All Clear! And Summer Hazards

All Clear!

We just had another Canine Inspection from Dodson and now, a year and a day since our last inspection, we have once again been declared bedbug free!  Hooray!

And if anyone asks about bats, it's the Chilhowie library.  Sorry, Pat Hatfield, we know how it goes!

Scout

Jenny

 The Perils of Summer

 Dr. Feierabend's presentation about summer dangers was wonderful! For those who missed it, here are some highlights:

• The best way to remove a tick is with tweezers, grasping the tick as close to the mouth as you can and pulling gently to get it to release its bite.  Petroleum jelly, rubbing alcohol, nail polish, etc. are NOT good ways to try to remove a tick. Don't squeeze its body or you could push more of its contents into you!
• SPF 30 sunscreens may NOT offer you protection from the rays that can cause skin cancer!  Only those sunscreens which offer "broad spectrum" will protect against both sunburn and skin cancer. And you'd better use the broad spectrum lip balm, too!
• If you're allergic to poison ivy, be sure and wash any clothing that may have come into contact with the plant.  Oils from the ivy can stay on clothing for up to five years and still cause a reaction.  You can also get poison ivy from touching anything else that may have come into contact with the plant-- a pair of gloves, a pet, gardening tools, etc.  A similar plant that causes a rash is poison oak.

Bee stings, wasps, lightning, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion were just a few of the other topics covered in this very informative program.  Jeanne picked up some of the handouts and will share.

 The Perils of Sport

 Do you have a child who plays football, basketball, or soccer? Researchers are learning that damage can begin very early, and create life-long problems.  The CDC reports that hospital ERs see nearly 200,000 such injuries a year in children and teens, many from football and girls's soccer. Read more about it here:http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/sports/facts.html

Which makes our next Health Series presentation a must attend event for any parent or grandparent who has a young athlete in the family.  Dr. Diana Heiman is a Sports Medicine specialist who has worked with all sorts of teams from children's to professional. She'll offer guidance and advice about what to watch for with your student athletes.  The program will be Thursday, August 14, starting at 6:30 pm.  Please spread the word!