Article newsfeed http://www.hvparent.com/ en-us Copyright 2013 The Professional Image. All Rights Reserved. Mon, 27 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Have fun with Hudson Valley Kids. Click on the magazine to see it in full screen. If you child likes to create puzzles, email us one and we may publish it in the next Hudson Valley Kids magazine. http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1338 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1338 Mon, 27 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT This is a season to celebrate the love of family and friends. We, at Hudson Valley Parent, want to wish you all the very best of the season and look forward to a healthy and happy new year! In that spirit we want to share a note that a grateful parent sent to Dr. Paul Schwartz, Hudson Valley Parents guru on raising children. The letter writer is teaching her 9-year-old daughter what it means to share with others and give back to the community. Dear Dr. Schwartz, I wanted to tell you that after reading your article in Hudson Valley Parent about helping our children to beautonomous and to "give back", my daughters and I volunteered weekly at a soup kitchen last summer. I am teaching them autonomy, selflessness, compassion, earning privileges, and not to feel entitled like so many other young people do. Between your parenting articles, your snippet on Youtube, and other things you have done for you......I have to thank you from the bottom of my heart for putting me on the right path to becoming a better parent. Thank you very, very much! Have a wonderful holiday season and God bless, From a local Hudson Valley Parent reader. http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1323 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1323 Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT Last months Hudson Valley Parent examined the issues of gang violence (Gangspotting) and offered some preventative measures for parents. Although gang membership affects only a small number of children and adolescents, aggressive behavior has become all too common among youngsters. This month I would like to offer parents some ideas regarding ways to help manage or control aggression in children. The emphasis will be on young children, as their issues and difficulties are vastly different from those of adolescents. First and foremost should be the understanding that it is not the childs feeling of aggression that should be viewed as wrong or inappropriate anger is a normal and natural emotion that all children experience and express. What needs to be guided, managed, and controlled is the expression of these feelings, not the feelings themselves. Behind the aggressive acts of children are usually very strong angry feelings of some event or person that has frustrated the child. Children should not be made to feel guilty or ashamed about their angry feelings. The task for parents is to acknowledge, and if the child has been wronged, accept what their child is feeling. The primary goal for parents is to help their children learn appropriate ways of coping with anger, and frustration, and the acceptable ways to express these feelings. Accepting the angry feelings doesnt mean accepting the aggressive actions. Generally, most children want to, and will, conform to parental expectations, especially if these expectations are delivered clearly, in a warm and accepting manner conveying respect for what the child is experiencing. Managing and controlling the expression of feelings doesnt come naturally to children, they must be taught and it takes time, energy, and patience. There are many packaged approaches and a multitude of books on controlling aggression in childhood, each promising guaranteed success with all children. Please keep in mind, one method of managing aggression will not work with all children. Today, what has had the most success for aggressive children is teaching control and alternative modes of responding rather than older ideas like letting off steam somewhere else, otherwise known as catharsis. (There is one book on behavior management I do recommend to parents, its Alan Kazdins The Kazdin Method for Parenting the Defiant Child. Its practical, not one dimensional, and proven effective.) Children can mimic Sometimes the aggressive behavior exhibited by a child might be created or perpetuated by the management system used by parents. This doesnt mean that parents intentionally teach or reward aggression in their children; or try to promote it; however, they may inadvertently encourage aggressive behavior. For example, as a means of stopping their children from becoming aggressive, some parents may become too controlling of their childs actions. Too much control may result in increased aggression and oppositional behavior, as aggression may be the only way a child has of asserting himself. This authoritarian style of management doesnt teach a child how to behave, it just tells him he needs to control his aggression or else. The or else usually being some form of punishment. Parents who rely on constantly spanking and using punishment as their disciplinary technique may suppress aggressive behavior in the short term. However, physical punishment is not a desirable or successful long-term strategy, especially if it is harsh or frequent. Parents who use physical punishment or the threat of punishment will often illicit a greater degree of negative side effects and reactions from their children. The most useless management postulate that parents can use is do as I say not as I do; children do as their parents do! Think of your behavior when encouraging what you desire of your childs behavior. Children who are managed aggressively, imitate the adult models that punish them. A child hit by an angry parent learns to deal with his own anger or frustration in a similar manner. Research indicates that even moderate use of aggression such as spanking increases the very behavior parents are looking to control. Spanking also creates only an external control mechanism, and doesnt help the child develop internal self-control or any means of coping with the problem that created the misbehavior in the first place, especially in other environments. How much control is enough? On the other side of the spectrum lies the permissive parent, who may be too accepting of their childs impulses and aggressive behavior. These parents may use too little control over their children, trusting in their children's ability to control their own behavior and act appropriately with other children. Under control can prove almost as problematic as harsh punishment. Too much permissiveness, or looking the other way by parents, can be seen as inadvertently rewarding aggressive behavior. Children see that if nothing happens when they are aggressive, it must be OK. While ignoring some behaviors can be an effective management technique, not so for aggression. Ignoring aggression may send a message to that child that aggression is a behavior that is tolerated. Always make it clear that aggression is not an acceptable means of dealing with anger. Inconsistent management can also have the same or similar effects. Being inconsistent may result in a child thinking will I get away with it this time. When rules have been established they need to be clearly understood and consistently enforced. Dont make discipline a platform for Lets Make a Deal. Parenting is as much an art as it is a science. Staying away from either of the extremes in behavior management mentioned is a good starting place to help manage aggressive behavior when it happens. Some other techniques that have been effective: Help children understand and verbalize what they are feeling. Dont underestimate the power of talk. Help a child develop alternate methods of dealing with conflict, frustration or anger. Role play with your child. Go through various scenarios asking what she might or could do differently next time. Help a child to develop empathy. Be the broken record to your child, always asking How do you think your sister feels when you do that? Sooner or later it will help them change their thinking or behavior. Be patient. Although anger is a normal emotion, aggressive behavior in childhood in most instances is a product of learning. If aggression is learned, with patience and appropriate responses to childhood instances it can be unlearned and appropriate behavior taught. Paul Schwartz, Ph.D., is a professor of psychology and education at Mount Saint Mary College. He is available for speaking engagements to parent groups. http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1311 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1311 Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT If you are not signed up for our newsletter, you are cheating yourself. It arrives nice and neat once a week, full of exciting places to go with the family and lots of great giveaways and contests. I know were all inundated these days with information, but if youre raising a family in the Hudson Valley, this is exactly the kind of resource that is useful. Please, take a moment to sign up right now (on our homepage). We dont share your email with anyone. Ill bet youll end up with at least one great weekend experience this fall just from signing up today. Go ahead. Ill wait. Okay, now that everyone is signed up for the newsletter, on to this months programming. As the father of a ten-month-old, Ive been intimately involved in the wonderful world of the sleeping habits of babies. In Sleep Wars, Janine Boldrin talks to moms and pediatricians to find out what the current thinking is on co-sleeping. It turns out that those that think its not a good idea and those that think it is have not managed to change each others minds. In the real world of parenting, I know folks who have stuck with one way or the other, but often (as in my case) its a blend. We slept with Mack the first week or two, then got a co-sleeper. At about three months, we put him in a separate room with a crib. But he still often joins us for an hour or two in the morning. Like a lot of these decisions, it comes down to what works for your family at any given time. Whichever wayor waysyou go, remember to follow the sleep safety guidelines particular to your choice. Once you figure out sleeping arrangements, youre all set. Just kidding. Now you have to decide whether to let baby cry it out or go the attachment parenting way of no-cry. For me and my partner, and most parents I talk to, no matter which way you go or what books you read, its going to be a little rough in patches, no way around it. And thats okay, its part of the deal. In Cry it Out or Rock-a-bye Baby?, Janine again consults the experts. While the conclusions and advice are not earth-shattering, they are reassuring for parents who can be experiencing Cry Anxiety. By the time he was five or six months, we mostly let little Mack cry a bit. He usually drops off fairly quickly. He may wake up periodically and cry for 5 seconds to a couple of minutes. If hes teething or crying unusually hard, well pop in after a few minutes, check the diaper situation, give him a little hug, maybe rock him for a few minutes. You figure it out, is what were figuring out. http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1289 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1289 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT Does this conversation sound familiar? Parent: Wait just a second honey, I couldnt hear you did you say want to paint your room black? Child: The official color is called Midnight Crush. Welcome to the world of tween decorating. Tweens are not quite ready-to-spread-their-wings teenagers, but they are definitely not young children anymore. They want their own space and have specific ideas about how they want that space to reflect their personality and sense of style. This is an opportunity to work together and to score major parental cool points by showing that you see their point of view. But prepare yourselfafter creating such an amazing space they may never want to leave. Here are tips to get started. Create a plan Even though this is your tweens room, you will be footing the bill, so set a budget up front. Before committing to a decorating plan, consult design books or magazines to give your tween some options. After they pick a theme or style, have them draw a sketch of the room they envision. Be sure they include furniture, posters, and bedding. Color that grows with you Choose a color scheme with your tween. They probably have a few favorites in mind, but pick colors that they will grow with. For example, if your tween is craving lime green walls, compromise with one lime green wall, or inexpensive accessories. Size it right Scale is the most important factor in design. So many do-it-yourself-ers make the biggest mistakes by not measuring furniture before purchasing. If you have a small space, you will need to use small scale furnishings. The same holds true for a large space and large furnishings. Buy smart Tweens are ever changing. Odds are what they like today may be out tomorrow. Purchase expensive items like furniture in neutral colors. Spend less money on accessories. You can create a fabulous space without breaking the bank. Have your tween be actively involved not just in the choosing of the paint colors, but in the actual work. Use the makeover as an opportunity to teach them how to paint, clean baseboards, hang pictures, or even sew. They will appreciate it more and benefit from the experience of doing it themselves. Along with the chain stores like IKEA, PB Teen, and Marshalls, check out local offerings, like The Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Newburgh, for inexpensive furnishings. The ReStore recycles new, gently used, and antique items donated by manufacturers, stores, contractors, and individuals. All proceeds from sales go directly towards Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburghs house construction program. Craigslist, yard sales, and thrift stores also yield a gold mine of fun and unique items. And, your tween can always put their creativity to use by making decorations of their own. Dont forget, simply asking your tween where they would like to shop will show that you trust their design ideas. Roberta Wagner is from Port Ewen and is known by her friends as the Martha Stewart of the Hudson Valley. Check out a tween space that Roberta recently transformed. http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1284 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1284 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT Jazz up your shades: Get some ribbon and dress up plain lamp shades. Wrap the ribbon around the shade and tie in a bow, or use multiple colors, and hot glue stripes. Design your own frames: Buy inexpensive frames or use old ones you have around the house. Use a hot glue gun and add buttons, shells, beads, or hard candies onto the frames. Make your own pillowcase: Purchase iron-on transfers at your local craft store and personalize away. Painted pots: Shop around for inexpensive terracotta pots and then paint your hand to make handprints all over them. Channel your inner artist: Buy an artist canvas and paint away. Create your own throw pillow: Scan a favorite photo and copy on iron on transfer paper, sold at your local craft store. Iron on fabric of choice. Sew and stuff. Cork it up: Purchase an inexpensive cork board at your local office store. Hot glue ribbon, or fun accessories to make it your own. You can also purchase sticky pins for some extra pizzazz. http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1286 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1286 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT Not long after my partner Stephanie announced that she was pregnant, I ran into a friend who was also expecting. She was a strong advocate for home birthsthis would be her third. Being somewhat enamored of de-medicalizing the birth experience, I asked her to have a chat with Stephanie. It may have been a case of too much too soon. This was Stephs first child, and she was 40 years old, and none of this had even been on her radar. While she did not feel comfortable with the home birth option, she did think it made sense to try a drug-free labor at a birthing center. Of course, while birthing centers encourage you to write up a birthing plan, there are no guarantees as to what happens during the actual event. Thats part of the appeal of a more hospital-oriented processthere is a fairly standard and systematic procedure in place. My mom had five kids in the 1960s this way. There was no option to forego drugs. There were no pre-birth prep classes for mom and dad, and certainly no need for breastfeeding class. The baby was shuttled off to a nursery immediately, and it was fed formula from the get go. My partner Stephanie and I had our baby in November at the Birthing Pavillion at Hudson Valley Hospital Center in Cortlandt. It was a relaxed, comfortable, low-key environment. Our friend Kate was our doula. Everything went according to planuntil it didnt. When it came down to it, Stephanie seemed unable to push the baby out. There were tense moments for dad, when monitors showed the babys heart rate going way down. I could see how exhausted my partner was. The doctor and midwife had gone into strictly business mode. Finally, all hands on duty at the time were called into our room for one final chance to help deliver our baby boy before going to the Caesarean option. The operating room was on standby. A vacuum suction was employed several times, and the midwife climbed up onto the bed to help push the baby out. An episiotomy was performed. And our little guy finally started to emerge into the world. With his large, sloped head he looked like a purple baby gorilla to his stunned and exhausted dad. It turned out that Mackinley Aden Roland, at 9 pounds 7 ounces, was about 2 pounds heavier than expected. There is no way to know how a home birth would have gone in this particular situation. I still believe home birth can be the first choice for many parents, as long as mom is 100 percent behind it and has full confidence in all those involved. But as older, first-time parents, we felt more comfortable in a birthing center. In the end, the goal is the same: as safe and healthy a birth as possible for all. http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1263 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1263 Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT Are you familiar with this lullaby? Generals gathered in their masses Just like witches at black masses Evil minds that plot destruction Sorcerers of deaths construction. No? Well, the folks at Rockabye Baby did have the good sense to leave out the lyrics to Black Sabbaths War Pigs and other timeless rock music songs when they created their popular nursery-friendly renditions. The infantized tunes will sooth parents as well as babies, as mom and dad recall their glory days while humming along: Cutie the bomb Met her at a beauty salon With a baby Louis Vuitton Under her underarm From Gold Digger by Kanye West. $16.98 each. http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1270 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1270 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT The following recipes arecourtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board. Try one or all three to satisfy your watermelon craving. Watermelon Shirley Temple This recipe was created by Chef Joe Poon for the National Watermelon Promotion Board. Ingredients: 4 shots (6 ounces) watermelon juice 4 shots (6 ounces) lemon lime soda 2 teaspoons confectioner's sugar Instructions: Place all ingredients in a mixer. Mix, then pour over crushed ice and strain into glass. Servings: Serves 2; Per serving: 186 Calories; 1g Fat (3% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 46g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 24mg Sodium Grilled Kielbasa with Watermelon Relish 1 cup minced watermelon cup minced onion cup finely chopped cabbage 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar 2 tablespoons honey mustard 3 pounds kielbasa Mix the watermelon, onion and cabbage in a mixing bowl. In another small bowl slowly mix the vinegar into the mustard and then pour the mixture over the watermelon/onion/cabbage mixture and toss together. Grill the kielbasa until brown and crisp on the exterior but still juicy inside. Remove from grill to a cutting board and cool for 5 minutes before cutting the kielbasa into bite sized pieces and skewer them with a pick. Serve warm with the relish for scooping with the kielbasa. Serves 12 as an appetizer. Red White and Blue Watermelon Sundaes 4 cups watermelon balls 2 cups fresh blueberries 4 dollops prepared whipped topping Red, white and blue star sprinkles Gently mix together the watermelon and blueberries. Divide among 4 sundae bowls. Top each with a dollop of topping and sprinkle with red ,white and blue sprinkles. Serve immediately. Serves 4. http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1272 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1272 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Evenflo Momentum 65 is a child car seat designed to offer greater protection during side impact crashes. In terms of day to day features, car seat harnesses can be a time wasting pain in the neck (literally), so the Momentum features an easily adjustable harness system. The seat works in both forward and rear facing modes, and can handle a child up to 65 pounds. Most important, it comes with a flip-up cup holder. $199.99, Babies R Us. http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1271 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1271 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT The 75 recipes in Love in Spoonfuls, by the editors of Parenting, are arranged by age, from 6 months to 2 years, so a new parent will be referring to this from first bites through toddlerhood. Each chapter starts with the age-relevant lowdown of how to approach feeding. The beautiful food photography is used not only to accompany the recipes (raspberry puree, Asian-style pork meatballs, baked fish with mango) but also to illustrate early eating conceptsfor instance, the minimum safe sizes for various finger foods. Topics such as picky eating, global flavors, and family meals are presented as mini-features. Preparation tricks include making bento boxes, and using cookie cutters to keep food fun, with an eye on creating habitual and healthy meals for your infant that compliment the family meals. This has worked at our house: Mackies pea and mint puree is so tasty Ive been known to slip it onto dads plate. Stephanie H., Beacon Love in Spoonfuls, published by Chronicle Books, 159 pages. $19.95. chroniclebooks.com http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1255 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1255 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT The rotating hook on chair byChicco lets you bring baby to the table with a minimum of fuss & spin her for dinner. It goes on and off easily, and works on most tables, so no hassle taking it with you to grandmas house. The only inconvenience is pressing two little buttons at the same time to remove the chair arms, which requires dexterity and finger strength. Another useful feature is the removable serving tray, which can be popped in the dishwasher. The seat pad comes in two prints for 2010, Miro (shown) and Sea Dreams, and is machine washable. $69.99. Target. http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1256 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1256 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT I reviewed the Ocean Wonders Jumperoo a little while back on our blog, regarding it as an odd configuration of metal and plastic that nevertheless produced a drooling smile every time. The report from the field after a few more weeks gets even better. Mom and dad love it because it's the perfect place to put baby Mack while preparing his breakfast, and a great way to jump-start his day. All the various doo-dads still amuse, and even the little ditty it plays over and over is less annoying than, say, the ice cream truck jingle. Overall, I'd call the Jumperoo our Ten-Minute Nanny (my partner calls it baby crack). Its the rare toy that has actually paid for itself! MR $99. Babies R Us. http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1252 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1252 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT For a listing of all hospitals that accept cord blood donations: marrow.org. For a list of public and private cord blood banks: parentsguidecordblood.org. This site also lists all current diseases treated with cord blood and all diseases and conditions being researched. The two companies that accept public donations from anywhere: Cryobanks International, Inc. 800-869-8608 STORAGE: Altamonte Springs, FL LifebankUSA 1-877-543-3226 STORAGE: Cedar Knolls, NJ http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1247 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1247 Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Opponents of same sex schooling maintain that same sex education will have the reverse of the intended effect and actually increase gender stereotypes. Additionally it is believed that same sex education will also diminish and even negate the gains made by Title IX, a Higher Education Act that calls for federally funded schools to treat males and females equally in academics and in sports. Gender differences lie on a continuum Most teacher education programs do not train prospective teachers for same gender education. The differences between boys and girls lie on an overlapping continuum, and there is no one way to teach boys and another to teach girls. Some boys are highly sensitive and as the clich goes; in touch with their feminine side. Conversely some girls are extremely aggressive and assertive, and more dominant than some boys. Sooner or later males and females will live and work together. Advocates of coeducational education believe that single sex schools limits the opportunity to learn to work cooperatively and experience the real gender differences between the sexes, not the stereotypes. Case by case basis What is the answer; do single sex schools improve academic performance and give kids a competitive edge? As I have said before the answer cannot be stated as a simple yes or no, and additionally, the answer is often contradictory. There is some compelling evidence that both at the elementary and secondary level academic performance is enhanced when girls are present in the majority. However there are still a multitude of unanswered questions that need to be researched. If you are considering a single sex educational setting for your child, be aware of how your child learns best, including their learning style, temperament, interests and where they would be happiest. When you have the answers to these questions for your child, then you can make an informed decision, and your child will benefit, wherever they go to school. Paul Schwartz, Ph.D., is a professor of psychology and education at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh. What are thepros of a same sex education? http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1249 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1249 Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Falls account for approximately 1.3 million injuries each year and are the leading cause of nonfatal home injuries for children. According to the NYS Department of Health, one of the most common causes of fall related hospitalizations for children include falling from playground equipment. I have yet to see a safe play area in a backyard, says Meri-K Appy, President of the Home Safety Council. Every swing set needs to provide a safe landing with padding in the fall zone. Beyond a bone breaking, there is head trauma which is not so easily fixed. From 2004 to 2006, Dutchess County had the highest rate of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) hospitalizations in New York State. Falls, which are the leading cause of TBIs, constituted twenty nine percent of the causes of injury related hospitalizations for children in Dutchess County in 2006. The NYS Department of Health recommends that playground surfaces consist of shredded rubber, fiber mulch, or fine sand that extends 12 inches deep and 6 feet around equipment to reduce injuries due to falls. Children are going to climb and they are going to fall. Make sure they have a safe landing and supervise them, says Appy. Parents buy play sets for their kids to grow into, but kids are going to use them right away. The whole family Does your family have a fire escape plan? As a family talk about what youre going to do when the fire alarm goes off, recommends Appy. Have a family fire drill. Make sure the children know what the alarms sounds like and where they should go. Elementary age children can sleep through an alarm. You may have only minutes to wake up and get your children. Michael Vatter, Chief of the Newburgh Fire Department, recommends changing the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year and using Daylight Savings Time as a good reminder for the switch out. We still find very old wiring in residences along with substandard electrical service, says Vatter. Older homes are a major concern for us. We do find that heating systems are neglected. Failure to maintain the heating systems is a major cause of carbon monoxide incidents. Beginning on February 22, 2010, NY State Law requires that every dwelling unit have a Carbon Monoxide Detector installed. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is highly toxic to humans. Wood stoves, fireplaces, even an attached garage, all of these are key sources of carbon monoxide, says Appy. The scary part is that you only know it is there if the alarm goes off. Think ahead Parents need to continue to reevaluate their homes safety as their child grows. Resources are available through the Home Safety Council, your local health department and fire department to learn about what you can do to keep your home safe. Janine Boldrin is a freelance writer who lives in West Point with her husband and three children. Home safety starts at birth, find out more here. http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1236 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1236 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Many expectant couples are not aware that they may have the option of saving their babys cord blood. In fact, more than a few are likely unfamiliar with the term itself. Here are some facts about cord blood and what options for saving the blood are currently available. Cord blood is the blood taken from the umbilical cord and placenta after the birth of a healthy baby, says Misty Marchioni, director ofCommunity Blood Services in New Windsor. The stem cells found in cord blood are currently used to treat leukemias and certain cancers. Research is being done with stem cells to treat Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease, and spinal cord injuries. Stem cells are cells that have the capacity to become other types of cellslung cells, heart, muscle, etc. Other sources of non-embryonic stem cells are bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cells. Cord blood has several advantages over other stem cells. Because cord blood is collected and cryogenically stored, it can be available for transplant in 24 hours. Finding a registered viable bone marrow donor can be a time-consuming process, and in some cases patients do not have much time. Bone marrow donation is painful, and peripheral blood donation is uncomfortable and time-consuming. Also, the more mature stem cells found in bone marrow and peripheral blood are more likely to cause graft vs. host disease, which occurs when the body recognizes the transplanted stem cells as foreign substances and begins to attack and destroy these new stem cells. Because cord blood stem cells have not done a lot of fighting, they may reduce graft vs. host disease by as much as 50 percent, according to Donald Hudspeth, general manager and international project manager at Cryobanks International, Inc. Saving is expensive One of the biggest concerns about cord blood banking is cost. Saving cord blood in a private bank has an initial cost along with an annual fee. Its not free and its not cheap, says Hudspeth. One of the first questions you have to ask is can you afford to do it. There is an upfront cost of about $2,000 and then a yearly fee of $100 or more to maintain the cord blood. The perceived advantage is that you are guaranteed that your child or someone else in the family who is a compatible recipient would have the cord blood available if the need arose. Public banking is also an option. However, it costs a public bank about $1,000 to process cord blood for storage. To accept donations without charge, the bank must have income to support the laboratory. That income may come from federal funding (The C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program authorized by the Stem Cell Therapeutic and research Act of 2005 provides funding to cover the expense of collecting and storing public cord blood donations) it may come from private banking profits, or selling some of the donations to research programs. Still, many hospitals do not offer this servicethere are currently none in the Hudson Valley region. The closest hospitals are in New York City. Jamie Lober is a nationally known speaker providing information on womens and pediatric health topics. jamie@getpinkpower.com. How does cord blood banking work? http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1239 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1239 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Whether you decide to bank privately or publicly, you must first enroll by filling out an extensive questionnaire. If banking privately, a deposit will be required. (If choose public banking, find out if the attending physician will charge a collection fee. Some do and some do not.) The questionnaire must be usually be completed and signed by your physician by the end of the 34th week of pregnancy. Most companies will then send out a collection kit and follow up with a phone call. After the birth, the doctor obtains the cord blood and returns it to the couple, who pack it according to instructions. The lab will usually arrange a pickup. Thats it. The procedure itself is safe and painless. Once it reaches the lab, it undergoes further screening. According to Donald Hudspeth, general manager and international project manager at Cryobanks International, Inc., about forty percent of public donations are accepted, with the largest majority being rejected to to a low volume of stem cells in the sample. Nationally, the cord blood being used averages 1.4 billion cells per sample. If the sample is already below that minimum cell count to become transplantable, chances are its viability will be overshadowed by processing fees and storage costs. Another ten percent or so is rejected for medical reasons, and a further ten percent due to errors in handling and collection. Future uses forseen Public banking makes the blood available to anyone who is compatible through human leukocyte antigen, or HLA, testing. It checks the recipients likelihood to create antibodies against the blood. Ethnic minority donations are the most underrepresented in the banks, so mothers from these populations are encouraged to donate. Right now the applications for cord blood are limited, but the scientists are busy. The Food and Drug Administration just cleared a clinical trial for the use of stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood for cerebral palsy, says Misty Marchioni, director of Community Blood Services in New Windsor. Its impossible to say what the possibilities may be for cord blood stem cells in the future, but some parents are banking on it. Jamie Lober is a nationally known speaker providing information on womens and pediatric health topics. jamie@getpinkpower.com. Findlocal resources! http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1240 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1240 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Park packing list:   Antibacterial wipes Beach towels Camera Cell phone Comfortable hiking or athletic shoes Frisbee, ball, kite, etc. Hats/sunglasses Insect Repellent Insulated cooler Moisture-resistant blanket/ground cover Small first-aid kit Sunscreen and lip balm Trash bags Water bottles http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1230 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1230 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT You alreadyread about the hottestpicnic places in Dutchess andOrange counties, here are more in Ulster and Sullivan! FORSYTH NATURE CENTER Ulster County This interpretive nature center located in Kingston is open year round, with 15 animal exhibits, five gardens and a calendar full of nature based programs for children and adults. Picnic tables are available under an attractive gazebo, allowing you to bring lunch and extend your visit. A looping path leads you on an exploration of the animal pens containing a menagerie of peacocks, chickens, goats, turtles, ducks, rabbits, and turtle. More wildlife can be observed from the boardwalk circling the pond. During the summer, the center is open 7am7pm, MondayFriday; and 9am5pm, Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Lucas Ave., Kingston. 845-331-1682. PARK PERK: Educational programs, like Buzz on Bees and Turtle Talk are offered regularly to introduce kids to different species. THE SOJOURNER TRUTH / ULSTER LANDING COUNTY PARK Ulster County This seasonal park was recently re-named in honor of Sojourner Truth, the African-American abolitionist and womens rights activist who was born in Ulser County. Its located directly on the Hudson River, with a beach and broad views of the KingstonRhinecliff Bridge from the observation deck. The amenities include playgrounds, hiking trails, basketball and volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and a boat launch area. A covered pavilion with picnic tables is located within view of the river. Barbecue grills are available at the pavilion for your use. The park is open from 10am8pm. Swimming permitted through Labor Day. 916 Ulster Landing Rd., Saugerties.845-336-8484. PARK PERK: The small sandy beach is one of the few, and most scenic, places to swim on the west banks of the Hudson River. LAKE SUPERIOR STATE PARK Sullivan County The serene, lushly wooded Lake Superior State Park is managed by Sullivan County under license from the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. The park, which is open year round, consists of over 1,400 acres, including Lake Superior and Chestnut Ridge Pond. Lake Superiors seasonal beach area features swimming, picnic areas with grills, a group picnic pavilion, rowboat and paddle boat rentals, full service food concession, fishing, volleyball court and a playground for ages 5-12. Theres another picnic area by the lakes dam with tables and grills. The park is open from 9amdusk. There is a fee to access the beach through Labor Day. The day pass is $5 per person, and free for children under three. Dr. Duggan Rd., Bethel. 845-583-7908. PARK PERK: This park is off-the-beaten-path, meaning the beach is rarely crowded. Traci L. Suppa is a family travel writer living in Dutchess County. Her website is WordScapesny.com. We have your packing list here! http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1229 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1229 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT I dont believe there is an equivalent grown-up emotion to the feeling created in children when facing the last day of school before summer. There is nothing that quite makes the translation into adulthood. As schools recess for June, July, and August, we will bring you information-packed articles on things to do and places to go when the heat is on. This month we give you the lowdown on family-friendly hikes in the Hudson Valley.   Now more than ever you will want to check our event calendar, here in the magazine and of course at hvparent.com. The extensive travel guide we put together for you last month continues to grow online, so check in often. We also are featuring more web-only content. I encourage you to visit us, comment on articles, take our polls, and enter our weekly contests. As we go forward, we want to continue to hear from you. Look for more web developments throughout the summer.   If you have a little one who will be celebrating a birthday during the coming months, weve put together a special Party Guide in this issue to help you throw a bash to remember. There are a number of local businesses that specialize in creating memorable occasions. Think of them when the big day rolls around this year.   Fathers Day is the big day in June. Read our Child Behavior columnist Paul Schwartz for a look at the role modern dads play in childhood development. Last year was a transitional Fathers Day for me. My dad died in May and my son Mackinley (Mack) was not yet born, so I had no father and was not yet one myself. This year I officially qualify as an honoree. I look forward to many Fathers Days. I do plan to spend some time teaching my boy good taste in ties and other fine gifts as he gets older. Remember dads, you reap what you sow.   Weve wrapped up another Cover Kids series of events, and this month we publish the winners beginning on page 14. I know our judges from the New York Talent Club had a difficult time choosing the winners from each event. Cover Kids were picked because they have the outgoing personality needed to work with our photographers. Everyone enjoyed meeting our staff, doing crafts, and listening to fun performances by Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke. And of course most of the kids loved the spotlight!   We here at Hudson Valley Parent enjoyed meeting everyone. A big Thank You to those who made it possible, especially all the children who participated. http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1215 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1215 Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT In these days of computers, video games and texting, it is even more important for children to get out and explore nature and their surroundings, says Joanne Michaels, local author of the book, Take the Kids: Great Places to Go in New Yorks Hudson Valley. Often the enthusiasm of parents for our majestic region will inspire children. Marian Goldin from Hudson Highlands Nature Center in Cornwall offers these additional reasons parents should take their kids for a hike this summer: Hiking develops connections with nature that instill future conservation ethics and gives an appreciation for wildlife and habitat protection Hiking has a low environmental impact and is very budget-friendly as there is little or no cost involved Exercise, fresh air and quality time spent together are all great reasons to hike together as a family. http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1214 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1214 Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT Its a universally accepted scientific fact that every kid loves a fresh, comfortable set of pjs at the start of a new season. Apparently this nifty three-piece set for toddlers (girl toddlers, we guess) also doubles as lounge wear. When we were kids, everything was lounge wearor nothing was, depending on how you look at it. Right here you've got your loose top, your ruffled bloomer, and your adorable capris. If your little one trends toward the trendy, St. Eve Kids sleepwear could be the ticket for the big sleepover months ahead. Available locally at Sears and JC Penney. $12.99-$22. http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1221 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1221 Tue, 25 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT In 1988, Kyle Pruett wrote an influential book called The Nurturing Father. He believes that there is a stronger sense today among social scientists and the public that fathers are valuable that men parent differently than women and that fatherhood is rising steadily in our cultures esteem. As opposed to most fathers in the past, todays fathers play numerous roles in the parenting of their children. Studies of parenting behavior history suggest that fathers tend to concentrate their efforts in a diverse area of roles that might be called the Five Ps: Problem Solver, Playmate, Punisher, Provider and Preparer. Problem Solver As problem solver, dads demonstrate ways to foster self-reliance and independence. If a child is raised without an effective problem solver model, he or she often adopts poor problem solving strategies that cause them to become ineffective and helpless in problem situations.   Playmate Research shows that fathers spend more time, proportionately, with their children in physical play than mothers. In addition, fathers tend to engage in more rough housing play than mothers.  Physical play is important in a childs life, not only in building muscle tone and coordination but also in teaching rules that govern behavior such as taking turns and playing physically without hurting others.   Punisher This was often the exclusive role that fathers held that of handing out punishment when a child misbehaves. Studies of family practices have consistently shown that its best to have fathers just as involved as any other caretaker in the childs life not the exclusive or designated punisher. Putting father in this role sets up negative role expectations.   Provider From the time of the industrial revolution up until the 60s, fathers primary role was that of the breadwinner. In the past few decades, however, the fathers role has changed to one of co-provider. Many fathers are spending more time at home with the children while mom goes to work. When nourished by a fathers love and intimate responsive care, babies will become attached to their fathers. Parents, especially fathers, should not confuse providing with loving. Research is clear that children who receive positive attention from their parents do better in most aspects of their lives than children who dont receive this attention, regardless of how much money they have. Being a good father doesnt mean making sure your child has the best toys or best address, it means making sure the child has all the benefits of having you in their life on all levels.   Preparers Fathers see themselves in preparing their children for lifes challenges and teaching them about family values and morals, codes of conduct and behavior. Research overwhelmingly reflects fathers importance in developing self-esteem and social development, including interpersonal skills and intellectual development in both boys and girls.   According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the absence of a father in the home is the most significant single predictor of a later conviction for a violent crime. There are more children fatherless now than ever before in our nations history. And as David Blackenhorn asserts in his best-selling book, Fatherless America confronting Our Most Urgent Social Problem, the most urgent domestic challenge facing the United States in the new millennium is the re-creation of fatherhood as a vital social role for mean.   For all of those fathers who are meeting these challenges, for themselves and their families, have a very Happy Fathers Day.   Paul Schwartz, Ph.D., is a professor of psychology and education at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh. http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1217 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1217 Fri, 21 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT The old joke goes, Whats the difference between Mothers Day and Fathers Day? On Fathers Day you buy a cheaper present. Is more soap on a rope or another tie all we can still expect? Are we the buffoons portrayed in the media that can barely get out of our own way, clueless regarding child care? Or have we evolved with the times and passed beyond these stereotypes? Early studies of parenting and its effects on children were all about mothers. Mothers were blamed for problems from bed wetting to schizophrenia, and praised for all that the child had become or accomplished. Where were fathers in these early studies? We were in the background providing for the family, coming to the forefront only as a disciplinarian. Fathers were thought to be peripheral to the job of parenting because children spent the most time with their mother. Contemporary research has been examining the fathers role with much more interest, and has found that fathers have a distinct and necessary role to play in their childs adaptive development. Father involvement has been correlated with higher self-esteem, enhanced academic achievement and language skills, greater social maturity and more successful relationships with peers as well as fewer behavioral and psychological problems such as substance abuse and depression. This result holds true even if the father doesnt live in the same home as the childs, as in divorce situations. It appears that how involved the dad is, not where he lives, is the critical factor. The father doesnt have to be the biological father for a child to reap the benefits. It can be a stepdad, an adoptive father or another male figure in the household. In addition to being a role model for boys, father presence has been correlated with less behavioral problems for boys during adolescence, and it is related to a girl becoming a more confident and independent young adult. What researchers are finding out is that father love and involvement is just as important and sometimes more important than a mothers love. There is ample research evidence that mothers are more effective parents when fathers are both supportive partners and nurturing parents. Children are clearly major beneficiaries when they are raised by a warm loving mother and father. We fathers have evolved with the times and our roles have changed. Most fathers of a generation ago took all their parenting cues from mom. They participated when mom told them so or when the children got older and sought them out for advice. Fathers participation was almost always in sports or other masculine activities. Paul Schwartz, Ph.D., is a professor of psychology and education at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh. Continue here. http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1216 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1216 Fri, 21 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT Banish bad behaviors A recent article in the New York Times says that in the world of parenting yelling is the new spanking. If you find yourself in this predicament, or otherwise bribing, nagging, punishing, or cajoling your kids to get them to behave, you may want to learn the Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP) method developed by mother, educator and parenting expert Aviva Schwab. For the past 27 years, Schwab has offered STEP classes to parents, teachers, social workers, therapists and pediatricians. Now she offers these popular workshops on cd and instant download. She promises you'll learn how to raise amazing kids while in your car or at the gym. $77-$97. tiredofyelling.com. http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1194 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1194 Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT In utero Mozart maker The UPS guys have a special belt to help relieve stress on their backs. Now moms-to-be can wear the prenatal music belt to reduce baby's stress in the womb. According to the manufacturer, pregnant moms have been using bulky headphones on their bellies since headphones were invented. Lullabelly is the more comfortable, safer, and stylish alternative. Just plug in your MP3 player or iPhone and make your selection. We gave our test unit to Kundi C. of Beacon, and she gave it the thumbs up. Her newborn will arrive this summer with an intimate knowledge of the Bob Marley song catalogue. $55. lullabelly.com http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1195 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1195 Sat, 01 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT Dutchess County Barton Orchards, County Rte. 7 off Beekman Rd. Poughquag. Open June to December. Various fruits and vegetables. 845-227-2306. Breezy Hill Orchards, 828 Centre Rd. Staatsburg. Pick your own apples starting in Sept. 845-266-3979. Fishkill Farms, 9 Fishkill Farms Rd., Hopewell Junction. Open daily, 9am-6pm, year-round. Various fruits. 845-897-4377. Greig Farm, 223 Pitcher Ln., Red Hook. Open May to Oct. Shell and sugar snap peas, blueberries, apples raspberries, and pumpkins. 845-758-1234. Meadowbrook Farm, 29 Old Myers Corners Rd., Wappingers Falls, Apples and pumpkins. 845-297-3002. Secor Farms, 63 Robinson Ln., Wappingers Falls. Pumpkins in Oct. 845-452-6883. Wonderland Farm, 191 White Schoolhouse Rd., Rhinebeck. Pumpkins. 845-876-6760. Orange County Applewood Orchards, 82 Four Corners Rd., Warwick. Open daily. 9am-5pm. Apples in Sept. to Oct. 845-986-1684. C. Rowe and Sons, 113 Station Rd. (off Rte. 208), Campbell Hall. Open daily. 7am-6pm. Market. Pick your own strawberries. 845-427-2254. Halfway Acres, Purgatory Rd. (off Sarah Wells Trail), Campbell Hall. Open Late April to Oct. 845-294-7869. Hodgson Farms, 2290 Albany Post Rd., Walden. Open daily. strawberries, blueberries tomatoes, peppers, eggplants. 845-778-1432. Jessup Road Orchards, 101 Jessup Rd., Warwick. Apples, call for dates. 845-986-3331. Lawrence Farms, 39 Colandrea Rd., Newburgh. Enjoy fruit and vegetable picking June to October, horse and carriage rides, childrens Play Village, and friendly farm animals. 845-562-4268. Manza Family Farm, 730 Rte. 211, Montgomery. Open daily. 9am-5pm. April to Dec. Farm stand. Xmas trees. 845-692-4363. Maskers Fruit Farms Inc., 45 Ball Rd., Warwick. Open daily. 9am-5pm. Sept. to Nov. Apples. 845-986-1058. Ochs Orchards, 4 Ochs Ln., Rte. 94, Warwick. Open daily. 9am-5pm. June to Dec. Strawberries, call for dates. 845-986-1591. Overlook Farm Market, Rte. 9W, Newburgh. Open 8am-6pm, closed Tuesdays. Apples and pumpkins starting in Sept. 845-562-5780. Pennings Orchard, 169 State Rte. 94, Warwick. Apples and pumpkins in the fall. 845-986-7080. Scheuermanns Farm & Greenhouses, 73 Little York Rd., Warwick. Pick your own sweet corn. 845-258-4221. Slate Hill Orchards, Rte. 6, Slate Hill. Pick your own apples, concord grapes, pumpkins and vegetables.845-355-4493. Soons Orchards & Farm Market, 23 Soons Cir., New Hampton. Apples mid-Sept. to end Oct. Pumpkins. 845-374-5471. Warwick Valley Winery & Orchards, 114 Little York Rd., Warwick. Open Saturdays and Sundays in the fall.11am-5pm. 845-258-4858. Wright Family Farm, 325 Kings Highway, Warwick. Open May- Dec. Seasonal fruits & vegetables. 845-986-1345. Ulster County Dressel Farms, 271 Rte. 208, New Paltz. Pick your own apples in Sept. 845-255-0693. DuBois Farms, 209 Perkinsville Rd., Highland. Open Saturdays and Sundays, 9am-5pm. Various fruit and pumpkins. 845-795-4037. Hurds Family Farm, 2187 Rte. 32, Modena. Apples and pumpkins in Sept. 845-883-7364. Kelders Farm Market, 5575 Rte. 209, Kerhonkson. Open 10am-6pm daily, April to Dec. Seasonal fruits. 845-626-7137. Prospect Hill Orchards, 40 Clarkes Ln., Milton. Open weekends June to Oct. Various fruits. 845-795-2383. Saunderskill Farms, 5100 Rte. 209, Accord. 9am-6pm. Tuesday to Sunday from April to Dec. Various fruits. 845-626-2676. Tantillos Farm Market, 730 Rte. 208, Gardiner. Open 9am-6pm daily from March to Dec. Fruits and vegetables. 845-256-9109. Weed Orchards, 43 Mt. Zion Rd., Marlboro. Open Aug. to Oct. Fruits and vegetables. 845-236-0237. http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1204 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1204 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT Bug in a Puddle Its spring, and that means bugs and puddles! The title song has children looking at life through the eyes of a bug, a lesson in seeing things from anothers point of view. The website for this CD describes the songs as imaginative and poetic. We would add happy and calming, a good disc to pop in when you want to bring it all down a notch or two. The album is from Treehouse 10, a version of the band that gave us Teach the World to Sing. You can hear samples at treehouse10.com. $9.99 (download) or $14.99 (CD) at cdbaby.com. http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1199 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1199 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT Tannya Tonge, Wappingers Falls resident and mother of two daughters, acknowledges that girls are having sex earlier and cervical cancer is a risk. I was hesitant about vaccinating my daughters, says Tonge. However, she says relatives who are health professionals witness daily accounts of pregnancy and abnormal pap smears among young girls entering their office. They encouraged me to vaccinate my daughters.   Tonge discussed the vaccination with her daughter, Natia. I explained to my daughter that I would prefer she have sex when married. Although she promised to wait, we discussed peer pressure, which often causes things to happen, says Tonge. Natias main concern: will the vaccination hurt.   The three-dose shot does have varying side effects: pain, swelling, redness, itching, fever, upset stomach and dizziness. Despite injuries reported, Dr. Kipoliongo, of Crystal Run Healthcare in Middletown, says site pain at injection is what she has encountered. If girls received Hepatitis B vaccination, HPV has the same principals, says Dr. Kipoliongo. In addition, HPV contains sulfate; therefore if patients have an allergic reaction to eggs, or sulfate they should be cautious of the vaccine and get screened. It is important that parents and daughters have a comfort level about the vaccination.   Although Tonges youngest daughter will not get the vaccination until her menses starts, Dr. Kipoliongo notes that there is no correlation between the two. Gweneth Lloyd-Stevens, Assistant Director at the Psychological Counseling Center at SUNY New Paltz, had no intentions of vaccinating her daughters. However, last year her eldest daughter, Olivia, attended a summer program at Xavier College, where the vaccine is mandatory.   I called Dr. Houghton [Director of SUNY New Paltz Health Center] who assured me the vaccine was safe, and increased the immune system to STDs. I told my daughters the vaccine doesnt make them immune to pregnancy.   More public education may be needed   Although Lloyd-Stevens 17-year-old daughter has been vaccinated, Stevens doesnt believe there is enough information about the virus to educate parents and teens. She notes that not even the high schools are talking about HVP, never mind middle schools. Stevens will not have her 12-year-old daughter vaccinated until she is ready for college. Since my family is not a high risk for cervical cancer, I am not concerned, says Stevens.   Dr. Kipoliongo says parents should base their decision on the facts. Parents believe theyre opening the entranceway to their childs sexuality. However, parents allow their teen to get a drivers license, but dont tell them to get in an accident or dont get insurance until after the accident.   Angela Batchelor is a freelance writer in Fishkill. Her essays were published in Contemporary American Women: Our Defining Passages (All Things That Matter Press, 2010).   *HPV facts   HPV (the virus): Approximately 20 million Americans are currently infected with HPV. Another 6 million people become newly infected each year. HPV is so common that at least 50 percent of sexually active men and women get it at some point in their lives. Genital warts: About 1 percent of sexually active adults in the U.S. have genital warts at any one time.   Cervical cancer: Each year, about 12,000 women get cervical cancer in the U.S. The Gardasil vaccine is one of the most expensive vaccines, costing on average $120 per shot, bringing the full cost to $360. Sound off- take our poll on our homepage and voice your opinion on the HPV vaccine! http://www.hvparent.com/articlepost.aspx?id=1193 http://www.hvparent.com/articlespost.aspx?id=1193 Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT