COPING WITH THE HEAT!

By Terry Orr

The Dog Days of Summer are in full swing – new record highs have already been recently established – 124 out west – Hot, Hazy and Humid here in Washington, DC. It is time once again – to refresh our minds on the does and don’ts in dealing with the heat. Lets start by following OSHA’s link to read this informative and helpful fact sheet – recommend that you print it and put with your other health and preparedness material.

A Heat Safety Fact Sheet https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/3422_factsheet_en.pdf

Heat kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits. In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.

Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or has over-exercised for his or her age and physical condition. Older adults, young children and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to succumb to extreme heat.

Heat Related Conditions

Heat Disorder	Symptoms	First Aid
Sunburn	Skin redness and pain, possible swelling, blisters, fever, headaches.	Take a shower, using soap, to remove cells that may block pores preventing the body from cooling naturally.  If blisters occur, apply dry, sterile dressings and get medical attention.
Heat Syncope (Fainting)	Light-headedness, dizziness and or fainting.	Sit or lie down in cool place when they begin to feel symptoms. Slowly drink water, clear juice, or a sports beverage.
Heat Cramps	Painful spasms usually in legs and abdominal muscles.  Heavy sweating.	Firm pressure on cramping muscles or gentle massage to relieve spasm.  Give sips of water.  If nausea occurs, discontinue.
Heat Exhaustion	Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Week pulse. Normal temperature possible. Fainting, vomiting.	Get victim to lie down in a cool place.  Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air-conditioned place. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue. If vomiting occurs, seek immediate medical attention.
Heat Stroke (Sun Stroke)	High body temperature (106+). Hot, dry skin. Rapid, strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. Victim will likely not sweat.	Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 or emergency medical service or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal. Move victim to cooler environment. Try a cool bath or sponging to reduce body temperature.  Use extreme caution. Remove clothing. Use fans and/or air conditioners. DO NOT GIVE FLUIDS.

Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. During conditions of extreme heat, spend time in locations with air-conditioning such as shopping malls, public libraries, or public health sponsored heat-relief shelters in your area.

Get informed. Listen to local news and weather channels or contact your local public health department during extreme heat conditions for health and safety updates

Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages and increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp

Workers at risk of heat stress include outdoor workers and workers in hot environments such as firefighters, bakery workers, farmers, construction workers, miners, boiler room workers, factory workers, and others. Workers at greater risk of heat stress include those who are 65 years of age or older, are overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure, or take medications that may be affected by extreme heat. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/

Here are the links to our previous two articles on Heat – Beating the Heat: Preventing Heat Exhaustion and Stroke and Heat Stroke – plus a link to CDC’s information on Heat Stress.

Beating the Heat: Preventing Heat Exhaustion & Stroke http://kisbyto.blogspot.com/2011/07/beating-heat-preventing-heat-exhaustion.html

Heat Stroke http://kisbyto.blogspot.com/2012/07/heat-stroke.html

Heat Stress http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/

(Photos from Google) 

BEWARE OF STRANGERS

By Diane Forrest

 I love the move Kindergarten Cop.  I loved watching Arnold Swartzenagger trying to communicate with kindergarteners.  It didn’t take him long to realize it's not as easy as one might think.  One of the scenes at the end of the movie talks about strangers.  His partner, Phoebe, tells the children they must never talk to strangers.  But, it was ok to talk to dogs who are strangers. It wasn't long after that discussion that the bad guy shows up at the school and all the children point at him and yell stranger!!  They ended up getting the bad guy and living happily ever after.

When I was growing up I was taught don’t talk to strangers, don't take candy from a stranger, and tell a policeman if a stranger bothers you.  Kids today seem to be so much smarter than when I was going up.  They live in the electronic and information age and you may forget to teach them the basics, like stay away from strangers.  Here are some other examples to teach young children:

"Don't talk to strangers"

"Don't tell anyone your name"

"Don't let strangers touch your food or drink"

"Don't help strangers

"Don't let strangers touch your face"

"If someone acts too friendly in a theater, complain to an usher or the manager"

One thing to remember is too much constant warning is not a good thing either.  The child will then mistrust any adult, even those who will help them. In situations where the child is in danger for other reasons, avoiding strangers (who might help) could in fact be dangerous itself, such as in the case of an 11-year-old Boy Scout who avoided rescue searchers because he feared they might want to 'steal him.  The fear some parents have can cause them to keep the child indoors and then develop other issues such as nature deficit disorder.

Here is a quiz to share with your kids, or children in your life, to make them aware of strangers.

http://pediatrics.about.com/od/parentingquizzes/l/bl_strngdngr.htm

(Photos from Google)

Understanding Self-Harm/Injury Awareness Month

By Nurse Diane

What do Singer, Fiona Apple; Comedian, Russell Brand; Actress, Drew Barrymore; Actor, Johnny Depp; Actor, Colin Farrell; Actress, Megan Fox; Actress, Angelina Jolie; Singer, Demi Lovato and Princess Diana have in common? 

Before finding emotional health, they struggled with self-injury.

Self injury can take many forms from cutting, picking, burning, bruising, puncturing, embedding, scratching or hitting one's self, just to name a few and does not involve a conscious intent to commit suicide.   Generally, it is a deliberate, private act that is habitual in occurrence, not attention-seeking behavior, nor meant to be manipulative. Self-injurers are often secretive about their behaviors, rarely letting others know, and often cover up their wounds with clothing, bandages, or jewelry.

A psychologist and practicing psychoanalyst, Dr. Deborah Serani specializes in treating trauma and depression. In her website: she offers this information: http://drdeborahserani.blogspot.com/2013/03/march-1st-is-international-self-injury.html

Those Who Self-Injure Are Often Trying To:

* Distract themselves from emotional pain

* End feelings of numbness

* Offset feelings of low self-esteem

* Control helplessness or powerlessness

* Calm overwhelming or unmanageable feelings

* Maintaining control in chaotic situations

* Self-punish, self-shame or self-hate

* Express negative thoughts or feelings that cannot be put into words

* Self-nurture or self-care

According to recoverymonth.gov, Most children and teens who deliberately injure themselves are discharged from emergency rooms without an evaluation of their mental health, a new study shows. The findings are worrisome since risk for suicide is greatest right after an episode of deliberate self-harm, according to researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. The researchers also found the majority of these kids do not receive any follow-up care with a mental health professional up to one month after their ER visit.

If you notice any changes in someone's behavior or dress, or see any signs of scarring, click on this site for ways to offer help and support.  http://sioutreach.org/

Stranger Danger & Quiz - 2012

(Google Image) 

By Diane Forrest

I love the move Kindergarten Cop.  I loved watching Arnold Swarzenegger trying to communicate with kindergarteners.  It didn’t take him long to realize it's not as easy as one might think.  One of the scenes at the end of the movie talks about strangers.  His partner, Phoebe, tells the children they must never never, never talk to strangers.  But, it was ok to talk to dogs who are strangers. It wasn't long after that discussion that the bad guy shows up at the school and all the children point at him and yell stranger!!  They ended up getting the bad guy and living happily ever after.

When I was growing up I was taught don’t talk to strangers, don't take candy from a stranger, and tell a policeman if a stranger bothers you.  Kids today seem to be so much smarter than when I was going up.  They live in the electronic and information age and you may forget to teach them the basics, like stay away from strangers.  Here are some other examples to teach young children:

• "Don't talk to strangers"
• "Don't tell anyone your name"
• "Don't let strangers touch your food or drink"
• "Don't help strangers
• "Don't let strangers touch your face"
• "If someone acts too friendly in a theater, complain to an usher or the manager"

(Google Image) 

One thing to remember is too much constant warning is not a good thing either.  The child will then mistrust any adult, even those who will help them. In situations where the child is in danger for other reasons, avoiding strangers (who might help) could in fact be dangerous itself, such as in the case of an 11-year-old Boy Scout who avoided rescue searchers because he feared they might want to 'steal him.  The fear some parents have can cause them to keep the child indoors and then develop other issues such as nature deficit disorder.

I had a problem with my son when he was younger.  I had gone to a party at my church and he went with me.  I left to get the pizza, but he wanted to stay at the church and keep playing.  Once I left, however, he decided that he wanted to go after all.  He walked out but didn't see me, so he walked all the way to the main road, stood there crying.  A man who lived across the street saw him, and took him to the pizza place, the one we normally went to every Friday night.  But I had gone to a different one that night.  Luckily, the people at the plaza place he went to recognized him.  He gave them our phone number, and my mother went to get him.  The whole incident probably lasted 15 minutes, but to me it seemed like hours and was the worst nightmare ever. Luckily I live in a small town, and even at that young age, he knew alot of people and he knew our phone number. It took me a while to let him out of my sight again, but now he is grown and has learned not to talk to strangers.

(Google Image) 

Here is a quiz to share with your kids, or children in your life, to make them aware of strangers.

http://pediatrics.about.com/od/parentingquizzes/l/bl_strngdngr.htm

Poison Prevention Week

(Google Image)

By Akindman

The 50th Anniversary of National Poison Prevention Week is March 18-24, 2012.

(Google Image) 

In 1962, West Side Story won the Oscar® for Best Picture, John Glenn was the first American to orbit the earth, the Rolling Stones made their singing debut in London, Johnny Carson took over as permanent host of The Tonight Show and the Beatles released "Love Me Do," their first single for EMI. It was also the year that Congress passed a law to authorize the President to designate annually the third week in March as National Poison Prevention Week. President John F. Kennedy signed this act into law, after which the Poison Prevention Week Council was formed to coordinate this annual event.

(Google Image) 

Did you know that each year, more than 1.2 million children ages 5 and under are unintentionally poisoned? Whether it's medication on your dresser, cleaning supplies under your kitchen sink, cosmetics in your bathroom or carbon monoxide from gas appliances in your home, you can take simple steps to keep your kids safe.

(Google Image) 

Good Links for more information:

http://www.poisonprevention.org/poison.htm

http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/safety-spotlight/poison-prevention-week/

http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/poisonprevention.htm

http://www.cleaninginstitute.org/clean_living/cm_janfeb2012_national_poison_prevention_week.aspx

Be aware of Strangers!

One of the greatest concerns of parents for their children is “stranger danger.”  The secret to teaching children about safety concerns is to educate without scaring.  Let your child know that most people are okay, but there are some who cannot be trusted. 

Let them know that if they learn the techniques for abduction prevention, they will be more likely to be able to protect themselves.  It is okay to be afraid because their fear will remind them to watch out for strangers.  Focus on prevention strategies rather than quoting details from new stories, which elaborate on the frightening experiences of the child victims.

Children Questions and Answers

• What is a stranger?  A person that you and your parents do not know.
• How might a stranger try to fool you into getting into their car?  By telling you that your parents couldn’t come and he/she was sent to give you a ride home.
• How can you protect yourself?  By asking the person to give you the family’s secret code word. ƒ
• Is it safe to accept gifts from strangers?  No!
• If a stranger stops his/her car near you and asks for directions, what should you do?  Stand at a good distance from the car, even if asked to come closer.  Suggest the person ask an adult.
• If you become separated from your parents at a store or mall, what should you do?  Tell someone who works in the store that you are lost.  Do not wander.  If you cannot find a store employee, you might go to another adult with children.
• What should you do if someone grabs you and starts taking you out of the store?  Yell, “I don’t know you!”  Clearly and repeatedly.
• What should you do if a stranger grabs or hurts your friend?  Run for help from your parents, a teacher, a police officer or another safe looking adult.  Try to write down the license number.
• In the event of an emergency, how can you call the police/fire?  Dial 9-1-1
• What is a secret family code word used for?  To let you know that it is safe for someone to pick you up.
• If you come home to an empty house after school, what is the first thing you should do?  Lock all of the doors.
• Are all strangers harmful?  No.  You can respond politely as long as you protect yourself.  It is okay to be rude if you feel at danger.

Parental Recommendations. Families should provide children with a secret code word, which you will give to an adult who must pick up your child in an emergency.  Without that word, children should be taught to never go with anyone, not even a family friend.  Teach children about answering the telephone.   Children should never tell someone on the phone that no one is home, rather than their parents can’t come to the phone right now!

If your child gets separated from you in a public place, they may wait for a few moments in the place they last saw you and call out for you.  After a few moments, they should ask for assistance from a store employee, uniformed security personnel or a uniformed police officer.  Always have them ask for a person of authority.

If a stranger asks your child for help,  the child should tell them to ask another adult.  Children want to help, but they must understand they need to maintain a safe distance from strangers.  Remember, a stranger is merely someone that your child does not know.  Do not let them be fooled by a stranger playing on their emotions, such as helping the stranger look for their lost puppy.  This is a ploy, which happens too often.

Many children may have occasion to sell or distribute a variety of items “door-to door” for their school, church or club.   Children should be counseled on polite techniques of turning down offers to go inside someone’s home or business.  They should remain in visible site outside at all times.

Avoid buying clothing, which publicizes a child’s name to potentially dangerous strangers.  Label clothing in inconspicuous places.

If a stranger comes to the door, children should not let him or her in.  They may answer through a window or a closed door.   If the stranger “has a package,” tell children to advise them to leave the package on the porch or to come back later.

There may be an emergency when your child may need to ask for help from a stranger.  Instruct your child; if possible, to say repeatedly and loudly, “I don’t know you!”  You can tell them that “safe” strangers may come to their assistance.

Avoid leaving your child unattended in a car.

Teach children to get in the habit of locking house doors automatically when they come home, particularly if they come home alone.

It is often advised that children walk the same path to and from school so they may be located if necessary.

Children need to understand that abductors may pretend to need help, and sometimes ask children to ride along them to find a “lost pet” or to give them directions.  Advise children to stay clear from the vehicle!  If children do not want to be rude, they may direct the stranger to another adult.

Be aware that on one hand, we teach children to be respectful of adults while on the other hand, we are teaching children to avoid strangers and, if the situation dictates, to directly disobey an adult.  Be understanding.  With experience and your help, children will learn to differentiate between adults who should be obeyed and those who probably should not be obeyed.  It is often the most obedient and respecting children who are preyed upon because they think it always wrong to disobey an adult. ƒ You might wish to try some “role playing” games with your children.  You may consider doing this with neighbors and their children.  Some discussion questions might include:

Remember that it is important to review these subjects with your child on a regular basis to insure they remember the information provided.