Less than sixty minutes in seven days.
That’s the amount of exercise that can measurably improve quality of life for people who are obese, according to Duke Diet and Fitness Center research released today.
People in a study of 1,200 people who exercised for a little less than one hour a week still enjoyed better quality of life and improved ability to perform daily tasks.
“Things that many people take for granted, like tying one’s shoes, getting dressed or simply moving around, were easier for those who reported routine exercise,” Martin Binks, research director at the Duke Diet and Fitness Center, said in a news release.
The benefits of exercise for obese people have not been as thoroughly studied as for mild or moderately overweight people, said Binks, who presented the research at this weekend’s meeting of the Obese Society in Phoenix, Ariz.
“It shows the value of starting to move no matter how overweight you are,” he said.
In July, obesity researchers, including Wake Forest University’s Wei Lang, found that four hours and 15 minutes of exercise per week was necessary for overweight and obese women to lose pounds and keep them off during a two-year period
Read More:News & Observer
Passing the Buck . . . and the Doe and the Fawn
(ARA) - Sipping coffee on your back deck on a beautiful fall morning, you look up and gasp — there in your suburban oasis stands a small herd of deer. For a moment you pause, enchanted. An instant later, as the deer begin to munch on your landscape, you realize they’re just not as awestruck by the encounter as you are.
You don’t have to be a wildlife expert to know that after generations of dwelling in close proximity to humans, modern deer aren’t afraid of us anymore. What’s more, they no longer fear many of the traditional repellents some homeowners still use to protect shrubs, trees and landscaping. So when cool weather comes along and the natural landscape dies, deer have to start foraging for food sources. And they aren’t afraid to walk right into your yard and help themselves to your well-watered, well-established evergreens.
Even just a few deer can cause significant damage to your landscaping. “A single whitetail deer can consume, on average, 8 to 12 pounds of foliage a day,” says James Messina of Messina Wildlife Management. “In many areas of the country, deer overpopulation is a serious problem. With nowhere to go and not much left to eat in the dead of winter, deer can wreak havoc on shrubs, trees and gardens, and destroy new buds and leaves before they have a chance to grow, ruining your prospects for any spring growth.”
Hungry and bold, deer move into residential areas in the winter, and the damage they do in the cold weather will affect your landscape’s health next spring. Traditional animal repellents are also less effective than they were decades ago, Messina notes.
“That’s because those repellents rely on a bad smell — like the stench of a rotting carcass — to fool animals into thinking a predator’s kill is in the area and the predator may be returning for it,” he says. “But the number of predators has actually declined, and deer know it. They’re less afraid of predators, so relying on scare tactics has a greater tendency to fail over time.”
Some wildlife has also built up a resistance to chemical deterrents. Plus, increasingly eco-conscious homeowners prefer not to put potentially harmful chemicals into the environment. Other more lethal alternatives are not only inhumane but illegal in most parts of the country.
More homeowners are turning to organic alternatives, like Deer Stopper, a repellent formulated from plant extracts. This organic option works because it confronts deer by using their natural repulsion to certain plant smells and tastes rather than relying on fear.
“We know that deer will eat over 500 different types of plants,” Messina says. “Normally, they’re quite discriminating. But in fall and winter, when food is harder to find, they become less picky and much more of a threat to suburban landscapes. Still, like many wild animals, deer rely on taste and smell to judge if a food may be harmful to them. If your backyard foliage tastes or smells unpleasant to them, one bite and they’ll move on.”
An effective taste deterrent, Deer Stopper is 100 percent organic and completely safe for use on all types of plants — from vegetables to trees, flowers to shrubs. The Organic Materials Review Institute lists it as approved for use by organic growers. The smell- and taste-based technology also eliminates the need for a foul odor, so Deer Stopper actually smells good to humans. Lightly mist vegetation once a month, even during the cold and snowy winter to keep deer away all season long. To learn more, or to find retail locations, visit www.messinawildlife.com.
“In the early 1900s, there were probably only about half a million deer spread out over the country,” Messina says. “Today, there are more than 15 million. Deer, it turns out, adapt quite well to life in suburbia. Keeping them away from residential and commercial landscaping can help everyone — deer and homeowners — co-exist more happily together.”
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Owners can easily entertain their pets, even while on a limited budget.
(NewsUSA) - It is possible to care for, even pamper, your pet on a budget or fixed income. By planning carefully and making smart shopping decisions, you can save money on food, toys and treats.
- Save money on everyday essentials, such as pet food, by shopping at deep discount stores. Forty percent of the money Americans spend on pets is for food. You will find savings on name-brand pet food at a deep discount store such as Dollar General. Remember that you can save even more by buying private label food. Many private label products are equivalent to the national brands.
- Find lower-cost medical care. Local humane societies often sponsor free or reduced-price clinics for routine vaccinations or spaying or neutering. Learn about clinics offered in your area, which can save you from expensive vet visits. And, you don’t always have to visit the vet for some medical treatments. Dewormer, ear mite treatment and other medications are available over-the-counter.
- Enjoy the great outdoors with your favorite animal -; which doesn’t cost anything. For outdoor or indoor fun, your pet will need a few basic accessories like a leash, collar and water bowl. All of these inexpensive items are available at deep discount stores.
- Skip the pet day spa and groom your animal at home. You can save a lot of money by bathing and grooming your animal yourself. All you need to set up your own pet spa are shampoo, conditioner, a brush or comb, a hair dryer and nail clippers.
- Potty training and maintenance for pets can also be affordable. Deep discount stores such as Dollar General offer cat litter, litter pans, scoops and liners. Puppy pads are available for puppies that are being trained.
While buying the basics for your favorite animal, don’t forget to pick up a toy or treat. Dogs love toys, snacks or rawhide bones. Cats enjoy exercising on a scratching post or munching on catnip.
(ARA) – Humans are not the only ones who look forward to summer. Imagine warm weather from your pet’s perspective – long walks in parks full of green grass and interesting aromas for dogs, and hours of bird-watching from a sunny window for cats. It’s also fun for pets to be part of the festivities when their human “parents” do some summer entertaining. However the definition of a party for a furry friend is very different from that of its care takers.
How do you include the furry members of the family into summer entertaining without turning a backyard barbecue into a doggie food free-for-all or the evening dinner party into a feline hissy fit? By carefully planning and managing your pet’s interactions with guests and preparing for the big day, it is possible to keep Fluffy or Fido an enjoyable part of your celebration, says Charlotte Reed, pet care expert and author of “The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette”.
“Petiquette for summer entertaining is a fine balancing act, but one that offers significant rewards for you and your pets,” Reed says. “Your guests can enjoy the presence of a well-behaved pet and a fresh, odor-free home.”
Here are Reed’s tips for making summer entertaining as enjoyable as possible for your pets and your guests:
1. Make your pets’ presence known.
While most summer guests will likely know your pet status, some may not, especially if they are recent acquaintances or first-time visitors to your home. Be sure to alert guests to what type of pets you have at home at the time you invite them to visit. From strong allergies to pet hair aversions, there are many reasons why guests may want to know ahead of time what furry friends will be at the party.
2. Freshen and clean.
Bathe and groom your pet before the summer party. “It’s very common for pet owners to become so used to their pet’s aromas that they don’t even notice them anymore,” Reed says. “But your guests likely will, especially when they come into your home from fun in the sun outdoors.”
In addition to helping your pet clean up, be sure to freshen your home as well. Vacuum carpets, fabric upholstery and drapes just a few hours before guests arrive. Use a pet odor elimination product, like Febreze Air Effects Pet Odor Eliminator, to remove pet odors from the air. “Avoid products that simply cover up pet odors with stronger scents. Febreze actually eliminates pet odor and replaces it with a light, refreshing scent,” Reed says.
3. The ABCs of introductions and interaction.
First impressions mean a lot. “If your dog jumps up on people every time he meets them, he won’t be giving a good impression,” Reed says. If your dog has a tendency to jump, work with him for several weeks before the party to train him to sit and lay. As guests arrive, keep your pet on a leash and personally introduce him to each new guest. Encourage guests to interact with him calmly and firmly so that he doesn’t forget his manners in the excitement of meeting someone new.
Likewise, if your pet is simply not that social, don’t force her to interact with guests. Allow cats to retreat to their favorite hiding spot – few felines are into the party scene. And if your dog seems stressed by the attention and action, allow him some quiet time in a private place. “There’s no point in forcing your pet to interact with your guests if he or she doesn’t want to,” Reed says.
4. Fend off food fights.
Food discipline should start long before the party, Reed advises. “You may think your dog’s begging eyes are adorable and irresistible, but few things are more unappetizing to house guests than a pet begging for food,” she says. Train your pet not to beg at the table. And if he or she simply can’t break the habit, then confine him to quarters when the food is served.
Discourage guests from feeding pets tidbits or table treats. “The last thing you want is a pet with an upset stomach because he ate too much human food,” Reed says.
Febreze Air Effects Pet Odor Eliminator is available in grocery and drug stores nationwide. To learn more, visit http://www.febreze.com .
(ARA) - Whether it’s five stories up in an apartment building or in a tiny backyard, it’s possible to grow greenery. As long as there is access to water and sunshine, people with the desire to add a little plant life to their living space can break out the watering can and create a green space.
Small-area and container gardening are easy, relatively inexpensive activities that people of all ages can enjoy. Today’s lawn and garden market is full of products aimed to satisfy the garden enthusiast in any location. Windowsill boxes, mini-herb gardens, packaged potting mixes and containers of all shapes and sizes make it easier than ever to grow something beautiful, no matter where you live.
“A container garden offers residents in smaller, often urban, spaces the chance to grow and eat fresh vegetables and enjoy beautiful flowers,” says William Moss, a master gardener specializing in urban gardening and author of the “Moss in the City” e-newsletter for the National Gardening Association. “A well-maintained vegetable container garden can produce enough vegetables to prepare nutritious meals and save money at the same time.”
Little Time, Big Convenience
One of the many benefits of small-space gardening is the small amount of time and effort it takes. As with any type of garden, it requires commitment and care. Ensuring plants get the proper amount of sunlight and water is crucial. However, a smaller space means less weeding and fewer pests. Slow-release fertilizer and automatic watering systems also cut down on time. Miracle-Gro Watering Can Singles are great time savers, making it easy to feed plants with convenient pre-measured packets of water-soluble plant food that can be quickly poured into a watering can.
Other considerations include the plants’ location. It is important to secure plants kept on windowsills or terraces so they won’t blow away during strong winds. If plants are frequently exposed to inclement weather, they should be moved to a sheltered spot or protected using supports and cages.
Doing a Lot with a Small Space
Another important benefit of small-space gardening is the amount of room needed. Depending on the plant, almost any container is acceptable as long as it can hold eight inches of soil and has holes at the bottom for water to drain. Rocks can be put in the bottom to assist drainage if there are no holes. Containers also tend to dry out quickly, so paying attention to watering and feeding is critical. Avoid filling the container with ground soil that can contain bacteria or fungi. Instead use packaged potting soil that is supplemented with fertilizer and other nutrients. Be sure to look at the care instructions that come with the plants and follow the directions on the potting soil and supplements to ensure the best outcome possible.
Growing For Food and Fancy
Different types of flowers, fruits, vegetables and plants thrive in containers. Vegetables such as peppers, garlic and lettuce are all easy to grow in containers. Herbs are especially well-suited for pots, and are easy to maintain since most pests tend to avoid them and they’re not susceptible to disease.
As long as there is adequate sunlight, herbs can be grown outdoors or indoors. Many herbs, like basil, dill, oregano and parsley, grow easily from seeds, which are less expensive than seedlings. Plant height is important to keep in mind, as basil, parsley and dill can grow one foot or taller.
For a plant that’s a beauty and easy-to-care for, try miniature roses. Available in a multitude of colors and varieties, it is easy to find one for just about any small space. Other colorful and low-maintenance container flowers are geraniums, impatiens, begonias, marigolds and zinnias. During the summer, Moss recommends growing plants with tolerant dispositions that can stand up to heat, pests and stormy summer weather. Flowers like the crinum lily, nasturtium, trailing petunia and moss rose are all colorful, low-maintence and grow during the summer months.
“Many different plants grow well in containers, but depending on location, some plants will flourish where others will wilt,” says Moss. “Check with local nurseries for flowers that thrive in your area.”
For more tips and fun ideas on starting a container garden or growing in small spaces visit http://www.itsgrotime.com and check out Moss’ page on the National Gardening Association Web site, http://www.garden.org/urbangardening/ .
Here are six essentials every woman should keep in her make-up kit this summer to keep skin looking healthy, glowing and gorgeous:
1. Foundation that Offers SPF Protection
Do double duty – hide imperfections and be protected from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. The Body Shop’s Flawless Skin Protecting Foundation with SPF 25 is an innovative cream-to-powder foundation that provides medium to full coverage. A perfect color blend for a healthy-looking, flawless complexion and has a mineral defense shield to protect skin to boot. The unique formula contains Vitamin C to brighten skin and Community Trade marula oil to condition and moisturize.
2. A Bronzing Powder to Mimic that Sun-Kissed Glow
Housed in a retro-style compact, Sun Lustre Bronzer, which is part of The Body Shop’s new limited edition Summer Make-Up Collection, comes in two colors: Bronze Gleam which is a natural sun-kissed bronze and Radiant Blush, a pretty, pink illuminating shade.
3. A Water-Proof Mascara
You never know when the mood might hit to take a spontaneous jump in the pool, and you don’t want your make-up to suffer. Find a mascara that will survive the water, and also coat lashes with long-lasting color, while helping to condition and protect. The Body Shop’s Waterproof Mascara is a great find, and contains Community Trade marula oil.
4. Bright Eyeshadow
Bright, bold, colorful eye shadow helps to enhance the sun-kissed look. The Body Shop’s Summer Shimmer Cubes come in Sea Blue which is a deep ocean blue with a hint of silver; Fiery Red which is an intense, vibrant red with softer pink overtones; Green Meadow, a stunning, bright emerald green; and Golden Sun which offers a rich, warm, golden glow.
5. Sparkly, Sheer Lipstick to Brighten Up Face
Dark, heavy lip color is best worn in winter, for the summer months try a sheer color that still adds some color to your look. The Body Shop Sheer Lip Lustre is a pearlescent lip balms with a hint of sparkle. The Lip Lustres are infused with a “White Tea” fragrance for a deliciously summery scent and available in three different shades: Flush pink is a pretty pink with a hot pink sparkle. Golden Rose is a golden pink with a golden sparkle. Rose Shimmer is a rose shade with multi-colored sparkle.
6. Faking It – Self-Tanners Instead of Sun-Bathing
Because you still desire a deep-tanned look but are wary of exposing your skin to the sun’s harmful UV rays to achieve it, use a self tanning product. The Cocoa Butter Everyday Summer Body Lotion from The Body Shop helps gradually build that even sun-kissed glow. Start by applying to dry and well cleansed skin, and allow to set in before dressing for your night on the town. The Everyday Summer Body Lotion uses Community Trade cocoa butter from Ghana to soften skin and improve elasticity, so you are helping to improve the texture of skin while also adding that ‘fresh from the beach’ glow.
Also, to enhance your look even further, smooth on a Body and Leg Shine to your arms, legs and chest before hitting the beach. It’s a wash-off product that goes on with minimal blending to give you a slimmer, more toned appearance along with fabulous color. One of the key ingredients is Community Trade aloe vera which is known for its soothing and hydrating effects. There are shades available for fair to medium skin tones, as well as medium to dark skin tones.
Then at the end of the day when you return home from the beach, there’s one more essential you don’t want to be without — a tube of The Body Shop’s new Peppermint Purifying Foot Mask. Made with Community Trade Peppermint Essential Oil from the U.K that will leave your feet feeling cool, refreshed and fragranced, and Sesame Oil from Guatemala that moisturizes and protects the skin, the mask will deep cleanse and soothe tired, achy feet that have spent the day running across the hot sand.
To find the Body Shop location nearest you, log on to http://www.TheBodyShop.com .
Courtesy of ARAcontent
SIDEBAR:
About Community Trade
Community Trade is a unique targeted purchasing program created by The Body Shop, sourcing accessories and natural ingredients from disadvantaged communities around the world for more than 20 years. The program is now making a world of difference in more than 20 countries from Bangladesh to Zambia.
In exchange for providing good, quality products at a fair price, participating farmers get a sustained source of income which can be used for improving education or sanitation, building homes and modernizing farming methods.
Here are six essentials every woman should keep in her make-up kit this summer to keep skin looking healthy, glowing and gorgeous:
1. Foundation that Offers SPF Protection
Do double duty – hide imperfections and be protected from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. The Body Shop’s Flawless Skin Protecting Foundation with SPF 25 is an innovative cream-to-powder foundation that provides medium to full coverage. A perfect color blend for a healthy-looking, flawless complexion and has a mineral defense shield to protect skin to boot. The unique formula contains Vitamin C to brighten skin and Community Trade marula oil to condition and moisturize.
2. A Bronzing Powder to Mimic that Sun-Kissed Glow
Housed in a retro-style compact, Sun Lustre Bronzer, which is part of The Body Shop’s new limited edition Summer Make-Up Collection, comes in two colors: Bronze Gleam which is a natural sun-kissed bronze and Radiant Blush, a pretty, pink illuminating shade.
3. A Water-Proof Mascara
You never know when the mood might hit to take a spontaneous jump in the pool, and you don’t want your make-up to suffer. Find a mascara that will survive the water, and also coat lashes with long-lasting color, while helping to condition and protect. The Body Shop’s Waterproof Mascara is a great find, and contains Community Trade marula oil.
4. Bright Eyeshadow
Bright, bold, colorful eye shadow helps to enhance the sun-kissed look. The Body Shop’s Summer Shimmer Cubes come in Sea Blue which is a deep ocean blue with a hint of silver; Fiery Red which is an intense, vibrant red with softer pink overtones; Green Meadow, a stunning, bright emerald green; and Golden Sun which offers a rich, warm, golden glow.
5. Sparkly, Sheer Lipstick to Brighten Up Face
Dark, heavy lip color is best worn in winter, for the summer months try a sheer color that still adds some color to your look. The Body Shop Sheer Lip Lustre is a pearlescent lip balms with a hint of sparkle. The Lip Lustres are infused with a “White Tea” fragrance for a deliciously summery scent and available in three different shades: Flush pink is a pretty pink with a hot pink sparkle. Golden Rose is a golden pink with a golden sparkle. Rose Shimmer is a rose shade with multi-colored sparkle.
6. Faking It – Self-Tanners Instead of Sun-Bathing
Because you still desire a deep-tanned look but are wary of exposing your skin to the sun’s harmful UV rays to achieve it, use a self tanning product. The Cocoa Butter Everyday Summer Body Lotion from The Body Shop helps gradually build that even sun-kissed glow. Start by applying to dry and well cleansed skin, and allow to set in before dressing for your night on the town. The Everyday Summer Body Lotion uses Community Trade cocoa butter from Ghana to soften skin and improve elasticity, so you are helping to improve the texture of skin while also adding that ‘fresh from the beach’ glow.
Also, to enhance your look even further, smooth on a Body and Leg Shine to your arms, legs and chest before hitting the beach. It’s a wash-off product that goes on with minimal blending to give you a slimmer, more toned appearance along with fabulous color. One of the key ingredients is Community Trade aloe vera which is known for its soothing and hydrating effects. There are shades available for fair to medium skin tones, as well as medium to dark skin tones.
Then at the end of the day when you return home from the beach, there’s one more essential you don’t want to be without — a tube of The Body Shop’s new Peppermint Purifying Foot Mask. Made with Community Trade Peppermint Essential Oil from the U.K that will leave your feet feeling cool, refreshed and fragranced, and Sesame Oil from Guatemala that moisturizes and protects the skin, the mask will deep cleanse and soothe tired, achy feet that have spent the day running across the hot sand.
To find the Body Shop location nearest you, log on to http://www.TheBodyShop.com .
Courtesy of ARAcontent
SIDEBAR:About Community Trade
Community Trade is a unique targeted purchasing program created by The Body Shop, sourcing accessories and natural ingredients from disadvantaged communities around the world for more than 20 years. The program is now making a world of difference in more than 20 countries from Bangladesh to Zambia.
In exchange for providing good, quality products at a fair price, participating farmers get a sustained source of income which can be used for improving education or sanitation, building homes and modernizing farming methods
(NewsUSA) - Americans love having backyards for planting gardens, holding outdoor parties and giving children a safe place to play outdoors. But some homeowners find themselves with less-than-ideal backyards. Maybe the backyard slopes too much for a picnic table. Maybe the home’s in an arid area, where green grass requires expensive irrigation.
For many homeowners looking to improve their backyards, concrete masonry might provide an unexpected, inexpensive solution.
Concrete can mimic any surface, like stucco, European cobblestone or aged slate, allowing concrete landscaping to blend into any area alongside any style of home.
Concrete masonry proves both stylish and durable. Unlike wooden decks, concrete structures require no upkeep and don’t succumb to termites, mold, rot, weathering or other problems.
One couple replaced their wooden deck with a concrete patio, then found themselves with an insect-free backyard. “With the wood deck, it seemed like mosquitoes would breed and then come up and attack,” said Melissa Werpy, who used concrete masonry to renovate her backyard. “We can now be outside until midnight, and mosquitoes aren’t a problem.”
Concrete masonry can build attractive desert landscapes, too. Some homeowners use water irrigation to grow green grass in arid regions. But irrigating a lawn costs money and wastes water, a precious natural resource.
Homeowners can use segmented, concrete walls to build attractive driveways and terraced landscapes without growing grass. The landscape might not look green, but avoiding irrigation helps desert homeowners save the planet.
In steep yards without flat surfaces for planting herb or flower gardens, setting up tennis nets or supporting tables and chairs, concrete walls can make backyards more enjoyable.
Landscapers can build terraced, concrete brick walls that create level areas for patios, garden planters and extra seats during large parties. Concrete masonry can help control erosion and water drainage, too.
For homeowners with problem backyards, concrete masonry can provide an inexpensive, durable and attractive way to make landscapes both people- and eco-friendly.
For more information about concrete masonry, visit www.ncma.org.
Gift Ideas for the Person Who Has Everything
If you know someone who enjoys plants, flowers, vegetables, and all things green, a gardening gift is sure to brighten their day. Here are some ideas to make your favorite gardener happy:
1) Grow bigger and faster with oxygenized water.
How would your favorite gardener like to brag about having a 58 percent higher bell pepper yield and 28 percent more petunia flowers? Recent studies have shown oxygen is a key element for successful plant growth because it stimulates root systems.
The eco-friendly Enki Watering Device takes this knowledge and puts it right in the hands of gardeners. The enhanced watering device oxygenates water by up to 150 percent, far surpassing the oxygen levels in tap water or even that of rain water. Tests conducted by Dr. Albert Markhart, a professor of horticulture at the University of Minnesota, reveal substantial benefits. Super oxygenated water helps to achieve earlier flowering with more vibrant colors and increased numbers of flowers and vegetables. This unique gift idea can be used on both indoor and outdoor plants, and is great for container gardening.
2) Learn from the best with gardening classes.
Gardening classes are conducted at gardening centers and nurseries, schools and community education centers. Why not give the gift of knowledge for that special someone? Whether for your mother, the family gardener or your recently graduated cousin who just moved into a new home, a gardening or landscape class can benefit them. They might meet some new people that share their interest or can help answer their questions as well.
3) Accessories make any garden great.
There is such a variety of garden accessories available, it’s easy to pick out one for your favorite green thumb. New plant containers have intricate designs that mimic expensive materials at a fraction of the cost. Options are available that look like wood, stone, clay and other traditional materials, but are much lighter and last longer. Enhance any garden area with accessories like a small sculpture, a colorful gazing ball or a stone with an inspirational phrase engraved on it. A bird bath or bird feeder for feathered friends is also a popular gift idea.
4) Gift certificates are just the right fit.
Do you want to give something to your dad who loves to garden, but he’s so picky you’re afraid you’ll get him something he won’t use? Or maybe you’re not sure of your friend’s decor tastes, and think it’s best if she picks out her own garden accessories. The good news is that almost every garden center offers gift certificates, so you can show you care and they can go get what they really want for their garden. With more and more people buying gift certificates, it’s socially acceptable and a much appreciated gesture.
5) Gardening literature is the gift that keeps giving.
Books and magazines are a great way to keep your favorite gardener educated, and there are options available to suit any interest. From flowers to herbs to vegetables, reference books help encourage successful gardening year after year. Choose a book that is specific to the region in which the person will be gardening. An alternative is a magazine subscription, which keeps them thinking “green” all year long.
Gardening gifts are great for almost anyone, whether they are a casual gardener or die-hard green thumb. For more information on great gardening gift ideas visit http://www.MyEnki.com .
The “Salute to Our Troops” military-appreciation event Saturday in downtown Raleigh will be one of the largest of its kind ever in the state.ON PARADE: The focus of Salute to Our Troops will be a parade up Fayetteville and Salisbury streets that features military equipment and vehicles, including a missile system, armored Humvees and personnel carriers. There will also be hundreds of marchers in units from every branch of the armed services and from bases across the state, as well as bands from Triangle schools and elsewhere.
FOR MILITARY FAMILIES: Parts of the event, including rides, games and a free lunch, are for military families only.
FOR EVERYONE: All attendees can view the parade and check out displays of vehicles, including armored personnel carriers and several NASCAR teams.
START TIMES: A flyover of F-15Es from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base will start the parade at 10 a.m. The displays will open to the public at 11:30 a.m.
FIND OUT MORE: More information on Military Appreciation Day is available at www.saluteournctroops.org.
SOURCE:News & Observer
