At Home With Valerie

Going back to school after enjoying the long, sunny days of summer is a source of angst for many children, especially those who already struggle with anxiety. Parents should pay close attention to their children as summer winds down,” says Amy Edgar, APRN, CRNP, FNP-C, founder of the Children’s Integrated Center for Success (CICS), a multidisciplinary treatment center in Allentown, Pennsylvania. “Behavior changes and other indicators of stress are possible clues of their child’s school-related anxiety.” Understanding the signs of stress The return to school brings forward many potential stressors for children. In a survey published by the American Psychological Association (APA), teens reported that their stress levels peaked during the school year with homework, romantic relationships and peer interactions among the major challenges. For younger children, separation from parents is also a significant contributor to stres...

Are you ready to buy your first home? Venturing into the home buying market can be daunting, but I’m here to share my experience and help you find your new home!    Here are some tips to get you started: 1. Save your pennies. The up-front costs of buying a home are higher than expected for many first-time homebuyers. You’ll need to save up not just for your down payment, but also for closing costs, inspection fees and the cost to move. 2. Check your credit score. You are entitled to a free credit report each year. Before applying for a mortgage, find out whether there are any discrepancies on your report and where you can improve. The better your credit score, the lower your mortgage rate. 3. Figure out how much you can spend. You will need to get pre-approved from at least one lender for a mortgage, though getting at least three pre-approvals is preferred so you can get the best mortgage rate and terms. To start, use a simple online mortgage payme...

(BPT) - Oftentimes the joy and excitement of pregnancy is matched with feelings of uncertainty and doubt, especially when it comes to managing health issues during pregnancy. Between their own mothers, their friends and, at times, obtrusive strangers, women are frequently bombarded with conflicting advice, prompting soon-to-be moms to question what is accurate, relevant and safe for their own pregnancy. According to a recent Monistat survey, 84 percent of women who have been or are currently pregnant admit to experiencing doubts regarding the health choices they made during pregnancy. To help moms-to-be fight the confusion, Dr. Alyssa Dweck, OB-GYN, author, expert on women's health and Monistat spokesperson, shares a few tips to help expecting mothers make healthy choices for themselves and their little ones' well-being. 1) Do your research. While certainly well-meaning, the advice women receive from friends or loved ones may not necessarily be the most accurate or u...

(BPT) - The great American road trip has officially gone to the dogs. In a recent online Google consumer survey, three-in-four travelers said they planned to take a road trip with their pet this summer, and 12% of travelers would rather hit the open road with their dog over family or friends. It actually makes sense - your four-legged friend is unlikely to be a backseat driver, ask "Are we there yet?" or complain about your playlist. Using insights from the survey and new pet travel and booking data, Orbitz and Dollar Rent A Car have mapped out seven of the most pet-friendly road trips to plan this summer. The 2- to 5-day routes were hand-picked by travel editors and pet experts based on availability of pet-friendly hotels, bars and restaurants, outdoor attractions and gram-worthy locales. So buckle up and turn up "Who Let the Dogs Out?" for the best road trip ever. 1) Enjoy the "Paw-cific" Northwest - Portland to Seattle Stay at the Hotel deLux...

(BPT) - When the temps heat up, home cooks look for lighter, more refreshing food and drinks that still pack a nutritional punch. The cranberry is just the thing - a tangy fruit that adds flavorful zing to sweet and savory recipes. Available dried, frozen, as juice or sauce, cranberries are a good source of Vitamin C and have fiber and antioxidants as well. Offering big health benefits in a little package, cranberries are full of polyphenols not commonly found in other fruits. You can enjoy their robust flavor while boosting your health. Here are some ideas for hosting a summer BBQ. 1. Quench your thirst Cranberry juice makes a delightfully refreshing drink on its own or mixed with sparkling water and served on ice. For those who enjoy adult beverages, make a statement at your party with a festive, colorful pitcher of sangria served with fruit. Add cranberry juice to red wine for a zesty, delicious 21+ punch, with orange juice, orange slices and a little extra liquor like br...

(BPT) - Every parent knows that keeping kids' rooms - and their stuff - sanitary can seem like a losing battle. Between the playdates, trips to the park and going back-and-forth from school to home, parents also worry about the amount of not just dirt, but also potentially harmful bacteria, living on all the toys, clothes and bedding in their children's rooms. What are the best ways to make sure children's items are as clean and sanitary as possible? Here are some tips for sanitizing common, tough-to-clean items in your kids' rooms. Baby's plastic toys Babies put everything in their mouths. For the plastic toys your baby loves to carry, mouth and drop (not necessarily in that order), frequent cleaning is essential. For completely plastic toys, with no other materials included, you could just soak and wash them in hot soapy water, rinsing well and air drying afterward. But to sanitize them, go a step further - put them through the dishwasher. Use the sil...

Wire fraud has become a serious issue as cyber criminals find new ways to steal money from unsuspecting consumers. Never hesitate to ask when something doesn’t seem right.