family 2012
DESCRIPTION
Family offers relevant information to help nurture happy, healthy children, as well as manage their inevitable bumps in the road. A publication of BusinessWoman magazine.TRANSCRIPT
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By Lori M. Myers
Penn State Hershey Medical Center has been
providing outstanding care to children and their
families for more than 40 years and serves as the only
children’s hospital and pediatric trauma center between
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. It is healing the sick,
alleviating suffering, and changing lives, providing the
best medical expertise from dedicated doctors and staff
and the latest advances in technology and procedures.
Now, that quality
and care is about to
get even better. A
new freestanding
facility will soon
be completed that
will house the
expertise and
state-of-the-art
care that has been
the hallmark of
the center for all
those decades. It
will be on par
with any children’s
hospital in the
country.
“We wanted to
bring up-to-date
technology and
advances to the
care we provide to
the children of
Central PA,” says
Dr. Barbara E.
Ostrov,
pediatrician in chief and vice chair of pediatrics in the
Department of Pediatrics at the hospital. “This new
facility will allow us to do this.”
The Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital at Penn
State Hershey Medical Center has always provided the
entire spectrum of services needed to give children the
best of care—from the very premature to those with
heart problems, skin conditions, kidney transplants, or
those having other surgical needs.
“We have more than 30 different specialists here
that can address the needs of any child with health
concerns or who need childcare,” Ostrov says. “We
also have pediatric consultants in any other area
needed, such as radiology, pathology, and physical
therapy, to improve the lives and outcome of
children who come through our doors.”
Along with providing jobs to many people and
increasing the number of employees in Central PA
who work at Penn State Hershey Medical Center,
the new Penn
State Hershey
Children’s
Hospital
allows the
expansion of
the center’s
clinical
program by
having a
new first-
floor clinic
and infusion
center for
children
with cancer
as well as
other
illnesses.
Two new
procedure
rooms for
children—
such as those
with stomach
issues who
need colonoscopies—will be in a pediatric center
for the first time. The new facility will also have
five pediatric operating rooms and a special heart
procedure room that can be turned into an
operating room that improves the safety of these
complex procedures for children with heart disease.
“These ORs and the family waiting room will be
wwwwww..BBuussiinneessssWWoommaannPPAA..ccoomm ffaammiillyy 22001122 3
Dr. Barbara E. Ostrov, pediatrician and vice chair
of pediatrics in the Department of Pediatrics.
Continued on page 5
In the Best Interestand Care of the Children
3912 Abel Drive • Columbia, PA 17512 717.285.1350 • onlinepub.com
A supplement to BUSINESSWWoommaann magazine
Inside:
Welcome to ffaammiillyy, a special insert to BUSINESSWWoommaann
magazine. We are pleased to provide information and resources
that will support you in your adventure through parenthood.
Education starts very young and begins with the parents.
But through the Keystone STARS program, standards have
been set for early learning centers. Find out what they are and
what you should look for in a quality daycare.
Moms and dads are always concerned about the well-being
of their children, both physically and emotionally. We are
grateful to Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, our
sponsoring partner, for working with us on this venture. Penn
State Hershey Children’s Hospital offers hope and healing for
those within our community and beyond. Find out more
about what you can expect to see and experience when the
new Children’s Hospital opens in the near future. Read
about some of the enhanced services they will provide.
Other information is also offered for parents of infants
through teens to assist them in a variety of aspects of
family life.
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IInn tthhee BBeesstt IInntteerreesstt aanndd CCaarree ooff tthheeCChhiillddrreennProviding the best medical expertise.
FFaammiillyy RReessoouurrccee aanndd SSaaffeettyy CCeenntteerrssCenters for the overall wellbeing of the family.
TTeecchhnnoo--TTyykkeessIs using a computer good for your preschooler?
CCeenntteerreedd oonn tthhee PPrrootteeccttiioonn ooffCChhiillddrreennCoordinating and expanding initiatives to protect
children.
PPeerriinnaattaall SSeerrvviicceessSupport for the mother, baby, and family unit.
YYoouutthh VVoolluunntteeeerriissmmDefying the ‘Gen-Y’ stereotype.
SSeelleeccttiinngg aa DDaayyccaarreeWhat’s right for your child?
LLuunncchheess KKiiddss WWiillll LLoovveeThey’ll ask for them again and again.
IImmpprroovvee YYoouurr FFaammiillyy’’ss IIQQWays to make education come naturally.
RReeaaddeerrss’’ CCoorrnneerrSharing moments through books.
Christianne Rupp
Managing Editor
wwwwww..BBuussiinneessssWWoommaannPPAA..ccoomm ffaammiillyy 22001122 5
children focused for the first
time in our history,” Ostrov
says.
The new 252,000-square-
foot facility is located at the
east side of the center’s campus
adjacent to the main entrance
and in front of the University
Physician’s Center. It
completes what has been
termed the “arc,” which is
comprised of the Cancer
Institute in front and leads
to the main lobby and then
the Children’s Hospital.
Multicolored posts and a
waterfall, which flows down
the east wall of the building
and will be lit at
night, have been
incorporated in the
design to enhance the
visual beauty of the
facility.
“The new building
is designed for
children and their
families,” Ostrov says.
“The color scheme was
designed with our
Family Advisory
Council and is nature
focused.”
The new facility’s
ground floor will
include a new pediatric
radiology unit along
with a state-of-the-art
blood bank and
pharmacy, which will
serve both children and
adults. An interactive
learning wall is on the
first floor and there are
several outdoor spaces
for patients and families
as well as a meditation
space near the first-floor
café.
The first floor also includes the
Family Resource Center, where
families can learn about childhood
illnesses and health and wellness,
and the Safety Store, where car
seats, helmets, and other
important injury-prevention and
safety items can be assessed.
The Children’s Hospital’s
second floor will have operating
rooms and procedure rooms, and
the third floor will have medical,
surgical, and oncology patients.
The fourth floor will house the
intensive care areas. All of the
inpatient rooms, which are located
on the third and fourth floors, will
be private rooms and include space
where two parents can
comfortably spend the night
with their child. The
doctors who care for these
sickest patients will have
offices nearby on the fifth
floor. The building is
designed to accommodate
three more floors if needed
in the future.
The hospital belongs to
the children and families of
Central PA, Ostrov says.
She’s proud of the quality
and range of family and
child-focused services that
will be provided for those
coming to the new
facility to receive the best
of care.
“As vice chair, I am
most proud of our faculty
and staff,” she says.
“They put their hearts
into everything they do
for kids and families. The
new building will enable
them to continue this
effort in a wonderful,
new, up-to-date, child-
centric facility.”
The new Children’s Hospital building features a 40-foot-high by 27-foot-wide playful sculpture titled The Promise
by Rochester, NY-based artist Albert Paley. The sculpture ismore than 35,000 pounds of weathered steel with brightly
colored natural elements, including clouds, the sun andstars, a waterfall, and various animals—all designed to
not only delight and surprise hospital visitors who interactwith the sculpture, but to also aid in the spiritual and
emotional journey taken by ill children and their families.
The new Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital.
Best InterestContinued from page 3
6 ffaammiillyy 22001122 wwwwww..BBuussiinneessssWWoommaannPPAA..ccoomm
By Lori M. Myers
Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital reaches out to
entire families, from admission to discharge. In order to
enhance its services, the facility has created a warm,
inviting place inside with its new Penn State Hershey
Family Resource
Center. Families,
patients, and
visitors can take
a break from the
patient’s bedside
and obtain
information
about services,
programs, and
resources
available within
the Children’s
Hospital and the
community.
“Computers
are available for
families and
visitors to stay in
touch with their
loved ones, as
well as stay
connected to
their workplace
if necessary,” says
Debbi Fuhrer,
family-centered
care coordinator.
Resources at
the Family
Resource Center
are divided into three main categories: hospitality (where
to eat, where to stay, local attractions, etc.); hospital
services (description of each support service and how to
get in contact with them); and clinical information (top
five diagnoses for each pediatric service and reputable
websites recommended by physicians).
The needs of and caring for families also extends to
patients’ siblings, who must deal with their own
challenges. With that in mind, the Family Resource
Center includes a sibling play area with planned activities
for siblings of patients. There are also private rooms for
family meetings if needed.
The Family
Resource Center
is partnering with
the Lois High
Berstler
Community
Health Library,
located on the
East Campus of
Penn State
Hershey Medical
Center, for
specific medical
information.
Included
along with the
Family Resource
Center will be
the Penn State
Hershey Safety
Center, both
located near the
main entrance of
the new Penn
State Hershey
Children’s
Hospital. This
location provides
high visibility to
everyone who
enters and exits.
Injuries are the leading cause of death and disability to
Pennsylvanians ages 1 to 44 years. And injury prevention
efforts at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital have
been expanding since 1995. Its success has resulted in a
decrease of admissions of injured children to the intensive
care unit and rehabilitation.
Susan Rzucidlo, MSN, RN, pediatric trauma and injury preventionprogram manager, and Debbi Fuhrer, family-centered care coordinator.
Family Resourceand Safety Centers
Nevertheless, injuries are still occurring and there are
increasing demands for injury prevention information.
Leading causes of injuries for children admitted to the
Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital are motor vehicle-
related trauma and falls. Other injury causes include
pedestrian, bicycle, sports and recreational, burns, farm
injuries, and intentional injuries such as child abuse,
stabbing, and gunshot wounds.
“It became apparent that a highly visible and physically
permanent location is needed to continue to meet the
needs of our growing population,” says Susan Rzucidlo,
pediatric trauma and injury prevention program manager.
“The Penn State Hershey Safety Center will provide an
opportunity for an expansion of the program and further
reduce the number and severity of injuries that will be
suffered by the children of Central Pennsylvania.”
The Safety Center will provide prevention information
and access to safety devices known to reduce the risk of
injuries for every child and family. Personalized, age-
appropriate education about preventing injuries will be
given by an injury prevention health educator with
“hands-on” opportunities for how to use smoke detectors,
car seats, and safety gates. Selected safety devices that
target major risk areas will be available for employees,
patients, families, and the public.
Additionally, educational programs for outreach
activities for healthcare providers, schools, and others
interested in keeping children healthy and safe will be
offered. The Safety Center will also serve as a resource for
local practitioners on injury-prevention strategies and
resources for preventing injuries to children.
These new resources for children and families were
made possible through partnerships with staff at Penn
State Hershey Children’s Hospital and local businesses.
Also, generous donations to the Children’s Hospital’s
building fund were made by the PNC Foundation and the
Hershey Company.
“We must be an advocate to prevent the injuries to
children,” says Rzucidlo, “but also improve the safety for
parents and other family members.”
wwwwww..BBuussiinneessssWWoommaannPPAA..ccoomm ffaammiillyy 22001122 7
Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital Safety Centernearing completion.
By Kelly James-Enger
Our family members are amazed when they see my
2-year-old son at the computer. He can already sign
on, play games at Sesame Street online
(www.sesamestreet.org), and insert and play
educational CDs.
It’s surprising to watch how absorbed he becomes,
and how skilled he’s become at using the mouse, but I
have to wonder—is computer time a good idea for a
child his age?
Today the home computer has become as
ubiquitous as the toaster, and kids are exposed to PCs
from the time they’re young. But you may be
wondering how much computer time is appropriate
for young kids, or whether you should keep them off
of it altogether.
At the same time, you don’t want your child to be
behind the learning curve when he enters preschool or
kindergarten.
“A computer is like any other appliance,” says
technology and parenting expert Sharon Cindrich,
author of E-Parenting: Keeping Up with Your Tech-Savvy Kids. “It’s like TV. Kids are going to come across
it in the course of their day.”
That’s why it’s better for parents to introduce their
kids to the computer instead of waiting for them to
learn about it in preschool or kindergarten.
“When you allow your child to interact with it at
an early age, you have the opportunity to teach them
safe habits and good behavior, and lay that foundation
early on,” says Cindrich. “The other thing is there are
a lot of educational advantages. We used to buy toys
that blinked and had colored lights and talked to us,
and even though we don’t consider the computer a
toy, it does all of the things that we used to look for in
educational play toys.”
Using a computer can help toddlers improve their
eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills and to
learn cause and effect. In addition, playing games can
help them learn skills like letter identification,
counting, color and shape identification, and
matching and sorting.
“We have a lot of educational games for different
age ranges,” says Wendy Lambert, the mother of two
Techno-Tykes: Is Using a ComputerGood for Your Preschooler?
8 ffaammiillyy 22001122 wwwwww..BBuussiinneessssWWoommaannPPAA..ccoomm
boys, Zachary, 6, and Maxwell, 4, who started playing a
simple software game when they were about 2. “There are
games like Clifford, Bob the Builder, and Blue’s Clues,
and they have adjustable skill levels, which is nice.”
They also play games on Nick Jr. online
(www.nickjr.com). (See the sidebar for toddler-friendly
websites.)
“I think it’s definitely helped their matching and
sorting skills, and it’s improved their eye-hand
coordination,” she says. “I do think using the computer
has been worthwhile.”
The boys each have a daily time limit of 25 minutes,
and they can only use the computer when Lambert or her
husband is in the room.
Yet the most advanced software is no match for simply
spending time with, playing with, and reading to your
toddler or preschooler.
“I think many parents believe that they must rush,
even before the baby is born, to get all the technological
apparatuses ready,” says Peggy S. Meszaros, Ph.D., the
William E. Lavery professor of human development and
director of the Center for Information Technology
Impacts on Children, Youth, and Families at Virginia
Tech. “They fail to realize that they are the most
powerful teachers their children have.”
Computer time should be balanced with “outdoor
activities and face-to-face activities that will help their
children’s development intellectually, emotionally, and
physically,” says Meszaros.
And remember that a PC isn’t a babysitter for kids this
young.
“The parent should be sitting with the preschooler,”
says Meszaros. “Then you can also engage them in
conversation about what they’re doing. That’s a
higher level of learning than just ‘point and click.’”
Setting time limits, like Lambert does, prevents
young kids from spending too much time moving
their mouse around.
“Fifteen minutes is long enough for a young
child to be at the computer,” says Cindrich.
“Establish a time boundary early on, whether with a
timer or a watch.”
Start out with your child on your lap, and teach
your toddler the following computer rules:
• Wash your hands before using it.
• Keep food and drinks away from the
computer.
• Sit facing straight ahead, with proper posture.
• Only use the computer with a grown-up.
Make sure that the room is well lit to reduce
eye strain, and keep children at an appropriate
distance from the computer screen. Teach your child to
treat the computer responsibly, such as letting her clean
the screen, turn it off when she’s done with it, and store
and take care of her software discs.
Like educational videos, computer games can’t replace
reading or interaction, but your toddler may benefit from
playing with your PC—with your help. Not only will she
learn about numbers and letters, but she’ll help develop
healthy computer habits as well.
Great Sites for Toddlers
Crayola (www.crayola.com) – Hands-on fun
featuring crayons and your child’s imagination
Lil’ Fingers (www.lilfingers.com) – Activities that
encourage reading, drawing, and interactive learning
Nick Jr. (www.nickjr.kids.us) – Games and
printable material featuring Blue, Dora, Little Bill,
and all your favorite Nick Jr. characters
PBS Kids (www.pbskids.org) – Arthur, Clifford, the
gang from Sesame Street, and all your favorite PBS
programs are featured in games, stories, and activities
Peep and the Big Wide World
(www.peepandthebigwideworld.com) – Interactive
science activities for preschoolers
Starfall.com (www.starfall.com) – A great site for
kids just learning to read
LLoocckk IItt UUpp!!Now your computer and small items can stay safe when
you have to step away for a few minutes. The Master Lock
computer lock is made of durable metal construction for
laptops or other devices with a built-in lock slot. For small
items, try the portable safe. It protects MP3 players, cell
phones, cash, credit cards, jewelry, keys, passports, or other
small valuables and is made of durable, water-resistant
construction. Simply wrap either of these appliances
around a stationary device.
masterlock.com
10 ffaammiillyy 22001122 wwwwww..BBuussiinneessssWWoommaannPPAA..ccoomm
By Lori M. Myers
Children are one of the most
vulnerable members of society. Our
region has become more acutely aware
of this fact as we read the headlines
and turn on the news to learn about
how some of our most responsible
adult leaders and caregivers are being
accused of abusing children and
destroying the lives of the very young
and innocent.
In the wake of recent child abuse
tragedies, Penn State Hershey Medical
Center has instituted The Penn State
Hershey Center for the Protection of
Children in order to coordinate and
expand clinical, research, and
educational initiatives to protect
children from abuse and help heal
those who have been injured.
But the new center’s facility, with
an expected completion in the early
part of 2013, isn’t the medical center’s
first time at taking action. Since 2008,
the medical center had instituted
educational programs for all of its new
employees to make them aware of
their responsibility in identifying and
reporting suspected child abuse.
The statistics are startling.
According to the Centers for Disease
Control, nearly 6 million children are
reported for suspected child
maltreatment each year in the United
States. An average of five children—
most of them under the age of 4—die
every day from abuse or neglect.
One out of every five children in
Dr. Benjamin H. Levi, director of thePenn State Hershey Center for the Protection of Children.
Centered on theProtection of Children
wwwwww..BBuussiinneessssWWoommaannPPAA..ccoomm ffaammiillyy 22001122 11
the country will be sexually abused before their 18th
birthday. Many victims stay silent about their abuse,
resulting in scars that could last a lifetime as well as
injuries that could be passed on to the next generation.
“Child abuse has been recognized by the Centers for
Disease Control as a major public health concern,” says
Dr. Benjamin H. Levi, director of the Penn State
Hershey Center for the Protection of
Children. “Yet Pennsylvania has one of
the lowest rates in the nation for
reporting and identifying child
abuse.”
Fortunately, in light of
recent reports, the laws against
child abuse are changing in
our state. Levi says there is
emerging legislation that will
update “in a good way” what
qualifies as abuse and how it’s
reported.
Levi will be joined at the new
center by a clinical child-protection
team that includes one child-abuse
specialist, two pediatricians who have
completed specialized post-graduate training
in child protection, and a social worker. The larger
team of specialists includes physicians and nurses in
pediatric surgery, neurosurgery, critical care, neurology,
psychiatry, pulmonary ophthalmology, and other fields.
The center is also in the process of recruiting a clinical
psychologist and an additional board-certified child-abuse
specialist.
“When treating children who have been abused, it is
critical to treat the whole child, which includes addressing
their psychological and social needs, in addition to their
physical injuries and developmental concerns,” says Levi.
“Because each child is unique, their treatment plan is
developed specifically around their individual needs.”
The center’s plans include expanding its clinical
outreach by developing an outpatient clinic
that will serve as the medical home for
children who have been abused and
placed in foster care.
Additionally, the center is
developing an eLearning
module for school personnel on
how to become a responsible
mandated reporter. It includes
a variety of research and
outreach initiatives that focus
on the prevention of child
abuse, as well as sharpens its
ability to accurately identify and
report suspected abuse.
One of the center’s challenges, Levi
says, is educating people on the
frontlines—teachers, healthcare professionals,
and others working with children—to be aware and
vigilant without overreacting, to understand the
prevalence of child abuse and what their role is in the
protection of children.
“We don’t expect anyone to become an expert on child
abuse,” Levi says, “but to be a good citizen.”
““WWhheenn ttrreeaattiinngg
cchhiillddrreenn wwhhoo hhaavvee
bbeeeenn aabbuusseedd,, iitt iiss
ccrriittiiccaall ttoo ttrreeaatt tthhee
wwhhoollee cchhiilldd..””
Perinatal Services –Support for the Mother, Baby,
and Family Unit
By Lori M. Myers
To find out that there is something medically wrong
with a baby that is not yet born is certainly an
overwhelming moment that can leave parents numb.
The Perinatal Program at Penn State Hershey
Children’s Hospital was developed to guide parents and
families through this stressful time by working one on one
with each family, taking them through the consultation
process from scheduling of appointments and personally
escorting them to these appointments to providing them
with a real person to whom they could ask questions and
get information.
“As the perinatal program coordinator, I have the
privilege of working with families, community
healthcare providers throughout Central PA, and
the healthcare providers at Penn State Hershey
Children’s Hospital and Hershey Medical Center
to support the overriding goal of helping parents
deal with the challenge of having a baby who will
need special care after they are born,” says Pat
Avakian. “It is all focused on achieving the best
outcome for the baby and the family.”
The Perinatal Program also makes it easier for
healthcare providers in the region to refer their
patients to Penn State Hershey Children’s
Hospital for consultations related to the
management and care of unborn babies
diagnosed with fetal abnormalities that will
require either immediate or early intervention
following delivery. It also ensures that
communication between Penn State Hershey
providers and the referring physician is done in a
complete and timely manner.
The pediatric specialty groups include the
Children’s Heart Group, neurosurgery,
orthopedic surgery, general surgery, plastic
surgery, and urology. They treat conditions such
as atrial septal defects, brain tumors, clubfoot,
airway obstructions, bladder exstrophy, and many
others.
“In addition to the surgical specialties, there
are an extensive number of support services
available that provide follow-up care and
Pat Avakian in the present pediatric play area, looking forwardto the quickly approaching move to the new hospital.
12 ffaammiillyy 22001122 wwwwww..BBuussiinneessssWWoommaannPPAA..ccoomm
wwwwww..BBuussiinneessssWWoommaannPPAA..ccoomm ffaammiillyy 22001122 13
management of children throughout childhood and
adolescence to adulthood,” Avakian says. “All these
services are conveniently located here in Central
Pennsylvania.”
Diagnosis involves state-of-the-art equipment at Penn
State Hershey Children’s Hospital that is unequaled. The
discovery of birth abnormalities is most often determined
through prenatal ultrasound, Avakian says. When an
abnormality is identified involving the brain, fetal airway,
or possible chest mass, a fetal MRI performed at Penn
State Hershey provides a more detailed view of the
anomaly.
“No other facility in Central Pennsylvania has this
diagnostic tool available,” Avakian says. “The fetal MRI is
instrumental in determining the most appropriate
management plan for the delivery of the baby.”
Central PA is also very fortunate to have a neonatal
intensive care unit at Penn State Hershey Children’s
Hospital that is classified as a Level IIIC, the only one in
our region to have this type of classification. The next
closest at that level are in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
Located in the same building as the NICU are the
maternal child unit and the maternal fetal medicine
department, where obstetrical specialists provide prenatal
care to the mother and are able to effectively and safely
care for both routine and highly complex deliveries.
Supporting the mother, baby, and family unit is the
goal of the Perinatal Program at Penn State Hershey
Children’s Hospital. A very important part of Avakian’s
responsibilities includes meeting on a regular basis with
the maternal fetal medicine physicians and neonatologists
at other Level III facilities in the area to discuss patients
who will be referred to Hershey for consultation. She also
visits community hospitals in the region to identify ways
in which Hershey can support them.
“The ability to collaborate with the providers in other
facilities,” Avakian says, “offers the opportunity to ensure
that the best possible care is provided to all patients
through the sharing of information and resources
throughout Central Pennsylvania.”
NNeeww AAggaaiinn ...... aanndd IImmpprroovveeddNow coming full circle, cloth diapers and covers are making a comeback. They’re hip not only for the environment but also as clothing
attire. Diapers can be purchased prefolded with snaps (no more pins!), with leg gatherings (no more leakage!), and as inserts to the covers.
And now the covers themselves come in a variety of colors and styles and can even be made of wool so baby stays dry without plastic.
Youth VolunteerismDefies the ‘Gen-Y’ Stereotypes
By Megan Joyce
When it comes to broad stereotyping, generation Y
takes a beating.
Those born between the years of 1981 and 1995 are
often the unhappy recipients of some brutal labels.
Pampered. Opposed to hard work. Self-centered. Needy.
Socially inept.
But those negative labels are just stereotypes, and
stereotypes are meant to be—and often are—disproved.
Today’s teenagers and young adults are also incredibly
generous and socially conscious, as evidenced by their
widespread volunteerism.
Many of the generation’s naysayers would be surprised
to learn that in 2004, youths between the ages of 12 and
18 contributed more than 1.3 billion hours of service,
according to a national study conducted by the
Corporation for National and Community Service with
the U.S. Census Bureau and Independent Sector.
In fact, young people volunteered at twice the rate of
adults, with 55 percent of youth volunteering, compared
with only 29 percent of adults.
And one of those young people is Katy Gochnauer, 18,
a graduate of Hempfield High School and a freshman at
Slippery Rock University. Gochnauer’s resume of
volunteer work is impressive and varied, and like so many
of her peers, her reason for volunteering is simple and
altruistic.
“I think it’s really a satisfaction that you get from
helping other people, knowing that you won’t get any
immediate recognition necessarily for it,” Gochnauer said.
“But it’s just nice to know you’re helping other people
out.”
Gochnauer has been extensively involved in activities at
her church, including conducting the church’s weekly
video presentations for the past four years, working in the
church nursery, helping with holiday meals, and
participating with vacation Bible school.
“At vacation Bible school, all the kids that you get to
work with really make an impression on you, just the little
things that they do,” Gochnauer said.
“She has a very caring personality, and that comes
through in her volunteer work,” said her mother, Loren
Gochnauer. “About halfway through night one of Bible
school, kids are crawling on her lap, like she’s holding two
and three kids at a time. Kids know. They know who cares
and who doesn’t care.”
At her school, Gochnauer was a member of the Anchor
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Club, which promotes volunteerism. In her freshman
year, she participated in Hempfield’s Mini-THON to
raise money for cancer research.
In addition to serving as captain of her soccer team
for five years, Gochnauer has also helped with soccer
training camps for all ages.
When a classmate passed away from a drug overdose,
Gochnauer was one of the students who volunteered for
the fundraiser that sold t-shirts and car washes to raise a
few thousand dollars toward his family’s medical bills.
And this holiday season, when you hear the familiar
tolling of the Salvation Army bells, Gochnauer might be
the person ringing them. For five years in a row,
Gochnauer has rung the donation bell at the mall, a
bank, a pizza shop, and a grocery store.
“People are generous,” she noted. “It’s cool to see all
the kids asking their moms for change to go put in the
bucket.”
As is so often the case, volunteerism runs in
Gochnauer’s family. She has helped both her
volunteering grandmothers at a Manheim thrift shop,
sorting donations and helping to price items.
Her father and mother are longtime volunteers as well
and started Gochnauer off young, encouraging her to
help them sort cans donated to the food bank at
Thanksgiving.
For parents struggling to find a way to initiate their
children to the value and importance of volunteering
their time, Gochnauer said that following one of their
interests is the easiest path.
“Do something that they’re interested in,” she said. “A
sports team, church—there are always things you can do
… or through school. There are always clubs you can get
into. If your child’s interested in something, it’s going to
be easy to get them to volunteer, especially if their friends
are doing it.”
At Slippery Rock, Gochnauer is studying to become a
physical therapist, an occupation in line with her
longstanding desire to help others. And despite the rigors
of collegiate academia, Gochnauer has continued her
volunteer work by joining the Best Buddy program,
where she is paired with an adult who has mental health
challenges for regular activities.
Gochnauer has also chosen to assist the American
Cancer Society as a leader for a fitness fundraiser and
hopes to become a student ambassador for her college in
the future.
Just one of many young adults challenging the
negative gen-Y characterizations, Gochnauer reiterated
her motivation for serving her community.
“It’s just nice knowing that you can help other
people,” she said. “It’s also [knowing that] someone out
there is benefitting from what I’m doing, and the little
bit of time I can give is helping someone out a lot.”
Katy Gochnauer has been extensively involved in activitiesat her church, including participating with vacation
Bible school and conducting the weekly video presentations.
Selecting a DaycareThat’s Right for Your Child
By Rochelle A. Shenk
Choosing a childcare program for your child is an
important decision. There are so many choices to make,
and it can be a bit overwhelming—there are more than
9,000 registered and certified childcare programs in
Pennsylvania.
You want your child to be
in a fun environment, but it
should also be safe and
educational. Additionally,
early experiences can have a
big impact on your child’s
future success.
“The first five years are
critical in a child’s
development. Children
develop social skills, and the
foundation of a good work
ethic is formed during this
time. A childcare center
prepares a child for
kindergarten,” says Kelly
Swanson, communications
and public policy director at
Pennsylvania Key, an
organization that manages
statewide professional
development initiatives for
childcare professionals.
Like an ice cream store,
there’s a wide variety of
childcare providers to choose
from, and not every one will
suit a parent’s needs. Some
parents prefer in-home care or care in someone else’s
home, while others may prefer center-based care or a
preschool.
“Any program you choose should consider the parent
as a partner in the program. There should be a lot of
communication between the program and/or the teacher
and the parent,” Swanson says. She also advises parents to
talk with their child every day about activities in childcare,
so they can continue the learning process at home.
In Pennsylvania there are both non-regulated childcare
programs and programs that are regulated by the state
Department of Public Welfare. Regulated programs
include childcare centers, a childcare facility, and a
childcare facility located in a home.
These are inspected once
per year and must follow
guidelines such as: provide a
designated number of staff per
amount of children; provide
constant supervision; provide
nutritious meals; ensure that
all enrolled children are
immunized; meet state health
and safety standards; and
provide learning opportunities.
Background checks of staff
members are also part of the
licensing/certification process.
In evaluating different
childcare options, Swanson
advises parents to examine
several factors, including
education and experience of
teachers, longevity of teachers,
and child-staff ratios. The
Pennsylvania Department of
Public Welfare has established
specific child-staff ratios based
on age.
Swanson also suggests
asking teachers or program
administrators about their
philosophy and if they follow
Developmentally-Appropriate Practices (DAP), which are
activities that meet the developmental level of your child.
She says that quality childcare programs have classrooms
and activities that meet the needs of your child at each
developmental stage.
“One thing a parent can do when they visit a childcare
program is to look at the classroom. There should be
different learning centers for different activities. They can
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also speak with the teacher and ask about what skills an
activity develops,” she says.
Swanson adds that Pennsylvania has developed early
childhood learning standards.
“Children don’t all develop at the same rate at the same
age. Programs should try to touch on all the different skill
levels every day.”
While a parent is visiting the classroom, she/he should
look at the way the teacher interacts with children as well
as how she/he
interacts with
them.
“Reliable
childcare is
important, and
both you and
your child have to
feel comfortable
at the childcare
center,” Swanson
says.
She also notes
that a quality
childcare program
should be open to
visits from
parents.
“You may not
be able to go into
the room if the
children are
napping, but you
should be welcome to visit at any time. If that is not the
case, that should throw up a red flag,” she says.
Often parents look for quality childcare that’s
convenient to both home and work, but Swanson advises
parents to extend their search a bit further in either area.
“There could be a quality childcare program that’s five
or 10 minutes away from your target area. Childcare is
expensive and you don’t want to overlook any opportunity
that’s nearby,” she explains.
Another consideration in selecting a childcare program
is participation in the Keystone STARS (Standards,
Training/Professional Development, Assistance, Resources)
program, which provides families with a tool to gauge the
quality of early learning programs.
Swanson notes that STARS has standards for
participating early-learning programs. Programs can earn
STAR 1 through STAR 4 (4 is the highest level). Each
level has its own quality standards for staff education,
learning environment, leadership management, and family
and community partnerships.
There are also
other resources
available to help
parents choose a
program that’s
right for both
them and their
child. These
resources include
accreditation
from one or
more of the
following: the
National
Association for
the Education of
Young Children
(NAEYC),
National
AfterSchool
Association,
National
Association for
Family Child Care (NAFCC), or National Early
Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA).
A program may also be a T.E.A.C.H. (Teacher
Education And Compensation Helps) sponsoring center
or family provider. A scholarship program for childcare
teachers and directors, T.E.A.C.H. allows them to attend
college classes and continue working full time.
With careful consideration and the right tools to
analyze programs, parents can make a childcare choice
that not only provides quality care for their child, but is
also one that they and their child are comfortable with.
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By Sandra Gordon
You probably know that kids shouldn’t leave the house
without having a healthy breakfast. But lunch is just as
important. Eating every four hours or so helps children
perform at their peak.
Although most kids can buy lunch at the school
cafeteria, if the line is long or
your child doesn’t like what’s
being served, bringing lunch
from home can be a healthy and
fun alternative. Here are some
hints to help you make
nutritious lunches that your
child will eat and ask for again
and again.
PPyyrraammiidd PPoowweerr
Your child’s lunch should
include a serving from each of
the major food groups from the
USDA Food Guide Pyramid:
grains like rice or whole-wheat
bread; fruits; vegetables; skim or
low-fat milk, yogurt, or cheese;
and a protein food such as
beans, peanut butter, or turkey.
Packing a sandwich is a simple
way to get many of the food
groups into one quick meal.
For more information about
the Food Pyramid, visit
www.mypyramid.gov.
TThhiinnkk VVaarriieettyy
Vary the foods your child eats every day so that he
stays interested. This is especially important for
adventurous eaters. If you make sandwiches, switch up the
type of bread you use. Instead of white bread, try English
muffins, whole-grain bread, whole-wheat tortillas in
flavors like spinach or red pepper, pita pockets, or whole-
grain bagels or crackers.
Then change the fillings. One day, put peanut butter
on the sandwich, and the next day make it tuna or sliced
chicken or turkey. If your child eats lunchmeat, get the
lower-fat, lower-sodium versions of deli and prepackaged
cold cuts.
To make it easy on yourself, use dinner leftovers for
your child’s lunch entrees too, such as pasta, soup, or chili.
It might just hit the spot.
Change up other aspects of your child’s lunch as well.
While whole fruits such as apples and oranges are great,
pineapple chunks, grapes, or a mix of dried fruit such as
craisins, raisins, apricots, mangoes, and banana chips can
be a welcome change.
MMaakkee MMiillkk aa PPrriioorriittyy
If possible, have your child
buy milk at school or pack it
from home for her lunch
beverage; it’s an excellent source
of bone-building calcium.
With the exception of infants
and young toddlers, most kids
don’t get the daily
recommended levels of calcium:
500 milligrams (mg) from age 1
to 3; 800 mg from 4 to 8; and
1,300 mg for ages 9 through 18.
In fact, only 55 percent of kids
ages 3 to 5 and 40 percent of 6-
to 11-year-olds meet their
calcium quota.
It’s best to avoid juice and
soda as your child’s lunch drink
because both are high in sugar
or caffeine. But if your child
only drinks juice, look for 100
percent juice that’s calcium
fortified. Water is also an
acceptable choice, although it
doesn’t offer any nutrients.
DDoonn’’tt FFoorrggeett aa TTrreeaatt
For fun, toss in some healthful treats such as low-fat
pudding, unsalted pretzels, baked chips, trail mix, no-
sugar-added applesauce, unbuttered popcorn, graham
crackers, gingersnaps, or whole-grain cereal.
Pound for pound, kids need more energy than adults.
So if your child eats moderately and is active, those extras
will not add unwanted weight. For younger kids you
might pack some other extras such as a note from Mom
or Dad or a special napkin for a holiday or your child’s
birthday.
Lunches Kids Will Love
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BBee WWeellll PPrreeppaarreedd
For safety’s sake, get the right equipment for packing
your child’s lunch. Use polyethylene plastic containers that
are designed for carrying foods and are safe for the
microwave. Take note—using margarine or cottage cheese
containers is not a good idea. They were designed for one-
time use and may contain chemicals that may leach into
the food.
To keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold, always
include a cold pack for foods that need refrigeration and
those that contain perishable ingredients such as
mayonnaise. Freeze a cold food or beverage, and pack it
frozen into your child’s lunchbox so that it will still be
chilled at lunchtime.
For soups and other foods that your child should eat
heated, preheat an insulated, tightly sealed container such
as an unbreakable thermos that’s designated for hot foods.
While the thermos is heating, warm up the soup or other
food in the microwave oven or on the stove. When the
food has heated, pour the water out and the warm food
in.
When packing perishables, choose an insulated
lunchbox or bag rather than paper. Paper bags might not
maintain the temperature of foods as well as the insulated
kind. Remind your kids not to store their lunch in warm
spots such as near the classroom window or near the
radiator during the colder months. If your child’s school
has a refrigerator, that’s ideal.
To keep germs in check, wash and thoroughly dry your
child’s insulated lunchbox daily.
LLeett’’ss EEaatt
How can you make sure that your child eats the lunch
you pack and doesn’t toss it or trade it for a classmate’s
lunch? Here are a few tips:
1. Let your child help you choose the lunch foods while
you’re shopping or when you’re making a shopping list.
For example, ask your child what type of fruit or yogurt
he would like. Then prepare the food and pack lunch
together.
2. Since most kids love to eat with their hands, they’ll be
more likely to devour fruits and vegetables (and other
foods they might otherwise pass up) if you cut them into
bite-size pieces or strips. Pieces of fruit look even more
appealing if you make them into kebabs by spearing them
with a straw. Add low-fat cheese cubes for
a calcium boost. Pack a low-fat yogurt dip
for fruits or a low-fat ranch dip for carrots,
celery sticks, and radishes.
3. When you see your child in the afternoon or
evening, ask if he ate lunch that day and how it was. Your
interest will send the message that you believe lunch is an
important part of your child’s day.
AA WWeeeekk’’ss WWoorrtthh ooff MMeennuu IIddeeaassKid tested … dietitian approved.
MMoonnddaayy
Q Peanut butter and honey on whole-grain submarine rolls
Q Fresh orange slices
Q Three vanilla wafers
Q Skim milk
TTuueessddaayy
Q Tuna salad on whole-wheat bread
Q Strawberry, grape, and orange fruit kebabs
Q Low-fat fruit-flavored yogurt (for dipping)
Q Three small gingersnaps
Q Low-fat chocolate milk
WWeeddnneessddaayy
Q Chili (left over from Monday’s dinner)
QWhole-grain crackers with low-fat American cheese
Q Carrot and celery sticks with low-fat ranch dressing dip
Q One half cup low-fat vanilla pudding
Q Skim milk
TThhuurrssddaayy
Q Tortilla roll-ups (low-fat ham or turkey and cheese rolled
up in a whole-wheat tortilla)
Q Carrot and red pepper strips with salsa
Q Two oatmeal cookies
Q Low-fat strawberry milk
FFrriiddaayy
Q Vegetable pizza (left over from Wednesday’s dinner)
Q Sliced apple, banana, and pear in orange juice
Q Three graham crackers
Q Skim milk
By Farzanna S. Haffizulla, M.D.
It’s Monday! Besides your own busy schedule, your
children’s activities shadow all else. From soccer meets to
piano practice, where can we fit in and meld a strong
academic foundation for our children? Teaching our
children the significance of strong academic groundwork,
the value of responsibility, and the importance of meeting
your obligations on homework assignments and school
projects are important values.
As parents, we are the architects of our family
institution. Weaving the threads of a solid education and
fostering motivated learning can be accomplished easily
and effectively.
EEdduuccaattiioonn aatt HHoommee AAnndd BBeeyyoonndd
Often, even an extremely bright child will stumble in
one subject or have a hard time with one concept. Lack of
understanding of the material and basics early on can
cause a chain reaction that will significantly slow down
academic development.
Often the best approach is for the parent to take
charge and get their kids the help they
need in school. There are many ways to
accomplish this, such as:
Linear learning. This tutoring type
offers a structured approach to
math and reading. It is a way to fill in any gaps in the
material children are learning at school. The extra sessions
they spend with these tutors reinforce any concepts and
ideas they learn at school, further enriching their
educational experience.
Study hall. Children can stay at school to do their
homework under the guidance of teachers or tutors, rather
than doing homework at home where it is too easy for us
to give them the answers.
Extra learning materials. Encourage education beyond
the classroom by providing children with different
educational materials. Some are digital or audio books;
others are workbooks and interactive computer programs.
The materials supplement what they are taught in
school and provide them advanced materials beyond their
grade level to keep them challenged and interested in
learning beyond the classroom. These additional materials
promote independent learning so important in instilling
the value of curiosity and passion in your children.
MMeennttoorrsshhiipp
Establish a system of mentorship among siblings. Both
younger and older siblings benefit from these family work
sessions. Aside from daily homework assignments,
children have work sessions alongside each other, where
everyone helps one another with their schoolwork.
Improve Your Family’s IQ –Ways to Make Education Come Naturally
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This idea follows the Montessori methodology of
schooling that emphasizes a student-driven learning
experience, where the children dictate the pace of their
own learning experience. It recognizes that every child is
different and that you can’t expect him or her to follow
one sequence of development. It advocates an education
that is tailored to the individual’s quirks and experiences.
By having siblings work together, you essentially create
a safe and supportive environment where each child can
work at his/her own pace but get the encouragement and
support of their family. In particular, these learning
sessions offer another way for the younger children to
learn from their older siblings’ experience. The older
children also benefit by teaching material to the younger
brothers and sisters, reinforcing and mastering concepts
they have learned in the past. Together, they all learn to
work as a team and as a family.
PPrriioorriittiizzee aanndd EEssttaabblliisshh aa RRoouuttiinnee
Establishing a clear routine to help build a sense of
regularity into your child’s days is also important for
academic success. For example, they have X amount of
time allotted for homework and studying and X amount
of time for watching television.
Exam preparations can be done as a family activity.
Turn study time into a game where you quiz each other,
building confidence and a sense of camaraderie among
your children. This can even be done in the car on the
way back from karate or soccer practice!
In this communal study format, not only does one
child master new topics faster and with better
understanding, but all the children benefit by
participating in discussions with their siblings.
It’s also important that your children learn at an early
age to prioritize. Kids are juggling activities, hobbies,
academics, and household chores—it’s important to teach
them how to handle their responsibilities without feeling
overwhelmed. Immediate gratification is a natural instinct,
and teaching them how to control their impulses and to
finish the important tasks first is an important life skill.
VVaalluuee IInnddeeppeennddeennccee
Educate your children by empowering them to learn
on their own. While extra help might be needed
sometimes, too much hand-holding can provide a false
sense of security. Just as children needed to learn to walk
on their own, they need to manage their homework
assignments and projects on their own, as well.
There are many cases where parents fret about their
children’s performance on a school project. So, instead of
taking the chance that their child might get a grade less
than an A, they spearhead the project for their child,
providing them all the ideas and research.
But this strategy, even if it’s
couched in good intentions, only coddles
children and invalidates the whole purpose of
school projects, which is to teach independent learning
and to foster creative thinking and resourcefulness.
Instead, encourage independence at every corner. If
your child insists on your help initially, prompt them to
tackle the problem on their own at first. An experience
like this fortifies their sense of resolve and will push them
to become independent thinkers.
Being prompted to hunker down with books and
rethink a problem can provide the catalyst to reach that
“Eureka!” moment. When the solution is found, it feels
like sweet victory. Teach your children to believe in their
abilities. They will soon learn to effortlessly pull from
inner reserves of strength and resources.
The key to academic success starts at home: educate,
encourage, establish independence and mentorship, and
empower your children! Get creative and have fun while
learning. As your journey through this process continues,
remember there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach.
Incorporate activities that make sense and that meld with
your family’s passions and interests. Where there is a will,
there is a way!
Dr. Farzanna Haffizulla is an expert in work/life balance and
author of Harmony of the Spheres, which advises how to achieve
harmony and balance of the work, family, and community
spheres in life. She runs the websites BusyMomMD.com, an
informative site for modern, educated women juggling career,
family, and community life, and HouseCallsMD.us, which
provides a portal to better healthcare. Contact Dr. Haffizulla at
www.busymommd.com.
TThhee GGrreeaatt CCoovveerr--uuppGreat protection for your orthotic boot.
BootGuardz protects your boot from rain,
snow, and more. Weather-resistant material.
And shower with CastShieldTM, a waterproof
solution for keeping your cast dry while
bathing! Contains latex.
castcoverz.com
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110011 OOfffflliinnee AAccttiivviittiieess YYoouu CCaann DDoo WWiitthh
YYoouurr CChhiilldd
By Steve and Ruth Bennett
btptpress.com
Disconnect from the ’Net, put away the digital
toys, and have some old-fashioned fun. You’ll find
activities that need little or no preparation and it’s
a great way to connect with your children.
HHeellpp YYoouurr KKiiddss GGeett IItt DDoonnee RRiigghhtt aatt HHoommee
aanndd SScchhooooll!!
By Donna M. Genett, Ph.D.
quilldriverbooks.com
Learn the six simple steps that will help your child
fulfill his or her potential for success and
happiness. Guaranteed to drastically change the
life of the reader and his or her parent.
LLiiffee AAfftteerr CCoolllleeggee:: TThhee CCoommpplleettee GGuuiiddee ttoo
GGeettttiinngg WWhhaatt YYoouu WWaanntt
By Jenny Blake
runningpress.com
A compilation of tips, inspiration, and coaching
exercises for every area of life. A 20-something
herself, she understand what recent grads are
facing in today’s society.
1155 WWaayyss ttoo ZZaapp aa BBuullllyy
By Jackie Humans, Ph.D.
legworkteam.com
This book illustrates simple techniques on
handling bullies and moves into more
sophisticated techniques using humor and/or
snappy comebacks. It also outlines how to report
a bully.
SSttoovveerr
By Kathy Brodsky
kathybrodsky.com
This is a fun book with a message about staying
healthy. Stover is a happy little pig with a secret
life. He loves playing in the mud, but see what he
does to stay happy and healthy.
TThhee AAvvaaiillaabbllee PPaarreenntt
By John Duffy
cleispress.com
Lean how you can enjoy a
healthy, satisfying, and new
kind of relationship with your
teens and tweens: a
relationship with a foundation
not of fear, but of radical
optimism.
HHeerree WWee GGoo!!
GGrraannddCCaammpp AAddvveennttuurreess
By Walter Sorrels and
Victor Tavares
grandcamp.com
There’s something special
between a grandparent and
grandchild that ought to be
recognized, celebrated, and
nurtured. Books, music, and
games. Magical moments and
fun abound. Paint a memory
that lasts forever.
Sharing Moments Through Books
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