Good Housekeeping articles from September 2006

Good Housekeeping archives from September 2006

Small wonders.(On your mind: LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2006... Thank you for your article on pediatric medical devices ("Saving the Smallest Patients," July). My daughter was the first child to receive a pediatric defibrillator for long QT syndrome, last January, and I'm happy to report that today she is...

Teens talk back.(On your mind: LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2006... As teenagers, my friends and I were shocked to read "Teen Dating: A Mom's Guide" (July). The article makes it seem like we are sex-crazed and rebellious. While some teens are like this, many of us are very responsible and have open and honest...

Skin saver.(On your mind: LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2006... Thank you for urging readers to check their skin for suspicious moles (Good Health, June). I decided to see a dermatologist about a dark-colored freckle after reading the reminder. It turned out to be cancerous, but the doctor believes we...

Protecting the earth.(On your mind: LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2006... Several readers wrote to say how much they appreciated the list of eco-friendly tips in July's "50 Easy Ways to Go Green." Karen Skinner particularly liked the information on buying hard-to-find organic baby clothes; Barbara Carmichael thanked...

Garden delight.(On your mind: LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2006... I was so excited to read about Glenn Hillman's beautiful garden ("Blooming Beauty," June). I'm an avid gardener, and the story gave me lots of new tips and ideas to try. I look forward to future stories with the same type of how-to information....

"Will alcohol in shampoo dry out my hair?".(E-mail our expert)
September 1, 2006... No, the alcohols used in shampoo are safe for your hair. Skin creams with alcohol are also fine. But your confusion is understandable. There are different kinds of alcohol, and one of them--rubbing alcohol--will indeed rob your hair or skin of...

Did you know?(GOOD HOUSEKEEPING INSTITUTE: GH on your side)
September 1, 2006... The Good Housekeeping Institute helped create the fabric-care labels that you see on clothing today.

"I never got my mail-in rebate!".(GH TO THE RESCUE)
September 1, 2006... Ouch! Last November, I bought an all-in-one printer, fax machine, and copier made by Brother. The machine came with a $35 manufacturer's mail-in rebate, and I followed the instructions precisely to make sure I'd get the money back. I even...

A place for Ethan.(Blessings)(the Whole Children Center for autistic children)(Personal account)
September 1, 2006... having a child with autism means working hard to seem as if you're just fine. When asked how you're doing, you tell a handful of stories that gloss over the worst of it. So when my friend Carrie asked if I would help her start an after-school...

Fighting hidden dirt: how to banish the grease spots, dust bunnies, and grimy messes that lurk in the most overlooked places in your home.(Good advice: HELOISE TO THE RESCUE)
September 1, 2006... Baseboards I like to put on old socks, spray a bit of cleaning fluid on them, and slide my feet along the baseboard, sticking my toes into corners to get at that hard-to-reach dust. It's good exercise--and the cleaning gets done. Sofa...

Pop quiz.(Good advice: PEGGY POST ON MODERN MANNERS)
September 1, 2006... Your teenage niece and nephew never write thank-you notes. You've let their mother know how you feel, but the situation never improves. You want to keep giving them presents, but you think they're being rude. What should you do? (a)...

Pet peeve.(Good advice: PEGGY POST ON MODERN MANNERS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... The woman who works near me always grooms herself at her desk--filing her nails or flossing her teeth. It's distracting and more than a little icky. How do I get her to stop? Yuck! While it's fine to apply hand lotion or do a quick...

You asked, Peggy answers.(Good advice: PEGGY POST ON MODERN MANNERS)
September 1, 2006... Q: My son's girlfriend is of a different race. That's fine with me, but I'm concerned that my parents might say something awkward. How can I make sure they don't? A: Before the next gathering, talk to your room and dad politely but...

Do you have to answer questions about money?(Good advice: PEGGY POST ON MODERN MANNERS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... A friend always asks how much your things cost, from your sweater to your house. Is it rude to refuse to specify? Peggy says: No, it's not rude. Some people, even total strangers, have no qualms about probing into personal money matters....

Dry cleaning demystified: a GH Institute guide to the process, the problems, and what you should know to protect your clothes--and your pocketbook.(Good advice)
September 1, 2006... Q: Sometimes my clothes come back smelling like chemicals. Is that OK? A: No. Dry cleaning uses a chemical solvent (instead of water) that removes dirt and stains without shrinking or damaging fabrics. But the solvent should be filtered...

Sounds to make you sleepy.(Good health)
September 1, 2006... Next time you turn off the lights, turn on the CD player. Listening to music at bedtime can help you nod off faster, sleep longer, and feel more rested in the morning, according to a study from Case Western Reserve University. The type of tune...

A little exercise, a lot of benefit.(Good health)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Arthritis sufferers don't have to work up a sweat to benefit from physical activity: In a study from Northwestern University, patients who were only moderately active (they walked several times a week for 20 or 30 minutes) stayed as mobile as a...

Stop sipping! Surprising news about diet soda.(Good health)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... One woman drinks only calorie-free soft drinks; the other chooses the sugary regular versions that pack some 150 calories a can. Yet it's the first woman who's more likely to become overweight in the long run, according to research from the...

Skin allergies: what's making you itch?(Good health)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... According to the Mayo Clinic, these substances are among the most likely to cause contact dermatitis--an itchy red rash that may appear a couple of days after exposure: 1. Nickel (found in jewelry, buttons, zippers, belt buckles) 2....

"Racially profiled" vitamin pills.(Good health)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... If you're African-American, Caucasian, or Hispanic, you can now buy supplements formulated for the "unique metabolic needs" of your ethnic group. (Products for Asians are in development.) But should you? Research does show different risk...

Stop a cold sore instantly.(Good health)(famciclovir )(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... The antiviral drug famciclovir (brand name: Famvir) shortens healing time and lessens the pain of cold sores with just one dose, according to a recent study. The drug works for recurrent genital herpes outbreaks as well, but for either kind of...

Gimmick in a bottle.(Good health)
September 1, 2006... Tempted to try the new oxygenated water because of claims that drinking it before you exercise will make your workout easier? Buy new sneakers instead. The trendy beverages have names like Aqua Rush, Life O2, and Athletic Super Water. But a...

Back talk: new treatments can mean an end to pain. Sit up (straight!) and read on.(Good health)
September 1, 2006... Your grandmother may have called it lumbago--that grabbing, aching, stiffening, or shooting pain that hits the lower back. But even if the name is out of fashion, the condition is no less common today: Over their lifetimes, an estimated 80...

What he didn't tell her: at first, Rick Scott was too embarrassed to talk to his mom about the lump he'd found. But he did call his doctor.(Good health)(high school athlete undergoes treatment for testicular cancer)
September 1, 2006... rick Scott knew he had an emotional crowd cheering him on at the 2002 North Carolina state high school swimming championships. But he wasn't prepared for the reaction when he won his event, the 100-yard breaststroke. A soft-spoken young man not...

Don't make this online money mistake.(Money talk)(receiving credit card statements through e-mail increases the chance of identity theft)
September 1, 2006... To cut mailing costs, some banks are encouraging cardholders to receive their monthly account statements via e-mail. But while it's tempting to take the paperless plunge (goodbye, overstuffed file drawer), in this case, it may pay to be...

Save money every day: feel like cash is flying out of your wallet? Here's how you can cut the cost of everything from cat food to designer clothes.(Money)
September 1, 2006... 1 Shop at more than one store Yes, it takes more time--but there can be a payoff. When Wharton business school students studied shoppers who cherry-picked the best deals at two different grocery stores, it turned out the consumers saved an...

Dream job: how she built an eBay antiques empire.(Money: NEW COLUMN)(Lynn Dralle)(Biography)
September 1, 2006... Her motivation Lynn Dralle grew up loving her grandmother's antiques shop in Bellingham, Washington. So when her ailing grandma needed help running the store, Dralle took on the responsibility. But she was soon in a bind: Her grandmother's...

Great tech features you never use ...(the Best of Everything: TESTING FROM THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING INSTITUTE)
September 1, 2006... ALARM CLOCK IN YOUR CELL PHONE How it works Look for the word alarm under the Organizer or Tools menu. Use the keypad to set your time. The advantages You can get a daily reminder of just about anything--for example, that you need to...

Cord control: tangled wires driving you crazy? How to hide and organize them.(the Best)(WireMate)(Cable Turtle)(Roundit 2000)(CordMate II)(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2006... If your desk or entertainment center is a big mess (like the one shown at left), don't live another day without the WireMate ($19.95). You can wrap your cords around the sturdy slats in this lightweight box, then snap on the cover to hide them....

Tastiest natural potato chips.(the Best)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... America's favorite crispy snacks now come in healthier versions--but having ditched certain fats and artificial flavors, will they still satisfy cravings? Our testers sampled five brands in three flavors to find the yummiest spuds. Lay's...

Cool gear for the kitchen: want to revamp your countertop? Check out these smart new appliances, all tested by the GH Institute.(the Best >> BUYER'S GUIDE)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... SO NICE FOR RICE The compact Cuisinart 4-Cup Rice Cooker CRC-400 ($80) does the job as quickly as a stovetop. In our tests, rice came out tender but not overcooked, and it didn't burn at the bottom. This multitasking appliance also lets...

Calling young chefs!(spatulatta.com)(Website overview)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Here's a fun way to stir up your child's interest in the kitchen: Introduce her to spatulatta.com, a cooking Web site for kids. Earlier this year, the site won a James Beard Foundation Award, given for excellence in food journalism, and it now...

Smokeless but harmful.(thumbs down)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Parents, take note: Three smokeless, spit-free tobacco products--Taboka, Skoal Dry, and Camel Snus--are now hitting the market. "They're hard to spot in the mouth, so kids can use them secretly," warns Matthew Myers of the Campaign for...

How to start a blood drive.(Family time)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... The Red Cross is reaching out to high schools and colleges across the country, looking for blood donors. In most states, kids must be 17 in order to give (though some states allow 16-year-olds to participate). Visit givelife.org to find out how...

Tame your kid's temper: is the anger normal--or out-of-bounds? How to tell the difference, and what to do.(Family)(answers from Jerry Wilde, educational psychologist)(Interview)
September 1, 2006... for some coolheaded advice, GH turned to Jerry Wilde, Ph.D., an educational psychologist and a professor at Indiana East University. The father of two children, ages eight and 11, Wilde has written several books and conducted numerous workshops...

Lessons in hope: turning lemons into lemonade.(your Good life)
September 1, 2006... When we first spoke, Jessica, * 39, could see only hurdles in front of her. Her husband, Tom, had recently been fired from his job as a marketing consultant, and she'd just found out that her position as a music teacher was being eliminated....

Lassie's back! From a new movie to her own line of pet food, America's favorite canine has plenty of reasons to wag her tail.(Real lives)
September 1, 2006... talk about working like a dog: Since last summer, this collie has starred in a motion picture, toured the globe, and launched a line of dog food. Of course, she isn't just any old pooch. The name she answers to is none other than Lassie. ...

Recipe for a happy life: best-selling author Anna Quindlen on savoring the everyday, loving your kids, and learning to let go. Plus: a few choice words on Paris Hilton!(Real lives)(Narrative biography)
September 1, 2006... my usual reaction to waking up in the morning and going outside is to say 'Hotcha!'" Anna Quindlen declares. The prizewinning journalist/novelist is a woman who takes nothing for granted. "I feel pretty good about being alive," she continues,...

Meredith Vieira uncensored: getting ready for her new assignment on the Today show, Meredith Vieira shams her private side--from the crisis that made her marriage stronger to why her kids think she's a mess.(wit, wisdom & warmth)(Narrative biography)(Cover story)
September 1, 2006... though it's a mild, sunny day, it would be entirely understandable if Meredith Vieira arrived for lunch in a snit. She'd planned to have a driver take her to the restaurant where we're meeting, inside New York City's Central Park, but...

Chair lift: don't toss that ratty old furniture just yet! It's easy to turn it around with a few yards of a fabric you love.(makeover miracles)
September 1, 2006... Maybe you have sentimental reasons for keeping a chair even though it's seen better days, or maybe you just love the shape. Before you splurge on a replacement, consider a cover-up (prices can be as low as $150 plus fabric): New upholstery from...

Fashion E.R.: at an Illinois hospital, we found staffers who needed some style--stat! Turn the page to see them trade in their scrubs for some great looks from Liz Claiborne.(makeover miracles)
September 1, 2006... "Away from work, I can't seem to get out of sweats."--JENNY VOGT, R.N., 30 SURGICAL NURSE [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I haven't bought new clothes since high school."--KAREN FISH, M.D., 32 OB-GYN [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "My closet...

Little tips, big changes: turn your "befores" into "afters" with this simple beauty and fashion advice.(makeover miracles)
September 1, 2006... Customize your SNEAKERS Jazz up a neutral canvas shoe (like these cute khaki Keds) by adding a fun fabric pin or by simply replacing the standard-issue laces with colorful new ones or with ribbons. Anything goes (but nothing too wide)....

Transformed! Yes, you can reinvent yourself--as these daring double takes prove. All it takes is a few key hair, makeup, and fashion changes.(makeover miracles)
September 1, 2006... PATRICIA LORENZ, 36 Crane operator goes girly-girl * RICH, SHINY HAIR Clairol colorist Marcy Cona mixed Natural Instincts Toasted Almond and Amber Shimmer to give Patricia this golden-brown hue. * WARM, NATURAL MAKEUP To make her tawny...

Extreme hair makeover.(makeover miracles)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Extensions Get instant gratification with DIY clip-in pieces (about $50 for a day or two of wear) or salon extensions (upward of $600 for about three months' wear). THE TRANSFORMATION In less than two hours, Matrix stylist Richard...

A better bedroom: with the help of Chris Madden, a run-of-the-mill room becomes a soothing space filled with light and fresh color.(makeover miracles)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Delicate green walls and architectural details gave this space potential, but the dark accents and eclectic furniture weren't living together well. So Chris Madden and her design team stepped in, contributing furniture and bedding from her...

The dish doctor: whether you're entertaining or just kicking dinner up a notch, these gourmet styling ideas will make your food simply spectacular in a few easy steps.(makeover miracles)(Recipe)
September 1, 2006... Raspberry cream torte * Whip 1 cup heavy cream with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Reserve 1 cup for frosting; fold 1/2 cup raspberries into the rest. * Cut 10.75-ounce pound cake in half horizontally. Scoop out the...

From messy to marvelous! As the winner of our clutter contest, Diane Barry had her home transformed: this jam-packed space was turned into a beautiful spare room. Now try our tips to get your home organized.(makeover miracles)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... When Diane Barry and her family moved into their Murfreesboro, Tennessee, home two years ago, the spare room became a magnet for clutter. Though Diane tried to maintain order, she was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stuff, and it only became...

Doorway do-over: a splash of unexpected color is an easy way to update your entry and make a great first impression.(makeover miracles)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... WHITE CAN BE BORING [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ENTRY ENVY Refresh your doorway and add curb appeal with a rich green. Consider Blarney Stone from Glidden. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PEPPER RED Create a grand entrance with a...

A swap meet find just got fancier.(makeover miracles)
September 1, 2006... Step 1: Hunt for headboard We spotted the iron garden gate above at a swap meet and loved its delicate lines; you could also look at salvage yards and garage sales. Step 2: Freshen up The rusty metal needed help. After we applied a paint...

Wooden it be lovely?(makeover miracles)
September 1, 2006... Pretty up your privy with a luxurious seat made of oak, maple, or pine. Place other natural touches around the powder room for a look that's both down-to-earth and upscale.

Grumpy? Feel better fast: grumpy?(makeover miracles)(depression)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... * Check in with yourself In a funk but don't know why? Take the HALT test: Are you Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired? If the answer to any of these is yes, then you know what to do: Grab a snack, vent your frustration to a friend, call up...

How to change the habit you hate.(makeover miracles)(quitting smoking)(Personal account)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... When it comes to self-transformation, giving up smoking is a big step--and a tough one. My son, now 22, got hooked as a teen but managed to keep it secret. Who would've thought that a soccer fanatic who practiced daily was also puffing his way...

Fido fix-up: a shaggy pound pooch gets a new look--and a new life.(makeover miracles)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... I loved Fern at first sight, when she was quivering like Jell-O in her cage at Animal Care and Control. She smelled like an outhouse and looked like a cross between a hyena and Mary's little lamb. With that immediate trust that only dogs have,...

Love without end: on September 11, 2001, Ann Haynes lost the husband she adored. In her grief, she turned to three other young women who'd suffered a similar loss. They called themselves the Widows Club, and in this moving excerpt, Ann tells about their special bond ... and the happiness she never thought she'd find again.(EXCLUSIVE BOOK BONUS)(excerpt from "Love You, Mean It")(Excerpt)
September 1, 2006... After the first anniversary of September 11, I decided to take off my wedding and engagement rings and put them away. It was hard. I'd found such comfort in seeing the rings on my hand--a reminder of how much I'd been loved, that I'd had...

5 ingredient dinners: a great meal doesn't have to be complicated. These fast and delicious dishes are easy on your grocery list.(home cooking)(Recipe)
September 1, 2006... good stuff What's different about these open-faced cabbage rolls? They are made on the stovetop in no time flat! Filled with seasoned rice, beef, tomatoes, and mint, the bundles pack in flavor. Tip Start with meat, fish, or beans, add...

Supper shortcuts.(IN SUSAN'S KITCHEN)(cooking)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Is prep work one of your pet peeves? You can cut down on cooking time with my solutions to your dinnertime dilemmas. * "Grating fresh ginger is such a chore. The strings get stuck in my grater." Try a Microplane grater to make this job a...

Free shaker.(home cooking)
September 1, 2006... One hundred readers will receive a filled cherry-red Chef'n Bistro Grind Combo Grinder salt-and-pepper grinder in one (retail value, $17.99). See page 218 for details. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

What to cook now: spaghetti squash.(home cooking)(Recipe)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Succulent, crunchy spaghetti squash blends perfectly with our favorite flavors for a family-friendly side dish. To prepare Halve a 3-pound squash lengthwise; scoop out and discard seeds and stringy membranes. Place squash, cut sides...

Ultimate brownies.(home cooking/favorites)(Recipe)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Check out this very simple fudgy dessert from our new book Brownies/Good Housekeeping Favorite Recipes (Hearst Books, 2006). hazelnut brownies Prepare 1 box (19.5 to 22.5 ounces) family-size brownie mix as label directs. Stir in 1 cup...

Lower-sodium soup.(WHAT WE'RE TESTING)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... If you love soup but are watching your sodium intake, help has arrived. Campbell's is rolling out new soups and introducing updated versions of its classics--and all of them incorporate a unique all-natural sea salt that's lower in sodium than...

Quick pick: frozen berries.(home cooking/favorites)(Recipe)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Grab a bag and try these ideas. SIMPLE SORBET Blend a bag of mixed berries in the food processor until the fruit resembles finely shaved ice. With processor running, add 3/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt, 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar, and 1...

26 minutes to thin: our walking plan will take you from flab to fab--fast.(diet fitness)
September 1, 2006... Stuck with stubborn pounds? You can stride your way to a slimmer you--no marathons required. Just try my simple plan. Here's how it works: Every day for four weeks, you'll spend 26 minutes walking: a three-minute warm-up, a 20-minute power...

Recall alerts.(consumer news)
September 1, 2006... Recall alerts Are there unsafe products in your home? Check the following list. These items were recalled by manufacturers in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. For more information, contact the companies...

Easiest ways to burn 100 calories.(the Good list)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Ready to lose weight? Figure out how much time you have, then choose any one of these activities. 10 Minutes * Jog around the block * Jump rope quickly * Work out to a step aerobics video 15 Minutes * Climb up and...