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(ARA) – Susan Fishelberg grew up on processed food packaged for speed and convenience, so it’s no wonder she quickly developed a weight problem as a child. She spent her adult years trying to shake those pounds, falling time and again for the quick fix and “miracle” cure.

Fishelberg counted points, ate premade, portion-controlled meals and gobbled up 100 calorie snacks that were passed off as “healthy” and “natural,” though she had no idea what exactly was in them.

She kept her calories as low as 1,000 per day. She hit the gym with reckless abandon.

It all worked — for awhile.

When the pounds inevitably began to creep back, she worked out harder.

“I would get up every day and work my butt off, figuring that’s the way you lose weight,” says Fishelberg, of Plainview, N.Y. She attacked the elliptical trainer with a vengeance, pushing her heart rate until she felt nauseous.

Fishelberg finally decided to talk to a personal trainer and nutritionist at Life Time Fitness. Their advice shocked her: She needed to slow down, and eat.

Metabolic testing showed that Fishelberg, who is petite but about 17 pounds over her desired weight, needed to increase her calorie intake and decrease the pace of her exercise. She was starving herself fat on diet food.

Fishelberg is not alone. Almost one-third of U.S. adults are overweight, another third are obese. Americans spent an estimated $46 billion on diet products, much of it wasted on prepackaged food and fads. Forbes Magazine examined menus from the most popular diets and discovered dieters also spent 50 percent more per week on food, but 97 percent gained all the weight back in five years.

Now Fishelberg thinks she’s found the key. Working with her Life Time trainer and nutritionist, Fishelberg underwent an assessment that measures a person’s resting oxygen rate to help them tailor their exercise to fit their body. With help, Fishelberg received a personal program – she won’t call it a diet, it’s a new healthy lifestyle – and in 13 weeks has lost 11 pounds and, more importantly, 5 percent of her body fat.

Fishelberg replaced packaged foods with organic fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and fish. She takes herbal supplements to help with stress. A typical day’s menu might include a protein shake for breakfast, a snack of organic beef jerky and pistachios, a lunch of tuna, avocado, salad and a tortilla, another snack and salmon and broccoli for dinner.

Now on her new program, Fishelberg has learned that “I don’t have to kill myself. My trainer sends me emails telling me what kind of cardio to do every week, and how many minutes I should work in each zone. Sometimes she says, ‘I don’t want to see you in the gym on Monday, and Tuesday I only want you doing yoga.’ I feel happy.”

Stories like Fishelberg’s are common according to Tom Nikkola, director of nutrition and weight management for Life Time Fitness.

“The misconception is that it’s just about counting calories,” says Nikkola. “When people rely on processed foods, such as frozen or packaged meals, as the foundation of their diet, it’s pretty hard to make a conscious decision to improve consumption habits because most of those foods are designed to keep you eating them – and craving more.

“There is also the outdated concept that a healthy diet is a low-fat diet,” he adds. “When people are eating a lot of low-fat foods, their blood sugars are going to be up and down all day, and that’s going to contribute to cravings. Instead, if they would just focus on eating quality foods, they would be a lot more satisfied.”

(ARA) – Obesity rates are dramatically higher than a decade ago. Twelve states now have obesity rates of 30 percent or higher, according to a recent report by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. With obesity a serious health threat, many families are on the lookout for ways to increase their physical activity levels. For families who own a dog, one helpful answer may be as close as their favorite furry friend. Walking and exercising with the family dog is an easy way to get moving, spend quality time together and get to know your neighbors.

“The simple act of taking daily walks with your dog provides great benefits for people, pets and communities,” says Dr. Sandra McCune, research manager for the Human-Animal Interaction Research Program at The Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition and co-editor of the newly released book “The Health Benefits of Dog Walking for People & Pets: Evidence and Case Studies.” “Studies show walking can lower the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, and may help combat obesity in both humans and pets. Walking a dog has also been shown to increase interaction among neighbors, fostering social cohesion. These are real, tangible benefits to having a pet.”

Dogs are effective motivators to get their owners moving, according to a survey conducted on behalf of the Petcare segment at Mars Inc., which includes such well-known pet brands such as Pedigree, Whiskas, Nutro, Royal Canin and Banfield. The survey found that nearly two-thirds of dog owners engage in exercise on a weekly basis because of their dog and that 29 percent of dog owners who engage in regular exercise other than walking do so because of their dog. The survey also found that dogs are the driving force behind two-thirds of the walks their owners take each week.

Walking with your dog is one of the most basic and accessible forms of exercise for you and your pet. It’s a low-cost, low-impact way for people to meet and sustain recommended levels of physical activity – a key driver of health. And it’s not just humans who benefit from getting out and about -  an estimated 54 percent of dogs and cats in the U.S. are also overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Regular walks are an important part of keeping your dog healthy.

To spread the word about the benefits of regularly walking your dog, Mars Petcare’s The Power of Pets program is focusing its 2011 campaign on promoting dog walking as a gateway to increased physical activity. Launched in 2010 in partnership with local YMCAs in cities across the United States, The Power of Pets helps raise awareness about the health benefits of pet ownership. This community-focused initiative explores, celebrates and communicates the relationship between humans and pets, and the impact it can have on fostering healthier people and communities. For additional tips and information visit The Power of Pets at facebook.com/powerofpets.

To help you get moving and take advantage of the all that the season has to offer with your dog, consider these tips:

* While you don’t need a lot of expensive equipment to walk with your dog, make sure you have a comfortable harness and leash, and that your dog is trained to walk by your side.

* Before you set off on a walk or run, check the weather – heat stroke can be dangerous for you and your dog. Check that the pavement is not too hot for your dog’s paws and that you and your dog are well hydrated.

* If you and your pet are ready to bring your workout to the next level, take your dog on a run with hills or vary your speed to help increase your workout.

* Only run with breeds who can handle it. Many breeds are not meant to run for extended periods of time. If you’re looking for other ways to exercise with your dog, play a game like tag or Frisbee.

Before beginning any exercise routine, remember to always check with your doctor and your veterinarian. Then, get up, get out and get you, your family and your dog moving.

(ARA) – A highlight of every school day is lunch. It’s a break in the day, a time to hang out with friends and a time to get some much-needed energy back into the body and brain.

But, some lunches come up short. Poor food choices leave kids lacking in essential nutrients that won’t likely be captured later in the day. That has nutrition experts concerned. “School lunches can account for as much as one-half of the calories a child gets in a day,” says Susan Moores, a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant in St. Paul, Minn. “Lunch is a major meal for kids. It fuels them for the balance of their school day and can help them perform at their best in school and in their after-school activities. It’s well worth it to make that meal great tasting and meaningful.”
 
Here are five nutrition strategies to help your kids know how to put some punch in their lunch when they walk through the cafeteria line:

1. Have every meal contain something good for their bones. Up to 90 percent of a person’s bone density is formed by age 18. Osteoporosis, though considered an older person’s condition, is really a problem that develops when kids are young; part of its risk depends on how well bones are “fed” during those early years. Make sure your child’s lunch contains bone-building foods rich in calcium, potassium, vitamin D and magnesium. Low-fat dairy foods like milk and some cheeses can contain all of the above.

2. Always have protein and a wholesome grain on the tray. Protein is important for the growth of every cell in the body, including muscle and brain cells. Whole grains are an important – and preferred – source of energy for the brain. School lunches can be a good source of both protein and whole grains as many menus are shifting to include foods that are more healthful. For example, Big Daddy’s(r) pizza from Schwan’s Food Service, Inc., the No. 1 pizza provider to schools across the country, offers pizza with a 51 percent whole grain crust and low-fat pepperoni as part of its LiveSmart Schools(tm) portfolio of products. All of the company’s new school products meet the newly proposed USDA School Meal Rules for reduced sodium, less saturated fat and sugar, and increased whole grains.

3. Pick foods with bright colors, crunch and crispness. Fruits and vegetables fill that role. Kids, and adults, eat with their eyes and nose as well as their taste buds. A steady diet of earth tones gets boring. Color, crunch and crispness put pizzazz on the plate and wake up the senses. Apples, oranges and bananas are great, but consider adding peppers, kiwi, berries and sugar snap peas for more interest and fun.

4. Make the drink matter. Every day, 20 percent or more of caloric intake comes from what kids choose to drink. At lunch, choose a drink that makes a difference for the rest of the afternoon, and beyond. Milk is marvelous for its bone benefits. A 100 percent fruit juice works; so does plain water.

5. Make their plate MyPlate. Earlier this summer the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued an easy to understand visual of what a healthy meal looks like. In a snapshot it’s easy to see how a healthy meal should be proportioned. Show your kids the plate, talk about what’s on it and encourage them to make their lunch tray look the same.

School lunches give kids the opportunity to take ownership in their health by learning how to make good choices for their growing bodies. Kids want to be strong, look good and perform well at what they love to do. Smart choices at lunch help them accomplish all this and more.

(ARA) – It’s back-to-school time again, which means new teachers, new classrooms and new routines. As the long summer days are coming to an end, fall schedules start and families get back into the swing of the school year. To help kids make the transition, it’s important to create a healthy balance of school duties and family time, while maintaining the summer energy and fun.

Here are some tips to help your family create and preserve cherished memories during this back-to-school season.

Digitally preserve school memories
School artwork, important documents and first day photos are special reminders of your child’s time spent in school. Keeping physical copies of these items can be cumbersome, with fragile pieces of artwork often ending up damaged or lost.
* Skip storing items in a dusty basement box and create a digital scrapbook the whole family can enjoy.
* Preserve special memories by taking photos of your kids’ artwork and uploading the images to a CD or flash drive with other important documents and photos.
* Create digital scrapbooks or online photo albums, a fun activity that makes these items easily accessible for out-of-town family.
* Involve the whole family to inspire imagination and create lasting memories.

Create musical moments
Master morning chores, homework assignments and after-school errands with the help of family-friendly playlists.
* Create an upbeat playlist to help get kids through the morning routine of brushing teeth, eating breakfast and getting out the door.
* Lullabies and classical music have been known to help people absorb more information and de-stress.
* Use music to support after-school study sessions and keep kids on task.
* Make car time fun by letting your kids pick the playlist.
* Let them include some favorite sing-along tunes to help travel time fly by.

Schedule time for family
It’s easy for family moments to get lost in the shuffle of everyday routines. Just as you would schedule a practice or work meeting, consider scheduling regular family time.
* Choose any type of game (video, board, sports) that is team-oriented to bring the family together.
* Turn daily chores into family fun by hosting a cooking competition or a high-speed room cleaning contest.
* Taking time to be together will improve communication, build a solid support system at home and create more meaningful family time.

Memorex offers a full line of products that help families create and preserve lasting memories. The Memorex Signature Audio Series offers six stylish iPod and iPhone compatible audio products to help families groove together at home or on the go. The Memorex line of video game accessories will reinvent your family game night with Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and PlayStation 3 compatible accessories.

For more information, visit the Memorex Facebook Page at www.Facebook.com/MemorexFans or Memorex.com.

(ARA) – Bad weather, delayed flights, a stomach bug – of all the annoyances that can derail your summer vacation, a lost or stolen wallet has to rank toward the top of the list in terms of inconvenience. But while you’ll recover from that virus and the sun will come out (eventually), losing your wallet and all the personal identifying information in it can have disastrous and long-term consequences.

“Your wallet is like a miniature directory of your identity,” says Jennifer Leuer, senior vice president of Experian Consumer Direct, which owns ProtectMyID. “If you lose it, or it’s stolen while you’re on vacation, the impact on your life can last long after the vacation is over, especially if the personal information in your wallet falls into the hands of identity thieves.”

Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing types of crime in the United States, and most of it occurs in traditional ways, including a lost or stolen wallet. Even if you’re a cautious traveler, sometimes the unthinkable happens and your wallet disappears from your possession. If that happens, responding quickly with a pre-planned checklist of what to do can help minimize your risk of becoming an identity theft victim.

The identity theft prevention experts at ProtectMyID offer this lost wallet checklist.

Before you go:

* Remove from your wallet any cards you don’t need. Only carry the credit card you will use on your trip. Since you’ll be on vacation, you can leave at home your wholesale club membership card or your library card. You won’t need them, but a clever identity thief could use the information on them. Never carry your Social Security card in your wallet.

* Write down in a notebook all the information from the front and back of your credit and debit cards, driver’s license, medical insurance card and other important cards. Keep the list in a secure place at home.

If the worst happens:

* Call credit and debit card issuers, your medical insurance company and your state driver’s license bureau immediately when you realize your wallet has been lost or stolen. Ask for new account or identification numbers and verify that the old numbers are no longer active.

* File a police report with local law enforcement where you’re vacationing. If identity thieves do use your information, having a police report of the lost or stolen wallet will help establish credibility. Get a copy of the report for your personal records. It may come in handy later if you need to challenge fraudulent charges or activity on your accounts.

* Notify the credit bureaus and ask for fraud alerts on your account. This can help prevent thieves from using your information by notifying you when someone tries to open a new account in your name.

In the aftermath

* Monitor your accounts. You may need to keep a watchful eye for several months. Review each account statement carefully, looking for purchases, transactions or services you didn’t authorize or receive. If you suspect fraud, call the number on your statement immediately.

* Consider a protection product like ProtectMyID that can help you detect identity theft, protect against it and resolve the situation if you’re a victim while you’re enrolled. It works by monitoring for more than 50 indicators of fraud daily, performing daily Internet scans for your personal information, and alerting you when key changes occur.

“Travelers should take preventative steps to minimize their exposure in case their wallet is lost or stolen,” Leuer says. “Acting quickly if loss occurs can help reduce the risk of identity theft.”

(ARA) – Americans are done with the “staycation.” In fact, more than 80 percent of consumers surveyed by Orbitz.com, a consumer-travel website, said they plan on taking a vacation this summer. For families that means loading up the car or rolling through the airport to head somewhere fun, educational and family-friendly before the kids head back to school.

Here’s how families can navigate summer’s top destinations with the kiddos in tow:

Chicago
With two major airports, solid public transportation, five pro-sports teams, and a lakefront with ample water activities, families can choose from a wide variety of Chicago vacations. Millennium Park’s famous “Bean” is a must-see on the way to the waterfront and Navy Pier. The Chicago Children’s Museum is close to the pier and has many family activities – from riding the Ferris wheel to catching movies at the IMAX theater. Meanwhile, Mom can slip away to the Magnificent Mile shopping district while Dad and the kids check out the breathtaking views from the top of the John Hancock Building and the skydeck at the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower.  

Washington, D.C.
According to Away.com’s D.C. Family Travel Survival Guide, the District is the perfect place for a big-city family getaway. Divided into four manageable quadrants and home to one of the cleanest subway systems in the country, Washington, D.C., makes it easy to have a fun (and even slightly educational) summer break. Nearly everything is open to tour, from the Capitol building in the heart of the city to the National Cathedral in Glover Park. The Washington Monument offers an elevator ride that can whisk the whole family up over 555 feet where they can view panoramic scenes spanning 30 miles, and the Kennedy Center rooftop terrace offers a bird’s-eye view of Georgetown, Arlington and the east side of the National Mall. Greenscapes such as Rock Creek Park and Alexandria’s Founders Park allow a retreat into nature and are just steps from the city. But perhaps the best thing about a trip to D.C. is that there are plenty of free things to do, thanks in large part to the Smithsonian’s 20 properties, including the National Zoo (which are all free).

New York
To a tourist, New York City can seem overwhelming. But with a map and a little bit of planning, the Big Apple can be conquered without losing sanity or the family. One of the keys to exploring NYC is to take it in bite-size sections (or neighborhoods). Thankfully, New York has one of the best public-transportation systems in the world. It takes more than 3.5 million people to and from the office each day, and subway lines run up and down the East and West sides of the island, across town, and even down to Nathan’s hot dogs in Coney Island. Must-see landmarks include the New York Public Library, Union Station, Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Fifth Avenue, Central Park, Times Square, Ground Zero, Battery Park, Statue of Liberty, and, if timed right, a Yankees game in the team’s new stadium. A trip to NYC also offers nearly every type of food a palette can desire – from corned beef and pastrami sandwiches in Times Square to greasy gyros from street vendors.

(ARA) – Memorial Day might be the unofficial start of summer, but as far as parties go, it’s hard to beat the celebrations that come with the fireworks of July 4. So fire up the grill, ice down some beverages, and look to the night sky in observance of America’s 235th birthday. Need some inspiration? Below are the top five places to see fireworks this year:

Washington, D.C.
A top five fireworks list is not complete without including the nation’s capital. Attracting more than half a million people each year, Washington, D.C., is a beautiful backdrop for the Fourth of July celebrations. The all-day event starts with a parade down Constitution Avenue between Seventh  and 17th streets featuring marching bands, military personnel, and some special VIPs. Festivities start on the National Mall at 10 a.m., and all visitors are required to enter through a security checkpoint. The U.S. Navy Band performs a free concert near the Washington Monument, and the National Symphony Orchestra performs on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building. Starting at dark, fireworks launch from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and can be seen throughout the National Mall area. Check out Away.com’s Top 10 4th of July Fireworks Viewpoints for spectacular views of the display.

Philadelphia
If you want to celebrate America’s independence for more than one day, then head to Philadelphia. The Wawa Welcome America festivities stretch from June 24 through July 4 and include live performances, historical presentations, Taste of Philadelphia featuring foods from the area’s top restaurants, multiple fireworks shows, and other events such as Philly at the Movies, Wawa Hoagie day, photo exhibits, the All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival, and of course, a parade. The grand finale fireworks conclude the 11-day celebration on July 4.  Most activities are free; if that’s not patriotic fun, than what is?

New York City
Online travel company Orbitz named New York City in their Top Ten Summer Destinations for 2011; so head to the Big Apple to see the famous annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show that will go on in style this year over the Hudson River. The digitally synchronized show starts at 9 p.m. and is expected to include more than 40,000 fireworks lasting a full 25 minutes for the millions of spectators. For prime viewing spots check out local restaurants, the Empire State Building or an NY Waterway Cruise. Before the fantastic show, take the orange or yellow subway line out to Coney Island to watch the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest that has been a patriotic tradition since 1916. 

Edgartown/Martha’s Vineyard
During summer, thousands of people flock to Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard, escaping their regular lives and reveling in the beauty of the island. July 4 can be a busy weekend on the island, full of cookouts and fun in the sun, but don’t forget about the annual parade and fireworks.  The parade starts at 5 p.m. heading down Main Street and Pease’s Point Way. After the antique cars and bands pass by, claim your spot near the Memorial Warf to watch the fireworks display that begins at dusk over the Edgartown Harbor. 

San Francisco
The Waterfront Celebration for the Fourth of July can be found on Pier 39 and the Fisherman’s Warf. Starting at noon on Pier 39, live entertainment and other activities for visitors begin. But when the sun goes down, stop your dancing and look up at the magnificent fireworks display over the bay, put on by the city of San Francisco. Another grand way to see the fireworks is on a bay cruise that showcases the evening skyline before stopping to give guests the prime viewing spot. 

Bonus: Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe’s Lights On the Lake is the largest light show in the West. Fireworks are launched off barges near the South Shore and can be seen from anywhere on the lake.

(ARA) – One day each year is set aside to honor dad. But, as you remember the times he got up early to take you to ball practice, taught you to ride your bike or came to your apartment to help you fix the leaky plumbing, maybe dads need more than one day to hear, “thank you.” Maybe, just maybe, there are some special things children can do to celebrate dads throughout the year, creating memories for all that will last a lifetime.

Most dads will tell you, “Don’t buy me anything – I already have everything I need.” But if you’re like most children, you want to find that perfect something that will let him know how much you appreciate all the big – and little – things he’s done for you. So whether it’s the official Father’s Day, his birthday, special anniversary or lazy Sunday, there are many inexpensive ways to let dad know how much you care.

While dad will appreciate any gift-giving gesture, if you really want to put a smile on his face and create a memorable moment, consider starting a new gift tradition this year: beef. And not just any beef – aged-to-perfection, melt-in-his-mouth steak.

Does your dad smile just a little more when he sees a perfectly grilled steak placed in front of him? When considering dining options, is there a steakhouse at the top of his list? Does he spend hours on end talking about grilling the perfect steak? Well, your dad is a meat aficionado – and the gift that will put the biggest smile on his face? Steak.

So, where to start? Here are the top five steaks, according to the Kansas City Steak Company, which has specialized in all things steak since 1932.

1. Filet mignon. The most popular steak, these aged beef wonders provide melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. “This is by far the most popular steak we sell,” says Edward Scavuzzo, president. “Year after year, no matter how many other steaks or meats we offer, the filet mignon comes out as the clear winner. And why not? It’s my favorite, too.”

2. New York strip steak. For a heartier appetite, the second most popular steak is the New York strip. Whether you choose a strip with or without the bone, this steak, sometimes known as the Kansas City strip, is cut from the short loin and is very tender.

3. Ribeye steak. For rich flavor, you can’t go wrong with the third most popular steak – the ribeye. All bone-in and boneless ribeye steaks are carved from succulent prime rib roasts and feature rich marbling. Whether grilled, fried or broiled, it’s a sure winner for dads everywhere.

4. Top sirloin steak. A fourth option is the top sirloin – the most prized of the sirloin steak family. The top sirloin is cut from the center of the sirloin and is lean, firm and flavorful. Top sirloin has a hearty beef flavor and is perfect for grilling.

5. Porterhouse – Two steaks in one rounds out the top five. The rich taste of the meaty sirloin strip and the tender, melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon make the porterhouse a favorite for serious carnivores. If your dad loves all kinds of steaks, the Porterhouse might just be the winner for this year’s Father’s Day gift.

It’s never been easier to order your dad his favorite steak – wherever you are or whatever time of year you want to do something special. Gourmet steaks are available online from retailers like the Kansas City Steak Company. They’ll deliver it right to dad’s door. Just go online, select your dad’s favorite steak and they’ll do all the work – while you get all the credit. There are options for every budget.

And, if you’re feeling lucky, some companies are also feature special offers throughout the year, as well as contests and sweepstakes for holidays. Be sure to check websites for more details, but it’s another way to help you make your dad’s special days a little more special this year.

(ARA) – Allergy season can have your children huddling inside the house with runny noses, itchy eyes and heavy sneezing. It’s a sight no parent wants to see since this is the time of year the weather makes children want to play outside.

“Preventing or reducing allergy symptoms is entirely possible if you avoid your allergy triggers and work with your doctor to treat the symptoms,” says Dr. Tanya Remer Altmann, mother, pediatrician and author.

“No parent wants to keep an active child indoors when the sun is shining and everyone is outside,” Altmann says. “And, no parent wants to see her child feeling miserable. There are plenty of ways to help your children enjoy the summer months and still reduce allergy symptoms like sneezing and itchy, runny noses.”

“Dr. Tanya,” as she is known on the “Today” show and through her blog, provides the following tips to help your children keep allergy symptoms at bay so they’ll be outside in no time.

* During the peak allergy season, enjoy indoor activities, such as museums, libraries or indoor play areas.

* Runny noses can become sore very quickly, so use a lotioned tissue like Puffs Plus with Lotion to help prevent and reduce tenderness. In addition to soothing your children’s noses, teach them to blow their noses correctly. Ask your child to blow as if they were blowing out a candle through their nose with their mouth closed. This visual will help your child to remember to blow gently, which is key.

* Keep your car and home windows closed to help keep airborne pollens away.

* Minimize playtime outside early in the day when pollen counts are highest. Have your children plan indoor activities during the earlier hours, and schedule any outdoor sporting activities later in the day.

* Teach your children to wash their hands and faces after playing outside. Many experts advise teaching children to sing the ABC song, or “Row Your Boat” to help them understand how long they need to keep the soap and water on their hands to get them thoroughly cleaned. You can also have them take a shower – washing their hair – and put on clean clothes after coming in from the outdoors. This is especially important to do before bedtime.

* If your child has been diagnosed with specific allergies, consider placing a High Efficiency Particulate Arrestor (HEPA) air filter in their bedroom to help them sleep more comfortably at night.

With your children’s allergy symptoms prevented or reduced, you and your children can get outside and enjoy the warm temperatures in the great outdoors. For additional helpful advice on allergies and prevention tips, visit www.puffs.com.

(ARA) – For children anticipating the barefoot season, the spring may seem an endless march of rainy days and almost winter-like weeks.

If your children are ready to jump-start spring inside, and are searching for something that sparks their imaginations, starting beautiful flowers or delicious vegetables from seed is a great beginning. The Miracle-Gro Kids Gardening Kits are an easy educational way for your children to tend and nurture plants, watch the seeds germinate, spread roots and grow toward the sun.

This is the perfect opportunity for your children to get their hands dirty. Simply mixing the Miracle-Gro Gro-Mix supplied, water and a seed, covering the pots with the greenhouse lid, and remembering to keep the plants watered will start your children down the gardening path. They will be counting down the days until they can transplant their sprouts into the backyard or a pot on the stoop, porch, balcony or patio.

With spring just around the corner, try some other fun indoor activities with your family:

* What is growing in my greenhouse? While seedlings are busy growing into big, strong plants, take your children on a tour of a local market, flower shop or library to research what they are growing at home. For example, if you plant peppers, head over to the fresh produce department and purchase several different pepper varieties. Have your children taste, feel, and smell each kind to familiarize themselves with the vegetables and learn about the different varieties.

* Have a fun art day. Work with your children to diagram where they will transplant their flowers and vegetables into the backyard on paper with crayons, stickers and other art supplies. If they are a little bit older, ask them to measure the size of your flower bed or vegetable plot, and help them convert the size into a smaller design. Add the vegetables and flowers you would like to grow as well. Find books at the library that discuss the benefits and consequences of planting different types of plants next to one another. Having these diagrams will make it easy for your children to find the perfect place to put their sprouts once the time arrives for transplanting.

* Experiment in the kitchen. Children love to play and experiment with food, so invite them to investigate recipes that will incorporate some of the vegetables and flowers they may be growing. For example, pansies and nasturtiums are tasty and work well as edible decorations on desserts, salads or in fruity drinks. If your children like lasagna, find a recipe that includes those peppers they are growing. You can help them develop a recipe memory book based on their greenhouse gardens, complete with photos of them planting the seeds, journals of the care they gave the plants and the final recipes using the ingredients they grew with their own two hands.

* Rainy day exploration. Go to Miraclegrokidsgardening.com and explore the many projects and activities the gardening experts at Scotts have designed with your kids in mind. Try making one of the great kids’ recipes or print out some of the fun learning activities for a fun way to explore gardening even in the rain.

Getting your hands dirty with your children inside is the best way to start spring just a little bit early this year. Your family will love watching the development of the vegetables and flowers they started inside.