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New Study Shows Botox and Surgery May Permanently End Migraines

Botox injections have a number of potential uses beyond treating crow's feet and frown lines. A new study from Case Western Reserve University shows that Botox can be part of a treatment to permanently end migraine headaches.

As the Los Angeles Times reports, doctors have long used Botox treatment directly into the head, neck or shoulders to temporarily relieve migraine headaches.

In this latest study, researchers used Botox injections to find the "trigger point" of a patient's migraines. Each patient received a Botox injection to one of several sites until they reported a decrease in migraine pain. Once that site was identified, doctors performed a minor surgery to permanently deactivate the nerves in that area.

Researchers were pleased with the results, as 57% of patients who received the surgery reported that it eliminated their migraines.

While that seems to be a fantastic treatment rate, some migraine specialists are skeptical that these results can be duplicated. Dr. William Young at Thomas Jefferson University told the Los Angeles Times that it "seemed too good to be true." Another migraine specialist wonders if the patients were experiencing a placebo effect because they weren't told if they received the actual surgery or not.

The article concludes that more research will be needed to see if this Botox-assisted surgery can permanently cure migraine headaches.

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Several Deaths Attributed to Hurricane Bill

Although Hurricane Bill-the second named storm of the 2009 Atlantic hurricane season-didn't cause nearly as much property damage as initially predicted when it pummeled the East Coast of the United States, it did cause several deaths.

Though Hurricane Bill weakened to a Category 2 Hurricane-and quickly to a Category 1-as it made its way up the Northeast coast, the tropical cyclone wreaked havoc on the coastal waters, causing heavy rains, strong rip currents and powerful waves.

Listed below are a few noteworthy events related to 2009's Hurricane Bill:

• A 54-year-old man's drowning death on August 22 in Volusia County, Florida has been attributed to the strong rip current and powerful waves created by Hurricane Bill.
• About 20 people were swept into rough waters at Acadia National Park in Maine when a tremendous wave knocked into the rock on which they were standing. A 7-year-old girl was killed in the incident and several people were hospitalized with spinal cord injuries.
• The U.S. Coast Guard and other officials reported an increase in ocean rescues as Hurricane Bill traveled north and created dangerous swimming conditions.
• President Obama and his family delayed their vacation to Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts for a few hours, until the tropical storm had dissipated. 

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Dangerous Effects of Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

Imagine this scenario: You live in a coastal region during hurricane season-typically late May through November on both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts- and weather officials warn of a tropical cyclone that has developed into a hurricane. The storm is headed for your area but in the hours leading to its predicted landfall, it veers north and misses your state.

You are safe, right? Not necessarily. When hurricanes hit land, they create high winds and heavy rains, which can cause damage and flooding, but the storm surge of a hurricane is often its most deadly force.

A storm surge is the rise in elevation of ocean water as it nears the shore and the dangerous waves created by it. The National Weather Service says these "ocean swells" can hit land hundreds of miles beyond a hurricane.

Listed below are a few effects of ocean swells: 

• Rip currents
• Dangerous waves that can quickly overwhelm swimmers
• Roads and structures are compromised

Though a storm can "mix up" the water in a way that is inviting to surfers and body-surfers, for swimmers and spectators drawn to the display, it is imperative to heed all water safety warnings in the wake of a hurricane or tropical storm.

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Returning Home After a Hurricane

If you have to evacuate your home during a hurricane, you will likely have concerns about abandoning your home during a catastrophic weather event.

While you may be eager to survey the hurricane damage to your property, exercise caution when returning home after a hurricane, as a storm can produce a few threats for homeowners.

Here are some precautions to take when returning home after a hurricane:

• Never go into a flood zone unless a local official has given you the all-clear to re-enter your neighborhood and home.
• Steer clear of wildlife and animal carcasses. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) warns that floods can send animals - including snakes - indoors for shelter.
• Do not go into the house if you suspect a gas leak, the structure appears to be damaged or there are floodwaters around the building.
• Bring a battery-operated flashlight and turn it on before you head inside to inspect the damage. A match or the spark from a battery could cause an explosion in the event of a natural gas leak.

Though you will be eager to assess the damage and to begin a cleanup, it is wise to exercise patience and caution after a hurricane. This will help protect the health and safety of you and your family.

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Will American schools close in a swine flu pandemic?

School officials might be faced with an especially tough dilemma this school year, if the projected "second wave" swine flu pandemic affects American school children in high numbers.

Because autumn is prime time for seasonal flu, health officials have projected a sharp rise in the number of people who will contract swine flu, or novel H1N1 virus, in the coming months.

That means thousands of school-age children could come down with swine flu symptoms, forcing school officials to consider massive school closings, similar to what happened in the spring of 2009.

An Associated Press report outlines how the school systems in different countries plan to respond to a potential swine flu pandemic during the 2009-10 school year.

School officials have said that schools in the United States and Great Britain plan to remain open, except in extreme cases of swine flu outbreak. In fact, one school official in the U.S. said closing schools won't stop or necessarily slow the spread of swine flu, but rather simply delay the inevitable and prolong the period of outbreak, according to the AP.

In France, however, officials might call for closing a school for six days if three or more students exhibit swine flu symptoms, the AP article points out.

Health and education officials note that because the swine flu has proven to be more mild than previously feared, there is little reason for a panicked response to the illness. However, if the virus were to become more deadly, school closings might be seen as the prudent choice to protect young children and slow the spread of the illness.

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Seasonal Flu and Swine Flu Vaccines

With the arrival of swine flu this year, healthcare workers are expecting a particularly harsh 2009 flu season. Health officials are urging the American public to begin preparing for the upcoming flu season by getting seasonal flu vaccines at the nearest health clinic, drugstore or flu shot center.

Though the standard flu shots do not protect against swine flu, or novel H1N1, they can help protect patients against other types of seasonal influenza. A recently developed swine flu vaccine will be made available to the public as soon as supplies are prepared.

Here are a few updates on this year's supply of flu vaccine and the highly anticipated swine flu vaccine:

• The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending that people get their flu vaccines ahead of schedule this year, to ensure early inoculation.
• National drugstore chains CVS and Walgreens began offering flu shots on Sept. 1, 2009. As an added bonus, those who are without a job or insurance may qualify for free flu shots, while supplies last.
• It will likely be several more weeks before the swine flu vaccine is available to the general population.
• The New York City school system intends to offer free swine flu vaccines to students as soon as possible.

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Are “swine flu parties” safe?

Perhaps you've heard of hurricane parties, where people living in tropical areas band together to help one another through a hurricane, making the most of an unpleasant situation. What about the newly minted "swine flu parties"?

Are they shindigs designed for sufferers of the novel H1N1 virus to celebrate their illness? Not exactly, says the Center for Disease Control.

In an online report about swine flu prevention, the CDC describes swine flu parties as "gatherings during which people have close contact with a person who has novel H1N1 flu in order to become infected with the virus."

Those who had young children prior to the mid-1990s might recall chickenpox "playdates," which had a similar concept to swine flu parties. 

These types of gatherings, in which parents willingly and intentionally expose their children to viruses - or where adults choose to expose themselves to active viruses - in hopes of developing immunity, are flawed, the CDC says.

Here are a few of the CDC's observations and recommendations about swine flu parties:

• Though most people experience mild swine flu symptoms, there is always a risk of complication or death from the virus. 
• Stay away from others until your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours.

While they are not a proven means to develop swine flu immunity, swine flu parties are however, an excellent way to facilitate and fuel a swine flu outbreak in the community. The safest, most responsible approach to flu prevention is to get a swine flu vaccine and to stay home until swine flu symptoms have disappeared or get medical attention.

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Facemasks and Swine Flu Prevention

In many Asian countries, it is considered a sign of respect and responsibility for someone who is sick to wear a surgical facemask while in public as an attempt to avoid infecting others with the illness.

As the United States enters the 2009 flu season and prepares for a potential swine flu outbreak, many people might be wondering if surgical facemasks are an effective means to prevent infecting others with the swine flu virus - or novel H1N1, or if they keep you from catching the virus from those who are infected.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has looked at the effectiveness of surgical masks in the prevention of a mass swine flu pandemic and has offered a few helpful facts.

Here are some suggestions from the CDC's Aug. 5, 2009, report:

• There is very little scientific data on the role of surgical masks in preventing transmission of the H1N1 virus.
• Wearing a surgical facemask alone will likely have little impact on whether a person will catch or transmit the swine flu virus.
• Those in the medical industry are recommended to use facemasks and respirators. Those not in the medical industry likely have little cause to wear a mask.

The CDC recommends avoiding all gatherings in a community that is experiencing a swine flu outbreak, instead of relying on a disposable surgical facemask to filter out the swine flu virus.

Consider, however, that wearing a mask may discourage a person from touching the nose or mouth, both of which are risk factors for contracting and spreading swine flu. 

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New Bill May Allow Homeowners to Rent Their Foreclosed Home

A foreclosure can be a personal tragedy for homeowners, and it can be hard to recover from a foreclosure if you have already lost your job or are facing other financial hardships. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Congressmen Gary Miller and Joe Donnelly introduced the Neighborhood Preservation Act in August 2009.

The bill would allow federally-regulated banks and lenders to negotiate leases with a homeowner who has just lost their home in a foreclosure. These leases could last for as long as 5 years, and banks would also have the freedom to enter into lease-to-purchase agreements so homeowners could conceivably repurchase their house.

However, the bill does not require banks or lenders to give this option to foreclosed homeowners, so it would be a voluntary program. This program would also depend on the assumption that the homeowner has the money to pay rent - something that would be determined by the bank.

While some critics agree that renting is a way for homeowners in foreclosure to stay in their homes, they wonder if the banks should be in control of this program. The Neighborhood Preservation Act still needs to be approved by the Senate in order to become law. 

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Ballroom Dancing Styles For Every Taste

Ballroom dancing is a blanket term for so many different styles of dance that almost everyone can find a particular type that they enjoy. If you have been enchanted by shows like "Dancing with the Stars" and want to take up your own dance practice there are several types to choose from. Below we'll examine a few of the most popular ballroom dancing styles.

The Waltz

When the Waltz was introduced in the 19^th century, it was considered scandalous because a man and a woman had never danced so closely before in public. Due to its beauty and grace, the Waltz was soon embraced and has evolved into several different variations of dancing.

Because of its 3/4 timing, the Waltz is different from other forms of ballroom dancing. Generally, three steps are taken with each measure.

The Foxtrot

The Foxtrot was first introduced in the 1920s in New York City. Due to its upbeat tempo, it quickly became popular with the younger crowd. The Foxtrot is the only form of ballroom dance to originate from the United States.

With the Foxtrot, the second and fourth beats are strongly accented. As a result, the dance is actually a combination of quick and slow steps.

East Coast Swing

Dating back to 1927 and characterized by turns, spins, jumps and throw outs, the East Coast Swing has evolved into many popular dances, including Boogie-Woogie, American Swing, Jitterbug, Hustle, West Coast Swing and Jive.

Are you ready to hit the dance floor?

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Five Fun and Easy Tips for Ballroom Dancing

If you are interested in learning how to take your ballroom dancing to the next level so you can look like dancers on shows like "So You Think You Can Dance" and "Dancing with the Stars", here are a 5 easy ballroom dancing tips:

Tip #1: Move the Right Way

When dancing in a crowd, you should always move in a counterclockwise direction so as to not bump into other couples.

Tip #2: Find the Right Place on the Dance Floor

With progressive dances such as the Foxtrot and the Waltz, you move all over the floor. With non-progressive dances like the Swing you should stay on the inside of the dance floor when moving slowly and on the outside when moving faster.

Tip #3: Take the First Step

With ballroom dancing, women always take their first steps with their right foot and men with their left.

Tip #4: Signal a Start

Men should signal to their partners when they are about to start a movement by leaning in, which prevents sudden jerking.

Tip #5: Express Yourself with a Lean

Your lean isn't just meant to signal a start of a movement; it tells your partner how big the movement will be. For a big step, lean in a lot and for smaller steps, lean in only a little.

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Lose Weight & Stay Fit by Combining Healthy Eating with Ballroom Dancing

There is no doubt that engaging in ballroom dancing is a great way to keep your body and your mind in shape. In order to get the most health benefits out of a ballroom dancing practice, however, you should follow a healthier eating plan. Otherwise, the calories you burn at your ballroom dance lessons may not be enough to help you burn fat and keep it off.

In addition to learning how to dance and getting your body moving to the music, you should also try these healthy eating tips:

• Eat 5 or 6 small meals each day in order to keep your metabolism up-never skip meals
• Be sure to include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet
• Reduce the amount of sugars and fats in your diet
• When eating meat, choose lean cuts
• Avoid drinking your calories: cut out soda, fruit juice and sugar in your coffee
• Drink at least eight 8 ounce glasses of water per day
• Drink reduced fat milk rather than 2% or whole milk

 
By implementing these healthy eating guidelines, you will take your ballroom lessons to a whole new level by helping your body become healthier and stronger.

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Filing an Employment Discrimination Claim

There are many different types of employment discrimination. An employer may refuse to hire certain individuals due to their race or gender. Another business may deny benefits to workers over the age of 40. No matter what form it takes, employment discrimination is detrimental to the workplace.

Employment discrimination can be tough to prove. Employers typically don't come out and say that you weren't hired because of your skin color or you were passed over for promotion because you are a woman.

The first step in filing an employment discrimination claim is determining if you fall into a protected category. It is illegal for an employer to discriminate on the basis of:

• Race
• Ethnicity
• National Origin
• Religion
• Gender
• Age
• Disability
• Veteran Status
• Marital Status
• Pregnancy

Next, you should document anything that would indicate workplace discrimination. For example, if you are treated differently than your coworkers or are the target of discriminatory comments, this should be written down. Make sure to note the date and description of the event.

After you have gathered up enough evidence, you can file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Do note that there is a strict time limit when it comes to filing employment discrimination complaints; the employment discrimination charge must be filed within 180 days of the discriminatory incident.

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Employment Discrimination Laws

Employment discrimination is a problem that affects employees across the nation. This form of discrimination occurs when an employer hires, terminates, compensates, or promotes an individual on the basis of his or her race, national origin, age, or gender.

There are several state and federal laws that prohibit employers from discriminating against a protected group. The first, and most well-known, of the employment anti-discrimination laws is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law makes it a crime for businesses with 15 or more employees to discriminate against individuals based on race, gender, national origin, or religion.

Since Title VII, other anti-discrimination laws have been passed. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 prohibits employers from discriminating against workers over the age of 40. This includes hiring and firing practices as well as denying benefits to older workers.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits workplace discrimination against individuals with disabilities. In order to be protected by the act, the employee must show that he or she is disabled and that the employer knew of the disability.

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Picking the Right Ballroom Dancing Instructor

If you are thinking about signing up for ballroom dance lessons at a nearby dance school, one of the most important things you will need to consider is whether the instructor will be able to provide you with the best dance instruction possible. After all, if you are going to pay for dance lessons, you want to make sure the instructor will be able to adequately assist you with learning how to dance!

When interviewing ballroom dancing instructors, consider:

• Credentials
• Professional examinations that have been completed
• Years of experience with dance
• Years of experience with providing dance instruction
• Feedback from current and former students

Remember, you don't want to only consider the years of experience the instructor has with ballroom dancing in general. Rather, you want to know how much experience he has with the specific type of ballroom dance you are interested in learning. This way, you can be certain the instructor will have the knowledge and expertise it takes to help you learn to dance the specific type of dance you want to learn.

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Get On the Right Foot with Ballroom Dancing Lessons

 Whether you are interested in learning how to ballroom dance for fun, to lose weight or for a combination of both, you will get the most from your ballroom dance lessons if you maintain the proper form.

While your ballroom dancing instructor will provide advice and guidance on maintaining proper form while dancing, it is a good idea to go into your ballroom lessons with a basic understanding of this idea.

Here are a few tips on ballroom dancing form to remember:

• Maintain tension in your shoulder, elbow and wrist when moving your arms sideways, forward or backward
• Keep your arms relaxed when they go up or down so you can easily lead into a turn
• Begin providing upward pressure once your joined hands have passed eyebrow level on a turn
• Twist from the bottom of your rib cage and snap your hips when making turns

You might also want to begin practicing the "Rise and Fall" movement that is common in ballroom dancing.

To do this, step forward with your left foot and bend at your knees. Then, step with your right foot as you straighten up and bring your feet together. Repeat this movement over and over until you become more comfortable with it. After you get this basic movement down, you will be able to take your ballroom dancing skills to the next level!

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Insurance Company Sued For Slow Hurricane Settlements

Nearly four years after Hurricane Katrina destroyed thousands of homes along the Gulf Coast, the effects of the devastating hurricane continue to be felt by both homeowners and insurance providers.

In August 2009, Louisiana Citizen's Insurance continued to fight for the right to appeal a class action settlement that has ballooned to $95 million, some four years after Hurricane Katina.

The lawsuit was initiated by Citizen's Insurance policyholders because of the way the company-which is financially backed by the state of Louisiana- failed to respond to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Listed below are a few details related to the Louisiana Citizen's Insurance lawsuit:

• Plaintiffs assert that Citizen's Insurance responded too slowly to policy claims
• Case was originally settled for $92.8 million to be paid to 18,573 policyholders and now with interest, has increased to 95 million

This trial is just one of many lawsuits that were filed against insurance companies after Hurricane Katrina destroyed thousands of insured homes. Many disputes centered on whether home damage was caused by wind-which is covered by standard insurance policies-or flood damage, which is not covered in standard insurance policies. These trials illustrate a need for consumers to purchase hurricane and flood insurance policies well in advance of hurricane season. 

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Bad Faith Insurance and Hurricane Damage Claims

If your home has experienced extensive hurricane damage, a dispute with your homeowner's insurance carrier can aggravate an already critical situation. If your insurance carrier is acting in bad faith in responding to your hurricane damage claims, you have several options for legal recourse, including filing a complaint with the Department of Insurance in your state or consulting an attorney that is experienced in bad faith insurance. 

Confused about what constitutes bad faith? Listed below are a few examples of an insurance carrier are acting in bad faith: 

• Policy provisions are ambiguous or open to interpretation
• Insurance carrier refuses to investigate your claim
• Carrier is not honoring provisions in your policy
• Carrier ceases to communicate with you
• Carrier withholds vital information from you

 
Your state's Department of Insurance can assist you in filing a formal complaint of bad faith against your insurance carrier. This process can be fruitful, but time consuming, and some consumers choose to expedite the matter by hiring a bad faith insurance attorney.

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Hurricane Preparations for the Elderly and Disabled

The effects of a hurricane or tropical cyclone can be devastating. In the past two centuries, hurricanes have been responsible for more than 1.9 million fatalities worldwide.

If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, it is important to be prepared. Senior citizens and the disabled should also take extra precautions before the storm hits.

Hurricane Evacuation Plan

It is important to come up with a hurricane evacuation plan before a storm hits. You should speak with your friends or family members who live outside of an evacuation area to see if you can stay with them.

Next, make travel arrangements in the event that your neighborhood is evacuated. If you require special equipment, such as a wheelchair, walker, or portable oxygen tank, make sure your transportation plans can accommodate it.

Medications and Medical Supplies

Many elderly and disabled individuals rely on medications to help with their medical conditions. It is important to have a 30-day supply of prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, and supplements on-hand in case of emergency.

Keep a list of the medications you must take, including the dosage as well as how and when it should be taken. You should also make a note of any allergies (including food allergies) as well as your doctor's name and phone number.

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Preparing a Hurricane Supplies Kit

If you live in an area that is prone to tropical cyclones, hurricanes, and other major storms, you know how important it is to be prepared.

One of the most important things you can do to stay safe in the event of a hurricane is to come up with an evacuation plan. You also need to put together a hurricane supplies kit.

A hurricane supplies kit should consist of the following:

• Drinking water - at least one gallon per person, per day
• Water purification tablets
• Non-perishable food
• Can-opener
• Battery-operated radio
• First aid kit containing bandages, antibacterial sanitizer, compresses, pain relievers, and antacids
• Camera
• Plastic tarps
• Plastic trash bags
• Paper towels, toilet paper, and wet wipes
• Cleaning supplies
• Bug spray

For those who are of advanced age or disabled, the following should be added to your hurricane supplies kit:

• Special dietary foods
• Medical equipment
• Adult diapers
• Hearing aid batteries
• Wheelchair batteries
• Extra pair of glasses
• Oxygen for portable machines

It is also important to have a 30-day supply of medication on hand, whether it is prescription or over-the-counter.

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Lose Weight by Taking Ballroom Dancing Lessons

Are you looking for a way to lose weight? If so, taking ballroom dance lessons may be the way to go!

Just like the contestants on the Oxygen Network's "Dance Your Ass Off," you can also lose weight as you learn to dance. In fact, taking up ballroom dancing is an excellent way to get your cardiovascular system working while also increasing your strength and improving your flexibility.

By addressing all three of these areas-cardio, flexibility and strength-you will look and feel better all at the same time. In fact, the contestants on the first season of "Dance Your Ass Off" lost anywhere from 3.5 to 59.8 pounds during the 8-week competition.

Of course, in order to get the best results from your ballroom dancing lessons, it is also in your best interest to follow a healthier diet. By cutting back on sweets, watching your calories and making sure to get plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet, you will be rewarded with a slimmer figure while also picking up a new hobby that you will be sure to enjoy.

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Ballroom Dancing Etiquette Basics

If shows such as "So You Think You Can Dance," and "Dancing with the Stars: have piqued your interest in taking ballroom dance lessons, you may want to learn a few basics of ballroom dance etiquette such as:

• The man traditionally asks the woman to dance, but it is acceptable for a woman to ask a man
• If you are interested in dancing with someone, you only need to say "May I have this dance?"
• If another couple is heading toward you, men simply take the lead out of the way or women tap their partner gently on the shoulder
• Men should walk their partners back to their seat, even if the woman asked for the dance

 
Although it is important to keep the rules of etiquette in mind, it is equally important to have fun on the dance floor. Ballroom dancing is about enjoying the music, the movement and the company of those you are with, so be sure to have a good time!

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Top 10 States With Highest Foreclosure Rates

RealtyTrac.com's latest foreclosure report indicates that the United States had a record number of foreclosure filings in July 2009, with over 360,000 properties entering foreclosure. Some states are suffering worse than others from the foreclosure crisis.

Statistics compiled by RealtyTrac show that the following states have the highest foreclosure rates in the nation:

• Nevada
• California
• Arizona
• Florida
• Utah
• Idaho
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Colorado
• Oregon

While Nevada is especially hard hit, with 1 in every 56 houses in foreclosure, the vast majority of foreclosures occur in California. Of the 360,000 foreclosure filings in July, more than 108,000 occurred in California. In addition, bank repossessions in California were up 4% in July. RealtyTrac estimates that 57% of all foreclosure filings occur in California, Nevada, Arizona and Florida.

Among cities, Las Vegas has the worst foreclosure rate, with 1 out of every 47 homes entering foreclosure in July. This is a whopping increase of 89% from this time last year. Three cities in California, including Stockton, Modesto and Merced, also posted incredibly high foreclosure rates. Phoenix, Arizona and Cape Coral-Ft. Myers in Florida also had high metropolitan foreclosure rates.

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What to Buy Before Hurricane Season

Hurricanes and serious storms can be stressful, dangerous situations, with severe winds, the potential for flooding and extended power outages. Preparing for hurricane season - June 1 through November 30 in the Atlantic region - can help to ensure your health, safety and comfort in the event of a storm and in the days and weeks after a hurricane.

In addition to basic hurricane supplies such as batteries, flashlights and matches, a hurricane survival plan includes the purchase of foods and beverages that do not require refrigeration and can be prepared without electricity. Purchasing these supplies over a six to eight week time period before hurricane season can minimize the impact to your budget and ensure that you are well prepared.

Here are a few suggested items for your hurricane survival kit:

• Bottled water - plan for one gallon per person, per day, plus extra for brushing teeth and washing hands and face.
• Canned fruits and low-sodium vegetables, and a manual can opener.
• Canned tuna and chicken
• Jars of salsa
• Granola and protein bars
• Dried fruit
• Nuts and peanut butter - eat these sparingly to reduce the chance of dehydration from their high sodium content
• Instant noodles and rice
• Instant coffee and tea
• Canned lentils and beans
• Canned, boxed or powdered milk

If space and your budget allow, consider purchasing an outdoor grill or a small camping stove, which can be used to heat canned soup and to boil water for noodles and rice.

Don't worry about being left with an excess of canned goods in late fall, as surplus supplies will be welcome at your local food bank at the end of hurricane season. 

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Preparing For a Hurricane

News of an impending hurricane, or tropical cyclone, can send a community into panic mode, with people rushing to stores to gather hurricane supplies and swarming gas stations to ensure they have enough gas to weather the storm.

Preparing in advance for hurricane season - by stocking up on storm supplies and establishing a hurricane plan - can lessen the stress that is associated with dangerous hurricane weather. It will also give you more time to make last-minute preparations to your home.

If a hurricane is projected to hit your area, remain calm and focused and evaluate your hurricane checklist.

Here are some safety concerns to consider as a hurricane approaches:

• Survey your yard for any loose objects, such as planters, tools or tree branches that could become "missiles" in high winds.
• Remove all loose limbs from your trees and make sure the branches are properly disposed of.
• Install specialized hurricane shutters or invest in 5/8" thick marine plywood that can quickly be nailed over all windows. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) warns that placing tape on windows will not prevent them from breaking.
• Turn off and unplug all electrical appliances as the storm approaches.

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