Dickerson Oxton - November 2021

KIDS A BOOST CAR BOOSTER SEATS

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DOGS

About half of all dog bite victims are children, and due to their size, they’re more likely to suffer serious injury than an adult. In fact, while only 12% of adults who are bitten by a dog need to visit the emergency room, 26% of children do. Dogs primarily bite out of fear, and they are naturally wary of people they don’t recognize and dislike unpredictable behavior. Since children are known for their low inhibitions and high energy, kids and dogs can be a bad mix. Teach kids to not approach unfamiliar dogs, run toward them, or interrupt them while they’re eating. While it can be hard for kids to be gentle, they also need to know to not tease dogs, climb on top of them, or pull their tails. If a dog bites a child, you should always call animal control so they can investigate the incident further and verify with the owner if the dog has had appropriate vaccinations. Not all dogs will have all of their vaccines, so if your child’s skin is broken and there is any doubt on the dog’s vaccination status, take your child to a doctor to determine if a rabies shot is needed. As a mother, I know it’s impossible to keep your eyes on your kids at all times. But by understanding the biggest risks and enacting safety measures, you can still let kids be kids while you keep them happy, safe, and thriving. Baked Cornbread and Chorizo Stuffing –Chelsea Dickerson

• A child under 4 years old or weighing less than 40 pounds must be secured in a rear-facing car seat with a five-point harness.

• Children between the ages of 4–8, weighing between 40–80 pounds and measuring less than 4 feet, 9 inches tall, must use a front-facing car seat or booster seat. • A child should only use a normal vehicle safety belt without a restraint system once they weigh at least 80 pounds and are more than 4 feet, 9 inches tall. Missouri’s booster seat laws are not designed to be punitive, only to keep children safe. Failure to obey the booster seat law can be punished by a fine up to $50, but the charges may be dismissed if the driver can prove they’ve since obtained the correct restraining device before the hearing. In most cases, the objective is simply to ensure the child is restrained properly in the future. Remember that no one plans for a collision to happen, so you shouldn’t let your guard down. About 52% of all car crashes happen within 5 miles of a person’s home — a scary and sobering thought. Make sure to always properly restrain your child when they’re riding in a car, no matter how short the trip. people and Christmas gifts for 1,287! This year, Operation Holidays will be held on Nov. 19–20 and Nov. 22–23, and they welcome all volunteers: individuals, corporate volunteer groups, sports teams, and church groups. Find out how you can give back at DellaLamb.org/oh . HARVESTERS Local food bank Harvesters gives free groceries to families in need for at-home use. Each year, they provide millions of meals to families in Greater Kansas City, in addition to personal care items like soap, deodorant, and toilet paper. The need is constant, and Harvesters is 3 WAYS TO HELP OTHERS THIS THANKSGIVING

Inspired by FoodNetwork.com

Spicy, savory, and sweet, this unique stuffing will level up your Thanksgiving table.

INGREDIENTS • 1 lb Mexican chorizo • 1 white onion, chopped • 1 carrot, chopped • 1 celery rib, chopped • 3 garlic cloves, chopped • 2 cups premade cornbread, crumbled

• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped • 1/2 cup chicken stock • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, for greasing • Cilantro, for garnish • Cotija cheese, for garnish

always looking for assistance with sorting, packing, and distributing food. They also welcome community members to set up both fund and food drives on their

DIRECTIONS

behalf. Find out more about how you can help at Harvesters.org .

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F. 2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chorizo for 5 minutes. Add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook for 10 additional minutes. Stir in the cornbread and cilantro. 3. While stirring, slowly add the chicken stock. Stir until absorbed. 4. Butter a small casserole dish, then add the stuffing in an even layer. Bake for 20 minutes, garnish as desired, and serve!

No matter how you choose to give back this Thanksgiving, you’ll give both yourself and someone else a holiday to remember. You might also find yourself inspired to do more for your community the whole year-round!

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