February 2012 by Laredo Family Time Magazine

Vol. 3, Issue 1 | February 2012

February 2012

Claudia Perez Rivas Publisher & Editor

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February 2012

The Family & Community Magazine of Laredo LFTM | February 2012

What's in store at your supermarket Stress vs. depression

Top 10 food trends for 2012

Learn the difference and how to help yourself

Getting a Dog? Flowers & Chocolates Again?

Make sure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a match

Valentine gift ideas

Living Green Outside your home

Safe, Simple and Affordable Healthy Skin Tips for Men & Women

February 2012

Times of sadness, stress and anxiety are common to everyone and can be triggered by numerous factors. In response to tough situations, about 25 percent of Americans will experience sadness that may seem like depression, but the good news is that these feelings are often temporary. Sometimes, overwhelming feelings of sadness remain persistent and significantly interfere with a person's behavior, physical health and interaction with others. In these situations, depression could be the underlying cause. Depression can be serious and is most likely caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors. Depression can be linked to substance abuse and even suicide. If you feel sad, worthless, and hopeless every day for two weeks or more, it's time to take a mental health screening to see if you are at-risk for depression. Anonymous, online screenings are available at www.helpyourselfhelpothers.org. Screening for depression and other mood disorders is important as it allows you to identify warning signs early on, before things become serious. Depression screenings can help you determine whether what you are experiencing is a simple case of the blues or something more serious that requires seeing a health professional. "Just like any other disease, there are certain risk factors that can lead to depression," says Dr. Douglas G. Jacobs, president of Screening for Mental Health, a non-profit organization committed to promoting the improvement of mental health. "It's important to learn the signs and symptoms of depression, such as changes in appetite, loss of energy or loss of interest in your usual activities, as well as the necessary steps you can take to improve your health." Depression can cloud your mind, zap your energy and make anyone feel discouraged. It can be difficult to take action and get help, but there are ways you can help yourself, starting right now. First, take a free, anonymous screening at www.helpyourselfhelpothers.org. Additionally, you can try these self-care tips: Take care of your mind and body. * Take part in activities you usually enjoy (movies, concerts, community events, sporting events, etc.). * Avoid drugs and alcohol. * Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet. * Get enough sleep. Focus on what's doable. * Do not expect to suddenly "snap out" of your depression. * If you have a decision you feel overwhelmed by, discuss it with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation. * Break up large tasks into small ones, set some priorities and do what you can, as you can. Celebrate small steps. * Often during treatment for depression, sleep and appetite will begin to improve before your depressed mood lifts. * Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. * Remind yourself that positive thoughts will replace negative feelings as your depression responds to treatment. If you or someone you love is in immediate danger because of thoughts of suicide please call 911 immediately. If you are not in immediate danger but need to talk to someone, you can call the national suicide prevention line at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). Content courtesy of ARA

February 2012

Last year's high grocery prices had many Americans looking for ways to save at the supermarket. The upswing in prices over the past 12 months may have you wondering what will happen this year at your local grocery store. In partnership with ConAgra Foods, industry expert, and "Supermarket Guru," Phil Lempert, predicts an interesting year ahead. "We will continue to see higher prices, but we will also see all the different ways Americans love their food - in supermarkets, on television, at restaurants and now even on their mobile phones," Lempert says. "We are on the verge of what may be one of the most exciting and game-changing years in the food world." Lempert advises consumers to watch for 10 major trends in their supermarkets this year:

1. Higher food prices - Last year's trend will continue, so consumers will place even more emphasis on ways to save money. In addition to already-popular methods like coupons and frequent shopper cards, you may want to consider using your mobile device to menu plan while you shop. Websites like ConAgra's ReadySetEat.com give you recipe ideas and can also help you find out which ingredients are on sale in your store. 2. The group experience will grow - Food blogs set a foundation for group experiences, food trucks tweet their locations, and flash food raves assemble underground at midnight. More Americans are choosing to eat and shop together in new ways. Mobile app marketers will offer "social rewards" for groups that shop together - think of it as the virtual version of warehouse clubs. 3. The baby boomer influence will grow - Last year, the first of the 76 million-strong boomer generation turned 65. Their influence on the supermarket will show up this year in increased healthful food options, wider aisles and lower shelves. 4. Increased emphasis on "farm to fork" - More Americans are interested in knowing where the food comes from. In 2012, you'll see more blogs and social media featuring farmers, as well as advertising and TV programs starring farmers as food experts. Hunt's tomatoes, for example, are grown in Oakdale, California and harvested at the peak of ripeness then flashsteamed to maintain the natural tomato goodness. 5. The end of the checkout lane - Tech-savvy options are gaining popularity, with consumers enjoying self-checkouts, comparing prices at nearby retailers, and taking advantage of the convenience of cellphone scanners, in-store interactive media devices, QR codes, RFID and mobile coupons.

February 2012

6. Ethnic on the road - Food trucks are replacing gourmet and specialty stores as the channel to experiment and discover new food experiences - especially when it comes to ethnic foods. More often than not, these ethnic food trucks are operated by natives of the countries from which the actual cuisines being offered originated, and they have the ability and knowledge to share the heritage and romance of the food. 7. It's a man's (grocery shopping) world - Dads aren't just winning the bread; these days, they're also bringing it home from the grocery store. A Bureau of Labor Statistics study found that 41 percent of men are now preparing food for their families, as compared to half that percentage in 2003. Look for them to do more grocery shopping, too, Lempert predicts. 8. Extreme home cooking - More people will continue to eat at home to save money. Following the lead of extreme couponers, groups of everyday cooks pride themselves on making the most food for the least amount of money. 9. How sweet it isn't - Reduced sugar products and revised Nutrition Facts panels will be the biggest health claim in 2012. With the negative health effects of sugar and high fructose corn syrup gaining so much attention, look for a continued emphasis on reducing sugar in our diets. Food producers like ConAgra are responding by eliminating high fructose corn syrup from such staples as Peter Pan peanut butter and Hunt's Ketchup products. 10. Listen to your food - You judge the readiness of some foods (like microwave popcorn or grilled burgers), by the sounds they make. Multisensory perception will be one of the new "food sciences" in 2012, as psychologists and food scientists join forces to design, create and influence the sounds of our foods to convey freshness, taste and even health attributes.

For more information about Phil Lempert's 2012 predictions, visit SupermarketGuru.com, and for simple meal ideas made in 30 minutes or less, visit ReadySetEat.com. Content Courtesy of ARA

February 2012

It’s easy to feel disconnected, as many parents juggle work, school, kids, and activity after activity. But some simple things can bring a family closer — playing a game, going for a hike, or cooking a meal together. One of the most satisfying, fun, and productive ways to unite is volunteering for community service projects. Volunteerism also sets a good example for your kids and helps the community. Reasons to Get Involved Why should your family lend a helping hand? 

It feels good. The satisfaction and pride that come from helping others are important reasons to volunteer. When you commit your time and effort to an organization or a cause you feel strongly about, the feeling of fulfillment can be endless.

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It strengthens your community. Organizations and agencies that use volunteers are providing important services at low or no cost to those who need them. When a community is doing well as a whole, its individuals are better off, too.

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It can strengthen your family. Volunteerism is a great way for families to have fun and feel closer. But many people say they don’t have the time to volunteer after fulfilling work and family commitments. If that’s the case, try rethinking some of your free time as a family. You could select just one or two projects a year and make them a family tradition (for example, making and donating gift baskets to care facilities for the elderly around the holidays).

What Kids Can Learn From Volunteering If volunteering begins at an early age, it can become part of kids’ lives — something they might just expect and want to do. It can teach them: 

A sense of responsibility. By volunteering, kids and teens learn what it means to make and keep a commitment. They learn how to be on time for a job, do their best, and be proud of the results. But they also learn that, ultimately, we’re all responsible for the well-being of our communities.

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That one person can make a difference. A wonderful, empowering message for kids is that they're important enough to have an impact on someone or something else.

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The benefit of sacrifice. By giving up a toy to a less fortunate child, a child learns that sometimes it’s good to sacrifice. Cutting back on recreation time to help clean up a beach tells kids that there are important things besides ourselves and our immediate needs.

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Tolerance. Working in community service can bring kids and teens in touch with people of different backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, ages, and education and income levels. They’ll learn that even the most diverse individuals can be united by common values.

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Job skills. Community service can help young people decide on their future careers. Are they interested in the medical field? Hospitals and clinics often have teenage volunteer programs. Do they love politics? Kids can work on the real campaigns of local political candidates. Learning to work as a team member, taking on leadership roles, setting project goals — these are all skills that can be gained by volunteering and will serve kids well in any future career.

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How to fill idle time wisely. If kids aren’t involved in traditional after-school activities, community service can be a wonderful alternative.

Volunteering on Your Own If you’ve never been involved in community service before, volunteering as an individual may be a good place to start. Want February 2012

to improve your computer knowledge? You may get free on-the-job training. Have you been out of the workforce raising children? Volunteering may be a painless way for you to get back into the routine of working before taking the plunge into a paid position. And if you’re looking for a career change, community service is a networker’s dream. You can meet people who may offer opportunities you’ve never thought of. You can sample different workplaces and see how you like various fields. Your volunteering will definitely help others and may help you, too. Getting Your Family Involved The Internet offers lots of sites with information about volunteer opportunities. You can also call a favorite charity, hospital, or church directly to see if they have any needs, or look up "Volunteerism" in the phone book in the Human Services section (often in the blue pages). Or contact a local volunteer clearinghouse, which matches up volunteers and community organizations and can help you find openings at nonprofit organizations in your area. Be prepared to answer questions such as: 

What are your interests?

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What are your skills?

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Do you have any special needs?

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Do you have a method of transportation?

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How many hours a week do you have to volunteer?

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Why do you want to volunteer?

You’ll probably be interviewed again once the clearinghouse matches you with an appropriate job. Some situations require more information. If you want to work with kids, for instance, you may have to undergo fingerprinting and a criminal background check. Be sure to be just as thorough when you question the organizations. Find out exactly what’s expected of you before you accept the volunteer position. Be realistic and ask specific questions. When looking for a volunteer position, remember that it may be difficult to find the perfect volunteer slot. Be flexible, and keep looking if the agency you were referred to doesn’t meet your needs. It may take a while to find a perfect fit, but once you do, it will be worth it. Once you do become involved, be responsible to those who depend on you. Be on time, dress appropriately, and let the volunteer coordinator know if you can’t make it. Good Volunteer Jobs for Families and Kids Families can do many volunteer jobs. Even the smallest child (with adult supervision) can pick up garbage at the park, playground, or beach. You don’t even have to be part of a big effort to do this. Get your family together, find some garbage bags, and head out. Or become involved in repair and renovation efforts for low-income residents. Younger kids might not be able to do the big jobs, but helping out by fetching a paintbrush or holding the nails involves them just the same. Work at a community food bank or soup kitchen as a family. Find an organization that serves the elderly. Take food to people who are homebound and visit with them. Your kids can brighten a lonely senior’s day instantly. Offer your family’s help at the local animal shelter. Help plant flowers or trees. The possibilities are endless. Whatever you choose to do, volunteering and community service can benefit both the community and your family. Get involved today! © 1995- 2010 . The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission.

February 2012

Buying the standard bouquet or box of candy for the love of your life doesn't show you've put much thought into the sentiment. In fact, if your valentine is like many others, they are just six weeks into the new year that likely began with all sorts of promises to get fit or lose a few pounds. Will chocolate really say "I love you?" Will flowers convey your devotion? Instead, consider a gift that not only comes from the heart but benefits the heart. Here are better options for Valentine's Day when you want to say: "You are adored." There is nothing like a spa treatment to put your loved one on a pedestal. "A facial or massage is the gift of relaxation and self-care," says Kate Rice, a massage therapist and the national massage educator for Life Time, The Healthy Way of Life Company. She says a gift certificate can be part of a bigger pampering day - perhaps along with breakfast in bed or an end-of-day bubble bath. "People tend to think of massage as a luxury, but it's therapeutic and can help reground them. It's also the perfect gift for someone who does so much for everyone else."

"We're in this together; we're a team." Working together on a common goal can make lasting memories. Signing up you and your valentine for a 5K, 10K, triathlon or other physical event can create memories to last a lifetime. That's how Michael Lorenzen, 29, of Chicago ended up registered for his first ultra-distance triathlon. "My wonderful girlfriend, Brigit, gifted me a 2012 entry into a triathlon in Wisconsin." He says his initial reaction was irritation, followed quickly by panic, which soon transpired into gratitude. "She did it because she knew I'd never sign up myself. I've never done an ultra-distance triathlon. I know I can, but committing to doing it is a big deal to me." The gift, he says, showed him that she believes in him. It's hard to get more romantic than that.

"I want you in my life forever." The vow is "in sickness or in health," but we'd all prefer good health. If your special someone knows they need to get fit or stay fit, they might need more than a gentle nudge. Hiring a personal trainer - for a private session or for the two of you - is a way to show your commitment to life and to each other. Tom Manella, vice president of personal training at Life Time, says they sell about 2,000 gift cards a year for personal training services. "The gift of fitness lasts," he says, suggesting health-related gifts such as metabolism testing for someone who wants to refine his fitness goals, or a heart rate monitor to help her reach goals. "Valentine's Day is about expressing how much you love someone," he adds. "What better way to do so than giving the gift of health?"

Resist the urge to go the traditional (and unimaginative) route this Valentine's Day. Think of your gift ideas with health in mind to make your love last. For more information, visit www.lifetimefitness.com. Content Courtesy of ARA

February 2012

Whether you're hosting a festive Valentine's Day party, or entertaining just for two, these recipes give you some sweet and savory choices that will set the mood for romance. Scrumptious bites start with simple, flavorful ingredients - golden Calimyrna and dark purple Mission figs from California and Jarlsberg cheese. Sweet, mouthwatering figs are not only packed with great taste, they're full of fiber and essential nutrients, making them as good for you as they are good to eat. The versatile taste and texture of Jarlsberg cheese is ideal for these appetizers. Jarlsberg's mild, nutty-sweet flavor and buttery creaminess makes it a perfect partner to figs and, along with its excellent melting properties, adaptable to many sweet or savory dishes. You can combine both ingredients in one easy sure-to-please appetizer: Make a slit in a fig and stuff with a piece of Jarlsberg. Wrap with partially-cooked bacon (it should be a bit limp) and heat at 400째F just until bacon is crispy and cheese begins to melt. Get more sweet and savory recipes at www.ValleyFig.com and www.JarlsbergUSA.com.

Savory Jarlsberg Thumbprints with Fig-Pepper Jelly Makes 40 cookies 1

cup butter, softened

large egg yolks

cups all-purpose flour

cups (12 ounces) shredded Jarlsberg cheese

cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese

1 1/2

cups finely chopped, toasted pecans or unblanched almonds

3/4

cup finely chopped, stemmed Blue Ribbon Orchard Choice or Sun-Maid Figs

1/2

cup hot pepper jelly (red or green)

Preheat oven to 350째F. Place butter in large bowl. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Beat in egg yolks. On low speed, gradually beat in flour. Stir in Jarlsberg, Parmesan and nuts. Divide dough into 4 equal portions. Wrap 3 in wax paper or plastic wrap and chill. On work surface, form remaining portion of dough into 10 (1 1/2-inch) balls. Place balls, 1 1/2 inches apart, on ungreased baking sheet. With thumb or back of wooden spoon, make 1/2-inch indentation in center of each cookie. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until light golden brown. If needed, press back of teaspoon into cookies to re-form indentations. Remove cookies to wire rack to cool. Repeat shaping and baking with remaining dough. To serve, in small bowl, stir together figs and jelly. Fill each cookie with about 1 teaspoon fig-pepper jelly. Make ahead note: Dough can be prepared 1 to 2 days ahead. Form dough into 1 1/2-inch cylinder, wrap airtight and chill or freeze for longer storage. Baked cookies can be stored unfilled, in airtight container for 2 days or frozen. To re-crisp, place on baking sheet in 350째F oven for 2 to 4 minutes. Cool. Fill with fig-pepper jelly as directed. Content Courtesy of Family Features

February 2012

Do you know if your apartment building, place of employment, or favorite hotel is operating efficiently? Even the seemingly minor decisions we make each day can have a significant impact on our health, finances and surrounding environment. While most people know about the small changes they can make at home to have a positive impact, including using natural products, recycling and reducing waste and installing efficient appliances and fixtures, they may not know how easy it is to make the same environmentally friendly choices outside the home. Energy efficiency and water conservation continue to gain visibility in the commercial building sector, too. The ENERGY STAR program, jointly administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), offers technical information and tools to help people identify energy-efficient products, solutions, and practices. It serves as a mark of excellence in energy performance. Did you know you can learn whether a building, such as the one in which you work, is ENERGY STAR labeled? It's as easy as visiting the ENERGY STAR website and searching the online index. The WaterSense program is another EPA partnership program that aims to raise awareness about the importance of water usage by labeling water-efficient products, such as bath faucets, urinals, showerheads and toilets, that perform better than the industry standard. It also encourages plumbing manufacturers to design new products with its specifications in mind so consumers and businesses can more easily find waterefficient products. This year, Delta Faucet Company was honored as 2011 WaterSense Manufacturer Partner of the Year. Delta Faucet has an array of WaterSense labeled products as part of its commitment to finding a smarter way to work with water. Launched in 2008, the WaterSense Partner of the Year awards recognize partners that help advance the overall mission of the WaterSense program, demonstrate overall excellence in the water-efficiency arena and increase awareness of the WaterSense goals in a measurable way. Each year, the program recognizes just one manufacturer that demonstrates exceptional performance in each of these areas. As part of its commitment to sustainability and support of the WaterSense program, Delta Faucet Company develops products that promote water efficiency in both residential and commercial settings. Additionally, in 2009, Delta Faucet introduced an additional water-efficient product separate from its WaterSense labeled products. The new technology is specifically designed to improve water efficiency in commercial and business settings. Proximity Sensing Technology is more sensitive and intuitive than traditional infrared hands-free faucets. A four-inch sensing field around the entire faucet detects movement and controls the flow of water. Users don't need to touch the faucet to turn the water on and when they move their hands out of the sensing field, the valve automatically turns off, helping to save water. Want to factor some of these resources into your upcoming travel plans? According to the EPA and the DOE, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and San Francisco are among the most environmentally conscious cities in the United States, based on their number of ENERGY STAR certifications. As consumers, we can all be more environmentally conscious while we travel by looking into hotels that take pride in green building. The Hospitality Sustainable Purchasing Consortium (HSPC) is a movement led by top experts, suppliers, architectural firms and purchasing companies, such as Delta Faucet Company, Marriot International and Valley Forge Fabrics, to encourage environmental endurance measurement and develop key performance indicators for the hospitality industry. Visit the HSPC website to find participating hotel chains and manufacturers. If you're still uncertain after researching your hotel online prior to booking, call and speak to someone at the hotel about their green initiatives. "There are plenty of tools available online to help consumers reduce their carbon footprint and live more efficiently outside of the home," says Ken Martin, senior director of commercial sales for Delta Faucet Company. "The goal is to make it easy for anyone and everyone to choose products and services that offer quality, value, service and sustainability." Living sustainably outside of the home, as well as within, is crucial when it comes to protecting the environment and preserving our natural resources. Tap into the many government and online resources available to help make practicing an environmentally friendly lifestyle even easier. Content Courtesy of ARA

February 2012

Whether you are male or female, you likely have some key elements to your health routine like exercise, good food, rest and regular medical and dental check-ups. Taking care of your skin probably isn't a part of this important list - but it should be. Your skin is a living organ and a first line of defense against the outside world. Your skin protects you from environmental toxins and pathogens, gets rid of waste, regulates healthy body temperature and is ultimately the picture of health the world sees. Men are often guiltier of neglecting healthy skin care than women. Maybe skin care isn't considered manly enough, or maybe men simply feel that beyond a good scrub and shave nothing else is needed. And the barrage of high-priced, celebrity-endorsed anti-aging products sold by powerhouse cosmetics companies for women contributes to the notion that skin care is a luxury for well-to-do women rather than an important aspect of a healthy everyday lifestyle. What's not in your skin care products is just as important to your health as what is in your skin care products. Control what goes on your body by making and using a few essential oil-based products yourself that that don't contain any of the chemical preservatives and synthetic fragrances often found in expensive skin care products. Why pay for what you don't need when you can create more affordable, natural and healthy skin care products - with a custom scent of your liking - on your own? One hundred percent pure and natural essential oils from a reputable company such as Aura Cacia provide a natural way to scent your homemade skin care products. Here are the essential oil scents that tend to be favored by men and women and some do-it-yourself natural alternatives to the commercial products cosmetic companies offer.

Masculine Scents * Cedarwood * Frankincense * Myrrh * Sandalwood * Vetiver

Feminine Scents * Geranium * Jasmine * Neroli * Rose * Ylang Ylang

Neutral Scents * All citrus oils * Eucalyptus * Lavender * Patchouli * Peppermint February 2012

Cleanser Maintaining clean skin is important for men and women because a good wash removes the build up of accumulated toxins and allergens from the outside environment while it removes dead skin, oil, bacteria and odor. Cleansing stimulates cell turnover and renewal. A gentle, natural liquid soap made with a wholesome vegetable oil such as olive or sweet almond is the best cleanser you can use. Good old-fashioned soap is a very effective cleanser - but it might be drying for sensitive individuals or with repeated use, so make sure you follow up with moisturizing oil afterwards. Ingredients: 1 cup unscented liquid vegetable oil-based soap 2 tablespoons water or unflavored green tea 48 drops essential oil or blend of oils of your choice Directions: Combine soap, water (or tea) and essential oils in a small bottle. Apply about 1 tablespoon to a soft, wet washcloth and gently scrub damp skin in a circular buffing motion (not for too long or with too much force). Rinse with warm (not hot) water.

Moisturizer It's essential to re-hydrate the skin after cleansing. Washing with soap lifts away dirt, makeup and dead skin, leaving skin bright and pores clear, but it also strips skin of its natural protective (and wrinkle-fighting) oil known as sebum. A light-bodied, absorbent and non-clogging oil such as grapeseed, jojoba or rosehip oil can be applied to still-damp skin after rinsing off your liquid soap-based cleanser to perform the same function as costly lotions and creams at a fraction of the price. Ingredients: 1/2 cup grapeseed oil 1/2 cup jojoba oil 48 drops essential oil or blend of oils of your choice Directions: Combine all ingredients in a small bottle, apply a teaspoon to the palm of hand, rub hands together and smooth over damp, freshly cleansed skin. The oil will seal in moisture and protect against dehydration.

Toning and hydrating mist As the day goes on, you'll inevitably lose your fresh glow. Some areas of your skin might become increasingly dry, while others might be oily. A simple mixture of pure water and protecting essential oils like lavender and geranium can help diminish an oily appearance and moisturize dry areas while the oils provide healthy protection. Ingredients: 1 cup water 48 drops essential oil or blend of oils of your choice Small spray mister bottle Directions: Combine water and essential oils in bottle, shake vigorously and apply 2-3 spritzes of the mist to skin, smooth over surface if needed.

Good skin care isn't as much effort as heavy lifting or running a marathon, but it's a tool of health maintenance that can be as beneficial as hitting the gym. Man or woman, you should add it to your health routine. For more information and valuable skin care tips, visit www.auracacia.com. Content courtesy of ARA

February 2012

There are plenty of cliche things that people say about dogs: that they're man's best friend, that they love you unconditionally and that behind those cold noses, there are warm hearts. But while dog owners might feel a bit silly about repeating those old chestnuts, they'll also admit they're absolutely true.

Before you get a dog, doing a bit of background research is important, but keep in mind that you also have a valuable resource right in your community - the local animal shelter. Shelter dogs are often the ones that are "invisible" - out of the public eye and therefore, out of mind as well. Best Friends Animal Society has created the "Invisible Dogs" campaign to call attention to the hundreds of thousands of very real, but unseen dogs hoping to be adopted from U.S. animal shelters, any of which might be right for your home.

Whether your household can fit right in, but not At shelters across the councan help match you with your lifestyle and the dog's you can meet shelter dogs easier to make the perfect

has one person or 10, a dog every dog fits with every home. try, the pet experts on the staff an adoptable dog, based on personality and traits. Because before bringing them home, it's puppy love connection.

When you're ready to start you, consider these tips ety and InvisibleDogs.org:

looking for the right dog for from Best Friends Animal Soci-

* Be honest about your lifestyle. Everyone has a different schedule, and dogs have schedules of their own. If you're away from home a lot, consider dogs that have lower energy levels and minimal exercise demands. However, if you love to go for a run in the morning and a long stroll every evening, you might be a good match for a dog that has a bit more of a get-up-and-go demeanor.

* How much maintenance? Some dogs have wash-and-wear coats that don't require grooming other than a nice bath every so often. Others will need to be combed and still others will need haircuts to keep their coat in check, or to be more comfortable in the summer heat. Opt for a dog with a coat that matches the level of dedication you're ready to put into grooming, keeping in mind that it's not too much of a hassle for any dog. Also remember that you'll need to care for his toenails and teeth to keep him feeling his best.

* Find a personality match. Some dog owners like their pups to be right on their lap as much as possible, while others prefer a companion who is a little more independent. While breed can have some effect on this, it also largely depends on the individual dog. Meeting a dog at a shelter will let you spend a little time together to see if you're a good combination.

Big or small, shaggy or sleek, the dog that's right for you is out there waiting. With a bit of forethought and a few one-on-one meetings with available dogs, you'll be well prepared to find the dog that will be the companion of a lifetime. And when you do, it won't be long before you're telling everyone that your dog really is your best friend. To learn more about helping adoptable dogs, go to www.invisibledogs.org. Content Courtesy of ARA

February 2012

It was about 60 years ago that processed foods and fast-food outlets started to become mainstays of the American lifestyle. The fast-food culture that developed tended to view eating as an inconvenience, providing basic fuel for the day and not much else. More than half a century later, many Americans are more particular about the foods they choose for themselves and their families. In fact, people are seeking out the added health benefits that can be provided by functional or "super" foods. According to the 2011 IFIC Functional Foods Survey, as many as 90 percent of Americans can match at least one food with its associated health benefit. Popular functional foods like fruits and vegetables, fish and fish oil, whole grains, tea and green tea were among the foods Americans look to the most to maintain or improve their health. This apparent increase in the awareness of good nutrition bodes well for the future, and may partly explain the recent uptick in discussions about healthrelated concerns. However, while knowledge of functional foods is increasing, health care costs and astronomical obesity rates seem to demonstrate that knowledge doesn't always reflect action. "The good news is that nutrition education is working to raise awareness of the health benefits of nature's ingredients, but the ongoing challenge is to translate awareness into behavior modification," says registered dietician Ashley Koff, whose nonprofit tool, "Ashley Koff Approved", helps people identify products that meet a high standard of nutrition and marketing integrity. "A major impediment to making change continues to be the perception that it will require an expensive and complicated total diet overhaul. I strive to communicate that dietary improvements are very simple, affordable and enjoyable. For example, add a cup of tea to your day - all you need is water and a tea bag." Koff's easy-to-follow tips for improving wellness through dietary habits include: * Minimize the added sugar - Many products that you may not expect like tomato sauce and breads have added sugars, so make sure to check the label before you make a purchase. * Start your day off right - Eat a complete, well-balanced breakfast and try adding a cup of tea - white, green, black, oolong or herbal - for antioxidants (nature's clean-up crew) and other health benefits. Celestial Seasonings offers a variety of green teas and wellness teas that are delicious, natural and healthful. * Focus on a balanced diet - The best bet for optimal energy is a nutrition plan comprised of four pillars: quantity, quality, frequency and balance. * Think evolution, not revolution - It will seem less stressful to think about making exchanges rather than omissions to your diet (and stress reduction puts another check on your health report). You get the biggest health benefits by improving the quality of the items you consume most frequently, so focus on upgrading your daily staples. For instance, select items that do not use potentially harmful pesticides, choose to eat raw, whole (versus processed) vegetables, drink water with lemon or eat a piece of fruit instead and limit fruit juices. *Incorporate color - Count the colors you consume and challenge yourself to see how many colors you can include in a single meal. Of course, it's important to remember that the good colors are those found naturally in fruits and vegetables. It's safe to say that Americans will occasionally indulge in nutrient poor meals this year. But perhaps we'll be enjoying more healthful foods, too, as many of us strive to achieve a more optimal wellness level. For more information about Celestial Seasonings teas, visit Facebook.com/celestialseasonings. Content Courtesy of ARA

February 2012