Home Blog Page 335

Flu Shot: Pros and Cons

By
Kate Ingersoll
-

Flu season is upon us. As a highly contagious respiratory illness, influenza can range from mild to severe and may even result in hospitalization. Some people are more likely to develop more serious symptoms, especially children younger than five and people with certain long-term health conditions. Here is some information to help you know what’s right for your family.

CDC Recommendations

According to the Centers for Disease Control, past flu vaccines have been shown to prevent illness and can reduce the risk of severe complications by up to 74% in pediatric patients. Dr. Lara Kothari, Associate Pediatric Program Director of the Pediatric Residency Program at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit, emphasizes the importance of the flu shot for children. “The CDC recommends that children over six months receive the flu shot every year,” she says.

Pros and Cons

The flu is caused by a virus and once a person is infected, there is no magic pill that will get rid of it. Dr. Kothari refers to a 2017 study published by the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases that shows the effectiveness of the vaccine to lessen a child’s risk of contracting the flu.

“Kids between six months and five years of age, or kids who have chronic conditions, are at a higher risk for complications due to the influenza virus. Prevention is key but the vaccine does a great job of reducing the risk of illness, hospitalizations, and complications.”

Overall, the flu vaccine has a good track record, but there are drawbacks. According to the CDC, the most common side effects include soreness or redness at the area of the shot, headache, fever, nausea, and muscle aches. Sometimes, even with the flu shot, you can still get sick as it takes about two weeks after receiving the shot for it to be effective.

In addition, researchers decide on which strains to include in the vaccine months before flu season begins, so there may not be a good match between the chosen strains and the ones that actually circulate.

An Informed Choice

Immunization can be received via a shot or nasal spray. However, in September, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued revised flu vaccination recommendations for this season which state that FluMist should be used only as a last resort. As FluMist is just returning to the market after a two-year absence, the AAP recommends the shot due to lingering uncertainties about the effectiveness of the spray. This differs from the CDC which has issued no preferential recommendation.

Exceptions to the Rule

Not everyone should get a flu shot, including babies less than six months of age and any child who has had a severe allergic reaction in the past. Most flu vaccines are made with eggs, so parents of children with an egg allergy should talk about options with their pediatrician.

Dr. Kothari strongly encourages parents to stay informed. “If they have any questions about the safety of the flu vaccines in their child, given their medical history, they should discuss them with their doctor.”

Ways to Stay Healthy This Winter

The most effective way to prevent illness is to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds periodically throughout the day, especially before eating.

Get adequate sleep and drink lots of fluids.

Eat well, aim to eat brightly colored vegetables and fruits every day.

Stay active. Your child should have at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Playing outside in the winter can be wonderful, but limit the time outdoors if the temperatures are very cold. Keep your child home if he/she is ill to speed recovery and reduce the spread of germs.

Holiday Gift Guide: 2018

By
Kimberly Feldkamp
-

Special Advertising Section

The holiday season is here again and time is going by too fast to get everything ready. While we can’t do your Christmas shopping for you, we’ve rounded up some of the top toys of the season for different ages and stages. Partnering with Learning Express, we picked out fun and educational toys— all available under $50 locally— that are sure to delight the youngsters in your life. Happy shopping!

learningexpress_1-4H-1118

Infant

Do you have a little one celebrating his or her first Christmas? You don’t need to go overboard for this milestone since your babe likely won’t remember it, but if you’re racking your brain on ideas, here’s a few we suggest:

'Tech' the Halls (3)

Flappy the Elephant – this adorable animated plush sings and plays peekaboo with its ears. We promise it’ll make your baby smile! Birth +, $39.99

Dimpl – Little hands will enjoy popping the colorful silicone bubbles back and forth with this satisfying sensory toy. With safe, durable construction, this toy is great for keeping baby entertained in the car, in the highchair or anytime. 6 months +, $12.99

Preschool

There are a lot of great toys geared toward this age group, as preschoolers usually have a good grasp of fine motor skills and enjoy pretend play. Here are a couple of unique finds to put under the tree:

Kablocks – Part of the fun of building blocks to knocking everything over, right? With this toy, little ones use fine motor skills to stack and balance 30 soft foam blocks, then they use gross motor skills to jump and blast the blocks. And parents, you’ll have fun, too, helping to send the blocks flying! 3+years, $39.99

home-left-right-image-3

Square Panda – Feel less guilty about screen time by turning it into reading time using your tablet (connect via Bluetooth) to play 10 interactive word games using 45 tactile Smart Letters. Children pick up and put letters in a tray to practice spelling, phonics, rhyming and more. Square Panda adapts to your child’s level. 2+ years, $49.99

Toddler

You need something that isn’t a baby toy, an engaging gift that’s not full of little parts or choking hazards. And most of us prefer something that doesn’t require batteries or make a lot of noise. Here are a few toys that help improve fine motor and sensory processing skills:

'Tech' the Halls (2)

Gecko Blocks – Blocks are a basic toy every kid loves, and these lightweight foam blocks stick and stack, making it easy for little hands to build. Coated with a safe adhesive to make them cling to each other and hard seurfaces – try in the tub! – this is a great go-to gift. 18+ months, $29.99 for a set of 28 blocks

SpinAgain – This puts a “spin” on traditional toddler stacking toys – this colorful disc-stacking toy has a spinning corkscrew motion. Once the discs spin to the bottom of the center pole, children push the pole to release and allow the discs to spin right off. As children grow, they can practice hand-eye coordination to manipulate the discs. 12-36 months, $29.99

Elementary

By this age your child probably has plenty of ideas of what he or she would like for Christmas, but if you need a little inspiration, or just want something different, here are a few toys sure to be a hit:

Slime Case Shaker Storage Set – Anytime is slime time and this set makes it easy for your child to create their own. This set contains six metallic slime powder pouches, three shakers, three figurines, glitter, confetti and stickers to customize the slime. Bonus – the mixing helps to teach basics of science and chemistry so your child is learning new concepts as they play. 6+, $24.99

lego

Harry Potter themed LEGO Sets – LEGOs are a great gift for this age, as kids can practice reading skills as they follow instructions to build specific sets. LEGOs are also great for encouraging creativity and imaginative play as kids build their own creations. Harry Potter themed sets are hot this season. 6+, $19.99 and up

Middle School

For this age group, it’s all about toys that encourage building, creativity and imagination. Middle schoolers will feel a sense of accomplishment when they successfully build a robot or create something that is uniquely theirs.

DIY Journaling Set – Your child can create, personalize and decorate their own journal, fully engaging in the creative process by using 80 die-cut shapes, stickers, glitter tape and more. Bonus – this helps promote language and literacy skills! Ages 12+, $19.99

robocar

Auto Moto Transforming Robot Car – This 2-in-1 transforming toy changes shapes right before your eyes! It starts out as a sleek, RC sports car but say “transform” and your voice commands it to smoothly change into an upright robot that walks, spins and stomps around the room. Ages 8+, $44.99

For Others on Your List
More local gift options

One of a Kind
If you’re looking for a truly unique gift this year, make one! Simply State & Painted in Maumee is a ceramics painting studio where you can make one-of-a-kind gifts by painting mugs, ornaments, plates, and novelty items for anyone on your list. simplystatedandpainted.com.

The Gift of Music
Rock Christmas this year with lessons at Toledo’s Forte Music School. Whether your son or daughter has an interest in guitar, cello or any instrument in between, Forte Music School offers more instructors, more studios and more opportunities for your young musician to learn. With a wide variety of gift certificates available, you’re sure to find whatever meets your needs and your budget. fortemusicandarts.com.

Sneak Peek 3D
Stand out this year with a gift certificate to Sneak Peek 3D in Perrysburg. Packages are available to fit any budget, whether it is to see baby for the first time, 3D/4D Images, or to learn the gender! They also carry keepsakes such as frames, gender reveal supplies, and stuffed animals with baby’s recorded heartbeat! Check out our Maternity Package with four separate visits throughout your pregnancy and keepsakes to cherish forever. sneakpeek3d.com.

Art for Everyone
Toledo Museum of Art is a gem to the city…and the Museum Store is the perfect spot to find unique gifts for everyone on your list. You’ll find a diverse selection of specialty gifts inspired by TMA’s world-famous collection along with fine art books and supplies to apparel, children’s educational toys and books and jewelry. During the month of December, nonmembers who spend a combined $35 at the store, café or on exhibition tickets, will receive free parking. toledomuseum.org.

Holiday Hulabaloo: 2018

By
Emily Remaklus
-

With cold weather nipping at noses while cookies and holiday treats are being baked, the spirit of the holidays is in the air. ‘Tis the season to gather your friends and family and explore the joys of the holidays in the Toledo area!

December 1-31
Lights Before Christmas

Sunday–Thursday 3-8pm
Friday and Saturday 3-9pm

Toledo Zoo
2 Hippo Way | 419-385-4040 | toledozoo.org

A holiday tradition for the Toledo area, The Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo is a great time for all ages. Enjoy witnessing one of the best zoo light displays in the country with over a million lights comprising illuminated animal images, a winter village, ice carvings, and holiday treats.

Dec. 1-31
Nite Lites

Sunday-Thursday 5:30-9pm
Friday-Saturday 5:30-10pm

Michigan International Speedway
12626 U.S. 12, Brooklyn, MI | 517-937-6426
nitelitesshow.com

Witness a magnificent drive thru Christmas light show at the Michigan International Speedway. Visitors will be able to see a brilliant light display every night, while also enjoying Winter Wonderland and visits from Santa on the weekends. Cost for a single car is $25.

December 1-30
North Pole Express

Fri-Sat 5:30-9:30pm
Sun 5:30-9:30pm
$3 for adults and $2 for children

Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation
12505 County Road 99, Findlay | 419-423-2995
nworrp.org

Enjoy a scenic wintery display as you travel aboard the North Pole Express. This train ride will put everyone in the holiday spirit. Enjoy a Christmas decoration display in the NWORRP museum, as well as along the railroad track.

Dec. 1-Jan. 6
Hensville Lights

Hensville-Lights

6pm-12am
St. Clair Street between Washington & Monroe St.
hensvilletoledo.com/calendar/event/6630

Take a visit downtown to see the Hensville Lights, showcasing a winter wonderland scene of over 200,000 beautiful lights. All the buildings along St. Clair St. between Washington and Monroe will be decorated with a dancing light show synced to music. Also be sure to check out the local Walleye games throughout the winter months!

December 1-16
Holidays in the Manor House

Holidays-at-the-Manor-House

10am-8pm

Wildwood Preserve
5100 W. Central Ave. | 419-407-9700
metroparkstoledo.com

For over 40 years The Manor House has been decorated for the holidays, and this year is no exception. Visit the beautiful mansion at Wildwood Preserve Metropark and go on a self-guided tour of 32 different displays within the house. Also be sure to visit the welcome tent outside the house for holiday treats.

December 1
Christmas at the Peristyle

3pm

Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle
2445 Monroe St. | 419-246-8000 | toledosymphony.com

Bring a little music into your holiday season with Christmas at the Peristyle. This Saturday matinee will feature the Toledo Opera Chorus and Toledo Symphony School of Music students. Bring your singing voice and be ready for a holiday sing-a-long. Be on the lookout for a special guest from the North Pole who is scheduled to make a visit.

December 1-2
A Christmas Carol

A-Christmas-Carol

Adult – $27; Child – $17

The Valentine Theatre
410 Adams St. | 419-242-3490 | valentinetheatre.com

Get in the holiday spirit with a performance of A Christmas Carol, a 30-year Toledo Rep tradition which will feature beautiful sets, awesome costumes, and a great musical score. This musical is sure to get even the most Scrooge-like folks into the mood for the holidays.

Dec. 1, 7, & 8
Holiday Lantern Tours

4:00-8:30pm

Sauder Village
22611 St. Rte 2, Archbold | 1-800-590-9755
saudervillage.org

Take a step back in time this holiday season with Sauder Village’s Holiday Lantern Tours. Visitors will get to experience various American Christmas traditions, learning how they have changed and developed over the years. The trolley tour starts in the 1850s at the Witmer-Roth Home and continues to take in holiday celebrations up to the 1920s. Visitors will have the chance to participate in crafts, decorating a tree, frosting cookies and singing favorite carols. Non-members $13/adult, $7/children. Members: $11/adult, $6/children

December 2
Holiday Parade

2pm

Downtown Perrysburg
130 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg | visitperrysburg.com

Join the holiday fun in Perrysburg with the annual Holiday Parade. Enjoy watching marching bands, dancers, street performers, and of course the special guest…Santa!

Hip-Hop Hanukkah

1-3pm

Sky Zone Toledo
1600 Albon Rd., Holland | Skyzone.com

The Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo will be hosting Hip-Hop Hanukkah at Sky Zone. Sky Zone offers various trampoline attractions and games, as well as a great snack station. Join in the fun and jump into the celebration of Hanukkah!

Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Gingerbread House Construction

2pm

Imagination Station
1 Discovery Way, Toledo | 419-244-2674
imaginationstationtoledo.org

Bring a little science into the holidays with Imagination Station’s Think Tank Workshops. The month of December features gingerbread house construction to teach kids about architecture basics while using engineering and geometry skills. Visitors can keep their gingerbread creation on display at Imagination Station or take it home to enjoy!

December 7-24
Children’s Wonderland

11am-8pm (11am-2pm on December 24th)

Tam-O-Shanter
7060 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania | 419-882-1500
playsylvania.com/childrens-wonderland

For years families have come from all over the area to see Children’s Wonderland. The display features dozens of classic exhibits of Christmas and wintery scenes. Train rides will also be available, as well as pictures with Santa.

December 7-9
Miracle on Main Street

44237325_2239287579478803_3334418501862424576_n

Downtown Sylvania
5632 Main St. Sylvania | 419-882-2135
sylvaniachamber.org/miracle-on-main-street

Celebrate the holidays with the Sylvania community as they host their annual Miracle on Main Street. The weekend of festivities includes art exhibits, live music, crafts, food, a parade, tree lighting, a 5K run, and a visit from Santa. Be sure to also stop in and visit the local artists and businesses.

December 8-9
Toledo Ballet’s Nutcracker

nutcracker

Saturday 2 & 7pm, Sunday 2pm

Stranahan Theater
4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. | 419-246-8000
toledosymphony.com

The Christmas story of The Nutcracker comes to life with the Toledo Ballet dancing choreographed with The Toledo Symphony Orchestra’s live performance of the score. The story follows the adventure of Clara as she is whisked into a magical world with the enchanted Nutcracker Prince. This performance has been a great Toledo tradition for over 75 years.

December 9
Fort Meigs Holiday Open House

1-4pm

Fort Meigs
29100 West River Rd., Perrysburg | fortmeigs.org

Add a little history to your Christmas plans with a visit to Fort Meigs for their Holiday Open House. Reenactors will be on hand to answer questions and provide demonstrations. Visitors will also enjoy holiday music, hands-on activities, and snacks.

December 11-16
Elf – The Broadway Musical

000416_hero

Stranahan Theater
4645 Heatherdowns Blvd
americantheatreguild.com/toledo/elf

Buddy the Elf is making his way to Toledo. The Broadway hit musical will open on December 11th at the Stranahan Theater. Join Buddy as he travels from the North Pole to New York City in search of his father and his true identity. This is a great show for adults and children of all ages. Ticket prices and showtimes can be found on The American Theatre Guild website.

December 15
Run Santa Run

asics-gel-cumulus-18-running-shoes-for-women-in-aquarium-flash-coral-blue-jewel_p_305mx_02_1500.2

9:30am

Levis Commons
3201 Levis Commons Blvd, Perrysburg | 419-931-8888
shopleviscommons.com/event

Join the streets of Levis Commons as hundreds of Santas and festively dressed runners compete in a 5K race. Participants will get a Santa shirt, Santa hat, hot chocolate and cookies, chip timing, awards, and a post race beer.

December 20
Art Loop-Light Up! Toledo

5:30-9:00pm

Downtown Toledo
theartscommission.org/ARTLOOP

Every third Thursday of the month from April to December various businesses in the downtown area highlight the creative community of Toledo. Take a visit downtown on December 20th for the last Art Loop of 2018. Be sure to check out downtown Toledo’s great light displays too!

December 20-23
Disney on Ice Presents Frozen

Disney-on-Ice_Frozen

Thurs – 7pm; Fri – 7pm;
Sat – 11am, 3pm, and 7pm;
Sun – 1pm and 5pm

The Huntington Center
500 Jefferson Ave | disneyonice.com

The megahit movie Frozen is now…well…actually frozen.
Witness the full story presented by Disney on Ice at The Huntington Center. Join Anna as she searches to find her sister Queen Elsa who has trapped the kingdom in an unending winter. This is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages!

December 31
Noon Year’s Eve

11am-1pm

Toledo Zoo
2 Hippo Way, Toledo | 419-385-4040 | toledozoo.org

Ring in the New Year a little early for those young ones who might not be able to make it to midnight. Join the fun at the Toledo Zoo to celebrate 2019. At the strike of noon, visitors will watch the ball rise, be showered in confetti, enjoy an apple juice toast, and join in the singing of “Auld Lang Syne”. Also take in ice carving demonstrations, an ice slide, and animal feedings/enrichment times.

Resource Center Opens at Notre Dame Academy

By
Kimberly Feldkamp
-

The Dr. Suzanne Openlander ‘53 Resource Center is now open at Notre Dame Academy. The new Resource Center has been transformed into a space where students can come together to discover information in a traditional way, use technology to find answers online and explore STEM in a makerspace. Dr. Openlander, who spent her career as a librarian, knows how spaces full of ideas expand students’ knowledge. She also knows students are using more collaboration and exploration in their learning today and she wanted the new Center to reflect that.

Open since the end of October, the new Center has already inspired students to start the NDA Makers Club – an outlet for creativity in the context of innovation.

Today’s Caravan

By
Sam Melden
-

This is the time of year when favorite holiday traditions come rushing back into our lives. We dust off decorations, both hand-made and handed-down. And many of our holiday memories come in the form of stories which inform our understanding of the holiday season and help us to interpret ordinary days on a calendar as sacred days of celebration.

Stories turn the last few months of the year into “a season” for sharing, caring, love and giving thanks. And for many (but not all) Americans, the stories that inform the Christmas season are often taken from the Bible.

The Bible is a book of stories about people taking long trips, making the journey from this place to that place. Often these journeys are from the place that defines who they used to be, as the stories’ characters travel toward the place that signifies who they are becoming. One of my favorite stories is from the book of Genesis about Joseph and his brothers. This story is full of journey, back and forth, over and again. And Joseph transforms. He was one way when he was shipped off, and was another person altogether when his brothers meet him again.

There is of course the story of the Exodus. An entire group of people moving through harsh conditions, fleeing oppression, looking forward to something that only exists in their imagination. No more slavery, no more suffering, no more tyrannical abuse of their loved ones. When you’re leaving that land behind, the risk of not surviving the journey and the promise of the next land is worth it.

A protective warning

The Bible is just full of these stories. And this time of year one of the stories that can easily be lost is the story of a young couple traveling with their newborn to flee the threat of death. The story of Mary and Joseph has been morphed over the years into a cute story with farm animals, and three wise men bringing peculiar (to us) birthday gifts to the newborn baby. The original story however, is about young parents, welcoming their son into a dangerous, perilous world. There is a ruler, Herod, who, out of fear of losing his power, orders that all who threaten his power be murdered. One night, in a dream Joseph hears a voice telling him to get out of town. Go somewhere safer. Take care of your family, and go somewhere else that increases the odds of your child’s survival. It’s a powerful story about escape.

A present day journey

Last month, we all heard stories of a present day dangerous journey. A group from San Pedro Sula, Honduras were beginning their travels from their hometown, through Mexico with their eyes set on the United States. As I read about their journey, the conditions they were leaving behind and the expectations they have I can’t help but think about the Exodus. I can’t help but think about Mary and Joseph. I picture them getting up in the middle of the night, gently waking up the baby, and starting on their journey. Then I think about those in the caravan. What kind of sleep are they getting to refresh their bodies? How are the children? I think about how their shoes are holding up. And I wonder… How will their story end?

What happens when you leave one Herod, only to discover another one?

What happens when you are seeking Lady Liberty only to be met by Captain America-First?

Parallel stories

When I think about those travelling from Honduras, I’m reminded of another major Biblical theme, “Welcome the stranger.” “Look after the orphans and widows.” Even Jesus, who survived the trip with his parents, grew up to teach us about how we should treat “the least of these.” Sometimes it feels like our country wants to convince everyone that we were “founded on the Bible” without regard to the stories within the Bible.

Listen, it doesn’t take much biblical literacy to see how the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob would want people of incredible wealth and fortune to treat people running for their lives. The Dr. Rev. William Barber II, a Protestant minister and political leader, says we have leaders in our country who “are saying so much about what God says so little, and so little about what God says so much.” So what can we do?

Sometimes, rules need to change

In this column, I often discuss large, difficult topics. And often, I don’t have concrete solutions for those problems. Now, I can already hear all the usual talking points. “What about the rules?” “We have a process, they should follow it.” Do you know what my wife and I teach our children to think about rules that don’t help people? Rules that don’t serve people? We teach them that sometimes, rules need to change, to expand, to evolve to match the problems they were initially designed to address.

What I’m trying to do in this column though, is to give us images, language, and ultimately more tools to talk to our children about these issues. I think that is the point of parenting too. It’s about the journey, rather than finding all the right answers. We want to equip our children with how to think about the conditions they will face in their world.

And, if we are honest, it’s a crucial investment in our future. I can support and vote for candidates that I think most honestly embody a welcoming posture toward our neighbors, but it is our children who will take us to the next level. Our job is to tell the right stories. Stories that meet fear with hope, and hate with love., that build bridges over barriers and creative solutions to citizenship over fear-based walls of military force.

So, let’s tell those stories this year. May your holidays be filled with love, imagination, hope, and good stories.

Wolf + Friends App Helps Parents with Special Needs Kids

By
Kimberly Feldkamp
-

Two moms teamed up to create Wolf + Friends, a commerce and community app specifically for moms raising children with special needs. The app is designed for moms to connect with like-minded women in their neighborhoods who are also raising children with special needs such as autism, anxiety, ADHD, sensory processing issues, developmental delays, mental health issues, Down syndrome and other learning challenges. Wolf + Friends allows moms a safe space to support each other through direct messages and group chats, along with a curated content feed for relevant news, products and tips from occupational therapists, speech pathologists and other professionals. The app is available for free in the App Store.

1...334335336...701Page 335 of 701

Explore

Magazines

© 2026 ToledoParent.com. All Rights Reserved. Website development by Web Publisher PRO