Health & Fitness WELLNESS Bullying Forum focuses on growing problem. R abbi Steven Burg's IN commen- tary on the destructive ramifi- cations of bullying ("No Place For Bullying In God's World," Nov. 4, page 21) could not have come at a more pressing moment. His ardent call to parents, educators, students and clergy to address this urgent issue needs to be heard. So says Kari Provizer, director of the Robert Sosnick Family Life Center at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. The Center will tackle this vital concern at the 29th annual Alicia Joy Techner Memorial Parenting Conference at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 9. Leading the presentation is SuEllen Fried, A.D.T.R., the author of Bullies, Targets & Witnesses. Her most recent book is Banishing Bullying Behavior — Transforming the Culture of Pain, Rage and Revenge. Fried will employ the ethical prin- ciples of Judaism to prepare children to deal with this inevitable behav- ior, whether they are victims, bullies or innocent (and not-so-innocent) bystanders. "Given that the age of technology has "Children, much less equipped to protect themselves, are being tormented with almost no consequence to their perpetrators. Young lives are being destroyed and even tragically ended." - Ilene and David Techner increased the opportunities for bullies to inflict pain on their targets, tradition- al strategies for combating and prevent- ing this tortuous behavior are no longer sufficient:' Provizer said. Fried will share her concrete approach to prevent, intervene and end this com- plicated crisis, using the timeless moral plan of Judaism. Fried has worked with 85,000 stu- dents in 36 states over the course of her career in bullying education and is the founder of the bully prevention program Bully Safe USA. She has appeared on Good Morning America, the Today Show and MSNBC to discuss how to engage children to change behaviors and increase empathy for one another. She also was featured in the A&E doc- umentary Bill Kurtis Reports, "Bullied to Death." Ilene and David Techner of the Ira Kaufman Chapel in Southfield and par- ents of Alicia, said in a statement: "Ironically, if the victims of bullying were adults being harassed in the work- place, everyone would agree that a crime was being committed and the law would be on their side. But children, much less equipped to protect themselves, are being tormented with almost no conse- quence to their perpetrators. "Young lives are being destroyed and Contacting HealthCall is the First Step to Maintaining Quality Life at Home Call 1-800-991-9933 the Season... Home Health Care and Private Duty Nursing Services At HealthCall, we provide a wide range of home care and private duty services to patients throughout Michigan, including: • Skilled Nursing Care • Post Surgical Care • Physical Therapy • Diabetic Teaching • Occupational Therapy • Stroke Rehabilitation • Speech Therapy • Medical Social Work Accepted payment includes private pay, long term care policies, private insurance plans, no fault auto insurance, workman's compensation, Medicare, and Medicaid. Every HealthCall employee must pass pre-employment skill level assessments as well as thorough background and reference checks. HealthCall On Our Finest Fashions from Around the World! 181 S. Old Woodw.- .3rd Birmingham, MI =18009 (248) 642 - 1690 CeresnieandOff enfurs.corn Mon. - Wed. Er Fri. 10 - 6 Thur. 10 3, Sat. 10 - - wiAnAt.healthcallhomecare.com Toll Free: 800.991.9933 46 November 25 • 2010 A CH!-. ,P cHTIP Accrecilted Agen,3Y Sun. 1 - 5 'Free parking at :Tore front, additional free parking behinc Author SuEllen Fried even tragically ended. And sadly, par- ents often feel powerless to help them. "It is beyond troubling that our most treasured gifts are the most vulnerable, yet the least protected. "It is our duty not only to protect them, but also to prepare them to defend themselves?' Fried's talk is sponsored by the Alicia Joy Techner Memorial Fund. There is no charge. Temple Israel is at 5725 Walnut Lake Road. El