BICYCLE SAFETY

Bicycle riding is fun, healthy, and a great way to be independent. But it is important to remember that a bicycle is not a toy; it’s a vehicle!

Safe Riding Tips

Before using your bicycle make sure it is ready to ride. You should always inspect your bike to make sure all parts are secure and working properly. Remember to:

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  Wear a Properly Fitted Bicycle Helmet. Protect your brain, save your life.

Adjust Your Bicycle to Fit. Stand over your bicycle. There should be 1 to 2 inches between you and the top tube (bar) if using a road bike and 3 to 4 inches if a mountain bicycle. The seat should be level front to back. The seat height should be adjusted to allow a slight bend at the knee when the leg is fully extended. The handlebar height should be at the same level with the seat.

Check Your Equipment. Before riding, inflate tires properly and check that your brakes work.

See and Be Seen. Whether daytime, dawn, dusk, foul weather, or at night, you need to be seen by others. Wearing white has not been shown to make you more visible. Rather, always wear neon, fluorescent, or other bright colors when riding day or night. Also wear something that reflects light, such as reflective tape or markings, or flashing lights. Remember, just because you can see a driver doesn’t mean the driver can see you.

Control Your Bicycle. Always ride with at least one hand on the handlebars. Carry books and other items in a bicycle carrier or backpack.

Watch for and Avoid Road Hazards. Be on the lookout for hazards such as, broken glass, gravel, puddles, leaves, and dogs. All these hazards can cause a crash. If you are riding with friends and you are in the lead, yell out and point to the hazard to alert the riders behind you.

Avoid Riding at Night. It is far more dangerous to ride at night than during the day because you are harder for others to see. If you have to ride at night, wear something that makes you more easily seen by others. Make sure you have reflectors on the front and rear of your bicycle (white lights on the front and red rear reflectors), in addition to reflectors on your tires, so others can see you.

Many bicycle-related crashes resulting in injury or death are associated with the bicyclist’s behavior, including such things as not wearing a bicycle helmet, riding into a street without stopping, turning right or swerving into traffic that is coming from behind, running a stop sign, and riding the wrong way in traffic. To maximize your safety, always wear a helmet AND follow the rules of the road.

Rules of the Road – Bicycling on the Road

Bicycles are vehicles, and cyclists have the same rights and the same responsibilities to follow the rules of the road as motorists. When riding, always:

Go With the Traffic Flow. Ride on the left in the same direction as other vehicles. Go with the flow – not against it.

Obey All Traffic Laws. A bicycle is a vehicle and you’re a driver. When you ride in the street, obey all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.

Yield to Traffic When Appropriate. Almost always, drivers on a smaller road must yield (wait) for traffic on a major or larger road. If there is no stop sign or traffic signal and you are coming from a smaller roadway, you must slow down and look to see if the way is clear before proceeding. This also means yielding to pedestrians who have already entered a crosswalk.

Be Predictable. Ride in a straight line, not in and out of cars. Signal your moves to others.

Stay Alert at All Times. Use your eyes AND ears. Watch out for, cracks, wet leaves, storm grates, railroad tracks, or anything that could make you lose control of your bike. You need your ears to hear traffic and avoid dangerous situations; don’t wear a headset when you ride.

Look Before Turning. When turning left or right, always look behind you for a break in traffic, then signal before making the turn. Watch for left- or right-turning traffic.

Watch for Parked Cars. Ride far enough out from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars (like doors opening, or cars pulling out).

Children less than 10 years old, however, are not mature enough to make the decisions necessary to safely ride in the street.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

IMPORTANCE OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Importance of English Language

In our country English is important for a number of reasons. India is a vast country with different languages in different parts of the country. These regional languages differ from each other so much that it is not possible to communicate with people of other regions without a common language. So English is a link language.

English is an international language. English is the language of our Constitution, the Supreme Court, the High Courts and official departments. English is now firmly rooted in the soil of India. It has become a part of Indian life. Thus English has great importance for the integrity of India.

English is not the most widely spoken language in the world in terms of the number of native speakers--there are many more Chinese speakers than native English speakers--but Chinese is spoken little outside of Chinese communities, so English is the most widespread language in the world. . The importance of English is not just in how many people speak it but in what it is used for. English is the major language of news and information in the world.

In today's world, we have to get knowledge of advanced technologies and all kinds of branches of Science. All advanced knowledge in science, technology and medicine is available in English. The results of the latest researches come to India through the medium of English. This language is a store house of social and political knowledge. Hence, study of English language is of great importance for a developing country like India. Without knowledge of this language, our technicians, mechanics and engineers cannot progress.

India is a peace-loving country and wants to spread the same message to all countries of the world. The other countries also take interest to understand and know this policy of India. We have to explain and convince friendly nations our point of view. All this is possible only through a common medium of exchange of ideas and views. English is such a language having an international status and can provide the best medium to interact with outside world.

Today, developed countries have made tremendous progress in the field of science and technology. The world is making progress in these fields at a terrific speed. To increase and encourage more research work in Science and Technology, we have to study all these subjects in detail. And for this the importance of English cannot be denied. Our own regional languages do not have the depth and capacity to understand and co - relate all these technological developments and as such, cannot served the purpose to keep pace with the fast growing world outside. Most of the best books on all such subjects are available in English language only. We cannot translate it all in our own regional languages, therefore, knowledge of English can only prove to be a blessing.

English is a widespread and important language in the world today. It is used not only for communication between native speakers and nonnative speakers of English but between nonnative speakers. Even though it does not have the greatest number of speakers in the world, it is the most widely used language in the world, and it will be used by more people in the future.

WHITE NOISE

What is White Noise?

White noise is the noise created when all audible frequencies of sound are combined at the same time and the same density. It is similar in nature to white light, which occurs when all the colors of the spectrum are brought together. White noise incorporates over 20,000 frequencies. Also called white sound, white noise is used primarily as a sleep or relaxation aid.

The actual sound produced by white noise is comparable to rainfall or ocean waves. It is a gentle tone that can be found in nature. Because white noise combines all frequencies of sound ranging from very low tones to high pitches, it is very useful in masking other noises and sounds.

Fans and radio stations with no broadcast are often used as white noise simulators, providing a soothing sound that blocks out other background noises. While these methods do not produce true white noise, their effects are a good example of practical uses for white sound. The main drawback to using this variety of white noise, however, is that the user has no control over the volume or frequencies produced in this manner.

Consumers can also purchase white noise that has been recorded onto a CD, which is less expensive than investing in a white noise machine. In addition to cost effectiveness, CDs allow the user to alter the bass and treble of the noise to mask lower or higher background sounds in any given location.

STOPPING THE SPREAD OF GERMS (FLU)

Stopping the Spread of Germs (FLU)

Illnesses like the flu (influenza) and colds are caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs and usually spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The flu and cold virus is usually prominent during rainy season, and is typically known as "flu season." It is important to know treatment and prevention options, so that one can be prepared.

These are a few tips that can help prevent the spread of germs:

Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose, or Mouth-Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs can live for a long time on surfaces like doorknobs, desks, and tables.

Cover Your Mouth and Nose When You Sneeze or Cough: Cough or sneeze into a tissue and then throw it away. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Wash your hands every time you cough or sneeze.

Wash Your Hands Often: When available, wash your hands with soap and warm water, then rub your hands vigorously together and scrub all surfaces for 15 - 20 seconds. It is the soap combined with the scrubbing action that helps dislodge and remove germs.

When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. If using a gel, rub the gel in your hands until they are dry. The alcohol in the gel kills germs that cause colds and the flu.

Stay Home When Sick - Check with a Doctor When NeededWhen you are sick or have flu symptoms, stay home, get plenty of rest, and check with a doctor as needed. Keeping your distance from others may protect them from getting sick. Common symptoms of the flu include:
High Fever
Cough
Headache
Extreme tiredness
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (more common among children than adults)

Practice Other Good Health Habits: Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Practicing healthy habits will help you stay healthy during flu season and all year long.

GANDHI JAYANTI (OCT-2)

“The purpose of education is to bring out the best in you”

Mahatma Gandhiji

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle of peace and the Father of the Nation was born on 2nd October 1869 at Porbandar in Gujarat. Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated with reverence to mark the occasion of birthday of Mahatma Gandhiji. It is celebrated on October2, every year. The United Nations General Assembly announced on 15 June 2007 that it adopted a resolution which declared that October 2 will be celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence.

Gandhiji played a significant role in achieving independence for India from the British Empire with his simplicity and strong will power. He studied law in U.K and practiced law in South Africa. But he left his profession and returned to India to join the Indian freedom struggle. Gandhiji was a preacher of truth and 'Ahimsa'(non-violence).He started the 'Satyagraha' movement for the Indian freedom struggle. He believed in living a simple life and in 'Swadeshi'. He proved to the world that freedom can be achieved through the path of non-violence. Gandhiji is a symbol of peace and truth. On this day, the President and Prime Minister, along with other eminent political leaders, pay homage at Raj Ghat - the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi.

Gandhi was not an emperor, not a military general, not a president nor a prime minister. He was neither a pacifist nor a cult guru. Who was Gandhi? If anything, Mohandas K. Gandhi was a constant experimenter. Spirituality, religion, self-reliance, health, education, clothing, drinks, medicine, child care, status of women, no field escaped his search for truth. His thoughts when appeared in the form of talk or article became official words of action with the masses of India. He was a man who did what he said and led an exemplary and a transparent life. Not many people can claim "My life is an open book". There were millions of Indians who treated Gandhi's suggestions as supreme commands and acted upon them (hence the name Mahatma). Born in Gujarat, fluent with Hindi and English, and residing in the minds of millions, Gandhiji was able to unite India like none other. An adamant idealist, courageous fighter, a deep thinker, and a great leader of men and ideas, it was possible for him to do that because he identified himself with struggles and pains of the common Indians. He quickly became the sole voice of the downtrodden and the exploited. They completely believed that Gandhiji understood their difficulties and would provide justice for them. Among Gandhiji's disciples were kings, royals, untouchables, rich, poor, foreigners, and women. When this selfless and pure man became leader of the nation, he gave a clear and unambiguous direction to the Himalayan problems facing India. Most important of them were poverty, religious conflict, exploitation, ignorance and colonization by the British.

BACKPACK SAFETY

BACKPACK SAFETY

Backpacks come in all sizes, colors, fabrics, and shapes and help kids of all ages express their own personal sense of style. And when used properly, they're incredibly handy. However backpacks that are too heavy or are worn incorrectly can cause problems for children/teenagers. Improperly used backpacks may injure muscles and joints. This can lead to severe back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as posture problems.

To help understand how heavy backpacks can affect a kid's body, it helps to understand how the back works. The spine is made of 33 bones called vertebrae, and between the vertebrae are discs that act as natural shock absorbers.

When a heavy weight, such as a backpack filled with books, is incorrectly placed on the shoulders, the weight's force can pull a child backward. To compensate, a child may bend forward at the hips or arch the back, which can cause the spine to compress unnaturally. The heavy weight might cause some kids to develop shoulder, neck, and back pain.

Kids who wear their backpacks over just one shoulder — as many do, because they think it looks better — may end up leaning to one side to offset the extra weight. They might develop lower and upper back pain and strain their shoulders and neck.

Also, backpacks with tight, narrow straps that dig into the shoulders can interfere with circulation and nerves. These types of straps can contribute to tingling, numbness, and weakness in the arms and hands.

Despite their potential problems, backpacks are an excellent tool for kids when used properly.

Look for the following before you buy that trendy new backpack your kid or teen

• Wide, padded shoulder straps – Narrow straps can dig into shoulders. This can cause pain and restrict circulation.
  
  Two shoulder straps – Backpacks with one shoulder strap that runs across the body cannot distribute weight evenly
  
  Padded back – A padded back protects against sharp edges on objects inside the pack and increases comfort.
  
  Waist strap – A waist strap can distribute the weight of a heavy load more evenly
  Lightweight backpack – The backpack itself should not add much weight to the load

To prevent injury when using a backpack, do the following:

Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain
muscles. Wearing a backpack on one shoulder may increase curvature of the spine

Tighten the straps so that the pack is close to the body. The straps should hold the pack
two inches above the waist.

Pack light. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 15 percent of the student's total body weight. (For example, the backpack of a child who weighs 40Kilo Grams shouldn’t weigh more than 4Kg to 6Kg).

Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back.

Bend using both knees, when you bend down. Do not bend over at the waist when wearing or lifting a heavy backpack.

Learn back-strengthening exercises to build up the muscles used to carry a backpack

You may need to adjust backpacks and/or reduce how much you carry if you:

struggle to get the backpack on or off
have back pain
lean forward to carry the backpack

If you have back pain or numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, talk to your doctor.

NATIONAL TEACHERS' DAY- SEPTEMBER-5

NATIONAL TEACHERS' DAY

Teachers have an influencing role in the life of a student. They are like beacons of light guiding us in our life. A teacher moulds us and in the process shapes our future. What we learn from our teachers remains with us throughout our life giving us direction. Teacher's Day is celebrated throughout the world. By celebrating National Teacher's Day we thank our teachers for providing us their invaluable guidance.

Teachers Day will be celebrated at different dates in different countries. UNESCO inaugurated 5 October as World Teachers' Day. Teacher's Day, also called Teachers' Appreciation Day or National Teacher's Day, is celebrated on 5th of September in India. The day 5th of September was selected as it is the birthday of a great teacher and the former President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. When some of his students and friends approached him and requested him to allow them to celebrate his birthday, he said "instead of celebrating my birthday separately, it would be my proud privilege if September 5th is observed as Teacher's day". From then onwards, 5th of September has been observed as Teachers Day in India. Sir Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1888-1975) was one of the most profound philosophers of this century, author and educationalist. In India, September 5 is celebrated as Teacher's Day in his honor

Since time Immemorial, Indians have respected their teachers. Earlier we used to call our teachers 'Guru'. And now it's the modern 'Sir' or 'Madam'. Nonetheless, the role of teachers has remained the same. They were and they are our guides, creating conditions conducive to our overall development. And we will always be thankful for their constructive support. As an expression of our thanks, we celebrate Teacher's Day in India.

On Teacher's day schools students dress up as their teachers and take lectures in classes that are assigned to the teachers they represent. Sometimes teachers sit in their classes as students, reliving again the time when they themselves were students. Thus, both students as well as teachers get to understand each other's position. Also, functions are organized in schools on Teacher's Day. Students present various programs for the entertainment of their teachers. In addition to being the day when the efforts of teachers are recognized, it provides a chance for healthy interaction between students and teachers.

Activities: Thank your teachers in 8 words!

GEOTHERMAL

GEOTHERMAL

What is Geothermal Energy?
The word geothermal comes from the Greek words geo (earth) and therme (heat). So, geothermal energy is heat from within the earth. We can use the steam and hot water produced inside the earth to heat buildings or generate electricity. Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source because the water is replenished by rainfall and the heat is continuously produced inside the earth.

Direct use of Geothermal Energy: The direct use of hot water as an energy source has been happening since ancient times. The Romans, Chinese, and Native Americans used hot mineral springs for bathing, cooking and heating. Today, many hot springs are still used for bathing, and many people believe the hot, mineral-rich waters have natural healing powers.

GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANTS: We also use geothermal energy to make electricity. A geothermal power plant works by tapping into steam or hot water reservoirs underground; the heat is used to drive an electrical generator.