Wellness
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Amanda Inscore
Naples teen starts group to help pay for kids’ mental health care
The motivation was to create a way for teenagers to get counseling without having to go through their parents. Read more
Amanda Inscore
Global Big Latch On events in SWFL promote breastfeeding
This weekend, the Global Big Latch On celebrates 10 years of bringing moms together to breastfeed all at once around the world. Lee Health is hosting two events, one in Cape Coral, another in Estero. Read more
Andrea Melendez/The News-Press/U
Mending Minds: Finally making progress
He was bullied. He had violent outbursts at home and school. He regularly threatened suicide. After regular Baker Act committals, a treatment program in Naples makes the difference. Read more
Samara Heisz Getty Images/iStockphoto
Rising insulin prices put SWFL families at risk
Naples-based Help a Diabetic Child Foundation works to lend support to families in Southwest Florida. Read more
Morgan Hornsby/Naples Daily News
Naples girl attends Children's Congress in D.C. to advocate for Type 1 diabetes funding
Naples' Sabine Rivera, her mom, Pamela Rivera, and 164 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation delegates from across the nation will head to Washington, D.C., from July 8 to 10 to advocate for Type 1 diabetes research funding. Read more
Alex Driehaus/Naples Daily News
Avow program for grieving kids gets new center with home-like comfort
Children struggling with the loss of a parent, sibling or anyone significant to them have a place all their own at Avow Hospice in Naples. Aunt Janet’s House, a dedicated space for grieving children ages 5 to 17, opens Tuesday, June 18. Read more
Wellfit Girls
Wellfit Girls expands with two new programs
Girls in Collier County have new options to help them gain confidence and fitness through two programs by Wellfit Girls. Read more
shironosov Getty Images/iStockphoto
Free meals offered for students in Lee and Collier counties
For many children in Southwest Florida, school is their main source for a nutritious meal. To make sure no child goes hungry over the long summer break, Lee and Collier schools are participating in the USDA summer food service program. Read more
Mom urges ways to protect young athletes from summer heat
I drove my 16-year-old son Zach to the football workout at his high school and made sure he had the gallon water jug he was known for carrying every day at school and practice. I said, “Love you!” He said, “Love you, too,” and he was gone. Read more
Courtesy of Christina Hansen/Logan Thibodeau of Just Say Cheese Photography
Column: Where do I start in seeking mental health care for my child?
An explainer on what the different professionals do who serve in our mental health care community. Read more
Amanda Inscore
She's 16 and suicidal, but an overburdened system responds in slow motion
Low funding for mental health care and a shortage of psychiatrists has left kids and families searching and waiting for help in Southwest Florida. Read more
Parenting
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Is your child the bully or the bullied?
Middle school can be tough: switching classes, learning locker combinations, more challenging coursework. It’s also where the most bullying begins. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 49 percent of children in grad... Read more
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Are your children safe?
Some 70,000 children will ride school buses this year in Lee and Collier counties. The deaths of two students, in two separate incidents, have put the spotlight on bus stop safety. Read more
Courtesy of Child Care of Southw
Bullying prevention starts before kindergarten
Helping our youngest children learn to make connections with others and reinforcing positive behaviors helps prevent bullying later in a child’s life. Read more
Brian Tietz
First day of school! First day of school!
Sending your child off to their first day of school can be exciting, but it’s also a bit nerve-racking. Do they have all their supplies? How will they find their way through the school? Will they be safe? Read more
Courtesy of The Hollis Co.
RISE Weekend in Fort Myers: Rachel Hollis to be at Hertz Arena
Writer and motivational speaker Rachel Hollis plans to lead women through a three-day personal growth conference when her popular RISE Weekend comes to Southwest Florida. The conference visits Hertz Arena Jan. 9-11. Read more
Mommy & Me Dance Class
Our Mommy (or Daddy) and Me dance class offers a time for the parent and child to learn together. This class provides children, ages 16 months to 3 years, with a fun and creative opportunity to interact with other children. The class will help de... Read more
Aug 20, 2019
Key Marco Cat Exhibit
The Key Marco Cat and other rare 500- to 1,500-year-old Pre-Columbian Native American artifacts discovered on Marco Island in 1896 are showcased in an exhibit from January 2019 to April 2021. Read more
Aug 21, 2019
Baby Boot Camp
Certified fitness professionals instruct exercise classes for pregnant, postnatal and ultra-fit moms every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday in WINK Playland. Read more
Aug 21, 2019
'Ding' Darling Tram Tour
Join an experienced naturalist for a tram ride through the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s Wildlife Drive. Learn about the refuge’s rich mangrove estuary ecosystem while looking for wildlife. Tram tours operate every day except Friday. Read more
Aug 21, 2019
Free Kids Crafts
Kids enjoy free crafts every Wednesday in WINK Playland. The new Kids Crafts Reward Card is good for a $10 Miromar Outlets gift card after your fifth visit. Read more
Aug 21, 2019