Until recently, the majority of people joining in on the internet were substantially geeks, however a new phenomenon is sweeping the world as the internet and in particular social networking is becoming mainstream. With all that influx of new people will inevitably bring the 1% bad apple element that in actual fact should not be allowed to participate or get in. So who are these predators and how do you find out and care for child safety?

This is a new and alarming development as the internet can be a dangerous place for a naive child, however it is also an essential life tool that is becoming more and more essential to development on several fronts for children. The answer is not to stop your children using this remarkable resource, but more poignantly, to stop these people that really have no business being online due to their behavior alone.

One of the most reliable ways to access these strangers and engage them for the purpose of exclusion is to use a little known software application that more and more parents are utilizing. This software is capable of running in stealth mode so your children never know you are monitoring them and you can do so for many years without their knowledge until you are satisfied they are mature enough to enter the internet without getting themselves into trouble.

The strategy is simple, use this type of monitoring software to identify problem usernames in chat rooms that approach your child and submit your recorded log files if your child is approached at any time and send all the documents you collected to a protection agency. They will in turn engage that username and collect more information until they get the username banned from that particular chat room by contacting the website owners. From there, that predators isp may be redflagged and the predator followed around until a case can be established at which time if appropriate law enforcement may be called in. All this can happen without much effort from parents apart from constantly monitoring their kids. This method is rapidly becoming the norm and the message is clear for would-be child stalkers. Keep out.

Bullying is a phenomenon that children often have to deal with and as parents it is up to you to help them cope with it and overcome the fear of bullies. Bullying is seen to occur in schools and colleges across the world and if not treated and addressed early on, it can have devastating effects on child development. The child becomes weak and unable to stand up for himself/herself in life.

Bullies are usually people who have deep insecurities and bully others in order to face the insecurities. They look for weak people, preying upon them because it makes them feel strong and powerful. Usually soft spoken and weak children become targets that bullies pick on.

Let us deal with this topic in a systematic manner. The following are a few pointers parents can follow helping them address the problem of bullying. Let us say your son, named Jack, gets bullied everyday in school and comes home sad and crying, lamenting always that he does not like the children who bully him. Here is what you can do:

1) Ask Jack the names that the bullies call him. Then try and explain to him that name-calling can not really hurt him. There is an excellent story in this regard: once there was a sage who lived in a hermitage in a forest with his disciples. One day, when he was giving a sermon explaining the ancient scriptures, a lady came into the sermon and started abusing the old sage accusing him to be a fake. At this the old man just kept silent and quiet, having a slight smile gracing his face. The lady left and the furious disciples asked the sage why he did not say anything to the lady. The sage told them that she had come to give him some gifts, and since he did not like the gifts, he did not take the gifts. The gifts were her harsh words. The sage remained calm and equipoise resuming his sermon as if nothing had happened. You can explain to Jack that he does not have to accept the gift of the bullies.

2) Explain to him what is happening, that they pick on him because he reacts when he cries. And they feel good and continue.

3) The magnet theory. Likes attract. Opposites move away. If he were to become strong and confident like them, they will no longer bother him.

4) Make a chart, putting up smiley faces whenever he does not react. Reward him for this.

5) Discuss with him how he overcame bullying. Tell him you are proud of him.

6) Ask him how long it takes the bullies to find new prey.

Yes, it’s fun - but for some there is going to be heartache with the loss, by drowning, of a loved one, especially a child - that, perhaps is the most hard-hitting. Australia, a nation which enjoys a high portion of home swimming pools also has a high record in toddler and child drowning. Queensland, Australia’s Sunshine State holds highest toddler drowning record in the nation.

This is not good and legislation is at hand to tighten up the already nation-wide tough pool safety regulations. It can be prevented. Prevented by strict adherence to good Child Pool Safety tips. Child Pool Safety Tips are everywhere, but with the warmth, the fun and that cool, inviting water, it becomes so easy to ignore them. Owning a home pool brings responsibility and in a lot of cases, changes to house and the backyard. Let’s have a look at some Child Pool Safety tips and make your summer hassle and tragedy-free.

1. CHILD POOL SAFETY - EDUCATE.

Teach your child to swim and learn about water safety - there are swimming classes and talks about safety available from the municipal swimming pool operators. They’re trained in child pool safety.

2. CHILD POOL SAFETY - IN SIGHT, PLEASE

Ensure that the pool can be seen from a designated family are, ideally it should have a doorway leading to the yard for quick access. If you are building the house, this needs to be addressed. For those with an already established house and pool, then you’ll need a Home Safety Camera. These are many and varied and your swimming pool supplier can help you decide on the best one. Just as a navigation aid is a valuable tool to motorists, a pool safety camera is integral for child pool safety. The camera should be placed in the room where there is access to the yard.

3. PLEASE FENCE ME IN

In some countries - like Australia - fencing a pool is mandatory. Where it is not required by law, then common sense should prevail and pool owners should endeavour to erect one. Ideally it should be about four feet (approx 122cms) and lockable. There are plenty of attractive styles to choose from - your home hardware store can help here. Oh! Most reputable insurance companies demand that you have a fence. Ideally, an alarm should be fitted so that if someone opens the gate, you’ll know. The responsibility for child pool safety is yours.

4. CHILD POOL SAFETY SIGNS:

You have the pool. It is a magnet for your friends and neighbours and their children. You will need to let the pool users know that as well as being a fun part of the yard, it is also a drowning hazard. Preferably it is best to have them posted every 15-20 feet and please have one erected at the gate to your pool. Again, check with your pool supplier or home hardware store for appropriate safety rules, and what to do In An Emergency, signage.

5. DEPTH

As with municipal swimming pools there is a deep and shallow end. The same should apply to your home pool. It should be shallow enough for the smaller child to be able to stand up with his or head well above the water; as an added child pool safety tip, ensure you should emphasize and have a sign telling swimmers not to dive into the shallow end.

6. CHEMICALS:

You want to keep your pool sparkling clean and germ-free so of course, you’re going to need chemicals to keep it so. Chemicals - a good aide - can also be nasty little things causing burns, blindness and even death. To ensure this does not happen, be very careful even to the point of fussiness of child pool safety and safety from harmful chemicals, so:

a. Maintain the correct balance, and
b. Keep The Chemicals LOCKED AWAY.

7. FLOATERS:

Keep these on hand and ready to throw into the pool at all times, a struggling swimmer will need one to grab on to.

8. DIAL EMERGENCIES:

If you can, install a phone close at hand, ready to dial the emergency number for example 911. Please don’t use a cell/mobile phone unless it is emergency number capable. Most of them are today.

9. FILTERS:

A must, and please, have a filter fitted that is capable of pulling water from the top - use of a leaf finder is helpful - and not from the bottom - this is a trap for the kids and can suck a small child down to drown. Child pool safety has to be foremost in all pool owners’ minds at all times.

10. LET THERE BE LIGHT:

Night swimming is fun and dangerous. Ensure the pool is well lit, especially for night swimming - no dark places, please. If you can’t see you can’t save. Children are prone to sneak out of the house for a duck in the pool - s, so tempting. Child pool safety for the kiddies going on a moonlight swim is paramount at this time. Remember child pool safety, so, Let there be light.

11. GLASS AND OTHER SHARP NASTIES:

Child pool safety- well any safety means no hazards in or around the pool - especially breakable glass. Make sure any receptacles are either plastic or other non-hazardous material.

12. HORSEPLAY.

By horseplay I mean rough stuff, such as wrestling poolside, pushing or throwing someone in (It was fun at the time, but my brothers and I almost drowned - many times, because of this) Child pool safety was not practiced by us then.

13. OLD SOL CAN BE CRUEL

Poolside Fun on Sunday - you’re sore as heck on Monday. So be aware and keep discomfort and possible melanomas at bay with a good sunscreen - SPF 30 or higher. A big must if you are planning to spend more than fifteen minutes in the pool. Another child pool safety tip - and adult too - to preserve health.

14. THE LIFEGUARD.

Use the pool only when a trained person is available - preferably someone responsible over 16 years. Ensure the person designate and other pool users know who’s in charge. Please make sure that person is well versed in child pool safety. You know, it’s perfectly normal to be uneasy about your child’s safety not only in the pool, but other places. Sure, there’ll be accidents and sickness,

If that’s all - well, that’s fortunate. At the risk of portending doom and gloom, there are going to be little ones who drown, due to lack of child pool safety. You don’t want to be one of those statistics. Go, seek help from all agencies. Make sure child pool safety is top of the list - and have a good swimming summer.

15. CPR! CPR! CPR! - Learn it.

Good quality auto insurance means that in the event of an accident you and your family are able to take advantage of the best health care. That is a comfort. But just buying great auto insurance is not enough. You need to take all the steps necessary to ensure child safety inside your car.

First, you need to maintain the car properly. Get your brakes and tires checked at least once a year. And make sure that your windscreen wipers are working properly. It is surprising how quickly they degenerate in hot climates rendering them virtually useless when there is a sudden downpour. This can put you and others in your vehicle at risk.

We all have to take our children out in the car from time to time, but one way to keep them safer is to keep your trips to a minimum; the less time on the road, the lower the risk. And when you’re traveling with children in the vehicle, make sure they are all correctly restrained even if you are just popping to the shops. Accidents can happen anywhere on the road.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends a four-stage approach to child restraints in vehicles. Children under one year or 20 pounds should be in rear-facing child safety seats. Next come forward-facing seats and when the child out grows those, booster seats are recommended. The fourth stage is to have your growing child seated in the rear with a seat belt on. Children under 13 should always be in the rear of the car.

Driving a safe car keeps you safer on the road as does restricting the number of trips you make. Safe drivers are cheaper to insure. So it is a double win, keep your family safe and save on auto insurance at the same time.

Kids riding boots were created for children that love the outdoors as well as riding horses. These boots will come in many styles and will vary by manufacturers. Before purchasing a pair of boots for a child the parent should be aware of what to look for.

The soles on the bottom of the kids boot should come with some form of non slip surface. This will help ensure child safety when they are climbing on and off of the horse. Some form of ankle support from a boot will also help to protect the child’s foot if they should happen to trip, stumble or fall.

For the look of a true farm hand there are rubber kids riding boots. These boots are the traditional knee length boot and can help protect the lower portion of the child’s leg during riding.

Quality rubber kids riding shoes will have non slip soles on them to keep the child safe in all types of outdoor weather. The inside of the boot will be lined with a mixture of knit and canvas. A kid should wear heavier socks with the rubber boots to help keep feet warm in cooler months.

Cowboy boots are often worn by children while out riding. These kids riding shoes offer some support to the ankle when worn and will help protect the shins as well. Authentic style cowboy boots are usually created with the use of real leather, brown or black, with rubber bottom soles.

Some soles of the cowboy kids riding boots will be made with a mixture of rubber and solid wood. The rubber on the sole is there to help give traction and provide a non slip surface. Cushioned insoles found within the boot will give the child comfort for hours of continuous wear.

A paddock style kids riding boot resemble the look of a regular work boot. These shoes are quickly becoming one of the more popular styles for kids today. Some manufacturers will use synthetic materials to create this boot so that they are completely waterproof.

Paddock style boots will either come with laces or they will include a zipper type closure. These kids riding boots can be found in the popular colors of black and brown.

Owning and operating a dollar store includes many varied activities and duties.

They range from head cashier to receiving clerk to chief buyer and more. Some of the activities fall clearly within the scope of owning and operating a dollar store while others seem to be outside the normal defined description.

One responsibility that many would think does not fall under the umbrella of shop owner is child safety; specifically stepping in and making sure parents properly manage their children while in your store. Yet the risk of a child being injured if you do not step in is too great. You cannot simply stand by and watch as a child is needlessly injured.

In this article I cover child safety. It is everyone’s responsibility; even the owner of a dollar store. This is a great topic to discuss with your attorney. We will examine 3 accidents waiting to happen. We will also cover methods of maintaining a safe shopping environment in your store.

* Running in store

Running children are a hazard not only to themselves, but also to other shoppers. Your store is filled with trip hazards, sharp corners and of course children often lose track of their surroundings when they run and play.

* Standing in shopping carts

Most shopping carts are somewhat stable. Yet some children will stand in the seat to reach for merchandise, or as they are trying to ‘escape’ from the cart. When that happens the cart becomes top-heavy and can tip. Children are also in a precarious position where a fall may easily occur.

* Climbing on displays

Brightly colored displays, packaging and signs are like a magnet to some children. However many are very unstable, and just as children are at risk for falls when they stand in shopping carts, so too are they as they climb ever-higher on store fixtures and displays.

Those owning and operating a dollar store should post a polite, yet pointed sign regarding children being with parents at all times for safety. So what can the owner of a store do when a child is in danger of being hurt? Start by showing your presence. Often the child will scurry back to their parent just by seeing you or another store employee are there watching. If that doesn’t work a quick word to the child asking them not to run or climb will often do the trick. That is especially true when the parent can overhear you polite concern. If that doesn’t do the trick move on to share your concern for safety and request that the parent put a halt to the behavior. Finally, if there is great risk and nothing is done your choice is to either ask the family to leave - or to hope nothing serious happens.

To your success owning and operating a dollar store!

If you’ve neglected your feet during the winter months, don’t despair. There’s still time to get your feet looking sexy and it won’t take forever to get them there!

Start out by taking a long look at your feet. You want to be sure there aren’t any cuts, scrapes, or torn cuticles. Since the easiest way to get your feet ready to show off is to use vinegar, salt, and lemon juice, it would hurt like crazy to get any of those in a cut! You may also want to trim and file your toenails before going any further.

Next, head to the kitchen. “The kitchen?” you ask. Yep, the kitchen! In a bowl, mash several slices of fresh lemon with 1/4 cup Epsom salt. This will make a pre-scrub to soften any rough spots you may have. Rub this mixture into your feet and then put on a pair of white socks for at least 15 minutes. While you’re waiting, crush 10 mint leaves with 1/4 cup Epsom salt and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and set it aside.

Fill a basin with hot water (but not too hot) and 1 cup of red apple cider vinegar. Add marbles to the water to massage your feet as you soak them. Just taking the time to soak them would also work, even if a massage would make your feet feel better.

After you’ve soaked your feet long enough that the water has started to cool, you can grab the mint and Epsom salt mixture. Rub that into your feet to remove dead skin. Rinse your feet in cool water and then massage olive oil into them. Put your feet back into white socks and leave them on overnight. The longer you leave the socks on, the softer your feet will get.

Substitutions can be made for most of these steps; however, not all of them. Coarse salt, table salt, or even sugar can be used for Epsom salt. You can use mineral or canola oil in place of olive oil. The only element in all of this that you wouldn’t want to substitute is the red apple cider vinegar as it will both soften the skin and help neutralize odors. Dusting your feet with corn starch before bed and before putting on shoes will also neutralize odors.

Summertime feet you’ll be proud to show off are just a few short steps away. By following these steps, you can have the feet you’ve always dreamed of. It’s time to put your best foot forward.

You want to be sure your child or children understand who a stranger is. You also want to pass along instructions on how they are supposed to react to any situation involving a stranger approaching them. Here are some tips to help teach your child about stranger danger.

Start by reviewing the aspects your child already knows about. Discuss the topic of predators and methods they use to try and gain the trust of children. Remind your children:

* Never take candy from strangers.
* Never accept toys from strangers.
* Never get into the car of a stranger for any reason.
* Never believe a stranger who says they’ve been sent by a parent to pick them up. Having a family password will enable your child to know for sure.

Encourage your child to use the buddy system when walking to and from school, to the corner store, or to a local park. In fact, using the buddy system where they are not accompanied by an adult is the best idea.

Be sure your child knows what to do in case of any trouble or fearful situation. Remind them to yell “NO!” very loudly. Then they should run to a safe place if a stranger comes too close or makes them uncomfortable.

Speaking of safe places, does your child know how to recognize one? Tell your child to be aware of any and all safe places they can go to if they feel uncomfortable. Knowing their full name, address, and phone number is important so they can give it out ONLY when they’ve reached safety.

It’s also important that your children know who safe people are. Help them realize that not all strangers are bad people, but it’s not easy to tell merely by looks. Make sure you explain to them there are some adults they can turn to, such as police or security officers, teachers, clerks at the corner or grocery store, or even employees, nurses and doctors at the neighborhood clinic or hospital - whether they know them personally or not.

After you’ve explained the dangers, help your child feel safer by letting them know there are more good people in this world than there are bad people. You want them to grow up as healthy children but you still need to explain the danger of strangers or what to do if they are approached by someone they don’t know.

The easiest way to avoid burns from fireworks is to enjoy public displays only. While it is unlikely that your children will be injured at a public display, due to the distance the fireworks are from those viewing them, it is still possible. Most injuries, however, occur when the general public purchase and use fireworks at home.

Of course, you know how important it is to use care when fireworks are in the plans. While most injuries from fireworks occur on the head, face, or hands, the bottom of the feet may also be affected. Most injuries will be minor burns or first degree, but second degree burns are possible. If the unthinkable does happen and your child gets burned due to fireworks, you’ll want to act quickly.

1. Put the fire out. If the child’s clothing is on fire, have them stop, drop, and roll to extinguish the flames. You may also want to put a dampened towel or blanket over them to put out the flames.

2. Determine if the burn is severe enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room. First degree burns are superficial and the skin is still intact. Second degree burns affect the top two layers of the skin and often blister. Third degree burns destroy the skin. Both second and third degree burns need immediate medical attention. Any burn that covers more than 10% of the body would fall into this category. Call for an ambulance to allow a trained professional to care for these burns.

3. If the burns are minor, they can be treated by running cool water over the affected area and then covering it loosely with a sterile compress. You may also want to apply a topical burn cream to the area and have them take an over-the-counter pain reliever.

4. Second degree burns, or worse, require you to cover the area of the burn with a cool, moist, sterile bandage, cloth, or towel. DO NOT immerse the person in cold water as this will cause them to go into shock. Leave burned clothing on the person as removal may pull the skin away and invite infection. Get professional medical help as quickly as possible, by either calling 9-1-1 for help or taking them to a hospital if they can be transported.

If you feel you must use fireworks at home, be diligent in supervising children. Even though sparklers aren’t considered to be as dangerous as some fireworks, children are sent to the emergency room each year due to injuries from these items.

Despite the fact they’re animals, dogs can be very similar to humans. You can tell when a dog is being playful or when they want to be left alone. Some dogs even smile at you because they’re happy to see you. When it comes to helping your child overcome the fear of dogs, it’s a good idea to begin by teaching them to read dog behavior.

If your child is afraid of dogs, take them to a pet store. They will have puppies and dogs for the child to look at but they stay behind a glass where the child and animal are safe. This will allow your child to see the animal without fear of being hurt.

Don’t try to force your child to pet an animal. They may have good reason for their fears. Let them watch dogs from a distance. This will allow them to see how dogs interact with other children and adults. It will help them to recognize when there is danger and when there is not.

After they become comfortable seeing the animal from behind the glass, ask if you can see one of the calmer animals. The sales person will bring dog into an enclosed room where you can get to know the animal. They will remain with you and will be able to help protect your child. They may also have some more ideas for helping your child overcome their fear of dogs.

Teach your child that when a dog is wagging its tail or its whole body, there usually is nothing to fear except if the dog inadvertently knocks the child down. Explain to the child that the dog is being friendly and that it means them no harm. This can be especially important if your child has been bitten or nipped at before.

On the other hand, if a dog comes running toward them with their ears back and barking, the child is fully justified in being scared. The child needs to know to stand still rather than run, however. Running may be an automatic response, but running will only encourage the dog to chase the child. Helping your child recognize the difference between a dog that’s friendly and one that’s not can make all the difference in the world as to how they respond to them.

When being introduced to a new dog, have your children follow these steps:

* Stand still; let the dog sniff at them.
* Let them look to you for cues as to whether the dog is friendly or not.
* After they become comfortable, or at least less uneasy with the dog being near them, teach them to hold out the back of their hand for the dog to smell.
* Finally, when they’re ready, tell them to move slowly and then gently pet the dog on the back of the neck or the head.

It is possible to help a child overcome their fear of dogs. These smart ways may give you information you need to help your child. If you’re still unsure about introducing your child to dogs, ask a veterinarian or your child’s pediatrician for more ideas.

You can explain to your child the importance of staying close to you when you’re out in public. However, even though you and your child do your best, it is still possible to get separated. Temporary tattoos can be used to help keep your children safe and give you peace of mind. Here’s how they work and why they’re such a great idea.

Temporary tattoos are a fun, colorful ID product that can be used to keep children safe. They come in a variety of tattoos. The tattoos, which remain on the skin for three to seven days even through bathing or swimming, can be used to provide a telephone number to contact in case a child gets lost or otherwise separated from a parent or caregiver. There are also temporary tattoos which alert others to emergency medical information.

Lost and Found temporary tattoos are perfect for children or adults with autism or another medical condition that makes verbal communication difficult. They attach emergency contact information directly to the skin. They cannot be removed in the same way as a lanyard and ID or a piece of jewelry.

Made of safe, non-toxic, and hypo-allergenic pigments, the temporary tattoos are FDA certified. Temporary tattoos are not to be used on or near the eyes. They are easily applied and can be removed with rubbing alcohol or baby oil.

Besides giving your peace of mind should your child be lost while out and about, they may actually save a child’s life. Suppose your child has a life-threatening allergy to peanuts or another substance. Wearing one of these temporary tattoos will enable teachers or others to contact someone who can help because the tattoos have an emergency number on them.

Even though parents do everything they can to ensure their children are safe, children can quickly move away from a parent or caregiver. They can slip away and truly be lost. If the child is young and doesn’t know their telephone number, temporary tattoos provide the information needed to get you and your child back together.

There are several temporary tattoo manufacturers. To find one, you can search for them online. A few possible manufacturers are Safety Tat or Tottoos, however, there are others. You can also check with local Child Advocacy Centers to see if they know of manufacturers of these personalized child safety tattoos.

The medical profession has determined that at least 90% of all skin cancers are caused by over-exposure to the sun. If you’ve gotten sunburned just twice before you turned eighteen, you have double the risk of developing melanoma later in life. To avoid skin cancer:

1. Use sunscreen. This is probably your easiest and best plan to avoid damage from over-exposure to the sun. Applying SPF 15 or higher sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays to your skin and lips will help protect you. Apply sunscreen thirty minutes before you go out in the sun and reapply it every two hours while you’re in the sun. If you’re wearing sunscreen and bug repellent, be sure to apply the sunscreen first.

2. Cover up. When you’re going outside, after applying sunscreen, planning your wardrobe is another easy option. Even though it could be hot outside, wearing lightweight long-sleeved shirts, long pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses will limit the amount of skin that will be exposed. Covering up can also shield you from poison ivy, bug bites, as well as cuts and scrapes.

3. Seek shade. If you don’t want to be covered from head-to-toe, plan on avoiding the sunshine as much as possible. The hours of between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. are the worst times for being outdoors in direct sunlight. When those hours arrive, finding a place in the shade or going inside will keep you safe.

4. Guard your eyes. Sunshine can do more than damage your skin; your eyes can also be affected by UV rays. Finding sunglasses or other eyewear that blocks 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays is important. It would also be helpful if they wrapped around to offer more protection to your eyes.

5. Try a fake tan. You may love sun-kissed skin, but you know that spending too much time in the sun can increase your risk of skin cancer. To have the best of both worlds, use a fake tan product such as a self-tanner that changes the color of your skin over a period of time. You can have the bronze glow of a sun tan without having to worry about cancer in the future. Don’t forget to use sunscreen with a fake tan; they don’t protect your skin, just make it look tanned.

Having a tan has long been considered to be a sign of health. Times have changed, however, and people know that tanning is risky business. Don’t forget to safeguard children’s skin by using these same five tips for being sun smart. You can reduce your risk of developing skin cancer as well as your children’s.

Even if your child is outside wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, there are no guarantees mosquitoes won’t bite. In fact, mosquitoes can bite right through clothing. It’s important to teach your children not to swat at insects that sting or bite.

Bug sprays have used DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) for years. This chemical compound, approved and endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is effective for repelling insects. However, there has been some concern about using DEET on children. DEET-based products provide protection for two to ten hours.

If you cannot find an alternative, be very careful when applying DEET products to children; be sure to use the lowest possible dose, 10 percent DEET. DEET should not be reapplied and should not be applied to children younger than two months old according to The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

One alternative to bug repellents with DEET are products made with Picaridin. Picaridin lasts for four to eight hours, is recommended by the CDC, and has been in use in Europe and Australia since the 1990s. It is odorless, doesn’t damage synthetic materials, and feels light. Like DEET products, it is not recommended for use on babies younger than two months.

Products made with Lemon Eucalyptus can also be found as an alternative to those made with DEET. These products are not recommended for children younger than the age of three, however. Lemon Eucalyptus provides six hours of bug-repellent protection. As the only natural plant-based protection, you may want to consider using this type of product if you don’t have children younger than three in your family.

There are other DEET-free products on the market, but you’ll want to read the labels closely to ensure you’re getting a true DEET-free product. One product, Bug Band, comes in spray lotion, towelettes, and a glow-in-the-dark bracelet. Ingredients come from geranium, rosemary, soybean, and mint oils and extracts. They purportedly are water resistant, reusable, and work for 120 hours.

The American Academy of Dermatology does not recommend the use of hybrid products that contain both a sunscreen and bug repellent. They reason that sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours whereas but repellent won’t need to be reapplied for four more hours. Combining the two products may also reduce how effective the sunscreen is.

Children are going to spend time outside during the summer months. If they’re outside, they will most likely face being bitten or stung by bugs. Using a bug repellent is a great way to protect your child from bugs. Your only other choice may be keeping them indoors, and even that isn’t a guarantee that they’ll be bug-bite free.

Fireworks are the creation of the ancient Chinese who are believed to have developed as early as 581 AD after they discovered how to make gunpowder. Since the chemicals and powder are explosive, the danger of injury has always been associated with fireworks, which are still produced in China to a great degree.

Children are enamored with fireworks. They love to watch them and will often try to shoot them off to have their own fireworks display. The problem, however, is that they are dangerous - especially when handled or used improperly.

* Fireworks are made from flammable materials and explosives. Due to this fact, thousands of people and pets are injured each year, some even requiring amputation. For fireworks to be safely enjoyed, they should be used only by trained professionals.

* Fireworks can cause fires and this is one of the biggest reasons for not allowing children access to them. Children can either be burned while trying to light the firework or they can accidentally catch something around them on fire.

* Fireworks should not be lit while indoors or in dry grassy areas.

* Even fireworks that don’t explode can be hazardous to children’s health. Sparklers can become so hot that after they’ve been used they can still cause first, second, and third degree burns if they’re stepped on. To avoid this problem, if you feel you must use fireworks around children, you’ll want to have an empty metal trashcan where all sparklers can be disposed after the sparks stop.

People are so used to having fireworks readily available to them that they may not pay attention to how dangerous they can be. Each year a third of all injuries due to fireworks happen to children under the age of fifteen, most of those injuries occurring to boys. Firecrackers are the worst offenders for causing injuries, followed by sparklers.

To help you keep your children safe, and still enjoy the beauty of fireworks, the simplest thing you can do is let the professionals do it. Not only can you avoid injuries, you’ll also see a much better fireworks display. And, since professional fireworks shows are free to the public, you’ll save yourself quite a bit of money. This really is the best way to enjoy fireworks and not have to worry about keeping your children safe.

Despite the fact they’re animals, dogs can be very similar to humans. You can tell when a dog is being playful or when they want to be left alone. Some dogs even smile at you because they’re happy to see you. When it comes to helping your child overcome the fear of dogs, it’s a good idea to begin by teaching them to read dog behavior.

If your child is afraid of dogs, take them to a pet store. They will have puppies and dogs for the child to look at but they stay behind a glass where the child and animal are safe. This will allow your child to see the animal without fear of being hurt.

Don’t try to force your child to pet an animal. They may have good reason for their fears. Let them watch dogs from a distance. This will allow them to see how dogs interact with other children and adults. It will help them to recognize when there is danger and when there is not.

After they become comfortable seeing the animal from behind the glass, ask if you can see one of the calmer animals. The sales person will bring dog into an enclosed room where you can get to know the animal. They will remain with you and will be able to help protect your child. They may also have some more ideas for helping your child overcome their fear of dogs.

Teach your child that when a dog is wagging its tail or its whole body, there usually is nothing to fear except if the dog inadvertently knocks the child down. Explain to the child that the dog is being friendly and that it means them no harm. This can be especially important if your child has been bitten or nipped at before.

On the other hand, if a dog comes running toward them with their ears back and barking, the child is fully justified in being scared. The child needs to know to stand still rather than run, however. Running may be an automatic response, but running will only encourage the dog to chase the child. Helping your child recognize the difference between a dog that’s friendly and one that’s not can make all the difference in the world as to how they respond to them.

When being introduced to a new dog, have your children follow these steps:

* Stand still; let the dog sniff at them.
* Let them look to you for cues as to whether the dog is friendly or not.
* After they become comfortable, or at least less uneasy with the dog being near them, teach them to hold out the back of their hand for the dog to smell.
* Finally, when they’re ready, tell them to move slowly and then gently pet the dog on the back of the neck or the head.

It is possible to help a child overcome their fear of dogs. These smart ways may give you information you need to help your child. If you’re still unsure about introducing your child to dogs, ask a veterinarian or your child’s pediatrician for more ideas.

Our research has uncovered an excellent and safe site that children aged 7-14 can enjoy. The site strongly advocates safety practices and have a number of safety features in place to protect your children. The site has a dedicated parents’ page and provides information that counts. Some of the safety features include: filtering of telephone numbers and addresses; no URL links; no vulgarity and private messaging; reporting features and moderators in place to police the site. Best of all parents can actually request the chat logs dating back 90 days to ensure kids safety in virtual worlds.

Kids safety in virtual worlds is the responsibility of the parents. One way of making sure that your child is not misusing their virtual world privileges is to talk to your kid. Discuss their online experiences as you would their daily activities. Do not be judgmental, listen to what they have to say and provide guidance in a calm manner. Since virtual worlds duplicate school room behavior, bullying, sexual communication and harassment maybe part of the virtual world. Despite the language filters that are in place, kids have found a way around the filters by using alternative text. Communication is vital – unless your child is honest with you, you will probably never know what goes on in their virtual world. Visit the site, look at avatars, screen names, profiles, social network sites visited and the type of friends they are socializing with.

Children are trusting souls and often share passwords. You need to educate your child on the importance of how much harm shared passwords can cause. Friends can sometimes stop being friends and use passwords to misrepresent your child. Teenagers probably will not take you seriously, but you need to create awareness. Sow the seed to get them thinking!

Take kids safety in virtual worlds seriously - visit the sites your child is using and examine the safety features and tools provided. Usually there is a safety page on the good sites designed for parents. Go over the safety features with your child to make sure they know how to report abuse and block offenders. Kids also need to be taught the importance of correctly representing themselves when registering on the sites and to use the safety features provided.

Working to build a green home can also have significant health benefits.  The best example is the food you bring into your house.  Organic, free-range, and humanely fostered foods can actually improve your health, both physically and mentally.  For one thing, you will notice that you start to feel better when you cut foods out of your diet that contain pesticides, growth hormones, and preservatives.  Eating natural foods that haven’t been tainted by chemicals can lower blood pressure (no preservatives equals less sodium) and cholesterol (in terms of switching from pre-packaged snacks to fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts).  Many companies that offer organic products also tend to cater to food allergies, so if you can’t have items like gluten, soy, or dairy, you may have better luck in the organic food section.  In terms of mental health, knowing that you’re doing your part to lessen humanity’s negative impact on the earth and its denizens is sure to help you sleep better at night (and look your kids in the eye).

You can also buy eco-friendly clothing.  It is comprised of natural textiles like organic cotton, hemp, and peace silk, and the processing is divested of harmful pollutants and harsh chemical dyes.  If you have sensitive skin, this could be a godsend, and at the very least, it leaves the air and the earth a little cleaner.  Another healthy option for eco-friendly living is green cleaning supplies.  These products tend to use natural elements in their cleaning solutions that work just as well as chemical cleaners.  Ingredients found in these solvents often start with a water base and add items such as citric acid, sodium carbonate, and derivatives of thyme, coconut, palm, oregano, cedar, lemongrass, and a host of other natural alternatives.  Not only will they meet your household cleaning needs, they can also disinfect (some promise to kill up to 99.9% of germs), control odors, and they are generally EPA registered.  In addition, many chemical-laden cleaning products have been known to cause asthma, allergies, and disorders of the immune system with their toxic compounds (not to mention the disastrous results that can occur when mixing chemical cleaners…chlorine bleach and ammonia equals deadly chlorine gas).

Although going green can be a bit more expensive (keep in mind that prices are slowly coming down as the demand for environmentally friendly products increases) it can have amazing health benefits for you and your family.  If you have the option of insuring your health and well-being, not to mention doing a service to the planet that supports you, a slightly higher price tag doesn’t seem like such a deterrent.

Guest Post by: Sarah Leonard of Nursing Programs

If your kid is not properly trained in water safety measures, there would always be a lurking risk whenever he/she goes near a water body. Drowning is one of the main reasons why kids suffer fatal accidents. Many children under the age of 14 years die due to this. It is possible that even a few inches of water is responsible for the drowning and serious consequences can occur within a couple of minutes. Hence water safety for kids is imperative to ensure that the kids enjoy their sessions in water, but in a safe and responsible manner.

Young tots are most vulnerable to water accidents as they are least likely to know the art of swimming. Young children in the age bracket of 1 to 3 years can even drown in shallow waters and constant supervision is always recommended for them.

There are devices that enable the tots to float in water, but those need to meet the safety standards. Still, these equipments cannot be a substitute for constant adult supervision. Children who are older can also face problems in water and hence someone should always be there in the vicinity. Everybody knows the effectiveness of swimming as a complete exercise, but its importance in water safety for kids is also worth mentioning.

If there is a swimming pool present in your house then you can easily train your kids to swim. If that facility is not available you can always get them registered in nearby swimming clubs where experts would teach them the various steps of swimming and remaining afloat in water. These programs would boost their confidence levels and the kids would also feel more comfortable in water.

Any kid over the age of four can be taught swimming skills effectively. However it does not imply that once your kid has learnt the swimming techniques, there is no need for supervision. Accidents can still occur and hence presence of a swimming expert or competent adult is always recommended.

Another point that you should mention to your kids in your scheme of water safety for kids is the importance of swimming in a group or with friends. Tell them to always abstain from swimming alone. As mature adults, parents should also ensure that toys are not kept in the pools in their absence because those objects might tempt your kid to jump into water without your permission. Also kids should be only allowed to swim in public places where there are lifeguards present who are properly aware of the risks involved in swimming at that place.

Children should swim in pools according to their skill levels. New swimmers are advised not to swim in places where the water level is higher than the level of the chest. In the water safety for kids program the pool rules should also be explained and the importance of adhering to those rules should also be elucidated.

Give your kids clear instructions of not venturing out to the streets alone. It is preferable if an adult always accompanies them and the kids should hold the hands of that person. Instill within them the basic habit of looking at both directions before crossing a road. They should be taught to first look in the leftwards direction, then right and then again left.

Whenever a sidewalk is available it should be used. You need to explain to your kids the importance of crossing on crowded and busy roads only when the “walk” signal is present. It is very important that you teach your kids the meaning of the major traffic signals in your training on road safety for kids.

When a blinking or an orange-colored hand (solid) is displayed, it means that crossing the road at that time is unsafe. Instead if a white-colored figure is present, it implies that the road/street can be crossed safely. Children who study at elementary levels in school should be taught to ride their bikes along the right flank on the road, and walk along the left side. Cycles move in the direction of traffic while pedestrians against the direction of traffic flow.

Acquaint your kid with situations where a car swerves abruptly ahead of him or when the ball rolls over to the road while playing. These are very common situations which must be mentioned in road safety for kids. Again there are some region-specific traffic rules which are present. As a parent it is your duty to make your tots aware about the local rules in road safety for kids.

In some places, it is absolutely legal to turn right when there is a red light on, while in some places it is not. For older kids or teens, the driving rules need to be properly taught. The importance of switching lanes in a proper manner should be explained. When you go out for a drive take your kids along with you and show them what to do in scenarios when a call is coming on the cell or when a turn is missed. Undoubtedly making your kids self-sufficient is important but there is an appropriate age for every activity.

Experts recommend going along with kids to their schools till the age of nine. Kids learn very quickly and if you teach them the right techniques then your mission of road safety for kids would certainly be successful.

1. The fundamental rule: Holding a gun safely is the first step of learning how to use a gun. Even when the gun is in an unloaded state, dissuade your kid from pointing the barrel towards themselves or towards any person. According to the guidelines of NRA, this is the ‘golden rule’ of handling a gun, or for that matter any weapon. Also ask your kid to be conscious of the direction in which the gun is pointing while he is in motion or during hunting.

2. Keeping the fingers away the trigger: Teach you kid to keep away his fingers from a gun’s trigger until the aim has been clearly determined or just prior to firing. This rule is particularly significant while going out for hunting in the jungles. The body has a natural tendency to become tense when the person trips over and at that time if the finger happens to be in the proximity of the trigger, it might be pulled reflexively.
3. Taking the gun from someone: Another important lesson in gun safety for kids is that while taking a gun from somebody it needs to be taken by the stock. If your kid grabs the barrel and pulls it by mistake, an accidental discharge might occur which can often have fatal consequences. According to the data revealed by the National Rifle Association, accidental discharge happens to be the most frequently occurring accident in young people handling guns. Also the chamber or the bolt should always be kept open while moving around with guns. This would prevent accidental firing from the gun. Also guns should be carefully and safely kept inside the gun-cases in unloaded state.

4. Properly firing the gun: This is another important aspect of gun safety for kids. Kids should be trained to only fire at objects at which the aim has been fixed and decision to shoot has been finalized. They should be taught to avoid shooting at rocks or water from where there are high chances of ricochets occurring.

In U.S. many untoward incidents have occurred due to impulsive shooting behavior and rash temperaments being present in the teenagers and elder kids. Incidents of ghastly shooting sprees across the world have made everyone very worried of this alarming trend. Hence from a tender age inculcate the sound habits of using a gun in gun safety for kids. You also need to make your children aware about the difference between movies and real life. Guns are not something to fool around with and possessing a gun brings an added burden of responsibility. These aspects need to be clearly explained to your kid.

<object width=”550″ height=”400″><param name=”movie” value=”http://www.youtube.com/v/cA3bJfZV1Zk&hl=en_US&fs=1&”></param><param name=”allowFullScreen” value=”true”></param><param name=”allowscriptaccess” value=”always”></param><embed src=”http://www.youtube.com/v/cA3bJfZV1Zk&hl=en_US&fs=1&” type=”application/x-shockwave-flash” allowscriptaccess=”always” allowfullscreen=”true” width=”550″ height=”400″></embed></object>

Fire-safety sessions are organized in different schools, but it is extremely crucial that you personally impart this training at home. Only then can the kid grasp all the fundamentals of fire safety clearly and apply the techniques taught when you are not present. Fire if not properly tackled can easily go out of control and assume dangerous proportions.

One important facet of fire safety for kids is the use of smoke detectors. In a fire accident more people die due to suffocation and inhalation of toxic smokes than from actual burns. Hence it is imperative to keep a smoke detector at each level in your house and most importantly, close to sleeping zones.

If you get early warning signals you can be in a better position to combat the fire from spreading. Ensure that all the smoke detectors present in your house are in proper working condition and monthly testing of these gadgets is important. Also the batteries used in the smoke detector needs to be changed on a yearly basis. You should show your kid this gadget from close range so that he/she can understand its mechanism properly. Hands-on experience is really a critical component of fire safety for kids.

Another important lesson that needs to be provided to kids is to handle matches and lighters with caution. If possible it is better that young kids do not use these materials as they are made for adult handling. For very young kids or children it is advisable that adults keep these stuffs away from the reach of their tots. Also throwing lighted things in the fireplace or fiddling with lit candles should strictly be discouraged. Adults themselves should always behave in a rational and responsible manner while dealing with fire as kids often pick up things subconsciously from their parents/guardians.

In the program of fire safety for kids the importance of having a proper fire safety plan should be underlined. A routine evacuation drill is taught to kids in schools but teaching your kid the evacuation plan for your own residence is extremely important.

A proper floor plan of your room should be in place where there is a minimum of two escape routes from every room. Chances are high that one exit point gets blocked during a fire accident and then the second exit option has to be availed. If necessary, windows might also have to be used for escaping.

Hence unless you are prepared for these situations through mock rehearsals it is hard to implement these practices in real-life crises. A meeting point should also be determined where the residents would meet after evacuating the house. If you are interested to know more about fire safety for kids then you can can easily go online and find many useful resources over there.

Winter weather and driving conditions are hard on any vehicle. And if you run into snow or ice, there’s the possibility that you could be stranded for a while. Here are some tips to help ensure that you and your car are ready for the road this winter.

* Make sure you’re current on your oil changes. Oil should be ideally be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Even if you’ve had an oil change in the last couple thousand miles, it’s a good idea to check your oil level and consistency. Add some if needed, and if it looks dirty, go ahead and change it again.

* Check your radiator. If it hasn’t been flushed out in the past two years, it will probably need it. Look for leaks and damage, and make sure it’s full of a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water. Bring along an extra jug in case you need it, too.

* Check all other fluids, including power steering, transmission, brake and windshield washer fluid, and add some if needed.

* Check your tires. If they’re worn out or improperly balanced, they could cause an accident. Check the air pressure as well, because underinflated or overinflated tires are more prone to damage than those that are properly inflated. Be sure to check your spare, too, in case you need it.

* Test your wiper blades. When you’re driving down the highway and a sudden rain or snow storm hits, it’s not a good time to find out that they need to be replaced.

* Make sure your brakes are in good shape. If they don’t appear to work as they should, have them checked out right away.

* Stock the trunk with items you might need in an emergency. Carry some jumper cables, flares, a jack and lug wrench, extra blankets, first aid kit, and some food and water. You probably won’t need these things, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

* If there’s any chance of snowy or icy conditions, you’ll need some supplies to use in case you get stuck. Sand and kitty litter are both great for gaining traction on slippery surfaces. It’s also wise to keep a shovel in the trunk in case you need to dig out, and a rope or chain to use in the event that your car needs to be pulled by another vehicle.

Winter driving can be hazardous, so it’s important to be prepared. This is especially true when you’re going on a long trip. These simple precautions could make the difference between a safe and happy trip and a disastrous one.

There are lists of ways for parents to help their kids in school and some general ideas have been discussed in this article.

It does not matter what age group your child belongs to – don’t pounce on your children the moment they walk through the door to find out about tests, grades and other school stuff. Younger children are usually more willing to discuss what happened at school, eager in fact to share information. This is not the case with older children especially teenagers. You have to give the children time to unwind first. Choose general topics to talk about and give them something to eat and drink, children always fare better on full stomachs. Avoid being authoritative and forceful, your children need to feel comfortable confiding in you.

It is always good for parents to be aware of the teachers, friends, classrooms, school layout and subject matter that concern their children. In this way you can ask specific close ended questions that will give you more than monosyllabic answers. Stay involved by reading the school letter, talking or emailing teachers and chatting with the parents of their friends. There is no need to be nosy, just diplomatic.

You have to be patient and understanding with your children in order to help them in school. A parent who is always losing their cool becomes hard to approach. Encourage openness and try to keep discussions open between the child and both parents. Be aware of the nuances of your child’s speech and on the look out for social or academic problems that the child maybe facing. In other words learn to read between the lines but don’t go off tangent at any given opportunity. Be supportive, show love and kindness when helping a child deal with school issues.

With smaller children you may have to provide solutions to the problems that arise in their small world. Teach them problem solving skills and possible responses to the problems they face. Consider the child’s maturity level and stage of development before bursting into speech. With older children they probably already have the answers on how to handle problems and are just seeking parental support. Serious issues need to be addressed to the teacher to get their insights on how best to handle the matter. However, you need to know when to intervene and when to gently suggest solutions to your children.

There are endless lists of ways for parents to help their kids in school and remember practice makes perfect!

Our research has uncovered an excellent and safe site that children aged 7-14 can enjoy. The site strongly advocates safety practices and have a number of safety features in place to protect your children. The site has a dedicated parents’ page and provides information that counts. Some of the safety features include: filtering of telephone numbers and addresses; no URL links; no vulgarity and private messaging; reporting features and moderators in place to police the site. Best of all parents can actually request the chat logs dating back 90 days to ensure kids safety in virtual worlds.

Kids safety in virtual worlds is the responsibility of the parents. One way of making sure that your child is not misusing their virtual world privileges is to talk to your kid. Discuss their online experiences as you would their daily activities. Do not be judgmental, listen to what they have to say and provide guidance in a calm manner. Since virtual worlds duplicate school room behavior, bullying, sexual communication and harassment maybe part of the virtual world. Despite the language filters that are in place, kids have found a way around the filters by using alternative text. Communication is vital – unless your child is honest with you, you will probably never know what goes on in their virtual world. Visit the site, look at avatars, screen names, profiles, social network sites visited and the type of friends they are socializing with.

Children are trusting souls and often share passwords. You need to educate your child on the importance of how much harm shared passwords can cause. Friends can sometimes stop being friends and use passwords to misrepresent your child. Teenagers probably will not take you seriously, but you need to create awareness. Sow the seed to get them thinking!

Take kids safety in virtual worlds seriously - visit the sites your child is using and examine the safety features and tools provided. Usually there is a safety page on the good sites designed for parents. Go over the safety features with your child to make sure they know how to report abuse and block offenders. Kids also need to be taught the importance of correctly representing themselves when registering on the sites and to use the safety features provided.

A study comparing the aerobic bacterial bioburden associated with surgical scrub attire shows significantly greater child safety contamination among home-laundered attire than scrubs laundered by the healthcare facility, scrubs sent out by the facility to a third-party company for laundering, or single-use/disposable scrubs. In fact, home-laundered scrubs cleaned and ready to wear had as much bacteria present as facility-laundered, third-party laundered and single-use scrubs which had been worn for one day.
Conducted in the spring of 2009, the study was performed by Bioscience Laboratories, Inc., of Bozeman, Mont., and sponsored by Molnlycke Health Care US, LLC. A total of 80 surgical scrub garments, tops and bottoms, prior to use and after use in the operating room for a day, were collected from multiple healthcare facilities across the U.S. They comprised 10 sets of scrubs in each category: single-use; home-laundered; facility-laundered; and third-party laundered.
The study showed no statistically significant difference in bacterial contamination among facility-laundered, third-party laundered or single-use scrubs prior to use (”clean”), but revealed that the bioburden found on home-laundered scrubs prior to use (”clean”) was significantly greater than on any of the other garments (facility-laundered, third-party laundered or single-use, non-woven) that had been worn for a day in the operating room.
“According to these results, a healthcare professional beginning his or her shift in home-laundered scrubs would essentially be wearing scrubs with the same quantity of bacteria as the scrubs of a healthcare professional finishing a shift in worn scrubs,” said Heather Beitz, BA MEd, Director of Clinical Research for Molnlycke Health Care.
“This study indicates that home-laundering is not as effective as facility- or third-party laundering in decontaminating surgical scrub attire,” Beitz explained. “Another option, of course, is single-use surgical attire. In addition to eliminating cross-contamination concerns as indicated in this study, single-use scrubs are durable and designed for daily use in a variety of surgical procedures and acute care needs and can reduce replacement costs,” she added.
BARRIER® surgical scrub suits and jackets, manufactured by Molnlycke Health Care, are non-woven, single-use products that provide comfort with the soft feel of cotton. They are available in extended size ranges (S - 4XL), assuring a variety of fits. Departments benefiting from the use of BARRIER non-woven scrubs and jackets are trauma, isolation, ER, NICU (for parents), L&D (for fathers), cath and GI labs, oncology, and radiology/interventional radiology.

SOURCE Molnlycke Health Care US, LLC

Individuals who would like to find an H1N1 vaccination clinic in their area or learn more about the virus can visit h1n1.findaflushot.com, an online resource sponsored by Maxim Health Systems. Visitors to the site can find convenient clinic locations by simply typing in a local zip code.
“Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the flu,” notes Steve Pellito, National Director of Wellness for Maxim Health Systems. “By taking the simple step of getting your H1N1 vaccine, you are helping keep yourself, your family, and your community healthy.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommends that anyone who falls into a high risk category for complications from H1N1 should get vaccinated. This includes:
People six months through 24 years of age
Pregnant women
People who live with or provide care for infants younger than six months
Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel

SOURCE Maxim Health Systems

Here are Dr. Cobble’s heart-healthy ABC’s for 2010:

• Active: Be active every day — take the stairs, park further away,buy a push lawn mower. Find ways to move your muscles, clap your hands, move your feet.
• Breakfast daily: Start each day with a good breakfast, including dairy, fiber and fruit. Select items such as whole grain toast, low or fat-free milk, bananas, pears and high-fiber oatmeal with nuts and berries.
• C. Cholesterol management: Get an advanced test that tells you and you doctor about the dangerous cholesterol — directly measured LDL, non-HDL, apoB and subparticles — that can hurt your arteries. The Vertical Auto Profile (VAP) lipid test from Atherotech is one such test.
• D. Diet: Think moderation, balance and “heart healthy” throughout the day. Eat fruits, veggies, fiber, complex carbs, proteins and healthy fats. Experience European dining with each meal.
• E. Exercise: Exercise daily — walk at lunch with coworkers, before orafter work with your pets, join in team sports or find an outletthat gets your heart pumping for at least 30 minutes a day.
• F. Fiber is your friend: Read the nutrition label on foods so you knowwhat you’re eating and to better manage your cholesterol, fiber andother nutrients.
• G. Glucose in moderation: Too much sugar and starch contribute todiabetes. Get tested for diabetes with a blood glucose test, and cutback on pasta, potatoes, sodas, ice cream and fast food.
• H. Healthy lifestyle: Lead a healthy lifestyle, which means no smoking,seeing your clinician every year for a physical, and laughing often.Spend time with friends, kids and grandkids.
• I. Imagine: Use your imagination to enjoy life and get the most out of each and every day. Have fun, do what you love and what makes youhappy.

SOURCE Atherotech Inc.

ATF wants you to know that celebratory gunfire is not only unsafe, it is against the law. Discharging a firearm into the air is a crime and can lead to felony charges under California state law or federal charges if that person is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Bullets shot into the air can climb up two miles and then fall at a rate of 300 to 700 feet per second, killing or injuring those that are struck.

“ATF wants to ensure that all those celebrating New Year’s Eve have a great time and enjoy family and friends. We don’t want to see the New Year ruined by senseless tragedy just because someone thought it would be ‘fun’ to shoot a gun in the air. Random gunfire on New Year’s Eve has gone down significantly in recent years, but even one is too many,” said Torres.
In addition to celebratory gunfire, ATF is reminding the public that the use of illegal fireworks is also prohibited. Illegal fireworks meet no safety standards and can be deadly in the hands of children. Federally banned fireworks include M-80s, M-100s, Silver Salutes and Cherry Bombs.

“ATF will continue to work with our state and local law enforcement partners to ensure that persons who possess firearms or fireworks illegally are prosecuted to the fullest extent possible to include federal prosecution if warranted,” added Torres.

SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

“First and foremost, we applaud the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on producing this historic health reform bill which will provide millions of currently uninsured children access to comprehensive health insurance coverage.

“We support Congress’ goal to fulfill President Obama’s campaign promise to provide mandated coverage for all children. We have been vocal in our concern for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and we are hopeful that Senator Reid’s manager’s amendment, that keeps the program intact through the end of 2019 with funding until 2015, will be preserved as Congress moves forward with this process.

“We do remain concerned, however, about its future fate: CHIP will run out of funding in 2015 and expire in 2019, moving millions of children into private coverage through an untested health insurance exchange that will increase costs and may deter families from signing their children up for insurance. The implication of fewer kids with health coverage is disastrous, both from a public health and an economic standpoint.

“As the bill moves forward, CHF urges Congress to preserve CHIP and provide funding for the entire authorization period.

“We are pleased with the number of positive health measures for kids and their families, among which are provisions that will require insurance companies to allow children to stay on their parent’s plans until they are 26 years old and Medicaid expansions that allow foster children to remain on Medicaid until they are 26 years old.

“The legislation bans insurance companies from denying children with pre-existing conditions coverage under their parent’s plans, an important reform measure which we believe will enable sick children, and families suffering under debt, to get the care kids need.

“Likewise, we are pleased with the inclusion of pediatric specific benefits in the list of essential benefits to be provided to all Americans in the newly formed exchange and efforts to strengthen access to oral health for children. Pediatric oral health is often lacking in medically underserved areas, with dire consequences for children and families.

SOURCE Children’s Health Fund

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is issuing the third Winter Spare the Air Alert of the season for Friday, December 25, 2009, which bans burning wood, manufactured firelogs or any other solid fuel, both indoors and outdoors.

Stagnant weather conditions and wood smoke from the 1.4 million fireplaces and woodstoves in the Bay Area, will bring the region into the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category of the U.S. EPA’s Air Quality Index. This is bad for child safety. Children, adults, and especially people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, are advised to limit outdoor exertion.

“Air quality is unfortunately forecast to be unhealthy on Christmas Day, and the Air District is taking steps to protect public health by issuing a Winter Spare the Alert,” said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the Air District. “Please remember this holiday season that children, the elderly and those with heart and lung problems are most susceptible to the harmful effects of wood smoke.”

During this Winter Spare the Air Alert, it is illegal for Bay Area residents and businesses to use their fireplaces, woodstoves and inserts, pellet stoves, outdoor fire pits, or any other wood-burning devices. Homes without permanently installed heating, where woodstoves or fireplaces are the only source of heat, are exempt.

The public must check before they burn during the Winter Spare the Air season which runs from November 1 through February 28

SOURCE Bay Area Air Quality Management District