Ask The Doctor
Q: Does my Child have Asthma?
A: Although the hallmark of asthma is wheezing, children can wheeze with a simple viral illness and won't meet criteria for asthma. In order to make a diagnosis of asthma, the periods of recurrent wheezing must have started at least six months prior. Understandably, many families, and even physicians, are hesitant to make a diagnosis of asthma because they feel that it labels the child. But treatment can only begin once a diagnosis has been made. There are a variety of treatment modalities for asthma and each child with asthma must have his/her own "asthma action plan" in place.
Drs. Paul and Daphne Horowitz have opened Discovery Pediatrics, Inc., a unique pediatrics practice in Valencia 259-8999.

Family Calendar
Saturday, December 6
SCV Education Foundation Presents Children's Holiday Parade Children's holiday parade starts at 9:30 a.m. on the north end of Main Street in Downtown Newhall and ends at Hart Park with snow, refreshments and activities; www.scveducationfoundation.org

Santa Clarita Literacy & Arts Festival From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., held at Hart Park in Newhall, featuring free children's activities, music, storytellers, author appearances, stage shows, crafts and more; www.scveducationfoundation.org

YMCA Parent's Night Out From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., drop off your kids at the Santa Clarita Valley Family YMCA for an evening filled with activities and games, in a fun, safe environment. Your children will be served a nutritious dinner and have a blast. Reservations required. Open to the public. Parents Day Out is on December 22 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.; 253-3593

Saturday, December 13
Master Chorale Presents Holiday Gifts - A Special Family Matinee From 3 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. the kid-friendly concert includes festive holiday tunes, a sing-along, and a visit from Santa. $10; 254-8886 www.scmasterchorale.org

Wednesday, December 24
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services at NorthPark Community Church An awe-inspiring, interactive, joyful service for the whole family. Service times are 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.; www.northpark.com

Saturday, December 27
Santa Clarita Trip to See High School Musical: The Ice Tour Celebrate the holidays with the gang from High School Musical at the Honda Center in Anaheim. The trip includes transportation by bus and reserved seats in the lower level at the Honda Center; 284-1465 www.santa-clarita.com

Fido Photos with Santa
Folks looking for a unique Christmas card featuring family pets (and humans) with Santa Claus - all to benefit local animal welfare - will be able to get custom photos from the Santa Clarita Chapter of Pet Assistance Foundation starting at $10. No appointment is necessary and any wait is usually very brief.
Two dates and locations are available. The first is Saturday, December 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pet Stop Store and Veterinary, located at 16522 Soledad Canyon Road in Canyon Country. The second is Saturday, December 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pet Supply Store, located at 26831 Bouquet Canyon Road in Saugus; 260-3140

Shop Inside SCV and Save BIG!
Paying full price is soo out of style! Log onto www.insidescv.com for dozens of exceptional, exclusive give aways, discounts, deals and more from Santa Clarita's finest retail, medical, beauty and home improvement businesses!

Moms On The Go...
Every Monday
Mommy Mondays at Serenity Canyon Day Spa Every Monday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., moms can indulge in any spa services and bring the kids. No need to get a babysitter; Serenity Canyon Day Spa will provide childcare; 250-7551

Every Friday
CPC Friday Nights at Antioch Unwind with live music, a cup of joe and friends. Located in the yellow Victorian building in Newhall.

Every Friday and Saturday
Vino 100 Hosts Weekend Specials Fine wines, a small plate bar menu and $7 tasting flights; 294-6886

Every Saturday
Egg Plantation Presents EP After Sunset A new series of live music and "after dark" fun for the 21-plus crowd starting at 7:30 p.m. Features live music, a full bar, featured wines, hors d'oeuvres, an espresso bar and desserts, in addition to fabulous omelets and the best bloody marys and mimosas around; 255-8222

Wednesday, November 19
All Corked Up Hosts Cabernet & Meritage Wine Tasting From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. $40 per person;
799-7979

Friday November 21 to Sunday, November 23
J. Serraino Hosts Juicy Couture Promotion Enjoy 30 percent off all Juicy clothing, handbags, jewelry and other accessories; 255-9944

Candleman Hosts Holiday Open House Weekend Refreshments, Open-House-only specials and more; 257-9420

Friday, December 5
Ma Maison Hosts Holiday Open House & Jewelry Trunk Show From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring raffles, giveaways and wine. Extended business hours on Friday nights until 8 p.m. during the month of November; 799-7983

Saturday, December 6
SCV Mothers of Twins Club Holiday Boutique From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy free coffee and cookies while you explore offerings from over 20 vendors. A portion of the proceeds will support Carousel Ranch. Held at Valencia High School; 212-0998 scvmothersoftwins@gmail.com

Rooms to Roam Hosts Holiday Open House From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Cinema Drive near Stonefire Grill; 259-7890

Wednesday, December 10
Living With the Empty Chair at Holiday Dinners Holidays are sad reminders of those we have lost. A free informational presentation on the closure process and learning to risk in relationships again will take place at Santa Clarita City Hall; 733-0692 www.thegriefprogram.com

Saturday, December 13
Goddess Fitness Hosts Grand Opening Christmas Party Join Goddess Fitness at their new, larger location at 26635 Valley Center Drive (Soledad and Golden Valley Bridge). Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and live performances from the Goddess Fitness Dance staff starting at 8 p.m.; 251-2831

Sunday, December 21
Kenneally Acupuncture & Healing Light Center Provides Seasonal Acupuncture Treatment From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., get a great immune system boost for the winter season. $35 per treatment; 252-4100

Save the Date!
Thursday, January 8 to Sunday, January 11
SCV Film Festival
Held at the Repertory East Playhouse, festival highlights include short films made to be enjoyed by all audiences. Participants will come from the organization's Script2Screen Program, which is a youth filmmaking program currently running in area after-school programs, as well as students and professionals from the U.S. and around the globe; www.scvfilmfestival.com