Take-a-Moment sample-issue

Welcome to TAKE-A-MOMENT! Premier Issue

The Take-A-Moment newsletters strive to provide quick-to-read content to improve and enhance the quality of life at home and in the work place...for when you can "take-a-moment" from your hectic schedule. Take-a-Moment is provided by the Louisville Area Cooperative Extension Agents. When you have "more-than-a-moment" visit our web site for expanded articles, article archives, sign-up and contact information, and links to other web sites of interest.

C O N T E N T S

Financial Fitness -- 'Don't think you have a dime to spare?
Stain Removal -- Ink: Ball Point Pen
Kids Korner -- Keys to Great Parenting
Ways to Wellness -- Why Walk?
Home Tips -- Flowers Forever
Horticulture -- Fall Is The Time To Plant Trees And Shrubs
In the Workplace -- Dressed for Success?
Nutrition and What's Cooking -- Boning Up on Calcium
Family Life -- Helping Children Manage Anger
Consumer -- Handling Denied Medical Claims (new)

FINANCIAL FITNESS (SAMPLE)
How to Save A Dollar When You Think You Don't Have a Dime to Spare!

It often seems impossible to save any money. However, upon examining your small everyday flexible expenses, you may be surprised to realize that they add up to large sums over a year. Here are some examples of typical things that you may purchase on a regular basis but don't think about how it impacts your overall spending plan.

Beverages: Two cans soda each working day from a vending machine.

Cost per day =$2.00
Monthly cost=$40.00
Yearly Cost=$480.00

Candy bar: One candy bar per day.

Cost of one candy bar= $0.75
Monthly cost=$15.00
Yearly Cost=$180.00

Cigarettes: Two packs per day

One pack of cigarettes: $2.40
Monthly cost=$144.00
Yearly cost=$1,752.00

Alternatives: Buy your favorite soda on sale and take it to work with you.

Buy a 24 pack for $5.00 ($.21/can)
Monthly cost=$8.40
Yearly cost=$100.80

$480.00 (vending machine cost)
-100.80 (12 pack)
$379.20 in savings per year

Reduce to one pack of cigarettes/day
Monthly cost: $72.00
Yearly cost: $876.00
$1,752.00 (cost at 2 packs per day)
$ -876.00 (cost at 1 pack per day)
$ 876.00 in savings per year

You may not drink soda, smoke or eat candy! But I guarantee that if you will check your spending habits you will find similar examples of how you can "save a dollar when you think you don't have a dime to spare!"

STAIN REMOVAL (SAMPLE)
Ink- Ballpoint Pen

Ballpoint Ink is one of the least favorite stains to work on. There are various pigments and dyes used in ink pens which make this stain challenging. Cheap ink pens are usually the hardest stain to remove. Red ink must to be treated differently from all other color ink stains. Ballpoint inks are easy to remove from synthetic fibers, but can be much harder- if next to impossible- from cotton and wool. As with any stain, treat it as soon as possible. Stains come out much easier when fresh.

For Washable Fabrics: Sponge fabric with a white cloth and plain water. If the color transfers to your white sponging cloth, keep sponging with water until no more color comes out. Do NOT rub! Blot dry. Apply cheap hair spray until spot is soaked. Blot this area using a clean part of a fresh cloth- until no more color is being transferred. Apply laundry pre-treat and wash in warm water. Air dry- do not apply heat! If stain remains after laundering, you may try the following solvents one after the other- checking to see if the ink is coming off. Then sponge (using a clean spot of the cloth each time) with that solvent until the whole stain is removed. Solvents are: dry spotter, alcohol, acetone (do not use acetone on an acetate garment) or a non-oily nail polish remover. Be sure to pre-test these solvents in a hidden place on your garment to make sure they do not remove the fabric dye along with the ink.

KIDS KORNER (SAMPLE)
Keys to Great Parenting

This article is No. 1 in a seven-part series on fun and learning with your baby or toddler. This information is part of an educational program based on seven keys to unlocking you child's wonderful abilities.

I. Care for Yourself

Nobody can take your place in your child's eyes. You are your child's first and most important teacher! One of the best ways you can teach is by example, because your baby or toddler takes in everything you say and do.

That is why this key - *Care for Yourself* - is so essential. When you take good care of yourself, you are more likely to be happy and loving. Your child feels it in the sound of your voice , your posture, and the expressions on your face and thrives on it.

"How can I care for myself when I have so much to do?" You might ask. Parents of babies and toddlers often feel tired and frazzled. They worry about doing everything exactly right. It is important to keep in mind that doing well starts with being well. You can learn to reduce stress and nurture yourself. In order to love and take care of others you must first love and take care of yourself. Both you and your child will reap the benefits.

Understanding how much your well-being influences your child is awesome - even scary!
Here is the good news: **You do not have to be perfect.** No one is.

Try some of the following ideas to help keep your life in balance... [ MORE of this article]

WAYS TO WELLNESS (SAMPLE)
Why Walk?

Walking shakes the cobwebs out of the brain so you can do some good thinking.
Walking makes you feel like the tin man on the Wizard of Oz after he was oiled. Your joints move smoother, and you seem to stand an inch taller.
Walking de-stresses you and puts life in perspective.
Walking with a friend or family member opens the way for some real heart to heart conversations.

Walk somewhere, sometime. Time is often limited why not take a ten minute walk in the early morning, a ten minute lunch walk, and a ten minute walk in the evening. Calorie burning does add up. Gardening and house work also count. Consider parking the car further from work. Bus riders could exit the bus a block ahead of time to add a few extra steps. If you haven't been active recently, check with your physician before you begin.

HOME TIPS (SAMPLE)
Flowers Forever

Permanent florals are an easy way to create an inviting environment and add color to your decor. If you want to "better" the look of a room, follow the lead of some of the best display designers who often utilize upscale floral arrangements to make furniture look more expensive than it is.

In additions to the expected displays on end tables, dining and coffee tables, florals can enhance other parts of the home. Consider floral swags on walls and window treatments, floral toppers on armoires and wall sconces, hanging baskets, and willows and reeds in oversize planters.

While florals can add pizzazz to the decor, they can also be dust catchers. When purchasing, always find out how to keep the arrangement clean and be sure to save these instructions. Simply dusting is probably the most common care method. To avoid circulating the dust in the house, take the arrangement outside and gently shake or carefully dust it.

HORTICULTURE (SAMPLE)
Fall Is The Time To Plant Trees And Shrubs
(Rick Durham, Consumer Horticulture Specialist, University of Kentucky)

Have you been wanting to add a shade tree to your yard or maybe install some shrubs along one of your property lines? Fall is the best time to transplant trees and shrubs in Kentucky. Broad-leafed evergreens and conifers do best when planted in early fall while deciduous trees will do well if transplanted a little later in mid autumn.

Planting evergreens earlier in the fall will allow the plant's roots to become established before the harsh weather of winter sets in. Deciduous trees are best transplanted when temperatures are cooler so that they will remain dormant. The roots however will be active as long as soil temperatures remain above freezing. For best results with both types of plants, apply a layer of mulch after transplanting and keep the root zone moist throughout the fall and winter.

Another reason for planting in the fall is that great deals can often be had at nursery and garden centers. The store managers will be reducing inventory to avoid the expense of over-wintering plants. Remember to transplant your trees or shrubs at the same depth they were previously growing, and keep them well watered for the first couple of years.

IN THE WORKPLACE (SAMPLE)
Dressed for Success?

There is always a bit of excitement in the air as the new fall and winter fashions arrive! People are wanting comfortable, smart styling. Nature sets the theme this fall in terms of patterns and design motifs. Animal and reptile skin designs are the rage. But so is everything from shine and glitter to skin and fur. Paisley prints are part of the Bohemian look. And, if you are looking for some traditional fall favorites, they are in the mix as well. Floral prints help to carry out the feminine forties theme along with other delicate sheers and lacy motifs.

Plaids are everywhere in every description from the classic men's wear patterns to the prep and retro styling. Tartans have been revived, renewed and embellished with silver and gold threads.

NUTRITION & WHAT'S COOKING (SAMPLE)
Boning Up on Calcium

Calcium is a very important nutrient, especially for building your bones and teeth. Calcium is stored in the bones, therefore if you aren't getting enough in your diet, they this leaves your bones weak and over a period of years, they become hollow and break easily, a symptom called osteoporosis. Obtaining calcium through the diet as a way to prevent osteoporosis is easier than trying to treat it. The best obvious source of calcium is milk and dairy foods. Some vegetables contain small amounts and now there are various products on the market that are calcium-fortified such as orange juice and cereals. Especially good food products to consume are milk, yogurt, cheeses and greens. Adults need around 1000 mg of calcium daily and teens need 1300mg. An 8oz glass of milk contains around 300 mg of calcium. Try these suggestions and recipe to help get the calcium you need!!

Tips:

-use yogurt and milk to make salad dressings
-try non-fat dry milk in casseroles, meat loaf and baked goods
-use milk in cream soups (homemade or canned)
-add cheese and cottage cheese to casseroles, lasagna and salads.

Cheese and Noodle Bake

8 oz. elbow macaroni, (about 2 cups dry)
1-1/2 cup skim milk, divided
3 tbl. flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
3 oz. grated reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese OR 4 tbl. grated parmesan cheese
1 oz grated reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese

Prepare macaroni according to package, drain, set aside. Combine 1/2 cup milk with flour and stir until mixed then pour into rest of milk. Place in a 2-qt casserole dish and microwave on high 4-5 minutes stirring until bubbly and thickened. Mix in seasonings and all but 1 oz cheese. Add cooked noodles. Cover and cook on high for 3 minutes, rotating during cooking. Stir. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese, cover and let sit 10 minutes before serving.

Per serving (1 cup) 345 calories, 52 grams carbohydrate, 6 grams fat.

FAMILY LIFE (SAMPLE)
Helping Children Manage Anger

Children sometimes get angry at parents. Getting angry is part of family life. However, children, as well as adults, need to learn how to manage anger without hurting others. Anger is an important feeling; it signals something isn't right or seems unfair. Anger may also be a result of feeling afraid or helpless.

Children's anger may be a result of frustration. It may result from fear of events or situations occurring in their lives. Anger may be an attempt to gain control over their lives when change occurs. Anger grows when children focus on themselves.

Parents can teach children to understand anger and direct their energy toward resolving their anger. Screaming, fighting, or other aggressive behavior does not solve the problem. Learning how to stay calm when angry is a technique that can be used by both adults and children. "Time-out" is a chance to leave the situation and focus on something else. Parents who model "time-out" themselves teach children calming techniques.

Let children talk about what is bothering them. Let them explain their feelings. Let them know being angry is OK as long as they can stay calm and focus on solving the problem. When children know they are loved and cared for, they are more likely to feel safe and secure. This gives them a feeling of being more in control over what happens in their lives, even when changes occur.

CONSUMER (SAMPLE)
Handling Denied Medical Claims

The reasons for an insurance company to deny payment of a medical claim varies; however, there are several steps to appealing a denied claim:

Review your insurance policy to clarify your appeal process.
Check with the insurance company regarding the appeals process.
Complete the recommended process with appropriate documentation.
Keep copies of everything for your records.

(Note: In most cases you will need to include:)

letter of denial

copy of the bill

medical care plan from the health care provider, and any other relevant information

In most cases you should allow at least 60 days for a response to your request.

Successful Appeals --begin by getting your doctor to clarify the need for the procedure or test that was performed, or why the type of procedure should not be considered normal or customary, in writing and send it to the insurance company.

Unsuccessful Appeals--you may wish to contact the Kentucky Department of Insurance, Division of Consumer Protection and Education in Frankfort at 1-800-595-6053. Another service available to Kentucky consumers is the Patient Advocacy Coalition. This group helps guide patients through the appeals process by providing support and free advice about how to present a comprehensive and compelling case. They may be reached at (303) 744-7667.

If your like our newsletter, tell your friends to sign-up...