5 Benefits of Family Video Game Time

Video games get a lot of negative attention these days. Too much screen time can be detrimental to physical activity and other mental stimulus (like reading). But there are also benefits to the strategy and hand-eye coordination that video games teach, not to mention what playing games (even video games) as a family can do for family wellness.

The kids recently purchased the Lego Marvel SuperHeros game for our WiiU. Owen needed someone to play with, so I stepped in. I am no gamer. The kids laugh because I am typically the player pushing all the buttons and trying to figure out which one is making me jump. (then I fall off the plane anyway) But I realized that in playing this game, we were working together. Ryan came in to offer tips and encouragement, and even John had to help us get through a few levels.

It became a family game. And we were playing it a LOT. I worried about too much screen time, but the benefits we were getting seemed to outweigh the negatives. Plus with all that snow, outside, we weren't going anywhere. So I did a little research on how playing games as a family made us better  people and a better family unit.

Here are 5 Benefits of Family Video Game Time that I came up with:

1.  Opening up communication. It may not be easy to talk to your child about how they problem-solve on the playground over the dinner table. But if you are Captain America, and your child is Hulk, you can get a glimpse into their problem solving and strategy skills.

2.  Family bonding. Sometimes it's not easy to find common ground with your kids (especially when they become tweens and teens). Playing a game together can be that common ground, and give everyone a space to bond.

3.  Getting physical, improving balance and coordination. With active games like XBox Kinect and WiiU, you can walk tight ropes, dodge soccer balls and have a dance party. When you play with your kids you can all improve your skills together - watch as everyone's best scores rise with more practice.

4.  Hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Some of these game require hand movements while keeping your eyes firmly on the screen. With full-body motion on some games, you can even work up a bit of sweat trying to keep it all together.

5.  Using our brains. Gone are the days where a video game is simply pushing a button repeatedly. Many games include strategy, logic and reasoning skills. While this a great thing for our kids, let's not lose sight of the fact that using our brains, can help keep us sharp as we age.

Do you play video games with your kids? What's your favorite right now? How do you think they benefit your family?

catch you soon -

Reaching Your Healthy Lifestyle Goals with Healthy Essentials {sponsored}

This post is part of the Healthy Essentials® 2014 program by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. and The Motherhood.

Here we are, another new year. The gym is packed, the running clothes racks are empty, and Pinterest is full of healthy living ideas. While I don't make resolutions, but rather select One Little Word, part of my journey in 2014 is to lead a healthier lifestyle.

Last week, I shared 7 tips in my plan to live a healthier lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle can encompass taking care of both our outsides and our insides. Eating food that is good for us, and getting plenty of exercise, are just part of a bigger picture. Take a look in your medicine cabinet. What products do you rely on to help keep you and your family healthy? If it's time to re-stock, you're in luck. Johnson and Johnson is starting off the new year with great savings on their Healthy Essentials® line of products. Not only that, they are part of an upcoming twitter party on resolutions, family wellness. and health and hygiene products.  

You know that I am by no means an extreme couponer, but Johnson and Johnson is giving you the opportunity to save over $45 in January on some of your favorite products. Visit HealthyEssentials.com for details.

If saving money isn't enough:

Ring in the new year with Healthy Essentials at the #Mom4JNJConsumer Twitter Party

I am pleased and excited to join the Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies for a Twitter party to talk about how Healthy Essentials® can help us meet goals, resolutions and intentions for living a healthier lifestyle in 2014.

When: Tuesday, January 14, 1 p.m. ET

Hashtag: #Moms4JNJConsumer

Prizes: Throughout the party, 15 prizes will be randomly given away from all eligible correct responses to trivia questions. Each prize includes an assortment of Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies Healthy Essentials® products with en estimated retail value of $50.

Prize Eligibility:No purchase necessary. Entrants must be legal residents of the 50 United States + D.C. 18 years if age or older. Void where prohibited.

Hosts: @theMotherhood @CooperMunroe @EmilyMcKhann @TheMotherhood25

And if you have any sports enthusiasts at your house, as I do in mine, you may be interested to know that when you visit HealthyEssentials.com and share a picture or story of a moment of caring in your life - you could scream "GOAL!" from Brazil. Visit HealthyEssentials.com for more information on this amazing opportunity.


Hope to chat with you on Tuesday and hear all of your great ideas for living a healthier lifestyle in 2014.

catch you soon -

This post is part of the Healthy Essentials® 2014 program by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. and The Motherhood, who sent me a box of products and compensated my for my time. Opinions, experiences and photos shared here are all my own, and I hope you enjoy them.

7 Ways I'm Planning to Live Healthier in 2014

I've said before, that I'm not really one to make New Year Resolutions. But my One Little Word for this year is Journey, and one of my intentions for this word, is to work on my journey to a healthier lifestyle.

My hope, is that by improving some "small" things in my day-to-day routine, I can make "big" changes by the end of the year and drop a few pounds, get a little more fit and improve my overall health. So here are 7 ways that I'm planning to get healthier in 2014:

• Drinking more water. I just don't drink as much as I should throughout the day. I'm planning to use my FitBit tracker to help remind me and encourage me to drink up.
• Getting out there and walking. Once the holidays and cold weather hit, I stopped. My plan is to get back into a formal walk with friends at least once a week, and hit the pavement myself 2 other days.
• Eating regular meals. (breakfast and lunch). This is a toughie for me, I typically skip breakfast and lunch is very haphazard since I work form home.
• Introducing more smoothies and salads into my diet. Maybe this can help me to eat more regular meals.
• Get out and play with the kids - this one will help with my better parenting journey as well.
• Introducing more yoga and meditation into my life. This is something I've done in the past, but without any real regularity. I have some meditation podcasts, a Yoga App and WiiFitU to work with.
• Taking my vitamins. Yes, there is a lot of controversy out there about whether they really help or not. I feel better when I take them. I have more energy. So for now, I'm trying to remember to take them everyday.

There's my list of 7 things to help me live a healthier life in 2014. Slow and steady wins the race, and I'm not really one to suddenly take on a big running routine or anything. So this is my plan and the start of this particular journey.

Do you have any intentions, resolutions or plans for improving your health this year?

catch you soon -

Take a Holiday from Headaches {sponsored} #giveaway

I am an Excedrin® Extra Strength Brand Ambassador and I have been compensated for my time, however, all opinions and experiences are my very own.

It's that time of year again . . .black cats and witch's hats are in our rear view mirror and ahead of us is a sea of turkeys, wrapping paper, candles, elves and more.  That's right, it's the Holiday Season, and while that brings much joy to many people, it can also bring on headaches or migraines.

That's why the makers of Excedrin® Extra Strength are inviting you to "Take a Holiday from Headaches" by following these simple steps from Dr. Keri Peterson, MD:

• Stick to your regular routine. Eating, sleeping and exercising as you do the rest of the year can help reduce the chances of getting a headache. (1)
• Manage your time and plan ahead. Coordinate plans and responsibilities in advance with relatives and friends, compose set menus when hosting a party and try to purchase gifts early so you're not rushing at the last minute. (1)
• Stay in ventilated spaces. As you browse through the mall, watch out for those scented candles or perfume is you are sensitive to smells. (2)
• Eat and drink in moderation. Eat, drink and be merry, but try not to consume sweets or alcoholic beverages in excess, as they could trigger headaches. (2)

Traveling this holiday season? Be sure to carry Excedrin® Extra Strength with you when you're on the go for fast relief should a headache or migraine strike. This is something I often forget to do, and then have to run to Walgreens or Target to pick some up.

With all the holiday stress, the makers of Excedrin® are hoping to help alleviate some! Visit Facebook.com/Excedrin between now and January 1st, 2014 to enter the "Take a Holiday from Headaches" sweepsteaks, where you'll be eligible for a chance to win daily prizes including gift cards to popular retailers and one lucky grand prize of $25,000 to help with shopping, travel and other holiday expenses - all of which can give anyone a headache. (See official rules: http://on.fb.me/1b2G7OB)

A Chance to Win - Just for my scraps Readers!

How would you like an extra $100 right about now? Well one lucky reader that leaves a comment below telling me what your biggest holiday headache is, has the chance to win a $100 American Express Gift Card from Excedrin®. Who couldn't use an extra $100 this time of the year right?

fine print - Giveaway open to Continental US Residents only. Be sure to include a valid email address so I can contact you. Comments close on December 13thh at midnight Eastern Daylight Time. Winner will be selected using random.org from all valid entries. Winner must reply within 48 hours of notification or another winner will be selected using the same methods. 

Good luck! 

catch  you soon - 

(1) - Cleveland Clinic
(2) - Headaches.org

disclosure -  I am an Excedrin® Extra Strength Brand Ambassador and I have been compensated for my time. Excedrin is providing the prize to the winner. As always, all opinions and experiences are my very own.
 

Don't Let Back to School Give You a Headache {Sponsored} {Giveaway}

Are your kids are already back to school? Mine don't start school until after Labor Day, so we have a little summer left.

But if you have any type-A tendencies as I do, you are starting to stress over all the things that have to "get done" before the first day: (or if you've had your first day - what you are already "behind" on)

• School Supplies
• New Clothes
• New Shoes
• Lunchbags and Backpacks
• Bedtime Routines
• Summer Packets

I take all that to a whole new level and add my own school year binders, calendars, homework cart and more that I want to get organized before we start.

All of that is enough to give anyone a headache! In fact, according to a recent survey by the makers of Excedrin®, more than one-third of parents * cite getting themselves (41%) and their children (43%) back on schedule at the top of the list of things that might cause their headaches during the back to school season.

And while we are all preparing ourselves and our kids on the home-front, schools and teachers around the country are preparing too. With extensive school supply lists coming home each summer, it's no wonder that according to a recent survey by the makers of Excedrin®, a large majority of parents (85%) think their schools are in need of new or upgraded supplies, such as pencils and paper and computers or software and even gym/sporting equipment.  In response, the makers of Excedrin launched the "Help Your School Excel with Excedrin" sweepsteaks, which is a fun and headache-free way for 5 individuals to win $10,000 for their child's school. How awesome would that be?

To enter the "Help Your School Excel with Excedrin" sweepsteaks and have the chance to be one of 5 lucky winners, simply visit Facebook.com/Excedrin

Back-to-School Giveaway for Readers of my scraps

Here is a special giveaway just for my scraps readers! The makers of Excedrin® are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a back-to-school pack that will help you stay organized, hydrated and headache-free. Just leave a comment, telling me one thing that might cause a headache during the back-to-school season.

fine print -Giveaway open to Continental US Residents only. Be sure to include a valid email address so I can contact you. Comments close on September 10th at midnight Eastern Daylight Time. Winner will be selected using random.org from all valid entries. Winner must reply within 48 hours of notification or another winner will be selected using the same methods.

catch you soon - 

*Parents that can name at least one thing that might cause a headache during the back to school season.

Disclosure - I am an Excedrin® Extra Strength Ambassador, and I was compensated for my time in preparing this post. I truly do suffer from headaches and Excedrin is my "go-to" remedy. All opinions are, as always, my very own.

What Makes Me Smile? #FABSmile #giveaway

A recent favorite photo of my guys & their #FABSmile

Life with my husband and two kids gives me plenty of things to smile about, that's for sure. Their stories from camp, that cup of coffee John makes me in the morning, taking trips and having adventures together are all reasons for me to smile. So imagine my delight when I received products from FlossAndBrush.com (as part of my relationship with the Mom It Forward Blogger Network) to ensure that our smiles looks as great as possible?

There is something refreshing and restorative about brushing your teeth in the morning (my kids may argue that point). The toothbrushes we received from FlossAndBrush.com are top-quality, age-specific and dentist approved. It's easy to start your day on the right foot with all that going for you! But did you know that your toothbrush wears out over time, even if it doesn't look like it?

In fact, the American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three months. If math isn't your strong point, that means each member of your family should have 4 new toothbrushes every year! FlossAndBrush.com makes it easy to always have new toothbrushes when you need them. For only $1/month, per person in your household, FlossAndBrush.com will ship a box of fresh, quality toothbrushes AND floss to your home.

I don't know about you, but that sounds like a little piece of heaven to me. All that service and quality for $16 a year in our case. (Four people at $1 each, every three months) And guess what? FlossAndBrush want to give one lucky my scraps reader the chance to win it for themselves! That will definitely make you show off your own #FABSmile!

Giveaway (sponsored and administered by FlossAndBrush.com and MomitForward)


Prize:
This giveaway prize is valued at $107 and includes the following:

• 1 Free Annual FAB Membership (every three months, a new toothbrush and 3 month supply of floss will arrive at your doorstep)
• 1 Free Annual FAB + White4Life Membership (this includes not only a toothbrush and floss every three months, but each shipment will also include FAB's professional grade whitening you can use in your own whitening trays)

Requirements to Enter:
1.  Visit FAB's Pinterest Page and do ONE of the following (be sure to include a description explaining WHY it makes you smile AND include the #FABSmile hashtag):

• Repin an image any one of the "Smile Boards" that makes you smile
• Pin your own image to Pinterest of something that makes you smile
• Post a photo to Instagram and describe why that photo makes you smile.

Come back to THIS POST and share the link to your Pin or Instagram Photo in order to enter for a chance to win. Then,

2.  Sign up for FlossAndBrush.com's mailing list: http://bit.ly/17Tjoof   and  leave a comment letting me know you signed up!

It's that easy! Read the "fine print" below for details, and hurry - giveaway ends on July 23rd.

fine print - Giveaway open to Continental US Residents only. Be sure to include a valid email address so I can contact you. Comments close on July 23, 2013 at midnight Eastern Daylight Time. Winner will be selected using random.org from all valid entries. Winner must reply within 48 hours of notification or another winner will be selected using the same methods.

Good luck and keep smiling!

catch you soon - 

Udi's Gluten Free Products - Review

Disclosure - I received free product to facilitate this review all opinions are my own

My One Little Word for 2013, is "focus". Part of my focus for the year, is on improving my healthy lifestyle. While none of us have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease or a sensitivity to Gluten, I have heard that reducing your Gluten intake can help you "feel" better.

In thinking about this, I wanted to know what Gluten actually is. . .and I discovered that it is a protein found in wheat that gives elasticity to dough, helping is to rise and keep its shape.  So, is this "bad" for us if we don't have a known intolerance or Celiac Disease? My research tells me no . . .however, it is not substantially "healthier" either, but if it makes me "feel better" (meaning less bloated), then it could be a win.

Udi's sent us a package of goodies to try out and see if we could substitute some of our regular (WITH Gluten) products with their Gluten Free varieties. Udi's products are counter stable for 5-7 days, good in the fridge for 21 days and good in the freezer for 6 months. To start off with, I froze the breads, tortillas and pizza crusts.

I put the muffins in the refrigerator; however the Blueberry ones were gone within 24 hours. My kids said they were comparable to a Dunkin Donut Blueberry Muffin. I had to agree that they are soft and fluffy, with a great consistency and taste. I made strawberry shortcakes with the Double Vanilla Muffins, slicing them in half, adding cut strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream on the top. Delicious!

The pizza crusts I put in the freezer, but they only made it a day, as my kids asked for personal pizzas for lunch the following afternoon. These were perfect because the directions say cook from frozen. I added some sauce and some cheese, popped them in the oven, and in a matter of minutes the kids had personal pizzas that they enjoyed outside on the patio. There have already been requests to buy more of these, and personally, I think they make a great lunch or even an after-school or camp snack.

A few nights later we grilled up hamburgers and hotdogs for dinner, and I tried out the classic Hamburger and Hot Dog Rolls. Everyone ate them and said they had a great taste. My husband thought it was a bit "too much bread" (which could mean I needed to make bigger burgers - lol). I have heard people say that the rolls and bread taste "stale", but I put the rolls (wrapped in a paper towel) in the microwave for about 30 seconds prior to serving, and no one mentioned staleness!

We were not fans of the tortillas. . .but I think it was a consistency issue more than a taste issue. I made some ham and cheese pinwheels for the kids and the tortillas ripped very easily, and my kids thought they had a "dry" taste to them. I still have the small size in the freezer and I'm going to try making quesadillas with them and see if we have better results.If we do, I'll update here and you can check me out on Instagram.

Where do I start with the cookies? My mother's favorite cookies are Snicker Doodles, so I brought them down to share with her. She thought they were delicious. We (ok, probably me) ate all the Double Chocolate Brownie Bites in about 36 hours. They are the perfect size and dose of chocolate for a mid-day or after-dinner pick-me-up. I think they would be great as a lunchbox treat as well. The kids are picky about Chocolate Chip Cookies, and prefer homemade to any brand of store-bought ones. These were no exception for them; however I think they are great with a glass of milk or cup of tea.

I still have two loaves of bread and the whole wheat burger buns in the freezer to try out, but overall I would call our Udi's experiment a win. The Muffins, Cookies and Pizza Crusts will have a regular place on our shopping list.

Udi's is an American made food, hailing from Colorado. They were started in 1994, and have a strong online presence, helping consumers with finding product, preparing product, recipe ideas and more.

Have you tried Udi's? What's your favorite product or recipe?

catch you soon -

Disclosure - I received a box of free Udi's product to facilitate this review. All opinions are my very own (or that of my family) and I will always be honest with you, my reader.

Combat Summer Headaches and Enter to Win an Excedrin® Extra Strength Summer Cool Prize Pack {sponsored}

Items pictured are my own and NOT part of the giveaway

I am an Excedrin® Extra Strength Brand Ambassador and I have been compensated for my time, however, all opinions and experiences are my very own.

It seems as if summer headaches come right along with the summer heat, especially if you are trying to keep up with your fitness and exercise routine. Fitness Expert, Kathy Kaehler shares that while exercise is a great way to reduce stress, release endorphins and feel great about yourself, you should be careful when exercising during the summer months.  Kathy cautions that the combination of exercise and the summer heat, increases your core body temperature and decreases the blood circulation to the muscles you're using. Because of this strain and potential dehydration you may get headaches more frequently. 1 And no one wants that to happen!

While we cannot control the weather, we can control how we combat common warm weather headache triggers. For instance:

Be Flexible With Your Routine: Exercise in the morning instead of during the hotter later parts of the day. Stay indoors when humidity is high. Wear thin, breathable clothes while exercising outdoors and consider testing out indoor gym workouts as opposed to outdoor activities. 2

Dehydration: Be sure to stay hydrated by drinking water before, during and after your workout. Try to refrain from drinking beverages that leave you parched (caffeinated or alcoholic beverages). After your workout, mpisturize your skin to keep your whole body hydrated.3

Light: Wear sunglasses or a hat or visor when exercising outdoors. Take frequent breaks in the shade or cooler areas. Try not to embark on a long run, on the hot asphalt, during the brightest part of the day, when light is reflecting at you from all angles.4

I can't always avoid my headaches, especially in the summer weather; so when I do get one, I take Excedrin® Extra Strength to help me get back on track as quickly as possible. And to help you keep your cool, the folks at Excedrin® are offering one lucky my scraps reader the opportunity to win this great Summer Cool Prize Pack!

The Prize Pack includes: A gym/beach bag, REI MultiTowel, Halo II Pullover Headband and a Squeeze Breeze Water Misting Fan.

All you have to do to win is leave a comment on this blog post telling me your favorite warm weather exercise tip. Be sure to read the fine print below so your entry counts!

fine print - Giveaway open to Continental US Residents only. Be sure to include a valid email address so I can contact you. Comments close on June 30th at midnight Eastern Daylight Time. Winner will be selected using random.org from all valid entries. Winner must reply within 48 hours of notification or another winner will be selected using the same methods.

catch you soon - 

Excedrin® is a trusted brand with over 50 years' experience providing effective headache relief. Excedrin® Extra Strength is a combination pain reliever - acetaminophen/aspirin/caffeine - that provides temporary relief of headaches. (use only as directed)

disclosure -  I am an Excedrin® Extra Strength Brand Ambassador and I have been compensated for my time. Excedrin® is providing the prize to the winner. As always, all opinions and experiences are my very own. 

Sources
1 Information obtained from mayoclinic.com
2 Information obtained from heart.org
3 Information obtained from headachemag.org
4 Information obtained from The Sun Chronicle

Fruit2O Review and Dial It Back App {sponsored}

This is a sponsored post, and I received free product in order to facilitate the review. As always, all opinions are my very own.

Does drinking water bore you? As you may know from reading this blog, I am making an attempt to get healthier this year, and my family is along for the ride. One of the ways I am trying to accomplish that goal is to DRINK MORE WATER.

I'm using my FitBit to track my water consumption. I'm adding some lemons and limes. . .but after a while, water can get boring and I find myself longing for something else.

Enter a few bottles of Fruit2O to review. . .here's what I thought about it:



The Dial It Back App (www.dialitback.com) is definitely worth checking out . . .we all want to show a little restraint. . .(well mostly) but it's hard to know where to start. If you check out the App, leave me a comment and let me know where it says you need to Dial It Back =)

catch you soon -

Let's Talk About Fitness

Starting a new series here on the blog and on facebook for the summer. . .Let's Talk Tuesday . . .hopefully it inspires you to "talk along".

Today's topic is - fitness.



I'd love to hear your thoughts on fitness. . .you can leave a comment below.

catch you soon -

Menu Plan Monday - 2013 Week 18

This week, I am embarking on a menu plan to help me eat better, in the hopes of losing a few pounds before our #JerseyLove Social Media for Social Good Retreat in June.

Let me start by saying that I have never been successful in following a "diet" menu. But this plan seems reasonable, and it also goes with my goal to "focus" on my family's eating habits and try to improve the variety and healthiness of what we eat.

All menu ideas (except for the pizza) were provided By Cristie over at The Right Hand Mom. Keep watch here, on Twitter and Facebook, so see how successful I am on incorporating things my kids will eat. It has always been my philosophy that I cook ONE MEAL - and everyone must eat a part  of it - or something else that we already have on hand.

Here's what is on tap for this week:

Monday - Chicken Stew, Salad, Rolls
Tuesday - Black Bean Cakes with Guacamole
Wednesday - Double Broccoli Quinoa
Thursday - Chicken Cacciatore w Spaghetti Squash
Friday - Pizza Night with a Spinach & Bacon Salad
Saturday & Sunday - TBD

Where do you turn when you want to eat healthier? And how do you get your kids to come along for the ride?

catch you soon -

I've linked up over at I'm an Organized Junkie - check it out for more meal planning ideas and inspiration.

Who Needs Excedrin® the Most - Sweepstakes and Giveaway

I am an Excedrin® Extra Strength Brand Ambassador and I have been compensated for my time, however, all opinions and experiences are my very own.

What type of people do you think have the most headaches? I was never a big headache sufferer. Until the last year, I didn't realize how lucky I was. This past year, I have headaches much more often, sometimes bad enough to put me in bed for a day. Now this is not a medical blog, and I do not dispense advice (well, medical advice at least). But let's talk about what types of situations can bring on a headache. . .

• Furniture Assembly
• Taxes
• Kids
• Deadlines
• Traffic

All of those situations (and more) can bring on headaches. I typically treat mine with an over the counter remedy, like Excedrin® Extra Strength to end my headache fast. Sometimes I will use an eye pillow, cold compress, meditation and/or a nap to calm the pounding.

When I do take Excedrin® Extra Strength, I like the caplets, which are like a combination of a tablet and a gel capsule. I've tried many products, but I come back to Excedrin® and their 50+ years of experience in providing effective headache relief.
 
Happening right now, Excedrin® Extra Strength is asking YOU one question - WHO has the biggest headache? Though headaches are NO JOKE, the situations that cause headaches can be humorous.

Through a series of humorous video vignettes, Excedrin® brings to life 16 headache inducing situations that everyone can relate to. Rush Hour Commuters, First Time Parents and Tax Filing Citizens are just some of those featured.

You can find the videos at Facebook.com/Excedrin, where you can also enter the "Who Deserves Excedrin® the Most?" sweepsteaks.  Facebook Fans have the chance to win prizes weekly through May 14th, and will be entered to win the grand prize - a trip for 2 to Jamaica. THAT would most definitely NOT give me a headache!

And as if a trip for 2 to Jamaica isn't enough, the folks at Excedrin® would like to give one lucky my scraps reader this fabulous prize:

The prize includes:

• Foam Roller
• Anti-Stress Microwaveable Neck Pillow
• Yoga Mat

Doesn't that sound great? All you have to do is leave a comment on this post, telling me what is your best headache remedy.

fine print - Giveaway open to Continental US Residents only. Be sure to include a valid email address so I can contact you. Comments close on April 30th at midnight Eastern Daylight Time. Winner will be selected using random.org from all valid entries. Winner must reply within 48 hours of notification or another winner will be selected using the same methods.

catch you soon -

disclosure -  I am an Excedrin® Extra Strength Brand Ambassador and I have been compensated for my time. Excedrin is providing the prize to the winner. As always, all opinions and experiences are my very own.

Keeping Your Kids Fit

Have you seen the latest statistics on childhood obesity?  Nearly 17% of children are considered obese.  It's downright scary.  And everyone from the First Lady to the Nickelodeon Network, are encouraging kids to move more.

While we currently do not have weight issues with our kids, teaching them healthy habits that will last their lifetimes is important to us.  I recently learned about a website, started by WebMD, Discovery Education and Sanford Health, designed to help teach kids to be healthy.  The website is called Fit 4 the Classroom, and has resources for teachers and parents alike.  Fit 4 the Classroom is designed to move nutrition and wellness education from the gymnasium and the cafeteria, into the classroom.

What's so fascinating is that Discovery, WebMD and Sanford Health have looked at where this type of education has failed in the past, and designed tools for teachers - such as dynamic lesson plans that play on health-related STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math) subjects backed up with compelling digital media.  It encourages our kids to become the gatekeepers of their own health.  

There are four main sections:  food, move, recharge and mood. In each section, there are lesson plans, videos and activities.

I am planning to pass this information along to my Parent-Teacher groups at both the boys' schools.

The partnership also includes a national sweepstakes for elementary school teachers, awarding one grand prize winner a school assembly, a $5,000 prize and $5,000 in funding for the teacher's school to extend programs that benefit student health and wellness education.  There's plenty of time to enter, the deadline is February 14, 2013.

How does your school (even home-school) teach your kids good health and fitness habits?



catch you soon -

note - I did not receive any compensation for this post; and as always all opinions are my very own.

Getting a Mammogram - Why You Should Get One, What to Know and What to Expect

As a woman of a "certain age", it is recommended that I get a mammogram once a year.

That time has rolled around once again, and as I was driving to my appointment, I thought about the many women out there that are afraid or uncertain. Don't be.  The consequences of NOT going are much much scarier.

Why do you need a mammogram? Women diagnosed with early breast cancer, when the cancer is small and has not spread, have a high chance of surviving it.  Mammograms are the best way to find it.

When I got there, I filled out some paperwork and then went into the changing room.  The changing room had a small mirror and a chair.  There were also lockers to put your clothing into while you were having the procedure.

You need to undress from the waist up. My facility provides pink cloth gowns that provide more than adequate coverage.

You are not supposed to wear any deodorant, powder or cream (I stuck a travel deodorant in my purse to use afterwards).  I had to wait a few minutes and then it was my turn.

My facility uses a digital imaging machine and the machine looks like this: 

The tech had me take one arm out of the gown, and step up to the machine.  She helped to place my breast on the "shelf", while I faced forward, and she adjusted the screens to a snug fit.  I can see where if you have small breasts, this could be difficult and/or uncomfortable.  Work with your tech - a good one will know how to help you.  We shifted positions for a side view, and then repeated the two processes for the other side.

And that was it.

It's good to know that if you have any moles or large freckles, the tech may put a sticker on them for marking purposes.  You can (and should) remove the stickers when you're all done.

Some tips from the American Cancer Society:

• Use a facility that specializes in mammograms.  It is quite ok to ask to see the FDA certificate showing that the facility meets high professional standards if you are unfamiliar with the facility.
• Once you find a facility that you like, try to make your annual appointments at the same location so mammograms can be compared from year to year.  If not, have copies made for you and your physician.
• Mammogram costs, or a percentage of them, are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private health plans.  Call the American Cancer Society to find out about low-cost mammograms in your area.
• If you have sensitive breasts, try to schedule your appointment during a time in your monthly cycle where your breasts are the least tender.
• You will have to undress from the waist up, but will be given a gown to cover up.
• Do not wear deodorant, powder or cream under your arms that day, as it can interfere with the quality of the mammogram.
• Only you and the technologist will be present, and most times the technologist is a woman.
• The entire procedure only takes about 20 minutes.
• If you do not receive results in 10 days, call the facility to follow-up.

If you are under age 40, your insurance may not cover the expense. Discuss options with your insurance carrier and your doctor to find the right course of action for yourself. You can contact the American Cancer Society 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org

catch you soon -

note - I did not receive any compensation for this post, nor was I asked to post by the American Cancer Society. I post because I care and all opinions are, as always my very own.

A Moment in Time

Strokes happen more often than you may think - when you least expect them - and even when you're young.

Here's John's story in his own words as a guest poster:

Today, October 26, 2010 is WorldWide Stroke Awareness day.  I still find it hard to believe that I an a stroke survivor…but I am, and this is my story…

It was the week of August 23, 2010 both boys and I were camping in South Jersey with my father in law. For days we fished, hiked, grilled and had a great time. On the 26^th I needed to go to a routine dentist appointment for a root canal so I left early.

At the dentist all went normal. I had my usual 2 doses of Novocain to ease the pain and the root canal went smooth.  However, that night while the Novocain wore off, something wasn’t right. It seems that I could not eat on that side still as it was severely swollen and painful.

On the 27^th I saw a doctor about it (my family Dr was on vacation) and he prescribed an antibiotic pack to take and if it was still giving me problems to contact an ENT physician on Monday the 30th. Well Monday came and it still bothered me, so I called the ENT and they could fit me in at 2PM. This seemed to jive with other things happening that day and I wanted to be over this pain so I booked it.

So Hillary dropped me off at the doctors and proceeded to take the boys to the library.  There I sat filling in the usual mountain of paper work, medical forms and the like.

Then I got called into the office and the doctor was very nice. He asked several question and looked at me but could not really find anything wrong. He asked me to move from the table to an examination chair so he could use a scope to look inside and I obliged.

He proceeded to use something to clear my sinus and the asked me something I don’t recall. However his response was “Huh?” He then asked me several questions…what’s my name? Where was I and things like that – I answered yet he still replied “huh?” Needless to say this made me angry! Then I noticed he was telling the nurse to call 911 ASAP. I sat there and said WTF is going on…and then all of the sudden I realized that I could not move anything…my arms, legs, etc were all completely numb and unable to move. I said What’s going on, but realized then that just because “I” could hear me, out of my mouth was just gibberish.

It was then the doctor mentioned that I was having a stroke, that an ambulance was on the way and to remain calm as help would be there in a few minutes.

Yea…remain calm…right. I literally had a life passing in front of me moment when he said that. My next thought was to get a hold of Hillary. With the doctors help (as in moving my hand to get her # on my phone) they reached her as the ambulance was arriving. I honestly have no idea what was said – it was pretty much a blur ad mumbles…

The ambulance arrived and the came to collect the goods and head off to Abington Hospital. Boy it must have been fun to collect me is all I can thing of now. And off I went. On the ride to the hospital I began to regain use of my arms and legs…and I thought that it was a mistake and I’ll be out that evening.

So now I’m in the Abington ER with a ton of people and several monitors on me. Hillary arrived and I was happy to see her. They did several tests and then sent me off for am MRI, then a CT Scan. I wont bore you except to say they are long, loud and boring.

After all that – the diagnoses as that my right carotid artery was dissected and they needed to go in and put in a stent or two. Of course you are I said, because…well what else can I do lying there huh?? So off to the ICU I went for some rest and the waiting game for it to happen.

On September 2^nd it was time – and off I went. Lots of things were happening, and not all were, lets say un-painful to me. Then it was off to the OR where the doctor and friends were waiting. You are awake for this so as usual I made a few wise cracks and then was on the table and the process began. I thought it was going well, but apparently the Dr didn’t. There was a lot of chatter and then I asked if they were almost finished. Turned out they didn’t really start yet..there  were some “issues” and they called for an anesthesiologist to put me under…and trust me it didn’t take long.

Next thing I know I was back in the ICU with Hillary and some nurses there. I had come to find out the complication was that the tear was the entire length of the artery, that the surgery went for 6 hours and I had stents from my brain all the way to my shoulder blade.

Finally, after several fun days I came home on Sept 6^th to a grateful family. Since then I’ve had plenty of tests, rehab, and a 24 hour visit back to the hospital.

I don’t have many physical issues to deal with – just some sloppy speech and a droopy eye…but they will heal over time. My strength is coming back and soon I will return to work. I’ve been to several stroke seminars and I (as well as others) know what to look for in the future…I hope is doesn’t happen again

I don’t know what would have been if it were not for my wife Hillary…I truly owe her my love and my life. Thank you sweetheart.


Know the signs - don't wait.

catch you soon -