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With major winter storms making the news and attracting visitors to the Oregon coast, two key safety messages are being issued by the hospitality industry to make sure drivers complete their round-trips to the coast as well as safely enjoy the photogenic nature of winter’s ocean fury. Winter driving provides very visible ice and snow challenges to anyone traveling through our higher elevations that are not so obvious on a trip to the Oregon coast. Many ignore driving challenges posed by wet pavement and standing water and far too many visitors place themselves in harm’s way trying to get that memorable shot of big surf here. Recent accidents are vivid reminders of both. We want to pass along a double-safety message for folks wanting to experience winter’s coastal splendor of the Pacific Ocean in motion. We want our visitors making safe, round trips to and from Oregon’s Central Coast. This is an admittedly self-serving message. We want travelers to see our winter storms, visit our many indoor attractions, stay overnight at our lodging properties, enjoy our restaurants and shops and make return visits. We want you coming back, AGAIN.

ome of you will be planning holidays abroad and if you have sickle cell here are some things that you need to consider when going on a flight that is more than 6 hours long: If you are going to a malaria country ensure that you take anti-malarials as well as any other vaccinations depending on your destination. Some recommend taking an aspirin on the day that you fly (high altitudes affect the blood flow and aspirin thins the blood and helps it flow more easily). When you are on the plane, ensure that you don't sit still for too long, aim to take a walk at least every hour. Drink plenty of fluids e.g. water or juice as the air tends to be dry, so it is wise to drink more than usual to avoid becoming dehydrated.