Old Fashioned Homemaking Magazine

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Old Fashioned Homemaking Magazine March 2012 Brought to you by http://www.oldfashionedhomemaking.com Graphic by http://www.digiscrapkits.com

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March issue of Old Fashioned Homemaking Online Magazine. Home and Family Tips and Ideas

Transcript of Old Fashioned Homemaking Magazine

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Old Fashioned Homemaking Magazine

March 2012

Brought to you by

http://www.oldfashionedhomemaking.com

Graphic by http://www.digiscrapkits.com

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Backyard Oasis – Build or Upgrade a Deck

(ARA) - A home is a place of comfort and relaxation. Many homeowners

are now taking to the outdoors and making this space an extension of

the dream home they've always wanted.

One way to transform a house into a dream home is by utilizing the

outdoor space with the addition of a new deck or improvements to an

existing deck. A deck creates the perfect backyard oasis to escape the

stresses of a busy lifestyle, to enjoy the outdoors, grill out, have a party

or simply relax. With a deck, a couple can celebrate with friends,

children can play outside and parents can retire in comfort.

Many alternative decking choices are available for homeowners seeking

high-quality materials with low-maintenance features. Choosing to go

with alternative decking materials helps homeowners save money and

have more time to spend outdoors enjoying time together. While

composite products will need occasional cleaning, they don't need the

sanding, staining, sealing or painting that wood decks require.

There are many choices for deck deigns, materials and colors that can

make choosing a dream deck a little overwhelming. But deck design

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tools like those found at TimberTech can help ease the deck design

process without having to leave the house.

For example, TimberTech's product selector can help homeowners

determine which alternative decking material works best for their

lifestyle. Families with children, pets or even special needs equipment

like wheelchairs will be interested in the products offered by

TimberTech that can easily withstand high traffic volumes without

showing scratches or wear. These products will maintain their good

looks and durability in the years to come with minimum cleaning and

maintenance.

Online design tools help homeowners envision the perfect colors that

match the house and find environmentally friendly decking and railing

products. Some homeowners are interested in a clean appearance by

using hidden fasteners or railing systems with no exposed hardware,

while others pursue a more economical approach to picking the perfect

decking. Railing systems provide additional safety and style while

lighting options help homeowners illuminate their space for extended

time on the deck once the sun has set.

The beauty of composite decking - in addition to the multitude of color

and material options - is that it's fully customizable to whatever style or

look is wanted for the deck. Homeowners can opt for a deck and railing

design all in one color to perfectly blend in with the house, or can go the

contrasting route to make the deck a unique design feature to beautify

the backyard.

Decks can be both practical and stylish, which is why many

homeowners looking to enhance the look and the value of their home

and increase their living space consider replanking an existing wooden

deck or adding a new deck. Composite decking products provide many

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different style options and allow homeowners to enjoy their deck

without annual sanding, staining, sealing or painting. To get started on

planning a new deck or upgrading your current deck, visit

http://www.timbertech.com.

Curb Appeal for Your Home - Small Repairs Have a Big Impact

(ARA) - As the weather continues to warm, you might be thinking about

some of the home improvement projects you put on the back burner

during the winter. As you once again consult your to-do list, it's the

perfect time to think about a few small projects that can greatly

enhance your home's curb appeal.

Where does a smart homeowner start? The answer: Begin with a few

small projects that are guaranteed to greatly enhance your home's curb

appeal. Whether you're preparing to sell your home, or are simply

trying to protect your investment and make it easier on the eyes, there

are a few common improvements that can give the exterior of your

home a quick and easy facelift.

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Start With the Driveway

Repaving or reconstructing your driveway entirely can be a time

consuming and expensive task, but for most homeowners, this can be

avoided with some annual maintenance. If you neglect your driveway,

cracks can quickly grow into potholes, which can cause it to lose its

aesthetic appeal and pose a safety concern. A few hours work each year

can greatly extend the life of your driveway.

Sakrete U.S. Cold Patch is a reliable option for every type of driveway

repair because it can be used during all seasons and has a much longer

shelf life - up to five years - than most pothole repair products. Because

it's made without kerosene, there's no odor or mess, yet it's strong

enough to win praise from road repair professionals and contractors

alike.

"I use U.S. Cold Patch both on my driveway at home and out on the

job," says Chad Patrick, owner of Patrick Landscapes in Pennsylvania.

"The ease of use, lack of foul odor, and non-gooey application make it

the logical choice for all of our blacktop repair projects."

Using a product like U.S. Cold Patch is simple: You just sweep the area,

pour in the patching mixture and roll over it with a car tire. However, it

is important that you completely fill the affected area and tamp it well

to prevent future damage during freezing and thawing. More

information on repairing cracks and potholes can be found at

www.uscoldpatch.com.

In addition to maintaining your driveway, here are a few other

projects that can greatly contribute to your home's curb appeal:

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* Add some landscaping features along the edges of your driveway. This

adds a point of distinction between the pavement and your lawn, giving

it a more inviting look.

* Check your mailbox for winter wear. If it's seen better days, consider

replacing it. Otherwise landscaping around your mailbox can add extra

appeal. If you live in a colder region, be sure to use resilient plants, as

this area can take a beating from the snowplow.

* While cleaning out your gutters is a necessary spring ritual, power

washing the exterior of your home can add a little extra life to the look

of your house, especially the front porch.

* Replace your house number and worn hardware on the front door, and

consider a fresh coat of high-gloss paint on the door in a classy color,

such as black.

* Early spring is an excellent time to trim trees and other vegetation

before they begin to sprout leaves. It's easier on your plants, and it's

easy to identify branches that need to be trimmed.

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7 Home Filters You Probably Didn't Know Should Be Changed

(NewsUSA) - Home cleaning is a catch-all phrase for the general de-

clutter and organizational projects that abound when messiness trumps

neatness. But in addition to clearing out the garage, don't forget to

change those oft-neglected filters that can harm your health if left

unclean.

"Humidifier filters, for example, are designed to wick the water and

make it easier to evaporate in the air to increase humidity. But, if not

changed they can become oversaturated and susceptible to mold,

mildew, and bacteria growth that can make you sick," says Alex

Hertzog, a water specialist with Filters Fast who is certified by the

Water Quality Association.

Most of us eventually remember to change the obvious filters, like those

on our stove vents or the PUR filter on our tap. But what about

changing filters you don't even know you have?

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According to the experts, there are seven filters you probably don't

know you should be changing.

1. Microwave filter. The filter traps grease and odors from the air,

thus protecting the appliance and also preventing odors from

recirculating and affecting the taste and smell of your food. The

microwave filter should be replaced every 6-12 months.

2. Showerhead filter. The filter reduces harmful chemicals that can

dry out your hair and skin, leading to other negative effects on the body.

It should be replaced every 3-6 months.

3. Humidifier. Most people know humidifiers have a filter that should

be changed, but what they don't realize is that many humidifiers

actually have up to three filters. It's important to change all three

filters.

4. Coffee maker filter. A filter is used in most coffee makers, and it

should be replaced approximately every 60 brews.

"They're designed to remove the disinfection chemicals from tap water.

If the filters aren't changed, they cause more exposure to ingesting

chlorine," says Hertzog.

5. Furnace filter. To reduce allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander,

mold spores and dust mites from leaking into the air, it should be

changed every 3-6 months.

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6. Dryer lint filter screen. The lint filter screen should be replaced as

needed, if it has build-up or tears in the screen. Changing the filter can

prevent fire hazards, extend the life of your dryer and reduce energy

bills.

7. Refrigerator filter. The filter on a fridge keeps ice fresh and cleans

the water dispensed from the refrigerator.

Get more filter-related advice at http://www.filtersfast.com

Tips to Halt Spring Termite Infestations

(NewsUSA) - While you're trying to find every available reason to be

outside this spring, termites are doing the exact opposite -- trying to

worm their way indoors and devour your walls and floors. And they

certainly aren't feasting for free.

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"Termites have an insatiable appetite for cellulose found in wood, eating

24-hours a day, seven days a week. They cause serious and costly

damage and can compromise the structural stability of a home," said

Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest

Management Association (NPMA). "NPMA advises homeowners to have

their homes inspected annually, especially if they've noticed swarmers."

Swarmers are winged termites that arrive in early spring, eagerly

looking to set up a new colony. Although they appear similar to flying

ants, it's important that homeowners do not mistake the two species,

since termite infestations that are left untreated can quickly damage

the structural integrity homes. To make matters worse, damages

caused by wood-destroying insects, such as termites, are typically not

covered by homeowners' insurance policies -- leaving you to foot the bill.

The "silent destroyers" and their saw-toothed jaws can significantly

reduce the long-term property value and financial investment of a

house. The NPMA estimates that termites cause at least $5 billion in

property losses each year in the U.S.

Termite season usually begins in early March and lasts through June.

The NPMA recommends these tips to prevent termite infestations:

* Inspect the perimeter of a home for rotting wood, mud tubes or a

visible termite presence. Pay particular attention to doors and

windowsills, looking for shed wings.

* Avoid water accumulation near a home's foundation by diverting

water away with downspouts and gutters.

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* Never bury wood scraps in the yard. If your home is newly built,

remove any remaining grade stakes or tree stumps on your property.

* Maintain a one-inch gap between soil and wood portions of a building.

* Keep mulch at least 15 inches from the foundation.

* Do not stack firewood or lumber near home, and inspect it carefully

before bringing indoors.

* If you suspect you have an infestation, contact a licensed pest

professional. Termites cannot be controlled on your own. Learn more

about choosing a qualified pest professional at

http://www.pestworld.org.

Conquer Childhood Obesity - Tips for Healthy Family Living

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(ARA) - Today, health professionals encourage parents of even very

young children to actively confront the childhood obesity epidemic. The

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention find that obesity rates for

children ages 2 to 5 have more than doubled over the past 30 years, and

The White House Task Force on Obesity reports that more than half of

obese children became obese by their second birthday.

"With the obesity epidemic looming large, it's absolutely crucial for

parents to instill healthy habits right from the start," says Dr. Laura

Jana, pediatrician and award-winning parenting author. "While this

may seem like a tremendous responsibility for those still adjusting to

diapers, play dates and the many other demands of new parenthood, it's

not hard to help children grow up healthy by committing to some simple

yet important lifestyle changes."

Jana recommends some tips:

Downsize your plate, upsize the veggies.

An easy way to cut down on unhealthy eating is to use a smaller plate.

Portion sizes are now two to five times larger than in years past, and

studies have shown that the bigger the serving dish, the bigger the

serving is likely to be. "The more we heap on our children's plates, the

more likely we are to unintentionally encourage them to overeat.

Avoiding large plates can help you avoid serving supersized meals,"

Jana says.

What belongs on that healthier-sized plate? The USDA MyPlate

program recommends making half your plate fruits and vegetables and

the other half protein and grains. Other important recommendations

include serving fat-free or low-fat (1 percent) milk to children older than

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2, choosing lower-sodium foods and skipping sugary drinks. This

simple, fresh-plated picture-of-nutritional-health program even comes

with online tools to create a customized food plan for your little one.

Swap screen time for playtime.

Young children thrive and learn best through interacting with others

and playing with real objects in their environment. While watching TV

may be fun and entertaining, or even appear to be educational, the

American Academy of Pediatrics reports it does not support learning for

children younger than 2. In fact, evidence suggests that screen time

may interfere with young children's healthy development and

encourage sedentary behaviors and poor sleep - both are habits

implicated in the obesity epidemic.

Dr. Mary Zurn, vice president of education for Primrose Schools,

recommends independent play as an alternative to TV. "The early years

are critical to a child's development, so it's important to ensure that

children have opportunities to explore their surroundings and find out

what they can make happen," Zurn says.

Singing songs, drawing, playing with puzzles and stacking blocks are

fun, "unplugged" activities children can do on their own that also

support their creative, problem-solving and reasoning skills.

Get moving.

Pediatricians recommend children ages 1 to 3 get 60 to 90 minutes of

physical activity every day, while preschoolers need 90 to 120 minutes.

Regular exercise helps children grow to a healthy weight, build and

maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints, and strengthen their

hearts.

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There are many fun ways to add physical activity to your family's daily

routine: turn a casual stroll into a scavenger hunt, play tag, race

through the sprinklers or simply get up and dance. "I love getting

children to dance because it not only gives them a healthy dose of

exercise, it also supports their creative development and self-expression

and, as a bonus, enhances positive family time," says Jana.

Need more motivation to get your family up and moving? You could win

as much as $5,000 and a $30,000 donation to your Children's Miracle

Network Hospital by entering the national Family Dance-off. Entering

is easy. Film your family's best dance moves and upload your video to

FamilyDanceoff.com between Feb. 25 and March 23. Visit the contest

website for full details.

For more parenting tips, visit http://www.DrZandFriends.com.

Teamwork is the Secret to Successful Family Vacations

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(ARA) - When it comes to planning your family's vacation, you can find

a lot of value in that old saying "teamwork divides the task and doubles

the success." Divvying up planning responsibilities helps ensure that

one member of the family is not overwhelmed with tasks, and that

everyone is excited about and invested in the trip.

"Sharing time together is one of the most appealing aspects of family

vacations," says Kimberly Miles, a travel planning expert with the

Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Families can start

their vacation fun early by sharing planning responsibilities. It can be a

great way to teach kids organizational and planning skills, and make

sure everyone takes ownership of the family vacation."

All age groups can take part in the process, Miles notes. Here are some

ideas for dividing the work and multiplying the enjoyment of the family

vacation planning process:

Start with a survey

Successful teamwork requires constant communication. Your family

vacation team effort should start by polling the members. Where does

everyone want to go? Of course, you won't be able to fulfill every desire,

but you can come close by encouraging everyone to be specific.

For example, it's not enough to say everyone wants to go to the beach,

because not all beach destinations will offer the same appeal for all

family members. Will your family members be relaxing or frolicking on

the beach? Spending the whole trip in the sand and surf, or looking for

other attractions to round out their adventure? Do they want to stay in

a busy beachfront hotel, or somewhere quieter and off the beaten path?

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"Destinations that offer a broad range of activities have the best chance

of pleasing everyone in the family," says Miles. Look for a location like

Myrtle Beach, where generations of families have found something for

every member - from miles of pristine beaches and plenty of water

sports, to amusement parks, great shopping and dining, and even

museums and live entertainment.

Research your options

Many families rely on the Internet for planning and booking their

vacations. The Web can be a great resource for information about a

variety of destinations - from what attractions you'll find there to how

much hotel rooms will cost during your travel dates. Look for family

travel blogs and websites that provide specific destination information,

visitor reviews, tips and advice.

Don't overlook the value of word-of-mouth. Check with family and

friends to see if they've visited your destination of choice, what they

thought of it and what attractions they recommend. All the professional

reviews on the Web can't beat the endorsement of happy, satisfied kids.

Assign age-appropriate tasks

Once you've chosen your destination, the real teamwork begins. Divide

up tasks based on each family member's abilities. Mom and Dad will

probably do the actual booking, but teens and older kids can pitch in

with tasks like prepping the house to be vacant, and researching what

to do and see. Grandparents can help with driving and packing. Even

young children can play a role if you allow them to choose some of the

snacks the family will pack for the trip.

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Encourage everyone to choose one activity or sight in which the whole

family will participate in. This will help ensure everyone gets to do

something they enjoy, and the entire team gets to take part in a variety

of activities.

"Teamwork in vacation planning can definitely help make the workload

lighter on parents," says Miles. "And it helps get everyone excited about

the trip - before they even begin the journey."

Reinventing Your Home in a Day

Affordable, easy accents bring dramatic home style

(ARA) - With more homeowners choosing to stay in their homes longer

and the full supply of existing housing stock, decorative siding

accessories are providing a touch of personal style for rejuvenating and

updating America's family homes.

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Appeal-adding updates could be as simple as the quick installation of

two pairs of shutters and window headers for a smaller home, or a door

surround and five or six pairs of shutters and sunbursts for a larger

home.

Accessories like these make a significant difference and help transform

the facade and complete feel of a home. Other products include dentil

trim, specialty siding shapes and decorative gable vents.

"If your siding is 10 or 12 years old and still in good shape, one way to

really give yourself a quick transformation is by simply adding color

and dimension with some siding decor," says Jonathan Wierengo, vice

president of marketing for The Tapco Group, maker of Mid-America

Siding Components.

"We've had a number of contractors tell us about curb appeal makeovers

that people are doing for $1,000 or $1,200, where you can have five or

six pairs of shutters and something like a door surround," says

Wierengo.

While installing these exterior accents is accomplished in a matter of

hours, their beauty benefits last for decades. With Mid-America's

SolidThru color technology and limited lifetime warranty, no painting,

staining or sealing are ever required.

The vinyl shutters from Mid-America offer virtually limitless ways to

bring excitement, and make a colorful starting point for one of these

affordable multi-faceted makeovers. Whether shutters are for two

windows or a set of five, the difference with charismatic color and depth

is dramatic. Standard shutter styles include Cathedral Open Louver,

Williamsburg Raised Panel, and spaced or joined Board-N-Batten

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Shutters. Customizable louvered shutters allow offset mullions, extra

panels and optional shutter tops for added elegance. Available

decorative S-hooks can further distinguish with a romantic touch.

Shutters can combine with sunbursts or window headers to frame a

window with robust style. Elliptical and half-round sunbursts bring a

brighter feel, while sunburst kits pair half-round designs with either

flat-panel or classic-dentil headers for added flair.

The timeless style of window headers projects a refined look. For a front

door, a header is combined with twin pilasters to create a door surround

conveying subtle strength. The pilasters' crisp vertical lines deliver a

grander entryway. The eye-pleasing dimension of a door surround can

also be used to uniquely frame a garage door.

For an expressive combination, a door surround can be paired with the

lively contrast of specialty siding shapes. Mid-America's popular Round

specialty shapes provide textured accents for gables and contrasting

color around a home's second story. Five other shapes are offered in

white, including Half Cove and Mitered Corner profiles, lending

contrast to shingle-style siding or combining with colorful Round shapes

for uniquely elaborate exteriors.

Dentil trim is another accent available for upper exteriors, delivering

timeless elegance and immediate architectural distinction. Square

Tooth and Scalloped Tooth Dentil Trim create substance all the way

around a home with harmonious interplays of light and shadow.

Decorative Gable Vents (non-functional) are simple yet impactful.

Combining with shutters, window headers or other accents, they help

unify a home's appearance. Available in Round, Octagon, Square and

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Rectangle profiles, these ornaments can complement or contrast

existing trim or siding.

Smaller details also do their part to generate serenity and a more

finished look. Cost-effective, color-coordinated mount blocks and vents

deliver crisper, cleaner appearances for light fixtures, electrical outlets,

exhaust vents and more. Blocks and vents come in the industry's widest

color spectrum, matching vinyl and fiber cement siding makers' color

availability. With innovative trim rings that snap on in a flash, they

hide imperfections like heavy caulking and unseemly cut ends.

Mid-America Siding Components enhance various architecture styles

and can be directly installed on exteriors ranging from brick, fiber

cement and vinyl to wood, stone veneer and stucco. From modest homes

to those in luxurious neighborhoods, a selection of these decorative

accents can reinvent a home's exterior with captivating new appeal.

SturdiMount fiber cement mounts are the pre-flashed, pre-assembled

mounts that are manufactured of fiber cement with an ABS flange.

Easily installed, they offer the versatility to mount everything from

dryer vents and coach lights to hose bibs and receptacle outlets.

SturdiMount products are the first fiber cement mount blocks and the

only ones to carry the "Recommended by James Hardie" logo.

Mid-America Siding Components is a division of The Tapco Group, a

U.S. Green Building Council member. For more information, visit

http://www.MidAmericaComponents.com or call 800-521-8486.

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Boomers - 15 Minute Activities for Big Health Benefits

(ARA) - The American baby boomer generation isn't content sitting still

- they live full lives working, traveling and pursuing their favorite

hobbies. Age is only a number for this determined group whose

population is pushing an estimated 78 million. If you are one of the

many active baby boomers, you understand your health is a priority,

but that doesn't mean you want to spend long hours each day making

sure you stay well. Luckily some of the best things you can do for

yourself only take a matter of minutes each day.

Dr. Wendy Bazilian (wendybazilian.com), a doctor of public health,

registered dietitian and author of "The SuperFoodsRx Diet: Lose Weight

with the Power of SuperNutrients," knows the importance of optimizing

health for baby boomers. Simple healthy activities, when done on a

daily basis, can have a huge cumulative effect on health and wellness.

Here are four big-impact health activities from Dr. Bazilian that you

can do in 15 minutes or less:

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1. Be flexible with gentle stretches

Stretching might seem like a basic physical activity, but its positive

effects can be substantial. Especially for boomers, stretching for five to

15 minutes each day can help keep muscles and joints flexible, and help

increase overall body health. Plus as you age, stretching can help

maintain your mobility levels and decrease the risks of falls. Try gentle

stretches to get your blood flowing in the morning or before you take a

walk. Want to try something different? Yoga blends stretching and

strength for a wonderful workout for people of all ages.

Time requirement: 15 minutes or less

2. Get an oil change - in your kitchen

The right kind of oils can benefit your health and wellness, and the

wrong ones can put you at risk for high cholesterol, heart disease and

even cancer. Cooking healthy means stocking your pantry with the

right kinds of oils so you can enjoy the foods you love the right way. Two

to keep on hand are extra virgin olive oil and organic grapeseed oil.

Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats which can help boost healthy

HDL cholesterol while at the same time help to reduce unhealthy LDL

cholesterol levels. Lower cooking temperatures or cool/room

temperature usage is best. Organic grapeseed oil has a more neutral

flavor and a high smoke point, allowing for higher temperature cooking

while using a lighter hand in measures with this healthier cooking oil.

Time requirement: five minutes or less

3. Consider taking an omega-3 fish oil supplement

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Recently, there's been a lot of talk about omega-3 essential fatty acids

and their ability to prevent common disease as well as benefit brain and

overall health. Because you can only get these essential fats through

what you eat, Americans often don't get as much as they need. Include

food sources like wild salmon and sardines, as well as plant sources like

walnuts and flaxseeds. Luckily, you can fill a nutritional gap by

incorporating a high-quality fish oil supplement into your daily routine.

A high-quality supplement can mean more benefit to your health;

Ultimate Omega-D3 from Nordic Naturals is a good example and great

option.

Time requirement: two minutes or less

4. Eat more fresh fruits and veggies each day

Few foods can provide the high levels of nutrients your body needs than

fresh produce, yet more than 80 percent of us are not getting enough.

It's important to aim to make half your plate fruits and vegetables at

meals every day. And try to incorporate fresh fruits and veggies daily,

and don't forget about frozen and dried options without added sugars or

preservatives. They're super nutrient-rich, too. The tasty options are

endless - from berries, apples, bananas, and cherries to broccoli,

tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, and kale. Be adventurous and try a new

recipe that features a veggie you've never had before. Or, taste local

flavors by visiting your neighborhood farmers market. Whether for a

snack or with a meal, fresh produce is great for any baby boomer's diet.

Time requirement: five minutes or less

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How to Keep Your Pet Healthy During Any Season

(ARA) - Americans love pets - to the tune of 62 percent of all households

with at least one pet in residence, according to the Humane Society of

the United States. Statistics show that 72.9 million homes

accommodate approximately 78.2 million dogs and 86.4 million cats.

With so many four-legged friends among us, pet health is a concern

from coast to coast. To help you protect your pet's health and well-being,

Dr. George Banta, department chair of the Veterinary Technology

program at Brown Mackie College - Akron, offers professional advice.

"Many owners commonly overlook the weight of their pets," says Banta.

"It is much more common for a household pet to be overweight than

underweight." Veterinarians judge weight according to the body

condition score. This scale assesses an animal's age, weight, height and

proportions of muscle and fat. Pets with lean bodies attain a more ideal

body condition score. "It's not so much the number of pounds, but how

each animal carries the weight," says Dr. Banta. "If the animal looks

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like it swallowed a watermelon, that's an issue. On other hand, if looks

like hasn't eaten in two weeks, that's also an issue."

A study conducted by scientists at the Purina Pet Nutrition Research

Department and specialists from universities around the United States

shows that leaner pets live about two years longer than overweight

pets. These eye-opening results prompt many people to take a second

look at the food they provide for their pets. "I see pet food in four

categories: great, good, I don't know and not for a dead animal," Banta

says. "I like Hill Science Diet, Eukanuba, Iams, and Royal Canin. I

would argue big name brands like Purina are fine. Even with quality

food, good weight management still depends on the amount of food your

pet eats."

Banta recommends feeding pets two small meals a day rather

than one large meal. Some owners fill the bowl and let the pet self-

feed, or graze. "Some animals will eat the correct amount," notes Banta.

"Others will keep eating when food is always available. If a pet is

overweight, it is best to oversee the portions of each meal."

What about treats? Many of us offer a treat as positive reinforcement

in training or housebreaking our pets. Banta advises giving a kibble of

food instead of a pet cookie. When it comes to table scraps, Banta says,

"Almost never. Table scraps can upset a pet's stomach and cause

diarrhea. In addition, many foods are toxic to pets. Garlic, onions,

grapes, raisins and chocolate can be deadly toxic." Table scraps with

high fat content, such as roast trimmings or a ham bone, can cause

vomiting and diarrhea. "There is association with sudden high fat

content and pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas which can

lead to life-threatening complications," he says.

Exercise goes hand in hand with a good diet. "Exercise helps

strengthen the body and is good for their minds," Banta says. Similar to

children, it is best to give your pet time to digest after eating before

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tossing his favorite ball around. "Older dogs and cats have a tendency to

develop arthritis. Large dogs, such as German shepherds, labradors and

golden retrievers, are prone to hip dysplasia. Keeping them lean and

providing regular exercise can make pets of any size more comfortable

as they age," he continues.

Banta recommends regular check-ups for pets and annual

vaccines. "It is easier to keep a pet healthy and prevent disease than it

is to diagnose and treat an illness," he says. Regular visits to the

veterinarian provide the doctor with baseline blood work for your pet,

making it easier to diagnose any problems that may develop. For older

pets, he advises two exams a year. "Things can happen quickly. The

earlier a problem is detected, the sooner treatment can begin. It's all

about quality of life."

One important pet safety precaution to keep in mind involves

household poisons. Antifreeze and rat poison are two of the most

common poisons regularly found in homes. "It doesn't take much time

for antifreeze to become lethal," Banta says. "On the other hand, many

rat poisons can be very insidious, taking as much as a week after

exposure to show clinical signs. Most animal poisoning can be treated if

caught early." The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to

Animals (ASPCA) offers an animal poison control hotline for pet

owners: (888) 426-4435. There is a fee to place the call. In return, you

get unlimited consultations with emergency veterinarians, who are on

call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Ask any pet owner about the benefits of having a dog or cat. Many

describe their pet as part of the family. "Every client tells me their pet

is the best pet on the planet," says Banta. "That's how it should be."