Ensure A Memorable 1996 By Putting Your Children First
A happy new year is a healthy new year when children are cared for and protected by the adults around them. The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents to make sure seat belts are buckled, television viewing is minimal and children are immunized on time.
Additionally, parents can give their homes a safety check, keep guns away from youngsters and provide nutritious meals for their families.
Here are a handful of resources available for parents and caregivers toward a healthy 1996.
Child care book: The American Academy of Pediatrics has released its third child-care book, “Caring for Your School-Age Child: Ages 5 to 12,” a complete and authoritative guide giving basic information on childhood’s “middle years.”
Chapters cover physical and emotional development, nutrition and fitness, school and family issues, common health problems and more - all written in an easy-to-read style with a detailed index.
The book retails for $29.95, but may be purchased through AAP Publications for $19.95 by calling (800) 433-9016.
Free nutrition tips: How much iron, calcium and fat does a toddler need in his or her diet? A free brochure from The Institute of Pediatric Nutrition, “How to Meet Your Toddlers’ Nutritional Needs,” answers these questions and gives helpful tips on how to deal with finicky eating habits. To order, call (800) 721-5222.
Practical pacifier: The first FDA-approved pacifier/thermometer eliminates the discomfort of rectal thermometers and simplifies the process of taking a child’s temperature.
Wee Care Digital Pacifier Thermometer has been clinically proven by pediatricians to be reliable, accurate and safe.
Designed to be indistinguishable from a pacifier in the baby’s mouth, the mercury-free product takes an accurate digital reading as the child sucks on the nipple. The reading is displayed continuously on an LCD window on the front of the unit and a beep goes off when the process is complete.
From Questech International, the thermometer retails for $16 and is available at pharmacies and retail stores, or by calling (800) 966-5367.
Break the chain of abuse: Dr. Ty Hochban deals sensitively with the delicate issue of domestic violence in an important book, “HEAR MY ROAR: A Story of Family Violence.” Hochban hopes the book will be a form of “preventive medicine” aimed at breaking the cycle of abuse.
The story is written in allegorical terms with simple text and rich illustrations, telling the story of a bear family whose situation parallels real-life examples of abuse.
When the father in the story becomes abusive, the mother and child begin to suffer and baby bear blames himself. Finally, the mother is empowered to take action, stop the abuse and heal the damage to her family.
Hochban provides an introduction to the story discussing how to read and use the book with children as young as 5. He ends the book with further ways for people to reach out for help.
Locally, victims of domestic violence can call Alternatives to Domestic Violence (509) 327-9534.
“HEAR MY ROAR” is available in larger bookstores or by calling (800) 387-5085.
, DataTimes MEMO: The Family Track is a weekly column of notes and information for families. Send items to Lynn Gibson, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615, or fax (509) 459-5098.