Contributed by Dawn Allcot
The earthquake and avalanche in Nepal that resulted in thousands of deaths. The tornado that recently ravaged Chicago suburbs. Superstorm Sandy. Hurricane Katrina. Each of these events reminds us of the power of Mother Nature and how unpredictable life can be.
Contributed by Tiffany Silverberg
Military families face a diverse set of circumstances which stem from a common core of demands put on them. Depending on, location, number of children, ages of children, and other factors, the demands of separation and relocation may bring more or less stress, but one thing remains the same: All military families in the midst of difficult situations or transitions could use the support of their community. Sometimes the simplest tasks speak volumes to your appreciation and recognition of the demands placed on a military family. Whether you live in a community full of military families or just happen to have an active duty neighbor, you may be looking for ways to help. If you aren’t sure where to begin or don’t know how to ask, here are a few ideas to get you started serving those who serve.
Contributed by Nora Stasio
The other day, I was telling my Grandmother about Lotsa Helping Hands. “If you’re going through a hard time, you can find volunteers from your area to come and give you a hand with things,” I explained.
“I don’t like that,” she said. “Strangers coming to your house?”
Whether it’s one of the big holidays that remind us of our armed services – Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Veteran’s Day – or anytime you are thinking of all those you serve on our behalf, finding ways to support the troops can be helpful for veterans and their families and can be unifying for the community as a whole. Coming together to work toward a common mission of serving those who serve is a great way to get the community involved and give back.
Contributed by Dawn Allcot
How many times do we see a Facebook post or a tweet with a link asking us to donate to a cause? Countless. Unfortunately, most people have limited budgets so they can’t donate to every campaign or need. The truth of the matter is that people with strong networks are more likely to receive help from fundraising campaigns. When motivating others to give, half the battle is building a strong community to support the cause. Once you leverage the power of community, you’ll be able to show others how to volunteer their help in a productive way.
Contributed by Christine Binney
A healthy diet is essential to successfully manage diabetes. When it comes to diabetic diet recipes, ingredients that regulate blood sugar levels are king. Whole grains, fruits, nuts, beans, fish, low-fat dairy products and healthy fats are all perfect foods to incorporate into a diabetic lifestyle. The good news is that there are hundreds of diabetic diet recipes that are easy to prepare and full of flavor. The three recipes shared below are so healthy and satisfying that even non-diabetics will be sure to love them! Diabetes does not mean deprivation, and these delicious recipes will prove just that.
Contributed By Dawn Allcot
If you’re a caregiver, you never know when a midnight emergency room visit will result in hours in the emergency room waiting area or even a hospital stay for your loved one. Likewise, if you’re a caregiver who lives apart from your aging parent, you never know when you’ll be called to stay the night in their home. In either of these scenarios, having an emergency bag packed in advance saves time and energy. Here are 10 things to keep in your emergency bag. Keep your emergency bag in your car at all times so you will always be prepared for any contingency, wherever you are.
Contributed by Michelle Hassler
Opening your home to a parent in need of care is a big step. Though the move might be the best decision for you and your parent, the transition can be difficult. Taking the time to plan ahead will create a smoother transition for everyone in the household. Here are a few tips to help you as you prepare to take on the role of an in home caregiver.
Contributed by Michelle Hassler
The old adage, “knowledge is power” rings true when referring to the classroom as well as the “real world.” However, throughout the learning process there comes a time when every student feels powerless. A student may be confused by difficult subject matter, burdened by issues at home, or may suffer from low self-esteem. With proper guidance and observation, teachers can affectively step back and encourage students to help their peers. Helping not only demonstrates mastery of a subject or skill, but it can show social intelligence, kindness, compassion, or problem solving skills. However, the presence of a teacher overseeing and guiding the process is essential. Below are three ways that you can encourage kids helping kids in your classroom.
Contributed by Tiffany Silverberg
How do you express your gratitude on Mother’s Day? There are so many things moms do for us – from care and nurture in childhood to friendship and advice in adulthood. Some things we don’t even notice or care about until we become moms ourselves and realize just how much moms do every day for us. Just as there are different moms and different things she does for her kids, so there are different ways to say Thank You. This Mother’s Day, choose one that suits your abilities and her interests to make her smile and let her know just how thankful you are.