Taking Care of your Dog during the Summer

As we enter the hot summer months, taking good care of your dog is important. Keep your canine companions healthy by remembering these basic tips:

Heat:

• When pets are outside, be sure they have plenty of fresh water and access to shady areas.

• Don’t leave your dog inside a car on hot days.

• Exercise your dog only during the coolest times of the day.

• Watch for sunburn. Dogs are susceptible to sunburn just like people, especially those with short hair, pink skin, and white hair. Limit their exposure when the sun is the strongest and apply sunblock to ears and nose 30 minutes before going outside.

Lyme disease:

• Get a yearly Lyme disease vaccination from your vet.

• If you have a furry dog, comb him with a fine-toothed, light-colored comb. Inspect the comb for ticks, which are often tiny and easy to miss.

• Inspect all areas, including the ears and face.

• If you find a tick is attached to the skin, pull it out with tweezers.

• Wash the area with soap and water. Monitor it for signs of infection. If your dog gets Lyme disease, a rash shaped like a bull’s eye will appear at the site three to 32 days after he’s been bitten.

• Watch for symptoms like sudden, severe pain, lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, and depression.

Allergic to your pet? Breathe easy with these tips!

Pets offer us love and companionship. Unfortunately, they also offer allergies to about 10 percent of the population. If getting rid of your cat, dog, or guinea pig isn’t an option, try these tactics for keeping allergic reactions under control:

• First, get tested. If you’re experiencing allergy symptoms—sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, etc.—visit the doctor first to confirm their origin. Often, the doctor will advise getting rid of your pet, but he or she can also offer suggestions on controlling your reaction.

• Create a pet-free zone. Keep one bedroom completely free of your dog or cat so you (or whoever suffers the allergy) can get regular sleep. Install high-efficiency filters in your air ducts to limit the spread of allergens throughout your home.

• Bathe pets frequently. Have your spouse, a friend, or your children wash and brush your pets at least once a week—outside your home, if possible.

• Clean house often. You may have to vacuum your carpets and fabrics daily, and dust furniture and blinds once a week. If possible, replace carpeting with tile, wood, or linoleum as much as possible to avoid trapping allergens under your feet.

• Wash hands. Whenever you pick up, cuddle, or otherwise handle your pet, wash your hands immediately, and ask family and visitors to do the same.

• Keep pets off furniture. Provide a comfortable pet bed for your animal to sleep and rest in, and train pets to stay off couches and chairs. Wash your pet’s bed often.

Family meals establish lifetime nutrition habits

Eating together establishes good habits later in life, according to researchers at the University of Minnesota. In the study of more than 1,500 people, surveyed once during high school and then again when they were 20 years old, participants were asked questions about how often they ate with their families, how much they liked sitting down to dinner with family and friends, if they had a tendency to eat and run, and how often they ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The results showed that those who ate meals with family as adolescents were more likely to eat fruit and dark green and orange vegetables and drink fewer soft drinks as young adults.

The frequency of family meals during adolescence also predicted eating meals more frequently as adults. Those who experienced more family meals were more likely to have higher intakes of key nutrients, such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and the like.

The researchers say the results demonstrate that structured meal times with family are associated with improved diet quality for young adults. Families should be encouraged to share meals together as often as is practically possible.

3 Questions to Boost Your Child's Confidence

3 Questions to Boost Your Child’s Confidence

Talking about the positive events or accom­plishments in your child’s life can have a profound effect on them. It boosts their self-esteem and gives them every reason to expect better things in the future.

Help kids build their self-image by asking these questions:

• What makes you feel proud of yourself? When you know what makes them feel great, you can build on it with more questions about where they want to go in their lives.

• What family memories do you think about? When you hear how they view the family, you can ask them where they see themselves in the mix.

• Were you ever surprised by someone? Knowing what surprises them can give you hints for future reference.

How to succeed as a COACH every day

Coaching and managing are related roles, but separate ones. Managers make sure that a worker’s performance meets explicit goals; coaches strive to help people meet their potential and exceed expectations. To hone your coaching skills more keenly, follow this advice:

• Be a full-time coach. Don’t limit your coaching opportunities to regularly scheduled meetings, no matter how frequent. Look for ways to be a coach in staff meetings, workplace conversations, even voice and email messages.

• Exercise your empathy skills. Watch dramatic TV shows and movies to practice your skills at reading body language and picking up hidden emotions from nonverbal cues.

• Clarify goals. Train yourself to clearly define the behaviors you seek in other people, and what behaviors need to change. The better you can flesh these out, the better your ability to suggest improvements and offer useful feedback.

• Respond quickly. Closely monitor the people you are coaching so you’ll be able to provide timely and helpful feedback.

• Listen. The more someone talks about a new idea, the easier it is for him or her to become excited and committed to it. Let the person you’re coaching do most or all of the talking during your conversations.

• Practice what you preach. You can’t expect others to behave in a certain way if you don’t demonstrate the desired behavior yourself.

• Provide practice opportunities. When teaching a new skill, give your people plenty of opportunities to practice. This builds not only their proficiency but also their self-confidence.

• Talk positively to yourself. Some positive self-talk—affirming your own skills and talents—will keep your morale up and will, in turn, help you to lift the attitudes of others.

• Believe in people. When you anticipate great things from others, and let them know your expectations, your confidence will help them work hard to live up to your vision.

Family Meals establish lifetime nutrition habits

Eating together establishes good habits later in life, according to researchers at the University of Minnesota. In the study of more than 1,500 people, surveyed once during high school and then again when they were 20 years old, participants were asked questions about how often they ate with their families, how much they liked sitting down to dinner with family and friends, if they had a tendency to eat and run, and how often they ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The results showed that those who ate meals with family as adolescents were more likely to eat fruit and dark green and orange vegetables and drink fewer soft drinks as young adults. The frequency of family meals during adolescence also predicted eating meals more frequently as adults. Those who experienced more family meals were more likely to have higher intakes of key nutrients, such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and the like.

The researchers say the results demonstrate that structured meal times with family are associated with improved diet quality for young adults. Families should be encouraged to share meals together as often as is practically possible.

Reduce Stress throughout your day

Stress is frequently caused by time pressure—you don’t have enough minutes in the day to do everything you want and need to accomplish. The key to relieving stress in your household is being aware of what’s causing it, and then making some basic adjustments to your schedule. Here’s how to deal with the three most stress-filled times of day:

Morning:

• Get to bed early enough for a good night’s sleep.

• Rise early, avoiding pressure to get out the door fast.

• Get dressed and ready for your day before waking others.

• Have children make their own lunches.

• Take the time to eat a nutritious breakfast.

• Arrive at work on time so you can get a good start to your day.

Dinnertime:

• Prepare nutritious meals, not fast food. Have your kids help choose and prepare the meal.

• Make time after work to listen to your children talk about their day.

• Share household chores with your spouse and children.

• Coordinate meals and homework time efficiently.

• Ensure that every family member is present at the dinner table, and that everyone gets heard.

• Share cleanup duties after dinner and around the house.

• Leave some time for interruptions and emergencies.

• Prepare tomorrow’s lunches.

Bedtime:

• Stick with an agreed TV cutoff time.

• Develop a bedtime routine for your children that they can manage on their own.

• Handle some routine maintenance chores daily—paying the day’s bills, dusting, etc.

• Plan what to wear tomorrow. 

• Get to bed at a reasonable hour.

How Seniors can stay Healthy and Avoid Injury

Unintentional injuries to older adults results in a minimum of six million injuries and over thirty thousand deaths per year. Older adults need to learn about the various ways in which they can avoid the major causes of injuries, such as falls.

One good tip is to discuss the physical activities that are best for you with your health care provider. Taking regular exercise can help to improve strength, coordination, endurance and balance. Your vision should be checked regularly since your vision plays a big role in the prevention of injuries at home, in the community and on the road.

You need to be able to manage your medications and understand the ways in which they interact with one another, alcohol, certain foods, over the counter drugs and other medical conditions you may have.

One good method to prevent falls is to install grab bars and handrails where needed, particularly in bathrooms and around stairs. Make sure there is good lighting both outside and inside your home and that there is at least one nightlight between your bathroom and bedroom.

Mental Health Advice For Parents

 If you are the parent of a teenage or older child, you might not worry about their everyday medical needs quite as much as you did when they were younger, but older children still depend on you particularly when it involves emotional health and wellbeing.

Romantic situations, life changes, exposure to alcohol and drugs and stress are just some of the challenges faced by young adults and teenagers, and parents can help to encourage positive choices and make these transitions easier. One good tip is to be particularly vigilant watching for signs that your child may need support when they enter a new stage in their life, and be ready to give it.

Check in with them on a regular basis and ensure that the lines of communication between you are always open. If your teenager has moved out or is away at college, keep in touch via regular telephone calls. Do not be afraid to broach difficult topics – your children need to feel they can discuss any subject with you.

Parents should also watch out for mental health red flags like personality shifts, noticeable weight changes, signs of self-harm, excessive sleeping, moodiness or secrecy. 

Make Friends with your Co-Workers

Your boss may be in charge, but your co-workers are the people with real influence over your career. Good relations are imperative to success. Here are some tips:

• Help out. When you see a co-worker in need of assistance, don’t wait to be asked. Offer your help and do your best to support him or her. You’ll share in the success, and encourage others to help you.

• Share the credit. Remember that you’re part of a team. When you receive praise for a good job, mention those who contributed along with you. They’ll appreciate your willingness to spread the credit around.

• Communicate with honesty. Don’t hide information from your colleagues. That doesn’t mean sharing every detail of your work or your life, but keep co-workers updated on what’s going on and how it may affect their work—for better or worse.

• Be friendly. This sounds basic, but busy workers sometimes forget the essentials of a good relationship. Wish people a good morning, smile when you see them, say “please” and “thank you,” and be as cheerful as you can. No one enjoys working alongside a grouch.

• Bring cookies. Maybe you’re not a master baker, but you’ll always score points by bringing snacks to the office. Be a little creative: Instead of doughnuts or candy, find some healthy munchies like granola or fruit that people can enjoy without adding on unwanted weight.

Making Camping Safe and Fun

Kids and camping in the summer months are a natural match and a wonderful way for the entire family to spend time together unplugged and away from distractions. It is also a great way to connect you children to the world around them, to understanding the importance of the environment, and in developing a passion for the world in which we live.

Camping with kids does have a few special requirements when compared to camping with teens or young adults. However, with just a few extra considerations you can make sure that the entire trip is a positive experience for everyone.

• Consider your location for the first few trips, especially with young children and toddlers. If you stay close to home, or close to amenities, you don’t have to worry about hiking back out if the trip is not going well. Consider major campgrounds that are easy to access and that have a lot of kid friendly things to do. You may also want to consider a campground with running water and full restrooms especially if you have the younger children. 

• Before buying everything try camping with rental equipment first. This will help you decide what size tent or tents you need before investing a lot of money. Kids will enjoy being part of the “approval” process for equipment as well.
• Bring lots of light. Children that are used to electricity and street lights are going to find it very dark in most campgrounds and camping areas. LED lanterns are a great option as they last for the whole season and don’t require the fuel and flame of the traditional camping lantern.
• Pack favorite foods such as cereal, crackers, snacks and hot dogs, that can be eaten even if the weather gets bad and a campfire is out of the question. By having lots of easy, healthy snacks on hand active kids will also stay happy between meals.
• Go paper and plastic to avoid doing dishes. Bring a large plastic garbage bag and set a great example by cleaning up the campground completely before you leave and hauling all your trash to the proper area for disposal.

You can also involve your kids in planning the trip and packing, this really adds to the learning component of the camping trip and helps you remember all the important things that need to come along. 

Happy Independence Day

                                                   HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!! 

How To Prevent Eye Injuries in Small Children

The first week in July is National Prevention of Eye Injuries Awareness week and a great time to talk to the kids about eye health and playing safe. It is also not a coincidence that this awareness campaign is happening at the same time that there is an annual uptick in the number of reported eye injuries.

Parents can help teach their children, even very small kids, how to stay safe during activities or events that may be dangerous to the eyes. Some easy ways to help you children maintain good eye health include:

·         Buy a good pair of sunglasses that fit your child properly. Don’t use the plastic sunglasses available at the toy store or the department store; get top quality glasses that provide the UVB and UVA protection.

·         Choose sunglasses for children that have polycarbonate lenses that are impact-resistant. This prevents damage in the event that the glasses are hit by an object when the child is wearing them.

·         Buy sports goggles for your kids when playing any type of sport that includes hitting a ball at high speeds. This includes baseball, softball, tennis and even golf. These goggles can also be worn if the child is helping out in the yard or garden to prevent debris from getting into the eyes.

·         Always check the chemical and chlorine levels in pools or hot tubs before the children are allowed to swim. Hot tubs and pools that are not treated are ideal breeding areas for bacteria that can lead to increased chances of eye infections. 

Teach children to come to you if they do get any debris or material in their eyes and not to immediately rub the eye. Parents should carry a bottle of water or some eye wash solution with them to the beach or to the game to always have a handy eye wash available. 

National Joke Day

Question: What do you call an elephant that doesn't matter?
Answer: an irrelephant

National Joke Day

Question: What do you get from a pampered cow?
Answer: SPOILED milk

National Joke Day

Question: What do you call an alligator in a vest?

Answer: An Investigator 

National Joke Day

Question: What do you call a fake noodle?
Answer: An Impasta

Train kids to stop whining

Nothing seems more annoying than a whining child, even when it’s your own kid. Here are some methods for cutting down on the turmoil—and maybe ending the whining for good:

• Teach them appropriate behavior. When children whine, tell them to ask for what they want without tears or hysterics. Then teach them how to accept your answer without whining as well.

• Don’t give in. Children shouldn’t get what they want when they whine. If it’s something they legitimately need, have them wait five minutes before asking you for it again.

• Keep a united front. If you decide to ignore a whining child, then make sure your spouse/partner and relatives do the same.

• Reward improvement. Keep track of your child’s ability to ask for what he or she wants without whining. Keep the chart in his or her room so both of you can focus on your child’s improvements.

Keeping Kids Cool Through Summer

Summer is the time of year for running around, playing outdoors, and staying active in the beautiful weather. However, all this running and physical activity in the heat of the day can put children, and adults, at risk for heat stroke and related types of complications.

Heat stroke is not just a slight problem; it can be extremely harmful and even fatal if not treated immediately once it reaches a severe stage. The good news is that parents can teach their children to recognize when they are getting too warm and take the right steps to cool off and enjoy the rest of the day.

The earliest signs of heat stroke, sometimes known as heat exhaustion, include symptoms such as:

• Weakness, fatigue and muscle cramps
• Feelings or nausea or even vomiting
• Dizziness and headaches

If the child is not cooled off at this point the symptoms progress to full heat stroke and include elevated body temperature, hot dry skin, lack of sweat production, rapid pulse, difficulty in breathing and agitation and confusion.

To help you child avoid heat exhaustion or the more serious heat stroke teach them to:

• Always ensure that children bring water with them and hydrate regularly throughout the activity. Children should be limited to water or sports drinks but not sodas, energy drinks or drinks containing caffeine.
• Wear a hat to help keep direct sun of the head, also wear lighter colored, loose fitting clothing to allow perspiration to evaporate and cool the body.
• Limit any intensive activity or competitive events in the hottest parts of the day or when humidity levels are high.
• Encourage kids to find games that can be played in shady areas of the yard or playground area. 
• Last, and most important, parents need to focus on never leaving a child in a car or leaving a vehicle unlocked so that children can get into the hot interior. The greatest cause of injury and death due to heat stroke is related to children being left in vehicles, often for as little as five minutes, resulting in a tragedy that could have easily been prevented.