Tip Two: Wear Those Bike Helmets!

Whether your an experienced bicyclist or a beginner, one thing is always very important-wearing a bike helmet. The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute offers these important tips for proper helmet safety:

• Wear a helmet straight and level- A bike helmet must rest straight on top of the head. The rim must be level from front to back. The front should be just above the top of the eyebrows. If the helmet is tipped back, the front of the head will not be protected.
• Make sure you have a good fit- Fit is very important-never let a child "grow into" a helmet. A helmet must stay in place. If it moves around from side to side or back to front, it could slip off in a crash.
• Buckle the strap under the chin-on every ride- Adjust the chin straps so the helmet stays on top. The chin strap should be snug, with space only for one finger when it's buckled. Replace the buckle if it cracks or a piece breaks off.
• Warning! Don't wear helmets on playgrounds- Be sure to teach your children not to wear their helmet on playground equipment or while climbing trees. There is a danger of the strap getting caught on the equipment, which could result in strangulation.
• Practice safety as a family- Get children in the habit of wearing a helmet. Start when they begin to ride a tricycle.
• Help children under the age of 9 find places to ride off the street.
• Know, follow, and teach your children traffic rules.
• Don't allow children to ride at dusk or in the dark.

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Tip Three: Getting a Good Night's Sleep

Summertime sleep or sleep anytime of the year can be a trying experience for some of us. Here are a few tips to help make sleep more comfortable, according to sleep experts:

• Room temperature-The ideal temperature range is in the mid-60's. The point at which sleep is disturbed due to temperature or climate conditions varies from person to person. Typically, temperatures above 75 and lower than 54 will keep you up.
• Turning out the lights-Some people can sleep in the dark and for good reason-light stimulates the brain and gets you up…whether you want to be or not. Try heavy draperies or a light-blocking shade to keep you from getting up before you need to. If you have to sleep in the daytime, try using heavy eyeshades.
• Turn down that volume-everyone reacts differently to different sound levels. Women are more likely than men to awaken to sounds in the night. Sudden noise can cause your blood pressure to rise and lower the supply of blood to your heart. Noises at levels as low as 40 decibels and as high as 70 decibels can keep us awake. Some things we cannot help, such as the barking dog next door or the rowdy neighbors on the other side. Some things you can-like sleeping with the television on and a dripping faucet.
• Side-by-side sleeping-Two people do not often rest as easily as one. Many partners do not fall asleep to the same things-some may prefer music, others may prefer silence. One may insist on a firm mattress, others may want extra cushioning. Try to accommodate each other's needs as best as possible-if a serious sleep disorder is causing one of you to stay awake, consider sleep therapy.

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Tip Four: Camping and Insects

Mosquitoes, fleas, maggots, ants, wasps, bees, you name it. They still exist, especially in our campgrounds. When choosing a campground, try to stay away from thick bushy woods, according to travel experts. Deep grass, stagnant ponds, out houses and garbage dumpsters are all havens for little creatures.

Make sure you also dispose of garbage and don't drink out of those pop cans before you take a drink-you never know what might be inside. You can also check the stores for different things that will protect you while camping.

Mosquito coils, body spray repellent, repellent lotion, citronella candles and bug foggers are all good things to try out, but be sure to use them properly and keep them out of the reach of children.

Also be sure to bring along anti-sting ointments or medications in case you or a family member or friend is stung or bitten while camping.

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Tip Five: Encountering Snakes at the Campground

Snakes can be a common problem for those of us who venture out into the woods camping this summer. Here are some precautions from travel experts to avoid an encounter with snakes or prevent having a bad experience with one:

• Wear knee high loose fitting boots
• Never reach into a hole or up onto a ledge where you cannot see
• Never sit down before inspecting the area around you
• Be careful when stepping over logs
• Always walk in a leisurely manner-a snake may attack if you begin to run
• Do not go for walks at night, when snakes are active
• Purchase an American Red Cross First Aid manual

Now, here are some tips from travel experts if you are bitten by a snake:

• Carry a snake bite kit or first aid kit
• Encourage bleeding from the wound-sucking blood from the wound should be your very last resort
• Rinse your mouth thoroughly if there are any cuts there (before you suction)
• Try to get to a medical facility if you believe the bite is serious
• Do not apply ice
• Do not cut the wound
• Do not use a tourniquet
• Do not use electric shock

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