Tag Archives: spring

Lyme Disease Awareness Month

06 Thursday May 2021

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After a long, hard winter, many of us look forward to seeing the many signs of spring. We love to hear the birds sing, the flowers start to bud and the crickets chirp the night away. However, there is one area of spring that we can almost certainly guarantee that no one looks forwards to – the return of ticks.

The Centers for Disease Control estimate that approximately 476,000 people in the US are diagnosed with Lyme Disease each year. But because Lyme Disease can be incredibly difficult to diagnose, experts believe that number may be much higher. May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, so we felt it was a good time to learn more about this particularly creepy disease.

Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection, primarily transmitted by Ixodes ticks (more commonly known as deer ticks.) Not every deer tick has Lyme, they get it after feeding on an infected animal such as a mouse or deer. Then, they pass it along to the next animal or person they bite.

A popular misconception is that an infected tick must be attached for 24 hours to transmit Lyme, but one report has shown that it was after only 6 hours. The risk may be low on day one, but there is still a chance of transmission.

One of the scariest parts about this disease is the fact that it can mimic symptoms of other diseases. Patients with Lyme are often misdiagnosed with conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis and other psychiatric conditions.  

To prevent the contraction of Lyme Disease, work the following tips into active tick season (April through September) after being outdoors:

  • Inspect clothing and pets to find any lingering ticks.
  • Take a shower within two hours of being outdoors to help wash away any unattached ticks and conduct a tick check.
  • As previously mentioned, Lyme is commonly misdiagnosed, so educate yourself by knowing the symptoms.

Don’t let ticks stop you from enjoying the beauty of the season. Happy Spring from Lions Pride!

The Return of Spring

18 Thursday Mar 2021

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Mother Nature may have been giving us mixed signals this week, but we are only days away from the Spring Equinox. We know that the fresh powder on the ground makes it seem like we are a long way off, but here’s how we know the new season is fast approaching:

The Sound of Birds

As we write this post, we are being serenaded by the sound of chirping birds. Yes, we may have seen cardinals and robins during the cold, winter months, but we can now look forward to seeing the ducks, sparrows, songbirds and other feathered friends again.

The Upcoming Forecast

Although today’s blustery weather makes it feel colder than it actually is; however, we are currently experiencing above normal temperatures. Local meteorologists are calling for sunny weather and over 50-degree temps. If this trend continues, March will definitely be going out like a lamb.

More Daylight

Many of us don’t much care for the turning of the clocks, but once Daylight Savings Time arrives, we need to remember that we are gifted with more sunlight and longer days. Tonight’s sunset is scheduled for 7:08 pm.

Baseball Season is Back

There’s no question that COVID-19 impacted all areas of life last spring, including sports. The baseball season didn’t start until late July 2020, but this year appears to be back on track. Spring training is well underway, and the MLB is planning a full 162-game season starting on April 1.

The Continued Rollout of the Vaccine

We’ve all been anxiously waiting for the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, so we can all return to some sort of normalcy, and it sounds like we are on the homestretch. As of 3/16/21, over 2 million shots have been administered in the state of Wisconsin. At this rate, it won’t be long until we can enjoy the company of friends and family in the beautiful spring weather.

We know that winter in Wisconsin is usually challenging, but this one was especially trying due to the pandemic. However, many evident clues are signaling the return of the spring.

Which signs of spring do you look for each year? Let us know in the comments below.

All of us at Lions Pride would like to be the first to say, “Happy Spring!”  

Preparing for Daylight Saving Time

11 Thursday Mar 2021

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Believe it or not, this Sunday at 2 am local time, marks the beginning of Daylight Saving Time in most of America. If you find yourself dreading the idea of springing ahead, you are certainly not alone. According to a poll conducted by the Philadelphia Inquirer, approximately 70 percent of Americans strongly dislike DST.

There are, of course, several benefits to adjusting the time twice a year, but most of us do not like the idea of losing an hour of sleep in the spring. Sadly, like it or not, the change is coming so we’ve compiled a list of ideas to help prepare for springing ahead:

  • Start going to bed earlier

The simplest way to adjust to the upcoming change is to make your bedtime earlier. In the perfect world, we all would have been preparing for weeks, but it’s not too late to start now. From now until Saturday, consciously try to go to bed 15 to 30 minutes earlier than usual. If you approach Saturday night well-rested, you will help minimize the effects of Daylight Savings.

  • Create and enforce a digital curfew

Have you fallen prey to the notorious blue light? Many people don’t realize that using electronic devices before bed can delay your internal clock. Create and enforce a digital curfew for you and your loved ones in which you all turn off electronic devices for the night. Consider setting the limit 30 minutes to 2 hours before bed. Set a reminder if you must! Remember that the earlier you power down your devices, the more likely you are to experience a good night’s sleep.

  • Establish a relaxing routine

Get your mind and body ready for a good night’s sleep by taking the time to relax. Start turning down the lights, read a book, enjoy a warm cup of (non-caffeinated) tea. Do whatever you need to do to make sleep your focus.

  • Audit your sleeping allowance

The amount of sleep you require changes throughout your lifetime. Some people may only need a mere 6 hours while others require closer to 9 hours. Take Daylight Saving Time as an opportunity to determine how much sleep you need to thrive. Use this sleep calculator to find your ideal bedtime.

Here at Lions Pride, we may not exactly be excited about the prospects of losing an hour of sleep, but we are trying to remain positive. To us, Daylight Savings means spring is right around the corner. The next few weeks of adjustment may be challenging, but we know brighter days are ahead.

How do you prepare for Daylight Saving Time? Let us know if you have additional tips in the comments below.

Wishing you and your family a smooth DST!

Celebrating Mother’s Day During a Pandemic

07 Thursday May 2020

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Her pep talks completely changed situations, her hugs made the world seem brighter and her love made us into the people we are today. This Sunday is Mother’s Day, a day that we pay tribute to the incredible women who raised us. Typically, many of us would plan to celebrate the mother figures in our lives with brunch, backyard barbecue or another type of family get-together. Still, this year, the coronavirus “Safer at Home” Order is compelling us to think outside the box.

Many of us will likely not be able to get together personally for Mother’s Day, but it is still possible to show mom the best day ever. Here are a few clever social distancing celebration ideas:

  • Allow her to enjoy a meal in from her favorite restaurant

It’s no secret that lots of local restaurants are feeling the first-hand impacts of COVID-19. According to the National Restaurant Association, the industry (more than any other in the nation) has experienced the most extreme losses in both sales and jobs since the outbreak began. You can support your mom’s favorite local restaurant during this time by calling to see if they provide carry out delivery. Several establishments have begun adopting curbside pick-up practices to keep everyone safe.

  • Decorate her front door with a beautiful wreath

While you are dropping off a card, show the neighborhood how much her family appreciates her by decorating her porch or front stoop. A bright, beautiful wreath is the perfect way to finally welcome spring and say, “Happy Mother’s Day!

  • Watch a movie together while being socially responsible

Everyone knows that any movie is more fun when watching them with someone you love. With the exponential growth of online streaming services, you know have the opportunity to engage in the viewing experience together. Allow her to pick an old classic or one that’s been on her “To Watch” list and let the new age watch party begin.

  • “Sign up” to learn her craft

Does mom have a hobby that you know she’d love to pass down? If so, now might be the perfect time to start learning the craft. Whether she knits, sews, paints, or partakes in another fun activity, assemble the required tools and schedule a time to video chat. We know a future in-person meetup may be necessary to master all the tricks of the trade, but a virtual meeting should be enough to start learning the ropes.

We know that the coronavirus has thrown an obstacle in our usual Mother’s Day celebrations, but don’t let that stop you from showing your mom how much you care. Give her a socially distanced Mother’s Day celebration that she won’t soon forget.

Our ears are open! Do you have any other thoughts for showing gratitude to your mom while staying in? Let us know in the comments below.

Happy Mother’s Day from Lions Pride!

Plant a Tree This Arbor Day

23 Thursday Apr 2020

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Lions Lake in Fall

Photo Credit to Wisconsin Lions Camp

Friday marks the observance of Arbor Day, a holiday dedicated to celebrating the beneficial role that trees play in our lives. Of course, this year’s celebration will be different we’ve seen in years past due to the novel coronavirus and extended “Safer to Home” Orders.

Two years ago, we developed tips on planning a tree planting project with a group, but we know that these points may not be especially pertinent to life in 2020 since none of us can predict when it will be considered safe to gather in groups. However, we think it’s important to bear in mind that planting a tree doesn’t necessarily require a group; instead, it may be a memorable outing for families wanting to make a positive impact on the environment.

Since the ground is no longer frozen (that is here in Central Wisconsin,) now is a fantastic time to plant a tree. By planting in the spring, you allow the tree an opportunity to grow all summer long then prepare for the cold winter months. Nonetheless, there are a few challenges that you will likely need to address. With the help of BHG, we’ve compiled a few tips to improve your chances of a successful tree planting:

  1. Safety first! Before even picking up the shovel, please be sure there will be no utility lines down below. Call the Diggers Hotline (811) before planning to dig. The dispatcher will ask you questions about your project and will need to reach out to local public utilities, which can take some time. The best time to call is two to three days before digging your hole.
  2. When you are ready to plant, dig a hole two to three times as wide as the root ball of your tree to allow for sufficient backfill soil.
  3. As you place the root ball within the hole, be sure to handle carefully to keep it all intact.
  4. Once the root ball is in your ideal location, surround it with lightly packed soil. Loose soil will help the roots grow easily.
  5. The biggest obstacle to planting in the spring is that the tree will need to make new roots and new leaves at the same time, which requires a lot of sugar and water. Be sure to give the tree a large drink of water just after planting and every day for weeks after. Adding mulch to the base of the tree will help keep the weeds out and reduce water loss.

If you are a Lion or Lioness, and plan to plant one or more trees in observance of Arbor Day, we invite you to share your numbers with Multiple District’s Environmental Chair, Lion Anita LeCleir at tia1937@yahoo.com.

At Lions Pride, our job is to preserve, protect and provide for Lions Camp and all other WLF projects, but we think those three essential words can also be applied to our responsibility as conscious citizens.

Instead of thinking of Arbor Day as just a one-day celebration, perhaps we can consider it as an opportunity to continually come up with new ways to improve the world around us. Remember that small steps, like planting a tree, can have a positive effect on our environment as well as generations to come.

Thank you for continuing to protect Planet Earth!

 

Springing Ahead Without Losing Sleep

05 Thursday Mar 2020

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March has officially arrived! The third month of the year brings a multitude of emotions. Many of us are hopeful that the coldest winter days are behind us, excited knowing that spring is right around the corner and perhaps a bit anxious after realizing that the start of Daylight Saving Time is less than 48 hours away.

You might be surprised to learn that that anxiety is not exactly unwarranted. While some of us may have no problems springing forward, others may not fare as well. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, some people can take up to seven days to adjust to the time change, though it might feel even longer! Anyone has ever experienced a sleepless night will empathize with these unlucky souls knowing that a lack of sleep can have a serious impact on mood, productivity and alertness.

We know that losing an hour of sleep is not exactly anyone’s preference, but it means that the Spring Equinox is only weeks away! The best way to create a better transition is by planning ahead. Follow these tips to start preparing your body for the new season:

  • Go to bed earlier

The AASM recommends that people start adjusting their sleeping and waking times by 15-20 minutes two to three days before DST. If you start going to bed 15 minutes earlier tonight, it will only feel like you are losing another 15 minutes on Saturday night, instead of the full hour.

  • Establish a healthy bedtime routine

To effectively get to sleep on time, you’ll want to make sure you include relaxation before bedtime. Engage in an activity that calms you, such as taking a bubble bath, reading a book, or meditate. Whatever you decide to do, stay away from your mobile devices. The blue light from these electronics suppresses melatonin and make it harder to fall asleep. Read through other reasons why you should consider putting the phone down at least 30 minutes before getting your shuteye.

  • Soak up the morning sun

On Saturday and Sunday morning, try to get out in the sun – even if it’s just sitting in a window. We may spend much of our days indoors, but don’t forget that sunlight still helps regulate our sleeping patterns. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the sun will alert our brains and set our bodies into motion.

  • Plan to nap on Sunday afternoon

Ideally, on Sunday morning, you would be waking up your new waking time (15 minutes earlier), but treat yourself to an afternoon nap. Make sure that you’re not snoozing too close to bedtime and try to keep it short. Studies show that most people do best when allowing 10 to 15 minutes for napping.

What other tips do you have for surviving DST? Let us know in the comments below.

Here at Lions Pride, we are also not thrilled with the idea of losing a precious hour of sleep when springing forward, but we keep trying to remind ourselves that winter is almost through. Always remember to look for the bright side and enjoy the passage to spring!

 

Fat Tuesday Fun Facts

20 Thursday Feb 2020

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Photo Credit to Mathieu Cheze on Unsplash

Spring is coming! The piles of snow may say otherwise, but we are confident it’s on the way. How do we know? Because Fat Tuesday is already next week, so Easter is already on the horizon.

As you know, Mardi Gras is a celebration held the day before Ash Wednesday when Christians celebrate with fatty foods and fun. Traditionally, participants would use the day as an opportunity to eat the richest, unhealthiest foods that remained in their homes before starting the season of Lent.

Although Mardi Gras may not be a huge holiday here in Wisconsin, that is not the case 1150 miles south. Fat Tuesday is one of the biggest parties of the year for New Orleans, so we thought we’d celebrate with a few fun facts:

  • The first Mardi Gras Celebration took place on March 3, 1699, by French explorers Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and Sier de Bienville. Upon arriving at present-day NewOrleans, they named their landing spot Point du Mardi Gras and held a small celebration (nothing like we see today!)
  • While the terms “Carnival” and “Mardi Gras” are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to two different time periods. “Carnival” is the period of fun and feasting that happens between January 6 (the Feast of the Epiphany) and Fat Tuesday, and Mardi Gras is the final day of festivity before the season of Lent begins.
  • The first Mardi Gras Parade was held on February 24, 1857, by the Krewe of Comus. Krewes are individual groups often named after Greek gods and goddesses. Each Mardi Gras Parade Krewe has a unique history and picks a new theme each year.
  • You have likely noticed three colors associated with the celebration: purple, green and gold. These colors were chosen by the Rex, the King of Carnival, in 1892. Purple represents justice; green stands for faith and gold symbolized power.
  • There is not an “official” Mardi Gras. Many may be surprised to learn that Mardi Gras is a holiday like Christmas or Independence Day (although New Orleans is typically the only city where businesses are closed,) so it belongs to everyone. In other areas of the United States, the government may be in charge of their Mardi Gras celebrations, but this does not hold true in New Orleans.
  • Even if you’ve never attended Mardi Gras in the Big Easy, you likely already know that the holiday is big, but you still may be shocked to learn how big. In 2019, the Mardi Gras celebration included 54 parades, 1061 floats, 588 marching bands and 135,000+ participants.

We were surprised to learn just how much history is behind Fat Tuesday, but we know this is just a small sliver of facts. Do you have a Mardi Gras story to share? Let us know in the comments below.

Whether you choose to spend Fat Tuesday out and about or prefer to indulge in the comfort of your own home, we hope you enjoy the celebration. Happy Mardi Gras from Lions Pride!

The History of April Fools’ Day

28 Thursday Mar 2019

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Watch your back! April Fools’ Day is right around the corner. Monday, April 1, is arguably the most light-hearted day of the year when people try to prank others with silly hoaxes and extravagant tales, but did you know the exact origin remains unknown to this day?

pile of fish

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According to the History Channel, there are a couple of theories to explain the day of pranks. Some historians have been said to believe that All Fools’ Day goes all the way back to the late 16th Century. In the year 1582, Pope Gregory XIII announced that France would be replacing the Julian Calendar with the Gregorian Calendar.

Although the news was made public, there were several people who either didn’t get the message or refused to make the change. With the old calendar system, the New Year was celebrated on April 1, so those who were still recognizing April as the New Year were mocked by others.

The largest prank at that time was done by placing a paper fish on a gullible person’s back and calling them “poisson d’Avril” (April fish) to symbolize their character as similar to that of a young, easily-caught fish.

The second most well-known theory refers to the idea of April Fools’ Day falling near the Vernal Equinox. Many explain that the calendar may say that its spring, but Mother Nature is playing the biggest joke on us all with unpredictable, changing weather.

In today’s world, people, companies, and even governments, go to extreme lengths to pull off April Fools’ Day hoaxes. Below are three of the most notable pranks over the past century:

  1. In 1957, BBC ran a news segment announcing to the world that Swedish farmers were achieving great success with their spaghetti harvest.
  2. In 1985, Sports Illustrated featured a story about the fastest pitcher of all-time, Siddhartha Finch, who could throw 168 miles per hour. Observant readers immediately noticed that the first words of the second headline read “Happy April Fools’ Day.”
  3. In 1996, Taco Bell took out newspaper ads announcing their recent purchase of the Liberty Bell. The company had made plans to rename the historic treasure to the “Taco Liberty Bell.”

Do you find yourself participating in All Fools Day pranks? Tell us about the greatest prank you’ve ever been pulled off in the comments below.

Happy April Fools’ Day from Lions Pride!

Early Signs of Spring

14 Thursday Mar 2019

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Do you smell spring in the air? May, not quite yet, but believe it or not, it is right around Screen Shot 2019-03-14 at 5.51.46 AMthe corner. Next Wednesday, March 20, marks the beginning of the vernal equinox.

As you may already know, the equinox is a moment in time when the sun positioned directly above the equator, so night and day are of (approximate) equal length. We know that it may not yet feel like spring, but if you would consider yourself to be a skeptic, we have some additional signs to help you see the light:

  • The snow is disappearing slowly but surely. February brought in record-breaking amounts of snow. In fact, the city of Wausau set a new personal best with 39.1 inches of accumulation, well exceeding their previous record of 28.4 inches set back in 1964. Understandably, it will take some time to get rid of the snow banks completely, but we are making progress.
  • Mother Nature is celebrating with well-above average temps. Today, we are expected to reach 52 degrees here in Rosholt, which will feel like a treat. But we’ll need to stay tuned because it appears that 50-degree temperatures will become the new normal in the upcoming weeks.
  • The birds are back in town. Sparrows and sandhill cranes are making their way back home, and the robins will get back to their usual routines.
  • The days are getting longer. We may have lost an hour of sleep last week due to Daylight Saving Time, but we are now getting more sunlight. We’re looking forward to seeing a little bit more of our old friend, Mr. Sun.
  • It’s almost time to play ball! The 2019 MLB will open on its earliest day ever. All 30 teams will play on March 28, excluding international openers. The previous earliest opening day was only last year on March 29, 2018.

There are many ways to show us that spring is almost here. From now until June 21, 2019, we will be witnesses to the rebirth of the beautiful, Wisconsin landscape. What is your favorite part of the new season?

Happy Spring from Lions Pride!

Sleeping Tips for Surviving DST

07 Thursday Mar 2019

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Didn’t it seem like only yesterday that we were setting our clocks back and excited for an extra hour of sleep? It may be hard to believe, but Sunday marks the end of Daylight Saving Time (DST.)

animal cat face close up feline

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Understandably, most of us do not look forward to the end of Daylight Savings, like we do at the beginning. According to sleep.org, the average person sleeps 40 minutes less on the night following Daylight Saving Time then they would on a typical night. Many people feel adjusted to the change by Wednesday, but other unlucky individuals may struggle for weeks.

Anyone who has experienced a rough night of sleep will likely tell you that it can have several negative impacts on the following day. To prepare for Daylight Savings, now is the perfect time to audit your regular nighttime routine. Keep these following tips in mind as you plan to spring ahead:

  • Gradually transition into the time change

Ideally, you would already be going to bed a little earlier than usual. If not, it’s not too late to get started. For the next couple of nights, make an effort to go to bed 15 to 30 minutes earlier. If you are well-rested before Saturday night, you will help minimize the effects of DST.

Remember that different people need different amounts of sleep. Make an effort to determine how much sleep you need.

  • Limit caffeine and alcohol intake

Alcohol and caffeine, which can be found in coffee, chocolate, tea and pain relievers, can disrupt your sleep. If you have trouble sleeping, avoid these stimulating substances for four to six hours before bedtime.

  • Don’t schedule nighttime workouts

Moderate exercise during the day can help you sleep better at night. When done regularly, aerobic exercise can help improve your quality of sleep, but the timing is important. For some, working out too close to bedtime can hinder sleep. Rule of thumb, if you don’t often sleep well, think about exercising earlier in the day.

  • Establish a digital curfew

When using smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices at bedtime, you are unknowingly delaying your internal clock. These devices suppress the release of melatonin and make it more difficult to fall asleep. Create a digital curfew for you and your loved ones in which you all turn off electronic devices for the night. Consider setting the limit 30 minutes to 2 hours before bed. The earlier you in the evening you power down the electronics, the better.

  • Commit to a regular sleeping schedule

Finally, for the best night’s sleep, go to bed and wake up at the same time each day (yes, even weekends.) By sticking with a schedule, you can help your body regulate its sleep pattern and maximize the hours you sleep.

Here at Lions Pride, we may not exactly be excited about losing an hour of sleep, but Daylight Saving Time means that spring is right around the corner and brighter days are ahead. Don’t forget to enjoy the changing of the season!