old fashioned homemaking magazine
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March issue of Old Fashioned Homemaking Online Magazine. Home and Family Tips and IdeasTRANSCRIPT
Old Fashioned Homemaking Magazine
March 2012
Brought to you by
http://www.oldfashionedhomemaking.com
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Backyard Oasis – Build or Upgrade a Deck
(ARA) - A home is a place of comfort and relaxation. Many homeowners
are now taking to the outdoors and making this space an extension of
the dream home they've always wanted.
One way to transform a house into a dream home is by utilizing the
outdoor space with the addition of a new deck or improvements to an
existing deck. A deck creates the perfect backyard oasis to escape the
stresses of a busy lifestyle, to enjoy the outdoors, grill out, have a party
or simply relax. With a deck, a couple can celebrate with friends,
children can play outside and parents can retire in comfort.
Many alternative decking choices are available for homeowners seeking
high-quality materials with low-maintenance features. Choosing to go
with alternative decking materials helps homeowners save money and
have more time to spend outdoors enjoying time together. While
composite products will need occasional cleaning, they don't need the
sanding, staining, sealing or painting that wood decks require.
There are many choices for deck deigns, materials and colors that can
make choosing a dream deck a little overwhelming. But deck design
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tools like those found at TimberTech can help ease the deck design
process without having to leave the house.
For example, TimberTech's product selector can help homeowners
determine which alternative decking material works best for their
lifestyle. Families with children, pets or even special needs equipment
like wheelchairs will be interested in the products offered by
TimberTech that can easily withstand high traffic volumes without
showing scratches or wear. These products will maintain their good
looks and durability in the years to come with minimum cleaning and
maintenance.
Online design tools help homeowners envision the perfect colors that
match the house and find environmentally friendly decking and railing
products. Some homeowners are interested in a clean appearance by
using hidden fasteners or railing systems with no exposed hardware,
while others pursue a more economical approach to picking the perfect
decking. Railing systems provide additional safety and style while
lighting options help homeowners illuminate their space for extended
time on the deck once the sun has set.
The beauty of composite decking - in addition to the multitude of color
and material options - is that it's fully customizable to whatever style or
look is wanted for the deck. Homeowners can opt for a deck and railing
design all in one color to perfectly blend in with the house, or can go the
contrasting route to make the deck a unique design feature to beautify
the backyard.
Decks can be both practical and stylish, which is why many
homeowners looking to enhance the look and the value of their home
and increase their living space consider replanking an existing wooden
deck or adding a new deck. Composite decking products provide many
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different style options and allow homeowners to enjoy their deck
without annual sanding, staining, sealing or painting. To get started on
planning a new deck or upgrading your current deck, visit
http://www.timbertech.com.
Curb Appeal for Your Home - Small Repairs Have a Big Impact
(ARA) - As the weather continues to warm, you might be thinking about
some of the home improvement projects you put on the back burner
during the winter. As you once again consult your to-do list, it's the
perfect time to think about a few small projects that can greatly
enhance your home's curb appeal.
Where does a smart homeowner start? The answer: Begin with a few
small projects that are guaranteed to greatly enhance your home's curb
appeal. Whether you're preparing to sell your home, or are simply
trying to protect your investment and make it easier on the eyes, there
are a few common improvements that can give the exterior of your
home a quick and easy facelift.
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Start With the Driveway
Repaving or reconstructing your driveway entirely can be a time
consuming and expensive task, but for most homeowners, this can be
avoided with some annual maintenance. If you neglect your driveway,
cracks can quickly grow into potholes, which can cause it to lose its
aesthetic appeal and pose a safety concern. A few hours work each year
can greatly extend the life of your driveway.
Sakrete U.S. Cold Patch is a reliable option for every type of driveway
repair because it can be used during all seasons and has a much longer
shelf life - up to five years - than most pothole repair products. Because
it's made without kerosene, there's no odor or mess, yet it's strong
enough to win praise from road repair professionals and contractors
alike.
"I use U.S. Cold Patch both on my driveway at home and out on the
job," says Chad Patrick, owner of Patrick Landscapes in Pennsylvania.
"The ease of use, lack of foul odor, and non-gooey application make it
the logical choice for all of our blacktop repair projects."
Using a product like U.S. Cold Patch is simple: You just sweep the area,
pour in the patching mixture and roll over it with a car tire. However, it
is important that you completely fill the affected area and tamp it well
to prevent future damage during freezing and thawing. More
information on repairing cracks and potholes can be found at
www.uscoldpatch.com.
In addition to maintaining your driveway, here are a few other
projects that can greatly contribute to your home's curb appeal:
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* Add some landscaping features along the edges of your driveway. This
adds a point of distinction between the pavement and your lawn, giving
it a more inviting look.
* Check your mailbox for winter wear. If it's seen better days, consider
replacing it. Otherwise landscaping around your mailbox can add extra
appeal. If you live in a colder region, be sure to use resilient plants, as
this area can take a beating from the snowplow.
* While cleaning out your gutters is a necessary spring ritual, power
washing the exterior of your home can add a little extra life to the look
of your house, especially the front porch.
* Replace your house number and worn hardware on the front door, and
consider a fresh coat of high-gloss paint on the door in a classy color,
such as black.
* Early spring is an excellent time to trim trees and other vegetation
before they begin to sprout leaves. It's easier on your plants, and it's
easy to identify branches that need to be trimmed.
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7 Home Filters You Probably Didn't Know Should Be Changed
(NewsUSA) - Home cleaning is a catch-all phrase for the general de-
clutter and organizational projects that abound when messiness trumps
neatness. But in addition to clearing out the garage, don't forget to
change those oft-neglected filters that can harm your health if left
unclean.
"Humidifier filters, for example, are designed to wick the water and
make it easier to evaporate in the air to increase humidity. But, if not
changed they can become oversaturated and susceptible to mold,
mildew, and bacteria growth that can make you sick," says Alex
Hertzog, a water specialist with Filters Fast who is certified by the
Water Quality Association.
Most of us eventually remember to change the obvious filters, like those
on our stove vents or the PUR filter on our tap. But what about
changing filters you don't even know you have?
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According to the experts, there are seven filters you probably don't
know you should be changing.
1. Microwave filter. The filter traps grease and odors from the air,
thus protecting the appliance and also preventing odors from
recirculating and affecting the taste and smell of your food. The
microwave filter should be replaced every 6-12 months.
2. Showerhead filter. The filter reduces harmful chemicals that can
dry out your hair and skin, leading to other negative effects on the body.
It should be replaced every 3-6 months.
3. Humidifier. Most people know humidifiers have a filter that should
be changed, but what they don't realize is that many humidifiers
actually have up to three filters. It's important to change all three
filters.
4. Coffee maker filter. A filter is used in most coffee makers, and it
should be replaced approximately every 60 brews.
"They're designed to remove the disinfection chemicals from tap water.
If the filters aren't changed, they cause more exposure to ingesting
chlorine," says Hertzog.
5. Furnace filter. To reduce allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander,
mold spores and dust mites from leaking into the air, it should be
changed every 3-6 months.
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6. Dryer lint filter screen. The lint filter screen should be replaced as
needed, if it has build-up or tears in the screen. Changing the filter can
prevent fire hazards, extend the life of your dryer and reduce energy
bills.
7. Refrigerator filter. The filter on a fridge keeps ice fresh and cleans
the water dispensed from the refrigerator.
Get more filter-related advice at http://www.filtersfast.com
Tips to Halt Spring Termite Infestations
(NewsUSA) - While you're trying to find every available reason to be
outside this spring, termites are doing the exact opposite -- trying to
worm their way indoors and devour your walls and floors. And they
certainly aren't feasting for free.
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"Termites have an insatiable appetite for cellulose found in wood, eating
24-hours a day, seven days a week. They cause serious and costly
damage and can compromise the structural stability of a home," said
Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest
Management Association (NPMA). "NPMA advises homeowners to have
their homes inspected annually, especially if they've noticed swarmers."
Swarmers are winged termites that arrive in early spring, eagerly
looking to set up a new colony. Although they appear similar to flying
ants, it's important that homeowners do not mistake the two species,
since termite infestations that are left untreated can quickly damage
the structural integrity homes. To make matters worse, damages
caused by wood-destroying insects, such as termites, are typically not
covered by homeowners' insurance policies -- leaving you to foot the bill.
The "silent destroyers" and their saw-toothed jaws can significantly
reduce the long-term property value and financial investment of a
house. The NPMA estimates that termites cause at least $5 billion in
property losses each year in the U.S.
Termite season usually begins in early March and lasts through June.
The NPMA recommends these tips to prevent termite infestations:
* Inspect the perimeter of a home for rotting wood, mud tubes or a
visible termite presence. Pay particular attention to doors and
windowsills, looking for shed wings.
* Avoid water accumulation near a home's foundation by diverting
water away with downspouts and gutters.
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* Never bury wood scraps in the yard. If your home is newly built,
remove any remaining grade stakes or tree stumps on your property.
* Maintain a one-inch gap between soil and wood portions of a building.
* Keep mulch at least 15 inches from the foundation.
* Do not stack firewood or lumber near home, and inspect it carefully
before bringing indoors.
* If you suspect you have an infestation, contact a licensed pest
professional. Termites cannot be controlled on your own. Learn more
about choosing a qualified pest professional at
http://www.pestworld.org.
Conquer Childhood Obesity - Tips for Healthy Family Living
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(ARA) - Today, health professionals encourage parents of even very
young children to actively confront the childhood obesity epidemic. The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention find that obesity rates for
children ages 2 to 5 have more than doubled over the past 30 years, and
The White House Task Force on Obesity reports that more than half of
obese children became obese by their second birthday.
"With the obesity epidemic looming large, it's absolutely crucial for
parents to instill healthy habits right from the start," says Dr. Laura
Jana, pediatrician and award-winning parenting author. "While this
may seem like a tremendous responsibility for those still adjusting to
diapers, play dates and the many other demands of new parenthood, it's
not hard to help children grow up healthy by committing to some simple
yet important lifestyle changes."
Jana recommends some tips:
Downsize your plate, upsize the veggies.
An easy way to cut down on unhealthy eating is to use a smaller plate.
Portion sizes are now two to five times larger than in years past, and
studies have shown that the bigger the serving dish, the bigger the
serving is likely to be. "The more we heap on our children's plates, the
more likely we are to unintentionally encourage them to overeat.
Avoiding large plates can help you avoid serving supersized meals,"
Jana says.
What belongs on that healthier-sized plate? The USDA MyPlate
program recommends making half your plate fruits and vegetables and
the other half protein and grains. Other important recommendations
include serving fat-free or low-fat (1 percent) milk to children older than
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2, choosing lower-sodium foods and skipping sugary drinks. This
simple, fresh-plated picture-of-nutritional-health program even comes
with online tools to create a customized food plan for your little one.
Swap screen time for playtime.
Young children thrive and learn best through interacting with others
and playing with real objects in their environment. While watching TV
may be fun and entertaining, or even appear to be educational, the
American Academy of Pediatrics reports it does not support learning for
children younger than 2. In fact, evidence suggests that screen time
may interfere with young children's healthy development and
encourage sedentary behaviors and poor sleep - both are habits
implicated in the obesity epidemic.
Dr. Mary Zurn, vice president of education for Primrose Schools,
recommends independent play as an alternative to TV. "The early years
are critical to a child's development, so it's important to ensure that
children have opportunities to explore their surroundings and find out
what they can make happen," Zurn says.
Singing songs, drawing, playing with puzzles and stacking blocks are
fun, "unplugged" activities children can do on their own that also
support their creative, problem-solving and reasoning skills.
Get moving.
Pediatricians recommend children ages 1 to 3 get 60 to 90 minutes of
physical activity every day, while preschoolers need 90 to 120 minutes.
Regular exercise helps children grow to a healthy weight, build and
maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints, and strengthen their
hearts.
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There are many fun ways to add physical activity to your family's daily
routine: turn a casual stroll into a scavenger hunt, play tag, race
through the sprinklers or simply get up and dance. "I love getting
children to dance because it not only gives them a healthy dose of
exercise, it also supports their creative development and self-expression
and, as a bonus, enhances positive family time," says Jana.
Need more motivation to get your family up and moving? You could win
as much as $5,000 and a $30,000 donation to your Children's Miracle
Network Hospital by entering the national Family Dance-off. Entering
is easy. Film your family's best dance moves and upload your video to
FamilyDanceoff.com between Feb. 25 and March 23. Visit the contest
website for full details.
For more parenting tips, visit http://www.DrZandFriends.com.
Teamwork is the Secret to Successful Family Vacations
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(ARA) - When it comes to planning your family's vacation, you can find
a lot of value in that old saying "teamwork divides the task and doubles
the success." Divvying up planning responsibilities helps ensure that
one member of the family is not overwhelmed with tasks, and that
everyone is excited about and invested in the trip.
"Sharing time together is one of the most appealing aspects of family
vacations," says Kimberly Miles, a travel planning expert with the
Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Families can start
their vacation fun early by sharing planning responsibilities. It can be a
great way to teach kids organizational and planning skills, and make
sure everyone takes ownership of the family vacation."
All age groups can take part in the process, Miles notes. Here are some
ideas for dividing the work and multiplying the enjoyment of the family
vacation planning process:
Start with a survey
Successful teamwork requires constant communication. Your family
vacation team effort should start by polling the members. Where does
everyone want to go? Of course, you won't be able to fulfill every desire,
but you can come close by encouraging everyone to be specific.
For example, it's not enough to say everyone wants to go to the beach,
because not all beach destinations will offer the same appeal for all
family members. Will your family members be relaxing or frolicking on
the beach? Spending the whole trip in the sand and surf, or looking for
other attractions to round out their adventure? Do they want to stay in
a busy beachfront hotel, or somewhere quieter and off the beaten path?
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"Destinations that offer a broad range of activities have the best chance
of pleasing everyone in the family," says Miles. Look for a location like
Myrtle Beach, where generations of families have found something for
every member - from miles of pristine beaches and plenty of water
sports, to amusement parks, great shopping and dining, and even
museums and live entertainment.
Research your options
Many families rely on the Internet for planning and booking their
vacations. The Web can be a great resource for information about a
variety of destinations - from what attractions you'll find there to how
much hotel rooms will cost during your travel dates. Look for family
travel blogs and websites that provide specific destination information,
visitor reviews, tips and advice.
Don't overlook the value of word-of-mouth. Check with family and
friends to see if they've visited your destination of choice, what they
thought of it and what attractions they recommend. All the professional
reviews on the Web can't beat the endorsement of happy, satisfied kids.
Assign age-appropriate tasks
Once you've chosen your destination, the real teamwork begins. Divide
up tasks based on each family member's abilities. Mom and Dad will
probably do the actual booking, but teens and older kids can pitch in
with tasks like prepping the house to be vacant, and researching what
to do and see. Grandparents can help with driving and packing. Even
young children can play a role if you allow them to choose some of the
snacks the family will pack for the trip.
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Encourage everyone to choose one activity or sight in which the whole
family will participate in. This will help ensure everyone gets to do
something they enjoy, and the entire team gets to take part in a variety
of activities.
"Teamwork in vacation planning can definitely help make the workload
lighter on parents," says Miles. "And it helps get everyone excited about
the trip - before they even begin the journey."
Reinventing Your Home in a Day
Affordable, easy accents bring dramatic home style
(ARA) - With more homeowners choosing to stay in their homes longer
and the full supply of existing housing stock, decorative siding
accessories are providing a touch of personal style for rejuvenating and
updating America's family homes.
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Appeal-adding updates could be as simple as the quick installation of
two pairs of shutters and window headers for a smaller home, or a door
surround and five or six pairs of shutters and sunbursts for a larger
home.
Accessories like these make a significant difference and help transform
the facade and complete feel of a home. Other products include dentil
trim, specialty siding shapes and decorative gable vents.
"If your siding is 10 or 12 years old and still in good shape, one way to
really give yourself a quick transformation is by simply adding color
and dimension with some siding decor," says Jonathan Wierengo, vice
president of marketing for The Tapco Group, maker of Mid-America
Siding Components.
"We've had a number of contractors tell us about curb appeal makeovers
that people are doing for $1,000 or $1,200, where you can have five or
six pairs of shutters and something like a door surround," says
Wierengo.
While installing these exterior accents is accomplished in a matter of
hours, their beauty benefits last for decades. With Mid-America's
SolidThru color technology and limited lifetime warranty, no painting,
staining or sealing are ever required.
The vinyl shutters from Mid-America offer virtually limitless ways to
bring excitement, and make a colorful starting point for one of these
affordable multi-faceted makeovers. Whether shutters are for two
windows or a set of five, the difference with charismatic color and depth
is dramatic. Standard shutter styles include Cathedral Open Louver,
Williamsburg Raised Panel, and spaced or joined Board-N-Batten
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Shutters. Customizable louvered shutters allow offset mullions, extra
panels and optional shutter tops for added elegance. Available
decorative S-hooks can further distinguish with a romantic touch.
Shutters can combine with sunbursts or window headers to frame a
window with robust style. Elliptical and half-round sunbursts bring a
brighter feel, while sunburst kits pair half-round designs with either
flat-panel or classic-dentil headers for added flair.
The timeless style of window headers projects a refined look. For a front
door, a header is combined with twin pilasters to create a door surround
conveying subtle strength. The pilasters' crisp vertical lines deliver a
grander entryway. The eye-pleasing dimension of a door surround can
also be used to uniquely frame a garage door.
For an expressive combination, a door surround can be paired with the
lively contrast of specialty siding shapes. Mid-America's popular Round
specialty shapes provide textured accents for gables and contrasting
color around a home's second story. Five other shapes are offered in
white, including Half Cove and Mitered Corner profiles, lending
contrast to shingle-style siding or combining with colorful Round shapes
for uniquely elaborate exteriors.
Dentil trim is another accent available for upper exteriors, delivering
timeless elegance and immediate architectural distinction. Square
Tooth and Scalloped Tooth Dentil Trim create substance all the way
around a home with harmonious interplays of light and shadow.
Decorative Gable Vents (non-functional) are simple yet impactful.
Combining with shutters, window headers or other accents, they help
unify a home's appearance. Available in Round, Octagon, Square and
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Rectangle profiles, these ornaments can complement or contrast
existing trim or siding.
Smaller details also do their part to generate serenity and a more
finished look. Cost-effective, color-coordinated mount blocks and vents
deliver crisper, cleaner appearances for light fixtures, electrical outlets,
exhaust vents and more. Blocks and vents come in the industry's widest
color spectrum, matching vinyl and fiber cement siding makers' color
availability. With innovative trim rings that snap on in a flash, they
hide imperfections like heavy caulking and unseemly cut ends.
Mid-America Siding Components enhance various architecture styles
and can be directly installed on exteriors ranging from brick, fiber
cement and vinyl to wood, stone veneer and stucco. From modest homes
to those in luxurious neighborhoods, a selection of these decorative
accents can reinvent a home's exterior with captivating new appeal.
SturdiMount fiber cement mounts are the pre-flashed, pre-assembled
mounts that are manufactured of fiber cement with an ABS flange.
Easily installed, they offer the versatility to mount everything from
dryer vents and coach lights to hose bibs and receptacle outlets.
SturdiMount products are the first fiber cement mount blocks and the
only ones to carry the "Recommended by James Hardie" logo.
Mid-America Siding Components is a division of The Tapco Group, a
U.S. Green Building Council member. For more information, visit
http://www.MidAmericaComponents.com or call 800-521-8486.
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Boomers - 15 Minute Activities for Big Health Benefits
(ARA) - The American baby boomer generation isn't content sitting still
- they live full lives working, traveling and pursuing their favorite
hobbies. Age is only a number for this determined group whose
population is pushing an estimated 78 million. If you are one of the
many active baby boomers, you understand your health is a priority,
but that doesn't mean you want to spend long hours each day making
sure you stay well. Luckily some of the best things you can do for
yourself only take a matter of minutes each day.
Dr. Wendy Bazilian (wendybazilian.com), a doctor of public health,
registered dietitian and author of "The SuperFoodsRx Diet: Lose Weight
with the Power of SuperNutrients," knows the importance of optimizing
health for baby boomers. Simple healthy activities, when done on a
daily basis, can have a huge cumulative effect on health and wellness.
Here are four big-impact health activities from Dr. Bazilian that you
can do in 15 minutes or less:
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1. Be flexible with gentle stretches
Stretching might seem like a basic physical activity, but its positive
effects can be substantial. Especially for boomers, stretching for five to
15 minutes each day can help keep muscles and joints flexible, and help
increase overall body health. Plus as you age, stretching can help
maintain your mobility levels and decrease the risks of falls. Try gentle
stretches to get your blood flowing in the morning or before you take a
walk. Want to try something different? Yoga blends stretching and
strength for a wonderful workout for people of all ages.
Time requirement: 15 minutes or less
2. Get an oil change - in your kitchen
The right kind of oils can benefit your health and wellness, and the
wrong ones can put you at risk for high cholesterol, heart disease and
even cancer. Cooking healthy means stocking your pantry with the
right kinds of oils so you can enjoy the foods you love the right way. Two
to keep on hand are extra virgin olive oil and organic grapeseed oil.
Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats which can help boost healthy
HDL cholesterol while at the same time help to reduce unhealthy LDL
cholesterol levels. Lower cooking temperatures or cool/room
temperature usage is best. Organic grapeseed oil has a more neutral
flavor and a high smoke point, allowing for higher temperature cooking
while using a lighter hand in measures with this healthier cooking oil.
Time requirement: five minutes or less
3. Consider taking an omega-3 fish oil supplement
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Recently, there's been a lot of talk about omega-3 essential fatty acids
and their ability to prevent common disease as well as benefit brain and
overall health. Because you can only get these essential fats through
what you eat, Americans often don't get as much as they need. Include
food sources like wild salmon and sardines, as well as plant sources like
walnuts and flaxseeds. Luckily, you can fill a nutritional gap by
incorporating a high-quality fish oil supplement into your daily routine.
A high-quality supplement can mean more benefit to your health;
Ultimate Omega-D3 from Nordic Naturals is a good example and great
option.
Time requirement: two minutes or less
4. Eat more fresh fruits and veggies each day
Few foods can provide the high levels of nutrients your body needs than
fresh produce, yet more than 80 percent of us are not getting enough.
It's important to aim to make half your plate fruits and vegetables at
meals every day. And try to incorporate fresh fruits and veggies daily,
and don't forget about frozen and dried options without added sugars or
preservatives. They're super nutrient-rich, too. The tasty options are
endless - from berries, apples, bananas, and cherries to broccoli,
tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, and kale. Be adventurous and try a new
recipe that features a veggie you've never had before. Or, taste local
flavors by visiting your neighborhood farmers market. Whether for a
snack or with a meal, fresh produce is great for any baby boomer's diet.
Time requirement: five minutes or less
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How to Keep Your Pet Healthy During Any Season
(ARA) - Americans love pets - to the tune of 62 percent of all households
with at least one pet in residence, according to the Humane Society of
the United States. Statistics show that 72.9 million homes
accommodate approximately 78.2 million dogs and 86.4 million cats.
With so many four-legged friends among us, pet health is a concern
from coast to coast. To help you protect your pet's health and well-being,
Dr. George Banta, department chair of the Veterinary Technology
program at Brown Mackie College - Akron, offers professional advice.
"Many owners commonly overlook the weight of their pets," says Banta.
"It is much more common for a household pet to be overweight than
underweight." Veterinarians judge weight according to the body
condition score. This scale assesses an animal's age, weight, height and
proportions of muscle and fat. Pets with lean bodies attain a more ideal
body condition score. "It's not so much the number of pounds, but how
each animal carries the weight," says Dr. Banta. "If the animal looks
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like it swallowed a watermelon, that's an issue. On other hand, if looks
like hasn't eaten in two weeks, that's also an issue."
A study conducted by scientists at the Purina Pet Nutrition Research
Department and specialists from universities around the United States
shows that leaner pets live about two years longer than overweight
pets. These eye-opening results prompt many people to take a second
look at the food they provide for their pets. "I see pet food in four
categories: great, good, I don't know and not for a dead animal," Banta
says. "I like Hill Science Diet, Eukanuba, Iams, and Royal Canin. I
would argue big name brands like Purina are fine. Even with quality
food, good weight management still depends on the amount of food your
pet eats."
Banta recommends feeding pets two small meals a day rather
than one large meal. Some owners fill the bowl and let the pet self-
feed, or graze. "Some animals will eat the correct amount," notes Banta.
"Others will keep eating when food is always available. If a pet is
overweight, it is best to oversee the portions of each meal."
What about treats? Many of us offer a treat as positive reinforcement
in training or housebreaking our pets. Banta advises giving a kibble of
food instead of a pet cookie. When it comes to table scraps, Banta says,
"Almost never. Table scraps can upset a pet's stomach and cause
diarrhea. In addition, many foods are toxic to pets. Garlic, onions,
grapes, raisins and chocolate can be deadly toxic." Table scraps with
high fat content, such as roast trimmings or a ham bone, can cause
vomiting and diarrhea. "There is association with sudden high fat
content and pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas which can
lead to life-threatening complications," he says.
Exercise goes hand in hand with a good diet. "Exercise helps
strengthen the body and is good for their minds," Banta says. Similar to
children, it is best to give your pet time to digest after eating before
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tossing his favorite ball around. "Older dogs and cats have a tendency to
develop arthritis. Large dogs, such as German shepherds, labradors and
golden retrievers, are prone to hip dysplasia. Keeping them lean and
providing regular exercise can make pets of any size more comfortable
as they age," he continues.
Banta recommends regular check-ups for pets and annual
vaccines. "It is easier to keep a pet healthy and prevent disease than it
is to diagnose and treat an illness," he says. Regular visits to the
veterinarian provide the doctor with baseline blood work for your pet,
making it easier to diagnose any problems that may develop. For older
pets, he advises two exams a year. "Things can happen quickly. The
earlier a problem is detected, the sooner treatment can begin. It's all
about quality of life."
One important pet safety precaution to keep in mind involves
household poisons. Antifreeze and rat poison are two of the most
common poisons regularly found in homes. "It doesn't take much time
for antifreeze to become lethal," Banta says. "On the other hand, many
rat poisons can be very insidious, taking as much as a week after
exposure to show clinical signs. Most animal poisoning can be treated if
caught early." The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals (ASPCA) offers an animal poison control hotline for pet
owners: (888) 426-4435. There is a fee to place the call. In return, you
get unlimited consultations with emergency veterinarians, who are on
call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Ask any pet owner about the benefits of having a dog or cat. Many
describe their pet as part of the family. "Every client tells me their pet
is the best pet on the planet," says Banta. "That's how it should be."