Fire Safety 101

(Family Crossings) – As the time change nears, there are a few simple things you can do to make your home and family safer.

This Fire Safety 101 guide will show you easy, affordable and ultimately life-saving precautions you can take today that can help prevent a fire in your home.

Get the Facts

Home fires seem to be things that happen to other people – so why should you be concerned?

Approximately every three hours a home fire death occurs somewhere in the nation.
Two-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires in homes without working smoke alarms.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. According to the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by providing an early warning and critical extra seconds to escape.

While 96 percent of American homes have at least one smoke alarm, 19 percent do not have at least one smoke alarm that works, mostly due to missing or dead batteries. This means roughly 25 million homes are at risk because of non-working smoke alarms and an additional 4.5 million homes are at risk by not having smoke alarms.

For the 22nd year in a row, Energizer and the IAFC are partnering in the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery® program. Established to help reduce the tragic number of home fire deaths and injuries, Change Your Clock Change Your Battery urges Americans to change smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector batteries when changing clocks back to standard time each fall – this year on November 1.

In addition to changing smoke alarm batteries, take some time to learn about fire safety and to complete a home fire safety checklist. You can make your home safer – today.

For more information, visit energizer.com/preparedness.

Fire Facts

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) believes that fire deaths can be reduced by teaching people the basic facts about fire.

Fire is FAST!

In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire.
It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house. In minutes, a house can be engulfed in flames.
If you wake up during a fire, you won’t have time to grab valuables because fire spreads too quickly and the smoke is too thick. There is only time to escape.

Fire is HOT!

Heat is more threatening than flames. A fire’s heat alone can kill.
Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this air has the potential to scorch your lungs. This heat can melt clothes to your skin.
In five minutes a room can get so hot that everything in it ignites at once: this is called flashover.

Fire is DARK!

Fire isn’t bright, it’s pitch black.
Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness.
If you wake up to a fire you may be blinded, disoriented and unable to find your way around the home you’ve lived in for years.

Fire is DEADLY!

Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire uses up the oxygen you need and produces smoke and poisonous gases that kill.
Breathing even small amounts of smoke and toxic gases can make you drowsy, disoriented and short of breath.
The odorless, colorless fumes can lull you into a deep sleep before the flames reach your door. You may not wake up in time to escape.

Statistics provided by the National Fire Protection Agency and the United States Fire Administration.

Home Fire Safety Checklist

This is a very basic checklist to help you identify potential fire hazards in your home.

General Fire Safety
YES __ NO__ Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector batteries are changed at least once a year. Use the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery program as a reminder to help keep the batteries fresh.
YES __ NO__ You have both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms.
YES __ NO__ There are working smoke alarms near the sleeping areas.
YES __ NO__ There are working smoke alarms on every level.
YES __ NO__ The smoke alarms are cleaned regularly and tested once a month.
YES __ NO__ Portable fire extinguishers are available and family members know how to use them properly.
YES __ NO__ You have a home escape plan and practice it regularly.

Heating Hazards
YES __ NO__ Combustibles such as clothes, curtains and furniture are away from stoves and heaters.
YES __ NO__ Heating appliances are tested every year.
YES __ NO__ All alternative heating devices used are Underwriters Laboratories (U.L.) approved.
YES __ NO__ Carbon monoxide detectors are installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.

Electrical Hazards
YES __ NO__ Electric cords are not worn, frayed or damaged.
YES __ NO__ Extension cords are not under rugs, over nails, through water or across passageways.
YES __ NO__ Electrical outlets are not overloaded by multiple plug devices.
YES __ NO__ Electric appliances are not used near water.

General Housekeeping Hazards
YES __ NO__ Closets, basements, attics and garage areas are clean of old paper, boxes, paint cans and other trash.
YES __ NO__ Flammable liquids and oily rags are disposed of after use or stored in a tightly closed metal container.
YES __ NO__ All combustibles are stored a safe distance away from any possible heat source.

Kitchen Hazards
YES __ NO__ The stove and oven are in good working condition.
YES __ NO__ The stove area is kept clean and free of grease.
YES __ NO__ Combustible materials are kept away from open flames and heat sources.

Fine Design For Your Yard

Landscaping on a dime!

(Family Crossings) – Landscaping not only makes your home more beautiful but also can make it more valuable. In fact, a Michigan State University study found that, depending on where the house is located, high-quality landscaping adds between five and 11 percent to its price.

However, good landscaping is about more than just plants. Paths, benches, walls, water features – they’re all part of hardscaping and can make or break the look of your yard and garden landscape.

In the competitive housing market, every feature of a home is crucial in attracting potential buyers. The home’s exterior makes the first impression, and hardscapes, as important elements of landscaping, play a critical role gaining a return on value. Along with helping a property stand out in buyers’ minds, a carefully thought-out landscape using hardscapes allows homeowners to express their creativity and personality through the variety of options available.

Create Your Own Path

A well-made concrete walkway or garden path not only stands up to years of hard use, it enhances the natural landscape and complements a home’s exterior features.

Traditional walkway materials like brick and stone can be pricey and often difficult to install. As an easy and inexpensive alternative, you can build a new concrete path using manufactured molds, such as the Quikrete WalkMaker building forms. The result is a beautiful pathway that mirrors the texture and appearance of brick or natural stone with all the durability and economy of poured concrete. Typically, the cost to install a 10-foot-long concrete path is about $50 to $60 for materials.

With a variety of form patterns available (Basket Weave Brick, European Block Brick, Country Stone and Running Bond Brick), you can create a pathway, patio or walkway that matches your home’s style.

Colorful Choices

Coloring gives molded concrete a more natural looking finish and is great for blending your path or walkway into your landscape design. Adding colorant to the concrete mix is the easiest method and produces consistent results.

Easy ways to add extra appeal

For other ways to add interest to your home’s exterior, think about incorporating hardscaping elements such as stone, rock and sand in your yard and garden landscape. They’re available in almost a limitless range of colors, sizes and textures. For example, the new HardScapes by Quikrete line includes an assortment of landscaping stones, pebbles, rocks and sands.

For more project ideas, step-by-step instructions and a quantity calculator, visit www.quikrete.com.

Small Budget and Big Changes

Small DIY projects can change everything!

(Family Crossings) – If you have big design dreams but are working with a small budget, no fear – you don’t have to sacrifice style and professional-looking results.

“When people think about do-it-yourself projects, they automatically think about costly, floor-to-ceiling overhauls,” says designer and contractor Amy Matthews of the DIY Network’s “Sweat Equity” and “Bathroom Renovations.” “However, there are several low-cost projects that homeowners can tackle to freshen up their home’s style and add a punch of personality.”

Try these budget-friendly decorating tips from Matthews to help get you the priceless design you’ve always wanted without breaking the bank.

Shed a little light: Give your kitchen an instant and inexpensive makeover simply by replacing outdated fixtures such as faucets, lighting and hardware. You can also add a tile backsplash or under-cabinet lights to really dress up your kitchen. Not only are these functional and design-oriented, they really help deliver a big bang for your buck.

A little dab will do: Before you commit to a paint color, buy samples and try them out on the wall. See how the color looks during the day, at night and under various types of lighting. Also, be sure to have painter’s tape on hand, such as Scotch-Blue Painter’s Tape for Delicate Surfaces. Whether you’re painting one accent wall or tackling the whole house, masking trim, baseboards, and other areas with painter’s tape lets you avoid a mess and achieve clean, sharp paint lines.

Something old, something new: Add one special piece in the living room that makes a great conversation starter. This could be a lighting fixture, a piece of furniture or a unique rug – something signature to your style. You can find great pieces by shopping at designer sales and discount showrooms, or uncover treasures in your own house. Rummage through the attic or basement to rediscover pictures, vases or your grandmother’s antique chest. You’ll be surprised with what you may find.

Accent on accessories: Fancy towels aren’t just for your guests’ bathroom – treat yourself to new towels in the master bathroom and quickly transform it into an updated and inviting space. For your living spaces, changing couch covers seasonally will keep your décor fresh and make it look like you purchased new furniture. Try brown microfiber for fall, white linen for summer and sage green in the spring.

Bring the outdoors in: Take a hint from nature and get inspired by the seasons and the beautiful hues outside. Once you’ve decided on one or two colors, buy pillows, lampshades and other accessories to place throughout your bedroom. Experiment with patterns, warm colors such as red and orange, or calm hues such as moss green and sage. Branches and flowers are inexpensive and can also add instant charm to any living area.

Soak up the sun: When landscaping, buy smaller and younger plants that need time to grow. They’ll be ready in a couple of years when you’re ready to sell your house. Fresh cedar mulch or rock landscaping are other great ways to improve curb appeal – they’re inexpensive and will really make your yard pop.

Priceless Kitchen Project

An updated kitchen can add thousands of dollars of value to your home and create a welcoming space to entertain guests – and you can accomplish it without spending a lot of time and money. With a few coats of paint and stylish accessories, your kitchen can become a showpiece.

Tired-looking cabinets? Breathe new life into your kitchen by updating your cabinets for a fraction of the cost of new cabinets.

Tools you’ll need :

Paint roller and/or brush
Scotch-Blue Painter’s Tape for Delicate Surfaces
Screwdriver for removing cabinet doors and drawer and cabinet hardware
Primer
Paint

Quick tips:

When selecting your paint color, keep in mind that a light color will make a room look brighter and more open, while dark colors can help old-fashioned cabinets look more modern.
High-gloss paint is often recommended for cabinets; however semi-gloss adds a rich finish.
When applying paint to cabinets, use a quality brush – the better the brush, the better the finish.
Begin painting at the center of the cabinets and follow the grain.

Before getting started, wipe down cabinets with a tack cloth to remove dust. Sand any rough areas and remove sawdust from the area.
Tape walls around cabinets and the backsplash.
Remove cabinet doors and handles.
Tape cabinet inner shelves and sides. Apply primer coat. Note: Using a tinted primer saves at least one coat of paint, so you can buy fewer cans.
Apply two coats of paint. Allow time to dry (approximately 4 hours).
Remove tape.
Remove door hinges.
Prime and paint doors. Note: Use a brush instead of a roller to apply primer and paint to uneven cabinet surfaces.
Tape fully cured cabinets and trim.
Paint wall base coat. Allow to dry. Carefully pull tape.
Reassemble cabinets.

DIY Home Improvements

Doing things around the house is a great way to bond with your family- and increase the value of your home!

(Family Crossings) – As you look around your home, it’s hard not to notice all the minor flaws. Maybe you want to move to something bigger and better, but your realtor thinks you’re better off staying put for a while. You don’t have to wait out the market in a house that makes you cringe. Instead, real estate expert and author Loren Keim offers a few simple tips to help you turn a flawed house back into your (temporary) dream home:

Honey Do it Now – As you walk through the home, you’re bound to see little things that have been on the “honey do” list for years: the dripping faucet, broken closet shelves, ugly caulk in the bathtub. Set aside one weekend to tackle all these minor repairs; the house will instantly seem newer, and when it does come time to sell, you’ll already have these things completed.

Treat your Windows – Send those dated mini blinds packing. New curtains, drapes and modern blinds may be the quickest, easiest and least expensive method of changing the entire look of a room. Old or worn window treatments can make a room look drab and dated, but a bold new style or color can instantly update a room.

Splash of Color – A home can be completely transformed by the addition of the right colors. A fresh coat of white paint on the ceiling brightens a room and gives the illusion of height, while bold wall colors drastically change the look of an entire space. Paint wall and door trim in a contrasting color to make it stand out, or match the wall color to blend into the background. Beware: dark colors generally make rooms feel smaller and liberal applications of wallpaper tend to make a home look old.

The Grass is Greener – Most realtors will tell you that beautiful lawns help sell homes because they make an entire house look new and fresh. Give your lawn an inexpensive makeover by trimming bushes and trees, weeding the garden and planting colorful flowers. Additionally, remove any large plants that hide the home’s façade and add new mulch to flower beds to really make the exterior pop.

Spread Out – A major reason people move is for more storage space. However, you can add hundreds of square feet of storage to your current property with an outdoor shed from Lifetime Products. These sheds are weather-resistant, lockable, ventilated and they cost a mere fraction of what you’d spend on a home addition. They also have decorative shutters and a wood grain finish, so they’ll look great in your newly-manicured lawn.

Save Money on Healthcare Costs

Saving money is more important than ever this year. Read these tips on how to save money on your health care costs.

(Family Crossings) – Health care costs keep rising and many people are paying more out of the family budget for medical care than in the past. In 2007, people spent nearly $268.6 billion in out-of-pocket expenses, according to the American Hospital Association. It may feel like these costs are out of your control, but there are things you can do to save money and still get quality health care. Here are a few tips:

Choose the most appropriate facility.

Urgent care vs.same day appointment. Many people assume that the fastest way to get in to see a doctor is to head to an urgent care center. But it generally costs more to do that. Many doctors now hold open space for same day appointments to make sure that they are available to see their patients who need same day attention. So, call your doctor’s office first to see if you can schedule a same day appointment.
Retail clinics can offer convenient, quick and affordable access to care for common medical conditions such as strep throat, ear infections and minor burns. They are often located within department, drug or grocery stores. Most are open nights and weekends. Your health insurance may cover these visits, or offer them at discounted rates. Check your benefits documents or your health plan’s Web site for information.
The Emergency Room (ER) serves an important role in providing immediate care to people with serious, often life-threatening issues. However, many people go to the ER for issues that are much less serious. Not only can this slow down the ER’s ability to help people with more serious illness or injury, but it can also mean unnecessary costs for you. The national average cost for an ER visit is about $1,000. The average cost of an office visit is around $60.

Save on medications

Generic drugs have the identical active chemical ingredients as the brand name drugs but can be much less expensive. Ask your doctor if there are generics available for any of the medications you take. If there aren’t, ask if there are other drugs in the same class of drugs that could treat your condition that do have a generic available. On average, you can save $200 per prescription per year by using generics.
A formulary (or drug list) is a list of medications covered under your benefit plan. You usually pay less if your doctor prescribes a medication that is on your health plan’s drug list. Before visiting your doctor, call your plan and ask if you pay less for medications on the list. If so, bring a copy of your plan’s drug list to your next doctor visit.
Many medications that were once available only by prescription are now available without a prescription. Not only are over-the-counter medications convenient since you don’t need a prescription from your doctor, but they can also save you money.

For more tips, visit www.cigna.com/learn4yourhealth – you’ll find a healthcare game, pod casts and interactive educational courses on topics such as how to reduce your out-of-pocket costs, new healthcare options that save money and improve your health, and how to make sense of your health coverage plan. Every time you review a course, you’ll have a chance to receive free coupons to entertainment, food, and retail destinations. You can also access the program from the CIGNA Facebook page or YouTube.

Thank you From Cigna

Tricks and Treats with Halloween Sweets

B-O-O Brownie Pops
Halloween Goldfish Munch

Family Crossings – The bewitching season is here! Gather the goblins, conjure up some creative costumes and prepare scary, scrumptious sweets for a great ghostly gathering.

Making these frighteningly fabulous party treats together is a perfect way for mom and the kids to share some spooktacular fun.

Cast a spell right from the start with a Happy Haunted House. Begin with a ready-to-decorate Halloween Cookie House Kit available at craft and hobby stores. The house is pre-assembled; just decorate and enjoy!
B-O-O Pops are easy…nothing sinister here! Use a brownie mix for convenience and bake in the Brownie Pop Silicone Mold to ensure perfect pops. The kids can insert the lollipop sticks, then dip pops into the colorful Candy Melts. Decorating sprinkles and sugars add the finishing flourish.
Goldfish Halloween Munch is a snappy party snack or a tantalizing take-away for ghoulish guests. Kids can mix the Goldfish crackers (graham and pretzel flavors), with nuts and dried fruits while Mom melts the Spooky Green Candy for drizzling.

Add favorite beverages and let the spookalicious party begin!

For additional information about Goldfish Grahams, recipes and nutrition information, visit www.pepperidgefarm.com.

Find more ways to bake, decorate and celebrate, or order the Halloween Cookie House Kit at www.wilton.com.

B-O-O Brownie Pops

Ingredients

1 package (about 16 ounces) brownie mix (8 x 8-inch size)
Egg, water and oil to prepare mix
48 lollipop sticks
Wilton Orange, Spooky Green and Light Cocoa Candy Melts
Wilton Spider Mix, Hallow Pumpkin Mix, Halloween Nonpareil Sprinkles, and Orange, Black and Lavender Sugars, as desired

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray brownie pop mold with vegetable pan spray; place on cookie sheet.
Prepare brownie mix following package directions. Spoon batter into prepared brownie pop mold, filling cavities 2/3 full. Bake 15 minutes. Remove mold from oven; insert lollipop sticks. Return to oven and continue baking 10 to 15 minutes or until brownies test done. Cool brownies in mold on cooling grid 20 minutes; remove from mold and cool completely.
Melt each color candy following package instructions. Dip cooled pops into melted candy, covering completely. While the candy is still soft, sprinkle with or dip pops into sprinkles and sugars. Place on parchment paper to set.

Serves
Makes 48 pops

Notes, Tips & Suggestions

Note: If desired, bake brownies completely without inserting stick. After brownies have cooled, dip lollipop sticks into melted candy and insert into either end of brownie. Let set before decorating.

Halloween Goldfish Munch

Ingredients

3 packages (6.6 ounces each) Pepperidge Farm Cinnamon, Chocolate or Honey Goldfish Grahams (or any combination)
1 package (8 ounces) Pepperidge Farm Pretzel Goldfish Snack Crackers
1 can (10 ounces) salted mixed nuts
1 cup chopped dried apricots
1 cup golden raisins
2 packages (10 ounces each) Wilton
Spooky Green Candy Melts

Preparation

In large bowl, combine crackers, nuts, apricots and raisins; divide between 2 large cookie pans.
Melt candy following package directions; drizzle over snack mixture. Refrigerate until firm.
Break apart and store in airtight container until ready to serve.

Serves
Makes about 14 cups treat mix

SOURCE:
Pepperidge Farm
Wilton Industries, Inc.

Weighing in on Weight Loss

Family Crossings- Celeste LaBonte’s knee gave out one day at home. Her orthopedist told the Blackstone, Mass. mom that the knee damage was caused by her excessive weight.

Celeste found that, at 294 pounds, she had to use a seat belt extender on planes and that she had a difficult time going up stairs. But it wasn’t until she learned of her husband’s upcoming professional award and imagined embarrassment at the ceremony that she decided to make a big change.

Celeste isn’t alone. With challenges to the body like a slowing metabolism, stress, childbearing and easy access to less than nutritional food, it’s no wonder that so many women struggle with their weight.

Weight can affect your health. According to the Centers for Disease Control, being overweight increases your risk for a host of health problems, including:

Coronary heart disease
Type 2 diabetes
Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
Hypertension
Stroke
Liver and gallbladder disease
Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
Osteoarthritis
Gynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility)

The Search for a Solution

Millions of dollars are spent each year on diet programs, yet up to 95 percent of dieters fail to maintain weight loss. There is often an initial loss of weight, but then many people hit a plateau and stop losing weight. Another problem with many diets is that people just can’t maintain a diet long-term.

But many of those programs are based on a flawed premise: if you simply eat less and move more, then you’ll be smaller. There’s more to it than that.

Metabolism Matters

When calories are restricted, your metabolism drops. When this happens, you hit a plateau and the pounds stop coming off. In order to break through that plateau, most diets call for a further reduction in calories. This lowers the metabolism more, requiring a lifetime of low-calorie dieting to maintain your goal weight.

Celeste joined Curves, a fitness franchise designed for women. She signed up for their free weight management plan, which takes metabolism changes into account. She’s lost over 60 pounds so far.

“The Curves plan has changed how I think about food,” said Celeste. “It helped me jump-start my weight loss, and I’ve been following the essentials of the plan ever since.” She also found that the program, combined with 30 minutes of exercise three times a week, improved her cholesterol, blood pressure, acid reflux and knee pain.

The Real Key to Weight Loss

“The secret is not willpower or self discipline,” says Nadia Rodman, senior dietician for Curves, “but rather a proper understanding of how we can change our behavior, or, more specifically, our habits.”

Rodman believes that women can take charge of their health and combat the effects of aging and disease. “We’re about fitness, health, and moving away from disease,” she says. “We’re about losing weight and gaining strength. In a community of support and encouragement, you can reach your goals.”

Celeste has a new vision of herself. “I’d always be looking around, asking myself, ‘Am I the fattest person in the room?’ This has changed the way I view myself. I’ve always been happy, but now it’s about having fun, not making fun of myself.”

Picking a Plan

According to the Weight-Control Information Network, safe and effective weight-loss programs should include:

Healthy eating plans that reduce calories but do not forbid specific foods or food groups.
Tips to increase moderate-intensity physical activity.
Tips on healthy habits that also keep your needs in mind, such as lower-fat versions of your favorite foods.
Slow and steady weight loss. Depending on your starting weight, experts recommend losing weight at a rate of 1/2 to 2 pounds per week. Weight loss may be faster at the start of a program.
A plan to keep the weight off after you have lost it.

Plan the Solution

From the book “Curves Fitness and Weight Management Plan”:

Setting goals is a must. Your goals must be specific, written, exciting and achievable. Begin by asking yourself these questions:

What personal strengths will help you succeed?
What are your triggers for making poor food choices?
How can you manage those triggers more effectively?
What time of day will you take a 30-minute walk?
What are your biggest fears about starting a new plan?
How could you proactively address those fears?

How One Plan Works

The Curves Weight Management Plan is a cycle made up of three phases.

Phases 1 and 2 are weight loss phases that you use for a combined 30 days.
Phase 3 is two to four weeks of metabolic recovery.

Research has shown that by following a strength training program, such as the one offered by Curves, and eating a higher protein diet, metabolism is not significantly decreased. Sometimes, it actually increases – making it easier to burn fat and maintain permanent weight loss.

For more about the free weight management classes – available to non-members as well as members – visit your local Curves or curves.com.