All posts in: Family & Pets Products

A lesson in toxic school supplies

Family & Pets
By Rita Colorito on August 16, 2012 in

Price probably ranks as your biggest concern when shopping for school supplies. But the potential health effects of plastic products containing PVC could mean more to your child's future than how much you save, according to the Center for Health, Environment and Justice which offers a PVC-free buying guide for school supplies. Read more

Spring safety slip-up: Not checking your child's swing set

Family & Pets
By Sandra Gordon on April 29, 2012 in

A child's swing set as seen from inside a home

You've spruced up your lawn (check), gussied up the patio furniture (check) and washed the windows (check), but have you inspected your child's backyard playset? If not, play it safe and give it a spring assessment for action.

Each year, more than 50,000 kids go to the emergency department because of injuries on home playground equipment and about 15 children die each ear as a result of playground-equipment-related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Read more

Beware: Noisy kid toys

Family & Pets
By Rita Colorito on March 12, 2012 in

Two kids on top of a pile of toys

There's a reason parents have to shout over their tot's playthings: Some kid toys can reach dangerous decibel levels. What's more: These toys, if held too close to a child's ear and frequently misused this way, can do long term hearing damage. Read more

Three tips for controlling cat hair

Family & Pets
By Catherine Jo Morgan on February 29, 2012 in

Even when fed the best cat food, cats still shed hair. It's a natural and unavoidable process, and indoor cats tend to shed hair all year long. The Internet abounds with products that claim to reduce or control shedding and you could end up spending a lot of money trying one after the other. Here are three recommended methods for controlling cat hair. Read more

Halloween fright: How to avoid scaring up allergies and asthma

Family & Pets
By Rita Colorito on October 13, 2011 in

A lit jack-o-latern.

Halloween can be a frightening time for those with allergies. And it's not just peanuts in candy that put trick-or-treaters in danger.

Allergy--and asthma triggers--may be lurking among your Halloween goodies and decorations, warns the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

"When people think of Halloween-associated allergies, they focus on candy and often overlook many other potential triggers," said Myron Zitt, M.D., former ACAAI president in a released statement. "By planning ahead, you can ensure not only safe treats, but also safe costumes, makeup, accessories and decorations."

To keep your gasps of horror from turning into gasps for breath or spine-tingling scares into skin-itching nightmares, look out for these other six potential culprits, says the ACAAI: Read more

Find your perfect pet during Shelter Dog Month

Family & Pets
By Rita Colorito on October 12, 2011 in

Little dog in a house

If adding a canine creature to your clan is a future plan, now's the time to do it. October is National Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month. To celebrate and to get rescued dog and puppies into forever homes, many shelters offer discounts for pet adoptions during this month. Read more

Tips for healthy kid lunches for back-to-school

Family & Pets
By Jillian Ryan on September 7, 2011 in

Twitter Party

Your kids are back into the swing of things for the new school year and as a parent you might be a bit concerned about what your child is actually eating during the day. Maybe you are hesitant to condone the consumption of the cafeteria lunch, or you might have a child who is a picky eater; perhaps you are just out of innovative lunchbox ideas. If any of these things have your lunch-packing skills flustered, we got you covered. Read more

Back-to-school clothing: where to shop, plus tips and tricks

Family & Pets
By Heather Muse on September 1, 2011 in

Kids standing in a line, holding hands

Many kids dread this time of year; it is back-to-school and this means the return of homework and early mornings. The one silver lining: the annual wardrobe-update ritual of back-to-school shopping. But for parents, purchasing new clothing for the new year can become a burden. Read more

Suncare for Fido? You Bet

Family & Pets
By Rita Colorito on June 24, 2011 in

Jumping dog and young girl on beach

Homo sapiens aren't the only species susceptible to the sun's damaging rays. Sun exposure poses serious risks for man's best friend, too. Skin cancer accounts for one third of all canine tumors. Dog breeds most at risk: Boxers, Greyhounds, Weimaraners, Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Mastiffs, and Basset Hounds, and any shorthaired or fair-skinned pooch. Read more

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