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	<title>ParentalNotes.com</title>
	<link>http://www.parentalnotes.com</link>
	<description>Parenting Help &#038; Advice</description>
	<pubDate>Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:29:20 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Long-term care planning helps family caregivers</title>
		<link>http://www.parentalnotes.com/long-term-care-planning-helps-family-caregivers/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sat, 17 Apr 2010 05:04:41 +0000</pubDate>
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		<category>Family</category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Spouses and other family members are placed with the emotional, financial and physical burdens of long-term care when a loved one requires care.  Planning in advance reduces these burdens. - 2004-02-22 <font size="1" color="#990000"><b>Friend of PR Web - 10</b></font>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> February 22, 2004&#8211;Most Americans know they want to live in their own home when they need long-term care.   However, they have given no thought to how to pay for this care &#8230; and most government programs do not cover home-based care, said a leading long-term care specialist.  </p>
<p>Matt McCann, a nationally known speaker and specialist in long-term care (LTC) issues says the bottom line is that most in-home caregiving is provided by family members and friends. This is just a part of the burden placed on family and friends when a loved one requires care due to age or illness.</p>
<p>“Two-thirds of family caregivers are working outside of the home,” says John Paul Morosy, author of &#8220;ElderCare: A Six-Step Guide to Balancing Family and Work.&#8221;  Studies show  the typical family caregiver is a 46-year-old woman with a kid in middle school, who is also holding down a job.</p>
<p>McCann suggests that in many cases these women are taking care of a family while taking care of a parent or parent-in-law.  Plus, in many cases the caregiver is also in the work force.  These are huge problems which need to be addressed.</p>
<p>What&#8217;s the one piece of advice employees who are caregivers should have? “Be aware that when you are involved in long-term care for an elderly relative, you are taking on a second job,” says Morosy.   “You need training, information, and support.”</p>
<p>McCann has lived long-term care issues with family members requiring care as well as seeing his clients go through care situations as well.</p>
<p>Health insurance and Medicare will only pay for a very limited amount of care.  The cost of care can run from $40,000 to $90,000 a year or more depending on the area of the country a person lives.</p>
<p>McCann says there are two sources of help are often overlooked by working caregivers:</p>
<p>First, The Family Medical Leave Act allows for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to help a family member.   Fathers use the Act to stay home with a newborn; workers use the Act to be with a terminally ill spouse.   But family caregivers should know that the leave can be taken in small increments – for example, 4 hours, to accompany a parent to a doctor&#8217;s appointment.   This federal law applies to workplaces with 50+ employees.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Second, The Eldercare Locator is a national free public service of the US Administration on Aging.   It has existed since 1991,  and helps people locate aging services in every community throughout the United States.   You can call Eldercare Locator toll-free, at 800-677-1116, or visit them on the web at <a href="http://www.ElderCare.gov.">www.ElderCare.gov.</a> </p>
<p>McCann suggests you ask a number of questions. Does your loved one want to stay at home?   Is that safe for them, and a good choice for their family members?   Does the senior qualify for programs that can supplement family care?   Can they afford to pay for supplemental care?   Did they pre-plan for long-term care needs with long-term care insurance (LTCI)? </p>
<p>Often, a senior is able to stay at home, with a working family caregiver, as long as their need for help can be scheduled – as in dressing, eating, and bathing.   Once until they need help with activities that can&#8217;t be scheduled (continence, transferring/mobility), they need either round-the-clock home care or facility care.   Many seniors end up in facilities simply because they cannot afford round-the-clock home care and have not planned for such a need in advance of needing care.</p>
<p>&#8220;Long-term care is a multidimensional problem. With the risk of requiring care at some point in our lifetimes being the biggest involuntary risk any person faces, people need to plan for such needs as they plan for a future retirement. Waiting until you or a loved one needs care is waiting too late,&#8221; said McCann </p>
<p>Long-term care insurance is a perfect way to plan ahead and is very affordable if people plan early. McCann supports President Bush&#8217;s budget proposal for an above-the-line tax deduction for LTCI premiums which would make premiums even more affordable.</p>
<p>&#8220;Most of my clients start planning in their 50&#8217;s when their health is still good and premiums for LTCI are low,&#8221; McCann explained.</p>
<p>Planning ahead prevents much of the financial and emotional burden placed on spouses, children and other family members.  McCann says one should meet with a specialist in long-term care insurance to see if they need such protection and health qualify for it.</p>
<p>Details on long-term care planning can also be found on McCann&#8217;s website:  <a href="http://www.McCannLTC.com">www.McCannLTC.com</a> or from the National LTC Information Center&#8217;s website: <a href="http://www.ltcinformationcenter.org.">www.ltcinformationcenter.org.</a></p>
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		<title>Taking Homeland Security Seriously:  4 Million Chicago Households To Receive The Homeland Security &#38; VIP Wall Directory</title>
		<link>http://www.parentalnotes.com/taking-homeland-security-seriously-4-million-chicago-households-to-receive-the-homeland-security-vip-wall-directory/</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Apr 2010 05:14:19 +0000</pubDate>
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		<category>Family</category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Over 4 million households in the Metropolitan Chicagoland area, will be the recipients of the free Chicago Homeland Security &#038; VIP Wall Directory, thanks to the sponsorship dollars of major corporations and local businesses. - 2004-09-23]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Chicago, IL  September 23, 2004 &#8212; Over 4 million households in the Metropolitan Chicagoland area, will be the recipients of the free Chicago Homeland Security &amp; VIP Wall Directory, thanks to the sponsorship dollars of major corporations and local businesses.</p>
<p>This wall directory contains space for keeping family emergency information in compliance with recommendations from the Department of Homeland Security, and contains over 400 important city, state and national toll free numbers, and an Emergency Preparedness Checklist.</p>
<p>?All households should keep a written list of important numbers handy for easy access by all family members.?</p>
<p>Scheduled for delivery by December 25, 2004, this 11 x 17, full color directory will be a cherished addition to every home for years to come.  Chicago residents can register to receive one by sending a self-addressed envelope or label and $2 for shipping and handling.  The directory will be available at libraries and distributed to students at local schools to take home.  Corporate sponsorship is  being accepted, as well as local business sponsorship.  Corporate logos will be displayed on the front of the directory and local business sponsors will be listed (name, address, telephone or web address under there category) on the back along with The Emergency Preparedness Checklist.  Space is limited to the first 55 corporations and the first 500 local business sponsors. If the demand is great enough an additional 4 million will be made available to residents.</p>
<p>Chicago, IL residents will be united in homeland security with this new product and the city will live up to its title ?The City That Works.?  Other cities are scheduled for receipt of The Homeland Security &amp; VIP Wall Directory during the summer of 2005, including New York, NY, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego, CA, Atlanta, GA, Miami, FL, Memphis, TN, Honolulu, HI, Dallas and Houston, TX, Seattle, WA, and other locales.  In addition a National Homeland Security &amp; VIP Wall Directory will be available April 4, 2005. It contains over 400 national toll-free important numbers and family emergency information space, along with corporate sponsor logos.  Any family nationwide can register to receive this national wall directory and benefit from the information on it.  </p>
<p>All Homeland Security &amp; VIP Wall Directories were developed by a homeless, native Chicago mother of six, seeking to do her part for homeland security and solve her problem and others. </p>
<p>All inquires, registration and sponsorship initiatives should be sent to:  H.L. Edmond GOODWORKS, 28 E. Jackson Blvd., #10M831, Chicago, IL 60604, Internet Voicemail and Fax Number (206) 339-5544, Email <a href="mailto:homelandcard@yahoo.com">homelandcard@yahoo.com</a>.
</p>
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		<title>&#8220;Inspiring and Educating Parents About The Exposure To Poisons In Their Homes&#8221; A Mom Spreads the Word about National Poison Prevention Week: March 21-27, 2004</title>
		<link>http://www.parentalnotes.com/inspiring-and-educating-parents-about-the-exposure-to-poisons-in-their-homes-a-mom-spreads-the-word-about-national-poison-prevention-week-march-21-27-2004/</link>
		<comments>http://www.parentalnotes.com/inspiring-and-educating-parents-about-the-exposure-to-poisons-in-their-homes-a-mom-spreads-the-word-about-national-poison-prevention-week-march-21-27-2004/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Apr 2010 05:14:18 +0000</pubDate>
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		<category>Family</category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Reminding parents about the dangers in their homes.  Promoting Poison Prevention Week: March 21-27, 2004. Informing parents about safer alternatives. - 2004-03-14]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Middleboro, MA  March 14, 2004&#8211;She was the quintessential mom and housewife of the 1950s, a role model who set the standard for what the American stay-at-home mom was all about. June Cleaver, the icon mom on the sitcom Leave It to Beaver, was in her prime several decades before most of today?s moms were even born.  Today&#8217;s inspirational mom, Christina Hughes is well on her way to achieving her goal of inspiring, educating, and helping parents create environmental, health and financial wellness for the 21st Century.   </p>
<p>Inspiring Parents educates and informs parents about the hazards lurking unknowingly in their homes. Today, Inspiring Parents has more than 500 members who are spreading the word and teaching others about toxins and environmental wellness. </p>
<p>&#8220;We are educating parents about their home environments and the risk of inhaling, absorbing or ingesting dangerous chemicals found in everyday household product,&#8221; shares Hughes. &#8220;Today, there are more people who have allergies, asthma, ADD, ADHD, and cancer than 10-20 years ago. Why is that?&#8221;  Many resources including the Environmental Protection Agency suggest that common household and personal care products are to blame. Over 1.5 million young children are poisoned each year by a cleaning or personal care product. If a child were to ingest a cleaning product right from under the kitchen sink, one would have to call 911 or poison control. But with environmentally-safer products, people don&#8217;t have to worry about possible harm or even death if they are used improperly.</p>
<p>ALERT:  Liquid Dish Soap (in most brands - contains formaldehyde and ammonia) is the leading cause of poisonings in the home for children under the age of 6 (over 2.1 million accidental poisonings per year).</p>
<p>Results of an analyzed 2,983 chemicals used in personal care products:<br />
884 are toxic<br />
146 cause tumors<br />
218 cause reproductive complications<br />
314 cause biological mutation<br />
376 cause skin and eye irritations<br />
(Source: United States House of Representatives report, 1989)</p>
<p>Poisonprevention.org states - &#8220;Some 30 children die every year due to accidental poisonings, and approximately 1 million phone calls are placed to Poison Control Centers annually by adults seeking help when children have swallowed something harmful. In an effort to prevent such tragic events, National Poison Prevention Week was established by the U.S. Congress on September 16, 1961 (P.L. 87-319).  Shortly thereafter, the Poison Prevention Week Council was organized to coordinate this annual event.&#8221;  Website:  <a href="http://www.poisonprevention.org/main.html">www.poisonprevention.org/main.html</a> and the National Poison Control Hotline # 800-222-1222.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s Inspiring Parent&#8217;s goal to not only educate about the potential dangers found in everyday products but to help let them know there are safer, yet equally as effective alternatives. Eliminating products with phenols, formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals not only reduces the chance of accidental poisoning but also reduces the risk of developing other ailments associated with exposure to such toxins. </p>
<p>&#8220;My goal is to educate one family at time about the dangers of toxins and chemicals in the home and letting them know that there are environmentally-safer alternatives to what they are buying and using.&#8221;</p>
<p>For a free home toxin checklist and information about the toxins and chemicals in your home please visit: enhancelives.toxicfreehomes.com or call Christina at 508-947-6710.
</p>
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		<title>The Redeeming Value of Web Coupons on Fundraising</title>
		<link>http://www.parentalnotes.com/the-redeeming-value-of-web-coupons-on-fundraising/</link>
		<comments>http://www.parentalnotes.com/the-redeeming-value-of-web-coupons-on-fundraising/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Apr 2010 05:14:16 +0000</pubDate>
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		<category>Family</category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Web coupons have been given a bad rap in the past. A new technology has emerged making online coupons the fundraising vehicle of the future. - 2004-02-05]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>New Orleans, LA  February 5, 2004&#8211;Having weathered the slings and arrows of erroneous reports regarding Internet coupon fraud, BCN (<a href="http://www.BrandCouponNetwork.com">www.BrandCouponNetwork.com</a>), a Metairie, Louisiana-based marketing / technology company, has developed and launched an innovative, secure solution to fundraising online. </p>
<p>For years, worthy causes - schools, charities and churches - have depended on solicitation and donations to survive. BCN?s tech solution enables these causes to participate in the $70 billion brand promotions industry, sharing in revenue generated through their coupon redemption. </p>
<p>?Our programs, <a href="http://www.MoreforSchools.com">www.MoreforSchools.com</a>, <a href="http://www.CouponsforKIDS.com">www.CouponsforKIDS.com</a> and <a href="http://www.CouponsforChurches.com">www.CouponsforChurches.com</a>, are specifically designed to be a win/win. Supporters benefit from coupon savings on products they buy. The brands sponsoring the coupons move more products, increase their market share and build terrific consumer loyalty. And schools, churches and charities participate in a fundraising program with limitless potential,? stated Dan Abraham, CEO and Founder of BCN.</p>
<p>Abraham continued, ?Surveys indicate that 90% of Americans would support schools, charities and churches more if they could. With our program, supporters, regardless of their station, can do exactly that. They can further support their causes by using the coupons provided by our brand sponsors and benefit while doing so.? </p>
<p>BCN distinguishes itself through philanthropic distribution and its redemption-only revenue model. Revenue is shared on coupons actually redeemed as opposed to those merely printed out. Currently only a few vendors provide free national brand coupons online, CoolSavings.com and SmartSource.com. Both currently charge brands on a per-print basis. </p>
<p>Major brands currently leverage fundraisers to build loyalty and move product. General Mills, through Box Tops For Education, generated over $90 million to schools in 2002. Campbell?s Labels for Education has generated over $100 million in equipment to schools over the past 27 years. The Entertainment Coupon Book has purportedly generated over $90 million to schools through its fundraising sales. BCN is the first online approach to fundraising, which capitalizes on coupon redemption. </p>
<p>?Our schools are in desperate need of a program like this,? commented Jeanne Monte, principal of Jefferson Community School in Metairie, Louisiana. ?We do all kinds of fundraising during the year but it just isn?t enough. And people get tired of being solicited for donations or hounded to buy something. With <a href="http://www.MoreforSchools.com">www.MoreforSchools.com</a>, our supporters get free coupons and save on the products they buy. We get money from their coupon redemption. Our teachers don?t have to fuss with labels and box tops. The BCN approach really just makes sense for us.?</p>
<p>Several States are currently considering BCN?s cutting edge program to support their schools. Major brand sponsors are being contracted and the programs should be in full swing nationally by the end of the second quarter of 2004. </p>
<p>For more information: <a href="http://www.brandcouponnetwork.com">http://www.brandcouponnetwork.com</a> or<br />
Contact: <a href="mailto:info@brandcouponnetwork.com">info@brandcouponnetwork.com</a><br />
Phone: 504.780.7076  
</p>
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		<title>The Ease and Convenience of Homemade Baby Food (Really!)</title>
		<link>http://www.parentalnotes.com/the-ease-and-convenience-of-homemade-baby-food-really/</link>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Apr 2010 05:02:06 +0000</pubDate>
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		<category>Parenting</category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Giving your baby superior nutrition doesn't have to be a huge hassle.

Baby in a highchair, mom in front with a small spoon and a jar of baby food. It looks like something right out of a parenting magazine, and its a scene that is played out several times a day in the majority of homes with sm...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Giving your baby superior nutrition doesn&#8217;t have to be a huge hassle.</p>
<p>Baby in a highchair, mom in front with a small spoon and a jar of baby food. It looks like something right out of a parenting magazine, and its a scene that is played out several times a day in the majority of homes with small babies. Unfortunately, its also a powerful marketing image that can cost a family a great deal of money in the long run.</p>
<p> 													The Convenience Factor</p>
<p> 													Most parents would say the main reason for using commercial jarred baby food is the convenience aspect. After all, with the busy lifestyle many of us have today, no one has time to specially prepare a meal for each member of the family. It doesn&#8217;t have to be a special event to create your own baby food, however. Baby can usually eat what the rest of the family is eating with very little special preparation.</p>
<p> 													Good Nutrition</p>
<p> 													Everyone worries about proper nutrition for growing babies. Iron, calcium, and vitamin D  all of these things are legitimate concerns in children&#8217;s nutrition. However, fortified and processed foods aren&#8217;;t necessarily better than whole foods. Homemade baby food, created from fresh ingredients, offers your child superior nutrition as well as encourages a taste for simple, unprocessed foods ; a taste that will possibly prevent obesity-related problems later in life. It&#8217;s not necessary to offer commercial baby foods in order to have a healthy child.</p>
<p> 													Economics</p>
<p> 													Why pay more for an inferior product? Beginning baby food often runs between forty and seventy cents for two ounces. It&#8217;s entirely possible to purchase half a pound of produce for the same amount, and baby will reap the benefits of eating fresh, nutritious food. Buying produce in bulk can result in even more savings, and even frozen produce is preferable to what you find in the jars.</p>
<p> 													Getting Started</p>
<p> 													It&#8217;s important to know when baby is actually ready for solids. Introducing solids too early can lead to an increased likelihood of food intolerances and food allergies. Most medical associations agree that starting solids around six months of age is ideal, and many people find delaying solids for allergy-prone babies is even better. Signs of readiness for solids include: 											 												Increased nursing for more than a few days, which is unrelated to illness or teething, or, if baby is fed artificial baby milk, consuming more than 32 ounces daily. 												Ability to sit up unsupported. 												Absence of the tongue-thrust reflex. This life-saving reflex causes babies to push foreign objects (in this case, solid foods) out of their mouths to avoid choking. 												Ability to pick foods up and place in mouth independently (or development of the pincer grasp). 											 											</p>
<p>What About Allergies?</p>
<p> 													Experts recommend introducing new foods between three days and a week apart. This helps parents and caregivers identify signs of a food allergy or intolerance. Common signs of food allergy/intolerance are: 											 												Increased bloating and gassiness, painful discomfort. 												Sandpaper-like raised rash on face, often where the offending food made contact with skin. 												Runny nose and watery eyes. 												Diarrhea or mucous in the stools. Blood in the stool can also be an indicator of a food allergy, usually dairy or soy. 												Red rash around anus, or an unusual diaper rash. 												Vomiting or increased spit up with discomfort. 											 											</p>
<p>Ideally, it is best to introduce foods that are less likely to produce an allergic reaction in baby. Avoiding foods such as egg whites, certain nuts such as peanuts, cow&#8217;s milk, corn, wheat, and some berries such as strawberries is recommended, as they are more likely to cause reactions. Instead, start with foods that are easier on baby&#8217;s system. Some good ideas include: 											 												Apples 												Bananas 												Peaches 												Pears 												Carrots 												Squash 												Sweet potatoes 												Asparagus 												Oats 												Barley 												Brown rice</p>
<p>Tools of the Trade</p>
<p> 													Fancy equipment isn&#8217;t necessary to make healthy food for your baby. Things that might be helpful include a blender, a food mill, a steamer basket and ice cube trays if you want to freeze small portions. Most people have blenders already in their kitchens, and a food mill (or baby grinder) isn&#8217;t necessary if you have a good blender or food processor. Steamer baskets can be found in most grocery stores for only a few dollars, and fit easily into saucepans. Many beginner foods require nothing more than a small pan and a fork.</p>
<p> 													Sequencing</p>
<p> 													Many doctors recommend starting your baby on rice cereal first. Many parents find, however, that fruits go over better for beginning eaters. It is a myth that babies will prefer sweet things if they are given fruits first - nature&#8217;s first food, breast milk, is naturally sweet, and that is what baby is accustomed to. Banana is a wonderful first food, as its creamy consistency is similar to mother&#8217;;s milk. After introducing banana, try another fruit or vegetable. Continue adding fruits and vegetables until baby has a wide variety of tastes. Then consider adding whole grains in the form of cereal. Many whole grains have naturally occurring iron, so there is no need to supplement baby&#8217;s iron unless there is a medical indication for doing so. Brown rice, oats, and barley are all good choices. Next, introduce a meat or poultry such as beef or chicken. If you are a vegetarian, introduce another protein source such as tofu or lentils. As time goes on, introduce a combination of tastes, such as cereal mixed with applesauce or peas and carrots. This is also a great time to introduce finger foods, especially if baby has teeth. As baby learns to self-feed, you can move away from making purees and offer small baby-sized portions of the family meal.</p>
<p> 													Getting Started</p>
<p> 													Bananas make an ideal food for a baby starting solids. To serve, let bananas ripen well (the more ripe, the better - brown spots are desirable), cut into small chunks and mash with a fork. Pears are an excellent source of fiber and can be cooked like apples: peel and cut into chunks. Place in small saucepan and just cover with water. Cook until tender. These can then be mashed with a fork, run through a food mill, processed in a blender or food processor. They can also be offered as finger food if they are cut into small enough chunks. Carrots, another popular first food, should be scraped with a vegetable peeler, sliced and steamed or boiled until soft. Process in blender or food mill. Carrots can be a choking hazard for children, so do use caution if offering as a finger food.</p>
<p> 													Sweet potatoes are extremely easy to make, and one potato can last a long time if frozen after cooking. Place sweet potato in a microwave for about eight minutes, remove and let cool. Open up and serve right out of the peel - the potato is very soft and needs no further processing. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of B6.</p>
<p> 													Winter squash such as acorn or butternut makes an excellent first food. Cut squash in half and clean. Place in one half inch of water in a baking pan and bake at three hundred and fifty degrees for half an hour. Use a spoon to scoop out squash and feed directly to baby. </p>
<p> 													Avocadoes are an extremely nutrient dense food and offers important vitamins and minerals such as iron and potassium. Cut avocado in half around the pit, grab each half and give it a twist. Scoop out meat and mash or dice.</p>
<p> 													Making cereal for baby is very easy. Take a cup of the whole grain if your choice such as brown rice, oats, or barley and process in the blender until the desired consistency is reached, usually about two minutes for very young babies. Store in an airtight container. To cook, mix with liquid of your choice and heat over medium heat on stove until thick.</p>
<p> 													Enjoyment</p>
<p> 													Enjoy this fun stage in baby&#8217;;s development, and rest assured that baby is getting superior nutrition and developing good eating habits which will last a lifetime!</p>
<p><b>About the Author</b></p>
<p>Meredith Edwards-Cornwall is the owner of <a href="http://www.AttachedMamas.com">http://www.AttachedMamas.com</a> and <a href="http://www.BeachDesigns.net.">http://www.BeachDesigns.net.</a> She is an attached mama to two children, Alexander and Elizabeth.</p>
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		<title>Operation VideoLink Connects Family Members with Overseas Military for Holiday Wishes</title>
		<link>http://www.parentalnotes.com/operation-videolink-connects-family-members-with-overseas-military-for-holiday-wishes/</link>
		<comments>http://www.parentalnotes.com/operation-videolink-connects-family-members-with-overseas-military-for-holiday-wishes/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Apr 2010 05:02:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
		
		<category>Family</category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Improved technology sends video messages using email - connect families around the world - 2003-12-06]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Glen Ellyn, IL ? December 3, 2003 ? Two Chicago area business people are teaming up to help military family members send personal holiday messages to their loved ones using the internet.</p>
<p>Ken Naumiec of Naumiec &amp; Associates and Cheryl Shurtz of RE/MAX Suburban state that their project - dubbed ?Operation VideoLink? - will provide families the opportunity to record and send a video message using a product called video email. According to Ken Naumiec, ?It?s important for morale that the troops stay connected to their families, particularly at this time of year. This technology makes that connection more powerful - and much more personal.?</p>
<p>Messages will be recorded and sent on Saturday, December 20th between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. at the RE/MAX Suburban office at 1417 N. Main in Wheaton, IL. Appointments for sending messages are requested ? each session should take between 5-10 minutes.</p>
<p>For additional information, contact:<br />
Kenneth A. Naumiec<br />
Naumiec &amp; Associates<br />
630.469.3180<br />
877.381.4278 fax<br />
<a href="mailto:info@TheLifeChanger.com">info@TheLifeChanger.com</a></p>
<p>Background info: The video streaming technology that powers the video email product has been used for several years by large businesses, and has now moved into the small business and mainstream consumer market. It allows users to easily create and send video messages to anyone in the world who has an email address and a web browser. The technology also provides a simple, effective way to post video messages on a web site.</p>
<p>About the program sponsors<br />
Naumiec &amp; Associates is a consulting firm that helps companies and individuals improve their communications through the use of technology. RE/MAX Suburban is an independently owned and operated real estate franchise with 7 offices in the Chicagoland area.
</p>
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		<title>How to Talk on the Phone When You Have a Preschooler</title>
		<link>http://www.parentalnotes.com/how-to-talk-on-the-phone-when-you-have-a-preschooler/</link>
		<comments>http://www.parentalnotes.com/how-to-talk-on-the-phone-when-you-have-a-preschooler/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Apr 2010 05:02:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category>Parenting</category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Here are some tips for talking on the phone when you have a toddler or preschooler in the house!
  Finding a way to have a phone conversation when you have a toddler or small child can be quite a challenge.  How do you do it?  Here are some tips from an experienced single-mother, now grandmot...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Here are some tips for talking on the phone when you have a toddler or preschooler in the house!<br />
Finding a way to have a phone conversation when you have a toddler or small child can be quite a challenge.  How do you do it?  Here are some tips from an experienced single-mother, now grandmother. </p>
<p> LEARN TO BE GOOD AT DOING TWO THINGS AT ONCE   </p>
<p> You must become good at doing two things at once, particularly at holding your child&#8217;s attention while you&#8217;re doing something else. </p>
<p> Fortunately most women are adept at this.  Learn to prefer it.  I am happiest talking on the phone, bouncing the baby on one hip, and stirring a pot of spaghetti on the stove - something for the heart, the mind, and the hands.  I sometimes keyboard while on the phone (&#8217;mute&#8217; on headset).  I can make a grocery list while I talk to someone.   </p>
<p> This is predicated on &#8220;automatic processing&#8221; tasks; not something new to you or that you&#8217;re not good at.     </p>
<p> Practice up on doing two things at once, if you aren&#8217;t used to it.  It exercises both parts of your brain, it allows you to learn and grow, and, if you&#8217;re a mom, it&#8217;s making a virtue out of a necessity!   </p>
<p> PHONE TIME </p>
<p> 1.  Many babies find it soothing if you hold them against your chest and they can hear the sound of your voice as you talk.   </p>
<p> Have you tried it?             </p>
<p> 2.  Get a headset! </p>
<p> I&#8217;m a coach and use one all the time.  Wish I&#8217;d had one when the kids were little.   </p>
<p> You&#8217;ll eliminate neck and upper back pain from &#8216;crooking your  neck&#8217;.</p>
<p> It gives you mobility - on coaching calls, I walk all over the house.  I&#8217;ve signed Fed-Ex papers, put away laundry or toiletry items from the store, gone out to the mail box, switched clothes from the washer to the dryer, and rescued the cat.  You can grab scissors away, or  remove the dog dish before the toddler gets to it. </p>
<p> 3. Have something special nearby to entertain your child while you&#8217;re on the phone.  You can keep a box of supplies near the phone, or be creative and improvise.   </p>
<p> Keep all the plastic-ware in a low stove drawer, and the aluminum pans in a low cabinet.   Just open them up at phone time.   </p>
<p> Pull over crayons and paper and color with your child while you talk on the phone.  It&#8217;s soothing.</p>
<p> &#8220;Doodle&#8221; with your child - just takes a pencil and paper.</p>
<p> With a more active child, roll, kick or throw a ball back and forth.  If you&#8217;re clever you can throw it into another room and it will take longer to retrieve!  (Go over the rules during a quiet time - can&#8217;t be throwing up at the chandelier, etc.)</p>
<p> Make use of food - lay out trails of raisins, goldfish crackers, cheerios, froot loops, pieces of fruit and other tidbits for your toddler.</p>
<p> Have a special box near the phone of something fun they don&#8217;t get to play with at other times.  Special puzzles, a box of feathers,  face painting.</p>
<p> Empty out the utensil canister on the floor - the rubber spatulas and whisks won&#8217;t hurt or get hurt, and can be an interesting diversion. </p>
<p> Add to the above a supply of those plastic grocery bags you always have around  and they can &#8216;put&#8217; and &#8216;place&#8217;.</p>
<p> Give them a loaf of bread - what does it cost?  79 cents.  It&#8217;s squishy, like pay-doh, but nothing to clean up.  (Watch the plastic bag.) </p>
<p> Special food treats like those juice bags with the straws; something they get only at &#8216;phone time.&#8217; </p>
<p> 4.  Make use of eye contact, &#8216;mouthing&#8217; and facial expressions. </p>
<p> Your child will always want to show you what they&#8217;re doing or playing with and you can raise your eyebrows, open your mouth in surprise, wave with your hand, make the &#8220;OK&#8221; signal, point your &#8220;silencer&#8221; fingers at your lips to remind them to be quiet (as best they can), point at things they&#8217;re asking for and in various ways give them the connection they crave.  You can learn to be a regular mime! </p>
<p><b>About the Author</b></p>
<p>Susan Dunn, The EQ Coach, GLOBAL EQ.  Emotional intelligence coaching to enhance all areas of your life - career, relationships, midlife transition, resilience, self-esteem, parenting.  EQ Alive! - excellent, accelerated, affordable EQ coach certification.  Susan is the author of  numerous ebooks, is widely published on the Internet, and a regular speaker for cruise lines.  For marketing services go here.</p>
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		<title>Temper Tantrums</title>
		<link>http://www.parentalnotes.com/temper-tantrums-2/</link>
		<comments>http://www.parentalnotes.com/temper-tantrums-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Apr 2010 05:00:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
		
		<category>Parenting</category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Temper tanturms are absolutely the best way to diminish the sense of power and control you are trying to gain by having them in the first place.
  Temper tantrums.  They're a great way of putting a problem off until a later time.  They feel good, they're just plain fun to have sometimes.  Giv...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Temper tanturms are absolutely the best way to diminish the sense of power and control you are trying to gain by having them in the first place.<br />
  Temper tantrums.  They&#8217;re a great way of putting a problem off until a later time.  They feel good, they&#8217;re just plain fun to have sometimes.  Give you a sense of power, don&#8217;t they? </p>
<p>  Did you know that most of the time, when you have a real temper tantrum you have given up just about all your control over your own destiny? </p>
<p>  Begin at the beginning, I always say. </p>
<p>  The temper tantrum has a remarkable history in our collective humanity.  It&#8217;s how we got our first diaper changes, bottles, solid foods, etc.  In some cases it&#8217;s how we got our first cookies, extra ten minutes at the amusement park, ice cream, extension of curfew, &#8220;win&#8221; in a fight with a significant other, etc. </p>
<p>  A classic &#8220;win-lose&#8221; situation. </p>
<p>  When you get what you want by having a temper tantrum, you completely and totally reinforce in someone else&#8217;s mind the fear and/or lack of respect for your decision making capacity that had that person &#8220;cave in&#8221; in the first place.  They&#8217;re not rewarding your good judgement.  They&#8217;re giving you what you want to shut you up. </p>
<p>  Think that&#8217;s a basis to CONTINUE getting what you want? </p>
<p>  Look at the TV show &#8220;Cops.&#8221;  Lots of temper tantrums there.  Mostly by folks who are or shortly will be sitting handcuffed in the back of police cars.  The grown up version of Mom or Dad have come to send them to &#8220;time-out&#8221; when they have their tantrum. </p>
<p>  I see most of these people desperately wanting to assert their sense of power and control in a world in which they have neither.  That&#8217;s all the more reinforced when someone is reading them their rights. </p>
<p>  Every once in a while I have a temper tantrum at home&#8230;usually at one of my dauthers for a messy room or kitchen.  As soon as they see it coming (they&#8217;ve gotten very good at looking for my tanturms), they shut down, start crying, do whatever it takes to escape the wrath of Hurricane Larry. </p>
<p>  Funny thing is my wife often comes in as the quiet voice of reason and gets them to do willingly what I tried to get them to do through a tantrum. </p>
<p>  (Fear not&#8230;I&#8217;ve also gotten very good at apologizing for my tantrums, now few and far between.) </p>
<p>  Same process works in reverse&#8230;if my wife has a fight with one of the ladies that has escalated beyond reason, I&#8217;ll come in as the &#8220;good cop&#8221; and get done what needs to be done. </p>
<p>  Temper tantrums are a street drug. </p>
<p>  They give you a false sense of power and control, when in reality you diminish both.  They make you feel good in the short run but reduce your health and well-being in the long run.  They make people lose respect for you, even if you get what you want in the immediate situation. </p>
<p>  A PATTERN of temper tantrums to get what you want (it&#8217;s not the human condition to never have them) is for losers. </p>
<p>  Be a winner.  Lose the tantrums. </p>
<p><b>About the Author</b></p>
<p>Larry and Diane Hochman operate New You Marketing, a successful home business training and development program, in addition to their own home business from their residence in Bristol Connecticut.  To receive Larry&#8217;s FREE on-line four week home business development course, send a blank email to <a href="mailto:HomeBizMiniCourse@infogeneratorpro.com">HomeBizMiniCourse@infogeneratorpro.com</a> To subscribe to The Next Wave, Larry&#8217;s free newsletter about home business development, email to: <a href="mailto:TheNextWave@infogeneratorpro.com">TheNextWave@infogeneratorpro.com</a></p>
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		<title>Virtual Gardening Done Right</title>
		<link>http://www.parentalnotes.com/virtual-gardening-done-right/</link>
		<comments>http://www.parentalnotes.com/virtual-gardening-done-right/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Apr 2010 05:00:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category>Family</category>

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		<description><![CDATA[The user-friendly Landscape Vision makes designing the perfect home garden as easy as one, two, click! - 2004-06-28]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Van Nuys, CA  June 28, 2004 &#8212; Lack the creative vision necessary to imagine what a fully realized garden would look like before putting spade to soil? Not interested in using the kind of complicated imaging software employed by professional landscape architects? Then get your hands on LANDSCAPE VISION, the consumer solution to home landscape design.</p>
<p>Unlike most landscape design applications on the market today, Landscape Vision allows its users to envision the look of their garden in conjunction with actual images of their home. No CAD drawings, model homes, or 3-D wire frames that require even the most creative individual to stretch his/her imagination to the limits.</p>
<p>Plus, Landscape Vision&#8217;s database of over 1,000 real plant images (not renderings) allows novice landscape architects to spruce up their home and lawn based on what looks good. Don?t have a lawn yet? No problem! Landscape Vision lets you add one by simply clicking your mouse.</p>
<p>The straightforward and cost effective solution to home garden design, Landscape Vision walks users through uploading images of their home (acquired via a scanner or digital camera) for use within the program. A simple drag and drop motion places plant life on the user&#8217;s lawn, and the program?s menu driven resize option allows those plants to be displayed at various sizes. Extensive plant bios provide consumers with the knowledge necessary in determining what vegetation will work best in their respective garden environments. No guesswork required. Help sheets and narrated tutorials are included for those in need of further assistance.</p>
<p>And not only can completed designs be printed and/or emailed, Landscape Vision goes so far as to create an automated shopping list that makes your trip to the local nursery a snap. At $39.99, the Landscape Vision eliminates the guesswork, trial and error, and major expense typically associated with using a professional home garden designer.</p>
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		<title>Disabled World Debuts Website</title>
		<link>http://www.parentalnotes.com/disabled-world-debuts-website/</link>
		<comments>http://www.parentalnotes.com/disabled-world-debuts-website/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Apr 2010 05:00:49 +0000</pubDate>
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		<category>Family</category>

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		<description><![CDATA[With over 54 million people classified as disabled in the USA alone, new website Disabled-World.Com recognised the need to provide free information and product reviews for people with disabilities. Funded by donations and advertisers the Disabled World community is fast becoming a valuable resource for the disabled worldwide. - 2004-07-20 <font size="1" color="#990000"><b>Friend of PR Web - 3</b></font>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Montreal, Canada   July 20, 2004 &#8212;  The Disabled World web site, based in Montreal Canada, was launched in May 2004 to provide a much needed international online community for people with disabilities. Disabled-World.Com is an interactive website with subject areas covering up to date news and comprehensive research on everything from helpful tips to disabled sports articles. These features plus the ability for users to post their own articles directly to the site make Disabled World an exciting online community.</p>
<p>With over 54 million people classified as disabled in the USA alone (The Census Bureau), Disabled World owners Ian &amp; Lynn Langtree, a husband and wife team, saw the need to provide people with disabilities a website where the disabled of all ages and from all walks of life could unite on common ground completely free from membership fees and charges, share experiences, information and provide tips of assistance to the newly and life long disabled. Articles posted by members from around the world range from sad to the witty and entertaining, such as travel adventures and the frustrating and sometimes humorous side of traveling with a disability.</p>
<p>Disabled World believes in the Social Model of Disability, a belief developed by disabled people in the 1970&#8217;s, the social model changes the focus away from people&#8217;s impairments and towards removing the barriers that disabled people face in every day life. Disabled World is labeled as a family friendly site and is an associate member of The Internet Content Rating Association (ICRA) which is an independent, non-profit organization whose main aim is to empower parents to protect their children from potentially harmful content on the internet.</p>
<p>A forum, along with dating/personals and chat room areas, allow people with disabilities a chance to communicate and get to know each other. Should a member be looking for a place to buy, sell, or trade disabled equipment, classified  service is available. Employers or people with disabilities seeking employment will also find a relevant category to submit their respective details.</p>
<p>Ian said our membership base is expanding rapidly.<br />
&#8220;We love receiving articles related  to disabilities submitted for publishing on the website. Our users put a lot of effort into researching and writing their articles, and if Disabled-World.Com continues to expand at its current rate it won&#8217;t be long before assistance will be required to help with the day to day running of the site.&#8221;</p>
<p>The Disabled World team are more than happy to research material relating to articles or product reviews published if members seek further information on a topic.</p>
<p>Contact:<br />
Ian &amp; Lynn Langtree<br />
1 514 685 7434<br />
<a href="mailto:admin@disabled-world.com">admin@disabled-world.com</a></p>
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