Summer Safety:Stay Cool and Stay SAFE
There’s no mistaking it – summer is in full swing in California. Temperatures have peaked the past few weeks, leaving residents to seek shelter indoors from the blazing sun. So how can you “beat the heat” and still enjoy all the splendors of summer? Here are some things to think about: STAYING COOL: Staying cool and preventing dehydration is vital in warm weather. When high temperatures are combined with humidity, the danger increases as the ability to perspire becomes more difficult. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 318 people die each year in the United States from heat related illnesses, including heat stroke. No one is immune to the harmful effects of the heat, but children, seniors, outdoor workers, and athletes are most at risk. To stay cool during the summer months, experts recommend the following: 1.Drink plenty of fluids – The steadfast rule is to drink before you feel thirsty, because by the time you realize you need a drink, your body is already dehydrated. Beverages to fill up on include water and electrolyte replacing sports beverages such as Gatorade. Drinking two to five times your normal amount of liquid will help keep you healthy while outdoors. Avoid alcoholic beverages and drinks containing caffeine as both promote dehydration. 2.Wear loose -fitting, light-colored clothing – Dark-colored clothing tends to draw heat in while light-colored garments allow the skin to breathe. Consider wearing a hat when outdoors. 3.Avoid the sun during peak hours – Between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. the sun’s rays are the strongest. Avoid the sun whenever possible during these times and instead, plan your outings for the morning or evening hours. Even when it is cloudy outdoors, UV rays are still damaging your skin, and if you are in water or near sand, the damage is greater. 4.Wear sunscreen – Wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater (SPF 30 is recommended by the FDA) is imperative for avoiding sunburn and preventing Skin Cancer. This is important for all skin tones. Darker skin tones, though they often take longer to burn, are also susceptible to UV damage and Skin Cancer. An SPF of 30, for example, allows you to stay in the sun approximately 30 times longer without burning. Be sure to reapply sunscreen liberally after exposure to water or extreme perspiration. If you feel you are starting to burn despite using sunscreen, it’s best to get out of the heat altogether. Signs of Dehydration:
1. Headache
2. Dry lips and tongue
3. Weakness, dizziness, or extreme fatigue
4. Nausea
5. Muscle Cramps
Signs of Heat Stroke:
1. High fever – over 105 degrees
2. Throbbing headache
3. Failure to sweat
4. Rapid pulse
5. Red, dry skin
6. Dizziness, confusion
7. Nausea
8. Seizures
9. Unconsciousness
If you suspect that someone you know is suffering from heat stroke, immediately call 911. Move the victim to a cooler area, loosen their clothing, and attempt to cool their body until help arrives. PETS: As the temperatures climb, humans aren’t the only ones who need special attention to avoid getting burned. Our four-legged friends need special care as well. Follow these tips to ensure that your pet has a happy, healthy summer: 1.Never leave your pet in the car – in a matter of minutes the temperature in your car can raise to more than 120 degrees. So, if you have to run an errand, leave your pet at home where it’s cool. 2.Keep your pet well groomed. – Tangles in hair can prevent animals’ fur from protecting them from the elements of weather. 3.Go slow with your animals – Don’t expect animals, especially the very young or very old ones, or animals that are ill, to do too much when it’s hot. Overexertion is dangerous for animals in the heat. Go for leisurely walks, and pay attention to your animal’s body language. If your animal starts panting or seems lethargic, get them indoors immediately. Bring them inside whenever possible because even in the shade temperatures can soar to dangerous levels. 4.Sunscreen? – Yep, it’s true. Animals can wear sunscreen, too. Their ears and nose are especially prone to sunburn and Skin Cancer, so dab a little on when heading outdoors; they’ll thank you for it. Signs Your Pet May Be Suffering From Heat Stroke:
1. Panting
2. Staring
3. Anxious expression
4. Refusal to obey commands
5. Dry skin that is warm to the touch
6. High fever
7. Rapid heartbeat
8. Vomiting Collapse
*If you think your pet has heat stroke, get help immediately. KEEPING YOUR HOUSE COOL AND YOUR BILLS LOW: Our bodies aren’t the only things we need to keep cool during the summer. Electric bills soar to gastronomical levels in the warmer months. There are things you can do to both cool down your environment and to save money on your next electric bill. And the good news – most of these things are of no cost to you. 1.Close the blinds and drapes- especially during the warmest parts of the day. This keeps the direct sunlight out and can cool your home several degrees. 2.Remember to turn off appliances when not in use- televisions, computers, and lights especially. 3.Avoid running your dishwasher or washer and dryer until after the sun goes down. And try not to run them until you have a full load. 4.Plant trees and leafy vines around your home. They act as a natural shading agent and can cool your home significantly. 5.Consider turning your thermostat up a few degrees when you’re not at home. Also, make sure you check your air conditioning filter each year to make sure it’s functioning properly. Experts say that if you’ve had your air conditioning unit for more than 12 years, it might be a good idea to consider trading it in for a newer, more energy-efficient model. In addition, agencies such as Southern California Edison offer various plans to help offset the increasing rates during summer months. One such example is the CARE program which offers income-qualifying families a 20 percent decrease on their monthly bills. You can also save 20 percent during the summer months by implementing the 20/20 plan. Simply use 20 percent less energy than you did the previous year during the months of June through October, and not only will you save on your regular bill each month, Southern California Edison will give you a 20 percent credit on your October statement. Limitations do apply so be sure to contact Southern California Edison, either by phone or via the Internet for more details. Unfortunately, these programs are not always made readily available to consumers. So do a little digging yourself. Call your local utility companies, or find them on the Web, and see how you can start saving today. Your pocket book will appreciate the effort! FOOD SAFETY: Ah, it’s a beautiful summer day. You’d like to take your family on a trip to the beach, a picnic at the park perhaps, or even an outing in your own backyard. Here are some food tips from the Food and Drug Administration to make sure everyone enjoys the day: 1.Keep hands, food preparation surfaces and utensils clean. – Consider using disposable moist towelettes to keep your hands and surfaces clean rather than sponges or rags, which trap bacteria and can cause disease. 2.Rinse your fruits and vegetables well – Unless your produce is bagged and labeled “pre-washed” or “pre-rinsed” it is important to thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before packing them. Fruits and vegetables with firm skins should be rubbed with a vegetable brush under running water prior to eating. 3.Grilling – Always marinate your food in the refrigerator and never re-use marinades as sauces. If you plan to use a marinade as a sauce for your meal, reserve some of it in a separate container and do not mix it with the raw-meat portion. ·Use separate, clean utensils and platters to serve cooked meat and seafood. Do not use the platters and utensils you used when handling raw meat. ·Cook your meat thoroughly. Here are some guidelines from the FDA: -Lamb, beef, and veal steaks and roasts--145°F for medium rare, 160°F for medium, and 170°F for well done. -Ground beef and ground pork--160°F. -Ground poultry (chicken, turkey, etc.)--165°F. -Poultry breasts--170°F. -Whole poultry (take measurement in the thigh)--180°F. -Fin fish--145°F or until the flesh separates easily with a fork and is opaque. -Lobster, crabs, and shrimp--the meat should be pearly and opaque. -Clams, oysters, and mussels--until the shells are open. It is safe to leave cooked foods on the hot grill while preparing the rest of the meal. Simply push the cooked foods to the side so that they are away from the coals or direct heat. This will avoid overcooking. 4.At temperatures above 90 degrees, food should not sit out for more than one hour. 5.Keep cold foods cold as long as possible by placing them in coolers or on top of ice if they are in serving containers. And remember that perishable food items should not be kept out longer than two hours. 6.Hot food needs to be kept hot (over 140 degrees). Wrapping them in Aluminum Foil and placing them in an insulated container will help maintain the heat. If you have any questions regarding food safety, you can call the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition's Outreach and Information Center at 1-888-SAFEFOOD. FINAL THOUGHTS: Summertime should be filled with all of the things we love the most; watermelon juice dripping down our chins, roasted corn between our teeth, picnics on the sand or in the park, late nights and early mornings, and the warm wind lapping at our cheeks. With a little knowledge, the warm months of summer can be enjoyable and refreshing. Yet every year, tragedies strike in California and around the nation. Please follow these imperative guidelines to ensure the safety of our children: ·Never allow your children to be alone in a vehicle. More than 19 deaths have been reported in 2005 alone due to children left in cars. Temperatures can quickly soar to above 120 degrees, causing brain damage and death. Within 10 minutes, the temperature in a car rises at least 19 degrees, and within half an hour, more than 34 degrees. If you must leave your vehicle at any time, take your children with you, regardless of the season. Not only is it the “right” thing to do, it’s the law. Kaitlyn’s Law, which was passed in memory of a six-year-old little girl who died after being left in a minivan, states that no child under the age of six may legally be left in a vehicle unsupervised. ·Do not allow your children to swim without the presence of an adult. The best lifeguard for your children is you, so be present and be aware. Each year, needless deaths occur because children are not supervised when around water. It only takes a second for a child to drown, and it only takes an inch of water. Children drown silently. Be conscious of your environment and make it a healthy summer for children. By following the advice above, we can all have a healthy, happy summer. So lather on the sunscreen, grab some loved ones and Popsicles, and head somewhere cool – And don’t forget your camera! Catherine Ipcizade is a freelance writer living in California. She has published more than 350 articles on topics including parenting, food, and relationships. Catherine also writes for children. |
Other Trading System Articles
Playing a Game You Can Win Imagine a simple coin-tossing game where you win whatever you stake if heads comes up, lose what you stake if tails comes up, and you are charged 1% of your stake each turn to play. Can you win money at this game? If you are familiar with the concept of expectancy, then you will probably answer ‘No’ since over many turns the amount won will be e ...How Does the Stock Market Work? The average stock trader is a loser. Unless you want to lose you can't afford to be average. Learn the answer to the 3 most important questions for successful trades:* What stocks to buy?* When to buy them?* When to sell them?Novice traders have a 95% failure rate. When they fail, they chalk it up to bad luck. Luck ...Forex Software - Choosing the Best When it comes to forex trading the forex software you choose is essential. There are so many forex trading companies all competing for your business that choosing the right forex software can be quite a difficult task. Most of the forex software products available offers live online forex trading platforms but what other components are vital w ...An Excellent Way To Determine The Exit Point Most of beginner and sometimes advanced traders spend their time analyzing their entry point to the market and ignore or neglect a very important thing which is the “Exit Point”.Sometimes fear and greed play a negative role in the decision of the exit point. For this reason it’s crucial to determine it before entering the market.Wh ...California Car Wash Fundraisers and Environmental Law Many non-profit groups are feeling upset that they are allowed to do car wash fundraisers in some California Cities. It is not that the government officials are against your groups raising money, it is that they worry where are the soapy dirty water is going. It is a problem and it might be good for you to understand some of the history behind t ...Top U.S. Energy Analyst Calls Natural Gas Storage Surplus: Smoke and Mirrors “I think the (natural) gas storage surplus is smoke-and-mirrors,” said Phil Flynn, Energy Analyst for Alaron Trading Corporation in Chicago. “It masks an underlying problem with production.” Mr. Flynn is not alone in his assessment of the natural gas market. Jim Cramer of The Street.com echoed similar thoughts. Flynn wrote in his Energy Report o ...Applying Poker Strategies to Trading The Markets As a professional no-limit holdem poker player prior to my trading career, I find that both professions share many similarities. Poker and trading are both a game of probabilities. Individual psychological makeup is also important to control emotions during times of tilt and euphoria.In poker, a player can choose the stake he is willing t ...FOREX Online Trading - An Introduction The Foreign Exchange Market (better known as the FOREX or FX market) as we know it today was established in 1971, following the abolishment of fixed currency exchanges. Operating 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, the daily currency trades on the FOREX market are worth in the region of $1.9 trillion US dollars making it the world's largest market a ...How You Could Take The First Step To Become Financially Free Like the majority, I have been working very hard each day believing that the harder I work, the more money I would get. I would bust my proverbial butt out working year after year slaving away for BOSSES who show little sign of appreciation, to earn a paycheck that could hardly pay my bills.After some trying and tiring years, I realized t ...Commodity Trading Systems – This Ones Free and Makes Big Gains! Today many traders buy commodity trading systems and spent money on expensive software when really all they need is to do a bit of research on the net and build their own.Here we will show you how to build your own commodity trading system that will help you pile up big gains, even if you have never traded before.First things first ...Comparing Futures and FOREX Trading How did the whole futures market begin? It all started with agricultural produce in the last century. Farmers began to contract with buyers to sell their produce at a future date and there was a kind of stabilization of demand and supply through the year. This is why it was called 'futures'. Today, however, the term encompasses a lot more than t ...The Good & The Bad of Online Stock Trading In order to get consistently positive results from the online stock trading system, you have to have a system of your own. You wont consistently pull positive returns from online stocks if you follow a rag tag system. To help with your investing, here are a couple methods that will give you some direction as to where to start with your online st ...Risks of Trading Forex in Retail Market Forex nowadays had become one of the most fast growing trading markets in the world. There are several reasons why Forex had became such a popular investment among world wide speculators. In Forex trading, you can always use technology for your own advantage. The Forex market has made an amazing transformation since the advent of the Internet. T ...FOREX Trading Systems - Trading the Longer Term Trends for Bigger Profits How to Make BIG Profits with Currency Trading SystemsFOREX markets turn over trillions of dollars per day and are the world’s biggest investment medium.In recent years, FOREX trading systems using technical analysis to predict trend changes have become increasingly popular as a way of catching the big profitable trends.Catch ...Choosing A Forex Trading System – Part 3 OK, in our last installment I showed you how a sample of a Forex trading system with a high percentage of winning trades could still be a losing system overall.The whole point of the exercise was to get you to take a closer look at the performance results of trading systems that you are interested in pursuing. Now that you know that it i ...The Insight Trader Reveals Effective Ways To Deal With Losses At some point in the insight trader`s career, he will be faced with a string of losses that will bring his confidence to an all-time low. Every active trader hits this point at least once, and some will visit it several times. This active trader will reveal to you ways to successfully deal with this problem.First, every active trader need ...
| 