Dangerous Dollar Store Holiday Items

As a frugal shopper, I enjoy shopping at dollar stores and discount stores, especially for the holidays. There are so many great deals that will help me stretch my Christmas dollars this year. But one thing that I have learned is that some of the products that you can find at a dollar store or discount store can be dangerous. Protect your health this season by avoiding purchasing the following items at one of these stores. Christmas lights How can you beat a dollar for a package of new Christmas lights? In all honesty, Christmas lights sold under name brands … Continue reading →

Summer Is Fun and Accidents

It is now officially the summer season. Many of us are spending more time outdoors. With all of the fun and activities that we can participate in during summer, we also have to keep in mind that this is the time of year when most accidents happen. One of the dangers that can happen in the sweltering temperatures is becoming dehydrated. It is very important that while outdoors you keep your body properly hydrated. Last week our family took a vacation to Washington D.C. where we spent a great deal of time walking long distances outside in the blazing sunshine. … Continue reading →

Are Your Healthy Gifts Helpful or Hurtful?

Giving gifts at the holidays says to friends and family: you’re important. I care about you. I remember you. But sometimes, the gift you choose has an unintended second message: you’re out of shape. You’re unhealthy. You don’t look good. I once had a friend give me a gift certificate for a facial. I’d never had a facial before, never wanted a facial. But I went and got it anyway, and it turned out to be a really negative experience. I’d much rather get an open-ended gift certificate — the particular salon offered a variety of services, many of which … Continue reading →

Staying Warm (and Why It’s Important!)

Winter “officially” starts on December 21st for the Northern Hemisphere… but it’s cold right now here in the Pacific Northwest. With the economy the way it is at the moment, it might be tempting to try to keep energy bills lower by keeping the house cooler than you might normally like it. Here are some tips to help you keep warm if you’ve got the thermostat set low. Number one: Check doors for drafts. If you can see daylight around your door, then the cold air can get in. Think about weather stripping or a draft stopper to help keep … Continue reading →

Giving Yourself Holiday Recovery Time

I have the unfortunate habit of getting sick over the holidays. It’s almost like my body knows that there are a few days off in my future, and saves up the sickness for those days so I don’t miss whatever important things are going on before and afterwards. On the positive side, it does kind of ensure that I use my holiday time for resting and taking good care of myself. Holidays (and vacations) can be wonderful and fun… but they can also be hectic and stressful. Travel can be full of worries, anxiety, and questions: will you make that … Continue reading →

Health and Gratitude

It’s that time of year: time to start counting our blessings. Holiday season is upon us, with Thanksgiving tomorrow (for U.S. folks) and winter holidays on the horizon. I think gratitude is a healthy thing. It’s so easy to get mired down in what’s wrong, what’s hard, what’s stressful… and forget all the things that are good in our lives. Sometimes, stopping to take stock can be a real eye-opener. It’s a great chance to let the good things shine for a while. I happened to be at the doctor’s office today — my first appointment at a new office. … Continue reading →

Healthy Halloween: Halloween Hazards

When I was a little kid getting ready for trick-or-treating, the big fear was foreign objects in candy and other handouts. After Halloween, we had to go through our haul, looking for wrappers with holes or rips (or fruit with damaged skins) and throw that candy (or fruit) away — the fear was that someone had put pins or razor blades into the treat. It seems kind of silly now. A razor blade is kind of obvious, right? No fool would bite into a miniature candy bar with a piece of metal hanging out… would they? According to Snopes.com (one … Continue reading →

Healthy Halloween: Healthy Handouts

Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. It’s the dressing up, mostly… the chance to be someone or something else for a day! I don’t mind the candy, either. But the candy is definitely a mixed blessing. Halloween can be a BIG test of your willpower and diet abilities! So what are some healthy alternatives? Fruit. Apples and oranges are usually easily found during the fall months — and they’re good for you! Handing out fruit might not make you very popular with the kids… but the parents might appreciate the healthy snack appearing in the goodie bags. 100 calorie … Continue reading →

Beach Bummer: Germs in the Sand

Bad news if you’re a beachgoer: that sand may not be as safe as you think. A study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (conducted in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency) took a look at the bacteria content of beach sand… and how it can affect your family. Researchers spoke with close to thirty thousand families about their beach visits between 2003 and 2007. Participants were asked about contact with the sand (for themselves and their children) and were asked about health issues during a follow-up interview about ten days later. Approximately six percent of study … Continue reading →

Tips for Preventing Summer ER Visits

Want to stay out of the emergency room this summer? I know I do. Across the United States, emergency care facilities see nearly a twenty percent jump in traffic during the summer months… and now that I think about it, the majority of my ER visits have been during the summer. Knowing is half the battle… preparation and prevention is the other half. (Sorry, G.I. Joe!) Here are some things you can do to make the summer months safer and healthier. Always drink plenty of water. Dehydration is a huge health issue during the summer months! Always wear sunscreen. Yes, … Continue reading →