Tag Archives: live in childcare

Au Pairs experience Yoga at Golds Gym in Crofton

Yoga has been practiced for more than 5,000 years, and currently, close to 11 million Americans are enjoying its health benefits.  Most Westernized yoga classes focus on learning physical poses, which are called asanas. They also usually include some form of breathing technique and a mediation technique as well.  The greatest health benefits enjoyed by those who practice yoga on a regular basis is an increase in ones flexibility, strength, and balance. DSC_1550

Gold’s Gym yoga instructor Kimberly Murphy in Crofton held a private yoga class for our group last Sunday for one hour. We were instructed on breathing techniques, stretching exercises to relax sore muscles from carrying babies and toddlers all day and learned the benefits of balancing skills.

Many of the au pairs that participated were amazed at how relaxing the experience was and some were enthusiastic to return again during the regular yoga class offered at Golds Gym. I had girls from Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Columbia and the United Kingdom!

Kim provided excellent instruction on a wonderful breathing technique to help the au pairs unwind at night after a long day of taking care of children and making it easier to fall asleep.  Kim is an extremely knowledgeable instructor who has a passion for teaching yoga at all levels.  Her yoga class is held at Golds Gym in Crofton on Rt 3 on Fridays from 10:30 am until 11:30 am.  I highly recommend taking the time to stop in and experience Kim’s class.  You leave refreshed and invigorated to take on the day.

Summer Heat wave safety

Tips for Staying Cool This Summer

  • heat wave Be aware of the heat. Pay attention to it and modify your activities appropriately.
  • Pay attention to your hydration status and be sure to drink plenty of fluids.
  • Try to stay in relatively cool areas, even when outside. Many public places, such as libraries, shopping malls and movie theatres, are air conditioned.
  • Avoid hot, enclosed places, such as cars. Never leave children unattended in a car!
  • Use a fan, if available.
  • Stay on the lowest floor of your building.
  • Eat well-balanced, light and regular meals.
  • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing.
  • Cover windows that receive a significant amount of sun with drapes or shades to help keep your house cool.
  • Cool beverages are good for cooling down the body, while alcoholic drinks can impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature.

Signs of Heat Overexposure

  • Heavy sweating — though if heat stroke sets in, the body can no longer compensate and stops sweating.boy drinking water
  • Pale skin.
  • Muscle cramps.
  • Feeling tired and weak.
  • Altered mental status (confusion or disorientation).
  • Headache.
  • Becoming semi-conscious or passing out.
  • Nausea or vomiting.

Steps to Take After Recognizing Heat-Induced Illness

  • Call 911.
  • Get the person out of the sun and into a cool area. An air-conditioned area is ideal, but moving someone into the shade will also help.
  • Apply water to help the person cool off.
  • Apply ice to the neck or armpits, where large blood vessels are close to the surface.
  • Remove any heavy clothing.
  • Immerse the body in cool water, either at a swimming pool or in a bathtub.

cool offDon’t forget the pets, keep them cool and hydrated too!