Month: July 2024

Hydrating Young Athletes

Let the excitement, the laughter, and the war cries began as we approach another season of fall sports! Whether your athlete is in the football or soccer field, running cross country, hitting the ball in fall ball, tumbling and twirling in cheer, or marching in the band it is important to keep them fueled and ready for anything.

A healthy diet is an important part of daily life any time of year. However, when sports kick in and the weather is hot keeping up with proper hydration should become a focus of any family.

Hydration, Hydration, Hydration!

Athletes and active kids and teens need to hydrate often. This means whether your kids are on the field or have siblings playing on the sidelines the entire family needs to drink, drink, drink. When it comes to keeping youth hydrated and healthy water is enough. It is important to make sure your family is consuming water regularly. Drinking water does more than just hydrates us, it helps our body function normally. Helping to combat digestive issues, cognitive health, mood changes, and most importantly heat exhaustion.

poster about why kids should choose water

Young athletes that are dehydrated might lose energy, strength, and coordination. If dehydration persists youth may find themselves at-risk for heat-related illnesses.

Thirst is often the first sign that it is time to consume more water. So how much water should athletes have and when? Water is good at any time of day. However, kids should drink water or milk before being physically active and every 15-20 minutes throughout activity or practice. Youth athletes should generally consume the following amounts per day:

healthy hydration for young athletes information table

Sports drinks can be used before or after 30 minutes of vigorous activity. But, parents should limit these drinks and focus on refueling kids with nutrient rich foods like whole wheat bread, granola bars, bananas, or proteins. Sugary, carbonated, and caffeinated drinks should be avoided before and after. Unfortunately, some young athletes believe caffeinated drinks and sports drinks will improve their performance however, this is not the case. According to UChicagoMed, consuming energy drinks before or after sporting events can contribute to symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, insomnia, heart palpitations, and hyperactivity. Other effects could include jitteriness and nervousness, trouble concentrating, and frequent urination. All symptoms that are less than desirable for the upcoming athlete during a game or practice.

Food Can Hydrate!

Food can be a great source of hydration on and off the field too! Most of us know that many whole foods contain minerals, vitamins, and fiber we need to stay healthy. But, did you know that our bodies get about 20% of the water we need from food! UCLA Health reminds us that any fruit or vegetable with more than 80% water is a great choice to encourage hydration and replenish! Foods that contain high levels of water include watermelon, strawberries, melons, cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, radishes, bell peppers, and cauliflower. All easy to prepare foods to have on hand for a quick snack on or off the field!

So this season, remember all it takes is water. Not only is water cost effective, but it is easy to find and a great life long healthy habit to develop for us and our youth!

Written By: Holly Bandy, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences Stark County

Reviewed By: Katie Schlagheck, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences Ottawa & Sandusky Counties

References

Anzilotti, A. W. (Ed.). (2019, March). Sports drinks and Energy Drinks (for teens) | nemours kidshealth. KidsHealth. https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/sports-energy-drinks.html#:~:text=Both%20sugar%20and%20caffeine%20can,jitteriness%20and%20nervousness

Healthy Hydration Campaign Toolkit. Home. (n.d.). https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/campaigns-and-toolkits/healthy-hydration/

Mangieri, H. (2018, July). Healthy Hydration for young athletes. https://www.nata.org/sites/default/files/healthy-hydration-for-young-athletes.pdf

Sentongo, T. (2023, March 1). What young athletes should eat before and after the game. UChicago Medicine. https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/pediatrics-articles/2023/march/what-young-athletes-should-eat-before-and-after-the-game

Uclahealth. (2022, June 17). 15 foods that help you stay hydrated. UCLA Health. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/15-food-that-help-you-stay-hydrated

Upcycle Your Wardrobe

Embroidered flowers on the back of a denim jacket.

I recently attended a conference where an educator from the United Kingdom spoke about “Right to Repair” laws happening in European nations. These laws hope to incentivize consumers to repair, rather than replace, some of the products that they own, as well as discourage businesses from making their products very difficult or outright impossible to repair. I started wondering if the United States government was pursuing any “right to repair” legislation and was pleased to see that this movement is also on the mind of our legislators too. Currently, four states have officially passed Right to Repair laws and 30 other states have introduced their own bills. Discussions are happening at the federal level as well.

While we wait for these policy changes to be enacted, there are actions consumers can take to extend the life of the products we own, especially when it comes to our closets. The life of clothing can be extended with basic sewing skills, such as sewing on a new button and repairing ripped seams. But what if you are not savvy at sewing, and just want a quick refresh? No need to replace your entire wardrobe, it may instead be time to ‘upcycle’ your clothing! Upcycling is the act of “repurposing an item into something else” – it differs slightly from ‘recycling’ as you are reusing the item without having to first take it back to its original state.

When considering if you should upcycle a garment in your closet, first check for any excessive wear and tear. Clothing that is beyond repair may not be worth your time to upcycle, but can still be used in other ways, such as dust rags, plant ties in your garden, or as a child’s dress-up clothing. If the garment you wish to upcycle is still in good condition, consider what kind of changes you plan to make (Minor changes? A complete overhaul?), and if it’s something you would feel comfortable wearing.

Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas to upcycle your old clothing:

  • Dye it – this is a popular way to refresh formal dresses, though it can be done with other garments as well.
  • Patch it – If a small hole is keeping you from wearing a garment, you can try your hand at sewing it up, or add an iron-on patch. Suede patches on blazers or sweaters can create a new look.
  • Cut it – If your jeans are looking a little frayed at the bottom, consider cutting them shorter for a new pair of shorts.
  • Embroider it – some quick decorative stitches in your clothing can change it up just enough to make it feel new again. If you are unfamiliar with how to embroider, be sure to visit your local craft store or check out a video online for help.

Consider ways to extend the life of your clothing to save money and to keep used textiles out of the landfill!

Written by: Jessica Lowe, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Pickaway County, lowe.495@osu.edu

Reviewed by: Jenny Lobb, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Franklin County, lobb.3@osu.edu

References:

Hamilton, W. (2019, June). Rags to Riches: Recycling and upcycling Old Clothes. New Mexico State University – BE BOLD. Shape the Future. https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_c/C313/index.html

Lobb, J. (2022, April 26). Textile waste: A fashion faux pas. Live Healthy Live Well. https://livehealthyosu.com/2022/04/26/textile-waste-a-fashion-faux-pas/

Osmanski, S. (2024, May 7). 10 ways to upcycle old clothes according to experts. Reader’s Digest. https://www.rd.com/article/upcycle-clothes/

The United States Government. (2023, October 25). Readout of the white house convening on right to repair. The White House. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/10/25/readout-of-the-white-house-convening-on-right-to-repair/#:~:text=Over%2030%20states%20have%20introduced,just%20the%20last%20three%20years.

Yakimova, Y. (2024, April 23). Right to repair: Making repair easier and more appealing to consumers. News | European Parliament. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240419IPR20590/right-to-repair-making-repair-easier-and-more-appealing-to-consumers

Pet Perks and My Purr-fect Companions

I grew up in the country with a passel of outside cats running around.  Our cats had shelter in Dad’s workshop and always had food and water available, but they didn’t go in the house.  Eighteen years ago, Chad and I adopted Jack, a one-eyed black/grey/brown tabby kitten.  Our Gentleman Jack was the best cat ambassador ever and blessed us with his love for 13 years – and changed Chad’s mind forever about cats.  Currently our home is ruled by 3 felines – a tuxedo named Frankie, a timid tabby named Stella, and a sporty tortie named Lucy. 

three cats at the door
Frankie, Stella, and Lucy looking out the screen door.

Pets offer unconditional love and commitment to their owners. They can act as friends, therapists, entertainers, and warm, fuzzy, bundles of joy. Having a pet in a person’s life can offer them a sense of well-being, a sense of encouragement, and even a reason for living.

Americans are living better these days. We are living even longer and fuller lives than only ten years ago. This sometimes means that elderly people find themselves outliving loved ones or living far from any family. According to the Animal Humane Society, one way to help those living alone find new meaning in their lives, and to offer them a sense of importance is by encouraging them to adopt a companion animal from their local shelter.  Having to care for and provide a loving home to a companion animal also helps older adults to remain active and stay healthy.

For years it has been documented that companion animals, like dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds, help people live longer and healthier lives. Some of the medical benefits a person may experience from owning a companion animal include lowered blood pressure, decreased stress, reduced bone loss, lowered cholesterol levels, and improved blood circulation. 

No matter what a person’s age, a companion animal can help a person age well and live well. Some people may want to consider adopting an older adult animal into their lives instead of a puppy, kitten, or rambunctious “teenage” pet. Older pets are more likely to be calm, already house trained, and less susceptible to unpredictable behavior. Older pets are often more easily physically managed than a stronger, more excitable younger animal; yet older pets still confer the same medical and emotional benefits onto their owners as younger animals do.

Yes, I am a cat lady! And proud of it.  Frankie and Stella are my constant companions when I am working from home and make themselves comfortable on me or my desk.  A purring cat does wonders to relax away the stress of my day!

a cat on the desk
Frankie supervising my work.

References:

Animal Humane Society. Welcoming a pet companion in your golden years. https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/welcoming-pet-companion-your-golden-years

Mayo Clinic Press. Boost your health: The benefits of having a pet. https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/healthy-aging/boost-your-health-the-benefits-of-having-a-pet/

The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center. Health Benefits of Pet Ownership. https://vmc.vet.osu.edu/resources/health-benefits-pet-ownership

Written by: Kate Shumaker, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Holmes County

Reviewed by: Corinna Gromley and Megan Taylor, Family and Consumer Sciences Educators, Ohio State University Extension

Pass On the Pesky Plastics

Sandy beach with plastic litter spread across the shore

According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), cigarette butts — whose filters contain tiny plastic fibers — are the most common type of plastic waste found in the environment. Food wrappers, plastic bottles, plastic bottle caps, plastic grocery bags, plastic straws, and stirrers are the next most common items. Many of us use these products every day, without even thinking about where they might end up.

Plastic Free July® is a global movement that encourages millions of people to be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and communities. The movement originated in Australia, but it now operates across the globe.

This year, their slogan is Small Steps, Big Difference and they are targeting the biggest three single-use plastic items in the world: single-use plastic cups, plastic drink bottles, and plastic food wrap.

As part of their emphasis on reducing plastic waste, they have a list of ideas and solutions for those just getting started on their journey to avoid pesky plastics. Some easy ideas they share include:

  • Bring or borrow a reusable coffee cup or dine-in at your local coffeehouse or café.
  • Avoid purchasing fruits and vegetables in plastic containers or bags.
  • Use reusable shopping and produce bags at the grocery store.
  • Refuse plastic straws, stirrers, and lids.
  • Carry your own water bottle and avoid buying plastic bottles.
  • Avoid purchasing pre-packaged bread, rolls, and baked goods in plastic.
  • Purchase meat, fish, and deli items without plastic trays or containers.
  • Always reduce, reuse, and recycle as much plastic as possible. Educate yourself about what is and isn’t recycled in your community.
Plastic Free July 2024 Challenge

If you want an individualized look at how you can avoid plastic, try the Pesky Plastics Quiz. It is a helpful way to see how you are doing with plastic consumption and where you can make some changes. It takes less than 5 minutes to answer the questions and get ideas of how to change some of your behaviors and choices.

If you don’t want to take the quiz online, you can print out My Challenge Choices, a PDF that lets you not only decide what challenges you want to try but also see how limiting plastic consumption can avoid landfill waste, protect our oceans, and reduce your eco-footprint. It is also helpful to realize how packaging choices can impact the environment and your wallet. For example, if you drink soda pop, purchasing it in aluminum cans is a “greener” choice since cans are recycled at a higher rate than plastic bottles.

We also encourage you to explore the sustainability resources from Ohio State University Extension. Visit our Family and Consumer Sciences Sustainability website for user-friendly educational resources, videos, a home tour, and a sustainable meeting guide. As you prepare for the new school year, be sure to check out Ten Tips for Packing Waste-Free Lunches.

When Plastic Free July® ends, we encourage you to stay informed and vigilant about ways to avoid pesky plastics throughout the year. Remember, small steps can make a big difference!

Written by: Laura M. Stanton, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Warren County. Email: stanton.60@osu.edu

Reviewed by: Heather Reister, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Butler County.

Photo Credits: Adobe Stock and Plastic Free Foundation.

Cunningham, K. (2020, December 3). Report finds aluminum cans remain most sustainable package. Recycling Today. https://www.recyclingtoday.com/news/aluminum-cans-recycled-twice-plastic-bottles

Plastic Free Foundation. (n.d.). Plastic free July – Be part of the plastic pollution solution. https://www.plasticfreejuly.org

United Nations Environment Program (n.d.). Our planet is choking on plastic. https://www.unep.org/interactives/beat-plastic-pollution

Stanton, L. M. (n.d.). Ten tips for packing waste-free lunches. OSU Extension. https://go.osu.edu/waste-free-lunches

Stanton, L. M. (2022, July 19). It’s time to rethink packaging and recycling. Live Healthy Live Well. OSU Extension. https://livehealthyosu.com/2022/07/19/its-time-to-rethink-packaging-and-recycling

Combatting “I’m Bored” This Summer

young children with hula hoops

The beginning of summer is always exciting, but July is around the time adults begin to hear the dreaded complaints of boredom. Although you may be tempted to pack your child’s schedule full of activities to avoid hearing “I’m bored”, Dayton Children’s suggests boredom gives children an opportunity to build skills essential to good mental health. The ability to entertain oneself, problem solve, and seek creative solutions are useful life skills that can combat short-term boredom. Although a small amount of down time can be a good thing, it is important for adults to recognize and intervene when a child is lacking the initiative to find things to do on their own. Dayton Children’s offers the following suggestions to keep kids engaged this summer:

  • Make a list together of ideas the child can do when they feel bored. Or make a list of things that you can only do during the summer and let them decide which activity they’re in the mood for.
  • Expect to hear a little frustration. The child may be used to teachers and other adults scheduling their whole lives, and they can feel a little thrown off if they have to come up with their own plans.
  • If the child complains about boredom, explain that the feeling may be due to having downtime.
  • Boredom can also be a result of the child’s brain wanting to be more active.
  • Encourage them to come up with an idea. You can also prompt the child to try something new. Maybe pull out a few supplies and encourage them to make something out of completely random items. If the weather is nice, try some messy play outside. Consider a traditional summer activity—resting in a hammock, taking a swim—and see if they’re interested.

Although summer break means less rigid schedules for some families, research shows that many children are less physically active in the summer months than during the school year. Left on their own, some kids may fall into the habit of utilizing television, computers, or phones to keep entertained. Child Care Aware suggests children have some physical activity each day. Adults can help keep kids active by getting them involved in the planning of activities, making bucket lists of ideas, and setting screen limits.

Cleveland Clinic pediatrician, Dr. Gina Robinson, MD reminds us in addition to the health benefits of getting kids outside and being active, the socialization that comes with being around other children is also a positive result of summer down time. Finding free activities within the community such as trips to the library, volunteering, and playgrounds can also help to address summer boredom and keep kids busy as they head into the final days of summer.

Author:  Heather Reister, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Butler County. 

Reviewer:  Laura Stanton, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Warren County.

Sources

Beat Summer Boredom with Physical Activity (2023) Child Care Aware https://ks.childcareaware.org/beat-summer-boredom

Beating Summer Boredom (2023) Cleveland Clinic https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2023/06/20/beating-summer-boredom

How to Help Kids Deal with Summer Boredom (2024) Dayton Children’s https://www.childrensdayton.org/the-hub/how-help-kids-deal-summer-boredom-oosblog

Importance of Self-Care

Self care word cloud

A lot of us have probably heard the term “self-care”. Self-care is any activity that you do to take care of your mental, emotional, and physical health.  There are many benefits to self-care. Some of the key benefits include:

  • Improved physical health
  • Improved mental health
  • Improved emotional well-being
  • Increased productivity
  • Stronger relationships
  • Increased self-esteem
  • Prevention of burnout

Self-care is essential for mental health because it can reduce stress and improve mood. Self-care is also a great prevention for burnout. Practicing self-care increases your energy making you more resistant to stress.

Did you know that there are several different ways to practice self-care? A few examples of ways that you can practice self-care to improve mental health include:

  1. Physical Self-Care- taking care of your body
  2. Emotional Self-Care- expressing emotions in a healthy way
  3. Social Self-Care – nurturing relationships with friends and family.

Understanding the benefits and types of self-care, let’s look at ways to practice self-care. It can be important to set a personal goal for practicing self-care. This can include when you practice, why you want to practice, and how you will practice self-care. A few examples of self-care goals would be managing and reducing stress or taking care of your physical health.

There are several different activities that you could do to practice self-care. Mental Health First Aid shared four basic ways to start your journey.

4 Simple Self-Care Tips

  • Move more. Physical activity can help the brain cope better with stress, making it beneficial in the treatment of depression and anxiety symptoms. Walks, hikes, or runs may be easier to fit into your schedule. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors can help reduce fatigue, making it a great way to manage symptoms of depression or burnout.
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Try to incorporate as many fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your meals as you can. Other healthy choices include fatty fish, leafy greens, and nuts.
  • Prioritize sleep. Sleep has a significant impact on how you feel mentally and physically. Getting enough sleep will help regulate your mood, improve brain function, and increase your energy to help tackle the day.
  • Plan self-care and set boundaries. It’s critical to schedule regular self-care time – plan time to do something that gives you joy and helps you recharge. If you’re feeling anxious, setting boundaries can help you feel safe and comfortable in your surroundings. Learning to say no to things that cause unnecessary stress will positively impact your mental well-being.

Self-care is crucial for mental, emotional, and physical well-being and can lead to improved health, increased productivity, and stronger relationships. It can be practiced through physical, emotional, and social care and by setting personal goals. Some self-care activities include physical movement, maintaining a healthy diet, prioritizing sleep, and planning and setting boundaries for self-care time.

If you enjoyed this topic, check out these other self-care blogs, https://livehealthyosu.com/2023/09/28/self-care-for-all-of-you/

Written by: Megan Taylor, Family and Consumer Sciences/4-H Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Union County

Reviewed by: Kay Kramer, Office Associate, Ohio State University Extension, Union County

Resources:

8 areas of self care and how to practice them. Rocky Vista Health Center. (2022, October 1). https://www.rockyvistahc.com/8-areas-of-self-care-and-how-to-practice-them

Glowiak, M. (2024, January 23). What is self-care and why is it important for you?. Southern New Hampshire University. https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/health/what-is-self-care

Kapil, R. (2022, March 14). How and why to practice self-care. Mental Health First Aid. https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2022/03/how-and-why-to-practice-self-care/

It’s a Sweet Life with Berries

hands holding a variety of berries

While strawberry season is waning here in Ohio, other berries are ripe and ready for enjoyment.  Blackberries and raspberries have their peak season in July, while blueberries are generally available mid-July -September. 

Not only are berries a sweet treat this time of year, they are also some of the most nutrient dense foods we can put on our plate. One cup of fresh berries is under 100 calories but loaded with taste and nutrition.  Most berries are packed with Vitamin C and Manganese, both of which play roles in wound healing and building of healthy connective tissue among many other essential body functions.  Anthocyanins, which give berries their rich red/blue color, are antioxidants that help protect the body’s cells from damage and lower risk of disease.  Fruits and vegetables are good sources of fiber, in general, but raspberries and blackberries contain ½ of their carbohydrate energy in the form of fiber, which aids in digestion, increases feelings of fullness, and has less impact on blood sugar.

Berries are very versatile, adding flavor to a variety of foods. Besides enjoying them plain, berries can be used in salads, breads and baked desserts, as well as a topping for cereal, pancakes, yogurt or ice cream. Frozen berries are also a refreshing addition to water or smoothies.

Berries can be found at many local farmers’ markets and you-pick farms this time of year.  Ohioproud.org has a search feature if you would like to pick your own at an area farm. To select the best berries, look for those that are firm, plump and bright in color.  Handle berries gently to avoid bruising and avoid washing until ready to use.  Berries should be stored in a moist section of the refrigerator in shallow containers to avoid the crushing bottom fruits and to allow air flow. 

For long term storage of berries, they may be frozen, canned in juice or syrup or made into jams or jellies for freezing or canning. Freezing berries is very simple, according to the National Center for Home Food Preservation.  First, select firm, ripe berries and wash gently in cold water, discarding any defective fruits.  Then fill appropriate freezer containers using a variety of methods, based on preference and planned usage.  These methods include: 1) Using liquid or syrup pack (adding enough juice, water or syrup to cover berries), 2) sugar pack (gently mixing ¾ cup of sugar per quart of berries) or dry pack (placing berries directly into containers, or for more whole fruits, freeze berries on a tray than transfer to containers).  When filling containers, be sure to leave appropriate head space to allow for expansion.  Then seal tightly as per container type, label, and freeze.

Enjoy the natural sweetness and nutrition that berries bring this season and all year round!

If you are interested in learning more about freezing or other forms of food preservation, OSU Extension has many helpful resources available, including live and recorded “how-to” webinars.

Sources

Author: Jennifer Little, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Hancock County

Reviewer: Megan Taylor, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences/4-H Youth Development, Union County

Water Safety Tips: Swimming & Boating in the Great Outdoors

One of my favorite things to do in the summer is to be on, in, or around the water. Last summer, I wrote about being water-safe, including how to be water-competent. Being water-competent is understanding the importance of having a plan, knowing your skills and limitations, and having the ability to help others. This summer, I wanted to talk about swimming and boating in a natural water source like a river, lake, or ocean. There are significant differences between swimming in a pool environment and swimming in a natural environment.

The natural environment causes some additional challenges and requires extra knowledge and skills. Often, water in a river, lake, or ocean causes limited or no visibility, which makes it difficult to see hazards, including changes in water depth. Water in the natural environment is unpredictable; from unexpected temperature changes to currents, waves, and rapids to vegetation and wildlife, many obstacles happen suddenly and without warning. Additionally, there is often mixed traffic on the water from other swimmers, people paddling, speed boats, and even people fishing from either the boat or the shore.

three kids in life jackets jumping into a lake from a boat

The American Red Cross gives these basic safety tips while swimming in a natural water environment:

  • Enter water feet first.
  • Do not enter water of unknown depth from a height.
  • Never swim alone.
  • Designate supervision
  • Swim sober and without distractions.

The water and environment can change rapidly and without warning; this includes currents moving objects into your area or making it difficult to swim. It is important to designate a “water watcher(s)” to supervise swimming who is willing to remain sober and eliminate distractions such as long conversations and cell phones. Water visibility is limited, so it is important to notice if someone is struggling before they slip below the surface.

There are many types of boats. Boats with engines and boats without. Boats can have various lengths and may have enclosed areas. Each boat has different limitations, numbers, and weight capacities.

Here are a few considerations every time you are on the water, regardless of the size of the boat.

  • Always wear a life jacket – Don’t just pack it; wear your jacket.
    • Know the laws; in Ohio, everyone must wear a life jacket while riding a personal watercraft, such as a jet ski, while water skiing or being towed. Further, everyone under 10 must wear a life jacket on vessels under 18 feet. All boats (including kayaks and canoes) must have an appropriate life jacket for each person on board; the life jacket should be easily accessible and not stored in a sealed or locked container. Boats over 16 feet must also have a throwable flotation device.
  • Know what type of water you are boating on and possible currents, rapids, and depths.
  • Weather impacts: if it has rained recently, the rivers and creeks may be fuller and moving faster than before; cold water can cause hypothermia and any potential incoming weather for your day on the water.
  • Even if you do not plan to swim, you should always have a plan for a water emergency or what to do if someone enters the water.

I’ve been swimming for as long as I’ve been able to walk, and I still wear a life jacket when out kayaking. I often say that if I enter the water while kayaking, it isn’t by choice, which means I may need my life jacket because the situation is out of my control. There are no do-overs when it comes to water safety. Invest in a comfortable, well-fitting U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

a small dog in a life jacket
Binny at the Lake

The water is a great source of fun, a place to make memories and cool off on a hot summer day, but make sure before you and your family head out on the water that you have a plan, designate a water watcher(s) who will commit to eliminating distractions, create a list family swimming rules,  pair up with a swim buddy of similar ability, and always remember to bring your life jacket.

References:
American Red Cross. Swimming safely in lakes, rivers, & streams. https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/lake-river-safety.html
American Red Cross. Know about boating before you go floating. https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/atg/PDFs/Take_a_Class/Know_about_boating_before_you_go_floating.pdf
Be Water Safe this Summer. https://livehealthyosu.com/2023/05/23/be-water-safe-this-summer/
Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Life jacket facts. https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/recreational-safety/life-jacket-facts
U.S. Coast Guard. Life jacket wear/Wearing your life jacket. Boat Responsibly. https://www.uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/life-jacket-wear-wearing-your-life-jacket.php

Written by: Laura Halladay, Family and Consumer Sciences Program Specialist, Ohio State University Extension.
Reviewed by: Kate Shumaker, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Holmes County