Trampoline Safety For Kids

Trampolines are safe for recreational use if proper adult supervision is present, and adherence to strict safety rules is maintained - this is the opinion of most trampoline manufacturers and supporters. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other organizations such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) do not think so.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) states that 95,000 hospital emergency room-treated injuries in 1998 were associated with trampolines. 75 were kids under the age of 15. Then in 2002, the CPSC again estimated that 60,000 trampoline-related emergency room-treated injuries were kids between the ages of 5 and 14. Since 1990, the CPSC has received six reported deaths involving the seemingly harmless trampoline.

According to the CPSC, most of the trampoline associated injuries were sustained at private homes. The injuries and deaths were caused by:

1. Colliding with another person while jumping on the trampoline.

2. Landing improperly while jumping or doing stunts on the trampoline.

3. Falling or jumping off the trampoline.

4. Falling on the trampoline springs or frame.

The majority of injuries caused by using trampolines include sprains, fractures, scrapes, bruises and cuts, and serious injuries to the head and neck which can cause paralysis and death. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), disastrous cervical spine injuries are rare, but head and neck injuries constitute a considerable number of the more serious injuries requiring hospitalization.

These are the recommendations laid out by the AAP:

1. The trampoline should not be used at home, inside or outside.

2. The trampoline should not be part of routine physical education classes in schools.

3. The trampoline has no place in outdoor playgrounds and should never be regarded as play equipment.

These are the safety guidelines issued by the AAP organization if trampolines are to be used:

1. Steel frame and springs should be covered with a safety pad.

2. Impact-absorbing safety surface material for impact areas.

3. Maintenance and repair for tears, rust, and detachments.

4. Safety harnesses and spotting belts

5. Setting the trampoline in a pit so the mat is at ground level should be considered.

6. Ladders may provide unintended access to the trampoline by small children and should not be used.

7. Only one person should use the trampoline at a time.

8. In supervised settings, the user of the trampoline should be at the center of the mat. The user of the trampoline should not attempt maneuvers beyond capability or training, thereby putting them at risk for injury.

9. Personnel trained in trampoline safety and competent spotters should be present whenever the trampoline is in use.

10. Even in supervised training programs, the use of trampolines for children younger than 6 years of age should be prohibited.

11. The trampoline must be secured and not accessible when not in use.

The CPSC also issued additional safety measures while using the trampoline which include:

1. Somersaults should not be attempted because landing on the head or neck can cause paralysis.

2. Trampolines should not be used without shock-absorbing pads that completely cover the springs, hooks, and frames.

3. Trampolines should be laced away from structures, trees, and other play areas.

4. Trampoline enclosures should be considered which can help prevent injuries from falls off trampolines.

Trampolines HQ http://trampolineshq.com/ offers articles and tips about trampolines and trampolining.

Some Ideas For Halloween Party Games For Kids

If you’re planning to host a Halloween party for your kids and their friends, you’ve got your work cut out for you.

One of the first things you should decide is whether the party is going to have a specific theme. For example, if the theme was going to be a haunted house, all the guests would have to dress up as something related.

You could set up a haunted house and all the kids would have to go through it to get to the party. Your decorations would tie into the theme, and you could even have some helpers dress up as mummies and ghosts.

Whatever theme you choose, one of the things you’ll need to plan is some party games. Kids love it when they get to act crazy and win prizes!

There are always the traditional games like bobbing for apples. You can always put a new spin on things though. For example, instead of pin the tail on the donkey, you could make it pin the grin on the pumpkin.

Another great game for a Halloween party is gross taste test contest. Take some common foods and come up with gross sounding names for them. For example, gummy worms in pudding could become “mummy guts”.

Blindfold the kids and have them try the food. They have to guess what it is and whoever gets the most guesses right wins a prize. Most kids love things that sound gross (but really aren’t) but make sure you check for any food allergies first.

There are also lots of games you can play with balloons. You could have a relay where the kids run a race with a balloon stuck between their legs. Make sure you get orange & black balloons, or something that fits in with your theme.

You could also plan a costume contest with prizes for the best costumes. This will give the guests an inventive to come up with some really creative costume ideas. Have a bunch of different categories to make sure all the kids win a prize.

Whatever you plan for your party, keep in mind that kids get a ton of candy at Halloween. You might want to make your prizes something a little different.

Phil Sikes writes about theatre costumes and other related topics for the Get In Costume website. To read more about costume ideas for Halloween and other events, visit http://www.getincostume.com

How To Throw A Great Halloween Party On A Limited Budget With 5 Great Ideas

Most of the time, we find ourselves pinching pennies to get by another week. However, when it comes to a party, you really want your kids to enjoy themselves. Here are some ways you can make a Halloween party fun without spending a fortune.

• Have a Halloween Treasure Hunt party - In the big, plastic Jack-O-Lantern buckets you can purchase for $0.50, place candy, stickers, bags of fruit snacks and party favors. Now, create a map that you can copy on a copy machine, showing where all the buckets are hidden. Give the kids plenty of time to find all the buckets and grab one (or several) of each of the prizes.
• Shop at Dollar Stores for decorations - You don’t have to go to expensive party stores to get all that you will need to throw a Halloween party. You can find paper goods, like plates, napkins and table covers, invitations, thank you notes, streamers, and many other thematic holiday decorations for $1! The party favors and candy you use for game prizes can also be found there for a fraction of what you would pay for them elsewhere.
• Use online retailers to your benefit - Online auction sites and party retailers can give your great deals on things like craft projects and party favors. If you plan to throw a party at Halloween time, you need to pre-plan when you purchase on the internet, though. Shipping can take some time, so you will need to order early.
• Have all the guests bring a Halloween treat to share - Cookie swaps are very popular, so you can have the adults bring cookies to share with all the kids! No parents mind bringing a food item to share, so ask for fruit and veggie trays, popcorn, Chex Mix , Goldfish and other popular snacks with kids. As the person throwing the party, you can furnish the drinks and cake.
• Look for games that don’t require purchasing supplies - Musical Chairs, “(Child’s Name) May I?”, and Hot Pumpkin (instead of “Hot Potato”).

Being creative can make for a very fun, but very inexpensive party!

Nicola always enjoys Halloween parties with her family. Visit her Halloween site for tips and information about Homemade Halloween Costumes at http://Homemade-Halloween-Costumes.Best-Halloween.com

This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. All rights reserved. Copyright Best-Halloween.com

Glow Sticks A Great Addition To Any Party

Mostly seen on holidays like The Fourth Of July and Halloween, glow sticks can actually be a fun addition to any party. They are a very versatile item that can be used for almost anything. Here are some ideas for using glow sticks at your next get together:

1. As decorations - glow sticks are easy to hang from the ceiling, stick to walls or to make into signs. Since they come in such a wide variety of colors, they will fit with any color scheme.

2. As illumination - glow sticks are great for those nighttime parties. All it takes is a little snap and you have a glow to see by. Children can use them at sleepovers as night lights, teens can use them at night time football games, and adults can use them at any night time event, like a concert.

3. As centerpieces - glow sticks look great in the middle of tables. You can use them at your next outdoor party to brighten up where your guests will be eating.

4. Just for fun - this is the best use for glow sticks. Kids enjoy using them as they would a sparkler: to draw pictures in the air, to wave around, and to light their way. They last a long time and can give a great amount of enjoyment to a young child, whether celebrating a holiday or just because.

Glow sticks are perfectly safe and once they are activated, they stay lit for hours. There are several companies that sell glow sticks in bulk, so you can provide one for everyone attending your party. In addition to glow sticks, there are other products available for celebrations, too. Look for glow bracelets, necklaces, leis, and many more at your local party shop or online retailer.

Give the gift of light - give a glow stick.

Mrs. Party… Gail Leino is the internet’s leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. Glow Sticks, party planning tips, menus, free printable games to help complete your event.

Children Beware Cultural Landmines Abound

We live in a time when childhood obesity is reaching epic proportions, as are the typical food servings dished up to our nation’s youth - much to their naive delight. The old adage remains true: ignorance is bliss, but its time for our children to get educated on the relationship of lifestyle and health!

Rather than hemming and hawing about the gravity of the problem, practical methods of teaching children how to recognize and, in turn, circumvent negative societal influences while also imparting how and why to make better lifestyle choices is long overdue. Given all of the negative stimuli our kids encounter each and every day - sometimes hour by hour - of course they are going to make poor choices. Simply put, they are easy prey, and society is setting them up for failure.

With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that over 20 percent of American children are either overweight or obese, now more than ever we must help our kids recognize the overwhelming number of cultural influences outside their span of control that impact their decision making, and lessen the emotional burden carried by children who have internalized the responsibility for their weight problem. Rather than harboring displaced blame or guilt, our nation’s children would greatly benefit from re-focusing their emotional and physical energy on effecting positive, healthful changes in their life.

This all sounds good in theory but, rather than conjecture, we need action…primarily by parents who are the true foot soldiers in our kids’ battle of the bulge. And, it’s NOT rocket science. For starters, parents must teach their children the vernacular of healthy living, so they understand exactly why they are being asked to do things as it relates to their health so they make the proper connections. Children should know that it’s important to drink milk because it contains calcium that will make their bones strong, or to eat protein because it will help them develop muscle strength. They should know that their parents go to the gym to work out or walk outside because exercising helps keep their heart healthy.

Parents, teachers and other adolescent caregivers should TALK about the health risks of a chronically overweight and obese condition, including age-appropriate concepts related to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. Parents should point out those television commercials, billboards and other commercial advertising that attempts to influence their child(ren) to make a poor choice, and talk about what a healthy alternative would be. While out and about, parents should show the child exactly how temptations are strategically placed practically everywhere they go, and how to read the Nutrition Facts on food labels so they don’t fall victim to false or misleading health claims.

Parents should teach children how to eat “appropriate” portions of food - even when the restaurant serves entrees that could feed a family of four, should stock their home with nutritious snack and other foods so that their children are enabled to make proper choices, and should limit the amount of time their child is allowed to spend in front of the TV, computer and/or video game system. Parents should teach their child to take the stairs even if an elevator is right nearby. This is the tip of the iceberg…there are so many practical ways we can teach our kids to make the right choices in life.

The bottom line is simple: childhood obesity not only spells danger for the future health of our children, but for our nation at large. As such, it’s our collective responsibility to help kids navigate the omnipresent cultural landmines.

Child health advocate, weight-loss industry veteran and former bodybuilding champion Merilee A. Kern is co-founder and CEO of Healthy Kids’ Catalog

Consider Allergies When Purchasing Kids Bedding

One of the key things parents or others tend to think about when considering buying kids bedding or baby bedding is the way it looks and whether or not the size is correct for their bed. These are, of course, very important considerations, because if the bedding won’t fit the bed you bought it for, it obviously won’t be of much use. On the same note, if the child hates the cartoon character or colors of their blanket or sheets, they are much less likely to be willing to sleep with them. What many parents don’t consider when purchasing kids bedding or baby bedding for a child are allergies that the child may have.

One thing most people may not even think about is the allergy to latex. While most of the time, there is no latex added into the fibers that are in almost all sheets, blankets, or pillows, it is important to know that many times elastic or elastic threads are often used, and can cause problems for those with a latex allergy. While it isn’t very common that a pillow or blanket would have any elastic for any reason, do not forget that fitted sheets do use them around the corners to hold them tight to the mattress. Most of the time, there still wouldn’t be any need for concern about this, because the elastic will be under the mattress, but this is one reason it is very important to buy sheets for the correct size mattress. It may be tempting to use a bigger sheet when necessary, or even try to stretch a smaller sheet to fit, but both of these could easily come undone after any tossing and turning, and could cause the elastic to end up on the bed, and up against the child.

Lycra is also made up partially of latex, so it is not a material that should be used by a person with a latex allergy. Usually there is no lycra in bedding products, but it is always best to find this out before purchasing. If you know that it is 100 percent cotton, though, it should be of no concern. Most manufacturers of lycra are moving away from latex because of new technology, but until they quit using it completely, it is good to be safe.

Another allergy concern in kids bedding for children is how the bedding affects allergies to dust mites and asthma. Dust mites are the microscopic creatures that often live in pillows and mattresses, and their covers. In fact, bedding is known as a sort of haven for them, and it is the place they are most commonly found because they feed off of hair particles and shedding skin. Some baby bedding is designed to reduce the exposure to dust mites and other allergens. Many times these are recommended by allergists to prevent the person from inhaling dust that carries dust mite droppings, because doing so can cause allergies and worsen asthma. There are dust-mite-proof covers that are recommended for sufferers of these types of allergies. While many studies have shown that people who used these covers actually suffered the same from these conditions as those who did not, it is likely that those were situations where the person was using that as the only method of prevention. When used in conjunction with other ways, it is very possible that they will help, and will definitely do no harm.

While studies have shown that using allergy-proof bedding alone doesn’t decrease a person’s allergies, the bedding itself actually has been proven to reduce a person’s exposure to dust mites, which leads to the conclusion that they should be used, but they should be used in conjunction with other preventative measures.

Article by Avid Amiri - President of The Kids and Baby Bedding Company.

How to Make Car Travel Fun

Each year, families jump into their cars and head off on a road trip vacation. Within
minutes the kids start getting bored riding in the car and you are left with the
headache of trying to make their travel experience fun before they start to pick on
each other.

Here are some suggestions to keep your ride fun, peaceful and the ever dreaded
question of “are we there yet?”.

1. Play the alphabet game. - Children at reading age and above can play this game.
There are a few variations for this game. Starting with the first letter of the alphabet,
A - Find this letter on signs, billboards or license plates, but the word must start
with the letter A with a name like Applebees. Continue to the letter B for example: If
you drive past a Burger King restaurant, then you have your B, and can begin
looking for C. Of course you can make up the rules to your liking depending on the
age of your children. The key is that you must find these letters in sequence.

2. Another variation of the alphabet game will work for younger kids by finding
objects which start with each letter in the Alphabet. If you drive past a red barn, you
could probably claim either an R (red) or a B (barn), depending on which letter you
need next.

3. Play Card Games. There are many easy games which do not require all too much
space such as uno or war. A few travel games can pass by time and keep the kids
happy while you take a break from the action.

4. Play the I SPY game. I spy something green and it’s outside (as opposed to inside
the car). Riders take turns looking outside for something that might be the color
green. Chances are the object will pass quickly, so you will have to be alert and act
quickly. This is a great game to have your kids think as well as keep them busy and
aware of their surroundings.

5. Have the kids watch a movie or play their own travel game. The kids will be
occupied and probably glued to their own entertainment.

Don’t forget to take a break. Although stopping does not get you quickly to your
destination, it is important to take at least one stop along the way. Stretch breaks as
well as blatter relief should not go neglected as they are important for your bodies
well being. By getting some fresh air along the way, your road trips will be much
more enjoyable for everyone.

Jennifer Schilling has lived abroad in Switzerland and traveled Europe extensively.
Come check out here traveling tips at http://www.expatraveler.com/.

It Was Them Against Me!

One day, long after my youngest stepson (Nick) had finished high school and was out of the house, I found out when it really became them against me!

Back in Nick’s junior year in high school, he came downstairs dressed in a suit and tie for school. When I asked him what in the world was going on with that, he told me that his shop class was having a photo taken for the yearbook. He went off to school, as did my other kids, and I really never thought about that morning again.

Several years later, my eldest daughter and I were having an experience which involved her driving my car with me as a passenger while she had her learners permit, and she got pulled over by a policeman for running a yellow light. He let her off with a warning, and as we drove towards home, I commented that I was really surprised that Nick made it through his whole beginner driving experience without ever having gotten a traffic ticket.

That was when my daughter smirked and said: “Well, Mom, that’s not exactly true!” She went on to ask if I remembered the day that Nick went to school in a suit and tie. She then revealed the true story about that day.

Nick had gotten a speeding ticket on the way home from school one day while driving his truck a little too fast. Trying to avoid being punished by parents as well as the law, he (with my daughters/his stepsisters’ help) came up with the class photo story. Then he went to court instead of school that day, paid the fine for his ticket, came home at the usual time after school and I was none the wiser!

The fact that all of that deception went on, and that he had broken the law as well as having skipped school and gotten away with it, was amazing and shocking. But the strongest feeling that rose up in me was not anger, but extreme satisfaction. After years of the big stepbrother being against my biological daughters, those same kids stuck together and turned against me! Hallelujah! My kids, biological and step had bonded into regular siblings without me even knowing!

Sandy Williams, Life Coach specializing in blended family issues.
http://www.stepfamilysuccess.com
On staff at International Stepfamily Foundation

Construction Theme Party Planning for Kids and Adults

Construction parties are a great party theme that works for children and adults alike. There is no secret that kids, and in particular little boys, have liked big trucks and equipment, and constructing big buildings. Clothing, uniforms, hats, and tools are all part of the mystique of the construction party. After all what child doesn’t enjoy driving trucks, building stuff, and most importantly, getting dirty?

Children like to imitate grownups. A Construction party can be part of nurturing a child’s creativity. Children instinctively know how to stack, so the fun can begin immediately. That’s why building blocks are an essential part of learning and development as well as play for children. Using blocks, trucks, shovel and pails, etc., require squatting, pushing, lifting, etc., all of which help children develop gross motor movement of arms, legs, and hands. The great successful men of the world have used their imagination to create the biggest, the best, and the unexpected.

Construction theme parties can foster this level of independent thinking, and allow guests to become part of the driving force of the party by deciding what they will create. It’s a classic concept that has captivated the spirit of children for centuries. Pablo Picasso once said “That every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” With the help of a great assortment of construction theme party supplies and an imaginative energy that has no bounds, your Construction Party will be the talk of the neighborhood for years to come.

Mrs. Party… Gail Leino is the internet’s leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies (http://partysupplieshut.com), using proper etiquette, and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free coloring sheets, printable games, and free birthday party activities. Over 100 adorable Party Themes (PartyThemeShop.com) to fit your birthday celebration, holiday event, or “just because” parties is at the Party Theme Shop. Party themes include cartoon characters, sports, movie, TV shows, luau, western, holidays, and unique crazy fun theme ideas.

Childhood Obesity Your Kids And Heart Disease!

Shockingly, it is estimated that 22 million of the world’s children under 5 are overweight or obese and approximately one in four American children are overweight. The problem this presents is that these children are more susceptible to pediatric hypertension, type II diabetes, greater risk of heart disease, the extra burden of weight on joints, not to mention, the social effects with peers. The medical community has already indicated a surge in childhood diabetes and of the children diagnosed with Type II diabetes, 85% are obese.

Childhood obesity can be caused by a combination of many factors, but certainly two of the biggest contributors are lack of exercise and poor dietary habits.

Today’s youth spend several hours a day in front of televisions and computers. These activities, along with the lack of physical exercise programs at school, are not providing the energy the body requires to burn off calorie intake. Plus, energy levels continue to decline as additional weight is gained, inhibiting the desire to spend the recommended 30 minutes of daily exercise (in addition to what the child may receive during school). The benefits to physical exercise are extremely important though as it will reduce the risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, along with reducing or maintaining body weight. Additional benefits include, building healthy muscles, bones and joints and improving depression and over all psychological well-being.

Dietary habits contribute to obesity as well and have changed greatly over time. Due to the busy lifestyles of two income households, the demand for quick and easy microwaveable food, fast food and snack foods have increased drastically. Also, many children are substituting soda and vending machine snacks for school lunches.

Bottom line, children look for role models. If they see the adults around them exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet, they will be more apt to do those things as well. Fun family activities could include a walk, a bike ride, playing at the playground and shooting hoops on the basketball court.

A final note, if your child is overweight, consult your doctor. Rare hormonal disorders and/or other medical conditions can be diagnosed with blood tests and medical exams.

Ray Kelly is an Exercise Scientist with 15 years experience in the health and fitness industry. Find out more about symptoms of heart disease at Risk Factors for Heart Disease or http://www.free-online-health.com