(ARA)- No matter what dress you wear or whether it rains or shines, your wedding day is guaranteed to be one of the most wonderful days of your life. The careful planning you do leading up to the big event will ensure that everything goes smoothly, but the most important thing to remember is that your wedding should be an expression - and a celebration - of who you are as a couple.
(ARA) - When you think of prime wedding months do May and June spring to mind? You might be surprised to learn that October and November are also popular months for nuptials. When you realize autumn brings not only cooler weather, but less busy caterers or wedding venues, the season's appeal is easy to understand.
(ARA) - When you think of prime wedding months do May and June spring to mind? You might be surprised to learn that October and November are also popular months for nuptials. When you realize autumn brings not only cooler weather, but less busy caterers or wedding venues, the season's appeal is easy to understand.
You've proudly said "I do!" and the wedding whirlwind is complete. Now that you're man and wife, it's time to start thinking about the future. Is there a new house on the horizon? Perhaps you want to start a family? No matter what your future plans are, one thing can help give you peace of mind: life insurance.
You've proudly said "I do!" and the wedding whirlwind is complete. Now that you're man and wife, it's time to start thinking about the future. Is there a new house on the horizon? Perhaps you want to start a family? No matter what your future plans are, one thing can help give you peace of mind: life insurance.
Years ago, when brides-to-be wanted to get started planning their weddings, they consulted their mothers and Emily Post. While mom and the trusty doyenne of etiquette still have a place in prepping for the big day, today's brides are harnessing the power of the Web to create the weddings of their dreams.
Congratulations on your engagement. As you've probably learned, the first question everyone asks is when is the wedding date? Now you need to start planning your perfect wedding. Of course you have been planning it in your mind since you were 10 years old, but now is the time to get serious and do it for real. Approximately 6,100 weddings are held in the United States each day. That is an awful lot of planning and preparation and the very first thing you need to do is pick your wedding date. Setting the date for your big day takes much thought and investigation. To help you navigate through the planning process, consider these helpful hints for picking the date you'll remember forever.
When Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of former President and Mrs. Bill Clinton, got married this year, the family was tight-lipped about how much they shelled out to celebrate the nuptials. However, nobody in the know placed the estimate at less than $2 million and many expert onlookers pegged the amount as high as $5 million.
(ARA) - October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and throughout the month people across the country will be supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure(R), a global leader in the breast cancer movement, by participating in their local Komen 3-Day for the Cure and Komen Race for the Cure. These events raise awareness and funding for breast cancer research and treatment, but supporting the cause shouldn't end on October 31. Individuals should think about taking action against breast cancer every day and with Pink Ribbon Banking from Bank of America that can become a reality.
Every 48 minutes someone in the U.S. is paralyzed from a spinal cord injury. Millions worldwide are living with paralysis as a result - and living with the knowledge that there is currently no cure for their injuries.
As America's economic woes stretch on and unemployment remains high, one place has taken on a more significant role in the lives of many families: food banks. Food bank visits are up 7.5 percent from 2011 over 2010, and nearly 50 million Americans don't have access to enough food.
Ingenuity is alive and well as Americans look for ways to make a positive impact in communities across the country, especially in the wake of the recent environmental disasters.
Ingenuity is alive and well as Americans look for ways to make a positive impact in communities across the country, especially in the wake of the recent environmental disasters.
Memorial Day - a holiday to honor veterans, and also to celebrate the start of the warm season. In most areas of the country, parades will be held, pools will be open and the grills at parks will emit delicious smells of seasoned meat and vegetables.
Memorial Day - a holiday to honor veterans, and also to celebrate the start of the warm season. In most areas of the country, parades will be held, pools will be open and the grills at parks will emit delicious smells of seasoned meat and vegetables.
In the past, the word roundabout often conjured images of small cars zooming in a circular pattern in the United Kingdom or somewhere in Europe. Today, roundabouts are growing in popularity in the United States and for very good reason. If you've recently heard your city wants to install a roundabout in your area, you might be wondering what exactly that is and if they really help to reduce accidents.
Reducing your impact on the environment is a great goal to set for yourself, and you may be surprised to find it is easier than you think. You don't have to look any further than your car.
The holiday season is upon us, but don't let all the revelry distract you. More fatal drunken driving crashes occur between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve than at any other time of the year, according to statistics kept by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
From the deaths of dictators, terrorists and world-changing CEOs, to the devastation of earthquakes, Middle East revolts and global economic crisis, 2011 was a year wrought with war, conflict and tragedy. And while we as adults struggle to find meaning and understanding in such events, as parents, we are sometimes left struggling to answer those same questions for our children.
Decorating a nursery or toddler's room is part of the nesting process but can be expensive and overwhelming with all the choices these days. There are so many home decor options, gadgets and deal sites, the entire process can seem daunting and costly. Smart moms who are in-the-know have some secrets for getting the luxury items they want, but at deep discounts.
(ARA) - In recent years, many people have focused on simply getting or keeping a job - and given the persistently high unemployment figures, that has been a reasonable reaction. But focusing on simply maintaining can cause problems in the long run of your career. Those who are focused on the future, whatever their line of work, know that to really be secure, the key is to develop and expand your career.
(ARA) - Summer is filled with fun activities: trips to the pool, neighborhood barbecues, play dates in the park and picnics by the lake.
When summer ends, don't let it get you down. Even though your and your children's schedules may keep you busy, remember that the weekend is always just a few days away.
(ARA) - If your daughter's imagination often takes her to a land of magic castles, gorgeous gowns and glittery tiaras, then she's likely in what is known as the "princess phase." It's a magical time in a girl's life when her imagination takes over playtime to include kings and queens, princes and princesses staged in an enchanted world where anything is possible.
(ARA) - If your daughter's imagination often takes her to a land of magic castles, gorgeous gowns and glittery tiaras, then she's likely in what is known as the "princess phase." It's a magical time in a girl's life when her imagination takes over playtime to include kings and queens, princes and princesses staged in an enchanted world where anything is possible.
(ARA) - When you're a kid, a day packed with activity usually means lots of fun. For parents, finding different ways to keep your kids enriched and energized is the key to ensuring that their days are wholesome and enjoyable.
(ARA) - Have you started your back-to-school check list? School supplies, contact lists, transportation, after-school plans? How about making sure your children are up to date on their vaccinations?
By now you've been to the beach, worn out the Slip 'N Slide and tapped out the kids' interest in summer camp. So how do you keep the entire family content during these final dog days of summer? The summer vibe is laid back and easy-going, so once you've taken the hot dogs off the grill and the charcoal starts to fizzle, consider these family friendly forms of seasonal entertainment to keep the good times - and peaceful times - rolling for everyone.
(ARA) - Say goodbye to the McMansion. According to a leading real estate website, Trulia.com, 2010 was officially the year that homes over 3,200 square feet ended their dominance and appeal. But don't think that downsizing means downgrading. In fact, homeowners are looking to upsize their amenities to help them enjoy every inch of their homes.
More than five million people in the United States have Alzheimer's disease, and that number is growing. As a result, more Americans are becoming caregivers to a mother, father, sibling or spouse. In fact, almost 15 million family members and friends provided unpaid care for someone with AD or another dementia in 2010. For many, this responsibility is unexpected and life changing.
(ARA) - Straining to hear each day, even when using powerful advanced hearing aids? Feeling frustrated and sometimes even exhausted from listening? Whether it happens suddenly or gradually over time, hearing loss can affect physical and emotional health. Being unable to hear impacts one's ability to socialize with friends, communicate with co-workers, and can force people to become more reliant on family members to constantly interpret for them.
(ARA) - When it comes to fighting arthritis, there's no arguing with the axiom "move it or lose it." Movement and physical activity have been proven effective in relieving arthritis pain and, in some cases, delaying the onset of symptoms. But if you've been recently diagnosed with arthritis, or have been battling the disorder without much success, you may be unsure just what, or how much, physical activity will help you.
(ARA) - Each year, millions of seniors are able to enroll into a new Medicare prescription drug plan (PDP), and the vast number of available options can make this a daunting task. Choosing a Medicare prescription plan can seem confusing, so the more you know, the easier it will be to find one that makes the most sense for you.
(ARA) - Do you constantly feel like you "gotta go"? When you leave the house, do you always look where the nearest bathroom is, just in case? Bladder control problems are more common than you might think. Having an Overactive Bladder can affect your quality of life, and 16 percent of the adult population, or about 33 million people, have this condition, according to the Journal of Urology.
(ARA) - When families are gathered together this holiday season, you may start to notice changes in an older relative's driving behaviors and begin to have some concerns. You are not alone.
(ARA) - It's difficult thinking about death and dying and about wills and estate planning when you're young and starting a family or when you feel in perfectly good health. That might explain why nearly 60 percent of Americans do not have a will, according to a recent national survey conducted by FindLaw.com, the nation's leading online resource for legal information.
(ARA) - Each year, as the winter months approach, people begin to think of ways to protect themselves against slips and falls due to inclement weather conditions. For the elderly, and more specifically, African Americans with multiple myeloma, this should be a year-round concern in an effort to maintain their bone health.
(ARA) - With age comes the inevitable anxiety of mental decline. A common misconception is brain health is predetermined and can't be changed - it's the "you're stuck with what you got" notion. But experts suggest brain health can be positively influenced throughout different stages in life.
(ARA) - Research shows that racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to develop cancer and die from it than the general U.S. population, but are historically underrepresented in clinical trials. As part of lung cancer awareness month, Dr. Coleman Obasaju, a frequent speaker on health disparities around the world, provides his take on the issue. Obasaju is a clinical and senior medical director at Lilly Oncology.
(ARA) - While the winter months bring the joys of snowy days, holiday feasts and New Year's resolutions, they can also be a challenging time to stay healthy - especially for people living with diabetes. Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) Lara Hassan notes that maintaining blood sugar levels during the winter months can be done.
With the recent announcement that Lipitor, the blockbuster cholesterol reducing pill, lost its patent, millions of people will gain access to the generic version of the medication - at a significantly reduced cost. Its recent availability as a generic drug, however, is the cause for confusion among patients, according to a new study by Treato, a social media search company that analyzes health-related discussions across the Internet.
(ARA) - With the holiday season fast approaching, now is the time when family and friends will begin gathering to give thanks and toast to a happy and healthy New Year. For many Americans, the weeks ahead will be full of favorite traditions and hopeful resolutions, some of which may include a renewed sense of wellness. Unfortunately, for many of our loved ones, the added financial expense of the holidays can be overwhelming, especially for those who already struggle to pay for needed medical care and prescription medicines.
At just 24 years old, Heather Latif found herself upwards of 230 pounds and diagnosed with high blood pressure - the same condition she's watched her mother and grandmother suffer from her entire life. Heather had been uncomfortable with her weight for years, but was stunned to be facing this serious health concern at such a young age.
(ARA) - Situation/problem: Nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't efficiently use the insulin it does make. ACTOS (pioglitazone HCl) is a prescription medication used with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It works by helping the body better use the insulin it makes and stopping the liver from making more sugar when it doesn't need to.
(ARA) - There are more than 65 million caregivers who are an essential part of a patient's health care team in the United States. They not only provide emotional strength and support but also often help a patient with their daily needs, such as filling prescriptions or helping schedule doctors' appointments. But while being a caregiver to someone in need can be a significant help, it can also be a daunting responsibility. Greg Stephens, Founder and Director of the National CML Society, can relate.
(ARA) - Did you know that chickenpox is most likely to occur during late winter and spring? As winter approaches, when you talk to your child's doctor about ways to stay healthy this season, remember to also ask about the chickenpox vaccine. Your doctor may recommend a second dose of the chickenpox vaccine for your child.
(ARA) - Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body including skin, joints and organs. It is a complex and unpredictable disease with symptoms that may range in severity from one day to the next. It can even be fatal. There are an estimated 1.5 million Americans living with lupus, and every day these individuals must deal with their own immune system not recognizing the difference between "foreign invaders" like the flu and healthy tissue. The resulting health effects can include heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and organ failure.
(ARA) - High tech mannequins bleed, cough, speak, cry and teach students, nurses and physicians every day in environments where mistakes aren't deadly. They are used in hospital and university simulation centers and they are increasingly becoming a part of the training and continuing education of health care professionals.
(ARA) - Congratulations! You're a pet owner. Bringing a new pet home is an exciting experience but requires some preparation. That adorable ball of energy covered in fur will interact with just about every inch of living space and your life is about to be enriched in ways you've never dreamed possible.
(ARA) - 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.
(ARA) - When Michele Sebesto, of Staten Island, N.Y., adopted JC 10 years ago, she said the chihuahua was an invaluable source of comfort. As a New Yorker, she'd just gone through the 9/11 attacks, and the two developed a special bond. Unfortunately, JC had some minor but persistent health problems.
(ARA) - When fleas are spotted in the home, it's our pets that take the blame. But did you know that for every flea you see, there could be a much bigger problem hiding in the bedding, carpets, furniture and floorboards of your home? The truth is, flea eggs, maggot-like larvae and pupae represent 95 percent of a flea infestation, and they thrive not on your pet, but in the places your pet likes to snuggle - on the couch, under the porch, even in your bed.
(ARA) - If you are a pet owner, your pet is a beloved member of your family. You buy treats and toys and sometimes even costumes to keep your pet happy and an integral part of the family. But, what about your pet's health? In the midst of all the fun, it is vital that pet owners work with their veterinarians to keep their pets healthy.
(ARA) - The connection between pets and owners is hard to quantify, but for many pet owners it comes down to wanting their dog to live as good a life as they, themselves, are living.
(ARA) - Obesity rates are dramatically higher than a decade ago. Twelve states now have obesity rates of 30 percent or higher, according to a recent report by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. With obesity a serious health threat, many families are on the lookout for ways to increase their physical activity levels. For families who own a dog, one helpful answer may be as close as their favorite furry friend. Walking and exercising with the family dog is an easy way to get moving, spend quality time together and get to know your neighbors.
(ARA) - Obesity rates are dramatically higher than a decade ago. Twelve states now have obesity rates of 30 percent or higher, according to a recent report by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. With obesity a serious health threat, many families are on the lookout for ways to increase their physical activity levels. For families who own a dog, one helpful answer may be as close as their favorite furry friend. Walking and exercising with the family dog is an easy way to get moving, spend quality time together and get to know your neighbors.
(ARA) - Of course you love your pets, but let's face it: Sometimes they smell. And whether you are hosting guests or trying to sell your home, the last thing you want visitors to remember is an offensive odor. Luckily, there are a number of ways to eliminate those less-than-pleasant pet odors and let your home's personality shine.
(ARA) - When a family member is lost, you exert all efforts to find them and bring them home safely. And the same holds true when the family member has fur and walks on four legs.