Archive for the ‘News’ Category
National Nurses Week: Let’s celebrate our nurses!
This week, let’s show our appreciation to all the nurses for their hard work and dedication. In recognition of their service, here’s a brief history of the nursing profession:
National Nurses Week History (view source: http://nursingworld.org/FunctionalMenuCategories/AboutANA/NationalNursesWeek/MediaKit/NNWHistory.html)
National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6th and ends on May 12th, Florence Nightingale’s birthday. These permanent dates enhance planning and position National Nurses Week as an established recognition event. As of 1998, May 8 was designated as National Student Nurses Day, to be celebrated annually. And as of 2003, National School Nurse Day is celebrated on the Wednesday within National Nurses Week (May 6-12) each year.
The nursing profession has been supported and promoted by the American Nurses Association (ANA) since 1896. Each of ANA’s state and territorial nurses associations promotes the nursing profession at the state and regional levels. Each conducts celebrations on these dates to recognize the contributions that nurses and nursing make to the community.
The ANA supports and encourages National Nurses Week recognition programs through the state and district nurses associations, other specialty nursing organizations, educational facilities, and independent health care companies and institutions.
A Brief History of National Nurses Week
1953 Dorothy Sutherland of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare sent a proposal to President Eisenhower to proclaim a “Nurse Day” in October of the following year. The proclamation was never made.
1954 National Nurse Week was observed from October 11 – 16. The year of the observance marked the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s mission to Crimea. Representative Frances P. Bolton sponsored the bill for a nurse week. Apparently, a bill for a National Nurse Week was introduced in the 1955 Congress, but no action was taken. Congress discontinued its practice of joint resolutions for national weeks of various kinds.
1972 Again a resolution was presented by the House of Representatives for the President to proclaim “National Registered Nurse Day.” It did not occur.
1974 In January of that year, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) proclaimed that May 12 would be “International Nurse Day.” (May 12 is the birthday of Florence Nightingale.) Since 1965, the ICN has celebrated “International Nurse Day.”
1974 In February of that year, a week was designated by the White House as National Nurse Week, and President Nixon issued a proclamation.
1978 New Jersey Governor Brendon Byrne declared May 6 as “Nurses Day.” Edward Scanlan, of Red Bank, N.J., took up the cause to perpetuate the recognition of nurses in his state. Mr. Scanlan had this date listed in Chase’s Calendar of Annual Events. He promoted the celebration on his own.
1981 ANA, along with various nursing organizations, rallied to support a resolution initiated by nurses in New Mexico, through their Congressman, Manuel Lujan, to have May 6, 1982, established as “National Recognition Day for Nurses.”
1982 In February, the ANA Board of Directors formally acknowledged May 6, 1982 as “National Nurses Day.” The action affirmed a joint resolution of the United States Congress designating May 6 as “National Recognition Day for Nurses.”
1982 President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation on March 25, proclaiming “National Recognition Day for Nurses” to be May 6, 1982.
1990 The ANA Board of Directors expanded the recognition of nurses to a week-long celebration, declaring May 6 – 12, 1991, as National Nurses Week.
1993 The ANA Board of Directors designated May 6 – 12 as permanent dates to observe National Nurses Week in 1994 and in all subsequent years.
1996 The ANA initiated “National RN Recognition Day” on May 6, 1996, to honor the nation’s indispensable registered nurses for their tireless commitment 365 days a year. The ANA encourages its state and territorial nurses associations and other organizations to acknowledge May 6, 1996 as “National RN Recognition Day.”
1997 The ANA Board of Directors, at the request of the National Student Nurses Association, designated May 8 as National Student Nurses Day.
Older Americans Month 2013: Unleash the Power of Age!
Every year since 1963, May has been the month to appreciate and celebrate the vitality and aspirations of older adults and their contributions and achievements. It is a proud tradition that shows our nation’s commitment to honor the value that elders continue to contribute to our communities.
This year’s Older Americans Month theme—”Unleash the Power of Age!”—emphasizes the important role of older adults. This May, communities across the nation will recognize older Americans as productive, active, and influential members of society.
Older Americans Month celebrations will acknowledge the value that older adults continue to bring to our communities by making an effort to applaud recent achievements of local elders and inviting them to share the activities they do to unleash the power of age.
The Accredited Family of Home Health Services encourages you to take part in the celebrations by sharing your Older Americans Month resolutions with the U.S. Administration on Aging. Post what you will do this May to unleash the power of age on the AoA Facebook Page, and follow up by sharing a picture or story about the experience later in the year.
While Accredited provides services, support, and resources to older adults year-round, Older Americans Month is a great opportunity to show special appreciation! We will continue to provide opportunities for elders to come together and share their experiences with one another, as well as with individuals of other generations.
To learn more about activities and events planned for Older Americans Month, or to find ideas about what you can do to unleash the power of age, contact your local Area Agency on Aging office by visiting www.eldercare.gov or calling 1 (800) 677-1116 to find ongoing opportunities to celebrate and support older Americans.
Yahoo! Finance reports: Millions Can’t Afford to Go to the Doctor
*For the original article, visit http://finance.yahoo.com/news/millions-cant-afford-doctor-041400851.html.
Millions Can’t Afford to Go to the Doctor
by Tami Luhby
A growing number of Americans are skipping needed medical care because they can’t afford it.
Some 80 million people, around 43% of America’s working-age adults, didn’t go to the doctor or access other medical services last year because of the cost, according to the Commonwealth Fund’s Biennial Health Insurance Survey, released Friday. That’s up from 75 million people two years ago and 63 million in 2003.
Not surprisingly, those who were uninsured or had inadequate health insurance were most likely to have trouble affording care. But 28% of working-age adults with good insurance also had to forgo treatment because of the price.
Nearly three in 10 adults said they did not visit a doctor or clinic when they had a medical problem, while more than a quarter did not fill a prescription or skipped recommended tests, treatment or follow-up visits. One in five said they did not get needed specialist care.
And 28% of those with a chronic condition like hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and asthma who needed medication for it reported they did not fill prescriptions or skipped doses because they couldn’t afford to pay for the drugs.
Even those with coverage find themselves shelling out more for deductibles and co-payments. The share of Americans with deductibles greater than $1,000 more than tripled between 2003 and 2012, reaching 25%.
“Costs of health care have gone up faster than wages,” said David Blumenthal, president of The Commonwealth Fund.
The survey also found that 84 million people, nearly half of all working-age adults, went without health insurance for a time last year or had such high out-of-pocket expenses relative to their income that they were considered under-insured. That’s up from 81 million in 2010 and 61 million in 2003.
One bright spot in the report is that fewer young adults, those ages 19 to 25, were uninsured. The share fell to 41% in 2012, down from 48% two years earlier. That’s due in large part to the Affordable Care Act, which allows young adults to stay on their parents insurance until age 26.
All of those numbers should improve going forward as more health reform provisions take effect in 2014 — primarily the state-based insurance exchanges, which are intended to offer affordable plans to those without work-based coverage.
The Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare, will provide more coverage and cost protections, said Sara Collins, the study’s lead author. Insurance plans offered through the state exchanges have to cover a suite of “essential” benefits, including maternity care and mental health services. They also limit the insured’s out-of-pocket payments to no more than 40% of expenses.
Medicare and Home Health
In the article, “Home Health Medicare Co-Pay: A Study in Unintended Consequences” written for Forbes yesterday, Robert A. Book and Doug Holtz-Eakin tackle the issues regarding a $1.4B increase in discretionary spending for administrative expenses related to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. The article brings to the forefront a proposed co-payment for Medicare patients in relation to the utilization of home health care services.
Book and Holtz-Eaton examines the pit falls of this proposal and factors that are not taken into consideration. For the full article, visit http://www.forbes.com/sites/aroy/2013/04/19/home-health-medicare-co-pay-a-study-in-unintended-consequences.
Gizmag.com features the Wonderwall
We live in an age where technology truly enables us to provide a higher quality of life for the elderly of our population. On February 19, 2013, Gizmag.com featured the “wonderwall system”. The system is based aroubd a tablet computer mounted on a wall in the home. It monitors everything from vitals such as blood sugar levels and blood pressure to climate control within an individuals living space. It’s also outfitted with an “indoor positioning system” that keeps track of misplaced items such as keys, glasses, etc.
Below is the link to the full article:
http://www.gizmag.com/wonderwall-tum-elederly-care/26287/
With this technology, keeping our elderly safe and independent in their own homes while giving family members some peace of mind is now possible.
February is American Heart Month
American Heart Month is a time to increase awareness of cardiovascular disease and educate on what we can do to live heart-healthy lives. 
Heart disease kills an estimated 63,000 Americans each year.
If you are:
- A woman of age 55 or older
- A man of age 45 or older
- A person with a family history of early heart disease
- An individual who is beyond their ideal body weight
…then you are at a higher risk of heart disease.
Heart disease is a broad term used to describe a range of diseases affecting your heart. Coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, heart infections, atrial fibrillation, and birth heart defects fall under this umbrella of heart diseases. Often interchangeable with “cardiovascular disease”, it refers to conditions involving narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain, or stroke. Many forms of heart disease can be prevented or treated with healthy lifestyle choices.
To keep your heart healthy:
- Watch your weight.
- Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
- Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.
- If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
- Get active and eat healthy.
- Talk to your doctor about taking aspirin everyday if you are a man over the age of 45 ir a woman over 55.
- Manage stress.
Q&A: What you need to know about Home Health Care.
Last Month – I asked, “What would you like to know about
Home Healthcare?”
Here are the Questions & Answers -
Non-Medical Home Care is unregulated in California, how do I find a good provider?
There are many quality providers in California. I find that patients, families, and healthcare professionals value those agencies involved with their professional trade associations. Private Duty Members can join the California Association for Health Services at Home (CAHSAH), Home Care Association of America (formerly NPDA), and the Private Duty Home Care Association. Accredited is a member of all of these organizations. Visit www.cahsah.org, www.homecareaoa.org, and www.pdhca.org
Is there access to care issues for Medi-Cal patients needing home health services?
Yes and No.
Although there are many home health agencies contracted with Medi-Cal, many of these same agencies will not accept or will limit the number of Medi-Cal patients. This problem stems from reimbursement rates. Currently, Medi-Cal rates for home health disciplines such as Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy are less than what the agency actually pays its clinician for the home health visit.
Do you think Medicare, or private insurance companies, will ever pay for non-medical/attendant care?
Maybe.
Medicare will never have the resources to pay for in-home care provided for extended periods of time. But, I am hopeful, that Medicare and other Insurance Companies will value the role of in-home caregivers for reducing risk factors associated with hospital readmissions. So, it is possible that insurance benefits could ultimately include limited non-medical home care. The non-medical home care industry is working to produce quantifiable outcomes of its services that would support reimbursement.
Why are Live-In services in jeopardy?
President Obama and former Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis, made it a priority to eliminate the Federal Companionship Exemption that exists in law. This exception reduces potential overtime expense to home care clients. The Exemption was saved last year, but home care experts on Capitol Hill are concerned about its protection this year. If the Companion Exemption is eliminated, the cost of 24-hour daily care will double for many home care clients.
What’s going on with ACOs relative to home health?
Home Health is not part of the bundled Medicare payments to the ACO. So, home health utilization can support the ACO without incurring additional expense. This assumes that the ACO’s preferred home health agencies are producing high caliber outcomes, such as reducing the frequency of hospital readmissions and preventing unnecessary ER visits and hospital admissions.
If a home health agency could create a wish-list, what would be on it?
- Simplified process for obtaining Managed Care Authorizations. This impacts timely delivery of home care services while balancing licensure compliance.
- Reimbursement that considers expense. Home Health Agencies struggle to understand an insurance company’s methodology for home health reimbursement, especially when Medicare publishes the Home Health Industry’s Cost Report Data.
- Timely return of signed documents from the Physician. This impacts compliance.
Will Social Workers Role Expand in Home Health?
It absolutely should, but that will require changes with how social work visits are currently authorized by the payor. As healthcare shifts and relies more on Home & Community Based Services, Social Workers will become an integral part of improving the coordination of care and patient compliance from hospital to home. And, social workers contribute to maintenance of care and community resources for achieving better health outcomes.
In the last five years, so many new home care/home health agencies have popped up – why?
In recent years, home care was the fastest growing industry in America. This has also proved true by the rapid expansion of both Independent Owned & Franchise Home Care businesses. The senior population is booming and the apparent need for home care is huge. But, the growth is slowing due to financial reasons. Unfortunately, many home care agencies are struggling to survive as the economy has hurt seniors’ spending on home care, Medicare reimbursement is decreasing, and Managed Care dollars may not even cover costs to begin with. The home care industry is at a crucial crossroads as demand is up but resources to support the demand is down. Additionally, it is well documented that there is a significant shortage of home care employees from Nursing to Therapists to In-home Caregivers. More than ever, the coopertition (cooperation + competition) amongst home care providers is great to ensure home care remains a valuable resource in our communities.
Spreading some holiday cheer!
The hustle and bustle of the holidays can get a bit stressful. Pressing pause from the constant fast forward is a welcome break, especially if it’s time spent with family and friends. Here are a couple of events and activities in and around Los Angeles to get even the grouchiest person into the holiday spirit. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS, ETC:
Sherman Oaks Lights on Display: Emmy Award winning video producer/editor Mike Ziemkowski’s “Lights on Display” was named one of the three top light displays in the nation by “Good Morning America.” It’s one dazzling show at his Sherman Oaks home, complete with videos, an animatronic DJ spinning elf, a singing Frosty the Snowman, and more, from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. daily through New Years Day. 3901 Longview Valley Rd., Sherman Oaks.
Candy Cane Lane: This Woodland Hills neighborhood has been a community tradition since 1952 — and a very crowded one at that. Candy Cane Lane is a group of homeowners at Lubao and Oxnard Streets in Woodland Hills who decide each year to put on an incredible holiday display of lights and decorations. Residents ask that visitors drive by no later than 10pm on weeknights, 11pm on weekends through December 31 (starting December 8). Exit off the 101 Fwy at Winnetka and go north.
Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights Extravaganza in Torrance: This neighborhood has a brilliant assortment of houses with festive lights. Many of the homeowners can be found outside with hot chocolate, kettle corn and other goodies. Check the Facebook page for the exact location.
Riverside Festival of Lights :There are more than three and a half million twinkling lights in a one block area at the 20h annual Festival of Lights in Riversides. Presented by Duane and Kelly Roberts, owners of The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, and coordinated by The Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce and the Festival of Lights Committee. Visit before Christmas Eve for photos with Santa Claus in Santa’s Workshop. Don’t forget to check the outdoor ice skating rink and shopping.
Christmas Tree Lane in Oxnard: Visit this neighborhood with a ten block loop of homes fully decorated to the hilt through December 26. Trolley rides are available for $10 until Thursday or park your car and walk. The lights are on 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. daily thru December 26. F & G Streets between 5th and Palm, Oxnard
Christmas Tree Lane Altadena: Altadena’s Christmas Tree Lane has been a tradition since 1920 where one quarter mile of cedar trees are strung with lights. It’s said to be the oldest Christmas tree lighting spectacle in the United States and is designated as a California Historical Monument. Not to miss in the area is the Balian House, a 1922 mansion with 10,000 lights on the walkway alone. The lighting of the tree will start on December 8 at 6 p.m., but the day will begin at 2 p.m.with an Arts and Crafts Festival in the Altadena Library Parking lot. Christmas Tree Lane will provide complimentary spiced hot cider, coffee and cocoa.Through January 7, dusk until 10 p.m. 1960 Mendocino Lane, Altadena, CA. Santa Rosa Ave. between Woodbury Ave. and Altadena Dr.
Marina Del Rey Boat Parade: This community is celebrating their 50th holiday boat parade on December 8 with fireworks shooting off at 5:55 p.m. and the parade beginning a 6 p.m. The Grand Marshall is three-time Beach Volleyball Olympic Gold Medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings. Burton Chace Park is one of the most popular outdoor viewing spots! There will be music, plus live commentary about each boat from announcers Lisa Osborn, a newscaster on radio KFWB-AM and Mickey Laszlo, a cartoon voiceover actor and former traffic reporter on KABC-TV. Want to see the parade closer up? Consider taking a cocktail cruise on a Hornblower boat.
Venice Canal Boat Parade: The annual parade is home grown with residents uniquely decorating boats. Boats begin to assemble on December 16 at 4 p.m. and the parade starts at 4:30pm at the corner of Eastern and Sherman Canals and goes around the entire canal. Park on side streets or on Ocean, Venice or Washington and take a stroll. Don’t miss the house at the corner of Carroll Ct. and Eastern Ct. with fully moving displays and tons of sparkling lights. Lights on through New Years Day.
Naples Long Beach: The houses around Naples Island shine bright. Park in the Mothers’ Beach lot off of Appian Way, or in the marine lots east of Davis Bridge, Marine Stadium, and 54th & Bayshore. Stroll around the island and enjoy the seasonal light display. Make a reservation for a gondola ride and pretend you are in Italy— or take a holiday waterfront Tour of Lights on a double decker bus.
Newport Beach: Christmas Boat Parade: It’s “Surf, Sand and Santa!” when this tony town continues its 104 year tradition starting December 19 and ending December 23. The parade starts off Bay Island at 6:30 p.m. and finishes at the same site at approximately 9 p.m. each evening when a fireworks display will ring in the finale. Watch as an array of multi-million dollar yachts, kayaks, canoes and other small boats light up the harbor with dazzling holiday lights and the sounds of music fill the air. Homeowners join in on the excitement with beautifully decorated homes as well. Don’t miss the Zimmerman House with its computerized light show.
Little Stars Family Art Event: Cella Gallery in North Hollywood is presenting a very special art show based on Peter Pan for kids of all ages who believe in magic and fairies and never growing old. Featuring new work by Wendy Crabb, Thea and Daniel Saks and introducing original works by children’s author and illustrator Johanna Wright (Bandits, The Secret Circus). The opening reception is Saturday, December 1 from 2 p.m. -5 pm. Free story readings for Peter Pan, unique arts & crafts, touchable art, paintings, sculpture and tea & cookies. The exhibit runs through December 15. 11135 Weddington St. #112, North Hollywood.
HOLIDAY THEATRE
Christmas My Way: A Sinatra Holiday Bash! at the El Portal: Broadway performers Jason Graae, Heather Lee and Beth Malone along with Sinatra-like crooner Luca Ellis to serve up cool versions of Sinatra mainstays. Joined by a swingin’ live band, they sing Sinatra Christmas hits like “Mistletoe and Holly,” “The Christmas Song,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Silver Bells” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” So, get set for a fresh, energetic groovy Sinatra Christmas, with 40 classic hits perfect for the holidays. Opens December 13 and runs though New Years Eve (with a special celebration).
Rudolph the Red-Nose ReinDOORS at the Falcon Theatre: It’s another hilarious production by the Troubadour Theater Company when our favorite reindeer meets up with the music of The Doors. Rudolph the Red-Nose ReinDOORS, directed by Matt Walker, the third production of its 2012-2013 Subscription Season. Celebrate the Season with the Ovation Award-winning Troubies as they give a wild, stripped-down, bare bones, rock re-telling of the classic holiday tale of Rudolph, with a sexy, sultry, scary soundtrack of DOORS style music – and snow.
A Christmas Carol at the Grove Theatre: Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, Marley’s Ghost, Scrooge and the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future all make their appearance as three actors guides the audience through the story – sometimes as narrators, sometimes as storytellers, and sometimes as characters, but always using the actual words of Charles Dickens. The show runs approximately 80 minutes with no intermission and is perfect for all ages from 12 to 102! Runs through December 16 Thu, Fri & Sat at 8 pm; Sun at 3 pm. Save $10 per ticket with discount code “Dickens” when ordering.
OUTDOOR ICE SKATING
Woodland Hills Ice: This outdoor ice rink next to Westfield Topanga features over 7000 square feet of real ice, offering daily recreational ice skating along with special events, skating exhibitions and shows, birthday parties, holiday activities, skating lessons, date nights and more throughout the holiday season thorough January 27. Open Monday – Thursday (non holiday): 1 p.m-10 p.m.,Fridays (non holiday): 1p.m.-Midnight, Saturdays and Holidays: 9am-Midnight, Sundays: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Children (3 & under) FREE; Children (4-12) $7 per session Helmets are required for all children 12 & under unless parent signs a helmet waiver. Students/Seniors/Military (with ID) $8 per session. Adults $10 per session ALL DAY, ALL AGE SKATE PASS $12. Skate Rental $5 (skate rental is charged on a daily basis). Unlimited passes and family passes available. 6100 Topanga Cyn. Blvd. Woodland Hills (310) 854-4151 www.woodlandhillsice.com
Holiday Ice Rink in Culver City This new ice rink is located in the middle of Culver City’s primary shopping, dining and entertainment district close to the infamous Culver Hotel (from Wizard of Oz lore). The 50′x90′ rink is the perfect escape for lunch breaks, date nights, play dates, and holiday family “stay-cations” for all ages. Admission is $10, and kids 12 and under are $6. Skate rental is $4. Group and party rates are available. Open daily through January 7. Hours vary so click here for info.
ICE in Downtown Santa Monica Surf meets the ice at the corner of 5th Street and Arizona Avenue in Santa Monica. Now in its sixth year, the 8,000 square ft. rink by the beach offers residents and visitors a Winter Wonderland by the beach. Mon-Thurs: 2 p.m. – 10 p.m., Friday: 2 p.m. – Midnight, Saturday: 10 a.m. – Midnight, Sunday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Admission and Skate Rental: $12, Season Pass: $150 (weekdays only until 5pm), Locker Rental: $10 (with $5 refund upon key return). Open through January 21. Party Packages available. There’s even private cabanas! www.iceatsantamonica.com
CHILL at The W Hotel Westwood Only in L.A.! Here’s a date night for you…or a holiday magic stay-cation. Cozy cabanas, creative cocktails, eclectic cuisine and ice skating — it’s a chill fest in Westwood. The W Westwood, the swanky hotel on Hilgard Avenue, has turned its backyard pool, WET, into CHILL, a 1600 hundred square foot hybrid, environmentally friendly ice skating rink. Specialty cocktails and warm comfort food at The Ice Bar Ice skate performances by StudioSK8, Saturdays at 8 p.m.Children can decorate gingerbread cookies, weekends 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Open to the public and available for private events. Open daily through January 3, but closed on select days for private parties. $10 admittance (per hour) includes skate rentals.W Hotel. Through January 1, 2012 The W Hotel 930 Hilgard Ave., Westwood.
Pershing Square Downtown Celebrating its 15th season, Downtown on Ice is the closest thing Los Angeles has to Rockefeller Center. Surrounded by looming skyscrapers, there’s no better way to have fun in the city and a cool way to do it at a low cost. Admission is $6 (+skate rental $2). FREE events, including the “12 Nights of Christmas Music Series,” the Winter Holiday Festival with Santa, his “live” reindeer and tons of real snow, Lunch & Munch concerts, Menorah Lighting and Kwanzaa celebrations, championship skating exhibitions, charity broomball games, and more. Check schedule for exact times. Pershing Square 532 S. Olive St. Los Angeles, CA 90014 Phone: (213) 847-4970. http://laparks.org/pershingsquare/. Through January 21.
LA Kings Holiday Ice at L.A. LIVE Yes, there’s more downtown skating and its right across from The Staples Center. This is the fourth year L.A. Live has opened its skating rink, so rink hop to this 70 by 50 foot wonderland with room for up to 200 skaters. $12 includes skates. Festive holiday lights are displayed along the streets throughout the L.A. LIVE district featuring 75,000 lights that adorn 50 ten-foot angels along with over 265,000 snowfall LED lights covering 150 trees. Check schedule for exact times. Closes January 3. Nokia Plaza L.A. LIVE 800 W. Olympic Blvd. Los Angeles.
The Lakes at Thousand Oaks Ice Rink It’s a winter wonderland filled with holiday décor at this shopping center in Ventura County. Fun for all ages, the ice rink is open daily. $9 admission and $4 skate rentals. Lessons and private party options are also available. Now through January 21, take a break from shopping and skate at this 60×60 ice rink. $9 admission with $4 skate rental. Private parties available. Check for exact schedule times. 2200 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard Thousand Oaks/
For more family fun in the Los Angeles and Orange County area, check out the Moms LA website http://momsla.com/los-angeles-holiday-events-2012-momslas-guide-to-family-fun.
We can also give the gift of time to the less fortunate through these volunteer opportunities, visit The Big Sunday Holiday List 2012 at http://bigsunday.org/get-involved/holiday-list-2012.
Let’s be Prepared!
Emergencies and disasters may arise at any time, any place. Being prepared for such an eventuality is highly recommended, especially with households who have babies/young children and elderly adults. To help us prepare, the 
NOAA/National Weather Service suggests each household must have an emergency kit/pack containing the following items:
Disaster Supply Checklist:
- Water (at least 1 gallon per person for 3 to 7 days).
- Food: At least enough for 3 to 7 days, Non-perishable packaged or canned food/juices, Foods for infants or the elderly
- Snack foods
- Non-electric can opener
- Cooking tools/fuel
- Paper plates and utensils
- Blankets/Pillows
- Clothing (seasonal/rain gear/sturdy shoes)
- First Aid Kit/Medicines/Prescription Drugs
- Special Items for babies and the elderly
- Toiletries/Hygiene items/Moisture Wipes
- Flashlight and batteries
- Battery Operated Radio and NOAA weather radio
- Telephones (fully charged cell phone and a traditional, non-cordless telephone set
- Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards (Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods)
- Keys
- Toys, Books, Games
- Important documents in a waterproof container or watertight re-sealable plastic bag (insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc).
- Tools (Keep a set with you during the storm)
- Vehicle fuel tanks filled
- Pet Care Items (if you own one)
Commercial disaster preparedness kits are often available for purchase at any store. However, it’s better to create one tailored to your family’s needs. In addition to this supply list, it is also advisable to device an emergency family plan: a meeting place in case you get separated, a list of contact numbers for emergency services, etc.
