FAA 'Staycay'

FAA 'Staycay'

The government funding stalemate is down to the wire for the Federal Aviation Administration. The Washington Post and Politico both reported this week that the group faces a partial shutdown if a solution isn’t reached tomorrow. That would mean about 4,000 furloughed workers beginning Saturday – an unwelcome and possibly unpaid ‘staycation’ during what former FAA administrator Marion C. Blakey called “the busiest travel time of the year.”

The FAA’s predicament comes less than two weeks after the U.S. Travel Association announced that more than one in five of private-sector jobs added in June came from the travel industry. That on the heels of the organization’s finding that relaxing visa laws to attract more foreign travelers would significantly boost our economy. In the meantime, a shutdown could mean more travelers opting to keep the furloughed workers company during their staycays.

Hot Weather Health Tips

Hot Weather Health Tips

Staying cool in hot weather can be tough. When the temperature rises and the heat index soars, take these precautions for the sake of your health:

• Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.
• Don't drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar, which cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, which can cause stomach cramps.
• If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library; even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler.
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a better way to cool off.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Check regularly on infants and young children; people aged 65 or older; people who have a mental illness; and those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure. Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
• Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. If you must exercise outdoors, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses.

Sources: Center for Diseas Control and Prevention

http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/6/article/51387/



Enjoying the Summer Safely

Enjoying the Summer Safely

Technically, it's still Spring and Summer should be right around the corner.

In reality, many of us have been unceremoniously reminded to be careful of what we wish for when it comes to busting out the shorts and t-shirts after a long winter.

With DC hitting near record highs this week , it's important to remember that protecting ourselves from the heat and humidity goes beyond wishing it away.

Dehydration, heat stroke and exhaustion play an all too common role in defining the summer months, but they don't need to.

In the spirit of keeping our bodies healthy, here are some tips for enjoying summer safely:

1. Stay hydrated.

In addition to heat and humidity, several lesser-known factors can contribute to dehydration, including air conditioning, antihistamines and caffeine. So if you find yourself taking your daily allergy pill with your morning iced coffee while you sit in your air conditioned office, you may want to re-examine just how much water you're drinking to compensate.

2. Eat small

Frequent, small-portioned meals high in water content (think melons and lettuce) are a safe bet. For more tips, check out Adam Morgenstern's "How to Eat During a Heat Wave"


3. Avoid drinking too much alcohol

As fun as the summer-time vacation drinks can be, alcohol "impairs the body's ability to regulate its temperature."

For more tips on protecting yourself and recognizing different symptoms of heat exhaustion, check out ABC's "12 Heat Safety Tips for the Summer"