http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/murrayBlog/ en cmurray@wcbd.com Copyright 2010 2010-07-27T20:43:17+00:00 http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/murrayBlog/chill_out_this_summer/ http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/murrayBlog/chill_out_this_summer/#When:20:43:17Z Here's how to cool out: Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle during hot weather, even for a short time. Drink plenty of fluids but avoid drinks with alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar. Start drinking fluids before going out into the heat. Plan strenuous outdoor activity for early morning or evening when the temperature is lower. Take frequent breaks when working outside. Wear sun block, hats and light-colored, loose-fitting clothes. Stay indoors in air conditioning as much as possible. Eat more frequently, but be sure meals are well balanced and light. Don’t dress infants in heavy clothing or wrap them in blankets. Check frequently on the elderly and those who are ill or may need help. Check with a doctor about the effects of sun and heat when taking prescription drugs, especially diuretics or antihistamines. At first signs of heat illness – dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps – move to a cooler place, rest a few minutes, then slowly drink a cool beverage. Seek medical attention immediately if conditions do not improve. Heat can create serious health problems. Usually the elderly, the very young, the sick and those without access to air conditioning are most severely affected by heat. Symptoms of heat illness include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, nausea, weak but rapid pulse, and headaches. People with these symptoms should find shade, drink water slowly and make sure there is good ventilation. If fluids are not replaced soon enough, heat stroke can follow causing extremely high body temperature, red and dry skin, rapid pulse, confusion, brain damage, loss of consciousness and death. To help a person showing severe symptoms, get the victim into shade, call for emergency medical services and start cooling the person immediately with cool water or by fanning. Staying in an air-conditioned area, either at home or in a public place such as a mall, library or recreation center, is the most effective way to combat heat. If air conditioning is not available, pull the shades over the windows and use cross-ventilation and fans to cool rooms. A cool shower or bath also is an effective way to cool off. Limit the use of stoves and ovens to keep home temperatures lower. Children especially can quickly become dehydrated. They need to drink fluids frequently, especially water, and wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes. Avoid drinks that are heavily sweetened or contain caffeine. Check on children often, especially if they are playing outside in high temperatures. Personal 2010-07-27T20:43:17+00:00 http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/murrayBlog/dont_forget_the_child_when_dealing_with_child_custody/ http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/murrayBlog/dont_forget_the_child_when_dealing_with_child_custody/#When:19:21:34Z Please parents, do your best to rise above the differences you have with your ex-spouse, and keep the rights of your children in mind when dealing with custody issues. I found a very interesting article on the issue. Read onWhen parents are involved in a custody battle, they are usually focused on protecting their own individual rights. In other words, mothers are concerned about protecting their rights as mothers; fathers get focused on ensuring that they maintain their rights as fathers. However, often lost in the middle of all the motions, briefs, opinions, and petitions, is the fact that, in each and every state, when it comes to custody and visitation, the children have their own set of rights.   The judicial system in each state considers numerous factors in arriving at a final child custody arrangement. And while the opinions and desires of an older child generally carry more influence than those of a younger one, the following list of rights is generally upheld for children of all ages. The right to a continuing relationship with both parents. The right to be treated, not as a piece of property, but as a human being having unique feelings, ideas and desires. The right to continuing care and proper guidance from each parent. The right to have his views and opinions of one parent not be unduly influenced by the other parent. The right to express love, friendship, and respect for both parents, and the freedom from having to hide those feelings or emotions. The right to know the impending divorce was in no way caused by any actions of the child. The right not to be the subject and/or source of arguments. The right to continuing, honest information regarding the divorce process. The right to maintain regular contact with both parents, and the right to a clear explanation for any changes or cancellations of plans. The right to enjoy a pleasurable relationship with both parents; the right never to be used as a manipulative or bargaining tool. Parents who can study, understand, support, and enforce these rights on behalf of their children will reap immeasurable rewards in their relationship with their kids. Parents who ignore and repeatedly violate these rights run the risk of damaging their relationship, credibility, and their children themselves beyond repair.     Personal 2010-07-07T19:21:34+00:00 http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/murrayBlog/carolyn_takes_swimming_lessons/ http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/murrayBlog/carolyn_takes_swimming_lessons/#When:02:01:55Z Last summer our community was gripped with the heart-wrenching stories of children who drowned and the loved ones who could not save them. Dr. Davis and I agreed though daunting I had to do what I encouraged people to do from the anchor desk...learn life-saving water skills. Today at the Martin Luther King Junior pool on Jackson Street, Dr. Davis was encouraging and firm. There was a camera over our shoulder but it did not detract from Dr.D's message: Don't panic, fill my lungs, make smooth arms movements, and keep my toes pointed Well, I am doing it.  Finally, after 44-plus years on earth, I am venturing into the water.  I desperately want to learn to swim and Dr. Lance Davis, a family medicine doctor at Roper Saint Francis is committed to helping me learn this life-enriching skill. Last summer our community was gripped with the heart-wrenching stories of children who drowned and the loved ones who could not save them.  Dr. D and I agreed though daunting I had to do what I was encouraging people to do from the anchor desk…learn life-saving water skills. Today at the Martin Luther King Junior pool on Jackson Street,  Dr. Davis was encouraging and firm. There was a camera over our shoulders but it did not detract from Dr.D’s message: Don’t panic, fill my lungs, make smooth arms movements, and keep my toes pointed From a technical perspective Dr. Davis is an amazing doctor, educator, swimming instructor and friend, but what I value even most is his ability to empower me so that I can face this challenge.  I am learning a skill but what I am actually proving to my daughter is that throughout life we continue growing and gaining if we are willing. I have a long way to go but Dr. D has me on a water-logged path to finding the strength within myself to push beyhond my fear so that I may experience that sense of exhiliration and accomplishment. Dr. D is teaching not only a specific swimming skill but, more importantly, a life skill of finding the strength within to push past adversity. Personal 2010-06-26T02:01:55+00:00 http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/murrayBlog/murrays_mom_tip_for_junesafeguard_your_skin/ http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/murrayBlog/murrays_mom_tip_for_junesafeguard_your_skin/#When:02:23:09Z The importance of sunscreen cannot be overstated! The reason why sunscreen is important is that the number one cause of aging and damage to the skin is sun exposure! Sun protection is the most important skin care product you can use everyday. Applying sunscreen really should be a year-round habit, but summer is a key time for everyone in the family to apply a product wtih an SPF of 15 or higher every day.  All that fun in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer, not to mention painful sunburns and premature wrinkles.  To get enough protection, you need to reappluy sunscreen at least every two hours, so keep a bottle handy in your purse, your car’s glove compartment and your kid’ backpacks.  For added protection, ear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.  Using a UV-blocking laundry rinse on clothing will up the sun protection of an average t-shit from a rate of 5 to 30-and it’s car cheaper that stocking up on special UV-protective clothes. Personal 2010-06-23T02:23:09+00:00 http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/murrayBlog/blacks_need_sunscreen_too/ http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/murrayBlog/blacks_need_sunscreen_too/#When:20:34:15Z The need for sun safety has become clear over the past 20 years, with studies showing that excessive exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer. And also with the fine lines around my eyes and my mouth.I realize it from years of running across the Cooper river and now Ravenel Bridges…that sun is a monster!  it might look like a warm glowing friend and party-starter but it has carved lines in my face deeper than the Grand Canyon.  I wish someone had told me that black people needed to wear sun screen too when I started my exercise endeavours. I have lots of friends who tan. I never have deliberately, because I frankly did not need to.  I now know it is a sign of the skin reacting to potentially damaging UV radiation by producing additional pigmentation that provides it with some—but not nearly enough—protection against sunburn. No matter what our skin color, we’re all potential victims of sunburn and the other detrimental effects of excessive exposure to UV radiation. Although we all need to take precautions to protect our skin, people who need to be especially careful in the sun are those who have pale skin blonde, red or light brown hair been treated for skin cancer a family member who’s had skin cancer African Americans If you have an illness and take medicines, ask your doctor about extra sun-care precautions, because some medications may increase sensitivity to the sun. Cosmetics that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) also may increase sun sensitivity and susceptibility to sunburn. Look for FDA’s recommended sunburn alert statement on products that contain AHAs. The feds rating system should improve sometime this fall. 2 Your Health Personal 2010-05-10T20:34:15+00:00 http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/murrayBlog/overweight_kids_bullied_and_are_bullies/ http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/murrayBlog/overweight_kids_bullied_and_are_bullies/#When:19:36:17Z Interestingly, previous studies have suggested that obese children are more likely to bully others, in addition to being the victims of bullying. One possible explanation for this is that children who have difficulty staying calm and controlling their impulses to lash out at others may also have a hard time regulating their eating, and may eat for emotional reasons rather than out of hunger.Another day and another report about obese children.  This newest report focuses on overweight children who are caught in a vicious circle of self-destructive behavior.  The report says the kids are inactive and very often sad.  The report says they use eating as gratification. We all know that the effect is continued eating which results in increased weight gain.  The cycle is depressing. So what do we do?  Well remember that you, the adult, must discover the child’s strengths and help involve the child in fun activities.  Introduce the child to sports, or the arts, or even cooking healthy meals.  I connected a couple of sisters to a chef at Trident Techinical college’s culinary institute.  He taught them to prepare healthy pizzas and granola bars.  Just as the children battling obesity are different, so are the solutions.  Personal 2010-05-03T19:36:17+00:00 http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/murrayBlog/2_your_healthchildhood_obesity_resources/ http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/murrayBlog/2_your_healthchildhood_obesity_resources/#When:02:38:27Z The healthy choices you make every day can have a big impact in the health of your family over time. Learn why healthy habits start at home and how your family can take small steps toward a lifetime of good health. Here are resources for families. Check your Body Mass Index (BMI) Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person’s weight and height. BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/ Louie’s Kids LOUIE’S KIDS is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization that raises funds to help treat childhood obesity, which afflicts 25 million American children today. Louie’s Kids works to find the best treatment options to meet the needs of each child. We find the fix that fits, one kid at a time. http://www.louieskids.org/ Lean Team The Lean Team is a partnership between the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Division of Adolescent Medicine, and the Charleston County School District (CCSD). Our goal is the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity through individual, family, and community change. http://www.musc.edu/leanteam Deciphering Labels (FDA) The FDA has a kid friendly website that makes it easier to decipher key information in food labels. http://www.fda.gov/Food/LabelingNutrition/ConsumerInformation/ucm114022.htm Personal 2010-04-24T02:38:27+00:00 http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/murrayBlog/the_good_earth_has_been_good_to_me/ http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/murrayBlog/the_good_earth_has_been_good_to_me/#When:01:19:45Z Research conducted supports the connection between kids' food gardens and improved nutrition. Could a school garden be part of the solution to the diet- and exercise-related challenges children face?In every school I walk into I find children who are overweight or on their way to becoming obese; many are not getting the right balance of nutrients in their diets or enough exercise. Research conducted supports the connection between kids’ food gardens and improved nutrition. Could a school garden be part of the solution to the diet- and exercise-related challenges children face? Many forward-thinking educators and parents think so.  I have had the unique privilege of working with The Children’s Garden Project and I can tell you that I believe if it is not the solution…it is a part of the solution.  Right now in our yard we are growing tangerines, oranges, apples, and plums.  It is a blessing to eat from the good earth.  I hope that I have planted something in Reese’s heart about enjoying her world while feeding her body.  Personal 2010-04-22T01:19:45+00:00 http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/murrayBlog/childhood_obesityadults_the_buck_stops_with_you/ http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/murrayBlog/childhood_obesityadults_the_buck_stops_with_you/#When:02:06:08Z Calling all Moms, Dads, Grans, and guardians...you play a key role in making healthy choices for your child because the earliest decisions regarding food and activity happen in the home. I understand it is not easy, so I am offering some suggestions.Find time for “unstructured” creative play this month. As the warmer months often bring busier schedules, these last few weeks of winter might provide a good opportunity to set aside time to spend together as a family.  While waiting for spring to arrive have a family huddle and share ideas for creative (imaginative) play time together. Talk about what creative play can look like and how everyone has a creative side to them. Allow each other to use materials or “props” in a variety of methods. For example, set up a grocery store or a place of work (if a grown-up “goes to the office” every day) and have fun creating the space. The family can imitate healthy grocery shopping (writing a list, following a list, identifying healthy food choices from the perimeter of the store, etc.) Personal 2010-03-17T02:06:08+00:00 http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/murrayBlog/2_your_healthare_parents_responsible_for_obese_kids/ http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/murrayBlog/2_your_healthare_parents_responsible_for_obese_kids/#When:02:11:33Z Tell me what you think: Should parents be criminally responsible for their obese children? How far should the law go in holding parents directly responsible for any of their children’s behaviors? Are you also responsible for what your children eat? When a South Carolina woman lost custody of her 14 year-old son because the boy’s weight hit 555 pounds. People started taking notice.  The arrest warrant alleged that she placed her child in “an unreasonable risk of harm” by allowing his weight to become “serious and threatening to his health.” The boy was put in foster care. The attorney for the South Carolina mother says convicting her on criminal charges for her son’s obesity will open a Pandora’s Box of issues way beyond the immediate issue. “What about the parents of every 16 year-old in Beverly Hills that’s too thin? Are they going to start arresting parents because their child is too thin?” the attorney asked. “If your 14 year-old goes down the street and gets pregnant or breaks the neighbor’s window or steals the neighbor’s car, can the parents now be held criminally liable for that child’s acts as well?” Tell me what you think: Should parents be criminally responsible for their obese children? How far should the law go in holding parents directly responsible for any of their children’s behaviors? Personal 2010-03-04T02:11:33+00:00