Tag: summertime fun

Dos and Don’ts of a Memorable Summer

Posted on by Jordank

There’s no right way or wrong way to do #summer. The warmest season offers opportunity for festive gatherings, home and self-improvement, exploration, education, and relaxation. The Organizing Blog has several checklist items that can make your summer memorable in all of the right ways, however.

Do protect yourself against the sun and #heat. With climate change, extreme heat is becoming more common throughout the year; be alert to your exposure and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Make a habit of wearing SPF30+ sunscreen when engaging in outdoor activities or cover up to block harmful UV rays.

Don’t waste too much time indoors. Shady and air-conditioned as your home might be, many social, cultural and sporting events happen only when the weather is sunny and warm. Get off the couch, turn off the TV and take advantage of all that summer has to offer.

Do throw open the windows, #declutter and #deep-clean. Household projects are easier to accomplish when inclement #weather isn’t slowing you down. Freshening the home while getting some fresh air may even be energizing! Summer is a great time to tackle larger home projects, too — especially if you need to hire help.

Don’t feel like you have to accomplish everything at once. Even type A personalities can benefit from a lazy day, a leisurely walk in the park or a picnic. Reward yourself with a favorite indulgence for the progress you make at work and at home.

Do take a trip. It might be a day in the city, a road trip to a national park or a flight to a faraway beach, but any change of scenery makes things more memorable. Pile the family into the car or call up an old friend; you’ll be making new memories in no time.

Don’t overplan. Even if you aren’t the spontaneous type, allowing flexibility usually pays off with unexpected discoveries. Make list of the things you’d like to accomplish this summer at home and on the road with must-dos at the top; everything else is gravy.

Do take pictures. Almost everyone has a camera in their pocket these days, so record some of the summer memories you’re making as you make them. Share them with friends and family and revisit them often to make this summer one of the most memorable ever!

Food Safety and the Summer Cookout

Posted on by Jordank

Only a week in, this #summer is shaping up to be a hot one for much of the United States. It’s also prime time for family #cookouts, so the home chef would do well to review #food #safety practices for hot weather to head off any health issues that could ruin an otherwise festive event.

An estimated one in six people gets sick from a #foodborne illness each year. Granted, not every foodborne illness results from a #picnic or #cookout, but that seasonal combination of food, outdoor living, shared dishes, heat and pests makes them especially vulnerable.

Mayonnaise-based salads are notorious for spoiling in the sun. Limit cold foods’ potential to harbor harmful bacteria by keeping them indoors until needed, says Martha Stewart, use a cooler to maintain refrigeration, and serve foods such as shrimp over an ice bath.

Other common-sense tips apply whether you grill outdoors or prepare something in the kitchen. First and most obvious? Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before preparing any foods — and wash them again after handling raw meat, fish and egg yolks.

Cross-contamination — the process in which bacteria spreads from food or poorly washed hands to other surfaces — is a problem, Consumer Reports says. Never use the same cutting board for meat and produce, and avoid reaching for the spices or condiments after handling raw meat.

#Clean your grill properly by scrubbing the grates with a grilling brush. Use a food thermometer to cook foods to the proper internal temperatures to ensure that any harmful bacteria burn off: Cook cuts of red meat and fish to a reading of at least 145°F, ground meats to 160°F, and pork and poultry to 165°F.

After the feast, food storage is just as important. Cooked foods should be refrigerated in less than two hours when the outdoor temperatures are under 90°F, and that limit drops to one hour when the temperatures soar. If you don’t know how long something has been sitting or it starts to look/smell a little suspect, throw it out.

Keep your summer cookouts fun for everyone! Protect yourself, your family and your guests from the potential of foodborne illnesses.

How to Treat a Sunburn

Posted on by Jordank

Even if you take precautions, prolonged exposure to the #summer #sun can produce a nasty #sunburn. To recover quickly, dermatologists interviewed by Prevention magazine recommend taking a cool bath or shower without soap, soaking in a soothing oatmeal bath, applying an ice pack or cold compress, and applying aloe vera or coconut oil to the affected areas. You may also wish to apply a hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and irritation if the burn is severe, take an aspirin to reduce swelling, and stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and eating water-rich fruits and vegetables such as watermelon and cucumber. Consult a doctor if you experience nausea, chills, fever and extensive blistering. #SunProtection

Seek Protection From the Summer Sun

Posted on by Jordank

The longest day of the year may see you out enjoying the #summer #sun. While #sunlight triggers essential vitamin D production, UV rays can damage the skin. About 5 million people are treated for skin cancer each year in United States for skin cancer, the CDC says. To avoid becoming a statistic, Montclair State University offers several recommendations: Reduce #sun exposure “by seeking shade under an umbrella, tree, canopy or any other shade structure.” Plan outdoor activities for the early morning or late afternoon hours. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves. And apply a broad-spectrum #sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher to all exposed areas. #SunProtection

You May Need More Sunscreen Than You Think

Posted on by Jordank

#Sun protection isn’t rocket science. But many people don’t apply enough #sunscreen early or often enough. For the best results, one must apply ample amounts of sunscreen at least 15 minutes before exposure, using at least an ounce (about one shot glass) to cover the exposed areas of the adult body. “Most studies have shown that individuals only apply half of the recommended amount, so applying sunscreen twice should be considered,” dermatologist Dr. Mariana Philips told the Virginia Tech News. “Also, sunscreens should be applied every two hours [during] sun exposure or following water immersion.” #SunProtection