march / april 2013

The information in Pocono Healthy Living is believed to be accurate, but in some instances, may represent opinion or judgment. The publication’s providers do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any of the information and shall not be liable for any loss or damage caused, directly or indirectly, by or from the information. All information should be considered a supplement to - and not a substitute for - the care provided by a licensed health care provider or other appropriate expert. The appearance of advertising in this publication should in no way be interpreted as a product endorsement by the publication’s providers.

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Over-reactive?

Inspired E-Learning for Kids

Three Unexpected Areas Where You Can Improve Home Safety

Protect Your Sight

How to Blast Through Your Weight-Loss Plateau

Health is Wealth by Dr. Jonathan a. GolDner

Lunch with a Crunch

March Events at Monroe County Environmental Education Center

Overweight Cats

Parents, You’re Not Alone

Tips for Choosing a Health Insurance Plan

The Importance of Cell Phone Insurance

March & April at Pocono Environmental Education Center

March/April 2013

What’s Inside

March/April 2013 Pocono Healthy Living© 3

With so many e-books, apps and gadgets out on the market today, it’s easier than ever to integrate learning into your child’s play time. Relying on the right e-books and apps, you can help these early adopting, tech-savvy kids experience reading

and fun, interactive learning like never before.From storybooks to educational games and apps, there are a number of options to

choose from, and the countless titles can seem daunting. A creative e-bookstore and mobile platform such as BelugaBloo, that offers an expansive selection of beautifully animated interactive children’s e-books, apps and games tailored to children up to age 12, can help you cut through the clutter and make smart selections.

Before making your decision, here are some tips to find the right learning apps for your family:

n Children learn best when they are engaged in the process. Focus on highly interactive apps that encourage kids to actively participate and to discover. Apps that incorporate features like coloring and sound recognition will help your child’s learning journey through active participation with the content.

n Remember your purpose. Apps that inspire the imagination and spark kids’ interest in learning will pay off greater in the long run than flashy programs that simply pass the time. For example, “Flashcard Beebee” features a fun-loving monkey that helps teach the ABCs with

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cute and colorful animations for each letter of the alphabet.

n Look for apps that allow you to customize modes to fit your child’s education level. Versatile options such as “read to me,” “read by myself,” “autoplay” and “games” allow you to create a more personalized experience.

n Although your ultimate goal is education, don’t forget to make your selections fun. This helps children develop a positive association with learning. Updated versions of classic tales like the “Groovy Story of the Tortoise and the Hare,” “The Pig’s Day” and “The Three Little Gators” will give your kids a chance to experience well-loved stories with a fun and modern twist.

n Like any other shopping experience, when shopping for apps, shop for value. Apps that do double duty make your investment go further by teaching simultaneous lessons. For example, “The Drip Drops,” a series of e-books and interactive games, centers on art, color, reading and creativity while promoting basic problem solving and positive self-esteem. You can also find BelugaBloo titles in a variety of other languages, such as Spanish and Chinese, which also allows children to have fun exploring other languages.

n Seek content that matches your child’s personal interests. Use search functions to narrow down titles that focus on topics or activities that will capture his or her attention. “Lullaby Piano,” for example, lets music lovers sing and learn how to play some of their favorite nursery rhymes and songs on a digital keyboard.

n Check out the user comments. One of the greatest features of electronic content is the immediate access to user feedback. High marks from other parents make the odds strong that a particular piece of content will appeal to you and your children, as well.

For additional interactive apps, educational titles and more, visit www.belugabloo.com.

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Making home a safe, secure environment is a priority for any parent. It’s why we have smoke alarms and deadbolts, secure screens on second-floor windows and

set the temperature of our hot water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. But what about unexpected sources of danger in our homes?

While it’s impossible to anticipate and guard against every eventuality, it still pays to think about some dangers that are often overlooked - but that can be every bit as tragic as more obvious threats. Here are some accident risks that are statistically worth worrying about when you’re working on making your home as safe as possible for your children.

Tipping TVsTVs keep getting bigger and more of us have multiple

sets in our homes. Unfortunately, many of those TVs will end up on dressers, coffee tables, and folding tray tables that were never intended to hold a television. Even TVs placed on a stand made for displaying a set can tip over if not properly secured.

There were an estimated 20,000 injuries related to TV tip-overs in the United States in 2010, according to Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) data. In some cases, these injuries can even lead to death. Ninety-six percent of TV tip-over related deaths were among children younger than 10,

Three Unexpected

Areas Where You Can Improve

Home Safety


the CPSC reports. One person dies every three weeks as a result of injuries related to a falling TV.

Fortunately, it’s easy to reduce the risk of a TV tipping or falling. Never place any TV atop a dresser, bureau, bench, box or folding tray table. Using a TV wall mount can help minimize the chance of a TV falling on and injuring a child or adult. Manufacturers like Sanus make a variety of wall mounts and TV safety attachments. If mounting isn’t an option consider using a safety strap that securely connects a TV to furniture and the furniture to the wall. To learn more about TV safety, visit www.tvsafety.org.

The laundry roomYou may think of this room as one

of the most harmless and useful rooms in the house, but the laundry room holds hidden dangers for children. Since 2005, at least two children have died and many more have been injured in washing machine-related accidents, U.S. News and World Report recently reported. In

fact, CPSC data indicates that tens of thousands of injuries are attributed to washing machines and clothes dryers every year. Injuries may range from burns from hot dryer elements and limb injuries from spinning parts to accidental drowning if a child becomes submerged in a filled washer tub.

Most laundry machine-related injuries could be avoided, according to a report from the National Institutes of Health’s U.S. National Library of Medicine. Better machine design and better supervision of children could prevent injuries, according to the report.- To minimize risks, restrict children’s access to the laundry room. Choose machines with automatic shut offs that halt the movement of internal parts as soon as the appliance door is opened.

Exercise equipmentMany Americans rely on home

exercise equipment to stay in shape. Yet some machines can pose a safety risk to children. A CPSC study estimated


that over an eight-year period, more than 46,000 exercise equipment-related injuries sent children 4 and younger to hospital emergency rooms.

Treadmills, elliptical machines and other home fitness devices can cause a range of injuries, including cuts, fractures, dislocations, burns and even amputations. The study recommended parents be aware of the risks and take steps to reduce children’s exposure to home exercise equipment.

Never allow children to use equipment designed for adults, and never leave kids unattended with the equipment. When a machine is not in use, unplug it to reduce the chance of a child accidentally turning the machine on while playing on it. When you’re using a fitness machine, keep children away from the equipment.

With vigilance, awareness and some precautions, parents can reduce the risk of children getting injured or worse - and ensure they stay safe at home.

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Everyone’s vision changes as they age, but some changes could indicate a more serious problem. Age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma are two of the most common eye diseases in older Americans. As many as 11

million people in the United States have some form of macular degeneration, and more than 3 million have some form of glaucoma, according to the BrightFocus Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving brain and eye health. There may also be an association between untreated poor vision and cognitive impairment, which is another reason to take steps to protect your eyesight.

Age-related Macular DegenerationAge-related macular degeneration is an irreversible

destruction of the central area of the eye’s retina, known as the macula, which leads to loss of the sharp, fine-detail, straight-ahead vision required for activities like reading, driving, recognizing faces, and seeing the world in color. It’s the leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 years of age and older, and the second highest cause of irreversible blindness in the world.

GlaucomaGlaucoma is actually a group of eye disorders. They have

few symptoms in the early stages, but eventually the optic nerve is damaged, leading to loss of side vision or complete blindness. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness among African Americans and Hispanics in the U.S. Between the ages of 45 and 64, glaucoma is fifteen times more likely to cause blindness in African Americans than in Caucasians. All people older than 60 are at a greater risk of developing glaucoma than people who are younger.

Best Practices for Healthy Vision• Eat right to protect your sight, especially fruits and vegetables, and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, tuna, and halibut. • Exercise daily to improve your immune system and blood pressure and your eye and brain health as well as to maintain a healthy weight. • Quit smoking. Toxins found in cigarette smoke have been linked to an increased risk for developing macular degeneration.


Protect Your SightWhat you need to know about vision health

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• Wear high-quality sunglasses with a rating of 99- or 100-percent UV-A and UV-B protection. Also don a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors. • Have a comprehensive dilated eye exam regularly from an eye doctor.

Eye Tests Everyone Should Have Regular eye exams are crucial in maintaining eye

health and catching any warning signs early. This is particularly important for certain forms of glaucoma, as those affected may not feel or see that anything is wrong until the disease has progressed to stages when vision loss occurs. Comprehensive exams should include these three tests:

• Visual acuity: using an eye chart to test your sight at various distances.• Pupil dilation: widening the pupil with eye drops, allowing the doctor to see signs of disease. • Tonometry: tests the fluid pressure inside the eye.

Warning SignsIf you or a loved one experiences any severe or

persistent symptoms such as these that can be associated with macular degeneration or glaucoma, contact an eye doctor immediately:

• Loss of vision • Sudden blurred or hazy vision • Blind spots or “holes” in your vision• Shadows over the center of your vision• Pain in or around the eye that may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting• Halos around lights at night• Painful or intense sensitivity to light • Distortion or waviness of vision, especially central vision • A loss of side vision or a feeling that you’re looking through a tunnel

BrightFocus Foundation provides free information to the public and advances vital research to end glaucoma, macular degeneration and Alzheimer’s disease. More information about these topics is available at www.BrightFocus.org/See.

If it seems like you work out regularly only to continue to struggle losing weight, you’re not alone. But losing weight in order to improve health may be the wrong approach. First you need to fix what’s holding you

back on the inside, so you can see the transformation you want on the outside.

Cliff Edberg cringes every time he hears someone say: I want to lose weight to get healthy. “In my opinion that phrase is backward,” says Edberg, a registered dietician, personal trainer, and certified weight loss coach at Life Time Fitness, The Healthy Way of Life Company. “People need to get healthy first in order to lose weight. Weight gain or being unhealthy isn’t directly caused by a lack of exercise, it’s a side effect of metabolic dysfunction.”

Generally people refer to having “good” metabolism (someone who burns calories quickly) or “bad” metabolism (a slow caloric burn with leftovers stored in body fat). But metabolism is much more than the rate at which calories are burned. Metabolism is the process of breaking down food into smaller molecules for various uses in the body. Certain foods or ingredients might interfere with a person’s metabolism, as can a lack of nutrients, high blood sugar or an overabundance of stress hormones. This metabolic disruption is often behind a person’s inability to lose weight, even when they are taking steps to eat right and exercise.


How to blast through your weight-loss plateau

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Michelle Stork, 43, from Chanhassen, Minn., had resigned herself to creeping weight gain, despite diligently working out for years. “As time went on it was easier to gain than lose weight,” she recalls. “Exercise alone wasn’t taking it off.”

She accepted the weight gain as a normal part of getting older, but Edberg, her personal trainer, didn’t. He encouraged her to take a simple blood test to check for underlying metabolic issues. “I could see on paper what the problems were and it motivated me to try what my trainer suggested,” Stork says. She slowly added recommended supplements, including vitamin D, probiotics and fish oil, which increased her energy, but didn’t affect her weight. The next step was to change her diet.

“We discovered a high likelihood that she was sensitive to gluten and dairy,” Edberg says. Unlike an allergy, a sensitivity means the hormones derived from the metabolic process of such foods send confusing messages to the brain, which can cause various symptoms, including weight gain. Within a month of eliminating gluten and dairy from her diet Stork lost more than 10 percent body fat and dropped 12 pounds and two sizes.

“If someone has a thyroid issue,-nutrient deficiency, sex hormone imbalance, etc., they will gain weight,” Edberg explains. As a certified weight loss coach, he knows that unless the true underlying metabolic issue is addressed-a person will not sustainably lose weight. “All the exercise in the world will not fix a thyroid issue or nutrient deficiency. In some cases it might make the underlying problem worse.”

This “inside out” approach to personal training is the standard at Life Time Fitness. New members take a comprehensive assessment, called myHealthScore, to measure six metabolic markers - cholesterol ratio, triglycerides, blood pressure, body fat ratio, glucose levels and nicotine use - in order to first set goals based on their internal health.

With information from myHealthScore Edberg says he can make precise exercise, nutrition, lifestyle and supplementation recommendations to support each client’s individual metabolism needs.

Stork is impressed with her results, but the implications go beyond a smaller waist line. Her father suffers from Parkinson’s disease, which looms large in her mind. The steps she is taking now she hopes will prevent a dependence on medication later. “I know what may be ahead of me as I get older, and I know I need to start doing things to improve my overall health and fitness to help counter any disease I may develop later in life.”

Dr. William MartinChiropraCtiC

1015 Congdon ave.Stroudsburg, pa 18360

570-421-2977

It’s Easier to Stay Wellthan to Get Well

Maintain your Healththrough Chiropractic

Adjusting to the Flow of Health


Remember that saying… “When you have your health, you have everything”?? Then the

question that arises is what defines health or wellness? How does someone know when they are really healthy? What is wellness? Thinking about it, the term seems hard to define. Perhaps we could use U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart’s definition of

pornography as “I know it when I see it”. But I see numerous individuals that look well, but their cholesterols are high, their blood pressures are uncontrolled, they have elevated blood sugars and they are under a horrible amount of stress. So that description does not sound too plausible either. Perhaps I can defer the definition to the World Health Organization (WHO) that defined health and wellness

in 1946 as “a state of COMPLETE physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. But where is that guy? Maybe he existed in 1946, but in 25 years of medical practice, I have yet to see that person. Personally, I see health and wellness on a scale. At one end, we have the very healthy, non-existent person that the WHO describes in 1946. On the other end, we have the horribly overweight, smoking, non-exercising, stressed person that has numerous

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Health is Wealth uncontrolled medical problems such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol. I believe most of us are somewhere in the middle, somewhere along that scale. So how do we get to the good WHO end of the scale?

Well, I think we need to look at what actually contributes to our health. To simplify, two main determinants would be genetics and lifestyle. The genetics, which are the genes that we are handed down from our parents, obviously cannot be changed…yet. But there are numerous things that we do with our lifestyles that can determine wellness. As a short list, consider these:

Diet: I am a firm believer in moderation. Eating a good diet is not as confusing or restrictive as a lot of people believe. Fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes; foods high in complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals, low in fat and free of cholesterol should make up the main balance of your diet. This does not mean you have to give up your favorite cheeseburger, but you want to limit them.

Exercise: The more exercise the better. It can be high level or something as simple as walking several times a week. It should be scripted to what you can do. Having sore muscles the following morning should not stop you from continuing, it should just remind you to cut it back slightly the next time. Any exercise is better than none and it is well known through numerous studies that those who exercise do live longer.

Limiting Bad Habits: Smoking as well as illicit drugs should be eradicated. Alcohol can be used in small amounts such as one alcoholic beverage a day.

“I believe most of us are somewhere in the middle, somewhere along that scale.“

BY DR. JONATHAN A. GOLDNER, DO, FCCP, FCCM

continued on next page…


Mental Health: Stress in today’s environment is pretty much rampant and almost considered normal. In reality, we know that stress can cause a whole host of medical problems including cancer, high blood pressure and heart disease. Stress management and relaxation are instrumental in providing a sense of well-being and wellness. Having some appropriate escape from stress is highly recommended. Some have hobbies, exercise programs, reading, music, walks or just time away from the daily stress that can really make a difference in ability to deal with problems that occur in our daily lives.

Annual Physical Exam: Being a physician, I strongly believe in annual physicals if you do not see a physician for a chronic problem regularly. A good annual physical exam, complimented by lab work evaluating things such as cholesterol levels and blood sugars are the key to finding a problem before it develops end organ damage or death.

Screening Tests: Most screening tests are directed at finding cancer early. Whether it be screening colonoscopy for all starting at age 50, or annual screening mammograms for females at age 50, stool blood testing for all at age 50, annual pap smears and pelvic exams for females starting in early twenties, and digital prostate exams starting for males at age 50. I personally have seen lives saved with just routine screening for patients.

Vaccinations: These can be life saving. In a bad flu session like this year, we can see the benefit of vaccination. Influenza can hit not only the elderly, but also the young and produce severe illness, even death which we see annually. I recommend a yearly influenza vaccine without a doubt. For adults, other things to consider are a pneumonia vaccine for two doses, one before age 65 and one dose after. The shingles vaccine appears to be safe and I highly recommend it if you can afford its high cost or if it is covered by insurance. A diphtheria and tetanus booster should be contemplated if you spend a lot of time working outdoors.

Well, as spring returns with the warmer weather, this represents a good time to renew our commitment to striving towards good health. Get your diet under control, restart exercising and move your position on the scale of wellness in a positive direction. After a very tough fall and winter, I wish you a happy spring!

Jonathan A. Goldner, DO, FCCP, FCCM is board certified in internal medicine, critical care, and geriatrics. He is a Clinical Asst. Professor of Medicine with both the Commonwealth Medical College and the Penn State College of Medicine. He is the Chief Medical Executive, Director of Critical Care and immediate past Chief of Staff at Pocono Medical Center, and practices internal medicine with Pocono Physician Associates, Pocono Internal Medicine Specialists

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There was a time when an apple was the last place you would look to experiment with new flavors in the produce section. But today, there are nearly 100 commercial varieties to choose from, each with unique characteristics to tickle your taste buds.

One new variety called Opal is grown in Washington and offers a complex flavor that starts sweet and finishes with a slight tang. Vibrantly yellow and super crunchy, these apples are perfect for fresh salads and side dishes. And, unlike many types of apples, Opals naturally resist oxidation after cutting, which keeps them fresh and delicious for a lunch prepared before you head out for work, or snacking through the day.

An added benefit is that when you buy Opal apples, you are helping to fund the Youth Make a Difference Initiative grants, which provide funding for youth programs serving communities across the United States.

For a lunch with a crunch, try adding apples in fun and delicious ways:

• Dip apple slices in your favorite nut butter.• Add thin slices of apple to your deli meat sandwich, or layer them with PB and J on raisin bread.• Make your own cracker stackers with whole grain crackers, your favorite cheese, smoked turkey, and apple slices.• Add apples to a delicious salad, such as this spinach and apple salad with dried cherries, which is filled with fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron and antioxidants.

Visit www.opalapples.com to access an application for the Youth Make a Difference Initiative.

Spinach Apple Salad with Toasted Walnuts

Servings: 4Prep Time: 15 minutes

2 Opal apples5 ounces baby spinach1/3 cup dried tart cherries3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed)1 teaspoon lemon zest, freshly gratedSalt to tasteGround pepper to taste1/3 cup (about 2 ounces) goat cheese, crumbled1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Core apples, and cut into thin slices (about 16 per apple). Place spinach in a large bowl; remove long stems and any bruised leaves. Add cherries and half of apples and set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, thyme, lemon zest, salt and ground pepper to taste. Toss spinach, apples and cherries with just enough dressing to coat. Top with remaining sliced apples, goat cheese and toasted walnuts.


Lunch with a Crunch

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The Monroe County Conservation District’s Environmental Education Center, at Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary on Running Valley Road near Bartonsville, offers many educational programs year-round. Visit their website at www.mcconservation.org or call 570-629-3061 for more information.

Retain the RainSaturday, March 2, 10 – 11 a.m. Learn how to conserve water and minimize water pollution with MCCD Watershed Specialist, Trish Attardo. This free workshop will conclude with an unveiling of 20 rain barrels, which have been beautifully painted by local artists. One lucky participant will receive a free rain barrel! Refreshments provided.

Middle Creek Birding Field TripThursday, March 7. Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is a major stop-over for tremendous numbers of snow geese. Their huge flocks in flight at times create a “blizzard” of birds. Join Environmental Educator Brian Hardiman on this trip to observe this stunning spectacle of nature. The area’s wetlands, fields, and woodlots also provide opportunities to see a host of other waterfowl, raptors, and bird species. Pre-registration and payment are required and limited.

Fly FishingSaturday, March 9. Join Resource Conservationist Carl J. Meyer and several members of the Brodhead Chapter of Trout Unlimited for a program on fly fishing. Equipment, casting, strategy, fly tying, basic entomology, and local fishing areas will be discussed. A film, slide program and several raffles are included with admission. The 3-hour program will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.Pre-registration is required.

Mystery Birding Field TripFriday, March 15. Join Environmental Educator Brian Hardiman on this popular and fun adventure where the birding destinations and target birds will not be revealed until the day of the trip. One of the mystery birds “revealed” on last year’s trip was a spectacular snowy owl! Participants will meet at MCEEC at 8:30 a.m. and return 5:30 p.m. Pre-registration and payment are required and limited.

Woodcock WatchWednesday, March 20. Timberdoodle and Bogsucker are just two of the strange nicknames for the equally strange American Woodcock. Join Environmental Educator Brian Hardiman for this 1 ½ hour program where you will learn about the life history and amazing courtship display of this fascinating and entertaining bird. Participants will meet at MCEEC at 6:30 p.m. for a brief classroom presentation before traveling to the Tannersville Bog area to observe the woodcock’s love-sick antics. Pre-registration is required.

March Events at Monroe County Environmental Education Center

Canfield’s Pet & Farm

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570-421-1821

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Stroudsburg, PA

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Restaurant& Tavern

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Friendly, Affordable, and Informal


Overweight Cats


Obesity is an extremely common problem in pets

and, as with humans, can be detrimental to the health of a cat. The overweight pet has many added stresses upon his body and is at an increased risk of diabetes, liver problems and joint pain.

1Obesity develops when energy intake exceeds energy

requirements. The excess energy is then stored as fat. Once a pet is obese, he may remain obese even after excessive caloric intake stops. The majority of cases of obesity are related to simple overfeeding coupled with lack of exercise.

2Obesity is less common in cats than in dogs. It has been

suggested that cats have a much better ability to regulate their own energy intake.

3Is your cat too fat? As a subjective assessment of body

condition, you should be able to feel the backbone and palpate the ribs in an animal of healthy weight. If you cannot feel your pet’s ribs without pressing, there is too much fat.

4Also, you should see a noticeable “waist” between

the back of the rib cage and the hips when looking at your pet from above. Viewed from the side, there should be a “tuck” in the tummy—the abdomen should go up from the bottom of the rib cage to inside the thighs. Cats who fail these simple tests may be overweight.

5An additional factor to be considered when managing

obesity in cats is hunting. It may be necessary to confine your cat to the house to prevent “additions” to the diet.

We recommend that you consult your pet’s vet before starting on a weight loss program, which should include these major areas:

6Correct Diet Overweight animals consume more calories

than they require. Work with your veterinarian to determine your pet’s caloric requirements, select a suitable food and calculate how much to feed. The diet should contain a normal level of a moderately fermentable fiber and the type of fat that prevents the skin and coat from deteriorating during weight loss. Diets that dilute calories with high fiber lead to increased stool volumes, frequent urges to defecate and variable decreases in nutrient digestibility.

7Exercise Increasing physical activity can be a valuable

contributor to both weight loss and maintenance. Regular exercise burns more calories, reduces appetite, changes body composition and will increase your pet’s resting metabolic rate.

8Owner Behavior Modification A successful

weight management program requires permanent changes in the behaviors that have allowed the pet to become overweight. Perhaps you are giving your pet too many treats, for example, or not giving him enough opportunities to exercise.

9Are you committed to your pet’s weight loss? Here are

some important things you can do: n Remove the pet from the room when the family eats. n Feed your pet several small meals throughout the day. n Feed all meals and treats in the pet’s bowl only. n Reduce snacks or treats. n Provide non-food related attention.

As a parent, you realize sharing a family meal is an important way to spend time with your children, but did you know kids also recognize the importance of this activity?

Interestingly, 82 percent of parents feel closer to their kids and 72 percent of kids feel closer to their parents when families sit down together for a quality meal, according to the recent “Share the Table Survey,” commissioned by Barilla, a top Italian food company, and Family Circle magazine.

The survey emphasized the importance of the quality of mealtime for both parents and kids. In fact, parents and kids who share high-quality meals together, regardless of how often they share those meals in some instances, are more likely to be happier and feel they possess specific positive emotional and social attributes.

“This innovative research showed us that kids value the family dinner as much as adults do, and they actually appreciate their parents more when they take the time to share a meal,” says Dr. William J. Doherty, professor of family social science and director of the Citizen Professional Center at the University of Minnesota, as well as a contributor to the study. “These findings tell us that something as simple as everyone sitting down together and talking about their day over a good meal can strengthen the bonds between parents and kids.”

Parents and kids agree that the key ingredients for a high-quality meal include laughter, relaxation, conversation and being together eating something everyone likes. Survey highlights include:


Parents, you’re not

alone:New study shows

kids value quality meals too

n Both parents and kids agree that spending time together is a top priority - and both wish they had more time to connect - and sharing family meals is the most important way families can do this.

n Families that regularly share mealtime have parents who feel happier and less stressed, and children who get better grades, develop healthy habits, and feel their parents are relaxed and fun to be around.

n Mealtime togetherness contributes more strongly to kids’ well-being than other common activities that families do together and other activities competing for kids’ time (sports, dance, arts, clubs) and yet family dinners are given away to accommodate those other activities.

“We know how hard it is to always get the whole family together for dinner, and it’s great to see that teens and ‘tweens appreciate family time just as much as moms and dads,” says Linda Fears, editor-in-chief of Family Circle. “We always tell our readers that the best way to make the most out of mealtime is to check technology at the door, engage each other, take time to relax and enjoy the food.”


Doherty offers some advice for how parents can make sharing a meal a regular, beneficial occurrence in their home:

n Minimize outside activities that interfere with family dinners. Start small, perhaps choosing one night a week for a family meal. Make it special and start adding days from there. If your children let you know that they think family dinners are inconvenient and boring, resist the temptation to cave in.

n Ban TV and other electronic media, except background music, from family dinners. Encourage conversation and laughter to be the focal point.

n Involve children in meal planning and preparation. It’s a great way for parents and kids to interact, and can also help children learn healthy nutrition and eating habits.

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Over half of all Americans will need to make choices about their health insurance by 2014, and

already, millions are making decisions about their Medicare drug or Medicare Advantage plans. But many people struggle with choosing the right plans for personal health care insurance, family plans, or deciding on behalf of a loved one.

Studies by Consumers Union have found that many people are overwhelmed with the number of health plan options there are, and they often don’t know where to begin. Many looking for health insurance also:

• Dread shopping for health insurance.• Will take short cuts in order to just “get through” the process.• Are confused by jargon.


Tips for Choosing a Health Insurance Plan

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These difficulties can mean that too many people overpay for their health insurance and still don’t get the plan that’s best for them. In fact, many seniors are spending more than $500 extra per year on medication coverage because of the drug plan they selected. A major reason why Americans struggle with these choices is that they don’t have complete and easy-to-understand information about all the health plan choices available to them.

Know Your OptionsReliable information about health insurance options-

what they cost and what they cover-is more critical than ever. So many people turn to online sites to help them compare different choices.

Existing health insurance decision tools often steer consumers only toward health plans that have paid to be listed. The basis for their evaluations is biased because they only represent some insurers. They also often require the user to share personally identifiable information.

However, a new website called HealthPocket.com

enables you to compare and rank the health insurance plans available to you in your area. HealthPocket.com displays information on the price and quality of all insurance options, so users can make informed decisions about what they need, and how to compare and save costs.

According to Bruce Telkamp, HealthPocket.com co-founder and CEO, HealthPocket.com is not affiliated with any insurance company, and therefore provides a comprehensive and unbiased listing of plans that best fit consumers’ needs. “It’s the only private, independent website able to filter all plans available by cost of premiums, cost of drugs covered, and quality of the plan-without hiding anything.” To learn more, visit www.HealthPocket.com.

Understand Plan DetailsYou need to understand the differences between the

various plan features so you can make a fully informed decision. Before you make a final decision, be sure you are clear on what those benefits are.

* Check the “Summary of Benefits and Coverage” forms for each plan you’re considering.

* If you have any questions, speak directly with your plan’s representative and make sure you get a clear understanding of how the plan will work for you.

Your health care coverage is too important to ignore. Doing some homework now can save you time and money, and help you take better care of your loved ones in the future.


With so much of daily life connected to smart phones, the thought of being without one worries a lot of people.

Unfortunately, loss, damage and theft do occur - and more often than you might think.

According to the Federal Communications Commission, 1 in 3 robberies nationwide involve cell phones. And, according to mobile phone insurance company Asurion, 36.5 percent of customers filing claims cited loss or theft as the reason for filing a claim. This number jumps to an alarming 54 percent for iPhone customers. Asurion also reported that across all mobile phones, 53 percent of claims involved damage. Breaking out just iPhones, 42 percent of customers filing claims do so for damage.

Many people don’t realize that replacing their lost, stolen or damaged phone will most likely cost more than what they paid up front. For example, an Asurion consumer survey showed that 43.5 percent of parents and 50.5 percent of students believe it costs less than $200 to replace a mobile phone. However, if your iPhone 4S or 5 is lost, stolen or damaged, you will be required to pay the full retail price of the mobile phone to replace it, not the discounted price you might have paid when signing up with the wireless provider or upgrading your phone. And that can be as much as $650.

Insurance vs. WarrantyThere are several protection options in the

market. However, you need to understand the difference between insurance and warranties. The difference between insurance and a warranty is that a


The Importance

of Cell Phone Insurance

warranty covers hardware issues and accidental damage. You usually have to purchase a warranty at the time you buy the phone. Warranties, such as AppleCare, do not cover loss or theft of a phone.

Cell phone insurance is an insurance product, just like your home or auto insurance. It is regulated by insurance laws in each state. You pay a monthly fee for the insurance (typically between $5 and $7 for the basic insurance coverage). When you file a claim, you pay a deductible, typically $50 to $200, depending on the phone. With Asurion, for example, the iPhone deductible ranges from $169 to $199.

When choosing cell phone insurance, look for:• Warranties for replacement devices.• Comprehensive coverage that covers loss, theft and out-of-warranty damage (such as liquid damage).• Convenient claims filing and rapid replacement service.

No one ever really wants to need insurance,

because that usually means something unfortunate has happened. But, just like insurance for your home or car, if something does happen to your cell phone, you’ll be glad to have a plan in place to quickly reconnect with family, friends and work.

Learn more at www.asurion.com.


Some of What’s Inside:Pocono’s Finest Trout Streams

Campground Guide

Playing in the Dirt

History of the Stroudsburg Library

You May Also EnjoyPocono Living Magazine

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The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is located at 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry, PA. You can call them at 570-828-2319, or visit their website at www.peec.org for more information on their programming.

The “Easy Does It” HikersSunday, March 3 – 10:00am-12:00pm. Enjoy a nice leisurely walk through the woods. Join us for easy hikes, slow paces and interpretive natural history.

ECO book club“The End of Country,” by Seamus McGraw. Sunday, March 3 – 1:00-2:30pm Free. Read a new book! Meet up to discuss the book and share thoughts. Bring some snacks and enjoy a delightful afternoon.

Sugar Shack ScrambleSaturday, March 9 – 9:00am-12:30pm. Take an orienteering expedition to the “Two Saps” Sugar Shack. Use a map and compass to reach the sugar shack and then enjoy hot cocoa and pancakes with fresh maple syrup! Sign up for a 9am or 9:30am start time. Spaces limited!

Black & White Photography TourSunday, March 10 – 9:00am-3:00pm. Grab your camera and join us for a tour of the historic buildings in the Park. This is the perfect time of year to shoot black and white photos. Pack a lunch and dress warmly. Call to reserve a seat in the van. Carpooling encouraged.

Amphibian SearchSunday, March 10 – 1:00-3:00pm. Warming temperatures bring out the frogs & salamanders. Join us on our search! Wear boots & clothes that can get muddy. Please call to register.

Fossil Trail HikeSaturday, March 16 – 1:30-3:00pm. Take a hike in the woods. This 1 ¼ mile trail passes a vernal pool that is important for breeding amphibians and then descends into a mature hardwood ravine. Look at fossils along the way. Moderate-strenuous with a final, steep climb. Please call to register.

Woodcock WalkSaturday, March 16 – 6:00-7:30pm. Join us for a walk to see the mysterious woodcock. These birds take to the fields this time of year for a spectacular mating display. Bring your patience and sense of wonder. Ages 10+ please. Please call to register.

Equinox ExtravaganzaSaturday, March 23 – 1:00-4:00pm. Celebrate the end of winter and welcome the new growing season with our annual springtime celebration! Enjoy this family-oriented event full of fun and educational stations on a guided trail. Call for details & to register.

Sunday for SinglesSunday, March 24 – Free 1-3pm. This monthly hike is all about meeting new people and exploring nature together.

March & April at Pocono Environmental Education Center

Specialists in Running & Walking

431 Main Street • Stroudsburg, PA 18360Phone: 570-424-6431 • Email: [email protected]

We are participating providers for the following insurance companies:United Concordia • Aetna PPO • Delta Dental (including AARP) • Metlife PDP

NCAS • Guardian PPO • Cigna PPO • Capital Blue Cross

Jeffrey R. Wert D.M.D., P.C.

P.O. Box 485, Route 611, Tannersville, PA 18372

570.629.1570 • [email protected] www.drwert.com

“Quality, affordable dentistry in a relaxed and friendly manner”

When it comes to protecting what you love, it’s not what you know, but who you know. Someone who cares about what you care about. At Nationwide Insurance, we call them agents. You’ll call them friends. We put members

first, because we don’t have shareholders.Join the Nation where protection is personal.

Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Company and Affiliated Companies, Columbus, Ohio. Savings compared to standalone price of each auto, home and life policy. Savings based on new customer data from May 2010. Not all Nationwide affiliated companies are mutual companies and not all Nationwide members are insured by a mutual company. Nationwide, Nationwide Insurance, the Nationwide framemark, Nationwide is On Your Side and Join the Nation are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. ©2012 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved. NPR-0501M1 (07/12)

Join me in Stroudsburg.

Michael J FraileyFrailey Insurance and Financial Services(570) 421-7447www.Nationwide.com/michaelfrailey

In the Nation, what matters to us is what matters to you.


Spring Waterfalls Saturday, April 6 – $20 1-3pm. The melting snow and spring rains have raised the water level. Join us as we travel to some truly magnificent waterfalls. Dress in warm layers, wear sturdy footwear, and bring a camera! Call within a week of the program to reserve a seat in the van.

Volunteer Day – Spring CleaningSunday, April 7 – 9am - 12pm “A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions” – Lawrence G. Lovasik. Help us clean up after winter and prepare for the spring. Hope to see you there! Refreshments provided.

Salamanders, frogs and more! Saturday, April 13 – 1-3pm$5 Sunday, April 28 – 1-3pm. Amphibians are stirring in the woods! Join us as we explore nearby breeding pools for salamanders, frogs, and egg masses. We’ll provide nets and collection jars for gentle, up-close study. Wear boots and clothes that can get a little muddy or wet.

Spring Peeper Search Saturday, April 13 – $5 8-9pm. These tiny tree frogs have thawed out and are active again in our forested wetlands. Listen to the impressive choir made by these vocal amphibians as we carefully catch, study, and release them. Bring a flashlight for better searching!

Park History TourSunday, April 14 – $10 members / $20 non-members 9am-3pm. Explore the Park to find the many scenic and historic sites within our beloved recreation area. Bring a water bottle, lunch, and a camera for great photo opportunities. Call to reserve a seat in the van. Carpooling encouraged.

Earth Day CelebrationSaturday, April 20 – $5 per car 10am-4pm. Help us celebrate the Earth! There will be hands-on learning stations, interpretive hikes, conservation exhibits, animals, crafts, food, music, and much more! Pre-registration is NOT required.

Sunday for Singles – off campus hikeSunday, April 21 – $5 1-3pm. This monthly hike is all about meeting new people and exploring nature together. This off-campus hike will visit a local trail. Transportation is provided - please call to reserve a seat in the van.

Drum Making WorkshopApril 27-28– $250 / $200 commuter rate. Master drummer, Maxwell Kofi Donkor, will lead you through the steps of making your own drum, from selecting the materials to heading the shells. Create your own drum and bring it to a Moonlit Drumming program in the summer!

SPORTSMAN SERIES: 1 of 3: introduction to fly fishingSunday, April 28 – $20 ($50 for all 3 sessions) 10am-12pm. Learn the basics of fly fishing. Practice knot tying and casting. Join Tom Battista from the Brodhead Chapter of Trout Unlimited for a fun afternoon and learn some new skills.


Free Subscriptions to the digital version Pocono Healthy Living© magazine are easy.

Simply click “Subscribe” below and press send in your email message.

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POCONO MEDICAL CENTER is proud to welcome Mo Lareef, MD, to our Oncology Team. Located at the Dale & Frances Hughes Cancer Center, Dr. Lareef brings over 15 years experience and is fellowship trained from the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. Dr. Lareef is the recipient of the prestigious Guth Award, given to those who have demonstrated exceptional compassion for the sick with a true sense of humanity and human dignity. Dr. Lareef is Board certified and currently consulting, diagnosing and treating patients with cancer.

“I want my patients and their families to know that I will listen to them and guide them through their course of care. Compassion and communication are the keys between patient and doctor, and I believe in a continuation of care.”

Pocono Medical Center.org

Dale & Frances Hughes Cancer Center181 East Brown StreetEast Stroudsburg, PA 18301(570) 426-2970

Mo Lareef, MDSurgical Oncologist

The New Face of Surgical Oncology

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

PAID LEHIGH VALLEY

PA PERMIT #132


1929 North 5th Street Stroudsburg, PA 18360

march / april 2013

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