The DeKalb Park District is excited to host the 19th annual DeKalb Kite Fest again! Kite Fest is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and see amazing kites! Demonstrate your flying abilities and watch as our pilots bring you dazzling displays of kite flying. Food trucks, music, and seasonal activities will be available on-site. Families are welcome to bring their own kite or purchase one on-site (while supplies last). This is a FREE event! More details at dekalbparkdistrict.com.
Featured Kite Flyers:
Al Sparling
Darryl Waters
Anthony Catalano
Team Sky FX
Team Chicago Kite
Generously Sponsored by:
Beyond Baby Blues
Confronting pregnancy-related mental health challenges
By Dr. Lisa Saul ~ UnitedHealthcare’s National Medical Director, Maternal & Child Health
Pregnancy and childbirth are often celebrated as incredible, remarkable events in a woman’s life. But for some, it can be anything but joyful. One in five women experience pregnancy-related mental health conditions. Of those, 20% will face suicidal thoughts or attempt to harm themselves. Maternal mental health challenges are the number one cause of maternal mortality, primarily due to suicide.
Mental health conditions are among the most common complications of pregnancy and can present themselves in many ways. In addition to sleep disruption, some women feel unable or unwilling to care for their baby, while others have negative thoughts about their baby. In some cases, women may experience hallucinations, psychosis, or severe depression.
Most women have some degree of the “baby blues.” So, what makes some women more likely to experience more severe mental health issues? Women with a history of anxiety or mood disorders or those with a family history of postpartum depression have a higher risk. Women from under-resourced communities, those with little to no social support, and those who use substances like drugs or alcohol also face higher risks, as are women who have experienced fertility challenges, an unwanted pregnancy, or a difficult birth. And among communities of color, stigma and judgment often prevent women (and men) from seeking mental health treatment.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. As a medical professional specializing in women’s health and a mother of two, I believe it is crucial to shed light on this silent epidemic. The time has come to recognize that pregnancy-related mental health conditions are not only prevalent but largely preventable. With a concerted effort to raise awareness and prioritize maternal mental health, we can take significant steps to save lives and ensure a safer journey into motherhood. Here are a few tips to help combat maternal mental health challenges:
Inform yourself: Take some time to familiarize yourself with emotional changes that can come with pregnancy and the postpartum period. Learning about common experiences and knowing when things may be veering into more serious territory can be immensely helpful. This knowledge not only helps in setting your own expectations but also empowers you to communicate effectively with healthcare providers.
Destigmatize mental health: It’s okay to talk about how we’re really feeling, even when it’s tough. Whether you’re pregnant, a new parent, or a supportive partner or friend, speaking up about mental health challenges should be as normal as talking about a backache. When we open up, we make it easier for everyone to seek the help they might need without fear.
Monitor your well-being: Keep an eye on how you feel emotionally, not just physically. Changes in mood, energy levels or thoughts can be subtle clues that you need some extra care. It’s like keeping a diary of your emotional worldnoting down what feels different, what’s worrying you, or even what’s bringing you unexpected joy.
Call your health plan provider: Your health insurer can also help you access care. For example, some insurers like UnitedHealthcare have specially trained advocates to support members struggling due to their social environment. They’re there to help members understand their benefits and guide them to timely care.
Take advantage of your Employee Assistance Program (EAP): These programs typically offer services that relatively few employees take advantage of. For example, suppose your employer offers EAP in-the-moment support through UnitedHealthcare. In that case, you can call
in to speak confidentially with a master’s level behavioral health clinician to receive support as many times as needed, in real-time, and around the clock - even if it’s 2 a.m. on a Saturday.* Depending on your situation, you may not need to seek additional behavioral health support with a care provider if your EAP offers personalized guidance.
Seek support: Don’t hesitate to ask your personal or professional networks for help. A trusted healthcare provider can guide you to the right level of support, such as talking to an expert in person or virtually, or joining a network or discussion group about this issue. Your family and friends can be there for you by listening, offering the voice of experience, or even helping with household chores to allow you time to rest. Remember that taking action early is a proactive step toward maintaining your mental health. It’s a sign of strength.
As we journey toward safer motherhood experiences, it is essential to recognize the significance of pregnancy-related mental health conditions and take action to address this pressing issue. Together, we can break the silence, prioritize maternal mental health, and ensure that no mother faces this challenge alone. It is time to unite, embrace compassion, and empower all women to embark on their motherhood journey with strength and resilience.
* EAP availability varies by plan design and benefits selected by the employer
AWays to maximize baby’s nutrition
s a parent, it’s normal to be focused on your baby getting enough of the nutrients their little bodies need to grow and thrive. Once babies are eating solid food, it’s the perfect time to start widening their palates by introducing a variety of healthy plant-based options.
Here are three tips from Plum Organics to help you choose foods that will start your baby on a good path toward adventurous flavors and textures for years to come.
1. Introduce bitter and savory flavors early
You may naturally want to choose sweet foods like fruit when you first start feeding your baby solid food, like mashedup bananas and applesauce. However, it’s a better idea to get your child acclimated to a wider variety of flavors that represent more foods they will encounter as they grow early on, including savory and even bitter tastes. That way they will be more open to liking foods like vegetables and proteins, which are not sweet.
Some parents will opt for baby foods that combine fruits and vegetables to sneak veggies in, but fruits often mask the bitter flavor of vegetables, which defeats the purpose. Instead, try foods that introduce different flavors through vegetables only, so babies learn early that all foods are not - and don’t need to taste - sweet.
“Babies are born with an innate preference for sweet foods and an aversion to bitter foods,” said Whitney English, M.S., R.D. and co-founder of Plant-Based Juniors. “To foster a diverse palate and support adventurous eating, we need to train babies’ palates to enjoy bitter flavors by introducing them early and often!”
To help you get started, leading organic baby food brand, Plum Organics offers a Zucchini, Pea + Kale with Thyme pouch which is organic, non-GMO and contains no added sugars.
“Herbs and spices also contain bitter compounds, and it’s helpful to get babies acquainted with them early too,” added English. “Right from the start, you can add them to meals to create interesting and diverse flavors. The only spices you’ll want to avoid are those with heat, like chili powder or peppers.”
2. Focus on vitamin C to boost iron absorption
According to the Mayo Clinic, iron is a priority nutrient for children, as it aids their bodies in many important ways such as using oxygen and helping to make red blood cells, both of which are crucial for growing children. Unfortunately, many children do not get enough iron, which can lead to iron deficiency anemia.
“Iron is a critical nutrient for growth and development, which is why needs are high during pregnancy and early childhood to support rapid growth and the production of energy, red blood cells and brain cells,” said Alexandra Caspero, M.A., R.D. and co-founder of Plant-Based Juniors.
But because iron can be harder to absorb in the body, it’s important to include vitamin C in the diets of babies and young children, as that nutrient can better enhance iron absorption.
“Iron is found in two forms: heme and non-heme iron. Heme iron is found only in animal foods like meat, poultry and seafood. It’s much more easily absorbed than non-heme iron. Non-heme iron is found in both animal and plant foods such as legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds and leafy greens and is harder to absorb than heme iron,” explained Caspero.
“Fortunately, pairing non-heme iron with a source of vitamin C can increase the absorption of non-heme iron by three to six times.”
For this reason, Caspero recommends serving infant-friendly sources of vitamin C alongside iron-rich meals. For example, many Plum Organics pouches include vitamin C-rich foods
like broccoli, sweet potato, blueberries, mango and more.
3. Healthy on-the-go feeding
While it may seem challenging to feed your little one nutritious food when you’re running from one appointment or playdate to another, you can make it easier for yourself by picking up some Plum Organics pouches, which are veggiepacked and great for parents and caregivers to make feeding a breeze.
With a variety of flavors your baby is bound to love, you’ll be ready to offer a quick meal or snack whenever it’s needed, expanding your baby’s palate and providing the peace of mind that you’re feeding them well.
Learn more tips about feeding your baby or toddler at www.PlumOrganics.com.
Improve your kids’ experiences on social media
As kids retreat indoors after a long summer outside, back-to-school season provides a good opportunity for parents to revisit how their children are using social media to stay connected with their friends.
If heading back to school wasn’t already an emotional experience for kids, a new global survey commissioned by LG Electronics found social media can be a source of anxiety for young people. Almost half of the respondents (45%) reported their social media feeds consist of an equal or greater amount of negative rather than positive content. In fact, more than 1 in 4 (28%) claimed negative content on social media feeds has increased their anxiety, and 1 in 5 (20%) said it has made them unhappy.
While it can be normal to worry about how social media impacts your child’s mental health – especially if you struggle to limit their time spent on social media – there are simple ways your child can adjust their feeds to provide more positive scrolling experiences.
Social media expert and information science professor Casey Fiesler, Ph.D., explains how algorithms affect the content everyone sees. “Algorithms determine what users see on social media by predicting content they’re likely to engage with based on past engagement,” says Fiesler. “These algorithms can send anyone down specific niches, for good and bad. Research shows that it’s possible to quickly go down negative rabbit holes and encounter harmful content.”
How can you help your kids enjoy the positive benefits of social media, like connecting with friends and family, being entertained, and sharing happy moments, without experiencing potential harm?
Here are concrete actions that can help your kids enjoy what’s good about social media.
Model good behavior
It’s often said kids pay more attention to what you do than what you say. With that in mind, consider how you use social media. Are you glued to your feed for hours? Do you vocalize the negative content you’re seeing?
Notice how much you’re scrolling, and what you say about it. Can you share positive, upbeat content with your kids instead of the negative? If you do see something negative, consider how you communicate the feelings it brought up for you and why you chose not to interact with it.
Open the conversation
By talking about what you see on social media and how it makes you feel, you’re opening a conversation with your kids - and letting them know you’re there to listen when they have feelings about what they see.
Ask them what they enjoy about social media and what they don’t. What do they do when they encounter something that makes them uncomfortable or sad? Listening is crucial to keep communication channels open.
Find workable limits
While it may be impossible to completely prevent your kid from using social media, you can impose limits. Your home’s Wi-Fi router likely has features allowing you to control when your kids have access to the internet and the ability to ban sites. You may want to ensure they’re interacting with social media in common areas rather than spending too much time alone with internet access.
It’s also recommended to keep phones and other devices out of bedrooms, to limit social media exposure as well as promote a good night’s sleep. Need kids to wake up early? Use an old-fashioned alarm clock.
How much control you impose will be based on your child’s age and other considerations unique to your family. Again, talking with your kids is the best way to ensure they know the pitfalls and red flags they should be aware of online.
Improve their feeds
LG is tackling negative content on social media by helping more people discover upbeat, positive and optimistic content through its new “Optimism Your Feed” playlist. This is a simple way to help reset your kids’ and your social feeds, inviting more uplifting content you can feel good about.
“This is one way you can exert some control over what your social media algorithm serves you,” explains Fiesler. “When you engage with optimistic content, it’s kind of like telling the algorithm, ‘I want more of this,’ and as a result you might see more positive content the next time you start scrolling.”
The “Optimism Your Feed” playlist includes original content from global influencers and content creators known for their positive content like Victoria Browne, Tina Choi and Josh Harmon. Featuring 20 short-form videos, when interacted with, the playlist is designed to help pull more
positive content into your feed. This is part of the Life’s Good campaign that LG introduced last year to inspire and encourage people to approach life with an optimistic attitude.
As social media continues to be an integral part of everyone’s lives, by being more conscious about what you and your kids interact with, you’ll be choosing to bring stronger optimism, balance and happiness to your lives this school year.
Explore the “Optimism Your Feed” playlist on LG’s global TikTok channel @lge_lifesgood and YouTube channel @ LGGlobal.
Mindfulness tips support early learners’ development
While mindfulness once felt like a wellness trend, it’s become a way of life for adults hoping to maintain healthier routines, be intentional in their work and handle daily stresses efficiently. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mindfulness is the practice of being fully aware of your thoughts and feelings in a moment without judging them or negatively reacting.
But what about kids? Even at an early age, stress can lead to harmful brain development, potentially shrinking brain capacity, locking in fight, flight or freeze responses and escalating mental health disorders. A stressed brain is blocked, frustrated, over-reactive and anxious.
The CDC recently published a policy report on youth mental health, which listed daily mindfulness practices as the #2 strategy to drive improvement. Mindfulness and selfregulation can impact a child’s ability to learn, and these skills are crucial for growth inside and outside the classroom. The CDC recommended K-12 classrooms practice mindfulness more regularly, but even early childhood education centers can attest to the positive impact of adopting this mindset.
Bright Horizons, a leading global provider of high-quality early education and childcare, is naturally integrating mindfulness into the daily routines of early learners at hundreds of its child care centers. Utilizing Inner Explorer, a platform designed to support mental health and well-being, Bright Horizons centers implement this daily mindfulness program to help its children learn critical skills like selfawareness, self-regulation and empathy.
“Young children don’t know how to recognize and manage their emotions. They use coping tools available to them until they learn new strategies. Emotional recognition and
regulation skills can and should be taught, just like any other set of skills. One of the most valuable strategies we can teach them is mindfulness,” said Bright Horizons Chief Academic Officer Rachel Robertson.
“Mindfulness is paying attention on purpose, and we know it can play a crucial role in helping young children manage their emotions and actions. But, it requires intentional support from teachers and parents to develop it. Beginning mindfulness practices at an earlier age also boosts important cognitive skills. It has a significant impact on executive function, creating habits that carry into adulthood and nurturing several skills identified as essential for future success.”
Integrate mindfulness practices into a child’s daily routine:
The STOP Strategy: Stop, pause and focus. Take a deep breath. Observe what’s going on around you and inside yourself. Proceed.
• Gratitude Moments: Spend a few moments each day sharing what you are grateful for.
• Nature’s Symphony: Close your eyes and identify as many sounds as possible, from birds chirping to leaves rustling or cars nearby.
• Starfish Breathing: Take five breaths as you trace your hand, one finger at a time.
• Mindful Walk: Pick one sense like sight and notice how many different colors you can see.
• Shake the Sillies Out: Pretend you’re a statue, take a deep breath and shake the energy out!
The possibilities of mindful activities for you and early learners are endless, and the benefits of more intentional practice cannot be denied. To learn more about Bright Horizons, visit www.brighthorizons.com.
I3 Ways to facilitate ‘transfer of learning’ from
your child’s classroom to your home this fall
f you have ever watched your children doing something at home that made you think to yourself, “I wonder how they learned to do that,” then you’ve witnessed “transfer of learning” - a process that takes previously introduced information or skills and applies them in a new situation. This action is useful for school-aged children when absorbing a variety of academic subjects, but toddlers and preschoolers also take life skills they’ve encountered in a child care setting and apply them at home.
Every day, children are learning principles through play that will help them develop lifelong skills. When young children demonstrate transfer of learning from their child care classroom to their play at home, parents can take an active role in encouraging it.
Whether it’s singing the rhyming song your children learned at school with them in the car or going to the bear exhibit at the zoo after they read a book about bears, there are many ways to facilitate the school-to-home connection. Experts at Kiddie Academy® Educational Child Care recommend three specific methods to support this process.
learned skills and do them together
1. Establish clear communication channels between parents and educators
The best approach to start helping your little ones build on the skills they’re learning at school is to make sure you’re communicating with their educators. Many child care facilities offer a daily report as a way for parents to stay informed about what their children are learning, in addition to hosting quarterly parent-teacher conferences. You might also spend a minute or two talking with your child’s caregivers at dropoff and pick-up times. All these moments offer parents the chance to check in and discuss their child’s learning, helping to pinpoint areas to focus on at home. It’s also an excellent opportunity for parents to share any concerns or special moments they’ve observed with the educator.
Once parents have established an open line of communication with their child’s educator, the next step is fostering those skills learned from school at home. This can be as simple as recognizing a topic your child is learning at school, such as recycling, and then highlighting for your child the steps taken at home to recycle. Another great way is to identify your child’s interests and tailor activities to incorporate them. Does your child like coloring and is learning about kindness in school? Help your child draw pictures and give them to family members as a special gift.
3. Offer positive affirmation
Children respond well to encouragement from their parents and family caregivers. When your children demonstrate something organically at home from their day at school, recognize their efforts. You can say something like, “Is that a new song you’re singing? Can you teach it to me?” Not only will the positive words you speak to your children motivate them to continue what they are doing, they will help to build their confidence and self-worth as well. Be sure to name the skills and qualities you’re admiring out loud to better help your children internalize the feedback and associate positive emotions with the skills they’re learning.
It’s well-known that the greatest amount of brain development takes place in the first five years of a child’s life. So, using this time to focus on taking the life skills your children are discovering at school and applying them at home is beneficial to their lifelong learning.
TOnline shopping tips save money, time
Sponsored by Citi
he ease of shopping online can offer customers greater flexibility and convenience, as well as access to a wider range of products. However, these expanded choices can sometimes lead to more time spent searching for deals.
If you’re looking to save money without spending too much time, it’s crucial to be strategic before you browse. Here are tips savvy shoppers use to shop smarter online.
Make the most of free shopping
tools
Finding deals quickly can be tough, but savvy shoppers know the latest tools can help. For example, the Citi ShopSM browser extension provides an easy way to find savings by automatically searching over 5,000 online merchants for available offers and coupons.
According to a recent Citi study*, over one-third of Americans (35%) say it takes too long to find coupons or promo codes when shopping online, and 74% have abandoned an online purchase because they couldn’t find a deal. The Citi Shop browser extension helps eligible Citi® credit cardmembers save time and money by finding savings.
To start using Citi Shop, cardmembers just need to add the extension to their mobile iOS device or desktop browser and enroll their eligible Citi credit card. While shopping online, users will receive alerts about available percent or amount back offers.
Visit Citi.com/CitiShopEnroll to add the extension.
Plan ahead
When it comes to online shopping, planning helps you stay on track and gives you more time to compare prices. Before firing up your laptop or phone, make a quick list of what you’re looking for. Your list could also include how much you’re willing to spend.
You could also try keeping a calendar of events like family birthdays, upcoming weddings and other important milestones so you don’t rush to buy something at the last minute.
Sign up for newsletters and alerts
For another smart move, try signing up for newsletters and enabling notifications from your preferred retailers to access exclusive deals and promotions. By doing so, you’ll receive timely alerts about special promotions, early access to sales and personalized recommendations. These exclusive perks may help you save money and update you on the latest deals.
Look for retailer incentives
If you write a product review or fill out a survey requested by a retailer, you could be eligible for perks like gift card drawings or discounts. Other retailers may offer price matching or adjustments if you see an item you just bought go on sale at another store a few days later.
If you want to save more time finding online deals, you can always try using the Citi Shop browser extension, which automatically searches for offers and coupons at checkout.
Set a budget
Track your monthly income and expenses to figure out what you may have left for special occasions, shopping or entertainment. After budgeting for necessities, try setting aside a monthly discretionary spending amount - and then stick to it.
Using these tips and tools, you can save time and tap into savings when you shop online.
*The Citi Shopping Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among 1,000 nationally representative adults ages 18+ from the U.S., including the U.S. territories, in December 2023.
DeKalb Park District Presents
PUMPKIN SMASH'N'BASH
November 2 • 1:00-3:00 pm • Hopkins Park Sled Hill
SCARECROW SHOWCASE
Grab your supplies and show us what exciting scarecrows you can dream up! Build your own upcycled and recycled scarecrow to showcase around Hopkins Park! Community viewing and mobile voting open October 31 - November 1. On-site voting available during Pumpkin Smash’N’Bash from 1:00 – 2:00 pm. Awards will be presented at 3:00 pm! Registration categories: K-5th Grade, 6th-12th Grade, Adult, and Family. Presented in cooperation with the University of Illinois Extension and the DeKalb County Health Department- Solid Waste Program.
Registration Deadline: October 24 $8 R/ $10 NR per entry
Bring your carved pumpkins to Hopkins Park Sled Hill for various pumpkin activities and competitions. Have fun following your pumpkin down the Sled Hill in the pumpkin roll competition! Then smash your pumpkin and turn it into compost that will help nourish plants in the spring. Please remove any candles and glow sticks before hand. Painted pumpkins cannot be composted and, therefore, cannot be brought to the event. Sponsored
Visit dekalbparkdistrict.com for full Scarecrow Showcase rules & eligibility requirements!
