Beat the heat

        Radio Commentary    

            In the excitement of a good pickup basketball game or even a leisurely game of tag, children might not notice the temperature rising.

            But as the day progresses, their bodies notice the heat, and if they aren’t careful, they could come down with heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

            The body’s natural control mechanisms normally adjust to the heat. But those systems could fail if exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods.

            Here are some tips for beating the heat and staying cool:

            Limit the most exercise or strenuous physical activity to the coolest part of the day — usually early morning or late evening.

            Have children wear loose clothing that's light in weight and color. Choose clothing that draws perspiration away from the skin to keep the body cooler — cotton T-shirts or shorts.

            Make sure children drink plenty of water – don’t wait until they say they’re thirsty to take a drink. The thirst mechanism kicks in only after a body is too depleted. If children are exercising heavily in hot weather, aim for two to four glasses every hour.

            Stay away from liquids that contain caffeine or lots of sugar — these actually cause the body to lose more fluid. Also, know that a drink that is too cold might cause stomach cramps.

            Make sure children periodically take a break in a shady area to cool down.

            These are all smart, effective practices for beating the heat.

California nearly last in children's well-being

California nearly last in children's well-being
By Kathryn Baron


http://www.edsource.org/today/2012/california-nearly-last-in-childrens-well-being/18258?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdsourceToday+%28EdSource+Today%29

Ten Reasons Why Charter Schools Could Improve Education, but...

"Ten Reasons Why Charter Schools Could Improve Education, but..."
by Jack McKay


http://www.horacemannleague.blogspot.com/2012/01/ten-reasons-why-charter-schools-could.html

Year-round calendar helps ease crowded schools

Year-round calendar helps ease crowded schools but some have gone back to traditional schedule
By the Associated Press


http://horacemannleague.blogspot.com/2012/07/year-round-calendar-helps-ease-crowded.html

Is All of This Testing Really Necessary

Is All of This Testing Really Necessary?
by Trenton Goble


http://horacemannleague.blogspot.com/2012/07/is-all-of-this-testing-really-necessary.html

NC's Charter School Law

NC's Charter School Law: Creating Two Public Education Systems
Submitted by Mark Edwards, Supt. of the Mooresville NC Community Schools.


http://horacemannleague.blogspot.com/2012/07/ncs-charter-school-law-creating-two.html

Road Rage

Radio Commentary

It seems like more and more drivers are acting out their anger when they get behind the wheel.

After they've been cut off, tailgated, or slowed down by a car in front of them, these angry drivers can even commit acts of violence.

Teaching your children about road rage and how to prevent it is vital to their health and well-being.

One study of more than 10,000 incidents of aggressive driving revealed that at least 200 people were killed and another 12,600 people were injured because of driver anger.

Remember that you are a role model for your children. Keep your anger in check and model for your teens how to be a safe driver.

One good rule: don't take actions that might offend other drivers. These might include cutting drivers off, driving slowly in the left lane, or tailgating. Avoid these actions at all costs.

Also, don't engage. One angry driver can't start a fight unless another one is willing to join in. So take a deep breath and move on.

It also helps to “steer clear.” Give angry drivers lots of room and avoid eye contact. If an angry driver is following you or using a car as a weapon against you, call for help if possible.

Anger management courses have helped many individuals gain insight and practical techniques to keep their tempers under control.

When your children are riding in the car with you remember that they will copy your behavior. Be a good model for their sake as well as your own.

Water safety

Radio Commentary

Children have great fun swimming in pools or at the beach. But it is important that children stay safe any time they are around water.

All children should know how to swim well enough to survive an emergency. Children should always swim with a buddy who has the ability to help them if needed.

Children should stay out of the water if they are overheated or overtired. They should only dive into water they know well, and they are certain is deep enough.

Make sure children check with a lifeguard about beach and surf conditions before swimming in the ocean.

Tell them if they ever think they are being pulled out by a rip current, they should stay calm. Instead of fighting the current, they should swim parallel to the beach. Once they feel free of the current, they should then swim to shore.   

Finally, children should not overestimate their swimming ability. Weak swimmers should stay in the shallow end of a pool, or within an area marked off for them with buoyed lines.

In the ocean, swimming short distances parallel to the shore is safest.

Swimming can provide great exercise and fun. But it is important that children understand the dangers and stay ‘water safe.’