By Dr. Heather McCarter

It’s that time of year again…gardening, mowing lawns, and enjoying the outdoors. After a long winter indoors the mind is ready to get back outside, but is the body ready to handle the rigors of regular lawn maintenance? Many people complain of low back pain and/or shoulder and neck pain after a weekend of gardening and lawn maintenance. Some even notice that they can’t be on their hands and knees as long as they once used to be. Others notice that hours of mowing and weed-eating cause the low back to cramp and the shoulders to throb. If the problem continues to progress, gardeners may notice numbness in the arms or legs as a result of their hard work.

(more…)

By Pat Lawrence

Sharon Shaner knows quite a lot about foundations-in make-up, in garments and in business. Good foundations are the hallmark of her success.

Although it’s not quite a dynasty yet, Sharon is following in her mother’s footsteps. Twenty years ago, Sharon’s mother Peg Foley started a Merle Norman business in Zanesville, Ohio. In addition to the complete line of cosmetics and skin care products, her Merle Norman & More studio carried specialty products, including wigs, turbans and oversized scarves that were helpful for women who had experienced the side effects of chemotherapy. She also added special foundation garments and inserts for mastectomy patients.

Sharon, a stay-at-home, says, “Mom did most of the pioneering. She had never owned a business. She was a principal with a full time job when she decided to start a business.” Sharon, a stay at home Mom, started helping at the store. “Mom didn’t need full time help at first”, so Sharon started college, got her degree in Business administration in 1986 and worked as a job trainer for four years. But, “In 1992, I began full time at Merle Norman & More.”

(more…)

By: Tonia Jordan

Adopting from the local ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) or animal rescue shelter is an excellent idea. In doing so, you are saving the life of an animal, giving it love and a new home.

There are many great pets out there in need of homes and families, and rather than purchasing a pet from a breeder, adopting is a way to give love and life to an animal in need.

Some tips before you adopt: Be sure everyone in your family is prepared for the responsibilities that go along with owning a pet. Be sure every member agrees on the type of animal. Including small children in the tasks of taking care of a pet is a great way to teach responsibility; but, as a parent you should always supervise and assist in taking care of the pet.

(more…)