April 2011 by Laredo Family Time Magazine

April 2011 Volume 2 Issue 4

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Contents

Departments 4

Editor’s Note

Home & Garden

11 Green Living 15

Community

Kids & Teens

Finances

Food & Entertainment

Health & Beauty

En Español

Articles 5

Critters & Crayons

On the Cover:

Garden Prep 101

Former Laredo City Councilman, Gene Belmares enjoys the beautiful weather while attending the City of Laredo’s 3rd Annual Kite Festival that took place on March 17, 2011

Conservation Tips for Every Family Member

Laredo’s 3rd Annual Kite Festival

Disciplining Your Child

Sportsmanship

Money Buzz

Easter Inspiration

Know the Glo: Childhood Eye Diseases

Photo by: Guillermo Sosa of Signature Portrait Photography

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Editor’s Note Dear Friends and Readers, Spring is once again upon us. This time of year fills us with inspiration . We plant a garden, tend to flowers, and think of all the things we can do. Spring seems to always fill the air with a sense of something new. It inspires us to do and seek new things. This issue hopes to bring just that, new ideas, new tips and much more in order to inspire you in your everyday life. Our ‘Critters & Crayons’ Column provides insight into many different areas of everyday life, our new contributor from IBC Bank tells us about ways to help teach children money management, and a very wonderful photo mosaic featuring the City of Laredo’s 3rd Annual Kite Festival which took place last month on St. Patrick’s Day. Along with recipes and insightful stories we hope you enjoy this issue. As always, thanks for reading .

All the best,

Claudia Perez Rivas Editor-in-Chief & Publisher editor@laredofamilytimemagazine.com

To advertise, call 956.285.8274 or email sales@laredofamilytimemagazine.com

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Column “Disciplina Con Amor” by Patricia Driscoll

I’m excited to write about a conference we recently attended in Laredo that gave interesting perspective into common parenting challenges. The conference sponsored by Mundo Montessori is called “Disciplina Con Amor” (Translation: Discipline With Love), and was presented by author Rosa Barocio. Parenting is an intensely personal endeavor, and the styles and techniques we all practice and believe in regarding discipline, vary as widely as the number of children we are trying our best to raise. Like many, my husband and I consult with friends and family, look back at our own childhoods, read books and articles about parenting and discipline, observe the world around us and try to reconcile the way we try teach our kids how to become good people with our beliefs and values. Throughout this process, we find ourselves wondering if we are on the right path. Are we too harsh? If we are too harsh, will we create a fearful child? Are we too permissive? If we’re too permissive, will our children behave in unacceptable ways down the road? I’ve often found myself wondering about these things since having children and I found that I was surrounded by about fifty sets of parents who apparently wonder the same thing.

Patricia Driscoll writes from Laredo, where she lives happily with her husband, two children, two cats, a millipede, three hermit crabs and the occasional domesticated scorpion

The conference occurred on March 5th and 6th and covered topics such as a child’s self-esteem and descriptions of four basic temperaments. (At the time this article is being written, the second part of the conference on March 25th and 26th is still pending). Ms. Barocio spoke to the parents in a clear and concise manner. (The conference was given in Spanish, but English-speakers were provided headsets with near real-time broadcast throughout the conference.) The description of a child’s self esteem, the words and actions that build it and those that wound, was a powerful reminder of our position as parents. The breakdown of “child temperaments” into four categories was a helpful tool for parents to identify where each of our children fell on the spectrum. During this part of the conference, as Ms. Barocio described the ways in which children who tend to favor a certain temperament will often seek attention in different and very specific ways, you could hear parents having their own “Eureka”moments. All around me I saw attentive eyes and vigorous nodding, as the correlation was made between the ways our children ARE and the related ways in which the ACT, which oftentimes spurs us parents into punishing or correcting them. There were many other interesting aspects of the conference which ranged from the importance of maintaining “open” expectations of our children while valuing their individuality. She stressed the power of empathy (“You are angry. I see you are angry.) and honesty with our children (“Mommy is very angry right now.”). The parents listened as we recognized our own “parent/child power struggles” in Ms. Barocio’s presentation and marveled at the simplicity and logic of her recommendations, which seemed obvious in an instant. (Why hadn’t we thought of that?) Ms. Barocio spoke some poetically profound phrases that have a near mantra quality: “My Child Is My Passport to Growth”. “To Give Quality Attention, Release Your Hurry”. Amidst the many helpful phrases and techniques offered, I find that one phrase alone has forever changed how we will attack the dreaded and defeatist sentence “I Can’t” from my toddlers which will resonate into their adulthood. I will give this one brief example: We started to hear “I can’t” a lot. We heard it even when our little girl had easily accomplished the same tasks before. We did not understand the source of this seemingly new insecurity or unwillingness to try activities as simple as putting on a shoe which she’d put on herself many times over. I always thought we answered the best way possible with “Of course you can! You can do anything!”, or we would just put the shoe on for her. Ms. Barocio offered a new question for such a situation: “How can I help you to do it yourself? Since implementing this question whenever we hear “I can’t” or “I don’t know how to do it” from our kids, has made a huge difference in what we see them do, and also in what they are willing to try to do on their own. When they do the task they thought or said they couldn’t, we see them swell with such joy in their accomplishment. This phrase, one of many we were exposed to during the conference, has been an easy and effective insertion into our parenting methods. I risk oversimplifying the lessons of the Disciplina Con Amor conference in such a short article. For this reason, I recommend that you consult the official website: http://www.rosabarocio.com/ At this site, you can order Ms. Barocio’s books, see a little more about the author and the ideas behind “Disciplina Con Amor” to determine if the approach is for you and your family. We were certainly thankful that such a conference was offered here in Laredo. The lessons we have taken to heart far outweighed the cost of the ticket.

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Cover Kids Contest Would you want your kid to appear on the cover of our magazine? Laredo Family Time Magazine is looking for six children ages 2-11 and one multiples/parent-child combo to appear on the cover of a future issue of the magazine.

Deadline is May 31, 2011 (entries must be postmarked by this date)

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Contest open to all Laredo and Webb County residents.

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Visit our website to enter contest online or fill out the registration form.

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Each entry requires a $25 registration fee.

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Each entry must be accompanied by a recent quality photo with the following information: child’s name, age, and date photo was taken (photo will not be returned).

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Photos of 5 finalists from each category (35 total) will be displayed on our website at: www.Laredofamilytimemagazine.com.

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A portion of the proceeds will be donated to local children’s charities.

Name of Child:_____________________________________________________ Name of Parent:___________________________________________________ Child’s Age as of Jan 1, 2011 Child’s Date of Birth:________________________ Please mark ONE category you’re entering:

❒ Ages 2-4 yrs.

❒ Ages 5-7 yrs. ❒Ages 8-11 yrs. ❒Multiples/Parent-Child Combo Address:_____________________________________________________

Laredo Family Time Magazine

Kids Cover Contest 2011

City:______________ St:______________ Zip: _____________________ Phone:_______________________________________________________ E-mail:_______________________________________________________ Mail check for $25 per entry to: Laredo P.O. Box 3735, Laredo, TX 78044

Family Time Magazine - Cover Kids PLEASE Print Clearly. One form for each entry. Form may be copied.

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Home & Garden

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Garden prep 101:

n o s a e s g n i t n a l p r o f y d a e r g Gettin

Plant selection:

Varieties of plants available in today's market are virtually endless. That is why seed catalogs are a priceless tool for any gardener. Leafing through these resources can make plant selection easy and fun. With a garden design and journal from last year in hand, it will be a cinch to narrow down the choices for this year's garden. A successful gardener doesn't have to grow all their plants from seed. Most nurseries offer a wide range of small herbs, vegetables, fruits and flowers to transplant directly into the garden. However, starting plants from seed does provide more variety, is usually less expensive and can grow plants that are more disease resistant. Selecting plants native to your region attracts wildlife and makes your garden a living visual experience. Soil amendment:

Outside birds are singing and bits of green are popping up all around. As seasons change from winter to spring, the gardener's mind quickly leaps to growing flowers and produce. Before getting out there and planting, follow these basic garden preparations to get the most out of this growing season. Journal: ScottsMiracle-Gro gardening expert Ashton Ritchie strongly recommends that every gardener keep a "garden journal." "My wife and I keep a garden journal so we know what we planted, when we planted and harvested, what problems we had to treat, what we used and how well it worked," he says. "We start each growing season by reviewing last year's journal." In fact, many successful gardeners, like Ashton, take notes or keep journals. It can be as easy as taping seed packets into a small notebook or sketching out where the tulip bulbs are planted. Keeping track of gardening experiences can simplify the gardening process, and will be an invaluable reference in the future. Garden design: Whether planting a new garden or bringing life to an old one -- a smart design is key. Light, water and space requirements vary from plant to plant - and region to region. Therefore, a well designed lay-out for a garden can make the difference between a bountiful harvest and withering leaves. From fancy landscaping software programs to simple charcoal sketches, creating a garden layout is a great way to plan the optimal design. A few measurements of the space and observations of the amount of sunlight or moisture will prove helpful in the planning process. Consider what the garden will look like from all angles to maximize enjoyment. In addition, seed packets, garden books, potting labels and nursery experts are always great resources on a plant's growing requirements.

Native soils and top-soils are not all created equal. Most will need a little boost to become fertile garden soil. A 3-inch layer of high-quality garden soil, such as Miracle-Gro Organic Choice Garden Soil, can be tilled into native soil to improve existing soil, add organic matter and help plants build strong roots. Amending soil will allow gardeners to grow beautiful flowers and bountiful vegetables naturally. Compost is another great source of organic matter for the garden. Create a compost bin and add leaves, lawn clippings, kitchen scraps, potting soil from last year's containers and any other garden waste. Turn or aerate the pile once a month, and by next summer all that former yard waste will be nice organic material for your garden, and keep the refuse out of landfills. Feeding, watering and weeds: Once the garden is planted, feeding, watering and weeding are essential to the growth and survival of flowers and vegetables. Fortunately, you can prevent weeds and feed plants for up to three months with Miracle -Gro Shake 'n Feed All Purpose Plant Food Plus Weed Preventer when placed onto soil before laying mulch. Even with proper feeding, a garden should still be monitored daily for water needs, depending on the amount of rain, sunlight and temperatures it receives. Mulch: Mulch is an often overlooked cousin of garden soil. Many believe mulch to be a strictly decorative item, but most gardeners know its true value. High-quality mulches like Scotts Nature Scapes Advanced look great while also helping conserve water and naturally preventing weeds by blocking growth and restricting access to sunlight. Mulch should be used around the base of plants and in beds, but can also be used to create pathways through a garden, making harvesting and watering easier. Don't forget that containers also benefit from a nice 2-inch layer of mulch. With just a little planning, and a few easy preparations before the growing season, gardeners can reap the rewards come harvest time, and enjoy the beauty of the garden all season long. Content courtesy of ARA

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'Veggin' out' is so in: Tips for starting your own veggie garden Vegetable and herb gardening is in and studies indicate it will continue to grow in popularity. If you're not growing your own yet it's time to start. Why? The reasons are as varied as the people who garden. Some do it to save money. Others want to ensure their food is chemical-free, and as safe as possible. Still others grow their own vegetables because fresher is just better. Many do it because gardening is good for you and some because it's still fun to play in the dirt. Whatever your reason for opting to join the 7 million Americans who grabbed their gardening gear and grew their own vegetables and herbs last year, your road to success is basically the same as everyone else's - planting at the right time, making sure your soil's in shape, weeding and watering responsibly, and feeding and nurturing your plants. This season, you won't have to buy your fresh herbs and vegetables from a farmer's market; you can grow them on your own, and you don't need a farm-sized backyard - or pocketbook - to do it. Avid gardener Stan Cope, president of Bonnie Plants, the largest producer of vegetable and herb plants in North America, growing locally in 75 locations nationwide, offers some time-saving tips to make the growing easy: * Survey your soil - Your first step is to decide where you'll put your vegetable and herb garden. Good soil is key. The best soil is loam, a soft, dark, crumbly dirt. Loamy soil holds water, allows for drainage and is easy to dig. If you encounter clay or sandy soil, add peat moss and bone meal so that these soils can also be productive gardening bases. * Size up your space - When plotting out the size of your garden, you'll want to be sure it's big enough to yield a good harvest to make your efforts worthwhile. But if you're limited on yard space - or have none at all - you can grow vegetables and herbs in containers on a deck, terrace, balcony or even on the windowsill. * Let the sunshine in - Your plants need plenty of sun - at least six hours a day. A sunny and open location is your best bet for producing a plentiful harvest. * Pick your plants for your plot - Grow vegetables that are expensive to buy in the grocery store or at the farmer's market, such as tomatoes and peppers. A tried-and-true prolific producer, the Bonnie Original Tomato, was developed exclusively for Bonnie Plants in 1967. They come in environmentally friendly, biodegradable pots that you plant right into the soil. Recent trials, planting five of these tomato plants in 25-gallon containers, averaged 100 tomatoes each at an average of 37 pounds per plant. Another tomato that will tip the scales is Bonnie's Sun Sugar tomato, a yellow cherry type. Trial garden plants averaged 1,228 tomatoes each. If peppers are your passion, the Yummy Bell Pepper, ripening from green to apricot orange, is a best bet. Trial garden testing of five plants averaged 248 peppers per plant during the summer growing season. * Time-saving transplants - When you're ready to begin planting, opt for transplants - seedlings that have already been started - rather than starting from seed. Transplants will buy you lots of time because plants are six weeks or older when you put them in the ground, and you'll begin harvesting much sooner. * Feed your food - Your vegetable plants will need food and water to survive and grow. When feeding plants, try to avoid chemical fertilizers that could potentially seep into groundwater. Bonnie Plant Food is a unique, organically based, soybean oilseed extract formula that has demonstrated superior results in the health and vigor of plants. Give your garden a good watering once or twice a week, although some crops may need more water, especially if your climate is very hot. A thorough soaking, allowing the water to penetrate 4 to 6 inches into the soil, is better for plants than frequent shallow watering. Gardening is rewarding. It will bring great pleasure as you bring your produce from plot to plate so you can literally enjoy the fruits of your labor. For more information on varieties and gardening advice, visit www.bonnieplants.com. Content courtesy of ARA 9

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Green Living

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As the weather warms, are you thinking about spring cleaning? Or, maybe you're planning to spruce up your home with some improvements and upgrades. This year, why not add "spring greening" to your home-freshening routine? Making your home a "greener" place to live can improve its energy efficiency, reduce waste and make you feel more in harmony with the natural world springing to life around you. Green efforts can be as simple as switching out old incandescent light bulbs for more energy-efficient ones, or as energetic as adding skylights in the house or a vegetable garden in the backyard. If you're looking for ways to make your home environment more earth-friendly this spring, here are some ideas to consider: Powering down No matter how eager you are for warm weather, you're probably not too excited about the electric bills that come with summer heat. Heating and cooling account for the largest portion of a home's energy bill. Fortunately, you can do a lot to reduce electric use - and waste - to trim costs and still keep your home comfortable. If you're up for some minor improvement work that can pay off big in terms of energy savings, make your home feel more connected to nature, and add decorating flair, consider adding a skylight. The abundant natural light admitted to your home by skylights can help reduce the need to power artificial light sources. Plus, the natural chimney effect of venting skylights is a great way to passively vent moisture, fumes and potentially harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In spring and fall, when it's too warm for comfort, but not hot enough to justify turning on the air conditioning, venting skylights can let in cool breezes and lower cooling costs. And they can close automatically in case of rain. You can learn more about No Leak Skylights and their energy-efficient benefits at www.veluxusa.com. You can also reduce energy costs in warmer months with some simple maintenance. During summer, when your cooling system works harder, be sure to change the air filter on your home's HVAC system every month. EnergyStar.gov also recommends a yearly tune-up of your system. Greening up Some of the most popular home improvements can be accomplished in ways that are environmentally friendly. For example, painting is a common spring spruce-up. Many paints, however, contain VOCs and give off fumes that can irritate allergies and asthma. You can make your redecorating more eco-conscious by opting for low-VOC paints. And always be sure to open plenty of windows before painting, even if you're using a low-VOC selection. The fresh air will help the paint dry faster and ensure that any unpleasant odors vent quickly. Another common spring activity is lawn care. As warm weather approaches, many homeowners begin applying weed killer and fertilizer to their lawns in the hopes of having a lush, green carpet of grass come summer. Many lawn care products, however, can adversely affect the environment. If it's a priority for you to green your lawn - and not just to have green grass - it's possible to find plenty of eco-friendly lawn care products. Websites like www.OMRI.org, the home page of the Organic Materials Review Institute, can provide information on products that are environmentally friendly. Finally, as you're undertaking your spring cleaning, keep in mind the need to reduce waste. When you clean out your garage or attic and purge closets, evaluate items before you toss them in the trash. You may find that many of the things you were going to throw away can be donated, sold or recycled - anything to get them out of your house without adding to the waste stream. Content courtesy of ARA

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The "going green" trend may be just a few years old in America, but it's definitely not a movement reserved for only the young. Involving all members of the family in a greener lifestyle, no matter their age, is not only a good thing to do for the environment; it can also be a great way to bond with children, parents and grandparents. "We see families with multiple generations come into our restaurants and stores, and age is definitely no barrier to their passion for environmental consciousness," says DeAnna Fry of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. The company emphasizes conservation in its 599 locations, and encourages its stores and their staff to share their environmental knowledge with guests, Fry says. "Young children, senior citizens, teens and tweens, middle-aged couples, young families - they're all eager to embrace greener products, services and practices." Just as businesses implement conservation steps across all levels of their organizations, you can incorporate environmentally friendly habits into your daily life - and encourage all members of your household to participate. From steps as simple as a team approach to recycling to ones as fun and adventurous as growing your own herbs and vegetables, greening your lifestyle can definitely be a "family affair." Fry and the Green Team at Cracker Barrel offer families some tips: Lighten your electric load Reducing the amount of electricity your household uses is good for the environment and it can save you money, too. The average American household spends more than $100 a month for electricity, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reports.

* Turn off lights - Parents and grandparents aren't the only ones who can do this. As soon as they're old enough to reach the switch, children should be taught to turn off lights when they leave a room. * Look for EnergyStar ratings - When adults buy new household appliances, they can look for the EnergyStar ratings that tell them how energy efficient an item is. As a bonus, you can use the shopping experience to help children improve their math and reading skills by encouraging them to read and discuss the EnergyStar labels on items you're considering for purchase. * Unplug - Appliances and electronic items drain energy as long as they're plugged in, even if they're not turned on. Whenever practical, unplug any device you're not using. Parents can lead the way by unplugging cell phone chargers when they're not in use. Grandparents can pitch in by unplugging toasters and other appliances. What to do about water * Kids can learn to conserve water by turning off the tap while brushing their teeth or washing their hands. * Get the whole family involved in water conservation by setting up a rain barrel that can be used to water the family vegetable garden, irrigate the lawn or even wash the car. * Repair leaky faucets and running toilets immediately. A single drip can waste a great deal of water each day. Playing it cool Heating and cooling costs account for the largest portion of a home's overall energy use. Even the youngest members of the family can help conserve energy by using heating and cooling wisely. * Parents, be sure ceiling fans are set properly to help maximize your heating, ventilation and cooling system's efficiency. In the summer, fan blades should rotate left to aid in cooling, and to the right in winter to push down the warm air that collects at the ceiling. * Adults can help children remember to close doors quickly so that cool air doesn't escape in the summer and warm air stays inside the house in the winter. * A programmable thermostat can help reduce energy costs by turning your HVAC system on when you need it and off when you don't. Parents can help grandparents learn to program these easy-to-use devices to help lower energy bills. Preserve the past Cracker Barrel uses preserved farming implements and household wares to decorate its stores. Each location is adorned with about 1,000 items that the company has purchased and preserved. You can borrow this page in your own home. Tired of the same old wall decor and accessories in your home? Why not consider visiting grandma's attic and asking her to share with you some of the items she treasured as a child or young wife and mother? Identifying, cleaning up and refurbishing memorabilia to incorporate into your household decor can be a great family project. "The desire to care for our environment really does span all age groups," Fry says. "And caring for the environment is something that the entire family can do together." Cracker Barrel Old Country Store name is a registered trademark of CBOCS Properties, Inc., Reg. USPTO. 13

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Community

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This Past March 17, Laredo held its Third Annual Kite Festival with much enthusiasm and much success. The festival offers everyone a chance to spend some time together as a family and as a group. This year’s festival, hosted by District IV Council Member, Charlie San Miguel, included homemade kite contests, free hay rides, pony rides, petting zoo, games, jumping castle, wildflower seed plantings and kite-making activities. There was even a pet adoption on-site from the Laredo Animal Shelter. Xochitl Mora, Laredo Public Information Officer explained how she, along with her colleagues from the Parks & Leisure Department - Anita Stanley, Recreation Centers Division Manager, and Eddie Millan, Public Information Officer - along with Lynne Nava of Keep Laredo Beautiful, have been continuously pleased at how the event continues to improve. “Next year, we hope to be able to bring enough sponsors on board to be able to offer water for free for everyone; I think we offer enough snacks to whet people's appetites, but we really want people to picnic in the park. We probably should look into getting some raspas out there. We hope to have more Willie Botes for trash, and just as importantly, Billie Botes for recycling, to really help keep the park clean and green. We hope to generate more awareness of the kite making contest; that is such a special portion of the event. Finally, we recognize that parking is a major issue for a park and event of this size. We will probably look into offering a Park and Ride for the kite festival”, Mora said.

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Photos by Guillermo Sosa/Signature Portrait Photography

Participation was high for the homemade kite contest. The winners were: 1. Most Unique: Chloe Garcia 2. Best Presentation: Aaric Tays 3. Best Homemade: Asia Morales 4. Prettiest: Celina Ortiz 5. Best School Pride: Deborah Mitchell 6. Longest Tail: Kelly Olsen 7. Best Use of Recycled Material: Pablo Benavides

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There are big plans for next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event! Make sure to mark you calendar and join the festivities. Our cameras were also on hand to capture the essence of the afternoon. So instead of describing the festival, we bring you this wonderful photo mosaic. Thanks to all who attended and see you next year!

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Kids & Teens

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How do you keep a 1-year-old from heading toward the DVD player? What should you do when your preschooler throws a fit? How can you get a teenager to respect your authority? Whatever the age of your child, it's important to be consistent when it comes to discipline. If parents don't stick to the rules and consequences they set up, their kids aren't likely to either. Here are some ideas about how to vary your approach to discipline to best fit your family. Ages 0 to 2 Babies and toddlers are naturally curious. So it's wise to eliminate temptations and no-nos — items such as TVs and video equipment, stereos, jewelry, and especially cleaning supplies and medications should be kept well out of reach. When your crawling baby or roving toddler heads toward an unacceptable or dangerous play object, calmly say "No" and either remove your child from the area or distract him or her with an appropriate activity. Timeouts can be effective discipline for toddlers. A child who has been hitting, biting, or throwing food, for example, should be told why the behavior is unacceptable and taken to a designated timeout area — a kitchen chair or bottom stair — for a minute or two to calm down (longer timeouts are not effective for toddlers). It's important to not spank, hit, or slap a child of any age. Babies and toddlers are especially unlikely to be able to make any connection between their behavior and physical punishment. They will only feel the pain of the hit. And don't forget that kids learn by watching adults, particularly their parents. Make sure your behavior is rolemodel material. You'll make a much stronger impression by putting your own belongings away rather than just issuing orders to your child to pick up toys while your stuff is left strewn around. Ages 3 to 5 As your child grows and begins to understand the connection between actions and consequences, make sure you start communicating the rules of your family's home. Explain to kids what you expect of them before you punish them for a certain behavior. For instance, the first time your 3-year-old uses crayons to decorate the living room wall, discuss why that's not allowed and what will happen if your child does it again (for instance, your child will have to help clean the wall and will not be able to use the crayons for the rest of the day). If the wall gets decorated again a few days later, issue a reminder that crayons are for paper only and then enforce the consequences. The earlier that parents establish this kind of "I set the rules and you're expected to listen or accept the consequences" standard, the better for everyone. Although it's sometimes easier for parents to ignore occasional bad behavior or not follow through on some threatened punishment, this sets a bad precedent. Consistency is the key to effective discipline, and it's important for parents to decide (together, if you are not a single parent) what the rules are and then uphold them. While you become clear on what behaviors will be punished, don't forget to reward good behaviors. Don't underestimate the positive effect that your praise can have — discipline is not just about punishment but also about recognizing good behavior. For example, saying "I'm proud of you for sharing your toys at playgroup" is usually more effective than punishing a child for the opposite behavior — not sharing. And be specific when doling out praise; don't just say, "Good job!"

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If your child continues an unacceptable behavior no matter what you do, try making a chart with a box for each day of the week. Decide how many times your child can misbehave before a punishment kicks in or how long the proper behavior must be displayed before it is rewarded. Post the chart on the refrigerator and then track the good and unacceptable behaviors every day. This will give your child (and you) a concrete look at how it's going. Once this begins to work, praise your child for learning to control misbehavior and, especially, for overcoming any stubborn problem. Timeouts also can work well for kids at this age. Establish a suitable timeout place that's free of distractions and will force your child to think about how he or she has behaved. Remember, getting sent to your room doesn't have an impact if a computer, TV, and video games are there. Don't forget to consider the length of time that will best suit your child. Experts say 1 minute for each year of age is a good rule of thumb; others recommend using the timeout until the child is calmed down (to teach self-regulation). It's important to tell kids what the right thing to do is, not just to say what the wrong thing is. For example, instead of saying "Don't jump on the couch," try "Please sit on the furniture and put your feet on the floor." Ages 6 to 8 Timeouts and consequences are also effective discipline strategies for this age group. Again, consistency is crucial, as is follow-through. Make good on any promises of discipline or else you risk undermining your authority. Kids have to believe that you mean what you say. This is not to say you can't give second chances or allow a certain margin of error, but for the most part, you should act on what you say. Be careful not to make unrealistic threats of punishment ("Slam that door and you'll never watch TV again!") in anger, since not following through could weaken all your threats. If you threaten to turn the car around and go home if the squabbling in the backseat doesn't stop, make sure you do exactly that. The credibility you'll gain with your kids is much more valuable than a lost beach day. Huge punishments may take away your power as a parent. If you ground your son or daughter for a month, your child may not feel motivated to change behaviors because everything has already been taken away. Ages 9 to 12 Kids in this age group — just as with all ages — can be disciplined with natural consequences. As they mature and request more independence and responsibility, teaching them to deal with the consequences of their behavior is an effective and appropriate method of discipline. For example, if your fifth grader's homework isn't done before bedtime, should you make him or her stay up to do it or even lend a hand yourself? Probably not — you'll miss an opportunity to teach a key life lesson. If homework is incomplete, your child will go to school the next day without it and suffer the resulting bad grade. It's natural for parents to want to rescue kids from mistakes, but in the long run they do kids a favor by letting them fail sometimes. Kids see what behaving improperly can mean and probably won't make those mistakes again. However, if your child does not seem to be learning from natural consequences, set up some of your own to help modify the behavior. Ages 13 and Up By now you've laid the groundwork. Your child knows what's expected and that you mean what you say about the penalties for bad behavior. Don't let down your guard now — discipline is just as important for teens as it is for younger kids. Just as with the 4-year-old who needs you to set a bedtime and enforce it, your teen needs boundaries, too. Set up rules regarding homework, visits by friends, curfews, and dating and discuss them beforehand with your teenager so there will be no misunderstandings. Your teen will probably complain from time to time, but also will realize that you're in control. Believe it or not, teens still want and need you to set limits and enforce order in their lives, even as you grant them greater freedom and responsibility. When your teen does break a rule, taking away privileges may seem the best plan of action. While it's fine to take away the car for a week, for example, be sure to also discuss why coming home an hour past curfew is unacceptable and worrisome. Remember to give a teenager some control over things. Not only will this limit the number of power struggles you have, it will help your teen respect the decisions that you do need to make. You could allow a younger teen to make decisions concerning school clothes, hair styles, or even the condition of his or her room. As your 21

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teen gets older, that realm of control might be extended to include an occasional relaxed curfew. It's also important to focus on the positives. For example, have your teen earn a later curfew by demonstrating positive behavior instead of setting an earlier curfew as punishment for irresponsible behavior.

A Word About Spanking Perhaps no form of discipline is more controversial than spanking. Here are some reasons why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discourages spanking: * Spanking teaches kids that it's OK to hit when they're angry. * Spanking can physically harm children. * Rather than teaching kids how to change their behavior, spanking makes them fearful of their parents and merely teaches them to avoid getting caught. * For kids seeking attention by acting out, spanking may inadvertently "reward" them — negative attention is better than no attention at all. © 1995- 2011 . The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission.

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Emily was crying by the time the softball game ended. It wasn't because her team had lost. It wasn't because she was unhappy about her own playing. It wasn't even because of anything the other team had said or done. Emily's tears came after her dad yelled at her â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in front of all her teammates â&#x20AC;&#x201D; for missing the fly ball that could have saved the game. Emily is just 8 years old. If your child has ever participated in a sport, you've undoubtedly met people like Emily's dad, parents who behave inappropriately and upset their kids. These parents get so wrapped up in winning and losing or how well their own kids perform that they lose sight of what's really important. They forget that one of the most important goals of kids' sports is to promote a sense of good sportsmanship. What Is Good Sportsmanship? Good sportsmanship is when teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials treat each other with respect. Kids learn the basics of sportsmanship from the adults in their lives, especially their parents and their coaches. Kids who see adults behaving in a sportsmanlike way gradually come to understand that the real winners in sports are those who know how to persevere and to behave with dignity â&#x20AC;&#x201D; whether they win or lose a game. Parents can help their kids understand that good sportsmanship includes both small gestures and heroic efforts. It starts with something as simple as shaking hands with opponents before a game and includes acknowledging good plays made by others and accepting bad calls gracefully. Displaying good sportsmanship isn't always easy: It can be tough to congratulate the opposing team after losing a close or important game. But the kids who learn how to do it will benefit in many ways. Kids who bully or taunt others on the playing field aren't likely to change their behavior when in the classroom or in social situations. In the same way, a child who practices good sportsmanship is likely to carry the respect and appreciation of other people into every other aspect of life. Fostering Good Sportsmanship Remember the saying "Actions speak louder than words"? That's especially true when it comes to teaching your kids the basics of good sportsmanship. Your behavior during practices and games will influence them more than any pep talk or lecture you give them. Here are some suggestions on how to build sportsmanship in your kids: * Unless you're coaching your child's team, you need to remember that you're the parent. Shout words of encouragement, not directions, from the sidelines (there is a difference!). * If you are your kid's coach, don't expect too much out of your own child. Don't be harder on him or her than on anyone else on the team, but don't play favorites either. * Keep your comments positive. Don't bad-mouth coaches, players, or game officials. If you have a serious concern about the way that games or practices are being conducted, or if you're upset about other parents' behavior, discuss it privately with the coach or with a league official. * After a competition, it's important not to dwell on who won or lost. Instead, try asking, "How did you feel you did during the game?" If your child feels weak at a particular skill, like throwing or catching, offer to work on it together before the next game. * Applaud good plays no matter who makes them. * Set a good example with your courteous behavior toward the parents of kids on the other team. Congratulate them when their kids win. * Remember that it's your kids, not you, who are playing. Don't push them into a sport because it's what you enjoyed. As kids get older, let them

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choose what sports they want to play and decide the level of commitment they want to make. * Keep your perspective. It's just a game. Even if the team loses every game of the season, it's unlikely to ruin your child's life or chances of success. * Look for examples of good sportsmanship in professional athletes and point them out to your kids. Talk about the bad examples, too, and why they upset you. * Finally, don't forget to have fun. Even if your child isn't the star, enjoy the game while you're thinking of all the benefits your child is gaining — new skills, new friends, and attitudes that can help all through life. © 1995- 2011 . The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission.

Good Sports Are Winners Ask first- or second-graders who won a game and they may answer, "I think it was a tie." It's likely the question isn't of any real interest at that age. Kids may be more eager to talk about the hits they got or the catches they almost made. But as they move into older and more competitive leagues, kids become more focused on winning. They often forget to have fun. Without constant reminders and good examples, they may also forget what behavior is appropriate before, during, and after a sporting event. Kids who have coaches who care only about being in first place and say that anything goes as long as they win, pick up the message that it's OK to be ruthless on the field. If parents constantly pressure them to play better or second-guess their every move, kids get the message that they're only as good as their last good play — and they'll try anything to make one. Adults who emphasize good sportsmanship, however, see winning as just one of several goals they'd like their kids to achieve. They help young athletes take pride in their accomplishments and in their improving skills, so that the kids see themselves as winners, even if the scoreboard doesn't show the numbers going in their favor. The best coaches — and parents — encourage their kids to play fair, to have fun, and to concentrate on helping the team while polishing their own skills.

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Finances

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By Gabriela Carriedo Vice President, Marketing IBC Bank - Laredo

It wasn’t long ago that having a sound financial education meant the ability to balance a checkbook. That’s no longer enough. In a 2009 financial literacy survey, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling found 41 percent of U.S. adults, 92 million people living in America, gave themselves a grade of C, D or F on their knowledge of personal finance. As anyone who’s lived here knows, Laredo has a very entrepreneurial culture. A lot of families here start their own business or a business is passed on from one generation to the next. These are smart, motivated people but many of them don’t have any financial training. They are knowledgeable about their business but they have questions about managing their finances. In my years in banking I’ve seen some very well-educated people who still hadn’t learned how to handle their finances. A college education is not the same as a financial education. Most money management lessons are taught by parents and yet, according to a survey by Charles Schwab, only about one in three parents have taught their teen how to balance a checkbook, and even fewer have explained how credit card interest and fees work. And the overwhelming majority of parents, 93 percent, worry their teens might make financial mistakes like overspending or getting in over their head with credit card debt. Findings like those are why it’s vital we provide financial training for our children. Students today are bombarded with financial information and offers daily. Understanding that information and those offers is critical to their futures. It’s becoming increasingly easy for teenagers to get credit cards and be shouldered with responsibilities they may not be ready for. Choices young people make today and tomorrow will impact their lives and their families for many years to come. By teaching the next generation how to build a credit score, protect themselves from identity theft and obtain a credit card, we are giving them a lifetime of tools to manage their finances responsibly. But college, or even high school, is too late to begin that education. That’s why IBC Bank has developed Money Buzz, a program that makes learning about money fun for elementary school kids. The program was launched in 2007 as a way to increase financial literacy among school-aged children. It was designed, with the assistance of certified elementary school teachers, for children between the ages of five and nine. With that in mind, the all-volunteer effort, led by Kristina Valenciano here in Laredo, utilizes a one-hour course to help children learn the importance of saving 26

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and money management through instruction, games and activities. In a typical Money Buzz session, IBC employees lead children through the Money Buzz workbook educating them on a variety of financial concepts. Age-appropriate lesson plans have been customized for kindergarteners, second and third graders and fourth and fifth graders. Kindergarteners and second and third graders, for instance, use crayons and colored pencils while older children are introduced to the use of calculators. Concepts presented to younger students include the importance of saving and how it increases their purchase options, that a coin’s value is not determined by its size and how to add coins together to understand their combined value. Fourth and fifth graders are introduced to such terms as “checking account,” “savings account,” “certificate of deposit” and “retirement account.” They are taught the concept of percentages and the fundamentals of calculating interest. Math skills are emphasized in a lesson on how to manage a checking account by writing checks, entering dollar amounts in a check register and keeping a running total of an account balance. Every session includes a spirited game of “Free Bee Says” to reinforce the lessons on adding and subtracting and the value of saving instead of borrowing. Money Buzz also instructs children in the value of money. For instance, children learn in one of the games that instead of spending one of their five allotted tokens on a low-value item like a piece of candy, they should consider saving all five to “buy” a more long-term value item like a puppy. The Money Buzz program has been especially well-received in traditionally underbanked communities where financial services are often misunderstood or distrusted. Money Buzz is now a large-scale, corporate-wide initiative helping families and children develop sound financial practices. It was presented to more than 2,000 children in 2010 and we hope to reach even more in 2011.

I wish I had personally learned these efforts earlier in life for my own benefit. I’m sure I would have done some things differently. That’s why I want to make sure that today’s, and even more importantly, tomorrow’s generations have the opportunity to become financially literate and apply these important benefits to their lives and the lives of their families.

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The beginning of a new year is a great time to do some self assessment and figure out how you can make the next year even better than the last. It's also a logical time to take a look at your family's budget and figure out how you can make your money go even further next year.

Since you'll soon be digging into your financial records in order to file your taxes, why not take a little extra time to set a budget and identify some areas where you and your family can save a few dollars? Here are four simple ways to get more for less this year:

* Take an inventory of monthly extake a look at your regular expenses there's somewhere you could be bound by a cell phone contract and where. Or perhaps it's time to recould also be something as simple as out or stop for a gourmet coffee and few dollars by cutting back.

penses. It's always a good idea to at least once a year to see if saving. Maybe you are no longer could get a better deal elseevaluate insurance options. It evaluating how often you dine changing your habits to save a

* Let the coupons do the work. While clipping coupons might seem like a thing of the past, it's easier than ever to save using coupons. Coupons can be found in traditional places like the newspaper, as well as online, often from the manufacturer's website. Another place to look is right on the packaging of your favorite products. For instance, where available in certain retail store locations, Procter & Gamble is currently offering coupons for other P&G brands within specially marked products from Crest, Pampers, Olay and Charmin, among others - with coupon values up to $80 in savings when they are all used.

* Save by using the Internet. By signing up for e-mail newsletters from manufacturers and local businesses you can access special offers that you might not be able to find elsewhere. For example, you can sign up for regular notification of promotions for products you use every day at www.pgeverydaysolutions.com. Following businesses on Facebook and Twitter can also help alert you to special offers.

* Develop a grocery shopping routine. Plan weekly meals and shop accordingly. If possible, find out what items are on sale each week at your grocer before making the list, so you can take full advantage of the sales. Stock up on nonperishable items when they are on sale.

With a few changes to your shopping and spending habits, you may find yourself with a healthy chunk of extra cash next year that you can either stick into savings or spend on something special as a reward to your family. Content courtesy of ARA

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Food & Entertainment

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Enjoy an inspired Easter feast with ham plus seasonal favorites that will impress your guests. The savory flavors of Roasted Ham Saltimbocca showcase ham's versatility in this succulent centerpiece dish. And when Easter dinner is over, bring some new life to leftovers with meals that are sure to become new family favorites. In addition to ham sandwiches, dish up a lively Asparagus Pesto with Gnocchi and Ham or a Cured Ham and Asparagus Pizza. Asparagus not a favorite? These versatile ham recipes allow you to substitute any cooked veggies spring has to offer. For recipes, tools to help you prepare and carve the perfect ham, and more ideas to prepare hassle-free leftovers, visit www.PorkBeinspired.com or www.Facebook.com/PorkBeinspired. Follow the National Pork Board on www.Twitter.com/AllAboutPork for a chance to win a free Easter ham. Pork's Perfect Partner Here are three tasty ways to enjoy fresh spring veggies such as asparagus: -Sautéed - Add a little zest and crunch to your plate with asparagus sautéed in soy sauce until stalks are easily pierced with fork (3 to 5 minutes). Serve as a side dish over rice. -Grilled - Climate permitting, fire up the grill and cook olive oil-tossed spears for 2 minutes for slightly charred asparagus. Kick it up a notch by drizzling with balsamic vinaigrette. -Roasted - Try drizzling on olive oil and adding a few pinches of salt and pepper before roasting your favorite veggies. Toss into a 400°F oven, and roast for roughly 12 to 17 minutes. Roasted Ham Saltimbocca Yield: 15 to 20 4-ounce servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: About 2 3/4 hours 1

6- to 8-pound fully-cooked bone-in shank end ham, trimmed

1/4

cup chopped fresh sage leaves, divided Pepper

thin slices prosciutto

cup chicken broth

cup dry white wine (for non-alcoholic, substitute an additional cup of chicken broth)

tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 4 to 6 pieces

tablespoons all-purpose flour dissolved in 1/3 cup cold water Salt

Preheat oven to 325°F. Position rack in lower third of oven. Place ham flat side down in a large shallow roasting pan and score a diamond pattern about 1/8 inch deep into any fat. Sprinkle all over with 2 tablespoons sage and season with pepper. Bake until internal temperature reaches 140°F, 15 to 18 minutes per pound total cooking time. After the first 30

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hour, baste with pan juices about every 15 minutes. Remove ham from the oven, transfer to a cutting board, and let rest 15 to 30 minutes. While ham is resting, increase oven to 400째F. Arrange prosciutto on a baking sheet and bake until crisped, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool. Also while ham is resting, drain roasting pan, discarding liquid. Place pan on stovetop over medium-high heat. Add broth and wine; bring to a boil, and cook, scraping up any browned bits in the pan, until liquid is reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 4 minutes depending on the size of the pan. Reduce to a simmer and add butter and remaining 2 tablespoons sage, stirring until butter melts. Whisk in flour mixture and cook, whisking, until sauce thickens, 30 to 60 seconds. Remove from the heat. Season with salt and pepper. Carve ham and arrange on plates or a platter. Crumble prosciutto on top. Serve sauce on the side. Substitutions: You can use bone-in or boneless ham and substitute dried sage (about 1 1/2 tablespoons) instead of fresh.

Asparagus Pesto with Gnocchi and Ham Serves 4 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes 12

ounces asparagus

3/4

cup basil leaves

1/2

cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1/3

cup walnut pieces

1/4

cup olive oil, or cooking oil

tablespoons water

tablespoon garlic, minced (6 cloves)

1/8

teaspoon black pepper

16-ounce package potato gnocchi, or 8 ounces rotini (about 4 cups)

cups ham, cubed

Snap off and discard woody portions of asparagus. Cut into 1-inch pieces. Cook asparagus in a small amount of boiling water about 5 minutes or until tender. Drain and cool. For pesto, in a food processor or blender, combine asparagus, basil, cheese, walnuts, olive oil, water, garlic and pepper. Cover and process or blend until nearly smooth, scraping sides occasionally. Divide pesto into thirds. Transfer 2 portions to freezer containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Set aside remaining portion. Prepare gnocchi or rotini according to package directions. Meanwhile, coat a skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Cook ham cubes in skillet until heated through. Stir remaining portion of the pesto into ham cubes; heat through. Drain gnocchi and toss with pesto-ham mixture. 31

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Cured Ham and Asparagus Pizza Serves 4 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes

ounces asparagus

tablespoons butter or margarine

large onion, cut into thin wedges

1 to 2

tablespoons dry sherry

13.8-ounce package

teaspoon cornmeal refrigerated pizza dough

cup bottled roasted garlic Alfredo sauce or original Alfredo sauce

1 1/2

cups cubed ham (8 ounces)

1 1/2

cups shredded mozzarella cheese (6 ounces)

Snap off and discard woody portions of asparagus. Cut into 1-inch pieces. Melt butter in skillet over medium heat. Add onion and asparagus. Cook and stir for 5 to 7 minutes or until vegetables are almost tender. Stir in sherry. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Set aside. Heat oven to 425째F. Grease a 12- or 13-inch pizza pan. Sprinkle with cornmeal. Pat pizza dough into pan, rounding corners of dough rectangle to fit pan and building up edges. If desired, snip edges with kitchen shears. Bake about 7 minutes or until lightly browned. Spread crust with Alfredo sauce. Top with vegetable mixture and ham. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes more or until golden. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

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Health & Beauty

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When Megan Webber downloaded family photos off her digital camera, she found the usual problems that need touching up - some were too dark, some were a little grainy, and some needed a little red-eye removal. Some of the pictures of her 5-year-old son, Benjamin, had a golden glow in his left eye. "Benjamin has always had a freckle in his left eye," said Megan, "so I thought the flash was just a difference due to the coloring of his eye and ignored it - I even did red-eye correction to remove it from photos." But when her sister noticed that same glow in some family vacation pictures she had taken, she gave Megan a concerned call.

Benjamin with his father Brian Webber in The Vision Center at Children's Hospital Los Angeles

"She said it was probably nothing. But she had seen on a television show that this could be a sign of a tumor in the eye and recommended I have him seen," said Megan. Benjamin's pediatrician didn't find anything, but he sent them to a specialist who urged them to come in right away. They were stunned to learn he was legally blind in his left eye. "He'd never bumped into walls or rubbed his eyes - he'd even just passed the paddle eye test in the doctor's office," said Megan. "His left eye could not see a letter E the size of a full computer screen eight feet away." Scans of his eye showed a white mass, which had been causing the reflection in the photograph. After testing and a tense few days, they discovered that Benjamin had Coats' Disease, a life-long disease that can damage the eye to the point where eye removal is necessary. Fortunately, Benjamin's problem was caught early enough for treatment. "While Benjamin has had three eye surgeries, we were very lucky to have caught his disease in time," said Megan. "Had it been more advanced Ben could have immediately lost his eye. We are so grateful to Dr. Tom Lee and the doctors at The Vision Center at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Without the work that they do so many families would not have access to the quality and caliber of care that is provided there." Benjamin is doing well, and is a happy, thriving first-grader. "He wears protective Nike shatterproof glasses which the other kids think are pretty cool," said Megan. "The glasses are primarily to keep his unaffected eye safe, for without that eye he would be blind." A vision to help other children Megan said that she doesn't want any more parents to miss the signs of potentially life-threatening eye diseases. "We are amazed that something so simple, just the glow in a photo, was all that was needed to spot this disease," she said. "If there is a way through our family's experience we are able to get the message out about the glow, we are anxious to do so. We've created a campaign to raise awareness." The Know the Glow campaign is combining the efforts of concerned individuals, corporations and physicians who are pioneers in the field of pediatric diseases of the eye. "I can't tell you how many kids come in with advanced eye diseases; it's a tragedy," said Dr. Tom Lee, director of the Retina Institute in The Vision Center at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. "Parents don't realize they are an important part of the diagnosis. They will see this sign before doctors will. Every child has had this screening process - all it takes is for parents to open up the photo album." Photo courtesy of Getty Images and Know the Glow 34

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The website, www.KnowTheGlow.org, has information on the diseases that can be indicated by the glow. "Had I known about the glow earlier, Dr. Lee could have saved more of Ben's vision," said Megan. "Knowing what it felt like to possibly face a fatal outcome and knowing that I ignored such a huge red flag that was right there in front of me, I don't want another parent to have to suffer through that or another child to needlessly lose their sight or their eyes due to a lack of awareness of the glow!" Know the Facts -1 in 80 children are at risk of getting The Glow. -80 percent of childhood blindness is preventable. -80 percent of Retinoblastoma and Coats' Disease cases are diagnosed initially by a parent through a photograph. -The Glow is an indicator of 15 eye diseases and cancers. -In some cases, The Glow can lead to the removal of the eye, blindness, and, in extreme cases, death. Disorders Related to the Glow Abnormalities perceived through the red reflex test can indicate several types of diseases, such as: -Amblyopia -Cataract -Choroidal -Coats' Disease -Congenital Cataract -Coloboma -Norrie's Disease -PHPV -Refractive Error -Retinal Detachment -Retinal Dysplasia -Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) -Retinoblastoma -Strabismus -Toxocariasis -Trauma

Benjamin wears a patch one hour a day to help strengthen his eye.

If you believe you have seen a glow, you should obtain a referral immediately to a pediatric ophthalmologist for diagnosis and treatment. Retinoblastoma Retinoblastoma (reh-tin-oh-blast-oma) is a malignant cancer of early childhood that arises from immature retinal cells in one or both eyes. Retinoblastoma can start growing at any time before birth up until about 3 years of age. Occasionally, it is not detected until ages 7 or 8. Coats' Disease Coats' disease is a rare eye disorder involving abnormal development of the blood vessels of the retina, which line the interior chamber of the eye. As various components of blood leak into the retina, fluid accumulates under the retina. The result may be loss of vision, particularly central vision, and detachment of the retina from other layers of the eye. Text GLOW to 90999 to donate $10. Content courtesy of Family Features

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The beginning months of a new year, they're a time filled with hope and endless possibilities for the year ahead. So when it comes to weight-loss related goals, stay in the right state of mind by looking forward to fullflavored foods and shrinking waistlines. Treat your taste buds with these smart food choices:

Sports Snacks - For those who write them off as a nutritional nightmare, think again. A simple tweak can do wonders. Going with grilled salmon burgers in place of ground beef, for example, swaps unhealthy saturated fat for stuff of the heart-healthy, unsaturated variety. Avocados, another sports snacking stable, are full of cholesterol-taming monounsaturated fats. The rich, creamy texture of avocados makes resolutions to eat healthier easier to follow. An ounce of avocados (or about onefifth of the fruit) has nearly 20 vitamins and minerals.

Bakery bites - Luscious cakes, muffins and cookies were once only the domain of bakeries. A new crop of grocery store products, however, offers the same delicious taste while keeping nutritionals in check. A good example is the new Weight Watchers Coffee Cake. It packs moist cake, crumbly streusel topping and a rich cinnamon filling into only 120 calories, and boasts five grams of fiber to boot. Opt for this better-foryou pre-packaged version and follow the same rule for traditional baked goods that can pack up to 700 calories: If you often enjoy a muffin with your coffee, look for the low-calorie varieties in your grocery store. They offer the same fix for less than 200 calories.

Sweet drinks - Plenty of drinking options exist to satisfy your sweet tooth. The key is to harness the power of water. Get in the habit of diluting sugarladen juices and sports drinks with H20 and you can slash the amount of sugar you slurp up in half. Not only does it increase water consumption, it makes whatever you buy last twice as long.

For more tips, innovative products and better-for-you recipes, visit the Weight Watchers Supermarket Foods Facebook page at facebook.com/ weightwatcherssupermarketfoods.

Content courtesy of Family Features

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En Espa単ol

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¿Recuerda cuando $4 parecía una cantidad inaudita para comprar un galón de gasolina? Ahora esa cifra no parece tan exagerada. Aunque nada se puede hacer para controlar los disturbios en el Oriente Medio ni las explosiones de plataformas petroleras que podrían elevar los precios del combustible en cuestión de minutos, hay algunas cosas que puede hacer para aliviar el dolor del alza de los precios.

Aunque la compra de un automóvil más eficiente en consumo de combustible podría ser una opción para algunas personas, los nuevos y usados que hacen más millas por galón tienden a ser más solicitados - y más costosos - cuando suben los precios de la gasolina. Si un vehículo nuevo no es una opción en su caso, la implementación de los cambios siguientes puede ayudarle a garantizar el máximo aprovechamiento del combustible en su tanque:

* Conservar la gasolina que compra en su vehículo. Cuando los precios de la gasolina se mantienen bajos, el robo de combustible podría no valer la pena. Pero cuando suben, no es común que los delincuentes saquen gasolina de otros vehículos, especialmente aquellos con tanques de gran volumen. La instalación de una tapa de tanque de gasolina con llave se puede hacer por mucho menos de lo que cuesta llenar el tanque. Además de evitar robos, las tapas con llave también evitan que alguna persona malintencionada pueda sabotear el contenido del tanque.

* Llenar el tanque en su totalidad. Aunque se propone reducir la cantidad de gasolina que usa, la operación de su vehículo con el tanque casi vacío puede dañar la bomba. "La gasolina existente en el tanque mantiene fresca la bomba. Si casi no tiene gasolina, la bomba se recalienta y se deteriora en menor tiempo", explica Tom Taylor, ingeniero y vicepresidente de RockAuto.com. Si además tiene un vehículo antiguo que ha acumulado suciedad y oxidación en el fondo del tanque, mantenerlo lleno hace que el motor consuma gasolina más limpia.

* Darle mantenimiento al vehículo. Realizar el mantenimiento adecuado del motor mejora la eficiencia del consumo de combustible en un promedio de un 4 por ciento, y reparar un problema importante como un sensor de oxígeno defectuoso pudiera mejorar la eficiencia hasta en un 40 por ciento, según el Departamento de Energía de los Estados Unidos. El catálogo de piezas de repuesto de RockAuto.com cuenta con sensores de oxígeno desde $10 a más de $100 en dependencia del vehículo" añade Taylor. Especialmente si usted hace los arreglos de su auto por su cuenta, podría recuperar rápidamente el gasto en un sensor de oxígeno u otra reparación después en como mínimo un tanque de gasolina gracias a una mejor eficiencia en consumo de combustible.

* Mantenga los neumáticos inflados adecuadamente. El mantenimiento de sus neumáticos al nivel óptimo no sólo garantiza su seguridad, sino también mejora su consumo de gasolina por milla hasta en un 3.3 por ciento, según el Departamento de Energía. El manual de su vehículo le dirá los niveles adecuados de psi (libras por pulgada cuadrada) que debe mantener.

* Conduzca teniendo en cuenta el consume óptimo de gas por milla. La forma en que usted conduce puede afectar el consumo de gasolina. La mayoría de los vehículos funcionan en el máximo de eficiencia alrededor de las 60 mph, mientras que la economía de combustible disminuye cuando se viaja más rápido. La conducción agresiva con rápida aceleración y reducción de velocidad tienen un efecto negativo en la economía de consumo de combustible.

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* Reducir el peso y el arrastre. Deshacerse de dispositivos como las parrillas en el techo cuando no se usan le puede ayudar a que el vehículo sea más aerodinámico y se desplace con más eficiencia. Mantener artículos innecesarios en el auto, especialmente si son pesados, hacen que el mismo trabaje más y use más combustible del que necesita.

Si suma los pequeños ahorros obtenidos siguiendo cada uno de los consejos anteriores, podrá notar la diferencia con respecto a lo que gasta en la gasolinera, especialmente durante un largo período de tiempo.

Content courtesy of ARA