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AUGUST 2024 EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER Live Well. Work Well. The Health Benefits of Camping Millions of Americans enjoy camping each year, • Better sleep - Natural light regulates the body’s especially as temperatures rise and days get longer circadian rhythm, which can help reset sleep in the summer. Moreover, interest among patterns. This can lead to deeper, restorative sleep noncampers has been growing steadily for years. so you wake up feeling refreshed. According to a 2024 report by camping platform • Reduced stress - The calming effect of natural Dyrt, more than 20 million Americans have gone surroundings helps lower levels of the stress camping for the first time since 2021, including 5.5 hormone cortisol. million first-time campers just in 2023. • Enhanced mood - Exposure to green spaces and natural light can improve mood and reduce Dyrt revealed that nearly symptoms of anxiety and depression. Being 2 out of 3 Americans say outdoors can also trigger the release of they are somewhat endorphins, the body’s natural mood enhancers. interested in camping in • Elevated mental clarity - Camping provides an the next three years. opportunity to disconnect from technology and daily distractions, allowing for mindfulness. Camping has seen a resurgence in popularity as • Heightened creativity - Immersing yourself in more people seek ways to unplug from their daily nature can stimulate creativity and encourage routines and reconnect with nature. Beyond the problem-solving. scenic views and adventures, camping offers the Whether you’re a seasoned camping pro or an eager following wellness benefits that can significantly newcomer, it’s a good idea to review camping safety enhance your physical and mental health: before heading outdoors. Also, always strive to leave • Increased physical activity – camping naturally things better than you found them so others can encourages movement. Activities such as hiking, enjoy the beauty of nature as you have. setting up camp or gathering firewood provide a full-body workout. • Boosted immune system - Fresh air improves respiratory function and boosts the immune system. Sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, which is crucial for bone health and immune support.

AUGUST 2024 LIVE WELL. WORK WELL. NEWSLETTER: Drowning Rate on the Rise Are You Up to Date After two decades of decline, the Centers for Disease on Your Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that accidental drowning rates are increasing in the United States. Immunizations? According to the latest data, more than 4,500 people died due to drowning each year from 2020–22, which August is recognized as National is 500 more individuals per year compared to 2019. Immunization Awareness Month to Drowning has long been the leading cause of death promote the importance of for preschool-age children. However, it’s important to immunizations at all life stages. note that roughly 15% of adults—40 million people— Vaccination protects against severe don’t know how to swim, and more than half of illnesses and complications of vaccine- adults have never taken a swimming lesson. The new preventable diseases, including measles, CDC study found that, in general, many Americans polio, hepatitis, meningococcal lack the skills they need to stay safe in the water. meningitis and COVID-19. Regardless of age, it’s important to learn basic Vaccinations are so vital that the CDC swimming and water safety skills. Check out the offers immunization schedules to help infographic below for water safety tips to help you understand if you or others are up prevent drowning. to date on shots: and children (birth to age 6) • Infants • Preteens and teens (ages 7-18) • Ad Water Safety Tips ults (ages 19 and older) • Pregnant women (consult your OB/GYN) Talk to your doctor for more information Learn how Supervise children Know how to on vaccines or to learn more about to swim. around water. perform CPR. which ones you may need. Avoid alcohol Wear life jackets during water when boating activities. and swimming.