December 2012
68 posts
1 tag
Dec 31st
32 notes
3 tags
Prevent Errors With Your Pet's Medicine
Just as medication errors can happen with humans, they can also happen when medicines are prescribed for your pet. In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine started taking a closer look at errors and ways to increase the safe use of medicines for pets. Pet prescriptions are usually filled at human pharmacies, but veterinarians sometimes use different...
Dec 31st
3 notes
2 tags
Avoid Texting and Driving →
Texting and driving is a dangerous problem. Find out how you can break the habit and keep your family safe.
Dec 31st
14 notes
1 tag
Dec 28th
44 notes
3 tags
Single-Load Liquid Laundry Packets Are Harmful to...
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is advising parents and caregivers to lock up single-load liquid laundry packets and keep them away from children. Liquid laundry packets are attractive to children because they are soft and colorful and resemble familiar items like candy and teething products. These items also dissolve quickly when placed in the mouth or are handled with wet...
Dec 28th
14 notes
3 tags
What are the symptoms of colon cancer? Asked by an anonymous Tumblr user. Symptoms can include blood in the stool, narrower stools, a change in bowel habits and general stomach discomfort. However, you may not have symptoms at first, so screening is important. Everyone who is 50 or older should be screened for colorectal cancer. Learn more about colorectal cancer.
Dec 28th
4 notes
2 tags
Do You Know the Difference Between Headaches and... →
Find out so you can treat them correctly.
Dec 28th
26 notes
1 tag
Dec 27th
80 notes
3 tags
CALM Act Regulates Volume of TV Commercials
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established new rules for the volume of television commercials that started on December 13, 2012. The new regulation, known as the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act, requires commercials to have the same average volume as the programs they accompany. The CALM Act requires TV stations, cable operators or other multichannel video...
Dec 27th
34 notes
2 tags
Pre-paid funeral arrangements insurance Asked by an anonymous Tumblr user. The Federal Trade Commission offers this advice on prepaying for funeral arrangements: Millions of Americans have entered into contracts to prearrange their funerals and prepay some or all of the expenses involved. Laws of individual states govern the prepayment of funeral goods and services; various states have laws...
Dec 27th
7 notes
3 tags
Are Your Kids Eligible For Free or Low-Cost Health... →
If your kids are uninsured, they may be eligible for free or low-cost health insurance. Find out at http://www.insurekidsnow.gov
Dec 27th
9 notes
1 tag
Dec 26th
71 notes
2 tags
Get a Flu Vaccine – It's Not Too Late!
Flu season usually peaks in January or February, but it’s gotten off to an early start this year. If you haven’t gotten a flu vaccine yet, consider getting one as soon as you can. Learn about the flu vaccine, including: where you can get it (enter your ZIP code in the Flu Vaccine Finder box) what viruses it will protect you against the difference between the shot and the nasal...
Dec 26th
2 notes
2 tags
Shop Government Auctions  →
Did you know the federal government has an auction website? Shop for anything from homes to computers and jewelry at http://govsales.gov
Dec 26th
24 notes
1 tag
Dec 25th
124 notes
1 tag
Wishing You and Your Family a Happy Holiday... →
We hope our holiday tips help you celebrate within your budget, keep your family safe, protect the environment and more! If you’re celebrating with kids, make sure to check out the holiday tips from Kids.gov.
Dec 24th
8 notes
1 tag
Track Santa's Journey Around the World →
Dec 24th
20 notes
2 tags
Dec 21st
20 notes
3 tags
End-of-Year Charity Giving Tips from the IRS
As 2012 comes to a close, individuals and businesses need to remember some key tax provisions for making contributions to charity. The IRS offers these reminders for year-end giving: To deduct monetary donations you must have a bank record or written document from the charity stating the name of the charity, the contribution amount and the date. Contributions are deductible in the year made,...
Dec 21st
11 notes
3 tags
Have a Pet-Safe Holiday Season
Make sure that everyone gets to enjoy the holiday season by keeping the four-legged members of your family safe this December. It’s easy to get distracted at this time of year, so if you have pets, try to keep these ideas in mind: Avoid tinsel and clean up strings and ribbon right away. Swallowed decorations can seriously damage internal organs, leading to a painful and dangerous situation. ...
Dec 21st
9 notes
2 tags
Give the Gift of Service This Year →
Sometimes the greatest gift you can give is service. Find volunteer opportunities in your area from Serve.gov.
Dec 21st
5 notes
2 tags
Dec 20th
36 notes
2 tags
Most Popular Topics of 2012
2012 was the year of the Presidential election, NASA putting the Curiosity Rover on Mars, the summer Olympics in London, and so much more. It was also a year of unspeakable tragedies that left the nation at a loss for words. We’ve shared information about a lot of different subjects over the course of the year. Here’s a look at what was most popular on our blog and on USA.gov in 2012. Popular Blog...
Dec 20th
9 notes
2 tags
Find the Latest Airport Closures and Flight Delays →
If you have holiday air travel plans, check this map for the latest airport closures and flight delay information.
Dec 20th
3 notes
2 tags
Dec 19th
22 notes
3 tags
Feed People, Not Landfills
By Lena Kim, part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Food Recovery Challenge team The holidays symbolize family, friends, food, festivities, and it is a season of caring and giving. This holiday season, you can give back to yourself, your community, and your environment with one small act – reducing the amount of food you waste. Wasted food is the number one material that goes...
Dec 19th
22 notes
2 tags
How to Mail a Message of Condolence to Newtown, CT
The U.S. Postal Service has established a unique Post Office Box to which the public may send condolences to those affected by the December 14, 2012 tragedy in Newtown, CT. Those who wish to send expressions of comfort should address them to: Messages of Condolence for Newtown PO Box 3700 Newtown CT 06470 “We understand that there is an outpouring of support for everyone in the Newtown area,...
Dec 19th
190 notes
3 tags
Free Publications to Help You Be Physically and... →
Do you want to be healthier and more financially organized in 2013? These free publications can help. Order yours at 
Dec 19th
18 notes
2 tags
Dec 18th
4 notes
2 tags
Food Safety Gifts for Festive Foodies
By Maribel Alonso, Technical Information Specialist, USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline These days, it seems everyone knows (or is) a foodie, a self-proclaimed guru of all things edible. To add to the myriad of “foodie gift guides” shopping sites have created this month, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline has put together a list of inexpensive kitchen essentials, most of which are small enough to fit...
Dec 18th
5 notes
2 tags
Show Your Support for our Military This Holiday... →
 
Dec 18th
7 notes
1 tag
Dec 17th
63 notes
2 tags
Give Green Gifts with Energy Star Products
By Una Song, program manager for the ENERGY STAR program at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Electronics are a popular gift for the holidays, and now you can give a great gift that also gives back in many ways. ENERGY STAR certified electronics – home entertainment and office products – not only make great gifts; they also save energy, money and help protect the climate. ENERGY STAR Home...
Dec 17th
2 notes
2 tags
Airport Security Procedure Changes
Recent changes to the screening process at airports across the country will help millions of travelers board their planes quicker and easier during the busy traveling season and allow officers to focus on passengers who might represent a bigger risk. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has recently updated its screening process to help children, seniors, and trusted travelers move...
Dec 17th
11 notes
2 tags
Celebrate Bill of Rights Day
On December 15, 1791, the United States adopted the Bill of Rights, ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution written to guarantee essential rights and liberties omitted in the crafting of the original document. December 15th is Bill of Rights Day, an opportunity to reflect on these freedoms and the people who have struggled throughout our history to make them possible. Read the Bill of Rights and...
Dec 15th
33 notes
3 tags
Anxiety is a Common Reaction After a Tragedy. Get... →
For help, call SAMSHA’s disaster distress hotline at 1-800-985-5990. It’s free and confidential.
Dec 14th
82 notes
1 tag
Dec 14th
30 notes
4 tags
Get Through the Holiday Blues
The holidays aren’t joyous for everyone. This time of year can bring stress and feelings of loneliness. Exercise, focusing on positive relationships, and doing things that you find rewarding can help with depression. Get tips on what to do if you feel depressed. Keep in mind that winter depression could be a sign of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which may be caused by the lack of...
Dec 14th
9 notes
2 tags
Looking for a New Cookie to Bake this Holiday... →
Try Ginger Crinkles (PDF), a recipe from the White House Pastry Kitchen.
Dec 14th
10 notes
2 tags
Help Getting Your Child Support Payments →
Are you struggling to get the child support payments you’re owed? This how-to guide can help.
Dec 14th
12 notes
1 tag
Dec 13th
14 notes
3 tags
Maintain Your Weight Over the Holidays
Gaining one or two pounds during the holidays doesn’t seem like a lot, but these gains can add up over the years. Although the holidays may not be the ideal time to try to lose weight, you can take steps to maintain your weight. Read 10 tips on how to enjoy your food, but eat less of it (PDF) and make exercise a regular part of your day. Find more holiday tips to help you celebrate the...
Dec 13th
9 notes
3 tags
Shop Safely This Holiday Season with Tips from the... →
Whether you plan to do all your holiday shopping online or you’re going brave the crowds at the malls, the Federal Trade Commission offers shopping tips to protect you from fraud, over-paying at the cash register and more.
Dec 13th
2 notes
1 tag
Dec 12th
55 notes
3 tags
This Holiday Season, Plan Ahead to Avoid Impaired...
According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2010, more than 10,000 Americans died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes - one death every 48 minutes. That’s nearly one-third of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. Meanwhile, 17 percent of traffic deaths among children involved an alcohol-impaired driver. In half of those crashes, the young victim was riding in the vehicle with the...
Dec 12th
6 notes
2 tags
Check out De-classified Documents, Current Events... →
Dec 12th
15 notes
1 tag
Dec 11th
31 notes
2 tags
Be Safe and Save Money with LED Holiday Lights
Electricity bills can grow during the holidays if you decorate with strings of lights. Consider switching to LED (light-emitting diode) holiday lights to save energy and money. In addition to the energy and cost savings, LED lights are much cooler than incandescent bulbs, reducing the risk of fires. Every holiday season, fires claim lives and cost millions in damage. To prevent holiday fires in...
Dec 11th
2 notes
2 tags
Looking for a Doctor, Dentist or Other Health Care... →
Check these directories from MedlinePlus to find a provider to help you.
Dec 11th
10 notes
3 tags
Dec 10th
32 notes