| Small changes can help you live a healthier lifestyle |
| A new year often brings with it the desire to make improvements in your life, and kick old habits to the curb in the pursuit of healthiness. But for most Americans, resolutions fail within the first few months because goals are too ambitious, intimidating or unrealistic in nature. If you've resolved to be healthier this year, the good news is that successful, positive change - whether it be spending more time with friends and family, being more physically active, or choosing healthier foods - is more achievable than you think. It's important to think positively, stay focused, and take baby steps versus one giant leap towards a lofty goal. |
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| Budget-friendly ideas for creating an impressive entertaining space |
| Between sports games, upcoming winter holidays and fast-approaching New Year's parties, there are many reasons to celebrate with friends and family. Now is the perfect time to create an impressive entertaining space in your home, before the season gears up. The good news is, with a few simple strategies, it's easy and affordable to create the perfect gathering area for your loved ones. |
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| Healthy happy family travel |
| Looking to take a road trip but dread hearing the infamous "Are we there yet?" or "Can we please, please stop for fast food?" questions. |
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| How Well Do You Know the Flu? |
| About half of US adults incorrectly believe that antibiotics or flu vaccines will treat the flu, according to a new survey from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID). The good news is that two-thirds of those surveyed know that people should be vaccinated against the flu each year. |
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| Tips to prepare your vehicle for winter travel |
| Now that frigid temperatures and stormy days have come back in earnest, it's time for car owners to think seriously about the road conditions ahead and take the simple but important steps to ensure safe winter travel this year. |
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| Coming clean: tips to keep on top of your home's dirtiest rooms |
| Household chores are a never-ending reality of life. In fact, on average women spend more than two hours a day on household activities, which include housework and cooking, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Time Use Survey. Yet, keeping up with kids, pets and a hectic schedule make it seem like there's still always something to clean. Tackle your home's dirtiest rooms with these quick tips to make chores easier and more effective so you can have a tidy, sparkling home in no time. |
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| Tips to keep feet happy this holiday season |
| Holiday shopping, decorating, parties galore, and traveling to visit loved ones are all part of our holiday revelries. But while you're making all that merriment, how happy are your feet? No one wants sore feet or injuries to slow them down during the holidays, so it's important to care for the body parts that will carry you through all those seasonal celebrations and chores. |
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| Upgrade your home's exterior and achieve the look you've always wanted |
| If you enjoy spending the cold winter months planning your next spring home improvement project, your creative juices are already flowing. But instead of focusing on the same small home improvement projects again this year, have you considered something bigger? Have you considered a project that redefines your home and showcases your individuality? The one that will make your home stand out in your neighborhood? |
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| Eight efficient organization tips for your busy life |
| If you run a small business or you manage your family's household, you know that time is a precious commodity, one that you never seem to have enough of. And despite your best efforts, you can't create time. So how do you save it and make yourself more efficient? |
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| Living with breast cancer when there's no cure |
| Metastatic breast cancer - also referred to as stage IV breast cancer - occurs when breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Approximately 159,000 women in the U.S. are living with MBC, and this number is projected to increase to more than 164,000 by the year 2015. Since there is generally no cure for MBC, many women focus on living well with the condition while integrating continuous treatment into their lives. |
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| Tips to achieve wholesome health in 2014 |
| You're all too familiar with that one, dreaded moment when the festivities end. It hits you every year like a bad hangover. You promise yourself that once the last sip of eggnog has been guzzled and the cookie jar has been emptied, you'll get healthy. |
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| New year, new you, new boat: Insider tips for shopping a local boat show |
| A new year means new resolutions. Maybe your resolution is looking to spend more quality time with family and friends? Learn something new? Spend more time outdoors or being active? This is the year to follow through on that resolution and discover boating - an activity that can accomplish all of the above. |
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| Modern answers to help seniors stay in their homes longer |
| Retirement marks the start of the golden years, the period when hard-working individuals can put their feet up to relax after a long, successful career. But for seniors who think they can no longer live in their homes alone, retirement may be a stressful time. They worry they will have to give up the homes they have enjoyed for so many years. |
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| Better-for-you snacks to satisfy all your holiday guests |
| The holiday season is a time for everyone to indulge in delicious foods but doing so shouldn't be a guilt-ridden experience. There are several options available to satisfy your taste buds while still staying on track. The following are some snack options that not only embrace the latest food trends but are sure to please your guests as well. |
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| More options than ever for families needing elder care |
| Many families wrestle with decisions for how to take care of aging parents, grandparents and other loved ones. Just 20 years ago, families might have had to choose between putting a parent in a nursing home or having one younger family member quit a job to stay home and care for the parent. Today, options abound and it's important to know what's available before making such an important decision. |
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| Five tips for the perfect movie night |
| The nice thing about cold weather is that it creates the perfect opportunity to enjoy the warmth of family and friends or some quiet time alone. What sounds more pleasant than placing some wood in the fire and curling up in front of the TV with a new movie? When planning a movie night, here are some tips that can help create a comfortable evening for the whole group. |
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| Kitchen fires spike during holidays: Keep your family safe |
| During the holidays, more Americans spend time in the kitchen preparing meals for family and friends. That additional kitchen time also means added risk of home fires. In fact, three times more fires occur on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day than on any other days of the year, yet many Americans aren't practicing basic kitchen safety. This holiday season, follow these simple fire-safety tips. |
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| One mac and cheese recipe served 3 ways makes for ultimate comfort food |
| The chill of the season heralds many changes, including your appetite for heartier foods. This is the perfect time to break out the casserole dishes and whip up your family's favorite comfort foods. Americans seem to agree that when it comes to comfort classics, macaroni and cheese is what they crave. Here are three variations sure to please. |
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| Moms champion traditional toys even in a digital age |
| As smartphones and tablets are more frequently finding their way into kids' hands, many parents may wonder about the implications of increased screen time, and question what role traditional toys should play in their children's lives. |
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| What to do if your child is accused of being a bully |
| It's a phone call that most parents can't imagine receiving. Your school's principal has requested a meeting because your child is being suspended or expelled ... for bullying. While some parents might look at bullying as a part of growing up, in fact it actually has reached epidemic proportions across the country. More than 3.2 million students are victims of bullying each year, according to DoSomething.org, a social issues advocacy group. Every day, nearly 160,000 children miss school because they are scared of being bullied, notes the National Education Association. What's more, many incidents of bullying go unreported because kids are afraid to report them. |
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| Tips for keeping kids' minds and bodies active through cooler months |
| As tempting as it is to let the kids curl up on the couch when they're home during cold weather seasons, it's important to keep them active throughout the cooler months. Even as days get shorter, you can still use those free hours to stay energetic and fuel their curiosity. Whether your child is a bookworm, an artist or an athlete, here are some tips for keeping kids' minds and bodies active. |
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| Get crafty with edible holiday appetizers |
| Don't worry, Mom. In this case, it's OK to play with your food. The latest online social media craze features awe-inspiring galleries of edible art, showcasing everyday ingredients transformed into munchable holiday masterpieces. |
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| Tips and tricks for busy parents on the go |
| Parents are the ultimate multitaskers. But with today's busy schedules, they can always use a little help - especially when it comes to providing their kids with quality, nutritious snacks. Here are some tips and tricks that can help even the busiest of parents. |
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| Bedtime tips to encourage kids to get to sleep |
| Despite parents' best efforts, bedtime can be the most stressful time of the day. Many kids fight sleep and resist going to bed, and questions of "but why do I have to go to bed?" are often answered with an unsatisfying, "Because I said so!" To help eliminate bedtime frustrations, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommends parents take the following steps to positively influence their child's sleep habits. |
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| Celebrate the season with loved ones near and far |
| The holiday season is a time for celebrating with loved ones, but family and friends aren't always nearby. Although you may not be able to spend the holidays together in-person, there are still plenty of ways to show out-of-town loved ones you care. With a thoughtful approach, you can find easy ways to spread some holiday cheer, whether your nearest and dearest live across the street, across the country or even across the globe. |
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| Simple steps to keep your family safe outdoors this year |
| Your backyard is a space where you enjoy quality time with your family - from building that perfect fort to playing catch with your furry friend in the snow. It's a place to escape, but remember accidents can happen anywhere at any time, and just like you childproof your house, you need to ensure your backyard is safe as well. |
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| How one common household ingredient can kill children's head lice |
| For Wendy Langley, a nightmare ordeal with head lice has turned into a multimillion dollar dream. With sheer determination and passion, the Oregon mother has turned the head lice industry on its head with a product that kills lice with, of all things, salt. And it's all because she was trying to protect her child, and millions more just like her. |
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| It's not child's play: Buying the right video games for kids |
| The upcoming holiday season has parents and family members focused on finding the perfect gift for their loved ones. With this year's release of the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One joining the new Wii U, video games are bound to once again be at the top of wish lists. With a vast selection of titles and genres, there is something for every player. While choosing the right game may be perplexing to some parents, figuring out which games are suitable for your child doesn't have to be. Remember to ask these important questions before giving video games and other interactive content as a gift. |
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| Community impact: Resetting the perceptions of public housing |
| Food, water, shelter - all basic human needs. But for millions of Americans, having a secure place to call home is financially out of reach, even if they work full-time. From veteran to teacher to single mom, public housing helps 2.2 million people throughout the country, with half a million more on waiting lists. Despite providing a critical resource to communities, there's still a negative stigma associated with public housing. Here's what you need to know. |
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| Easy ways to improve your pet's quality of life |
| Pet ownership is more than just a privilege - it is a responsibility. While pet owners spend ample time and money purchasing elaborate outfits, accessories and toys for their pets, what truly matters is when owners take the initiative to install healthy habits and routines that enhance their pets' lives. |
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| For patients with rare diseases, awareness can be life-changing |
| Facing a rare disease diagnosis wasn't easy for Mary Ann Farley of Hoboken, N.J. Family and friends had never heard of the disease, her doctor had never treated a patient with it, and with little information and resources available, Mary Ann felt alone. |
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| Finding strength along the caregiving journey |
| Caring for a loved one with an ongoing health condition can be a time-intensive and emotional journey. And while small successes and tiny triumphs can be treasured moments, daily tasks can take time away from sources of support, such as interactions with colleagues, spouses, children, friends and groups or clubs, resulting in a sense of isolation. Taking time to maintain friendships, connect with community and take care of oneself can help caregivers find strength to enjoy the milestone moments. |
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| Five simple steps to being a great pet owner |
| Brushing your teeth and getting dressed in the morning are among the daily routines that are second nature to humans. But you may not always remember that your pets need regular care, too - like avoiding potentially harmful table scraps, being protected from pesky fleas and ticks, keeping the sensitive pads of their paws safe from ever-changing weather conditions, and getting regular veterinary care. |
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| Fun or fantasy? How to know if a video game is right for your child |
| If you are like most Americans, you have computer and video game fans in your home. However, as a parent, it is not always easy to decide if a popular video game is right for your child. That is where ratings and parental controls can help. Here's what you need to know. |
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| Tips for parents on how, and why, to talk to kids about insurance |
| When it comes to financial literacy, parents know it's important to give kids the knowledge and skills they need to manage money. While you're teaching children about smart spending, saving and credit management, don't forget to discuss another important aspect of financial health: insurance. |
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| Why Americans are cutting the cord and saving money |
| Frugal Americans know how to save money, not only by keeping it in their pocket but by making wise purchasing decisions. As many have found, a frugal lifestyle does not mean going without. One way many people have saved money is by cutting the cord and eliminating cable or satellite TV from the household budget. By taking that step, frugal consumers can save up to $1,200 per year. |
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| Your go-to guide for elevator and escalator safety during the holidays |
| November and December are arguably the busiest months of the year for traveling and shopping. Millions of people descend on the nation's airports and shopping centers looking to create that perfect holiday memory. With all the excitement surrounding this time of year, the last thing Americans should worry about is escalator and elevator safety while navigating through the crowds. But while you may be more focused on your holiday to-do's, you need to remember some important safety tips about the elevators and escalators you are using. |
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| Allergies are one gift you don't want to share during the holidays |
| The holidays are a time when the decorations come out of storage, a live tree is brought inside adorned with lights and tinsel, and holiday scents fill the air. While this sounds like a warm and homey-style holiday, it can also cause watery eyes, runny noses and sneezes. Read on to learn how you can bypass these problems and enjoy a festive holiday season. |
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| Homemade alternatives to Halloween candy |
| Processed, sugar-packed candies are collected door-to-door every year at Halloween. This year, try a different angle with homemade sweet treats that parents can make with their kids for Halloween. |
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| Alzheimer's caregivers: Tips to take care of yourself, too |
| Taking care of an ill loved one is never easy, but for the 15 million Americans who provide care for someone with Alzheimer's disease (AD), the emotional and financial toll of caregiving can be overwhelming. Caregivers should keep in mind that helping themselves stay well is also helping the people for whom they're caring. If you're taking care of a loved one with AD, here are some ways you can help both yourself and the person in your care. |
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| Three easy tips for cooking with kids |
| Once temperatures start to drop, keeping kids active can be a difficult task as weekends migrate away from park visits and Little League games to more time spent indoors. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do in your own home to keep children engaged and help limit their video game and TV time. One of those things is cooking together, which reinforces math, science and reading comprehension skills while building great memories. |
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| Not home for the holidays: the beauty of holiday traveling |
| Vocalists from Perry Como and the Carpenters to Michael Buble have warbled about how wonderful it is to be home for the holidays. But who says you have to buy into that belief? Not being home for the holidays offers many advantages, including the opportunity to travel, visit far-off loved ones or just immerse yourself in total relaxation during one of the most hectic times of the year. |
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| Fun and creative kids' activities just in time for fall |
| Each year autumn marks a time for change - leaves turn colors, the air becomes crisp and parents everywhere prepare for their children to return to school. The new season brings with it a shift in rhythms and patterns, including a new weekly routine for families as children go back to school. |
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| Five fun and affordable fall activities your family will love |
| Crisp air, changing leaves and cozy knit sweaters signify the return of autumn. Fall can be a busy time for most families, juggling back-to-school routines, carpools, homework, after school events and sports practice. Now is a great time to slow down, bring the whole family together and enjoy all of the exciting activities fall has to offer. |
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| Survey: Teens not as cyber savvy as parents might think |
| While some parents may not know a gigabyte from Google, they still need to help their kids stay safe and protect personal information online. A new survey finds that some of today's young people don't understand the dangers of their tech-heavy lifestyles. |
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| How to use the holiday spirit to talk to loved ones about hearing loss |
| Families may struggle with how to help their loved ones cope with hearing loss. Talking about the problem is the first step toward treating hearing loss, but families may be unsure how to begin the conversation. The holidays, however, present the perfect opportunity to discuss a family member's hearing loss in a supportive, positive atmosphere. |
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| A can-do attitude in kids makes a world of difference |
| Raising children can be a daunting task. As parents, one of our many jobs is to equip our offspring with knowledge and abilities that can help them enjoy learning about the world around them, and ultimately, become successful in life. One important tool we can help instill in kids is a can-do attitude. |
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| Tips to help your baby sleep through the night |
| If you're a new parent, the idea of a full night's sleep probably seems like just a dream. Your world is full of late-night feeds, diaper changes and snuggles in the rocking chair. If this sounds like you, you can take some comfort in knowing you aren't the only one out there dealing with sleepless nights. |
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| Safety checklist: a new and expecting mom's best friend |
| Whether you're expecting or already have a baby, now is a great time to make sure you're fully prepared when it comes to safety. It's important to take the time to re-evaluate your home and daily routines to ensure that you're doing all you can to provide a safe haven for your little ones. |
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| Make game time a chance to give back this holiday season |
| The holidays provide the perfect opportunity for family gatherings and gift exchanges. More so than ever, games of all kinds are factoring into a night by the fire or near the tree. If you're hesitant about letting consoles compromise your family time, consider the bonding potential and positive impact gaming can have on you, your loved ones, and even as a way to give back. |
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| Are you getting enough iron to stay healthy? |
| Fatigue. Dizziness. Irritability. Millions in the United States are experiencing these symptoms, but few know they may be the signs of a condition called iron deficiency anemia (IDA). IDA is most common among women of childbearing age and in those with special conditions, such as chronic kidney disease or gastrointestinal disorders that can cause bleeding. |
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| I spy with my little eye: nutrients kids need for healthy vision |
| The struggle at the dinner table between parents and their picky eaters isn't uncommon. Add in a food jag, when children fixate on a particular food and don't want to eat anything else, and the struggle turns to worry - "Is my child getting enough nutrients in his or her diet?" |
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| Winter home safety: Quick steps to help protect your family |
| As cooler weather descends, homes heat up and so does the risk your family could experience a home fire or carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. According to the National Fire Protection Association, most home fires and CO poisonings occur in the winter. Besides heating appliances, seasonal activities such as increased cooking, candle usage and holiday decorations all add to the risk. In fact, the U.S. Fire Administration reports that each year winter fires claim an average of 945 lives, injure 3,825 people and cause more than $1.7 billion in property loss. |
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| Applying to college? Practical advice for finding your dream university |
| Life is full of landmark decisions. For many Americans, choosing a college is the first life-changing decision they will make. Young people must weigh a host of factors, including how well the school's curriculum meets their career objectives, cost, distance from home, and whether the campus culture meshes with their personalities. |
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| Smart TV smarts: Learning the truth about smart TVs |
| American consumers are increasingly comfortable with the term "smart" when it's associated with technology. From smartphones to smart cars and even smart clothing, they've embraced the idea of devices that are "intelligent" and responsive to their changing needs. Even though smart TVs have been around for almost five years, many consumers still don't have all the facts. |
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| Back to school, back to easy meals |
| With the hectic back-to-school season underway, it's time to get back to easy weeknight meals. Preparing a wholesome and delicious dinner may feel extra stressful when time is scarce. That's why many busy families rely on slow cookers to get them through the week. In fact, slow cooking can speed up your meal planning in a big way. |
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| Do you know your ABC's about RSV? |
| Alexis Tkachuk, a healthy 34-year-old, was overjoyed when she became pregnant with her first child. After 32 weeks of an uncomplicated pregnancy, Alexis' doctor cleared her for travel, and she and her husband decided to enjoy a relaxing trip. During the flight, however, Alexis began feeling discomfort, and upon checking into a local hospital, discovered she was in labor - eight weeks early! Only four pushes later, Alexis gave birth to her four-pound baby boy, Jack. |
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| Creating a successful afterschool routine for kids |
| Experts believe creating a positive afterschool routine can support learning and development. A predictable afterschool schedule can reduce stress and promote a feeling of stability for your children while encouraging individual responsibility. By eliminating conflict and power struggles with parents, these routines allow for more quality family time and can help you keep your family happy. |
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| Think outside the lunch box to make school lunches they'll love |
| Many parents prefer packing their kids' school lunches for a number of reasons, from cost savings to the confidence of having better control over what their children eat. But packing the same-old, same-old every day can get tired fast - for both parent and child. By adding a dollop of creativity to packed lunches, parents can ensure they serve something kids will enjoy throughout the school year. |
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| River cruising: An easy way to explore and experience Europe |
| Europe is a popular destination for international travelers looking to visit the world's great capitals such as Paris, Amsterdam and Prague; to experience European culture; and to explore charming small towns. But planning a European trip can be daunting because it involves a lot of research to decide where to go, how to get there, and what to see. River cruising offers an excellent solution to this travel challenge. |
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