Kids and Their Relationship With The Earth

While over at Beliefnet.com, I was reading an interesting article about how you can help your child become green and understand their relationship to the earth.

Anyone with children in their home, knows how busy the household is. There never seems to be enough time in a day to do everything. In most households where both parents work it is hard to fit everything in. You come home from work and need to do chores, make dinner, take care of homework etc.., there doesn't seem to be time left over before it's bedtime and then start over. Sound familiar?

Taking a few minutes each night or on the weekends to do the below suggestions, not only will improve the quality time with your kids, but you will be creating lasting memories.

* Have your child plant a seed or help with the garden. Have your kids nurture what they planted and watch it grow.

* Appreciate the beauty that surrounds you and/or listen to what you hear in nature. Stop and listen to the birds singing, look at the rain, the geese flying overhead, the lake, the sunsets.

* Plan a meal or two with your kids. Involve them in the meal preparation. Have them pick out some ingredients. Take them on a special shopping trip to the market.

* Try to have your child spend less time watching TV, being on the Internet or playing video games. Offer other interesting alternatives. Reading a book. Beliefnet.com offered the idea of reading 50 Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth

* Do some arts and crafts with your child. Use some old buttons and jewelry that you may have laying around.

* Have you ever had a simple conversation about the circle of life with your child? Explain nature. Why do the leaves turn colors? When do deer come out to feed?

* Feel great and be healthy. Be silly. Laugh. Dance around or sing. Do some stretching exercises.

* Make some memories by feeding the animals. Remember as a child you took the crust from the bread or the old bread mom wanted to throw away and you fed the birds? I have this memory. My grandmother and I used to hang out the window and throw the bread. We'd watch the birds hurry to eat it all.

* Get outside. Breathe the air. Do some outdoor activities. Walk the dog together.

How do you teach your children about the earth?

To The Good Ole Days...

After reading this, I found myself nodding my head...remembering my childhood, remembering the memories. I think there is something so truthful about these statements. The children of today might not get to experience life in this way and it's a shame. I hope you enjoy reading this. There are life lessons in each statement.

Here is a pretty neat little thing from Paul Harvey, a radio personality.
Paul Harvey Writes:

We tried so hard to make things better for our kids that we made them worse. For my grandchildren, I'd like better.
I'd really like for them to know about hand me down clothes and homemade ice cream and leftover meat loaf sandwiches. I really would.

I hope you learn humility by being humiliated, and that you learn honesty by being cheated.
I hope you learn to make your own bed and mow the lawn and wash the car.
And I really hope nobody gives you a brand new car when you are sixteen.

It will be good if at least one time you can see puppies born and your old dog put to sleep.

I hope you get a black eye fighting for something you believe in..

I hope you have to share a bedroom with your younger brother/sister. And it's all right if you have to draw a line down the middle of the room, but when he wants to crawl under the covers with you because he's scared, I hope you let him.

When you want to see a movie and your little brother/sister wants to tag along, I hope you'll let him/her.
I hope you have to walk uphill to school with your friends and that you live in a town where you can do it safely.

On rainy days when you have to catch a ride, I hope you don't ask your driver to drop you two blocks away so you won't be seen riding with someone as uncool as your Mom.

If you want a slingshot, I hope your Dad teaches you how to make one instead of buying one.
I hope you learn to dig in the dirt and read books.

When you learn to use computers, I hope you also learn to add and subtract in your head.

I hope you get teased by your friends when you have your first crush on a boy\girl, and when you talk back to your mother that you learn what Ivory soap tastes like.

May you skin your knee climbing a mountain, burn your hand on a stove and stick your tongue on a frozen flagpole.

I don't care if you try a beer once, but I hope you don't like it.. And if a friend offers you dope or a joint, I hope you realize he is not your friend.

I sure hope you make time to sit on a porch with your Grandma/Grandpa and go fishing with your Uncle.

May you feel sorrow at a funeral and joy during the holidays.

I hope your mother punishes you when you throw a baseball through your neighbour's window and that she hugs you and kisses you at Hannukah/Christmas time when you give her a plaster mold of your hand.

These things I wish for you - tough times and disappointment, hard work and happiness. To me, it's the only way to appreciate life.

So...do you agree?

Halloween Candy Recall

With Halloween just a couple days away, here is a recall you should be aware of.

Sherwood brand Pirate's Gold Milk Chocolate coins are being recalled due to the fact that they contain Melamine, the ingredient in milk product that has caused many infant deaths in china. These candies are sold at Costco, as well as many bulk and dollar stores. Please make sure to spread the word and DO NOT EAT THE PIRATE COINS (you know the ones wrapped in the shiny gold foil) and please let other parents know about this!

This recall is mainly affecting Canada, but they are not sure if this candy crossed the border into the US.
Read the Snopes article HERE

Thinking about all the trick or treating I did as a child and those of my son, I don't remember having to worry about evil acts by candy givers or candy recalls etc...My parents only concern was that I didn't eat ALL the candy before returning home.

I do remember how when the times had changed and parents had to worry about when the razor blade in apple scare surfaced and tainted candy was being handed out. WHY? Why do people do this?

Now you not only have to worry about what your children might eat that will make them ill, but you can't let children go trick or treating alone for fear of something bad happening to them.

With Today's constant recalls and awful acts happening all around us, worry me. Are you worried about letting your child go trick or treating? Has all your trust diminished?

I do hope all have a safe and fun Halloween.

Obtain Better Health

Drinking the juice of fresh fruit and vegetables has the power to protect us from disease and illness by strengthening our immune system. It stimulates our metabolism and keeps us 'clean' on the inside.

I published a squidoo lens that will provide all you need to know about juicing...you will learn how to obtain better health, review a dosage chart so you can see the amount of vitamins needed to keep our bodies healthy, which fruit and vegetable juice will help with any symptoms you are experiencing and much more.

Read my complete informational lens by going HERE

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Make Children Play Outdoors

When I was a child, we didn’t have computers, video games or hand held devices to play with. We were always outside playing. Kick ball, hide and seek, tag, climbing trees, walking in the park, baseball, riding our bikes and any other game we thought of.

It seems the children of today do not know how to ‘play’ outside. They are too busy watching TV, playing video games or being on the computer. Never mind those who are dropped off at the mall to hang out doing nothing.

Lack of physical activity and eating fast foods is causing our children to be overweight. I brought my niece to the county fair last week and I was truly amazed at how many children I saw who were overweight. The ratio to the children I noticed who were of average weight was surprising. I don’t remember seeing my peers as a kid with excess pounds. Thinking back to your youth, do you remember any of your friends being overweight? It’s bothersome to me because I think parents are not getting involved with outside play with their children.

It’s never too late to help your kids get back in shape. Instead of sedentary games, being on the computer and watching tv or texting on the cell phone, introduce your kids to outside play. Maybe teach them the games you played as a kid. Have an old fashioned game of wiffle ball or kick ball. Sure they might roll their eyes, but you never know…they may end up enjoying it. The quality family time is a plus.

Some Ideas for Family Play Time:
Play tag or touch football
Have a family relay race
Fly a kite
Roller blade or roller skate
Ride bikes
Go swimming
Toss around a frisbee

Did you know according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the last 30 years the percentage of overweight children has increased?

Ages 2 to 5 yrs - increased from 5.0% to 13.9%
Ages 6 to 11 yrs - increased from 6.5% to 18.8%
Ages 12 to 19 yrs - incrased from 5.0% to 17.4%

Start your family on the road to healthier living by being more active...include outdoor play.

Need to lose weight? Try eDiets.com!

Helpful Flying Tips

You may be planning a trip that requires you to fly. If your destination requires a lengthy flight, you want to make sure you are comfortable. Planning ahead can prevent health problems. Your trip should be enjoyable and fun filled. You certainly don’t want your flight to put a damper on your vacation, nor slow you down.

Some suggestions when flying:

To relieve stress from ear pressure, chew gum. You can also swallow or yawn. Using ear plugs will also regulate ear pressure. If you are traveling with an infant, use a pacifier or give them a bottle during take offs and landings.

If you have allergies or upper respiratory congestion, take an antihistamine or a decongestant spray prior to flying. This will help with ear pressure pain.

If you had dental work, try to avoid flying for 12 hours after having the work done. The change in cabin pressure can be painful.

Avoid eating junk foods high in sugar and caffeinated drinks. They can cause a temporary surge in energy and then followed by a lull

Drink fluids: water or natural juices to keep you hydrated and prevent deep vein thrombosis

Exercise your feet while sitting. Flexing your feet and moving them in a circular direction will exercise your calf muscles. Leave room under the seat in front of you so you can stretch your legs or walk in the aisle for circulation.

Reduce motion sickness by sitting at a window seat near the plane’s wings. That will reduce the motion you feel. It’s also a good idea to open the air vent and avoid reading.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes to help prevent discomfit and swollen feet.

Another Helpful Tip:

In Case of an Emergency, you should also have on hand your medical history, which would include: your blood type, any pre-existing conditions, list of allergies and any medications you are currently taking. Have emergency contact numbers available.

Music Memories

My cousin had an unique baby shower. Her and her husband not only invited friends and relatives, but spouses, significant others and children. It was a beautiful day and they turned this baby shower into a pool and barbecue party.

It really was a good time and I thought it was a great idea. As the hours passed, the music turned a bit nostalgic. We're an Italian family and out of the stereo speakers were old Italian songs blasting. Some made famous by ole blues eyes, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. As the songs played, we all had a 'moment'. One by one you can see the look of recognition as a song came on that brought back a memory. I was even saying...I remember when...
My parents, aunts and uncles always had these songs playing.

Before you knew it, we were all laughing and singing and dancing to the tunes. I asked my cousin which CD was playing because my Mom and I particularly liked the Dean Martin songs. She told me is was Martin Sands, which is a live performance, known to be an historic event at the Sands. Let me explain that this CD was not just music, it was comedy. Dean Martin's jokes and comments had us all hysterical. His style was unique and there will never be another entertainer like him.

Has music ever brought you to think of a childhood memory?

If you like the old songs made famous by Dean Martin, you really should check this one out. It made us laugh and it just has that light, feel good feeling. It's always nice to walk down memory lane...

Happy Father's Day

What Makes a Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so,

He called it ... Dad

~~Author Unknown.~~

Human Errors DO Happen in the Hospital

I am very concerned about human error when in the hospital. During my recent stay in the hospital, a few potential errors might have occurred if I wasn't alert and on top of my care. I made sure I was aware and knew about all the medications I was to receive.

May I suggest that if you find yourself in the hospital or a loved one, make sure you get very involved in their care. You can not leave your life totally in the hands of others. You need to look after yourself.

I wrote a more in depth post on my other blog...A Circle of Women ~ Human Error While in the Hospital and included some Important Tips that you should be aware of.

Please read for your safety and for your loved ones.

Fight Rental Housing Discrimination

I recently received an email asking for my help and/or advice on how to prevent discrimination when looking for rental housing.

The family that contacted me has a very sick child with a rare disease. The family was told to obtain a 'therapy dog' by their physician. For those of you who are not familiar with this term, according to Wikipedia: a Therapy Dog refers to a dog trained to provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, mental institutions, schools, and stressful situations such as disaster areas. A therapy dog is not considered an assistance dog, which assist humans and has legal rights to accompany their owners, but I do feel a certain compassion should be given to this family and not be denied housing.

I also believe this dog should be considered a service dog, which is a type of assistance dog, specifically trained to help people who have disabilities other than visual or hearing impairment. Examples include psychiatric service dogs, mobility assistance dogs, and seizure response or medical response dogs. Service dogs are sometimes trained and bred by private organizations.

To date, this family has been turned down continuously and may find themselves homeless. This therapy dog is making it possible for this child to look forward to another day.

While continuing to get special care for their child, which required trips out of their state, this added burden is overwhelming for them.

In case you or someone you know has been discriminated against, see below:

What types of housing discrimination are renters protected from?
The federal Fair Housing Act and Fair Housing Amendments Act (42 U.S. Code §§ 3601-3619, 3631) prohibit landlords from choosing tenants on the basis of a group characteristic such as:

race
religion
ethnic background or national origin
sex
familial status, including having children or being pregnant (except in certain designated senior housing), or
a mental or physical disability.

What kinds of subtle discrimination are illegal?
The Fair Housing Acts prohibit landlords from taking any of the following actions based on race, religion, or any other protected category:
falsely denying that a rental unit is available to some applicants
advertising that indicates a preference based on group characteristic, such as:

skin color
setting more restrictive standards, such as higher income, for certain tenants
refusing to reasonably accommodate the needs of disabled tenants, such as allowing a guide dog, hearing dog, or other service animal
setting different terms for some tenants, such as adopting an inconsistent policy of responding to late rent payments, or
terminating a tenancy for a discriminatory reason.

How can a renter file a discrimination complaint?
A tenant who thinks that a landlord has broken a federal fair housing law should contact a local office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the agency that enforces the Fair Housing Act, or check the HUD website at www.hud.gov. (A tenant must file the complaint within one year of the alleged discriminatory act.)

If the discrimination is a violation of a state fair housing law, the tenant may file a complaint with the state agency in charge of enforcing the law.

Also,instead of filing a complaint with HUD or a state agency, tenants may file lawsuits directly in federal or state court. If a state or federal court or housing agency finds that discrimination has taken place, a tenant may be awarded damages, including any higher rent paid as a result of being turned down, and compensation for humiliation or emotional distress.

Other tips:
Write to your local paper as the family described above has.
Notify your local news and inform them about the situation. I am sure the landlord wouldn't want bad press coverage.
Start a petition and get as many names as you can who agree you should not be denied housing.

What are your thoughts about this situation? Do you think this family should be denied housing? Please share your comments...


Source: Find Law

Tidbits of Information

Siestas Keeps Your Heart Strong

According to the Archives of Internal Medicine, a study involving 23,000 adults determined that three 30 minute midday naps per week reduced people's risk of suffering a heart attack and dying by 37 percent. Additional found was that even one or two naps each week lowered the risk of heart related deaths by 12 percent.

Author Dimitrios Trichopoulous, MD offers the theory as to why dozing helps defeat heart disease. He says that cat naps can ease heart damaging stress. If you can't take a power nap during your lunch hour at work, at least try a nap or two over the weekend.


Playing Video Games with a New Purpose

According to a new study at University of Rochester, playing video games can improve your vision. Researchers tested gamers and found that they outscored non gamers by approximately 20 percent. Games teach your brain to focus on the important things and filter out distractions. Video games give you the ability to focus on a target shape or focal point according to C.Shawn Green, MA


Source: Men's Health

A Thank You Gift from Me to You

Just to say Thank you.

Whether you just stopped by AC Associates for a visit or if you have contacted my office to request additional help and information or if you completed a transaction with my company, I want to offer you a FREE gift.

Owning a home is a valuable asset. It holds all of your possessions, but nothing is more valuable than your family that reside within it's walls .Protecting your family should be priority and taken seriously.

Nat Alarm has agreed to allow me to present this Free Gift of a Basic Security system. The $99 Installation fee will be waived, which equals FREE. Nat Alarm has over 100 years of experience and the latest technology available in security equipment. Their ratings reflect the highest customer satisfaction and fastest response times in the industry.

The below coupon is yours to use. If interested, please contact me and mention FREE gift. I will need to collect contact information from you to pass along to Nat Alarm.

This is what you will receive with your Coupon:

FREE BASIC SECURITY SYSTEM
1. Security Control Panel
6. Power Supply
2. Key Pad
7. Backup Battery
3. Motion Detector or Glass Break
8. Police, Panic Features activated
4. Three Door Contacts
9. Yard sign & window decals
5. Interior Siren

FREE WITH MONITORING SERVICE
• We are not kidding all of the above is FREE with no cost for equipment
• Save up to 20% on your Homeowners insurance with a security system
• There is NO installation fee either, it is also FREE
• There is no trip charge with Warranty service, that is FREE
• If you move we will move with you for FREE

Thank you again for stopping by AC Associates

Join Me at The Alzheimer's Memory Walk

I ask that you join me in the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer' Disease.

My family was overwhelmed when my grandmother developed this disease years ago. I was only a teen at the time. It was confusing and painful to watch my grandmother, who by then moved in with us, live day to day with the struggle battling within her. One minute she was living in the present and the next she was living in the past. I remember how I cried when she didn't know who I was and how scared she was thinking she was among strangers...seeing the empty look in her eyes. Running out the door to get away from us.

I watched as over time how she deteriorated and it affected her daily life tremendously. Things you and I take for granted, like brushing your teeth, using the facilities...my mother had to do these things for Grandma. Raising a spoon or fork to her mouth was a chore for her.

My mother was sole caretaker because back then, there weren't facilities or the support there is today. We need to continue to raise awareness. Imagine in this day and age, there is still no cure for this disease. Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk is one way we can do our part to contribute to find the best treatment for symptoms, the right services and support. We can help make the lives of millions affected by this disease better. Since 1989, Memory Walk has raised more than $225 million !

Alzheimer's Memory Walk is nationwide and I encourage you to sign up now. Team Captains are also needed. Please sign up early, so you have enough time to recruit a team and raise funds for the cause!
Recruit your co-workers, family and friends. This is such an important charitable cause!

Please visit Alzheimer's Association. You can locate the nearest walk in your area, volunteer your time, sign up to walk or be a Team Captain. If you raise $500 for Memory Walk – you may qualify to win a weekend getaway from the Harrah’s Foundation to Las Vegas. There is no age requirement to walk for Alzheimer's Memory Walk. We all need to come together and do our part to help fight this disease. This is not just an aging disease, this is a brain disorder. The cells in the brain fail and eventually die.

In memory of my Grandmother,I will become a Team Captain and my members will walk on October 7, 2007, in Princeton, New Jersey. If any of my readers live within this area, please contact me and be a part of my team. If participating in the walk is not possible, please consider making a donation To Alzheimer's Memory Walk.

Do You Know About "I C E"?

How many have thought to put 'emergency contact' numbers in your cell phone and/or address book?

It seems no one leaves the house without their cell phone. It has become an extension of us.

"ICE" stands for "in case of emergency". Paramedics and hospital staff advocates cell phone users store emergency contact information in their telephone number list.

Emergency services personal sometimes face difficulties in locating family or interested parties if a victim is found unable to respond to questions. Even if a victim is found with ID, that doesn't mean that information will lead to relatives.

Here's how you add an "ICE" entry in your phone: For the name: put "Ice" or "ICE". Do not place anything else next to the entry. Then place the contact
number of the person you want called. Place a few "ICE" entries in your cell phone.

You could also store these emergency contacts in your phone or address book as; Mom, Dad, Brother, Husband, Son etc...

Place at least one "ICE" number in your cellphone or in your address book today!

US Health Alert: Food Recall

U. S. public health officials issue new warning for botulism.

CLICK HERE: Read News Article and See Food Recall

What is Botulism?
Botulism is a rare, but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin, botulin, that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botulinic toxin is one of the most powerful known toxins. About one microgram of botulin is a lethal dosage. It acts by blocking nerve function and leads to respiratory and musculoskeletal paralysis.

All forms of botulism can be fatal and are considered medical emergencies. Foodborne botulism can be especially dangerous as a public health problem because many people can be poisoned from a single contaminated food source.

Classic symptoms of food borne botulism usually occur between 12-36 hours after consumping the botulinum toxin. However, they can occur as early as 6 hours or as late as 10 days after.

Source Wikipedia

Save On School Shopping With Online Coupons

Have you gone into your local mall lately? Have you noticed that all the back to school items and fall clothing are already being displayed? Seeing these items reminds me that the season will be changing soon.

If you have a child beginning school in September or sending your child off to college, now is the time to purchase all necessities. I remember as a child eagerly waiting for the day I went 'school shopping'. I couldn't wait for school to start to wear all my new clothes, show off my new book bag and notebooks.

You don't have to wait for the sales in the department stores to make your purchases. If you are looking to save money, you should consider using online coupons. Shopping online now is a sure way to purchase what you need before all the items your child needs are gone. Shop at your convenience and not worry about standing in line or driving in traffic.

The featured merchants on EcouponCodes provide promotional savings with coupon codes and huge discounts. New coupons are added daily. You will find over 1000 stores to choose from. Click Here for a category listing to view.

Everyone searches for a 'bargain' and saving $20 or more on each purchase is something worth taking advantage of, plus you're actually getting more for your money shopping online with these coupon codes.

If you decide to shop at a store like Target you can purchase most everything needed for school or college...linens, house wares, clothes, toiletries, notebooks, book bags, shoes etc.
Don't forget the end of season specials on home and garden supplies.

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