By Ron Ohta   Thu, Jan 12, 2012

“Tapas? Do they have Spanish food here?” inquired my wife as we pulled up and noticed the sign that declared “Tapas & Sushi”. Perhaps still fresh in our minds was a recent visit to a Spanish eatery in downtown Sacramento called Tapa the World, my wife and I were wondering how a Japanese restaurant could have Tapas, which has a Spanish origin. As we entered this tiny eatery, we were warmly greeted by our hostess and invited to choose our seat. It is a small place with seating for only about 20-25 patrons, and Yoshi’s was empty when we arrived, but it was also late on a Sunday afternoon, nearing the closing time for lunch. We sat and scanned the menu, looking for something unique, but only saw typical Japanese restaurant fare, and nothing that made special reference to “Tapas”.

My wife left me to decide on the orders, reminding me that her likes were sashimi, teriyaki chicken, and tempura. So I chose one of the Bento Boxes that included Tempura and Sashimi. I noticed Oyako Don on the menu, and decided to give that a try. And for starters, I ordered a Chicken Karaage appetizer. On this cold day, we opted for hot tea to drink.

Our food was delivered promptly. I had to remind my wife that I needed to take pictures of the food before she started devouring the food. I was somewhat disappointed with the Oyako Don. Although it is a simple dish with egg, chicken, and scallions served over rice, the dashi (or soup base) was bland and lacked true flavor. The chicken Karaage was ok, but you can almost get away with anything deep-fried. The chicken pieces were on the small side, but they were tasty nonetheless. As a huge sashimi fan, my wife was disappointed with the small portion that came with her Bento box. In retrospect, Bento box is merely a lunch box, so we should have expected lunch-size portions. In this case, two pieces each of salmon and maguro (tuna) only served make my wife want more. The tempura consisted of two shrimp, and an assortment of veggies. A small garden salad and few pieces of Japanese pickles rounded out the box. There was no soy sauce (What? In a Japanese Restaurant??), so my wife mistakenly put her wasabi in the tempura dipping sauce.

We left Yoshi’s somewhat unfulfilled… like we did not have a big meal, but our tab was not huge either, at just over $26. The menu consists of standard Japanese fare such as teriyaki chicken, tonkatsu, Don Buri (rice bowls), Udon noodles, and Japanese style curries. These as well as various sashimi platters and various sushi rolls. In retrospect, to better suit my wife, we should have ordered a sashimi platter. All the items seem to be fairly reasonably priced considering it is Japanese food, sushi and sashimi. I would recommend Yoshi’s for simple Japanese meals that may not bite the budget like the big sushi restaurants with flashing lights, music, and loud chefs shouting “Kanpai!”.

Yoshi’s advertisements indicate a sushi chef with over 30 years experience. Visiting their website, there is little information as it is under construction, but their Facebook site has more pictures of some of their artful sushi creations. Yoshi just had their Grand Opening in late September and is located behind Walgreens on the corner of Franklin and Laguna Boulevards.

Yoshi Japanese Tapas Restaurant
9174 Franklin Boulevard, #D

Elk Grove, California 95758

(916) 391-6822

By Officer Chris Trim   Wed, Jan 11, 2012

The following law goes into effect on January 1, 2012:

Children *MUST* be secured in an appropriate child passenger restraint (safety seat or booster seat) IN THE BACK SEAT OF A VEHICLE until they are at least 8 YEARS OLD or 4' 9" in height.  Everyone in the car must be properly buckled up. For each child under 16 who is not properly secured, parents (if in the car) or drivers can be fined more than $475 and get a point on their driving records.

To learn more or to get a list of frequently asked questions and answers, click this link to the California Highway Patrol.

By Shannon Arnold   Wed, Jan 11, 2012

Happy New Year! Many of us will make all kinds of well-intentioned improvements. This is also an opportunity to encourage our children to make some resolutions of their own.  

Academic resolutions can be a good start for many school-aged children.  Similar to other New Year pledges, an academic resolution is aimed at dealing with areas that need improvement.  And just like those other resolutions, now is always the best time to start.

Sylvan Learning offers parents and families the following tips to kick-start a successful New Year:

Work as a family.  Develop the goals together, encourage your child to involve a trusted teacher or friend, but remember the goals are ultimately his. Talk over general ideas – an improved algebra grade, better study habits, making sports editor for the school paper – and help him set priorities, but let him make the final decisions.  Setting his own goals increases his motivation and self-sufficiency.

Keep the goals simple, clear, and easy to understand.  For young children, short-term goals are the best because they’re, well, short and result in higher rates of achievement.   Daily goals are the best – “What shall we do today in the park?”  “What book shall we check out of the library?”  Older students in late elementary and middle school can be introduced to longer-term goals.  This teaches planning.

Set up helpful routines.  Give your children the consistency of fairly regular routines (weekends and holidays can be breaks).  Bedtime, wake-up, study, homework, library, play, family time–children rely on these routines, and the structure helps them to feel safe, to know what’s expected of them, and to be successful.

Help them organize.  Organized students do better in school. Help them to set up their planners (written or electronic; it doesn’t matter), to keep their notebooks and backpacks neat and orderly, to break up large assignments into smaller ones so they don’t seem overwhelming, to maintain a work space at home that’s actually workable and not a disaster area, and to stick to the goals you’ve set together.

Maintain healthy habits.  Healthy students are better learners.  Help your children by monitoring their screen-time (TV, video games, cell phones, etc.), making sure they’re getting enough sleep, insisting on their good eating habits, making sure they’re involved in regular and aerobic exercise, and sticking to those goals and routines you’ve established.

Be a good role model.  Children learn from parents.  If they see that you’re organized, focused on what’s important to you and your family, staying healthy, and being true to your values, they’ll pick up some pretty important life lessons.  Stay positive and diligent – they’ll test your patience often.  When you or your family slips a little, pick yourself up and start over with renewed determination.  That’s an important lesson in itself.

Don’t give up.  Academic resolutions are every bit as important – maybe more so – than social or personal ones.  Let your children know that you’re serious about these goals and that their school success is as critical to you as it is to them.

Get help early if you need it.  When your children show that they’re having trouble despite your best efforts, get help early.  Ask a teacher or guidance counselor for help.  Get a tutor.  Find a “study buddy” for your child.  Just get help now, before the little problem grows into a big one.

Wishing you and your child a successful academic New Year!

By ARA Content   Thu, Jan 12, 2012

We're reminded time and again of the good health habits we should practice during the winter germ season - wash your hands, cover your cough and stay home when you're sick. While you likely know these basics, you might not be aware some of the most common places germs tend to congregate and spread.

Taking proper care to kill germs after you come into contact with these germ hotspots can be one of the keys to staying healthy this season. The tricky part is many of these hotspots are places you encounter when you're on the go and aren't necessarily close to a sink. That's where keeping a portable hand sanitizer handy like those offered from PURELL (R) can help.

The gas station and convenience store
When you're pumping gas, have you ever thought about how many other hands have touched the same pump since the last time it was wiped down? A recent study confirmed that gas pumps are one of the filthiest items we encounter in everyday life. After you fill your tank, your next move should be to reach for that bottle of hand sanitizer in your car. And while cashiers typically work hard to keep their counters clean, it's never a bad idea to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after exchanging cash or touching other common areas in the store.

The gym
Most health clubs go to great lengths to keep equipment clean and make members feel comfortable. But if you're hopping on the treadmill right after someone else, it never hurts to use a sanitizing wipe, which many clubs keep readily available. Pay it forward by using another one when you are done.

Grocery store
If you're a parent, you know that it's not just the driver's hands that are getting all over the shopping cart, since kids tend to be obsessed with any moving object with wheels. Consider using a sanitizing wipe before touching a grocery cart. Once you're done shopping, cleansing your hands and any younger shopping companions' hands with sanitizer is a good way to stem the spread of germs that might have been picked up from frequently touched surfaces in the store.

The mall
Escalator and stair railings, as well as drinking fountains and armrests on benches, see a lot of action throughout the day and collect germs quickly. Put those sanitizing stations in the shopping center's hallways to good use after touching these areas.

At work
Frequently touching your desk, phone and keyboard means germs multiply at your work station. Keeping tissues and hand sanitizer at your desk can also be helpful for those emergencies when you can't leave your seat immediately to get to the sink.

There's no way to avoid germs altogether during the winter germ season, but you can take action by recognizing some of the most common areas where germs tend to congregate. By keeping your bottle of PURELL (R) Hand Sanitizer close, you'll make sure you can keep your hands fresh and clean no matter where you are.

By Theodore Ionescu DDS   Wed, Jan 11, 2012

Have you ever wondered why some people have perfect looking teeth while others struggle with braces for years and years? Your teeth and jaw are a dynamic apparatus, with multiple factors influencing the way your teeth touch when they erupt. Believe it or not, your teeth have a very complex way of fitting into each other, much like puzzle pieces. In an ideal situation, forces are transmitted along the long axis of your tooth. When this does not happen, abnormal and very strong forces can cause your teeth to wear, fracture and move. This abnormal force from teeth “hitting” hard is one of the hallmarks of malocclusion (improper bite). How does it happen, then, that your teeth become misaligned? There are many factors that can contribute to it.

Malocclusion is most often hereditary, which means the condition is passed down through families. Your tongue, your lips as well as the pathway created by the loss of your baby teeth all influence how your teeth will touch. In addition, the jaw size discrepancy, whether too large or too small, can make your teeth misalign, resulting in overcrowding of teeth or in abnormal bite patterns. In addition, childhood habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, pacifier use beyond age 3, and prolonged use of a bottle. As you can see, there are many factors which cause or add to malocclusion. There are also different categories.

Class 1 malocclusion is the most common. The bite is normal, but the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth. Class 2 malocclusion, called retrognathism or overbite, occurs when the upper jaw and teeth severely overlap the bottom jaw and teeth. Class 3 malocclusion, called prognathism or underbite, occurs when the lower jaw protrudes or juts forward, causing the lower jaw and teeth to overlap the upper jaw and teeth.

If you are older than 12, most of your teeth are fully erupted. For young children, it’s very important to take them in for dental exams as early as 6 months of age. That is because missing, early loss or retention of baby teeth can cause permanent teeth to be misaligned. If you have gotten past the eruption stage, there are also ways of preventing future wear and tear of your teeth. Advancements in Computerized Occlusal Analysis systems such as the new T-Scan III system, allows you to see exactly in what order your teeth touch, where and with what forces.

This is instrumental in locating these premature contacts (interferences), determining the relative force of each interference, and evaluating the potential for harm caused by the occlusal interferences. These can then be adjusted in the dental office to prevent both potential tooth trauma as well as jaw joint degeneration. An additional benefit is that all dental work such as crowns and bridges can be checked to be in perfect occlusal harmony. Thus, not only will we be able to prevent any future problems, but we can also ensure all dental work is in a balanced bite and  serve you for a long time.

By   Wed, Jan 11, 2012

Create a special “Black & White, Starry Night” to remember with your little girl.  Fathers and daughters are invited to attend the 20th annual Father and Daughter Dance series hosted by the Cosumnes Community Services District.  The Father and Daughter dance is suitable for girls ages 3 years and up. 

Dances will be held on three dates beginning Friday, February 10, from 6 to 9 pm at the Laguna Town Hall located at 3020 Renwick Avenue in Laguna West.  Two additional dance dates are available on February 17 and 24.

Each semi-formal affair includes a catered buffet dinner and dancing.  Dinner is provided by DeVinci’s Delicatessen and Catering.

Cost to attend is $30 per person.  Space is limited and pre-registration is required.  Every girl in attendance is invited to create a craft project.  Each young lady will also receive a special dance keepsake.  Professional portraits are available through Spectrum Photography for an additional fee.

For more information or to register, contact the Cosumnes CSD Parks and Recreation Department at (916) 684-7550 or (916) 405-5600.

About the CSD…
The Cosumnes CSD serves an estimated 169,000 south Sacramento County residents in a 157-square mile area.  Its award-winning parks and recreation services – including the operation of 88 CSD parks – operate exclusively within the Elk Grove community.  It provides fire protection and emergency medical services for the cities of Elk Grove and Galt and unincorporated areas of south Sacramento County.

By   Wed, Jan 11, 2012

With our busy modern lifestyles, no one seems to have time to garden these days. Add New Year’s resolution tasks to your daily routine and it seems there is even less time to garden. Or is there?  If your resolution, like many, involves bettering your health or saving money, the act of gardening can help you.

1. Gardening Helps You Reduce Stress
   I can personally vouch for this, but don’t take my word for it.  A study published last year from the Netherlands revealed that gardening after a stressful activity improved mood and reduced stress hormone levels in test subjects. *
2. Gardening Can Help You Save Money
   You can save money by growing your own spices, vegetables, nuts, and fruit.   Try growing veggies such as tomatoes or zucchini for their high yields.   While the initial investment in a fruit or nut trees and shrubs may not save you money their first year, it is quickly outweighed by the increasing yields you will be rewarded with each year.  Some of my favorite producers are lemon, pomegranate, apricot, blueberry, and almond. For spices try rosemary, garlic, oregano, bay, and sage. 
   
   If you are new to gardening, you need not spend a great deal of money to get started. Some potting soil, a shovel, seeds, and a hose are all you need get things growing. The cheapest option would be to acquire cuttings or divisions from friends followed by seeds, bulbs, young plants, and lastly older plants which are more expensive, but will yield more produce sooner.
3. Gardening Helps You Eat Healthier
   Growing your own produce means that you can have a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables waiting outside your door for you to pick them at their peak ripeness. Best of all, you know exactly how much pesticides, herbicides, and ripening agents have been applied to your food.
   
   Check out local nurseries and seed catalogs for superior tasting varieties. You don’t just have to limit yourself to the standard grocery store varieties either.   You may find many superior tasting fruits and vegetables that are not commercially grown simply because they are not conducive to large scale agricultural practices such as harvesting early or shipping great distances.
4. Gardening Helps You Get Some Exercise
   In addition to making your garden a better place, gardening chores such as digging, pruning, raking, weeding provide a light low impact workout and some good old fashioned fresh air.  You may not even notice you’ve been working those muscles until the next day when those hamstrings remind you!
5. Gardening Helps You Do Something Good for the Environment
   Since most produce in the grocery store travels hundreds of miles to get there, by growing your own produce, you are reducing the fuel consumption and pollution created in bringing food to your table.  Also each plant you grow absorbs carbon dioxide from the air and releases oxygen. 

Happy New Year and good luck with your resolutions!

*”Gardening promotes neuroendocrine and affective restoration from stress” Leiden University & Wageningen University and Research Center 2011

By ARA Content   Wed, Jan 11, 2012

Smartphones are steadily becoming commonplace devices for everyone from professionals to busy moms. Users of these devices now instinctively turn to their phones for tasks that previously they would only have accomplished on a computer, over the phone or in person. These tasks include surfing the Web, obtaining driving directions, connecting via social media, and even shopping.

In the United States, 87.4 million people own smartphones. And, in 2012, smartphone sales are expected to top sales of personal computers. As smartphones allow people to connect with businesses in new and exciting ways, businesses in turn need to become savvier about going mobile.

For example, a small home health care provider recently utilized smartphones to expand to 400 patients across four major counties  in Utah. Its employees previously struggled to keep up with all the paperwork and regulatory requirements, so the company decided to go completely mobile, equipping its entire staff with Microsoft Windows Phones. This allowed the staff to visit patients and instantly update their condition and treatments.

For small businesses, embracing the smartphone age is becoming crucial for success. Here are some easy ways small businesses can go mobile in 2012:

* Invest in smartphones - Transitioning from a flip phone to a smartphone makes it much easier to run a business on the go. Providing easy access to email, calendar information and the Internet, smartphones increase productivity and can provide peace of mind while out of the office. Today, smartphones are more affordable than in the past, so now is a perfect time to take advantage of their capabilities.

* Consider industry-specific devices - Numerous mobile technologies, from smartphone applications to tablets, have been created with specific industries in mind. For example, rugged tablets that can withstand the elements are available for those in the construction industry and tablets created for the health care industry can be sterilized between patient visits to avoid contamination.

* Make websites mobile-compatible - In an era in which most consumers first go to the Internet to find local service providers, it's crucial that small businesses have a polished and informative online presence that's friendly for mobile consumption. Even for business owners who aren't tech-savvy, starting a website is feasible. A quick Internet search will reveal numerous free or low-cost website templates. You might also choose to work with a Web developer to ensure your business's website is smartphone-friendly.

* Get social - Popular social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter make it simple to connect with customers in a casual, but also personal, manner and also embrace the mobile population that frequents these sites on smartphones. Consider leveraging one or more of these platforms to further establish your business's online presence and create positive buzz around new offerings and special deals and promotions.

For more ideas on how to easily boost your business with mobile technology, visit www.microsoftbusinesshub.com.

By Christine Brainerd   Wed, Jan 11, 2012

As we've mentioned here before, in addition to protecting the environment we all share, green improvements have the added benefit of saving money in the long- and short-terms.  Here's a quick look at changes we've made recently in and around City Hall:
 
Custodial contracts that used to have contractors in the buildings until 11:00 at night now have the work complete by 8:00 p.m., reducing lighting use and improving safety.
 
Each office within City Hall is now fitted with an occupancy sensor, automatically turning off lighting when offices are vacant for 20 minutes.
 
SMUD is leasing the City a plug-in, hybrid Dodge pickup free of charge for use by the City's Code Enforcement operation.
 
Improvements at the Corporation Yard Warehouse will include 16  8' x 8' skylights that will light the warehouse during most of the day, while older, poorly controlled light fixtures will be replaced by fluorescent lighting for use during night hours.  The City expects to reap a 47% savings from these changes, funded in part by Federal Stimulus Funding.
 
In the police training facility, roof-mounted solar panels will preheat water for showers, saving enough energy to pay for the project in seven years.
 
Finally, the new Household Hazardous Waste Facility set to come online on Grant Line Road will be working to produce clean solar energy whether it's open or not.  Almost half the roof will be covered in Solar Photovoltaic Panels that capture energy whenever the sun is shining on them. While the facility is operating, the sun will cause the panels to provide electricity to the building; while the facility is closed, they'll be feeding electricity back into the grid.  When this amazing facility is complete, it is expected to be certified as a LEED Gold Project. Learn more about LEED at usgbc.org.
 
For more information about the City of Elk Grove's ongoing efforts with energy conservation, contact Bob Williamson at 478-2260 or bwilliamson@elkgrovecity.org.

By   Thu, Jan 19, 2012

Tuesday, January 17, 2012, is the start of a new session at Support Works Job Readiness Training.  This seven-week program is provided by Elk Grove Food Bank Services and sponsored by the City of Elk Grove, Wells Fargo Foundation, Soroptimist of Rio Cosumnes, and Cosumnes River College SIFE club. 

The program has been redesigned to help clients in their job hunting effort with a scheduled curriculum.  Classes for Job Readiness Training are held on Tuesdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by computer lab time. 

Job Readiness Training begins with Personality Assessment on January 17th and continues on consecutive Tuesdays with:  Job Skills Assessment, Resume/Cover Letter/Reference Assistance, Research Job Openings/Submitting Applications, Interview Preparation, Rejections-Staying Focused and Positive, and ending with Mock Interviews.  Our volunteers have experience in Human Resources sector and bring with them successful methods and techniques to use in your job search. 

What: Support Works Job Readiness Training

When: Starting January 17, 2012 Tuesday mornings
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  (Classroom Session)
11:00 a.m. to 12 noon (Computer Lab)
       
Where: Elk Grove Food Bank Services
9820 Dino Drive, Suite 140
Elk Grove, CA  95624

Contact: (916)685-8453, extension 5 for information

Learn more about the Elk Grove Food Bank Services at: www.egfbs.org

By   Tue, Jan 17, 2012

The $20,000 donation was made possible through the efforts of the Wells Fargo Delta Vineyard District. The Delta Vineyard District includes 12 branches with 210 employees. The employees also donated 6 bins of food and clothing collected over the holidays.

“The Wells Fargo Foundation is a corporate-wide program which encourages employees to give to a human services organization within their respective communities,” says Matt Kuennen, Vice President Community Banking District Manager. “The Elk Grove Food Bank was an obvious choice for us. Our volunteer efforts and funding of the food bank will help us work toward strengthening the community in which we live and work.”

The funding is earmarked for EGFBS Support Works program, assisting disadvantaged clients to work toward self-reliance through job readiness training, case management, information and referral, education, homeless services and group support.  The leading component of the program, Job Readiness Training, assists clients working towards re-entering the job market by helping them reassess their job skills, update their resume, fine-tune their interview skills, and obtain business clothing from EG clothes closet. 

“In order to make our program accessible, we begin by addressing the basic needs of clients,” said Support Works Program Manager Mary Ann Chappelle.  “Support Works will add Life Skills classes to the Program in addition to the Job Readiness Training.  Classes will be designed for individuals who are preparing for independent living. “

*Pictured from left to right:  Dhavel Shah, Naveed Iqbal, Matt Kuennen, Vice President Community Banking District Manager, Marie Jachino, Mary Ann Chappelle, and Donald Terry. 

By   Wed, Jan 11, 2012

The Cosumnes CSD will be extending the entry deadline for the “Parks Make Life Better” CSD Writing Contest to February 10, 2012.  Having many parks, recreation programs and special events make Elk Grove a special place to live for children and adults.  We would like to hear from the community about how Parks Make Life Better for you and your family.  Tell us about your experiences with CSD parks, recreation programs and/or special events and your story could be featured in a future CSD Newsletter.

This is our chance to hear from the community to better understand how parks and recreation programs are enriching lives in Elk Grove.  So put your thinking caps on!  In 250 words or less, please share your experience in how “Parks Make Life Better” for you and your family.  It can be a special playground you visit with your children, an event you attended that was a great experience or a program that has taught you something new or has added to your life.  The options are endless as ‘Parks’ in “Parks Make Life Better” stands for everything that parks and recreation offer the community.

Share your experience by emailing Kelli Trapani at KelliTrapani@csdparks.com or sending them to 8820 Elk Gove Boulevard, Elk Grove CA 95624.  All entries must include contact information including a phone number.  All entries will be reviewed and one will be chosen to be featured in an upcoming CSD Newsletter.  Provide a photo, if possible, of you or your family that coincides with your short essay.  The winner will also receive a gift certificate to be used towards a CSD program or event.  Entry deadline is February 10, 2012.  We look forward to hearing from you!

About the CSD…
The Cosumnes CSD serves an estimated 169,000 south Sacramento County residents in a 157-square mile area.  Its award-winning parks and recreation services – including the operation of 88 CSD parks – operate exclusively within the Elk Grove community.  It provides fire protection and emergency medical services for the cities of Elk Grove and Galt and unincorporated areas of south Sacramento County.

By ARA Content   Thu, Jan 12, 2012

Snacks - they can either be your worst dieting enemy or your new weight-loss best friend. The difference is all in the choices you make. This year, make it your resolution to learn how to snack smarter. To help, here are some tips to develop a healthier relationship with snacking.

Portion control
Hand someone a bag of chips and ask them to eat just 100 calories. Sounds impossible, right? Well for most people, it is. Not only is it hard to calculate quickly, our willpower alone will fail us. Soon a few chips become half the bag and the guilt sets in.

Don't even give yourself the opportunity to overeat and instead think portion control. Replace full size snack bags with 100-calorie snack packs. They are the perfect way to know you're only eating 100 calories and resist the urge to eat more. Snyder's of Hanover offers a variety of 100-calorie Pretzel snack packs. Available in mini, snap or pretzel sticks, they're sold in the snack aisle of local grocery store. They are quick and easy and perfect for kids or adults. Plus the best part is, once the snack pack is gone, you're done.

Smart snacks
Making smart snack choices doesn't mean you have to give up flavor or your favorite foods. There are a number of products that are low in fat, and can help satisfy your cravings. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Raisins - One ounce equals 85 calories. You could even cover them with chocolate. Chocolate can be healthy when consumed in small portions.

2. Graham crackers - Eight small rectangles is equal to 100 calories.

3. Celery with peanut butter - Five pieces of celery with 1 tablespoon peanut butter is equal to 100 calories. This is a very satisfying snack packed with protein and is also gluten-free.

4. Dried fruits and nuts - A small amount of dried fruits with a small amount of nuts is a snack kids love to eat.

5. Pretzels - One ounce equals 100 calories. You can even include cheese with your pretzels for something different with added protein.

6. Unsweetened applesauce - One cup is equivalent to 100 calories, and is a great snack idea for younger children.

7. Air-popped popcorn - Three cups or 1 ounce equals 95 calories. Popcorn is also gluten-free.

8. Fruit - All types of fruit are full of valuable nutrients and they also contain no gluten.

9. Baked corn tortillas with dip - Corn tortillas are a great alternative to potato chips. You can eat them with salsa and/or guacamole for a healthy treat.

10. Rice cakes - Rice cakes by themselves aren't really nutritious, but they are gluten-free. Try topping them with cottage cheese and fruit, peanut butter with banana slices, or cheese and tomatoes for a more nutritious snack.

11. Fat-free sugar-free pudding - One serving contains approximately 80 calories. Another treat kids really enjoy.

12. Lettuce wraps - Fill a big lettuce leaf with tuna, hummus and your favorite vegetables and roll it up. You could even use a ham slice with hummus and vegetables for a change in variety. This is also a gluten-free snack.

Make it simple
Put healthy snacks out so they're easy to grab. Take a bowl and make sure it's filled with fresh fruit. For cold snacks create a healthy snack drawer in your refrigerator. Stock it full of baby carrots cut up veggies and low fat dip or puddings. To give your kids incentive to make healthier choices, give them permission to take any snack from these locations without asking.

Read up
When you're in the store, read the label and look for low fat, whole grain or organic options when possible. You'd be surprised to see a lot of snacks you might have overlooked before. Even pretzels, like Snyder's of Hanover Organic Whole Wheat Pretzel Nibblers, are made with whole grains and are low in fat.

Set small goals
Creating a healthy lifestyle doesn't just happen overnight but the process shouldn't be overwhelming either. Setting small goals, like snacking on vegetables for a week, can develop into long term eating habits. And it's best to set goals that are obtainable so you see your success early on and you're motivated to continue.

Healthy snacking is all about making the right choices. This coming year, it's up to you to make the right decisions, hopefully these tips will help motivate you to a more wholesome and healthier 2012.

By Teddy Herrera   Wed, Jan 11, 2012

I laid on a futon cushion on the ground, staring at the reflection of the 'Face of New Orleans' as he quickly, but meticulously, cut his hair in a full-length mirror, which leaned against the wall as the only piece of furniture in the room.  My back was against the only window in the halfway renovated room as the dust absorbed the little sunlight that shined through, preventing the slightest twinkle of light from reaching the wood flooring.  A single bulbed lamp shined on his head, like a spotlight, as he took center stage to share with me the true essence of New Orleans- the people.

His words matched the rhythm of the local blues music that echoed down the hallway of the shotgun house.  Very rarely do we feel an extremely high level of content, in which confirms our intuition in any single given moment of time, that we are exactly where we are supposed to be, at precisely the right time.  I had reached that state of euphoria, as it felt like my spirit had elevated from my laying body, gracefully rising to observe this wrinkle of time from the rafters of the room.  How did I arrive to this moment?

His name is Dancingman 504, the face of New Orleans.  I stood up from the futon cushion and walked down the shotgun house towards the shower, in preparation for the 12th day festivities, which signalled the start of the Mardi Gras season.  It was Tootie Montana day, and Dancingman and I were going to his statue in Armstrong Park to pay our respects.  I first walked through the kitchen, then the living room before arriving to the shower, reflecting on the events that had unfolded in search for the, now repetitious and pestering question- how did I arrive to this moment of time?

It started with a follow-up email, that created a ripple effect of amazing people and events to follow.  After meeting Dancingman at a health fair at an eastside New Orleans high school, I followed up the next day with an email to his manager (the 'hey, great to connect' kind of email).  I was supposed to depart that day to Mobile, AL, but I chose instead to continue down this thread of events to discover where it would take me.  It took me down a chain reaction of amazing people and experience.  The result- the rawest cultural experience of a lifetime, against the sights and sounds of the Cresent City.

Dancingman playing with local band on Frenchman Street (©Crystal Shelton)

Member of Skinz and Bonez, a local New Orlean faux-gang (©Crystal Shelton)

Walking down Bourbon Street (©Crystal Shelton)

(©Crystal Shelton)

Bonez and Skinz in front of Joan of Arc statue on her 600th birthday (©Crystal Shelton)

Imagine the countless people you didn't follow up with.  Or the people you come in contact with every day, whom you dismiss as insignificant occurrences.  Each one of those 'coincidental encounters', are wrinkles in time that will cause a ripple effect, taking you on a journey you never before imagined.

"My mother told me, she said, 'there is no one in this world, you don't have something in common with.  Everyone person in this world has one thing in common, if nothing else.'  I asked what is that, and she said, 'you have a mother.  You have a mother, they have a mother'.  And if you have one thing in common, you have two things in common, and from there you keep on growing." - Dancingman

Seize these opportunities today.  Say hello to every single person you make eye contact with.  Introduce yourself, and seek what it is you are meant to learn from them at that moment in time.  Be open to the endless opportunities that will surely be presented.  And most importantly, follow-up.

These amazing photos were captured and created by Crystal Shelton, another amazing person in which directly resulted in my follow-up mail to Dancingman's manager.  Follow-up with her.  Thank you, Crystal!

A special thank you to Dancingman and his manager for opening their hearts and home to me!  Follow Dancingman on Facebook.  Follow-up with him.

Follow my journey, as I bicycle 22,000-miles to fight childhood obesity, with daily updates on Facebook and Twitter.  Please forward this to your friends and family!  And help us reach the next community of youth by becoming a personal sponsor here.

By ARA Content   Wed, Jan 11, 2012

No matter how strong the familial bonds, traveling with multiple generations of family members can be a challenge. Perhaps Grandpa loves visiting historic sites, while his toddler granddaughter prefers amusement parks. Grandma relishes museum hopping while Mom wants to shop the day away. And the only thing they all agree on is the need for an afternoon nap.

Adults traveling with children or grandchildren make up 30 percent of all adult leisure travelers, according to the U.S. Travel Association. And family travelers take an average of 4.5 trips per year, the association reports. Traveling with grandparents is on the rise, too; nearly four out of every 10 leisure travelers are grandparents, according to a report in TravelAge West.

"Interestingly, the economy seems to have had less of an impact on family travel than on other travel segments," says Kimberly Miles of the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. "People see traveling with family as an important way to reconnect and enjoy each other's company. With today's hectic schedules, many families appreciate the opportunity traveling together gives them to spend quality time together and create lasting memories."

Traveling with multiple generations can be a rewarding experience. Keep these tips in mind to help ensure your multi-generational family travel is fun, safe and rewarding for everyone in the group:

Choose wisely

When you have to please tastes and preferences that vary as widely as those between grandparents and grandkids, the destination you choose for your family vacation becomes even more important. Choosing a destination that's focused on a single theme (such as an amusement park or beach resort) or that has limited access to a variety of attractions may leave at least some members of the group disappointed.

Look for destinations that specialize in accommodating family travelers with a wide variety of activities, attractions and types of lodging and dining. For example, Myrtle Beach has earned a reputation as a family-friendly destination for its broad range of things to see and do, including miles of pristine beaches, zoos, amusement parks, museums, natural preserves, and outstanding shopping and dining.

Another advantage of Myrtle Beach is its drivability from practically anywhere on the eastern seaboard. Family travelers often prefer destinations that are within driving distance of home. Road trips can help reduce transportation costs, and smart families can make the journey to their vacation spot part of the overall experience.

Consider special needs

In many ways, children and seniors have a lot in common when it comes to travel and special needs. In addition to an entertaining time, both kids and grandparents will need regular meal times and plenty of rest in order to maximize their vacation enjoyment. The adults coordinating the trip will need to keep in mind any special dietary needs of all members in the group.

Before setting out, adults should coordinate medication management to ensure everyone has an adequate supply of any necessary prescriptions. They may also need to provide additional transportation options for any family members with mobility issues. For example, grandparents who normally use a walker may prefer the convenience of a wheelchair or scooter if the family will be visiting an attraction where they will be doing a lot of walking. The family may also need to forego visits to attractions where the terrain would be challenging for very young children or others with mobility issues.

Get everyone involved in planning

Certainly all adults in the party should have a say in where the family will go, and older kids can also get into the act. The choice of destination and what sights you'll see can be a group activity, and grandparents and children can enjoy researching together everything there is to see and do.

Involving everyone in the planning can also make trip preparations go more smoothly. For example, retired grandparents can ease pre-trip stress by helping parents confirm hotel, airline and rental car reservations. Teens and grandparents can team up to research dining options and plan family meals on the road.

"Traveling as a family can be an enriching experience for everyone," Kimberly Miles says. "By choosing the right destination and putting some extra thought into planning and preparations, you can help ensure everyone enjoys the trip."