It is that time of year again when many of us look forward to taking some time off for summer vacation. We start planning vacations near and far and everywhere in-between. But with the economy still up in the air many people have been postponing time off trying to make sure they have done everything they could for their businesses. Cost is not the issue, since we can all find places to go or things to do that are as expensive or inexpensive as we make them. The point is to just make sure that you take some time off.

Too often we think we are indispensible at work and so we don’t always take the time we need. The truth is most of us can take time off without fear that the world will come to an end. Even the President takes vacation with his family. As important as our work is, and as much as we may enjoy what we do, it is very important to our frame of mind to take some time for ourselves and our families.

I am one of those who rarely took all the vacation time coming to me when I worked in the corporate world and now that I am a small business owner I take even less time off. This year is different.

This time I got a jump on summer and took a week off early to enjoy a little time in the Florida Keys. What I learned was amazing. Not just that I had a great time, which is what you would expect from a vacation, but my world did not implode. The clients and applicants that called while we were gone, all called back or left numbers for us to reach them when we returned. With today’s technology we can still stay in touch regardless of where we travel. Cell phones and Notebook computers let us stay on top of everything. However, we didn’t even need to. Without exception all of our clients that wanted information first wished us a pleasant trip and then requested that we wait till we get back before responding to them.

Having a chance to unwind made us feel so much better, when we came back that we were able to catch up very quickly and did not miss a beat. Our business is still doing well and we are feeling great. The only exception is the two pounds that I gained from eating everything in sight.

The bottom line is that it is not just my personal opinion being in favor of vacation, but the opinion of many doctors and psychologists. We all need time to rest our minds and bodies so this summer make some plans. Remember that Southern California is a vacation spot, so even if money is tight there are plenty of things to do around here. Whether you are the boss or an employee, taking the time off that you need, will make you significantly more productive than hanging around and just thinking you are indispensible.

Have a great summer.

PS: For some not so boring pictures of Key West set our Facebook page.

The problem:  Falls represent a problem that just gets worse as a child ages and becomes more active.  Emergency rooms see far too many accidents involving newborns that fell while their parents were watching them. Newborns will start to move very early on and during that split second that a parent looks away, they can fall off a changing table, a bed or sofa and have a severe trauma.  While we cannot always be there or stop children from falling, we can reduce the incidents.

The solution:  How we handle and prevent falls is the key to reducing the serious injuries that can occur. The example of an infant that rolls over for the first time and falls from a changing table without any previous warning that they could even move that far. To help prevent the problem you will need to do more than just think you can always watch every movement. It only takes two seconds to reach for a diaper, but the fall needs just one second to occur. One thing we can do is plan by having all of the items needed within arm’s reach so we are not looking away for anything. Another is to either buy a changing table that has safety straps and a small ledge to help secure the baby. If a changing table is not available or used try using the floor instead of a sofa or standard height table. Through a thick blanket on the floor as a cushion and falling is one less thing to worry about.

As your child grows and begins to stand and walk, remember to move furniture with sharp corners out of their path. Cocktail tables are a leading cause of injuries among children. I have often recommended that parents literally crawl around the room where your child will be, so they can see things at the same level as their children.  Remember to also remove obstacles that can lead to tripping such as scatter rugs or small decorative objects.

If you live above the first floor make sure all windows are either securely locked or have safety guards in place. Use safety gates at the tops of stairs and make sure you check the width of railings to make certain that a tiny head can’t squeeze through.

Even after doing everything right, accidents will happen and kids will fall. Always keep a first aid kit handy and take a First Aid class so you know what to do and when to call for help. You do not want to be sitting there reading a first aid book while you child is in pain, take a class now.

The problem:  Food and toys are very common causes of danger for little children.  Tiny parts fit into tiny mouths and within seconds your child is choking.  Hard to swallow foods create another hazard.

The solution:  Following the warning labels on most toys is a good first step, but make sure that you also consider the size of your child.  Four year olds may be old enough to play with small objects based on warning labels, but is the child large enough and mature enough to understand what does and what does not go into their mouth?  Mom can avoid many problems by keeping small objects away from curious little hands. 

It is equally as important to consider hard to swallow foods, including raw carrots, peanuts, popcorn, hard candy and hot dogs which can get lodged in a young child’s throat.   Teach kids of all ages to take small bites and chew food thoroughly before swallowing.  Refrain from talking or giggling when food is in their mouths, and to sit upright while eating.

If something does get caught in your child’s throat, quick thinking and swift actions can save their life.  Administer short back slaps or perform the Heimlich maneuver to clear breathing passage ways.  The time to learn those simple techniques is now, before you need them.  While CPR and First Aid classes are always recommended for families with young children, at the very least check with your doctor or nurse and have them show you what you need to do.

Of course today that barely buys a condo in midtown Manhattan, and with inflation factored in your buying power would be less than $24.00.  But that is a different story.  It is still important to save for as long as you can.

Do any of us really need a five pound box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day?  Do we need two dozen sugar filled pink cupcakes with extra creamy frosting on top?  Okay, maybe a handful of Godiva chocolates and a couple of cupcakes.  I can’t go cold turkey on sweets.  However, anything we can do to reduce our intake of non nutritional foods and increase the heart healthy diets that doctors recommend has got to help. 

Even when going out for that huge five course dinner, try to plan a walk after to help burn off some of the calories.  While it would be nice to say we are going to eat healthy all of the time, very few of us mortals have the willpower to pass on a favorite dessert.  The best advice that I have heard is to just do the best we can and every day try to do a little better. 

Heart disease is still the number one killer of both men and women in this country.  Let’s try to work together to come up with ideas to help reduce this deadly disease.  Staying healthy is something we owe to ourselves and our children.

Have a very Happy and Healthy Valentine’s Day.

The bottom line is for both nannies and families to make sure that they are all up to date on their shots to prevent serious issues from arising.

Create an exercise program that includes the children so it becomes part of a regular routine.  It is easier to stick to a program of exercising when everyone is involved.  Even infants and young children can take part, when you carry them or wheel them you are burning more calories then just walking empty-handed. Just remember that adults need different levels of exercise than children.  Young children need more breaks and fluids than adults in addition to more time to rest between walks or jogs.  Start good habits early, just don’t over do it. 

Keep eating healthy meals and exercising regularly and you won’t need to worry about dieting again.

Let us know what exercise routines work best and some of your favorite recipes so we can share them with other parents in future tips.