It looks like spring might be here a little early this year, and that means more outdoor fun. Bicycles, tricycles, scooters, rollerblades, and more are all traditional springtime activities for adults, teens, and kids alike. It is a fun and healthy recreational pastime that allows us to get outdoors, spend time with our loved ones, and enjoy the nice weather.

Unfortunately, bicycle safety is pushed under the rug all too often, and because of this, accidents happen. Even when safety is properly considered, there are incidents that can take place out of our control. For this reason, all cyclists and bike enthusiasts should know their rights if injured on a bicycle at no fault of their own.

Bicycle Accidents and Injuries

There are two main types of bicycle accidents that result from negligence outside of a rider’s control; motor vehicles and bicycle defects. If a car, truck, or product defect causes an accident that results in a rider’s injury, liability falls on them, not the rider. Both of these situations can lead to serious personal injuries on a cyclist’s behalf.

Several serious injuries can result from bicycle accidents; such as brain damage, traumatic brain injuries, comas, concussions, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and even death. These injuries can be life-threatening or permanent in severe situations. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from the years 1932 to 2008, more than 50,000 bicycle-related deaths occurred.

These alarming statistics do not even include injuries and deaths sustained from bicycle defects. According to the same statistics, in the year 2008 alone, more than 50,000 cyclists were injured in negligent traffic accidents. The most devastating truth among these statistics is that in 2008, 13% of bicycle accident fatalities were children. Bicycle safety is something everyone needs to take seriously. We can stop these accidents from taking place with responsible driving and education at a young age.

As for product defects and bicycles, there is not much we can do to stop these unfortunate and unforeseen incidents from happening. We can only hope and trust that bicycle manufacturers are working hard at preventing problems with their products and doing their best to improve their product’s safety value. The most common defects seen in bicycle accidents include problems with bolts, screws, composite forks, aluminum frames, and similar components.

Bicycle Accident Lawsuits

In the case that a person is seriously injured in a bicycle accident as a result of another driver’s carelessness or bike defect, it is crucial to contact a bicycle accident personal injury attorney immediately. All states have a statute of limitations that decrees how long a victim, or their family, has to file a personal injury claim. Once this time frame runs out, a victim can no longer lawfully sue for compensation.

A licensed personal injury lawyer can help victims of bicycle accidents obtain compensation for their damages, such as pain and suffering, medical expenses, hospital bills, prolonged rehabilitation, lost wages, time of work, and much more. Licensed accident attorneys with extensive experience and knowledge are likely to negotiate and settle out of court for their clients. Be sure to choose a law firm that has your best interests at heart and in mind.

The Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Examination (MCCEE) is a 4 hour exam that is written in more than 80 countries around the world. If you are an osteopathic student in the United States who is in the final 20 months of your study program or you are an international medical student, you will have to take and pass the MCCEE Canadian Medical Exam before being allowed to write the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examinations (MCCQE).

Study by Using Online Question Banks

This is by far one of the best exam preparation methods, as it enables you to see what type of questions you will be expected to answer. Not all learning institutions will have these on hand, so it is strongly recommended that you sign up for a membership package on an online question bank site. Here, you will be able to see the type of questions being asked, save your study notes and even take the mock tests in a timed mode to ensure that you will be able to complete the actual examination in good time. Many online question bank facilities now have mobile app versions as well, which will enable to you study and get exam taking practice regardless of where you may be.

Start as Early as Possible

Many students make the mistake of leaving their preparation for the last week before writing the exam. While this tactic may have worked in high school, it will certainly not be effective when attempting to write the MCCEE Canadian Medical Exam. There is simply too much information to cram into a weeks’ worth of study time. Instead, plan for your study schedule to start within the first week that classes begin. This will enable you to study smaller amounts of information at regular intervals instead of trying to cram everything at the last minute.

Recreation Time is Important

Although a lot of preparation is needed to pass this exam, it is just as important to ensure that you schedule regular amounts of recreation or leisure time into your routine as well – make a point to not shut everyone out of your life because you are studying. Instead, schedule a weekly coffee date with a close friend, engage in a casual game of volleyball or go rollerblading once in a while. This will provide your mind with the downtime it needs in order to rejuvenate and remember the information that is being studied each day. If your study schedule starts early enough in the year, consider taking one day a week off to rest, relax and catch up on other activities that need attention.

Despite the fact that a high mark is required to pass this exam, it is by no means an impossible task to do so. However, early preparation and sticking to a regular study program is essential. Once you have successfully passed the MCCEE Canadian Medical Exam, you will be well on your way to preparing for the next challenge on your list – namely the MCCQE.

Summer is quickly approaching and the beaches will soon welcome bikinis and swim trunks. Are you ready? Well, don’t worry. If you’re not prepared to brave the throngs of people flocking to the beaches, here is a plan to get you in shape.

Step # 1 Start by setting your specific fitness goals

A.Make sure your goals are realistic. You can safely loose 1-2.5 pounds per week. So a realistic goal would be “I want to loose 30 pounds by August 1, 2009. This would be a realistic goal.

Step #2 Set a realistic target date

A.Losing weight should be a long-term goal for a healthy lifestyle. Think of setting great nutrition and exercise habits that will last a lifetime.

B.Changing your lifestyle can be very stressful in the beginning; the stress levels increase when you add the weight of an unattainable goal. Setting unrealistic weight loss dates can lead to frustration causing you to give up.

Step #3 Make sure your goals are your personal goals

A.Decide what you want for yourself. Is it a life of improved overall fitness or lower blood pressure? Know that the goals you set for yourself is not a reflection of what others have set for you.

B.The pressure of starting a new program combined with the expectations of others can often be overwhelming. Share your goals only with people whom you feel will encourage and support you. If you are in an environment where others are not supporting your efforts, DO NOT share your goals with them. Misery loves company. So, surround yourself with positive people.

Step # 4 Is Simple. Write your goals down

A.Be creative with how you present your goals.

B.Find colorful paper to make your goals come to life.

Step #5 Post your goals and pictures

A.Place your goals where you can see them daily. Tape your goals to Your refrigerator, bathroom door, office computer, workstation or car Dashboard. Place your goals anywhere you spend a lot of time.

B.Visualization is 8 times faster than auditory learning. Use visual stimuli that include photographs, or those bikini/swim-trunks that you have been eyeing.

Step #6 Plan your meals accordingly

A.Part of a good plan begins with today. Make out a schedule that includes preparation time for meals.

B.Don’t use your schedule as an excuse to stop at the local fast food joint to get combo #1.

C.Never skip a meal. The most important meal of the day is breakfast. No, not Krispy Kremes and Starbucks, they are not a great way to start your day. Skipping meals during the day slows your metabolism down. When your metabolism slows down your body burns fewer calories, thus storing unnecessary fat. The reality is you must eat healthy in order to safely loose weight.

Items to Include Items to Exclude

Anything baked, grilled, or broiled Anything Fried

Protein from Chicken, or fish, tuna Soda

Low Fat Cheese Cheese

Water, Water and Water Juice

Whole Wheat Bread White Bread

Fresh Steamed Vegetables White Rice

Olive Oil Butter

Egg Whites Tap Water

Sweet Potatoes

Bananas

Step #7 Write down your plan of action (Exercise)

A. In order to reach your goal you must have a plan of action.

B. Decide what steps are necessary to achieve your fitness goals.

C. OK, you have your goals and nutrition plan written. The next

Step is to plan your routine for movement. Cardiovascular Activities may include

one or more of the following:

1.Brisk walking, while pumping arms as if running

2. Jumping Rope

3.Walk-Run Combination

4.Rollerblading

5.Pilates, Yoga

6.Swimming

7.Bike riding

8.Walking your dog

9.Jogging

10.Dancing

Beginners 10-15 minutes

Intermediate 20-30 minutes

Advance 30-60 minutes

Step # 8 Keys to your Success

What you eat is 80 of your success rate. The other 20 percent is how you change your lifestyle to incorporate physical activities. Before beginning any fitness routine, please consult a physician.

Step #9 Be Patient

A. Ask yourself how long did it take to gain weight? If you average More than 2-3 years, it is realistic that you have developed bad habits over time. So, it will take at least 6 months to develop healthier habits.

B.Self Discipline and Follow Thru are the two hardest things to obtain when losing weight. Know that you will have good and bad days, and some days in between. But reward your self by knowing that you are doing something that you can pass down to your children: You, and a healthy lifestyle.

Step #10 GET STARTED TODAY!

You’ve been let go and the world has changed. However, while things have shaken up for you in your career, they can also shake up for your body – in a good way. With the newfound time on your hands, you are able to get in your body in shape.

Get to that Doctor – The best way to start getting into good physical shape is to find out where you are right now. Get to that doctor you’ve been putting off and get a baseline for your health. Follow your doctor’s advice and consult any specialist he or she may recommend for any conditions that may exist or be on the horizon.

Determine fitness goals – State for yourself, loud and clear, where you want to be physically and in what time frame. By determining fitness goals, you be able to maintain a sense of accomplishment that could be threatened by being laid off. Having fitness goals will also keep you on track with concrete tasks as you get in your good physical shape. Be realistic in terms of time and reach and consult your newfound physician.

Exercise – Regardless of your physical shape now, you can still exercise. Exercise not only benefits physically but emotionally and mentally as well. Being laid off, these aspects of your overall health could be under attack from your current traumatic shift. Make sure you advise a physician before you begin any type of exercise routine.

Find your physical activity – One of the best ways to get in your good physical shape is to find a physical activity that you like. Although you may already be exercising, find something else that moves you. Walking, playing basketball, rollerblading and more are great physical activities because, unlike exercise, you won’t be counting the minutes or worrying about the bigger guys in the weight room. Plus you may meet new people in this activity and find yourself networked to a new job.

Being laid off is hard. However, it does not have to be the end of the world. With the new time on your hands, take advantage to take care of your body. Get in good physical shape by getting to that doctor, determining your fitness goals, exercising and finding your physical activity.

Anyone who has ever participated in an elementary school gym class probably has some memory of playing floor hockey. This sport allowed both boys and girls the chance to play hockey without having to worry about learning how to skate. Today it’s reaching well beyond the confines of school curriculum and there are leagues for this fun and faced paced competitive activity in many cities.

For someone familiar with ice hockey it doesn’t differ much. Not everyone has the chance or the interest to learn how to skate. Many children live in warm climates where ice is a scarcity. For them the closest they get to hockey is watching an NHL game on television. With floor hockey, though they can go through the paces of a game without having to strap on a pair of skates.

When it’s played as part of physical education class the only equipment used is generally a stick and a ball or rubber puck. This is because there are understood and strictly enforced rules of no contact. However, if it’s a league of floor hockey those rules change and in light of that more safety equipment is required.

A helmet is really a must for any child interested in this sport. They may see it as overkill since they are only playing on a floor, but serious injuries can happen when one child is body checked by another. If the league insists on every floor hockey player wearing a helmet, it’s not even a question that a child will raise.

Knee and elbow pads are a great idea as well. Just as with something like rollerblading or traditional skating, kids can fall forward pretty easily when they lose their footing. This is true in sports including soccer and floor hockey as well. A good set of safety pads under the child’s clothing can really reduce the number of bumps and bruises they’ll sustain.

You can’t play without a stick. Some kids who are already playing the game on ice will be inclined to bring in that stick for playing floor hockey. There are actually sticks just made for playing the game in this setting. It’s a good idea to purchase a stick that is a good fit for the child now. Some parents think they can save a few dollars by buying a bit larger stick that their son or daughter will grow into. This isn’t a good idea as it can present a safety problem for both the child using the stick to play floor hockey with and the other players. If it’s too big for them to easily handle it, it’s not the right stick for them.

A Colles fracture is a break across the end of the radius, that main bone of the forearm. This type of injury causes the wrist to become shortened and extended. Other names for the Colles fracture are transverse wrist fracture or dinner-fork deformity. These types of fractures occur commonly when the arm is outstretched to break a fall. This injury is more likely to happen during skateboarding, rollerblading, running or some other sports activity in which a forward fall occurs while the person is moving at high speed.

Most of these types of fractures can be placed in a splint and an arm sling. Sometimes, a lightweight, fiberglass cast is necessary. If the bone is no longer in line and straight, the fracture may need to be ‘reduced’ or straightened by way of wrist surgery. The Orthopedic Specialist will use a local anesthesia before reducing this type of fracture. In some cases, surgery is warranted. The break may need to be fixed with wrist surgery using a plate, screws, pins, or other metal hardware. Some surgeons can use plastic hardware, too.

What are the Symptoms of a Colles Fracture?

This type of fracture changes the shape and angle of the forearm in the area just above the wrist. The injured person will have pain and inability to hold objects. Most always, a Colles’ fracture causes swelling just above the wrist and the person is unable to lift with that hand.

What is the First Aid for a Colles Fracture?

• Place the wrist and hand in a splint in normal position.

• Place a rolled up sock in the palm and wrap the hand and wrist area with an elastic bandage.

• Use an ice pack to reduce swelling.

• Go to the emergency room or your Orthopedic Specialist’s office.

• Do NOT try to move or straighten the hand and wrist.

What Can the Orthopedic Specialist Do?

• Stabilize the fracture.

• Order X-Rays and other scanning tests.

• Reduce the fracture if necessary.

• Perform wrist surgery on the fracture if necessary.

• Prescribe a rehabilitation plan to prevent deformity.

Hand Fractures

The hand is made up of many small bones, and these bones work together as the supporting framework. A fracture occurs whenever there is enough force applied to one of the bones. When a fracture occurs, there is pain, decreased range of motion, and swelling. These could be simple or complex, depending on what part is injured. Some fractures happen in the main body of the bone known as the shaft. Others occur on the joint surface. A comminuted fracture is when the bone is shattered into many pieces and this is from a high energy impact. An open fracture is called a compound fracture, and this is when a piece of the bone comes through the skin.

How does Fractures Affect the Hand?

A fracture can cause stiffness, loss of movement, and pain of the hand. Some will cause a deformity, such as a crooked finger, too. Many fractures of the hand are painless and no deformity develops. Fractures can injure a joint surface and this will lead to arthritis.

What Can the Orthopedic Specialist Do?

• Order a medical evaluation with X-Rays.

• Provide a splint or cast

• Perform hand surgery by open reduction or closed reduction and internal fixation (surgery).

• Prescribe a specialized rehabilitation plan.

Wrist Sprains and Strains

One of the most common causes of wrist pain in athletes is a sprain of the wrist. A wrist sprain generally occurs after a fall on an outstretched hand stretches or tears the ligaments of the wrist. Common causes of wrist sprains include falls during sports such as inline skating, skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, soccer, football, baseball, and volleyball. When an athlete falls on the outstretched hand, the muscles, tendons and ligaments in the wrist take the brunt of the impact, and can be stretched and perhaps torn. If these tissues are inflexible or fragile, the risk of injury intensifies. Basically, a sprain is an injury to a ligament. Ligaments are the tough, fibrous tissues that connect bones to other bones.

A strain results when a muscle or tendon is injured. Tendons are the structures that connect muscles to bones. This can occur when the athlete falls on an outstretched hand, much like a sprain. Strains result when there is overstretching of the muscle, also. Mild strains of the wrists are not as severe as sprains of the wrist. However, strains that are severe result in complete tears of the tendon and muscle tissue and these are quite painful.

Symptoms of Sprains and Strains of the Wrist

With a wrist sprain, there is pain, tenderness, and swelling over the wrist after the fall. It often is tender, red, and warm to the touch, too. With a strain, there may be bruising, decreased range of motion, and a deep dull ache in the wrist area. If you suspect you have either of these conditions, you should seek medical attention. Some strains require wrist surgery.

Solutions for Sprains and Strains

The first line medical treatment involves the R.I.C.E. formula. This includes:

Rest – If you have an injury, stop activity and don’t use the injured wrist for 48 hours or until your doctor says it is OK. Wait for sure until the pain and swelling has subsided.

Ice – Apply ice to the wrist by means of a cold pack (ice wrapped in a towel) or a bag of peas from the freezer. Do this for around 20 minutes, off for 20, then back on again for 20. Continue this until swelling subsides.

Compression – Use an elastic compression bandage (commonly known as an ACE wrap) to secure the wrist and limit swelling. Start the wrap at the base of the fingers and stop just below the elbow. The wrap should be snug, but be careful not to wrap it tight and cut off circulation to the fingers.

Elevation – Keep the injured wrist higher than your heart as often during the day and at night for the first 48 hours after the injury. You can do this with an arm sling or elevating it on pillows. This will help drain fluid and reduce swelling that may form around the wrist.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis of the wrist is simply irritation and swelling that occurs to the tissue. The area affected where the ‘tunnel’ occurs is the tissues around the thumb. The most common symptom is pain in the front of the wrist and pain with bending and extending of the wrist. Mild swelling that is visible often occurs, as well. Tendonitis of the wrist is caused by injury to the arm, over use, biomechanical problems, and poor equipment operation. Sometimes, when someone begins a new activity or exercise, tendonitis will flare up.

Treating Tendonitis

If detected and treated early, tendonitis will improve quickly. The Orthopedic Specialist may give you steroid injections or an anti-inflammatory medication. More serious tendonitis requires hand surgery and wrist surgery, but this is rarely the case. If you feel that you have this condition, rest the wrist and do the R.I.C.E. therapy for a few days.

Ready to start an exercise program? That’s great, but there are several steps you should take if you want your exercise regimen to be successful.

1. Determine Your Readiness for Exercise. There are two elements you must consider before starting an exercise program. The first is your physical readiness. The only way to determine if you are physically ready for exercise is through a medical exam. Tell your doctor you want to begin a fitness program and you want to make sure you are healthy enough to start. The second consideration is your mental readiness. Specifically, you must consider how likely you are to stick with an exercise program once you begin. Research has identified several factors that are related to long-term success including past exercise experience, high self-confidence in regards to exercise, a positive view of exercise, an awareness of the positive health benefits of exercise, support from family and friends, and convenience. The more of these factors you have in your favor, the more likely you will have success in your fitness program.

2. Focus on Increased Activity, Not a Formal Exercise Program. You do not have to engage in vigorous physical activity to increase your level of fitness and improve your overall health. In fact, the American College of Sports Medicine has emphasized that 30 minutes of moderate physical activity (e.g., walking, golfing) on most days is enough to realize important health benefits. While this will not prepare you to run a marathon or ride the Tour de France, you will reach a higher fitness level than a sedentary person. You will also feel better.

3. Select an Exercise You Really Enjoy. Maintaining a long-term exercise program is highly correlated with enjoying that program. You will almost certainly quit if you do not enjoy your fitness regimen! Therefore, make sure you select activities you really like. Remember, you have a range of activities to choose from such as walking, cycling, running, weightlifting, rollerblading, dancing, golf, handball, tennis, racquetball, basketball and many more.

4. Learn How to Perform the Exercise Safely. The single biggest reason exercise programs fail is injury. An injury can include significant damage to muscle tissue such as a sprain or the relatively minor muscle damage that manifests itself in soreness. Either situation can diminish your motivation to exercise. Therefore, whatever activity you choose, make sure you learn how to perform it safely and take it easy, especially in the beginning.

5. Exercise with Others. Boredom is another common reason exercise programs fail. One way to overcome this problem is to exercise with friends. This provides several benefits including a sense of camaraderie, a positive social experience and the ability to push each other to higher levels of performance. Remember, for this to work you have to find an exercise all participants can enjoy, and you’ll need to accommodate varying degrees of fitness.

6. Participate in Organized Fitness Events. A great way to motivate yourself is to take part in an organized fitness event. On any given weekend, there are literally thousands of fitness events, competitive and non-competitive, geared toward a variety of physical activities. These include swimming, climbing, cycling, hiking, running, walking, rollerblading and racquet sports. Choose an activity you really enjoy and take part with a friend.

7. Prepare for Setbacks. No matter how successful you are with your fitness regimen, you will experience setbacks. There will be missed workouts, poor eating days and plateaus where you just can’t seem to improve. Don’t worry about it! Setbacks are inevitable, so recognize that they will happen and don’t get down on yourself. Just focus on getting back on schedule as soon as you can.

I just had a great breakdance session. I went over most of the top rock bboy moves I know, did some headspin practice and topped it with a short footwork exercise.

I am out of air, out of endurance and out of whatever you don’t have after not doing sports for a month due to a mounting pile of work. And I love it!

This were the 30 minutes I didn’t take in the previous weeks and I so should have taken them. Each and every week – if not even day. It’s not much and I’m not gonna be the best bboy in the world because of it. But it did remind me why I love to do all these crazy moves.

1. Clearing your mind

This is true for most sports I’ve tried: rollerblading, acrobatics, swimming and, yes, breakdancing. Everything you have in your head – work, life, responsibilities and problems – is gone. It’s the diversion from everyday life that you need to maintain balance in this world we live in. For me, it keeps me sane.

2. Life is so much better afterwards

It’s a great workout. I’m exhausted. I feel so much better than after just sitting behind the computer.

And I’ve left the best and most important for last:

3. Expressing your emotions, pleasuring your senses

Put on your favorite track on, be it funk, rap or jazz hop – whatever you need in that moment – and you’ll be connected with your feelings, your emotions, your mood. Especially if most of your life happens in your head (focusing on your reason that is), than you’ll appreciate the different state of awareness, when you get so entangled with your body’s senses.

Sure, it takes a while to be able to enter this state. That’s why you practice your bboy moves. When they become second nature to you, you don’t need to consciously choose to do Indian step or Salsa step or a Knee spin out of 6-step. You just do it. Because you feel it. You feel like doing it. It’s the best of feelings.

Recap

While the first and second reason are true for most sports, I am able to get the third only from breakdance. The flow, the music and the feeling your body gets out of connecting the two is something unique to dancing. What kind of dance you try of course depends on the music that most resonates with you. If your poison consists of funky breakbeats, you know you won’t be happy until you give breakdance a try.

If you do get that kind of connection out of breakdancing, it will be hard to let go and you’ll know exactly why you are over and over again coming back for more.

How often has it been heard, “We got the puppy or dog, to go jogging with me or my…” Many ardent exercise enthusiasts would love nothing more than to work out with their pet. They envision themselves staying fit not to mention sharing adventures and exploring new horizons together. They do not realize forced exercise would be causing a lifetime of serious damage and pain for their pet.
Before you unintentionally cause serious injury and probably permanent damage to your puppy or young dog’s joints and bones, there are a few things you should be aware of. First and foremost, never allow forced exercise any puppy under the age of 6 months old. Forced exercise is any repetitive motion, for an extended period of time, which causes stress on developing joints and bones. That includes jogging, biking, rollerblading, skateboarding, or even sled/cart pulling.

Not all dogs or breeds are capable of extreme endurance and forced exercise. Special attention needs to be paid to the types and amount of exercise brachycephalic breeds (i.e. short head) for example Boxers, English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers and Pugs can handle. Large and giant breeds, such as Great Danes, Irish and Russian Wolfhounds and Mastiffs also require unique considerations when working up an owner/dog exercise program.

As with human babies, puppies have growth plates that have to form and seal. It is called an epiphyseal scar. If the hardening of soft area where bone growth originates is not allowed to happen, it causes your puppy’s or young dog’s bones to bow, because they do not match at the ends with the connecting bone. The epiphyseal plate is a cartilage palate at the end of the long bones. It can also be the location of endocrine bone disorders, fractures, metastasis and even infection.

Dogs have 14 sets of growth plates. With small to medium sizes dogs, the process usually takes 12-16 months. With those that will be over 100 pounds, it frequently takes at least 18 months for the process to complete. Most reputable breeders and veterinarians believe large and giant breeds may not complete the process until they are approximately 2 years old. Be patient. By starting your dog too young, you most likely will cause concussive damage such as fractures or joint damage that may result in arthritis, elbow and hip problems.

It is suggested to have your puppy or young dog x-rayed so there is a baseline from which to work from. With that, your veterinarian will be able to estimate how long you should wait for the plates to close and you can start exercising with your dog.

While you are waiting for your pet to mature, you can work on their endurance. Concentrate on their cardiovascular and muscular development with non-stressful exercises such as swimming. Swimming is a fantastic way to get and keep your dog in shape, without straining bones and joints. It’s also a wonderful way continue exercising with your dog in their senior years, when they can no longer join you on those runs.

Once you get the go-ahead from your veterinarian, start slowly. Don’t expect your puppy or dog to keep up with your usual distance and speed immediately. They have to gradually work up to it.

Watch for heavy panting, limping and whimpering. Your dog may be in distress or pain.

Carry plenty of water. Find a shady spot. Give only a little water at a time. Dogs don’t cool down by sweating as we do. They need water to keep from overheating, dehydration and heat exhaustion.

Do runs only during the coolest times of the day.

Do not feed your pet immediately before or after their run. You risk cramping and Gastric Diliation-Volvulus (GDV), commonly known as “bloat.” GDV is the second natural cause of death for dogs.

Check their paws and pad periodically. It’s much easier and more comfortable for them to be able to get back home from a shorter distance.

If your dog shows signs of limping, is unable to get comfortable in certain positions, noticeably keeps shifting their weight, whines, appears in pain, shows no interest in joining you, or does not want to be touched in certain areas, get them to your veterinarian.

If you’re lucky, too much damage has not been done, and your dog has not been sentenced to a life of chronic pain.

Most parents’ top priority for their children is safety. When we are new parents we often have safety experts in that will scour the inside of our homes looking for hidden dangers. How often though do we take safety on the outside of our home into account? So many times we forget about the outside because our main focus is where they will be when we bring them home. The outside gets forgotten because by the time they are toddling around outside we think a few bumps and bruises are natural. So we tend to overlook the larger dangers. The ones that will cause more than a few scrapes. Let’s examine some of the dangers that you should be concerned with when you child is outside.

Parents with pools should make sure the minute they find out they are expecting that they purchase an aluminum fence that will lock. This will prevent a child from entering the pool area without an adult. This is more common than you would expect. Children drown each year trying to fish a favorite toy out of the water.

Water is such a hazard. Many parents don’t think about this but even a backyard pond could become deadly to a wobbling toddler. I know we all think we can supervise one hundred percent of the time but it is more difficult than you think. This is especially true when you have more than one child. Drain the pond or fill it in. I know they are a beautiful part of landscaping but it isn’t worth your child’s life.

Always make sure your child has a helmet on when riding a bike, rollerblading, skateboarding, on a scooter or sledding. You will want to ensure that the helmet fits your child and is in good working order. Head injuries are serious and outside fun should not be the cause of a lifetime of issues.

Make sure your children keep plenty of fluids in them when playing outside. Kids can become dehydrated very easily even in the winter months.

Make sure to inspect all equipment and get rid of anything that is cracked, splintered or otherwise damaged. It is wiser to replace any piece on your play area rather than try to repair it. Prolonging the life of a cracked swing with some tape or glue is a disaster waiting to happen.

If your community allows for it fence in your yard. An aluminum fence will keep your children in and critters out. Fencing is a great tool in keeping your child safe. It avoids them running out into the road to chase after a ball or venturing into neighboring yards that might not be equipped for small children.

Make sure that all poisonous shrubs and plants have been removed from your yard. Little red berries look awfully tempting to little kids but can be extremely lethal if digested. When spraying plant killer for things like poison ivy and poison oak make sure that you keep your children inside. The application of pesticides and plant killers can be deadly to children with any type of respiratory issues.

Above all use caution when allowing your child to become independent. Children are naturally curious and will tend to find mischief without even looking. It is our job to protect them in every way possible until caution is learned. Be watchful and you should be able to steer them away from the dangers that will leave more than a few scrapes and cuts.