As we’ve discussed in previous installments of Dare to Prepare, every family needs to assemble a basic disaster preparedness kit and create a family emergency plan. If your family is like mine and has a member with special needs, then it is important that you consider some additional topics. “Special needs” is an umbrella term that … [Read more...] about Dare to Prepare: Disaster Preparedness for Families with Special Needs
Promoting Healthful Living
Dare to Prepare: Creating a Family Emergency Plan
Sometimes families have to rush out of their homes due to disasters. Though there is often warning that an incident such as a hurricane is about to occur, warning is rare for disasters such as wildfires and industrial accidents. If work, school, or other activities have your family separated when a disaster that requires evacuation occurs, how … [Read more...] about Dare to Prepare: Creating a Family Emergency Plan
Dare to Prepare: Remaining Vigilant
September is National Preparedness Month. As we did last year, we’re going to take advantage of the national emphasis on disaster preparedness to look at a couple of important topics. Public health experts recommend that all households create an emergency plan and assemble a basic disaster supply kit. Though these sound like good ideas … [Read more...] about Dare to Prepare: Remaining Vigilant
Christmas in July: Going Green with Christmas Cards
I really enjoy sending and receiving Christmas cards. Unfortunately, the amount of paper and energy it takes to produce traditional Christmas cards means they’re not particularly green. In today’s installment of Christmas in July 2014, we’re going to look at some environmentally-friendly ways to send Christmas greetings. Be sure to catch the … [Read more...] about Christmas in July: Going Green with Christmas Cards
Surviving Pregnancy in the Summer
Heat and humidity are uncomfortable for most people, but they can be especially burdensome for women who are pregnant. Fortunately, I’ve found that the unpleasant effects of the heat and humidity can be mitigated by several simple strategies. Whether you’re pregnant or not, these strategies can help you beat the heat this summer. How … [Read more...] about Surviving Pregnancy in the Summer
Safe and Effective Spider Control
I can tolerate spiders outdoors because I know they are part of a balanced ecosystem, but it’s another story when they come indoors. We’ve been seeing quite a few—many of which are large—in our home this spring. Commercially available pesticides are a quick and effective way to kill spiders, but they’re not exactly a safe and healthy … [Read more...] about Safe and Effective Spider Control
The Benefits of Growing Your Own Fruits and Vegetables
My family always grew vegetables during the summers when I was growing up. I’ve wanted to continue this practice, but until recently I haven’t lived in a location that was conducive to this. My husband and I currently have plenty of room to grow a garden, but the sun only shines on a small portion of our yard. Thus, we’ll be growing … [Read more...] about The Benefits of Growing Your Own Fruits and Vegetables
Are Reusable Grocery Bags Really Green?
Like many of you, I have a hodgepodge of reusable grocery sacks that I keep on hand to carry my groceries. Though eco-minded shoppers rave about the benefits of these bags, some recent reports have indicated that they may not be as “green” as they appear. The not-so-green side of reusable grocery bags The resources required to … [Read more...] about Are Reusable Grocery Bags Really Green?
