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Summer is your Chance to "Catch Up" on Family Dental Care
If the kids are home this summer, that's your sign to book them for their semi-annual dental cleanings and checkups. "No parent enjoys taking their kids out of school for routine dental care - that's why our practice's Saturday appointments are so popular with families. But during the summer, when kids are out of school already, it's easier to get a weekday appointment on the books," says Dr. Marvin Tong, DDS. Have more than one child who needs an appointment? "Call and get everyone in at once and save yourself some time!" suggests Becky Short, Dr. Tong's longtime office manager for their Valencia practice. "We have parents who bring their laptops and answer emails while their three kids all get their checkups, fluoride and cleanings. Summer schedules can really make dental care more convenient for moms, dads and caregivers."
Dr. Marvin Tong, DDS 268-6284

Your Drowning Prevention Checklist
1. Supervision: Never leave your child unsupervised in or near any body of water. Don't allow barriers, like fences or walls, to give you a false sense of security. Keep toys, tricycles and other children's play things away from the pool or spa. Don't consider your children to be "drown-proof," even if they are enrolled in swimming lessons. Swimming lessons should teach them some respect for the water. Don't rely on "water wings" or inflatable devices to keep your child afloat. There is no substitute for supervision.
2. Barriers:
Fencing, walls, latched doors, covers and alarms should always be utilized. Doors and windows leading to the pool area must be kept closed and locked. Fence gates should have self-closing, self-latching mechanisms. Door, window and gate latches should be out of reach of children. Always drain standing surface water off of the pool or spa cover. Your pool or spa should always have well-maintained barriers or "layers of safety." And - teach your child to swim!
3. Emergency Procedures:
Install a phone, or keep a cordless phone or cell phone, in the pool or spa area. Know how to contact local emergency medical services and post emergency phone numbers in an easy-to-see location. Child caregivers should always be familiar with emergency procedures. Learn and practice how to administer lifesaving techniques (CPR) to children.
For more information on drowning prevention and learning to swim,
call Academy Swim Club. 702-8585




"My girls, Lynzie (9) and Taylor (13), have been attending Santa Clarita School of Performing Arts over the past seven months. In this short time, we have seen our girls soar! Within the first month of attending, our daughter Lynzie was signed by an agent and within two months, our older daughter Taylor was signed with another agent! The girls are having a blast in class. SCSOPA offers a variety of classes for all different ages, including runway modeling, print and branding, voiceover, singing, dancing and a vast amount of different acting classes. After a few months into modeling and branding classes, Taylor found that she absolutely loves acting! She was our shy girl when it came to meeting new people and speaking in front of classmates, but not anymore! She can easily start conversations with people and doesn't feel awkward - her communication skills have dramatically improved. Both girls continue to get auditions and are having a blast in the Hollywood scene. While we came to gain industry experience, my daughters have also gained confidence in everyday life situations. This has become our second home and our extended family. This was a great investment for our girls!"
The Beller family