Free Days - https://scfd.org/find-culture/free-days/
Denver Zoo – Sunday, 2/6
Denver Museum of Nature and Science – Monday 2/7, and Sunday 2/27
Denver Botanic Gardens at York St. and Chatfield Farms – Thursday, 2/17
Denver Art Museum – Tuesday, 2/8
Snow Goose Festival, Lamar, CO, 2/3 – 2/6. Lots of outdoor activities, tours, talks, and exploring. https://highplainssnowgoose.com/schedule-of-events
Steamboat Winter Carnival, 2/9 -2/13. Ski jumping, contests, ice sculptures, dance parties and more at this annual event to curb cabin fever.
https://www.steamboatchamber.com/events/annual-events/steamboat-winter-carnival/
Colorado Garden and Home Show, 2/12 -2/20. The big guy downtown with gardens, demonstrations, and everything you need for home improvement. https://www.coloradogardenfoundation.org/colorado-garden-home-show/
I am fully vaxxed but am somewhat incredulous at how all the focus is on vaccinating our way out of this pandemic without addressing the dismal truth of how unhealthy we are as a nation.
With obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases at record levels shouldn’t we be paying a little more attention to our daily habits? With the virus zeroing in on people with underlying health issues we need to put a lot more focus on how to lead lifestyles that support health and immunity instead of just developing a new pill or new vaccination, complete with side effects, to address our taxed-out systems.
Here are some easy things you can do right now to improve your health and well being:
- Hydrate. Your body is 60% water. Your body needs water to keep joints lubricated, prevent infections, eliminate waste, get nutrients to cells, and is imperative for brain function, restful sleep, and general disposition. The recommended dose is ½ your body weight in ounces daily. Red Bull, coffee, and mojitos don’t count here, they cause you to lose more water. Start by drinking a full glass of water on rising, when you are dehydrated from sleep, before coffee or tea. Keep a water bottle handy and take sips throughout the day. Your body will thank you.
- Diet. What you feed your body is your fuel. If you are feeding it pop tarts, diet coke, and pizza, you are heading for the junkyard. My favorite diet is the Mediterranean, it is balanced, easy to achieve, and scientifically proven to be good for you. Check out a summary here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/mediterranean-diet/art-20047801
- Sleep. It is becoming ever clearer how important sleep is to our daily functioning. The majority of people in the US are sleep deficient. I don’t believe in the one-size-fits-all of 8 hours, I feel great if I can achieve 6 ½. Check out this podcast from a Stanford sleep expert for guidance. https://www.buzzsprout.com/915949/7836754
- Stress. A huge subject and a source of much of our dis-ease. Decide what isn’t working in your life be it work, relationships, health, addictions, and actually do something about it. Start with small steps and move on from there. Ask for help, get therapy, get a plan. Be your own best friend and do something about it.
Get moving. So tempting to spend our lives in front of all our available screens. We are a nature deficient society and it is affecting us in many unhealthy ways. Try to get outside in the sun, (or clouds), daily, if only for a little while. Check out these 22 free workouts you can do at home. https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/free-home-workouts/?mc_cid=8ab064c874&mc_eid=26a0a66f60
Have you had an exciting drive on icy/snow-packed roads lately? With the crazy weather extremes that are happening all over the globe, you will feel so much better if you are prepared for roads that can change from sunbaked and clear to skating rinks in a few hours time.
Here are some items you don’t want to be without:
- A sturdy, preferably long, ice scraper and brush. I also put an old broom in the car. Great for large accumulations. Make sure to brush off the top of your car so the snow doesn’t slide off in a large blinding sheet while you’re on the highway.
- Snow shovel – no room? You can use a dustpan in a pinch.
- Warm blanket – I keep a wool army blanket in the car in case I get stuck in a road closure jam and need to turn off the car.
- Warm clothing – I always keep an extra hat, waterproof gloves, scarf, waterproof jacket, rain pants, socks, and snow boots in a grocery bag in the back. This can be so reassuring if you get stranded.
- A covered receptacle for bladder emergencies. Last week my neighbor got stuck in a 4-hour traffic jam between 2 highway exits. She told me she was so grateful she had an empty drink container for her full bladder. Easier for guys but women can maneuver. A plastic trash bag for spills couldn’t hurt.
- Water and a snack or two is a good idea, especially with kids In the car.
- Windshield washer fluid
- Cat litter for traction if you get stuck.
- First aid kit – good to have year-round
- Working flashlight
- Also keep your gas above a ½ tank, full is better for storm days, and make sure you have good windshield wipers.
After taking a couple of solo cross-country road trips in the winter I can’t tell you how essential these precautions turn out to be.