5 Tips on School Bus Safety

You know summer is drawing to an all too soon ending when you see those big yellow buses out on the roads in the mornings and evenings. We have compiled our top five favorite tips from the internet to help you remember to stay safe while on the roads this school season.

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1. S - Stay Alert and Aware. Kids may have been taught to look both ways before crossing the road, but if they are running late or get distracted they can easily become unpredictable.
Make sure the lights on the bus have stopped flashing, all warning signs are retracted, and the bus is back in full motion before your car goes into motion.

2. A - Always Stop. Never pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children. As mentioned in the previous tip, kids can be unpredictable. You never know when a kid may decide to turn around and run back to the bus to retrieve something they forgot or may drop their homework papers in the middle of the road and have to stop to pick them up. Always stop for school buses.

3. F - Fifteen Feet. Research has shown that the 15 foot area around the school bus is most dangerous for children. Make sure your car stops far enough back to allow children enough space to safely enter and exit the school bus... at least 15 feet!

4. E - Educate Yourself. When was the last time you picked up a drivers manual?

Most people will probably answer, "As a teenager when I took my drivers exam."

Others may not have even picked it up then. Did you know that you can get the latest copy of your states drivers manual for free?

Visit your local DMV or get a free digital copy by selecting your state at the website:

https://driving-tests.org/dmv-handbook-drivers-manual/

5. R - Respect the Big Yellow Bus. Imagine driving something with the height and heft of a school bus.

Now, imagine trying to focus on driving while carrying about 40 rambunctious kids ranging from ages 5 to 15 years old. Could be somewhat stressful.

Let's do what we can to not add any extra stress on to those courageous and brave souls that we call "bus drivers".

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Thank you,

Shanda Anders

Effects of Lack of Sleep

Sleep…Do you get the 7 hours recommended each night or are you like a lot of people who are burning the candle at both ends? Are you staying up late trying to fit in one more show or maybe caught up in a book or the worries of the next day? Have you ever stopped and thought “I’m I getting enough sleep?” We’ll I’m sure if you’ll take a few seconds to listen to your body you will know the answer to that question fast with things like yawning, irritability, and fatigue.  But incase you need a little hint about what else to look for here’s a great list of the effects of lack of sleep:

 

1. Sleep Loss Dumbs You Down

Sleep plays a critical role in thinking and learning. Lack of sleep hurts these cognitive processes in many ways. First, it impairs attention, alertness, concentration, reasoning, and problem solving. This makes it more difficult to learn efficiently. Second, during the night, various sleep cycles play a role in “consolidating” memories in the mind. If you don’t get enough sleep, you won’t be able to remember what you learned and experienced during the day.

2.   Sleep Deprivation Can Lead to Serious Health Problems

Sleep disorders and chronic sleep loss can put you at risk for:

·         Heart disease

·         Heart attack

·         Heart failure

·         Irregular heartbeat

·         High blood pressure

·         Stroke

·         Diabetes

According to some estimates, 90% of people with insomnia also have another health condition.

3. Lack of Sleep Causes Obesity

Along with eating too much and not exercising, sleep deprivation is another risk factor for becoming overweight and obesity. Sleep affects the levels of two hormones, leptin and ghrelin, which control feelings of hunger and fullness. According to a 2004 study, people who sleep less than six hours a day were almost 30 percent more likely to become obese than those who slept seven to nine hours.

4. Sleep Loss Impairs Judgment

Lack of sleep can affect our interpretation of events. This hurts our ability to make sound judgments because we may not assess situations accurately and act on them wisely.

https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/10-results-sleep-loss#2

https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-deprivation/effects-on-body#2

http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/need-sleep/whats-in-it-for-you/health

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Thank you,

Wenona Mertens

Things To Do Besides Watch TV

Summer time is full of things to do yet our kids still tell us, over and over, “I’m bored!”.  They flop down on a couch looking mindlessly into one of the many screens around the house simply because they think there’s nothing else to do. And as a parent, I know we sometimes run out of idea’s ourselves and choose the easy route of popping in a movie instead of actually interacting with our kids. So here’s a few of my favorites things to do instead of watching t.v., and some links were you can explore more ideas. Enjoy!

https://www.thedatingdivas.com/101-things-to-do-with-kids-besides-watching-tv/

https://mom.me/kids/4873-things-do-your-kids-other-watch-tv/

https://www.developgoodhabits.com/things-to-do-instead-of-watching-tv/

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1 Read: Reading can be a ticket to adventure, a way to improve language skills and, for many, a lifelong hobby.
2 Get Outside:  Sometimes getting the kids outside takes energy you may not feel, but just taking a family walk after dinner or playing catch in the yard can relax you and the kids enough for a restful night's sleep.
3 Star gaze: You may not remember all of the constellations you learned in middle school, but that doesn't mean you still can't enjoy the stars.
4. Geocache: This real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game is a fun way to find hidden objects in your area. You can work alone or with your family to navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates to look for a geocache hidden at that location. https://www.geocaching.com/play

5. Have a picnic: Enjoy a meal outside. Take a picnic basket to a local park, or even just into the backyard, and have a picnic with your family.

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Thank you,

Wenona Mertens

What's Happening in July 2018

Here’s what’s happening in the month of July around our neck of the woods!

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July 1^{th -} The Lacs at Devils Branch on Smith Lake

Fredricks Outdoor is proud to welcome The LACS back to our turf for our Third Annual Rock the Boat concert on beautiful, scenic Lewis Smith Lake. This is a FREE on-the-water event. No admission necessary. Just our way of adding a little extra fun to Smith Lake. FREE SHOW!

July 3^rd – 2018 Firecracker 5K & Fun Run Presented by Encore

Firecracker 5k & Fun Run
- Big Door Prizes
- Great Runner Swag
- Raises Money for Santa's Workshop of Guin

July 3rd, 2018
- 8:00 PM Packet Pickup Begins
- 10:00 PM - Fun Run
- 10:30 PM - 5k
- Awards Ceremony & Door Prizes will begin after all 5k runners are in.

July 4^th- Town of Addison July 4th Celebration

Start off your July 4th with our annual parade! Line-up is at 9 a.m. and the parade starts at 10 a.m. The Addison Volunteer Fire Dept. will be sponsoring live music this year at our July 4th celebration! There will be several different bands/artists performing starting at 5pm and ending at 9pm just before our annual fireworks show! The stage will be set up behind the Addison Community Center and concessions and bathrooms will be available. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and come join the Town of Addison as we celebrate Independence Day!

July 13^th -15 - Seussical JR. Birmingham, AL

Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, and he must also guard an abandoned egg that’s been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant! Seussical JR. is one of RMTC’s Discovery Theatre Shows, which feature young performers in family-friendly shows. Although adults help behind the scenes, these productions are “for kids, by kids.”

 July 14-15^th – Sloss Music and Arts Festival

Join us in Birmingham, Alabama to see Chris Stapleton, Arcade Fire, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, GRiZ and many more!
Tickets on Sale Friday, Jan 19 at 10am CT.

 

July 20 -21^st – Saddle Up for St. Jude-Tuscumbia AL

Largest horse-related event that benefits St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, in the Southeast. Featuring major Country Music Artist John Michael Montgomery, auction, trail rides, wagon rides, horse show, roping, seminars and demonstrations. Event Coordinator, Jimmy King, (256) 446-5392

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Thank you,

Wenona Mertens

Summer Sun Safety

 Summer, summer, summer! It’s time to get outdoors, swim, hike, watch kids play sports, walk the outdoor festivals, -all the things we love about this time of year. But at the same time we have to fight that hot, Alabama sun which can be terrible on your exposed skin.  Did you know that even though the sun is a major cause of cancer most doctors believe that the majority of skin cancers can be avoided by protecting your skin?  So this means we need to do one of two things: Stay inside and completely avoid the sun for the rest of our lives OR get smarter about protecting ourselves from the sun.  If you decided the vampire life isn’t for you, read on for some great tips:

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/19/sunscreen-benefits_n_3464687.html                https://www.unitypoint.org/desmoines/article.aspx?id=e0a22a4f-77c7-4a9a-b779-ed3c37956982

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1. Always wear sunscreen. Apply it on your skin every day. Make it a habit, as you do with brushing your teeth.
2. Avoid sun in the middle of the day, from about 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The ultraviolet rays, which cause sunburn, are strongest during this time.
3. Wear protective clothing. When you do go outdoors, especially for long periods in the middle of the day. Long sleeves and slacks, as well as a wide-brimmed hat, help protect your body against the sun's harmful effects.
4. Wear sunglasses that filter UV light.
5. Apply the sunscreen at least 20 to 30 minutes before you go outdoors, whenever you will be exposed for 30 minutes or more.
6. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours while you are outdoors, even if the product is labeled “all-day.” If you get wet or perspire heavily, reapply sunscreen more frequently.

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Thank you,

Wenona Mertens

Teach Your Child About Money

Do you talk to your children about money?
Do they understand why they can’t have a new toy or an $80 Xbox game every time you walk into a store? It’s a very important subject to teach them about. According to the attached article, curtesy of Jeff, 1 in 5 teens did not know that you have to pay interest on a loan and less than 1/3 of teens know how to budget. Walking into adulthood with this basic knowledge can make such a difference in a young adult’s new life.

Here’s some tips from a few websites and the attached document to help guide you in setting up your child with a good financial base:

https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/how-to-teach-kids-about-money     https://www.forbes.com/                https://www.parents.com/

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1. Use a clear jar to save.

The piggy bank is a great idea, but it doesn’t give kids a visual. When you use a clear jar, they see the money growing. Yesterday, they had a dollar bill and five dimes. Today, they have a dollar bill, five dimes, and a quarter! Talk through this with them and make a big deal about it growing!

2. Set an example.

A study by the University of Cambridge found that money habits in children are formed by the time they’re 7 years old.⁽¹⁾ Little eyes are watching you. If you’re slapping down plastic every time you go out to dinner or the grocery store, they’ll eventually notice. Or if you and your spouse are arguing about money, they’ll notice that too. Set a healthy example for them and they’ll be much more likely to follow it when they get older.

3. Avoid impulse buys.

“Mom, I just found this cute dress. It’s perfect and I love it! Can we buy it please?” Does this sound familiar? The teen age group really knows how to capitalize on the impulse buy—especially when it uses someone else’s money.
Instead of giving in, let your child know they can use their hard-earned commission to pay for it. But encourage your child to wait at least a day before they purchase anything over $15. It will likely still be there tomorrow, and they’ll be able to make that money decision with a level head the next day.

4. Give them the responsibility of a bank account.

By the time your kid’s a teenager, you should be able to set them up with a simple bank account if you’ve been doing some of the above along the way. This takes money management to the next level, and will (hopefully) prepare them for managing a much heftier account when they get older.

5. Help them figure out how to make money.

When you think about it, teenagers have plenty of free time—fall break, summer break, winter break, spring break. If your teen wants some money (and what teen doesn’t?), then help them find a job. Better yet, help them become an entrepreneur! These days, it’s easier than ever for your teen to start up their own business and turn a profit.

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Thank you,

Wenona Mertens

Summertime Water Safety Tips

Summer is here! So it’s that time to get a little sun by the water with the family. It doesn’t matter if you’re enjoying a backyard pool or a dip in the lake there’s a few safety tips we all need to be aware of to keep your fun day in the water enjoyable.

http://www.redcross.org/           https://www.safekids.org         

https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/family/swimming-and-water-safety-tips

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1. Enroll children in swimming lessons at an early age. Risk of drowning is decreased by as much as 88% when children aged 1-4 years take swimming lessons. Adults can also benefit from refresher courses. Many cities have swimming lessons available through local parks and recreation programs as well as gyms with pools.

2. Learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). It can mean the difference between life and death.

3. Children should always be supervised. Whether you're in the backyard, a public pool, or at the beach, make sure there is a responsible, designated person to watch the water when children are swimming.

4. Keep toys that are not in use away from the pool and out of sight. Toys can attract young children to the pool.

5. Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.

6. Even if you do not plan on swimming, be cautious around natural bodies of water including ocean shoreline, rivers and lakes. Cold temperatures, currents and underwater hazards can make a fall into these bodies of water dangerous.

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Thank you,

Wenona Mertens

What’s Happening in June 2018

Hi all!

It’s time to kick off a new month with a roundup of what’s going on in our area. Also if you have an event you’d like to let our office know about for next month please send it to me and I’ll gladly include it.

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June 1-2- Rock The South in Cullman AL

The biggest party in the south returns for its 7th year June 1 - 2, 2018! Join us in Cullman, Alabama for Rock the South 2018 with the biggest lineup ever.

June 1-2 – Haleyville’s Annual 911 Festival

Festival Headliner - Craig Morgan The festivities get underway at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, when Haleyville's Main Street area is closed off to allow set-up of the many arts/crafts/retail and food vendors. At 5:00 p.m. with local talent "Austin Lewis", followed by perennial favorite "Tremayne", lots of rockin' with "Handshake Promise", and fresh from a top 4 finish on the Voice is Alabama Native "Red Marlow", with headliner Craig Morgan at 9:30 p.m. Saturday morning Is the 7th annual 5K Fun Run. A Classic Car Show and Antique Tractor Show will open at 8:00 a.m. New this year on Saturday is a Cornhole Tournament, as well as a variety of activities that will include a Kids' Zone and something for everyone. Also on Saturday, there will be free entertainment where area artist can showcase their talents. For more information/www.haleyvillechamber.org.

June 7 – Birmingham Art Crawl

Join the Crawl every first Thursday of the month from 5-9 p.m., rain or shine, along 2nd Avenue North surrounding The Pizitz building. Art Crawl is a great way to meet local artists and performers, buy and appreciate their work, and be part of the rapidly growing art scene in Birmingham.

June 8 -10 – Bet I Wont! Spring to Summer Rock Crawl in Tuscumbia, AL

Festivities will begin when the gates open on the 8th. Live music on stage Saturday night from dark to whenever. Also ride to ya can't ride anymore! Park closes Sunday evening at dark. Let’s get back to having fun rock bouncing, trail riding, call in out your buddy. Just a good ol off-road family affair. Also UTV Stadium Series will be on the MX track all day. But trails will be not be interrupted. So be sure to stop by and check out the wheel to wheel racing action!!

June 9- Play It Forward Golf Tournament, Moulton, AL

This tournament benefits the Family Programs of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Programs include scholarships, camp, publications, travel expenses to attend the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.

June 16- North Alabama Railroad Museum Father’s Day Special Huntsville, AL

Annual Father's Day train ride is sure to bring a smile to your father's face. Order your tickets now to ensure your dad has a day he will never forget!! 2 departures: 10am & 1pm. Ticket Prices: Adults-$15, children 12 and under-$10; An hour and twenty minute excursion.

June 23^rd- Dirt Therapy Day/Night Ride- Stony Lonesome -Bremen, AL

Dirt Therapy Day is an event dedicated fully to getting muddy and having a blast! There will be a MUD BOG, Donut slingin' Contest, Mud Volley Ball, and so much more!

June 30^th- A&M Ramblers at the Gospel Barn, Dora Alabama

The A&M Ramblers will be playing at The Gospel Barn in Dora, AL along with Eagle's Wings. Come on out and witness these 2 groups bless others using the amazing talents that God has blessed them with.

June 30^th- 3^rd Annual 5K 7 Cornhole Tournament -Arley, AL

We will be hosting the “Written in my Heart” 5k and Cornhole tournament. We want this to be even bigger than last year so please sign up and share with everyone! All proceeds are going for a great cause. Your contributions will help provide food for 7 villages in Leyte Leyte Philippines. We want to thank you in advance and hope to see everyone on June 30th at 7 am at the MHS baseball field. Registration will start at 6:30am on the day of race...however you must register by June 13th in order to receive a t-shirt.

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Thank you,

Wenona Mertens

Taking Care of You

When something really important comes up in our lives, we find a way to fit it in to our schedule—whether that’s a new movie we’re excited to see, or a doctor’s appointment about something that’s really bugging us.
Regular exercise might not be as compelling as those things, but each of us has ultimate control over what goes on our calendar. It’s the rare human being who literally cannot make the time to exercise. Here’s a few tips to help you find where you can schedule in time to take care of you:

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1. Work Out Efficiently

Pick a workout form that you can do almost anywhere, whether you’re traveling or getting home from the office late. Ideally, this will be a form of exercise that doesn’t require much preparation (maybe save the wind surfing for the weekend) and that accomplishes significant physical gains in a short period of time (sorry, golfers). High-intensity interval training, Tabata training, bodyweight exercises, and running are all great choices.

2. Make a Schedule and Commit to It

One of the most cited reasons to skip a workout goes something like this: “I am just too busy at work today; I can’t make my yoga class.” I call BULL! If you unexpectedly had to pick up your child from school and had no back-up plan, how would you deal with the situation? Cancel an internal meeting? Take some work home with you? Do some hard prioritizing? The truth is that when we really need to, we get out of the office at the time that is necessary. Make a schedule (write it down if it helps!), stick to it, and remind yourself that working out is a priority worth keeping.

3. Choose Something Over Nothing

You don’t need an hour—or even 30 minutes—to get a complete, effective workout. And some exercises is virtually always better than none. Heck, even seven minutes can make a difference! We can always find a few free minutes in our day (yes, we can!). With an effective program, and done frequently enough, short and speedy workouts can do wonders to both the body and mind. Squeeze in fitness wherever you are and no matter how much time you have with bodyweight exercises or with the help of apps with pre-programmed short workouts—you can even do some exercises at your desk!

4. Set Your Alarm Early

Becoming an A.M. exerciser means you get to cross your workout off your to-do list ASAP. We're not telling you to skip out on sleep in favor of a sweat session, but there are simple steps you can take to reset your sleep schedule and wake up earlier.

5. Sneak In a Lunch Break Workout

Make use of your precious 60 minutes by hitting the gym or going for a walk. Not only will it keep your waistline in check, you're also proven to be more productive during the day by logging off for an hour than you would be by eating lunch at your desk.
https://www.fitnessmagazine.com/        https://greatist.com/fitness/      https://vitals.lifehacker.com/

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Thank you,

Wenona Mertens

Keep Pests Away While Enjoying the Outdoors

With warmer weather comes the dreaded ticks and mosquitoes. Each year we learn of more and more diseases these little pest are transmitting too!  I’ve personally had a family member from Rainsville, Alabama hospitalized with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever so bad that they called the family in to say our good-byes. Luckily, she pulled through and is healthy now but had she been a young child or elderly we may not have been so lucky. So for this weeks email I thought I’d cover some ways to keep these pest away while enjoying the outdoors.

https://www.consumerreports.org/insect-repellent/how-to-keep-mosquitoes-ticks-away/

https://www.bewell-happy.com/single-post/Five-Essential-Oils-to-Ward-off-Mosquitos-Ticks-and-Other-Insects

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2017/06/buzz_off_11_ways_to_ward_off_ticks_and_mosquitos_t.html

P.S. Chickens are awesome for ticks in your yard 😉

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Around your yard:

Mosquitoes: According to the CDC, the most important thing you can do to keep mosquitoes out of your yard is to eliminate their preferred breeding grounds. Keep your gutters clean, and your birdbaths, old tires, wheelbarrows, and swimming pool covers free of standing water. Clear away ivy and decaying leaves, too. 

Ticks: They like tall grass and lots of shade. So keep your lawn mowed, remove leaves and other debris, and try to let as much sun into your yard as possible. Consider putting up a fence around your property to keep out deer and other large animals that can carry ticks. And don’t forget to check your pets for ticks after they have been romping outside.

                                                      Plant lemon grass

While no mosquito control in the immediate area can say for sure that lemon grass is a tried and true way to deter mosquitos, many people use lemon grass as a natural repellent. Planting lemon grass along walkways, or in large planters than can moved around as needed, has seemed to do the trick for residents as the strong fragrance is rumored to keep the bugs away.

Find the breeze (or a fan)

Mosquitos are weak fliers and studies have shown that breezes and winds make it difficult for the pests to land. Having a fan blowing in the area or setting up camp in a breezy spot is enough to lessen the opportunity for the bugs to bite.

Your Clothes:

Mosquitoes:  Wear long sleeves, long pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes, especially when you're out for longer stretches of time. Avoid tight clothes (mosquitoes can bite through them), dark colors, and perfume or aftershave (both attract mosquitoes). Apply a good repellent to exposed skin and to your clothes, too (but never under them).  
Ticks: When walking through wooded or grassy areas in the summer, wear the same clothes that ward off mosquitoes. Light-colored clothes are best, because that makes it easier to spot ticks. Tuck your shirt into your pants and your pants into your socks. Inspect your skin when you go indoors, and use tweezers to gently remove any attached ticks. (Remove the whole body, including the head.) For extra protection, toss your clothes into a clothes dryer on high heat to kill ticks that might be attached.

Tick checks

The CDC has a recommendation to prevents ticks from finding a way into your home -- perform tick checks on people and pets. After spending time outdoors, whether it be hiking, camping, gardening or just taking the dog for a walk, tick checks can prevent ticks from finding a way into the home. Be sure to give pets a thorough sweep and take a shower after coming in doors. Some places the CDC recommends double checking are under the arms, in and around the ears, inside belly button and around the waist 

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Thank you,

Wenona Mertens

Tips to Keep Youth Safe Online

The internet can be an amazing tool. We use it every day like second nature. Need a good chili recipe? Google… Need to know a synonym for “hyperbole”…Google. Need a funny cat picture to brighten your day…Google. It’s truly a new world where everything you want to learn about is a keystroke away. But what about our kids? Adults know all too easy how dangerous the internet can be. Google a misspelled word in an image search and there’s no telling what’s going to pop up on your screen before you can cover your eyes. Or how do we know that player number 2 named “TimmyLovesLegos” on your son’s online game is really a 9 year old little boy?

Right now is an amazing time to be alive but it can also be a scary time if we, as parents and grandparents, don’t know how to guide our children in a world that’s going deeper and deeper digital. I’ve pulled together some great tips to help us keep our youth safe online but this is only scratching the surface so I’ve included a few informative links:

https://kidshealth.org/                 http://www.safekids.com            https://www.safesearchkids.com/

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1. Have an open conversation with your kids about safe browsing and computer use. With freedom comes responsibility.
2. Tell your child/grandchild to never reveal personal information, such as address, phone number, or school name or location. Use only a screen name. Never agree to meet anyone from a chat room or social media site in person.
3. Do not replace parental or teacher supervision of computer use at home or at school with our safe search engine or any
   
   other. No search filtering software or tool is perfect.
4. Do not allow internet use after you’ve gone to bed at night no matter how good your computer security software is or how confident you are in kids search engines.
5. Share an email or social media account with your child so you can monitor messages.
6. Spend time online together to teach your kids appropriate online behavior.
7. Forbid your child from entering private forums; block them with safety features provided by your Internet service provider or with special filtering software. Be aware that posting messages to forums reveals a user's email address to others.
8. Take your child seriously if he or she reports an uncomfortable online exchange.

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The internet has been a boon and a curse for teenagers. ~J. K. Rowling

Thank you,

Wenona Mertens