Articles written by Julie Ackendorf

The winner of the 8th season of the Biggest Loser was announced before a live audience on December 8, 2009, along with stunning weight loss reveals among all contestants.

Dec 13, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

There are a number of fun and festive options available to cat owners desiring the perfect Christmas gift for their favorite feline friend.

Dec 6, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Crib safety is important for any parent of a young baby. There are measures parents can take to ensure their infant's crib is as safe as possible.

Nov 30, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

The Holiday Inn hotel in Batavia, New York is a clean, friendly, and affordable place to stay when spending one or more nights in this part of Western New York.

Nov 29, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

New moms are often tired and overwhelmed and in need of some pampering. Giving a unique Christmas gift to a first time mommy is a great way to show appreciation.

Nov 19, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Babies can be difficult to purchase gifts for during holiday times. There are some interesting and useful options gift givers can give to a young infant for Christmas.

Nov 19, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Netflix is a movie rental program in which movies are mailed to the home. Using Netflix has many benefits over renting from traditional movie rental stores.

Nov 15, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

The Fisher Price Little People Lil Princess Ride-On is an excellent choice for a small toddler girl. It is safe, fun, entertaining and durable.

Nov 8, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Week 7 on Season 8 of The Biggest Loser was full of emotional breakthroughs, a record breaking weigh-in, and a very sad, tear jerking goodbye.

Oct 28, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

On week 6 of season 8 of The Biggest Loser one team gets to go home for a week to see their families. They also struggle with a week away from the ranch.

Oct 22, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Week 5 of season 8 of The Biggest Loser was filled with changes, surprises, and a heartbreaking goodbye to a beloved contestant.

Oct 14, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Week 4 of Season 8 of The Biggest Loser put contestants' ability to make healthy choices to the test when they had to order out for every meal.

Oct 7, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Week three of season 8 of The Biggest Loser was one that left the audience surprised at the actions of one contestant who played dirty throughout the week.

Oct 2, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Week 2 of The Biggest Loser is notorious for being one in which contestants lose little and sometimes even gain weight. This year that tradition is broken.

Sep 28, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

In it's eighth season, NBC's popular show The Biggest Loser returned in an emotional two-hour season premiere beginning at 8PM on September 15, 2009.

Sep 16, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Fiber is an important component of a daily diet and serves a number of beneficial function in the body. Fiber can be found naturally in food and also in supplements.

Sep 13, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Author Jodi Picoult explores the legal, ethical, and moral issues involving sibling organ donation and whether parents have the right to make the decision for the donor.

Sep 11, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Crayola Color Wonder products promote themselves as being mess-free. The Crayola Color Wonder markers contain special ink that only mark on special paper to avoid mess.

Sep 2, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Carbon Monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is extremely dangerous if allowed to build up in a home. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a potentially deadly problem.

Aug 13, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Packing a lunch for a child in school can be a healthy and tasty way to ensure kids are getting proper nutrition during their mid-day meal.

Aug 12, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Acute pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed and can be potentially life threatening if not treated properly.

Jul 16, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

An individual diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm is facing a life threatening condition that requires immediate treatment. There is more than one type of aortic aneurysm.

Jul 16, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Demand Studios is an online content site that offers upfront payment for articles. Hires of Demand Studios can earn a decent supplemental income writing for the website.

Jul 6, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Pisces is the 12th sign of the Zodiac. Individuals born as Pisces are believed by astrologists to have specific traits and characteristics.

Jul 5, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Normally individuals cycle through five stages of sleep each night. The five stages of sleep are necessary and important for the health and wellness.

Jul 3, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Morgan Spurlock, producer and director of "Super Size Me", followed up his documentary film with an entertaining and informative book exploring the fast food culture.

Jun 28, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

The Crowne Plaza Hotel is a located in Niagara Falls, New York . The Crowne Plaza Hotel is directly across from the Seneca-Niagara Casino.

Jun 28, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Cheesecake Place is a bakery that specializes in all varieties of cheesecake. Located in Amherst, New York the bakery has much to offer the local community.

Jun 25, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

In Vanishing Acts Jodi Picoult explores the issue of whether a parent is ever justified in running away with a child even if doing so is in the child's best interest.

Jun 17, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Sleep deprivation will not only leave an individual feeling extremely tired throughout the day but can also have dangerous effects on physical and mental health.

May 16, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Jodi Picoult's novel Nineteen Minutes takes a thought provoking look at the events and emotions that lead up to a devastating high school shooting.

Apr 18, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Individuals who take Ephedra as a means of losing weight are putting themselves at risk of a number of serious or life threatening medical complications.

Apr 6, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Green tea is an excellent beverage to help improve health and wellness. It also has properties that can be beneficial in helping an individual lose weight.

Feb 20, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

A red, sore, and uncomfortable diaper rash is a common ailment in infants in toddlers. There are a few tips parents can follow to prevent and treat diaper rash.

Feb 20, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Dehydration in children can happen faster and affect a child more severely than in an adult. Parents should know the signs of dehydration when their child has an illness.

Feb 16, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Rotavirus is an intestinal illness that babies are highly susceptible to and can cause major complications. Recently doctors have begun vaccinating against Rotavirus.

Feb 15, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Though sore nipples are not necessarily common when breastfeeding, they can happen, and there are things moms can do to help relieve the soreness and pain.

Feb 10, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Bronchiolitis is a viral lung infection that is commonly found in infants and toddlers and is not respondent to antibiotics as a source of treatment.

Jan 29, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

T he season premiere of the fifth season of Lost aired on ABC on January 21, 2009. The show lived up to its reputation of being both exciting and mind boggling.

Jan 22, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Keeping a food diary is an effective for individuals who are trying to lose weight and gives a good idea of how many calories and nutrients they are really eating.

Jan 20, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

When it comes to birth control women have a variety of options to choose from. Choices may be based on a woman's health as well as personal preference.

Jan 19, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

When it comes to choosing a breast pump nursing mothers have some options depending on their needs in expressing their milk and breastfeeding their babies.

Jan 19, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Expressing and storing breast milk to feed a baby while her mother is away is great for nursing moms, but it must be done properly to maintain the freshness of the milk.

Jan 3, 2009 - Julie Ackendorf

Nursing mothers do not have to abstain completely from alcohol but should know the limitations, risks, and myths associated with alcohol and breastfeeding.

Dec 25, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

An umbilical hernia is a relatively harmless condition that occurs in newborns in which the infant's belly button will appear to distended or look like a bubble.

Dec 17, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Postpartum hemorrhage is a potentially life threatening event that can occur after a woman delivers a baby and immediate action must be taken to stop bleeding.

Dec 17, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Creating a personalized Christmas card is a great way of showing care and a creative way to send a holiday greeting from the heart to friends and family members.

Nov 25, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Christmas is an exciting time for children of all ages. There are a number of activities parents can do with their toddlers to help celebrate the Christmas season.

Nov 17, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Parents can help make the Christmas season more exciting for young children by making sure their child receives a personalized letter from Santa Claus in the mail.

Nov 15, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages in moderation while breastfeeding appears to be relatively safe and to have little to no effect on a nursing infant.

Nov 9, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

There are a number of easy activities and interactive projects parents can do with their toddlers to help decorate for and celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday season.

Nov 1, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Coffee drinkers will be glad to hear that drinking moderate amounts of caffeinated coffee regularly may actually have positive health benefits.

Oct 30, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

For some expectant mothers not taking antidepressants during pregnancy is not an option. There are some depression medications that are fairly safe for mother and baby.

Oct 30, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Women who prefer an antibiotic free approach to treating a urinary tract infection may benefit from natural remedies that eliminate the need for prescription drugs.

Oct 30, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a condition that affects most women at least once in their lifetime. Steps can be taken to help protect against getting a painful UTI.

Oct 30, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

The blood which flows from the placenta into the umbilical cord is rich in stem cells. Saving cord blood is a step parents can take to help their child in the future.

Oct 27, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

While it may be tempting to keep infants and toddlers away from animals, early exposure to pets may help prevent children from developing allergies down the road.

Oct 27, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Postpartum depression is an illness that can occur in some women shortly after giving birth. Severe PPD requires proper diagnosis and treatment to be overcome.

Oct 26, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Second hand cigarette smoke can be harmful to anyone who is exposed to its toxins. Children are at a particular risk of the negative affects of second hand smoke.

Oct 25, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Medications to treat depression can be taken by a breastfeeding mother. Some antidepressants are safer than others for parent and child when taken by a nursing mother.

Oct 25, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

The second season of General Hospital Night Shift proved to be even better than season one. The series is a must see for long time General Hospital fans.

Oct 24, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Toxic mold syndrome is a potentially debilitating illness that occurs in some individuals living or working in an environment in which they are exposed to black mold.

Oct 17, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Constipation is an uncomfortable side effect attributed to pregnancy. Fortunately there are drug free ways that pregnant women can relieve constipation naturally.

Oct 17, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

As a pregnant woman's belly expands at a fairly rapid pace stretch marks may result. There are steps women can take to help avoid these undesired and unsightly red lines.

Oct 17, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Braxton Hicks contractions are harmless pains that affect many women at the end of their pregnancy. Relief can be found for women suffering from pre-labor discomfort.

Oct 16, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Full term pregnancies last an average of 40 weeks. Premature labor occurs prior to 37 weeks and women should watch carefully for signs and symptoms of premature labor.

Oct 16, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Trying to sleep in late pregnancy can be difficult, uncomfortable and even painful. There are ways women can help relieve discomfort when trying to sleep while pregnant.

Oct 14, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

The use of halotherapy and salt cave therapy have been shown to be a natural way to help relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.

Oct 9, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Women should abstain from drinking at all during pregnancy due to the high risk of severe alcohol related health problems and birth defects in their unborn children.

Oct 6, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Elizabeth Wurtzel's autobiographical tale Prozac Nation gives readers a haunting look into the life of a clinically depressed young adult and the horrors she endured.

Oct 6, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Co-sleeping with an infant is dangerous, putting the baby at a high risk of accidental death due to suffocation. Parents should not sleep in the same bed as their baby.

Oct 6, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Marion Zimmer Bradley reinterprets the legend of King Arthur in novel "The Mists of Avalon" by telling the story from the perspective of the women in his life.

Oct 6, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Staying physically fit in pregnancy through light and consistent exercise is not only beneficial to the mother while pregnant but can also lead to an easier delivery.

Oct 6, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

It is recommended that pregnant women take folic acid supplements in the first trimester of pregnancy in order to help protect their baby against certain birth defects.

Oct 6, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

While there is no known cause for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) there are some proven steps parents can take to prevent SIDS and protect babies from crib death.

Oct 5, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Limiting caffeine intake during pregnancy is important. Taking in too much caffeine while pregnant can be harmful to both mother and baby.

Oct 5, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Pacifiers may help parents protect their babies as these soothing tools have been shown to help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome when given to newborns for sleep.

Oct 1, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

There are a number of pacifiers on the market for parents to choose from. Parents should follow some tips to buy the safest and best pacifiers for their young children.

Sep 28, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Pregnant women should avoid eating soft-serve ice cream. Soft-serve ice cream machines may contain a bacteria known as Listeria that is harmful if ingested in pregnancy.

Sep 26, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Smoking during pregnancy puts an unborn baby at a greater risk of potentially dangerous health problems. There are number of reasons why pregnant women should not smoke.

Sep 20, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Prenatal supplements are recommended for all pregnant women. Women who cannot tolerate the supplement have other options to meet added nutritional needs as well.

Sep 8, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that has been shown to promote healthy brain development in a fetus when taken as a supplement by an expectant mother during pregnancy.

Sep 8, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

L.M. Montgomery's novel Anne of Green Gables is classic young adult literature that motivates, inspires and empowers young women to live and be all they possibly can be.

Aug 28, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Trick-or-treating can be fun for kids and parents alike. There are some tips parents should keep in mind to make sure children of all ages stay safe on Halloween night.

Aug 25, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Brushing the teeth of an infant or toddler must begin as soon as the first tooth erupts. Early dental care helps protect young children from future dental problems.

Aug 23, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Natural alternatives for morning sickness are the safest way for an expectant mother to relieve nausea and vomiting often associated with early pregnancy.

Aug 20, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Transitioning a baby from a bottle or a breast to a cup can be difficult. There are tips parents can follow to help ease the introduction of the sippy cup for a baby.

Aug 15, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Not all cat flea treatments are made alike and some flea control treatments can actually be hazardous to the health of cats. Selecting the right treatment is important.

Aug 10, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Parents need to take precautions in order to ensure health and safety when staying in a hotel room with a child. Hotel cleanliness may not be as sanitary as it appears.

Aug 5, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Dean Koontz novel The Husband is both a mystery and a thriller. This New York Time Bestseller is an excellent book that will keep readers guessing until the novel's end.

Aug 5, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

There are a number of natural ways a breastfeeding mother experiencing a low milk supply can increase her milk production safely in order to continue nursing her baby.

Aug 4, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

When buying a home pregnancy test consumers should be informed in order to choose the best early pregnancy test for them. Not all home pregnancy tests are created alike.

Aug 1, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Preparing your cat for the arrival of a newborn baby is important, especially if it is the first child. Owners need to take steps to make the change easier on their pet.

Jul 31, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Preparation for baby involves having basic baby products ready before a newborn arrives. Being well stocked in baby supplies make the first days home much easier.

Jul 29, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Buying and selling used textbooks online is an easy way to help students save money. Students pay less than in a college bookstore and earn more when reselling books.

Jul 29, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

A pregnant woman does not have to spend a lot of money to dress well in pregnancy. Maternity clothing doesn't always have to come from the maternity aisle of a store

Jul 28, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Thought in choosing a toddler bed, keeping up a bedtime routine and creating a safe and comfortable sleep environment can ease the transition from a crib to a bed.

Jul 28, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Nipple shields can be a good short-term option for nursing mothers whose infants have early latching issues, and can allow a mother to breastfeed despite problems.

Jul 25, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

When shopping for baby shower gifts one can buy an inexpensive present that the mother-to-be will love. Basic baby supplies are often most appreciated by expectant moms.

Jul 24, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf

Flying with infants or toddlers requires time and forethought. Flying with young children requires travel planning with the comfort of the traveling children in mind.

Jul 23, 2008 - Julie Ackendorf