After-school smarts: Go healthy when kids go home

Posted on Nov 15, 2016

Personal safety

Some kids engage in team sports after school. Others participate in school-sponsored extracurricular clubs. Still others go home and spend time alone until parents are finished working. Regardless of how a child spends the hours after school, personal safety should be important—and a topic of conversation between parents and kids.

Consider how your child will spend their after-school hours, and work together to develop a list of relevant safety tactics. For example, if your child plays a sport, discuss ways to avoid injury and make sure they always wear appropriate safety gear. For students who will arrive home before parents, set ground rules, such as go straight home and check in via phone call or text once they arrive. Remind children not to open the door to strangers or answer phone calls from numbers they can’t identify. Safekids.org offers a wealth of safety tips that can be applied to virtually every child’s after-school situation.

Better snacking

Snacking is actually a very healthy habit when done smartly. Teach kids to reach for a sensible and filling snack to help keep their minds alert for homework and their bodies fueled for after-school activities. Encourage kids to use portion control and choose healthier snacks, like fresh fruits or veggies or fat-free options like pretzels.

Portion-controlled, pre-packaged choices are convenient and healthy options for after-school snacking. For example, 100-calorie pretzel packs from Snyder’s of Hanover are a great-tasting snack kids love. Plus, ample research – and common experience – indicates chewing on something crunchy stimulates the brain. Try a low-fat combination of pretzels with apple slices or carrot sticks, which are more stimulating to a child’s brain than something sweet and fatty. Visit www.snydersofhanover.com to learn more.

Follow a schedule that builds in fun and eases homework headaches

Naturally, all children want to work some fun into their day, whether it’s before or after homework is complete. Since most kids thrive with guidance and structure, talk to your child about creating a schedule or “to-do” list for after-school time, and make sure it includes a combination of fun activities, snack time and homework. Keep in mind that every child is different. Some children need to run around before starting homework, while others do best when saving the fun time for last.

Screen time

Once kids have completed homework and gotten a little physical activity, many may prefer to spend hours online, playing video games or watching TV. Finding a balance can be tough. Many parents take a “homework first” approach, having kids complete school assignments before they’re allowed the treat of screen time. Also consider parental control software to set limits on when kids can use the PC, laptop or tablet and to restrict when—and where—they can go online.

You can also encourage kids to use technology in a manner that stimulates their brain, such as reading a book on a tablet, working on a brain puzzle on the computer, or practicing their keyboard or typing skills. Many schools will provide a list of fun websites kids can access at home or the library to reinforce skills taught in school.

Once the bell rings and school is out for the day, keep your children safe, smart and healthy with each of these approaches.

​6 easy holiday decor ideas to impress your guests

Posted on Nov 9, 2016

(BPT) – Whether you’re planning an extravagant party or simply hosting a few family members, the stress of the holiday season can easily become overwhelming. With your busy schedule and full to-do list, the key to successful entertaining is to keep it simple.

If you’re like most people, you’re probably breaking out your traditional holiday decorations – but why not take it up a notch this year? Here are some easy ideas to instantly rejuvenate your home, wow your guests and create a welcoming environment:

Restyle your shelves

If the shelves in your living or dining room are full of books and baskets the rest of the year, take a moment to declutter. Stash those everyday items away and replace them with elegant holiday décor like pretty dishes, serving pieces or china you’re not already using on the dinner table. You can also sneak in pops of color with ornaments and sprigs of pine.

Wow your guests with new window treatments

Dressing up your windows is an easy way to give a room a fresh look, just in time for company to arrive. Consider motorized window coverings for comfort and convenience, as well as energy savings. Your holiday budget will appreciate it year after year. Combined with timers and sensors, your draperies and blinds will adjust automatically, while you enjoy your company. With the myLink(tm) app from Somfy, you can use your tablet or smartphone to control your window treatments while at home or away. Create the perfect sunrise or sunset scenery with a built in clock that adjusts daily, optimizing the natural light in your home. For more information on motorization, visit somfysystems.com. 

Create a cheerful greeting display

Don’t just stuff all those holiday cards in a drawer or basket – show off your favorites in a festive way. Weave a colorful ribbon along the banister of your staircase or a blank wall and use clips or clothespins to string them throughout. When guests come over, they’ll love seeing themselves featured in your display.

Balance your color palette

While bright red and green tend to be the favored holiday hues, this color scheme isn’t for everyone. If you find yourself shying away from these colors, opt for metallic tones like silver, gold and bronze. These shades bring warmth and cheer to a room without taking away from your existing décor.

Dazzle with lights

Less is more when it comes to sophisticated holiday lights. If you tend to have more guests to your home during the holidays, it’s important to keep your walkways and paths brightly lit, especially if you’re in an icy climate. Spread a few strands of lights along the shrubs or smaller trees that line the path up to your front door to guide your guests safely into your home.

Bring warmth with a fancy fireplace

A fireplace is the finishing touch to a cozy winter living room scene. Not only does it add warmth, it also creates an alluring and inviting environment. An insert fireplace is a great addition to your home, whether you want to build new or replace your current fireplace for a more energy efficient option.

Dress your home to impress this holiday season. These décor tips will have your guests in awe the moment they walk through the door.

Housetraining your puppy: Tips for keeping your dog behaved and your home clean

Posted on Nov 2, 2016

(BPT) – Few things are as exciting as bringing home a new puppy. Whether Chihuahua or Great Dane, a pup’s playful antics delight people of all ages. Having a dog can bring many years of companionship and precious memories, but before you ask, “How much is that doggie in the window?” consider a few expert tips for positive housetraining.

Responsible pet parents start planning long before bringing a puppy home. “Research your lifestyle – what your living accommodations are. Do breed research into what you want the pet for,” says Dr. Chris Stearns, partner at Dalton Animal Care clinic in Dalton, Ga. “It’s so important to have the right environment – enough room indoors and out, and enough attention.”

Talk with different people who can share insight about the breeds you are considering. Veterinarians, trainers, groomers and breeders can provide valuable information about what dogs are best for your lifestyle, and what to expect for each in regard to training.

Stearns, along with Stephanie Daughtrey, a certified animal behaviorist at the clinic, offers these important tips for housetraining your puppy and keeping your home intact in the process.

1. Know potty triggers

Start by understanding your puppy’s potty triggers. What exactly stimulates a pup’s bladder and digestive system? While it varies from dog to dog, triggers are typically feelings of excitement, like when visitors arrive, and particular times of day, like after he wakes up or right before bed. Keep in mind, puppies will need to go after eating and/or drinking – usually within 15 minutes.

2. Establish a routine

Find a designated “potty patch” outdoors so your dog can associate that space with doing his business. Start by leash walking the pup to that spot so he can focus before spending any time playing.

If your dog doesn’t go, consider keeping him on a leash inside too. Rotate 15 minutes inside and 15 minutes outside. Stay close to your new furry family member. If he starts to circle and sniff, in that familiar way, take him outside. If he starts to squat to urinate, clap or make a sharp sound that will stop him in the act. You can transfer him outside to finish and praise him there.

“Young puppies learn through positive reinforcement – not negative. Give them a treat when they go potty outside – that reinforces the good behavior right then and there. Praise them with a happy tone of voice,” says Stearns.

3. Avoid indoor accidents

Accept that a puppy will need to go outside every one or two hours. It’s the owner’s responsibility to provide plenty of time outdoors, otherwise if left unattended for extended periods, a puppy will find a place to piddle.

“Close the doors out of the room where the puppy is – get baby gates to seal off other areas. A puppy will seek out areas of the house that are not part of the ‘family den’,” says Daughtrey.

4. Clean messes immediately

“Accidents will happen,” says Stearns. “Expect it and work with it when it happens. You must deodorize it, so he can’t use it as a scent-marking area. Use a product that does more than just mask the odor – it needs to enzymatically destroy the chemical in the urine.”

Start by blotting to absorb as much liquid as possible. Then treat the mess with a pet stain and odor remover that has the Carpet and Rug Institute Seal of Approval. Each certified product that features the national trade association’s seal goes through rigorous testing in an independent laboratory, so you can be confident you’re treating the stain, removing the odors, and protecting the integrity of your carpet.

If your carpet becomes deeply soiled from multiple accidents and dirty little puppy paws, you may want to consider hiring a professional carpet cleaner. For those with allergies, frequent vacuuming and regularly-scheduled cleaning will remove virtually all embedded allergens and pet dander. Certified CRI Seal of Approval service providers have the experience needed to treat stains, remove odors and leave carpet looking like new. Visit www.carpet-rug.org to find a provider near you.

5. Spay or neuter

Finally, spay or neuter your dog at the appropriate age according to your vet’s recommendations. Unneutered dogs typically urinate more in the house as an action of marking their territory, so it’s something every caring pet parent should consider.

Creative twists turn up the heat on popular menu items

Posted on Oct 26, 2016

Favorite dishes, presented with a twist, can make any fall gathering a special event, whether you’re barbecuing in the backyard or tailgating before the big game.

Here are four favorite ingredients and some hot new ways to use them this season.

1. Jalapeno peppers – You love them on nachos and they wake up any omelet, but have you ever thought of adding jalapenos to ice cream? The combination of heat from the peppers, sweet from other ingredients such as fruit, and the coolness of the frozen treat make for a stimulating and unique experience. Pull out your ice cream maker and whip up a batch of chocolate jalapeno ice cream or mango-jalapeno sorbet. It’s easy to find such recipes online and in no time at all, you’ll create a dessert that’s both hot and cold and will keep people talking until Christmas.

2. Pickles – While you love them all year long, pickles are among the royalty of condiments. Why not let them hold court in dishes where you might not usually expect them? Start with pickles that celebrate the essence of freshness, such as Farmer’s Garden by Vlasic in Kosher Dill Spears or Halves, or Zesty Garlic Chips. Made with farm-grown cucumbers, hand-picked garlic, carrots, peppers, herbs and spices, each jar is delivered fresh to-your grocery store. Free of preservatives and artificial colorings, they’re naturally low-fat and low-calorie. Toss pickles on the grill or use them to add zing to favorite dishes like deviled eggs.

3. Barbecue sauce – Grilled goodies surely would not be the same without barbecue sauce. It makes burgers bodacious and wings take flight. But imagine that spicy, savory zing paired with the intense richness of dark chocolate; it’s a match made in heaven. Barbecue sauce adds moisture and excitement to your favorite chocolate cake or cupcake recipe.

4. Watermelon – Plenty of fresh fruits find their way onto your plate, but few carry the weight (literally and figuratively) of this staple. Watermelon is a great ingredient for everything from salads and salsa to cocktails and Asian-style stir fry. You can even toss a wedge on the grill. Simply brush the edges with oil first to prevent sticking, grill just enough to warm the melon and add some grill marks, and then top it with thinly shaved prosciutto and blue cheese crumbles for a sweet and savory appetizer.

If you’re ready to get adventurous with your ingredients, try this deviled egg recipe from Vlasic, which marries two tastes into one blissful union of flavor:

Deviled Eggs Pickle Boat

Ingredients:

6 eggs

1 teaspoon of mustard

3 tablespoons of mayonnaise

1 tablespoon of chives

1/2 a Farmer’s Garden Kosher Dill Half, finely chopped

2 pieces of red pepper from the Farmer’s Garden jar, finely chopped

1/2 Farmer’s Garden Kosher Dill Half, sliced thin into half moons for garnish

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Boil or steam the eggs for 13 to 15 minutes. Immediately remove the eggs from the hot water and place in ice water to cool. When eggs are cool enough to handle, peel the shells, and split the eggs in half, separating the yolks from the whites.

Place yolks in a bowl with mustard, mayo, salt and pepper, chives, chopped pickles and chopped red pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Place two half-moon pickle slices in each egg white half. Fill remaining egg white with yolk mixture, using a spoon or a piping bag. Top deviled eggs with fresh parsley and chill until ready to serve. Log on to www.farmersgardenvlasic.com/recipes for more great pickle recipes.

The one test that can improve your health today

Posted on Oct 25, 2016

(BPT) – When you provide just one sample of your DNA, researchers are able to use it to learn more about your health history, assess your chances of contracting certain diseases and even gain a better understanding of the importance family history can play in your health outlook. It sounds futuristic, but it is all very real. It’s modern genetic testing, otherwise known as genomic sequencing, and it represents one of the most important tests being used today to improve health outcomes.

To better understand genomic sequencing and how it can help you lead a happier, healthier life, Dr. Richard Sharp, director of the Biomedical Ethics program at the Mayo Clinic’s Center for Individualized Medicine, offers these five things you need to know about this groundbreaking preventive treatment.

1. Genomic sequencing can be tailored to your specific concern. If you’re interested in pursuing genomic sequencing, you have more testing options today than ever before. Researchers can use your sample to analyze a large number of different genes and assess your lifetime risks of developing a whole range of different diseases. They can also narrow the set to specifically measure your risk of developing certain cancers. Finally, they can even look at individual genes to determine your risk of developing traditional genetic diseases.

2. Common fears about genetic testing may be misplaced. “Many patients wonder, ‘If I undergo genetic testing and it reveals that I have this risk of developing disease, is it possible that I might lose my job, that I won’t find a new job, or I won’t be able to get health insurance?'” says Dr. Sharp. Fortunately, laws are in place to alleviate those concerns. In the United States, current legislation protects people from allowing their genetic information to be used against them by employers or insurers.

 3. Genetic testing may uncover unexpected information as well. Your test to determine your risk of developing breast cancer may also shed light on your risks for other diseases such as Alzheimer’s. These so-called secondary findings may or may not be reported to you based on the lab and clinician you work with, so it’s important to discuss how secondary findings will be handled before having your genetic test done.

 4. The benefits of genetic testing extend beyond merely analyzing your disease risks. As the science of genetic testing continues to improve, its uses do as well. Today, genetic testing is being used not only to identify a patient’s risk of contracting a certain disease but also to understand how the person’s body metabolizes drugs, and even to avoid the potential for future negative reactions to certain drugs.

 5. Your genetic testing may be covered by your insurance. “Many forms of genetic testing are covered by insurers, although like with any new technology or diagnostic test, there can be gaps in coverage,” says Dr. Sharp. “The Center for Individualized Medicine at Mayo Clinic has been very interested in trying to find ways to demonstrate the value of genetic testing so that a large number of payers will feel comfortable covering that kind of test.”

To find out more about genomic sequencing and other research initiatives, please visit the Center for Individualized Medicine at Mayo Clinic. For journalists interested in speaking with Dr. Richard Sharp, please email your request to newsbureau@mayo.edu.

Germaphobes 101: Expert tips to stay healthy

Posted on Oct 19, 2016

Clean kitchens
 According to the National Sanitation Foundation, more than 20 percent of foodborne illnesses come from mistakes in the kitchen. The bacteria that could be in the raw chicken you’re cutting up for tonight’s casserole can instantly spread once you wipe your hands on the dish towel. So here’s how to stay vigilant:

* Stop sponges from spreading bacteria-that you just cleaned up. Replace sponges regularly and wash them thoroughly with soap after using. You can also kill harmful bacteria by tossing a damp sponge in the dishwasher or by zapping it in the microwave for approximately 30 seconds.

* Wipe down countertops, faucets, refrigerator and oven handles, cabinet knobs, light switches and the telephone regularly with soapy water or disinfectant wipes.

* To control the spread of bacteria in and around the kitchen sink, a hands-free faucet, like the Moen Haysfield pulldown kitchen faucet with MotionSense technology, will make a significant difference by limiting the number of surfaces you’ll have to touch, especially while cooking. Simply wave your hand over the ready sensor or place your hands below the spout to start the flow of water. Bacteria are instantly washed away – rather than lingering on the faucet handle.

* Often overlooked, the ice dispenser is a proven area of concern for yeast and mold, which are a problem for those with allergies. To properly clean, turn the icemaker off, empty the ice and wash the bin with mild dish soap and warm water.

Bacteria-free bathroom
 Hot and humid areas like bathrooms are breeding grounds for bacteria. In fact, even small surfaces like the bathroom faucet handle can be home to 6,267 bacteria per square inch, according to WebMD. Keep the bathroom cleaner by taking the following steps:

* Before mold takes hold, launch an attack on shower gunk by cleaning tiles, shower curtains and doors with an all-natural cleanser; not bleach which can eat away at grout. For extra cleaning power, heat diluted vinegar in a bowl and pour into a spray bottle. To prevent mildew and mold build-up in the shower, leave the shower doors open when not in use.

* Keep surfaces clean and disinfected-to reduce the spread of stain- and odor-causing bacteria. Did you know, on an unprotected surface, bacteria can double in number every 20 minutes? Luckily, the new Moen Ashville two-handle bathroom faucet featuring Microban antimicrobial protection will help guard against stain- and odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew. Microban technology is built into the faucet finish, so it works continuously, even between cleanings.

Healthy home
 It’s also important to tackle the rest of the house with the same consciousness. Here are a few tips that will keep harmful germs and allergens from spreading room to room:

* Clean your cleaners. You may clean out the dust container routinely, but when was the last time you cleaned the vacuum upholstery tool or brush roll? Rather than sucking up allergens, these attachments could be spreading them throughout your home.

* The washing machine is actually swarming with bacteria that can find their way onto your clothes – and eventually you. Kitchen towels and undergarments are the biggest culprits and can harbor bacteria, such as salmonella and E. coli, which detergent doesn’t kill. To prevent harmful germs from spreading, combine these items together and wash with hot water and non-chlorine bleach. Take extra precaution by cleaning the washer out with a disinfecting wipe after washing a load in hot water.

* A dusty ceiling fan can send dust mites scattering to bedding and furniture, contributing to allergies and sinus infections. Ceiling-fan dusters are a quick and easy way to get this job done. This should be done every other month if you use the fan year-round.

This season channel your inner germaphobe and take a few extra steps to prepare your home to fight off bacteria.

For more information about Moen products, visit moen.com or call 800-BUY-MOEN.