Approximately 15 million people in the U. S. have food allergies, including 1 in 13 children. The most common food allergies−peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish−affect 90 percent of all food-allergic reactions in the United States. Testing can help to determine if one is allergic to a certain food or if the symptoms are caused by something else. A family history of food hypersensitivities may increase the likelihood of having the susceptibility, and should be discussed with a physician or allergist before testing.

When one’s immune system attacks a food protein mistaking it as a threat, it is called an allergic reaction. The food protein attacked by the body is referred to as an allergen. Frequent symptoms of allergic reactions include itching or swelling in the mouth, vomiting, hives, abdominal pain, and tightening of the throat or trouble breathing. A more serious type of reaction is anaphylaxis, a dangerous and potentially fatal reaction to an allergen that can threaten breathing and blood circulation. It is best to seek medical attention if someone is experiencing these symptoms, and a trip to the emergency room is imperative when experiencing anaphylaxis.

One must also be cautious of unexpected allergen sources because it is likely that consumables may list them by a different name. When possible, ask questions about food contents to help prevent accidental allergen consumption. Although ordering items that do not contain foods one is allergic to, cross-contamination is always possible and should be considered before ordering or attending restaurants where allergens are handled regularly.

The key to living safely with food allergies involves taking precautions to ensure allergens are not consumed, and proactively preparing for accidental allergen consumption. People with allergies should have an immediate source of epinephrine readily available for emergencies. More information on food allergies and living with them can be found at www.foodallergy.org.

Nurse Appreciation week is celebrated every year beginning on May 6 and ending on the 12, the birth date of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale. Ms. Florence believed at a young age that a life of service was her divine purpose and decided to attend nursing school at 24. Her dedication to serving others was of utmost importance to her, proven by her refusal of a marriage proposal and the willingness to pursue her dream despite her parents’ objections.

In 1854, she and her chosen group of nurses traveled to a hospital Scutari in order to improve the living conditions of soldiers serving in the war. Bacteria, bugs, and rodents infiltrated the hospital location. The cause of death for the majority of soldiers was contagious diseases. Nightingale immediately worked with her crew to sanitize the hospital and reduce the likelihood of sickness among soldiers. Her love for serving others was especially evident as she tirelessly attended to patients needs even at night, becoming known as the “Lady with the Lamp”. In addition to improving sanitary conditions, she established services to increase patient satisfaction by providing quality care. Her efforts were remarkably effective, decreasing the death rate at the hospital by two-thirds. (http://www.biography.com/people/florence-nightingale-9423539?page=1)

Meanwhile, nursing in America was still in its early years at the beginning of the Civil War in 1961. The only nurses were those who belonged to religious groups, yet the demand for nursing professionals rose greatly due to the war. This shortage prompted the U.S. government to demand the Army to create a nursing service. Dorothea Dix was appointed to choose and lead the nurses involved in the war efforts.

Nursing is a respectable and honorable profession with an admirable background. Nurses deserve recognition for all the hard work they do to help the lives of others, despite the risks. According to www.scrubsmag.com, nurses are injured more than construction workers and assaulted more than prison guards. Take some time this week to show appreciation for the nurses in your community!

Child abuse includes the mistreatment of a child by a parent or guardian, including neglect, beating, and sexual molestation. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, children who experience abuse are at increased risk for smoking, alcoholism, and drug abuse as adults, as well as engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors.

In one long-term study, 80% of adults who had been abused met the diagnostic criteria for at least one psychiatric disorder at age 21, including (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and suicidal attempts. There are Six Protective Factors that are linked to a lower incidence of child abuse and neglect (www.childwelfare.gov). These include:

1.) Nurturing and Attachment
Nurturing and attachment involves the need for children to develop a trustworthy bond with a caring adult. It is necessary to develop this nurturing bond with adults early to help develop a sense of security and build trust. Many victims of child abuse have difficulties trusting individuals and an impaired ability to maintain relationships. Sustaining effective communication and spending quality time together can help strengthen the child’s bond with a loving adult.

2.) Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development
It is imperative that adults encourage age-appropriate behaviors for their children as well as seek to understand which behaviors are appropriate for the child’s development. Child abuse and neglect are often associated with the deficiency in understanding basic child development needs, or failing to practice such knowledge.

3.) Parental Resilience
Parental resilience involves a parent’s ability handle daily stress and recover from any major tribulations that happen to occur. These parents are at less risk of directing anger towards children and are more self-aware.

4.) Social Connections
At times parents may feel as if the burden of raising a child is too great but cannot recognize that the issue involves lack of emotional support. Ensuring that parents and guardians have supportive individuals that can be contacted when needed can help parents deal with emotional struggles that may arise while raising children.

5.) Concrete Support for Parents
The basic needs of children (food, clothing, shelter, etc.) are not always easy for parents to provide. Parents and guardians who have or may have trouble providing children with necessary tools for survival should look for resources within the community and seek social connections for assistance. This will decrease stress within the family and help keep children healthy.

6.) Social and Emotional Competence of Children
As humans, we are capable of feeling a vast amount of emotions. However, children may not always realize how to best communicate their emotions to others resulting in miscommunication and possibly frustration. Parents should help children communicate their emotions effectively by using tools (such as picture books) to help them understand different emotions.

More ideas can be found at www.childwelfare.gov.

It used to be that I couldn’t get too excited about spring cleaning. After being cooped up all winter, come springtime I wanted to take my bicycle or bass rod for a spin — not the vacuum cleaner. But when I realized that spring cleaning could save me money, and in some cases even make me money, all that changed. Check out these tips and see if your attitude toward spring cleaning doesn’t change, too.

Vacuum your refrigerator’s coils: When was the last time you did that? Keeping the coils clean increases energy efficiency, saving you about 6 percent of your fridge’s electric bill, according to a study by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District. That’s a savings of only about $2 a month, but every bit helps. To get started, unplug the refrigerator or turn off the power. Access to the coils varies by model; some can be reached from the front and others from the back — and you may need to remove a plate or grill first.

If you’ve never cleaned your coils, prepare to be awed by the dust bunnies in residence there. Use an appropriate vacuum attachment or a brush to vanquish the dust, and wipe the coils off with soapy water if they’re gummy. Replace any plates/grills, restore power and presto: You’ll get a sense of satisfaction each time you walk into the kitchen.

Clean or replace the AC filter: According to the Energy Department, an air conditioner with a dirty filter can suck up 5 percent to 15 percent more electricity than with a clean one. That could easily add up to a savings of $20 per month for a medium-sized window unit. And filters on most models are easy to swap out. Simply slide out the old one and insert the new one. It’s worth the savings to replace filters a couple of times during the cooling season. Sponge-type filters (as opposed to the ridged type) can often be reused a time or two by soaking them in soapy water, rinsing and allowing them to dry.

Clean your vacuum cleaner: Even your household’s most valuable cleaning appliance — your vacuum — occasionally needs some TLC (“tender loving cleaning”). I’ve been able to prolong the life of our inexpensive upright vac to 10 years (that’s age 122 in vacuum cleaner years) and counting, just by keeping it clean and in good shape. Once a year, wipe down the canister inside and out with a damp rag; use an old brush or comb to remove string and other debris stuck in the rollers and check the belts for wear and tear (replace them as needed). Be sure to inspect the suction tubes and cleaning attachments to dislodge any clogged material and check for holes — easily fixed with duct tape.

Don’t waste money on unnecessary cleaning supplies: Before you spend a bundle on cleansers, look in your cupboards. You’re likely to find everything you need. Not only are these homemade cleaners inexpensive, they’re easier on the environment than the toxic sprays and pastes you’d buy in the store.

• Clean appliances, countertops and even inside your oven with a simple solution of baking soda and water (one part baking soda to five parts water).
• Polish furniture with a cloth dipped in cool black tea, and brighten dull hardwood floors with a solution of one part lemon juice to two parts vegetable oil.
• Shine your silver with toothpaste. Use ketchup to polish copper.
• Olive oil dissolves tar, a pencil eraser removes heel marks and a wet pumice stone scrubs away rust and other stains on porcelain.

Cash-in on clutter: I’ve always believed the more organized you are, the less money you end up wasting. If you haven’t used something since you cleaned last, consider ditching it. My friend and fellow cheapskate Chris Heiska (aka “The Yard Sale Queen “) says that spring is one of the best times to have a yard sale, and she suggests combining forces with your neighbors. You share the advertising and other costs, not to mention the work. Plus, the bigger the sale, the more customers you’re likely to draw.

Donating unwanted items to charities like Goodwill or the American Red Cross is a terrific option, too; you not only support a good cause but also generally get a tax deduction for the donated items — it’s the same as a cash contribution. Some specialized charities accept donations of some pretty surprising stuff — check them out.

Now that the house is tidy and clean, and my wallet is a little fatter for it, maybe I’ll treat myself to the new bicycle I’ve been eyeing — or at least go for that long-awaited ride.

www.aarp.org/home-garden/home-improvement/info-04-2011/saving-money-by-spring-cleaning.2.html

American Diabetes Alert Day is Tuesday, March 26. According to the National Diabetes Fact sheet, 25.8 million children and adults had diabetes in the year 2011 (www.diabetes.org). There are two forms of diabetes- Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and is a result of the body’s inability to produce insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily to regulate blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for 90-95% of all diabetes cases. This occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin that is produced (also known as insulin resistance). Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in adults and almost always begins with prediabetes. Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar/glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes.

A Diabetes Prevention Program was a national clinical research study conducted to determine whether diabetes could be prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes leading to modest weight loss versus treatment with an oral diabetes drug (metformin). The participants in the national study included 3,234 people with prediabetes from 27 clinics, 45% of whom were minorities at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes (including African American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, and Pacific Islander). The study found that moderate weight loss through dietary changes and physical activity reduced the chances of developing diabetes by 58%. The groups who took metformin also decreased their chances of developing diabetes, but not as much as the other group. More information can be found at: http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/preventionprogram/

Although type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, doctors recommend breastfeeding children who have parents or siblings with diabetes and limiting the child’s cow milk consumption (www.genetichealth.com). Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle through regular physical activity and a consistent healthy diet. Eating well and exercising regular should be implemented into the lifestyles of those who aren’t at risk for diabetes as well.

March 18-22 is National Poison Prevention Week. It’s time to promote awareness of poison dangers throughout your home and community!

According to a national report done by safekids.org, 95% unintentional medication overdoses happen because of inadequate supervision. In March of last year, the number of kids admitted into emergency rooms reached a staggering one hundred and sixty-five. Sadly, every single one of these cases could have be prevented through safe medicine practices. Because of our busy lifestyles, it can be difficult to watch every single movement children make to ensure that they don’t get into any medication mischief. However, implementing safe practices can save you a trip to the emergency room and give you peace of mind as well. Simple things you can do to ensure your children stay safe include keeping medication in a high place that is out of sight, using child resistant packaging, and not taking medication in front of children. More ideas can be found at www.safekids.org and www.poisonprevention.org.

You can also keep your children safe by practicing safe cleaning methods. Many of the chemicals used in cleaning supplies today are toxic when consumed, yet thinking twice about where they are stored isn’t very common. Cleaning supplies should be kept out of reach and/or in a cabinet with a safety latch if young children occupy the home. Such safety precautions are also wise to practice if seniors with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or other brain dementias are living in the home, because these diseases affect one’s reasoning skills. Another way to keep your family safe is to ensure proper ventilation in the home while cleaning by turning on fans and opening windows. Ventilation even while not cleaning your home is an important variable because according to the EPA, indoor air contains 2 to 5 times more contaminants than outside air. Using environmentally friendly cleaning supplies may pose less of a risk to the air in your home in comparison to regular cleaners. More information regarding the air and your health can be found at www.mercola.com.

Good nutrition and exercise are habits many people want to attain but struggle with. Eating nutritiously and exercising regularly not only benefit your body, but your brain as well. Oxidative damage naturally occurs to cells as we age, however the impact of oxidation on cells can be decreased when we consume antioxidants. Carl W. Cotman, Ph.D., recommends eating a variety of foods rich in antioxidants to help decrease the amount of oxidative damage that occurs naturally as we progress through life.

Ensuring proper nutrition and exercising daily keeps your brain healthy and increases the amount of blood flowing through it. A study done for The Alzheimer’s Project found that physical exercise greatly increases problem solving skills and the ability to adjust to one’s surroundings. Physical exercise also raises levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor neurons (BDNF), a normal brain protein associated with learning ability. These neurons are found in the same part of the brain that is vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease, and increasing levels of BDNF neurons increases one’s ability to learn faster. Strengthening this area of the brain has the potential to delay the process of Alzheimer’s disease. Everyone can raise levels of BDNF through daily exercise and healthy eating habits. Daily exercise can include taking walks and other moderate outdoor activities. (www.alz.org)

Mental exercise is important as well. Brain puzzles that encourage problem solving can keep your brain sharp and healthy in the long run.

One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to eat healthy and exercise regularly (www.polymic.com). Despite all the enthusiasm to jump on the treadmill and fill our plates will things from a garden, 92% of people don’t achieve their goals (www.forbes.com). Here are some tips to keep you on track to a healthier lifestyle:

1. Set realistic goals. When developing your goals, make sure they are not too close or too far from where you are currently. For example, if you don’t spend any time during the week to exercise, specify a time each day to go for a walk. You may increase your goals as time progresses.

2. Know WHY. If you want to do something but don’t have proper motivation, it won’t get done. Think about why you want to achieve your goals, whether it’s to have more energy during the day or be there for your family, you’ll need a rock that will keep you going when you want to quit. (Long-term motivators work best.)

3. Write them down. Write down your goals and your reasons for accomplishing them. Laminate them if you wish. Post them where you will see them everyday so you don’t forget as time passes.

4. Tell everyone. Telling people makes you accountable. Explain what you’re trying to do, and ask them to help keep you on track to achieving your goals. It’s easier to accomplish something when you’ve got a team cheering you on.

5. Reward yourself. When you reach a goal do not be afraid to celebrate! Go ahead and treat yourself to a movie with friends, or a trip to your favorite frozen yogurt place (just don’t go overboard). It provides further motivation to reach your next goal.

Putting three generations under one roof—the most common multigenerational living arrangement—became a growth industry during the recession. As the economy and housing markets steadily if slowly recover, the financial stresses driving this trend will recede. However, the personal and social benefits of expanded living arrangements can be enormously positive lifestyle developments for some families, particularly in an aging society.

Before World War II, about 25 percent of Americans lived in multigenerational households. After the war, rising affluence and a mobile society led to a steady decline. “In 2008, an estimated 49 million Americans, or 16 percent of the total U.S. population, lived in a family household that contained at least two adult generations or a grandparent and at least one other generation,” according to the Pew Research Center. “In 1980, this figure was just 28 million, or 12 percent of the population.”

“Back in the 1940s and 1950s, the common advice was to cut what was called ‘the silver cord,’” says Stephanie Coontz, a professor of history and family studies at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash. “Don’t take your parents in, experts warned. Don’t even remain very close to them. Focus on your own nuclear families.”

“Those years were the low point in all of American history in the percentage of multigenerational households, as well as in favorable attitudes toward them,” adds Coontz, who also works with the nonprofit Council on Contemporary Families. “I think that there has been a rediscovery of the importance of intergenerational ties in recent years, partly perhaps because marriages have become more fragile, partly because adult kids often delay marriage long enough so that they socialize more with their parents in their 20s, and partly because more democratic and individualized child-rearing values have led to a greater sense of closeness.”

Viewed from the perspective of the oldest generation, living in multigenerational homes requires a lot of compromises and adjustments, experts say.

“The most important thing is for people to be able and willing to communicate what they want, what they’re willing to do, and what they’re not willing to do,” says Joshua Coleman, a private psychologist who specializes in adult child-parent relationships. There also needs to be joint recognition that when such households are formed, there is usually a power imbalance.

The owners of the home tend to have the stronger position of control. “The person whose home is being moved into may be a little bit more set in their ways of how they want the household to run,” Coleman says.

If the adult child has lost his or her job, guilt and shame may be brought into the equation. If an older parent has chronic health problems that require substantial care, this can create its own type of imbalance in the relationship. Imbalances also can be a major source of stressful conflict in money issues. Even if respective financial responsibilities have been agreed to in advance, those shouldering most of the financial burden may have, or feel they deserve, a controlling role in the household.

“Ideally, it’s a negotiation among equals where everyone’s feelings are taken into consideration,” Coleman says. “But that requires people to communicate, and a lot of people aren’t very good communicators.” He emphasizes that the best time to communicate is before generations move in together. “It’s always easier to brainstorm potential conflicts beforehand then to try to create new rules or boundaries afterwards.”

“One of the tensions seems to be over each generation’s love life,” Coontz says she has observed in her research. “I expected, of course, that the parents would have to come to terms with their children’s romantic and sexual entanglements. But I’ve heard of several instances in which the younger generation living with a single mom or dad has gotten judgmental about his or her dating choices.”

Other situations requiring special attention include conflicts between grandparents and their adult children about grandchildren. Generational parenting attitudes often differ, and grandparents may need to step back and refrain from imposing their own parenting views on their children. Also, grandparents should not be the assumed to be sitters, available on little or no advance notice to care for grandchildren.

Lastly, Coleman notes, sensitivity is required when key family members are not blood relatives of other household occupants. It might be an in-law spouse or even the friend of a teen or young adult grandchild. Do not assume they will have the same attitudes toward multigenerational living as do direct family members.

AARP has developed a nine-point checklist to help families—and older family members in particular—achieve success:

1. Prepare your home. Does your home work for everyone, young and old? Can your house accommodate someone who might find climbing stairs a challenge or who might need a walk-in shower or a single-handle faucet?

2. Prepare your family. Have regular family conferences to discuss issues before they become problems. Before moving in together, ask family members of all ages to talk about how they expect life to change, including what they want, what they are excited about, and what they’re nervous about.

3. A place for everyone and everyone in their place. Decide how the living space in your home will be used.

4. Let them live their own lives. This is important whether older household members are highly active and independent or if they are being cared for. Opportunities to see friends, continue activities they enjoy, and have downtime are important at any age.

5. Get in a groove. Consistency will help minimize the inevitable disruptions. Keep routines such as mealtimes and bedtime rituals.

6. Make a play date. Facilitate grandparent-grandchild interactions.

7. Don’t get caught in the middle. Often, parents have trouble trying to please the older and younger generations. You can’t be expected to take care of everyone if you are running on empty.

8. Be realistic. Only so much furniture can fit in a house. People can only be expected to change so much over a lifetime. Teens will want to hang out with their grandparents only so much. Elders will be willing to handle only a certain volume level on the stereo. There are only 24 hours in a day. And you can be in only one place at a time, no matter how much everyone needs you.

9. Make memories. Capitalize on the opportunities you have with multiple generations in the household. Have fun and treasure the time.

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/the-best-life/2013/01/16/how-generations-can-thrive-under-the-same-roof

Holly, Jolly and Oh-So-Safe! Of course you want to include your furry companions in the festivities, pet parents, but as you celebrate this holiday season, try to keep your pet’s eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. And be sure to steer them clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations:

O Christmas Tree Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.

Tinsel-less Town
Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching “toy” that’s easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It’s best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.

No Feasting for the Furries
By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising fur kid will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.

Toy Joy
Looking to stuff your pet’s stockings? Choose gifts that are safe.

Dogs have been known to tear their toys apart and swallowing the pieces, which can then become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines. Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible.
Long, stringy things are a feline’s dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that’s too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer—and tons of play sessions together.

Forget the Mistletoe & Holly
Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies, can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.

Leave the Leftovers
Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won’t lead to costly medical bills.

That Holiday Glow
Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!

Wired Up
Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws’ reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet’s mouth.

House Rules
If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you’re busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.

Put the Meds Away
Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.

Careful with Cocktails
If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.

A Room of Their Own
Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub.

New Year’s Noise
As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat’s intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears.

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/holiday-safety-tips.aspx

The holidays are here. Now is the time to start thinking about what to get your senior loved ones. Not sure what to buy them? Why not get them a practical and fun gadget? Studies show that contrary to popular belief many seniors are tech savvy. According to a Pew Research Center report, as of April 2012, 53% of American adults age 65 and older use the internet or email.* Below are a few gift ideas for the tech savvy senior in your life.

1. E-Readers – E-readers are great for seniors because they are light weight. Many e-readers have touchscreens and use electrophoretic ink (e-ink), an electronic ink that projects high contrast for seniors. Don’t forget to pre-load a few of their favorite books.

2. Tablets- Tablets are great for seniors that are looking for something a little more than an eReader. Tablets do more than allow you to read e-books or magazines. Tablets also connect to the Internet and store videos and music, so they become portable miniature computers.

3. GPS- If your loved one is a senior who still drives or goes on day trips, a GPS can be a great present. Instead of relying on memory or maps, they can program their destination and have the system provide them with turn-by-turn directions.

4. Smart Phone- According to a 2010 Pew Research Center report, six of ten people over 65 have cellphones. More than half use cellphones to send and receive text messages, and a fifth use them for games, reading e-mail or accessing the Internet.** As you can see, a smart phone makes an excellent gift for seniors.

5. Fitness Video Game Systems- Fitness video game systems are enjoyed by people of all ages. Seniors enjoy them because they are fun, easy to use and keeps them active. Another benefit of fitness based video games is that they promote social interaction. The prices for these systems have recently declined making them an excellent holiday gift.

Many retailers have sales on these electronic devices. However if you cannot afford to purchase a fancy gadget remember that the most important gift of all is your time. Take time to listen, to make new memories and enjoy each and every moment of holiday season and beyond. Often times the most expensive gift is not the most meaningful.

* http://pewresearch.org/pubs/2281/seniors-older-adults-online-internet-email-broadband-social-media-facebook-linked-in

**http://www.aarp.org/technology/innovations/info-09-2010/smartphone_nation.html