You can receive Featurettes by e-mail daily, weekly or monthly by request. We can e-mail by your choice of topic or all stories as you may prefer. To make it even more convenient for editors to use our stories, NAPS has added an RSS syndication feed to our Web site. Simply hit the RSS button on our site for automated updates on available content. Please contact us to arrange to receive Featurettes in the format that works best for you at (800) 222-5551 or e-mail your request to us at printmedia@napsnet.com. We can provide Featurettes on CD-ROM or you can download it online at www.napsnet.com. Gary Lipton Media Relations Manager Phone: 1-(800)-222-5551 Fax: 1-(800)-990-4329 Web site: www. napsnet .com e-mail: printmedia@napsnet.com #2618 North American Precis Syndicate, Inc., 415 Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10017 Helping To Solve The Puzzle Of Autism (NAPSA)—There’s a crafty and creative way fans of arts and crafts can help people living with autism. A leading group of arts and crafts supply stores has teamed up with the leading nonprofit provider of services for individuals with autism for their second annual in-store campaign and crafting event that asks customers to Act for Autism. Today, one in 110 children is diagnosed with autism, and communities are reporting an increasing need for funding, services and support. There’s no known cause, cure or single effective treatment, but with the right support, people with autism can make significant progress and lead meaningful lives at any age. Customers who visit any A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts store will be able to donate $1 to Easter Seals’ Act for Autism campaign at checkout. This will support Easter Seals autism services, helping to provide children and adults with autism access to critical services that can help them live, learn, work and play. As a special bonus for customers, the craft chain will host a free in-store “Make and Take” craft event at its 136 locations for children and their families. During the event, customers can come into the store to decorate an Act for Autism jigsaw puzzle or go online for instructions to create one at home. All you’ll need to get started are these supplies from your local A.C. Moore store: • Blank Puzzles, PAP 1211 • Deluxe Stamp Set, Peachtree Playthings, 104456228 By making your own puzzle, you can help support people with autism. • Pens, Markers, stamp pads The campaign gives customers an opportunity to express their creativity, make a personalized puzzle, learn about autism and help support families living with autism. “We know that through early detection and individualized intervention, children with autism make significant progress,” explained Dr. Patricia Wright, MPH, Ph.D., national director of autism services, Easter Seals. “The funds raised through our partnership with A.C. Moore will give more children with autism the care, guidance and support they need.” Wright also noted that many of the charity’s centers get their supplies from the craft stores and crafts can serve as an outlet for those with autism. To learn more about the campaign or to locate an A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts store, visit www. acmoore.com. To learn more about Easter Seals and autism, visit www.easterseals.com or www.act forautism.org. Financing Your Future (NAPSA)—For many people, the only thing harder than getting into college is paying for it. Three tips can help: • Think ahead—As early as their sophomore year, students should begin collecting and organizing applications, recommendations, test scores, essays and transcripts. Begin applying by junior year to take advantage of scholarships geared toward younger students. Create a calendar of application deadlines. Some students can get scholarship money from the government. • Think categorically—Certain college scholarships depend on ethnic, religious or professional affiliations. • Think federally—Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. It’s online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or call (800) 4-FED-AID, and it’s the only way to apply for college grants, scholarship money and loans issued through the U.S. government. Just remember, male students over 18 must register with Selective Service to qualify for federal student loans or grant programs, including Pell Grants, College Work Study, Guaranteed Student/PLUS Loans and National Direct Student Loans. Registration forms are available at your local post office and online at www.sss.gov. Peanuts Pack A Punch Of Nutrition (NAPSA)—Increasingly, many healthcare professionals are promoting the benefits of a plantbased diet. For instance, the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans point out that a shift in food intake patterns to a more plant-based diet—one that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts—can help Americans live better. Peanuts and a Healthy Diet Here’s how peanuts can play a role in such a diet: • Plant-based proteins, such as peanuts, do not contain cholesterol and have relatively low levels of saturated fat. In fact, the FDA has approved peanuts as part of a heart-healthy eating plan, saying “scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, including peanuts, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.” • Peanuts and peanut butter are nutrient rich. At 7 grams per serving, peanuts have more protein than any other nut. • According to the latest USDA food guidelines, we should all consider adding plant-based proteins to our diets—even replacing a percentage of animal-based proteins with them. • Plus, plant-based proteins are higher in fiber than animalbased proteins. Fiber aids digestion, and eating a diet high in fiber may result in consuming fewer calories over the course of the day because it helps promote a feeling of fullness. • Antioxidants help reduce the damaging effects of oxygen in tissues. Nuts are superfoods with antioxidant capacity that meets or beats other fruits and vegetables. Peanut butter and apples combine in this toasty treat. Bringing Plant-Based Protein to the Table Experts say two-thirds of your plate should consist of vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and fruit, and one-third—or less—of your plate should be animal protein. By including familiar foods in your diet, such as peanuts and peanut butter, you may be more willing to try new recipes. Here’s an example: Peanut Apple Toastie Ingredients: 2 slices bread, toasted and buttered 2 tablespoons peanut butter 1 ⁄2 apple, sliced Lemon juice Cinnamon 1 teaspoon brown sugar Preparation: Spread peanut butter on one side of each of the 2 slices of toasted bread. Dip apple slices in lemon juice. Arrange apple slices on peanut butter and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Put on a baking sheet and place under broiler. Broil 3–5 minutes or until lightly browned. To learn more about nutrition and recipes, visit www.skinnyon nuts.com.