Memorial Day

• Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) warns that deaths from drunk driving-related crashes can surge 39% over the July 4th weekend, which could mean one life lost every 24 minutes, based on the latest data available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
• IRVING, Texas, June 29, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- MADD Warns that Deaths from Drunk Driving Surge 39% Over the July 4th Weekend, Urges Everyone to Plan Ahead for Safer Travel
  Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) warns that deaths from drunk driving-related crashes can surge 39% over the July 4th weekend, which could mean one life lost every 24 minutes, based on the latest data available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
• "Until everyone consistently makes safer choices and all cars come with technology that can prevent impaired driving, MADD will be here to support victims and work to end impaired driving for good."
• Despite being fully preventable, deaths from impaired driving have been on the rise in the U.S.

• 87% of consumers plan to celebrate 4th of July, compared to only 75% for Memorial Day.
• The top celebration plan is watching fireworks (60% of celebrators), followed by grilling/barbecuing (58%) and attending or hosting a gathering/party (46%).
• 94% of consumers plan to make a purchase for 4th of July, with food items at the top of shopping lists (83% plan to purchase), followed by alcoholic beverages (47%), non-alcoholic beverages (34%), decorations (22%) and party supplies (20%).
• When looking at purchase data for the week leading up to Independence Day 2022, beer saw a 20% sales increase vs. the week prior.

• This gruelling CrossFit workout involves running one mile, doing 100 pull ups, 200 push ups, 300 squats and running another mile, all while wearing a weighted vest.
• The CrossFit workout changes daily, with participants typically doing a workout about three times a week, depending on their fitness level.
• The toughest CrossFit workouts are known as “hero” workouts, dedicated to deceased soldiers such as Murphy.

The ‘Murph’ challenge

This particular workout comprises the following, done as fast as you can:
• The runs must be at the beginning and end of the workout, but the pull ups, push ups and squats can be split up as required.
• For example, beginners might start with 20 rounds of five pull ups, ten push ups, and 15 squats.
• When more advanced, this can progress to ten rounds of ten pull ups, 20 push ups and 30 squats.

A difficult workout

• The Murph workout is challenging because it stresses most major muscle groups: the back and shoulder muscles with the pull ups, the chest with the push ups, and the legs and torso with the squats.
• So, this workout will build excellent cardiovascular fitness while developing strength and muscular endurance in the upper and lower body.

What about the risks?

• These findings are supported by a questionnaire of 132 CrossFit participants, that reported an injury rate of 3.1 injuries per 1,000 hours of training.
• This rate is comparable to competitive contact sports such as rugby, as well as gymnastics, weight lifting and power lifting.
• Injuries in CrossFit are most likely to be to the shoulders and lower back, and typically happen during either power lifting or gymnastics.

Rhabdomyolysis: a dangerous condition

• In rhabdomyolysis, muscle is damaged causing extreme muscle soreness and the release of proteins into the blood.
• This condition is often seen in crush victims, but rhabdomyolysis as a result of extreme, unfamiliar exercise (exertional rhabdomyolysis) accounts for almost half of cases.
• For those looking to try Murph for the first time, perhaps have a go without the weighted vest.

• SparkCharge's grid-free EV charging solutions provide 99.9% uptime, ensuring reliable charging availability
  SOMERVILLE, Mass., May 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SparkCharge , the first company to create a mobile EV charging system and network, showcased its commitment to providing convenient and accessible EV charging over the weekend along the Mass Pike.
• In response to the recent unavailability of multiple fixed EV charging stations along the Mass Pike, SparkCharge deployed its team and cutting-edge portable DC fast chargers, known as the Roadie, to offer complimentary EV charging services to drivers during Memorial Day weekend.
• As a pioneer in the field, SparkCharge has revolutionized the EV charging landscape with its innovative Roadie charging solution.
• By bringing our portable EV charging solution to the Mass Pike, we were able to provide drivers with a hassle-free charging experience during this busy holiday weekend."