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Most Recent Articles
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- "bad Air" Increases Health Risks For Millions Of Asthma Patients
Nearly half of the U.S. population lives in areas with unhealthy ozone levels, according to a 2006 report.1 And for people with respiratory and lung diseases, especially the estimated 20 million Americans with asthma,2 "bad air" days pose an exceptionally high risk. Unfortunately, the health risks associated with high levels of ozone aren't limited to summer months, and people can feel the effects of smog all year long.
Ozone and Asthma - "food For The Soul" Recipes That Bring Families Together
The term "soul food" dates back to the South and the days of slavery in the United States, although this cuisine's roots can truly be traced back to Africa. Slaves on the plantation would cook thrown-away meat, such as pig's feet, ham hocks and chitterlings, combined with the discarded tops of vegetables, all seasoned with various spices to add flavor to meals. Today, many of the same combinations make up many soul food dishes. The actual term "soul food" caught on in the 1960s, as "soul" began to be used in association with Black America.
Today, soul food is a tradition in most Black families, and one of the most impressive aspects about its evolution is that it was illegal for slaves to read or write, so the recipes, which would become tradition, were passed on to future generations through word of mouth. - "grey's Anatomy" Star Patrick Dempsey Joins Breakaway From Cancer Initiative
Real-life drama prepared "Grey's Anatomy's" Patrick Dempsey for his new role as spokesperson for Breakaway from Cancer™, an initiative that raises awareness and funds for cancer patients and their caregivers.
"My mother is a two-time ovarian cancer survivor," said Dempsey. "I hope by supporting Breakaway from Cancer and sharing my family's personal experience, others will be inspired to seek the support they need." - "happy Feet" Characters Use Flufacts Web Site To Fight Flu
Several U.S. cities are already reporting their first cases of flu, and now is the time to prepare your flu-fighting arsenal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for the 2006/2007 season cite three key flu-fighting tools: vaccination, use of anti-viral medications and good hygiene practices. To help make these guidelines work for you and your family, a new Web site--fluFACTS--provides in-depth flu information and interactive tools with the help of the animated characters from the new movie "Happy Feet."
Vaccine is the number-one way to prevent flu. But if you do find yourself feeling ill, the "Happy Feet" penguins demonstrate three simple steps to fighting flu: - "poison" Plants: Take Control Before They Take Over
Although gardeners all itch to get rid of poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac and kudzu, not all know how harmful they can be to their yards, home and families.
Poison ivy, oak and sumac grow plentifully in the U.S. More than half the population is allergic to urushiol oil-the sticky, resinlike substance found inside the plants. But it's not just the allergy to urushiol that's a problem-it's how potent it is. - "smarting" Your Way Toward A Better Mortgage
In recent years, low interest rates and creative home financing have helped create a generation of new homeowners, pushing the U.S. homeownership rate up to an all-time high of 75 percent. But the recent and steady rise in interest rates and "rate resets" for many adjustable-rate, low-payment mortgages is now cause for broad, national concern.
The federal government, in an attempt to curtail use of these loans among buyers who might be trapped by an unexpected spike in monthly payments, has issued new guidance for lenders offering nontraditional mortgages. Fortunately, less-risky mortgages that feature low down payments and low monthly payments are still available. - "sole" Searching
Have you been "sole" searching for a way to help make a difference during Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Now you can, while wrapping your feet in some fabulous footwear-at half the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
On Wednesday, October 18, QVC will join forces with the Fashion Footwear Association of New York (FFANY) for a charitable shoe sale for breast cancer research and education. - "super Bug" Scares-straight Facts About Antibiotic Resistance
With recent news about "super bugs," you may wonder if antibiotics are still effective, and whether they will work for you when you need them. You're not alone-there is a lot of confusion about antibiotics-what they do and don't treat, and why they sometimes stop working. It is important to know that antibiotics are effective only if they are prescribed and taken correctly.
Two main types of germs cause most infections-viruses and bacteria. Antibiotics are a type of medicine that can kill or stop the growth of bacteria and help cure the infections they cause. Some people think that antibiotics can be used to treat viral infections, such as a cold or the flu. However, it is very important that you not take an antibiotic for a cold or the flu-doing so can contribute to what experts call "antibiotic resistance." To help you understand when you need to take antibiotics and how you should use them, here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about antibiotics and resistance. - $1 Million Will Be In The Bag For One Casino Customer
Casino players across the nation will have the opportunity to win $1 million* during a Dec. 3 prize drawing at The Forum Shops at Caesars® in Las Vegas as part of a promotion entitled $1 Million In The BagSM. - $6m Investment To Help Rebuild Gulf Coast
A year after Hurricane Katrina ripped through the Gulf Coast, Accor North America is celebrating the reopening of three Motel 6 properties and one Studio 6 property-an important step in revitalizing the region.
"We could not have reopened these properties without having employees who were dedicated to seeing the Gulf Coast area restored, and we were very fortunate that many of our employees were able to return to our hotels," said Lisbeth Ceballos, area manager for Motel 6 in Louisiana and Mississippi. - 'tis The Season To Sparkle And Shine
Did you ever stop to marvel at the irony of the holiday season? Why is it that during the most frantic time of year, women are expected to look their most dazzling and festive selves?
To address the holiday-makeup conundrum like a pro, Jerrod Blandino, Too Faced Cosmetics makeup artist extraordinaire, explains how to put a little sparkle in your eyes and add a touch of silver-screen magic to your overall look. - (artificial) Tears Of Joy Provide Dry Eye Symptom Relief
Dry eye affects more than an estimated 20 million people in the United States, and is one of the most common reasons for visiting the eye doctor. While treatable, it is often underdiagnosed.
Dry eye occurs when underlying changes to the health of the tear-producing glands result in a change in the quality and quantity of tears produced. As a result, the tear film can no longer provide enough nourishment or protection to the surface of the eye. - 10 Things You Should Know About Charter Schools
The number of charter schools continues to grow. Today, more than a million children attend over 3,600 charter schools in 40 states and the District of Columbia. While such schools can serve a real need in the community, many people are still unsure what a charter school really is.
Here are the facts: - 10 Ways To Minimize Calories & Maximize Enjoyment
Those of us who have been to college recall the dreaded "Freshman 15."
Equally feared are the "holiday heavies"-the 5 to 10 pounds many people gain between Thanksgiving and New Year's when healthy eating and exercise behaviors are put aside as easily as last year's fruitcake. - 25 Years Later: Aids And The Forgotten Victims
Science has taken important steps toward treating the condition in the 25 years since the first cases of a nameless, deadly disease now known as the human immunodeficiency virus were recorded in the U.S. The problems of one group affected by the disease, however, need addressing in a different way.
Over the last quarter century, the tragic story of HIV/AIDS has often been told-but the story of children orphaned by this disease is often forgotten. Without mothers, fathers, doctors and community leaders, millions of children are left unprotected and deprived of a normal childhood. Children are suffering because the world has not recognized that the disease is wreaking havoc on childhood. - 25,000 Houses And Counting: Turning Ugly Homes Around
Just as the Ugly Duckling was really a swan, an ugly house may really be a gold mine.
That's the attitude of savvy individuals who, through such companies as HomeVestors, have gotten into the business of buying, rehabbing and selling single-family homes as a full-time business. It's a win-win situation; investors make a profit and, after rehab and resale, a young family is able to afford a beautiful home. - 401(k) Plans: Not Just For Big Businesses Anymore
This year celebrates the 25th anniversary of the 401(k) plan, now the most widespread retirement savings plan in the U.S., with more active participants than all other private pension plans.
What many Americans may not know, however, is that you don't have to be a big company to set up a 401(k) plan. - A "bucket" Full Of Prehistoric Fun
A popular television show that fires up preschoolers' imaginations-inspired by youngsters' love of dinosaurs-will now have them roaring with delight with toys based on the show's delightful dino characters.
Based on the best-selling books by British author Ian Whybrow and illustrator Adrian Reynolds, "Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs" features a 5-year-old boy who makes the best discovery ever. In his Nana's attic, he finds a dusty and old but magical blue bucket in which he meets his new best friends-six toy dinosaurs with the power to take him on adventures into their world: Dino World. - A 'tween And Teen Guide To Decorating
Because a teenager's room can seem a haven, as a child grows, it's important for parents to encourage their youngsters to express themselves in a space they can call their own.
Developing a decorating plan and budget can help teens identify what's needed for the transformation, while giving parents a chance to veto unrealistic goals. Budgets don't have to break the bank: Old and new items can be included in the makeover. Refinishing, re-covering or adding creative touches to existing items or adding color, lighting, accessories and fabrics can all be simple and effective updates. - A Bargain Hunter's Guide: Get Ready To Barbecue
A noun, an adjective, a verb, an exclamation-chances are you will be using the word "barbecue" in the coming months.
According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, Northeasterners are the biggest barbecuers in the nation, followed by the North Central, Southern, then Western parts of the country. The following tips will show you that, with the help of the Internet, creating an excellent barbecue setting on a budget can be possible. - A Beautiful Way To Take A Vacation From Drab
If you're like most mothers, according to findings by Kelton Research, you spend almost twice as much time getting your family ready in the morning as you spend on yourself. Fortunately, a vacation or even just a weekend away can be a good time to change that.
How? Makeover expert Stacy London, of TLC's "What Not To Wear" fame, has a suggestion-her own personal favorite-for traveling moms: Always bring the right beauty products with you and leave the "Mom-pants at home." - A Beauty Tour Accomplishes Beautiful Things
The Avon Let's Talk Beauty Tour is doing a beautiful thing. This traveling beauty pavilion is already under way and will make stops nationwide through November, offering ways to help make women's lives safer and more financially secure, all while helping them feel more beautiful.
Visitors can do a beautiful thing for themselves by receiving complimentary makeovers, skin consultations, free samples and beauty advice from an Avon Certified Beauty Advisor. In addition, visitors can take a sneak peek at the summer and fall product launches, such as Anew Clinical ThermaFirm Face Lifting Cream, superFull Mascara, Avon Solutions Ageless Results Day Cream SPF 15, Ageless Results Overnight Renewing Cream, Ageless Results Eye Cream, and Avon's newest fragrances, Crystal Aura and Derek Jeter Driven. - A Better Reason To Eat Chocolate
Despite our ongoing battle with the bulge, Americans consume about 13 pounds of chocolate per person each year. And while recent news of chocolate's health benefits has no doubt eased the minds of many calorie conscious consumers, there's an even better reason to feel good about a daily chocolate indulgence.
For many cocoa farmers in West Africa, where most of the world's cocoa is grown, there is little to show for long hours of backbreaking work. In fact, few farmers in West Africa have ever tasted chocolate. Small scale farmers with no access to credit and no way to trade directly in the marketplace must rely on middlemen who cheat them out of a fair price. In the end, farmers may earn as little as $300 a year. - A Charlotte That's A Peach Of A Fine Dessert
Here's a fresh approach to using canned peaches as part of a memorable dessert.
Using canned peaches may help a cook cut down on preparation time, but it won't cut down on nutrition or taste. - A Classic Snack Delivers Even More
Whether atop a batch of homemade chili or mixed into a flavorful taco salad, Americans continue to find new ways to include the classic crunch of a favorite snack chip.
The snack's versatility may be one reason that this simple yet delicious snack celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. - A Closer Look At Micro-dermabrasion
Beauty may only be skin deep, but dermatologists will tell you that it's what's on the surface that can most affect how shiny, dull or refreshed your skin looks.
That's one reason micro-dermabrasion has become the new beauty buzz word. The treatment removes dead or dry skin, leaving skin smooth, healthy and looking its best. Many also notice a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging. However, the harsh chemicals used for in-office microdermabrasion-as well as its hefty price tag-has led many women to turn the other cheek on the procedure. - A Concept Ahead Of Its Time
When political activity is at its peak, most people make decisions based on what matters most-their families. It's hard to remember a time before government provided assistance, a time when resources just simply weren't available.
But not long ago, when a father died early in his life, his wife and children were left to fend for themselves. Unless other family members could take them in, these widows and orphans were often thrown into a volatile situation. - A Contest For Peace
A new contest asks Americans to get creative as they consider the art of peace.
A writer and entrepreneur with a passion for peace has started a nationwide project that invites everyone-from writers and scholars to musicians, painters, professionals and students-to creatively express the nonviolent messages of Mohandas Gandhi. The winning entrant will receive a prize of $1,000. - A Cool Vacation Idea
The next time you're looking for a great place to spend your holiday vacation, consider destinations that extend holiday events and specials well into the new year. This way, you can avoid the before-Christmas crowds and take advantage of postholiday discounts. Additionally, look for vacation spots that offer many choices of things to do.
For example, in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., the 17th Annual Winterfest begins in November and lasts until February, allowing four months for you and your family to head to the Smokies for this award-winning event. Pigeon Forge is exciting year-round, but during Winterfest, the city really comes alive. From shows to shopping, Pigeon Forge just about has it all. - A Cure For The Common Clutter
While the number of health Web sites is skyrocketing, consumers can simplify their searches for information by visiting healthfinder.gov, the federal online gateway that gives them access to reliable health information and health news. Since 1997, healthfinder®, supported by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has been recognized as a key resource for finding the best government and nonprofit health information on the Internet.
"Health issues concern everyone. healthfinder® helps people get information they can trust, when they need to know it," said Captain Penelope Slade Royall, P.T., M.S.W., Director, ODPHP. - A Cyclist's Journey To Her Dreams
There's good news for people who have relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), a chronic, progressive disease that affects up to 400,000 Americans, including at least twice as many women as men-and for those who may get it someday. Up until a few years ago, there were no medications approved to manage MS, but today there are several.
The disease is characterized by periods of impaired neurological function (including blurred vision and loss of motor skills) that can ultimately lead to permanent disability. New medications offer hope to people such as Eve Steiner. - A Daily Dose Of Love, Along With Diet And Exercise, Is What The Doctor Ordered For Heart Health
Research shows that people who feel loved have substantially less blockage in their coronary arteries. But unfortunately, love doesn't conquer all when it comes to living a longer, healthier life. Experts agree that a diet rich in a variety of fruits, vegetables, tomatoes and lean fish, along with regular exercise, is necessary to maintain a healthy heart.
According to Dean Ornish, M.D., Founder and Director of the non-profit Preventive Medicine Research Institute, "Studies show that eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lean protein can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. In addition, the omega-3 fatty acids found in cold-water, deep-water fish such as tuna have been shown to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death by as much as 50-80 percent." - A Diet You Can Live With
Here's food for thought: A healthful diet doesn't have to be dull. You can keep your weight down and your energy and sense of well-being up while enjoying such delicious dishes as this:
Oat Bran Pancakes - A Different Option To Help Treat Elevated Cholesterol
Though many people have heard that high cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease, millions who require drug therapy in addition to diet and exercise remain untreated.
In treating high cholesterol, physicians will frequently prescribe a medicine called a statin, which works mainly with the liver to decrease cholesterol in the bloodstream. There are other options available. Physicians will determine the appropriate treatment option based on their patients' needs. - A Dish That Sparkles With Essence Of The Tropics
With a little ingenuity, you can create great combos for holiday meals that will add some new, fresh accents. For example, to prevent your next holiday from becoming boring and predictable, add some tropical flair to your menu and turn old favorites into exotic experiences. By serving a traditional ham with a sweet mango glaze, your meal can go from ordinary to extraordinary in minutes.
Happily, the mango is a versatile and delicious ingredient available year-round that can be added to a variety of special-occasion or everyday dishes. Since mangos are rich in vitamins A and C, they are a great addition to your healthy lifestyle. - A Dish Without Onions Would Be A Crying Shame
Cooks who know their onions prefer storage onions for creating the most flavorful dishes.
Available in the fall and winter months, storage onions have earned their name because they can be stored longer-for one to three months. When shopping for a storage onion, look for bulbs with multiple layers of thick, papery skin free of spots or blemishes. - A Do-it-yourself Makeover
Keeping your resolutions to live a healthier life-for longer than a few weeks-may be easier by using some tips from the experts.
The American Heart Association suggests creating a do-it-yourself lifestyle "makeover" you can stick with for a lifetime. - A Dose Of Prevention To Safeguard Our Kids
Recent studies point to a new substance abuse trend among teens: taking excessively high doses of over-the-counter cough medicines containing dextromethorphan to get high.
While cough medicine abuse is no secret to kids-in fact, a survey by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America found that one out of 10 teens, or 2.4 million kids, reported taking cough medicines to get high-parents are largely unaware of the problem. And of the dangers. - A Dream Backyard Giveaway Every Month
So what's in your dream backyard? A hot tub where you can relax to the max? A basketball hoop for a quick pickup game? Or a three-cup putting green to help lower your golf handicap? If you have kids with lots of energy, maybe your dream backyard includes a deluxe wooden play set, enclosed trampoline and other fun items that will keep them busy for hours.
Whatever your dream backyard, starting now through September, you could win it. There are five themed backyards to choose from: Backyard Athlete, Green Thumb, Relaxation, Party Time and Kids' Zone. - A Foster Care Call To Action
There are many ways Americans improve the future of children in foster care-and many reasons foster children deserve a better chance at a stable life.
Many people often think of children in foster care as the responsibility of the child welfare system or the government, and as children whose future is bleak due to parental failure, but William C. Bell, an expert and national authority on foster care, would like people to think of these vulnerable youth just like they would their own children. - A Fun Look At The Ice Age Brings Global Warming Home
A popular animated movie offers parents an entertaining, family-friendly means of discussing environmental issues with young ones.
The "Ice Age: The Meltdown" DVD can help families examine the effects of global warming-as it concerns the characters in the film, as well as our planet's population today. - A Get-inspired Guide For Style Divas
Have you ever started a styling project and somewhere along the way looked at it and wondered why it wasn't working?
Lifestyle expert Susie Coelho answers this question, along with many others, as she helps readers build their style confidence with her newly released "Secrets of a Style Diva: A Get-Inspired Guide to Your Creative Side." Packed with secrets, diva drills and a one-of-a-kind Style Diva Quiz, this guidebook helps readers unleash their inner Style Diva. - A Gift List Wrap-up Of Holiday Dvds
What's the perfect holiday gift for friends and loved ones? Here's a clue: While not everyone plays golf, or likes to fish or loves opera, most everyone goes to the movies or watches television, which should put DVDs high on your gift list.
Which DVDs should top your gift list? To help answer that, here's a checklist of some of the season's hottest titles: - A Giving Quilt
If you want to give friends and family more peace, health and justice in the world, a new gift idea may have it all sewn up.
That gift is a donation to the Lutheran World Relief Community Quilt. Donations to the LWR Community Quilt support one of 12 different facets of the organization's work in the developing world. - A Glaring Problem: An Easy Answer
The sun's glare is one of the most overlooked dangers encountered while driving, particularly during the height of morning and evening commutes. But you can reduce that danger by taking a few simple steps:
• Make it a habit to lower visors to help block some of the reflected light. - A Great Escape At Any Time Of Year
One of the Sunshine State's most popular destinations continues to refresh and relax, as well as pump up the adrenaline.
Girlfriends making their escape to Orlando can satisfy the mind, body and spirit. With the area's more than 52 million square feet of retail space including upscale malls, unique specialty shops and a variety of outlet stores, the mind is sure to get a workout while finding spectacular wardrobe additions. To successfully soothe the body, a trip to one of Orlando's 11 destination spas is next on the list. And to cap off the day, downtown Orlando transforms into a trendy nightlife destination with nightclubs, restaurants, live theater and galleries. - A Guide For Parents With Diabetes
There's good news for those with diabetes who are thinking of having children. Kathryn (Kassie) Gregorio Palmer, a mother of two young boys and first-time author of a new book entitled "When You're a Parent with Diabetes: A Real-Life Guide to Staying Healthy While Raising a Family" (Healthy Living Books), provides strategies, inspiring stories and resources to help parents stay healthy while raising a family.
Palmer's unique book guides parents with diabetes through the ups and downs of dealing with the disease and staying healthy while raising a family. Palmer includes practical tips about how to teach your children what they need to do in case of a medical emergency. - A Guy's Guide To Diamond Buying
If a diamond is forever, how long should it take to shop for one? If you're like most men, it takes more than a month.
Statistics show that 59 percent of men who plan to buy a diamond as a holiday gift for their significant other decide to do so before Thanksgiving. But that doesn't mean choosing a diamond needs to be hard. Try these tips: - A Guy's Guide To Wine
A lot of guys are more comfortable using a circular saw than a corkscrew, but that doesn't mean wines need to remain a mystery to men.
Guys usually say the subject of wine falls somewhere between confusing and terrifying. The truth is, wines pair well with ALL types of traditional "guy food"-including wings, pizza, mac & cheese and more. - A Healthy Mouth For Your Baby
When should I start cleaning my baby's teeth?
Clean the teeth as soon as they come in with a clean soft cloth or a baby's toothbrush, say dentists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). And at about age 2, start using a small drop of fluoride toothpaste on the brush to clean your baby's teeth. - A Healthy Partnership
A new partnership may help strengthen people's resolve to exercise and help them work out new ways to stay in shape.
The partnership will include a series of articles from Olympic Gold Medal skater Peggy Fleming called "Skating To Better Health With Peggy Fleming." Each article will promote a healthy, fit and balanced lifestyle and highlight tips, advice and trends meant to encourage people to get up and get in shape. - A Healthy Weight Versus A Healthy Body
When it comes to staying healthy, it seems many women may give too much weight to what their bathroom scales have to say.
"You don't have to be thin to be healthy−−and you're not necessarily in poor health if you're overweight. Being healthy is a lifelong journey of informed and focused health decisions, with an understanding of how weight affects health, not a pursuit of weight-loss gimmicks or fad diets," explains Dr. Pamela Peeke, medical advisor to the National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC). - A Helping Hand Is In The Bag
Those on crutches know that on top of being in pain, getting around is a major pain. Adding insult to injury, there's no easy way to carry your things with both hands gripping crutches.
Demonstrating that necessity can be the mother of invention, an injured skier developed a clever saddlebag-type tote that straps easily to any underarm crutch. This instant, hands-free carry bag has two roomy pockets to hold a range of items, from folding umbrellas to business reports. - A High-tech Way To Stay In Touch
Technology is making a big difference for small businesses that want to stay in touch with customers. A growing number of companies use the Internet to enhance communication, strengthen existing relationships and provide a personal touch.
One example, electronic greeting cards-eCards-can be used to inform customers of new services, thank them for their patronage or simply stay in touch. - A Holiday Classic: The Poinsettia
In addition to their role as traditional Christmas decorations, poinsettias can serve as tokens of goodwill, friendship and joy during the holidays and beyond. More than 50 million Americans will purchase a poinsettia plant this holiday season.
While 75 percent prefer the familiar red version, there are more than 100 varieties available. White, pink, yellow and even variegated poinsettias are gradually gaining popularity. Named after Joel Poinsett, who introduced this indigenous Mexican plant to the United States during the 1800s while he served as the U.S. ambassador to that nation, poinsettias have become America's best-selling potted plant. More than 85 percent of all potted plants sold annually are poinsettias. - A Home For The Holidays, Hockey Style
There's no need to skate onto thin ice when shopping for the hockey fans on your holiday list. You can be sure to shoot-and score-with apparel and other items from the National Hockey League.
For example, for the die-hard fan, authentic and replica jerseys may be the best way to show support for the team they love. Have a favorite player's name and number embroidered on the back. Or help the recipient get closer to his dream of becoming an NHLer by adding his name and favorite number. - A Home Inventory Can Help Manage Loss
Insurance experts say that having a detailed inventory of your possessions can make a real difference in the event your belongings are destroyed or stolen.
That's because an up-to-date home inventory list can ensure a speedy settlement from your insurance company in the event of a loss. - A Kit Created To Silence Squeaky Floors
There's good news for those who are tired of having to just "squeak by" when it comes to having a quieter home.
A new tool kit makes it possible to silence squeaky floorboards-even if an area is carpeted. - A Lifesaving Machine
For sudden cardiac arrest, new technology may be better than humans at delivering needed treatment.
An automated CPR machine doesn't get tired. CPR needs to be repeated consistently and accurately. According to the American Heart Association, interruptions to chest compressions should be no more than five seconds and compressions need to be given at a rate of 100 per minute. - A Look At Watchmaking
The time may be right to consider a career in watchmaking. While millions of fine-quality Swiss timepieces have been sold in the U.S. over the past two decades, there are fewer and fewer qualified technicians able to service those watches.
To remedy this growing gap, schools across the nation are opening their doors to teach the timeless art of timepiece manufacture. The Swatch Group (U.S.) Inc., for example, has opened the door to the Nicolas G. Hayek Watchmaking School in Secaucus, New Jersey. The school, housed in the watch company service facility, follows the Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program (WOSTEP) curriculum, comprising a two-year, 3,000-hour training program. The school is one of five in the U.S. The other schools are Okmulgee, Oklahoma; Lititz, Pennsylvania; Seattle, Washington; and St. Paul, Minnesota. - A Look Beneath The Carpet
Odds are, there's more than just the floor beneath your carpet. Contaminants such as pet dander, dust and soil tend to settle under a carpet's surface-and while they may be less obvious than dirt and carpet stains, they can still be a problem for homeowners.
Whether you're a parent with small children or you just want to know your carpet is as clean as it can be, you can make a difference by simply selecting a vacuum with the very latest cleaning technology. - A Mammogram Saved My Life
So, it's been two years. I mentioned last year in this column that a mammogram saved my life. Am I grateful! Who would have thought I would need a lifesaving mammogram (special X-rays of the breast that can detect cancer)? I lived a healthy life-never smoked, never a drinker, careful with my diet, and had led an active lifestyle. Fortunately, since I turned 40, I had regular screenings for breast cancer. It saved my life.
At 51, I had a suspicious mammogram, then a needle biopsy, which showed a tiny, aggressive cancer in my breast-so small it was removed by the biopsy itself. I just had to have a little tissue removed, which confirmed it hadn't spread. Because I'd caught it early, I'm cancer-free. - A Million Ways To Say "i Love You"
On Valentine's Day, two traditional ways of capturing the essence of luxury and romance are diamonds and chocolate. And this year, one lucky individual will be able to take those indulgences to the extreme.
The winner of a popular contest sponsored by Godiva and Hearts On Fire, The World's Most Perfectly Cut Diamond, will be able to celebrate the holiday with a $1,000,000 diamond shopping spree and a year's supply of delectable chocolate. In addition to the Grand Prize winner, two finalists will get $50,000 in diamond jewelry and a year's supply of chocolates. - A Model Cruise With Pluses
Curvy women with catwalk dreams now have the chance to strut their stuff on an exotic cruise to the Western Caribbean. Called the Figure at Sea cruise, the trip offers plus-size passengers a variety of entertainment and life-enriching activities-and the opportunity to look and feel like a model.
The family-friendly trip, setting sail from November 4 to 11, includes beauty and modeling seminars, workshops meant to help women learn to love their bodies and to express their inner styles, personal consultations with stylists and health and beauty experts, as well as daily fitness classes. - A More Affordable Approach To Pet Health Care
There's good news for those who want their pets to be healthy and happy. Research suggests that pet owners will spend just over $38 billion on their pets this year, up from $21 billion just 10 years ago.
Of this, over $9 billion will be spent on veterinary services, second only to spending on food, estimated at just over $15 billion. Veterinary costs have increased over the past 10 years, averaging an annual increase of over 6 percent. - A Natural Alternative For Adhd
As families get back in the swing of another academic year, some face extra challenges as their children try to cope with the added stress of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The real challenge for their parents is often deciding which treatment and medication are right for their ADHD child. - A New Angle On Saving Space
A growing number of homeowners looking to save space are seeing their bathroom from a whole new angle...a triangle. That's right, triangle designs are now popular in whirlpool tubs, toilets, even pedestal sinks. Experts report that this innovative approach to the bathroom gives homeowners space-saving options with high performance, luxury and style. Here are some ways triangle designs are saving space:
Triangular Toilets - A New Floor In The Old Room
You'll shine and so will your hardwood floor when you use the right care to keep it looking like new. Here are some sensible do's and don'ts to follow:
First, do remember that if you've been cleaning your wood floors with vinegar and water, oil soap, furniture polish or window cleaner, you may be ruining your costly investment. While these cleaners may work well on some surfaces, hardwood floors are not one of them. - A New Home At The Old Address
Accessorize! It's no longer just a clothing statement. Homeowners looking to personalize their homes are doing it, too. The good news is that there are a number of ways they can add those personal touches without undergoing a major renovation.
For example, homeowners with a keen eye for traditional values will discover a variety of screen door styles designed to fit door openings from 32 to 36 inches. The screen doors from Vixen Hill are an inch and a half thick and use teak-pegged mortise-and-tenon joints, which are further reinforced with waterproof glue. The door designs incorporate a variety of architectural inserts to match a home's style. - A New Kind Of Holiday Toast-dark Sweet Cherries, Served Over Cake In A Martini Glass, Bring A Tasty Twist To Your Holiday Table
Forget the dancing sugar plums. Here's a way to create an elegant and memorable holiday dessert in a snap using cherries. Some may appreciate the fact that while this dessert is full of holiday cheer, it can be made just as easily without the alcohol.
This one-of-a-kind martini-inspired dessert is made with frozen, dark sweet cherries that are grown and harvested in summer. Freezing captures the cherries' height of flavor and juiciness, making the sweet taste of summer available all year. Try substituting cherries-fresh or frozen-for raspberries, strawberries and other fruits in your favorite recipes. - A New Medical Device To Test For Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
While you can't see it or smell it, carbon monoxide (CO) may be the most dangerous substance most people come in contact with in their daily life.
The colorless, odorless gas is produced whenever carbon-based fuels such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal are burned. Many popular spring and summer activities such as camping, boating and barbecuing pose increased risks for CO poisoning. - A New Reason For Snacking On Raisins
Here's sweet news for anyone who loves raisins but is concerned about keeping teeth healthy.
Recent research has shown that compounds found in California raisins fight the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. - A New Season Of Itching In The Great Outdoors
A rise in temperature can signal a new season of itching in the great outdoors, brought on by some of nature's finest: mosquitoes, wood ticks or, even worse, poison ivy. For those who know poison ivy's relentless itch, there's no doubt that an allergic reaction to this plant should not be taken lightly. Before you head out for a hike or send the kids off to the park, be prepared.
"Poison ivy grows plentifully in nearly every state in the U.S.," said Sally Naser of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. "I try to teach trail volunteers how to recognize poison ivy, so they avoid it altogether. But in places like the natural boundaries of the Appalachian Trail, that's a lot easier said than done." That nasty rash is caused by an allergic response to urushiol, an oil found in poison ivy, oak and sumac that causes a reaction in 20 to 30 million people in the U.S. annually. Urushiol is so potent that it only takes a tiny brush with these plants to cause an outbreak. Even staying indoors may not keep you safe-many poison ivy outbreaks are caused by indirect contact. In addition to getting it directly from touching the plant, you can also get it by petting your dog, who may have picked up the oil during a romp through the woods. - A New Take On A Candidate's Leadership
The question that engages many Americans-not as Democrats or Republicans but as human beings-is how to restore America's place in the world.
America's role, our responsibility, is to engage our allies-and our adversaries-on the problems that can no longer be confined behind borders. This country needs a fair trade policy with China and India that stops driving Americans' jobs from our country. The nation needs to keep its doors open to visitors without alienating our neighbors and further eroding simple, common decency toward migrants. - A New Wardrobe For Your Heat Pump
Here's a cool idea: Homeowners can bring style to their home heating and cooling system. The York® brand of Johnson Controls offers a choice of panels in colors and designs that are unique in the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) industry. The units are available in a choice of seven colors-standard Champagne or Terra-Cotta, Jet Black, Stone, Bermuda, Chocolate or Gunmetal-to complement your home's exterior, landscaping and lifestyle.
The company also offers loyal alumni and sports fans condensing unit panels that bear the logo of more than 77 prominent colleges and universities. The logos are applied to painted, customized panels that replace the standard condensing-unit panels, so you can proudly display your favorite college logo on your lawn. - A New Wardrobe For Your Heat Pump
A growing number of homeowners who want to protect a home against severe weather are finding a metal roof to be an attractive investment.
Experts say many metal roofing systems have a 120-mph wind rating and provide resistance to uplift from high winds that exceeds many new building code requirements. - A New Way To Easily Share Your Home Movies
Thanks to a clever breakthrough, your old home movies now have a new home. A service has been designed to provide friends and families scattered across the country with an easy way to share their home videos, by sending them directly to the television.
How It Works - A Nice Way Of Sweetening Your Neighbor's Day
From the woman across the street who collects your mail when you're out of town to the man next door who shovels your sidewalk, a neighborhood is filled with sweet people--and it's always a sweet idea to let them know how much you appreciate them.
The National Confectioners Association (NCA) suggests a neighborhood-wide way of sweetening everyone's day this year, starting with materials you can download from its Web site: www.CandyUSA.org/sweet. - A Novel Way For Fiction Writers To Get Published
There's good news for writers looking for that first big break. A major new publishing initiative has been created to provide a venue to discover talented, unknown fiction writers and help them get the recognition they deserve.
This innovative program will evaluate each manuscript submitted, offer editorial feedback and, ultimately, award cash prizes ($100,000, $25,000 and $10,000) and representation to the winners. - A Pancake Breakfast To Flip Over
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but not all breakfast foods are created equal. Smart ingredient substitutions can make a profound impact on your meal's nutritional value. If you're looking for a pancake dish to flip over, here's one made of healthy whole grains and a delicious fruit topping that includes a zero-calorie sweetener.
Whole Wheat Pancakes (16 pancakes) - A Partnership Approach To Patient Safety
Everyone plays a part in ensuring patient safety: you, your doctor, your health care team and your pharmacist. In playing your part on your health care team, you become an active and informed patient.
Unfortunately, errors happen in health care. Humans are not perfect and technology is complicated. While great strides have been made in improving patient safety, there is more to be done to make health care even safer. The National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF), the leading organization in advancing the safety of patients, encourages you to become better informed and proactive when interacting with your health care team. - A Physician-patient's Perspective On Silicone Gel-filled Breast Implants
Dr. Christine Rodgers, a Denver plastic surgeon, is inspired to help other women reshape their lives after breast cancer. For more than 22 years, she has been treating breast cancer patients and performing breast reconstructive surgery. Her professional experience became personal when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002. Now Dr. Rodgers, a four-year breast cancer survivor, draws upon her own experience every time she sees a new patient.
With a new perspective, she is better able to connect with her patients and offer them a customized treatment based on their individual needs and desires. In addition, with the recent approval of Allergan's silicone breast implants by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Dr. Rodgers is now able to provide an unprecedented array of implant options to patients in the United States who are seeking breast augmentation, reconstruction and revision surgery. - A Picture-perfect Appearance Starts With A Smile
Can you imagine yourself with a "picture-perfect smile"?
According to a recent survey, the majority of consumers (80 percent) indicated that a picture-perfect smile plays an important role in making a favorable first impression. - A Picture-perfect Turkey
The first step to roasting a picture-perfect turkey, say the experts, is to start with a quality roaster. Here are some tips to help you choose one:
• Avoid flimsy disposable pans. Instead, choose a heavyweight roaster with strong handles. - A Practical Gift That Says A Lot About You
What does your handwriting say about you-and could a great pen portray you in a more favorable light?
A recent survey found that 30 percent of Americans believe that their handwriting could reveal something about their personality that they've kept secret from family, friends or employees. - A Pre-vacation Checklist: Get Your House In Order
Whether you are leaving on a long-awaited vacation, an extended business trip or a weekend getaway, preparing to head out of town can often be both time-consuming and stressful. The last thing you want to do is add to the to-do list. However, taking care of household responsibilities before you leave can make your return home much more relaxing and alleviate stress while on the road. This way, you won't feel a wave of panic-on the beach or in the boardroom-when you remember that you forgot to feed the dog or pay an important bill.
Here are four tasks you should take care of before leaving home and some time-saving ways to check them off your list. - A Pregame Party Plan
More than 15 percent of Americans have celebrated in the parking lot before a big football game and many more entertain in their backyard before turning on the television, according to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association.
"Getting psyched for the game tops the list of reasons for a tailgate party," says Jamie Purviance, author of "Weber's Real Grilling." "The menu you choose says a lot about your attitude. If you are not grilling, it just feels like a picnic. Rally the crowd with at least a couple of seared, smoky recipes." - A Primer On Stain Blocking
Water leaks, grease splatters-even sticky-fingered children-can cause common stains on painted surfaces in and around your home.
Unfortunately, if you try to cover a stain with a fresh coat of paint, the stain will probably bleed through-no matter how many coats of paint you apply. Fortunately, high-quality stain- killing primers are specifically formulated to permanently block stains and prevent them from ruining your new paint job. - A Profession That Enables Women To Balance A Family And A Career
Many believe that flexibility is a key measure of physical fitness. For some women, flexibility is also important when trying to find a career that can accommodate the demands of both a job and a family.
According to Business and Professional Women's Foundation, there are almost 70 million working women today, up fourfold from 1950. Six in 10 women participate in the workforce, and nearly 75 percent of all mothers work. Seven in 10 mothers have young children, and half have infants. The vast majority of women-86 percent-report that flexible work schedules are important to them. - A Program That Offers Hope To Young People Facing A Transplant
There's hopeful news for young people with a life-threatening disease such as leukemia, lymphoma or other genetic disorders that are often treated with a marrow or cord blood transplant.
Survival rates for childhood cancer have increased dramatically in recent decades. In fact, one in 250 adults under the age of 45 will be a childhood cancer survivor by the year 2010. But as survivors, these young people face a daunting array of challenges. After transplant, which includes radiation and chemotherapy, survivors are behind in school and face a long, arduous recovery. - A Psa Test For Prostate Cancer Saved My Life
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1997. I had been getting yearly PSA (prostate specific antigen) tests. Even though I had no symptoms, the PSA test came up positive. This is almost always the case when prostate cancer is caught early enough to be curable. I was treated successfully with surgery and radiation. Without the PSA test my cancer almost assuredly would have gone to an advanced stage, beyond hope of a cure.
Before the PSA test came into use, men were more often coming to their physicians with symptoms, and therefore with advanced prostate cancer. The death rate from prostate cancer has been falling steadily since the advent of the PSA test. For example, one of the Austrian states introduced PSA mass screening, reducing mortality from prostate cancer by 40 percent. - A Quick Guide To Recycling At Work
Americans have been recycling paper for more than 300 years. In 2005, a record-high 51.5 percent (51.3 million tons) of the paper consumed in the U.S. was recovered for recycling. While this is an impressive number, we can do more. The U.S. paper industry has set a recovery goal of 55 percent by 2012.
Recycling is important, because the paper that you put in your recycling bin at work and at home can come back as new products including newspapers, cereal boxes, and grocery sacks. In workplaces, homes, and schools across America, less than half of the printing/writing papers used are currently being recycled. You can help improve these statistics by setting up a recycling program at your office. Here are some tips from the recycling experts at the American Forest & Paper Association: - A Recipe Contest For California Raisin Lovers
Dust off your recipe cards, pull out your mixing bowls and start preparing your favorite raisin recipes! This year, the California Raisin Marketing Board is sponsoring the California Raisins Wise Choices Recipe Contest, which will earn one raisin lover the grand prize of $10,000 cash.
Already thinking of your favorite raisin recipe? The 2007 California Raisins Wise Choices Recipe Contest runs now through June 30 and home cooks and bakers across the country may enter their favorite recipes using California natural and/or golden seedless raisins. - A Resource For Those With Breast Cancer
There's a new, free resource for those seeking information that can help them live with advanced breast cancer.
A free, comprehensive booklet has been created that's designed to empower women with advanced breast cancer and their caregivers. - A Scholarship Drive To Find Automotive Technicians
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the auto industry will need 35,000 new technicians every year through 2010.
Vehicle dealerships across the country are scrambling to find qualified automotive technicians-even with salaries of $30,000-$70,000 or more depending on the market and the technician's level of training. - A Secret For Managing Your Weight
We all know people who skip breakfast because they say it makes them hungrier. But here's a secret that you might find hard to believe--eating breakfast, particularly ready-to-eat cereal, can play a helpful role in weight management.
The news is good for ready-to-eat cereal fans. Studies show that frequent cereal eaters--both adults and children--tend to have healthier body weights. In fact, among successful weight-loss maintainers, 78 percent ate breakfast every day, and 60 percent of breakfast eaters always or usually chose cereal. - A Shipshape Career: U.s. Merchant Mariners
For people who find themselves at sea when it comes to choosing a career path, or for those who simply yearn to live on the open water, the U.S. Merchant Marine may be the perfect port. Here are answers to some common questions about the nation's "fourth arm of defense":
Q. What is the merchant marine? - A Simple And Effective Way To Achieve Your Goals
Socrates, the ancient Greek philosopher, had it right when he said "Know thyself." So did author and publisher Bianca Guerra, whose goal is to help people heal and grow through self-awareness. Guerra believes that all people have the power inside to heal themselves and to use their energies for good in the world.
In her latest book, "The 8 Steps to Manifestation" (Living Life Publishing), Guerra offers a simple and effective way to achieve life goals. Her guide helps people to live consciously and responsibly for their decisions and action in their lives. It touches on every area of life, including health and wellness, relationships and careers. - A Simple Blood Test To Monitor Asbestos-related Cancer
The world's first blood (in vitro) test for monitoring mesothelioma, a form of cancer linked to asbestos exposure, has received approval from the FDA under the Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE) program. With a simple blood test, the Mesomark® Assay test kit may enable doctors to monitor patients diagnosed with biphasic or epithelioid mesothelioma, the two most common forms of mesothelioma.
This test may enable doctors to more accurately detect recurrence and monitor treatment of patients with mesothelioma, which is often misdiagnosed and has been tracked as a cause of death only since 1999, according to Dr. W. Jeffrey Allard, Chief Scientific Officer of Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc. - A Simple Blood Test To Monitor Asbestos-related Cancer
The world's first blood (in vitro) test for monitoring mesothelioma, a form of cancer linked to asbestos exposure, has received approval from the FDA under the Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE) program. With a simple blood test, the Mesomark® Assay test kit may enable doctors to monitor patients diagnosed with biphasic or epithelioid mesothelioma, the two most common forms of mesothelioma.
This test may enable doctors to more accurately detect recurrence and monitor treatment of patients with mesothelioma, which is often misdiagnosed and has been tracked as a cause of death only since 1999, according to Dr. W. Jeffrey Allard, Chief Scientific Officer of Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc.
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