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Breastfeeding Numbers reach highest level The percentage rates of moms who began breastfeeding upon delivery reached a record in 2001, with the number of mothers who continued nursing for six months also at record levels, a recent study shows. Breastfeeding at the beginning of life rose to 69.5 percent and those who were breastfeeding at least some of the time at six months was at 32.5 percent, according to a published account in Pediatrics, the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. However, the breastfeeding rates continue to lag for mothers in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, known as WIC. The study also noted that mothers working part time were more likely to begin and continue breastfeeding than those working full time. Breastfeeding is considered a vital component to early life by The American Academy of Pediatrics because it lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, disease, ear infections, allergies, diabetes, diarrhea, tooth decay, it fortifies the immune system, and promotes development. The study is based on the Ross Mother's Survey, which tracks infant feeding trends in the United States. Ross Products Division of Abbott Laboratories has been tracking trends in breastfeeding since 1954. A low point in the category of "breastfeeding at least some of the time at six months" was in 1971 (5.4 percent). That figure topped 30 percent for the first time in 1999. The current survey drew more than 340,000 responses from moms. Summer and water More tips to keep your children safe In June, OC Family Magazine published safety tips for the summer, including those to help prevent drowning. As the summer's two busiest months for swimming activities arrive, here are more ideas from the Orange County Chapter of the American Red Cross. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional, injury-related death among children ages 14 and under. More than half of childhood drownings occur in swimming pools - a child's own pool or that of a friend, neighbor or relative. The American Red Cross has developed these water safety tips; we've embellished a few to add emphasis: • Use a buddy system; never swim alone. • Swim only in a supervised area. (At parties, designate a reliable adult who never takes his or her eyes off the pool. Not for a conversation, not for a cell phone call, not for a hot dog.) • Dive in feet first; only dive into a minimum 9 feet of water. • Know your swimming limitations and get out of the water when too tired, too cold, or too much sun. • Don't let children under the age of 5 use a spa; extreme heat can be fatal. • Post a sign around your pool to "call 9-1-1" with your address and cross streets in case of an emergency. (This way, any adult can use a cell phone and give relevant information.) • Properly fence and secure your pool. A self-locking gate should have a latch at least 54 inches high. • Use life jackets when available. (Don't count on them to keep your child safe. That's your job.) • At the beach, ask the lifeguard where the riptides are, and avoid those areas. If caught in a current, don't swim against it but rather swim parallel and gradually angle toward the shore. Stay out of water that is posted as dangerous or off-limits. "Childhood drownings and near-drownings can happen in a matter of seconds, so remember the ultimate water safety: Never leave a child unsupervised around water," advises Debbie Graves, director of Health and Safety Services for the Orange County Red Cross. Information: 714.481.5300 or www.oc-redcross.org. A Voice in the Wilderness Understand that you're in good company By Lynn Armitage My childhood dream of the perfect life never included divorce and single parenting. Barbie and Ken are supposed to live happily ever after. There's no such thing as Divorced Barbie or Single Mom Barbie. But perhaps Mattel missed the boat. Had we played with these superheroes, maybe we'd be better prepared as adults for the hard reality that in California, close to 60 percent of marriages end in divorce, with Barbie forced to vacate the Dream House and move to the Barbie Trailer. I am a divorced, single parent, as many of us are. And I didn't realize until after my divorce what a tremendous responsibility it is to shape the life of another human being. In my case, two human beings, ages 9 and 5. While I try my hardest to maintain a semblance of strength and normalcy in our fractured and altered lives, there's a strong undercurrent of guilt and worry. Did I do the right thing? Are my kids happy? Will they end up in therapy? While I would love to go back about 15 years, knowing what I know now, and marry the RIGHT man, I can't. Instead, I have to make lemonade and remember why I chose to be a single parent in the first place - because it was the only shot at happiness for me and my girls. As single parents, there are many issues we grapple with day after day, independent of two-parent households. In this column, I hope to provide you with a voice in the wilderness of single parenting, and address those topics that are so relevant to us. While being a single parent isn't easy, it helps to know that no matter how alone we feel sometimes, we're definitely in good company. Now, let's go make some lemonade. The Road Map for Adulthood A guide to give to your 18-year-old Our kids can't wait for the freedom and independence that come with their 18th birthday. Once the hoopla of celebrating this milestone is over, it's a good idea to point out the responsibilities that also come with adulthood. "When you Become 18 - A Survival Guide for Teenagers," a colorful, oversized brochure funded by the Foundation of the State Bar of California, helps get this message across. As the publication states, "You can sue in your own name, make contracts, rent an apartment and buy a car." It also emphasizes that 18-year-olds can be sued and are responsible for the contracts and payments they commit to. This easy-to-read guide provides basic information on voting, credit, contracts, the judicial system, jury duty, military service and more. Here's a sample of what you'll find inside. Voting: How to register, where to vote, absentee ballots. Car Insurance: "Pink slips," proof of insurance, change of ownership, road rage. Torts: Negligent driving, defamation, battery, assault. Recreation: Disturbing the peace (loud parties), firearms, hunting and fishing licenses. Military Service: Enlisting, registering for the draft, exemptions. Marriage: Licenses, community property, dissolution, grounds for divorce, child support, paternity. Info: 415.856.0780, or www.foundationstatebarcal.org, barcomm@calbar.ca.gov Helping Hand Volunteer Time Special day reminds teens about self-giving Last month, as a prelude to this September's Festival of Children that will be presented by South Coast Plaza and Children's Hospital of Orange County, a kickoff with meaning was held. A Volunteer Day reminded high school students and their parents about the need for community service hours. Not only do these look good on the college application, but charitable work can help frame a life of giving. In case your child is scouting around for opportunities this summer, check out these nonprofits, among others: American Red Cross; Blind Children's Learning Center; Braille Institute; CHOC; Girls, Inc.; Olive Crest; Pretend City; Second Harvest Food Bank; Sierra Club Inner City Outings; Special Olympics; St. Joseph Hospital; and YMCA. High Schoolers Lax Seniors, studying less, get higher GPAs High school seniors spend less time studying and doing homework and more time on the Internet - a potentially combustible process for preparing for college - an annual study by UCLA indicates of the nation's students entering colleges and universities. Despite this decline in schoolwork, their high school gpas continue to climb. A record low 33.4 percent of entering freshmen report studying or doing homework six more hours per week during their senior high school year, according to the fall 2002 survey by the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA's Graduate School of Education and Information Studies. The high was 47 percent in 1987, when the question was first asked. And the percent of students studying less than one hour per week has nearly doubled to 15.9 percent over the past 15 years. What is unclear is whether the use of the Internet for research - which can be extremely useful if not abused - allows students to complete homework in less time. Perhaps, though, "the time students spend using the computer simply takes away from the time that they could be spending on their studies," says Linda Sax, UCLA education professor and director of the survey. Frequent use of personal computers among survey respondents hit a record 83.9 percent in 2002. The percentage of freshmen saying they used the Internet for research and homework during their last high school year also was at an all-time high in 2002 - 78.4 percent. Other survey results: • Today, 45.7 percent of freshmen report earning "A" averages in high school, up from a record of 44.1 percent in 2001. The low was 17.6 percent in 1968. • Today's students apply to more colleges (13.7 percent apply to seven or more, up from 8.3 percent in 1991). More than two-thirds (69.2 percent) attend their first choice, but that number continues to decline, from a high of 79.7 in 1977. • A growing number of incoming freshmen expect to get a job to help pay for college. That number for 2002 was at a record high, 47.1 percent. Some 65.3 percent of respondents say they have either "some" or "major" financial concerns. Women are more concerned about this than men. n For a copy of the 37th annual report, "The American Freshman: National Norms for Fall 2002," send $25 plus $4.79 for the first book and 40 cents for each additional book for shipping, to: Higher Education Research Institute, UCLA Graduate School of Education & Information Studies, 3005 Moore Hall, Box 951521, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1521. Women & Money Solid advice includes upcoming conference Family Finance By Craig Reem Internationally known investment planner Victoria Collins, a principal with The Keller Group Investment Management, Inc. in Irvine, can readily explain why today's woman - particularly the working woman with a growing family - should and must understand money management. "There are three compelling reasons," says Collins, who will be part of a group helping spread the word at an Orange County conference aimed at women in September. "Given the job market is somewhat uncertain, either that individual or her spouse may have the impact of not having a job, or a layoff, or a job change, which means they have to be even more conscious of taking care of finances. 2., With the market down over the last three years, it is even more crucial that people maximize...investing, and understand risk tolerance, and what is the appropriate allocation. They have less money to work with for retirement. The third reason is that the last three years has damaged confidence." Collins quotes from a recent Money magazine article that lists the top money concerns for women: affording retirement, being able to live on what they make, paying for health care, buying a home, and getting out of debt. As Collins points out, women more than ever need money management and investment savvy because increasingly they are playing a bigger role in a family's income stream. Plus, some 90 percent will manage the family's money at sometime in their lives, in part because women outlive their spouses by an average of seven years. Now is the time, with young families and years to plan, to understand the money stream. "Knowledge is power," Collins advises. Collins will join keynote speakers on Sept. 13 for an annual conference, "Invest in Yourself: Financial Strategies Conference for Women." It is presented by an Orange County-based nonprofit, WISE (Women Investing in Security and Education), of which Collins is a co-founder. This year, 15 workshops will be offered on financial subjects for the beginning, intermediate and advanced participant. It will be held from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Hilton Costa Mesa, 3050 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. Collins will be joined by Jane Wells, CNBC business reporter out of Los Angeles, and an expert panel. Information: www.wiseinvestors.org or 949.588.2429. FAMILY NEWS BITES BREN FOUNDATION DONATES TO SCHOOLS Some $700,000 in matching grant funds were recently given by The Bren Foundation to the Irvine Public Schools Foundation. The funds help support enrichment programs in the arts, music and science. Specialist teachers provide experience to schoolchildren in grades 4-6. The Irvine Public Schools Foundation raises money for public school programs that otherwise the school district could not fund. The 17-year-old Bren Foundation in part supports school districts serving communities on the Irvine Ranch. STUDENT FOCUSES ON PREMATURE BABIES A Cal State Fullerton student has won a statewide award for her project involving the treatment of premature babies who have neonatal jaundice. Tram Hoang, a mathematics major who graduates this summer, earned first place in the physical and mathematical sciences category. The 17th annual contest is sponsored by the California State University Student Research Competition. The Garden Grove resident collaborated with Shazia Khan of Ontario and graduate student Lorena Ortiz of South Gate on the project inspired by Preston Lee of Chino Hills. The boy is now a healthy 4-year-old who was born one month premature with neonatal jaundice. FUND-RAISING FOR SCHOOLS The Orange County Teachers Federal Credit Union has raised $250,000 to begin a $1 million fund-raising drive to help local schools. A check was recently delivered to the Orange County Superintendent of Schools Office. Called "Step Up for Education," the effort is to help ease the impact of California's multi-billion-dollar deficit. The organization will match up to $500,000 in donations; all funds will be disbursed to local schools in the fall. SCHOOL WINS HONORS Students at The Brighten School in Orange won 46 awards recently at the Orange County Youth Expo art competition. And in the Orange County Department of Education's 23rd annual Theatre Celebration, the school received an Outstanding Achievement Award for junior high school, original play, and an Achievement of Merit Awards for senior high school, film. OCEAN CLEANUP DAY Some 700 elementary students from schools in Santa Ana, Anaheim and Garden Grove recently participated in the 10th annual Ocean Day Kids' Adopt-A-Beach Cleanup. Students from Madison and Heninger Schools, Santa Ana; O.A. Peters and Faylane Schools, Garden Grove; and Thomas Jefferson School, Anaheim, participated at Huntington State Beach. The cleanup was organized statewide by the California Coastal Commission and overseen locally by the Earth Resource Foundation in Costa Mesa. NEW NONPROFIT AGENCY TARGETS DENTAL HEALTH A newly incorporated, nonprofit agency, Healthy Smiles for Kids of Orange County, has been established to bring oral health prevention, education and treatment services to children of low-income families. The program, funded in part by a $500,000 grant from the Children and Families Commission of Orange County, will operate in collaboration with local prevention and education programs as well as pediatric dental providers. Plans include the opening of a pediatric dental health clinic that will serve as the primary pediatric oral health treatment and resource center. The Garden Grove-based clinic is scheduled to open in March 2004. FAIRMONT STUDENTS WIN TOP HONORS Twelve Fairmont junior high students recently captured the traveling trophy from the Orange County Science Fair. The win marks the second consecutive year the school has received the most points in the competition and the fifth time in the 10-year history of the trophy. WESTERLY SCHOOL CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY More than 350 community members recently gathered to celebrate Westerly School of Long Beach's 10th anniversary. The event, themed "Westerly Side Story," raised more than $235,000 for educational programs. Proceeds will allow the independent, non-sectarian school to grow its financial aid program, further develop classroom technology, expand the music department, enhance the library and enlarge the sports program. TWO CHILDREN STORES OPEN babystyle, a leading maternity/baby lifestyle brand, recently opened its second retail store in the Carousel Court at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. The 3,300-square-foot store offers an assortment of maternity and baby products. Further south, Mac & Madi has opened in San Clemente. The children's boutique offers clothing (newborn to 14), toys, furniture, books, bedding, bath products and more. OC SCHOOLS HONORED FOR PARENT INVOLVEMENT Four Orange County schools were recently certified as Parent Involvement Schools of Excellence by the National PTA. The certification recognizes schools that uphold the highest standards in parent involvement. It also serves as a tool to help schools meet the parent involvement provisions in the 2001 No Child Left Behind Act. Certifications went to Aliso Elementary in Lake Forest, Arroyo Elementary School in Santa Ana, Edison High School in Huntington Beach and Peterson Elementary School, also in Huntington Beach. FREE ASTHMA TREATMENT PROGRAM EXPANDS The Orange County School Asthma Program, the first of its kind to bring free medical treatment to children in the county's underserved schools and clinics, recently expanded its program from part-time to full-time operation. In addition, it has purchased a Breathmobile, a fully equipped, mobile asthma-treatment unit. The Breathmobile program, in conjunction with Children's Hospital of Orange County, will be available fives days per week and will provide services to 22 sites. CALIFORNIA'S DISTINQUISHED SCHOOLS NAMED The California Department of Education recently announced that 132 public middle schools and high schools have been selected as 2003 California Distinguished Schools. Of the 2,228 middle and high schools in the state, fewer than 400 were eligible to apply for the honor based upon their Academic Performance Index (API) results. Applications were evaluated by teams of local educators under the direction of the California Department of Education. Those schools judged to be exemplary were visited by an outside review team. Initiated in 1985, the program honors elementary and secondary schools in alternate years. Distinquished schools from Orange County include: Brea Junior High, Parks Junior High in Fullerton, Ethel R. Dwyer Middle in Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley High, Thurston Middle in Laguna Beach, McAuliffe Middle in Los Alamitos, Bernardo Yorba Middle in Yorba Linda, Esperanza High in Anaheim, La Paz Intermediate and Los Alisos Intermediate in Mission Viejo, Douglas MacArthur Fundamental Intermediate in Santa Ana and Pioneer Middle in Tustin. 'HELP ME GROW' PROGRAMMING CONTINUES KOCE, in partnership with the Children and Families Commission of Orange County, will continue its "Help Me Grow" series this month. Programs, which air Fridays at noon, feature topics about raising safe and healthy children from the womb to age 5. Upcoming programs include: Mental and Emotional Health for the Whole Family (July 11), Preventative Health: Immunizations and Well Child Care (July 18), Children and Sleep: Where? When? How Much? (July 25), Community Resources for a Healthy Family (Aug. 1) and Child Abduction and Stranger Safety Awareness (Aug. 8). For more information, visit www.helpmegrowonline.org. OC HIGH SCHOOLS MAKE LIST Three Orange County high schools made a recent list of top 100 public schools, as chosen by Newsweek magazine. University High in Irvine (No. 53), Fullerton's Troy High (No. 93) and Sunny Hills High (No. 94) made the list. Troy High School has produced most of the teen writers in OC Family Magazine's Teen Years column. That includes recent graduate Marcel Przymusinski. And, one of our 11 Shining Students in the June issue was Aileen Sy of University High. Newsweek based its ranking on numbers of students taking Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate tests. FATHERS OF THE YEAR Brad Bowlus, president and CEO of PacifiCare Health Systems' Health Plans division, based in Cypress, has been named one of six local Fathers of the Year. The others are Ed Arnold, co-anchor of KOCE-TV's "Real Orange," who was profiled in OC Family Magazine in June; Orange County Sheriff Michael Corona; former California Angel Doug DeCinces, now president of DeCinces Properties; 1-800-MED-ALERT President Harry Kipp; and William D. Parham, associate director of Student Psychological Services at UCLA. The men were chosen by the Orange County chapter of the Father's Day Council and the American Diabetes Association. Said Bowlus: "Our theme at PacifiCare is, 'Care is Good. Doing Something is Better.' It is with that philosophy that I have always striven to balance my career with a strong belief and commitment of giving back to the community. I believe it is one of the best ways to be a good role model for my children." n - Reported and compiled by OC Family Magazine staff and contributors. |
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