Florida Summer Safety Tips

Driving Safety:

As traffic on the roads increases during the summer months, keep in mind the safety tips below.

• Refrain from using your cell phone while driving
• Put your cell phone on silent or in the glove box to avoid temptation
• Safely pull over and put the vehicle in Park to take or make a call
• Always wear a safety belt – every trip, every time
• Make sure every passenger is wearing his or her safety belt before you begin your drive
• Children should sit in the back and use the proper child safety seat or booster seat
• Never leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle, especially during hot weather
• If you plan to drink, designate a non-drinking driver
• If there is a young driver in your family, strictly enforce a zero tolerance policy with alcohol – all states have a 21-year-old drinking age law
• Never get in the car with an intoxicated driver
• Avoid aggressive driving by keeping your emotions in check and focusing on your own driving
• Don’t tailgate or flash your lights at another driver
• Listen to this podcast for tips on driving safely in the dark

Drowning:

In 2010, unintentional drowning claimed the lives of 3,600 people.

• When visiting a pool, water park or body of 
  water this weekend, pay close attention to children at all times – a lifeguard may be present, but they should not be considered a babysitter
• Teach your children to never swim alone or dive into unknown bodies of water and to always use approved flotation devices
• Avoid using alcohol in and around the water – according to CDC, among adolescents and adults, alcohol use is involved in up to 70% of deaths associated with water recreation, almost a quarter of ED visits for drowning and about one in five reported boating deaths

Hot Weather:

• Nice weather is ideal for celebrations 
  but can present serious hazards, especially to children and the elderly.
• Heatstroke and heat exhaustion are serious, life-threatening illnesses characterized by an extreme rise in body temperature
• If you are concerned that someone is suffering from overheating, move them to the shade and call for emergency assistance, if necessary

Shared from:  http://ffinsbr.com/Blog/resources-links/summer-safety-tips/

8 Ways to Feel More Energized

Amidst the hustle & bustle of work, family & everyday life it's no surprise that we can feel drained & lose our spark.  Here are eight ways to grab more gusto... naturally!

• FACT:  56% of women rely on coffee to rise and shine in the morning, according to a 1,008-person poll sponsored by the natural products company ChromaDex.  Not super surprising considering modern women are so exhausted, but you don't  have to rely on caffeine to feel perkier in the A.M.  Just try these expert-recommended natural energy-boosting tips.

1.  Light Up!  Light is nature's way of telling your internal clock that it's time to start the day, says Michael Terman, Ph.D., author of the upcoming book Reset Your Inner Clock.  Leave the shades open or flip on a light switch in the morning to simulate sunlight.

2.  Hop Out of Bed!  Resist the urge to hit the "snooze" button - those extra minutes of sleep will just leave you groggy later, says Terman.  You're much better off getting out of bed when you first wake up.

3.  Get Moving!  And once you're up, do some morning yoga, suggests Kimberly Kingsley, energy coach, author of The Energy Cure.  

4.  Eat Something with Coconut Oil!  The triglycerides in coconut oil are a fast-acting energy source that your body can use more quickly than coffee, says Kingsley.  

5.  Have a Protein-Rich Breakfast!  A protein-packed A.M. meal helps your brain cells function properly, says Joy Bauer, R.D., author of The Joy Fit Club.  Protein helps to crush cravings all day long.

6.  Avoid Late-Night Eats!  Eating a heavy meal right before bed can leave you with a "food hangover" the next morning, says Bauer.  If you're itching for a late-night bite, keep it light and under 150 calories so you won't feel bloated & tired in the A.M.

7.  Guzzle Water!  Skimping on H20 can leave you feeling drowsy, says Bauer. 

8.  Sleep More Every Day!  The only way to make up for lost ZZZ's is more sleep.  Terman suggests getting to bed 45 minutes earlier Monday to Friday, which adds up to four hours of extra sleep for the week - so there's no reason you won't feel fully rested!




Reposted from:  http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/natural-energy-boost