Ted Karras, a true gentle giant. At six-foot-four and 310 lbs., the center for the Cincinnati Bengals is a fearsome beast of an opponent on the football field. Off the field, Karras tackles an issue near and dear to his heart: adults with developmental disabilities have a lack of continued education opportunities and limited options when it comes to inclusive living communities. Karras aims to shine the light on these community needs by bringing awareness and raising funds for organizations that are paving the way to meet the needs of adults with developmental disabilities.

Ted Karras’ foundation, The Cincy Hat, produces hats that are both stylish and do good. Sales proceeds are divvied up between two fabulous organizations- The Village of Mericici, an Indianapolis based living community, and also the University of Cincinnati’s Transition and Access Pathways program. Karras won the 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year Charity Challenge, a fan voted recognition that proves both the Jungle and the nation sees and values Teds amazing initiatives.

“It is important to give back and help out where it’s needed.”
-Ted Karras

The Cincy Hat has had many collaborations including various local schools, Cincinnati events and more. Fans are able to rep Cincy in a way that recognizes their organizations and also benefits a great cause.  A new style of hat has been launched for The Christ Hospital! Pre-order one today to rep The Christ Hospital for only $35—100% of sales proceeds help support The Cincy Hat Foundation’s missions. Click here to preorder yours today.

Discover more Health news coverage from Cincinnati Family Magazine by clicking here.

The post New Christ Hospital Cincy Hat appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

This Saturday, May 17th, 2025, a community event will take place to help promote bike safety!
Families can venture to Julifs Park in Anderson Township for a Put a Lid on It event where Pediatric Associated of Mt. Carmel will be onsite to fit up to 120 local children with free bike helmets*. Families can head to the park from 10 a.m.-noon to learn all about bike safety. Pediatric Associated of Mt. Carmel will be on site

About the Put a Lid on It! Program
This program started in 2011. Through the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 100,000 bike helmets 100,00 bike helmets have been distributed to Ohio’s children. The Ohio AAP aims to prevent unintentional injuries. The Ohio AAP reports that 10-20% wear bike helmet and 75% of bike-related fatalities would be prevented with a helmet.

Learn more about the Put a Lid! program by clicking here.

Visit the Pediatric Associates of Mt. Carmel, Inc. website by clicking here.

*subject to proper sizing and availability.

Discover more health website by Cincinnati Family Magazine by clicking here.

The post Free Youth Bike Helmets! appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Infants & Toddlers (6 months–3 years)
The CDC statistics prove that “more children ages 1–4 die from drowning than any other cause of death.” Putting your baby in swim lessons is crucial because it teaches them basic survival skills like floating, turning over, and holding onto the wall in the pool. According to the Red Cross, 87 percent of drowning fatalities happen in home pools or hot tubs for children under 5 years old. Swim lessons also reduce the fear of water early on, enabling them (and you) to feel a sense of comfort and familiarity when they are in the water. A 2009 study conducted by the National Library of Medicine uncovered that “participation in formal swimming lessons [is] associated with an 88 percent reduction in the risk of drowning in the 1- to 4-year-old children.” While you cannot depend on swimming skills to replace parental supervision, making sure your child is secure in the water from an early age could be the difference between life and death.

Young Children (4–12 years)
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children 5 and older learn how to swim. Not only is swimming a good way to be active, it can also train your kids swimming techniques and coordination, building up their confidence and water independence. Swimming is not just a “fun” problem, it can be lethal, as almost all children are expected to interact with water, especially during the summer months. Sadly, the CDC reports that “drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5–14.” Equipping your children with safety skills will give you both peace of mind while they’re playing in the pool. Plus, if you know they can swim well, you’ll also feel more comfortable to send them on pool playdates when you’re not available to watch over them.

Teenagers
Even if your teen has a basic grasp on how to stay afloat, becoming trained in lifeguarding, CPR, or water rescues can open doors to potential summer jobs or hobbies they may really enjoy. They can also use their swim skills to participate in competitive swimming opportunities. The Red Cross states that 5 to 17 years old are more likely to drown in natural water, such as a pond or lake, as compared to a pool, so it is essential they develop swimming skills before or during their teenage years. The water can be a place of immense insecurity, so working to improve skills can even boost your teen’s self-confidence, particularly in social settings.

Adults
Water is not without risk, even for adults. Learn to enjoy the water safely so you can play freely with your kids in the water. There are also physical benefits to using swimming as a form of exercise, including joint health and stress relief from water therapy. (Not to mention swimming laps is an excellent workout!) If you haven’t spent much time in the water before, think of the swim lessons as a form of safety, both for yourself and your family. If something happens to your kid in the water, you want to be prepared to jump in and save the day.

Seniors
It can be scary to get into your older years and not know how to swim. This fear can really inhibit your freedom, leading you to avoid pools, lakes, and other bodies of water. But there are more benefits than just your ease of mind and mental wellbeing; swim lessons can also be a low-impact, full-body workout that relaxes your muscles and is gentle on your joints. Additionally, swimming can improve blood circulation and balance, reducing the risk of falling.

Debunking Swim Myths
You’ve heard them before, maybe even thought them yourself: “I’m too old to learn,” or “Swim lessons aren’t necessary if you don’t have a pool,” or “Flotation devices are just as good as swimming skills.” However, these beliefs aren’t actually true. For example, many infant drownings occur when the child is not supposed to be near water, such as when the child gets into a normally secure pool area. Moreover, while flotation devices may be fun to use when playing in the pool, they do not teach the user how to float. The Harris Poll conducted a survey on behalf of PHTA that revealed 66 percent of parents believe floaties and water wings keep children safe in the water—a scary number considering the devices can pop, deflate, or slip off your child—and then what? Personal flotation devices (PFDs) should never substitute for parental supervision or be used as an excuse that the kid doesn’t need to learn to swim.

Oh, and the saying “Old dogs can’t learn new tricks?” WebMD released a study in February of 2024 exposing that sometimes “older brains do better” at learning. The study listed a few areas where people over age 60 improve as they gain experience, naming verbal abilities, inductive reasoning, visual-spatial skills, and more. Not to mention all of the benefits of swimming as exercise, which improves your thinking ability and memory.

Regardless of your age, swim lessons can be extremely helpful, making them a wise and practical choice for people in all stages of life. In addition to swimming in the “classroom,” you can also learn water safety skills on RedCross’ free Swim app. Check your local YMCAs and community centers for swimming class availability. Swim schools are also popular and an excellent place to take your babies through elementary school-aged kids. Give yourself and your kids the opportunities to enjoy water recreation by cultivating the lifelong skill of learning how to swim now, no matter how old (or young!) you are. Don’t wait for an emergency to make swim lessons a priority. Whether it’s you or your child, it’s never too late to dive in.

Click here to find more Health articles by Cincinnati Family Magazine.

The post Swim Lessons for All Ages appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Local mom, esthetician and entrepreneur Sylvia Brownlee is making moves and doing big things! Skin by Brownlee & Co. was founded in 2015 with the mission to enhance confidence through clear complexions. Brownlee’s products have been featured on Target’s website, in POPSUGAR, Allure, ELLE, GLAMOUR and now…in Cincinnati Family Magazine!

Skin by Brownlee & Co’s amazing products can be browsed by condition here, making treatment a breeze. Brownlee’s products are also available for purchase in-store. We had a chance to ask Sylvia some questions highlighting skincare for both, ahem…. aging.., parents and acne-prone teens.

Cincinnati Family Magazine (CFM): Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with Cincinnati Family Magazine about all things skincare! Can you tell us a little bit about how you got into the skincare industry?
Sylvia Brownlee (SB): I’ve been passionate about skincare for over 25 years. My journey started with my own personal struggles with acne, leading me to dive deep into understanding the science of skin. Through extensive training and experience, I became an esthetician and founded Skin by Brownlee & Co to help others achieve confidence through clear skin. My mission is to educate people, especially those dealing with acne and hyperpigmentation, on how to transform their skin without feeling like they have to hide behind makeup.

CFM:Raising tweens and teens is tricky. Especially when they are struggling with hormones, and self-confidence and may have a complexion that needs some TLC. As a skincare expert, where would you recommend a young person to start when it comes to beauty routines? Is a 15-step nightly routine really necessary like some influencers are promoting on social media? Or is it best to keep it simple? 
SB: The best approach is to keep it simple. For a young person just starting their skincare and beauty routine, a 15-step routine isn’t necessary. I recommend a gentle, yet effective 3-step routine, starting with a mild cleanser. Follow this with a lightweight and non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep the skin balanced. Finally, a sunscreen for UV protection. Our Sensitive Skin Starter Kit ($104) is a great option!

CFM: And follow-up question: As a mom yourself, what advice would you give fellow parents to boost their kids’ confidence?
SB: Confidence starts with feeling good in your own skin, both literally and figuratively! Encourage your child to focus on self-care, rather than comparing themselves to unrealistic beauty standards on social media. Teach them that skincare is about health, not just external looks. Compliment them on qualities beyond their appearance, and remind them that acne is a normal part of growing up and something that can be managed with the right care!

CFM: What about parents who may be nearing the switch to aging products for their skin? What types of products and skincare services should they be looking into?
SB:  As we age, our skin needs extra support to maintain hydration, elasticity, and brightness. My top recommendations are Retinol, Brightening serums, and hydrating night creams. Skin by Brownlee & Co’s Radiant Renewal A ($77) is your go-to product to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and promote collagen production! Regular professional treatments like chemical peels and microneedling can also be very useful in maintaining a healthy glow.

CFM: We love that you are chasing your passion and doing what you love! What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who are looking to achieve big goals?
SB: Start before you feel ready! Too often we wait for the perfect time, but success comes from taking action and learning along the way. Surround yourself with mentors, stay consistent, and be willing to adapt. Most importantly, don’t be afraid of failure and view each setback that you face as a lesson that gets you closer to your goals.

CFM: As a local woman and mom doing AMAZING things, what local businesses would you like to give a
shout-out to? Word-of-mouth is so important with small businesses, and we would love to shine the light on you and also any other local establishments you would like to put a spotlight on
SB: I love supporting other small businesses in Cincinnati! A few of my favorites are Tasha Pinelo Photo, Ravishing Hair Studio, and Robins Nest Skin Spa.

CFM: Finally, we would love to know about your new Toning line of products and any other exciting events you have coming up!
SB: I’m so excited about the Toned Collection! This new line is designed to brighten, hydrate and even out skin tone with powerful ingredients that target hyperpigmentation and dullness. The collection includes: the Toned Brightening Eye cream for reducing puffiness and dark circles. The Brightening serum, which evens skin tone and enhances radiance. The Toned Brightening Night Cream to brighten, hydrate, and nourish while you sleep. And finally, the Mini Eye Cryoball, which is a cooling tool to soothe and depuff the under eye area.

CFM: If there is anything else you would like to share with Cincinnati Family Magazine, let us know
here!
SB: We have some BIG things this year! In June, we’re celebrating 10 years of Skin by Brownlee & Co with special promotions for Acne Awareness Month. Come visit us at Skin By Brownlee & Co at 4318 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45212!

Thank you so much to Sylvia Brownlee of  Skin by Brownlee & Co. for her time and thoughtful advice! We look forward to experiencing a facial at Skin by Brownlee & Co. soon— be sure to follow us on social for our coverage! CFM will also be giving one of our followers the chance to try Skin by Brownlee & Co’s new toning line themselves (Hello, WINSday!!!).

Follow Skin by Brownlee & Co. on Facebook here.
Visit the Skin by Brownlee & Co.’s website here.
Reach Skin by Brownlee & Co. on the phone at 513-351-7873
Email Skin by Brownlee & Co. at hello@skinbybronleeandco.com

The post Q+A with Sylvia Brownlee of Skin by Brownlee & Co appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

A major expansion and renovation project has been announced for the Liberty Campus of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center. More than 100,000 square feet of the campus will be renovated to improve patient flow, expand the existing pharmacy and the current lab. The hospital building will also gain a four-story addition that will house four new operating rooms, three new surgical procedure rooms, 10 Emergency Department rooms and 72 inpatient beds. There will also be a new lobby and drop-off spot, all making for a more pleasant experience for patients. To better serve local families and accommodate various outpatient specialty clinics, a large new medical office building will be built on the grounds near the hospital. Follow along on social media for updates or check out cincinnatichildrens.org for more information.

The post Expansion at CCHMC’s Liberty Campus appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Let’s admit it, life is stressful.

Add in marriage and parenting, possibly throw in a career, too. All of these things are capable of bringing immense joy! But yes, these components of life bring along stressors, too.

Having a safe place to confide your fears and anxieties is a thing of beauty. Taking the time to find coping strategies and spending energy to evolve yourself are the ultimate exercises in self-care.

Blume Counseling & Consulting is now open in Bellevue, Kentucky. 

Blume (German definition): To flower, to grow. Blume Counseling is a safe place where therapists help their patients flower and grow, too. Blume Counseling & Consoling is located on the avenue in Bellevue, Kentucky. Patients will be sent the address once a session is booked.

About the Counselors:

Kelly Jones, LPCC, MS focuses on societal, structural and generational dynamics. She loves working with women focusing on identity work as moms and remarks “disability parents are my jams!”.

Paige Yeager, LPCC-S, PHD works with children, adults and families focusing on trauma, life transitions, relationships and lifestyle changes.

Blume Counseling & Consulting
Located in Bellevue, Kentucky + remote options available
(859) 474-1080 | administrator@blumecounseling.com

Find more Health and Wellness articles by CLICKING HERE.

The post Blume Counseling & Consulting Now Open appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Some kids have energy for days and are always pushing the limit physically! Believe it or not, even kiddos can hit them gym. Not only does it help wear them out, athletic children can gain confidence, create goals for themselves and make friends at the gym, too! Whether someone is 2 or 92, a good workout is great for the body, but also the mind and spirit. Browse this list and discover a kids gym near you…

CINCINNATI 

Accele-Rayshawn Athletic Training
3320 Tylerville Road, Fairfield | accelerayshawnathletictrainingllc.com | 513-549-1652
This youth sports performance enhancement program is designed for K-12 children. With a focus on making kids quicker, faster and more explosive, this training facility is great for that.

Athletic Republic
10861 Millington Court, Blue Ash | cincinnati.athelicrepublic.com | 513-898-9969
The Youth Acceleration program develops athletes in fundamentals like movement skills, strength, balance and more.

Big Blue Canopy
11230 Cornell Park Drive, Blue Ash, Oh | bigbluecanopy.com | 513-880-6800 
Pediatric gym and therapy services available to enhance developmental skills, socialize and learn to accept differences through play, leisure and recreation.

Cincinnati Sports Club
3950 Red Bank Road | cincinnatisportsclub.com | 513-527-4000
Children as young as 8 weeks can indulge in the Children’s Center Club offerings. There are also fun group classes for kiddos 3-12 and a Youth Fitness Certification for children ages 12-13.

Crossfit Cincinnati
8980 Blue Ash Road, Blue Ash | crossfitcincinnati.com | 513-450-6277
Active kiddos ages 8-12 can join an 8 week Youth Fitness session. Teens ages 13-17 years old can sign up for a strength and conditioning class to push themselves towards their goals.

Gym Skills
5639 Creek Road, Blue Ash | gymskills.com 513-319-1512
From pre-school classes to Ninja Champs, private lessons and more-  active kiddos will love learning new skills at this awesome kids gym.

Kids First Sports Center
7900 East Kemper | kidsfirstsports.com | 513-489-7575
Active kids will feel right at home! Kids First Sports Center offers tons of physical programs to get kids moving like tumble bees, gym jam, dance, soccer, fencing, ninja-parkour, aerial arts, TaeKwonDo and more.

The Little Gym
Hyde Park: 3870 Paxton Ave Suite F. | 513-644-5676
Mason: 8201 Arbor Square Drive, Mason | 513-935-0525
thelittlegym.com
Children ages 4 months through 12 years old can learn and grow through movement-based learning and imaginative play.

Trainers Spot
8432 Old 3C Hwy., Maineville | trainersspot.com | 740-503-2690
A privately-owned gym, it’s the perfect spot for kids to get with a certified personal trainer and gain skills to get strong, build confidence and prepare for their upcoming sports season!

Swift Movement Studio
4460 W Mitchell Ave #6 | swift-movement.com | 513-549-4460
Parkour is play-focused fun! Kids will get moving and make athletic gains while boosting self-esteem.

USA Ninja Challenge
4727 Red Bank Road | ninjacincinnati.com | 513-739-5528
With six levels of mastery, kids ages 4 – 17 will love testing their strength and agility through jumping, climbing, swinging, traversing, balancing and through cool floor skills, too.

We Rock the Spectrum Cincinnati
4060 E Galbraith Road, Unit 17 | werockthespectrumcincinnati.com | 513-429-5905
This special needs gym provides a nurturing and fun environment for kiddos to explore, learn and play without judgment.

NKY 

All Star Performance
4506 Dixie Hwy, Erlanger |  facebook.com/Allstar2021/about | 859-360-1860
Speed, agility and strength training for youth, high school and college athletes. Offering both open gym hours and specific sport sessions.

D1 Training
1952 North Bend Road, Hebron | d1training.com/northern-kentucky | 859-904-5445
Student athletes can follow a strategic eight-week training cycle to utilize the entire body and optimize their human performance.

Kid Strong
2816 Town Center Blvd., Crestview Hills | kidstrong.com/locations/crestview-hills | 859-757-0201
Whole body well-being is the goal at KidStrong through brain, physical and character development. Kids will enjoy science-based curriculum taught by professionals.

Next Level Academy
419 Licking Pike, Wilder | nextlevelnky.com | 859-291-3000
This 20,000 square foot academy boasts training for basketball, volleyball and performance training.

We Rock the Spectrum
331 Kenton Lands Road, Suite 400, Erlanger, Ky | werockthespectrumnorthernkentucky.com| 859-727-9787 
This special needs gym provides a nurturing and fun environment for kiddos to explore, learn and play without judgment.

The post Cincinnati Kid’s Gyms appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Happy New Year, Cincinnati families! This month, many folks will set resolutions for themselves. We would love to challenge our followers to create a few family resolutions too: Spend more time playing, being mindful and staying active, together. The decision to devote more time to the family unit will make for a beautiful and memorable year. Cheers to 2025, friends!

Check out these mind and body wellness products that your family will find truly fabulous.

Warmzy Baby Car Seat Cover 

Get outdoors, even if it is still chilly outside. This car seat cover fits all car seats, is cold, wind and water resistant, and the inner layer of thick, minky fabric helps keep baby warm! This cozy cover in a wonderful wintry design is the perfect push to get moving this month and beyond. 

$24.96 at keababies.com

OceanForm Tidal and Ripple Roller Bundle

Been hitting the January workout routine too hard? Recover with this relieving foam roller duo. This eco-friendly set comes with a full size and travel size foam roller, meaning restoration can be on the go, too! The rollers are firm and textured, providing an effective massage for any part of the body. 

$86 at oceanfoam.com

EllaOla Essential Unflavored Multivitamin

Be well and stay healthy. This brand boasts next generation wellness products for pregnancy, baby, toddlers and mom, too. The essential multivitamin unflavored powder goes undetected by picky easters. With zero sugar, 19 essential vitamins and minerals, free from Yop 9 Food Allergens, gluten free and vegan, it is also a Purity Award recipient from the Clean Label Project! 

$49 at ellaola.com

Ribbon Ninja

The family that plays together, stays together! This game will have families on their toes, laughing and having so much fun. Each player simultaneously has to protect their own ribbons from being stolen and offensively they have to try to steal everyone else’s ribbons. The last player to have at least one ribbon left is the Ribbon Ninja master! 

$16.95 at fatbraintoys.com

This Family of Ours Keepsake Journal

Spend time together reflecting on family values, memories and legacies with this gorgeous keepsake journal. Prompts include short-answer questions, lists, fill in the blanks and some space to draw or add a photo. 

$19.95 at barnesandnoble.com

The post January Things We Love appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

A brand new drive-thru coffee brand is waking up Cincy residents soon! 7 Brew has broken ground at 9281 Fields Ertel Road, and with more than 20,000 unique drink combinations, there is sure to be something for every member of the family. Just a few of the options available include smoothies, shakes, lemonades, energy drinks, teas, and the infamous original Blondie drink–a caramel and vanilla breve. YUM! This popular drive-thru drinkery is slated to open more Cincinnati locations in 2025, so stay tuned in at 7brew.com. 

The post 7 Brew Opens in Cincy  appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Woodhouse Spa

Runners Up 

Deluxe Nail Salon & Spa & J Spa, Mayerson JCC 

Favorite Family Physician 

Barbara L. Neuman, CNP

Runners up 

Adi Carmi, MD, Kenneth G. Farber, DO, & Anna J. Schweikert, MD

Favorite Hospital

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital & Medical Center

Runners Up 

Good Samaritan Hospital & The Jewish Hospital – Mercy Health

Favorite OB/GYN Doctor

Julia Hyunju Lee, MD

Runners Up

Joseph T. Caligaris, MD, Lisa C. Gennari, MD & Tara D. Knipper, MD 

Favorite Orthodontist

Alex Cassinelli, DMD

Runners Up 

Eric Hickman, DDS & Jacob Stadiem, DMD, MS 

Favorite Pediatric Dentist

Laura Doss, DDS

Runners Up 

Ronald Poulos, DDS & Bracken Webb, DDS 

Favorite Pediatrician 

Jenny Lynn DeBruer, MD

Runners Up 

Jeff A. Drasnin, MD, FAAP & Firoza (Tasha) Zaman Faruqui, DO 

Favorite Psychiatrist/Psychologist

Suzanne M. James PsyD

Runner Up

Gabrielle V. Paul, MD

Favorite Therapist/Counselor 

Casey Hill LPCC-S

Runner Up

Pamela McCarthy, LCSW

The post Family Favorites 2024: Family Health appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.