Most Popular Articles

April 2007 Archives

Medical Tests and Your Child

We're all familiar with routine blood tests and other diagnostic testing a pediatrician may order for your child. But sometimes, more may be necessary. This directory and explanation of some procedures may better prepare you (and help you prepare your child) for a range of common medical tests.

Taking a medical history and performing a physical examination usually provide the information a doctor needs to evaluate a child's health or to understand what's causing an illness. But sometimes, doctors need t ... Continue reading Medical Tests and Your Child.

Your Children's Health: Diabetes Center

Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose, the main type of sugar in the blood. Glucose, which comes from the foods we eat, is the major source of energy needed to fuel the body's functions. To use glucose, the body needs the hormone insulin. But if someone has diabetes, the body either can't make insulin or the insulin doesn't work in the body like it should.

When your child has diabetes, it's important to learn as much as possible about it so you can help your child manage the disease. But this means arming yourself with the right information. Be sure to ask your diabetes team if you ever come across informatio ... Continue reading Your Children's Health: Diabetes Center.

Appetizer Veggie Pizza Recipe

by Amanda Formaro

Whether it's for a birthday party at the office, a barbecue at your brother-in-law's house, or you're just having a few friends over to watch television, this appetizer is the perfect snack. Topped with fresh vegetables and cheese, you just can't go wrong.

2 cans refrigerator crescent rolls
1 pkg dry Italian salad dressing mix
1/2 cup mayonnaise
8 oz. cream cheese, softened

Toppings:
chopped green onions (scallions)
broccoli, chopped into small flowerettes
red bell pepper, chopped into small pieces
shredded carrot
shredded mozarella cheese
... Continue reading Appetizer Veggie Pizza Recipe.

Kick Off Summer with Recipes that Symbolize the Season

Planning to entertain this summer? If so, you'll need some quick and easy recipes sure to wow the crowds? You can't go wrong by incorporating fruits of the season into your recipes, and you'd better act fast if you want to enjoy one of the most coveted delicacies of the year.

California Bing cherries are plentiful in stores right now, but they'll only be around for a limited time. Their season lasts for two short months -- May and June. The cherries are easy to select and handle because they are ripe and ready-to-eat on your store shelf. When used in recipes, the cherries can be both simple and extravagant at the same time.

Energize Naturally: Switch From a Barista to Bhastrika

By Stacy Seebart, Aagesen Chiropractic Clinic
Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, Certified Yoga Teacher

Imagine you are at work on a gloomy Thursday. It's 3:00 pm and you can feel the effects of your large lunch taking over. Your blood sugar is in flux and you feel sleepy. Thoughts are directed to the closest espresso shop in town. You feel that you need something to get you through the rest of the day. Instead of spending four dollars on that high sugar, high calorie latte you have another choice. You can breathe.

Breathwork has been used by many yoga practitioners to warm up the body a ... Continue reading Energize Naturally: Switch From a Barista to Bhastrika.

How to Make the Most of Your Redecorating Budget

With the slump in housing sales, more Americans are opting to spruce up their current homes rather than go in search of a new house. And while many housing markets across the country have seen flat or even declining real estate prices, people are spending more than ever to redecorate their homes.

In 2006, the average cost of a mid-range kitchen remodel topped $54,000, according to figures released by the National Association of Realtors. According to the National Retail Federation, furniture store sales increased throughout 2006, ending the year around 2.5 percent higher than for the same period in 2005. Top interior design firms ... Continue reading How to Make the Most of Your Redecorating Budget.

Report Boasts Plenty of Positives About U.S. Kids

A recent government report reveals some promising news about America's kids, from how they're doing in school to how they're approaching sex.

Comparing the most current national statistics with previous years, the annual report from the Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics (a collaboration of private research organizations and 22 federal agencies) features some of these hopeful findings:

* More kids lived with at least one working parent.
* More preschooler ... Continue reading Report Boasts Plenty of Positives About U.S. Kids.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

(ARA) – Every 65 minutes, someone in the United States dies of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Women aged 20 to 29 are particularly vulnerable, with melanoma ranking as the second most common form of cancer in the age group. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), adopting a comprehensive sun protection program that includes daily UV protection, monthly self-examinations and yearly screenings by a dermatologist can substantially lower skin cancer risk.

In ... Continue reading May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

The Work-At-Home Parent

By Christine McLaughlin

Moms who work at home know that the term "working at home with kids" is redundant. There's your full-time job as mom -- at home. And then there's the other job where you earn a paycheck -- also done at home. You probably get the feeling you are working all the time. Friends wonder how you do it. You wonder that same thing yourself sometimes!

So how does an already busy mom pull off the dual responsibilities? Not easily. However, that's not to say it's not possible, or not rewarding. You may be surprised to know that probably the easiest time to work from home is when you have your first newborn ... Continue reading The Work-At-Home Parent.

Throw a Grown-Up Birthday Bash

By Pamela Stock

Considering how much fuss parents make over their kids birthdays (theme parties, special dinners, cupcakes at school, etc.), and how little fuss they make over their own ("oh, I don't want anything special this year, honey"), you'd think birthdays were something you outgrow. While turning 33 may not seem quite as momentous as turning 3, or 13, you never outgrow an excuse to celebrate.

Your birthday is the perfect opportunity for you and your spouse to plan a date, start a tradition and take a break from the grind to remember that you can still have fun. Here are some tips from parents on how to make t ... Continue reading Throw a Grown-Up Birthday Bash.