Dyslexia and Learning Differences

Many people are unsure if their child has dyslexia or a learning difference. When a child is young these are often hidden disabilities that can go undetected until a child begins to struggle in school. The beginning of the school year marks a good time to develop a plan for learning more about your child’s learning style and advocating for their education. Join Rona and guests as they discuss learning disabilities and dyslexia, and offer ideas so all children can receive the education they deserve. Guests: Nancy Cushen White, EdD, an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, with more than 35 years of experience as a special education teacher and expert in special education curriculum, and Cheryl Theis, an Education Advocate at the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) in the Parent Training and Information Center.

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Supporting New Moms and Encouraging Breastfeeding

So many good things are attributed to breastfeeding children, including reducing rates of certain diseases, leaner children, fewer allergies, bonding, and even saving money. But not all moms and babies take naturally to breastfeeding. Lactation, positioning, fatigue, and not enough post-partum help can cause moms to get discouraged. Join Rona and guests as they discuss the importance of breastfeeding and offer ideas for how to support moms in the “fourth trimester.” Guests: Mary Azah, IBCLC, a Public Health Nurse and Lactation Consultant for Black Infant Health of Santa Clara and Dr. Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC, a pediatrician, author of The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers: The Most Comprehensive Problem-Solving Guide to Breastfeeding from the Foremost Expert in North America and popular speaker at breastfeeding conferences throughout North America.

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The Emotional Lives of Preteens

Early adolescence is a day-to-day emotional rollercoaster for most preteens. While this time of forging out and discovering an independent self is so important, images from friends, media and society can have huge implications on self-worth and mental health of young adults. Join Rona and guests as they offer ideas for identifying and addressing preteen emotional distress and depression. Guests: Brenda Mandac, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Department of Child Psychiatry at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara, and RosaMaria Oceguera, Supervisor and Therapist at San Mateo County Mental Health Behavioral Health and Recovery Services.

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Physical and Verbal Abuse: The Negative Effects on Children

There’s a wide spectrum of child abuse that occurs every day in every neighborhood. When a child is mistreated either physically or verbally the consequences can last a life time. What do you consider child abuse? Join Rona and guests for a compelling discussion about the differences between effective discipline and abuse. Guests: Dr. Marguerite Wright, the senior clinical and research psychologist at the Center for the Vulnerable Child, and Jane Smithson, an educator for mandatory child abuse reporters.

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Reducing Exposure to Toxins

Many scientists attribute the sharp increase in birth defects, cancer, and asthma in small children to environmental health threats. In addition to the fact that their nervous, respiratory, reproductive, and immune systems are still developing, during childhood, little bodies are taking in a greater ratio of food, water and air than the rest of us. Join Rona and guests as they discuss what you need to know to reduce the exposure of children to toxins such as lead, pesticides, and Phthalates. Guests: Margaret Reeves of the Pesticide Action Network of Northern California and Dennis Jordan of the Alameda County Lead Prevention Council.

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