushes in warm water. • Tap each paint brush dry on a paper towel before using it with the next acrylic color.

You and your children don’t need to be artists to create these little works of art that will say “I love you” in their own special way.

DIY Funny Characters Flip Book MATERIALS • 6 sheets Scrapbook paper • 4 metal book rings • Hole punch • Scissors or 12” cutter • Glue • Markers • Crayons

Optional - Punch two holes per 3” x 6” card for easier flipping.

• • • •

Multi-color craft pom poms Assorted pack of buttons Multi-color chenille stems Adhesive multi-color rhinestone embellishments • Assorted pack of googly eyes

INSTRUCTIONS • Cut one sheet of scrapbook paper in half, measuring 6” x 12” for the back cover of the flip book. • Cut each remaining 12x12 piece in half and then cut both halves into 4 pieces measuring 3” x 6”. • Make 4 piles of 10 cards, matching colors as you go. • Punch a hole 1/2” from the edge of all the 3” x 6” cards. • Line up cards along the back cover and punch 4 holes to match the holes on the cards. • Attach each book ring to a stack of 10 cards and the back cover. • Time to get crafty and use assorted and multi-color supplies. • Design funny characters with each four-panel page. • When the flip book is done you can flip different cards, creating silly characters with every flip.

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • January+February 2017 • 39

Where Learning Meets Imagination!

Join WSRE each Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9 a.m.–noon for hands-on fun, discovery and exploration! Located at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium, 351 West Cedar Street.

Discover the world of PBS KIDS, WSRE & Pensacola State College with hands-on learning, technology, smiles, friends and fun! Share stories with friends...

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Valentine Soaps MATERIALS • Glycerin soap base • White soap base • Soap molds • Soap colorant and/or fragrance • Heart-shaped cookie cutters • 1/8 inch letter stamps • Spray bottle filled with rubbing alcohol

These are great Valentine gifts that will help any bathroom in your house look great and smell great.

INSTRUCTIONS • Melt one type of soap in a glass measuring cup in the microwave. Heat for 30 seconds and stir. Repeat for 10 seconds until soap is liquid. Add coloring or fragrance as desired. • Pour liquid soap into soap molds. Spray with alcohol to eliminate bubbles. Place molds in the refrigerator for 2 hours to harden. • Remove molds from the refrigerator and push the soap out of the molds. • Place the soap on a cutting board. Push a cookie cutter through the soap to get desired shape. • Arrange letter stamps on your stamp holder. We used XOXO and LOVE. • Push letter stamps firmly onto the top of your soap to imprint the words. • Repeat with white soap and different colors.

Threaded Valentine’s Tins Compliments of Natalie, www.northshoredays.com

MATERIALS • A tin can • Sharpie marker • Hammer • Screwdriver • Foam brush

Tip: Using a can with a pull tab lid keeps the edges neat and safer.

• Acrylic paint – white, light blue, gray • Twine or thick thread • Large needle • Candle

INSTRUCTIONS • Fill the tin with cold water and set it in the freezer. This will help keep the shape of the tin. • Once the water is frozen, draw your heart onto the tin using a sharpie marker. • Carefully turn the tin on its side on a level surface and using the hammer and screwdriver, make the holes. • Allow the ice to thaw and dry the tin out. • Paint the inside and outside of the tin white, using the foam brush. Allow to dry. • Paint the tin blue. When dry, paint a gray heart on top of the area that you punched. • If you desire the distressed look, gently sand. • Thread the needle and “sew” the heart shape. I ended off with a little bow. • Place a candle in your tin, or use as a Valentine holder.

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • January+February 2017 • 41

TEEN Helpful Advice from One Teen to Another!

TALK

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We are saying goodbye to this year and any negative aspects that occurred in it. Whatever your new journey may be, please always remember to stay true to yourself and make it a goal to look for positivity in every single day. For me this year will be about graduating from high school and finally beginning my journey to college. I cannot even begin to explain the excitement I have for that. But a new year brings change and moments that could very possibly change your life forever, so be sure to stay aware of those. Below is a list of things to stay aware of this next year. 1. Life is too short to play it safe and keep yourself under lock and key. Branch out, explore the world, allow yourself the ability to love, give more, expect less, try something new, follow your dreams, and do what makes you happy. 2. Go outside more. This world is too beautiful to stay inside staring at screens. Explore nature’s secrets, look at the clouds,

walk on the beach, climb trees, sit on rooftops, and watch the sun set. You’re only young once.

on the street, give them a smile and speak a kind word; you never know what kind of day they are having.

3. Laugh until your ribs get tired; smile until your teeth begin to hurt. Surround yourself with people who bring that amazing feeling of happiness to your heart. Run freely with them and take in every single second of being together.

8. Do not be afraid of saying no; you do not have to participate in anything that you do not want to do. That being said, be considerate of the emotions of others but do not hurt yourself in the process.

4. Do not forget to make time for the one person who has stayed with you through it all: your best friend, who is going to need you just as you need her. All of those distractions, new things, and people in your life are uncertain. You are allowed to love them too, but do not let yourself lose sight of her. 5. Allow yourself to feel things. Do what you need to do to fully grieve, let yourself fall apart, just make sure you piece yourself together again. Do not let your feelings consume you. 6. Drink more water. Keep yourself hydrated and healthy. Water will allow you and your body to feel better, not to mention it can also help your skin to glow. Take care of yourself more; you’re worth it. 7. Compliment others more; one simple statement could change someone’s whole day. Even if they are a stranger walking

42 • January+February 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

9. Cherish the company of those who love you. Family is so important. Please do not let grudges or sadness take over so much that you block out the people who have and always will be there for you: your mother, your father, each and every one of your siblings. Make time for them. 10. Stop falling for societal standards; now is your time. Do what makes you feel alive and stay youthful. The majority of us are so full of life, opinions and ideas. We are so hopeful and we dream so hard. Do not let yourself go for any reason. v

Shailey S E N I O R, AG E 17

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Family

FUN GUIDE CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Making the Most of Life on the Coast! We live on a beautiful coast that has so much to offer, and we’re here to make sure you know what’s going on in your own backyard. Enjoy!

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Mardi Gras Pub Crawl

Fri, February 24 – HarborWalk Village (7:00p.m.) Head to HarborWalk Village for a pub-crawl on the Destin Harbor. Wear your best Mardi Gras outfit and prepare for the weekend’s events. Enjoy drink specials at each stop, and let the good times roll! For more information, please visit www.fwbchamber.org.

9th Annual Mardi Gras Parade

Sat, February 25 – HarborWalk Village (2:00p.m.) Beads, beads and more beads on the Destin Harbor! Head to HarborWalk Village and enjoy dazzling floats, colorful costumes, beads, street performers, live music and more as the parade rolls through Destin Harbor. For more information, please visit www.fwbchamber.org.

14th Annual Mardi Gras Dog Parade Sun, February 26 – Baytowne Wharf

Mardi Gras is a fun time for everyone at the Village of Baytowne Wharf, and that includes your furry canine friends! This year, head to Baytowne for a unique parade dedicated to just dogs. This year’s theme is Canines & Comics. Celebrate man’s best friend with some of the best canine comic-book characters. For more information, please visit www. baytownewharf.com.

15th Annual Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Parade Tues, February 28 – Baytowne Wharf

Seasonal Baytowne on Ice

Sat, October 29–Fri, February 10 – Baytowne Wharf Dust off those skates and get in the winter spirit at The Village of Baytowne Wharf’s Baytowne on Ice! Their seasonal ice-skating rink is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some of your favorite holiday traditions. For more information, please visit www.baytownewharf. com.

ResortQuest Presents the Winter Guest Fest

Prepare to let your hair down on what many call the most festive day of the year: Fat Tuesday! Let the good times roll with the 15th Annual Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Parade. Enjoy unique and colorful floats, golf carts and pick-up trucks as they roll down the streets. The post-parade celebration will continue into the night with street performers and parties at various Village merchants. For more information, please visit www. baytownewharf.com.

Fat Tuesday Celebration

Tues, February 28 – HarborWalk Village (5:00p.m.) Celebrate Mardi Gras and revel in the fun at HarborWalk Village and enjoy flavorful and free red beans and rice! For more information, please visit www.fwbchamber.org.

Fri, January 20 – Fort Walton Beach (8:00a.m.)

Sat, January 21 – Fort Walton Beach (1:00p.m.) Head to Okaloosa Island and enjoy fabulous floats, beads and more for their annual Mardi Gras Parade. For more information, please visit www.fwbchamber.org.

Eisenhower Dance “In Power & Passion” National Tour Fri, January 13 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center (7:30p.m.)

Eisenhower Dance has received overwhelming critical acclaim along with enthusiastic audience support! It has been called dramatic, gorgeous and awe-inspiring, and is headed to the Mainstage Theater at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Tickets are $25 each. For more information, please visit www. mattiekellyartscenter.org.

An Evening with Jason Alexander

Sat, January 21 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center Long before becoming world renowned as the iconic George Costanza on Seinfeld, Jason Alexander was a Tony Award-winning Broadway song and dance man, and he will be making his way to the Mainstage Theater at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. His evening will feature a hilarious retelling of his journey to and on the Broadway stage and will include a program of great music from the theater along with comedy and audience interaction. It is a much-heralded night of music, laughter and fun – all backed by the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. For tickets and more information, please call 850-729-6000.

Art Exhibit – Premiere of New Juried Fine Arts Exhibition

The Winter Guest Fest is the largest visitor tradeshow, catering to our winter visitors, or Snowbirds. It is at the Emerald Coast Convention Center from 8:00a.m. to noon and is expected to attract more than 1,500 visitors. Formerly called the Senior Snowbird Expo, this event is a favorite among winter visitors. For more information, please visit www.fwbchamber.org.

Mardi Gras Parade on Okaloosa Island

The Arts

Sat, January 21–Fri, March 3 – McIlroy Gallery

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44 • January+February 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

The Art Galleries at Northwest Florida State College’s Mattie Kelly Arts Center present a new Juried Fine Arts Exhibition in the McIlroy Gallery, which will feature top professional talent throughout the southeastern U.S.A. This exhibit will premier as part of the 20th Anniversary celebration of the Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center. Running concurrently in the Holzhauer Gallery will be a solo exhibition by photographer Walter Perrott, the 2016 Best-in-Show Winner of the ADSO in Fort Walton Beach’s annual juried exhibition. For more information, please visit www. mattiekellyartscenter.org.

PIPPIN – Broadway Series – National Tour Tues, January 24 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center

Head to the Mattie Kelly Arts Center for a magical and unforgettable production of PIPPIN, Broadway’s high-flying, death-defying hit musical! Tickets are $45 and can be purchased by calling 850-729-6000.

The Lightning Thief Wed, February 1 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center The annual Children’s Series at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center presents a national touring series of live theatrical events based on bestselling children’s literature. The daytime performances are open with advance reservations to school groups and accompanied homeschool students for a nominal fee of $6 per student and chaperones, with teachers admitted free of charge. For more information, please visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Classical Guitar Recital – Stephen Robinson Wed, February 8 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center

Classical guitarist Stephen Robinson will perform at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville in the Tyler Recital Hall. This event will be free of charge, with donations accepted at the door. For more information, please visit www. mattiekellyartscenter.org.

42nd Street – National Tour

Thurs, February 9 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center The quintessential musical comedy classic 42nd Street is the song and dance fable of Broadway with an American Dream story sure to please! Tickets are $45. For more information, please call 850-729-6000.

The Piano Men: A Tribute to Billy Joel & Elton John – National Tour Sat, February 11 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center

A musical celebration of the 1970s is heading to the Emerald Coast in an amazing tribute to the music of Billy Joel and Elton John.. Tickets are $35 each. For more information, please visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Soundsations Showchoir – Snowbird Concert

Sun, February 19 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center (2:00p.m.) The renowned Northwest Florida State College Soundsations Showchoir will perform in the Mainstage Theater of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. The show is a fundraiser for scholarships and arts programs. For more information, please visit www. mattiekellyartscenter.org.

ONCE – National Tour Broadway Series

Mon, February 27 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center Emotionally captivating and theatrically breathtaking, ONCE draws you in from the very first note and never lets go! It is an unforgettable story about going for your dreams, not living in fear, and the power of music to connect us all. Tickets are $45 each. For more information, please visit www. mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Runs, Walks & More Destin’s 7th Bayou, Bay & Beach Sat, January 28 – Destin (7:30a.m.)

Destin’s 7th Bayou, Bay & Beach 5K Run/Walk, 10K and 15K is set! The 10K course is USA Track and Field certified, and the 15K course is new to the event this year. For more information, please visit www.destinchamber.com.

Registration is open on RunSignUp.com! A portion of race proceeds will benefit the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (restoring and protectitng the Choctawhatchee Basin Watershed). This is also a Senior Games-sanctioned event. For more information, please visit www. destinchamber.com.

Race Times 7:30 a.m. - 15K / 10K begin (2.5-hour time limit) 8 a.m. - 5K begins The Awards Ceremony will begin as soon as the last racer returns, but no later than 10 a.m.

Registration The 5K is $30 through Jan. 27, and $35 on race day. The 10K and 15K are $40 through Jan. 27, and $50 on race day. Registration is available online until Jan. 25. You may also download, complete, and return our race brochure. T-shirts are guaranteed to first 500 registrants. On race day, registration will also be available at Clement Taylor Park, from 6 - 7 a.m. for the 10K and 15K, and from 6 - 7:30 a.m. for the 5K.

Course Maps The start/finish line is at Clement Taylor Park, located at 131 Calhoun Ave., in Destin. Please note that no bicycles or pets will be allowed on the course.

Race Packet Pick-Up Party Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill, in Destin, from 5 - 7 p.m., on Friday, Jan. 27. Come pick up your package, and enjoy the festive atmosphere! Destin Chamber of Commerce,Thursday, Jan. 26, from 1 - 5 p.m., or Friday, Jan. 27, from 8:30 a.m. 3 p.m., or the day of the race at Clement Taylor Park, from 6 - 7:30 a.m. Let us follow your race experience! Use hashtag #BayouBayBeach when you Tweet or post race photos to Instagram.

Sponsorships For sponsorship information, please contact Events Coordinator Bryce Trafford at (850) 6241 or bryce@DestinChamber.com.

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guests and locals are invited to enjoy a free live concert every Sunday afternoon from 2:00 – 4:00p.m. For more information, please visit www.fwbchamber.org.

Volunteer Opportunity Place

Contact CC Fearson at 850-659-3190.

Socks

Contact Nikole Wood at 850-863-8999.

PAWS

Contact Alicia Sikes at 850-243-1525.

Salvation Army

Sounds Fun 2017 Chefs for Girl Scouts – Destin Desserts Fri, January 20 – Destin

Head to the Palms of Destin on January 20 and you will be in for a treat! The Girl Scouts of the Florida Panhandle will be holding their 6th Annual Destin Desserts, where area chefs will be showcasing their talents by creating their own original desserts utilizing legendary Girl Scout cookies as the main ingredient. For more information, please visit www. destinchamber.com.

Emerald Coast Parrot Head Chili Cook-Off

Sat, February 4 – HarborWalk Village (11:00a.m.) Head to HarborWalk Village for a day of spiced, spirited competition as chili experts from near and far work to prove they have the best chili around! The Emerald Coast Parrot Head Club will host a fun and exciting Chili CookOff on the Destin Harbor. Over 20 different restaurants and chili masters compete in this cook-off. For more information, please visit www.fwbchamber.org.

Island Dance Party

Sat, February 11 – Fort Walton Beach (6:00p.m.) Dance and party to classic rock, play video bowling, and sample free food from several restaurants at the Island Dance Party on Okaloosa Island. It will be held at the Emerald Coast Convention Center and will benefit the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. For more information, please visit www.fwbchamber.org.

Heritage Museum Tour for Home-School Students

Tues, February 21 – Valparaiso (1:00p.m.) The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida now offers tours for home-school students once per quarter during the school year. Each tour focuses on a different topic related to Northwest Florida history. Home-school families must register their students in advance. For more information, please call 850-678-2615.

Reoccurring Local Poetry & Music Jam

Every second Tuesday of each month – Crestview (6:00p.m.) Poets and musicians are invited to bring their work and instruments to a free-form, openmic poetry reading and jam session. For more information, please call 850-682-4432.

Monthly Movie Night

Every 3rd Tuesday of each month – Destin (4:00p.m.) The Friends Guild of the Destin Library, Inc. will sponsor a monthly movie night. The goal is to provide residents with the opportunity to view films that are in limited release. For more information, please visit www.destinchamber.com.

GulfWind Paddle & Surf Wednesday Night BOTE Board Demo Event Every Wednesday of each month – Santa Rosa Beach (6:00p.m.)

Socialize with other paddleboard enthusiasts every Wednesday evening and take time to demo ride the entire fleet of BOTE Boards! For more information, call Steve with GulfWind Paddle & Surf at 850-200-8375.

Contact Lisa Martinez at 850-243-4531.

Habitat for Humanity

Contact Mark McEnaney at 850-685-0686.

Florosa Fire Department

Contact Tom Peele at 850-581-2900.

VFW

Contact Harvey Eckoff at 850-244-3834.

Goodwill

Contact John at 850-837-8516.

Destin Community Center

Contact Lisa Firth at 850-654-5184.

Waterfront Rescue Mission

Contact Tina or Sharron at 850-244-2726.

Destin History & Fishing Museum Contact Kathy Blue at 850-837-6611.

Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge

Contact Susan Leivelle at 850-650-1880.

Boys & Girls Club

Contact Rita Cummins at 850-862-1332.

Planetarium Nights

Every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month – Fort Walton Beach (5:00p.m.) Head on over to the Emerald Coast Science Center for Planetarium nights. Shows are approximately 45 minutes long, and booking tickets in advance is recommended. For more information, visit www.ecscience.org.

Military Weekends at the Gulfarium

Every Saturday and Sunday through February – Fort Walton Beach All military ID holders and immediate family will receive half off admission every Saturday and Sunday starting now until the end of February. For more information, please visit www.fwbchamber.org.

Winter Guest Series

Every Sunday – HarborWalk Village (2:00p.m.) Shake off the winter chill with free live music on HarborWalk Village’s main stage. All winter

46 • January+February 2017 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Don’t See Your Event? Send calendar events to us at info@itsyourmagazine.com

ATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER ED RE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EX NTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENC ATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER ED RE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EX NTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENC ATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER ED RE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EXPLORE ENCOUNTER EDUCATE EX ENCOUNTER For more information about these programs and more, call or visit our website. Discover the difference a hands on encounter 850.664.1261 • www.ECScience.org with science can make! Seasonal Hours: Tue.-Sat.: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Find touchable, workable exhibits that teach about natural phenomena and basic scientific principles for children and families. • Robotics Exhibits • Live Reptile & Amphibian Room • Live Birds • Brain Games • Field Trips • Planetarium Nights • “Science of...”(Monthly event series geared towards adults)

31 SW Memorial Pkwy. Fort Walton Beach

Have Your Party at the Science Center! Choose from one of our four themes: Dino Dig • Animal Safari • Mad Scientist • Space Party Packages Available Saturdays from 11am-1pm or 1:30pm-3:30pm

Party includes admission for 12 children and two adults, a science activity, use of the private party room, a party host to assist with party details, party favors for each child, set up/clean up, decorations, use of fridge and microwave, paper products and drinks. Call today to plan your party!

First Saturday of the month 10 am-2 pm • Ages 9-14 Our Robotics Workshops will cover a range of robotics skills and concepts to help introduce students to robotics and give them the skills needed to compete in Lego League.