Articles

Today, unprecedented numbers of retired and active duty military personnel are wondering what the next step in their lives might be. After having a very clear path of serving their country, they may now be at a professional crossroads – sign up for another tour or retire and pursue another profession. (ARA) – Today, unprecedented numbers of retired and active duty military personnel are wondering what the next step in their lives might be. After having a very clear path of serving their country, they may now be at a professional crossroads – sign up for another tour or retire and pursue another profession. For many, this is an appealing option – more command of your personal schedule, more time at home. And thanks to the newly implemented Post 9-11 GI Bill, obtaining a high quality education without a financial investment just got easier. “With this money, I now have the opportunity to be whatever I want to be,” says 38-year-old Gilbert, Ariz. resident Christopher Van Huss, who left the military in April 2004. The new bill, available to vets or active duty personnel who served after the 2001 terrorist attacks, requires no pay-in, and the tuition is paid directly to the college, so […]

Americans are holding on to their automobiles longer, and this means proper maintenance is key to keeping their cars running smoothly and efficiently. Dr. FuelGood is Sam Memmolo, an ASE-certified auto technician and automotive expert for Shell. He has the following advice on the best care for your car: (ARA) – Americans are holding on to their automobiles longer, and this means proper maintenance is key to keeping their cars running smoothly and efficiently. Dr. FuelGood is Sam Memmolo, an ASE-certified auto technician and automotive expert for Shell. He has the following advice on the best care for your car: “As a master auto technician and passionate car enthusiast, I’ve worked on a number of different types of vehicles throughout the years — from hot rods to motorcycles to minivans,” Memmolo says. “I constantly stress that there’s no substitute for preventative maintenance. A little TLC can go a long way when it comes to taking care of your vehicle and avoiding costly repairs. Whether you drive a performance-oriented sports car or a more practical family vehicle, there are a few basic tips that I recommend all drivers follow to ensure your car is ready for the road.” Change your oil: Regular service can help prolong […]

(ARA) – We all think our dogs are super, but could your dog help save the planet by reducing landfill waste? How you train your dog has a big impact on the environment and on your wallet.  Housebreaking a puppy or dog is never fun, but it’s a necessary part of adding a new member to the family. There will be unpleasant messes to clean up, but you’ll need to teach the dog the right and wrong places to go. So, where does saving the environment come into play?  “I saw a stack of training pads at the grocery store and realized how expensive and harmful to the environment they could be,” says Kami Havluciyan, maker of the Ugodog, an environmentally-conscious indoor dog potty. “I knew there had to be an environmentally conscious alternative.”  Many people use training pads (essentially big, flat disposable diapers) for housetraining the dog, or to use as a “dog bathroom” indoors. Unfortunately they are dirty, dogs can drag them around the house and they are definitely not eco-friendly.  The best tool to use when training your puppy or dog is to designate a bathroom area and use a dog toilet like the Ugodog Indoor Dog […]

When hosting a bridal shower, it can be easy to get carried away. Hosts, typically a close friend or relative of the bride, often feel obligated to give the bride the “perfect” party — a concept as elusive as it is expensive. (ARA) – When hosting a bridal shower, it can be easy to get carried away. Hosts, typically a close friend or relative of the bride, often feel obligated to give the bride the “perfect” party — a concept as elusive as it is expensive. However, if you find yourself planning an upcoming bridal shower on a budget, have no fear: It’s entirely possible to plan a tasteful, fun and sentimental gathering without breaking the bank. Here are five time-saving and cost-cutting ways to throw a beautiful bridal shower: Invitations It can be tempting to blow your entire budget for the party on the invitations, but consider saving money (and time) by sending them electronically. Web sites like Pingg.com make sending invitations and tracking responses electronically a breeze. And with an enormous online image database, it’s almost guaranteed that even the pickiest planner will find the perfect invitation design. Food Skip hours of baking and frosting and provide your guests with a creative and low-fat […]

(ARA) – Every 70 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer’s, and as many as 5.3 million people in the United States are living with the disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. This progressive, irreversible neurological disorder has no cure, but the earlier someone you love is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the sooner he or she can receive the treatment they need.  That is what organizers hope people will remember on World Alzheimer’s Day on Sept. 21. That treatment might include currently prescribed medications or investigational drugs that are being studied in clinical trials.  According to the Alzheimer’s Association, memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. Here are some warning signs the organization suggests could be a symptom of the disease:  1. Challenges in planning or solving problems. 2. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure. 3. Confusion with time or place. 4. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. 5. New problems with words in speaking or writing. 6. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. 7. Decreased or poor judgment. 8. Withdrawal from work or social activities. 9. Changes in mood and personality.  If you or a loved one experiences any of these signs on a regular […]

(ARA) – Over the past several years advances in medications have made a big impact on the quality of life for heart failure patients. These medicines can help stabilize heart function, relieve symptoms and keep patients out of the hospital. But for prescriptions to be effective, patients must be proactive in understanding their medications and talk with their doctors about how the medicines affect their health. Research demonstrates that many patients discontinue important life-saving medications within six months of the original prescription. The reasons for this can be many. For example, some patients may be tempted to stop taking their medicine when they start to feel better. However, it is important to continue taking the medicine, as its purpose is not only to make the patient feel better in the short run, but also to treat the underlying disease and improve health in the long run. On the other hand, if a patient is taking medicine and feeling worse, or not feeling any better, it is important to discuss this with a doctor, as medicines may need to be changed or the dose adjusted to receive maximum benefits. Most people with heart failure require several medicines for the best results. The list below […]

(ARA) – Tired of your boring bathroom, but don’t think you have the home improvement skills to update it? Stop doubting yourself and make some quick and easy changes that will dramatically improve the look and functionality of your bath, all without calling a contractor. Masterpiece mirrors Occupying a majority of wall space in most baths, plate-glass mirrors are functional, yet not very aesthetically pleasing. To solve this problem, add easy-to-install mirror frames, such as Mirrorscapes by Moen, which are available in five different styles and a variety of finishes to beautifully coordinate in your bath. All you need for this project is a measuring tape, marker, a saw and about 30 minutes. Mirrorscapes proprietary installation system makes transforming a plate-glass mirror quick, easy and secure. Installation templates perfectly position the mounting brackets, ensuring proper alignment of the frame straights and decorative corners. No angled miter cuts are necessary. “The system is nearly error-proof,” says Tim Bitterman, group product manager for Creative Specialties International. “The template pieces ensure perfect alignment, while the decorative corner frame pieces cover straight-end frame pieces – to disguise most cutting errors.” Pretty painting Adding color can dramatically transform any room, and luckily painting is an extremely simple project. However, success lies […]

(ARA) – When you have a big gathering at your house, no matter where you try to set up the food and beverages, the crowd inevitably ends up gathering in your kitchen. The problem is you may not be proud of the kitchen you have. So what do you do? There are many different ways for you to take your existing, drab kitchen and turn it into a place that you are not only proud to show off to your friends, but have no problem making the center of your next party. Getting new appliances is one of the more obvious moves you can make to change the look of your kitchen. Stainless steel appliances look sleek and newer models don’t show fingerprints as much as older versions. New technology and design offers better-tasting water from dispensers inside the refrigerator and on the door. Dishwashers are quieter and microwaves more powerful than ever. However, new appliances can be extremely expensive, and out of the reach of many if you’re on a budget. One underrated technique for upgrading your kitchen: get rid of your old, discolored, chipped countertop. If you want a completely new look or shape to your countertop, concrete has become a surface that […]

(ARA) – As cold weather sets in, thousands of retirees are making plans for a winter getaway. If you’re one of them, switch to direct deposit for your Social Security payments before you leave – it’s the safest, easiest way to receive your money.  “Each year, the U.S. Department of the Treasury receives more than 1.4 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problems,” says David A. Lebryk, commissioner of the Treasury Department’s Financial Management Service.  Yet, approximately 10.5 million Americans continue to receive their Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments by paper check each month. The Treasury Department’s Go Direct (R) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit.  Increased safety, convenience and reliability  When there’s a problem with a Social Security payment, nine times out of 10 it’s with a paper check, not a direct deposit payment, says Lebryk.  Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud. In fact, the Treasury Department investigates more than 70,000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year, totaling $64 million in estimated value.  “In 2008 alone, more than 485,000 Social Security and SSI checks were reported lost or stolen and had […]

(ARA) – Women may be known as the more talkative sex, but when it comes to certain sensitive health topics their lips are sealed – even with their closest friends. Nearly 40 percent of women with symptoms of bladder weakness have never discussed the problem with anyone, according to a recent survey.  In fact, nearly half of women who actually experience symptoms of bladder weakness – leakage or loss of urine – do not even acknowledge having the condition, and more women would be more willing to discuss sensitive issues such as mental health and infertility than bladder weakness, according to Bladder Talk, a North American survey sponsored by TENA – a leading brand of bladder protection products.  Dr. Lauri Romanzi, a board certified gynecologist with more than 20 years of experience in women’s health, offered additional insight into the survey results. “Women often try to cope with private or embarrassing issues such as bladder weakness on their own. This hesitancy to discuss the condition makes it seem rarer than it actually is – but in fact, one in four women older than 40 suffers from bladder weakness. The good news is there are exercises and products that can help […]

(ARA) – The proposition of selling a home is getting better with each passing day according to a recently released report from the National Association of Realtors. If you need to sell your home, a few smart strategies can help you increase your profits. A number of real estate pundits are pointing to the recent decline in home inventory and the fact that interest rates have increased on the 30-year fixed mortgage as a positive endorsement of a healthier housing market. Joanne Sebby, a licensed real estate broker in Chicago, and operator of a local Two Men and a Truck moving franchise, believes she’s benefitting from what could be the start of a real estate “bloom,” if not a full “boom.” “Bargain hunters are beginning to make moves on homes that are still way undervalued’’ Sebby says. “The key for sellers is to get creative in marketing your home’s offerings so you can become one of those homes that get a look, and hopefully sell your house in a reasonable amount of time.” While the real estate outlook is the best it’s been in recent memory, home loans are still more difficult to come by and home values are down an average of 20 […]

(ARA) – The flu seems to be top-of-mind right now for almost everyone, especially moms. And while many moms are taking extra measures this year to protect kids from both seasonal flu and H1N1, they may neglect getting their own flu shot. With kids, husbands, schools, friends, communities and employers depending on moms for so much, it’s more important than ever for moms to get vaccinated against seasonal flu this year. As many as one in five Americans ends up suffering from the flu each year and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized due to flu-related complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most cases result in a few days in bed, which is far from rest and relaxation for the do-it-all mom. When the flu bug bites mom, it can seriously impact the family, as she may not be able to care for the home and kids as she normally does. “Moms today are busier than ever and the No. 1 thing they’re looking for is convenience,” says Dr. Lucy Crane, Walgreens corporate medical director. “A seasonal flu shot is the best protection against getting the virus and now it’s quick and easy to stop by a neighborhood […]

Nearly 8 percent of the American population suffers from one form of diabetes or another. Americans are the worlds biggest consumers and that also goes for their food. Obesity is one major health problem in the United States right now. Obesity has long been a factor involved in the development of diabetes and one way of stopping the increasing number of diabetic patients is through proper diet. Preventing a disease is always better and more economical than going for the cure. Below is a simple guide to eating for diabetic patients. You Are What You Eat Carbohydrates Foods rich in carbohydrates have the greatest effect in blood sugar levels in the body. They maybe classified either as simple or complex carbohydrates. Examples of complex carbohydrates are those found in starches such as corn, pasta, flour or potatoes. Fruits and sugars contain simple carbohydrates. A gram of carbohydrate is equivalent to four calories. Recommended diet for diabetic patients is that their carbohydrate intake should only provide 50 to 60 percent of their calorie intake in a day. Complex carbohydrates found in fruits and vegetables are preferred over starch heavy foods. Studies suggest that replacing simple carbohydrates with complex fiber sources lower […]

The effects of lung cancer on the patient’s body can differ according to the type and stage of the disease. However, studies are now focused towards the impact of treatments intended to cure the disease in patients. Although these have been recognized as temporary effects only, it still does produce enough good to the health of the patients. What Are The Effects of Lung Cancer Treatments? Since the treatment for the disease is essential to keep the cancer cells under control, several patients have overlooked the possible harm it can bring to their health. These are some of the more common treatment options for lung cancer. 1) Surgical Treatment Effects of lung cancer treatment such as surgeries can often bring in more harm to the patient. Since it is a major operation, it exposes your chest area into the possibility of collecting air and fluid into it. Among the side effects known for lung cancer patients who have recently undergone surgery is difficulty in turning over, deep breathing, or even coughing. Since patients typically go through these activities, recovery might be slow. Activities such as deep breathing or coughing are essential elements in recovery since they enable extra air or […]

It seems that Cancer is one of the worst things to hear from your doctor. The cancer that sounds like a death sentence, but not easy. Consider these facts about cancer. No form of cancer that someone has not expired and will be recovered. Statistics tell us that can be cured over 50% of all serious forms of cancer. The fact is that cancer is a disease that can come truly unique and deadly May, when, in fact, the disease is to understand and use all the resources you have to fight them, be overcome. The understanding of the disease There are several things to consider over this disease. First, it is unlike any other condition which, as it mutates. No longer a cell to two, then three, then four. Instead, he goes from one cell to two cells, four cells, eight cells and so on. This allows you to grow so strong in the body. Since this factor is to fight as soon as possible is a necessity. Another thing to consider is cancer, how it can move easily through the body. Since it takes one billion cancer cells, the size of a pea, you can see how easy […]

Breast cancer is divided into five stages. Stages 0-2 are considered “early”, stage 3 considered “advanced”, and stage 4 “late”. Staging categories are important for predicting future prognosis, and determine optimal treatment recommendations. Stage 0 is DCIS, or ductal carcinoma in situ. Breast cancer arises from the cells that line the milk ducts. When the cancerous cells are still contained inside the duct, it is diagnosed as DCIS. This can only be determined by a pathologist doctor looking at the tissue under a microscope. In general, when the DCIS lesion is small, there is no need to suspect cancer spread outside the breast. Stage 1 is invasive or infiltrating cancer. Here, the cancer cells have broken through the duct wall and are found outside the ducts as well. In this case, doctors need to determine whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Stage 1 breast cancer must be equal or smaller than 2 cm in its invasive component, AND have no spread to lymph nodes. Often, the tissue removed at surgery contain DCIS in addition to the invasive cancer. However, only the dimensions of the invasive cancer count. If the patient needs to have multiple surgeries and the […]

Home health care services are primarily concerned with providing medical attention to concerned individuals within the comforts of their residence. People with serious ailments or those recovering from surgery and injuries require round the clock medical attention.Home health care services are primarily concerned with providing medical attention to concerned individuals within the comforts of their residence. People with serious ailments or those recovering from surgery and injuries require round the clock medical attention. These services concentrate on catering to the medical requirements of the patient. The business of providing customized medical attention through caregivers and professionally trained nurses and nursing attendants is becoming quite popular. Those who wish to start home health care business may browse through the websites of the existing companies to find out what services are generally offered. The websites provide detailed information regarding the various products, services, and care facilities that are offered by these companies. There are a number of companies that offer online consulting services to cater home health solutions at affordable rates. Home health care services provide the required care and attention within the privacy of the client’s living place. Home health care workers administer medication, dress wounds and handle each and every need of […]

Tobacco is responsible for 1 in 10 adults dying worldwide which equates to 5 million deaths per year. Deaths are mainly due to collapse of the cardiovascular system resulting in heart attacks, respiratory tract disease and cancer. Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Still want to smoke a cigarette? Then read on…Many doctors and physicians will not perform surgery on someone who is a smoker, as they believe the risk of the surgery outweighs the chances of any potential benefit. Researchers at the University of Toronto Medical School have found that smoking impedes the body’s ability to heal bone and grow new bone.Latest startling figures show that pregnant women who smoke as little as 1 to 10 cigarettes a day have a 29 % chance of giving birth to a child with finger or toe defects. That number increases to 78 % for those who smoke 20 cigarettes or more a day.Another major reason to stop smoking is financial. You will be pleasantly surprised to find so much more of your hard earned cash is safely in your own pocket rather than in the pockets of the large companies and money lenders (and […]

Nobody enjoys being up to their eyeballs in debt. I mean let’s face it life is hard enough without having to worry about how you’re going to pay bills that seem to keep piling up all around you. If you’re feeling this way I can assure you it’s not just you. Sadly millions of people suffer from having to pay a large financial obligation due to an enormous amount of debt they have accumulated over time. Just doing a quick search on Google shows that there are over 16,000,000 million web pages that use the term debt reduction which explains the hundreds of debt reduction programs that are offered online. Stop and take a breather for a second because this article will give you several ways you should be able to reduce your debt. Debt Reduction Tip Number 1 – Consolidate Your Credit CardsCredit cards, credit cards and still more credit cards. Millions of people carry them with a large portion of that group overusing them to an extreme resulting in high interest and a large accumulation of credit card debt. If you are suffering from high credit card debt then one method to alleviate that stress would be to […]

Are you grieving over the loss of a loved one? Whether you are around friends, family, acquaintances, or strangers, understand that grieving is a natural and normal part of life. If you are grieving and are having trouble being with others, here are a few ways to better deal with your loss.  1. Grieving is a natural part of life – we grieve when we lose something we love.  -For some reason, in the West, we deal with grieving, death and dying, as unspeakable subjects. It is as though we think if we don’t talk about them, they will go away.  -But they don’t go away because they are inherent in life; the cycle of birth and death rages on.  -Every death – the death of a loved one, the losing of a job, the ending of a relationship, even though it might have been dysfunctional, – summons up every other death. Judith Rossner says in her book August, “After the first death, there is no other.”  2. There is no “normal” time frame to stop grieving – the grieving stops when you are done mourning.  -If you surrender to the natural process of grieving, you will move through grieving […]

I’m sure you are quite aware of the fact that if your overweight your odds of developing Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes goes up dramatically. You also know that we aren’t talking about a few extra pounds; we are talking about 20 plus pounds. In other words we are talking about being obese. One of the best ways for you to have weight loss and lower the odds of being diagnosed with diabetes is exercise. Exercise for diabetics is critical. Although Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented exercise is a phenomenal way to help control insulin sensitivity throughout the body. The exertion brought forth by the exercise causes the muscles to burn the glucose more efficiently. But a great side effect of the exercise will cause your metabolism to speed up, which in turn will burn calories thus helping your body to shed those extra pounds. You should know that even though Type 1 Diabetes cannot be prevented, it is possible to prevent Type 2. One of the first steps you must take to prevent it is commence a weight loss program that combines exercise and healthy eating. You should then follow up step 1 with the proper vitamins and herbal […]

Ever wondered who gets diabetes? It can be anyone and everyone and it can occur anywhere in the world. There are several factors that may give rise to diabetes. Knowing the possible factors as well who is in the high risks group will allow a person to be more informed and offer him the opportunity to take preventive actions before the disease strikes. This article examines those common factors that give rise to diabetes and the people most likely to become diabetic. Firstly, you should be aware that diabetes is not contagious. So if you come across a diabetic person, do not fear that he will pass the disease to you. This cannot happen. Secondly, there are 2 types of diabetes, Type-1 and Type-2. Type-1 diabetes is caused when the body no longer produces insulin. It usually affects children and young adults. To manage type-1 diabetes, regular insulin injections have to be taken. However, this article focuses on Type-2 diabetes and looks at those factors that cause it. Age is one factor is look at. It was reported that a person who is more than 40 years old is at risk of getting diabetes. Also, the older a person is, the more […]

The hot flash is the scourge of the middle-aged woman – you’ve no doubt heard the battle cry, “Is it hot in here, or is it just me?” The prickling of the skin, rapid heart beat, pressure in your head… your skin flushes, you feel anxious, maybe a little dizzy, the sweat starts pouring off of you. All of it unpleasant, but the worst part is, you never know when it’s going to come, how long it’s going to last, or how bad it will be. In an ideal world, hot flashes would only occur when you’re alone and naked in a cold shower. Hot flashes are often the precursor which alerts you to a major bodily upheaval – the menopause, or the cessation of the menstrual cycle. It’s an oxymoron to use the article “the” to identify it –“the menopause,” as though it’s a single fixed moment in time. Shoot, for some women, the period between the first hot flash and the actual end of your menstrual periods can be years. So, with the “good news” that your hot flashes may last for months on end until you actually are officially “menopausal,” what can you do to alleviate or at least […]

Are you overweight and want to do something about it? Walking is a great way to add extra activity into your lifestyle and increasing the amount of calories your body burns to help you lose weight. If you are ready to get the weight off once and for all, adding walking to your daily routine will help you do this. Here are some benefits and ways walking can help you lose weight:Walking is natural fitness.The human body was designed to walk. From the time we decided to start using two legs, humans have propelled themselves this way and this activity has the least amount of negative effect on our bodies. Take time everyday to stretch and walk whenever you can to enjoy this form of exercise that mother nature designed to keep us fit and strong. If you walk at least 2-3 times a week, you will start to see a difference in the way you feel and the weight will start to come off easily. You don’t need an expensive gym membership. That’s right, walking is free. And you can walk just about anywhere. You can walk right in your own neighborhood, at work or anytime you have to run […]

Getting out of debt may seem complicated but it should not be. It is possible to eliminate debt progressively without much sacrifices or getting into complex financial processes that can also risk your financial future. What you need to do is to meditate about the real causes of your debt problems and attack the underlying variables that generate debt in your life. Plus, by following these easy steps you will be able to reduce debt generation to a minimum while continually reducing your existing debt which will eventually lead you towards complete debt-freedom.  1st Tip: Money Management Techniques  Knowing how to handle your finance is essential to succeed in reducing and eliminating debt. Money management techniques are essential for healthy finances. If you tend to overspend and have no control over your income and expenses, you need to learn about budgeting and other money management procedures that will help you improve your income to spending ratio thus providing you with sufficient remaining income to start eliminating debt by paying it off.  2nd Tip: Cut Down On Your Spending  This is also money management but due to the importance deserves it is own paragraph. If you want your debt to start […]

In today’s society it is rare to find a faithful man. Many women remain single because they have been hurt by fidelity issues in the past. This often causes women to deal with their trust issues in a different relationship. It is important to remember that each individual is capable of cheating, because we are human, but that does not mean that all men, or people are unfaithful. Specific behaviors are displayed by men who cheat on their lovers.A change in the pattern of communication can be an indicator of cheating. If a man speaks less about the events of his day than he has in the past, you may want to begin asking specific questions. A woman should be able to ask her husband about his agenda for the day, and then be able to contact him where he said he would be.The issue of infidelity not only tears relationships and families apart; this causes issues for the individual who was betrayed, in future relationships. Worse yet, unfaithfulness can affect the health of all persons involved. In stable relationships, some couples choose not to use protection, this habit can be disastrous if one decides to wander; due to the rising […]

First, let me state at the outset that I am not necessarily writing here about the best mathematically ordained Video Poker machines, but am writing instead about the best kinds of machines to play in a regular casino, for short slices of overall probabilities, under actual playing conditions of in-casino play, and under the often-inevitable situations of less-than-always-perfect play.Best Video PokerFirst, let me state at the outset that I am not necessarily writing here about the best mathematically ordained Video Poker machines, but am writing instead about the best kinds of machines to play in a regular casino, for short slices of overall probabilities, under actual playing conditions of in-casino play, and under the often-inevitable situations of less-than-always-perfect play.There are a few items of knowledge that I will assume you already know, particularly the differences between 6/5, 7/5, 8/5, 9/5, 8/6, 9/6, 10/6 and 10/7 Video Poker machines, and how to spot this and what this means. It used to be that Video Poker machines were only of one kind – a standard five-card-draw jacks-or-better machines. Then came various derivatives, the most popular of which became the Deuces Wild and Joker’s Wild machines, each with their own variances on pay schedules […]

Being pregnant truly is a once in a lifetime and an absolutely wonderful experience. With that said, there is an aspect of pregnancy which can be difficult for many women. What commonly is referred to as morning sickness plagues many women who are pregnant. Through this article you are provided with some insights into how you can best deal with what most people still call morning sickness. At the outset, it is important to understand that the nausea associated with being pregnant can occur throughout the day and night and is not confined to the morning. Many women historically have experienced pregnancy related nausea in the morning. But, calling it morning sickness really is something of a misnomer. In addition, you need to understand that nausea associated with pregnancy is normal, particularly during the first trimester. However, with that said and understood, if you find that you are suffering from severe nausea or if you find that you are spending a good deal of time nauseated, you definitely will want to speak with your doctor. There are some rather rare instances in which nausea during pregnancy can be the consequence of something more serious. Therefore, you really do want to make sure […]

After the wedding, many brides struggle with what to do with their precious wedding gown that so fondly represents that special day. Since most brides prefer to treasure the memories of their wedding day by keeping their wedding dress (possibly handing it down to a daughter, special niece, god child or grand daughter, or even re-wearing it to renew their vows), it is important to understand the proper methods of cleaning and storing your gown so it can last for centuries to come. After the wedding, many brides struggle with what to do with their precious wedding gown that so fondly represents that special day. Since most brides prefer to treasure the memories of their wedding day by keeping their wedding dress (possibly handing it down to a daughter, special niece, god child or grand daughter, or even re-wearing it to renew their vows), it is important to understand the proper methods of cleaning and storing your gown so it can last for centuries to come. Should I have my gown cleaned? Whether you decide to keep your gown, donate it or sell it, it is important to consider having it cleaned and preserved as soon as possible to maintain its beauty and […]

Here to help you plan ahead for your perfect day are 5 top tips on the hottest trends for weddings in 2010.1: Wedding Dresses next season are showing a strong tie in with recent months most popular fashion trends. The wedding dress is set to be very romantic, princess-like in style with net and tulle cascading over the whole skirt or even the whole dress. Sheer fabrics such as net and tulle add great texture and a fairytale look to any dress.2: Bridal Jewelry is again drawing from recent fashion trends. The Bridal industry is taking inspiration from the mainstream fashion world and introducing statement jewelry. This will include long strings of pearls, large necklaces and flowing, stylish earrings.3: Eco-friendly chic is certainly buzzing with a lot of couples are trying to incorporate a ‘green factor’ into their wedding day. A perfect way to introduce some eco-friendly style into your wedding is with wedding favours. Plantable wedding favours are not only the perfect contribution to the environmentally friendly campaign but are so beautiful and unique; they will certainly get your guest’s talking.4: Wedding Favors are becoming more thoughtful year upon year. Many couples are focussing a great deal of their […]

What is it about loneliness that makes us want to hide the fact that we are lonely? Anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one naturally feels a gaping space in daily life and a cavernous emptiness within. Why don’t we talk more about it?I suspect it’s because a common reaction to loneliness is the feeling of shame. Perhaps we think if we admit to loneliness, we’ll seem defective: “If I’m lonely there must be something wrong with me. Maybe I’m needier than anybody else. Maybe I’m not attractive enough to draw others to me. Maybe nobody wants to be with me.” No wonder loneliness holds its tongue, becomes a secret, and leads to more isolation.Feelings of loneliness are normal—a part of our human experience, especially during mourning. In her book, A Time to Grieve, Carol Staudacher relates loneliness early in the grief process with longing for the loved one, the “only one who matters.” She observes that when we lose the person closest to us, we feel as if “our whole world has lost its center.” Those who are left seem inconsequential. In early intense grief one feels apart, set adrift on a sea of sorrow: “No […]

Lung cancer in women differs from lung cancer in men in many ways. Yet, despite obvious differences in our appearance, we tend to lump men and women together when talking about lung cancer. This is unfortunate, since the causes, response to various treatments, survival rate, and even symptoms to watch for differ. What are some facts about lung cancer in women?Statistics About Lung Cancer in WomenLung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women, killing more women each year than breast cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer combined. While smoking is the number one cause, 20% of these women have never touched a cigarette. Once considered a “man’s disease,” lung cancer is no longer discriminatory. In 2005, the last year for which we have statistics, 82,271 women (vs 107,416 men) were diagnosed with lung cancer, and 69,078 (vs 90,139 men) died.While lung cancer diagnoses decreased each year from 1991-2005 for men, the incidence increased 0.5% each year for women. The reason for this is not completely clear. Lung cancer in women occurs at a slightly younger age, and almost half of lung cancers in people under 50 occur in women.Causes of Lung Cancer in WomenEven though smoking is the […]

Get out your red pen and check out this tough dating test to see how you fare.1. You Can Go To A Crowded Bar And Not Meet SomeoneHot stuff, all you gotta do is smile at some guy and he’ll melt like butter. Bonus points if you can actually get a sentence out.2. Funky ChickenIf you’re self-conscious about the way you dance, you are no fun to screw. Well, at least that’s what peeps who are watching your awkward moves think. If you wanna do the horizontal mambo, you’ve gotta start by letting yourself get down vertically. Confidence is more seductive than high heels, lingerie, and money. 3. So Close, Yet So Far AwayDo you ever go up to the bar alone and order next to a stud? Luck is being in the right place at the right time, and so is getting ‘er done. If you expect fate to drop a man in your lap, you don’t see how many have already landed around you. The Frisky: The Dos And Don’ts Of Emailing Online Dating Matches 4. Don’t Get Jealous, Get EvenDo you have a friend who gets it twice as much as you and you don’t understand how? If so, […]

“I BET YOU DIDN’T SEE THISIN THE NEWSPAPER ORON THE 6 O’CLOCK NEWS”Navy Petty Officer,PO2(Petty Officer, Second Class) EOD2(Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Second Class)“MIKE MONSOOR”April 5th, 1981 ~ September 29th, 2006Mike Monsoor,Was Awarded “The Congressional Medal Of Honor” Last Week,For Giving His Life In Iraq , As He Jumped On, And Covered With His Body, A Live Hand Grenade,That Was Accidentally Dropped By A Navy Seal,Saving The Lives Of A Large Group Of Navy Seals That Was Passing By!~During Mike Monsoor’s Funeral,At Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery , In San Diego , California .The Six Pallbearers Removed The Rosewood Casket From The Hearse,And Lined Up On Each Side Of Mike Monsoor’s Casket,Were His Family Members, Friends, Fellow Sailors, And Well-wishers.The Column Of People Continued From The Hearse, All The Way To The Grave Site.What The Group Didn’t Know At The Time Was,Every Navy Seal(45 To Be Exact)That Mike Monsoor Saved That Day Was Scattered Through-Out The Column!~As The Pallbearers Carried The Rosewood CasketDown The Column Of People To The Grave Side.The Column Would Collapse.Which Formed A Group Of People That Followed Behind.~Every Time The Rosewood Casket Passed A Navy Seal,He Would Remove His Gold Trident Pin From His Uniform,And Slap It Down Hard,Causing […]

Below is a list of links for FREE STUFF for troops and their families.http://www.operationhomelink.org/ – Free computers for spouses or parents of deployed soldier in ranks E1 – E5.http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/2/prweb106818.htm – free mail/gifts sent to children of deployed soldiers.http://www.operationshoebox.com/ – free shoebox care package.http://www.treatthetroops.org/ – free cookies.http://bluestarmoms.org/ – lowest airfare available.http://www.bluestarmothers.org – Airline discounts for R & R.http://www.booksforsoldiers.com/ – free books, DVD’s, CD’s.http://www.soldiersangels.org/ – get adopted to receive stuff.OnlineBeaumont.com is not responsible for the content of external internetsites, nor does it endorse content on external sites

If a family member or a friend was a veteran, the deceased veteran may qualify for funeral burial honors.Military Funeral Honors have always been provided by Department of Defense, at no cost, whenever possible. However, the law now mandates the rendering of Military Funeral Honors for an eligible veteran if requested by the family. As provided by law, an honor guard detail for the burial of an eligible veteran shall consist of not less than two members of the Armed Forces. One member of the detail shall be a representative of the parent Service of the deceased veteran. The honor detail will, at a minimum, perform a ceremony that includes the folding and presenting of the American flag to the next of kin and the playing of Taps. Taps will be played by a bugler, if available, or by electronic recording. Today, there are so few buglers available that the Military Services often cannot provide one.Families of eligible veterans request funeral honors through their funeral director. The funeral director will contact the appropriate Military Service to arrange for the funeral honors detail.The core elements of the funeral honors ceremony, which will be conducted on request, include: 1. Flag folding 2. Flag presentation 3. […]

11 Benefits of Starting a House Cleaning BusinessMany entrepreneurs have built their house cleaning businesses up to an income of 100k a year within the first year. Try that with a JOB.Start Your Own House Cleaning BusinessThe Suz & Ev Methodhttp://www.start-cleaning-business.com One of the biggest fears people have about starting a small business is the fear of having no real security. But for natural entrepreneurs, security comes from designing your own life. My partner Ev and I discovered that we could create security when we put forth the effort to call our own shots and make key business decisions that made sense for our lives. Starting a house cleaning business helped us achieve real security. We started our cleaning business over nine years ago. Our schedules now burst with other, more creative commitments, but we continue to clean houses and offices. Why? Because the work is steady, the pay is excellent, and we love getting the free time we want in order to pursue our personal goals. When I first joined Ev as he started a house cleaning business I relished the idea of working for myself but I had no idea what I was getting into. Two things were bothering me a little. First, […]

Before you begin using a new or refurbished cast iron skillet, however, it must be prepared for use through a process called seasoning. Seasoning a cast iron skillet is not especially difficult, but it does need to done right and often to maintain the natural non-stick qualities of the pan. If you’ve ever seen a cast iron skillet up close, you may have noticed a black layer on the cooking surface. That charred or burnt appearance is one sign of a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. Here’s how you can season a cast iron skillet at home:Remove all packaging and adhesives from a new unseasoned cast iron skillet. Some modern cast iron cookware is preseasoned at the factory, but it won’t hurt to season it again. Make sure all paper and pricing stickers are completely removed. Use a sponge and light, soapy water to quickly remove any remaining surface dirt and dry the pan thoroughly with paper towels or by air drying. This is the only time water should ever be used to clean the inside of a cast iron skillet. Future cleaning should be done with dry paper towels and salt only, to prevent damage from rust. Once the cast […]

The Fire Museum of Texas opened in 1986 and is endorsed by the Firemen’s and Fire Marshals’ Association of Texas as, “The Official Fire Museum of Texas”. Operating as a 501 (c)(3) the Museum is managed by a Board of Directors through a partnership with the City of Beaumont. The Museum is recognized as one of Texas’s Best FREE places for individuals, groups and families to visit. Dedicated to the preservation and education of the rich history of the fire fighting service, fire prevention education and fire safety, the Museum is housed in a working historic 1927 Central Fire Station. The two story building recognized as a Texas Historic Landmark is an unusual style of Renaissance Revival architecture. The masonry eagle above the first floor bays and the colored tiles compliment the masonry cornice. Located in downtown Beaumont the museum is within walking distance of multiple museums, restaurants and ten significant sites on the National Register of Historical Places. Just two blocks from the Crocket Street Entertainment District the Museum offers visitors the opportunity to view vintage fire engines and equipment and memorabilia dating back to the late 1600’s.Visitors won’t want to miss the 1909 Aerial ladder truck, the 1856 Howe Hand Drawn […]

Now is the perfect time to look around your home and take stock of areas in need of repair or an inexpensive spruce up with the holiday season behind us and warmer weather still months away.“A simple change of paint color can rejuvenate a tired kitchen, warm a family or living room or help to create a restful bedroom. But, before opening that first can of paint, correct surface issues and make sure your walls are clean and sound. Good surface preparation coupled with top quality paint, brushes and rollers will help to insure a long-lasting and beautiful finish,” Debbie Zimmer, color and decorating expert with the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute explains.1. Foaming or Cratering—This occurs during the formation of bubbles and results in small, round concave depressions when those bubbles break during paint application and drying.Possible causes include shaking a partially filled can of paint, use of low quality paint or very old latex paint, applying paint too quickly or excessive rolling and brushing, using a low quality roller cover or wrong nap length or applying a gloss or semigloss paint over a porous surface.SolutionAll paints will foam to some extent during application: however, higher quality paints […]

Making your home presentable for company may be easier than you think, even if it involves fixing small wall cracks.Do-it-yourselfers can easily fix many plaster and wallboard cracks around their homes with a minimal investment in both time and materials. While these imperfections are easy to ignore on a daily basis, they can suddenly seem to be gaping flaws when guests are scheduled to visit. Fortunately, most small cracks and holes in plaster and wallboard can be repaired quickly and easily using inexpensive materials.United States Gypsum Company, a leading manufacturer of gypsum board and plaster products, offers the following tips for completing the repairs.Prep the area. For plaster walls, begin by pushing against the crack to determine how soft the surrounding wall area is. Remove loose material with a screwdriver and clean the area with a slightly dampened paintbrush or sponge to remove any remaining dust. Gather your materials. You’ll need a utility knife; a 4- to 6-inch-wide drywall knife; an 8- to 10-inch-wide drywall knife; joint tape for wider cracks; a ready-mixed or powdered joint compound product, such as SHEETROCK® Brand Lightweight Setting-Type Joint Compound (EASY SAND™); safety goggles and dust mask; and either a fine, 150-grade sandpaper or a sponge. Fill […]

Whether you’ve hired a professional to complete your drywall installation or are a do-it-yourselfer, the mess that comes along with this type of project is inevitable. But it doesn’t have to be as bad as you think. There are several steps that can be taken to reduce the dust that results from installing drywall, so you’re not still cleaning up for weeks after the project is completed.First, mark where the construction zone begins and ends so that the mess doesn’t migrate into the rest of the home. Put up plastic sheeting in doorways or over vents in the area where you will be working. Move whatever belongings out of the room that you can, or drape them with cloths. Also cover the floors in and leading to and from your renovation area with drop cloths. Use plastic or heavy drop cloths, and tape them down if necessary.Cut your drywall and any other lumber and trim outside, or in the garage if it’s winter. This keeps as much mess as possible out of the home. You can also mix your joint compound outside.Sanding the joint compound, also known as the “mud” that fills the gaps between the drywall, creates dust. A […]

The best way to preserve the life of your carpet is by proper routine cleaning. Dirt in your carpet becomes rough like sandpaper. By stepping on the carpet, we grind dirt deeper into the carpet fibers, making tiny cuts that cause the carpet to wear out quicker. The following guide will give tips on preserving the life of new carpet longer. Vacuum the Carpet Regularly The most fundamental part of carpet care is vacuuming your carpet on a thorough and regular routine schedule. In fact, studies have shown that it actually take a full seven repetitions of vacuuming to eliminate all of the loose dirt from the carpet. The best vacuum to use when accomplishing this would be a less-heavy, upright vacuum cleaner. To fully clean the carpet, your vacuum cleaner should have strong suction and be equipped with a vibrating device to loosen dirt. Immediately Eliminate Any Carpet Stains Next to thoroughly vacuuming the carpet is cleaning any stains as soon as they are seen. The faster the stain is taken care of, the easier it is to get rid of. The longer the stain is ignored, the harder a time you will have to remove it. Using the correct cleaning materials is […]

Texas is the second largest state in the US. There are many interesting places to visit in Texas. It is a perfect place for vacations, as it has everything from parks, to beaches, museums, shopping centers, golf courses, water parks, and much more. There are many things to do in Texas. It is a place where people of all age groups can enjoy themselves.Places to Visit in Texas during SummerPort AransasThe average temperature of Port Aransas is 72 degrees. It is located on Mustang Island, which is considered to be the longest barrier island in the world. Port Aransas is quite popular for activities like birding, shelling and fishing. It is known as the Fishing Capital of Texas, and you can catch any fish of choice, and get it cooked the way you want at one of the local restaurants or bistros. Texas is a great place for shopping, because there are a number of boutiques and galleries. You can also visit birding sites like South Jetty, Joan & Scott Holt Paradise Pond, the Leona Belle Turnbull Birding Center, and the Wetland Park located in the Great Texas Birding Trail. The beaches offer various activities like surfing, kiteboarding, parasailing, windsurfing, […]

Road trip, as most of the people know was a completely ‘mad’ movie. It was a hilarious and interesting portrayal, of the causes and consequences of a road trip, undertaken by the main characters of that movie. But hey, they faced a lot of unexpected and strange incidences, which maybe you would not, I am sure. So the best way to ensure that your road trip is hassle free, is to prepare a checklist. This will help you to chart out the trip better, and have a good, enjoyable trip.So check out the check list for a road trip –Better Safe Than Worry: Surely, you would not want to mess up your road trip on account of a freak accident. So better be on the safer side and do not forget to carry a first aid safety kit.License to Kill?: Make sure you are carrying your driving license and vehicle registration documents, for you never know when you’d need them. That doesn’t mean that you have a license to kill. Be safe, avoid accidents. The ‘Buck’ Stops Here: Carry adequate amount of money, depending on the duration of the trip. Carry a sufficient amount of cash and plastic money (credit cards) […]

I’ve been asked that question many times in the 40 plus years that I’ve been gardening. Non gardeners don’t seem to understand what it is that attracts us to play in the soil and grow “things”. Why do I garden? I garden because there’s nothing better than being in the garden as the morning sun creeps over the horizon, the dew is on the leaves, and a lone cardinal calls out to its mate. A red-tailed hawk lands on a fence inches away from me, surveying the garden for its next meal. It’s about as close to nature as you can get. The only sound heard are the sounds of nature. Why do I garden? There’s nothing better than spotting the first ripe tomato of the season, picking it off the vine, wiping it on your sleeve and biting into it? it’s almost heaven. Why do I garden? What can beat picking a beautiful rose from your garden, putting it in a vase and delivering it to an elderly friend or neighbor? The smile on their face is priceless. Why do I garden? Watching the amazement on the faces of a room full of second graders as the seeds they planted begin to germinate. Seeing the […]

In case things get a little tough during the next few months, we Texans have a plan…Maybe you don’t know it, but Texas is the only state with a legal right to secede from the Union . (Reference the Texas-American Annexation Treaty of 1848…)We Texans love y’all Americans, but we’ll probably have to take action since Barack Obama won the election and is now the President of the U.S.A. We’ll miss ya’ll though.Here is what can happen:1. Barack Hussein Obama, after becoming the President of the United States , begins to try and create a socialist country, then Texas announces that it is going to secede from the Union.2. George W. Bush becomes the President of the Republic of Texas. You might not think that he talks too pretty, but we haven’t had another terrorist attack and the economy was fine until the effects of the Democrats lowering the qualifications for home loans came to roost…So what does Texas have to do to survive as a Republic?1. NASA is just south of Houston , Texas . We will control the space industry.2. We refine over 85% of the gasoline in the United States3. Defense Industry–we have over 65% of it. […]

Learn about the Lone Star State!How Texas got it’s name, how big is Texas, the state flag of Texas, the Texas motto, the cities of Texas, Mountains, Lakes and Rivers in Texas and more!The name Texas comes from the word “tejas” meaning “friend” in the language of the Hasinai Indians of the Caddo Nation.Texas declared independence from Mexico on On March 2, 1836. After the battle of San Jacinto, Texas became a free republic on April 21, 1836. The Republic of Texas was admitted to the US on Dec. 29, 1845. Texas is the 28th State. The Capitol of Texas is Austin. Texas is the 2nd largest state and has 268,601 square miles. Only Alaska is bigger. The geographic center of Texas is 15 miles northeast of the town of Brady in McCulloch County. Texas has 254 Counties. Texas has more counties than any other state.The population of Texas according to the latest US census is 22,118,509.Three of the 10 largest United States cities are in Texas: Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Houston is the largest city in Texas. Other large cities in Texas would include Amarillo, Arlington, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas – Ft. Worth, El Paso, Garland, Plano and San Antonio.The worlds largest medical complex […]

How you are going to wear your hair on the big day is just as important as what dress you pick out. Depending on how long your hair is, will tell you your limitations on options. The longer your hair, the more options you will have to play with. What ever you decide to do will make or break your look, so make sure it works with you, not against you. You want to consult your stylist to see what looks will fit you face, dress, and your man. Depending on what your wearing and how tall you are compared to your fiancé will make a world of difference. Have him or her compile a set of looks that are for your hair length and other requirements. This will give you a basis to start from.For short hair, you want to go sassy for sure. The last thing you want is your hair sticking to your head like a skullcap. Make sure you have some pizzazz in there. Don’t be afraid to add some highlights and add a small amount of styling product to make your hair stand out. The contemporary bob can be nice, but add a bit of highlight […]