May 27th is "Don't Fry-Day"

Happy "Don't Fry Day"!

The National Council on Skincare Prevention has designated May 27th as Don't Fry Day.  The weather has suddenly warmed in Upstate New York and the sunshine is beckoning us outdoors after a long winter and several weeks of overcast and rain. 

Memorial Day weekend is the kickoff to the summer season.  People everywhere are pulling out their open toed shoes and white slacks that can be worn through Labor Day.  This is also a weekend for grilling parties, pool openings, and playing outside. 

While sunscreen should be worn year round to protect our faces from the sun's UV rays, it is especially important to protect your skin during the hot summer months when the sun's rays are stronger.  As we transition from sweaters and pants to sleeveless shirts and shorts, delicate skin is exposed and vulnerable. 

This weekend my husband and I are scheduled to participate in the inaugural Cooperstown Triathlon.  The water temperature is cold (55 degrees) so the swim portion has been shortened to minimize the risk of athletes succumbing to hypothermia.  While I am not thrilled at all about swimming in such cold water, the only part of my body that is exposed is the lower part of my arms.  The sunburn risk is on the 11 mile bike and 3 mile run.  Historically, I do get sunburned during my first tri of the season because I underestimate the power of the sun.  This year, I've already stocked up on Coppertone Sport that I can easily spray on in transition.  I refuse to fry!

CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge - Congratulations Finishers!

Rain and chilly temperatures hit the Capital District during the week leading up to the 2011 CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge.  The JFA Hospitality Tent set-up team arrived at the Empire State Plaza in a downpour, just three hours before race time.  Within the hour the skies cleared, the sun came out, and a light breeze helped to keep the participants cool.  At 6:25 PM on May 19, 2011, over 9000 runners and walkers from more than 400 organizations tackled the 3.5 mile route through downtown Albany. 


JFA Hospitality Tent at the 2011 CDPHP WTC

 For the first time, Jaeger & Flynn hosted a hospitality tent for client teams offering bag check, race t-shirt pick up and distribution, and refreshments to rehydrate and refuel.  This tent also served as a convenient meeting location before and after the race!  All JFA staff, associates, and family who attended had a great time. 



Bag check in service



Congratulations to all the finishers! 

We look forward to another great event next year!

9000+ Racers lines up at the start

Team JFA before the race

May Flowers

If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?

If you're sensitive to pollen then the answer is ALLERGIES. 

An article posted today at ABC news health states:

"The National Allergy Bureau shows high pollen counts in the Northeast this week, including Albany and New York City, with their birch, oak and maple trees, and Oxford, Ala., where walnut, pine and willows are in bloom. The bureau is part of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

'It's been a very bad season so far. ... A lot of people suffering,' said Dr. William Reisacher, director of the allergy center at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City."

You can read the full article here

A long time seasonal allergy sufferer, I take the good with the bad.  The good being that the weather was gorgeous for much of this week and a long, cold, snowy winter is officially behind us.  The bad being a scratchy throat, runny nose and sinus pressure.  As the forecast calls for rain for the next several days however, I am now stocking up on tissues, focusing on eating nutritious food, and planning to get a lot of rest. 

At least we have beautiful May flowers!

2011 Literacy Run - Fitness for the whole family!

On Sunday, May 1, JFA HeLP was at the 10th annual Literacy Run/Walk benefitting the Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County.  What was so refreshing, was that there really was something there for the whole family.  The morning consisted of 3 events: a Children's Fun Run at 9 a.m., a 1 Mile Youth Race at 9:30 a.m., and a 5K Run/Walk at 10 a.m. 

The morning started out as any other - a hectic flurry of activity trying to get everyone fed, dressed, and out the door.  We arrived at race registration with plenty of time to spare before the first event of the morning, the Children's Fun Run.  The children (8 and under) ran about a block toward the finish line joined by "Southpaw" of the Tri-City ValleyCats and the Albany Devil Dawg, and cheered on by parents, volunteers, and other race crew.  To see this through the eyes of a three year old left me in awe.  My daughter was so proud to be able to run her own race, beaming as she showed off her race number (appropriately every child was assigned the number 1).  The award for finishing the race was two books!

The Youth Mile began at 9:30 and again, we saw children reveling in their accomplisment.  A little after 10:00 the runners and walkers began the 5K out and back course.  My daughter rode in her jogging stroller and we ran at a comfortable pace, using the event as a training run.  We thanked the volunteers, cheered on other runners, and finished the course in just under 32 minutes. 

As parents we have the opportunity to lead by example.  Whether we like it our not, children look to us for guidance and acceptance.  The best part of the morning was watching a pre-schooler's self confidence grow over the course of one city block.