(North Bergen, NJ) – The following is a schedule of upcoming Maternity Classes at Palisades Medical Center.  To register or for more information, please call Robin Petrick at 201-295-4823.

Child Birth Classes – Cost is $125 per couple if delivering at PMC; $150 if delivering elsewhere. The more you understand about the process of labor, the better prepared you and your support partner will feel.  Classes include: understanding the labor process, breathing and relaxation techniques to work with your body, the role of the support person, options for pain medications and medical interventions, Caesarean birth, understand your changing body after birth, newborn appearance and procedures after birth.  The childbirth class also includes a tour of Palisades Medical Centerâ€s labor and delivery unit.

June 15, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

July 20, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

August 10, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

September 14, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Newborn Baby Care Classes – Cost is $35 per couple if delivering at PMC; $50 if delivering elsewhere.  The basics of newborn care, starting with the appearance and characteristics of a newborn.  Other topics include: bonding, understanding cues, crying, colic, safety measures, health and development, sponge bathing and bathing.  We practice swaddling, dressing, and diapering.

June 26, from 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

July 24, from 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

August 21, from 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

September 18, from 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Keys To Successful Breastfeeding – Cost is $35 per couple if delivering at PMC; $50 if delivering elsewhere.  Topics include: the importance of skin-to-skin contact, latching techniques, supply and demand as it relates to breastfeeding, positioning for breastfeeding, indications for breast pumps, including a demo, Dadâ€s role in the breastfeeding relationship, and community resources available post delivery for breastfeeding assistance. Dads are encouraged to attend.

June 22, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

July 15, from 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

August 17, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

September 16, from 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Mommy and Baby Care Group – No registration is required and the group meets every Thursday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.  New mothers with babies ages 2-16 weeks can get information and support in this group.  Discussion topics include caring for baby, understanding changes in motherâ€s body and powerful hormones during the postpartum period.  The Mommy and Baby Care Group is led by a board certified lactation consultant to offer breastfeeding support.

Sibling Preparation for Birth Class and Pizza Party – Cost is $10.  This is a fun and effective way to teach soon to be siblings (ages 3+) all about babies. Your young ones will learn the exciting parts of being a big brother or sister while we explain safety issues like holding a baby properly.

June 7, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

August 16, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

About Palisades Medical Center

Palisades Medical Center is located at 7600 River Road in North Bergen, NJ, and serves a population of 400,000 in Hudson and Southern Bergen Counties.  The non-profit Medical Center is affiliated with the Hackensack University Health Network, and it features a 202-bed hospital and The Harborage, a 245-bed nursing home and rehabilitation center.  Palisades is the largest employer in its service area with more than 1,300 employees and it has an annual operating budget of approximately $150 million.  The State of New Jerseyâ€s annual healthcare report card ranked Palisades as one of the top hospitals in the state and #1 in Hudson County. Palisades was also one of only two hospitals in New Jersey to receive a perfect 100% score in treating heart attack patients. The Stateâ€s annual evaluation showed that The Harborage at Palisades has “Zero Deficiencies” for the third consecutive year.  For more information, please call (201) 854-5000 or visit www.palisadesmedical.org.

The post Palisades Medical Center’s Releases Schedule of Upcoming Maternity Classes first appeared on River View Observer.

 Riverview Park will feature “Young Frankenstein” on August 3 and “True Grit” on August 17. Washington Park will show “Spider Man” on August 10 and “Take the Lead” on August 24. At Riverview Park (Palisade and Griffith) the movies are shown just south of the flagpole. Washington Park will show the movies on the baseball field at Paterson Plank Road and 2nd Street (enter on 2nd Street).

 All are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy the movies and popcorn at no cost. Movies will begin at sundown—approximately 8 p.m.

 Sponsors to date include Jersey City Independent/NEW Magazine, Jersey City Division of Cultural Affairs, Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theatre, Hudson County, Nick Caballero Ideas for Living, Palisade Wine, Spirits and Liquor, New Jersey City University/NJCU Office of Grants and Sponsored Programs, Always Express, and The Corkscrew Bar and Grill.

 All movies are family-friendly and will also feature Spanish subtitles. Rain Dates will take place on the Wednesday following the rainout. Movies are subject to change without notice.

 Founded in 1983, the Riverview Neighborhood Association (RNA) is one of the oldest and continually active neighborhood associations in Jersey City, primarily serving the eastern portion of Jersey City Heights. RNA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that actively partners with neighbors, local government and local organizations to improve the quality of life and foster pride in The Heights neighborhood and surrounding communities. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month (except August) at 7:30 p.m. at the Harborview Health Center, 178 Ogden Ave. For more information, please email riverviewneighborhood@comcast.net.

 The Washington Park Association (WPA) of Hudson County, Inc. was founded in 2008, by a group of residents in the Washington Park area. The Association creates opportunities for positive change in the park which in turn improve the surrounding neighborhoods and create a stronger sense of place for area residents. The WPA is a volunteer-run and operated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization controlled by dedicated Hudson County residents. To become involved or for more information, please email peter.a.basso@gmail.com.

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By Evelyn Bonilla

Each year throughout the United States hundreds of children are reported missing. Victimâ€s parents search endlessly to no avail and the cries of “why did this happen to my child” go unanswered. In truth, we have to ask ourselves; is there a way to prevent this from happening? Can we prepare our children for the unexpected and teach them; the danger signs and what to look for in order to stay safe?

“The Karate Kids”, a husband and wife black belt team; are concerned that this problem will only increase if children are sent out to the world unprepared. Tired of seeing the news and hearing of the many cases, Orest and Lucy Dzydzora decided to try to find a way to help. They came up with a program that would teach children and parents about child abduction prevention and self defense. The result a program called C.A.P.S-Child Abduction Prevention & Self Defense.  

This specific program creates awareness of the dangers of abduction by using Isshinryu Karate and interactive role playing. The Dzydzoraâ€s incorporate a hands on training approach to make children aware of their surroundings and to teach them how to avoid dangerous situations. Lucy Dzydzora explains, “Kids need to know how to protect themselves physically. If they are aware of the tactics used by abductors and are trained to protect themselves, they will have a fighting chance against abduction.”

As parents themselves; the Dzydzoraâ€s know the importance of teaching children to be safe. They have been teaching the art of Isshinryu Karate for over 27 years. Orest Dzydzora is a 6^th Degree Black Belt and is well-known for his expertise in Kata (forms). He has competed in various competitions throughout his career within the nationwide area. He has studied Isshinryu Karate in depth along with other forms of martial arts such as; Khali, Aikido, Krav Maga, Tai Chi and Okinawan Kobudo. Lucy Dzydzora is a 3^rd Degree Black Belt and has also competed throughout the nationwide area. She was the first woman in her dojo to earn the rank of San-Dan (3^rd Degree Black Belt).

The Dzydzoraâ€s focus is clear; to protect children everywhere against the dangers of abduction. Theyâ€re passionate about teaching martial arts as self defense and dedicated to providing a safe enviorment for Bayonneâ€s community of children. So dedicated are they, that earlier this year they presented their C.A.P.S. program to Mayor Mark Smith and the Bayonne Board of Education. Orest Dzydora explains, “We felt the need to teach children how to see danger and to think. We hope to make them aware that although someone made look like a good person, the danger can always be there.”

To date the program has been widely accepted by many parents who have looked to the Dzydzoraâ€s for guidance and support. One of the parents, Debbie Linnus who has her young 6 year old daughter in the program explains, “This is a wonderful program, especially the way itâ€s presented. My daughter loves it and is learning so much. She never wants to miss a class. The Dzydzoraâ€s are amazing with the children!”

Some of the classes are geared at actual reality type situations and the students are involved with interactive role playing. Loreto Martinez, a mental health specialist has participated and helped with the interactive role-playing. She began by playing the part of a stranger asking for help; during the class she was able to see for herself what could happen. She explains, “Itâ€s important for kids to be aware, most children are oblivious to the dangers. This program gives parentâ€s piece of mind. It was great to be able to participate and to be on the other side of the coin and observe. I wish more children would be exposed to this program. Abduction is a worldwide problem, it can happen anywhere, so the C.A.P.S. program is definitely a way to fight back.”

In the fall of this year the Dzydoraâ€s will work on a volunteer basis with the Bayonne Board of Education to present a one day seminar to all Bayonne Public schools. Theyâ€re primary goal is to; educate all of the communityâ€s children, teachers and school faculty as to the prevention of child abduction.

Their goals as well as their focus is clear, too educate children, parents and teachers to the dangers and prevention of child abduction and to show them that self defense is the key to their safety. To learn more about “The Karate Kids” and their C.A.P.S. program visit their website at www.thekaratekids.org or call (973) 687-1072. Also you can email them at caps@thekaratekids.org.

The Karate Kids also offer the following classes; Bully-Proofing, Womenâ€s Self Defense, Senior Self Defense, and private lessons; for men, women, children, including children with special needs. They are also available for seminars for any school, group or organization. Give them a call at (973) 687-1072 and invest in your childâ€s safety and your piece of mind.

The post “The Karate Kids” Offers Public Awareness in Child Abduction Prevention first appeared on River View Observer.