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Health & Fitness

How to Help Your Local Community

Some ideas on how to help others after the winter storm

Hopefully by now most people have dug out from under the piles of snow, have power back on at their house and can start to thaw out from the storm that was Nemo. The number of people affected by this storm is large.  It seems hard to swallow when most are just now getting over the destruction that Hurricane Sandy left behind.  

I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the storm and offer some advice on how to reach out to those around you to help out.  If you see a neighbor that is still stuck behind a 2-foot wall of white stuff, then grab a shovel and help them out. Sure, your back hurts and you can barely stand up because your legs are sore and tired.  That is no excuse to look on as they are just now starting the process.  Wouldn't you want them to help you if the role was reversed?  

The hour more of pain is well worth the feelings of gratitude that will be showered upon you and the friendship that you just earned.  If you have power and you know someone still does not, then open your doors and invite them over for a warm shower and a cup of coffee.  A small showing of kindness goes a long way in karma.  

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I also wanted to bring your attention to some people that you may not think about during a time like this.  The small business owners that have not had power for the past 48+ hours. Even if they did, there was no one who could get to their shops to spend money on their items or services.  A small business is just a store front for someone's big dream.  

Storms like Nemo and Sandy can be enough to ruin those dreams for those brave enough to take the plunge.  So get out and support your local businesses this week.  Skip Dunkins/Starbucks and go to Updikes or Jitters for your morning cup of joe.  Drive past Walmart/Kohls and go to Wickford Factory Outlet for those warm clothes you are looking for.  And certainly skip Burger King (that is just a good idea in general) and head to places like the Beach Rose Cafe and Tavern by the Sea if you are looking for a good warm meal.

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These are all just examples, but you get the idea.  Once you are done digging out and warming up, look around to help others.  A couple extra shovels of snow or a couple of dollars to a store makes a big difference in someone else's life.  I hope that everyone was able to stay safe and is looking forward to spring as much as I am.  Thank you for reading.

Ian

"Live Pain Free"

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