PARENT GUIDE APRIL BOOKLET

COOL OFF NOW!

9 Getaways that

BEAT THE HEAT

SPECIAL FEATURE APRIL 2015

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Nursery growers Care-ing for Florida’s plants By: Jason Mathis, Florida Farm Bureau Federation

A

t some point in your travels around town or across this great state, you have passed one of Florida’s biggest agricultural producers and you probably didn’t realize it.

As a group they rank second only to California in U.S. production, support 147,795 jobs in the state, and had total sales estimated at $12.33 billion in 2010, according to a 2011 Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) report.

Like many nursery growers, Wood wants to provide superior quality products to businesses and individuals across the state. And, like his peers, Wood values his role as a steward of the land. He believes it is his responsibility to help protect Florida’s water quality by implementing good land and water management practices.

“I always wanted to maintain a clean farm and adhere to any standards that were necessary,” said Wood.

These production powerhouses can be found throughout the state and range in size from one-half acre to several hundreds of acres. Any guesses? Thi k container plants.

As a result of his hard work and dedication to protecting Florida’s water resources, Wood was recognized by the County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship

That’s right, Florida’s ornamental plant operations are major agricultural contributors and vital to the state’s economy. They include farms that grow container plants, in-ground trees and shrubs, shade house ferns, foliage plants and seedlings.

These products are used for residential and commercial landscaping, distributed to home improvement stores and retail garden centers and sold to wholesalers or brokers around the state.

“We bring in products from all around the state,” said Ray Wood, owner and farm manager of Wood’s Tree Farm in Hillsborough County. “We have 120 items that range in size from sevengallon to 100-gallon trees and palms.”

(CARES) program in 2013.

Established 14 years ago, the CARES program was founded by Florida Farm Bureau as a way to thank farmers who go above and beyond taking care of the land they farm. Its mission is to promote environmentally sound farming practices while educating the public on agriculture’s role in protecting Florida’s natural resources.

The voluntary program requires farmers and ranchers to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) on their operations.

“We had a lot of help, but it was an easy process to get the BMPs implemented on the farm,” said Wood.

These BMPs are science and researchbased and fi ld tested practices that have been determined to be the most effective and practical means for improving water quality and conservation. Producers that implement BMPs highlight agriculture’s commitment to fostering water conservation and land protection through their continued efforts.

According to Wood, the BMPs implemented on his farm include the installation of frost cloth for freeze protection instead of applying water with overhead sprinklers, and drip irrigation, which conserves a considerable amount of water each year.

As Florida’s population continues to increase, there will be more competition for the limited water resources that farm producers desperately need. But, as Floridians and stewards of the land, nursery operators in the state will continue to do their part in conserving and protecting these resources.

To fi d out more about other farmers and ranchers who are doing their part in conserving our natural resources, visit www.thisfarmcares.org.

baby steps

Safe and Sound Summer for Babies With Florida’s hot and buggy summer on its way, Dr. Ari Brown shares some tips for keeping babies safe and comfortable.

Q. A.

Q. A.

The AAP previously recommended that sunblock be used only in infants over 6 months of age (because of the potential for skin irritation). However, the risk of skin cancer (1 in 75 over a lifetime) has outweighed concerns over potential skin irritation. Suncreen is critical because sun damage and sunburn at an early age is correlated with a higher risk of skin cancer later in life.

Translation: use the suncreen on that baby. Any product with a SPF of 30 is fine; anything higher is a waste of money. Other tips: try to keep baby out of the sun, especially from 10am to 3pm every day, apply sunscreen liberally (at least a half ounce each time) and reapply frequently (every two hours).

What sunscreen is best? Check out our other book, Toddler Bargains for a discussion on sunscreens and which ones we found work best. Also: on Consumer Reports has a special report on suncreen on their Web site (www.consumerreports.com) that includes product tests, ratings and more.

The key to preventing sunburn is to RE-APPLY the sunblock frequently—don’t buy the combo sunblock and bug repellent (we’ll explain why next).

Mosquitoes and ticks are known carriers of illness.

The most notable diseases in the United States spread by these bugs are West Nile Virus (mosquitoes) and Lyme Disease (deer ticks). The safest option to avoid mosquitoes is to stay inside at dawn and at dusk, when they are out in greatest numbers. It’s also a good idea to wear light colored clothing, long sleeves, and long pants when your baby is outside.

As far as insect repellants go, the most effective products contain DEET. In the past year, the Centers for Disease Control have also recommended Picaridin (sold as Cutter Advanced Insect Repellent with Picaridin; www. cutteradvanced.com). For more information on Picaridin, check their Web site at www.picaridin.com. Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus has also proven to be effective, but it is not recommended for kids under 3 years of age.

Many parents want to avoid using harsh chemicals on their child’s skin and have turned to citronella-based repellents. A recent study, however, showed that products containing citronella repelled mosquitos for a mere 9.6 minutes, while 23% DEET will repel mosquitoes for five hours.

When can my baby start using sunblock?

Now. Sunblock can be applied to newborns.

When should I apply insect repellent on my baby?

When your baby is at least 2 months of age.

Old Wives Tale Dark-skinned people do not need to wear sunblock.

All humans who have skin need to wear sunblock.

While it is true that darker-pigmented people have less risk of skin cancer, there is still a risk , and prevention is easy.

The only problem with DEET is that it can be absorbed into the body via the skin and cause dizziness—therefore, you should wash the DEET repellent off once returning indoors. As a side note, Picaridin does not need to be washed off. If you are using DEET, here are some safety tips for using DEET on your baby:

1. Don’t use DEET repellents on infants under 2 months of age. It’s fine AFTER 2 months of age.

2. Young children should not apply repellent themselves—that’s Mom and Dad’s job.

3. Don’t apply repellent under clothing

or to wounds. It goes on exposed skin—yes, that means ALL exposed skin areas, not just the arms or legs.

4. Don’t put DEET near children’s mouths or eyes—and avoid getting it on their hands.

While the American Academy of Pediatrics says products up to 30% DEET are safe for kids, don’t overdo it. The AAP has not weighed in yet on Picaridin as this edition went to print. Stay tuned for updates at baby411.com.

5. What about natural repellents? Alterna-

tives to DEET made of plant-based oils like soybeans can be as effective as low-concentration DEET products. Translation: they do offer SOME protection, but only for limited periods of time. However, other “natural” insect repellents have not been proven to

be effective at all. Our advice: stick to DEET repellents or Picaridin (sold as Cutter Advanced)

6. DEET comes in several forms—the

liquids, sprays and lotions are effective. The DEET wristbands don’t work.

7. When you come back inside, WASH the DEET off your skin. FYI: Picaridin does not need to be washed off.

8. DEET products with a concentration

of 30% are as safe as those with 10%. Thirty percent DEET lasts for five hours, 10% just two hours.

9. How much DEET should you use? That

depends on how long you plan to be outdoors—10% is fine for less than two hours, etc.

10.

DEET should only be applied once a day. Therefore, it is NOT recommended to use a combo sunblock repellant, as sunblock needs to be reapplied frequently.

Dr. Ari Brown is an official spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics and has been frequently quoted or interviewed by the national media. Dr. Brown earned her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine and then went on to complete her pediatric residency at Harvard University/Boston Children’s Hospital with acclaimed pediatrician, Dr. T. Berry Brazelton. She is the co-author of Baby 411, a guide for new parents.

Any product with a SPF of 30 is fine; anything higher is a waste of money.

parentguide.com 27

family living

The Win-Win Sports Family

By Ruth Broadwater

How parents interpret competition determines whether children feel like “winners” or “losers.”

Earlier this year, the Olympics concluded with “medalWinners” and “non-medal Losers.” Competition can set your child up to feel like a loser despite his or her accomplishments. Self-motivated children with high selfesteem will push themselves to compete with their peers either academically or athletically. For these children, if they don’t make the “best” score, they can probably shrug it off, attributing it to some external variable. However, children with less inner vigor will internalize the perceived “loss” as a defect in them. Some children will try to “win” to boost their sense of self—such is the path of the bully.

Competition is neither good nor bad—it’s how it is interpreted by the parents and translated to the child that determines whether the child hears “you’re a loser.” Many parents get caught up in their own aborted “success” as a sporting competitor and push their child to succeed where they have “failed.” If a parent gets his or her needs for recognition/accomplishment met through the child, then the formula for interpreting “failure” is set.

Competing with peers in a productive fashion rewards effort not outcome. If your child works very hard and still places second or third, reward the effort put forth with healthy praise and acknowledge his or her hard work and determination.

Remember too that many children are “gold medal winners” in unacknowledged ways—such as helping a friend in need, assisting an elder, saving an animal, etc. These small acts of kindness contribute to a true “Heart of Gold Winner”—not an overt competition that leaves so-called winners and losers. While might makes right in most team athletic events, children can still be winners along the higher path of righteousness by genuinely caring for others, a gift that could ultimately translate to a rewarding career in care giving profession. Be sure to

recognize your child’s strengths in this department rather than focusing on only those rewards that come from another person “losing.” Win-win is the ideal formula for a successful family and for all human interactions.

Cool Summer

Adventures Whether it’s water or mountains, manmade or natural, there are plenty of family-friendly escapes that beat the heat and dish up the fun.

Beat the Heat Getaways

By Geodie Baxter Padgett

By June, we’re over it! Already sagging with sweat from our heads to our toes, we Floridians do anything to sidestep the soaring thermostat. And, if given the chance, most Florida families would gladly trade their swim trunks for a chance to pack a parka and board the next expedition to Antarctica. But the good news is there are plenty of places to cool down closer to home.

Cool Clear Water Natives and naturalists know the secrets of the staying cool during the Florida summer--freshwater springs.

Featuring a comfortable year-round temperature of 72 degrees, these natural water wonders offer families a pleasant break from the pounding heat.

Nestled near the old Florida town of High Springs, amid hundred-year-old oaks and Spanish moss, sits Ginnie Springs (386-454-7188), a water wonderland with six sparkling springs: Ginnie Springs, Little Devil Spring, Devil’s Eye Spring, Deer Springs, Dogwood Springs, and Twin Springs. Water lovers will be sure to find something fun to do, from diving in caverns or caves to canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, swimming and tubing down the river. There are even opportunities to learn to dive from certified instructors.

A tad closer to the Tampa Bay area sits Crystal River, home to three springs favored by divers who enjoy cozying up to one of nature’s most lovable animals—the manatee. Parents and older children certified in diving can swim and play with the adorable “sea cows” just as long as they avoid chasing or harassing the gentle giants.

If seeing rather than swimming with nature is more your style, visit one of the spring attractions: Silver Springs, Homosassa Springs or Weeki Wachee Springs. Sign up for a glass-bottom boat tour at Silver Springs. See-through floors and open sides give passengers great views of local spring life. A state park and rehabilitation center for manatees, Homosassa Springs treats visitors to an up-close-and-personal, underwater viewing of the lumbering creatures. At Weeki Wachee, the family can kick back with animal shows or check out a performance by the world famous mermaids.

Mountain Musings Retreat from the heat with an excursion to the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. A mere day’s drive from Tampa Bay, the sojourn will satisfy those pining for the picturesque mountain scenes and cooler temperatures.

Take the clan and Fido to the Balsam Mountain Inn (800-224-9498) for a break. Over a century old, the inn is a bed and breakfast that blends quaint charm with a family friendly feel.

Children can enjoy a multitude of games and puzzles while Mom and Dad relax. Or cart the family to the nearby Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (800-872-4681), and climb aboard for a lovely train ride through fertile valleys, stunning gorges, and even tunnels. During the summer, kids can often catch Thomas the Train as he chugs into the station for a visit.

If the slow track drives the kids stir crazy, consider a stay at the Cataloochee Ranch (800868-1401). Located in the verdant Maggie Valley, this working horse ranch boasts some fine cooking and lots family fun. The family can saddle up for horseback riding, practice their backhands on the tennis court or take a dip in the pool. Special hikes and storytelling around the fire delight the younger crowd as does an afternoon casting their reels into the stocked freshwater fishing pond. For a day off the ranch, check out the town of Cherokee and the Oconaluftee Village, a real-life village depicting Cherokee life in 1750.

Water Parks Floridians joke that to survive the grueling summer, one must stay inside or submerged. So, if the walls are closing in, and the family needs out, a trip to a water park can satisfy the wanderlust and the stifle the heat in a hurry.

Whether it’s floating in a scenic pool or flying down a rapid water ride, water parks appeal to just about everyone.

If the heat has you yearning for the ultimate in water parks, snatch the swimwear and head to New Braunfels, Texas to experience Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort (830-6252351). With dozens of ways to beat the heat, the whole fam can cool down in any of six water playgrounds or on the nine thrill water rides. For those eager to take on one of the

country’s best water rides, embark on the Master Blaster—a roller coaster-like ride using water jets to propel riders up and down. And no need to Motel-6 it while visiting, Schlitterbahn is a full-scale resort, so the family can eat, sleep and breathe water park 24/7!

Closer to home, snow-capped mountains and a winter theme provide a scenic twist to the usual water park environs at Disney’s Blizzard Beach. Visitors cool down from the hot sun on slides and water raft rides amid a wintry mountain setting. Daring waterslide aficionados can brave the Summit Plummet, the tallest waterslide in the country at 120 feet. This amazing water slide torpedoes riders down at 55 miles per hour. And once the waterlogged little ones want a break, the family return to any of the Disney resorts located only a short distance away.

Cool Hotspots in Tampa Bay The temperature may be hot, but there’s always some place to go in Tampa Bay where you don’t even think about the heat. Here, the ParentGuide rolls out five hotspots that really rank in terms of cool.

Ybor City A national historic landmark, Ybor City thrives on culture and authentic Cuban cuisine. A great daytime destination for the family, the city still captures the ambiance of its cigar– making heritage. Just strolling down Seventh Avenue amid beautiful brick facades, wrought iron lampposts and decorative buildings transports visitors to a turn-of-the-century town once known as the cigar capital of the world. Sip some fine Sangria (Shirley Temples for the kids) at the stunning Columbia Restaurant, renowned for its décor and its delicious fare. And don’t forget, a trip to Ybor wouldn’t be complete without sampling some black bean soup or tasting a true Cuban sandwich.

Safety Harbor Resort and Spa Spanish Explorer Hernando DeSoto discovered the natural mineral springs flowing below the historic Safety Harbor Resort and Spa and believed the restorative waters were the legendary Fountain of Youth. Today, visitors still retreat to the beautiful spa for an experience in rejuvenation or for a

little fun. Situated on the water, the spa is a perfect Mom and Dad retreat or family day trip/weekend getaway.

The young and young at heart can enjoy dolphin or manatee watching by the water’s edge. The kids will love the swimming pools and the tennis academy while Mom and Dad enjoy a massage. 727-726-1161

Tampa Theatre It doesn’t even matter what’s playing, Tampa Theatre is a show in itself. Built in 1926 by well-known theatre architect John Eberson, the movie palace features lavish Florida Mediterranean décor including gargoyles, fountains, flowers and even a twinkling star ceiling. The theatre still books several acts a year as well as shows contemporary art films and Hollywood classics. Look for Sing-along Mary Poppins and the Wizard of Oz this summer, 813-274-8286.

J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park Part of the Starkey Wilderness Preserve, J.B. Starkey Park boasts a great respite for families eager for a little nature. For bird watchers, the

park is site 73 on the western section of the Audobon Society’s Great Florida Birding Trail. Play a bird watching game with the kids, and keep an eye out for the nearly 150 species that have been identified in the park. Fishing lovers will find freshwater fishing along the Anclote and Pithlachascotee rivers. And equestrians will enjoy ten miles of marked trails along with hitching posts, corral and water trough. For those who just want a nature walk, 27 miles of marked foot trails await.

Skyway Fishing Pier Known for great catches of tarpon, grouper, Spanish or King Mackerel, or shark, the Skyway Fishing Pier allows visitors to pull their car right up to the area they wish to fish. The pier, really part of the remnants of the original Sunshine Skyway Bridge, ranks as the longest in the world. In fact, visitors will note the pier is divided into two sections, the North Pier (located in St. Petersburg) and the South Pier (located in Palmetto). A perfect place to fish with the kids or for an angler’s break away from the family, the Skyway Fishing Pier offers bait, tackle, pole rentals, concessions and souvenirs in addition to the fishing.