Summer doesn’t officially end until midnight September 22 but if you are planning to hit the road for one last fun in the sun hurrah, take safety precautions; tell someone where you are going, wear your seat-belt, stay well-hydrated, wear your mask when necessary and avoid Labor Day migraines!
Labor Day the first Monday in September, was first celebrated on September 5, 1882. It is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It is traditionally marked with parades and other celebrations and is a time for Americans to take a break from their jobs and honor the historic role that the labor movement played in the creation of the middle class, the rise of living standards, and the strength of the country.
Labor Day has also come to represent, for most Americans, the symbolic end of summer. School starts for most students the day after Labor Day Monday, however many schools have switched to resume in late August. Nevertheless, for many people it has always been considered the last hurrah to partake in traditional summer activities, lazy beach and picnic outings, camping trips, and travel away from home.
Labor Day may look a little different for most people this year as we continue to stay at home more during this time of social distancing.
Labor Day weekend is historically one of the most dangerous holidays for traveling, according to the National Highway Traffic Administration. If you do plan to venture out…
Drive safely and be prepared for any type of emergency. Always keep a first-aid kit in your vehicle.
Let someone know where you are going, the roads you are taking, and when you expect to get there and return.
Wear your seat belts and don’t drink and drive. Be prepared for sobriety and seat belt checkpoints
STAY WELL HYDRATED: Keep plenty of water on hand. Keep a bottle of H20 with you if the weather is hot and you will be outdoors for a considerable amount of time. If plain water doesn’t interest you, try adding a slice of lemon or lime to your drink. If you’re going to be exercising, make sure you drink water before, during, and after your workout. Start and end your day with a glass of water. When you’re feeling hungry, drink water. The sensation of thirst is often confused with hunger.
Avoid heat-related illnesses & heat stroke. Sweating heavily without replacing enough fluids can lead to dehydration or heat cramps. If the body cannot shed enough heat for any reason, there is a risk of heat exhaustion and, in extreme cases, heatstroke – a medical emergency. Children are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses because their bodies do not get rid of heat as efficiently as adults’ do. Make sure you know how to prevent, recognize, and treat heat-related illness.
Heat exhaustion is caused by loss of water and salt, often as a result of exercising in hot weather. If it is not treated, it may progress to heatstroke.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include Normal or elevated body temperature, although not as high as 40°C (104°F) Profuse sweating – Pale skin – Skin may be cool and moist – Fast, shallow breathing – Fast, weak pulse – Headache – Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea – Dizziness, weakness, or fainting – Heat cramps or Exhaustion. If you or a child experience any of these symptoms, move to a shady or air-conditioned area, and lie down. Remove extra clothing and sports equipment, if any. Cool down with cold water, fans, or cold towels. If not nauseated or vomiting, drink water, juice, or a sports drink.
TIPS TO AVOID END OF SUMMER MIGRAINES
*Drink an 8-ounce glass of water every couple of hours. If you are out and about, carry water with you throughout the day.
*Bright sunlight can often lead to migraines in photosensitive sufferers so a good pair of polarized sunglasses can really help.*Scents and odors can trigger migraines. Don’t hang around people who smoke and ask those close to you (friends, family, co-workers) to go easy on the cologne or perfume.
*Avoid bright or flickering lights if possible. If you work a lot on a computer, use an anti-glare screen/filter.
*Eat healthy snacks every hour or so to prevent drops in blood sugar than can also serve as triggers to migraines.
*Pay attention to prodromal symptoms (symptoms like dizziness, visual or speech impairments) which occur prior to the pain of the migraine striking. Sometimes taking ibuprofen during this period can prevent the full migraine from occurring.
*Small amounts of caffeine may help with migraine pain, but large amounts will cause more migraines to occur.
*Barometric Pressure Headaches Strategies: Some migraineurs have reported that lying down in a dark room can ward off the pressure headache, but if you are or want to be an outdoor enthusiast, you have to figure out other ways to deal with it.
The good news is that there are gadgets that can help you. If you are one who prefers gadgets over devices and apps, Newspring Power International Company, Ltd. offers a fishing barometer designed to check the barometric pressure at specific locations. The application for migraineurs is that you can set the device for up to six places where you might wish to go for the day, and program it to warn you when a storm is approaching any of those places. If you prefer a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), there are several smartphones and tablets which have barometric sensors with free apps that will send you alarms when the pressure reaches the danger zone for you.”
*Avoid stress. If you are preparing a Labor Day picnic or festivity, remember that after a flurry of activity and preparation, when a person finally has a chance to relax, headaches often set in. The beginning of the weekend or a vacation is a common time for migraines to occur. Take it easy, plan in advance, and just agree with yourself or family members that the number one key to everyone enjoying the time is to relax and be unhurried in everything.
*Don’t forget to take your MigreLief (daily formula – Original MigreLief, MigreLief+M, or Children’s MigreLief) twice a day, once in the a.m. and once in the p.m., to keep blood levels of the beneficial ingredients consistent for optimal results. KEEP MIGRELIEF-NOW on hand at all times and take as needed for fast-acting on-the-spot nutritional support.
Have a wonderful and safe, migraine-free Labor Day. Enjoy this delicious and eye-catching salad if you are looking for something new to prepare and serve this weekend and keep cool and hydrated with frozen grapes and fruit infused water.
Frozen grapes
FROZEN GRAPES – The perfect low calorie, naturally sweet summer treat! These frozen bites always stay icy, but not frozen solid. They must be eaten as soon as they are removed from the freezer before they thaw completely.
1. Wash and dry green or red grapes.
2. Place in a sealable plastic bag.
3. Keep in the freezer for 2 hours or until frozen.
4. Fill a bowl with several ice cubes and place the bag in the bowl to keep cool while you enjoy!
Fruit-infused water
FRUIT INFUSED WATER – Making your own fruit-infused waters is a great alternative to drinking sugary sports drinks and sodas with additives and dyes. Fruit-infused water doesn’t really require a specific recipe. You can experiment by making small or large batches and adding as much or as little fruit as you would like to increase flavor and sweetness. Let your concoction stand for 2 to 8 hours then enjoy! Popular fruits: raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, mango, pineapple, oranges, lemons, limes, and cucumbers. Popular herbs: mint, basil, and rosemary. Slice strawberries but keep other berries whole and press lightly with a spoon to release some of the flavors. Add your favorite ingredients to a 1/2 gallon pitcher of water, cover and let sit overnight in the refrigerator. Or make by the glass. To jazz it up a bit, make your own fruit-infused water.
