 Dehydration is a real threat, especially on hot days or during rigorous exercise. Neglecting its signs can prove fatal. DCH Academy Honda has some tips for how to prevent parching.
Common Signs of Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when bodily fluids decrease, usually through sweating, to a point where the body is unable to function at life-sustaining levels. Although it most often occurs during periods of intense exercise or heat, dehydration occurs frequently with diarrhea or vomiting. Common signs of dehydration include thirst, cracked lips, dizziness, dry or sticky mouth, nausea, headaches and dark colored urine. Take action immediately if you experience these symptoms.
Water, Water, Everywhere
Preventing dehydration is simple: drink water. Nutritionists recommend eight 8-ounce cups of water daily, more on hot days or during physical activity. Drink at least two cups of water before engaging in physical activities, especially on hot, humid days. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty– by then it may be too late. Always have water nearby during the summer– keep a jug in your car or at work. Those who exercise regularly should plan their activities to have easy access to water.
Children and Sports
Dehydration occurs more in children and adolescents than adults, mainly because of exercise. Children should drink at least 16-20 ounces of water before an athletic activity and two 8-ounce cups of water every 20-30 minutes during the activity, followed by two 8-ounce cups of water following the activity. Sports drinks, such as Gatorade, increase endurance and replace electrolytes that water alone doesn’t.
Proper Attire
If it’s a hot, humid day and you’re wearing a parka, jeans, and fur-lined boots, it doesn’t matter how much water you drink– it won’t be enough. Wear light-colored and lightweight clothing on hot days. If you’re at the beach all day, bring an umbrella or a sun hat. Proper clothing becomes twice as important when you’re exercising.
Rest
Overexertion is another major cause of dehydration. If you start feeling dizzy during exercise, stop, drink water and rest. Neophyte exercise enthusiasts fall victim to dehydration by not properly building up their endurance. When starting any exercise program, establish good habits when it comes to staying hydrated.
Things to Avoid
It’s tough to avoid gulping down several dozen alcoholic beverages during the outdoor Willie Nelson concert in 100 degree summer heat. It might even be tough to avoid reaching for that Diet Coke during a pick-up basketball game. But beware, beverages containing alcohol and caffeine are diuretics, causing the loss of fluids more rapidly than necessary. Water and sports drinks like Gatorade are the only things you should drink in the heat or while exercising.
 Father’s Day is fast approaching, and it’s time to get Dad a gift. Your dad is an original, so why get him the same tie as Mr. Johnson down the street? This Father’s Day, don’t settle for a one-tie-fits-all gift. We know shopping for dads is hard, so DCH Academy Honda has put together a quick list of gift ideas that celebrate your dad’s quirks, whatever they may be, to make this year’s Dad’s day extra special.
For the Dad on a Health Kick
Is your dad constantly on his way out for a jog? Would he ditch a suit for his favorite wicking t-shirt any day? Are your childhood memories haunted by sweaty dad hugs and smelly gym shoes? We’ve got the gift for you. Whether your dad’s been a health-nut his whole life, or he’s trying a new healthy lifestyle, a FitBit® will help him both stay on track and reach his goals. The latest FitBit® products track both physical activity and sleep, and come in a variety of shapes and colors so dad won’t have to sport a hot-pink gizmo on his sleeve.
For the Scotch on the Rocks Man
Your dad is a classy individual that loves to sit back in his favorite leather chair, or behind his desk crafted from rich mahogany, sipping on his most prized aged scotch to end a busy day. This specially designed glass and ice-ball-maker combo from Brookstone create the ultimate on-the-rocks experience, and your dad needs to have it. The ice ball releases aromas and flavors of the liquor while simultaneously cooling the drink without watering it down. How? Science.
For the “The Fish Was This Big, I Swear!” Dad
Is your dad one of the dedicated few that thinks it’s fun to get up hours before dawn and stick his hands in a bucket of worms to lure the best catch of the day? Is the center picture on your mantel one of him and that huge bass he caught last summer? Does he wish it were? This all-in-one Kombo fishing tool is perfect for any fishing-father. It’s one hand-held device that serves as a “bonker,” scooper, sharpener, and high-quality filet knife. He’ll be the envy of his fellow fishermen, even if the fish wasn’t quite 3 feet long.
For the King of Dad Jokes
Your dad has an incredibly refined sense of humor, even if that means it’s refined to a small audience: him. Is he embarrassing sometimes? Sure, but most importantly he loves to laugh and that’s what you love about him. Comedian and father Jim Gaffigan’s latest book, Dad is Fat, is filled with hilarity to which any dad could relate. It’s sure to leave your dad chuckling, if not rolling on the floor and clutching his sides.
For the Dad with a Sweet Tooth
This one doesn’t require much explanation. Beer+pretzels+caramel= crazy delicious candy that your dad will drool over. The only thing that could make these babies better would be bacon. Maybe serve them up during Father’s Day brunch with a side of bacon. Best. Brunch. Ever. Just make sure you don’t eat them before you hand them over. Heck, they’re only $9. Treat yourself.
For Bat-Dad
Does your dad have one of those loveable geeky-sides that you hope doesn’t come out too strongly when you’re in public? Did he practice his Batman voice for weeks before The Dark Knight Rises premiere? Would he wear a cape outside if you would allow it? Was your first Halloween costume Robin to his Batman? Even if he isn’t this extreme of a fan, your dad will love this stylishly nerdy Batman money clip. Because, Batman.
We hope this list gave you some ideas, or at least got you thinking outside of the tie-box for this Father’s Day. Best of luck on your search for the perfect Dad’s Day present, for your perfectly quirky dad.
For all parents out there getting ready for a camping vacation, here’s some summer reading from DCH Academy Honda that might come in handy.
A Father’s Tale
My wife really needed a vacation, notwithstanding the one she took to Florida less than a month before, by herself, without our five children. Yes, our five children, the ones I had to take care of during her absence. This time, though, she wanted a family vacation, one that included me and the five children. To save money and give the kids their first taste of one of life’s most classic family bonding experiences, we decided to go camping. We may or may not have been prepared for what that would really mean.
For those who don’t think parenting is hard enough, I encourage you to pack up the kids, enough comfortable clothes to withstand 11 of the world’s 13 climate zones, every possible toy that might occupy a toddler for up to three minutes, bikes, scooters, helmets, five pairs of shoes per kid, a first aid kit, 23 books, and enough ibuprofen to satisfy an ultramarathoner—and head to a campground near you. Oh, and don’t forget sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses, a minivan full of blankets, and a tent.
But your sanity? You can leave that at home. There won’t be enough room in the van, anyway.
My children are all under the age of ten. If you decide to take your children under the age of 10 camping, allow yourself at least six days to pack the minivan. If you do not have a minivan or a comparable automobile, don’t go camping. The minivan is, in fact, the greatest development in family camping since the creation of the tent. It serves many purposes, the most important being a place to put your kids when they’re in time-out.
Here are some other essential items when camping with kids.
- A big tent. Only because sleeping in a minivan is uncomfortable and smelly. You could rent an RV for what it would cost to take the entire family to Maui. I’ll take the beach front condo, thank you.
- Portable crib(s). The portable crib, commonly called a pack-and-play, might be the greatest invention since the minivan. Your two babies (yes, I have two kids young enough for cribs) should not sleep on the ground, with or without a sleeping bag.
- Baby backpack. At home you can set the baby down on the carpet with only a slight risk that she’ll put something totally unacceptable in her mouth when you turn your head. While camping, the only place to set your baby down is on a pile of dirt. Put the baby in the back pack.
- An MP3 player loaded with soothing music. You’re communing with nature, sure, but rest assured that there will come a point during your kid-friendly camping trip that you’ll want to assume the fetal position and start sucking your thumb. Mellow tunes are the antidote you’ll need.
- A good pair of running shoes. Each parent will need an excuse to get away, and although you haven’t actually run for nine years, morning number two of the campout seems like a great time to trot a few dozen miles.
- Food. You foolishly prohibited the bringing of electronic devices. Your only option to keep the kids from driving you insane is food. Bring lots of it, the junkier the better.
- Baby powder. It works wonders when removing mud from your children’s legs.
I won’t bore you with the details of my most recent outing, but suffice it to say I used all the above items—multiple times.
In all seriousness, though, a family camping trip is a great way to bond, enjoy the outdoors, explore new activities, and travel together as a family without breaking the bank. Sure, it takes a lot of planning, not to mention packing, but I’m pretty sure you’ll agree it’s worth it in the end.
 Calling all health nuts: check out these nutrition facts from DCH Academy Honda to stay in-the-know about what’s in your fridge.
1. The scoop about sugar
Everyone knows that sugar, in all of its forms, is dense in calories and has the ability to sabotage diets. Below are a couple of other nutritional facts about sugar that might surprise you:
- Sugar doesn’t cause diabetes: Just because diabetes causes elevated blood sugar levels, that doesn’t mean that people with diets high in sugar will develop the disease. Research has shown that more important triggers for the disease can be found in genetics and lifestyle factors like obesity and lack of exercise.
- Sugar is addictive: You can add sugar to your list of addictive substances right along with tobacco and caffeine. Scientists at Princeton University have reported that when digested, sugar releases the chemicals opioids and dopamine, affecting your brain’s pleasure sensors just like other addictive substances.
2. “Fat” isn’t a dirty word
Dietary fats are also dense in calories, but not all fats are created equal. Without the proper balance of healthy fat in your diet, you might suffer from vitamin and hormone deficiencies. When you include healthy fats found in olive oil, nuts, and avocados, you also reap the following nutritional benefits that might surprise you:
- Fat improves your skin: Skin continues to renew itself by sloughing off dead skin cells and regenerating new ones. Without healthy fat in your diet, and the important vitamins found in them, your skin would be unattractively dry, itchy and scaly.
- Sex and fat: Your reproductive organs need fat to function properly. Sufficient fat levels produce hormones to regulate reproduction.
3. The truth about “low fat”
Most dieters gravitate toward low-fat diets without understanding that eating low-fat doesn’t necessarily translate into healthy food choices. High-fat content foods do have more calories. When compared with a low-fat or no-fat product without any fiber or nutritional content, though, you’d be better off reaching for a handful of walnuts or a piece of whole-grain bread with more calories but much higher nutritional value.
4. Misconceptions about buying “fresh”
By all means, if you live where farmers’ markets are available, buying fresh produce is always the way to go. The bigger question is, are you really better off buying fresh products during winter? The answer is, not necessarily. Keep in mind that the nutrients in fresh produce fade quickly. If you don’t know exactly when that bunch of broccoli was actually picked, or how far it had to travel to reach your market, you may be better off buying frozen because that produce is picked and processed quickly.
5. Be smart about organic foods
As your market shelves expand with organic products, don’t be fooled by phony claims. Food labeled “organic” doesn’t mean that it is nutritionally superior. What the label does mean is that the food is supposed to be absent of any synthetic fertilizers, added hormones, pesticides, or any genetically-modified ingredients. That expensive box of “organic” cookies or candy you just bought for your kids probably contains the same amount of sugar and fats as similar products and should not be considered a healthy choice just because the word “organic” is on the label.
Staying on top of important nutritional facts is the best way to be sure that you’re eating a diet rich in many different types of food. When your nutrition levels are normal, your body will perform at its best every day.
 No matter how big your car is, there will always be a time when it feels as though there isn’t enough room for all the cargo you want to carry. Modern cars are increasingly versatile when it comes to making the best use of your luggage space, but it also requires some sensible planning by the driver. The next time you are planning a road trip or vacation and you need to take a lot of luggage with you, consider these five tips from DCH Academy Honda that will help you organize your car’s interior space.
Make the most of versatile seating
Whether your car has one or two rows of passenger seating, there will normally be ways to split, fold down, or remove the seats entirely to make space for luggage. This is nearly always a more efficient way to use the space than trying to pile stuff onto the spare seats, and it will also protect your upholstery. Before you start packing, split, fold down, or remove any seats that won’t be needed so that you are working with the largest cabin space possible.
Keep everything in its place
You’ll be surprised how much a quick tidying up can do for your car. Piles of cleaning products, music CDs, bags, boots, shoes, and more can all eat up luggage space, and chances are that you just don’t need them all. Stow small items in the glove compartment or in side pockets so that the main cabin is free from clutter. Make sure that the spare tire is stowed away properly and that tools are easily accessible. Get rid of anything that you don’t need for the trip before you start packing.
Explore your car
Car manufacturers are growing increasingly creative when it comes to making space in your car. Before you start packing, make sure you spot all the hiding places, compartments, and gadgets that are there to make your life easier. For example, in larger cars (particularly SUVs), there may be an under-floor compartment. Your trunk may also have hidden side compartments that you might accidentally block with luggage. Identify what your real capacity is before you try and pack up the car.
Get organized
There are lots of accessories that can extend or make the most of your available luggage space. Trunk organizers keep everything nicely maintained and can make it far easier to stack items to make the most of the available space. Think about external storage, too. A cargo box on your roof can be a great way to carry more, so think carefully about whether or not you need one. You may even want to consider a trailer. Don’t leave it to the last minute to think about these additional accessories.
Pack sparingly
Perhaps the best way to make the most out of your luggage space is to be picky about what you take. Does every member of the family really need his or her own suitcase? Can you easily buy cheap items at the other end that otherwise take up a lot of space? Make sure that everything you pack is absolutely necessary. The more space you have, the less frugal you’ll need to be, but remember that any additional weight will decrease your fuel efficiency. Because of this, you should always aim to take the smallest load possible.
 Help is on the way for drivers who can’t stand the morning commute and for families who need to travel far for vacations. Traditional safety threats such as driver fatigue, vision impairment, and drunkenness could soon become ancient history now that cars that drive themselves have become reality. Controlled by computers, software, and high-tech sensors and interfaces, cars can now safely navigate dangerous roads and allow humans to reclaim time stolen by the highway. Read on to learn more from our team at DCH Academy Honda.
Widespread Development
Numerous Internet technology giants and traditional foreign and domestic automakers have created operational autonomous vehicles that eliminate the human factor from the driving experience. States such as Nevada, Florida, and California have already licensed some self-driving cars and intend to license others. Military applications for autonomous vehicles abound, offering hope that fewer people will die in combat zones from roadside bombs and other attacks.
The Technology Advantage
Computer drivers never get tired and never have their judgment clouded by emotional disturbances, distractions, or intoxicants. This means that autonomous cars can improve highway safety by eliminating driver error. Now that sufficient technology exists to build reliable self-driving cars, traditional human drivers might soon become extinct. Driving is a complicated process that requires hundreds of decisions every second. Human drivers often crash their vehicles after encountering too many variables. Cars that use computerized drivers must have systems that can identify, analyze, and respond to these variables in an orderly and accurate way. Some of these systems include:
- Pedestrian and obstacle detection systems that recognize objects on the road and calculate the best avoidance tactics
- Weather detection systems that recognize environmental cues such as rain, wind, sleet, snow, and ice to adjust driving behaviors
- GPS location awareness systems that precisely track the location of the vehicle so it always knows where to turn
- Roadway recognition and steering systems that govern lane changes, traffic congestion, following distances, speed limits, road construction signs, and other visual cues
- Proximity awareness technology that sends environmental information to computerized drivers, so automated cars can avoid collisions with other vehicles
- Inter-car communication technologies that allow autonomous cars to negotiate with each other to coordinate driving behaviors and helps cars change lanes, accelerate, decelerate, turn, and yield without risk
- Vehicle-to-infrastructure communication systems that can notify self-driving cars about road conditions, passing zones, work areas, nearby accidents, and traffic congestion to autonomous cars
- Legal compliance systems that ensure the car always obeys applicable driving laws
Manufacturers have already proved that cars equipped with these and other systems can improve vehicle and highway safety while returning countless hours of time to the global economy. Time will tell if they become a practical solution.
 There are many important preparations to make before driving. Checking the tire pressure, oil level, counting the wheels, making sure you have some bottled water handy, and compiling the most awesome driving playlist – the list is endless. But although it’s less obvious, getting a good night’s sleep is also vitally important before you slip behind the wheel in the morning, for several reasons. Read on to learn why from our team at DCH Academy Honda.
Good quality sleep is vital for your health, but it’s also important for driving – the last thing you want to do is to fall asleep at the wheel! Although that’s the most dangerous consequence of driving without the benefit of a good night’s sleep, and can result in a serious accident, tiredness can also cause lapses in concentration. The last thing you want when driving a large chunk of metal and glass down a road full of other vehicles going at high speeds is for your attention to wander.
Morning driving can be challenging at the best of times, with low sun threatening to dazzle motorists, and this does not mix well with the bleary vision of someone who has not had a good night’s sleep. Bleary vision is of course another thing that you don’t need when driving.
Also, bear in mind that you may be more tired than you realize. Although you may not feel that you’re quite exhausted enough to fall asleep at the wheel, tired drivers have been known to slip into ‘micro-sleeps,’ losing consciousness for a fraction of a second at a time. That can be incredibly dangerous when taking into account the tiny amounts of time drivers need in order to react to a sudden threat or obstacle when driving.
A major danger of driving when tired is that people don’t acknowledge that their wakefulness will have an impact on their performance. Someone driving while suffering from a dreadful hangover is likely to compensate with sunglasses. Someone driving while nauseous is likely to compensate by driving slowly and defensively, aware they’re not on top form. However, drivers who get behind the wheel on little or no sleep think they’ll be fine if they just grab a coffee on the road, and that’s incredibly dangerous, for all the reasons mentioned above.
No matter how long you have been driving, and however comfortable and confident you feel behind the wheel, driving a car is a complex task which requires your full attention. There’s little point in maintaining the car itself and neglecting your own state so that you become a danger to yourself and other motorists. So before driving, always try to ensure you get a good night’s sleep (some people require less than the traditional eight hours, but that’s a good start) so that you take to the road feeling as rested as possible.
 You don’t need to spend major money on special kits in order to create beautiful Easter eggs that will wow your guests. Just check out these unique ideas from our team at DCH Academy Honda for decorating Easter eggs and start revving up your creative engine.
An ombré effect
The ombré effect has gained popularity in recent hair, makeup, and fingernail trends, and now you can take the trend to your Easter table. The effect describes a color that moves gradually from light to dark shades—a gradient. To get the look with your Easter eggs, you’ll need standard dye and a wire egg dipper (usually the dye packs come with wire dippers).
Bend the handle of the wire egg dipper over the lip of your dye cup so that the bottom quarter of the egg is submerged in the dye. Set a kitchen timer for five minutes. When the timer is up, adjust the wire dipper so the next quarter of the egg is submerged, and repeat until the entire egg has been colored. If desired, you can leave a tiny ring of white at the top of your egg.
Add embellishment
Adding embellishment to Easter eggs is a super simple Easter craft that yields dazzling results. With nothing more than a hot glue gun and a few beads and ribbons, you can make it look like you’re an Easter-egg-Einstein. Attach anything from fabric pieces to plastic stones to your eggs with a hot glue gun. If you’re going to use your eggs as a centerpiece for your holiday dinner, use embellishments in the same color family for a look that’s both beautiful and pulled-together.
Adding embellishment to white eggs can create stark and beautiful designs, but if you still prefer the look of dyed eggs, be sure to let them dry completely before you add any embellishments.
Dots, stripes, and more
A bucket of crayons is all you need to create artistic eggs with dots, stripes, and more. The wax in the crayons repels dye, so color your name or a pattern on an egg before you dye it for an adorable look that’s easy to achieve. Using white crayon can look especially sharp, since it gives the effect that the background of the egg is somehow shining through the dye.
Going pro
Though fancy kits aren’t necessary to make unique Easter eggs, a little specialty paint can go a long way. If you want to take your eggs to the next level, look for kits that offer paint instead of dye.
Using paint usually gives the eggs more vibrant colors, and brushes also give you more control over the designs you create. Sometimes you can even find paint kits with specialty glitter or metallic shades for Easter egg crafts that make it seem like you got your eggs from a golden goose.
 Perhaps you’re a woman who doesn’t particularly relish the prospect of visiting a car dealership. If so, believe our team at DCH Academy Honda when we say you’re not alone. In what is still a very male-dominated environment, women are often put off by the idea of being patronized, or not understanding some of the more technical details about buying a used or new car. However, there’s no reason for any woman to feel nervous about visiting a car dealership. Calm those first-time nerves with this simple guide to your first visit.
Do some homework first
It’s seldom a good idea to walk straight into a dealership without doing any type of homework, and that goes for any gender. It’s no different than visiting the supermarket, for instance. You need a clear reason for your visit, with a basic shopping list in mind. Do some research online to find out what sort of car you would like to buy. Try to narrow down your choices to a few options, so the dealer doesn’t have to start from scratch. If you have a basic idea of what you want, the dealer will be able to give you more specific advice.
Ask the right questions
Dealers may wrongly assume that, because you are a woman, you are only interested in specific things about the car. Make sure that the dealer knows you mean business by asking questions about the power, reliability, fuel efficiency and any other practical/technical issues that concern you. Like any other buyer, you want to know that you are getting value for money, and that the car is going to be a sensible investment. Set the scene correctly from the beginning, and ask the right questions.
Make sure you are thorough
Don’t let the dealer rush you into a decision. Make it clear that you want all the right information and that you want to take the car for a test drive, too. Don’t feel embarrassed about taking notes, or telling the dealer that you may want to get a second opinion from somebody else.
Get ready to negotiate
Women are just as capable of striking a good deal as men, so make sure you get a good price. Don’t give away your budget right away. Also, conduct a price check online to be well-informed prior to arriving at the dealership.
 The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is held in August on the eighteenth fairway of the prestigious golf course. Pebble Beach is no mere car show, however: it’s the automotive event of the year, a place where the well-heeled come to see and show off the most beautiful, interesting, and highly sought-after cars in the world. Read on to learn more from our team at DCH Academy Honda.
Car shows are as much a part of the American summer as ice cream and trips to the beach. The car show is where enthusiasts gather to display their newly restored classics, their hot rods, and anything that’s unusual or, in some way, historic. Visit one of these shows and you’ll see vehicles in all kinds of condition and worth anything from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Most shows have some kind of judging, with awards being presented for category winners and of course, for “Best of Show”, but a concours takes this competition to a higher, and far more rigorous, level. The cars have to be immaculate and authentic, are often very rare, and usually have some historical significance. They are scrutinized by judges intimately acquainted with every detail of the competing cars, with marks being deducted for the most minor imperfection.
At a typical concours event vehicles are entered into classes, sorted by characteristics like age, type of vehicle, country of origin, and manufacturer. This “leveling of the playing field” allows easier comparisons and lets more owners take home honors (which can significantly increase a car’s value!) But at every concours one vehicle is awarded with the highest honor. At the 2013 Pebble Beach event, that honor went to a recently restored 1934 Packard Twelve. As Concours Chairman Sandra Button said, “This Packard is the epitome of American style and grace in the Classic Era…”
The Concours d’Elegance originated in France long before the advent of the motor car, and made it’s way to North America in the 1950′s. Today they have blossomed beyond just competition and often include an auction and even educational classes on topics such as car restoration and appraisal. They’ve also become social events for the affluent, where people go to see and been seen.
While California’s Pebble Beach is perhaps the best known Concours d’Elegance in the US, events of similar stature are held at Amelia Island, Florida and the Inn at St. Johns, Plymouth, Michigan. Many other cities around the country also host concours events throughout the summer. These may not have the prestige of Pebble Beach but they are still a terrific opportunity to see beautiful cars that are both rare and significant.
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