SUPPORT REPORT

SUPPORT REPORT
Supporting Rensselaer County’s Parenting and Expectant Families
Volume 1, Issue 4
Director’s Note
Sharing the Season
Articles Submitted By- Cheryl Kremer
Hello Everyone,
Summer is full force upon us with its bright sunny days, barbeques,
picnics and swimming. I hope this note finds everyone enjoying
the summer splendor, keeping safe, and staying mosquito free!!
While June has already passed, I would like to take a moment to
recognize the dads out there. Father’s Day was celebrated on
Sunday June 15, 2008. What many do not realize is that Father’s
Day, as a national holiday, has only been celebrated since 1972
when President Nixon signed it into law. Before that, there were
some celebrations throughout the US however none carried the
recognition that fathers deserved. Fathers play an important role
in raising children. Whoever said a dad can’t be loving and
nurturing to their child? Whoever said that they can’t give hugs
and kisses and tumble on the floor? Whoever said they can’t
change a diaper, make a meal, or fix a boo-boo? You might be
surprised how many dads out there do!
So for this moment, I want to recognize all of the dads out there
who take pride in being the best father they can be to their
children. Happy Belated Father’s Day to you!
ONCE UPON A SUMMER DAY
BY JOSEPH T. RENALDI
Once upon a Summer day,
Birds chirped in a musical way,
Grass drenched in the morning dew,
The sky covered in a vast color of blue.
Once upon a summer day,
Flowers bloomed in full array,
Bright rays of sunlight spilled
Upon my garden on the hill.
Once upon a summer day,
Thunder rumbled and prolonged its stay,
But after the rain tumbled down,
This summer day wore a glorious rainbow crown.
Section cont. on page 4
Thankfully,
In This Issue
Teething & Tooth Care
Donnamarie
HFRC EVENT PICTURES!
Autism Specturm Disorders
"It is a wise father that knows his own child."
-- William Shakespeare
And much, much more
Page 1 |July 08
Pregnancy Page
Infant Info
Articles Submitted By- Shannon Leonardo
Articles Submitted By- Brandie Bowman
To
What Activities Should I Avoid
During Pregnancy?
As your pregnancy progresses, you should avoid any
activity that puts you at risk for falling or increases the
chance of trauma to your abdomen. And the American
College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
notes that activities at altitudes over 6,000 feet may
carry some risks, as less oxygen is available for you and
your baby.
Research is conflicting about whether raising your core
body temperature through exercise can harm your
baby, but we do know that the following activities can
cause problems during pregnancy:
Amusement park rides: Waterslides and other
rides at amusement parks are a no-no, since a
forceful landing or sudden start or stop could
harm your baby.
Bicycling: Cycling isn't a good idea for newbies,
but experienced riders may be able to continue
until their second trimester, when a shifting
center of gravity affects balance and can make
cycling dangerous.
Contact sports: Soccer, basketball, and hockey
put you at a high risk of injury from a ball or puck,
a collision with another player, or a fall during
play.
Gymnastics: Same risk of falling and increased
chance of trauma to your abdomen.
Horseback riding: Even if you're a good rider,
it's not worth risking a fall.
Post-sport tubs and saunas: Soaking in hot tubs
and Jacuzzis or sitting in a sauna can be
dangerous to your developing baby because
overheating has been linked to birth defects.
Running: If you weren't a runner before you got
pregnant, now's not the time to take it up.
Otherwise, it's fine in moderation. From your
second trimester on, when the risk of falling
increases, you should run with caution. As with all
forms of exercise, avoid becoming overheated,
and drink plenty of water to replace fluids lost
through sweating.
Scuba diving: This is an absolute no. As you
surface, air bubbles can form in your
bloodstream, which can be very dangerous for
both you and your growing baby.
Teething & Tooth Care
The vast majority of babies sprout their first teeth
when they're between 4 and 7 months of age. An
early developer may get his first white cap as early as
3 months, while a late bloomer may have to wait until
he's a year old or more. (In rare cases, a baby's first
tooth is already visible at birth.) Whenever the first
tooth makes its appearance, celebrate the milestone
by taking pictures and noting the date in your child's
baby book.
Teeth actually start developing while your baby's in
the womb, when tooth buds form in the gums. Teeth
break through one at a time over a period of months,
and often — but not always — in this order: First the
bottom two middle teeth, then the top two middle
ones, then the ones along the sides and back. They
may not all come in straight, but don't worry — they
usually straighten out over time.
The last teeth to appear (the second molars, found in
the very back of the mouth on the top and bottom)
have usually begun coming into place by your baby's
second birthday. By age 3, your child should have a
full set of 20 baby teeth, which shouldn't fall out until
his permanent teeth are ready to start coming in,
around age 6.
Teething Symptoms
Drooling (which can lead to a facial rash)
Gum swelling and sensitivity
Irritability or fussiness
Biting behavior
Refusing food
Sleep problems
What can I do to ease my baby's discomfort?
Give your child something to chew on, such as a firm
rubber teething ring or a cold washcloth. If your baby
is old enough to eat solids, he may also get some relief
from cold foods such as applesauce or yogurt. Giving
him a hard, unsweetened teething cracker such as
zwieback to gnaw on is another time-honored trick.
(Avoid carrots, as they can be a choking hazard.)
Simply rubbing a clean finger gently but firmly over
your baby's sore gums can ease the pain temporarily,
too.
Continued on page 3
Page 2 |July 08
Pregnancy Page
Infant Info
Continued from page 2
If these methods aren't working, some doctors
recommend giving a teething baby a small dose of
children's pain reliever such as infants'
acetaminophen — but check with your doctor before
giving your baby any medication. (Never give your
baby aspirin or even rub it on his gums to ease the
pain. The use of aspirin in children is associated with
Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially lifethreatening condition.)
Rubbing the gums with topical pain relief gel is also an
option, but you may want to ask your baby's doctor
before trying it. If you use too much, it can numb the
back of your baby's throat and weaken his gag reflex
(which helps prevent him from choking on his saliva).
The gels are generally safe to use, but in rare cases can
cause an allergic reaction.
If drool causes a rash on your baby's face, wipe, but
don't rub, the drool away with a soft cotton cloth. You
can also smooth petroleum jelly on his chin before a
nap or bedtime to protect the skin from further
irritation.
Should I start cleaning my baby's gums even before
his teeth come in?
Yes. Even before your baby sports his first tooth, it's a
good idea to get into the habit of wiping his gums with
gauze or a soft wet washcloth during bath time. You
don't need to use any toothpaste yet. Simply wrap the
cloth or gauze around your index finger and rub it
gently over the gums.
What's the best way to brush my baby's teeth after
they start coming in?
As your child's teeth start to appear (generally around
6 months), look for a baby toothbrush with a small
bristle head and larger grip suitable for your hand. (If
your child is healthy and still hasn't sprouted his first
tooth by the end of his first year, don't worry — some
children don't start getting them until 15 to 18
months.)
Articles Submitted By- Shannon Leonardo
Surfing: Same risk of falling and increased
chance of trauma to your abdomen.
Tennis: A moderately paced game of tennis is
okay if you played before you became pregnant.
But you may have problems with balance and
sudden stops, so watch your step. Most women
find that it's hard to keep up their game as their
bellies get bigger in the second and third
trimesters.
Waterskiing: Another activity that puts you at
risk for falling and increases the chance of
trauma to your abdomen.
Play it smart by sticking to safe pregnancy
activities. Even if you were very active before
getting pregnant, if you're at risk for preterm
labor or intrauterine growth restriction (when
the baby fails to grow at a normal rate), you
should cut back on your level of physical activity
in your second and third trimesters. Your
healthcare provider can help you design a
fitness routine that's right for you and your
baby-to-be.
The American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists advises that you stop exercising
immediately and call your healthcare provider if
you have any of the following symptoms:
• vaginal bleeding
• shortness of breath
• dizziness or feeling faint
• headache
• chest pain
• muscle weakness
• calf pain or swelling (which could indicate a
blood clot)
• preterm labor
• decreased fetal movement
• fluid leaking from the vagina
As long as you're cleaning your child's teeth regularly,
you don't need to use any toothpaste yet. Just brush
the teeth gently on both the outside and inside
surfaces twice a day. Brush his tongue as well (if he'll
let you) to dislodge the bacteria that can cause bad
breath. One quick swipe is enough. Replace the
toothbrush as soon as the bristles start to look worn
or splayed out.
Written by: Joanna Stone, M.D. found on www.babycenter.com
Source: Adapted from articles found on www.babycenter.com
Page 3 |July 08
Sharing the Season
Continued from page 1
How to Be Safe When You’re in the Sun
The weather is warming up, the days are longer and
there’s more time to be outside doing all kinds of fun
things! But if you're going to be out in the sun,
especially on a hot day, you need to stay safe.
You don't need to hide from the sun completely or
wrap up like a mummy to protect
ct yourself. But you
should take these two steps:
Always wear sunscreen.
Take frequent breaks from the sun by going
indoors or moving into the shade.
These steps are especially important between 10:00
in the morning and 4:00 in the afternoon
afternoon, when
the sun's rays are strongest.
Use a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 15 or higher.
Put on sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before going out
in the sun. If you are fair skinned, you should use a
sunscreen with a higher SPF rating such as SPF 30.
The letters SPF stand for sun protection factor, and
the number rating tells you how much longer you can
stay in the sun without getting sunburned. So if you
normally burn after 20 minutes and you put on a
sunscreen with an SPF rating of 15, this sunscreen
may give you 15 timess the protection. That's 15 times
20 minutes, or 300 minutes (5 hours).But this isn’t
always true, so reapply sunscreen at least every 2
hours, just to be safe. Do this more often if you've
been swimming or sweating a lot - even if the
sunscreen is waterproof.
oof. And remember that you can
get sunburned more quickly when you're swimming
or boating because the reflection from the water
intensifies the sun's rays.
Be sure to put sunscreen all over your body. This
includes some places you might not think of, like the
tops of your ears, the back of your neck, the part in
your hair, your face, and the tops of your feet. If you
want to block the sun's rays, wear clothing that you
can't see your hand through. You may still get burned
through sheerer fabrics. Wear a baseball
seball cap or other
fun hat to block your face from the sun.
Don't forget that your eyes need protection from
ultraviolet rays, too. Always wear sunglasses in the
bright sun, and make sure they have a label saying
that they block UV rays.
Drink Up!
Drinking water is an important part of staying
healthy, especially when it's hot outside. When
Talking Toddlers
Articles Submitted By- Brandie Bowman
Tantrums
Why 2-year-olds
olds throw tantrums
A temper tantrum is the emotional equivalent of a
summer storm — sudden and
nd sometimes fierce, but
often over as quickly as it starts. One minute you
and your child are enjoying your dinner in a
restaurant, the next she's whimpering, whining, and
then screaming to go home. Two-year-olds
Two
are
especially prone to such episodes.
Though
ough you may worry that you're raising a tyrant,
take heart — at this age, it's unlikely that your child
is throwing a fit to be manipulative. More likely,
she's having a meltdown in response to frustration.
Often, your 2-year-old's
old's language skills — or lack
thereof — are to blame. "Two-year-olds
"Two
are
beginning to understand more and more of the
words they hear, yet their ability to articulate their
feelings and needs is limited," says Claire B. Kopp,
professor of applied developmental psychology at
California's
ia's Claremont Graduate University. As a
result, frustration builds when your child can't
express how she feels.
What to do when your 2-year
year-old pitches a fit
Don't lose your cool. A tantrum isn't a pretty sight.
In addition to kicking, screaming, or pounding
po
the
floor, your child's repertoire may include throwing
things, hitting, and even holding her breath until she
turns blue (don't worry; she'll eventually come up
for air). When your child is swept up in a tantrum,
she's unable to listen to reason, though
t
she will
respond — negatively — to your yelling or
threatening.
Stomping out of the room — tempting as that may
be — can make your child feel abandoned. The
storm of emotion she's feeling can be frightening to
her, and she needs to know you're nearby.
nearby Rather
than leave her thrashing on the floor, go to her. If
she's not flailing too much, pick her up and hold her.
Chances are she'll find your embrace comforting,
and will calm down more quickly.
Remember that you're the adult.
adult No matter how
long the tantrum
antrum goes on, don't give in to
unreasonable demands or negotiate with your
screaming child. It's especially tempting in public to
cave in as a way of ending the episode. Try not to
worry about what others think — anyone
Continued on Page 9
Page 4 |July 08
Sharing the Season
Preschool Piece
Continued from page 4
you're sweating, you lose water that your body needs to
work properly. And if you're playing a sport or running
around in the sun, you lose even more water, because you
sweat that much more.
So drink up and don't wait until you're thirsty - drinking
before you feel thirsty helps keep the water level in your
body from dropping too low when it's hot or you're
sweating a lot with exercise. If you forget and suddenly
feel thirsty, start drinking then. There are lots of cool
coollooking water bottles around, so get one you really like,
fill it up, and drink up!
Got That Hot Feeling?
If you're out in the hot sun, or you're exercising on a hot
day, it's easy to get heat exhaustion.. Kids get heat
exhaustion when their bodies can't cool themselves fast
enough. A kid with heat exhaustion might feel
overheated, tired, and weak.
Heat exhaustion can come on suddenly. A person may
just collapse when playing soccer or tennis, for example.
It can leave a person feeling really tired for day
days after it
happens.
Heat stroke is a more serious heat-related
related illness and can
cause a person to stop sweating, to have red, hot skin,
and to have a high temperature. The person might
become uncoordinated, confused, or even lose
consciousness. It requires emergency medical attention.
Be sure to tell an adult if you're hot and you have a
headache or feel dizzy or nauseous (like you're going to
throw up). The grown-up
up will want to get you out of the
sun, give you liquids to drink, and take you to a doctor, if
necessary.
The good news is that the sun doesn't have to be your
enemy if you wear your sunscreen, drink your water, and
take breaks when you start to feel too hot. And don't
forget your sunglasses. Not only do they protect your
eyes from the sun, they make
ke you look so cool!
Article Submitted By- Brandie Bowman
PRESCHOOLERS AND SHARING
"You can't have it!" your preschooler shouts as he
grabs his toy truck from his playmate. No sooner
have you smoothed out that squabble than another
erupts. "No!" he yells as his visitor heads toward his
rock collection. Why doesn't your child know how to
share?
Well, he knows;; he just isn't very consistent about
doing it. Your preschooler may spend hours a day
playing with other children, he can take turns in
games, and he's less self-centered
centered than he
h was a year
or two ago. But he's still impulsive and doesn't have a
very good grasp of time, so waiting while his
playmate takes a turn with a coveted toy is trying for
him. "Preschoolers are just learning that it feels good
to give and that it's fun to share
s
with friends," says
Roni Leiderman, associate dean of the Family Center
at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale,
Fla. You can sow the seeds of sharing by encouraging
these displays of generosity and by gently
discouraging your child's less-charitable
less
impulses.
Make sharing fun. Teach your preschooler
cooperative games in which players work together
toward a common goal. Do puzzles together, taking
turns adding pieces, for instance. Share projects, too:
Plant the garden, paint the fence, or hose down the
car with him. Finally, give him things to share with
his buddies now and then, like a special snack for
preschool or a roll of stickers to divvy up during a
playdate.
Don't punish stinginess. If you tell your preschooler
that he's selfish, discipline
iscipline him when he doesn't
share, or force him to hand over a prized possession,
you'll foster resentment, not generosity. "To
encourage sharing, use positive reinforcement rather
than admonishment," Leiderman says.
Continued on page 14
Source: www. http://kidshealth.org
Section continued on page 13
Page 5 |July 08
Parent to Parent
What Healthy Families Are Saying About Early Intervention:
“My son has been in EIP for a year and a half. He receives physical and speech therapy and gross motor. I see a great
improvement in his speech and gross motor since therapy. I am grateful for all the help we have received. Thank you so
much.’
-Aimee, parent of DeAngela age 13, Andrew age 3 & Lacey age 17 months
“In the summer when trying to get services started it was very difficult to get a call back. The testing process could have
been more organized but now that my son is receiving services I am very happy with them. The information they provide
me with is very helpful.”
-Stacy, parent of Roger age 3, Christopher age 2 & Peter age 9 months
“I’ve had EIP for three of my four children and it has always been a good experience. Some of the staff members are
better at their jobs than others but my kids have always enjoyed who they’ve worked with.”
-Amanda, parent of Kelsey age 4
“My daughter is difficult to deal with. I’m glad she is getting EIP because I am learning about her disability so that I can
help her and feel better about being a parent to her.”
-Amanda, parent of Samira age 3
83.3% of responding families participating
in Early Intervention Services report that
the services have helped them help their
child develop and learn.
-NYS Early Intervention Annual Report (2006)
Thank you to all the parents
who responded to this season’s
topic. Be on the lookout for our
next feature topic. If you want
to suggest a topic please share it
with your worker!
This section of the newsletter is for parents of Healthy Families to share with one another a poem, letter, recipe, or
a question that you may want answered from other parents. Please speak to your Family Support Worker, or send
newsletter submissions to Healthy Families of Rensselaer County at 2215 Burdett Avenue, Troy, N.Y. 12180. Or
email HFRC@nehealth.com Please note that we will try our best to put as many submissions as possible in each
newsletter, though we may need to edit or save your submission for the next newsletter.
Page 6 |July 08
Health Safety & Development
Article Submitted by: Leslie Robinson
Autism spectrum disorders are a group of disorders in which children show difficulties with
communicating, problem-solving and social skills, and ritualistic and obsessive behaviors. The
spectrum can include autism, Asperger’s syndrome or pervasive developmental disorder. The
severity of the disorder can range from mild to severe. It is called a spectrum disorder because it
affects each child in a different way.
Children with autism have limited language, and some may not speak at all. Sometimes they
have trouble understanding what language is for and can seem out of the communication loop.
They may not grasp nonverbal aspects of communication, such as gesture, facial expression,
tone of voice and eye contact. Their difficulty in reading the emotions, desires and behavior of
others often contributes to awkwardness in social settings.
Autism and Asperger’s syndrome have much in common, but children with autism are more
likely to have intellectual disability and sometimes epilepsy, while children with Asperger's
usually have fewer problems with verbal language.
Pervasive developmental disorder is diagnosed when the child has some signs of either autism or
Asperger’s, but not enough to diagnose either of those conditions.
Living with a child who has trouble recognizing the feelings of others can be very hard on siblings
and parents. Joining a support group or seeking counseling can help families cope with some of
the stress.
Early diagnosis and therapy can help to alleviate some of the difficulties children with autism
spectrum disorders encounter.
The following professionals can help with diagnosis and treatment: pediatrician, child
psychiatrist, audiologist, developmental psychologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist,
speech pathologist and specialist teacher.
Source: http://raisingchildren.net.au
Page 7 |July 08
Dad Detail
Section Submitted By- Leslie Robinson & Donnamarie Martocci
The Power of Knowing Your Child’s Needs
WRITTEN BY THE DADS @ FATHERS.COM
How well do you know your child's devel
developmental
opmental needs? A recent study at the University of Rochester
discovered that about one-third
third (31.2%) of parents of 9
9-month-olds
olds are "clueless" about child development
milestones, such as when babies talk, learn right from wrong, or can be potty trained. Some
S
moms and dads
have unrealistic expectations for their children’s physical, social or emotional growth, and become frustrated.
Others underestimate those abilities and prevent them from learning on their own.
Nearly all of the parents surveyed were moms
moms,, and based on our experiences and research, it’s reasonable
to assume that a significantly higher percentage of fathers are uninformed about their children’s
development—perhaps half to two-thirds.
thirds.
All dads, in any stage or level of experience, would do w
well
ell to recognize the importance of being aware of
their children’s developmental milestones, as well as their unique interests, needs, dreams and challenges.
This knowledge, or "insight," is a big part of the Championship Fathering fundamental of Coaching—the
Coaching
lifelong process of shaping, mentoring and empowering a child as he or she moves toward adulthood.
The researchers concluded that low-level
level knowledge of child development predicted two things in the
parents: 1) they are less likely to enjoy healthy interactions with their infants during learning tasks, and 2)
they are less likely to engage their children in regular enrichment activities. If we are more aware of our
children's developmental needs and abilities, we
we'll
'll be more motivated to encourage them in learning
activities and more likely to enjoy that time together. Additionally, insight will bring confidence to our
fathering. When we are aware of what our children really need, we can be confident that our actions
actio are
making a difference—building
building them up, encouraging them, helping them overcome difficulties, etc.
Whether your child is an infant, finishing kindergarten, entering the teen years or getting married, utilize
insights on your child's development to yo
your advantage—and his. Gain more insight about your child’s stage
of development.
A truly rich man is one whose children run
into his arms when his hands are empty.
~Author Unknown
Continued on pg. 11
"The love of a father is one of
nature's greatest masterpieces."
~ Author Unknown
Page 8 |July 08
Talking Toddlers
Bargain Bin
Articles Submitted By- Brandie Bowman
Submitted by: Syreeta Garbarini
Continued from page 4
who's a parent has been there before. By conceding,
you'll only be teaching your child that pitching a fit is
the way to get what she wants, and setting the stage for
future behavior problems.
.
Whatever your financial situation, CCCS can help you make it
better. With a certified counselor, you will review your
income, expenses and debt, and create a plan to achieve
If your 2-year-old's
old's outburst escalates to the point
where she's hitting people or pets, throwing things, or
screaming nonstop, pick her up and carry her to a safe
place, such as her bedroom, where she can't harm
herself. Tell her why she's there ("because you hit your
you
sister"), and let her know that you'll stay with her until
she calms down. If you're in a public place — a
common breeding ground for tantrums — be prepared
to leave with your child until she gets a grip.
your financial goals. You will receive tips on managing your
money, and options for handing financial crises.
Services Include:
Credit Budget Counseling
Bankruptcy Counseling
HUD-Approved Housing Counseling
Credit Report Review
Call the office orr ask your family support worker for more
details.
ALBANY
2 Computer Drive West
Albany, NY 12205
(518) 482-2227
Fax (518) 482-2296
Talk it over afterward. When the storm subsides,
subsides
hold your child close and talk about what happened.
Acknowledge her frustration, and help her put her
feelings into words, saying something like, "You were
very angry because your food wasn't the way you
wanted it," Kopp suggests. Let her see that once she
s
expresses herself in words, she'll get better results. Say
with a smile, "I'm sorry I didn't understand you. Now
that you're not screaming, I can find out what you
want."
Watch for signs of overstress. Though daily tantrums
are a perfectly normal part of
o the terrible twos, you do
need to keep an eye out for possible problems brewing.
Has there been upheaval in the family? An extremely
busy or harried period? Tension between you and your
partner? All of these can provoke tantrums. If after the
age of 2 1/2
2 your child is still having major tantrums
every day, talk to her pediatrician. If she's younger than
2 1/2 but has three or four tantrums a day and isn't
cooperating with any routines, such as getting dressed
or picking up toys, you also may want to seek help. The
pediatrician can make sure that a physical or
psychological condition isn't contributing to the
problem, and suggest ways to deal with the outbursts.
Source: www.parentcenter.com
Page 9 |July 08
How Humorous
Article Submitted By- Mary Ann Jones
What I Didn't Know Until I Had Kids
How many seconds it takes to microwave 4 fish
sticks perfectly.
Who John Jacob Jingle Heimershmitt is.
How to change a diaper in the dark, in a parked
car, on a standing child and all of the above
simultaneously.
Which lines of The Cat in the Hat and If I Ran the
Circus can be skipped over without a child noticing.
How bright a 3 a.m. full moon is.
The design marvels of hooded towels, Velcro-strap
shoes and mitten clips.
Locations of public restrooms all across town.
Why anyone would bother retracing their steps for
miles just to retrieve a lost blankie.
That tigers live in the trees in our backyard.
The amazing technicolor variety of infant stool.
How to open a van door while bobbling 2 lunch
boxes, two extra coats, a purse, a diaper bag and a
baby.
How little sleep a human body truly needs to
function.
Almost every Disney lyric ever penned.
How to spell amoxicillin, let alone say it.
That one can never own too many sippy cup lids or
refrigerator magnets.
Scientific names of dinosaurs from A to Z.
That reverse psychology really works.
The recipe for a homemade version of Play-doh.
The distinctive sounds of Cheerios crunching
underfoot.
How far you can dilute juice and still retain it's
taste.
Sesame Street's air time.
That the more my kids learn, the less I seem to
know.
The blessedness of naps, the inviolate importance
of routines.
And the one I wanted to add ... How much you
could love one human being!
Source: http://www.lovethosekids.com
Children’s Comedy
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Abbott!
Abbott who?
Abbott time you answered the door!
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Al!
Al who?
Al give you a kiss if you open this door!
Toddler Property Rules:
If I like it, it’s mine.
If it’s in my hand, it’s mine.
If I can take it from you, it’s mine.
If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine.
If it’s mine, it must never appear to be yours in any
way.
If I’m doing or building something, all the pieces are
mine.
If it looks just like mine, it’s mine.
If I think it’s mine, it’s mine.
Source: http://www.lovethosekids.com
Page 10 |July 08
Kids in the Kitchen
Recipe Submitted By- Syreeta Garbarini
Hamburger Cookies
Ingredients:
• vanilla wafers
• icing
• food coloring
• chocolate mint
Directions:
Let the kids assemble these themselves. It's
loads of fun!
Take two vanilla wafers (the bun). Squeeze a
bit of yellow icing (mustard) on one wafer and
red icing (ketchup) on the other wafer.
Put a chocolate covered
d mint on the ketchup
wafer and top with the mustard wafer.
Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles
Ingredients:
• 2 cups fresh (chopped) or frozen strawberries
• 2 cups low fat vanilla yogurt
• 12 small paper cups
• 12 wooden sticks
Directions:
Combine strawberries
trawberries and yogurt. Mix well.
Fill cups with mixture. Cover cups with plastic
wrap or tin foil.
Insert a stick through the plastic wrap or tin
foil.
Freeze popsicles until firm.
Gently tear away paper cup from frozen
yogurt popsicle before eating.
Makes 12 popsicles
Source: www.dltk-kids.com
Spanish Section
Article Submitted By- Nelly Massanet
Los dos principales riesgos que pueden entrañan la mayoría
de picaduras o mordeduras de insecto son las reacciones
alérgicas (que en ocasiones
es pueden poner en peligro la vida
del afectado) y las infecciones (más probables y menos
graves).
Qué hacer:
Picaduras de abeja, avispa y avispón
• Las abejas, cuando pican, dejan un aguijón adherido a
una bolsita llena de veneno. Intente extraer el aguijón
aguij
lo antes posible. Una forma de hacerlo es frotarlo
suavemente con un objeto de borde romo, como una
tarjeta de crédito o un cuchillo sin afilar.
• Lave con cuidado el área afectada utilizando agua y
jabón. Hágalo dos o tres veces al día hasta que se haya
curado la piel.
• Aplique una bolsa de hielo envuelta en un paño o una
toallita húmeda y fría sobre la zona afectada durante
unos minutos.
• Déle a su hijo paracetamol para mitigar el dolor.
• Para el dolor y el picor, déle a su hijo un
antihistamínico administrado
istrado por vía oral si lo
aprueba el pediatra; siga al pie de la letra las
instrucciones de dosificación teniendo en cuenta la
edad y el peso del niño. También puede aplicar una
crema que contenga corticosteroides o una loción de
calamina en el área de la picadura.
•
Una picadura en cualquier lugar de la boca requiere
atención médica inmediata. Esto obedece a que las
picaduras en las mucosas de la boca pueden provocar
una inflamación importante que puede obstruir las vías
respiratorias. Usted debería solicitar
solici
atención médica si,
tras la picadura, su hijo desarrolla una erupción que
afecta a un área considerable de la piel o una
inflamación importante en la zona de la picadura o si el
dolor o la inflamación persisten durante más de 72
horas. Debería solicitarr atención médica urgente si
percibe cualquiera de los siguientes signos, que pueden
indicar una reacción alérgica grave que podría poner en
peligro la vida del niño:
estridor, respiración sibilante o dificultad para
respirar
opresión de pecho o garganta
hinchazón de labios
mareo o desmayo
náuseas o vómitos
Continua en la pg. 12
Page 11 |July 08
Dad Detail
Spanish Section
Section continued from pg. 7
Article Submitted By- Nelly Massanet
Picaduras de garrapata
Después de pasar la jornada o una parte de ella en un
área boscosa, inspeccione atentamente el cuerpo de
Talk with your children’s mother about
what new developments each of you is
noticing in your child—and
and ways you ca
can
get involved to help encourage, protect,
etc.
Make sure your little one is very familiar
with you as well—your
your face, your touch,
your voice, etc.
Are you expecting something of your child
that she can’t handle? Or expecting too
little
le of her? Get feedback from someone
else who knows your child well.
Listen carefully for small differences in
your baby’s cries. Is he telling you he’s
uncomfortable? Hungry? Tired?
Source: www.fathers.com
"To her the name of father was another name for love.” - Fanny Fern
sus mascotas y de sus hijos en busca garrapatas.
garrapata Las
garrapatas más comunes son las de los perros y las
de los ciervos (estas últimas pueden trasmitir la
enfermedad de Lyme).
Si detecta una garrapata en su hijo:
Llame al pediatra. Tal vez le pida que guarde
la garrapata después de extraérsela (puede
introducirla en un recipiente de cristal lleno
de alcohol para matarla y conservarla).
Utilice pinzas para apresarle firmemente la
cabeza o la boca cerca de la piel del niño.
Tire firme ininterrumpidamente de la
garrapata hasta que se desprenda de la piel
pie
del niño, luego pase un trocito de algodón con
alcohol por el área de la picadura.
No utilice vaselina ni encienda cerillas para
matar y extraer la garrapata.
Source: www.kidshealth.org
One of Our Annual Healthy Family Pic
Picnics!
nics!
.96
Join us on Thursday August 7 from
2:30-:4
:4:30 for the Southern
Rensselaer Family Picnic at River
Front Park!
Page 12 |July 08
Sharing the Season
Healthy Family Happenings
Section continued from page 4
Bug bites and stings usually are just nuisances. They bring momentary
alarm, temporary discomfort and pain, but no serious or lasting health
problems. But on occasion, they can cause infections that require
treatment and allergic reactions that can be serious, even fatal.
Parents should know the signs off an infection or allergic reaction, and
when to get medical attention. Inform all caregivers if a child has any
history of complications so they know what to do in the event of a bug
bite or sting.
Bee and Wasp Stings
• A bee will leave behind a stinger attached
ached to a venom sac. Try
to remove it as quickly as possible. (Wasps don't leave their
stingers in the skin after stinging, which means they can sting
more than once.)
• Wash the area carefully with soap and water. Do this two to
three times a day until thee skin is healed.
• Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth or a cold, wet washcloth
for a few minutes.
• For pain and itching, give an over-the
the-counter oral
antihistamine if your child's doctor says it's OK; follow dosage
instructions for your child's age and weight. You could also
apply a corticosteroid cream or calamine lotion to the sting
area.
• A sting anywhere in the mouth warrants immediate medical
attention because stings in oral mucous membranes can
quickly cause severe swelling that may block airways.
• Seek medical care if you notice a large skin rash or swelling
around the sting site, or if swelling or pain persists for more
than 3 days, which could indicate an infection.
• Get medical help right away if you notice any of the following
signs, which may indicate a serious or potentially life
lifethreatening allergic reaction:
wheezing or difficulty breathing
tightness in throat or chest
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
Family Story Time
Lansingburgh Library
114th Street & 4th Avenue, 12182
Call 274-7071
7071 for details.
Collar City Live (Family)
Wednesdays at Noon
265 River Street
Call 859-3047
3047 for details
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Times Union African American Family
Day
12-6
6 p.m. Empire State Plaza
Call 474-5987
5987 for details
Saturday
urday August 23, 2008
Albany Latin Fest 2008
11-6
6 p.m. Washington Park
Friday & Saturday September 5-6,
5 2008
Town
own of East Greenbush
rd
3 Annual Community Celebration
Sunday September 7, 2008
Uncle Sam Parade & Celebration
th
th
Starts at 125 and 5
Call 235-0615
0615 for details.
Saturday & Sunday September 20-21,
20
2008
Knickerbocker Harvest Festival
8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Hemstreet
Hemstr
Park
Call 677-3807
3807 or 692-2374
692
dizziness or fainting
nausea or vomiting
Tick Bites
Check kids and pets for tickss carefully after you've been in or around a
wooded area. Common types of ticks include dog ticks and deer ticks
(deer ticks may be carriers of Lyme disease).
If you find a tick on your child:
• Call your doctor, who may want you to save the tick after
removal
al (you can put it in a jar of alcohol to kill it).
• Use tweezers to grasp the tick firmly at its head or mouth, next
to the skin.
• Pull firmly and steadily on the tick until it lets go, then swab
the bite site with alcohol.
• Don't use petroleum jelly or a lit match
atch to kill and remove a
tick.
Source: www.kidshealth.org
Sunday September 21, 2008
th
5 Annual Walk/Run for Autism
Begins at 8 a.m. Central Park
Schenectady
Call (518) 274-1279
274
for details or ask your
Family Support Worker.
Worker
Page 13 |July 08
Preschool Piece
Article Submitted By- Brandie Bowman
Healthy Families of Rensselaer County
2008 Graduates!
Keep in mind, too, that it's okay for your
preschooler to hold back certain items.
Talk it up. When kids squabble over toys, help
them figure out what's really going on. If a friend is
holding something back, explain to your child how
his buddy might be feeling. For instance:
tance: "Josh
really likes that toy, and he doesn't want anyone to
play with it right now." Help your preschooler put
his own feelings into words too.
Teach your preschooler to problem-solve.
solve. If
your child has a death grip on a toy truck that his
playmate wants, chances are he's thinking, "It's
either him or me." The concept of sharing the truck
may not even have occurred to him. Encourage
your preschooler to take turns with the truck
(setting a kitchen timer to mark each child's turn
may help), reassure him
im that sharing isn't the same
as giving away, and point out that if he shares his
toys with friends, they'll be more inclined to share
theirs with him.
Set the stage. Before a playdate, ask your
preschooler if there's anything he'd rather not
share, and help him find a good place to keep those
special toys. Then ask him to think of some things
that would be fun for him and his visitor to play
with together, such as toy walkie-talkies,
talkies, art and
craft supplies, building blocks, and sports
equipment. That willl put him in a sharing frame of
mind when his guest arrives. Ask his pal to bring
along a toy or two of his own as well, since your
preschooler may be more generous if he's not the
only one doing the giving.
Lead by example. The best way for your
ler to learn generosity is to witness it. So
preschooler
share your ice cream with him. Offer him your scarf
to fashion into a superhero's cape, and ask if you
can try on his new cap. Use the word share to
describe what you're doing, and don't forget to
teach him that intangibles (like feelings, ideas, and
stories) can be shared too. Most important, let him
see you give and take, compromise, and share with
others.
Source: www.parentcenter.com
Page 14 |July 08
Sharing the Season
Articles Submitted By- Cheryl Kremer
Swimming
Swimming is a lot of fun, but drowning is a real danger. Drowning is the second most common cause of death from injuries
among kids under the age of 14. Drowning can happen so fast — sometimes in less than 2 minutes after a person's head
goes under the water. That leaves very little time for someone to help. Many drownings and near-drownings occur when a
kid accidentally falls into a swimming pool. But accidents can happen anywhere — at someone's home or even at your own
house, and that's why it’s smart to know how to be safe around water.
Swimming Pools
Pools are awesome! Have you seen those big numbers painted on the side of the pool? Those are called depth markers —
they tell you how deep the water is at that point. You should always look before you jump into a pool. You should also only
dive off the diving board. Never dive off the side of the pool unless an adult says that the water is deep enough. The water
may be shallower than you think. If you hit the bottom . . . ouch! You might get knocked out or you could hurt your neck
very badly.Test the pool's water temperature before you plunge in. Cold water can shock your body and make your blood
pressure and heart rate go up. You might accidentally open your mouth to yell and accidentally breathe in some water. Cold
water can also slow your muscles, making it hard to swim.
Here's some other good advice for the pool:
Always have an adult watch you when you are in the pool — even in your own backyard. Never go in the pool if
there is no adult around.
Gates are around pools for a reason — to keep kids away from the water when there isn't a lifeguard or adult
around to watch them. Never go through any pool gates when they are closed. Stay safe and stay out!
Always obey pool rules.
Swim with a buddy.
Walk slowly in the pool area. Don't run.
Swim at a depth that is safe for you. If you're just learning to swim, stay in the shallow end.
Don't push or jump on others. You could accidentally hurt someone or yourself.
Toys to help you float come in many shapes and sizes (an inner tube, air mattress, or beach ball, for example).
Although they are fun and can help you while you learn to swim, what they can't do is save a life. They're toys that
can lose air or float away.
Don't chew gum or eat while you swim — you could choke.
Lakes and Ponds
Lots of kids swim in streams, lakes, or ponds. Extra care must be taken when swimming in these beautiful places. You can't
always see the bottom of the lake or pond, so you don't always know the depth of the water. This is an additional reason to
always swim with an adult. Although the fish swimming around won't hurt you, some ponds and lakes may hide jagged
rocks, broken bottles, or trash. Wear something to protect your feet. Also, watch out for weeds and grass, which can trap
even a good swimmer. If you panic and try to yank yourself free, you may get even more tangled. Instead, shake and pull
your arms and legs slowly to work yourself loose or call for an adult's help. If you're going out on a boat, always wear a life
jacket. (Again, the life jacket should be Coast Guard approved.) Even if you are a good swimmer, something could cause the
boat to tip over and you could be trapped underneath. Here are some other good water safety tips:
Learn to swim. Ask your parents to contact your local American Red Cross or community center for information on
boating or water safety courses.
Always put on plenty of sunscreen before you go outside. It's also a good idea to wear sunglasses and a hat to
protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
Stop swimming or boating as soon as you see or hear a storm. Remember, lightning is electricity — electricity and
water are a dangerous combination.
Don't swim in the dark.
Wherever you're swimming, do have a waterfall of fun!
Source: ww.kidshealth.org
Page 15 |July 08
Where We Are:
Samaritan Hospital
1528 Columbia Turnpike
2215 Burdett Avenue
Castleton, NY 12034
4th Floor South
(518) 472
472-9821
Troy, NY 12180
518) 472
472-9822 fax
Advisory Board Members
Steven Davis, Owner
Ecolibrium, LLC
Syreeta Garbarini,, Assistant Director
Healthy Families of Rensselaer County
Susan Hayes, Outpatient Therapist
Conifer Park
(518) 274-1279
Pam LaBuda, Wellness Coordinator
Rensselaer County Department of Health
(518) 271-7219 fax
Please call for more information on our program.
Debbie Lajeunesse, Director of Maternity
Samaritan Hospital Family Birth Center
Lisa Lajeunesse
Rensselaer County Department of Social Services
Katherine Maciol, Commissioner
Rensselaer County Department of Mental Health
A Program
m of Healthy Families New York
Anthony Malone, Pediatrician
Developmental Pediatrics
Donnamarie Martocci,, Executive Director
Healthy Families of Rensselaer County
Michael O’Neill, Psychologist
Stratton VA Medical Center
Milinda Reed, Director
Unity House Domestic Violence Services
Officiall Referral Partnership Members:
Lisa Smith, Director
Cornell Cooperative of Rensselaer County
Sexual Assault and Crime Victims Assistance Program
Family Birthing Center at Samaritan
Margaret Stein, Office & Programs Coordinator
Albany Pine Bush Preserve
eserve Commission
MOMS Program
Gerald Vogt, Lieutenant
City of Troy Fire Department
Rensselaer County Child Protective Service
Troy OB & Associates- Gold Star Partner
Unity House of Troy
Mary Fran Wachunas,, Public Health Director & Early
Intervention Official Rensselaer County Department
of Health
Richard Zazycki, Executive Director
Circles of Mercy, Inc
THANK YOU
If you would like to learn more about the partnership, schedule a quick
in-service training by calling or emailing us!
Page 16 |July 08