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Safety Committee SAFETY 4 "ALL" SEASONS Driving and pedestrian safety remain our major areas of concern. Remember, while driving in our neighborhood, the speed limit on Four Seasons Circle is 30 mph, while the speed limit on our residential side streets is 25 mph, and 15 mph in our alleyways and parking lots. Also, no parking is allowed in our alleyways. Regarding roundabout safety, always yield to vehicles already in the roundabout and only travel in a counterclockwise direction (i.e., keeping to the right as you enter the roundabout). …and stop at all STOP signs. While walking, be mindful of vehicle traffic on the streets and stay on the sidewalks whenever possible. If you need to walk in the street, always walk facing the opposing traffic, and if in a group, walk single file. STRESS RELIEF How we manage our stress has a crucial role in our physical and psychological well-being. Dr. Michael Turner, MD, offers these simple choices which may yield powerful benefits: Be Active Find an activity you enjoy and move regularly. Regular physical activity is associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression. One of the best ways to promote psychological well-being is to get moving. Exercise reduces your body's stress hormones, including cortisol, and can also trigger the release of endorphins, chemicals that may improve your mood and act as natural painkillers. Be Quiet Take breaks away from your computer, phone, and TV screens. Getting away from news and social media may help reduce stress levels. Another approach to getting stress relief is "mindfulness." Try box or square breathing: • Breathe in as you count to four slowly. Feel the air fill your lungs. • Hold your breath for four seconds. • Breathe out slowly through your mouth for four seconds. • Hold for four seconds. • Repeat these steps until you feel centered. Get Sleep Insomnia is a common disorder related to stress. e National Sleep Foundation says that 10 to 30 percent of us have challenges with sleep. Proper sleep hygiene includes maintaining a regular sleep schedule, keeping the bedroom lights dim, and reducing exposure to outside sound. Good sleep practices also include a comfortable temperature, with 65° F considered ideal. Avoid electronics in the hour before sleeping, as some emit a blue light that can interfere with sleep. Watch your caffeine and alcohol intake. Avoiding large meals before bed can also be helpful. Connect Having strong social ties with family or friends may help you navigate through stressful times and lower any anxiety you are experiencing. Summer is over, but September has traditionally been very HOT; therefore, remember to … • Stay Cool • Wear loose, light colored clothing • Stay cool indoors, preferably in an air-conditioned place • Schedule outdoor activities in the cool morning and evening hours • Cut down exercise during the heat • Wear sunscreen, SPF 15 or higher • Stay Hydrated • Drink up to four cups of water per hour … stay away from sugary or alcoholic drinks • Replace salts and minerals … sports drinks can replace the salt and minerals lost when you sweat. Note: Talk to your doctor before drinking sports beverages if you are on a low salt diet, have diabetes, high blood pressure or other chronic conditions. • Keep your pets hydrated CPR SUNDAYS: Monthly CPR Sunday classes are not currently being scheduled. However, you may arrange to schedule a CPR class for your club or committee by calling, texting, or emailing A J Reilly to set up a class: (951) 522-9975 or reilly58@me.com. As a reminder, the Safety Committee meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 10 am in the RCN Conference Room. We encourage you to attend the meeting should you have any concerns or if you would simply like an update on our ongoing safety projects. All the best. ~ Frank Hilberg, hilberg frank@gmail.com 30 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | SEPTEMBER 2024

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