November 9, 2009 by Alexis Cala
Nearly a million Maclaren baby strollers are being recalled due to a side hinge which could cut off your child’s fingertips. The company issued a voluntary recall after receiving reports of 15 injuries, resulting in 12 fingertip amputations. These strollers pose a safety risk when children place their finger in the stroller’s hinge and parents lock it into place.
The recall affects all Maclaren’s single and double umbrella strollers sold at Toys R Us and Target stores nationwide. The models to watch out for include: Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, TechnoXLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends you stop using the recalled stroller immediately and contact Maclaren for a free repair kit.
Contact Maclaren USA online or at (877) 688-2326
Posted in parenting | Tagged CPSC, fingertip amputations, Maclaren, Maclaren USA, parenting, product safety, recall, stroller, stroller injury | Leave a Comment »
November 5, 2009 by Alexis Cala

Courtesy of Tenaciousme
Congress approved a bill today that extends unemployment for millions and expands tax credits for homebuyers. President Obama will add his signature on Friday.
Just in time? The bill would extend unemployment benefits for 14 weeks in all states and up to 20 weeks in states with unemployment over 8.5 percent. The extension comes as 7,000 people are exhausting their benefits every day and jobs remain scarce with roughly six job seekers for every job posting. On top of the job situation, many homes around the country still sit empty. That’s why the $8000 credit for first-time homebuyers, originally set to expire this month, will also be extended through April. Another bonus for homeowners – the legislation includes a new $6,500 credit for buyers who have lived in their current home for at least five years.
Don’t miss out on these benefits. Visit The Beehive for unemployment help, job services and more.
Posted in Crash Course, Employment, Homeownership | Tagged bill passed by congress, Congress, economy, Employment, extended benefits, first time homebuyers credit, homeowners, job loss, jobs, Obama, recovery, tax credit, unemployment, unemployment rate | Leave a Comment »
November 4, 2009 by Alexis Cala
Sesame Street is Celebrating its 40th anniversary next week! The show first aired in 1969, and after four decades, both children and adults still love Big Bird, Kermit and the rest of the gang.
Even Michelle Obama is showing some love and stopping by 123 Sesame Street to talk healthy eating habits on the first episode of the 40th season. Aside from cute puppets and silly songs, Sesame Street was ahead of its time as one of the first educational programs on TV. It showed kids everywhere that learning could actually be fun. And continues to teach important lessons like respect, appreciation of our differences and acceptance – whether you’re male, female, black, white, or Muppet.
Posted in Education, parenting | Tagged big bird, Education, Michelle Obama, muppets, PBS, Sesame Street, sesame street 40th anniversary, tv show | Leave a Comment »
November 4, 2009 by Alexis Cala

Courtesy of AlishaV (via Flickr)
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is a growing problem in the U.S., which means this month is all about prevention and control.
Nearly 24 million adults and children in the U.S. have diabetes. And millions of people are diagnosed each year, while even more go undiagnosed. The good news - this disease can be managed and in some cases avoided altogether. In fact, type 2 diabetes is often preventable with a healthy diet and exercise. But if you don’t know you’re diabetic, and it goes unchecked, it can cause serious complications. This November take action. Get to know the risk factors, make healthier choices and take control of your diabetes.
Are you at risk? Many Walgreen stores are supporting Diabetes Awareness Month by offering free diabetes tests. Find a Walgreen Wellness Clinic near you for free blood glucose testing, A1C testing, and pharmacist consultations.
Also, check out The Beehive for the tools you need to help manage your diabetes.
Posted in Health Care | Tagged diabetes, diabetes awareness month, free diabetes testing, glucose, health, Health Care, healthy choices, managing diabetes, november, prevention, risk factors, type 2 diabetes | Leave a Comment »
November 2, 2009 by Alexis Cala

Courtesy of Robyn Beck (via Getty Images)
As unemployment nears 10 percent and more job losses are expected, President Obama says creating good-paying, long-term jobs is now his “administrations overriding focus.” And this time they’re looking at new, innovative ways to get you back to work.
In his meeting with the Economic Recovery Advisory Board, Obama discussed a need for growth in exports, manufacturing, infrastructure, and clean energy. Industries that could create growth across the board. Of course, it’s not going to happen overnight. But new tax breaks, hiring credits and projects like weatherizing and retrofitting buildings, could help stimulate the economy and generate millions of jobs. Keep in mind, the economy is making a slow comeback, but job losses mean we still have a long road to recovery.
Are you ready for a great job? Check out The Beehive for job training, resume help, unemployment and more.
Posted in Crash Course, Employment | Tagged economic recovery adivsory board, Employment, job losses, jobs, Obama, recovery, U.S. economy, unemployment | Leave a Comment »
November 2, 2009 by Alexis Cala

Courtesy of jc.westbrook (via Flickr)
A recent survey by Intel found that most parents would rather talk to their kids about drugs than math and science. But when only 40 percent of fourth and eighth-graders are proficient in math, it may be time to have that talk.
You’re not alone. More than 50 percent of parents have difficulty helping their children, especially teens, with math and science homework. The survey also shows that many parents, despite wanting to be involved in their child’s education, find themselves with limited understanding of these subjects. Not to mention very few resources to help. And even if you are knowledgeable in these subjects, it can still be difficult to explain them to your children.
Don’t give up though. Teaching your children about math and science is just as vital to their health and success as discouraging drug use. So have the talk, but don’t forget to finish your homework too.
Want to help your kids do better in school? Visit The Beehive for free k-12 homework help, resources, tutoring and more.
Posted in Education, parenting | Tagged Education, homework help, intel, kids, math, parenting, school, science | Leave a Comment »
October 28, 2009 by Alexis Cala

Courtesy of Eugenia y Julian (via Flickr)
The Disney Company is changing some of their labels and extending refunds on “Baby Einstein” videos for toddlers. While fairly popular with both parents and babies, the videos educational claims may be less than true.
Should you get your money back? Child development experts say there just isn’t enough research to back claims that Baby Einstein will make your baby smarter. Let alone teach them words before two like the packaging suggests.
In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends children under two should not watch television at all. But this one is up to parents to decide. If you’re going to plop your kids in front of the TV, there are certainly worse things they could be watching. Of course, reading or playing with your baby might be a more rewarding alternative for both of you.
What do you think about “Baby Einstein” videos? Will you still let your children watch them or will you take advantage of the refund? Let us know in the comments.
Posted in parenting | Tagged American Academy of Pediatrics, baby einstein, child development, false advertising, health, infant, refund, television, walt disney | Leave a Comment »
Older Posts »