Summer is just a Spring away. Everyone is getting outdoors and working in the yard. The kids are grabbing bikes and basketballs and heading to the neighbors to play or to the park.

The days are looking more beautiful and lasting a little longer at sunset. All the more reason to make sure you up date your medicine chest and replenish the Emergency Kits. There are sure to be a lot of booboos on the way.

A good Emergency Kit will include:

1). Band Aids
2). Ace Bandage for sprains
3). 4x4s for cleaning and covering wounds
4). Surgical tape
5). An Anticeptic cream
6). Cortisone Cream
7). Peroxide or other cleansing liquid
8). Eye drops
9). Ipecac
10). Sun Burn Cream
11). Small stick or plastic and string

I am sure other moms can think of other things that need to be in their for their own families. I like to keep one in the bathroom of the house, where the kids can reach it and have quick access to it. I also keep an emergency kit in the car but it has a lot more items like flash light, blankets, dry food, and flares.

I like the mini-kits too, that the kids can snap on their bikes, or teens can toss in their purse. It is just a good way to keep everyone safe and off to a great start for summer.

It is also smart to make sure all the emergency numbers are up to date and clearly listed near the phone. It is good to remind the kids that 911 is available even on cell phones. It is just basic good information for keeping the family safe.

Recently the On Line Heart Association posted a list of three questions you can ask someone that will tell you immediately if they are having or have had a stroke.

1). Ask them to smile.
2). Ask them to raise both arms up high.
3). Ask them to repeat a sentence after you.

If the person cannot do this or has trouble they may have recently had a stroke. If a doctor can get to them within 3 hours of the onset of a stroke, the stroke can almost always be reversed, with little or no complications.

It also is a good idea to ask the parents of any kids that are going to sleep over if they have any allergies or if they are diabetic or have any other issues you may need to be aware of.

It is all just good information to keep your family and friends safe and having fun.