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The risk of developing skin cancer will be substantially reduced for children who learn to “Block the sun, not the fun!”  Sun Safety for Kids is dedicated to reducing the incidence of skin cancer through teaching and promoting sun protection to children.  During the hour, while you are contemplating the subject of sun safety, one more American will die from skin cancer.  It remains the most common type of cancer in the United States despite being such a preventable disease.  Keep your children safe!  Encourage or require the use of Sun-protective hats, long clothing, sunscreen and UV-blocking sunglasses.  To complement more reliable methods of reducing skin exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation (such as sun avoidance, clothing, and hats) sunscreen can be very useful.  However, limitations to the effectiveness of sunscreen include the following common user errors which are Failure to apply enough, uneven application / missed spots and Failure to re-apply.  Because some amount of UV radiation might pass by the sunscreen, unintentional sunburn can occur.  Think of these products as a back-up to other, more effective, and sun safety strategies.  The sun emits a broad spectrum of radiation that includes harmless visible light as well as ultraviolet radiation.  The bands of wavelengths that damage human skin are categorized as UVA and UVB.  UVB rays are the main cause of the skin turning red, or exhibiting a sunburn.  They can fracture the DNA in skin cells, resulting in mutations.  UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are the main cause of wrinkling, and discoloration.  They cause the formation of damaging atoms called free radicals, and can inhibit the immune system from doing its job to prevent cancer.  It is important to protect the skin from both UVA and UVB.  If, and only if a sunscreen effectively filters out UVA rays as well as UVB rays (which is highly desirable) it may be labeled "Broad Spectrum."  When shopping for sunscreen, always look for a product labeled "Broad Spectrum SPF" rather than simply "SPF."  Certain antioxidants can augment the broad-spectrum protection.  Look for a mention of antioxidants on the product label but unfortunately there is not yet any rating system to help you compare antioxidant effectiveness between products.  Probably the greatest drawback with sunscreen is that most people do not apply a sufficient dose.  The SPF number is determined by the manufacturer using a “standard” application amount (required by the FDA) of 2 milligrams of product per square centimeter of skin.  For the average adult in a bathing suit this would be a little more than one ounce, or approximately a shot glass full.  (That’s one quarter of the typical 4 oz. sunscreen bottle.)  When a person applies less than the “standard” amount, only a fraction of the labeled SPF will be achieved.  Studies have shown that the average person applies less than half the “standard” amount of sunscreen, which results in an SPF of only about one third of that labeled on the bottle.  Spray on sunscreens is particularly subject to under-dosing.  By contrast, if more than the “standard” amount is applied, the SPF achieved will exceed that labeled on the bottle.  UV causes some sunscreen ingredients to gradually deteriorate on the skin’s surface in response to sun exposure.  Sunscreen can also dissipate due to sweating, rubbing, and penetration into the skin.  To maintain maximum effect, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours.  A single application before coming to school cannot be expected to adequately protect a child for afternoon physical education.  These products must be applied liberally and, as with paint, two coats are better than one.  Thus, Sun Safety for Kids coined the phrase: “Put on a lot. And don’t miss a spot!”

Information brought to you by sunsafetyforkids.org 

 Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year. Although most lightning occurs in the summer, people can be struck at any time of year. Lightning kills an average of 49 people in the United States each year, and hundreds more are severely injured.  There are many tips to know about lightning safety.  There is NO PLACE outside that is safe when thunderstorms are in the area!!  If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.  When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter: a substantial building with electricity or plumbing or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with windows up.  Stay in a safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.  Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.  Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets.  Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.  Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete walls.  If you are caught outside with no safe shelter anywhere nearby the following actions may reduce your risk:  Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks.  Never lie flat on the ground, never shelter under an isolated tree, never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter, immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water and stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, etc.).  Safety from lightning is talked about mostly during the summer months but please stay prepared anytime during the year. 

 It’s country cooking month and boy does that bring back some good ole memories!  I used to love to eat my granny Louise’s cooking along with my Granny and Papa Meeks’ cooking.  The homemade biscuits from my Granny Meeks and fried cornbread from my Granny Louise and the fresh veggies and fruits were to die for!  They beat fast food any day of the week.  When I was growing up, cooking and eating at home was what you did.  Going out to eat was a treat for sure.  My favorite foods they cooked was cream corn, my Papa Meeks’ macaroni and cheese, fried okra, squash, boiled potatoes, fried cornbread, biscuits and peach cobbler.  Those sure were the days! What were some of your favorite foods from your grandparents?   

 A trip to the beach can be a fun, relaxing way to spend your summer vacation.  Included are some tips to keep your beach trip safe. Obey the signs.  Warning flags come in different colors and have different meanings depending on which state you are in.  Green flags usually indicate ideal swimming conditions while red flags usually indicate strong current and rough surf.  If swimming is permitted during red flag conditions, it is best to swim near a lifeguard station for additional safety.  Be prepared for ocean swimming.  Ocean swimming is much different than swimming in a pool.  There are strong waves, marine life, an uneven ocean floor, and possible sharp shells or rocks.  Rip currents often form near piers and therefore swimming near them is not recommended.  If you find yourself stuck in a rip current, it is important to swim parallel to the shoreline.  Once you are out of the current, turn and swim towards the beach.  It is best not to swim alone.  If you are just beginning to swim, a life jacket should be worn for added safety.  Pack the necessities.  The beach gets hot in the summer.  It is important to stay hydrated and cool.  Some beach necessities include water, a beach umbrella or hat, sandals, sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel and a chair.  Heat stroke or exhaustion can occur from too much sun exposure.  If you have nausea, dizziness, headache, fatigue, or feel uncomfortable in any way, seek shade and drink water to cool down your body temperature.  If symptoms persist, see a medical professional as soon as possible.  Be aware of the weather.  Check the weather before planning a day at the beach and pay attention to the weather while you are at the beach.  Storms can roll in quickly.  Thunderstorms with lightning do not mix well with open beach spaces and ocean water.  If you are at the beach when a storm comes in, exit the water immediately and seek shelter until the storm passes.  Share your day at the beach with your pets.  Some beaches allow pets on the beach during certain seasons and some allow them all year long.  If pets are allowed on the beach you are visiting, follow the rules allowed by the beach and be sure to clean up afterwards.  Bring water to keep your pet hydrated and safe.  Following these tips will help to ensure that you have a fun and safe day at the beach!  For more information on beach safety, visit www.coastalchange.org. 

 Beginning last July, a new bicycle safety traffic law went into effect in Georgia. When passing a bicyclist, a driver must move over into the adjacent lane if it is safe and legal to do so. If unable to move over, the driver must slow down to a speed that is either ten miles below the posted speed limit or 25mph, whichever is higher. As currently required by law, drivers must also allow at least 3 feet of room between their vehicle and a bicyclist when passing

Every bike ride begins with putting on a helmet. But it’s equally important that you ensure a proper fit so your helmet can best protect you.   Size can vary between manufacturers. Follow the steps to fit a helmet properly. It may take time to ensure a proper helmet fit, but your life is worth it. It’s usually easier to look in the mirror or have someone else adjust the straps. For the most comprehensive list of helmet sizes according to manufacturers, go to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI) website.  

Safety Rules For Bicycling

Ride a bike that fits you—if it’s too big, it’s harder to control the bike
Ride a bike that works—it really doesn’t matter how well you ride if the brakes don’t work
Wear equipment to protect you and make you more visible to others, like a bike helmet, bright clothing (during the day), reflective gear, and a white front light and red rear light and reflectors on your bike
(at night, or when visibility is poor)
Ride one per seat, with both hands on the handlebars, unless signaling a turn
Carry all items in a backpack or strapped to the back of the bike
Tuck and tie your shoe laces and pant legs so they don’t get caught in your bike chain
Plan your route - if driving as a vehicle on the road, choose routes with less traffic and slower speeds.
Your safest route may be away from traffic altogether, in a bike lane or on a bike path 

This is more like one of those “did you know moments”?  I was recently looking at a Pampered Chef book on a Facebook Pampered Chef Party and saw this life hack that we all need to know but I surely did not know this.  I bet my grandmother did, but I did not.  Want to know what it is?  Sure thing.  Before buying a bell pepper, flip it over.  The ones with four bumps are females.  These are full of seeds but sweeter and better for eating raw.  The ones with three bumps are male which are better for cooking.  Now when you are shopping for the perfect bell pepper, decide if you plan to eat it raw or cooked.  I will watch this now because I absolutely love bell peppers and I love them raw, just wash them, slice them and eat them up!  The Martin News hopes everyone is enjoying the Summer and enjoying your fresh fruits and vegetables that Summer has to offer.

 With this South Georgia humidity and heat, you can never get too much education on this topic!  Extreme heat is defined as summertime temperatures that are much hotter and/or humid than average. Because some places are hotter than others, this depends on what’s considered average for a particular location at that time of year. Humid and muggy conditions can make it seem hotter than it really is.  Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself. While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough. In these cases, a person’s body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down. This can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs.  Some factors that might increase your risk of developing a heat-related illness include High levels of humidity, Obesity, Fever, Dehydration, Prescription drug use, Heart disease, Mental illness, Poor circulation, Sunburn and Alcohol use.  Older adults, the very young, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are at highest risk. However, even young, healthy people can be affected if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.  Summertime activity, whether on the playing field or the construction site, must be balanced with actions that help the body cool itself to prevent heat-related illness. Use this website to learn more on how to stay safe in the heat this summer, including how to prevent, recognize, and cope with heat-related illness.  Stay safe this hot summer. 

 July is when they celebrate Mac & Cheese Day.  We celebrate it at our house often, but this just gives us another reason to celebrate it!  My favorite is mac and cheese shells.  Larry’s favorite is white cheddar mac and cheese with bacon.  What is your favorite?  I could truly just eat mac and cheese with nothing else and make a meal out of it.  Could you?  Do you have a certain restaurant that you like to eat Mac & Cheese?