Lisa Austen
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Article
Travel Tips: To Check-In Or Carry-On Luggage?
I am always going on business trips for work. The one thing I cannot travel without is my trusty laptop. As much as I love my MacBook, it is always an annoyance having to put the laptop through security, carry it with me around the airport, and finally, get it, along with myself, onto the plane. Normally it is not a question for me; I always bring my laptop as a carry-on. However, on my most recent business trip I decided that because I was not planning to do any computer wor
June 9, 2008
Article
Pack Some Fun Into Your European Backpacking Trip
If you are backpacking across Europe, it’s important to pack only the essentials. Even if you are a clotheshorse or fashion guru, it’s just not possible to lug around a ton of heavy bags while traveling on foot. As long as you keep the mundane stuff like clothes and shoes down to a minimum, you can make room for a few extras in your backpack that will make your vacation more enjoyable.nnnnHere are our top picks for what to include in your backpack if you have room
May 27, 2008
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Helping Family Members with Early Stage Dementia Cope with Memory Problems
When a loved one begins showing early symptoms of dementia, there are many issues relating to independence, safety, and the individual’s sense of self with which to cope. As dementia progresses, the person may have to give up living on his or her own, but during the earliest stages a supportive family network and helpful memory aids can help them retain their independence for a bit longer. nn Is It Dementia or Normal Aging? nnMost people begin to show signs of memory lo
May 27, 2008
Article
Understanding Basic Mortgage Terms
Purchasing your first home can be daunting and most people require a mortgage. With so many financial terms used in the mortgage industry, the whole process can quickly become confusing. While online mortgage software programs can help determine how much house you can afford on your budget, you still need to understand the terminology to navigate the process. Consult our primer on the most common mortgage terms below to help you get started.nnMortgage – The loan that he
May 13, 2008
Article
Getting Your Kids Moving For Good Health
Kids today eat more and exercise less than the last generation, and this is poised to continue unless something changes. One of the best things you can do for your children’s health is to get them moving and teach them the value of physical activity. Numerous studies have shown that regular childhood exercise is one of the leading indicators of good, lifelong health habits.nnIf you were an active child who loved playing sports and on the playground, you probably still d
April 25, 2008
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How Small Businesses Can Go Green
Eco-friendly offices are becoming more common and it is not as difficult as you might think to reduce your office’s impact on the environment. Even if you are already recycling paper, there are many other ways you can go green.nnThe first step is increasing awareness of environment issues among your employees. Many may already be recycling or using energy efficient appliances at home and will be receptive to your efforts. Put together an outline of the company’s n
April 25, 2008
Article
Soundproofing
Soundproofing is insulation against noise and can be achieved in one of two ways: reducing the noise and absorbing it. While the former is a case of introducing distance between the noise and the listener, the latter is about transforming the sound wave and suppressing with damping materials that absorb sound. These materials differ in nature - select each based on the type of soundproofing job at hand. Here is a breakdown of several soundproofing methods that have gained pop
April 21, 2008
Article
Dementia And The Aging Adult
Dementia is the deterioration of brain function which often strikes aging elders, a chronic problem that is progressive in nature. Many times the disease goes undetected in elders since the symptoms can seem like natural signs of aging at first. However, better understanding dementia can help caregivers and loved ones identify the early signs of the disease and reach out to a doctor for diagnosis and treatment, both of which are crucial to helping the person with dementia liv
April 17, 2008
Article
5 Classic Outdoor Games Your Kids Will Love
Playing outdoor games is part of growing up. We all have childhood memories of playing our favorite outdoor games with the kids from the neighborhood and our best friends from school. Now it is up to us to pass down the legacy to our children. Show them that playing outside is fun and teach them that physical activity is essential to their wellbeing. nnBelow is a list of five classic outdoor games your children are sure to love.nn1) HopscotchnHopscotch is a simple jumping gam
March 25, 2008
Article
Diagnosing Dementia
For persons with dementia, receiving the initial diagnosis can be difficult. However, it is better to receive a diagnosis early on than to suffer with little understanding as to why one is experiencing such strange changes in thinking and behavior. Likewise, the sooner a diagnosis is made, the better chance one has of treating the progression of dementia, and adjusting one’s lifestyle to moderate the effects of the disease.nnEarly signs and symptomsnA complicated diseas
March 17, 2008
Article
How To Deal With Loud Neighbors
Anyone who has ever rented property has probably had to deal with neighbors on some level and the most common complaint amongst residents is dealing with noisy neighbors. We can all relate to having the family of four upstairs whose children seem to run marathons right above you, the drummer down below that only practices after 10 PM, or the habitual snorer who you share a bedroom wall with. Whatever the case, there are a lot of different ways to handle the situation.nnTry th
March 10, 2008
Article
5 Things To Do With Grandparents On A Rainy Day
Hanging out with grandparents can be fun and enlightening. They are a link to the past and can teach us to appreciate our present. While grandparents might not see eye to eye with you on things like music, movies, or dance moves, their stories can open your mind to a whole new world you never experienced. Hearing about their life and experiences can be a lot of fun and make you think about your own life in a different way. Not to mention that hanging out with grandparents, yo
March 6, 2008