Beach tips for your pets

If you plan on taking your Fur Child to the beach, here are some tips to keep your pet healthy and happy!

Make sure your dog has a shady spot to rest in and plenty of fresh water.

Dogs, especially those with short hair, white fur, and pink skin, can sunburn. Limit your dog's exposure during the day and apply sunblock to his ears and nose 30 minutes before going outside.

Check with a lifeguard for daily water conditions. Dogs are easy targets for sea lice and jellyfish.

Running on the sand is strenuous exercise. A dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament, so keep a check on your dog's activity.

Do not let your dog drink seawater; the salt will make him sick.

Salt and other minerals in ocean water can damage your dog's coat, so rinse him off at the end of the day.

Not all beaches permit dogs; check local ordinances before heading out.

-Denea Duran

-Content Credit: http://www.akc.org/public_education/summer_safety.cfm

The Facts on Wildfires and What You Can Do

From coast to coast, wildfires across the country have been making national news. Thousands of acres, homes and businesses have suffered and even faced destruction in lights of these flames.

Southern California isn’t the only area of the country that faces this threat. In 2008, 29 states had more than 10,000 acres scorched by wildfires, as a total of 5.2 million acres burned across the country. In fact, South Carolina ranked number 8 in the nation for number of wildfires in 2008. Though thousands of wildfires are started every year by natural causes—lightning strikes for example—many more are man-made disasters. Returning to the 2008 statistics, 8.856 fires were attributed to lightning strikes, while humans caused 70,093 fires.* Man-made wildfires can be more dangerous than natural fires, because they tend to occur in more populated areas.

Through we may never be able to eliminate wildfires, there are steps we can take to help lessen the danger of damage to our homes and businesses. As a National Preparedness Coalition member, your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional encourages you to follow these safety tips, courtesy of FEMA.

• Always build fires away from nearby trees or shrubs.
• Create a 30-foot safety zone around the house or business, clearing all flammable and combustible objects.
• Remove debris from under decks and inside gutters.
• Prune branches and shrubs within 15 feet of chimneys and stove pipes.
• Replace highly flammable vegetation such as pine, eucalyptus, junipers and fir trees with lower growing, less flammable species. Check with your local garden store or fire department for suggestions.
• Use fire-resistant siding.

*Statistics provided by the National Interagency Fire Center.

Educating Kids about Fire

Have you educated your kids about fire safety? Do you know how to talk about fire safety with your kids? 

Here are a few tips:

-Keep matches and lighters in a secured drawer or cabinet.

-Have your children tell you when they find matches and lighters.

-Develop a home fire escape plan. Practice it with your children and designate a meeting place outside.

-Supervise young children closely. Do not leave them alone even for short periods of time.

-Take the mystery out of fire by teaching children that fire is a tool, not a toy.

-Teach children the nature of fire. It is FAST, HOT, DARK and DEADLY!

-Demonstrate how to stop, drop to the ground and roll if their clothes catch fire.

-Show children how to crawl low on the floor, below the smoke, to get out of the house and stay out in the case of fire.

-Teach children not to hide from firefighters, but to get out quickly and call for help. 

-Denea Duran

Wipe your Valentine Blues Away!

1.Make it a girl's day. Go out to lunch with your girlfriends, have a cup of coffee and chit-chat bout boys, or do dinner with your other single gal pals. Valentine's Day shouldn't only be about couples – it should be about love of all kinds. And what better to celebrate than the love you have for your pals.

2. Pay a visit to the spa. We can all use a day of relaxation. Go to your local day spa, get a massage, sit in a whirlpool or sauna, and get pampered. After all, you deserve it. 

3. Forget what day it is. Hide the calendar, flip it to March, or just don't look. Valentine's Day is just like any other day. Just because Hallmark sells those cards with hearts on them for February 14, doesn't mean you have to participate.

4. Hang out with family. This seems to be a great retreat to any depressing occasion that you don't want to or can't partake in. Sitting on mom and dad's couch, for instance, will be so comforting. Top it off with a cup of cocoa and you'll just reminisce about the times you were young and could care less for Valentine's.

5. Find a last-minute date. Resurrect some names from you little black book and set up a date. It doesn't have to be a "Valentine's Day" date, of course. Just call your crush and ask if he's busy. If he isn't, offer up a cup of coffee – that's so not Valentine's Day-like, but at least you have something to occupy you for the night. 

6. Pig out. Go to your local supermarket and get your favorite snacks. Let yourself have all the things you usually feel guilty consuming, and this time, don't feel the least bit guilty. Just indulge! 

7. Go to happy hour. Odds are some of your coworkers aren't going out either. Not everyone is taken, and beyond that, not everyone celebrates the commercial holiday. Plan a get-together over the weekend with who's available and have some martinis.

8. Pick your best guy friend and make him take you out. Yes, I'm suggesting that you fake it. If you don't have a man at the moment, use a boyfriend doppelganger. You can still hit the restaurant and bars for the fun Valentine's Day specials, and no one will be the wiser.

9. Buy a new wardrobe. Retail therapy always saves the day, doesn't it? Get yourself to a mall and buy some hot new clothes. That way, when you do have a date, you'll be prepared and oh-so-sexy. 

10.Watch SoapNet. Nothing beats lonely Saturday nights than watching the Brenda years and old episodes of "General Hospital." Not only will you feel good that these characters have lives way more messed up than yours will ever be, some eye candy like Dylan McKay will cheer you up in no time.

11. Remind yourself that many couples are unhappy. Valentines, schmalentines – did you ever stop to think that a lot of these men and women out during the holiday may have lots of problems? Just because they're eating a meal together on February 14, doesn't mean they're happier than you. In fact, some are probably quite the opposite. 

12. Remember that being single is fabulous. Ahhh, it's the old age saying that us single gals say to ourselves when we're home on Fridays dateless. But wait, being single IS fabulous! There's no lying there. Who wouldn't want the paragon of choice and the endless opportunities? The world is your oyster.

13. Have a "Sex and the City" marathon. It's good to watch Carrie Bradshaw and friends on a holiday like Valentine's Day because you can celebrate your singledom like the girls on the show. Who needs men when you have fabulous shoes and friends, Carrie would say.

14. Eat some ice cream. No, it doesn't make you sad and pathetic. It makes you awesome because you can handle the sugar and you deserve it. And don't get some sugar-free sorbet. Get the really good stuff – cookies and cream, mint chocolate chip, or anything from Cold Stone.

15. Be zen. You can meditate, do some yoga, or just sit in silence smiling. Refining your mind and tuning into yourself is just what you need.

16. Make yourself hot and hit a bar solo. Who says you can't go out by yourself on Valentine's Day? Make yourself look adorable, step out of your house, and check out the local bar. Sit at the bar, chat with the cute bartender, or meet someone new. Anything is possible. 

17. Read countless fashion magazines and strategize for your spring wardrobe. You can make Valentine's Day a productive one by planning what you're going to wear when spring hits. It's only a month or so away!

18. Throw an anti-Valentine's Day party. Invite all of your friends who are against the Hallmark holiday over to your house. Serve drinks like It's-Great-Being-Single martinis and Solo-and-Fabulous margaritas.

19. Give yourself a makeover. Maybe it's not Valentine's you have an issue with. Perhaps it's you? Not to make you feel bad, but maybe all you need is a little bit of a revival? Plan for a new look. Get a haircut, style yourself anew, and change things up. 

20.Chat with other lonely friends online. Your computer is your friend. Turn it on and see who else is home on Valentine's Day. It's always nice to know you're not the only lonely heart home. You're not alone! 

21. Join Match.com. You may not have a date this year, but you can start preparing for next year. Start online dating to broaden your options. Plus, you never know, maybe you'll have a date the same night so you won't be alone on Valentine's after all. 

22. Hit the gym. Since exercising releases endorphins, working out can only cheer you up. Perhaps there will be a cute boy at the gym without a Valentine's Day date, too. You can ask him to go out with you for a smoothie after your workout.

23. Pleasure yourself. Who needs a man when you have fun toys and videos at your disposal.

24. Go to a local restaurant with a girlfriend and laugh at the couples who are sitting in awkward silences. Forced romanticism is never fun, and odds are a lot of these men were dragged by their ears to this meal.

25. Eat chocolate. It has been known to cheer women up, which is why so many of them turn to it during times of turmoil. Indulge in a box of truffles or a yummy candy bar. My personal favorite are Hershey Kisses. What's yours?

26. Throw a slumber party. Go back to the time in your life where you and our friends would giggle about boys, not cry about them. On Valentine's Day, get together with your BFFs and have some fun. From playing silly games like Truth or Dare to making s'mores, this will prove to be more fun than an awkward dinner with a man you're lukewarm for.

27. Don't care. It's only a day. It'll be over in no time. Just let it pass by and try not to think about it one bit.


28. Stage a fashion show and photo shoot. It's good to feel pretty every now and then even if you're not going anywhere special. Beautify, put on something hot, and take pictures of yourself. It sound egotistical, I know, but you'll feel oh-so-fabulous afterwards. You can even upload your favorite shots to your Facebook or Myspace. That'll show the rest of the world that you could care less for Valentine's Day.

29. Read a great book. "Eat Pray Love" is my personal favorite. Anytime I am down about not having found the "right one" yet, I read it and it always changes my perspective. Find an inspiring book that will get you back to down-to-earth thoughts that have nothing to do with cheesy stuff with hearts on them and forced dating.

30. Book a trip. Valentine's is just a day, but if you book a trip, you can look forward to days of fun away with friends, solo or with family. That's way better than any day with candied hearts.

31. Enjoy yourself. No matter what you do on this day – or any day for that matter – always enjoy yourself. You may not have that "other half" that attached people have, but does that mean your life is any less fabulous? No way. To each their own, and love your life.

Content Credit:  

http://www.sheknows.com/holidays-and-seasons/articles/807292/32-ways-to-beat-the-valentine-s-day-blues

-Denea Duran 

1-50 Romantic ways to show your love on Valentine's Day

1-50 Romantic ways to show your love on Valentine's Day

49. Propose.

48. Go on a picnic.

47. Explore your adventurous sides together -- do something daring that neither of you have tried before, such as bungee jumping or sky diving. The experience will bring you closer.

46. Designate a place as "yours" -- your favorite restaurant or bar -- and frequent it together often.

45. Volunteer together. Work side-by-side at your local animal shelter, nursing home or as you gather donations for your local food bank.

44. Take him to an art gallery or art walk.

43. Arrange to have a house cleaner come to his place and spruce things up! 

42. Introduce him to your best friends.

41. Walk him out when he leaves for work.

40. Make him a special bag lunch with a note written on a napkin inside.

39. Get him a subscription to his favorite magazine.

38. If he has a business trip, offer to drive to the airport, so he doesn't have to take a cab.

37. Leave a sweet note on a post-it on his car windshield or steering wheel.

36. Flirt with him unabashedly.

35. If he has been working out extra hard or dieting, compliment him on his weight loss or how big his muscles are getting.

34. Rent some silly comedies and spend the night laughing together.

33. Take a shower together.

32. Offer to shave his face or ask him to shave your legs.

31. Guys, offer to paint your ladies toes.

30. Go stargazing. Bring a bottle of champagne.

29. Try an activity that he loves, such as golf, or that she loves, like shopping! (No complaining!)

28. Get up early on the weekend and do some of the chores he has on his list.

27. Laugh at his jokes.

26. Compliment her on her new hairstyle, shoes, outfit, etc.

25. Frame a picture of the two of you during a special trip.

24. Ask his mother for the recipe to his favorite dish that she made him growing up.

23. Ask her father for her hand and his blessing.

22. Buy a little teddy bear to sleep with when you are not there.

21. Get her oil changed and her brakes checked.

20. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride. (Bonus points if this is at Christmastime or Valentine's Day.)

19. Buy her favorite chocolates and sneak some into her purse.

18. Buy him a new tie.

17. Iron his shirts.

16. Feed each other dinner. Or better yet, dessert.

15. Sneak a sexy note into the pocket of his slacks or into her purse.

14. Kiss him when he leaves in the morning and when he gets home at night.

13. Brag about him to his friends for something really macho that he does.

12. Tell her mother how smart you think she is.

11. Go on a bike ride -- extra credit for using a tandem bike.

10. Baby him when he is sick.

9. Leave lipstick kisses on the bathroom mirror.

8. Go to the park together (even if you don't have kids). Go down the slide, play on the teeter-totter and go on the swings.

7. Let him teach you a new skill.

6. Buy a little gift and surprise him at the end of a long week.

5. Go hiking together.

4. Take a trip to the beach.

3. Watch the sun set or rise together.

2. Share the morning paper and some mimosas over the weekend.

1. Grab him spontaneously and kiss him like you mean it.

Content Credit: 

http://www.sheknows.com/holidays-and-seasons/articles/807286/100-romantic-ways-to-show-your-love-on-valentine-s-day

-Denea Duran 

Hot Weather Hazardous To Pets

Summer’s hot and humid weather can pose a serious danger to pets. The American Red Cross has helpful steps to keep the family pets safe and healthy during the sweltering heat.
NEVER LEAVE PETS IN THE CAR. Pet owners should not leave their animal in the car, even for a few minutes, when the hot weather arrives. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees. Pet owners are urged to refrain from leaving animals in the car, even with the windows cracked open.
HEAT STROKE is a common problem for pets in the warmer weather. Dogs with short noses or snouts, like the boxer or bulldog, are prone to heat stroke. This is also true for any obese pet, a pet with an extremely thick fur coat or any pet with upper respiratory problems such as laryngeal paralysis or collapsing trachea.

 

Some signs your pet may be developing heat stroke include heavy panting and being unable to calm down, even when lying down. Their gum color may be brick red, their pulse rate may be fast, or they may not be able to get up. If you suspect your pet has heat stroke, take their temperature rectally. If the temperature is above 105 degrees, cool the animal down. The easiest way to do this is by using the water hose. Stop cooling the animal when the temperature reaches 103 degrees. Bring your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible as heat stroke can lead to severe organ dysfunction and damage.
PLANTS CAN BE HAZARDOUS. Pet owners also need to be aware that animals may try to get out a window or door, which are more likely to be open as the weather warms. And some plants in your garden can be hazardous to animals. For instance, many lilies are very poisonous to cats. Visit the ASPCA Poison Control web site to find out which plants and flowers are poisonous to animals.
Your pet is part of the family. And just like any other family member, pets deserve to be cared for and protected. Follow these important steps to help keep your pet at their best:

• Give your pet plenty of exercise. Regular exercise will help your pet feel better and live longer.
• Make sure your pet has plenty of fresh, cool water.
• Get to know a veterinarian and make sure your pet has yearly checkups.
• Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccines, especially rabies.
• Get your pet spayed or neutered.
• Keep dogs on leashes outside – another animal may be too much temptation.
• Know how to perform CPR and provide basic first aid until veterinary care is available.

Animals can’t tell you when they aren’t feeling well. Many hide signs of illness until a problem is very advanced. Knowing what is normal for your pet and being able to recognize changes early, can make a huge difference in treatment success. The first step is to know what is normal for your pet – their gum color, heart/pulse rate, body temperature and breathing rate - so you can recognize when something is wrong.
Additional tips are located on our Pets and Disaster Safety Checklist. Pet First Aid courses are offered at many Red Cross chapters throughout the country. The Red Cross has also developed Dog First Aid and Cat First Aid, comprehensive guides with DVDs to help your keep pets healthy and safe. From basic responsibilities, like spaying/neutering and giving medications, to performing CPR and preparing for disasters, these guides offer information pet owners can trust. Contact your local chapter to see when classes are available or to purchase guide books. Products can also be purchased online at the Red Cross Store.


Content Credit:
http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.1a019a978f421296e81ec89e43181aa0/?vgnextoid=e6b4c95d2c298310VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD



-Denea Duran

Things you should know about body scrubs

Instead of paying big bucks for the "top of the line" products here are some great facts about the main ingredients that you find in these expensive products. The best part is you can make these scrubs yourself. Everyday this week I will release a great scrub! So come back for more!

Strawberries: Teeth whitener. Decreases appearance of dilated pores.

Brown Sugar: Excellent exfoliation for sensitive skin.

Lemons: Natural disinfectant, deodorizer and astringent is a natural body cleanser and skin lighter.

Oats: Relieve dryness. Restores natural moisture balance to help heal minor irritations.

Brown Sugar Lemony Body Scrub

This particular scrub has lemon, which works as a natural disinfectant. It will open up and cleanse clogged pores. The oils from the mixture will leave you with soft, healthy glowing skin.

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sea salt
2 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil
1 tbsp of honey
2 tbsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tbsp of your favorite essential oil (I recommend bergamot for energy, eucalyptus or spearmint for stress relief and lavender or jasmine for something more relaxing.)
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until it turns into a paste. Apply to moist skin in circular motion using your fingertips to help skin cells slough off faster. Rinse off with warm water. Apply your favorite moisturizer. Results: smooth, soft glowing skin.



-Denea Duran

Friends Dont Let Friends, Text and Drive!

Since June is National Safety Month today's blog is on a very controversial issue--- Texting and Driving.
Before you text and drive today, you may want to read this. In many states texting and driving are illegal and if caught it could cost you over $50.(and thats getting off cheap!) Remember when you are behind the wheel of a vehicle you are not only responsible for your life but also others on the road!

Reckless driving can be punished with a fine of up to $500 and up to 90 days in jail.

Texting provides users with on demand information from their friends and family members. It's no wonder it's gained such widespread popularity, especially among teenagers. But teens aren't the only ones texting. Adults are guilty of checking their email, tweeting, and setting appointments on their blackberry or iPhone's calendar. These actions have resulted in dangerous and reckless driving behaviour. So much so, that many cities have banned texting while driving and the United Kingdom has taken especially aggressive measures towards texters.

Here are some statistics as to why texting is so dangerous:

* When a driver texts while driving, his reaction time will decrease by 35%
* When texting, steering capability goes down by a tremendous amount; 91%.
* A driver is twenty three times more likely to get into a car accident while driving and texting.
* Drivers are also six times as likely to get into a car accident while dialing a number into their cellular devices.

This recklessness has caused numerous car accidents and death related incidents in the driving age group of 16-20, the largest texting demographic. Not to mention that teens that age are already more prone to crash even without texting, when on the road, these teens are dangerous to everyone else on the road; pedestrian and driver alike. This negligence may cause you or your loved ones to be injured on the road.

-Denea Duran

Photo Credit: kdtoptometry.com
Content Credit: http://textinganddrivingstatistics.com/