Kids Asking For a Pet? Six Reasons to Say Yes

There's nothing more adorable than a kid with a puppy, knowing they'll grow up together and become inseparable friends. Far from just being cute, there are also very real health and social benefits that come along with growing up with a pet.

Here are six benefits to raising a kid with a furry friend:

1. Pets teach responsibility.

Having a pet is a lot of work. Any kind of animal a family chooses is going to need to be fed and cleaned up after. Most pet choices will require exercise and plenty of attention to make sure it has a happy, healthy life. Taking an active role in the daily duties surrounding caring for a pet will teach children responsibility for these essential tasks.

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Why Are Some People More Likely to Get Bitten By Mosquitos?

And by "some people" I mean me. Why is it that an evening stroll leaves me feeling eaten alive while my companions are left blissfully un-bitten?

First of all, it's probably not all in my head (although it could be — most people are bad sources about their own mosquito attractiveness). Studies suggest that about 20 percent of people are "high attractor types" who are especially appealing to the female mosquitoes seeking out blood for the extra protein they need to lay eggs. Of course, not all mosquitoes are the same. There are 150 different species in the United States, each with their own blood-sucking proclivities. But since you probably won't know — or care — if the bugger biting you is Culex pipiens or Aedes aegypti, let's consider some of the more general properties that affect your mosquito appeal.

Clothing Color

It's true, mosquitoes have discerning fashion taste. Or at least, they're more likely to spot you as a target if you stand out from your environment. Dark colors, especially, will attract more of the insect.

Movement

Similarly, the more you move, the easier you are to identify as a living, breathing, vessel full of delicious blood.

Body Heat

Visual clues allow the mosquito to locate you from relatively far away, but as she approaches, it's your body heat that draws her in. This puts pregnant women, who average about 1.26 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than others, at a particular risk — a fact which has been substantiated by a number of studies.

Carbon Dioxide

This is another reason pregnant women are at a disadvantage. Mosquitoes can detect carbon dioxide using a special organ called a maxillary palp from as far as 164 feet away. Since everyone emits CO2 simply by exhaling, it comes down to relative amounts. Unfortunately for mothers-to-be, pregnancy causes women to emit 21 percent more CO2. This is also why kids are often safe from bites, when bigger, more CO2-emitting adults are around.

Alcohol Intake

On the flip side, pregnant women are (presumably) avoiding another mosquito attractor: alcohol.For More and Original Article 
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Do you know who needs immunizations in your family?

According to http://healthfinder.gov/nho/  August is National Immunization Awareness Month.

Immunization helps people of all ages prevent dangerous and oftentimes deadly diseases. Kids aren't the only ones who need shots. Adults need to stay protected against serious illnesses like the flu, measles, and pneumonia.

Now is a great time to promote vaccines and help family, friends, and coworkers to keep up to date on their shots.

How can National Immunization Awareness Month make a difference?

Use August to spread awareness about vaccination information, the need for people of all ages to be vaccinated, and  to share ways to increase immunization rates within our own communities.

Here are just a few ideas:

• Speak with friends and family and educate about how vaccines aren’t just for kids. People of all ages can get shots to protect them from serious diseases.
• Remind people in your community, young and old, to get the flu vaccine every year.

For Original article and more information:  http://healthfinder.gov/nho/

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Pregnancy and Motherhood: Women's Brains Permanently Altered?

Pregnancy and motherhood has been found to permanently alter a woman’s brains, specifically how it and the body may react to future treatments or hormones later in life, a recent study says.
Researchers wanted to see how women who had given birth to children would respond to “estrogen hormone treatments, which are often prescribed to treat brain disorders in middle-aged and older women,” reported CTV News.

They tested rats who had experienced motherhood, as well as rats who hadn’t and found the estrogen treatment improved the learning of those rats that had been mothers, but impaired the learning of the other rats.

“Our most recent research shows that previous motherhood alters cognition and neuroplasticity in response to hormone therapy, demonstrating that motherhood permanently alters the brain,” said Liisa Galea, head researcher of the study.

Being aware of how women’s bodies may react to certain hormones in brain treatments could aid in knowing what will or won’t actually help, or what could be dangerous with treatments.

For More and Original Article by Mandy Morgan of Deseret News 

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Exercise Together: 100 Great Family Fitness Ideas

What’s one of the biggest obstacles to bringing family fitness into your family life? Ideas.

Just like our kids, we inevitably get hit with that question, “What should we do?”

The first secret to making family fitness work, is to grab little moments and sneak activity in.

The second secret is to streamline things so you can quickly move from planning to doing.

To apply both of these secrets, the last thing you want to be spending time doing is trying to come up with an inspiration for activity.

So to make that question, “What should we do?” disappear like dust in the wind, I pulled my husband and kids together to brainstorm a list of fun activities for family fitness.

Initially I was just thinking let’s try to get to 100. But then I realized this could get much better and bigger . . .

I’d love for you to add your ideas and favorite activities here. Just put them in the comments. Let’s see how far we can go!

(By the way, I realized I cheated a bit here.  I didn’t notice it the first time I wrote this up but I put cleaning the house down twice as an activity. You can see where I want to get the crew moving! And yes, active chores count!)

1. Play tag
2. Play hide and seek
3. Toss the football
4. Play ultimate football (Make teams and see how you can move the ball up to your goal line by simply doing several passes in a row back and forth. Other team tries to intercept.)

For More Great Ideas and Original Article.

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5 Lessons Moms Should Teach Their Boys

I am incredibly proud of my son. And aside from raising someone who is happy and healthy, I hope that my son is learning some special and invaluable lessons from me as a woman. Because one day, I hope he will be an amazing husband and father.

5 Lessons to Teach Boys

1. Women can have careers AND children.
Of course he knows that when he grows up he can have a career and a family, but I want to make sure he knows that about his female peers, too. I'm showing him by example. Every day I show him that even though I work full-time in a career that often takes me away at nights, weekends, and even some holidays, he is always my No. 1 priority. I am always plugged into his life and what he is doing. If we're working toward a world with gender equality, I want to make sure my son's point of view is part of the solution, not contributing to the problem.

2. Real men are in touch with their emotional sides.
I didn't have to try very hard to teach him this, since he naturally fell into the role of interpreting his sister's emotions whenever a big drama occurred at home.
For More and Original Blog.

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Is Organic really better than Regular Food?

Organic or conventional? It’s a choice many grocery shoppers are faced with, over and over. The price difference is easy to see; it’s right there on the product. The quality difference is much harder. Is the organic milk better for your kids? Is the conventional lettuce more likely to carry pathogens? Do organics do us more good (in the form of better nutrition), and do they do us less harm (in the form of fewer contaminants and pathogens)?


When I first heard the term “organic” several years ago, I dismissed it. It implies a “status” that conjured up two different images: lifestyles of the rich and famous or perhaps some alternative, hippie thing. The term “organic” refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat. Organic farming practices are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution.

For More and the Original Blog.

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25 Ways to Have Cheap Summer Fun

Looking to enjoy your summer without breaking the bank? Check out the following ideas for frugal summer fun.

1. Get in the Water

We can’t talk about summer without mentioning pools, right? Whether you have a pool in your backyard or in your community, this is not only a way to have fun, but swimming laps is also great exercise. No pool? No problem! Break out the hose and get a packet of water balloons for a few dollars or less.

2. Have a Picnic

Even if your job requires that you work year-round, you can still have picnic lunches with coworkers during the workweek or with friends on the weekends. Assign each person a drink or food item to bring, and have a great meal without an exorbitant cost.

3. Run a Car Wash to Raise Money for Charity

If you want to beat the heat, why not do it in a way that will also help out others?

For More.

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How to Choose a Great Assisted Living

According to a recent study by CareScout, 70 percent of seniors 65 years and older will require a form of long-term care at some point in later life.

That statistic makes it critical to choose wisely to find the right fit in senior housing for you or a loved one.

Peder Johnsen is the CEO of the Concordis Senior Living organization, which owns and operates senior housing communities.

For More.

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3 Creative Ways to Keep Cool with your Toddler

Beat the heat!

Sizzling summer weather can make for a tired, hot, cranky baby — and mama. But being fussy is no way to spend the summer. Here are three ways to stay cool and have fun doing it.

Mini water table

Here's a creative way to cool off: Move the highchair outside, strip your child down to a diaper, and fill the highchair tray with about a half-inch of water.
It's especially fun to watch your baby's facial expressions during self-inflicted splashing. You can add a squirt toy to play with, or put her to work with a clean sponge.
For More and Original Blog.

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Are you at Risk: Deaths from Alcohol on the Rise

Approximately 3.3 million deaths worldwide in 2012 were the result of alcohol consumption, according to a new report from the World Health Organization. Additionally, 16 percent of people in the world who use alcohol could be categorized as binge drinkers.

The new report, which examined the trends in alcohol use among 194 WHO member states, found Europe topped the list for the region with the highest rate of alcohol consumption per capita, though the rate has remained stable over the past five years. In the last half decade, alcohol use also remained unchanged in Africa and throughout the Americas. However, drinking increased in the South-East Asia and the Western Pacific regions of the world.

The report found alcohol-related mortality was more common for men than women: 7.6 percent of deaths among men versus 4 percent of deaths among women worldwide were linked to excessive drinking. However, the authors of the report say alcohol abuse among women is on the rise. A similar report released in 2011 found 6.2 percent of all male deaths were related to alcohol, compared to 1.1 percent of female deaths at that time.

The overall number of alcohol-related deaths rose from 2.5 million in the 2011 report.

For the original article.

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Single Parent? Great Ways to Save Money

Although I've always heard single parenting was tough, I had no idea how tough it actually was (or is) until I became a single parent. It's a life altering thing to say the least and it certainly gives saving money a whole new meaning. To many single parents, saving money is no longer viewed as a hobby or something to do if you can, it becomes more of a way of life.

Fortunately, for me, I do have a knack for saving money but even I have learned a few new things along the way and I thought I would share some of these tips with you as well. Obviously, most of these would work for anyone but I'm writing this from my own perspective as a single parent and I pray it would bless those of you out there who are in the same situation.

10 Ways to Save Money as a Single Parent
1. Menu Plan: (You thought coupons be would #1, didn't you?) Menu planning is key to saving time and money. If you are a single parent, you are likely very short on time so this one is BIG. Sit down, once a week, once every two weeks or even once a month and plan your menu for every single day. Be sure to plan it around what items are on sale (check our Matchups), what items are in your stockpile and what coupons you have on hand. This way, you are planning around the lowest prices and not necessarily what your stomach is telling you.

Menu planning will also lessen multiple trips to the store, which will save you gas and time.

Read more: HERE

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Secrets of Organized Families

In this increasingly hectic world, the phrase "organized families" can seem like a contradiction in terms. But you know they exist: They're the ones who show up at school on time each day, remember the Little League coach's birthday, and file their taxes in January. And though they make everyone else look bad, you secretly wish you were more like them, together and in control.

Why get organized? Because you can't afford not to, especially when you're juggling work, school, and competing schedules. To get you on the road to efficiency, we asked families and professional organizers to share their secrets, room by room.

First, a few ground rules:

Commit to change. "Deciding to get organized is like resolving to lose weight," says Lisa Sarasohn of the Los Angeles-based organizing service Hire Order. "Both require discipline, and neither happens overnight." Rather than searching for a quick fix – the equivalent of a fad diet – organized families commit to a lifestyle change. They see organization as a means to an end: a more fulfilling, less stressful family life.

Take it slow. Be realistic in your organizing efforts. After all, you can't tame years of household chaos in a single day.

For the rest of this original article.

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Cabin Fever Anyone?

Holidays can always be such a fun time of year, especially if you have school-age kids.

But let's be honest somewhere around the middle of the vacation it seems like the symptoms of cabin fever start to set in. Usually a little exercise, fresh air, and creativity are all the doctor would order.  Here's some ways to follow "doctor's orders":

1. Google: "Things to do in (fill in your city)" and see what you find.
You may be surprised at what there is to do right in your own back yard.

2. Go to the zoo.
Most areas have a zoo or aquarium or some kind of wildlife rescue area. (Ever wonder where they take celebrity tigers when they've gotten too old?)

3. Use where you live to your advantage.
If there is snow on the ground, get out in it! Bundle up and have an old-fashion snow ball fight with the forts and all! Or if your weather is mild, find a local park and organize a flag football game or a neighborhood Capture the Flag competition.

Whatever you choose to do, getting the energy out goes a long way to cure cabin fever.

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Raising Quality Kids...when you're working night and day!

People used to joke about "doctor's hours", how doctors were only on the job when it was convenient, but anyone who has ever worked in health care knows how far that is from the truth. Today's medical workers, like CNAs and HHAs, often work long hours and irregular, on-call shifts. All this while juggling the needs of their families.

Quality time with the family can be hard to come by, and it can be hard to devote the time you need to your kids. How can health care workers raise quality kids while meeting the needs of very demanding jobs?

First, don't panic! While your kids certainly need periods of undivided attention, you can still manage plenty of quality time while going through your day. As this (http://www.lovingyourchild.com/2010/04/raising-kids-quality-time/) article points out,"Contrary to popular notion, the best parent-child memories are not created out of major milestones marked with much celebration and fanfare. It’s the little moments spent in doing things together that create beautiful memories – cherished and held close to the heart forever." Little things like talking about the upcoming day with your children while making your and their lunches can go a long way. Instead of rushing out the door with a travel mug of coffee, take a few moments to enjoy a bowl of cereal with your kids. It'll start your day--and theirs--off right. Similarly, instead of plopping down in front of the TV after work, turn the TV off and play a board game with your family. Or take a walk around the block, or hit the park to toss a ball around. Getting out of the house and away from the TV can bring out the chatterbox in your kids, and you'll be able to keep current on their lives with very little effort.

Driving to and from daycare or school is another frequently missed opportunity. Instead of letting your kids bury their heads in a movie or video game, take the time to ask about their days. Talk about some of your experiences at work (being mindful of confidentiality, of course!). Long term care workers could write books full of all the great stories they hear from their elderly residents. Why not share some of those stories with your children and encourage them to share in kind? Don't use this time to gripe about work or problematic co-workers. Instead, focus on the positive. You can help your kids understand why your work is important (and why you need to be away from home during your shifts) while encouraging them to talk about their day care or school time, too. Audio books are another great way to get closer with your kids. Find a story or author you both enjoy and you can discuss the book between chapters. It's a great way to break the ice and get your kids talking. Picking books that reflect your values lets you share what's important while entertaining at the same time.

Family meal time is one of the best ways to keep involved with your kids lives. Dinnertime conversations are a great way to impart your values and let your kids know what is important to you. But an opportunity most people miss is hanging out with your kids while preparing the meal. Many people feel their kids just get in the way in the kitchen, but if you give your kids specific tasks, they can take pride in the meal and spend some valuable time with you. We live in a world of microwave meals and convenience foods, but often, a home cooked meal is worth the effort. Moreso, if you have you little helpers by your side. Here are two great resources with recipes and tips for getting your kids involved in meals. http://www.cookingwithkids.com/part1/challenges.html/ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes-and-cooking/safe-easy-kitchen-tasks-for-little-fingers/index.html

Feeling overwhelmed? You cook, you clean, and do everything in your power to keep your household running smoothly. All while working a full-time (and sometimes overtime!) job. Isn't that enough? Well, "Our children, for the most part, are unaware of the myriad of things that we do FOR them. However, they are fully aware of the things which we do WITH them." (http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/quality-time-with-children/). Sometimes it's OK to let the cleaning slip in favor of an impromptu game of tag. Or let dinner be a little late so you can take an extra five minutes to talk with your child about the new piece of artwork on the fridge. Going to the park is all well and good, but just sitting back and watching isn't nearly as meaningful as diving into a game of tag with your kids.

Bringing your experience into the conversation is one of the best way to connect with your children and impart memorable lessons. Instead of family movie night, try talking with your kids over snacks. Or watch a short program together and turn the TV off to discuss it. No matter what their attitudes may say, kids still look to their parents for guidance on how to live their lives. Sharing your experiences while they talk about theirs is a great way to teach values. You can bring your experience as a health care worker to bear, too. For example, if you witnessed an incident of verbal elder abuse, you can compare it to a bullying incident your child witnessed at school. Talk about your feelings and how you each reacted to the situation. It'll help bring your daily work to life for your children, and give you some insight into your kid's lives, too.

Finally, if your children are old enough, see if they might be interested in volunteering at the facility where you work (or a similar facility). They can gain valuable life experience, and maybe a renewed respect for what mom or dad does all day! As with most things in life, it's more about quality than quantity. "While more than half of employed parents guess that their children want more time with them, in fact, most children did not put this on top of their list. Instead, kids wished that their parents would be less stressed and less tired from work." (http://www.familytlc.net/working_parents_teens.html).

Other helpful links:
http://www.kelloggforum.org/working-parents-and-children-effects-problems/
http://www.cookingwithkids.com/
http://life.familyeducation.com/family-time/parenting/36489.html