The Intern Suite

Eat (and Drink) to Beat the Heat

By Courtney Boyd, Editorial Intern

This summer has been one of the hottest in history, and many Atlantans seek shelter from the sweltering heat index. The recent deaths of two Georgia high school football players have taught us this: not only are extreme temperatures uncomfortable, they are unsafe, too. Because going out is a necessity for most, avoiding the heat altogether is impossible. But, a few healthy eating practices can turn a potentially fatal temperature into a more favorable forecast. Try these tips to beat the heat!

1. Kick the caffeine and alcohol. A cup of coffee is okay, but consuming large amounts of caffeine can lead to dehydration. Caffeine is found in a number of foods and drinks, including teas and chocolate. Be mindful of how much you intake each day, especially when you're exposed to heat for long time periods, to avoid a caffeine overdose. Likewise, alcohol intake should be monitored to prevent dehydration. Alcohol is a diuretic and blocks the release of ADH, a hormone needed for water reabsorption.

2. Fill up with fresh fruits and veggies. While frozen treats are a fun way to cool down, they are best enjoyed in moderation. (Your body’s physiological response to a freezing cold belly is to crank up the heat, which can actually make your body temperature rise. Source here.) Instead, try potassium-rich foods like bananas, oranges, tomatoes and squash and watermelon to replenish electrolytes and rehydrate your body.

3. Drink lots of water. Water is the best source of hydration for our internal organs, hair and skin. As a general rule, divide your weight in half and drink that number in ounces of water to stay healthy and remain hydrated. Because I weigh 110 lbs., I should drink at least 55 ounces of water each day. Due to sweating and other functions that deplete supply, I drink an additional glass to balance output. When exercising in heat, be sure to replenish often - about every 15 minutes - to avoid dehydration.

Now that you've read my tips for healthy eating and drinking in the heat, look out for our annual health and wellness issue in October!

Networking at Its Best

By Chela Counts

 

On Friday, July 9, 2010, Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine hosted its second Young Professionals Business Exchange for the summer. The Loft at Castleberry Hill did a superb job creating a professional, yet intimate, setting. As an intern for the magazine I had the opportunity to get a “behind the scenes” look into how events like these are managed from start to finish.

At 6:30 p.m. guests began to arrive and I was excited. The young businessmen and businesswomen from around metro Atlanta area were dressed for success and ready to mingle. Besides great food, people and conversation, I found myself observing just how wonderful of an event this really was, so much so that I regretted not inviting a few of my friends.

While enjoying my Asian skewers, pasta salad and sweet tea, I conversed with two previous Atlanta Tribune interns and a local engineer for GE at my table. They each shared experiences with me and offered insight on things to expect once I graduate from school and pursue a career in my anticipated field. “Interning for Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine has opened up so many doors for me,” says 2009 Atlanta Tribune editorial intern Deniscia Scott.

Through my journey here at Atlanta Tribune thus far, I have grown not only in my writing but also in the way I communicate. I am anxious to see what the near future has in store for me. After eating, raffle tickets were drawn for two individuals to enjoy a nice meal at the Yamato Japanese Steakhouse, but everyone went home with something. Raffle ticket winner or not, each young business professional went home with something in hand -- business cards and the July issue of Atlanta Tribune.

In today’s job market it is extremely important to attend networking events such as this one. Rain or shine, it is worth the time and effort. I look forward to Atlanta Tribune’s next event, the Moving Your Business Forward Conference, on July 28, 2010, held at Clayton State University. Hope to see you there.