Happy Parents

Many of my students are going through their "Terrible Twos" right now. Yes, I've heard that the 3's are worse than the 2's and the thing is, is that many of these kids aren't even two yet! So in order to honor the many mommies (and daddies) that are recently grueling through this stage of temper tantrums and sleepless nights I wanted to give some tips on how to keep life pleasant. Hopefully you will try a few of these ideas if not all in order to avoid turning into a cranky mess. They are highly recommended by moms I know.

1. Take people up on their offers - relatives and friends want to babysit or play with your baby... let them, friends willing to pick up some groceries for you on their trip out... LET THEM! If they're nice enough to offer, be nice back and let them help you out.
2. Spoil yourself just a little - get a manicure, mini-facial or enjoy a cupcake. In this economy many aestheticians are willing to come to your home at a smaller price.
3. Tell Dad (or Mom) how he can help - he may want to pitch in but doesn't know how to help or read your mind.
4. Take a quick trip - whether it's just a night out at a nice restaurant or a weekend getaway, you'll come back revived and ready to tackle the day with new energy.
5. Play Music - many current & classic rock musicians have songs that are perfect to jam out to with your baby... try my favorite Jack Johnson or Ziggy Marley!
6. Get Yourself Together - brush your teeth & your hair, put on a cute comfortable outfit. You're a professional mom, why not feel like one!
7. Hug your spouse - baby hugs are amazing but once in awhile a big bear hug from your spouse can do wonders for your well being.
8. Exercise - rent an exercise DVD, run around your neighborhood or better yet join an exercise group or class. Socializing with other mommies while working out is a great way to stay motivated.
9. Hire a Daytime Babysitter - getting the little stuff done around the house & running errands will be not only easier for you but more pleasant. This way your baby gets to see another happy face that is devoted to her as well.
10. Trust yourself & relax...you are doing a great job!

ISR on CBS West Palm Beach Channel 12 News

Summer is right around the corner, which means cooling off with water, swimming pools and the beach. It is also the time of year when the number of accidents involving children around the water increase. As an Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) Instructor, I make it my goal every year to provide drowning prevention information to our community and to teach children in Palm Beach County the self-rescue swimming skills that they can use to save themselves in an accident situation. To kick off the summer swim season, our amazing swimming program was just featured on CBS West Palm Beach Channel 12 News. Click below to watch some talented swim-float-swimmers on Memorial Day's May 31st, 2010 segment. Congratulations Ashleigh Bullivant http://www.ashleigh-isr.com on a terrific and informative news story!

http://www.cbs12.com/video/?videoId=89154579001&lineupId=1143359274

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Messaging

In May of 2010, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) revised its policy statement on Drowning Prevention based on new information and research. Among other sources, the new policy statement reflects; the World Health Organization's newer classification of drowning; drain-entrapment and hair entanglement injuries; dangers of inflatable and portable pools; and the possible benefit of swimming lessons for young children.

The AAP has now changed it's policy regarding the age at which children may start swimming lessons, based on research stating that swim lessons may actually provide reduction in drowning risk of children ages 1- to 4-years-old. That study, “Association Between Swimming Lessons and Childhood Drowning” published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, March, 2009, by Brenner et. al. was the first study to probe the relationship between drowning reduction and swimming skills. That study concluded that, “Participation in formal swimming lessons was associated with an 88% reduction in the risk of drowning in the 1- to 4-year-old children…”

The AAP encourages parent's to consider that starting water-survival skills training at an early age must be individualized, based on the child's frequency of exposure to water, emotional maturity, physical limitations and health concerns related to swimming pools.

For more than 40 years, Infant Swimming Resource has been teaching children from six months to six years aquatic Self-Rescue skills in addition to educating parents and communities about water safety and drowning prevention. Developed by Harvey Barnett, Ph.D., ISR instruction and techniques are based on research and development in the areas of psychology, physiology and the behavioral sciences.

All ISR lessons are taught by a highly trained, certified Instructor with a focus on safety, developmentally appropriate curriculum, health and student generated in-water data. Currently, ISR has a 100 percent safety record and has 790 documented cases of former students using ISR techniques to save their own life in a drowning situation.

ISR professionals believe that a community effort involving education of the public, parents, children, pediatricians and other community leaders is key to reducing the tragic and needless drowning statistics. In addition, we believe that parents should take a multilayered approach towards drowning prevention including pool barriers and effective parental supervision. Even if a child has completed lessons, parents must understand that no child is drown-proof and there is no replacement for active and effective parental supervision.

Sand Kastls: He is a FISH!

Congratulations A on completing your Infant Swimming Resource refresher classes! Check out A's awesome swim-float-swim skills! Click the link below...

Sand Kastls: He is a FISH!

Fire Station Open House

The Delray Beach Fire Department held an Open House Health and Wellness event this past Saturday (May 8th). Lt. Ed Beardsley organized a fantastic day filled with exciting demonstrations, yummy food and educational vendor booths. Over 600 kids, parents and community members showed up to partake in the safety and wellness activities. The fire fighters showed off their amazing rescue skills including a demonstration with the "Jaws of Life" and a high angle rescue descent. The kids enjoyed taking pictures with "Sparky the Fire Dog" and "Smokey the Bear". They got to play on fire trucks, sample Rita's Italian ices, chow down on hotdogs and popcorn and chase around the remote control fire rescue car. There were CPR demonstrations by Conor Devery firstresponsetraining@gmail.com and health screenings from Delray Medical Center. Of course all the kids loved playing with the bubbles at our Infant Swimming Resource table while their parents learned important water safety tips http://www.infantswim.com/

Some special young men and their neighbors received commendations from Delray Beach Mayor Woodie McDuffie and Fire Chief David C. James for their heroic efforts in rescuing cute Pug puppies from a burning house earlier in the year.

Thank you to all of my students and their families that came out to support our Infant Swimming Resource table. I also want to thank the Delray Beach Fire Rescue Team for letting Kristy Wexler and I be a part of this informative and fun community event!

May is National Water Safety Month

In 18 states, drowning ranks as the leading cause of accidental death among young children. Nationally, including Florida, it ranks first for children one to three years old. More than 75% of victims had been missing for less than five minutes. 88% of young drowning victims were under some form of supervision at the time of the incident and 46% were under the care of both parents. These facts are alarming, but the good news is, DROWNING IS PREVENTABLE!

In honor of National Water Safety Month here are some safety tips to follow around the pool, the beach and even while boating.

Beach Safety: Dress your child in bright colors when going to the beach. Use a consistent bright color and style of swimsuit. Have a picture of your child in the "beach suit" with you to show a lifeguard who may be helping you search for your child. Consider tying a balloon to your child's hand so that if she wanders off she will be easy to spot!

Boating Safety: Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFDs) around oceans, rivers, lakes or when participating in water sports. Test the PFD you purchase for your child in a pool... will it turn them face up? If it doesn't, buy one that will. Recreational boats must carry one appropriately-sized PFD for each person on board.

Pool Safety: Your child should never be able to access the pool alone! Build layers of defense around the pool. Permanent four-sided fencing that encloses the entire pool area should be 4-6 feet in height and equipped with self-closing, self-latching gates. Vertical bars should be no more than 4 inches apart. Remove ALL toys from the pool when it's not in use. These colorful objects can be very attractive to little eyes. Do not leave furniture or other objects in the pool area that would allow children to climb over the fence. Install high locks and alarms on ALL doors and windows that lead to the pool, including utility and pet doors. Position jets so floating objects flow to the shallow end near the steps or ladder.

In light of the recent drownings in our area I ask you to share these tips with your family, friends and neighbors that have little ones. Take time to educate and advocate for infant and child aquatic safety. Let's make this the year that "Not One More Child Drowns!"

Check Out: 7 Water Safety Tips for Families from the Harrah’s Regional Trauma Center at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (ARMC) and Infant Swimming Resource

http://tinyurl.com/365jl82

Trinity Lutheran School Heath Fair

This past Friday I participated in a fantastic event at Trinity Lutheran School in Delray Beach, Florida. The purpose of the Health & Wellness Fair was to inspire healthy living for all ages. There were over 40 booths, including mine, dedicated to overall health, wellness and safety. Each school class toured the gymnasium on a quest to fill up their own personal "Passport to Health" by getting signatures from each of the tables ranging from the Delray Beach Police Station & Fire Rescue to the Blood Mobile. Kids of all ages learned about taking care of your teeth at Little Smiles Dental, eating healthy snacks like sunflower sprouts at Slow Food and about meditating & yoga at The Sacred Treehouse. http://www.slowfood.com

Parents, grandparents and adults from our community participated in hearing & vision screenings, blood pressure & bone density checks. Some lucky teachers, moms & dads enjoyed chair massages, learned how to dance like a pro and participated in exercises at Moji Doyle's Fitness & Wellness table. http://www.mojidoyle.com/

I met the cutest kids, little 5 year-olds and super smart tweens, as they were amazed by pictures of my Star Swim students. I was extremely happy to find out that all the students knew the #1 rule around the pool: "Always Swim with an Adult!". http://www.star-swimmers.com/watersafety.html

It was so much fun watching the raffle prize winners scream with excitement when their names were called. "We received many positive comments from the staff, parents, and community members about the meaningful experience the fair was for everyone who attended, especially the students!" says Julia Kadel, Trinity Lutheran PE/Health Teacher and event organizer.

I want to personally thank Julia and the TLS Health & Welless committe for planning and implementing such a successful event!

http://www.trinitydelray.org

Spring is in the Air...Finally!

Now that the weather has finally warmed up as it seems Spring has arrived for good it's the perfect time to swim and play around in the water. The pool and beach are great places to cool off on sunny days but it is important to stay safe. Here are a few tips to make sure you and your family have a fun and safe spring:

*Never leave a child near any body of water, not even for a second.

*Maintain constant, eyes-on uninterrupted supervision.

*Don't designate supervision to an older child or sibling.

*Build layers of defense around your pool. Keep pool fences locked when not in use.

*Install high locks and alarms on ALL doors & windows that lead to the pool.

*Enroll your child in swim lessons. Choose a program that will teach your child the skills to handle him/herself in the water. Check the instructor's qualification. Confirm that the instructor is certified to teach self-rescue swimming skills & that she is CPR & First Aid Certified.

Visit www.star-swimmers.com for more aquatic safety tips!