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Taming the Sweet Tooth Monster: Curbing Kids' Candy Consumption
By Suzanne Johnson
What's scarier than a howling werewolf or a wicked witch? Hall-oween strikes fear into the heart of dentally-aware parents everywhere, as it marks the start of the dreaded sugar season. The candy corn is barely gone before foil-wrapped chocolate Santas start popping up everywhere, followed within weeks by boxes of gooey Valentine confections. And let's not forget the trail of jelly beans left by our friend the Easter Bunny. Most kids have difficulty learning to moderate their intake in this sugar-charged environment, and that can play nasty tricks on their dental health. But take heart - there are ways to help kids curb their candy consumption.
The Candy Villains: Sugar and Acid
We all know that sugar can cause dental decay, but we often forget sugar's partner in crime: acidity. Sugar clings to the surface of teeth, and feeds the bacteria found in every person's mouth. If not removed by brushing, these bacteria multiply, forming plaque, and produce an acid that erodes dental enamel. Repeat this process a few times, and cavities are inevitable.
All candies are not created equal. Some are definitely more damaging in the dental health department. "Anything sticky, like a caramel or nougat, stays on the teeth and keeps encouraging decay," explains Jeff Johnson, DDS. Long lasting treats, like hard candies or lollipops, extend the period of time when bacteria can do their dirty work. And the super-sour candies create double damage, providing an extra dose of acidity along with the sugar.
Candy is not the only dental hazard this season. Along with the festivities comes an ample supply of soda pop, known as liquid candy in the dental world. The phosphoric acid used to carbonate the soda erodes the tooth enamel, and lowers the pH in the mouth to a level where bacteria thrive.
There is one bright spot in the treat department: sugarless gum. Chewing gum increases saliva flow in the mouth, which washes away bacteria and helps restore a proper pH in the mouth. Look for gums containing Xylitol, a natural, low-calorie sweetener that actually keeps bacteria from adhering to teeth, and helps prevent decay.
But they're Only Baby Teeth…
"Keeping the primary teeth healthy is critical for a lifetime of dental health," emphasizes Dr. Johnson. Primary teeth serve as placeholders while the permanent teeth are forming, and keep the jaw developing properly. Just as importantly, healthy primary teeth means a trip to the dentist will be a positive experience for the child, and cultivates good dental habits for a lifetime.
Dr. Johnson advises that parents brush and floss children's teeth for them up to age eight, and continue to check their brushing to at least age ten. Flossing breaks up the colonies of bacteria that collect between teeth. Brushing before bed is the most important time, as the saliva flow which naturally washes away bacteria is at a minimum during sleep.
Strategies to Minimize Hallo-ween Sugar Intake
It would be unrealistic, and no fun at all, to try to ban candy at Halloween and the holidays that follow. But it doesn't have to be a sugar orgy - here are some ways to keep the candy intake to a healthier level.
Finally, when handing out treats, consider some alternatives. Wax fangs and lips are always a hit; pre-wrapped cheese sticks are delicious and full of calcium (and fit the Halloween color theme!) Spider rings, temporary tattoos, and bouncy balls can be found for about the same cost as candy. And for those sticking with the traditional candy handouts, avoid the super-sours and super-sticky candies. Your trick-or-treaters are guaranteed to keep smiling.
Changing the lives of children, Phillips Performing Arts bring the Broadway experience to the Valley
By Natasha Billawala
The start of school year ushers in the new season of extra curricular activities. Be it ballet, piano or vocal lessons, the benefits of these pursuits can be far reaching and life changing. Research shows a direct correlation between increased academic success and participation in the arts. Such is the attitude of Phillips Performing Arts, a musical theater production company based in Chatsworth, CA. This company, comprised of a vast and diverse group of professionals, teaches children from the age of seven to nineteen all aspects of performing from acting, singing and dancing to make-up, costumes and lighting.
Rena Phillips, the company's artistic director, founded Phillips Performing Arts in early 2008 when she felt a lack of artistic expression available to children in her Northridge community. Ms. Phillips majored in dance and theater at the University of Houston. She continued her training at the legendary Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, receiving a scholarship to their program. She has since performed in many Broadway productions, commercials, TV specials and music videos, including Dream Girls, Sophisticated Ladies and Pippin. Ms. Phillips also sang and danced with the famous Rockets at Radio City Music Hall.
Obba Babatunde, the company's Associate Director, has an extensive resume of over seventeen stage productions, thirty feature films and numerous commercials and television appearances. He is a master tap dancer and a skilled impressionist. Performing since the age of six, this Tony and Emmy nominated actor's credits include Dream Girls, Jelly's Last Jam, Chicago, Half & Half and Introducing Dorothy Dandridge.
Phillips Performing Arts opened its doors with a production of Alice in Wonderland and followed it up with the show Seussical. Each piece met with not only great reviews, but also in increased self-confidence, patience and respect by its participants. The company is currently at work on Beauty and the Beast, which is set to debut in December at Campus Theatre at California State University at Northridge. Their 2009 slate encompasses the shows Back to the '80s and Fame.
Phillips Performing Arts has an impressive roster of professionals committed to instructing and enhancing children's lives. They include musical directors/vocal instructors DeBorah Taylor and Gina Eckstine; dance instructors, Ydolina Espino, Sherman Stewart, Sara Beth Lane, Nori Shirasu and Milo Levell; and acting teacher, Samara Frame among others. Each of these teachers have years of experience in their field and a passion for performing which they hope to translate to each child. It is this compassion and dedication that make Phillips Performing Arts such a special experience.
The twelve-week session meets every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and culminates with a complete Broadway-style show. The week before production entails additional rehearsals after school to finalize every last detail. Phillips Performing Arts wants to reach kids from all kinds of cultural backgrounds and share with them the joy of performing. For more information, please visit musicaltheaterforkids.com or call (818) 554-0333.