Lifestyle
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5 Home Remodeling Tips from the Pros
(Family Features) With the extra time many Americans have spent at home over the past few months, there have been plenty of opportunities to think about how that living space could be improved. While this may not be the ideal time to tackle a full gut and renovate project, it may still be possible to do some smaller scale remodeling projects that update and improve your home. For example, simple cosmetic repairs like painting and replacing vanities can make a noticeable difference with minimal work or investment. Or if you’re hesitant about bringing contractors into the house, outdoor projects like replacing fencing, adding paver stones or constructing outdoor living spaces may be a benefit for your family. Before you take on a project, consider these tips from Robi Kirsic, MCKBR, UDCP, chairman of the board of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and co-CEO of TimeLine Renovation & Design.
It’s also a good idea to plan how you’ll use the renovated area. When possible, incorporate elements of universal design that don’t change how the space looks but will change how it works. For example, in the bathroom, install a curbless shower, taller toilet and block in walls to allow future installation of grab bars. Stick to a Budget Select a Remodeler Conduct Virtual Meetings Keep it Safe National Association of the Remodeling Industry Fund Helps Breast Cancer Patients Impacted by COVID-19 Crisis(StatePoint) Rising unemployment, mandatory stay-at-home orders, and an overburdened health care system are causing a perfect storm for breast cancer patients who have concerns or need care, according to the experts at Susan G. Komen.
“People who have been impacted by breast cancer or who are concerned that they may have breast cancer need help getting the care they need now more than ever,” says Paula Schneider, CEO of Susan G. Komen. That’s why Komen has established a COVID-19 Action Fund to provide people and organizations an opportunity to support the unique needs of breast cancer patients during this health and economic crisis. New Risks Breast cancer doesn’t break for a global pandemic. It is estimated that in 2020 there will be more than 279,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. Unfortunately, some of the common therapies used to treat breast cancer, like chemotherapy, can cause immune systems to be compromised both during and for a period after treatment ends, putting patients at higher risk for getting the novel coronavirus disease. How People Can Help Komen remains committed to doing whatever it takes to save lives by supporting those most vulnerable within the breast cancer community. The Komen COVID-19 Action Fund supports urgent needs among the breast cancer community during this health and economic crisis. Donors to the fund ensure important services continue for those in need, including: • Komen’s Breast Care and Clinical Trials Helpline, which is receiving record-high call volume • Komen’s Treatment Assistance program, which provides financial assistance to patients going through treatment • Guiding patients through difficult decisions and providing psychosocial support from oncology social workers • Komen’s advocacy for breast cancer patients and their needs among policy makers • Funding lifesaving research and clinical trials to discover new treatments “Whether it’s providing information, finding alternative resources or helping people stay in treatment by providing financial assistance to help remove barriers to care, we are here to help. But we can only be here for patients if we have funds available to deploy in assisting them,” says Schneider. To learn more or donate, visit coronavirus.komen.org. What Patients Should Know For people looking for support, Komen’s Breast Care Helpline can provide information, social support and help with coping strategies related to anxiety or concerns during these uncertain times. Calls to the helpline are answered by trained, caring staff members in English or Spanish, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET. The helpline can be reached by phone at 1-877-GO-KOMEN (465-6636), or by email at helpline@komen.org The experts at Komen noted that while they support delaying routine screening during this health crisis for healthy women of average risk who are not displaying warning signs of cancer, they strongly encourage people to know what is normal for them, and to report to their health care provider any changes. The warning signs for breast cancer are not the same for all women. The most common signs are changes to the look or feel of the breast, and a full list of warning signs for breast cancer can be found at komen.org. Contact a doctor if you notice any change in your breast. The COVID-19 pandemic is new, unprecedented and confusing, but for those with breast cancer, there are additional challenges. During this time of uncertainty, no one should feel alone. New resources are helping breast cancer patients connect with the information, care and support they need. Loading Family Features Article An Easy, Stylish Decorating Upgrade
A wall-mount door makes more room for fun(Family Features) Fall is the perfect time to make space-saving upgrades to your house.
It's easy to do with an option like Johnson Hardware's Soft-Close Wall-Mount Sliding Door Hardware, which can be used with virtually any metal or wood door from 1-inch to 1 3/4-inches thick, up to 48 inches wide and weighing up to 200 pounds. The U.S.-made hardware gently slows the door's travel speed to softly pull it into the fully open or fully closed position and works like a cabinet door closer, enabling doors to open and close quietly and securely. It also prevents door slamming and pinched fingers, as well as reducing door operational noise. The built-in satin or bronze finish fascia can give a warm decorative detail to a room while the smooth-rolling door hardware and track exceed ANSI standards, meaning it can successfully complete 100,000 opening and closing cycles, with adjustable door guides, tricycle hangers and adjustable track stops. The jump-proof aluminum box track is available in lengths up to 96 inches for single doors and up to 192 inches for double doors. Installing wall-mount sliding door hardware in a playroom, or nearly any other room in your house, can be an easy yet high-impact improvement that reduces space constraints while adding warmth, functionality and visual appeal. For more information, visit johnsonhardware.com. SOURCE:Johnson Hardware |
Haylie Duff shares best tips for quick and healthy family mealsActress and mom shares best tips for quick and healthy breakfasts(BPT) - Every parent knows it can be a struggle to prepare a nutritious meal that the whole family will enjoy. Finding time to spend around the table during back-to-school season can be particularly challenging, but not impossible. Actress, chef and mother of two Haylie Duff has a few expert tips and tricks for crafting nutritious meals on a time crunch. 1. Use pre-made ingredients to reduce prep time. Keeping the fridge stocked with pre-made ingredients is a simple time saver. Adding ingredients such as pre-cut vegetables or Hard-Cooked Peeled Eggs to on-the-go snacks or family meals is an easy way to boost the nutrition of a recipe without all of the prep work. 2. Plan a meal-prep day each week Preparing meals ahead of time to pull from the fridge or freezer and pop into the oven will help save time and reduce stress. Setting aside a couple of hours once a week to plan and prepare meals can go a long way toward making the school week more relaxed. Plus, planning ahead means more time around the table with loved ones during mealtime. 3. Add slow-cooker recipes to your weekly routine On busier days, let a slow-cooker do all the work. You can make tasty recipes, such as roast chicken with steamed veggies, a quiche or a healthy pasta dish. Simply put the ingredients in the slow cooker and fire it up. In the meantime, you’ll have more time to spend playing with the kids or helping them with homework. 4. Stock up on quality, versatile ingredients It is so important to keep little tummies full with top quality ingredients such as Eggland’s Best eggs, which are packed with superior nutrition compared to ordinary eggs at the grocery store. EB eggs contain more than double the vitamin B12 compared to ordinary eggs, which helps transform food to energy to keep the entire family energized throughout the day. They also contain six times more vitamin D, 25 percent less saturated fat, more than double the omega-3s and 10 times more vitamin E, which is why they are the only eggs I use for my family. For a make-ahead snack the whole family is sure to enjoy, try these Buffalo Deviled Egg Bites from the American Heart Association and Eggland’s Best. Buffalo Deviled Egg Bites Ingredients: 6 large eggs 2 tablespoon light mayonnaise 1 tablespoon hot wing sauce (lowest sodium available) 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper 1 tablespoon finely crumbled low-fat blue cheese 1 tablespoon chopped celery Directions:
Eggland’s Best is a proud national supporter of the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good movement and is encouraging consumers to try out these three recipes created by the American Heart Association and Eggland’s Best: Buffalo Deviled Egg Bites, Cheddar & Bacon Deviled Eggs and a Spinach Bake. Eggland’s Best is also teaming up with Sur La Table to create a better-for-you cooking series to help educate families on the benefits of spending family time around the table enjoying nutritious meals. To sign up for a class, visit www.surlatable.com/Egglandsbest. |
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For example, consider swapping out a traditional swinging door for a smooth-gliding, wall-mounted sliding door. A sliding door can add up to 14 square feet of floor space, which allows for more room to spread out toys and games, and give a more spacious feel to nearly any room. They also allow for more flexibility in furniture arrangements, which can turn even the smallest nook in your house into a cozy space.