Could you pass the latest citizenship test?
In October, a new version of the U.S. Citizenship Test will be taken by all applicants. The questions are usually selected from a list of 100 samples that prospective citizens can look at ahead of time. Some are easy, some are not.
Try your hand at some of the more difficult ones. And Happy Fourth of July, citizen!
Friday, July 4, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Hot dog dos and don'ts
DO "dress the dog," not the bun.
DO serve sesame-seed, poppy-seed and plain buns with hot dogs.
DO eat hot dogs on buns with your hands. Utensils should not touch hot dogs on buns.
DO use paper plates to serve hot dogs. Everyday dishes are acceptable; china is a no-no.
DO serve mustard, relish, onions, cheese and chili as topping options.
DO lick off — not wash off — any condiments remaining on the fingers after eating a hot dog.
DO use multicolored toothpicks to serve cocktail wieners. Cocktail forks are in poor taste.
DO put down your hot dog while singing the national anthem.
DON'T put hot-dog toppings between the hot dog and the bun. (Condiments should be applied in the following order: Wet condiments such as mustard and chili are applied first onto the dog, not the bun, followed by chunky condiments such as relish, onions and sauerkraut, followed by shredded cheese, followed by spices such as celery salt or pepper.)
DON'T serve sun-dried tomato buns or basil buns, which are considered gauche with franks.
DON'T serve fresh herbs on the same plate with hot dogs.
DON'T use a cloth napkin to wipe your mouth when eating a hot dog. Paper is always preferable.
DON'T take more than five bites to finish a hot dog. For a foot-long wiener, seven bites are acceptable.
DON'T leave bits of bun on your plate. Eat it all.
DON'T use ketchup on your hot dog after the age of 18.
DON'T send a thank-you note after a hot-dog barbecue. It would not be in keeping with the unpretentious nature of hot dogs.
DON'T take wine to a hot-dog barbecue. Beer, soda, lemonade and iced tea are preferable.
DON'T ever think there is a wrong time to serve hot dogs.
● Adapted from the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council's Hot Dog Etiquette Guide.
DO serve sesame-seed, poppy-seed and plain buns with hot dogs.
DO eat hot dogs on buns with your hands. Utensils should not touch hot dogs on buns.
DO use paper plates to serve hot dogs. Everyday dishes are acceptable; china is a no-no.
DO serve mustard, relish, onions, cheese and chili as topping options.
DO lick off — not wash off — any condiments remaining on the fingers after eating a hot dog.
DO use multicolored toothpicks to serve cocktail wieners. Cocktail forks are in poor taste.
DO put down your hot dog while singing the national anthem.
DON'T put hot-dog toppings between the hot dog and the bun. (Condiments should be applied in the following order: Wet condiments such as mustard and chili are applied first onto the dog, not the bun, followed by chunky condiments such as relish, onions and sauerkraut, followed by shredded cheese, followed by spices such as celery salt or pepper.)
DON'T serve sun-dried tomato buns or basil buns, which are considered gauche with franks.
DON'T serve fresh herbs on the same plate with hot dogs.
DON'T use a cloth napkin to wipe your mouth when eating a hot dog. Paper is always preferable.
DON'T take more than five bites to finish a hot dog. For a foot-long wiener, seven bites are acceptable.
DON'T leave bits of bun on your plate. Eat it all.
DON'T use ketchup on your hot dog after the age of 18.
DON'T send a thank-you note after a hot-dog barbecue. It would not be in keeping with the unpretentious nature of hot dogs.
DON'T take wine to a hot-dog barbecue. Beer, soda, lemonade and iced tea are preferable.
DON'T ever think there is a wrong time to serve hot dogs.
● Adapted from the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council's Hot Dog Etiquette Guide.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Cut wedding costs
(smartmoney.com)
WANT TO CUT DOWN on your wedding costs, but have nightmares about a roomful of guests picking at iceberg lettuce for dinner? Brides- and grooms-to-be, take comfort: Trimming wedding costs doesn't have to mean foregoing the Plaza suite in favor of Grandma's spare attic bedroom. Wedding consultants around the country told us that there are plenty of ways to nip and tuck the fat in your wedding budget — without your family and friends being any the wiser.
And there's lots of fat to cut. According to Richard Markel, president of the Association for Wedding Professionals International, the average cost of a wedding in the U.S. is now between $21,000 and $24,000. Of course, the costs vary greatly from region to region. He notes that in the elegant suburbs of Long Island, N.Y., the tab routinely reaches $40,000 to $50,000, while "you can have an awesome wedding for $12,000 in Walla Walla, Wash.," he says.
1. Avoid the High Season
In case you haven't noticed, the majority of weddings take place from May through October. So you could save across the board — on limos, photographers and caterers, etc., — by getting married during one of the quieter months, such as January or March, says Carley Roney, editor-in-chief of TheKnot.com, a Web site focused on weddings.
2. Daylight Savings
Wedding consultants all agree: Reception halls charge the highest fees for 7 p.m. on Saturday night. Any other time is guaranteed to be a bargain. "I always encourage brides to consider Sunday brunch," says Mimi Doke, owner of The Wedding Specialist in Arizona. "Or, if late-night drinking is important, then go for Friday evening."
3. Bond With Other Brides
Doke also suggests her clients network with other brides to divvy up the decorating costs at catering halls. "Talk to the bride who is getting married immediately before or after to see if you have similar ideas for decorations," she says. "If so, you might be able to split the cost." Experts say reception halls usually recycle the decorations, but charge every bride for them anyway.
4. Cut the Cake
Another unnecessary reception budget-breaker: overloading on sweets. "People really overspend on desserts," says Marcia French of Stardust Celebrations in Dallas. "They'll get a three-tiered bridal cake, plus a chocolate one for the groom, and have a full tray of desserts at the reception." She points out that after a long evening of eating, drinking and dancing, many guests will forego dessert altogether. For smaller weddings, she recommends using a faux bottom for the lower two tiers of the bridal cake: "It will look good for the pictures, and that's really what matters," she says.
And for bigger weddings, here's another trick: Choose a smaller version of your dream wedding cake and then get sheet cake (in the same flavor as the wedding cake) that can be cut in back and served to guests. They'll never notice!
5. Greens Are Good
And how many of the guests know what kind of flowers are in season at any given time of year? "Stay with what's in season, use more greens and fewer blooms," advises Carol Koch Waldmann, a wedding consultant in Natick, Mass. "No one will ever notice." Roses are always available, but brides should steer clear of floral-intensive holidays such as Mother's Day, when high demand will drive up costs. Another flower tip from Regina Tate of Regina's in Nederland, Texas: Don't feel the need to adorn the church with fresh flowers for the ceremony. "People expect churches to be less ornate, and they'll spend a lot more time at the reception," she says.
6. Dress Down the Gown
Assuming that no one at the wedding will be checking out the tags on your bridal gown, the dress can be another good place to economize. Tate says that cheaper fabrics are almost always available for every dress design, and that using a lower-end satin can cut the cost by almost two-thirds. Sample sales and outlet stores are other good bets, and remember, the gown doesn't need to fit like a glove right away: having a too-large dress fitted will still be cheaper than buying one that's custom-made. For those who favor less complicated designs, consider using this trick from Erin Smith, a bride-to-be in Boston. "I went to a bridal shop and picked out one of their bridesmaid dresses, ordered it in white, and voila — simple wedding dress," she says.
7. Do Yourself a Favor
According to Markel, the average number of wedding guests is 157, which means that overspending on seemingly inexpensive items such as invites and party favors can add up to a big hit on your checkbook. "If you use candy kisses in the favor instead of truffles, you'll save about $3 per bag," French says. Other experts recommend letting place cards double as favors, or incorporating the favors into a creative table centerpiece of chocolates or candles. One bride French knows used assortments of giant, colorful seashells for her centerpieces; guests loved it. Ann Rinke put a small bowl filled with smooth rocks and a live goldfish on each table when she got married last November. The guests were given plastic bags to take the fish home.
8. Save a Tree
Waldmann, who estimates that most brides end up overshooting their initial budget by about 15%, encourages her clients to think twice before spending hundreds of dollars on a seven-piece hand-engraved invite. The invitation liner is completely unnecessary, she says, as are separate enclosure cards. Keeping it to a single sheet, she notes, saves on the costs of both paper and postage.
Of course, talk to wedding consultants, and you'll hear that the No. 1 must-do savings tip is...hire a wedding consultant. In theory, the consultant will do all the legwork for you, shop around for the best bargains, and use their network of vendors to get insider deals. But with some of these pros charging up to 15% of the total wedding budget, we'll leave you to determine if that's a cost-cutting move you want to make.
WANT TO CUT DOWN on your wedding costs, but have nightmares about a roomful of guests picking at iceberg lettuce for dinner? Brides- and grooms-to-be, take comfort: Trimming wedding costs doesn't have to mean foregoing the Plaza suite in favor of Grandma's spare attic bedroom. Wedding consultants around the country told us that there are plenty of ways to nip and tuck the fat in your wedding budget — without your family and friends being any the wiser.
And there's lots of fat to cut. According to Richard Markel, president of the Association for Wedding Professionals International, the average cost of a wedding in the U.S. is now between $21,000 and $24,000. Of course, the costs vary greatly from region to region. He notes that in the elegant suburbs of Long Island, N.Y., the tab routinely reaches $40,000 to $50,000, while "you can have an awesome wedding for $12,000 in Walla Walla, Wash.," he says.
1. Avoid the High Season
In case you haven't noticed, the majority of weddings take place from May through October. So you could save across the board — on limos, photographers and caterers, etc., — by getting married during one of the quieter months, such as January or March, says Carley Roney, editor-in-chief of TheKnot.com, a Web site focused on weddings.
2. Daylight Savings
Wedding consultants all agree: Reception halls charge the highest fees for 7 p.m. on Saturday night. Any other time is guaranteed to be a bargain. "I always encourage brides to consider Sunday brunch," says Mimi Doke, owner of The Wedding Specialist in Arizona. "Or, if late-night drinking is important, then go for Friday evening."
3. Bond With Other Brides
Doke also suggests her clients network with other brides to divvy up the decorating costs at catering halls. "Talk to the bride who is getting married immediately before or after to see if you have similar ideas for decorations," she says. "If so, you might be able to split the cost." Experts say reception halls usually recycle the decorations, but charge every bride for them anyway.
4. Cut the Cake
Another unnecessary reception budget-breaker: overloading on sweets. "People really overspend on desserts," says Marcia French of Stardust Celebrations in Dallas. "They'll get a three-tiered bridal cake, plus a chocolate one for the groom, and have a full tray of desserts at the reception." She points out that after a long evening of eating, drinking and dancing, many guests will forego dessert altogether. For smaller weddings, she recommends using a faux bottom for the lower two tiers of the bridal cake: "It will look good for the pictures, and that's really what matters," she says.
And for bigger weddings, here's another trick: Choose a smaller version of your dream wedding cake and then get sheet cake (in the same flavor as the wedding cake) that can be cut in back and served to guests. They'll never notice!
5. Greens Are Good
And how many of the guests know what kind of flowers are in season at any given time of year? "Stay with what's in season, use more greens and fewer blooms," advises Carol Koch Waldmann, a wedding consultant in Natick, Mass. "No one will ever notice." Roses are always available, but brides should steer clear of floral-intensive holidays such as Mother's Day, when high demand will drive up costs. Another flower tip from Regina Tate of Regina's in Nederland, Texas: Don't feel the need to adorn the church with fresh flowers for the ceremony. "People expect churches to be less ornate, and they'll spend a lot more time at the reception," she says.
6. Dress Down the Gown
Assuming that no one at the wedding will be checking out the tags on your bridal gown, the dress can be another good place to economize. Tate says that cheaper fabrics are almost always available for every dress design, and that using a lower-end satin can cut the cost by almost two-thirds. Sample sales and outlet stores are other good bets, and remember, the gown doesn't need to fit like a glove right away: having a too-large dress fitted will still be cheaper than buying one that's custom-made. For those who favor less complicated designs, consider using this trick from Erin Smith, a bride-to-be in Boston. "I went to a bridal shop and picked out one of their bridesmaid dresses, ordered it in white, and voila — simple wedding dress," she says.
7. Do Yourself a Favor
According to Markel, the average number of wedding guests is 157, which means that overspending on seemingly inexpensive items such as invites and party favors can add up to a big hit on your checkbook. "If you use candy kisses in the favor instead of truffles, you'll save about $3 per bag," French says. Other experts recommend letting place cards double as favors, or incorporating the favors into a creative table centerpiece of chocolates or candles. One bride French knows used assortments of giant, colorful seashells for her centerpieces; guests loved it. Ann Rinke put a small bowl filled with smooth rocks and a live goldfish on each table when she got married last November. The guests were given plastic bags to take the fish home.
8. Save a Tree
Waldmann, who estimates that most brides end up overshooting their initial budget by about 15%, encourages her clients to think twice before spending hundreds of dollars on a seven-piece hand-engraved invite. The invitation liner is completely unnecessary, she says, as are separate enclosure cards. Keeping it to a single sheet, she notes, saves on the costs of both paper and postage.
Of course, talk to wedding consultants, and you'll hear that the No. 1 must-do savings tip is...hire a wedding consultant. In theory, the consultant will do all the legwork for you, shop around for the best bargains, and use their network of vendors to get insider deals. But with some of these pros charging up to 15% of the total wedding budget, we'll leave you to determine if that's a cost-cutting move you want to make.
The cost of a wedding
The high price of wedlock.
In the U.S.~
*In 2007 there were an estimated 2,290,578 weddings
*The average length of an engagement is 17 months
*Average wedding budget is $14,250
*the average spent is $28,800
*Average ages are 26-bride, 28-groom
*average cost of wedding photography is $2373
In the U.S.~
*In 2007 there were an estimated 2,290,578 weddings
*The average length of an engagement is 17 months
*Average wedding budget is $14,250
*the average spent is $28,800
*Average ages are 26-bride, 28-groom
*average cost of wedding photography is $2373
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Heart study
Study: Stem Cells Used To Fix Your Broken Heart
It's Called The Marvel Study
The Largest Clinical Trial Investigating Adult Stem Cells To Treat Congestive Heart Failure
For More Info, Call Jim Moran Heart & Vascular Center At (954) 229-8400
(CBS4)
Doctors are discovering a new way to fix your broken heart. A study is underway in South Florida that could revolutionize the way heart attack patients help their damaged hearts by using their own stem cells.
It's called The Marvel Study and under the direction of Dr. Alan Neiderman with the Jim Moran Heart & Vascular Research Institute at Holy Cross Hospital, is the largest clinical trial investigating adult stem cells to treat congestive heart failure. It involves 330 patients in up to 30 investigational sites in the US and Europe.
"I have a weak heart," said 74-year-old Dennis Piaso who had a heart attack ten years ago and is still suffering from the results, "Lately, I've had a lot of trouble breathing and I constantly lose my breath."
This new procedure could offer Piaso some hope.
Dr. Ahmed Osman, Piaso's doctor at Holy Cross hospital says Piaso will be one of the first in South Florida to be part of a new study using the patient's own stem cells.
"What we do is we would inject these myoblasts or stem cells into the areas that are scarred hoping that this will, these cells will multiply increasing the number and basically help the heart contract more efficiently," said Dr. Osman.
The stem cells are taken from the thigh muscle and injected into the heart so the heart can function better and ultimately become stronger.
Dr. Osman hopes to see improvement in overall heart function within a few weeks to months.
Dr. Alan Niederman, Director of Clinical Research says the preliminary study revealed those hearts injected with the cells showed significant improvement in heart function.
"This is what's known as the pivotal study, if this study is positive they
will go to the FDA to approve this technique as a broad technique that everybody can participate in," said Dr. Neiderman.
"Well for me it's a wonderful opportunity for me to get better and especially it's like getting added years to your life so what more can you want?" said Piaso, who feels like this study is giving him another chance at life.
To qualify for the study, you must be a heart attack survivor, have a defibrillator and an injection fraction less than 35-percent. If you meet the criteria and want more information, call the Jim Moran Heart & Vascular Center at (954) 229-8400.
It's Called The Marvel Study
The Largest Clinical Trial Investigating Adult Stem Cells To Treat Congestive Heart Failure
For More Info, Call Jim Moran Heart & Vascular Center At (954) 229-8400
(CBS4)
Doctors are discovering a new way to fix your broken heart. A study is underway in South Florida that could revolutionize the way heart attack patients help their damaged hearts by using their own stem cells.
It's called The Marvel Study and under the direction of Dr. Alan Neiderman with the Jim Moran Heart & Vascular Research Institute at Holy Cross Hospital, is the largest clinical trial investigating adult stem cells to treat congestive heart failure. It involves 330 patients in up to 30 investigational sites in the US and Europe.
"I have a weak heart," said 74-year-old Dennis Piaso who had a heart attack ten years ago and is still suffering from the results, "Lately, I've had a lot of trouble breathing and I constantly lose my breath."
This new procedure could offer Piaso some hope.
Dr. Ahmed Osman, Piaso's doctor at Holy Cross hospital says Piaso will be one of the first in South Florida to be part of a new study using the patient's own stem cells.
"What we do is we would inject these myoblasts or stem cells into the areas that are scarred hoping that this will, these cells will multiply increasing the number and basically help the heart contract more efficiently," said Dr. Osman.
The stem cells are taken from the thigh muscle and injected into the heart so the heart can function better and ultimately become stronger.
Dr. Osman hopes to see improvement in overall heart function within a few weeks to months.
Dr. Alan Niederman, Director of Clinical Research says the preliminary study revealed those hearts injected with the cells showed significant improvement in heart function.
"This is what's known as the pivotal study, if this study is positive they
will go to the FDA to approve this technique as a broad technique that everybody can participate in," said Dr. Neiderman.
"Well for me it's a wonderful opportunity for me to get better and especially it's like getting added years to your life so what more can you want?" said Piaso, who feels like this study is giving him another chance at life.
To qualify for the study, you must be a heart attack survivor, have a defibrillator and an injection fraction less than 35-percent. If you meet the criteria and want more information, call the Jim Moran Heart & Vascular Center at (954) 229-8400.
Bad neighbors?
Nothing ruins the excitement of finding your dream home quicker than moving in and discovering you have a bad neighbor. Perhaps you have lived in your home for years when the house next door sells and suddenly you find yourself with the neighbor from hell. Maybe they have a loud, barking dog or are prone to Saturday night arguments that wake you from your sleep. Or maybe they simply drop by too often and are overly interested in your personal affairs. Whether your bad neighbors are nosy or noisy, these simple strategies will help you deal with them without joining the ranks of bad neighborhood yourself.
Find out how to recognize and deal with bad neighbors.
Find out how to recognize and deal with bad neighbors.
New laws
New Fla. Laws Take Effect On July 1
Laws deal with education, environmental, and other areas
(CBS4)
The Florida Legislature wrapped up their work several weeks ago, but Tuesday marks the day many new laws will go into effect. Laws governing hurricane insurance, energy and climate change, state spending, and teacher ethics are just some of the new laws.
One of the most controversial laws taking effect on Tuesday allows workers and customers to keep guns in their cars when they are parked in lots owned by private and government employers. After the Supreme Court decision doing away with bans of guns in cities, challengers of the new Florida law face an uphill battle.
U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle says he will make a ruling over the challenge to the new law in July.
A new law limiting the amount of greenhouse gases power companies in the state produce is part of a cap-and-trade program. It directs state regulators to set up programs that penalize power plants that exceed limits on carbon monoxide emissions.
Another provision of the law will create a commission to help set future energy policy and strengthen green building codes and standards for appliances. It also simplifies the approval process for nuclear power plants.
A hurricane insurance law extends an existing rate freeze for over 1 million customers of Citizens Property Insurance Corp. through the end of 2009. It also gives state regulators more authority over private companies and boosts the amount Citizens can insure up to $2 million.
The state will try to boost the weakened economy by requiring itself to invest up to $137 billion employee pension plan in high-tech industries in the state.
Tuition increases also take effect for community college and university student. And if you're looking for a divorce it'll cost $45 more this year and speeding tickets jump by a minimum of $17.50.
For parents, a new education law reduces the importance of the FCAT in grading high schools. To compensate, the state will include other factors including graduation rates and participation in advanced classes. Elementary and middle schools will still be graded only on FCAT scores.
The education law seeks to cut down on the so-called FCAT frenzy. It bans activities such as rallies and practice tests during regular school hours. It also delays the exam by a month to give students more time to study.
All new motorcyclists will now be required to take a basic rider course. Previously, only riders under 21 were required to pass the course.
Laws deal with education, environmental, and other areas
(CBS4)
The Florida Legislature wrapped up their work several weeks ago, but Tuesday marks the day many new laws will go into effect. Laws governing hurricane insurance, energy and climate change, state spending, and teacher ethics are just some of the new laws.
One of the most controversial laws taking effect on Tuesday allows workers and customers to keep guns in their cars when they are parked in lots owned by private and government employers. After the Supreme Court decision doing away with bans of guns in cities, challengers of the new Florida law face an uphill battle.
U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle says he will make a ruling over the challenge to the new law in July.
A new law limiting the amount of greenhouse gases power companies in the state produce is part of a cap-and-trade program. It directs state regulators to set up programs that penalize power plants that exceed limits on carbon monoxide emissions.
Another provision of the law will create a commission to help set future energy policy and strengthen green building codes and standards for appliances. It also simplifies the approval process for nuclear power plants.
A hurricane insurance law extends an existing rate freeze for over 1 million customers of Citizens Property Insurance Corp. through the end of 2009. It also gives state regulators more authority over private companies and boosts the amount Citizens can insure up to $2 million.
The state will try to boost the weakened economy by requiring itself to invest up to $137 billion employee pension plan in high-tech industries in the state.
Tuition increases also take effect for community college and university student. And if you're looking for a divorce it'll cost $45 more this year and speeding tickets jump by a minimum of $17.50.
For parents, a new education law reduces the importance of the FCAT in grading high schools. To compensate, the state will include other factors including graduation rates and participation in advanced classes. Elementary and middle schools will still be graded only on FCAT scores.
The education law seeks to cut down on the so-called FCAT frenzy. It bans activities such as rallies and practice tests during regular school hours. It also delays the exam by a month to give students more time to study.
All new motorcyclists will now be required to take a basic rider course. Previously, only riders under 21 were required to pass the course.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Keep your cool
15 Ways To Keep Cool When it's Hot
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: Dennis Lee, MD
Keeping cool when temperatures reach record highs isn't just about comfort. Dangerously high temperatures can result in heat-related illnesses ranging from heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The following tips can help you keep cool all summer long.
Alter your pattern of outdoor exercise to take advantage of cooler times (early morning or late evening). If you can't change the time of your workout, scale it down by doing fewer minutes, walking instead or running, or decreasing your level of exertion.
Wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably of a light color.
Cotton clothing will keep you cooler than many synthetics.
Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it in the refrigerator for a quick refreshing spray to your face after being outdoors.
Fans can help circulate air and make you feel cooler even in an air-conditioned house.
Try storing lotions or cosmetic toners in the refrigerator to use on hot, overtired feet.
Keep plastic bottles of water in the freezer; grab one when you're ready to go outside. As the ice melts, you'll have a supply of cold water with you.
Take frequent baths or showers with cool or tepid water.
Combat dehydration by drinking plenty of water along with sports drinks or other sources of electrolytes.
Some people swear by small, portable, battery-powered fans. At an outdoor event I even saw a version that attaches to a water bottle that sprays a cooling mist.
I learned this trick from a tennis pro: if you're wearing a cap or hat, remove it and pour a bit of ice cold water into the hat, then quickly invert it and place on your head.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will promote dehydration.
Instead of hot foods, try lighter summer fare including frequent small meals or snacks containing cold fruit or low fat dairy products. As an added benefit, you won't have to cook next to a hot stove.
If you don't have air-conditioning, arrange to spend at least parts of the day in a shopping mall, public library, movie theater, or other public space that is cool. Many cities have cooling centers that are open to the public on sweltering days.
Finally, use common sense. If the heat is intolerable, stay indoors when you can and avoid activities in direct sunlight or on hot asphalt surfaces. Pay special attention to the elderly, infants, and anyone with a chronic illness, as they may dehydrate easily and be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Don't forget that pets also need protection from dehydration and heat-related illnesses too.
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: Dennis Lee, MD
Keeping cool when temperatures reach record highs isn't just about comfort. Dangerously high temperatures can result in heat-related illnesses ranging from heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The following tips can help you keep cool all summer long.
Alter your pattern of outdoor exercise to take advantage of cooler times (early morning or late evening). If you can't change the time of your workout, scale it down by doing fewer minutes, walking instead or running, or decreasing your level of exertion.
Wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably of a light color.
Cotton clothing will keep you cooler than many synthetics.
Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it in the refrigerator for a quick refreshing spray to your face after being outdoors.
Fans can help circulate air and make you feel cooler even in an air-conditioned house.
Try storing lotions or cosmetic toners in the refrigerator to use on hot, overtired feet.
Keep plastic bottles of water in the freezer; grab one when you're ready to go outside. As the ice melts, you'll have a supply of cold water with you.
Take frequent baths or showers with cool or tepid water.
Combat dehydration by drinking plenty of water along with sports drinks or other sources of electrolytes.
Some people swear by small, portable, battery-powered fans. At an outdoor event I even saw a version that attaches to a water bottle that sprays a cooling mist.
I learned this trick from a tennis pro: if you're wearing a cap or hat, remove it and pour a bit of ice cold water into the hat, then quickly invert it and place on your head.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will promote dehydration.
Instead of hot foods, try lighter summer fare including frequent small meals or snacks containing cold fruit or low fat dairy products. As an added benefit, you won't have to cook next to a hot stove.
If you don't have air-conditioning, arrange to spend at least parts of the day in a shopping mall, public library, movie theater, or other public space that is cool. Many cities have cooling centers that are open to the public on sweltering days.
Finally, use common sense. If the heat is intolerable, stay indoors when you can and avoid activities in direct sunlight or on hot asphalt surfaces. Pay special attention to the elderly, infants, and anyone with a chronic illness, as they may dehydrate easily and be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Don't forget that pets also need protection from dehydration and heat-related illnesses too.
Ice bandana
Another way to keep cool this summer is with an ice bandana. You can freeze it and re-freeze it over and over.
Gas for life
The Florida Lottery is trying to tap the public frustration with sky-high gas prices. The Lottery;s 8 week "Summer Cash" drawing starts today. "Gas for Life" and "Gas for a Year" are among the prizes. Tickets cost 5 dollars and the grand prize is $250,000.
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