
Cambridge Youth Commission
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It's Time For Me To ... But...
It's time for me to ... but... An absolutely gorgeous fall Saturday morning, with blue skies and a crisp breeze blowing. It's the perfect day to begin my annual Fall Clean Up. With a mug of steaming coffee in hand, I grab the list of jobs off the kitchen table and head outside. I'm in old work clothes, drinking steaming coffee. Sitting on the back step, drinking some coffee – this helps to get the eyes open – and looking at the list is the first thing to do. This isn't a particularly long list, but it's possible to finish this mug, which will then require a trip to the kitchen for another. My routine is well honed since this is a yearly ritual. It started several weeks ago when I left a pad of paper on the counter - where it was always visible - for anyone - usually me - to write down any ideas for jobs. It certainly sounds like a smart idea, since it will save time and guarantee everything will get done. It is finally time for the annual walk now that the second mug - yes, it did happen - is almost done. This means walking around the house and yard - with the list, of course - and checking that everything is in place. Interested in what's on this holy list? Not much exciting, just these items: Window exteriors need to be cleanedTake all lawn furniture to the basement to be storedCollect garden figures for the basement.Garden beds should be cleaned of fallen leavesAfter cleaning leaves from beds, cut back plants Now that we're back where we left off, we haven't moved very far. I got a little distracted watching Mother Nature's magnificent display of color. Okay, back to... um, wait, the mug's empty, let me refill it and I'll be right with you. Due to some important phone calls, I'm really behind. I've been sitting at my desk watching the flurry of activity outside my window as I watch the "Feathered Friends Backyard Diner" open for business and quite busy. Several adorable squirrels are also chasing one another up and down a tree. While I ought to be doing the jobs on that list, it's getting late, the sun's moving away and the temperature is beginning to drop. After all, next Saturday is always around the corner. Therefore, I might as well make another pot of coffee, fill up that mug once again and watch the entertainment outside the window.
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Read MoreSafeguarding Your Children at Fairs, Festivals, and Amusement Parks
Families have more time to enjoy fairs, festivals, and amusement parks when children are out of school. As a parent, you know there is always an increased level of concern when it comes to safety.
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Read MoreThere's More to Life Than "Because"
Children are naturally inquisitive. Children behave this way to gain a deeper understanding of something when they are young. As they grow older, they want to understand why you think something is important and why they should feel the same way. Regardless of their age, it's crucial that your child understands that if you set out the rules and expectations at home, they won't be allowed to question them. This is because the consequences would follow. It is difficult for young children to understand why they need to go home at a certain time from their friend's home. It is also unclear to them why they aren't allowed to play ball in the house. In most cases, however, they strive to make their parents happy and proud. Whenever you tell a child what it is that they cannot play with something or someone or why they must obey a rule you've set forth, why should they not play with it or why they must follow the house rules? Avoid using the term, "Because I said so," as it only makes it more difficult for the child to understand. You will probably be able to explain this more clearly to older children, adolescents, and teenagers. You should directly, honestly and clearly explain your reasoning when asked "Why?" or "Why not?". This is also a great opportunity for you to reiterate the consequences of breaking the rule. "We do have to go to the dentist's office first thing in the morning for your checkup. If you're not home by 10 p.m., you'll be grounded for a week." Be firm, clear, and consistent. It shows your child's growth as an individual thinker, even if they question why a rule is in place. You should understand that they are doing it to understand the world around them. Don't be irritated or frustrated when they do so.
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Read MoreEverything You Must Have In Your First Aid Kit
Everyone ought to have a home first aid kit all set to go in case an emergency should occur. If you have little kids, being prepared with a current first aid kit ends up being much more important.Keeping a first aid kit within simple reach will provide you with significant assurance. Here's a helpful checklist of the products that your first aid kit should, at a minimum, include: 1. An Antiseptic (such as Bactine®).Cleaning scrapes or injuries is important for avoiding infection. If soap and water are not on hand, utilizing an antibacterial will assist you in flushing out debris and offer a mild pain relief. Antiseptics might be available in cream or spray form. Lots of them, such as Bactine®, offer pain relief. 2. Bandaids® and gauze pads. Bandaids® help treat injuries of all sizes. Your best choice is to buy a big multi-pack that features a variety of sizes. For gauze pads, purchasing larger sizes works best, due to the fact that you can always cut them down to the size you need. Gauze pads work well for more major injuries.3. Scissors. Speaking of cutting, scissors are typically ignored in lots of first aid packages. Scissors come in helpful not simply for cutting gauze pads, but for cutting clothing, adhesive tape, and anything other products or obstructions that might present themselves in an emergency situation. 4. Ace Bandages® . Ace Bandages® can be found in helpful in a range of scenarios, such as sprains and breakages. 5. Instant Cold and Hot Pack. These packs are for one-time use just, so it's a good idea to stock up your first aid kit with them. They can be used on sprains, contusions, and bumps to decrease swelling. 6. Adhesive Tape. Adhesive tape can be used to form splints, tape gauze, and protect any other bandages. 7. Tweezers. Like scissors, tweezers are often ignored, however can frequently come in helpful. A good pair of tweezers are the perfect solution to removing stingers, ingrown hairs, splinters, and hang nails. 8. Latex Gloves. Latex gloves are a valuable addition to any first aid kit. Latex gloves will supply a tidy and hygienic method to protect you against germs, blood, physical fluids, and other possible contaminants that you might come across in an emergency situation. 9. Analgesic. An analgesic is a pain reliever. Include a small bottle of aspirin or ibuprofen to combat headaches, migraines, or discomfort due to injury. 10. Antibiotic Ointment. A small tube of antibiotic ointment can go a long way. Antibiotic ointment can be used on scrapes, cuts, wounds, and other injuries to avoid infection. 11. Rubbing alcohol and disinfectant. These are useful for cleaning up insect sting bites or for cleaning up injuries. Alcohol wipes are especially hassle-free to have in your first aid kit because they don't take up much space. 12. Antihistamine. In the case that someone may experience serious allergic reactions, having some sort of antihistamine on hand is a great idea. 13. A list of emergency situation phone numbers.Keep an index card with the numbers of your medical professional, the national poison center, and all other emergency situation contacts. Likewise, it's an excellent idea to make a note of the name of members of your household who have allergies, and any medication they take on a regular basis.
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Read MoreTips On Lawn Mower Safety
Tips On Lawn Mower Safety Many moms and dads understand it's crucial to tend to more than their lawns when they do yard work. Still, countless children are hurt in yard-work-related injuries every year. It just takes a minute for a kid to dart into the path of a lawn mower. Myranda got her foot caught underneath the blade of her dad's riding mower when she was 2 years old. Spence lost part of his foot when he tripped in front of a riding lawn mower when he was 3. Both Myranda and Spence needed to have a foot amputated and now use prosthesis. Myranda and Spence are among the many children Shriners Hospitals for Children treats each year who have lost fingers, toes and limbs as an outcome of power lawn mower mishaps. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 84,000 injuries arise from mower accidents each year, and 8,800 of those injuries are to children under the age of 18. One out of every 5 mower deaths involves a child. According to a report released in the Annals of Emergency Medicine Web site, children between the ages of 15 and 19 have the highest rate of hospitalizations brought on by mower accidents, and the second-most-common outcome of these hospitalizations is toe amputation. To avoid lawn mower injuries, follow these safety tips from Shriners Hospitals for Children and the CPSC: Do not allow passengers on a riding lawn mower.Keep kids out of the backyard and inside your home while cutting the yard. Do not enable kids under the age of 14 to operate a mower. Always prepare your lawn for mowing. Examine your lawn for items such as sticks, rocks, toys, and so on. Make sure absolutely nothing is concealed in the lawn.Handle fuel with care. Wipe up spills. Never fill the tank on a mower that is hot. Never smoke or use any kind of flame around gasoline. Wear proper clothes and shoes, including long pants, long-sleeved shirts, eye safety, heavy gloves, and sturdy, close-toed shoes with slip-resistant rubber soles. Check guards and shields. Read the owner's manual and know how to run the equipment. Don't eliminate or disable guards or other safety devices. Always utilize a lawn mower with an automated blade cutoff. Stay behind the handle till the blade stops. Never reach under a mower while it is still operating. If you need to remove particles or examine the blade, detach the wire from the spark plug. Don't cut lawn when it's damp. On slopes, mow up and down instead of across the slope.
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