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Parents’ First Choice For 25 Years!
From the Editor
contents FEBRUARY 2016
6
by Greg Weatherford
I am the proud father of two boys, both of them teenagers — one on each end of the teen spectrum. So I feel competent to say that teen boys are ... Gotcha! What did you expect me to say? “Sullen”? “Difficult”? “Moody”? “Misunderstood”? All those things are true of my teens, as I’m sure they are of all teens. They’re also true of just about everybody, sooner or later. The older I get, the more frustrated I am by generalizations, particularly when it comes to kids. “Every boy does that,” however well-intentioned, can so easily evolve into “Every boy must do that.” What if a boy, say, doesn’t pick up a stick and pretend it’s a gun? Is he less a boy? Similarly I hear parents say, “Every girl loves princesses.” I am sure many do, despite the efforts of well-intentioned gender-neutral parenting. But I am just as sure that many do not. What of them? Are they less of a girl? Obviously not. A girl is a girl no matter how she expresses it; a boy is a boy however he is a boy. That’s why I am truly confounded by the outrage some parents felt when Target made its toy sections gender-neutral. When I was a kid I sincerely wanted an Easy-Bake Oven, mostly so I could make myself cakes (I loved cake). My parents would never have bought me one, even if I’d had the courage to ask them. But why? Would I have been less of a boy? Obviously not. Many great chefs are men. So let them be who they are. If a girl wants a football helmet, get her one. And if a boy wants an Easy-Bake Oven, why not let him have it? Let them eat cake. On the Cover: Out of the Park feature article on page 12. PHOTO CREDIT (c): www.pgl.co.uk
Gardening
Mushroom magic.
10
Camp & Education Fair 2016
12
Out of the Park
14
Growing Up Online
16
Let’s Go!
Review our participant list for this year’s Camp and Education Fair 2016.
Planting seeds for adventure in your children’s lives.
Protecting your family’s medical information.
What to do and where to go.
Volume 26, No. 2, FEBRUARY 2016
Founder/Publisher: Mark E. Fetter mfetter@richmondpublishing.com Editor: Greg Weatherford rpmeditor@richmondpublishing.com Art Director: Jennifer Sutton jsutton@richmondpublishing.com Contributing Writers: Lela Martin, Carolyn Jabs, Greg Weatherford
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Editorial Mission: Richmond Parents Monthly is dedicated to providing parents and professionals with the best information and resources available to enhance all aspects of parenting and family life. It is also an avenue to facilitate a shared sense of community among parents by providing useful information, support and a forum for dialogue on issues that are important to all parents and families. Richmond Parents Monthly is published 12 times a year and distributed free of charge. The advertising deadline is the 10th of each month for the upcoming issue. Richmond Parents Monthly welcomes reader comments and submissions; however, the publication is not responsible for unsolicited materials. All materials received become the property of the publisher and will not be returned. We reserve the right to edit any material used for publication. The entire content of Richmond Parents Monthly is ©2015. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without the express written consent of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed by writers and columnists do not necessarily represent those of Richmond Parents Monthly or its staff.
How to reach us Richmond Parents Monthly 8010 Ridge Rd, Suite F Henrico, VA 23229 PH: 804-673-5203 FX: 804-673-5308 mail@richmondpublishing.com
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Every month, an average of 75,000 readers enjoy Richmond Parents Monthly which is distributed in over 425 locations throughout the metro area. These locations include all CVS stores, McDonald’s, Kroger stores, medical centers, retail outlets, museums, and bookstores as well as many public libraries. Richmond Parents Monthly is regularly advertised on television. This creates a demand for the magazine and increases visibility and reader recall. Richmond Parents Monthly is also represented at numerous community events throughout the year.
RICHMOND PARENTS MONTHLY u FEBRUARY 2016 u 5
Gardening THE FUNGUS AMONG US: LEARNING MORE ABOUT MUSHROOMS by Lela Martin
H
ave you seen the TV commercial where the toenail fungus is depicted as a grotesque and menacing cartoon character? If so, the thought of being surrounded by fungi may be horrifying. However, there are many different kinds of fungi. In addition to foodspoiling and disease-causing varieties, there are many valuable fungi. These include yeast; the source of the antibiotic penicillin, migraineinhibitors, and other medications; those that aid in the ripening of blue cheeses; as well as edible truffles and mushrooms. What are fungi? Fungi are living organisms that differ from plants, because they do not possess chlorophyll, the green pigment that allows plants to manufacture sugar from the sun’s energy. Fungi must absorb their food from the environment in which they live. Fungi use fibers called hyphae to take in food; a group of fibers or filament growth is referred to as mycelium. The mycelium can remain dormant under the ground until the growing season. As they grow, each
hypha reaches out to make its way through soil, wood, or plant matter until it reaches the surface. The structure you see above ground is the part of the mushroom that produces and disperses reproducing spores. The hyphae grow radically to form a circular growth of mycelium. That’s why you will often see a circle of mushrooms called a “fairy ring.” Most mushrooms occur from spring to fall after rain, although they may be found all year depending on the temperature and moisture. Most of the mushrooms you spot in your yard or on a walk through the woods are beneficial, although all are not edible! Some are important to natural decay, assisting in the breakdown of logs, leaves, and other organic debris. Mushrooms recycle essential nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus into the soil. They can also establish a relationship with roots of living trees that is mutually beneficial. These are called mycorrhizal mushrooms. Many species are picky about their food source and will be found under or near specific kinds of trees only (exclusively oaks, for example).
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Types of Mushrooms Unless you are a trained mycologist (i.e., a person who studies fungi), do NOT harvest wild mushrooms for eating. It can be extremely difficult to differentiate a poisonous mushroom from an edible one. All mushrooms, whether poisonous or edible, can be admired for their beauty and their fantastic variety of form, color, and texture. Mushrooms can be categorized unscientifically by the shapes of the structures you see, which affect the method of spore distribution. Cup fungi are a diverse grouping; however, many mushrooms are shaped more or less like cups, saucers, or goblets. The spores grow on the inner surface of the mature fruiting body and are distributed when it is broken. Gilled mushrooms have gills on the underside of the cap. Gills are the many platelike or bladelike structures that perform like assembly lines for spore production. The spores drop from the gills when mature. In boletes, the caps resemble the caps of gilled mushrooms from the top; however, on the underside of the cap, there are tubes instead of gills. The tubes are so tightly packed that, when viewed from beneath, you see only a pore surface composed of the openings of the tubes, like the surface of a sponge. The spores are released through the pores on the underside of the cap. Puffballs are mushrooms that look like a ball when mature. Typically, the interior of a puffball is composed of spore-bearing flesh. When the puffball matures, it splits open and a cloud of spores is released while the outer covering collapses or explodes. The next time you’re out take a look
to identify the shape of a mushroom you’ve found. Growing Mushrooms Mushrooms are fat-free, low in calories, and filled with vitamins, antioxidants and other nutrients. However, do NOT eat wild mushrooms unless edibility is absolutely certain. Even then, eat wild mushrooms at your own risk. There is no test or characteristic to distinguish edible from poisonous mushrooms. Therefore, consider growing your own mushrooms. Growing mushrooms is unlike other gardening, but you can grow mushrooms at home. Shiitake mushrooms, one of the world’s two most popular mushrooms, can be grown in your backyard on hardwood logs or indoors in bags of nutrient-enriched sawdust or other organic materials. Jim Kaeser, a Chesterfield County Master Gardener, even has a successful recipe for growing oyster mushrooms on toilet paper rolls! On March 1 the Chesterfield County Extension is offering a class on growing mushrooms at home. Seating is limited. To register for this class or any other in the Spring Garden Seminar Series, contact Chesterfield Cooperative Extension at (804) 751-4401. Note: That grotesque menacing toenail fungus is not a mushroom, but one of the “imperfect” fungi (Class Deuteromycetes) that includes several disease-causing species.
Lela Martin is a Master Gardener with the Chesterfield County office of the Virginia Cooperative Extension. (continued on page 8)
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RICHMOND PARENTS MONTHLY u FEBRUARY 2016 u 7
“The Fungus Among Us” continued from page 6
What should I do if someone has eaten an unidentified mushroom? Although 98% of all mushrooms are not poisonous, common folklore to identify poisonous mushrooms has not been scientifically proven. Poisonous mushrooms (often called toadstools) produce dangerous neurotoxins and there are no known antidotes to poisonous mushrooms. Here are some steps to follow if a person has eaten an unidentified mushroom: 1. Do not panic. Although unlikely to be deadly, every case of eating an unknown mushroom should be taken seriously. The onset of symptoms may be delayed a day or more. 2. Call your doctor and follow instructions or go to the emergency room of a hospital. If neither is possible, induce vomiting if there are any delays over twenty minutes. Many pediatricians recommend that parents keep emetics (Ipecac) on hand for such emergency cases of poisoning. 3. Collect samples of the kind of mushroom that was eaten if possible. Collect all of the mushroom including the base that may be underground. Place samples in a
paper bag (not plastic), cup, or small box, or roll them up in waxed paper. 4. Call the Virginia Poison Center at (800) 222-1222 or (804) 828-9123. Resources “The Amazing Kingdom of Fungi” by W.P. Armstrong, Palomar College: http://waynesword.palomar.edu/ ww0504.htm “The Basics of Hardwood-Log Shiitake Mushroom Production and Marketing” by Gregory Frey, Publication ANR-102P by Virginia Cooperative Extension: http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/ANR/ANR-102/ANR102.html “Mushroom Tutorial” by Brandeis University: http:// www.bio.brandeis.edu/fieldbio/mgoldin/tutorial. html “Wild Mushrooms” by Sarah Ellis Williams, Britt Bunyard, and Walter Sturgeon, Fact Sheet HYG-3303-14 by Ohio State University Extension: http://ohioline. osu.edu/hyg-fact/3000/pdf/3303.pdf
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Eve a pac HU ry ye ked GE ar h sho succ as b wro ess een om wit of e h a xhib itor s
20th Annual Summer of Fun Camp & Education Fair
A great opportunity to exhibit your camp, business or school to Richmond area families!
Saturday, February 6th, 2016 • 10am - 3:00pm The Place at Innsbrook
4036 Cox Road • Glen Allen, Virginia 23060
• Gain Great Visibility • Generate NEW Business • Our Fair is Heavily Promoted & Draws Big Crowds
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-F I W E FRE
Hurry! Every year has SOLD OUT!
Spaces are limited and filling fast!
Send in your registration and payment today to guarantee placement. For questions call (804) 673-5215, visit www.RichmondParents.com, or email mfetter@richmondpublishing.com.
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Camp & Education Fair 2016 Participant List The following is a list of Camp & Education Fair participants at the time of publication. Descriptions provided by each camp. Blue Sky Fund Outdoor Leadership Institute P.O.Box 8108 Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 410-4273 info@blueskyfund.org www.blueskyfund.org Blue Sky Fund’s Outdoor Leadership Institute is a leadership development program focused on serving our communities, and centered around an intensive 5-day backpacking adventure. We learn to lead by exploring together—and we enjoy the process! • Boys Institute: July 12-July 23 • Girls Institute: July 26-August 3 Camp Friendship 573 Friendship Road Palmyra, VA 22963-4139 (800) 873-3223; fax (434) 589-5880 info@campfriendship.com www.campfriendship.com Since 1966 Camp Friendship has been creating long lasting friendships from around the world. We currently sit on 520 acres in Palmyra, VA. Camp offers a variety of activities for boys and girls between the ages of 7-16. Our traditional camp programs offer over 40 different activities a child can choose from. These activities range from gymnastics, canoeing, tennis, drama, fencing, rugby, swimming, and so much more! For those interested in horses we have an amazing Equestrian Program with over 80 horses on property. Within this program a child will learn what it means to take care of a horse as well as have the opportunity to ride daily. Camp Friendship has had staff and campers from over 90 different countries represented since its founding, we are a well-rounded camp where a child will have opportunity to learn new life skills as well as grow as an individual. Accredited by American Camp Association. Camp Horizons 3586 Horizons Way Harrisonburg, VA 22802 (540) 437-0610 www.endlesshorizonsva.com Camp Horizons, an American Camp Association (ACA) coed residential summer camp in Virginia for children
ages 6-17, encourages campers to be creative and independent, develop strong teamwork skills, have fun and make friendships that last a lifetime. Activities include aquatics, sports, outdoors adventures, horseback riding, performing/visual arts, and more. Camp Piankatank 1586 Stampers Bay Road Box 435, Hartfield, VA 23071 (804) 776-9552 www.camppiankatank.com Located on the beautiful Piankatank River in Middlesex, VA Camp Piankatank truly is a fantastic experience. Whether your campers love horseback riding, sailing, survival skills, or camping, to name a few, they’re sure to find a program that gets them excited to learn about God and spend time outside. Camp Rim Rock P.O. Box 69 Yellow Spring, WV 26865 (800) 662-4650 office@camprimrock.com www.camprimrock.com Our 65th season, for girls ages 615. 2 to 4 week sessions with Horseback Riding, Sports, Aquatics, Performing Arts and Arts & Crafts. Riding Specialty camps are offered. 1 week Mini Camps for rising 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders. Less than 2 hours from D.C. on 600 beautiful acres. ACA accredited. Camp Twin Creeks 9235 Huntersville Road Marlinton, WV 24954-5866 1 (800) 451-8806 www.camptwincreeks.com We exclusively offer a traditional two week program; campers arrive and depart together, enabling them to form lasting friendships. With the highest level of customer care, a wide variety of camp programs, a structured and safe environment, caring and involved staff and directors AND a stunning natural location we offer a totally complete summer camp experience in the Allegheny Mountains of WV! Collegiate School Summer Quest Camps 103 N. Mooreland Road Richmond, VA 23229 (804) 665-1750 www.collegiate-va.org summerquest@collegiate-va.org
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Don’t miss our Camp & Education Fair! Richmond Parents Monthly will hold its 20th annual Summer of Fun Camp & Education Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 6 at the The Place at Innsbrook, 4036 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060. There will be something for all ages and interests – from sports and arts programs, to day and overnight camps, to tutoring and enrichment sessions. “We are delighted to once again bring together all of these wonderful summer programs,” said Mark Fetter, publisher of Richmond Parents Monthly. Representatives from each camp will be on hand to discuss their programs and answer any questions you might have. They’ll also have information to take home and review. Children won’t leave empty-handed either, as many booths will have small giveaways for little ones. More than 175 summer programs for preschoolers through adults. Programs range from academics, arts, and enrichment to sports and much more. With 44 years of experience, Summer Quest knows what it takes to create summer memories that will last a lifetime. Communikids www.communikids.com/our-programs-/summer-programs CommuniKids FUN summer camps offer full immersion in Spanish or Mandarin Chinese, through a science and nature-based curriculum. Campers will spend ample time outdoors – all in the target language! Located at 3111 Lauderdale Drive Richmond Va. Join us for 1 or all 9 weeks~June 27 - August 26 Ferrum College P.O. Box 100 Ferrum College Ferrum, VA 24088 (540) 365-2121 888-508-7822 www.ferrum.edu/fcsec Students interested in a hands-on, interactive learning experience, (Ages 9-13), experience campus life at this co-ed residential camp while participating in a variety of fun activities and challenging projects! Classes scheduled for 2015 include: Engineering, French, Writing, Music, Cooking, Drawing, Chess, CSI, Drawing, Living 1800 Style, Theater, The Ferrum Challenge, and Hogwart’s Academy. The daily program is balanced with a variety of social and recreational activities designed to promote personal growth, teambuilding and an appreciation of individual differences and abilities. The camp motto is reinforced daily in a variety of ways with an “I CAN DO
IT” attitude. Mad Science 5500 Cox Road, Suite H Glen Allen, VA 23060 (804) 359-1500 Info@MadScienceofCentralVA. com centralva.madscience.org “I’m bored!” , those dreaded words of summer! Mad Science has the cure! With 8 different camp themes (including Secret Agent Lab and Mission to Mars), around Richmond (including The Science Museum of Virginia) your child can have a summer filled with fun and imaginative learning! Half day and full day camps; early bird discounts and layaway plans available. (Grades 1-6) Richmond Flying Squirrels 3001 North Boulevard Richmond, VA 23230 (804) 359-4444 www.squirrelsbaseball.com The Flying Squirrels offer two sessions of baseball camp for boys & girls ages 7-14, and one Jr. Squirrels camp for boys & girls ages 4-8 at The Diamond. All camps include instruction from current Squirrels players & coaches, lunch, autograph sessions, a camp t-shirt, tickets to a Flying Squirrels home game, and lots of FUNN! Richmond SPCA Critter Camp 2519 Hermitage Road Richmond, VA 23220 (804) 521-1327 www.richmondspca.org/waggles Why do cats always land on their feet? How do I teach a dog to sit? We will answer these questions (and a whole lot more) during a series of exciting summer camp sessions for
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Camp & Education Fair 2016 Participant List children of all ages at the Richmond SPCA. Whether your child aspires to be a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer or he or she is just looking to have fun while interacting with animals, our Critter Camp is sure to please everyone. SPARC – the School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community 2106-A Hamilton Street Richmond, VA 23230 (804) 353-3393 www.sparconline.org SPARC – the School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community, founded in 1981 – offers a full range of performing arts camps and workshops for students aged 4-18! Led by professional teaching artists, SPARC’s summer programs inspire young people to reach their full potential, not just on stage but in life! The youngest students explore creative performance themes, often mixed with exciting visual arts. Intermediate students collaborate on imaginative shows in multi-week, full-day experiences. Advanced students gain practical audition preparation and the chance to audition for one of three fully mounted summer productions! Let us SPARC your imagination this summer! St. Catherine’s 6001 Grove Avenue Richmond, Va. 23226 (804) 288-2804 www.st.catherines.org/summer Summer at St. Catherine’s is Brilliant! Our campus is transformed into a unique experience for boys and girls age three and up. With hundreds of choices spanning 12 weeks there is something for everyone: Academics,
sports, creative arts and more! Registration begins Feb. 1, 2016. Timber Ridge Camp Camp White Mountain Camp Green Briar (304) 856-2630 trcamps.com Located in the mountains of West Virginia, Timber Ridge has been the area’s premier co-ed summer camp for over 60 years. Our free-choice scheduling process allows campers to choose from over 40 incredible activities. From sports and games to music and theatre, Timber Ridge is all about fun and friendships that last a lifetime. Tutor Doctor (888) 718-8832 www.tutordoctor.com With Tutor Doctor, there’s no need to interrupt your child’s summer vacation. We come to you so your child can continue learning in the comfort of their own home. Students who don’t participate in educational activities over summer vacation lose 20-30% of the progress from the previous year. This is known as the “Summer Slide”. In-home tutoring with Tutor Doctor, makes summer a fun opportunity for your child to excel, allows them to end the Summer Slide! 95% of our customers will recommend us to others!
academic loss, daily field trips to museums and other fun sites. The kids engage daily classes where they will conduct science experiments, art projects, creative writing, Legos builds, Minecraft design and more. Weekly activities include swimming, nature walks, roller skating, movies, and much more. The camp is from 7:45am to 6:00pm. The camp runs from June 6, 2015 to August 26. The cost is $295 per week with a registration fee of $30 per week. We offer sibling and whole camp registration discounts. Sign up soon. We are full each year! Wilderness Adventure Camp 11176 Peaceful Valley Road New Castle, VA 24127 (540) 864-6792 www.wilderness-adventure.com Not a traditional camp! Kids join up to 11 other participants and 2 adult leaders for 1, 2, and 3-week expeditions. Each day inspires confidence and leadership skills through outdoor adventure activities. Each evening, groups build strong connections with
others and their environment as they camp out under the stars! YMCA Camp Silver Beach 6272 YMCA Lane P.O. Box 69 Jamesville, VA 23398 (757) 442-4634 (757) 442-4786 (fax) 1-877-231-2012 (toll free) w w w. y m c a s h r. o r g / l o c a t i o n s / campsilverbeach YMCA Camp Silver Beach: residential camp on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. One week sessions June – August for 8-16 year olds. Threeweek opportunities for teens. Campers and counselors from around the world. Application and information at www.campsilverbeach.org. Join us for the experience of a lifetime here on the Chesapeake Bay!
Voyager Summer Camp 304 North Sheppard Street Richmond, VA 23221 (804) 539-5816 www.lynnhavenacademy.org Voyager Summer Camp is for children in grades K-8. The camp is in it’s 6th season. We specialize in offering academic enrichment to reduce the
Blue Sky Fund's
Outdoor Leadership Institute
challenge * teamwork * adventure WWW.RICHMONDPARENTS.COM
Visit blueskyfund.org to apply or nominate a high school student for this summer experience! RICHMOND PARENTS MONTHLY u FEBRUARY 2016 u 11
Out of the Park PLANTING SEEDS FOR ADVENTURE by Lara Krupicka
PHOTO CREDIT (c): www.pgl.co.uk
M
Listen to your child. To improve your success in delving into new territory, pay attention to your child when choosing. During everyday conversation, notice what piques their interest. “I don’t think we listen enough to kids,” says Isabella Von Der Linden, a mother of two. “Take your cues from them. What are they interested in?” Discovering those enthusiasms
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may be an adventure all its own. When sports fell flat for Rezac’s son, she learned to branch out in her search for free time activities. Her whole family benefitted as a result. “It all comes down to finding out what they like,” she says. Watch your pace. My husband and I learned the importance of pacing while on a family ski trip. When our two youngest appeared comfortable on the smallest slopes, we decided to move them up to harder terrain, in spite of their protests. What followed was a tortuous descent as they sidestepped most of the way down. We spent the next few hours exhausted and unhappy. The lesson? Follow your child’s lead when venturing into new territory. Some kids throw themselves into strange settings without hesitation. Others, like our
PHOTO CREDIT (c): www.sunset.com
y 10-year-old daughter stands motionless before a large black-and-white photograph of two girls on a beach. Nearby, her twelve-year-old sister studies a photo caption, while my youngest tugs me toward another set of pictures. We linger unexpectedly during a summer afternoon in the gallery hosting this unusual travelling exhibit about Anne Frank. One would never guess the moans and complaints preceding our visit — moans and complaints that often surface at the suggestion of something new. But this successful outing gives me hope. Almost every mom has experienced how difficult it can be to convince kids to explore the unknown - even in the name of fun. Kids find comfort in the familiar. It can be easy to give in to their reluctance. But as some moms prove, it is possible to cultivate an adventurous spirit in our kids. Here are five seeds you can plant to grow your own young explorers:
Explore locally. Sharon Rezac, a mother of two, periodically scans local magazines, newspapers, and fliers for upcoming events her family can try. “Those give you a lot of ideas and introduce you to things you might otherwise not ever hear about,” she says. Watch for activities near your home that offer chances to break out of your routine. This allows you to incorporate adventure into your life more frequently. And the proximity makes for less time-consuming options, should an experimental outing turn out less than favorable.
two, need time to acclimate. Learn to accept your child’s pace. Otherwise you risk frustrating them or turning them off. Prepare, prepare, and prepare some more. Some children’s reluctance stems from ignorance. It’s the classic “fear of the unknown.” Considering that, help erase their fears by making the new endeavor less foreign. If possible, look up photos online. Discuss what to expect. Create a sense of positive anticipation by framing it as a date you’re looking forward to. Count down the days. Collect supplies. It can also help to ask what makes them hesitant about the idea. Does it sound boring to them? Why? Relate the activity to a familiar interest. Give them strategies for what you’ll do if their fears come true. Suggest something like, ‘if it really is that boring, we don’t have to stay the
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“Out of the Park” continued from page 12 whole time.’ Von Der Linden creates anticipation for her kids by reading, sharing a personal story or watching a movie related to an upcoming trip or outing. “And all of a sudden she is asking questions and wanting to see it,” she says of her daughter. Once often isn’t enough. As adults, we know from experience our perspective on an activity or location changes as we become more acquainted with it. When introducing kids to new undertakings, it helps to remember their initial reaction doesn’t need to be their final opinion. The first time we visited a waterpark our girls were not impressed. But the next time we took a day to splash and slide, they enjoyed it more. Now they’re comfortable anywhere at our local waterpark. “I don’t always take no for an answer,” Rezac emphasizes. “It’s a matter of pushing. Sometimes you have to be tough on them.”
Von Der Linden sees each opportunity as a stepping-stone. She encourages her children to build on their experiences and take new skill sets or knowledge into trying the next thing. Once they finish one class or outing, she’s often quick to point out a possible next step. When a spirit of adventure doesn’t materialize, hang in there. As Von Der Linden says, “Don’t give up. It’s so easy to. We have our own ideas and timeframe. Try again.” When you’re diligent in planting those seeds for adventure and tending them regularly, they’ll soon blossom and bear fruit. Von Der Linden emphasizes, “Adventure is how you think about things.” Which explains all the more why it’s so rewarding when we reap the harvest of our efforts.
Lara Krupicka is a parenting journalist, mother of three, and author of “Family Bucket Lists: Bring More Fun, Adventure & Camaraderie Into Every Day.”
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RICHMOND PARENTS MONTHLY u FEBRUARY 2016 u 13
Growing Up Online PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY’S MEDICAL INFORMATION
PHOTO CREDIT (c): www.news-press.com
by Carolyn Jabs
H
ealth information is valuable. Obviously, your doctors need swift and easy access if they are going to provide effective treatment, especially in an emergency. But health data also has value to researchers and advertisers. And medical financial information is attractive to criminals who can use it to steal medications, equipment and services. Now that medical records are being kept electronically, they can more easily be misappropriated. Healthcare providers and insurers have been hacked, creating worries about privacy as well financial vulnerability. Medical companies that get access to health information may bombard you or your child with advertising for treatments that you don’t want or need. A thief who gets access to insurance information can ruin your credit and max out your benefits. Just as worrisome, a person who accesses health services under the name of a family member may have their information entered into the medical record, creating confusion that can have serious consequences. Protecting your family from these problems requires vigilance. Get into the habit of following these rules: Study statements. Check pro-
vider names, dates of service and the type of service provided. Does anything look unfamiliar? Were you billed for the same thing twice? If you see a mistake, report the problem as soon as possible. Check EOBs. An Explanation of Benefits from your insurance company usually says “This is not a bill” at the top. That’s not a reason to ignore it. Match EOBs to statements from medical providers. If there are any discrepancies, contact your insurance company immediately. An inaccurate EOP may be your first indicator that someone else is using your insurance information. Sign up for online accounts. Many doctors and pharmacies provide patients with password-protected access to personal medical files. Not only is this an easy way to check the accuracy of records, but it also keeps anyone else from setting up an account under your name. Correct misinformation. Fraudulent medical claims can introduce inaccurate information into medical records. If you become aware of errors in your medical files, ask that they be corrected. Keep in mind that the medical provider that created the record has responsibility for changing it but won’t necessarily notify any other providers who may have received the information. Follow up
14 u RICHMOND PARENTS MONTHLY u FEBRUARY 2016
with each of them to be sure records are accurate. Set up personal health records. Having your own records makes it easier if you need to change health care providers. MyPHR.com has an extensive list of record-keeping apps and programs as well as paper forms that can be downloaded. Regardless of format, you’ll want to record the following information for each family member: • Dates of immunizations • Lab results including blood type • Allergies and sensitivities to medications, foods, and materials • Prescribed medications including dosages • Treatment for chronic conditions such as asthma • Treatment for unusual conditions including hospitalization or ER visits Because genetic history is likely to become more important in your child’s lifetime, you may want to use the same file to record medical conditions of ancestors and other family members as you learn about them. Keep records safe. Use a password to protect health records stored online. Store paper records in a safe place—a locked filing cabinet is ideal. Shred outdated health insurance forms, prescription receipts, physician statements, and even the labels from prescription bottles. Guard your numbers. Treat your insurance card as carefully as your credit card. If you lose it, call the insurance company immediately. Avoid putting social security numbers on health information forms. Numbers for children are especially desirable to thieves because you may not detect a problem until the child applies for a driver’s license. If forms from medical providers or for that matter schools or sports teams ask for social security numbers, leave the space blank. Don’t share medical or insurance information on the phone unless you initiated the contact. Don’t provide it in response to e-mail. Be smart online. Thanks to
HIPAA, medical providers must take privacy seriously. Those rules don’t apply to social media, message boards or, for that matter, companies that sell wearable medical devices. Think carefully about sharing health information online. You may want to restrict it to an inner circle of family and close friends. Consider using a nickname if you decide to share health information in online support groups or forums. Think carefully about equipping children with any kind of wearable medical device— even a pedometer—that shares or aggregates health data. Be skeptical about free. Medical identity thieves try to trick people into revealing sensitive medical information by offering free products and services. Drug companies and other suppliers set up free forums to harvest information that may be useful in marketing. Free medical apps may collect information that is sold to advertisers. Before accepting a deal that seems to be too good to be true, read the fine print--and especially the privacy policy. If, despite all these precautions, you suspect someone has stolen the medical identity of a family member, act swiftly, following the steps outlined at identitytheft.gov/#what-todo-right-away. You can also request an Accounting of Disclosures, a record that details when, what, who and why your medical information was shared by your provider. Even if you don’t suspect medical fraud, you may want to request a disclosure report as well as a reports from the three major credit agencies (annualcreditreport.com). By law, you are entitled to a free copy of each of these reports each year, and you may sleep better at night if you know they’ve given your family a clean bill of health. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., raised three computersavvy kids including one with special needs. She has been writing Growing Up Online for over 10 years; it and other columns appear at www.growing-up-online.com. In 2016, she will publish “Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart.”
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.com 4924 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23230 Mon-Thurs 10-5:30, Fri-Sat 10-5 (804) 288-6515
Your Picture Perfect Summer Starts Here! TIMBER RIDGE CAMP OPEN HOUSE
Help for Children with Mental Illness “Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services understood that our daughter’s issues were not the result of anything we had or hadn’t done to her. Her issues were the result of a serious – but treatable – mental illness.” – Parents of a Resident “He is developing appropriate social skills and building healthy relationships with others.” – Parents of a Resident “They worked with me every day and taught me that there is always hope for a great future.” – Alumna of Jackson-Feild “He needed to be in a place where he could feel safe – a place with consistency – a place where mental health experts could help him build his self-worth. He found that at Jackson-Feild.” – Guardian for a Resident
Join us at the Kubin’s home for a Timber Ridge information session. Refreshments will be served while you find out what camp is like, get answers to all of your questions and meet Jill Goden, the owner, along with some current camp families. With over 40 different activities, Timber Ridge offer something for everyone!
Hope ... Help ... Heal For more information or to speak with our admissions coordinator, Lauren Barnes, call 434-634-3217 ext.3027 or email lbarnes@jacksonfeild.org.
Sunday, December 13th from 1:00-3:00pm 9137 Penny Bridge Ct. Midlothian, VA 23112
800-258-2267
For more information or to RSVP contact us at: www.trcamps.com trcamps@aol.com
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546 Walnut Grove Drive, Jarratt, VA 23867 • 434-634-3217 • www.jacksonfeild.org
RICHMOND PARENTS MONTHLY u FEBRUARY 2016 u 15
February 2016
CONTINUING Running 4 Love 5K & 10K YOUR OWN COURSE
RUNNING 4 LOVE is our first annual virtual event for all of you lovers out there. Complete your race time between Feb. 1-29 on your own and report your finishing time to MoonJoggers. We will donate $5 for every registration we receive for Running 4 Love. Cost: $28. (Includes custom medal and bib that will be shipped directly to you. Plus, at least $5 of every entry will be donated to American Heart Association!) www.moonjoggers.com/running-4-love-5k-10k
10% off two pieces, etc! All jars of peanut butter will be donated to the Central Food Bank of Virginia (FeedMore). www.getallfiredup.com
UPCOMING Central Virginia Coin Club Show
JOHN TYLER COMMUNITY COLLEGE – CHESTER CAMPUS
Saturday, March 19, 2016, 9:30 am - 5:00 pm. 13101 Jefferson Davis Hwy (Rt. 1), Chester, VA 23831 Questions: Dave Roberts; djob7@verizon.net
A New Mosaic: African-American Art
TUESDAY, FEB. 2
This exhibition features high-quality photographic reproductions of works by AfricanAmerican artists spanning the past 200 years. Meadowdale Library, 4301 Meadowdale Boulevard, North Chesterfield, Feb. 1-29.
Groundhog’s Day Celebration
MEADOWDALE LIBRARY
Making Nature Collages
LEWIS GINTER BOTANICAL GARDENS
Use all those bits and pieces picked up on your neighborhood nature walks—or that the kids bring you—and make a work of art unique to you and your life. Use feathers, hatched bird eggs, dried flowers and plants, nut shells, even buttons and ribbons, old photos and sketches. Create unique handmade paper, or use paper provided, then make a collage on it. Your collages will contain memories for you and also can be thoughtful gifts. Feb. 6-27. Cost: $214 / $166 member. lewisginter.org or (804) 262-9887
Toddler Time: Winter Wiggles MAYMONT
Enjoy stories, crafts, and visits with animals for ages 1-4. Experience this fun and exciting foursession program. Cost: $36 per parent and child/$29 members. Wednesdays: Feb. 3, 10, 17 & 24. 10-11a.m. Register by Feb. 2. (804) 358-7168 maymont.org
“Spread the Love” Peanut Butter Drive Bring in an unopened jar of peanut butter to any All Fired Up location in February and get 10% off the price of any one piece! Bring in two jars, get
Special Night for Special Needs
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, CHESTERFIELD AND FREDERICKSBURG
An evening especially for the families of children with special needs age 10 and under. Visitors enjoy all the museum has to offer and benefit from the availability of adapted materials, special activities, a cool-down space and reduced number of visitors. 5:30-7:30p.m. Admission is free. (804) 474-7012 c-mor.org
SATURDAY, FEB. 6
THURSDAY, FEB. 4 Afterschool Art Club: Fantastic Masks VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
Discover Gyotaku, the Japanese art of fish printing, and decorate a t-shirt or tote bag. $15 per project/$12 members. 11a.m.-12:15p.m. Register by Feb. 5. (804) 358-7168 maymont.org
Maymont honors Black History Month. See the Mansion through the eyes of African American employees of 1893. $7/$4 members. Also, Feb. 7. 12-5p.m. (804) 358-7168 maymont.org
Swamp Things MAYMONT
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 3
Make a Valentine’s Day card to give to someone special. Snacks provided by the Friends of the Library. 396 Newtown Road, St. Stephens Church, VA 23085. 5:30-6:30p.m. (804) 769-1623 www.pamunkeylibrary.org
MAYMONT
MAYMONT
Join us to celebrate Groundhog’s Day and find out if the groundhog sees his shadow! We’ll learn about groundhogs, make a groundhog craft, and meet Libbie Mill Louie–a real puppet groundhog! Space is limited. Groups please call in advance. 2100 Libbie Lake East St., Henrico, Virginia 23230. 11-11:30a.m. (804) 290-9400
PAMUNKEY REGIONAL LIBRARY – KING & QUEEN BRANCH
Family Fish Printing
View From the Back Stairs
LIBBIE MILL LIBRARY
Make & Take Valentines
required to workout with Shaun T. Click below for special early bird pricing. General expo admission is $3 for adults. Kids 12 and under get in free. wtvr.com
Black History Month Performance: Elijah Coles-Brown CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF RICHMOND
Elijah Coles-Brown is a local middle school student with big talent. As a motivational speaker, Elijah travels all over Virginia and neighboring states to educate and inspire others. Elijah will be at CMoR Central on Saturday, February 6th for two special performances. He will perform at 11am as Frederick Douglass and again at 1pm to recite Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s, “I Have a Dream” speech. Entry free with museum admission ticket. (804) 474-7012 c-mor.org
Meet some creatures of the swamp and create a swamp thing of your own! Ages 5+. $10/$8 members. 2:30-3:30p.m. Adult must accompany child. (804) 358-7168 maymont.org
FRIDAY, FEB. 19 Copyright for Creators THE DEPOT
Whether you work in a studio, a classroom, or social media, understanding copyright is a foundational skill. VCU Libraries, in concert with the VCU School of the Arts and arts librarians, introduces a new series for 2015–16 on the nuances of copyright for artists, designers and art scholars. 12-1:30p.m. 814 W. Broad Street, Richmond, Va. 23284.
Get glitzy with it! Adorn papier-mache masks with fantastic feathers and sparkly gems to create whimsical, wearable art! 200 N. Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220. 4:15-6:00p.m. (804) 340-1405 http://vmfa.museum/youth-studio/kids/
CBS 6 Healthy Lifestyle Expo with EASTERN HENRICO RECREATION CENTER Shaun T Ages 10-13. Celebrate Black History Month by
FRIDAY, FEB. 5
The 14th annual CBS 6 Healthy Lifestyle Expo is Saturday, Feb. 6 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Richmond Convention Center. Separate ticket
16 u RICHMOND PARENTS MONTHLY u FEBRUARY 2016
RICHMOND CONVENTION CENTER
African-American Inventors and Inventions
matching the inventors with their inventions. Have fun using your imagination and engineering skills to create an invention using the Z00 B Modeling System or Contraptions Plank Set.
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288 and Midlothian Turnpike
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RICHMOND PARENTS MONTHLY u FEBRUARY 2016 u 17
Let’s Go
February 2016
Enjoy pizza with your friends, too! 6:30-8p.m., Cost: $10. 1440 N. Laburnum Avenue, Henrico, VA 23223. (804) 225-2056 cun04@henrico.us
THURSDAY, FEB. 25 Henricus Home School Day – 17thCentury Science & Technology HENRICUS HISTORICAL PARK
Experience a home school education program designed to help meet curriculum goals in a fun, interactive environment at a living history museum. Students will work on social studies and science activities, with hands-on projects regarding how new science and technology of the 17th century helped colonize the New World: early navigation skills, medicine, understanding weather, the rise of the scientific method, and new inventions. Students will be divided by age for appropriate activities and curriculum. Registration is required by February 22 by calling (804) 318-8797. 10a.m.-2p.m. henricus.org
SATURDAY, FEB. 27
SATURDAY, FEB. 20 Australian Chamber Orchestra
CAMP CONCERT HALL, BOOKER HALL OF MUSIC
In this extraordinary multimedia adventure, Richard Tognetti takes musicians and surfers to the rugged surf coast and tough desert landscape of northern Western Australia, creating a piece at the intersection of music and nature. 7:30p.m. Cost: $38. modlin.richmond.edu
Zest Fest 2016
RICHMOND CONVENTION CENTER
Join us for an evening of great food from 18 of our local chefs, fine wine from Virginia’s finest wineries and craft beer from local breweries. Enjoy bidding on our items in our silent and live auctions all benefiting FeedMore. Proceeds from the evening go to feeding Central Virginia’s residents in need. feedmore.org
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18 u RICHMOND PARENTS MONTHLY u FEBRUARY 2016
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We are currently accepting applications for: Substitute Food Service Associates Benefits of a career in School Nutrition include: • Competitive Salaries • Convenient Work Schedules • Opportunities to Advance Professionally • On-Site and Classroom Training • Summers off with your children • Professional Development Opportunities • Eligibility to join SNA (School Nutrition Association) Apply via the CCPS website at http://mychesterfieldschools.com. Complete job description and application procedures are available on the website.
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RICHMOND PARENTS MONTHLY u FEBRUARY 2016 u 19
Diet & Exercise Not Working? It may be your hormones! You will be impressed by the unique approach to weight loss. Learn how and why you hold your weight where you do.
ATTEND THE FREE WORKSHOP TO LEARN:
• How HORMONES can distort your midsection into a large belly and prevent weight loss, even with diet and exercise. • How HORMONES can affect sleep cycles, chronic pain, cravings for carbohydrates, and fat burning. • Why “counting calories” doesn’t work for belly fat.
After working with Dr. Kranski for four months, I lost 42 pounds. - Linda My energy has gone through the roof since working with the doctor. - Bob I had very terrible sleep issues for years. I am now sleeping again and lost 23 pounds in just a few months. - John
My stress was affecting every aspect of my life. I now have a better sense of well being. My body is just running so much more clean. The weight is just falling off. - Nancy While working with Dr. Kranski, a short period of time, my doctor started reducing my medications and was impressed with my weight loss. - Jean
My aches and pains were so horrible, they affected my entire life. I was on major pain meds, used walkers and had many surgeries. I lost 130 pounds and don’t need to take any pain meds. All the stesses of my body make my life enjoyable again. - Marie
Call (804) 897-0008 to Register Today!
Seating is limited so registration is required. We offer West End and South Side seminar locations, call for details. Visit our website at www.DrKranskiWorkshop.com Speaker: Dr. Klinton J. Kranski, DC, ACN