7 Tips for Happy Campers

Solo camp. Group camp. Family camp. Church camp. It doesn’t matter if you’re in an air conditioned cabin or under the stars on a cot, there’s something about camping and outdoor retreats that does wonders for your soul. So, if you have been wondering about what to expect for an upcoming camping trip, you have come to the right place. This article will share basic tips and advice that will make your camping trip go off without a hitch.

1. Your sleeping bag should be seasonally appropriate. You don't want to sweat all night because you brought a sleeping bag that is suitable for winter in the middle of the summer. The opposite is true as well, as you need a good, heavy sleeping bag when you are going to be enduring very cold conditions. You could even experience hypothermia.
2. Try to get to the campsite well before nightfall. This allows you to get a feel for the lay of the land and gives you the opportunity to set up camp while you can still see what you are doing. In addition, it lets your children feel a little more comfortable with their surroundings because they will have time to explore.
3. Make sure that you avoid any venomous plants. A good way to do this is to stop at the ranger station and ask what kinds of poisonous plants are in the area so you can identify them if you come into contact with them on the trail. Never eat anything while hiking on the trail if you do not know it is edible.
4. Introduce yourselves to other families camping in your immediate area, as a means of being social and more apt to help each other out. If another crew arrives after you've set up, offer to help with their tent or equipment. If something goes awry during the trip for anyone, it's much easier to ask for help from somebody who was courteous enough to introduce themselves.
5. Make sure you are aware of what hospitals are close to your campsite and how to get to them. While you don't want to think about anything bad happening on your trip, it is a possibility. Certain injuries will necessitate a visit to the doctor, so it is best to know where to go before something happens, and you are in panic mode.
6. When it is time for you to go to sleep, it is a good idea to put the coolers that you brought along into your vehicle. Bears have become quite savvy these days and have figured out that these coolers usually carry food items and this will attract them to your campsite.
7. Remember to pack a camera. There are some memories you're going to want to capture on your camping trip. Bring along a small camera that can fit in your pocket. Try to pack something durable that could stand getting dropped or becoming a bit wet. Consider using a disposable camera.

Camping is a pretty simple outdoor excursion for just about anyone to handle. But this article shared some information that should help you field any mishaps that come your way before they ever have a chance to become a problem for you. Keep this information in mind on your fun camping trip!

Shepherd’s Pasture is an established East Texas Retreat Center and East Texas Church Camp facility catering to countless families, churches, and businesses across Texas. Book your corporate, religious, or private outing today by contacting them at (903) 665-2647.

The Future of Surfboards

Surfing culture has grown by leaps and bounds over the decades, with surfers dedicating time and resources to perfecting the art of the surfboard and surf fins in order to get a better ride on the various waves across the world. In addition to new technology for surfboard fins, surf gear like surfboard leashes, surfboard bags, and wetsuits have gotten various upgrades over the years as well. The industry is exploding and people are wanting a smoother, more enjoyable experience - and this notion is fully explored in the following article snippets by Surf Science that covers the evolution of the surfboard with the new AeroFlex surfboards.

_____

AeroFlex surfboards look very unique, but the goals they hope to acheive are very similar to other surfboard manufacturers. Companies such as Firewire are designing new surfboards with parabolic stringers and interior carbon rods for controlled flex and flex memory. A company called Aviso created hollow carbon fiber surfboard as an alternative to epoxy surfboards with the benefit of being more flexible and lighter. A company called Surf Syndicate recently created a flex tail that actually has springs built into the tail of the board for the purpose of eliminating drag and tail stall. The AeroFlex however, went in a completly different direction.

Hydro Epic, the company that patented a new technology is also competing for a piece of the pie in the next generation surfboard market. It's an internal frame system called AeroFlex which was designed for the purpose of better control over the surfboard's flex properties. The idea of controlled flex is nothing new as this is touted by companies such as Firewire and Aviso in their new surfboard designs.

The HydroEpic claims the Aeroflex Surfboard will interact with the wave face by generating more rocker exactly when it is needed. The patented AeroFlex internal frame system is suppose to have better flexural properties because the degree of flex and the areas on the board that flex will be adjusted to the waves, thus making it more precise. It’s also designed to eliminate torsion flex which can slow your board down. This is supposed to dramatically improve your performance in critical maneuvers. Similar to the Aviso carbon fiber surfboards, the Hydro Epic board is hollow. The board is created with a super strong aerospace composite that is ultra-light. It includes materials such as kevlar by DuPont (polyphenylene terephthalamide), carbon fiber, epoxy resin, aluminum honeycomb.

Hydro Epic also is introducing what they call a DynamicHull. This has something to do with their interactive bottom contour that adjusts to prevent water lamina from breaking into turbulent flow for less drag and more control. However, Hydro Epic is unclear on exactly how that works. Overall the AeroFlex technology touts added buoyancy, durability, and interactive flex for speed and performance.

-----

Read the entire article at: http://www.surfscience.com/topics/types-of-surfboard/new-board-designs/is-aeroflex-the-next-surfboard-evolution

Check Out This Travel Advice Before You Go

Whether you’re heading across the globe on a plane, across the waters on a boat, or across the country in your RV, traveling can be a very fun and exciting experience if one has prepared properly. Flip side, if one has not prepared properly then it can be a very miserable experience indeed. Fortunately in this article you can find some tips that will make your travel experience one to remember for a long time.

• If you’re hitting the open road and visiting America’s tourist attractions along the highways and bi-ways, collect your rig from the local RV storage facility, gas it up and don’t forget the snacks. You have a kitchen in that thing, so use it. Getting groceries before you hit the road means less stops which means you get where you’re going quicker.
• When you are traveling to a foreign country, learn something about its customs ahead of time. It will help you avoid embarrassing mistakes in local etiquette. It can also help you understand and appreciate the culture a little better. In a way, you will be representing your country in a foreign land, so you would want to make a good impression.
• Make sure that your cell phone plan is on a national calling set up before you leave town. If you are normally on a regional or local plan, switching to a national plan, even just for the short time you will be gone, can keep you from getting charged for roaming or long distance.
• Purchase tickets online for any attraction you may be visiting. This sometimes costs a small amount extra, but the time saved waiting in a line makes up for it. For big attractions that have timed entry available, you can use that, too, to get you in faster.
• You can save a lot of room in your suitcase depending on the way you arrange your clothing. If wrinkles are not necessarily a problem upon the arrival of your destination, using the rolling method can help save many inches of square space. Simply fold your clothes into a long, narrow strip, and roll them as tightly as you can.
• Before heading off on your vacation, make sure to go online and check out the wide variety of travel forums that are available. These sites allow travelers to get answers to questions about various destinations. They can provide a wealth of information on restaurants, hotels, and attractions.
• Use a few different merchants from the same niche, based on what you like. Offering your visitors three or four different banners to click on gives them options in potential destinations to select from. This can also provide you with valuable information as to which merchant performs the best against the others.
• Use hotel ice for having filtered water for your coffee in the morning. Tap water is not always the best tasting option, so fill up the ice bucket with lots of ice to melt overnight. In the morning, you will be able to brew a better-tasting coffee with this water.

Use this information to make your travels better and more enjoyable. If you’re in North Texas and need to store your RV, check out Staley RV Storage for the best Celina RV storage offering unparalleled rates and amenities.

7 Ways to Better Car Maintenance

When it comes to auto repair, or even aircraft or boat repair, it’s good to know how to do some things yourself, and smart to understand that some things need to be left to the pros. That said, the following pieces of advice are things you can manage with just a little know-how.

1. Familiarize yourself with the dashboard of your car. Your dashboard should display five different kinds of warning, including the check engine light, oil pressure warning, an alternator warning, a temperature warning and a brake warning. Learn to recognize these different lights so you can easily identify what needs your attention.
2. A house has curb appeal, a car has street appeal. If your car needs a paint job, or just touch up paint, get your custom spray paint from a reputable custom paint supplier and not the store up the road. A smooth finish is key and to get custom aerosol paint to match the original is a must if you want your ride to look as fresh as can be.
3. Take advantage of free inspections, but don't just have them fix everything on the list. There will probably be one or two extra items added on that aren't strictly necessary. If you are light on cash, ask the technician which items are the most important to keep the car running safely. Get these done immediately, and save up for the rest of the work.
4. Do not assume you have been ripped-off by your mechanic because of the high price of your bill. Some parts are very expensive to replace, including engines, transmission systems or dashboard computers. You should ask your mechanic about the cost of the parts he had to put in your car.
5. When searching for an auto repair shop, you should choose one that specializes in the brand of vehicle you have. While there are probably many trustworthy shops in your area, going with one specializing in your car makes it more likely that the technician knows what they are doing. They will also probably have many parts needed for your car.
6. When performing your own car repairs, make sure you budget enough time to get the job done. It's easy to underestimate how long a repair job will take. You may encounter difficult to remove bolts or nuts, or find out a part is harder to remove than you anticipated. Giving yourself enough time to complete the repair safely will make the job much less stressful.
7. Make sure you get a signed copy of the estimate for the repairs. You also need to make sure that the contract contains a clause that the shop must contact you before exceeding the total on the estimate. This will protect you from getting a surprise bill once work is completed.

Now you can make a much better decision regarding repairs for your vehicle next time the need arises. You can learn more about car repair as you continue along. Always keep the ideas and strategies in mind that you've read here so that you can handle each situation to the best of your ability.

8 Ways to Reduce Stress Now

Everyone experiences stressful situations. Your body reacts to mild stress by increasing adrenaline, which makes you feel more alert and able to tackle problems. However, prolonged stress is very hard on the human body, it can cause you to experience a range of symptoms that include high blood pressure, headaches, nausea, or worse. Learning how to cope with stress is essential to your health and well-being.

1. Reduce your caffeine intake. A large intake of caffeine can increase the levels cortisol in your body. Cortisol is the stress hormone in your body that helps to regulate many things including weight gain, mood swings, heart disease and diabetes. By decreasing your caffeine intake, you will naturally decrease your stress levels.
2. Read! A great tip that can help you reduce stress is to simply read a book! You'll be amazed at how relaxed you'll feel if you pick up a book the next time that you're feeling stressed out. Reading a book always takes your mind to a different place.
3. In order to keep your stress level under control, try screaming into a pillow. This will do wonders for stress relief, as long as you do not do it enough to hurt your vocal chords. Screaming has a calming effect that can almost be euphoric for some people.
4. Stop procrastinating. If you have projects that need to be completed, you should make sure you finish them on time. Procrastinating might feel comfortable at first, but it will ultimately lead to a lot of stress.
5. Try and visualize calm in your mind. An example of calm would be a feather slowly falling down or a lake that's barely moving. Visualizing images such as this can help you keep your stress in check.
6. Instead of internalizing all of the stress that you have, write down on paper the things that are bothering you. This is a great way to purge your feelings so that they are not kept inside and causing more anxiety during the course of the day.
7. Take a 20 minute nap here and there to recharge your internal batteries. This will make you feel great when you wake up and will eliminate the haggard feeling that you carry around. Find time to take short rest breaks to limit tension.
8. While you may feel quite tense, you should not turn to alcohol for a quick fix. Having a drink every night to ease some of your stress can lead to dependency. Daily drinking can lead to alcoholism and should be avoided.

Stress can be severe and take a toll on your health. If you find yourself experiencing anxiety, depression, dizzy spells, a pulse that races, bad headaches, bad backaches or chronic neck pain, it is time to talk to your doctor about your options. Catching stress-related symptoms early helps you stay healthy and well.

If you live in Dallas and are experiencing medical concerns due to stress, connect with Pine Creek Medical Center, the Dallas hospital of choice for countless people suffering with a variety of illnesses, many of which are exacerbated by chronic stress. If you let stress go on without combating it, it may open the door for several diseases that require prompt medical attention and possible even surgery. If your medical condition has gotten this far, please contact your nearest Dallas surgery center as soon as possible to avoid further injury.

Tips for Dealing With Breast Cancer

Breast cancer can be one of the most frightening of medical diagnoses. Treatments are tough and their effectiveness is far from guaranteed. Worst of all, the fight against cancer is always a long, drawn-out battle. Breast cancer treatment is a long journey. This article shares some suggestions for staying on the journey and ameliorating the potential stresses waiting along the way.

• You need to follow a workout regimen if you have been diagnosed with breast cancer. It is important to keep your body as strong as possible, so that it can hold up against the treatments that it is going to have to go through. Simply walking around your block a few times, can be a great start to living a healthier lifestyle.
• Filter any tap water that you plan on consuming. Tap water may contain many carcinogens, such as arsenic. A carbon filter attached to the faucet or a filter pitcher can remove these carcinogens from the water before you consume them, leaving you healthy.
• Avoid BPA at all costs. BPA, also known as Bisphenol A, is a synthetic estrogen. It is found in hard plastics such as those that are used for water bottles and the interior of canned foods. BPA has been linked to cancer in many cases. In order to avoid BPA, use products that do not contain it.
• If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you should be willing to take help from wherever it may come. Help could come from family and friends, your place of worship, or even the community overall. You can find help out there; be sure to take it. You might not be able to work with cancer and the emotional toll may be too much to handle alone.
• If a loved one is going through breast cancer treatment, it may feel like you're going through the sickness too, but you have to stay healthy in order to be supportive. Those late nights at the hospital and skipped meals can take their toll on your health. You're no good to anyone if you're frail, tired and weak. Keep your health up.
• Many, many people have gone through breast cancer, even as survivors themselves or through someone they love. So you can find plenty of moral support via live groups, online chat rooms and forums, and other areas. You can even start a group and speak with people who are going through the same thing you are.
• Don't neglect breast cancer testing because you're afraid of the pain. The duration of this procedure is only several minutes long. Don't let the fear or discomfort of a screening sway you from something that can spare you your breasts and even your life.

Beating breast cancer is never easy, but many people do beat it. Self-education can be a potent addition to the arsenal of weapons available against cancer, as is connecting with a leading breast cancer doctor like those at the Breast Cancer Surgeons of Texas. The information in this article is just a tiny fraction of all the helpful advice available. Learning more cannot hurt and in a life-or-death struggle, a little good advice may just be enough to tip the scales against cancer.

Easy Ways to Train Your Dog

If you are having trouble trying to train your little dog, you may need some help. If you just got a new pup, before you drop them off at a dog daycare for daily errands, or dog boarding for that week-long cruise, make sure you follow these tips to help you to get an understanding of how to train a dog.

• Walking your dog means leading your dog. Your role in this situation is to lead the pack, therefore your pet should be expected to walk a half step behind. You will instill confidence in your pet when they know you are leading the pack and making the decisions. They will be less likely to attempt running or being distracted while you walk.
• Teaching a dog to know its name is the first dog training task a new dog owner should undertake. The name is used in calling the dog and just in getting its attention. Therefore it is more appropriate to choose a short and easily enunciated name than a longer and more confusing one.
• Dogs need a well fitting collar and lead if they are to be properly trained. Don't choose these items because they are cute or because they have rhinestones on them. Choose your dog's collar and lead based on the service you desire from them. Ask yourself if a halter might be more appropriate for your particular dog. Do they need a long lead or would a shorter one be better? Make the right choices, and your dog will benefit.
• When you are training your dog, do not repeat commands over and over to get the dog to obey. Rather than teaching your dog to do what you say, repeating the same command when your dog doesn't listen gives them an attitude of indifference. Give your commands firmly, once, and insist the dog do what you say.
• Give your dog a clear verbal cue that means "yes" to aid in training. Words like "yes" could be an effective way of communicating to your dog that he has done something you are pleased about.
• As your dog becomes increasingly more responsive to training, you can begin to give him more freedom. This balance between obedience and freedom will provide your dog with a very satisfying life. Be sure not to give them too much since this can counteract training efforts.
• Utilize primary reinforcement when training your furry friend. Primary reinforcement involves utilizing something that the dog loves to reward good behavior. This may mean giving food items as treats or scratching the dog's tummy. Your dog will learn well from this.
• Keep your dog clean by getting regular dog grooming, or even the occasional doggie spa treatment. Doing so will help keep your pup happy and healthy.

Training any animal can be very difficult if you do not know what you are doing. Dogs are especially rowdy and bothersome, making them even more difficult to train. Hopefully, the tips on this site have helped you get a better understanding of how you can get your dog under control, today. If you’re in the Houston, TX area, connect with Woodlands Doggie Village for all your Houston dog boarding needs.

Home Improvement Help

You have a home improvement list that seems overwhelming. Is this your story? Many people avoid starting improvements to their home as they are unsure where to begin. With any luck, this article may help you keep your home current.

• When selecting a contractor for a home renovation, don't be tempted to simply take the lowest estimate. There is no guarantee that it will be cheaper to use a lower-cost contractor and simply fix any poor work later. Lower prices usually mean that the quality of the work and the materials is also lower.
• It is expensive to purchase new furniture. You can spice up your living space by using previously owned pieces that you have found at a garage sale or similar location. You might find some hidden items that are special, like furniture. You might have to touch them up, but they could be a great addition to your home.
• Interior house painting or exterior house painting are two things that can make a huge impact on your home’s curb appeal and value. If you’re selling, choose a neutral color to appeal to a greater number of potential home buyers.
• Repair or replace your roof gutter systems because rainwater that isn’t directed away from your home will collect along the foundation, in addition to damaging the siding, causing major damage and warranting expensive repairs down the road.
• When remodeling your kitchen, budget appropriately for your new appliances. It may be tempting to spend less on items like a refrigerator or dishwasher, but if they're noisy, the bargain isn't so attractive. This is an especially important consideration in open-floor plan settings, where kitchen noise can drift into other living areas.
• Don't just dump your purses on the floor of your closet, organize them. Simply buy some silver hooks from your local Lowe's or Home Depot. If the space allows, place the hooks on your closet bar and hang your purses on the hooks. Arrange them by size, shape or color. Whatever you do, you are sure to feel the benefits of the cleared up space.
• Search around and price out different contractors to get the best deals. The best way to feel safe when getting a contractor is to ask a friend or family member who has had their home remodeled by one for a good recommendation. This way you know you're hiring a reliable contractor that you can trust to fix up your home.
• Exterior lighting will give you peace of mind at night, and add beauty to your landscaping. Consider motion sensor lighting, as this will reduce the amount of energy used when the outdoors are not occupied, and can also frighten away unwanted animals or even prowlers. Install the lights in strategic places, such as the exact area visible to you from a window, and the path from your vehicle to the front door.

In short, anyone can make home improvements. For those who are inexperienced, you just need some valuable information or to connect with a reputable home improvement hero like Rock Painting and Gutters, the Frisco TX painting and remodeling experts. DIY or let the pros do it, the above article should get you going.

How to Step Up Your Start-Up

Exploring your options for employment is always a good idea, but deep down most people feel that they would be happier if they could work for themselves. Starting your own business could be something you've been thinking about for a long time. This article puts together some useful ideas that can help you to be successful and to enjoy it.

• In order to be successful in having a business it is key that you look for a product that you can be behind 100%. It is important that you are in agreement with the company's values and policies. It is very hard to sell a product that you do not believe in.
• Get input from your friends and family about possible business ideas. Sometimes your friends and family can see your talent that you've overlooked or have taken for granted. You might not think that people would pay for it, but others see that they would.
• Do not get caught up in multi-level marketing and get-rich-quick schemes. Your business should be a legitimate idea, that sells a product or service. If you start gearing yourself towards what seems too good to be true, then you are spinning your wheels. Devise a solid business plan of your own and attain the resources to make it come to life.
• I'm sure everyone has heard the saying "finish what you start." As everyone gets older, it is easy to realize that it’s much harder to finish what you start than people think. Everyone can dream, but carrying out that dream takes hard work and determination. Do not give up on your business. With your solid plan and a strong stomach, persevere!
• Create a flyer for your business using high quality office machines like a Sharp printer or Sharp MFP from a reputable dealer. Promote your company by sending the flyer out to others and posting it in different locations in the community. You can also scan the flyer and put it up as an attachment on your web page. Each of these steps will increase the visibility of your business in addition to allowing for proper document management abilities.
• Don’t forget to get business cards. In addition to your business name, address, and phone number, make sure to add your website address and business email. Vista Print is one business that offers your first order of business cards free-of-charge. Always carry them with you, and hand them out liberally.
• Ensure the success of your business by registering a domain name and running a website. The site does not have to be fancy, but it should be easy to navigate. If you cannot create one yourself, hire someone else to. The expense is worth the extra business and advertising that a website provides. Make it easy for clients to get a hold of you by providing an email link on every page.

Owning your own business has many wonderful benefits, it takes hard work and discipline, together with the right advice, to make it work. Try to incorporate some of the ideas outlined above into your plan. Be patient as you work towards seeing results. You can join the millions who have achieved the dream of a successful and fulfilling business.

Back Pain Tips and Pain Relief Procedure Options

Gosh -- What a pain! My back! Do you find yourself saying this when you get up from a chair, or do you hear your loved one saying it? Having the right information is crucial if you or someone you love lives with back pain. This article will teach you some things that you need to know about back pain, as well as pain management steps to keep the pain from escalating.

• New and advanced treatments such as PRP Therapy and prolotherapy offer a great alternative way to heal and reduce pain versus traditional surgical procedures. Speak with your doctor about these two options.
• When trying to access the severity of the back injury and not injure it any further, make sure you refrain from any activities for a couple of days after the pain begins. If resting helps the pain to subside, the injury was probably minor. However, continuing or worsening back pain should prompt you to see a pain doctor and ascertain the root of the problem through non-invasive tests such as pain mapping.
• In order to help prevent back pain from occurring, make sure you use chairs properly. For example, many office chairs have controls for adjusting the height and position of the seat back part of the chair. Utilize these controls to ensure you are getting the most comfortable, back-friendly position possible when using these chairs.
• To prevent hurting your back while working out, always warm up before and cool down after your workout. Many people only schedule enough time to do their actual workout. Nevertheless, asking your back to lift and strain without first stretching it out is a sure way to injure it. A couple of minutes for back stretching exercises are all it takes to transition safely in and out of your workout.
• Both very active occupations in which there is constant movement can be detrimental to your back. Constantly lifting, pushing and maneuvering in odd ways can really hurt your back and you should always pay attention to your movements. Also, not moving often enough can also cause a lot of back pain if you do not take the proper precautions.
• It is important to learn how to lift safely in order to avoid back pain and injury. When you lift safely, you use the large muscles in your legs to spare your back. Bend at the knees, suck your stomach in and keep the item close to your body as you lift.
• Clean out your purse, backpack or briefcase on a regular basis. Depending on the size and how often you use the item, you may need to clean it out weekly. It is easy to accumulate unnecessary items over time. The less weight you carry, the more healthy your back will be.
• In order to prevent upper back pain, be sure that your arms are at a comfortable level when using the computer. Many back strains are caused by people extending and raising their arms too high or too low when they have to use the computer for prolonged periods of time.

Now that you have all of the right information, you are ready to tackle back pain head on. Use the knowledge you received here in order to treat your own back pain or the pain of a loved one.