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May 2019
LIKE LEARNING TO RIDE A BIKE Do you remember the day you learned to ride a bike? I remember my experience clearly. I was about 10, and my dad taught me. I’d been given my first big kid bike that Christmas, and since we lived on a quiet street, Dad guided me and helped me steer for many runs until I caught on. I remember cruising down the street them animal strides they can easily imitate. They’re really great at teaching the kids. If they notice the kids getting frustrated, they suggest taking a snack break before trying again. Their methods work; about 99 percent of the kids leave the class knowing how to ride a bike. THE JOYS OF THE WORLD FROM A BICYCLE
for the first time by myself: Suddenly, the distance from our house to the end of the street became a whole lot shorter. The whole world opened up around me. It’s amazing what learning to ride a bike can do, isn’t it?
Jacob absolutely loved it. He thought it was so cool that park rangers were his teachers. Ever since he learned how to ride, he’s been waiting for warmer days so he can ride again. He wants to ride his bike everywhere. We’ve learned that even when it doesn’t seem that cold outside, it can feel much colder on a bike. A few months ago, we rode to a local park and soon regretted it because of how cold it was! Jacob knows that no matter how near or far he’s biking, he always needs to wear a helmet. The park rangers also taught Jacob the bike safety ABCs: The park rangers showed the kids how to do an ABC safety check. Look inside this edition for more info on the bike safety ABCs. The park rangers reminded the kids that even if there was air in their bike tires the day before, that doesn’t necessarily mean there will be the next day. I really appreciated the lessons and reminders that encouraged Jacob to ride safely. If you’re curious about signing up your kids for the Learn to Ride program, you can find more information at the National Park Service website: Nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/learntoride.htm. We’re looking forward to getting on our bikes a lot this summer and riding around as a family. Enjoy your bike and outdoor adventures this month, and wear your helmet! Stay safe out there! A is for Air B is for Brakes C is for Cranks and Chain
At the beginning of fall last year, we taught Jacob how to ride a bike. Well, truthfully, the Virginia park rangers taught Jacob. Josh and I tried, but Jacob wasn’t interested in learning from Mom and Dad. When we found out that the Virginia park rangers teach kids in the Maryland/D.C./Virginia area for free through the National
• • •
He’s getting the hang of it!
Park Service, we signed him up. It was amazing. The park rangers are patient and effective at helping young riders learn to balance. We showed up with the training wheels still on Jacob’s bike, and within two hours, they were off and Jacob was riding all by himself.
Jacob shares his excitement with his dad
They held the class in a park underneath a bridge overpass, and the protected area meant it didn’t matter if it was sunny or raining. The park rangers take the kids through engaging activities meant to help them learn how to balance, like showing
–Meliha Perez Halp ern
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Learning to Be Grateful SOME WAYS TO HELP CHILDREN APPRECIATE THEIR TEACHERS
Teacher Appreciation Week runs from May 6–10 this year, and there are plenty of ways students of all ages can thank their educators for everything they do. Being a teacher isn’t an easy job, and the people who make it their profession are passionate about helping kids learn. Depending on how old your child is, they may need a parent’s help in showing their appreciation. Here are a few ways parents and children can appreciate teachers together. Thank-You Notes This gesture is simple and sweet and can be very thoughtful. Telling a teacher what makes them outstanding can often be just as valuable as a gift. Help your child write an appreciative note and then write one yourself. Teachers often have to maintain the happiness of students, administrators, and parents. Your card could relieve some of the stress of that balancing act and let them know that you acknowledge their efforts. A Homemade Meal Making a homemade meal (or dessert) shows teachers that you went the extra mile to
appreciate their hard work. You could make a favorite dish of yours or try to find a new recipe online. Either way, encourage your child to help you with the process so that the meal is truly a gift from both of you. Donating School Supplies Many teachers use their own money to buy school supplies for their classroom. This is just one of the ways teachers go above and beyond on a daily basis, and buying some extra school supplies can help ease that cost. Take your child shopping with you and help them pick out supplies that you know their teacher will appreciate. Your children spend several hours a day with their teachers, so fostering relationships with them is vital. Use this day to help your children understand the importance of teachers, to teach them the power of gratitude, and to encourage them to show respect for everyone who helps them in life.
STAYING SAFE ON THE ROAD AND THE TRAILS
Be Aware of Sidewalk Restrictions In most areas, riding a bike on the sidewalk is restricted, so be aware of what’s allowed in the area you’re riding in. Use designated bike lanes when they’re available.
There’s nothing quite like riding your bike on a sunny day. As Meliha shared on the cover, learning to ride a bike is a milestone for many people. It gives a new sense of freedom and independence. It’s also extremely important that kids, and adults, follow bike safety rules. Here are the most important ones.
Practice Your ABCs A = Air. Check the air in your tires before you leave on a ride, and bring a pump with you on longer rides. B = Brakes. Make sure your brakes are in good working order before taking your bike out for a spin. C = Chains. Check to see that your chains are running smoothly and nothing is caught in them. When you or your little ones hop on your bikes this spring, follow these safety measures to have fun and stay safe when you go for a ride.
Always Wear a Helmet No matter where you’re biking, a helmet is important. It doesn’t matter if you’re 5 or 50; head injuries do not discriminate. Be Visible Wearing bright colors will make you more visible to drivers and other cyclists. You might consider wearing a neon safety vest if you bike in highly-trafficked areas. Always have a front and rear light on hand and use them, especially in the morning and evening.
Ride With, Not Against, Traffic Riding with traffic also helps you stay more visible to drivers. When you ride against traffic, you’re more difficult to spot because drivers aren’t looking for vehicles coming from that direction.
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SHARE THE ROAD BE A GENEROUS DRIVER
Just as it’s important for cyclists to practice bike safety and abide by traffic
space when passing — that means leaving plenty of space between your car and the cyclist riding parallel to you. If you have to make any turns, you must yield to cyclists according to Maryland Law. The cyclist has the right of way, so assess the amount of space you have before deciding if it’s safe to make a turn. If you notice kids riding their bikes as you’re driving, use extra caution. Cyclists who’ve recently learned to ride may be unpredictable, so give them enough room. Use the same approach with cyclists in rain or other inclement weather. There tends to be an increase in bicycle crashes in the warmer months, sometimes as much as 60 percent, according to one government study. With more people out on their bikes, you need to be even more attentive of what’s around you as a driver. Bicycle crashes are also more frequent in metropolitan areas. When everything is more crowded, you have to give other vehicles more time and space, especially bikes. We all want to be safe during our commute, no matter how we choose to take it. As the driver of the more powerful vehicle, it’s your responsibility to share the road and be a generous, careful driver.
laws, it’s also important to share the road as a driver. Anyone who’s using the road needs to practice safety and caution so that no one gets hurt. Be aware of and expect cyclists on the road, no matter the weather or conditions. Safe roads are everyone’s responsibility.
According to Maryland law, bicycles are vehicles and have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles. Approach cyclists the same way you would any other slow-moving vehicle: cautiously and carefully. Motor vehicle drivers need to give bikes at least 3 feet of
sudoku
Puerto Rican Potato Salad
Ingredients • 1 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled (680 g) • 4 eggs, hard boiled and chopped • 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped • 1/2 onion, chopped • 4 ounces pimientos, drained (112 g)
Inspired by Mashed-Potatoes-Recipe.com
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (110 g) • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1 small apple, cut into small chunks • Lettuce leaves, for serving
Directions 1. Cut potatoes into bite-sized cubes, and place in a pot with salted water. Boil potatoes until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain well, and set aside to cool for 10 minutes. 2. Transfer potatoes into a large mixing bowl. 3. Stir in eggs, bell pepper, onion, and pimientos into warm potatoes. 4. Stir in mayonnaise and apple chunks. Add pepper to taste. 5. Serve in a lettuce leaf, and enjoy! Notes You can also add some bacon bits to add a meaty dimension to this salad.
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inside Talking About National Bike Month PAGE 1 Teacher Appreciation Week Is Here! PAGE 2 200A Monroe Street, Suite 303 Rockville, MD 20850
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Bike Safety 101 PAGE 2
Share the Road Like a Pro PAGE 3 Puerto Rican Potato Salad PAGE 3
A Healthy Snack PAGE 4
Contact me for all of your auto accident and personal injury needs! Snacking WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?
Who Benefits From Snacking? Depending on your weight, fitness level, and medical conditions, snacking throughout the day can be more effective than eating three large meals a day. Individuals who are crunched for time, have particular health conditions, are athletic, or are trying to lose or maintain weight all benefit from healthy snacking throughout the day. People who have high cholesterol or diabetes can better maintain their cholesterol and blood glucose levels if they eat frequently during the day. For athletes, snacking helps distribute the consumption of nutrients their body needs throughout the day instead of all at once. This way, their energy levels stay the same instead of fluctuating with their meal times. If you find yourself in need of a quick bite, think clementines and almonds instead of chips and Pop-Tarts. You’ll still satisfy your hunger without jeopardizing your health or increasing your waistline.
There are many different opinions on the healthiness
of snacking. Some people think of snacks as processed
foods with high calories, but snacks don’t have to be junk food. Depending on what snacks you’re eating, and how often, these little in-between-meal bites can be highly beneficial or detrimental to your overall health. Healthy vs. Unhealthy Snacks People snack when they’re hungry, but they also do it when they’re stressed, bored, or have a habit. When people snack on unhealthy junk food when they’re bored, the result is weight gain. An excellent way to avoid unhealthy snacks is to surround yourself with healthy alternatives. Fill your fridge and pantry with whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and nuts and legumes. With those in your kitchen, you’ll have plenty of healthy options to choose from when you’re hungry.
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