The cities of Portland and Vancouver announced that they have put a ban on fireworks this Fourth of July, citing an increasing number of injuries but also a huge risk for fire and property damage. According to the City of Portland, of the 307 fires in 2021, fifteen were caused by fireworks, including 3 deaths. 

Although fireworks are a significant part of the July 4th traditions for Americans, the celebrations, while not as loud, can still be bright.  We urge those of you who live in the Portland and Vancouver areas to respect the ban and try these fun firework alternatives instead. 

1.  Confetti Cannons.  This fun, and festive Confetti Cannon provides the pop and color that is a must on any July 4th.  Made with biodegradable confetti, it’s earth-friendly too. 
2. Laser Light Show.  Light up the night with laser light.  Throw the colors up against a wall or fence and for some extra fun turn up some music and celebrate.  
3. Blow in the Dark Bubbles.  Whether you are nine or ninety it will be hard to resist this activity.  Easy to make with a two-step solution, these are so fun you may not even miss the sparklers. 

Just because residents of Portland and Vancouver cannot light their own fireworks does not mean there are not plenty of Fireworks and 4th of July celebrations to enjoy around town.   However you choose to celebrate,  the team at EPB&B wishes you a safe and happy holiday. 

Swimming, camping, hiking, golfing, or hanging in the yard, whatever your plans this summer make sure they include sunscreen.

Proper use of sunscreen is critical to protecting your skin, not only from sunburn but also from premature aging and most importantly from the most common type of cancer in the United States, skin cancer.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends you use sunscreen every day you will be outside, even on cloudy days, especially if you will be near sand, snow, or water as the UV rays reflect off of these surfaces and increase your chance of sunburn. 

Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen needed to achieve the amount of SPF on the label. Here is the American Academy of Dermatology’s recommendation for proper sunscreen application: 

• Apply enough sunscreen to cover all exposed skin. Most adults need about 1 ounce — or enough to fill a shot glass — to fully cover their entire body.
• Don’t forget to apply it to the tops of your feet, your neck, your ears, and the top of your head.
• Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors.
• Skin cancer also can form on the lips. To protect your lips, apply a lip balm or lipstick that contains sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• When outdoors, reapply sunscreen approximately every two hours, or after swimming or sweating, according to the directions on the bottle.

Your skin works hard daily to protect you from external factors,  so take the time to return the favor before heading outside for some summer fun.

Attention employers, summer is here and a great time to implement a walking program for your employees. 

Anyone who runs a business knows that good employee are hard to find, so when you have a good team of people working for you, make sure you are taking care of them, and that includes promoting a healthy workplace. When it comes to health, walking is at the top of the list.  Not only does it relieve stress, and help manage a healthy weight, but when promoted in the workplace it can help with productivity and team cohesiveness.  

Workplace walking challenges have become increasingly popular in recent years, as employers look for ways to maintain a fun and productive workplace.  While there are many ways to implement a walking challenge, here is an example of an easy way to start.

Implemented by Human Resources Manager, Chris Harte last summer, the team at EPB&B pulled together to make a 987-mile trek from Portland to Disneyland.  Of course, they didn’t actually walk to Disneyland, but they put in some serious miles and had a lot of fun doing it.  Here is How: 

1.  Pick A“ Virtual” Location.  Depending on the number of participants, you may want to go across town or across the country.  Add some fun swag (EPB&B donned mouse ears) that represents your final destination. 
2. Make The Challenge Optional. Remember a walking challenge is meant to be a fun team-building experience, not another item in the job description. 
3. Provide Tracking Devices. Most participants have a smartphone or a fitness tracker they can use to track their miles but provide a pedometer (they are inexpensive and work fine) for those who may need one. 
4. Start Walking. Every step counts.  Whether to the copy machine, running after the kids, or keeping up with Fido, just keep walking.  
5. Report Miles Walked.  At the end of each week, have each participant report their total miles walked that week to the designated team leader.  I suggest making it an honor system (unless you work with a bunch of cheaters).  Have the team leader share the weekly totals to keep everyone motivated.
6. Take Pics And Share.  Encourage everyone to brush up on their selfies and  to share their journey with one another. 
7. CELEBRATE.  When you reach your destination, have a way to celebrate the accomplishment.  A catered theme lunch, a donation to a favorite charity, or workout swag to name a few ideas.

A walking challenge can be done in workplaces that are in office, work from home, or hybrid.  They are a great way to build team cohesiveness, promote health and have some fun.   

The EPB&B Wellness Wednesday Series is written by Sherri Sacconaghi, Creative Strategist and former Health and Fitness Coach.