Most children cannot understand the magnitude of a storm or its lasting affects and will take their cue from the adults around them. It’s important to prepare your family for dangerous weather so that you can stay safe.  Events that are traumatic for adults are more so for children if they don t know what to do.  Children look to adults for help.  How we react tells them how real the danger is.  If we are calm and prepared, they will be reassured.

Children have varying understanding of storm preparation and recovery, and they may have questions and concerns.  Listen, and answer their questions carefully, stopping when they seem satisfied.  Be truthful and speak at a child’s level.  If you don’t know the answer, say so. Make sure children are supervised and know who is in charge. We cannot prevent storms, but we can let our children know we love them, will be with them, and are doing everything possible to keep them safe.

Make Plans

It helps if a family can plan together for hurricane season.  One family I know meets together to discuss what they will do. Their four children ages three to fifteen, listen, learn, and give input. They have found that their children are learning about hurricanes in school and other programs and have much to offer.  Their friend’s teen saved her horses during Hurricane Charley because she had learned to leave them outside from a guest speaker at her 4-H club meeting.  The barn collapsed during the storm, and her horses would have been injured had they been left indoors. This made an impression on the adults, and they are more open to what their children have to say.

Last hurricane season, my neighbor made lists and assign tasks to family members, checking it off with a sticker or star when each job was done. The younger children enjoyed that visible recognition, and were proud of themselves. I watched as the Mom expressed appreciation to her older daughter, hugging her and thanking her for how she helped her younger sister.

When assigning tasks, they are careful to be reasonable. Depending on their ages and abilities, children help put things away, fold laundry, clear the yard, gather items for evacuation, move outdoor furniture inside, and keep younger children occupied.  Their teen can pack for evacuation, make a home inventory, prepare for pet evacuation, move heavier furniture and equipment, help install shutters; take pictures, and put important papers in plastic protectors.

Your family may need to evacuate or move to one part of your home.  Help children choose what to bring, and pack ahead of time. Include favorites (blanket, stuffed animal), treasures (a special gift or found object), and necessary tools (flashlight, personal radio).   The ideal carrying case is waterproof and can be carried or wheeled easily by the child.  It can be a backpack or canvas bag.  Load the car in advance to see if everything fits.  This is a great time to discuss priorities.   Be sure to include a photo ID and basic identifying information.

Make age-appropriate disaster kits

For infants and toddlers, breast milk is the safest food during an emergency.  Nursing mothers have successfully fed their children through wars and natural disasters.  Nursing has a calming affect on both the mother and child, and nursing can begin up to six months after birth.   If using powdered formula, be sure to have at least 72 hours worth of safe water on hand, and at least that amount of liquid formula if appropriate.  Add diapers, wipes, baby washcloth and towel, a change of clothing, soft toys and board books.

Preschoolers can have their own flashlight, blanket, change of clothes, hat, favorite toy and book. For school age children add a journal and pencil, cards or a board game.   For ‘tweens and teens, add sunscreen and insect repellant if you know they will handle these responsibly.  Children with special needs may have medication, an inhaler, or other special equipment.  Everyone will need water and healthy snacks.

Children should know their names, their parents’ names, address, and phone number.   They should know where to meet in case of emergency and the name of a contact relative outside the immediate area.  Young children can carry this information on a lariat or have it written on clothing or in their disaster kit.   Children need to know how to use 911 and be familiar with disaster helpers, such as firemen, police, FEMA, Red Cross volunteers. Determine a buddy system within the family.

Children thrive on routines and limits. Family routines are certain to be upset in an emergency, and should be re-established as quickly as possible.  This includes getting up, dressing, eating breakfast, going to school, dinner, homework, playtime, and chores.   Limits include the amount and content of TV and computer time allowed, bedtime, healthy foods versus junk foods and drinks, where a child can and cannot play.  For example, downed power lines and standing water MUST be off limits!

Some parents have found that it helps to take time to explain what is happening before and after a storm.  Families can learn about the science of storms and the meaning of weather related vocabulary.  Ask your librarian or bookseller for helpful books to read together.  4-H has developed related curriculum to use with groups, and will be giving presentations at area libraries and park day camps.

Other families allow children to do art projects to express feelings, and to act out scenes using props.  The children drew picture of the storm, before during, or after, then they did a skit on the storm.  Play is a great way for children to process and gain understanding and a sense of control.

After the Hurricane

After a storm, parents can help grieve losses talking about what the storm has taken away.  Did your favorite tree come down?  If so, you might talk about how you’ll miss it’s shade, and how you’ll choose a new tree to plant.  Also talk about good things, such as how everyone helped each other.   Ask, what can we do?   Depending where the storm hit, children can assist with clean-up or help others by sending donations and caring letters. Taking action provides a sense of control.

Every family needs a first aid kit, and to discuss safety after a storm.  Teach children to be careful approaching animals, even your own, as they may be disoriented and can bite. Be sure children are supervised, wear closed-toed shoes, work gloves, and eye protection when helping   Keep a buddy system, know where your children are and give them a time when they are due back. Reassure them that the family is what is most important, and that material things can be replaced in time.  As soon as possible, replace a favorite or treasured item that may have been lost.

After a storm or even after storm preparation, some children may be especially fearful during every day thunder and lightening storms.  They may have nightmares and not want to be away from their parents.  Professional help is available if lasting fears and nightmares occur, and can make all the difference.

Project H.O.P.E. was developed by FEMA to help children handle the emotional aftermath of storms.  Using animal puppet characters and an elaborate, attractive stage, trained staff portray a scene after a storm. They then talk with the audience about what happened, working through any emotional responses the children have.   Project H.O.P.E. collaborates with other youth-serving agencies and can be reached at 863-228-6473 to schedule a performance.

Those who have been hit hard by storms know that the affects can be lasting, and that there is no return to “normal.”  Still, as life goes forward, good things will happen, and children need that reassurance as well.

This information and much more can be accessed through websites for FEMA (find the link for FEMA for Kids), Red Cross, EDEN (Extension Disaster Education Network), Collier County University of Florida Extension, Collier County Health Department – WIC (Women Infants and Children) Program) Disaster Homepage:  Children, Stress, and Natural Disasters, University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service.

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Fever

Fever is one of the most common reasons caregivers seek medical evaluation for their children. There is much apprehension about fever: some people are afraid for their children when they have fever, having heard stories about fever causing brain damage and convulsions or even death. Couple that with the fact that children often look and act much sicker when they have fever, and it adds up to a lot of anxiety.

Caregivers often turn to acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and sometimes both, in an effort to make the fever go away. There’s a lot of confusion about which medicine to give, how much to give and when to give it.

The good news is most stories about the dangers of fever are absolutely false! Fever from infection rarely goes above 106 F. The body temperature has to go above about 107 F before there is any damage to the brain or body.

There is such a thing as febrile seizures, but they are limited to children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. When they occur, they are usually very brief and do not cause complications. They are completely unpredictable and do not occur because the temperature goes above a certain level. They’re far scarier than they are dangerous.

A fever that doesn’t go down all the way with proper doses of fever medication or one that comes back before the next dose is due is neither an indicator of infection nor of the seriousness of the illness. The fact that you can’t completely control the fever is not something to worry about, as it means nothing about the infection that’s causing the fever. The fever will go away when the worst of the infection goes away.

The real reason to treat fever is to make your child feel better. Fever itself, regardless of the source of the infection, will increase the heart rate and breathing rate; make your child sleepy, cranky or clingy; and decrease their appetite. If you can get the fever down even a degree or two, your child will likely feel better, start eating and drinking better, and look much more like themselves. Then you’ll feel better too!

Fever Control

Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen are excellent medications for fever control.

We tend to limit ibuprofen to children older than six months. Children with kidney disease, bleeding problems or a few other chronic illnesses may not be able to take ibuprofen. If your child has a chronic disease, check with your primary care provider to see if he or she can safely take ibuprofen.

A few studies have suggested ibuprofen may be better than acetaminophen in helping to treat fevers over 102 – 103 F, while acetaminophen may be better for children who are also having stomach pain or upset, because ibuprofen can sometimes irritate the stomach. 

Some children consistently seem to respond better to one medication than the other. Each individual illness may also respond better to a particular medication. If you get a feeling that one medication is working better than the other, use that medication.

Many medical providers recommend alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen for better fever control. Studies suggest there may be a slight improvement in fever control when using both medications; however, there is also an increased chance the child will accidentally be given an overdose of one or both medicines, especially if more than one person is giving the child medication.

With this possible safety concern about accidental overdose, there’s little benefit in using the medicines on an alternating schedule.  If you choose to alternate acetaminophen and ibuprofen, alternate them every 4 hours. For example, give acetaminophen at noon, ibuprofen at 4pm, acetaminophen at 8pm, and so on. If more than one person will be giving medications, keeping a written schedule may help reduce dosing errors.

There is absolutely no evidence that giving acetaminophen and ibuprofen at the same time helps to control the fever. This practice can also lead to significant medication overdoses thus is not safe.

Dosage

Oral dosing recommendations on the packages of medications are most often given in weight or age ranges. This can lead to under-dosing or slight over-dosing. It’s best to get a dosing chart or recommendations from your medical care provider so you can dose your child based on their current weight.

We recommend ibuprofen to be given at 10mg per kilogram of weight (about 10mg for every 2 pounds) every 6-8 hours or acetaminophen at 15mg per kilogram of weight every 4-6 hours.

Acetaminophen can also be given as a rectal suppository, but they are available in a limited selection of doses. Suppositories should not be split to modify the dose because the medication may not be suspended equally throughout the suppository, so one portion may have more medication than another. This limits the usefulness of the suppositories. It is not true that suppositories work better or faster than oral medication. Ibuprofen is not available in suppository form in the U.S.

To sum it all up, whether they have fever or pain, we use acetaminophen and ibuprofen to make our children feel better. With a few exceptions, both medications are safe to use when given in appropriate doses and with appropriate timing.

Ibuprofen may be better than acetaminophen for injuries or illnesses that also involve pain and inflammation or for higher fevers.

There is no need to alternate the two medications for fever. Keep it simple and use which ever medication seems to work better. Consult your primary care or urgent care provider to learn the safest and most effective doses to meet your child’s needs.

Pain

Pain is pretty self-explanatory – nobody wants their child to be in pain. Pain is not only upsetting, but it also can increase the heart rate, breathing and blood pressure (although not usually to dangerous levels) and make a child cranky or withdrawn.

One of our key jobs as parents and caregivers is to reduce suffering by trying to minimize or prevent pain. Acetaminophen (such as the Tylenol™ brand) and ibuprofen (such as Motrin™ or Advil™) are our main tools to do that.

Both are great medications for fever and pain, but ibuprofen has an added benefit of fighting inflammation, which acetaminophen does not. For this reason, ibuprofen is sometimes preferred for pain from injuries or illnesses involving inflammation.

Children and Fevers: What Else You Should Know

Fever is the body’s natural immune system response to infection. Perhaps its goal is to raise the temperature of the body to create an environment that’s inhospitable to unwanted visitors. Here’s what you need to know:

• What is considered a fever and is it dangerous?
• How can you treat a fever at home?
• How should you treat a fever outside of the home?

What is considered a fever and is it dangerous?

A normal body temperature for most children is between 97.5°F and 99.5°F (37°C to 37.5°C). Temperature can fluctuate throughout the day and is usually lowest between 4:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. and highest in the early evening.

Children under 3 months

Fever is usually defined in children as a body temperature of 100.4°F or higher. A rectal temperature should be measured on children less than 3 months old, as it’s the most accurate way to measure small temperature changes.

In children less than 3 months of age, the difference between a rectal temp of 100.2°F and one of 100.4°F is the difference between needing a good physical examination and perhaps no tests, and needing a lot of tests done (blood, urine, nasal swabs or even a spinal tap) and possibly being admitted to the hospital for antibiotics.

Fever of any degree should be taken very seriously for children under 3 months and for any child with a proven significantly weak immune system. In these children, the relatively weak immune system may not be able to help fight off an infection and they can get sick very quickly.

Children over 3 months

In children over 3 months, there is no specific degree of fever that should trigger an immediate visit to a health care provider. The elevated body temperature won’t cause damage to the brain or body unless it gets above 107°F, which generally doesn’t happen with children with normal brain function.

Children with severe damage to specific parts of the brain can sometimes get fevers well over 106°F with infections, but most children won’t get fever higher than 106°F. Some children with temps of 104°F or even 106°F can be running around and playing, while another child with a temp of just 101°F might feel, look and act very sick. In this scenario, it’s the child with the 101°F fever who is the most worrisome!

Fever can make any child sleepy, cranky, clingy, achy and not interested in eating or drinking. They’ll also breathe faster, and their hearts will beat more quickly. The real reason to treat the fever is to help relieve these symptoms.

As the temperature comes down, the child should perk up and look and act much more like themselves, even if the temperature doesn’t go all the way down to normal. If your child is still looking and acting sick when their temp comes down, that’s the time to be concerned, because it means the infection itself, and not just the fever, is causing the symptoms.

Many times, pediatricians will recommend having an older infant or child seen if the temperature is over 102°F – 103°F, not because the fever is dangerous, but because the infection causing it may require testing and/or specific treatment.

If the child appears relatively well when the temperature comes down, is not having a lot of trouble breathing, isn’t having lots of vomiting or diarrhea, is drinking fluids well and not having any severe pain, there’s no need to see a doctor as an emergency, although you should certainly seek an evaluation at any time if you’re concerned.

How can you treat a fever at home?

What TO do when your child has a fever

• Give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol^®) or ibuprofen (such as Motrin^®), dosed by weight as indicated on the packaging or as instructed by a pediatric provider. In general, ibuprofen should not be given to infants less than 6 months old.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Your child should be urinating on their own once every 4-8 hours.
• Keep the room at average temperature (70°F – 74°F).
• Provide lightweight clothing and blankets.
• Give warm baths
• Keep your child home from school until their temperature has normalized for 24 hours.
• Make sure your child gets plenty of rest!

What NOT to do when your child has a fever

• DO NOT give Aspirin to children under 18. This can cause a condition called Reye’s syndrome, which causes swelling in the liver and brain.
• DO NOT give your child:
• cool baths
• rubbing alcohol on the skin
• ice packs
• bundling with clothes and blankets

These measures can affect your child’s natural temperature regulation, and in some cases increase their fever.

• DO NOT give caffeinated drinks (soda, tea, coffee). Caffeine increases urination, which can speed up dehydration.

How should you treat a fever outside of the home?

If your child’s primary care physician is not available, consider taking your child to an urgent care center or the emergency room.

Urgent care clinics have capabilities to provide Xrays and laboratory tests to help with accurate diagnosis and treatment. Not all urgent cares are the same; pediatric urgent care centers treat children from birth to 21 years of age. A pediatric urgent care clinic is staffed by pediatricians or sometimes family physicians, nurse practitioners and/or physician assistants who have experience and training in taking care of children.

It’s best to go straight to an emergency room (ER) if your child appears very sick or badly injured, is having severe trouble breathing, is having uncontrollable bleeding or severe pain, is having a seizure, is confused or is not responding to you as they usually do. In these cases, it’s often best to call 9-1-1 to have your child evaluated and treated even before you can make it to the hospital on your own.

Lou Romig, MD, FAAP, FACEP, Medical Director

After Hours Pediatrics Urgent Care

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Defining mental health

First, it is important to understand mental health. Mental health is our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. Everyone can experience mental health issues – children, adolescents, and adults. Symptoms can range from mild to moderate to severe. Some people are less vulnerable to mental health issues, while others may go through periods or struggle long-term.

While many adolescents have adequate mental health, if you believe your child is in distress know, they are not alone. The U.S. Health and Human Services’ Office of Population Affairs estimates “49.5% of adolescents have had a mental health disorder at some point in their lives.” Examples include attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, and learning disabilities.

What to look for

How can you tell if your child is in distress? If you see a change in mood or behavior that lasts two weeks or more, and disrupts regular functioning, it could be a sign your child is struggling with their mental health. Signs to look for include:

• drop in school performance 

• appetite changes

• persistent sadness 

• frequent headaches or stomachaches

• withdrawal from or avoiding social interactions

• appearing afraid or worried 

• difficulty concentrating

• school absences 

• frequent outbursts of anger

• self-harm or discussing self-harm

Untreated mental health problems can disrupt children’s functioning at home, school, and in the community, leading to serious problems later in life. Early identification and intervention are critical to understanding and addressing symptoms to help your child live a healthier and happier life. 

What to do

Talk about it. Conversations about mental health can be uncomfortable, but they are important to supporting overall well-being, because physical and mental health are closely related. To overcome this discomfort, talk openly about mental health like you would about any other medical problems, such as allergies, asthma, or diabetes. Having these positive conversations early and often will reduce the stigma around mental health, and help your child see you as a trusted resource if they experience distress.

If you suspect your child is struggling, express your concerns in a calm and reassuring manner. Encourage your child to talk about how they feel and listen with empathy. Be reassuring and help them understand mental health conditions are common for adults and children. 

Get help. You know your child best, and if you suspect they may be going through any difficulty, do not hesitate to ask for help. Schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician, and be ready to describe the behaviors that concern you. Your child’s pediatrician can help you differentiate typical/normative development from something more serious and, if needed, can connect you with a skilled mental health professional. 

Support your child. As a parent, you play an important role in supporting your child’s treatment plan. You can help them by learning as much as you can about their condition, creating an environment where they feel supported and safe, and providing positive feedback and encouragement. It also is important to remember your kids learn by watching you, so set a good example, and model habits such as staying positive, taking care of your physical health, developing healthy coping skills, and talking to someone if needed.  

Parents and caregivers often are the first to see signs that their child is struggling with mental health. Recognizing the signs and getting help early are critical as this can prevent problems from becoming more serious. If you are concerned your child may have a problem, do not hesitate to speak with their pediatrician. 

Gisel Mendez-Cordero, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist with experience working with pediatric patients at Healthcare Network, a nonprofit organization committed to ensuring primary healthcare is accessible to everyone in Collier County. For more information, call 239-658-3000 or visit www.HealthcareSWFL.org.

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I began acting when I was five years old. I played the dragonfly in a production of Froggy Day in Lindentown with KidzAct. From there, I was hooked, and I did KidzAct every summer.

Eventually, I starred as Veruca Salt in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Jr. in fifth grade when my elementary school performed at the Naples Philharmonic (now Artis-Naples). I performed in the first Youth Outreach Summer Program with Opera Naples and have continued every summer since. I performed in Children for the Arts Foundation productions through middle school, eventually continuing my involvement by directing the shows in high school. I’ve been an audience member watching the amazing theater that is produced in Naples. I am now pursuing a degree in theater at Florida State University (go ‘Noles!). All of these experiences have led me to become a better version of myself. And I have seen these same transformations in the students I have directed. Becoming involved in theater and performing at a young age can help your children learn many important skills.

Confidence

Many kids struggle with self-confidence as they grow up. Theater is an excellent way to combat this tendency in your kids. As they work toward goals through rehearsals and performances, they are able to see that they can accomplish anything they put their mind toward, even if it’s out of their comfort zone. The standing ovation at the end of a show is a visual affirmation of the pride they feel.

Providing an outlet

On the other end of the spectrum, some young kids have so much personality that it can be hard for a parent to handle. Theater is a fantastic way to channel that energy into something productive and positive. Kids learn to focus their natural vivacity into the high-paced environment of a performance.

Self-expression

As students enter the tween years, they often begin to experience moodiness and are reluctant to share problems with parents. It is incredibly hard to get through to children once they have shut down, and it is difficult to try and introduce strategies of self-expression once they are already in this stage. Parental suggestions are scorned and the gap becomes increasingly difficult to bridge. If kids already have a safe space where they can vent these new emotions in a positive manner, it can help them deal with the mountains (or are they molehills?) that arise with growing up.

Teamwork

For kids who aren’t athletically inclined (like me), it can be difficult to learn teamwork as easily as those playing team sports. Theater allows children to be part of a group and work together to reach a common goal. Learning to be responsible for parts of a greater whole is integral to the art of theater.

Public speaking

In college, the one class all of my friends dreaded was public speaking. They had never learned how to speak clearly, to mitigate filler words such as “um” and “like,” or to project their voices. Because I started theater at a young age, all of this is second nature to me. I had the skills to be successful while my friends struggled. I have watched the kids I worked with learn to articulate their words and to clearly communicate their thoughts. Even though a lot of theater is memorizing someone else’s words, at its core, theater allows kids to learn how to tell a story so an audience understands it. This skill is integral to almost every job there is, from law to teaching to politics. Audiences come in sizes big and small, and with a background in acting, your child will be set up for success.

Why Theater?

“Theater gives children the opportunity to not only showcase their talent, but to be involved in the arts. It develops their creativity, imagination, expression, as well as promotes confidence, and self-esteem, along with lifelong skills of critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork.”

– Tish Poorman, executive director, Children for the Arts Foundation (www.facebook.com/ChildrenForTheArts)

“Being involved in the arts has a lasting impact on your life, especially for those who start at an early age. I have seen major transformations occur in students through their involvement in the arts. I have watched many shy children blossom into confident performers, which then helps them become self-assured individuals in their every day life. Especially for teenagers, it is incredibly important to find a place of belonging – a place where they feel comfortable being themselves and a place where they have meaningful and positive friendships. Often, the stage or the rehearsal room becomes that place of joy and comfort. It provides them with a niche, which keeps them away from many alternative activities that can be negative and destructive. Instructors become positive role models who challenge and support them to be responsible young adults who express themselves in a healthy manner and respect others.”

– Robin Frank, director of educational outreach, Opera Naples (operanaples.org)

“Theater makes us world citizens. It allows us to connect and engage with each other, to more deeply understand relationships, and to develop the vocabulary to articulate our feelings. We become better problem solvers and more compassionate human beings, able to develop empathy, to see different points of view, and to speak in front of a group. Academically, we learn how to understand and analyze language, how to write in different voices, and how to identify motif, subtext, and poetic forms. We also learn about different historical periods, cultures, and regions. Finally, theater gives us a safe space to address complex emotions, explore social issues, and make positive life choices.”

– Hester Kamin, director of education, Gulfshore Playhouse (gulfshoreplayhouse.org)

“Our theater classes all focus on building confidence. The performing arts is an important way to work on team-building skills, Cooperation, working towards a goal and accomplishing that goal as a team. Our performing arts programs focus on building personal confidence. Plus, if you need help speaking in front of people and thinking on your feet improv classes are for you. KidzAct, it’s a great way to learn new skills and make new friends!”

– Craig Price, director of education, KidzAct (naplesplayers.org)

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Q: I’m happily married with two kids but I’m dying to have a third baby, and my husband won’t even consider it. Should I take matters into my own hands?

Amy: Whoa. I’m just gonna assume that you are asking if it is morally corrupt to sabotage your current birth control method to have another child against your husband’s wishes, and the answer to that is a resounding yes. Look, while there is a percentage of birth control failure, I think it is beyond reprehensible to put your husband, your other children, and a new baby in a place where you deliberately caused a situation like this. Going from two kids to three is no joke, and I would hate to have the situation forced upon me if I was in your husband’s shoes.

Maybe you need to explore the reason your husband doesn’t want to have more children. Is it finances? Or fears he’ll have to share you for longer? And what is your reason you feel your family is incomplete at its current size?

As a mother of three, I can empathize with the idea of a “magic” family number, but I think being on the same page with you spouse is key to that magic. That being said, if you’re really at an impasse on this situation, it might be time to take a long hard look at your “happy” marriage if neither one of you are willing to compromise on the choice to bring another life (and another mouth) into your family. If your union really is an equal partnership you need to treat it as such. Having another child will do nothing for you if your life partner is adamantly against it.

Q: I’m trying to potty-train my 20-month-old daughter, and she won’t have anything to do with it. Her older sister was potty-trained at 19-months, and I can’t understand why it isn’t working this time around. Any suggestions?

Amy: Here is my wonderful empirical advice, are you ready? Stop attempting to potty-train a child who isn’t interested. You are wasting your time and frustrating the both of you. When she’s ready to potty-train, she will tell you. Personally, potty-training didn’t work at all for any of my kids until they were almost three. I know this probably isn’t what you wanted to hear, but it’s the truth from my experience. Every kid is different, some use the toilet earlier than their peers, and some don’t. That’s just the way life is. I can promise you one thing, though, she eventually will be potty-trained, and you won’t be walking her down the aisle in a diaper when she gets married.

Have a question for Amy? Send it to info@neafamily.com for consideration in an upcoming column. 

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