Keeping A Kid-Healthy Home

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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 #2478 North American Precis Syndicate, Inc., 350 Fifth Avenue, 65th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10118-0110 Keeping A Kid-Healthy Home (NAPSA)—Pound for pound, kids eat, drink and breathe much more than adults and are therefore exposed proportionately to more contaminants that food, beverages or the air might contain. Children also live and play at ground level where many pollutants tend to settle, making them more vulnerable to common household hazards. That’s the discomforting news. The good news is that creating a safe, healthy home environment doesn’t have to be a challenge. Try these tips for a kid-healthy home: • Use cleaning products made from natural, nontoxic, plantderived, biodegradable ingredients and essential oils. They won’t leave behind harmful chemical residues or pollute indoor air. • Choose natural baby and personal care products. Choices like Seventh Generation’s Free & Clear line of products and chlorine-free diapers and wipes don’t expose your children to toxins. • Don’t use pesticides or chemical flea and tick preparations for pets, including flea collars, shampoos and treatments. • Be wary of soft, flexible plastic and vinyl toys, and polymer clay products. These sometimes contain toxic chemicals called phthalates, which can leak out of items that contain them. • Let fresh air into your home regularly. A good healthy air exchange is the best way to rinse out indoor air pollution. • Store food and pack lunches in No. 1, No. 2, No. 4 or No. 5 plastic containers, which are less likely to leak chemicals. • Become an educated shopper. Look for products that clearly list all of their ingredients and explain claims like “safe for the environment.” Be aware of terms like “natural” and “environmentally Active Seniors Wanted (NAPSA)—A growing number of seniors who are looking to make a difference in the lives of others and earn some extra money are getting back into the workforce. Companies such as Interim HealthCare are employing seniors to help people with nonmedical activities such as light housekeeping, preparing meals, sho p pi ng and just pl ain o ld friendly companionship. Limiting household chemical use might help keep children safe. friendly,” which are unregulated and can mean anything. One company that consistently educates consumers about maintaining a healthy, living home for children is Vermont-based Seventh Generation, which is committed to becoming the world’s most trusted brand of authentic, safe and environmentally responsible products, including a line for babies. For 20 years, Seventh Generation has been at the forefront of a cultural change in consumer behavior and business ethics. Its founder and president, Jeffrey Hollender, is a business leader dedicated to safe and healthy products. “Our products touch families, literally, every day. So we bring children’s well-being and environmental health to the forefront in all we do,” said Hollender. For more information on cleaning tips for a healthy home, environmentally responsible baby products and details on joining the “Seventh Generation Nation” community, visit the Web site www.seventhgeneration.com. Compassionate seniors can supplement their incomes while helping someone remain independent. According to Interim HealthCare, a leading national provider of home care, seniors helping seniors is a big win for everyone. Seniors not only earn competitive pay with flexible schedules, they can make a friend of a likeminded person as well. “She is my lifeline,” according to one 62-year-old widow referring to her senior caregiver. To learn more or to find an office near you, call (800) 9448 8 8 8 o r v i s i t w w w. i n t e r i m healthcare.com. “Remodel”Your Bath For Under $100 (NAPSA)—Every year, Americans spend millions of dollars remodeling their bathrooms, replacing fixtures and vanities and purchasing high-end accessories. But there’s a lot you can do to transform the look of your bathroom from the past owner’s color palette into a modern and clean style of your own—even when your budget is tight. All you need is some paint and a little imagination. Here are a few ideas from the experts at Rust-Oleum: Don’t replace. Refinish. Replacing bathroom fixtures is one of the most expensive projects associated with a bathroom remodel and replacing bathroom tiles often requires the services of a contractor. But now, thanks to advances in paint technology, you can change the color of your bathtub, sink, toilet and tile or simply give them a “like new” finish without busting your budget. Products like Rust-Oleum Specialty Tub & Tile Refinishing Kit feature a self-leveling epoxy acrylic formula that acts and looks like porcelain and ceramic. Available in the most popular colors for bathtubs and tiles— White, Almond and Biscuit—the kit makes it easy for even inexperienced do-it-yourselfers to get professional results on ceramic, porcelain and fiberglass fixtures. Create a custom vanity. You don’t have to replace your vanity to give it a custom look. Transforming your old vanity is easy and fun thanks to products like RustOleum Countertop Coating. It’s available in 16 custom colors to match any bathroom decor. Want to soothe your soul and create a relaxing space? Cool colors, like blues and greens, create a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere. So try Meadow or Palest Blue. Or for a cozy and casual feel, choose neutral colors like Canvas or Cobblestone. It’s easy to add a touch of personal style to your bathroom with a few accent pieces. Don’t forget the walls. A fresh coat of paint is one of the simplest ways to update the look of your bathroom. In bathrooms and other high-humidity areas, try a paint that offers protection against the growth of mold and mildew, like Perma-White Mold & Mildew-Proof Interior Paint, for a paint job that will stay looking beautiful for years. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. It’s easy to add a touch of personal style to your bathroom with a few accent pieces. Why not paint your old toothbrush holder, towel racks and soap dispensers with Painter’s Touch spray paint in a soothing color like Natural Denim or Key Lime? Or create custom picture frames, shelves and even plastic tissue covers or trash cans by painting them with RustOleum’s new Universal Silver Hammered spray paint. Universal is great for any surface—wood, metal, plastic and more. And just one coat will unify mismatched pieces and give them a trendy finish. For more inspiration and project ideas, visit www.paintideas. com.