Thanks to a partnership with Veridian Credit Union, ChildServe is excited to host “The Scoop on Children’s Health,” a series of seven educational forums to be held on the first Tuesday of each month during the 2009-2010 school year.

The seven forums will be of interest to parents and caregivers of children with all abilities. Each will feature a presentation by a local physician or expert in the field, followed by time for participants to break into small groups to ask questions and share experiences.

Each forum will be held from 7:00-8:30 P.M. on the first Tuesday of the month, beginning September 1, 2009, at the ChildServe Center in Johnston. All events are open to the public, free of charge, and continuing education credits may be available to educators and health care providers. No registration is required, and ice cream will be served!

September 1, 2009
Social and Emotional Challenges of Pre-teens
Grace Percival, MA
Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center
They're at that in-between stage - not a grade-schooler, not a teen, and not at all predictable. In case you’ve forgotten what it’s like to be a pre-teen (like they think you have), Grace Percival provides a peek into the issues facing today’s adolescents and how you can help them get through this challenging phase.

October 6, 2009
Fast and Fun Meals for Families on the Go
Melissa Clark and Amanda Koerselman, Registered Dietician
Iowa Health Des Moines
Smart meals done right . . . and FAST! Join us for an interactive evening of cooking for your kids with choices that are fun, nutritious, and easy - complete with recipes and samples!

November 3, 2009
Positive Parenting: Solutions to Challenging Behavior
Bill Kallestad
Supported Community Living Service Manager, ChildServe
Positive Behavior Support (PBS) is a set of research-based strategies used to increase quality of life and decrease problem behavior by teaching new skills and making changes in a person's environment. Learn the basics of PBS and simple techniques to solve disruptive behavior while strengthening relationships with your children.

December 1, 2009
An Overview of Childhood Asthma
Scott Sheets, DO
Blank Children’s Hospital
Asthma is the leading serious chronic illness of children in the U.S., and it has become more widespread in recent decades.  What exactly is it, what are the symptoms, and how is it treated? Dr. Sheets, a pediatric pulmonologist, will answer these questions and more.

February 2, 2010
Should We Vaccinate?
Susan Flagel, DO
Mercy Jordan Creek Pediatric Clinic
Spurred by claims that vaccinations can be linked to autism, increasing numbers of parents are raising questions about whether the risks outweigh the benefits of vaccines. Dr. Flagel will help you separate the facts from the rumors.

March 2, 2010 POSTPONED: FUTURE DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED
How Scared Should We Be About Technology and Our Kids?
Doug Gentile, PhD
Associate Professor, Iowa State University and Research Director, National Institute on Media and the Family
Did you know that playing violent video games not only enhances aggressive thoughts and behaviors, but also increases the body's heart rate, adrenaline, and blood pressure? Dr. Gentile discusses what parents can do to mitigate the negative effects and promote the positive effects of media and technology.

April 6, 2010
Protecting Your Children from Sports Injuries
Speaker to be determined
Sports are the second-most frequent cause of injury to teenagers. As a parent, you can play an important role in making sure your children's sports experience is a safe and happy one.