2024 Jan/Feb 'hood Magazine by 'hood Magazine

‘hood JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

SIOUX EMPIRE’S FAMILY RESOURCE

Counseling & Therapy Resources

New

Website for ‘hood Magazine!

details inside

Power The

Of Community Three Local Families Share Their Stories

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welcome

‘hood

SIOUX EMPIRE’S FAMILY RESOURCE

President & Publisher

Steffanie Holtrop 605-366-1479 steff@thehoodmagazine.com

It takes a village As a mom, I have a lot of different dreams for my kids as they grow. While I do care about grades and them doing well in their various activities, there is one desire I have for them above all others: that my children are healthy and happy. In this ever-changing world, mental health is incredibly important. Not only for us but for our children as well! It’s so important that our children see us prioritize our mental and physical wellbeing. I know that I have a significant influence on how my kids understand how to face difficulties in their own lives by watching me face mine. I hope they see me seek out support so they know they can do the same.

Editor Sarah Parker

Art & Design Director Ally Chase

Digital Media Director Jaclyn Small

Client Relations Taryn Sietsema Shelbi Kielhold admin@thehoodmagazine.com

Calendar Jessie Paquette

Circulation Ben Graff and Laura Kattenberg

Contributing Photographers Bri Cowan Photography S. Kay Photography Lindsay Palmer Photography

Cover Photo

For this issue, we had several local families share their stories. We hope these families encourage you in how they have handled challenging circumstances. You can read about the Becker family on page 16 and their journey with childhood cancer. On page 8, learn about a local mom who took the sorrow of a miscarriage and used it to create a non-profit that blesses other moms. Inside, you will find a list of recourses that we hope can bless your family. You can find additional resources at thehoodmagazine.com. We all face different struggles, and here at ‘hood, we know that taking on those challenges can take a village of support! Wishing you joy in this next year,

Steff

Steffanie Holtrop Publisher

S. Kay Photography

‘hood JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

SIOUX EMPIRE’S FAMILY RESOURCE

Counseling & Therapy Resources

New

Website for ‘hood Magazine!

details inside

Power The

Of Community Three Local Families Share Their Stories

Reproduction or use of the contents of this magazine is prohibited. ‘Hood Magazine is published 7 times a year by Hoodlum Productions, LLC and strives to publish only accurate information; however, Hoodlum Productions, LLC cannot be held responsible for consequences resulting from errors or omissions. All material in this magazine is the property of Hoodlum Productions, LLC and cannot be reproduced without permission of the publisher. ©2024 Hoodlum Productions, LLC All Rights Reserved.

2023

4 | January/February 2024 | thehoodmagazine.com

2023

2022

‘hood

January/ February

2024

SIOUX EMPIRE’S FAMILY RESOURCE

COVER STORIES Three Local Families Share about the Power of a Strong Community

8 Planning for Purpose 16 T he Power of Community: The Becker Family

26 W e are the Lucky Few

IN THIS ISSUE

12 New Website Coming Soon! 13 Seven Things to Do on Valentines Day

21 Counseling and

Therapy Resources

IN EVERY ISSUE 7 Calendar

‘hood Featured Events

FEATURES

Navigating the World of Infant Positioning Devices Brought to you by LifeScape

Preschool Prepares Children to Thrive Brought to you by EmBe

Healthcare for the Whole Family

30 Ask the Expert

Brought to you by Flourish Wellness + Birth Co.

Jenni Struck, Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools Cait Haug 2023 ‘hood Educator of the Year Travis Ball Foley’s Heating & AC , Inc.

The Gift of Confidence in the Water Brought to you by SafeSplash

January/February 2024 | thehoodmagazine.com | 5

‘hood Online New These stories & MORE on our

Website!

Top Tips for

Fulfilling Your New Year Goals Making a New Year’s goal is one thing…keeping it is another! Learn about the proven ways that help people achieve their New Year goals. If you have already fallen off the bandwagon, no worries; start again!

5 Ways to Beat the

Winter Blues

After the Holidays, winter can seem a little less magical. In this online article, learn about five ways to help beat the winter blues! Don’t let the cold weather get you down.

Unique Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Jazz up Valentine’s Day this year with something new! From silly to sweet, check out these fun ways to add a unique spin to Cupid’s Day.

Easy Lunch Ideas for School By the second half of the school year, lunch ideas can be exhausting to come up with. Check out this online article for some renewed steam in packing your kiddo’s lunch each day!

6 | January/February 2024 | thehoodmagazine.com

line d On ‘hoo

‘hood

SIOUX EMPIRE’S FAMILY RESOURCE

F E AT U R E D E V E N T S The Sioux Falls area is full of fun family events! Check out some of our favorite upcoming events below. For a complete list of all the area events, check out our online Calendar by scanning the QR code!

january Downtown Burger Battle

Downtown Sioux Falls, Month of January

19& 20

Toughest Monster Trucks Tour

DTSF’s 11th Annual Burger Battle! Come downtown, enjoy some burgers, and vote for your favorites all month.

Denny Sanford Premier Center

Get ready for the toughest show on wheels! Come out to the Premier Center to be amazed by both the Monster Trucks and Freestyle Motocross Team!

february 13

Valentine Decorating Party Move U at AR Workshop

Join the Move U Pediatric Occupational Therapists for a sensory-friendly Valentine’s Day Decorating party. Make a Valentine-themed craft and learn sensory tips along the way.

Snow Ball

Children’s Museum of South Dakota

Come dance and play at the Annual Snow Ball! Wear your fanciest outfits and enjoy an evening of music and dancing. The Museum exhibits will be open as well.

16&17

Pretty Woman the Musical Washington Pavilion

Get ready to fall in love with this classic story once again! Enjoy a date night or girl’s night out watching this beloved story come to life on the stage. The BEST event calendar for Families in the Sioux Empire. New events added daily! thehoodmagazine.com/calendar

Purpose

by Chelsey Schnell

Planning for

“What would it look like if there was an organization that sent flowers to moms of miscarriage on those hard days like the anniversary of her loss, or what would have been her due date?” That was a text I sent my husband in 2017. It was a random idea, a fleeting thought, mixed among our daily spousal conversation. I had no idea that little text to my husband was planting the seed for a big purpose.

ultrasound to confirm what I already knew. Around 10 am on February 9, 2015, I went to the bathroom and was confronted with heartbreaking visual confirmation that I had miscarried. We named the baby Ava Grace.

We had planned to have four kids close in age, but it turns out, after having our first in 2012, we had a lot to adjust to! We ended up waiting a few years before deciding to grow our family. Six weeks into my second pregnancy, I started spotting. After bleeding all weekend, I went to work on Monday, counting down the hours until I could leave for an

8 | January/February 2024 | thehoodmagazine.com

In 2017, I shared on social media that I was struggling with the two-year anniversary of that loss. Later that afternoon, flowers showed up at my door from someone anonymous. I stood in my entryway, speechless and sobbing in disbelief. I was so humbled that someone saw me hurting and

with our daughter. Taking on the daunting task of starting that organization with no extra money, time, or brain space felt impossible, so I accepted it just still wasn’t the plan for me. In December of 2019, my church presented a challenge that forced me to consider that maybe there was a plan I’d been denying. The challenge: if you have an idea and money is the only thing holding you back, apply for a grant to make it happen. In March of 2020—with the help of an incredible team—Evermore Blooms was founded. We were awarded $2,000 and hoped to send as many bouquets as possible to local moms. God planned for more.

took action in a simple way to care for me. They didn’t plan for that bouquet to change my life...but it did. I just didn’t know it yet.

We went viral on Instagram nine months after launching, and our account has become a community of miscarriage moms across the country who support and care for each other. We launched a store in 2021 and have shipped hundreds In 2017, I shared on of orders since. In less than four social media that I was years, we’ve coordinated the struggling with the twodelivery of over 500 bouquets to year anniversary of that miscarriage moms in almost all loss. Later that afternoon, 50 states across the country. flowers showed up at

“

my door from someone That kind gesture stuck with me, And after years of fearing our anonymous. and a few months later, I sent that pattern of baby, miscarriage, baby, text to my husband. He was used to miscarriage, baby would continue, his entrepreneurial wife pitching ideas we’ll soon welcome our fourth earthly child. (most of which I would quickly lose interest While I thought my plans were good, I’d say His in), so neither of us gave it much more immediate are better. l thought. After all, starting an organization like that wasn’t in my plan. We welcomed our third child, another son, a year later. While having him healed a lot of my broken heart, as any loss mom will tell you, having a baby after losing one makes you fully realize what you lost, and you long for what could have been even more. A little over a year later, we said goodbye as quickly as we said hello to our fourth child, Orion Job, after miscarrying again on July 23, 2017. As I grieved, I couldn’t help but be reminded of that text I had sent my husband. I knew if that organization existed, it could help moms like me feel less alone, more loved, and fully seen on their hardest days. In the months that followed, I was working parttime, running a busy photography business, caring for our two young sons, and we got pregnant January/February 2024 | thehoodmagazine.com | 9

by Alissa Colshan, PT, DPT at LifeScape

Navigating the World of

Infant Positioning Devices Take a stroll down the baby aisle at a store, and you’ll quickly become overwhelmed with all the latest swings, seats, walkers, jumpers, and more. Where do you begin to make the best decision for you and your baby? Navigating the world of parenting can be tricky, which is why the Therapy Team at LifeScape has created a new platform just for you called LifeScape+. It’s a video resource center that provides guidelines to keep in mind as your baby grows.

A fun series to explore is all about devices used for positioning!

Birth to 4 Months :

4 to 6 Months:

Devices used for laying include bouncy seats, rockers, swings, and baby loungers. The ages for babies who use these devices are typically birth to four months of age, as they can’t sit independently and are still working on developing head control. They work great when you need a safe, supervised place to put your infant when cooking a meal or just taking a minute for yourself! Use small, rolled-up blankets or burp clothes to hold your baby’s head in midline to prevent concerns like neck tightness or looking in only one direction.

Many infant positioning devices for sitting include supportive infant seats and chairs, like Bumbos, Sit-Me-Up Floor Seats, and Upseats. These are great for working on fine motor activities and midline play. They’re best for babies who can sit upright with your support and have good head control, usually around 4-6 months of age. If you have concerns about a flat spot on your child’s head, these devices work well for minimizing time spent on their back. Depending on the size of your infant, use small, rolled-up towels or blankets to fill in the gaps around them to improve their posture.

You don’t have to buy any of these devices if you don’t want to! You can place your baby on their side, tummy, or back on a blanket or activity mat on the floor. Add toys or a mirror to encourage looking in all directions, reaching, and kicking.

10 | January/February 2024 | thehoodmagazine.com

Laundry baskets, storage containers, and boxes are all great alternatives to support your little one as they sit.

SPONSORED FEATURE

If your child’s feet aren’t flat on the floor, use a step, book, or box under them to allow for improved positioning and minimize being up on their toes. Infant play yards and playpens are great alternatives that allow your child to explore their mobility. Push toys and small activity tables can also give your infant alternative surfaces to play at in various positions, including sitting, kneeling, and standing.

6+ Months: What if your child is already on the move? Activity centers, exersaucers, jumpers, and walkers are devices suitable for babies aged six months and above who have good head control and can sit independently or with limited assistance. These devices help babies develop their fine motor and midline play skills and are a great hands-free alternative to keep your baby happy. Babies who can’t yet independently explore their environment enjoy the movement these devices allow.

No matter what positioning devices you use, limit your baby’s use to no more than 15-20 minutes at a time, 2-3 times per day. You should also take your infant out of the device as soon as they start to get tired and are unable to keep their head in midline to prevent concerns like neck tightness and head tilting. After your infant spends time in a positioning device, give them plenty of time on the floor to play and work on their motor skills. If you have any questions about the use of a positioning device, or if you are concerned about your infant’s development, including milestones, tight neck muscles, preference to look in one direction, or a flat spot on their head, give the LifeScape Therapy Team a call at (605) 444-9700 or visit LifeScape + to discover more in-depth recommendations and alternatives for infant positioning devices. l

For more information, give the LifeScape Therapy Team a call at (605) 444-9700

January/February 2024 | thehoodmagazine.com | 11

newwebsite! New Year, New Us

thehoodmagazine.com is getting a new look Go beyond the pages of print with our user friendly site! • Full Calendar of Area Events • Exclusive Online Content • Informtion on Local Attractions • Expert Advice from Area Leaders • Giveaways

coming soon February 2024

Join the free Birthday Club online and sign up for our weekly newsletters! We are celebrating the new site by giving back to the ‘hood community! We are so thankful to be a part of your parent(hood), mother(hood), father(hood), and grandparent(hood)!

Make sure to be following us on social media for fun giveaways coming your way. The Hood Magazine

@thehoodmagazine

7 THINGS TO DO ON

Valentines Day Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love and not just for couples! We love a date night out, but sometimes that seems impossible. You can easily get overwhelmed with finding a babysitter, getting everything ready to be gone from home, and paying for a night out! Get the whole family involved this year in celebrating this festive holiday.

Check out 7 things to do with your family on the day of love! 1. Volunteer

Empowering You on Your

Financial Journey

Spend some time giving back as a family! Use the day to bless those around you and teach your kids that loving others means serving others, too.

2. R andom Acts of Kindness Bring cookies over to a neighbor, offer to shovel snow for someone less able, or bring coffee to friends!

3. G o on a Family Date-Night Skip the babysitter and go out as a family! Go out to eat or watch an early movie showing (make it back for bedtime!).

4. D onate Clothing or Toys that still have plenty of life left! Many of us have clothing we never wear or toys we rarely play with. Take the time as a family to declutter and give away what you don’t need.

5. Throw a Dance Party Have everyone wear their fanciest, or silliest, outfits for an epic dance party at home!

6. C ook a Fancy Meal at Home Make something extra special that the whole family will love! Remember to add some candles and break out the nice tablecloth!

7. B ake something New Valentine’s Day is often a day filled with sweets! Take on the challenge of baking something new as a family, like macarons or croissants.

www.voyagefcu.org Insured by NCUA

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at ‘hood! January/February 2024 | thehoodmagazine.com | 13

SPONSORED FEATURE

Arlint Family

Preschool Prepares Children to Thrive EmBe aims to partner with families, offering outstanding care and equipping children with the essential tools to flourish as they embark on their educational journey. EmBe recognizes that Kindergarten preparation begins at birth, so our daily schedules, play-based curriculum, and assessments all work toward that goal. Special emphasis on Kindergarten readiness is added when Preschool begins, and teachers regularly assess both developmental milestones and academic progress. One of our community partners, Little Navigators, provides additional socialemotional curriculum for all our Preschoolers and is available as a one-on-one resource for children at parent request. Both Arlint children have attended EmBe for the last two years. Their son is now in Kindergarten after attending the KinderCollege Program last year. Because of EmBe’s focus on social and emotional

growth, he was well-prepared for the new adventure of Kindergarten. In KinderCollege, Braxton loved the variety of activities. He was able to get out into the community during field trips and have experiential learning opportunities. Amber, his Mom, saw how he grew tremendously during KinderCollege, not only in the typical preschool skills but also in his social relationships with peers. They loved that Little Navigators program was a part of his classroom. They found it very beneficial for his social and emotional preparation for Kindergarten. The therapists from Little Navigators Program are there to help ease the anxiety that kids can have when entering Kindergarten, along with any other big life event they might need help adjusting to. EmBe has a variety of programs to meet the needs of local families. At our two locations in Sioux Falls, we offer Childcare, Preschool, KinderCollege, Spanish Immersion Program, and School-Age Care. Reach out to set up a tour! l

HEALTHY FAMILIES START HE , RE!

1115 E. 20 th St., Sio ux Falls, S D 57105 605-3391783 centerforf amilymed .org

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January/February 2024 | thehoodmagazine.com | 15

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by Sarah Parker

THE POWER OF

Community THE BECKER FAMILY’S JOURNEY

Tony and Danielle Becker live in Tea, SD, with their six children: Easten, Kasen, Hudsen, Izen, Vivian, and Rowan. In November of 2022, when Danielle Becker was 32 weeks pregnant, their family received devastating news: their four-year-old son, Izen, had a brain tumor. Izen had ependymoma, a type of tumor that can grow in the brain or spine. Immediately after hearing the news about Izen’s cancer, they threw a party with friends and family to celebrate him. They didn’t know what the road in front of them would look like, but they did know that their son was worth celebrating! This start helped define their cancer journey by celebrating each victory of IzenMan along the way! IzenMan was created when he had his PICC line placed. The Becker’s did their best to make a scary situation as positive as possible. Because of his PICC line, he became like Iron Man with a chest piece. IzenMan was going to be his own superhero!

“

Immediately after hearing the news about Izen’s cancer, they threw a party with friends and family to celebrate him.

We will skip right to the good part: one year later, Izen is cancer-free!

Surgery to remove the brain tumor was followed up with radiation. It was during Izen’s seven-week stay at Mayo for radiation that Tony and Danielle’s sixth child was born! Danielle had her daughter on a Thursday and was back in Rochester, with the newborn in tow, to be with Izen on Sunday. s

Though they celebrate how he is doing now, it was a tough year for the family. Izen had to quickly have

brain surgery, which led to having to re-learn how to walk and talk. Re-learning to walk took a few weeks, and it took his speech one month to return to where he was before surgery. His brothers stepped up during this time to help Izen out!

January/February 2024 | thehoodmagazine.com | 17

Anyone looking in on the Becker’s last year would be overwhelmed. Balancing six children, jobs, school, and Izen’s cancer journey took hard work. A theme for the Becker’s last year was community. With such a hard battle in front of them, they knew they needed help. Friends gave their other children rides, a sister came to live at their home during the week, there was a long-term meal train, and neighbors took care of snow removal. Izen’s preschool teacher even sent him videos, ensuring he knew there were things to look forward to after treatment.

The Becker family takes a little more time together these days. Hugs are extra long, and birthday parties are a bit bigger. Even though Izen is now cancer-free, they know to take nothing for granted. After the year they had dealing with cancer, the whole family celebrates harder. Tony and Danielle want to ensure that all their kids know how much they are loved and how celebrated A theme for the Becker’s they are.

“

last year was community. With such a hard battle in front of them, they knew they needed help.

It can be difficult to let people in or ask for help when faced with hard circumstances. Danielle said that telling others what was going on with Izen and asking for specific help was crucial. As a loved family in their community, people wanted to help but needed to know how! People were grateful to know exactly how to bless their family. In fact, people thanked them for being specific!

When Danielle was asked if there was anything she wanted to highlight about her family’s story with cancer, one thing quickly came to mind: advocate for your children! Izen’s headaches were initially brushed off, and they were told that an MRI would be unnecessary. But her gut told her differently. She pushed and got her son the tests he needed. They don’t know how things would have turned out if they hadn’t advocated for Izen. Thankfully, that’s a scenario they don’t have to think about! l

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

TRAUMA-FOCUSED TREATMENT

FREE

No cost for services to those who qualify Trauma-Focused Treatment is a service designed for children and adolescents ages 4-17 and their families who have been impacted by traumatic events. Treatment can be delivered at our location or via telehealth. Traumatic events can include: parent separation or divorce, death of someone close, abuse or neglect of any kind, witness of violence, family substance abuse or mental illness, medical challenges, grief, bullying, disasters and more. In a child, trauma can look like: Behavior changes including temper tantrums, meltdowns, crying, and difficulty separating from trusted adults. Can also include regression including bed wetting, loss of self-help skills, learning difficulties, and changes in personality or temperment.

Contact Information

1310 W. 51st Street | Sioux Falls , SD voa-dakotas.org | info@voa-dakotas.org Phone: 605.334.1414

Volunteers of America, Dakotas is here to help guide children and their families with traumafocused treatment. 100% of funding for this project was provided by the United States Department of Health and Human Service, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Center for Mental Health Service, Grant #6H79SM084887301M001. These services are available to all eligible persons regardless of race, gender, age, disability or religion.

WELLNESS. With more fitness options than ever, it’s time to get active with the whole family at the Sanford Wellness Center. You can choose the workouts that fit your schedule, without the pressure of an annual contract.

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January/February 2024 | thehoodmagazine.com | 19

20 | January/February 2024 | thehoodmagazine.com

resources

Counseling &RESOURCES Therapy To live life at our healthiest and happiest, we sometimes need to seek out professional help. Prioritizing mental and physical health is incredibly important for ourselves and our families. Here are some of the fantastic resources available in our community!

Volunteers of America, Dakotas voa-dakotas.org Our licensed and caring professionals are experienced in supporting people through challenging circumstances. From everyday stress to unique and complex issues, we are here to help. Specialty services in play therapy, emotional and mental health, substance use, and trauma.

Flourish Wellness & Birth Co. flourishbirthco.com Flourish Wellness + Birth Co is creating a safe space for individuals and their families to be seen, known, and heard. Our wellness clinic provides postpartum care, including care for those dealing with postpartum depression. Hormonal imbalances can also create significant problems for your mental and physical health. Let our team help restore balance to your hormones.

January/February 2024 | thehoodmagazine.com | 21

resources

Visions Therapy Center sdvisions.com

Vision therapy is an individualized program that corrects visual motor and processing deficiencies. Students struggling with vision or learning, individuals post-concussion, adults who may have struggled with learning their whole life, and athletes who want to reach peak performance levels can all benefit from vision therapy.

Stronghold Counseling Services strongholdcounseling.com Feel like you are sinking in the storms and floods of life? Since 1993, Stronghold Counseling Services has provided quality clinical counseling services informed by a biblical, grace-filled perspective. We minister to families, couples, and individuals, and our counselors and therapists have years of combined clinical experience.

22 | January/February 2024 | thehoodmagazine.com

Center for Family Medicine centerforfamilymed.org If you need assistance in caring for your own mental health or that of your loved ones, the Center for Family Medicine is the place. We’re trained to assist with common problems through our on-site single, family, and marriage counselors.

Sanford fit fit.sanfordhealth.org fit is the Children’s Health Initiative from Sanford Health, developed to engage and empower children, families, and communities to make healthy lifestyle choices. All resources are free and ready to print online. Discover kids’ coping strategy tools, follow along relaxation videos, motivational printables, expert-backed blogs, and so much more.

resources

Sprout Play Therapy and Counseling Services sproutplaytherapyand counseling.com Sprout provides mental health counseling, with an emphasis in play therapy, to children ages 3-12. We also work with parents and caregivers to encourage optimal outcomes outside of the therapy space. We are here to help your child grow and thrive!

LifeScape Therapy lifescapesd.org Licensed clinical psychologists provide outpatient therapy for children, teens, adults, couples, and families. ParentChild Interaction Therapy, autism, ADHD, depression & mood disorders, trauma, anxiety, grief, and feeding challenges. LifeScape also offers occupational & physical therapies, speech-language pathology, behavioral therapy (ABA), and a variety of specialty clinics.

Yellow Brick Road Counseling and Therapy holly-merrick-liston.clientsecure.me We are a mental health clinic serving people of all ages. We have a focus on serving teens and young adults. We provide a safe and positive environment to address trauma and improve lives. Life Can Be Better!

Sioux Falls Psychological Services offermehope.com

No matter where life takes you, Sioux Falls Psychological Services will meet you where you are, offering hope. Our team is trained to meet your emotional needs. We offer therapy and assessment for individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents, and teens. Therapist video introductions are available on our website.

January/February 2024 | thehoodmagazine.com | 23

by Flourish Wellness + Birth Co.

Flourish

Healthcare for the Whole Family Person First Care Flourish provides exceptional prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. When we first opened, these services were our foundation. By expanding our services, we can now meet the needs of the whole family. From children’s wellness visits to hormone health visits, we have your family covered. At Flourish, we make it a priority to treat not just the symptoms but rather the whole person. We want to get to know you, your health goals, and your struggles. In the questions we ask, the tests we run, and the lab results we read, we keep you as an individual in mind. We are committed to journey together to find the path to health, optimization, and vitality.

But often, we can point these problems back to a hormonal imbalance. By offering a comprehensive and individualized approach, we can identify the imbalances and help our patients heal these hormones.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy uses hormones that are molecularly similar to and chemically identical to those naturally produced in the body. By replacing the hormones your body has lost, you can - Prenatal Care experience improved physical - Labor and Delivery Care and emotional well-being and - Postpartum Care prevent many other health - Hormone Consults complications or diseases. - Functional Wellness Visits

Services

- Problem Visits - Pediatric Care - Ear Piercings - IV Therapy - Aesthetic Services

Through this safe, bioidentical solution, individuals can restore balance to their natural hormones while working with our care team to heal the root cause of why the imbalance occurred in the first place.

Take Back Your Life

Personalized Care

Hormones play a crucial role in our general health and well-being. When our bodies have a hormonal imbalance, we can struggle with fatigue, brain fog, sleep issues, trouble losing weight, hot flashes, and joint pain.

At Flourish, you can expect a team of providers who take the time to get to know you, personalize your care, and answer any and all questions. There’s never a rush. You never feel like an inconvenience. You will be seen and heard. And you will create a birth plan that best fits your needs.

with Hormone Therapy

It can be normal to assume that part of being an adult is constantly feeling tired and rundown.

SPONSORED FEATURE

“

Testimonial

“When you hire Flourish, you’re getting holistic, comprehensive information and utmost care; you’re getting someone who sees you. This team comes equipped with a wealth of knowledge and experience, and they are continually sharing that knowledge with their clients. Flourish meets you where you’re at—discussing options that are optimal for you in whatever season of life you find yourself in. I’m so appreciative of the overwhelming depth of care and friendship they give to each of their clients during a time that is so vulnerable and special. With Flourish, I feel at home.” - Kayla W.

Testimonial

“

Call Us Today

“My birth was beautiful, empowering, and safe. It was intimate-just me, my husband, Erin, and our baby nurse. It was a dream. I will cherish it for years to come.

Here at Flourish, we are excited to partner with our patients through all the different journeys in their lives. You will always feel supported, heard, and cared for by our providers. We are so excited to see you flourish.

To any mama reading this review- please seek a provider who sees you and hears you. Make choices that work best for you. Your birth is YOURS, no one else’s. It will be with you forever. I hope you can cherish your birth as much as I cherish mine.” - Aggie K.

To set up an appointment, tour our birthing center, or inquire about family memberships, call us at (605) 271-4170 or head to our website at flourishbirthco.com. l

January/February 2024 | thehoodmagazine.com | 25

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She is silly, caring, strong, beautiful, smart – everything we could wish for. We are truly blessed to be part of “The Lucky Few.”

by Laura Hanson

We are the L ucky Few

“You’re grieving the baby you thought you were going to have.” This statement is commonly shared in the Down syndrome community to explain the emotions we felt when we learned of our daughter’s diagnosis. Three years later, Mara is thriving and living a life exactly like her typical peers. Sadness. Anger. Guilt. Uncertainty. My husband, Tony, and I felt them all when we received the news that Mara, our fourth of five children, was going to be born with Down syndrome. We worried about our family’s future. Are we going to afford the medical care and therapies she is going to need? Who will care for her after we pass? How will this impact her siblings? We were faced with so many questions and fears. Desperately seeking guidance, I mustered up the courage to call the New Directions Down Syndrome Association. Within hours, we were talking to a dad (and board president of the organization) who had a three-year-old with Down syndrome. He and his family invited us to supper so we could ask all the questions we had – without judgment. During our visit, we watched their sweet girl play with her brothers, interact and giggle with passersby, chow down a cookie, and simply enjoy her time with her family. During that time, those emotions we had felt before started turning into hope. We began to think, “Okay, we can do this!” Mara’s Down syndrome has never defined who she is. Yes, it is a part of her and has thrown us several challenges, but she is so much more. She is silly, caring, strong, beautiful, smart – everything we could wish for. We are truly blessed to be part of “The Lucky Few.” The connections we have made with other parents have been incredibly helpful and necessary for us to be able to navigate

this journey. I quickly found myself ready to serve the Down syndrome community, joined the New Directions board in 2021, and recently stepped into the role of the organization’s board president. When sharing Mara’s diagnosis, I received different reactions from friends and family. I always tried to share the news as positively as I could, but I’d often receive sad expressions and “I’m sorry.” In fact, I still receive them from time to time. Please do not ever be sorry – it’s a baby! Remember to congratulate the parents, celebrate the birth as you would any other, and give them a joyful hug! If you are a parent hearing the words, “Your baby has Down syndrome,” I want you to know that it is going to be okay. Yes, you and your child are going to face challenges, but you do not have to do it alone. We have amazing resources in the Down syndrome community. Remember that you can have the best plan and idea of what you expect in life, but sometimes, you must have faith and trust in what is in store for you. New Directions Down Syndrome Association is a local nonprofit that strives to enhance the lives of individuals with Down syndrome by providing support, information, and education to those individuals, their families, and professionals. Check out newdirectionsdsa.com for more information. l

January/February 2024 | thehoodmagazine.com | 27

SPONSORED FEATURE

Brought to you by SafeSplash

The Gift of

Confidence in the Water Spending the day swimming at the lake or pool can be a stressful adventure for many families. Not only can they be worried about water safety, but they can also deal with children who desperately want to have fun but are uncomfortable in the water. For the Miller family, it simply means a day of family fun! That is because Isaac, their six-year-old, is a confident swimmer! He was just a few years old when they started him in swimming lessons at SafeSplash. As the years have passed, they have seen Isaac’s comfort, confidence, and respect around water grow tremendously. They, of course, cared about his ability to be safe around water and have life-saving techniques in his back pocket in case of an emergency. But they also enrolled him in swimming lessons so he could have the gift of comfort in the water for his whole life. By starting Isaac out early in swimming lessons, they knew that they were doing everything they could to help keep him safe around water, along with helping him to have fun!

Isaac is eager to go to his SafeSplash swimming lesson each week. He loves the kind instructors, learning new skills, and the friends he has met. His parents appreciate SafeSplash for the ease in scheduling classes and make-ups, along with its cheery, clean facilities. They all love that SafeSplash has classes year-round! During a long midwest winter, Issac loves getting to swim, and his parents love that he gets to use up all his extra energy! SafeSplash has three locations around the Sioux Falls Area, including the newest one at Dawley Farms on the Brandon/Sioux Falls border. Go online to check out all they have to offer today! l

More info: Visit safesplash.com/locations/sioux-falls-sd or call (605)-271-1042

From the experts at Sanford fit

MENTAL HEALTH

IS HEALTH

Many people experience mental health challenges, but only a small percentage will seek help. Why? There are a variety of reasons for this, but stigma has been identified as a major factor. Keep reading to discover how you can fight stigma and support those in need. What is Mental Health Stigma? This stigma is defined as “a cluster of negative attitudes and beliefs that motivate the general public to fear, avoid, and discriminate against people with mental illnesses.” How to Deal with Stigma: Is the perception of others keeping you from sharing your truth or seeking help? If so, consider one of the steps below. • Don’t isolate yourself. Reach out to people you trust. • You are not your condition. Instead of saying “I’m bipolar,” say “I have bipolar disorder.” • Speak out. If you feel comfortable sharing, educate those around you on the reality of your condition, including how common it is. • Join a support group. These often serve as a “safe space” where you can connect with and learn from others who have had similar experiences. Be an Advocate for Kids with Mental Illness: Try one of the strategies below to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and promote wellness among kids: • Know the facts. Educate yourself about mental health and mental illness. • Listen to other’s experiences/your child’s experiences and offer your support. • Be open to conversations about mental health. • Speak out to correct stereotypes and assumptions that are inaccurate. • Take action to raise awareness in your community and on social media. • Use respectful and accurate terms. Avoid hurtful labels like “crazy”, “insane”, or “mental”. Remember, mental health is health. No matter what you’re experiencing there are ways to take action to support yourself and those around you. In a crisis? Call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or text “TALK” to 741741.

Scan here for follow-along coping strategies!

Expert

Ask the

Do you have a question for a Sioux Empire expert? ‘hood will be inviting area experts to weigh in and answer various questions from our readers.

Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools Jenni Struck Admissions Director

Why Catholic Schools? Consider our Value Propositions: • Traditional Family Values: We promote a virtuous life and aim to produce individuals of integrity who will make positive contributions to our community. • Safe Learning Environment: Our students and staff feel physically and emotionally safe in an environment that allows for optimal teaching and learning to take place. • Structure & Discipline: Focusing on proactive measures to encourage positive behavior helps students understand what is acceptable and enhances the overall school experience for all. • Expectations & Outcomes: We aspire to provide a high-quality education that challenges them in the areas of critical thinking and encourages intellectual growth.

3100 W. 41st Street Sioux Falls, SD 57105 ogknights.org 605-575-3358

Foley’s Heating & AC Inc. Travis Ball Vice President

Why is my furnace not working? This is a basic question that most people face at some point in their lives. A few simple checks and questions might quickly fix it. •D oes the furnace still have power to it? •D id the power switch to the furnace get turned off? • I s the thermostat calling for heat? • I s the thermostat still turned on to heat? • I s the exhaust pipe plugged with snow or ice? • I s the intake pipe plugged with snow or ice? If none of these simple items resolve the problem, it could be something more serious that requires a professional. They can come out to check and determine the problem so that you can get your furnace working again.

PO Box 1834 Sioux Falls, SD 57101 Foleysheating.com 605-940-8283

‘hood Educator of the Year Cait Haug Kindergarten Teacher Discovery Elementary

Why should you nominate someone for ‘hood’s Educator of the Year? Being awarded ‘hood’s 2023 Educator of the Year was a huge honor! I am very passionate about my job as a kindergarten teacher in one of Sioux Falls’ largest schools. Building relationships with my students and their families while instilling a love of learning is very fulfilling. I want to encourage parents to take the time to nominate a teacher who has made an impact on their child’s life! In the business of children, words of gratitude and encouragement are very meaningful! Sometimes, ‘seeing’ academic or social growth in our students takes a long time, and to know that our efforts are appreciated is reassuring.

Nominations for 2024 are open now until February 8th! thehoodmagazine.com

Parlour House is now open on the second floor of the Kirby Science Discovery Center! Enjoy a delicious ice cream treat during your visits to our museums and the Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium. Don’t forget, The WP café is also open during museum hours to satisfy your lunchtime cravings!

Visit Today! WashingtonPavilion.org/Parlour

PLAY ALONG HOWEVER YOU WANT AT THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF SOUTH DAKOTA.

Brookings, SD

prairieplay.org