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May 31
0

Eat. Play. Read. 15 Minutes With Your Child

By | Blog, Child Development, Parenting Advice, Quality Time, Videos, Youth Babysitter Tips | No Comments

Eat. Play. Read.  15 Minutes With Your Child

For the 16 years I’ve been teaching Babysitting CPR classes for youth age 11+, I have always strongly urged the importance of quality time with the children.    I tell these young babysitters it will 1) make the children like you – and thus behave better for you and 2) will make you the preferred babysitter – and thus you make more money.

More money.  That’s when they giggle and squirm a bit that I’ve identified their “secret” about babysitting – that they want to babysit to make money.  It’s rather sweet that they think they should be altruistic about babysitting versus pragmatic.  I assure them it’s both.   Parents are looking for two things, I tell them:  1) someone kind and 2) trained.   Yes, they deserve to be paid for doing the vital thing of keeping dearly loved children safe!

I urge them to PLAY with the children; ask them questions to get conversations going, teach them a song or a dance, make up things to do – be creative.    I also urge them to READ to the children and I list for them all the benefits – brain and vocabulary development, emotional soothing, imagination as the plot and characters unfold, and more.

Eat. Play. Read.

So, that’s advice for babysitters, right?

Well, I have come upon a very nice organization that gives similar, gentle information for PARENTS.    The site The Family Tree suggests small changes that families might make that can make a big impact.

Eat. Play. Read.

One of their programs is Eat. Play. Read.  Just 15 Minutes a Day.   

“The time investment is small, but the benefits of spending as little as 15 minutes a day eating, playing and reading with your family are enormous – starting with more focused, creative and sociable kids.”

Eat. Play. Read.

Eat together – it’s strong family time

You might like to print out this one-page list of suggestions for your refrigerator:

Eat. Play. Read.  

The Family Tree also has You Tube short videos explaining why each area has great benefits – Eat.  Play.  Read. 

Click above on each each short clip – it’s a boost of inspiration and motivation!

 

Eat. Play. Read.  Print-out examples.

For instance, a one-page sheet gives great suggestions on using “positive discipline”.  It’s a helpful nudge, reminder, deep-breath list of information when times get tough.

Eat. Play. Read.

Play together. Let your kids know you.

Eat. Play. Read.

Quality time. It’s BEST.

 

But wait!   Parents do you sometimes feel overwhelmed with “advice” about parenting and “vital information” about parenting?

Gotcha.   It can rather make you feel like you “need to do even more” or that you are “falling short” since you don’t do that particular, specific advice in your household…

Nah…

I recommend reading this article from the Washington Post, “Quality Trumps Quantity”.    It addresses the issue of parents feeling they should “spend more time” with their kids.   The article asserts that the quality of the time is far, far more important.   And to stop feeling guilty!

A hefty chunk of time to be with your children can be very hard to achieve.   The article asserts that parents should not expect it – or even try to think in terms of quantity.   Rather, quality.

The article is clear support to continue to do, as always, “the best you can”.    That’s wonderful right there!   It’s the best you can!

reading together

Read together.

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EasyCPR-Denver.com     visit my site for the list of upcoming classes

Connect with me on my Facebook page to keep receiving these tips!

Jean Lesmeister, 16 year Babysitting CPR, Adult CPR & First Aid Instructor

American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI)

Please SHARE this information with your network – THANK YOU!

May 20
0

Online CPR is not CPR

By | ARE you ready to help?, Blog, Parenting Advice, Safety Tips | No Comments

Online CPR is not CPR

As a Training Center for the American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI), I recently received a voice mail from a woman requesting information about getting CPR certified – on a speedy basis.  I returned her call the next morning.    She told me that she had just taken an “online CPR course” and was “now certified” so she could begin her new job as a Nanny in a few days.   However, online CPR is NOT CPR!

I told her an online class is *not* a real class; without physically utilizing mannequins with a trained Instructor present to monitor correct compressions and breaths, it is *not* a certified class.

She argued that she now had a “real” 3-year certification.   3-year certifications don’t exist in authentic CPR agencies.

I was appalled.   These employers believe this woman can save their children in case of emergency.   Nothing is further from the truth.   She is not trained.

Faking Certification

Recently, our CO legislature passed a bill making it illegal to claim that your dog is a “Service Dog”, if it is not.   Service Dogs are highly trained dogs to give their owner mobilization support, retrieve items, emotional support, and more – much more.

Service Dogs wear a jacket (with licensure card in pocket) that allows them to enter buildings, airlines, restaurants, etc.

To pretend that your dog is a service dog is abusive.   It can engender doubt in the mind of the public – “is this REALLY a Service Dog?”   Of course, the public is also in danger if untrained dogs are entering venues but are not trained for public contact.

Online CPR is not CPR – They are Lying

The Health and Safety Institute (HSI) states on their website that these untruthful online-only companies claim their classes are ‘nationally accepted’.   They are NOT.

HSI states further, “No major authentic training program in the United States endorses certification without practice and evaluation of hands-on skills.   According to OSHA, “online training alone does not meet their requirements”.

FAKE certificate 2

FAKE CLASS

FAKE certificate

             FAKE CLASS

Let’s Clarify Online-Only vs. “Blended”

There IS a difference.   All major legitimate agencies now offer an option of “Blended Training”.   This means that some class information is done online in advance of the physical skills done face-to-face with an Instructor.   The student arrives to class with a print-out of completion and the physical skills are then taught.   A Blended class is a great idea.   A usual CPR class runs 2+ hours – the Blended class, since part is completed in advance, requires a shortened physical skills session with an Instructor.

What’s the Problem?

There is no nationally accrediting or governing body for emergency care training.

What are some agencies offering authentic training?

  • American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI)   [part of HSI]
  • Medic First Aid  [part of HSI]
  • American Heart Association
  • American Red Cross
  • National Safety Council
online CPR is not CPR

   This is NOT training.             Online CPR is not CPR.

 

oneline CPR is not CPR

      THIS is CPR Training

The OSHA website has an article called “Unmasking the Certification Mill Problem” discussing the disservice of lying to people that they can get certified online.    The article states:  Thomas Glassy, director of the OSHA Directorate of Enforcement Programs, wrote: “Online training alone would not meet the requirements of these training standards. The word ‘train’ is defined as ‘[t]o make proficient with special instruction and practice,’ Webster’s II New Collegiate Dictionary, 1995, p.1, 169. These standards require training in physical skills, such as bandaging and CPR. The only way these physical skills can be learned is by actually practicing them.”

The article also asserts, “The certification mill problem threatens to undermine first aid and CPR education and certification as a whole. Though it is naïve to expect an immediate resolution, the problem requires direct action by employers, training organizations, states, and the federal government.”

Getting Real

online CPR is not CPR

            ABSOLUTELY NO WAY!

Can you learn to ride a horse watching a video?

Can you learn to change a diaper watching a video?

Can you learn to drive a motorcycle watching a video?

Online CPR is NOT CPR

Physical skills require physical involvement.  

We must stop accepting bogus online-only classes with their print-your-own certification cards that you get for paying $19 for the class.   It’s wrong.    It’s fraud.   Parents, don’t be tricked!

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EasyCPR-Denver.com     visit my site for the list of upcoming classes

Connect with me on my Facebook page to keep receiving these tips!

Jean Lesmeister, 16 year Babysitting CPR, Adult CPR & First Aid Instructor

American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI)

Please SHARE this information with your network – THANK YOU!

 

May 16
22

5 Steps to First Aid?

By | ARE you ready to help?, Blog, Safety Tips | No Comments

5 Steps to First Aid?

Someone needs help?   When you offer First Aid to anyone, you become the “first responder”!   If someone is injured or in medical distress, we can feel adrenalin – but hopefully not panic.

You automatically want to respond.   You want to help.   You just have to be sure that you respond effectively, respond appropriately (don’t exceed your training), and don’t forget important elements.

When does someone need First Aid?

There are many reasons why a person might be experiencing a health problem.    Of course there are injuries:   a fall, a collision, a bleeding wound, a burn, and more.    Next, there are systems in the body that might be in trouble – heart, brain, lungs, stomach, intestines, etc.   Next, there are ongoing health issues for that person – diabetes, asthma, heart condition, high blood pressure, seizure activity, pregnancy, to name a few.   And there is always the presence of a scary problem – someone choking.

trouble breathing

Someone needing first aid can occur suddenly

Where does someone need First Aid?

When you think about your day, imagine how many environments you are in per day – and first aid could be needed at any of them!

  • the lobby of a business building
  • someone entering as you exit the grocery store
  • the lunch counter / coffee shop
  • parking structure / pedestrian walkways
  • bookstore / department store / office supply store
  • picking up your child from school
  • and the BIG ONE – your HOME – where everyone is spending lots of hours doing all kinds of activities
first aid when you need it

Medical urgencies can require first aid

Who will need First Aid?

You are most likely to give care to someone you love.   But you are also at work, at venues of organizations you belong to, out in public recreation and garden sites, walking in your neighborhood – so you might assist unknown members of your community!

4 out of 5 cardiac arrest occur in the home, actually.

bleeding arm

Get trained to know how to handle an injury

Here are the 5 Steps to First Aid:

  1. Recognize the emergency.   Does someone look like they’re in trouble?   If so, ask them, “Are you OK?”
  2. Call 911 if you think you should.   Remember, you don’t need their agreement to call EMS (Emergency Medical Services) – 911.   (You only need their agreement to touch them
  3. Ask them questions in case the situation escalates to unconsciousness.    “Are you allergic to anything?   Are you on a medication?”
  4. Be kind and calm.   Your compassionate and gentle smile, your reassurance that they’re “going to be OK” is a type of care!    Kindness and reassurance is “care”.   You might reduce their blood pressure or ease their frightened breathing.   You can do a lot to soothe thei fear.
  5. Be a Steward of the person.   Some folks have old, incorrect ideas about how to handle a problem – such as, “give him some brandy” or “lift her up and put her on the couch”.    Nope.   Do.   Not.  Do No Further Harm is the key.   Step in and say, “No.  Don’t do that.   It can hurt them.”

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EasyCPR-Denver.com     visit my site for the list of upcoming classes

Connect with me on my Facebook page to keep receiving these tips!

Jean Lesmeister, 16 year Babysitting CPR, Adult CPR & First Aid Instructor

American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI)

Please SHARE this information with your network – THANK YOU!

May 06
0

Have a Summer CPR Party

By | ARE you ready to help?, Blog, Choking help, EasyCPR Adult class at Home, Safety Tips, What my student said... | No Comments

Have a Summer CPR Party

What IS a Summer CPR Party?

Well, are there people that you love?   Yes?   Oh, then you should HAVE a CPR Party!

As you know, the 2-hour certified CPR class teaches people two main things

1) what to do if someone is choking and

2) how to correctly do chest compressions for someone unconscious and not breathing – as you await the arrival of 911.

A CPR Party is YOU gathering together your family and friends for the 2-hour class.  As the 16-yr experienced Instructor, I arrive with my 3 sizes of mannequins and teach a great class for you.   II am EasyCPR-Denver because I make class smooth, focused and with fun humor.  After class, you have a fun social time, a party!   A cook out?   Playing games?    Telling jokes to each other?

cpr party 1

2-hr CPR certified course followed by a PARTY!

Student stories I’ve heard – both good and bad

I’ve been teaching CPR and Babysitting CPR youth classes (age 11+) for 16 years and, WOW, have I heard a lot of stories!    Students like to share things that have happened in their family or to friends and neighbors.    I think it’s great!   Everyone in the class learns from the story that’s been offered.   Sharing stories adds to retention of the skills they’re learning!

The topic is choking?   I am told choking stories.

The topic is difficulty breathing?   I am told breathing stories

The topic is injury due to falling?   I am told falling/impact stories

Story examples:

“my uncle choked one time and…”

“my little sister climbed in the dryer to hide…”

“my mom fell off a ladder and…”

“my grandma could hardly breathe and we…”

“my neighbor’s house had a gas leak and…”

Most stories have happy endings – but some don’t.

My eyes grow huge when I’m told things like:

“my mom dug her fingers down my little brother’s throat when he was choking”  (You don’t do that!)

“my friend told me you punch a hole in the throat if someone can’t breathe” (You don’t do that!)

“my uncle had chest pain so he went for a long jog”  (You don’t do that!)

 

Are you ready?

So, there is an emergency at your home…    Are you ready?

Have a CPR Party to become trained and confident.    Nothing matches that feeling.

Is your babysitter or nanny more trained that YOU are?    Are your teens trained?    Do you know what to do if someone chokes?    While everyone can choke, the people who choke most often are little kids and senior citizens.   What if grandpa chokes?

cpr party 2

You will be GLAD you got trained in CPR!

How does it work?

Why do you do compressions?   How does it work?   WHY does it work?   How does it help save a life?    Do you give the person breaths – or not?

I’ll be happy to tell you!   

I make class enjoyable and full of information and

skills practice that is easy to learn.   

It’s EasyCPR-Denver.com !

How you host a CPR Party:

  • Pick a date for the 2-hour class – I reserve that date for you.
  • I send you a link to send to your invitees so they can register/pay in advance. That way, class starts/ends on time.   (Minimum 6 people, maximum 14)
  • The day of class, everyone arrives and gets trained. Then you have a party!

Everyone feels confident and ready to save their loved ones.

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EasyCPR-Denver.com     visit my site for the list of upcoming classes

Connect with me on my Facebook page to keep receiving these tips!

Jean Lesmeister, 16 year Babysitting CPR, Adult CPR & First Aid Instructor

American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI)

Please SHARE this information with your network – THANK YOU!

 

Apr 29
0

Kids and video games

By | Blog, Child Development, Parenting Advice, Quality Time, Youth Babysitter Tips | No Comments

Kids and video games

When I teach the Babysitting CPR class that I’ve taught to youth age 11+ for over 15 years, I always urge students to spend *quality time* with the children, which brings up the issue of kids and video games.

There are surprising statistics on how little one-to-one time kids might spend with their parents who are rushing about to jobs, commitments, appointments, household and life errands, etc.   Life’s pace can be so fast that kids can get only short face-to-face time with their parents.   Perhaps 20 minutes per day?  So, I always counsel students to engage in conversation, ask questions about school and friends, get them talking about their favorite fun, favorite ice cream, favorite animal – and AVOID television and video games.

Compared to being talked to or read to, television is a waste of time and a brain drain for children, I believe.    Watching TV, they never use their imagination the way they do when being told or read a story.    But when their imagination envisions in a story the characters, what the characters are doing and saying, how they feel, the suspense in the plot, the child’s brain is active and developing

I’ve also always thought that kids and video games are a poor match.   I’ve thought that the games are detrimental to a healthy child.   After all, Seriously?   You make points for Murdering?   Rewarded for Violence?

SO…I decided to learn more about video games!

Kids and video games – there are some good games?

The RaiseSmartKid.com website has done some research, gathering input from many sources, to list Positive Effects and Negative Effects of kids and Video Games.

I’ve learned so much more about kids and video games – and some positive benefits.   It’s all about the premise of the game they’re playing.   If the game is one of quality, it encourages the development of quite a list of positive skills.   If it’s just violence, it’s trash.

There CAN be benefits!

There CAN be benefits!

Positive Effects of Kids and Video Games

  • Problem solving
  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Motor and spatial skills
  • Multitasking
  • Making fast analysis and decisions
  • Immediate issues while keeping long term goals in mind
  • Reading and math skill development
  • Responding to frustrations and risks
  • Teamwork and cooperation when playing with others – Especially playing with parents!

Having fun is the best way to learn

I believe having fun is the best way to learn.    It’s why I make my Babysitting CPR classes lively and with warm humor.    I tell example stories of smart safety things babysitters have done, funny stories about what a little child said to her babysitter, etc.    Humor in class escalates retention, a major point of any training.

Having fun is the best way to learn

Having fun is the best way to learn

As a child plays a quality video game and does well with the challenges and problems and creativity, they experience the wonderful feelings of warm self-confidence, self-esteem, pride and satisfaction with success.    Good things!

It certainly seems to be all about a parental decision of WHAT games to allow their child to play.    And also that only ONE HOUR per day is the solid mandate asserted by researchers.

Negative effects of kids and video games

If a youth plays violent games, their behavior can become aggressive, their values skewed by being “rewarded” for violence.   They can also become addicted to the game and thus avoid doing their homework and even stay awake all hours of the night playing the game – and ensuring fatigue and failure the next day at school.

GIRLS

As a strong advocate for woman and girls – and passionate about ending the worldwide abuse of women and girls – I find it horrifying how video games so often portray female characters as weak, helpless, sexually provocative or victims.   That doesn’t fly with me AT ALL.   I’m passionate about the awesome girls’ website called A Mighty Girl.      http://www.amightygirl.com/

This website offers a huge amount of excellent support for girls, empowerment for girls, and humor and fun.   Here are some video games recommended for girls from A Mighty Girl.

As a horse woman, I love horses with all my heart.   In fact, loving horses is very common for most girls!   So many young girls long to have a horse…

pony girl

GIDDYUP!

Why not buy her one?    There is a video game offered on A Mighty Girl site called Planet Horse.   The game player rides a horse all around the countryside, jumping fences, experiencing cross country challenges.   What fun – let your daughter ride a horse on Planet Horse!

What ARE the positive games available out there?

Sim City – the player builds a city and has to complete urban planning

Farming Simulator – the player performs the role of a farmer growing crops and livestock

Cut the Rope – the player uses physics to solve puzzles

Super Mario 64 – the player Mario explores a castle to rescue Princess Peach.

I’ve learned that there ARE some good video games and they CAN be beneficial to children – but ONLY AN HOUR A DAY is what is recommended.  

Stay safe!

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EasyCPR-Denver.com     visit my site for the list of upcoming classes

Connect with me on my Facebook page to keep receiving these tips!

Jean Lesmeister, 15 year Babysitting CPR, Adult CPR & First Aid Instructor

American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI)

Please SHARE this information with your network – THANK YOU!

Apr 19
0

Tummy Time babysitting tips

By | Blog, Child Development, Parenting Advice, Prevent injury, Safety Tips, Youth Babysitter Tips | No Comments

Tummy Time babysitting tips

Tummy Time babysitting tips definitely help youth babysitters keep an infant safe.     And these safety reminders from medical experts are great reminders for parents, too!

At issue is that an infant enjoying tummy time must be continually supervised.    They must be watched in case they begin to fall asleep.    An infant sleeping on their stomach is of instant concern, a safety issue regarding the tragedy of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

Since 1992 when the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)  began to educate the public about how SIDS happens and the best advice on how to avoid a little infant suffering SIDS,  the incidence of SIDS has decreased by 50%.

While that is encouraging news, SIDS remains the leading cause of death in young infants.        It is vital to remember that infants must sleep on their backs, which is why the AAP implemented the “Back To Sleep” campaign; namely, sleep on the back.

tummy time baby

Tummy Time helps me get strong!

What are some great Tummy Time babysitting tips?

Dr. Jay L. Hoecker of Mayo Clinic recommends “at least 20 minutes of tummy time a day”.    The infant can lay on a blanket on the floor with some little toys close by to stimulate activity.   Dr. Hoecker states, “The more time babies spend on their tummies, the earlier they might begin to roll over, crawl on their stomachs, crawl on all fours and sit without support”.   They are developing muscles in their head and neck, shoulders and legs.   It’s all good!

Another great tip comes from the WEBMD site.     They recommend “move to the level” of the infant.  “Getting down on the ground and doing face-to-face encouragement will reassure a baby that he can did it and it’s OK”.

Use plastic mirrors.   A little infant might enjoy lifting her head (developing those muscles!) to look at their reflection in the mirror.   Lots of fun!

Involve a sibling.   Engaging the older child to join in the fun is a great idea for both ages.    As I remind my babysitting class students, two great rules when babysitting are

a) prevent injury and b) stay in the same room with the children.    Tummy time is a safe time for everyone.

Sing or tell a story so everyone enjoys themselves.   I urge my babysitting students to explore their own talent, their own creativity.    Can you tell the story or sing the song with “flair”?   Pull out your acting talent!

Never leave an infant alone during Tummy Time.

tummy time baby 2

Tummy Time makes me happy!

Not Too Hot – Tummy Time babysitting tip

KidsHealth.org  states this advice, “Make sure your baby does not get too warm while sleeping.   Some researchers suggest that a baby who gets too warm could go into a deeper sleep, making it more difficult to awaken”.    Again, the issue is SIDS.

Extra tips for parents

Pacifiers also have been linked to a lower risk of SIDS.

Having the infant sleep in the same room with the parents (but not the same bed) has also shown to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Does the parent smoke?   Oh, no…   Exposure to secondhand smoke doubles a baby’s risk of SIDS.

 

The family dog might help tummy time be fun!

Click on this YOU TUBE clip for a gentle look at dog and infant together

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyUVjhLBFX4

 

As always, STAY SAFE!

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EasyCPR-Denver.com     visit my site for the list of upcoming classes

Connect with me on my Facebook page to keep receiving these tips!

Jean Lesmeister, 15 year Babysitting CPR, Adult CPR & First Aid Instructor

American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI)

Please SHARE this information with your network – THANK YOU!

 

Apr 05
0

Can you pant like a puppy for me? Babysitting class

By | ARE you ready to help?, Blog, Parenting Advice, Quality Time, Safety Tips, Youth Babysitter Tips | No Comments

“Can you pant like a puppy for me?

When I teach my Babysitting Class  to youth ages 11+, I ask them, “Have you ever been home AND your parents were home and you STILL got hurt?”

Of course, they all say “yes” and begin to recount the varying things they experienced when three or five or seven, whatever age.    I share with them MY story of cutting my knee open when I fell in first grade on a metal door mat outside the elementary school.   Needing stitches, my mom brought me to the doctor.   I share with my young babysitting class students that I remember crying because it hurt, because I was scared, because blood is really scary – and THEN the nurse got out a NEEDLE!   I was crying when she kindly asked, “Can you pant like a puppy for me?”

I remember being confused why she wanted me to do such a thing.    But, I promptly complied and sat there, on the gurney, panting softly – trying to be a puppy.

babysitting class

Pant like a Puppy in babysitting class

Babysitting class – great tip

Of course, you get the point…  The gentle distraction got me busy with a task so that my mind focused on the task instead of the mental whirling vortex of pain/fear/blood.

 

babysitting class tips

It hurts! I’m scared!

I have taught adult CPR, First Aid and the Babysitter class for over 15 years.   The babysitting class (EasyCPR-Denver.com) covers many, many excellent topics – but if an injury occurs, regardless that the young babysitters are always focusing on safety while babysitting, it is accompanied by the fear the child will feel if injured.   To kindly reassure and distract the child is a way to calm the tears and calm the fears.   I urge my babysitting class students to distract with the question, “Can you pant like a puppy for me?” or perhaps, “What IS your middle name, Kelly?” or perhaps, “How old IS your dog, anyway, Stevie?”

It is a good reminder to my babysitting class students that just as THEY got hurt even though their loving parents were home at the time, so, too, an injury can still occur while they are babysitting.    I urge students,  through the 4+ hour babysitting class, to follow two very important safety rules:

1) Prevent injuries by scanning each room for possible dangers and

2) Stay in the same room with the children you’re babysitting.

With those two safety mandates, babysitters have safety on their side!

As a Training Center for the American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI), I enjoy teaching this excellent class – their curriculum is strong and manageable for youth age 11+.

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EasyCPR-Denver.com     visit my site for the list of upcoming classes

Connect with me on my Facebook page to keep receiving these tips!

Jean Lesmeister, 15 year Babysitting CPR, Adult CPR & First Aid Instructor

American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI)

Please  SHARE  this information with your network – THANK YOU!

 

 

Mar 20
0

Arvada clerk reaches baby as mom collapses

By | ARE you ready to help?, Blog, Prevent injury, Safety Tips | No Comments

Alert clerk reaches baby as the mother collapses

It’s always about Recognizing an Emergency.   Recognizing an Emergency is the first step, the bottom line, the moment that sets helping and first aid in motion.   Because this clerk reaches baby in time, is alert, sees that there is an urgency, a possible emergency, she truly is a “first responder“!

A clerk in a Arvada, CO store noticed that a mother holding her baby was beginning to look unwell, to look glazed.    Alert, kind and recognizing an emergency, the clerk reached to hold the baby even as the mother, indeed, collapsed.

This is a beautiful story of a woman offering help, another woman receiving help – as well as a baby!   The clerk took action and kept the baby from possibly being injured when it appeared something was wrong with the mother.    Without being pulled from the mother’s arms, the baby could have fallen to the floor, could have been injured, could have suffered a head injury – any number of things.

 

clerk reaches baby

Clerk reaches baby in time!

Recognize an Emergency – Clerk reaches baby

The Denver Post reported on  this incident – read the article.   Though it is a short article, that does not diminish how important this moment actually was.    This moment was about the BIG THING – to Recognize an Emergency.    Action can then follow…

When alert people recognize an emergency, the system can commence for care.    911 can be called.   First aid can be commenced.    Our excellent EMS (Emergency Medical Services) system kicks into gear – 911 call to Dispatch who relays everything to Responders – they’re on the way.

It is wonderful that there is even VIDEO of this experience!    The clerk is alert, takes action – and immediately calls out for help, calls 911 –  just as it should be.

In the 15 years of teaching CPR, Babysitting CPR (youth 11+), First Aid, the first part of the training is focused on the important element of Recognizing an Emergency.   YOU can be the one who sees the problem and gets help on the way.   While you may call for help for anyone in the community, it is still true that you are most likely to give care – and call for help – for someone you love, someone you spend a lot of your time with – family and friends!

Every story about people helping others, helping if someone is choking, is unwell, loses consciousness, is a beautiful thing.   It inspires trainers like myself to, yes, keep training – and to urge everyone to GET trained!     Stay safe.

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EasyCPR-Denver.com     visit my site for the list of upcoming classes

Connect with me on my Facebook page to keep receiving these tips!

Jean Lesmeister, 15 year Babysitting CPR, Adult CPR & First Aid Instructor

American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI)

Please  SHARE  this information with your network – THANK YOU!

 

 

Mar 01
0

90% less germs with Fist Bump vs. Hand Shake

By | Blog, Youth Babysitter Tips | No Comments

90% Less Germs

There are 90% less germs transmitted if you fist bump vs. handshake.  It’s one more tip to stay healthy.   And never overlook the value of hand washing as often as you can!

We end up touching so many surfaces, each day – door handles, light switches, elevator buttons, hand rails, our very dirty vehicle steering wheel, our very dirty car keys, money, our cell phones, keyboard, computer mouse…  All of these surfaces have germs and bacteria galore.

90% less germs with a FIST BUMP

90% less germs with a FIST BUMP

Our marvelous and amazing bodies fight off germs, bacteria, disease on a continuum.   Yeah, immune system!   We never know how often per day our wonderful immune system steps in there for us, protecting us from infection, virus, disease.    Yeah, immune system!   However, help that good ‘ol immune system out by practicing good hygiene tips – wash your hands often, use a fist bump rather than a hand shake, wipe off surfaces with anti-bacterial wipes.

Studies have brought some interesting information to light about transferring germs via hand shakes.     An article in Medical News Today has some great information.

90% Less Germs is HUGE!

Here are some of the points of interest:

  • germs spread by fist bumps are 90% lower than by handshakes
  • the stronger the handshake clasp, the higher the amount of bacteria is transferred
  • a fist bump happens must faster than a handshake plus a smaller area of the hand is used
fist bump

Short and Sweet

cat fist bump

You go, fist bump!

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Jean Lesmeister, EasyCPR-Denver.com

CPR, youth Babysitting CPR, First Aid Instructor

 

 

Feb 09
0

Off With Their Shoes – detox your home

By | Blog, Parenting Advice, Safety Tips | No Comments

Off With Their Shoes!    Some Easy Ways to Detox Your Home

Studies have shown an amazing amount of dreadful bacteria and pollutants are carried into your home on your shoes.   The safest thing to do for a healthy home is to have everyone leave shoes at the door.   The goal is to detox your home – here are some easy ideas for you.

detox your home

Leave shoes at the door

Off With Their Shoes!

It won’t take long for you to embed this new habit, if your family is not already doing it.   All it takes is a family discussion, agreement that everyone will comply – and then a creative or fun way to leave the shoes near the door!

detox your home

Cool ideas to keep shoes out of the way

It will be well worth committing to this new habit.    Shoes track in pesticides – yikes!    Also, lead dust, pollutants, road sealant, and more.    To really gross you out, think about unwittingly walking on someone’s spit on the sidewalk or animal droppings from the grass – and then coming in the house!    Oh, nooooooo…

Of course, we call can spend time on the floor, but NOBODY spends more time on the floor than babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.    You don’t want that stuff on their hands and faces!

Detox Your House in some more ways….

Crack a Window

Indoor air can be five times as polluted as outdoor air, so open the windows whenever the weather—and your AC or heating budget—permit.

detox your home

Crack a window a bit

Dump the Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets coat clothes with chemicals—which have been linked to the development of asthma—and acetone, also found in nail polish remover. Plus, your towels will be more absorbent without that dreadful chemical covering.

Dust your Home Differently

Instead of sprays (which add to your chemical load) or feathers (which just kick up more dust), use dry, unscented microfiber cloths, which attract dirty particles instead of scattering them.

With each small choice, each small step, you can bring your home – and your family – into a healthier place.   It’s well worth it!

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EasyCPR-Denver.com     visit my site for the list of upcoming classes

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Jean Lesmeister, 15 year Babysitting CPR, Adult CPR & First Aid Instructor

American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI)

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