This summer make sure your kids know the “rules of the road” when heading out in your neighborhood to bike. Here are things that our friend, Jordan Smitter, a Priority Health professional cyclist, suggests.
First and foremost make sure your child wears a bike helmet whenever going for a ride.
Make sure that your child has the appropriate footwear. Sandals and open toed shoes should never be worn when riding a bike.
At the beginning of each summer, take your family’s bikes to a local bike shop to make sure they’re in good working order.
Make sure you that your child knows where the breaks are located before going for a ride.
Talk to your child before they go out alone. Make sure you know where they are going and how long they’ll be out for.
When riding in a neighborhood make your child is aware of cars. Not only cars in the road, but those in the driveway.
When crossing the street or an intersection, make sure your child always looks left, right, and left again before crossing.
The American Red Cross offers a unique day camp for kids interested in becoming a certified babysitter. The daycamp is offered to teens ages 11-15 years old and is held a two locations in Grand Rapids. The camp teaches kids how to become responsible and confident babysitters through hands-on activities, videos, role playing and lively discussions.
Participants will learn the following:
How to safely supervise children of all ages.
How to perform basic childcare skills like diapering, dressing and feeding.
How to handle discipline issues.
How to identify safety hazards and prevent injuries.
How to care for common injuries and emergencies like choking, burns, cuts and insect stings.
How to effectively communicate with children and their parents.
For more information on the camp or to get registered, contact the American Red Cross of Greater Grand Rapids at 616-456-8661 and ask for extension 3604 or 3407.
Everyone loves swimming in the summer. Whether it’s a local pool, water park or one of West Michigan’s awesome lakes, make sure to be safe.
When in the sun, make sure you always wear sunscreen with at least SPF 15.
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
Pay attention to signs of heatstroke, like excessive sweating, racing heart rate, dizziness and fatigue.
When near the water make sure that all children know how to swim. If not, children should wear a Coast Guard approved lifejacket at all times.
Make sure that all children in the water have proper supervision. There should always be one designated adult watching who isn’t reading a book, tanning or talking with friends.
The Washington Post recently ran a story with some great suggestions on inexpensive ways to get kids outdoors and moving! Here are a few of my favorite tips:
1. Take advantage of county, state and national park systems! Many offer guided hikes, canoe trips and fun places to explore.
2. Pack a picnic lunch and head out to the beach or a park. Get everyone playing together then enjoy a healthy picnic together.
3. Try geocashiing! Get clues online at geocashing.com to find hidden treasures left by ordinary folks, sometimes in out-of-the-way places, sometimes in plain view!
4. Go to a pick-your-own farm. Check out pickyourown.org for farms close by!
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