Some Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Helmet

Outdoor Activities and Summer Fun Go Hand in Hand – Some Tips for a Healthy Summer!

Bike Helmet Basics

Bike riding is a great way to get exercise and fresh air during the summer months. In the State of Massachusetts we have a bicycle helmet safety law, which mandates that all children under the age of 16 wear a properly fastened bicycle helmet when riding a bike or as a passenger on a bike. The Helmet Law also applies when skateboarding, inline skating, or riding a scooter. Many bike accidents involve a head injury, so a crash could mean permanent brain damage or death for someone who doesn’t wear a helmet when riding. Each year approximately 500,000 kids are seriously injured in bicycle related accidents, and most of the injuries could have been prevented if a helmet was worn. Here are some helpful helmet basics that parents may find informative from, Kids Health:

Some things to keep in mind when buying a helmet:

·  Pick bright or fluorescent colors that are visible to drivers and other cyclists

·  Look for a helmet that is well ventilated

·  Make sure the helmet has a CPSC or Snell sticker inside. These indicate that the helmet meets standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission or the Snell Memorial Foundation, a non- profit group that tests helmet safety.

·  Make sure that the helmet fits correctly and can be adjusted.

·  You should be able to get help finding a well fitting helmet and adjusting it properly at any bicycle shop.

·  When kids wear a helmet make sure the straps are fastened. Also make sure they don’t wear any other hat underneath it

·  Be sure to replace any helmet made before 1999. If your child hit any surface hard while wearing a helmet, replace it (helmets lose their capacity to absorb shock after taking serious hits.)

A bike helmet fits well if it:

·  Sits level on the head

·  Isn’t tilted forward or backward

·  Has strong wide straps that fasten snugly under the chin

·  Is tight enough so that after fastening, no sudden pulling or twisting could move it around.

For other Bicycle safety information please visit: http://kidshealth.org/parent/_summerspotlight/_parks/bike_safety.html

Submitted by Cheryl Campbell, RN, Morrison School

Summer Tips for Parents of Teens by Traci Wojciechowski

Regional Director of Student Assistance Programs-Northeast, Caron Treatment Centers

The countdown to summer break is officially on! Trips to the beach, lazy mornings sleeping in, and a break from tests and quizzes provide much needed stress-relief for our kids. The downside- while more free time and less adult supervision can make the summer an exciting time for many young people, it can also increase the likelihood of exposure to the dangers of substance abuse. According to a 2012 study from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (SAMHSA), more youth try their first drink, cigarette, or joint during the summer months than at any other point during the year.

On a typical day in June and July:

·  More than 11,000 adolescents aged 12-17 will have their first alcoholic drink, as opposed to 5000-8000 youths during the rest of the year;

·  An average of 5,000 youths smoke cigarettes for the first time, as opposed to the daily average of about 3,000 to 4,000 adolescents during the rest of the year. The same pattern holds true for first time use of cigars and smokeless tobacco among youth;

·  More than 4,500 youth start using marijuana, as opposed to about 3,000 to 4,000 youths during the other months.

-Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (July 2, 2012). The NSDUH Report: Monthly Variation in Substance Use Initiation among Adolescents. Rockville, MD.

The following “Quick Tips for Parents” can help reduce the risk of your teen becoming one of these summer statistics:

1.  Keep alcohol, tobacco, prescription drugs, and toxic chemicals locked up and out of reach. Throw away unused prescriptions.

2.  Know where your teens are at all times.

3.  Be aware of your child’s spending habits, and limit their disposable income.

4.  Educate yourself and be aware of the signs and symptoms of substance abuse.

5.  Create a contract with your teen with a promise to not use drugs and alcohol with clear consequences outlined.

6.  Discuss the dangers of substance use with your teen.

7.  Set a clear curfew and enforce it.

8.  Provide your child with specific refusal statements.

9.  Create a code word or phrase that your child can use when in an uncomfortable situation involving drugs and/or alcohol.

10.  Be in touch with other parents and ask about adult supervision at social gatherings.

11.  Pay attention to frequent sleepovers and social gatherings at the same home.

Being a parent isn’t easy – but then again, neither is being a kid in this day and age. If you suspect a substance use problem may exist, confidential help is available.

Please contact a SAP Specialist at 800-678-2332 ext. 6117 or visit www.CaronSAP.org.

What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria (germs) that are spread by tiny, infected deer ticks. Both people and animals can have Lyme disease.

Where do cases of Lyme disease occur?

In the United States, Lyme disease most commonly occurs in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions and in the upper Midwest. In Massachusetts, Lyme disease occurs throughout the state.

How is Lyme disease spread?

Lyme disease is spread by the bite of an infected deer tick. The tick usually must be attached to a person for at least 24 hours before it can spread the germ.

When can I get Lyme disease?

Lyme disease can occur during any time of the year. The bacteria that cause Lyme disease are spread by infected deer ticks. Young ticks (nymphs) are most active during the warm weather months between May and July. Adult ticks are most active during the fall and spring but may also be out searching for a host any time that winter temperatures are above freezing.

How soon do symptoms of Lyme disease appear after a tick bite?

Symptoms of early Lyme disease, described below, usually begin to appear from 3 to 30 days after being bitten by an infected tick. If untreated, symptoms of late Lyme disease may occur from weeks to years after the initial infection.

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?

Early stage (days to weeks): The most common early symptom is a rash where the tick was attached. It often, but not always, starts as a small red area that spreads outward, clearing up in the center so it looks like a donut. Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, stiff neck, sore and aching muscles and joints, fatigue and swollen glands may also occur.

Even though these symptoms may go away by themselves, without medical treatment, some people will get the rash again in other places on their bodies, and many will experience more serious problems. Treatment during the early stage prevents later, more serious problems.

Later stages (weeks to years): If untreated, people with Lyme disease can develop late-stage symptoms even if they never had a rash. The joints, nervous system and heart are most commonly affected.

·  About 60% of people with untreated Lyme disease get arthritis in their knees, elbows and/or wrists. The arthritis can move from joint to joint and become chronic.

·  Many people who don’t get treatment develop nervous system problems. These problems include meningitis (an inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord), facial weakness (Bell’s palsy) or other problems with nerves of the head, and weakness or pain (or both) in the hands, arms, feet and/or legs. These symptoms can last for months, often shifting between mild and severe.

·  The heart also can be affected in Lyme disease, with slowing down of the heart rate and fainting. The effect on the heart can be early or late.

Is there treatment for Lyme disease?

People who are diagnosed with Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics. Prompt treatment during the early stage of the disease prevents later, more serious problems.

What can I do to lower my chances of getting Lyme disease from ticks?

Prevention begins with you! Take steps to reduce your chances of being bitten by a tick. Ticks are most active during warm weather, generally late spring through fall. However, ticks can be out any time that temperatures are above freezing. Ticks cling to vegetation and are most numerous in brushy, wooded or grassy habitats. They are not found on open, sandy beaches, but may be found in grassy dune areas. When you are outside in an area likely to have ticks follow these simple steps to protect yourself and your loved ones:

·  Use a repellent with DEET or permethrin according to the instructions given on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear, and should not be applied to skin.

·  Wear long, light-colored pants tucked into your socks or boots, and a long-sleeved shirt. This may be difficult to do when the weather is hot, but it will help keep ticks away from your skin and help you spot a tick on your clothing faster.

·  Stay on cleared trails when walking/ hiking, avoiding the edge habitat where ticks are most likely.

·  Talk to your veterinarian about tick control options (tick collars, repellents) for your pets.

·  More information on choosing a repellent and how to use repellents safely is included in the MDPH Tick Repellents fact sheet at www.mass.gov/dph/tick. If you can’t go online, contact the MDPH at (617) 983-6800 for a hard copy.

Did you know?

You don’t have to be a hiker on Cape Cod to worry about ticks. In Massachusetts, you may be bitten in your own backyard. There are lots of things you can do around your own backyard to make it less inviting for ticks! Visit the MDPH Tickborne Disease Website at www.mass.gov/dph/tick for suggestions.

After spending time in an area likely to have ticks, check yourself, your children and pets for ticks. Young ticks, called nymphs, are the size of a poppy seed. Adult deer ticks are the size of a sesame seed. Both nymph and adult deer ticks can spread the bacteria that cause Lyme disease; however, nymphs are of more concern. They are aggressive feeders and so tiny that it can be difficult to see them on the body, unless you are looking carefully. When doing a tick check, remember that ticks like places that are warm and moist. Always check the back of the knees, armpits, groin, scalp, back of the neck and behind the ears. If you find a tick attached to your body, remove it as soon as possible using a fine-point tweezers. Do not squeeze or twist the tick’s body, but grasp it close to your skin and pull straight out with steady pressure.

Know the symptoms of Lyme disease as described in this fact sheet. If you have been someplace likely to have ticks and you develop symptoms of Lyme disease, or any other disease carried by ticks, see your health care provider right away.

Where can I get more information?

·  Your doctor, nurse, or health care clinic or your local board of health

·  The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), Division of Epidemiology and Immunization at (617) 983-6800 or toll-free at (888) 658-2850, or on the MDPH Tickborne Diseases website at www.mass.gov/dph/tick Submitted by Judy Sellon, RN, Flaherty School

Heat and Athletes CDC

Athletes who exercise in extreme heat are more likely to become dehydrated and succumb to heat related illness. The risk of heat related illness is increased in hot and humid weather. This is due to circumstances where an individual’s inability to produce enough sweat for adequate cooling coincides with high humidity, preventing adequate evaporation of sweat. Heat illness, if left untreated, can lead to the rare but life-threatening condition of heat stroke.

In order to avoid heat related illness, keep these rules in mind:

·  Limit outdoor activity; especially midday when the sun is hottest

·  Schedule work-outs and practices earlier or later in the day when temperatures are cooler

·  Wear and reapply sunscreen

·  Pace activity, start activities slow and pick-up the pace gradually

·  Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more. Muscle cramping may be an early sign of heat related illness

·  Wear loose, light weight, light colored clothing

·  Seek medical attention immediately if you or a teammate has symptoms of heat related illness.

Signs/Symptoms of Heat Illness / What you should do
Heat Exhaustion
·  Heavy sweating
·  Weakness
·  Cold, pale and clammy skin
·  Fast weak pulse
·  Nausea, vomiting
·  Fainting / ·  Move to a cooler location
·  Lie down and loosen your clothing
·  Apply cool, damp cloths to as much of your body as possible
·  Sip water
·  If vomiting occurs, and continues, seek medical attention immediately
Heat Stroke
·  High Body temperature (above 103°F)
·  Hot, red, dry or moist skin
·  Rapid and strong pulse
·  Possible unconsciousness / ·  Call 911 immediately – this is a medical emergency
·  Move the person to a cooler environment
·  Reduce the person’s body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath
·  Do not give fluids

Submitted by Fran Barron R.N., BSN, M. Ed., Braintree High School