Habitat’s Gift from the Heart program gives you a opportunity to give a tax-deductible donations
of any amount to be given in honor of a family member or friend. Gift from the Heart recipients will be
notified of the giver’s generosity with a card informing them that afamily in need of simple, decent and affordable housing will benefit  from a donation made in their honor.

Habitat’s Gift Catalog – Honor loved ones by giving donation amounts based on the cost of typical items used to build a house. From construction tools and materials to rooms and whole houses, the gift catalog symbolizes what a donation can buy to help real families in need.

The holiday section of  Habitat for Humanity’s Store Online offers many gifts for less than $20, including a limited-edition stuffed animal, The American Red Fox, and a new book, If I Had a Hammer: Building Homes and Hope with Habitat for Humanity about the real-life stories of Habitat homeowner families and volunteers around the world.

The American Red Fox, the fourth in a series of plush animals representing areas of the world where Habitat works, celebrates Habitat’s 34 years of building in the United States and features the Habitat logo embroidered on its stomach, as well as the Habitat logo and flag of the United States on a medallion on its collar.  The fox measures 11 inches high by 21 inches long from nose to tail and has a hand-numbered hangtag that shows its designation out of 1,000 in
existence.

With a foreword from former President Jimmy Carter, If I Had a Hammer, captures the entire Habitat experience for young readers from the perspective of Habitat’s most famous volunteer and others touched by Habitat’s work. The 160-page hardcover book is divided into eight chapters featuring stories of Habitat homeowners and volunteers at
build sites in the United States and around the world and is stunningly illustrated with full-color photos. If I Had a Hammer also tells the story of Habitat’s early beginnings in rural Georgia and explores topics from interesting home design (like using window bars in India to keep monkeys out of houses) to the emotional rewards of helping to build a house from the ground up.

Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built more than 300,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.5 million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.

As the Holiday Season Approaches, Heed These Pet Tips From the American Humane Association

Gone are the green days of summer, replaced by the changing leaves of autumn — a reminder that it’s the perfect time to refresh your pet IQ before any holiday-related dangers come to haunt you! Most savvy pet owners know the usual pet-safety tips about poisonous items in the home, like poinsettias and chocolate. But, as many veterinarians can tell you, that is just the beginning.

Many holidays are celebrated between the months of October and January, meaning that extra food, guests and dangers for pets are right around the corner. Keep these tips from the American Humane Association in mind as you prepare your holiday festivities.

Ringing Doorbell = Nervous Breakdown?

Many pets are agitated by the sound of doorbells, especially since their hearing is much more sensitive than ours. If your dogs bark, run and jump when new people arrive at the house, or if your cat runs for cover, consider disengaging the doorbell and putting a sign on the door to ask guests to “knock please.” Provide an open cage large enough for your animal to stand and fully turn around in, and place it in a quiet room away from the hubbub so your pet can choose when to join your party. This will also help keep your pet from running away during the frequent opening and closing of your door if you keep the cage closed.

“No” to the Five-Second Rule

Sometimes we forget what can fall on the floor when we are cooking for a holiday crowd and there’s a pet around. Some of it may be OK, but other things, like bread dough, can cause problems. When an animal ingests dough, its body heat causes the dough to rise in its stomach, leading to bloat or worse. It’s best to let your pet snack on familiar favorites instead of unfamiliar holiday goodies like candy and other people’s food.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside

Cats and other animals may seek out your car engine for warmth during the winter months, so honk the horn or bang on the hood a few times before starting the engine.

Adjust Your Pet’s Diet

Most pets spend more time indoors during the winter, which means their activity level drops and they need less food. However, if your pet does spend a lot of time outdoors in cold weather, he will need more food as he burns calories to keep warm. Talk to your veterinarian for advice on the proper diet for your pet.

Ice, Snow and Salt

Your pet may like taking a stroll outside when the temperature dips, but many people use powerful salts on their sidewalks to combat the ice. Clean your pet’s paws after your outing to prevent its pads from becoming irritated and dried out.

Don’t Forget Your Feathered Friends

Getting ready for holiday gatherings usually means extra cleaning before guests arrive. Fumes from rug shampoo, furniture polish and oven cleaner can be fatal to a bird if they enter its delicate respiratory system. When using these products, keep them away from birds, and open your windows to let the air flow.

Just Because It’s Cold Doesn’t Mean They Can’t Catch a Bug

Mosquitoes and other bugs can be a year-round problem. Remember to keep your pets on their regular heartworm, flea and tick preventive medicines, even during the winter.

In Addition to Poinsettias …

Holly, amaryllis, mistletoe and pine needles can be harmful to your pet’s stomach. Go for the fake versions to keep your traditions, and your pet, alive.

If They Like Toilet Water, They’ll Probably Like Tree Water

Both cats and dogs may find Christmas-tree water irresistible, so if you add a tree preservative to the water, make sure it is pet friendly. Better yet, use a tree stand designed to prevent pets from accessing the water, which can harbor bacteria.

More Temptation Lies in the Tree

With its glittering lights and natural climbing area, the Christmas tree may offer a new place for your cat to play. Hang your most valuable or breakable ornaments near the top and cat-friendly ornaments on the bottom.

The American Humane Association wishes season’s greetings and a safe holiday season to all pets and their families. For more information on keeping pets happy and safe during the holidays, go to www.americanhumane.org/petholidays.

It’s the height of the summer vacation season, and across the country, Americans are taking part in their favorite outdoor activities — from hiking and rock climbing to swimming and boating — or just enjoying the scenery. From Alaska to Florida, millions of us will have fun in the many federal and local parks and recreation areas in every state in the Union.

According to the US Census Bureau there are almost 79 million acres of national parks and recreation areas and nearly 14 million acres of state facilities. These areas draw a combined total of over a billion visitors annually. That’s about three visits each year for every person in the U.S.

Find a Park near you! http://www.nps.gov/

Boomer women are in the prime of their lives and the healthiest, wealthiest, best-educated generation in history. Defying the stereotype of increasing marginalization as they age,  a new study confirmed that not only are their networks growing, they are growing online.

The VibrantNation.com study of 1,000 Boomer women with household income greater than $75,000 showed:

  --  The personal networks of women 50+ are large and growing.
  --  They are in personal contact with at least 46 people each month.
  --  65% share information online with others in their network.
  --  They are comfortable relying on referrals from strangers online if the
      source is knowledgeable/experienced. They rely on references on
      websites like Amazon.com (70%), eBay.com (54%) and TripAdvisor (27%).
  --  Vibrant Women are open to trying new brands and experiences, and are
      motivated to make particular purchase of goods and services by a
      variety of psycho-social factors including:
      --  Financial status (even with the recession, Vibrant Women continue
          to have discretionary income)
      --  Life stage transitions (such as the last child leaving home,
          starting a business, losing a parent or spouse)
      --  Physical changes (menopause, aging, surviving breast cancer)
      --  New family roles (grandparent, caregiver)
      --  Social Awareness  (travel and volunteer-work)

This year, for Mother’s Day, help the March of Dimes give every baby a healthy start in life by choosing as a gift one of the many special items that will support the March of Dimes mission.

The ‘Mother’s Love’ necklace is created from a single, unending loop of sterling silver. It is a unique interpretation of mother and child caught in an eternal embrace and can be purchased at www.redenvelope.com/marchofdimes. RedEnvelope will donate to the March of Dimes 10 percent of all items purchased through that Web site until May 31, 2009.

But if it’s flowers you want, if you order them through www.proflowers.com/marchofdimes $10 of every order will go to support March of Dimes and its programs in communities throughout the United States.

When it’s time to preserve memories of special times with mom, visit KODAK’s Honor Your Mom Web Facebook page at: causes.com/honoryourmom for a coupon for a buy one, get one free KODAK Picture Movie DVD from May 3 through May 10. In celebration of extraordinary moms everywhere this Mother’s Day, KODAK Picture Kiosk is donating $50,000 towards March of Dimes research and community programs.

The March of Dimes “Shop to Help” Web site has unique and creative gifts for moms from companies that also donate a portion of the sale to the March of Dimes. It can be found at www.marchofdimes.com.

Each purchase will give a donation that will help the March of Dimes research, education and advocacy efforts to help women healthy full-term pregnancies, help babies who need help to survive and thrive.

“The March of Dimes is the champion for moms and their babies – those born healthy and those, like my Katelyn, who need help to survive and thrive,” said Ashley Hall, mother of five-year-old Katelyn, the March of Dimes 2009 National Ambassador, who was born nearly four months too soon. “The March of Dimes offers women the information they need to help lower their risk of their baby being born too soon.”

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies(R), the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit  http://www.marchofdimes.com/or nacersano.org.

The traditional books like the Little Engine That Could and Goodnight Moon are always favorites, but keeping up with what’ new in childrens’ books helps you make good choices for your grandchildren.

The Newberry Award Books 2009 winner and top honor books and book reviews.

Seasonal books are fun and educational here are some springtime books

Bedtime Stories

Middle Grade Books

I’m looking forward to when my grand sons are old enough to sit still while I read them a book via the webcam since we live thousands of miles apart!

Modifing  home space’s to reflect  your  interests and can refresh the home and the spirit.

Serenity Room

Create a retreat — a place to unwind, meditate, read a good book, write letters or journals, or listen to music.
- Paint the walls in soothing colors

- Give the space an airy, organic feel by adding carpet tiles in natural
hues.

- Dress the windows in soft, sheer linen and let the curtains puddle
slightly on the floor.

- Install bookcases and shelving

Convert a child’s  room into a more sophisticated guest room, where company can enjoy the comforts of a fine hotel, and your teenager can still feel at home.

- Upgrade from a twin to a comfortable full or queen size bed. Provide
high thread count sheets or a cozy down duvet.

- A headboard painted in a rich brown produces a restful environment, allowing visitors to settle into a good night’s sleep.

- Adorn a night stand with an elegant bedside table lamp in
chrome finish, and add an alarm clock and a few books or magazines

- Opt for a plush chair, ottoman or chaise lounge, if space allows, to
keep the space warm and inviting.

Creative Release

Whether it’s scrapbooking or painting, set up a craft room or studio to explore hobbies and interests without inhibitions.

- With any creative space, table and storage space are paramount.
Utilize stylish adjustable-height tables and work surfaces, which can
be reconfigured to fit the task at hand.

- Add bookcases and shelving units with casters to stock supplies
and free work spaces of clutter.

- To spark creativity and boost mood, paint the walls in vibrant,
energetic hues.

- Choose functional flooring that is easy to maintain, like wood or tile.

Source:Lowe’s

US Births - Infant Mortality Rates Still High

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the importance of my grandchildren to be healthy and live healthy lives. with all the current environment issues, food safety, process food and child obesity issues, keeping kids healthy is a large task for every family. From reading food labels correctly, affording fresh fruit and vegetables to preventing unhealthy snacking, parents have their hands full.

I began by looking at infant mortality rates and was sad to learn that the infant mortality rate in the US in 2005 wads the same as 200, seems we are making no progress. Here is some government information about this issue:

Data from the Linked Birth/Infant Death Data Set and Preliminary Mortality Data File, National Vital Statistics System

The U.S. infant mortality rate did not decline from 2000 to 2005.
Data from the preliminary mortality file suggest a 2% decline in the infant mortality rate from 2005 to 2006.
The U.S. infant mortality rate is higher than those in most other developed countries, and the gap between the U.S. infant mortality rate and the rates for the countries with the lowest infant mortality appears to be widening.

The infant mortality rate for non-Hispanic black women was 2.4 times the rate for non-Hispanic white women. Rates were also elevated for Puerto Rican and American Indian or Alaska Native women.
Increases in preterm birth and preterm-related infant mortality account for much of the lack of decline in the United States’ infant mortality rate from 2000 to 2005.

Infant mortality is one of the most important indicators of the health of a nation, as it is associated with a variety of factors such as maternal health, quality and access to medical care, socioeconomic conditions, and public health practices. The U.S. infant mortality rate generally declined throughout the 20th century. In 1900, the U.S. infant mortality rate was approximately 100 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, while in 2000, the rate was 6.89 infant deaths per 1,000 live births. However, the U.S. infant mortality rate did not decline significantly from 2000 to 2005, which has generated concern among researchers and policy makers.

 What is the recent trend in infant mortality?
In 2005, the U.S. infant mortality rate was 6.86 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, not significantly different than the rate of 6.89 in 2000, based on data from the linked birth/infant death data set (1,2).

 Data from the preliminary mortality file estimate an infant mortality rate of 6.71 for 2006 (3), a 2% decline from the final rate in 2005.

 The 2000-2005 plateau in the U.S. infant mortality rate represents the first period of sustained lack of decline in the U.S. infant mortality rate since the 1950s.

 The Healthy People 2010 target goal for the U.S. infant mortality rate is 4.5 infant deaths per 1,000 live births (4). The current U.S. rate is about 50% higher than the goal.

 The impact of infant mortality is considerable: There are more than 28,000 deaths to children under 1 year of age each year in the United States.

 How does the United States compare with other developed countries in infant mortality?
In 2004 (the latest year that data are available for all countries), the United States ranked 29th in the world in infant mortality, tied with Poland and Slovakia (5).

 Infant mortality rates were generally lowest (below 3.5 per 1,000) in selected Scandinavian (Sweden, Norway, and Finland) and East Asian (Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore) countries. In 2004, 22 countries had infant mortality rates below 5.0 (5).

 The United States’ international ranking fell from 12th in 1960 to 23d in 1990, and to 29th in 2004 (5).

 International comparisons of infant mortality can be affected by differences in reporting of fetal and infant deaths. However, it appears unlikely that differences in reporting are the primary explanation for the United States’ relatively low international ranking.

Science has finally caught up with what dog lovers have known for years–that having a dog is great for your health. Here are six ways science has proven that living with a dog promotes better heart health.

Decreased cholesterol and triglycerides. Lower cholesterol and triglycerides reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Results

of a three-year study of over 5,700 people showed that those who lived with pets, including dogs, had lower blood pressure and

triglyceride and cholesterol levels than did non-pet-owners, even after accounting for additional exercise, smoking, diet, weight, and socioeconomic profile.

Lowered blood pressure. Women undergoing stress tests have lower blood pressure in the presence of dog than they have in the

presence of a friend. The simple act of petting your dog causes your blood pressure to drop. What’s more, the lowered blood pressure stays in effect even when the dog is no longer present.

Improved chance of surviving a heart attack. A study conducted by the US Department of Health concluded that 28% of heart patients with pets, including dogs, survived serious heart attacks, compared with only 6% of patients who did not have a pet, even after accounting for factors such as the severity of heart disease.

Longer life-expectancy after a heart attack. A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that men who had a dog were six times more likely to be alive one year after a heart attack than men without a dog. The presence of a pet affected survival rate even more than having a spouse or friends.

Reduced stress. A study by State University of New York at Buffalo of stockbrokers who had dogs or cats in their offices had smaller increases in blood pressure when they had to carry out stressful tasks than those who did not have a pet present.

Increased exercise. One study showed that when people get a dog, they increase their walking time fivefold–from an average of one hour to five hours. Five hours of walking per week has a benefit equal to giving up smoking.

So, the secret to a healthy heart may be trading in that hotdog for a hot-looking Dachshund–or Great Dane or Boxer.

About the author:

How to Meditate with Your Dog: An Introduction to Meditation for
Dog Lovers presents a non-dogmatic approach to meditation. To fetch a free chapter from the book and the introduction from the
audiobook go to http://www.DogMeditation.com

Communicating with grown children is challenging and changes over time.  When they are in their late teens and early 20’s the discussions are more about them trying to get something…..money, the car, use of the credit card, co-signing on a loan, etc.  Apparently they feel obliged to tell their parents what’s happening in their life, even if it is well filtered, to create a sense that all is well so you will give them……

As time progresses and the enter the late 20’s and 30’s and  they are more self sufficient ( thank goodness) the conversation  often becomes more difficult. This is especially  the case with sons who are notorious for one word answers. You say, “How are things”. They say, “OK”.  Daughters tend to be more prolific and talk about everything the new curtains, apartment furnishings,  co-workers….

My mistake has been trying to get them to talk to me when they obviously don’t want to, will I never learn. The more I try to pull out what’s happening…. So what’s new at work? I ask. The more they monosyllable the answers.  The more frustrated I become. nd the more  I ask. This can turn ugly and hurtful, Ouch! So don’t talk to me, Ok.

Occasionally much to my surprise they are actually talkative these fine grown up men, I guess sometimes it’s Ok to talk to mom or Dad.

My long term solutions: I’m send emails more often now and soon I guess I’ll have to learn texting.  The best is video conferencing via the computer with the grandkids when they are old enough you don’t even need their parents for that!