Newsletter

Planning a family outing that stretches over a week or more requires considerable planning and deep thinking. Just deciding “We’re going to Disneyworld!” seems so easy, but if you ever took your ‘little angels’ to a fun family amusement park, you know there are countless details in the process.

Planning

Setting aside enough money throughout the year presents its own challenges, but don’t forget to set aside enough for travel, both to and at the location. Will you be flying or renting a vehicle? If driving, you might want to include places of interest along the way. Research hotel/motel accommodations so there are no ‘last minute surprises.’ Since you will likely be eating out, on the road, and in the park, you should set aside money for those expenses.

How to Make the Magic a Reality

We used to visit the library for perfect vacation ideas, but now you can use available search engines like GOOGLE for ideas. Often, we overlook the most important aspect of the vacation, the copious photo highlights of your favorite memories. Take more photos than you believe necessary and make every effort to include family members as often as possible. Catching a flying seagull is cute, but better still is having one of it stealing your French fries at an open-air restaurant.

Reduce Your Stress - Increase Your Joy

If you are able, try to leave any connection to work, at work. Taking your laptop could draw you back into the worries of the business world unintentionally. Give yourself a real break and declare it a ‘work-free’ vacay. They’re all about recharging, not worrying or stress. As much as we would all enjoy a perfect vacation, our world doesn’t usually cooperate. We all derive the most pleasure from a holiday that increases our sense of well-being, positively impacts our health and reduces stress. This recharges our inner batteries before we head back to work. Vacations are an important part of a healthy lifestyle, helping reduce the risk of heart attacks and depression. And above all, DON’T WATCH THE NEWS!

A Favorite Holiday Location

If you’re fortunate enough to return to a rented cabin or location you enjoy, planning food and fun activities produce reduced stress levels since you know what to expect. There is no guesswork if you know the area, the restaurants, and fun points of interest.

Memories to Last a Lifetime

Remember to cherish each moment and soak in every memory. It may be a while before you relive times like this. Relish the moments by walking just a little slower, take time to reflect, and take LOTS of pictures.

Mr. Tea

Enjoying Summer but Dealing with the Heat

• Stay hydrated with plenty of water—even if you’re not thirsty. Hot weather causes you to sweat, and it’s vital to replenish the lost fluids, or you’ll overheat. Have a water bottle within reach as you go about your day to avoid dehydration.
• NEVER leave children or pets alone in hot vehicles—even for a second. Keep your pets indoors and make sure they have access to a cool space and plenty of water.
• Stay inside during the hottest part of the day (2 P.M. to 5 P.M.) and limit time outside in the Sun. Avoid strenuous activity and postpone outdoor games and events.
• When you’re outdoors, stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Wear a hat or even carry an umbrella.
• Set your air conditioners to a lower temperature and use curtains or blinds to keep direct sunlight out. If A/C is not available, stay indoors on the lowest floor in a well-ventilated area with fans. Keep shades and blinds closed. If you don’t have air conditioners, place a tray or dish of ice in front of a fan, and it’ll help to cool your room quickly.

• If you don’t have a cool home, go to a shopping mall, library, or any place with air conditioning.
• Don’t drink sugary soda, coffee, energy drinks, or other caffeinated beverages, as they dehydrate you! That’s the last thing you need during a heat wave.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Eat food with nutrients (not empty carbs) and higher water content (fruits and vegetables).
• Wear light, loose-fitting, airy, light-colored clothing and a hat made of breathable material. Tight clothing traps heat.
• Check on family and friends who are older or more susceptible, especially if they may have lost A/C. If you or someone you know is experiencing heat-related issues (such as rapid heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, headaches, muscle cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea), call your doctor.
• If you feel overheated, cool off with wet washcloths on your wrists and neck, or take a cool sponge bath or shower. Carry a cold-water bottle spray or cooling facial mist with you and spritz cold water on your pressure points to bring your body temperature down.

UV Safety Month

The American Academy of Dermatology reports that about 9,500 people in the US are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. To raise awareness about UV radiation and educate the public on ways to protect themselves from melanoma or skin cancer, the US Department of Health and Human and Health Services formally recognized July as Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Month.

What is UV Safety Month?

UV Safety Month is a month-long observance with the goal of educating the public about UV radiation and safety.