Celebrating summer with fireworks is something many of us do. Fireworks are exciting to watch, but are very dangerous and must be used properly. Natural Resources Canada has created a fireworks safety video with purchasing, storage, usage and disposal tips. Check it out to make sure you and your family enjoy a sensational and safe fireworks display.
Summer Stress Reduction Strategies
As Canadians, we are well-known for making the most of our short summer months! We often fill them with day trips, weekends away, and vacations with family or friends. However, this summer fun can also bring on “summer stress” with all of the errand running, planning, organization and co-ordination that’s required to make that summer fun possible. Everyone sees and defines “stress” differently, but whether you recognize these additional demands as being “stressful” or not, they certainly weigh on our minds and add to the mental list of things we need to accomplish and manage in our days.
So what can Occupational Therapy do to help? Stress management is one area where Occupational Therapists can make suggestions that are helpful. These suggestions can help you to get the most fun from your summer, while preventing and managing the inevitable summer stress. Below you will find some general examples of the kinds of Occupational Therapy strategies that can help you limit and manage your summer stressors.
Beat the Heat — Stay Active!
It’s summer and the sun is shining, but hot temperatures and humidity can be dangerous during physical activity. Take a look at the following from WebMD which discusses tips to stay healthy in the heat including suggested activities, modifications and more. Check it out and have a healthy, active summer!
Safe Fun in the Sun
Summer is here and with more time spent outdoors and the UV index at its highest it is extremely important to protect yourself. Proper clothing, sun hats, and shade all help, but many health experts feel the best way to protect ourselves is by regular use of sunscreen. But how do you know which sunscreen is best and which sunscreens can actually do more harm than good? Many of the sunscreens we use contain harmful chemicals and though they protect you from the sun’s harmful rays, may actually be harmful in other ways.
Check out the Environmental Working Group’s “Guide to Sunscreens” which annually rates over 1800 different sunscreens available consumers. Visit the website and see how your favourite brand stacks up.
EWG’s 11th Annual Guide to Sunscreens
Summer Reading Plan
As mentioned in our post, Help Young Minds Stay Sharp this Summer, it can be difficult to keep children’s minds stimulated during the summer months and often many children suffer summer brain drain. One of the best ways to put a plug on this drain is to encourage regular reading. Encourage your child to set a SMART Goal for how many books they plan to read this summer and keep track using our free printable summer reading log. Be sure to build in rewards when your child is on track and when they meet their goal!
For additional helpful tools for kids and adults visit our Printable Resources Page.
Help Young Minds Stay Sharp this Summer
It’s that time again… The report cards are done, the bell has rung, and summer vacation is upon us! Summer is a time for camps, vacations, trips, cottaging and so much more. But with all the fun in store, where do they fit in time to learn? How do we as parents make sure our kids don’t suffer summer “brain drain,” while still ensuring they get the break and vacation they need? Check out the following infographic for ideas to keep kids brains sharp while having fun this summer vacation!
Are You Safe in the Sun?
We all know the importance of protecting ourselves in the sun. Summer is here and with more time spent outdoors and the UV index at its highest it is extremely important to protect yourself. Proper clothing, sun hats, and shade all help, but many health experts feel the best way to protect ourselves is by regular use of sunscreen. But how do you know which sunscreen is best and which sunscreens can actually do more harm than good? Many of the sunscreens we use contain harmful chemicals and though they protect you from the sun’s harmful rays, may actually be harmful in other ways.
Check out the Environmental Working Group’s “Guide to Sunscreens” which annually rates over 1800 different sunscreens available consumers. Visit the website and see how your favourite brand stacks up.
Myths of the Summer Months
Is it possible to get a sunburn on a cloudy day? Will a “base tan” prevent sun burn and sun damage? There are so many myths and unanswered questions when it comes to summer health that it’s hard to decipher the fact from fiction. The following from MSN Health uncovers 12 popular health myths and helps you get to the truth so you can protect yourself and have your healthiest summer yet!
The Best Healthy Sun Protection
July is UV Safety Month and earlier we discussed the importance of protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays. While avoidance is key, it isn’t always possible, so sunscreen becomes your best protection. However, many sunscreens contain harmful chemicals that are detrimental to your health. Each year the Environmental Working Group compiles a database which ranks sunscreens based on their chemical components to ensure the protection you use isn’t harmful to your body. Check out the best and worst sunscreens here, and be sure to search the brand you use to ensure it is the safest for your overall health!
Environmental Working Group: 2014 Guide to Sunscreen
Summer Boredom Busters for Kids
Are you already hearing “I’m bored” from your children? Day-trips, camps, playdates and family vacation time can’t happen every day, so kids sometimes will have to entertain themselves at home. While it is easy to let your kids fall into a routine of technology time, keeping them active is better for both their mental and physical health. But where can you turn to for unique ideas to keep them entertained and busy? Check out these 20 Summer Boredom Busters from Canadian Family Magazine.
Canadian Family: 20 Summer Boredom Busters
For more helpful information for children and families please visit our past blogs devoted to “kids“.