We’re thrilled to bring you our first issue of the new year, where you’ll dive into articles on topics such as what it’s like to parent young kids when you’ve just been diagnosed with cancer, how to use astrology and play as guideposts through the parenting journey and finding a sense of whimsy and surprise in our everyday routines.
We asked the experts on how to start journaling and the immense emotional benefits of simply putting our thoughts down on paper. Plus, a new art studio where making a mess is part of the fun, a delicious Italian dish from a local chef, our editor’s top calendar picks and much more.
Allow these voices to steady you as you kick off another year of parenting. May your 2024 be filled with joy and new adventures.
Asthma and Winter: A Q & A with Irina Dralyuk, MD, Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s
As the seasons transition from warm fall nights to cool and wintry evenings, children with asthma often experience a rise in wheezing or chest tightness, because weather changes and cold temperatures are often asthma triggers.
And for approximately 4.2 million children coping with asthma or other respiratory conditions, seasonal weather changes can pose severe, persistent, and potentially life-threatening risks. According to the National Institutes of Health, asthma is the most prevalent chronic childhood disease.
Irina Dralyuk, MD, a pediatric pulmonologist at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, emphasizes the importance of controlling asthma in children through all seasons, as poorly managed cases can lead to serious complications.
“Every asthmatic will have their own sets of triggers,” said Dralyuk. “For some kids, it could be changes in the weather, allergies or dust, while others may be more sensitive to viral episodes like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or influenza that can lead to an exacerbation of their asthma.”
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition affecting individuals of all ages, characterized by a recurring pattern of respiratory symptoms. These symptoms can vary in frequency, severity, and duration, and they differ from one patient to another. At its core, asthma involves heightened airway sensitivity to specific triggers, leading to a pronounced response known as bronchospasm. This heightened response can manifest as symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, albeit in unique combinations for everyone.
What are the signs of asthma in children?
You may observe a child who coughs in specific situations, experiences wheezing, or develops shortness of breath. These situations can include weather changes; cold temperatures; vigorous physical activity; exposure to dust, strong odors, certain animals; excitement; or emotional responses. Suddenly, you may notice the onset of respiratory issues in such scenarios.
What treatment options are best for children with asthma?
Treatment options for asthma vary based on the condition’s severity and insurance coverage. There are several approaches available, with two primary categories: rescue medications and controller medications. These represent the initial steps in managing asthma.
In cases of acute symptoms, where there’s bronchoconstriction or airway tightening, we turn to a class of drugs known as bronchodilators. One well-known medication in this category is albuterol. It acts swiftly, providing rapid relief during asthma attacks or acute symptoms. Albuterol’s effects are short-lived, but it effectively opens up the airways by targeting the smooth muscles. During emergency room visits, albuterol is often administered to children, either through a nebulizer or an inhaler.
For individuals with exercise-induced bronchospasm, bronchodilators like albuterol can be beneficial before physical activity. However, as a more comprehensive management approach, inhaled corticosteroids play a vital role. They serve as the cornerstone of asthma treatment for individuals with mild, moderate, or severe asthma.
Can my child play sports, exercise or participate in recess if they have asthma?
I want to emphasize that asthma should not deter individuals from engaging in physical activity; however, it’s crucial that they exercise comfortably and safely. If they experience breathing difficulties during physical activities, they should stop immediately.
It’s essential for schools to be aware of students’ asthma conditions. Physicians can provide documentation for this purpose, ensuring that the school is informed. If a young student cannot self-administer medication, school staff should be trained in its proper use.
It’s vital that schools avoid pushing asthmatic students through their symptoms. There’s a misconception that they should “push harder,” but for asthmatics, it’s essential to stop, catch their breath, take their prescribed medication, and restore their breathing capacity before resuming physical activities.
Our goal is for students to be active and participate in sports once their asthma is well-controlled. For students with symptoms during physical activities, we advise taking albuterol 15 minutes before the activity, with teachers and coaches aware of this plan. If symptoms persist during practice, students should know they can take a second dose as needed.
How can parents support children with asthma at home?
There are several steps you can take at home to manage your child’s asthma effectively. A knowledgeable healthcare provider, whether a general pediatrician or a pulmonologist, can assist parents in this endeavor to minimize the need for emergency room visits and prevent severe asthma episodes. The primary goal is to maintain optimal asthma control.
First and foremost, ensure that your child is following the appropriate maintenance medication regimen. This step is crucial, especially for children with severe, persistent asthma. Even with meticulous efforts to manage environmental factors at home, it can be nearly impossible without the right medication.
Some factors, like weather changes and the risk of catching viral colds, cannot be entirely controlled. While good hygiene practices can help reduce the risk, children may still contract colds when attending school. Pollution levels, another uncontrollable factor, can also impact asthma symptoms, especially in places like Los Angeles, which presents unique challenges for asthma management.
While certain factors are beyond our control, it’s essential to emphasize the importance of being on the correct controller medication to maintain baseline inflammation control, tailored to the child’s asthma severity level.
Understanding your child’s asthma triggers is crucial for providing specific assistance.
For example, while weather may not affect one child, dust could be a significant trigger. Therefore, it’s essential to adopt a precise approach to household dusting, such as starting with wet dusting before proceeding with dry dusting. Additionally, regularly replacing air filters and monitoring whether activities like using the air conditioner or heating system worsen the child’s symptoms are important. It’s also necessary to consider the impact of pets in the home—does the child have allergies to specific types of pets, and how severe are these allergies? If the allergies are moderate and manageable, there may still be viable options.
When to seek emergency care?
If a child is breathing rapidly with deep, gasping breaths or exhibiting shallow breathing, and if they’re unable to speak in full sentences, these are all concerning signs that warrant immediate attention. I strongly advise against disregarding these symptoms; it’s crucial to consider them as indicators for seeking emergency medical care. Additionally, while wheezing can be a common asthma symptom, it’s important to recognize that it’s not the only factor to monitor. If you observe a combination of frequent wheezing, persistent coughing, and the child struggling to catch their breath, these signs can collectively signal a serious situation. Waiting until the child appears extremely fatigued is a risky delay; instead, it’s advisable to call 911.
Tips for Moms to Protect their Health
It’s no secret that, as parents, we make our children’s health and wellbeing our main priority. From making sure they’re engaging in healthy eating habits to getting their annual check-ups, most parents will go to any length to stay on top of it all to ensure our children are healthy.
Still, there are some critically important things that we, as parents, should prioritize for our own health and protection against diseases. We recently caught up with Bonnie Hui-Callahan, PharmD, CDCES, who is a pharmacist, mother of four, and member of the Pharmacist Moms group, the largest community of women pharmacists in the U.S., for her perspective.
Q: What are some of the common pitfalls you see when it comes to managing our own health needs as parents?
As a pharmacist and busy mom myself, I talk with moms every day and know firsthand that we can get so caught up in taking care of everyone else, we often forget or neglect ourselves. It’s important to keep in mind that to take care of everyone else, we need to take care of ourselves.
After all, being the healthiest you can be is the best thing you can do for your family and for yourself. Taking the stairs over the elevator; bringing a water bottle with you whenever you step out of the house; stocking frozen fruit and veggies regularly for easy and healthy snacking; and setting a phone reminder to schedule that next check-up are just a few ways we can incorporate healthy habits into our busy lives.
In a recent survey, 72% of moms admitted they don’t always keep up with their routine healthcare including staying up to date on their vaccinations.i Like eating healthy foods, exercising, and getting regular check-ups, vaccines play a vital role in keeping you healthy. In fact, vaccines are one of the most convenient and safest preventive care measures available.
Q: There has been a lot of talk about vaccines in the past few years. What updates should parents know?
It’s true that many people are familiar with vaccines to protect against COVID-19, Flu, Shingles, Tdap, and Pneumonia. But what you may not know is that the CDC recently updated its adult vaccination recommendation and now recommends that adults aged 19-59* be vaccinated against hepatitis B as wellii. This is because rates of hepatitis B infections are on the rise and are highest among people 30-59 years of age.iii, iv, v
Being up to date on vaccinations can make the difference between staying healthy and dealing with potentially life-threatening illness. Statistics show that approximately 296 million people globally are living with hepatitis B.vi It’s important to note that there is no cure for hepatitis B, so prevention is essential. Hepatitis B is an incurable liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. When the virus attacks the liver, the resulting health complications can be lifelong or even deadly.
Q: How can parents know if they are already protected against hepatitis B – or if they need to catch up to their kids’ vaccination status?
Beginning in 1991, it became standard of care for infants to be vaccinated against hepatitis B at birth. In fact, it’s the first vaccine most infants receive before they leave the hospital.iii, iv However, for adults born before 1991, many are likely not protected.
That’s why it’s important for parents to prioritize their health by getting caught up on their hepatitis B vaccination status to make sure they are caught up with their kids.
There are different options for hepatitis B vaccinations, but only one protects adults with just two doses in one month—HEPLISAV-B [Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombinant), Adjuvanted].vii While other adult hepatitis B vaccines require at least 3 doses and take 6 months to complete, with two dose, one month HEPLISAV-B, you can prioritize your health without an extra trip to the pharmacy, which we can all agree is ideal for a busy parent’s lifestyle. ii, vii, viii, ix
Q: Where can people go to learn more?
Don’t wait to get protected. Get caught up on your hepatitis B vaccine status today by going to your local pharmacy.
To learn more about two dose, one month HEPLISAV-B vii and to find a pharmacist near you who can provide HEPLISAV-B visit https://www.heplisavb.com/pharmacy-finder/
INDICATION
HEPLISAV-B is indicated for the prevention of infection caused by the hepatitis B virus in adults 18 years of age and older.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
If you have a history of severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of any hepatitis B vaccine, or to any ingredient of HEPLISAV-B, including yeast, do not take HEPLISAV-B.
HEPLISAV-B must be given by a medical professional, who will monitor you afterwards to check for allergic reaction.
If you are immunocompromised, or receiving immunosuppressant therapy, you may have less of an immune response to HEPLISAV-B.
Some people have hepatitis B infection without being aware of it or showing any symptoms. If you already have hepatitis B present in your body, HEPLISAV-B may not prevent hepatitis B infection.
The most common side effects reported by patients within 7 days of vaccination with HEPLISAV-B were pain at the site of injection (23%-39%), tiredness (11%-17%), and headache (8%-17%).
Please see full Prescribing Information.
* The CDC recommends hepatitis B vaccination for all adults ages 19-59 years old, as well as adults older than 60 with risk factors for hepatitis B. Anyone 60 years or older who does not meet risk-based recommendations may still receive hepatitis B vaccination.ii
i Wakefield Research Survey conducted in March 2022 of 1,000 mothers, nationwide
ii Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended adult immunization schedule for ages 19 years or older, United States, 2022. Accessed January 26, 2023.
iii Weng MK, Doshani M, Khan MA, et al. Universal hepatitis B vaccination in adults aged 19-59 years: updated recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices—United States, 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2022;71(13):477-483. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7113a1
iv He WQ, Guo GN, Li C. The impact of hepatitis B vaccination in the United States, 1999-2018. Hepatology. 2022;75(6):1566- 1578. doi:10.1002/hep.32265
v Hepatitis B Foundation. Hepatitis B facts and figures. Accessed March 8, 2022. https://www.hepb.org/what-is-hepatitis-b/what-is-hepb/facts-andfigures
vi Estimate based on World Health Organization data from 2019.
vii HEPLISAV-B. Package insert. Dynavax Technologies Corporation; 2020.
viii Engerix-B. Package insert. GlaxoSmithKline; 2021.
ix Dynavax Technologies Corporation. FDA Advisory Committee Briefing Document: HEPLISAV-B™ (Hepatitis B Vaccine [Recombinant], Adjuvanted). Presented at: Meeting of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee; July 28, 2017; Silver Spring, MD.
DYNAVAX and HEPLISAV-B are registered trademarks of Dynavax Technologies Corporation.© 2023. All rights reserved. US-23-00-00121 May 2023
5 Self-Care Items for Your Mother’s Day Wish List
Mother’s Day is a terrific time to pause, celebrate all that you do, and schedule some time for self-care. Our picks for a bit of pampering include a beautiful diaper bag, a lactation massage tool, a book that takes the guilt out of work, a comfy and organic pillow and a mattress you’re sure to enjoy. If you’re looking to treat yourself this time of year, consider these NAPPA award-winning items.
Ask the Experts: Why We Need to Focus on Our Kids’ Heart Health
The path to a healthy heart starts when we’re young, helping to ward off heart disease in adulthood. For tips on how to take care of our children’s hearts, we reached out to Andrew Souza, D.O., a pediatric cardiologist with the Heart Institute and director of the Cardiac Exercise Stress Lab at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
When we think of heart health, we typically think of older adults. Why should we be concerned about our children’s heart health as well?
Health problems do not develop suddenly. It is a collection of unhealthy choices made daily with cumulative effects over decades. Healthy lifestyles are a collection of good habits. These include eating healthy foods in an appropriate quantity and minimizing intake of sugar-sweetened beverages. Optimal habits also include participation in regular exercise. Trying to change routines and maintain new habits later in life is often quite challenging.
What are some common issues you see among kids and teens?
Cardiac symptoms related to complications of obesity are exceedingly rare during childhood, but children with obesity are at risk of developing high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, liver damage, asthma, sleep apnea, joint problems, other musculoskeletal complaints, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. Thankfully, significant cholesterol problems in young children remain uncommon and are generally linked to other diseases. In those cases, we start medication to control LDL (bad cholesterol) levels to prevent heart disease in young adulthood and beyond.
How do food choices and physical activity affect heart health?
The earliest benefits of increased physical activity and/or improved diet can be demonstrated within the first few days to weeks. You can see reduction in blood glucose levels within a few days. Triglyceride levels (part of a standard lipid/cholesterol panel) can also begin to respond within the first week. LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol) will take a couple of months to improve. We commonly see the greatest initial impact in the child’s mood.
How has the pandemic affected eating habits and physical activity?
In the U.S., about 20 percent of children were obese prior to the pandemic, with the highest rates of obesity in Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black children. There was an increase of about three percent (at least two million new children) dealing with obesity after one year in the pandemic. Kids between 6 and 11 years of age were most affected, and those numbers only represent the start of the pandemic. There were multiple factors that impaired families’ ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These factors include local or self-imposed quarantines, with associated inactivity, job and/or home loss affecting food availability and quality and increase in junk food consumption. Many of my patients are still trying to find their way back to their pre-pandemic healthier routines.
Doctors often say, “eat healthy.” Please give us specific examples of what “healthy” means.
A healthy diet can mean different things to different people. I try to be cognizant of the child’s preferences, family culture and budgetary concerns. The focus should be on eating foods that contain vitamins, minerals and other healthy components.
Vegetables and whole fruits should take up half the plate of every meal. Vegetables should be varied as much as possible. Eat whole grains over refined grains (specific cereals, breads and brown rice vs. white rice and pastas). Cook your own meals and use olive oil over other oils when possible.
One of the most impactful things to limit is the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. For those who like to indulge in chips/crackers/cheese snacks from a large bag while relaxing or watching TV, I encourage families to divide the large bags into multiple snack-sized bags as soon as they get home from the grocery store. Using this technique, kids (and parents) do not unknowingly continue to eat more than they intended.
I would direct your readers to myplate.gov and dietaryguidelines.gov for more detailed information. They have excellent resources for understanding the current recommendations regarding optimal diet and portion size.
The last few years provided significant challenges to many children and families. If your child put on weight, the most important thing is to work together to help them. It is exceedingly difficult to improve a child’s lifestyle if the family is not all in together. If the parent does not buy those low-nutrient foods, the child (and parent) generally will not have the opportunity to eat them.
What is a good level of physical activity for kids and teens?
Kids need to find an activity they enjoy. We generally recommend 60 minutes every day with something as easy as walking. At least three days per week should include something more vigorous, such as running or something else that makes the heart beat fast. Ideally, kids would also do a few days per week of muscle-strengthening activities — like climbing on the playground or push-ups — and bone-strengthening activities, such as sports with impact: jumping, running or activities with a change of direction. Children who have been completely inactive will respond best to a slow ramp-up to transition to an active lifestyle. Start by walking for five minutes every day for a week and build from there. They can increase one minute at a time or add more five-minute sessions during the day.
What’s the best advice you can give parents to keep their kids’ hearts healthy from the start?
Be a good example. Do activities together. If you buy groceries together, kids can learn to be engaged in healthy decision making and creating a shopping list to construct a meal. Kids are more likely to try new things if they are involved in the buying and cooking process. Be active together. Go for a walk after dinner, play on the playground together. Be creative!
What health & wellness questions are keeping you up at night? Send your questions to elena.epstein@laparent.com, and we’ll ask the experts.
It’s Time to Thrive
Welcome to our Family Health issue, where we’re starting the new year with a commitment to ourselves and to all those who we love and care for to talk more about mind and body wellness. That means to give ourselves permission to open up when we’re not feeling well, when we’re overwhelmed, depressed and anxious.
Letting go of the need to always “be fine” is a huge step toward wellbeing.
In this issue, we explore ways to talk to our kids about mental health, more effective ways to set boundaries, interacting with gemstones to intentionally slow down and revisiting yoga as a family.
We also have a nourishing seaweed soup from a local L.A. chef and two different types of travel inspiration – a couples getaway to Honolulu and a mother-daughter California coast road trip. As parents, we know that true wellness is not just about our physical health – its mind, body and soul. Let’s make 2023 a year to nurture all of our senses and all the different parts that make us whole.
Happy New Year!
On the Cover
This month’s cover models are Jessica Rosen and her son Max. Rosen is the owner of One Down Dog (onedowndog.com) yoga studio, which has three locations, as well as online classes.
Photographer Jevone Moore photographed Jessica and Max inside One Down Dog in Echo Park. Learn more about his work at fullimage360.com and @fullimage360 on Instagram.
On LAParent.com
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Crystal Clear
Interacting with gemstones is one way we can intentionally slow down and reflect on our physical and emotional needs
I don’t deem myself a religious person, but the part of spirituality I do relate to is the concept of energy. And how to define that? In physics, energy is the capacity to perform an activity. As overworked parents, we complain of low energy while marveling at the boundless energy that seems to seep out of our kids’ pores. This is energy of the day-to-day variety.
When we dip our toes into the waters of spiritual meaning, the word energy is more about a feeling — something we sense inside and around us. I can physically and emotionally understand the power of this kind of energy best when I take a walk in the forest. With the trees towering above me, their needles whispering in the wind, I feel both large and miniscule. A pinpoint in a sprawling universe while also a human whose everyday choices matter. More often than not, a walk in the woods brings me to tears.
Spiritual moments can be inspired by a person, place or thing that deeply resonates with you, and if you have experienced this for yourself, you are likely open to the idea that crystals (gemstones) — minerals made by Mother Earth — can impact your physical and emotional energy. And as modern life gets faster and more furious with every passing year, more of us are looking for ways to hit the brakes in order to enjoy the time we have with our significant others, closest friends and children. If you’re in need of a new strategy to help your kids be introspective stewards of their own lives and the world around them, take them to a crystal shop and see what happens.
“Children nowadays are magical little beings,” says Madison Young, owner of Open Eye, a crystal shop in Mid-City. “They’re very intentional. And they are willing to come into the shop and follow their intuition.”
Young opened Open Eye in February 2018, and she loves nothing more than to welcome the “crystal curious” into her shop. She can talk about energy all day — she basically does. If you are feeling the need to balance something in your life, Young will help guide you to the right gem.
“Every crystal carries its own vibrational frequency,” she says. “If you’re going to go into a meeting, let’s say, and you need your energy all fluffed up, you might grab a pyrite or a sunstone. Or if you need to wind down for the night, you might grab a lepidolite, amethyst or lithium quartz. Each one works in its own way to regulate your emotional and spiritual body. I love to cultivate a delicious crystal cocktail for a person, for the moment they’re in.”
You can easily discover crystal properties through a Google search. Open Eye’s website is helpful as well, listing the qualities of each stone in its description. For example, rose quartz is described as a “stone for love, for one’s self and others,” and is said to be helpful in releasing tension, stress, anger and resentment. If you are seeking abundance, say in money or personal power, you might gravitate toward citrine, believed to be a strong manifesting crystal. Once you’ve selected that just-right crystal for your needs, Young will happily explain how to incorporate them into your life.
“Your personal energy field is about nine feet wide. Think about how, once someone gets close to you, you can sense their energy or frequency,” she says. “Crystals work similarly. If it is near you, its frequency is working with yours. The more you have it on you or near you, and the more intention you put into it, the stronger it engages with your field.”
And if you’re looking to explore your spirituality, think of crystals as a terrific gateway. Intentionally using crystals often leads to a growing interest in other metaphysical practices, from meditation and sound baths to hypnosis, Young says. When it comes to our own wellness and expansiveness, there’s no better time to dig in than now.
“Crystals can pave your spiritual path,” she says.
Local shops to get your shine on
Eat. Love. Read.
Studio City, eatreadlove.me
This Ventura Boulevard shop is the brainchild of YouTuber Sal Biadora, whose big online following — currently at 750,000 YouTube subscribers — inspired him to open this “one-stop metaphysical shop.” Guests can peruse crystals, hand-poured candles, tarot cards, astrology tools and more, all with the whimsical sounds of running fountains and calming music in the background. Director of Operations Ryan Vanderhei says it’s common for people to come in and linger, thanks to the relaxing atmosphere.
Also common is parents shopping with kids of all ages, teaching the younger generation about this “alternative medicine,” or different ways of relief, Vanderhei says. Crystal bracelets, which are an affordable way to wear and experiment with crystals, are one of the shop’s top-selling items.
House of Intuition
Echo Park, Highland Park, North Hollywood, West Hollywood, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Long Beach, Costa Mesa, houseofintuitionla.com
Opened by LGBTQ+ Latinx business owners Alex Naranjo and Marlene Vargas, House of Intuition is a spiritual oasis designed to “help others feel hope when they feel hopeless, to feel powerful when they feel defeated and to bring intention within.” Crystal jewelry attracts the teen crowd, who often come having already read up on what crystals might help them through a challenging time. And there are loose crystals in the shop, too, all energy tools with their own potential and metaphysical properties.
But House of Intuition’s best-selling product is the “magic candle.” Individually labeled with intentional words or phrases (think “creativity,” “gratitude,” “abundance”), these candles are “ritual tools” that invite users to manifest and meditate on what they are seeking while burning the candle, thereby gathering powerful support from the universe as they proceed. Related crystals reveal themselves at the bottom of the candle.
Liberate Yourself
Sherman Oaks, Los Feliz, liberateyourself.com
Head to Los Feliz’s Liberate Emporium to shop for crystals and other metaphysical tools. You can also peruse crystals at the newer location in Sherman Oaks — Liberate Yourself — but this shop stands out for its versatile outdoor space. There’s a calendar full of events held here, from mommy-and-me yoga classes to kid-friendly sound baths. And there’s an occasional crystal-mining class, held in partnership with Because I Rock. Perfect for kids who want to dig for treasure, this event lets students mine crystals from the original mud and rock they grow in.
Additionally, the colorful patio can be booked for kids’ birthday parties. Stop by or call the shop to get further details about this option.
Open Eye
Mid-City, openeyecrystals.com
Owner Madison Young says her shop is organized like a “crystal candy store,” with tables and gems arranged by color. Come in and go with your intuition: What crystal is calling to you? Why might that be? Young will help you navigate the shop and its many offerings. Additionally, if you’re really down to learn more about crystals and their properties, tune in every Friday to what Young calls “Crystal QVC,” a live crystal discussion that she leads on Instagram: @openeyecrystals.
During these shows, large crystal specimens you might only see in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History or other natural history museums are on digital display, and Young expounds upon their properties for your enjoyment (and education).
Chelsee Lowe, a writer and mom in L.A., writes about food, culture and travel.
More Gems Across the Southland
Angels on Earth, Inglewood and West L.A.
angelsonearthonline.com
The Crystal Shrine, Burbank
thecrystalshrine.com
Spellbound Sky, Silver Lake
spellboundsky.com
KM Crystals, Santa Monica
kmcrystalshop.com
Crystal Matrix, Atwater Village
thecrystalmatrix.com
It’s time to have the ‘mental health talk’ with your teen
Teenagers today are facing unprecedented levels of stress. In a recent study, researchers from the Health Resources and Services Administration found that anxiety and depression among young people have drastically increased over the last five years.
This data doesn’t surprise me. In my work as the wellness director at Geffen Academy at UCLA, I’ve witnessed students struggle to regain their footing since the pandemic began. Some kids lost years of social interaction, gaining new social anxieties or behavioral problems in their place. Others struggled to re-learn how to focus and study in-person again. Everyone has needed time to reconnect and adjust. But even before 2020, young people needed help. In fact, since 2007, mental health problems have been on the rise, fueled in part by growing social media use and academic pressures.
My students are no exception. Kids as young as 12 regularly complain to me about pressure to get into a “good” college. High school students anxiously talk about posting their own college admissions news on social media. Outside of school, kids tell me they can’t log offline because they need to keep up with what their friends are doing. My students feel constant pressure to look like their social lives are filled with fun and interesting events. Students tell me they feel socially isolated, and others have said they post online even when they feel sad — to create the appearance that they are having fun.
Teenagers have always been angsty, but today’s teens are facing problems that can seem puzzling to a generation of parents that grew up without the same pressures. However, it’s crucial that parents don’t turn away from adolescent mental health. When teens feel alone, feelings of depression and anxiety are more likely to be amplified. The best way to combat this is through open discussions.
I’ll be honest. These sorts of conversations won’t always be easy. If your own parents once sat you down for a talk about the birds and the bees, it’s likely that you cringe even thinking about that memory (I know I do). But, if you’re lucky, you may also have come away with some information and resources. Just because our kids aren’t always receptive to talking to us about sensitive subjects doesn’t mean we should avoid difficult conversations.
Following are some tips on how to start.
Treat your teen as an expert
Teenagers want to be seen and heard; they want their experiences to be validated and believed. As a parent, there’s a natural inclination to want to lead a conversation, but sometimes the best thing you can do is ask your kid what they know.
Instead of lecturing them on the dangers of vaping or telling them what to do if they feel stressed, try asking some questions first: What have you heard about stress? What are some ways you see people dealing with stress? How do you typically deal with stress, and how does it impact you? Affirming your kids’ expertise on their own mental well-being is the first step toward empowering them to take care of themselves.
Talk about mental health the same way you do physical health
We’ve made a lot of progress on destigmatizing mental health since I was a teenager, but the topic can still be taboo.
To help kids feel more comfortable talking openly, it’s important to explain that mental health is similar to physical health. Just like with physical health, it’s helpful for kids to understand signs and symptoms of problems before they appear — and to get regular checkups. By framing mental health as similar to physical health, parents can also help teens understand that mental healthit fluctuates throughout life and is sometimes impacted by challenges and changes such as stress, lack of sleep, loss, rejection and other external factors.
Provide a calm, stable presence for your child
As a parent, there’s nothing more anxiety-producing than seeing your kid struggle, but it’s important that we leave our own emotions at the door when starting conversations with the young people we care about.
Anxious energy can cause teens to close up or feel anxious themselves. Your teen may share information that is surprising or concerning in conversations about mental health, but it’s important to remain calm and nonjudgmental. In doing so, you can model what it looks like to cope with an emotion and provide a stable presence for your child. After the conversation, continue to foster a sense of safety at home by providing a space that feels emotionally predictable.
Model vulnerability for your kids
I didn’t grow up in a home where people talked about their emotions, which was part of why it was so hard for me to reach out to my family for help when I needed it as a teen. While it’s important not to let our own emotions dominate conversations with young people, adults don’t have to pretend to be perfect. Instead — as in conversations about sex, drinking or drugs — we can share vulnerable moments from our own lives to help illustrate lessons. When being vulnerable, it’s critical to make sure you share things you have already processed. Remember that the story should provide insight, and that the conversation isn’t about you. You’re being vulnerable so your kid can connect with you.
Recently, a student privately expressed to me that he feels very nervous at the start of the school year, but fears that his peers will judge him if he expresses his worries. I responded by sharing more about my own back-to-school jitters and let him know that being anxious during periods of change is normal. I told him that in my own life, when I feel nervous, I try to focus on what I can control. I then asked him what factors he might be able to control right now. Our conversation was vulnerable, honest and productive. Once the student understood his problem was not unusual or shameful, it became easier for him to address it directly.
Keep lines of communication open
The mental health talk can and should be an ongoing discussion. Make sure your child knows they can come to you with questions. Continue to check in regularly — even when it feels awkward.
Parents can also consider taking some of the burden off themselves by investing in mental health education. By giving kids the tools they need to understand and address mental health — through helping them develop healthy coping mechanisms and a more expansive vocabulary to discuss emotions — we can destigmatize mental health concerns and provide kids with the support they need. Talking about mental health can be tough, but if kids can do it, parents can, too.
Ross Szabo is an award-winning mental health speaker, advocate and speaker. He serves as the wellness director at Geffen Academy at UCLA and CEO of Human Power Project.
To Suffer and Dance Together
On a cold night in the middle of December, I could not sleep. My mind seemed to be wired to a network of sleepless souls across the City of Angels, thousands of bodies not tossing and turning but lying flat in our beds, our boulder-sized hearts pinning us down in a collective grief. It was the day we learned that Stephen “tWitch” Boss, a beloved dancer, DJ, dad, husband and friend, had left us in what authorities ruled a suicide.
I tried to stop checking my phone but could not. Images of Boss’ grinning face flooded all social media feeds. Videos of him dancing — solo or with his wife, Allison Holker — seemed to haunt us. How, people asked over and over in comments rife with confusion and anguish, could someone who seemed so happy, who brought such joy, have willingly taken his own life? Questions like these, though, can be harmful and demonstrate how much work we have yet to do as a culture in understanding mental illness.
My own understanding expanded recently after reading a writing student’s manuscript about her depression and suicide ideation, a burden she’s carried since she was a child and a condition she’s tried to “cure” (unsuccessfully) with more than 22 therapies. Despite her personal struggles, this writer brought such love and depth to our workshop. Her sense of humor was quick and quiet, the kind that takes a moment to catch, but when it does is a sudden flame lighting up a crisscross of campfire logs in a dark forest. Watching her deadpan face break out into a mischievous grin was pure joy. After workshop, we discussed ways to explore writing about mental illness for parents and families — specifically, for you: our L.A. Parent community.
In these times, none of us are completely well. Instead of blame and guilt, what if we try our best to share resources, deepen our understanding of mental illness and connect to each other through sharing our stories?
Elena Epstein, our creative director, remembers interviewing Boss when we featured him and his kids on our cover for our Father’s Day issue in 2017. “He was genuinely so sweet and kind,” she says. “And he absolutely loved being a dad.”
Unless we’re granted a seat inside someone’s brain, we can’t know what internal battles they’re dealing with, what “invisible” illnesses they might have. That they are able to spread joy in the middle of that kind of pain must spring from a bottomless well of generosity.
A dance of gratitude for that. And a pledge to extend compassion toward everyone’s unique health and wellness needs.
Ask the Experts: Swimming Safety for Kids
Summer is here, which means our kids are spending more time in the water. Swimming safety, though, should always be top of mind. We reached out to Colleen Kraft, M.D., a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and former president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, for some advice.
What should parents of younger children know about flotation devices if their kids are not swimmers yet?
The only recommended flotation device for kids is a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Swimmies, floaties, puddle jumpers, etc. are not considered life-saving devices. These toys can create a false sense of security. Parents can mistakenly believe their child is safe from drowning when they use these toys, and they may become lax in vigilantly watching their child while they are in the water.
Children who spend most of their time swimming with swimmies, floaties or puddle jumpers believe they are swimming unassisted since no one is holding them. They may develop the belief that they can stay above the water even without the help of these devices.
What are the do’s and don’ts of flotation devices?
- Do select a Coast Guard-approved life jacket for your child.
- Do weigh and measure the circumference of your child’s chest before purchasing one. Most life vests come in three ranges: for children 30 pounds and less, 30-50 pounds and 50-90 pounds.
- Do choose a life jacket that fits your child’s needs. A child who is navigating swimming for the first time needs a different life jacket than an experienced swimmer who is using the jacket on a kayak or boat.
- Do help your young child put on and take off their jacket until they can do this independently.
- Don’t use toys like swimmies, floaties or puddle jumpers when the purpose is to keep your child safe in the water.
- A flotation device is not a substitute for watching your child in the water. Continue to be an active supervisor for your children when they are swimming.
- Make sure your child learns to swim! And make sure, if you are a parent, that you know how to swim!
Should parents pick a certain color bathing suit for their child so they’re more visible in the water?
Bright colors, like pink, green or orange are easy to spot when your child is in the water. It can help an adult see where that child is during swimming.
What about tweens and teens? What should parents be aware of at this age?
It’s important to note that adolescents (15-19 years old) have the second-highest fatal drowning rate out of any age group. Only toddlers (ages 12-36 months) have a higher risk. Tweens and teens are more likely to overestimate their skills and underestimate dangerous situations. They may want to impress their peers and may try to keep up with them even if they don’t have the swim skills and experience.
The risk of alcohol or other substance use becomes a risk factor during adolescence. Tween and teen drowning risk increases in lakes, rivers and oceans. Older kids are more likely to drown in natural bodies of water, while younger children in the U.S. are more likely to drown in swimming pools. The rate of fatal drownings in natural water for adolescents 15-17 years of age is more than three times higher than for children 5-9 years old.
Any do’s and don’ts for tweens and teens?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends families use layers of protection against drowning:
- Do make sure everyone learns how to swim!
- Do make sure your tween or teen knows to swim only where there are lifeguards on duty and to never swim alone. Urge them to use the buddy system, even when swimming with large groups of friends.
- Teach your teen to always enter feet first when entering a body of water for the first time. It is important to know the water’s depth beforehand.
- Avoid beaches with large waves, a powerful undertow or rip currents.
- Stay away from areas where there are boats and people fishing.
- Always wear life jackets when boating. Adolescents should always wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets whenever they are in or on boats, jet skis and other watercraft.
- Everyone, including parents, caregivers and older children and teens, should learn CPR and safe rescue techniques to respond when there is trouble in the water.
Enjoy the water and stay safe!
What health & wellness questions are keeping you up at night? Send your questions to elena.epstein@laparent.com and we’ll ask the experts.
Spotlight: Meet Tabay Atkins, OC Teen, Pro Yogi and Co-owner of a New Vegan Food Truck
Tabay Atkins has accomplished a lot in his 16 years. He is a vegan chef, reiki master, pro yogi, the face of Nike yoga and the proud co-owner of a vegan food truck with his mom. The OC resident’s journey began as a young boy when he witnessed the debilitating effects of his mother’s struggle with cancer. A devout yogi herself, she was committed to keeping a positive mindset and maintaining her practice. Tabay knew from then on that he had found his “dharma.”
We recently chatted with Tabay about his vegan food truck, cooking, yoga and more.
Please tell us a little about your vegan food truck.
Tabay’s Mindful Kitchen is all vegan and all delicious! I designed the menu to create tasty, affordable, and healthier versions of everyday favorites, in the hopes of helping people realize that you do not need to give up the foods you love when switching to a plant-based diet. You can still eat the foods you love, while keeping your mind, body, and planet healthy.
You’re a professional yogi, a vegan chef, nutritionists, reiki master, the face of Nike yoga and you’re 16! That’s amazing. Please tell us how you manage it all.
I may be doing a lot of things at once, but they are all focused on wellness, so it is easy for me to stay grounded. The funny thing is, if I am ever feeling overwhelmed by my work, I do more work, because my work is to help people stay centered, especially through yoga. All I need to do is book myself for a private yoga session!
How would you describe your 10-year-old self?
My 10-year-old self was very funny, playful, and determined to take a 200-hour vinyasa yoga teacher training, start teaching yoga, and make the world a better place. Not much has changed since (except that I am now 500-hour certified). Although I have been very mature career wise, I always have been, and always will be, my playful, funny self. I may grow old, but I’ll never grow up!
Did you always enjoy cooking? What is your favorite dish to make?
Cooking has always been a big part of my life, and I have always enjoyed it. My favorite dish to make is called Khoresht Karafs. It is an Iranian stew made with celery.
Did you grow up in Southern California? What are some of your fondest childhood memories?
I grew up in Southern California and have so many great childhood memories here! My fondest childhood memories are the times I’ve spent with my family. I have a very big family with members living across the globe. It is always a pleasure to spend time with them when they come here or when I go there. Another great memory was learning to play cricket.
Tell us about your mom? What are some things you learned from her?
My mom is amazing! She is loving, caring, supportive of my various ventures, and selfless. Through her experience with cancer, I learned how to turn a negative situation into a positive one. She taught me to work hard for what I believe in and never give up on my dreams. She taught me to be kind and help those in need. She also taught me how to cook! She is the best chef ever and the one who inspired me to be a chef.
What is the best part of working with your mom? What’s the most challenging part?
The best part about working with my mom is that we both love what we are doing and we get to do it together. We love our jobs and we love each other. The most challenging part is remembering that she is (almost) always right and knows everything. Sometimes I forget that and think that I am right, but she is right 99.9% of the time.
Best life advice you received so far?
The best life advice I have received so far is that there are no accidents. Everything happens and doesn’t happen for a reason. When we resist change, difficulties, or certain situations, we are resisting a carefully thought out plan that is actually in our favor. We must trust that the universe has our back.
What would you tell other young people your age who are trying to figure out the teen and early adulthood years.
The teenage and early adulthood years can be challenging, because it is in this stage of life that we must make many decisions. Decisions that make us who we are. I am going to make it really easy for you. Are you ready? Watch this… Choose kindness. With any decision you make, if it is a decision that is rooted in kindness, you can’t go wrong.
When not working, where will we find you?
When I am not working, you might find me tending to my garden, spending time with family and friends, building Lego, or antique shopping.
What are some of your favorite spots and activities in and around L.A.?
Some of my favorite L.A. spots are the Griffith Observatory, the La Brea Tar Pits and the Getty Museum.
10 Energizing Brain Breaks for Children
Ideas for maximizing mental breaks kids can take in between learning tasks
With children on devices for extended periods throughout the day learning at home, it is essential for them to disengage from devices and take intentional brain breaks. It’s also important to find ways to calm minds before and after school. Creative outlets can be an effective way to prepare for the day ahead, as well as provide a meaningful and blissful way to end the day. Here are a few ideas to provide their brain a necessary time out and all while having some fun!
1. Play with Play Dough!
Try making your own play dough — and playing with it! There is something so calming about making a batch of play dough and then having the opportunity to do what you want with it. You can discover the therapeutic qualities that come from rolling it, pounding it, making designs and yes, you can even make peanut butter play dough and eat it! You are never too old to play with play dough! For those with nut allergies you can use this great recipe with flour at https://www.iheartnaptime.net/play-dough-recipe/
Peanut Butter Play Dough Recipe
- 3½ cups peanut butter
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 3½ cups honey
- Cream together; the confectioners’ sugar and peanut butter. Beat in the honey and fold in the mixture. You can freeze it until you are ready to use it if you wish.
2. Dance Party!
Turn on your favorite age appropriate tunes and let loose! Spotify, Amazon Music and XM Radio all have good kid friendly options. Mom/Dad, don’t forget to join in. Nothing turns a mood around faster than a good beat and some silly dance moves.
3. Take a Mindfulness Break!
Fablefy.com is chock full of books, printables and videos. You can quickly access all 114 videos on their YouTube channel: Fablefy – The Whole Child. Practice a quick body scan, balloon breaths to ease anxiety. They have activities for young children, teens and adults. Shilpi Mahajan, the founder, is an inspiration.
4. Plan Family Evening Events!
Yes, Mom and Dad are trying to work during the day, and so are the children. This makes coming together as a family even more significant in the evening. Plan a family magic night. Make an invitation with paper and markers and pass out your invites to your family. Come up with a couple of magic tricks that you will show them at the event. You can invite other family members to show their magical talent as well. If magic isn’t your thing, you can do the same thing with family comedy night. You can tell all of your favorite jokes. For an added treat, Zoom in grandparents to share the show and laugh along with you!
5. Indulge Your Creative Side!
If you are looking for a longer break, a guided Art Date with Miss Kate is just what you need. She has a wonderful YouTube channel called PeaceLoveArt with 53 videos that are perfect for students K-8, or anyone who wants to try something new.
6. Dive into a Book!
Looking for an escape from your daily life? Jump into someone else’s for a chapter or two. There are so many great options for picture books, graphic novels, chapter books and novels these days. Want to check out a publisher that specifically lifts up educators? Look at EduMatch Books! They have some fantastic books that are perfect for an escape but also teach a lesson. Some great titles from EduMatch include One Drop of Kindness by Jeff Kubiak, Play? Yay! Baby Talk by Breann Fennell, Fur Friends Forever by LaTezeon Humphrey Balentine, and the I’m Sorry Story by Melody McAllister. (Also, be on the lookout for a graphic novel called The Lab Coat Kids: Monster in the Hall coming out this fall by Melissa Sidebotham and Jennifer Reagan.)
7. Get Outside and Play!
Feel the sun on your face. Play with the hose. Make a mud pie. For a good socially distant but social activity, go for a bike ride with friends! Wear your mask. You will get exercise, be able to chat, laugh and interact with people without getting too close.
8. Channel your Inner Chef!
Try being creative in the kitchen. Write down some recipe ideas you have. Ask Mom and Dad if you can pick up the ingredients the next time you go to the grocery store. When you create a recipe you like, you can write it on a recipe card and add it to your recipe collection. Have recipe swaps with other friends.
9. Help your Community!
Write letters and/or draw pictures for the local senior living center. If you can knit or crochet, you can make some blankets and pillows for the local animal shelter or home for community members in need.
10. Try Scrapbooking!
Pictures are not only fun to take and capture memories that last a lifetime, but they are fun to arrange in unique and colorful ways. You can be creative with fun captions that explain what was happening in the picture. You can draw or cut paper for creative backgrounds. Ask Mom and Dad if you can have pictures to get creative with. Be sure to get your parents’ permission before using any photos for scrapbooking.
At first glance, brain breaks might just seem like a fun distraction for kids. This is definitely true, yet these are also so much more! Regular brain breaks help your child’s mind reset, so they have more mental energy to learn.
Next time your child is working, watch how much they can benefit from these activities and perhaps these will inspire them come up with even more creative activities on their own. And don’t forget to take creative brain breaks during your work time too.
To learn more about Stratford School, visit us online at stratfordschools.com.
Healthier Options for Summer Snacks
As parents we all know how hungry kids are when they come out of the pool or arrive home from day camp. And on days when they are at home, it can be equally tough to keep up with their requests for snacks and favorite treats like ice cream and Popsicles on hot days. Do you ever feel like you are out of ideas for what to make or buy when considering health at the same time?
Unfortunately, most of the snacks and products marketed towards children have deceptive claims on the packaging. They may say “whole grain” or “made with fruit” or “rich in calcium,” making parents think they are getting something with added nutritional value, whereas many of these are actually full of hidden sugars or sweeteners and other unwanted ingredients such as refined seed oils or artificial colors. These include many granola bars, crackers, chips, yogurts, fruit ice bars and fruit snacks. One granola bar alone often has 3 teaspoons of added sugar in it, which is half of the daily maximum suggested for kids ages 2-18. And, that’s not to count the low-calorie sweeteners that are now often hidden in products marketed to kids.
For example, look closely at the label of the popular Outshine frozen fruit bars that say “no sugar added.” The strawberry version of these bars has three types of low-calorie sweeteners in it (sorbitol, sucralose, and Ace K) as well as two types of hidden sugars (polydextrose and maltodextrin) and 2 types of fruit juice concentrates, which we also consider to be added sugar because the fiber has been removed, making them quickly absorbed by the body. As we explain in our book “Sugarproof,” forms of sugars that are high in fructose such as fruit juice concentrates can contribute to gastrointestinal issues and increase risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) disease because the liver converts fructose to fat.
As an easy solution to buying these type of fruit bars, make your own simple bars by blending your favorite summer fruits and freezing them into popsicle moulds. Using whole fruit instead of juice retains the fiber which helps slows the absorption of the sugar. Or simply cut pieces of watermelon and freeze them, leaving the rind on to use as a handle, making a natural one ingredient fruit bar that is healthy and affordable at the same time.
For other easy homemade snacks, we love slices of cucumber sprinkled with Japanese furikake seasoning, which is a mix of seaweed flakes, sesame seeds, and sea salt. Kids seem to like the crunchiness this adds to snacks. Always look for a brand that does not have added sugar or MSG in it. Or, for parents that have some time, try our easy recipe for Crispy Chickpea Snacks from “Sugarproof.” You can vary the seasonings (we are currently loving garam masala) and they make for a super flavorful, high-fiber, inexpensive snack.
For pre-packaged options you can rely on when you don’t have time to make something, try any type of raw or roasted nuts (ideally without refined oils), mini size Lara bars, Skout bars, crackers that are made without refined flours and do not have seed oils such as Mary’s Gone Crackers, Flackers, Wasa Crisp Breads, or Whisps Parmesan Cheese Crisps. Instead of potato chips or popcorn that contain added sugar and/or refined seed oils, try a popcorn like Lesser Evil Himalayan Gold or Terra Chips Plantain Sea Salt. Look for brands made with coconut oil or olive oil. Protein snacks such as New Primal Meat Sticks or Babybel cheese are also convenient and do not contain added sugars.
With these tips, you can keep up with your children’s summer snack appetites and preserve and promote their health at the same time.
Bio: Dr. Michael Goran, Ph.D. is a professor of pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and Scientific Advisor for popular brand, Yumi Baby Food. Dr. Emily Ventura is an expert in nutrition education and recipe development. They are both are co-authors of pioneering new book, “SUGARPROOF: The Hidden Dangers of Sugar That Are Putting Your Child’s Health at Risk and What You Can Do” (Avery/Penguin Random House). This book busts myths about the various types of sugars and sweeteners, helps families identify sneaky sources of sugar in their diets and suggests realistic, family-based solutions to reduce sugar consumption and protect kids. To purchase the book or for more information, visit www.sugarproofkids.com
5 Tips for Supporting Your Baby’s Immune System
Sponsored Post by Mommy Bliss
While the pandemic has put adult immunity in the spotlight, the issue for babies is an evergreen one. Because the antibodies that a mother initially transfers to her baby don’t last more than a couple of months, an infant’s immune system is still developing. With so many new germs and frightening unknowns, more parents are looking for ways to help build up their baby’s immune system. Get ahead of the curve by supporting baby’s immunity early with these five easy yet trusted tips.
1. Focus on Good Food
A good immune system begins with a healthy diet that revolves around whole foods. When your baby starts eating solids, make sure you include fruits and vegetables that contain phytonutrients such as vitamin C and carotenoids. Strawberries, blueberries, oranges, green beans, and carrots contain phytonutrients—as well as antioxidants.
2. Start a Supplement Strategy
Babies are notoriously fussy with food, and if you’re having trouble getting them to eat a balanced diet, it can be helpful to supplement their nutrition with products like Mommy’s Bliss’ Baby Multivitamin, which offer the daily value of vitamins C, D, E, B1, B2, and B6. Also, Organic Baby Elderberry Drops include antioxidant-rich vitamin C, vitamin D3, zinc, and echinacea to support a baby’s immune system. And because breastfed babies can lack vitamin D, another great supplement is Organic Baby Vitamin D, which provides the daily amount of vitamins C and D recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Partake in Probiotics
“Probiotics help re-balance our gut bacterial flora and ensure that our gut is functioning optimally,” pediatrician Dr. Smita Malhotra says. They help build a baby’s digestive and immune system. While it is important to talk to your doctor first, probiotics are safe for babies from day one. “In general, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG, a strain that works well for children, is known for its safety, and has been widely studied,” Malhotra says. She recommends a daily dose of the easy-to-use Mommy’s Bliss Baby Probiotic Drops. If your baby is prone to colic, try the Mommy’s Bliss Probiotic Drops with Colic Support, which contains a clinically proven strain to help reduce crying time for babies with colic.
4. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Sleep is an essential way for our bodies to develop a strong immune system. An infant may need up to sixteen hours of crib-time a day, and if you don’t already have a sleep routine that works for you and your baby, this is a good time to start one. If the stress and disruption of the pandemic has upended your family’s sleep routine, you are not alone, and sleep expert Nicole Cannon has some suggestions that may help you get back on track.
5. Guard Against Germs
Reduce the stress on your child’s immune system by reducing his/her exposure to germs. Wash your hands and your baby’s hands—with soap—before and after each meal and after playing outside, handling pets, blowing their nose, using the bathroom, and arriving home from daycare. Handwashing can be a fun and nurturing ritual, and it is also a way to make the practice a matter of course that you don’t have to teach (or nag about) later.
Supporting your baby’s developing immune system is critical, but parents should not feel overwhelmed. Good nutrition, enough sleep, and the right supplements go a long way in keeping babies’ and kids’ immune systems supported.
Bright Green Smoothie
By Elena Epstein
(serves 2)
Prep Time: 2 mins Cook Time: 2 mins
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup frozen pineapple
- 1/2 cup frozen mango
- 1 large banana
- 1 cup orange juice
Preparation
1. Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend on high until smooth and creamy.
Recipe provided by model turned wellness entrepreneur and cookbook author Catherine McCord, co-founder of meal delivery service One Potato and the founder of the popular Weelicious brand.
L.A. Helps Families Get Back-to-School Ready
By Rachael Harrison
Heading back to school can be a challenging time on both parents and kids (traffic, back to school shopping, new teachers– oh my!). Happily, businesses and organizations across the L.A. region have your back to help ease the transition– and help you save a few bucks as well. Here is just a peek at some events around town (and one online sale) to help you get the kids ready– and enjoy some summer fun while you’re at it.
The Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza is offering great back-to-school deals for the L.A. area: free backpacks are available at guest services with a purchase of $75 or more. Supplies last until Sept. 2, so don’t miss out! Watch the plaza’s back-to-school video where popular L.A. fitness teacher Claudine Cooper talks about shopping for her three kids.
On Saturday Aug. 17, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., ROW DTLA presents its Back to School Block Party, featuring live music, yummy food, dancing and much more. In collaboration with Yoobi and Winston House, this event brings L.A. together to raise funds for students in LAUSD. For each person who attends the Block Party, ROW DTLA ambitiously offers a year’s worth of school supplies to students in need. To be part of this event and give back to the L.A. community, RSVP for free via summerinlosangeles.com/backtoschool.
While you’re shopping and partying, don’t forget about wellness! To help you recharge for fall, check out Saje Natural Wellness for the Back-to-School Essentials Shopping Event, Aug. 17, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Westfield Century City. From stress and sleep to focusing and flu season, Saje has an oil remedy to support your wellness needs.
Hang out at the community table for some relaxing fun and games. Snacks and refreshments will be served. Special offers for students and teachers only, including a 10% discount with purchase of two or more items for students in elementary through college, with valid student ID or class schedule, as well as educators and teachers with a valid faculty ID.
The 13thAnnual Leimert Park Village Book Fair is taking place later in the month on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. Former boxer and entrepreneur Laila Ali presents this family-friendly event to celebrate the hard work of authors, poets and artists in the L.A. community. To help get your kids back into school mode, visit this free event to inspire and promote creativity. For more information, visit leimertparkbookfair.com.
The Back to School Anti-Bullying Youth Social also takes place Aug. 24, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Crenshaw United Methodist, 3740 Don Felipe Drive, L.A. This event features a 20-minute screening of the play “DELETED” by Valerie Udezor, a story about bullying among high schoolers and the consequences that come with it. The production is fitting for 5th to 12th-grade students. There will be food, giveaways and activities. The UCARE Foundation and SAVE OUR SONS bring this event together with celebrity guest speakers, including Sarah Schulbert and Bubba Ganter to speak on the topic of bullying and how to react appropriately. RSVP via Eventbrite.com.
As you continue to soak in the summer sun and family fun, here’s wishing you great deals and all the support you need to help your family get ready for the 2019-20 school year.