Page 8 - Martin Downs Bulletin - December '23

Page 8, Martin Downs
ClevelaNd CliNiC

Kids

CORNeR MaRTiN healTh News

Stop Yelling At Your Kids After Beating Cancer, Martin Health surgeon,
Stephanie received a
By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., Stephanie Tufano Is Racing clean bill of health.
School Psychologist Toward Optimum Health She did not require
“Here we go again, chemotherapy or any
mom’s rocket launcher Stephanie Tufano will never forget the day she was further treatment.
went off and she’s yelling diagnosed with Stage 2 colorectal cancer. At the time, she was “When you catch
at me.” This statement a certified running coach and health coach and was working colon cancer early and
captures how kids I work towards certification as a personal trainer with the National treat it early, there is a
with often describe how Academy of Sports Medicine. She was also training to run good chance you can
their mom or dad deals in her second ultramarathon. cure it,” Dr. Castro-
with them when they are It was during her marathon training that Stephanie started Combs said.
not acting right. “Yelling experiencing “weird” stomach pains, difficulty catching F ollow ing her
is the only way I can get her breath, and a rapid heartbeat. When a physician friend diagnosis and surgery,
him to listen and behave,” is a common parent response. recommended Stephanie make an appointment to have Stephanie’s life
All agree, yelling does not contribute to a peaceful home. bloodwork done, she considered putting it off. returned to normal.
Yes, at times we parents must raise our voices and make “I figured I was healthy, I was an athlete and ate a plant- “Had I not listened to
it stern and serious. But yelling, shouting, screaming, and based diet,” she said. my body and took the time to get checked out, I might
threatening is parenting by instilling fear into your child. But Stephanie decided to take her friend’s advice. Her have gone another six months to a year as the tumor kept
Unfortunately, fear and intimidation don’t produce lasting bloodwork showed she was very anemic, so she made an growing,” she said.
behavioral changes. Sure, your child might behave when appointment to see Juan Castro-Combs, M.D., a Cleveland Since her experience with cancer, Stephanie married
you’re around but leave them with relatives or a sitter Clinic Martin Health gastroenterologist. After having a her husband, Chris, and gave birth to their son the
and prepare yourself for a bad report. When you yell at colonoscopy, Stephanie received the shocking news. following year.
your child to get him to do what you want, he is learning “I had a tumor in my colon the size of a cue ball,” she said. She is grateful to Dr. Castro-Combs for finding and
that’s how he should treat his peers or friends when he “I didn’t know what to expect. It was a scary time.” curing her cancer. “Dr. Castro was wonderful,” she said.
encounters someone who doesn’t do what he wants. You Dr. Castro-Combs said Stephanie’s case was unusual. Stephanie also feels fortunate to have been given the
are the example he looks to for learning how to interact “She was fit and healthy and had no family history of opportunity to be a wife and mother and to continue to
with others. colon cancer.” pursue her passion of running and helping others achieve
Do you yell at your child when he asks you to read an Stephanie was also only 38 years old; 90 percent of a healthy lifestyle.
unknown word from his homework? No, you teach him colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in individuals 50 Cleveland Clinic Martin Health provides patients with
how to pronounce the word. Try to maintain this teaching years of age and older. the compassionate, comprehensive care they deserve, close
mindset when it comes to his behavior. Keep teaching him Once the tumor was removed by a Cleveland Clinic to home. Visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org to learn more.
over and over how to behave appropriately.
Perhaps ask him questions instead of yelling commands. COMMuNiTy happeNiNgs
“Are you being helpful? Is this good for the family? What
will happen if you don’t stop?” People often tune out
yelling, but a question has an implied response requirement.
Being asked a question requires reflection and thought, and Save The Date! The Third As in the past,
this helps your child’s mind to shift and transition. Parenting Annual Jensen Beach net proceeds
requires us to modify our behavior just like modifying our raised by the
child’s behavior so keep learning and practicing. Garden Expo Expo will support
Maybe you’ve thought, “Why does he act like our community.
that? Maybe there is something wrong with him. Is he Don’t Miss This Annual Tradition In Jensen Beach We are very
ADHD or maybe autistic?” Our testing process provides Feb. 24, 2024, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. excited to extend
information to help answer your questions. Call to discuss The 2024 Jensen Beach Garden Expo will be held on our giving this
your child as we test for autism, dyslexia, dysgraphia, Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Indian year through an annual scholarship to deserving local high
ADHD, depression, learning disabilities, and anxiety. Visit Riverside Park in front of the Dockside Pavilion. The event school students pursuing a degree in horticulture, landscape
JimForgan.com or call (561) 625-4125. will be better than ever, with lots more parking, a parking design, environmental sciences, or other related subjects. The
shuttle, and more food trucks and door prizes. Expo will continue supporting those in need, including camp
Admission is free! scholarships to the Florida Oceanographic Society and the
The Expo is a specialty garden show featuring quality area Environmental Studies Center, the Junior Master Gardeners,
vendors showcasing tropical plants, trees, native specimens, and the Community Gardens of the House of Hope.
and exotic orchids. Shop for herbs, succulents, outdoor art, We thank our major sponsor, Circa69 American
Captain’s was established in 1980 servicing and gardening supplies for your backyard or patio. The show Gastropub, located at the base of the Jensen Beach Causeway
Palm Beach County and is a privately includes free educational presentations and demonstrations each on Indian Riverside Drive, https://circa69pub.com.
owned and managed company. hour on the half hour. Stroll through the park under the shady For more information, please visit our website: www.
Captain’s is committed to providing live oak trees, enjoy waterfront views of the Indian River, and jensenbeachgardenclub.com. Follow us on Instagram and
dependable, reliable and professional check out this fun, educational plant and garden fair. Facebook.
ground transportation to and from all
South Florida Airports and Seaports. PBCVH212
To reserve your vehicle:
561-798-2180 or 800-634-7890 www.captainsairport.com

Answer for

Crossword Puzzle

Dyslexia, ADD/ADHD,

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