Page 3 - TL April Extra 2017

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE TRI-LAKES EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE
EXTRA FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2017 • 3TT
protecting the playground}
‘FUN’CTIONAL
features
Create a safe and enjoyable
backyard play area
Homeowners often aspire to have attractive backyards that look like they belong in a magazine. While these can be picturesque and functional for adults, they may not be entirely
practical for homeowners who have young children, especially when the majority of the yard is covered with paving stones or concrete.
When young children are part of a house- hold, homeowners may benefit by design- ing yards that are both functional and fun. Incorporating safe play areas for kids is one way to unlock the potential of both big and small backyards.
As children run off to enjoy a playground, safety is the last thing on their minds. Kids are most interested in scaling ladders to treehouses or coasting down slides. That’s why adults must take it upon themselves to keep injury prevention in mind when designing play areas.
SafestPlayground.com indicates that playground-related injuries routinely result in severe fractures, internal injuries, concus- sions and dislocations. In the majority of playground injuries to children younger
,than 5, the head and face are affected. Chil-
dren between the ages of 5 and 9 experience
fmore leg and arm injuries than younger
kids. The Consumer Product Safety Com-
mission states that 70 percent of children’s
rinjuries occur on home playgrounds. .
, r
More than 28,000 children are injured each year on playgrounds across Canada, according to Parachute, a national injury- prevention organization.
When considering playground equipment for the yard, parents need to make safety a priority. The Canada Safety Society advises parents to follow the Five S’s of Playground Safety: surface, structure, site, supervision and safety.
▶ Surface
Parents should assume that children will fall. To lessen the blow of falls, choose play- ground equipment with a perimeter of 6 feet of a softer surface, such as sand, pea gravel, rubber pieces or wood chips. This material should be between 6 and 12 inches deep.
▶ Structure
The structure of the play equipment should be built from sturdy materials. Pressure-treated lumber was once the standard, but it’s not advisable for kids’ playgrounds, as the
Using the proper materials and making a playground safe can minimize injuries to children playing on the equipment and can also give parents peace of mind.
chemicals used in the lumber can leach, and young children may actually bite or pick at the wood. Use cedar or another wood that resists decay. Once the structure is built, in- spect it frequently for damage.
▶ Site
Look around the landscape for an ideal place to locate the playset. There should be no obstacles that children can hit while sliding or swinging. Avoid overhanging branches, and do not place equipment too close to trees or fencing. Try to keep the set out of direct sunlight, which can make components heat up and burn young bodies.
▶ Supervision
Do not leave children alone while they are
playing. Prevent children from using the play- set in an incorrect manner.
▶ Safety
Follow the directions for installation. Make sure all posts are anchored into the ground securely.
Railings should be spaced so that children cannot get stuck between them. Check that metal components have not rusted and that there is no additional excessive wear. Be sure that no tools or other dangerous items are left around the yard.
Backyard playgrounds should be built with safety in mind. Learn the rules of play equip- ment and yard safety.
— Courtesy of Metro Creative
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getting the most out of grilling}
SAUCE
boss
Master magical marinades for exquisite flavor on the grill
Grilled foods boast inviting flavors that put many diners on the lookout for second helpings. Quite often, the magic behind grilled meals lies in the marinade used to give foods that
flavorful kick. Marinades can be used to enhance the flavor of meats, vegetables and poultry. While marinades add flavor, they may also be responsible for some other benefits in grilled foods.
Defined as a savory acidic sauce in which food is soaked to enrich its flavor, a marinade helps break down fiber and tenderize certain foods. The base of many marinades includes vinegar, lemon juice or wine, and marinades can be enhanced with spices, oil and herbs. It’s important not to let foods sit in mari- nades for too long, as any alcohol, acid or salt in the mixture can chemically “cook” the food in a process known as “denaturing.”
Many may tell you to let foods sit no longer than four hours. Marinades with citrus juices may require even less time for the flavor to penetrate. The timing of marinade use will also depend on the foods being mari- nated. Delicate items, such as seafood, may change with regard to texture or color in a matter of minutes. It’s important to always marinate foods in the refrigerator. Food left
sitting out on a counter — even when it’s in a marinade — invites the growth of bacteria. If a recipe calls for marinating at room temperature, continue to marinate in the refrigerator, but extend the length of time you marinate. This helps to prevent food-borne illnesses. When marinating, use plastic or glass containers so the marinade does not cause a chemical reaction, which may occur if you marinate foods in metal containers. Dis- card all marinades for raw meats and poultry when the time comes to cook the foods, as leftover marinades may contain bacteria that
makes them unsafe to reuse on other foods. Marinades are a secret weapon in the cre-
ation of tasty, tender and healthy foods.
— Courtesy of Metro Creative