Category: Health

Tips for Safe Tailgating

Today, September 7th is National Tailgating Day. Serving a meal around your vehicle at a sporting event is the primary purpose of tailgating. The fall season means football at every level. Attending a football game is a perfect chance to engage in tailgating. Remember, safety is a priority when tailgating with friends and family. 

  • Know the Rules: Before heading out to your local football field, research the rules and restrictions for tailgating. Check out the team’s website for proper protocol on tailgating. Some items may not be permitted.
  • Pack Cooler Correctly: When packing your cooler, remember to use lots of ice or cooling packs. Uncooked meat and other perishable food items need to be kept cold to avoid illness. Keeping things cold is a must. Do not leave food items out in the hot sun. 
  • Grill Responsibly: Watch your charcoal or gas grill at all times. Follow the directions. Pack the grill after cooling down. Grilling responsibly helps protect you, your friends, family, and others in the area. 
  • Know Your Limits: Tailgating is a fun, fall activity. Just remember staying out in the sun while drinking alcoholic beverages can be a bad mix. Use a highly rated sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and limit your alcoholic drinks to avoid sickness. 
  • Designate a Driver: Ask a member of your tailgating party to be the designated driver for a safe return home. 
  • Take Your Time: Allow yourself extra time to leave the parking lot. Leave early or late to avoid mass exit times. Watch for others in the parking, especially children or people who may have been drinking all day. 

With a few precautions, tailgating can be a fun-filled day at your sports stadium. 

 

Benefits of Apple Picking

Noticeable signs of the start of the fall season are all around. Warmer days turn into cool, crisp nights. Leaves are slowly beginning to transform into bright, bursting colors. The official start date of autumn will be here in a couple of weeks. Even though garden harvests are coming to an end, apple season is just beginning. Many orchards allow apple picking. The benefits of apple picking go beyond delicious fruit. 

Get Outdoors

Back to school activities, sports, work, and other commitments quickly take time out of your week. Set aside a day or afternoon to venture out into an apple orchard. Enjoy the sunshine. Walk around the orchard. Being outdoors is good for your physical and mental health. 

Unplug

Going to an apple orchard gives you and your loved ones a chance to step away from electronic devices. Walking through an orchard can provide a nostalgic feeling. Orchards are a connection to the past. Old apple trees, apple picking, and cider pressing give a glimpse of past generations. 

Valuable Lesson

Picking apples is a useful lesson for children. The activity shows how the fruit is grown. The apple picking outing allows the fruit to go from the tree to your table. 

Best Fruit

Picking your own apples provides you with the opportunity to find the best fruit for you and your family. 

Enjoy Other Activities

Apple orchards may offer different activities for you and your family to enjoy. Wagon rides, cider pressing, corn mazes, and other hosted events turn apple picking into a memorable adventure. 

Apple varieties become ripe at different times throughout the fall season. Calling ahead or checking your local orchard’s website is ideal. Make plans for a family outing. The best benefit of apple picking is eating your harvest.

Self-Care Ideas for August

What is self-care? School schedules, work, home, and other commitments keep you busy. Setting aside time for you may seem impossible. Engaging in small self-care moments is a necessity for your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Practicing self-care is good for your overall health.

Do you need some ideas for self-care? Consider the following for August.

  • Keep a journal to express your feelings, goals, or recap of your daily routine.
  • Read a book.
  • Listen to music, sing along loudly to your favorite song.
  • Exercise, join a gym, go for a walk, or try yoga.
  • Paint or engage in other forms of crafting.
  • Skip being on social media for a day or a week.
  • Have a spa day. (At home or professional, spend an entire day pampering yourself).
  • Spend time in nature.
  • Take a relaxing bubble bath or a hot shower.
  • Take an afternoon nap.
  • Cook your favorite meal or dessert.
  • Write a letter to a friend or relative.
  • Watch the sunset or sunrise.
  • Spend an afternoon at the library or bookstore.
  • Learn a new hobby.
  • Take the afternoon off to go to the movies.
  • Buy yourself a new outfit. (Yes, thrift store finds count).
  • Go on a day trip.
  • Try meditation, prayer, or listening to nature sounds.
  • Go hiking with your dog.
  • Relax with Netflix and popcorn.
  • Write 5 reasons why you are grateful. (Feel free to write more than 5).
  • Take steps to stop comparing yourself to others. Your journey is yours alone.
  • Call an old friend.
  • Learn to say to tell people no.

Self-care takes practice. Learn to set aside a little time each day or week to care for you.

National Watermelon Day: Picking Out the Best One

Today, August 3, is National Watermelon Day. Eating fresh, ripe watermelon is the best way to celebrate the day. Gather your friends and family together. Host an impromptu BBQ and serve a watermelon as part of the menu. 

Do you see people at the supermarket thumping the side of the watermelon? Do you wonder what they are trying to find? Don’t worry. Picking out a watermelon does not need to be a mystery.

Check List for Finding the Perfect Watermelon 

Most supermarkets display watermelons in large, cardboard bins. As an informed consumer, finding the best watermelon may require searching through the bin.

  • Check for the Right Shape: Look for a watermelon with a uniform shape. Most watermelons are round or oval. Checking the shape for smooth appearance ensures the watermelon grew properly.
  • Check for the Proper Weight:  A ripe watermelon feels heavy. Even a smaller watermelon will feel heavy. When picking out your watermelon, compare the weights. Check watermelons of similar size, pick the heavier one out of the bunch.
  • Check for the Yellow Spot: When a watermelon rests on the ground in the summer sun, a creamy yellow spot will develop. Generally, the larger yellow spot means a riper watermelon.  If the spot looks white, the watermelon was picked too soon.
  • Check for the Right Sound:  Tap the side of the watermelon. The thumping technique should produce a full sound. watermelon is a must.

Picking a ripe watermelon may require lots of practice. But don’t worry; watermelon is always a tasty treat. Checking for the different signs for a ripe watermelon helps in finding the perfect one every time. 

Watermelons go from the field to the shipping bin. before cutting the watermelon,  wash the outside layer. If you slice through the thick outer layer of unwashed watermelon, you risk pushing germs or other pollutants into the interior fruit.

Enjoy your tasty watermelon.

 

Low Cost (or Free) Activities for Family Summer Fun

The school year is finally winding down. Warmer weather is the perfect time to engage in family activities. Do you need ideas for summer family fun for both sunny and rainy days? Check out the following list.

Rainy Day Activity Ideas

Rainy days do not need to be boring. Checking the weather ahead of time will help you plan for your rainy day fun.

  • Family Movie Night: Pick a movie, make pizza, or make popcorn.
  • Board Game Night: Video games are fun. But for a night, unplug from technology and host a board game night. Make snacks, make root beer floats, and enjoy each others’ conversation as you play games.
  • Go to Your Local Library: Check out the latest summer books, movies or other media. Most libraries host summer reading clubs or other events. Participating in a group is the perfect way to meet new friends while learning.
  • Craft Day: Check out Pinterest for summer craft ideas. Many craft supplies may be found at your local dollar store. Picking up a wide variety of craft items is a low-cost alternative for a rainy day.
  • Summer Journal: Summers go by fast. Set aside time to write. Even a local stop can easily turn into a page in your scrapbook. Jot down information about the place. Add pictures, stickers, and other memorabilia to your summer scrapbook. On a rainy day, relax and relieve the memory.
  • Summer Bucket List: Create a summer bucket list. Write down all the activities for you and family to enjoy over the warmer months.

Outdoor Activities 

Unplugging from your electrical devices may be necessary to recharge. Keep in mind; switching your mobile device is advisable. You may never know when an emergency may arise.

  • Nature Walk: Go for a nature walk. Look for summer birds, flowers blooming, and other wildlife. Take pictures. Just simply enjoy the sights and sounds of being outdoors.
  • Go Hiking: State and national parks have hiking trails available for the beginner to the expert hiker. Many trails are pet-friendly. Your dog will enjoy the change of scenery.
  • Go Geocaching: Geocaching is a fun way to enjoy the outdoors.
  • Host a BBQ: Invite friends or extended family members to a BBQ.
  • Bonfire Night: Sitting around a bonfire is a great way to spend a summer evening. Make s’mores. Look at the stars. Chase fireflies.
  • Go Dog Walking: Walking your dog is a perfect exercise for both of you. If you do not have a dog of your own, many local dog rescues or shelters need volunteers to walk adoptable dogs. Who knows maybe you will find your new best friend.
  • Local Tourist: Be a hometown tourist for a day. When was the last time, you visited your local museum, art gallery, or other tourist sites?
  • Go to the Splash Park:  Splash parks or splash pads are a great activity to beat the summer heat. Pack a lunch and enjoy an afternoon outdoors.
  • Attend a Free Outdoor Concert/Movie Night: Many communities host numerous community events in the summer. Make an outdoor concert or a movie in the park part of your weekend fun.

Summertime activities can easily turn into long-lasting memories for your family or friends. Enjoy your time together.

 

Your Dog’s Summer Bucket List

Bucket lists do not need to be grand scale adventures or limited to family activities. Bucket lists are all about trying something new. For most individuals, pets are a valuable family member. Including your furry companion in activities is a great way to spend the summer. Create a bucket list for you and your dog.

Bucket List Ideas for You and Your Dog

Prior to heading out to any destination, ensure the place is pet-friendly. Simply call or research the rules and guidelines for bringing along your faithful companion. Many travel areas strive to include family pets. Others may have specific restrictions in place. By knowing the rules ahead of time, you will not disappoint your fur baby.

Go Hiking

After a long work week or hectic schedule, both you and your pet will need some outdoor time. Hit the trails. Pack the essentials for you and dog, and spend a day exploring the natural world.

Go Camping

Many campgrounds cater to pets by adding dog runs and other play areas. Finding the best campground for you and your dog may take some research. Being outdoors for a weekend is a great way for you to unplug. Not to mention, time for you and your dog explore.

Visit a Dog Park

Dog parks are an excellent way for socialization and play. Try to visit the dog park regularly. Consider going to a variety of dog parks in your city. Different play areas provide new adventures for your dog.

Go to a Pet-Friendly Hotel

Need a relaxing getaway. Consider going to a pet-friendly hotel. Many hotels strive to include pets in their accommodations. Order room service. Enjoy a night of relaxation with your fur baby.

BBQ a Special Meal

Cook a steak on the BBQ for you and your pet to enjoy. Or host a party for friends and their pets.

Go to the Lake

If your dog loves to swim, head to the lake. Pack a picnic. Enjoy your day.

Create a Pet-Friendly Backyard

Redesign your backyard space with your dog in mind.

  • Dog activity area with ramps for running
  • Swimming spot (child’s wading pool works well)
  • Watering station
  • Shade area
  • Relaxation area
  • Dog run

Get a Professional Photo

As a pet owner, you probably have hundreds (or thousands) of photos or selfies with your pet. Perhaps the time has come for a professional portrait of you and your fur baby.

A Night In

Perhaps, the best activity is a night at home. Watching videos, sitting on your couch, and cuddling with your pet may be the perfect way to spend an evening.

Regardless of the activity, your dog will love the extra attention.Yo

Boredom Busters: Creating a Summer Bucket List

School’s out! Now, what is the first thing you hear –“I’m bored.” Consider creating a summer bucket list with your children to help chase away the boredom. Keep in mind, the list should be ideas you are willing or able to do.

Creating the Bucket List

Make the summer bucket list a family project. Use a notebook or purchase a poster board to write out your ideas. Consider using a different colored marker for each child. Allow each family member to come up with different activities. Of course, younger children may need help with the writing part of the project.

Summer Bucket List Ideas

Summer bucket lists can be simple everyday items to planned vacation adventures. The choice is up to you.

  • Have a bonfire
  • Make S’mores
  • Have a water balloon fight
  • Go to the zoo
  • Ride in a canoe
  • Have a slumber party
  • Get an ice cream cone
  • Go hiking
  • Have a pool party
  • Sleep in a tent
  • Listen to music in the park
  • Go to an amusement park
  • Go to the library
  • Volunteer
  • Ride a roller coaster
  • Go for a bike ride
  • Go skateboarding
  • Make root beer floats
  • Bake cookies
  • Paint rocks
  • Have an arts and crafts day
  • Have a Harry Potter movie marathon
  • Pick strawberries
  • Go to a lake
  • Go for a walk
  • Make art with sidewalk chalk
  • Go swimming
  • Visit grandma and grandpa
  • Day road trips
  • Visit an art gallery
  • Go to a museum
  • Go to a sporting event
  • Go to a splash park
  • Go to a fair or festival
  • Make homemade popsicles
  • Make a fort
  • Go fishing
  • Go to petting zoo or local farm
  • Have a family game night
  • Cook a meal together
  • Take swimming lessons

If you are uncertain on the type of activities, become a tourist in your town or surrounding towns. Use an Internet search. Local activities often get overlooked. Providing you a chance to join in on the fun on a weekly basis, community activities are free or minimal costs to participate.

Unplug: The Benefits of Being Outdoors

In today’s technological world, everyone spends time plugged in. Playing video games, working online, computer use, or checking mobile devices, the use of modern technology is the norm. In many cases, work or school requires the widespread use of devices to succeed.

Have you ever thought about the long term effects on your overall well-being? Sitting at the desk or being immobile for long periods of time has both physical and mental consequences. Consider taking the time each day to unplug and go outdoors.

Benefits of Being Outdoors

When the weather permits, spending time outdoors is essential to your health. Even a short 20-minute walk has numerous benefits for you and your loved ones. In order to get the most out of your walk, you should leave your devices to home. Don’t panic; always carry a cell phone for real emergencies. Consider placing the phone on vibrate for the duration of your walk.

  1. Increase Natural Vitamin D Intake

Short periods of time in the sun allows the natural intake of Vitamin D. Helping your body function properly, Vitamin D helps maintain a healthy, strong immune system.

  1. Improve Sleep

Being outdoors can actually help improve sleep patterns. Exposing your body to sunlight helps regulate your internal body clock. Allowing your body to welcome rest at night, you will be able to regulate your sleep patterns.

  1. Exercise

Being outdoors gets your body moving. A walk around the block, trip to your local park, walk through a public garden or hiking a nearby trail helps keep your body fit.

  1. Reduces Stress

Being outdoors allows your body to relax. At times, daily schedules are hectic. Little league, dance classes, business meetings, school and family commitments may quickly become overwhelming. Going outdoors helps restore your mental clarity. In nature, you will relax and enjoy your surroundings. Reducing your stress levels helps promote both physical and mental well-being.

  1. Learning Experience

Being outdoors is a great way to increase your knowledge about the natural world and your local environment. If you are walking or hiking with your children, introducing flowers, birds, insects and other natural wonders will increase curiosity for further learning. Children who are curious about nature will explore subjects further.

  • When walking with your children, use the time for quality interaction. Ask your children open ended questions.
  • Introduce your children to wildlife
  • Remind your children the importance of respecting nature. For example, picking up an insect may cause the creature to bite. Or being off the path may create a dangerous situation.
  • Create a photo journal of animals, flowers, and other forms of wildlife
  • Create a keepsake box for special finds. Remember to follow all rules for hiking in parks and other public areas.

Upon returning home, ask your child questions about the walk. Consider writing down the response for younger children. Older children may write or draw their own favorite park moment. Keep the responses for future memory keepsake. Simple walks may turn into a lifetime of memories.