US Media Studios Joins National Drug Take-Back Day

Saturday, April 30 is National Drug Take-Back day in the United States.

Every year, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration with local law enforcement agencies, hosts drop of locations in communities to return unused prescription drugs. US Media Studios joins this effort.

Drop-off sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and there is one near you. Click here to find it. The service is free and anonymous. Only pills and patches are accepted. Sharps, needles, and liquids are not accepted. Pills and patches are commonly thrown in the garbage or flushed down the toilet, which is a safety and bio hazard. Drugs tossed in the garbage can be removed and taken. Drugs flushed down the toilet poison the water.

This effort is a massive, national campaign to reduce the number of overdoses, accidental poisonings of children due to prescription drugs. More than 50,000 children end up in hospital emergency rooms every year due to accidental poisoning. The abuse of prescription drugs by family and friends mainly stems from home medicine cabinets. Even if you live alone, it is better to get rid of these items. Expired prescription drugs can make one sick.

US Media Studios urges readers to take any unused, unwanted or expired pills and patches to drop off locations in their community. If this prevents the death of one small child from an accidental poisoning, or prevents one person from abusing prescription pain killers, then the effort is worth it.

(image:patch.com)

US Media Studios Joins Earth Day Celebrations

We only have one Earth and we must respect it, love it and protect it. US Media Studios honors the America with some great places to visit on #EarthDay as it falls within the week of the National Park’s 100^th Birthday party.

Visit any one of these National Parks by Sunday, April 24. Entrance fees are waived.

Beauty in the Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park, Homestead, Florida

The park has been designated as an International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance and a World Heritage Site Enjoy the many trails, kayak across the serene water, and keep your eyes open for its iconic wildlife.

Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, PA

The site of the largest battle ever waged during the American Civil War. It was a turning point in American history. Located 50 miles west of Baltimore, Maryland, The cemetery there contains more than 7,000 interments including over 3,500 from the Civil War. Get your history on here.

Effigy Mounds National Monument, Iowa near Wisconsin border

The monument contains nationally significant archeological resources including (original) surviving examples of earthen American Indian mound groups that provide an insight into the social, ceremonial, political, and economic life of the Eastern Woodland people. Bet you didn’t know this National Monument was even created.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Oklahoma

It is known for its many mineral springs, cool water, flora, fauna, and wildlife. A very cool place to visit with family and a warm day.

US Media Studios encourages people to visit the nearest National Park this week, and really, any time. #EarthDay is a day to honor, respect and protect Mother Earth and our National Parks most certainly fall within this border. Get out and enjoy the wondrous natural resources set aside hundreds of years ago for us to appreciate today.

US Media Studios and National Park Week in the U.S.

It is U.S. National Park Week. Get out and go visit the nearest national park this week when the entrance fees are waived. #FindYourPark

Millions of acres of land set aside and preserved, saved from residential and commercial land development, spans the country. It is full of the most incredible scenery, the most amazing wildlife, and reminds us that it is there for us to experience, enjoy and savor. US Media Studios shares some suggestions when visiting areas in such as these.

Know what the weather will like in the national park you visit before you go. Heat and humidity are common in southern states and in tropical areas. Sudden rain or thunderstorms can turn a pleasant hike into a wet, unpleasant hike. Plan ahead for the day or weekend. This includes wearing sun screen and carrying a lightweight rain jacket. Plan to take a lightweight jacket if the temperature goes down when the sun does.

If planning a hike of any length, be sure to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes or boots. Rocks and prickly weeds are around. Protect your feet from stubs and your ankles from pricks.

• Bring water to stay hydrated all day.
• Don’t park near where migratory birds are. Vultures are federally protected and are attracted to rubber from tires and windshield wipers.
• Know your level of stamina and know which hiking trail is best for it. Stay on the trail you choose and don’t venture off. This is how people get lost in the wilderness for days and weeks.
• Leave pets at home.
• Keep small children close at hand all the time.

US Media Studios encourages readers to find the nearest national park by clicking here,  and plan a visit there this week or coming weekend – while park fees are waived.

Everglades National Park, FL

US Media Studios Shares Where the Cleanest Beaches Are Located

America’s beaches and seashores are wonderful places to relax, enjoy nature have fun. But it is no fun if the sand is used as an ashtray, litter is polluting the water, and the stench of sewage prevalent. So where are the cleanest beaches?

US Media Studios shares the top five cleanest beaches, and offers a link to one of the best resources for the environment for readers to enjoy.

Dauphin Island Public Beach, Alabama – The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) Staff blog notes this beach meets national water quality benchmarks nearly 100 percent of the time over the last five years.

Long Beach City, Nassau County, New York – A worldwide-known travel website notes that the water in this area is clean and safe for swimming. The surf is 3.3 miles long and the there are no pets or alcohol allowed on the beach.

Newport Beach, CA at 38^th Street

Newport Beach is a nice beach in the first place. The NDRC states it is the only one in the state to make its “Beach Superstar” consistently.

Po’ipu Beach Park, Kauai, Hawaii – Clean white sand and crystal clear water earned this Pacific beauty its ranks. It is one of the top 10 best beaches in the United States.

Hampton Beach State Park, New Hampshire

The NDRC reports that this beach meets the national water quality benchmarks 98 percent of the time over five years. Its unique carry-in/carry-our program which helps keep the area clean for everyone. US Media Studios encourages readers to help keep beaches and shores clean on every visit. Be responsible for your trash and throw it out or secure it. Don’t put cigarettes out in the sand or in the water. Report people who deliberately litter the beach or pollute the water. The beach is for everyone. 

Dauphin Island Public Beach, IL
(image:wikipedia)

US Media Studios Reveals Why We Do Not Get Enough Sleep

Work. A recent survey from CareerBuilder found that almost 44 percent of American employees lose sleep because they worry about work-related issues. Nearly one in four of those surveyed said they do not get enough sleep at least once a week. Another survey, from 2013, found that three in four people questioned lost sleep over work. US Media Studios also has seen more workers doing more than one person's job since the recession in 2008. Workers let go during the economic downturn have yet to be replaced, leaving less people to do more.

Technology does not help the matter either. Many people sleep with the smart phone or tablet beside the bed. Some use the alarm clock function, but still wake up when emails come in, or texts arrive.  American employees will take the time to reply to a text or an urgent email. We can also factor in the sounds and lights that go off when items arrive.

So how can we turn work off when we go to bed? Move the smart phone away from the bed. Set a time to prepare for bed and rest. Don't let anything get in the way of it. Let co-workers, managers, bosses, and colleagues know that there will be no replies after a certain time at night. Get more exercise during the day and after dinner. This eases stress that builds during the day and early evening. Go to bed at the same time every night, if possible. Find a relaxing way to wind down before climbing into bed. Pleasant dreams.