Safety First

What an amazing week this has been! I had the opportunity to share ATV Safety for three days this week. While I am accustomed to sharing about safety, I am not accustomed to doing so with a Mrs. Mississippi International title. So, I was not only Mrs. Traci, the 4-H lady, but also Mrs. Mississippi International! It was the first time I had ever autographed my safety flyers at a school...but I am sure not the last. I do think I got their attention that preventing injuries is very important, and something that they can do.

The kids were grades 3rd through 6th and were very attentive and honest as I spoke to them. Most (probably 85-90 percent) raised their hands when asked if they have ridden on an ATV before. When asked if they were wearing a helmet, the hands went down with probably 10 percent raising their hands. I emphasize that a helmet is something they ALWAYS wear when on an ATV or similar motorized vehicle. I think it is also important to discuss ways for them to make good decisions, so I ask for examples of how they can tell their friends they cannot ride them on the back of their 4-wheeler (ATV). Some are stern and say, "You can't ride on the back of my 4-wheeler." Others added, "It's not safe." "I don't want you to get hurt." I know peer pressure can be difficult for kids at times, so I tell them they can even use the line, "Mrs. Traci told me I can't do that!" Now, I don't know if they will ever use that line, but I want them to be prepared and be able to say "no" when they know they should.

The youth already know that they can have fun on ATV's. I stress that in order to have FUN (and avoid injuries), remember you must be SAFE.
Find an ATV made for your size and age.
Understand the rules and laws in your state.
Never go anywhere without permission and an adult knowing where you are.

Stay on unpaved trails and stay as safe speed.
Always wear your helmet. Not just and helmet, but one for motorized vehicles.
Friends do not ride as passengers (unless it is made for two or more).
Expect the unexpected, whether it is an animal, another person, or a fallen tree.

I discuss these safety guidelines with the youth, and remind them that the same guidelines apply for adults, including myself. By following these basic safety tips, they will greatly reduce their chances of an accident, especially a severe injury or death. My wish is that safety will become second nature, and needless injuries and deaths will be prevented.

Be safe and have fun!

Traci

Lots to Love in 4-H

With the start of the new year, and looking at the calendar, I am reminded of how diverse 4-H can actually be.  For those of you wondering just what  4-H is all about, I will give you a brief look.  The "H's: stand for: Head, Heart, Hands and Health.  That alone can cover an enormous amount!
We learn and gain knowledge in many areas with our HEAD.  There is the sharing, caring and giving of community service that comes from the HEART.  We "learn by doing" with our HANDS. And we learn various ways to take care of our HEALTH.

This month in Mississippi, counties are preparing for district livestock shows, as well as Dixie National in February.  The livestock show is just a sample of what the youth do on a regular basis taking care of their animals.  The dedication and hard work of the youth is amazing, to say the least.  The responsibility that comes from that experience is priceless.  

Also, in January and February, local clubs are planning their monthly meetings.  You can find Cloverbuds for ages 5-8, as well a variety of clubs pertaining to age and interest.  Across Mississippi, there are general clubs, robotics clubs, gardening clubs, environmental clubs, modeling squads, cooking clubs, sewing clubs, horse clubs, craft clubs, just to name a few!  And we can't forget the Leadership Team wearing the green jackets! Keep in mind that a 4-H Agent cannot possibly know it all, or do it all, so I rely on volunteers to share their expertise in certain areas.

My main focus this year will be on ATV Safety and injury prevention, including brain injuries.  With so many youth and adults riding ATVs, we are continuing to have terrible accidents. The GOOD news is that with safety education, we can greatly reduce these accidents.

I hope this gives you an idea of the variety of wonderful things I get to do as a 4-H Youth Agent, and the wonderful opportunities for you as well!

Happy 4-H-ing,

Traci

Ready for Red

Less than one month away is the National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 3.  This day is promoted by the National Heart Association and Go Red for Women.  Do you have a favorite red dress or red blouse that you love to wear?  Maybe a shopping trip is in order!


Let us remember to share with one another how to be heart healthy and remember to take care of ourselves.  As women, we can get so busy taking care of our children, our career, or others that we neglect to do what is best for us.  The website, www.goredforwomen.org, has fantastic resources for learning.  You can sign up to improve your health in twelve weeks with the Better U program. This is an online nutrition and fitness program designed to make over your heart.  While you are on the page, sign up to "Tell 5 and Save Lives".  Your friends will be provided with the free Go Red Heart Health Kit.


For those of you in Choctaw County, the Choctaw County Extension Office, Choctaw County Medical Center and Gentiva Home Health will be hosting Heart Healthy programs at the Choctaw County Library each Friday in February at noon.  Please call 285-6337 for more information.

Giving Back in the New Year

The start of the new year may bring thoughts of new things to do, or new things to try.  There is no better time than now to look at giving back to our youth.  There are many of you wearing many hats, and volunteering to the max!  You volunteer at church, at school, in the community or wherever needed.  Let me say a BIG "Thank YOU" for all that you give back for others.  You truly have a heart for giving to others, and you make things happen. Remember to spend some time on yourself and take care of you as you should!  You will be better equipped to tackle those things you want to accomplish if you take time to eat as you should, rest, and exercise.

Maybe there are those of you who have had commitments in the past that didn't allow for volunteering as you would have liked.  Perhaps your circumstances have changed, and you now are wondering what to do with your time.  Or, you feel you have something to give back and want to make a difference in the lives of others.  4-H offers a wonderful opportunity for giving back. 4-H is a youth organization that depends on volunteers to deliver a wide variety of programs.  There is truly something for everyone!  If you think that 4-H is just about livestock and horse shows, you are missing out.  While the animal side of 4-H is still important and going strong, there are new opportunities that allow for growth in so many areas. 

As an example, you could volunteer to work with youth on a one-time basis, or on a monthly basis, and anything in-between.  You could share your skills in wood-working, sewing, electrical work, engineering, gardening, personal development, environmental science, robotics, photography, art, and MORE!  Check out www.4-h.org for more information.  For those of you in Choctaw County, you may also call 662.285.6337.

Happy New Year and Happy Volunteering!

Traci