ncpn | december 2014

FREE • DECEMBER 2014

KINDER COOKINGAND THANKFUL

CHILDREN

2 • December 2014 • northcoastparent.net

Hala Bunni, M.D. - OB/GYNSpecializing in Women’s Healthcare. Annual exams, infertility evaluation, menopausal care, minimally invasive pelvic surgery, obstetrical care, pelvic organ prolapse, screenings, sexual dysfunction concerns, and urinary incontinence.

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» WHAT'S INSIDE

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FURRY PAWSOBADIAH AND HIS HUMAN PARTNER, CHERI

FILL SNOW DAYS WITH ACTIVITIES AND FUNKEEP YOUR KIDS ENTERTAINED ON THEIR SNOW DAYS

SURVIVING A COLD WATER ACCIDENTWHAT TO DO IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT

DINNER ON THE FLYHEALTHY MEALS MADE FAST

CASTLE OF DREAMS NOW OPENA MUSEUM AND THEME PARTYLOCATIONFOR GIRLS

pg 6

COVER FEATUREKinder Cooking and Thankful Children

03

MOMMY MAYHEMA SARCASTIC AND COMICAL LOOK AT MOTHERHOOD

northcoastparent.net • December 2014 • 3

CONTACT A SALES REPTODAY! 419.732.2154

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By Brooke KilmerAs a person in today’s society I’m sure you can all relate to the fact there is

just never enough time in the day to get everything done that you want to get done. First of all most of us work an 8 hour job, then come home cook dinner, laundry, bills, cleaning etc. Add a couple kids to the mix and it’s all over. After 8 hours of working (which has now become my refuge) I pick up the kids, come home get multiple dinners ready because neither of them want the same thing (yes, I know the way they did it back in the day, if they didn’t like what you made they go to bed hungry). Well let’s get real here, I’m just not going to do that. Then comes homework, baths, cleaning and then to bed.

So as the “flu” season approaches and some or many of our children have already been sick from going back to school and spreading germs, as a mother I just want all of the parents out there to remember. You are doing your best. If you can’t get them to eat the same dinner, you don’t have time to do the laundry or clean, it’s ok the world is not going to fall apart if you just simply want to take a minute on the couch for your own sanity. Hang in there, things will always get better. Spring is just around the corner.

MommyMayhem

Never enough time.

Send us your Snapshots at [email protected] be featured in the North Coast Parent News!


Broadway twins: Will & Anthony Nunziata

Holiday Favorites with full orchestra and local

high school choirs

A Broadway Christmas

A Broadway Christmas

Sunday, Dec. 14, 4:00 pmSandusky State � eatre

New time!

Call toll free for tickets:

877-626-1950Information: 419-621-4800 or www.FirelandsSymphony.com

Principal Benefactors: The Frost-Parker Foundation The Randolph J. and Estelle M. Dorn Foundation

Season Sponsors: Buckeye CableSystem Diane and Gary Ackerman

Gold Sponsor: Citizens Wealth Management

Guest Artist Sponsors: Rhonda and Ken Watt

Silver Sponsor: Barnes Wendling CPAs

Furry PawsHalloween was scary with all those funny looking

loud little folks in strange crinkly outfits. I never have liked the boos and yowly sounds they make. I wore my Thunder Jacket. It really helped. We keep them in the shop.

October was busy with lots of wet and blowy. I took short walks some days. Mom tried hard to walk me when the bright thing was shining. But I really need exercise. So we play with my Red Dot Thing. She points very carefully so that it doesn’t get in my eyes. Next month I will tell you about toys. But this month I want to share the things I like to eat. Mom says some are good and others NOT good for me.

Leaf falling time is time for the wonderful smells in the kitchen. Mom makes more good smells this time of the year. She peels potatoes, carrots, and onions for pots of things. If I wait patiently beside her, she lets me have potato and carrot bites. NOT onions. She also knows that I like celery, but the bites have to be small so that I don’t get strings in my throat. I really love dried cranberries, and the doctor says that they are great for my kidneys. In fact, I need about 8 every day. Green beans are wonderful raw or from a can. If she feeds me one

at a time, it makes me feel so special. That’s how I get all my treats.

I have to watch my weight so that my body works well, so I don’t get a lot of fattening things, but if Mom makes gravy the low fat way, I really enjoy some. Turkey is great for me, but not ham. It is too salty. Pumpkin is good for me when I have runny poopies. Mom has lists of good human foods in the shop that she can share with you.

Obadiah’s words of wisdom: Any food I get one at a time from my human’s

hand is a treat. It makes me feel warm and wiggly.This is the time to make sure your furry children

have a warm bed and warm jacket for the winter. Also think about boots, because the white slippery stuff can cut our feet and the soft white gets between our toes. It hurts.

Take good care of your humans and try to listen to them. They love it when you tip your head to the side and wag your tail. Woof for now!

Obadiah.


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A blizzard of white flakes has been falling through the night, and the school phone chain has begun. As expected, children will have a day off from school, leaving parents scrambling for ways to keep children occupied and supervised.

Snow days may be coveted by kids (and teachers), but they may not be as beloved by parents who are unaccustomed to having kids home during the week. Working parents whose businesses are open do not have the same luxury as their children to roll over in bed and avoid trekking through the white stuff.

But just because snow days are unexpected, that does not mean parents can’t plan for them.

• Establish a snow day plan. Parents who cannot take days off from work will need a contingency plan for snow days. Organize a snow day club, wherein school parents rotate taking children for the day. Working parents can reciprocate by taking the school kids on a weekend and letting the other parents have a “date night.”

• Create a snow day entertainment bin. Rather than having kids spend the day watching television or playing on their tablets, parents can establish a snow day entertainment bin to encourage their kids to make the most of the day off. The bin can include board games, books, building block sets, paints, and other crafts.

• Plan for an indoor picnic. Kids will probably want to spend a portion of the day playing out in the snow. After all of that physical activity, they’re bound to be famished. Spread a blanket out on the living room floor and enjoy a picnic of sandwiches, snacks and hot chocolate. Kids will enjoy the novelty of eating this way.

• Go the movies. If roads are passable, consider a trip to the movie theater, where you can enjoy a matinee. Bring a few friends along and make it a fun-filled outing.

• Create snow art. Fill squeeze or squirt bottles with some water and food coloring. Allow kids to go out in the yard and create some pictures with the snow as their canvas.

• Take a nature walk. Grab those boots and insulated pants and head outdoors. A walk in the brisk, cold air can boost spirits and introduce kids to the beauty of winter landscapes. Take the camera along and encourage kids to snap pictures of their favorite vistas.

Fill snow days with activities and fun

6 • December 2014 • northcoastparent.net northcoastparent.net • December 2014 • 7

Kinder Cooking and Thankful ChildrenMrs. Sloma's Fifth GradeHayes Elementary, FremontHow do you cook a turkey?

“My idea of cooking a turkey is you get the stuff out of the turkey. Then you get the stuff that you don’t want in it. After, you could cook it in the oven for about 35 degrees or more and make sure the feathers are off them put it in the oven. Then once it’s done have a happy Thanksgiving.” Brianna

“First you need to defrost for 3 hours. Next make stuffing. After that stuff the turkey with stuffing. Next cook it for 3 hours and cool. Last you are ready to eat and gobble that big turkey.” Alana S.

“First, you hunt a turkey or buy one. Second, you turn on the oven at 2500˚F. Then, you put the turkey in for four hours. Next, you take it out. Finally you put stuffing in. Last but not least eat it.” Kayden

“First you should put it in a pan. Then, add some seasoning on it. Next, put vegetables on it for taste. Finally, cook it for about 3 hours. When it’s done put some more seasoning on it then you’re ready to eat.” Noah W.

“You put the turkey in the pot and you can add stuff to it if you want. You put it in the oven for 20-30 minutes. Set the turkey in the oven about 350˚. Then set the table and take the turkey out and eat that fat, juicy turkey. Happy Thanksgiving.” Jazmyn S.

“You turn the degrees on the stove to 360. Then you buy the turkey or kill it. Then go buy the sink and wash out all the blood and guts. Then you cut off the head. Then you stick it in the oven. Then wait maybe 1-2 hours. Then take out and tick a toothpick in it. Wait for it to cool. Then you can have some butter and you will have a nice Thanksgiving dinner.” Riley

“First you unwrap the bag and add stuff on it if you want to. Then you put some butter on it and put some food coloring on it and put plastic on it and put it in the oven for 451˚. Then you wait and wait and take it out and unwrap it and then it will make your mouth taste like a rainbow.” Kodi

“You take it out of the package and preheat the oven for 450˚. Then put it in the oven. Then you check on it. You need to check on it and put seasoning on it. After that you can put it in for 10 minutes. For the last thing cut it up and serve your dinner.” Jazmine

“Just cook how they are supposed to be cooked and put something over it to keep it warm. Then I would put stuffing in it. When I cook it it would be on 450˚F.” Logan

“We get a turkey from the store and we cook it with plastic. Put it in the oven and when it is done I put stuffing in it. Then put some more food on the table. P.S. Make a hole in the plastic.” Jenna

“First you need to preheat the oven at 350˚ then you need a big enough pan to hold your turkey. After that you rinse your turkey all out so you don’t see blood. I like to put fruit juice on mine. Then you put the turkey in the oven for about an hour and 30 minutes or 2 hours. After it is done let your turkey sit in the oven for about 10 minutes to cool down. Enjoy your yummy food and get stuffed.” Kaydence F.

“To cook a turkey you put it on a pan and put it in the oven. Put it in for about 30 minutes I think. After 30 minutes take it out. An option is to cut it up into small pieces and put spices and salt and pepper on it. Then put it on the table for your family to enjoy.” Jaren N.

“I warm up the stove to 350˚. Get a tray out and put season on the turkey. Wait till the beeper goes off and put in the turkey. Wait again till the beeper goes off and get the turkey out. Wait for the turkey to cool and eat the turkey.” Ivi

“First, go buy a turkey from the store. Next, you take out the fat. Then, you put stuffing in. You also put in the oven for one hour and 30 minutes so it can get the taste and so it’s not hard. You put pepper and salt and whatever you want to make it tasty. Finally, you cut pieces and place the slices on a plate and bring it to the dining room table.” Isabel

“First you buy a turkey from the store and bring it home. Then you soak the turkey in a sink filled with hot water. While the turkey is soaking, set the oven to 450˚. After the turkey is soaked stuff the turkey with stuffing (to make the stuffing find another recipe). After you stuff it put salt and pepper on it and put it in the oven. Cook the turkey for about 6 hours. After that set it out to cool and enjoy.” Adelaide

“Preheat the oven for 350˚. Then you put the turkey in the oven. Next leave it in there for about 15-20 minutes. Also take it out and let it cool down. Then you cut it and eat it. Or you buy one from Wal-Mart.” Joledyn

“I would put the stuffing in first. Then I would put it in a big pan. Last I would put it in the oven after I turn it on and let it preheat. I would let it cook for a few hours. Then when it is done I will let it sit to cool down. Then I would cut it up. Then I would get plates and put 3 pieces of turkey on everyone’s plates.” Joshua J.

“First, you should heat the oven. Second, you put the turkey in the oven. Third, you leave it in there for 1 hour. Fourth, you get it out of the oven and put seasoning on it. Now that is how you make a turkey.” Vince

“First you clean it. Then you stuff it and then you put it in a bag. Then you put it in the oven. Then you check how hot it is with a thermometer. Then you take it out of the oven and then you eat it.” Rhys

“First you put the stuffing inside. Next you put it in the oven. Then make sure it’s hot and eat.” Evelyn

“First you take your turkey and set the oven to 350˚ or 450˚. Second you take the gross thing out of the turkey. Third you put it in the oven and wait for 2 hours. Fifth you take it out of the oven and put anything that you want on it.” Yazmit T.

“First, you would buy the turkey from Wal-Mart. Then, cook it for about 21 hours in the mean time cook everything else for Thanksgiving. When it’s done spice it up a little and put some spices on it. Bam! There’s your Thanksgiving turkey. Happy Thanksgiving!” Jaylan

“First, you preheat the oven to 666 degrees. But if you use stuffing preheat to 763 degrees. Next, put the turkey in the microwave on defrost for an hour. Then put the turkey in the oven for 7 hours. But, if you use stuffing take it out half way and stir the stuffing. Finally, when it’s done take it out and eat your awesome turkey.” Elizabeth K.

“First, go to the store and get a turkey. Then we open the wrapper and rinse the turkey off. Then we season it and cook it.” Eli

“First you preheat the oven. Next you stuff the turkey with a bunch of different stuff. Then you put it in a roaster and put it in the oven. Cook it for a couple hours and stop the timer a couple times and squeeze some juice on it. Finally take it out and there you have your turkey.” Jenasis

Mrs. Jared's Second GradeHayes Elementary, FremontWhat are you thankful for?

“I am thankful for veterans. I am thankful for field trips.” Dayne H.“I am thankful for family and cousins.” Damarius“I am thankful for Mrs. Jared. I am thankful for families.” Aurora P.“I am thankful for how people can have children and have great families. I

am thankful for parents and kids.” Maylin D.“I am thankful for our families. I am thankful for Mrs. Jared.” Zalen H.“I am thankful for the Xbox 360.” Chad F.“I am thankful for my family. I am thankful that I have a life.” Ariana G.“I am thankful for great family. I am thankful for my friends. I am thankful

for money.” Jasmin S.“I am thankful for being in Mrs. Jared’s class because Mrs. Jared is sweet.”

Zachariah B.“I am thankful for Mrs. Jared. I am thankful for Nibbles. I am thankful for

fun activities. I am thankful for holidays. I am thankful for field trips. I am thankful for veterans.” Mariah P.

“I am thankful for my dad because he is fun and funny.” Katie B.“I am thankful for our families. I am also thankful for field trips.” Rowen S.“I am thankful for friends. I am thankful for Mrs. Jared. I am thankful for

families.” Karnell C.“I am thankful for field trips because they are fun.” Katherine R.

Miss Cross’ First GradeImmaculate Conception School, Port ClintonI am thankful for…

“All the plants that God made. All the plants are so pretty and the trees help us breathe.” Lucas S.

“The flowers because they smell real good.” Lilly O.“All the creatures that live under the ocean because some of them are

endangered.” Mason S.“My family because they take care of me and make me happy.” Austin L.“My mom because she cooks pizza for me and it is so good.” Oliver F.“Animals because if you have a pet he can keep you company.” Maelee H.“Toys because I really like to play with them, exspecially Legos.” Ezekiel A.“The whole world because there are so many animals and plants that are

cool.” Noah F.“My cousin, Alissa, because she is so funny and I am happy when we play

together.” Morgan W.“Jesus because he made us and food and shelter. Jesus just makes my days

better.” Megan Z.

Mrs. Adams' KindergartenImmaculate Conception School, Port ClintonHow would you cook a turkey?

“I would take the features off. Put it on the pan. Put it in the oven. I don’t know what number to put it on. Then I would drive to my Grandpa’s house in the country and share it.” Logan M.

“I would chop it up and put some grease on it. Then I would put some spices on it. I would make it spicy for my family. Then I would put some water on it and put it in the oven. After it’s done, I am going to put it in bowls and make French fried turkey soup. It would be hot and good.” William O.

“We don’t eat turkey. I would make macaroni and cheese with my grandma.” Ethan R.

“I would soak it in water and then I would put it in the oven for 3 hours. You could serve some sauce and macaroni and cheese with it. Take it out of the oven and then I would give everybody food.” Serena S.

“I would take the features off. Then cook it for 2 hours.” Nathan T.“I would catch a turkey. Bring it home. Bake it for 6 minutes. Eat it.” Adam F.“I would make it small enough to eat. Put salt and cream on it. Bake it for 20

minutes in the oven. Cut it up and then I am going to bring it to the table. We can make some broccoli with it. I like broccoli. Peas too. I like them as well. Oh, I am going to make fish too. And for a special dessert… cookies!” Dillon S.

“Just cook it for 20 minutes. Wait for the beeper to sound on the oven and then take it out. Put it in the middle of the table and look at it. It would be pretty. Nana would say it’s so good.” Rachel S.

“I would put turkey juice all over the turkey then cook it for half of an hour. Then I would take it out of the oven. Put it on the plates. Then eat… that’s the best part. Mom would say “Perfecto!”” Gavin C.

“I would put spices on it like pepper. I would put it in the oven for five. My family would say it was the best.” Lorelei F.

We asked some of the area schools what their kids were thankful for,and also how they would go about cooking a turkey for their family for the holidays.


NEW BEGINNINGS PEDIATRICS

New Beginnings Pediatrics is a family of professional caregivers dedicated to the medical and behavioral well-being of newborns, children and adolescents.

In 1992, Glenn J. Trippe, M.D., FAAP had a vision when he founded New Beginnings Pediatrics, in Norwalk. That vision was to expand the pediatrics programs in our area and to develop a regional pediatric center of excellence. New Beginnings Pediatrics has expanded providers and staff over the years and added a full-time office in Bellevue to better serve our area.

New Beginnings Pediatrics has all the qualities you value most in your child’s health care provider: knowledge, dedication, responsiveness and reassurance. The highest compliment we receive is when children we have cared for become parents and come back to us for the care of their children.

Physicians: Glenn Trippe, M.D., F.A.A.P. Melanie Jungblut, M.D. Wendy Millis, M.D., F.A.A.P. Paul Wneck, M.D., F.A.A.P. Karen La Salle, M.D., F.A.A.P. Abby Chudzinski, M.D.

Nurse Practitioners: Brigid A. Strauss, CPNP Laura M. Rogers, CPNP Laura I. Mendoza, CPNP Alison M. Schoch, CPNP

Physician Assistants: Maria A. Zappa, PA-C Brian A. Lynch, PA-C

Here you’ll find pediatric specialists from Akron Children’s Hospital — ranked among the nation’s best hospitals —along side the outstanding physicians of New Beginnings Pediatrics.

From wellness check ups, to common colds and unexpected bumps and bruises, all the way to specialty care in heart, orthopedic, pulmonary medicine and more, families can take comfort in the fact that their children have access to some of the best in children’s medicine.

PEDIATRIC CARE THAT’S BEYOND COMPARE Introducing the remarkable new home for children’s medicine in Norwalk:

The Pediatric Center of Excellence

AKRON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL SPECIALTY CARE

Cardiology Care

Treatments and services for children with heart disease, heart rhythm disorders, heart murmurs and other heart disorders.John Bockhoven, M.D.

Genetics

For adult prenatal, children with metabolic disorders, adults and children at risk for hereditary cancers and children and adults with any type of genetic disorder.Mohamed Khalifa, M.D.

Orthopedic Care*

For children with musculoskeletal problems, abnormalities of the spine and deformities such as club feet and scoliosis.Bill Schrader, M.D.*Orthopedic services will stay at Fisher-Titus Medical Center.

Pulmonary Care

For infants, children and teens with a broad range of respiratory disorders including pneumonia, bronchitis and pneumothorax to more chronic illnesses such as allergies, asthma and snoring.John McBride, M.D

Neurology Care

For children with epilepsy, seizures, sleep disorders and learning disorders such as ADHD and autism.Thomas Enlow, M.D.

NOW OPEN

Pediatric Center of ExcellenceNew Beginnings Pediatrics

Akron Children’s Hospital Specialty Care

282 Benedict AvenueMedical Park 2

Fisher-Titus Medical Center CampusNorwalk, Ohio

To learn more visit fisher-titus.org.

To find a New Beginnings pediatrician, call 419-668-9409 or visit NBPeds.com.

For an Akron Children’s Hospital Specialist, call 800-262-0333

Cardiology ext. 38521Genetics ext. 38792

Neurology ext. 38050 Orthopedics ext. 33500 Pulmonology ext. 38885


CMP Marksmanshipis SAFE, GREAT FUN!

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With This Ad!

On State Route 53 between Fremont and Port Clinton sits a little (pink) gem called the Castle of Dreams. Owned by Paul and Sande Gottron, Castle of Dreams is home to many things in little girls’ dreams.

Just opening the day after Thanksgiving, Castle of Dreams has a Barbie museum, an American Girl ballet room, a mermaid bathroom (with a sandcastle built in by the Gottrons themselves), a dressing room, cinema and a cupcake kitchen.

“I had so many Barbies I didn’t know what to do with them so I started a room dedicated to them and people wanted to come and see,” said Sande. “I have been collecting Barbies since 1991, I just wanted to share them with everyone. We also own a construction

business so we thought let’s do something. That’s when we built this house.”

In addition to a museum, Sande wants to host children’s parties. “We want to have around 12 children at most for a party to make sure everyone can get spoiled. People can give us a theme and we will do it. We are currently taking applications for parties in 2015.”

The Castle of Dreams is open through the month of December, Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. They will be closing January 2, but will be opening back up in the spring.

Visit the Castle of Dreams at 4299 W. Fremont Rd., Port Clinton or for more information call 419-341-9836.

Castle of Dreams now open


Surviving a Cold-water AccidentWith cold weather creeping in, the Ohio Division

of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft has some safety tips for surviving a cold water accident and tips for boating during the winter season.

Water cooler than the normal body temperature of 98.6 degrees can cause heat loss. Cold water will cool a body 25 times faster than cold air of the same temperature.

Falling into cold water triggers the body’s cold water immersion responses, beginning with an uncontrollable gasping reflex. A well-fitted lifejacket will keep the airway out of the water, which is most important when the gasping reflex begins. Heart rate and blood pressure increase dramatically, increasing the risk for cardiac arrest. The victim may hyperventilate and find it difficult to get air into the lungs.

Any water less than 59 degrees will trigger the physical response to cold water, but some studies suggest that the water can be as warm as 68 degrees. The colder the water, the more severe the response. Total immersion in cold water is very painful and the disoriented victim can quickly

panic. With these combined reactions, the victim may drown quickly. The best prevention for this danger is to wear a lifejacket.

The colder the water, the greater the risk to the unprepared person. If the water temperature is under 50 degrees, the window of opportunity for rescue is only a few minutes if the involved person is not dressed for the water conditions. Nearly 90% of boating fatalities are due to drowning and nearly half of those are attributed to the effects of immersion in cold water.

Should an immersion occur, try to get out of the water as quickly as possible. Do not try to remove clothing or shoes. Air trapped between layers of clothing will help keep a person afloat and also protect from direct exposure to cold water.

Should you manage to keep your head above water and stay afloat, the following chart provides a general idea of survival times in water of varying temperatures. Factors that may alter these estimates include clothing or protective gear, the individual’s health condition, and water conditions.

Survival TimeWater Temperature Exhaustion Death32.5 Under 15 min. 15 min. or less32.5-40 15-30 min. 30-90 min.40-50 30-60 min. 1-3 hrs.50-60 1-2 hrs. 1-6 hrs.60-70 2-7 hrs. 2-40 hrs.70-80 3-12 hrs. 3 hrs.-indefinite


Healthy meals made fastBusy families are increasingly looking to free up

time in their busy schedules. While certain shortcuts can make daily life more manageable, families sometimes pay too steep a price in their efforts to save time. Such is the case at the dinner table, where nutrition is often sacrificed at the expense of convenience. But quick and easy meals need not be void of nutrition and flavor.

North Americans have increasingly turned to fast food, convenience items and dining out as an alternative to home-cooked meals. However, such processed foods are often unhealthy. According to the book, “Eat It to Beat It!” by David Zinczenko, the average restaurant meal contains 58 grams of fat, or about 90 percent of the recommended daily fat intake for an average person. What’s more, 70 percent of the average American’s caloric intake is derived solely from processed foods.

Moderation plays a crucial role when crafting a healthy diet. Families can enjoy the occasional meal out provided they are careful about what they eat during other times of the week or month. Time-pressed families can employ a few strategies to help them eat better by enjoying more home-cooked meals.

Make a list of favorite family meals. Start by thinking about what foods the entire

household enjoys. Create a meal-planning schedule so that you can purchase all of the ingredients at once for the week so you aren’t making any time-consuming last-minute trips to the store.

Shop off-peak hours. Visit the supermarket during off-peak hours, such

as early morning or late at night. Avoid Sunday

afternoons when stores are often crowded. Shopping during off-peak hours can save you time.

Separate bulk purchases into smaller portions.

Take the time to divide larger packages of meat or produce into smaller portions more appropriate for the family. Frozen meats will defrost more quickly, and it’s easy to grab just what you need to pull together a meal.

Prep like a pro. When you have free time, wash and cut vegetables,

then store them away. Cook larger quantities of foods you eat often, such as pasta or chicken. These ingredients can be used in many different meals. Having them precooked or partially cooked cuts down on the cooking time during the week. Think ahead to which leftovers can be turned into new meals. Perhaps those grilled chicken breasts can be turned into fajitas or used as the base of a soup or stew later in the week.

Enlist some help. More hands in the kitchen can make for faster

work. When schedules overlap, have someone peel potatoes in the morning and set them into a bowl of water in the refrigerator to used that evening. Another person can arrive home from school or work and start seasoning meat or poultry while someone else can be in charge of the actual cooking when he or she arrives home. Working together cuts down on the amount of time any one person has to spend making meals.

Embrace the slow cooker. Slow cookers are a boon to busy families. Various

ingredients can be placed inside of the crockpot and then set to cook slowly for several hours. The slow cooker uses a very low temperature to cook the foods for anywhere from 5 to 8 hours. The results are often flavorful, tender meals. After morning prep time, a family can return home in the evening and have a meal ready to go.

Use convenience foods correctly. Make meals a combination of foods you cook

from scratch and convenience items. However, be sure to check labels and ingredients when choosing convenience items. Opt for whole grain bread, and select foods that haven’t been overly processed. Choose low-sodium alternatives for a healthier meal.

Allow your family to splurge once in a while.

On particularly busy days, plan to dine out or to order some takeout. Many restaurants have revamped their offerings to provide healthier fare, and families worried about overeating can split portions among two or three people to cut down on the number of calories and fat everyone is consuming.


F I S H E R - T I T U S . O R G

You’re invited to enjoy a sensory friendly holiday event brought to you by Fisher-Titus Medical Center’s Autism Spectrum Kids (ASK) Program and Premiere Theatre 8.

This special event is closed to the public and modified so that children on the autism spectrum and with other disabilities will not become over stimulated and overwhelmed.

Features include:• No loud holiday music• Sensory break areas for those who are scared or anxious• Sensory friendly crafts for those who have difficulty waiting in line• Santa who is patient and experienced with children with special needs• Movie lights left on and the sound turned down• Ability to get up and talk during the movie

Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas to the event!Remember to bring your camera so you can get the perfect photo with Santa!

Fisher-Titus Medical Center’s Autism Spectrum Kids (ASK) Program provides special support for children, families and the community who are touched by Autism, Asperger’s syndrome and PDD-NOS. The ASK Program is centered around our pediatric therapy department within a state-of-the-art facility. For more information, visit fisher-titus.org or call Lindsey Esker, Pediatric Programming Coordinator, at (419) 660-2117 ext. 3040.

Movie &

Saturday, december 13

9:30 a.m. Santa and Holiday Crafts

10:30 a.m. The Polar Express

Admission is FREE with the donation of a canned or non-perishable good. Otherwise tickets are $5.50 each.

The Polar ExpressPremiere Theatre 8 | 50 Theater Drive | Norwalk

SantaSeNSory FrieNDly

ncpn | december 2014

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