5Ways This To Keep Your Children Safe Summer

 Pools, Rivers, Streams and Water Parks

The number one way to reduce the risk of drowning and swimming-related injuries is to never, ever leave your child unattended.

Phone calls are a major distraction for many parents, so make sure your cell phone is on silent or vibrate so you can concentrate fully on your child. To prevent unattended children from accessing the pool, home pools should have a sturdy fence that encloses the area with a single, lockable entrance. This might be a good time to sign your kids up for a swimming class to help prepare them for the summer fun.

Playgrounds

Kids love going to playgrounds during the hot summer months to play with friends, expend some energy and enjoy the freedom of the outdoors. Make sure the playground you choose has soft, safe surfaces beneath the equipment. Cement or concrete flooring can cause extreme head injuries and broken bones.

 The Beach

You should always practice sun safety whenever your child is outdoors. First, use lots of sunscreen! A child’s skin can burn much easier than an adult’s, so reapplication is important. Infants should be kept completely out of the sun. Also, it’s a good idea to put sunglasses on them (if they will keep them on!). Good hydration is another important tool for beach safety. Give your little one plenty of fluids like water or pure fruit juices.

Bikes

Biking-related injuries are much more prevalent in the summer months than in winter, spring or fall. To protect your child from bike injuries, make sure they’re wearing a helmet. A helmet is one of the most effective ways to prevent head injuries from falls; studies have shown that helmets can reduce head injuries by 85 percent.

Malls

 Your older children – teens and “tweens” – will probably be going to the local mall a lot more during the summer months. Make sure they charge their cell phones before leaving the house so that they can reach you if needed. Equally as important, make sure your phone is charged and near you as well! Of course, remind them not to leave the mall and to stay with their friends to protect them from the dangers of being alone in a busy, populated area

 By Kristy Wyatt  5Ways This To Keep Your Children Safe Summer

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Father’s Day Fun

 Break the Rules

“No fighting!” may be a common household phrase, but today it’s time to break the rules – and some water balloons, too! Unleash your inner kid in a day of outdoor water wars. Splurge on a water gun (the high-power kind, of course) and have a blast dodging

the kids’ bursting balloons. How well did you teach them to throw?

The Great Outdoors

You taught them how to ride a bike, now it’s time to put it to use. Spend the day biking with the kids down some of (Father’s Day Fun)

Gainesville’s best nature trails, like Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail or Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

Get Lost

Not sure how to spend the day? Hop in the car and let the kids be your guide. There’s no better way to relinquish responsibility(Father’s Day Fun)

than to put your children in charge. They say turn left at the light? Do it. They say take a hard right? No questions asked. Stop at the

first ice cream parlor you see.

King of the Castle

Sometimes, all a guy needs is a place to prop his feet and a remote in his hand. Today, instead of mindlessly watching the

game on TV, take time to explain the rules to the little squirt. Then, follow it up by grabbing a ball, heading outside and starting

a game of your own.

Dads and Dogs Of course, the kids aren’t the only ones who want some attention from Dad on Father’s Day. Our four-legged family members deserve some dad time, too.Take the whole family (Fido included!) to one of Gainesville’s best dog parks like Dog

Wood Park or Squirrel Ridge Park for an afternoon of furry fun.

No matter how you celebrate Father’s Day this year, just remember to do it(Father’s DayFun)

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Energy Drinks

Energy Drinks Pros & Cons: It’s 2 p.m. Your eyes are growing weary and your mind is a blank canvas, stretched to its capacity by today’s fast-paced society. If you’re like millions of Americans, you probably reach for a energy drink to help burn through the rest of your day without burning out, but is it safe?

PROS

• Energy: Energy drinks can sharpen senses and offer alertness in those times of need, such as meeting deadlines.

• Convenience: Most retailers sell them in one form or another and an energy shot can be downed in much less time than it takes to brew coffee.

• Workouts: Athletes use energy drinks to maximize workouts by pushing physical limits during longer workouts (Energy Drink).

CONS

• Cardiovascular: Irregular and rapid heartbeat is one of the side effects. There have been wrongful death lawsuits, albeit unsuccessful, where energy drinks were blamed.

• Weight gain: While energy shots offer few calories, those giant cans of energy drinks are loaded with sugar and carbs.

• Metabolic issues: The levels of vitamins are far higher than the daily recommended doses, which means your body has to work harder to process and metabolize the excess.

• Psychological: Too much caffeine can impede your brain’s ability to function normally and cause jitters. It also can affect sleep patterns and lead to insomnia, which can only increase the desire for an energy drink the following day.

• Addiction: Withdrawal symptoms, both physical and mental, have been reported by people who become addicted to the daily rush of energy.

Energy Drinks by Elvis Presley

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Finding Your Bliss

 Finding Your Bliss What every woman should know about maintaining contentment. 

Your path to bliss can be exhilarating… unless your next goal eludes you.

 What can you do to recover that zest you need to pursue your dreams?

Here are several small habits to help get you back on track:

 Memorize a quote

When I find myself caught in a rut and getting nowhere fast, I often repeat a memorable quote

from a favorite role model. Quotes have been compiled throughout the ages for a good reason: they work.

One of my favorites is from Eleanor Roosevelt, who says, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

 Explore your surroundings

If your home landscape has become too familiar, find new surroundings to set your  spirit soaring. When I’m in need of a

pick-me-up, I turn to the natural beauty around me. A favorite destination of mine

is Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park in northwest Gainesville. It’s a 120-foot sinkhole with an unexpected ecosystem at its base – a beautiful, small rainforest!

 Read a biography

Following someone else’s road to success can give you the confidence to move forward with your own dreams.

 When I lose my way, I often find inspiration in the pages of a biography. Consider reading about the lives

of a favorite pioneer, athlete, historical figure or artist. If you choose author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings you reap an added benefit – you can spend an afternoon at her southeastern Alachua County home to get a glimpse at her cracker way of life.

Pop in a CD

Don’t have time to read a book? Already tromped the paths of all the local wilderness areas? Treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon at home. Pop in a CD and listen to soothing classical music, or boogie to the alternative tunes of Gainesville’s own Sister Hazel.

You never know, you just may find your personal anthem in the tunes of your favorite musician.

 Network your path to bliss 

Find likeminded friends though education classes, volunteer groups or religiousorganizations. Surround yourself with those pursuing similar goals to strengthen your own resolve to move forward (Finding Your Bliss) .

 Make a list

Write a list of the milestones you need to reach your next goal. Mix complex action items with small ones, so you can choose your next task based on your energy level and available time. When you have little time or energy, you will still have something you can do to move your quest forward. I find that completing a small task often builds the enthusiasm necessary for beginning a

larger one.

 Give yourself a break

Realize that you can’t run at peak performance all the time. Praise yourself for the successes you’ve achieved so far and then enjoy a well-deserved break.

                                                                                              Finding Your Bliss by Cassie Journigan

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