Holiday shopping online? 3 tips to avoid common scams

Sometimes the best way to find that perfect holiday gift is to search and shop online; it’s quick, easy and convenient. And more and more people are doing it: It’s anticipated that sales for November and December will grow to $54.5 billion in 2012, a 16.8 percent increase over 2011, according to eMarketer.

Protect what matters this holiday season

The winter holiday season is here, which means we can look forward to a lot of decorating, parties and possibly some travel during the next few months. But with all the hustle and bustle of shopping and celebrating, it’s important not to lose sight of what matters most: the safety of your family and home.

Five tips to get the best deal on the right tax software

Finding the right tax software can be just as important to ensuring the best possible return as making sure you have all the necessary documents and information. And when you factor in all the different tax software products available and the associated costs, finding the right program can be just as complicated as the process of filing your taxes.

Festive fragrances bring favorite holiday memories to life

Have you ever found yourself starting to dread the holidays? Ever felt more like saying “bah, humbug” than “merry Christmas” when you run into family and friends? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. While the holidays are supposed to be a joyous occasion, trying to meet unrealistic expectations from decorating the mantle and trimming the tree, to hosting and entertaining family and friends, can bring out the Scrooge in anyone. Suddenly the desire to create the perfect dream Christmas crashes into the realities of tight budgets, too little time and too many obligations, huge crowds while shopping, and other issues.

Tips for beating workplace stress by taking charge of your career

Whether it’s low pay, a heavy workload, fear of being laid off or simply that annoying co-worker in the cube next to you, there’s a variety of reasons why you might feel stressed at work. If you think of yourself as someone who’s consistently stressed at work, it’s important to know that you’re not alone, and there are things you can do reduce the stress of your job.

Four things to consider when choosing a bank

Life is full of everyday choices, from what you wear to where you shop. One of the most important choices you can make is where you choose to bank. Your bank is more than your corner market or mall – it’s should provide ample choices to help you to make the best decisions for your lifestyle.

Gift ideas that embrace the true meaning of the holiday season

When the commotion of the holidays sets in, it’s easy to forget the true meaning of the season. Giving back and helping others is what makes this time of year so special. As you rush from store to store buying gifts for your loved one, you might wonder how you can make a difference. Some simple steps can have a big impact, and it’s as easy as giving gifts that benefit more than just the recipient.

Policy in practice: How nurses are leading the health care change

– Health care is experiencing dramatic changes as provisions outlined in the Affordable Care Act go into effect. As the largest professional group within the health care workforce, nurses are uniquely positioned to facilitate the successful translation of critical health care policy into practice. Nurse leaders with the expertise to help shape this process – from developing and implementing new programs to monitoring and evaluating their success – are becoming increasingly valuable.

Start new holiday traditions with family vacations

If you’re looking for a fresh and convenient way to celebrate the holidays, it might be a good time to consider a getaway with the whole family. Choosing a holiday-friendly destination can add an extra element of fun to your holiday get-together, and allow everyone to relax and enjoy each other since nobody needs to host.

Why the CDC’s new hepatitis C recommendations for boomers are a no-brainer

When Martha Saly, director of the National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable (NVHR), learned she had hepatitis C, a virus that attacks the liver, she was in disbelief. Saly never suspected she might be infected with the hepatitis C virus, and unfortunately, cases like Saly’s are not uncommon.

How to secure your computer against online theft and vandalism

When you shop online, you make certain you’re using secure shopping sites that start with https:// and have a picture of a padlock on the page. You also are very careful to not post personal information on social websites, or to save your passwords in a document on a public computer. So why would you leave your PC open for any hacker or virus developer to infiltrate it via the downloads you make?

Coping with acne: A teen’s guide to clear skin

– Teenagers across the country experience excitement, anxiety and stress as they get ready to head back to the classroom. This mix of emotions can shift teens’ hormones into overdrive, aggravating the symptoms that cause acne. A breakout is the last thing any teen wants to deal with on the first day of school.

Let technology make this holiday season and 2013 the happiest of all

If you run a small business, you know that the holiday season is a busy but exciting time of year. It’s a time to reflect on the past year’s successes while considering ways to improve your processes for the coming year. As you look forward, it makes sense to take some time to consider how making a few technology upgrades can make the next year your most enjoyable and productive yet.

Five tips for choosing a new cellphone provider

If you’ve reached your limit with paying for unused minutes and features, overage fees, and long-term contracts, it may be time to shop around for a new provider. With cellphone service providers being as numerous and diverse as today’s phones themselves, it can be a daunting prospect. However, with a little legwork, you can find a cellphone company that works for you and your changing needs.

Ten scenic drives sure to leave you breathless

– With more than 100 scenic byways throughout America, there is plenty to see and do on the road no matter the time of year. So, as the seasons roll by, jump in the car and take in fall’s vibrant leaves, winter’s snowy wonderland, spring’s wildflowers and summer’s long hours of light.

Will your taxes go up in the new year?

When the clock strikes midnight on December 31, 2012, many Americans will celebrate the arrival of a new year with streamers, confetti and a round of “Auld Lang Syne.” But when they wake up the next morning, January 1, 2013, they may not be as excited to learn that their federal taxes have increased.

Boomers and travel: Plan ahead and protect your health

Getting older means being a little more susceptible to a variety of health problems while traveling. However, with a little planning and some caution, baby boomers and seniors can have a safe, healthy and enjoyable trip. Here are some pre-planning tips to help get you started:

Outsmart hunger with 3 easy tips

– As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, it can be tempting to indulge in delicious food favorites and hide those few extra pounds under a thick wool sweater. But you shouldn’t have to choose between sticking with your weight management plan and enjoying satisfying and delicious foods. There are some easy and tasty tricks to having your cake and eating it too.

Expert tips to provide birds with basic needs to weather winter

Winter is prime time for attracting birds. Beckoning birds to your backyard in winter can be easier than in any other season if you provide what they need to weather and survive the coldest months.

How nutrition and diet affect your visual performance

– Did your mother or grandmother tell you that your vision would improve by eating carrots? She was partially correct, in that eating fruits and vegetables can improve vision, but it’s also important to understand how the eye is affected by proper nutrition.

Nick-of-time tips to make your home holiday ready

As you prepare to celebrate the holidays, welcoming loved ones into your home is a highlight of the festivities. You may eagerly look forward to gathering with family and friends, but is your house holiday and houseguest ready?

The art of lighting: How to add design and function to your bathroom

– A bathroom remodel is one of the most-desired home updates; it changes the way you start and end your day and also touts a high return on investment. Most homeowners focus on a new vanity, sink, tub or toilet. But one of the most-often-overlooked — yet important — parts of bath design is the lighting. Lighting not only affects the ambiance of the room, but also the functionality.

Shifting your skin care approach for colder weather

– Now that summer is over you might not be showing as much skin, but that doesn’t mean you should stop taking care of it. Colder months present unique challenges for keeping skin moisturized, protected and smooth.

The importance of physical activity for all Americans

– Obesity impacts more than just the waistbands of Americans – life expectancy, health, medical spending and productivity are all affected by the weight of the nation. If recent trends continue, experts predict all adults will be overweight or obese by 2048. The statistics are equally as startling when it comes to youth – one in every three youth are overweight or obese. Overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight or obese adults.

Regular screening tests are important for all women

– Every woman should make time for healthy habits such as getting plenty of exercise, eating healthy, and finding a comfortable balance between work and life.  In addition, all women should schedule routine health screenings that help detect a variety of diseases in their early stages. When it comes to staying healthy, a proactive approach is best. Which important health screenings have you had recently?

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