Avoiding Heat Related Illness

In some parts of the country, heat waves can come on suddenly. The fact that our bodies have not yet become acclimated to the higher temperatures means that sudden heat waves in the spring and early summer can pose an even higher risk than normal of death or serious illness. This is especially true when the heat wave also comes with high humidity. We are experiencing such a heat wave right now here in Pennsylvania. The temperatures are up in the 90s, and the humidity is so high, it seems as thought you could be able to ring out a … Continue reading

Keeping Cool in the Heat

Today is another blistering hot day. I guess that it could be worse. I was just talking to someone who says it is 106 degrees where he lives. This is not down south either. So how do you keep cool admist this hot weather? Here are some great ways to keep cool when the thermometer is on the rise: Dress lightly. No, you cannot go naked, but you can wear minimal clothing and still be covered. Shorts, tee shirts and tank tops are all perfect. Dresses though seem to be the best thing to wear when the weather is hot. … Continue reading

Heat Affects Schools

The heat and dryness in the southern United States has caused quite a concern during these past summer months. Crops, flowers, and gardens have been dying out early and blistering in the sun. Wells have been going dry and people are encouraged to conserve city water. Tennessee, among other states, has seen records highest for heat and record lows for rain. Temperatures have reached as high as 110 degrees with the heat index being higher. The summer vacation seemed mainly mild. The heat wave occurred just as schools were getting back in session. While in most cases the children are … Continue reading

Healthy Exercise In The Summer Heat

The hottest days of summer may require you to modify your usual workouts just a bit. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy and safe while you exercise this summer. Staying Cool Take a cold shower before you exercise. A German study found that cooling your body down before your workout can help lower your core temperature, your skin temperature, and your heart rate. Adjust your jogging or walking route to stay in the shade. Check the Weather Channel or other forecasts to find the best time of the day to exercise. Pick dirt or gravel paths for … Continue reading

Dear Heather … Baby Wants to Get her Back, Back

Dear Heather How do I get rid of back fat? It’s a seriously annoying problem that I’ve had since the birth of my third child. I didn’t experience the same problem with my first two children. It’s very frustrating for me, many tops that I enjoyed wearing before look bad now and some of my sleeved shirts don’t fit correctly, I know it’s because of the bulges around my upper back and around the bra straps. Can you help? – Diane Dear Diane, Back fat. It’s an insidious and awful enemy for most women and it’s also one of the … Continue reading

Exercise With Caution: The Heat Can Kill

The last few weeks, the temperatures here have soared above the 100-degree mark. In fact, between the heat and the humidity, walking outside is like a one-two punch to the face. The scary part is, even at 6 in the morning, with temperatures exceeding 85 degrees and the rising humidity – normal activities like walking to school can leave you dripping sweat. Exercise + Extreme Heat = Tragedy Every year, you hear about it and you think why did they keep going? Football players collapsing from dehydration and heat stroke; athletes getting sick and the even sadder stories of the … Continue reading

Top Five Ways To Protect Your Roses From The Summer Heat

I don’t need to tell you how hot it is here in the Midwest. I’m sure you are sweating it out in your own neck of the woods. For residents in the United States and Europe, Mother Nature has made this summer one for the record books. Few have been spared from the ongoing oppressive heat wave that has blanketed hundreds of cities. The hot days and humid nights have undoubtedly taken their toll on you, your children, your pets and your yard. And, what it has done to delicate flowers, well, words like “singe,” “bake,” and “broil,” fail to … Continue reading

Welcome to the families.com Photography Blog

Hello. My name is Chuck, and I’m a photographer. {Hi Chuck} Welcome to the families.com Photography Weblog, or Blog. If you are reading this, you probably already know that families.com is starting a series of Blogs on various subjects that we hope are of interest to you, the family reader. I hope you will let us know about that interest through comments, as I love two-way communication. So, who am I, you ask? Given that this is a Photography Blog, one assumes I am a photographer, right? I have been an avid amateur photographer for about thirty years. I did … Continue reading

The Gluten-Free Diet

The Gluten-Free diet is an excellent choice for people who have certain health conditions. It is not ideal for everyone. Before you begin a new diet, it is a good idea to speak with your doctor about it. What is the Gluten-Free diet? A gluten-free diet is one that excludes foods that contain gluten. Gluten is the general name for the proteins that are found in wheat (durum, emmer, spelt, farina, farro, KAMUT, khorasan wheat, and einkorn) rye, barley, and triticale. Gluten acts as a glue that holds foods together. People who go on a gluten-free diet stop eating foods … Continue reading

Fourth of July Fun Without Fireworks

The scorching heat continues across the country, including here in the Midwest. In fact, our county has experienced such hot, humid and dry conditions the past few months that officials have banned fireworks. Yes, a fireworks ban leading up to and including the Fourth of July. Since we don’t want to end up like the poor folks in Colorado, who have lost so much due to a rash of destructive wildfires, we’re planning a festive Fourth minus the sparklers and other colorful explosives. Rather than celebrating Independence Day by lighting up, we’re planning a slew of kid-friendly outdoor activities, such … Continue reading