burnin’ up

Disposable Lighters

Warning labels instruct users to never expose lighters to heat above 120 degrees or direct, prolonged sunlight.

Water Bottles

Cellphones And Laptops

Canned Soda

› By Laurel Gillum

For some families, a car seems to serve as a second home. Although it’s common knowledge not to leave children or pets in a hot car, there are a few other items that are better left inside.

Sunscreens And Medications

Storing sunscreens and medications in extreme heat can alter the molecular structure of the formulas and change their composition. Most medications and personal care items are meant to be stored at room temperature and should never be left in the heat.

Studies have linked BPA and phthalates, chemicals found in plastic water bottles, to health conditions like cancer and heart disease. These same chemicals have been proven to leach into the water contained in plastic water bottles as the temperature rises. In addition to this hazard, if the bottle has been lying around for a while, it could start harboring unsafe microorganisms.

Extreme heat can damage your electronics’ processor, lower the battery life and expand the hard drive. In Florida’s humidity, condensation can build up on the inside of the device. If you must leave your electronics in your car, it’s extremely important to leave them out of

Cds And Dvds

CD, DVD and Blu-ray discs are made mostly from polycarbonate plastic, which can easily warp and melt if left in summer weather.

Lipsticks

Remove your shades from the sunglasses compartment once you’ve reached your destination. Heat can warp plastic frames and make metal ones too hot to wear.

Made up of pigments, oils, waxes and emollients, lipstick melts in environments just slightly above room temperature. In addition, storing lipsticks in the hot car can alter their composition, creating a di erent color result than before. Think it can’t get much worse? The stains that melted lip color leave on upholstery are irreversible.

Carbonated beverages are sealed tight to keep the air inside and the soda bubbly. Because soda cans are made from aluminum and metal conducts heat, an increase in temperature on the outside of the can will result in the increased temperature of the liquid inside. As the can heats up, the liquid molecules expand, increasing the pressure inside the can. Once the pressure has reached its maximum, the can has the potential to explode—messy and dangerous.

Be Honest

Talk to your child early on and let them know how much you value honesty. Share with your children how being honest has benefited you in your lifetime. Share with them how lying has a ected you. In parent-child relationships, honesty helps build mutual trust and respect.

monkey see, monkey do

Actions speak louder than words. Model honesty for your children—not only in your words but also in your lifestyle.

KEEP CALM AND...

Do not ever act impatient, suspicious or angry with your children—especially when you suspect they are about to lie or fabricate a story. If you initially feel hurt or angry, take a step back from the situation before acting on those feelings. After