Archive for 'Hollywood Health'

Watch NBC Special “Child Hunger Ends Here” Saturday, March 19, 2011

Watch NBC Special “Child Hunger Ends Here” Saturday, March 19, 2011

Posted on 15. Mar, 2011 by .

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child hunger ends here

The statistics are alarming. One in four American children struggles with hunger.   According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 17.2 million children are at risk of hunger across the nation in communities that include rural towns; suburban neighborhoods and urban centers – making it clear that hunger is a harsh reality for many Americans  A staggering 23.2% of US Children live in food insecure households with the gravest meal shortages occurring in Arizona, Arkansas and in our nation’s capital, Washington DC.

Food. It seems so very basic to most of us but here are the hards facts about food insecure households:

→ 46% of the client households served by Feeding America food banks report having to choose between paying for food and paying for utilities or heating fuel

→ 40% of client households had to choose between paying for food and paying rent/mortgage

→ 34% of client households had to choose between paying for food and paying for medicine/medical care

To combat this epidemic, ConAgra Foods®, in partnership with Feeding America®, is asking us, the consumers, to take part in a new initiative to fight child hunger with their “Child Hunger Ends Here” campaign.  Child Hunger Ends Here brings together some of ConAgra Foods’ best known brands (Healthy Choice, Hebrew National, Marie Calendars) as part of the largest cause-marketing program in the company’s history including this weeks television special on NBC.

On March 19, 2011, “Child Hunger Ends Here: A Special Report,” a 30-minute special hosted by Al Roker with Natalie Morales, will highlight the personal stories of families struggling with hunger and showcasing how Americans can work together to tackle this issue. (Check local listings for viewing times.) During the special, viewers can also participate in an online event which will shed additional light on the child hunger issue. By following #ChildHungerEndsHere on Twitter during the broadcast, participants can ask questions from an expert panel, as well as learn about ways to get involved. In addition, a series of PSAs will run in select areas highlighting key child hunger issues and the text to donate program.

“ConAgra Foods® is a longtime, committed partner of Feeding America and we are incredibly grateful for the ongoing dedication to fighting domestic child hunger,” said Vicki Escarra, President and CEO of Feeding America. “With one in four children across the nation struggling with hunger, we are in crisis right now. No American should go hungry, and we thank ConAgra Foods® for joining us in that belief and for raising awareness and support for Feeding America.”

About ConAgra Foods: ConAgra Foods, Inc., (NYSE: CAG) is one of North America’s leading food companies, with brands in 97 percent of America’s households. Consumers find Banquet, Chef Boyardee, Egg Beaters, Healthy Choice, Hebrew National, Hunt’s, Marie Callender’s, Orville Redenbacher’s, PAM, Peter Pan, Reddi-wip and many ConAgra Foods brands in grocery, convenience, mass merchandise and club stores. ConAgra Foods also has a strong business-to-business presence, supplying frozen potato and sweet potato products as well as other vegetable, spice and grain products to a variety of well-known restaurants, foodservice operators and commercial customers. For more information, please visit us at www.conagrafoods.com.

* When consumers activate their purchase online at www.childhungerendshere.com and enter an eight digit code, a monetary donation will be made enabling one meal to be secured by Feeding America on behalf of local food banks, up to a maximum of 2.5 million meals for codes entered through 8/31/11. Valid in US only. $1 donated = 7 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local food banks.

**This post is part of a compensated campaign. Bloggers involved with this campaign include HollywoodMomBlog, ParentSphere, ScaryMommy, MileHighMamas, 80MPHMom, LoveToShopMom, and more! Check out my complete twitter list here.

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Counselors Corner: Handling Audition Anxiety and Rejection

Counselors Corner: Handling Audition Anxiety and Rejection

Posted on 10. Jul, 2010 by .

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Dear Jody and Cindy,

How can I teach my child to survive auditions, especially when he she doesn’t get the part?


You get the call. Your agent says “She’s perfect for it,” or “He is exactly what they are looking for.”  You and your child both begin to fantasize that this is the call you’ve been waiting for.  This is the BIG BREAK! As your daughter or son prepares for their audition, their worries also begin.  You may hear things such as:

  • “I wonder who else will be there auditioning,”
  • “I wonder what other shows have they’ve been on?”
  • “Is someone else at this casting call better for the part?”
  • “Will I remember all my lines?”
  • “WHAT IF I DON’T GET THE PART?”

Your child can become self conscious and begin to doubt herself as her anxiety increases.  As parents we never want to see our children unhappy. When they are sad, we are sad.  When they hurt, we also hurt.  It is our job as parents to recognize and contain our own personal thoughts and reactions, so that we don’t project our issues and fears on to our children.  It’s important to validate your childs’ courage by reassuring him or her that they are brave by taking risks and stretching beyond their comfort level.

Help your son or daughter understand that they may not get chosen and not because they didn’t perform well, but because they didn’t fit the part for which they were auditioning.  Assure them that it is not personal and that they may have to go on many auditions before they get “that part.”

Keep in mind, if your son or daughter doesn’t get the part, now isn’t the time for “constructive criticism.”  Instead, try the following;

  • Acknowledge their feelings
  • Support the process: offer classes to enhance their skills and self-confidence
  • Stay real: don’t give them false hope and teach them that it takes perseverance to achieve their goals.
  • Understanding that disappointments pass and things will get better and more opportunities will come their way
  • · Resilience: teach kids the importance of bouncing back quickly

Most importantly, encourage them to stay on their path. Remember that you are enough and that the love you give and the belief you have in your kid is what it takes.  Now go and take her out to the movies. Enjoy!

Hollywood Mom Blog Contributors Jody Frank and Cindy Busto are Licensed Clinical Social Workers, and the directors of West Coast Counseling Center. To contact the center, please call 310-475-0223 ext.2#/3#, or visit their web site at www. wcccla.com

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Counselors Corner: Do Child & Teen Actors Abuse Drugs & Alcohol More Often Than Other Kids?

Counselors Corner: Do Child & Teen Actors Abuse Drugs & Alcohol More Often Than Other Kids?

Posted on 24. May, 2010 by .

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Dear Jody and Cindy,

Are child actors more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol than the general public or do we just hear about them more because they are famous?

Dad of 2, Sherman Oaks, CA

Child actors tend to be exposed earlier to drugs and alcohol due to the abundance and accessibility of substances in the Industry. They experience pressures unique to the business such as constant rejection, jealousy, feelings of not being good enough, excessive amounts of money and scrutiny of their appearance, emotional instability and failure; obsessive thinking, and strained personal relationships.

By being a part of a fast-paced lifestyle there may be a loss of innocence which can be replaced by a persona of maturity. Children often miss positive age-appropriate experiences. A belief begins to develop in the child and sometimes in the adults around them that they are capable of making decisions or choices beyond their years.

Due to these stressors, it is more likely for a young actor to abuse drugs, alcohol, and sex, and participate in other impulsive and dangerous behaviors.

Parents, pay attention to any emotional or behavioral changes that seem out of the norm. Remember, these changes may progress slowly over time or quickly and abruptly.

Look for the following signs:

  • Agitation or depression
  • Impulsivity or reactivity
  • Anger or irritability
  • Anxiety or manic like behavior
  • Sleeping a lot
  • Staying up all night
  • Mood swings
  • Closed off, lying, secrets
  • Change of friends
  • Grades go down
  • Distancing from family

If you begin to see changes that concern you, seek out professional help before it gets out of control.

Contributors Jody Frank and Cindy Busto are Licensed Clinical Social Workers, and the directors of West Coast Counseling Center. To contact the center, please call 310-475-0223 ext.2#/3#, or visit their web site at www. wcccla.com


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Counselors Corner: The Top 10 Signs of Eating Disorders in Kids & Teens

Counselors Corner: The Top 10 Signs of Eating Disorders in Kids & Teens

Posted on 14. May, 2010 by .

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Dear Jody & Cindy,

Why are eating disorders so rampant in the entertainment industry? Does this only affect girls?

Concerned Mom

There are several reasons eating disorders are prevalent in the entertainment industry and while more common for girls, boys can also suffer from this disorder:

  • Competition: The pressure to be “skinny enough,” “pretty enough” and “perfect.”
  • Exposure: Movies, TV, magazines, models and other actors are seen as having the ideal bodies. The message is do whatever it takes to get the part.
  • Distorted Body Image: Kids often have a distorted perception of how their bodies look and the belief that something is wrong with them.

Unfortunately, this perception is often validated by expectations of the business team and studios

  • Identity: Actors often define themselves by what they do, who they know and what parts they get or don’t get.  Both girls and boys can be equally impacted by the stress, disappointment and rejection they encounter. This can lead to feelings of fear, shame and worthlessness.

As parents we want to be watchful for signs of compulsive overeating, bulimia and anorexia. Examples of this could be:

1)     Consistently going to the bathroom immediately after eating (purging/bulimia)

2)     Intense dieting; restricting food; use of diuretics (anorexia)

3)     Binges with or without purging (compulsive eating)

4)     Significant weight loss or gain (anorexia, compulsive overeating)

5)     Excessive exercise 2 or more times a day or over 2 hrs a day (exercise addiction)

6)     Bathroom pipes clogging up on a regular basis (purging)

7)     Obsession with the scale and their weight (anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating)

8)     Obsession with the mirror and their body (anorexia, bulimia, compulsive overeating)

9)     Hides and hoards food (Bulimia and overeating)

10)  Superficial cutting, shoplifting and lying may also be a part of an eating disorder

If you are worried or begin to suspect your child may have a problem it is time to seek professional help.

Contributors: Jody Frank & Cindy Busto are Licensed Clinical Social Workers and the directors of WCCCLA.

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West Coast Counseling Center Addresses HMB’s Concerns About Child Actors

West Coast Counseling Center Addresses HMB’s Concerns About Child Actors

Posted on 28. Apr, 2010 by .

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The Hollywood Mom Blog is proud to welcome our newest contributors Jody Frank, LCSW and Cindy Busto, LCSW of the West Coast Counseling Center.  In the wake of so many recent child actor tragedies, as HMB’s editor I felt it was time to seek the input of professionals to answer some of the unique questions and concerns that we as the parents of child actors have. Cindy, Jody and their team at WCCC are uniquely qualified to tackle these tough issues our children face and will be contributing to HMB several times a month.

Believing it is of the utmost importance to understand the whole person in relationship to their family, friends and work environment, Licensed Clinical Social Workers Cindy Busto and Jody Frank envisioned a counseling center that would help people heal their bodies, minds and spirits. This vision evolved into the West Coast Counseling Center, which the two founded in 1985.  WCCC therapists help clients learn practical tools and skills that lead to a feeling of being psychologically successful on a daily basis. “We know that people come to therapy because they are struggling emotionally and we understand how difficult it is to ask for help. At WCCC, clients experience personal and professional transformations that lead them toward a path of personal freedom, balance and contentment.”  Following 25 years of working with world-renowned treatment centers, including The Betty Ford Center, Sierra Tucson, Cirque Lodge, The Meadows, Hazelden and Cottonwood de Tucson, Jody and Cindy have built a reputation as their pre and post Aftercare Rehab Specialists.  You may even recognize them from their appearance on the E! Entertainment special, “Out of Control: 10 Celebrity Rehabs Exposed.”

As parents of working child actors, we understand that the entertainment industry presents it’s own unique issues: long hours, difficulty in establishing a “normal” routine or social life, getting caught up and stuck in the politics of the business, and most recently intensified media interest in child and teen performers as a whole.  Cindy and Jody’s awareness and sensitivity to these particular issues have helped them to work successfully with all facets of the entertainment industry including the treatment of high profile actors, comics, writers and highly acclaimed executive and industry leaders. They have made many television and radio appearances and have been interviewed by national newspapers, magazines and authors. We are honored to have them contributing to our new Q&A column “Your Child Actors Mental Health,” which will tackle relevant questions directly from the HMB readership.  Please forward your questions to them via our contact form above. Our first question and answer format follows below.

As the parent of an aspiring actor, what steps can I take to protect my child emotionally in a business filled with rejection?

Balance, Balance, Balance. While rejection is a common occurrence in the entertainment industry, it is possible to create an emotional, psychological, and spiritual balance for our children. You can begin by surrounding them with a business team that is positive, supportive, and encouraging of your child’s aspirations.  Family before business. It is essential to provide as much normalcy as possible within the limitations encountered. For example, family dinners, chores, responsibilities, accountability, boundaries, and fun time with family and friends are all great ways of maintaining a normal lifestyle. Above all, remember to stay open and loving in your communication with your children. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, listen attentively, and be willing to explore their thoughts and feelings. Kids need to know that they can share their fears, anxiety and confusion and that we will hear them without judgment or reaction. This gives them a feeling of safety and support.

Contributors: Jody Frank, LCSW & Cindy Busto, LCSW
West Coast Counseling Center
 310-475-0223 www. wcccla.com

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“The Middle” Child Star: Atticus Schaffer Conquers Physical Disability & Says His Parents Support His Dreams!

“The Middle” Child Star: Atticus Schaffer Conquers Physical Disability & Says His Parents Support His Dreams!

Posted on 19. Apr, 2010 by .

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Atticus Shaffer, born June 19 1998, stars as Brick Heck on ABC’s comedy, “The Middle.” Eleven-year-old Atticus lives in Acton, California, with his mother, Debbie, and father, Ron, as well as a host of rescue animals including 2 dogs, 4 cats, chickens, fish and a rabbit. He also has a 31 year old brother.  People magazine recently reported that Atticus suffers from Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) a genetic bone disorder resulting in fragile bones.  About his disability Schaffer says, “It’s a small portion of me and nothing more.  I take extra precautions where I step to make sure it’s safe.  And I shouldn’t do anything with heavy lifting or anything that could make me slip and fall.”

Shaffer was discovered by his manager in 2006 and quickly booked a guest starring role in the series “The Class.” That role led Atticus Shaffer to the role of Brick in the original ABC pilot for “The Middle.”

As mentioned in this clip with Jimmy Kimmel, Atticus  is home schooled by his mom and excels in his education.  Of his mom he says “we learn together.”  Way to go Debbie!  It obvious neither Atticus nor his parents let OI slow him down which is illustrated not only by his acting but his involvement with Boy Scouts.  He loves to camp, earn Merit badges, read, play LEGOS and collect World War II memorabilia.  Atticus is a wonderful example of a child who is living his life to the fullest despite his disabilities and he  gives full credit to his mom and dad for enabling him to do so.

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