Posted by leslie on May 17th, 2012 in Around the House
Mold spores, dust mites, pollen, pet dander. Do these sound like things you would want in your home? Most of us would be surprised to know how much “indoor pollution” is really in our homes. And it can be an even bigger problem if anyone in your family has allergies or asthma. The solution to these indoor pollutants… a HEPA filter. Funny name, but it just might bring some much needed relief. HEPA stand for high-efficiency particulate air. The most effective hepa filters can clean over %99 of the microscopic particles in your home resulting in cleaner air in your home. Hepa filters range in price, size and capability, so do your research before purchasing your filter. You will also want to consider where you spend most of your time and purchase a hepa filter appropriate for that room size.
So how does a hepa filter work? Air is pushed through a fine mesh which traps the harmful products in the air. They must be pretty effective. To prevent dangerous radio active particles from escaping out of labratories, the hepa filter was invented. Today they are evem used in hospitals where rooms need to be kept really clean. Hepa filters help clean the air, but there are other things to consider when trying to relieve allergies.
- Consider removing the carpet in your home. They are a trap for all sorts of tiny particles.
- Let fresh air into your home, excpet when pollen counts are high.
- Keep your pets outdoors if they aggrevate you allergies.
- Vacuum and dust as often as you can.
- Put plastic covers over your pillows and mattreses
- Don’t smoke.
The best research you can do is to ask someone who has used a hepa filter and get their advice. I’m sure you will find taht they have seen a significant improvment from their allergy symptoms after using a hepa filter.
Posted by leslie on May 16th, 2012 in Uncategorized
Many people are shocked to find out that my 8 year old son already has braces. But the truth is, I had no choice. He has been visiting the orthodontist since his teeth started falling out. As his adult teeth grew in we quickly realized we were in it for the long haul at the orthodontist. I was surprised to find out that the recommendation for a first visit to the ortho is age 7! I was 14 when I first started going. And it’s not just so the orthodontist himself can make a few extra bucks. It really is beneficial to get an x-ray and evaluate how everything is coming in. Most othodontic practices offer free evaluations up until braces are put on. Our ortho did free evaluation for two years! In my sons case, and now my daughters, there are quite a few interventions they can do now at a young age to avoid major problems later on. For instance, my children have severe overcrowding problems that their teeth are growing in behind each other and on top of each other! This creates problem with inflammation of the gums and infection, as well as more invasive care later on to straighten out the teeth. I hope they offer a family discount!
Are you wondering where to begin?
First, visit with your regular dentist and see what he/she thinks. In our case, our dentist recommended we see the ortho at his regular cleaning visit.
Next, check with your insurance provider and see what they will cover. If no insurance is available, talk to your orthodontist about a payment plan. In general, most orthodontist off interest free, flexible payment plans. And it is so worth it!
Find an orthodontist you like, or ask for recommendations. Browse the web. Most orthodontist have websites now a days, so visit their company page, gather your information and read as many reviews as you can.
Then make an appointment, and from there your orthodontist will set a up a treatment plan. Whether or not you have concerns about your child’s teeth, it doesn’t hurt to make a quick appointment for an evaluation. I am so glad we are already on the path to beautiful smiles!
Posted by leslie on May 15th, 2012 in Just For Fun
Who knew you could order your own official looking street/safety signs? I always imagined that there would be some city or county employee tucked away in a cramped cubicle that would have to approve these sorts of things. But no! You can order these kinds of signs right from your own computer!! You can order everything from traffic signs, street signs, and road signs to parking signs, safety signs and property signs- and pretty much everything in between. I liked how everything was customizable too. Here are a few ways to use customizable signs:
- Parking spaces at work. You customize these to be humerous. They would also be funny to use at home.
- Marking property. Anything from tools to land.
- Safety. Making others aware of dangers, cautions, electricity levels, biohazrds etc.
- Parking signs. Make Handicapped, reserved, no parking, and other parking restrictions, such as time, known.
- Recreation. Use signs to let people know rules for the courts, or times they are avaiable. No swimming , running or diving signs as well.
- Humerous. Customize your sign with a little humor. Maybe a biohazard sign for your child’s messy room or a street name sign using a last name….Johnson Lane or Smith Circle.
The possibilities are truly endless. So get creative!
Posted by leslie on May 11th, 2012 in Outdoor, Travel
It’s that time of year again. School is coming to an end and most parents are asking themselves ‘what are we going to do all summer?’ It seems every year, right in the middle of the summer, we hit a point where we have run out of ideas for entertainment.
Here is a solution to the dreaded summer boredom. Summer Camp! Most summer camps offer a wide variety of things to keep your children endlessly entertained from sports to wood working, to cooking and water sports. Your children are sure to gain a new found confidence as new interests and talents are discovered. Lasting friendships will be built, new things will be learned and of course lots of fun will be had! Summer camps offer an experience unlike another, with memories that will last a lifetime.
There are so many different camps to choose from, including camps for the whole family. When making your decision, consider your budget, schedule and proximity to the camp. You can also read reviews on the camp before you make your final choice. Here is a great camp to consider: Camp Chateaugay. They offer an excellent summer camp with a variety of activities. What are some summer camps you have tried that you like?
Posted by admin on May 5th, 2012 in Kid Tips, Technology
It’s no secret we live in a very technological world. Children of this generation are far more computer savy than we ever were at their age. I am no longer shocked that a five year old can navigate a computer or an Ipad. I am not shocked, but I am a little frightened about what children are being exposed to when they are on the computer. How easy is it for our children to be exposed to inappropriate advertising, or to navigate away from their game through links? The answer: very. Here are some things to consider when looking for online kids games to keep your child safe:
- Always make sure you know what websites your children are on. Check out the advertising that is present, and look for links and where they lead to. Many game sites offer parental controls and safety settings. Of course, some do not, so it is very important that we know what our children are doing on the internet.
- Set clear rules when your child is playing online games for kids. Let them know what they need to do if they do run into something that is not appropriate. Let them know that they are to never give out any of their personal information to anyone, and never to chat or communicate with anyone they do not know.
- Set time limits, as games can become addictive. Consider computer games as something that needs to be earned, for example when chores or homework is done.
- Set clear limits on what web sites can be visited. Let your children know what your expectations are and what you feel is appropriate.
- In our house, the computer is in a central location that is very visible, and laptops and ipads can only be played in the living room or kitchen. This helps parents level of awareness.
These are just a few tips to help your kids be safe when on playing online games for kids. The internet can be a very helpful tool in so many different ways, but it can also be