Sue Scheff: Teen Drivers Source

Summer is officially here and more teenagers will be getting their drivers permit or license.  In Broward County, the age for a driving permit is 15 years old.  STANDUP is an organization that is working towards raising the teen driving age.  H.R. 1895: Safe Teen and Novice Uniform Protection Act is currently being reviewed by lawmakers.

With this in the hands of the justice system, the results could take a very long time.  In the meantime, parents need to take to the streets and insure their teen's driving safety.

Teen Drivers Source is a valuable website with a vast amount of information about teenage driving.  They offer support for the teens as well as the parents.  They have also included a section for educators.  When driving safety is reinforced at home and school, you have better chances of having a safer teen driver, however remember, parenting is key.

Under their FAQ's there is a very common question that is asked and that is:

Q: How can I convince my teen to lower the music and not use a cell phone for talking or texting while driving?

A: When you sit down to talk to your teen about setting house rules, bring up the three-second sequence. Explain to your teen that within a one-second window a driver scans for hazards then has 2 seconds to detect it and decide how to respond in order to avoid or lessen the severity of a crash. Tell your teen that crash risk is four times higher when a driver uses a cell phone, whether or not it's hands-free. Such distractions can cause drivers to take their eyes off the road long enough to have difficulty responding to hazards and staying in their lane.
They also answer many other common questions such as:

Q: My teen is often up late studying for a test. How can I let her drive when she barely had two hours of sleep?

Take the time to educate yourself and your new teen driver.  Learning to drive starts before you get behind the wheel.

Visit www.teendriverssource.org for much more information.

Be an educated parent, you will have safer teens.

Sue Scheff: DRUGWATCH - Checking out your RX

DrugWatch.com is a comprehensive Web site database featuring extensive information about thousands of different medications and drugs currently on the market or previously available worldwide. DrugWatch.com includes up-to-date information about prescription and over-the-counter medications and includes details about associated side effects to aid in the protection of patients and consumers.

The resources available on DrugWatch.com are provided to offer visitors free and accurate information to aid in the understanding of various medications and conditions. The content on the site may help consumers formulate questions for medical professionals and alert the public about important information regarding potentially dangerous side effects associated with certain medications. By providing FDA alerts, drug interactions, and potential side effects on the site, patients have access to valuable knowledge that could enhance their ability to voice concerns with their doctor and improve their quality of care.

Visit www.drugwatch.com for more information.

Sue Scheff: RightResponse First-Aid Collection

RightResponse first aid kits offer a healthy fundraising alternative to the traditional cookie, candy bar and popcorn fundraisers.  And with our Refer-a-Friend option, the council, district or state PTA association can raise money without competing with its schools.

Three key benefits to RightResponse: 

• 50% profit
• No Contracts to sign
• No Minimums
• Free Shipping

If you would like to learn more about RightResponse and our programs before your introduction packet arrives, we'd encourage you visit our website at www.RightResponse.com. 

Read more.

Sue Scheff: The Simpsons Are Now Part of Kids Health?

The National PTA Convention held in Memphis Tennessee last week had many exhibitors.  One of the fun booths was the introduction to The Simpsons through health and wellness.  How?

St. Hill Pharmaceutical Corporation has launched a line of vitamins with the trademark permission of The Simpsons!  Years ago many will remember The Flintstones as the morning chewable vitamin, now we have The Simpsons Squirts!

What is it?


Berry Squirts Omega 3 Formula, which comes from deep sea water fish, contains two important and remarkable components: EPA and DHA. Omega 3 fatty acids do more than help promote cardiovascular, immune system, and vision health. The Omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil are also known to support brain development, learning ability, and attentiveness in kids of all ages. Unique and vital nutrients that will work hard for your body and mind.


The Simpsons Sugar Free Chewable Vitamins are available in many formulations to address the many wellness needs of kids. Whether it's an extra dose of Vitamin C to help ward off colds, or an extra dose of Calcium to help growing bones, or just a daily multivitamin with minerals for an overall feeling of wellness each day, The Simpsons Chewables are here to help. 

Free sample bottles were given out at the convention, and they were a hit!  It is a struggle to get our kids to eat healthy, knowing they already are probably a fan of The Simpsons, the good taste will remind them everyday to take their vitamins.

Learn more on their website with valuable information and fun games for the kids to play.

You can purchase these vitamin - squirts at your local Florida GNC stores.  You can also buy online.  Don't forget to find out how to take the Healthy Challenge and win the collection of Simpson T-Shirts.

Read more.

Sue Scheff: All Pro Dad Day - Fathers Making a Difference in Childrens Lives

All Pro Dad's Day is a simple idea with a profound impact.  It's a one-hour monthly breakfast held before school where fathers and their children meet with other dads and kids in the school cafeteria or a local restaurant.  During this time, they discuss a wide range of family topics, spend time together, create fun memories, and are equipped with resources to strengthen their relationship.  For more about All Pro Dad’s Day, please watch this short video.

Sue Scheff: National PTA Hosts Call-in Day for the Family Engagement in Education Act

MEMPHIS, TENN. (June 11, 2010) – Today, National PTA is hosting a CALL-IN DAY in support of H.R. 5211, the Family Engagement in Education Act. During its national convention in Memphis, Tenn., and through an email action alert to members today, the association asked members to urge their Representative to cosponsor bipartisan legislation that would improve the lives of millions of children and families.

The bill would strengthen parent engagement in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which Congressional leaders have stated they want to reauthorize this year.

The bill codifies National PTA’s standards on Family-School Partnerships and provides guidance and incentives to schools, districts, and states on how to use research-based strategies to engage families. This bill would also strengthen and safeguard the sole federal parent engagement program, the Parental Information and Resource Centers (PIRCs).

Visit the PTA Takes Action Center to see a list of cosponsors and to take action today.

The Family Engagement in Education Act is sponsored by U.S. Representatives Carolyn McCarthy [D-NY-4] and Todd Russell Platts [R-PA-19]. Other cosponsors include: Rep Timothy H. Bishop [NY-1]; Rep Corrine Brown [FL-3], Rep Anh "Joseph" Cao [LA-2]; Rep Michael N. Castle [DE]; Rep Judy Chu [CA-32]; Rep Yvette D. Clarke [NY-11]; Rep Joe Courtney [CT-2]; Rep Bob Etheridge [NC-2]; Rep Bob Filner [CA-51]; Rep Barney Frank [MA-4]; Rep Raul M. Grijalva [AZ-7]; Rep Eleanor Holmes Norton [DC]; Rep Jared Polis [CO-2]; Rep Fortney Pete Stark [CA-13]; Rep Paul Tonko [NY-21].

About National PTA
National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

Sue Scheff: Summer Activities Challenge 2010

Some parents fear that when summer arrives their child's brain is going to turn to mush. All that pool water is making anything she happened to learn last year dissolve quicker than you think, but think again. You can still have a fun and exciting summer (including swimming) and keep your education flowing in.

Summer Activities Challenge, presented by Education.com, is an opportunity for families to have fun learning together while kids avoid the summer slide academically. 

Here's what's new this year with Summer Activities Challenge:

• A super-cool grand prize! This year the winning family will win a Funjet Vacations family getaway to Cancun with all-inclusive accommodations at the RIU Cancun for four nights. In addition to the Grand Prize and the Weekly Prizes, 100 families who finish the Challenge will continue their summer fun with a set of Schylling Rocket Balloons
• A prize a week for 12 weeks! Each week during the challenge we'll send a LEGO prize pack (worth at least $50) to a family that has completed at least one activity that week. Participants can win weekly prizes even if they never finish the Challenge.
• A shorter trip to the finish line! This year participants only need to complete 10 activities to be eligible for the Grand Prize and the Rocket Balloons (last year the bar was set at 20 activities).
• Even more activities to choose from. We now have thousands of activities on Education.com for participating families to choose from. The activities are sorted by grade level and academic subject. Each activity takes anywhere from ten minutes to several hours to complete and the activities typically require basic materials that families will either have on hand, or can easily and inexpensively acquire.

Education.com is one of the most comprehensive websites full of valuable resources and educational articles regarding your kids today.

Sign up today! 


Want a sneak peek at the thousands of activities your family can choose from? Click here.

Get moving, get motivated, get learning and most of all enjoy your family this summer!

Sue Scheff: Sunscreen Concerns - Is Your Sunscreen Safe?

Especially in South Florida, sunscreen is a staple in most homes.  Summer is a time when many families pack our beaches and have fun in the sun.  The latest new research from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) show that some popular brands of sunscreen may actually accelerate skin cancer, instead of protecting your skin.  

Read the full report here. EWG researchers recommend only 39, or 8 percent, of 500 beach and sport sunscreens on the market this season.

For years, experts and our parents have been telling us to apply and reapply sunscreen, especially when facing the sun’s harmful rays. According to this new study, almost half of the most popular sunscreen contain ingredients that could actually speed up cancer.

Check to see if your sunscreen is listed, click here.

This summer take the time to enjoy your friends and family and give thanks to the men and women that gave their lives for our country.
Read more.