Meet Your Neighbors

Do you know your neighbors? If you answered no to this question, what's holding you back? Meeting those around you is both a rewarding and possibly life saving thing you can do.

Making friends with your neighbors or people in your complex can reward you with life-long friendships for both you and your children. It also fosters a sense of community and togetherness.

It can also be an important safety step to keep you and your family safe from danger or burglary.  By becoming friendly with your neighbors you are erecting one more defense against crime, since you will have a few people looking out for both you can your home.  Talking to your neighbors and others in your complex, and asking them to look out for suspicious behavior can save both you and them from theft or harm.

Can't think of a way to meet those around you? Try going door to door and introducing yourself, or go door to door and invite them to a small party at your place. It doesn't have to be a big deal just some wine and cheese and good company. If you aren't that bold, then hold a garage sale/ yard sale to get rid of some of your of belongings and have a reason to talk to your neighbors. You could also volunteer around with your complex and see if they have any activities that can get you out there. There are other places like the pool and other common areas that you can introduce yourself to people and make new friends.

Do you know some of your neighbors but not all? Get your complex to throw a block party and invite everyone. This is a fun and low key event that will draw in a lot of people and make a fun social atmosphere.

Just by being open and friendly you can meet your neighbors around you and become a little safer in the long run.

So what are you waiting for? The summer is the perfect time to make new friends and meet your neighbors.

Stay Safe When Walking

Staying fit and active is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and waking outside is an easy way to do this. It's important to stay safe, aware, and healthy though. Here are some tips that will help you with your walking routine.

• Get proper walking shoes- don't stress your feet out and put tension on your ankles and feet. Not every shoes offers stability and cushioning.
• Don't overdo it- Let your body adjust to its new walking routine and frequency of workouts.
• Remember to breathe- Your breathing should be elevated but you should not be gasping for air. If you are slow down. The opposite is true if you can carry on a full conversation you need to increase your speed.

Walking outside

• Find a buddy to walk with- It's safer in pairs or a group. The other person can also motivate you and make the time more enjoyable.
• If you walk alone make sure to tell people where you are going, what route you are taking, and when you are expecting to get back.
• Stay hydrated!
• Dress in bright colors- Make sure you are wearing reflectors or bright bold colors when walking in the morning, evening, or night. You want to be seen so no cars are caught unaware.
• Walk on designated paths or well lit areas- You don't want to put yourself in a dangerous situation so make sure you are aware of your surroundings and what's around you.
• Walk against traffic if there are no sidewalks- It's easier to see what is coming and become aware of any danger coming towards you.
• Vary your route- This will make your exercise time more enjoyable in that it's a change of scenery, but it will also help prevent others from memorizing your routine.
• Be aware- this is the most important thing. Be conscious of what is going on around you whether it is people, traffic, or nature.
• Don't wear headphone- they distract you from what's going on around you. If you have to keep only one ear bud in.
• If someone attempts to attack you in public scream at the top of your lungs, "FIRE, FIRE". Studies have shown that people are more apt to respond if they feel threatened by fire.

What to bring with you on a walk

• Carry pepper spray or a whistle in case you run into any bad situation
• Cell phone to stay in contact in case of emergency
• An umbrella in case of rain or defense
• Walk with a pet for safety if you have one
• Always have your ID with you so people know who you are just in case.

Water Safety Tips

Summer is upon us and with temperatures in the 90’s we all want to find a way to beat the heat.  Swimming pools, water parks, and oceans are all options that people choose to keep cool, but with these come the importance of water safety.  In many states, drowning is the leading cause of accidental deaths in young 

children, so it’s important to teach your children how to swim.

Swimming lessons can save your child’s life, and can be taught from the age of one.  Even if your child or teen knows how to swim encourage them to go out with a buddy just in case something happens. It’s also important to make sure that the swimming pool has a life guard on duty. When on the open water such as a lake or the ocean, life jackets can mean the difference between life or death.

Supervision of your children is an important duty of parents or siblings. Make sure young children always have someone watching them when they are swimming. Don’t always rely on a life guard to do their job. You are their first line of defense if they get to tired or roughhouse with friends.

Wear sunscreen!!! This isn’t a water safety tip, but it is a critical one for anyone spending extended time in the sun. Using sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 45 will help prevent burns from a day in the sun. It’s important to reapply the sunscreen at least ever hour to stay protected; fair skinned people should reapply every 30 minutes. Keep some aloe vera in the refrigerator just in case some burns do happen, it will sooth the tender burnt skin. Your children will thank you for the cool gel.

Remember to hydrate when you are out at a pool or outside event. It’s important to bring some water and snacks to keep both you and your children happy in the sun. Sodas and caffeine drinks aren’t good for hot sunny days, as they contribute to dehydration. 

Keep these tips in mind when you are out with your family this summer.