Valley Rural Life 2019

JUNE 2019

Why you need a hammock or hanging chair 

Get fired up about campfire cooking



Kid-friendly weekend getaways in the great outdoors



And more!

Le Sueur County News | St. Peter Herald

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Valley Rural Life

June 2019

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RURAL LIFE

A special publication of the Le Sueur County News and St. Peter Herald Media Consultants Kathleen Davies Missy Daschner Gayle Stelten

Publisher Chad Hjellming

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How to get outside more on weeknights (Metro) Sunny days and warm weather beckon us to the great outdoors. A day spent in the pool or lounging around the patio is a great way to embrace the relaxing spirit of summer. But those who want to go the extra relaxing miles should consider adding a hammock or swinging chair to their backyard oasis.

Hammocks and swinging chairs make great investments.

Outdoor enthusiasts can take them on camping trips, and they’re equally at home right in the backyard. People on the fence about these symbols of relaxation can consider these benefits of hammocks or swinging chairs.

time presents itself, the sun and the fresh air can induce a deep sense of relaxation. Lying on a hammock or floating in a hanging chair provides that additional soothing rocking motion that can make a cat nap even more enticing.

Use it indoors or outdoors

Create a retreat in any corner of your yard or home. A hanging chair can be hung in the corner of a bedroom to provide a spot to curl up with a good book or rock a baby to sleep. The same chair can be brought to a covered deck or patio so people can swing with the breeze when the weather allows.

Super stargazing retreat Nap comfortably outdoors Hammocks and swinging Who needs an excuse to chairs can make it easier and catch up on missing sleep? If the more comfortable to stargaze at

night. With a double hammock or chair, bring a romantic partner along to snuggle and watch the cosmos. Or teach children about the constellations in the night sky.

Be inconspicuous among nature Lying on the ground disturbs the lawn and other outdoor components. Being suspended several inches above the ground in a chair or a hammock can help a person blend in with the natural environment. Birds, small animals and insects may not even know you’re there, and that can make them easier to observe.

Everyone can appreciate the opportunity to sit back and relax. Hammocks and swinging chairs can help a person feel lighter than air and recharge in the warm summer air.

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(Metro) There are numerous benefits to spending time outdoors. Various studies have indicated that spending time outdoors can, among other things, improve short-term memory, relieve stress and reduce inflammation.

Opportunities to get outside can be hard to come by, especially on weeknights. But the following are a handful of ways that people from all walks of life can spend more time outdoors even after the weekend has come and gone.

• Walk off your dinner.

After eating dinner, resist the temptation to hit the couch. Instead of channel surfing, go for a walk around your neighborhood. Doing so is a great way to get outside on a weeknight, and a 2008 study from researchers in Germany found that people who walked at a slow pace on a treadmill after eating a large meal digested their food more quickly than those who consumed an espresso or an alcoholic digest if after eating.

• Join a sports league. Rec-

reational sports provide a great opportunity for athletes of all skill levels to spend more time outside. The effects of recreational sports on overall fitness vary depending on a host of factors, including the individual and the sport he or she chooses to play. However, recreational sports provide a great opportunity to increase your social circle and foster relationships within your community. Having a

WEEKNIGHTS Continued on page 7

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Valley Rural Life

(Metro) Weekend getaways in the great outdoors can be a great way for families to break from the norm and spend some quality time together while getting some fresh air. Such trips are popular, as the U.S. Travel Association notes that nearly three out of four domestic trips are taken for leisure purposes.

Families looking to get away from home on weekends often look for activities or locales that appeal to kids and parents alike while getting everyone out of the house. The following are a handful of outdoor getaway ideas the whole family can enjoy.

• Hiking: By 2015, the United States was home to nearly 240,000 miles of hiking trails on

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federal and state lands. Hiking opportunities also are abundant in Canada, where the 2016 General Social Survey found that 44 percent of Canadians go hiking in a given year, making it the country’s most popular outdoor activity. Hiking is a rewarding, healthy hobby that also happens to be free, which can be especially appealing to budget-conscious parents. When exploring potential hiking destinations, parents should look for parks with kid-friendly trails. Many parks have paved trails on flat surfaces, which are ideal for families with small children.

• Rivers/lakes: Escaping to a nearby river or lake for a day on the water can make for a memo-

June 2019

rable, family-friendly getaway.

Look for activities like fishing and bring your own rods or rent from nearby bait and tackle shops. If cruising is more your family’s style, look for boat tours that offer a chance to explore local history while giving the whole family a chance to relax on a boat and soak up some sun.

• Zoo/aquarium: According to the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, there are more than 220 accredited zoos and aquariums in the United States and Canada. That makes it easy for families that live just about anywhere to plan day trips to local zoos, where they can spend the day soaking up some sun and marveling at exotic wildlife. Zoos

and aquariums with outdoor exhibits make for wonderful, family-friendly weekend getaways.

• Theme parks: Theme parks make for a great weekend getaways for families. Many theme parks even offer rides and attractions for young children, but parents should call ahead to confirm this before planning their trips.

Weekend getaways are great ways for families to spend time in the great outdoors and take advantage of local attractions.

With some simple investigation, families might find there are lots of local attractions within driving distance of their homes.

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June 2019

Valley Rural Life

(Metro) Summer fun routinely involves days spent soaking up some of the sun’s rays.

Relaxing days at the beach, barbecues in the backyard or picnics at the park can make for fun summer activities that create lasting memories.

- While spending time in the great outdoors is a great way eto take advantage of summer -weather, it’s important that revelyers take steps to prevent sunburn dwhen spending days beneath the ,hot summer sun. Sunburns may dseem temporary, but the Skin gCancer Foundation notes that sunburn can cause long-lasting tskin damage. In addition, the eSCF notes that a person’s risk for emelanoma, the most dangerous .form of skin cancer, doubles if ,he or she has had more than five ssunburns.

- It can take several hours to notice the full damage of a sunburn, though some people may notice mild symptoms of sun-

burn more quickly than that. The SCF recommends that people get out of the sun at the first sign of sunburn, and then take the following steps to treat their skin.

• Cool the skin down quickly. People sitting near cool water, whether it’s the ocean or a backyard pool, should take a quick dip to cool their skin.

Make this dip quick so your skin is not further exposed to the sun.

After taking a dip, cover up your skin and get out of the sun, continuing to cool the skin with a cold compress. Do not apply ice directly to sunburned skin. Some people may want to take a cool shower or bath after suffering a sunburn. While that’s alright, the SCF recommends keeping the bath or shower short, as long baths or showers can dry the skin, and avoiding harsh soap that can be irritating.

• Moisturize skin while it’s still damp. Apply a gentle moisturizing lotion while the

skin is still damp, and continue doing so to affected areas for a few days. Avoid petroleum- or oil-based ointments, as they can trap the heat and make burns worse.

• Decrease inflammation.

A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) like aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen can help sunburned men and women manage the pain and discomfort associated with their sunburns.

Symptoms such as redness and swelling may be mitigated with a 1 percent over-the-counter cortisone cream applied as directed for a few days.

• Wear the right clothing.

Tight clothing can rub up against sunburned skin and irritate it even further. Until sunburned skin returns to normal, wear loose, soft and breathable clothing to keep irritation to a minimum.

• Make a conscious effort to stay hydrated. Sunburns

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draw fluid to the surface of skin, taking it away from the rest of the body. So it’s important that men and women who have suffered a sunburn make a conscious effort to drink more fluids until their skin heals so they can avoid becoming dehydrated.

• Report severe sunburns to a physician. Symptoms of severe sunburn include blistering of the skin, fever, chills, wooziness, and/or feelings of confusion. Report such symptoms to a physician immediately, and avoid popping blisters, as doing so can lead to infection.

Sunburns can always be avoided. Men, women and children planning to spend time in the sun should take every measure to avoid sunburn, which can produce long-lasting damage to the skin.

Applying moisturizer to damp skin can help men and women reduce irritation resulting from sunburn.

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Valley Rural Life

June 2019

Catch and release for beginning anglers

(Metro) Fishing is one of the most popular recreational pursuits in North America. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service says around 40 million people fish each year. Fishing can be an ideal way to spend time in the great outdoors, and people often bond with family and friends while fishing.

As any angler can attest, there’s a rush that comes from getting a small tug on the line and then reeling in a fish. At this point, fishermen must decide if the fish is a keeper or should be tossed back into the water. Sometimes the answer is very clear. Rivers and lakes across the world are managed by various organizations that serve to protect wildlife and natural resources. Rules may be in place regarding the sizes of fish that can be kept, which species are safe and which are protected, and even when people can fish.

In a study led by researchers with the U.S. Geological Survey that was published in the journal Fisheries, thousands of distinct

populations of fish were studied.

Researchers determined that as many as four out of 10 freshwater species in North America are in danger of approaching extinction.

As a result, fishing is regulated

by Fish and Wildlife officers and game wardens.

Those who are new to fishing or to a particular region must learn and follow the rules regarding fishing. Fishing licenses are typically required to fish in a given state or area. Always speak with a licensing agency about size restrictions and any other rules regarding species of fish. Also learn about which methods of fishing are legal. Drag nets or other methods of mass fish collection or luring the fish with lights or other equipment may be prohibited.

Learning how to safely catch and release fish if the need arises also is an essential component of responsible fishing. When done correctly, catch-and-release methods can ensure high survival rates and preserve native fish populations. The National Park Service

advises those who fish to follow these tips.

• Avoid fishing when conditions are stressful for fish, such as when water temperatures are high.

• Use equipment that enables one to land the fish quickly without struggle.

• Avoid the use of scents and artificial baits that encourage fish to swallow hooks. Learn which bait are prohibited in certain bodies of water. Artificial lures that hook the fish in the lip are preferred.

• Avoid playing with the fish to exhaustion.

• Keep the fish wet and calm, and treat it gently to remove the hook. Hold the fish underwater and allow it to ventilate before release so it can regain its swimming strength.

Fishing is a popular sport and can be enjoyed responsibly.

Learn more about fishing regulations at www.nps.gov/subjects/ fishing/index.

Learn when to keep a fish or toss it back, and how to do so to safely preserve species

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June 2019

(Metro) Camping season revs up when the temperature warms. In a recent survey by Kampgrounds of America, Inc., the main reasons people say they go camping are to reconnect with nature, spend time with family and friends and reduce stress and relax.

The roughly 40 million people who go camping in the United States each year also may have food on their minds. Campfire cooking - which involves cooking over an open fire and eating outdoors - makes camping that much more enjoyable for many people.

Campfire cooking is about simplicity of ingredients and ease of cooking. Chances are campers do not want to lug too many cooking instruments to the campsite, so ingredients that are portable and can cook quickly over an open fire are attractive. Cast iron skillets, grills and Dutch ovens often are the gear of choice. Here are some delicious campfire meals to try on your next camping trip.

Campfire Casserole Mix your favorite ground meat (beef, chicken or pork) with kidney beans and cubed bacon (leftover from breakfast works well). Add barbecue sauce

Valley Rural Life

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Dining al fresco is a great way for busy families to spend more time outdoors on weeknights.

WEEKNIGHTS Continued from page 3

or diced tomatoes, depending on your preference. Allow to simmer in a Dutch oven on low for 45 minutes to an hour. Season to taste. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, place refrigerated biscuits over the top of the casserole, cover and cook until the biscuits are done.

oil on the bottom of a cast iron skillet. Spread refrigerated pizza dough out on the skillet. Cover with pizza sauce, cheese and favorite toppings and cook over the fire until the cheese boils and the crust browns.

Campsite Cobbler

Line a Dutch oven with aluminum foil. Mix together a yellow cake mix, 1 1/4 cups water and 1/2 cup canola oil and pour over two cans of a favorite pie filling flavor in the pot. Prepare the campfire for low heat.

Put the Dutch oven in the ashes and cover with remaining ash or charcoal briquettes. Cook until bubbly, around 30 to 40 minutes.

Seafood No-Boil

Cut foil sheets about 12 inches long. Add 5 to 6 shrimp, one quarter of an ear of corn, a few slices of smoked andouille sausage, a lemon slice, and seasonings to taste. Fold the foil packets carefully to seal in the ingredients. Place the packets on a grill over the campfire and allow to cook for around 10 to 15 minutes.

Campfire cooking is delicious, and few things can beat Skillet Pizza eating tasty foods under an open Place a little cornmeal and sky.

strong network in your community, and being a strong presence within that network, can get you out of the house more often than you might if you do not participate in recreational sports.

• Coach or counsel local youths. Today’s youngsters are busier than ever. Sports leagues and organizations catering to

active youngsters are always in need of coaches, counselors or adult leaders. Volunteering with such organizations, in particular those that encourage youngsters to spend time outdoors, is a great way for adults to get outside on nights when they would otherwise stay indoors.

• Dine al fresco. When the weather permits, eat as many meals as possible outdoors.

Whether you cook out in the backyard and dine on your patio

or patronize a nearby al fresco restaurant, eating meals outside is an effective way to enjoy the great outdoors on weeknights. In addition, dining out away from distractions like television can foster interesting conversations and allow families to stay up-todate with one another.

Spending more time outdoors on weeknights is a great way to reap the many benefits nature and fresh air have to offer.

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Valley Rural Life

June 2019

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