Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in west la, CA

Weekend Warrior: Last Weekend of August and The Maggie List

by Susan Choi

August 27, 2009

Hello Savvy readers! This is my last post. Thanks for your support over this past year! And without further ado, here are the happenings this weekend:

Family Saturdays at the Ford Theatre ends this Saturday with its final show starting at 10 am. This year's theme is Big!World!Fun! Hula Halau Ka Lehua Uluwehi I Ka Lani will be performing Hawaiian Breezes which celebrates the beauty of Hawaii through hula dancing. Children are free but reservations must be made for them. Adults are $5. This week's science-based preshow activity is Fire: Minerals. Children can run tests to determine the best way to identify minerals using their very own take-home mineral field guide. The workshop begins at 9 am before the show, so get there early!

The Skirball Cultural Center continues its Family Amphitheater Performance series this weekend. On Saturday at 12 noon and 2 pm, the ensemble music group, Masanga Marimba, performs music from Latin America and Africa on Zimbabwean marimbas. On Sunday at 12 noon and 2 pm, Kinetic Theory will be performing their amazing circus theatre.

Also at the Skirball on Sunday at 10 am and 1 pm, it will host the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium for a Sea Life Savers event. Your children can interact with live sea creatures and learn about preservation. Entrance to Noah's Ark included with the purchase of tickets.

The Getty Museum is hosting its final Garden Concert for Kids Series on Saturday and Sunday at 4 pm. This week's performer is Justin Roberts. I heart Justin Roberts and so do my kids. Catchy, funny, singable songs are his specialty.

The Craft and Folk Art Museum is holding a "Listen, Learn and Make Family Workshop" entitled Beauty at Your Feet on Saturday from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Come make your own Rangoli--a popular art form in India. RSVP required.

The Japanese American National Museum is hosting Taiko Drums for Family workshop at 3 pm. Learn basic technique and play the big drums! At 2 pm, enjoy a tour of the current exhibit Common Ground: The Heart of Community.

The Zimmer Museum is hosting a Family festival on Sunday from 12:30 pm to 4 pm. The museum will celebrate the many cultures that make up our city. The children will get to add their artwork to a multicultural mural!

Levitt Pavilion at MacArthur Park is hosting a free summer concert series. It is a casual, open-lawn venue where you can pack a picnic dinner and enjoy an outdoor concert that is family friendly and free! Target is hosting the Children's Night concert series on Sunday evenings at 6:30 pm. This Sunday, The Handsome Little Devil will be performing a vaudeville act called the Squirm Burpee Circus.

Finally, check out The Maggie List. An LA mom of twin four year-olds reviews books, music, movies and magazines, and shares which ones are appropriate and entertaining for preschoolers.What a great idea!

 Read more...

Swine Flu--It's Not Over...Yet

by Susan Choi

August 17, 2009

Let me just start this post by saying that this is not meant to cause mass hysteria. I just wanted to post some more information on Swine Flu. I thought we were over the worst, but according an article published in the August 17, 2009 Time Magazine, there is (possibly) more to come. According to flu.gov, the US has reported the most cases of novel H1N1 than any other country in the world. Here is some information that is important for you to know:

1) Even though the Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that there have been over one million cases of swine flu (H1N1) in the US, it is generally not any more severe than contracting the seasonal flu--as long as you are healthy. If you do come down with normal flu-like symptoms, treat yourself like you would with any other flu, bed rest and increased fluid intake should be enough. Tamiflu is not necessary in every case of the flu. Consult your doctor if you are concerned or if you suffer from chronic health conditions.

2) If you do think you or your child has contracted swine flu, stay home! What makes this particular virus so alarming to the CDC is that it is highly contagious, and extremely hard on pregnant women and children with chronic diseases. If your child is younger than five years or has a chronic health condition, consult your doctor immediately. It is critical that these people get medical attention as early as possible to prevent more severe symptoms or complications from swine flu. If someone in your household comes down with the swine flu, and you have a child in your home who is younger than five years old and/or has a chronic disease, you may want to talk to your doctor about having that child take Tamiflu for prevention. Though it isn't generally recommended, there are some instances where it is. Just keep in mind that there is also concern that prophylactic use of antivirals may contribute to creating a drug-resistant strain of H1N1.

3) Vaccinations may be the key factor in keeping the swine flu under control. As of now, the H1N1 virus has remained the same, so the vaccination should be highly effective. The seasonal flu vaccine DOES NOT immunize against H1N1 nor does the forthcoming swine flu vaccine immunize against the seasonal flu. At this point, the CDC recommends that priority for the H1N1 vaccine should be given to pregnant women, health care workers with direct patient contact, people who live with or care for infants younger than six months of age, persons between six months to 24 years old, and persons 25 years to 64 years of age with chronic health conditions (click here for updates on the vaccine). As of now, the H1N1 vaccine is not available but is expected sometime this fall.

4) The best thing you can teach your child as the school year starts up again is proper hand washing. You may also want to talk to your preschool/daycare administrator if they have any prevention policies in place. If you are working and are the primary caregiver to your child, be sure to come up with a plan B if your child gets sick. If you are pregnant, take extra precautions and limit contact with an infected person, even if it is your child.

5) Do not panic! The hard thing about this year with swine flu is this is the first flu season we are entering with novel H1N1 virus as a major player. Since there is no way to predict the impact that this new virus will have, being diligent, but not hysterical, is our best weapon against the unknown. Stay informed, get the seasonal flu shot (call your doctor now about availability), get your kids the H1N1 vaccine when it is available, wash your hands, and stay home if you are sick!
 Read more...

Why Westside Pavilion is My Second Home

by Susan Choi

August 04, 2009

If I am not at home or on the road, chances are, I am at Westside Pavilion Mall. This mall has everything you could possible need and a lot of fun activities for kids. The location is ideal and it really has it all. Here are some of my favorite stores and some events you may not have known about before.

Kids Club--The first Wednesday of every month at 6 pm, Westside Pavilion hosts a free kids program called Kids Club on the third floor food court area. Every month, they invite a different entertainer such as a balloon artist or marionette puppeteer. Also, at 5:30 pm, Music, Stars, and Masters performs a pre-show for the children. Check it out tomorrow (August 5th)!

Music, Stars and Masters--As I posted before, I love them. Everyone there is so cool, and all my kids adore their classes (semi-private piano lessons, Rock Stars, and Music 'n' me). If you are considering an enrichment class for your child, call Music, Stars and Masters for a free trial class.

Three Cheeky Monkeys--Just a couple doors down from the music classes is my favorite toy store. They recently moved to this expanded space and now have twice the fun for your little one. They have toys out for your kids to play with while you check out their selection. They carry a lot of the classic redux toys, wooden toys, non-battery operated, creativity encouraged toys. Everything is reasonably priced and they gift-wrap fror free. Through the month of August, they will have free face painting available on Sunday afternoons.

School Cents--Westside Pavilion participates in a Shopping Partnership program that rewards schools monetary prizes. This year $25,500 was donated to thirty local schools through this program. Isn't it nice to support organizations with a social conscience?

With the great food court, children's play area (which I affectionately call "the fruit pit"), and many children's clothing stores, Westside Pavilion is a great resource for parents. More reasons to go out and help stimulate the economy!







 Read more...

What to Do When You Are in a Car Accident

by Susan Choi

July 28, 2009

Today's topic is serious but I felt it would be good information to share. I got into a bad car accident last week with all three kids in the car. After driving for almost two decades, I have never been in even a minor fender bender. I was shaken up and at a loss at what to do. Luckily there was a tow truck right behind me and my husband works ten minutes away. My car has been deemed a total loss and I am now turning to the dark side...yup, I am shopping for a minivan. Everyone in my family is ecstatic while I cry silent tears. But enough about me...I've learned a few things about what to do when you are in a significant accident which I wanted to share with you.

1) My first instinct was to call 911. Even though my children and I were okay, I was petrified. My car got spun around, my engine turned off, and my door was jammed shut. My car has something similar to OnStar so I hit the SOS button. The attendant called the police for me. When it was clear, however, that neither the other party nor my family were injured, LAPD did not come. If no one is injured, you do not need to call the police. You just need to trade information with each other and be on your merry little way. If you can't drive your car away from the accident (like I could not), you need to have the car towed immediately. Otherwise, any tow truck can tow your car away and impound your vehicle.

2) Car seats need to be replaced after being in an accident, whether or not the seat was occupied at the time of the accident. Some insurance companies may not pay to replace your car seats if it was not a serious accident or require proof of purchase of the car seat before paying for a replacement. If you are unsure of your automobile insurance policies, I would talk to your agent and find out.

3) Be sure to get your child car seats checked out. Make sure that:

a) the car seats are installed properly (check out this site for information on an inspection location)

b) your child hasn't passed the weight maximum for the five-point harness (unsure? check your car seat's manual)

c) your child hasn't passed the weight maximum for the LATCH installation (unsure? check your car seat's manual)

d) the car seat hasn't expired (manufacturing date and/or expiration date is usually inscribed on the car seat body. Car seats expire after six years. If you are wondering why, click here).

Safe driving everyone and I hope you never need to know this information.
 Read more...

Worst Case Scenario: Tips for Visiting ER with Your Child

by Susan Choi

June 09, 2009

It's bound to happen sooner or later. I have visited the emergency room at least once for each child. The long wait, not being sure if your child is okay, it is a stressful experience. Of course, you never want to be in a situation that will warrant a visit to the ER. But if it is does happen, here are some tips to help better prepare you and your child.

Stay Calm

The other day, a large, metal cage came crashing down on my older daughter's head, giving her a large bump on her forehead. Though we decided to not take her to the ER, I think my reaction to her injury made it seem a lot worse than it was. Instead of asking her how her head was hurting her, I was putting all these ideas in her head. Preschoolers can pick up on our anxiety and communicate it, making them confused about the severity of the situation. But if you stay calm, it helps them to calm down, and it also helps to gauge the seriousness of the injury.

 

Be Prepared To Wait

Unfortunately, I have had to go the ER a few times for myself. It was clear that I was bleeding profusely so I got seen quickly. When we came in with my older daughter whose hand got smashed in an elevator door, we waited for almost four hours. It was insane and annoying, but because it wasn't a life-threatening injury, we were low on the triage list. Depending on the hospital, the ER can be a difficult place to wait with a little one. And since it is an emergency, you most likely won't be prepared with snacks, toys, books, or drinks. So do your best to be patient and help your child through a potentially long wait.

Keep in mind that triage nurses are trained to assess the severity of the injury. If it isn't life-threatening, it can take some time to be seen, as patients are not taken in order of arrival. So be patient and don't be afraid to talk to the triage nurse if your child's condition has changed while you are waiting.

 

Bring Information

Make sure you have your insurance card with you at all times. If you don't have insurance, county hospitals will not turn you away. Also, make sure you tell the doctor AND staff your child's medical history, and if your child was on any over the counter or prescription medication. Don't assume that the doctor and the nurses have communicated with each other completely.

In the case of an overdose or possible poisoning, bring the original containers of the medication or ingested substance with you. Unfortunately, California is about to become the only state without a poison control center, come September. In the meantime, if you need help specifically related to poison (chemicals, unusual substance at park that the baby ate while you weren't looking, etc), call 1-800-222-1222. After September, 911 or your doctor's office are your options.

Reassure Your Child

 

I recently had to take my older daughter to a pediatric cardiologist. The doctor ordered an ultrasound and an EKG for my daughter. She was very nervous about the whole experience since she had just gotten blood samples taken from her and it was not a good experience. Both of the lab technicians did a great job with my daughter, but she was still freaked out and crying. So we explained to her what they were doing and why they were doing it. It is important to communicate with your child in a non-threatening way so that he or she understands. Though he or she may not have a choice about whether or not to get a shot, you can help walk your child through the experience. Afterwards, be sure to praise your child for his courage and do your best to remain calm during the whole process as well.

For more information on this topic and read it from a nurses' perspective, visit the Vancouver Savvy Source site.

Local Emergency Room hospitals:

UCLA Medical Center
St John's
UCLA-Santa Monica Medical Center
Cedar Sinai







 Read more...

Guest Post: Real Estate Insight for the Westside

by Susan Choi

May 11, 2009

Today's post is written by Renee Marcus, a realtor with over 15 years of experience in the West LA area. With the current situation of the housing market, I thought it would be helpful to have an expert share her insight. Is it impossible to sell a home right now? How can I purchase a foreclosed home? What is my first step if I want to buy a home? As we enter the busy summer season of the housing market, I hope this post helps if you are interested in buying or selling property here on the Westside.

****************************************************

I have been meeting recently with several agents throughout the Southland to discuss the current local Westside real estate market. The two main topics have been how to advise sellers on how to get their property sold and how to get buyers approved for loans. As always, every agent agrees, the most crucial item for sellers is the price. No matter how much an agent advertises or how many open houses or buyers coming to preview the property, it boils down to the price.  Homes seem to sell faster and get a good price if they are well-priced right off the bat.

It appears our local real estate market is very much like any other Westside area. With more homes going on the market, it is taking longer to sell a home.  One reason for the longer time to sell is because sellers have a hard time pricing their home at its current market value. This causes price reductions and rejected offers because sellers are not willing to sell at prices that are below their expectations, and buyers who think they can put in offers that are way below the market value. Another reason for the delay in selling a home is because homes are falling out of escrow and back on the market for sale again.  Buyers not qualifying for loans or issues with the property seem to be the main reasons. Buyers need to get qualified before they even start to think of writing an offer.  I also recommend that the buyer gets qualified with more than one lender. 

There appears to be lots of buyers that are under the impression buying bank-owned property (REO'S) or foreclosures are the deal of the century.  The process for pricing an REO is pretty much the same as if it were an owner selling the property; it really depends on the current market condition regarding prices.  The bank requests 3 local agents to complete a BPO - "Broker Price Opinion", which could be compared to an appraisal.  The property is then compared to "like" properties that have sold in the area.  This BPO is then sent to the bank for evaluation and a listing price is picked.  Going through a short sale or buying an REO can be a lengthy process and despite, urban myths, banks are not always willing to sell at any price just to get the asset off of their books.

If you are a first time home buyer, there are incentive plans in place that may help. Additionally, with interest rates still being low, I say, it is a great time to buy. And with a lot of interested buyers in the market today, it is also, a great time to sell.

 Read more...

When the Going Gets Tough: Local Help for Tough Situations

by Susan Choi

May 05, 2009

We always want our children to have perfect lives and protect them from the difficult things. Unfortunately, things can happen that are beyond our control. It can be an abusive spouse, falling behind financially, or losing someone unexpectedly. Perhaps it isn't you but it is someone you know. Here is a list of local programs that can help in various circumstances.


Foreclosure Assistance
The Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services was established to help families who face losing their homes. They can help you come up with solutions to help you keep your home as well as help provide a "soft landing" if it is unavoidable. They can be reached at 1-888-895-2647.

Food Stamp Program
To find out information on the food stamp program or WIC, contact the department of Public Social Services. You can call the Health and Nutrition hotline at 1-877-597-4777 to see if you are eligible or to apply for the program.


Elder Care
If you need to find a home for an aging or sick elder person, contact LA County Community and Senior Services or call 213-738-2600. Community and Senior Services provides services for seniors as well as at-risk individuals. Through their vast network, they can connect you to programs to assist with in-home care, senior care centers and home-delivered meals.

Grief Counseling
If you or someone you know is dealing with the loss of an infant or child, here is a great resource of information of various agencies that can help.
 
If you experienced Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), please contact the SIDS Foundation of Southern California at 1-800-974-3752.

Another support group for grief is called Our House . They believe that grieving children and adults "deserve the opportunity to begin the healing process in a safe, warm, nurturing environment." There is a West LA branch on Sawtelle which can be contacted at 310-475-0299.

Domestic Violence
LA County has established a 24 hour toll free hotline for domestic violence victims. That number is 1-800-978-3600. Callers will be routed to trained personnel for shelters in LA County. Even if you or your friend does not speak English, they will find support in their native tongue (11 languages including English, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Tagalog, Khmer, Japanese, Thai and Armenian).

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224.

Child Abuse
If you suspect child abuse (encompasses violence, neglect, emotional, sexual), please report it to your local police department or the LA County Department of Children's Services at 1-800-540-4000. If your spouse is inflicting the abuse, use the domestic violence hotline listed above (800-978-3600).

The LA County District Attorney's website has a lot of information for victims of various crimes. It is a good starting point if you or a family member are being terrorized by someone.

 Read more...

FAQs on Swine Flu

by Susan Choi

May 04, 2009

There is a lot of information available on the internet regarding Swine Flu. Some of it is true and some of it is false. In order to assuage fears about this growing epidemic, I thought I would share the FAQs from Los Angeles Country Department of Public Health. For more information on how to talk to children about Swine Flu, check out the Children's National Medical Center webpage on this topic. For up to the minute updates on the confirmed cases in LA county (currently at three), check out the LA County Department of Public Health's main site.

1) The pandemic phase level was raised to 5. What does that mean, should I be concerned?

Phase 5 describes how clusters of cases have been found in several countries around the world and that the illness is likely to spread. This description does not reflect the current situation in LA County and does not describe the severity of illness. However, this change in phase level does stress the importance of doing your best to reduce the spread of illness in our communities: stay home if you are sick, wash your hands often, cover your coughs, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

2) How do I know if I have new flu A H1N1 (previously called swine flu)?

The symptoms of this flu are the same as those for regular flu: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills, headache, fatigue. Some cases also have had vomiting and diarrhea.

3) How do I keep from getting this new flu?

Prevention recommendations are the same as seasonal flu: wash your hands often, avoid close contact with people who are sick, avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, and mouth).

4) Should I avoid going out and going to events (like Cinco De Mayo celebrations)?

No. There is no reason to avoid public gatherings or events. But as always, stay home if you are sick; and practice healthy habits like washing your hands.

5) Should I keep my child out of school?

No. But children that are sick should stay at home until better-not just now, but always.

6) What should I do if I have flu-like symptoms?

Anyone that is sick (fever, cough sore throat) should stay home-not just now, but always! If you are sick, do not return to work or school until 1 or 2 days after symptoms end.

7) How do I care for someone with flu-like illness?

The same as always: provide water or other fluids, and watch to see if symptoms get worse or do not resolve. Many basic over-the-counter medications can reduce fever and make people feel better. Precautions to limit the spread of flu-like illness when caring for someone are the same as what you should do for regular colds and flu:

• Limit contact with the sick person and avoid close contact (kissing, hugging)
• Do not share personal hygiene items (toothbrushes, towels)
• Wash your hands often

8) Should I buy medicines to treat flu?

Antiviral medications should be taken only under the guidance of a medical doctor since medicines can have side effects, especially if they are not taken correctly. It is important to remember that most flu-like illness resolves without the need to see a doctor or to take medication (besides basic over-the-counter medicines to reduce fever and make you feel better). It is also important to remember that many other illnesses cause flu-like symptoms-and if your illness is not caused by the flu, flu antivirals will not make you better. In addition, regular seasonal flu is still circulating in Los Angeles County and some of these viruses are resistant (cannot be treated effectively) with Tamiflu. Incorrect and overuse of antivirals is not only dangerous, but can also lead to further viral resistance.

9) Should I wash surfaces to avoid getting sick with the flu?

Germs can spread when a person touches something that's contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Cleaning common surfaces can help kill germs and reduce infections, but it's not practical or possible to clean surfaces continuously. Know the best way to avoid getting the flu does not include wearing a mask, or special cleaning procedures beyond normal processes. Instead, wash your hands, avoid touching your face, cover your cough, and stay home if
you're sick to keep others well.

10) What are more serious signs of flu illness?

While to date most swine flu cases in the U.S. have been mild to moderate, and in general people with flu-like illness will get better without complications, seek medical care if you experience any of these more severe symptoms:

For children:

• If flu-like symptoms do not get better after a few days or become worse
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Dehydration; not able to drink enough fluids
• Not waking up, not interacting; Confusion, being disoriented
• Fever with a rash

For adults:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

11) Can people who have just come from Mexico be allowed to return to school or work?

LACDPH does not recommend restricting people from any public events or interaction simply due to recent travel to affected areas, even Mexico. Thousands of people travel to and from Mexico daily, and quarantine recommendations for these people have not been enacted by local, state or federal agencies. As mentioned during our press conference (it's on YouTube), we are beyond containment and now focusing on limiting the number of cases. Instead, ALL people should monitor their health. Everyone should avoid all public activities if they are sick; and not just now, but always. Instead of singling out people who have traveled to Mexico, focus should be on identifying those with flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, fatigue, etc.). This is a great opportunity for schools and businesses to stress the importance of staying home when sick, and basic respiratory hygiene practices (wash your hands, cover your cough, etc.

12) Where can I get more information?

For more information about this illness call: California Department of Public Health hotline: 888-865-0564
Or visit these websites:

• Los Angeles County Department of Public Health: publichealth.lacounty.gov
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov

If you need help finding medical care, please call the Los Angeles County Infoline: 2-1-1.






 Read more...

Community Classes: Great Alternative to Expensive Enrichment Classes

by Susan Choi

March 31, 2009

Has the economy has affected your family personally? Maybe you or your spouse have not lost your job but still need to cut back spending. As parents, it is hard to force our children to make sacrifices when it comes to their education, especially when they love art or gym. Never fear, your local community recreation classes are here! I was looking into classes for my kids but I thought it would be good information to share. We took a couple art classes and a gym class through both the Mar Vista recreation center and the Santa Monica community class program. There are obvious differences between the professional classes and the community classes such as facilities and supplies. However, the prices are hard to beat. If you are looking to cut costs but still want to provide great classes to your kids, consider looking into your local programs. All of the following community classes have online registration and are already taking registration for the Spring classes. Don't miss out!

Santa Monica--Classes are held at the local parks around Santa Monica and range from soccer camps to art classes. They also have a princess dance class and preschool programs as well.

Mar Vista--Classes are generally held at the Mar Vista Recreation Center and range from jewelry making to inline skating classes. They also have parent & me classes as well as soccer and basketball leagues.

Cheviot Hills--Classes are generally held at the Cheviot Hills Recreation Center and range from Chinese classes to cooking classes. They also have toddler programs and host great vacation camps.

Culver City--Classes are generally held at the local parks around Culver City and range from Taekwondo to piano lessons. They also have interesting cultural dances for adults and an ongoing preschool program.

So what if the classes are not held in a world class facility or the art classes uses way too much glitter? Your kids will love the classes and your wallet will too!


 Read more...

Health Tips for Busy Parents: Guest Post

by Susan Choi

March 09, 2009

I have a confession. I go to drive-thru fast food at least once a week, sometimes more. It's just that I often find myself hungry and stuck in the car driving the kids around for a couple hours. So I grab something quick and dirty. And I wonder why I still haven't lost any weight since my son was born over a year ago...So the following guest post comes at the perfect time for those of us who need to some advice on how to squeeze in some exercise and smart food choices in a jiffy!

------------------------------
5 Basic Boosts for Busy Parents From Two Spicy Moms
Bonnie Johnson, MS, RD and Deanna Segrave-Daly, RD, LDN (on behalf of trim®)

1) Kick Up Your Heels - Don't make exercise a daunting chore. Have a 20-minute dance party with the kids. Everyone gets to pick one song. Try out different rhythms or steps like hula, cha-cha, the twist or the oldie-but-goodie chicken dance.

2) Faster Fruits- Often, we are so focused on getting our children to eat healthy, we forget about ourselves (sound familiar?) And most of us need to at least double our daily dose of fruit. So, instead of trying to count that strawberry cheesecake as a serving, try:

1/2 cup applesauce - Add a dash of cinnamon and/or nutmeg

1 can of trim® Juice drink - New from Tree Top, one can counts as a 1/2 cup of fruit serving and comes in yum flavors like Mango Peach and Strawberry Kiwi)

1/4 cup dried fruit - Try tossed into cereal, over a salad or eaten on the go

3) Satiety is the new buzzword in healthy eating-it's that feeling of satisfaction after a meal or snack. It makes sense - if you are satisfied longer, you won't scarf down those extra calories you really don't need (like the remnants of junior's PB&J.) Fiber has great satiating power.  Shoot for getting more fiber by choosing cereals with five grams or more fiber per serving, tossing a can of beans into a pasta dish, having a small bowl of popcorn  or enjoying a single serve can of trim® which has three grams of fiber per serving.

4) Get Some Extra Zs - That sounds dreamy but how do you get your head on the pillow when you are multi-tasking long after the kids are in bed? Research shows that a good night sleep can reduce stress, improve your memory and even increase your success at weight loss. While experts recommend at least 8 hours a night, start by going to bed just 15 minutes early. Do that every night for a month - and see how you feel (and if you can, up it another 15 minutes.) And yes, this is one of Deanna's New Year's resolutions.

5) Cover Your Bases - As dietitians, we recommend getting your vitamins and minerals from food first. But as moms, we know you can't have it all. Add a basic multivitamin to your morning routine just to be sure. But remember, it's called a supplement because it SUPPLEMENTS your diet (rather than replaces food) - and really, we're all about keeping as much tasty and healthy food in your diet as possible!)
 Read more...

A Talk with Supermodel Emme about Weight Bias and Discrimination

by Susan Choi

February 23, 2009

Emme is working with Yale University's Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity to educate our country about weight bias, weight discrimination and wants to share with you helpful ways to teach your children about the harmful effects of weight bias and how to support a child in your life who is the victim of such a horrible experience.

This interview comes as the week of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week begins.  Please take a moment after reading this post to visit the site!

Savvy Source - What exactly is weight bias? Why is it such a growing problem in the US?

Emme - The issue with childhood obesity is that it has doubled in the past 20 years.  30% of adults are obese.  1 in 5 children are overweight.  The obesity rate in teenagers has tripled in the last 20 years.  If you read the studies that are being done, you realize that children who are obese have the same type of feeling as a child going through cancer treatments.  They get mobbed.  They get verbally assaulted by their parents, other friends, coaches, teachers.  To think that these kids are walking around, having to deal with this? It is vitally important that government take it past just talking about.  Nothing is really being done behind the scenes.

Savvy Source - Yale University's Rudd Center has recently produced two videos.  What do you hope the videos will accomplish in the fight against weight bias?

Emme - To increase public awareness of its consequences.  One video is geared towards teachers/parents and one is geared towards the medical community.  Surprisingly enough, there is quite a weight discrimination between doctor and patient!

The other goal is to try and change the negative attitudes about obese individuals and replace it with tolerance and respect.  It's awfully hard in this culture right now when there is such loathing and fear around food.  It's hard to ask any of us overnight, to just be nice and be kind. There needs to be so much more education and exposure, so many more conversations and so much more knowledge.

Savvy Source - How can we help reduce weight bias at home and at school? 

Emme -- Exactly what we're doing right now.  We're talking to different avenues in the media.  Openly communicating about the issue.  It is definitely not about keeping silent.  It is definitely about encouraging the conversation around the kitchen table.  It is about talking to kids who are not obese and talking to kids who are obese.  As a society, we need to treat each other better. Families need to be more aware of these issues so when children see that teasing is going on in the classroom, on the playground, in bathroom stalls, it would be easier to deal with the situation.

Be aware - as parents - how YOU speak to children about obese people in the movies, in a restaurant, in an image.  As a mother myself, I am aware that 80% of women aren't satisfied with their bodies so a lot of negative talk is going on just inside the home.  Unknowingly, we are teaching our children that our self-esteem is comprised just by our body image and shape. 

Savvy Source--What do you hope to accomplish with emmestyle.com?

Emme--Emmestyle.com is about to take a very large leap and create a revolution.  I can't tell you everything, but it's going to be more than anything has ever been.  It will become a site for women that have been neglected. It will be THE plus-size destination.  There will be a plethora of women there who love themselves.  We are in the midst of getting into the down and dirty of creating this revolution.  Join as a member and we'll keep you posted about all of the changes.

Savvy Source--What if your child is suffering from being isolated because of his or her weight?  How can you support them while getting any help they may need?

Emme--Parents should provide open communication, good and bad.  Listen and be neutral.  Let them download.  When you're driving them home from school and you hear chitter-chatter or the kids are having snacks, a lot of information is going down there.  Check in regularly with the teachers and find out if there is any teasing or bullying going on.

Remind the child of their strengths--you are strong, kind, empathetic, creative, you think really quickly on your feet, etc. -- instead of using their body as a measure of their self-esteem for the day. 

Also, check with your school to make sure that the anti-bullying laws at your schools also covers obesity and weight-related teasing. 

Closing the interview--We need to be able to be advocates for one another.  This is not just about obesity, it is about women.  It is about all of us - standing up to support each other.  It's a call to action to all citizens ... this discrimination kills people.

For the complete interview, please visit Savvy Source Cleveland.
 Read more...

'Tis More Blessed to Give than to Receive: Helping your Children Help Other Children

by Susan Choi

January 12, 2009

I am a big, crying sucker. I admit it. I love to catch the last ten minutes of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and just start bawling when I see the deserving family being given the home of their dreams. Volunteering and working with charitable organizations has always been something important to me. As my kids get older, I want them to understand how much we have been given, and how  Read more...

Looking back at 2008

by Susan Choi

December 30, 2008

What an amazing year it has been at Savvy Source West LA! The site officially launched in May with Nina Moon and she filled the treasure troves with tons of toddler-friendly times. Savvy source West LA has advice on what to do with your kiddies during sunny days , rainy days , weekend days , and special days . Interested in art ? music ? books ? No problem. We've got it covered. Want  Read more...