The Weekly Calistogan .::. Ara

Tips for Road Trips With Pets
(ARA) - Bringing the family pet along on a road trip may seem like a good idea - you don't have to ask friends or family to look after your pet and you can avoid the costs and concerns that go with boarding and kennels. But traveling with pets in the car also brings special challenges that, fortunately, can be met with a bit of forethought and careful preparation of both the vehicle and pet.

Get Your Vehicle Ready for the Change of Season
(ARA) - It seems like the kids just started school, but soon you'll be packing up and hitting the road on your next family vacation. And contrary to popular belief, the weeks leading up to the trip are not the time to start getting your vehicle ready.

Tips for Buying Your First All-terrain Vehicle
(ARA) - First-time buyers account for a third of all-terrain vehicle sales each year. As with any major purchase, a little education can go a long way towards helping you get the best possible deal for your money.

Don't Let a DUI Spoil Tailgating Fun ... or Worse
(ARA) - Football season is back and with it returns the tradition of tailgating. Good food, good friends, a great game and beverages to get you in the spirit. Several hours and several beers later, it's time to head home. Your head's humming, but you think you're okay to drive. Then, a few miles from home you see the flashing lights of a police car.

Air in Tires: A Political and Money Issue
(ARA) - Who knew that inflating tires would be such an issue between the presidential candidates? However, when Republican John McCain criticized his Democratic challenger Barack Obama, stating that proper tire inflation wasn't enough for energy independence, it touched off a firestorm of controversy.

The Top 10 Funniest Cars of All Time
(ARA) - Gas topping $4 per gallon, losses and layoffs among American automakers, and guilt over the tons of greenhouse gases our beloved automobiles dump into the atmosphere . . . oh, yeah, American motorists could use a good laugh.

Choosing Your Next Side-by-Side Utility Vehicle
(ARA) - Side-by-side utility vehicles have become a popular choice for multi-acreage homeowners, farmers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Their cargo boxes, high payloads and towing capacities coupled with seating for multiple people and some vehicles with more than 50 miles-per-hour top speeds, make them a versatile vehicle that can work and play.

This Season's Hot Tech Gift: Navigation
(ARA) - The holidays are fast approaching, and you're probably starting to think about gift ideas for those near and dear to your heart. Whether you're shopping for a teenager, a college student, a friend, spouse or parent, you can't go wrong by giving the gift of technology.

Auto Health Shares Front Seat with Personal Health for American Drivers
(ARA) - Tire pressure and blood pressure - Americans are equally concerned about both, according to a new survey that compares attitudes about personal health and vehicle maintenance.

Prepare Your Vehicle for the Winter Driving Season
(ARA) - With much of the country enjoying unseasonably warm weather, it might be easy to forget that winter -- and the weather challenges that come with the season -- will be here before we know it. Before the weather gets nasty, now is a good time to make sure that your vehicle is ready for Mother Nature's worst outbursts.

Clint Bowyer on Motorcycle Safety
(ARA) - An increase of motorcycles on the road and the fact that less than half have taken an organized rider education course, indicates a need for increased awareness of proper motorcycle safety.

An Easy Way to Reduce the Price at the Pump
(ARA) - Want to save up to 12 cents a gallon off your gasoline bill? Invest in a tire gauge and make sure your tires are properly inflated.

Looking for the Fuel of the Future
(ARA) - Throughout the presidential campaign this year, candidates from both parties have spoken of the urgent need to develop alternative fuels. American interest in alternative fuel technologies stems from concerns about the environment and also from this country's dependence on foreign oil.

Important Information to Know When Tire Shopping
(ARA) - The mechanic gave you the news at your last oil change. Lincoln's head doesn't hide between the treads anymore, and with the winter season upon us, you really need to get new tires.

10 Cool Weather Coolant Tips
(ARA) - Baby, it may be cold outside, but inside your car's engine it's hot as blazes. Even when temperatures dip, your vehicle's coolant system works hard to keep the engine cool and running smoothly. It's important to take care of your cooling system, whatever the weather.

Gas Savings Tips You Can Implement Today
(ARA) - With the high cost of gas draining many Americans' wallets across the United States, many pickup owners are feeling the burn at the pump. While some consumers may opt to purchase a hybrid vehicle, many drivers depend on their pickup for everyday functionality. Since the majority of truck owners won't be lining up to down size to a hybrid car any time soon, there are several things they can do to start saving gas money today.

Keep Your Travel Costs Down
(ARA) - Whether you're a "road warrior" whose job involves many hours of driving or a commuter who takes the occasional driving trip for business, it's more important than ever to keep traveling costs down given the state of the economy and still-high gas prices at the pump.

Chrome for the Holidays: Great Gifts for Truck Guys
(ARA) - Some men are just fine getting ties every year for the holidays. Others cherish a new set of clubs or season tickets to their favorite sports team's home games. But your guy is a truck guy . . . and the only gift that will make his holiday season bright is one that celebrates his great vehicular love.

Add More Horsepower on a Budget
(ARA) - If your car feels sluggish, there are ways to up your horsepower without emptying your wallet. Here are a few tips from today's top engine experts on how to get more power from your car on a budget.

Are We there Yet? Rules for Happy Carpools
(ARA) - Carpooling - It's been done for ages, most notably with the "Soccer Mom" set. But mothers and soccer players aren't the only ones carpooling these days. With gas prices near record highs and traffic congestion making commutes longer, driving alone now costs more than ever, the answer may be carpooling.

Is Your Car Ready for Winter?
(ARA) - What's the last thing you want to happen when heading off to school or that mountain getaway you've been looking forward to? If you're driving to your destination, the worst case scenario would be for the flashing "Check Engine" warning light to come on, leading to your car breaking down.

Bridal

Tips for Putting Your Best Face Forward this Fall
(ARA) - Bathing suits will soon be packed away for another year, but beauty doesn't take a holiday when summer winds down. Women everywhere will need to modify their daily beauty routines to keep pace with autumn's changing demands, and the rapid approach of the holiday season.

Dream Weddings are Possible, Even on a Budget
(ARA) - Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, one you have probably spent years dreaming about. When color-coordinated linens, a beautiful outdoor tent and elaborate candelabras are your vision, don't let your budget confine your imagination.

Bridal Style Alert - Classic is Back
(ARA) - Good news for brides inspired by Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, classic is back. Fabrics, silhouettes and accessories borrowed from the 1940s through 1960s offer brides the opportunity to start with the basics and enhance them with luxurious finishing touches.

Bliss-building Money Tips for Newlyweds
(ARA) - You're finalizing wedding plans and are eager to sip champagne with your guests. But are you and your fiance prepared to marry your financial lives together once the "I do's" are said, and you've returned home from your honeymoon in paradise?

Packing Right for Your Winter Honeymoon
(ARA) - You made it through the wedding, so now comes the relaxing part -- your romantic honeymoon in a faraway destination. But what do you pack and how much do you need? Gone are the days of multiple suitcases stacked at the doorway to accompany you on your flight. With airlines charging fees for checked luggage, today's friendly skies will only allow you just so much, so you'd better make the most of your checked bag and your carry-on.

Business And Careers

Job Interview 2.0 - How Technology is Transforming the Job Hunt
(ARA) - Today's economy is tough for both job-seekers and employers alike. Mistakes are costly and time-consuming for both parties. Employers have tighter budgets for finding and interviewing candidates, and candidates need every tool available to compete for top positions.

Legal Filing Online Easy for Entrepreneurs
(ARA) - Janet Long and her family wanted to open their own business. They had an excellent product -- their late mom Elaine's secret toffee recipe.

How Today's Businesswomen Strike a Work-life Balance
(ARA) - Gone are the days when women were expected to stay at home to dote on their children and husbands. Today's women have broken through the glass ceiling and are finding their way to corner offices around the country.

Veterans Finding New Futures in Financial Services Careers
(ARA) - The ability to earn a living after leaving military service may be among the most important debts America owes its veterans. From legislation designed to provide educational and employment opportunities, to grassroots efforts by companies across the country, it seems the nation is committed to ensuring veterans find profitable, meaningful employment.

Prevent Data Breaches by Protecting Valuable Work Information
(ARA) - Recent news headlines are causing concern for many Americans as company data breaches are on the rise. From missing laptops containing employee and customer information to stolen passwords that lead to the loss of proprietary records, many are led to believe that a majority of data breaches occur electronically.

Working from Home? So Are the Germs
(ARA) - Working from home may provide many benefits, but a break from germs may not be one of them. Why? A recent workplace study revealed that desktops in home offices harbor more bacteria than desktops in traditional offices.

Office Ergonomics: Tips for Preventing Pains and Strains
(ARA) - Is your job causing you pain? Maybe it's not the work itself but your office environment. While you're hard at work burning the midnight oil, poor daily habits may be taking a serious toll on your well-being.

Looking for a Recession-proof Career?
(ARA) - With the rising cost of gas and food and the crisis in the financial markets, there's no doubt that the economy is on everyone's mind. If you are worried about losing your job, you are not alone. The American economy lost 84,000 jobs in August and the unemployment rate rose to 6.1 percent, the highest since 2003.

Have a Child Graduating in 2009? Talk About the Future Today
(ARA) - Is 2009 the year you look forward to your son or daughter graduating from high school or college? You'll be so proud to see them make such an accomplishment. But what are their plans post-graduation? Even though graduation is still months away, now is a great time for parents to help their young adults plan for their careers and think about how they will manage their salary.

Small Business Tips for a Challenging Economy
(ARA) - As the world's economy becomes more and more challenging, small business owners need to find ways to keep their business afloat. Here are some tips to maintaining good customer relations while managing the bottom line:

Online Videos are Cheaper Training Solution in Slower Economy
(ARA) - The belt-tightening in corporate America is likely to continue in response to the nation's economic woes. But in a slower economy it's more important than ever for business professionals to sharpen their competitive edge through on-going training.

Parents May Find Back-to-School Success with Certificate Programs
(ARA) - After three hot months of keeping the kids busy, you may find yourself with some time to breathe once they return to school in the fall. While it's probably not hard to think of ways to fill those few extra hours of free time, you may be wondering what the best way is. For many parents, the answer is to go back to school themselves with career-building certificate programs.

How to Recession-proof Your Income
(ARA) - Unless you live in the wilderness, you know the news on the economy is not good. Employers have been cutting workers from their payrolls for six months straight, according to the Labor Department, and economists don't expect the job market to improve any time soon. With all this talk about a recession, it's hard to feel any kind of job security lately. However, starting an online business can be a quick and affordable way to make additional money and, it provides a safe back-up plan if you fear your job might be in jeopardy.

Achieving Your Dream: Writing and Publishing a Book
(ARA) - Many Americans would like to write a book, but think they don't have a prayer of getting published. Admit it, you've got a great story to tell or some expertise to share. Whether it's a dramatic tale from your military service, great stories about your career training golden retrievers, or step-by-step instructions to bake the best homemade bread ever, you know something that other people would pay to learn.

Office Politics Center Around Seating Comfort
(ARA) - The hallways, lunchrooms �- and yes �- even the water cooler are all buzzing with political chatter. People in offices nationwide are talking about energy plans, healthcare reform, taxes and the war in Iraq. These issues, not to mention the fact the '08 election is only weeks away, have kept U.S. workers from coast to coast debating who will take the next seat in the Oval Office and solve our country's woes -- John McCain or Barack Obama.

Franchising Can Lead to Financial Fitness
(ARA) - Is this the year you become a small business owner? Whether your job security is in question because of a shaky economy or you're eager to take the leap into being an entrepreneur, you may be ready to make a New Year's resolution for financial fitness and career satisfaction.

Computer Crime is Here to Stay; So Are Jobs to Combat It
(ARA) - What do a recent global crackdown on Internet child pornography and the arrest of Dennis Rader, the infamous "BTK" serial killer have in common with the Sept. 11 attacks on America? All are high profile crimes investigated not only by conventional police investigators, but by those specially trained in computer forensics, a new area of crime fighting.

Not All Vets Treat Pets -- For Some It's About Homeland Security
(ARA) - Anthrax. Biological attacks. Exotic diseases. These and many other issues are making headlines as the world we live in seems to get smaller and smaller. Yet there is a dedicated group of scientists who are confronting these, and many other, threats each and every day.

Tips for Helping Teens Explore Career Opportunities
(ARA) - "What do I want to do with my life?" For generations, parents of high school and college students have struggled to help their children ponder and answer that million-dollar question. With the school year well under way and New Year's resolution season fast approaching, here are some tips for parents and students taking stock of their future opportunities.

Community Cares

Sea Service Supporters Earn Honors
(ARA) - What do a world class golfer, a U. S. congressman and an international CEO have in common? They all answered the call to public service -- two in uniform and one to elected office. Whatever path they chose, sports legend Arnold Palmer, Rep. Norm Dicks (D-Wash.) and A. G. Lafley, chairman and CEO of Proctor and Gamble (P & G), never forgot the values instilled in them through service: love of country, honor, courage and commitment.

Silver Alert Helps Keep Senior Citizens Safe
(ARA) - If you've got a senior citizen in your life suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's disease, you probably worry about them wandering away and not being able to find their way home. A new law that addresses this issue is under consideration right now.

Simple Ways College Grads Can Give Back to their Alma Maters
(ARA) - A college education does far more than give graduates a competitive edge when entering the working world. For many people, college marked a time when they forged friendships and romances that last a lifetime. Is it any wonder, then, that so many college graduates seek creative ways to nourish their bond with their alma mater years - often decades - after they've left the college's hallowed halls?

Recycling on the Go for Cool Weather Games
(ARA) - From football games to Oktoberfest, there's still plenty of outdoor fun to be had when the weather turns cooler. However, these events can generate substantial amounts of waste. Bottles, cans, and other materials from public events are often thrown away, but they present a great opportunity to help the environment through recycling.

Recognizing Women Who Make a Difference
(ARA) - Women are no longer settling for a backseat at the nation's charitable and activist organizations. Today they are taking leadership roles in activism and founding their own outreach organizations, making a difference in the communities where we all live.

Easy Ways to Give Back During the Holiday Season
(ARA) - Your life is busy any time of the year, but with the holidays comes a longer to-do list and more stress. So, how can you embody the giving spirit of the season in an efficient way without breaking the bank (or your back)?

Boomers Driving Makeover of American Volunteerism
(ARA) - Baby boomers have been rewriting American culture for decades. Now, as the first wave of retiring boomers leaves the work force and the next wave is reaching the 55-plus mark, they are redefining yet another great American institution - volunteerism.

Going 'Green' is a Package Deal
(ARA) - As an environmentally aware consumer, you choose products that are made from natural ingredients and manufactured in eco-conscious ways. Now it's time to take a look at how products are packaged, and how that packaging affects the environment.

Education

Survey Highlights The Importance of Teaching Children Good Social Skills
(ARA) - Your 4-year-old may already know how to tie their own shoelaces and spell out their first and last names. But as preschool looms around the corner, are you worried how well they'll fit in with the rest of the classroom?

Latin Learning Through Your iPod
(ARA) - You look at your class schedule and see Latin listed for this semester. Oh the drudgery, opening a textbook and memorizing vocabulary words. Why would you want to have any interest in this ancient language through a textbook?

Tips for Designing the Perfect Dorm Room on a Budget
(ARA)- With current economic woes putting a damper on spending, parents and students are looking for the best value on everything from clothes to computers. And while saving money is a priority, value and style don't have to contradict each other this school year

Know Your Options When It Comes to Paying for College
(ARA) - Is your son or daughter one of the 18 million students heading for college this fall? If so, you're probably still recovering from the shock of seeing the tuition bill.

Money and Responsibility: Teach Your Children to Give and to Save
(ARA) - Teaching your children the value of fiscal and social responsibility may seem like a challenge in any economy. There is good news. By financially educating your children early you will empower them and yourself. With the holidays approaching, and your children now in school, this is the perfect time to teach them these important life skills.

Back-to-school Fashion Tips for Parents
(ARA) - How much will you spend on new clothes this fall? According to the U.S. Census, Americans spent $7.5 billion on back-to-school shopping in 2007, or roughly $140 per child. With prices everywhere on the rise in today's economy, Americans are looking for ways to get more for their money from brand names they know and trust.

Buses Start Buckling Up
(ARA) - You bring your newborn baby home from the hospital in a government-approved car seat. Before you know it, she can buckle herself in. So when the first day of school arrives and she boards the school bus, it may come as quite a shock that they don't buckle up.

Home Fire Sprinklers: They're Not What You Think
(ARA) - Come on admit it: You read "sprinklers" and thought about watering the lawn, right? Even though fire sprinkler technology has been saving lives in commercial property, hotels and hospitals for 100 plus years, most people don't realize the same technology is available to protect their homes.

School Buses Saving Money by Going Green
(ARA) -To help take money out of the gas tank this fall and put it back into the classroom, school districts across the country are switching to propane-fueled buses as a means of coping with swelling diesel costs. And the lesson that families and schools are learning is more than simple economics. While it's cheaper than gasoline and diesel, propane is also a clean, efficient, domestically produced fuel that reduces harmful emissions and greenhouse gases.

Give Your Kids the Gift of a College Survival Kit
(ARA) - When you headed off to college, your parents likely sent along a care package filled with goodies. Yours may have contained some homemade brownies, an envelope filled with cash for those late night snack runs and some change to call home. That was all you really needed to get life on your own started back then.

College Scholarship Helps Students with Asthma
(ARA) - Even as the class of 2008 enjoys the milestones of their senior year, many are already well into their preparations for college. Scholarships are an important way for some students to help fund a college education, though identifying available awards can be daunting. However, if you are one of the many high school students affected by asthma, there's a special option for you.

Ancient History Finds Modern Meaning in Latin Scholar's Works
(ARA) - "It's ancient history" -- the phrase is often used to dismiss information deemed irrelevant to modern life. But Latin scholar and former teacher Rose Williams considers ancient history pertinent to current events. She gives ancient stories a modern twist, emphasizing the meaning important history may have for today's life.

'Tell a Gal P.A.L.' to Raise Awareness of Domestic Violence
(ARA) - Three out of four Americans know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence according to the Allstate Foundation National Poll on Domestic Violence. While it impacts many, few discuss the issue.

Students Vote Pete Pizza Winner of National School Lunch Election
(ARA) - Student voters from across the country have made their decision, and Pete Pizza is taking the national prize as winner of the Vote for School Lunch 2008 Presidential Election.

Make Smart Spending, Saving a Family Resolution
(ARA) - With the economic crisis hitting everyone in the pocketbook, it's more important than ever for parents to talk to their children about how to manage money. New Year's -- a prime resolution time for millions of Americans -- is a great time for children and their parents to learn better spending and savings practices together.

Back-to-school Means Homework for Parents Too
(ARA) - As teens head back to the classroom this fall, they'll be assigned a lot of homework in the three "Rs": reading, writing, and arithmetic. Important to students' success will be the homework parents do in teaching two other "Rs": role modeling and responsibility.

Family Living

Asbestos and Mesothelioma: A Younger Generation Now at Risk
(ARA) - Everyone knows the dangers of asbestos. What was once commonplace in factories and the construction industry has caused a slew of health problems to those who have been exposed. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer caused by this exposure, and it's not just people who worked directly with asbestos who now need to be concerned.

Are Food Allergies Genetic?
(ARA) - As the number of people with food allergies continues to rise, many are asking: "Are food allergies genetic?"

Oh Baby! Expert Design Tips for the Little One's First Bedroom
(ARA) -Of all the tasks to complete during pregnancy, decorating the nursery may be the most fun. Now new parents can have designer access to the hottest trends and nursery design tips from the master of good design, Ty Pennington. He is sharing his design expertise through "Ty's Nursery Guide," a step-by-step guide that helps parents identify their nursery design style.

Do's and Don'ts of Dealing with Diaper Rash
(ARA) - More than one new mom has felt frustrated or helpless over diaper rash. One of the most common ailments of infancy is also among the least understood; 64 percent of moms said that diaper rash was only a minor problem, and the majority are unaware that a yeast infection can cause a more serious diaper rash, according to a recent nationwide survey of new and expectant moms.

Five Parenting Pointers to Help Provide Your Baby with a Head Start in Life
(ARA) - If you are like many new parents out there, there's nothing you wouldn't do to provide your baby with the best start in life. Time, effort, expense -- no matter what it takes, you are committed to allowing nothing to stand in your child's way.

Convenient, Economical Solutions for Mealtime Madness
(ARA) - It's no secret that Americans are busy, and getting together for dinner often seems like an extraordinary task. As food prices continue to increase, families are not only taking hits to their household budgets, they are experiencing long work hours, conflicting schedules and not finding enough time to cook a meal and have dinner together.

Myth Busting: Some Helpful Tips for a Nutritious Pregnancy
(ARA) - If there ever was a love/hate relationship for the record books, it's the relationship between a pregnant woman and food. On one hand, it's a time when food cravings go on overdrive, and the body shouts "More, more, more!" On the other hand, certain foods can trigger discomforts such as nausea, causing a "Less, less, less!" reaction. Here are some common myth busters about pregnancy and nutrition.

Tips for Selecting the Right High Efficiency Washer and Dryer
(ARA) - More practical than a flashy new car or the latest electronic gadget, high efficiency washers and dryers are gaining popularity with consumers that, given the current state of the economy, are on the lookout everywhere for bargains.

American Performing Icon Raising Awareness of Diabetes
(ARA) - For more than 30 years, Ben Vereen, a Tony award-winning, Golden Globe and Emmy Award-nominated actor, dancer and singer, has inspired audiences with his versatility and creativity as a performer. Now, he is hoping to inspire others by sharing his approach for dealing with one of the greatest challenges in his life -- living with type 2 diabetes.

Young Kids Twice as Likely to Get the Flu as Adults
(ARA) - School-age children would rather do chores, take a test or do homework than have to stay at home sick, according to the recent MedImmune Parent-Child Influenza Survey conducted by Harris Interactive. Being sick, they say, makes them feel bored, annoyed, gross and even sad. The National Center for Health Statistics estimates 38 million school days are missed each year by kids sick with the flu - that's a lot of unhappy children.

Eating Well as Food Prices Rise
(ARA) - Worried about your grocery tab? Rising food prices are a significant cause of concern for 73 percent of consumers, according to a recent USA Today/Gallup poll. For almost half of them, those prices have caused a hardship.

Skeptical Dads Give Cloth Diapers a Chance
(ARA) - Changing dirty diapers is a daunting - and sometimes dreaded - task for new dads. So, when Mohammad Suleiman's wife, Ahna, suggested that they use cloth diapers for their newborn daughter, he was less than thrilled with the idea.

How to Know When Mom or Dad Need Long-term Care?
(ARA) - When Jody found her grandmother Florence, a strong, 77-year-old woman affectionately called "Mama", vacuuming the front lawn one day, Jody finally decided it was time to move her to a dependent care facility. The decision was not easy. Having seen her grandmother gradually slip away, five years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's, the family struggled with the decision of when to seek full-time nursing care for Florence.

Safer Ways to Keep Little Ones Healthy This Winter
(ARA) - Concerns over children's cold remedies have many parents thinking twice before opening the medicine cabinet to treat their little one's cough or cold. With the FDA now recommending parents not give over-the-counter medicines to children younger than 4, more parents than ever are looking for ways to proactively support their children's respiratory health and immune systems.

Women's Birth Control Concerns Don't Match Their Behaviors and Routines
(ARA) - Most women who are of reproductive age will at some point in their life use a method of contraception. However, recent findings from the nationwide survey "Contraceptive Habits" reveal that many women in their 20s and 30s are not confident and content with their chosen method. Specifically, 79 percent of women who currently use hormonal contraception have had concerns about their birth control method. Yet despite these concerns, 39 percent of women currently on hormonal birth control have stayed with their chosen method for five or more years.

Decorating a Child's Room So You Both Love the Results
(ARA) - Parents know that they rarely have the same ideas and opinions as their children. When decorating your child's room, you might want one design while your 8-year-old daughter has a completely different concept in mind. Don't worry parents, with a few tricks, you'll be able to design a room that is stylish, functional and fun for your child.

Living with MS? Surprising Stats about Mobility, Attitudes
(ARA) - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. Symptoms can include walking and coordination difficulties, fatigue, numbness, weakness and visual problems. And it's not a rare disease. More than 400,000 people in the United States and nearly 2.5 million worldwide are living with MS.

During Cold Season, Treat Kids with Care
(ARA) - Many families rely on over-the-counter (OTC) oral cough and cold medicines to help children feel better when they are sick, but we can never be too careful when caring for our kids.

Smart Decisions During Open Enrollment Can Save You Thousands
(ARA) - In these tough economic times, millions of Americans are seeking new ways to reduce household spending. However, many are not taking simple steps to save money during open enrollment, which for many is the only time each year when changes can be made to their health benefits.

Fight the Flu and Keep Kids Healthy
(ARA) - Flu season is a time of year that many parents dread. It can be inconvenient and costly to take time off of work to care for a sick child and maintain a germ-free home during flu outbreaks in your community. But what many parents also don't realize is that the flu can be more than just a temporary nuisance; it is much more serious than the common cold, and can even cause death in some children. That is why getting a flu shot every flu season is so important, especially for children who attend child care.

Know the Signs of Alzheimer's Disease
(ARA) - More than 5 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and, by 2050, approximately 16 million will have the disease.

Make the Most of Your Child's Sports Experience
(ARA) - As children venture back to school, they get many opportunities to participate in sports. No matter what the activity, you can help your child understand how to make the most of the experience.

Santa Helps Young ATV Riders Stay Safe on the Trails
(ARA) - Imagine the excitement on Christmas morning when the kids run into the living room, look out the window and see that Santa brought them exactly what they asked for -- an ATV built especially for them and their skill level.

Think Twice Before Taking Your Pooch to a Picnic
(ARA) - This scenario plays out everywhere. You're about to head out to a picnic or other outdoor gathering and you know that dog of yours loves going to the park. It can be difficult to leave a beloved pet at home. However, before you melt and reach for the leash when the dog looks at you with pleading eyes, there are many things to consider.

Line Drying Makes Going Green a Breeze
(ARA) - Modern eco-consciousness is meeting our collective craving for simpler times in an unexpected place - at the backyard clothesline.

Fashion Beauty Fitness

Five Jewelry Gifts That Won't Break the Budget
(ARA) - When last-minute-gift panic sets in, it's easy to blow your budget in your haste to purchase that perfect present. When the clock is ticking because the holidays are right around the corner, take a breath; consider the recipient and you can find great gifts that won't break the budget.

Five Tips for Looking Red-carpet Ready at Home
(ARA) - Women often look to red carpet events to see the latest trends in fashion and beauty brought to life. Unlike celebrities, most of us don't have access to the stylists and makeup artists usually required to pull off these looks. But with the right beauty tricks and products, emulating red-carpet looks can be easy.

Easy Tips for Busy Women to Stay Beautiful
(ARA) - Every woman has the desire for a great figure, radiant skin and a beautiful Hollywood smile. But the demands of work and family life often get in the way of maintaining a healthy beauty and fitness routine.

Beauty Tips for All Maintenance Levels
(ARA) - While the beauty routine of some women consists of little more than a hairbrush and moisturizer, others spend hours in front of the mirror mastering the latest beauty trends. But no matter how high- or low-maintenance you may be, the right beauty tricks will have you looking your best in no time.

Pollution's Impact on an American Icon
(ARA) - Disappearing plant species, endangered wildlife and adverse health effects for humans - all grab headlines whenever talk turns to the impact pollution has on our world. But pollution also affects production of pearls, the gem American pop culture has made an icon of exemplary womanhood.

Add Glamour to Your Holiday Party Look
(ARA) - It's the season of family gatherings and holiday parties. The decor is sparkling and you should be too. But, rather than buying a whole new look for your holiday festivities, save the money and dress it up with glamorous accessories!

Optimize Your Fall Wardrobe
(ARA) - Fall is approaching, and it will soon be time to switch over to your cooler weather wardrobe. Whether you are going through your closet to see what is wearable or need new fall clothes to update your look, it's important to focus on quality, instead of quantity, when shopping for a new fall wardrobe.

Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon
(ARA) - Our faces are our calling cards. They identify us, they show our emotions and they are connected with three of the five senses bringing outside information to our brains. But what happens when our identity starts to droop and turn us into someone else? Or eye and nose restoration is needed to help us look younger? It may be time to research facial plastic surgery and find a facial plastic surgeon you would trust working on your face.

Vision Correction Procedure Hits a Milestone
(ARA) - More than 150 million Americans, or approximately 50 percent of the U.S. population, require eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct common vision problems. For these people, waking up in bed and reaching over to the nightstand for eye glasses is a normal ritual. Life requires good vision, and for many of us, we need the assistance of glasses or contact lenses.

Taking the First Steps toward Better Health
(ARA) - Taking the first step toward a healthier lifestyle can seem overwhelming. The American Medical Association (AMA) suggests that one way to start might be with small changes that can lead to big health benefits.

Day-to-night Fashion Solutions for the Holidays
(ARA) - We all know the holiday season is hectic. From finding the perfect gifts for family and friends to preparing that special dish, we run around scrambling to get everything together -- including ourselves -- at the last minute.

A 'Well-being Routine' - the Real Key to Health
(ARA) - As important as a fitness routine is to your physical health, it's just as vital to have a "well-being routine" that focuses on your mental health. Being well-rounded physically and mentally can foster balance between your work and personal lives, and help reduce everyday stress.

How to Stay Motivated and Keep Your Workouts Fresh
(ARA) - Whether it's walking the dog every day or getting to the gym three times a week, sometimes your exercise routine can feel like just that �- routine. There are simple ways to keep your workouts fresh and renew your motivation to get moving for health and fitness.

Tips to Earn Extra Money and Stretch Your Dollar
(ARA) - With items like gas and groceries at record highs, it seems that virtually everyone is feeling the crunch from the increased cost of living. Many American families have been re-evaluating their budgets and contemplating ways to increase cash flow and still enjoy time with their nearest and dearest. As the cost of living increases and the holiday season draws near, it is worth looking at entrepreneurial ways to help ensure that your cash flow doesn't fall short.

Women Use Friendship to Tackle Domestic Violence
(ARA) - Whoever first said that "a friend in need is a friend indeed" certainly knew what she (or she) was talking about. Good friends encourage you to live your dreams, and stand by you through good times and bad. And, as one recent poll shows, women are most likely to confide in a friend when they are facing violence in their home.

Red Carpet Tips for Fresh Fall Style
(ARA) - As the leaves change their colors this fall, many people find it is a great time to also change their style. The fall season brings new fashion and a chance for women to peruse style magazines and hit the shops to revive their look. Stylist-to-the-stars Britt Bardo brings good news for this fall's style seekers -- looking your best does not have to take a lot of time or money.

Don't Let Acne Flare-ups Blemish the Holidays
(ARA) - Holidays are often a time of great stress, but also a time when you want to look your best. With parties, family gatherings and pictures galore just around the corner, the last thing you need is for a big pimple to make a special appearance on your face this holiday season.

Infuse 'Parisian Chic' Into Your Everyday Life
(ARA) - With the cooler weather approaching, it's time to start thinking about a new look for the fall/winter season. While this can suggest shopping for new clothes, it can also mean updating your personal style and extending that style to other aspects of your life.

Coping with Allergies: How World Champion Gymnast Shannon Miller Manages her Allergy Symptoms
(ARA) - As host city of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, Beijing will introduce thousands of spectators and athletes from around the world to an array of new customs and sights, but many of these visitors may also experience allergy symptoms like sneezing and itchy, watery eyes as they explore this new environment.

Exercise Tips for Success
(ARA) - Everybody knows that exercise is good. Doctors have told us for years that exercise can help us lose weight, look better, feel better, and even sleep better. However, exercise sounds like work, and many of us claim that we just don't have time to add more work to our daily lives.

Fashion Forward Into Fall With New Accessories
(ARA) - New seasons bring about the latest in fashion trends and styles. Most women want to update their look without the cost of couture or the difficulty of understanding how to wear what they see on the runway.

Food Recipes Entertaining

Quick and Easy Meals on a Back-to-school Schedule
(ARA) - The start of a new school year means increasingly busy days are here. When your schedule suddenly fills with juggling work, soccer practice, PTA and carpool, the urge to grab dinner on the fly becomes more and more enticing. A few easy tips will help you get simple, delicious and healthy homemade meals on the table in no time.

Rice Helps the Heart, and the Wallet
(ARA) - With the rising cost of groceries, families are trying to make their hard-earned dollars go farther. Buying staples -- as opposed to manufactured mixes -- and using them in several different recipes is one way to reduce costs and yet provide a healthy meal for the entire family.

Prepare Yourself and Your Home for the Holidays
(ARA) - Holidays are the quintessential time for entertaining, but the hustle and bustle to create a welcoming home also invites a lot of stress.

Holiday Entertaining Made Easy
(ARA) - Holiday entertaining can feel overwhelming to even the most seasoned host. Between shopping, cooking, cleaning and decorating, it can feel like there's no time left to enjoy the festivities. But with a little time management and some creativity, having friends and family over to celebrate can be fun again.

Stay Safe While Preparing the Holiday Meals
(ARA) - The holiday season will be here before we know it, which means preparing for yummy feasting, the gathering of friends and family and shopping for all the food. Turkeys, hams, homemade salads and fruity desserts are all waiting to be whipped up and consumed.

Cocktails and Cuisine: A New Twist on a Classic Spirit
(ARA) - Ah, the cocktail party - it's been a classic, sophisticated entertaining staple for generations of Americans. But a sea change is taking place in how people think about cocktails. Across the country, in fine restaurants and the homes of savvy hosts, cocktails aren't going solo anymore.

The Super Snack Couple: Pretzels and Chocolate
(ARA) - Quick -- what packs antioxidants, nutrients like magnesium, calcium and copper, fiber and grains while satisfying sweet and salty cravings and serving as a convenient, portable treat? It's a match made in snacking heaven: the pairing of pretzels and chocolate.

Navigating the Holidays without Sacrificing Your Health
(ARA) - Family feasts, lunch with friends and baskets of goodies arriving at the office - the holidays are filled with opportunities to enjoy food, fun and the company of loved ones. But they're also rife with risk for anyone trying to eat healthy.

Easy, Portable Breakfast Ideas
(ARA) - After eight hours of sleep, our bodies feel refreshed, but dehydration and low sugar levels from hours of not eating can leave us dragging. That's why eating breakfast is such an important part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Even if your mornings are rushed, there are easy ways to make sure you get your breakfast and enjoy it.

Vanilla Spices Up Holiday Dishes
(ARA) - Pro chefs and casual cooks alike will soon create confections for the holiday season. The best-loved delicacies will have one of the world's most popular flavors in common -- vanilla, with its heady, aromatic taste combined with sweet, fruity and floral scents.

Add Some Spice to Your Everyday Life
(ARA) - Emeril Lagasse knows a thing or two when it comes to adding some flavor into life. Known for his signature big, bold flavors, Lagasse has mastered the art of cooking. With the launch of a new show on Planet Green, new episodes of "Emeril Live!" on Fine Living Network, and "Essence of Emeril" on Food Network, he is constantly inventing ways to spice up everyday life.

Chocolate - a True American Tradition
(ARA) - You've probably heard the saying, "As American as baseball, mom and apple pie." Well, the original author of that famous phrase left something out. Chocolate is all-American too. So as you celebrate Thanksgiving over a meal with friends and family this year, take a moment to consider how chocolate has helped to shape the American experience for more than three centuries.

Boning Up on Bone Health this Fall Season
(ARA) - Parents work hard to arm their children with tools necessary to build a lifetime of knowledge. But children need to develop more than their minds to lead a long and healthy life - they need to develop strong bones, too.

Chef-inspired Recipes for Cooking at Home
(ARA) - The popularity of food-focused TV, devoted "foodie" bloggers and countless epicurean magazines have encouraged Americans to develop palates that desire lavish gourmet adventures. Dining out on extravagant cuisine is not always an option, but you don't have to break the bank for a haute culinary experience -- channel your inner chef and find inspiration in your own kitchen.

Simple Tips Add Sparkle to Holiday Entertaining
(ARA) - This holiday season make all your festive get-togethers sparkle by using simple and innovative ways to entertain friends and family. Being creative with items you already own and a few extras will make your parties shine.

Water Coolers - Not Just for the Office Anymore
(ARA) - Water coolers -- the machines with a bottle on top that dispense water -- are typically associated with offices. But drinking water is beneficial for everyone, not just office workers, and having a home water cooler is convenient, cost effective and environmentally friendly.

Tips to Make Your Home Sparkle for the Holidays
(ARA) - Holiday entertaining requires more than artful decorations, tasty hors d'oeuvres and some cheerful librations. Savvy hosts know that great holiday entertaining occurs in a home that sparkles as brightly as the decorations that adorn it.

Spice Up the Holiday Meal with New Food Traditions
(ARA) - When one thinks of the traditional holiday feast, visions of turkey overflowing with stuffing, rich green bean casserole and heaping helpings of mashed potatoes slathered in rich brown gravy likely come to mind. While it's hard to shake a fork at the traditional holiday feast, it's easy to get stuck in a rut after 20 years of basting good ol' Tom Turkey and cracking open the annual can of cranberry sauce.

Shopping for Affordable Organic Foods Has Never Been Easier
(ARA) - Providing a family with nutritious, well-balanced meals is hard enough for busy consumers, but in today's changing economy, affordability is also a factor. While it may seem like the cost of everything from gas to groceries is on the rise, the good news is that you can feed your entire family organic and natural foods at a lower cost without having to make an extra trip to a specialty health food store. Now you can find a variety of organic and natural products at your local supermarket, for a lot less than you might expect.

More Meat-eaters Trying Vegan Foods for Taste, Health and Safety
(ARA) - Ah, the love of the burger - it's a unifying American experience. But if the fat content in fast food burgers makes your heart burn with shame, and meat recalls have you worrying about what's in that burger you made at home, you're not alone. Is it any wonder that interest in vegan alternatives to traditional meat meals is on the rise - even among people who still consider themselves meat-eaters?

Glam, Gorgeous and Green Entertaining
(ARA) - So you've made the environmentally conscious choice to be green this year ... but with the holidays just around the corner, how will this decision impact your entertaining?

Ten Solutions for Guiltless Gobbling
(ARA) - For most Americans, Thanksgiving without turkey is like the Fourth of July without fireworks. That's why it's important not to deprive yourself during holiday meals. The holidays are full of temptations and an occasional treat is fine as long as you make sure to keep short- and long-term health goals in mind.

Healthy Habits for a Happy Family
(ARA) - If you're the parent of a toddler, whether he is in preschool, daycare, or at home, it is important to incorporate healthy habits at an early age. Between hectic work schedules, school, play dates and activities, health and nutrition can sometimes take a backseat to convenience for busy parents.

Eat Breakfast and Lose Weight
(ARA) - Whether you're skipping breakfast to save on calories or running out the door in a rush with only a cup of coffee in hand, you're not doing yourself or your health any favors. Numerous studies have shown that eating breakfast can help people lose weight while promoting heart health, cognitive performance and increased energy.

Swapping Baking Stress for Sweet Success and Memories
(ARA) - With the advent of the holiday season, spirited mothers everywhere are faced with a cornucopia of seasonal tasks, from shopping and wrapping to decorating and, perhaps the most time-intensive project of them all, holiday baking. Often a tireless effort to benefit friends and family, holiday baking -- with a little creativity -- can become the highlight of your season.

The Recipe for Cool Weather Comfort Foods
(ARA) - As the weather gets brisk and the sun sets earlier, we find ourselves yearning for food and beverages that are simple, familiar and home-made. Comfort food is as soothing as a warm sweater, but it doesn't have to be boring if you add a little creativity.

Family Dinnertime Benefits Too Tempting to Pass Up
(ARA) - The benefits of the family dinner hour are more than nutritional. Children in families who spend dinnertime together gain dietary, educational and behavioral benefits, as well.

Gift Ideas

Considering an Experience Gift? Some Hints for Finding a Winner
(ARA) - "Experience is one thing you can't get for nothing," Irish playwright Oscar Wilde once said. But Wilde, for all his wit, probably never envisioned the modern practice of giving an experience as a holiday gift.

What to Buy for the Hard-to-shop-for Woman
(ARA) - Your best friend has been with you through thick and thin since college. She stood up by your side at your wedding, babysat your kids when you and your husband took that business trip to Europe and has listened to every single complaint you've ever uttered.

Holiday Shopping Without the Runaround
(ARA) - Last year your family wanted a Nintendo Wii, Ugg Boots, and Guitar Hero III. This year it will be the Elmo Live doll, silver Converse shoes, and anything related to Disney's High School Musical. Why is it they always want the most popular products, sending you scurrying from store to store only to find them sold out?

Celebrate the Holidays with a Balanced Budget
(ARA) - Long before the sweltering summer humidity dissipated, before the leaves changed into vibrant reds, oranges and yellows and before football games and halftime shows were the weekend entertainment, Americans were planning ahead for upcoming holiday expenses.

Massage Provides Respite During the Busy Holiday Season
(ARA) - As Americans get into the full swing of the holiday season, massage therapy can be a winning addition to holiday planning and shopping lists. Massage therapy gift certificates are surefire holiday gifts; consumers love giving and receiving gift cards and certificates and first-time massage clients rate their massage experience as highly positive, according to consumer research sponsored by Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) and others.

Five Simple Ways to Cut Back on Costs This Holiday Season
(ARA) - With the brisk air settling and the end of the year quickly approaching, many people are eagerly turning their focus towards holiday preparation and excitement for the wonderful things to come. From gatherings with friends and family to building a snowman in the first snowfall, traditional activities will begin anew. But one tradition that may bring more anxiety than excitement this season is the anticipation of holiday spending and gift giving.

New Survey Finds Coupons will be a Popular Way to Save on Gifts this Holiday Season
(ARA) - Consumers will spend less money on gifts this holiday season, according to a survey conducted by Harris Interactive and commissioned by RetailMeNot.com, and they plan to use coupons to help them.

Bring Back Old World Traditions This Holiday Season
(ARA) - In the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping and travel, it can be easy to lose track of the traditions you loved as a child. A great way to make new memories is to bring back old world holiday traditions with friends and family.

Reuse and Rejoice: Eco-chic Gift Ideas that Give Back
(ARA) - The holidays are a time of celebration, where goodwill is spread and gifts are exchanged with loved ones. As more people go green and give back in all aspects of their lives, it's no surprise that great gifts now embrace this concept. This year, give something different that is sure to make everyone smile.

Like Action and Adventure? Travel to Scotland
(ARA) - If the typical tourist experience bores you to tears and you can't take yet another bus tour, adventure travel just might be for you. Among thrill-seeking travelers, Scotland is quickly becoming known as a popular, action-packed destination.

Luxury for Less -- Lavish Gifts on a Budget
(ARA) - It's holiday shopping season again, and for those of us that love to give life's little luxuries as gifts, the economic downturn may affecting our plans. But luxurious doesn't necessarily equal expensive. With a little ingenuity you can give lavish gifts on a limited budget.

Millions of Americans Bring Massage Benefits into the Home
(ARA) - Massage is moving mainstream in the lifestyles of millions of Americans who rely on the millennia-old therapeutic practice not just for relaxation but for a host of health benefits, including pain relief. In fact, nearly a quarter of all adult Americans had a massage at least once in 2007, according to the American Massage Therapy Association.

Handmade Gifts Make a Holiday Comeback
(ARA) - Instead of battling crowded shopping malls and rising prices, Kim Jacobson is spending time in her garage, building holiday gifts in her home woodshop.

Of Sea Captains and Tiny Yuletide Treasures
(ARA) - The traditional holiday fir, the Norfolk Island Pine, has a back story worthy of a Hollywood movie. When you see these delicately shaped pines at your favorite retail store, you're taking home a bit of nautical history.

Stay in the Spirit and Out of Debt This Holiday Season
(ARA) - Sticking to a well-orchestrated budget while hunting for the must-have gifts of the season, planning the perfect holiday meal and arranging flawlessly timed travel are not tasks for the novice. This time of year can drain even the savviest shopper's budget, but there are easy ways to save and even earn money this holiday season.

Tips for Choosing a Toy for a Special Needs Child
(ARA) - You may sigh in envy watching a child excitedly unwrap a holiday toy, and imagining all the fun she'll have with it. But don't forget that play is actually important work for kids; it's an important tool for helping them develop and grow.

Give Good this Holiday Season
(ARA) - The holidays are always a time for giving, not only of gifts to family and friends, but also to organizations supporting different causes. This year, consider some new ways to give good gifts while also supporting the issues most important to you, your friends and your family.

Gift Ideas for the Techie on Your List
(ARA) - If you have a techie in your life, you know it. Because they're often on top of the cutting edge in technological advances, the techies on your list can be difficult and expensive to buy for. But there are affordable and creative gift options to delight even the most wired (or wireless) people on your list.

Small Changes Make Big Impact on Your Home's Air Quality
(ARA) - You carpool to work or school, drive conservatively and never use the drive- through, where a car's idling engine can pump pounds of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. You're doing your part to improve outdoor air quality. But what about the quality of the air inside your home?

Fishing for the Perfect Holiday Gift This Season?
(ARA) - With more than 50 million anglers and about 21 million hunters throughout the United States, the odds are that there's a special person in your life who loves the outdoors, and enjoys fishing, hunting, birding, camping or some other outdoor activity.

Wine is Still a Winning Holiday Gift
(ARA) - Looking for that holiday gift that is both personal and universal, sophisticated and fun? Smart holiday shoppers are turning to wine clubs and wine-related accessories to round out their seasonal shopping this year.

Affordable Holiday Gift Ideas for Kids
(ARA) - There is nothing better than seeing a child's face light up while opening a gift during the holidays. But with the economy slowing and people reining in their spending, many are worried about saving enough to buy gifts for the little ones this holiday season. With a little creative shopping, however, it's possible to make the kids' holidays merry and bright, even on a budget.

Handmade Floral Gifts are Budget-friendly Season Brighteners
(ARA) - Are you trying to balance a shrinking holiday gift budget with a list of recipients that just seems to grow longer every year? You're not alone. With many Americans prepared to spend less on holiday shopping and decorating this year, it's likely more people will choose to give homemade gifts and create their own holiday decor.

Gift Ideas for People who Have Everything
(ARA) - There's the dream mother-in-law who's so easy to get along with that she deserves a spectacular gift, and the teenager who wants to fit with the "in-crowd"; the co-worker who always helps out yet asks nothing in return, and the spouse who's just the love of your life. But of all the people on your holiday gift list, few are as challenging to buy for as the person who seems to already have everything.

Gift Card Buyers Seeking Excitement, Personalization This Year
(ARA) - When the going gets tough, the tough still go shopping. Even with retail and finance experts predicting a slow holiday shopping season, seasonal spending is still expected to grow -- albeit only slightly -- this year. The big difference, experts predict, is that consumers will be much more particular about what they buy, attracted by items and deals that they find most exciting.

Holiday Decorating With a Green Twist
(ARA) - When it comes to the holidays, nothing says welcome like a well-adorned home exterior. From wreaths to holiday lights to fresh greenery, even the simplest home designs can transform into magical settings with the addition of exterior decorating elements.

Secrets to Successful Online Holiday Shopping
(ARA) - No one's quite ready to cancel the holidays because of the economy, but sales and promotions will be a deciding factor for 40 percent of holiday shoppers this year, according to the National Retail Federation's recent holiday survey. And 44 percent of shoppers looking for a deal are going to search online, the survey shows.

Green Living

A Game Plan for 'Greening' Your Garage
(ARA) - Your appliances are all energy-efficient models, your home's insulation is top-notch, and there isn't an incandescent light bulb anywhere in your house. Congratulations - your home is "green." But what about your garage?

How To Stop Drafts and Save On Energy Bills
(ARA) - Imagine leaving a window open all winter long -- the heat loss, cold drafts and wasted energy! If your home has a folding pull-down attic stair, a whole house fan, a fireplace or clothes dryer, that may be just what is occurring in your home every day.

Ten Ways to Conserve Water in Your Home
(ARA) - Water is a precious resource and even though it flows readily whenever we turn on a faucet, it's important to conserve. Water is vital to the environment, and conserving water helps our critical ecosystems, but saving water also saves you money. You don't have to make major lifestyle changes to conserve water in your home; there are easy ways to accomplish the environmentally friendly task.

Guilt-free Showers? New Solar Technology Makes it Possible
(ARA) - Every time you take a shower, do the laundry or wash the dishes, you're spending money -- big money. The average household with an electric water heater spends about 25 percent of its home energy costs on heating water, according to the Department of Energy. Many Americans are resigned to this fact, but there is an affordable way to save money and fossil fuels.

Peppermint Offers Safe, Non-toxic Deterrent to Mice
(ARA) - The scurrying of tiny mice feet on a kitchen floor, or the not-so-subtle droppings in the corner of the living room are enough to make even the most unflappable homeowners shudder and launch into a frantic search for the mice that have invaded their home.

Six Greener Ways to Stay Warm this Winter
(ARA) - With cool weather on the way you may be wondering just how you'll manage to maintain your eco-friendly habits and stay warm at the same time. While your home, like most in America, will likely rely on fossil fuels for heat for years to come, it's still possible to have a "greener" winter.

Time to Rethink Your Plumbing Options
(ARA) - If you haven't built a new home or taken on a major bathroom or kitchen remodeling project in recent years, you might not be aware that today's plumbing options are very different than they once were.

Eco-friendly Home Decorating Made Easy
(ARA) - Take a look around at some of the products being sold by your favorite retailers today and you'll see that "going green" isn't just a catch phrase anymore; it's a way of living. But living green isn't just about driving a hybrid or eating organic. It's now expanded into how we decorate our homes. In fact, there are more environmentally-friendly home-decorating products to choose from than ever before.

The Added Benefits of Environmentally-friendly Construction
(ARA) - Homeowners are willing to pay more for a green home -- as long as incentives or rebates are available to help defray the extra costs, according to a 2007 survey by Public Opinion Strategies for the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB). The survey also indicated that among those who said they would pay more for a home with green features, 74 percent said they would be willing to pay no more than an additional 10 percent, highlighting the need to keep green building affordable.

Illuminating the Future of Kitchen Lighting: Energy Efficiency
(ARA) - It doesn't matter if you live in a home with a modern kitchen that has all the fancy upgrades, or one that just has a single overhead light in the center of the room. If you're not using the latest generation of energy-efficient bulbs, it's time for a lighting upgrade.

Composting Fall Leaves Turns Garden Trash into Treasure
(ARA) - Leaves have turned brilliant hues, evenings are cool and geese are flying south in search of warmer temperatures. So long fall, winter is on its way.

Simple Solutions for Saving Hundreds at the (Toilet) Tank
(ARA) - Water conservation is becoming a household necessity due to more states declaring drought emergencies each year. Plus, not only does water conservation help the environment, but it also puts less strain on the pocketbook.

How to Make Your Home Green and Healthy
(ARA) - You can just smell it. You install new carpeting in your home, and the air in your living room takes on a brash, chemical scent. That can't be good.

Five Easy Ways to Drive Green
(ARA) - It only takes a single car to substantially impact the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average car emits as much as 575 pounds of carbon monoxide into the air each year. Until automakers develop a more environmentally friendly automobile, it's up to each driver to help reduce their car's footprint on the planet.

Five Ways to Save Money While Improving Your Home's Energy Efficiency
(ARA) - The warning letters have already started filling mailboxes across the country. This winter, Americans will face higher utility bills than ever before. While many will see their bills double, some costs will actually triple due to factors such as increased gas and oil prices and greater global demand.

Add Warmth and Create a Healthier Bathroom
(ARA) - The last place you want to be on a chilly morning is barefoot on your cold bathroom floor waiting for the icy shower to heat up. The last thing you want to think about while you're there is all the contaminants in the air. There are many ways to warm up the bath and make it a healthy place you look forward to luxuriating in as the weather turns cool.

Winterizing: Easy Steps to Help Save Money and the Environment
(ARA) - Cold weather is on the horizon, threatening to leak into your home and send a chill up your spine. With skyrocketing energy costs and a global movement to "go green," now's the time to help keep precious energy from going right out the window.

Add Warmth to Your Home with Hardwood Floors over Radiant Heat
(ARA) - Hardwood floors add beauty, warmth and lasting value to any home. Combine that beauty and durability with the comfort, decorating freedom and the lower cost benefits of radiant heat, and you have a great combination. Add the overall environmental benefits and it is win-win all around.

Buying Eco-friendly Cabinets Brings Environmental Responsibility Closer to Home
(ARA) - Lighting is compact fluorescent, appliances are energy efficient, but what about kitchen cabinets? As the heart of the home, the kitchen is one of the most important places to keep the environment and your family's health in mind.

Add Outdoor Space and Save Energy
(ARA) - Adding onto your home adds value, but when economic times are tough, big home improvement projects are often not in the budget. However, there are ways to extend your living space to the outdoors with the added benefit of saving energy for less than the cost of an addition.

A Greener Way to Expand Outdoor Living Space
(ARA) - From the food we eat to the cars we drive, going "green" is a growing trend everywhere you look. And now, it's becoming a driving force in the home improvement industry as well. If you're interested in adding a new structure to your property, there is an option that is both earth-friendly and affordable.

Health And Wellness

Discover the Link Between Pain and Poor Sleep
(ARA) - There is no overstating the value of a good night's sleep. Rejuvenating, uninterrupted rest delivers a host of health benefits, from re-energizing you for the day ahead to relieving many forms of pain.

Diabetes Champions from Across Country Aim to Inspire
(ARA) - A group of patients who make diabetes management an essential part of their day-to-day life are hoping to motivate others in the diabetes community to manage their condition and strive for optimal blood sugar control.

Itchy, Uncomfortable Eyes? It Could be 'Dry Eye'
(ARA) - Do your eyes feel itchy, gritty or like you have something in them? You may have dry eye and don't know it.

Prevent Fall Bleacher Burn
(ARA) - Many Americans' favorite sports occur in the fall, encouraging individuals to spend more time outdoors free of summer's scorching heat. But while the weather may seem cooler, many regions of the country continue to experience high ultraviolet indexes throughout the fall. In fact, even on gray, cloudy days, as much as 80 percent of UV rays can pass through the clouds.

Are Food Allergies Genetic?
(ARA) - As the number of people with food allergies continues to rise, many are asking: "Are food allergies genetic?"

Secrets of Safe, Successful Slumber for Your Baby
(ARA) - It's easy to become sleep-obsessed when you're a new parent. Not only are you dealing with your own sleep deprivation and trying to help your baby develop a sleep routine, there's the compelling question of just where your bundle of joy will bed down.

Your Child's Autism: How to Solve a Piece of the Puzzle
(ARA) - Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is on the rise, now affecting approximately 1 in 150 children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The brain development disorder is mysterious in many ways, with cause, diagnosis and treatment all hotly debated by health care professionals, parents of children with autism and the general public.

More Topical than Ever: Alternatives to Oral Pain Relievers
(ARA) - Pain is pervasive in America, and it's not just the kind caused by rising gas and grocery prices or the current mortgage crisis. Some 50 million Americans live with chronic pain linked to disease, while another 25 million experience periodic pain caused by injury or surgery, according to a national pain survey by Ortho-McNeil.

Preventing the Unwelcome Side Effects of Chemotherapy
(ARA) - A cancer diagnosis -- whether it's yours or a loved one's -- can be one of the most frightening moments in life. Most people faced with cancer feel anxiety and fear about the disease itself, but also about the possible side effects of chemotherapy.

Office Politics Center Around Seating Comfort
(ARA) - The hallways, lunchrooms �&#