Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 8 August 2003 — Page 26

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C SECTION FRIDAY. AUGUST 8, 2003

PARENTING TIPS FROM THE DESK OF JADA Fathers can nurture in their own way From BlacKNewtxom The benefits of aST—mothers holding ft: their babies close 'd\\,i\s been coinmon knnwlks ^ edge - but dads ■ - 4 ■ can make a k | ditVerence, too. A South Americanborn concept called Kangaroo Care, or skin-to-skin contact, is catching on across the United States. Skin-to-skin contact between babies and their fathers, known as “kangarooing,” has benefits for both. This bonding practice has new fathers "wearing" their babies - holding their diaperclad newborns on their chests. Researchers at Case Western Resene University in Cleve- • * land are studying the dramatic benefits of Kangaroo Care, specifically on premature infants. Kangaroo Care has been shown to provide a number of physical and emotional benefits to both parents and babies. The way it works is simple. Wearing only a diaper, the baby is placed directly on the father’s bare chest. A small blanket drapes across the baby’s back, creating the same effect as the pouch of a kangaroo. “We need technology to keep babies alive, but to give babies the will to stay alive comes from their mothers and fathers,” said Dr. Susan M. Ludington, professor of pediatric nursing at Case Western Resene University and advisor to Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute. “Our studies show that Kangaroo Care is a positive way for fathers and babies to get to know each other. Babies love being on their dad’s chest,” she added. “Once you put them there you will see that the baby is content, letting you know that you are doing the best for your baby.” Ongoing research at Case Western and other hospitals has shown: Benefits to the baby: • Develops closer parentinfant bonding. • Improves ability to keep warm. • Promotes more rapid weight gain. • Increases oxygen level. Benefits to the father: • Raises confidence in ability to care for baby. • Enhances sense of control. • Heightens ability to cope with the stress and emotions of having a high-risk infant. To begin “kangarooing,” consult your baby’s physician or nurse. For more information fin Kangaroo Care visit Www.jjpi.com.

This article first appeared in the Sacramento <)hserver.

Tasha Jones says her poefry is healing process

By NICOLE C. KEARNEY COOPER Recorder Correspondent “In Coffee Thoughts, I invite the reader to come on a journey, through the experiences I encountered while trying to find myself, and going through this thing called love,” said Tasha B. Jones, a poetic and soulful singing phenom who is taking Indianapolis by storm. Co ffee Thoughts is Jones’, an Indianapolis native, first published collection of poetry. When asked about the unique title, Jones remarked, “ 1 do my best writing first thing in the morning. But like most people, first I got to have my coffee, hence Coffee Thoughts." “I started writing Coffee Thoughts as a form of therapy, to work through the many emotions I was having,” Jones revealed. “Through my writing, and later the reading of my poetry, I was able to heal myself. I also realized that others were also going through similar journeys, and my work helped them to heal.” Jones has taken Coffee Thoughts, and developed a live performance that soothes, and

satisfies one’s sensory palate. Jones can be found at any of the city’s poetry spots accompanied by the band For Real, and her singers, Mahogany Soul and Ebony Cheron. Jones acknowledged, “The band, the ladies and I have an excellent vibe together. I liken us to Sade and Sweetback. They know their thing and do it well, and I know mine, and do that well.” Shereeta Lacy, owner of Baby Mama Drama Productions, which presents The Art of The Spoken Word, shakes her head in agreement with Jones, saying, “The band is bad, they should be called So For Real.” One also can’t speak about a Tasha Jones show without mentioning the fly attire she wears. “Danisha Lane of D’Lane International provides my wardrobe, and keeps me well dressed. She is a young women who is both talented and focused,” confessed Jones. Jones is as much businesswoman as she is artist. “I realize that people enjoy visual and audio stimulation. So Coffee Thoughts is available on CD, and ► See POET, Page C7

Acclaimed Indianapolis artist Tasha B. Jones, shown during a recent performance at Glendale Mall, said of her talent, "through my writing, and later the reading of my poetry, I was able to heal myself. I also realized that others were also going through similar journeys, and my work helped them to heal.” (Photo/J. Hurst)

Indiana Hjsl'orical Society highlights African dance

The Indiana Historical Society recently held its annual concert benefit, The Birth of llbada. Katie E. White (front) leads the training class for ages 5*15.

During The Birth of libada, Anthem of Praise presented their Interpretation of African dance. Members of the group include Nick Owens (left) and Aubrl Fleming. Tierre Wadlington, also a member is not pictured. (Photos/J. Hurst)

Continental Networki

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Last Friday the Indianapolis Family Church hosted tho Break th# Chains of Tradition Lunchoon. This event was a presentation an networking botwoon AfHonn hMdgronti and Ml native horn African Americans. Pan African acthrtat "Grandmother'' Sarah Kamaiang’emie (left) of Ni«erta and Sahrlna S. Santana, a native of Tanianla ara ahown Mihduefnf a new Una

t(M education of woman from Africa. (Photo/J. Hurst)