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No one revels in the delights of summer like a kid. Minnesota schools are out, the sun is high and hot, and the long days are filled with light and the prospect of innumerable adventures. In fact, because there is so much potential for adventure-much of it unsupervised-many parents opt to enroll their kids in one or more summer camps in hopes that having a set schedule and a series of planned activities in which to participate will keep the youngsters out of trouble and, most importantly, out of harm's way. But summer seems to invite as many childhood accidents as it does moments of bliss, and no matter how structured a kid's summer is, a certain amount of mishaps are inevitable. The warm weather inspires a whole new slew of activities, many of which require an increased attention to safety on the part of both kids and parents. Use the following three tips to keep kids safer this summer:
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Spring in Minnesota separates people into two categories: those who greet the arrival of fresh, new grasses and flowers with joy and enthusiasm, and those who dread the inconvenient and at times downright incapacitating allergies that can be brought on by springtime's blooming. Spring is a time for renewal, but for allergy sufferers, it's a time for perpetually sneezing, rubbing itchy eyes, swallowing to relieve the sore feeling in your throat, or feeling constantly on the verge of the flu. What causes spring allergies? And can they be conquered?
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Home sweet home is an obvious place to give a good scrubbing once springtime in Minnesota arrives. It's time to wipe the grime out of every nook and cranny, wash the carpets and curtains, and pack away the space heaters and down blankets.
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We all know that pollution affects the soil, air, and water in our outdoor environment. Many of us in Minnesota have taken measures to minimize harm to our planet, but what about our indoor environments-the places we call home?
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Imagine this scenario: You're driving to work early one morning, and you stop at a red light. The insufficiently caffeinated driver behind you still has sleep in his eyes, and doesn't hit his brakes in time. He crashes into your back end-not too hard, but hard enough to elicit some concern, and maybe even a curse word or two. You both get out of your vehicles, and when you check your rear bumper for damage and see none-not even a scratch!- you shake hands, get back in your cars, and finish the drive to work.
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There's no doubt that your lifestyle choices can make you healthy or unhealthy. And, unsurprisingly, your environment has enormous influence over your lifestyle. We've all heard that certain nations and even states have healthier populations than others, but even your neighborhood can help to make or break your health. In fact, studies have indicated that life expectancy can differ by as many as ten years from one neighborhood to the next, even if those neighborhoods are side by side!
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If you are a business owner in Minnesota who pays for your employee's health coverage and sick leave, you have good reason to motivate these employees to stay healthy. Good employee health translates to good financial health for you and your business!
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It's fitting that the month during which we celebrate Earth Day is also National Lawn & Garden Month. Spring in Minnesota is finally in full force, and this is the ideal time to nurture and beautify your own small patch of earth-your yard or garden. Here are some earth-friendly ways to turn your outdoor living space into a paradise. If you live in an apartment and don't have your own patch of land, consider implementing these ideas in a community garden that you can share with neighbors!
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