The Boat Owners Association of The United States has reviewed its insurance claim files and reports the following six most common mistakes made when winterizing a boat:
1. Failure to drain the engine block: Surprisingly, it's the balmy states of California, Florida, Texas, Alabama and Georgia where boaters are most likely to have freeze-related damage to engine blocks - and it routinely occurs to boats stored ashore. Water retains heat longer than air so boats left in the slip are less susceptible to sudden freezing.
2. Failure to drain water from sea strainer: Like an engine, the seawater strainer must be winterized or residual water could freeze and rupture the watertight seal. Sometimes you don't know it's damaged until spring launching and water begins to trickle in.
3. Failure to close seacocks: For boats left in the water, leaving seacocks open over the winter is like going on extended vacation without locking the house. If a thru-hull cannot be closed the vessel must be stored ashore - the sole exception are cockpit drains. Heavy snow loads can also force your boat under, allowing water to enter through hulls normally well above the water line.
4. Clogged petcocks: Engine cooling system petcocks clogged by rust or other debris can prevent water from fully draining. If it's plugged, try using a coat hanger to clear the blockage or use the engine's intake hose to flush anti-freeze through the system.
5. Leaving open boats in the water over winter: Boats with large open cockpits or low freeboard can easily go under by accumulated snow. Always store them ashore.
6. Using bimini covers as winter storage covers: A cover that protects the crew from the sun does a lousy job protecting the boat from freezing rain and snow. Unlike a bonafide winter cover, biminis tend to rip apart and age prematurely by the effects of winter weather.
BoatU.S. - Boat Owners Association of The United States - is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its 670,000 members with a wide array of consumer services including a group-rate marine insurance program that insures nearly a quarter million boats; the largest fleet of more than 500 towing assistance vessels; discounts on fuel, slips, and repairs at over 835 Cooperating Marinas; boat financing; and a subscription to BoatU.S. Magazine, the most widely read boating publication in the U.S. For membership information visit http://www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628.
For a free copy of the BoatU.S. Winterizing Guide full of tips to help you prepare your vessel for the winter, go to BoatUS.com/Seaworthy and click on "Winterizing Your Boat," or call 800-283-2883.
Did you know you don’t need a boat to fish? According to the South Dakota Department of Tourism, shore anglers can experience success just like boat anglers and, in many cases, better! Tips include:
Game fish: Many saltwater, predator game fish cruise drop-offs when migrating to different areas and water temperatures. Texas coastal angler Larry Bozka suggests that salt anglers use what he calls “the 25 percent rule.” According to Bozka, a 25-drop, whether it is an offshore drop from 40 feet to 30 feet or an inshore drop from 24 to 18 inches, attracts predator fish. Though shallower, such drop-offs on the inshore flats are no less dramatic, and Bozka, a member of the Wrangler ProGear Outdoor Advisory Team, advises to fish these areas where cruising game fish are prevalent.
Some young anglers may call natural baits “icky,” but believe it or not, many young anglers really like to collect them for fishing. Ron Tussel, host of The Outdoor Channel’s “The Pennsylvania Sportsman,” gets his kids involved in a fast and inexpensive way to catch natural baits in a moving-water stream. Using a section from an old window screen, Tussel fashions bait net by attaching two ends of the screen to two straight sticks. A member of the Wrangler ProGear Outdoor Advisory Team, Tussel says kids love it when the net starts to collect natural bait like crawfish and hellgrammites. “Soon,” he says, “ the kids will start catching their own fish, and there is no better way to get them hooked on the outdoors.”
Bodie McDowell, the dean of outdoor writers and a member of the Wrangler ProGear Outdoor Advisory Team, has three bits of fishing wisdom:
1) Fish generally move into the current, so make sure your lure doesn’t surprise them from behind
2) Keep your rod tip in the water to prevent fish jumps (and hook tosses).
3) In colder waters during spring and fall, be sure to fish over dark bottom areas as they hold more heat than sandy areas.
Northern pike often tuck into the edge of weed lines so they can ambush baitfish that swim by. Minnesota outdoor writer Ron Schara of the Wrangler ProGear Outdoor Advisory Team likes to throw spinner bait parallel to the weed line and well beyond the ambush point. He notes, “Expect a strike when the lure approaches the pike‚s favorite hiding spot.”
A fishing or hunting trip with a youngster can also be a teaching moment on the wonders of nature. At his outdoor seminars, Larry Bozka of the Wrangler ProGear Outdoor Advisory Team tells adults to bring along pocket field guides so both the child and the adult can correctly identify fish, animals, wildlife tracks, plants, insects, birds and vegetation. “ It will help make for a successful and engaging expedition,” notes Buzka.
Some young anglers may call natural baits icky, but believe it or not, many of them really like to collect this type of bait for fishing. Ron Tussel of the Wrangler ProGear Outdoor Advisory Team teaches kids how to catch natural baits in a stream by fastening a bait net using a section from an old window screen and attaches two ends to two straight sticks. Tussel, host of TVs Pennsylvania Sportsman, says "kids love it when the screen starts to collect natural baits like crawfish and hellgrammites."
Keeping your child's attention on a fishing or hunting trip is a perennial issue. Larry Bozka of the Wrangler ProGear Outdoor Advisory Team suggests that one way is to slightly change the subject. "Hand the youngster an inexpensive digital camera and make him or her the official photographer for the trip. Shooting pictures helps the young sportsman or sportswoman get re-engaged in the outdoors and feel creative and appreciated, too."
Ron Schara of the Wrangler ProGear Outdoor Advisory Team advises, "To keep young kids interested in sport fishing, you should make fishing a thinking sport as well as a doing sport, and an intellectual pursuit as well as a physical pursuit. The host of the TV series, "Backroads with Ron and Raven," recommends "that you tell youngsters real fish stories. Tell them where different fish live and how they act, especially what they like to eat and how they find their food."
"You need insurance to get a kid started fishing. You want a fish? Buy juicy worms that you can suspend under a bobber." This is the word from world bass champion Woo Daves of the Wrangler ProGear Outdoor Advisory Team. Another word of advice from Woo: "Don't make little ones fish if the fish aren't biting. If they want to play or go home, that's okay. There'll be another day.".
Ron Schara, the host of TVs "Backroads with Ron and Raven," has a formula for introducing youngsters to fishing. The formula is A, an easy-to-use rod and reel; B, a safe dock with lots of bluegills swimming below, and C, lots of snacks for the young angler as well as the fish. Schara, a member of the Wrangler ProGear Outdoor Advisory Team, also recommends that "you keep the session short, which is appropriate for the short attention span of most youngsters."
Each type of fishing utilizes its own technique, but there should always be lots of open space behind you when casting. For example, fly casters need approximately 30 feet behind them, and bait casters need clear side space depending on which hand they're casting with.
If you accidentally catch a nearby tree, bush or root, do not snap the hook free to avoid cutting the line and losing the hook. The snapback action could possibly hook you or someone standing nearby.
It's best to seek medical help as soon as possible. As a last resort, cut off the hook's eyelet and push the hook forward through the skin until its point and barb are exposed. Then cut off the curved end of the hook and gently pull the now straightened hook through the opening.
Getting ripped by a fish spine can cause injury, especially from catfish, bullhead and walleye. To avoid problems, study up how to identify different species of fish in your area. Also use a hook extractor, wire cutter, or needlenose pliers, or sturdy gloves to prevent this from happening.
Any fish eaten raw can prove harmful due to parasites. For this reason, it's wise to cook your fish thoroughly.
Children have to be old enough to concentrate on what they're doing in order to fish safely. Tell them what to expect; and that they can't keep a fish if it isn't up to a certain size according to fishing rules of your state. Never leave a child alone even for a minute because they could drown if not supervised closely.
Even if you didn't drop anything where you're fishing, if you see litter nearby, clean it up to serve as an example to the next person -- and to have a clean spot for fishing while you're there.
Don't use live bait if you're planning to release your catch. Fish tend to swallow those hooks, which can then lodge in their stomachs. And, if you're planning on releasing caught fish, handle them as little as possible, and remove the hook while the fish is still in the water, gently cradling it and gliding it back and forth to move water through its gills so it can breathe. You can release it when you see normal gill movement.
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Check your state's regulations. Some may allow children under 16 or adults over 70 to fish without a permit.
wire cutter, or needlenose pliers.
More fishing tips -----
With all the fast-paced entertainment options available to youngsters today it can sometimes prove difficult to hold their attention on a fishing trip. Texas pro Larry Bozka says one of the best ways around that dilemma is to hand your child a camera and get them engaged. Bozka, a member of the ProGear by Wrangler Outdoor Advisory Team, says the young outdoor lover can return home and brag not only about catching and releasing a fish, but about the great pictures he/she took.
Grunts and subtle antler rattling works well for calling deer in the fall pre-rut. According to whitetail expert Mark Kayser, co-host of television's North American Hunter you've got to call the bucks in a consistent manner to be most successful. By calling every 15 minutes you can effectively broadcast a message anytime during the deer season, says Kayser, a member of the ProGear by Wrangler Outdoor Advisory Team.
Schooling bass aren't the biggest bass in the water, but what they lack in size they make up with slashing attacks and dogged fights. Bodie McDowell, who served as a press observer at BASS Classics for more than two decades, reports that pros usually make long casts with a vibrating lure for these rambunctious schoolies. McDowell, a member of the ProGear by Wrangler Outdoor Advisory Board, says the pros always watch for birds diving on small baitfish and favor the water where creeks empty into a lake or river.
Many saltwater, predator game fish cruise drop-offs when migrating to different areas and water temperatures. Texas coastal angler Larry Bozka suggests that salt anglers use what he calls “the 25 percent rule.” According to Bozka, a 25-drop, whether it is an offshore drop from 40 feet to 30 feet or an inshore drop from 24 to 18 inches, attracts predator fish. Though shallower, such drop-offs on the inshore flats are no less dramatic, and Bozka, a member of the Wrangler ProGear Outdoor Advisory Team, advises to fish these areas where cruising game fish are prevalent.
Bodie McDowell, the dean of outdoor writers and a member of the Wrangler ProGear Outdoor Advisory Team, has three bits of fishing wisdom:
1) Fish generally move into the current, so make sure your lure doesn’t surprise them from behind
2) Keep your rod tip in the water to prevent fish jumps (and hook tosses).
3) In colder waters during spring and fall, be sure to fish over dark bottom areas as they hold more heat than sandy areas.
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Northern pike often tuck into the edge of weed lines so they can ambush baitfish that swim by. Minnesota outdoor writer Ron Schara of the Wrangler ProGear Outdoor Advisory Team likes to throw spinner bait parallel to the weed line and well beyond the ambush point. He notes, “Expect a strike when the lure approaches the pike‚s favorite hiding spot.”
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A fishing or hunting trip with a youngster can also be a teaching moment on the wonders of nature. At his outdoor seminars, Larry Bozka of the Wrangler ProGear Outdoor Advisory Team tells adults to bring along pocket field guides so both the child and the adult can correctly identify fish, animals, wildlife tracks, plants, insects, birds and vegetation. “ It will help make for a successful and engaging expedition,” notes Buzka.
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Wrangler® ProGear˙ Fishing Tips
Bodie's Fishing Tips
Bodie McDowell, dean of outdoor writers and a member of the Wrangler ProGear Outdoor Advisory Team, suggests that "after you cast a floater lure, go ahead and pour yourself a cup of coffee. If fish were spooked by the splash of the lure, they'll return when things quiet down. Fish the intersection of either-or spots like shallow and deep, dark and light, clear and dingy, warm and cool, and shadow and light. If you note a patch of calm water surrounded by rougher water, fish it. That's water upwelling from a major depth change or an underwater spring and fish will be congregate there for comfort and food availability."
Chisel that Ice, Angler
Outdoor TV host and journalist Ron Schara recommends that ice fishermen use what he calls the "chisel rule" when checking out the thickness of fresh ice on a lake. "Use an ice chisel to pop a hole every 15 feet or so. Three inches or more of ice will normally stop a heavy chisel and that tells you it‚s safe to drill your fishing hole." Schara, who lives in the land of 10,000 lakes, is host of television's Backroads with Ron & Raven and a long time pro on the Wrangler ProGear Outdoor Advisory Team. Another bit of advice from Ron: 'I always keep a couple pairs of portable ice cleats in my winter tackle box. Slip the cleats over your boots and you‚ll have plenty of traction, even on the slickest ice."
Fish "Wood" for Crappies
When it comes to taking slab-sided crappies in the snow belt, the prime time is just after ice out. Ron Tussel of the Wrangler ProGear Outdoor Advisory Team advises anglers to focus on one natural feature -- wood. "From beaver caches to brush piles and dock pilings, wood attracts the early spring heat from the sun. Zooplankton respond to the warmth of the sun which, in turn, attracts minnows. And when there are minnows, crappies will not be far behind. So find the wood. Fish the wood. And, by the way, have a great dinner."
Enemies: Sand, Surf
Surf fishing is great fun and highly productive. If you've been there and done that you also know that the sand and surf is sheer torture on fishing tackle. Here's a tip from Texas Coastal Angler Larry Bozka of the Wrangler ProGear Outdoor Advisory Team. Bozka takes two five-foot lengths of 2-inch PVC pipe which he drives into the beach sand. They become his rod holders, keeping his rods generally free of the sand and salt. Nevertheless, says Bozka, when fishing is over be sure to give your reels a freshwater bath and a light coat of lubrication."
Lip Balm Fishing Bonus
When fishing temperatures drop below freezing, fish open water using spinning reels because the smaller guides on plug casting reels tend to freeze up. Minnesotan Ron Schara of the Wrangler ProGear Outdoor Advisory Team says you can apply a bit of lip balm to the rod guides to help keep them free of ice. "Don't forget to dress warmly and with layers. It's cold out there on the water."
Show your family and friends how much you love them! Mom, Dad, kids - have fun losing weight together - get in shape for the New Year with The Fit Kids System! (www.fitkidssystem.com). Recently featured on the Dr. Phil Show, The Fit Kids System was developed by Tulane University's Dr. Gerald Sanders Berenson, M.D., one of the nation's most well-respected cardiovascular experts with more than 50 years of award-winning research and experience and Salt Lake City businessman Brandon Church.
The Fit Kids System is a comprehensive program to teach kids (and the entire family) how to live a fit and healthy life through nutrition & lifestyle changes. The program is simple to use and families can begin to implement it within just one hour of receiving the kit in the mail!
"The holiday season can seem like a five week smorgasbord and, for anyone not interested in bulging waistlines, this holiday obstacle course of high-fat foods, alcohol, and calories can seem insurmountable," says Dr. Berenson, "but with some simple preparation, many of us can make it through the holiday season, perhaps a few pounds lighter than we were before!"
Dr. Berenson shares his 10 great tips for staying fit through the holidays!
1. Avoid dieting during the holidays. Set a goal of trying to maintain your present weight. That way, you have a realistic goal. You allow yourself to indulge here and there, but you don't go over the edge.
2. Pace, don't race. Pay attention to how quickly you eat and exactly what you eat and drink. Savor the flavor by eating slowly and choosing your food carefully. Live in the moment and enjoy the present.
3. Remember that alcohol and beverages are packed with calories. Choose light beer and wine over mixed drinks. A holiday-sized mixed drink can have as many as 500 calories or more. If you drink these beverages, don't forget to add the calories you drink into your daily calorie intake.
4. Offer to bring a favorite low-calorie dish to holiday parties. This way you know there will be at least one "safe" item available. Stand far away from buffets so you're not tempted to nibble constantly. Focus on the people and event rather than the food.
5. Continue to get in regular exercise at least 45minutes each day. Exercise will help keep extra calories away, but it also can reduce the stress of social events and family get-togethers.
6. Don't go to a party or event on an empty stomach. Before going out, snack on protein, like chicken or cottage cheese. Protein satisfies and helps you eat less. Some people have the idea that if they skip lunch, or don't eat all day, they can eat more later. Skipping meals means you're hungry, and your chances of overeating later are much higher.
7. Keep an eye on your portion sizes. In the heat of celebration, portion sizes can be excessive. Instead of eating a large amount of food, try to eat a large variety of foods. Focus on eating vegetables first.
8. Don't let a hectic holiday schedule force you to eat fast food. Prepare and freeze several quick, healthy meals. That way, you have an option other than high-fat, fast-food meals. Never leave your house without baggies of fresh vegetables or a piece of fruit.
9. Use low-calorie and fat-free sauces/dressings. Pack the table with flavorful vegetable dishes using salsa for dipping or seasonings for flavor. Try making reduced-fat versions of your family's favorite traditional dishes.
10. Make decisions about what you're going to eat before you are in front of the food. Weight management is all about moderation and making healthy decisions. Eat only what you love and so every calorie you eat will be enjoyed. Stop eating before you are full and don't allow yourself to get too hungry.
It's usually dark when it's time to go treat or treating. By following these tips offered by the Home Safety Council, you'll be assured of a fun, safe time:
Only permit trick-or-treating at the homes of friends and neighbors you know well.
When purchasing costumes and accessories, buy only those marked "flame retardant" or "flame resistant".
Avoid costumes made of long, flowing material and accessories that can move or blow over open flames.
Choose costumes that are light, bright and clearly visible. Apply reflective tape to the front and back of costumes to help motorists see your child.
Avoid costumes that block your child’s vision and increase the risk of a fall.
Be sure that costume accessories, such as knives and swords, are made of soft, flexible material.
To keep vision clear, consider using face paint instead of a mask.
Give your child a flashlight to light the way and signal drivers of his or her presence.
Never carry candles, torches or other open flames as part of a costume.
Examine all treats thoroughly before allowing children to eat them.
Throw away open treats, those not in their original wrapping and homemade goodies from unknown sources.
Slice open fruit to check for foreign objects.
Contact the Poison Control Center Hotline if you believe your child has consumed anything hazardous. The national hotline number is 1-800-222-1222. Notify local police of any suspicious candy.
Young children should never help carve a pumpkin. As an alternative, decorate pumpkins with markers, paint or stickers.
When hosting trick-or-treaters at your home, keep these safety tips in mind:
Do not use candles when decorating porches to prevent costumes from catching fire.
Light jack-o-lanterns with small flashlights instead of candles.
Provide bright walkway and porch lighting to help prevent falls.
Offer treats wrapped in their original packages.
If you decorate your home with candles, keep them well away from crepe paper, leaves and other flammable objects. Extinguish all candles when leaving the room.
Visit homes where outside lights have been left on.
For more Halloween tips, check web sites:
www.redcross.org/article
www.thefamily corner.com
www.keepkidshealthy.com
Woo Daves is a world champion bass angler, but did you know that he’s an accomplished hunter as well? Woo tells his friends to remember that the wind can either be their best friend, or their worst enemy. Woo, a member of Wrangler ProGrear Outdoor Advisory Team, advises, “Not letting your target get a whiff of you. Always approach your hunting from downwind.
Outdoor journalist Mark Kayser, a member of the Wranger ProGear Outdoor Advisory Team, has a good tip if you attend a turkey-calling competition. “Be sure to take note of the realistic tones and cadences used, but be conservative in your presentation. Don‚t mimic the loud and contentious calling style. Less is best when you want to bring a gobbler into white-of-the-eye range. Calling too much risks having a gobbler stop and wait for the turned-on hen to arrive.”
Down in the Lone Star state, buck hunters have refined the art of antler rattling, according to Larry Bozka of the Wrangler ProGear Outdoor Advisory Team. Bozka reports that since deer antlers dry out over time, some Texas hunters soak antlers in water the night before the hunt to get just the right sound. Others apply linseed oil instead and swear that the sound this technique produces is more realistic. Many also insist that turning the antlers in the same direction before clacking them together creates a more consistent sound. And almost all agree that you should wear gloves to protect your hands from getting pierced by a sharp antler point.
Ask almost any big game hunter and he or she will tell you they started hunting small game like rabbits and squirrels as a kid. And that's one of the keys to the growth of the sport, according to Texas sportsman Larry Bozka, a member of the Wrangler ProGear Outdoor Advisory Team. "Small game hunting is more affordable," he notes. "There's more chance of success and it instills the same skills the young hunter will need for big game hunting."
"If you're aiming to introduce a child to the sports of shooting and hunting, you can't beat paper-plate targets for BB and pellet gun practice," according to Ron Tussel of the Wrangler ProGear Outdoor Advisory Team. Tussel recommends "setting them twenty feet away. To give the young sportsman that satisfying "ping" sound, dress up the paper plate targets with some metal or foil silhouettes." Tussel is producer and host of television's "Pennsylvania Sportsman."
To avoid making noise while stalking deer, walk on your heels as much as possible and avoid lowering the forward half of your foot. That's the motion that makes the most noise, typically," says Larry Bozka of the Wrangler ProGear Outdoor Advisory Team.
When calling coyotes in subzero weather, use a mixture of distress and confidence calls. That's the word from national hunting writer Mark Kayser of the Wrangler ProGear Outdoor Advisory Team. Kayser starts with a coyote greeting howl, which is a mellow, drawn-out howl that tells other coyotes, "I'm here." Then he switches to a range of howls, barks, yips and whines to communicate. Kayser does not make a barking sound because that represents a warning. About 5 to 10 minutes after making the initial calls, Kayser begins a series of prey-in-distress calls, favoring the dying cottontail and jackrabbit in distress calls.
Here's a tip for keeping the soot off of the bottom of your campsite cooking pans. Ron Schara of Minneapolis, a member of the Wrangler ProGear Outdoor Advisory Team, says "simply rub in a small amount of dish soap on the outside of any pan that goes over your campfire. When it's time to clean up, the soot will wash right off your pots and pans."
Bowhunters looking for a big buck will do well to plan their hunts during the rise or fall of the moon. An active moon usually means active deer. Here's why: "the big bucks will be on the move when they are seeking does," says Pennsylvania Sportsman Ron Tussel of the Wrangler ProGear Outdoor Advisory Team. They are most likely seeking does three or four days on either side of the second full moon after the autumnal equinox when the female deer's reproductive cycle is peaking
Year-round, poison ivy can affect anyone - and the outcome will be oozing, itchy blisters. This plant contains the chemical 'urushiol,' and it is in an oil-form throughout this three-leafed plant. Almost everyone is allergic to it. For me, the allergy developed when I was older and it effects me with a passion.
When you're walking in the woods - or even in your garden - remember the phrase: Leaves of three, let it be! Learn how to recognize it and educate your family and friends. It grows as a woody vine and/or low shrub with compound leaves made up of three bright green pointed leaflets, but it changes to a beautiful red color each fall. The oil (urushiol) can be released even if you slightly brush against it or touch it. If you know you've touched it, as soon as possible, remove and wash all your clothig - for the oil can stay active for months. And as soon as possible, shower and flush your skin with large amounts of plain water. I made the mistake of soaping myself up but that only spread the oil. It only takes a few minutes for the oil to sink into your skin, so it's important to flush it off immediately.
I tried over-the-counter poison ivy products said to shield the skin from this oil - or to remove it after being in contact, but it didn't work and was quite expensive for something that didn't help at all.
If within 48 hours you break out in a rash, I've learned that merely putting wet compresses over the area(s) helps a lot. But, if the rash is spreading rapidly and causes unbelievable itching, get to your doctor for medicine to help. Do not scratch or the blisters will spread - but even though you look and feel terrible, it isn't contagious to anyone else.
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The first rule of first aid, according to company representatives at web site www.adventuremedicalkits.com "is to be prepared. Carry a good first aid kit and follow these tips for prevention and treatment of common problems" ----
Stop Bugs! A bite or sting can make anyone miserable especially a small child. Cover up. Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and shoes and socks. Tuck cuffs into socks. Wear light colors. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, especially blue.
Use insect repellent even if going outdoors for a short period. DEET-based products protect against both mosquitoes and ticks, and natural products, such as Natrapel®, are proven effective against mosquitoes. Mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus are most active in the hours between dusk and dawn.
Tick patrol. Check each other for ticks at least every 4 hours. Avoid insect infested
areas, if possible.
Treatment. To remove a tick: Use tweezers to grasp it as close to the surface of the skin as possible; try not to damage the body. Apply steady upward traction to remove the tick. Do not twist.
Mosquito bites and bee stings: Treat mosquito bites and bee, wasp or hornet stings with After Bite®, After Bite® Kids or After Bite® Xtra to prevent swelling and relieve stinging.
To remove a honey bee’s stinger: Remove the stinger and venom sack as quickly as possible. This can be done with your fingers. Apply ice cold water and treat with After Bite® Extra to relieve pain and reduce swelling. In case of minor allergic
reactions - including hives (red raised skin welts) and itching without wheezing or breathing problems, adults can take 25 to 50 mg of antihistamines (diphenhydramine). For severe allergic reactions - including difficulty breathing or wheezing epinephrine needs to be administered as quickly as possible.
Feet First: Blisters can add a heavy load to your hiking or backpacking trip. Just as with bites and stings, the best defense is a good offense.
Prevention:• Be sure shoes or boots fit properly. Tight shoes cause pressure sores; loose shoes cause friction blisters.
• Break in new boots gradually before any long hikes.
• Wear a thin liner sock under a heavier sock. Friction will occur between the socks instead of between the boot and the foot.
• Keep feet dry.
• Before hiking, apply moleskin to areas where blisters commonly occur.
• Treat hot spots immediately. A hot spot is an area where skin is red and irritated but has not yet blistered.
Treatment: £U For hot spots: Cut an oval-shaped hole slightly larger than the hot spot in a rectangular piece of moleskin. Center the hole over the hot spot and secure with tape or knit dressing. Be sure no sticky surfaces touch irritated skin. For small, intact blisters: Do not puncture or drain. Apply a piece of moleskin or molefoam
with a doughnut style hole cut out slightly largerthan the blister over the site. Secure with tape.
Unkind Cuts: Aside from being painful, cuts and scrapes can become infected or leave scars. While there’s no real prevention other than general safety and common sense, proper treatment can ease the pain and speed the healing process.
Here are the three steps for treating most minor cuts and scrapes:
1. Clean. Water used with pressure is safest and most effective. Use a syringe with an 18 or 19 gauge plastic catheter tip attached or fill a plastic baggie full of water, poke a pin hole in the bottom corner and squeeze the bag to create a stream of water. Squirt the wound to fl ush out germs and debris without harming tissue.
2. Protect. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment.
3. Dress. Place a nonadherent dressing over the wound and place an absorbent gauze dressing over that. Hold both in place with a conforming roller bandage.
Important tips from the Skin Cancer Foundation: Recent research shows that when detected early, the survival rate for patients with melanoma is nearly 99%. However, the research also shows that survival rates may be as low as 15 percent if the disease is not detected in its early stages. Regular skin checks are a simple and easy way to catch skin cancer before it is too late.
"After the summer, when people might have experienced sun damage, is a good time to visit a dermatologist to get a skin exam," says Perry Robins, MD, President of The Skin Cancer Foundation. "Most people don't realize that an annual visit to a dermatologist should be a part of their regular health routine - just like getting a yearly physical."
In addition to an annual professional total-body skin examination, The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends monthly skin self-exams. Studies have shown that the majority of melanomas are spotted by patients. In fact, they may detect melanoma more than twice as often as physicians do. Research has shown that skin self-exams can lead to 42 percent fewer deaths. Combined with a yearly skin exam by a doctor, a self-exam is the best way to detect the early warning signs of skin cancer. The key is to look for any new growths or skin changes. Here's how:
Gather a bright light; a full-length mirror; a hand mirror; two chairs or stools and a blow-dryer.
1. Examine head and face, using one or both mirrors. Use a blow-dryer to inspect scalp.
2. Check hands, front and back, including nails. In a full-length mirror examine elbows, arms and underarms.
3. Focus on neck, chest, and torso. Women: check under breasts.
4. With back to mirror, use a hand mirror to inspect back of neck, shoulders, upper arms, back, buttocks, legs.
5. Sitting down on one chair with leg propped up on the other, check legs and feet, including soles, heels, and nails. Use hand mirror to examine genitals.
The warning signs:
A skin growth that increases in size and appears pearly, translucent, tan, brown, black or multi-colored
A mole, birthmark, beauty mark or any brown spot that:
changes color
increases in size or thickness
changes in texture
is irregular in outline
is bigger than 6 mm (1/4 inch), the size of pencil eraser
appears after age 21
A spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab, erode or bleed
An open sore that does not heal within three week
Remember to be mindful of time spent in the sun, make sure to use an SPF 15 sunscreen or higher every day and follow The Skin Cancer Foundation's other prevention tips at www.skincancer.org or call 1-800-SKIN-490.
The first organization in the U.S. that committed itself to educating the public and medical professionals about sun safety, The Skin Cancer Foundation is still the only global organization solely devoted to the prevention, detection and treatment of skin cancer. The mission of the Foundation is to decrease the incidence of skin cancer through public and professional education and research.
As winter takes a stronger hold, more Americans will book air fares and pack up the SUV as they travel across the country to escape the cold or just the cabin fever. However, preparing for vacations and traveling can also produce an added amount of stress and tension -- two key triggers in the onset of headaches.
Over 45 million Americans experience chronic, recurring headaches. Based on a recent on-line survey conducted by the National Headache Foundation (NHF) (web site www.headaches.org), 68 percent of respondents said they experience headaches more frequently when traveling.
Maintain your normal sleeping and waking patterns – Seventy-three percent of NHF survey respondents attributed the disruption of sleep schedules while traveling as a major cause of their headaches. Late-night visits and early morning tours can lead to headaches by tempting you to stay up past your bedtime and wake up earlier than usual. Try to go to sleep and awaken the same time as you usually do, even on weekends.
Plan in advance- Sixty-six percent of survey respondents stated that stress was a contributing factor to their travel headaches. A well-planned trip can ease the stress of traveling. Be prepared for extra long lines and wait times at the airport and arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure. If you plan to travel by car, plot your course and make hotel reservations in advance. It is also advisable to bring medication in a carry-on bag, as opposed to checked luggage, but be sure to follow Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines about liquids, gels and aerosols.
Discuss your travel plans with your healthcare provider – Eighty-seven percent of survey respondents stated that do not talk to their healthcare provider about adjusting medications based on their travel plans. If you are flying long distances, ask your healthcare provider about your dosage schedule. Some medications should be adjusted for high altitudes, lack of activity and different climates.
Don’t skip or delay meals- An empty stomach could trigger a headache. Carry snacks with you, sixty-nine percent of survey respondents reported the lack of available food as a travel inconvenience that has negatively impacted their headache condition.
If you are experiencing headache pain that affects your life, make an appointment with your healthcare provider specifically to discuss your headache problem and seek accurate diagnosis and treatment.
The National Headache Foundation, founded in 1970, is a non-profit organization which exists to enhance the healthcare of headache sufferers. It is a source of help to sufferers’ families, physicians who treat headache sufferers, allied healthcare professionals and to the public. The NHF accomplishes its mission by providing educational and informational resources, supporting headache research and advocating for the understanding of headache as a legitimate neurobiological disease.
Before Your Trip Check the following:
---- Notify credit card companies to expect charges from your destinations
---- Arrange to have a medical/dental checkup
---- Buy Travelers Checks, or can you use ATMs overseas?
---- Arrange for a trustworthy person to take care of your pet and plants
---- Give your itinerary to family/friends with a number to call in case of an emergency.
---- Take your family/friends phone numbers with you in case of an emergency
---- Suspend newsapers and mail
---- Put valuables in a secure place
----Take your insurance cards along in case you need medical help.
Things To Take With you ---
---- Valid passport/visas
---- Vaid Driver's or International Driver's license
---- Tickets: air/bus/coach/train/ship
---- Doctor's prescriptions
---- Photocopies of documents
---- Credit/debit cards
---- Cash/foreign currency
---- List of credit card numbers with Emergency Numbers to call if lost
---- List of U.S. Embassies overseas
---- Maps, guides, language books
---- List of important numbers at home
---- Toiletries/medicines/vitamins/sun block/insect repellent/hand sanitizer
---- Glasses/contacts/reading and sunglasses
---- Pre-addressed labels for postcards home
---- Phone cards/cell phone with international access
---- Camera/memory cards/batteries/film
---- Electrical adapter
---- Clothes suitable for climate at destinations
On the day you leave . . . .
---- Turn refrigerator down/off
---- Turn water heater to 'vacation' setting
---- Unplug appliances/electronic equipment
---- Lock all doors and windows
---- Turn off all lights/heat/air conditioning
---- Close blinds/curtains on ground level
---- Set answering machine
---- Set alarm
Swimmer's ear can affect you even if you don't go into the water! When it's hot and humid, skin infections can often develop within the ear canal, and most problems are caused by too much wax. If yuo have a wax buildup, moisture from swimming, or even from the air, can get into the skin tissue and cause infection. To prevent this from happening, never try to clean your ears with a sharp instrument or clean them with cotton swabs. This removes too much wax. Symptoms of a problem include blockage in the ear, a full feeling, pain, or discharge. If this is happening, see your physician immediately. It's also a good idea to have your doctor check your ears once in a while so if there's a wax buildup, he/she can remove it. Always wear ear plugs when swimming or, if water should get in to the canal, drug stores have numerous over-the-counter ear drop products that will cure the problem.
Never overload your boat by exceeding its weight capacity.
Move around in the boat carefully. This is a chief cause of boating accidents. Always move slowly; keep your center of gravity low; and grip something solid as you move.
Always wear your personal protection device (PFD) even if you are an excellent swimmer. Each passenger in your boat should also wear one.
Develop safe boating practices by taking a U.S. Coast Guard course.
Keep clear of big ships and watch for their lights. Look at the ship's sidelights, not at the masthead. If one sidelight is seen, you aren't in the path of the ship, and it will also guide you as to which way to move to get clear. If both sidelights are in view, it's dangerous -- for you are moving directly towards the ship's path!
Learn whistle signals. One signal used is four or more short blasts which means danger. When hearing this signal, immeiately check to see if it's for you. If so, move out of the way quickly.
Use a safe place to anchor. Never tie onto a buoy which is unsafe and illegal.
Make certain you are visible. Keep your navigation lights on at night and unobsecured by sails or flags.
Watch for other boats, especially at night and during foggy weather.
NRS has been outfitting paddlesports enthusiasts with the best in boats, boating apparel and accessories for the past 35 years. Thanks to information from NRS e-News, the following are positive ways to ensure kids' safety while boating. For more information, check the NRS web site at www.nrsweb.com:
Boating with kids helps instill a love of nature and teaches valuable outdoor skills. It’s one of life’s greatest joys. With that pleasure comes an awesome responsibility – keeping them safe. Kids are curious, spontaneous and carefree. They don’t give much thought to their safety so it’s up to you to do that for them. They can learn safety practices but that takes time and it takes vigilance on your part to make sure they’re doing the right things.
This is the most important safety gear for any boater, but especially for kids. PFDs designed for young people are sized by weight range instead of the chest measurements used in adult models. Kid’s growing bodies are so variable – one 60-pounder may be a tall, skinny beanpole, while another may be short and stocky. Chose a PFD that fits their body well. It’s unsafe to choose one with a sloppy fit that they’ll “grow into." They’ll probably need several different sizes over the years. Don’t skimp on this; it’s a wise investment in their safety.
Snug all the adjustment points, starting with the lowest one and working up. Then check for the proper fit by picking the child up by the shoulders of the jacket. If the fit is right, the child’s chin and ears won’t slip through. Some jackets come with leg straps that help prevent ride-up. We’ve put together the Kids PFD Reference Guide to help in finding the best jacket for your youngster. When you’ve gotten a good fitting life jacket, make sure they wear it! Insist they have it on any time they’re on the water or playing around the shore. You can’t watch them every minute and it only takes that long for them to get into trouble.
Young bodies get cold. Protect them with layers appropriate for the conditions. Synthetic fabrics are best, avoid cotton. More and more outdoor apparel pieces are being sized for kids. You can find wetsuits, base layers and waterproof outer layers that will fit them. Same for helmets, insulated footwear and gloves. And don’t forget warm hats, the head is a major source of heat loss.
We know now that over-exposure to the sun’s harmful rays in childhood can lead to skin cancer in later years. Apply water-resistant sunscreen early and often. Many outdoor apparel pieces now come in a weave that gives excellent sun protection. Look for garments that have an SPF or UPF rating of 30 or higher.
Brimmed hats offer good shielding for face and ears. If they’re wearing a ball cap style of hat, don’t forget to apply sunscreen to the tops of ears. Also, good quality sunglasses protect the eyes from the dangerous glare that comes off the water.
The outdoors has all kinds of stinging, biting insects and animals. Teach children to watch where they walk and put their hands. In areas with poisonous snakes, extra care needs to be taken to educate kids on how to avoid encounters with these dangerous reptiles. Insect repellents can keep the bugs at bay. Choose ones made for kids’ sensitive skin. It’s a good idea to pack a children’s antihistamine in your medical kit in case of adverse reactions to bug bites or bee stings. If your child has a bad reaction, consult your doctor for future treatments.
If poison ivy/oak grows where you boat, teach them how to recognize it. If they do come in contact, wash quickly with soapy water. Remember that if pets run through the plants, kids can pick up the oils from their fur.
Explain to your child what to do in case of accident or upset while on the water. Going over possible scenarios will build their confidence and help them react correctly to an emergency. When planning to take your children on a stretch of water, think of the worst things that could happen. Can you and your children handle those worst-case emergencies? If the answer is no, choose different water to boat. Exposing them to situations they can’t handle is unsafe and can lead to bad experiences that will set back their outdoor education.
Never tie a child into a boat; in the event of an upset they’ll be trapped. In a raft have them sit next to an adult who can hold onto them or help them hold on through any rapids. If they’re in their own kayak or inflatable kayak, have them stay close to other experienced boaters and upstream of a rescue boat in moving river waters. Make sure they wear a helmet.
A great training tool for river boaters is to find a Class I stretch of water without any dangers below. Make a “game” out of having them float through the gentle waves on their backs, feet downstream. Practice tossing them the throw rope and pulling them to shore. They’ll have a blast while you’re teaching them valuable skills.
Boating’s a great family activity and it’s fun! Make it safe for your kids and you’ll be preparing them for a lifetime love of the outdoors.
Check out the Kids Gear page for great choices on outfitting your young boaters, as well as a huge variety of boating accessories at web site www.nrsweb.com.
Companies Fight "Seasonal Absence Syndrome" with Cold-Weather Wellness Tips -- Corporate wellness programs are urging employees to stay healthy when the weather turns cold; employers hope to stop cold and flu germs at the door
Facts:
· Cold-weather months typically bring a 46 percent spike in illness-related
employee absences, according to the DOL.
· Influenza is actually covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
under some circumstances, which can result in longer absences.
· Working parents have it tough: Children are absent a total of 22 million school days each year due to the common cold (about 3 days each), according to the CDC. And 17 percent of employees say they save their sick days for their children, according to ComPsych.
Corporate wellness programs are offering employees simple reminders for maintaining health as cold weather ˆ and "cold season" ˆ sets in:
· Hit the gym, even when the mercury hits zero. It's much harder to get out of a warm bed and get to the gym when it's dark and cold out. Resist the tendency to hibernate, make an "appointment" with yourself to exercise and consider using a light box to help you wake up, if a morning work out is your preference.
· Catch some rays. The sun can improve your mood by increasing serotonin levels which also increases energy. Again, resist the temptation to hibernate, put on a coat and take a walk during your lunch break. And spend time outdoors on weekends.
· Hydrate your body and your office. Drink plenty of water and use a humidifier if necessary. Heating systems at home and at work can dry out the air and your sinuses making you more susceptible to germs.
· Wash your hands. Think of all the doorknobs and desktops you touch in a day. It's a no brainer but worth repeating that frequent hand washing can lessen the likelihood of getting sick.
· Wash your **children's** hands. Parents especially should wash hands frequently, and consider keeping sanitizing wipes in the car and around the house to slow down the spread of cold germs if your child becomes sick.
· Get some shut-eye. Sleep deprivation is one of the easiest ways to weaken one's immune system. By getting enough sleep, you can greatly reduce your chances of getting sick.
· Manage your stress. Take a step back and think about what stresses you. What can you modify, improve or avoid, especially when it comes to holidaystressors? Can you change the way you respond to stress? Journaling, cutting back on commitments, taking time to relax and exercising your sense of humor are ways to cope.
· Stock up on fruits and veggies. Nutritious foods help fortify your immune system. Taking multi-vitamins and minerals, not just vitamin C, also assist your natural germ-fighting powers.
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When winter comes around, the makers of HotHands warmers, offer the following tips for making outdoor recreation a safer, more enjoyable experience.
They are:
If you're going sledding, skiing, or hiking outdoors, you need to plan ahead. Many people head out without checking the weather forecast and end up underdressed for conditions. Anyone who spends time outdoors should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and how to treat it. Hypothermia is actually the #1 killer of outdoor enthusiasts.
There are three levels or stages of hypothermia. Mild hypothermia, which almost everyone has experienced, involves shivering and loss of complex motor functions, such as tying on a fishing lure. Moderate hypothermia includes possible irrational behavior, violent shivering, slurred speech, and loss of motor functions like tying shoelaces. The person also can have a 'don't care' attitude. When a person has severe hypothermia, which is immediately life threatening, they shiver in waves, can't walk and they also have pale rigid skin, dilated pupils and a slow pulse. The treatment differs somewhat for each level, but re-warming the person is critical. Most people are unaware of the fact that the majority of cases of hypothermia occur at temperatures from 30° to 50° F so it's not just bitter cold that can bring it on.
Being wet greatly increases your risk. Bring rain gear or a change of clothing if getting wet is a possibility. Windy conditions also increase heat loss, so dress accordingly.
HotHands are a great way to add extra warmth to your next outing. A company spokesperson, Jeff Manning, notes, "Our chemical activated warmers are safe and biodegradable and are priced to make it easy to stock up and have plenty on hand. We also make a line of watch caps and fleece accessories such as a balaclava, neck gaiter, headband, mittens, and 3-in-1 muff that are designed to hold our HotHands 2 warmers. All of these items can help you maintain your body temperature in critical areas like your head and other extremities, where you lose heat the fastest. The warmers and accessories really work great for times when you are out in the cold but can't move around much, like ice fishing or tree stand hunting. It is a good idea to take along snacks that are high in carbs or protein to help keep your 'inner furnace' working. Be sure and stay away from alcoholic beverages, as these actually increase heat loss."
For more information about Hothands or the company's other products, call toll free, 1-800-432-8629, or check web site www.heatmax.com.
Dispose of the books you no longer need by donating them to a veteran's home, Goodwill, the Salvation Army, donation web sites such as booksforsoldiers.com or the Intrnational Book Project (intlbookproject.org) which sends textbooks, encyclopedias, and other reference books to needy schools, libraries, orphenages, and the Peace Corps.or checking the below web sites:
BookCrossing.com: This site registers books in its database and leaves it at train stations, hotels, coffee shops or other spots where it may find a new reader. You write the web site and the book crossing ID number inside the front cover. When a reader picks it up, he/she can log on and report it's been found. A bit strange, but supposedly, this works out fine --- you get rid of a book that's been taking up space, and someone gets a book to read for free!
Cash4Books.net: Sell your books online to this Oregon firm. All that's necessary to receive payment - if the books are sold - is to type in the ISBN number which is the 10- to 13-digit number on the back cover or on the copyright page. They specialize in non-fiction, text books and professional and technical books. You'll receive a free pre-paid mailing label. The company will pay you with a check or through PayPal.
Craigs.list: I've sold a few books on this web site. The good thing is you don't have to wrap and mail books if the customer lives near by. And, you'll know within a few days if you have a customer. No fee charged to sell - or buy.
eBay: Post the titles you want to sell, complete with the condition of each book.
Powells.com: Based in Portland, Oregon, type in your ISBN number, print out a pre-paid mailing label, and you'll receive credit at this store to purchase new books online through its web site.
Library of Congress materials: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/ammemhome.html - The U.S. Library of Congress provides "a gateway to rich primary source materials relating to the history and culture of the United States. The site offers more than 7 million digital items from morethan 100 historical collections."
Farmers Almanac: http://farmersalmanac.com - Farmers Almanac. The online version of this eclectic collection of features and information.
World history: http://www.hyperhistory.com/online_n2/History_n2/a.html - Over 2000 files covering 3000 years of world history.
Agents, editors and publishers: http://everyonewhosanyone.com - A portal of links to agents, editors and publishers in the U.S., Canada and the UK
Wildflowers: www.wildflower.org : Check out the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin. It's devoted to preserving our national heritage of native plants. Here you'll find comprehensive resources aimed at home gardeners and landscape professionals. Click "Explore Plants" to access the Native Plant Information Network which contains 16,000 images and detailed data on 6,000 native species. Search by such criteria as bloom time and color.
Carry On Baggage: www.auroraluggage.com/size-guide.html: Want to know if your bag is too large to be accepted on the plane? Answers are available at Aurora Luggage's web site, a one-stop source for restrictions regarding carry-on and checked luggage for most major airlines.
On-line Maps: MyTopo.com - provides online maps, including the U.S. Forest Service Single Edition Maps, plus aerial photos for over 30 states.
Aerial Photos and More: http://terraserver.homeadvisor.msn.com/: Type an address, zip code, longitude and latitude or just click on a map of the United States and you'll get aerial photos or topographic maps. Great for potential homebuyers and includes a wealth of demographical information, such as population, average income, unemployment rates, crime rates and commute times to local business centers.
Directions to Directories: http://www.mapquest.com/ - Mapquest is a great site for explorers who choose to travel by car. Type in your starting point and destination addresses, and Mapquest responds with detailed directions, alternate routes, mileage and a map. The "Find it" feature lets you enter a business name or category and the city or town. Once you select and copy the address of the business, paste it into the address bar of the "Find a Business Near an Address" page and it will sort all the nearby hotels or businesses by distance.
Outdoor Recreation Maps Nationwide: www.dto.com - Discover the Outdoors has a great map feature for hunters and anglers. Click the "Where to Hunt" button near the top of the main page. Next, you'll see a map of the U.S. from which you can choose a state or region. The "Species Locator" button lets you select any game animal and then will give you range maps, guides and outfitters, links to local fish and game departments and hunting regulations. The locator map has the same features for saltwater fishing, freshwater fishing, camping and shooting.
Every Trail Map in the World: http://www.skimaps.com/ - Finding the perfect ski destination can be tough. If you want to get the trail maps, along with terrain and condition summaries, check out this site. Every country with skiing has its own index of resorts. Each resort has a rundown on lodging, grooming, ticket prices, travel, daycare, lessons and dining. A list of the more popular areas have several trail maps posted that can give you a better idea of what the mountain is like. The site also would be useful for stories for which you need the logistics of a mountain, such as vertical drop, average snowfall, acres of terrain or snow reports.
PetSmart.com - information for all pets and pet supplies.
Drsfostersmith.com - Discounted vet-selected supplies and information on various animal-related topics
www.phonescoop.com - If you're looking for a new phone, this site, Phone Scoop, features detailed information of mobile phones so you can compare up to 20 phones based on over 60 attributes. The 'phone finder' tool will help choose the right one for your needs. Just select the features you want, download new ringtones for your cell phone, read the latest wireless news, check the listed questions, or use the quick-search option. The site also addresses market and industry news, articles on various mobile phone topics and a glossery of terms.
www.weather.com/travel and www.weather.com/driving: Whether you're traveling by air or automobile, check either of these two web sites to learn the status of incoming flights for all major domestic carriers and the top 100 U.S. airports. You'll find the departure and arrival time, aircraft type, and weather conditions. Or, for a road trip, you'll find out if the road conditions are foggy, windy, or rainy, as well as a list of scenic drives, attractions, and camping facilities along the way.
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