We're Blood Drive Winners!

It's official: City Tech is one of the top 25 organizations in Brooklyn and Staten Island for the most blood donated in 2007-2008. Thanks to all the faculty, staff, and students who rolled up their sleeves for our Race for Blood, we collected 177 pints of blood!

Congraulations to everyone who participated in our campaign by donating or encouraging friends and co-workers to donate as well.

Right now, New York City is facing a blood-shortage crisis; the metropolitan area has fewer than five days supply of blood available. If you donated in our blood drive in April, you are eligible to donate again. Check here for locations to donate near City Tech or your home. (And hey--you could get free Mets tickets or other goodies in the process!)

Finally, the Student Wellness Center and New York Blood Center will be teaming up with Entertainment Technology students and faculty to present Blood, Guts, and Gore Halloween Drive! Stay tuned in the coming months for all the terrifying details. . .

Cheap Summer Fitness Thrills in the City

Tired of hanging out at the same old places and want to find something new to do this summer? Want to squeeze in some fun betwen the job and summer classes? Kids out of school and driving you crazy?

The Student Wellness Center is here to help! Click on the links below for more details on these free fun activities available all summer long in NYC.

Free Pool Parties!

Sundays June and July; 2-7pm at McCarren Pool in Williamsburg.

Dodgeball, slip-n-slide, food, ice cream, live bands, fans, families and kids of all ages.

Sandcastle Building Contest

July 27; 12-2pm at Rockaway Beach in Queens

Refreshments and prizes for several age categories. Bring buckets and tools. While you're there, why not take a swim?

Kayaking on the Hudson River

Saturdays and Sundays until October; 10am-5pm in Manhattan

You've all been over the bridge, now float under it! See the city from a whole new viewpoint and get a great upper-body work-out.

Learn Petanque in Bryant Park

Weekdays all summer long; 11:30am-2pm

So, probably you've never heard of petanque, right? Well, its like bocce, only french! This is a super-fun lawn game that over 17 million people play world-wide, including some die-hard enthusiasts in in the 5 boroughs. Be the first in your crew to take the boule in hand.

Pilates with a river view

Tuesdays until August 12; 6:30-7:30pm at the Plaza on 66th St.

This total body workout is a great way to develop superior core muscle power and tone, while looking over the beautiful view of the Hudson. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring your own mat.

Stroll through the Greenmarkets

Every day in the summer except Sunday; 7am-5pm, multiple locations

The green markets are bursting with fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. Try a vegetable yo've never eaten before or sink your teeth into local strawberries that'll make you shun the cardboard California imitators for good. City tech is a mere 1/2 block away from a terrific market at Borough Hall

Visit the Brookly Botanical Gardens

Free on Wednesdays and Saturdays before noon

Its amazingly beautiful, world-famous, and just a mile away. Take a long walk and reduce your stress.

Stay tuned this summer for more ideas on how to get out and get active this summer.

The Heat is ON!

New York City is currently experiencing record heat--and we're definitely feeling it at City Tech. Follow the tips below--adapted from the NYC Office of Emergency Management--to manage the heat and stay safe.

* Use an air conditioner if you have one. Set the thermometer at no lower than 78 degrees and use curtains or blinds to block the sun from entering the house. If you do not have an air conditioner, go to a cooler place such as an air-conditioned store, mall or movie theater, or visit a cooling center.

* Make a special effort to check on your neighbors during a heat wave, especially if they are seniors, young children, and people with special needs. Many older New Yorkers live alone and could suffer unnecessarily in the heat because they are isolated from friends and family. We want everyone to be safe.

* Drink plenty of water or other fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid beverages containing alcohol, caffeine, or high amounts of sugar. Remember, NYC tap water is as pure as bottled and its free! Carry your own water and avoid the expense and waste of bottled water.

* If possible, stay out of the sun. When you’re in the sun, wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible, wear a hat to protect your face and head, and use sunscreen (at least SPF 15) to protect exposed skin.

* Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you must engage in strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, usually in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.

And, don't forget your pets--they're hot too! Provide plenty of fresh water (more than they usually need) and a place to lay down that is out of the sun and has open ventilation. Do not exercise your pets in the heat.

Stay safe and healthy to enjoy the pleasures of summer.