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Aug
25

Picking the Right Backpack

by chris

There’s only 10 days left until school starts, and I can’t hardly wait to see my best friends Jona and Ginger Gold again! Yesterday, my mom and I went on a big shopping extravaganza to buy all the supplies and clothes I would need for the new school year. After what felt like 30 gazillion hours of shopping, we stopped at our last store to buy a new backpack. We didn’t have to do much searching for the new pack because sitting on display at the front of the store was the coolest backpack I had ever seen! It had all my favorite colors (yellow and blue) and lots of zippers and compartments where I could put all my books and supplies.

Have you bought a new backpack for this year? If you haven’t, here are a few things to consider when you pick it out:

1. Look for a lightweight pack with lots of compartments to help distribute the weight of books and supplies.
2. Find a backpack with a padded back to increase comfort and keep sharp objects like your scissors from poking through the fabric.
3. Make sure the pack has two wide, padded straps and a waist strap.
4. Consider the size of the backpack to the size of you. If your backpack is too big, it may be too heavy when you carry it which might make your back hurt!

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Aug
16

Physical Therapy

by chris

When I was a small apple, I feel off my bike and hurt my leg.  My doctor said I had to rest and stay off my bike for a few weeks, but he also said that I needed physical therapy.  Do you know what that is? 

After an injury, physical therapy can help you move around, make your body stronger and help lessen any pain you are feeling.  A person that helps with this is called a Physical Therapist.  They will teach you new exercises and stretches.  Physical therapists also have fun toys that you can use to help make your muscles stronger. 

Physical therapists can also:

  •  Help with your balance so you don’t fall over
  • Teach you how to stay safe when playing so you don’t get hurt again

When I was hurt, my physical therapist taught me how to walk with crutches.  We even practiced walking up and down the stairs together.  Now my leg is stronger than it’s ever been before!

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Jul
27

All About Skin!

by chris

Did you know that skin is the body’s largest organ?  The average person has 20 feet of skin wrapped around their body. . . . that’s the length of 70 ruby red Chris the Apples lining the sidewalk! 

The skin keeps our bodies at the right temperature and allows us to have a sense of touch. It is an important organ that protects and holds together our insides. Without it our bodies would have no shape. 

Skin is made up of three layers with very big names: the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous layer. 

  • The epidermis is the outer layer that we can see and touch. It gives skin our color and helps us keep water inside our bodies.
  • The dermis is the middle layer. We aren’t able to see it with our eyes, but it contains little strings called nerve endings that talk to our brain when we feel something touch our skin. It also has sweat glands that produce sweat to keep us cool.
  • The bottom layer is called the subcutaneous layer. It is made up of mostly fat that works to keep our body warm and helps our bodies absorb shock when we fall. It is also the place where our hair begins to grow. 

Our skin is so important that if we don’t take care of its layers now while we are young, we may have serious problems when we get older.  

Don’t worry, it’s pretty simple actually:

  • Scrub the epidermis (the outer layer) really well in the bathtub or shower each day,
  • Clean and cover scrapes and cuts as soon as you get them
  • Wear protective sunscreen every time you go outside.

Trust me, if you do these things now you will be thanking yourself when you get to be my Granny Smith’s age.

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Jul
25

Staying Safe While Playing Outside

by chris

I love playing outside during the summer.  It’s so warm and all my friends are off from school.  Sometimes I even get to stay outside with my friends past bedtime! It’s important to remember the rules when playing outside. 

Always wear a helmet when riding your bike outside. When you are playing outside with your friends, always stay on the grass or sidewalk.  Never run after your ball or toys if they have crossed into the street.  Don’t stay out past your curfew and if you know you are going to be late, make sure you tell your mom or dad ahead of time.

Most importantly, never talk to or take anything from someone you do not know. If you have any questions about what to do when playing outside or crossing the street, ask your parents.

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Jul
06

Chickenpox

by chris

Have you ever had the chickenpox? I did when I was a kid and it was really itchy. There was a red, itchy area, called a rash, on my skin. The rash usually starts on the stomach or back and face. The rash starts as bumps that turn into blisters, which later turns into scabs. If you have the chickenpox, you may also have a fever, stomach pain, headache, cough or you may not feel as hungry.

Here are some things you can do to help the itchiness go away:
• Do not scratch because this can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection in blisters.
• Use cool, wet washrag or take a bath in cool or lukewarm water to help the itching.
• If you have chickenpox blisters in your mouth, try to eat only soft food.

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Jun
27

Swimming Safety

by chris

Splish! Splash!  It’s getting warmer outside and you know what that means: swimming!

Make sure you always ollow these do’s and don’ts when playing in the water:

• DO learn how to swim!
• DO get out of the water if weather turns bad, especially if there is lightening.
• DO wear aqua socks or water shoes at the lake or beach to your protect feet from jagged rocks, trash, or broken glass.
• DO wear life jackets when on a boat.
• DO avoid jellyfish and ask for adult help if you are stung.
• DON’T dive into a pool without checking with your parents first.
• DON’T swim if you have any cuts and are bleeding.
• DON’T run around a pool, roughhouse, or push others into the water.
• DON’T swim if your ears hurt.
• DON’T go anywhere without telling an adult first.

Most importantly, DO have fun!

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Jun
14

Bugs, Bugs and More Bugs

by chris

Did you know there are more bugs in the world than people?  Most bugs are hard to see and they don’t bother us, but some like bees and spiders can hurt you if they bite or sting.

When you are outside to enjoy the warm weather you should:
• Never walk barefoot on the grass
• Stay away from the woods
• Wear long sleeves and pants, and don’t wear brightly clothes
• Make sure food is covered if you are eating outside
• Use bug spray

Tell your parents right away if you think a bug has bitten or stung you.

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Jun
09

It’s Hot Out There

by chris

Summer is almost here and I know you like playing outside just as much as I do!  Here are some important things to remember when you are playing outside when it’s really hot.

  • Drink plenty of water before and during playtime, even you aren’t thirsty.
  • Where a hat and always put on sunscreen.
  • You and your friends should take a lot of breaks.  Go inside and have a drink and a snack!
  • Sometimes it’s ok to play inside when it gets really hot. 

If you feel tired, sick, confused, dizzy or are having trouble breathing go inside and tell your parents.

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May
19

A Good Night’s Sleep

by chris

“Can I have a glass of water?” “I’m afraid of the dark.” “There’s a monster under my bed.” “Mom please, just 5 more minutes of TV?”

Do some of these things sound familiar?  I know it’s fun to stay up past your bedtime, especially when the weather is nice, but getting enough sleep is important for your health. 

You should always:

• Stick to the same bedtime every night, even on weekends.
• Turn off the television, video games and computer at least 30 minutes before going to bed.
• Always brush your teeth, go to the bathroom and maybe even read a short story before bedtime.
• If you don’t feel comfy in your own bedroom, tell your mom and dad.
 
If you feel extra sleepy, can’t stay awake at school or are having trouble remembering things, tell your parents right away.

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May
02

Achoo!

by chris

Achoo! Achoo! You know what that sound means: allergy season is back.

I have allergies and they always start during the springtime. I’m allergic to something called pollen, which comes from plants. When my allergies start, I sneeze and cough a lot. I also feel really itchy and my nose is runny. Sometimes my eyes get wet and it even looks like I am crying.

Do you ever feel this way? If you do, don’t worry. Kids just like you have allergies. Be sure to tell your mom or dad. They may take you to see a doctor.

If your doctor or mom gives you medicine, make sure you take it! It will help you feel better.

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