Baltimore Helps Tweens Fight Obesity

Kids spend a staggering 5.5 hours playing or watching some sort of media according to the state of Maryland. Organizations such as the NFL and the National Dairy Council have teamed up to combat this alarming statistic by promoting physical activity in schools. Fuel Up to Play 60 is open to area schools in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County, as well as nationwide. Go to Fuel Up to Play 60 to find out how your tween's school can participate. Kids, tweens, and teens can use the Fuel Up to Play 60 site to track their eating habits and physical activity.

Baltimore's children are in the thick of the nation’s childhood obesity crisis due to lack of physical activity and poor eating habits. According to Healthy Baltimore Children, 37% of Baltimore City public high school students have been identified as overweight or at risk of overweight.

Middle schools and elementary schools are not exempt from this growing trend. A visit to any middle school or elementary school in the Baltimore area, will reveal overweight tweens. According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of overweight children and teens continues to increase in the United States. Today's 6- through 11-year-olds are 15% more overweight than their counterparts 20 years ago.

Baltimore moved towards tackling the health challenges facing its kids by convening a community summit in 2008. Sponsored by Associated Black Charities and the Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers, the summit addressed childhood obesity prevention efforts in Baltimore. In 2009, both groups hammered out the Baltimore Blueprint for Healthy Outcomes in Children: Addressing Childhood Obesity. This report highlighted factors leading to childhood obesity and promoted practices to increase the availability of healthy, affordable foods and physical activity.

With over 35% of Baltimore’s children living in poverty, change is needed now. Poor living conditions plus a lack of adequate play space coupled with limited health eating options has led to weight gain in tweens, as well as kids and teens.

The state of Maryland weighed in with its Maryland Nutrition and Physical Activity Plan. This plan mirrors what many Baltimore area families are striving for in their homes: limiting TV/screen viewing time for kids, tweens, and teens; serving more fruits and vegetables each day; and increasing physical activity.

Health Alert: Exercise and Diabetes

At any age, exercise is a key component on the road to good health. From the toddler playing on the playground to the tween whacking a field hockey ball to the parent exercising at the gym even though tired after a day with kids, exercise is key. Now, add in the challenge of having diabetes and exercise bcomes one of the best things that you can do for yourself.

Why exercise? The following tips apply to those with diabetes but are applicable to anyone.

• Keeps you at a healthy weight by burning calories.
• Improves your ability to lose weight and keep it off.
• Improves how your body responds to insulin.
• With exercise, you may be able to reduce your need for diabetes meds through lowered blood glucose levels.
• Lowers risk for heart disease and stroke.
• Lowers cholesterol and blod pressure.
• Improves circulation.

How to get started? Found these tips in a brochure about the American Diabetes Association's Obesity Initiative.

• Set an exercise schedule -- and keep it.
• Find an exercise partner.
• Buy a pedometer to record your steps each day.
• Vary your exercise routine.
• Set goals.
• Drink water or other calorie-free fluids.
• Go outside to walk, run, or even rake leaves!

For more information:

• Weight Loss Matters Tip Sheets from the American Diabetes Association
• Visit diabetes.org.
• Call 1-800-DIABETES or email AskADA@diabetes.org
• Buy Type 2 Diabetes for Beginners from shopdiabetes.org
• Read about American Diabetes Association

If you think you might be at risk for Type 2 Diabetes, take this test at diabetes.org.

Note: You can also purchase the Type 2 Diabetes for Beginners through my amazon link.

Spiritual Resources: St. Michael's Catholic Church, Poplar Springs, MD

St. Michael's Catholic Church

Located in Howard County but servicing parishioners in thr tri-county area of Howard, Frederick, and Carroll, St. Michaels Catholic Church is a sprawling parish of some 1,000 families. St. Michaels sits at the intersection of St. Michaels Road and Hardy Road in the historic town of Poplar Springs. The mailing address of the church is 1125 St. Michaels Road, Mt. Airy, 21771.

St. Michaels was founded in 1879 when a mysterious man asked a Howard County resident for the use of his home to say Mass. The homeowner -- Mr. Lilbourne P. Kuhn -- who owned the land on what is now Hardy Road and St. Michaels Road, though not a Catholic, agreed to allow Mass to be said at his home. Although the mysterious Catholic priest was never heard from again after dining one night with the Kuhn family, Mr. Kuhn advertised that Mass would be said the next Sunday.

On two successive Sundays, 20 Catholics gathered, but the mysterious priest never returned. Mr. Kuhn contacted the bishop to see if a priest could be found to minister to this small "flock." A priest was dispatched to the home of Mr. Kuhn.

After Mr. Kuhn donated the land where the "small" church and cemetery are located, a cornerstone was laid on June 12, 1880. The first Mass was celebrated in October 1880.

In 1882, St. Michaels became a mission church of St. Josephs in Sykesville.

In 1964, after 82 years of being a mission church, the Archbishop of Baltimore established St. Michaels as a separate church. In 1966, the rectory was built and land was donated to the church. In 1974, a multipurpose building was erected on the land at the intersection of St. Michaels Road and Hardy Road. In 1979, St. Michaels celebrated 100 years as a parish.

And finally in 1982 the new church was opened where the new multipurpose building was located.

To learn more about St. Michaels Catholic Church in Poplar Springs, MD, click here.

Want to donate to St. Michael's? To sign up for online giving, visit our website at www.stmichaelspoplarsprings.org and click "online giving" to get started, or call the parish office at 410-489-7667.

Health Alert: Flu Shots for the Baltimore Area

Parents in the Baltimore area, it's not too late to get a flu shot for your kid, tween, or teen. You can get one too!

Howard County Flu Clinics

HCHD General Flu Clinic (Ages 6 months and older)

• Flu shots or FluMist available - No Charge
• Howard County Health Department, Columbia Health Center, 7180 Columbia Gateway Dr., Columbia, MD 21046

Other Clinics Available

• Dr. Rafei, owner of the KinderMender Walk in Pediatric Center in Columbia is offering FREE injectable flu vaccines this season in an effort to introduce the community to his clinic. The clinic offers general pediatric services as well (for a fee- these other services are not free). He accepts many insurance plans, however. Last, the office offers x-ray, lab, and limited pharmacy dispensing services.
• KinderMender Walk in Pediatric Center, 6100 Dobbin Road, Columbia, MD 2104; Office phone 443-492-4000. www.Kindermender.com
• Office hours 7 days a week 9:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m.

Baltimore County Flu Clinics

Baltimore County Department of Health Flu Clinic

The Baltimore County Department of Health is offering free flu vaccinations:

• Drumcastle Government Center, 6401 York Road, 3rd Floor, Baltimore, MD 21212

*Limited supply available. Residents will receive vaccine on a first-come, first-served basis.

For information about flu vaccinations for Maryland residents, call 410-887-BCHD.

Anne Arundel County Flu Clinics

2011 Flu Immunization Clinics

Flu shots or nasal mist are available at the flu clinic. High dose flu shots for seniors and pneumococcal vaccinations are also available.

• Health Services Building, 3 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis
• For more information, call the A.A. Department of Health's Flu Information Line at 410-222-7343 or visit AAHealth.org.

Weekly Walk in Clinics (Free)

• Glen Burnie Health Center, 416 A Street, SW, Glen Burnie, MD 21061; 410-222-6633
• Parole Health Center, 1950 Drew Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-222-7247

Baltimore City Flu Clinics

Free flu shots and other vaccinations are available at the T.I.K.E. Vans to those in need. Call 410-396-4454 for more information. T.I.K.E. Immunization Clinic Schedule for November 2011

• Free shots
• No appointment, first some, first served.
• Some adult shots are available

Free Flu Clinics in Baltimore sponsored by the Baltimore City Health Department and ACE Coalition:

• New Psalmist Church, 6020 Marian Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215
• Mt. Pleasant Church, 6000 Radecke Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21206
• Bring your Medicare card as Medicare Part B pays for the vaccine.

Frederick County Flu Vaccination Clinics

The Frederick County Health Department will offer flu shots. 

• An appointment is necessary.
• The flu vaccine is available for children 6 months to 17 years of age. Adults 18 years or older will not be able to get the flu vaccine.
• You can choose between the Injectable Vaccine or the Intranasal Vaccine (FluMist) based on availability.
• Free flu vaccine is available for children 5-11 years of age.
• Flu vaccine is available to children 6 months to 4 years and 12 to 17 years at the following cost: FluMist, $26; Flu vaccine (by needle), $20.
• Payment: Cash or check only. Credit cards not accepted.

Schedule online or call 1-877-419-3409.

Learn more about flu shots from this comprehensive resource.

Washington, D.C.: Best Things to Do for Thanksgiving

November is a time for gathering with family and friends to give thanks. Thanks for love, family, happiness, and life. As a resident of Washington, D.C., you may find that your family want to combine a visit to Washington, D.C., with Thanksgiving. With relatives and friends at your home over the holidays, here are some activities for you and your guests.

Black Wednesday

As you prepare for your Thanksgiving festivities with family and friends, you can:

• Visit a bar for an after work pre-Thanksgiving Happy Hour.

Thanksgiving Dinner

With relatives coming in from out of town, you will need to:

• Buy one of the best Thanksgiving beers.
• Purchase the Thanksgiving turkey.
• Go to a bar to see Thanksgiving football

Black Friday and the Thanksgiving Weekend

You will be stuffed from your Thanksgiving feast, so:

• Run a Turkey Trot.
• See a Thanksgiving concert.
• Find something to do on Black Friday or the Thanksgiving Weekend that is not shopping.
• Take the family to a fun family Thanksgiving parade.

Health Alert: Influenza and Flu Shots

As a pregnant person, I debated getting a flu shot back in the fall of 1995. I did not know very much about influenza. I knew that I had had the flu at one time or another. My reaction to getting the flu was not severe. I would take a day off work to recover from the worst of it. By 48 hours after contracting the flu, I was back to my usual self. But, with a baby on board my perspective of health was be forever changed. No longer could I worry about just myself. I had a precious baby to worry about.

I consulted with my general practitioner, my obstetrician, and even the pediatrician I had chosen for after my baby was born. All of the medical professionals agreed that getting a flu shot was relatively risk-free and potentially life-saving precautionary measure. As luck would have it, the local Red Cross van made a stop at my place of work one day. 

Since 1995, I have had a flu shot yearly with the exception of the year there was a vaccine shortage. My children have each had a yearly flu shot since the age of 1 or 2 years old.

More resources on Influenza

Red Cross Flu Checklist

• For more information on flu vaccinations, go to Flu.gov.
• Influenza basics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Current flu activity in the United States (weekly).
• Find a flu vaccine near you, with this helpful flu vaccine location finder.
• Find a flu clinic with the Faces of Influenza Flu Vaccine Finder.
• Live in or around Baltimore? If you are parent of a kid, a tween, or a teen, or not, check out this flu shot resource.

Maryland: County Public Schools Resources

Here are resources for Maryland's public schools. Whether under a weather watch or not, finding the right person to talk to in your school district can be a daunting task. I hope this list of links to county public schools website is helpful.

• Allegany County Public Schools, Cumberland, MD
• Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Annapolis, MD
• Baltimore City Public Schools, Baltimore, MD
• Baltimore County Public Schools, Baltimore, MD
• Calvert County Public Schools, Prince Frederick, MD
• Caroline County Public Schools, Denton, MD
• Carroll County Public Schools, Westminster, MD
• Cecil County Public Schools, Elkton, MD
• Charles County Public Schools, Waldorf, MD
• Dorchester County Public Schools, Cambridge, MD
• Frederick County Public Schools, Frederick, MD
• Garrett County Public Schools, Oakland, MD
• Harford County Public Schools, Bel Air, MD
• Howard County Public Schools, Columbia, MD
• Kent County Public Schools, Rock Hall, MD
• Montgomery County Public Schools, Rockville, MD
• Prince George's County Public Schools, Upper Marboro, MD
• Queen Anne's County Public Schools, Centreville, MD
• Saint Mary's County Public Schools, Leonardtown, MD
• Somerset County Public Schools, Westover, MD
• Talbot County Public Schools, St. Michaels, MD
• Washington County Public Schools, Hagerstown, MD
• Wicomico County Public Schools, Salisbury, MD
• Worcester County Public Schools, Newark, MD

One more link...Maryland State Department of Education.

911: What's Your Emergency?

In the aftermath of tornadoes, hurricanes, and other disasters, I have spent time planning for emergencies. I have planned before, but knew that I could do more. I had the basics covered. Flashlights were stocked with fresh batteries. A case of bottled water was always on hand. I use well water, so in times of approaching bad weather, I fill a bathtub with water so that we can flush at least one toilet should we lose power. No power = no well pump = nu running water for toilets, sinks, or showers. We can survive in our home for about 24 hours without running water. Filling the bathtub gives us about another 24 hours before we have to evacuate to a hotel.

A recent newsletter from Howard County Public Schools reminded me of a couple of other safety measures.

In Howard County, you dial 911 for emergencies, but what about other issues?

• Report nonemergency situations: 410-313-2200
• Report any criminal or dangerous situations: 410-313-STOP
• Report any confirmed or suspected drug activity: 410-290-DRUG

And the following is of interest to parents of tweens and teens, as well as other residents of Maryland:

• Always report underage alcohol parties and other offenses.
• The Howard County Police Department and HC DrugFree want you to report if you know of parties where underage drinking is happening, or if you are witness to any illegal or dangerous activity, alert HCPD immediately.
• Your tips are held in high regard and will result in police involvement whenever warranted. You ALWAYS have the option to remain completely anonymous.

As always, stay safe this holiday season!

Missing Kids: Resources

Recently, I have heard about five missing persons. Two were young adults and three are teens. Sadly, the young adults were found dead. Two of the teens were found safely some distance from their homes. As a parent, I am devastated to think of what these parents are going through. I did a search for resources on missing persons, which I am sharing here.

Amber Alert -- Law-enforcement agencies, broadcasters, transportation agencies, and the wireless industry all work together on the AMBER Alert™ Program. This program is for disseminating information about missing persons aged 17 years or younger. The AMBER Alert program activates an urgent bulletin in serious child-abduction cases. The goal of an AMBER Alert is to instantly spread the world about a child's disappearance to assist in the search for and the safe recovery of the child.

Each AMBER plan is based on clearly defined activation criteria to provide a uniform network of plans across the country, and to minimize potentially deadly delays because of confusion among varying jurisdictions. In order for an AMBER Alert to go out:

• There must be a reasonable belief by law enforcement that an abduction has occurred.
• The law enforcement agency believes that the child is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death.
• There is enough descriptive information about the victim and the abduction for law enforcement to issue an AMBER Alert to assist in the recovery of the child.
• The abduction is of a child aged 17 years or younger.
• The child’s name and other critical data elements, including the Child Abduction flag, have been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) system.

Tips for Preparing for Sickness

This has been a bad winter for sickness. Colds, flu, stomach bugs, and strep. You name an illness and you probably know someone who has had it. With the weather as cold as it is, there is barely enough time to recover from one illness before another sickness strikes.

You might have had a flu shot. You might be a germ freak who sprays Lysol all the time. Or you may have done nothing to ward of the winter sickness. When sickness strikes, there is little you can do except ride it out. But you can do a little prep work ahead of time.

• Keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet. Stock up on tissues.
• If you have a regular prescription, keep track of how much you have left so you can renew.
• Whether you have colds and flu or vomiting and diarrhea running (pun intended!) through your home, you will need to keep the rest of your family healthy.
• So keep a supply of Lysol sprays, hand sanitizer, antibacterial soap, and paper towels.
• Keep on top of the laundry. You don’t have to launder every last sock, but try to keep a clean set of sheets for every family member, and of course towels so that if you need to strip a bed you’ll have clean sheets.
• For young kids, consider buying waterproof mattress pads. Primarily used for bed wetting, waterproof mattress pads come in handy in cases of vomiting and diarrhea.

And before I forget...create a first aid kit:

• Tylenol and Advil for fevers, aches, and pains
• Over-the-counter allergy medications
• Bandaids, Neosporin, and Bactine for cuts and scrapes
• Pepto Bismol for tummy troubles.
• Rolaids for gassy symptoms
• Boatloads of cough and cold medicines.

5 Tips for Preparing for Sickness

This has been a bad winter for sickness. Colds, flu, stomach bugs, and strep. You name an illness and you probably know someone who has had it. With the weather as cold as it is, there is barely enough time to recover from one illness before another sickness strikes.

You might have had a flu shot. You might be a germ freak who sprays Lysol all the time. Or you may have done nothing to ward of the winter sickness. When sickness strikes, there is little you can do except ride it out. But you can do a little prep work ahead of time.

Chicken Soup

Stock up on comfort foods. You know the old expression "Feed a cold, starve a fever." Keep a stash of soft, easy-to-digest foods...soup, apple sauce, yogurt, etc.

Flat soda

The photo may show a Diet Coke...but keep ginger ale, Gatorade, sports drinks on hand to replenish your system when you have a stomach bug/virus.

Cold and cough medicines

Keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet...Nyquil, Dayquil, and other cold and flu medicines. Stock up on adult AND child medications. Read labels carefully as some medications are not suitable for children.

First aid items

You'll need Bandaids, Neosporin, and Bactine for cuts and scrapes. When accessing an injury, look at amount of blood and depth of cut to determine whether you need to go to the ER.

Tummy troubles

Upset stomach. Gassy-ness. Heartburn. Indigestion. You may have these symptoms on a regular basis or every so often. Keep Rolaids, Pepto Bismol, and other products on hand as the need arises.

Sprains and injuries

Falling down stairs. Tripping over the dog. Banging your funny bone. Ow. Try a pain-free wrap to keep the injury in place. If pain persists, consult a physician.

Sniff, Sniff, Achoo!

Picture this...you are lying in your sickbed, you need a tissue, but alas you have no tissues at hand. Stock up on tissues for runny noses, allergies, coughs, and colds. Achoo!

It rubs lotion on its self...

Winter wreaks havoc on your skin. From the cold outside to the dryness inside your home, your skin will be a hot mess by spring. Keep lotions on hand to replenish dry and chapped skin.

Parenting Tips: Five Strategies for Taming the Homework Beast

Are you having the homework issues night after night? I have the hardest time getting my kids started on homework. I have strategies that work some evenings but not others. I have to be flexible…roll with it…go with the flow…but ultimately the goal is for homework to be done in a timely fashion.

Here are my strategies for successful homework time:

Let your child blow off some steam before homework…run around outside…shoot baskets. 

I have my children play outside for at least 30 minutes. Younger kids will want to stay out for longer. Set a time limit. Let your child know that when that time is up that he will need to go inside to start homework.

Set up a homework area.

One of mine likes to lie on the family room floor, which leads to sloppy work. So I have found that sitting at the kitchen or dining room table works better than lying on the floor!

Encourage your child to put completed assignments back in his backpack.

While your child is doing homework, you will have a chance to look through the backpack for paperwork or permission slips. Have your child get in the habit of placing all notes, permissions slips, and graded papers in a folder, so that you don't have to dig to the depths of the backpack.

Stay close to your child so that you can answer questions.

Depending on the age of the child, stay close. You will need to answer questions, read assignments, etc., so it helps to be next to your child. With my K-2nd graders, I sat at the table while they worked. I found that homework got completed quicker if I was close at hand. For my 3rd-5th graders, I stay in the same room, but try not to hover. For middle schoolers, let them work in their bedrooms. My oldest liked to work in her bedrooms as she was distracted by her younger siblings. My high schoolers will study and do homework in their bedrooms.

Establish the consequences for not doing homework.

If you have a child who flat out refuses to do homework, a good tactic is to let them not do an assignment one night. Tell them that it is their choice not to do their homework. Remind them that you previously “forced” them to do the assignment and now you are no longer going to force them. Remind your child that their may be consequences at school for not doing homework. This tactic works for 3rd graders and up. Fortunately, I’ve only had to do this once. The very thought of having to explain to a teacher why they didn’t do their homework was enough to stop the behavior.