by ARA

(ARA) - The statistics are staggering: As the leading cause of death in the United States, cardiovascular (or heart) disease accounts for more than 2,200 deaths per day, or one every 39 seconds. Furthermore, the American Heart Association (AHA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently estimate that every year about 785,000 Americans will have their first heart attack, and another 470,000 will have a recurrent attack.

And for a number of patients, talking to their doctors about low-dose daily aspirin therapy may be the "heart-smart" thing to do.

For more than 100 years, aspirin has been used as a pain reliever. Since the 1970s, however, studies showed aspirin could also be used to prevent and manage heart disease. There are a variety of patients who may benefit from aspirin therapy, including people who have had a heart attack, stroke or those with any risk factor for heart disease or stroke, as well as men over age 50 and women over age 60 who have diabetes along with any other risk factor.

According to the AHA, aspirin can help prevent heart attack.  More specifically, the AHA recommends that people at high risk of heart attack take a daily low-dose aspirin (if told to by their health care provider), and that heart attack survivors regularly take low-dose aspirin.

"You should never start aspirin therapy on your own," says cardiologist Prerana Manohar, MD. "If you feel that a daily low-dose aspirin regimen may make sense for you, be sure to talk with your doctor about its benefits and risks."

Aspirin benefits the heart in several ways. It decreases pain, inhibits blood clots and most significantly, it reduces the risk of death, particularly among people with heart disease. Additionally, aspirin can significantly reduce heart damage during a heart attack, and can prevent the occurrence of future heart problems.

"For individuals at high risk of suffering a cardiac event, aspirin really can make a difference," Manohar says. "For my patients who are prescribed a daily low-dose regimen, I encourage them to purchase store-brand aspirin sold at leading retailers and pharmacies. These products are regulated by the FDA and use the same active ingredients, but cost significantly less than the brand names."

Allegan, Mich.-based Perrigo is a pharmaceutical company that manufactures and distributes most of the over-the-counter medications found under store-brand labels at leading retailers, grocers and pharmacies. Perrigo offers consumers a variety of affordable store-brand aspirin choices that compare with a variety of brand names, including Bayer, Ecotrin and St. Joseph.

Another important line of defense in protecting against heart disease is to know and maintain your numbers. This means weight/body mass index, cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure levels, as all have an impact on heart health. Additionally, exercising 30 minutes a day most days of the week and eating a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats, cholesterol and salt are some of the very best strategies for preventing heart disease. Avoiding the use of tobacco products, which according to Mayo Clinic is one of the most significant risk factors for developing heart disease, is also critical. Finally, seeing the doctor for regular screenings is vital for managing and preventing heart disease.

"Remember to be good to your heart by eating right, moving more and working in partnership with your doctor to monitor and manage your health," says Manohar. "Together you can work to control any risk factors and determine if daily low-dose aspirin therapy is a heart-smart decision for you."

by ARA

(ARA) - Financial resolutions are notoriously difficult to keep. Thirty-one percent of Americans set a financial New Year's resolution each year and only about half of them are successful, according to a 2009 study by Bankrate.com.

So what separates those who succeed and those who don't? According to the November 2011 Merrill Edge Report, a survey of the financial priorities and concerns of 1,000 mass affluent Americans (a segment of 28 million Americans with between $50,000 and $250,000 in investable assets), there are a variety of tactics people use, but ultimately there are three big takeaways when trying to improve your financial situation.

1. Planning
Take an honest look at your personal financial situation and set reasonable goals for yourself. One way many Americans are doing this more is by seeking the guidance of a financial adviser. According to the Merrill Edge Report, it is the No. 1 factor mass affluent Americans say increases their confidence in their ability to meet their financial goals.

2. Prudence
The Merrill Edge Report shows much of America is in a similar tenuous situation with their finances as they were a year ago. But those who improved their financial situation in 2011 say it was because they eliminated unnecessary expenses, paid bills on time and stuck to a budget.

"In this uncertain economy, it's more important than ever to stay in control of your personal finances," says Dean Athanasia, preferred and small business executive at Bank of America. "While we cannot control what's going on around us, we can do little things like brown bag it to work, downgrade our cable package or buy in bulk to make small improvements."

Other ways you can prudently get into financial shape next year could be to start tracking and managing your money or paying down debt over the next year. Financial management is an area where the majority of Merrill Edge Report respondents said they would focus on in the next six months, including budgeting, balancing short-and long-term financial needs, and ensuring their portfolios are properly allocated.

3. Prioritizing
Retirement planning is often neglected when times are tight. Nearly half of non-retirees expect to retire later than they had planned a year ago. Prioritizing contributions to your 401(k) or retirement savings could help reduce financial stress in the long-term.

Prioritizing saving is another area where people are struggling. The Merrill Edge Report found 57 percent of respondents believe it will be harder to save for the long-term five years from now as compared to today, and 27 percent feel it will be equally as difficult. Finding a way to focus on saving can be financially beneficial in both the short- and long term.

With a wide variety of financial guidance and tools available, you can personalize how you manage your finances. Planning for the future, being prudent with your spending and prioritizing saving can help you do what works best for you and stay on track with your financial goals this year.

For more information on balancing your portfolio and retirement strategies visit merrilledge.com or speak with a Financial Solutions Advisor at the Merrill Edge Advisory center at (888) MER-EDGE (888-637-3343). Merrill Edge, available through Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S) consists of Merrill Edge Advisory Center (investment guidance) or self-directed online investing. MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation. Remember, investing in securities involves risks, and investment products are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed, and may lose value. Neither Merrill Edge nor its associates provide tax, accounting or legal advice. Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A. and affiliated banks, Members FDIC and wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

by ARA

(ARA) - First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes ... cooking together? With 90 percent of bridal registries containing kitchen appliances, today's couples are thinking about the thousands of meals they'll share together. Many registries focus on appliances, as couples hope to complete cooking tasks quickly and easily, but they should also consider the most important ingredient: a partner to cook with.

One truism of marriage is that the more activities a couple shares, the stronger their marriage becomes. Cooking together is a great choice because it's something that you can easily incorporate into your life, whether it's your everyday routine, entertaining guests or, of course, date night. Couples who prepare meals together create a feel-good home environment that builds trust, problem-solving and teamwork.

The kitchen also is a place of memories. You may remember mom's chicken or grandma's homemade marinara sauce. Whether you create your own recipes, cook each other's favorite dishes or just discover meals you're both fond of, cooking together can contribute many happy moments every year to your marriage.

Your bridal registry choices set the initial stage for what types of delicious meals (and drinks) you share together. Just follow these helpful hints by Black & Decker so you and your spouse can plan to cook, love and eat your way through the many years to come.

Start the day easy.
What better way to start the day than to cook and eat a meal together with your spouse? Not only is breakfast the most important meal of the day, it's also a great opportunity to connect as you fix it together.

Make coffee like a barista with a Black & Decker coffeemaker, which lets you set the strength of your brew. You can also create cafe-style sandwiches in a toaster oven for each other, or experiment with different artisan breads to see which you like best. Try hearty rye, rich sourdough or tangy olive loaf to supplement your regular white or wheat.

Entertain your guests effortlessly.
While every marriage has a foundation of two people, you'll want to include friends and family in your home celebrations. Preparing food for guests can be intimidating the first few times you try it, but with some key appliances, you can cook great dishes with just a little skill. Black & Decker appliances provide the tools you need, with the durability you want and at a value you'll appreciate.

The PowerPro 2-in-1 Food Processor & Blender will help you quickly prepare ingredients for your dishes and then quickly switch to frozen drinks when the guests arrive. With one cost-saving appliance, you can make healthy smoothies and decadent milkshakes or chop up vegetables and cheese for a homemade pizza or healthy salad. A countertop convection oven can serve as a second oven when cooking for the entire family. Cooking with convection ensures that you will never wait long for your food to be ready, whether it's a baked dish or delicious roast chicken. Finally, cleanup is easy now that most appliances feature removable dishwasher-safe parts.

Don't forget date night.
Marriage requires investment to keep the relationship fun and interesting. While everyone enjoys a night out at a restaurant, a date at home can save money and increase your bond as you create new and interesting dishes together. With the right kitchen appliances, you can save a lot of time so you focus more on each other and less time on food prep.

Instead of going to a Mexican restaurant, make a Mexican-themed meal. Starting the night off with a frozen margarita is easier if it's made in a blender that shreds ice into snow. Use your food processor to whip up a spicy salsa, then quickly slice and shred ingredients for some tacos. For dessert, a countertop convection oven can bake indulgent individual caramel flan in a snap. With just a little help from your kitchen appliances, your date-night meals will come out memorable every time.

Learning to cook together doesn't have to be a daunting task. Whether its breakfast, entertaining lunches, or date-night dinners, your appliances will help guide you through the many meals to come. Visit www.blackanddeckerappliances.com for more information on registry ideas for couple's cooking.

by Thor Industries, Inc.

JACKSON CENTER, Ohio--Thor Industries, Inc. announced results for the first quarter of fiscal 2012 ended October 31, 2011. Sales for the quarter were $673,000,000, up 11% from $606,684,000 last year. Net income for the quarter was $22,358,000, compared with $23,688,000 last year. Basic earnings per share (E.P.S.) for the quarter were 41 cents versus 44 cents last year.

Total RV segment sales for the quarter were $561,660,000, up 11% from $506,563,000 last year. Towable RV sales for the quarter were $499,104,000, up 18% from $422,449,000 last year. Motorized RV sales for the quarter were $62,556,000, down 26% from $84,114,000 last year. Towable RV sales for both quarterly periods include Heartland RV since its acquisition on September 16, 2010. Bus segment sales for the quarter, including buses and ambulances, were $111,340,000, up 11% from $100,121,000 last year.

Total RV segment income before tax for the quarter was $33,884,000, compared with $34,104,000 last year. Towable RV income before tax for the quarter was $32,591,000, down 2% from $33,100,000 last year. Motorized RV income before tax for the quarter was $1,293,000, up 29% from $1,004,000 last year. Bus segment income before tax for the quarter was $5,266,000, compared with $9,419,000 last year. Bus segment income was positively impacted in fiscal 2011 by a gain of $4,802,000 related to insurance recoveries.

"We are encouraged by our strong towable RV backlog driven by orders from our fall Open House event, coupled with increased RV market retail sales and planned product improvements and introductions at this week's RVIA Expo in Louisville, KY. However, the RV market remains very competitive with promotional pricing," said Peter B. Orthwein, Thor Chairman, CEO and President. "We are also seeing public transit agencies and private operators begin to replace their fleets, which provides opportunities for Thor's bus segment."

Thor is the world's largest manufacturer of recreation vehicles and a major builder of commercial buses and ambulances.

by ARA

(ARA) - The idea of retirement is both exciting and daunting. After leaving the workforce, you'll have the opportunity to pursue dreams that you have envisioned for your retirement such as seeing the country through the windshield of an RV. But you'll need to have the financial wherewithal to fund those dreams and cover your day-to-day living expenses.

It is clear from everything we read in the news that many Americans likely aren't saving enough. While many people might rely on Social Security to help cover their costs during retirement, it may not be enough and those who want to live a full life in their later years should focus now on saving more.

This fact is underscored by a LinkedIn Poll that Prudential Retirement began on Sept. 9 about Americans' perceptions of workplace retirement plans. There were more than 300,000 impressions and more than 1,000 individuals voted. Of those voters, more than 50 percent were "very interested" in a guaranteed retirement income feature. Moreover, 23 percent were "somewhat interested."

Whether you're in your 20s or your 50s, retirement should be on your mind. Regardless of your age, now is the time to start planning so that you can make sure you are able to save enough to live the retirement you envision. Spend some time considering these points and consult with a financial advisor who can help you lay out a plan to maximize your savings. Some options to consider include:

• Workplace retirement opportunities. If you're fortunate enough to have access to a workplace retirement plan, take advantage of it - they are one of the best ways to save for retirement. Market volatility will always impact the stock market. However, in an effort to make workplace retirement plans more user-friendly and better help participants plan for a more secure retirement, Prudential Retirement is leading a push to introduce features into defined contribution plans that provide guaranteed retirement income. You can learn more at www.prudential.com.
• Diversification: Commonly known as, "don't put all your eggs in one basket," diversification is simply choosing a variety of investments that react differently to market conditions. Choosing a variety of them can help you manage risk since positive performance in one option may help offset poor performance in another option. Diversification should be a central theme of your retirement funding plan. However, keep in mind that application of asset allocation and diversification concepts does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market. It is possible to lose money by investing in securities. If you feel unsure of what you should be doing, what your options are or need help understanding just what you need for retirement, a financial advisor can help you lay out a more clearly defined path toward your goals.
• Seek protection. "Expect the unexpected" is a classic adage that has endured for good reason. The plans you make might not follow the path your life actually takes, so it's a good idea to protect yourself in case the unexpected should happen. One of the best ways to do that is to make sure that you have an adequate amount of insurance to protect your income and your assets. In addition to a smart retirement planning strategy, life, health, disability and long-term care insurance can help protect both you and your loved ones.
• Budget and cut back on excessive spending. While we all want to live a full life every day, the decisions you make now could have a negative or positive impact on your future - it all comes down to the choices you make. Of course there are unavoidable costs that come along with day-to-day living, but the more discretionary spending you do now, the more money you'll have later. Think about cutting back on extravagances and extras - without eliminating them completely - in a way that will allow you to invest more money in your future retirement.

by ARA

(ARA) - If you're having problems hearing but haven't yet done anything to address them, you're not alone. Every day people put off getting help for hearing loss for a number of reasons that range from not wanting to show signs of vulnerability to being fearful of having to wear a bulky hearing aid. While these reasons are understandable, the benefits of getting hearing help far outweigh the reasons for avoiding seeing a hearing specialist.

This is especially true when you take into account that hearing aids are more discreet than they've ever been - some can even be considered invisible. This makes it easy for someone to correct hearing loss without experiencing the discomfort or self-consciousness often associated with hearing aids.

If you're experiencing trouble hearing, here are five reasons to get help and visit a hearing care professional:

1. Increase your financial growth opportunity. If you have untreated hearing loss, there's a good chance you aren't reaching your full potential in the workplace, as you may be missing important items in conversation or unconsciously withdrawing yourself from your duties. Correcting hearing problems can allow you to perform your job to the best of your ability.

2. Improve your social life. Whether you know it or not, hearing problems can cause you to communicate ineffectively with others, which can hinder relationship building. It may also cause you to decide not to participate in activities or social gatherings as you otherwise would.

3. Improve your relationship with your family. Communication is even more important in the intimate relationships you maintain with family members. When communication is interrupted by hearing loss, it can weaken those relationships without the intention of doing so. Hearing loss can affect the subtle communication that is so important to maintaining a strong bond with your loved ones.

4. Today's hearing aids are no longer obtrusive. For example, U.S. hearing technology company Starkey offers invisible hearing aids that are worn deep in the ear canal or are hidden behind your ear.

5. Hearing aids work better than ever. Today's hearing aids address the most common concerns of wearers, including virtually eliminating feedback (buzzing and whistling) and providing noise management technology that identifies and preserves speech even in the noisiest environments. Volume control has also become more sophisticated, so you don't have to constantly make adjustment based on your environment. Finally, some hearing aids can connect directly with the media devices in your home including TV, MP3 player or stereo.

When you get help for your hearing problem, you have the potential to improve your life in ways you may have never imagined. With the right hearing aid and treatment, you can improve the way you communicate, which can help you reach your full potential and improve your relationships with those who are important to you. The first step is to visit a hearing care professional to find out what course of action is right for you. To find a professional, visit www.starkey.com.

by ARA

(ARA) - Halloween decorations and costumes are meant to be frightfully fun, but the price tag for pulling together the big night doesn't have to be scary.

Here are three fun and unexpected ways to keep costs low and let the creativity shine with enchanting accessories, do-it-yourself decorations and devilishly simple party planning.

Keep costumes personal and affordable
Masks are an easy and affordable way to jazz up a kid's costume. They are also a great alternative for moms who don't want to dress up in full costume, but still want to get in the spirit. Host a pre-Halloween Masquerade Mask party and invite each guest to bring one embellishment - sequins, glitter, feathers and buttons - to create one-of-a-kind masquerade masks. The host can provide paper masks, glue and scissors, and set up a designated area where kids can decorate their own masks with friends. Plan to make it an annual gathering and remind everyone to save materials throughout the year.

Decorate on a dime
Take advantage of free resources and do-it-yourself crafts to use as decorations and fun activities for the whole family. Visit Target.com/Halloween to download free printable pumpkin and eerie decorative lighting stencils. Print out the stencils and have the kids cut them out with safety scissors for pumpkin carving or painting. Kids can glue stencils onto white paper bags to line the driveway or walkway and place flameless candles inside the paper bags for an extra spooky Halloween glow. Moms can apply trick-or-treat bag iron-ons to a white canvas tote to complete the Halloween look from head to toe.

Simplify party planning
Many people find the idea of hosting a Halloween gathering stressful. "It doesn't have to be," says Sabrina Soto, Target Style Expert for Home. "Small touches can make a big Halloween statement - try placing a decorative notecard that says 'witches brew' next to the punch bowl and one that says 'eye balls' by a bowl of peeled grapes."

Make a glam centerpiece with mouth-watering Halloween treats displayed on a spider web two-tier tray, flanked by spooky candelabras with black and silver candles. It instantly creates an eye-catching focal point on the table with a spooky Halloween feel. A big trend this year is haunted gingerbread houses; have kids decorate them at the party for a fun and delicious activity.

For take home gifts, pack treat sacks with apples and tooth brushes with cards saying "fang scrubbers." (The other moms will appreciate the healthy gesture.)

"Halloween is a time to be creative and let your imagination guide you," says Soto. For more creative and affordable Halloween tips, costumes and decorating ideas, visit Target.com/Halloween.

by ARA

Click Illustration for Larger Image

Whether you're planning to tailgate at your daughter's soccer game, in the parking lot of your college alma mater or favorite professional football stadium, your RV is the center of the tailgating experience. So why not get it ready to tailgate in style?

"Small changes like repairing scratches, brightening wheels or reviving a worn truck bed can really improve the look of a vehicle," says Melissa Grimm, brand manager for Rust-Oleum Automotive. "These simple projects are so easy and inexpensive, any RV owner can tackle them without losing precious tailgating time."

Repair tiny nicks, chips and scratches. We all know that RV and truck exteriors can easily be scratched by runaway shopping carts or other calamaties. But, it's never been easier to repair small dings and scratches with products like Rust-Oleum Scratch & Chip Repair Markers. The squeeze bottles have a dual-applicator tip design that can be used as a brush or marker so the paint applies easily, and nicks can be repaired quickly.

Roll up to the game in style. Now, you can customize your wheels without the custom price tag. For less than $30, you can make your existing wheels look brand new with paint like Rust-Oleum High Performance Wheel spray paint. Try a color like graphite to enhance the color of your current plastic hub caps and aluminum or steel wheels. Or, use black or steel to give them the appearance of their expensive custom aftermarket counterparts. Check out videos on YouTube to learn how to complete this project step by step.

Revive your tow vehicle truck bed. It's just not classic tailgating unless you're sitting on the back of a truck. But, after years of hauling everything from lumber to your neighbor's old sofa to your tailgate barbecue grill, your truck bed's finish may be rusting, peeling or just look worn. You can revive it and make it look brand new by applying a truck bed coating, such as Rust-Oleum Professional Grade Truck Bed Liner. The rubberized coating is made with recycled tires and gives truck beds a jet black, textured non-skid finish. The tough, rust-resistant finish is abrasion, chemical and impact resistant so it will last through season after season. One kit includes enough coating to redo an eight foot truck bed.

Don't forget the barbecue grill. If you're like most people, you've probably put a little mileage on your tailgate barbecue grill. But don't be tempted to replace it just because its finish is worn or rusted. It's easy to give it a facelift with one coat of Rust-Oleum BBQ & Stove Paint. The tough black protective enamel renews and protects surfaces up to 1200 F and will keep it looking good tailgate after tailgate.

For more easy and inexpensive project ideas for cars, trucks, and around the home, visit www.rustoleum.com.

by ARA

(ARA) - Families look forward to summer for many reasons, including the opportunity to enjoy the warmer temperatures and longer days by spending more quality time together. Every family has its favorite summer traditions, and updating those much-loved activities can be a great way to enhance your family's together time.

If you want to sweeten up your family's fun this summer, but aren't sure where to begin, consider these fun updates to some time-honored summer traditions:

• Growing vegetables is one great summer time tradition that you can update to benefit the whole family. First Lady Michelle Obama has long spoken of her conviction that gardening benefits kids and families, so this year consider starting a garden in your own backyard and get the whole family involved.

Start with a family meeting to decide what you'll grow this year and how - will you plant a few herbs in some containers on the deck? Will you dig up that weedy spot in the corner of the yard that doesn't get much use and turn it into a patch filled with peppers, eggplants and watermelons? Should you build raised beds to make it easier for grandparents to pitch in without having to bend too far at harvest time? Assign each member of the family team with a task - from weeding to watering. For gardening guidance, visit www.garden.org, the website of the National Gardening Association.

• Studies show there's no disputing the benefits of family meal time - children and parents both feel better about their family relationships and kids do better socially and academically when the family sits down to eat together on a regular basis. Dinner together is a staple not just of summer, but all year long. Busy summertime schedules, however, can compress family meal time, so you want to serve something fast, fun and easy.

One easy way to update summer dinners is by serving something quick and tasty everyone loves - breakfast foods. This summer, Log Cabin Syrup has declared Wednesday "Breakfast for Dinner Day." You can get in on the fun by serving traditional breakfast favorites like eggs, toast, and pancakes and waffles. Log Cabin has also updated its traditions by becoming the first and only branded table syrup to remove high-fructose corn syrup from its products. You can learn more by visiting Log Cabin on Facebook or Twitter.

• Vacations with the family are as much a part of summer as sunny, warm weather. But high gas prices and a slow economic recovery may make staying home this summer an attractive option for your family. However, you don't have to give up this great family tradition entirely. You can save money and time by taking a "staycation" and creating a fun, relaxing getaway in your own back yard.

If you don't already have a deck or patio, this could be your summer to build one (an investment that pays off in terms of resale value and enjoyment). If you already have an outdoor living space, you can spruce it up with new furniture, a great grill, some decorative accents and lighting - all for less than the cost of a vacation away. Or, add some elements of fun to your backyard with an above-ground pool (basic ones cost a few hundred dollars) or a swing set for the kids.

• Finally, consider updating the fun summer tradition of picnicking in the park by giving your family's outing an environmentally friendly slant. Invite other families in your neighborhood to visit a favorite community park with your family and participate in a cleanup day. Kids can pitch in by picking up trash. Adults can clean playground equipment and grills, and groom sandboxes and play areas. Just be sure to check with your community's parks and recreation department first to get their approval for your project.

by ARA

(ARA) - An outdoor adventure is one of the great joys of summer. Whether you opt for rock climbing in Kentucky's Red River Gorge or a week on a houseboat in the Illinois River Valley, or an RV trip to a National Park, vacationing outdoors can be a welcome break from routine.

But before you indulge in some outdoor activities this summer, you should do these three things first:

1. Check your credit.
If you're planning on using credit to fund your outside excursion, it's a good idea to get the inside scoop on your credit score first. Your current credit status could affect your decisions about where to go and how to pay for the trip.

If your credit is in good shape and you have a plan for paying off the expense quickly, then using a credit card to cover vacation costs may make sense for you. If, however, your credit is spotty or you're close to your credit limit on one or more cards, you may want to reconsider where you're going and how much you'll spend.

Websites like Freecreditscore.com let you see your score, which is a snapshot of your credit. The site can help you understand how your credit score calculated, what factors affect it and when the time might be right to apply for or use credit.

2. Check your health
Your blood pressure, nutrition and cardiovascular health might not come into play if your summer vacation plans include nothing more strenuous than romping in the surf or walking around a theme park. But for safety's sake, a basic level of fitness is necessary for more energetic outdoor activities.

If your outdoor vacation will involve extended periods of vigorous exercise, it may be a good idea to visit your doctor for a checkup before you go. He or she can help you assess whether your current level of fitness is up to the challenges of the vacation you're planning, and offer advice for how to best prepare your body for the trip.

3. Check your emergency plan
When you're preparing for a trip into nature, "hope for the best, but plan for the worst" is a good philosophy to follow. Of course your trip will be great and filled with new sights and experiences. But knowing you're prepared for any potential emergencies can help free you mentally to fully enjoy your outdoor adventure.

Before you head outdoors, know what emergency services are available in the area you'll be exploring. Be sure to take your cell phone and determine right away if you have service in the area - especially if you'll be in an isolated location. Carry plenty of water and energy-filled snacks, and be sure your first aid kit is fully stocked and at hand.

Finally, make sure someone - and more than one person - knows exactly where you will be and what you'll be doing. In some cases, it may make sense to notify local authorities of your plans. Many national parks require hikers and climbers to check in with park rangers before setting out.

With a bit of advanced planning, you can ensure this summer's outdoor adventure is fun, memorable and safe.