Interesting Things to Know
Three ways to get more sleep
World Sleep Day, which takes place this year on March 15, was created over 10 years ago by the World Sleep Society (formerly, the World Association of Sleep Medicine) to promote the importance of sleep. Restorative sleep is essential for day-to-day functioning and after a good night’s rest, most individuals are more alert and energetic. On the other hand, a lack of quality shut-eye can cause irritability, memory problems and a variety of health issues. If you’re having trouble getting the restorative sleep you need, these three tips can help.
1. Take a nap. If you didn’t get enough sleep the night before, take a short nap. The best time of day for a siesta is the early afternoon. Try to not let your nap last for more than 20 minutes.
2. Get some sun. Going outside or sitting by a window in the morning helps in two ways: it sends signals to your body that it’s time to be alert and it sets your internal clock so you’re ready for bed 14 to 16 hours later.
3. Use white noise. Not only does white noise help you fall asleep but it also helps your brain filter out sudden sounds that can wake you up. Fans can provide white noise and are a great choice because they also keep your room cool.
Finally, if you find yourself unable to sleep at night because you can’t get comfortable, it may be time to change your mattress. Most mattresses have an average lifespan of about 10 years. Getting a new one may help you rest easy and get the restorative sleep you need to feel well rested.
Interesting Things to Know
How to Find the Perfect Campsite: Read On for a Successful Stay!
Have you found the perfect campsite for your vacation? That’s great! However, if you want your time off to meet your expectations, one crucial step is choosing where to pitch your tent or park your RV. Generally, you can select the site you want when you make your reservation or arrive. Try booking ahead!
Study the campsite map, read the site descriptions, and look at photos to get an idea. You must consider several criteria to make an informed decision. Here’s an overview.
Equipment
Not all sites are designed for an eight-person tent or a large RV. Ensure that your chosen site accommodates your equipment and has enough free space to set up your outdoor kitchen or children’s play area.
- Tent Size: Check the site dimensions to ensure it can fit your tent. If you want to pitch two tents, find out beforehand if it’s allowed.
- RV Size: Make sure the site can accommodate the length and width of your RV, including any slide-outs or awnings.
Accessibility
Isolated campsites are great if you want peace and quiet. However, sometimes you must walk anywhere from a hundred yards to a few miles to reach them. Some establishments provide wagons to carry your equipment. Make sure you know what you’re signing up for to avoid unpleasant surprises.
- Proximity to Amenities: If you prefer to be close to restrooms, showers, or communal areas, choose a site near these facilities. If you’re meeting friends, ensure enough parking space for all vehicles or discover visitor parking options.
Terrain
The terrain can significantly affect your camping experience, especially if you’re using a tent.
- Grass Sites: Best for tents as they are less likely to damage the material and are more comfortable.
- Dirt Sites: These can become muddy when it rains, which might be inconvenient.
- Sand Sites: Avoid if you dislike dragging sand everywhere, and remember that areas near water can be humid and mosquito-prone.
- Open Areas: It can be very windy; consider the wind tolerance of your tent and the temperature. If it’s hot, a site with shade trees is preferable.
Services
Ensure the site has essential services, such as water, electricity, and internet.
- Full Hook-Up Sites: Ideal for RVs needing water, electricity, and sewage connections.
- Partial Hook-Up Sites: Might offer water and electricity but no sewage.
- Primitive Sites: These often have no services but can offer beautiful views or solitude.
Location
If you’re looking for peace and quiet, avoid busy or noisy campsites near reception areas, toilets, swimming pools, and community halls.
- Families with Children: Being close to the toilets or play area can be very convenient.
- Quiet Seekers: Look for sites away from communal areas and high-traffic spots.
Final Tips
- Use Booking Platform Filters: Many booking platforms have filters that allow you to refine your search based on your preferences.
- Consult Reviews: Read reviews from previous campers to get a sense of the site’s actual conditions and amenities.
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to contact the campsite directly to clarify any doubts or get more detailed information about specific sites.
Happy camping!
Interesting Things to Know
If You Like the Sun, Clap Your Hands — and Use SPF 30!
After a long, harsh winter, many people eagerly await the arrival of summer. And for good reason! With patios and golf courses opening, birds chirping, and flowers blooming, it’s hard not to feel invigorated by the warmth and sunshine. However, while the sun has many benefits, you must be mindful of how you interact. Here’s why.
Dangers of Sun Exposure
It’s important to remember that the sun emits powerful UV rays that can affect your health and appearance:
- Increased Cancer Risk: Sun exposure increases the risk of developing melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, as well as eye and lip cancer.
- Sunstroke: Staying in direct sunlight for any time can cause your body temperature to rise. Also known as sunstroke, this phenomenon can be very dangerous, causing convulsions and unconsciousness.
- Premature Aging: Sun damage is the leading cause of premature skin aging, resulting in wrinkles, sagging, and dark spots.
Tips for Protecting Yourself
Several habits, products, and accessories help you enjoy the sun without compromising your well-being. Here are a few examples:
- Sunscreen: Apply a chemical or mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when you go out in the sun. Reapply every two hours or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
- Sunglasses: Buy high-quality sunglasses that provide both UVA and UVB protection. Choose a style that also protects the sides of your eyes to ensure maximum coverage.
- Protective Clothing: Choose tightly woven clothing and wear a cap or wide-brimmed hat to shield your skin and face from direct sunlight.
- Timing: Avoid going out in the sun when it’s at its strongest, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Visit your local shops to find high-quality sun protection products and accessories to keep you safe while enjoying the summer sun.
Interesting Things to Know
Jeff Bezos Awards $50 Million to Admiral Bill McRaven for Veteran and Leadership Programs
Health
Mosquito Season: Staying Safe with the Right Repellent
With mosquito season in full swing, the buzz isn’t just about the annoyance of itchy bites—there’s a serious side to these pests. Mosquitoes are notorious carriers of dangerous diseases like West Nile virus, malaria, and dengue fever, making effective repellents crucial for comfort and health.
DEET, developed by the U.S. Army in the 1940s and available commercially since the 1950s, remains one of the most effective ingredients in mosquito repellents. Despite early concerns about its safety, public opinion has largely shifted, favoring DEET’s effectiveness over potential risks, especially in areas prone to mosquito-borne illnesses.
How does DEET work? It doesn’t repel mosquitoes in the traditional sense. Instead, it confuses them. DEET interferes with the receptors on mosquitoes’ antennae, effectively dulling their ability to detect and feed on human blood. This makes DEET-based products a top choice for preventing mosquito bites.
The research underscores the superiority of DEET in prolonging the time until the first mosquito bite. A New England Journal of Medicine study found that DEET products were significantly more effective than other repellents. For instance, a product with just 6.65% DEET can protect for about 112.4 minutes, while options with higher concentrations, like OFF! Deep Woods, with 23.8% DEET, offers up to 301 minutes of protection. In contrast, citronella-based products lag behind, providing only 10 to 20 minutes of relief.
However, when it comes to children, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises caution, recommending that repellents for young users contain no more than 10% DEET. The debate continues among experts regarding the safety of DEET products for children, but the consensus is clear on one point: DEET is effective.
For those looking for more information on choosing the right mosquito repellent and understanding the safe use of DEET, resources such as health.harvard.edu provide valuable insights.
Staying informed and prepared is key as we navigate through peak mosquito season. Whether camping, hiking, or just enjoying an evening in your backyard, a good repellent can make all the difference between a pleasant outdoor experience and an uncomfortable, risky one.