Travel
Sunny summertime safety
Tips for enjoying the great outdoors.
A bright, sunny day offers opportunities for warm-weather fun. To make the most of your summer, you’ll need to take a few steps to enhance the experience and ensure you’re ready for whatever the day may bring.
When it’s time to head outside, consider these tips from the experts at CURAD to protect your body (and skin) from the elements this summer:
Protect Skin from UV Rays
Any time you’ll be outdoors for more than 15 minutes, you should wear protective sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even if it’s partly cloudy or overcast. One mistake many people make is applying sunscreen before they leave the house then not reapplying throughout the day. To help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, reapply sunscreen at least every two hours and more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating.
Also be sure to cover all exposed areas, including often overlooked spots like the tops of your ears, neck and tops of your feet, if they’re exposed by sandals or other open shoes.
Stay Hydrated
One of the most important ways to protect your health when you’re spending the day outdoors is staying hydrated, especially on warm days when you’re losing your body’s water reserves to sweat. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, throughout the day can help replenish what you lose so you don’t get dehydrated, and you’ll also have an easier time regulating your body’s temperature.
Be Prepared for Cuts and Scrapes
Summer cuts and scrapes are to be expected, but the faster you can take care of them, the faster you can get back to having fun. An option like CURAD Kendra Dandy Adhesive Bandages can help you heal in style with a four-sided seal that keeps dirt and germs out and a nonstick pad that’s extra absorbent. Designed by Dandy, a renowned artist and illustrator, these fashion-forward bandages are made with a comfortable, stretchy material that conforms to your body for maximum protection. Available in a 30-count standard-sized strip and a 50-count variety pack, these eye-catching bandages feature trendy, one-of-a-kind pineapple, papaya, banana and dragon fruit designs that can add a little fun and flair to your summer wardrobe.
“We created our Kendra Dandy designer bandage line to add a splash of fun, color and flair to our classic adhesive bandages, offering consumers thought-provoking styles that add a great feeling to empowered healing,” said Kim Washington, Medline vice president of marketing.
Repel Bugs
Aggressive insects can put a damper on outdoor fun. Bug spray or roll-on products should go on top of your sunscreen, but never under your clothes. Apply a sparing coat to all exposed skin and clothing, paying special attention to your waistband, pant and sleeve cuffs, collar and socks. Rather than applying spray directly to your face, spray the palms of your hands then rub the repellant onto your face. Be sure to wash your hands afterward to avoid accidentally transferring spray to your mouth or eyes.
If you have sensitive skin or prefer not to use spray or roll-on for other reasons, products like repellant fans or wearable repellant bracelets may be good alternatives. Some essential oils are also natural bug repellants.
Don’t Forget Your Lips
While faces, necks, arms and legs are often top of mind to protect from the sun’s rays, lips can be easy to forget. However, using a lip balm that is rich in oils, beeswax and petroleum can help seal in moisture. Similar to sunscreen, lip balms featuring SPF should be reapplied every two hours when outdoors and often offer added moisturizing benefits. Available in a variety of flavors, some even taste good enough to leave you wanting to apply them over and over again regardless of if you’re venturing outside or not.
Wear Light Clothing
When it’s hot outside and you’re engaged in physical activity, you’re at a greater risk of overheating. Dressing for the climate, while also protecting yourself from the elements, should be a top priority. If the temperature will vary throughout the day, consider layering so you can warm up or cool down as needed. Lighter clothes that don’t add weight are a good idea, and it’s important to be conscious of the fit. Ideally, clothes should be loose enough to allow for easy, comfortable movement, but not so baggy they get in the way or pose a snagging or tripping hazard. Don’t forget accessories like a hat and sunglasses, which can protect your head and eyes.
Support Summertime Injuries
Twisted ankles are one of the more common summertime injuries, especially for hikers or runners who may stumble over rocks or curbs, and even weekend warriors playing pick-up basketball or softball games. Keeping an ankle support on-hand can help stabilize a sprain or provide extra support during recovery. If you do experience a mild injury, it’s important to choose a high-quality product, like CURAD Performance Series IRONMAN ankle supports and braces. With options available to support both mild and moderate ankle injuries, they offer a rugged yet comfortable design to wear on the field, in the gym, at work or out on the town.
Find more tips and resources to take care of your body this summer and beyond at CURAD.com.
Travel
Travel tips from Emirates’ multicultural cabin crew
Solo travel has been steadily gaining ground post pandemic. In a 2023 survey conducted by Solo Travel World in the United States, 68% of participants identified themselves as independent travelers.
For Filipinos who are planning to go on a solo vacation this year, Emirates has curated special tips and tricks to help customers embrace the sheer thrill, freedom, and adventure of traveling alone.
Solo travel has been steadily gaining ground post pandemic. In a 2023 survey conducted by Solo Travel World in the United States, 68% of participants identified themselves as independent travelers.
Even among Filipinos, solo travel continues to grow. A post-pandemic report published by travel accommodation platform Airbnb in August 2023 revealed that solo travel in 2022 grew by 185% year-on-year compared to 2021. The report also revealed that private room bookings in 2022 grew by 200%.
Solo travel offers a unique opportunity to explore the world on your own terms, without having to accommodate the whims and wants of travel companions. Whether you’re a seasoned solo traveler or planning your first independent trip, Emirates’ multicultural cabin crew will transform the way you perceive travel.
On booking hotels…
Alessandra Piper from the UK, who has been flying with Emirates for over nine years shares her hacks: “I make it a point to go on at least two solo trips a year. Always book hotels with a flexible booking policy, as you may decide to stay longer in some places at the spur of the moment. The flexible policy will ensure you do not get stuck with cancellation fees.”
On gastronomy…
Eabha Sloyan from Ireland channeled her inner foodie: “Food markets are absolutely fabulous. In my most recent trip I visited the famous Tsukiji Market in Tokyo. Spending the evening in the market and bingeing on lots of sushi was a culinary adventure I could only dream of. The energy, fresh food and exquisite flavors made it an unforgettable experience. It’s a place I could go back to again and again.”
On safety and local culture…
Shamiso Guvava, from the UK, who has been with Emirates for over a year: “My cabin crew training changed my outlook of a solo trip. It taught me vigilance and attentiveness. Safety is of utmost importance. My training also equipped me with the confidence to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds and take guidance from locals and fellow travelers.”
On exploring…
Irfan Huseinovic, a Bosnian, who has been at Emirates for over a year: “My trick is to walk everywhere as it makes it easier to navigate and explore the city at your own pace. My longest solo vacation was in Malta, when I spent 25 days on the beautiful island. It was an incredible trip filled with self-discovery, adventure, and unbelievable experiences. From exploring ancient ruins to soaking up the sun on breath-taking beaches, every moment was magical.”
Micaela Olivieri, an Argentinian cabin crew member with Emirates for over two years, listed her top three must-dos: “First things first, always take care of yourself and your personal belongings. When walking in a crowded area, ensure your bag is in front of you rather than behind. Secondly, be situationally aware of the culture and respect it. Lastly, always trust your intuition and use your past experiences for guidance.”
Alessandra Piper: “The best thing I’ve learned so far: don’t be glued to your phone! Keep it in a secure place so you aren’t tempted to keep checking it. Look around, take in the sights and enjoy the view!”
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has over 21,500 multicultural cabin crew members and flies to over 140 destinations with a fleet of more than 260 aircraft. The airline trains its crew in safety, security, medical emergencies, hospitality, and service to delight customers from over 200 nationalities.
Emirates offers its cabin crew a range of benefits including
competitive salary and medical benefits, accommodation, annual leave, annual
leave tickets and deeply discounted flight tickets for themselves – to solo
travel to their hearts’ content – and for their family and friends so that they
can travel together too.
For
those who want to combine solo travel with flying as a career, Emirates is
actively recruiting cabin crew from around the world. Its recruitment team are
hosting open days and assessments in more than 460 cities across six
continents. Aspiring Emirates cabin crew can check out www.emiratesgroupcareers.com/cabin-crew regularly
for more details and open day schedules in their city or country.
Emirates
operates 25 weekly flights from Manila, Cebu, and Clark to Dubai, connecting
Filipino travelers to over 140 destinations in 76 countries and territories
across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific
from its global hub in Dubai.
Travel
Philippines as the country with the world’s largest bats
“The Philippines has 79 recorded bat species, half of them endemic,” explains Dr. Mariano Roy Duya of the University of the Philippines Institute of Biology (UPIB). North America, with a land area that is 66 times larger – has but 45. We have an incredible diversity of bats since each of our 7100 islands is geographically unique. And of course, we have the largest bat of all.”
By Gregg Yan
Did you know that the largest bat of all is found only in the Philippines? Planet Earth has 1400 known bat species and the Golden-crowned Flying Fox (Acerodon jubatus) earns the top spot for size and weight. Known locally as kabog, it is endemic or found nowhere else but in the Philippines.
Strikingly patterned with a golden cap, reddish fur and chocolate-brown wings, adults weigh over a kilogram and can boast of a wingspan nearly two meters across – longer than most people are tall.
“The Philippines has 79 recorded bat species, half of them endemic,” explains Dr. Mariano Roy Duya of the University of the Philippines Institute of Biology (UPIB). North America, with a land area that is 66 times larger – has but 45. We have an incredible diversity of bats since each of our 7100 islands is geographically unique. And of course, we have the largest bat of all.”
Once widespread throughout undisturbed lowland forests across the country, hunting and deforestation – particularly from slash-and-burn upland farming or kaingin – have whittled down bat populations.
Dumaguete-based filmmaker Rhiyad Maturan and I were recently invited by the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) to film a thriving kabog colony inside the Bacon-Manito Geothermal Project, a heavily forested geothermal reservation nestled between the provinces of Albay and Sorsogon on the island of Luzon. Though the area is now verdant and alive, it wasn’t always so.
“Believe it or not, that entire mountain range was once logged-over,” says Ed Jimenez, corporate relations head for EDC’s Bacon-Manito Geothermal Project, pointing at well-forested hills nearby. “The only trees left were the ones loggers ignored. To bring the mountains back to life, we worked with the local communities to help reforest this area while providing them with an alternative source of income. Decades later, the organizations we helped form, like the Alliance of Bacman Farmer’s Association Inc. Agriculture Cooperative (formerly ALBAFAI) and the Bacman Host Community Multi-purpose Cooperative (BMPC), have become some of our most passionate champions. Even the grandchildren of the original members are helping us plant trees, promote community-based conservation and protect these forests.”
Aside from bats, Bicol’s forests also shelter wild deer, pigs, monkeys and birds – most of which were driven to remote areas by decades of hunting and forest loss.
“I learned to shoot kabog with an airgun when I was still a kid,” recalls Joseph ‘Doy’ Gabion, a former bat hunter. “Bats are easy to hunt by day because they hang upside down from their roosts. When the roosts were eventually protected by EDC and its conservation partners, we hunters had to wait until the bats flew out to their feeding grounds. Back in the 1990s, my uncle and I would wait for them to pass to be able to catch two or three bats a night. Kabog meat has a slightly woody taste.” Doy has since stopped hunting and now volunteers with the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ CAFGU Active Auxiliary Unit II to help protect the very animals he once hunted.
The kabog colony moves from one area to another within the Bacman reservation and we chanced upon them roosting on a grove of pine-like Agoho (Casuarina spp.) trees. “We have about 700 kabog individuals here now, our flagship fauna species for this site,” explains Forester Neil Miras, EDC Bacman’s watershed management officer.
Representing iconic wildlife found in its geothermal, solar and wind sites, EDC’s Flagship Species Initiative (FSI) aims to popularize some of the nation’s lesser-known forest denizens. The eight other flagship species include the Philippine Warty Pig (Sus philippensis), Visayan Hornbill (Penelopides panini), Apo Myna (Goodfellowia miranda), plus native trees like Mapilig (Xanthostemon bracteatus), Katmon Bayani (Dillenia megalantha), Red Lauan (Shorea negrosensis),Almaciga (Agathis philippinensis)andIgem-dagat (Podocarpus costalis). EDC has been planting native trees across the country since the 1980s.
“Though millions of trees have been planted under the BINHI Program, we should still recognize the importance and effectiveness of natural seed dispersion – either by the wind, water or by local wildlife,” explainsForester Abegail Gatdula, EDC-FSI project manager. “Flying animals like birds and bats eat the fruits of various forest trees and disperse them far and wide within life-giving guano bombs, giving the seeds a vital headstart.”
Though not as popular as the Tamaraw or Philippine Eagle, the kabog has been quietly doing its part to make the Philippines greener. “Think of them as the ‘silent seed planters’ of nature. We never pay them but they keep working for our world,” concludes Jean Dayap, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) of Manito in Albay.
So tonight, please look up at the night sky to thank our uncelebrated wildlife heroes, quietly working the night shift to make the Philippines a little greener – one guano bomb at a time.
Watch our Golden-crowned Flying Fox documentary HERE.
Travel
Ways to dispose of used medical sharps while traveling
For both existing sharps users and people using sharps for the first time, disposal can be confusing, especially while traveling.
It doesn’t matter if you are traveling by plane, train, car or staying home this holiday season, it’s important to know how to safely dispose of used medical sharps. Millions of people in the United States use needles, lancets and syringes – otherwise known as sharps – to puncture the skin and dispense medication to help manage short- or long-term chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, cancer or auto-immune diseases.
For both existing sharps users and people using sharps for the first time, disposal can be confusing, especially while traveling.
People who use sharps can often dispose of them at home or on the road. It’s as simple as 1-2-3:
- Place used sharps in a strong, plastic container like a laundry detergent or bleach bottle.
- When the container is 75% full, seal it tightly with duct tape and label it “do not recycle.”
- Place the sealed container in regular household trash.
Disposal rules are different in every state, so it’s important to confirm local disposal regulations.
Commonly Used Medical Sharps
- Needles – fine, slender, hollow pieces of metal, typically attached to syringes, used to inject medication under the skin or withdraw fluid from the body
- Lancets, also called “fingersticks” – often used by people with diabetes to get drops of blood for testing
- Auto injectors, including epinephrine pens – syringes pre-filled with fluid medication designed to be self-injected into the body
- Infusion sets – tubing systems with needles used to deliver drugs to the body
- Connection needles – needles that connect to a tube used to transfer fluids in and out of the body
Learn more about the rules of safe sharps disposal this holiday season at SafetyIsThePoint.org.
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