HARTZ LAUNCHES YEAR-ROUND FLEA & TICK CONSUMER EDUCATION CAMPAIGN #NOFT

June 21, 2015 by 2 Comments

Hartz, experts in flea and tick solutions for over 55 years, announced the release of a national consumer ‘No F&T’ campaign to educate pet owners on the importance of year-round flea and tick protection.  Protect your pet all year long- and don’t wait until you sea fleas to make sure your pet doesn’t get them.  Remember- they can be super hard to get rid of, and you might have to “flea bomb” the whole house to kill them- which is really, really expensive and a pain to boot, not to mention that it is terrible for your pets.

The primary flea and tick season in the United States is April – September; however fleas survive throughout the year.  Hartz is committed to educating consumers that a consistently protected pet mounts a stronger defense against flea infestation; an infestation that cannot only pose a threat to the animals, but also to the home.  Hartz has a complete line of flea and tick products, including collars, shampoos, home and garden sprays, and its best prevention product; Hartz® UltraGuard Pro® Flea & Tick Drops for cats and dogs.

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“Only 5% of the problem is addressed when consumers treat the adult fleas they can actually see,” states Lance Hemsarth, Senior Director, Research & Development at Hartz. “That means the remaining 95% of larvae and eggs left untreated can cause re-infestation. It is our duty as a trusted pet care brand to educate families regarding the health benefits of consistent flea prevention treatment for their pets.”  Like personal health exams and smoke alarm battery checks, establishing preventative behavior aids in overall health.  Implementing interactive and engaging tactics to augment this behavior is the goal of this campaign.

Renowned veterinarian, Dr. Bernadine Cruz, will contribute to the ‘No F&T’ messaging through her practice based in Laguna Woods, California, as well as through her internet based radio show ‘The Pet Doctor’ heard on www.PetLifeRadio.com.  States Dr. Cruz, “I have a special interest in flea and tick care for dogs and cats.  When applied consistently, pet owners can safeguard their animals and their homes year-round; eliminating costly veterinary office visits for infestation and help protect the health of their pets and family. I am thrilled to be a part of this educational campaign.”
The ‘No F&T’ approach will target consumers with the hashtag #NOFT to create community among pet owners and establish a prevention lifestyle.  Digital ads and social media messaging, including monthly care reminders, will be communicated via Facebook starting this month.  For more information, please visit www.hartz.com/brands/hartzultraguard.aspx, and @HartzPets on Facebook.

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Stopain Migraine Relief

June 16, 2015 by 1 Comment

This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation that contains affiliate links. I received a package of Stopain Migraine for my own personal use. All opinions, text and experiences are my own.

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Migraines are an absolutely horrible medical problem to have. From the searing excruciating pain that comes from nowhere, or the kind that slowly and steadily builds from environmental triggers. Those who suffer from migraines really do suffer. One such sufferer is yours truly. From migraines that last a few hours to those that last weeks, all are truly evil. Some of my common triggers are sugar, stress, and strong smells like car exhaust or cigarette smoke.

One thing those who don’t have migraines need to know is NO- Migraines are NOT JUST HEADACHES.  They wreak your vision, sense of smell, make you dizzy, nauseous, vomit- they ruin life. There are different kinds of migraines, and people suffer with them in different ways.  And just because your cousin’s sister’s neighbor’s Aunt Mary feels better if she lies in a dark room, doesn’t mean I will, but thank you.  Yes, we have tried every folk cure out there.  Migraines are evil.

Relief can be hard to find, and even harder when suffering. One of the most recent things I have tried is Stopain Migraine. Stopain is a topical gel which is applied directly behind your ears and along the back of your neck. Here is a short video on how to apply Stopain Migraine.  Stopain does not include aspirin, caffeine, or acetaminophen, and there is no chance of drug interaction, so it can be used with your current medications without any worries. This is a great relief because one of the dangers of migraine medication is double dosing just to get some relief. Stopain can be applied at any stage of the migraine and begins to work as soon as it is applied. It can be applied as needed up to four times daily. It eased the migraine pain for a bit.  The gel is cool to the touch and works immediately.

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Stopain is available at Walmart now, and there is also a coupon on the box for $2 off to sweeten the deal. It is also available at Walmart.com and www.stopainmigraine.com as well.

Take some of the headache out of shopping and enter to win a Walmart gift card. 10 winners will each receive a $50 Walmart gift card, where you can now find Stopain Migraine in the headache relief aisle. Weekly winners announced on the Stopain Migraine Facebook page each Friday through 7/17.

Stopain Migraine is available at Walmart stores and www.walmart.com. To learn more about Stopain Migraine, visit www.stopainmigraine.com and feel free to LIKE the brand on Facebook.

This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation that may contain affiliate links. I received a package of Stopain Migraine for my own personal use. All opinions, text and experiences are my own.

Stopain Migraine is available at Walmart stores and www.walmart.com. To learn more about Stopain Migraine, visit www.stopainmigraine.com and LIKE the brand on Facebook.

This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation that contains affiliate links. I received a package of Stopain Migraine for my own personal use. All opinions, text and experiences are my own.


 

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My Bright Smile App

June 12, 2015 by 1 Comment

Disclosure- this is a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own.

My family is pretty good about oral hygiene- mostly because I have drilled it into their heads, and I am more then a little crazy about making sure everyone brushes, rinses, and flosses every day, twice a day.  You only get one set of teeth, take care of them, right?  Also, when you have oral health issues, it tends to cause other problems, even things as serious as heart disease.  Pregnant woman really need to be careful with their teeth- baby really weakens them.  Now there is a fun, free app for kids to help get them into the swing of things, and get them excited about brushing.

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Half a billion school kids around the world have benefited from the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® oral health education program (http://www.colgatebsbf.com). Now, this award-winning program is offering an educational app: “My Bright Smile.” Included are five games, including “Visit the Dentist,” “Swipe the Sweets” and “Brush the Teeth.” There’s even a two-minute song that will help keep your kids brushing until every tooth is clean.

“My Bright Smile” is available for free on the Apple App Store (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-bright-smile/id959018956?mt=8) and the Google Play Store (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.colgate.mybrightsmile). The app includes five games, including “Visit the Dentist,” “Swipe the Sweets” and “Brush the Teeth.” There’s even a two-minute song that will help keep your kids brushing until every tooth is cleaned.

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The app is designed for kids age 4-6.  You can get it for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store at the links below-

o   https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-bright–smile/id959018956?mt=8

o   https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.colgate.mybrightsmile

About Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures®

The “My Bright Smile” app extends and builds upon the success of the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® program. In the United States, the classroom curriculum reaches nearly 9 out of every 10 kindergarten students each year, 3.5 million children in all 50 states, and more than 750,000 kids through our partnership with the Office of Head Start.

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Canine Flu is Spreading — now in 13 States

May 28, 2015 by 2 Comments

Canine Flu is now in Alabama, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Wisconsin and Texas

What You Can Do to Keep Your Pet Safe and Healthy

Flu season may be winding down for humans, but there have been thousands of reported cases of canine influenza in the last several months. To help dog owners better understand the virus, here are some key facts from the American Veterinary Medical Association:

What is canine influenza?

Canine influenza (CI), or dog flu, is a highly contagious infection caused by an influenza A subtype H3N8 virus first discovered in 2004.

What are common symptoms of the infection in dogs?

In the mild form, the most common sign is a cough that persists for 2-3 weeks. However, some dogs can develop signs of severe pneumonia, such as a high-grade fever (104°F-106°F) and faster breathing. Other signs in infected dogs include nasal and/or ocular discharge, sneezing, fatigue, and refusing food.

Is every dog at risk of infection?

All dogs, regardless of breed or age, are susceptible to infection.

How does it spread?

Canine influenza is spread from dog to dog through the air, contaminated objects (kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes), and people ineracting with infected and uninfected dogs. On surfaces, the virus is alive and can infect dogs for up to 48 hours, on clothing for 24 hours, and on hands for 12 hours.

Can veterinarians test for canine influenza?

The most reliable and sensitive method for confirmation is serologic testing. Antibodies to canine influenza virus can appear in blood as early as 7 days after symptoms begin, and the virus may be identified in nasal or pharyngeal swabs during the first 4 days of illness.

Any treatment options?

In May 2009, the USDA approved the first influenza vaccine for dogs. Trials have shown that it can significantly reduce the duration of illness, including the incidence and severity of damage to the lungs. Dog owners should consult with their vet to determine whether the vaccine is appropriate for their dog.

Can canine influenza infect people?

There is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted from dogs to humans.

What can dog owners do to help protect their pet?

Some pet owners are steering away from dog parks and other areas where other infected dogs might gather.

For more information about canine influenza virus, visit https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Reference/Pages/Canine-Influenza-Backgrounder.aspx

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Planning for a Family with The Stork #TheStorkOTC

May 18, 2015 by Leave a Comment

“This post is brought to you by The Stork OTC and The Motherhood. All opinions are my own.”

Have you ever struggled on your journey to start a family? Do you know someone who has? Join us for this Twitter mini chat focused on fertility and conception, sponsored by The Stork OTC. For 30 minutes, we’ll be discussing how a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition can be a great first step when trying to conceive. During this 30-minute mini chat, we will be discussing some great ideas and tips to get you started on a healthy journey with nutrition and lifestyle changes! This is the first in an ongoing Twitter chat series on various fertility-related topics, so mark your calendars and join us throughout the year.

#TheStorkOTC Twitter Chat Details

You’ll also have a chance to win one of three $25 gift cards to CVS/pharmacy by answering some trivia questions! For more information on The Stork OTC, please visit their website.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician.
When: Tuesday, May 19 at 1 p.m. ET
Where: We’ll be on Twitter – follow the #TheStorkOTC hashtag to track the conversation. You can see the details and RSVP via this Vite: http://vite.io/thestorkotc
Hashtag: #TheStorkOTC
Prizes: Three prizes will be awarded to randomly selected participants who answer the trivia questions correctly. Each prize includes a $25 CVS/pharmacy gift card
Hosts: @TheMotherhood, @TMChatHost, @CooperMunroe, @EmilyMcKhann
Co-hosts: @justbeautylife, @optimistic_mama, @DonnaChaffins, @MomBalancingAct, @MyBaybah, @HaveSippy

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Listerine- Totally Taken Care Of

May 13, 2015 by 11 Comments

Disclosure- I received LISTERINE® Brand products and a Walgreens gift card from Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. and The Motherhood as part of my participation in the LISTERINE® Brand Totally Taken Care Of program. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own.

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Summer is a busy time of year- for a lot of us, it’s also the most fun.  Kids are out of school, adults are planning vacations, pools are open, and it’s finally barbeque season. There’s not a whole lot better then a good barbeque, now is there? Not in my book, anyway.  Plus, it’s a good excuse for a get together.

While everyone in your home may like to do different things in the summer (maybe a beach, pool, or waterpark tops your list, while your spouse just wants to lay out in a hammock), it’s good to remember that the health needs of each family member are different and need to be kept in mind during daily activities.  As a mom, I know I worry about this, including oral hygiene.  One way I keep my family healthy is with Listerine Total Care.

Listerine Total Care is a complete mouthwash that offers six helpful benefits-
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Get Your Kids to Buckle Up #KidsBuckleUp

May 8, 2015 by Leave a Comment

We all know that getting our kids to listen can be a challenge.  There are times you lose the battle, but as long as you win the war, right?  One of the battles you really can’t afford to lose is the battle to buckle up.  Not only is it a lifesaver in a car crash, but it will keep them safe in all those little “road skirmishes” most of us deal with on a regular basis.  Kids who buckle up as soon as they get in the car, every time, will develop that habit, and it will be one that they won’t break as they get older and start driving on their own- so start young, and never let that one go.

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Parenting a tween involves compromise. But here’s one rule that should not be up for debate – the car doesn’t move until everyone is wearing a seat belt. If you say it, and if parents buckle up themselves, your tween will buckle up. And if they don’t, that’s a fight worth having. It might just save your tween’s life.

pic5Did you know that motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children age 1 to 14 in the USA?  Over the past 5 years, 1,522 kids ages 8-14 died in car, SUV and van crashes. Of those who died, almost half were unbelted.  As children get older they’re less likely to buckle up. The percentage of child passengers who die while riding unrestrained generally increases with age and is most pronounced among 13 and 14-year-olds regardless of seating position.
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Get Your Kids To Brush Better

April 17, 2015 by Leave a Comment

With 3 out of 4 Parents Admitting Their Kids Forget to Brush their Teeth, Kids’ Healthy Mouths Campaign Continues to Encourage Kids to Brush for Two Minutes, Twice a Day

My son can be a real pest in the “teeth brushing” department- he wants to do it by himself, and he should at 7 years old.  I tell him to go brush- he pretends he does, and I end up going in with him to “make sure”. He gets mad at me….it’s a lovely cycle.  He also likes to do a halfway job- a quick one, that misses many spots.  He gets mad when I make him have a “do-over”, but it’s necessary.  I always tell him if he did it right the first time, but you know how kids can be.  We’ve tried putting timers on, giving him toothbrushes that play songs for the recommended minutes- so far, the daily battle continues. One day he’ll get it, and it’s a battle worth fighting.

More than 51 million school hours are lost each year due to dental related illness, resulting in parents losing 25 million work hours annually. Cavities and oral infections can cause severe pain and can increase a child’s risk for dental issues and poor health throughout their lives.

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3 in 4 parents report that their kids sometimes or frequently forget to brush their teeth. In an effort to help parents better understand why ignoring dental health can have serious consequences, and educate families about good dental health habits, the Ad Council and The Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives created Public Service Ads (PSAs) for their Kids’ Healthy Mouths campaign. The PSAs are humorous depictions of life lessons which make the point that while parenting can be tricky at times, getting kids to brush for two minutes, twice a day can be easier than most other things parents will try to teach their children.
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