Health Ministry at Emmanuel

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS are held the second Sunday of each month in the Infant Nursery immediately following the 10:40 AM service.

Susan Johnson RN, Keli Flannery RN, and Margie Goodling LPN will be glad to give you an update on your blood pressure.

Play it safe, for safety’s sake

Playgrounds and swing sets can provide children with hours of play during the warm weather, but they are also one of the leading causes of injury. When you consider using a play area, keep the following things in mind for safety’s  sake. Since most playground injuries are the result of falls, make sure the area under the swings or climbing equipment provides a soft landing. The landing surface material should be at least 12 inches deep and extend at least six feet beyond the equipment to prevent injury from lateral or projectile falls. Also check chains and ropes that attach swings or other climbing features. Playground equipment can be dangerous when used incorrectly. Always make sure you supervise children while they are on the playground. More than once an observant, fast-acting adult has prevented the serious injury of a child.

Keep the bugs out

Ants aren’t the only bugs that may arrive at your picnic site. Bacteria may also invade your fun if you aren’t careful. Always bring enough ice to keep your meats, vegetables, salads and other food items cool and your cooler full. A full cooler maintains cold temperatures longer. When grilling foods, make sure that all meats reach temperatures that kill harmful bacteria. Though it may not be vogue to carry a meat thermometer to a picnic, it may prevent your family or friends from carrying a bout of intestinal illness home. Never place the cooked or grilled foods back on a plate that held raw meat.

Choose the right cover-up

Ah, the free and easy days of summer – the wind whipping though your hair as you careen down the hill at 20 miles per hour ... Wait! If the wind is

whipping through your hair, then you are not wearing

your helmet! That’s dangerous! Wearing a helmet when biking, skateboarding or roller skating is a smart move. Consider the statistics – according to Safe Kids Worldwide®, 47 percent of children under the age of 14 who were hospitalized for bike related injuries were diagnosed with brain injury. Children 10 to 14 had the highest death rate from bicycle head injuries. Wearing a bicycle helmet has been shown to reduce the risk of brain injury by 88 percent. Studies show that states which have enacted mandatory bike helmet laws have reduced bicycle related fatalities by 60 percent. Wearing a helmet is a good idea at any age. Make sure your helmet fits properly and use one any time you ride or strap wheels to your feet. Your brain will thank you.

Have fun in the sun

Always bring along a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more to protect your skin. Apply it 30 minutes before exposure and reapply after sweating or swimming. You may also want to consider using a UV blocking beach umbrella or other shelter. Blocking the sun’s harmful rays helps prevent skin cancer.

Fired up for safety

Hamburgers, chicken and brats on the grill make easy summertime meals. Prior to firing up your gas grill for summer, give it a pre-season check. Inspect hoses, connectors and LP tanks for cracks and leaks. Check the burners for blockages. Have a professional repair problems with the gas supply. When you finally fire up your grill, always make sure it is placed on a flat surface away from other flammable structures. Never leave the grill or barbeque pit unattended when children are present. Remember, never pour gasoline, kerosene or lighter fluid on hot coals or open flames – even if your dad always did it this way!