Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Green, Gorgeous Gifts for Gardeners
1. Mason Bee House
This gorgeous mason bee house is handmade from reclaimed barn wood. If you're buying for a gardener who grows fruit or vegetables, this would be a great gift.
2. Organic Flower Power Soothing Salve
If the gardener in your life is as bad at remembering to wear their gardening gloves as I am, than it's probably safe to assume that their hands could use a little TLC. This all-natural salve is made from beeswax, olive and jojoba oil, as well as organically grown rose and chamomile
3. Tiny Terrariums
Tiny Terrariums are easy-care; cute terrariums are the perfect gift for most gardeners. A bit of green in a cubicle, office, or kitchen windowsill would be welcomed by just about any garden geek.
4. Quirky Windchime From Reclaimed Items
There is nothing quite as relaxing as listening to the gentle tinkling of a windchime while working or kicking back in your garden. This one has a great cooking theme, featuring a rolling pin and utensils, but this particular Etsy seller also has other windchimes, such as one featuring hand tools. Very creative.
This gorgeous mason bee house is handmade from reclaimed barn wood. If you're buying for a gardener who grows fruit or vegetables, this would be a great gift.
2. Organic Flower Power Soothing Salve
If the gardener in your life is as bad at remembering to wear their gardening gloves as I am, than it's probably safe to assume that their hands could use a little TLC. This all-natural salve is made from beeswax, olive and jojoba oil, as well as organically grown rose and chamomile
3. Tiny Terrariums
Tiny Terrariums are easy-care; cute terrariums are the perfect gift for most gardeners. A bit of green in a cubicle, office, or kitchen windowsill would be welcomed by just about any garden geek.
4. Quirky Windchime From Reclaimed Items
There is nothing quite as relaxing as listening to the gentle tinkling of a windchime while working or kicking back in your garden. This one has a great cooking theme, featuring a rolling pin and utensils, but this particular Etsy seller also has other windchimes, such as one featuring hand tools. Very creative.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Right diet for healthy heart
Heart disease
Coronary heart disease
Coronary heart disease is caused when the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, become narrower because of the build-up of fatty deposits inside them. This 'furring up' of the arteries is called atherosclerosis.
In time the artery may become so narrow that not enough blood gets through to the heart. This means the heart muscle doesn't get all the oxygen it needs, which is called angina. The pain of angina happens when the heart muscle gets short of oxygen.
If the narrowed artery becomes blocked by a blood clot, this causes a heart attack.
Cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease includes all the diseases of the heart and blood vessels, including CHD, heart failure and stroke. Cardiovascular disease causes nearly 238,000 deaths every year in the UK.
There are a number of things that increase the risk of developing heart disease, including:
* high blood pressure
* smoking
* high cholesterol levels
* not being physically active
* being overweight
* diabetes
Healthy heart
What we eat can make a big difference to the health of our hearts. We can reduce our chances of developing heart disease by eating a diet that is high in fruit and vegetables, high in fibre, and low in salt and fat, particularly saturated fat. And don't forget that giving up smoking will significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Becoming more active also helps protect our hearts by lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels and controlling our weight.
Coronary heart disease
Coronary heart disease is caused when the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, become narrower because of the build-up of fatty deposits inside them. This 'furring up' of the arteries is called atherosclerosis.
In time the artery may become so narrow that not enough blood gets through to the heart. This means the heart muscle doesn't get all the oxygen it needs, which is called angina. The pain of angina happens when the heart muscle gets short of oxygen.
If the narrowed artery becomes blocked by a blood clot, this causes a heart attack.
Cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease includes all the diseases of the heart and blood vessels, including CHD, heart failure and stroke. Cardiovascular disease causes nearly 238,000 deaths every year in the UK.
There are a number of things that increase the risk of developing heart disease, including:
* high blood pressure
* smoking
* high cholesterol levels
* not being physically active
* being overweight
* diabetes
Healthy heart
What we eat can make a big difference to the health of our hearts. We can reduce our chances of developing heart disease by eating a diet that is high in fruit and vegetables, high in fibre, and low in salt and fat, particularly saturated fat. And don't forget that giving up smoking will significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Becoming more active also helps protect our hearts by lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels and controlling our weight.
Monday, March 01, 2010
11 Tips for going green at home
Ask about Energy Efficient Mortgages, known as EEMs. They often allow new homeowners to qualify for a larger mortgage with a lower annual income due to the energy savings expected in homes built to high-energy efficiency standards. Ask your real estate professional or mortgage lender about EEMs.
Reduce the amount of waste you produce by buying minimally packaged goods, choosing reusable products over disposable ones, and recycling.
Consider a Hybrid. Looking to buy a new car? Consider a hybrid, which runs on a combination of a gasoline engine and electric motor. Hybrids get up to 50 mpg compared with 15-25 mpg for typical vehicles. Even better, walk, bike, carpool or take transit more often. You'll save one pound of CO2 for every mile you don't drive.
Kill the Energy "Vampires." TVs, video and DVD players, cable boxes, chargers for phones, laptops, camera, handheld devices and other electronic equipment found in nearly every American home are wasting huge amounts of energy. When these devices are left plugged in or in standby mode (e.g., computer "sleep" mode), they use about 40 percent of their full running power. To avoid the drain of these energy "vampires," plug them into a power strip and turn it off when they are not in use.
(Energy) Audit Your House. The greenhouse gas emissions of your house are equivalent to two average automobiles. By making improvements - sometimes as simple as fixing leaks, adding insulation and installing a hot water heater blanket - you can reduce your energy use by 30 to 40 percent, and even cut it in half. Cutting your energy consumption by even 25 percent is the equivalent of taking a car off the road for six months each year, keeping three to four tons of CO2 out of the atmosphere.
Buy Local. Eat Fresh! Farmers' markets make it easy for you to buy produce from local farmers. Produce that is grown and sold locally avoids energy used to transport items from great distances. Many local farmers also use organic growing methods.
Put the Pressure On. Keep your tires inflated properly. Under-inflated tires are energy drainers. This simple action can save 400-700 pounds of CO2 per year. Changing auto air filters regularly also increases fuel efficiency. Accelerate slowly (don't lead foot it) and drive the speed limit. Better yet, ditch the car and walk, bike or take transit. Every gallon of gasoline you don't use keeps 20 pounds of CO2 out of the atmosphere.
Get an Electric Lawnmower. Surrender your gasoline lawnmower, which is among the dirtiest of modern machines. Using your gasoline-powered mower for one hour emits the same amount of pollution as driving a car 93 miles. Gas mowers emit a disproportionate amount of CO2, as well as carcinogens such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Replace your gasoline lawnmower with an electric model or, better yet, a manual mower. You'll build strength and reduce emissions.
Plant a Tree. In the fall, gather acorns, chestnuts and seeds from maples and other leafy trees and plant them in small pots at home. Keep the saplings for four-five years, then plant them in your own garden, offer them to friends as gifts, or return them to nature. Experiment with different types of seeds. A single tree will absorb one ton of CO2 over its lifetime.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. The manufacturing process produces an average four-eight pounds of CO2 for every pound of manufactured product. You'll save 2,400 pounds of CO2 per year by recycling half of your household waste. Avoid plastic bags; take sturdy tote bags to the grocery store. Reuse plastic grocery bags as trash can liners and tote bags. Reuse take-out containers for plant saucers. Take a travel mug to your favorite coffee shop. Reuse gift-wrap or use reusable gift bags.
Hang it Up. Clothes dryers are energy gluttons. To reduce energy use, clean the lint filter after each load (improves air circulation and speeds drying). Use the cool-down cycle, which uses residual heat to complete the drying process. Better yet, abandon your dryer (or use it less often) by hanging up your clothes. Apartment and condo dwellers can buy a drying rack that fits into the bathtub or folds up into the wall. Reduces CO2 emissions, and your clothes will last longer.
Reduce the amount of waste you produce by buying minimally packaged goods, choosing reusable products over disposable ones, and recycling.
Consider a Hybrid. Looking to buy a new car? Consider a hybrid, which runs on a combination of a gasoline engine and electric motor. Hybrids get up to 50 mpg compared with 15-25 mpg for typical vehicles. Even better, walk, bike, carpool or take transit more often. You'll save one pound of CO2 for every mile you don't drive.
Kill the Energy "Vampires." TVs, video and DVD players, cable boxes, chargers for phones, laptops, camera, handheld devices and other electronic equipment found in nearly every American home are wasting huge amounts of energy. When these devices are left plugged in or in standby mode (e.g., computer "sleep" mode), they use about 40 percent of their full running power. To avoid the drain of these energy "vampires," plug them into a power strip and turn it off when they are not in use.
(Energy) Audit Your House. The greenhouse gas emissions of your house are equivalent to two average automobiles. By making improvements - sometimes as simple as fixing leaks, adding insulation and installing a hot water heater blanket - you can reduce your energy use by 30 to 40 percent, and even cut it in half. Cutting your energy consumption by even 25 percent is the equivalent of taking a car off the road for six months each year, keeping three to four tons of CO2 out of the atmosphere.
Buy Local. Eat Fresh! Farmers' markets make it easy for you to buy produce from local farmers. Produce that is grown and sold locally avoids energy used to transport items from great distances. Many local farmers also use organic growing methods.
Put the Pressure On. Keep your tires inflated properly. Under-inflated tires are energy drainers. This simple action can save 400-700 pounds of CO2 per year. Changing auto air filters regularly also increases fuel efficiency. Accelerate slowly (don't lead foot it) and drive the speed limit. Better yet, ditch the car and walk, bike or take transit. Every gallon of gasoline you don't use keeps 20 pounds of CO2 out of the atmosphere.
Get an Electric Lawnmower. Surrender your gasoline lawnmower, which is among the dirtiest of modern machines. Using your gasoline-powered mower for one hour emits the same amount of pollution as driving a car 93 miles. Gas mowers emit a disproportionate amount of CO2, as well as carcinogens such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Replace your gasoline lawnmower with an electric model or, better yet, a manual mower. You'll build strength and reduce emissions.
Plant a Tree. In the fall, gather acorns, chestnuts and seeds from maples and other leafy trees and plant them in small pots at home. Keep the saplings for four-five years, then plant them in your own garden, offer them to friends as gifts, or return them to nature. Experiment with different types of seeds. A single tree will absorb one ton of CO2 over its lifetime.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. The manufacturing process produces an average four-eight pounds of CO2 for every pound of manufactured product. You'll save 2,400 pounds of CO2 per year by recycling half of your household waste. Avoid plastic bags; take sturdy tote bags to the grocery store. Reuse plastic grocery bags as trash can liners and tote bags. Reuse take-out containers for plant saucers. Take a travel mug to your favorite coffee shop. Reuse gift-wrap or use reusable gift bags.
Hang it Up. Clothes dryers are energy gluttons. To reduce energy use, clean the lint filter after each load (improves air circulation and speeds drying). Use the cool-down cycle, which uses residual heat to complete the drying process. Better yet, abandon your dryer (or use it less often) by hanging up your clothes. Apartment and condo dwellers can buy a drying rack that fits into the bathtub or folds up into the wall. Reduces CO2 emissions, and your clothes will last longer.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Pick nature's clothes dryer
Have you noticed that most dryers - even the newer, more advanced machines - have fairly modest energy star ratings? That's because, by their very nature, they're heavy on power usage and expensive to run.
In fact, a medium-sized 2-star clothes dryer used just twice a week will use more power in a year than a medium-sized 4.5 star two-door fridge!
The cost of using a dryer quickly stacks up on your power bills and costs our environment - all for something that can be obtained for free, outside in the fresh air.
Big savings
Take advantage of the sun in your garden or balcony – it's free! Hanging your clothes outside to dry instead of using a dryer can save a huge $280 off your yearly power bill and cut your household's carbon pollution by 1,400kg.
Use only when wet
Consider your dryer only as a drying appliance for really wet weather.
Even better, avoid washing altogether on rainy days. If you can, use clothes horses or airing racks and lines inside to fully or partly dry your washing.
When you do need to use your dryer, follow these power saving tips to lower your power use and impact on our environment:
* use correct temperature settings to minimise the amount of electricity consumed Clean the lint filter regularly to improve the dryer's energy efficiency
* don't overload your dryer – it takes longer to dry your clothes and uses more power
* use residual heat – if you've got several loads, dry them one after the other
* use your washer's spin cycle to make sure clothes aren't soaking wet when you put them in the dryer
* clean the lint filter on the dryer after every load to maximise drying efficiency, maintain full airflow, and minimise fire risk
* create airflow in the laundry by opening doors and windows to prevent humidity forming which slows down drying time
* don't mix heavyweight and lightweight articles in the same load
* share the load, finish drying or partly hang the items outdoors or in the sun
In fact, a medium-sized 2-star clothes dryer used just twice a week will use more power in a year than a medium-sized 4.5 star two-door fridge!
The cost of using a dryer quickly stacks up on your power bills and costs our environment - all for something that can be obtained for free, outside in the fresh air.
Big savings
Take advantage of the sun in your garden or balcony – it's free! Hanging your clothes outside to dry instead of using a dryer can save a huge $280 off your yearly power bill and cut your household's carbon pollution by 1,400kg.
Use only when wet
Consider your dryer only as a drying appliance for really wet weather.
Even better, avoid washing altogether on rainy days. If you can, use clothes horses or airing racks and lines inside to fully or partly dry your washing.
When you do need to use your dryer, follow these power saving tips to lower your power use and impact on our environment:
* use correct temperature settings to minimise the amount of electricity consumed Clean the lint filter regularly to improve the dryer's energy efficiency
* don't overload your dryer – it takes longer to dry your clothes and uses more power
* use residual heat – if you've got several loads, dry them one after the other
* use your washer's spin cycle to make sure clothes aren't soaking wet when you put them in the dryer
* clean the lint filter on the dryer after every load to maximise drying efficiency, maintain full airflow, and minimise fire risk
* create airflow in the laundry by opening doors and windows to prevent humidity forming which slows down drying time
* don't mix heavyweight and lightweight articles in the same load
* share the load, finish drying or partly hang the items outdoors or in the sun
Monday, February 22, 2010
Tips to reduce the amount of gas you use
Drive Sensibly
Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.
Planning and combining trips
Combining errands into one trip saves you time and money. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. Trip planning ensures that traveling is done when the engine is warmed-up and efficient, and it can reduce the distance you travel.
Keep Your Engine Properly Tuned
Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4 percent, though results vary based on the kind of repair and how well it is done.
Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent.
Choosing a more efficient vehicle
Thinking about buying a new vehicle?
Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.
Planning and combining trips
Combining errands into one trip saves you time and money. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. Trip planning ensures that traveling is done when the engine is warmed-up and efficient, and it can reduce the distance you travel.
Keep Your Engine Properly Tuned
Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4 percent, though results vary based on the kind of repair and how well it is done.
Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent.
Choosing a more efficient vehicle
Thinking about buying a new vehicle?
Selecting which vehicle to purchase is the most important fuel economy decision you'll make.
The difference between a car that gets 20 MPG and one that gets 30 MPG amounts to $668 per year (assuming 15,000 miles of driving annually and a fuel cost of $2.67).
That's $3,338 extra in fuel costs over five years!
The difference between a car that gets 20 MPG and one that gets 30 MPG amounts to $668 per year (assuming 15,000 miles of driving annually and a fuel cost of $2.67).
That's $3,338 extra in fuel costs over five years!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Scotland urged to save money by going greener
A new campaign offering hard-pressed families advice on how to cut their fuel bills and help save the planet in the process was launched today.
Fronted by Mr Earth, the 'Go Greener' campaign will be using radio, tv, outdoor and online advertising to promote energy saving messages.
Launched to coincide with Energy Saving Week, it reminds people that small, simple lifestyle changes can add up to significant financial savings and safeguard the environment for future generations:
Fronted by Mr Earth, the 'Go Greener' campaign will be using radio, tv, outdoor and online advertising to promote energy saving messages.
Launched to coincide with Energy Saving Week, it reminds people that small, simple lifestyle changes can add up to significant financial savings and safeguard the environment for future generations:
- Switching to energy-saving lightbulbs could save the average family up to £60 a year - energy-efficient lightbulbs last around 10 times longer than normal bulbs
- A household can save around eight per cent on fuel bills by switching appliances off at the socket instead of leaving them on stand-by
- Fitting a full heating controls package can save up to £180 per year
- Turning down the heating thermostat by just one degree can cut up to 10 per cent off fuel bills
The campaign follows new research from the Energy Saving Trust, which shows Scots are keen to go greener in order to save money.
Launching the campaign in Edinburgh, Environment Minister Michael Russell said:
"Unless we take decisive action to protect our environment there is every chance that rather than passing on our wonderful heritage, we will have to explain to our children why we ruined it.
Go Greener billboard poster
"Many of us have already changed our ways - recycling more, using more energy-efficient light bulbs and buying more seasonal and unpackaged produce.
"In Government we are also reducing our local and global environmental impact through tackling climate change, moving towards a zero-waste Scotland and increasing the use of renewable energy.
"The energy-saving measures and other steps we're promoting through the 'Go Greener' campaign will help us all make simple changes to the way we lead our lives. Achieving a greener Scotland depends on all of us - and will benefit us all too.
"We need everyone to get involved, so whether you are a business or an individual there are lots of ways to show your support. Go to www.infoscotland.com/gogreener to sign up."
Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said:
"Today marks the start of a new drive to encourage more Scottish households and businesses to reduce their energy use and save money through our 'Go Greener' campaign.
"These are clearly tough times, and becoming more green will benefit our wallets as well as our world. The average household could save up to £340 a year just by taking some simple energy efficiency steps.
"Our six-point plan for the Scottish economy includes helping households experiencing difficulties in the current economic climate. We are determined to improve energy efficiency in homes, do more to tackle fuel poverty and offer better financial advice to vulnerable households.
"Our new campaign features simple, helpful advice on how to save money and do your bit to reduce our impact on the planet. We owe it to future generations to take action now."
Harry Mayers, Head of Programme Delivery at the Energy Saving Trust (Scotland), explained:
"These are just a few simple steps we could all fit into our daily life which will make noticeable savings on our annual fuel bills and help protect the environment.
"Simple things such as turning down the thermostat one degree and washing clothes at 30oC instead of a higher temperature will cut down on the amount of energy used.
"Also, hanging clothes up to dry costs nothing and is much better for the environment than using a tumble dryer, which costs a lot to run. An added bonus is that clothes will last longer - the lifespan of elastic and many synthetics is drastically reduced by tumble drying."
Jim Paterson, Sales and Marketing Director at ScottishPower, who are actively supporting the new campaign, said:
"ScottishPower is committed to helping customers get the best out of energy use and as such, fully supports the efforts of the Scottish Government's Go Greener campaign.
"We are all looking for ways to save money on energy bills and by taking simple steps, households can make substantial savings as well as making their homes more comfortable whilst doing their bit to protect our environment.
"As a leading developer and operator of wind farms, ScottishPower is committed to promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency."
Taking action to reduce energy and help cut fuel bills by installing energy-saving lightbulbs and not leaving devices on standby are two simple yet effective actions the Scottish Government is promoting as part of its 'Go Greener' campaign.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Tips to stay greener at home
Improve your insulation
Around half the heat lost in your home escapes through the walls and roof. Installing loft and cavity wall insulation will not only stop heat loss - it could also reduce your bills.
Use labels to buy energy and water efficient appliances
The Energy Saving Recommended logo can only be used by the most energy efficient products, usually the top 20 per cent of those available.
Use timers and thermostats
Take control of your heating and you could save energy and money.
Switch to energy-saving bulbs
Choosing energy-saving light bulbs is one of the easiest ways of cutting your energy use.
Keep the VOCs low
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are found in paints, finishes and preservatives, can be harmful to humans, wildlife and plants. Most of these products carry a label showing their VOC content, so try choosing the ones with lower VOCs.
Turn off appliances instead of leaving them on standby
Electrical appliances left on standby waste six to ten per cent of all energy used in the average home. Switch TVs, stereos, mobile phone chargers and other gadgets off at the switch or the plug when you're not using them.
Install water-saving products
Low-flush-volume toilet cisterns, water efficient shower heads and aerating heads on washbasin taps help reduce your water use significantly.
Around half the heat lost in your home escapes through the walls and roof. Installing loft and cavity wall insulation will not only stop heat loss - it could also reduce your bills.
Use labels to buy energy and water efficient appliances
The Energy Saving Recommended logo can only be used by the most energy efficient products, usually the top 20 per cent of those available.
Use timers and thermostats
Take control of your heating and you could save energy and money.
Switch to energy-saving bulbs
Choosing energy-saving light bulbs is one of the easiest ways of cutting your energy use.
Keep the VOCs low
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are found in paints, finishes and preservatives, can be harmful to humans, wildlife and plants. Most of these products carry a label showing their VOC content, so try choosing the ones with lower VOCs.
Turn off appliances instead of leaving them on standby
Electrical appliances left on standby waste six to ten per cent of all energy used in the average home. Switch TVs, stereos, mobile phone chargers and other gadgets off at the switch or the plug when you're not using them.
Install water-saving products
Low-flush-volume toilet cisterns, water efficient shower heads and aerating heads on washbasin taps help reduce your water use significantly.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
6 Tips for safe summer
At home, you can keep cool and reduce the risk of heat exhaustion by:• stocking up on supplies like medicines, food and non-alcoholic drinks, so you won’t have to go out in the heat
• organising your day to avoid being outside during the hottest time (11.00 am to 3.00 pm), if possible
• doing strenuous outdoor activities, like DIY or gardening, during cooler parts of the day, like early morning
• wearing a hat and light, loose-fitting clothing, taking plenty of water with you and keeping to the shade, if you have to go out
• taking cold showers or baths and splashing yourself often with cold water
• drinking plenty of fluids, like juice or water – avoid coffee and alcohol
Older people and children are particularly at risk from heat exhaustion and heatstroke and will need extra attention.
Monday, February 08, 2010
Visit Napa Valley this summer
Napa Valley catches the attention of millions of wine and nature lovers every year. California Wine Country attracts more than five million visitors each year. The main attraction in the valley is the world renowned wineries, visiting wine making process and an opportunity to experience the most fabulous wines.Though California Wine Country is bountiful with scenic beauties, the wine industries and the making of world class wines formulate this valley a top tourist spot. There are some well organized tours best among that is Napa Valley tours that showcase the best wineries in the world. The Napa Valley tours takes visitors through a 30-mile valley, starting from San Francisco Ferry Building, passing through V.Sattui winery, Rutherford Ranch winery, Domaine Shandon and ends by ferry/bay cruise at the Ferry Building.
The significant features of the tour include- as a minimum three to four winery visits, you can see wine making from start to finish - with wine tasting experience, a chance to buy wine at low prices and the tour provides an occasion to take pleasure in the panoramic views of the valley.
For more information visit http://www.winecountrytourshuttle.com/
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Tips for saving ENERGY this summer
...at home
• Keep your air conditioner in the shade. An air conditioner exposed to direct sunlight will use 5 per cent more energy than a shaded one.
• Adjust your air conditioner's thermostat when you go out and shut down your system when you are away for extended periods.
• Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120ºF) for everyday use, and turn it down when you go away.
• Turn off and unplug stereos, radios, TVs, VCRs and clocks when you leave for holidays. These appliances have a stand-by function that uses energy even when they are turned off.
...on the road
• Don't use the air conditioner in stop-and-go traffic and you save on fuel consumption by as much as 20 per cent. Stay cool at highway speeds by using your car's flow-through ventilation.
• Don't idle. Idling for one hour uses 1.4 litres of fuel. If every Canadian motorist avoided idling by only 10 minutes daily, approximately three million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions would be avoided every year.
• Remove roof racks and put luggage in the trunk. (Saves up to five per cent of fuel by reducing aerodynamic drag.)
• Gradual starters save money. Avoid flooring the gas pedal from a dead stop. This uses 50 per cent more fuel than gradually pulling away.
• Keep your tires inflated. Under-inflated tires can increase your fuel consumption by five per cent.
• Keep your air conditioner in the shade. An air conditioner exposed to direct sunlight will use 5 per cent more energy than a shaded one.
• Adjust your air conditioner's thermostat when you go out and shut down your system when you are away for extended periods.
• Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120ºF) for everyday use, and turn it down when you go away.
• Turn off and unplug stereos, radios, TVs, VCRs and clocks when you leave for holidays. These appliances have a stand-by function that uses energy even when they are turned off.
...on the road
• Don't use the air conditioner in stop-and-go traffic and you save on fuel consumption by as much as 20 per cent. Stay cool at highway speeds by using your car's flow-through ventilation.
• Don't idle. Idling for one hour uses 1.4 litres of fuel. If every Canadian motorist avoided idling by only 10 minutes daily, approximately three million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions would be avoided every year.
• Remove roof racks and put luggage in the trunk. (Saves up to five per cent of fuel by reducing aerodynamic drag.)
• Gradual starters save money. Avoid flooring the gas pedal from a dead stop. This uses 50 per cent more fuel than gradually pulling away.
• Keep your tires inflated. Under-inflated tires can increase your fuel consumption by five per cent.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Napa Valley Tours - Bothe Napa Valley State Park
If you are heading Napa Valley Tours, the Napa-Sonoma area, and you love finding those best-kept-secret places, then you will not want to miss this park. It is located in the heart of the Napa Valley, not far from the community of Calistoga. You will find it on any map of the area.
Here’s the setting to imagine. This park boasts a wide variety of trees including Douglas-fir, tanoak, madrone, and coastal redwoods. There is also a wide array of wildlife including raccoons, squirrels, deer, foxes, bobcats and coyotes. It is also home to six different kinds of woodpecker.
So now that you have purchased a bottle or two of your favorite wine, and you have that picnic lunch in the car, consider this park a great place to enjoy the wonders of this famous valley. There are picnic areas, a swimming pool and numerous trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. There are also 50 developed wooded campsites, nine of which are walk in only. The park has restrooms and showers along with group, family and “hike or bike” campsites. A visitor center is also available with a Native American garden next door. The plants in this garden are still used by the Wappo people.
Now let me give you a few tips for getting there and staying there. Maps and brochures are available at the visitor center as well as by mail. Campers with a maximum length of 31 feet and trailers with a maximum length of 24 feet are allowed. The park ranges in elevation from 300 to 2000 feet. The park is located 5 miles north of St. Helena and 4 miles south of Calistoga on Hwy 29/128.
For more information visit http://www.winecountrytourshuttle.com/
Here’s the setting to imagine. This park boasts a wide variety of trees including Douglas-fir, tanoak, madrone, and coastal redwoods. There is also a wide array of wildlife including raccoons, squirrels, deer, foxes, bobcats and coyotes. It is also home to six different kinds of woodpecker.
So now that you have purchased a bottle or two of your favorite wine, and you have that picnic lunch in the car, consider this park a great place to enjoy the wonders of this famous valley. There are picnic areas, a swimming pool and numerous trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. There are also 50 developed wooded campsites, nine of which are walk in only. The park has restrooms and showers along with group, family and “hike or bike” campsites. A visitor center is also available with a Native American garden next door. The plants in this garden are still used by the Wappo people.
Now let me give you a few tips for getting there and staying there. Maps and brochures are available at the visitor center as well as by mail. Campers with a maximum length of 31 feet and trailers with a maximum length of 24 feet are allowed. The park ranges in elevation from 300 to 2000 feet. The park is located 5 miles north of St. Helena and 4 miles south of Calistoga on Hwy 29/128.
For more information visit http://www.winecountrytourshuttle.com/
Thursday, January 28, 2010
The Need for a Bone Density Test
A bone density test measures bone strength and mass -- indicators of a person's risk for developing osteoporosis.
New York-Presbyterian Hospital says these factors may indicate the need for a bone density test:
• Having had a bone fracture, perhaps stemming from loss of bone mass.
• Having a close relative -- notably a mother or grandmother -- who has been diagnosed with osteoporosis or who fractured a bone.
• Having taken over the long-term medications that can cause bone loss, including corticosteroids and certain anti-seizure drugs.
• Having physical risk factors, such as a slender build, low body weight or fair skin.
• Being a smoker or heavy drinker.
New York-Presbyterian Hospital says these factors may indicate the need for a bone density test:
• Having had a bone fracture, perhaps stemming from loss of bone mass.
• Having a close relative -- notably a mother or grandmother -- who has been diagnosed with osteoporosis or who fractured a bone.
• Having taken over the long-term medications that can cause bone loss, including corticosteroids and certain anti-seizure drugs.
• Having physical risk factors, such as a slender build, low body weight or fair skin.
• Being a smoker or heavy drinker.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Ear Infections: New Thinking on What to Do
Parents who've ever suspected their youngster had an ear infection might have been inclined to call the doctor, schedule a visit and expect an antibiotics prescription.That's been the ritual. But no more.
As a result, Tunkel said, guidelines issued in 2004 by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Otolaryngology began to encourage what doctors call an "observation option." That means that children 2 years and older who are otherwise healthy can be observed for a short period of time before being given antibiotics.
Ear infections are the most common illness among infants and young children, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, with an estimated three of every four kids having an ear infection before age 4. Usually infection occurs in the middle ear and is called otitis media. It's called otitis media with effusion when fluid and mucus build up in the tubes of the middle ear.
Ear infections often clear up on there own. But another pediatric otolaryngologist, Dr. Richard Rosenfeld, stressed that "observation is different than no treatment." Rosenfeld is chairman of otolaryngology at Long Island College Hospital and the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center and a consultant for the American Academy of Pediatrics on the ear infection guidelines.
When recommending observation before medication, he said, doctors might send parents home with a "safety net" prescription, one to have on hand in case the situation worsens. Parents should ask the doctor for specifics on the timeline for observation, which typically ranges from one to three days.And while watching and waiting, the focus would be on pain relief.
But observation isn't advised for all kids, even if they're healthy and 2 years or older, Tunkel said. For instance, a child with a fever of 102 or more would typically be treated.Rather, the guidelines are aimed to address concerns about resistance to antibiotics that can develop from overuse, he said.
Also, a study reported in the British journal BMJ in July found that ear infections come back more often in kids who've been treated with antibiotics. In the three years after being treated for an ear infection, 63 percent of the kids who were given the antibiotic amoxicillin had recurrent ear infections, compared with 43 percent of those not treated with an antibiotic.
Anesthetic ear drops, which usually require a prescription, can help but don't produce prolonged relief, Rosenfeld said. And the practice of putting warm compresses on the outside of the ear can't hurt, he said, but there's no real proof that it works, either.
Someday, kids might be able to be vaccinated against ear infections. Scientists are working on developing such a vaccine and testing ways to deliver it, including rubbing it on the skin rather than injecting it, according to a presentation at the 2009 annual meeting of the American Society of Microbiology.
In the meantime, parents can take some simple measures to reduce the likelihood of their child developing an ear infection, Tunkel said. If parents smoke, stopping will reduce exposure to cigarette smoke, which is a risk factor for ear infections. And parents who choose a day-care setting with as few children as possible can, at least theoretically, reduce the pool of circulating germs, he said.
As a result, Tunkel said, guidelines issued in 2004 by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Otolaryngology began to encourage what doctors call an "observation option." That means that children 2 years and older who are otherwise healthy can be observed for a short period of time before being given antibiotics.
Ear infections are the most common illness among infants and young children, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, with an estimated three of every four kids having an ear infection before age 4. Usually infection occurs in the middle ear and is called otitis media. It's called otitis media with effusion when fluid and mucus build up in the tubes of the middle ear.
Ear infections often clear up on there own. But another pediatric otolaryngologist, Dr. Richard Rosenfeld, stressed that "observation is different than no treatment." Rosenfeld is chairman of otolaryngology at Long Island College Hospital and the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center and a consultant for the American Academy of Pediatrics on the ear infection guidelines.
When recommending observation before medication, he said, doctors might send parents home with a "safety net" prescription, one to have on hand in case the situation worsens. Parents should ask the doctor for specifics on the timeline for observation, which typically ranges from one to three days.And while watching and waiting, the focus would be on pain relief.
But observation isn't advised for all kids, even if they're healthy and 2 years or older, Tunkel said. For instance, a child with a fever of 102 or more would typically be treated.Rather, the guidelines are aimed to address concerns about resistance to antibiotics that can develop from overuse, he said.
Also, a study reported in the British journal BMJ in July found that ear infections come back more often in kids who've been treated with antibiotics. In the three years after being treated for an ear infection, 63 percent of the kids who were given the antibiotic amoxicillin had recurrent ear infections, compared with 43 percent of those not treated with an antibiotic.
Anesthetic ear drops, which usually require a prescription, can help but don't produce prolonged relief, Rosenfeld said. And the practice of putting warm compresses on the outside of the ear can't hurt, he said, but there's no real proof that it works, either.
Someday, kids might be able to be vaccinated against ear infections. Scientists are working on developing such a vaccine and testing ways to deliver it, including rubbing it on the skin rather than injecting it, according to a presentation at the 2009 annual meeting of the American Society of Microbiology.
In the meantime, parents can take some simple measures to reduce the likelihood of their child developing an ear infection, Tunkel said. If parents smoke, stopping will reduce exposure to cigarette smoke, which is a risk factor for ear infections. And parents who choose a day-care setting with as few children as possible can, at least theoretically, reduce the pool of circulating germs, he said.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Tips for being active as a family
If you'd like your child to be healthy, start by looking at yourself and your family. Being active as a family allows you to be good role model, it helps everyone reduce stress, and it's a chance to have fun together. But it takes some organization to get going, and effort to maintain.
Building activity into daily life
Usually the biggest hurdle to family activity is finding time, but you don’t need to do everything all the time. Just try and fit a few activities into daily life in a balanced way:
• Walk or ride a bike with your child to the local shops or to and from school
• Encourage children to help with household chores such as walking the dog, washing the car or mowing the lawn
• Go for a family walk after dinner
• Keep a football, jump rope or bat and ball in your car at all times.
Being organized
Some activities take more organization. While this requires effort at the start, it can produce good results that really last:
• Plan ahead and schedule a regular time for physical activity that fits in with the whole family
• Take part in either organized sport or activities in the park – make it a feature of your weekend, e.g. football, bike rides, kite-flying
• Plan family holidays with a view to being active, e.g. somewhere near the beach or where there are good walks to do. Remember to take bikes, tennis rackets, balls and other equipment.
Keeping up the activity
It’s easy to get carried away with enthusiasm for family activity, then let it slip as time goes by. To avoid this happening:
• Choose activities the whole family will enjoy. Make a list of ideas from each family member and choose a few activities from the list
• Vary the activities to prevent boredom
• Don’t overspend – work out how much you can afford and choose activities based on that
• Choose convenient locations – if you need to travel for an activity (swimming pool, park) try to make it close to home
• Set goals so that your family’s progress can be tracked, then set new goals to keep interest up.
Building activity into daily life
Usually the biggest hurdle to family activity is finding time, but you don’t need to do everything all the time. Just try and fit a few activities into daily life in a balanced way:
• Walk or ride a bike with your child to the local shops or to and from school
• Encourage children to help with household chores such as walking the dog, washing the car or mowing the lawn
• Go for a family walk after dinner
• Keep a football, jump rope or bat and ball in your car at all times.
Being organized
Some activities take more organization. While this requires effort at the start, it can produce good results that really last:
• Plan ahead and schedule a regular time for physical activity that fits in with the whole family
• Take part in either organized sport or activities in the park – make it a feature of your weekend, e.g. football, bike rides, kite-flying
• Plan family holidays with a view to being active, e.g. somewhere near the beach or where there are good walks to do. Remember to take bikes, tennis rackets, balls and other equipment.
Keeping up the activity
It’s easy to get carried away with enthusiasm for family activity, then let it slip as time goes by. To avoid this happening:
• Choose activities the whole family will enjoy. Make a list of ideas from each family member and choose a few activities from the list
• Vary the activities to prevent boredom
• Don’t overspend – work out how much you can afford and choose activities based on that
• Choose convenient locations – if you need to travel for an activity (swimming pool, park) try to make it close to home
• Set goals so that your family’s progress can be tracked, then set new goals to keep interest up.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Choosing right snacks for kids
Chips, biscuits and chocolate bars give kids a pleasant taste 'hit'. But these foods are usually high in kilojoules, saturated fats, sugar and salt and provide few nutrients, so they need to be limited. Luckily, children can also enjoy fruit, vegetables, dairy and other cereal-based healthy snacks, though it can take a little coaxing and a few firm rules.
Tips for parents
* Set limits on the number of sugary snacks allowed and explain that they are treats and not for every day.
* Offer children a variety of healthy snacks as this will give them the opportunity to make their own choice and get them in the habit of choosing more healthy options.
* Always have healthy snacks in the home to decrease the temptation of having unhealthy ones.
* Don’t give snacks too close to meal times as this discourages children from eating their main meal, which leads to a desire for snacks later on.
* Avoid soft drinks and other sugary drinks, as they make fill children feel full and may therefore take the place of a healthier snack.
* Remember – snacks can be a great way to incorporate more fruit and vegetables into your child’s diet.
Give more of …
Fresh or canned fruit – try making fruit kebabs, or chopped fruit in a tub
Vegetable sticks (e.g. carrot, cucumber, capsicum) with low-fat dips
Raisin toast or bread, pikelets, pancakes or scones with a little polyunsaturated or monounsaturated margarine or fruit spread
Lightly spread muffins and crumpets
Rice cakes topped with vegetables and reduced-fat cheese, vegemite or sliced banana
Dried fruit and unsalted nuts (not suitable for children under 5)
Yoghurt (natural or fruit)
Healthy fruit muffins
Give less of …
Biscuits
Cakes, donuts and pastries
Chocolate bars and lollies
Potato chips, corn chips and cheesy snacks
Sweet drinks – fizzy drinks, cordials and fruit juices
Tips for parents
* Set limits on the number of sugary snacks allowed and explain that they are treats and not for every day.
* Offer children a variety of healthy snacks as this will give them the opportunity to make their own choice and get them in the habit of choosing more healthy options.
* Always have healthy snacks in the home to decrease the temptation of having unhealthy ones.
* Don’t give snacks too close to meal times as this discourages children from eating their main meal, which leads to a desire for snacks later on.
* Avoid soft drinks and other sugary drinks, as they make fill children feel full and may therefore take the place of a healthier snack.
* Remember – snacks can be a great way to incorporate more fruit and vegetables into your child’s diet.
Give more of …
Fresh or canned fruit – try making fruit kebabs, or chopped fruit in a tub
Vegetable sticks (e.g. carrot, cucumber, capsicum) with low-fat dips
Raisin toast or bread, pikelets, pancakes or scones with a little polyunsaturated or monounsaturated margarine or fruit spread
Lightly spread muffins and crumpets
Rice cakes topped with vegetables and reduced-fat cheese, vegemite or sliced banana
Dried fruit and unsalted nuts (not suitable for children under 5)
Yoghurt (natural or fruit)
Healthy fruit muffins
Give less of …
Biscuits
Cakes, donuts and pastries
Chocolate bars and lollies
Potato chips, corn chips and cheesy snacks
Sweet drinks – fizzy drinks, cordials and fruit juices
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Tips for Healthy vegetarian eating
There are three main types of vegetarians:
• Vegans eat only plant-based foods. They do not eat any meat or animal products, including dairy products or eggs.
• Lacto-vegetarians eat dairy products along with plant-based foods. They do not eat eggs.
• Lacto-ovo vegetarians eat eggs and dairy products, in addition to plant-based foods.
You can get all the nutrients you need from a vegetarian eating plan. But dairy products are good sources of calcium, vitamin D, and complete protein. And eggs are a good source of vitamin B12 and complete protein. So if you don't eat milk or eggs, you need to look elsewhere for these nutrients. Vegetarians also need to make sure that they get enough iron and zinc.
A registered dietitian can help you come up with a vegetarian eating plan that provides you with the nutrients you need for growth and development during your teen years. Here are some nonanimal sources of nutrients that vegetarians may not get enough of:
• Vitamin B12 – fortified soy beverages and cereals, brewer’s yeast, seaweed
• Vitamin D – fortified soy beverages and sunshine (vitamin D is made in your skin with the help of sunlight)
• Calcium – tofu (if made with calcium sulfate); soy-based beverages with added calcium; breakfast cereals with added calcium; fruit juice with added calcium; dark-green leafy vegetables, such as Chinese cabbage, bok choy, kale, collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. (Keep in mind that veggies are not as good a source of calcium as milk. You will have to eat many more veggies than you would have to drink milk to get enough calcium.)
• Iron – breakfast cereals with added iron; green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and turnip greens; cooked dry beans, such as kidney beans and pinto beans; peas, such as black-eyed peas; lentils; dried fruit, like apricots, prunes, and raisins; enriched and whole-grain breads
• Zinc – whole grain bread, legumes, nuts, oatmeal, and tofu.
• Protein – tofu and other soy-based products, beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, seeds, nuts, and grains. (Keep in mind that plants provide incomplete protein. In order to get all the amino acids your body needs, you have to eat a variety of plant foods. So, for instance, eating beans with brown rice will give you complete protein because each food contains the amino acids that the other food lacks.)
For people who follow vegetarian diets, the American Dietetic Association has these tips:
• Talk to a registered dietitian, especially during the teen years or if you are recovering from an illness.
• Limit sweets and fatty foods.
• Choose whole-grain or enriched breads, cereals, pasta, and rice.
• Eat a variety of nuts, seeds, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.
• Include good sources of vitamin C (such as grapefruit) to help you absorb iron.
• Choose low-fat or nonfat dairy products, if they are included in the diet.
• Make sure you get enough calories.
• Eat at least three good food sources of vitamin B12 every day. If you don't regularly eat foods with vitamin B12, take a vitamin B12 supplement.
• Lacto-vegetarians eat dairy products along with plant-based foods. They do not eat eggs.
• Lacto-ovo vegetarians eat eggs and dairy products, in addition to plant-based foods.
You can get all the nutrients you need from a vegetarian eating plan. But dairy products are good sources of calcium, vitamin D, and complete protein. And eggs are a good source of vitamin B12 and complete protein. So if you don't eat milk or eggs, you need to look elsewhere for these nutrients. Vegetarians also need to make sure that they get enough iron and zinc.
A registered dietitian can help you come up with a vegetarian eating plan that provides you with the nutrients you need for growth and development during your teen years. Here are some nonanimal sources of nutrients that vegetarians may not get enough of:
• Vitamin B12 – fortified soy beverages and cereals, brewer’s yeast, seaweed
• Vitamin D – fortified soy beverages and sunshine (vitamin D is made in your skin with the help of sunlight)
• Calcium – tofu (if made with calcium sulfate); soy-based beverages with added calcium; breakfast cereals with added calcium; fruit juice with added calcium; dark-green leafy vegetables, such as Chinese cabbage, bok choy, kale, collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. (Keep in mind that veggies are not as good a source of calcium as milk. You will have to eat many more veggies than you would have to drink milk to get enough calcium.)
• Iron – breakfast cereals with added iron; green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and turnip greens; cooked dry beans, such as kidney beans and pinto beans; peas, such as black-eyed peas; lentils; dried fruit, like apricots, prunes, and raisins; enriched and whole-grain breads
• Zinc – whole grain bread, legumes, nuts, oatmeal, and tofu.
• Protein – tofu and other soy-based products, beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, seeds, nuts, and grains. (Keep in mind that plants provide incomplete protein. In order to get all the amino acids your body needs, you have to eat a variety of plant foods. So, for instance, eating beans with brown rice will give you complete protein because each food contains the amino acids that the other food lacks.)
For people who follow vegetarian diets, the American Dietetic Association has these tips:
• Talk to a registered dietitian, especially during the teen years or if you are recovering from an illness.
• Limit sweets and fatty foods.
• Choose whole-grain or enriched breads, cereals, pasta, and rice.
• Eat a variety of nuts, seeds, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.
• Include good sources of vitamin C (such as grapefruit) to help you absorb iron.
• Choose low-fat or nonfat dairy products, if they are included in the diet.
• Make sure you get enough calories.
• Eat at least three good food sources of vitamin B12 every day. If you don't regularly eat foods with vitamin B12, take a vitamin B12 supplement.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Tips to Overcome Your Fears and Anxiety
• Maintain control over those things that you can. For example, if you walk for exercise, continue to walk.
• Limit your television news viewing. Tragic things feed news coverage, but you don’t have to subject yourself or your family to repeated doses of it. Tune in for occasional updates, but limit your exposure if it adds to your anxiety or that of your family members.
• If it makes you feel better to keep family members close by, then do so. Being cautious about personal safety is good. But try not to overreact.
• Do something for someone else. Taking attention off our own worries and doing something nice for someone else can improve our own frame of mind.
• Volunteer. Contact area schools, hospitals or volunteer groups to ask how you can help. Taking action to be part of something positive is a very constructive way to reduce your anxiety.
• Talk to someone. If you start to feel overwhelmed by your emotions, talk with a friend, family member, doctor, religious advisor or mental health professional.
• Resources Are Available For further information and support you may wish to contact your Employee Assistance Program.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Do's and Don'ts on the Internet for kids
DO:
1. DO use the Internet to help with schoolwork. The Internet is a source of great volumes of information. It's like having the world's largest library at your fingertips!
2. DO use the Internet to "visit" museums in far away places. Some examples are:
3. DO use the Internet to meet children in other countries or to keep in touch with pen pals who live far away in this country or other countries.
Some on-line services host chat rooms especially for children, and monitor them periodically for safety. You can safely establish an international mail pen pal through an existing program sponsored by your school, and then expand your pen pal communications to the Internet if your pen pal has access to Internet e-mail at his or her school or a nearby university.
4. DO be careful about talking to "strangers" on a computer network. Who are these people anyway? Some people say and do things which are NOT NICE.
5. DO use the Internet to learn more about universities and colleges that you may be interested in attending. Almost all colleges post some information on the Internet. Many colleges let you take a "virtual tour" of the campus, or submit applications for admission or financial aid applications on line.
6. DO respect the privacy of other users on the Internet, just as you expect your privacy to be respected. How would you feel if someone read your private e-mail or your grades? 7. DO be careful when you "download" (copy) programs from the Internet. Use a virus scan program before loading it on your computer. Some programs on the Internet contain viruses that can harm your computer.
DON'T:
1. DON'T give your password to anyone. Passwords are intended to protect your computer and your files. It's like giving the key to your house away!
2. DON'T answer messages that make you feel uncomfortable because they seem improper, indecent, or threatening? TELL A GROWN-UP RIGHT AWAY.
3. DON'T give any personal information, such as your family's address, phone number, credit card or calling card numbers, your school's name, or your picture to anyone on a computer network that you don't personally know.
4. DON'T arrange to meet anyone you've met on the Internet without telling your parents. Some people on the Internet lie about who they are, how old they are, and why they want to meet you.
5. DON'T try to break into computers. It's not a game. It's a crime and it's an invasion of privacy. Computers often contain sensitive information. How would you feel if someone broke into a computer and changed your grades? Deleted your term paper? Cut off your telephone?
6. DON'T steal copyrighted computer programs ("software") by copying it from the Internet. This is the same as stealing it from a store. People work hard to develop new programs and deserve to be paid for them. If software designers don't get paid for their work, they can't continue creating new software, such as new educational games or tools that help with schoolwork.
7. DON'T make copies of any copyrighted material, like books, magazines, or music without the permission of the author, publisher or artist. Copyrighted works are available (usually illegally) on the Internet. You are committing a crime if you copy and distribute them.
8. DON'T copy material that you find on the Internet and pretend that it's your own work. It's the same as copying a book or magazine article and pretending that you wrote it. It's easy to get caught. Remember, your teacher and thousands of other students have access to the same material.
1. DO use the Internet to help with schoolwork. The Internet is a source of great volumes of information. It's like having the world's largest library at your fingertips!
2. DO use the Internet to "visit" museums in far away places. Some examples are:
3. DO use the Internet to meet children in other countries or to keep in touch with pen pals who live far away in this country or other countries.
Some on-line services host chat rooms especially for children, and monitor them periodically for safety. You can safely establish an international mail pen pal through an existing program sponsored by your school, and then expand your pen pal communications to the Internet if your pen pal has access to Internet e-mail at his or her school or a nearby university.
4. DO be careful about talking to "strangers" on a computer network. Who are these people anyway? Some people say and do things which are NOT NICE.
5. DO use the Internet to learn more about universities and colleges that you may be interested in attending. Almost all colleges post some information on the Internet. Many colleges let you take a "virtual tour" of the campus, or submit applications for admission or financial aid applications on line.
6. DO respect the privacy of other users on the Internet, just as you expect your privacy to be respected. How would you feel if someone read your private e-mail or your grades? 7. DO be careful when you "download" (copy) programs from the Internet. Use a virus scan program before loading it on your computer. Some programs on the Internet contain viruses that can harm your computer.
DON'T:
1. DON'T give your password to anyone. Passwords are intended to protect your computer and your files. It's like giving the key to your house away!
2. DON'T answer messages that make you feel uncomfortable because they seem improper, indecent, or threatening? TELL A GROWN-UP RIGHT AWAY.
3. DON'T give any personal information, such as your family's address, phone number, credit card or calling card numbers, your school's name, or your picture to anyone on a computer network that you don't personally know.
4. DON'T arrange to meet anyone you've met on the Internet without telling your parents. Some people on the Internet lie about who they are, how old they are, and why they want to meet you.
5. DON'T try to break into computers. It's not a game. It's a crime and it's an invasion of privacy. Computers often contain sensitive information. How would you feel if someone broke into a computer and changed your grades? Deleted your term paper? Cut off your telephone?
6. DON'T steal copyrighted computer programs ("software") by copying it from the Internet. This is the same as stealing it from a store. People work hard to develop new programs and deserve to be paid for them. If software designers don't get paid for their work, they can't continue creating new software, such as new educational games or tools that help with schoolwork.
7. DON'T make copies of any copyrighted material, like books, magazines, or music without the permission of the author, publisher or artist. Copyrighted works are available (usually illegally) on the Internet. You are committing a crime if you copy and distribute them.
8. DON'T copy material that you find on the Internet and pretend that it's your own work. It's the same as copying a book or magazine article and pretending that you wrote it. It's easy to get caught. Remember, your teacher and thousands of other students have access to the same material.
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