Tips for the Single Parent

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Being a single parent is not easy; it has its own set of challenges.

Couples get together with the very best of intentions, full of hopes and dreams of white picket fences, 2.5 kids.

No one enters into a committed relationship with the intention of uncoupling. Nonetheless, it’s a distressingly common occurrence.

Suddenly, you find yourself a single parent. Even if you have always been an active, involved parent, this is a completely different experience.

In the best of situations, with a support team of grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, friends, etc. you may have bouts of frustration and fatigue.

During these times you will have to push through and step-up. There is no substitution for a parent when dealing with a crying toddler, grumpy daughter or a son who failed to make the last out. These are hurdles you and your children will have to scale together.

Some of the most common ways a single parent can cope with and reduce stress are:

Finding a balance – Remember that parenting is about the moment. Take a deep breath and let go of your expectations.
Show your love –Praise your child. Give him or her unconditional love and support.
Create a routine – Structure, such as regularly scheduled meals and bedtimes help your child know what to expect.
Find quality child care – If you need regular child care, look for a qualified caregiver who can provide a safe environment. Do not rely on an older child as your only babysitter and be careful about asking a new friend or partner to watch your child.
Set limits – Explain house rules and expectations to your child, such as speaking respectfully and enforce them.
Don’t give in to guilt – Don’t blame yourself or spoil your child to try to make up for being a single parent.
Make time for yourself – Include physical activity in your daily routine, eat a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep. Make time to enjoy alone time or activities with close friends.
Lean on others – It’s okay to join a support group for single parents or seek social services. Call on trusted loved ones, friends and neighbors for help.
Stay positive – Be honest with your child if you’re having a difficult time, but remind him or her that things will get better. Try to keep your sense of humor when dealing with everyday challenges.

Mistakes may be made, but with love and the best of intentions, you’ll make it through.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

What to Expect When You Are Expecting

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Joann Ariola

There are so many changes your body goes through when you are pregnant, but there are also some screenings you may need to undergo to determine your health and the health of your unborn child; especially in your first and third trimesters.

First trimester testing may include blood and urine samples to determine
The level of the hCG hormone
Check for a kidney infection
Blood glucose for diabetes
Blood typing
Rh factor

Additionally, your blood could be tested for anemia, rubella (German measles), hepatitis B, HIV and sexually transmitted diseases.

As your pregnancy progresses, your obstetrician may order tests for diseases such as toxoplasmosis (toxoplasma gondii parasite, one of the world’s most common parasites) and varicella (the virus that causes chickenpox).

If you are like most pregnant women, the only tests you’ll need in your third trimester are routine screenings. They are a combination of additional blood and urine tests, blood pressure check, measurement of your uterus and a check of your baby’s heartbeat and an ultrasound to mark the baby’s due date and fetal development.

You may be tested for group B streptococcus, a bacterium that you can pass to your child during delivery. If you test positive, you will need to receive antibiotics during labor to prevent your baby from becoming ill.

Depending on your racial, ethnic or family background, genetic testing may be required, as well as a:

Nonstress Test – Woman who are carrying multiples or have chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Aminiocentesis – This test is commonly done in the second trimester to diagnose or rule out fetal birth defects, and is generally recommended to women wo are age 35 and older.

It sounds like a great deal of testing, but the majority of the tests are minimally invasive and necessary since these conditions can affect the baby’s health and well-being.

Quick and Easy Appetizers for Labor Day…

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Refreshing dip, spreads and appetizer’s that will make it easy for you to dip in and chill out this Labor Day!

–Homemade is the best made.
– A grill, bacon and some bamboo skewers are all you need.
– Produce delicious skins using this recipe.
– Add some spice to your menu with this fun recipe.

Is Your Last Child Flying the Coop?

Posted on August 25, 2015 by Joann Ariola

If your last child is all grown up and about to leave home, or he or she has already moved out, you may experience some mixed emotions or what’s commonly called, empty next syndrome.

Empty nest syndrome is not a clinical diagnosis. It is a phenomenon in which parents may experience feelings of sadness and loss when their last child leaves home. You may worry how well your child will function in the world without your parental supervision and question their ability to take care of themselves. If you are the parent of an only child, you may have a particularly difficult time adjusting to an empty nest.

Many parents experiencing empty nest syndrome are confused by these feelings since they actively encouraged their child to become independent. Still, letting go can be painful. The feeling of not being needed by your child anymore, missing being a part of your child’s daily lives, as well as missing the constant companionship of your child can cause some parents to have mild bouts of depression, identity crisis, alcoholism and marital conflicts.

Some tips to help you overcome empty nest syndrome are:

Prepare for the departure – Take time to check that your child is aware of how to do the basic essentials for themselves such as, how to wash their clothes, cook for themselves, balance a checkbook and appreciate the value of money.
Shift aside the terrifying thoughts – Both you and your child will be better off if you treat this as a big adventure. Try not to transfer your fears onto your child. Help them to understand that once they’re into their new routine, it will be familiar, fun and successful.
Explore the ways that you intend to keep in touch with your child – Keeping in constant communication is vital for maintaining a sense of family togetherness and to keep of with the news. Schedule a weekly call-in time, utilize e-mail, texting, social media, Skype, or Face Time as a way of touching base while being sensitive to their need to grow and become their own adult person.
Start looking toward your own needs – Once you are satisfied that you child is settled on the right bath, you will start noticing a big change in your life. This is a great time to revive some of your own interests and pursuits.
Rediscover the love of your life – Unless you are a single parent, you will be left with your spouse or partner. Re-kindling the relationship you shared, pre-children, can be an exciting adventure of your own to take.
Focus on some of the positive points of your kids moving out – You may notice that the refrigerator does not need as frequent refilling, there are less trips to the grocery store and the laundry has decreased. Seeing the brighter side will help you while you are transitioning.

As the time for your child to fly the next approaches, try to reflect on each stage in your child’s life. Each ending was a new beginning. Stay positive, the fact that your child has confidently left home means you’ve done a great job as a parent. After leaving the nest, you can forge a new and even better relationship with your child as independent adults. Enjoy the friendship without having the pressure of hands-on parenting

Is Your Child New to School?

Posted on August 5, 2015 by Joann Ariola

It is summertime but before you know it , it will be the end of August and a good time to start preparing your young child for their first experience at school. It is normal for young children, as well as their parents, to have some anxiety about starting something new.

Here are some tips on how to make the first day of school go well:

Visit the school and get familiar with the layout.
Become familiar with the school schedule.
Try to meet the teacher before school begins.
Reassure the child that everyone gets nervous and that it is okay.
Tell the child about all the new friends they are going to make.
Try to find someone who may be going to the same school in the same grade.
Parent should be calm and confident so your child will be more at ease.
If the school will permit it, see if you can bring a child’s stuffed animal to keep in their cubby
Always say good bye to your child when dropping them off or putting them on the bus. Reassure them that you will pick them up at the end of the day

It is natural for a child to have separation anxiety, especially if this is going to be their first time away from a parent. With a little bit of pre-planning, a child will adapt to the new routine and be just fine. Speak to your pediatrician to see if they have any other suggestions about getting your child off to school for the first time.

SCHIZOPHRENIA

Posted on August 5, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Schizophrenia is a serious disorder which affects how a person thinks, feels and acts. A person with schizophrenia may have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is imaginary. They also may be unresponsive or withdrawn and have difficulty expressing normal emotions in social situations.

People often confuse schizophrenia with dissociative identity disorder (previously known as multiple personality disorder). Unlike dissociative identity disorder, which is thought to be an effect of severe trauma during early childhood, schizophrenia is not caused by childhood experiences, negative parental relationships, or sexual/emotional abuse.

What causes schizophrenia is not completely understood; although, it has long been believed that schizophrenia runs in families. Doctors usually make a diagnosis through interviews with the patient, as well as friends and family members.

A schizophrenia diagnosis can be made when all of the following are true about a patient:

Schizophrenia symptoms have been present for at least six months
Patient is significantly impaired by the symptoms (compared to the period prior to symptoms manifesting)
Symptoms can’t be explained by another diagnosis, such as drug abuse or other mental illnesses

A diagnosis of schizophrenia is not a life-sentence of ever-worsening symptoms and hospitalizations. Despite the widespread misconception that people with schizophrenia have no chance of recovery or improvement, the reality is much more hopeful.

Studies have shown that for every five people who develop schizophrenia:

1 in 5 will get better within five years of their first episode
3 in 5 will get better, but will still have some symptoms
1 in 5 will continue to have trouble managing their symptoms

Schizophrenia isn’t very different from other chronic medical conditions, for which there isn’t a cure, it can be treated and managed with medication and supportive therapies.

As with any disease, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and improve the chances of recovery.

If you are concerned about the possibility you or a loved one having schizophrenia, you can make an appointment at the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Psychiatry for an evaluation at 718-206-5587.

A “Honey” of a Home Remedy

Posted on July 20, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Honey and cinnamon have become indispensable ingredients in so many ways, not only because of their delicious flavor, but also because of their numerous benefits.

The tasty combo has been used for thousands of years to add extra flavor to food, but if you have caught a summer cold and are coughing intensely, honey and cinnamon is a delicious, nutritious and effective all-natural cough syrup.

Ingredients:

One cup of honey

Three tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice

One teaspoon of cinnamon

1/4 cup of lukewarm water.

Slowly mix the lemon juice with the honey and then gradually add the warm water and then take one or two teaspoons of this homemade cough syrup before going to bed, to relieve the symptoms of cough without experiencing any side effects.

Delicious Picnic Side Dish

Posted on July 20, 2015 by Joann Ariola

As the temperature outside rises, we look for cooler things to eat. Try this delicious Italian Zesty Salad on a picnic, at a BBQ or if you are in the mood for something chilled. BON APPETITE!

Ingredients

8 oz can black olives sliced
1 c. artichokes, chopped
19 oz frozen tortellini
2 c. pasta
1/2 c. mini pepperonis
1/2 c. grated Parmesan
1 c. Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing Fat Free

Instructions

Prepare tortellini and pasta according to package directions, drain and rinse in cold water. Put into large bowl.
Mix pasta with black olives, artichokes, pepperoni and Parmesan cheese. Pour dressing over pasta mixture and mix well. Store in refrigerator. If the pasta soaks up the dressing before serving just add a little more.

Prep Time – 10 Minutes

Cook Time – 10 Minutes

Servings – 12

Sun Tan Savvy

Posted on July 20, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Bronzed, or tanned skin comes from the sun activating a color pigment in the top layer of your skin, the color only lasts between six to 10 days. Due to the skins natural turnover of cells, prolonging you tan takes work.

Some tips to maintain your summer glow are:

Exfoliate – The night before your lying in the sun to ensure that your skin prepped for tanning. Dry skin can lead to peeling and, in some cases an uneven tan. Slough away dead skin cells with a gentle exfoliator. It is easy to create your own body scrubs by combining a few heaping spoonful’s of rock salt with essential oils or your regular olive oil from the kitchen.

Protect – Wearing sunscreen is vital when exposed to the sun, not only to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, but also if you want a long-lasting tan. Wearing sunscreen will protect damaged skin from peeling off more easily. Make swure to opt for a sunscreen with a broad spectrum (UVA and UVB) and re-apply throughout the day.

Hydrate – Water helps extend the life of your skin cells, so drink as much as possible. Melons, cucumbers and celery are also high in water content and make the perfect skin-friendly snack this summer.

Moisturize – In addition to drinking lots of water, it’s also important to keep the peeling at bay with a daily dose of moisturizer.

While tanning, keep in mind that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Exposure to the sun, without the benefit of sunscreen increases the risk of melanoma.