August 2020 - Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Outdoor Learning

growingupsc — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 14:56:00 +0000

Why Outdoor Learning? Mount Madonna School Prepares for a Fall 2020 Return to Campus By Ann Goewert, Ph.D. There is something magical about learning outdoors, and Mount Madonna School’s (MMS) 375 acres of land includes groves of coastal redwoods and live oaks, mountain meadows, chaparral, and ponds. The ecological tapestry of biomes, rich with diverse life forms, provides an unmatched outdoor laboratory for our educators to engage students in a broad variety of learning experiences and opportunities, from the art of crafting stories to scientific inquiry and experimentation. Immersing students in nature and outdoor learning develops the whole student. Outdoor learning fuels the mind and ignites all of the senses. Through exploration and discovery, students naturally problem solve and build confidence. The sights, sounds, and evidence of life stimulates curiosity and creativity in students, and these firsthand experiences strengthen students’ connections and their sense of responsibility to be good stewards of Earth. Meaningful educational experiences encourage students to solve complex problems, think critically about nuanced problems, and communicate ideas effectively. Many of us read Shakespeare’s Hamlet sitting in rows in a classroom. Now, imagine reading Hamlet in a shady redwood grove surrounded by the sights and sounds of the outdoors. This type of learning experience captures the imagination of students, encourages discussions geared to critical analysis of the text, and facilitates the creative expression of ideas. MMS is investing in quality education to strengthen the mind, body, and hearts of our students. While many schools are grappling with space limitations, our school community is blessed by small class sizes and generous outdoor acreage. We have dedicated indoor classrooms for each grade, and currently, we are designing and building seven additional outdoor classrooms as well as an outdoor amphitheater. Educators and students will have choice and flexibility in where they learn. Like indoor classrooms, our outdoor classrooms will be furnished and equipped with shade structures, whiteboards, Wi-Fi technology and data projectors. We are living in a historic moment in time, and Mount Madonna is committed to making a return to in-person, five-days per week school as safe as possible for students, faculty and staff. Likewise, we are determined to ensure that students thrive in our program, work daily on practicing mindfulness, and develop grit and resiliency. What Does Outdoor Learning Look Like? MMS has offered outdoor learning for decades. At present, we are expanding the opportunities for outdoor learning by creating a variety of spaces equipped with the comforts found in indoor classroom settings. Learning Under the Big Oak Tree This space provides ample room for students to physical distance, with flexible seating options. Using some recently felled redwoods, we have milled stumps for seating. Extra desks and chairs will be ordered for students who prefer to sit at a desk and chair. Student-supplied, personal camp-style chairs could also be an option for students who prefer to bring their own seating. Existing Upper Campus Outdoor Classroom The existing upper campus outdoor classroom has been a favorite of students for years. In this learning environment, many students choose to sit on one of the tree limbs as teachers lead class discussion or supervise quiet reflection. Others choose to sit on the wooden benches, or prop themselves against a nearby tree trunk. Semi-Permanent Outdoor Classrooms Our weatherproof outdoor classrooms will be equipped with Wi-Fi, waterproof covering, traditional desks and chairs, whiteboards, and data projectors. For inclement weather, we have the ability to provide shelter by adding walls and space heaters. Progress on the Amphitheater Work is happening every day on the mountain. This week, wall blocks are being installed in the amphitheater to create seating for our enthusiastic performing arts supporters. This space will also serve as an outdoor classroom: MMS Amphitheater Work Summer 2020 (youtu.be/D5JFYWMBOyM ) Outdoor Learning Through the Years Take a look at how our students and faculty have and will continue to pursue learning opportunities utilizing our beautiful, expansive, redwood forested mountain top campus: Outdoor Education at MMS (youtu.be/B48HBNrEXs4) Outdoor Learning at MMS (youtu.be/IlngovckjjA)

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Aug Coloring

growingupsc — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 15:32:56 +0000

August Coloring Page Jim Booth Swim Schools in Santa Cruz and Watsonville are teaching one on one classes: “We’re still swimming! Give us a call 831-722-3500. Come hop in!”

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Summer Stone Fruits

growingupsc — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 15:05:54 +0000

Summer Stone Fruits The Advantage of Seasonal Eating by gretchen heimsoth *Recipe card at the end of article Summer is upon us! The time of year that stone fruits make their appearance in the farmers’ markets and local produce purveyors. The family of stone fruits includes cherries, plums, pluots, apricots, nectarines, and peaches. Lesser known in the family are avocados, which are also in supply at the local markets with a wide variety, and mangoes, which sadly for Northern California are not local. Mangoes are delicious and rich in nutrients. But for this feature, I am going to focus on locally grown stone fruit and save avocadoes for another conversation. Stone fruits offer rich flavor and appealing texture. They are equally rich in nutrients and nurturing compounds for the immune system. Glowing skin, sharp eyes, healthy hearts, good guts and metabolism, stone fruits help support all of these. Some can even help aid sleep and reduce muscle pain. With all these benefits and delectable flavor, we can also add community benefit when we shop local and support local growers and business owners. Lowered emissions due to less shipping involved, a fresher product coming directly from the farm to you, Local growers and markets sell what is seasonal. Seasonal produce is more affordable due to less shipping, more nutrient-dense, and in step with seasonal digestive changes. Stone fruits truly sing their song as soon as you take your first juicy bite! Who does not love a luscious summer peach or a deep scarlet cherry? I am a complete fanatic for the many wild hued and equally fierce flavored pluots that appear at the markets this time of year. Stone fruits are loaded with vitamin C, such as a natural compound, but not underrated. Vitamin C helps build an h3 immune response, which in very lay terms is involved and can help block tumor growth. It helps the body with the methylation processes in DNA. DNA methylation is a biological process that can change DNA, good or bad depending on the direction, again, very lay terms. Vitamin C also bolsters the body against infection. C ties in with glowing skin because it has a key role in collagen production. Studies have shown the potential for vitamin C to protect against UV light damage. The orange-hued varieties especially can nourish your eyesight due to their high carotenoid content, which is the precursor for vitamin A. A precursor is a compound the body needs to manufacture an essential nutrient. Stone fruits support the heart in multifold ways. The fiber content helps reduce cholesterol levels while the various micronutrients found in these fruits protect against arterial damage. Stone fruits hold anti-inflammatory properties, which can assist in lowering blood pressure. Fiber nurtures the gut by feeding healthy bacteria. Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables is the best way to nurture a healthy microbiome. Fiber helps with regularity, reduces hemorrhoid risk, and can even protect against cancers associated with the digestive system. Stone fruits help protect against other cancers of the body with their varied phytochemical compounds. Cherry juice has been touted to reduce muscle pain and help with gout. With its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a great post-workout recovery drink. Cherries are also rich in melatonin, which aids in sleep. Cherry juice is safe for anyone who can eat a cherry, so a small glass an hour before bed can help send you to sweet dreamland! Back to the point of seasonal and local. A win-win for the community by keeping money within it, supporting our friends, families, and neighbors. Friendlier on Mama Earth with a reduction in shipping and emissions. Summer is the warm time of year; our bodies spend more energy on keeping our systems cool. Summer fruits are easy on the digestion and full of the nutrients we need to assist in those processes. Funny, Nature kind of knew what it was doing! With all of the benefits and the knockout range of flavors, try to get to the local markets and pick up some stone fruit to bless you and your loved ones this week!

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Which School

growingupsc — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 14:45:01 +0000

Private School? Homeschool? Public School? Let’s Look at the Options for 2020 By Suki Wessling At the time of this writing, one month before school starts, a lot of school parents are in limbo, not knowing what school will look like for their students. Some are considering alternatives to their neighborhood schools. So what are the options? Move to private school?Most local private schools have announced plans to reopen site-based instruction part- or full-time. If you’ve been thinking about trying private school anyway, this may be a good time to explore the options. Smaller schools do have more flexibility. However, all schools will have to change their plans if the county is moved back into Phase 1 due to rising virus numbers. Also, a new bill for full-time education/childcare might not be in the budget for a family that lost part or all of their expected income this spring.Another option is to move to private online schools or classes. There are some private online schools that offer full-time, credentialed education. There are also many providers of a la carte online classes that can be taken as part of any of the following educational plans. Use a public independent study (IS) school?Santa Cruz County is home to a number of special programs that serve students with low- or non-site-based options, including Davenport School, Branciforte Small Schools, and Ocean Alternative. These are tried-and-true low-residential programs with experienced local teachers. These programs are currently enrolling students, though they may restrict enrollment to students in-district. Santa Cruz also offers a number of non-site-based IS programs, such as Oasis Charter School. Ocean Grove is a popular one for homeschoolers, but they already report a long waitlist. Online virtual academies offer a more traditional self-paced public school curriculum. California Connections Academy Monterey Bay reports open spots, and most of the districts are working on plans for starting their own virtual academies. The functioning of independent study programs is going to be largely unaffected by public health concerns. However, enrollment in these programs is expected to be restricted for two reasons. First, the state has frozen spending at 2019-20 levels for public schools. Unless the state passes a fix, these schools will not be able to take more students than they did last year. Another factor is AB-1505, the restrictive charter school law passed in October. AB-1505 froze the development of new IS charters due to the negligence of a few bad actors in the industry, a decision that now restricts schools serving at-risk families during a pandemic. And then there’s homeschooling…Three important facts to keep in mind: California is one of the easiest states to homeschool in Homeschooling done right is one of the most effective modes of education Homeschooling may or may not be the right option for your family In order to legally homeschool in California, families need to do two things. First, file a Private School Affidavit (PSA) in October. It’s free and online: cde.ca.gov/sp/ps/affidavit.asp. Second, families need to keep a small amount of simple paperwork. Homeschooling works best with community support, especially during a pandemic. Homecruzers is a lively Facebook group that’s a good local source for online information. The Discovery Learning Center offers community support for homeschoolers. Homeschooling is the most flexible mode of education, and studies have shown that students homeschooled by supportive parents have excellent outcomes. Especially in the K-6 years, there are no drawbacks to “living a learning lifestyle” and following your children’s interests if you have flexibility in your schedule. (See accompanying article Six Ways to Care for Kids During the Pandemic.) Maybe I should just stick with our public schoolNo one can tell you what’s right for your family, and of course, most families will stick with their public schools. The Legislature’s decision to award neighborhood public schools their same allotment of funding regardless of their enrollment this year was a necessary step in stabilizing the system. Even if there is a full-scale exodus from the public schools this fall, neighborhood schools will need secure funding in order to keep providing the services they are required to provide. However, it’s unlikely that there will be a full-scale exodus from the public schools. Most families do want teachers to guide their kids. And many parents need the childcare aspect of school to restart, in order to get back to their own jobs. We are all in limbo It’s easier for some than others to be flexible. But at least we know this: We are all in this together. No matter what mode of education your family decides on this fall, remember that your positive support of your students, their teachers, and your educational community is what makes education successful. Suki Wessling is a local writer and teacher. Her two children, now grown, homeschooled and attended private and public schools during their education. She teaches online courses for gifted homeschoolers and writes about education, homeschooling, parenting, and gifted children. Read more at SukiWessling.com. Distance and Alternative education programs:*Compiled by Heddi Craft Alternative Family Education, Santa Cruz, K-12 (bssc.sccs.net/schools/afe) — Enrolling K-5 in district students only, and 6-12 can apply for interdistrict transfer Ark Online Learning Program, Santa Cruz, 6-12 (jangelacos.wixsite.com/sccs/option-3) — taking enrollment in district 100% Online Learning Program, Santa Cruz, K-5 (//jangelacos.wixsite.com/sccs/option5) — in development, more info to come Ocean Alternative Education Center, Live Oak, K-8 (oc-losd-ca.schoolloop.com/) — only enrolling in district students at this time Ocean Grove Charter School, San Lorenzo Valley, K-12 (ogcs.org/) — not enrolling new students but can get on waiting list Pacific Elementary School, Davenport, K-6 (pacificesd.org/independent-study.html) — the independent study and 100% home study still accepting students Pacific Coast Charter School, Watsonville, K-12 (pccs.pvusd.net/) — not taking new students at this time PVUSD Virtual Academy, Watsonville, K-12 (//pps-pajaro-ca.schoolloop.com/pf4/cms2/news_themed_display?id=1594288375160) — proposed program, taking interest info only SLVUSD Charter School, Ben Lomond, K-12 (charter.slvusd.org/)Programs include: Quail Hollow Homeschool, K-5 Fall Creek Homeschool, K-5 Coast Redwood Middle School, 6-8 Quail Hollow Integrated Arts, 6-8 Nature Academy, 6-8 Coast Redwood High School, 9-12 Mountain Independent Study, K-6 California Virtual Academy, California, K-12 (cava.k12.com/) California Connections Academy, Monterey, K-12 (//learn.connectionsacademy.com/california/) — currently enrolling Virtual Prep Academy, Monterey, K-12 (//info.monterey.virtualpreparatoryacademy.com/) Private Programs (paid enrollment fees): Branson Academy (bransonacademy.net/) K-12 Silicon Valley High School (//svhs.co/) 9-12 Pacific Sands Academy (pacificsandsacademy.com/index.html) K-12

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Pandemic Child Care

growingupsc — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 14:38:53 +0000

Six Ways to Care for Kids During the Pandemic By Suki Wessling Throughout the time that I homeschooled my children, I also worked. Most of the homeschooling parents I knew also worked, at least part-time. A few of them were wealthy enough to afford professional childcare, but they were the exception to the rule. Most of us took part in the informal childcare economy that homeschooling often requires. In this article, I’ll attempt to lay out a framework for a variety of ways to get care for your children during this pandemic, but of course, it will be necessary for you to look at your own household and think creatively. Perhaps these suggestions will help you put together a system that will not only provide you with the childcare you need, but also provide your children with education, friendship, and fond memories for their lifetime. Childcare doesn’t have to be professional or institutional Before large numbers of women entered the workforce starting in the 70s, plenty of families needed childcare, but there was little in the way of institutional childcare outside of the public school system. We have all grown up in a world that has a wide system of professional, institutional childcare, where lots of children are cared for in institutional settings. But this doesn’t have to be the case. Our grandparents—and modern homeschoolers—find childcare in a number of unexpected ways. Work and study on flex-timeOne of the most common ways that homeschoolers get care for their children is by changing their schedules to adapt to their families’ needs. Traditionally, we assume that work and school have to happen during the day. But many families have a lot of flexibility in that regard. During my homeschooling years, I knew families where both parents worked shift work and so they would hand off the primary care and education of the children depending on who was working when. The beauty of this system is that children get direct parenting from both parents and form deeper bonds with them. In my house, when I was working in the evening my only answer to any question was, “Go talk to your dad!” Lots of families I knew did their focused educational activities during evenings and weekends, leaving the kids to explore creative free time during work hours. No one ever said that school has to happen at a certain time! Use online courses for breaksEvery working homeschooler I know uses the time afforded them by classes for work. I used to haul my laptop everywhere, from Santa Cruz Gymnastics to Henry Cowell State Park! Now that most of these activities will be closed or curtailed, online courses are another choice. A couple of caveats: You can’t ignore your student during online courses. Online teachers can’t provide tech support or soothe an emotional child. That’s why I always recommend starting with fun, engaging courses in topics that your students love. You may get more focused time for work if you enroll your budding artist in a painting class than if you ask them to focus on an academic subject that they struggle with. You will also have to retrain yourself and your management. If you’re used to being able to focus for long periods of time at the office, you might have to set up new systems that allow you to take up where you left off after an interruption. Create a homeschool podSmall group learning is the best way for kids to learn deeply and creatively. During my homeschooling years, our family joined with other families to create learning opportunities. These were also—we were not ashamed to say—childcare opportunities. Each parent would take one shift per week to share something that they loved. For example, in our nature club we walked from my home into the redwood forest and studied plants. The two to three other parents got time that day to work. The next day, a new parent would take over. How you structure a group like this can vary depending on which resources each family has to offer. Some families hire a teacher/babysitter to lead the group some of the time. Other groups pay one of the parents who has special skills.During times of pandemic, of course, group learning will require a certain amount of planning and trust. Your families will have to agree on your level of security and quarantine before you begin. You might agree on morning health checks by text before children arrive. You might hold the groups outdoors only, which will mean getting ready to haul out the rain gear. Work on your family culturePeople often say things like, “That won’t work for my kids.” And maybe they are right. Some children have special needs that will have to be accounted for. But a lot of the success of this system will depend on your family culture. If you are the parent who always did things for your children, it’s time to set up a chore list and a system of accounting for activities throughout the day. If your children are used to being able to interrupt you for any reason, it might be time to set down some firmer rules and enforce them through family meetings and collaborative problem-solving. Focus on flexibility and creativityThis isn’t necessarily going to be easy. As of this writing, our local public schools suddenly announced that all courses would be remote for all students, throwing families into yet another round of confusion. Private schools have announced plans that may have to change with the epidemiological data. We are all having to make choices when none of our options seem to be good ones. But generations of homeschoolers say that this can be done. Not only can it be done in a way that allows you to do your work, but it also can be done in a way that benefits your child and your family. Our family has many fond memories created with our friends out in the forest. Personally, I’ll always remember the camaraderie, learning, and fun that came from trying to find childcare so that I could get some work done. Suki Wessling is a local writer and teacher. Her two children, now grown, homeschooled and attended private and public schools during their education. She teaches online courses for gifted homeschoolers and writes about education, homeschooling, parenting, and gifted children. Read more at SukiWessling.com.

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Breastfeeding Month

Laura Maxson — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 14:15:25 +0000

Breastfeeding Month By Laura Maxson, LM August is here and, like the rest of the year, nothing is business as usual. Normally, Santa Cruz County Breastfeeding Coalition and WIC (Women, Infants and Children) would be inviting everyone to their annual Breastfeeding Walk and Health Fair, but that is not happening this year due to COVID19.Although families will not gather together in the park to celebrate this year, they will be able to participate in virtual activities all month long during National Breastfeeding Month. Locally, families can connect with the Breastfeeding Coalition and their member organizations on Facebook to learn more about the benefits of human milk and local/virtual events. (facebook.com/SCCBFC) The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), created World Breastfeeding Week 1992. The United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) declared each August to be National Breastfeeding Month in 2011. The USBC’s theme for 2020 is, Many Voices United, (usbreastfeeding.org/p/cm/ld/fid=909)Here is how the month breaks down: Week 1 (August 1-7)WABA’s World Breastfeeding Week – Support Breastfeeding for a Healthier Planet. “Breastmilk is a natural, renewable food that is environmentally safe: produced and delivered without pollution, packaging or waste.” (waba.org.my/wbw)Week 2 (August 9-15)Native Breastfeeding Week – The mission of the Native Breastfeeding Week community is to reflect the diversity of native breastfeeding experiences and/or encourage and uplift visibility of native breastfeeding experiences. (facebook.com/NativeBreastfeedingWeek)Week 3 (August 16-24)Spotlight on Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies. “It is the position of the United States Breastfeeding Committee that emergency preparedness should include provision for the protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding and safe infant/young child feeding.” (usbreastfeeding.org/emergencies)Week 4 (August 25-31)Black Breastfeeding Week – Revive. Restore. Reclaim. Look to Facebook (facebook.com/BlackBreastfeedingWeek) for an all-virtual celebration this year. Another great resource with racial issues in mind is the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition, which is “committed to addressing racial disparities in breastfeeding. With that goal in mind, the KBC strives to use an ‘equity lens’ to inform and guide our external work and also an ‘equity mirror’ to examine our internal structures, culture, and policies.” (ksbreastfeeding.org/our-work/racial-equity) For many, COVID19 has made breastfeeding extra important, as well as extra challenging. Pandemic restrictions and cautions have cancelled many in-person helping situations. Hospital stays are shorter as families opt to quickly get back home. Family and friends still want to help but, in order to stay safe, many are not able to come by to lend a helping hand. It is a great time for everyone to gather resources and share them with new families, often in a perpetual state of overwhelm that limits them from reaching out to learn about what is available in the county. Nursing Mothers Counsel offers lactation help (nursingmothers.org) and La Leche League has a listing of virtual group meetings (facebook.com/LaLecheLeagueUSA/events). WIC services have switched entirely to online/phone contact. WIC provides lactation help and nutrition resources to low-income families. Many out-of-work families find that they suddenly qualify for this extra support (communitybridges.org/wic). Sutter (477-2229) and Dominican (462-7862) hospitals, as well as Salud Para Le Gente (728-0222) are seeing lactation patients in person, as needed. Birth Network of Santa Cruz County has a special listing of members providing COVID19 services (birthnet.org). The Breastfeeding Coalition has put together a list of many breastfeeding support groups in the county that are now virtual. As with everything these days, double-check, as things are apt to change. These listings below tend to use the term mom or mother as opposed to more inclusive terminology. Any lactating or pregnant person is welcome to partake in the events. Virtual support groups – Mondays 1 0:00-11:30am, Sutter Maternity Postpartum Wellness Group, Call 831-477-2229 for log-in, Santa Cruz County Moms only. Virtual support groups -Tuesdays 10:00-11:30am, Sutter Maternity New Parent Support Group, Babies 0-9mo, Call 831-477-2229 for log-in.1:00-2:30pm New Parent Support Group, Babies 0-1yr, Email Beththedoula@gmail.com for Zoom link 2:00-2:45pm Taking Care of Mama, Pregnant & New Mom Support, Call (415) 544-2395 or Email, Barbara.Sheehy@DignityHealth.org for meeting link. 5:30-7:00 pm Dignity-Dominican Hospital Prenatal Support Group, Call 831-457-7099 or visit dignityhealth.org/dominican/pep to register. Virtual support groups -Wednesdays 1:30am-1:00pmDignity-Dominican Hospital New Mom’s Support Group, Call 831-457-7099 for more information, Email for Zoom Link: Journey@Dancingbirth.com Hosted by: Journey Talkovic, RN, CNM, WHNP 5:30-7:00 pm Dignity-Dominican Hospital Prenatal Support Group, Call 831-457-7099 or visit dignityhealth.org/dominican/pep to register. Virtual support groups -Thursday 12:00-1:20pm, Luma Yoga Mom & Baby Circle, Call 831-325-2620 or visit lumayoga.com for more info.Kellymom offers a summary of COVID19 breastfeeding related recommendations (kellymom.com/covid19/covid-19-summary). Information can change, as research on this new virus is better understood. Be informed and know that there isn’t a better time to appreciate and celebrate breastfeeding.

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Jovanna Vera

growingupsc — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 14:12:37 +0000

Jovanna Vera LOCAL ARTIST When I was young, I loved arts and crafts and found out that I enjoyed being creative. However, it wasn’t until I started high school that I began to pursue art passionately and started focusing on improving my technical skills. I’ve had the opportunity to work as an assistant art teacher a few times in different schools and teach arts and crafts at the Castroville Public library before the state lockdown began. I even got to work on an art website for six years. I love art, and I love to share my passion with others and to get others to enjoy it as I do. I am an art student at Cabrillo College, currently finishing up my general education classes, hoping to transfer to San Jose State and study in their animation and illustration department. I hope to become a character designer for animation after I graduate. In 2011, around the time social media started to become embedded in our society’s culture, I jumped early at the opportunity and started posting my art on Instagram. However, it was never about gaining fame or becoming popular. For me, it was always about building a portfolio and an audience. Then, hopefully, I would improve my networking circle and get closer to my dream. I am passionate about animation and comics, and more specifically, I love creating illustrations. I choose to create comic-inspired art because it’s what I love. My dream is to one day get the chance to work with an animation or art studio, such as Pixar or Disney. I am continuing to work hard to get there soon! You can follow Jovanna on Instagram @colorstarjo or email her at colorstarjo@gmail.com

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Chinese Medicine

growingupsc — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 14:05:44 +0000

A Doctor of Chinese Medicine By Jeanette Prather “From what we’ve seen in Chinese medicine, COVID-19 is really going to take root and be a harder disease for patients who have cold lungs and cold digestive systems,” local doctor of Chinese medicine, Dr. Nihal Kaur, offered freely. “This means no sugar, sweets, ice cream, drinks, etc., but rather hot drinks like tea, soups and broth are best. Make sure that your digestive system is warm, with a combination of ginger and licorice tea being the best.” This is just one of the small anecdotes that Dr. Kaur offers her patients via online sessions instead of her traditional in-person appointments. Dr. Kaur is fortunate enough to deliver prevention tips and services to her clients remotely. “I stopped meeting with patients once I heard Governor Newsom’s shelter-in-place mandate. I called my high-risk patients and asked them to stay home; I’m really happy that I made that choice for the safety of my patients.” Another bit of advice Dr. Kaur has been sharing across multiple platforms, is an article titled, Specific Applications of TCM in the Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19 & Integration of TCM into Educational Curriculum, that was released on February 10, 2020 from a Chinese integrative medical institute named eLotus. “Before the virus got to the U.S. those of us trained in Chinese herbalism were really watching it,” said Dr. Kaur. “One hospital really put their policies in place, mandating their employees to take preventative Chinese herbal formulas for free. People right on the frontline were taking big early formula preventative measures specialized for them – preventing it from entering the body before it could take hold. The secondary lines would take more mild formulas with boosters in case they caught it. Non-patient-contact workers were taking a simple formula that anyone could get at the store.” The referenced article was derived from a blog post by Dr. Tang Ying, the director of the Infectious Disease Department at the county-level hospital in Henan Province, China. The doctor, hoping to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and providing guidelines to counsel other medical professionals, wrote this: “Since January 21, 2020, there have been twenty-five individual patients admitted to our hospital, each of them exhibiting a fever. Amongst them, four were confirmed to have coronavirus, seventeen returned from Wuhan, six were in close contact with locals, and two were from other regions (where there were confirmed cases). Today, all twenty-five of them have recovered and returned safely home. Seventeen people were discharged (including one of them with confirmed infection), eight others indicated as in normal, stable condition in the hospital under observation, to be discharged in a few days. None of the thousands of employees in our hospital were infected.” The article (located here: elotus.org/article/specific-applications-tcm-prevention-and-treatment-covid-19-integration-tcm-educational-curr) showed very specific images of the formula labels used to prevent any of the hospital’s thousands of employees from contracting COVID-19. “As a county hospital, these results are only possible given our specific training in and application of Traditional Chinese Medicine [TCM],” it wrote. “We believe that this strategy has protected more than 1,000 employees in our hospital from infection. Optimally, we should treat the patient with herbal medicine within two hours of learning of their diagnosis.”The hospital focused more on the prevention of spread and treated patients immediately upon diagnosis. They even went as far as opening a section of the hospital dedicated solely to preparing herbs for patients to consume on the spot, according to the article. The type of herb was allocated depending on the severity of the case. “If the body temperature is above 37.8 C, give Da Qing Long Tang (Major Bluegreen Dragon Decoction) immediately instead of waiting for the patient to develop a high fever,” read the article. “If the temperature is below 37.8 C, give Ge Gen Tang (Kudzu Decoction) with Fu Ling (Poria) and Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae).” The article went on to explain how to treat patients with water in the lungs, a turbid cough, an irritating dry cough, nausea, and other symptoms.“The reason the sharing of this information is so vital at this time in history [early February], is that county level hospitals have typically only used western medicine to treat these types of epidemics,” wrote the article. “Given the success of using Chinese medicinal herbs by this county hospital, we have learned that immediately adopting TCM methods to boost the efficacy of treatment is necessary and warranted.”The article referenced by Dr. Kaur accompanies many more resources to the public free of charge. One particular article that mirrors this one, is elotus.org/article/how-covid-19-2019-ncov-currently-treated-china-tcm. It outlines the entire life cycle of an infected COVID-19 patient and explains the care procedure utilizing Chinese medicine within each stage. “When I was placing my orders at the beginning of all of this, the vendors had to put caps on all the orders because of high demand,” said Dr. Kaur. “I couldn’t get as many herbs as I had wanted, but they’re finally catching up.” Doctor Nihal Kaur, who continues to send her patients care packages with herbs they have been taking, or ones that she thinks will benefit them during this time, is balancing her now-virtual-only practice while raising her toddler son and continuing to care for her family. “It’s hard,” said Dr. Kaur, “But like everyone else, we’re making it work.”

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Dominican Best for Baby

growingupsc — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 14:01:17 +0000

Only the Best for Baby and Mama Newsweek Recognizes Dominican Hospital as a Best Maternity Care Hospital Distinction places the hospital among just 231 medical facilities nationwide recognized for superior maternity care SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (July 17, 2020) Dignity Health Dominican Hospital has been designated as one of Newsweek’s Best Maternity Care Hospitals 2020. According to Newsweek, this honor recognizes Dominican for its extraordinary service to mothers, newborns, and families in our community. To compile the list, a panel of experts set rigorous requirements and reviewed key data. They looked for hospitals with low rates of C-section, episiotomy, and early elective deliveries, and that follow crucial protocols to protect mothers and babies. Though these are standards aligned with medical research and best practices, not all hospitals achieve them. This list of the Best Maternity Hospitals 2020 represents 231 entries in 36 states, categorized by region. “At Dominican Hospital, we strive to provide a birthing experience that is truly unique,”all the advanced care of a leading medical facility within a welcoming and comfortable community hospital setting, said Dominican Hospital President Nanette Mickiewicz, MD. “We owe this recognition to our incredible Birth Center team, who is dedicated to providing the highest level of care and compassion for each and every birth.,This distinction is part of Newsweek’s new health care ratings series, Best Health Care. Newsweek, a modern global digital news organization with a monthly readership of 30 million, is publishing the series on top-rated health care enterprises that excel in patient safety and quality. Ratings are powered by The Leapfrog Group, an independent national health care watchdog organization, using data voluntarily submitted by health care facilities to the annual Leapfrog Hospital Survey and Leapfrog Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Survey. Leapfrog also deploys teams of experts and analysts to review available data and identify high performers. Dominican Hospital offers the most advanced maternity care available in the Monterey Bay area, combined with the comforts of home. Our highest priority is ensuring our patients’ health and safety during this unprecedented time. To support that goal, we have implemented changes in our normal protocols to make our families’ birth experiences as safe as possible. All new and expectant mothers should know that you may have a designated support person by your side throughout your labor, birth, and postpartum. Additionally, through a partnership with Stanford Children’s Health,“Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Dominican offers a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) staffed by Stanford neonatologists and NICU-certified nurses. Families can rest assured that if their newborn needs extra attention, Dominican offers the highest level of care available in the region. As a certified Baby-Friendly hospital, newborns at Dominican are immediately placed skin-to-skin on their mothers after birth to bond and make their first feeding attempts. They also stay in the same room with their parents throughout their time in the hospital. Breastfeeding classes for expectant parents as well as breastfeeding support following birth are offered at Dominican Hospital through International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), who are on-site daily to provide teaching and counsel.This recognition is the latest of several Dominican Hospital has received recently. In June, Dominican was awarded a second consecutive ‘A’ grade for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group. The hospital also recently received honors from Healthgrades as among the top 10 percent of hospitals in the nation for cardiac care, as well as recognition for excellence in critical care, pulmonary care, and gastrointestinal care. Learn more about Dominican Hospital’s current awards for clinical excellence at dignityhealth.org/bayarea/locations/dominican/about-us/quality-and-awards. About Dominican Hospital Dignity Health Dominican Hospital has been caring for the Santa Cruz County community for generations. Dominican offers emergency services and is a Certified Stroke Center. Dominican’s services include the only comprehensive Cancer Center in Santa Cruz County, a Total Joint Replacement program, advanced neurological and endoscopic services, and an expert heart and vascular team treating some of the most complex cardiac cases in the Monterey Bay area. Dominican Hospital offers a comprehensive, Baby Friendly-designated Birth Center, and provides an on-site Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) through a partnership with Stanford Children’s Health. Dominican has received national recognition for superior patient safety, cardiac care, and stroke treatment from Healthgrades, a leading provider of comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals. Dominican also has received several awards for environmental excellence. Dominican Hospital is planning a $360 million renovation and expansion to ensure that the growing Santa Cruz County community can access world class health care well into the future. The project will allow for advanced technology, new state-of-the-art facilities, and even more innovative healing spaces. To learn more about Dominican Hospital, please visit dignityhealth.org/dominican.Join our community:Facebook.com/DominicanHospitalTwitter.com/DominicanCaresInstagram.com/dominicanhospitalsc

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Aug Editor Note

growingupsc — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 13:55:04 +0000

Editor’s Note As if our country wasn’t divided enough, we now have important questions splitting our local community every day. Should we send kids back to school as the president has firmly advocated? Is distance learning a valid replacement for classroom teaching? Should we find private schools that have found ways to do in-person teaching? Should we home school, or form pods and hire teachers to teach kids in small, safe groups? What can we do to keep the education fair and available for everyone? Are only families with enough money for private schools going to be able to get their kids a good education? Should we be wearing masks? (That’s actually become a debate.)Should we spend $1 million to rename Cabrillo College and erase the legacy of a discoverer who enslaved indigenous peoples or spend the money on education? Should we build a railroad line from Watsonville to Santa Cruz or make it a bike and walking path? Growing Up tries to address many of these issues and give you information to make your own decisions. What we’d like for our September issue is to run extensive letters with your opinions on these questions. This is your chance to let our community of parents and families know what you think we should do. Your voice and knowledge have never been more important or needed. Drop a line to editor@growingupsc.com Our current Back to School issue has been a tough one in this time when nothing is normal. We’ve got some articles suggesting answers and alternatives. In Behind the Teacher’s Desk Ann Goewert, the new principal of Mount Madonna School, suggests outdoor teaching is a way to fight the spread of the virus. Maybe that’s something more schools would like to try.John Koenig has a great story about a writing project that has kids producing books and even novels. It’s really giving kids an important talent and helping them reach the boundaries of imagination. Kari Byron is world-famous for her role in TV’s MythBusters, but she’s also a concerned mom who has had to juggle career and family. We are going to have a Facebook Live discussion with her where you will be able to ask her questions? More on that coming up in our newsletter, website, and Facebook page. Writer Suki Wessling has an important story suggesting ways to homeschool at a time when most kids are stuck at home. She has another one that helps you weigh your options for where you should school your children this fall. Like you, we at GUISC are swimming upstream trying to keep our business alive and provide you with local information and resources to help get through the COVID crisis and every other tough decision parents have to make. We thank all of you who have helped out, advertising, writing, donating, and keeping the online dialogues going. We really are in this together. Thanks for your part.Brad Kava, Jennifer Fordand Steve Dinnen

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