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5 Steps for Safe Fun in the Summer Sun

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(Family Features) With an abundance of activities available throughout the summer months, from swimming and hiking to organized sports and spontaneous backyard games, the sunshine leads to fun almost everywhere you look. It’s important to keep in mind a few safety precautions to help enjoy those moments to the fullest, whether your family’s excitement takes place near the water, at the ballpark or around the neighborhood.

Consider this advice from the experts at the American Heart Association for a safe summer.

Stay Hydrated
Hot and humid months lead to more outdoor activities where the warm temperatures may lead to sweating and loss of fluids and electrolytes. Keeping the body hydrated is important for optimal functioning, especially in the heat. Be sure to drink plenty of water by bringing refillable water bottles and containers when summer calls for fun on the go. In addition to drinking plenty of water, you can supplement intake by eating foods with high water content like melons, lettuce and cucumbers. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of mild dehydration, including a dry or sticky mouth, headache, muscle cramps, fatigue or decreased urination. More severe cases may include nausea or vomiting, confusion, dizziness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, rapid breathing, seizures or unconsciousness.

Keep Skin Healthy
Taking steps to protect skin starts before you ever step into the sun, as it may be easy to get caught up in the joys of summer and forget about those damaging rays. Avoiding time spent outdoors in the midday hours helps limit exposure, but it also may not be realistic for busy families with sporting events, pool dates and more. Wearing sunscreen can help reduce the risk of sunburn, skin cancer and early onset of wrinkles; experts recommend using SPF 30 or higher at least 30 minutes before heading into the sun and reapplying at least every two hours throughout long days outdoors. Also consider wearing clothing that protects skin, such as sunglasses, a large-brimmed hat and light, long-sleeved shirts and pants.

Learn CPR
With summer comes rest, relaxation and fun, but it can also bring increased risk with more time spent in the heat and around water. An average of 33 drownings occur in the U.S. each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with one-third of them proving fatal. Knowing CPR – cardiopulmonary resuscitation – could be the key to saving someone from cardiac arrest or drowning. If performed immediately, it can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival, according to the American Heart Association. However, only about 40% of people who experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest receive help before professionals arrive.

Because about 72% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in homes, you will likely be trying to save the life of someone you love – a family member, spouse, parent or friend – if called upon to perform CPR. Call 9-1-1, or send someone to do so, then push hard and fast in the center of the person’s chest until medical assistance arrives. Use an AED, if available, following the prompts. If you have been trained, have a pocket mask and are willing and able, give breaths as they are important for children and in situations like drowning. You can learn more about Hands-Only CPR and conventional CPR through resources provided due to the national support of Elevance Health Foundation.

Practice Safe Swimming
Splashing and swimming in a favorite pool, lake, river or ocean provides memories for a lifetime, but it can also be dangerous without the proper precautions. One of the most important steps is to ensure children know how to swim and understand it’s not OK to swim alone, even for adults. Wearing life jackets can prevent accidents whether you’re on a boat or in the water and designating an undistracted “water watcher” can help identify a dangerous situation before it develops.

Secure the Pool
Even when it’s not in use, a pool can be a hazard, particularly for families with young children who may be tempted to play while adults aren’t around. Installing fencing with self-closing gates at least 4 feet high around backyard pools can help separate playful children from dangerous situations. Additionally, be sure to stow away pool noodles, toys, floaties and other accessories once pool time is over to keep them out of sight and out of mind; these symbols of fun can cause temptation for little ones and lead them toward the water when there’s no supervision.

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Find more ways to keep your family safe this summer by visiting heart.org.

Signs of Heat Stress
When those bright, sunny summer days call you and your loved ones outside, keep in mind these signs of heat illnesses like cramps, exhaustion or heat stroke. Even on days when it doesn’t seem extreme, heat and humidity can take their toll. If you experience any of these symptoms, find shade, take a break and drink water to cool your body temperature. However, if symptoms continue and worsen or do not improve with hydration and cooling, seek medical attention.

  • Muscle pain, cramps or spasms
  • Heavy sweating or loss of sweating
  • Paleness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Fainting or unconsciousness
  • High body temperature (greater than 100 F) with dry skin
  • Rapid pulse

Photos courtesy of Getty Images


SOURCE:
American Heart Association

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Entertainment

Altitude Trampoline Park Announces Exclusive Partnership With Intelliplay

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Altitude Trampoline Park

Premier Family-Friendly Entertainment Launches State-of-the-Art Technology Feature, Intellibands, in Two Parks With Additional Roll-Outs Coming Soon

DALLAS /PRNewswire/ — Altitude Trampoline Park, the leading family-friendly entertainment franchise, announced today its exclusive partnership with Intelliplay, Inc., a brand that is revolutionizing the indoor family entertainment industry with a patented smart wristband and gamification platform. This partnership will introduce Intellibands to Altitude Trampoline Park locations, offering cutting-edge technology designed to elevate the park experience for guests and improve overall park management for operators.

The Intelliplay system, featuring the Intelliband, aims to increase satisfaction for both guests and franchisees. Intellibands are advanced rubber wristbands equipped with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. Key benefits of this technology include immediate identification of guests with expired jump time, gathering precise location and tracking data, increasing guest engagement through leaderboards and other gamified elements, and providing a convenient method to make purchases that grow overall revenue.

Replacing standard paper wristbands, Altitude staff will now perform check-ins through Intelliplay, scanning the Intelliband to link it to each guest’s ticket. This process ensures guests’ Intelliband lights up appropriately, allowing for seamless entry into the park. Staff can also monitor guest locations in real-time through a park map view.

Guests can look forward to several exciting features, including leaderboards. These allow kids to compete and earn points, making each visit to Altitude more engaging. Additionally, parents receive text notifications when their child’s time is about to expire, with a simple process to extend the time via phone. Intellibands also alert staff and parents if a child attempts to leave the facility, further ensuring safety and security in the park.

“We’re thrilled to introduce Intellibands to our parks. Altitude has been a trailblazer in the family entertainment industry, but this partnership with Intelliplay allows us to enhance our system by creating a new cornerstone for innovative technology, indoor activity, and fun that makes visits to our parks even more appealing and convenient,” said Mike Rotondo, CEO of Altitude Trampoline Park. “We are committed to continually improving the guest experience and look forward to seeing the positive impact Intellibands will have at our parks.”

The first Altitude Trampoline Park to officially roll-out this technology will be in Mason, Ohio, followed by Richardson, Texas. Prior to the official launch in Mason, Altitude tested this technology among customers and received great initial feedback. Customers found the wristband to be very secure and comfortable to wear, and overall felt the wristbands made for a better experience.

Altitude Trampoline Park is owned by Indoor Active Brands, a platform company that focuses on indoor entertainment concepts. This year, Indoor Active Brands launched its latest brand, The Pickle Pad, an indoor pickleball playground featuring a chef-inspired restaurant and bar – Crave Social Eatery, as well as yard and social games for all ages. Established by NRD Capital, Indoor Active Brands utilizes industry experience in the family entertainment and restaurant industries to support and assist its franchisees.

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The brand is actively seeking qualified candidates to help grow its footprint throughout the U.S. in Kansas City, MO, Raleigh-Durham, NC, Denver, CO, among others. To learn more about franchise opportunities and upcoming store openings, contact Mike Stout at Mike.Stout@ATPHQ.COM or visit www.altitudefranchise.com.

About Altitude Trampoline Park

Altitude Trampoline Park is a premier indoor adventure park offering cutting edge trampolines, games, programs, and celebrations for all ages. Altitude is the home for active family fun! The brands successful $10 Endless Jumps pass, is where members get the max. Guests can, infact, Jump Happy! with unlimited use of trampolines, soft play, basketball, dodgeball, interactive games and more providing a great way for families to stay together and play together all year long. Nearing 100 locations worldwide, Altitude parks are centrally located and easily accessible, making it the convenient, budget friendly choice for families in 2024. More information can be found at altitudetrampolinepark.com.

SOURCE Altitude Trampoline Park

Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/

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Lifestyle

Back-to-School Checklist: Ensuring a Healthy Start to the School Year

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As summer winds down, the buzz of back-to-school preparations begins. It’s a time filled with shopping for school supplies, adjusting to earlier bedtimes, and setting up kids for a successful school year. While we often think of pencils, notebooks, and new backpacks, there’s another crucial aspect to consider—your child’s health. Ensuring they are physically and mentally prepared is just as important as having the right school supplies. Here’s a comprehensive health checklist parents should consider to ensure their children are set up for a healthy school year.

boy looking on a tidied desk at school.
Photo by Oleksandr P on Pexels.com

Annual Physicals and Required Paperwork

A yearly physical exam is essential to assess your child’s health and development. It’s a perfect time to update any necessary medication plans with the school nurse and handle all the required health paperwork. These exams are vital for catching health issues before they become problematic, ensuring your child is in the best shape to start the school year.

Up-to-Date Vaccinations

Make sure your child’s vaccinations are current. This not only includes the standard childhood vaccines but also the flu shot, COVID-19 vaccinations, and possibly the HPV vaccine. Checking in with your pediatrician can help clarify what vaccinations your child needs before heading back to school.

Focus on Mental Health

The transition back to school can be a stressful time for children and teens, potentially triggering anxiety and depression. Observing your child’s behavior for signs of stress and discussing any concerns with health professionals can help manage these issues early. Regular conversations about their feelings can also make a big difference.

Sports Physicals

For children involved in sports, a specific physical examination is necessary to ensure they can safely participate in physical activities. This physical includes assessments of overall health with a focus on cardiac and pulmonary functions, which are crucial for preventing emergencies such as sudden cardiac arrests in young athletes.

Concussion Awareness

Parents and young athletes should be informed about the risks and signs of concussions—common in sports like football, soccer, and cheerleading. Knowing what symptoms to look for and how to respond if a concussion occurs is essential for every parent and coach.

Proper Sleep Habits

Adequate sleep is foundational for academic success and overall health. Establishing a solid bedtime routine that allows for enough sleep is crucial. This might also mean making the bedroom a screen-free zone to avoid the sleep-disrupting effects of blue light from electronics.

Backpack Safety

Choose a lightweight backpack and ensure that it does not exceed 20% of your child’s body weight to avoid back problems. Opting for designs with padded shoulder straps and a waist belt can distribute weight more evenly.

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Regular Eye Exams

Vision problems can significantly affect a child’s learning ability. An annual eye exam can detect issues that might impair their ability to see clearly, which is vital for optimal learning. Even if your child has passed a school screening, a comprehensive eye exam by a professional can catch problems that screenings might miss.

Navigating Screen Time and Online Safety

As technology becomes more engrained in learning, managing screen time and understanding online safety becomes more important. Creating a media plan that balances educational and recreational screen time can help prevent sleep disruption and exposure to inappropriate content.

By integrating these health checks into your back-to-school preparations, you can help ensure your child has a healthy, productive year ahead. Remember, readiness for school isn’t just about having the right supplies—it’s also about being mentally and physically prepared for the challenges of a new academic year.

Source: Hackensack Meridian Health via Newswise

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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  • Rebecca Washington

    Rebecca Jo is a mother of four and is a creative soul from Phoenix, Arizona, who also enjoys new adventures. Rebecca Jo has a passion for the outdoors and indulges in activities like camping, fishing, hunting and riding roller coasters. She is married to Rod Washington View all posts

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Lifestyle

The Importance of Clean School Transportation

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The Importance of Clean School Transportation

(Family Features) Across the country, more than 25 million children ride to school each day in school buses, most of which are powered by diesel and produce harmful emissions known to cause respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis.

An alternative energy source, like propane, can provide children with a safe, clean and healthy ride to school. As an environmentally friendly and affordable energy source that is abundantly available, propane can help achieve a cleaner today and greener tomorrow for students.

Watch this video to learn more!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=XT6vzCDdk8M%3Fsi%3DFU6ZLnpGfsIsjjUI

Consider these reasons it’s important to clean up student transportation from the experts at the Propane Education & Research Council:

  • Propane reduces emissions in exhaust that negatively impact air quality by up to 96% compared to diesel.
  • Propane school buses provide a quieter ride than diesel buses, which means it’s easier for drivers to hear potential concerns and students arrive at school calmer and ready to learn.
  • Propane warms up quickly, providing a heated cabin for a comfortable ride during colder months.
  • Propane is affordable, allowing school districts to replace aging diesel buses three times faster than transitioning to an electric bus fleet.

Learn more about clean transportation options and the benefits of propane school buses at BetterOurBuses.com .


SOURCE:
Propane Education & Research Council

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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