The Absolute Best Animal Encounters in LA

by Melissa HeckscherDecember 12, 2022

When it comes to meeting furry and feathered friends, there’s nothing like getting up close and personal with primates, pups, pigs and more. Luckily, LA (and the surrounding area) offers plenty of exciting, educational animal encounter opportunities—you could even spend the night at these California farm stays. Whether it’s you that loves to love on llamas or your animal-obsessed kid, here are the best places—from sanctuaries and rescue centers to farms—to interact with animals in the Los Angeles area.

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Best Place to Hug Alpacas: Canzelle Alpacas

Have you ever hugged or kissed an alpaca? This might be your best chance! Southeast of Santa Barbara, this easy day trip (1.5 hours from DTLA) is worth the drive once you see all the alpacas (plus llamas, horses, sheep, buffalo and now chickens!) on this farm. Advance reservations required for the 1-hour tour.

PS: Carpinteria is known for the annual avocado festival that takes place annually in Oct.

Hours: Fri.-Sun.
Rates: $30 for adults; $25 for kids, under 2 are free

4036 Foothill Rd.
Carpinteria
Online: canzelle.com

Best Place to Milk a Goat & Try Archery: Gilchrist Farm

Your little farmer can milk a goat, ride a pony, tour the farm by wagon or barrel train, or try their hand at archery and axe-throwing at Gilchrist family farm tucked into the hills of Santa Clarita. The menagerie of friendly critters includes goats, ducks, chickens, peacocks, geese, pigs, sheep, cows, bunnies and an African tortoise—and all of them are available for visits.

Hours: Sat. & Sun. from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Goat milking takes place at 10 a.m. & noon Jun.-Dec.
Cost: $5 and includes meet-and-greets with the farm's menagerie of animals (including the petting zoo). All other activities must be booked separately, and prices vary. Archery and axe throwing are $15 each; Wagon & train rides are $5 each; Pony and horse rides are $7-25 (ponies and horses are not available if it's too hot out).

30116 Bougquet Canyon Rd.
Santa Clarita
Online: gilchristfarm.com

Best Place to Cuddle a Critter: Wallis Annenberg PetSpace

best animal encounters around LA — Wallis Annenberg PetSpace

Calling all Fido and feline fans! Wallis Annenberg PetSpace is filled with animal fun. There's an education center, kids can observe training demonstrations, visit the Health Center, meet adoptable pets Wed.-Sun. as well as read to furry friends Sat. & Sun. at noon.

Don't miss Critter Corner—a special spot that highlights animal friends like rabbits, hamsters and birds that also need forever homes.

Hours: Wed.-Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: Free admission although some programs may have a fee and require advance reservations.

12005 Bluff Creek Dr.
Playa Vista
Online: annenbergpetspace.org

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Best Place to Peep a Porcupine: Wildlife Learning Center

If feeding a giraffe or getting up-close with a porcupine is on your bucket list, now's the time to check off those boxes. The sanctuary houses more than 50 different species of zoo-born and rescued animals, from a Bermese python and an American alligator to a bald eagle and two-toed sloth.

Want something more personal? Book the "Zoofari Tour" which includes a 45-minute guided walk around the grounds plus the chance to have at least one special encounter with an animal (you get to choose between touching an armadillo or feeding a giraffe or porcupine). The pricier 90-minute "Adventure Tour" offers a guided walk plus the chance to do all of the above experiences and more (sloths are involved!). Both tours are led by one of the center's biologists.

Good to Know: The Wildlife Learning Center recently re-opened to visitors Tues. & Thurs. Advanced reservations recommended but not required.

Hours: Tues. & Thurs. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Adults $15; Children $13; kids under 3 are free

16027 Yarnell St.
Sylmar
Online: wildlifelearningcenter.org

Best Place for a Playdate with Ponies: Peter Weber Equestrian Center

If you're in the South Bay and you've got a little one who loves horses (or goats, pigs, alpacas, tortoises, bunnies, and sheep!), a visit to Peter Weber Equestrian Center makes the perfect playdate.

You can hang with a menagerie for $50 for up to three kids. For that, you'll have the entire petting zoo area all to yourselves for 30 minutes, which means your little animal-lovers can pet the goats and sheep, feed the bunnies, touch the tortoise—then play in the enclosed play area that includes a small slide perched on bales of hay, two giant rocking-horses, and a make-believe Wild West jail facade that's perfect for Instagram (#Jailbirds).

Hours: Open by appointment only, seven days a week
Cost: $50 for three kids to mingle with the farm animals in the petting zoo for 30 minutes; $50 for a pony ride for up to three children

6401 Crenshaw Blvd.
Rolling Hills Estates
Online: pwecent.com

Best Place to Whisper with Wolves: Shadowland Foundation

best places to see animals near LA — Shadowland Foundation

Shadowland Foundation, a sanctuary dedicated to preserving and honoring wolves and their contribution to the environment, and what one of our editor's called, "life-changing"—includes a personalized tour and an opportunity to meet, pet and take pictures of (and with!) one or more of Shadowland's nine Alaskan Timber wolves.

Hours: Advance reservations for private sessions, which take place at 10 a.m. on Tues., Wed. and Thurs.
Cost: $300 for five people (additional guests, $60 each). Recommended for children 8 and up due to the length of the tour/talk.

18832 Pine Canyon Rd.
Lake Hughes
Online: shadowlandfoundation.org

Best Place to Linger with Lorikeets: Aquarium of the Pacific

At the Aquarium of the Pacific, kids can explore exhibits like the Shark & Ray Lagoon, Seals & Sea Lion habitat, the Lorikeet Forest and the June Keyes Penguin Habitat. Kids will love the close encounters and you'll love watching the joy on your child's face when, for example, a colorful (and hungry!) Lorikeet lands on their arm, making it all worth it.

Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri.-Sun. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Cost: $37 (adults), kids (3-11) $27; parking is $8

100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach
Online: aquariumofpacific.org

Best Place to Lounge with Lions: Moorpark Teaching Zoo

Calling itself "the living, breathing classroom for the Exotic Animal Training and Management program," the zoo (a part of Moorpark College) exists to educate its students on animal husbandry, training and care. Purchase advance reservations to be able to see more than 200 animals live at the 5-acre zoo, including alligators, geckos, monkeys, tigers, camels, snakes, lions and more.

Hours: Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. with special live presentations at noon, 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $9 for adults, $7 for kids, under 2 are free

7075 Campus Rd.
Moorpark
Online: zoo.moorparkcollege.edu

Best Place to Cuddle with Cows: The Gentle Barn

The Gentle Barn offers private tours along with cow hug therapy in addition to their virtual tours. The two-hour private tours will give you and your household a close-up look at all the animals that live at the Barn (as well as sharing their stories of rescue and recovery). Visitors will also learn about the history of the organization and its goals of teaching kindness and compassion to animals.

Hours: Open to the public on Sun.; Tickets much be reserved in advance
Cost: Adults $22; Kids $12; children under 2 are free

15825 Sierra Hwy.
Santa Clarita
Online: gentlebarn.org

Best Place to Sit with Sea Lions: Marine Mammal Care Center

The Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro is a hospital with a very different kind of patient: Inhabitants here are mostly baby seals who have lost their moms and cannot feed themselves, along with other sick or injured sea mammals. Your little animal lovers can see (from behind the fence line) a plethora of adorable harbor seals and California sea lions, learn how they are cared for and how helpers here prepare to return them to the wild. A docent leads a 15-minute tour of the center, tell you about the animals, and answers any questions that come up. Advance reservations, face coverings and social distancing will be required during your entire visit and there is a maximum of 8 people in each party per 15 minute tour.

Hours: Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: Admission is free but $5+ per person donations are encouraged

3601 S. Gaffey St.
San Pedro
Online: marinemammalcare.org

Best Place to Giggle with Gibbons: Gibbon Conservation Center

The Gibbon Conservation Center is a nonprofit center dedicated to the study and conservation of gibbons, small apes from the forests of Asia. More than 40 gibbons live here in family groups, which allows kids to see up close how these animals live and take care of their young. Please note there is no physical contact with the animals allowed.

Hours: Guided tours are available on Sat. & Sun. at 10 a.m.
Cost: Adults, $18; students & teens, $15; kids 3-12, $7; Children under 3 are not allowed at this time.

19100 Esguerra Rd.
Santa Clarita, CA
Online: gibboncenter.org

Best Place to Embrace a Pig: Farm Sanctuary

Visit the 26-acre Farm Sanctuary to meet rescued cows, pigs, turkeys, and other farm animals. Tour reservations are currently required, and visitors can expect to learn about the importance of humane treatment for farm animals and the effects of animal farming to the world's ecosystem during the hour-long tour.

Hours: Fri.-Sun.; 11 a.m-2 p.m.
Cost: Adults, $15; kids $8; kids under 3 are free

5200 Escondido Canyon Rd.
Acton
Online: farmsanctuary.org

Best Place to Pal around with Pythons: STAR Eco Station

Meet parrots and pythons and piranhas—oh my! Kids, from babies to teens, can tour Eco Station to see a host of exotic rescued wildlife. Tours are required for admission, and each is led by an expert Eco Station staff member who explains the habits and history of hundreds of rescued exotic animals. The tour also features exhibits on the current challenges facing the environment and offers tips on how to help save the planet through small changes at home and at school.

Hours: Tours start every hour on Sat. & Sun. from 10 a.m. with the last tour starting at 3 p.m.
Cost: Adults, $12; Kids, $10

10101 Jefferson Blvd.
Culver City
Online: ecostation.org

Recall Alert: Hanna Andersson Rompers Recalled Due to Choking Hazard

by Karly WoodNovember 14, 2021

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued two recalls for Hanna Andersson baby products. Both Baby Ruffle Rompers and Baby Long-Sleeve Wiggle Sets both have snaps that become detached and pose a chocking hazard.

Hanna Andersson has received four reports of either the snaps coming off the fabric ripping around them, but no reports of injuries. Keep reading to see which specific sets are included in the recall

photo: CPSC

Recalled Baby Ruffle Rompers have a style number of 66919 written on the main label at the neck of the top, with metal snaps reaching from the neckline to the center. The 100% cotton romper has ruffles and was sold in Petal Pink, Golden Hour and Juniper with a polka dot pattern. Sizes include zero months to three years in the U.S. Euro sizes 50-90.

Recalled Baby Long Sleeve Wiggle Set have a style number of 66938 written on the main label at the neck of the top with metal snaps at the crotch of the top. The 100% cotton long-sleeve top and pant set was sold in Petal Pink with a pink floral pattern, Golden Hour with black and white polka dots and gold trim and Navy Blue with a green turtle print and navy trim. Sizes include zero months to three years in the U.S. Euro sizes 50-90.

The baby ruffle rompers were sold exclusively online at hannaandersson.com from July 2021 through October 2021 for about $40. The baby long sleeve wiggle set were sold exclusively online at hannaandersson.com from July 2021 through October 2021 for about $46.

If you have either recalled product, stop using immediately and contact Hanna Andersson for a full refund. The company will be providing postage-paid labeling to return the product. You can reach Hanna Andersson Customer Care Center at 800-222-0544 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. PT, daily email at help@hannaandersson.com or online at hannaandersson.com and click “Product Recall” at the bottom of the page or at: www.hannaandersson.com/product-recall.

––Karly Wood

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Brave Care Offers Same-Day Primary & Urgent Care for Kids of All Ages

by Jamie AderskiSeptember 22, 2021

“Back to school” can be synonymous with “back to the doctor.” There are vaccines and physicals to get in before heading back to class or the field, and with more activity comes the risk of unexpected injuries and illnesses. Having quality care that’s easily accessible (not to mention affordable) is crucial for kids. We love that Brave Care has it all covered in one place, from check-ups or immunizations you need right away (like, today!) to care for unexpected sprains or breaks, with same-day primary care AND urgent care for kids. Read on five reasons why Brave Care is the only care center you need, from birth to graduation.

Book your visit with Brave Care today!

1. There When You Need Them

Unlike other doctors’ offices with standard business hours, Brave Care offers primary and same-day urgent care appointments from 10 a.m.-10 p.m., seven days a week, 365 days a year. And their pediatric experts, not an answering service, answer the phone 24 hours a day. (Because injuries and illnesses don’t care if it’s a Sunday at 11 p.m. or a holiday…)

2. One-Stop-Shop

It can be tough to juggle all of the care visits that kids require (not to mention your own!). Families can schedule their kiddos’ check-ups, flu-shots, vaccine appointments, sports or summer camp physicals, in-house labs and more. Their clinics have on-site x-rays and over-the-counter medicines, so you don’t need to make multiple appointments at different offices or have extra errands to run.

3. Same-Day Primary Care

That’s right: Same-day primary care bookings are available (this blew us away!). Now you can quickly get the care they need when it’s most urgent (and not two weeks from now). Brave Care exists to guarantee parents and caregivers have a safe, reliable and local practice readily available to them—thank you, Brave Care!

4. Affordable Expert Emergency Care

With kids, accidents are bound to happen—worrying about how much that emergency room visit will cost shouldn’t. Their providers offer the same expert care as the ER at a tenth of the cost. Same-day urgent care appointments are available for injuries requiring immediate attention (like broken bones, lacerations, foreign objects in ears/noses, stitches) and non-life-threatening conditions—from rashes to fevers and stomach aches.

5. Comfort & Safety

Brave Care clinics are designed with families in mind. Their physical spaces are built to make every parent and child feel welcome, comfortable and safe. You can expect inclusive and welcoming care with providers they have specifically chosen to uphold that mission.

Brave Care is here for your family 24/7—book your visit today!

—Jamie Aderski

Recall Alert: Johnson & Johnson Recalling 5 Lines of Aerosol Sunscreens

by Sarah ShebekJuly 19, 2021

It’s smart to be sun safe, but if you’ve been using certain sunscreens, it’s time to make a switch. Johnson & Johnson has announced it’s voluntarily recalling 14 sunscreen products from five different product lines due to the presence of benzene, a known carcinogen. All of the affected products are aerosol (spray) sunscreens.

Benzene is not an ingredient in any of the sunscreens, but it may have contaminated the products during the manufacturing process and internal testing identified low levels of the carcinogen. The following sunscreen lines are under recall:

NEUTROGENA^® Beach Defense^® aerosol sunscreen
NEUTROGENA^® Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen
NEUTROGENA^® Invisible Daily™ defense aerosol sunscreen
NEUTROGENA^® Ultra Sheer^® aerosol sunscreen
AVEENO^® Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen

If you have one or more of these products in your house, stop using them and discard. You can contact the JJCI Consumer Care Center with any questions. If you have more specific medical questions, contact your healthcare provider.

The Environmental Working Group recommends avoiding spray sunscreens due to inadequate coverage and potential inhalation risks. You can find a full report from the group on safer sunscreen choices online.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Pichara Bann on Unsplash

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Considering Where To Give Birth? Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach Provides Expert Care All Under One Roof

by Jamie AderskiJuly 12, 2021

You’re pregnant—congratulations! With all the excitement that comes with the anticipation of meeting your new baby, there are so many things to think about, from your registry to names and beyond! Deciding where to have your baby is one of the most important choices you can make. Frequently moms think about comfort factors like private rooms and amenities and skip one colossal detail: Is the hospital equipped to care for you and your baby if something doesn’t go as planned during the birthing process? For all of these reasons, we love MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital because of their maternity and pediatric sub-specialists available 24/7. With everything you and your baby need under one roof, you can rest assured that no matter the circumstance, you will have the absolute best care at all times. Read on for five reasons why you need this hospital on your radar now.

Learn more about MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach.

1. From High-Risk Pregnancy To Unexpected Complications, They Have Your Back

MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach is the only regional hospital that delivers comprehensive maternity and pediatric care under one roof. Miller Children’s & Women’s has maternal-fetal medicine specialists and neonatologists on-site 24/7. The Cherese Mari Laulhere BirthCare Center is equipped to handle routine to high-risk pregnancies, so if delivery isn’t routine, your baby is moved just down the hall to the level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to receive specialized care.

At other hospitals without these capabilities, your baby would need to be transported—separating you from your newborn. Miller Children’s & Women’s is home to the largest Small Baby Program in the region and cares for the tiniest premature infants, often weighing less than 2 lbs., in a serene environment that mimics a mother’s womb. If you do give birth to a premie at another hospital, Miller Children’s & Women’s Access & Transport Center is available 24/7 to bring expecting mothers and premature infants to Miller Children’s & Women’s from surrounding area hospitals.

2. All-In-One Comprehensive Care

Miller Children’s & Women’s has sub-specialty physicians who underwent additional training to handle the complexities of high-risk pregnancies, prematurity and neonatal care, including maternal-fetal medicine specialists, neonatologists and OB hospitalists, that are available 24/7. The peace of mind that comes with knowing that you and your baby will get the best possible care, no matter the situation, takes all the "what-if's" out of the equation so you can enjoy your pregnancy and newborn! In addition, Miller Children's & Women's has been recognized by the California Health & Human Services Agency, Hospital Quality Institute and Cal Hospital Compare with the 2020 Honor Roll Award for Maternity Care for achieving the statewide cesarean section rate of 23.9% or lower for low-risk, first-birth deliveries.

3. For Postpartum: A One-of-a-Kind Children’s Care Center

Miller Children's & Women's care extends beyond babies to kids of all ages, including NICU graduates. The High-Risk Infant Follow-Up Program at the Stramski Children's Developmental Center provides extensive follow-up care to infants discharged from the NICU. This program allows parents to learn more about their baby and ways to help their baby develop. Earlier this year, Miller Children's & Women's opened the Cherese Mari Laulhere Children’s Village, which is the only building of its kind in Los Angeles and Orange Counties with a one-stop-shop approach to outpatient specialty care for kids. In one kid-friendly location, families have access to 30 different types of specialty physicians, a pharmacy, laboratory, imaging services, rehabilitation gyms, family resource center, education center and more.

Learn more about MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach.

4. Highly Specialized Care—With a Proven Track Record of Success

MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach provides specialized pediatric care for children and young adults, as well as maternity care for expectant mothers. Miller Children’s & Women’s is one of only eight free-standing children’s hospitals in California—treating more than 14,000 children each year—and has become a regional pediatric destination for more than 65,000 children who need specialized care in outpatient specialty and satellite centers. The BirthCare Center helps more than 5,500 families welcome babies into the world each year and cares for more than 1,200 babies in the NICU.

5. All of the Birthing Amenities You Could Want

Not only is Miller Children's & Women's hospital top-notch care for your newborn, but they make sure parents feel supported in a family-centered care environment—which is so important. They offer all private rooms for the entire birthing experience and other comfort amenities, like allowing your partner to stay the night, to make your hospital stay welcoming your new baby the absolute best experience. The private rooms are spacious with large windows bringing in natural light, bringing quality and comfort under one roof. Not to mention, they have expert physicians and comprehensive lactation support.

Learn more about MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach.

—Jamie Aderski

How to Make the Most of Mornings with Kids

By Meghan Fitzgerald

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

October 2, 2020

Photo: Erin Weeks via Tinkergarten

Longing for a schedule that really works for your kids? We all need to transition into a new, fall routine, and, for many parents, we also need to manage a home schedule alongside some kind of school schedule. No matter what learning looks like for your family right now, kids really need a predictable schedule supported by easy-to-learn routines And, frankly, us grownups need this too! Schedules reduce anxiety and take the guesswork out of our day-to-day—which is super important at a time when none of us needs to worry more. So, how best to get started?

Thinking about the Time of Day Can Help
For many kids, scheduling certain activities at specific times of day can make a big difference. That’s because we humans have our own internal timing mechanisms called circadian rhythms that repeat roughly every 24 hours. These dictate how we wake, sleep, and shift energy and focus throughout the day. And, though rhythms can vary, for many little kids, mornings can be pretty marvelous.

What Is Marvelous about Mornings?
Though really young brains are hard to study, parents and teachers often notice that young kids tend to be calmer, better able to focus, and less likely to frustrate in the morning. This is especially true after a good night of sleep and a solid breakfast. Here are a few, easy ways to make the most of mornings.

Not a morning person? Get a coffee and read on…you can incorporate many of these ideas into your end of day routine!

Capture Early Hours to Connect
Not all kids wake up sweet and snuggly, but many can enjoy special mornings. Although each of my kids need a slightly different approach, the morning is generally a super sweet chance to touch in with all three. The trick is to go to bed at a time that allows you to wake up slightly earlier and find a way to connect before the craziness of the day starts. Cozy up and read a book together, go on a short walk or just cuddle and listen to beautiful music. If you can, make sure you are able to make physical contact—since we’ve long seen how loving touch reduces children’s anxiety and deepens bonding. Think of it as putting some sweetness in the bank that you can both draw on as the day, and whatever challenges it brings, unfolds.

Not a morning person or just had one of those mornings? Focus on the day’s end. Brew some tea, put on PJs and snuggle it up with kiddos between dinner and bedtime—sustaining moments of connection can happen at any time of day!

Transition into the Day with a Morning Meeting
A simple, fun ritual to signal that the day is starting can really help turn on kids’ bodies and brains for learning.

We call ours “morning meeting” and it happens as part of breakfast. It goes like this: We ding a glass. It takes a while for everyone to quiet down, but eventually, they get the signal. We name the date (reinforcing months, seasons, etc.), sing a song (selected by a different person each week), walk through the day’s schedule, then each share one personal goal or wish for the day. We started this ritual this summer, and it has made the day feel like it has a real start, even though none of us actually go anywhere.

If a whole meeting is too much for you to pull off each morning, try just making time to sing a song together. Singing together actually fires up our brain and gives us a feeling of amplified joy and bonding. Whether you are homeschooling, overseeing online learning or getting kids ready to head off to a school or care center, even a quick song together can elevate the quality of the day for everyone!

No time in the morning? Make time at dinner or before bed to reflect on what went well during the day and what you can look forward to and wish for tomorrow. Or just add in a sweet sing along before bed to punctuate the day with an extra bit of happiness.

Make the Most of Mid Morning
Young kids generally rock learning activities in the morning, once they’ve woken up and digested a good breakfast. So, it is helpful to schedule cognitively challenging activities or lessons at that time. This is why many elementary schools teach reading and math early in the day. One district in Massachusetts actually saw tremendous positive impact overall when they rescheduled the start time of elementary school one hour earlier.

Morning is also an ideal time to schedule something physically demanding like a learning walk, field trip or hike. And, if you are taking a playful learning approach, morning is a great time for guided play, when kids have the stamina and active memory ready to take an idea and run with it.

Snack keeps morning working.
The stretch between breakfast and lunch can get long for kids, especially if you pack a lot of mental or physical activity into your morning. A healthy snack, especially those that deliver a little protein along with the carbs, can keep kids going strong until lunch. Try to schedule snacks at the same time every day to give kids a sense of control and to establish that snacks are available only at certain times. For example, serving snack around two hours after breakfast can help make sure kid can maintain both the energy and the mood they need to enjoy all that morning has to offer!

Let the Rest of the Day Unfold
There is a zero percent chance that every morning will work like clockwork—these are small humans we are raising, after all. But, there is something really nifty about focusing on the early hours—even if the rest of the day is out of your hands, or even if it all goes downhill, you’ve still made the most of your morning, and that can often feel good enough!

This post originally appeared on Tinkergarten.

Meghan Fitzgerald

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

After 18 years as an educator, curriculum developer and school leader, Meghan has her dream gig—an entrepreneur/educator/mom who helps families everywhere, including hers, learn outside. Today, Meghan serves as co-founder and Chief Learning Officer of Tinkergarten, the national leader in outdoor play-based learning.

Fifth Grader with Muscular Dystrophy Spreads Joy Through Jokes

by Jennifer SwartvagherApril 19, 2020

When facing hard times it’s always best to channel your inner joy and face your challenges with a smile. Ethan LyBrand, a 10-year-old with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy has a secret to making other people smile, and he’s sharing it with the world via social media. For the past week, Ethan has been delivering a virtual “Joke-a-Day” every day through the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s social media channels.

Filmed by his family at their Decatur, Alabama home, the budding comedian’s favorite jokes provide a daily dose of happiness for those who need it. Ethan’s parents, Jordan and Josh, share that their son is always a source of positivity, so making people smile just comes naturally to him.

According to the LyBrand family, “Ethan’s Joke a Day for MDA is his way of spreading virtual joy across our communities. It’s also his way of raising awareness and advocacy for people with neuromuscular diseases at this pivotal time. The neuromuscular disease community – people with ALS, muscular dystrophy, SMA, Duchenne and related rare diseases – are among the highest risk populations for COVID-19 and they need our help and support more than ever.”

Ethan was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy two days before his second birthday. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles that control movement. Ethan is ambulatory but tires easily and periodically needs his powerchair, which he affectionately calls “Bumblebee” after his favorite Transformer.

Since his diagnosis, Ethan and his family have created a movement to advocate for other kids living with neuromuscular disease. His efforts were recognized by Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), who named Ethan its 2020-2021 MDA National Ambassador. As MDA’s National Ambassador, Ethan represents the 250,000 people nationwide who are living with neuromuscular disease.

An important way to support research for treatments and ultimately cures for the neuromuscular disease community is by going to MDA.org to make a donation at any level you’re able to. Your support helps ensure MDA’s 150 Care Centers are equipped to provide critical medical care to kids and adults who are particularly vulnerable during the pandemic. It also supports ongoing care for families like the LyBrands, through telemedicine and enriching activities like virtual game nights.

Check out MDA’s Twitter and Instagram every afternoon for a new daily joke!

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of the Muscular Dystrophy Association

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Recall Alert: Johnson’s Baby Powder Recalled Due to Asbestos Concerns

by Erica LoopOctober 18, 2019

Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. recently announced a voluntary recall of a single lot of the company’s Johnson’s Baby Powder due to possible asbestos contamination concerns.

Johnson & Johnson did note, in a press statement, “JJCI has a rigorous testing standard in place to ensure its cosmetic talc is safe and years of testing, including the FDA’s own testing on prior occasions–and as recently as last month–found no asbestos. Thousands of tests over the past 40 years repeatedly confirm that our consumer talc products do not contain asbestos.”

If you think you may have this baby powder, read on for important recall information.

(WAND) – Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. said they are voluntarily recalling a single lot of its Johnson's Baby Powder. This comes after a response to a federal test indicating the presence of "sub-trace" levels of asbestos, the company said in … https://t.co/l4Np7hWz8V

— WAND TV News (@wandtvnews) October 18, 2019

Recalled Product Description: Johnson’s Baby Powder

The current recall includes one lot of 33,000 bottles of baby powder. The specific lot number for this product is Lot #22318RB.

Why the Baby Powder Was Recalled

JJCI initiated the recall after U.S. Food and Drug Administration testing found the presence of sub-trace levels of chrysotile asbestos contamination (no greater than 0.00002%) in the powder. The asbestos was only found in one bottle of powder and was purchased from an online retailer.

According to a press statement, JJCI, “Cannot confirm if cross-contamination of the sample caused a false positive. Cannot confirm whether the sample was taken from a bottle with an intact seal or whether the sample was prepared in a controlled environment. Cannot confirm whether the tested product is authentic or counterfeit.”

How to Tell If Your Baby Powder Was Recalled

Look for the lot number— Lot #22318RB. This is the only Johnson’s Baby Powder lot currently recalled.

What Parents Can Do

If you have the affected powder do not use it. Contact Johnson & Johnson Consumer Care Center online here or call 1-866-565-2229 for more information on the recall or to get a refund.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Mike Mozart via Flickr

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Spend Sunny Days on “Sesame Street” at This New Theme Park Addition

by Shahrzad WarkentinJune 3, 2019

Just in time for summer vacation Sesame Place is debuting a brand new section to the Pennsylvania theme park, Sesame Street Neighborhood and it’s as magically immersive as it sounds.

The new interactive attractions include Hooper’s Store, the 123 Stoop, Abby Cadabby’s Garden and Big Bird’s Nest, as well as new photo opportunities including one with Mr. Snuffleupagus and his best pal Big Bird in Abby’s Paradise Theater and Cookie Monster and his sidekick Gonger.

photo: Courtesy of Sesame Workshop

There is also a new live show, Our Street Is Sesame Street, featuring Elmo, Abby Cadabby and Big Bird which has several showtimes daily.

“The new Sesame Street Neighborhood allows children and families to have a closer connection with the Sesame Street characters they love, while helping the Workshop sustain its mission to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder,” said Scott Chambers, Senior Vice President/General Manager, North America Media and Licensing, Sesame Workshop in a statement.

The theme park has also rolled out several new amenities over the past few months in an effort to make Sesame Place more inclusive. These additions include toddler toilets, two quiet rooms to provide relief from sensory stimulation and a Family Care Center where moms can nurse or warm bottles.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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This Unbelievably Cute Duck Parade Will Make Your Day

by Shahrzad WarkentinMay 23, 2019

There’s nothing like a parade to lift your spirits and at one New York hospital, a duck parade is bringing much-needed smiles to patients.

Every year patients at the University of Rochester Thompson Health hospital get to watch one of the cutest parades they’ll ever see: a mother duck followed by her trail of babies making their way through the continuing care wing each Spring!

“Every year, without fail, a mama duck chooses one of the enclosed courtyards at our M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center to lay her eggs and take care of her babies,” staff wrote on the hospital’s Facebook page. “She lets us know when she’s ready to go by tapping on the glass, and this morning, it was time for this annual rite of spring.”

The ducks follow the same path every year, making their way through the hospital’s hallways, out the door and into a grass outside. This year 13 little ducklings prompted countless smiles thanks to the adorable parade.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Magda Ehlers via Pixabay

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