Boomerang Issue #2

BoomeranG SUMMER ISSUE

YOUR PLACE FOR FUN GAMES & MORE.

ISSUE #2 • SUMMER 2019

Your Your GUIDE GUIDE TO TO big-time big -time fun fun this this summer! summer!

BOOMERANG | ISSUE #2 | ©2019 | PUBLISHED BY HANCOCK HEALTH

In This Issue Rainy Day Blues................................. 2 Have a fun day even if it doesn’t stop raining

Step Away From the PlayStation........ 4 Other great ways to have fun this summer.

My Summer Trip................................. 5 Tell a wacky story of your summer, mad-lib style.

Freckles............................................. 6 Everything you’ve wanted to know

Swimmer’s Ear................................... 7 Why it happens, what to do & when you can swim

No Homework vs. Home Work............. 9 No homework! But don’t forget your home work

Games Page..................................... 10 Puzzles, mazes, riddles, jokes & other cool stuff

Healthy Outside

PARENTS FYI

Rainy Day Blues

How to have a great day even if it rains all day long.

It’s raining outside and there is nothing to do.

Are you sure? Why not go outside and enjoy the rainy day anyway. As long as the weather is not severe (think lightning), put on all of your rain gear and go play. Jump in puddles, play in the mud and make mud pies! Catch some raindrops on your tongue. Create waterways, build dams, and race leaf boats. How about making rain music with pans or mud art on sidewalks? And of course, rescue any worms stranded on sidewalks and driveways.

If you can’t go outside for long or at all, don’t just play video games or watch tv all day, instead:

1. Make a rain gauge and measure the rain. Grab an old container and place it outside in the rain. Check in on how much rain comes down throughout the day with a ruler for an accurate measurement.

2. Try a science experiment. Ask an adult if you

can go online to research at home experiments and if it is ok to use supplies around the house.

Make sure and clean up your mess when you are done.

3. Read a book or write a new one. Write about your favorite things and illustrate your story. Have a readaloud for your family.

The surrounding area offers many indoor activities to do on a rainy day. Like libraries, museums, art studios, nature centers, indoor playgrounds, pools or gyms, science centers, music classes, historical landmarks, and more. Some are free all the time and some may have days or times when they are free.

Others charge a fee.

4. Create a new board game or play a favorite

one. Grab old cardboard and paper and your old happy meal toys and create a board and write down your rules. Teach it to your friends and family and have a competition.

5. Organize your own film festival. Invite family

and friends and pick your favorite movies.

Make tickets and usher your guests to their seat with a flashlight. For even more fun, set up a concession stand with some healthy snacks and bags of popcorn.

6. Bake something. With an adult’s help -

bake your favorite cookies or brownies.

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Healthier Me

PARENTS FYI There are many ways to help your child learn to limit their screen time and access. Set up parental controls.

Most devices or internet providers have controls you can easily set up. Don’t let your child charge their devices in their rooms. Draft a contract to regulate device usage. Make sure you set a good example with screen time.

Step away from the PlayStation!

Other great ways to have fun without gaming.

Is it really important to give your brain a break

Have your friends join in and enjoy what you

from electronics? Scientists believe that too

create together.

much screen time is bad for you. You don’t get enough exercise, you aren’t spending time with friends and family, you might not sleep as well, and even your eyesight can be affected.

Plus, when you spend a lot of time on your devices you miss out on other activities that are more fun.

How much time do you think you play video games, use a computer, tablet, or smartphone

Race Day There are many ways you can race from one side of the yard to the other: one legged, three legged, backwards, crab walk, fastest, slowest, relay. Gather your friends and take turns calling out the race style. Try it blindfolded, with hands or legs tied, or carrying something without dropping it, or in a potato sack. Give out awards at the end of the races.

or spend watching TV, in a week? You might be next two weeks,

Catching Fireflies

keep track. The

It’s fun to catch fireflies

first week, every

(or lightning bugs),

day record the

but you have to act

hours you spend on

like one. They are easy

each. The second

to find—just look for

week, cut down the

flashing lights under

amount you spend

low-hanging trees or in

surprised. For the

and use that time to do other activities.

Here are a few things you can do instead:

Sheet Art Create a life size mural. Ask an adult for an old sheet or if they could buy one from a thrift store. Gather different paint colors, foam brushes, paint brushes, paper plates or cups, and your imagination. Lay the sheet out in the backyard on the grass, a table or a deck and paint your masterpiece directly on the sheet.

grassy or marshy areas. Turn off any outside lights—so the fireflies won’t be confused.

Grab a flashlight, a net, a jar and a buddy.

Have one person hold the jar and another use the net. When you get close enough, catch your fireflies and place them in the jar. Make sure you use a clean, clear jar with a lid that’s been pierced with holes to let in air. Place a moistened paper towel on the bottom for humidity. Be careful catching fireflies, they are fragile and make sure and let them go after a day or two.

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Summer ‘TRIP’

Pack Your Bags It’s Road Trip Time!

This summer we’re planning a road trip to

PLACE

with me. We will be riding in a

NOUN

PERSON

pack my

in my

NOUN

my favorite a book about

ADJECTIVE

road trip. I like to eat long to my favorite

NOUN

NUMBER

Museum, I think it is so COLOR

and

ADJECTIVE

ADJECTIVE

chips. And to sing a ADJECTIVE

NOUN

at the hotel. I hope they VERB

ADJECTIVE

. I am excited to see the . We get to eat at the

potatoes. For dessert I like to get cream with a

ADJECTIVE

TYPE OF BUG

on top. The next day we’re going

topping and a

NOUN

to the

beach to build

ADJECTIVE

shirt. Also, I’ll take

restaurant. I think I’ll order the

NOUN

VERB ENDING IN ‘ED’

scoops of

Then I’ll probably

5

VERB

pool so we can

ADJECTIVE

SIZE

NOUN

and

songs by the

ADJECTIVE

Band. When we arrive we’ll have a

ADJECTIVE

VERB

to read. Snacks are a must on a

PLURAL NOUN

PLURAL NOUN

. I have to

suitcase. I must

ADJECTIVE

pants and my

COLOR

. I’ll take

VERB

NOUN

castles.

the whole way home.

V

Freckles Explained

What Are Freckles?

Did you ever read the book Freckle Juice by

to have freckles? People, especially kids, who

Judy Blume? The story is about a boy who buys

have fair complexions (that means their skin

a recipe to grow freckles — with disastrous

and eyes are light in color).

results!

People with light complexions have less melanin

Not everyone is as excited about having

(say: MEL-uh-nun) in their skin. Melanin is a

freckles. In fact, we hear from kids who want

chemical produced by certain skin cells (called

to know how to get rid of their freckles. But

melanocytes); it helps protect the skin from sun

there’s no magic potion that removes them.

damage by reflecting and absorbing ultraviolet

No Teasing!

(UV) rays.

Kids tell us that they don’t like being teased

The more melanin you have in your skin, the

about their freckles, so if you know people who

darker your skin color! People with fair skin have

have freckles, please don’t make fun of them!

Let’s find out what freckles are and why some people have them.

Freckles are not harmful or the sign of a health problem. They’re just pigment cells (cells that

less melanin in their skin to begin with, but some of their melanocytes make more melanin when exposed to the sun. So instead of easily getting an even suntan, they sometimes get freckles.

Freckles May Fade

Being outside in the sun may help cause

Some people have freckles that fade away almost completely in the winter and return in the summer. Other people’s freckles don’t change much with or without the sun and can be seen year-round. Freckles also tend to fade as people get older. Whether you’re freckled or not, be sure to wear sunscreen and follow other sun-safety rules.

freckles or make them darker. Who’s most likely

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD Date reviewed: September 2015

contain Color) that are contained within the skin in small batches. Freckles are usually tan or light brown, flat, and very small. Sometimes they overlap and run together so they may look larger.

Freckles and the Sun

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WATER Worries

What Is Swimmer’s Ear? Swimmer’s ear is an infection

This sometimes happens when

red and swollen. Sometimes

of the ear canal. If you stick

a kid gets a cold.

kids can get an infection in

your finger in your ear,

But swimmer’s ear happens

the ear canal even if they

you’re feeling a little of the ear canal. But if you have swimmer’s ear, and you stick your finger in your ear — YOW! Let’s find out more about this painful type of ear infection, which often

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when bacteria grow in the ear canal, which is a passageway to the eardrum. In that canal, you’ll find delicate skin that’s protected by a thin coating of earwax. Most of the time,

affects swimmers.

water can run in and out of

How Does Swimmer’s Ear Happen?

a problem. For instance, you

the ear canal without causing

haven’t been swimming. A scratch or other irritation to the ear canal can also lead to swimmer’s ear.

How Do I Know if I Have Swimmer’s Ear? Swimmer’s ear may start with some itching, but try not to scratch because this can make the infection worse. Ear pain

Swimmer’s ear — also called

don’t usually get swimmer’s ear

otitis externa (say: o-TY-tus ek-

from taking baths or showers.

swimmer’s ear. Even touching

STUR-nuh) — is different from

Bacteria get a chance to grow

or bumping the outside of the

a regular ear infection. Usually,

when water stays in the ear

ear can hurt. The infection

when people say a kid has an

canal. A lot of swimming can

also could make it harder to

ear infection, they mean otitis

lead to these wet conditions

hear with the infected ear

media (say: ME-dee-uh), an

in the ear canal. Bacteria

because of the swelling that

infection of the middle ear.

grow and the ear canal gets

happens in the ear canal.

is the most common sign of

If a doctor thinks you have swimmer’s ear, he or she will help you get rid of the infection. To do that, the doctor will probably prescribe ear drops that contain an antibiotic to kill the bacteria.

Sometimes, the doctor may use a wick. Not the wick on a candle! This kind of wick is like a tiny sponge the doctor puts in your ear. The medicine goes into the sponge and it keeps the medicine in contact with the ear canal that’s infected.

The wick is removed after it has done its job.

Use the drops as long as your doctor tells you to, even if your ear starts feeling better.

Stopping too soon can cause the infection to come back.

If your ear hurts, the doctor may suggest that a parent

give you a pain reliever. This can help you feel better while you’re waiting for the antibiotic to work.

When Can I Go Back in the Pool?

get some special drops to put in your ears after swimming to dry up the water in there. It’s an extra step that just might keep your ears in super shape all summer!

Reviewed by: Steven P. Cook, MD The question every kid wants Date reviewed: March 2016 to know is: “When can I swim again?” You’ll have to ask your doctor, but be prepared to wait a little bit. It could be as long as a week to 10 days before the doctor says To keep your child’s ears dry and OK. That’s a bummer prevent swimmer’s ear - have your in the summer, but it’s child wear a swimming cap or ear plugs better than having that when swimming. Dry your child’s ears with a towel after getting out of the awful ear pain again! water. Have your child tip their head If you have a big to each side to drain excess water problem with swimmer’s out. Gently pull the outer ear in ear or you’re a kid who’s different directions to help always in the water, the drain excess water. DO doctor may suggest ways for NOT stick you to protect yourself. For instance, your mom or dad can

PARENTS FYI

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Homework v. Home Work

DR. Chuckle’s Recap & Revi ew Swimmer’s ear article:

Q: What detergent do swimmers use to wash their clothes?

A: Tide

Q: Why did the lifeguard kick

School’s out & so is homework! OR IS IT? Yay! - School’s out - no more homework! But, should you be doing home work? Yes, absolutely! You should be helping out. It’s your home too - so you need to help keep it clean. And you might not be as messy, if you are the one who cleans it up.

When you help, you are showing you are responsible and a good team player. You are also learning to manage your time and you can take pride for a job well done. Plus, it’s good exercise.

Instead of waiting for your parents to ask you to help out (or nagging at you) - show them how much you have grown up and how much you appreciate them by doing the following 10 easy things on your own.

They aren’t hard. Make a game of it, do it everyday and you will get an A+.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Tidy-up your room Put your stuff away Help prepare snacks Set and clean the table after a meal

5. Load and unload the dishwasher

PARENTS FYI Chores kids like to do most are taking care of pets, setting the table and helping with cooking. They least like washing dishes, picking up around the house and cleaning the bathroom.

6. Fold laundry 7. Wipe down surfaces 8. Sweep 9. Take out the garbage 10. Feed pets (If you don’t have one - showing how

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responsible you are everyday might help convince your parents you are able to take care of a pet).

the elephants out of the pool?

A: They kept dropping their trunks.

Rainy day article:

Q: What does a cloud wear under his raincoat? A: Thunderwear!

Q: How does the rain tie its shoes? A: With a rainbow!

Q: What did one raindrop say to the other? A: Two’s company.

Three’s a cloud!

Q: What happens when it rains cats and dogs? A: You might step in a poodle!

Helping Parents article:

Q: Who do you call when the

ocean needs a little cleaning?

A: A mermaid, of course.

Q: What do ants get when they do their chores?

A: An allow-ants.

Electronics article:

Q:

What animal is always at a baseball game? A: A bat.

Q: What building in Indiana has the most stories? A: The library!

Q: What do cows most like to read? A: Cattle-logs.

Q: How does a scientist freshen her breath? A: With experi-mints

Games & Puzzles

evi ew

©1995-The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission.

Learn About you.

Can you identify the major parts of your ear. Write the number of each part in the circle that is pointing toward it.

1 EUSTACHIAN TUBE 2 STIRRUP (STAPES) 3 EARDRUM 4 COCHLEA 5 AURICLE 6 NERVES (FACIAL & AUDITORY) 7 ANVIL (INCUS) 8 EAR CANAL 9 HAMMER (MALLEUS)

_________________________ _________________________ Boomerang Back Page SOLVE THE MAZE. GET THE TREASURE.

Impress THE parents J wow your friends!

1. The highest amount of rainfall ever recorded for one year is 1000 inches in Cherrapunji, India.

2. Rainfall on other planets and moons is different from on earth. Rather than water,it rains iron, methane, neon, or sulfuric acid.

3. Freckles are genetic, but nobody is born with freckles.

They also indicate how sensitive your skin is. The more freckles, the more sensitive your skin. Freckles are never cancerous.

4. The average American creates over 4 pounds of trash each day and up to 56 tons of trash each year.

5. Making your bed immediately after waking traps body

heat, skin cells, and sweat, all over the bed. Leaving the bed unmade for a time exposes the sheets to air and light, drying them out and killing mites.

6. Over 6,000 computer viruses are released each month.