Happy New Year! A very popular New Year’s tradition is to create a resolution to better yourself for the year. In 2017, as a dairy promoter, I hope to shed more light on the dairy industry by showing the consumer how great milk, cheese and yogurt are for them; by teaching others where their milk comes from; and by showing them how farmers try to make a difference in their community and environment.

My name is Mary Catherine Chidester, a Susquehanna County Dairy Ambassador. I am a third-generation dairy farmer in Kingsley. By promoting the dairy industry, I am teaching others about the job my parents and grandparents love so much. As a dairy farmer, my New Year’s Resolution is to take the best care of my family’s Holstein cows as I can, with the help of my uncles, my father, and my siblings.

This year, I hope to teach the consumer the benefits of including milk, cheese, and yogurt in their regular diet. Many children over four years old and almost all adults fail to consume three servings of dairy every day. The benefits of having “Three Every Day” servings of dairy are tremendous. Dairy has nine essential nutrients, promotes good bone health, has healthy fats, and helps replenish muscles. Milk is also a great drink to hydrate yourself with because it has no artificial sugars or flavors.  The dairy industry can thrive if we teach others of the benefits of having three servings of dairy every day.

Through my continued promotions I hope to teach others where their milk comes from. Most people know that milk comes from the cow, but how does it go from the cow to your local grocery store? As a dairy farmer and a dairy promoter, I get to share my experiences with children and adults alike. Not only explaining how milk gets to the stores, but also how much care the farmers and the men and women working at the processing facilities put into giving you and your family the best milk possible.

In 2017, I hope through my promotions people will see and hear how farmers try to make a difference in their communities and environment. Farmers are a great part of rural America and contribute and help sustain not just their local communities by purchasing tools, parts, and services from them but, also the communities in which the farmer’s products are processed and sold.  Farmers take care of their environment by planting crops and using manure to fertilize their fields.  They keep the air clean by having open fields and many plants to filter waste. If farmers didn’t have a clean ecosystem their crops and livestock would not thrive. Thus the farmers care of their cows and environment provide benefits for all consumers.  Happy, healthy cows provide healthful milk, yogurt and cheese.

To conclude, I hope to illuminate the dairy industry by teaching consumers the benefits of consuming milk, cheese, and yogurt every day; by showing people where their milk comes from; and by telling people how farmers help make a difference in their communities and environments.

The Feed/Clothe My Sheep Mission is in desperate need for clean, good condition used clothing for infants  through teen sizes.  Donations can be made Monday through Thursday, 8AM-5PM inside the red doors at the First United Methodist Church, 69 Pratt Street, New Milford. Call 570-465-3500 for more information.

As always thank you to all of you who help support this very worthwhile mission.  Your efforts and donations are so appreciated.

The Nicholson Heritage Association has been busy behind the scenes in preparation to start the renovations of the Historical D.L. & W. Railroad Depot, located on Route 11.  This depot was built in 1849, to complete a line from Scranton to Great Bend.

The Association purchased the building in 2012, which was made possible with a Pepsi Grant and many donations from individual and businesses.

Since that time we have worked with architects and others to complete plans for the Depot.  Through the wisdom and talent of our grant writer, Josh Stull we received a large grant thru TAPS.  With this money we will be able to start the renovations this spring.  We are looking forward to not only saving a very historical building but to be able to create a place to display many historical items and histories that relate to our town.  Hours have been spent in preparation to get this renovation started, although there were not any visible signs of what was going on “behind the scenes”.

We still need to raise funds to cover the hooking up of the local water supply and sewage system.

Our membership campaign is now going on.  Membership runs from January 1st thru December 31st.   The cost is $10 per year or five years for $45.00.  Now is a great time to get on board and be a part of this historical project.   Membership is important as often when applying for a grant one of the questions asked will be the number of members your organization has. 

We ask for your support and thank all those that already support us. Please follow us on our web site and Facebook.  Donations, correspondence or membership dues can be mailed to: Nicholson Heritage Association, PO Box 496, Nicholson, PA 18446.

The Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation were presented state awards to Dave Wilcox and to Jack Sorber. Mr. Wilcox and Mr. Sorber were nominated by the local chapter (Wilson F. Moore Memorial) (WFMM) of the NWTF for the awards earlier in the year. In October of 2016 the PA NWTF Chapter notified the WFMM chapter that both men will be receiving awards for long time service and dedication to the habitat improvement of the wild turkey. The awards were at the January 7, 2017 Pa. Chapter of the NWTF Winter Rendezvous in State College, Pa.

Jack Sorber received the Hall of Fame Award. This is awarded to the OUTSTANDING turkey hunter, conservationist, and ethical sportsmen who, throughout their life, has worked for the betterment of the Wild Turkey in Pennsylvania. Mr. Sorber is the current President of the WFMM chapter of the NWTF. Mr. Sorber lives in Little Meadows.

Dave Wilcox received the James L. Wilhelm Award. This is a conservation award to an individual who contributes to the wise management and conservation of the Wild Turkey through habitat work, land acquisition, fundraising, legislation or public relations. Mr. Wilcox is a previous recipient of the Hall of Fame Award. Mr. Wilcox is a past President of the WFMM Chapter and a past member of the Pa. State Chapter of the NWTF. Mr. Wilcox lives in South Montrose.

Both of these men have been longtime advocates for the whitetail deer and the wild turkey.

Now in its second decade, the Montrose Area Adult School is offering new classes along with some perennial favorites for the spring semester. With sixty-two courses spread among seven areas of study, there’s bound to be a class for everyone eager to learn. Catalogs are available around Susquehanna County and online at www.montroseadultschool.org.

Want to know more about cooking without meat? Check out class #157 in Food and Drink, “Plant-Based Eating, It’s Not Just for Hippies Anymore!” Wondering what national politics will mean for you and your family? In May, you can learn about Trump’s first 100 days in office if you take course #139, “What’s New in Washington?” And if you’ve always wondered if raising chickens is for you, here’s your chance to hang out with some free-range birds. Sign up for #130, “Cluck Curious: An Exploration in Chicken Keeping.”

Many favorites are back as well, including “Basket Making” (#102), “Adaptive Chair Yoga” (#112­), “Zumba Gold” (#116), “Cheese Making” (#154), “Understanding Medicare” (#138), and the “Book Club” (#148). There are three tours on offer this semester: to the zoo at Ross Park in Binghamton (#160), a behind-the-scenes tour of a commercial greenhouse (#161), and a botanic garden tour in Cornell (#162). There’s even a new “Beginning Watercolor” course (#106) for those unable to enroll in the ever-popular “Watercolor Painting” (#103).

Classes fill up fast, so send in your registration form soon. Catalogs have been distributed to all branches of the Susquehanna County library as well as various retail locations and health facility waiting rooms. You can look at all the course descriptions and download the registration form online at www.montroseadultschool.org. If you have any questions, call the Adult School at (570) 278-3452. You can find them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MontroseAdultSchool.

The Susquehanna Branch of the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) has been providing additional needed equipment to the local Food and Cover Corps crews of the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC). The Branch worked with PGC Land Manager Phil Kasper and PGC Food and Cover Corps Foremen Darren Pettyjohn and Chuck Wiseman to identify additional equipment that would help them to create, manage and expedite their wildlife habitat management work.

The local QDMA Branch used funds that they raised to have a custom made tree planter fabricated for use on local State Game Lands (SGL) where tree planting was going to take place. The tree planter was used to plant over 3000 trees on SGL’s in Susquehanna and Bradford counties during the spring of 2016. This tree planter was custom made by QDMA member Keith Pennypacker owner of Pennypacker Welding in Fairdale, Susquehanna County.

In addition to the tree planter the Branch has purchased the following equipment and supplies: Bladder bags (similar to Indian tanks) for controlling prescribed fires; drip torches - for use in prescribed fires; ATV mounted chain saw carriers; an ATV rack extension; tool carriers; ATV mounted seeder; quick connect forks for the PGC tractor; special hydraulic line hoses; soil test kits; an Agronomy Guide; gloves, seed, lime and fertilizer.

The Susquehanna Branch of QDMA can be contacted by mail to Branch President Mike Koneski, 674 Mitchell Rd., Meshoppen, PA 18630; or by Phone (570) 965-2176; or by emailing Mike Koneski - stackbarrel@frontier.com

In our country, we love to customize, whether it’s a new addition to the house or the colors and fonts surrounding our text messages. We choose everything, from our line of work to our preferred place to grab lunch (where we probably customize our lunch order). So it’s easy to understand why parents want more choices in their children’s education.

Parents understand that education options open doors for their children. Every child is unique, with distinct interests and learning styles. Moms and dads know that a school that might work for one student might not be a good fit for another. They know their child best and should be empowered to select the right school.

In many states, Pennsylvania included, lawmakers have taken action to provide a more diverse variety of school choices for families.

From January 22-28, millions of Americans will raise awareness about the importance of school choice at an unprecedented 21,000 events – including about 800 events in Pennsylvania. These events are planned to coincide with National School Choice Week, the largest celebration of opportunity in education in U.S. history.

For families in the Keystone State, National School Choice Week provides a good opportunity to review the different types of education options available to their children.

Pennsylvanians can choose traditional public schools for their kids, and the state allows parents, with some limitations, the freedom to choose traditional public schools outside of their existing school zones. This process is called open enrollment, or public school choice.

Pennsylvania also allows public charter schools, which are tuition-free public schools that are given the freedom to be more innovative. Magnet schools, which focus on themes such as math, science, technology, and the performing arts, are available.

In addition, the Keystone State is one of 41 states with a tuition-free online academy, allowing students to go to school entirely online.

Of course, parents in Pennsylvania can also send their children to private schools, and the state offers assistance, in the form of scholarships, to qualifying families.

Finally, parents have the freedom to educate their children in the home – and more parents are homeschooling their children than ever before.

Seventy percent of Americans support school choice, and January is the time to exercise the choices available to Pennsylvania families.

Parents who would like to explore their options, whether or not they’re happy with their children’s schools, should consider exploring in January. National School Choice Week is a great opportunity to visit schools, ask lots of questions of teachers and administrators, and talk with other parents to see which educational options are likely to be the best fit for their kids.

Parents who begin the school choice process in January instead of waiting till summer break will have more options available to them. Depending on which options seem best, parents may need to meet deadlines for applications or scholarships, or they may want to enroll before a school starts a waiting list.

Why is this process important?

In addition to ensuring greater peace of mind, research has demonstrated that when parents actively choose the schools their children attend, or choose to educate their children in the home, high school graduation rates increase dramatically.

A student with a high school diploma will, over the course of his or her life, earn more than a quarter million dollars more than a student who has dropped out. High school graduates are far less likely to be incarcerated, and are six times more likely to participate in community and civic affairs, than individuals without high school diplomas.

Most importantly, though: school choice matters because every child in America has potential. Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders, and when parents are empowered to customize their children’s education, just as they choose so many other things in their day-to-day lives, great things happen for kids, and for our country.

Editor’s Note:

Andrew R. Campanella is president of National School Choice Week, the nation’s largest annual celebration of opportunity in education. A recognized expert on education reform, Andrew lives in Blue Mountain Beach, Florida.

Sarah Ann Briggs, 28, of Montrose, PA to imprisonment in a state correctional facility for the rest of her natural life, without possibility for parole for First Degree Murder.  Ms. Briggs received 90 months to 180 months in a state correctional facility for Robbery.  Ms. Briggs received 84 months to 180 months in a state correctional facility for Conspiracy to Commit Murder.  Ms. Briggs also received 60 months to 120 months in a state correctional facility for Conspiracy to Commit Robbery.  The sentences for Robbery, Conspiracy to Murder and Conspiracy to Commit Robbery shall run consecutively with each other and concurrently with the sentence for First Degree Murder.  Ms. Briggs shall submit a DNA sample and pay $250 DNA testing fee, defendant shall pay the cost of prosecution.  All of these charges stemmed from an incident on February 10, 2015 in Great Bend Township.

Coleman Coles Greene, 35, of Hallstead, PA to 12 months probation, pay $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, perform 10 hours of community service, continue with drug and alcohol counseling for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Great Bend Township on March 18, 2015.

Jerry Dwayne Mast, 26, of Montrose, PA to 18 years to 40 years in a state correctional facility, pay $2,500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, submit DNA sample and pay $250 testing fee, not to have contact with co-defendant, receive a psychological evaluation, not to consume drugs without a valid prescription, not to possess firearms or offensive weapons, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings for Third Degree Murder in Great Bend Township on February 10, 2015.  Mr. Mast also received 4 years to 8 years to run concurrent with the above sentence, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee for Robbery in Great Bend Township on February 10, 2015.  Finally, Mr. Mast received 1 months to 12 months in a state correctional facility to run concurrent with the above sentences, pay $200 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee for Theft by Unlawful Taking in New Milford Township between December 29, 2014 and January 5, 2015.

Ogden Pratt Moss, III, 57, of New Milford, PA to 2 years probation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to have contact with the officer’s involved in this case except for official business for Simple Assault in New Milford Borough on May 2, 2015.

Eric E Johnson, 30, of Montrose, PA to 9 months to 18 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, served 4 ½ months served in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility and the remaining 4 ½ months will be served on house arrest with electric monitoring, followed by 3 years probation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, subject to random drug and alcohol screenings, have not contact with anyone on supervision, not to possess firearms and/or offensive weapons, undergo a curfew of 10:00 P.M., pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample for Possession of a Controlled Substance by Inmate in Bridgewater Township on June 4, 2015.

David Valenti, 63, of Moosic, PA to 7 years probation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to victim in this case in the amount o $23,543.90 for Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Funds in Lenox Township from November 20, 2012 to May 2014.  Mr. Valenti also received 7 years probation to run concurrent with the above sentence, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victim in this case in the amount of $1,025.00, not to have contact with the victim in this case for Theft by Deception in Forest City Borough on October 18, 2013 and October 28, 2013.  Finally, Mr. Valenti received 7 years probation to run concurrent to the above sentences pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victim in this case in the amount of $15,000.00, not to have contact with the victim in this case, not to possess firearms, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample for Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Funds in Springville Township on September 29, 2012.

James Alford Johnson, 49, of Hamilton, MT, to 5 years probation, pay $250 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, be subject to DNA testing requirements and pay the $250 fee, not to have contact with the victim in this case, not to possess firearms or offensive weapons while under supervision, comply with the Megan’s Law requirements as my be amended for Indecent Assault in Gibson Township on December 21, 2015.

Jennifer Marie Bevan, 37, of Friendsville, PA to 18 months probation, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution the victim in this case, perform 25 hours of community service for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Middletown Township between February 1 and February 24 2016.

Emerson Floyd Sands, 50, of Montrose, PA to 6 months to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $300 Pennsylvania Transportation Trust Fund fee, pay $10 EMS, complete and alcohol highway safe driving school program, continue to participate in the drug and alcohol programs available at the correctional facility, not to consume alcoholic beverages while on supervision, not to enter any bars or taverns whose principle business is the serving of alcoholic beverages, perform 25 hours of community service for Driving Under the Influence in Bridgewater Township on July 12, 2014.

Calvin Marshall, 43, of Syracuse, NY to12 months to 24 months in a state correctional facility to run concurrent with the sentence being currently served in New York State, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay $100 Act 198 fee, receive drug and alcohol evaluation, perform 25 hours community service for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver in New Milford Township on December 15, 2015.

Michael Johnson, 31, of Far Rockway, NY to 24 months probation, supervision may be transferred to the defendant’s county of residence, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victim in this case for Theft by Unlawful Taking on April 22, 2016 in New Milford Township.

The following were accepted into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program:

Allen G Babcock Conklin

It’s no secret that college is expensive. Students spend 39 percent to 67 percent of their overall yearly budget on tuition and fees alone, according to figures from the College Board. However, studies now show that students are spending less on course materials than previously.

Publishers and education companies are working to decrease college costs. Recent research from the National Association of College Stores found that students spent about $600 on course materials in the most recent school year, nearly $100 less than the average spent in 2007-2008.

Put into perspective, books and supplies are 2-5 percent of the overall budget for college students at four-year public and private schools (College Board). Students spent an average of $67 per textbook (NACS), but $367 per month on discretionary spending, according to independent research firm Student Monitor.

One reason for the trend is that publishers are offering students less expensive and more engaging options than traditional textbooks. Digital course materials use personalized learning technology to help improve student grades and increase retention by including more enhanced content. For more information, visit the Association of American Publishers at aapbacktocampus.org.

Publishers and education companies are now offering new affordable course material options to offset the high cost of college. They can be found at your college bookstore or online marketplaces. (StatePoint)

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Puhhha - Fotolia.com

As Americans look to improve their health in the new year, many will turn to vitamins and supplements as part of their healthier routines. However, experts stress the importance of understanding the potential interactions supplements can have with medications and some brands of medical test results.

One notable example is Vitamin B7, also commonly known as biotin, which is frequently the top selling supplement online, and found in a number of multivitamins. Among its many benefits, biotin can help keep your eyes, liver and nervous system healthy, as well as contribute to healthy skin, hair and nails. Some doctors are recommending using biotin to help with multiple sclerosis and diabetes, too.

It’s important to research side effects or ask your doctor about them before taking any supplement. For example, while biotin supplements are not associated with any side effects, taking biotin can affect certain brands of blood test results, which can lead to a misdiagnosis or unnecessary treatments for heart disease, thyroid conditions, breast cancer, pregnancy and fertility.

“If you take a multivitamin, biotin supplements or pre-natal vitamins, be sure to talk to your doctor before your next blood test, so that he or she can ensure the lab uses a test that is not affected by biotin,” says Ramani Wonderling, PhD, associate director for scientific relations in diagnostics at Abbott, a global healthcare company.

Dr. Wonderling advises patients to ask their doctors the following questions.

• Will the tests you order be impacted by my taking biotin?

• I prefer not to stop taking my supplements. Can you use a blood test that is not impacted by my taking biotin supplements?

Wonderling also advises that those who take supplements read labels carefully and do their own research about supplement brands, for optimum safety and health benefits. To learn more about supplements, biotin and blood tests, visit abbott.com/biotin.

“Taking supplements can be an effective way to fill nutritional gaps,” says Wonderling. “But before embarking on a regimen, be sure you understand all the possible effects of each supplement you take.” (StatePoint)

Hosting a party? These days, there are new and innovative ways to set the tone for a festive gathering.

High-Tech Lighting

Party decorations aren’t what they used to be. Now you can control your decorative lighting with app-enabled technology, controlling color combinations, speed and direction of light patterns, even connecting your light scheme to music, right form your phone or computer.

DJ Apps

When you are rushing around making sure everyone is fed and having a good time, you likely don’t have time to actively curate your party’s music selection.

Consider downloading a DJ app in advance of your party, which can draw from your existing playlists, automatically make well-informed selections as to what to play next based on matching beats, and even mix the transitions for you. This can mean more attention paid to guests and less focus on your playlist.

Sing-a-Long

Want to make your own music? Even with limited space, you can make sing-a-longs and jam sessions at your party better with an electronic keyboard that provides the same key weight and resistance of an actual grand piano. For example, Casio’s CGP-700 Compact Grand Piano features an 88-note scaled hammer action keyboard with simulated ebony and ivory textured keys. Whether you stick with classic selections or prefer newer holiday hits, now you can do so accompanied by the sounds of high-quality instrumentation ideal for home use.

Hosting is never simple. But now you can let technology do some of the heavy lifting -- from music to imagery -- to create the perfect ambiance at your parties. (StatePoint)

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) iStockphoto.com/kosmos111

With an estimated 3.1 million vehicles coming off lease in 2016, the topic of whether to buy or lease a car is hotter than ever.

“Consider all your options, including used car leasing and leasing or buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle,” says Rob Christman, director of Sales, Fixed Operations at Cox Automotive.

When weighing your choices, here are a few things to consider:

Used Car Leasing

Leasing is not just for new cars, it’s simply an alternative way of financing a vehicle. Leasing a used vehicle works exactly the same as with a new car. The biggest difference is that the monthly payments will likely be less.

The lender writing the lease will determine the vehicle’s residual value, and the lease payments will be determined by the difference between the vehicle’s sale price and its residual value. Then, the lender will assign a money factor to the deal, just as they would assign an interest rate on a car purchase.

However, just as interest rates are typically higher when purchasing a used car, the same applies to the money factor when leasing a used car.

Even so, the lower sales price on a used car, combined with the higher money factor and the lower rate of depreciation, will typically equate to a lower overall lease payment, offering you more car for your money.

Another advantage is the hassle-free return at the end of the contract; the same as on a new car lease.

CPOs

“Leasing a CPO is a great option if owning is not a top priority for you,” says Christman.

Why? A CPO can offer you some extra guarantees that the pre-owned vehicle you are leaving the lot with is in good condition. This is true whether you are purchasing the vehicle or leasing it.

With a CPO, you will have access to a detailed and itemized checklist of all the items inspected by a professional mechanic, as well as assurance that the vehicle passed inspection or was brought up to standards. Do your research to learn the scope and details included in this inspection, which can vary widely from one provider to another.

More information about CPOs and used car leasing can be found at autotrader.com/cpo.

There are so many ways to leave the lot with a car. Before signing on the dotted line, investigate all your options. (StatePoint)

With colder weather comes an increase in weather-related illness and health issues. From activity levels to mood, diet and more, seasonal weather affects all areas of your life. But, don’t let the winter blues get you down -- follow these tips to help keep your family healthy and happy during the cold-weather months.

“Winterize” Your Diet

Some fresh fruits and veggies can be hard to find in winter. The Cleveland Clinic suggests turning to root vegetables like beets, carrots and turnips since they can withstand cold temperatures, making them easier to find. Also on their list of suggested foods are oatmeal, soup (without a lot of salt), sushi, broccoli and cauliflower -- all of which provide essential nutrients to support immunity and boost vitamin levels.

Also, be sure to work vitamin D into your system. It aids bone health and muscle strength, but during shorter, cloudy days of winter, you might not get the necessary amount you need. Harvard School of Public Health recommends daily 15-minute walks outside to get some sun, and eating vitamin D-rich foods such as dairy products, breakfast cereals and fish like salmon and tuna. You may also consider a supplement.

Keep Moving

Studies show that daily exercise and activity offer immune-boosting benefits. People who exercise 30 to 45 minutes a day experience a 40 to 50 percent reduction in the number of days they get sick, according to studies at Appalachian State University’s Human Performance Lab.

Encourage the family to get active with step or fitness trackers. Daily or weekly step goals and challenges with siblings or spouses are fun ways to keep everyone moving. FitBit, Garmin and Jawbone all make trackers with corresponding mobile apps to help monitor goals.

And, when cabin fever sets in, grab the kids and head outside. Cold weather activities nearby or on a trip away, such as sledding, skiing and snowboarding, can offer additional exercise outside the normal indoor routine.

Always be Prepared

When the weather gets cold, the risk of certain illnesses like cold and flu rise. What’s in your feel-better-fast kit when your family gets sick? Items that doctors recommend to have when a cold or the flu hits include: pain and fever relief (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), tissues, fluids (especially cool water), soup and tea, throat lozenges and a digital temperature monitor.

Instead of waking young children to get accurate temperature readings with a digital thermometer, consider picking up TempTraq the next time you’re at Target, CVS or Walgreens. It’s a wearable, Bluetooth monitor that safely and continuously senses, records and transmits body temperature for 24 hours through its free TempTraq app. You can even receive fever alerts so you can eliminate poking or prodding kids in the middle of the night, providing peace of mind for you and much needed rest for them during sick days.

For a happy and healthy winter, use these tips to inspire your family to eat right, get active and be prepared for colder weather. (StatePoint)

Time is perhaps the most coveted thing moms have and it's crucial to manage it effectively for you and your family.

To help moms everywhere make the most of their precious minutes in 2017, actress, director, producer, entrepreneur, mother-of-three and Nutrisystem ambassador, Melissa Joan Hart reveals her New Year's Resolutions, crafted from years of juggling different time consuming tasks.

• Just say “no”: Sometimes you just have to decline requests or pick and choose which ones are doable. And remember, it's okay to ask for a rain check.

• Limit screen time: It's easy to fall into the screen time black hole. Instead, be present -- put your phone down and limit your children's time in front of their screens. Even talk to your spouse!

• Set aside 20 "Mom Minutes” daily: Do something for yourself for 20 minutes every day-- meditate, do a quick workout, call a friend you haven't spoken to in a while, or simply do nothing with a cup of coffee in hand.

• Have one-on-one time with each child: Create no-fuss activities like coloring or playing cards that you can do with each child individually based on his or her personality. Spending quality time separately will feed your soul and theirs.

• Try to be guilt free: As a working mom, you are doing things for your family even when you are at work, so don’t feel guilty about the time away from loved ones.

• Make simple healthy changes: Remember that your kids are always watching, so being a good role model when it comes to health and fitness will pay dividends for them and for you. Simple, easy changes in your daily routing can help you with your health goals. For example, drink a nutrient-rich shake for breakfast, such as Nutrisystem Turboshakes, drink more water throughout the day and maintain a consistent exercise schedule.

And if you want to lose weight, as so many do in the New Year, Hart says, "look for a plan that works for you. I chose Nutrisystem because it was simple and fit with my lifestyle. I lost 40 pounds and feel better than ever!"

For a kick start to your New Year, consider Nutrisystem Lean13, a new program designed to help you lose up to 13 pounds and seven inches in your first month. More information can be found at nutrisystem.com.

• Plan quality couple time: Make time to reignite your romance. Go out to a movie, take a walk together, write each other love notes.

“Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to make grand resolutions,” says Hart. “It’s the small resolutions that can make every day just feel better.” (StatePoint)

Caring for a baby or toddler is not easy, but today’s millennial parents have more options to help make the job easier.

Parents of young children can take a cue from special events like Babypalooza, which brings together top baby brands, parenting influencers and media to showcase the latest products and trends for new parents. Karyn Ravin, the presenter of Babypalooza, shares an inside look at the biggest highlights from this year’s event.

1. Embrace mealtime messes.

Parents are encouraged to embrace the mess at mealtime when little ones are trying new foods. It can inspire a child’s creativity and develop their sensory skills, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination. Inspired by parents who stress the mess, Fisher-Price created the new 4-in-1 Total Clean High Chair, complete with a seat and tray that actually fit in the dishwasher, as well as other easy-to-clean features.

2. Get high-tech with car seat safety.

When installed correctly, car seats save lives, yet four out of five times seats are not installed properly and there is not an easy way to check and monitor the seat over time -- until now. The brand new 4moms self-installing car seat will be available this fall. It installs itself by automatically leveling and tensioning. It then continuously monitors its status during use to ensure it is always installed correctly and sends alerts to your phone if anything needs to be adjusted.

3. Kick some rash.

Eighty-two percent of millennial parents wish they had more tricks up their sleeve to prevent diaper rash, according to a recent survey by Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, the maker of rash relief formulas that are fast acting without harsh ingredients. Free from parabens, preservatives, phthalates and talc, and formulated by pharmacist George Boudreaux, this product is a trusted way to treat and prevent diaper rash.

4. Carry to connect.

According to experts, there are many benefits in carrying your baby, from emotional development, to advances in learning, social abilities and IQ. Look for smart carrier designs that make multi-tasking while holding your baby easier, such as the Baby K’tan, a versatile baby carrier that slips on like a shirt and fits like a wrap.

5. Find your formula.

It is important to remember that nutrition is a not a one-size-fits-all solution but there are healthy options for all different types of needs. For parents concerned about the digestive comfort and nutritional needs of their baby when it comes time to wean, Kabrita offers a new and unique solution based on naturally easy to digest goat milk. Kabrita formula, yogurt and fruit pouches are non-GMO, gentle, and taste great.

For more information about this year’s top baby trends, visit Facebook.com/BabypaloozaNYC. Stay on top of new innovations that help to ease the stress of parenting. (StatePoint)

With an estimated $1.3 trillion in student loans outstanding, it’s safe to say student loan debt is a reality for millions of Americans. While this figure may sound daunting, experts say that greater financial literacy can help students and graduates better understand their loans and pay them back.

“The reality is, people out there are hungry for information. They want to understand the facts when it comes to paying back student loans and the best way to do it,” says the educator turned hip hop artist Dee-1, who celebrated paying off his student loans by writing the song “Sallie Mae Back.”

To help students get on the right track, Dee-1 has teamed up with Sallie Mae to educate students on financing college, paying back loans, and managing finances. They are offering the following tips from the top of Dee-1’s paying back student loans playlist:

• Know who you owe and how much. Understand if your loan is from the federal government—about 93 percent of all loans are— or a private lender like Sallie Mae. If you are unsure, call your lender or check your credit report. Be responsible. Know your monthly payment amounts and due dates.

• Separate wants from needs. Managing your money means managing your lifestyle. Prioritize payments you must make every month, and make sure your student loan is one of them.

• Exceed your own expectations. Pay more than the minimum amount due each month. If you get a raise or tax refund, use part or all of it to increase your monthly loan payment. The faster you pay off your loan, the less you’ll spend in the long run.

• Confront reality. If you run into trouble, don’t hide from it, don’t be embarrassed by it, and don’t give up. Stay positive, focused, and look for solutions. Call your lender or touch base with your cosigner, if you have one.

• Get excited about your future! Be passionate about managing your money wisely and effectively. You can’t make your student loans disappear magically overnight, but you can make a plan for paying them back.

“The exhilaration Dee-1 expresses in paying off his student loans is contagious,” says Martha Holler, senior vice president, Sallie Mae. “We hope his excitement and his direct, doable tips help newly minted graduates get into the rhythm of repayment.”

For more information, visit SallieMae.com, a one-stop resource that includes monthly budget worksheets, loan repayment calculators, and information about payment options -- including the company’s Graduated Repayment Period, which allows graduates in good standing to make 12 months of interest-only payments before transitioning into full principal and interest payments.

New tech tools also are making managing loans easier than ever. For example, Sallie Mae recently unveiled a new mobile app — available for Apple and Android — to help customers manage their accounts, access loan information, and make payments from smartphones.

Don’t let the prospect of paying back student loans overwhelm you. Financial literacy is a game changer and can position you to move up in the workforce on good financial footing. (StatePoint)