Insurance has always been a mystery to me. I don’t understand how it really works and who makes money where. What I do understand is that without insurance, people will either put off having things done or settle for dentists/doctors that they do not really like.

I have been hearing about DentalPlans.com for years but never really paid much attention to it until a friend ran into a problem today. For some reason it just popped into my head. As I started looking at the site more closely and reading more reviews, I started to get even more curious. From what I can tell, individual plans start at less than $100 per year and you can choose from many different plans in your area. You can search by zip code or even by the dentist that you want to use.

The plans then vary in what is covered, but most are discount plans that save you between 25 and 50% on the services that you are having performed–everything from cleanings to root canals to dentures to orthodontia. You have to read each plan carefully to see what it covers.

I’m really curious as to how it all works and what kind of experiences people have had. Many reviews online are “sponsored” and it can be hard to tell when people are being paid to write about something and when they are not. If you have honest feedback about DentalPlans.com and can leave it below, I would love to hear about it! If I get enough feedback, I will do a followup post compiling it and decide whether I want to start recommending it.

(HelpingMomsConnect.com is an independent contractor for DentalPlans.com, Inc., and is providing Internet affiliate services to the company via the internet for which they may earn financial compensation from DentalPlans.com, Inc)

Butt Face Towel

I’ve heard that Dr. Oz is going to be showing the Butt Face Towel on his show today as a “Gadget to Keep You Germ Free.” I can tell you where you can get it at a great price! He called it the “Face Butt Towel,” but it is actually the “Butt Face Towel.”

The Butt Face Towel is available from Stupid.com and is both funny and practical. Stupid.com claims that it “brings sanitary sanity back into your bathroom.” One end (FACE) is white with brown letters. The other end (BUTT) is brown with white letters. It’s pretty clear what body part each end of the towel is supposed to be used to dry. Our only question is which end do you use to dry everything else off with?

Whether it’s meant as a serious sanitation issue or just a funny gift to give, the Butt Face towel is definitely something that has everyone talking about it when they see it. And if that isn’t enough, you can complement it with some Butt Face Soap.

Butt Face Soap

The Butt Face Soap is essentially like the towel. One side of the soap is brown and says “BUTT” and the other side is white and says “FACE.” The slogan “Cheek to Cheek Cleansing” on the packaging is particularly cute.

And if you are going to make a purchase at Stupid.com, you might as well use the Stupid coupon that we found for you. Use code “Sunshine” when you shop and you will save 15% on your entire order (ends at the end of this month).

I’m back on Weight Watchers and happy to report that the weight is starting to come off! It definitely takes some work, but here are 5 tips that help me stay on target.

1) Start each week with a menu. Download a free Printable Monthly Menu Planner and start filling in WW friendly meals. I use a combination of slow cooker meals, “quick” meals made by baking up Schwan chicken or fish, “full meals” where I spend a little more time cooking, and leftover nights. The key is to plan ahead so that you have everything on hand. You will be a lot less likely to go out to eat or eat junk.

2) Keep healthy snacks in the house. Start with “free foods,” which right now are most fruits and vegetables. I always have clementines, baby carrots, and apples. Then I try to vary other things each week like grapes, cucumbers, pre-cut cauliflower, etc. If I have something right there to grab, I am less likely to grab carbs.

3) Calculate points before you go to restaurants. When you want to go out to eat and stay within your points, try to find nutritional information online in advance and figure up the points for a couple of different meal choices.

4) Exercise! If you are getting in your exercise, you will have activity points to offset those times when you either really want a treat or will be spending time eating and drinking with friends or family and it is too hard to stay within your point allotment. The exercise does tend to make me more hungry on some days, so be prepared for that.

5) Everyone needs a little support around them. If you can meet up with others also on Weight Watchers and talk about meals, restaurants, activity points, etc, it will help to keep you motivated to stay on plan.

Weight Watchers is a healthy alternative to regular “diets” because you truly have to learn portion sizes and gain a better understanding of nutrition and exercise. The good news is that you are paying for them to help you.

It’s a new year and that means it is time for me to join Weight Watchers again. I let myself go for too long and need to start holding myself accountable. Weight Watchers has switched to a new Points Plus plan, which means I need to relearn some things. One of the hardest things for me is eating out. I love restaurants but I am so intimidated by the menus. That’s why I always try to check them out online in advance and figure out what I will eat before I even go. Here are a few Points Plus values for restaurants that might be in your area–at least enough to give you a few options! (Taken from the restaurant websites)

McAlister’s Deli: Sweet Chipotle Chicken Salad (including dressing) 11 points
McAlister’s Deli: Country Vegetable Soup (8 ounces) 2 points
Taco Bell: Fresco Style Tacos Ranchero Chicken Soft Taco 4 points
Bob Evans: Apple-Cranberry Spinach Salad with reduced-fat Raspberry Dressing 10 points
Bob Evans: Blueberry-Banana French Toast (Fit from the Farm Menu) 6 points
Panera: Half Fuji Apple Chicken Salad and Half Garden Vegetable w/Pesto Soup 10 points
Panera: Half Chopped Chicken Cobb Salad and Half Low Fat Chicken Noodle Soup 9 points
Subway: 6″ Turkey Breast on 9 grain w/veggies 7 points (add 1 point for American cheese)

What are your “go to” choices when you are on Weight Watchers but want to eat out?

Robitussin is once again allowing people to sign up for their Cold and Flu Alerts. The best part is that you get Robitussin coupons! I don’t know about you, but we always end up having at least a couple of rounds of colds between December and April, and usually at the worst possible times.

Sign up for the Cold and Flu Alerts from Robitussin as well as get your first coupon. Once you are on their newsletter list, you will continue to get helpful information including more coupons. Medicine is not cheap and it is always nice to be able to save a bit!

Edited: Get current information about Nicole’s Indy Zumba on her Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/nicoleindyzumba!

Did you know that you can burn between 600 and 1000 calories doing an hour of Zumba? If you are in Indianapolis and have been thinking about trying Zumba, it is your lucky week! Nicole Kiehl will be conducting three classes for charity this week. Each class is only $2 if you bring something from the Third Phase wishlist.

Here are the dates and times:

Monday December 13th @ 6:30-7:30pm
Thursday December 16th @ 6:30-7:30pm
Saturday December 18th @ 8:30-9:30am

The classes are held at the Community Montessori School at 9069 East 141st Street in Fishers.

Plus, class members can bring a person to class who has never attended before and BOTH of them will get in free. It’s a terrific opportunity to try out Zumba plus benefit a good cause.

Click here to see a full description of the event.

I’ve been a supporter of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure for as long as I can remember it existing. Each year I walk or run the race in Indianapolis in memory and celebration of family and friends who have battled breast cancer. This year I was even able to get my husband and kids to complete it with me. My husband mentioned to me the other day that he was a little surprised that so many people and companies support the breast cancer awareness cause compared to other cancers and causes. I told him that I think it is not only because breast cancer touches so many of us but also because it NEEDLESSLY takes lives. Education is huge. Self-awareness leads to early detection, which leads to more effective treatment.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, which means you are probably hearing more about it now than usual. There are countless companies stepping up to raise money and awareness. Yoplait is one of my favorite sponsors of the breast cancer cause, raising over $25 million to date. Again this year they will be donating 10 cents to the Race for the Cure for every Yoplait pink yogurt cup lid saved and sent in by December 31, 2010. You can help not only by sending in your lids but also by telling people about the Save Lids to Save Lives campaign. More information can be found at www.YourLidMatters.com. This year you can also send a “gift” through their Yoplait Pledge Facebook Page and they will donate $1 for every gift given (up to $100,000).

I was lucky enough to be sent a prize pack from MyBlogSpark and Yoplait that contained 2 VIP Coupons for Yoplait Greek (which I love to use to make dips), a pink leather journal and pen, and a breast cancer awareness charm bracelet. If you would like to enter to win an identical prize pack, just follow the instructions below.

1) Leave a comment below telling how you have been touched by breast cancer or your own efforts to advance the cause of breast cancer awareness (one entry).

2) Post on Twitter about the contest and leave a comment below with your Tweet (one entry).

3) Sign up for our newsletter on the right and leave a comment below (e-mail will be verified) (one entry).

4) Blog about this contest or post the contest in your giveaway section and leave your link to the post below (two entries).

Drawing will take place October 19 at noon Eastern. Must be a US Resident, age 18 or older to enter. Winner will be notified via e-mail and have 24 hours to respond or a new winner will be selected.

Thanks to Yoplait for supporting such a wonderful cause!!

(Disclosure: In addition to the prize pack I received, Yoplait made a $25 donation in
my name to the Susan G. Komen Race for the cure).

Winner: Ana Vega

The time invested in preparing your kids for a trip to the dentist will be well worth the sanity you save! Here are a few simple tips to help you get your kids ready for a visit to the dentist.

Take Your Dentist’s Advice

Personally, I have a terrible fear of everything related to the dental profession. When I got my first job with health benefits, I knew that regular dental check-ups would be one of the ways I could continue to keep my teeth, so I’ve gone twice a year since then.

My dentist happens to be awesome and we’ve worked on my dental fears over the years. When it was time to bring my oldest child to the dentist, he gave me great advice which was the equivalent of “never let them see you sweat.” Only for me, it was “never let them know how afraid you are of the dentist.” My kids can learn the truth several years down the road, when they already have a positive association with the dentist!

Be a Good Example

Kids watch everything we do, and everything we don’t do. If you want your kids to go regularly and cooperatively to the dentist, it will greatly help your case if you go yourself every six months. It’s also vital to have a good attitude not only about going, but about the different activities like getting x-rays and your teeth cleaned. Show your kids the “loot” you get from the dentist – they’ll be excited about a new toothbrush, the toothpaste and the floss they’ll get as a result of their visit!

Explain What Will Happen

Since this will be a new experience for your child, it’s best to have as many conversations as you can. Some of the elements to cover include:
• the dentist chair that tilts back
• the bright light and the sunglasses
• the fact that your child’s mouth needs to be opened for the dentist
• the special toothbrush the dental hygienist will use, as well as the water sprayer and suctioner

Before you take your child to the dentist, ask if the first visit can be an introduction to all of these elements if they don’t already provide this kind of service.
Use Books and Videos

Head to your local library and check out picture books about kids going to the dentist. While you’re there, search for any DVDs that also address this issue in a positive way.
Read the books and watch the DVDs several times in the two weeks before your child’s first dentist visit. This will help your child internalize important information, and young children love repetition.

Special Treat

Usually dentists have their own rewards to reinforce good memories of the visit. My kids love the toothbrushes and toothpaste they get to choose, as well as the pencils and balloons. If your dentist doesn’t offer these treats, make a suggestion and see if he/she would be open to it. You can also take your child to a local store for an inexpensive toy or balloon after this first visit to reinforce your child’s good choices at the dentist.
When it comes to taking small children places, I’ve found that preparation is the key to happiness for all involved, including a first visit to the dentist!

Kelly Wilson is a mom and freelance writer who visits her awesome Dentist in Silverton, Oregon every six months to maintain a fabulous smile.

I have read articles in two different magazines in the last week about the benefits of Resveratrol. It’s one of those topics that is a little beyond my ability to write about, so I found a terrific article from Solanova.com about Resveratrol and its benefits. They have a product that I am going to start trying out. Any other moms out there taking a Resveratrol supplement?

Red, Red Wine!

Who doesn’t enjoy a good glass of 1966 Chateau Margaux Bordeaux with dinner once in a while? Okay, maybe just the latest Shiraz screw-cap selection from Trader Joe’s? Either way, you’re doing something healthy for your body (if not for your pocket book.) But did you know how many glasses of red wine it would take to reap all the potential health benefits that oeniphiles everywhere tout? Numerous, countless — it is estimated upwards of 40. Glasses. A day. Wine is wonderful, but that seems to be the classic example of way too much of a good thing. Red wine is chock full of these wonderful, unparalleled antioxidants called Polyphenols, which are found in the skin and seeds of grapes. Red wines tend to contain more of these antioxidants than white, because white wines have the skins removed before fermentation.

Another strong antioxidant, Resveratrol, a type of Polyphenols, is created as a by-product of a plant’s defense mechanism against disease and red wine, grapes, and even raspberries contain high levels of it. Scientists believe that Resveratrol could offer tangible hope in the fight against certain diseases like cancer and many studies have shown Resveratrol to offer anti-inflammatory properties as well as reducing tumor incidences in animals and/or inhibiting cancer growth in cells.1

Obviously it is impractical to have to consume an inordinate amount of wine, berries and other foods with high antioxidant properties every day. This is why a nutritional supplement like Solanova’s Rubi QNol® is so vital to continued good health. Containing Resveratrol, Polyphenols and the highly absorbable, reduced form of CoQ10 Ubiquinol, Rubi QNol® has all the main ingredients to potentially help stave off the aging process. In fact, it has been discovered that Resveratrol works positively on a gene called Sirtuin (SIR), which is responsible for aging. In addition, this connection with SIR suggests Resveratrol may have a beneficial effect on diabetes.2 And, as if that isn’t enough, Resveratrol has been touted for its ability to help strengthen the heart and possibly help cells live longer and increase the stability of DNA.3 Then, of course, CoQ10 has received significant press as of late for its potential role in slowing the aging process and supplying the body with ample enzymes for better cellular health.

With all these potential benefits in a fortified, high absorption formula, thanks to Rubi QNol®, the fountain of youth may just have found you.

(article by Solanova.com)

Susan and Nick

Children don’t always come into the world perfect. My youngest of four children certainly didn’t. Nick was born with a horribly malformed heart. After a heart surgery at five days old, another at three months, another at one year old, he received a heart transplant just before turning two. Today, he is twenty one and attending college. Living with Nick’s chronic illness hasn’t always been easy. Though the years I’ve learned ways of cope during tough times.

Make the most of every day

Worry doesn’t add a minute to life. In fact, it takes minutes away that could be used to make precious memories. Don’t miss out on those memories by being stymied by worry. Live for today, not for what might happen down the road. Vacations are an excellent way to build shared memories.

Be united as a family

First and foremost be a family. Parents need to support each other, especially in front of the children. They feed off their parent’s actions and attitudes. Make sure each child knows they are important to making the family complete. Siblings should be shown they are just as important as the sick child. Share meals together as much as possible. That time builds family bonds.

Life shouldn’t revolve around the ill child

An ill child should be taught to mind, have chores, and be a functioning member of the family as much as they can be. It is important that siblings don’t become resentful. Standards of behavior should be the same for everyone. The whole family should support a child when they are participating in a sporting event, a program, band concert, etc. Attend the event in force whenever possible.

Understand that everyone handles stress differently

Recognize that not everyone in the family will react to a negative situation the same way. I talk a lot and fast when I’m scared. My husband paces and goes into his own world when he is worried. We have to respect each other’s method of coping.

Look for ways to have control

Volunteer, have a hobby, exercise. Do something positive for yourself every day. It takes a good sound body and mind to deal with an ill child. It is important for the caregiver to take care of his or her self.

A chronically ill child in the family adds special challenges to life, but they also add love and laugher. Nick has certainly brought that to our family.

By Susan May

Nick’s New Heart

www.susanCmay.com