Employee Enhancement Newsletter
Helpful Resources from your Employee Assistance Program
September 2010
Page 1
SEPTEMBER 15, 2010
LIVE CHAT TOPIC
Dealing with the Back-to-School Blues?
Parents have a lot on their plate: mortgage
Also, walking
A
k through the b
building
d and
d
payments, healthcare, caring for elderly
visiting your child’s locker and classroom
parents, raising kids, just to name a few. As
will help ease anxiety of the unknown.
the new school year approaches, they face
additional stressors--paying for back-to2. Get to know your neighbors: If
Every month, you will have school supplies, clothes and possibly tuition.
your child is starting a new school, walk
the opportunity to chat on- Many parents may also be worried about
around your block and get to know the
line with a trained counselor. their children starting a new school, changing neighborhood children. Try and set up
school districts, facing a more rigorous
a play date, or, for an older child, find
out where neighborhood kids might go
These live chats are held from academic year or dealing with difficult social
situations. Often the fear of the unknown—
to safely hang out, like the community
12:15-12:45 PM &
classmates,
teachers,
the
school
building—is
pool, recreation center or park.
6:00-6:30 PM CST
the most stressful for family members,
whether it’s the children hopping on the
3. Talk to your child: Asking your children
school bus or their parents who have to wave about their fears or worries about going
SEPTEMBER 2010 goodbye.
back to school will help them share their
burden. Inquire as to what they liked
AT A GLANCE
“The end of summer and the beginning of
about their previous school or grade and
a new school year can be a stressful time
see how those positives can be incorporated
into their new experience.
36th Annual National for parents and children,” says psychologist
Suicide Prevention Week Lynn Bufka, PhD. “While trying to manage
work and the household, parents can
4. Empathize with your children: Change
sometimes overlook their children’s feelings
can be difficult, but also exciting. Let
September 5th-11th
of nervousness or anxiety as school begins.
your children know that you are aware
Working with your children to build resilience of what they’re going through and
Visit:
and manage their emotions can be beneficial
that you will be there to help them in the
www.suicidology.org
for the psychological health of the whole
process. Nerves are normal, but highlight
for more information
that not everything that is different is
____________________ family.”
necessarily bad. It is important to
Fortunately, children are extremely capable
encourage your children to face their
World Alzheimer’s
of coping with change and parents can help
fears instead of falling in to the trap of
Day 2010
them in the process by providing a setting
encouraging avoidance.
that fosters resilience and encourages them
September 21st
to share and express their feelings about
5. Get involved and ask for help:
returning to school.
Knowledge of the school and the
Visit:
community will better equip you to
www.alz.org
APA offers the following back-to-school tips: understand your child’s surroundings
for more infomration
the transition he or she is undergoing.
____________________ 1. Practice the first day of school routine: and
Meeting members of your community
National Emergency
Getting into a sleep routine before the
and school will foster support for both
Preparedness Month
first week of school will aide in easing the
you and your child. If you feel the stress
shock
of
waking
up
early.
Organizing
of the school year is too much for you
Visit:
things at home—backpack, binder,
and your child to handle on your own,
www.ready.gov
lunch box or cafeteria money—will help
seeking expert advice from a mental health
for more information
make the first morning go smoothly.
professional, such as a psychologist, will
Having healthy, yet kid-friendly lunches
help you better manage and cope.
will help keep them energized throughout
Source: American Psychological Association.
the day.
http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/school-rush.aspx
Overtime vs.
Parent Time
Deer Oaks EAP Services, your Employee Assistance Program, is always available to you and your dependents. If you are
struggling with children, finances, or just want some practical advice on health or the mind-body connection, contact Deer Oaks.
1 (866) 327-2400 • www.deeroaks.com • [email protected]
Employee Enhancement Newsletter
Helpful Resources from your Employee Assistance Program
September 2010
Page 2
Fathers Today- Balancing Work & Family
Starla Ivey, PhD, research associate, Building Strong Families Program, University of Missouri Extension
•If you travel often, keep your children informed and
involved. When you have to go away, leave notes, recorded
messages or videos of yourself reading a favorite bedtime story
for your child. Discuss the trip with your children when you
return, showing pictures and telling stories to help them feel
As a father, your active involvement in your family contributes
A
b
to included.
its strength and stability, as well as to your children’s achievement
and behavior. But juggling the demands of maintaining a busy •Consider asking for a more flexible working arrangement.
job and spending quality time with family can be a challenge. It never hurts to ask. Try working longer days in order to have
one day off per week, working through lunch in order to leave
Recent research has looked at the expanded roles of fathers in earlier, or doing computer work from home. If you create a
the home and shows a new kind of father emerging – a more more flexible schedule, be careful to not let work spill over into
involved one whose responsibilities reach farther than his career. all of your family time. Be sure to take time for yourself each
day, too.
Research suggests fathers are spending more time with their
children than they have in the past and that the increased •Participate in school or extra-curricular activities. If
involvement is more interactive (playtime and homework) in your child’s school allows it, eat lunch with your child during
your lunch hour. Arrange your schedule so that you can attend
nature than custodial (cleaning and feeding).
your child’s special events (like an awards ceremony). If your
Many fathers say they rank spending time with their kids above employer encourages volunteerism, spend time volunteering at
money, personal status or power. Other dads say they would your child’s school.
take a pay cut if it meant having more time to spend with their
children. But some fathers worry that prioritizing family over •Promote a family-friendly workplace. If you are an employer,
work could have a negative effect on their careers or hurt their work with employees to arrange flexible work arrangements,
time off for fathers, and to help with child-care arrangements.
chances for advancement.
If you are an employee, hang your child’s art in your work area,
Employers are beginning to address fathers’ needs. Flexible bring your child to work when allowed, and work with others to
work schedules and compressed workweeks allow fathers to arrange flexible work arrangements.
meet work demands while maintaining quality family time.
Some companies even offer paternity leave, which gives fathers •Create “family prime time.” At the beginning of every
time to bond with newborn children. About 14 percent of month, schedule family time and write it in the calendar. Get
companies nationwide offer paid paternity leave, which ranges input from all family members about fun activities and vacation
ideas. Spend whatever time you have together, even if it is just a
from a few days to six weeks.
few minutes to read a story or talk about your day.
To find out if you are eligible for paternity leave and for how Resources
long, contact your human resources department. In some cases, Amato, Paul & Rivera, Fenando. (1999). Paternal involvement and children’s behavior
taking leave may affect other benefits, such as health insurance, problems. Journal of Marriage and Family, 61, 375-384.
pay raises, and vacation days, so be clear about your rights and BabyCenter. (n.d.). Paternity leave: What are the options for dads? Retrieved January
31, 2005 from the Baby Center Web site.
privileges while on leave.
http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/8258.html
If paternity leave is unavailable or your children are older, there National Fatherhood Initiative. (2004). 12 ways to balance work and family. [Brochure].
are still things you can do to stay connected with your family. Gaitherburg, MD: Author.
Remember, it is quality of time rather than quantity of time that Shepell, W. (2004). A family-friendly balance for working fathers. Retrieved January 25,
2005, from the Warren Shepell Family Matters Web site.
makes a difference.
http://www.shepellfgiservices.com/balancingact/balancing-200406.asp
•Limit work on weekends, vacations and holidays. Avoid Voices 4 Children. (2000). Fathers Today. Retrieved January 25, 2005, Child and Family
answering your phone or checking your e-mail while at home Canada.
to have more time with your children. Tell co-workers you will Working Mothers. (2004, October). 100 best companies 2004: The inside story from A
not be available during that time, but you will get back to them to Z. Working Mothers, 101-170.
Yeung, W. J., Sandburg, J.F, Davis-Kean, P.S.& Hofferth, S.L. (2001). Children’s time
as soon as you return to work.
with fathers in intact families. Journal of Marriage and Family, 63,136-154.
Employee Enhancement Newsletter
Helpful Resources from your Employee Assistance Program
September 2010
Page 3
GERD: What It Is and What
You Can Do About It
Tammy Roberts, MS, RD, LD, Nutrition and
Health Education Specialist, Barton County,
Universty of Missouri Extension
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD, is a condition in which food or liquid contents of the stomach back up into
the food pipe or esophagus. This can inflame or damage the lining of the esophagus. It is a common ailment among adults,
and the first symptom is often heartburn.
At the lower end of the esophagus is a muscle that opens and closes to let food through. This muscle is called the lower
esophageal sphincter or LES. It is also sometimes called the cardiac sphincter. If this muscle is weakened in some way or
if the stomach is full or under increased pressure, the muscle relaxes when it isn’t supposed to, and the stomach contents
back up (reflux) into the esophagus.
There are symptoms of GERD other than heartburn. You may experience chest pain, especially at night when you are
lying down; have difficulty swallowing; experience regurgitation of food or sour liquid; or have coughing, wheezing,
hoarseness or a sore throat. It is possible to have a feeling like you have something stuck in your throat. You need to
see your doctor if you are having these symptoms often. Your physician can make the proper diagnosis and prescribe
appropriate medications.
There are things that can be done to help relieve symptoms. There are foods that actually act to relax the lower esophageal
sphincter and allow stomach contents to seep back up. For this reason, the following foods should be avoided: fatty foods,
chocolate, peppermint, coffee, tea, colas and alcohol. Smoking also relaxes the LES and should be avoided. Since a full
stomach can put pressure on the LES, it can help to eat smaller meals more often. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the
risk of pressure on the abdominal area caused by extra weight.
When someone is lying down, it is easier for reflux to occur. To prevent reflux, be sure to eat your last meal at least three
hours before going to bed and avoid bedtime snacks. It also helps to raise the head of your bed by six inches to allow
gravity to help keep stomach contents where they belong.
GERD is a condition that can be managed, but it is also important to know that there can be complications. Be sure to
discuss symptoms with your doctor.
Source: http://missourifamilies.org/features/healtharticles/health87.htm Last Updated 05/05/2009
Employee Enhancement Newsletter
Helpful Resources from your Employee Assistance Program
September 2010
Page 4
Everyday Lessons on Teaching Kids About Money
We’ve all heard the quote from Benjamin Franklin,
“a penny saved is a penny earned.” This expression
is even more true in today’s economy. Wise financial
planning encourages wise spending and saving for
the future. Learning smart spending habits can
have a profound impact on a young child’s life. The
financial lessons children learn today will last well
into adulthood.
According to a recent survey by T. Rowe Price,
a global investment organization, 48 percent
of parents indicated that they are having more
discussions with their children about money, saving,
and spending than in years past.
There are many simple ways to incorporate financial lessons into your child’s everyday
life. The financial experts at Money Management International (MMI) offer the
following tips in raising financially smart kids.
•
Turn grocery shopping into a teachable moment. This is a great opportunity
to teach kids about comparison shopping. Teach children how to shop by value
rather than brand. Remember to always shop with a list. Shopping with a list helps
children understand how prior preparation can lead to great savings in the end.
•
Give children an allowance. There are differing opinions on whether or not
to give children an allowance. While some may consider it “spoiling” kids, giving
children a regular “income” can be a great opportunity to teach them the basics
of earning, spending, and saving. Parents can also use an allowance to help
children learn the difference between wants and needs.
•
Help your child open a small business. During the warm summer months,
lemonade stands are common in many neighborhoods. This is a great way for
young entrepreneurs to learn financial skills. The adventure of starting a small
business is a great financial and confidence-building lesson for kids. Children
learn how to set and achieve goals, understand profit and price, and further
develop basic math skills.
•
Open a checking/savings account for your child. Many banks and credit
unions offer parents the opportunity to open an account in their child’s name.
Owning and maintaining an account helps children learn important life skills.
For more tips and advice on teaching kids about money, visit MMI’s new Youth and
Money section on www.MoneyManagement.org. For fun activities and advice about
teaching money skills to younger children, visit www.MoneyBunny.com.
About Money Management International
Money Management International (MMI) is a nonprofit, full-service credit-counseling agency, providing
confidential financial guidance, financial education, counseling and debt management assistance to consumers
since 1958. MMI helps consumers trim their expenses, develop a spending plan and repay debts. Counseling
is available by appointment in branch offices and 24/7 by telephone and Internet. Services are available in
English or Spanish. To learn more, call 800.432.7310 or visit www.MoneyManagement.org.