Urban Views Weekly July 22, 2015 by Urban Views Weekly

July 22, 2015

Scholar of the Week â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Daysia McSweeney

Summer is the Season of New Births

Civic Beat FUNdraising Good Times

Three more things you need to know before writing a proposal Last week’s column focused on six basic things you should know before writing a proposal. With this column, we address three more nuanced things to consider.

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Some nonprofits create a “boiler plate” proposal and send it out to as many foundations and corporations as possible, hoping to “get a hit.” That is one strategy, and sometimes it is appropriate. Making small modifications to a standard proposal is efficient, particularly when seeking to secure sponsorships and smaller grants. In general, we suggest a more targeted approach. Here are three things to consider: What percentage of your revenue do you project will come from foundations or corporations? We recommend building diverse revenue streams. This is important for long term reasons such as having other revenue streams should foundation/ corporation giving contract. A shorter term reason to diversify your revenue is that it signals financial health to foundations who are reviewing your proposal. What percentage of your operating or program budget are you requesting from a specific foundation? Looking to one funder for the majority of your funding sends a red flag to many funders. They have responsibilities they have to consider: one of those is what will happen to your organization or program if they need to reduce or eliminate their support. Does your proposal include a discussion of who you will be approaching for additional funds? Are these realistic potential funders, or foundations you would like to approach but don’t yet know if they will consider your request? This information helps a program officer evaluate your

proposal and your ability to deliver on some or all of the deliverables. When developing your project or organizational budget be prepared to answer the question “what if you don’t secure all the funds that you need?” Is your nonprofit a strong match with the priorities of the foundation you are writing to? For example, if a foundation seeks to reduce poverty in a specific area, it looks to fund nonprofits with a track record of work in that area that have accountable and effective leadership, and strong community relationships. This is in addition to effective programming and a proposed evaluation method. These are the business decisions that should be made in advance of submitting a funding request and communicated through your proposal. This is the work of the board and executive leadership, and not the work of fundraising staff and volunteers. It is work that supports fundraising success and that takes time. Looking for foundation support – “we’ll get a grant” – as a cure-all for revenue shortfalls is not a fundraising strategy. Fundraising is competitive, and as a nonprofit leader it is your responsibility to understand the funding landscape and to proactively address the serious questions that funders will ask. Copyright 2015– Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success. For help with your fundraising, visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

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Urban Views Weekly | July 22, 2015

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Scholar of the Week

By Janeal Downs While researching social work online one day, Daysia McSweeney found a website with numerous different stories. The inspiring stories of people in the field of social work inspired Daysia to go into the field herself. She said she has wanted to be a social worker since she was a freshman in high school. Unlike other people, once she gets to college, she does not think this dream career choice will change. “I just like to help people a lot and I just took an interest in social work,” Daysia said.

Daysia McSweeney of

Richmond Community High School GPA: 4.02 College of Interest: Clark Atlanta University Major Community Service: Teacher Assistant, Student Tutor Strong Interests: Social Work, working with children Favorite Activity: Reading, dancing, listening to music and shopping

my friends took a trip down there and I really liked the campus,” Daysia said. She also recently had the opportunity to hear a recruiter from North Carolina A & T speak where he relayed all of the numerous opportunities for gaining experience in the field of social work. Daysia said she hopes to gain experience through internships and also wants to get a masters in the field.

While she just wants to be in the social work field, Daysia said she is drawn to working with children. “I even wanted to work with abused and battered children or children with behavioral problems,” she said. She also would be interested in becoming a child protective services investigator. Daysia is already gaining experience working of the with children through volunteer work. She volunteers as a Teacher Assistant at As We Grow Learning Center. Here she helps clean, distribute food, read to the children, and help them with their assignments. She has also served as a summer tutor for middle school students at Anna Julia Cooper Episcopal.

Daysia loves to read, shop, dance, and listen to music. “I wouldn’t say I’m shy, but I’m not really outspoken, I like to be more reserved,” she said. “But I think I’m really goofy and a know it all kind of.” With a 4.02 GPA, as a senior at Richmond Community High School, Daysia is also involved in different organizations. She is a member of the German Club, ™ the book club, the National Honor Week Society, and Future Business Leaders of America. Her other achievements include making the honor roll numerous times, being on the Scholar Roll, and having perfect attendance. In addition to academic, volunteer and community activities, Daysia holds a part time job at a local Kroger.

In order to further her education and gain experience as a social worker, Daysia said she would love to go to a Historically Black College or University in the South. Her top choice of schools is Clark Atlanta University in Georgia. “During Spring Break me and

Daysia’s mother is who she said influences her to succeed the most in life. “I see her work hard every day and sometimes she has two or three jobs at a time and I just want to aspire to be like her,” Daysia said. “She motivates me to do more and want to succeed.”

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Urban Views Weekly | July 22, 2015

ViewPoints

By Dr. T

The Confederate Flag Came Down . . . Now What? The controversial and combined symbol of the “heritage of the confederacy,” and the hate and terrorism of the segregationist South along with the legacy of race and racism within the American story has finally been removed from the capitol grounds of Columbia, South Carolina. The flag’s removal has been a longstanding battle within the state, and a cause for which the NAACP continued to press state and local government representatives to engage since the so-called “compromise,” which, initially, moved the flag from atop the Capitol dome to fly only a few yards away atop a designated flag pole in front of a confederate memorial, was never fair or agreeable to them. Although many government officials touted the transfer of said flag from one location to the other as an agreed upon compromise, most Blacks remained dissatisfied and undeterred in their struggle to have the flag permanently removed from state grounds altogether.

institutional racism and oppression that infects every aspect of our nation’s legal, educational, social, and political systems. The flag’s removal was “symbolic” … and symbols give us emotional and, even, physical relief momentarily, but do nothing to effectively change or transform the systems that drive inequity, inequality and injustice. Symbolic change is mostly cosmetic and does nothing to remove the burden of oppression that disproportionately affects the lives and livelihood of so many of this nation’s black and brown citizens. Inequality in public policy, unequal educational opportunity, unfair housing, disproportionate rates of incarceration, unfair and arbitrary jail and prison sentencing, and the targeting and profiling of communities of color by a police force that is disconnected and disenfranchised from the communities they serve, and so on, and so on, and so on . . .

Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D.

There is so much more to do and, yet, there seems to be a feeling that in taking down one confederate flag, we have actually accomplished more than a token The tragic massacre of nine people at Mother Emmanuel African gesture. It begs the question, now what? Did the flag come down to assuage Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, by a white supremacist who the guilt and shame of those who erected it and fought so vigorously to keep had been emboldened by the ideology espoused by those who held the it in place, as if some false claim of heritage validated its presence on state confederate flag as a symbol of resistance, and the banner of segregation DrT@Margins2theCenter.com grounds? Is there now some recognition that the cries of Black Folks, for all of www.theconciliationproject.org and vehement opposition to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, seemed to these decades, have actually been heard with regard to the disparity of treatment swiftly turn the tide. Lawmakers and citizens, alike, were brokenhearted in a nation for which they fought and died to claim their freedom? Is there over the tragic loss of life, and all of a sudden, gained a new zealotry to now some type of reckoning as to the debt owed to the people whose unpaid have the flag removed. After years of recalcitrance, they, NOW, were ready to bring the flag down. labor created the wealth that has built this nation? Or are we prepared to make only symbolic So swift was the response that it makes one have to ask the question, “Now what?” CHANGE? Damn the confederate flag - - - I say what NOW?

Founder and Artistic Director The Conciliation Project and Associate Professor Virginia Commonwealth University

Although, the removal of the confederate flag is certainly an important and significant action, it is far from creating any significant or lasting change and falls short of addressing the systemic, and

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African American Business Leaders Contribute $1 Million to NAACP Legal Defense Fund’s Policing Reform Campaign Nearly two dozen prominent African American business leaders announced the donation of $1,000,000 to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) to launch a campaign for policing reform. The business group, which designated several spokespersons, but whose members choose to remain anonymous, expressed their growing and urgent concern over the rash of police-involved killings and assaults around the country.

of Michael Brown last summer. Brown’s death occurred within weeks of the police-involved chokehold death of Eric Garner last July in Staten Island, captured on cellphone video one year ago. Since then, LDF has supported calls for numerous state and local investigations and reforms of policing practices and use of excessive force against civilians in cities such as Baltimore, New York, North Charleston, and McKinney, Texas.

In describing the gift, which was raised in nearly 48 hours, William M. Lewis, Jr., Managing Director and Co-Chairman of Investment Banking at Lazard Ltd., said, “The business community has a responsibility to place resources into the capable hands of organizations that have a vested interest in doing work on behalf of the public and, particularly, the disenfranchised.” Lewis, a former board co-chair at LDF, further explained, “LDF’s long track record of strategic thinking and solutions-oriented action made it a logical choice for support in this work.”

“This campaign is about working together to build the kind of America that we want to live in – where police officers play their role in protecting communities and earn the trust of the public,” said LDF President & Director-Counsel Sherrilyn Ifill. “We are extremely grateful for this support. It is particularly gratifying to see the willingness of African American business leaders to demonstrate their commitment to this issue.”

Charles Phillips, CEO of software giant Infor Global Solutions and a key supporter of the effort, described the killing of Walter Scott, who was shot multiple times in the back while running away from a law enforcement officer in South Carolina earlier this year, as a “defining moment.” “Many business leaders want to see the creation of real solutions for what we all agree is a serious and urgent problem,” Phillips explained. “We’ve been impressed by LDF’s work and the clear leadership it has shown on this issue.”

Secure the adoption of federal laws and policies that use police department funding to promote new training focused on racial bias and de-escalation of encounters with youth and persons with mental impairments; Create a federally- mandated system of data collection of police practices disaggregated by race; Build the capacity of local communities to challenge and change law enforcement policies; Promote bias-free and responsible policing policies and practices at the state and local levels; Ensure that the legal system provides accountability for incidents of police brutality; and Encourage prosecutors to play a leadership role in addressing racial bias in law enforcement and criminal justice.

The Legal Defense Fund is an entirely separate organization from the NAACP, and was founded by legendary civil rights attorney Thurgood Marshall, who later became the first African American Supreme Court justice of the United States. LDF, which turns seventy-five this year, has fought against racial bias in the criminal justice system for many decades. Earlier this year, LDF settled a case against the New York Police Department on behalf of public housing residents and their guests who were arbitrarily subjected to trespass arrests. LDF filed a brief in the Supreme Court two years ago in support of the case of Robbie Tolan, a Major League baseball player who was shot on his parents’ driveway by police officers in Bellaire, Texas. LDF formed a policing reform campaign this spring after spending months of intense engagement on policing reform measures after the Ferguson police shooting death www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

The Policing Reform Campaign seeks to:

killings of unarmed African Americans is not new,” said Monique Dixon, Senior Policy Counsel for LDF and lead counsel for the campaign. “However, recent movements by community activists and graphic videos of police abuses have awakened the consciousness of average Americans across the country. It’s time to take strategic steps to end police violence and promote bias-free policing practices.” The donation of funds to support LDF’s policing reform work is part of a growing effort by business leaders to provide targeted support for key civil rights activities. Earlier this year, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, Lewis and Phillips initiated a partnership between business executives and Paramount Pictures to provide free screenings of the film SELMA for nearly 30,000 New York City students. That effort ultimately expanded to several dozen cities across the country, where local African American business leaders took up the challenge and replicated the effort. LDF similarly hopes to expand the philanthropic support for its policing reform efforts with matching donations.

“The issue of police-involved Urban Views Weekly | July 22, 2015

Summer Stork Deliveries A More babies are born in the late summer than any other time of the year. In 2014, the Center for Disease Control reported that more babies were born in July than any other month. If those birth trends remain the same, there’s a good chance that you or someone in your circle may know of a new arrival.

Babies will stretch your finances Babies sure are cute and cuddly – and expensive! Some studies have shown that adding a new baby to the family can increase your bills by $500 per month, depending on if you choose to breastfeed or use formula. Building and sticking to a budget will be one of the biggest adjustments parents may experience after baby arrives. The time before pregnancy is best used to prepare financially, stashing as much money away as possible into a savings account. The further you can get ahead, the more confidence you will have in yourself to adequately provide for your baby.

Formula

While breastfeeding is regarded as the best option for feeding your baby – and for maintaining your savings – it is not always a viable option. Parents who turn to formula to provide the essential nourishment for their baby may be surprised by its cost. A typical container of formula that makes 60 four-ounce bottles can cost more than $30. Keep in mind that before your baby switches over to real milk at age 1, they can be guzzling about four 8-ounce bottles a day.

Diapers

Proper diaper changing – every time your baby soils or wets the diaper – leads to about 70-80 changes per week. That’s a lot of diapers and a lot of money. A large box of name-brand diapers can cost more than $40. You can help defray some of these costs by stocking up 6

Urban Views Weekly | July 22, 2015

during pregnancy. Ask guests at your baby shower to bring a box of diapers in lieu of a gift. Or simply budget to pick up a box of diapers every time you go grocery shopping. Your stockpile will be full in no time.

• Breastfed infants are more likely to gain the optimum amount of weight as they mature. • The AAP reports that breastfeeding plays a role in the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome.

It’s Your Choice

Virginia’s new breastfeeding laws guarantees a woman the right to breastfeed her child in any place where the mother is lawfully present. There are many factors to consider when deciding if you want to breastfeed your newborn. And for whatever reason, the act seems to draw strong opinions from friends and family members.

The Other Costs

As most new parents can attest, spending on baby begins well before the birth. The simple task of completing a nursery can hit your wallet in a hurry. There’s the paint, the flooring, the crib and the furniture. Before you know it, you’re hundreds of dollars down in anticipation of your little bundle of joy. While buying all new items for your baby is part of the fun of being pregnant, don’t be afraid to accept hand-me-downs. You also can find perfectly functional furniture at yard sales, flea markets or antique stores that, when properly reclaimed, can be charming and less expensive.

Breastfeeding Basics

The benefits of breastfeeding are undeniable. Many medical authorities, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend breast milk as the best option for feeding a newborn. Breastfed babies are generally healthier, able to stave off viruses and bacteria and at a reduced risk for having asthma or allergies. In addition, breastfeeding burns extra calories for mothers, helping them lose pregnancy weight faster.

The Benefits

Breast milk is the perfect mix of vitamins, protein and fat, which is everything your baby needs to grow. The specific benefits are hard to ignore: • Breastfeeding has been linked to higher IQ scores later in childhood in some studies. • The skin-to-skin and eye contact can help you build a bond with your baby.

Just remember the final call is yours. Something to consider is the amount of time and energy you will be devoting to your newborn, especially if you choose to be an on-demand feeder. Within the first few months, babies can struggle to settle into a structured feeding schedule. This means minimum sleep for mom. Also when you’re breastfeeding, you must pay special attention to your diet. Make sure you are continually fueling your body — and your baby — with the right kinds of foods.

Are Expected To Be Brisk

By Bernard Freeman

Keep Their Skin ‘Baby Soft’

Baby skin is as beautiful and soft as it is easy to maintain. By taking simple steps of preventive action, you can keep your baby from having to experience uncomfortable rashes or irritating acne.

Bathing Baby

Most newborn babies need a full bath only three to four times per week, as bathing more frequently can actually dry out their skin. But you are urged to wash your baby’s face, chin, neck and bottom every day. Avoid using soap on your baby’s belly button or on a circumcision until it is healed.

detergent. Use hypoallergenic or mild detergent to keep your baby’s skin from becoming irritated.

confidence in your love.

Avoid Diaper Rash

Your first child needs to know they matter. They are likely experiencing a range of emotions they are struggling to control. It is your job to help them through this sometimes difficult transition. Luckily, the steps you can take are not overwhelming. Simply arrange special time for you and your older child. A trip to the grocery store or one-on-one book at bedtime can help your child understand that they are still important.

Diaper rash is caused by persistent wet, soiled diapers and the use of baby products on the bottom, when not recommended. The American Academy of Dermatology’s recommended treatment includes changing diapers frequently, using a warm washcloth instead of pre-moistened wipes, and keeping the diaper area open to the air as long as possible before putting on a clean diaper.

The Second Baby

If the thought of bringing home your second child is as exciting as it is nerve-wracking, you are not alone. Many parents are unsure of how exactly their lives will change with the addition of another baby. The financial and sleep (or lack thereof) adjustments are easier to forecast compared to the emotional ones, especially the ones that your older child may feel. Siblings who already have an established role can experience jealousy, resentment or even anger toward a new baby with whom they now have to share attention.

Preparing Your ‘First Baby’

By now, your older child has settled into a routine. Just like adults, the child may be stubborn to change a comfortable lifestyle. Getting the older child involved in the baby preparation phase can pay huge dividends once baby arrives. Let your older child help choose new toys, furniture and clothing for your second child.

Once Baby Arrives When bathing your baby, be sure to test the water temperature with your elbow to determine if it is too hot. If you are unsure if the water is too hot for baby, it probably is. Let it cool to just above room temperature for optimum safety.

Keep Skin Shining

Babies’ skin is naturally soft and moisturized, so adding lotion and powder is not necessary unless it is recommended by a health care professional. Other things to keep away from baby’s skin are the fabric softeners, bleach and chemicals that can be found in laundry

An act as simple as asking your child to help you fetch a diaper for baby’s changing can mean the world to your firstborn. Involve them in everyday tasks to help them understand exactly how much work goes into caring for a newborn. Explain that the extra attention isn’t because you love your new baby any more but is necessary because babies aren’t big kids yet. Use language that will empower your child and that maintains their

Finding Special Time

Dealing with Stress

As many new parents can attest, long nights with little sleep can have an impact on mood and overall happiness. Before you can sufficiently care for your infant, you need to make sure your health and well-being are at full strength, as well. This includes keeping your stress level low. Your irritability can lead to impatience with your baby, which is not healthy for your relationship. Try finding some extra time for yourself, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help from friends or family members. Your baby’s care may depend upon it.

Healthy Eating Habits

Parents of newborns need extra vitamins and protein to keep their bodies moving and minds sharp. Trade in the bottle of soda for water, and the cheeseburger for a grilled chicken salad. Healthier eating and drinking habits will help you see immediate improvement to your energy level, which can lead to a healthier, happier you.

Go with the Flow

Babies are unpredictable. Some flow right into a structured routine, while others adhere to no rules or expectations. Be ready for the roller coaster. Be patient with your new baby as he or she adapts to life outside of the womb. If you decide to take a day trip with your newborn, give yourself plenty of time to leave so you’re not stressed if you are a tad behind schedule. www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

VSU Fine Arts program named best among HBCUs HBCU Digest recently named the Virginia State University (VSU) Department of Art & Design the Best Fine Arts Program at an HBCU for 2015-16. The honor is the second major recognition for the department in the past six months.

Students in the program can decide from four primary career paths: studio arts, animation, graphic design or web design.

“This most recent honor further validates the excellence of Department of Art & In May, Animation Career Designs programs and Review ranked VSU’s faculty,” said department animation program 46th chair Thomas Larose, in the nation among Ph.D. “Our students Jarrett L. Carter (L), founding editor of HBCU Digest, can compete at the public institutions. VSU’s presents Mr. Anh Do, VSU Instructor of Animation, highest levels for career program was the nation’s the award honoring Virginia State University as the opportunities or for highest ranked HBCU and top Fine Arts Program at an HBCU. one of only two Virginia spots in the top graduate universities, the other being schools across the Virginia Tech, to be ranked. country or internationally.” The art and design program is accredited by For more information about VSU’s Department the National Association of Schools of Art and of Art & Design, please contact Dr. Larose. at Design. The department offers courses leading tlarose@vsu.edu, or visit www.vsu.edu/study/ to a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts degree. artdesign.

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Urban Views Weekly | July 22, 2015

The Deal

By Nathaniel Sillin

Making Summer More Energy Efficient It’s expected to be a hotter summer this year, but don’t confine your money-saving efforts to the thermostat.

have pets, you may consider setting your thermostat significantly higher than 78 before you leave for work.

The warm months can be the best time to focus on cutting year-round energy costs. Free of snow, ice and wind, it’s easier to spot problems, do repairs and budget for energyefficient appliances and fix-up projects that can save considerable money in the future.

Lights out. We’ve all been admonished to turn off the lights when we leave a room, but there are other things we can do to capture random, or “vampire,” energy waste. Sensors, dimmers and timers can reduce lighting use, and installing power strips can keep computers, microwaves, cable boxes, DVRs and highend TV sets from sucking energy even when they’re not turned on. Unplugging between uses works too. Also, swapping conventional incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) can provide lighting that lasts longer and saves money on replacements.

Your first step should be better tracking and analysis of the energy you buy. The most common sources of energy spending are home utilities and fuel costs for vehicles. However, if you own a vacation home, operate a business within your residential space or have different vehicles for land or water, see if you can separate those numbers so you can more clearly identify usage patterns month to month and find ways to cut back. Think about an energy audit. Whether you do it yourself or pay for the services of a certified professional summer is the best time to do a basement-to-rooftop energy audit. Some utility companies have home energy audits online so you can see where your energy is going. Prospective homeowners might make an energy audit part of their home inspection process. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, in 2014, the average American spent 60 percent of their energy dollars heating rooms and water. Another 16 percent goes to lighting, cooling and food refrigeration. The remainder – nearly a quarter of total home energy uses – covers all miscellaneous energy use in the house. Then focus on the thermostat. In the summer, confine heavy air conditioning use to the hottest nights, and the rest of the time, try to set the thermostat a little higher than you do now. For example, the U.S. Energy Department says that setting your air conditioning to 78 degrees instead of 72 can save between 6-18 percent on your summer cooling bill. Before you spend money on a programmable thermostat or convert your real-time utility billing to a budget plan, note that some research questions their value. First, see how much you can save by shutting off vents and doors and drawing curtains in unused rooms and spaces. If you don’t

Check for tax credits and rebates. Make a call to your tax professional, check the Internal Revenue Service’s website and EnergyStar. gov for news on residential energy credits for specific replacement appliances and energysaving improvements to your home. Keep in mind that Congress traditionally acts late each year to renew old credits or to approve new ones. Consider energy-smart landscaping. Keep in mind that well-placed trees and shrubs can shield a home from the sun and the elements year-round and potentially save 25 percent on energy costs annually. Cars, gas, and public transportation. If you drive, consolidate errands, fill up your tank at cheaper times and consider smartphone apps to find low gas prices for commuting and vacation use. And if you don’t regularly use public transportation, start testing it during the summer. The additional walking most people do when they take public transportation has health benefits as well. Bottom line: This summer, don’t just try to keep cool. Save money by changing your yearround energy behavior. Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ PracticalMoney.

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Beating the summer heat By Tim Davis, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, National Disaster Medical System, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services The peak of summer is here. The hottest summer temperatures for the Richmond area tend to occur in the middle of July, according to 30-year averages calculated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In my 25 years as an emergency medicine physician, I’ve seen the catastrophic effect heat can have on health, and many of the people we see while providing event support in the National Disaster Medical System need treatment for heat-related illnesses. On average, heat-related illnesses cause more than 600 deaths every year and from 2001 to 2010 more than 28,000 people were hospitalized for heatrelated illnesses. You can help keep yourself, your family and others around you out of the emergency department by watching for signs of heat stress.

Children are especially vulnerable to heat illnesses, and can’t always tell us what is wrong. When it’s hot outside, consider any change in a child’s behavior as heat stress. Additionally, infants and children should never be left in a parked car, even if the windows are down. To help prevent heat-related illness: Spend time in locations with air-conditioning. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. Good choices are water and diluted sport drinks, unless told otherwise by your doctor. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours Protect yourself from the sun by wearing hats with brims and sunscreen As people crank up air conditioning in the peak time of summer, electrical grids can become overwhelmed, causing power outages. In power outages, people who rely on electricity-dependent medical devices, like oxygen concentrators and electric wheelchairs, may need assistance so check on your neighbors as the temperatures soar.

People suffering from heat-related illnesses may experience heavy sweating; weakness; cold, pale, and clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; and nausea or vomiting. Early signs include muscle cramps, heat rash and fainting or near-fainting spells. If you believe someone is suffering from a heatrelated illness, they need to move to a cooler location and lie down; apply cool, wet cloths to the body; and sip non-alcoholic fluids. They should remain in the cool location until recovered.

Community organizations and businesses can help local emergency managers and health departments plan for the community’s health needs amid the summer heat – and other emergency situations that can cause power outages – using the new HHS emPOWER Map, located at phe.gov/ empowermap.

Signs that someone might be suffering from the most severe heat-related illness, heat stroke, include a body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit; hot, red, dry or moist skin; rapid and strong pulse; and “altered mental status” that can range from confusion and agitation to possible unconsciousness. If you see someone exhibiting these signs, call 911 immediately; help the person move to a cooler environment; reduce the person’s body temperature with cool cloths soaked in ice water especially to head, neck, arm pits and upper legs near the groin area where combined 70 percent of body heat can be lost, or even a cool bath if you can stay with them to ensure they do not drown; and do not give them fluids.

If you or someone you know needs help with energy bills, including air conditioning, assistance might be available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program administered by HHS’ Administration for Children and Families.

Urban Views Weekly | July 22, 2015

Heat-related illnesses are dangerous, but they are also preventable. Take some time to learn more about ways to beat the heat so that you, your family, and your community can have a safer, healthier summer.

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Choosing the Best Daycare for Your Child

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With so many daycares to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you and your little ones? Selecting a daycare can seem like a daunting task. It is important that you choose a place where you’ll feel comfortable leaving your child.

Every area should be designed with safety in mind. Look for locks on doors, sharp edges and dangerous objects that might be in a child’s reach.

Daycares can vary widely in terms of professionalism and quality, so it is important that you research each place you are considering. Making on-site visits will tell you plenty about the quality of the facility. Schedule an appointment with the director so you can ask questions. Have your children accompany you on this trip so you can see how they will react to this environment. Observe your child and gauge his or her comfort level.

No child should be bored at a daycare. Highquality daycares offer activities to keep your child preoccupied throughout the day. Make sure they don’t only offer fun activities – it should be a learning center as well. A center that incorporates fun into learning is the best type of daycare.

ENTERTAINMENT AND ACTIVITIES

Ask the director what kinds of activities are available for children. It should be a mixture of free play and structured activities. Crafts, music, stories and ageappropriate lessons will help your child grow.

Here are other factors to consider when choosing a daycare.

DISCIPLINE

STAFF

The quality of a daycare rests on its employees. The staff must be reliable and responsible. Request information on background checks of the staff. Ask about the ratio of caregivers to children. Adults cannot do their jobs effectively if they have to care for 30 children at once with no extra assistance. Good hygiene habits are a must. Sickness is easily spread among children and adults at a daycare. What types of hygiene and protocol do they have and use when dealing with germs or sick children? Observe how the employees interact with children. They should communicate well and like kids. The best daycare employees do not play favorites. They spend equal time with everyone and make every child feel important.

BUILDING

The facility should be in a safe and inviting environment. It should have bright colors and fun decor. The lighting needs to be adequate. Inspect the bathrooms, dining areas and nap rooms. Everything should be decorated with children in mind. Look outside at the play areas. Are they well-maintained? Is there plenty of room for children to run around? Is the play equipment safe?

ON OWN

Discipline is important, but so is how discipline is met. Ask the daycare how they deal with specific discipline issues. What are the consequences for undesirable behavior? Also, if your child has difficulties with sharing, talk to them about how they might handle it. They should give you thoughtful answers. Ask for a copy of the daycare’s rules.