TIME TO HIT SNOOZE? THE REAL DANGERS OF DRIVING WHILE DROWSY
In late May, a 14-year-old passenger was rushed to the University of Utah Hospital after being ejected from his vehicle when the car swerved into oncoming traffic. The driver, his 18-year-old cousin, had fallen asleep at the wheel, losing control of the vehicle that crashed into two other cars. The 14-year-old was left in “extreme critical condition,” and three other people involved in the accident, including the driver, were transported to the hospital. Crashes caused by people who drive while drowsy are painfully common. Earlier this summer, when a 48-year-old man fell asleep behind the wheel of his pickup, the truck swerved into the embankment and flipped over. The driver and his mother and father, who were in the car with him, were all brought to the hospital, where the mother later died of her injuries. What’s even more heartbreaking is that these accidents, and many others, could have been avoided if tired drivers had chosen not to get behind the wheel. Driving when you’re tired is deadly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that over 800 Americans lose their lives every year due to drowsy driving. Sleep tends to sneak up on us, but there are signs when feeling “a little tired” makes us too dangerous to drive. Here are some signs that you shouldn’t be behind the wheel:
• • •
Heavy eyes or frequent blinking
Yawning repeatedly
Difficulty focusing, wandering/disconnected thoughts
• Trouble remembering the last few miles, including missing exits or traffic signs • Drifting from your lane, tailgating, or veering into the rumble strip When drivers feel drowsiness coming on, they might crank up the radio, blast the A/C, or roll down the windows to try and wake themselves. This is not enough. A temporary burst of alertness is not a substitute for actual rest. If you start to feel sluggish, stop driving. Locate a rest area to find a place to sleep for the night or let a responsible passenger take the wheel. If these are not options, find a safe place to pull off on the side of the road and take a 15–20 minute nap. The National Sleep Foundation found that 60 percent of Americans drive when they feel sleepy. Don’t be one of them! Practice safe driving, and be sure you are well-rested before taking the wheel. And if you have been the victim of another person’s poor decision to drive when drowsy, call The Advocates at (801) 783-3555 and learn the best way to proceed with your case.
A DATE WITH NATURE
PALEO BALSAMIC PORK CHOPS
This flavorful take on pork chops is the perfect centerpiece for your meal. You can serve the chops alongside a simple salad, charred asparagus, or any other summer veggies you want.
Sometimes we take for granted what’s all around us. Forests, lakes, mountains, rivers — they offer more than endless natural beauty and possibility. Connecting with the great outdoors can actually enhance your love and closeness to your partner. 1 One simple way is to watch a sunrise or sunset with your loved one, even if it’s from your own backyard. Other ways to get outside include bird watching, walking in the park, gardening, doing yard work, and hiking through national parks or deep into caves. Look into outdoor escapes big and small around you.
Ingredients
Instructions • 4 boneless pork chops • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar • 3 tablespoons raw honey • 2 cloves garlic, minced 1. Heat oven to 400 F. 2. Generously season pork chops with salt and pepper. 3. In a saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, red pepper flakes, and thyme. 4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer gently for 5–6 minutes. 5. On high heat in an oven-safe saute pan or skillet, sear the pork chops for 1–2 minutes on each side. 6. Brush chops with half of glaze and transfer to oven. 7. Roast 6–8 minutes. 8. Remove from oven and brush with another coat of glaze. Let cool 5–10 minutes and serve. • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Go on a nature walk with your partner and watch a sunset or sit by a stream and just hold each other.
1 Zelenski, J. M., Dopko, R. L., & Capaldi, C. A. (2015). Cooperation is in our nature: Nature exposure may promote cooperative and environmentally sustainable behavior. Journal of Environmental Psychology
Inspired by paleoleap.com
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