Category Archives: Weekly News Columns

Straight Talk With Danice

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

“Spoiled Sister”

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

 

Dear Dr. Akiyoshi:

Both of my parents passed away two years ago.  My sister was very dependent on both of them.  Now that they’re gone, she looks to me to entertain her at every holiday and birthday, as if she were still a child, and bail her out financially when she makes stupid mistakes.  She never pitches in for anything that doesn’t directly affect her.  She makes comments like “mom and dad would want you to take care of me.  I’m the baby of the family and you make more money than me,” (she is 47).  Neither of us is married, but I don’t want her to think that she can lean on me for the rest of her life.

-Fed Up

 

Dear Fed Up:

Your sister has a sense of entitlement.  Make it clear that you have no interest in acting out the role of her parent or spouse.  I’m guessing that your parents did her a major disservice by allowing her to arrive into middle age with this degree of emotional immaturity.  Make it clear that your role is that of a sibling and not a caretaker.   Be honest about the fact that you no longer even see her as enjoyable company because of the way she takes you for granted.  If you have feelings of guilt, or have trouble standing up to her manipulation tactics, I would be happy to assist you.

Danice Akiyoshi is a Naturopathic Doctor and the head of Candid Coaching Service. She offers personal coaching services relating to all types of issues and concerns. This is a letter she received from an anonymous reader. To send a question to Danice, email her at straighttalk@candidcoachingservices.com. You can also visit her website at http://www.candidcoachingservices.com.

Don’t Let Life Pass You By

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

By Nancy Stoops

When we are young, we can’t wait to turn eighteen.  When we are eighteen, we can’t wait until we are twenty-one.  Now that we are adults, we can’t wait to graduate college and get married.  Now that we are married we can’t wait to have a family and buy a house.  We now have it all, the family, the big job, and the big house, now we can’t wait until we retire.  Why is that we have such a hard time just living in the present?  It’s as if we are literally wishing our lives away.

People seem to believe the future holds the happiness that the present just doesn’t.  I always hear people say things will be different when I get passed that.  So time moves along and they do indeed get past that, and from nowhere something else comes along.  Now they are thinking things will be so much better when I get passed this. And so it is that this just keeps reoccurring.  Do you see a pattern here?  It’s called life and it seems as if it is always giving us something that we must get through.

Life is not a neat little package, it involves a lot of hard work and challenges.  Even then, there are times that we don’t get what we thought we really deserve.  Maybe these are the times to look at what we did end up with and realize it is even better.  We spend so very much time looking at what we don’t have and feeling sorry for ourselves.  Life has a way of giving us what we need, if just pay attention.  Things seem to work out if we are patient and willing to accept life’s challenges and live each day to the fullest!!!!!!!!!!!!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients. She is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger.    For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909)229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net.  You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

 

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The Clock On The Kitchen Wall

By Mark Hopper

We have clocks all over our house.  There are clocks in the bedrooms and in the living room.  There are also digital displays that show the time on our cable box and kitchen applicances.  Everyone who has a smart phone not only has a clock but also a calendar!

In our house, there is a clock on the kitchen wall.  It is simple and helpful.  It is round with a white trim and black numbers.  It even has a “second hand” if you remember what that is.

I can’t tell you haw many times a day I look at that kitchen clock.  When I am walking in from the garage, I usually look at the clock.  When I am eating my lunch or grabbing a snack, I look at that clock.  When I am rushing out the door to a meeting or appointment, I glance at that clock to see how late I am.

I love that clock.  I know it is old fashion and that there are many other places in our house where I can find out what time it is, but I find myself frequently looking across the room at that old, plastic clock in the kitchen.

Recently the unthinkable happened.  The clock in the kitchen stopped working.  The hands on the clock were not moving.  The “second hand” was not moving.  It was like time stood still.

The obvious solution was to replace the AA battery.  I used several old batteries that I found in a kitchen drawer, but they did not help.  I assumed that they were too old and probably had no battery life in them.

So, I went to the store and bought a new pack of AA batteries.  I knew this would fix the problem.  When I put in a fresh AA battery I was surprised to see that it was still not working.  Bummer!  Could it be that the new batteries that I just bought were not good?  I realized that was unlikely.  The logical conclusion was that our faithful kitchen clock was dead.

Our faithful friend was gone.  Every time I looked at the kitchen wall, I was reminded that the clock was gone.  I laughed at myself for how many times a day I looked in that direction wondering what time it was.  I didn’t think to look at the kitchen appliances.  I just kept glancing over looking for that old clock.

Today, we purchased a new clock for our kitchen.  The blank space on the wall is filled with a new clock.  It looks just like the old one and it cost less than five dollars (battery non included)!

Now I can look over my shoulder and find out what time it is.  There is something comforting having a clock on the wall.  I don’t need to buy a watch.  I don’t need to look at my smart phone.  My faithful friend on the wall always has the correct time.  And, if the power goes out at our house, that kitchen clock will keep on ticking.

March is daylight savings month. It is time to “spring ahead” one hour. This would be a perfect time to buy a clock for your kitchen, too.

Efree Church of Diamond Bar 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd (909) 594-7604 Christmas Eve services: 4:30 & 6:00 PM Christmas Sunday services: 9:30 & 11:00 AM 

Straight Talk With Danice

Dealing With A Breakup

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D

 

Dear Dr. Akiyoshi,

I recently suffered a terrible break up.  I didn’t want my family to see me crying all the time so I started taking long walks.  My walks soon turned into running and I have now lost 23 pounds.  Now everyone is asking me if I’m suffering from an eating disorder and wondering if I’m depressed.  I do look a little under weight, but this is what I need to do right now.  I don’t want to talk about the details of my break up because it is too painful for me.  I just want to run.  I want to avoid socializing right now.  How can I briefly explain myself so people will leave me alone?

-Y. P.

 

Dear Y. P.

It seems to me that you have found a healthy way to work through your pain and suffering.  In my opinion you are on the right track and you do not owe anyone an explanation about how you are managing your emotions.   As for your well meaning and sincere loved ones, tell them exactly what you told me.  When you feel up to talking, tell them that you are processing your suffering with exercise and that you are not willing to have long conversations about your breakup.  Well meaning people will respect your request.  However, if you find yourself unable to truly digest your difficult experience in a reasonable amount of time, please seek the guidance of a skilled coach or therapist for a bit of additional assistance. Good Luck, and keep safe.

Danice Akiyoshi is a Naturopathic Doctor and the head of Candid Coaching Service. She offers personal coaching services relating to all types of issues and concerns. This is a letter she received from an anonymous reader. To send a question to Danice, email her at straighttalk@candidcoachingservices.com. You can also visit her website at http://www.candidcoachingservices.com

Believe You Can and You Will

By Nancy Stoops

Just for a moment, think about your mindset regarding yourself.  What is your internal dialogue?  Do you tend to tell yourself you can, and so you do, or do you tell yourself you can’t so you don’t?  Also what is that mindset based on, and is it really your truth?  If you believe you can’t, think about all that you have already done successfully and learn to challenge that lies that hold you hostage.  I bet you are much more capable then your mind tells you.  Take out a piece of paper and fold it in half. Write down all of the lies that hold you hostage.  Now, on the other side, right down your truths based what you have already done successfully.  Next, make as many copies of this paper as you can, and take it with you everywhere. If you are able to, place them all over your house.  Next time you believe you can’t, the truth that you yourself have written down will remind you that you are already have been successful.  Pretty soon, you will be storing the truth in your mind.

Learn to challenge the incorrect belief system that has always held you back from being who you are intended to be.  The truth literally does set us free.  I was raised to believe I could fly.  This mindset has honored me with a life of blessings and success.  Learn to believe in yourself and in your capabilities. The truth is if you believe you can do something and work hard to accomplish it, anything is possible.  Believe you can and you will.  Our mindset literally is a road map for our lives.  Our mindset acts as a designer for our entire lives.  I hope you will take the time to change your mindset and take the opportunity to grow into the best version of you.

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  Nancy is now accepting new clients.  She also works as a motivational speaker.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups for teens and can handle many court mandated needs.  For more information about any of these services contact Nancy at (909) 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com

Straight Talk With Danice

Dear Readers:

When you hear the word, “hormone,” what comes to mind?  Do you have thoughts of a boy or girl going through puberty, or a woman going through menopause?  Do you think of your grouchy girlfriend who has PMS or an older man who has lost his spark?   Hormones play a big role in a man’s life, too.  As men age, they experience andropause, which is the male equivalent to menopause in women.

Whether you are male or female, young or old, if you are suffering from symptoms of hormonal imbalance, visit your doctor and have your hormone levels checked.  Bringing your system into balance can have a positive effect on your health.  Do a bit of research so you understand all the various options.   Bio identical hormone replacement is an interesting subject.  There is a vast array of information available on the Internet.

Danice Akiyoshi, ND

Danice Akiyoshi is a Naturopathic Doctor and the head of Candid Coaching Service. She offers personal coaching services relating to all types of issues and concerns. This is a letter she received from an anonymous reader. To send a question to Danice, email her at straighttalk@candidcoachingservices.com. You can also visit her website at http://www.candidcoachingservices.com.

A Beautiful Drive

By Pastor Mark Hopper

The recent rains in Southern California have promoted a lot of interesting conversations.  People who enjoy winter sports have loved the record amount of snow fall.  Recently, I heard someone say that ski resorts may remain open until the 4th of July!

The rains have produced lush green hillsides in our communities.  Since we live in an arid environment, we expect to see hillsides that are brown and barren.  But not this year.  The hills are covered with lush, dark green grass and other vegetation.

One of the unexpected results of our recent rain are the beautiful wild flowers that are covering the desert landscape.  I have heard in the news that places Palm Spings and Borego Springs are covered with wild flowers.

Last week my son and I drove to Arizona during his spring break.  We wanted to see a Major League Baseball spring training game.  As we drove across the California and Arizona desert we were amazed to see beautiful wild flowers.

The highways were lined with bright yellow flowers and many hillsides were also covered, too.  The hillsides that faced South seemed to have an abundance of flowers of every color.

Who would expect to see this kind of beauty in the middle of the dessert?  How can you explain that a desert could produce this kind of abundant beauty?

A familiar phrase says, “April showers bring May flowers.”  But this year I think we could say that “Winter showers bring indescribable color to unexpected places.”  Not only are the hills alive with color, but so is the barren desert too!

Let me encourage you to take a ride and see this remarkable beauty before it is too late.  Why not visit a desert near you this week and see the beauty that is the product of our abundant rainfall this year.

You will be glad you did!

Efree Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd. (909) 594-7604. Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM. Efreedb.org 

Deciding To Start Therapy

Wkly - StoopsBy Nancy Stoops

Deciding to start therapy can be a very hard decision.  It’s hard to admit to ourselves that we can’t do it on our own and that we need some help.  The truth is even though we take care of ourselves sometimes we need the help of a good doctor or an antibiotic and sometimes surgery.  I have always referred to myself as an emotional surgeon.  What I mean by this, is that I open you up and help you begin to deal with all of those dysfunctional feelings that are making you feel so bad and so stuck.  Starting therapy takes an incredible amount of courage and is a sign of strength not weakness.  Please never feel embarrassed that you feel have run out of options and that now you need some help to get through some things.

Over the years I have worked with people 2-91 years of age dealing parenting, drugs, anxiety, depression, autistic spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, appropriate sexual boundaries and so many other issues. Between my groups and my private practice I have literally helped thousands of people learn how to live a happy and balanced life.  I want my clients to be healthy mentally as well as physically and spiritually healthy.  I think all three of these go hand in hand to maintain permanent well-being.

A good place to start is by visiting one of my groups and seeing if you like my style before you start spending your hard earned money.  Keep in mind my co-therapist is a registered therapy dog named Midnight. If you are a dog lover you will have a great team on your side while you are doing some very necessary healing or just getting some tips on how to live more fully!!!!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger.    For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909)229-072.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net.  You may ask Purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

 

A Rabbit or A Rat?

Wkly - Hopper.jpgBy Pastor Mark Hopper

Our grandchildren love to have a Tea party at Grammie’s house.  They have a special set of Tea cups that depict the story of Peter Rabbit.  These young grandkids know the story by heart but they love to hear it again and again.

The story of Peter Rabbit is probably familiar to many of you.  When Peter’s mother goes in to town, she tells Peter and his brothers and sisters to not get into mischief.  She specifically warns them to not go into Mr. McGregor’s garden.

But, Peter does not obey his mother.  He goes to Mr. McGregor’s garden and can’t find his way out.  Mr. McGregor chases Peter with a shovel and a rake around the garden.  Peter tries to hide as Mr. McGregor searches to find him.  What will happen toPeter?

Recently, we had a similar story at our house.  One evening while my wife and I were watching TV we heard noises in our garage.

A plastic container was knocked over and a rake in the corner had fallen down.

We knew there was something alive in the garage, but we were not sure what it was.  The next morning we saw droppings on the garage floor and a puddle of urine, too.  We began to wonder – was it a rabbit or a rat?  Who was making all that noise and leaving all that mess in our garage?

We continued to hear noises again the next night, but we could not see anything.  When I arrived home after work the next day,   I finally found the answer.  As I pulled into the driveway and the garage door rolled up, I saw a large bunny rabbit in our garage starring at me!  I looked at him and he looked right back at me!

But, instead of running out the open door, he ran back behind some boxes and storage tubs in the back of our garage.  Bummer!  What should we do with this unwanted guest?

At first I thought I would just go into the house and leave the garage door open hoping he would make his escape.  But, then I realized I wouldn’t know if he really left or if he was still hiding in the garage.

I decided to take action.  I opened both the garage door and the side door that led out into the back yard.  I wanted to provide as many escape routes as possible.  Then I began removing the boxes and storage containers from the back of the garage.  I could hear the rabbit trying to hide and conceal himself.

Then I used a broom handle to gently coax this furry critter out of the corner and out one of the doors.  It was more difficult than I expected.  He dashed from one hiding place to another.  Either he didn’t want to leave or he couldn’t figure out which way to go.  He was a lot like Peter Rabbit!

Finally, the rabbit made a dash for the side door.  He was gone in a flash!  My efforts had succeeded.  The invader had been defeated!  My wife was impressed with my courage and skill as I dealt with this furry adversary.  I guess I was a lot like Mr. McGregor!

My wife and I were both relieved that it was a rabbit and not a rat.  We were thankful that we were able to get him out of our garage and thankful that he was not hurt.  Now we need to figure out a way to get him out of our back yard and back to where he belongs.  His mother is probably worried about him!

Efree Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd. (909) 594-7604. Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM. Efreedb.org 

Danice Akiyoshi

Straight Talk With Danice

I have a serious problem with anger- A question from Ray

 By Danice Akiyoshi N.D.

Q: My sister said she will never drive with me again or allow me to take her kids to the movies anymore because I had an episode with road rage when she was a passenger in my car.  I can tell that she thinks less of me now and it really bothers me. I am a nice man, but when people do stupid things on the streets I can’t control myself. I will do anything to get her to trust me again.  She says she doesn’t understand me anymore. I already miss my niece and nephew. I don’t have any friends outside of my family.  What should I do to regain her trust?  I regret upsetting her. She is my best friend. Thank you.

A: In my opinion, anyone who would lose their temper in public with a total stranger to the degree that their own loved ones will turn away from them is in serious trouble. Quite often, unnecessary aggression stems from low self esteem and a feeling of having no personal power. I hope you will seriously consider some sort of personal coaching or counseling to identify what is bothering you so deeply that you take these dangerous risks.  The fact that you show remorse and feel sad because of the distance your sister has imposed on you shows me that you care enough to get better. Please call a skilled professional and schedule an appointment. Consider inviting your sister to attend therapy with you eventually so that she can see how serious you are about repairing things with her.

From a safety standpoint I’m glad you are addressing your problem. Please make an appointment to get help right away. I wish you well.

Danice Akiyoshi is a Naturopathic Doctor and the head of Candid Coaching Service. She offers personal coaching services relating to all types of issues and concerns. This is a letter she received from an anonymous reader. To send a question to Danice, email her at straighttalk@candidcoachingservices.com. You can also visit her website at http://www.candidcoachingservices.com.

Melty Monterey Jack Burger

MELTY MONTEREY JACK BURGER bww08-r05-fed05905-1

with Red Onion Jam and Zucchini Fries

By Hello Fresh

 

Cooking Time: 35 min.

Servings: 2

Nutrition: Calories: 860

Ingredients:

  • Garlic- 1 Clove
  • Red Onion- 1
  • Zucchini- 1
  • Mayonnaise- 1 ½ TBSP
  • Balsamic Vinegar- 2 TBSP
  • Panko Breadcrumbs- ¼ Cup
  • Dried Oregano- 1 tsp
  • Ground Beef- 8 oz.
  • Monterey Jack Cheese- ½ Cup
  • Potato Buns- 2
  • Ketchup- 2 TBSP

Preparation:

  1. prep Wash and dry all produce. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Mince or grate garlic until you have ¼ tsp (you may have a clove left over). Halve, peel, and thinly slice onion. Cut zucchini into 3-inch-long pieces, then halve each piece lengthwise. Cut each into thin wedges.
  1. Make Aioli In a small bowl, mix together 1½ TBSP mayonnaise (we sent more) and as much of the garlic as you like. Season with salt and pepper.
  1. Make Onion Jam Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until caramelized, 8-10 minutes, tossing occasionally. Stir in balsamic vinegar and 1 tsp sugar. Continue cooking until syrupy, 1-2 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from pan and set aside in another small bowl.

 

  1. Make Zucchini Fries While onions are cooking, toss together zucchini and ½ TBSP aioli in a medium bowl until wedges are evenly coated. Add panko, oregano, and a large pinch of salt and pepper and toss so that crumbs stick to zucchini. Spread on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Bake in oven until panko is golden-brown, about 15 minutes, tossing halfway through. TIP: It’s OK if not all the breadcrumbs stick.

 

  1. Cook burgers Wash out pan you cooked onions in. Heat a drizzle of oil in same pan over medium-high heat. Shape beef into two 4-inch-wide patties. Season all over with salt and pepper. Add to pan and cook until burgers almost reach desired doneness, 3-5 minutes per side. Top each with Monterey Jack cheese. Cover pan until cheese melts, about 1 minute.

 

  1. Finish and serve While burgers cook, split buns in half and place on another baking sheet. Toast in oven until golden, about 3 minutes. Spread split sides of buns with ketchup and remaining aioli. Top each with a burger and as much onion jam as you like. Serve with zucchini fries on the side.

Wellness Is Empowering

By Nancy Stoops 

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Everybody seems to be talking about wellness. I just did a seminar for the city of Walnut on wellness and we had over a hundred people attend.  I think wellness comes from having a healthy mind, body and spirit.  I tell my clients the same thing.  I think wellness comes from being quiet inside from knowing one is growing into who they are intended to be more and more each day.  I think wellness involves daily meditation and working to manage one’s stress, a healthy diet, vitamins and supplements and daily exercise and a faith in something bigger and more powerful than us.

Wellness is not something that just happens it’s a lifestyle that needs to occur daily.  It’s a desire to be operating at one’s optimum.  Your life will have much more quality if you are operating at your optimum.  If you bring total wellness into your life you will feel great and have the energy and mindset to live the wonderful life that each and every one of us is so deserving of.  I feel if I’m going to be here living my life why not do what I need to do to make it the best life possible.  I do all I can to bring optimum wellness into my life and my being every day.

Think about a starting point to bring wellness into your daily life.  Make your goals small and obtainable to start.  Once you’ve met these goals then add more.  Bringing total wellness into your life is a process and don’t beat yourself up as you go but praise yourself for the positive changes you are making.  I think if you add one change per week you are doing pretty well.  Something as simple as a daily walk and meditation can be a great place to start.  I wish you nothing total wellness in life!!!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  Nancy is now accepting new clients.  She also works as a motivational speaker.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups for teens and can handle many court mandated needs.  For more information about any of these services contact Nancy at (909) 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

 

Warning Signs Of Heart Attack, Stroke & Cardiac Arrest

By AHA

HEART ATTACK WARNING SIGNS

  • Chest Discomfort-Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
  • Discomfort in other areas of the Upper Body- Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
  • Shortness of Breath- with or without chest discomfort
  • Other Signs- may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.

STROKE WARNING SIGNS

  • Face DroopingDoes one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.
  • Arm Weakness Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
  • Speech Difficulty Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “the sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?
  • Time to call 9-1-1 If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.

CARDIAC ARREST WARNING SIGNS

·       Sudden Loss of Responsiveness- No response to tapping on shoulders.

·       No Normal Breathing- The Victim does not take a normal breath when you tilt the head up and check for at least five seconds.

Did you know?

Dental Health is Important for Children’s ‘Baby Teeth’

 By StatePoint

Parents and caregivers may be underestimating the importance of dental care for children’s “baby teeth.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 63 percent of children ages two to four see the dentist at least annually.

Most dental benefits cover preventive care visits twice a year with no out-of-pocket costs, and these visits are important for small children.

Baby teeth, (also known as primary teeth), play an important role in a child’s overall healthy development. If cavities begin and are left untreated, they can become painful and possibly infected. Loss of these teeth prematurely may impact eating, speaking, learning and self-esteem. Baby teeth help guide the way for permanent teeth to erupt into proper position.

“Tooth decay is preventable. The investment of only a few minutes each day on the part of parents and caregivers, coupled with regular dental checkups, goes a long way in creating healthy smiles to last a lifetime,” says Dr. Diane Monti-Markowski, clinical program director for Cigna Dental.

She offers these oral hygiene tips for those caring for small children:

  • Plan to have your child visit the dentist by his or her first birthday or within six months after the first teeth appear.
  • As a child’s teeth start to come in, brush them gently twice a day with a child-sized toothbrush and water.
  • Begin flossing a child’s teeth daily when there are two teeth that touch.
  • Do not put your baby to sleep with a bottle of formula, milk, juice or any other liquid other than water.
  • Consider introducing toothpaste for children who are two and older and are able to follow directions to spit after brushing. The American Dental Association recommends using fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice for children younger than three years old and a pea-size amount for children three to six years old. By age three or four, your child should be able to brush with your supervision.
  • Make brushing fun. Let your child pick out the color of his or her toothbrush. Play a favorite song or set a timer to help children understand that good brushing takes about two minutes twice a day.

Find more tips at Cigna.com/dental-resources. For detailed questions or concerns about a child’s oral health, it is important to consult a dentist.

“Adults can also reinforce the importance of oral health by their attitudes,” adds Dr. Monti-Markowski. “Encouraging good habits and showing a positive manner when visiting the dentist can lay the foundation for children to maintain healthy teeth throughout their lives.”

 

Comeback or Collapse?

By Mark Hopper

I realize that some people did not watch the Super Bowl football game recently.  Some prefer basketball or soccer or some other sport.  But according to the TV ratings, millions of people did watch the Super Bowl again this year. If you missed it, you may have heard that the game this year was one of the best.  It was the first time in the history of the Super Bowl that the game was tied at the end of regulation.

The game went into overtime for the first time ever.  This was one of the most dramatic and exciting Super Bowl games in its fifty-one year history. In addition, this year’s Super Bowl included the greatest comeback in history.  The Atlanta Falcons led the game by over 20 points in the third quarter.  But, the New England Patriots came back and tied the game with only seconds left on the clock in regulation. And, the Patriots used a rare two-point play after their final touch down to tie the game and force overtime.  It doesn’t get much better than this if you are a football fan.

I have heard a lot of sports fans talking about the remarkable comeback by New England.  Few people thought that the Patriots could pull this off.  Every pass completion was critical.  Every penalty seemed to go their way.  It was amazing to watch. However, I have also heard other fans say it was the biggest collapse in Super Bowl history.  How could Atlanta let the game slip away?  They had a commanding lead in the third quarter.  Most people thought the Falcons had the game wrapped up. I wonder how the players and coaches feel?  The players on the winning team must be so excited.  The players on the losing team must be so disappointed.

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

I suppose that life is a lot like the Super Bowl.  There are times that we a excited and delighted over a personal success or accomplishment.  And, they are times when we feel discouraged and disappointed over a missed opportunity. My suggestion is to focus on the positive.  Don’t dwell on your defeats.  Remember your successes.  Atlanta fans certainly have a reason to be disappointed.  They almost won the game.  They were so close. But, they had a remarkable season and won more games than most people expected.  Their quarterback had the best season of his career.  Football fans were surprised that the Falcons made it to the Super Bowl and almost won it! I hope you can learn to be thankful for the positive things in your life.  Focus on your family and your friends –  your health and your faith.  Every day is a gift from God. We know there will be difficulties and disappointments in life.  Lost jobs and poor health.  But, face those times with hope and faith.  You will be glad you did and others around you will too.

History 101

New Orleanians take to the streets for Mardi Gras

By History.com

On this day in 1827, a group of masked and costumed students dance through the streets of New Orleans, Louisiana, marking the beginning of the city’s famous Mardi Gras celebrations.

The celebration of Carnival–or the weeks between Twelfth Night on January 6 and Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Christian period of Lent–spread from Rome across Europe and later to the Americas. Nowhere in the United States is Carnival celebrated as grandly as in New Orleans, famous for its over-the-top parades and parties for Mardi Gras (or Fat Tuesday), the last day of the Carnival season.

Though early French settlers brought the tradition of Mardi Gras to Louisiana at the end of the 17th century, Spanish governors of the province later banned the celebrations. After Louisiana became part of the United States in 1803, New Orleanians managed to convince the city council to lift the ban on wearing masks and partying in the streets. The city’s new Mardi Gras tradition began in 1827 when the group of students, inspired by their experiences studying in Paris, donned masks and jester costumes and staged their own Fat Tuesday festivities.

The parties grew more and more popular, and in 1833 a rich plantation owner named Bernard Xavier de Marigny de Mandeville raised money to fund an official Mardi Gras celebration. After rowdy revelers began to get violent during the 1850s, a secret society called the Mistick Krewe of Comus staged the first large-scale, well-organized Mardi Gras parade in 1857.

Over time, hundreds of krewes formed, building elaborate and colorful floats for parades held over the two weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday. Riders on the floats are usually local citizens who toss “throws” at passersby, including metal coins, stuffed toys or those now-infamous strands of beads. Though many tourists mistakenly believe Bourbon Street and the historic French Quarter are the heart of Mardi Gras festivities, none of the major parades have been allowed to enter the area since 1979 because of its narrow streets.

In February 2006, New Orleans held its Mardi Gras celebrations despite the fact that Hurricane Katrina had devastated much of the city with massive flooding the previous August. Attendance was at only 60-70 percent of the 300,000-400,000 visitors who usually attend Mardi Gras, but the celebration marked an important step in the recovery of the city, which counts on hospitality and tourism as its single largest industry.

5 Things to Consider When Selecting a Car Dealership

By StatePoint

When looking for their next set of wheels, car shoppers have choices that extend beyond the vehicle. The buying experience should meet their needs and wants, too.

“Shoppers should consider buying from an independent dealer, which can open up a world of additional options,” says Marcus Dame, senior director, Product Management at Autotrader.

Here are five reasons to consider an independent dealership:

  • Variety: Independent dealers have greater flexibility to carry more makes and models in their inventory, giving shoppers an ability to test drive a wide variety of vehicles in one location. Each vehicle is carefully chosen by the independent dealership for its particular attributes and consumers have an opportunity to speak to the person that acquired the vehicle and find out what makes it special.
  • Personal Service: When shopping at an independent dealer, you benefit from personal service provided by individuals that take time to understand the right vehicle for your needs. Most independent dealers are interested in selling you what you need, as opposed to pushing a model that they want to get out of their inventory. In fact, consumers can easily meet with the dealership owner or manager to discuss their purchase.
  • Pricing: Independent dealers have a better selection of vehicles in a wider price range than a typical franchise dealership. Independents do not have huge overhead expenses, so they can afford to sell cars with lower sales prices. The sticker price on a majority of cars (besides classics) on an independent lot is $10,000 or less. So it should be easy to find a reasonably priced daily driver, a great car to take to college or a new driver’s first car.
  • Financing: Many financing options are available for consumers with all types of credit. When purchasing a vehicle from an independent dealer, some buyers like the convenience of securing a loan at the same place from which they purchase their car. Some independents are “Buy Here, Pay Here” (BHPH) dealers. BHPH puts credit-challenged borrowers in a car when no other traditional lender will allow it. On-time payments can help rebuild a positive credit history.
  • Trade-ins: Consumers usually receive quicker, and often better, trade-in allowances with independent dealers that provide an instant valuation, such as Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer. Based on what make-models the dealership needs on the lot to meet customer demand, an independent dealer might even pay a premium for your vehicle.

You can locate an independent classics dealer at classics.autotrader.com. Details on financing through a BHPH dealer can be found at buyherepayhere.autotrader.com.

When shopping for a vehicle, customers have many options for what to buy and how to buy it. Before making your decision, consider visiting an independent dealer.

 

 

 

Indoor Marijuana Plants Located

By City of Eastvale

On February 8, 2017, The Eastvale Police Department received information regarding marijuana being cultivated inside a residence in the 13000 block of Beacansfield Lane, Eastvale. A search warrant was obtained for the location and approximately 600 marijuana plants were located inside the residence. The residence sustained extensive damage due to the suspects renovating the interior to accommodate for the growing of marijuana. No suspects were at the location and the case is continuing. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Jurupa Valley Station Special Enforcement Team at (951) 955-2600.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is seeking applicants for Deputy Sheriff, Deputy Sheriff Trainee, Correctional Deputy, Sheriff’s 911 Communications Officer, and other employment opportunities such as clerical and support positions. If you are interested in a career with us, please apply atwww.joinrsd.orgor call 1-888-Join-RSD

 

Dreams Become Reality When You Believe In Yourself

By Nancy Stoops

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

We all have dreams for our life.  Why is it that some of us turn our dreams into reality and some of us just keep dreaming?  Why do some of us find the motivation to make our dreams come true and others just give up?  I believe we are all capable of getting what we want from our lives.  I also think we all have the potential to grow into somebody that we are proud of being.  I think what sets a person apart is they believe they can or they believe they can’t.

I find it very sad when I see somebody with a vision of what their life could be, yet they think they can’t ever obtain the life they are suppose to have.  This person somehow has never been taught to believe in themselves and now gets cheated out of the life they should have had.  This is where really effective parenting is so very essential.  We also need to help those not so effectively parented reach for the sky as well.  We need to not give up on our dreams, ourselves and each other.

Dreams can become our wonderful reality if we create a plan with the correct steps.  Think about every other goal that you have met and the plan that was made up of baby steps.  I promise you that if you have a dream and want it to become your reality all you have to do is trust yourself and take the steps that turn dreams into reality.  The first step is having the faith and trust inside yourself to believe that you can do it.  Never lose sight of the already wonderful you and think of your plan as just adding to that wonderful person!!!!!!!!!!!!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger.    For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909)229-0727.You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

 

 

Safe Drug Drop Off Program

By Walnut/DB Sheriff’s Station
Do not flush unused, unwanted, and expired medications down the toilet or put them in drains!

How should I dispose of my medications?

For your convenience, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department offers a Safe Drug Drop Off program where both controlled and non-controlled substances are accepted. Take medications/drugs to the Walnut Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station for safe and anonymous disposal. The mailboxes on the front steps of the Walnut Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station are designated for anonymous drop-off of all types of drugs.

You can also return your medications to a pharmacy near you. Some pharmacies offer take-back and/or mail-back programs.

What kind of medications/drugs can be dropped off?

Prescription medications
Illegal drugs
Over-the-counter medications
Aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.
Cold/flu remedies
Birth control pills
Hormone replacement drugs
Veterinary medicines
Codeine, phenobarbital, and anabolic steroids, narcotics, tranquilizers, etc

Why is this important?

Medications flushed down the toilet or in drains pass through the sewer system and eventually enter our streams, lakes, and rivers. Medicines and synthetic hormones have been detected in trace amounts in bodies of water. This could lead to increased bacterial resistance to antibiotics and interference with growth and reproduction in aquatic organisms such as fish, frogs and all marine life.

The presence of medications in the environment is a complex issue and the risk to humans and the environment is still being determined. With tens of thousands of medicinal products on the market and more being developed each year, the long-term risks have not been determined on the effects on the environment. However, in order to minimize the potential negative and irreversible impacts, it is important that we limit the disposal of waste medications to the sewer.

(Some excerpts taken from Los Angeles Department of Public Works, Environmental Programs Division)
Contact Information: Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff Station – 909-595-2264,