FitSugar -- Healthy, happy you.

Play It Safe on Independence Day

FitSugar — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 03:15:00 -0700

Although there is a serious ban on fireworks in northern California this year due to all the fires, I know folks all over the country will be creating personal, home grown pyrotechnic displays. I would like to remind you to play it safe. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has cooked up a few tips for you and here are highlights:

Purchase fireworks from a licensed and reputable vendor.
Never give fireworks to children.
Read directions and inspect fireworks for defects.
Keep a bucket of water, garden hose or portable fire extinguisher close by.
Ignite fireworks outdoors, away from buildings or any combustible material.
Never attempt to fix or re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.
Ignite only one firework at a time.
Make sure no smoldering fires or sparks from falling firework debris remain before going in for the night.

Have fun. Don't forget your ear plugs if you are going to big fireworks display. Happy Fourth of July!

Source

Fireworks on Rails to Trails

FitSugar — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 04:30:00 -0700

The railroads are an important part of American history, and Rails-to-Trails is committed to preserving that history. This group transforms old railroad lines into recreational paths for biking, running, rollerblading, and walking. They've created a list of trails great for viewing the pyrotechnics of Independence Day away from crowds. Plus, you'll burn a few calories.

Courtesy of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

Love Fireworks? Invest in Earplugs

FitSugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Fourth of July means fireworks! I don't want to rain on your parade (since the Fourth is often celebrated with parades, too), but the loud pops and bangs of fireworks can cause serious hearing damage.

When the delicate structures in your ear called hair cells — sensory cells located in your inner ears responsible for converting sound energy into electrical signals — are damaged, they never regenerate and cannot be repaired. This condition is known as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The loss is permanent and may cause impaired hearing or total loss of hearing down the road.

NIHL can be cause by one exposure to a loud noise such as an explosion, or by regular exposure over an extended period of time. If you continuously experience sounds over 85 decibels then a hearing aid may be in your future. Check out how some common sounds compare:

Rustling leaves: 10 dB
A whisper: 20 dB
Humming of a fridge: 40 dB
A conversation: 60 dB
Busy street traffic: 70 dB
Vacuum cleaner: 80 dB
Lawn mower: 90 dB
A large orchestra: 98 dB

To see how fireworks compare

Games For A Backyard BBQ

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 03:00:00 -0700

Have you been to a BBQ where folks just sit around drinking beer and talking about beer and drinking more beer? So boring and so sedentary!!! My response to this is to dust off some of those old games from your youth and get up and play! I am not saying these games are huge calorie burners, like these ideas from Get Moving This 4th Of July, but they will keep you from becoming glued to a lawn chair and drinking too much beer. Plus they are fun!

Here are some games I will be playing with my kids and party guests. Yes, these games are not just for kids.

Potato Sack Races - Since potato sacks are hard to come by these days you can use old pillow cases for little kids, or old sleeping bags for adults.
Wheel barrow races - Remember this one? I rocked it as a kid and I am hoping to win today. It is like a supported plank in motion. You might want to warm up a little before this one!
Water balloon toss - This one requires no explanation, but what fun on a hot day!!!
Egg Spoon Relay Race - Balance hard boiled eggs on a soup spoon (or a wooden spoon to make it easier) and race to the line to gently hand off the egg to your relay team partners . All unbroken eggs can be used to whip up some Not So Devilish Eggs
Simon Says - Always popular with the kids, but getting adults to act like a chicken - priceless.

Don't forget the horseshoe toss, badminton (it IS an Olympic sport after all), or all the fun to be had passing around a Ball Ice Cream Maker.

Are you going to play some games at your BBQ? Let me know your faves in the comments section below.