Writing result-oriented ad copy is difficult, as it must appeal to, entice, and convince consumers to take action.
(This is an example of the weekly newsletters that go out to all users of The EdLogics Platform, a gamified space that improves employee engagement and health literacy. Contact us to learn how to get access for your organization.)
Hot enough that 90 degrees feels easy and breezy by comparison. Hot enough that I feel like I’m melting into an oozy puddle as I flop on the floor in front of my laughably inadequate portable AC unit, battling 115-degree temps and large, south-facing windows.
Outside, the plants and trees are scorched by direct sunlight and baked by the heat rising from the pavement. And not just the plants — in some parts of the country, the pavement and sidewalks are so hot they’re causing serious burns in people and pets.
It gets worse. Last year, more than 2,300 people in the US died from heat-related illnesses, the most in 45 years. This year is shaping up to be even hotter — and summer’s only half over.
So take the scorching temps seriously. Here are some tips that can help you protect yourself and your loved ones:
Log in now. Learn ways to stay safe from extreme heat and other threats.
(This is an example of the weekly newsletters that go out to all users of The EdLogics Platform, a gamified space that improves employee engagement and health literacy. Contact us to learn how to get access for your organization.)
I quit smoking. For good now.
It’s an odd feeling. This has happened a few times:
“I thought you quit?” my friend would say as I reached, again, for my NYC-priced Camel Blues (at that time, $15 a pack 😱).
“Sure,” I’d say. “I quit lots of times.”
Undermining, of course, the whole notion of quitting. That’s the nature of bad habits.
You know smoking’s not good for you. It hurts others. It’s expensive. And that’s nothing compared to the cancer, COPD, asthma, or heart disease you’ll almost certainly get. Diseases you can easily avoid by not smoking.
Believe me. I feel for you. More than once, I’ve decided, triumphantly, to finally quit smoking — and then reached for the next one within the same 30-second span.
It’s humbling. And it’s made it easier to empathize with, rather than judge, those who suffer from addiction.
I haven’t smoked for over 9 years now. Haven’t even wanted to. How’d I do it?
Everyone who quits will do it their own way. In my case, I took up yoga.
For someone who smoked, it was miserable at first. I was gasping for breath, dizzy, and inflexible. But that post-yoga feeling was unlike anything I’d ever experienced — wrung out, calm, happy, at peace — and I didn’t want to trade it for anything.
Not even cigarettes.
That’s the true power of habit — on both sides of the coin. Sure, it’s easy to slip into bad habits, to talk yourself into self-indulgence. But it’s also easy to develop, and stick to, good habits.
Once you get in the habit. 😉
It doesn’t have to be hot yoga (but try it!) — just anything that gets the monkey off your back. Get your mind off cigarette cravings with a quick walk. Ten push-ups. A game on your phone. A phone call to friends or family. A carrot. A handstand. A song and dance. Whatever it takes
The sooner you quit, the lower your risk for painful disease, hospital bills, and bitter regrets.
Log in now. Peruse our new slideshow: “What Happens When You Quit Smoking Tobacco.” The health benefits start within minutes — and will last you the rest of your (now longer) life.
Check back soon to see more updates on the Smoking Cessation learning page!
he candlelight flickers. You glance up. Your Valentine is already looking at you with soft eyes. Soft light dances on their face and you smile. Holding hands across the table, caressing thumbs, neither of you says anything. The sounds of a crowded restaurant fade as you’re lost in each other’s gaze.
Maybe not this year.
Valentine’s Day can be tough when you’re single. Everywhereyou look, you see couples holding hands, sharing chocolates, sending flowers,whispering sweet nothings. It can make anyone feel left out and lonely.
Why not use this February to nurture the relationships in your life that you care most about? That includes the one you have with yourself! Here are some tips to help you beat the blues and enjoy the day, with a friend or on your own.
Being single on Valentine’s Day gives you the opportunity to do what you love and indulge in some much-needed self-care. Spend the day at a spa, go shopping, or treat yourself to dinner out. Remember, you don’t need someone else to make you happy.
If you don’t want to spend the day alone, gather a group of single friends and celebrate together. Plan a date, exchange gifts, cook, watch movies, and talk about how annoying Valentine’s Day is.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try something new. Cook up an exotic new recipe. Go bungee jumping. Sign up for guitar lessons. Go horseback riding. Sing karaoke. Plan a solo adventure, like traveling to a new city or hiking a nearby trail. Attend a concert. Participate in a singles event or speed dating session. Doing something that takes you out of your comfort zone can be a great way to build confidence and fight loneliness.
Spending time helping others helps you feel fulfilled and connected to your community. Volunteer at a local charity, visit an elderly care home, or help out at a homeless shelter.
It’s more important than it sounds. Loneliness can hurt your health. Studies have shown that loneliness can lead to depression, anxiety, and even physical health problems like heart disease. That’s why it’s so important to build — and maintain — a strong community of friends and family.
Having a supportive network of people you can turn to for help and encouragement is essential for your well-being. Join a club, take up a sport, or just spend time with your neighbors — connection is everything.
Valentine’s Day is about honoring and tending to the supportive relationships in your life, whether they’re romantic or not. Embrace your independence, surround yourself with friends, get creative, and don’t forget the importance of community.
Log in now. Learn about other ways to stay healthy and add years to your life.
(This is an example of the weekly newsletters that go out to all users of The EdLogics Platform, a gamified space that improves employee engagement and health literacy. Contact us to learn how to get access for your organization.)
