P.E.P. Talk - May 2023

Welcome to P.E.P. Talk dedicated to your
Physical, Emotional and Personal well-being.

Staying healthy, well and strong with
Brain, Body and Balance.
We are all in this together!

P.E.P. Talk is our Virtual Activities Program that will be sent monthly throughout the year. We hope that you enjoy these activities no matter where you are!
Please look for our weekly calendar and newsletter that will be sent every Wednesday from October through April.
In an effort to support our contactless environment the weekly updates
will be sent through email.

The History Of Water Safety Month

National Water Safety Month’s history of highlighting water awareness and swim safety started in June 2003, when the World Waterpark Association launched its National Water Safety Week. People celebrated this water awareness week for four years.

In May 2007, the National Recreation and Park Association, which had been celebrating National Aquatics Week in July from 2004 to 2006, decided, along with the WWA, that a month-long water safety initiative in May would be best because it’s when swim activity increases across the country.
That’s when National Water Safety Month was officially born.

In May 2009, the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (now the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance) joined the partnership, adding waterparks, public pools, and backyard pools to the monthly water safety initiative.
Finally, in May 2010, the American Red Cross joined the National Water Safety Month coalition as a key partner.

National Water Safety Month is promoted through educational programs, public service announcements, governmental proclamations, dealer and business promotions, and easy-to-access water safety materials.

Caliente Springs and Sky Valley Resorts are known for their beautiful natural hot springs pools and hot tubs. Let's make sure all of our residents and guests are following safety protocols while enjoying the pools and hot tubs and help to educate each other with best health and wellness practices in the water.

Get Involved And Educate Yourself On Water Safety

About the Coalition

Learn more about the organizations that make
National Water Safety Month possible.

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance facilitates the expansion of swimming, water safety, and related research and outreach activities aimed at introducing more people to swimming, making swimming environments safer, and keeping pools open to serve communities.

For more information, visit PHTA.org

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

For more information, visit redcross.org

National Recreation and Park Association

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant, and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in the service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being.

For more information, visit www.nrpa.org

World Waterpark Association

The World Waterpark Association (WWA) is the world's premier water-leisure trade Association serving more than 1,000 park and supplier members representing 50 countries. Started in 1981, it is an international not-for-profit member-based trade association that serves waterparks, aquatic venues, and spray parks of all shapes and sizes. Based out of Overland, Kansas, there are approximately 1200 members of the WWA. The WWA is focused on providing park and supplier members with the education and networking that they need to operate safely and effectively.

Each year, they host an annual symposium & trade show and the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson. I think Sky Valley and Caliente Springs are the perfect locations to host an event like this!

Things to Think About
There is no question that soaking in a hot tub is one of the best ways to relax and take advantage of the many health benefits that hydrotherapy provides. You may be wondering what the optimal time to spend in your hot tub is or if it is possible to stay in your hot tub for too long. By being aware of what factors to consider that impact how long you should soak in your hot tub, you can make sure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

In the article below, we will review which factors that will help you decide how long you should soak as well as what the possible dangers can be of soaking for too long.

Factors to Consider

While there is no black and white rule for how long you should spend in your hot tub, these are some important factors that you should consider first.

Temperature

The temperature of your hot tub can play a factor in how long you can safely soak for. Some users prefer to keep their water temperature at the maximum level of 104 degrees and others like a cooler setting around the 98-degree mark. The recommended water temperature for your hot tub is usually between 100 - 102 degrees. Keep in mind that the higher the temperature, the shorter your soak should be. If you enjoy spending longer periods of time relaxing in your hot tub, it is advised to turn down the temperature by several degrees.

Environment

The external environment is also a big factor in deciding how long you can safely soak for. For example, on really hot days, your body will take longer to cool down which can result in overheating quickly. Conversely, if it is really cold outside, your body may cool down too quickly which can result in becoming dizzy. Make sure to always consider the outdoor temperature and weather conditions when using your hot tub.

Health

If you have certain health conditions, such as a heart condition or are pregnant, you may need to avoid using a hot tub or use sparingly in short sessions. Although soaking in the warm, bubbly water is appealing, it would be best in these cases to consult with your doctor first.

Depth

The water depth of your hot tub can also impact how long you should soak for. If you are sitting with the water level up to your neckline, your body is forced to work harder to regulate its internal temperature. To make it easier on yourself, allowing for a longer soak, sit in a position where the water level only reaches your chest.

Dangers to Avoid

Soaking in a hot tub for too long can lead to certain unpleasant or even dangerous health risks.

Burns

Especially for those that have sensitive skin, over soaking in a hot tub can result in a mild burn - similar to a sunburn. The skin will hurt, get red and in some cases, blister.

Dizziness

Staying in a hot tub for too long can result in becoming light-headed or dizzy once you get out. This usually passes quickly, but can be dangerous if someone loses their balance and falls.

Overheating

Your body can overheat if you stay in a hot tub for too long. This can cause symptoms of hypothermia if it is cold outside or even fainting. Other changes in blood flow to the brain can sometimes cause nausea or vomiting.

How Long Should You Soak For

A good rule of thumb is to soak for 15-30 minutes. Occasionally, a longer soak is usually safe but just make sure you have considered the important factors above and listen to what signals your body is sending you. If in doubt, end your soak. Hot tubs are a wonderful investment for your health, but they do need to be used safely.

Safe temperatures for swimming pools vary with type of activity and by person

According to the World Health Organization, water temperatures ranging from 78 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit are generally comfortable and safe for those engaging in moderate physical activity in a pool.

But health concerns come in with either extreme—too hot or too cold—and when it comes to health concerns related to pool temperature, risk is related to personal health and the type of activity.

It's recommended that all people approach extreme water temperatures, in both pool and open water, with caution.

Hot water can cause a rapid decrease in blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness or loss of consciousness. That's why it’s recommended that hot tubs be kept below 104 degrees Fahrenheit and why competition pools and recreational pools have different temperature guidelines.

The more strenuous the water activity, the more important it is for the water to not be too warm."High aerobic activity in high temperature water can be dangerous," according to the United States Water Fitness Association.

Conversely, swimming in temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure. Risk, particularly for cardiac arrest, continues to increase in water under 64 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why many regulatory bodies require wetsuits when these conditions apply to an open water competition. When temperatures go below 70 degrees, healthy individuals will experience muscle spasms and often wear wetsuits to preserve their body temperature.

In general, swimmers should be wary of exposing themselves to temperature extremes for long periods of time. This is especially true for pregnant women, those with medical problems, and young children.

But what about the spectrum of temperatures in between? It depends on what you’re doing, and what the air temperature feels like around you. U.S. Masters Swimming’s rule book dictates that pools used for competition should be between 77 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit and that open water competitions can’t occur in a body of water less than 60.8 degrees Fahrenheit unless there are special precautions. If an open water race is less than 5 kilometers, the water cannot begin if the temperature exceeds 87.8 degrees Fahrenheit, and if the race is 5 kilometers or longer, the temperature cannot be more than 85 degrees Fahrenheit. That temperature aims to prevent dehydration, overheating, muscle cramps, heat exhaustion, and other health concerns.

Most multi-purpose pools incorporating lap, recreational and water fitness swimmers across the country are typically kept at a higher temperature, between 83 and 86 degrees, though some programs will bring temperatures up to 90 degrees for small children.

The importance of staying hydrated increases when pool temperatures exceed 80 degrees, especially for those with heart issues.

In a system with less fluid, the heart has to pump faster to maintain a healthy blood pressure. Somebody with a heart problem such as heart failure or rhythm issues such as atrial fibrillation, the last thing that you'd want to do is increase their pulse. This elevated pressure may cause permanent heart damage.

It's unlikely that the temperature of a pool will please everyone, even when it falls into appropriate ranges.

If you exercise in a warmer pool be sure to drink lots of water, swim for shorter durations, and make sure that a lifeguard or aquatic center staff is present.

If you exercise in a cooler pool and are bothered by the temperature, try wearing a silicon cap and ear plugs to retain some heat,
or try some sort of thermal swimwear.

PLEASE consult with a doctor if you’re concerned about your hot or cold tolerance.

This is a quick and easy salmon recipe, packed with quality protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s have numerous health benefits, from promoting a healthy inflammatory response, to supporting optimal cognitive function. The word "essential" comes from the fact that our bodies can’t produce these fatty acids on their own – they must be acquired through food or supplements.

INGREDIENTS

1½ pounds wild salmon cut into 4 portions, or use four 6 oz fillets
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary crushed and chopped
1 lemon cut into slices

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Lay salmon flat on a sheet pan. Pour lemon juice over salmon, then sprinkle with salt and rosemary. Add lemon slices over the fish, then bake for 15–20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches at least 135 degrees F.
Serve immediately.

PREP TIME: 10 mins

COOK TIME: 20mins

TOTAL TIME: 30 mins

COURSE: Dinner or lunch

SERVINGS: 4

Locals Only
Welcome to the Coachella Valley's locals only recommendations for you. This is a list of local businesses, excursions and happenings throughout the desert. They can be experienced as a single event or group them together to customize your own adventures and day trips.

Please visit each website to confirm the days and hours of each location.

Cabot's Pueblo Museum
Local Tip: Make sure to get tickets in advance if you want the guided tour. Lots of history, artwork and artifacts in this historic house museum. Highly recommended.