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Your family’s health and safety is very important. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) couldn’t agree more.

The CDC is promoting healthy habits and steps to take to ensure that your family’s good health really does begin at home.

Keeping your home clean and safe can help prevent many hazards that occur in the home. It also sets an example for your children. Teaching them healthy, safe habits now can help them in the future and ease some of your own concerns.

Check out this Health Matters video from the CDC:

Let’s review – preventable home hazards:

• Pollutants, including second-hand smoke from tobacco, pet dander, etc. can cause disease and health issues such as asthma
• Germs: keep surfaces clean, use antibacterial cleaners, and put food away to avoid creepy crawlies, rodents and allergies. Store cleaners where children can’t reach them.
• Prescription drugs: keep safely locked away where children and others cannot get to them
• Chemicals, like lead, mercury, etc. can lead to illness and injury. Often a simple home test and a few preventative measures can help reduce your risk of exposure.
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) exposure: A CO detector can help you prevent problems
• Radon is naturally present in the air, but some homes may be more at risk. A home kit can help to determine your level of exposure and if you need to take action.

The CDC also offers a fun, interactive site for kids to learn about home health. Head over to The Beehive for even more on home safety and healthy living.

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is recalling certain products containing Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP) due to possible Salmonella exposure.

HVP is a seasoning used in processed food products, including: soups, sauces, chilis, stews, hot dogs, gravies, seasoned snack foods (potato chips, etc.), dips, and dressings.

Several companies, including Procter & Gamble (P&G) who makes Pringles potato chips, have begun voluntarily recalling products with HVP, manufactured by Basic Food Flavors, that may be contaminated. There have been no reports of Salmonella-related illnesses, but better safe than sorry.

Two types of Pringles are on the list:

• Pringles Restaurant Cravers Cheeseburger potato crisps – UPC code: 37000 26936 and Best By dates: 02/2011 and 04/2011
• Pringles Family Faves Taco Night potato crisps - UPC code: 37000 26773 and Best By dates: 03/2011, 04/2011 and 05/2011

Only these types of Pringles are affected by this recall. For the full list of affected products, visit the FDA website.

Nothing in life is free…right? Well, not exactly. Did you know that you’re entitled to a free credit report from each of the three credit bureaus every year?

If you didn’t know, you will soon. Starting in April, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will require credit report ads on television, radio and the web to disclose what “free” really means.

Free to many of the credit report companies means you might have to pay for costly services before you’re redirected to AnnualCreditReport.com. What many folks don’t know is that AnnualCreditReport.com is free.

In fact, it’s the only authorized source to get your FREE credit report. You don’t even need to jump through hoops or give up any credit card information – this service is totally free. These new advertisement rules from the FTC are part of the Credit CARD Act of 2009 and another attempt to protect you from unfair practices.

Visit The Beehive for more information about your credit, how to find reliable credit counselors and how to get a free credit report.

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When 6.1 million Americans have been out of work for the last 6 months and 36,000 jobs were lost in February – things can seem pretty bleak. But it’s not all bad news.

Economists are seeing signs that suggest the economy may begin creating more jobs than it’s losing.

Don’t give up. There are plenty of things you can do to make money and prepare yourself for when jobs do come back.

Here are a few things you can do:

• It’s a good time to do some spring cleaning and find items you don’t need or use. Not only will it help you de-clutter, but it might mean extra income on sites like EBay or Craigslist.
• Food stamps (SNAP) can help take some of the anxiety off worrying about how to put food on the table
• Get your resume on as many job sites as possible. The Beehive has a great list of websites to use.
• Have you applied for unemployment yet? If you’re not sure if you qualify, find out here.
• Going back to school can help you get a degree and the skills you need in today’s job market
• Career One Stops help you write your resume, find jobs and training and more
• Turn your hobby into a business! Are you ready to start a Side Hustle?
• Volunteering has its perks – you can gain experience and once the market picks back up you never know where it may lead.

Head over to The Beehive and check out the Career Coach where you’ll find everything you need to get started.

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As we look back through history, what seem like the smallest accomplishments, hopes and dreams have, in reality, changed the world as we know it.

March is Women’s History Month, an opportunity to take a look at the women of past and present who have contributed, small and large, to the world in which we live. The theme for 2010, “Writing Women Back Into History,” identifies and documents the contributions of women around the world.

A few places to see some of the amazing women in history, include:

• HERstory – A look at women making a difference
• History.com
• Mother Nature Network – 5 women who made eco-history
• The National Women’s History Project
• U.S. Census Bureau – Facts about Women’s History Month

During Women‘s History Month think about all of the women in your life who, though they may not be in text books, deserve recognition for the incredible people that they are.

To be empowered ultimately means to discover and recognize your abilities and use them.  The I Am Empowered campaign can help you do just that.

I Am Empowered is part of a much larger vision from the National Urban League along with various partners, such as One Economy, that strives to bridge the digital divide in underserved communities and facilitate empowerment individually. And in turn, empower our communities and nation as a whole.

Each of us has incredible tools to share and use in order to empower ourselves and one another.

We need to start somewhere. I Am Empowered focuses on four goals for America in the areas of education, employment, housing and healthcare. This initiative attempts to bring us together to take a pledge and commit to making changes, personally and nationally, that will allow us to achieve four important goals by 2025.

Empowering yourself is the first step, but to make a difference we must work together as a collective to reach these goals:

• Every child is ready for college, work and life
• Every American has access to jobs with a living wage and good benefits
• Every American lives in safe, decent, affordable and energy efficient housing on fair terms
• Every American has access to quality and affordable healthcare solutions

If you’re ready to make a difference in your own life and on a much larger scale, then you can take the pledge today. Are you ready to become Empowered?

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A 30-day extension of unemployment programs including benefits and health insurance subsidies (COBRA) has been stopped – leaving many wondering what will happen to their benefits.

Nearly 1.2 million unemployed Americans depend on these programs and may lose their benefits this month if an extension isn’t passed before it expires.

As it stands now, tens of thousands of jobless Americans may lose their benefits this week. But it’s not just the unemployed. Other federal programs including highway work and some Medicare extensions have also been halted.

Another bill is being introduced which would extend benefits for another year. A vote could happen as early as this week. While this stalemate may not last, it might be a good idea to save what you can and prepare for the chance that your benefit check isn’t in the mailbox.

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The earthquake and chaos that has followed over the weekend in Chile is on many of our minds. The devastation and sadness is clearly taking a very large toll. And our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those trying to deal with this disaster.

Although we’ve seen some of the effects of the quake, the 8.8 magnitude earthquake may have done more than our eyes can even see. It may have actually shortened the length of each Earth day.

A research scientist found that while tiny in scale, the earthquake shifted the Earth off of its figure axis (NASA: the axis about which Earth‘s mass is balanced) by 3 inches. This means our days are now shortened by about one millionth of a second. Not a huge deal, but fascinating nonetheless. We’ll likely learn more as researchers gain more data about the quake.

Until then, remember to prepare for the worst and of course, hope for the best. The Beehive can help you start a plan and prepare for any type of disaster.

Courtesy of Phase One Photography (via NPR )

Men, women, dieters and chocoholics alike may have an answer to the question, how do I enjoy chocolate without feeling guilty or packing on the pounds?

Well, Harvard University professor David Edwards and his students came up with a new invention called Le Whif. Edwards and team most often develop inhalers for medicinal purposes. But as a fun experiment, they used their expertise to come up with an almost calorie-free, yummy inhale-able chocolate.

Le Whif isn’t sold in stores in the U.S. yet, but you can find a box of three bio-degradable tubes online for about $8. And unlike your normal box of chocolates, which usually don‘t last very long, these tubes provide about 8-10 puffs per Whif. And for coffee lovers – they’ve got you covered too.

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Choosing a healthy lifestyle is more than just going through the motions. It’s about making a conscious choice to change your habits.

March just might be the time to start as the ADA kicks off National Nutrition Month. And there’s no right way to participate. It can be as easy as making a few healthy changes and a plan to stick to it.

You don’t have to completely change your diet, but even a few healthy snacks and meals can make a big difference. Remember, you are what you eat. While drive-thru now and again won’t hurt, too much of anything is rarely a good thing.

Along with a healthy diet, you can avoid becoming a couch potato by increasing your activity level.

Keep it simple. You don’t have to run a triathlon to get exercise. There are many ways to be active without getting bored or overdoing it. You might even find that the hobbies you enjoy can provide the same results as going to the gym. Making realistic goals and simple changes can help you make new habits for life.

The Beehive can help the whole family get started with tips and tools about:

• Shopping and Eating Well
• Get Moving with Aerobic and Cardio Fitness Activities
• Energy Balance
• Food Assistance Programs
• Healthy Cooking
• And more!

The Beehive’s Health Matters Coach also provides great information for diabetics who are ready to make a plan and get healthy today.

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With the economy the way it is you’ve likely tried to be very careful with every penny. But as you file your taxes and wait for your refund, you may already be thinking about how to spend or save it.

Who doesn’t love a little extra cash? Before you let your refund burn a hole in your pocket, consider all of the possibilities. Are you behind on your credit cards? Do you have a child thinking about college? Have you been dreaming of a vacation? Knowing all of your options now can help you decide what to do when you get it.

Here are just a few sites to help you figure out what to do with your tax return:

• The Simple Dollar offers 10 things not to do and 10 to do with your refund
• The Beehive suggests ways to spend it! And save it!
• Saveforyourfuture.org also has some ideas about what to do with your return

Whether you choose to save it or spend it, making wise decisions about your money and your future can help prevent buyers remorse. It’s your money, these are only suggestions, just remember to consider all of your options and do what’s best for you.

Visit The Beehive for more help with filing, important tax questions, and more.

Courtesy of USA Today

Today, President Barack Obama is addressing healthcare reform with members of congress and you get to be a part of it.

With more than 45 million Americans uninsured, these issues may be hitting home. But for those who are insured and happy with the care they’re receiving this may seem like a non-issue. Regardless of which group you may be in, who isn’t looking for ways to cut costs wherever possible? This summit could be an opportunity to reach an agreement on how to budget our spending and provide coverage to those folks who need it.

The President’s proposal looks like this:

• Makes health care more affordable: a large middle-class tax cut would reduce premiums for millions of families and small businesses. It would also make health care more affordable for over 31 million Americans.
• Creates competition in the insurance industry: you’d have the opportunity to choose the same health care plan that members of congress have today.
• Accountability: this would keep premiums down, stop the denial of care, and cover Americans with pre-existing conditions.
• Saves the county money: the proposal could potentially reduce the deficit by $100 billion over the next 10 years.

You can find many of the answers to your questions about how health care reform directly impacts you and ask those questions that aren’t being addressed.

The healthcare summit is being televised nationally, but you can also watch live on The White House website.

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Let‘s be honest – filing taxes is a pain, but it doesn’t have to be stressful and time consuming. Knowing how to prevent a tax audit can help you get your return as soon as possible with minimal issues.

In general, it’s more common for folks with higher incomes to be audited. But just because you didn’t make $100,000 doesn’t mean you’re invisible to the IRS. Fortunately, you can avoid common mistakes that make you an easy target:

• Correctly fill out your return. The most frequent mistakes: forgetting your signature and listing the wrong Social Security number. Filing your taxes with The Beehive can help catch some of these mistakes.
• Don’t forget to include all of your income. If you have a single job and one W-2 this should help. But if you have a side job, bank interest or other forms of income, don’t forget to include those too.
• Have all of your receipts if you donated to a charitable organization. The IRS may question you if in the past you haven’t donated and this year your return shows a larger than normal donation – just be prepared.
• If you’re self-employed – major business losses (usually over $10,000) and some deductions might make you more noticeable. Of course, you need to claim these losses and deductions if you’re entitled or owe them.
• Keep your return to yourself. Remember, you never know who’s watching, if you’re on Facebook or Twitter bragging about your return you may be asking for an audit.

Ultimately, staying honest and filing correctly can help you get your return quickly without too many hiccups. Visit The Beehive for free online tax filing and what to do once you’ve filed.

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While the economic crisis has left millions without jobs and with little hope of finding the light at the end of the tunnel – there are many opportunities afoot if you’re ready to look for them.

Losing your source of income is scary and finding your dream job may mean taking risks. But you don’t have to jump alone. You do have options and a chance to find out what you’re really passionate about. Not to mention, how you can make money while you do it.

There are many ways to discover what you want to do when you “grow up.” And taking the time to find out what you’re interested in can change your perspective on finding a career. Keep in mind, you don’t have to be a CEO or a doctor to help others or make a living. If that‘s what you enjoy, then do it! But now may also be a great time to start your own business and create your own career.

In fact, many of the tools that can assist you in finding what you enjoy and which skills you have to offer are really only a click away. The Career Coach can help direct you on where to start and how to get there:

Discover a Career
Get More Education
Apply for a Job
Work Your Way Up
Build a Career Plan
Expert’s Corner!

If you already have a career in mind or are employed, The Beehive can also help you find the resources you need to continue to grow in today’s ever-changing economy.

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Many credit card holders are familiar with some of the not-so-honest practices that have been going on behind the scenes. But the wizard behind the curtain is being exposed and credit card rules are changing for your protection.

If you’ve been following the Credit Card Protection Act along with us than you’re already aware of some of the pros and cons. While it won’t solve everything, it is a start – just don’t let your guard down.

Changes that began Monday, include:

• New accounts will not see interest rate changes for at least the first year
• Your bill will be due the same day each month
• you’ll no longer be dinged extra fees on payments made online, over the phone, or by mail
• If issuers make any changes to your account, you must be notified at least 45 days prior. If you don’t like the changes you don’t have to go along with them.
• If you’re 21 or younger, you now need an adult to co-sign for you in order to apply for a credit card. You will also no longer see “free” offers for signing up near or on campus.

Like I said before, this doesn’t mean you’re completely safe from poor practices. But it does give you a little added security. Being  aware of the warning signs that you are headed towards a slippery slope can help you take the necessary steps to begin erasing your debt.

If you’re having a difficult time paying off those bills, visit The Beehive for more information about credit cards and how to protect yourself and your wallet.

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Turns out that a few minutes in the sun each week and a healthy diet can help middle-age and older groups reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Researchers at Warwick Medical School found that getting a big, natural dose of vitamin D can cut the chance of heart disease, diabetes and other diseases by 43 percent. Did you know that you get 90 percent of your vitamin D from the sun? These researchers recommend 30 minutes of sun twice a week without sunscreen.

Everyone’s skin is different though. Make sure you consider the facts and are sun safe before seeking sunshine. Not to mention, you can get a good dose of vitamin D from the food you eat too.

Oily fish like tuna, salmon, and mackerel can actually work with the sun to help you get a sufficient amount. The researchers suggest that, along with a healthy diet, you get 2-3 servings of oily fish per week and 5 portions of fruits and vegetables. Keep in mind – too much of anything isn’t a good thing.

Ensuring that you and your family are getting enough vitamin D and plenty of brain food can help you stay healthy, fit and happy year round. Visit The Beehive for more ways to eat and live a little healthier each day.

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A new worm might be infecting your computer and you may have accidentally invited it in. The worm, called Spybot.AKB, is spread through peer-to-peer (P2P) networks and email using Google, Twitter, Amazon, Hallmark, and Hi5 as bait.

This worm is tricky too. It disguises itself in invitations to social media sites, as an email from Google, and as a security update. Not only does it trick you though, it also tricks your computer.

Once on your computer, Spybot.AKB then installs as a security extension and redirects your searches to malicious sites. In other words, this worm wants others to join in on the fun of corrupting your computer. While the threat of this worm is minimal and there are people trying to kill it, so to speak – you don’t want it.

Email subjects to avoid include:

• Jessica would like to be your friend on hi5!
• You have received a Hallmark E-Card!
• Shipping update for you Amazon.com order 254-71546325-658732
• Thank you from Google!
• Your friend invited you to Twitter!

The best thing to do if you receive an email or offer you don’t recognize is to delete it immediately. Make sure your anti-virus software is current too.

Visit The Beehive for a great section on online safety and how to protect yourself, secure your computer and avoid threats such as this.

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With the winter weather beginning to melt and spring almost in the air – it’s time to start thinking about cleaning. I know, that never sounds very fun.

But you can make it fun with green cleaners that don’t cost an arm or a leg. And these cleaning products won’t hurt your family, pets, or the environment.

Green cleaning products are even easier to make than you think too. Plus homemade green cleaners usually smell great, work just as well as store-bought and are easy on your home, car and budget.

Here are just a few of my favorite green cleaning tips and products to get you started:

• Chemical Free cleaners
• Homemade Green Cleaning Products That Work
• Clean Green
• How to Go Green: Cleaning
• How to Make a Non-Toxic Cleaning Kit

Visit The Beehive for more ideas about how to be green and save money while you do it! If you want even more great ideas, check out the Living Green channel on PIC.tv.

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We can all use some help when trying to get out of a rut, especially if that rut is taking us further into debt. Don’t panic – you’re not alone.

Many folks are finding themselves with too many daily expenses and not enough cash to keep up. But there is help out there if you know where to go and how to start the process.

BigNews.Biz offers some great suggestions that can help you manage your debt and spending:

• Debt settlement: negotiating a reasonable amount with a reputable company can help you keep payments manageable and avoid falling into more debt.
• Debt consolidation: combining your debts into one lump sum can help you to pay a consolidated amount with a fairly low interest rate.
• Control your expenditures: certainly not an easy feat, but once you begin tracking your spending and minimize your costs you can begin to find a healthy spending pattern.
• Avoid credit cards: this isn’t always easy to do, but if you can, steer clear of them. If you have credit cards it may be time to pay them off and cut them up. This will help you manage your debt and expenses.

There are many options to consider when trying to manage your debt. None of them are going to be easy right off the bat. But staying aware of red flags and choosing a reliable company can help you take control of your debt and avoid being taken advantage of.

Are you ready to get out of debt? The Beehive has a great section on how to manage your debt and find healthy spending patterns that don’t leave you, or your wallet, empty at the end of the day.

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As if the airport and flying isn’t fun enough – the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will soon begin swabbing our hands for explosive materials.

While swabbing luggage for explosives has happened in the past, the TSA said random hand swabs will become the norm as well. Apparently getting half naked to walk through security isn’t enough. You will see this happening at check points, during the screening process and at your gate.

Fortunately, hand swabs won’t increase your wait time by much, but don’t be surprised if it does add a few minutes to the process. Of course, you can always show up a little bit earlier if you’re concerned.

But don’t get too upset if you happen to be in line for a random hand swab. Remember this is for you own safety. They aren’t trying to irk you. They want you to be secure and reach your destination with limited issues. And while I can never get those darn peanut packets open, I‘d rather that be my only complaint.

Flying isn’t what it used to be – but this has to be done. Try to keep a little patience for yourself, those around you and the poor folks at the airlines who really are just looking out for your best interests.