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maskmatters.org
SUMMER
2012
buzz
engage
Beat the Heat
DEHYDRATION CAN BE A SERIOUS THING
A
s much fun as summer can be, there are
some hidden dangers that can a ect our
children. In addition to thinking about
pool and travel safety, it’s important to make
sure you’re kids are getting enough water.
Dehydration can be a serious thing. It occurs
when the body loses more uid (through
sweating, urination, vomiting, etc.) than what
it takes in. e human body is composed of
nearly 75 percent water, making hydration
vital to health. Scorching temperatures, in
combination with outdoor activities, make being aware
of signs of dehydration in our kids (and ourselves) a must.
e most obvious sign is thirst. When you’re thirsty, you’ve most
likely already lost 2 percent of your uid content. Keep in mind,
however, that rehydrating should be done at a moderate pace.
If you’re dehydrated, drinking too much water at once
can cause vomiting, which can worsen your condition.
Fatigue is also a sign that you’re in need of uids.
Children who are dehydrated will seem less active than
normal, while an adult experiencing mild to moderate
dehydration will feel tired.
Another way to tell if dehydration is taking its
toll is through the skin. Gently pinch skin until it
turns white and release. If it takes two seconds or
longer for the skin to return to normal color, the body
is likely dehydrated. Finally, be wary of headaches and
decreased sweating, which are signs of a more serious need for water.
Sources: WebMD.com, MayoClinic.com
worthwhile with websites such as Reading is
Fundamental (rif.org). rough this site, kids
and young teens can join the free Reading
Planet Club, participate in writing contests,
complete reading activities and games, and
even design their own homepage.
4
CONSIDER AUDIO BOOKS.
It may seem like “cheating,”
but audio books can be a
great way for kids of all ages to improve
listening and comprehension skills. Long car
rides in particular are perfect for audio books.
Listening to an audio book while reading
along to a print version can also advance
uency.
5
GET CREATIVE!
Watch a movie that was
adapted from a book, then
compare and contrast the
two. Using software such as iMovie or Movie
Maker, kids can even make their own movies
based on something they’ve read. Kids can
start a blog where your child takes on the
persona of a story’s character. Perhaps your
child would enjoy creating new illustrations to
a book they’ve read. Above all, have fun!
1
TOGETHER, CREATE
GOALS AND INCENTIVES.
To help get you started,
libraries, bookstores and other
businesses o er reading programs with
rewards. Make a point of choosing books that
are of interest to your child. Better yet, have
them choose what they’d like to read. Have
lots of reading materials available—not just
books, but e-books, newspapers, magazines,
comic books and graphic novels, and
encourage them to explore di erent genres.
Summer reading on your child’s terms helps
cultivate a love of reading.
2
COMBINE ACTIVITIES
WITH READING.
For example, your child can
read a biography about a player before
attending a baseball game. Get your children
involved with vacation planning by having
them research your vacation spot. Read and
make up stories about animals before visiting
the zoo. eir involvement will make the
experiences richer and more meaningful.
3
EMBRACE TECHNOLOGY.
E-pads and e-readers may
increase appeal to some kids,
and reading online is still reading!
Make time spent on the Internet more
TAKE 5:
summer
reading
5 SIMPLE TIPS ON
MOTIVATING YOUR CHILD
TO READ THIS SUMMER
It’s often called the “summer slide”
or “summer brain drain,” and for
good reason: Research shows that
kids can lose more than two months
of reading achievement over
the summer months. However, it
doesn’t have to be a battle to keep
your children reading and learning
during summer break. The secret is
make reading fun, relevant, and a
part of your normal daily routines.
On-Track Tutoring, a Phoenix-based
tutoring and family support service,
offers these ways to keep your child
reading this summer.
SUMMER
2012
maskmatters.org
21
FOR MASK’S
SAFE DRIVING
CONTRACT,
VISIT
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33
MASK on
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MASK on
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@Discount_Cab:
Have you read the
latest @MASKMATTERS issue about
underage drinking? It’s a must-
read http://www.maskmatters.org/
#Responsibility #Family
@CatherineAnaya:
@MASKMATTERS u
r TERRIFIC!
@Life360 #Life360SafertyTipOfTheDay:
Watch out 4 boredom! Youth 12-17
who r often bored: 50% more likely
to smoke drink & use drugs. via @
MASKMATTERS
Stacey Beck:
This is a wonderful
magazine for kids and parents...check
it out!
Karen Ainbinder:
These guys are great
Shari Spaulding:
What a great place to
keep ourselves up to date for the sake
of our children!!
TwoforTheroad-usa:
Mothers,
Fathers and Grandparents... this
is an organization with a purpose,
this is a magazine that is extremely
informative. Get involved for the
sake of our kids.
FOR MORE TIPS, LOG ON TO OUR BLOG AT
maskmatters.org
teCh
Who are your kids talking to? We
know that kids spend their time
on social media sites and texting
on their phones, but did you know
they can chat on such
devices as an iPod and
tablets? Apps like Kik
Messenger allow real-
time chatting without
using a cell phone. Be
aware of your children’s
gadgets and how they’re
being used.
MASK’S NEED-TO-KNOW TIPS
bullY
Are you setting a
good example for your
children? When you get
frustrated at a stop light,
or with a restaurant
server or cashier, are
you respectful and
polite? Modeling tolerant
behavior is the best way
to encourage your child not to
bully others.
safetY
Keep your family safe
and in sync this summer
by using GPS-tracking
devices and apps, such
as Life360. The app
allows you to locate
your family members,
group chat and see
local threats all in one.
drug
Statistics show that kids and teens
try drugs for the first time during
the summer months more than
any other time of the year. To help
prevent your child from
making the wrong decisions,
always keep tabs on where
they are, verify with other
parents and check in with
them no matter what age
they are. Knowing that you
follow through with check-in
calls discourages your kids
from making unsafe choices.
✪
{
DID YOU KNOW?
}
Only 74 percent of mothers and 50 percent of fathers hug their children between the ages of 10 and 12 daily.