Houseplants are most commonly used to add color and life to homes and offices, but there’s an even better reason for homeowners to stock up on flowers and ferns – to keep their homes healthy. Recent NASA findings under the Clean Air Study have discovered that adding houseplants to indoor environments can reduce pollutants in enclosed areas up to 87 percent in just 24 hours. Pike Nurseries takes the guesswork out of gardening by summarizing the details of the study and offering plant suggestions for homeowners to get started.
According to the Clean Air Study, the three most common toxins that are found in homes and offices are benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene (TCE). These pollutants enter our homes through asbestos, chemical cleaning solutions, synthetic fibers, carpets and insulation. Luckily, houseplants offer a simple and beautiful way for homeowners to remove harmful airborne toxins naturally and without much effort.
Continue reading ]]>Houseplants are most commonly used to add color and life to homes and offices, but there’s an even better reason for homeowners to stock up on flowers and ferns – to keep their homes healthy. Recent NASA findings under the Clean Air Study have discovered that adding houseplants to indoor environments can reduce pollutants in enclosed areas up to 87 percent in just 24 hours. Pike Nurseries takes the guesswork out of gardening by summarizing the details of the study and offering plant suggestions for homeowners to get started.
According to the Clean Air Study, the three most common toxins that are found in homes and offices are benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene (TCE). These pollutants enter our homes through asbestos, chemical cleaning solutions, synthetic fibers, carpets and insulation. Luckily, houseplants offer a simple and beautiful way for homeowners to remove harmful airborne toxins naturally and without much effort.
Everyday houseplants like ferns, peace lilies and orchids have been found to decrease levels of harmful toxins in the immediate environment through the process of photosynthesis. These plants and other common houseplants are able to absorb high concentrations of pollutants that, once processed, are harmless to the plant itself. In addition to cleaning the air, houseplants can also help raise humidity levels in the home and decrease stress levels.
Pike Nurseries recommends the following winter and spring houseplants to help keep homes healthy:
- The Ficus: This trendy tree-like houseplant is perfect for year-round greenery, and the braided trunk creates a unique, eye-catching stem. This plant is great for those constantly on-the-go – just place near a sunny window and keep the soil moist.
- Orchid: Countless varieties give gardeners numerous options, and their bright pops of color are sure to complement any room. Orchids prefer to be pot-bound and placed in bright light, but not direct sunlight.
- Peace Lily: The perfect plant for the forgetful gardener, it can tolerate low light and infrequent watering. Foliage color varies from light to dark green, while beautiful white blooms sprout at the top.
- Ferns: The Boston fern is the most common and favorite indoor houseplant because of its long, arching fronds which can grow up to 48 inches wide. They should be kept in bright locations but not in direct sunlight.
About Pike Nurseries
Ever committed to its customers’ gardening success, Pike Nurseries takes pride in taking the guesswork out of gardening. Offering superior knowledge, quality and selection in a friendly, caring environment, Pike Nurseries has been an Atlanta icon for over 50 years. Founded in 1958 by Pete Pike, its ability to adapt to market conditions and community needs has made it a respected Southern institution. As Atlanta’s oldest garden chain, Pike Nurseries has 15 retail locations in the Atlanta, GA and Charlotte, NC areas and employs the most certified garden experts. Now led by CEO Mike Kunce, Pike Nurseries looks forward to continued growth as it keeps Atlanta and Charlotte beautiful, one landscape at a time.
]]>
JCPenney recently announced a permanent markdown of at least 40 percent on all it’s merchandise – a preemptive move to introduce a tiered strategy of ongoing promotions to offer consumers more value.
Wouldn’t it be nice if all department stores followed suit? Since it’s likely they won’t, now is a good time to brush up on your department-store shopping skills with these seven tips to save at your favorite stores.
1. Befriend Sales Associates
Though your knee-jerk reaction to eager salespeople may be “I’m just looking,” consider taking them up on their offer to serve you. Better yet, seek them out every time you shop the store. Building a rapport with a sales associate leads to the inside-track on upcoming sales and yields better customer service.
JCPenney recently announced a permanent markdown of at least 40 percent on all it’s merchandise – a preemptive move to introduce a tiered strategy of ongoing promotions to offer consumers more value.
Wouldn’t it be nice if all department stores followed suit? Since it’s likely they won’t, now is a good time to brush up on your department-store shopping skills with these seven tips to save at your favorite stores.
1. Befriend Sales Associates
Though your knee-jerk reaction to eager salespeople may be “I’m just looking,” consider taking them up on their offer to serve you. Better yet, seek them out every time you shop the store. Building a rapport with a sales associate leads to the inside-track on upcoming sales and yields better customer service.
2. Get Smart
Retailers are making it easy to stay informed about upcoming sales, thanks to e-mail alerts and Facebook updates. But how often have you left a coupon at home or failed to print it from your inbox? Mobile coupons to the rescue! Tools like the Coupon Sherpa mobile app give you access to mobile coupons to use in-store. Just pull up the offer and hand your smartphone to the cashier. Phew!
3. Shop Thursdays
While online shopping experiences a spike in sales on Mondays, department stores often mark down clothing on Thursdays in anticipation of weekend shoppers. Save your Saturday for lunch with the girls and a matinee, and turn Thursday afternoon into a savvy shopping day. For more tips on the best times of the week to shop, consult SmartMoney’s guide.
4. Retain Receipts
In an effort to de-clutter our cars, purses and file cabinets, receipts are often tossed immediately after a purchase. However, it’s a good idea to hang onto receipts for up to 30 days should the item you bought receive a price reduction. Keeping tabs on an item you’ve already purchased can score you unexpected savings.
5. Gift Yourself (and Your Wallet)
Nothing compares to spending someone else’s money on something you want, but using a discount gift cards comes pretty close. Save up to 35 percent instantly when you buy gift cards at less than face value from such sites as GiftCardGranny.
6. Shop Seasonal Sales
This one’s a no-brainer but with “80-percent off” promotions cluttering my inbox, I’d be remiss not to mention it. Shopping for winter clothing as retailers gear up for the spring and summer fashions will land you great deals on warm clothing to wear both now and after beach season is a distant memory.
7. Reward Yourself
Most credit cards have a rewards program, so take a look at your account to determine if you can redeem points for gift cards. If you have the budget and are disciplined enough to pay off your credit card every month, you might consider charging everyday expenses on your card to increase those reward points and pay for “fun” stuff with earned points. If you’re credit card doesn’t earn points, check out this list from CreditCards.com to find ones that do.
Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc., and has been featured among such top media outlets as Good Morning America, NBC’s Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more.
]]>
Suppose you’re an attractive high school girl and you’re not only a member of a large and unique family but your father is, in fact, one of the great pioneers of industrial efficiency. Then suppose he decides, for no apparent reason, to apply his unorthodox methods to you and to the rest of your big family. The results are terribly embarrassing, funny and—it must be admitted—extremely effective!
New London Theatre presents “Cheaper by the Dozen,” made famous by the biographical book written by Frank Bunker Gilbreth, Jr. and the well-known blockbuster movie, on February 17 through March 4.
Dates and times are as follows:
February 17 – 8 p.m.
February 18 – 8 p.m.
February 19 – 2:30 p.m.
February 24 – 8 p.m.
February 25 – 8 p.m.
February 26 – 2:30 p.m.
March 2 – 8 p.m.
March 3 – 8 p.m.
March 4 – 2:30 p.m.
Suppose you’re an attractive high school girl and you’re not only a member of a large and unique family but your father is, in fact, one of the great pioneers of industrial efficiency. Then suppose he decides, for no apparent reason, to apply his unorthodox methods to you and to the rest of your big family. The results are terribly embarrassing, funny and—it must be admitted—extremely effective!
New London Theatre presents “Cheaper by the Dozen,” made famous by the biographical book written by Frank Bunker Gilbreth, Jr. and the well-known blockbuster movie, on February 17 through March 4.
Dates and times are as follows:
February 17 – 8 p.m.
February 18 – 8 p.m.
February 19 – 2:30 p.m.
February 24 – 8 p.m.
February 25 – 8 p.m.
February 26 – 2:30 p.m.
March 2 – 8 p.m.
March 3 – 8 p.m.
March 4 – 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 on the day of the show. Children/students (3-19) and seniors (55+) are always $10. Tickets can be purchased online at newlondontheatre.org or by calling the theatre box office at 770-559-1484. Shows are performed at New London Theatre: 2485 East Main Street in Snellville.
]]>
Unicoi State Park
Everyone knows that exercise is one key to being healthy, but not everyone enjoys going to the gym. Georgia’s State Park system has teamed up with the Georgia Association of Physicians Assistants (GAPA) to make healthy living a bit more fun. Through the new “Rx for Fitness” Program, physician assistants can prescribe healthy hikes in the great outdoors, and patients can turn in their “prescriptions” for free park passes.
“Rx for Fitness” is part of the State Park system’s new Tons of Fun Fitness Challenge which encourages citizens to use outdoor recreation as part of their regular exercise. Park visitors may find that exploring a canyon is more fun than a step machine, and that hiking along a waterfall burns more calories than a treadmill. The parks also offer less traditional exercise, like lake swimming, geocaching and disc golf. Even some state historic sites offer walking trails in beautiful settings.
]]>Unicoi State Park
Everyone knows that exercise is one key to being healthy, but not everyone enjoys going to the gym. Georgia’s State Park system has teamed up with the Georgia Association of Physicians Assistants (GAPA) to make healthy living a bit more fun. Through the new “Rx for Fitness” Program, physician assistants can prescribe healthy hikes in the great outdoors, and patients can turn in their “prescriptions” for free park passes.
“Rx for Fitness” is part of the State Park system’s new Tons of Fun Fitness Challenge which encourages citizens to use outdoor recreation as part of their regular exercise. Park visitors may find that exploring a canyon is more fun than a step machine, and that hiking along a waterfall burns more calories than a treadmill. The parks also offer less traditional exercise, like lake swimming, geocaching and disc golf. Even some state historic sites offer walking trails in beautiful settings.
Members of GAPA will be able to help their patients in a new way, by identifying those who need more exercise and suggesting they go for a hike. By trading their “prescription” for a free pass, patients will not need to pay the $5 parking fee on their first visit. Those who decide that regular hikes can help them meet weight-loss goals can choose to buy an Annual ParkPass.
“We are so excited to offer a new and unique way of showcasing the benefits of outdoor recreation,” said State Parks Director Becky Kelley. “When exercise is fun, people tend to stick with it for much longer. It becomes part of their daily lives, and they have a better sense of wellbeing. Another benefit of visiting state parks is being able to bring your friends and family along with you.”
“Rx for Fitness” will launch today at the GAPA winter meeting. It is funded by The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation.
“Rx for Fitness is a creative way to give more kids and families access to healthy outdoor activities,” said John Bare, vice president of the Blank Family Foundation. “Better fitness is a walk in the park.”
To learn more about the new “Rx for Fitness” program, visit TonsofFun.org. The website also offers free advice from a personal trainer and nutritionist, healthy recipes, a health journal and more. To explore all of Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org.
]]>
With the invention of computers, video games and electronic toys children have become increasingly less active. Childhood obesity and the need for more physical activity are increasingly critical issues in America. One way you can encourage your children to become more physically active is by dancing!
The American Heart Association recommends that children ages two and older participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. Dance is a simple activity that doesn’t require complicated equipment and can be done just about anywhere.
“I recommend dance as a fun physical activity for the whole family because it doesn’t require a lot of time, money or resources,” said Dr. Mary Zurn, vice president of education for Primrose Schools. “Dancing is a creative form of self-expression that helps build self-confidence. Plus, it provides time well spent with your family.”
Continue reading ]]>With the invention of computers, video games and electronic toys children have become increasingly less active. Childhood obesity and the need for more physical activity are increasingly critical issues in America. One way you can encourage your children to become more physically active is by dancing!
The American Heart Association recommends that children ages two and older participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. Dance is a simple activity that doesn’t require complicated equipment and can be done just about anywhere.
“I recommend dance as a fun physical activity for the whole family because it doesn’t require a lot of time, money or resources,” said Dr. Mary Zurn, vice president of education for Primrose Schools. “Dancing is a creative form of self-expression that helps build self-confidence. Plus, it provides time well spent with your family.”
Dr. Zurn and Dr. Steve Sanders, a fitness expert and Director of the School of Physical Education & Exercise Science at the University of South Florida as well as a member of the Primrose Education Advisory Board, recommend these tips to encourage your family to start dancing:
Step 1: Select appropriate music. You aren’t just looking for age-appropriate lyrics. It is also important to find music with an eight-count beat that isn’t too fast or too slow, so children can successfully develop movements in time with the music.
Step 2: Create a dance routine with your child. Together, decide how your dance will begin, what movements will go in the middle and how it will end. Children naturally respond to music with movement, which they can then turn into a dance. They love to pretend and don’t have any difficulty responding if they are asked to “be” the wind moving in the trees or even a dog searching for a place to bury a bone. Their imaginations don’t need much encouragement to get moving.
Step 3: Focus on developing your child’s key motor skills. Freestyle dancing is great for getting the heart rate up, but dancing can also be beneficial to your child’s motor and coordination development. Dancing will enable them to practice fundamental skills like jumping, landing, leaping, sliding, galloping, moving forward and backwards, and learning how to imitate moves.
Step 4: Check your child’s heart rate. Teach your child to connect physical activity with maintaining a healthy heart by measuring his or her heart rate. Show your child how to feel and count his or her heart beats.
For more tips from Dr. Z and a variety of activity suggestions, visit www.DrZandMe.com.
Article By: Cami Nail, Primrose School of Five Forks
]]>
Metro Jazz Club at Aurora Theatre Courtesy of Aurora Theatre
Aurora Theatre can help to create the perfect Valentine’s Day memory for any romance with the Swing Night at Aurora Theatre Valentine’s Day Concert on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at 8:30 p.m. This special edition of the popular concert series will feature the Metro Jazz Club, a smokin’-hot 17 piece band performing an array of songs designed to get couples swinging with their sweetie this Valentine’s Day.
The evening hostess will be the incomparable Ann-Carol Pence, Aurora Theatre associate producer and resident musical director. Dedicated to the preservation of some of the best music ever composed, Metro Jazz Club is led by jazz sax man Gary Dalton. The concert will also feature real-life romantic couple and two of Atlanta’s busiest musical theatre performers, Laura Floyd (A Catered Affair, and upcoming as Bonnie Parker in Bonnie & Clyde: A Folktale) and Jeremy Wood (Singin’ in the Rain, A Catered Affair).
Continue reading ]]>Metro Jazz Club at Aurora Theatre Courtesy of Aurora Theatre
Aurora Theatre can help to create the perfect Valentine’s Day memory for any romance with the Swing Night at Aurora Theatre Valentine’s Day Concert on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at 8:30 p.m. This special edition of the popular concert series will feature the Metro Jazz Club, a smokin’-hot 17 piece band performing an array of songs designed to get couples swinging with their sweetie this Valentine’s Day.
The evening hostess will be the incomparable Ann-Carol Pence, Aurora Theatre associate producer and resident musical director. Dedicated to the preservation of some of the best music ever composed, Metro Jazz Club is led by jazz sax man Gary Dalton. The concert will also feature real-life romantic couple and two of Atlanta’s busiest musical theatre performers, Laura Floyd (A Catered Affair, and upcoming as Bonnie Parker in Bonnie & Clyde: A Folktale) and Jeremy Wood (Singin’ in the Rain, A Catered Affair).
The Aurora Theatre also makes it easy for the guys to look good with their Valentine’s restaurant partners. At no additional charge, Aurora Theatre will provide concert ticket holders with a voucher to redeem for specials at one of the participating restaurants, including: Purple Rain Restaurant & Lounge, Pura Enchilada and La Cazuela (Lawrenceville location). With a start time of 8:30 p.m., Aurora Theatre gives patrons a chance to enjoy a romantic dinner before attending the concert.
Tickets are available for $22.50, including a promotional voucher for discounts and added values with Aurora Valentine’s Restaurant partners. Call 678-226-6222 or visit auroratheatre.com for more information. The Aurora Theatre is located at 153 Crogan Street in Lawrenceville.
Programming in Aurora Theatre’s 2011-2012 Main Stage Season is possible through generous support from Metro Waterproofing and the Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund. Swing Night at Aurora Theatre concert series is sponsored by independent Ameriprise Financial Advisors Chris Reynolds & Kevin O’Brian.
]]>
For many, the wedding is no longer a one-day affair — it’s grown into a wedding weekend with expensive festivities lasting three days or more. It’s estimated that guests alone will spend $500 to attend one and that figure doesn’t even include the wedding gift, according to EngagementExperts.com. Bridesmaids can plan on spending up to $1,400 to be a part of a friend’s big day, according to TheKnot.com.
Getting together a game plan before the wedding season kicks off will ease the strain on your closest friends’ and families’ wallets — and help alleviate your stress levels. Since you’re already looking to save money wherever you can, here are some unique ways you can save your guests and your wedding party money as well.
Continue reading ]]>For many, the wedding is no longer a one-day affair — it’s grown into a wedding weekend with expensive festivities lasting three days or more. It’s estimated that guests alone will spend $500 to attend one and that figure doesn’t even include the wedding gift, according to EngagementExperts.com. Bridesmaids can plan on spending up to $1,400 to be a part of a friend’s big day, according to TheKnot.com.
Getting together a game plan before the wedding season kicks off will ease the strain on your closest friends’ and families’ wallets — and help alleviate your stress levels. Since you’re already looking to save money wherever you can, here are some unique ways you can save your guests and your wedding party money as well.
1. Only invite locals and closest long-term friends to your wedding.
Same goes for your bridal party. Keep it to your best friends and siblings. Couples are inviting fewer guests to weddings these days (144 compared to 152 in a 2010 Wedding Report study). You’ll save money too!
If you’re looking to inform your greater circle of friends about your nuptials, send out an announcement featuring a photo from your day after the event.
2. Let your bridal party pick their own attire.
The only thing more impractical in the world than a bridesmaid’s dress is possibly the Segway. Even if you’re lucky enough to score a decent-looking dress, the chances of you ever wearing it again are nil. It’s a growing trend to do non-matching dresses. Embrace this practical alternative and choose a color, or give your girls parameters to pick their own dress.
If someone offers their services for your wedding, suggest that be their “gift” to you. Whether it’s helping arrange flowers, valet parking or doing hair and makeup, if a friend pitches in for your wedding, let them know their services are the best gift and completely sufficient.
3. Create a gift card registry.
Where there’s a wedding, there are showers. And lots of them. Engagement parties, bridal showers, lingerie soirées, home warmings — the parties are as endless as the disco tunes at a reception. Keep the registry simple — and 21st century — by creating your wedding gift registry at CardAvenue for gift cards to national retailers. Not only do you forego returning one of two fondue sets, your guests can save on costly shipping charges.
4. Get practical when it comes to accommodations.
If travel is required to attend and/or be part of your wedding, consider your guests’ needs. While you want to reserve rooms at a good rate, you don’t want them to slum it for the weekend. Many hotels offer special rates for weddings, but you may also find out if local friends and family might offer guest bedrooms for those who may need extra help.
Guests could split a rental car and hotel room. Chances are there will be many others flying from out of town, so an extra trip to an airport or a pullout sofa bed may work just fine.
5. Be thankful.
After the last packet of birdseed has been flung, remember the reason you’ve put up with all this wedding nonsense. You want your friends and family to celebrate one of the most important days of your life together. You care that they’ve sacrificed to be a part of your big day. Don’t let that go unacknowledged. Include a note in the wedding program, a toast at the reception or a sweet line of thanks as part of the wedding favor (or on to-go boxes where your guests can take home some grub for later.)
Weddings expert Cara Davis is the author of Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot and blogs from her home in Orlando, FL, about cheap ways to spend and save at CheapWaysTo.com.
]]>
Simon Kidgits Club, Dr. Seuss Enterprises L.P. and Random House Children’s Books together are celebrating the 75th anniversary of Theodor Seuss Geisel’s first-ever published children’s book, “And To Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street.” As part of the celebration, nearly 100 Simon malls across the country are hosting a special event for families to explore all the fun of Dr. Seuss.
Both Mall of Georgia and Gwinnett Place invite area kids and parents to celebrate “75 Years of Imagination” at special Dr. Seuss event. Families can wander Dr. Seuss’s whimsical world of imaginary wonder by participating in the event’s fun-filled activities:
Continue reading ]]>Simon Kidgits Club, Dr. Seuss Enterprises L.P. and Random House Children’s Books together are celebrating the 75th anniversary of Theodor Seuss Geisel’s first-ever published children’s book, “And To Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street.” As part of the celebration, nearly 100 Simon malls across the country are hosting a special event for families to explore all the fun of Dr. Seuss.
Both Mall of Georgia and Gwinnett Place invite area kids and parents to celebrate “75 Years of Imagination” at special Dr. Seuss event. Families can wander Dr. Seuss’s whimsical world of imaginary wonder by participating in the event’s fun-filled activities:
- Take part in a fascinating in-mall book reading
- Capture a photo in front of a splendid Mulberry Street-themed backdrop featuring a variety of children’s favorite Dr. Seuss characters. Families may also have the chance to interact and snap a photo with the cheerful event VIP, The Cat In The Hat.
- Enjoy a television episode of PBS KIDS’ “The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!” (Check local listings for more information.)
- Decorate marvelous Mulberry Street bookmarks and enchanting Dr. Seuss-inspired crowns and tiaras.
- Creating captivating “And To Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street” booklets.
Event dates and locations are as follows:
- Saturday, February 11, 1-3 p.m.: Mall of Georgia (3333 Buford Drive, Buford) in the Nordstrom Court area. Officers from the Gwinnett County Police Department will join for reading fun!
- Saturday, February 18, 1-3 p.m.: Gwinnett Place (2100 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth) on the Lower Level near the fountain. Special guest readers include Mayor Judy Johnson of Lawrenceville; Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders and Briana Jewett, Miss Atlanta 2012.
Each event will conclude with a parade where goodie bags filled with terrific treats will be given out. Families can also pick up a special 75th Anniversary Edition of “And To Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street,” one of 44 children’s books written and illustrated by Geisel, in book stores beginning January 24. For more information about the Simon Kidgits Club and Dr. Seuss’ “75 Years of Imagination” events, visit http://www.simon.com/kidgits/ or Facebook and Twitter.
The Simon Kidgits Club is a fun and informative program that focuses on health, wellness, education, safety and entertainment for children ages 3-8. Since 2003, the Simon Kidgits Club has kept children and parents alike amused with various events and activities while providing incentives for club members, such as special offers, rewards and games.
]]>
GMC Sports Medicine staff provides tips on a heart-healthy lifestyle and appropriate exercise routines at the February 2011 Health Forum.
Gwinnett Medical Center (GMC) will host a community celebration to recognize the opening of the new Strickland Heart Center on Saturday, February 18, from 8-11 a.m. at Gwinnett Center. Take the Pledge for a Healthy Heart is a free educational event open to the community, where attendees will be encouraged to sign-up to take a pledge to live a heart healthy lifestyle. After taking the pledge, they will receive a pedometer.
Highlights from this interactive event include screenings and educational booths, health risk counseling, cooking demonstrations by an award winning chef, complimentary chair massages and fitness classes led by certified fitness instructors including Yoga, Pilates, Zumba and Cardio Dance. All who participate in a Yoga or Pilates class will receive a free yoga mat courtesy of GMC. Attendees will have an opportunity to win an iPod or iPad 2 every 30 minutes. An assortment of health and wellness inspired gift certificates and giveaways will be awarded throughout the event as well. Special guests of the event will include 9.49 The Bull and 640 AM. A complimentary breakfast will be provided to attendees.
Continue reading ]]>GMC Sports Medicine staff provides tips on a heart-healthy lifestyle and appropriate exercise routines at the February 2011 Health Forum.
Gwinnett Medical Center (GMC) will host a community celebration to recognize the opening of the new Strickland Heart Center on Saturday, February 18, from 8-11 a.m. at Gwinnett Center. Take the Pledge for a Healthy Heart is a free educational event open to the community, where attendees will be encouraged to sign-up to take a pledge to live a heart healthy lifestyle. After taking the pledge, they will receive a pedometer.
Highlights from this interactive event include screenings and educational booths, health risk counseling, cooking demonstrations by an award winning chef, complimentary chair massages and fitness classes led by certified fitness instructors including Yoga, Pilates, Zumba and Cardio Dance. All who participate in a Yoga or Pilates class will receive a free yoga mat courtesy of GMC. Attendees will have an opportunity to win an iPod or iPad 2 every 30 minutes. An assortment of health and wellness inspired gift certificates and giveaways will be awarded throughout the event as well. Special guests of the event will include 9.49 The Bull and 640 AM. A complimentary breakfast will be provided to attendees.
The focus of this event will be to encourage the community to jumpstart their heart healthy lifestyle and become aware of the services provided by GMC to aide in their transformational journey. Health risk counselors will be available to discuss on-site screening results as well as general health questions.
The event also serves as a thank you to all those in the Gwinnett community who donated their time and money to the manifestation of GMC’s new heart and vascular center, the Strickland Heart Center. The 40,000-square-foot Strickland Heart Center provides the community with access to a comprehensive array of advanced cardiovascular services, including open heart surgery, state-of-the-art operating rooms and cardiac catheterization laboratories featuring the latest in surgical technology. The Strickland Heart Center is also home to some of the region’s top cardiologists and interventionalists.
To register, attendees can call 678-312-5000 or visit gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/classes and choose Take the Pledge Event.
Gwinnett Medical Center
Gwinnett Medical Center is a not-for-profit healthcare network with acute-care hospitals in Lawrenceville and Duluth that provide award-winning healthcare services. GMC’s 4,200 associates and 800 affiliated physicians serve more than 400,000 patients annually. To learn more about how GMC is transforming healthcare, visit gwinnettmedicalcenter.org or follow us at facebook.com/gwinnettmedical, twitter.com/gwinnettmedical or youtube.com/gwinnettmedical.
]]>
Super Bowl XLVI kicks off in a few days and in addition to soaring chicken-wing prices, delectable dip recipes and the season’s best football, the big game brings with it some of the lowest prices of the year on electronics (save for Black Friday, of course).
If you’ve wanted to upgrade your big screen, enhance your surround sound or switch to a smartphone for instant play updates, now is a better time than ever. However, intercepting the best deals takes a smart shopping strategy.
Review this play-by-play buying guide to learn how to tackle super savings on game-day gadgets:
1. Do Your Homework
Research is key when making any purchase, so be sure to read product reviews to determine the best make and model for your needs. If you’re in the market for a new HDTV, Lifehacker offers helpful advice on comparing specifications. Once you’ve determined what you want to buy, compare retail prices on sites like PriceGrabber.com to score the best deal.
Super Bowl XLVI kicks off in a few days and in addition to soaring chicken-wing prices, delectable dip recipes and the season’s best football, the big game brings with it some of the lowest prices of the year on electronics (save for Black Friday, of course).
If you’ve wanted to upgrade your big screen, enhance your surround sound or switch to a smartphone for instant play updates, now is a better time than ever. However, intercepting the best deals takes a smart shopping strategy.
Review this play-by-play buying guide to learn how to tackle super savings on game-day gadgets:
1. Do Your Homework
Research is key when making any purchase, so be sure to read product reviews to determine the best make and model for your needs. If you’re in the market for a new HDTV, Lifehacker offers helpful advice on comparing specifications. Once you’ve determined what you want to buy, compare retail prices on sites like PriceGrabber.com to score the best deal.
2. Get Creative with Payment
Though salespeople will try to sell you on the store credit card with a one-time discount, you’re better off using your own card to rack up reward points or flyer miles. If you can, offer cash and see if doing so will land you a discount. Otherwise, guarantee yourself some savings by paying part of the bill with a discount gift card from GiftCardGranny.com to Best Buy and other popular gadget retailers.
3. Beware of Extras
Don’t let impatience impact the additional decisions you have to make at checkout. Extended warranties are an expensive and ultimately unnecessary add-on; in most cases, the warranty provided by the manufacturer is sufficient, especially since electronics have a rapid depreciation value. HDMI cables have the most obscene markup around, and can be found for a fraction of brick-and-mortar store prices online (specifically, if you go generic).
4. Negotiate
The ability to negotiate is a powerful skill, one that’s getting more attention as consumers use it to save money. According to Consumer Reports, shoppers who haggled over the price of electronics saved an average of $82. The adage “knowledge is power” definitely applies here, so do you research before you head into battle. If you’re completely green on the strategy, consult this article from Kiplinger for a few pointers.
5. Opt for Refurbished
If a new TV or iPod simply isn’t in your budget, you needn’t give up on your dream of owning one. Refurbished electronics represent a smart substitute for buying new, as they cost a fraction of the price and often come with a warranty and new parts and accessories. Apple, for example, conducts rigorous testing and offers a one-year warranty on their refurbished products.
6. High Definition Without Cable
I recently learned that DirectTV doesn’t offer local channels in high definition, a fact deemed unacceptable by my significant other for the Super Bowl. Thankfully, you can get high-definition quality with an HD antenna for a one-time purchase price of $20 to $60, depending on the model. Don’t worry about ugly metal wires in the form of rabbit ears — modern antennas are thin, squared-shaped gadgets that make for a sleek addition to your entertainment system.
7. Don’t Overlook Open-box
Open-box items are another great opportunity for serious savings. Retailers like Best Buy often have open-box items on the sales floor along with a web page of available inventory. The assumption that the product is defective is often incorrect, as open-box items are more likely the product of buyer’s remorse or less-than-pristine appearance. Ask a sales associate about the condition of the item and verify all components are included before purchasing.
8. Let the Jones’ Be
Newsflash, technology fanatics: the latest bells and whistles will depreciate just as fast as last year’s models. One of the easiest ways to save on electronics is to limit your search to year-old inventory, which is timely advice since new models of electronics are typically introduced in February.
9. Friends with Benefits
If you can’t wiggle your budget to include a new flat screen or subwoofer, find friends or neighbors who are willing to share their systems in exchange for beer and brats on game day. After all, a party isn’t a party without good friends and good food.
Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. As a nationally recognized media source, Andrea has been featured among top news outlets such as Good Morning America, NBC’s Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more.
]]>