washingtoncountymoms

(ARA) – With the holidays approaching, shoppers are making their lists and checking them twice. Undoubtedly, there are some blanks, as buying for grandparents often stymies children and grandchildren alike.

Today’s grandparents are a unique bunch, with a number of traditional apple-pie bakers, knitters and chess players that are just as likely to be tech savvy or connected to their children and grandchildren on Facebook. In fact, according to a survey by Consumer Cellular, 67 percent of consumers 50 or older are on Facebook and desire a smartphone for easy Web access; 60 percent want to download financial apps, travel discounts and other offers.

If the grandparents on your list enjoy the latest gadgets, consider these holiday gift ideas:

Share the memories: Pre-load a digital album with the best photos from the past year, including holidays, birthdays, celebrations, vacations and everyday moments. For grandparents who live out of town, such a gift bridges the distance and keeps children and grandchildren connected.

Stay in touch: Select a cell phone that grandparents can use to keep in touch with loved ones, and consider paying for a plan for the first year. It doesn’t have to break the bank. Consumer Cellular offers no-contract plans for as little as $10 a month. From the Doro Phone Easy 410, equipped with large buttons, a bright screen and an emergency call function, to the Motorola Bravo smartphone, Consumer Cellular has phones to suit every personality and price point.

For grandparents who are less technology oriented, think about these alternatives:

Plan a night out (or in): Pick up vouchers to a movie, concert or other special event that grandparents can enjoy. Or, as kids’ schedules are packed these days, consider planning a family outing to ensure some quality time with grandparents. Home-made certificates for a classic movie marathon or a game night are an affordable way to enjoy each other’s company at home.

Dinner, on you: A special dinner is always appreciated. For grandparents, a gift certificate to one of their favorite restaurants is a good way to ensure a great meal without the hassle of cleaning up!

Create brag books: Use an online photo book site to create brag books for all of the grandparents. Make several copies of one version to save time, and you may even cross some aunts and uncles off your list, too. If grandma loves to brag, keep the album small enough for her pocketbook so that she’s always prepared.

Any of these ideas – or your own special variations of them – are sure to bring smiles to grandparents at the holidays.

(ARA) – Gathering with friends and family for special meals is a beloved part of the fall and winter holidays. Spending time preparing dishes that everyone looks forward to somehow feels less like a chore and more like a tradition during this time of year. And, of course, you don’t want anyone to go away hungry, so the amount of food that comes out of your kitchen is usually nothing short of monumental.

Even if you send packages home with guests, it’s inevitable that you will have leftovers. You might even have enough for a few days’ worth of meals. But eating the same dishes day after day gets old quickly. Instead of letting your menu get stale, rethink the concept of leftovers. Rather than viewing leftovers as a finished dish, consider these foods as ingredients for delicious new entrees.

When you find yourself staring down a refrigerator full of holiday leftovers, use these tips to transform these dishes into new meals your family will love.

* The centerpiece of many of those holiday meals is often a turkey, and there’s nothing quite as lovely as a golden brown bird ready for carving. One simple tip can make your turkey taste better on the day of the celebration – and as leftovers. As you’re seasoning the turkey prior to roasting, spread on Hellmann’s(R) Real Mayonnaise for a juicy, crispy, flavorful meal.

* Mashed potatoes are a universally loved side dish during the holidays. They can warm up even the coldest days and make any meal more comforting. With the extra helpings left from your holiday-sized batch of mashers, make your own interpretation of shepherd’s pie. Mix the vegetables and meat of your choice with herbs, salt and pepper to taste before adding them to a baking dish or casserole. Top the mixture with mashed potatoes (and a few small dabs of butter), and bake until warmed through. If your potatoes have gotten a bit stiff, add a bit of cream or milk to soften them up.

* Whether you know it as “dressing” or “stuffing,” the dish is a staple of the cold weather holidays. Regional naming differences aside, it’s a versatile leftover that should be praised as much on the day after your celebration as the day of. These rich, herbal flavors pair exceptionally well with pork, so use it (or reuse it) to create delectable stuffed pork chops.

* The sweet-tart taste of cranberry relish is great with turkey, but you can also add it to sweeter dishes for a different spin. Get started the very next morning after your gathering by heating up a griddle for crepes or pancakes. Mash your cranberries to a more jam-like texture to use as a zingy topping on whichever kind of griddle cake you prefer.

Your loved ones will certainly appreciate your efforts to make the holidays delicious, but the praise will go even further when you test out tasty new recipes for leftovers. For more ideas, visit www.hellmanns.com, and get started by trying Hellmann’s(R) Turkey Casserole recipe.

Turkey Casserole

Serves: 6

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 40 Minutes

Ingredients:

4 cups leftover prepared stuffing, divided

4 cups coarsely chopped leftover cooked turkey (about 1 pound)

3/4 cup Hellmann’s(R) or Best Foods(R) Real Mayonnaise, divided

1/4 cup whole berry cranberry sauce

2 cups leftover mashed potatoes

1-1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 6 ounces)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray 8-inch baking dish with no-stick cooking spray. Spoon in 2 cups stuffing, then top with turkey.

Combine 1/4 cup Hellmann’s(R) or Best Foods(R) Real Mayonnaise with cranberry sauce; evenly spread over turkey.

Combine remaining 1/2 cup Mayonnaise, potatoes and cheese in large bowl. Evenly spread on turkey, then top with remaining 2 cups stuffing.

Bake 40 minutes or until heated through. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with dried cranberries.

Also terrific with Hellmann’s Light Mayonnaise.

Nutrition information per serving:

Calories 680, calories from fat 350, saturated fat 9 grams, trans fat 0 grams, total fat 39 grams, cholesterol 100 grams, sodium 1330 grams, total carbohydrates 47 grams, sugars 7 grams, dietary fiber 5 grams, protein 35 grams, vitamin A 10 percent, vitamin C 8 percent, calcium 20 percent, iron 15 percent

(ARA) – Every year, lists fly around the Internet and airwaves, parents line up in stores and everyone talks about what the season’s hottest toys will be. All the chatter can make it seem like everyone’s forgotten the single most enduring “toy” at the disposal of every child – imagination.

Plenty of high-tech toys encourage creativity, but to really fire up a child’s imagination it’s hard to beat the power of timeless, classic toys that rely on a child’s interaction rather than on electronics. This type of nostalgic toy can become a child’s best friend, and parents will be happy their children have something that doesn’t require batteries and doesn’t stop working just because it’s dropped a few times.

Here are five timeless, nostalgic, low-tech toys that every child should have:

1. A classic doll – Countless generations of little girls have fallen in love with a special doll. This is one toy that can serve many functions, from best friend and confidante to teacher and even role model. If some of today’s brash, in-your-face styles of dolls leave you shaking your head, never fear: you can still find dolls that offer contemporary appeal combined with more homespun values. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, the popular family restaurant/retail store found across the country, recently introduced a line of rag dolls called Butterflies. Soft and cuddly, these 15-inch dolls of relatable characters, such as a ballerina, princess, cheerleader and schoolgirl, make a wholesome, imagination-inspiring addition to a little girl’s toy box. Visit www.crackerbarrel.com/store/butterflies/ to learn more.

2. A wagon – Whether it’s an old-fashioned metal one in fire-engine red or one of the modern, SUV-sized plastic numbers available today, nothing beats a wagon for getting kids moving. It’s also a toy that can keep pace with a child’s development and changing styles of play. Very young children will enjoy riding as parents tow them along on trips to the park or walks around the neighborhood. As children grow, they begin to use the wagon themselves, employing it to transport toys or other children. Turn it over and it’s a makeshift fort or castle.

3. A building set – Whether it’s plastic, wood, or metal, a building set can fire the imagination of budding engineers. Building materials that link together have a leg up on old-fashioned blocks, allowing kids to create increasingly complex structures. With so many different construction toys available, it’s possible to find a building set for virtually any age or skill level.

4. Dress-up items – Pretend play is an important way children explore their own potential. Dressing up as a doctor, nurse, firefighter or police officer helps children learn about career choices and adult roles, and facilitates creativity through role playing. Creating a dress-up chest is simple and low-cost. Parents can fill a plastic bin with hand-me-downs, old Halloween costumes and even a few store-bought items.

5. An easel and drawing pad – Sure, coloring books are great, but there’s something about an easel that makes a child feel like a real artist. A simple wooden frame holding a large drawing pad can become the launch pad for flights of fancy rendered in crayon, watercolor and even washable magic marker. Whatever your child’s media or favorite subject, putting him or her in front of an easel will enhance enjoyment of the artistic experience – and give you a bird’s-eye view of your budding artist at work.

Imagination is truly the greatest toy – and tool – of childhood. Fortunately, you can find plenty of “no-tech” toys to nourish your child’s creativity and imagination, even in today’s high-tech world.

(ARA) – What is it about children’s feet that make them seem like the fastest-growing part of their body? With back-to-school shopping behind you for another year, you might hope you can stop spending on shoes – at least until flip-flop season arrives with spring.

But kids’ feet do grow year round, right along with the rest of them. In fact, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association, a child’s shoe and sock sizes may change every few months.

Comfortable, sturdy shoes are among the most important articles of clothing you’ll buy for your child at any time of year. Ill-fitting shoes can cause problems that range from minor blisters and discomfort to serious injuries and impaired development.

“A pair of well-made shoes can keep children safe from foot problems such as sprains and strains – both in class and on the playground,” says Dr. Michael J. King, president of APMA. “Unless your child complains of discomfort, you may not realize he or she needs new shoes. Parents need to be vigilant to ensure kids are wearing shoes that fit properly and provide the stability and support kids need.”

Conduct the time-honored toe test – using your thumb or forefinger to determine where the child’s big toe is inside the shoe – once a month. Inspect shoes regularly for signs of wear that could compromise their stability. When it’s time to buy children’s shoes, APMA has some guidelines for parents.

“Checking for three different aspects of a shoe’s design makes it easy for parents to distinguish which models are foot friendly,” King says.

APMA recommends parents perform a simple, three-step inspection on new shoes before buying:

1. Look for a stiff heel. The heel counter should not collapse when pressed from both sides.

2. Ensure the shoe bends at the toes, but nowhere else.

3. Finally, make sure the shoe does not twist in the middle.

In addition, keep these tips in mind to help ensure kids are wearing comfortable shoes and practicing good foot health:

* Take children with you when you buy their shoes and shop at the end of the day when feet are at their biggest. Every shoe fits differently, and allowing a child to have a say in the shoe-shopping process can help promote healthy foot care habits down the road.

* Always buy for the larger foot. Feet are rarely the exact same size, so buy a shoe that fits the slightly larger foot.

* Avoid shoes that require a “break-in” period to feel comfortable. Shoes should be comfortable immediately. Be sure your child tries on the shoe wearing whatever type of socks or tights they will use with it.

* Never hand down footwear. Just because a shoe fits one child comfortably doesn’t mean it will fit another in the same way. Also, sharing shoes can spread athlete’s foot and nail fungus.

* Whenever possible, purchase shoes at a shoe store staffed by well-trained shoe fitters. An experienced sales person can help relieve worries over getting the proper fit.

If your child’s shoes show uneven wear or wear out on the heels quickly, it could indicate a problem that should be examined by a podiatrist. You can find a podiatrist in your area, as well as a list of APMA-recommended footwear, at www.apma.org/seal.

(ARA) – Halloween is a time for crazy costumes, ghost stories, sugar-buzzed kids and all things that go bump in the night.

While the average American is expected to spend over $70 on Halloween this year, you don’t have to break the bank to have a spooktacularly fun holiday. Here are a few tips to help you create a festive Halloween without sending a chill down your spine.

Quick and easy costumes
While purchasing a costume may be the easiest solution, it can be expensive. Instead, consider making a one-of-a kind costume. All it takes is a little creativity and items likely found around your home.

With a few supplies, a little prep-time and some imagination, paint and scissors can transform a simple box into a robot, a racecar or a kissing-booth. Or, scan your closet for inspiration; a fortune teller, Greek goddess or private detective costume may be lurking amongst the treasures and accessories in your closet.

For hair-raising fun, the folks at Jack Link’s Beef Jerky have made it easy for fans of their iconic “Messin’ With Sasquatch” commercials to create a costume of the elusive Sasquatch. Check out JackLinks.com to download a free, printable Sasquatch mask, iron-on T-shirt transfer, and other fun tips to make an inexpensive, yet ferociously fun Halloween costume this year.

Don’t be tricked by your treats
Between the candy corn, candied apples and popcorn balls, finding a healthier Halloween treat can be a spooky experience for parents. Don’t be tricked; a “fun” sized mini chocolate bar can pack 60 to 80 calories and it’s loaded with sugar.

To avoid a holiday candy coma, choose non-sugary, protein-rich snacks such as roasted pumpkin seeds, low-calorie beef or turkey jerky or fun-to-eat string cheese. In fact, after carving your Halloween pumpkin, roasting the pumpkin seeds is a fun activity to share with your family.

The great pumpkin
Nothing conjures up memories of Halloweens past like carving jack o’ lanterns. This year, test your pumpkin carving skills with a family friendly “carve-off” competition. Choose prizes that will engage the whole family such as a “winner’s choice” family movie night or movie passes to a local theater.

“Everyone likes pumpkins, and carving jack o’ lanterns is a great way to bring people together,” says children’s book author and avid pumpkin and woodblock carver Betsy Bowen. “Youngsters, oldsters and in-betweens can all be creative with a pumpkin.”

If you’re a pumpkin-carving novice, it’s easy to get started. Select a nicely shaped, firm pumpkin and cover your work surface with newspaper. Gather all of the necessary carving tools, such as spoons, toothpicks for marking your pattern and a small carving knife or saw. Get creative and sketch out a unique design, or use a stencil or pattern as your guide. You can download a variety of free patterns online, suitable for all skill levels, including a Sasquatch stencil at JackLinks.com. If you’re not comfortable carving your pumpkin, try painting it instead.

After carving, light each pumpkin by placing a candle, battery-operated tea-light, or glow stick, inside. There is a certain magic in the air when pumpkins are aglow.

For more information on the Jack Link’s Beef Jerky Sasquatch o’ Lantern or Sasquatch costume, visit JackLinks.com/Growloween. For more information on Betsy Bowen, visit Woodcut.com.

(ARA) – With one in eight women projected to be diagnosed with breast cancer over the course of her lifetime, understanding what affects your risk and how to catch any warning signs early – not only for your own sake, but for the sakes of your loved ones- is more important than ever. There may not be a cure for breast cancer yet, but there is so much you can do to raise awareness and lower your risk.

1. Maintain a healthy lifestyle

You can reduce your risk for breast cancer by leading a healthier lifestyle – including exercising regularly, making healthier choices when it comes to eating and drinking, and limiting your exposure to tobacco and alcohol. The changes don’t have to be drastic – start with simple changes, such as swapping one sugar-sweetened beverage a day for water, adding fruit and vegetables to your diet or taking the dog for an extra-long walk.

2. Know your history and how to detect the symptoms

Despite a healthy lifestyle, if you have a family history of breast cancer, that adds to your risk. So, it’s crucial to know if any of your close relatives have had the disease. In addition, there are factors you can be on the lookout for as warning signs at almost any age. The American Cancer Society recommends starting routine self-examinations in your 20′s, so you can report any changes or concerns to your health care provider.  You can also visit MayoClinic.com for more information. Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40.

3. Support research and the mission to find a cure

Great work has been done to improve the treatment of breast cancer and researchers are working tirelessly towards a cure. In order to continue their intensive and innovative research, they need the support of organizations, such as The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), to help fund their work. BCRF, for example, directs more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to breast cancer research and awareness programs.

There are simple ways for you to get involved – from buying products that support these types of organizations to hosting a fundraiser with friends. Nestle Pure Life brand bottled water is a great example, spotlighting breast cancer awareness on its packaging nationwide and in Canada during Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October).  For every specially marked “pink ribbon” package produced, the company will donate 10 cents to BCRF (minimum donation of $350,000). The funding will support a BCRF grant directed to researchers who are working on innovative ways to prevent, treat and cure all aspects of breast cancer.

For more information on how to get involved in raising awareness and on the latest research and breakthroughs, visit BCRFCure.org. There are even more tips on precautions you and your loved ones can take to reduce your risk and get involved.

(ARA) – Like most parents, Kari and Lyle Judson had never heard of respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV. But in December 2008, when RSV took the life of one of their twin sons, those three letters forever changed their lives.

Kari gave birth to preemie twin boys, Alexander and Dominic, both weighing well under 5 pounds. When the boys’ lung function proved “normal” for preterm infants, they were declared healthy and were discharged without any warning about the dangers of RSV during the winter months.

RSV is a common, seasonal virus which can lead to symptoms similar to the cold or flu. While the virus affects nearly 100 percent of babies before the age of 2, those most at risk for developing severe RSV disease are premature babies – those born before 36 weeks gestation. Premature babies have underdeveloped lungs and fewer of the vital antibodies needed to stave off infections, so they are not as well-equipped to fight RSV as full-term babies. Other risk factors for RSV include: low-birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds), certain lung and heart diseases, and situational risk factors such as attending daycare, having pre-school or school-aged siblings, or exposure to tobacco smoke.

With their parents unaware of the dangers that even a play date could present, Alexander and Dominic enjoyed their first months of life. On Dec. 28, 2008, however, both boys began displaying signs of listlessness and developed fevers – hallmarks of RSV disease. They were taken to the local hospital, where Alexander’s condition quickly worsened and he was not responsive to breathing treatments. Due to the severity of his condition, Alexander was airlifted to a specialty hospital, but while in transport, he lost brain function due to lack of oxygen and was put on life support.

Even as they were dealing with the tragic loss of Alexander, the Judson family still had to face Dominic’s severe RSV infection, which required breathing treatments and an 11-day hospital stay.

While deaths are not common, RSV disease causes up to 10 times as many infant deaths each year as the flu, resulting in up to 400 infant deaths annually in the U.S. Additionally, RSV disease is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the U.S., and is responsible for one of every 13 pediatrician visits and one of every 38 trips to the emergency room. In fact, Kari found herself back at the pediatric pulmonologist’s office when her third son, Ryan, developed a mild RSV infection, requiring breathing treatments.

Because there is no treatment for RSV disease, Kari and many in the medical community say the importance of prevention can’t be emphasized enough.

“I want all parents to know about the dangers of RSV and what they can do to protect their little ones from this virus,” says Kari. “We’re so thankful Dominic and Ryan both recently received clean bills of health, but we will continue to be alert for symptoms of RSV disease and take steps to prevent the spread of germs, especially during the RSV season.”

Parents should do the following to help protect their babies from RSV:

* Understand the risk factors and ask a pediatrician if your child may be at increased risk
* Help prevent the spread of the virus with frequent washing of hands, toys and bedding, and avoiding large crowds and those who are sick
* Carefully monitor your baby’s behavior for warning signs like a severe cough or wheezing; difficulty breathing or rapid, gasping breaths; blue color of the lips, mouth, and/or fingernails; difficulty feeding; fatigue and fever

“I’ve seen how seriously RSV can affect babies and their families,” says pediatric critical care physician Dr. Paul Checchia, director of the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at the Texas Children’s Hospital and professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. “While frequent hand washing is the best defense for most families, babies at the highest risk may need extra precaution and should talk to their baby’s doctor.”

Visit www.RSVprotection.com for more information.

(ARA) – As the hot, sunny weather of summer fades into memory, the crisp autumn nights and falling leaves signal a change of season. For some parts of the country, this change means entertaining outdoors is finally bearable, while in others, people begin to dig out the sweaters and scarves. It takes time to sort through piles of shorts, T-shirts and sandals to find warm, comfy pieces. So, this year put the warm-weather clothes away now and store them safely for use next spring and summer.

Having an organized closet makes life easier – both in the morning rush to get out the door and also when trying to find something fabulous for a special occasion.

Digging through shoes or clothes that are not appropriate for cooler weather hinders efficiency and can be frustrating. Use a second closet or plan to store summer clothing in the garage or attic. Follow a few simple tips to ensure clothing comes out of storage next spring in ready-to-wear shape.

* Before storing an item, make sure you will wear it again next year. If it does not fit, is worn out or has lost its fashion appeal, place the shirt, shorts or other clothing item into a “donate” or “throw-away” pile.

* Look over the pieces that will go into storage. Fix buttons or hem lengths now. Then, wash or dry clean everything – make sure the pockets are empty.

* Inventory all clothing and shoes. This will help determine how many storage bags or containers will be needed. Clear plastic containers make it easy to see what is inside, while space-saving plastic bags that allow excess air to be removed can hold bulkier items. Take advantage of seasonal sales to ensure the best price. More money saved now means more money available to spend on the wardrobe later.

* When storing in containers, place a dryer sheet between clothing items to help keep them smelling fresh when brought out of storage in the spring.

* Be mindful of the garment bags and paper products used to store or wrap up fabrics. Plastic dry cleaner bags do not allow fabric to breathe and some papers are acidic, which can cause your clothing to yellow over time.

* To help clothes retain their shape until next spring, carefully fold each item and stack with the heaviest items on bottom. To prevent unnecessary wrinkling, avoid stuffing the pile into the container.

* Keep bugs from snuggling in for the winter and damaging clothing. When the temperatures are low, we are not the only ones spending more time indoors. Insects make there way into your home through cracks and crevices to ride out the cold. Protect any items placed in storage from these home invaders with Ortho Home Defense MAX Perimeter & Indoor Insect Killer. Apply per directions for use by simply spraying a barrier around the exterior perimeter of the home to help keep pests out. Also apply indoors to the perimeter of any storage areas. Doing so will provide up to 12 months of control indoors for listed insects.

* Mice can also harm stored clothing by shredding and staining fabrics. Place Ortho Home Defense Max No Touch Bait Stations along the walls of the basement, attic or garage to protect belongings from possible mouse infestations. These stations are pre-filled so there’s no need to touch the bait.

Proper storage of clothing during the winter months will lead to fewer headaches when it is time to unpack. Following these simple steps can help avoid the frustration of a wardrobe overhaul due to damaged clothing next spring.

(ARA) – When you were a kid, the high-tech items on your back-to-school shopping list probably consisted of nothing more exotic than a pocket calculator and the latest leading-edge running shoes. Times have changed, and back-to-school technology has kept pace. Today, technology is an integral part of school life for students from kindergarten to college.

College-age kids, especially, employ technology in virtually every aspect of their academic and personal lives. If you’re sending your youngster off to college this fall, for the first time or the fourth, here are five must-have digital devices to round out your back-to-school technology shopping list:

Tablets

Tablets are hugely popular and for college life they make sense for several reasons. They’re light-weight and their portability surpasses even that of netbooks. Their sleek, stylish design and touch-screen interface appeal to the technologically intuitive tastes of today’s college students.

Even if your college-age child already has a netbook or laptop he’ll be taking to school, a tablet can be a useful addition to his technological toolbox. Tablets like the ViewSonic ViewPad, which uses the Intel Atom processor, provide convenience, speed and the ability to integrate and communicate with other popular handheld electronics. The ViewSonic runs Windows 7 and Microsoft applications, and you can run Android on top with fun Android applications. Not sure what “Android” is? Ask your college kids!

Internet-connected TV

Long gone are the days when you could only access the Internet from a desktop over a slow, clunky telephone landline. Today’s college kids want – and need – to stay connected, and Internet access is everywhere. Internet access also takes entertainment experience to a whole new level.

Devices like Boxee Box, allow you to watch shows, films and Internet content on your TV, using an included HDMI cable and your wireless or Ethernet Internet connection. The device allows users to play on their TV virtually any media they can play on their computer, including video, music or photos.

Netbook

For times when a keyboard may be more convenient than a tablet, but you still don’t want to lug a full-size laptop, netbooks offer convenient, reliable Internet access. The hottest thing in operating systems is Google’s Chrome, and the Samsung Series 5 Chromebook, powered by a dual-core Intel Atom processor, is the leading netbook to offer Chrome. The combination of leading-edge processing speeds, the flexibility and convenience of a netbook, along with Chrome’s browsing power, gives users access to more than 10,000 online applications, including popular games and productivity apps.

Another noteworthy netbook is the Asus Eee PC X101, which includes a solid-stat drive (SSD) and a three-cell battery that make it thinner and lighter than other netbooks.

GPS

Whether they live on campus or at home and commute to school, today’s college students rely on global positioning technology to help them navigate through their academic lives. Hand-held GPS devices provide instant access to the most up-to-date maps and real-time traffic updates. A GPS can help a student get around in a new town or even on campus. You can also find GPS technology and apps for many of today’s smartphones too.

Digital camera

College is a time when young people make memories and friendships that last a lifetime. Your college student will want to record those memories and experiences, and a digital camera makes doing so easy and convenient. What’s more, a digital camera can come in handy for various school projects that require visuals and media.

While most phones now have at least a basic camera function, a good digital camera can offer more storage space and versatility than relying on a phone alone.

Technology is a must-have for today’s college students. Sending them off to school with the right mix of high-powered devices can help ensure your children get the most out of their academic experience.

(ARA) – With every new school year comes the opportunity to start fresh, and beginning on a healthy note can help students succeed throughout the year.

Unfortunately, with bus schedules, homework, sports practices and other extracurricular activities to facilitate, parents have less time to focus on their children’s nutrition. For the sake of convenience, many will resort to providing sugary cereals, fatty fast-food and empty-calorie snacks. These options are enabling childhood obesity and related health problems to rise at an alarming rate, and a number of national campaigns, such as Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Campaign, have brought improving children’s nutrition to the forefront of the American health discussion. With a few tips, parents can find quick and easy solutions for healthy meals and snacks that their kids will enjoy throughout the school year.

Easy fruit smoothies
Breakfast is often said to be the most important meal of the day, but the rush to find book bags, get dressed and catch the school bus leaves little time to prepare a fresh homemade breakfast each morning. But you can avoid resorting to sugar-laden toaster pastries, cereals and other pre-packaged items and just as easily give your child a healthy start to the day. A whole fruit smoothie is a sweet way to give your children a boost of nutrients to help them stay focused and energized. Simply toss a combination of ice, fruits and even veggies into a Vitamix machine, and you can create an on-the-go power breakfast in seconds. These mighty blending machines are able to actually pulverize entire whole fruits and vegetables – stems, seeds and all – giving your child the full nutritional value of the produce. Vitamix offers hundreds of tasty, nutrient-dense recipes on its website and cookbooks, so your child is sure to find one he or she loves.

Sandwiches for a week
Although it may seem easier to hand your child lunch money, many children and young teens don’t know how to make the best nutritional choices on their own. For those mornings when even making a simple sandwich seems too time-consuming, a little preparation can make a huge difference. When you do have some extra time, whether on a Sunday evening or after the kids go to bed, make a dozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, wrap them in individual plastic bags, and stick them in the freezer. They’ll remain fresh, and you can toss them right into the lunch boxes. By the time lunch rolls around, the sandwiches will be defrosted and ready to eat. You might even use cookie cutters to create fun but healthy bite-size sandwiches that will thaw by lunchtime.

Salads: not only summer
Some of the staples of summer cookouts can be saving graces for parents during the school year. There are endless combinations of salads that can be refrigerated and easily scooped into small containers for portable lunches or snacks. Cut up a variety of your child’s favorite fruits, sprinkle on some lemon juice to preserve, and refrigerate in a plastic storage container for a quick, healthy lunch side or after-school snack. Pasta salads can also be great options for the busy family – if you make a few healthy adjustments. Use whole grain pasta, plenty of crunchy vegetables and low-fat dressings and herbs for a healthy alternative to traditional high-fat recipes. You can also add lean protein such as tuna, chicken or tofu to make the salad more substantial. Refrigerate in a large plastic container, and you’ve got another quick and convenient solution for lunches and on-the-go snacks.

Happy trails
Kids need fuel to get through the school day, but sugar-packed snacks that are lacking in other nutrients won’t provide the lasting energy they need. To help your child avoid an afternoon crash and also concentrate throughout the day, homemade trail mix is an easy, customizable solution. Traditional mixes usually include cereal, nuts and dried fruit, but you can easily adapt any recipe to best fit your kids’ tastes. For a tropical twist, add dried pineapple, banana and mango. To satisfy a sweet tooth, yogurt-covered raisins are a healthy alternative to chocolate pieces. And for that child who can’t get enough crunch, throw in some granola bites for a protein- and fiber-rich kick. Letting young kids help choose the ingredients and mix up the combination will create extra excitement and show them that healthy choices can taste great.

With a little preparation, you can help your child start off the school year right and maintain a balanced diet despite your hectic schedules. These and other healthy tips will help students – and their parents – have a fun, productive school year.