GUIDES

New directory links residents, local food

VT Earthworks helped to produce the new Roanoke Valley Locavore Directory, which lists local growers, farmers markets and local-foods restaurants.

Restaurants and stores from large to small are featured. More than two dozen farmers markets and food co-ops are included with descriptions and contact information.

The directory also contains links to six blogs devoted to various aspects of local foods, including "produce, flowers and honey" and "community supported agriculture," according to a news release from the Virginia Tech.

View the directory online at www.roanokevalleylocavore.com/markets.htm or pick up a printed copy at many area libraries, Virginia Cooperative Extension offices and farmers markets.

VT EarthWorks is part of Virginia Tech's Outreach and International Affairs and has been developed in partnership with Virginia Cooperative Extension.

VT EarthWorks helps growers, farmers and other businesses in the startup or expansion phases by providing access to markets, land-lease arrangements, technology and research.

RESEARCH

Families sought for OCD project

Researchers at Virginia Tech are seeking eligible families with obsessive-compulsive children to participate in a five-day intensive treatment program.

The program is open to children ages 7 to 14. If interested, families must undergo an assessment to determine eligibility and have the ability to travel to Blacksburg for treatment sessions, according to a news release from the university.

Thomas Ollendick, University Distinguished Professor of Psychology and director of the university's Child Study Center, is the principal investigator of the treatment program.

His research team uses a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy called Exposure and Response Prevention. Condensed into a five-day program, ERP aims to alleviate obsessive-compulsive behavior by gradually exposing children to their obsessive fears and compulsions over a prolonged period of time, according to the release.

The study's results will determine the efficacy of intensive treatment for pediatric OCD.

For more information, contact Kristin Canavera at canavera@vt.edu or 231-3514.

CHILDREN

Local coalition effort starts up

Carilion New River Valley Medical Center announced Friday the formation of the New River Valley's first active Safe Kids Coalition.

The coalition joins health, safety and education experts together to promote safe practices, health and wellness, with the intent of decreasing accidental injuries.

Amy Epperley, community health educator at the medical center, and Karen Myers, director of childcare, began the new Safe Kids chapter after working with the chapter in Roanoke.

Safe Kids NRV is working on events and services for the community, including free car seat safety checks at Christiansburg Fire Department on the last Thursday of every month from 4 to 6 p.m.

For more information about the Safe Kids Coalition, visit www.SafeKids.org. For more information about Carilion Clinic and what Safe Kids events are coming up, visit www.CarilionClinic.org or call Epperley at 731-2027.

-- The Roanoke Times