The average car will last well beyond  100,000 miles. Used car sales and their values remain strong, and recessionistas are looking for ways to keep their older vehicles in tip-top shape. Here are 10 tips that can increase the life of your car while saving money.

1. Dust off your owner’s manual.

The owner’s manual of your car lists preventative maintenance schedules specific to your car’s make and model. Scheduling service appointments for routine maintenance such as oil changes, tire rotations, and engine checks will ensure that important preventive maintenance services are done in a timely manner.

2. Learn to do simple repairs yourself.

Save hundreds of dollars by doing some simple repairs yourself. You can learn how to change wiper blades, replace your air filter, change the oil, or replace your battery. Do your homework, get the tools you need, and remember to safely dispose of any liquids that come out of your car. See if your community college has a basic car care class, which will not only teach you much needed maintenance tips but will make you a smarter car consumer. 

3. Keep it clean.

Waxing your car not only makes it shine, but it protects the finish on the car. Most experts recommend waxing 1-3 times per year. With spring is in full bloom, save your interior from sun damage by parking your car in the shade or use a windshield cover. This is especially important if you are looking to sell or trade-in your car.

4. Comparison shop for repairs.

When your car requires a repair that costs a considerable amount of money, check with 2-3 different dealerships or mechanics for estimates. Get estimates from various parts of your town, as prices can differ depending on the neighborhood. To search for Certified Women-Drivers Friendly™ service dealers in your area, visit Women-Drivers.com.

5. Use what’s available: car pool or take public transportation.

Hop on the bus or light rail; not only will you save gas, but you can use this extra time to get in some reading, get a few emails or texts handled, or, more importantly, unwind from a busy day.

6. Conserve fuel.

If you are the one driving the car pool, investigate alternate routes at rush hour to avoid stop-and-go traffic patterns. Bumper-to-bumper traffic is tough on brakes and gas mileage. On longer trips, use the cruise control setting to save 5-10 percent of gas per gallon. Never drive at high speeds with your windows rolled all the way down; this will waste fuel. Avoid constantly pressing the accelerator when driving; coast when you can. Keep your tires well inflated; check the pressure monthly.

7. Head to the pump more often.

Make an effort to avoid driving while the tank is below 1/4 full. Keeping a gas tank that low can increase the likelihood of dirt, debris, and rust forming in the fuel system.

8. Take a look at your accessories.

When upgrading your vehicle, it can be cheaper to buy certain accessories directly from another company. Accessories such as GPS units and specialty floor mats or rims can be hundreds of dollars less when purchased through the internet or big box retailer.

9. Inspect your car daily.

Something simple like paying attention to leaks can save money on costly repairs. Knowing the color of fluids will make it easier to detect the problem and will also tip the service manager that you know what you are doing. Brown fluid is engine oil; bright green or orange fluid is anti-freeze or coolant; clear or light brown fluid is clutch or brake fluid.

10. Know when NOT to scrimp.

While it may be tempting to buy a less expensive part for your car, it’s not always wise. Buying a high quality auto part will ensure peace of mind and will save money in the long run. Make sure that all vital replacement parts are of high quality and recommended by a dealer or advisor that you trust. 

Women-Drivers.com allows consumers to rate their experiences at dealerships nationwide and connect with Certified Women-Drivers Friendly™ car dealers.

Looking for a job? Your first impulse may be to grab the help-wanted section or surf the Web for job ads. But your job search will be more effective if you first take the time to create a plan. As you get started, keep these two job-hunting truths in mind:

• Job hunting takes time. Whether you’re currently unemployed or working 50 hours a week, it’s important to commit as much time as you reasonably can to job search activities.

• Job hunters need goals and a schedule. Job search scheduling and goal setting should be done daily and weekly. For example, block out the hours you are committing to the search and identify what you plan to accomplish. If you set 9-11 a.m., Monday, for library research, your goal could be to identify 10 new employers you can pursue. Tuesday’s goal could be contacting the 10 new employers you identified Monday. Tuesday, 1-3 p.m., may be scheduled for making direct telephone contacts. Be realistic, but challenge yourself.

 

GROW YOUR NETWORK

One effective tool for seeking employment is networking. It can be a crucial element of job hunting because many jobs are never advertised. Employers prefer to interview and hire people referred to them by friends, family, or current employees.

Here are some tips for building and expanding your network, practicing good networking etiquette and effective communication, and being prepared for unexpected opportunities.

• Visit or join a professional association in the field you wish to pursue. Many members are eager to help job seekers and often know employers with open positions.

• Find a mentor who has experience in the field you’re pursuing. Ask her for advice and use her as a sounding board for your thoughts and ideas. Ask to shadow her on the job.

• Talk with your friends, family, teachers, professors, former supervisor, or managers. Practice selling yourself first to those who know you.

• Follow good networking etiquette. Always look for opportunities to give something back. Be prepared to offer something of value to those who are taking time to help you. When gathering information about your field or about specific opportunities, ask for information, not for a job.

• Keep your promises. When you tell someone you will call, be sure to follow up. If someone is difficult to reach, keep trying. It’s your responsibility to connect.

• Practice effective communication. Keep your contacts informed about your efforts in the job search through phone calls or brief handwritten notes.

• Be sure to send a thank-you letter within 24 hours of an interview.

• Keep your conversations friendly but businesslike. Give a brief summary of your objectives, and then explain how your accomplishments support this objective.

• Be prepared for unexpected opportunities. When networking, you’ll be introduced to new contacts frequently, often at a moment’s notice. Make sure you’re ready to communicate your job search objective, strengths, etc.

• Have business cards and copies of your resume with you at all times. Opportunities will arise anywhere and everywhere.

 

WRITING A RESUME

The hardest part of writing a resume can be getting started. One method is to set a clear goal or career objective, and make sure your resume reflects that objective. You don’t necessarily have to state your objective on your resume, but write a summary statement to show how the particular job matches your career goals.

When writing your resume:

• Be truthful. State your abilities accurately.

• Target your audience. Highlight skills and activities relevant to the job.

• Keep it brief. Limit your resume to one or two pages, and use fewer words for scannability.

• Write and rewrite. Plan to write several versions of your resume before it feels right.

• Be professional. Print your resume on high-grade paper using a quality printer.

• Be accurate. Proofread your resume (and have a friend do the same) for any errors.

• Follow up. Call or send a letter to the employer to restate your interest in the position. 

For more information on obtaining employment, visit www.careeronestop.org.

A new car is second only to a home as the most expensive purchase many consumers make. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, the average price of a new car sold in the United States is $28,966. That’s why it’s important to know how to make a smart deal.

 

DO SOME RESEARCH

Think about what car model and options you want and how much you’re willing to spend. Do some research. You’ll be less likely to feel pressured into making a hasty or expensive decision at the showroom and more likely to get a better deal.

• Check publications at a library or bookstore, or on the Internet that discuss new car features and prices. These may provide information on the dealer’s costs for specific models and options.

• Shop around to get the best possible price by comparing models and prices in ads and at dealer showrooms. You also may want to contact car-buying services and broker-buying services to make comparisons.

• Plan to negotiate on price. Dealers may be willing to bargain on their profit margin, often between 10 and 20 percent. Usually, this is the difference between the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and the invoice price. Because the price is a factor in the dealer’s calculations regardless of whether you pay cash or finance your car—and also affects your monthly payments—negotiating the price can save you money.

• Consider ordering your new car if you don’t see what you want on the dealer’s lot. Then you can customize it to your own personal preferences. This may involve a delay, but cars on the lot may have options you don’t want—and that can raise the price. However, dealers often want to sell their current inventory quickly, so you may be able to negotiate a good deal if an in-stock car meets your needs.

 

LEARN THE LINGO

Negotiations often have a vocabulary of their own. Here are some terms you may hear when you’re talking price.

• Invoice Price is the manufacturer’s initial charge to the dealer. This usually is higher than the dealer’s final cost because dealers receive rebates, allowances, discounts, and incentive awards. Generally, the invoice price should include freight (also known as destination and delivery). If you’re buying a car based on the invoice price (for example, “at invoice,” “$100 below invoice,” “two percent above invoice”) and if freight is already included, make sure freight isn’t added again to the sales contract.

• Base Price is the cost of the car without options, but includes standard equipment and factory warranty. This price is printed on the Monroney sticker.

• Monroney Sticker Price (MSRP) shows the base price, the manufacturer’s installed options with the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, the manufacturer’s transportation charge, and the fuel economy (mileage). Affixed to the car window, this label is required by federal law and may be removed only by the purchaser.

• Dealer Sticker Price, usually on a supplemental sticker, is the Monroney sticker price plus the suggested retail price of dealer-installed options, such as additional dealer markup (ADM) or additional dealer profit (ADP), dealer preparation, and undercoating.

 

FINANCING FACTS

If you decide to finance your car, be aware that the financing obtained by the dealer, even if the dealer contacts lenders on your behalf, may not be the best deal you can get. Contact lenders directly. Compare the financing they offer you with the financing the dealer offers you. Because offers vary, shop around for the best deal, comparing the annual percentage rate (APR) and the length of the loan. When negotiating to finance a car, be wary of focusing only on the monthly payment. The total amount you will pay depends on the price of the car you negotiate, the APR, and the length of the loan.

Sometimes, dealers offer very low financing rates for specific cars or models, but may not be willing to negotiate on the price of these cars. To qualify for the special rates, you may be required to make a large down payment. With these conditions, you may find that it’s sometimes more affordable to pay higher financing charges on a car that is lower in price or to buy a car that requires a smaller down payment.

Before you sign a contract to purchase or finance the car, consider the terms of the financing and evaluate whether it is affordable. Before you drive off the lot, be sure to have a copy of the contract that both you and the dealer have signed and be sure that all blanks are filled in.

 

CREDIT  INSURANCE

Some dealers and lenders may ask you to buy credit insurance to pay off your loan if you should die or become disabled. Before you buy credit insurance, consider the cost and whether it’s worthwhile. Check your existing policies to avoid duplicating benefits.

Credit insurance is not required by federal law. If your dealer requires you to buy credit insurance for car financing, it must be included in the cost of credit. That is, it must be reflected in the APR. Your state Attorney General also may have requirements about credit insurance. Check with your state Insurance Commissioner or state consumer protection agency.

 

TRADE-INS

Discuss the possibility of a trade-in only after you’ve negotiated the best possible price for your new car and after you’ve researched the value of your old car. Check the library for reference books or magazines that can tell you how much it is worth. This information may help you get a better price from the dealer. Though it may take longer to sell your car yourself, you generally will get more money than if you trade it in.

 

SERVICE CONTRACTS

Service contracts that you may buy with a new car provide for the repair of certain parts or problems. These contracts are offered by manufacturers, dealers, or independent companies and may or may not provide coverage beyond the manufacturer’s warranty. Remember that a warranty is included in the price of the car while a service contract costs extra.

Before deciding to purchase a service contract, read it carefully and consider these questions:

• What’s the difference between the coverage under the warranty and the coverage under the service contract?

• What repairs are covered?

• Is routine maintenance covered?

• Who pays for the labor? The parts?

• Who performs the repairs? Can repairs be made elsewhere?

• How long does the service contract last?

• What are the cancellation and refund policies? 

Contact the Federal Trade Commision for additional information. Call 1-877-FTC-HELP or visit ftc.gov.

They’re growing up. Your 9-year-old wants to pack his own suitcase for the family vacation. Your 11-year-old doesn’t want you to open her dresser drawers. And don’t even think about picking out a CD for a 12-year-old.

Not yet teenagers but no longer little kids, young adolescents—or tweens—love their increasing independence. But happily for parents, 9-to-12-year-olds still need you for direction on important decisions. This is a time to give it your ALL—Ask, Listen, Learn—so that you’ll be better prepared to understand and respond to the changes your child is experiencing. Most importantly, remember to have an open dialogue—to talk, talk, talk—and together you’ll be able to meet the challenges.

 

CURIOUS ABOUT ALCOHOL

One of the big decisions your child may face, even at this age, is how to say no to alcohol. The statistics make it clear that your involvement is essential. Why? Government data indicate that underage drinking continues to be a troubling issue.

About 10.8 million Americans ages 12 to 20—almost a third of underage kids—say they consumed alcohol in the past month, according to the 2005 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. What’s worse, 65 percent of kids under the age of 21 who say they drink claim they get alcohol from family and friends—in other words, from their parents, their friends’ parents, or older friends and siblings. Make no mistake: Tweens know what’s going on, and they’re more than just a little curious about alcohol.

So before they’re presented with the opportunity, it’s critical to give them the information they need to make the right decision. “They see it as something exciting,” explains Dr. Anthony Wolf, a clinical psychologist and author of Get Out of My Life, But First Could You Drive Me and Cheryl to the Mall? “They’re at an age where they’re prepared to take more risks. They have an internal mandate not to see themselves as little kids.”

Not all kids take such risks, of course. But fitting in with their peers is becoming paramount. As your budding adolescent gets older, the chances that she’ll be exposed to alcohol increase. What to do?

• Give your child the information and support she needs to avoid alcohol. Right now she’s developing her self-image and long-term habits, so you want her to feel positive about herself and make healthy choices.

• Let her know she can talk to you about anything. When she does, try to Ask, Listen, Learn.

• Give her lots of love and praise.

• Plan family activities.

• Make sure she’s not left bored and unattended.

 

EXERCISE YOUR INFLUENCE

Whether your child raises it or you broach the subject of drinking, when it does come up, make your views utterly clear. Your tween still very much cares what you think.

• Take advantage of daily opportunities to talk.

• Use a current newspaper article or recent event about alcohol as a way of raising the issue.

• Give your reaction to these examples.

• Ask your child for his. Listen carefully, and don’t criticize his answers. Make it a discussion, not an argument. Learn from each other.

“Kids need to know that if they speak openly, they won’t regret it,” says Dr. Paul Coleman, a psychologist and author of How to Say It to Your Kids. “They don’t want to be talked down to. Eliminate comments like ‘How could you think that way? What made you say such a thing?’” If your child thinks you’re interrogating him, he’ll clam up. But if he knows that it’s okay to talk—even disagree—about difficult issues, he’ll be less likely to tune out your opinion.

Tweens are undergoing many emotional and physical changes, and they’re fascinated by how their bodies and minds operate. So, without delivering a science report, give your child plenty of information about how alcohol affects them:

1. In some cases alcohol reduces inhibitions, leading to a wide range of risky situations.

2. In larger amounts, it can act as a depressant, potentially leading to sleep, comas, and even death.

3. Alcohol affects many of the body’s organs and systems. It can irritate the stomach lining and make people lose their balance, throw up, and become unable to focus or speak clearly.

4. In rare circumstances, an overdose—known as alcohol poisoning—can kill.

5. Emotionally, alcohol can make young people stressed, angry, and violent.

6.Alcohol affects learning and memory, slows reactions, and often makes kids lose interest in getting good grades and staying in school.

“You need to have these conversations over and over,” says Coleman. True, your child’s eyes may glaze over, or she may accuse you of harping. “It’s okay to admit to your child that you may not be saying the right things,” he says. “Tell her that alcohol use among kids is scary for parents. And if your child is open to these talks, tell her how great that is and how mature she’s sounding.” The bottom line: Study after study shows that parents have the most influence over whether teens decide to drink—or not. So it’s critical that parents exercise their influence.

 

ESTABLISH YOUR VALUES

Kids can be very literal, and your child may not know how you feel about underage alcohol consumption until you make it perfectly clear. Tell him, “I’m completely against it for kids.” Then explain exactly why.

What if you discover that your child has experimented with alcohol? If you catch her red-handed: “There should be consequences,” says Coleman. Curfews, grounding, or limits on phone use are some possibilities. On the other hand, if your child comes to you with an admission, you don’t want to squash that impulse. “If he tells you something and then gets in trouble for it, that’s the last time your child will tell you anything,” emphasizes Wolf. Instead, praise his honesty, but don’t let the subject drop without weighing in. Repeat firmly that you disapprove, that it’s highly dangerous, and that you expect it never to happen again.

 

HELP THEM SAY NO

At some point your child will be confronted with making the decision not to drink, and he may be caught off guard. He may be trying hard to fit in with a cool crowd. He’ll have trouble thinking up good responses from scratch. That’s why he needs to have some answers at the ready. “Kids shouldn’t go into lengthy or weak-sounding explanations,” says Dr. Paul Coleman. “Answers like ‘I don’t think that’s a very good idea’ or ‘My parents wouldn’t like it’ invite a debate, and your child’s resolve may weaken if the other person keeps trying to talk him into a drink.”

The best strategy, says Coleman, is to practice short, direct replies, such as “No way! That’s crazy. My parents will ground me for a month.” If a child keeps saying no, according to Coleman, he’s not as likely to be pressured as much or as regularly. Dr. Anthony Wolf points out that saying no makes kids different from many of their peers—exactly what most adolescents don’t want.

“Drinking or not drinking is one of the things that separates kids once they get into adolescence,” he says. If your child does turn away from kids who drink, realize that he may need extra emotional support from you.

 

COMMON QUESTIONS FROM KIDS ABOUT ALCOHOL

Your goal is to help your child feel comfortable talking to you about alcohol, even if some of her ideas make you shudder. Be ready to answer some common questions.

• Why is alcohol so bad for me anyway?

It interferes with your judgment. You might make really dangerous decisions, like going places you shouldn’t or getting into a car driven by a drunk driver. There are long-term effects, too. Most important, you’re young and your body and brain are still growing. Alcohol dangerously interferes with that growth. Drinking too much over a long period of time can damage many organs in your body.

• Grown-ups drink alcohol. Why can’t I?

First, it’s against the law—for good reason. Alcohol can be misused, and people must be old enough to make responsible decisions about drinking. It’s not just a fun thing. Statistics show that people who drink alcohol are highly prone to accidents and dangerous situations. Also, privileges—like driving and voting—come with age. So do responsibilities, such as working, paying taxes, and providing for the family.

• Just because you drink doesn’t mean you’re drunk, right?

Many factors affect whether you’re drunk, including your gender, your weight, how fast you’re drinking, and whether you’ve had water and a meal with your drinks—regardless of whether it’s beer, wine, or liquor.

• So why isn’t alcohol illegal?

It’s a long-standing part of our culture, and most adults who drink are able to enjoy it responsibly as part of a healthy lifestyle. 

Information provided by The Century Council, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking. For more information, visit visit www.asklistenlearn.com/parents.

Homeownership is becoming a reality for more and more Americans. During 2000, the US homeownership rate reached 67.7 percent, the highest rate ever. Yet many Americans don’t realize that homeownership is within their grasp.

A home is a financial asset and more: it’s a place to live and raise children; it’s a plan for the future; it’s an investment in your community. That’s why the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development wants all Americans to have an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of owning a home. And HUD is especially proud of its work to help first-time homebuyers: thanks to special programs, more than 81% of FHA-insured loans went to first-time homebuyers during 2000.

Knowledge is said to open doors. This is literally true when it comes to buying a home. To become a first-time homebuyer, you need to know where and how to begin the homebuying process. The following questions and answers have been carefully selected to give you a foundation of basic knowledge. In addition to helping you begin, this article will give you some of the tools necessary to navigate the entire process - from deciding whether you’re ready to buy, all the way to that final proud step, getting the keys to your new home.

Use this information to determine if you’re ready to buy a home. if you are ready, contact a real estate agent, lender, or a housing counseling agency. They can help you decide your next step.

• How do I know if I’m ready to buy a home? You can find out by asking yourself some questions:

~ Do I have a steady source of income (usually a job)? Have I been employed on a regular basis for the last 2-3 years?

~ Is my current income reliable?

~ Do I have a good record of paying bills?

~ Do I have few outstanding long-term debts, like car payments?

~ Do I have money saved for a down payment?

~ Do I have the ability to pay a mortgage every month, plus additional costs?

If you can answer “yes” to these questions, you are probably ready to buy your own home.

• How do I begin the process of buying a home? Start by thinking about your situation. Are you ready to buy a home? How much can you afford in a monthly mortgage payment? How much space do you need? What areas of town do you like? After you answer these questions, make a “To Do” list and start doing casual research. Talk to friends and family, drive through neighborhoods, and look in the “Homes” section of the newspaper.

• How does purchasing a home compare with renting? The two don’t really compare at all. The one advantage of renting is being generally free of most maintenance responsibilities. But by renting, you lose the chance to build equity, take advantage of tax benefits, and protect yourself against rent increases. Also, you may not be free to decorate without permission and may be at the mercy of the landlord for housing.

Owning a home has many benefits. When you make a mortgage payment, you are building equity. And that’s an investment. Owning a home also qualifies you for tax breaks that assist you in dealing with your new financial responsibilities—like insurance, real estate taxes, and upkeep- which can be substantial. But given the freedom, stability, and security of owning your own home, they are worth it.

• How does the lender decide the maximum loan amount that you can afford?

The lender considers your debt-to-income ratio, which is a comparison of your gross (pre-tax) income to housing and non-housing expenses. Non-housing expenses include such long-term debts as car or student loan payments, alimony, or child support. According to the FHA,monthly mortgage payments should be no more than 29 percent of gross income, while the mortgage payment, combined with non-housing expenses, should total no more than 41 percent of income. The lender also considers cash available for down payment and closing costs, credit history, etc. when determining your maximum loan amount.

• How do I select the right real estate agent? Start by asking family and friends if they can recommend an agent. Compile a list of several agents and talk to each before choosing one. Look for an agent who listens well, understands your needs, and whose judgment you trust. The ideal agent knows the local area well and has resources and contacts to help you in your search. Overall, you want to choose an agent that makes you feel comfortable and can provide all the knowledge and services you need.

• How can I determine my housing needs before I begin the search? Your home should fit way you live, with spaces and features that appeal to the whole family. Before you begin looking at homes, make a list of your priorities—things like location and size. Should the house be close to certain schools? your job? to public transportation? How large should the house be? What type of lot do you prefer? What kinds of amenities are you looking for? Establish a set of minimum requirements and a “wish list.” Minimum requirements are things that a house must have for you to consider it, while a wish list covers things that you’d like to have but aren’t essential.

• What should I look for when deciding on a community? Select a community that will allow you to best live your daily life. Many people choose communities based on schools. Do you want access to shopping and public transportation? Is access to local facilities like libraries and museums important to you? Or do you prefer the peace and quiet of a rural community? When you find places that you like, talk to people that live there. They know the most about the area and will be your future neighbors. More than anything, you want a neighborhood you feel comfortable in.

• How can I find out about local schools? You can get information about school systems by contacting the city or county school board or the local schools. Your real estate agent may also be knowledgeable about schools in the area.

• How can I find out about community resources? Contact the local chamber of commerce for promotional literature or talk to your real estate agent about welcome kits, maps, and other information. You may also want to visit the local library. It can be an excellent source for information on local events and resources, and the librarians will probably be able to answer many of the questions you have.

• How can I find out how much homes are selling for in certain neighborhoods? Your real estate agent can give you a ballpark figure by showing you comparable listings. If you are working with a real estate professional, they may have access to comparable sales maintained on a database.

• How can I find information on the property tax liability? The total amount of the previous year’s property taxes is usually included in the listing information. If it’s not, ask the seller for a tax receipt or contact the local assessor’s off ice. Tax rates can change from year to year, so these figures may be approximate.

• What other tax issues should I take into consideration? Keep in mind that your mortgage interest and real estate taxes will be deductible. A qualified real estate professional can give you more details on other tax benefits and liabilities,

• What should I look for when walking through a home? Use the HUD Home Scorecard and consider the following:

~ Is there enough room for both the present and the future?

~ Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms?

~ Is the house structurally sound?

~ Do the mechanical systems and appliances work?

~ Is the yard big enough?

~ Do you like the floor plan?

~ Will your furniture fit in the space? Is there enough storage space?

~ Does anything need to be repaired or replaced?

~ Imagine the house in good weather and bad, and in each season. Will you be happy with it year-round?

Take your time and think carefully about each house you see. Ask your real estate agent to point out the pros and cons of each home from a professional standpoint. 

Source: HUD

Furthering your education costs you time, money, and effort. It’s a big investment, and you should carefully evaluate the school you’re considering. Choosing the school you’ll attend is one of the most important decisions you need to make. Another is how you’re going to pay for it. The U.S. Department of Education offers a variety of student financial aid programs. As you evaluate different schools, be sure to ask questions about financial aid.

Remember, it’s up to you to check out a school. Just because a school participates in the federal student financial aid programs does not mean the U.S. Department of Education has endorsed the quality of the education the school offers. They do not approve a school’s curricula, policies, or administrative practices, except as they relate to how the school operates the federal student financial aid programs.

QUESTIONS TO ASK

Some of the basic questions you should ask when considering a college or career school are as follows:

• Does the school offer the courses and type of program I want?

• Do I meet the admissions requirements?

• Does the school offer a quality education at a reasonable price?

• Does the school offer services I need and activities I’m interested in?

• What are job placement rates for students who have recently graduated?

Most of this information is covered in a school’s catalog or in its introductory brochures. Make sure you get these from schools you’re interested in. Also, the reference section of your local library has many books that provide information about colleges and career schools.

You can also find information on the Internet. If you know someone who attended a school you’re considering, ask that person’s opinion of the school. You should also inquire about the school’s accreditation and licensing.

Find out the school’s loan default rate (the percentage of students who attended the school, took out federal student loans, and later failed to repay their loans on time). You might not be able to get aid from some government programs at a school that has a high default rate.

Get a copy of the school’s campus security report. It provides information on the school’s campus security policies and campus crime statistics.

Find out the school’s job placement rates (the percentage of students who are placed in jobs relevant to their courses of study). Also, check with local employers to see whether they have hired graduates from the school.

Find out about the school’s refund policy and its return-of-aid policy. If you receive federal student aid from most government aid programs (except for Federal Work-Study) and you withdraw from school, some of that money may have to be returned by you or your school. Also, even if you don’t finish your coursework, you’ll have to repay the loan funds you received, less any amount your school has returned to your lender.

Find out about available financial aid assistance, including information on all federal, state, local, private, and institutional financial aid programs. Ask about procedures and deadlines for submitting applications for each available financial aid program.

Find out the school’s completion and transfer-out rates. A school is required to disclose to current and prospective students the percentage of its students that complete the school’s programs and the percentage of students that transfer out of the school.

Compare your expected debt for attending the school to the money you expect to earn once you complete the educational program. If you borrow money to pay for all or a portion of your education, you’ll need to earn or have access to enough money to repay your debt. Check the internet or visit the library to learn more about the careers you are interested in. The U.S. Labor Dept. publishes the Occupational Outlook Handbook, which gives job descriptions, including starting salaries and annual income averages. You can find it online at www.bls.gov/oco/.

You’re paying for a quality education. Make sure you get it. 

Source: U.S. Department of Education.

For Virginia Beach resident Caroline McKinnon and her family, the beach is just a short walk or bike ride away, but for Kambria of Brooklyn, NY, the beach was something only in books and pictures.

For many, it is hard to imagine growing up never having seen a beach before or feeling the ocean water, but for lots of kids growing up in urban environments, this is the reality of their childhood. In 2009, the McKinnon family opened their home to now ten-year-old Kambria and simultaneously opened her eyes to a whole new view of the world.

“She has had many ‘firsts’ on her visits with us,” Caroline said. “First trip to the beach, first time swimming in the ocean, putting her head underwater, swimming in the pool, riding a bike, hiking in the woods, camping, picking blueberries, and visiting a farm.”

Through The Fresh Air Fund’s Friendly Town program, boys and girls ages six to 18 visit more than 300 Fresh Air Friendly Towns for up to two weeks in the summer. The Fresh Air Fund is an independent not-for-profit agency that has provided free summer vacations for New York City children since 1877. In 2010, nearly 5,000 children visited volunteer host families in suburbs and small town communities across 13 states from Virginia to Maine and Canada. Since its founding, the Fresh Air Fund has helped more than 1.7 million inner-city children from low-income communities enjoy free summer experiences in rural and suburban neighborhoods. Additionally, sixty-five percent of all children who participate in the program are re-invited to stay with the same host family, year after year.

Because of the effort of families like the McKinnons, thousands of New York City children are able to experience not only the summer, but their childhood and the world in a new way. “These are all activities our family enjoys together on a regular basis, and Kambria’s joy in experiencing these things for the first time allowed me to realize that as much as we enjoy all of these fun things, we take them for granted,” Caroline said.

The Friendly Town program is an experience in which everyone learns from and about one another. Kambria has discovered many new things and, her presence, Caroline says, has equally, “shown my children how to open our home and share with a stranger and how to build a relationship with someone with differing backgrounds and experiences.” The McKinnon children have thus begun to acquire a skill that many adults find challenging. Caroline adds that participation in the Friendly Town program “has been a blessing” for her family.

Kambria has truly come to blend into the McKinnon family and has bonded with the McKinnon children. “My children love Kambria and look forward to her visits each summer,” Caroline said. Their relationship extends into the year with occasional phone calls and Facebook messages, and the McKinnons hope to visit New York City sometime this year to see Kambria in her hometown.

“I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to participate in The Fresh Air Fund,” Caroline said. “The opportunity to grow and love and share has been priceless.” As much as the McKinnon family has done to enrich Kambria’s life, she has equally enriched their lives. Participation in the Friendly Town program is a tradition the McKinnons plan on continuing as long as Kambria is of age and beyond. “I hope Kambria will always be part of our lives,” Caroline said.

 

The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit agency, is always seeking host families to enable as many New York City children as possible to benefit from a summer vacation outside of the city. To learn more about becoming a host family, please call Heather Bell at 757-471-3729 or visit our website at www.freshair.org.

One thing is certain. Most people do not get enough exercise in their ordinary routines. All of the advances of modern technology—from electric can openers to power steering—have made life easier, more comfortable, and much less physically demanding. Yet our bodies need activity, especially if they are carrying around too much fat.

Satisfying this need requires a definite plan and a commitment. There are two main ways to increase the number of calories you expend:

• Start a regular exercise program if you do not have one already.

• Increase the amount of physical activity in your daily routine.

The best way to control your weight is a combination of the above. The sum total of calories used over time will help regulate your weight as well as keep you physically fit.

ACTIVE LIFESTLES

Before looking at what kind of regular exercise program is best, let’s look at how you can increase the amount of physical activity in your daily routine to supplement your exercise program.

• Recreational pursuits such as gardening on weekends, bowling in the office league, family outings, an evening of social dancing, and many other activities provide added exercise. They are fun and can be considered an extra bonus in your weight control campaign.

• Add more “action” to your day. Walk to the neighborhood grocery store instead of using the car. Park several blocks from the office and walk the rest of the way. Walk up the stairs instead of using the elevator; start with one flight of steps and gradually increase.

• Change your attitude toward movement. Instead of considering an extra little walk or trip to the files an annoyance, look upon it as an added fitness boost. Look for opportunities to use your body. Bend, stretch, reach, move, lift, and carry. Time-saving devices and gadgets eliminate drudgery and are a bonus to mankind, but when they substitute too often for physical activity, they can demand a high cost in health, vigor, and fitness.

These little bits of action are cumulative in their effects. Alone, each does not burn a huge amount of calories. But when added together they can result in a sizable amount of energy used over the course of the day. And they will help improve your muscle tone and flexibility at the same time.

EXERCISE BASICS

Although any kind of physical movement requires energy (calories), the type of exercise that uses the most energy is aerobic exercise. The term “aerobic” is derived from the Greek word meaning “with oxygen.” Jogging, brisk walking, swimming, biking, cross-country skiing, and aerobic dancing are some popular forms of aerobic exercise.

Aerobic exercises use the body’s large muscle groups in continuous, rhythmic, sustained movement and require oxygen for the production of energy. When oxygen is combined with food (which can come from stored fat), energy is produced to power the body’s musculature. The longer you move aerobically, the more energy needed and the more calories used. Regular aerobic exercise will improve your cardio-respiratory endurance, the ability of your heart, lungs, blood vessels, and associated tissues to use oxygen to produce energy needed for activity. You’ll build a healthier body while getting rid of excess body fat.

In addition to the aerobic exercise, supplement your program with muscle strengthening and stretching exercises. The stronger your muscles, the longer you will be able to keep going during aerobic activity and the less chance of injury.

BENEFITS

The benefits of exercise are many: from producing physically fit bodies to providing an outlet for fun and socialization. When added to a weight control program, these benefits take on increased significance.

We already have noted that proper exercise can help control weight by burning excess body fat. It also has two other body-trimming advantages 1) exercise builds muscle tissue and muscle uses calories up at a faster rate than body fat; and 2) exercise helps reduce inches, and a firm, lean body looks slimmer even if your weight remains the same.

Remember, fat does not “turn into” muscle, as is often believed. Fat and muscle are two entirely different substances and one cannot become the other. However, muscle does use calories at a faster rate than fat, which directly affects your body’s metabolic rate or energy requirement. Your basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the amount of energy required to sustain the body’s functions at rest, and it depends on your age, sex, body size, genes, and body composition. People with high levels of muscle tend to have higher BMRs and use more calories in the resting stage.

Some studies have even shown that your metabolic rate stays elevated for some time after vigorous exercise, causing you to use even more calories throughout your day.

Additional benefits may be seen in how exercise affects appetite. A lean person in good shape may eat more following increased activity, but the regular exercise will burn up the extra calories consumed. On the other hand, vigorous exercise has been reported to suppress appetite. And physical activity can be used as a positive substitute for between-meal snacking.

BETTER MENTAL HEALTH

The psychological benefits of exercise are equally important to the weight conscious person. Exercise decreases stress and relieves tensions that might otherwise lead to overeating. Exercise builds physical fitness, which in turn builds self-confidence, enhanced self-image, and a positive outlook. When you start to feel good about yourself, you are more likely to want to make other positive changes in your lifestyle that will help keep your weight under control.

In addition, exercise can be fun, provide recreation, and offer opportunities for companionship. The exhilaration and emotional release of participating in sports or other activities are a boost to mental and physical health. Pent-up anxieties and frustrations seem to disappear when you’re concentrating on returning a serve, sinking a putt, or going that extra mile. 

(Source: fitness.gov)

These listings are provided as a service to advertisers. For information about advertising, call 204-4688.

• Aesthetic Skin Care Center

5589 Greenwich Rd. Suite 150

Va. Beach, VA 23462; Ph. 757-557-0800

www.aestheticskincarecenter.com

A medical skin center under the direction of Dr. James Carraway offering Botox, Dysport, Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, Prevelle, laser treatments for skin resurfacing & hair reduction, leg vein treatments, peels, facials, hair removal, and permanent make-up. We carry Obagi, Skinceuticals, Neova, SkinMedica, Cosmedicals, and Mineral Make-up. Our experienced, friendly staff can make your skin glow! See ad p. 22.

• Atlantic Ob/Gyn

3720 Holland Rd., Va. Beach, Va. 23452

Ph.757-463-1234

680-C Kingsborough Square; Chesapeake, Va. 23320

Ph. 757-548-0044

www.atlanticobgyn.com

We are dedicated to offering patients cost-effective, quality health care that is provided in a warm and compassionate environment. We are happy to offer the latest and newest techniques in OB-GYN care. See ad p. 11.

• Beach Weight Loss Wellness Fitness Spa

2720 North Mall Dr. #128

Va. Beach 23452; Ph. 757-463-6398

www.vabeachweightloss.com

Introducing Beach Weight Loss Wellness Fitness Spa, offering LipoLaser, a non-invasive body-forming technology. Refine, reshape, and revive. LipoLaser is a safe, painless and completely non-invasive treatment. Measurable loss after one treatment! No surgery, no downtime. Clinically proven results. You can only lose! See ad p. 22.

• The Best Body Co.

19th Street & Cypress Avenue, Va. Beach 23451

Ph. 757-428-2639; www.TheBestBodyCo.com

Serving Tidewater since 1995, The Best Body Co. AVEDA Salon-Spa offers a full range of massage and skincare services. We feature exclusive AVEDA color – 97% naturally derived. Herbal body wraps, steam baths, and colonic hydrotherapy round out our detoxification for wellness menu. Connecting beauty, environment and well being through AVEDA. See ad p. 7.

• Dr. Scott Birckbichler, LLC

4490 Holland Office Park #101

Va. Beach 23452; Ph. 757-497-8200

Chiropractic is the art and science of adjusting misaligned joints of the body to promote health without drugs or surgery. Problems treated by chiropractors include: low back pain, neck pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, and whiplash. Dr. Birckbichler has 13+ years’ experience.  Call for a free consultation. See ad p. 5.

• Bon Secours Virginia Health System

Ph. 757-889-CARE (2273); www.bshr.com

Bon Secours Virginia Health System includes DePaul Medical Center, Maryview Medical Center, Mary Immaculate Hospital, Health Centers at Harbour View and Virginia Beach and a network of primary care and specialty physicians in Hampton Roads. Call 889-CARE(2273) or visit bshr.com. See ad p. 10.

• Drs. Stelianos Bredologos and Maria B.

Mendrinos Cosmetic and Family Dentistry

1917 Laskin Road, Ste 106, Va. Beach 23454

Ph. 757-425-1828; www.anicesmile.com

Drs. Mendrinos and Bredologos would like to welcome adults and children to their state-of-the-art cosmetic and family dental practice. They provide affordable gentle dental treatment in a relaxed environment. The office accepts insurance. They would love to provide optimal dental health to you and your family. Ask about Lumineers or teeth whitening today! See ad p. 6.

• Carylanne

Ph. 757-729-2716; www.askcarylanne.com

Carylanne is an intuitive life coach & spiritual mentor, known for her intuition, guided meditations, transformative seminars & the Raindrop technique. Her integrated approach facilitates the release of lifelong fears, limiting beliefs, and suppressed emotions, thus awakening the courage to initiate positive changes in one’s life. See ad p. 22.

• The Cayce/Reilly School of Massotherapy Student Clinic

215 67th St.; Virginia Beach 23451

Ph. 757-457-7146; www.edgarcayce.org/massageschool

The Cayce/Reilly School Student Clinic prepares students for successful massage careers and to be of service to the larger community. Students develop skills and gain valuable experience working with the public while offering quality bodywork to the community. Visit www.edgarcayce.org/massageschool for prices and information about the services we offer. See ad p. 7.

• Chochma Healing

Marilyn Stulb, BA, HTCP/I, CCA

Ph. 757-560-4744

Give the gift of Healing Touch to loved ones with a Level 1 Class in June, 2011 in Norfolk.  Health professionals will receive 16-18 contact hours for a weekend of learning concepts and skills in energy-based therapy. Sponsored by Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center. See ad p. 9.

• Christian Science Association

Chevette Alston. M.Ed., NCC, LPC, ABD

Ph. 757-490-0377

www.christianscienceassociation.com

Christian Science specializes in the psychological care of women across the life span. Consultation and treatment promotes recovery and resilience in women with a variety of mental health concerns. Therapy, psychological testing/reports, and public speaking available by appointment. See ad p. 12.

• The Clinical Research Center at Eastern Virginia Medical School

601 Colley Ave., Norfolk 23507

Ph. 757-446-5808; www.crc-evms.org

The Clinical Research Center at Eastern Virginia Medical School continually strives to further health research in Hampton Roads. The CRC conducts studies in many areas including birth control, menopause, women’s health and more. Call our hotline at 757-446-5808 or visit www.crc-evms.org to find out more. See ad p. 14.

• Commonwealth Vein Care

4057 Taylor Rd. Suite P, Chesapeake 23321

Ph. 757-483-9611

Do you have tired or aching legs? Swollen ankles? Varicose veins? Eighty percent of leg disorders originate with vein problems. At Commonwealth Vein Care, our surgeons offer the latest in vein treatment, including diagnosing and correcting vein problems in our office before they impact your lifestyle. See ad p. 7.

• EVMS Health Services

4111 Monarch Way Suite 500; Norfolk 23508

Ph. 451-6200; www.evmshealthservices.org

EVMS Health Services is the physician group organized to support the mission and goals of Eastern Virginia Medical School. Over 150 physicians specialize in family and internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, medical and surgical specialties, and radiation oncology. See ad p. 17.

• FamilyCare Senior Solutions

801 Court Street, Olde Towne; Portsmouth 23704

Ph. 757-399-9700 ; www.forfamilycare.com

Geriatric Care Management is one of many services provided by FamilyCare Senior Solutions. Since 1983, FamilyCare has been southeastern Virginia’s leader in healthcare and home services for families. Visit their blog for caregivers at www.TakeCareblog.com. Information on FamilyCare is at www.forfamilycare.com. See ad p. 5.

• Dr. Marybeth Fasano, DMD

984 First Colonial Rd. #200; Va. Beach 23454

Ph. 757-412-2235; www.vaperfectsmile.com

Our dental office strives to guide our patients along a path of optimal oral health and wellness for life. We non-judgmentally deliver the highest possible level of care with empathy and understanding. We accept most insurances and are currently accepting new patients. See ad p. 24.

• Gary Allen Hair & Skin Care Centre

741 First Colonial Rd. #102; Va. Beach 23451

Ph. 757-425-1641; www.garyallen.net

At Gary Allen, you will enjoy the ultimate in hair, skin, nail and spa care treatments. We pride ourselves on being able to provide nearly any type of hair and skin care service and/or product requested.

• The Group for Women • Ph. 757-466-6350 

~ 800 Kempsville Rd., #2200, Norfolk

~ Chesapeake-300 Medical Pkwy., #308

~ Norfolk-250 W. Brambleton Ave., #202

Our large practice provides excellent and comprehensive obstetric and gynecological care. Nutritional and psychological counseling offered as well. See ad p. 17.

• Hot House Yoga

738 W. 22nd St. #12, Norfolk; Ph. 757-626-0099

1952 Laskin Rd., Va. Beach; Ph. 757-428-0099

www.hothouseyogi.com

Hot House Yoga offers Hot Yoga and Hot Vinyasa. We have over 40 years’ combined experience teaching these styles. Consistency and service are the cornerstone of Hot House Yoga’s classes. We offer a stepping stone approach, providing a place to begin, and with practice, a place to grow.  Please visit us at hothouseyogi.com. See ad p. 15. 

• Ben Hugo, M.D.

328 Louisa Ave., Suite 110; Va. Beach 23454

Ph. 757-496-4801; www.benhugo.com

Dr. Ben Hugo is a distinguished cosmetic plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience in producing soft, natural-looking results. Dr. Hugo offers a wide variety of surgical procedures for the face and body.  He also offers non-surgical procedures such as fractional CO2 laser resurfacing, BOTOX® Cosmetic and injectable dermal fillers. Visit Dr. Hugo and see for yourself why he is known for Natural Faces and so much more. See ad p. 2.

• Image Magic Workshop

Ph. 757-721-3332; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Janice Hurley-Trailor will show you how to go from “fine” to “fabulous” in just eight hours, teaching body language, verbal skills and visual impact techniques that will change your life in a powerful way. See the dramatic results at janicehurleytrailor.com. See ad p. 6.

• Images Unlimited

325B First Colonial Rd.

Va. Beach, VA 23451; Ph. 757-498-8199

Images Unlimited has been connected to the unique needs of the Hampton Roads hair loss community with quality programs for hair wellness for men and women. Whether mildly concerned with hair loss or if more commitment is needed, we offer a customized plan using our multi- therapeutic approach based on 100% safe laser therapy or creating a customized hair addition. See ad p. 16.

• Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, Inc.

260 Grayson Rd.; Va. Beach 23462

Home Health: 757-489-3111; Counseling: 757-459-4640; www.jfshamptonroads.org

We offer skilled care nursing; home health aides; physical, occupational & speech therapy. We also offer private duty care 2- 24 hours; 1-7 days a week (free assessment). Other services incl. palliative/ end of life care; Counseling; and care navigation case management. Accredited by the Joint Commission. See ad p. 23.

• Paul LeTellier, D.D.S.

Family & Implant Dentistry

133 Kempsville Rd.; Chesapeake 23320

Ph. 757-436-0026; www.chesapeakefamilydentistry.com

Dr. Paul and his staff invite you to come discover a healthy smile. Adults and children receive personalized quality dental care. We also offer implants, natural-looking crowns, and veneers. All of your dental care can be delivered in a relaxed environment with the use of oral sedation. See ad p. 27.

• The Look Salon and Day Spa

1433 Sam’s Dr., Chesapeake 23320

Ph. 757-548-6550

www.thelooksalonchesapeake.com

A Best-of-Chesapeake-winning salon and day spa that specializes in services that keep the body healthy and beautiful. Offering hair shaping, color, highlights, massages, facials, body wraps, body waxing, and full-service nail care. See ad p. 27.

• Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Virginia

515 Newtown Rd. Va. Beach

403 Yale Dr., Hampton

Ph. 757-499-PLAN (7526); www.ppsev.org

We provide low-cost, high-quality reproductive health and family planning services to women, men, and teens in Hampton Roads. We also provide comprehensive, medically accurate sex education for a variety of community organizations. See ad p. 8.

• RejuvinAge

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement for Women & Men

2232 Va. Beach Blvd., Va. Beach 23454

Ph. 757-306-4300; www.rejuvinage.com

Dr. Jennifer Krup will help you learn how to feel your best every day, at every age with Bio Identical Hormone Replacement. RejuvinAge offers exclusive hormone replacement programs for women and men. Since 2001, the complete and comprehensive programs at RejuvinAge have been recognized for their excellence in hormone replacement therapy. See ad p. 28.

• Rudy & Kelly Salon and Spa

5238 Fairfield Shopping Ctr., Va. Beach 23464

Ph. 757-495-0894; www.rudyandkelly.com

Indulge yourself in the Rudy & Kelly Salon and Spa experience that promises to recharge your spirit, enrich your well being, and enhance your beauty. Allow us to relax you with hydrating pedicures, Swedish massage, and Power Regeneration facials. Escape. Relax. Renew. See ad p. 24.

• Fred H. Siegel, M.D.

700 N. Battlefield Blvd. Suite A, Chesapeake 23320

Ph. 757-547-2115; www.bodybysiegel.com

You’ve seen all the press that shows how others have benefited from cosmetic surgery, injectables, and fillers. It’s your turn to sit down with an expert with over 25 years of experience and discuss your concerns and questions in a private, no-pressure atmosphere. See ad p. 7.

• Synergy

1036 Volvo Pkwy. Suite 2; Chesapeake 23330

Ph. 757-410-5462; www.synergymedicalcenter.com

If you are suffering with health or aging problems, consider a combination of modern and alternative medical therapies. We help women of all ages with menopause, aging, stress, menstrual problems, infertility, fatigue, arthritis, cancer treatment side effects, chronic pain problems, impaired mobility, sexual health issues, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and more. See ad p. 11.

• Unique Skin Care

319 First Colonial Rd., Suite A; Va. Beach 23454

Ph. 757 641 7766

www.uniqueskincare.net; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Unique Skin Care offers medically based, proven, and effective treatments in a relaxed setting with flexible hours. Become one of Sheela’s beautiful and devoted clients today. See ad p. 8.

• Wells Therapeutics, Inc.

319 Edwin Dr., Ste. 103; Va. Beach 23462

Ph. 757-490-9488; www.wellstherapeutics.com

An enthusiastic group of health practitioners, Wells Therapeutics offers an eclectic array of services, including therapeutic massage, lymphatic drainage, Reiki, CranioSacral, aromatherapy, hypnotherapy, and yoga. Our staff is committed to helping you pursue your personal path of growth and wellness. See ad p. 9. n

 

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If you use a Forum or Public Area on the tidewaterwomen.com website, you are solely responsible for your own communications, the consequences of posting those communications, and your reliance on any communications found in the Forums and Public Areas.

In no event will Tidewater Women its officers, directors, employees, affiliates, agents, attorneys, representatives, partners, sponsors, advertisers or other affiliated persons or entities be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken by you or anyone else in reliance upon the information provided through the tidewaterwomen.com website. You will hold Tidewater Women its officers, directors, employees, affiliates, agents, attorneys, representatives, partners, sponsors, advertisers or other affiliated persons or entities harmless for any such actions or decisions taken by you in reliance upon such information.

By submitting communications or content to the Forms or Public Areas, you agree that such submission is non-confidential for all purposes. You agree to allow Tidewater Women and all other persons or organizations involved in the operation of the tidewaterwomen.com website the right to transmit, monitor, retrieve, store, and use your information in connection with the operation of the tidewaterwomen.com website.

PRIVACY

Your privacy is very important to us on tidewaterwomen.com website. By using  tidewaterwomen.com or its services, you are consenting to have your personal data transferred to and processed in the United States.

USER POSTED CONTENT

Tidewaterwomen.com makes available the ability to post your own Content in the form of profiles, photos, videos, blogs, forum messages and comments and emails to other users ("User Content").

You are solely responsible for any and all User Content you post.

By posting User Content to any part of tidewaterwomen.com website, you automatically grant, and you represent and warrant that you have the right to grant, to tidewaterwomen.com an irrevocable, perpetual, non-exclusive, transferable, fully paid, worldwide license (with the right to sublicense) to use, copy, publicly perform, publicly display, reformat, translate, excerpt (in whole or in part) and distribute such User Content for any purpose on or in connection with tidewaterwomen.com or the promotion thereof, to prepare derivative works of, or incorporate into other works, such User Content, and to grant and authorize sublicenses of the foregoing. You may remove your User Content from tidewaterwomen.com at any time. If you choose to remove your User Content, the license granted above will automatically expire.

You shall not post any User Content which contains nudity or is libelous, defamatory, obscene, pornographic, profane, sexually explicit, abusive or which otherwise violates any law, rule or regulation. Please use your best judgment and be respectful of other individuals on tidewaterwomen.com website. You agree not to use vulgar, abusive or hateful language.

Tidewater Women does not endorse the opinions of any user as they may appear through that user's submitted User Content. You acknowledge that any Submissions (e.g. site questions, feedback) may be reproduced, published, transmitted and displayed by tidewaterwomen.com in any manner.

Tidewaterwomen.com and its services shall be used by you in only a noncommercial manner. You shall not, without the express approval of tidewaterwomen.com, use the site to distribute or otherwise publish any material containing any solicitation of funds, advertising or solicitation for goods or services, or to promote Web sites or online services that are competitive with tidewaterwomen.com and/or Tidewater Women Magazine. You agree that you will not submit any ideas for stories, features, designs, scripts, merchandise or publication of any type. Tidewaterwomen.com will not review any such materials.

While we do not and cannot review all User Content submitted by users of tidewaterwomen.com and are not responsible for the content of any of this material, tidewaterwomen.com reserves the right to delete, move or edit User Content that we, in our sole discretion, deem is in violation of the law (including trademark and copyright law), or these Terms of Service, or is abusive, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or otherwise unacceptable in tidewaterwomen.com's sole discretion. You shall remain solely responsible for the User Content you post onto tidewaterwomen.com.

Tidewaterwomen.com reserves the right to terminate a user account if in our sole discretion we deem that user has violated the Terms of Service.

Rules for Posting Questions in Forums and Public Areas

In Forums and Public Areas that are being moderated by healthcare professionals, answers will be posted in the forum and will appear indented beneath the original question, usually within 5 to 10 business days.

Tidewaterwomen.com Public Areas, which includes all areas of the tidewaterwomen.com website where users may post content, are for the exchange of information and support ONLY. In consideration of being allowed to use the Public Areas, you agree that the following actions shall constitute a material breach of these Terms and Conditions of Use:

A. Posting questions or comments by persons under 18 years of age without the consent of their parents.

B. Posting your full name(s), or any other confidential or personally identifiable information on the tidewaterwomen.com website.

C. Posting names, e-mail addresses, telephone numbers or any other confidential or personally identifiable information of yourself or any person(s) or entities.

D. Using a Public Area for any purpose in violation of local, state, federal, or international laws;

E. Posting material that infringes on the copyrights or other intellectual property rights of others or on the privacy or publicity rights of others;

F. Posting material that is unlawful, obscene, derogatory, defamatory, threatening, harassing, abusive, slanderous, hateful, or embarrassing to any other person or entity as determined by tidewaterwomen.com in its sole discretion.

G. Posting advertisements or solicitations of business.

H. Posting more than 1 new question within a 1 week period, in forums (Public Areas) that are limited to the number of new questions accepted daily.

I. Posting links to other websites or individuals, without prior written permission from tidewaterwomen.com.

J. Posting chain letters or pyramid schemes.

K. Impersonating another person or entity.

L. Registering under more than one name and/or e-mail address.

M. Distributing viruses or other harmful computer code.

N. Harvesting or otherwise collecting information about others, including email addresses, without their consent.

O. Allowing any other person or entity to use your identification for posting or viewing comments.

P. Posting the same note more than once or "spamming".

Q. Engaging in any other conduct that restricts or inhibits any other person from using or enjoying the Public Area or the Site, or which, in the judgment of tidewaterwomen.com, exposes tidewaterwomen.com or any of its customers, partners or suppliers to any liability or detriment of any type.

R. After receiving a warning, continuing to disrupt the normal flow of dialogue, or posting comments that are not related to the topic being discussed (unless it is clear the discussion is free-form).

If you disregard this warning and post personal or confidential information (yours or others) on the tidewaterwomen.com website, which you later want removed, there is a fee of up to $25 to remove each posting. You must submit your removal request in writing, including the URL(s) you want removed. Also you must include your User ID and Password along with a U.S. check or money order for up to $25 for each URL you wish to have removed to: Tidewater Women, 3065 Mansfield Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23457 USA

Once the complete URL removal request is received in writing, Tidewaterwomen.com will make every effort to remove the posting in a timely manner.

ENFORCEMENT OF THE RULES

Tidewatewomen.com reserves the right (but is not obligated) to do any or all of the following:

1. Record the dialogue in public chat rooms.

2. Investigate an allegation that a communication does not conform to these Terms and Conditions and determine in its sole discretion to remove or request the removal of the communication.

3. Remove communications which it determines, in its sole discretion, to be abusive, illegal, or disruptive, or that otherwise fail to conform to these Terms and Conditions.

4. Terminate a user's access to any or all Public Areas and/or the tideaterwomen.com website upon any breach of any of these Terms and Conditions.

5. Terminate a user's access to any or all Public Areas and/or the tidewaterwomen.com website if the user's registration information and/or e-mail address is no longer valid.

6. Monitor, edit, or disclose any communication in the Public Areas.

7. Edit or delete any communication posted on the tidewaterwomen.com website, regardless of whether such communication violates these standards.

Tidewaterwomen.com reserves the right to take any other action it deems necessary to protect the personal safety of our guests, visitors, or the public.

CHILDREN’S PRIVACY

Tidewaterwomen.com conforms to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act [COPPA]. We will never knowingly request personally identifiable information from anyone under the age of 13 without parental consent.

When we do receive information (with parental consent) from users under the age of 13, we will never voluntarily share their personally identifiable information with third parties, regardless of their stated preference given at registration.

PASSWORD

All registered members of the tidewaterwomen.com website are responsible for taking all reasonable steps to ensure that no unauthorized person shall have access to their tidewaterwomen.com passwords or accounts. It is the registered members' sole responsibility to (A) control the distribution of their passwords or account information; (B) authorize, monitor, and control access to and use of their tidewaterwomen.com account and password; (C) inform tidewaterwomen.com of any need to deactivate their password or change their registration, as soon as possible.

ACCESS AND AVAILABILITY OF SERVICES AND LINKS

Tidewaterwomen.com may contain links to other related World Wide Web Internet sites, resources and sponsors of tidewaterwomen.com. Selection of an ad banner or link will redirect you off of tidewaterwomen.com to a third party Web site. Interactions that occur between you and the third party are strictly between you and such third party and are not the responsibility of tidewaterwomen.com. We are not responsible for examining or evaluating, and do not warrant the offerings of, any of these businesses or individuals or the content of their Web sites. Tidewaterwomen does not assume any liability or responsibility for the actions, product, availability or content of these outside resources. You should direct any concerns regarding any external link to the site administrator or Webmaster of the third party website.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

You represent, warrant and covenant (a) that no materials of any kind submitted by you or tidewaterwomen.com's use thereof in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, will (1) violate, plagiarize or infringe upon the rights of any third party, including, without limitation, copyright, trademark, privacy or publicity, moral rights, contract or other personal or proprietary rights; (2) contain unlawful material or reflect unlawful activities; (3) constitute false or misleading indications of origin or statements of fact; (4) slander, libel or defame any person or entity; or (5) cause injury of any kind to any person or entity; or (6) violate any applicable laws, rules, regulations or other governmental regulations; and (b) that you are at least 18 years old or the applicable age of majority in your jurisdiction and possess the legal authority to enter into this Agreement.

You hereby agree to indemnify, defend and hold tidewaterwomen.com and its officers, directors, owners, agents, information providers, affiliates, licensors and licensees (collectively, the "Indemnified Parties") harmless from and against any and all liability and costs incurred by the Indemnified Parties in connection with any claim arising out of any breach by you of these Terms of Service or the foregoing representations, warranties and covenants, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees. You shall cooperate as fully as reasonably required in the defense of any claim. Tidewaterwomen.com reserves the right, at its own expense, to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter otherwise subject to indemnification by you. You shall not enter into any settlement agreement, which affects the rights of tidewaterwomen.com without Tidewater Women’s prior written approval.

Tidewaterwomen.com neither represents nor endorses the accuracy or reliability of any advice, opinion, statement or other information displayed, uploaded, or distributed through tidewaterwoment.com by any user, information provider or any other person or entity. Tidewaterwomen.com,  all services available and any materials provided by tidewaterwomen.com or third parties through tidewaterwomen.com are provided “AS IS”.

Tidewaterwomen.com makes no warranties, express or implied, as to the merchantability, fitness for a particular use or purpose, title, non-infringement or any other warranty, condition, guaranty, or presentation, whether oral, in writing or in electronic form, including but not limited to the accuracy, timeliness or usefulness or any materials provided. Tidewaterwomen.com does not guarantee that your access to tidewaterwomen.com and/or the services available thereon will be continuous, uninterrupted, error-free or secure and make no warranty as to the results to be obtained from use of tidewaterwomen.com.

You hereby acknowledge that the use of tidewaterwomen.com and the services available thereon is at your sole risk.

SYSTEM INTEGRITY

You may not use any device, software or routine to interfere or attempt to interfere with the proper working of tidewaterwomen.com or the underlying platform. You may not take any action, which imposes an unreasonable or disproportionately large load on our or our any of our providers' infrastructures. You may not disclose or share your password with any third parties or use your password for any unauthorized service. You shall be solely responsible for all use or misuse of your password, except to the extent caused directly by tidewaterwomen.com.

TERMINATION

Tidewaterwomen.com may, in its sole discretion, terminate or suspend your access to tidewaterwomen.com or refuse service at any time, without notice, to all or part of tidewaterwomen.com for any or no reason, including, without limitation, breach of these Terms of Service or the infringement of copyrights owned by third parties.

Tidewaterwomen.com, including, without limitation, its authorized agents and employees may terminate your use of tidewaterwomen.com without notice in the event that you breach any obligation in these Terms of Service, including but not limited to, (1) restricting, inhibiting or disrupting any tidewaterwomen.com event or (2) attempting to alter or improperly access any feature or function of tidewaterwomen.com. Your access may also be subject to termination if you post or transmit any illegal content; harass or threaten any user or any tidewaterwomen.com employee; post content (including, but not limited to, the creation of a username) that is offensive or otherwise disruptive of tidewaterwomen.com activities; post unsolicited advertising; or improperly impersonate a tidewaterwomen.com employee or other individual.

GENERAL

Windmill Promotions Inc./Tidewater Women Magazine/tidewaterwomen.com is based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA, Tidewaterwomen.com makes no claims that the Content is appropriate or may be downloaded outside of the United States. Access to the Content may not be legal by certain persons or in certain countries. If you access the tidewaterwomen.com website from outside the United States, you do so at your own risk and are responsible for compliance with the laws of your jurisdiction. The following provisions survive the expiration or termination of these Terms and Conditions for any reason whatsoever: Limitation of Liability / Disclaimer of Warranties, Indemnification, User Submissions, Jurisdiction, and Complete Agreement.

MISCELLANEOUS

Official correspondence must be sent via email to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

These Terms of Service, the Privacy Statement and any other terms referenced in this Agreement constitute the entire agreement between you and tidewaterwomen.com with respect to your access and use of tidewaterwomen.com and supersede all prior or contemporaneous agreements (whether oral, written or electronic) between you and tidewaterwomen.com with respect to tidewaterwomen.com and its services. If any of the provisions of this Agreement are determined to be invalid or unenforceable, then each invalid or enforceable provision will be construed in a manner consistent with applicable laws to reflect, as nearly as possible, the original intentions of the parties, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. Tidewaterwomen.com may assign these Terms of Service (1) to any of its affiliates, (2) to the surviving entity in the event of a merger, acquisition, or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of tidewaterwomen.com or (3) in connection with the sale of tidewaterwomen.com or the business unit associated with it.