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Get Physical: Playground Workout

FitSugar — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Your local playground is not just for child's play; it is a workout waiting to happen, and a fun one at that. If you happen to have kids and they drag you to the park. Don't sit idly by, try some of these moves. If you don't have a kid, just go and have fun and remember to share the monkey bars with the wee ones.

On the swing: Instead of using your legs to pump, hold your legs straight out in front of you. Not only will this target your abs, but you'll use the muscles in your arms and back to keep up your swinging momentum.
On a bench: Do tricep dips.
On the monkey bars: You may be too tall, so hold onto the first bar and use your abs and quads to bend your knees and lift them up off the ground. Then one at a time, move your hands across the bars to get to the other end. This is a killer upper body workout.

For more ideas read more

On a swing: Stand in front of the swing (with your back towards it) and place your palms on the ground. Now rest the front of your ankles on the swing and walk your hands out so your body is in one straight line. Now do push-ups, bending your elbows and lowering your chest to the ground. Do as many as you can. If there's no swing, place your feet on a step instead.
On the monkey bars: You can also hold onto the bar overhead and then lift both your legs up and hook your knees around one bar. Allow your torso to hang upside down. Then work your abs by crossing your arms over your chest, and then lift your shoulders up towards your thighs. Do as many as you can.
On the balance bar: Practice balancing yoga poses like Tree and Dancer.
On the stairs: Stretch your hamstrings by placing your right heel about three to five steps up, straighten your right leg, and then fold your torso forward. Then do the other leg. You can stretch your hip flexors too by stepping your right foot flat about three to five steps up, bend your right knee, and lean your torso forward. Do this on the other side too.

If you have any other ideas for using the playground to work your body, share them in the comment section below.

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Playground for the Elderly

FitSugar — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 11:10:00 -0800

Germany has one of the lowest birth rates in Europe and they are planning for the following decades, where the elderly, are the future. So, what's a city with a unstoppable growing population of elderly people to do?

Well, build a new playground of course -- but probably not the type of playground you're thinking.

The city of Nuremberg, Germany is proposing to build an adult playground for the elderly. Not thinking grandma will be too keen on swinging from the monkey bars? Neither are they. The proposed playground is aimed at helping the elderly people keep fit and it will have giant chess boards, card-playing spots and, for the especially agile elderly, a running track and even a badminton court.

What a change it would be to see grandma whooping little Johnny's ass in dodgeball.

Ditch the Gym and Go Extreme With Parkour

FitSugar — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0700

With the price of gym memberships rising, we're all looking for a less expensive way to burn calories and stay fit. Instead of putting your foot down and refusing to pay, put that foot to good use and practice Parkour -your fitness props become the things around you like benches, railings, trees, walls, stairs, and fences. This extreme sport involves leaping over, climbing up, and rolling off theses common structures and using them as your playground, all without any protective gear. So while it might be great if you have given up your gym membership to save dough, you might want to think twice if you don't have health insurance. Parkour enhances your strength, coordination, and balance, so the practitioner becomes more comfortable controlling his or her body in order to overcome obstacles. It takes trust in yourself and a fearlessness to be really good at this sport. Although a sane person may not find this appealing, this video below may inspire you to get started so read more.

If it has, look for a Parkour group in your area.

Danica Patrick Is a Strong and Lean Driving Machine

FitSugar — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:00:00 -0700

You might not think of race-car driving as an athletic sport, but it takes a lot of strength to control a 1,500-pound car going 200 miles an hour for five hours at a time. Because Danica Patrick is the smallest Indy driver in the game at 5'2'' and 105 pounds, she has to train hard to stay ahead of the bulkier pack. It's tough to tell what Danica's body looks like under her racing suit, but her bikini appearance on the June issue of Shape shows off her toned physique.

In order to build up the strength she needs during racing season from April to September, Danica does exercises for her shoulders, forearms, and back, and she runs for an hour each day. Like any other athlete, Danica eats for her sport and says, "I worry about the scale like anyone else, but I have to make it through five-hour races. It’s a constant battle for me." To learn what she likes to eat for breakfast and lunch, read more.

Danica's diet revolves around high protein and complex carbohydrates. According to Shape, for breakfast she usually eats a three-egg-white omelet and homemade oatmeal with cinnamon, flax meal, brown sugar, and a scoop of peanut butter on the side. Her typical lunch is an open-face turkey sandwich with lettuce, tomato, mustard, and an occasional slice of cheese.

Visit Shape to find out how Danica and her husband turn their kitchen into a healthy playground.

Fittingly Green: Work Out Outside For Earth Day

FitSugar — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Today is Earth Day, so celebrate with an outdoor workout. Yes you can run and walk outside, but you can also strength train while doing so. All you need is an empty park bench and a curb to strength train your entire body while on the move in the outdoors.

Here are some ideas:

Take your basic step up and do it on a park bench. You will work your legs while keeping your heart rate up.
Use the same park bench for push-ups. Put your hands on the back of the bench, walk your feet out until you're in a plank position, and begin doing push-ups. For more of a challenge, put your hands on the seat of the bench. To mix it up, place one hand on the arm of the bench and the other on the seat. Make sure to repeat the same number of reps after switching your hand configuration to the other side.
Curb your calf raises. Stand with balls of feet on a curb/step, heels hanging off, and raise both heels for 10 reps. For an extra challenge, try single-leg calf raises.

Do I have more ideas? You betcha! See them when you read more.

Single-leg squats on the bench will challenge your balance while toning your tush. Stand sideways on the bench with your right side toward the back of the bench and your left leg dangling off the seat. Bend your right leg into a squat position as your left leg moves lower than the bench seat. Do 10 on each leg.
Take your lunges for a walk in the great outdoors. Find an open space in the park, or a quiet stretch of sidewalk, and add some lunges into your run or walk.
Use the seat of a bench to tone the back of your arms with some triceps dips.

Don't forget to try the monkey bars next time you jog past a playground, too.

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Fittingly Green: 3 Ways to Recycle Your Sneaks

FitSugar — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 09:00:00 -0700

One great thing about running is that you don't need a lot of gear to participate in the sport. Basically you need a good pair of sneakers. When your sneakers wear out, don't just toss them away. You can recycle them and green up your running habit. Here are three different organizations that want your old running shoes:

Soles 4 Souls' tag line is "Saving the world - one pair at a time." This organization takes your tired, but "gently worn," sneakers and finds needy feet to fill your old shoes. They strongly suggest organizing shoe drives and mailing all the pairs to one of their three warehouse locations.

One World Running has been serving runners around the world since 1986. Through collection programs, they are able to provide shoes for runners to many countries including Cuba, Nepal, and Mali. Check here for drop-off locations.

To see one organization that will take your well-worn shoes, read more.

Nike Reuse a Shoe takes all brands of sneakers that are beyond "gently worn" and turns those old shoes into a recycled product known as Nike Grind. Once your recycled shoes are reformulated into Nike Grind, they are used to make tracks, indoor basketball courts, fields, and playgrounds. Just drop off your retired sneakers at any Nike store, or check here for locations.

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Think of Your Workout as Active Meditation

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:30:00 -0700

There's more to working out than improving your physical fitness since moving your body can also benefit your mind. Many of you are not that into types of exercise that typically lend themselves to sharpening mental awareness, but in no way does that mean you're unable to develop a mind/body connection through other forms of exercise.

Goddess on the sand, Gabrielle Reece, calls her beach volleyball workouts "active meditation." I love this phrase and what it suggests. While most of us don't have access to a beach as our fitness playground, choosing to be present during every workout can positively affect your senses of overall well-being and awareness. Begin making your workouts active meditation by creating intentions each time.

It looks like Gabby and the master of meditation, the Dalai Lama, have something in common. To see how the "world's most important Buddhist monk" incorporates meditation into his fitness life read more.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

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Hyperactivity and sugar

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:56:17 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Hyperactivity refers to increased movement, impulsiveness, distractibility, and decreased attention span. A popular but controversial belief is that children are more likely to be hyperactive if they eat sugar, artificial sweeteners, or certain food colorings.

This article focuses on the possible controversial link between sugar and hyperactivity in children.

Alternative Names

Diet - hyperactivity

Side Effects

Some people claim that sugar (such as sucrose), aspartame (NutraSweet), and artificial flavors and colors cause hyperactivity and other behavior problems in children. Some people argue that children should follow special diets that limit the amount of sugar, flavorings, or colors they eat.

It is important to remember that activity levels in children vary with their age. A 2 year old is usually more active, and has a shorter attention span, than a 10 year old. A child's attention level also will vary depending on his or her interest in an activity. The tolerance level of the supervising adult also plays a role -- parents may be able to tolerate a highly active child at a playground in the morning, for example, better than they can at home late at night.

However, if a special diet of foods without artificial flavors or colors works for a child, it may be because that family has begun to interact with each other differently when they are following the special diet. These behavioral changes, not the diet itself, may improve the child's own behavior and activity level.

Refined (processed) sugars may have some effect on children's activity. Because refined sugars and carbohydrates enter the bloodstream quickly, they produce rapid fluctuations in blood glucose levels. This might trigger adrenaline and make a child more active. Sometimes, falling adrenaline levels bring on a period of decreased activity.

A number of studies have shown a relationship between artificial colorings and hyperactivity. On the other hand, some studies do not show any effect of colorings on children's behavior. At least for now, the effect of food colorings remains another controversial issue.

Recommendations

Regardless of the true impact of sugar on children's activity level, remember that sugar remains the major culprit in tooth decay. Limit the amount of processed sugars that your children eat as much as possible.

High-sugar foods tend to have fewer vitamins and minerals, and may replace more nutritious foods. High-sugar foods also have many unnecessary calories that can lead to obesity.

Some people have allergies to specific dyes and flavors. If a child has a diagnosed allergy, consult a dietitian for specific food recommendations.

Add plenty of fiber to your child's diet to keep adrenaline levels more constant. For breakfast, fiber is found in oatmeal, shredded wheat, berries, bananas, whole-grain pancakes. For lunch, fiber is found in whole-grain breads, peaches, grapes, and other fresh fruits.

Provide "quiet time" so that children can learn to calm themselves at home. If your child cannot sit still when other children of his or her age can, or if he or she cannot control impulsive behavior, seek a professional evaluation.

Review Date: 10/23/2007

Reviewed By: Daniel Rauch, M.D., FAAP., Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Source Doc: 1_002426

Preschooler development

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:50:36 -0700

Overview

Definition
Information

Illustrations

Preschooler development

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

The normal social and physical development of children ages 3 - 6 years old includes many significant milestones.

Information

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Gross motor development in the 3- to 6-year-old should include:
- Becoming more skilled at running, jumping, early throwing and kicking
- The ability to catch a bounced ball
- The ability (at 3 years) to pedal a tricycle but perhaps not steer well becoming able to steer well around age 4
- The ability (at around 4) to hop on 1 foot, followed with balancing on 1 foot for up to 5 seconds
- The ability to perform a heel-to-toe walk
Fine motor development milestones should include:
- The ability to draw a circle upon request at about 3 years
- Drawing a person with 3 parts
- Beginning use of children's blunt-nose scissors
- Self-dressing (with supervision)
- The ability to draw a square by age 4
- The use of scissors progressing to cutting a straight line
- The ability to put clothes on properly
- Managing spoon and fork neatly while eating
- Spreading with a knife by about age 5
- The ability to draw a triangle

LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

The 3-year-old uses pronouns and prepositions appropriately
The 4-year-old begins to understand size relationships
The child enjoys rhymes and word play
The 5-year-old shows early understanding of time concepts
The child is able to follow 3 simple commands

Stuttering may commonly occur in the normal language development of toddlers 3 - 4 years of age. It occurs because ideas come to mind faster than the child is able to express them. It more commonly occurs if the toddler is stressed or excited.

When the child is speaking, give your full, prompt attention, and do not comment on the stuttering. If the stuttering is accompanied with other signs, such as tics, grimacing, extreme self-consciousness, or if the stuttering persists longer than 6 months, consider having the child evaluated by speech pathologist.

BEHAVIOR

The preschooler learns the social skills necessary to play and work with other children. As time passes, the child's ability to cooperate with a larger number of peers increases. Although 4- to 5-year-olds may be able to start participating in games that have rules, the rules are apt to change frequently at the whim of the more dominant child.

It is common, within a small group of preschoolers, to see a dominant child emerge who tends to boss the others around without much resistance from the other children.

It is normal for preschoolers to test their limits in terms of physical abilities, behaviors, expressions of emotion, and thinking abilities. Having a safe, structured environment within which to explore and face new challenges is important, but well-defined limits must be included.

The child should display initiative, curiosity, the desire to explore, and enjoyment without feeling guilty or inhibited.

Early morality develops as egocentrism gives way to the desire to please parents and others of importance. This is commonly known as the "good boy" or "good girl" stage.

Elaborate story-telling may progress into lying, a behavior that -- if not addressed during the preschool years -- may continue into the adult years. Mouthing-off or backtalk in the preschooler is usually a means of getting attention and attempting to elicit a reaction from the adult it is directed toward.

SAFETY

Safety is extremely important for preschoolers.

The preschooler is highly mobile and able to quickly get into dangerous situations. Parental supervision at this age is essential, just as during earlier years.
Car safety is critical. The preschooler should ALWAYS be in a seatbelt when riding in the car. At this age children may be riding with other children's parents. It is important to review with others, who may be supervising your child, your rules for car safety.
Falls are a major cause of injury for the preschooler. Climbing to new and adventurous heights, the preschooler may fall off playground equipment, bikes, down stairs, from trees, out windows, and off roofs. Lock doors that access dangerous areas (such as roofs, attic windows, and steep staircases) and provide strict rules for the preschooler to understand areas that are off limits.
Kitchens are a prime area for a preschooler to incur burns, either trying to help cook or coming in contact with appliances left to cool off. Encourage the child to help cook or learn cooking skills with safe, cool recipes. Maintain alternate activities for the child to enjoy in an adjoining room while cooking, keeping the child away from the stove, hot foods, and other appliances.
Keep all household products and medicines safely locked out of the reach of preschoolers. Know the number for your local poison control center. The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

PARENTING TIPS

Because sex role development is based in the toddler years, it is important for the child to have appropriate role models of both sexes. Single parents should assure that the child has the opportunity to spend significant time with a relative or friend who is the opposite sex as the parent. It is important for divorced parents to not be openly critical or make degrading comments about the other parent. When the child exhibits sexual play or exploration with peers, the play should be redirected and the child informed that it is inappropriate without shaming the child for this natural, innate curiosity.
Because language skills develop at a rapid rate in the preschooler, it is important for parents to read to the child regularly and talk with the child frequently throughout the day.
Discipline measures for the preschooler should provide opportunities for making choices and facing new challenges while maintaining clear limits. Structure is important for the preschooler, and having a daily routine (including age-appropriate chores) can help a child feel an important part of the family unit and enhance self esteem. Reminders and supervision may be necessary for such chores to be accomplished. Recognizing and acknowledging good behavior or a chore performed correctly or without extra reminders are extremely important. Take the time to note and reward the good behaviors.
From age 4 to 5, backtalk frequently occurs. Parents are encouraged to address such behaviors without reacting to the words or attitudes presented by the preschooler. If the child feels such words provide power over the parent, the behavior will continue. This is one of the hardest areas for parents to remain calm while they try to address the behavior.
When anticipating a child's entry into school, it is important for parents to keep in mind the wide diversity among children at 5 - 6 years in terms of attention span, reading readiness, and even fine motor skills. Both the overly anxious parent (concerned about the slower child's abilities) and the overly ambitious parent (pushing skills to make the child advanced) can be detrimental to the child's normal progression into the academic setting.

Review Date: 12/4/2006

Reviewed By: Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

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Source Doc: 1_002013

Safety

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:49:33 -0700

Overview

Alternative Names
Information
References

Illustrations

Bicycle helmet - proper usage

Child safety

Home safety

Fire safe home

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Alternative Names

Car seats; Fire safety; Bicycle safety; Water safety

Information

Accidents are the most common cause of death in children 14 years old and younger. In fact, accidents cause more childhood deaths than diseases, drugs, or violence. Fortunately, many accidents -- for both children and adults -- can be avoided if simple safety measures are taken.

FIRE SAFETY

Install smoke detectors in hallways, sleeping areas, the kitchen, and garage. Test them once a month and change the batteries regularly.
Do not smoke in bed.
Keep matches and other flammable materials out of reach of children.
Never leave a burning candle or fireplace fire unattended.
Establish fire escape routes from every room in your house and teach family members what to do in case of a fire. Have semi-annual home fire drills to practice escaping.
Keep fire extinguishers in handy locations. Have at least one extinguisher on each level of your home.
Know how to use a fire extinguisher. In an emergency, you must be able to act fast.
Teach children about fires. Explain how they are accidentally started and how to prevent them.
Make sure household wiring is up-to-date.
Store flammable materials away from heat sources, water heaters, and open-flame space heaters.
Supervise children when they are using fireworks. Never assume that a child will read and follow safety instructions.

HOTEL FIRE SAFETY

After checking into a hotel, always find the exits and fire alarm closest to your room. Point these out to the people you are staying in the room with.
Review the hotel's safety information in your room.
Do not smoke in bed.
If there is a fire outside of your room, always feel the door before opening it. If it is hot, do not open it -- telephone for help.
If you leave your room, take your room key with you so that you can get back into your room if the nearest exit is blocked.
If you are forced to stay in your room, telephone for help, turn off the air-conditioning and heating systems, and open your window slightly for ventilation.
To help keep smoke from entering into your room, soak sheets and towels and stuff them under the door.
Stay close to the floor for the freshest air and hold a wet washcloth over your face.
Do not attempt to run though smoke or flames.
Do not use any elevators during a fire. They are electrical and could shut down, trapping you inside.

BICYCLE SAFETY

Wear a bike helmet.
Make sure bikes are the right size. A child should be able to straddle a bike with both feet on the ground.
Young children should use bikes with coaster brakes -- the kind that brake when you pedal backwards. With hand brakes, a child's hands should be large enough and strong enough to use the levers.
Avoid riding at night if at all possible. Make sure your bike has reflectors.
Stop at stop signs, check for traffic before turning, and never ride out into a street without stopping first.
Ride on the same side of the road as the cars.
Be predictable and ride defensively. Ride where drivers of cars can see you. Bicycles are frequently hit by cars because the driver did not even know the bike was there. Many accidents have been avoided because the biker was watching out for cars.
Wear brightly colored clothing so that motorists can easily see you.

CHILD SAFETY

The space between crib bars should be no more than 2.5 inches.
The distance from the mattress to the top of the rail should be over 2 feet.
DO NOT put extra blankets and stuffed animals in a crib with a baby.
DO NOT place a baby on the stomach to sleep.
Always keep one hand on an infant who is lying on a changing table.
Place gates at the top and bottom of each stairway.
Cover unused electrical sockets.
Keep cleaning fluids, bug poisons, and other chemicals well out of a child's reach. Avoid storing toxic substances in unmarked or inappropriate containers (such as food containers). If you suspect poisoning or have questions, call 1-800-222-1222.
Buy medicines with child-resistant caps. Place all medications out of the reach of children.
Put safety latches on cabinets that a child should not open.
Keep knives and matches out of reach.
Keep plastic bags away from children.
Keep children away from hot drinks and stove tops.
When cooking on the stove, make sure that pot and pan handles are turned to the middle of the stove. Handles that hang over the edge of the stove may be reached by a curious toddler.
Keep toys with small parts out of the reach of infants and toddlers. This includes stuffed animals with buttons.
Avoid putting dangerous items in a waste basket where a young child might find them.
Keep toilet lids down.
Never leave infants and children unattended in a bathtub.
Check water temperature in a bath before placing a child in it.
Set the hot water heater thermostat to no more than 130°F.
When heating a baby bottle, always test the milk temperature to prevent burning your baby's mouth.
Inspect playground equipment for signs of deterioration, weakness, and damage.
Teach children what to do if strangers approach them. Teach them at an early age that no one should touch private areas of the body.
Make sure children know their address as early as possible. Teach them to call 911 when in trouble.
Teach children to watch for cars on streets. They must stop, look both ways and listen for approaching traffic. Children must also be very aware of cars on driveways and in parking lots. Cars backing up cannot see small children.
Supervise young children at all times.

HOUSEHOLD SAFETY

Wear protective footwear and eye wear when mowing the lawn, operating power tools, working with a chisel, or hammering metal on metal.
Keep tools away from children until they are old enough to use them properly.
All stairways should have a sturdy hand rail.
All entryways should have bright lighting.
Don't leave objects on stairways. Make sure that carpet on stairways is securely fastened.
Unplug appliances (such as heating pads and electric blankets) when they are not in use.
In the bathroom, use non-slip floor mats. Put non-slip appliques on the bathtub.
Don't use any electrical appliances when you are wet or in the bathtub, shower, or pool.
Make sure that each fireplace has a fire screen.
Keep guns locked up and unloaded. Firearms and ammunition should be stored separately.
Make sure your house number is easily visible from the street.

CAR SAFETY

Always wear a seat belt.
Obey traffic laws and drive defensively.
Do not drink alcohol and drive.
While driving, try to avoid any distractions from others in your car.
Keep your vehicle properly serviced, especially before going on a long trip. Keep an emergency kit in your car.
Take the weather into account before venturing out on the roads.

INFANT AND CHILD CAR SEATS

Car seats are required by law for children under 40 pounds.
The safest position for an infant car seat is rear facing in the back seat.
In most models, the infant seat is used AT LEAST until the child reaches 20 pounds and 1 year of age. At that point, a forward-facing seat can be used. This may require a new car seat -- it depends on the model.
Booster seats should be used for children 40 to 80 pounds. Some states have passed laws requiring that children up to 8 years old or 80 pounds be put in booster seats.
Read the car owner's manual to determine the safest place to fasten a car seat in YOUR car.
Know how your car seat is designed to be used. Read the instructions carefully.
Adapters may be needed for certain types of cars or certain seat belt types.
For more information call your car seat manufacturer, car manufacturer, or the State Highway Safety Office.

WORK SAFETY

Wear protective eye wear if your job carries any risk of eye injury.
If your work environment is so noisy that you have to shout to be heard, then wear earmuffs or ear plugs.
Be cautious when handling hazardous materials (such as asbestos) and wear appropriate masks and other protection if working in an environment where dangerous chemicals are used. Avoid any exposure to hazardous chemicals if you are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant.
Avoid any use of illegal drugs or alcohol while on the job, particularly when operating heavy machinery.
Sleep disorders and health problems can result from frequent shift changes (like from night to day shifts) as well as from "jet lag" due to long-distance travel. Try to minimize frequent shift changes and excessive travel if possible.

WATER SAFETY

Learn CPR.
Teach your children to swim.
Never leave young children unattended, even for a minute, in a bathtub, swimming pool, lake, ocean, or stream.
Fence all home pools and keep the gate closed and locked.
Always wear life preservers when boating, even if you can swim.
Avoid drinking alcohol when swimming or boating.
Never swim alone.
Never dive into water unless you know beforehand how deep it is.
Know your limits. Do not over-exert yourself.
Avoid standing on wet surfaces or being in water during a lightening storm.
Stay out of strong currents.
Do not overload your boat. If your boat turns over, stay with the boat until help arrives.

CAMPING AND HIKING SAFETY

Always bring a first aid kit when camping. Know how to use it.
Use the buddy-system. Never camp or hike alone. If you were to break a leg or fall and get stuck, a partner could go for help.
Make sure someone knows where you plan to camp or hike.
Be careful when exploring. Take a compass and map. Remember landmarks.
Take whistles in case you get lost or run into trouble. Whistles can be heard further than your voice will carry.
Be careful when chopping wood or building fires.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to avoid bites from ticks and other insects. In cold conditions, wear many layers of thin clothing, along with a hat, boots and gloves.
Take a supply of clean drinking water and drink it. People can become dehydrated very quickly in warm, dry, or windy conditions. Dehydration can lead to other serious complications.
Don't drink stream or lake water.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It tends to cause dehydration.
Don't provoke, touch, or get close to wild animals.
Don't eat wild berries and plants.
Don't over-exert yourself when hiking.
Never leave a campfire unattended.
Before leaving a campsite to return home, make sure all fires are out and the ashes are cold. A single burning ember in a seemingly smothered fire is enough to initiate a full-blown fire.

SUN PROTECTION

When outside on a warm, sunny day, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, a water-proof sunscreen, and loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
Sun protection is especially important between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Drink plenty of water, but avoid drinking alcohol on hot, humid days when you are outside. Alcohol can cause dehydration.
If you become overheated, sit in the shade, drink plenty of water, and try to keep your skin cool and moist.
Keep very young children's skin from being exposed to the sun.
Never leave children or pets unattended in a car in the sun -- even for a few minutes.
Wear appropriate sunscreens -- a sunscreen rating of 15 should give adequate protection for most people.
Remember, there is no such thing as a healthy suntan.

BURGLARY PREVENTION

Avoid unnecessary display or talk about your valuables.
Avoid hiding a house key under the doormat or nearby vicinity.
Teach your family to leave the house undisturbed and call the police if they discover a burglary has been committed.
Trim trees and shrubs to eliminate hiding places.
Consider a security closet with a solid core door and a dead-bolt lock.
Keep emergency telephone numbers listed on your phone.
Install lights around the perimeter of your home.
Lock up your ladder.

Doors and entry areas:

Outside doors should be solid core construction.
Entry doors should have a wide-angle viewer.
Exterior doors should have cylinder-type dead-bolt locks.
Doors without cylinder locks should have a heavy bolt or some similar secure device that can be operated only from the inside.
Sliding doors should have a lock that locks both the door panels together or the active side to the frame.
The garage door and basement door should be secured with a lock.
Lock your garage door at night and when you are away from home.

Windows:

All windows should be equipped with locks or be pinned.
Keep your windows locked when they are shut.
Put secure locks on garage windows.
Cover garage windows with curtains.

When you go on vacation:

Arrange for friends or neighbors to pick up newspapers and mail.
Notify a neighbor you'll be gone.
Arrange to keep your lawn maintained.
Arrange to have your snow shoveled.
Use timing devices for your lights and radio.

References

Dowd MD. Epidemiology and prevention of childhood injuries. Crit Care Med. 2002; 30(11 Suppl): S385-392.

Review Date: 7/18/2007

Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

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