Be an Angel

goes on and on! Best of Winners are listed, starting on page 12 of this issue. Plus, you can find even more categories online at ParentsPress.com. Mark your calendars! Voting for 2024 Parents Press Reader’s Choice starts March 1, 2024.

Lucky Lefties

Celebrate your favorite lefty this month! Left-Hander’s Day is designated annually for August 13. Did you know that girls are more likely to be left-handed than boys by about 4 percent? And mothers who are over 40 at the time of their baby’s birth are 128 percent more likely to have a child who is left-handed. That’s quite a leg up considering only 10 to 12 percent of people on earth are considered lefties.

August is full of offbeat holidays that put the emphasis on kindness (National Friendship Day on August 6 and Just Because Day on the 27th), but we’re particularly digging BE AN ANGEL DAY, which is celebrated on August 22. What a simple, sweet and fun way to remind your children about the importance of doing something nice for others, like looking out for a younger sibling or lending a helping hand.

Vaping Is Not a Healthy Alternative to Smoking

10 SIGNS You Should Bring Your Child to the Emergency Department

Witnessing a child in a state of physical or mental distress can be confusing and stressful for parents and caretakers. Understanding and educating oneself of the signs and symptoms of serious illness or injury are key in equipping any parent to make the best decision for their children in an emergency. This is especially key when a serious incident has occurred, and the child needs to travel to an emergency room. Incidents that would warrant an ER visit include:

• profuse bleeding that does not stop after 15 seconds of pressure;

• open or gaping wounds with edges that don’t touch;

• head traumas;

• falls from a significant height; or

• vomiting/diarrhea, especically if blood is present. Some indications of mental injury or illness include:

• if the child is acting confused, disoriented, unusually sleepy, or has difficulty walking; or

• any weakness, dizziness, vision changes, fainting, sunken/bulging fontanel, or loss of consciousness. During respiratory season, usually coinciding with flu season, there are higher instances of viral respiratory infections, including COVID, flu, and RSV.

The mist from all “vapes” contain some particles of nicotine and metals, which inhaled through the mouthpiece, go down the throat and into the lungs.

When it comes to use of substances, it is important that parents stay up to date with reliable sources and share this information with their children. Many kids get their information from friends and social media sites, which can be unreliable and a negative influence. Vaping in particular has become popular among youth and young adults. Vaping is the use of a handheld electronic device to breathe a mist, or “vapor”, into the lungs. It is similar to smoking, but instead of smoke, it heats tiny particles out of a liquid in the device to create an aerosol. However, contrary to what many believe this is not a water vapor. The mist from all “vapes” contain some particles of nicotine and metals, which inhaled through the mouthpiece, go down the throat and into the lungs. While thought by many to be “better” or “safer” than smoking, vaping has related health issues, with long-term damage still unknown given how new it is. The particles inhaled can cause swelling and irritation to the lungs, leading to scarring and narrowing. Other potential consequences include, asthma, organ damage to the heart and brain, and addiction.

Any symptoms such as:

• shortness of breath;

• difficulty breathing; or

• strenuous use of chest muscles. Y