Want to go? “Just B ‘Tween Us Girls” Monday, Oct. 9 • 6-8 p.m. St. John’s Cancer Center, 2055 S. Fremont Registration and hors d’oevres  begin at 5:30 p.m.

New children’s forums to foster healthy communication between kids and parents

Between running from one activity to another, homework, school, work and friends, parents and kids don’t always have a lot of time to sit down and talk.

That’s why St. John’s is offering quarterly children’s health forums for kids and their parents on topics such as what pre-teens can expect during puberty to making wise choices about nutrition and exercise.

Modeled after the successful monthly St. John’s women’s health forums, the first children’s forum on Oct. 9 will be a mother/daughter program for girls ages 9-13 called “Just B ‘Tween Us Girls.”

Pediatricians Sara Stover, M.D., Elizabeth Andrews, M.D., Stacy Kanagawa, D.O., and Tamara Fusco, M.D., will lead discussion and answer questions about physical and emotional changes during puberty, making healthy choices, peer pressure and the importance of communication between girls and parents. Attendees will also enjoy a fashion show between segments.

“St. John’s already has an excellent schedule of programs that focus on women’s health issues,” says St. John’s pediatrician Elizabeth Andrews, M.D. “St. John’s wanted to offer similar programs focusing on children’s health. Our hope is that these programs are both educational and entertaining, and we’re excited to kick off the series with a mother/daughter program in October. A similar program for fathers and sons is planned.”

Please visit www.stjohns.com and click Calendar for the children’s health forum schedule, or call Tye Wallen, R.N., at 417-820-3495 to receive mailings.