For most of us, ticks have always been one of those things we try not to think about until we’re suddenly standing in the bathroom with a flashlight, inspecting a child who spent twenty minutes running through tall grass.

They’re right up there with sunburns, poison ivy, and finding something mysterious stuck to your kid’s shoe.

You know they’re part of outdoor life, but you hope they stay someone else’s problem.

Unfortunately, ticks have become a much bigger conversation in recent years, and for good reason.

Parents are hearing more about Lyme disease. More stories are surfacing about Alpha-gal syndrome, a condition linked to certain tick bites that can trigger allergic reactions to mammalian meat. Researchers continue studying other tick-borne illnesses, and health agencies are putting more attention on prevention, awareness, and diagnosis.

If it feels like this topic is suddenly everywhere, you’re not imagining it.

And while there’s no reason to panic, there is a good reason to pay attention.

Why You’re Hearing More About Ticks Lately

For years, doctors, researchers, and patient advocacy groups have been raising concerns about the growing impact of tick-borne illnesses.

Recently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced increased efforts aimed at improving research, awareness, surveillance, prevention, and treatment related to tick-borne diseases and conditions such as Lyme disease and Alpha-gal syndrome.

Part of the reason is simple: more people are spending time outdoors, and tick populations have expanded into areas where they weren’t previously as common.

At the same time, awareness has increased. Conditions that may have gone undiagnosed years ago are now being recognized more often, helping families connect symptoms with possible causes.

For parents, the takeaway isn’t fear.

It’s awareness.

The more we understand, the better equipped we are to recognize symptoms, seek appropriate care, and reduce risks when spending time outside.

More Than Just a Bull’s-Eye Rash

When people think about tick-borne illness, Lyme disease is usually the first thing that comes to mind.

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria that can be transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick, often called a deer tick.

One of the most widely recognized symptoms is the bull’s-eye rash, but here’s something many people don’t realize: not everyone develops that rash.

Other symptoms may include:

• Fever

• Chills

• Fatigue

• Headaches

• Muscle aches

• Joint pain

• Swollen lymph nodes

Because these symptoms can resemble many other illnesses, Lyme disease isn’t always immediately recognized.

Many parents are surprised to learn that some people never notice a tick bite at all. Others never develop the classic rash that gets shown in health class posters and online articles.

When caught early, treatment is often effective.The challenge is recognizing symptoms and seeking medical attention when something doesn’t seem right.

For more information on Lyme disease, symptoms, and prevention, visit the CDC’s Lyme disease resource center.

The Tick-Related Condition Many People Have Never Heard Of

Most parents have at least heard of Lyme disease.

Alpha-gal syndrome, on the other hand, often gets a response that sounds something like:

“Wait… a tick can make you allergic to hamburgers?”

As strange as it sounds, the answer is yes.

Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergy that can develop after bites from certain ticks, including the lone star tick, which is common throughout much of the southeastern United States.

Unlike traditional food allergies that cause reactions shortly after eating, Alpha-gal reactions often occur several hours later.

People with Alpha-gal syndrome may experience reactions after consuming mammalian meat such as:

• Beef

• Pork

• Lamb

• Venison

Also things like dairy, gelatin capsules, etc.

Symptoms can vary widely and may include:

• Hives

• Itching

• Digestive distress

• Abdominal pain

• Nausea

• Difficulty breathing

• Severe allergic reactions in some cases

Because symptoms can occur hours after eating, many people spend months or even years trying to figure out what’s causing them.

This is one reason awareness has increased so dramatically in recent years.

Families interested in learning more can visit: https://www.cdc.gov/alpha-gal-syndrome

A Few Other Illnesses Worth Knowing About

While Lyme disease and Alpha-gal syndrome tend to get the most attention, they aren’t the only health concerns linked to ticks.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Despite the name, this disease occurs in many parts of the United States. Symptoms may include fever, headache, rash, nausea, and muscle pain.

Ehrlichiosis

This bacterial illness can cause fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.

Anaplasmosis

Often producing flu-like symptoms, anaplasmosis is another condition transmitted through tick bites.

The good news is that these illnesses remain relatively uncommon compared to the number of people spending time outdoors every year.

Still, awareness helps parents know when symptoms warrant a conversation with a healthcare provider.

When Something Doesn’t Feel Quite Right

One challenge with tick-related illnesses is that symptoms often don’t appear immediately.

Sometimes a tick bite goes completely unnoticed.

That’s why it’s helpful to be aware of symptoms that develop days or even weeks after spending time outdoors.

Parents should consider contacting a healthcare provider if a family member develops:

• Unexplained fever

• Persistent fatigue

• Joint pain

• Muscle aches

• New rashes

• Unusual allergic reactions

• Digestive symptoms that seem connected to certain foods

Keeping track of outdoor activities and recent tick exposure can provide helpful information for healthcare providers.

As moms, we’re usually pretty good at noticing when something feels “off.” Even if you can’t quite put your finger on it, trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Can You Get Tested?

Many parents wonder whether testing is available.

The answer is yes, although the type of testing depends on the condition being investigated.

For Lyme disease, healthcare providers may order blood tests that look for antibodies associated with infection. Timing matters because the body may not produce detectable antibodies immediately after exposure.

For Alpha-gal syndrome, a healthcare provider or allergist may order an Alpha-gal IgE blood test. Medical history, symptoms, and dietary patterns are often considered alongside laboratory testing.

If symptoms are ongoing or concerning, it’s important to discuss them with a healthcare provider rather than relying solely on internet searches or social media posts.

Simple Ways to Protect Your Family Outdoors

No parent wants to spend the entire family hike conducting tick surveillance.

The goal isn’t to turn every outdoor adventure into a military operation.

A few simple habits can dramatically reduce your risk while still letting kids do what kids do best: run through the woods, climb things they probably shouldn’t climb, and come home covered in dirt.

Using insect repellents can help reduce tick exposure. Sawyer Permethrin Fabric Treatment can be applied to clothing and gear, while OFF! FamilyCare repellents remain a popular option for outdoor activities.

Wearing light-colored clothing can make ticks easier to spot.

Long pants tucked into socks may not win any fashion awards, but they can be surprisingly effective during hikes or walks through tall grass.

And perhaps most importantly, perform tick checks after spending time outdoors.

Checking behind the knees, around the waist, under arms, along the hairline, and behind the ears can help catch ticks before they remain attached for extended periods.

So You Found a Tick. Now What?

Let’s be honest.

Finding a tick attached to yourself is unpleasant.

Finding one attached to your child somehow feels worse, even though the removal process is exactly the same.

The good news is that experts recommend a straightforward approach.

Using fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure.

Avoid twisting, crushing, or using folk remedies such as nail polish, petroleum jelly, or matches.

After removal:

• Clean the area thoroughly

• Wash your hands

• Monitor for symptoms

• Note the date of the bite

Some families choose to save the tick for identification, particularly if symptoms develop later. A GOOD IDEA!

Services such as TickCheck offer tick identification and testing options for those who want additional information.

Where to Learn More

For families looking to learn more, several organizations provide reliable information and educational resources:

CDC Tick InformationCDC Alpha-gal Syndrome InformationGlobal Lyme AllianceLymeDisease.org

The Good News

Camping trips. Soccer tournaments. Nature walks. Fishing weekends. Backyard adventures that somehow end with everyone needing a bath.

Those experiences are part of childhood, and they should stay that way.

The goal isn’t to make families afraid of the outdoors. If anything, it’s the opposite.

Knowing what to look for, understanding the symptoms, and taking a few practical precautions can help you spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the things that make being outside worth it in the first place.

Because the outdoors is still one of the best places for families to make memories.

We just know a little more now about what to watch for along the way.

If this topic has you thinking more about family health, wellness, and some of the conversations more parents are having right now, you may also enjoy:

The Rise in Childhood Anxiety: What’s Behind It?
A closer look at the factors many experts believe are contributing to increasing anxiety levels in children and teens, along with resources families may find helpful.

Bright Colors, Big Questions: What to Know About Artificial Food Dyes
Why more parents are paying attention to ingredients hiding in everyday foods and drinks, and what to know about the growing conversation surrounding artificial dyes.

From Sneezes to Surprises: Motherhood Is Beautiful and Also a Little Leaky
A lighter, relatable look at some of the physical realities moms experience that nobody seems to talk about until you’re living through them.

The Low-Effort Travel Trend Moms Are Embracing
Why more families are choosing simpler, less stressful vacations and what that shift says about modern family life.

Because when it comes to raising healthy families, many of these conversations are connected, from what we eat and how we feel to the environments we’re spending time in every day.

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If your backyard entertaining space could stand some freshening and pops of color, the outdoor living experts at Big Lots point to these eight elements to turn any patio or deck into a paradise worthy of Mother Nature’s brilliance:

1. A perfect patio set

Patio furniture is the focal point of any outdoor living space, how you use your patio or deck should guide your choice of furnishings. If you’ll be doing a lot of outdoor dining, a table and chairs are essential. Do you envision relaxed evenings chatting with friends in a comfortable setting? Outdoor sofas, love seats, benches and gliders, arranged around a coffee table, can create an intimate area. Shopping for patio furniture doesn’t have to be a challenge; you can find a wide selection of affordable styles, colors, pieces and materials at home stores like Big Lots.

2. Colorful cushions and pillows

Even the most-loved, highest quality patio set can benefit from replacing old, faded cushions with something new, colorful and exciting. New cushions can completely change the look of your entire outdoor living space, and remind you why you fell in love with your furniture in the first place. Don’t just stop with replacing chair cushions, however. Add toss pillows in colors or patterns that compliment your chair cushions, and pile them on your outdoor sofa to create a comfortable, bright seating area.

3. Fabulous firepits

When the temperature drops on a spring evening, who wants to head indoors? Adding a firepit to your outdoor living space is a great way to extend your enjoyment of it well into the night. You don’t have to be a pro at building a fire to enjoy a firepit, either. Big Lots offers a gas-fueled firepit nestled inside a stone-topped table that makes starting a fire as easy as turning on the gas and flipping a switch. Arrange four plushly cushioned rockers around your firepit table, and you have the perfect spot for evening chats.

4. An enlightened atmosphere

Speaking of evenings outdoors, lights extend your entertaining hours and create inviting ambiance for patios and decks. Choose a mixture of light sources, such as candle-lit lanterns for a warm glow, solar lights to illuminate travel paths, and string lights that cast gentle light from above.

5. Smart shade sources

Of course, much of your outdoor time will be spent in the sun, so take steps to provide some shade for your patio or deck. A range of versatile shade sources fit virtually every decor theme, and patio or deck size. Have a large, open concrete patio? A gazebo with a canopy and netting can provide shade and keep insects away from guests and food. Want to move the shade with the sun? An offset umbrella with stand can help you put the shade exactly where you need it at any time of day. Traditional umbrellas shelter seating areas, and add bright pops of color to your outdoor decor.

6. Multiple seating areas

In addition to the focal point of your patio or deck, use patio furniture to create separate seating areas for more flexible entertaining. A small cast iron bistro set or bench situated beneath a tree is a great spot for quiet conversations, sipping your favorite beverage or relaxing with a good book. A glider near the patio or deck is sure to be a favorite spot for parent-child chats.

7. A great grill station

Whether you prefer a big, beautiful four-burner 48,000 BTU stainless steel gas grill or a traditional round charcoal kettle grill, a well-planned and efficient grilling station is a must for outdoor entertaining. Be sure to outfit your station with your grill of choice, a rack of accessories like a grilling tool set and grill brush, and a cooler for briefly storing food before it goes on the grill. Big Lots has everything you need to create a great grilling station.

8. A greener outdoor environment

If you truly want to celebrate Mother Nature’s creativity, what better way could there be than to decorate your outdoor living space with her handiwork? Arrange flowers and greens in containers in a variety of shapes and sizes throughout your outdoor entertainment area. A small, brightly colored pot of pansies makes a wonderful centerpiece for your patio table. Plant a tall fern or palm in a large, vividly hued pot and use it as a natural division between “rooms” in your outdoor living space.

You can find all these must-have elements and more at affordable prices at your local Big Lots. For more information, or to find a store near you, visit BigLots.com.

*BPT

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Five key layers of protection are:

1. Parent supervision

Nothing beats parent supervision. Proactive parent supervision is your most important tool in drowning prevention. When using the pool, active supervision means sitting close to the pool with your full attention on the child/children — no reading, no texting, just watching the pool. At parties/events, we recommend designating a person as a Water Watcher (we offer lanyards and whistles to give to the person to denote them), and change shifts every 15 minutes. Most drownings occur, though, when the child was thought to be in the house, nowhere near the pool area. In 67% of fatal drowning cases, a parent was responsible for supervising the child. So, supervision can and does fail, and that’s why you need additional layers of protection.

2. High locks on all doors and windows.

Locks out of the reach of children should be installed, and used, on every door and window that leads to the pool area. Lots of drownings happen because a parent didn’t know that the child had figured out the door knob, so don’t rely on the door being shut. Also, close up and doggy/pet doors that access the pool. Lots of children who drown got to the pool via a doggy door.

3. Pool Safety Fence

Pool fencing is the only layer of protection that physically isolates the backyard from the pool. Fences should be at least 4′ tall and have a self-closing, self-latching gate. Mesh pool safety fence, like Life Saver Pool Fence, has proven to be an effective layer of protection for over 45 years. It’s very transparent, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to remove when entertaining only adults.

4. Alarms

Drowning is silent. Alarms break that silence. There are door/window alarms, alarms that sit in the pool, and our favorite, the Safety Turtle which is worn on the child.  If the child falls into the pool, an alarm inside that house goes off.

5. Swimming Lessons

All children should receive swimming lessons as early as their parents and pediatricians feel comfortable. Swimming lessons can begin earlier than one might think, some organizations training even infants to roll over and float, and to swim to the edge of the pool in the event that they fall in. 

5.5 CPR

And if all of the other layers of protection fail, parents should be trained in CPR. Knowledge of CPR can make the difference between life, permanent disability, and death.

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Having champagne taste on a beer budget is not the business, especially for fellow fashionistas. But lucky for you, we’ve done the legwork and found ways for you to stock up on essential summer scents without breaking the bank. Shop our list of favorites below and sniff your way to aromatic bliss.

Love2Love Jasmine + Sparkling Mimosa Mist ($7-$10)

Winner of the CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women) Insider’s Choice Beauty Award 2015, this indulgent fragrance is the perfect pairing of freshness and decadence. With its youthful aroma of peony, raspberry honeysuckle and jasmine, this lighthearted tonic is ideal for those seeking a boost of energy and sheer happiness.

Liz Claiborne “Sweet Desire” ($25-30)

Jasmine, lychee fruit, honeyed amber and sheer vanilla are just a few of the sumptuous scents mingled together in this charming perfume. With a price tag that is easy on the wallet, it makes the perfect present for women of all ages, and an affordable addition to your own perfume collection.

Paris Hilton “Tease” ($17-21)

Perhaps Paris Hilton doesn’t get enough credit in the world of fashion and fragrance, so we’re happy to dispel those bad vibes by including her fragrance “Tease” to our list of must-haves this summer. With warm floral and fruit notes including peaches, white flowers, Fuji apple and night blooming jasmine, this mature yet contemporary fragrance meets the mark in our book.

Tokyo Milk “Crushed” ($36)

Wild grasses and blossoming herbs make Tokyo Milk “Crushed” perfume an organic feast for the senses. Part of the Femme Fatale collection, “Crushed” breaks the mold by infusing earthy notes of moss and herbs to create a stunning array of rich, plant-based fragrances not readily found in other perfumes on the market. It’s definitely worth a try for those seeking a dark yet exciting break from traditional scents.

Zara “Rose” ($20-$30)

On the skin, this fragrance mimics that of Dior J’adore, but at a fraction of the cost. Zara effortlessly provides shoppers with luxurious products at unbelievably affordable prices, making us question why we purchased Dior or any other high-end label in the first place! Though elusive, Zara’s expansive perfume collection is a must-try (your best bet is Ebay or Amazon).

The post Favorite Summer Fragrances for Budget-Conscious Fashionistas appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

The month of May marks the nation’s annual Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and as the most common cancer among Americans, we wanted to spread the word about organizations and products that are making a difference in the fight against this often-times preventable malady. Shop these must must-haves with us as we spend for a cause this month.

Most beach-goers turn to sunscreen to protect their skin against the threat of sun damage, but it’s important to know the options before making a purchase. If you’re looking for a safer, healthier and organic sunscreen product, look no further than Coola sun care. Coola’s expansive line of organic face and body UV protection has us feeling ready for summer with SPFs ranging from 15 to 50. With a plethora of eco-friendly and plant-based ingredients like avocado butter, bark oil, beeswax and acai fruit oil (just to name a few), we’re completely sold on Coola’s approach to organic sun protection. And because skin cancer isn’t only a human problem, Coola makes a healthy sunscreen spray for your furry friends, Fido and Sea Biscuit. If you have a dog or horse that loves the sun as much as you, consider adding Coola’s vet recommended pet products to their daily outdoor routine.

Spending the summer soaking up the sun is nice in theory, but it leaves your skin dehydrated and in need of repair. Quench your skin’s thirst with moisturizing lotions by bodycology. bodycology’s line of aromatic lotions to smooth over your skin for long-lasting hydration. Our favorite – Bronze Amber Obsession. Formulated with skin softening ingredients including Shea, Cocoa and Jojoba butters and aloe vera, this indulgently fragrant cream will do your body good after the summer sun’s wear and tear on your skin. Click the logo below to explore bodycology’s full line of luscious lotions and other beauty products to get you through the summer.

To raise awareness of Skin Cancer Awareness Month this May, sun-protective clothing company Cabana Life has partnered with Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) to launch the Stand Up & Protect Campaign – a charitable effort with 100% of net proceeds from its 50+ UV protective rashguards going to support the fight against cancer. That’s right, being rashguard ready this summer means protecting yourself from the dangers of harmful sun rays, while taking a stand against skin cancer.  Rashguards by Cabana Life block 98% of dangerous UVA and UVB rays, leaving skin safe and supple throughout the summer. Shop this feminine collection of sleek stripes, zippers and prints at CabanaLife.com.

We have many reasons to thank Australia for their contributions to the modern world – I’m talking of course about Chris Hemsworth, Hugh Jackman and Eric Bana. But aside from these uber-sexy Aussies, we’ve more to be grateful for from the Down Unda’ thanks to Lovin’ Summer Beach Tents. These durable and adorable easy-to-pitch beach tents are perfect for solo or small family gatherings to keep away those troublesome sunrays with its 99% UV protection. Colorful canvases are available for stylish sunscreening with optimal protection. Its lightweight design makes it a perfect portable for even the laziest beach bums. Throw some shade in style this summer with a simple yet innovative Lovin’ Summer Beach Tent.

For the most protection against the sun, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises sun-lovers to wear wide-brimmed hats while enjoying the great outdoors. For ultimate coverage and a fun addition to your summer wardrobe, add a striped beach hat from UV Skinz collection of chic SPF apparel. The bendable six inch brim provides ideal shade for your ears, neck and face, all while keeping you looking stunning in your new sunscreen accessory. Choose between classic black and white stripes or flashy and flirty pink and white stripes.

The post 5 Must-Have Products to Keep You Safe in the Summer Sun appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Summer camps aren’t just for kids anymore, and adults the world over are starting to take note. According to the American Camp Association, an estimated 1 million adults now partake in the summer camp experience each year. And this enthusiasm for camping runs the gamut—as does the age of participants—from nostalgia and summer camp first-timers to adventure hounds and fun seekers.

Some camps seem like an extension of your local sorority, endless alcohol and parties and single adults on the prowl. Others are business- or adventure-minded, and hark back to the days before modern conveniences became such a prominent fixture in our lives.

Regardless of your niche, or your reason for wanting to explore this brave new world of adult summer camps, be sure to do your homework when picking a destination and, above all else, have fun.

Check out this list of adult-themed summer camps. Make new friends. Relive the good ol’ days. Your choice—you’re an adult now. You’ve earned it!

The Graham & Co.

Inspired by the idea of a weekend getaway, this “camp,” located in Phoenicia, New York, will appeal to those looking for secluded old-school charm. Guests can enjoy cozy rooms with Tivoli radios, an outdoor pool, classic films projected on an outdoor screen, and a bar. Guests can also play outdoor games on the grounds, and there are a host of relaxing activities in the surrounding Catskills, such as tubing and swimming. For more information, be sure to visit: http://www.thegrahamandco.com/

Club Getaway

This hot spot camp is located in South Kent, Connecticut. It’s one of the more popular adult summer camps, with fully-stocked bars, dance parties, new friends, and great food. Recreational activities include water sports, team sports and adventure sports, running the gamut from zip lining, rock climbing and trapeze to dodge ball, volleyball and waterskiing. There are dinner parties, happy hours and late night campfires to take full advantage of as well. Club Getaway tends to sell out rather quickly, so be sure to visit the website for more details and reservations: http://www.clubgetaway.com/getaways/

Basecamp Hotel

This upscale camping experience in South Lake Tahoe will have you wishing you camped more often. Basecamp Hotel offers guests a rooftop hot tub, private balconies and excellent, outdoorsy ambience. There’s even a suite available with a tent over the bed, a faux fireplace and glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling! Guests can engage in biking, hiking, and water sports in the nearby Lake Tahoe surroundings, then be back in time for food, fun and a bit of sophisticate relaxation. For more information, visit: http://www.basecamphotels.com/

Camp Wandawega

Looking for an old-school camp experience? Well then look no further than Camp Wandawega, located in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. With its “Manifesto of Low Expectations,” the camp reminds all potential campers that it’s not some modern-day luxury camp parading as vintage and old-school. Camp Wandawega is the real deal camp experience! Campers have access to a private beach, as well as many recreational activities, including archery, fishing, biking, boating, and horse shoes, to name a few. There are a number of restaurants, bars and grills nearby that serve tasty treats and American favorites, and outdoor grills and smokers are also available at the camp. Visit the Camp Wandawega website for details: http://www.wandawega.com/

Moab Under Canvas

Located just north of Moab, Utah, this luxury camping experience is also just moments away from the entrance to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Luxury camping, or glamping, as it’s called, is a way for those who want the activities and outdoors mixed with top-notch accommodations and leisure to have it all. The camp even offers suites and upgraded, deluxe rooms. Recreational activities include mountain climbing, hot air ballooning, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Jeep rentals, scenic flights and Hummer tours are also available. For more information, be sure to visit: http://www.moabundercanvas.com/

Camp Grounded

Another popular summer camp that urges campers to reconnect by disconnecting from modern conveniences, Camp Grounded offers two locations of fun-filled activities. Whether campers choose Camp Mendocino in Mendocino, California or Camp Pinnacle in Hendersonville, North Carolina, the theme remains the same: have fun, unwind and leave your problems behind! The camp offers a plethora of playshops and workshops, including archery, laughter yoga, wellness programs, stilt walking, cooking classes, and, yes, basket weaving. There’s live music, sing-a-longs, late night shows, and campfire sessions. For more informations and to make a reservation, visit: http://campgrounded.org/

Wine Camp

Wine camping is a popular way of combining adventure, destination and education all into one event. Though there are many wine camps around, one of the more popular ones can be found in Long Island’s wine country. At Wine Camp in the North Fork of Long Island, campers enjoy four jam-packed days of hands-on experience learning about wines and tasting what the region has to offer. There’s dinner, al fresco lunches, food and wine pairings, and vineyard visits. Campers can also blend their own wines and work with local winemakers as well. And to top it all off? You get to take wine home—an entire case of it! For more information or to inquire, please visit: http://www.winecamp.org/

Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp

Located in Las Vegas, Nevada, this camp offers both wannabe rockers and those with serious musical talent the chance to rock out with top touring artists. Campers can take part in a one-day experience or, for those with a bit more time, a 3-5 day camp experience at one of the destination camps. Campers can learn and/or perfect their musical know-how while writing, recording and performing original music for family, friends or even perfect strangers at a local venue during one of the destination camps’ live shows. So if you’ve always wanted to be in a band, or go to a cooler version of a band camp, now’s your chance! For more information about services offered, be sure to visit: http://www.rockcamp.com/

Great Horror Campout

Imagine going to a haunted house, willingly. Now imagine the house is a tent in the woods, and you have to stay in this wooded camp for twelve hours. If you’ve imagined this without passing out, you just might have what it takes to endure the interactive horror that is the Great Horror Campout in Sherman Oaks, California! This camp is for those obsessed with horror movies, or those who just happen to like a little fright. If you’d just like a mild scare, you can stay in the Chicken Zone, and partake in watching horror movies, sing-a-longs, telling ghost stories, and other arts & crafts. For those wanting full-throttle fright, book a tent outside the Chicken Zone, where you will be fair game for all of the things that go bump in the night! Outside of the Chicken Zone, campers will engage in a hunt for items that will pit them against other campers, as well as dodging horror movie fiends. There’s a safe word as well, in case things get too real for you. For more information, visit: http://www.greathorrorcampout.com/

Zombie Survival Camp

If zombies are your thing, this survival camp will definitely provide you with the tools you’ll need to survive any zombie apocalypse! The camp, located in central New Jersey, has accommodations and dining quarters, as well as a private shooting range for use. It offers daily training, as well as training for special events and weekends. Even if you’re already set for the zombie apocalypse, survival skills are taught that will also apply to catastrophes other than pesky zombies. For more information, or to book your training, visit: http://www.zombiesurvivalcamp.com/

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Spring is here and summer is just around the corner!  Kids are tired of being pent up indoors due to cold weather.  Getting outdoors and breathing in the fresh air is healthy for you and your kids.  There are a myriad of things to do outdoors, whether you are in the city or in the country.  If you’re looking for some new ideas to get your family moving outdoors, try these simple, yet fun ideas:

• Kids are fascinated about how things grow.  Create a fresh herb garden in a window box.  Allow them to help decorate the planter box, fill it with dirt and plant the seeds.  Teach them about watering and sunlight to help the plants flourish.  Let them be in charge of watching for the spouts to push through the dirt.  Incorporate the fresh herbs in your cooking.  The kids will be proud to have been a part of the fresh ingredients they helped cultivate.

• Get out and walk through your neighborhood.  Point out the different types of plants in your neighbors’ yards.  Talk about the types of plants that grow well in your region due to rain, temperature and growing season.  If you have bunnies or other wildlife that come through, talk about the types of plants that attract them into populated areas.

• Do outdoor activities as a family.  Go for a hike in the mountains or local trails, go fishing in a lake or stream, play games at the park.  Staying active and getting fresh air is good for kids and adults alike.  If you live near state parks, go on a picture safari.  Capture photos of local wildlife and flora and fauna.  Make it educational and see how many plants and animals the kids can spot.

• Go geocaching.  Get a compass and draw a map.  Send the kids on a small scavenger hunt that requires reading a map and a compass.  Leave small trinkets for the kids to find along the way.  Split the family into two teams headed by Mom and Dad and see who can find all of the items on the treasure hunt list first.

• If you live near lakes or the ocean, go to the beach and build sand castles.  See who can build the tallest towers and turrets.  Be creative and try to make animal themed sand castles.  Kids love to use their hands and get dirty.  What could be more fun than getting Mom and Dad dirty too!

Kids enjoy being outdoors and they love having Mom and Dad outdoors playing with them.  Being outside provides opportunities for bonding, exercising and education.  Choose an event each week that you can share with your kids.  You may be surprised at how much you enjoy getting back to the basics.

 
About Shira Stein and PishPoshBaby:
Shira Stein is the lead Mom Rep at online baby and parenting gear company, PishPoshBaby.com.  She drives many of the company’s product selections based on experience, testing and customer feedback. In addition, she provides moms and dads with real world advice about the ups and downs of parenting and helps them navigate this special journey. The dream of PishPoshBaby was born out of a desire to find the more reliable baby products and advice available to real moms just like you.  Their high-quality online store supplies facts and advice to parents who are completely lost in the whirlwind of baby gear.  Visit their site at www.pishposhbaby.com for more information and follow their blog.  You can also “LIKE” them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @pishposhbaby, Pinterest, and Instagram.

The post Teaching Your Kids To Appreciate the Outdoors appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

No school. Sleepovers. Beaches. Pools. Camps. Flip Flops. Barbecues. Lemonade. Sunscreen. Sand castles. Warm air. Sun. Fun. Memories. Summer is one of the best seasons of the year and it’s just around the corner! Whether you have the summer filled with fun vacation plans or just plan on spending time with your kids at home there is no way you can go wrong.  Or so you thought…

During this fabulous time of the year it is often hard to stick to a healthy lifestyle. This seems strange since summer is a perfect time for fruit and lighter meals. Even so, sometimes it’s hard to say no to yummy chips and dip, barbecue and sweet treats. And it’s not only a challenge to make sure you stay on track, but since your kids may not always be with you, it’s hard to keep track of what they eat too. So when you are invited to a birthday, barbecue or pool party etc., go ahead, be the parent that brings the delicious and nutritious food and beverage. Also, be sure those summer cocktails aren’t wracking up your calorie count by looking for healthier versions and substitutes.

Here are a few of our summer secrets to help make sure you and your family stay healthy!

Ice, ice baby! If you and your kids have a favorite hot beverage, instead of turning to sugary soda, just add ice to your favorite and hopefully healthier drink. Ice is also great for making shaved ice, which is a perfect alternative for ice cream. Iced tea, iced coffee, frozen hot chocolate or low-fat chocolate milk.

Smoothies are your best friends! Smoothies are one of the best ways to satisfy hunger and a sweet tooth at the same time. The possible ingredient list is endless…from milk to juice to fresh fruit to honey to Greek yogurt. These are a great addition to breakfast or a great midday snack and kids love them!

Hummus! Hummus is a perfect alternative to chips and dip, whether its store bought or homemade it is healthier than most other dips and super yummy. The best thing about this is that if you make your own, you can create your own flavors; all it requires is garbanzo beans, a food processor (or blender), olive oil, seasoning (garlic, pepper, cumin), lemon juice and Tahini. The flavor options are endless… avocado, sun-dried tomato, jalapeño, black olive and roasted red pepper to name a few.

Eat fresh fruit! With summer comes all different kinds of fruits in season: peaches, apricots, blackberries, boysenberries, honeydew, cantaloupe plus many more, check out a full list at http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/whats-in-season-summer. There are so many great ways to use these fruits, add them your salads, make grilled peaches for dessert, make a fruit glaze for your meat, make fruit salad or add it to your drinks!

Substitute! A great way to make dishes healthier is to substitute the unhealthy ingredients for healthy ingredients. For example potato salad calls for mayonnaise so go ahead and switch that out with Greek yogurt. Pinterest is a great tool for finding healthier substitutions. So, the next time you are invited to a summer BBQ and you need to bring something, look at the ingredients and see what you can do to make it healthier. There is almost always something that can be substituted!

Here’s a great summer salad recipe to get you started! Click on the image below.

Happy Summer!

The post Summer Secrets for Health appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.