The Capital from Annapolis, Maryland • Page 24

CAPITAL, Thursday. September 10, 1998 FAMILY LIVING FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS ACNE Cartoon story first performance season as CYSO music director this fall, and will (Continued from PageCl) 'The medicines are getting stronger," said Dr. Kelly, who sometimes has to bring up the possibility of treatment with some of her young patients. Most of the time, over-the-counter medications can handle sporadic breakouts, she said. But heavy-duty acne calls for special care and prescription medication in order to ensure that long-term scarring doesn't occur.

prescribe antibiotics that attack the bacteria internally. There is also a drug called isotretinoin used in cases of severe acne. Mar keted as Acutane, this drug is so powerful that it causes birth defects. As a result, girls taking it must be on birth control drugs and must take a pregnancy test each month. For most teens, however, keeping their skin clear simply requires a daily regimen of soap, water and sunscreen, Dr.

Kelly said. The real catch, as Nicole learned with her Halloween ordeal, is that the regimen must be followed for "It takes a while to see real improvement," the pediatrician said. "I'm sorry if your prom is next week, you'll just have to use makeup if you can't deal with a 90-day deferment of improvement." But Nicole might want to hold onto her Lava soap, just in case. Dr. Peterman said that, in addition to a large adolescent clientele, she has a lot of adult patients seeking help for flare-ups.

"Thirty percent of dermatologists' populations are women in their 30s and 40s," Dr. Peterman said. "A lot of people never outgrow it." RIVALRY (Continued from Page Cl) whining, even tugs-of-war over-toys frhp hiooocf Ultimately, though, parents should leave their children to resolve their own differences. More direct intervention might be needed if the confrontation turns physical. Ms.

Brown says a certain normal, and is usually over by the time parents arrive on the scene, anyway. "Boys, especially, are going to find ways to punch and poke and I'd probably give them a verbal reprimand and separate them." However, if the confrontation has turned dangerous and somebody might get hurt one child, say, is grabbing another around the neck then separate the kids and send them to their rooms. or not, and let them know that play- fighting is by mutual consent only that it's got to stop if both kids aren't having fun. That rule even applies to tickling, according to Pikes Peak Family Connections. Tuning, a psychologist based in Colorado Springs.

But there's probably only one way to ensure that parents won't encounter sibling fighting. "Never have more than one Ms. Br ts should child;" says who nt tive," a cartoon's story as told by the cartoon characters themselves, will open at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Chesapeake Children's Museum, located in the Festival at Riva shopping center. The exhibit is spon sored by Art Things Inc.

Steve and Bluey are the cartoon comedy creation of Steven Fischer. Since 1989 the duo has been published in their own comic strip in the Crofton Neighborhood Gazette, in their own book called "There's a Blue Dog Under My Bed," on their own radio show on KKDS in Salt Lake City and their own television show A Minute" on TCI-TV). Opening night includes free food and cartooning activities for children. The program will celebrate the video arrival of "In a Minute," and will introduce children to new cartoon methods of lead the symphony orchestra. Jason Love will return to conduct the repertory orchestra, and the string orchestra is welcoming back conductor John Nardolillo for his second season.

For more information about the orchestra or its performances, call (410) 263-2664. Unsung heroes Applications for the Education's Unsung Heroes Awards, sponsored by Reliastar and Northern Life, are being accepted for the 1999 program. Educators from kindergarten 'to 12th grade across the United States can apply to win part of $240,000 to be awarded by the companies, leading providers of retirement products. All i primary and secondary professionals irritating as that behavior may be, parents are urged to ignore it the best they can and let the kids resolve it themselves. "Make it a rule that they have to Brown says.

"You don't have to be a captive audience to the bickering." IS the bickering heats up and reaches another level the duration lasts longer than the typical half hour or so, and continues through the day parents probably need to intervene. They should try JVI5. Drown 5ay5 parents take children's ages and size into consideration when deciding whether to intervene hi a physical fight. "What I recommend is fhat when the program manager for the child- abuse prevention program with the El Paso County (Colo.) Department; of Health and Environment. "Put two personalities anywhere exhibiting mixed-medium cartoon artwork.

For more, information, call Deborah Wood at (410) Lectures for parents including teachers, principals, a i i a a paraprofessionals are eligible for. the awards, which were founded to recognize educators for their mrio- alittfi snirit and to umlwligfg tatuglagife But flBB'ttwefreacttftfte'cnilflren flict and make an effort to reflect ciffitrr peiirr '6T" seem to be slugging it out. Figure 'oUt imetBirtBey'ate; sere' is' SUCH aii age ut aumtjr difference, where one can really hurt another, stop those kinds of fights. And if there really is persistent, painful persecution either verbal or physical of one sibling by another, I'd urge them to see a mental health professional." "The best way for parents to help with 'sibling' rwairy break the myth that there is not adults, and you have the potential for conflict," she said. Yet Ms.

Wiley also offers hope to parents out there. Remember her son, Christopher, who, as a 4-year- old, requested that his mother give back his brother Bryan? Well, he's 27 and, living in Seattle with -surprise Bryan. Ms. Wiley says, "if you and your child both live Wougnir PARENTS (Continued from Page Cl) involving children 3 and older. The contention that "early" training-- between 22 and 30 months of age (when the typical child is ready) 4 is potentially harmful is myth, pure and simple.

There is no good evidence to back it up. The issue is not so much when a child is trained as how the child is trained and in what emotional cli- mate the training is conducted. For example, the parent who can't wait to stop having to change messy diapers is likely to create problems by (a) initiating prematurely, (b) putting undue pressure on the child, (c) making a generally big stink about it and (d) all of the above. On the other hand, a relaxed approach, yet one involving clearly communicated expectations, can result in success with children as young as 20 months (not all, mind you, but some). The primary issue is indepen- dence, which encapsulates self- control and mastery.

Late toilet training extends a child's period of infantile dependence and, by extension, retards self-control and mastery. That's not good. Late toilet training, by many professional accounts, creates as much anxiety for children as does premature parental pressure to use the toilet. That's not good. Late toilet training adds unnecessary nonbiodegradable matter to landfills.

That's not good. Proper, timely, parent-directed toilet training is good for chil- dren, parents and the environment. So, how'should parents approach toilet training with a young 2-year- Old? Regrettably, I must postpone an answer until my next column, but here's a tease: I call it "The Naked and $75 Method." Stay tuned. John Rosemond is a North Carolina-based family psychologist. Questions of general interest may be sent to him at P.O.

Box 4124, Gastonia, NC 28054 and at /www.ro*emond.com/parantlng on the World Wide Web. lunches to the test By PHIL LEMPERT The September issue of Consumer Reports magazine tested 1,300 school lunch meals to see how well (or not) they fared. According to Consumer Reports, the meals averaged 32 percent of calories from fat, "slightly above the federal goal of 30 percent." The report also found that the girls ate less overall and drank less milk (therefore getting less calcium) than the boys, 'While the average parent might not see any surprises in this report, the' fact is that today's generation of kids' are the fattest in history, with the percentage of obese children double that of 20 years ago, according to surveys by the federal government. ance of a balanced diet and exercise, most the problem we face today would be severely curtailed. However, in many families, with two working parents, often the parents suffer from the same poor eating habits.

What can you do? Make sure that you set a good example for your kids at the breakfast and dinner table. Serve a variety of foods including vegetables. While you cannot ensure that they consume good nutrition outside the home, balancing the two meals you can control will go a long way. Make tune to exercise together. Many parents are rightfully concerned about the safety of then- kids after school'.

Put aside ffltnllv en ways parents turn off their teens ASSOCIATED PRE SS The world of its own set of rules, and many of these rituals are a mystery to parents. If you find yourself in frequent power struggles with your teen, the following list may be of help. It suggests 10 ways a can i i antagonize teens. 1. Criticize their friends, It's difficult not to be judgmental when your daughter's latest best friend looks like Morticia Addams, but try to refrain from negative comments.

make observations like, "Marilyn is so pretty, she doesn't need to wear so much makeup. What message do you think she is trvihft tri sond?" 5. Fight over the car radio. View the situation as an oppor-" tunity to listen to your teen's musical choices. Another strategy: Turn off the radio and talk.

6. Treat them like babies. "Comb your hair!" "Sit up straight!" A younger child will respond to your command, but a teen will rebel: 7. Give away their childhood stuff to younger siblings. Teens have one foot hi adulthood and one in childhood.

Often they have difficulty giving up childhood things. 8. Look over their shoulder when they are surfing the net. So much has been written about dangers on the Internet that Women's Center, an affiliate of the North Arundel Health System, is offering several free lectures for parents, parents-to-be, and those contemplating parenthood. The following lectures take place at the center, 1454 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd.

in Arnold. "Mavbe 1 "Sibling Preparation" 5:30 7 p.m^ Oct. 28 and Nov. 4. "Baby Care Basics" 7 to 9 p.m.

Sept. 23 and Nov. 25. "Breast-feeding Basics" 6:30 to 9 p.m. Nov.

11. "Motherhood Experience" -Every other Monday from 7 to 8:30 p.m.; call for dates. To register for any of the above lectures, call the center at (410) 626-8982. Caregiver class The University of Maryland Cooperative Extension is offering a three-hour class for child care providers, "Using Art Materials," from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Participants will learn: the difference between arts and crafts and the different roles they play in development; to identify how children progress deyelopmentally in their abilities media; and the difference hi the child vs. adult view of art and how to communicate with children about their art. The class will be held at the Maryland Cooperative Extension, Anne Arundel County office, Anne Arundel County Government Office. Building, 7320 Ritchie Highway, Suite 210, Glen Burnie. There is a $10 fee for the class.

Preregistration and prepayment are required. A certificate of attendance for three clock hours will be awarded to child-care providers. To schedule a class at your child care center, to receive a brochure and registration form, or for additional Better Kid Care classes, call (410) 222-6756 or (301) 970-8250, Ext. 6756. Grandparents' rights The Grandparents' Rights Organization will meet from 7 to 9 p.m.

Sept. id at Harundale Presbyterian Church, 1020 Eastway in Glen ue tue rfliHror teach. Applications must be postmarked by Nov. 2. One-hundred winners will be warded $2,000 each to be used to further their project within their school or district.

Each applicant will be. judged on the project description, student benefits and use Of the 100 finalists, three top -winners -wi- -collect- additional' prizes of $5,000, $10,000 and $25,000. The top three will be selected based on the ability of-the program to replicated in other classrooms or benefit an entire school or district. For information on the 1999 program, profiles of past winners and- copies of their winning entries, see the web site, www.unsungheros.- com. Jor more information or criteria, call (800) 426-7050, Ext.

2888. Military academies Rep. Steny H. Hoyer, D-St. Mary's, is accepting applications" from students seeking nominations to the Naval Academy, the Military Academy, the Air Force Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy.

Applications for classes entering' in 1999 will be accepted through Nov. 7. Interested students must gressional District and should meet the following criteria as of July 1 of the year of admission: Be hi the top 20 percent of thei class. Have a grade point average of 1 at least 3.5 and an SAT score of at least 580 verbal and 600 math. Have strong leadership skills This could be demonstrated by having served as a class officer, a club president or a team captain.

Be in good physical condition. Be at least 17 years of age, but not older than 23 as of July 1, 1999, and have no children or dependents. A nonpartisan selection committee made up of members from across the 5th Congressional Disi trict will interview each applicant. Ten candidates are then nominated- to each academy. Each academy then selects the candidates they believe to be most qualified.

Mr. Hoyer will be holding an open house for all interested high school- in an era of Health, nutrition and weight consciousness, it seems odd find. j)uru4rxiuth-JUi fitness. Althea Zanecosky, a registered dietitian and spokesman for the American Dietetic Association, is not surprised. According to Ms.

Zanecosky, school lunches have a major problem, and it's not just about the food. explains that most schools do not allow the students enough time to eat then- foods; and given a choice of playing with their friends outside or sitting in a cafeteria, most will rush through their lunches. nutrition begins at home. If parents teach their kids the import- cise tune that your kids will enjoy. Bike riding, swimming," basketball, will help.

Many of our kids today spend too much tune sitting in front of their computers or television sets and do not get enough exercise. And lastly, do not reinforce how bad the school cafeteria is with stories from your own experiences. Teach your kids how to survive with 1 good nutrition. Ask your school for copies of the luneh menus in advance and plan your at-home meals accordingly. Help your kids by 'making nutritious snacks like yogurt and fruit available.

2. Invade their privacy. Spying is unethical and will severely --damage-your-retetionship-with- teens being online. Draw up a rules fc your teen. If you suspect a problem, use other methods to get the information.

3. Violate their protocol. These are the years when your presence can be embarrassing to your child. You can be the chauffeur, chaperone or cook, just keep a low profile; 4. Ask too many questions.

More than one query will be interpreted as the "third degree." Back off and wait for your teen to talk to you. them. One way to avoid the problem is to keep the computer in the family room. 9. Comment on their appearance.

Teens are phobic about how they look. An innocuous statement about clothes, hair, weight or complexion could be misinterpreted. 10. Tell them "When I was your age" stories. Tunes have changed, and invoking the past won't help you alter your teen's future behavior.

A parent's guide to some scary symptoms ASSOCIATED PRESS There are plenty of weird coughs, cramps, rashes and worse that can trigger full-tilt panic among parents, only to be deemed a "standard childhood ailment" by pediatricians, Linda J. Heller wrote in an article in a recent issue ofRedbook. To help spare you some unnecessary worry, here's the lowdown on common alarming symptoms that are usually no big deal. If your child runs a high fever for several days with no other symptoms and then develops a pink rash, he probably has a common case of roseola. Caused by a virus, this minor illness tends to strike children under the age of 3.

It starts with a temperature that can rise as and onto his arms and neck. Many parents then believe that their child has measles. In roseola, the pinhead-size spots appear after the fever is gone, they rarely itch, and they fade after a day or two. The only treatment plan for roseola is to give your little one acetaminophen to reduce his fever. He shouldn't come into contact with other children until he's been fever-free for 24 hours.

If your child wakes in the middle of the night with a seizure and fever, you're probably dealing with a terrifying but generally harmless febrile seizure. This kind of convulsion, which strikes about 6 percent of kids between the ages of 6 months and 5 years, is triggered by twitch on both sides of his body. Though it will feel like forever, the episode usually lasts less than five minutes, according to Dr. Campbell. What to Stay calm and turn your child on his side in his bed.

Keep his airways clear. If he uses a pacifier, remove it, but don't put anything in his mouth to hold down his tongue. After the seizure stops, give your youngster acetaminophen and a lukewarm sponge bath to bring down his fever. As long as the convulsion lasts less than 15.min- utes, doesn't recur within the episode of illness that caused the fever, and your child is under 5 and is coherent afterward, there's gener: ally no need for a dash to the emergency room. However, you but he has no fever, pain or other signs of infection, it's most likely food dye.

Ask your child what he has been eating or drinking, and you'll probably find out that he has had with red dye. Food coloring gets diluted in the greater volume of urine produced by adults compared to kids. When a child does have blood in his urine rather than dye, it looks more brown than red, and calls for an immediate evaluation by a physician. If your child has blazing red cheeks but no fever or only a low- grade one, and then over the next few days develops a fine lacy rash on his body, it's probably a classic case of fifth disease, a common childhood ailment caused by the This is a support group for grand- ing access to grandchildren from whom they have been estranged. The meeting is free and refreshments will be served.

For more information, call Evelyn at (410) 987-3536 or Part at (410) 761-1168. CYSO schedule The Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra's 1998-99 performance season will include the following public concerts: A Kinderkortzert for children and their families will be presented by the repertory orchestra at 11 a.m. Oct. 31 at Woods Memorial i a 611 Blvd. in Severna Park.

Tickets are $3 per per '-son. The faft orchestra's annual holiday concert will be held in December on a date and time to be announced at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase St. The concert will feature all three orchestra ensembles the symphony, repertory and string orchestras -as well as guest performers. Admission is free, with donations of canned goods accepted for a local charity. The symphony orchestra's winter concert will be held at 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 30 at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase St. in Annapolis. The repertory orchestra will perform a spring concert at 7:30 p.m. March 13 at Maryland Hall.

The annual Grand Finale Concert, featuring all three orchestra at Frederick Douglass High School For information and an cation a call a Trebelhorn at (301) 474-0119 or write her at the Mr. Hoyer's office, 6500 Cherrywood Lane, Suite 310," Greenbelt, MD 20770. Scholarship program Nominations are now being ac cepted for the EF Global Citizen' Awards, a new scholarship program offered by student travel EF Educational Tours. Based on" student essays, EF will offer scholt arships to 12 seniors, 10 from the- United States and two from Each student will receive $1,000 toward his or her college tuition and a 10-day expenses-paid educational tour of Europe. The scholarship program was established to inspire students to think about their evolving roles "iii' our increasingly global must be nominated through their schools, are asked to write about what they feel it meanV to be a global citizen.

In addition to receiving funds for college, scholarship recipients will travel together in July on an expenses-paid educational tour of London, Paris and; Rome. Each high school in the United- States and Canada is invited to nominate one candidate for the' awards. Students seeking nomination are asked to contact their school's guidance or career develop-. ment office for information. Educators may rec equest nomi- high as 105 degrees and typically lasts for three days, according to Dr.

Kate Campbell, a pediatrician at Houston Pediatric Associates When the fever drops, you'll notice a rash creeping across your child's trunk a fapifJ rise In 'temperature, father than a high fever itself, and can also occur during the day. During one of these seizures, a child's body may stiffen, his eyes may roll back, and his limbs may snoula call your peoialrician immediately for his advice on any other measures to take, and whether the child needs to be examined. If your child's urine is bright red, susceptible, and will be sporting their rashes for several days to several weeks. By the time the rash appears, your child is no longer contagious and the virus will clear up without treatment. enseraoies, wm oe neirj at May 22 at Maryland Hall.

Tickets for all regular perform ances are $8 for adults and S5 for students and senior citizens. Former repertory conductor David Ik-Sung Choo will begin his nation Torms oy mail from: Global Citizen Program, EF Educational- a i Cambridge, MA 02141, by or on the Internet at www.eftoure.com. The application deadline is Feb. 15..