On Tuesday, NorthShore Health Centers hosted their annual ‘Cookies with Santa’ event at their location in Lake Station. Children lined up for the chance to see Santa and let him know what is on their wish lists this year, while families had the opportunity to learn about the ways NorthShore can help keep their whole family healthy.
“This is our 2nd annual ‘Cookies with Santa’,” said Michelle Higel, Family Care Coordinator at NorthShore. “We had a really good turnout. It didn’t snow so that’s always a good thing! The kids get a chance to do some crafts and to visit with Santa. Each child also receives a gift from NorthShore.”
>“Our dental department is here talking about the importance of doing the first dental checkup and oral mouth care for babies,” said Higel. “Each family that attends also completes a Family Needs Assessment to identify if they have any needs within their family like food, clothing, or access to healthcare. They let us know what their needs are and we will follow up with them and mail them some information about resources within their community.”
Speaking to parents about teeth and dental issues in infants, toddlers and children was Mallory Kertis, a dental hygienist with NorthShore’s Dental Department.
>“We’re handing out toothbrushes here today and talking to parents about some of the issues babies and children can have with their teeth and how to prevent them,” Kertis said. “Believe it or not babies can get cavities too. I’ve seen one or two with ‘Baby Bottle Syndrome’ which is where parents put their baby to bed with a bottle that has something other than water in it. When that baby takes it’s last gulp whatever they’re drinking, milk or juice, can sit on the teeth and cause cavities. We end up having to send them to a specialist.”
“We’re also letting parents know about the importance of bringing their babies in by the age of one,” said Kertis. “Even though a baby is only going to have so many teeth by that age it’s still important to come to the dentist. We want them to have multiple good experiences, get to ride in the chair, and get used to having fingers in their mouth.”
>Babies'R'Us is also teaming up with NorthShore to help with events and classes that help guide new moms. Joanne Ruffino is a local marketing specialist for Babies’R’Us and was at ‘Cookies With Santa' helping the NorthShore staff and handing out information.
“We have teamed up to not only do events but free seminars in our stores for new moms,” Ruffino said. “We do everything from a baby basics to infant CPR, which is really important for new moms. Important classes for moms who may not have the time to come here so we offer them in our stores. We do around 3-4 classes every month. Educating is so important and these classes are all free.”
>NorthShore Health Centers will be hosting ‘Cookies With Santa’ again on December 15th at the Boys & Girls Club in South Haven from 4-7pm. To find out more, go to: http://www.northshorehealth.org/