Sun, Fireworks, Blueberry Cobbler

We commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, declaring independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776.

The United States of America commonly celebrates Independence Day with fireworks, parades, barbecues, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches, and various other public and private events.

We trust you will be aware and mindful of personal safety and family safety.

Whatever your plans are on this 4th of July, if you are outside during the day, there’s a good chance you will be in the sun so here are some reminders about sun safety and protection:

Stay out of the summer sun in the middle of the day if possible. If not, wearing dark, tightly-woven clothing and a wide-brimmed hat also works.

Protect your eyes and wear sunglasses that include a warranty stating they provide 99-100% UVA and UVB (broad-spectrum) protection.

Wear sunscreen - The SPF number on the sunscreen indicates how many times longer, under ideal conditions, a person can stay out in the sun without beginning to turn red in comparison with the amount of time totally unprotected skin would start to burn. Research indicates these numbers are sometimes overstated. Apply to all exposed skin 15 minutes before venturing outdoors.

Depending on your activity (swimming, sweating), sunscreen should be re-applied at least every two hours.

For Babies:

Babies 6 months of age or younger should be kept completely out of the direct sun at all times. In addition, sunscreen shouldn't be applied to babies this age.
For children over 6 months, apply sunscreen every time they go outside.

Condensed info from: Timothy DiChiara, Ph.D., About.com - Updated: May 30, 2009

Celebrate Safely:

If you drink alcohol, don’t drive.

Small children might be frightened by the loud noise of fireworks – they could wear earplugs.

Pet Safety - Keep your pet(s) inside.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety urges everyone to use sparklers in a safe and responsible manner. The Council offers the following safety tips:
Obey the local laws and use common sense.
Always read and follow instructions. Always have an adult present.
Keep burning sparklers away from clothing and flammable objects.
Only use sparklers outdoors, away from buildings and vehicles.
Light only one sparkler at a time.
Alcohol, fireworks and sparklers do not mix. Be responsible.
Do not point or throw sparklers at another person.
Children under the age of 12 should not handle sparklers.
When finished, place used sparklers in a bucket of water.

(Or, just forgo the sparklers and just watch a public display.)

Summer is berry season and I found a recipe (that I plan to try!) for BLUEBERRY COBBLER by Linda Larsen at About.com

This classic dish is very beautiful; you can substitute just about any fresh fruit for the blueberries if you'd like.

Prep Time: 20 minutes / Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
4 cups blueberries, NOT thawed if frozen
1 tsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. butter
1 cup flour
2 Tbsp. sugar
1-1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup whole milk

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Mix 1/2 cup sugar and cornstarch in a 2 quart saucepan and stir in blueberries and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture boils and thickens. Boil and stir for 1 minute. Pour into ungreased 2 quart glass casserole dish and keep mixture hot in oven.

In a medium bowl, cut butter into flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in milk. Drop dough by 6 spoonfuls onto hot blueberry mixture.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until topping is golden brown.

Serve warm topped with whipped cream or ice cream. 8 servings

Recipe/Author Link here

Be Safe. Check your local laws for fireworks. Wear sunscreen.

Summer Safety

It's officially summer (remember to wear your sunscreen!) I googled 'summer safety' to see what good info I could glean, and is there a lot! Of course water safety is at the top, but did you know your garden hose may be hazardous to your health? Many hoses are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which uses lead as a stabilizer.

This week includes some bits and pieces from areas that might be overlooked when it comes to personal safety, children's safety, and even pet safety.

Garden Safety:
First of all, it's a good idea NOT to ingest any plants, flowers or berries that you are unfamiliar with. Marie Iannotti @ about.com shares 5 common plants you may never have considered as poisonous or dangerous.

1. Chinese Lantern Plant, Strawberry Ground Cherry (Physalis alkekengi)
2. Chrysanthemum, Garden Mum (Chrysanthemum X morifolium, a.k.a. Dendranthema
3. Hydrangea
4. Lantana
5. Rhododendron & Azalea

Full article: http://gardening.about.com/od/allergiesarthritis/tp/Five-Poisonous-Plants.htm

Hose Safety article: http://containergardening.about.com/od/greencontainergardening/a/Gardenhose.htm


Dog Safety Tips:

Heat Stroke - If you take your dog out on your jog, remember they are still jogging in their winter coat (or a slightly lighter version) and can only cool themselves by panting and a small amount of sweating through the foot pads. Not enough! Many dogs, especially the 'athletes' will keep running, no matter what, to stay up with their owner. Change the routine to early morning or late evening to prevent heat stroke.

Dogs can get sunburns, too. If you are planning to spend time outdoors with your dog, find a shady spot and provide plenty of fresh, cool water.

Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs are naturally skilled swimmers. Also remember that even the most experienced swimmer can become a victim of an undertow, jellyfish or other hazard. Additionally, try not to let your dog drink the water – salt water can dehydrate dogs and cause vomiting and diarrhea. The water in lakes and pond can contain parasites and bacteria that can infect your dog. Provide plenty of fresh, clean water for drinking.

Full Article: http://dogs.about.com/od/caringfordogsandpuppies/tp/warmweathersafety.htm

Scooter, Bike and Pedestrian Safety:
Scooters, bikes, in-line skates and skateboards are associated with numerous injuries yearly.
--Wear a comfortable, properly fitted helmet bearing the label of an independent testing lab. Be sure that the helmet sits level on top of the head–not rocking in any direction–and always fasten the safety strap.
--Be sure that safety gear (wrist, elbow and knee pads) fits properly and does not interfere with the rider's movement, vision or hearing. Wrist pads are not recommended for scooter riders as they may affect their ability to maneuver.
--Ride scooters and bikes only on smooth, paved surfaces and only ride during daylight hours.
--Learn the proper hand signals and use them when you turn or stop. Come to a
complete stop before entering driveways, paths or sidewalks, then look left, right
and left again for bikes, cars or pedestrians heading your way.
--Teach crossing safety to children by example.
--Share the road. Make eye contact, smile, or wave to communicate to motorists. Courtesy and predictability are keys in safe cycling.
--Ride far enough from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars.
--Keep control of your bicycle; be able to look behind you and ride with one hand while signalling.
--Be aware of potential hazards like road litter, potholes, gravel and storm grates.
--Be visible. Cyclists must take responsibility for being visible to motorists,
pedestrians, or other cyclists. There are numerous ways to enhance your visibility. Wear light-colored clothing: fluorescent colors such as bright orange or lime green and yellow are excellent.
Copy Provided by EBC’s State Wellness Program

So enjoy the long summer days and we'll share a variety or women's safety, and family safety tips over the next few weeks. Coming up next, the 4th of July!

Be Aware. Be Safe. Watch out for Bees.

Father's Day

Father's Day is next Sunday, June 21.

President Calvin Coolidge recommended it as a national holiday in 1924, President Lyndon Johnson made Father's Day a holiday to be celebrated on the third Sunday of June, and the holiday became officially recognized during the presidency of Richard Nixon in 1972.

Retailers use this holiday to promote greeting cards and male-oriented gifts (like ties, electronics, and tools). Often kids are encouraged to make Father's Day gifts in school.

If you happen to live with dad you could make a meal or dessert (refer here to Kitchen Safety). How about getting a little exercise together if the weather is nice? Take a walk, or play Frisbee, football, tennis, or whatever dad likes. Spend time with him and play cards or dominoes. You could wash his car and leave this handy gift inside - the '4-in-1 Auto Emergency Tool', or offer to do a chore or errand for him. Or why not ask him how he would like to spend the day?

While many of us celebrate and honor our own fathers in person, if you can't be with your dad this year, be sure to let him know you are thinking of him and love him. Isn't that what really matters anyway?

Not everyone has positive experiences or memories with their fathers. Maybe it could be a time of forgiveness? Try making amends or peace with the situation if possible. Or, if unfortunately your father was a bad example, why not decide to try to be a better parent, uncle/aunt, or brother/sister yourself?

Some of our fathers have passed on. Bring flowers and visit his grave site, light a special candle in memory of him, or create a small alter somewhere in your home to place objects that remind you of your father.

As a daughter, we need to be proactive and confident about our personal safety. Dad, boyfriend, or husband might feel a little reassured knowing we are equipped to take care of ourselves. This can come from self defense training (depending on what is available where you live), and/or carrying a non-lethal defense product (available here, note that some items are dependent on your local laws).

-------------- Quotes About Fathers -------------------

"A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society." -- Billy Graham, Christian Evangelist

"How true Daddy's words were when he said: 'All children must look after their own upbringing.' Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands." -- Anne Frank, German Jew and Holocaust Victim

"My dad has always taught me these words: care and share." -- Tiger Woods, U.S. Professional Golfer

"When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years." --Mark Twain

Home Safety Month

Not only is June National Safety Month, it is also Home Safety Month and this week I want to share actual safety tips/reminders to use in your home, and also mention a few helpful resources to use if you happen to be looking for a home.


Article Courtesy Of The Home Safety Council (HSC):
Home Safety Month

Ask Americans where they feel safest and most will say their own home. However, unintentional injuries in the home result in nearly 21 million medical visits on average each year.* The Home Safety Council dedicates the month of June – Home Safety Month – to educate and empower both families and businesses to take actions that will make homes safe.

“We hope to bring attention to the serious problem of preventable home injuries and its leading causes: slips and falls, poisonings and fires and burns,” says Meri-K Appy, president of the Home Safety Council. “Just a few simple steps can dramatically reduce the dangers in most homes and may even make a lifesaving difference.”

Throughout Home Safety Month, the Home Safety Council encourages the public to consider their home’s danger areas and take some simple steps to minimize their risk from potential injuries, or even death.

Prevent Falls
• Have grab bars in the tub and shower.
• Have bright lights over stairs and steps and on landings.
• Have handrails on both sides of the stairs and steps.
• Use a ladder for climbing instead of a stool or furniture.
• Use baby gates at the top and bottom of the stairs, if babies or toddlers live in or visit
your home.

Prevent Poisonings
• Lock poisons, cleaners, medications and all dangerous items in a place where children
can’t reach them.
• Keep all cleaners in their original containers. Do not mix them together.
• Use medications carefully. Follow the directions. Use child resistant lids.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas.
• Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 if someone takes poison. This number
will connect you to emergency help in your area.

Prevent Fires & Burns
• Have working smoke alarms and hold fire drills. If you build a new home, install fire
sprinklers.
• Stay by the stove when cooking, especially when you are frying food.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn. Turn them off
when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• If you smoke, smoke outside. Use deep ashtrays and put water in them before you
empty them. Lock matches and lighters in a place where children can’t reach them.
• Only light candles when an adult is in the room. Blow the candle out if you leave the
room or go to sleep.

Prevent Choking and Suffocation
• Things that can fit through a toilet paper tube can cause a young child to choke. Keep
coins latex balloons and hard round foods, such as peanuts and hard candy out of
children’s reach.
• Place children to bed on their backs. Don’t put pillows, comforters or toys in the crib.
• Clip the loops in window cords and place them up high where children can’t get them.
• Read the labels on all toys, especially if they have small parts. Be sure that your child is old enough to play with them.
• Tell children to sit down when they eat and to take small bites.

Be Smart Around Water
• Stay within an arm’s length of children in and around water. This includes bathtubs,
toilets, pools and spas – even buckets of water.
• Put a fence all the way around your pool or spa.
• Empty large buckets and wading pools after using them. Keep them upside down when
not in use.
• Make sure your children always swim with a grownup. No child or adult should swim
alone.
• Keep your hot water at or below 120 degrees F to prevent burns.

Visit the Home Safety Resource Center at www.homesafetycouncil.org to review and download free information, including posters, brochures, safety checklists and additional tips to help safeguard your family.
* Through years 1996-2000, based on The State of Home Safety in America™ report, Second Edition.
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When it comes to looking for a new home, personal safety is high on the list as I consider locations. There is a reason the advice is always, "Location, location, location." Here are a few online resources that may aid the search by doing a little investigating of your own.

You can use Google and type in keywords like 'crime spotting or crime maps' in the search box. It will find many sources that can give you an idea of activity in many neighborhoods. Here are a few direct links I found on Google for examples:

http://chicago.everyblock.com/crime/
http://oakland.crimespotting.org/
http://www.spotcrime.com/
http://www.crimereports.com/

With children’s safety in mind, you can do a Google search for 'pedophile database' and find out if or where they might be in neighborhoods you are looking at. Whatever information you can use to help make a better decision, never hurts.

June is Nat'l Safety Month and more

June Birth Flower: Rose ~ Symbol of Love & Beauty

June is National Safety Month! (We like that)
June 7 is National Cancer Survivor's Day
June 21 is Father's Day
June also happens to be Drive Safe month, Audio Book month, Vision Research month, Fresh Fruit & Vegetables month, and Dairy month to name a few.

Starting with National Safety Month, I'd like to mention a couple of personal safety products you might like to know about:

Electronic Key chain Pocket Whistle This 4" key chain emits a loud 120db whistle for as long as you push the button. Useful in sporting events, a locator in emergencies (earthquakes, collapsed buildings), referee whistle, dog handling and as a safety alarm for college students and crime prevention.

Do you know the difference between a TASER® & Stun Gun? The TASER® allows you to repel the attacker from up to 15 feet away; while a Stun Device requires direct contact using high voltage to stop an attacker. Touching a person with the prongs on the stun gun quickly immobilizes the attacker. Again, both devices are non-lethal but you must check your local laws because they are restricted or illegal in some states.

For the fishing enthusiast, June 6-14 is National Fishing and Boating Week.

From RBFF.org:

Free Fishing Days, offered by many states to coincide with National Fishing & Boating Week in June, are an ideal time to schedule an event that includes fishing and boating activities. In general, Free Fishing Days allow the public to fish without a license. This information may be helpful in planning dates for your fishing, boating and aquatic conservation event.
Free Fishing Days information for many states is available on TakeMeFishing.org.

Here are some safety tips from Ronnie Garrison at About.com for going fishing with kids:

"For safety’s sake, you’ve got to bring the right attitude Safety Comes First as well as the right stuff. Here’s the Safety-Comes-First checklist that (Hooked on Fishing International) HOFI has developed to guide the adult volunteers who supervise all those children (some as young as 5) in more than 1,800 fishing events held at the water’s edge."

§ Establish rules. No running. Keep your shoes on, and look around before you cast.

§ Set up a buddy system. The youngest anglers need an adult "buddy" and constant supervision.

§ Make sure each angler, swimmers and non-swimmers alike, wears a personal flotation device at all times -- on the boat, on the dock, or on the shore.

§ Bring a long-handled fish net, not just for netting fish, but in case you need to reach out to someone in the water. It will also retrieve trash or valuables from the water.

§ First Aid Kit. You should have a kit with medical supplies to deal with all manner of cuts and scrapes, bruises and bumps, bites and boo-boos. You’re likely to be some distance away from professional medical assistance so remember, in the meantime, you’re the "doctor." Johnson & Johnson First Aid Pocket Pals are a smart addition to the tackle box.

§ Cold drink breaks. Summer temperatures can get pretty warm, so bring lots of cool water and other healthy drinks and make sure the young anglers drink fluids often to prevent dehydration or even heat stroke.

§ Sunscreen. The ultraviolet (UV) light of the sun can do a lot of damage to skin, eyes and lips. Outfit young anglers with proper sunglasses, a billed cap, and clothing appropriate to the climate and sun conditions. Avoid fishing in the middle of the day. Cover face, neck, ears, the back of hands and all exposed skin with sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher. Apply chap protection wax on lips.

§ Insect repellent. Mosquitoes, ticks, bees and other insects not only sting, they can carry diseases of one kind or another. Apply insect repellent. Follow the directions on the container. If your insect repellent contains "Deet," it may be better to apply it to the clothing instead of the skin.

§ Safety comes first. All the checklists in the world can’t anticipate all of the safety problems you or your young anglers might encounter on a fishing trip. So the best advice is think safety at all times. Look for trouble before it finds you. If it finds you anyway, know how to deal with it.


In addition, there is an organization for Women's Fly Fishing - Women’s Flyfishing® is run by Cecilia "Pudge" Kleinkauf who offers instruction and guided trips in Alaska. More info here: http://www.womensflyfishing.net/index.htm

Mind your Mind

I often think about my own personal safety and the times when it has been compromised. Currently, I am in the process of making some powerful life changes and thinking about personal safety in new ways. In addition to protecting ourselves physically (with non-lethal defense weapons), we must remember to protect our mind and soul. What good are we to the world if we are stressed out and riddled with indecision? We have to guard our mind from the worries that creep in so they do not take over!

Traveling in this vast world we live, I’ve worked with many philanthropic organizations and have been involved in charity work. I have seen the world as both an amazing place and a place filled with much conflict and strife. We can travel safely in both places by being informed, alert, and maintaining (or incorporating) a healthy dose of optimism. We can try to find the opportunity in every obstacle.

"Be thankful for each new challenge,

because it will build your strength and character."

Author Unknown, from Be Thankful

Let’s not ‘tune out’ instead remember to stay ‘awake’ in life and in the world regardless of what is thrown in our way. Yes, it can often be overwhelming but we can breathe and rise to the challenge. Just like the world, we (as women) are amazing and challenging. Let’s strive for a healthy balance in our minds to feel secure in our thoughts, our speech, and the way we carry ourselves.

"If we don't change,

we don't grow.If we don't grow,

we are not really living.

Growth demands a temporary surrender of security."

~ Gail Sheehy ~

I also want to take a look back this week as we missed talking about International Women’s Day (IWD) which is held every year on March 8. The website contains articles on a variety of topics. As I was reviewing their website (noted below) I found the following information interesting to read which I chose to share here this week:

GENDER FACTS

Networking:
Women use 20,000 words a day while men only use 7,000

Global Issues:
Females in developing countries on average carry 20 litres of water per day over 6 km
Globally women account for the majority of people aged over 60 and over 80
Pregnant women in Africa are 180 times more likely to die than in Western Europe
530,000 women die in pregnancy or childbirth each year
World population hit 6,872,741,131 on 1 January 2009
Of 1.2 billion people living in poverty worldwide, 70% are women
80% of the world's 27 million refugees are women
Women own around only 1% of the world's land
AIDS sees women's life expectancy of 43 in Uganda and Zambia
5 people are added to the world's population every 2 seconds
Women are 2/3 of the 1 billion+ illiterate adults who have no access to basic education

Innovation:
Globally women comprise 42% Internet users (Italy 37% ... US & Canada 51%)
In OECD countries women comprise only 30 per cent of degrees in science and technology
Women's representation in computer and information sciences workforce is around 30% globally
Female inventors still only account for around 10% of the US inventor population

Business / Finance:
Women control $14 trillion in assets and this should grow to $22 trillion over next 10 years
Women comprise 21 of the 37 million people living below the poverty line in the US
Only in Japan and Peru are women more active in starting a business than men
Women spend more time researching before they invest than men do

Media / Arts:
Only 21% of all news subjects (people interviewed or whom the news is about) are female
Women less than 1% department heads, editors, media owners but third of working journalists
80% of UK purchasing decisions are made by women but 83% of 'creatives' are men

Work:
Women do two-thirds of the world's work but receive only 10% of the world's income
Women's education is the most powerful predictor of lower fertility rates
One year out of college women earn 20% less than men and 10 years later 31% less
Women on average are away from workforce for 14.7 years compared to 1.6 years for men
The biggest EU gender pay gap is in Cyprus and Estonia at 25% then Slovakia at 24%

Government:
56% of women who voted supported Obama compared to only 49% of men voted for Obama
Until 20 years ago there had never been more than 5% women MPs globally
Benazir Bhutto was the first woman prime minister of a Muslim country (assassinated 27/12/07)
From the 27 EU member states, UK ranks 15 for women's representation in national Parliaments
From 1945 to 1995 the percentage of women MPs worldwide increased four-fold

SOURCE: http://www.internationalwomensday.com/facts.asp

WEBSITE LINK: http://www.internationalwomensday.com/default.asp

"Wishing you Good Mental Health". ~Dr. Frasier Crane~

Next Stop - Memorial Day

Today we are thinking about upcoming plans over Memorial Day weekend.

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (on May 25 in 2009). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War (it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the civil war), it was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action. (From Wikipedia)

We like the idea of peppering these entries with some spirit and creativity. In addition to women’s safety, family safety, and other non-lethal defense topics, we will share inspiration from poems to recipes and information relevant to the current month.

Wherever your plans take you this upcoming weekend, let’s try and take a little mental break from our stresses and safety issues. Enjoy some time with family or friends, have a picnic or barbecue, take a bike ride, a hike, or a walk (hopefully the weather will be nice). Attend a parade, local event, or enjoy a quiet day, but don’t forget to pause at 3 p.m.

Congress established The National Moment of Remembrance in 2000. We are asked to pause for one minute at 3 p.m. local time, in an act of national unity. This moment is to honor and reflect on those who served and gave their lives for our country to protect our freedom.

Suggestions for a Picnic Menu:
Crock Pot Ribs (recipe enclosed below)
Potato Salad
Green Salad
Corn on the Cob
Fresh cut fruit (in season)
Berry Cobbler w/ Fresh whipped Cream

Crock Pot Ribs Recipe

Ingredients
2-Pork Rib Slabs – cut to fit/fill your crock pot
1-Bottle your favorite BBQ Sauce – save the bottle
¼-cup Spicy Brown Mustard
¼-cup Ketchup
2-Tablespoons Brown Sugar
¼-cup Water

Directions
Stack slabs inside pot add sauce, mustard and brown sugar.

Use water to rinse out and capture sauce from bottle and pour over the top.

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. Uncover and enjoy!!

NOTE: If taking somewhere you can unplug and continue the process at your location – almost any outdoor parks and picnic areas have electricity poles these days.

You see, we didn’t have to say too much about defense devices, personal safety and personal protection this time. (Except this reminder to be alert and safe if you are driving.) So until next time, enjoy your week and the long weekend – the unofficial kick off to summer! Our thoughts go out this Memorial Day to all the families who have lost someone in military service.