Wellness and Sustainability Tips: 8/10/12
By: Lauren McLendon
Wellness and Sustainability Tips are selected from the UMD “FYI” Listserv system. The “FYI” Listserv provides general announcements and information on programs of particular interest to the faculty and staff of the University of Maryland.
I. Wellness
- Beat the heat
“Prevent illness by avoiding excessive heat during summer heat waves. Be aware of the weather forecast, and try to plan any potentially strenuous outdoor activities around the temperatures. Do yard work in the early morning. Go on that daily run in the evening, as the temperatures start to cool down. Wear light-colored, loose fitting clothing that breathes. Drink plenty of water.
Be aware of the early symptoms of heat illness: thirst, excessive sweating, fatigue, muscle cramps, dizziness, confusion, and nausea. If you, or someone you’re with, experiences these symptoms in hot weather, move immediately to a cooler area, re-hydrate, keep skin cool and damp, and use fans to help lower body temperature.”
II. Sustainability
- Maintain a healthy lawn and save the bay
“Nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus, are key ingredients in lawn fertilizer. When it rains, excess nutrients can wash off your lawn and into the streams and rivers that feed the Chesapeake Bay. Once in our waterways, excess fertilizers fuel the growth of algae blooms that block sunlight from reaching Bay grasses, rob the water of oxygen and threaten underwater life. Find great lawn care ideas and advice on using fertilizers responsibly at www.mda.state.md.us/pdf/Tip2.pdf.”
