13 minute read
Why Labor Day Is Worth Celebrating
Labor Day weekend is much anticipated. Many people look forward to Labor Day weekend because it offers one last extended break to enjoy summer weather. Though summer does not officially end until September is nearly over, for many people Labor Day, which is celebrated annually on the first Monday in September, marks the unofficial end of summer. Labor Day is more than just one final chance to embrace the relaxed vibe of summer and soak up some rays. In fact, Labor Day boasts a unique history that's worth celebrating for a variety of reasons.
What is Labor Day?
The United States Department of Labor notes that Labor Day is a celebration of American workers that dates back to the 19th century. The day is meant to commemorate the contributions workers in the United States have made to the nation, helping to make it one of the strongest and most prosperous countries in the world.
Who Came Up With The Idea Of Labor Day?
Despite the fact that municipal legislation surrounding Labor Day was initially introduced in the 1880s, debate remains as to just who should be credited with proposing a day to honor American workers. Some records suggest that Peter J. McGuire, who served as general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and cofounded the American Federation of Labor, deserves the credit for Labor Day. However, the Department of Labor notes that many people believe a machinist named Matthew Maguire (no relation to Peter) was the first to propose a holiday honoring workers in 1882. At that time Maguire was serving as secretary of New York's Central Labor Union, which later adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic. The first Labor Day was ultimately celebrated in New York City on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in accordance with the plans made by the Central Labor Union, which strongly suggests that Maguire does, in fact, deserve the credit for coming up with the holiday.
Why Celebrate Labor Day?
Labor Day is worth celebrating because, without the contributions of millions of workers every year, the United States would not be the success story it is and has been for more than 200 years. In addition to the United States, many countries across the globe, including Canada and Australia, have their own versions of Labor Day. Labor Day weekend might now be seen as the unofficial end of summer, but this Labor Day weekend, celebrants and workers should remember that Labor Day also should be a time to reflect on the value of hard work.
Did you know?
The employment outlook for women over the next several years is very good. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women predominate in many fields that projections suggest will have considerable openings through 2026. In its job openings projections that estimated openings between 2016 and 2026, the BLS found that 13 of the 20 occupations with the best employment outlook employed more women than men in 2016. Childcare workers, registered nurses, nursing assistants, and home health aides were all professions that were dominated by women, and the BLS anticipated that each profession would have considerable openings through 2026. The field of nursing figures to be especially good to women in the coming years, as the BLS estimated, in its recent "Occupational Outlook Handbook," that employment of registered nurses was projected to grow by 12 percent between 2018 and 2028. Registered nurses, 90 percent of whom are women according to the BLS, figure to benefit greatly from this rosy employment outlook.
How to Maintain a Car That’s Rarely Driven
Driving habits changed significantly in 2020. The outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 forced many professionals to work from home fulltime. In addition, stayat-home measures greatly limited how much people could or would travel in their free time. The result was a lot of cars spending a lot of time sitting idly in driveways. Just because a car is not being driven very much does not mean its owner can forgo vehicle maintenance. Drivers can take these steps to ensure their vehicles stay in shape even as they’re primarily staying in the driveway.
• Adhere to recommended maintenance
schedules. Auto manufacturers typically recommend maintenance schedules based on the number of miles a car is driven or the length of time since its most recent maintenance appointment. “Whichever comes first” may be recommended for fluid changes and routine tuneups, and this rule of thumb should still be followed. Even if a car has barely hit the road in recent months, its fluids, such as oil, are still aging and still need to be replaced.
• Turn the car on every so often.
Turning the car on, even if you only intend to let it sit idle in the driveway, keeps the vehicle components lubricated by allowing fluids to cycle their way through the engine. Turning the car on also ensures the battery stays fresh and doesn’t die, a lesson many drivers have learned the hard way during the COVID-19 outbreak.
• Disconnect the battery if necessary.
Drivers who own two vehicles or families who have only been using the family car in recent months can disconnect the batteries from their unused vehicles to prevent corrosion. Corrosion decreases battery life and performance. If drivers notice a white, green or blue covering around the battery terminals, posts or cables, corrosion is likely the culprit and the battery will need to be replaced.
• Take the car for a
spin.Driving a vehicle every so often is a great way to keep it running strong. Multicar families that tend to use the same car to shop for groceries or pick up takeout orders can periodically use their other car to run such errands. Cars are sitting in driveways more than ever before. Vehicle maintenance must remain a priority even for cars that rarely hit the open road.
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Family-friendly Outdoor Activities
Children who spend a lot of time outdoors benefit from exposure to nature in myriad ways, some of which may surprise even the most devoted outdoorsmen. According to a recent study published in the journal Human
Dimensions of Wildlife, fifth graders who attended school at a local prairie wetlands where lessons in science, math and writing were integrated in an experimental way had significantly stronger reading and writing skills than their peers who attended more traditional schools. Another study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that holding a class outdoors one day a week significantly improved the daily cortisol patterns of students, reducing their risk of stress and improving their ability to adapt to stress. Parents who want their children to reap the rewards of being exposed to the great outdoors can encourage educators to incorporate nature into school curriculums and also embrace these family-friendly outdoor activities. • Nature Treasure Hunt: A treasure hunt in nature can keep kids engaged on family hiking excursions and provide an excellent opportunity for parents to teach children about the assortment of plants, birds and wildlife that live in the parks and along the trails near their home. • Outdoor Art Class: Families don’t even need to leave their properties to spend quality time together outside. Pick a pleasant afternoon and set up an outdoor painting station, encouraging everyone to paint what they see. Fall is a great time to host an outdoor art sessions thanks to the assortment of vibrant colors that have become synonymous with autumn landscapes. • Bonfire: Outdoor activities need not be limited to daylight hours. A postdinner backyard bonfire can entice everyone outside, where families can tell scary stories as they make s’mores. • Stargaze: Stargazing is another way families can spend time outdoors and learn a few things at the same time. Some blankets, a thermos of hot cocoa and a chart of constellations can provide the perfect complement to a sky full of bright stars. If visibility is compromised in the backyard, find a local spot where everyone can get a clear view of the night sky. • Fruit picking: Apple picking is a popular autumn activity, but families need not wait for the autumn harvest to enjoy a day picking fruit or vegetables at a nearby farm. Visit a local farm during its harvest season, teaching children about how the foods they love are grown and eventually make it to the family dinner table.
How to Plan for Changing Weather
The allure of the great outdoors compels many people to hike, kayak, fish, and engage in myriad other activities in the fresh air. The call of nature can be difficult to ignore, but inclement weather can quickly turn a fun day under the sun into a race to escape the elements. Regardless of which activity is beckoning you to answer the call of the wild, a few simple safety measures should be taken to ensure your day is not derailed by sudden changes in the weather.
Do your homework prior to
traveling. The Department of Homeland Security advises travelers and outdoor recreation enthusiasts to learn about potentially severe weather in areas they plan to visit prior to beginning their trip. For example, if an area is vulnerable to tornadoes, learn about what to do in the wake of a tornado. The National Weather Service notes that emergency response protocols differ depending on the type of storm or severe weather. For example, what to do in the wake of a tornado differs from what to do when confronted by a flash flood. Familiarizing yourself with these response protocols can help you make it through unforeseen weather changes safely.
Take along an extra set of keys.
The NWS advises taking along an extra set of keys should your keys get lost due to inclement weather. The spare keys to a vehicle, for example, can help you escape inclement weather if your vehicle is still accessible and the roads are safe enough for travel. Without a backup set of keys, outdoor enthusiasts may find themselves stranded even if their vehicles can still run.
Create a communication plan with your family prior to leaving.
A predetermined communication plan can help family members keep in touch should the weather suddenly take a turn for the worse. Before embarking on a getaway, let loved ones who won't be joining you know exactly where you will be staying and how to reach you. This can make it easier for them to get you help should you need it.
Monitor local forecasts.
Changes in the weather can be sudden, so anyone planning to spend significant time outdoors should monitor local forecasts before and during their trips. This is especially important for travelers who will be visiting areas during certain times of
Families looking to spend more time together in the great outdoors can look to a number of activities people of all ages can enjoy.
year when inclement weather is normal. For example, travelers should be ready to postpone their plans if they will be visiting areas vulnerable to hurricanes during hurricane season.
Purchase travel insurance.
Insuring a trip with travel insurance can serve as a financial safety net if a trip is not possible due to inclement weather. With such a policy in hand, vacationers may not feel compelled to travel if the forecast is less than ideal. Inclement weather can threaten outdoor excursions, but outdoor enthusiasts can take various measures to protect themselves in the face of sudden or unforeseen changes in the weather.
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