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Monday, November 25, 2013

Some Assembly Required LEGO® Brick Display at NC Arboretum in Asheville NC

LEGO® Sculptures in NC Arboretum in Asheville NC - Photo by Priwo
Looking for an unusual family outing in the Christmas season 2013? Perhaps the kids and adults will enjoy seeing LEGO® sculptures at Asheville's NC Arboretum. These fourteen unusual and colorful displays with 27 sculptures will be on display October 19, 2013 to January 5, 2014. "Some Assembly Required" was created by Sean Kenney, a children's book author who admits to being a "professional kid."

If you are thinking this display would be small and simple, you might want to think again. The display contains about half a million pieces. A ruby-throated hummingbird feeding from a giant flower was created with 31,565 LEGO® pieces and hovers eight feet high. A life-sized bison, the largest sculpture, contains 45,143 LEGO® pieces while the Giant Victoria Waterplatters reach five feet across locking more than 10,500 pieces each.

Admission to the exhibit is free. An $8 standard parking fee is charged for personal vehicles. Those who would like to get a glimpse of professional LEGO® builders at work might enjoy watching this YouTube video. Readers may also wish to see pictures of some of the LEGO® displays at the NC Arboretum.

Additional Articles:
Want to see more of Katrena's articles? Visit Love 2 Travel With Kids and Travel NC With Kids.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

2013 Dates for National Gingerbread Competition Display at Omni Grove Park Inn

Dates and Times for 2013 National Gingerbread Competition at Grove Park Inn Asheville, NC
Those who love detail will likely be intrigued by the National Gingerbread exhibits in the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina. People travel from miles around to see these amazing works of art during the Christmas season.

The display will be available from November 20, 2013 to January 2, 2014 at any time for Inn guests. The exhibit is available for those who are not guests of the Grove Park Inn on Sunday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. each week, excluding any holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. Admission is free; however, there is a $10/car parking fee.

Most of the displays are found in the main lobby. Pick up a map at the lobby information desk to ensure seeing all the displays and some of the 80 decorated trees in the hotel. This excursion might take the family off the normally beaten Christmas path and into a fun time remembered for years to come.

Want to take a sneak peak? Find several pictures of the 2013 entries, including some of the winning entries in various age categories at the Omni Grove Park Inn web page. Exquisite is the word that comes to my mind as I look at these gingerbread creations. The details are quite impressive, and even the younger age categories display amazing talent.

More articles:
Find additional articles by Katrena at the Love 2 Travel With Kids and Travel NC With Kids site maps.

Friday, November 22, 2013

2013 Winston-Salem Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Date and Time

When is the 2013 Winston-Salem Christmas Parade?
Winston-Salem's 23rd annual downtown holiday parade for 2013 is slated for Saturday, December 7 at 5:00 p.m. The annual tree lighting ceremony will mark the occasion after the parade. The event will be held regardless of rain, snow, or warm summer weather. This parade is made possible by quite a few people and organizations, including: Winston-Salem Jaycees, Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership, and quite a few corporate sponsors.

The parade route will begin on 4th Street at the intersection with Poplar and continue down 4th Street to turn right on Liberty, concluding at 1st Street. Plan arrival and parking carefully as several roads will be closed during this event. Parking lots that will NOT be accessible include:
  • Center City West at 650 West 4th St
  • 4th and Broad
  • 4th Street Parking Deck
One can expect to see a variety of parade floats, schools, radio stations, and more in the 2013 lineup. Be prepared for the weather as temperatures tend to cool as the sun sets. I hope all of you have a fun and safe time who choose to attend this year's parade!

You may also wish to read:
Find more family friendly holiday activities and ideas for any season at the Love 2 Travel With Kids and Travel NC With Kids site maps. Katrena's Wildflower Bouquets blog offers free scavenger hunts, printable, and articles.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

How to Help Prevent and Identify Symptoms of DVT While Traveling

Tips to Prevent Blood Clots in Legs - Photo of DVT in Right Leg by James Heilman, MD
Traveling with kids can be a memorable experience, but developing a blood clot would not be on anyone's bucket list of things to experience while traveling. The CDC estimates that 300,000 to 900,000 people are affected by Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) each year.

What is VTE?

VTE combines two related health issues: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE). DVT, sometimes called Venous Thrombosis, is a blood clot that typically develops in deep veins such as the leg or pelvis. If this clot breaks loose and begins to travel through the body, it can become lodged in a blood vessel that goes to the lungs, resulting in a PE. A pulmonary embolism can result in sudden death. Each year, approximately 60,000 to 100,000 people die of VTE.

DVT Traveler's Thrombosis - Photo by Jnpet
What are Risk Factors for DVT?

People who have had recent surgery or have a history of DVT have an increased risk for developing a blood clot in the future. Although studies have somewhat mixed reports, it is generally believed that travel, particularly prolonged (greater than four hours) air travel and perhaps sitting for long periods within other modes of transportation may increase one's risk for developing DVT. If a person develops a blood clot while traveling, some people may refer to this condition as traveler's thrombosis.

Additional risk factors for DVT include:
  • Family history of clotting disorders, DVT, or PE
  • Paralysis
  • Pregnancy, including up to six weeks after giving birth
  • Some medications, such as hormone replacement therapy and birth control pills
  • Some forms of cancer
  • Heart failure
  • Implanted pacemaker in a vein
  • Obesity or being overweight
  • Smoking
  • Older age, especially those over age 60
  • Men who are tall
The Prevent DVT web site has a questionnaire to assess an individual's risk for developing DVT.

What are Symptoms of DVT and PE?

Deep Vein Thrombosis occurs without any symptoms in approximately half of all cases, which can make the condition difficult to diagnose.

Symptoms of DVT may include:
  • Swelling in one leg, foot, or ankle
  • Pain in one leg, foot, or ankle
  • A warm spot or area on the affected leg
  • Color changes in the affected leg
Symptoms of PE may include:
  • Sudden shortness of breath
  • Pain in the chest that worsens when taking a deep breath
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Fast pulse
  • Sweating
  • Coughing up blood
  • Feelings of anxiety
If one develops symptoms of PE, this could be a life-threatening emergency. Seeking immediate emergency care would be necessary. If experiencing symptoms of DVT while traveling, one should seek the advice of a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Tips to Prevent DVT - Photo by Ben Schuman
What are Ways to Lower the Risk of Traveler's Thrombosis?

Preventing blood clots can be serious business due to the potentially devastating outcome possible with this condition. Here are a few preventive tips:
  • Get regular check-ups – your healthcare provider can keep track of your individual risk factors and discuss a care plan appropriate for your unique situation. A physician might prescribe preventive medications or compression hose for traveling if warranted.
  • Take medications as prescribed and pack an adequate supply while traveling – plan to carry medications with you if flying rather than packing with checked luggage. If your luggage gets lost, at least you will have important medications with you. Be careful with eating habits while traveling if you are taking blood thinners that are affected by vitamin K in particular.
  • Regularly exercise your legs and feet – stand up and walk every hour (or at intervals suggested by a healthcare provider) if possible or perform leg exercises while seated if walking is not possible. Readers may wish to read this article with simple seated leg exercises.
  • Choose loose and comfortable clothing for traveling.
  • Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids while traveling.
  • Adopt a healthy lifestyle to control weight, avoid cigarette smoke, and achieve a healthy blood pressure.
Taking steps to prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism or to identify symptoms early could potentially save a person's life or help one to receive needed medical care to help prevent complications on vacation or at home.

This article is for information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Speak with your healthcare provider if you have specific questions regarding your health.

Readers may also wish to read:
Find additional health-related articles at Katrena's Fit Tips 4 Life site map or more of Katrena's travel articles at the Love 2 Travel With Kids site map.

References:

Sunday, November 10, 2013

2013 Dates Rates and Times for Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway in NC

Dates Times and Rates for 2013 Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway
Want to drive on a racetrack while looking at Christmas lights? Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina is hosting its fourth annual Speedway Christmas in 2013. The holiday light show features 800 displays illuminated by three million lights. This event is one of North Carolina's newest Christmas light shows

The Egg Nog Jog 5K will be held on Friday, November 22 at the light display. The Speedway Christmas light show is scheduled to begin on Saturday, November 23 and run through Monday, December 30 from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. in 2013. Speedway Christmas will be closed on Christmas Day.

The infield Christmas village area will be available Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. The village gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy a petting zoo and Bethlehem village with live animals, photo opportunities with Santa Claus, and a variety of vendor displays in the speedway infield.

The 2013 price varies, depending on the day of week. Prices are higher when the infield Christmas village area is open. Call 1-800-455-3267 for group rates for vans.

Day of the Week
Price Per Car
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
$15
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
$20

Those who enjoy movies may wish to watch seasonal shows on the world's largest HDTV. Movie nights are on Fridays and Saturdays. Here are the scheduled movies (subject to change) posted on their official web site on 11/10/13:

Date
Movie
November 29 & 30
Polar Express
December 6 & 7
Christmas Vacation
December 13 & 14
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
December 20 & 21
A Christmas Story
December 27 & 28
Elf

Additional articles:
Find more of Katrena's articles at Love 2 Travel With Kids and Travel NC With Kids site maps.

Friday, November 1, 2013

Walt Disney World Trading Pins – Fun Way to Preserve Memories!

Trading Pins at Walt Disney World © Katrena
Looking for a fun way to connect at Disney World? Join the many visitors who trade pins with cast members and other guests while having a "magical" time at one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world.

Tips for Trading Pins at Disney World © Katrena
Disney pin trading began in October 1999 and has grown over the years. The first time my family visited Disney World as an adult, a cast member asked if we would like to trade a pin we had purchased for our daughter. We bought it at the park as a souvenir and thought it was a bit weird that someone would ask if we would like to trade at the time.

How to Save Money Trading Pins at Disney World © Katrena
After a bit of research, I learned more about trading pins at Disney World. Guests may present an official Disney pin and trade for a pin worn by a cast member. The cast members wear lanyards containing several pins. The selection constantly changes as guests trade throughout the day.

Fun Things to do at Disney World © Katrena
When we returned to Disney World a few years later, my kids were prepared with several pins. They would carefully watch for lanyards with Disney characters they have grown to love over the years. I found that I could save a significant amount of money by purchasing a bag of official Disney pins on eBay. Buying pins in bulk that were not necessarily of their favorite characters would encourage them to trade the pins once we arrived.

Walt Disney World Trading Pins © Katrena
It was interesting to me to watch the kids' strategies for trading pins. Their choices reflected their distinct personalities and offered them the chance to barter with an adult and sometimes with one another.

How to Keep from Losing Disney Trading Pins © Katrena
One word of caution: the pins have backs, but sometimes those backs can fall off. I brought small plastic containers with lids so that we would not lose the pins. Many of the cast members had special lanyards with they wore around the waist area that had an extra flap of material that helped to decrease the likelihood of loss, but I heard from several people that the pins would still sometimes fall off.

Money Saving Tips for Visiting Disney World © Katrena
Trading pins was one of my kids' favorite memories of the trip, and they sometimes pull out those containers and look at their very own unique collection of pins and talk of trading with various cast members. The pins can make great stocking stuffers or make a great surprise in Easter eggs.

Trading Pins at Disney World Magic Kingdom © Katrena
If you would like to see Disney's official rules for trading pins, here is their page on Pin Trading Etiquette. If ordering pins outside of the Disney parks, ensure that you are purchasing tradable pins.

Related articles:
See more of Katrena's articles at the Love 2 Travel With Kids and Travel NC With Kids site maps.