What are the benefits of probiotics during pregnancy?
March 30, 2009 by Sara Bristol
What are the benefits of probiotics during pregnancy?
ASK THE DOCTORS If you have a health question, we’ll find the answer. Write to the doctors at talkback@playdateyakima.com.
Dr. Robel says: Probiotics, or friendly bacteria that reside in our gut, may increase fertility and reduce early miscarriage as well as help prevent eczema and allergies in infants, according to several recent studies.
Probiotics are found in yogurt and other fermented foods. They serve to protect us from infection and help prevent a wide range of health problems including constipation, diarrhea, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, allergies and various skin problems.
New research is finding that probiotics may also be beneficial to women trying to conceive. In a study done in Belgium, supplementing with a probiotic while women underwent in vitro fertilization increased the rate of conception compared to women not taking the supplement. Likewise, several studies have found that women given a probiotic at the onset of pregnancy have lower rates of spontaneous miscarriage in the first trimester.
Besides the benefits to mom, there are benefits to your infant. Taking a probiotic supplement for the last three to four weeks of pregnancy may reduce rates of eczema and allergies by as much as 50 percent, according to a study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Probiotics can be obtained by eating yogurt labeled as containing “live and active cultures.” Also, there are various supplements that can be taken.
Always speak with your health care provider before taking any supplements, including a probiotic, to decide if it is right for you. Also, not all supplements are created equal so it’s important to get a recommendation to ensure you are getting what your body needs.
— Heidi Robel, ND, is a naturopathic physician and acupuncturist in private practice in Yakima.
She’s expecting her first little one in August.
Red will offer children’s ceramics class
March 30, 2009 by Sara Bristol
Downtown Yakima’s Red Art Gallery is offering Ceramics for Kids classes this spring for students ages 7 and up. Participants will make clay pots and sculptures, practice glazing and explore other decorating techniques. The class meets from 10 a.m. to noon on two consecutive Saturdays. Choose from two sessions: April 11-18 and May 9-16. Cost is $60 per session; preregistration required. Red Art Gallery, 30 N. Third St., Yakima; 469-2766.
Contest winner gets a closet makeover
March 29, 2009 by Sara Bristol
We know you’re out there, Clutter Bugs. We’ve seen the evidence: Photos of clothes and toys all jumbled together, piled on the floor, spilling out from your children’s overstuffed closets.
You want to clean it up, but you don’t know where to start. You’re not alone:
“I have REALLY tried to do something about this problem, but every time I get the rooms a little organized then more clutter is created,” wrote Yakima mom Chantelle McKinney, whose plea for help won our Messy Closet Contest. “This is a never-ending battle… I am so overwhelmed.”
Want to organize your kids’ closets? Click here for tips from the pros.
Chantelle is mom to 9-year-old Tanner and little brother Colton, 6. After sharing a room for several years, the boys were ready to have their own space. Trouble was, the spare bedroom had become a disorganized dumping grounds for everything that didn’t fit in the boys’ shared bedroom.
The clutter had become a source of friction in her marriage to the boy’s dad, Johnny. Family history played its part: Chantelle comes from a clan of collectors, but her husband was raised “just the opposite.”
Chantelle really wanted to get organized, but felt overwhelmed by the task at hand: Two rooms overflowing with toys, clothes, baby mementos and art projects. Contributing to the chaos, this busy mama watches other children in her home while her boys are in school, leaving little time for getting organized.
“I’ve got little mess makers everywhere,” Chantelle sighed.
To help out, we called in some gals who really know how to straighten up: Professional organizers Sheila Treat and Tamara Alexander, a.k.a. Clutter Busters.
“We make people so happy,” Sheila said about her work. “That’s just really rewarding. In some cases, we feel like we’ve saved their sanity.”
The main reason kids can’t keep their rooms clean, Sheila told us, is too much stuff. Chantelle recognized this as a problem at her house, but she’s also sentimental and had a hard time knowing what to let go.
The Clutter Busters promised they wouldn’t throw away anything she really wanted to keep. However, “we will be encouraging you to throw a lot away,” Sheila advised.
“Once it’s gone, you won’t miss it,” assured Tamara. “You’ll be so relieved.”
Their predictions proved true: Even before the project was finished, Chantelle reported that her boys were excited about how much more space they had to play and how nice their rooms looked.
“When Tanner walked into his room today, he said, ‘This is a good day.’”
The boys even pitched in with the purging, and vowed to keep their rooms organized.
Unfortunately, for Chantelle, it looks like she kicked the Clutter Bug but caught a case of spring fever: “Now I’m looking at my (kitchen) cupboards thinking, ‘Oh, that has got to go.’”
— Sara Bristol
How to clean up the kids’ rooms
March 29, 2009 by Sara Bristol
Is there a nightmare in your child’s closet? When it comes to organization, children’s rooms are typically tormented by two mess monsters:
1. TOYS. “Most kids have way too many toys,” says Sheila Treat, a professional organizer with Clutter Busters. “If they’ve outgrown them or they don’t play with them, regift them or donate them.”
The rest should be organized into bins that can be rotated so the kids don’t have access to all the toys at the same time. The more toys they can access, the more you’re going to keep finding on the floor.
2. CLOTHES. Like toys, most kids have too many clothes. Sort them out, Treat says. If it’s something they don’t wear, doesn’t fit, is torn or stained, or was a gift or hand-me-down that you don’t really want… get rid of it.
Moms might think (or hope, with fingers crossed) that more clothes somehow equals less laundry. Think about it, gals: This strategy just means you have five loads of laundry lurking on the basement floor, and you still can’t find a pair of matching socks.
YOU CAN DO THIS
Ready to dive into the disaster zone and tidy up? We asked Clutter Busters for some tips on how to get organized:
- Don’t start with the whole house. Find one space: A desk, a closet, a room.
- Begin by sorting, grouping like items together: Toys, clothes, papers, etc.
- Keep a garbage bag handy. Use a black sack so you can’t see what’s inside. You won’t miss it.
- Tackle each of your piles, deciding what to keep, trash or donate/sell. Then go through the keepers again — there are probably a few more things you really don’t need.
- For things that are going away, put them in a bag or box and label it with the charity or friend who will receive it. Then, get it out. “Don’t put (the bags) by the back door or in the basement,” Treat says. “Figure out where you’re going to take them and get ‘em gone.”
- For things that you’re keeping, group like items together (little men, cars, books) and make a place for them. Use separate, smaller containers for each kind of toy rather than dumping everything together in a larger tub. Save kids’ schoolwork or art in a scrapbook or binder.
- Plan a schedule to keep it clean. Whether it’s a few minutes before bed or an hour on Saturday morning, set aside a specific time to straighten up until it becomes habit.
- Need an extra set of hands, or someone to walk you through the process? Call in the Clutter Busters at 952-3202.
Allied Arts offers classes for kids
March 28, 2009 by Sara Bristol
Allied Arts is offering youth art classes this spring that will allow kids to explore the Chinese language, ceramics and sewing techniques. Register for classes at least one week in advance.
All classes will be held at Allied Arts, 5000 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima. To register, or for more information, visit alliedartsyakima.org or call 966-0930.
BASIC ALTERATIONS | Old enough to operate a sewing machine. Bring a garment that doesn’t quite fit and learn how to alter it. Meets from 1-4 p.m. on two consecutive Saturdays. Two sessions: April 18-25, May 16-23. Cost is $60 per session.
BASIC CERAMICS 2 FOR KIDS | Ages 10-17, basic ceramics experience required. Hand building techniques, wheel throwing, decorating and glazing. Four-week sessions meet from 3:30-5 p.m. Tuesdays. Two sessions: April 14-May 5, May 12-June 2. Cost is $100 per session.
BUTTON JEWELRY | Old enough to thread a needle. Bring buttons, beads and trim to create a unique piece of jewelry. Meets from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Two sessions: April 4, May 2. Cost is $15 per session.
CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY | Ages 10 and up. Learn basic brush strokes, read and write Chinese characters. Four-week sessions meet from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturdays. Two sessions: April 4-25, May 2-23. Cost is $75 per session, plus supplies.
CHINESE MANDARIN | Ages 10 and up. Build basic conversation skills. Four-week session meets from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturdays. Two sessions: April 4-25, May 2-23. Cost is $75 per session.
FIVE USEFUL HAND STITCHES | Old enough to hold a needle. Basic sewing stitches, make a small tote. Meets from 1-4 p.m. Two sessions: April 11, May 30. Cost is $40 per session, plus supplies.
GIFT BOXES, CARDS & TAGS | All ages. Bring old cards, tags and embellishments to recycle into new creations. Meets from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Two sessions: April 10, May 9. Cost is $15 per session.
PAPIER-MÂCHÉ MASKS | All ages. Meets from 4-5:30 p.m. on two consecutive Wednesdays. Four sessions: April 15-22, April 29-May 6, May 13-20, May 27-June 3. Cost is $30 per session.
WATERCOLOR | Teens and adults. Landscape-themed class teaches basic drawing and watercolor techniques. Six-week class meets from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturdays, April 18-May 23. Cost is $90 plus supplies.
Mad Science offers hands-on workshops
March 28, 2009 by Sara Bristol
Mad Science will offer hands-on science workshops for students in grades K-6 on second Saturdays through July. The workshops, called Mad Science Saturdays, will meet from 11 a.m. to noon at Red Art Gallery, 30 N. Third St., Yakima. Cost is $12 per session; each class includes a take-home project. Pre-register with Mad Science (966-3015) to guarantee a spot, or drop in on a space-available basis.
Will thumb-sucking harm my child’s teeth?
March 28, 2009 by Sara Bristol
SECOND OPINION
by Ashley Tercero, DDS
Will thumb-sucking harm my child’s teeth?
ASK THE DOCTORS If you have a health question, we’ll find the answer. Write to the doctors at talkback@playdateyakima.com.
Dr. Tercero says: Non-nutritive sucking habits (finger or pacifier sucking) are normal in infants and toddlers. These habits help address a child’s need to feel secure.
Although normal and harmless for young children, non-nutritive sucking can result in long-term problems if persistent. Prolonged finger or pacifier sucking can lead to a permanent open bite and other dental and jaw deformities.
In order to prevent these problems, the habit must stop by age 5. However, the difficulty of ceasing this habit increases with age, so it’s best to stop the habit before age 3. If the habit persists beyond the age of 3, it’s recommended to see a dentist for professional evaluation.
— Ashley Tercero, DDS, is a children’s dentist at Yakima Pediatric Dentistry.
Her 7-month-old daughter, Kya, doesn’t have any teeth.
Your Canyon For A Day
March 28, 2009 by Sara Bristol
| May 17, 2009 | ||
| 9:00 am | to | 2:00 pm |
YOUR CANYON FOR A DAY. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bike through the scenic Yakima River Canyon. Closed to vehicle traffic today. Route is 35 miles round trip, or turn back whenever you’re ready. Cost: $50 per family; benefits Yakima County Crime Stoppers. Preregister online at crimestoppersyakco.org. Day of ride, register at the Roza Recreation Site, milepost 7 on State Route 821. Mark: 453-2561.
Zillah Community Day
March 28, 2009 by Sara Bristol
| May 9, 2009 |
ZILLAH COMMUNITY DAY. Breakfast in the park, 5K and 10K runs, parade, carnival and vendors. Downtown Zillah. Zillah Chamber: 509-829-5055.
Make a Mother’s Day Card
March 28, 2009 by Sara Bristol
| May 9, 2009 | ||
| 10:00 am | to | 5:00 pm |
MAKE A MOTHER’S DAY CARD. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Make a special card for Mom in The Children’s Underground. Museum admission: $5 adults, $3 students/seniors, or $12 per family; children 5 and younger free. Yakima Valley Museum, 2105 Tieton Drive, Yakima. 248-0747.
Art Saturday: Parent/child drawing
March 28, 2009 by Sara Bristol
| May 23, 2009 | ||
| 10:00 am |
ART SATURDAY: PARENT/CHILD DRAWING. 10 a.m. Tour of the “Human Touch” exhibit and short drawing lesson. Parent/child teams can create their own masterpiece. Admission: $5 adults, $3 students/seniors, or $12 per family; children 5 and younger free. Yakima Valley Museum, 2105 Tieton Drive, Yakima. 248-0747.
Wonders of Light storytelling program
March 28, 2009 by Sara Bristol
| May 20, 2009 | ||
| 7:00 pm |
WONDERS OF LIGHT. 7 p.m. Storytelling and music program aimed at helping children learn about natural and artificial light. Free; seating is limited. Yakima Valley Museum, 2105 Tieton Drive, Yakima. 248-0747.
Terrace Heights Story Time
March 28, 2009 by Sara Bristol
| May 14, 2009 | ||
| 10:15 am | ||
| May 21, 2009 | ||
| 10:15 am | ||
| May 28, 2009 | ||
| 10:15 am |
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME. 10:15 a.m. Terrace Heights Library, 4011 Commonwealth Drive, Yakima. 457-5319.
MOPS – Selah Covenant Church
March 28, 2009 by Sara Bristol
| May 8, 2009 | ||
| 9:00 am | to | 11:30 am |
MOPS — SELAH COVENANT CHURCH. 9-11:30 a.m. Guest speaker Mother’s Tribute. Child care provided, infants-6 years. Selah Covenant Church, 560 McGongale Road, Selah; 697-6116. selahcov.com
WVHS Farm Day
March 28, 2009 by Sara Bristol
| May 8, 2009 | ||
| 9:00 am | to | 3:00 pm |
WEST VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL FARM DAY. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Petting zoo, tractor rides and other farm activities. Free. West Valley High School, 9206 Zier Road, Yakima. Jacob Munden: 972-5958.
Funky Friday Night
March 28, 2009 by Sara Bristol
| May 1, 2009 | ||
| 7:00 pm | to | 8:30 pm |
| May 8, 2009 | ||
| 7:00 pm | to | 8:30 pm |
| May 15, 2009 | ||
| 7:00 pm | to | 8:30 pm |
| May 22, 2009 | ||
| 7:00 pm | to | 8:30 pm |
| May 29, 2009 | ||
| 7:00 pm | to | 8:30 pm |
FUNKY FRIDAY NIGHT. 7-8:30 p.m. Rockin’ recreational swim featuring loud ’80s music. Cost: $1 adults, $0.50 youth, or $3.25 family. Lions Pool, 509 W. Pine St., Yakima. 575-6046.
Baby & Me Swim
March 28, 2009 by Sara Bristol
| May 6, 2009 | ||
| 10:00 am | to | 11:00 am |
| May 13, 2009 | ||
| 10:00 am | to | 11:00 am |
| May 20, 2009 | ||
| 10:00 am | to | 11:00 am |
| May 27, 2009 | ||
| 10:00 am | to | 11:00 am |
BABY & ME SWIM. 10-11 a.m. Drop-in playtime for parents and tots, 6 months to 3 years. Cost: $3.75 adults; kids 3 and younger are free. Lions Pool, 509 W. Pine St., Yakima; 575-6046.
Baby Lapsit
March 28, 2009 by Sara Bristol
| May 6, 2009 | ||
| 10:00 am | ||
| May 13, 2009 | ||
| 10:00 am | ||
| May 20, 2009 | ||
| 10:00 am | ||
| May 27, 2009 | ||
| 10:00 am |
BABY LAPSIT. 10 a.m. Selah Library, 115 W. Naches Ave. 698-7345.
Family Field Day
March 28, 2009 by Sara Bristol
| May 2, 2009 | ||
| 1:00 pm | to | 4:00 pm |
FAMILY FIELD DAY. 1-4 p.m. Free, all-ages event promotes nutrition, fitness and playing together as a family. Apple tasting, soccer, jump rope, obstacle course and more. Bring a water bottle. Sarg Hubbard Park, just east of WalMart in Yakima. Yakima Greenway Foundation: 453-8280. yakimagreenway.org
Saturday Nite Live
March 28, 2009 by Sara Bristol
| May 2, 2009 | ||
| 7:00 pm | to | 9:30 pm |
| May 9, 2009 | ||
| 7:00 pm | to | 9:30 pm |
| May 16, 2009 | ||
| 7:00 pm | to | 9:30 pm |
| May 23, 2009 | ||
| 7:00 pm | to | 9:30 pm |
| May 29, 2009 | ||
| 7:00 pm | to | 9:30 pm |
SATURDAY NITE LIVE. 7-9:30 p.m. Free drop-in program open to youth ages 7-15, in partnership with Yakima Valley Young Life. Swimming, sports, games, Christian message. Yakima Family YMCA, 5 N. Naches Ave. 248-1202 or 961-9898.
