New Video: How Sunscreen Works at Kids.gov

New video: How Sunscreen Works Everyone needs some sun exposure; it’s our primary source of vitamin D, which helps us absorb calcium for stronger, healthier bones. It doesn’t take long for most people to get the vitamin D they need. Too much exposure to the sun’s rays can cause skin damage, eye damage, and immune system suppression. During the summer, kids can rack up a lot of time outdoors in the sun, so it is especially important to teach kids good sun safety habits. Sunscreen is a good way to protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. The US Food and Drug Administration recommends using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 and with “broad spectrum protection” on the label. Here is a video that explains how sunscreen works.  Sunscreens won’t protect your kids completely. Teach your kids these SunWise Kids Tips for extra protection. Here is a fun game (flash required) kids can play to teach them about sun safety.  For more

Fast Ways to Stop Temper Tantrums

Toddlers are famous for tantrums, so when fits erupt, it's wise to have some tried-and-true tricks to tame toddler tantrums.  Read more

5 Tips for Safe & Healthy Exercise

Play Hard, Play Safe!

Exercising is a wonderful way for kids (and adults) to enhance their health and to improve their physical abilities. But exercise always comes with the risk of injury or harmful stress on the body. Here are a few tips to help your child exercise safely.

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Car Seat Safety Check: 8 Common Mistakes You Must Avoid

Mistake #1

The scary truth is that four out of five safety seats are used incorrectly, with an average of three mistakes per seat, reports the Washington, D.C.-based National Safe Kids Campaign. And mistakes can be deadly. Consider these chilling statistics: In 2001, nearly 500 children under age 5 were killed in car crashes, and more than 200 of those kids were in car seats designed to save their lives. And as many as 31,700 kids were injured--in car seats. Luckily, there's something you can do to make your child safer: Find out whether you're making any of the mistakes detailed in this article--and fix them today. And make sure to tear out our free car-seat installation guide to keep in your glove compartment for easy reference.

Seat too loose in the car  for more info:

11 SEPTEMBER 2001, MILITARY in DC

I was coming from a physical therapy appt at NNMC Bethesda, on the morning of the 11th of September.  (It was a Tuesday)  Everyone was listening to our car radios and heard about the World Trade Center Towers being hit by planes.  It was obvious that we were under siege, just how much, no one knew.

I was driving my blue Astro Van down the George Washington Parkway, getting ready to merge onto the  Teddy Roosevelt Bridge, when all of a sudden everyone stopped.  There was a plane directly over us, headed in the direction of the Pentagon / National Airport.  We were all trying to get to the top of our cars so we could watch...what was about to become history - my generations Pearl Harbor...From my standpoint, I didn't see the plane actually hit the Pentagon, but I knew it had, the black smoke bellowing up to the heavens, was a telltale sign...wasn't sure at first if it was the Pentagon or National Airport.  But I pretty much knew it was the Pentagon.

We all knew the magnitude of what we had just witnessed....numbness took over my body.  I got in my van and drove like a mad woman to get to BUMED, (took a whole 30 seconds) to give them the details of what I just saw...I drove straight to the CDO's (command duty officer) office to see if I could be of any assistance...knowing the Red Cross would be calling me to deploy me to the scene or to the DC Emergency Operations Center.

OE's Appt and the 4th

Just spoke to your daddy and he said OE weighed in at 16 lbs and 13 oz.  He got a couple of shots and only cried when the needle when in.  He immediately stopped when the shot was over.
He also said that you, your mommy and OE went to the FR for the 4th and enjoyed a carnival.  Then you watched the fireworks and you were really scared of the noise.  OE slept thru the whole thing!

DIAPERS and POTTY TRAINING

My Little Baby Girl, your daddy just told me that you are totally potty trained!  I am so very proud of you.  I can't wait to get up there to see you and hug you till you can't stand it!  And he said that OE is 16 lbs and 10 ounces and is now wearing a size 3 diaper!  Last time I saw him, he was still wearing newborn size.  Time goes way too quickly, when it comes to my little grandbabies.  I love you with all my heart!

Horrible Weather

You guys had a really bad storm pass thru on Friday night and into Saturday morning.  It knocked out your power and you guys ended up going to your other grandma's house to stay, because she had power.  Power didn't come back on until Tuesday night.  Your daddy said a big tree fell down on the dog house and he wasn't sure if it caused damage or not.  But the temp is well over 100 degrees and bad for elderly and babies.
Your daddy cleaned up the yard on Sunday morning, cleared all the tree limbs and debris from the front of the house.  I wanted to come help, but I am 700 miles away.  I was suppose to come up to watch you and OE, but due to bad weather and no power, I didn't.  I wanted to help, but your daddy said no.  So I am coming up the end of July to babysit and celebrate your birthday!  I love you, my little sparkle-berry!  I miss you so much.  I haven't seen you for 2 months, it's killing me...longest time ever...