What to watch for in a developing child

We get the call from time to time from a worried parent: My child isn’t doing X, yet? Should we be worried?

Often times, no, because children develop differently, and some delays can be easily remedied. But sometimes, delays builds on top of delay and can signal a developmental disability.

In particular, we encourage parents to watch their children if they show signs of regressing to an earlier point of development. And if they suspect problems, get an evaluation and assistance early. It will make everyone’s life easier.
Click here to view some of the signs to look for.

An easy, nutritious meal

Icy roads, cold weather. Snow. It’s just awful to drive in, yet try to get by in Orleans County without driving.

For elderly people in particular, the winter can be a hazard – a nutritional one. If you’re afraid the roads are dangerous, you’re more likely to stay home and make do with what’s in the cupboard than go out and do the essential shopping.

That’s a tough call. Certainly, we wouldn’t suggest you drive when it’s not safe. But we don’t want you to endure poor nutrition, either. Certainly, anybody who can’t get out can contact our Meals on Wheels program. In fact, perhaps you should, anyhow, because it’s a cost-effective, easy way to get a well-balanced meal.

But if you’re stuck, here’s one of our favorite meals, which can be made entirely from stuff that keeps in the cupboard or fridge:

1 16-ounce can of beans (pick your favorite) drained and rinsed
½ cup peas (canned or frozen)
½ cup corn (canned or frozen)
2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
1 stalk celery, diced
1 carrot, diced
1 onion, chopped
1 bay leaf
½ tsp. cayenne pepper (or to taste)
1 cup cooked rice (brown rice has more fiber and a nice, nutty flavor)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water

Saute garlic, carrot and onion briefly in a small amount of oil. Add rice, broth and bay leaf and cayenne and bring to a simmer. Add remaining ingredients and cook until the liquid is absorbed.

You can change the vegetables, of course. And you can spice any way you want – we’re particularly fond of hot sauce, but you can try it with a splash of lemon juice, oregano and basil, too. Or maybe some cumin and coriander and a bit of chili powder.

The best part is that it’s nutritious, easy, and probably already available.

We’ll keep your car clean, even in winter

Winter in western New York can be idyllic – a sea of white from horizon to horizon. Enough cold to make the season a challenge and to tease Southern friends who think three inches is a national emergency.

But it’s a real mess for the car. Seriously. Outside, the salt and mud eat away at the underside, reduce visibility and the effectiveness of your headlights, and really add to your dry-cleaning bill.

And inside, all the grit from the road just weaves its way into the carpeting and dust blows all through the engine compartment. And sometimes you have to be careful that the water from melting snow doesn’t create a mildew problem.

About the only thing worse than all that is trying to clean your car in winter. The spray from the hose leads to cold, chapped hands, and who wants to climb into the car with a vacuum cleaner when it’s below freezing?

These are things our crew at Arc’s Detailing Shop understand. They’ll get into the crevices were dirt and mildew can hide, and the externals nooks and crannies that always seem to leave a smear of mud on your jacket.

It’s their job and their career. It’s not yours. Check them out at:

Gardner’s Citgo
11337 Maple Ridge Rd.
Medina, NY 14103

And make an appointment by calling 585-708-1897 or 585-798-4023.