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Coffee: The Pros and Cons

Many people, from adults with full-time jobs, or college kids with packed schedules, rely on coffee as a source of energy. People not only depend on the effects from the caffeine, but genuinely enjoy the flavor. Coffee can be comforting, especially during the cooler months, when it feels even better to sip on something warm. According to an analysis by the European Journal of Epidemiology and a study conducted by the McGill University Health Centre, coffee’s benefits outweigh its risks.

  1. Coffee consumption helps prevent against cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
  2. Smoking decreases the benefits that coffee has for your body.
  3. Despite popular belief, there is no correlation between coffee and its link to the probably of getting gastric cancer.
  4. Can help prevent diabetes by increasing plasma levels and boosting your metabolism.
  5. Can aid/prevent damage in the liver.
  6. Drinking coffee can help stimulate the central nervous system which can protect against neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.
  7. A single cup of coffee also contains many nutrients such as Riboflavin, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and niacin.
  8. According to a 2011 study conducted by Harvard School of Public Health, women who drank at least four cups of coffee per day, were 20% less likely to become depressed.

When coffee might not be the right call for you…

  1. There is a very small link between coffee and miscarriage, so if you’re expecting, coffee might not be your #1 go to beverage.
  2. Caffeine can raise LDL cholesterol, however proper filtration of the coffee grounds can help eliminate most of the risk.
  3. If you have trouble sleeping at night, or suffer from anxiety, coffee might not be the right drink for you.

In conclusion, although coffee has a multitude of benefits, those benefits can also be overshadowed by how you drink it. Many of the pros that are related to coffee are not included in high-calorie options from popular coffee shops. When drinks contain more milk, than coffee, it is likely that you are just getting more sugar and fats than any real health advantages. Be wary of flavored creams and artificial sugars, instead, opt for a splash of milk, or even some honey or agave nectar for added sweetness.

Akron is full of wonderful coffee shops and cafes.  Near colleges, like Kent State University in Kent you can find local, one of a kind places to get a fresh cup.

Akron Business Networking

Akron is full of things to do.  But if you are starting a new business or if you want to get out and meet more people because you are in sales, you have to know where to go.

What many people do not realize is that not only is there an Akron Chamber of Commerce that provides business networking opportunities in Akron, but there are many other chambers as well in all the surrounding communities.  I have been to Fairlawn, Kent, Stow, Ravenna, Streetsboro and more different chambers.

Beyond that, Rotary is in many of these same communities.

Then you have professional networking organizations that provide specific networking opportunities.  One I was in was B to B Connect which generated a lot of referrals for our business to business marketing agency at the time.  They had groups in Kent, Stow, Akron, Streetsboro,  Aurora and more locations.  Because the same group meets every two weeks, you get to know people better and even if you do not get business, you will probably develop some good business friendships.

Network After Work puts on events in Akron and Cleveland as well and you do not have to be a member to attend and meet some new people.  The combination of events to meet new people and other events where you get to know people better is very powerful over time.

Then you can check Facebook Groups, LinkedIn and MeetUp to find even more things going on in Akron for business networking.  If you want to go to something new every few days you should be able to find something.

Some tips to networking better:

  1. Follow up the next day – nothing is more frustrating when people do not follow up after meeting.
  2. Do not expect sales – look to grow your network of connections and keep them fresh (reaching out regularly) and the sales will come over time.

Sure you can go to Cleveland which has come great events as well.  But chances are you can find all the new customers you want in the greater Akron area if you just know where to look.

Cold Weather Activities To Keep Kids Active

You need to get creative when cold weather hits so your kids don’t just sit in front of a device all day long.

One of the hardest things about a four season climate like Akron, Ohio is the changes in season disrupt good habits.  Maybe in the warm months you hike, and in the cold months you binge on Netflix.  Maybe not.  But kids need to have good cold weather habits to stay healthy and be social.  Sure, school has gym for the younger kids but are you providing enough additional activities to keep the colder months active and engaging?

We assembled this list of possible things you can have your kids do during colder months.  Enjoy.

  • Swimming – Many indoor pools have swim teams during the Winter months, including the Kent Seariders.
  • Indoor Tennis – available in many locations such as Stow, Fairlawn, Medina, Hudson, Aurora and Green.
  • Karate – Lots of local martial arts studios.
  • Basketball – This time of year most community centers and YMCA’s are going to have Basketball going on.
  • Dance – year round exercise in every town.
  • Theater – You might not think of this as a physical activity but if it is a musical they will spend hours a week working on dance moves, as well as singing and memorizing lines.  Many community theaters exist around Akron.
  • Indoor Volleyball – popular with adults and older kids.
  • Pickle-ball – Sure there is going to be an older crowd, but they usually love getting younger people in there too.  Pickle-ball is all over the Akron area.
  • Gymnastics – There are many gymnastics centers in the Akron area, including Flytz in Cuyahoga Falls.  They not only have more advanced gymnastics training but also tumbling classes for the younger kids.
  • Yoga and Zumba – Classes kids can participate in are all around.
  • And finally, there is always the option of hooking your laptop to the computer, going on YouTube and finding workout videos the whole family, or a group of friends together after school, can do together.  A great workout and zero cost.

Whatever you decide, now is the time to develop good cold weather habits so you maintain good health and fitness all Winter long.

Lawn Cleanup Tips

What you do to clean up your lawn in the fall depends on a few factors.

  1. Do you have a large or small yard?
  2. Do you have many or a few trees?
  3. Do you have kids that like to help?
  4. Does your Akron area home provide curb side leaf pickup?

There are a variety of techniques to clean the yard.  In Kent, where I like, we have trees that keep their leaves until Spring in some cases.  That means we are picking up leaves throughout the Fall, Winter (if warmer) and Spring.  Because of this I like to pick them up in batches and not try to do the entire lawn at once.

30 Years ago you saw people raking and bagging the leaves.  Now the manual way to get it done is to rake leaves onto a tarp and drag the tarp to the front of the house and dump them along the curb and they will get cleaned up by your city in many cases.

Other options include leaf blowers.  Electric leaf blowers are inexpensive, but will only work well for modest amounts of leaves that are dry.  A gas leaf blower will be able to handle more leaves and damp leaves much better.  Make sure you wear ear plugs to protect your hearing.

Another option is simply to mow the leaves if they are few and scattered.  Mulching them into the yard with your lawnmower set low is good if there are not too many.

Lastly, hire a company to come and clean your yard.  If you are older or too busy, having a landscape company come and use blowers to clean your yard well will save you the hassle and difficulty.

Remember, just like shoveling snow, raking leaves is not an activity your body is most likely used to and it can be dangerous if you push too hard or try to do too much.  You will likely be sore for days and you could hurt your back or suffer other injuries, so make a smart choice to remove your leaves and cleaning your yard.

 

Does Your Cat Need To See The Vet?

Cats can be great pets.  Less fuss and often fairly hands off.  But how do you know when they need to go to a veterinarian if they are not obviously sick?  We went to a local Medina veterinarian to find out what to look for.  Here is what he had to say.

These are the signs your cat needs to go to the vet:

1. If your cat is experiencing chronic weight loss. (in older cats, could be a sign of kidney disease or thyroid disease)

2. No longer grooming itself.

3. Hiding, sleeping in strange places

4. Not using the litter box

Dr. Steve Hicks - Akron Medina Veterinary HospitalChanges in a cat's patterns can be cause for alarm. Your cat should be very predictable and you will notice changes in behavior.

Dr. Steve Hicks - Akron Medina Veterinary Hospital

5. Increased amounts of urine in litter box (occurs with diabetes and kidney disease)

6. Increase in vomiting (most cats vomit occasionally, especially hairballs, but an increase in the pattern could be a sign of a bigger problem)

7. Decreased appetite

8. Drooling, rubbing face (could be a sign of dental disease)

Our cat has done some of these things for years and it is often not a sign to panic.  For example, our cat stopped using the litter box for a bit, we took it to a vet in Kent and it turned out to be because we changed which litter we use.  I learned that cats are very picky about changes and something as small as changing brands can cause this.  We switched back and the problem was solved.

Our cat also has always liked to go up in the basement ceiling when it gets sick of us and wants to get away.  Now that she is older she has stopped, but it was an issue for years but never meant we needed to take her to the vet.  Just her personal space I guess.

The key is being aware of the signs and not hesitating to take your cat to a veterinarian if you notice these kinds of issues arising and worrying you because they are not a one-time thing.

From Lakes to Locks: Preserving Ohio’s Waterways

The landscape of downtown Kent, a sprawling suburban college town nestled between the urban city of Akron, numerous state preserves and parks, and vast rural croplands, speaks to its past as a center for manufacturing and business. In the center of town one can find a beautiful historic train station, converted into the iconic Treno Ristorante and overlooking once bustling but now seldom-used train tracks. Parallel to the tracks flows the Cuyahoga River, channeled through a retired granite lock formerly used to raise and lower ships carrying goods to and from local mills and factories to cities across Ohio and Pennsylvania. Many of the factories still stand, now utilized for retail space, art galleries, and bars, their aged brick exteriors lending a unique charm to this ever-changing town.

While the city of Kent now caters more to the college crowd rather than mills and manufacturers, it is still apparent that the proximity to the Cuyahoga offers great advantage to local residents. The canal locks are no longer in use, but the river provides valuable services, such as recreation and drinking water supply. Miles of park trails snake alongside the river providing enjoyment for people and habitats for native wildlife. Fishermen and kayakers can frequently be found navigating the water alongside large-mouth bass, bluegill, and even the occasional steel-head trout, once absent from the river due to heavy pollution which ultimately culminated in the infamous Cuyahoga River fires. The historic burning of the Cuyahoga demonstrates that, in spite our reliance on the services that the river provides, humans have not always paid respect to this invaluable resource. As we manipulate Ohio’s natural landscape in an attempt to adapt to societal changes, it is important to consider the impacts of human actions on local ecosystems and how we can best minimize deleterious effects. Kent and the Cuyahoga are only a microcosm of the myriad of aquatic ecosystems facing human-induced environmental threats.

Humans have progressively demonstrated an affinity for modifying the land to suit our needs, having modified one third to one half of Earth’s land surface. Rapid, poorly planned development often leads to draining and building atop wetlands, destroying and fragmenting wildlife habitats and eliminating the valuable ecological services they provide. Wetlands are often seen as expendable land suitable only for dumping waste and acting as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, but are crucial for water purification, wildlife habitat, flood protection, groundwater recharge, soil stabilization, and many other benefits.

In addition to the destruction of wetlands, urban development leads to the replacement of permeable soil and water-retaining ground cover with impervious materials such as concrete and asphalt. While this alteration of the natural water cycle may appear to be benign, there are dangerous repercussions. When water is unable to seep into the ground or be taken up by the roots of plants, the water must drain into storm sewers and local waterways. Impervious surfaces prevent water from percolating into the soil, causing the runoff to carry pollutants directly into waterways.

Fortunately, many aspects of waterways can be evaluated in order to gain insight into the health of an ecosystem. By monitoring the abundance of specific species that rely on an aquatic environment for survival, researchers are able to determine the impact of human-induced and natural factors. Aquatic macro invertebrates, or animals that live in water, lack a backbone, and can be seen with the naked eye, are excellent indicators of the condition of aquatic systems and can be used to establish correlation between land use and ecosystem health. Macro invertebrates are extremely common, are easy to collect and study, and have varying susceptibility to environmental factors, so the presence or absence of specific species and the number of different species present are evaluated to gauge the overall health of stream.

Organizations involved in conservation efforts often work in conjunction with dedicated volunteers and citizen scientists to play an important role in monitoring the health of aquatic systems. Water quality monitoring is crucial to identify changes in temperature, pH, and oxygen levels. A rise in water temperature has been shown to be detrimental to fish eggs and the growth of young fish, while also reducing macro invertebrate populations on which fish feed. Municipal wastewater and agricultural runoff can contain excess nutrients leading to a proliferation of algal blooms. The utilization of oxygen by decomposing algae causes “dead zones”, which lack oxygen sufficient for sustaining life.

While the issues affecting water quality are abundant, there is still hope. Many local organizations in Northeast Ohio are currently working diligently to assess and protect the health of local waterways. The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) consists of three treatment plants responsible for collecting and cleaning 90 billion gallons of wastewater every year. NEORSD is a major player in evaluating local water quality and working to reduce harmful environmental impacts. One of the efforts of NEORSD is Project Clean Lake, which involves a 25 year, 3 billion dollar plan to reduce Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO), or the discharge of untreated municipal wastewater and storm water runoff directly into the river and lake when the current infrastructure reaches maximum capacity.

A crucial step in protecting local waterways is involving the community in individual and collective actions to minimize negative impacts and help clean up polluted areas. Fortunately, there are numerous local organization allowing the opportunity for community members to be engaged in conservation and restoration projects. The Cleveland Metroparks Watershed Stewardship Center in Parma offers an array of volunteer opportunities and workshops that allow community members to practice citizen science through stream and species monitoring, learn about local watersheds and ecology, or brush up on sustainable practices around the home. The Watershed Stewardship Center also offers free programs for school children, providing valuable learning opportunities for the next generation of conservationists. For more information on upcoming events, visit www.clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/programs-events.

If you prefer to get outside and get active for the cause, then consider participating in the West Creek Conservancy’s Creatures in the Forest 5K Trail Run on Saturday, October 28th. Have fun with family and friends, run or walk through scenic terrain, and help to raise funds and awareness for the West Creek Conservancy’s efforts to create a Greener Greater Cleveland. The Conservancy works collaboratively with many local organizations to preserve and restore natural spaces and waterways and provide opportunities for community members to connect with nature. For more information on volunteer opportunities with the West Creek Conservancy or to register for the run, visit: http://westcreek.org.

Back home in Kent, my car currently sits atop the paved slope of my driveway. Should I happen to have a minor oil leak or choose to wash my car with a bucket of soapy water, these chemicals drip onto my driveway, ultimately to be swept away into a drainage pipe or seep into the groundwater with the next heavy rain. The accumulation of such seemingly minor environmental insults from millions of households and businesses can lead to devastating consequences, including algal blooms, dead zones, and toxicity to aquatic life. By simply going about our daily routines, we each inadvertently contribute to aquatic degradation. By understanding the role that each of our choices play in our local ecosystems we may better our practices to preserve species. In this time of turbulent climates, both natural and political, it is crucial that we all put forth conscious effort to make wise choices for the protection of our precious natural areas.

This article is provided by Amanda Fowler.  Amanda Fowler is a Life Support Systems Technician for the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, working diligently as a part of the team responsible for maintaining the zoo’s aquatic exhibits. Through close daily monitoring of water quality parameters and multiple methods of mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration, Amanda has gained a deep understanding of the intricate biotic and abiotic components of aquatic ecosystems. This work informs and inspires a passion for water quality and conservation, the theme of Amanda’s Master’s work in biology through Miami University’s Advanced Inquiry Program. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Amanda has completed numerous projects throughout the program focusing on community education and water quality issues both in Ohio and in her current home state of California.

6 Family Activities After Dusk

Summer is when the sun goes down later at night, and often kids are in bed around dusk.  But it is a great time to stay outside and enjoy the evening if your kids can stay up.  Here are 6 ideas of things you can do at dusk together as a family.

  1. Camp Fire – fire rings are common now and having a camp fire in your back yard is a great way to talk and have fun.  Each city has different fire codes and you should find out what yours are, but in many cases as long as it is contained you can have a great little fire.  Cook smores, learn fire building techniques, fire safety, and just catch up with each other.
  2. Minor League Baseball – Akron Rubberducks – check their schedule, sometimes they have fireworks.
  3. Night Hike – Take flashlights and explore a well marked, safe path at night to get a whole new perspective on nature.
  4. Drive In Theater – Yes, they are still around.  Not better quality picture, not better sounds, but a wholly different movie experience your kids need to try at least once.  Here is the one between Kent and Ravenna.
  5. Carnivals and Festivals – Do a quick search and you will find local fairgrounds and downtowns full of festivals and carnivals all Summer long.
  6. Free Park Concerts – Want to expose your family to some culture?  Me either – but we still have fun going to park concerts and you cannot lose when they are free.

Replacing Heater and Air Conditioner

If your heater and air conditioner is working, but is old, how do you know it is time to replace it?

For several years, we knew our heater and air conditioner was old and inefficient, but because they worked, we did not replace them.  However, we also avoided using the air conditioning in the Akron heat because it was too costly.

Eventually we started to shop around.  The big advantage of replacing heating and air conditioning before they break is that you can take your time and shop for a good deal and not have to make a quick decision.

We were able to take about 6 weeks to talk with several Kent heating and air conditioning companies and we finally chose one that offered us 3 year financing without interest.  Had we needed to make an emergency replacement, we would have never found that deal.

Now we have enjoyed efficient AC in the Summer and it barely raised the electric bill at all.  A big chance from before when we would never use the AC for fear of adding hundreds to the bill.  I know now I will also dread allergy season in the Spring much less as we can keep the windows closed.

So if you are considering a replacement, you could save hundreds or even  thousands by not waiting till an emergency with your heater or air conditioner.

Akron Kayaking

Kayaking and canoeing along the Cuyahoga River is a pleasurable experience many people enjoy every spring, summer, and fall in northeast Ohio. The winding, calm river is ideal for families who want to take advantage of the summer months enjoying water activities with their small children.

There are several places around northeast Ohio that allow you to rent a canoe or kayak to enjoy the river and enjoy a fun weekend with your children. These are three of the many businesses for renting a kayak or canoe.

  1. Crooked River Adventures

100 Stow St,

Kent, OH 44240

(330) 541-7467

https://fareharbor.com/crookedriveradventures/

  1. Burning River Adventures

2025 Munroe Falls Avenue

Cuyahoga Falls, OH

(330) 969-2628

http://www.paddletheriver.com/

  1. Killinit Kayaks Inc.

3803 1/2 State Rd,

Akron, OH 44319

(330) 760-3533

https://killinitkayaks.com/

Before you decide to rent a kayak or canoe from one of these businesses, visit their website and check for availability, hours of operation and prices. Some of these businesses accept coupons and are very friendly and accommodating.

If on the other hand you own a kayak or canoe and decide to take it on the river, remember the safety precautions and rules and regulations you have to abide by before entering the waters on the Cuyahoga River.

  1. All kayak, canoes and inflatable boats must be registered in the state of Ohio. The boat registration must be carried onboard, and ID is required if you are visiting from other states where registration is not required
  2. Life jackets in wearable condition and right size are required for each person on the boat, kayak or inflatable boat. If you have children under the age of 10, they MUST wear properly sized life jacket at all times.
  3. No alcohol is permitted while on National parks or rivers
  4. No littering
  5. Children under the age of 12 MUST be supervised by an adult at all times if operating their own kayak, canoe or inflatable boat.

A fun weekend with the family will forge unforgettable memories for your children.  Safety should never be undermined, nor ignore.  A life jacket can save the life of your child. If they complain the life jacket is not comfortable, find another one that will fit them better, but do not relent about them wearing one.

Enjoy your summer.

Youth Summer Technology Camps at Kent State University

Kent State University offers summer camps in technology for young people from 1st grade through high school.  These week long camps are in technology topics that give young people great skills and keep their interest.  Building robots and drones, designing video games, developing VR (virtual reality experiences), 3D printing  and LEGO WeDo™  systems  are all available at very affordable rates.

The AT&T Classroom Summer Technology Camps offer chances for young campers to learn get instruction and be in an interactive classroom with similar aged peers interested in the same topics.

All summer technology camps are held in the AT&T Classroom (Room 034) in Moulton Hall on the Kent Campus. If you are using GPS, the address for Moulton Hall is 800 Hilltop Drive, Kent, OH 44242.

No prior experience is necessary.  Different subjects are covered throughout the summer and technology camps are offered in June, July and August.  See the complete details, cost and schedule here.

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