A Safe and Healthy Honeymoon

Being a health & safety professional I feel it is incumbent upon me to pass along important information that can keep you safe, not just at work but in all areas of your lives. For this reason I'd like to touch on a hazardous situation that many of us take for granted. Often we are ignorant of or outright choose to disregard the dangers of this insidious threat. The activity I'm referring to is...the Honeymoon.

Yes. I said Honeymoon.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have published a "Healthy Bride" feature on their website. Those of you planning a wedding should read this. If you have friends or loved ones who are in the stressful process of planning a wedding, share this link. The document is brief but full of valuable information that could get a marriage started without injury or illness. As an example, the experts at CDC have this to say about preparing for your honeymoon:

"Whether it's by car, plane, train, ship or foot, take steps to stay safe and healthy during your honeymoon. Plan ahead. To lower your risk for illness and injury, check health scores for cruise ships; learn about common diseases for the area if traveling abroad; get vaccinations; and pack and use sunscreen, insect repellent, and appropriate safety gear for activities (such as helmets, life jackets, and knee pads)."

(Hey, I'm just sayin'.)

If you don't believe me, click on the link and read it for yourself.

What the CDC does not say is that this is also an excellent time in your relationship to practice open and honest communication skills with your spouse-to-be. Ladies, in order to avoid any later misunderstandings or problems you should have a discussion about realistic expectations, anticipated activities, what you are packing in preparation for those activities and why. The reason for this is simple. If a guy about to go on his honeymoon walks past his wife-to-be as she's packing and sees helmets, life jackets, and knee pads there will likely be one of two reactions.

1. He's going to get REALLY excited


2. He's going to get REALLY nervous

Number 1 could lead to unrealistic expectations (okay, maybe they're not unrealistic - go you!), misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Number 2 could lead to unrealistic expectations, misunderstandings and hurt feelings, and performance anxiety. Either situation should be avoided during one's honeymoon and for that matter during one's marriage.

So folks, remember to include what happens beyond the actual wedding day in the planning and preparation. And NEVER forget the importance of communication before, during and after the wedding. It can up your chances of not only still being together 25 years from now but of still needing to pack helmets, life jackets, and knee pads...if you know what I mean.

Have a safe, healthy, and very happy wedding, honeymoon, and life together. And pack appropriately.

A New Blog and a Worthy Cause

I recently stumbled on a new blog and blogger (new to me) and thought I'd share. Her name is Janiece Murphy and the blog is Hot Chicks Dig Smart Men. Janiece is a veteran of the US Navy living in Colorado and she uses foul language. As she says in her bio "That's right - I've got the F-Bomb, and I'm not afraid to use it". You like her already don't you? Her blog is where I discovered (and stole) the biblical morals quiz.

Janiece has some recurring features on her blog with titles like: 'Tard of the Week, Conversations With Karma, What the Fuck is Wrong With These People?, and When Hillbillies Attack. You like her even more now doncha? The worthy cause I made mention of in the title is posted under her Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History section. Janiece clued me in to an organization called Jewish World Watch and specifically a woman named Rachel Andres who is the director of JWW's solar cooker project. Please follow the link to get the details but I'll summarize it by saying that through very simple and creative means, a Jewish woman is working to save the lives of Muslim women in Darfur. Could we please get the half of the population with dangly bits to sit down and take a break and let the women run things for a while? Please?

Thank you Rachael Andres and thank you Janiece.