Should You Be CPR Certified?

CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is an emergency procedure used to preserve brain function when someone exhibits abnormal or unresponsive breathing. CPR instructors advise everyone, especially those caring for children, to become certified. When children stop breathing, the risk of brain damage is heightened and chances of survival are lowered. Parents and caregivers can choose a convenient location close to their home and become certified in a day. For those who have already gone through the CPR training class, certification renewal can be done through an online class.

            Certification is important for many reasons, the most primary being that it can save a life. When a CPR necessitated event occurs, people tend to get nervous and panic. If someone is CPR certified, she is prepared to react quickly and calmly. Attempting CPR when not certified can result in injury. Many common mistakes include chest bruising, inadequate breathing, and incorrect timing between breaths and chest pumping. If there is an emergency, call 911, then administer CPR. For those unfamiliar with CPR, finding someone who can perform the procedure or relay the process step by step is the best choice.

            According to CPR training administrators, effective CPR can triple the survival rate of someone in danger. The human body is only made to survive four to six minutes after the heart stops beating. That usually does not give emergency responders time to reach the injured party, which is why effective CPR training is important. For small children whose body organs are not as developed as those of an adult, the response time needs to be expedited. Doctors should advise parents to get certified, followed by parents suggesting caregivers to do the same. A few hours of training could be worth a life.

           

Summer Won’t Limit Learning

Summer vacation provides a much needed break from the structured routine of the classroom for kids. However, parents and caregivers should feel reassured that three months of non-academic stimulation won’t derail the learning process. Here are a few summer activities that will keep previous lessons fresh, while prompting kids to learn new material:

1. Find a good book. If kids are of reading age, take a trip to the local book store and let them choose a book. Kids will be more inspired to read if the material interests them. After they’re finished, allow them to explain the plot, their likes and dislikes, and whether or not they would recommend the book.

2. Have a math drill. While preparing dinner, shout out some addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division problems. Make math a game. See how many questions the kids get right within 60 seconds.

3. Turn the backyard into a science lab. Planting a garden will help kids understand the process of floral growth and reproduction. As flowers and plants begin to bloom, the kids have the opportunity to learn the individual parts of the plant and their functions.

4. Communicate with teachers. Ask kid’s teachers if there are any worksheets or activities they recommend as a summer refresher or prep for the upcoming school year. Teachers may also suggest a summer enrichment program.

5. Visit a museum or aquarium. These outings allow kids to learn about history, science, and aquatic life while having fun. Museums and aquariums sometimes offer student discounts, group discounts, or free days. Check your local museum or aquarium for details.

If kids maintain some form of structure throughout the summer, the transition back into a daily routine may be less stressful when classes resume. Summer can be educational and fun at the same time!