July: National Ice Cream Month
July: National Ice Cream Month Why not start this month off with a treat! In 1984, President Ronald Reagan declared July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday in July (July 19th) as National Ice Cream Day! Actually, the whole month of July is supposed to be...
Student Loans: Do Your Homework Before You Borrow!
The decision to go to college may seem to be a no-brainer, however, paying for the constantly increasing costs of college can be quite challenging. Given the increase of costs to attend a university, most prospective students are driven to borrow money to cover...
Get a “Bang” Out of July 4 Safely
The bright, beautiful colors of a fireworks displays are a sight to behold and the highlight of July 4 celebrations across the country. But, it’s important to be careful when selecting and using fireworks for your family’s celebration. The National Council on...
The Idyllic Picnic – Make It a Safe One!
It’s that time of year…Summertime! What could be more enjoyable than a summer picnic? Along the Gulf Coast, all you need is a sunny day, white sand beach, and a menu to remember. However, poor planning can turn a picnic into a small disaster, so first, check the...
Water Smarts To Keep Kids Safe
On June 20, 2015, a two-year-old boy in Bay County, Florida, drowned in his family’s above-ground pool after being able to get out of the house undetected. Drowning is a very real risk for young children, especially in Florida. Drowning is quick and silent. A child...
Summer Break Spot
With school out for the summer, many children may miss out on a meal they normally would receive through USDA’s school meals programs. Florida’s at-risk children now can have meals all summer long. The Summer Break Spot Program, also known as the Summer Food Service...
Watermelon – A Taste of Summer
Rarely do I hear the phrase “school's out” and not think of my own summers of fun and, of course, Alice Cooper’s 1972 major hit single “School's Out for Summer” – does that age me? In fact, “word” has it that Alice Cooper said he was inspired to write the song when...
Super Summer Snacking
Can you believe that the kids are almost out of school for the summer? With kids in the house all summer, get ready for those constant snack attacks, followed by “mom (or dad)…there’s nothing good to eat.” Just because its summer break doesn’t mean we should...
Summertime Safety ~ A Hidden Danger
Beware of Hidden Dangers We all know that taking safety measures, such as using car seats correctly or basic childproofing, for our children is important. But what about “hidden dangers?” One major hidden danger can be the family vehicle. As summertime approaches and...
Youth Gain from Camping Experiences
With summer around the corner, it's a great time to enroll your children in residential and/or day camps. For most communities there are a variety of camps offered. Camping experiences not only give children something to do, they are also great learning experiences....