During last July’s 5.8 earthquake, 3-year-old Bronwyn told her 1-year-old sister, “We’re going for a wiggle.” READ MORE
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Prentice School Learning disabilities, abilities, on tap The Prentice School, the North Tustin-based nonprofit that is renowned for teaching children with dyslexia, next month hosts its sixth annual conference on disabilities and abilities. “The Science of Reading: Overcoming Dyslexia” and “Struggles and Triumphs of Individuals with Learning Difficulties” are the topics. The March 31 program mirrors the school’s outreach: “One of our goals is, we want to become a resource in Orange County for young children through adulthood,” says Executive Director Carol H. Clark. Specifically within the private school serving first- through eighth-graders, the focus is on dyslexia, in which children have difficulty in language skills, such as reading, penmanship, spelling, oral and/or written expression. “We’re giving them the toolbox and preparing them for the future to reach their potential,” Clark says of her students. Drs. Bennett and Sally Shaywitz, pediatrics professors and research scientists at Yale University School of Medicine, and co-directors of the Yale Center for Learning and Attention, will oversee the first program, “Overcoming Dyslexia.” A panel discussion on the second topic will be moderated by Dr. Marc Lerner, a UC Irvine developmental pediatrician. The conference schedule, to be held at The Delhi Center in Santa Ana, begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. “The Science of Reading: Overcoming Dyslexia,” begins at 9 a.m. Following a lunch, the panel discussion, “Struggles and Triumphs of Individuals with Learning Difficulties,” begins at 1:30 p.m. The program ends at 4 p.m. with a book signing. Pre-registration is $85; day of registration is $100. Information: 714.538.4511, Ext. 34 or cconklin@prentice.org. DIAPER RASH Don’t be fearful, and use ointment There is not much comforting about diaper rash, but that has not dissuaded Dr. Robert W. Sears, and his words may soothe the parent. Sears, a San Clemente pediatrician who has appeared on national TV programs and co-authored several books, is an advocate for a calm, though thorough approach to prevention and care. Veteran parents remember the red bottoms, and new and expecting parents often fear the worst. In fact, a recent online survey determined that diaper rash is a new mom’s No. 1 concern. “The first thing to know is that diaper rash is a normal part of being a baby,” Sears tells OC Family Magazine. “Parents shouldn’t think there’s anything particularly wrong or dangerous about diaper rash, but that it is uncomfortable.” The first line of a defense is “frequent diaper changes.” During the awake hours, a change should occur roughly every two hours. “Don’t let a baby sit in his poopie diaper (and) don’t let diapers fill up with tons and tons of pee before you change them,” he advises. And don’t despair. diaper rash.” Sears says that skin sensitivity is different human to human, so some babies are more susceptible to rashes. Also, digestion may play a role, as stools may come out more acidic and irritating in baby 1 than in baby 2. Another key may be in the ointment itself, says Dr. Sears. One option is to use ointment as a preventive measure, “to create a barrier.” Specifically, he says, use clear ointment when no rash is present, and use the white zinc oxide cream when there is a problem. Check with your doctor if a rash hasn’t cleared up in a few days. The online Baby Comfort Survey was conducted by International Communications Research for BALMEX. Among its finding, these are the skin conditions that most concern new mothers: Diaper rash – 46% Sunburn – 43% Heat rash – 34% Eczema – 22% Cradle cap – 18% Baby acne – 15% MOM’S WORTH The work is worth about $700,000 each year Moms may be priceless to their children, but in today’s job market they are worth more than $700,000 per year, according to an annual study by Eldelman Financial Services. The study – which takes into account the numerous tasks of moms, from cooking meals and dispensing medication to managing family finances and assisting with homework – includes the salaries of occupations that a typical mother might hold during the course of a given year. Here’s a look at the occupations and corresponding median annual salaries, which total $707,126, or $58,000 per month. (If you think that’s a little high, we leave it to YOU to tell mom.) • Animal Caretakers $25,979 • Chef $31,990 • Computer Systems Analyst $64,896 • Financial Manager $83,075 • Food/Beverage Service Worker $17,076 • General Office Clerk $23,540 • Registered Nurse $49,840 • Management Analyst $70,160 • Childcare Worker $17,310 • Housekeeper $17,330 • Psychologist $56,540 • Bus Driver $30,810 • Elementary School Principal $74,050 • Dietitians/Nutritionists $41,920 • Property Manager $46,390 • Social Worker $35,640 • Recreation Worker $20,580 FAMILY NEWS BITES JOYFUL CHILD FOUNDATION RAISES $100,000 More than $100,000 was raised at the Joyful Child Foundation’s first gala fundraiser, recently held in Costa Mesa. The nonprofit agency, founded in memory of Samantha Runnion, will use the funds to support its programs aimed at protecting children from child abuse and abduction. STUDENTS FINALISTS IN WRITING CONTEST MaCall Manor, a six-grader at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano, and Ryan Downs, an eighth-grader at Los Flores Middle School, were recently named two of 14 finalists for the London Production Company OBAHC Films’ worldwide writing-for-television contest. The winning entry will be the basis of a children’s TV adventure series filmed in India. Both youth are students of Tutor Clarissa Ngo. NEW STORE FOR TWEENS OPENS IN IRVINE Justice for Girls, a Limited Too concept store, recently opened at The Market Place in Irvine. The specialty retail outlet focuses on fashionable, value-priced sportswear for girls ages 7-14. The store also offers accessories, such as hats, belts and socks, as well as jewelry and lifestyle items. EDUCATION AWARENESS CAMPAIGN BEGINS Coastline Community College recently launched an awareness campaign, “My possibilities are endless.” The goal of the program is to spread the message that, with education, your possibilities are endless. The campaign will run through June 2006. LOCAL BOWLING CENTER RECEIVES TOP MARKS Fountain Bowl was recently rated as the No. 5 bowling center in the United States by Bowling Center Management, the industry’s leading business publication and official trade magazine of the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America. The second largest bowling center in California, Fountain Bowl has hosted two Women’s U.S. Open and three Men’s U.S. Open bowling tournaments. WORLD’S LARGEST GINGERBREAD MAN Forty youngsters from the Blind Children’s Learning Center recently used their compensatory senses to decorate the world’s largest gingerbread man during an event at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. Established in 1962, the nonprofit children’s center is dedicated to helping blind and visually impaired youths achieve their full potential and lead lives of independence. NEW BOARD OFFICERS ELECTED IN SANTA ANA Longtime Santa Ana resident Alfredo M. Amezcua has been elected president of the Rancho Santiago Community College District Board of Trustees. John R. Hanna will serve as board vice president and Phillip E. Yarbrough as clerk. – Reported and compiled by OC Family Magazine staff. |
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