Complimentary Copy
Spring 2015 • Issue 2
MARYLAND INDEPENDENT ST. MARY’S ENTERPRISE CALVERT RECORDER
www.somdnews.com
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Southern Maryland Health
SPRING 2015
February 2015
A special issue
just for kids
What’s inside . . . When you need glasses
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Ouch! What to expect from a shot
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Listen up! Taking care of your hearing
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Why your body needs water
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Being careful in cold, snow
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All about hair
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Stay safe in the sun
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Just a little scratch: Cleaning cuts
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Parents’ corner
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Southern Maryland Kids Health
February 2015
When you need glasses If your teacher’s handwriting on the board is hard to read or the words in a book seem fuzzy, your eyes might need some help. Just like your eye color can be different from a friend’s, our eyes all work differently, too. If all parts of the eye don’t work together like they should, we need eyeglasses or contact lenses to bring the world into focus, KidsHealth.org explains. Though eyes work differently, they all include the same parts. Your eyeball has a cornea, which is clear tissue that helps the eye focus; an iris, the colored part; a pupil, the black circle within the iris; a lens, also needed to help the eye focus; and a retina, which is at the very back of the eye. “When all of the eyes’ parts are working properly, a kid doesn’t have vision problems,” KidsHealth.org explains. “You can see because your eyes capture an image like a camera and send that image to your brain, where it can be interpreted.” For an image to be focused sharply on your retina, your eyes need to bend light rays. “Refracting” means to bend light rays — and if you have a hard time seeing clearly, it’s often because of a refractive problem, says KidsHealth.org. That’s where glasses or contact lenses come in: they correct refractive issues, letting your brain convert the image clearly. If you’re having trouble seeing, you could be nearsighted or farsighted. “Nearsighted” means you can see something that’s close, but have a hard time seeing things that are far away.“Farsighted” is the opposite: you See Glasses, Page 7
February 2015
Southern Maryland Kids Health
Ouch! What to expect from a shot Though shots aren’t fun, they’re important for helping to keep you well. Shots called vaccinations can prevent serious diseases that could make you very sick. “The pinch of a shot isn’t nearly as bad as those illnesses,” explains KidsHealth.org. Common vaccines will help protect you from chickenpox, influenza, polio, measles, mumps, rubella and more. Rather than waiting until you are ill, shots give you part of a disease-causing germ or a version that is very weak or dead. With just this small part
of the germ, you do not get the disease — but your body responds by making antibodies, part of your immune system. If you encounter the germ again, the antibodies can fight it off. “When your body is protected from a disease in this way, it’s called being immune to an illness,” KidsHealth.org says.“It can’t get you. In most cases, it means you won’t get the illness at all.” The good news? If you can read this, you have probably had most of your shots. Kids get many shots they need by
age 2, KidsHealth.org explains. When it’s time to get a shot, a doctor will use a syringe holding a liquid vaccine. The needle has a hole in it for the liquid to squirt through. You’ll receive the injection in your arm or thigh — and it will be over in no time. Though getting a shot can hurt a little, remember that the pain will fade quickly. And you might even be rewarded for your bravery!
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February 2015
Listen up! Taking care of your hearing Love listening to your favorite music? If your mom or dad has ever told you to turn down those tunes, it might be good to remember that your hearing — like other parts of your body — can be damaged. Loud sounds from music, machinery and more can cause both temporary and permanent hearing loss, KidsHealth.org explains. If you have hearing loss, you might not be able to hear as well as other people — or, if it’s bad enough, to hear at all. “If the noise around you is so loud that you have to shout to be heard, there is a chance that the mechanism in your ear can be injured,” says KidsHealth.org. Temporary hearing loss happens after exposure to loud noise for a period of time, like at a concert. If this happens, you won’t be able to hear as well as you normally would — but it should go away, typically when you wake up
the next morning after sleep. Noise could also cause tinnitus, which means ringing in the ears, KidsHealth.org says. Though your hearing should return to normal, it can be affected permanently if you listen to loud noises or music consistently. Permanent hearing loss means you won’t ever be able to hear as well as you once did. “That’s why construction workers and factory workers need to wear ear protection,” KidsHealth.org explains.
“Lawn mowers and power tools, like chainsaws, also can be loud enough to affect someone’s ability to hear high-pitched noises. This kind of noise can cause a person to have tinnitus all the time.” Whether you’re working with equipment or listening to music through headphones, it’s important to protect your ears. Don’t listen to music at a level that is uncomfortable; make sure you can still hear the people around you talking or the television in the background. KidsHealth.org recommends giving your ears a rest occasionally — especially if you like wearing ear buds. If you’re going to use machinery with the help of a parent or teacher, always wear ear protection. At a concert, bring earplugs. If you’re playing music yourself, keep the volume lower (your parents might appreciate it, too!).
February 2015
Glasses Continued from Page 4
can see clearly far away, but have trouble up close. When you go to see an eye doctor, you will probably read from an eye chart. Your doctor will use tests to measure how well you see items in the distance and nearby. There are no right or wrong answers! Based on your responses, the doctor will decide if you
need a prescription for glasses or contact lenses. Your prescription is unique to you and the way your eyes bend light, which is why you can’t see clearly through anyone else’s glasses. These tests are painless and can help improve how well you see when you’re playing, doing your schoolwork or watching TV. If your vision seems blurry, talk to your mom or dad.
Articles in Southern Maryland Kids Health are for informational purposes only and are not intended to provide medical advice. Neither the editors of Post Community Media, LLC, the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this magazine. The publication of Southern Maryland Kids Health does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your health care provider(s). Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician and/or other health care provider(s).
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Southern Maryland Kids Health
February 2015
Why your body needs water Water, water everywhere. We know it’s important to stay hydrated, especially after being active (playing sports or running at recess), but why? We need water for our bodies to work properly. “Water makes up more than half of your body weight and a person can’t survive for more than a few days without it,” explains KidsHealth.org. Your body has many important tasks requiring water. Blood contains lots of water, and it’s responsible for carrying oxygen to all of your body’s cells. Your body would stop working without oxygen. Lymph, a fluid that is part of your immune system, also contains water. Lymph helps you fight off illness, KidsHealth.org explains. Water is also needed for food digestion, getting rid of waste and sweat — your body’s way of regulating its temperature. You don’t have to drink from a big water bottle to get the fluids you need, however.Your body is able to get water from many sources, including other
beverages (though water and milk are the best choices, says KidsHealth .org). Many foods contain water, too: fruits and vegetables are good and healthy choices. How do you know how much to drink?There is no
“magic amount,” KidsHealth.org explains. “Usually, kids like to drink something with meals and should definitely drink when they are thirsty,” they say. “But when it’s warm out or you’re exercising, you’ll
need more. Be sure to drink some extra water when you’re out in warm weather, especially playing sports or exercising.” The body is able to regulate the water in your system. When you don’t have enough, it may hold onto more; if you have too much, it will get rid of it. An easy way to tell if you have enough water is to look at your urine. If it’s very light yellow, your body might be getting rid of excess water, KidsHealth.org explains; you are hydrated. But if it is very dark yellow, your body may be guarding your water supply because it’s worried you don’t have enough — so it’s time to drink more. If you’re body does not have the water it needs, you are dehydrated. Dehydration can impact how fast and sharp you feel, both physically and mentally, and can even make you sick. So keep a glass or water bottle nearby and take frequent sips. Your body will thank you!
February 2015
Being careful in cold, snow Though being outside in the snow — especially on a snow day! — can be lots of fun, it’s important to stay warm and dry. If you’re going out in the cold, the best way to stay warm is by dressing in layers, KidsHealth.org explains. It’s easy to start out with lots of clothes and remove them as you get warmer. Start by putting on a long-sleeved undershirt fol-
All about
hair
Whether it’s curly or straight, long or short, dark or light, our hair has many jobs. “The hair on your head keeps your head warm and provides a little cushioning for your skull,” explains KidsHealth.org. “Eyelashes protect your eyes by decreasing the amount of light and dust that go into them, and eyebrows protect your eyes
lowed by a shirt, sweater and coat.Wool and thermal clothing will help keep you toasty. On your bottom half, put on long underwear and heavy pants, like ski pants. Then put on thick socks and waterproof boots. If you’re going to walk around or play outside for a while, make sure you’re wearing sturdy boots with good tread to keep you steady. Don’t forget a hat, scarf, gloves and earmuffs. Remember to drink water. “When you’re outside in the cold and breathing hard, you lose a lot of your body’s water
from sweat dripping down from your forehead.” Every hair rises from the skin the same way. It starts at the root, where cells form keratin beneath the skin, KidsHealth.org says. That root is inside a follicle, a small tube in the skin. When hair grows, it pushes up from the root and out of the follicle, where it can then be seen through the skin. Blood vessels at the follicle base feed hair to keep it growing, says KidsHealth.org. “But once the hair is at the skin’s surface, the cells within the strand of hair aren’t alive anymore,” they
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through your breath,” KidsHealth.org explains. So enjoy a warm drink or soup inside, which will also allow you to warm up a bit. Don’t overdo it. “Sometimes if you’re out having fun, it’s easy to forget to pay attention to your body,” KidsHealth.org states. “But if your body temperature drops even 4 or 5 degrees while you’re outside, it can make you feel crummy.” Pay attention to your body’s signals: shivering, teeth chattering, dizziness and weakness are all signs you need to go inside. Watch your friends and siblings, too. If anyone feels bad, go in to enjoy an activity together.
explain. “The hair you see on every part of your body contains dead cells. That’s why it doesn’t cause pain when someone cuts your hair with scissors!” Though we have more than 100,000 strands of hair on our heads, we lose 50 to 100 every day. But the good news? New hairs come along constantly! “Each hair on your head
grows for about two to six years,” KidsHealth.org explains. “Then it rests for a few months and finally falls out. It is replaced by a new hair, which begins to grow from the same hair follicle.” Most hair follicles are attached to sebaceous glands, which make hair shiny. When these glands pump out too much oil, hair can look greasy. To care for your hair, keep it clean. Wash it gently with shampoo and warm water. Some wash it once a day, others once a week; have a parent help decide what is best for you.
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February 2015
Stay safe in the sun We think about sun protection in summer, but the sun can be a friend — and foe — through every season. Whether it’s cold or hot, we must protect our skin. Though the sun does great things like keep us warm and cause plants to grow, it has invisible rays — called ultraviolet rays — that can hurt us. UV rays pass through the clouds and air to penetrate our skin, KidsHealth.org explains. If your unprotected skin is
exposed to UV rays, you could get sunburned. Sunburns can cause painful blisters on your skin now and wrinkles when you’re an adult. Worst of all, KidsHealth.org says, sun damage could someday lead to skin cancer. To protect yourself, remember to always wear sunscreen and take frequent breaks by moving into shade or going inside. Ask your parents to apply sunscreen for you about 20 minutes before you go
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you can’t see a hand through the fabric — you can still be burned through clothing. “Don’t forget that your eyes need protection from ultraviolet rays, too,” adds KidsHealth.org. “Always wear sunglasses in the bright sun, and make sure they have a label saying that they block UV rays.”
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into the sun, then reapply at least every two hours. Reapply more often if you’ve been swimming or sweating, even if your sunscreen is waterproof. Put sunscreen anywhere the sun can see; the tops of your ears, your hair part and the tops of your feet can get missed. Ask a parent for help reaching your back so you don’t overlook a spot. You can also wear cool, lightweight clothes in the summer to help cover your skin. Just make sure
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February 2015
Just a little scratch: Cleaning your cuts Everyone gets cuts and scratches. Playing sports, working in the yard, just walking around the house — they happen! Cuts are injuries to the skin caused by a sharp object, like scissors. Scratches are slight injuries that happen when something sharp, like a fingernail or glass, scrapes along
your skin. If you get hurt, you may begin to bleed. Find a parent or adult to help.You will want to stop the bleeding by pressing a soft, clean cloth against the site of your wound, says KidsHealth.org. If you’re not hurt too badly, the bleeding should stop after a few minutes. Clean it with warm water
and gentle soap. If you are worried about dirt or gravel in the wound, gently use a damp cloth to remove it. “Most small cuts, scrapes or abrasions will heal well without any special care,” notes KidsHealth .org. But for extra
cleansing and protection, a parent might apply an antibacterial ointment or bandage to cover your wound. Ointments kill germs, and the bandage will prevent them from getting inside your cut. If you do use a bandage, make sure to change it every day and when it gets dirty or wet, like when you step out of the bath. Remember that it’s always a good idea to get an adult if you get hurt.“You’ll especial-
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ly want to tell a parent or adult if you cut yourself on something dirty or rusty, if you are bleeding, or if you get bitten or scratched (by an animal or a person!),” KidsHealth.org says. Scratches and bites need special care because the germs from an animal or person could get into your wound, they explain. You might have to make a visit to the doctor for antibiotic medicine, but you’ll be feeling better in no time.
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February 2015
How to enjoy Recovery from the recession that began in 2008 has sparked renewed interest in vacation travel. Resort bookings are up, and many will enjoy exotic vacations in the months to come. While discretionary spending is increasing, some individuals and families continue to take a conservative approach to their finances, and that approach extends to how they spend their time off. Many are still embracing “staycations,” in which families forgo travel in favor of staying home. Staycations may not be as exotic as trips abroad, but there are several ways that families can make theirs enjoyable and memorable. • Invest in your home or lifestyle. Instead of bankrolling a trip overseas, channel those funds into improvements for your home or yard to create a relaxing atmosphere you can enjoy year-round. Install that pool or landscape the backyard to make it feel like a tropical paradise. Coasting across the water of a lake or ocean is an enjoyable pastime, so repurpose your vacation funds to buy jet skis or other fun items you can enjoy throughout the warmer months. • Become a tourist in your hometown. Chances are you have never experienced the sights of your hometown the way a tourist might. Plan a few days when you can act like someone visiting for the first time. Seek out and visit monuments and points of history in your community. Head into
Washington, D.C. to hop on a sight-seeing bus and learn something new about where you live. You may just be surprised at what you can discover. • Look for hidden gems. Some local businesses may be willing to open up for “behind the scenes” tours if you ask. This can be a fun excursion for young children. Ask employees of a movie theater if you can see the projection room. Newspaper offices may host tours of their facilities. Even a bowling alley can be fascinating to kids if they can see ball-return mechanisms or how equipment is stored. • Splurge on a show or
this year’s staycation
sporting event. Attend an event you normally wouldn’t unless you were on vacation. Take a trip to see a musical at a nearby theater or take the family to see your local sports team play a home game against a rival. Treat yourself to concession stand snacks and a few souvenirs. • Dine out a few nights. Vacations often entail eat-
ing out, especially if meals are not included in a traditional vacation package. Use your staycation as the opportunity to dine at local restaurants you have yet to visit. Indulge the kids one night and put them in charge of choosing the meals. Forget those diet plans for a day or two and savor that triplescoop ice cream cone. If the cost of dining out has
you concerned, select restaurants that offer coupons in community mailers or value packs. • Read the newspaper or community bulletin. Chances are you can find a number of entertaining and low-cost activities sponsored by your town or other organizations close to home. Fireworks displays, boat tours and fairs are just a handful of the fun events coming soon. • Turn off electronics. Take a break from some of your devices during your staycation. Have everyone put their phone on a side table during a family movie night and insist on limited screen time during the day. By doing so, you will be less likely to fall into your daily habits — and more likely to make the most of your time to rest and relax.
February 2015
Creating your household budget Stretching every dollar is a reality for many families. A higher costof-living coupled with financial uncertainty has inspired many families to scale back their spending, a process that’s much easier when families create a household budget. Creating a household budget is often more complicated for families than individuals. Families not only tend to have more monthly expenses, but also tend to pay more mind to their financial futures than men and women living on their own. The following are a few tips for men and women hoping to create a household budget:
Get a grip on your finances Before setting a family budget, heads of the household should first get a firm grasp of their finances. Determine household income, fixed monthly expenses (i.e., mortgage, car payments, student loans, etc.), luxury expenses (i.e., cable television service, dining out, etc.) and
outstanding consumer debt. Once you get a clear picture of what’s coming in and what’s going out, you can determine where you’re making sound decisions and where you’re not.
Set a goal Once finances have been examined, you can then set a goal. Goals will change as your financial situation changes, but let your existing financial situation influence the goal you initially set. For example, if an examination of your financial situation revealed a considerable amount of consumer debt, then a goal of eradicating that debt is a great place to start, and part of setting the goal is developing a course of action to make it a reality. When trying to free up money to pay down consumer debt, examine the expenses you listed as luxuries and determine which ones you can cut to pay down your family’s debts. Dining out less and cutting back on entertainment expenses are great ways to free up money. If an exami-
nation of your finances indicates little or no consumer debt but lots of money spent frivolously, allocate funds for daily expenditures like a morning cup of coffee into your budget and do your best to avoid exceeding that amount.
Establish a weekly budget Many families find it easier to manage their money and stay within their budgets if they live on weekly — as opposed to monthly — budgets. This can be tricky, as many of your more significant expenses, including mortgage and car payments, are likely collected on a monthly basis. But establishing a weekly budget for your family allows you to monitor your monthly expenses more closely, reducing the likelihood that you’ll get to the end of the month and realize you exceeded your budget. Budget for those weekly expenses that are not fixed, like grocery bills and gas. Staying within budget for such expenses every week can lead to substantial savings by the end of each month, and it’s far easier to save that money when you’re monitoring those expenses every
Recognizing cyberbullying Before social media became so prevalent, instances of bullying were somewhat easy to recognize. However, with a good majority of children now engaged in digital networking and social media, bullying may not end with the ringing of the school bell — and its evidence may not be so apparent. According to statistics from the i-SAFE Foundation, more than half of adolescents and teens have been bullied online, and about the same number have engaged in cyberbullying. More than 80 percent of teens use a mobile phone regularly, making it the most popular form of technology and a common medium for repeated harassment. Cyberbullying can occur via text messaging, blogging, updates to social media sites and/or phone conversations. Although it’s on the rise, there are some things parents and children can do to help put a stop to it. • Parents who feel their child is not emotionally
Southern Maryland Kids Health
ready for the responsibility of a digital device can hold back on purchasing a smartphone, or choose one with limited features. Schools may set strict limits on phone usage at school, and children who go only between school and home may not need an “emergency phone” that can open up a window for trouble. • Adolescents and teens should feel comfortable talking with their parents without the fear of reprimand. Otherwise, they may hide instances of cyberbullying or not know how to broach sensitive topics like bullying. Parents can engage in conversation with their children often and stress that the doors of communication are always open. • Teens should be made aware that cyberbullying
seven days instead of every 30 days.
Consider long-term goals Long-term goals should be considered when establishing a family budget. Even if money is tight, you likely can still find room in your budget to save for your future. The goal of establishing a family budget is to ensure money is being well spent, and contributing to your family’s financial future is money well spent. Allocate funds for retirement account contributions and future educational expenses as well. Even small contributions can add up to a significant amount of money over time.
is a very real occurrence and is not just other kids “having fun” or “joking.” If behavior is repetitive and hurtful, it should be made public and addressed. • Parents can monitor and limit their children’s personal accounts. Some smartphone and tablet applications can be mirrored on the main account, enabling parents to see incoming messages. • A laptop or desktop computer should be placed in a shared space so usage can be monitored. Parents can restrict tablet or smartphone usage to public areas. • When online, children should be advised not to share personal information. Children should be urged to keep passwords secret and to never give information such as birthdays, phone numbers and addresses to people who aren’t close friends. Friend lists should be restricted to only those people students interact with frequently to minimize the chance for bullying or other inappropriate behavior. • Teens who have been bullied can keep evidence of the bullying and may benefit from talking with a counselor.
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February 2015
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