Help your teen put their best smile forward
For the 21st century teen, a great smile isn't just for school photos, it's an everyday accessory that's seen on their Facebook and MySpace pages, during IM sessions, on cell phones and more. It's no wonder today's tweens and teens want to put their best smile forward. So as a parent, how can you help?

Kitchen kids' favorite ingredient: Wisconsin cheese
Get your kids cooking in the kitchen with a simple recipe. Start with safety. Then, add an interest in learning. Sprinkle a few simple kitchen skills. And finally, mix in great tasting ingredients, including Wisconsin cheese.

Tips to save your home and life in case of fire
Every year more than 500,000 fires occur in homes across the nation. To help protect your home and your loved ones, the experts have come up with the following easy-to-follow tips that could make all the difference.

Back to school on a budget
Back-to-school shopping can be an exhausting and expensive experience and many parents start off on the wrong foot before they even get to the store. But there are simple ways to make this annual shopping trip efficient and affordable.

Expecting? You may experience changes in vision
A growing belly, nausea, food cravings and heightened sensitivity to smells are obvious symptoms of pregnancy. But many women don't realize their vision can change as well.

How to decorate a child's room and love the results
Parents and children rarely have the same decorating tastes when the time comes to redo a child's room. But don't worry - with a few tricks, you can create a stylish bedroom that is fun and functional for your child.

Talk for a change to help end domestic violence
In an age of social media and reality shows, it seems that people are more open than ever to discuss personal issues. Yet one important issue - domestic violence, which touches more than 70 percent of Americans, is often talked about behind closed doors or never discussed at all. Here's how you can break the silence.

Home, safe home, with some simple updates
Ninety percent of homeowners plan to stay in their homes for as long as their health permits, according to "Kitchen and Bath Business" magazine. And, as the place that you spend a majority of your time, your home can play a big role in your health and happiness.

Wholesome cooking at home
We all want to eat a nutritious diet that helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases and manage cholesterol levels. The same holds true for diabetics; in fact, many of the guidelines for a balanced diabetic diet are useful for anyone who wants to stick to a healthful diet.

The new normal of shopping: deals, deals and more deals
If you haven't already changed your shopping habits and proudly added "deal finder" to your resume, you may be paying too much for the products you and your family need. Shopping isn't what it used to be. The new normal of shopping involves comparing prices, taking advantage of deals and knowing the tools and tricks of the trade that can help you save money.

Art helps develop children's creativity
We have all had the pleasure of observing or interacting with children when they bring their imaginations to life. Children have the ability to openly express themselves without being easily embarrassed. They often create their own ideas, theories and interests independently. One way to support and sustain a child's natural inclination towards creativity is to give them access to art education.

Pro bono legal work makes a difference
For one week at the end of October, law schools, law firms, bar associations and other legal groups from New York to New Orleans and Boston to Seattle will recognize work done by lawyers on behalf of the poor and underserved through the first national pro bono celebration.

Simplify your life with a little technology
If you are like most people, every year the list of to-dos, appointments and demands grows bigger. Children's schedules, office appointments, scheduling conflicts can all be a little overwhelming at times. A little technology can go a long way in getting your life in order while saving time and minimizing stress.

Simple tips for promoting breast cancer awareness in your own life
Breast cancer is a prolific disease with an estimated 192,370 new cases diagnosed this year in women and 1,910 new cases diagnosed in men, according to the National Cancer Institute.

How to make picture-perfect holiday gifts
As the holiday season approaches, people soon will be making out their annual gift lists. More than ever, people are searching for gifts that are the most personal and meaningful - without breaking the bank. Many turn to capturing their family memories - new and old, and this often begins with photographs.

Shop early to ensure season's hot toys are under the tree
The holiday season has a way of creeping up on us, and it's never too early to start thinking about the perfect presents for your loved ones. However, getting your children exactly what they want - no matter what the cost - can leave a dent in your budget. If you're not in the know about what's hot and what's not, it's easy to miss out on having the season's must-have toys under the tree.

Home security means swine flu prevention too
The statistics are startling, the symptoms are unpleasant and the illness can be deadly. So what's the average person to do when it comes to preventing swine flu? Start at home.

Riding escalators: A holiday safety reminder
With autumn in full swing, families have already begun their holiday planning. While some will fight the long lines for holiday shopping sales, others will brave airport security and cross-country flights to be with loved ones.

Parents pull out all the stops to keep their babies healthy this winter
Keeping their families healthy is top of mind with parents these days - and they are taking all precautionary measures to keep their babies out of the doctor offices during the H1N1 flu season.

Tooth sensitivity and dry mouth should not be ignored
The flare-up of pain as you sip from your coffee cup might raise your eyebrow for just a moment, but then the pain disappears and you forget about it. Across the aisle, your coworker is filling his water bottle for the third time this morning, trying to keep his mouth wet enough to talk on the phone. These two oral health conditions might not bother a person enough to schedule an appointment with a dentist, but ignoring them could lead to much more serious issues.

Candy crafts - a sweet way to spend family time
With school in session, weekends become the best opportunity for quality time with your kids. Whether you're taking your family to the park or spending a day around the house, you can easily fill the time by planning several simple, budget-friendly, do-it-yourself activities. Ideal for indoor or outdoor time, these activities go a long way in creating memories without doing a number on your budget.

Help your kids learn healthy habits for life
Teaching kids healthy habits can be tough. From learning how to apply sunscreen to knowing how often to bathe, kids need help from mom and dad on caring for their bodies - including their skin, hair and nails.

Moms, do something tasty and healthful - eat a pear
With the kids back in school and the holidays a heartbeat away, this is a busy time for mothers everywhere. While you're busy taking care of the family and work, you might forget to take care of yourself. But this busy fall season, there's an easy and delicious way to do something good for your health - eat a pear.

Classroom fun for little ones at home
As your older children board the bus to go back to school, it can be difficult for the younger ones. They're not only losing a play companion, but may feel they're missing out on an exciting new world. But never fear, there are plenty of ways you can bring the wonderment of the classroom into your house so your younger children won't feel left behind.

Clean, dry hands are your best defense this flu season
Your best defense against swine flu and other viruses this flu season may well be the humble paper hand towel. Damp hands spread 1,000 times more germs than dry hands. It is therefore as important to dry your hands as it is to wash them carefully with soap and warm water. When away from home, a single-use paper towel ensures that hands can be completely dried and are virtually germ-free.

Protect your children's holiday clothing gifts
When searching for holiday gifts for your children, don't forget to include clothing on the gift list. Because your kids grow so quickly, and the fashionable styles change even faster than they grow, new clothing is constantly needed. But when it comes to clothing, moms fear that their hard-earned money will be wasted on items that can get ruined by "kid stains" before their children have outgrown the outfit.

Finding relationship refuge with a good night's sleep
The hectic pace of day-to-day life shows few signs of slowing; however, the peaceful sanctuary couples are seeking may be closer than they think - in their own bedrooms. Here are some tips for getting a good night's sleep.

Don't get scammed through social networking sites
Scam artists are always changing their schemes in an effort to trick consumers into handing over money or personal information. One of the latest scams involves hacking into social networking sites and then targeting specific friends in the victim's account.

Sharing the season's sentiments sweetly
There has rarely been a year when so much has been asked of so many. Families and friends across the miles have clung tight to each other and most have come out more connected than ever. Here are a few ideas for finding that perfect "something" that says, "I'm thinking about you," or "Thank you for everything."

Stop, look and listen your way into stress-free entertaining
This year when you turn the pages on your calendar, have no fear. Holiday entertaining at home can be as easy as pie if you remember what your mother taught you when crossing the street: Stop. Look. And listen. The same lesson applies to entertaining.

Make your family's education as debt-free as possible
Whether you intend to send your child off to college or plan to pursue an academic or vocational path for yourself, reducing student debt load makes good financial sense, especially since the sticker shock of almost all kinds of post-secondary education can be daunting.

Help available for people living with diabetes
It's a long drive out to the rural diabetes clinic where she makes her educational presentations, but Janie Burmester knows that the work she's doing can have a huge impact on people's lives. Burmester is one of about 15,000 Certified Diabetes Educators in the United States. CDEs are health professionals, certified by the National Certification Board of Diabetes Educators, who teach self-management techniques to patients diagnosed with diabetes.

Children with special needs face uncertain financial future
Many parents may be putting their children with disabilities at risk without even knowing it. Because families are so overwhelmed with the daily demands of childcare, they fail to plan for the financial future of their children. But many companies have developed programs and expertise to address this issue.

Guide for keeping kids healthy in school
With children in school, parents face another season of fighting cold and flu germs. In an average year, children catch six to 10 colds. In families with children who are in school, the number of colds per child can be as high as 12 a year, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. Here are some must-know tips from Feder to combat illness for school children.

Enhance your enjoyment and savings this holiday season
With the holidays around the corner, consumers are beginning to turn their attention toward the fun annual practices of shopping, wrapping, baking, decorating and getting together with friends and family. We all look forward to these traditions each season, and this year shoppers can actually make them even more entertaining and efficient.

No more excuses: Quick tips to make family dinners work
As SPF numbers give way to arithmetic and time spent building sand castles is now dedicated to proper sentence construction, school has surely started again. Despite the fact that family life tends to be busier, there is still hope for parents looking to spend a little quality time with the kids. It's called dinnertime and families everywhere can make it work for them.

Must-haves for 'green' moms
It's not enough anymore to just teach your kids to look both ways before crossing the street, pick up after themselves and play nicely together. Modern moms need to teach children lessons on how to help preserve the environment for years to come.

Living with ALS can be easier
While a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, is extremely frightening for patients, there is ongoing research, new technology and medications to help make life easier.

Tips for getting better customer service during the holidays
Crowded stores, long lines, low inventory and cranky shoppers rushing to find that perfect holiday gift can often lead to a "perfect storm" of bad service. That's why many retailers are ensuring that they have service quality systems in place to avoid the typical holiday mishaps between shoppers and service staff.

Save money easily on your holiday shopping
Who doesn't want to save money these days? With the holiday season around the corner, saving money is a top priority in the minds of many parents.

Tips to tackle the allergens hiding in your house
If sneezing, sniffling and coughing are frequent sounds in your house, don't worry, you're not alone in trying to find ways to stop them. An estimated 50 million people suffer from indoor and outdoor allergies in the United States, costing Americans nearly seven billion dollars annually, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). But removing the allergens from your house can have you feeling a lot better.

Ignoring insurance for mom is risky business
In these tough economic times, families may be putting themselves at risk by placing more value on the man of the house. Women are less likely than men to have life insurance, and if they die their families could be thrown into financial chaos.

Clean, green and affordable laundry
Laundry can take its toll -- on your wallet and on the environment. In fact, the average American family does almost seven loads of laundry per week! All that water, detergent, and electricity or gas adds up to a lot of excess, but adding a few simple steps to your laundry routine can significantly reduce your environmental impact and save you money.

How to pick the perfect book gift this holiday season
Books are the perfect balance between personalized and universal, fun and intelligent. Your gift recipient doesn't have to be a book lover to love the book you give, as long as you put some thought into selecting just the right tome.

Get paid for your holiday purchases
Online coupon and deal sites offer great savings opportunities . . . or the potential to waste your time and money if you patronize one that falls short of its promises. When you're winnowing winning Web sites from the herd of hollow-promise-pledging competitors, keep this advice in mind.

Simple lighting tips to dazzle holiday guests
It's that time of year when driving around the neighborhood at night can seem almost magical. How do some homes manage to look so inviting inside and out during the holidays, while others seem to be suffering from the winter blahs?

Eat healthy - even while on the go
Busy schedules and holiday activities can keep you on the run, making it hard to eat healthy at this time of year. There are times when you miss a meal and over-indulge at a later hour, but with a little snack preparation, you can stay on schedule and on track with healthful eating habits.

Keeping diabetes in check between doctor visits
Americans are taking a closer look at their own personal health and assessing changes they can make, as the topic of health care remains front and center. More and more, people are paying attention to the cost of prevention and care for chronic illnesses such as diabetes, as they have a high risk for health complications.

Homework essential to successfully buying your first home
Are you considering taking the plunge and buying your first home? If so, you're not alone. Across the country, owning a home still represents the American dream for many and the opportunity to buy your first home couldn't be better.

Four easy 'sanity savers' for moms on the go
Whether it be to the grocery store, the doctor's office or a play date at the park, moms today are constantly on the go. Juggling the ever-changing needs of a child while out and about can be challenging, stressful and sometimes expensive. Here are some quick and easy "sanity savers" to help keep both mom and child happy while out and about.

What's lurking in your lunch? Tips for packing safer lunches
You do everything you can think of to ensure your kids eat a healthful lunch. But do you also consider the safety of the food you pack in their lunch bags each day? Here's some expert advice on packing safe lunches.

Give holiday house guests the gift of a 5-star hotel experience
Like mistletoe and eggnog, overnight house guests go hand-in-hand with the holidays. Whether visitors are spending just one night or an entire week in your home, the situation can be stressful for everyone involved. Never fear. You can do a few simple things long before your company arrives to ensure their stay is a comfortable one. In fact, they might even mistake your guest bedroom for a luxury hotel room.

Show your holiday hospitality with a sleep-friendly guest room
With so much going on this season, the one thing you shouldn't have to worry about is your guest room. You want to feel confident that your company will have a comfortable and pleasant stay at your house.

Irresistible activities get parents and kids to play together
Parent and kid time too often comes down to adults telling children to clean up, turn off the television and do their homework while kids do their best to ignore instructions. When it's time to "let kids just be kids," why not join them and be a kid again yourself?

Wood is looking good this winter
With winter rapidly on its way, the government is asking you to think about cost-effective and environmentally responsible ways to heat your home. In fact, it is encouraging eco- and cost-conscious families to consider efficient wood stoves or inserts by offering a 30 percent tax credit, up to $1,500, for the purchase of a 75 percentefficient biomass-burning stove in 2009 and 2010.

Warm feet, warm hearts make for a cheery holiday season
The holidays tend to bring out the best in people. It's this time of year that you find smiling volunteers collecting donations on street corners of nearly every city in America. Their charitable spirit allows those less fortunate to celebrate and share in the holiday cheer.

Useful gifts for everyone on your list
Tired of the same old, same old when it comes to buying holiday gifts? Not looking forward to playing the usual retail game -- running out to shop, waiting in long lines for questionable discounts on generic items, then resorting to purchasing useless gifts out of sheer panic and lack of time?

Tips to add pizzazz to everyday cooking
You are cooking more and more to save money these days, and it makes sense to assemble an assortment of basic herbs and spices. It's an easy, economical way to add fun to your cooking and flavor to your food. Whether you're reorganizing your cupboards in a flurry of cleaning or newly interested in the world of spices, it's a good time to freshen your spice rack and make sure you have the basics.

High-energy foods to help kids get through the school day
School days are no longer just 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students have hectic schedules that add physically- and mentally-draining hours to their routines. Whether it is the swim team, a school play or a tough academic assignment, many parents face the problem of providing their children with enough energy to tackle daily activities. Here are some nutritional tips for giving your busy student an all-natural burst of energy.

Saying 'happy birthday' with a little creativity
Parents can spend a small fortune to celebrate their little one's big day, but taking a more original -- and less costly -- approach can result in even more success. Here are some ideas for throwing a great children's party at an affordable price.

Take control of your health care; make an advance care plan
Later in life or when faced with a serious illness, we face a variety of health issues and might not be able to care for ourselves like we want. Making an advance care plan can ease worries for you and your family about what might happen to you if you are unable to make decisions about your own care.

Simple steps to a healthy and happy retirement
Retired 80-year-olds can often have double the social interaction of their 50-year-old counterparts. This supports research that happiness increases with age because social interaction stimulates your brain to release "feel good" chemicals like norepinephrine, which leads to contentment. Here's how you can make the most and live out your golden years with a happy retirement.

Eleven tips to stay safe online and protect your privacy
While Americans have been using the Internet for about 20 years, it can still feel like the wild, wild West. Despite many technological advances that reduce the risk of your identity being stolen, becoming the victim of an Internet scam or having your privacy invaded by others on the Internet is an all too often occurrence. And, as a number of recent incidents involving social networking Web sites have shown us, it can even be deadly.

Survey: Parents say online safety is top concern, but not taking action
Parents worry about protecting their children from online predators. But some just aren't worried enough, it seems. That's one conclusion online safety experts say can be drawn from a recent survey that showed while 50 percent of parents rank online predators, pornography and violence as the biggest online threats to children, a quarter still never monitor their children's online activities.

How to help your newborn 'sleep like a baby'
Whoever coined the phrase "sleeping like a baby" probably never had the frustrating task of trying to get an infant to fall - and stay - asleep. Most parents know good rest is as vital as good nutrition for the health of their newborns - even if they can only dream about getting a good night's sleep themselves.

Ideas to make dollars do double duty
Just as many of us have taken on extra work to make ends meet in this economy, everything we buy now must serve a dual purpose as well. It makes sense to spend your hard-earned dollars on items that not only do the job intended for them, but that also save you money in a variety of ways.

Redesign the bedroom and teach teens valuable DIY skills
The rainbow and kitten theme you picked for your daughter's room when she was a baby is now ruining her social life as a teen. And your son can't hold his head up among his teammates until you redo his room's pirate theme with something more appropriate for a teenage linebacker.

Power up your cleaning routine when seconds count
At one time or another, everyone has found herself racing around the house with an armful of cleaning supplies, scrambling to tidy up for unexpected guests. But the prospect of surprise visitors need not cause a full-scale panic. Use these practical tips for completing a vigorous, efficient cleaning routine when every minute matters.

Visiting a senior? Keep the flu germs at bay
Schools with only a third of the students sitting in chairs, offices sending out notices to employees asking anyone with a fever or cough to please stay home, and hand sanitizer stations popping up everywhere; the signs are very visible this year that flu season has arrived.

Back-to-school tips to keep your family safe online
The end of summer means means kids are spending more time online prepping for the upcoming school year, finishing summer homework lists and reconnecting with summer friends. Likewise, cybercriminals are online targeting them through e-mail, IM and phishing scams, and even trying to make contact on social networking sites, blogs and chat rooms. What's a parent to do?

Hearing helper? Help loved ones deal with hearing loss - the right way
Does someone you love often ask you to repeat what you're saying? If so, you may not be doing your loved one a favor by repeating what you just said. Here's how you can help.

Minimizing bathroom clutter
While bathrooms are some of the smallest rooms in the house, they tend to be the areas where a lot of personal items are stored. Typical bathroom sink counters and shelves are crammed full of cosmetics, medications, hair-styling items and dental care tools, looking cluttered, messy and making it difficult to clean them.

Gout growing, but public awareness remains low
It's been called "the disease of kings" because of its association with historical figures like Henry VIII, Benjamin Franklin and Isaac Newton, but gout, a painful and potentially debilitating form of arthritis, is anything but a "historical" condition. In fact, 3 million to 5 million Americans currently suffer from gout, and this number is expected to rise as the population ages.

In hard times, consumers find ways to save money online
In the midst of a recession, times are hard for many people. Money is tight, and many consumers are in need of ways to save money on their everyday expenses. Brands and manufacturers are increasing online coupon and free sample offers to gain the attention of consumers in need of savings.

Fun ways to escape with your family
A smaller budget and busy work and school schedules don't mean your family has to stay home all the time. There are lots of alternatives to an expensive family trip.

Tween and teen fashion trends make back-to-school fun and affordable
This year's back-to-school clothing trends are all about expressing individual personality. Just as music allows the listener to express themselves, fashion is a way for tweens and teens to let their true personality shine through. Here's what's hot for fall 2009.

Beating the winter blahs in the Bahamas
As we start to head into the bleakest months of the year, our natural instinct is to look to places where the sun shines more constantly, and where you don't need three layers of clothing to stave off the cold. The good news is that you really don't need to look too far outside of the United States to get a one-of-a-kind tropical experience that will warm you up and feed any traveler's wanderlust.

Mini golf offers family fun for all ages
There is nothing easy about trying to plan a family vacation. Besides the challenge of figuring out where to go, there is the ever-present concern of finding age-appropriate activities for the entire family.

Flu bug not the only health concern for students this year
The H1N1 flu virus may be the newest concern this season, but it's not the only health threat for children at school worthy of serious attention. Threats like cockroaches, stinging insects and other types of common pests like rodents are very real, affecting classrooms, cafeterias and school grounds across the country. Controlling pests like these is a daily challenge for school systems at all levels, and to do it effectively, they need access to the right tools to fight, prevent and eliminate these persistent problems.

This year, make your toy shopping list work harder
With family budgets a little tighter this year, many parents may be taking a closer look at their children's toy lists. You still want to put smiles on their faces and build holiday memories, but you also want to make wise choices with lasting value.

Fruit: The secret weapon in parents' nutritional arsenal
Parents, let's face it -- the average child will never really fall in love with Brussels sprouts, broccoli or cauliflower. But few kids object to fruit, making it easier to help children tap into its wealth of health benefits. Here are some helpful tips for getting your kids to enjoy healthy fruit options.

Teach your kids to express healthy emotions this holiday season
Most parents will agree that a child's emotional well-being is just as important as their physical health. Kids who learn to communicate feelings have a better sense of self awareness. This benefits their relationships with parents and with their peers. How can you teach your child to manage both positive and negative moods in an emotionally intelligent manner? Here are some ideas for ways to get your kids to express what they are feeling in a healthy way.

Before applying for auto or mortgage loans, do your research
While the number of auto and mortgage loans issued are down, and the effort it takes to get a good loan these days might seem daunting, there are signs that consumer lending is improving with positive economic reports. And even though dollars aren't handed out as quickly or easily as they were just a few years ago, it is possible for a person to obtain a mortgage or auto loan.

Students share hope, help for breaking the cycle of self-destructive behavior
Whether they cut, restrict food intake or purge, young people who harm themselves can recover their health and happiness with support from friends and relatives.

This year, show your holiday feast who's boss
You've decked the halls. Sent out the cards. Now it's time to plan for the annual family feast that just happens to be at your house this year. The mere thought can send most chief celebration officers (aka holiday-stressed moms) into a tizzy.

Rekindle the spark: Relationship rescue for your partner and your car
No doubt about it, the economic downturn has definitely put a strain on most Americans' pocketbooks, but according to a new survey, it is also having an affect on Americans' personal relationships, changing how they keep them fresh and healthy.

Fun ways to create lasting family traditions
Whether you're a family of two or 10, there is no time like the present to create lasting family traditions. Like families, traditions come in many forms -- from cooking to storytelling -- and making new memories is easy and fun. Here are a variety of creative ways to get started.

Act now to prevent costly ice damage later
Ice dams may not be something the average homeowner has ever heard of, but they occur all too frequently during the winter months, resulting in costly damage. Left unaddressed, water seepage from ice dams can ruin ceilings, walls, attics and roofing.

Pregnant women need to prioritize flu protection this flu season
Pregnant women have a lot on their to-do list, but rarely does it seem that flu protection is part of their prenatal health plan. This year, the flu presents an added threat to pregnant women and their newborns because of the new H1N1 (swine) flu virus. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and women's health experts have identified pregnant women as a priority group for seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccination.

Older adults looking to volunteer their skills have few boundaries
Look anywhere in the nonprofit world these days and you're likely to find an older adult volunteering his or her expertise in new ways. From the board room to the building site, organizations are putting those 50 and older to work to meet a rising demand for charitable services. In the process, members of the most experienced active generation are discovering the possibilities of giving back on their own terms.

Great deals, seasonal activities make pre-holiday a great time to get away
A vacation may be the last thing on your mind as the holidays draw near this year, but contrary to popular belief the holiday season is a great time to take a break. Pre-holiday season deals sweeten the appeal of a weekend getaway to decompress from the stresses of a busy fall and winter season.

New Year's resolution: slim down that fat cat or dog
To his owners, Moby, a 4-year-old Australian Shepherd, was a very healthy, spry dog, so when his veterinarian told them that beneath his thick, reddish-brown coat he had a weight problem, they were a bit shocked.

Seventy-nine million boomers will change the world - again
Changing the world is not an easy assignment - but baby boomers did it once and they'll do it again. Now this cohort of baby boomers - this largest of all generations, born between 1946 and 1964 inclusively - is redefining what retirement means and is on the verge of changing the world again through active volunteerism.

Tips to ensure your tot's 'TV diet' is healthy and fun
Figuring out how much and what television is right for your child isn't too different from looking at what to feed your child. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents think of managing their children's television watching as they would their diet, because the amount of television has an impact on children's health, just like how much and what they eat does.

How to keep kids stylin' and sophisticated this holiday season
(ARA) - American kids are learning from their parents this holiday season - about value, smart investing and getting the most for every dollar spent. Developing wise spending habits is a good thing for kids, but does it mean they have to sacrifice their sense of style as they attend school, extra-curricular activities and holiday happenings?

Americans agree: family vacations still worth the money
Families that play together stay together - at least that's the common wisdom. Even in tough economic times, family vacations are worth the money, Americans agree. Here are some ways to plan a great vacation even if you have a small budget.

Back to school buying? Here's how to save money
For students across the country, September marks the start of a new school year. And as every parent knows, that means shopping for back-to-school supplies. Here's how you can avoid unnecessary expenses and save money on important back-to-school gear.

Art therapy: healing the mind, body and soul
Through creating and reflecting on art, art therapy gives people the opportunity to cope with symptoms, stress and traumatic experiences in a creative, stress-free environment.

Soccer star moms line up against seasonal flu
Seasonal flu will face new opponents this year. Soccer legends and moms Mia Hamm and Brandi Chastain are teaming up with Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) to make seasonal flu vaccination a higher priority.

Treat early and effectively: combating multiple sclerosis for the long haul
Every hour of every day, someone is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and a common theme for these patients is the fact that they will never forget that moment. While MS is a chronic and disabling disease of the central nervous system, many people with MS continue with their normal daily lives -- working, spending time with friends and family and enjoying activities. For many, the key is to treat MS early and effectively in an effort to disrupt the disease and not their lives.

Americans earn failing grade on diabetes
It's a disease so common it strikes every 20 seconds, yet Americans earn a failing grade when it comes to basic knowledge about diabetes, according to a recent Harris Interactive survey conducted on behalf of the American Diabetes Association.

How healthy are your children's eyes?
For children, eyes are the windows to learning, playing and growing. That's why children's eye health is just as important as an adult's eye health. As a parent, do you really know how healthy your child's eyes are?

Farmers should make a skin check a priority
Farming has plenty of challenges, but probably one of the hazards that farmers worry about the least is the danger from working in the sun year-round. As the harvest concludes and winter sets in, farmers should pay attention to the condition of their skin.

Easy meals for under $10 get you back into fall routines
With the departure of summer barbecues and the approach of the busy holiday season, more than one family will rethink that familiar question ... "What's for dinner?"

Comfort food season has arrived
When temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, you know that comfort food season has arrived. And nothing is more heartwarming than bringing family and friends together for a traditional winter meal, evoking feelings of warmth and nostalgia.

Affordable family fun before it's back to school
It's not too late for some family fun before the kids go back to school. Even though the economy is putting the brakes on many family vacations, getting away from it all doesn't necessarily involve a road trip. The perfect summer getaway can be as close as the backyard or neighborhood park.

Holiday shopping strategies help ring in the new year
The holidays are a time to celebrate. But sometimes it's challenging to spend and celebrate on a budget, especially when it's the season of giving. Now is a good time to switch your holiday shopping strategies and resolve to improve your money management skills through the new year.

More daily activity can make you healthier
What are you doing right now? Like many Americans, are you sitting completely still in front of your computer, almost in a catatonic state? No matter if you work in an office, or are an at-home mom with children in school, most likely there are many minutes of your day when you don't move your body enough.

Achieve your New Year's resolution and get out of debt
Year in and year out, getting out of debt consistently ranks among New Year's top 10 resolutions. If your household is like many American households struggling with the recession, or worse, unemployment, getting out of debt will be close to the top of your list again for 2010. Get your new year off to a great start by reducing and eliminating your debt.

After-school health 101
Kids need more than new notebooks and pencils to thrive at school. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine plays an important role in ensuring a successful school year, too.

Generations draw together through family-published cookbooks
Across the melting pot of America, families are self-publishing cookbooks that celebrate their family's unique culinary heritage. Generations come together to contribute recipes for favorite dishes rich in tradition, sentiment and cultural significance.

Tips to see fall foliage in a whole new way
Cooler temperatures and vivid colors make fall the perfect time to get outside and enjoy nature. Most regions have an area known for a vivid display of fall foliage, so families don't have to travel too far to enjoy autumn colors. This fall, keep these tips in mind to get the most enjoyment from your fall foliage excursion.

How to face food fears during the holidays
If you're trying to maintain a healthy relationship with food, the holiday season presents special challenges. Here are expert tips on how to maintain your balance and keep food in perspective.

Flat screen shopping? Why now is a great time to buy
In 2009, more than 53 percent of American households have at least one HDTV. Retailers haven't missed the fact that flat-screen televisions are among the few big-ticket items Americans are still willing to buy. They've responded by lowering prices and offering deals and incentives that make this a great time to buy.

Protect yourself from the H1N1 virus this flu season
(ARA) - While the words "swine flu" and "pandemic flu" are enough to scare adults and children, experts from Everest College's nursing programs explain what H1N1 is, and offer some advice for how to protect yourself and your children from it.

School goes virtual with online public schools
More children are logging on instead of getting on the bus this season. The economy, technological advances and parent demand for high quality public education alternatives have a record number of kindergarten through 12th grade students enrolling in virtual public schools for the 2009-2010 school year.

Handmade crafts are the ultimate customized holiday decor
Increased enthusiasm for handmade items may well be the latest good by-product of troubled economic times.