Labor Day, the official end of summer holiday, is almost here! Still not sure what you’re doing for your extended weekend? No worries. There’s still time to plan one last getaway before fall schedules set in!

And if you need any ideas, then check out this list of tried and true Labor Day travel ideas:

- Go camping. Even if it’s in your backyard. Camping is perfect for all ages! You can make it a romantic evening with your partner, a girls night, or a family affair! (Tip: Make it easier on yourself. Bring an air mattress!)

- Head to the beach. Nothing screams summer like a day at the beach. So don’t let this summer slip by without a visit! And if you’re too far from the ocean, then head to the nearest lake or river.

- Visit a local festival. There’s a plethora of festivals this time of year. Both big cities and small towns often have special events planned around the Labor Day weekend. Do some web surfing or browse the local paper to see what your town is up to.

- Check out a state fair. State fairs are regular end-of-summer events. So if you’re craving corn-dogs, funnel cake, Ferris wheels, and 4-H, then head to the nearest fair!

- Spend a day at an amusement park. Make a day out of it and hit up the nearest theme park with your friends or family. Or, better yet, go to a water park and cool off from the last of those hot summer rays.

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Fall is just around the corner. For most, that means the start-up of additional family, school, and community responsibilities. And it’s safe to say that the last thing you need is to feel tired or sluggish!

But don’t just cross your fingers and hope to stay awake. Check out these 5 tips for keeping your energy up - even during your longest days:

1. Snack smart. Make sure to load up on fresh fruits and whole-grain rich foods. Natural fruit sugars will give you a quick energy rush and whole grains will keep you full and energized for longer. Remember to stay away from refined sugars and processed junk food. They may wake you up momentarily, but you’ll experience an energy crash soon after!

2. Take time to exercise. Often, workouts are the first thing to be sacrificed during a busy week. But if you prioritize exercise your energy will improve and your body will better be able to handle the demands of the day! Unable to carve out 60 minutes for a daily workout? Aim for quick 10-15 minute workouts spread throughout the day.

3. Try a power nap. Do you have 5-10 minutes to spare? Instead of adding another item to your to-do list give yourself a power nap. Even a short bit of sleep can help you to recharge! You’ll feel refreshed and better able to get things done. Just don’t sleep longer than 10 minutes - otherwise you’ll feel less refreshed and more sleepy when you wake up.

4. Play some tunes. Feeling sluggish? Turn on your favorite up-tempo music! Your mood will improve and the driving beat will help you to power through your tasks.

5. Breathe deep and stretch often. Take a couple minutes and practice breathing deeply and intentionally. Inhale and exhale slowly and focus your mind on your breathing. If possible, go outdoors to breathe some fresh air! And if you have more than a couple minutes then take time to stretch your body. Even simple stretches, like reaching for the ceiling or doing shoulder rolls, can help your body to feel energized.

Is it time to update your work wardrobe? Head to Scrubs123.com for a complete array of Scrub Uniforms, Medical Scrubs & Nursing Scrubs. Plus, if you go ahead and like Scrubs123.com on Facebook you’ll receive info on discounts and tips and tricks for medical professionals!

Whether you’re a veterinary medicine practitioner or a savvy physical therapy nurse, you’re probably aware that animals can have a profound effect on human well-being. And if you haven’t used your position to promote pet therapy, then it’s time to get on board!

Still unsure about using pets to aide in human occupational therapy? Check out these stats:

- Research reported in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences has shown that even a single 30-minute session of animal-assisted therapy can significantly reduce loneliness among patients in long-term care facilities. Psychological tests showed that patients’ moods were elevated after one or more sessions of pet therapy.

- A study from the Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions indicates that pet therapy may lead to a reduced need for medication and a more positive outlook on life among patients at a residential rehab facility. Patients exposed to a therapy dog needed less medication and displayed elevated moods.

- The American Journal of Critical Care reported that animal-assisted therapy was beneficial for patients that were hospitalized with heart failure. A study showed that patients exposed to pet therapy experienced a decrease in artery pressure and reduced levels of anxiety.

Additionally, pet therapy has been shown to be beneficial to people suffering from Alzheimer’s, children in children’s hospitals, those suffering from grief, and terminally ill patients. The simple act of touching and bonding with an animal benefits people both emotionally and physically! So patients are helped, medication costs are reduced, and pets get to do what they do best: make people smile! Definitely a win-win for everyone involved.

Don’t forget to keep your work wardrobe up to date and professional-looking! Scrubs123 has a wide selection of Scrub Uniforms, Medical Scrubs & Nursing Scrubs. And if you follow Scrubs123.com on Twitter you’ll get the inside scoop on discounts, giveaways, and more!

You’ve got a demanding job. And you probably have a life outside of your job - full of family life, errands, laundry, bills... the list goes on and on! And while we don’t advise throwing in the towel and skipping out on responsibilities, we do have just have one teensy piece of advice:

Don’t let summer go by without doing something fun.

We mean it! Summer’s too short anyways. And if you’ve run out of ideas, then take a look at this list of summer fun activities:

1. Check out a farmer’s market. It’s perfect for a date or a morning with the kids. Plus, farmer’s market food is healthier and fresher than grocery store produce. Take your loot home and try out some new recipes!

2. Head to a carnival. Get in touch with your inner child and head to the land of cotton candy, Ferris wheels, and ring toss.

3. Plan a weekend getaway. Is the nearest body of water or big city too far away for a day trip? Plan a two day excursion! Make it a date or a trip with your pals.

4. Take a walking tour of your neighborhood. When was the last time you explored your neighborhood on foot? Get out your walking shoes! If your neighborhood is boring, then drive to a historic district or a chic part of time. Then hop out of the car and take a stroll!

5. Go on a picnic. Whether it’s a picnic lunch or an all-day affair, picnics are the perfect way to relax and enjoy the summer weather.

6. Host a barbecue. Invite your friends over. Have everyone bring a favorite dish or signature barbecue sauce! You can even vote on which concoction has the best flavor.

7. Check out a festival. What are you interested in? Polish food? California wine? Bluegrass music? These days there’s a festival for everything under the sun. Head to the one of your choice!

8. Go on a bike ride. Do a lil’ research and find out where the nearest bike trails are. Pull out your bike, pump up the tires, and ride! Or borrow a bike from a friend. Or rent a bike. It can be a leisurely or challenging ride. It’s up to you!

9. Head to a drive-in movie theater. There’s nothing quite like it. Nostalgic entertainment at its best.

10. Set up camp. Whether it’s a deluxe camper at a nearby campground, or a sleeping bag on you backyard trampoline - summertime camping is a perfect warm-weather activity. Just remember to bring bug-spray!

Need some summer scrubs? Head to Scrubs123 for a vast selection of Scrub Uniforms. Be sure to follow Scrubs123.com on Twitter. You’ll get the inside scoop on sales, promos, and the tips for medical professionals!

Sure, nurses are in high demand these days. And job security is pretty good when it comes to medical professions. But that doesn’t mean that finding a nursing job is necessarily easy! With rising interest in the field, it’s becoming more and more important for job candidates to stand out and make a great first impression.

Ready to pursue that first nursing job? Here are 5 top tips for making sure you ace that interview:

1. Prepare before you’re there. Get a good night’s sleep. Eat a good breakfast. Give yourself plenty of time to dress appropriately and to reach the interview destination.

2. Keep in mind what they’re looking for. Do a little background research on the company you are interviewing with. Know what specific skill set they are looking for.

3. Practice and rehearse. Ask one of your nursing school professors or someone who is already working in your desired field for some insight on what type of questions might be asked during the interview. A little web-surfing can also reveal popular interview questions. Sit down with a friend (or a mirror) and practice answering the questio

Being a nurse is a stressful job, no matter whether you’re a man or a woman. But at least gals can vent with their girlfriends if they need it. Or (let’s be honest), shed a tear without being called a sissy.

Of course, it’s not like we men necessarily want to chit-chat about how emotionally taxing our job is. Or that we feel the need to have a “good cry”. But, hey, we need stress relief too! (And we’d like some ways to fight stress that don’t involve chocolate-binging or a pedicure during our lunch break... not that those are bad.)

Here we go guys. A few manly tips for fighting stress while on the job:

• Push-ups. Yeah, it sounds stereotypically masculine. But pounding out a couple reps in the locker room can do wonders if you’re having a tough day. Why? Exercise boosts serotonin in the brain, which in turn boosts your mood. Not to mention the fact that your arms muscles will look better.

• Laugh a little. Is there someone in your department that tells the best jokes? Go find them. Or think of something really ridiculous. Whatever it takes to induce a chuckle. Laughter increases endorphins and reduces stress levels.

• Change what you can. You can’t change what others think, do, or say. And the sooner you accept that, the better. The good news is, you can change yourself. Are you a procrastinator? Get off your butt. Overly judgemental? Give others a break. A constant yes-man? Learn to say “No”!

• Chocolate. The girls are actually on to something here... Chocolate boosts serotonin levels and activates the feel-good sensors in the brain! Just remember, dark chocolate trumps white chocolate every time. It’s got way less sugar and way more anti-aging antioxidants.

Need some new work apparel? Head to Scrubs123 and shop forMedical Scrubs. Hey, and while you’re at it, go ahead and follow Scrubs123.com on Twitter. You’ll receive exclusive info on discounts, giveaways, and tips and tricks for medical professionals.

Your job is an inside type of job. And chances are, your workweek probably doesn’t allow you to see much of the outdoors! So next time you have a day off, why not take a picnic?

Okay, maybe the idea of packing a picnic lunch just sounds like one more unnecessary hassle. But why not rethink it? With a bit of creativity and a little planning ahead, packing a picnic can be a cinch! Check out these tips and tricks for packing a perfect summer picnic:

- Make your meal ahead of time. Got some free time, but the weather looks gloomy? Go ahead and make those picnic sandwiches. Stick ‘em in freezer bags and freeze until a sunshiny day! And if you’re tired of PB&J, then try one of these concoctions - cream cheese and ham or smoked salmon and butter! (Tip: Just remember, eggs, cucumber, lettuce, and tomatoes do NOT freeze well, so stick to meats and cheeses if you’re making your meal ahead of time.)

- Planning to picnic with Mother Nature? Outdoor picnics, especially ones in picturesque nature preserves, parks, or by the beach, are beautiful. But you better bring along sunscreen and bug spray or your picnic will be short-lived. Go ahead and keep a medium grade SPF, insect-repellent, and a small first-aide kit in your picnic basket so that you’re always prepared.

- Don’t forget to bring along some entertainment. Once the food is gone you can read a book, listen to your MP3 player, play some frolf (Frisbee golf), or challenge a friend to a game of rummy. Having a diversion handy will help everyone to relax and have more fun!

Don’t forget to keep your work wardrobe up to date. With Scrubs123, you can shop online for Scrub Uniforms, Medical Scrubs & Nursing Scrubs. Plus, if you like Scrubs123.com on Facebook you’ll get the inside scoop on weekly discounts and special giveaways!

It used to be a stiff, starched hat, modest dress, and bleached white pinafore. Even today, people recognize the nursing uniforms that our grandmas used to wear.

And then things started to change. During the 1970s, scrubs became the standard garb among medical professionals. Shortly thereafter, dress codes became lax and nurses were able to “express themselves” through their apparel - even while on the clock.

Lately, nursing schools and medical institutions have begun to take note of lax dress codes. And it seems that nurse dress codes are making a strong comeback.

Scrub Magazine reports that nursing school professors have begun to crack down on dress code regulations. Deborah Weatherspoon (RN, CRNA, and MSN) is a professor in the School of Nursing at Middle Tennessee State University. Weatherspoon says that while doing clinical training students are required to cover tattoos, remove piercings, and adhere to strict guidelines regarding jewelry, facial hair, fingernails, and hair styles. Furthermore, Weatherspoon advises her students to present a conservative appearance when applying for jobs in the medical field. Surprisingly, students seem altogether willing to adhere to conservative dress code policies.

And why not? After all, adhering to a dress code helps to maintain a standard of respected professionalism. Plus, patients report that it is less confusing when all nurses adhere to the same dress code. So although it may require a sacrifice of individual style, adhering to dress code guidelines can garner respect and increase work productivity.

What do you think of nurse dress codes? Comment to share your thoughts! And whether your office has a strict dress code or not, it always pays to keep your scrubs wardrobe fresh and up to date! Check out Scrubs123 for a superior selection of Scrub Uniforms!

Heat. It’s good in a sauna. Or a hot tub.

Not so good when you’re on the clock. And let’s face it, even air conditioning doesn’t always cut it during the hot summer months. Especially when you’re decked out in your scrubs and rushing about all day! And to complicate matters, you’re a medical professional, so looking sweaty and hot isn’t really an option.

Unfortunately, we can’t magically turn your work environment into a sweat-appropriate sauna. But we can offer some top tips for beating the heat and staying cool (even while wearing scrubs!):

- Ditch those long sleeves already! Okay, this is pretty much a give-in. But if you’re still trying to rock the long-sleeved look, we suggest you save your winter scrubs for winter. And get some new short-sleeved tops!

- Rethink your footwear. Your body naturally looses heat through your feet. So if your socks are too thick or your shoes aren’t breathable, you may be inadvertently keeping your body from cooling off. Look for lightweight socks and shoes made out of breathable leather, rather than man-made materials.

- Stay hydrated. A cold drink is one of the easiest ways to stay cool. Plus, it’s essential to keep your body well-hydrated in order to replace any fluid that is lost through sweating. Just make sure you are drinking water or a sports drink and not something with caffeine or alcohol in it.

- Cool your pulse points. Run cold water over your wrists for a minute or so. Since large quantities of blood run through your wrists, you’ll effectively be able to make your whole body feel cooler, just by cooling your wrists. Another option is to apply a cool compress to your neck or forehead.

Need to update your scrub wardrobe? Your favorite Dickies Scrubs, Peaches Scrubs and Medline Scrubs can be found at Scrubs123.com. Don’t forget to follow Scrubs123.com on Twitter - you’ll get the inside scoop on the latest sales and discounts!

It’s officially summer! ‘Tis the season of backyard barbecues, family get-togethers, and vacations - all the fun functions that pretty much demand new apparel.

But what about your work wardrobe? Surely summer fun can be had there, too! While we definitely recommend treating yourself to that new sundress or pair of sandals, we think updating your work-week clothes are just as important. (And with these fun scrub colors and cuts, work clothes are almost as fun as off-the-clock attire!)

Check out our favorite picks for summer scrubs:

- Red and Black Butterflies. We’re digging the Medline | Scrub Tops | Women's Print 100% Cotton! A short sleeved tunic, this scrub top is swarming with bright butterflies.

- Pink Ribbons. This Medline | Scrub Tops | Women's Print 100% Cotton is a mock-wrap cut with short sleeves. Best of all, it’s got a fun retro print with pink ribbons in the design!

- Keyhole Neckline. Looking for a change, but adhering to a dress code? Try Medline | Scrub Tops | Women's Angelstat With Keyhole Neckline. This lightweight scrub top comes in an array of classic colors and features a flattering keyhole neckline, side vents, and two roomy pockets.

- Reversible Drawstring Pants. It doesn’t get much better than this. Medline | Scrub Pants | Comfortease Unisex Reversible With Drawstring are loose fitting and have a back pocket. Our favorite part? They come in an array of colors, including eggplant purple and seaspray green!

Don't forget to join our Summer of Scrubs Giveaway! Post a photo of you in your scrubs on our Facebook Wall for a chance to win big!