South Jersey MOM Jan-Feb 2019 by South Jersey MOM

JANUARY/ FEBRUARY

2019

www.southjerseymom.com

MOM NEEDS A

SICK DAY

TOO!

TIPS WHEN CONSIDERING

SUMMER

CAMP 10 MOST POPULAR

E S O LU NEW YEAR'S R

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: • Have Fun with Music • Valentine's Day Lunch • Toddler's Eyeglass Tricks

TIONS

CAMP & EDUCATION EXPOS January 20th 12pm-4pm all Moorestown M February 23rd 12pm-4pm l Cherry Hill Mal

High Five Dr. Walker! Congratulations to Dr. Ryan Walker; Advanced ENT’s fellowship-trained pediatric otolaryngologist and one of SJ Magazine’s Top Docs for Kids in 2018.

(856) 602-4000 www.advancedent.com

Same day appointments available! Woodbury • Voorhees • Haddonfield • Washington Township • Medford • Mount Laurel • Willingboro • Stratford • Mansfield

It’s about momentum, forward movement, growth. While some resolutions are a might-do, swimming lessons are a must-do. Start the new year off right with swim lessons at Goldfish Swim School. Fresh perspectives, healthy habits, necessary skills. The best way to kick off a new year.

+ LESSONS FOR KIDS 4 MONTHS TO 12 YEARS + FAMILY SWIMS, PARTIES & TONS OF FUN! + CONFIDENCE-BUILDING CURRICULUM + 30-MINUTE WEEKLY CLASSES

a fresh start

just add water.

2 | Jan/Feb 2019

2036 Briggs Rd | Mount Laurel, NJ 8054 goldfishswimschool.com |

When calling advertisers, please say you saw it in SJMOM!

www.southjerseymom.com

EDITOR be sure to read camp expert, Jess Michael’s article “Top 8 Things When Looking for a Camp” (page 12). Flu season will be heading our way this month and be sure to read “A Mom’s Sick Day” (page 10). The eye glass article “Getting Toddler’s to Wear Glasses” (page 8) took me back to the heartache with getting my daughter to wear her glasses. Both my kids needed glasses and my son took to wearing his with ease at elementary school age. My daughter, on the other hand, needed glasses around 18 months old and it took parenting pizazz to keep the glasses on her face. At first, she would tear off the glasses, but eventually she would see the benefit of wearing. I’m hopeful the article will give you advice to keep glasses on your toddler.

Photo credit JCPenney Portrait Studios

I have never been one for New Year resolutions, they always tend be the same old thing and somehow highlight the negative. This year I decided to write out a list of friends and family to invest time and energy into on a regular basis. If you need ideas to plan your resolutions see “New Year’s Resolutions Every Mom Should Make” (page 15). January is the time to start looking for your kid’s summer camp,

Wishing you a good health and happiness!✲

www.southjerseymom.com

HIPPEAS ORGANIC CHICKPEA PUFFS A delicious and healthy snack for the entire family. The chickpea puffs have similar consistency and taste as cheese curls. 3g Fiber, 4g Protein, Gluten Free, Kosher, Vegan, and Non GMO. Lots of great flavors to choose from, my favorite flavor is white cheddar. Target.com; $3 (4oz bag)

Your friend & fellow MOM,

Karen Ognibene, Executive Editor karen@superiorgx.com

Strummer and Arrow, ages 8 and 4, spend endless hours building, and destroying imaginary towns, rockets and vehicles with Legos. Strummer loves origami and mind craft and Arrow has just learned to write his name.

FAVES

BAKERY ON MAIN ORGANIC CREAMY HOT BREAKFAST Change up your morning oatmeal routine with whole grain brown rice, flax, and the ancient grain, amaranth. The multigrain organic hot cereal is gluten free, organic and Kosher. A deliciously premium base for all your creative combinations from sweet to savory! BakeryOnMain.com; $6 (box of 6 single serve packets)

SNAPBASKET LUXE— COLLAPSIBLE CANVAS TOTE Stylish and sturdy on-the-go tote perfect for mom’s getting organized. Great for toting your stuff to work, yoga or everyday errands with the kids. Heavy-duty tote with vegan leather handles and hauls up to 30 lbs. Folds down flat and stores neatly. Available in four fun colors. CleverMade.com; $30

When calling advertisers, please say you saw it in SJMOM! Jan/Feb 2019 | 3

VALENTINE'S DAY LUNCH FOR LITTLE SWEETHEARTS

South Jersey MOM

Jan/Feb 2019 CEO/Publisher Christopher Ognibene • (609) 670-1794 chris@superiorgx.com Executive Editor Karen Ognibene • (609) 230-6280 karen@superiorgx.com Marketing & Business Development Specialist Michelle Scianni • (856) 986-9606 michelle@superiorgx.com For General Advertising Inquiries Marissa Josephick • (856) 537-7089 ocrazyjane@gmail.com Production Manager Lisa Celfo lisasjmom@gmail.com Editorial Assistant Julia Ognibene Cover Photographer Ron Farina Photography www.southjerseymom.com

Created by Markations Adam Nichols • (215) 825-7499 Superior Graphics Print Management LLC publishes South Jersey MOM™ monthly and distributes it throughout the region. The publication is available free of charge at select locations. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without the authorization of the publisher. Superior Graphics Print Management, LLC, Publisher of South Jersey MOM P.O. BOX 268 • Wenonah, NJ 08090

Serve this heart-y lunch for your special valentines! These heart-shaped sandwiches will leave your children love-struck, and they’re so simple and easy to make. You’ll need the following for one heart and arrow sandwich: • Cheddar cheese • Sandwich bread slices • Sandwich filling • Pretzel sticks Cut block cheddar cheese to make two triangles for the arrow. From the side of one cheese triangle, cut out another triangle to make the end of the arrow. Carefully push a pretzel stick into each of the cheese shapes. Make a sandwich with two slices of bread and a filling of your choice. Use a cookie cutter (or cut out by hand using a knife) to make the sandwich heart-shaped. To finish, put the pretzel sticks with cheese into the sandwich, arranging them to look like an arrow.

Main: (609) 670-1794 Fax: (856) 210-1524 All materials and services provided in this magazine are for informational or educational purposes only

Enter Your Child’s Photo to Be On Our Next Cover Every issue South Jersey MOM features a local child on the cover. If you think you have the “Cutest Kid in Town”, send a 4x6 photo to South Jersey MOM. P.O. Box 268, Wenonah, NJ 08090. On back of photo write child’s name and age along with guardian contact info.

Louisa Kopp is a South Jersey mom and writer. Follow her blog at www.icecreamoffpaperplates.com for party and craft ideas, recipes, and humorous parenting stories

MAGAZINE

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

www.facebook.com/SouthJerseyMOM

Chance to win prizes and more! 4 | Jan/Feb 2019

When calling advertisers, please say you saw it in SJMOM!

www.southjerseymom.com

When calling advertisers, please say you saw it in SJMOM! Jan/Feb 2019 | 5

IS YOUR CHILD READY

TO PLAY AN INSTRUMENT? By Shannon Cahill

usic becomes an essential part of life at an early age. From babies bobbing back and forth to the beat of their favorite songs to toddlers banging pots and pans with a spatula. Parents see their child’s interest in music and wonder “Is my child ready to learn a musical instrument?” According to Dr. Robert A. Cutietta, who received his doctorate in music education and psychology from Pennsylvania State University, “There is a growing (and convincing) body of research that indicates a “window of opportunity” from birth to age nine for developing a musical sensibility within 6 | Jan/Feb 2019

instrument makes. If they are showing interest at this stage you can attend a more “formal” parent/child music class that will help them learn with you. For this class to be productive, make sure your child can sit and concentrate for 10-30 minutes at a time and that he/she can follow directions. It’s important that their fine motor skills are up to par. For example, can your child color moderately well “within the lines” of a coloring book? Having this kind of control is very important when learning an instrument. Age five is when group or solo music lessons can start. The best instruments for beginners is the piano, keyboard or violin. Sign them up for a class to see how they like it. If all goes well, consider renting the instrument he/she is interested in so that they can practice at home without you having to dish out a ton of money on something that may not last. Valerie DAmbrosio, from Pottstown, P.A. finds that renting the instrument for her teenage daughter is the best option for them. “I rent to own our flute, this way if at any time she doesn’t want to play anymore they will take the instrument back or she can try something else.” If you child is older have them join their school band so they can try different instruments and find one they feel comfortable with. As children get older it’s harder to get them to practice. It’s important that your child is musically motivated and willing to set aside time to practice their instrument multiple times a week on their own. Tara Chester, from Pine Hill, N.J. says her 10-year-old daughter Gionna, “has to practice her clarinet four times a week, not including her school band practices.”

“If your child is showing an interest in music you can bring them to music classes starting at six months old”

children.” If your child is showing an interest in music you can bring them to music classes starting at six months old. These early age classes teach them how to have a fun relationship with music. A great way to interest your baby/toddler is to play games with music, have dance parties, sing songs and let them see others playing an instrument. Age three is when kids can really start to recognize different things in music such as a beat or melody. This makes it a perfect age to introduce them to the different sounds each

When calling advertisers, please say you saw it in SJMOM!

Scott Pieczara, a music teacher at AP Schalick High School in Pittsgrove, N.J. says, “Kids always learn better when it’s a ‘want’. If they show passion or interest starting age doesn’t matter.”

www.southjerseymom.com

Is Midwifery Care Right For You? An Interview with Karen McEvoy Shields, a Certified Nurse Midwife at Virtua

Q A

Why choose a midwife?

Q A

What exactly is a midwife? A midwife is an independent practitioner who provides health care to women throughout their lifetime. The word midwife actually means “with women”. Midwives partner “with women” and listen to their concerns so that together we can make the best health care decisions. We understand and value each woman’s individual needs. We provide routine gynecologic care, prenatal care, care throughout labor and birth, breastfeeding support, as well as postpartum and menopause support.

It really comes down to preference. Midwives tailor care to the wants and needs of each woman and her baby. We view pregnancy as a normal process, a normal life event. We are experts in supporting the physiologic processes of labor and birth and recognize when interventions are necessary. In this way, midwives maintain the best conditions possible for a safe, satisfying and healthy outcome for all involved. If at any time, it becomes necessary for us to consult with, or ask for assistance from an obstetrician, they are available to us 24/7. This shared approach to decision-making and collaboration is a key aspect of midwifery care.

Would a woman choose a midwife if she wanted to deliver naturally?

Yes. Virtua OB/GYN & Midwifery is a midwife led practice that specializes in physiologic and natural birth. When someone chooses to come to my practice, they are making a commitment to natural childbirth. Often this is a woman and/or family who desires a more personal care experience throughout the pregnancy along with support during labor and birth. Prenatal visits are longer and more personal. There is quite a bit of preparation involved in planning for a natural birth, from nutrition, exercise, and relaxation techniques, to conversations that address a women’s fears and desires. We work with women to meet their physical, emotional and spiritual needs to ensure the best pregnancy and birth experience possible for her, her family and her baby.

Virtua OB/GYN & Midwifery - Washington Township 239 Hurffville - Cross Keys Road, Suite 132, Sewell, NJ 08080 856-341-8474

www.southjerseymom.com

When calling advertisers, please say you saw it in SJMOM! Jan/Feb 2019 | 7

Tricks to Get Toddlers to Wear Glasses By Kathy Gleason

”Remember that being consistent and positive can make a major difference in how your child takes to his new glasses“

etting your toddler to wear glasses is challenging. Before tearing your hair out in frustration, take a breath. You might just need a new strategy and a new outlook. If you’re upset that your child has to wear glasses, your toddler might pick up on it and resist them as well. Remember that being consistent and positive can make a major difference in how your child takes to his new glasses. Let Children Have a Say If possible, let your toddler choose his glasses. Kids might be more inclined to wear glasses if they feel they had some say in them, suggests Early Intervention Support. Offer Encouragement When children try on glasses, make a fuss over how good they look in them. Also, point out how seeing clearly is better and safer than walking around with blurry vision. Make Sure Glasses Are Comfortable Lenses for toddlers should be made of polycarbonate because the lens won’t shatter and have soft cables that are comfortable and fit around the ears so they stay on. Look for glasses that have soft nose pads as well so glasses aren’t uncomfortable on your toddler’s little nose.

8 | Jan/Feb 2019

Read Stories Go to the library and pick out books in which the young characters have glasses. You can also go online and show your tot pictures of other children wearing glasses. If other people in her family wear glasses, remind her of that. Build Up Gradually Don’t stick glasses on your toddler’s face and expect him to wear them constantly, right away. Start with a shorter time such as half an hour in the morning and afternoon and build up from there. You can encourage children to leave their glasses alone during this time by making “glasses time” fun time in the beginning. For example, have them wear their glasses during a favorite cartoon or while having a snack. Be a Good Role Model If you have glasses, wear them! Set a good example for children by wearing your own glasses when you’re supposed to. If your toddler sees that wearing glasses is a chore for you, it might be harder to get her to wear her own.✲ everydaylife.globalpost.com

When calling advertisers, please say you saw it in SJMOM!

www.southjerseymom.com

Keller Williams Roach, REALTORS®

381 Egg Harbor Road, Suite 2, Sewell, NJ 08090

ARE YOU READY TO BUY OR SELL?

Cell: 609 .670.1794 Office: 856.582.1200

The SIMILA Group

Each office is independently owned and operated

SAVE THE DATE! JOIN THE SOUTH JERSEY MOM MAGAZINE CAMP AND EDUCATION EXPO SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019 MOORESTOWN MALL • 12pm-4pm MAGAZINE

2019

NOW SEEKING VENDORS!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019 CHERRY HILL MALL • 12pm-4pm

JOIN US FOR A GREAT FAMILY DAY!

MAGAZINE

Have fun visiting vendor tables and getting lots of free stuff and information about various camp and school programs!

CALL CHRIS OGNIBENE TO BECOME A VENDOR...609.670.1794

www.southjerseymom.com

When calling advertisers, please say you saw it in SJMOM! Jan/Feb 2019 | 9

A MOM’S SICK DAY By Shannon Reeves

to go to the gym and will be hungry when he gets back. By now your kids have made a mess in the house and have eaten cookies and chips for lunch so you decide to keep the health kick going and order pizza for dinner. BEDTIME Dream: The dinner your husband made was so yummy and sat well with your sick stomach. He gives the kids their baths, reads them their bedtime stories and gets them to bed early so that the house can be quiet to help your headache go away. After a long day of good rest and liquids you are already starting to feel better.

ell, it’s that time of year again. The flu is looking for its next victim and guess what Mom? YOU’RE IT! Get ready to be waited on hand and foot. Prepare yourself for back rubs, hot baths, breakfast in bed… oh wait, sorry, that was for when Dad gets sick. We all know that when a mom is sick there is no real sick day to be taken. Even my doctor laughed when she said, “Try to rest and stay in bed if you can.” She knew I had a husband and toddler at home that would need me up and moving or their world would fall apart. Since we know this isn’t going to happen I figured, just for fun, let’s compare a mom’s dream sick day vs reality. Hey, everyone can dream right? MORNING Dream: Alarm is shut off! Your significant other allows you to sleep in. He tells the kids to stay quiet and not to bother Mommy so she can rest. They make a beautiful breakfast that they bring to you so you don’t have to leave the bed. Your husband runs a nice hot bath for you, even adds some bath salts and bubbles so it’s extra relaxing. Reality: Your significant others alarm keeps going off and wakes YOU up instead of him. The kids are running around and want to

10 | Jan/Feb 2019

know what is for breakfast because they are, of course, STARVING. You get up, make them a bowl of cereal, throw on some cartoons and decide to take a hot bath to help your aches. You walk past the bedroom door, where your husband is still sleeping peacefully, and head to the bathroom. You know there is no time for a bath so you reach in, turn the water on, get undressed and step into the shower. OUCH! You stepped on the toys from last night’s bath time that you asked your husband to please put away so you could lie down. AFTERNOON Dream: You are so relaxed from your bath that you decide to take a long afternoon nap. When you wake up your husband gives you a nice back rub and says he will be making dinner that evening so you don’t have to lift a finger. You are able to get caught up on some Netflix shows while your little one is quietly coloring near you because she wants to stay with mommy.

Reality: The pizza you ordered was too greasy for your upset stomach so you ate some crackers while the rest of the family enjoyed their hot meal. You decide the kids got a bath last night, they will survive without one today. Your husband was so exhausted from his workout that he took a hot shower and went to bed without you even noticing which means you are on bedtime duty tonight. After you read the kids their stories you realize the house is a mess and you cannot go to bed with it looking like that. You clean off the dinner table, do the dishes, clean up the toys that we left out and throw the laundry into the hamper. It is finally time for bed! You hear your little one crying and calling for you because she threw up all over her bed and has a fever and aches. No matter how bad you feel you know you need to put on your Superwoman cape and go from Mom to Nurse. Now of course this is not how it is for all moms out there. However it does paint a pretty good picture of what most moms have to deal with even when sick. This is why moms are superheroes. Since “sick days” don’t really work out for us, next time you are feeling really good, send the kids to a sitter and TAKE A SICK DAY!

Reality: You get out of your shower sorer than when you went in. Throw your hair into a wet messy bun because, who are you kidding, you have no time or energy to do anything else with it. Oh hey look, hubby is up! He wants to know if you will be making dinner because he has

When calling advertisers, please say you saw it in SJMOM!

www.southjerseymom.com

Karen Ognibene, MA, LPC OCTOBER 13 - MARCH 3, 2019 Purchase Tickets Today | www.fi.edu

Licensed Professional Counselor

Psychotherapy for Adults and Couples, Psychoanalysis and Trauma Treatment Specialties:

Depression • Anxiety Relationship Issues Eating Issues • Grief & Loss Low Self-Esteem PTSD and Trauma EMDR Psychodynamic Person Centered Therapy

609.230.6280

44 Cooper Street • Woodbury, NJ 08096

www.HealingPathNJ.com

www.southjerseymom.com

When calling advertisers, please say you saw it in SJMOM! Jan/Feb 2019 | 11

summer camp guide

TOP 8 THINGS to Consider When Looking for a CAMP By Jess Michaels Thinking about day or overnight for your child? Besides learning new activities and making friends, camp provides children with the opportunity to gain important life skills such as independence, communication, critical thinking, and self-confidence. When starting to look for a camp, parents should look into the following at the camps they are interested in. These considerations will help families make an informed decision about camp for their child. management techniques, appropriate staff and camper behavior, child abuse prevention, water safety and emergency procedures are covered, among other topics.

5 6 7 1 2 3 4

Camp Director – The camp director is the person who ultimately makes all final decisions at camp so it’s important to find out about who is running the camp. When you choose a camp, you are forming a partnership with the camp director, so make sure you click with the director and feel comfortable entrusting him or her with your child.

Safety – Inquiring about important safety aspects of camp is imperative. Ask about staff training, medical personnel on camp, out of camp trips, weather emergency plans, active shooter emergency procedures and camp security, among other safety topics. If you have questions about anything safety related, ask the director. The director should be happy to answer any and all questions and if not, that should be a red flag. How camp handles issues – Find out how the camp handles common children’s issues such as bunk disagreements, bullying, homesickness, etc. You want to make sure you feel good about how the camp handles certain situations that may arise during the summer. Special Considerations – If your child has special considerations, whether it’s food allergies, sleep issues or ADHD, ask how they handle similar issues Before choosing a camp, you want to make sure the camp can properly accommodate your child’s needs. Accreditation – Ask if the camp is Accredited by the American Camp Association, the only independent accrediting organization that reviews camp operations, focusing on health, safety and risk management aspects of a camp’s operation. Accreditation is a parents’ best evidence of a camp’s commitment to safety.

Philosophy – Each camp has its own unique philosophy and you want to make sure the philosophy aligns with your own family’s values. Make sure to ask the director what the camp’s philosophy is and how it is carried out at camp. Program – Ask about the camp program. Is it a structured or elective program? What are the activities that are offered? Think about what your must-have activities are and make sure the camp offers them. Staff & Staff Training – Ask about the age of the staff, experience, pre-season & on-going staff training, background checks, instructor qualifications and reference checks. Also ask about whether there is pre-season & on-going staff training and if topics such as behavior

12 | Jan/Feb 2019

When calling advertisers, please say you saw it in SJMOM!

www.southjerseymom.com

When calling advertisers, please say you saw it in SJMOM! Jan/Feb 2019 | 13

ISC SUMMER CAMP 2019 $50 OFF

CAMP

TUITION

June 24 through August 30th, 2019

Applied to first registered child only. Valid for first time camp families. Limit one per customer. Expires: 6/3/2019.

7 AM - 6 PM Ages 3 ½ - Grade 8

• • • • •

Lunch, Drinks, Snack & Extended Care Included Flexible Scheduling & Weekly Tuition Payments Indoor Fields, Roller Rink & More! Low Staff to Camper Ratios Field, Sports & Swim Trips Optional

STEM BASED SUMMER CAMPS

For Girls & Boys! Camp runs weekly starting in June For more information call 856.424.2777 or email contact@njres.org • After School Programs • Home School Programs Young Engineers 6-8 years old

ROBOTECH Educational Services Inc.

3815 Church Road, Suite 11 • Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054

• Cherry Hill Robotics Club • Robotics Competition LEGO Robotics 9-12 years old

VEX Robotics 12 years and up

856.424.2777 • www.njres.org

LIBERTY LAKE SUMMER DAY CAMP Liberty Lake is a transformative summer experience for ages 4-15. A full service camp, with bus transportation available in Camden & Burlington Counties. Hot lunches & snacks all included. With a philosophy based on teaching children character and life skills, campers create their own schedules guaranteeing the BEST SUMMER EVER! Tours available daily, Conveniently located just off Rte. 295 (exit 52A) (856) 437-5340; www.libertylakedaycamp.com.

14 | Jan/Feb 2019

50% OFF CAMP REGISTRATION Applied to each child. Expires 2/18/2019

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL US OR VISIT WWW.INTSPORTS.COM!

CHERRY HILL

ISC OF CHERRY HILL 650 Kresson Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 (856) 428-8588

ISC OF MOUNT LAUREL 1 Hovtech Boulevard Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 (856) 273-2828

JCC CAMPS AT MEDFORD JCC Camps at Medford enriches children’s lives by teaching values and life skills in a fun, safe and inclusive Jewish environment, while building confidence, sharing successes and creating lasting friendships. Camp is built on the fundamental values of family, love, respect, justice and charity, compassion and kindness. Watch our camp video and learn more at jcccampsatmedford.org.

EARLY CHILDHOOD CAMPS AT THE KATZ JCC Early Childhood Camps at the Katz JCC, an award-winning summer day camp, is the place for little campers ages 2-5 to have big fun! Through STEM activities, creative arts, theater, music, sports, swim lessons, cooking and more, our professional camp staff ensure your child has a fun summer experience. Learn more at katzjcc.org/ ecccamps; (856) 424-4444 x1242.

When calling advertisers, please say you saw it in SJMOM!

www.southjerseymom.com

Head Lice BY DOLORES HOFFMAN

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS EVERY MOM SHOULD MAKE Ever year at about this time, most of us get to thinking of what we’d like to do differently in the coming year. Usually, New Year’s resolutions seem to include some combination of working harder and eating less. So why not think about things we could do to make us better moms? u Yell

less u Do more things you like u Pay a little more attention to the hubs u Start saying, “No.” u Put down that iPhone u Have some kid-like fun u Spend some quality mom-time with your kids separately u Don’t be so hard on yourself Go to mom.me to read other great tips for mom

www.southjerseymom.com

e all hear the stories about head lice. The nightmares on ridding them from your child’s head. Just the sound of head lice sends chills up your spine. There’s no need to panic. Getting rid of these little buggers is tricky but there are effective ways to not only rid them from your life but keep them far away. SYMPTOMS Common signs and symptoms can include: • A tickling feeling of something moving on your head, hair, or body • Itching on the scalp, neck and ears. • Sores that develop from scratching itches • Irritability • Difficulty sleeping • Red bumps on your head, neck, shoulders, or pubic area • The appearance of lice eggs, or small white objects in your hair The lice eggs are called “nits”. They stick to the hair shafts and are difficult to brush away. That is why special combs are used when removing lice from hair. Oftentimes, nits can be confused with dandruff or residue from hair products. How do you check for head lice? Regular checks for head lice are a good idea. This prevents them from multiplying in the hair follicles. • Seat your child in a brightly lit room. • Part the hair. • Nits will look like small white or yellow-brown specks and be firmly attached to the hair near the scalp. The easiest place to find them is at the hairline at the back of the neck or behind the ear TREATMENT The most effective way to treat head lice is with head lice medicine. This medicine is available over the counter at any drugstore. Never use products such as mayonnaise, petroleum jelly or olive oil to remove lice. Lice affects the rich and poor, the clean and the not-so-clean.

When calling advertisers, please say you saw it in SJMOM! Jan/Feb 2019 | 15

things 2 do

Jan/ Feb Calendar

Log onto www.southjerseymom.com to check out our new complete list of events

To submit your event, send an e-mail to michelle@superiorgx.com. Entries are due six weeks prior to the event and are filled on a first-come first-served basis. Space is limited.

CUMBERLAND Designer Bag Bingo January 19, 2019 Woodland Country Day School Bridgeton, NJ 08302 Woodland Country Day School is hosting a Designer Bag Bingo on Saturday January 19, 2019. If you or someone you know loves Michael Kors, Kate Spade and Coach designer bags then you don’t want to miss this fun-filled evening. $15.00 Early bird tickets are on sale through January 7th. January 8th through the 19th tickets will be $25.00 so don’t delay. Doors open at 6 pm and games begin at 7 pm. There will also be raffles, a 50/50 and door prizes. There will be food available for purchase along with baked goods and refreshments.

Please note: No outside food or refreshments are allowed and you must be over 18 to enter. For tickets send your donation to Woodland Country Day School, 1216 Roadstown Rd., Bridgeton, NJ 08302. Please enclose a self addressed stamped envelope so your tickets can be mailed back to you. For additional information please call Diane at 856-453-8499 ext. 112 or e-mail Diane at reesed@ wcdsnj.org. GLOUCESTER Logan Library Happenings Branch of Gloucester County Library System www.gcls.org; 856-241-0202 Toddler Time—Mondays, 1/7, 1/14 & 1/28 11:00-11:30am. Ages 2-3.

Storytime—Fridays, 1/4, 1/11, 1/18 & 1/25 11:00 - 11:30am. Ages 2-5. New Monthly Saturday Storytime—Saturday, 1/12 11:00 – 11:30am. All ages. Music Time—Wednesdays, 1/2, 1/9, 1/16, 1/23 & 1/30 11:00 – 11:30am. Fridays, 1/4, 1/11, 1/18 & 1/25 10:1510:45am. Ages 0-5. Make & Take Snowman Family Craft—Saturday, 1/19. Supplies and instruction provided between 10:30am – 12:30pm. All ages welcome. Registration is requested. FURever as Friends—Tuesday, 1/15 6:30-7:30pm. All ages. Parent permission slip required. Lego Night—Tuesday, 1/22 6:30 – 7:30pm. All ages. A variety of Lego sizes

available. Lego building challenge will be offered; prizes to all who complete the challenge. Family Movie Night— Tuesday, 1/29 6:30 – 8:00pm. All Ages. We will be showing Teen Titans Go! To the Movies rated PG. Please bring a blanket for comfy seating; food and drinks permitted. Popcorn will be served. A superhero mask craft can be made between 6:00 – 6:30pm and 8:00 – 8:30pm. Tween Mug Cooking – Thursday, 1/24 4:30 – 5:30pm. Ages 9 – 12. Advance registration required; limited to 15. Please bring 2 microwavable mugs. Weekly Free Guitar Lessons— Mondays, 5:30 – 6:30pm. All ages; beginner skill level. Please bring your own guitar.

DISCOVER SOMETHING NEW!

www.fi.edu | 215.448.1200 16 | Jan/Feb 2019

When calling advertisers, please say you saw it in SJMOM!

www.southjerseymom.com

Cord Blood Banking BY DOLORES HOFFMAN

ord blood banking involves collecting blood left in the umbilical cord and placenta and storing it for future medical use. Cord blood contains potentially lifesaving cells that can later be used to treat a host of diseases such as leukemia, aplastic anemia, Hodgkin’s disease, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma just to name a few. Here is some information that can help you make a decision that’s best for your family. HOW IS CORD BLOOD COLLECTED? After your baby is born, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. A needle is then inserted to collect the blood. The collection process is painless and safe for you and your baby, and it doesn’t interfere with your labor or delivery. Ideally, you should pick a blood cord bank in your second trimester and make your doctor or mid-wife aware of your choice ahead of time. WHERE IS IT STORED? More than 1 million units of cord blood are stored in blood banks in the United States. Be sure to select a bank that has passed FDA inspections. Scientists say that cryogenically preserved cells have no expiration date, and frozen cord blood should be sustainable for decades. WHAT MAKES CORD BLOOD CELLS DIFFERENT? Cord blood stem cells are younger compared to adult stem cells. There is less risk of complications when used in transplants. They are immediately available and can minimize disease progression in early treatment. Because they are frozen, cells are protected from aging and being exposed to environmental factors that can decrease their purpose. They are unique which makes them viable for treatment of many autoimmune diseases. COSTS According to the Parent’s Guide to Cord Blood Foundation, blood banks charge a first-year processing fee that ranges from about $1,000 to $3,000, plus annual storage costs of about $90 to $175. The banks

www.southjerseymom.com

offer payment plans, ranging from no-interest installments paid over a few months to longer-term financing with interest. For most insurance plans, cord blood banking is not a covered service. Families with a history of leukemia or lymphatic conditions may be eligible for insurance to cover some portion of the cord blood banking expense. AUTISM AND STEM CELLS Children in clinical trials are being treated with their own cord blood for autism, a condition that affects 1 in 68 children. The Sutter Institute of Medical Research conducted a study involving children with autism and it showed very promising results. Thirty children with autism and ranging in age from two years to seven years old received an infusion of their cord blood stem cells stored at birth. Afterwards, the participants were regularly tested. Sixty percent of the parents of the children who participated in the study said they saw moderate to significant improvements, especially in language and social skills. If you are an expectant parent, talk with your doctor about the choices that may be available to you. By making this decision, you can have the umbilical cord blood collected and possibly save a life.

When calling advertisers, please say you saw it in SJMOM! Jan/Feb 2019 | 17

recipe corner

Make Soup Your New Year’s Resolution By Lisa Ann Panzino DiNunzio

There’s just something quite satisfying about eating a bowl of hot soup on a cold winter day! Most soup recipes are easy to prepare, tasty and healthy for you. Serve with whole grain crusty bread or cornbread, and dinner is served. So warm up with some homemade soup today! And have a happy, healthy, blessed, safe and flavorful New Year! MINESTRONE SOUP

• 2 tbs. extra-virgin olive oil • 1 small onion, peeled and chopped • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely minced • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth • 2 cups water • 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes • 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced • 2 celery stalks, wiped clean and diced • 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed • 2 (15 oz.) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed • 1 cup orzo or favorite small shaped pasta • 1/2 tsp. dried oregano • 1/2 tsp. dried parsley • Sea salt, to taste • Black pepper, to taste • Parmesan or Romano cheese, grated Sauté the onions and garlic in the olive oil for a few minutes. Add the broth, water, crushed tomatoes, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, add carrots, celery and potatoes, simmer for 15 minutes. Add the beans, pasta and herbs, simmer 20 minutes more. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with grated cheese sprinkled over top if desired.

CREAM OF BROCCOLI SOUP

• 5 tbs. butter • 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped • 1/4 cup plus 1 tbs. unbleached all-purpose flour • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth • 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets • Sea salt, to taste • Black pepper, to taste • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional) Melt butter in a stockpot over medium heat. Add onion and

cook, stirring, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute (the flour should not take on any color). Pour in chicken broth, and whisk until fully incorporated. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook, whisking often, until thickened, about 10 minutes. Add broccoli florets and return to a boil. Reduce heat and gently simmer until broccoli is tender enough to mash, approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Then working in batches, transfer broccoli mixture to a blender or food processor, and puree. Pour soup back into stockpot on stove top and whisk in cream over low heat, if using. Thin with more stock or water, if necessary. Season with salt and pepper and serve. Note: Y ou can top each serving of Cream of Broccoli soup with some shredded cheddar cheese if desired.

CORN MUFFINS

• 1 cup stone ground cornmeal • 1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour • 2 tsp. non-aluminum baking powder • 1 egg • 1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk or milk • 1/4 cup canned corn, liquid discarded • 1/4 cup honey • 3 tbs. butter, melted Preheat oven to 400°. In a bowl, mix together cornmeal, flour, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, combine egg, milk, honey, corn and butter. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Fill paper-lined muffin tins 2/3 full and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin comes out clean. Makes 1 dozen corn muffins. As always, Bon Appetit!

Lisa Ann Panzino DiNunzio is the author of “Seasoned With Love, Treasured Recipes” & “Lisa Ann’s Seasoned With Love II”, and the children’s book, “Snicker Learns An Important Lesson.” Visit her blog http://lisaanndinunzio.blogspot.com/ or Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001935347501

18 | Jan/Feb 2019

When calling advertisers, please say you saw it in SJMOM!

www.southjerseymom.com

It’s easy to tell when our students feel a sense of accomplishment!

Private Special Education … Sometimes, it starts with a twinkle in the eye. Just a little spark of curiosity that soon blossoms into a journey of discovery, learning and achievement. That’s because at our private special education schools, we see beyond a child’s disability, and awaken the joy and creative expression within. Our schools are welcoming places where students feel at home and are able to enjoy a rich and rewarding social life. Our students feel cherished, well cared for and respected for a very good reason—it is part of our mission and our commitment. Students at our special education schools experience a school day as it should be—filled with discovery, achievement, learning and friendship. Here, they have people they know they can count on—outstanding teachers, therapists, counselors, psychologists and job coaches who constantly encourage and support them.

an Option You Should Know About! With individualized attention, on-site therapies and vocational training, our schools deliver unparalleled services for students with special needs. Our New Jersey Department of Education certified special education teachers, licensed therapists and counselors provide expert, advanced instruction and support … along with plenty of smiles.

These unique services are provided at NO COST for families. Find out if private special education is the right fit for your child. Our staff can help answer your questions. To find out more about what programs may be right for your child, call us at 1-800-697-8555 or visit SpecialEducationSchools.org

www.southjerseymom.com

When calling advertisers, please say you saw it in SJMOM! Jan/Feb 2019 | 19