Well, summer vacation is just about over as we all get ready for school. In our house we got so used to sleeping late and being at our leisure that it will be hard to get back to the routine of getting and moving in the morning for school. That’s why I have begun backing up bedtime and waking the kids at a reasonable morning hour! However, what we have not practiced is wearing shoes! Shoes you ask? My kids have been wearing flip flops or sandals or summer and now must transition to wearing sneakers or closed shoes that will protect and support their feet. We need to teach our children that shoes must stay on their feet, and that they need appropriate foot wear, not only for gym days, but for every day on the playground. It is not safe to wear flip flops or open sandals to school. You don’t want someone to step on the back of their shoe and your child goes flying! You don’t want mulch or other debris to get stuck in their foot! Some schools even include footwear in their dress code or code of conduct. One such school stated “For safety on the playground, shoes must be worn at all times. Also, all shoes must have a back strap or back support. Suggested style: shoes appropriate for PE.” Whatever their age, this is a good lesson to learn. It continues to be a problem as the weather cools off and the kids want to wear cute or stylish boots to school, or I know my daughter likes to wear flats with her dresses. What do we do then? Though I prefer my kids wearing sneakers every day, my best suggestion is to compromise and pack the sneakers for recess. Wishing you all a safe and wonderful school year!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Safer Child Products
It’s back to school time for many of us whether your child is 4 or 14! Backpacks are an essential component of back to school gear. Your child may tell you that it has to be their favorite color or favorite character or everyone’s wearing a messenger bag this year! However, backpacks are not just for looks! The improper usage of a backpack can have long term harmful effects on your child’s spine.
I watched the past 2 years as my little one has worn her saggy backpack down by her but, while my older one struggled with carrying a messenger bag. After reading up on Backpack Safety, this year I got smart. I made sure that each of them tried on the backpacks before we bought any. They had to fit properly and be easy to adjust. They had to be comfortable so that the kids would want to wear them properly every day. This year I am expecting my big one to have more work and a heavier load, so I wanted a backpack that was up to the job!
According to Backpack Safety America, a child should never carry more than 15 % of their bodyweight in their backpack and it should not rest lower than the base of their spine. “When worn correctly, the weight in a backpack is evenly distributed across the body, and shoulder and neck injuries are less common than if someone carried a briefcase or purse. As practical as backpacks are, though, they can strain muscles and joints and may cause back pain if they're too heavy or are used incorrectly.”
Dr. Chad Laurence advises that the backpack be worn snugly against the body, have a structurally reinforced base as well as a belt strap.
For more backpack safety recommendations and explanations of pain and risks from improper usage, visit:
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Safer Child Products
Last Week Allen got blood drawn for further matching. They said we would know more in 72 hours. It has now been a week and we have not heard a thing!
Allen reached out to his contact at the hospital but has not gotten a response.
He will contact Piper Wood at the National Marrow Donor Association and see if we can get some answers.
Stay Tuned!
Allen reached out to his contact at the hospital but has not gotten a response.
He will contact Piper Wood at the National Marrow Donor Association and see if we can get some answers.
Stay Tuned!
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