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Wednesday, January 9, 2013
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Thank you for picking up MyConnection. Look for your copy delivered free to your home from The Newnan Times-Herald each Wednesday. You’ll find entertainment and travel news, as well as upcoming events, easy-to-make recipes, and things that matter to you and your family.
Gyro Brat Hoagie Family Features
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o matter what the score is, give game day fans something to cheer about with great food, and plenty of it. these simple, delicious recipes are easy for you to make, which means you can sit back and enjoy the game with everybody else. See page 6 for flavorful recipes to make your game day party a winner.
More Game Day Favorites: Buffalo Chicken Wings Seven Layer Dip Spinach Dip Bread Bowl Turkey Chili Guacamole and Chips Swedish Meatballs Loaded Potato Skins Italian Sausage Lollipops
Cajun Chicken Sausage Jambalaya
Easy Sausage Roll-ups
Stay Healthy in the Sick Season of Sneezes and Sniffles
Getting Ready for Tax Season METRO GRAPHICS
The elderly are more at risk for serious side effects from the cold and flu. METRO GRAPHICS
The cold weather brings with it a season of smiles, and unfortunately, cold and flu outbreaks. While everyone else is suffering, there are ways you can make it through the season unscathed. It is estimated that a billion people across North America will succumb to the cold virus this season, says Medline. Considering there is no cure for cold and flu viruses, prevention remains a person's best option at fending off cold and flu. There are different precautions to take that can help protect you against getting sick or at least reduce the frequency and severity with which cold and flu strikes. Although there is no magic pill to take that will prevent you from catching a cold or the flu, there are ways to improve your odds. Wash your hands the right way. Washing your hands frequently remains the single-best way to keep viruses and bacteria that can make you sick from infiltrating the body. Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds can effectively remove any dirt, grime and invisible invaders. Skip antibacterial products. Because colds and the flu are the result of viruses,
which are different in behavior and structure from bacteria, they will not be killed off with the use of antibacterial products. What you may succeed in doing is killing off any beneficial bacteria on your hands as well as creating resistant bacteria that form with over-use of antibiotics and antibacterial products. Get the flu shot. There is no vaccination to prevent the common cold, but there are immunizations that can help reduce your risk of getting the flu or help minimize its severity. Doctors' offices, clinics and even pharmacies all offer annual flu shots. Cough into your sleeve. Rather than coughing or sneezing into your hands, do so into the crook of your elbow since this area rarely touches anything else. Use sanitizer on items around the house. Surfaces that are frequently touched by all members of the household should be wiped down with a disinfectant product. A bleach-and-water solution is an effective sanitizer. Surfaces to sanitize include phones, doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, computer keyboards, faucets, toys, and countertops. Avoid sick people. KidsHealth.org
states that flu viruses and colds can travel up to 12 feet (from a sneeze or cough). Steer clear of anyone exhibiting symptoms, especially someone who is frequently sneezing or coughing. Parents should keep children home from school if they are sick. Do so until symptoms subside so as not to infect others. Use a sanitizer product. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise that when hand-washing is not readily available, a good way to kill germs is to use an alcohol-based sanitizer lotion. While not as effective as washing hands in warm, soapy water, sanitizing products can be used in a pinch while you're on the go. Skip the buffet lunch. Buffet-style offerings are convenient and offer variety, but they are also a breeding ground for illnesses. These foods may have been sneezed or coughed on. Also, the serving spoons have been touched by dozens of people. There are many different ways to avoid getting a cold or the flu this season. Diligence is one of the keys to staying germ-free.
A new year not only brings a host of new opportunities, but it also brings a host of familiar obligations. One such obligation is paying taxes, which doesn't have to be done until mid-April. But waiting until the last minute with respect to taxes can make the process even more difficult, and putting it off certainly won't help those people who vowed to stop procrastinating in the new year. Getting a headstart on tax season can be beneficial in numerous ways, not the least of which is avoiding the last-minute rush to file your return come the filing deadline. Even if you have yet to receive your W-2 (which you should have in hand by January 31), there are steps you can take to get ready for the coming tax season. Gather your documents. Your W-2 is likely not the only document you will need to prepare your tax return. Statements regarding your investments, student loan payments, mortgage and a host of other documents might be necessary for you to fill out your return. You should start receiving these documents in January, so gather them as they come in and keep them in a convenient place. This will ensure you don't get frustrated when filling out your return while increasing the chances you earn all of the credits and deductions you deserve.
Examine past returns. Many people have questions when filling out their tax returns, but those who wait until the waning days of tax season to prepare their returns ignore those questions in an effort to make the filing deadline. When you start preparing for tax season early, examine past returns and see if there are any questions you wanted to ask in the past that you didn't have time for. Write these questions down as you comb through your past returns and bring the questions to your tax preparer when the time comes. If you don't plan on hiring a professional to prepare your taxes, you can contact the IRS with your questions, and the earlier you do so, the more quickly you are likely to have your questions answered. Take your time. When you decide to get an early start on your taxes, you allow yourself to take your time preparing your return. This reduces the likelihood of getting stressed when filing your return. Many people get a bit nervous when filing a tax return, but that stress can be even greater if you leave everything until the last minute. If you're starting early, take your time when working on your return and don't succumb to any potential stressors.
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SEE TAX SEASON, PAGE 6