A local chain store had Malt O Meal bag cereal 4/$10, then they had an IN store coupon for $5 off when you buy the 4/$10, bringing it down to 4/$5 then I had internet printed coupons 4-$1's making it 4 bags of cereal for $1 !!! WOO HOO. Although I have been doing pretty good with sales & coupons (ex: saving $40-$50 on $100) per week or two this is by far the best deal- especially when my teenager can eat 1/2 bag in one sitting.
Hope you can benefit from some of these deals with my blog. Enjoy!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
Babies and toddlers aren't getting enough vitamin D
Babies and toddlers aren't getting enough vitamin D, study says
Tue, Jun 3, 2008 (HealthDay News) — At least 40 percent of American infants and toddlers aren't getting enough vitamin D, according to researchers from Children's Hospital in Boston .
Twelve percent of the youngest children in the United States are already deficient in vitamin D, and another 28 percent are at risk for vitamin D deficiency, according to the study, which appears in the June issue of the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.
Because human breast milk lacks sufficient vitamin D, the number of babies in the research sample being breast-fed were important to the findings.
"These data underscore the fact that breast-fed infants should be supplemented with vitamin D," said study author Dr. Catherine Gordon, director of the bone health program at Children's Hospital in Boston . She added that mothers who are breast-feeding often need vitamin D supplements as well.
Breast-feeding is a known risk factor for low vitamin D levels in infants, which is why many pediatricians routinely recommend vitamin D supplementation for breast-fed infants. Other factors that may contribute to low levels of vitamin D include not drinking enough vitamin D-fortified milk (for toddlers), staying out of the sun or using sunscreen.
Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is produced naturally when the body reacts to sunlight. However, the use of sunscreen and advice to stay out of the sun — which is important for preventing skin cancer — may also be reducing levels of vitamin D in people. Few foods naturally contain vitamin D, which is essential for strong bones because it helps the body absorb calcium.
In addition to helping maintain bone health, Gordon said that vitamin D also appears to play a role in maintaining the immune system and that people with low levels of vitamin D may be more susceptible to autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis, and to certain cancers.
Previously, Gordon and her colleagues studied vitamin D levels in adolescents and found very high levels — about 42 percent — of vitamin D deficiency in teens. That finding made them interested in assessing levels in younger children.
The current study included 380 children between 8 and 24 months old. About 80 percent were from urban areas, and the majority of the youngsters were black or Hispanic, according to the study. However, the study made no association between skin pigmentation and vitamin D levels.
For this study, the researchers defined severe vitamin D deficiency as blood levels of less than 8 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), vitamin D deficiency as less than 20 ng/mL and suboptimal as less than 30 ng/mL. Gordon said there is some debate within the medical community about what truly signifies vitamin D deficiency, but that they felt current evidence supports the levels they used, and less than 20 ng/mL is the level her hospital uses as a cut-off point.
In an accompanying editorial, Dr. James Taylor, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington , said that although he believed the study was well done, Gordon and her colleagues used a "higher cut-off" than what has been used by other researchers.
But, he added, because Gordon's team found X-ray evidence of low bone density in children who fell into their category of low levels of vitamin D, "it might be that this might be an indication of long-term problems. If this is the case, then Gordon and colleagues might have picked the right definition. However, it might be that for many of the children with osteopenia [low bone density], the changes are transient and not indicative of disease. Time and more research will tell."
The key findings from the study, according to Gordon are:
• Breast-feeding without vitamin D supplementation is a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency.
• A higher body- mass index was associated with a risk of vitamin D deficiency.
• There was no association between the seasons — an indication of possible sun exposure — and vitamin D deficiency.
• There was no association between skin pigmentation and vitamin D deficiency.
• Consumption of vitamin D-fortified milk confers protection against deficiency.
Gordon said it's very difficult to consume too much vitamin D, so she recommends vitamin D supplements for breast-feeding infants and lactating mothers. She also recommends a multivitamin containing vitamin D for older children.
Taylor wasn't as convinced about the need for routine supplementation, however. "I think that more research is needed before routine vitamin D supplementation is recommended for all children," he said.
-- Serena Gordon
Tue, Jun 3, 2008 (HealthDay News) — At least 40 percent of American infants and toddlers aren't getting enough vitamin D, according to researchers from Children's Hospital in Boston .
Twelve percent of the youngest children in the United States are already deficient in vitamin D, and another 28 percent are at risk for vitamin D deficiency, according to the study, which appears in the June issue of the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.
Because human breast milk lacks sufficient vitamin D, the number of babies in the research sample being breast-fed were important to the findings.
"These data underscore the fact that breast-fed infants should be supplemented with vitamin D," said study author Dr. Catherine Gordon, director of the bone health program at Children's Hospital in Boston . She added that mothers who are breast-feeding often need vitamin D supplements as well.
Breast-feeding is a known risk factor for low vitamin D levels in infants, which is why many pediatricians routinely recommend vitamin D supplementation for breast-fed infants. Other factors that may contribute to low levels of vitamin D include not drinking enough vitamin D-fortified milk (for toddlers), staying out of the sun or using sunscreen.
Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is produced naturally when the body reacts to sunlight. However, the use of sunscreen and advice to stay out of the sun — which is important for preventing skin cancer — may also be reducing levels of vitamin D in people. Few foods naturally contain vitamin D, which is essential for strong bones because it helps the body absorb calcium.
In addition to helping maintain bone health, Gordon said that vitamin D also appears to play a role in maintaining the immune system and that people with low levels of vitamin D may be more susceptible to autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis, and to certain cancers.
Previously, Gordon and her colleagues studied vitamin D levels in adolescents and found very high levels — about 42 percent — of vitamin D deficiency in teens. That finding made them interested in assessing levels in younger children.
The current study included 380 children between 8 and 24 months old. About 80 percent were from urban areas, and the majority of the youngsters were black or Hispanic, according to the study. However, the study made no association between skin pigmentation and vitamin D levels.
For this study, the researchers defined severe vitamin D deficiency as blood levels of less than 8 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), vitamin D deficiency as less than 20 ng/mL and suboptimal as less than 30 ng/mL. Gordon said there is some debate within the medical community about what truly signifies vitamin D deficiency, but that they felt current evidence supports the levels they used, and less than 20 ng/mL is the level her hospital uses as a cut-off point.
In an accompanying editorial, Dr. James Taylor, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington , said that although he believed the study was well done, Gordon and her colleagues used a "higher cut-off" than what has been used by other researchers.
But, he added, because Gordon's team found X-ray evidence of low bone density in children who fell into their category of low levels of vitamin D, "it might be that this might be an indication of long-term problems. If this is the case, then Gordon and colleagues might have picked the right definition. However, it might be that for many of the children with osteopenia [low bone density], the changes are transient and not indicative of disease. Time and more research will tell."
The key findings from the study, according to Gordon are:
• Breast-feeding without vitamin D supplementation is a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency.
• A higher body- mass index was associated with a risk of vitamin D deficiency.
• There was no association between the seasons — an indication of possible sun exposure — and vitamin D deficiency.
• There was no association between skin pigmentation and vitamin D deficiency.
• Consumption of vitamin D-fortified milk confers protection against deficiency.
Gordon said it's very difficult to consume too much vitamin D, so she recommends vitamin D supplements for breast-feeding infants and lactating mothers. She also recommends a multivitamin containing vitamin D for older children.
Taylor wasn't as convinced about the need for routine supplementation, however. "I think that more research is needed before routine vitamin D supplementation is recommended for all children," he said.
-- Serena Gordon
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Rising Prices, shrinking packages
Buyer Beware. Info about Product Packing Shrinkage.
Here are some new changes in packaging.
Honey Nut Cheerios Shrank by 1.5oz.
Scott 1000 went down 0.3 inch per square
Shedd's Country Crock Butter shrank 3 ounces
Goldfish weigh 0.75 ounce so packets won't exceed 100 calories
Breyer's and Dreyer's Ice Cream reduced the size of a carton of ice cream from 1.75 quarts to 1.5 quarts.
Shamrock Farms replacing their largest jug of organic milk to three quarters of a gallon.
Wrigleys will gradually replace Doublement, Juicy Fruit and others from 17 sticks to 15 sticks.
Coco-Cola, Pepsico, Shamrock Farms and Kroger (Fry's) have plans to start packaging soda in 16oz bottles and 3/4 gallon jugs.
Here are some new changes in packaging.
Honey Nut Cheerios Shrank by 1.5oz.
Scott 1000 went down 0.3 inch per square
Shedd's Country Crock Butter shrank 3 ounces
Goldfish weigh 0.75 ounce so packets won't exceed 100 calories
Breyer's and Dreyer's Ice Cream reduced the size of a carton of ice cream from 1.75 quarts to 1.5 quarts.
Shamrock Farms replacing their largest jug of organic milk to three quarters of a gallon.
Wrigleys will gradually replace Doublement, Juicy Fruit and others from 17 sticks to 15 sticks.
Coco-Cola, Pepsico, Shamrock Farms and Kroger (Fry's) have plans to start packaging soda in 16oz bottles and 3/4 gallon jugs.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
What is it with outside company phone call charges.
Phone call charges using an outside company .89 a minute plus a connection fee of 11.65 per call plus tax and all these other fees they charge for the total of 87.37 for 2 phone calls! These calls were placed from a hospital room phone. How can this be? I remember back in 1988 & 1990 when I delivered both my older sons and there were no cell phone options for us back then so to spread the news we used the in room phone & I remember that the insurance covered their medical part but we were stuck with the phone charge & I believe it was a $5 per call fee. Luckily most of us now have cell phones, however they are not allowed to be used inside so one has to go outside the facility to use it but it is better than getting raked for these charges. And why can’t it be posted on the phone before use!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Congressional hearings with Oil Company CEO's - Does it do any good?
Does anyone know what good it does to have congressional hearings with the CEO's of oil companies?
Were they ordered to be there or were they there out of the kindness of their heart?
Isn't this just a waste of time and tax payers money?
They can't tell dairy farmers how much they can sell milk for so why allow oil companies this option!
Were they ordered to be there or were they there out of the kindness of their heart?
Isn't this just a waste of time and tax payers money?
They can't tell dairy farmers how much they can sell milk for so why allow oil companies this option!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Common-"cents" does make a difference
Looking to cut down on your expenses? Here are a few simple ways to squeeze out more money from even the tightest budget.
Grow your savings account. Some major credit-card providers help you save with programs that round up purchase totals to the next dollar. So if you spend $39.17 on new sneakers for your child, 83¢ goes into your savings account. Savings limits vary by card and accrue according to how much you use that card — but even one dollar’s worth of rounding up on most days of the year could net you $300.
Make your own lattes. Instead of buying $3 lattes every weekday morning at a pricey café, purchase an espresso machine for around $40 and make your own. Even after your $40 investment, you’ll save around $740.
Consolidate credit-card debt. You can save money by getting a card with zero interest for the first year and paying it off before the 12 months expire. On a $5,000 balance, with an annual rate of 18%, you’ll save $900 in interest expense.
Enjoy drinks at home. Restaurants make a lot of money on alcohol sales. Outsmart them by having a glass of wine (about $8) or bottle of beer (about $4) before you go out or when you get home. Or choose a Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB) restaurant, where you supply the drinks and pay a nominal corking fee. Do this once a week and save $624.
Consider carpooling. With gas prices hovering around $3 per gallon, scale back on unnecessary trips. Do you drive your child five miles to gymnastics class three times a week? Carpool with other parents and cut out two of those round trips. If you get around 10 miles a gallon, your yearly savings will be $312.
Cut cell-phone costs. Got teens? Texting costs an average of 10¢ per message. Some companies offer a $40 per month plan that offers unlimited texting. If your teen sends 200 messages a week — and this is conservative for most — that’s a whopping $20 per week, or $1,040 a year. After paying, say, an extra $60 per year (including the additional $5 a month for the unlimited texting) on the plan, you save $980.
Hop online for coupons. Look for two-for-one dinner coupons or check out www.restaurants.com to get $25 coupons for only $10. That’s a net savings of $15 on your meal. Do this every week and save $780.
Use a programmable thermostat. If you’re typically out during the day, your home doesn’t need to be maintained at a comfortable 72°. A programmable thermostat allows you to pre-program temperature settings. You can buy a basic model at most hardware stores for about $33. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Website, using this technology can save you about $150 a year in energy costs, for a net savings of $117.
Read newspapers online. Here’s a way to save both money and trees: Cancel your newspaper subscription and read the paper online for free. For a major paper, you would save $143.
Raise your homeowners insurance deductible. If you have a low deductible, consider bumping it up to $1,000. You’ll save as much as 24% on premiums. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average annual premium for homewoners insurance is $764. Increase your deductible and save $191.
Grow your savings account. Some major credit-card providers help you save with programs that round up purchase totals to the next dollar. So if you spend $39.17 on new sneakers for your child, 83¢ goes into your savings account. Savings limits vary by card and accrue according to how much you use that card — but even one dollar’s worth of rounding up on most days of the year could net you $300.
Make your own lattes. Instead of buying $3 lattes every weekday morning at a pricey café, purchase an espresso machine for around $40 and make your own. Even after your $40 investment, you’ll save around $740.
Consolidate credit-card debt. You can save money by getting a card with zero interest for the first year and paying it off before the 12 months expire. On a $5,000 balance, with an annual rate of 18%, you’ll save $900 in interest expense.
Enjoy drinks at home. Restaurants make a lot of money on alcohol sales. Outsmart them by having a glass of wine (about $8) or bottle of beer (about $4) before you go out or when you get home. Or choose a Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB) restaurant, where you supply the drinks and pay a nominal corking fee. Do this once a week and save $624.
Consider carpooling. With gas prices hovering around $3 per gallon, scale back on unnecessary trips. Do you drive your child five miles to gymnastics class three times a week? Carpool with other parents and cut out two of those round trips. If you get around 10 miles a gallon, your yearly savings will be $312.
Cut cell-phone costs. Got teens? Texting costs an average of 10¢ per message. Some companies offer a $40 per month plan that offers unlimited texting. If your teen sends 200 messages a week — and this is conservative for most — that’s a whopping $20 per week, or $1,040 a year. After paying, say, an extra $60 per year (including the additional $5 a month for the unlimited texting) on the plan, you save $980.
Hop online for coupons. Look for two-for-one dinner coupons or check out www.restaurants.com to get $25 coupons for only $10. That’s a net savings of $15 on your meal. Do this every week and save $780.
Use a programmable thermostat. If you’re typically out during the day, your home doesn’t need to be maintained at a comfortable 72°. A programmable thermostat allows you to pre-program temperature settings. You can buy a basic model at most hardware stores for about $33. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Website, using this technology can save you about $150 a year in energy costs, for a net savings of $117.
Read newspapers online. Here’s a way to save both money and trees: Cancel your newspaper subscription and read the paper online for free. For a major paper, you would save $143.
Raise your homeowners insurance deductible. If you have a low deductible, consider bumping it up to $1,000. You’ll save as much as 24% on premiums. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average annual premium for homewoners insurance is $764. Increase your deductible and save $191.
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