July 4th Fireworks Safety Tips

4th of July Fireworks Safety Tips

Children are at High Risk for Fireworks Eye Injuries

The Fourth of July is drawing near and barbeque preparations are underway. Fireworks are a traditional part of Independence Day celebrations, but they can also be dangerous. Sadly, children and teens are too often hurt by fireworks. So, before the celebration begins, get your EyeSmart fireworks safety tips from the Texas Ophthalmological Association.

Of the 9,000 fireworks-related injuries each year, 21 percent are eye injuries and more than half of the victims are young children or teenagers.

Raising a Lefty in a Right-Handed World

Raising a Lefty in a Right-Handed World

by Kerrie McLoughlin

Those poor lefties! They pick up a mug and the picture is facing away from them. They struggle while using regular scissors. And we’ve all seen a lefty write while their hand smears ink across the page while they sit at their school desk made for righties.

Fathers of Invention: Famous Dads Who Invented Things that Changed our Lives

Fathers who Invented the Air Conditioner, Adhesive Tape, Popsicle and More

 

By Kate Kelly

When we think of great inventors, we generally list the men like Alexander Graham Bell, Samuel Colt, the Wright brothers, and of course, Thomas Edison. (As a “fatherly aside,” Edison’s early work was on the telegraph, and he had telegraph-related names for his first two children: Dot and Dash.)

On a month when we focus on “fathers” and celebrate their day, it’s fun to think about some of the lesser-known fathers of invention who came up with everyday items that have changed our lives. This Father’s Day, let’s tip our hats to some men (fathers as well as fathers-to-be) who created some of these everyday items:

Air Conditioning

Imagine life without air conditioning…for most of us, our summers would be pretty miserable.

How to Protect Children from Child Predators

Protect children from child predators

Trust Your Gut… and your child’s gut, too!

 

by Darlene Ellison, M.S

iPhones, texting, YouTube…we seem to be a technology-dominated society. Of course, in my 40’s, I am probably a bit insecure in these high tech times, since the first time I ever turned on a computer was in college!  Don’t get me wrong, I am a definitive fan of technology as it aids me in my business, in keeping up with my kids’ whereabouts, and in providing research at my fingertips…not to mention great recipes at a moment’s notice.  But when it comes to protecting our children from child predators, detection is key and there is no technology in the world that is more valuable than feelings that stir inside of you and your child—TRUST YOUR GUT!

Local Farmers Markets

Summer Guide to Local Farmers Markets

by Jennifer Barling

Farmers markets are a great place to get fresh, locally grown produce, and summer is the perfect time for enjoying the bounty.  You can try out new fruits and vegetables, or sample handmade products like jellies, cheeses, and breads.