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As the van pulled away, I wanted nothing more than to change my mind. I wanted to pull my kids back to me, bring them home, and keep them with me forever. Instead, I stood there watching them go, watching until the van was out of sight, watching just a few minutes longer as my eyes filled with the tears I had been holding back all morning. I didn’t want them to go as much as I wanted them to go.
Knowing when kids are ready for overnight camp feels concrete, even if there is a bit of a learning curve in the process.
• Do they want to go? Are they excited?
• Are they comfortable sleeping away from home?
• Have you set up things to make them more comfortable?
Knowing when we as parents are ready for our kids to go to overnight camp is rarely even talked about.
While we can do all the research, find the perfect camp, and understand the amazing opportunities overnight camp gives our kids, there are things to consider before watching that van drive away.
1. How do I feel about it? Excited? Nervous? Ready? No matter how you feel, you will probably never be ready. That’s the reality of parenting kids as they grow up. There will always be a pull from somewhere deep inside of you that wants to hold on. Even when you know you need to let go. It isn’t easy for anyone but recognizing it helps.
2 . Do I feel safe? The safety of your kids is always one of your top priorities. Sending them to overnight camp, for one night, one week, or a whole summer, is a big decision. Take time to learn about the camp. Find out about the people working with the kids. Questions about requirements for lifeguards and background checks are completely appropriate and reputable camps will not be offended by any of these. Understanding the camp, how it works, and the people responsible during that time will help you decide how comfortable you are entrusting them with your child.
3 . Am I excited about the opportunities they will have? If you are going to balance the struggle of letting them go, it is key to know why you are sending them in the first place. Will they be able to have tons of outdoor time to play? Will your science lover get to do experiments every day? Will your artist have a full week of creating? Knowing the benefits of the camp and how it will help your child grow, develop friendships, learn, and foster independence will help when you are missing them.
4. What is the emergency plan? Part of protecting our kids means being aware of dangers. The idea of not being there if something goes wrong can be hard and can even hold parents back from sending kids to camp. From an injury to simple homesickness, think about how you would handle a situation if it arises. While it isn’t comfortable, understanding the camp protocols as well as how you would be available and get to your child is a helpful way to feel ready.
5. How will I know what’s happening? Camps are full of ways to connect. While most don’t allow phone communication, many have fun ways to stay connected. Camps today have opportunities to send emails, text, or even see daily pictures of your child at camp. Know the ways you can stay aware of your child’s experience. It will help you feel connected each day.
If you are uncertain about these things, take some time to think about them. Explore different camp options like how far it is from your home and how many days they will go. If you are struggling, start closer to home or shorter time frame. If you are feeling more confident explore longer options or out-of-state possibilities. Sending kids with a sibling or friend is a great way to have some peace of mind, and talking to families that have sent their kids to the camp you are considering will help you find out more than what they show on the website. See what makes you feel more comfortable, and go from there.
While it is important to decide if your child is ready to go to camp, it is equally important to make sure you are comfortable sending them. Taking time to think about these questions will help you decide if you are ready to send your child to overnight camp.
Rebecca is a former teacher and mom of three who is passionate about authenticity, faith, and family. Her books are available on Amazon and she has been featured on sites such as The Washington Post and Parents. In real life, she can often be found typing words, driving her kids places, or wherever there is chocolate.
By Sandra Gordon
When I was pregnant with my first child, I thought it was a given my baby would have curly, strawberry-blond hair. Based on my faint recollection of high school science classes, I figured that’s what you’d get by mixing my husband’s curly red hair with my straight blond locks. So when my daughter arrived with a shock of dark-brown hair, I was truly amazed and perplexed. How did that happen?
You may be just as surprised by what your baby looks like at birth. The so-called classic model of genetics—that curly hair is dominant over straight, for example, doesn’t hold up anymore. “Genes are much more complicated than we ever imagined,” says Vivian Weinblatt, a certified genetic counselor and former president of the National Society of Genetic Counselors. Researchers now know that there isn’t just one dominant or
recessive gene for hair color, eye color, and the like, but a large group of them. The genes that ultimately get expressed overpower or outnumber the others.
It’s still fun to guess who your baby will take after as you wait for her arrival, but it helps to have some general rules in mind. Here, experts spill their secrets about the science of good looks.
Your baby’s gender is set when sperm and egg connect at conception. A woman’s egg carries one X gender chromosome, and the father’s sperm carries either an X or a Y chromosome. If an X-carrying sperm fertilizes the egg, the baby will be a girl; if a Y-carrying sperm fertilizes the egg, it will be a boy. In other words, girls have two X-gender chromosomes and boys have an X and a Y.
At conception, the cards are also dealt for your baby’s build and appearance, says Jill Fonda Allen, a board-certified genetic counselor with the maternal fetal medicine program at GW Medical Faculty Associates in Washington, DC. That’s because your baby also inherits 22 other pairs of chromosomes (one set from each parent for a total of 46), which largely determine growth and development, as well as everything from eye and hair color to skin tone, eye lash length and nose shape.
What color will your baby’s hair be? Here’s a general rule: “Two blond-haired parents are likely to have a blond-haired baby, especially if there are many people with light hair in their families,” says Joann Boughman, Ph.D., executive vice president of the American Society of Human Genetics. The same holds true for two brown-, black-, or red-hair parents with family members with similar hair color. But if Mom and Dad come from different ethnic backgrounds—say, Mom’s distant relatives came from Sweden, Dad’s from Italy--all bets are off.
Scientists used to believe that if one parent had brown or black hair and the other had red or blond hair, their baby would have dark hair because brown or black was dominant. Now we know that these parents could have a blond or a red-haired child, depending on how powerful and plentiful those lighter-haired genes are, Weinblatt says. She adds that in some cases, there may be a co-dominance, in which red and blond genes are equally strong or numerous.
Will your delightfully chubby baby grow up to be a chubby adult? It’s less likely if he develops good diet and exercise habits. Researchers estimate that weight is only 40 percent determined by genetics. It’s the environment and human behavior that determine the rest. “You definitely have an edge over your genes,” says Jana Klauer, M.D., author of The Park Avenue Nutritionist’s Plan.
So even if there’s a legacy of overweight people in your family, or if you have personally battled weight problems your whole life, your child isn’t necessarily destined to follow suit. But it’s all the more reason to help your child establish healthy diet and exercise habits by setting a good example early on.
Many newborns, especially those not of Asian or African American descent, are born with light-blue or gray eyes. But they won’t necessarily keep them. Throughout a large part of your baby’s first year, as pigment-containing cells concentrate
and distribute themselves in the iris, his eyes will continue to develop. Final eye color isn’t set until about six to 10 months. Two brown-eyed parents could have a child with vivid blue eyes, and vice versa. It all depends on the cocktail of genes for eye color your child receives from you and your partner. “There’s just no way to predict exactly how that mixing is going to occur,” says Weinblatt.
The likelihood your baby will have freckles, dimples or a cleft chin depends on whether these traits are dominant in your family and also depends on the gender of your baby. Cleft chins, for example, are more common in boys than girls. And some traits, like your baby’s adorable dimples, may become less marked with age or disappear completely.
“Genes are much more complicated than we ever imagined.”
Why do children tend to look so much like their brothers and sisters? Approximately half of a baby’s genes are exact copies of a siblings’ genes, says certified genetic counselor, Virginia Corson. “But you can still have a child who doesn’t look like anybody else in your family,” says Bruce Lahn, Ph.D., professor of human genetics at the University of Chicago. In that case, your baby may share less than 50 percent of his genes with his siblings. How? During conception, genes can mutate (change slightly) or combine in a novel way, dramatically affecting your child’s appearance, Dr. Lahn says.
Will your baby grow up to be taller like your partner, or shorter like you, your mother and your grandmother? Or will she wind up somewhere in the middle? “Tall parents tend to have taller children and short parents tend to have shorter children,” Dr. Boughman says. Still, two short parents could have a tall child, and vice versa. And a tall and short parent could have a short, tall or medium-height child. Environment can also influence height. A poor diet, for example, can keep tallness genes from fully expressing themselves.
To predict whether your son will be bald one day, look to Mom’s father. There’s an increased chance of baldness if a baby’s maternal grandfather is bald. Why? Male-pattern baldness is inherited on the X chromosome, which is passed from fathers to daughters to sons, and so forth. In other words, if Mom’s father is bald, he passed an X chromosome with the baldness gene to her. She then passes the baldness gene to her sons through the X chromosome she contributes at conception.
In the end, the one thing you can bet on when it comes to genes is that your child will resemble you or your partner in plenty of ways—but he’ll also have a look that’s all his own.
Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono gives you comprehensive, expert care right here in the Poconos, with services not available elsewhere in Monroe County, including:
On-site, advanced heart care for the most serious heart emergencies
The only place to have a baby, including midwifes and NICU
Accredited stroke center
Highest-rated trauma center
Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center, part of Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute, offers the benefits of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance
The only health care partner your family needs and deserves.
Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono gives you comprehensive, expert care right here in the Poconos, with services not available elsewhere in Monroe County, including:
On-site, advanced heart care for the most serious heart emergencies
The only place to have a baby, including midwifes and NICU
Accredited stroke center
Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono teamwork and commitment to excellence helps Chester County man
Highest-rated trauma center
Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center, part of Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute, offers the benefits of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance
Think “Poconos” and envision mountain scenery, resorts, golf courses and more.
The only health care partner your family needs and deserves.
LVHN.org/pocono 570-421-4000
Think “world-class heart care” in the same region and think Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono. Tony Cadwalader of Unionville, Chester County, Pa. can vouch for that.
On Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022, Cadwalader started the day playing in a mixed doubles tennis tournament in the private Tobyhanna Township community where he and his wife, Jennifer, have a second home. A 58-year-old hunting guide who works in south Texas over the fall and winter months, Cadwalader is physically active.
The team at LVH–Pocono knew Cadwalader was coming and what had happened to him and made sure their STEMI team was there to greet him. STEMI is an acronym for ST-elevation myocardial infarction, which in layman’s terms means a severe heart attack. STEMI team members are on call during overnight hours and on weekends.
The teamwork was not lost on Cadwalader. “There was a real kind of esprit de corps among all of them,” he says. “They’re really performing at the top of their game.”
Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono gives you comprehensive, expert care right here in the Poconos, with services not available elsewhere in Monroe County, including:
On-site, advanced heart care for the most serious heart emergencies
The only place to have a baby, including midwifes and NICU
Cadwalader, who also works as a freelance writer, was in the intensive care unit for two days, then discharged. He continues his recuperation at home in Chester County, grateful for the intervention of Good Samaritans and the expert heart care at LVH–Pocono.
Accredited stroke center
Anil Gupta, MD, chief of cardiology at LVH–Pocono, was already working at the hospital when they got word Cadwalader was on his way. After an EKG confirmed his heart attack, Cadwalader was quickly taken to the heart catheterization lab, where Gupta found one of Cadwalader’s coronary arteries was fully blocked. He was able to clear the blockage and install a stent to keep the artery open.
Highest-rated trauma center
Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center, part of Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute, offers the benefits of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance
The only health care partner your family needs and deserves.
Cadwalader says as a cancer survivor he already didn’t take much for granted but noted his heart attack was another reminder to enjoy what every day brings. “I know what almost happened,” he says. “There are times when I reflect on it and it’s very emotional. The sun’s a little brighter, the birds are more chipper, and colors are a little more brilliant.”
Cadwalader says the caregivers at LVH–Pocono were “spectacular” and put him at ease. “They were so gracious,
For more information, visit LVHN.org/Pocono.
Are you searching for gift ideas for a friend, co-worker or loved one who loves fishing and being in the outdoors? If so, here are 10 incredible gift ideas that are sure to bring a smile to their face:
Cold-Weather Gear - Some anglers love fishing all year long - even when it's cold outside. Get them jackets, bibs and gloves designed specifically for ice fishing anglers who want to brave the cold. StrikeMaster is one of the most well-known and trusted names for ice fishing augers and ice fishing gear.
Fillet Knives - Sometimes you want to keep and cook the fish you've caught. As fun as that sounds, it's the filleting the fish part that few truly enjoy. But no more. High-quality electric fillet knives make filleting fish a breeze, and they also can be used to carve up turkey, chicken, beef and pork, too!
Fishing Lures - For the angler who has practically every fishing lure ever made, there's only one lure that you can't have too many of - a Rapala lure. This legendary lure is made with balsa wood and accounts for more world record fish than any other fishing lure ever made. The X-Rap is considered one of the best multispecies fishing lures ever made. It catches everything.
Hoodies with UV Protection - When the temperatures start to rise, the best way to stay cool and comfortable on and off the water is with a high-performance hooded long-sleeve shirt. It offers style combined with function, a trendforward design, UPF 50+ UV sun protection, and moisture-wicking performance.
Rain Gear - When the rain is falling, the wind picks up and water gets choppy, there's nothing more miserable than getting wet while fishing. If you really care about your favorite angler, get them a high-quality rain suit (jacket and bibs) designed by professional anglers and guides.
Fishing Line - Looking for a perfect idea? Drop a spool of really high-quality fishing line in with the treats and the obligatory orange. Sufix makes fishing lines for nearly every type of fishing situation - freshwater, saltwater and hardwater (ice fishing). If you want to really surprise your favorite angler, give them Sufix 832 Advanced Superline, a fishing line often used by many of the top fishing pros in the U.S.
"If you really care about your favorite angler, get them a high-quality rain suit (jacket and bibs) designed by professional anglers and guides."
Weigh Scales - Believe it or not, some anglers really do want to know exactly how much their catch weighs. A weigh scale with Touch Screen capabilities is easy to use and can help an angler track their catches all day long.
Essential Outdoor Tools - Some fish have really sharp teeth and need to be carefully handled. Keep your favorite angler safe with high-quality tools designed specifically to help anglers remove hooks, tie knots, cut line, store hooks and lures, and much, much more. Fishing gloves are essential in protecting hands while removing fish, too.
Giant Fishing Lure - For those who eat, sleep and breathe fishing, consider a giant replica fishing lure. It's the perfect decoration for a home office, fishing cabin or a man cave.
Looking for some more fun ideas? Consider giving your favorite angler a new fishing lure key chain, a deck of cards and cribbage board, a traveling coffee mug, a fishing lure-inspired bottle opener, a fishing line remover or even a fish counter, all of which can easily fit in a stocking. Many of these items cost $25 or less.
Courtesy of Brand Point
10 SURPRISING THINGS I LEARNED AFTER SENDING MY CHILD TO CAMP
By Rebecca Hastings
I knew certain things about sending my kids to camp. I knew they would spend a lot of time outside and they would try new things. I was thrilled they would meet new people and learn more about something they love. They would swim and laugh and stay up way too late. These are the things I knew.
But after they got home, I realized there were other things, things I couldn’t have imagined would be true. Despite having gone to camp as a kid, I somehow forgot or didn’t look at it through the same lens. And now, as a mom, I couldn’t hide my surprise at some of what I discovered when they got back. Beyond the fun and the lousy food. After the bonfire stories and the silly games they played, these are the things I didn’t see coming. And I’m starting with the hardest one.
1. They struggled, but it’s worth it. I know this isn’t what we want for them, but it’s actually a good thing. Think about a time you had to work really hard for something. A time you failed and tried again. What happened? You learned. You persevered. You became stronger. So, yes, at camp there was struggle. Maybe they didn’t get the top bunk as they wanted or they weren’t able to stand up on the water skis. Maybe they missed home. A lot. But they made a friend that helped them feel less lonely. Whatever the struggle, it was an opportunity for growth they would not have had at home. And that makes the struggle worth it.
2. Speaking of growing, they grew. They left looking like your baby, and somehow they come home looking more grown-up. It doesn’t matter if they were gone the whole summer or two days. Independence makes them grow. (Side note: they will still be your baby.)
3. That last hug and first hug are the best you have had in a long time, especially if you have tweens or teens. The hug right before they leave might feel harder than you imagined, so you hug tight. And when they get back, the simple act of having your arms around them again, well, that’s just magic. Except…
4. They stink. It doesn’t matter if they went to day camp or three weeks in a cabin. Hygiene is different at camp. Let’s be real: it’s non-existent. But they survived and you can send them right to the shower when they get home.
5. The laundry will surprise you. Somehow all the clothes will smell like damp gym shoes left in a garbage can for a week. This is odd considering the reality that they wore the same clothes most of the time and didn’t bother to change. General rule: if it went to camp it gets washed. Clothes, sleeping bags, people. It all gets washed.
6. They need sleep. You’re going to want to hear all about it. And they will be excited to tell you. For exactly fifteen minutes. And then they will fall into a deep sleep, perhaps even sleeping through dinner straight until the next day. There is nothing wrong, they are simply exhausted from their adventures. It’s okay though because you’ll go in and check on them like you did when they were little, brushing back their hair and kissing their forehead.
7. They have friends you don’t know. They met people. They made new friendships. They’ll talk about these people as if you know them. Just play along. It’s easier on everyone.
8. Camp store money was the best. And yes, they spent it all on candy. They’ll be fine.
9. Your letters/emails/texts meant more to you than they did to them. And it’s okay. If they don’t remember what you wrote or barely toss a thank you nod your way, they served their purpose: they reminded them you are always there for them and they let you feel more connected. Win-win.
10. Even if it was “THE BEST WEEK EVER” they are glad to be home. They spent the whole week being go-go-go. Now, they are back to where they are safe and loved and can relax. And that feels pretty great for both of you.
" I was thrilled they would meet new people and learn more about something they love. They would swim and laugh and stay up way too late. These are the things I knew."
"Pet parents should work with their veterinarian to choose the right food to support their pet's weight loss journey."
Pet parents often show love for their pets with food. However, that extra "love" can lead to weight gain, which can increase the risk of developing other medical conditions.
More than 50% of pets are overweight, but 90% of pet parents with an overweight pet don't realize it, according to research from Hill's Pet Nutrition, a global leader in science-led nutrition.
To help transform the lives of pets, Drs. Vernard Hodges and Terrence Ferguson, stars of Nat Geo Wild's "Critter Fixers: Country Vets," are encouraging pet parents to take a proactive approach to maintaining their pet's weight.
"As veterinarians, we want every pet to live a long and healthy life," Hodges said. "That's why pet parents should actively
monitor their pet's weight and address it in real time with the guidance of their veterinarian. We are proud to be a part of Hill's 'End Pet Obesity' campaign to help pet parents learn about the impact of even a few extra pounds and equip them with the tools and resources they need to help their pets achieve and maintain a healthy weight."
Consider these simple steps to get started:
• Take the L.O.V.E. Test
To help assess a pet's weight, use the L.O.V.E. Test, which includes four simple actions:
- Locate the pet's ribs
- Observe from above
- View from the side
- Evaluate feeding behavior
"Sometimes, under all their beautiful fur, it's hard to realize our pets have gained weight, and even just a few extra pounds can have an impact on their energy and overall wellness," Ferguson said. "Taking the L.O.V.E test is an easy way to evaluate a pet's body condition to determine if it's time to take action."
Pet parents who have concerns about their pet's weight should seek their veterinarian's guidance. Conversation starters include:
Is my pet at an ideal weight?
How can I help my pet reach an ideal weight?
How can food help manage my pet's weight?
"Obesity is one of the greatest health risks for pets, and what a pet eats is one of the most important decisions a pet parent can make," Ferguson said. "Whether your pet is a new addition to the family or has just eaten a little too much, now is a great time for pet parents to reset nutritional habits and make sure their pet is at a healthy weight - starting with the food they feed."
Pet parents should work with their veterinarian to choose the right food to support their pet's weight loss journey. Weight management products can help pets achieve an ideal weight, including Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight, which has shown to lead to weight loss within 10 weeks in 70% of pets fed this nutritional food. For obese pets, veterinarians may recommend a therapeutic food.
"We have been studying the impact of nutrition on how pets' bodies function for over a decade," said Dr. Karen Shenoy, chief veterinary officer of Hill's Pet Nutrition U.S. "We learned lean pets have a different biology than overweight pets. This guided our development of formulas that both help support a pet's metabolism for a healthy body weight and taste great. With the guidance of a veterinarian, it can be as simple as feeding the right kind of 'love' to lose the weight."
To learn more and access free tools and resources for pet weight management, visit endpetobesity.com.
Buying a home is often a highly emotional experience. It begins with the exciting prospect of finding your perfect home and the exhilarating idea of new beginnings. But as the hunt progresses, it can become an emotional roller coaster. After viewing many homes, you might fear you'll never find the right home. You may experience anxiety over whether you'll find a home within your budget – or because you've fallen in love with a home that's outside your budget. When you find the perfect house, you'll be dealing with frustration if another buyer beats you to the punch. When you do make an offer, you may be worried you offered too little or too much. You'll also experience disappointment if your offer is rejected.
But once you've closed on your home and you're confident you made the right decision, you'll rejoice – and bask knowing it was worth every bit of the turbulent ride.
Still, there's no greater stress than making the mistake of buying a home that, for any number of reasons, you come to regret. So follow these recommendations to get you started on the right foot and help you stay on course in finding your perfect (or near-perfect) home.
The first thing to do is to make a list of your objectives. Are you trying to reduce your work commute? Is there a particular school district you'd like your kids to attend? What about proximity to shopping or recreation?
Also, think about the specific features you want in a home. Would you like a larger garage, finished basement, fenced yard, low maintenance lawn, a certain number of bedrooms
and bathrooms, a walk-in shower, an updated kitchen, ample closet space, or a home that's turn-key ready? Make your list as detailed as possible.
Now, go through the list again. Next to each item, mark if it's a must-have, prefer-to-have, or nice but not necessary.
The reason for creating this list and then breaking it down is two-fold. First, buying a home is a significant investment. The home you ultimately choose is going to affect your lifestyle. Since there's seldom a home with every feature a buyer wants, you should prioritize what's most important to you.
As you begin your search, you can always add to your list or amend it. But it serves as a blueprint to narrow your search and help keep you on track.
When you find a home that wows you, look at your criteria to make sure the house has all or most of your must-haves. If it doesn't, maybe you'll decide your criteria have changed, and this home is just what you want. On the other hand, it might also bring you back down to earth and encourage you to continue searching for a home that better suits your needs.
Determining this is a two-step process.
First, prepare a budget and figure out how much you can comfortably spend each month on mortgage and interest payments, property taxes, and homeowner's insurance. Also, consider whether there'll be a substantial difference in your monthly utilities. Include an allowance for home repairs and maintenance as well.
Second, you need to get pre-qualified through your bank or a mortgage company. Despite what you think you can afford, a lender will ultimately determine the maximum you can afford. So don't risk getting your hopes up on a particular home until you know how much a lender will loan you.
Another reason to get pre-qualified is that most realtors won't show homes to prospective buyers until they've been prequalified.
Now you're ready to find a realtor. Working with a real estate agent has multiple advantages. First, realtors have access to the MLS system, the database in which all homes listed by real estate agencies appear. They're only able to access the MLS for listings within their own MLS region, however. If you're moving to a new area, choose a realtor in the area where you'll be relocating.
Another important reason to work with an agent is so you'll have someone to represent you and advance your interests. It's
true if you find a home and want to put in an offer, in many states, you can ask the listing agent to write up and submit your offer. In states that allow this arrangement, the agent becomes a dual agent. A dual agent is required to treat both parties with fairness and honesty. But in this capacity, the agent cannot be loyal to you or advance your interests. That's because the agent is also working for the seller.
When choosing a realtor, a couple of factors to consider are customer reviews and whether the real estate agent is willing to sign an Exclusive Buyer's Agency Contract. We just talked about dual agency above. Under an exclusive buyer's agency contract, the realtor represents you, the buyer, rather than both buyer and seller.
When you meet with an agent, make sure the agent feels like a good fit for you. The agent should ask plenty of questions to gain a solid understanding of what you're looking for in a home. Also, find out if the agent is available to show homes during your usual hours of availability. Finally, be cautious of high-pressure tactics to get you to sign an exclusive contract. Ultimately, you'll want to do this when you find the right agent. But if you're not comfortable with the agent, be prepared to say you need time to think about it and stand your ground.
Once you've made an offer, getting a home inspection is a crucial step. This will help ensure you're making a sound buying decision. Unfortunately, too many homebuyers learn the hard way that inspectors are not required to be licensed or have any special skills or training in many states.
You can ask your agent for a recommendation. But unless you're confident your agent is someone you can trust, this may not be the best option. Unfortunately, a few agents favor less thorough inspectors to avoid the risk of too many uncovered issues during an inspection, which could cause a sale to fall through.
So do your homework before hiring an inspector. Ask about their qualifications and how long they've been in business. Also, check with the Better Business Bureau and online reviews.
A knowledgeable, skilled inspector will look at every aspect of the home, including windows, foundation, attic, roof, plumbing, electrical components, and much more. Your inspector should
"Since there's seldom a home with every feature a buyer wants, you should prioritize what's most important to you."
alert you to all defects, big and small. He should also note any aging features that could require repair or replacement in the not so distant future.
Regardless of what the bank says you can afford or if an agent pushes you to go higher, you're the best judge of what's really within your budget. Don't make a decision you're not confident you can afford. Remember, your financial well-being and lifestyle are on the line.
Don't get impatient. Sometimes it takes a while to find just the right home. Although you may never find a home with everything you've ever dreamed of, make sure it meets enough of the right criteria so you can live happily in your home for some time to come.
When you do find the perfect home, don't drag your feet. If it's a buyer's market in particular, or merely a desirable home, it might get snatched up before you act.
If you see flaws that'll require costly repair, weigh it out carefully before making your offer.
Finally, once you make an offer, try not to get your heart too set on the home until it's been inspected. That way, if the report comes back reflecting costly repairs, you'll be able to make a wise decision on whether to proceed or back out.
Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer. She also owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in outof-print, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera and more at sagerarebooks.com
It’s not just a day of shopping here in the Pocono Mountains—it’s an experience. Wander our historic streets. Explore our art galleries. Find unique local goods. And stop for a bite at one of our top-rated neighborhood restaurants along the way. Discover all of our shopping and sights now at PoconoMountains.com.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
So, you took the leap and signed up for a weight loss program. But once you got started, it was a whole different story. While you may feel like you’re doing everything to a T, the scale is stuck and you can’t figure out why. Plateaus are a normal part of any weight loss journey, but there are many reasons for them. Check out these six reasons why the scale may be stuck:
Weight loss is dependent on “calories in” being lower than “calories out.” Eating too much for your current activity level and weight could be a reason why the scale is stuck. “Meal delivery programs can help eliminate any guesswork,” says nutrition expert Chris Mohr, PhD, RD. “Plans like Nutrisystem are perfectly portioned to provide the right balance of nutrients at every meal. The program boasts SmartAdapt science, which provides personalized plans that adapt to your unique metabolism and weight loss goals and help minimize plateaus.”
Overeating, skipping meals and portion control can all be eased if you get more diligent with food tracking.
Take it from the experts: According to research published in the journal “Obesity,” self-monitoring your diet is the number one predictor of weight loss success, and it takes less than 15 minutes each day.
Try tracking your diet at least 80% of the time or at least five to six days of the week. Be sure to include all eating occasions (even nibbling), portion sizes and ingredients. This way, when the scale is stuck, you can evaluate where you may be overdoing it. The NuMi app by Nutrisystem is a useful tool to keep your meal plan organized.
Try maximizing protein and fiber in your diet. “Protein helps preserve lean muscle mass while losing weight to help maintain metabolic rate. Also, protein and fiber keep you feeling full longer. What’s more, protein is more thermogenic than carbohydrates and fats -- meaning you’ll burn more calories digesting and absorbing high-protein foods. Fiber isn’t fully digested, so the calorie contribution from fiber is less than other carb sources,” adds Mohr.
If you’ve been hitting the gym and putting on muscle, you might also experience a stall on the scale. Find other measures of success in the meantime. For example, your jeans may be fitting better or you may have more energy. These non-scale victories are just as valuable as a number on the scale.
Lack of sleep can disrupt weight loss. The National Sleep Foundation recommends sticking to a regular sleep schedule. Limit caffeine and screen-time in the hours before bed. The light emitted by screens on electronic devices reduce your body’s production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates your sleep and wake cycle, according to Harvard Health. You can also try a before bed exercise routine.
Did you know that chronic stress can halt weight loss? Address your stress with self-care. Try meditation, daily exercise and breathing techniques. You should also seek out a support system and engage in your community. Feeling overly stressed? Be sure to speak with your doctor.
A recent illness or injury can cause increased inflammation that results in water retention. Additionally, injury or illness can decrease daily activity and overall calories burned. Some medications may also stall weight loss. Keep in mind that your overall health should always take precedence over the number on the scale. Consult your doctor. It may mean modifying your weight loss program temporarily. This setback is not the end of your journey though. Once you’ve recovered, you should be able to start where you left off, pending your doctor’s approval.
“Ultimately, your goals should be realistic. Don’t expect the pounds to fall off instantly. Have patience and give yourself some grace. If you’re doing the work, that’s all that matters,” says Mohr.
"Plateaus are a normal part of any weight loss journey, but there are many reasons for them."
"Maintaining a garden takes some effort, but it's a project even a beginner can tackle with ease."
Growing your own produce is an all-around smart practice, from the money you'll save at the grocery store to the contributions you can make toward a cleaner planet.
Maintaining a garden takes some effort, but it's a project even a beginner can tackle with ease. Consider these tips to start growing your at-home garden:
Select a perfect spot. You'll want to place your garden in an area where you see it often so you're reminded to weed and care for it regularly. Find a flat area you can access easily, where erosion and other pitfalls (including hungry wildlife) won't be a problem.
Choose between ground and containers. There are pros and cons to gardening in containers vs. the ground, and there's no universal right choice. Rather, the best garden depends on your goals and preferences. A ground garden usually offers more space and may provide a better growth environment for roots. However, a container garden is often easier to maintain and may be all you need if you wish to grow just a few plants.
Understand the importance of quality soil. You may think any dirt will do, but keep in mind the soil you plant in will be the primary source of nutrients for your produce. Not only that, but quality soil provides stability so plants can root firmly and grow healthy and sturdy to support their bounty. Quality soil also allows for ample drainage. Organic matter like compost, leaf mold or aged manure all help improve soil quality.
Keep water close. Lugging water can quickly eliminate the pleasure of tending your garden, so be sure you're situated near a hose. You'll know it's time to water when the soil is dry about an inch below the surface. Courtesy
Plan for plenty of sun. A bright, sunny spot is a must, since most vegetables, herbs and fruits depend on six or more hours of sun every day. Remember the sun's path changes throughout the year, and as trees and foliage grow, they may produce more shade with each growing season.
Consider what you'll grow. Starting with veggies you know you like is a smart starting point since you'll be pouring sweat equity into making them grow. Over time, you might add new varieties, but early on, keep your focus on foods you know you like so you can see a meaningful return and avoid waste. You'll also need to consider what you can grow to maturity within your area's growing season. If necessary, you might want to start transplants you can nurture indoors before moving them outside when the temperatures allow.
Plant according to a calendar. Knowing how long it takes different foods to mature will help you create a planting calendar. You don't want to harvest everything at once, and if you stagger planting and replant what you can, you'll have a garden that produces food for your family for a longer period of time.
Find more helpful tips for managing your home and garden at eLivingtoday.com.
Do the cold winter months have you dreaming of flowers blooming and digging in warm soil? Get ready for spring with National Garden Bureau's (NGB) newest Green Thumb Award Winners for your garden. NGB, the 102-year-old nonprofit organization that promotes and inspires gardeners, recognizes the most innovative plants and helpful gardening products to assist and encourage gardeners everywhere.
Here are this year's Green Thumb Award winners in six different categories:
Rose Eau De Parfum™ Bubbly: This rose delivers big fragrant blooms with a high petal count, offering the classic rose look with disease resistance provided by modern breeding. Bubbly features champagne-colored blooms that form lovely buds which slowly unfurl to their full glory. Their lush foliage makes these excellent shrubs to grace any garden with blooms from early spring until the first frost. This rose is hardy to USDA Zone 5 and grows 3-4 feet tall.
Astilbe Dark Side of the Moon: A new instant classic for any landscape, Dark Side of the Moon is the only dark-leafed astilbe with purple flowers available for your garden. Its rich, deep chocolate burgundy leaves form an incredibly attractive 18- to 24-inch mound of foliage. Emerging leaves are yellow, with a
dark margin and glossy sheen that becomes completely dark as they age. Dark stems hold raspberry buds that burst forth with rosy, purple flowers. The pollinator-friendly astilbe can be grown in beds or containers, and is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9.
Elephant Ear (Colocasia esculenta) Royal Hawaiian® Waikiki: Veteran plant pros and new gardeners alike are talking about the exciting new colors on this colocasia. Royal Hawaiian® Waikiki offers glossy green foliage with flamboyant white and flamingo pink veining, and is bred to be happy in full sun. Disease resistant and compact, its clumping habit - 3 feet tall and wide - is ideal for patio containers, poolside plantings and color-packed garden beds. Waikiki is also a 2023 All-America Selections National Winner, making it a dual award winner!
Starflower Paper Moon: The novelty of this annual is what makes it a 2023 Green Thumb Award winner. Small, pale blue blossoms on wiry stems transform into highly decorative, bronze-colored geometric and globe-shaped seed heads. These plants are grown primarily for their papery seed pods, which are useful for both fresh and dried bouquets. These plants grow 2-3 feet tall and attract many beneficial insects.
Tomato Sun Dipper: Sun Dipper's unique elongated fruit can easily be held between your fingers for easy use with dips and sauces. No more accidental finger-dips in the ranch sauce! Its orange fleshed fruit looks great on a vegetable platter and tastes even better. They grow well in a sunny area with the support of a trellis or cage, and have great resistance to in-ground diseases, so you'll harvest trusses of 2-3" long Sun Dipper tomatoes until the first frost.
Tradescantia Pistachio White: A breeding breakthrough allows this all-new Tradescantia to maintain heavy white variegation while still supporting vigorous growth. An excellent selection for small pots as well as hanging baskets, Pistachio White also makes an eye-popping item for combination plantings. You can bring them indoors for fantastic performance as a houseplant in winter months, and it grows to only 12" tall, but can get up to 18-24" wide. For warmer climates, this plant is hardy to Zone 8a when left outdoors.
TruDrop Flex: This self-watering planter from Crescent Garden provides phenomenal results, helping make successful gardening accessible to everyone. The innovative insert has a 10-year warranty and can be easily removed so you can change the design, change out plants and/or easily maintain your plants. The outer shell serves as a great water reservoir that allows it to go weeks without watering, delivering phenomenal results by watering through the roots, while at the same time saving water and fertilizer usage for a truly sustainable container garden. TruDrop Flex can be used indoors or out.
Dibby XL Dual-Purpose Gardening Tool: No more sowing seeds with pencils, sticks, spoons or chopsticks! The Dibby XL from Spoken Garden helps all gardeners, of any skill level, consistently plant vegetable and flower seeds at the correct depth for germination. This means more plants with less time and less effort. It also makes thinning and transplanting seedlings easier. While other tools are hard to maneuver around tender seedlings, this new tool helps easily transplant and thin seedlings, giving them more room to develop. Made in the USA.
Excited to explore some of these award-winners? Ask about all of these plants and products at your favorite garden retailer or on the NGB website.
"Vacations are a great time to create new memories, but they are quickly forgotten if you return to a damaged or burglarized home."
Whether you’re visiting your in-laws or taking a tropical vacation, you likely leave your house and the majority of your belongings unattended while you’re gone. Recent research suggests that if you’re like many Americans, you may not be doing enough to protect your assets when you hit the road.
According to a study conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Selective Insurance, 59% of U.S. homeowners have a home security system or device, yet less than half (49%) use one to protect their unoccupied homes when they are on vacation.
However, most homeowners do take some safety measures before departing for extended periods. For instance, 68% lock all their windows when they leave town. Additional precautions include having someone check their home (61%), setting lights on a timer (39%), shutting off water (21%), and hiring a house sitter (13%).
Nevertheless, risk experts say you’re best off with a system that monitors for break-ins and other mishaps, including fire and flooding from storms or leaky pipes.
“Vacations are a great time to create new memories, but they are quickly forgotten if you return to a damaged or burglarized home. Taking sensible home safety preparations before leaving is as important as packing the right items in your suitcase,” says Allen Anderson, senior vice president of Personal Lines at Selective Insurance. “Our research shows that home security systems and devices are widely under-used across the country, but they are powerful tools to mitigate against unoccupied home theft, fire and water leaks.”
According to Anderson, here are some steps you can take before traveling for greater peace of mind:
Install and use a smart home security system or device. Doing so provides a vital line of defense and could save you money. Many insurers, including Selective Insurance, will provide a homeowners policy discount to policyholders with a professionally monitored security system.
Lock your garage and all of your doors and windows – and double-check them.
Install outdoor lights. Use an automatic timer to set your interior and exterior lights and give your home the appearance of occupancy.
Stop your mail, package and news deliveries.
Stow away your valuables.
Consider waiting until you return from your trip to share vacation photos to social media, or use privacy settings to control who sees your posts.
Unplug all unnecessary electronics.
Bring all house keys with you, or leave one with a trusted friend to check up on your home while you’re gone.
Turn off your water! Some of the most frequent and costly homeowners’ claims are due to water damage.
For more home protection tips, visit selective.com.
As you make your travel arrangements, think beyond airline tickets and hotel bookings. Be sure that your plans also include home protection in your absence.
“Vacations are a great time to create new memories, but they are quickly forgotten if you return to a damaged or burglarized home."
Regardless of your motivation, opting for meatless meals regularly provides plenty of benefits that extend from the health of you and your loved ones to your wallet and the environment.
Whether you're a vegetarian, vegan, considering making some lifestyle changes or just want to give an on-trend meal prep strategy a try, going meatless can help reduce your intake of red and processed meats, decrease greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change and save money on substitute ingredients like grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes that are often cheaper than meat.
For example, starting with a versatile pantry staple like Success Brown Rice can make mealtimes quick and easy. Ready in just 10 minutes without measuring or the mess, the fluffy, nutty, non-GMO rice is free of MSG and preservatives, lending itself perfectly to satisfying and hearty meals like these Baked Vegetarian Taquitos. Or for a twist on a classic dish, Tri-Color Quinoa can be layered with traditional flavors in this Mushroom Spinach "Lasagna." Packed with protein and all nine essential amino acids, the quinoa is a good source of fiber.
To find more meatless meal inspiration, visit SuccessRice.com.
Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 4
1 bag Success Brown Rice
1 cup shredded collard greens, packed
1/4 cup frozen corn
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
2/3 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning
8 flour tortillas (6 inches each)
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons olive oil
sour cream, for dipping
salsa, for dipping
guacamole, for dipping
fresh cilantro, for garnish
Prepare rice according to package directions; add collard greens and corn to water during last 5 minutes.
Preheat oven to 450 F. Drain rice and vegetables; transfer to saucepan. Stir in black beans, pumpkin puree and taco seasoning.
Spoon 1/3 cup rice mixture into center of one tortilla; sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Monterey Jack cheese. Roll up tightly. Place seam side down on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining tortillas, filling and cheese. Brush taquitos with olive oil; sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Bake 10-15 minutes, or until tortillas are crisp and cheese is melted. Serve taquitos with sour cream, salsa and guacamole for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Celebrate the holidays surrounded by great company and even better cuisine in the Pocono Mountains. From romantic dinners by candlelight to farm-to-table experiences, our local chefs are serving up something for every palate. Visit PoconoMountains.com to see all of our mouth-watering dining options and make your reservation.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
2 bags Success Tri-Color Quinoa
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
4 cups baby spinach leaves
3 cups tomato sauce
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Prepare quinoa according to package directions. Preheat oven to 375 F.
In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onions; saute 1 minute. Add mushrooms and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce and keep warm.
In medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
Place 1 cup sauce in bottom of 2-quart baking dish. Spread half of quinoa evenly over sauce. Top with half of ricotta mixture. Top with 1 cup sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake uncovered 30 minutes. Serve warm.
"Work on one room at a time and reward yourself for each room until you've completed the job."
The emergence of spring has long been associated with the deep cleaning of our homes. Although it's origin is presumed of Iranian or Jewish culture, it's a popular custom in America. It is gaining popularity in other parts of the world too. For most, it signifies a fresh home, or a new start to compliment the blossoming of spring.
So join the ranks of spring cleaners by using this guide to conquer the task. To keep the job from feeling overwhelming, schedule a block of time each day, or even each week, for your annual cleaning. Work on one room at a time and reward yourself for each room until you've completed the job.
for every room in your home
Dust wall and ceiling light fixtures, then remove globes and wash them out.
Dust ceiling fan blades.
Remove cobwebs with a vacuum and brush attachment or a clean rag attached to the head of a broom.
Remove and wash window coverings, and dust the top of curtain rods and window trim.
Remove wall hangings, knick-knacks, and other décor then rinse in warm soapy water.
Gather cleaning tools and supplies before you get started. Have plenty of rags, an old toothbrush, q-tips, toothpicks, cleaning solutions, spray bottle, step stool or small ladder, and vacuum and attachments.
Work room-by-room for efficiency and to avoid duplicating or missing tasks.
Work around the room from top to bottom.
Play music as you clean. It may not save time but will make time pass more quickly.
Wash doors and knobs and the dust that collects on top of doors and entryway trim.
Wash walls with an all-purpose cleaning solution. Touch up mars and chips with paint.
Wipe off switch plates.
Empty cabinets and drawers then wash them inside and out. Wash out and arrange drawer organizers, as well.
Wash windows and sills, and don’t forget the unsightly tracks.
Clean unupholstered furniture from top to bottom with an appropriate cleaner.
Vacuum upholstered furniture from top to bottom and under cushions, paying particular attention to creases and crevices where dust and grunge build-up.
Vacuum lampshades with a soft bristle attachment.
Unplug electrical cords and run through a damp rag to remove built-up dust.
Wash baseboards, then vacuum carpet edges with a narrow attachment.
Vacuum and mop under furniture and other stationary items.
Remove items from under the bed, dust off storage containers, and dispose of clutter.
Vacuum under beds using attachments.
Eliminate unwanted articles from drawers.
disinfect
Remove and launder shower curtain and liner, bath mat, toilet cover, and rugs.
Scour tub and shower from top to bottom, inside and out. Use a toothbrush to remove mold, mildew, and soap scum accumulation around the drain, faucet, knobs, and showerhead.
Clean glass shower doors inside and out, including the track.
Spray exterior of toilets with a sanitizing solution and wipe down.
If you have young boys, remove the toilet seat and clean the bolts where odors linger. Use a deodorizing solution on the baseboard and wall behind the toilet.
Wash toilet brush container and wastebasket.
Scrub sink and countertop, including grooves around the drain, faucet, and knobs.
Dust the top edge of mirrors, towel racks, and other accessories.
CLOSETS the always forgotten
Dust shelving, brackets, and rods.
Organize shelves, and eliminate unneeded items.
Remove clothing you haven't worn in two years.
Dust shoe racks and rarely worn shoes.
contamination zones
Dust the top of kitchen cabinets.
Remove grease and grime from small kitchen appliances
Clean stove, oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher inside and out.
Wipe built up grunge in the top of the garbage disposal with a rag, then add ice and lemon slices and run the disposal to clean and freshen the blades.
Scrub countertops with a mild abrasive or degreaser.
Wash table and chairs from top to bottom, and don’t forget the cracks where table leaves meet.
clutter havens
Install racks, shelving, and hooks, then organize and eliminate clutter.
Dust shelving and stored items.
Store odds and ends in same-size boxes or containers for easy stacking.
Remove oil, paint, and other stains from concrete with trisodium phosphate. Be sure to follow directions carefully and protect the skin and eyes.
Dispose of unwanted items.
dirt, dirt everywhere
Hose down siding and windows.
Wash screens with soapy water, then rinse with a hose and wash window exteriors.
Scrub doormats with an all-purpose cleaner and a brush, then rinse.
Spray off patio furniture then wipe clean.
Clean light fixtures.
Remove lint from dryer vent and nests and hives that have formed on or near the house.
When you’re considering upgrades for your home, earth-friendly enhancements that impact your energy usage are smart investments. Energy-saving home upgrades can offer long- and short-term advantages for the earth, your wallet and even your safety.
Many homeowners evaluate their energy needs as they plan home improvements. There are several low-carbon, resilient energy options available that can help safeguard your family. Consider these environmentally friendly upgrades to diversify your home’s energy sources, reduce energy consumption and ensure your home is well-prepared to withstand interruptions to power service if the electrical grid fails.
The growing conversation to “electrify everything” will require an overhaul on the aging electric grid just to manage the increase in demand. Accomplishing this will take decades and cost billions, according to the Department of Energy. In fact, according to a study conducted by Acupoll Precision Research on behalf of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), 54% of respondents believe electricity for everything will be too expensive for taxpayers while 70% strongly agree Americans should have a choice when it comes to their energy source. Propane is a clean, affordable and abundant energy option that reduces carbon emissions right now. Using propane appliances like furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces and kitchen appliances alongside other energy sources reduces the strain on the fragile electrical grid. Unlike electric appliances, propane appliances can work even during power outages.
Outdated doors and windows often lack energy benefits. Newer models have stronger, thicker panes that reduce the transfer of heat from inside to outdoors (and vice versa in the warmer months). Updating doors and windows allows you to easily repair any cracks or faulty seals that make it easy for energy to escape. When your home is well-insulated, your heating or cooling system works more efficiently.
Theodore G. Butz, CPCU
551 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-421-6141
www.dreherinsurance.com
When many homeowners think of renewable energy, they often think “solar.” Some states are mandating solar adoption, and while financial rebates help, solar panels are still considered an expensive upgrade for many people. The number of panels you need depends on your geographic location and weather, as well as the size of your home and your family’s energy consumption habits, which can add up. If you have access to propane and electricity, and are planning to upgrade to solar, consider adding propane appliances to offset the energy load required from your solar system.
The Department of Energy’s “Electric Disturbance Event Annual Report” showed an increase in power outages from 2000 to 2020. More than half of consumers nationwide indicated they or a close family member or friend have been personally impacted by a power outage in the past two years, according to PERC.
As a result, many homeowners are saying “yes” to backup power generators. A propane standby generator can be a key part of resilient home upgrades by offering supplemental electricity in as little as 10 seconds after an outage. Propane doesn’t degrade over time, making it an ideal standby power fuel. Plus, it’s cleaner than diesel so you can keep your home functioning and family safe while being a good steward for the environment.
While landscaping plays an important role in curb appeal, it also serves more practical purposes. Thoughtfully placed trees and shrubs can block the heat that comes from powerful direct sunlight while serving as a break against blustery winds and providing a natural form of external insulation for the home. In outdoor living spaces, propane-powered appliances can offer increased energy efficiency. For example, propane can power full outdoor kitchens, fireplaces and fire pits, patio heaters, flame lighting or pool and spa heaters.
Find more ideas and information to inspire your earth-friendly home upgrades at Propane.com.
In 2021, a winter storm decimated a major electrical power grid, leaving thousands of Americans in the dark and cold. Some people lost their lives while others battled to overcome extensive damage to their homes and businesses.
Jennifer Borget’s family is one of many that weathered those winter storms. However, the Borget family home used propane to power their water heater, stove, furnace and fireplace.
“When your power goes out, you can still use some propane appliances,” said Borget, who blogged about her experience. “This is one of those things I didn’t realize but learned during the historic winter storms. When the power was intermittent, our propane-powered fireplace and water heater quickly warmed our family.” One year later, the Borgets are discussing investing in a standby generator to mitigate future power outages.
Another way to reduce the risk of large-scale disasters is increasing Americans’ reliance on a broader mix of energy sources. Using a combination of propane, solar, electricity and natural gas can keep homes and businesses alike running efficiently and safely.
Relying on alternative energy sources like propane can also make a meaningful environmental impact in the long-term while offering short-term advantages, including continued access to power during emergencies when another energy source fails.
Courtesy of Family Features
You’ve selected your insurance plan for the year. Now, it’s time to start using your benefits, beginning with an annual wellness exam.
An annual wellness exam with a health care provider is important for everyone, but especially for older adults. As we age, we are more likely to develop chronic health conditions, according to Dr. J.B. Sobel, chief medical officer for Cigna
Medicare, which serves hundreds of thousands of older adults through its products. An annual wellness exam can help detect potential health issues early so they can be addressed before they worsen, he added.
“By meeting with your primary care provider early in the year, you can highlight the things that are important to you, and work together to develop a plan for your care for the year ahead,”
Sobel said. “This will ensure you live each day with vitality, happiness and improved health.”
Many providers will reach out to schedule an annual wellness exam. If your provider doesn’t contact you, make sure to call them.
A number of annual check-ups are available at no extra cost to those with Medicare. They include a “Welcome to Medicare” visit for customers who have just reached Medicare eligibility and an “Annual Wellness Exam” for existing customers. Many Medicare Advantage (MA) plans offer more extensive annual visits at no extra cost. Some even offer incentives for completing a visit. Talk with your provider and Medicare insurer about your benefits.
Each annual exam may be a little different. Regardless of the type, Sobel offers the following tips to ensure you get the most from your visit.
Prepare. Before you go, write down anything you’d like to discuss with your health care provider, including changes to your health over the past year. Bring your prescription and overthe-counter medications with you. Ask plenty of questions and take notes. You might even want to take along a family member, trusted friend or caregiver to ensure you understand everything your provider has shared.
Be open and honest. It’s tempting to make things look rosier than they are when talking to your health care provider, but minimizing what you are feeling can lead to an incorrect diagnosis or prescription. Speak openly about unhealthy habits, like smoking or lack of exercise. Your provider won’t judge you. Being honest is the only way your health care provider can help you reach your goals.
Mind mental health. Your emotional health impacts your physical health. Many people think depression is a natural part of aging, but it doesn’t have to be. Talk to your doctor if you are feeling sad, anxious or hopeless. Treatments, such as talk therapy, medication or both, may be covered by Medicare.
Monitor medications. Adults age 65 and older tend to take more medications than other age groups, increasing the risk for adverse reactions, such as cognitive impairment and falls. It’s a good idea to take your medications to your annual wellness exam and discuss any potential problems or side effects you’re experiencing. Don’t forget about over-the-counter drugs, vitamins or nutritional supplements you take.
Schedule screenings and get vaccines. There are a number of important health screenings and vaccines that you may need depending on your age and gender, such as colon cancer screening, bone density test, mammogram, flu shot or COVID-19 immunization. Ask your provider about the screenings and vaccines you’ve had already and schedule any you need as soon as possible. You may even be able to do that before you leave the office. Also, don’t forget to visit your eye doctor and dentist. These visits are covered by many MA plans as well. Find out more at www.cignamedicare.com.
“You wouldn’t drive your vehicle without proper preventive maintenance, so please don’t ignore preventive maintenance for your most prized possession – your health,” Sobel said. “An annual wellness exam is a great place to start!”
Courtesy of StatePoint
"By meeting with your primary care provider early in the year, you can highlight the things that are important to you, and work together to develop a plan for your care for the year ahead."
Saturday, March 04, 2023, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Pocono Environmental Education Center
Join us for a hike through the woods out to the “Two Saps” Sugar Shack. Afterwards, enjoy hot cocoa and pancakes with fresh maple syrup at our Dining Hall! Sign up for a 9am or 9:30am start time. Spaces are limited! $15. peec.org
Saturday, March 4, 2023, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center
Take a 90-minute tour of our Meesing sugarbush focusing on the history of maple syrup from the Native Americans to the early settlers in this region. Learn how to 'tap' a maple tree to obtain sap, and watch as we demonstrate how to cook the sap until it is sweet maple syrup. You'll complete the tour at our pancake station where the finished product is served over freshly made pancakes. Please dress appropriately for the weather including shoes appropriate for trail walking! Pre-registration is required, call 570-629-3061. Participants may
choose a time from 10am to 2pm for their 90-minute tour. www.mcconservation.org
Saturday, March 04, 2023, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Pocono Environmental Education Center
Climb into a bald eagle’s nest, crawl into a bat cave, explore a beaver lodge, and dig in a fossil pit! Explore this indoor discovery room and enjoy hands-on exhibits on natural history, sustainability and the local environment. No registration required. $2 per person. peec.org
Saturday, March 11, 2023, 09:00am - 12:00pm
Pocono Environmental Education Center
Enjoy the winter woods with beginner ski lessons. Learn the basics of cross country skiing and practice around our campus. You decide how many loops to ski. Skis, poles & boots provided - register w/shoe size to guarantee a spot. A Winter Ecology Hike will be an alternative program in the event of no snow. $20 Adult/$10 Child. peec.org
Saturday, March 11, 2023, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center
Take a 90-minute tour of our Meesing sugarbush focusing on the history of maple syrup from the Native Americans to the early settlers in this region. Learn how to 'tap' a maple tree to obtain sap, and watch as we demonstrate how to cook the sap until it is sweet maple syrup. You'll complete the tour at our pancake station where the finished product is served over freshly made pancakes. Please dress appropriately for the weather including shoes appropriate for trail walking! Pre-registration is required, call 570-629-3061. Participants may choose a time from 10am to 2pm for their 90-minute tour. www.mcconservation.org
Sunday, March 12, 2023, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Pocono Environmental Education Center
Learn the basics of snowshoeing and enjoy a winter walk through the woods. No experience necessary – we provide the equipment and teach you everything you need to know. Register
early to reserve a pair of snowshoes & guarantee a spot. Orienteering will be offered as an alternative program in the event of no snow. $10 Adult/ $5 Child. peec.org
Tuesday, March 14, 2023, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Pocono Organics Market & Cafe
Join us on a food tour of Ireland while we learn to make the St. Patrick's Day staples: corned beef & Irish soda bread. Tickets sold individually. Adult classes are designed for ages 16 and up. Classes are nonrefundable unless canceled by Pocono Organics. BYOB. Attendees may be paired upon arrival with other participants. Cost: $75. pocono-organics.square.site
Saturday, March 18, 2023, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Pocono Environmental Education Center
Camp Hidden Falls is an old Girl Scout Camp that was acquired by the NPS in 2018. Come with us as we explore the property and see how many waterfalls we can find. Spaces are limited; call early to reserve a spot. $10. peec.org
Saturday, March 18, 2023, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center
The Gallery at Kettle Creek will feature Darryl Speicher and Students from Evergreen Community Charter School during the month of March. Darryl Speicher has had three previous shows in the Art Gallery at Kettle Creek. His sons, Jordan and Jacob, contributed to these shows. They are now adults living their own lives far from the Poconos so Darryl has asked the student body where he teaches, Evergreen Community Charter School, if they would be interested in contributing a piece of art to this show. The result will be on display during the month of March. There will be a reception for Darryl and the students that participate from 11am to 1pm. No charge for this event. www.mcconservation.org
Sunday, March 19, 2023, 1:15pm Downtown Stroudsburg
To preserve and promote Irish culture. Every year since it's founding the club has organized and produced the annual St.
Patrick's Day Parade. The parade covers a distance of not quite two miles, beginning in the borough of Stroudsburg and ending in East Stroudsburg. The parade is funded through various fund raising efforts by the Club, and through the generosity of our Parade and Band Sponsors (see sponsorship info). The event has evolved into one of the premier parades in Pennsylvania and the surrounding area. www.poconoirishamericanclub.com
Sunday, March 19, 2023, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Pocono Environmental Education Center
Climb into a bald eagle’s nest, crawl into a bat cave, explore a beaver lodge, and dig in a fossil pit! Explore this indoor discovery room and enjoy hands-on exhibits on natural history, sustainability and the local environment. No registration required. $2 per person. peec.org
Tuesday, March 21, 2023, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center
Join us as we welcome spring with an all level adult yoga class. This class will be held in the Gallery at Kettle Creek. Bring your mat or towel to lie on and an open mind. Optionally, bring blocks or straps you may wish to support your practice. Must pre-register, call 570-629-3061. Cost: $5 per person, cash or check only, payable day of program.
www.mcconservation.org
Friday, March 24, 2023, 6:30am - 8:00pm
Pocono Environmental Education Center
Join us for a walk to see the mysterious woodcock and its spectacular springtime mating display. Bring a flashlight for better searching! Lead support is provided by the William Penn Foundation. Free. peec.org
Saturday, March 25, 2023, 9:30am - 4:00pm
Pocono Environmental Education Center
Bears will work on the Bear Necessities patch. Weblelos will complete their Webelos Walkabout patch. Scouts will work towards their Nature Study merit badge. Payment is required at
registration. Space is limited - call early! Don’t forget to bring a lunch. Overnight accommodations with meals are available for $43/person. $25/Scout. peec.org
Sunday, March 26, 2023, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Pocono Environmental Education Center
Amphibians are stirring in the woods! Join us as we explore nearby breeding pools for salamanders, frogs, and egg masses. We’ll provide nets and collection jars for gentle, upclose study. Wear boots and clothes that can get muddy or wet. $5. peec.org
Saturday, April 1, 2023, 8:30am - 10:30am
Skytop Lodge
Join us for our first annual Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 1st. This year we will be celebrating Easter a week early with a delicious breakfast buffet, photo-op with the Easter Bunny and an Easter egg hunt. Bring your own Easter basket for the egg hunt. The Easter egg hunt will start when you are ready, as each child will be given 15 pre-filled eggs to grab with no official start time. Adults – $45 | Children 5 to 12 – $35 | Children 4 & Under – Free. www.skytop.com
Saturday, April 01, 2023, 9:30am - 4:00pm
Pocono Environmental Education Center
Brownies will complete their Outdoor Adventurer & Cabin Camper badges. Juniors will complete their Eco Camper Badge. Cadettes will complete their Primitive Camper badge. Seniors will be working on their Adventure Camper badge. Overnight options are available for all age levels, ask for more information! Payment is required at registration. Space is limited - call early! Don’t forget to bring a lunch. $25/Scout. peec.org
Sunday, April 02, 2023, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Pocono Environmental Education Center
Climb into a bald eagle’s nest, crawl into a bat cave, explore a beaver lodge, and dig in a fossil pit! Explore this indoor discovery room and enjoy hands-on exhibits on natural history,
sustainability and the local environment. No registration required. $2 per person. peec.org
Thursday, April 13 - Sunday, April 16, 2023
Pocono Environmental Education Center
Enjoy a Knitting Workshop Weekend with special projects and plenty of free time to work on your own items. $280 Full Workshop; Commuter and Day Rates Available. peec.org
Saturday, April 15, 2023, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Pocono Environmental Education Center
Put on your lab coats and prepare to conduct some crazy experiments! You’ll get to create your very own slime, oobleck, and attempt to launch a rocket into space. Please call to register. $5/person. peec.org
Saturday, April 15, 2023, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Pocono Environmental Education Center
Amphibians are stirring in the woods! Join us as we explore nearby breeding pools for salamanders, frogs, and egg masses. We’ll provide nets and collection jars for gentle, upclose study. Wear boots and clothes that can get muddy or wet. $5. peec.org
Sunday, April 16, 2023, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Pocono Environmental Education Center
Join us for a paddle around our ponds! Beginners are welcome –we teach you everything you need to know! Dress appropriately – you may get wet. Call in advance to reserve a boat. Lead support is provided by the William Penn Foundation. Free. peec.org
Sunday, April 16, 2023, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Pocono Environmental Education Center
Join the experts from Marley’s Mushrooms as they guide a forest walk and search for various forms of fungi. This
lesson will cover how to identify common mushrooms and their various uses. There will be no collecting or consuming mushrooms during this program. Program is limited to 25 participants. Please call to register, Free. peec.org
Sunday, April 23, 2023, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Pocono Environmental Education Center
Climb into a bald eagle’s nest, crawl into a bat cave, explore a beaver lodge, and dig in a fossil pit! Explore this indoor discovery room and enjoy hands-on exhibits on natural history, sustainability and the local environment. No registration required. $2 per person. peec.org
Sunday, April 23, 2023, 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Pocono Environmental Education Center
These tiny tree frogs have thawed out and are active again in our forested wetlands. Listen to the impressive choir made by these vocal amphibians as we carefully catch, study, and release them. Bring a flashlight for better searching! Please call to register. Lead support is provided by the William Penn Foundation. Free. peec.org
Saturday, April 29, 2023, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Pocono Environmental Education Center
Help us celebrate the Earth! There will be hands-on learning stations, interpretive hikes, conservation exhibits, crafts, food, music, and much more! Pre-registration is NOT required. $5 per car. peec.org
Saturday, April 29, 2023, 11:00am
Pocono Environmental Education Center
Take a journey through the woods of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Our 5k runs through our Main Campus and a variety of different woodland habitats on two of our gorgeous trail loops. This course has a variety of different surfaces, including pavement, dirt, rock, and gravel. $35/ participant. 10:30am Participant Check-In. 11:00am Race Begins. peec.org
Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono gives you comprehensive, expert care right here in the Poconos, with services not available elsewhere in Monroe County, including:
On-site, advanced heart care for the most serious heart emergencies
The only place to have a baby, including midwifes and NICU
Accredited stroke center
Highest-rated trauma center
Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center, part of Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute, offers the benefits of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance
The only health care partner your family needs and deserves.
LVHN.org/pocono 570-421-4000
