Woman stretching
(NAPSI)—You may be feeling stressed during these challenging times, but stress can affect your physical and emotional health. Learn how to manage your stress so that you can stay healthy and cope with life’s challenges.
What is stress?
Stress is how your brain and body respond to a challenge. Any type of challenge—such as performance at work or school, a significant life change, or a traumatic event—can be stressful.
Your body reacts to stress by releasing hormones. These hormones make your brain more alert, cause your muscles to tense, and increase your pulse. In the short term, these reactions are good because they can help you handle the situation causing stress. This is your body’s way of protecting itself. However, too much stress all at once or over time (chronic stress) can threaten your health.
Everyone experiences stress from time to time, but your response to stress may be different. Some people may experience headaches or an upset stomach. Others may get muscle aches or chest pain. Stress can also disturb your sleep, reducing your energy and making it tough to keep active when awake. In addition, stress can lead to weight loss or weight gain. Over time, stress can contribute to serious health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other illnesses, including mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.
Managing stress through fitness, healthy eating, and relaxing activities
Regular physical activity, healthy food and beverages, and other positive activities may help you relieve stress and stay on track with improving your health.
Physical activity may help you start feeling better right away. It can help boost your mood and improve your sleep. In addition, physical activity adds to strength and stamina, which can help you manage stressful situations.
Physical activity doesn’t have to mean long workouts. Short workouts, such as a set of sit-ups or stretches, can help relieve stress. Try adding a new activity to your daily routine, such as walking around the block or up and down stairs a few times. Partner with a friend or neighbor to help you stay on track.
Consuming healthy meals, beverages, and snacks in moderation can be another way to protect yourself against stress. Preparing or purchasing foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, low-fat proteins, and foods without added sugars or fats can give you energy and keep you feeling good.
Learn to recognize what triggers your stress response and identify ways to help you manage it. Other ways to help you manage stress may be to meditate, engage in your favorite hobby, limit your time on social media, volunteer, or connect with people who can provide emotional support.
Visit the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website to learn more about physical activity, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and other behaviors to help you manage your stress. Visit the National Institute of Mental Health website to learn more about stress.
by Samantha Clayton, certified personal trainer
(NAPSI)—For many people, social distancing brings concern about summer plans. In previous years, summertime was when families planned their vacations. The kids would be out of school, the weather could be fantastic, and the days are longer—allowing optimal time to venture to new places, catch some sun and spend more time with friends and families.
Since you may have already been spending a lot more time with your family then you ever imagined due to coronavirus outbreak, you may be looking for ways to keep your family entertained. Between possibly working from home, managing your kids’ schoolwork and maintaining a functioning household, this time probably hasn’t felt much like a vacation.
Social distancing guidelines are likely to remain in effect in many places during the summer. Activities and entertainment options, lodging, and dining will be affected. The good news is, you really don’t have to totally give up on enjoying the summer at home with your family. Here are some tips to make your staycation exciting for the whole family: Continue reading
(NAPSI)—According to Darrell Smith, executive director of the International Window Film Association, window film makes a lot of sense for homeowners eager to save money on their energy bills.
“Solar-control films can block as much as 80 percent of the solar heat coming through glass into a building, decrease the heat load on the air-conditioning system and reduce energy costs,” Smith says.
With more people working and studying from home, window film allows in abundant natural sunlight while blocking 99 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays to better protect the skin (from possible cancer) and eyes (from cataract development), while reducing the fading of floors and furnishings. Smith estimates that 40 to 60 percent of color fading is caused by UV exposure. Windows may also be upgraded for safety, as window film helps to hold glass pieces together if the window is impacted and broken.
For even a 3,000 square foot home, window film may be installed in a day or less with minimal disruption. Window film installers clean the glass before installation, keep the work space clean and practice safe contact as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Find a local dealer/installer at www.iwfa.com.
(NAPSI)—If you’re looking for a healthy start to your day, give California Sweet potato Blueberry Yogurt Muffins a try. Chock full of nutrient-dense ingredients such as blueberries, yogurt and whole wheat, these powerhouse muffins have a secret ingredient: shredded California sweet potatoes. A designated superfood, California sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber. Plus, they keep the muffins moist and tender and add just the right amount of sweetness.
Bake a dozen (or more) and store in individual bags in the freezer for a healthy portable breakfast the entire household will enjoy.
California Sweet potato Blueberry Yogurt Muffins
Makes 24 regular or 10 jumbo muffins
4 large eggs
1 1/2 c plain yogurt
1/2 c butter, melted
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 c all-purpose flour
1 1/2 c whole wheat flour
2 c shredded sweet potatoes
1 c sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 c blueberries
Preheat oven to 375° F. Coat muffin tins with nonstick spray.
In large bowl, whisk eggs, yogurt, butter and vanilla. In medium bowl, combine flours, sweetpotatoes, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix flour mixture into egg mixture. Gently stir in blueberries.
Divide batter between 24 regular or 10 jumbo muffin cups. Bake until golden brown and set, about 25 minutes for regular muffins or 30 for jumbo.
(NAPSI)—Cleaner air can improve public health, maybe even save lives. Fortunately, renewable energy resources—wind, sun, hydropower and the like—are now producing more electricity than coal. That’s where innovative energy storage solutions come in. They help create a cleaner world, encouraging investment into clean, green, renewable energy. To help, engineers and policymakers are increasingly turning their attention to energy storage solutions. New bi-partisan efforts in states such as New York and the Trump administration are in alignment to support new energy storage technologies that drastically improve the economics of wind and solar projects.
The global rise in electricity generation from renewable sources has led to increased demand for advanced batteries that can be used to firm up this intermittent supply. This requirement is particularly important in areas where grid connections may be tenuous, unreliable or even non-existent. Additional demand for advanced batteries is presented by grid applications such as peak-shifting and Transmission and Distribution (T&D) capital deferral.
Energy storage systems provide many ways to manage the power supply for a more resilient energy infrastructure, and bring cost savings to utilities and consumers. Batteries allow the use of electricity whenever it’s needed, not only when it’s generated. However, traditional battery economics and performance have not proved helpful as utilities look to increase renewable penetration through long-duration energy storage.
The Problem
One of the challenges to growing a North American energy storage industry, however, has been a dependency on a supply chain of hardware components, metals and chemicals, many of which come from outside North America. As well, metals such as lithium and vanadium used in some batteries are impacted by price volatility and security of supply.
An Answer
Those same risks do not apply to zinc-air batteries. Zinc is abundant and inexpensive, with a significant North American supply. Its chemistry is robust and safe. A zinc-air battery has decoupled energy and power, making it one of the lowest-cost long-duration battery storage solutions available.
A safer, cleaner future requires less polluted air which means replacement of carbon-based power generation with renewable, sustainable sources of electricity. Long-duration, low-cost energy storage systems such as zinc-air will be a key driver to a quicker path towards a greener future. A “bet” on energy storage is a wager that will deliver a cleaner planet that will thrive for current and future generations, suggests Ron MacDonald, president and CEO of Zinc8 Energy Solutions, the leader in zinc-air battery technology, a unique flow battery technology using zinc and air as fuel.
Learn more
You can find further facts and stats on energy storage at www.zinc8energy.com.
(NAPSI)—From a World War I veteran who lost both legs to a Vietnam vet suffering the effects of Agent Orange to a young Marine with post-traumatic stress disorder finding her way after returning home from Afghanistan—many of America’s veterans live with physical, mental and emotional injuries that impact their lives as a result of military service. They often need support with things such as navigating the complex Department of Veterans Affairs system to access veterans benefits, including health care and education benefits or identifying employment opportunities after military service. And because of their service-connected health conditions, they can be particularly vulnerable during health epidemics and economic downturns.
Fortunately, DAV (Disabled American Veterans) has been providing a century of care to help disabled veterans of all generations adjust to life back home. For the last 100 years, this nonprofit organization has offered a range of services from assisting veterans in accessing the benefits earned through their service to finding meaningful employment and supporting their families. DAV has continued to evolve and provide new care as veterans’ needs have changed. However, one tradition remains a constant: DAV’s services are provided to veterans and their families at no cost or obligation to them. Continue reading
“These are our parents, grandparents of our children, friends and neighbors, who are too valuable to risk losing to a virus that can be prevented if precautions are taken,” said Lander. “Younger adults are becoming infected with the virus in our community and passing it on to older adults they contact at home, at work, at the store, or elsewhere in the community.”
Older adults must take steps to protect themselves from COVID-19
– Wash your hands often
– Avoid crowds and large gatherings, especially in venues with poor ventilation.
– Don’t shake hands with people.
– Keep at least six feet between you and other people.
– Stay away from people who may be sick.
– Wear cloth face coverings in public places.
– Try shopping during off-hours—later on weeknights or earlier on weekends—when crowds at stores are lower.
– Avoid touching “high-touch” surfaces: elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, etc.
– Find out if family or friends have been sick in the past two weeks BEFORE they visit. If they have been sick, reschedule at least two weeks out.
– If you depend on regular medical treatment like dialysis, wound care, etc., talk to your health care provider about special arrangements.
– Create a contact list of family, friends, neighbors, health care providers, community assistance programs and drivers. Make sure phone numbers are up to date.
– Stay in touch with the people on your list and let them know you may need them for help if you become sick.
Post Date: 07/23/2020 5:46 PM
OCALA, Fla. (July 23, 2020) – City of Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn, will launch a monthly newsletter to provide an overview of his community engagement and updates from the Ocala Police Department.
The newsletter will be available the third Friday of each month, with the inaugural issue launching Friday, July 24.
The community is encouraged to subscribe to the newsletter by signing up online at https://www.ocalafl.org/services/advanced-components/enotification.
For more information, please contact the Office of the Mayor at 352-401-3977.
OCALA, Fla. (July 16, 2020) – The Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA), in partnership with the City of Ocala, has made the decision to reschedule the Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series to 2021 due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, including restrictions for attending public gatherings in Florida, community reservations about attending public events, and the limited resources to execute the event. After conversations with series partners, including the Levitt Foundation, the series is being slated for 2021 to provide time to overcome the effects of COVID-19 and to secure additional resources.
In addition to the important objective of safeguarding the health of the community, the long-term sustainability of the series was also considered. Moving forward, the series will need to secure additional resources to continue the level of performances the community has come to expect and enjoy. The Levitt Foundation has committed to continued grant support of the Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series in 2021, and the City and MCA are working on additional resources to support the series. Organizations interested in supporting the series through volunteerism or sponsorship should contact Ocala Cultural Arts at 352-629-8447 or artinfo@ocalafl.org.
“Marion Cultural Alliance is the nonprofit partner of the Levitt AMP Music Series and supports the decision by the City to postpone the popular free music series until next spring,” said Jaye Baillie, Marion Cultural Alliance Executive Director. “This decision did not come easily as this concert series, now in its fourth year, is loved by thousands of friends, families, and neighbors who enjoy this free concert series. However, the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic is driving the decision. We want to ensure the people of our community, including the attendees, performing artists, sponsors, community partners, vendors and dedicated staff remain safe.”
To stay up-to-date on Levitt AMP Ocala, visit www.ocalafl.org/levittamp or follow @LevittAMPOcala on Facebook or Instagram.
Post Date: 07/10/2020 2:43 PM
OCALA, Fla. (July 10, 2020) – In order to accommodate a road resurfacing project, lane closures will be in place along North Magnolia Avenue, from State Road 40 to NE Fifth Street Monday, July 20 through Saturday, October 17.
All necessary devices will be in place to redirect traffic. Construction will take place Mondays through Fridays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with Saturdays reserved for weather delays. During construction times travelers may experience delays, noise, dust, and heavy equipment within the project areas.
For more information, please contact the City Engineer’s Office, Capital Projects Division at 352-629-8419.
