Pathfinder 2023

Beware this hidden danger when grilling

Grilling season is about to heat up. Many foods taste even more delicious when cooked over an open flame. Burgers, chicken, sausage, and even vegetables are delectable with a little sear and smoky flavor.

According to home industry advisors at The NPD Group, more than 14 million grills and smokers were sold between April 2020 and February 2021, amounting to a 39 percent increase in dollar sales during the first

year of the pandemic, compared to the same period the year prior. Grilling is not something that has gone away simply because pandemic precautions have been lifted. It’s still a popular way to cook food, especially when entertaining in warm weather.

The National Fire Protection Association advises that seven out of every 10 adults in the United States have a grill or smoker. And while home fires are associated with

such appliances, there’s another danger associated with grills — particularly regarding how they’re cleaned.

Popular stainless steel or brass wire brushes commonly used to clean grills may be effective, but they can be quite dangerous as well. Consumer Reports states that thousands of people visit emergency rooms each year after having ingested wire bristles that stick to the grill surface and end up in cooked food.

Recently, a pediatric emergency doctor in St. Petersburg, Fla. posted a now-viral TikTok video explaining how a fouryear-old boy she treated developed ear pain after eating at a barbecue. It took a barrage of tests before doctors eventually determined the boy had a two-centimeter-long metal wire lodged in his peritonsillar tissues in the throat (nearby to the ear, thus causing the pain), and an abscess had developed around it. The boy had been eating a hamburger, so it is presumed that a metal wire from a grill cleaning brush had become lodged in the burger and then in his throat.

Wire bristles also can

wreak havoc in the stomach and intestines if they are consumed. Infections may occur, even leading to sepsis if not treated promptly.

Fortunately for avid grillers, they don’t need to turn in their spatulas just yet and give up on grilling. In fact, embracing new ways to clean grills can ensure everyone gets to eat great food without getting sick.

• Invest in alternative cleaning tools. Pumice stones and coil-shaped bristle-free brushes can effectively lean grills without employing wire bristle brushes.

• Use oven cleaner. Rather than scrubbing, grab oven cleaner spray and use it on the grill.

Wipe off the residue when foods stuck on the grill dissolve.

• Rely on aluminum foil. Aluminum foil wads can replicate the scouring power of steel-wool pads. Wait for the grill to cool down a bit before using the foil to clean.

• Inspect the grill. If you still use a wire brush, make sure to toss it if the bristles start to come loose. Also, wipe the grill down with a damp cloth prior to grilling to catch any errant wire bristles prior to cooking.

Taking measures to clean grills without wire brushes can ensure a season’s worth of safe and delicious cooking.

Fun ways to enjoy the great outdoors with kids

The great outdoors can be an inviting place with plenty of opportunities for adventure. It’s also a treasure trove of sights and sounds that can serve as a springboard for a lifelong yearning for knowledge.

Children of the 1980s and before may remember long days spent outside with requirements to “come back in when the street lights turn on.”

Today’s children may not have as much freedom, but they still can benefit

from both unstructured and structured play outside. The following are some outdoor activities families can enjoy together.

• Fossil hunting: Whether there is a natural fossil bed nearby or

not, children can use plastic colanders and shovels to dig in the dirt or sand to see if any treasures can be found.

• Collect and paint rocks: Collect stones and then paint them with vivid designs or sayings. Once painted, families can place them back into their natural surroundings for others to discover.

• Make a nature collage: Take a hike or a stroll through a nearby park and collect little treasures along the way. Glue these items to a piece of cardstock or cardboard to create a collage that will serve as a memento of the day.

• Run through a sprinkler: Pools can be great fun, but something as simple as a garden sprinkler can keep everyone

Make the most of a day at the lake

Water becomes the center of attention when the temperature climbs because of the cooling relief it can provide. Making a day of splashing through sprinklers, swimming laps in a pool or horsing around with friends at a waterpark is part of the summertime experience. Even though most people equate summer fun with ocean escapes, those who do not live close to the coast often turn to other bodies of water to cool off and chill out. Lakes can be great places to spend summer afternoons and evenings. Discover how to make time at the lake even more fun with these ideas.

Fishing

Cast your line right into the lake and take

a shot at catching some fish. Bass, trout, perch, and pike may be interested in the bait hanging off of your hook. Be sure to check local fish and game ordinances to see if you need a license for fishing for the season, as well as the recreational size limits, possession limits and fishing seasons if you plan on keeping your catch.

Water sports

Water sports and lakes often go hand-in-hand. Certain water activities are easier on the calm waters of a lake than in the waves and swells of an ocean — particularly for beginners. Canoes and kayaks are one- or two-passenger vessels that can be launched from just about anywhere.

They make areas of the lake explorable that may not be accessible to large boats. Plus they require no fuel other than the power of rowing. If you prefer more speed, personal water craft like jet skis may be used on lakes in certain areas. Waterskiing or wakeboarding behind powerboats are some additional options for thrill-seekers.

Tubing

Although tubing is often enjoyed on rivers where the rapids carry people along from a starting point to the end, those who desire a more relaxing day may opt for tubing on a lake. Tie several tubes together and create a fleet of friends or family floating leisurely under the sun. With the addition

occupied for a few hours.

• Visit a botanical garden: Tour a nearby botanical garden to get an opportunity to see flowers and plants that may not be native to the area. Bring sketch pads and draw your favorite plants.

• Go camping: Whether you camp in the backyard, in the woods or at a campsite, spending a night immersed in nature can be an unforgettable experience. Camping equipment can be rented or borrowed, if necessary.

• Enjoy a picnic: Bring a meal outdoors to a quiet spot, like a park or garden.

• Take a boat ride: Enjoying the great outdoors from the water brings an entirely new perspective. Purchase tickets for a fishing charter or take a

tour of a local waterway.

• Feed ducks or other birds: Children can see wildlife in its natural environment, and provide some supplemental nutrition in the process. Bring along wild birdseed (bread is not a healthy option) and sprinkle some along shorelines or in the water to watch the birds arrive.

• Do a scavenger hunt in nature: While on any excursion, you can engage in a scavenger hunt. Have a list of five to 10 items to find, such as a pink flower, a leaf with a stem and a black rock. See who can find them all the fastest.

Spending time outdoors provides plenty of opportunities for family-friendly excitement and fun.

of a floating cooler full of drinks and snacks, you can stay out on the lake for hours.

Lakeside cuisine

If you’re lucky to have a lodge or restaurant dockside, you can enjoy a delicious meal overlooking a sunset on the lake. Time in or on the water can build up an appetite, which can be satiated by a meal while you listen to the water lap against the shoreline.

Days at the lake can be memorable ways to spend summer vacations.

Tips for comfortable camping

The beauty of the great outdoors beckons millions of nature-loving individuals each year. Camping is a great way to fully immerse oneself in nature. However, there’s often a learning curve with tent camping, especially in regard to sleeping comfortably.

A tent is designed to keep campers out of the elements and to prevent bugs from bothering campers while they sleep. Tents come in a variety of shapes and sizes — with some larger tents even capable of sleeping

six or more people. One of the most important components to consider when planning a camping trip is sleeping and bedding. A good night’s sleep is worth its weight in gold, and can mean the difference between an enjoyable experience and cranky, out-of-sorts campers.

The following are some guidelines to maximize tent comfort while camping.

Tent size and location

Calculate how many

people will be on the camping trip and how much space they will need to rest comfortably. Purchase or rent a tent that will provide enough space. Multiple tents also can be used if the goal is to separate family members.

The next consideration is where to set up camp.

Look for a level area that is relatively free from debris. Clear away any rocks and twigs, as debris under the tent can damage it and make it harder to fall asleep.

Families may want to

camp a short distance from restroom facilities if they are available, which will make it easier for the midnight bathroom breaks that inevitably crop up.

Invest in quality gear

In addition to the tent, campers will need a tarp/ ground cover to place under the tent. This helps prevent moisture seepage from the soil. Next, determine how everyone will sleep, whether on the ground or in cots. Cots can be the most comfortable options, but they take up a lot of space and can be heavy to transport — which is less than ideal when backpacking to a campsite. Inflatable mattresses or sleeping pads can be used in conjunction with sleeping bags to provide a soft, cushioned surface. Some

are affordable at $40 while others may cost as much as $300. Costlier options may be best for frequent campers.

Account for the temperature

Temperature will go a long way toward improving or compromising comfort. Choose sleeping bags rated for the temperature. If you’ll be doing plenty of fall or winter camping, you’ll have a place to sleep that’s designed to be used at the time of year you’re camping.

When sleeping in warm temperatures, dress so you can add or remove layers as needed. A portable, battery-operated fan also can be a game-changer if it is hot and stuffy in the tent.

Adjust sound accordingly

Some people love drift-

ing off to sleep to the sound of crickets, while others are kept awake by the nighttime sounds of nature. Foam earplugs can mute some of those sounds and even the snoring of a tent partner. Campers also can set up a charged smartphone with a white noise app and use that to block out unwanted noises.

Additional tips

When traveling with kids, bring a few creature comforts along, such as a favorite pair of pajamas or stuffed animals. This can make the unfamiliar sounds and sights of sleeping outdoors a little less scary. Also, if possible, do a trial run camping in the yard to gauge how kids react in advance and plan accordingly to make improvements.

Lots Of Flowers for Your Garden

Enjoy safe bike rides

Riding a bicycle is not only a great way to help the planet by reducing vehicle emissions, but it’s also an ideal physical activity. According to Harvard University, biking at a moderate speed of 12 to 13.9 miles per hour will cause a 155-pound person to burn 298 calories in 30 minutes. At a faster rate of 14 to 15.9 miles per hour, a person of the same weight will burn 372 calories.

People can ride bikes at any time of year, but cycling is most popular when temperatures are moderate and precipitation is low. Bike riding has always been in fashion, but it experienced a boost in popularity when people were asked to remain socially distant for COVID-19. Walks and bike rides at a safe distance from others became popular and accessible ways to get fresh air and exercise. Anyone who rides a bike needs to take certain

precautions. Cyclists often share the roads with large and powerful cars and trucks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns there were 857 cyclists killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2018. Safety is a two-way street, requiring diligence by drivers and bike riders.

• Bike riders should be dressed in bright clothing so they can be seen.

• A well-fitting bicycle helmet is a must, and should be worn every time a bike is ridden.

• Equip your bike with a horn, bell and bright headlight.

• Cyclists should ride in the same direction as traffic on the far righthand side.

• Ride a bike that fits you well. If the bike is too big, it can be difficult to control.

• Carry items in a backpack or strapped

to the back of the bike so belongings do not become obstacles.

• Drivers should remain alert of cyclists sharing the road and give wide clearance when possible.

• Vehicle drivers should look in their side mirrors and around them before opening car doors so they do not accidentally knock a cyclist passing by off the bike.

• Safe Kids suggest using hand signals to alert others to your plans. Cyclists can extend the left arm out for a left turn; make a 90-degree angle with the left arm to indicate a right turn. Putting the left arm down with the palm facing backward indicates stopping or slowing.

Cycling safety is important as temperatures rise and more cyclists are on the road.

How to protect nature when enjoying the great outdoors

Few getaways can reinvigorate the mind and body like a day spent in the great outdoors. The rewards of a day spent outside aren’t just figments of the imagination. The online medical resource WebMD notes that exposure to the great outdoors can improve sleep cycles, boost self-esteem, reduce anxiety, help people focus, and bolster the immune system, among other benefits.

The relationship between people and nature is not a one-way street. Just as nature takes care of people, people must do their part to protect nature. Whether nature lovers are hiking, relaxing at the beach or engaging in another outdoor activity, the following tips can help people protect the serene settings and landscapes they love so much.

• Leave nothing behind. Anti-littering campaigns have been prevalent for decades. Despite that, litter remains a significant problem. A 2020 study from Keep America Beautiful, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing litter, found that there are nearly 50 billion pieces of litter along roadways and waterways across the

United States. Each piece of litter that finds its way into nature can be prevented. When spending time in nature, individuals can commit to brining out whatever they bring in. Leaving nothing behind reduces the issues associated with litter, in-

cluding the negative effects it has on wildlife and marine life, and helps to maintain the idyllic look of natural settings like forests and beaches.

• Reduce reliance on plastics and recycle the plastics you do use. Plastics adversely affect

the health of the planet in various ways. But a staggering percentage of the plastics humans use are never recycled. A 2108 study published in the journal Science Advances found that, of the 8.3 billion metric tons of plastics that have been

produced since 1950, only around 9 percent has been recycled. Plastics take roughly 400 years to degrade, so much of the plastics that have not been recycled are ending up in the world’s oceans. In fact, projections from environmentalists sug-

gest that oceans will contain more plastics than fish by the middle of this century. By reducing reliance on plastics and recycling the plastics they do use, nature lovers can do their part to combat this significant threat and protect the natural settings they enjoy so much.

• Plant trees. Planting trees could help combat the issue of rising carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. According to Greenpop, an organization devoted to urban greening and forest restoration projects, trees absorb CO2, removing it from the air and storing it as they release oxygen. A day outdoors planting trees is a fun activity for people of all ages, and it’s also a highly effective way to help the planet. The great outdoors is a respite for millions of people across the globe. Taking steps to protect nature is a great way to ensure it’s accessible and there to enjoy for generations to come.