The Chatterbox

The Chatterbox

News and views from the staff of FamilyEducation.
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December 29, 2009
Happy New Year!
The New Year is just around the corner, and celebrating it can either be a ball or a total bust. Check out our top 10 ways to bring in the New Year as a family. And tucker out the kids with these festive crafts: New Year's Eve Confetti New Year's Noisemakers New Year's Hats New Year's Picture Frame New Year's Poppers Snack on these delicious sweets as you wait for the count down and before your resolution diet begins! New Year's Cake New Year's Cookie Party Happy New Year!
2010, celebrating, New Year's Eve
December 28, 2009
Monday's Health Tip: New Year's Resolutions
The week between Christmas and New Year's eve is often the worst for me. With most holiday parties over, I'm left to dwell on all the deliciously bad food I've consumed, and nine times out of ten, I vow to put myself on a strict diet once January 1st rolls around. Which brings me to my current stance on New Year's resolutions: I hate them. Why is it that people think they can change a year's worth of bad habits at the beginning of each new year? It's a proven fact that gym memberships skyrocket at the beginning of January, only to go right back down by March. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm all...
dieting, Exercise, healthy habits, New Year's Resolutions
December 21, 2009
Monday's Health Tip: Ice vs. Heat
It's four days before Christmas, which means each and every one of you has tons of time to get to the gym to workout. Wait, what's that? You don't? You're still shopping, and baking, and decorating?? Silly me! I just assumed you were all completely organized and all set for Christmas! The fact of the matter is, most people don't have any time to get to the gym this time of year, which means the times they do go, they tend to overdo it. In an effort to burn off all the cookies, candy, and holiday treats they've consumed over the past month, people will try to go all-out in just 30 minutes on...
Injury prevention; injury treatments; exercise; health; first aid
December 18, 2009
The final (Christmas) countdown
Do not adjust your calendars: Christmas Day is one week away. And you're all set, right? All the presents have been bought and wrapped. All the baked goods are set to go, and just need to be popped in the oven. You're ready to grab a hot cocoa, put your feet up, and have a nice, relaxing Christmas week. This was the year you finally got everything taken care of. Or, you know, not. Never fear! Here are some tips for your last-minute holiday scramble. If you're still looking for the right gift for your kids, check our Toy Finder, which lets you search through hundreds of gifts by age and...
Christmas, Gifts, Top 10
December 15, 2009
Holiday foods that are horrible for you
With the holidays, comes food. And lots of it. I know when I go home I can't get enough of my mom's dirty cookin'. I overindulge till I am moaning on the couch. But do you know which hors d'oeuvres and dishes are the absolute worst for you? I found this list on Health.com of some horrible holiday favorites, and alternatives your hips will thank you for later! Cheese Straws. As much as I love cheese, these things sound gross. These bad boys are loaded with cheddar cheese, flour, and a disgusting amount of butter. Cheese and crackers, pretzels, popcorn, and even chips and salsa are a better...
Food, Holidays, Nutrition
December 14, 2009
Monday's Health Tip: Take Care of Yourself
This time of year, especially for parents of little ones, can be insanely hectic. Often times, most people are so busy running around, worrying about Christmas parties, shopping, baking, etc., etc., etc. that most don't think to slow down and take it easy for a few minutes. Coming from someone who is currently recovering from H1N1 (yep, I got it!), I can't stress to you enough how important this is. I'm not good at being sick. Even if I'm on my death bed, I feel guilty about not being able to work, go to the gym, clean, cook, go out with friends, etc. I got sick last Tuesday night, and my...
Swine Flu; Health; Rest; Sleep
December 7, 2009
Monday's Health Tip: Quick, Easy, and Equipment-Free Workout!
This quick and easy workout only requires the use of your legs and can be done in about 20 minutes, but is guaranteed to work up a sweat and will leave you feeling (pleasantly) tired. To begin, make sure to warm up for about 5 minutes. Jog in place and perform some light stretching in order to elevate your heart rate and work up a little bit of a sweat. Once you're warmed up, head outside. Start off by jogging slowly for about 5 minutes. Then it's time to start sprinting! When you reach a telephone pole, pick up your pace so you're running at about 75-80% of your maximum effort, and continue...
Exercise; Workouts; Health and Wellness; Holiday Stress
December 4, 2009
'tis the season
Well, even though President Obama tried to grinch our holidays by pre-empting A Charlie Brown Christmas in order to announce more troops to Afghanistan, nothing's going to snuff out my Christmas lights. We've got only three more weeks for season's greetings and ho ho hos, and I for one intend to get my money's worth. And what's Christmas without some classic tunes? Listen to some of the best holiday carols after the jump. Hopefully some of these songs have gotten you in the spirit! Feel free to share some of your favorites in comments.
Christmas Carols, Fairytale of New York, O Holy Night, The Christmas Song
December 1, 2009
Wii workouts
To go along with the previous blog post, my after-work runs have deteriorated to zilch. I have always fantasized about having the willpower to run before work, but I'm not much of a morning person. And then there was Thanksgiving. My sister and I cooked all day and who could run after a meal like that? And not to mention the bitter New England chill that is making its way into my bones. But enough with the excuses. I have sweatshirts, hats, and thermal running pants. But what about when it gets way too cold to run outside? Well, ever since I decided to splurge and get a Wii, I have started...
Nintendo Wii, Wii Fit, workouts