
The Dog Days Of Summer Are Here and There Are
A Few Important Safety Tips To Remember!
Studies
continue to confirm the negative effects of the sun's radiation
from over exposure. Use a sunscreen and a hat with a wide brim
when you are outdoors. It's inexpensive protection that may keep
you from having serious problems in the future.
When temperatures are extreme, rearrange your work patterns
in the garden. Avoid the mid-day heat. Early morning and late
evenings are more enjoyable and safer.
To reduce the chances of sunburn:
* Avoid sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. (when effects
of the sun are the most damaging).
* Always use a sunscreen and wear a hat or cap with a brim.
* Avoid recreational tanning.

Water Safety
To avoid swimming mishaps, always follow these suggestions:
* Take swimming lessons.
* Always swim with a buddy.
* Swim only in areas that have a lifeguard and obey lifeguard
instructions.
* Get out of the water immediately if you see lightening or hear
thunder.
* Never eat, chew gum, or drink while swimming.
Protect Your Eyes!
Sunglasses aren't just accessories for the summer, they are necessary
protection for your eyes, according to the National Consumers
League. Consumers know about the danger of sun exposure to the
skin, but many are unaware that the sun's rays can damage the
eyes.
According to experts, UV-A and UV-B radiation can damage vision.
Consumers can protect their eyes simply: Wear sunglasses that
block out 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B.
"Sunglasses provide one of the best sources of UV protection,"
says Linda Golodner, president, National Consumers League. "While
some UV-absorbing contact lenses are now available, they do not
provide adequate protection from UV radiation and should not replace
sunglasses. Sunglasses are still needed to cover the entire eye
area, including eyelids."
Summer Fun
Some ways the good folks at Ty have taught us to entertain
ourselves during the summer.
We were given magnifying glasses and told to explore the Ty picnic
area, oh boy, what fun!
We were so excited and could not wait to start.
We dug up worms along the pond and viewed them through the magnifying
glass. WOW were they big, at first it scared us because instead
of looking like worms they looked like snakes.
We also checked out leaves, grass, sand, rocks, fish and each
other.
Boomer has decided that he wants to become a scientist and now
has requested a large microscope for Christmas.
Chipper has decided that he would like to do some bird watching.
We came up with a quick way to make a pair of binoculars and have
some fun!
Binoculars
Materials: Two toilet paper rolls, Glue, Colored tape or yarn,
String or yarn, Additional decorations or paint.
Instructions: Decorate two toilet paper rolls as desired. Cellophane
may be used to cover the ends. Glue the two together or wrap with
colored tape/yarn. Punch a hole on the side of each roll near
one end. Thread string or yard through holes to produce a neck
strap. Knot at each end. Instant binoculars for hours of fun gazing
outdoors!
Now that we have learned how to protect ourselves from
the summer sun, it's time to have some fun and relax!
