Families Matter JUNE Newsletter

Families Matter Newsletter

June 2021

Volume 17, Issue 8

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Accepting reality - Mental Health

Sometimes in life we end up in situations we just can’t change. Radical acceptance is all about fully accepting your reality in situations that are beyond your control. This doesn’t mean you approve of the situation, are giving up, or that it isn’t painful.

You are still allowed to (and should!) feel however you feel, but by accepting that it is what it is, you give the problem less power over you and you can begin to move forward.

CLICK ABOVE FOR GREAT RECIPES!

Tips for Perfect Homemade Flavored Waters

It is best to let the homemade fruit-flavored waters infuse for at least 12 hours, if not overnight for maximum flavor.
Homemade Infused Waters last for one week in fridge–you may want to take out the citrus after 48 hours to prevent bitterness from the peel–I leave it in, but the choice is yours!
Once you have drunk the flavored waters, fill the jar back up with water and let the remaining fruits flavor water again. The flavor won’t be as potent, but you can do this for up to 1 week. (After a week the fruits and herbs need to be discarded to make fresh water.)
It is best to mix up or muddle the fruit with the back of a wooden spoon before placing in the refrigerator to help release the flavors into the waters.

A Splash of Flavor – Infused Water Basics

How many times have you been told to drink water? We know it’s essential, but sometimes we need some flavor. Thus, infused water (flavored water) is a great sweet beverage substitute – plus, it’s cost-efficient and easy to make!

Infused water is a combination of fruits, herbs, and vegetables mixed into plain old water. Whichever fruit or vegetable that use can either be sliced or mashed when adding it to the mix. Below is the breakdown of how to make your own infused water:

1. Pick your produce. You can use one item or a combination of fruit and vegetables.

2. Decide if you want to add a garnish (fresh herbs).

3. Get your water. You’ll need at least 4 cups to every ½ – 1 cup of fresh produce. It depends on your taste! How sweet do you want it? You can add more or less produce to sweeten your water.

4. Then infuse – Infusion takes about 2 hours, depending on the temperature.

Warm climates – 1 hour (left on the counter for example) Cold climates – 2 hours (placed in the refrigerator)

Watch Out for Heat Exhaustion

The following tips can help children avoid heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke:

Dress children in light-colored, light-weight and loose-fitting clothing on hot days.
Schedule vigorous activities and sports for the coolest part of the day. Take rest breaks in shady or cool areas.
Protection from the sun is essential. Hats and sunglasses can help block out sun. A sunscreen with a rating of at least 15 SPF is recommended.
Gradually increase time spent outdoors to get a child’s body used to the heat.
Have children take frequent drink breaks. They can “wet down” or mist themselves with a spray bottle to avoid becoming overheated.
On very hot and humid days, skip the outdoor play and take part in fun activities indoors.

DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!

June Activities - Outdoor Olympics

Outdoor Olympics!

Invite a few friends over for an afternoon of fun!

Water Transfer— Move water from one bucket to another with a small cup or ladle.

Stroller Pushing—Push a doll in a stroller a certain distance and back.

Ball Toss—Toss a ball through a hoop a designated number of times.

Hop Along—Hop from one place to another.

Basket Shoot—Wad up sheets of newspaper one at a time and toss them into a basket.

Ball Roll—Place a ball on the grass and roll it with your nose for a specified distance.

Sidewalk Chalk hop scotch— Make a hop scotch on the driveway using numbers, days of the week, or

letters of your child’s name for the squares.

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Contact the Extension Office at 273-7683 or sonya.mcdaniel@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments cooperating. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a veteran, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.