Why You and Your Family Should Eat More Organic Food

Have you been hearing about how you and your family should eat more organic food? Do you ever wonder why? There are actually all kinds of reasons why you and your family should eat more organic food. Here are some of those reasons.

Nutritional and Flavor Superiority

While not all experts agree on this, many natural health enthusiasts and experts point out the nutritional superiority of organic food. It does make sense that organic food would be more nutritious; after all, plants draw nutrients from the soil, air, water, and sunlight.

If one or more of these elements are lacking, such as may be the case in conventionally-grown foods, then it may be that fewer nutrients make it into the developing fruit, grain, or vegetable. The soil in particular tends to suffer from chemical farming methods, becoming “dead” and subject to erosion. It’s hard to imagine that a really nutritious food can be grown from dead soil and chemicals!

Let’s not forget flavor. While organically-grown foods may be more variable – they tend to be affected more by the forces of nature – nearly everyone who tastes organic foods can attest to the superior flavor of organics. Who knows – maybe your picky child might like organic versions of foods he or she didn’t used to like!

Pesticide Dangers

Various experiments have been done to see just what it takes to remove pesticide residue from conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables. The bottom line is, pesticide residue is extremely hard to remove, requiring soaking in a bleach solution and extensive scrubbing, one experiment found. And it’s impossible to remove whatever the plant has “taken in” as it grows in a pesticide-saturated environment. So “just washing it” is not necessarily a great alternative to eating organic produce!

The presence of pesticide residue on foods has been linked (sometimes preliminary, sometimes quite strongly) to various health problems, from ADHD to hormonal imbalances to cancer.

The Big Picture

Even if you think you can just wash away the pesticides, bear in mind that when you and your family eat more organic foods, you are, in essence, making a statement with your dollars. You are saying that yes, there is a market for organic foods, so keep them coming, please! This market dynamic ultimately tends to drive prices down, too.

There’s more to the big picture. As you and your family eat more organic foods, you are not contributing to destructive, unsustainable methods of farming that have the potential to negatively affect everyone with pesticide run-off, erosion, and other problems.

Whole Grains – Nature’s Superfoods

The whole-grain revolution is underway, and you have probably heard about the healthful benefits of these superfoods. All the information can be overwhelming, though, and it helps to have some practical advice and information regarding whole grains, nature’s superfoods.

What Is a “Whole Grain”?

Beginning with the basics, whole grains are unrefined, which means they are in their complete state. When a grain is refined, it is separated out into its basic components, and the bran and germ are discarded. What’s left is basically the starchy inside of the grain, which is quite similar to sugar (since it’s the plant’s energy supply). Whole grains retain the bran, germ, and every other part of the grain; the whole kernels are just ground up.

Examples of whole grains include whole wheat, millet, quinoa, brown rice, and corn. Here are some ideas on how to prepare and enjoy these superfoods.

* Whole wheat – Besides baking whole-wheat baked goods, you can actually cook wheat berries (the whole grain before it is ground into flour) and eat them as a hot cereal. Cracked or bulgur wheat can be made into tabouleh and other dishes.

* Millet – You may be familiar with this tiny, round, yellow grain in birdseed. But you can buy it for human consumption, too, at most health stores and some grocery stores. Millet cooks into a soft, fluffy dish that you can use like you would rice or coarse cornmeal.

* Brown rice – Chewy in texture, brown rice makes a fine stand-in for just about any recipe calling for white rice. It just takes longer to cook. Brown rice can also be used as a filler for homemade veggie burgers.

* Corn – While many people treat corn like a vegetable, it is a grain, and popcorn is a popular and tasty whole-grain snack. Other ways to enjoy whole corn are in polenta, made with whole-grain corn meal, and whole corn kernels can be mixed into all sorts of recipes.

Health Benefits

The health benefits of whole grains are extensive. For one thing, whole grains have all the vitamins and minerals intact, especially if they are in their whole form and not ground into flour. The whole grain contains important nutrients such as vitamin E, B vitamins, protein, and healthful fats.

Because the bran and germ are still present in whole grains, the fiber content is much greater than in refined grains. Increased fiber helps slow the absorption of whole grains, which may help prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes. Also, fiber is well-known as a healthy part of the diet, helping digestion and maybe even protecting against diseases of the heart and digestive organs.

Reverse Mortgages for Your Aging Parents – Pros and Cons

Reverse mortgages, often called Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) are, essentially, a special type of home loan for people over the age of 62. Such reverse mortgages allow you to take some of the equity in your home and use it as another loan to cover expenses for medical care, vacations, home repairs, or other expenses. Your home acts as the collateral.

As you consider whether or not a HECM would be right for your elderly parents, it’s a good idea to weigh the pros and cons.

Pros

1. There is no need to repay a HECM until the borrowers are no longer living in the home as their primary residence, or if they default on the original mortgage. In other words, as long as your parents keep living in their home, they do not have to repay the loan.

2. HECM money can be used to purchase another home or property.

3. Reverse mortgage “income” is not usually taxable.

4. You may be able to avoid selling your home if you get a reverse mortgage.

5. Your parents can choose how they receive the loan money, such as in the form of monthly payments, as a lump sum, etc.

6. There is no additional monthly payment as there is in a refinance or traditional loan.

7. Your parents will still own their home.

8. If your parents live long enough that they receive loan payments over and beyond the value of their home, they will still never owe more than their home’s value.

9. There is not usually an income requirement.

10. Your parents can live in a nursing home or hospital if necessary for up to 12 months before the loan will be due.

Cons

1. The loan must be repaid upon the death of the borrowers (your parents).

2. The value of your parents’ home will be significantly reduced if they take out a reverse mortgage.

3. Up-front costs, such as closing fees, can be significant (often higher than regular mortgage loans). These fees are taken out of your parents’ home equity, and lenders sometimes neglect to inform borrowers of this.

4. Your parents will still be responsible for real estate taxes, homeowner’s insurance, mortgage insurance, and some other expenses.

5. The burden is on you and/or other surviving family to pay back the loan in the event of your parents’ death.

6. Medicaid eligibility may be negatively affected if your parents take out a HECM.

7. The interest on the HECM is not tax-deductible as it is with a regular mortgage.

8. The interest rate is usually variable, and the interest accumulates and increases as the balance increases.

9. There are fewer resources to leave to heirs as equity is used up.

10. If your parents can’t pay expenses associated with the HECM, such as maintenance fees and taxes, then the loan may become due immediately.

Organic Gardening Tips for Beginners

Organic gardening is almost a redundant phrase! If you are growing your own plants and using natural means of pest and weed control, you’re gardening organically – and this is what people have done for centuries.

If you are thinking of starting an organic garden, here are some helpful tips for those of you who are new to this concept of gardening.

Soil Preparation and Weed Control

Digging and working the soil in the early spring is an important start to gardening. One of the unfortunate side effects of preparing the soil, though, is that weeds enjoy the nice care you’re giving them and spring up almost immediately. There are various ways to deal with this problem organically (as in, not by spraying weedkiller). The weed control you use in the beginning of the season can serve you well throughout the growing season. Here are some options.

* Newspaper makes an excellent choice, and it’s not hard to find a surplus. Lay newspapers several pages thick on your newly-worked soil, wet them down, and cover them with several inches of compost. Alternatively, you can hold the newspapers down with rocks and plant seeds and plants right through the paper (punch holes or make slits in the newspaper when it’s time to plant).

* Cardboard can be used as “sheet mulch.” Beginning in late winter or very early spring, simply lay sheets of cardboard (great way to get rid of those boxes in the basement or attic!) over your garden bed to block out light. Wet down the cardboard. Then cover it with a couple of inches of compost, straw, and/or grass clippings (no weed clippings!). Dampen this with a hose. Add more layers of compost and other organic matter, watering as you go. In a few weeks, the cardboard and compost will break down into rich, weed-free soil.

* Compost and/or mulch alone is helpful, too; you just have to lay it on pretty thick, 2-4 inches.

A few weeds will inevitably poke through (or establish themselves above) the mulch, cardboard, or newspaper. Weed control through the season can be accomplished with a hoe or cultivator, or just by pulling them out. Make sure you stay on top of them! Twice-weekly weeding is not out of the question in the middle of summer.

Pest Control

As growing season begins, pests will find your bounty. To control these pesky bugs organically, you can introduce predator species or use a natural insecticide. Here are some options.

* Soap insecticide, made with a tablespoon of vegetable-based liquid soap and water, will help vanquish many pests when sprayed on and under leaves.

* Damsel bugs, which you can collect from alfalfa fields, will eat aphids.

* Braconid wasps lay their eggs inside host insects that are harmful to your garden, such as moth and beetle larvae (caterpillars).

* Blue, nocturnal ground beetles will eat slugs and snails while you sleep.

Water

If possible, use collected rain water to moisten your garden through the summer. Rain water can be collected in a rain barrel connected to your house’s downspout.

Online Dating 101

For many people, dating online makes sense – with today’s busy schedules and widely varying lifestyles, finding someone to date “in real life” (IRL) may not be feasible. The internet offers the chance to meet people who might not otherwise cross your path.

But the world of online dating can seem intimidating, especially if you are new at it. Here are some tips for getting started with online dating.

It’s Okay to Be Proactive

For some, being proactive about finding a mate may seem like a sign of weakness or simply “not the way they were raised.” But relying on chance is getting less and less effective in an era where people seem to gather in front of their computers in the evenings more than they go out and about. These days, it’s okay to be proactive about dating, whether you’re male or female.

Choose Your Site

As you begin to look around for the right online dating site, check with your friends. They are excellent “filters” who will tell you what the pros and cons are of various sites. You can also do a search for reviews of the sites that interest you.

Some sites do more “filtering” than others, so if you are very cautious you might want to go with the site(s) that have many detailed questions as part of their joining process. If you are more relaxed and open, you might prefer a site that leans more toward letting the members sort things out.

Your Profile

As you begin to fill in questions and talk about yourself, sources point out that it’s good to avoid statements that are too general or cliche (such as “I enjoy spending time with family”). Remember that you are one of many thousands on the site, so make your profile specific and unique. Instead of the bit about spending time with family, mention how you love to spend time with your crazy aunt (or whoever) and how she makes you feel.

Your Picture

Many people agonize over this one, and it’s understandable; that’s the first thing people see when they look at your profile or are matched with you. But your picture should, above all, be something that is typical of you. It’s not a great idea to get dressed up in an outfit that has nothing to do with your personality type or interests, for example.

You can get away with a decent self-portrait, or have friends and/or family take your picture. It’s also a good idea to have more than one picture on your profile, and to have a variety of pictures (some just your face, others full length, etc.). Above all, say multiple sources, make sure the pictures are current.

Be Patient

Even if you’ve heard of someone who met the love of his/her life within 24 hours of joining a dating website, such stories are the exception, not the rule. Experts point out that it can take many weeks to find “the one,” and you may need to take a break and re-join later. Just like IRL dating, you have to sift few quite a few potential matches before you find the right one!

Marriage Problems: How Counseling Can Help

Many couples who are struggling in their marriage turn to therapy in the form of counseling. Other struggling couples aren’t sure if counseling is even worth it – they may wonder what the point is if they’re sure their relationship is finished. But there are some very real ways that counseling can help a marriage, and the two individuals who are in the marriage. Here are some ways that counseling can help, and some things to keep in mind as you seek therapy.

Don’t Wait

Experts point out that the longer you wait to seek help, the more resentment and anger between the parties will build. This makes it harder to repair the damage when you finally do get to counseling. You don’t have to be on the verge of breaking up to seek counseling; like car maintenance, a marriage can benefit from counseling even when problems are small. In fact, this may be when counseling is the most beneficial.

Communication

One of the big benefits of counseling is communication – with the counselor and with each other. For one thing, it can be a great relief to have someone listen to your problems and concerns without interruption and/or without the “baggage” and negative patterns that may arise between marriage partners when they try to discuss the issues.

For another thing, counselors can help married couples communicate with each other more effectively. Counselors help everyone to be heard and understood, and then he or she works with you to find compromises wherein both parties have their needs met.

Focusing on the Marriage

This very basic thing is often forgotten by the husband and wife, and counseling can help. If you are attending counseling sessions, that alone shows that you are putting a priority on your marriage. Then, when you get home, you will have the counselor’s advice in your mind and, hopefully, playing out in your home. This means you are both more focused on your marriage itself, which can be a big help in and of itself.

He Said, She Said

Going to a marriage counselor also means that both parties can be heard without the other party acting as a “filter.” Sometimes without meaning to (and sometimes meaning to!), a spouse may interrupt, put words in the other one’s mouth, have different versions of the same event, or even tend to stretch the truth a bit. A good counselor will help both parties to be heard and hear each other.

The Importance of Chromium

Chromium may be the stuff that shiny bumpers are made of, but it’s also an important mineral for optimal health. It’s important for proper metabolism and other body functions. Here are some of the ways that chromium helps promote health.

Chromium may prevent and/or reduce:

* Hypertension
* Food cravings
* Blood sugar swings
* Alzheimer’s disease
* Heart disease
* Cholesterol in the blood
* Hunger

Chromium is said to aid metabolism and help stabilize blood sugar. Because of its reputation for promoting the proper metabolizing of carbohydrates, chromium is particularly helpful in regulating the swings in blood sugar that can occur when carbs are consumed. It’s said to work with insulin, and help move glucose from the blood to within the cells.

Chromium is said to increase your heart rate, and to reduce the risk of heart disease – an only-too-common problem in modern society. Chromium has a reputation for protecting cells from damage, too, which might account for its possible ability to help ward off Alzheimer’s disease and boost memory.

Food cravings and excessive hunger may also be staved off by chromium. Thus, it may be helpful for those who wish to lose weight.

Signs of Deficiency

Some sources say that most Americans do not consume enough chromium in their diets. Interestingly, eating a lot of sugar can reduce the amount of chromium in the body. How do you know if you are not getting enough chromium? Here is a list of signs that you may be deficient:

* Sudden increase in anxiety, including increased heart rate and a light-headed feeling
* Suddenly feeling tired, lacking energy, or tiring out after light activity
* Mood swings
* Hair loss

Where to Get Your Chromium

It is possible to get too much chromium – experts warn of gastrointestinal ulcers, rashes, feelings of “giddiness,” and damage to vital organs like the kidneys and liver. If you want to avoid getting too much, try getting more chromium in your diet via foods high in this mineral. Foods that have a lot of chromium include:

* Whole grains
* Processed meats
* Dairy products
* Tea
* Brewer’s yeast
* Black pepper
* Mushrooms
* Broccoli
* Coffee

You can also take chromium supplements; you’ll find chromium picolinate, nictitate, or citrate. Some sources say that chromium picolinate is the best form of chromium to take. Chromium does not have an established recommended daily allowance, so it’s measured in “Adequate Intake,” or AI. The AI of chromium for adults aged 19-50 is 35 mcg per day for males and 25 mcg for females. For adults over 50, the AI is 30 mcg for males and 20 mcg for females.

Another interesting way to obtain chromium is by cooking and storing foods in stainless steel pots, pans, and containers. Stainless steel is a metal that contains chromium, some of which makes its way into your food.

How to Tell Your Kids about Your Marriage Break-Up

Many parents dread trying to tell their children about their pending break-up. They are right to be concerned – divorce does affect children, as multiple studies and experiences have shown. But done thoughtfully and with appropriate follow-up, the news about your marriage break-up does not have to be the end of your child’s world. It could even be the gateway toward greater security for your child.

Here are some tips on how to tell your child about your marriage break-up.

Do It Together

While being together may not by what you really want to be right now, sources say it’s important for your child that you present a united front. This should help prevent the child from pitting one parent against the other, or trying to manipulate both parents. If the child sees that you are (perhaps ironically) together on this, then your child will hopefully not see any point in trying to get manipulative.

If the dynamics are such that you can’t tell your children together, then try at least to agree on a similar message to the child/children. That way, even if you are talking to your kids at separate times, you will be saying essentially the same things.

Honesty

While you probably don’t want to lay a bunch of heavy reality on your kids’ heads (especially if they are very young), it is a good idea to let them know there will be some changes. Temper this news with reassurance of both parents’ love for your child(ren). Your children will need to know that the break-up is not their fault, which may take much reminding on the part of the parents.

Keep It Simple and Objective

As you tell your children about the break-up, it’s probably not a good idea to have a big emotional breakdown while doing it. Try to be up-front, objective, and positive in your presentation. After all, it’s not just what you say; it’s how you say it.

Have Ready Answers

You know your child(ren) well – try to anticipate their concerns and have ready answers. Your child may ask if he or she will still get to live in the same house, or which parents he/she will live with. Your child may also ask if you both still love him/her. Being able to anticipate questions and have a ready answer should help your child feel more secure.

Funky Easter Egg Decorations for the Whole Family

Dyeing eggs is a fun way to create family memories. But why not make those memories especially unique with some funky egg decorating techniques? Here are some ideas.

Striped Eggs

Here’s a way to use up spare rubber bands and rubber bands that are thick and thin. For white stripes, put rubber bands on the eggs before dyeing. For colored stripes, put the rubber bands on an egg that’s already dyed in the color you want the stripes. You can also do this before painting the eggs rather than dyeing them.

Snowy Eggs

For a really funky effect, break out the Epsom salt. What you are basically going to do is coat boiled eggs in glue, and then roll them in Epsom salt. Here are some variations on this basic idea:

* Use un-dyed white eggs for a really snowball-like effect.

* Place Epsom salts in a jar; add a few drops of food coloring, cap the jar, and shake vigorously until the salt crystals are evenly colored. Then roll colored or white eggs in the colored salt.

* Dye the eggs first, the roll in white or colored salt.

Beaded Eggs

Coat boiled eggs in glue and roll them in tiny seed beads. You can do separate colors or a mix of colors. If you like, paint designs on the eggs with the glue and a small brush, then dip the eggs into the beads. The beads will only stick where you have the design.

Decoupage

Use cut-up magazines, old stamps, tissue paper, or any thin, pretty paper designs. Apply decoupage medium (or slightly watered-down white glue) to the egg where you want to paste the piece of paper; lay the piece of paper over the decoupage medium and then brush over it with more medium.

Melted Wax

When eggs are just finished being boiled, they are obviously very hot. Adults can take the hot eggs and place them in egg cartons, on stiff paper rings, or on a bottle cap to dry. As soon as the egg is dry but still hot, children can gently color them with crayons. The hot eggshell melts the wax and creates fascinating effects, and little fingers won’t get burned if the egg is set into a stand.

A variation on this is to place crayon shavings on a paper plate. Adults can take a hot, dry egg and place it in the plate of shavings. Children can pinch up bits of shavings and sprinkle them over the egg. The adult can then remove the egg to a stand to cool.

Finding Top Boarding Kennels for Your Pets

Every pet owner has to face the possibility of boarding his or her animal at one time or another. But this prospect makes some pet owners anxious – how do you know if they’re treating your dog well? How do you find the best boarding kennel?

Here are some tips and ideas on what to look for in a top boarding kennel for your fur baby.

Determine What’s Important to You

Pet owners have different ideas about how their pets should be treated; what’s important to one pet owner may not be to another. This depends on factors such as pet temperament, owner expectations, physical characteristic (such as long hair), breed of pet, etc. So sit down and make a list of what matters to you in a boarding kennel. Maybe it’s daily exercise, how much freedom the pets have, or the kennel’s grooming practices.

Visit

If possible, visit a prospective boarding kennel unannounced. Just walk in and look for some key characteristics, such as:

* Is there a staff person available?
* How does the staff act toward your dog? Do they greet him/her? Do they have a nice way with your pet?
* Are staff members willing to answer your questions and take you on a tour of the facility?
* Take a look at the pets that are there – although some pets are anxious no matter what kind of care they receive, look around and see if, overall, the pets seem happy and content.
* Look to see if the pets have plenty of water and food.
* Especially look for sanitary conditions. Cat boxes should be clean, and dogs’ kennels should not have feces or urine in them.
* Look for adequate ventilation and light.
* Are the cats kept well away from the dogs? Cats can get very anxious if they are constantly subjected to the sounds, sights, and smells of dogs.
* How does it smell? A clean, well-kept kennel should not reek.
* The facility should also not be too cold or too hot, and exercise areas should have a weather-protected option in case of rain or snow.

What to Ask

Here are some things you might consider asking the staff about their kennel.

* If pets get severely anxious, what will you do?
* What is your protocol in case of illness or injury of the pet?
* Do you have a vet on site? If not, what vet do you use?
* Do you provide special foods for pets with food allergies? If not, may I provide my pet’s food and treats?
* How often are the pets exercised?
* How often are the kennel areas cleaned?

Cost

Like hotels, some kennels are going to have more amenities and therefore cost more. But others cost a lot without offering any extras, so make sure you do some price comparison. Here are some things to keep in mind as you compare prices.

* Do you charge for a full day if I pick my pet up in the morning?
* Are you closed Sundays?
* Do you provide toys, blankets and bed, or do I need to provide those?
* May I offset the cost by providing my pet’s food and treats?

Why Family Meal Times Are Important

The concept of the family meal seems to be something that belongs in and to the past. Interest in this tradition, however, is reviving, especially as research continues to point to the benefits of family meals.

What is the big deal about family meals, anyway? Are they really important? The research would suggest yes, they are. Here are some of the benefits of having regular family meals, and some reasons why family meal times are important.

Nutrition

Family meals are more nutritious than fast food, even if you use frozen vegetables and canned fruits in your food preparation. If you take a little time to research, you will find that healthy meals do not necessarily take any longer to cook than frozen, packaged foods. Healthy foods do not have to be very expensive, either.

Family meals help prevent spontaneous stops at unhealthy drive-throughs, and provide much better family nutrition.

Economics

Over and over the numbers show that eating at home is a lot cheaper than eating out. Even “cheap” food, such as $1 menus at fast-food restaurants, can be more expensive than an individual portion of a home-cooked meal. For the price of a fast-food meal – say $5 – you can buy (depending on local prices) a head of lettuce and a bag of potatoes, or a couple of pounds of apples and half a pound of cheese.

Communication

This is one of the key benefits to family meal time. Sitting around a table and talking is a way for families to engage each other and learn about what’s going on in each other’s lives. Experts agree that meal times should be as calm and peaceful as possible, so it’s not a good time to “grill” or pump your family members for information. It may be better just to let the conversation naturally grow from your time together.

Learning

If your children are engaging in the meal process – preparing the food, setting the table, helping clean up – then you are teaching them important skills. Children used to learn by helping grown-ups with chores around the house, and they still can! You are also showing them what’s involved in meal preparation, which may foster a sense of appreciation for those who prepare meals for them, both now and in the future.

Another important thing that children learn at family meals is manners. These important skills will serve your kids for their whole lives.

Validation and Security

When you take the time to have family meals, you are telling your family, “You’re worth it.” You are saying, in essence, that your family members are worth time, effort, and money. In fact, studies have shown that family meals can help boost children’s self-esteem, and may improve or prevent deviant behavior in teens.

Family meals establish a routine, too, that helps children feel more secure. Meals can provide a safe haven for youngsters who often find school, homework, socializing, and extracurricular activities overwhelming.

How to Stay Emotionally Healthy When Caring For Your Aging Parents

There’s no doubt that caring for aging parents can tax you emotionally. It can seem like there’s no “right thing” to do; every choice presents pros and cons, and family rivalries and disagreements that used to be dormant come to life. It’s a tough time for everyone.

So how are you supposed to stay emotionally healthy when caring for your aging parents? Here are some tips that may help.

Get Counseling

Getting competent counsel and/or therapy can be a life-saver for those who are caring for aging parents. Group therapy might appeal to you, so that you can connect with others who are going through similar things. Or you might prefer to see a counselor one-on-one.

If you are religious, you might check if your place of worship or a church in your community has a care group for children of elderly parents. You may need help working through the feelings of frustration, guilt, anger, and other feelings that go with caring for elderly parents. Also, family tensions may benefit from some professional advice; you might need some advice on coping with siblings and other family members.

Recognize Your Limitations

You can’t do everything, nor should you. Many children feel guilty because they are not able to visit their parent(s) in the nursing home every day, or they feel guilty because they resent their parent’s presence in their home. In other words, it’s easy to feel guilty because you can’t be and do it all.

However, being realistic about your limitations is important. You can only do what you can do! If you have to, write it down. Make a clear list of what you can and can’t do, and don’t feel guilty about it. Then do what you can do with love and compassion, and you need not feel bad about not being there 24/7.

Ask for Help

Whether you ask other family members or professional care-givers for help, it’s important that you share the burden with others. (And remember, don’t feel guilty!)

See if you can split up your parent’s needs among various people, so everyone has a small job. For example, one person can run a couple of errands a week; another person can sit with your parent for an hour or two while you get something done; someone else could help with housework or babysitting (if you have young children in addition to aging parents).

Legal Help

Sometimes, family dynamics are such that you have to call in legal help. A guardian may need to be appointed, or you may need to get your parent committed if he or she refuses to enter a nursing home facility.

Emergency Alert Systems: How to Choose the Right One

Emergency Alert Systems (EAS’s) can give you and your parents peace of mind. They allow the person to live independently but still have access to emergency services if necessary. If you’ve decided that this is what your parent(s) need(s), then you might be wondering how to choose the right one. Following is some information that may help.

EAS Types

First of all, there are various types of EA systems. Most of them consist of a central monitor that looks like a router or baby monitor. Then the person wears a belt clip, necklace, or wristband (sometimes all three) to allow him or her immediate access to emergency services.

* “Panic Button” – These types of EAS’s require you to push a button to get help. This can be ideal in the event of a fall, burn, or other problem. However, the user must be conscious and able to push the button, and he or she must understand how it works. For people with dementia or Alzheimer’s, learning new information like this can be nearly impossible. Also, if the person is unconscious, he or she cannot push the button, obviously.

* Personal Emergency Response Systems – Not unlike the call button in a hospital room, these types of EA systems respond to callers by routing them to a monitoring center. The staff at the monitoring center determine whether or not help should be called, and what sort of help is necessary. For instance, the staff try to talk to the caller to find out the problem and respond accordingly. If there is no answer, the monitoring center will send emergency services to the residence.

* Direct Calling to 911 – With this type of system, the elderly person uses the EAS to call directly to 911. This may seem ideal at first, but bear in mind that a “middle man” (monitoring center) can help a lot in determining the right kind of help that’s needed. Also, a monitoring center can contact family members to let them know what’s going on. EAS’s that call directly to 911 may help the user get help faster, though.

Other Things to Consider

As you look around for the right EAS, find out what the company’s cancellation policy is. Some companies have a contract, not unlike cell phones.

It’s also a good idea to find out where the call center/monitoring center is located. If it’s located overseas, there could be a language barrier that could affect your loved one’s ability to communicate to the staff and understand what’s being said.

Cost is, of course, another factor. You will find that most EAS’s cost between $25 to $35 each month, but you may be locked into a contract.

Delicious Eggplant Recipes

Many people have no idea what to do with eggplants. The deep purple color and shiny skin are attractive, but what exactly to do with this funny-shaped vegetable?

First, let’s take a look at the healthful properties of eggplant.

Eggplants are in season from August to October, and are relatively easy to grow in a home garden. They are related to tomatoes, and are not unlike tomatoes in their growth habit. Nutrients in eggplants include:

* Dietary fiber
* Manganese
* Potassium
* Folate
* Vitamin K
* Vitamin B6
* Copper
* Tryptophan

Eggplants’ flavor is pretty neutral, which makes it a casserole-friendly vegetable (it tends to take on the flavors of what surrounds it). Here are some recipe ideas for including this healthful veggie in your diet.

1. Dip (3 servings)

Known as baba ganoush, eggplant dip is a well-known food for those who eat Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods. Serve this creamy dip with pita wedges.

Ingredients:
* 1 medium eggplant
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 1/2 teaspoons each of cumin and paprika
* 1 tablespoon tahini
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 2 garlic cloves, “bashed” and peeled (“Bash” garlic by placing it under the flat side of a knife and giving the sideways knife blade a good smack with your hand)
* 1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley
* Kosher salt to taste

Roast eggplant by pricking it with a fork and placing it on a foil-lined cookie sheet. Bake at 450 degrees F for about 20 minutes.

When cooled, cut the roasted eggplant in half and scoop out the flesh. Place it and the other ingredients into a blender and whiz until it’s a smooth puree. You may need to add additional lemon juice or olive oil to get it to blend properly. When it’s creamy, remove to a bowl and drizzle with additional olive oil and sprinkle with parsley.

2. Eggplant Pasta

Use ziti, penne, or bowties for this dish.

Ingredients:
* 1 eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes (peeling on)
* 1 large red onion, coarsely chopped
* 2 yellow or orange bell peppers, coarsely chopped
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

* 1 jar spaghetti sauce

* 16 ounces pasta
* 1 10-ounce package fresh spinach, chopped
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 450; combine the first 5 ingredients in a bowl, stir, and pour out into a cookie sheet or jellyroll pan. Roast vegetables for 20-30 minutes.

Prepare pasta according to package directions. Mix cooked pasta, vegetables, spaghetti sauce, and spinach in a bowl, then pour into a 3-quart baking dish. Top with cheese. Bake at 400 for 20 to 25 minutes.

Easy Easter Craft for the Preschooler

There’s something about Easter that lends itself to crafts. Preschoolers tend to love making things, so why not take advantage of the time of year to make some easy and fun crafts?

For preschoolers, it’s important to choose crafts that are easy and fast. Children this age do not have marathon-length attention spans, and they need to see results to keep their interest up. Sometimes crafts need to be done in stages, and if that’s the case, try breaking up the craft into short sessions until it’s finished.

Here are some ideas for easy Easter crafts for your preschooler.

1. Egg Carton Tulips

Make a colorful bouquet that won’t wilt! Here is what you’ll need:

* Cardboard (not foam) egg carton
* Green pipe cleaners
* Craft paint in various colors
* Yellow craft beads (about the size of a small marble)
* Sharp pencil
* Vase

First, let your child paint the underside of the carton – the cup-shapes – in whatever colors he/she likes.

Then, once the paint is dry, cut the egg carton into segments. Each cup will be one tulip bloom, so keep that in mind as you cut the carton apart. Cut out as many cups as you want.

Next (grown-ups only!), use the sharp pencil to punch a hole in the bottom of each cardboard cup. Thread a green pipe cleaner up through the hole so that it pokes up into the center inside of the cup. Thread the yellow bead onto this part of the pipe cleaner to make a yellow inside of the tulip. Bend the pipe cleaner around so that it holds the bead and prevents the pipe cleaner from sliding back out of the hole.

Place the tulips in the vase.

2. Brown Bag Nest

Use this nest for whatever you like. It looks especially nice with some plastic or dyed eggs, or with the cute yellow chicks in craft #3 below!

You’ll need:

* 1 brown paper lunch bag
* Handful of small twigs and sticks
* 1 empty pie plate or plastic plate
* White glue

Take your preschooler outside to gather twigs and sticks. Make sure they’re dry! Let your preschooler snap the twigs into small pieces (2 to 4 inches long) Once inside, pour some glue out onto the empty pie plate or plastic plate. Then “smunch” the paper bag down from the top, crunching it into a round shape with a hollow in the middle. Dip the twigs into the glue and press them onto the bag all around the nest and allow to dry.

3. Yellow Chicks

Use these cuties in a basket or in the bird nest above. You’ll need:

* Scissors, both kitchen shears and regular
* Basket or birds’ nest
* Yellow work glove
* Craft glue
* Orange and yellow felt or craft foam
* Plastic googly eyes
* Easter grass

Cut a hole in the bottom of the basket or birds’ nest that’s just big enough for your child’s hand. Poke the work glove up through the hole, only up to the cuff. Now use craft glue to mount the cuff of the glove to the bottom of the basket or nest.
Glue the glove’s thumb so that it’s out of sight (only 4 chicks in this craft!). Using the scissors, yellow felt (or craft foam), and craft glue, cut out small “combs” for the tops of the chicks’ heads and glue in place. Use the orange felt/craft foam to make beaks and glue them on. Glue on googly eyes. Put some Easter grass around the chicks to look finished.

Easy Menu Planning Tips for Busy Moms

Even if you are not overly busy, the task of planning and preparing meals can get overwhelming. But for moms who are busy – and which one’s aren’t?? – planning a weekly or daily menu can seem nearly impossible.

The good news is, you can address this task of meal preparation and make it possible. Here are some tips to help you do that.

Kitchen Organization

Before we get into meal planning specifically, let’s talk organization. One of the things that makes meal preparation difficult and frustrating is hunting down kitchen implements and/or condiments. Get your pantry, spice rack, cabinets and drawers organized so that the things you use most are handy.

This has an added bonus – you’ll know just what’s in your pantry and cabinets, so you lower your risk of letting food go bad before it’s used, and you increase the effectiveness of your grocery list.

The Freezer Is Your Friend

Take advantage of your freezer. If you have a case freezer, all the better. When you cook something freezable, double the amount of the dish and freeze the extra. Preparing more food does not usually take longer; but if it does, as in the case of breads or cookies, then you can freeze the dough or batter to get a head start on next time. So as you plan your meals, keep freezing and the appropriate portions in mind.

Worksheets

Okay, so maybe this seems like overkill; but having a template worksheet that you can fill out weeks in advance will save so much time in the end. Planning does take time, but a lack of planning can waste time. So design your own template or download one from the internet – look for one that has all the days of the week and all the meal categories.

Each week’s list of meals should have a grocery list attached that pertains to that week’s meals. You can do this weeks in advance, or week-by-week. If you like to plan your meals according to coupons and store specials, you might want to do it one week at a time so you can plan your meals according to those sales.

Another word about the worksheets – in addition to having a template for meal planning, it’s a good idea to have a template for your grocery list, too. Arrange it in accordance to your store’s layout to make shopping easy and to help avoid trips back and forth through the aisles.

Fall-Back Recipes

Include several super-easy, fall-back recipes for days when you are just too busy or tired. Make it something that you can cook with your eyes closed – a no-brainer recipe, like pasta with jarred sauce, baked chicken breasts, or hamburgers. Include some of these on your list, or go ahead and plan for a no-brainer once a week.

Remember the Leftovers

As you plan your meals, count on leftovers and incorporate them into your meal planning. Chili for dinner could become chili-cheese-pasta or taco salad for lunch. Leftover linguine could become a lunchtime pasta salad. Leftover dinner chicken makes great lunchtime chicken salad.

Go easy on yourself – no one can plan every minute or every ingredient! Give it your best shot, and don’t forget to ask others in your household to help out.

Easter Table Decoration Ideas

From quick and easy to elaborate, Easter table decorations can really set the mood and make a beautiful table. Here are some ideas for dressing up your table this Easter.

1. Color Block Eggs

This is one of those simple ideas that you can’t believe you hadn’t thought of before! This table decoration is versatile and lends itself to items you probably already have. You’ll need:

* 3 to 6 bowls of varying height and size, but the same color – preferably all white or all clear
* Eggs dyed in 3 to 6 colors that match your table and dining room decor

Place eggs in the bowls, one color per bowl. Arrange the bowls around the middle of the table so that the small, low bowls are in front and the tall ones in the middle or toward the back. That’s it!

2. Egg “Salad”

Did you ever think to use large lettuce leaves for a table centerpiece? Simply place large leaves of lettuce such as Romaine (you could use kale, too) on a pretty plate or in a shallow bowl. A cake dish or bowl on a pedestal would work best, or turn a flower pot upside-down and set a bowl on top of it. Place brown and white eggs (or dyed eggs) on the bed of lettuce/kale.

3. Easter Tree

For decorating, an Easter tree makes one of the loveliest additions to a table. You’ll need:

* Glass container such as a wide jar or straight-sided bowl or glass
* Rocks
* Two or three interestingly-shaped branches
* Pink and green tissue paper (or another color if you prefer – whatever works with your table colors)
* Small plastic or toy birds, such as you find in craft stores
* Hot glue gun

Place the rocks gently in the glass container. Place the branches into the container, arranging the rocks so that they hold up the branches. Then, tear the tissue paper into pieces about the size of an egg. Crumple the tissue paper into little wads and glue these to the branches using the hot glue gun. Glue on a few of the little birds, too.

4. Green Grass

Wheat grass is not just for healthy eating – it makes a great centerpiece and is very easy to grow. You’ll need:

* 2 to 4 cardboard egg cartons
* Plastic tray that will accommodate cartons (a dish pan or roasting pan could work)
* Potting soil
* Wheat berries

Fill the egg cartons with potting soil, stopping about 1/8 inch from the top of each cup. Place filled cartons in the tray and water thoroughly. Next, sprinkle about 1/4 teaspoon of wheat berries into each cup. Sprinkle a little potting soil over the berries, just until they are hidden from sight. Water thoroughly again once you have all the cups filled with soil and berries.

Place in a warm place. Keep the soil moist with a spritzer and after just 2 or 3 days, your wheat grass will begin to emerge. When it is thick and green, place the egg cartons on the table and nestle Easter decorations down among the grasses.

Easter Egg Hunt Ideas

The traditional Easter egg hunt is fun, but sometimes it needs a fresh approach! Organizing a hunt well is also key. Here are some Easter egg hunt ideas and tips.

Choose the Right Spot

There are some things to consider as you choose the spot for your egg hunt. First, consider the proximity of the place to the road – excited kids often forget where they are and what they’re doing. So make sure the hunt area is far enough away from traffic or separated from the road by a fence.

Next, consider hiding places. A big open field is fun, but it is not terribly challenging. Maybe a park with trees and other interesting nooks and crannies would work.

Sunny locations are wonderful, but remember that sunshine heats up the inside of a plastic egg pretty fast. Unless you want a lot of melted chocolate on hands, faces, and clothes, put eggs containing chocolate in the shade or, alternatively, put “coupons” in the eggs that kids can trade for chocolate candy.

Plastic, not Boiled

Go for plastic eggs in your hunt. For one thing, it’s a lot easier than boiling and dyeing dozens of eggs; for another, plastic eggs can be filled with goodies and, when empty, re-used.

Just make sure you keep count of how many eggs you set out, so that you know if there are still some eggs that need to be found.

Include Everyone

Children, especially very young children, have a hard time understanding the concept of winning and losing. If you want to keep things peaceful, just put variations of the same thing in each egg. You could have a few “special” eggs, perhaps one with a rolled-up dollar inside, or extra candy.

Think about keeping a few eggs aside so that a very young child or a child who couldn’t find any can have a “consolation prize.”

Think Beyond Candy

Parents are pretty health conscious these days. You might consider filling the eggs with something besides candy, like small toys (always be aware of choking hazards), balloons, marbles, polished rocks, and coins. Try to be gender-neutral, or differentiate boys’ and girls’ eggs by colors.

Keep Count of Guests

Nothing spoils an egg hunt like not having enough to go around! Make sure you invite only a certain number of participants, and plan accordingly. It’s always a good idea to have extras on hand, too, just in case – eggs can get damaged or lost.