Archive for the ‘Events’ Category

The transition from carefree summer days to the structured routine of school can often spark anxiety in both children and parents. This back-to-school anxiety is a common experience, but it can be managed effectively with proactive strategies. By understanding the sources of anxiety and implementing practical coping techniques, both children and parents can navigate this transition with greater ease and confidence.

For Children:

1. Open Conversations: Encourage open conversations about school. Ask your child how they feel about returning, what excites them, and what worries them. Validating their feelings and showing empathy can help alleviate their anxiety.
2. Positive Visualization: Help your child visualize positive outcomes. Encourage them to imagine themselves succeeding in different school scenarios, like making new friends or understanding a challenging subject.
3. Familiarity Breeds Comfort: Visit the school before it starts. Familiarity with the school environment can help reduce anxiety. Walk around the campus, locate classrooms, and discuss their daily routine to make them feel more at ease.
4. Establish a Routine: Reestablishing a routine before school starts can help children ease into the transition. Gradually adjust bedtime, wake-up times, and meal schedules to align with the school routine.
5. Stay Organized: Help your child get organized with school supplies and materials. This can give them a sense of control and preparedness, which reduces anxiety about being unprepared.
6. Stay Positive: Share stories of your own school experiences and highlight the positive aspects. Remind them of the fun they’ll have with friends, engaging activities, and new learning opportunities.

For Parents:

1. Empathetic Listening: Pay attention to your child’s concerns and anxieties. Listen without judgment and show empathy, which will help them feel understood and supported.
2. Lead by Example: If you, as a parent, show enthusiasm about the upcoming school year, your child is more likely to adopt a positive outlook as well.
3. Establish a Transition Period: Gradually transition from the relaxed summer schedule to the school routine. This can help ease the abrupt shift and allow both you and your child to adapt more smoothly.
4. Collaborate with Teachers: Build a strong relationship with your child’s teacher. Having a clear line of communication can help you stay informed about your child’s progress and address any concerns promptly.
5. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Teach your child relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or simple yoga stretches. These techniques can be invaluable tools for managing anxiety.
6. Encourage Problem-Solving: Teach your child problem-solving skills to address challenges that may arise at school. Knowing they have strategies to handle various situations can boost their confidence.
7. Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge your child’s accomplishments, no matter how small. Celebrating milestones can boost their self-esteem and help them feel more confident in their abilities.
8. Limit Over-Scheduling: While extracurricular activities are valuable, be mindful not to over-schedule your child, which can lead to burnout and increased anxiety.
9. Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Prioritize healthy meals, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep. Physical well-being significantly impacts emotional well-being.

Remember that back-to-school anxiety is a common experience. Parents can help children navigate this transition with resilience and confidence by creating a supportive and understanding environment. With the right strategies, the return to school can become an exciting opportunity for growth and learning for both children and parents alike.

As any gardener can attest, the growing season from Spring to Fall can be one of the most labor intensive and rewarding times of the year, but getting to enjoy the fruits of the garden is priceless. That said, most backyard hobby gardens are small potatoes (pardon the pun) when it comes to what our local farmers can bring to the table, and your plate.

In the Columbus and Central Ohio area, we are fortunate to have a vibrant agricultural scene, with numerous farmers’ markets and farm-to-table initiatives. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of buying fresh produce from local farmers, share tips for navigating farmers markets, and highlight the positive impact of supporting our local food system.

• Taste the Difference: Fresher and Flavorful Produce

One of the most compelling reasons to support local farmers is the superior taste of their produce. Unlike mass-produced fruits and vegetables that often travel long distances, local produce is harvested at peak ripeness and arrives at your table within a short time frame. The result? Crisp, vibrant flavors that elevate your culinary experience.

• Nutritional Powerhouse: Maximize Health Benefits

Freshly picked local produce retains its nutritional value better, packing a punch of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. By purchasing from local farmers, you ensure that you’re getting the maximum health benefits from your fruits and vegetables. Incorporating these nutrient-rich foods into your diet helps promote overall well-being and boosts your immune system.

• Seasonal Delights: Embrace Variety and Culinary Creativity

Supporting local farmers means embracing the beauty of seasonal eating. Farmers markets showcase an array of produce that changes with the seasons, allowing you to discover new flavors and experiment with diverse ingredients. From juicy blueberries in summer to crisp apples in the fall, each season offers a fresh bounty of options to savor and enjoy.

• Know Your Food: Building Trust and Transparency

Connecting with local farmers fosters a deeper understanding of where your food comes from. Many farmers are passionate about sustainable and organic practices, prioritizing the well-being of both the land and consumers. Don’t be intimidated; they actually want to talk to you about their practices and products, so ask questions, gain insight, and build trust in the food you consume.

• Boosting the Local Economy: Supporting Community Resilience

Every dollar spent at a local farmers market goes directly back into the community, supporting the livelihoods of farmers, their families, and the local economy. By choosing local produce, you contribute to the sustainability and resilience of your community, creating a ripple effect that benefits everyone.

• Environmental Stewardship: Reducing Food Miles and Waste

Buying locally grown produce reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. By supporting local farmers, you help minimize food miles, conserve energy, and mitigate climate change. Additionally, local produce is less likely to be wasted, as it doesn’t need to endure extensive transportation and storage.

• Explore the Variety: There’s More to the Market

I would be remiss to not include that farmers markets go beyond fruits and veggies! Oftentimes you can find stands specializing in locally produced meats, cheeses, baked goods, and other favorites – like fresh local honey and plants to add to the garden. You never know what you might stumble across or what may inspire you to try something new.

Make the most of your farmers market experience with a few handy tips:

• Arrive early for the best selection.
• Bring reusable bags and containers. Most may have bags, but it’s better safe than sorry.
• Don’t hesitate to strike up conversations with farmers. They can offer recommendations, cooking tips, and even inspire new recipe ideas.
• Embrace the vibrant atmosphere and immerse yourself in the local food culture.
• Explore different markets in different areas; oftentimes you’ll find other vendors that are not at your local market.

Supporting local farmers is a great way to savor fresh, healthy, and flavorful goods while making a positive impact on your community. By choosing to buy from local farmers, you embrace seasonal variety, enhance your well-being, and contribute to a resilient and sustainable food system.

So, visit your nearest farmers market, connect with local growers, and enjoy the abundant goodness that local produce has to offer!

• Plain City’s Farmers Market

The Plain City Farmers Market is held every Thursday from 4:30 to 7 pm until October 5 in the flatiron (101 South Chillicothe Street) of uptown Plain City located beside the clock tower building.

For more information, visit their Facebook page HERE.

• Jacquemin Farms

Jacquemin Farms on 7437 Hyland-Croy Road in Plain City offers a farm market that is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm, Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm. They also have a wonderful bakery that is open Tuesday-Saturday 7 am-2 pm and incorporates their fresh veggies and fruits into the menu.

Visit their Facebook page HERE.

• Yutzy’s Farm Market

Yutzy’s Farm Market is located at 6010 Converse Huff Road in Plain City and brings the produce of local farmers to their farm market. They are open Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm, closed Sundays.

Visit their web site HERE or their Facebook page HERE.

For a list of local farmers markets, locations, days, and times, check out Experience Columbus’ website: https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/things-to-do/shopping/farmers-markets/

July 7 was National Father Daughter Take a Walk Day and, as a daughter who often goes on walks with her father, I can attest to the benefits of participating in this holiday. The bond between a father and a daughter is very special and has been shown to have a large impact on a woman’s life.

Dr. Linda Nielson, professor of Adolescent and Education Psychology at Wake Forest University, has researched the topic extensively (she created the first university class on the father daughter relationship!) and has concluded that a positive relationship while growing up leads daughters to get better grades, make more money, and have more emotional resilience as adults compared to those that do not have that positive relationship. Her research states that fathers play a distinct role in the development of how a daughter assesses risk, approaches challenges, and forms relationships with confidence.

That developed ability to assess risk leads women to land higher paying roles and careers (often ones in STEM), and decreases their risky behavior involvement in things like binge drinking and recreational drug use. Women with good father figures also tend to be more assertive and self-confident – not seeking validation from an outside source – and can demonstrate self-regulation in stressful situations which can show up as lower reports of anxiety and depression!

That being said, walking is obviously not exclusive to just fathers and daughters – it is an activity everyone can participate in! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, people who partake in physical activity, like walking, have a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression and some cancers. It has also been shown to help you live longer!

There are multiple benefits to taking a walk:

• It can help strengthen your heart!
  • According to research conducted at Harvard School of Public Health, women who take just a 30 minute walk a day can significantly lower their risk of stroke by 20%.
• It can help improve your mood!
  • A study out of California State, Long Beach concluded that people’s mood correlated to the amount of steps they took: the more steps, the better their mood!
• It can slow down mental decline and lower the risk of Alzheimer’s!
  • A study conducted by University of California, San Francisco researchers that included 6,000 women showed that age-related memory decline was lower in women who walked more. In addition, a study from the University of Virginia Health System found that men between the ages of 71 and 93 who walked more than 0.25 miles a day had about half the incidence of Alzheimer’s and dementia compared to men who walked less!
• It can help you maintain a healthy weight!
  • Going on a walk burns calories, and there are ways to increase that caloric burn: walking at a brisker pace, choose a path with some incline, and focus on proper form to maximize muscle use

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, the recommendation is 150 minutes of aerobic activity (like brisk walking at 3-4 mph) a week. This comes out to 30 minutes a day for five days out of the week. That being said, sometimes a busy schedule makes it hard to dedicate those 30 minutes at one time, so the CDC suggests breaking it up throughout the day into smaller bouts of activity that are at least 10 minutes long.

If you want to get outside and walk, here are some great areas to walk around the Plain City area:

• Pastime Park
  • ½ mile walking trail!
• Indian Run Falls
  • Waterfall feature!
• Glacier Ridge Metro Park
  • Try the Glacier Ridge Loop or the Ironweed Trail!

The best part about walking is it is free! It takes no special clothes, equipment, or environment, and almost everyone can participate. You can use it as a time to listen to your favorite music, podcast, or just the sounds of nature, spend time with your beloved pet, or have a conversation with someone you love – maybe your father!

Father And Daughter Walking Dog Along Suburban Street

References:

1. https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicolefisher/2020/06/21/strong-father-daughter-relationships-lead-to-healthier-happier-women/?sh=64e5ca0c2b06
2. https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/father-daughter-walking
3. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/physical-activity/walking/12-benefits-of-walking
4. https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/this-is-what-happens-to-your-body-on-a-walk/
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/walking/art-20046261
6. https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/walking/index.html#:~:text=Adults%20need%20at%20least%202,level%20of%20weekly%20physical%20activity.
7. https://nationaltoday.com/national-father-daughter-take-walk-day/
8. https://www.alltrails.com/us/ohio/plain-city
9. https://www.plain-city.com/copy-of-parks-pool

It is that time of year again. Time to enjoy a fish meal each Friday during Lent. Once again Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church and the local Knights of Columbus will be holding their Friday Fish Fries every Friday through April 8. The Fish Fries will be held at the Parish Activity Center (the PAC), 670 West Main Street (behind the firehouse) from 5:30-8 pm.

Meals are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $8 for children 12 and under. Besides either two pieces of fried or baked fish (please request the baked fish if you would like it), the adult meal also includes soda or coffee, and two sides–cole slaw, fries, or macaroni and cheese. The child meal includes one piece of fish, two sides, and a beverage. Additionally, you can purchase homemade desserts for a donation that benefits the St. Martin de Porres Society.

Carry out service of the meals is also available. You can mark on the order form if you will be carrying out or eating at the PAC.

So please come out this Friday, March 4, and support the Knights of Columbus. Join them each Friday (March 11, 18, 25, April 1 and 8) throughout Lent (excluding Good Friday on April 15) for a delicious meal and lots of enjoyable socializing with neighbors, friends, and family.

For more info, visit Saint Joe’s web site HERE where you can download an order form for the fish fries. See the order form below.

For a complete Lenten Fish Fry Guide that lists churches throughout Ohio hosting fish fries, go HERE.

Beginning in 1991, pharmacies began to recognize the third Tuesday in October as National Pharmacy Technician Day.

The American Association of Pharmacy Technicians first suggested this day and since then other pharmacy organizations have spread the message, as well. The message that is being sent is that pharmacy technicians are an invaluable part of any pharmacy team whether that is in the community retail setting, a hospital, or other non-traditional pharmacy settings.

Pharmacy technicians are often not given the recognition they deserve. As any pharmacist who has lost a great pharmacy technician will tell you, their work can dramatically change the landscape of a pharmacy.

The responsibilities of a pharmacy technician are vast. A pharmacy technician must be willing to work fluidly between different responsibilities to keep the pharmacy running smoothly. In addition to the fluid work environment, a pharmacy technician must also work accurately. Processing and filling prescriptions prior to the pharmacist checking them must be done accurately and efficiently. Pharmacies can fill hundreds of prescriptions per day so any errors will slow down the process of getting patients their medications. Without pharmacy technicians, it would probably take several days to get your medicine instead of several minutes!

Pharmacy technicians work in many different settings outside of a traditional retail pharmacy. The second most common job for a pharmacy technician is in a hospital. The responsibilities of a hospital pharmacy technician are different than community pharmacy technicians, but there is still a requirement for accurate and efficient work.

In hospital pharmacy, the technicians must prepare medications using aseptic technique. This means pharmacy technicians must work carefully and intentionally to make sure there are no contaminants from the air that would enter the IV bags. Additionally, they must work as a team to produce medications in the pharmacy and make sure they are being delivered to the correct location in a timely manner.

Outside of a hospital, pharmacy technicians can work for insurance companies, drug wholesalers, compounding pharmacies, and government agencies. Their unique experiences in pharmacy make them valuable members of any team.

In conclusion, this day was started by pharmacy technicians to bring attention to all the hard work pharmacy technicians do to keep patients safe and satisfied. A pharmacy technician has to be flexible and fill many roles in the pharmacy. A pharmacy without technicians would not be able to function.

Pharmacy technicians fill so many more roles than the traditional retail pharmacy job. With that, be sure to let your pharmacy technicians know you appreciate the work they do on October 19.