Political unrest, environmental crises and economic challenges on a global scale practically defined 2011. The Arab Spring ousted three iron-fisted rulers, a deadly earthquake led to mass radiation exposure in Japan and Occupy Wall Street emerged to be a historical, internationally united protest. The year 2011 seized the idea of social change and ran with it.
Lend a Helping Hand for Social Change in 2012
Using the Art of Enchantment for Career Success
Many of us have career dreams we aspire to achieve, but often we are left feeling daunted by how to turn those dreams into reality.
Whether your goal is to land your ideal job upon graduating from college or earn that promotion you have been eyeing in your current job, it’s vital to have the support of those around you for your cause.
Garnering the support of others is possible but takes effort, according to Guy Kawasaki, best-selling author and former chief evangelist for Apple Computer. He calls this process “enchantment.”
Make Algebra Less Daunting One Game at a Time
The votes are in: parents would rather teach their children how to drive or educate them about alcohol and drug abuse than help with algebra homework.
But parents aren’t alone in their terror of polynomial equations – 8th- and 9th-graders surveyed by the National Assessment of Educational Progress would eagerly give up Facebook and video games if it meant no more algebra.
Education expert Dr. Richard Bavaria recommends parents treat algebra like reading, a fun chance for quality time with your kids.
Treating Sun Spots Just as Important as Wrinkle Care
Women ages 30 and older are growing increasingly aware of new wrinkles with each passing year. Yet, evidence suggests that sun spots may have as much of an impact on age-related appearance as wrinkles.
Nearly 63 percent of women older than age 35 experience sun or age spots, discolorations and uneven skin. The dark side? The problem reflects your apparent age — or lack of youth.
“Getting a clear, even skin tone without discoloration is just as important as wrinkle-fighting to achieving a rejuvenated, youthful appearance,” says Dr. Ellen Marmur, prominent New York City dermatologist and author of “Simple Skin Beauty.” “To some patients, it’s even more important.”
Fee Transparency: Will We Know It When We See It?
The recent surge of anti-banking sentiment is clearing the way for a new age of banking where institutions must become transparent. But transparency has its burdens, too. Companies that hit the transparency mark leave themselves vulnerable to more criticism because the fees are simply easier for users to access. Are we distinguishing between the banking giants and the bank around the corner? The national, one-size-fits-all and the niche banks that serve a specific group?
Top 12 Doctor-Prescribed New Year’s Resolutions for 2012
With the many healthy resolutions being made to kick off 2012, wouldn’t it be nice if you actually had a doctor’s opinion to point you toward the healthiest changes you can make?
A new survey of practicing physicians by EverydayHealth.com with MedPage Today reveals the 12 most popular doctor-prescribed resolutions.
Top 12 Doctor-Prescribed New Year’s Resolutions for 2012
1. Monitor your blood pressure
2. Quit smoking
3. Exercise 30 minutes a day
4. Lower your cholesterol
5. Get a diabetes screening
6. Control your portions
7. Get a flu shot
8. Take the stairs whenever possible
9. Sleep at least 7 hours a night
10. Eat whole grains, not refined flour
11. For women, perform a self breast exam every month
12. Spend more time with family and friends
NACo Prescription Discount Card: Easy, Valuable and Free
Evelyn Webster of Brazos County, Texas, was devastated when she learned that her sister had been diagnosed with stomach cancer. As a result of the radiation and chemotherapy treatments, her big sister, Deborah Bryant, was unable to work and lost her health insurance.
“So therein lies the problem: no insurance, no medication, no money to buy the medication,” Webster told CBS affiliate KBTX-TV in Bryan/College Station, Texas.
The family learned of a free prescription discount card\ available through Brazos County, where Webster works in the District Clerk’s office.
First Step Toward Career Success: Degree Completion
Earning a bachelor’s degree can be a valuable step toward career success. Fewer than 5 percent of bachelor’s degree-holders over the age of 25 are unemployed, compared to a national unemployment rate that is over 9 percent.
Despite the benefits of degree programs, many students do not complete the process due to perceived barriers, such as a full-time job, family commitments or worries about achieving a balance between their personal and professional lives. Others are eager to start a career and make money.
Get Better Heat, Save Money by Going Hybrid This Winter
As the cost of fuel continues to rise, homeowners look for more efficient ways to heat their homes. One of the best ways to achieve efficiency, cost-effectiveness and comfort is to use a Hybrid Heat system. Hybrid Heat systems include a heat pump and gas furnace, managed by a compatible control or thermostat.
Hybrid heat or dual fuel systems deliver exceptional performance by using a heating source that provides its most energy-efficient comfort during moderate heating conditions. As the temperature drops outside, the system automatically switches to your second heating source when that becomes the most economical way to keep your family comfortable.
Gear Up for Winter Driving This Holiday Season
The weather outside may be frightful, but your commute doesn’t have to be — that is, if you take the proper steps to prepare your vehicle for winter weather. Be prepared with Firestone Complete Auto Care’s winter driving safety tips to help make sure you arrive home safely for the holidays.
• Be proactive! Winter only magnifies existing problems like pings, hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling. Make sure your vehicle is mechanically sound before the temperature dips and the streets get icy.
• Make certain the engine is in peak condition. Also, check the cooling system. Coolant should be replaced per the vehicle manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.
