Unique Ways To Celebrate Valentine's Day

Best Flu Hacks

Valentine’s Day is an opportunity for couples to celebrate their love for each other, whether their relationship is relatively new or has endured through many years.

The National Retail Federation estimates that Americans are expected to spend close to $20 billion on Valentine’s Day this year. While chocolates and champagne are high on the list of most-purchased items for February 14th, couples should not feel beholden to tradition on Valentine’s Day. This year may be the perfect time to try something new, even if it’s out of couples’ comfort zones. Here are some novel ideas for couple’s looking to set their celebrations apart.

• Paint and sip:Couples can take part in a growing trend this Valentine’s Day. At paintand-sip events, people are guided step-bystep through the process of painting their own masterpieces. Breaks are provided through the evening to indulge in beverages and snacks of choice. Couples can bring along a bottle or two of wine and a platter of cheeses, chocolates or other Valentine’s Day fare.

• Activity night: Couples who are naturally competitive or devoted sports fans can enjoy the evening by engaging in some healthy competition. Some restaurants host trivia nights, or couples can head to

the nearest arcade and battle it out. Panic and escape rooms are cropping up in towns across the country. These employ 60-minute real-life experiences in which participants must solve clues to escape the room. This can be a great bonding experience for fun-loving couples.

• Chef lessons:Although some couples may dine out on Valentine’s Day, men and women who like to dabble in culinary arts can prepare their own meals from the comforts of their own kitchens. Others may want to enroll in classes that provide expert instruction from area chefs or culinary instructors. Cooking classes can be an ideal way to spend time together learning skills that can be put to use again and again.

• Adventures:Couples who like to push the envelope can explore the possibilities of thrill-seeking activities. Some may include bungee-jumping, hot-air balloon rides, taking laps at the racetrack, or hitting the ski slopes.

Valentine’s Day might be a time for romance, but couples should not hesitate to buck tradition and spend the day together engaging in activities that accommodate their interests.

Every Traveler Should Know

While everyone wants to make the most of their vacation, travel can do a number on one’s health, and during flu season, the risk of feeling unwell is even higher. Feel your best with these tips:

• Flu levels increase during winter because people spend more time in enclosed spaces together touching surfaces and breathing “shared” air. Traveling only amplifies this. Reduce your chances of swapping germs by avoiding contact with shared items. For example, don’t put your face directly on airline-supplied pillows or blankets that haven’t been sanitized.

• Ironically, just when handwashing is most vital -- while traveling -- it becomes less convenient. Carry handwipes and sanitizers and use them when you can’t wash your hands. More importantly, avoid rubbing your eyes or nose.

• An airplane cabin’s dry air accommodates the growth of viruses that thrive on low humidity. Additionally, travelers often refrain from hydrating to avoid frequent bathroom trips. Yet, when mucous membranes are dry, they can’t keep germs at bay. A general rule is to drink at least 8 ounces of water for every hour in the air. Under the weather? Drink more than the daily recommended 8-10 cups to prevent dehydration caused by fever, loosen mucus, keep your throat moist and lessen the chance of the virus’ success.

“I recommend that travelers keep Oscillococcinum on-hand: an easy-to-take, non-drowsy medicine that can be used for anyone ages 2 and up,” says Dr. Ken Redcross, a board-certified physician in internal medicine and author of “Bond: The 4 Cornerstones of a Lasting and Caring Relationship with Your Doctor.” “It works best when taken at the first sign of flu, so it’s important to pay close attention to symptoms.” To learn more, visit Oscillo.com.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Voyagerix / iStock via Getty Images Plus

• Getting medical attention away from home is tough. Travel smart with over-the-counter products that are homeopathic and easy to use. Some, like Oscillococcinum, are good to pack in your carry-on so you can take at the first sign of symptoms. Though these uses have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, clinical studies show that Oscillococcinum reduces the duration and severity of flu symptoms such as body aches, headache, fever, chills and fatigue. Widely available in supermarkets and drugstores, this flu medicine is taken without water, making it an ideal travel remedy. • Will you arrive in time to make your connection? What if you forgot to pack Aunt Ethel’s present? There’s no doubt that travel can cause stress, which research has shown can increase susceptibility to flu and even increase the severity of symptoms. Being flexible, prepared and building extra time into your schedule can make for stress-free travel.

• Exercise boosts energy and immunity, so don’t take a vacation from workouts while traveling. Pack workout wear and carve out time for exercise.

• Unusual travel schedules, unfamiliar beds and crossing time zones can disrupt a sleep schedule. Get plenty of rest before your trip to keep your body’s natural defenses at optimum levels.

WHAT IS EGRESS? egresspros.com Google NASSAU #151602 * SUFFOLK #H-54832 * EAST HAMPTON #9447-2018 * SOUTHAMPTON #L005047 * NYC #2062472-DCA $500 OFF WITH THIS AD EXPIRES 4/30/20 NOT TO BE COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS

X

P

P

LICENSED & INSURED

516-224-7576

100% FINANCE AVAILABLE W/ APPROVED CREDIT

NEW YEAR...NEW CAREER! ARE YOU TIRED OF THAT SAME OLD JOB? WE HAVE OPENINGS FOR SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS Don’t miss an opportunity for a great job where you can serve your community and make good money doing it. We provide the training you need to obtain your commercial drivers license. NEW STARTING SALARIES BIG BUS $21.53/Hr Benefi t Rate $23.53/Hr *Non-Benefi t Rate *Available after 90 days of employment VAN $18.76/Hr Benefi t Rate $20.76/Hr *Non-Benefi t Rate *Available after 90 days of employment

SIGN ON BONUS $2,500 FOR CDL DRIVER BUS AND VAN $500 FOR NON CDL DRIVERS WILL TRAIN QUALIFIED APPLICANTS

WE OFFER: Flexible Hours • 401k Plans With Matching Funds Health Insurance Life Insurance • Emergency Family Leave • Safety & Attendance Bonus Twice A Year RETIREES WELCOME! • EASY TO DRIVE VANS • FREE CDL TRAINING EDUCATIONAL BUS TRANSPORTATION 631.789.2300 CALL TODAY

POSITIONS AVAILABLE FOR NASSAU AND SUFFOLK