A few weeks ago, my youngest son broke his leg and had to be hospitalized. It was traumatic for all of us, since this little two-year-old had to go into traction to heal his leg.
Being in the hospital was as difficult for me as it was for him. No one likes to see a child hurting. The thing that bothered us the most was that Skyler could not go outside and get fresh air.
Watching people walk, jog and bike on the riverbank trail outside the hospital on a bright summer day was almost more than we could handle. I can remember my grandma telling me to get air if I did not feel well. Mothers used to air their infants to keep them healthy.
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Many hospitals do not have windows that open, but instead have air exchangers. It is just not the same. I am sure some of the little cancer patients that we got to know, and who were pale and weak from treatments, would certainly feel better with fresh air.
We are now home and doing well. Skyler has a cast and requires a lot of attention. His favourite thing is going outside in his stroller. We are putting on many miles and we all feel so much better when we are moving. The open space, the fresh air and exercise are addictive, and I think we will keep up this activity long after the cast is gone. We just feel good, and we know what it is like to be stuck in one place, on the inside looking out.
This fall, turn off that TV and computer and take the whole family outside for a vigorous walk. Remember that children learn more from what you do than from what you say. Being physically active as a family has benefits for all. Regular physical activity is a great way to relieve stress and maintain a healthy weight and body.
Excuses, excuses
Health Canada identified some common excuses that we use to discourage ourselves from getting active. Do any of these sound familiar?
- “I hate the idea of exercise.”
Try it, you’ll like it, although maybe not the first time out.
- “I’m too tired to exercise.”
Start out by doing just a little bit, and gradually build up. You’ll end up feeling less tired.
- “A person my age would look ridiculous jogging.”
Who said you have to jog? Would you look ridiculous walking?
- “I feel fine, I don’t need to exercise.”
You may not be ill, but that’s not the same as being fit and well. And if you don’t exercise, your heart and circulatory system cannot be in top shape.
- “I’m too heavy to
exercise.”
That is an excellent reason to start.
- “I don’t have time.” There are exercises you can do while shopping, reading and watching TV, such as sit-ups and stretches.
Scooter safety
Scooters are becoming more popular in Canada. We have a shiny new one at our house. Scooter injuries are also increasing. Many can be prevented by following these recommendations from Health Canada and Transport Canada.
- Always wear a certified helmet, as well as knee and elbow pads.
- Tighten all nuts and bolts.
- Make sure the handlebars and the steering column are fully locked into position before use.
- Ride on smooth paved surfaces and away from vehicle traffic.
- Avoid riding on surfaces that are wet or uneven, such as sand or gravel.
- Never ride the scooter at night.
- Always supervise children under the age of eight.
Canadians should also be aware that Transport Canada considers motorized scooters as restricted-use motorcycles. Therefore, under the motor vehicle safety regulations, they must bear a label indicating the vehicle is not intended for use on public roads. For details on where motorized scooters can be used, and for age restrictions or recommendations, consult the provincial or territorial transportation department.
A report on scooter injuries is in the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program database.
The study of 305 records showed that injuries associated with scooters were most common among children aged eight to 13 (76.4 percent). Nearly two-thirds of the injured were male.
Close to half (47.2 percent) of all injuries took place between 4 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Injuries occurred most frequently in non-roadway locations (67.2 percent), with more than one third occurring near a home.
Loss of control of the scooter accounted for 59 percent of all injuries. Using the first of up to three injuries recorded for each case, nearly one-third were fractures to the upper extremities (30.2 percent), with fractures of the forearm accounting for 15.4 percent of all injuries.
In the emergency room, almost half of those injured (47.2 percent) were treated with medical follow-up required, and 4.6 percent were admitted to hospital.
Occasional treats OK
Despite the fact that I promote a healthy and active lifestyle, I really enjoy the odd treat in moderation. Let’s call it a reward for looking after ourselves. A reader sent me this delicious cinnamon roll recipe that is done in the breadmaker.
Cinnamon roll
1 cup milk 250 mL
1/4 cup water 50 mL
1/4 cup butter, softened 50 mL
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt 5 mL
4 cups bread flour 1 L
1/4 cup instant vanilla 50 mL
pudding mix straight
from the package
1 tablespoon sugar 15 mL
1 tablespoon active dry 15 mL
yeast
Filling:
1/4 cup butter, softened 50 mL
1 cup packed brown 250 mL
sugar
2 teaspoons ground 10 mL
cinnamon
Frosting:
4 oz. cream cheese, 125 g
softened
1/4 cup butter, softened 50 mL
11/2 cups sugar 375 mL
11/2 teaspoons milk 7 mL
1/2 teaspoon vanilla 2 mL
extract
Note: the water and milk should not be cold.
In the bread machine pan, place the first nine ingredients in the order suggested by the manufacturer. Select the dough setting.
Check the dough after five minutes of mixing and add one to two tablespoons (15-30 mL) of water or flour, if needed to reach a good consistency.
When the cycle is complete, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a rectangle, approximately 10 x 15 inches (25 x 40 cm). Spread with butter and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll up starting from the long side, then pinch the seams to seal. Cut into about 20 slices.
Place 12 slices, cut side down, in a greased 9 x 13 inch (22 x 34 cm) pan and eight slices in a nine inch square (22 cm) pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.
Bake at 350 F (180 C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks for five minutes.
In a mixing bowl, beat the frosting ingredients and pour on the rolls. Store in the refrigerator.
The cleanup
When cleaning up some of that summer dirt, I find baseball caps are often a problem. I have wrecked several of my husband’s in the washing machine. Linda Cobbs, author of Talking Dirty with the Queen of Clean, has a solution.
Put baseball caps on the top rack, not bottom, of the dishwasher and run it through the cycle. Use the short cycle, using half the normal amount of automatic dishwasher detergent and one teaspoon each of Twenty Mule Team Borax and baking soda.
