I work on Team Social, here in Humana’s Innovation Center, and part of our job is to evangelize the need for being more social in the workplace. I want to do that today by sharing an awesome, four-minute video that Erik Qualman from Socialnomics put together.
If you still have questions around the possibility of an ROI attached to social media in the workplace, then hit me up in the comments below or give me a shout on Twitter, @hallicious.
DISCLAIMER ALERT: The ideas expressed in this post came out of my own head, were researched by my own eyes and were expressed by my own hands. They are not intended to serve as medical advice in any way, shape or form. And they do not reflect the views of Humana Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. I take full responsibility if you think this post is awesome or not awesome.
Depending on where you live, you might be experiencing dropping temperatures or even snow. That might be putting quite the damper on your winter exercise plans. After all, it’s not easy to work up the courage to put on those running clothes and step out into sub-zero weather for your daily run. The good news, however, is that there are ways to beat the winter chill and stay fit. Considering what we all know can happen over Thanksgiving and Christmas, the more we exercise, the more we can counteract the indulgences we allow ourselves.
There are risks for working out whenever you do, whether it is hot or cold, so consult your doctor before starting any kind of exercise program. Cold weather can often exasperate breathing issues like asthma and heart conditions. Once you have done that, there are just a few things to keep in mind that set winter workouts apart from their summer counterparts. First and foremost, know when to stay inside. Always, I repeat always, make sure to factor in the wind chill before you go out and start your workout. Remember, the wind, or the wind you can create by doing a fast moving exercise like running or skiing, can make the temps anywhere from 5 to 30 degrees colder. A good rule of thumb: If it’s below zero, stay inside.
I found a few other good tips from the Mayo Clinic to keep in mind as you jump into a Winter Wonderland of workout. Keep a few of these in mind as you suit up to brave the cold. Remember, the more you do through the colder months, the less you’ll have to scramble when swimsuit season hits. Check these out:
“Protect Your Extremities – When it’s cold, blood is shunted to your body’s core, leaving your hands and feet vulnerable to frostbite. Try wearing a thin pair of gloves under a pair of heavier gloves or mittens lined with wool or fleece. You might want to buy exercise shoes a half-size larger than usual to allow for thick thermal socks or an extra pair of regular socks. And don’t forget a hat or headband — 30 to 40 percent of your body heat is lost through your head.”
“Choose Appropriate Gear – If it’s dark, wear reflective clothing. To stay steady on your feet, choose footwear with enough traction to prevent falls. Wear a helmet for skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling.”
“Remember Sunscreen - It’s as easy to get sunburned in winter as in summer — even more so if you’re exercising in the snow or at high altitudes. Wear a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of at least 15 or higher. Use a lip balm that contains sunscreen, and protect your eyes from snow and ice glare with dark glasses or goggles.”
“Head Into The Wind - You’ll be less likely to get chilled on the way back if you end your workout — when you may be sweaty — with the wind at your back.”
“Drink Plenty of Fluids – Drink water or sports drinks before, during and after your workout — even if you’re not thirsty. You can become just as dehydrated in the cold as in the heat from sweating, breathing and increased urine production.”
Do those things and you should be just fine and dandy this winter. Remember to keep an eye on any and all signs of frostbite or hypothermia, the two can come on faster than you’d believe and hit you harder than you’d imagine. Be safe, be fit, and don’t let the cold months drag you down.
DISCLAIMER ALERT: The ideas expressed in this post came out of my own head, were researched by my own eyes and were expressed by my own hands. They are not intended to serve as medical advice in any way, shape or form. And they do not reflect the views of Humana Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. I take full responsibility if you think this post is awesome or not awesome.
This Thanksgiving I wanted to give thanks to the development team that made myTPSreport.com a reality: the Cougar Team. More specifically, I want to thank @mathiask and @chimoose for making the Cougar Team exist.
But enough with the sappiness already, right? I’ve got something to show you that you may find interesting:
Analyze This
Since its inception, you’ve always been able to analyze a search term’s tweet stream by its associated words right underneath the map view.
For example, if you were to search #twit2fit in myTPSreport.com, you’d find out that @jasonfalls is mentioned with a number of tweets containing #twit2fit.
That’s pretty cool, if you’re looking to get some context around the term you’re searching for in general. But what if you wanted to find out about your search term in relation to time?
I’m glad you asked. The team has created a way for you to view tweets over time, both by day and aggregated over time. Tweet metrics, if you will…
For a little explanation, the blue line shows spikes in tweets on any given day. So if you see a spike in the blue line, it means that a lot of people tweeted about your search term that day. The orange line gives you a cumulative total of all the tweets. The slope of the orange line correlates with the height of the blue line for any given day. The steeper the slope on the orange line means a higher high point on the blue line.
What Do You Think?
Everybody on the team digs this new graph, but we’re really interested to find out what you think. Is this a great new feature, or are you all like, “meh?” Please let me know in the comments below.
DISCLAIMER ALERT: The ideas expressed in this post came out of my own head, were researched by my own eyes and were expressed by my own hands. They are not intended to serve as medical advice in any way, shape or form. And they do not reflect the views of Humana Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. I take full responsibility if you think this post is awesome or not awesome.
In case it’s been awhile since you’ve taken a glance at the clock, Thanksgiving is close. We’re right around the corner from the holiday that brings more food to the tables, and more weight to our bellies, than just about any other. Recent studies have shown that 51 percent of annual weight gain for the average American comes between just before Thanksgiving and just after New Year’s. Surprising? Nah, not really…not at all.
That said, here’s one truth to cling to as tightly as Saran-Wrap over your pies: It Doesn’t Have To Be That Way. You don’t have to put on tons of unnecessary weight over the holiday season. You don’t have to stuff yourself like the turkey you slide into that oven. You can beat it, and it is easier than you think. Here are some pretty simple little ideas from Health.com to keep in your mind as visions of sugarplums dance in your heads this holiday season:
Downsize Your Sweets - “You just got a two-pound tin of toffee? Put some in the freezer, store four or five pieces for yourself in the cabinet, and give the rest of away.”
Use A Plate - “Don’t nibble while standing up at a party or decorating the tree. Sit down at a table with your plate so you can focus on your food and keep track of what you’re eating.”
Mind Your Bites - “Slow down and savor the food’s smell and texture. Many people find they don’t have to eat so much with this approach.”
Practice Partying - “A lot of people restrict what they eat before the holidays and then overeat when they hit the scrumptious buffet. Instead, eat mindfully for about a week before the holiday bash so you won’t feel deprived and go on a binge.”
Just keep those four simple ideas in your mind when you walk head first into a holiday party filled with bad sweaters and sugary fatty food and you can walk out unscathed. Another helpful tip that I have always lived by: Before you go to any party, of any kind, eat an apple and drink a full glass of cold water. Doing this helps keep your stomach tricked into thinking it needs nothing. That way you can get through the party without stuffing yourself like the turkey you just cooked.
DISCLAIMER ALERT: The ideas expressed in this post came out of my own head, were researched by my own eyes and were expressed by my own hands. They are not intended to serve as medical advice in any way, shape or form. And they do not reflect the views of Humana Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. I take full responsibility if you think this post is awesome or not awesome.
The holidays between late November and early January keep us all busy cooking, decorating, shopping, wrapping, partying, etc. It is also a busy time for the 24-hour veterinary clinic because of the increase in accidental poisonings and preventable illnesses that traditionally accompany holiday festivities. Listed below are some holiday hazards every pet owner should know for an incident-free holiday season:
Toxic Plants - These common household plants are poisonous to pets:
Poinsettias
Mistletoe
Holly Berries
Cedar Christmas trees
Toxic Foods – According to Dr. Michael Levine, DVM, whether under the tree or in the garbage pail, these foods will send your dog to the emergency room:
Chocolate attacks the central nervous system
Grapes, raisins trigger kidney failure
Onions, garlic make dogs anemic depriving oxygen to vital organs
Avocados are poisonous to many pet species – the fruit, pit, leaves and plant
Green tomatoes, potatoes, rhubarb create anomalies within the nervous system, kidneys and digestive tract. This includes potato skins, tomato plants and their leaves.
Alcohol cannot be tolerated by dogs in any quantity
Macadamia nuts, walnuts are toxic to dogs. Peanuts, although not toxic, could trigger an allergic reaction.
Mushrooms contain toxins that attack the kidneys, liver and the brain
Apple seeds contain arsenic. Cherry pits, cherry leaves, peach pits and apple cores can also be toxic and dangerous to the digestive system.
Other foods toxic to dogs include all high fat foods (engages pancreatitis), raw eggs, egg whites, raw fish, nutmeg, salt (ingested regularly or in high quantities), persimmons, liver and yeast or dough containing yeast
Tobacco contains nicotine – toxic to dogs in just a few cigarettes
Caffeine contains the same toxin as in chocolate – theorbromine – so prohibit the intake of any soda, coffee (liquid, grounds or beans) or tea
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener commonly found in chewing gum and candy that creates a sudden drop in a dog’s blood pressure and can lead to seizures and death
Since these plants and foods are so prevalent in our homes around the holidays, it is a good idea to keep the ASPCA Poison Control Center hotline number – 888-426-4435 – readily accessible.
Bones from the holiday bird, or steak for that matter, can lodge in the throat, stomach or intestinal tract
Aluminum foil/plastic wrap could potentially cause the pet to choke or, if swallowed, could create an intestinal obstruction
Electrical cords are no different to chew than a new toy for puppies and kittens so keep these hidden and secured
Decorations - Glass ornaments, light strings, tinsel and ribbons can all cause choking or intestinal distress if swallowed. Candles should always be supervised in the presence of pets and children.
Water for a live Christmas tree may contain preservatives, sugar or aspirin additives and should remain out of the reach of your pets
Pine needles ingested by your pet could puncture their intestines
Too many treats during the holidays can expand your pet’s waistline just like your own so don’t go overboard with the ‘goodies’
Holiday stress affects pets too so don’t forget to provide your pet with a ‘happy place’ to retreat when the sights and sounds of the holiday become overwhelming
DISCLAIMER ALERT: The ideas expressed in this post came out of my own head, were researched by my own eyes and were expressed by my own hands. They are not intended to serve as medical advice in any way, shape or form. And they do not reflect the views of Humana Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. I take full responsibility if you think this post is awesome or not awesome.
For example, if you were to search #twit2fit in myTPSreport.com, you’d find out that @jasonfalls is mentioned with a number of tweets containing #twit2fit.
