December 2008

Have a Happy, and SAFE New Year!

by Cindy Gray on December 31st, 2008

There are many ways to help keep you and your loved ones safer. One simple way to help improve safety is to use the “ICE”, or the In Case of Emergency contact system, where cell phone users store emergency contact information in the phone directory of their cell phones. List the entry as “ICE” and enter the number of the person you would want contacted in case of an emergency. This information can easily be found in your cell phone by emergency personnel or by hospital personnel. Granted, this implies several things: that you have a cell phone, that the

Winter Naps Elude Millions Of Americans

by Sheila McCormick on December 24th, 2008

While the possibility of a long winter’s nap sounds very soothing during the fast-paced, stressful holiday season, the reality is that millions of people struggle through the holidays deprived of restful, restorative sleep. The 80 million Americans who suffer from sleep disorders find that their insomnia worsens during this hectic time of the year. Jam-packed schedules, increased sugar intake, economic stress and the desire to make “everything perfect” for your family can negatively affect your ability to get the amount of sleep you need. The inability to get a good night’s sleep is not something to be taken lightly during

‘Tis The Season To Be Merry: Or Blue?

by Sheila McCormick on December 17th, 2008

Children are laughing. Carolers are singing. The aroma of fresh baked cookies wafts through your kitchen. Colorful lights are blinking merrily on your tree. So why do you feel so sad? If you find yourself feeling sad and blue during the holidays, you are not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from holiday depression so profound that they are physically and mentally unable to participate in what is expected to be the happiest time of the year. There are numerous factors that can cause us to feel stressed, fatigued, lonely and sad during the holidays. Many people feel isolated and sad

Put Mother Earth At The Top Of Your Christmas Gift List

by Sheila McCormick on December 11th, 2008

Mother Nature supplies us with abundant blessings every single day of the year. During the holiday season, let’s return the favor by putting Mother Earth at the top our gift list and focus on a “green” Christmas. In doing so, we will ensure that our children and grandchildren enjoy the gifts of nature for generations to come. With a little planning and imagination, we can greatly reduce the negative environmental impacts of the holiday season. Choose your holiday gifts from recycled sources. Many individuals and small businesses have developed beautiful and useful products that incorporate recycled materials. Focus on locally

The Health Benefits Of Cranberries

by Sheila McCormick on December 3rd, 2008

Cranberries, which used to surface mainly during the holidays, have become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more people have come to understand the extraordinary health benefits the little red berries contain. Cranberries were undoubtedly served at the first Thanksgiving because Native Americans were among the first to discover their flavor and health-giving properties. The cranberry is a small, red berry that grows on low-hanging vines in temperate zones throughout the United States. It is a member of the same family of plants as bilberry and blueberry. Cranberries are available throughout most of the winter and they can