(ARA) – Whether it’s five stories up in an apartment building or in a tiny backyard, it’s possible to grow greenery. As long as there is access to water and sunshine, people with the desire to add a little plant life to their living space can break out the watering can and create a green space.

Small-area and container gardening are easy, relatively inexpensive activities that people of all ages can enjoy. Today’s lawn and garden market is full of products aimed to satisfy the garden enthusiast in any location. Windowsill boxes, mini-herb gardens, packaged potting mixes and containers of all shapes and sizes make it easier than ever to grow something beautiful, no matter where you live.

“A container garden offers residents in smaller, often urban, spaces the chance to grow and eat fresh vegetables and enjoy beautiful flowers,” says William Moss, a master gardener specializing in urban gardening and author of the “Moss in the City” e-newsletter for the National Gardening Association. “A well-maintained vegetable container garden can produce enough vegetables to prepare nutritious meals and save money at the same time.”

Little Time, Big Convenience
One of the many benefits of small-space gardening is the small amount of time and effort it takes. As with any type of garden, it requires commitment and care. Ensuring plants get the proper amount of sunlight and water is crucial. However, a smaller space means less weeding and fewer pests. Slow-release fertilizer and automatic watering systems also cut down on time. Miracle-Gro Watering Can Singles are great time savers, making it easy to feed plants with convenient pre-measured packets of water-soluble plant food that can be quickly poured into a watering can.

Other considerations include the plants’ location. It is important to secure plants kept on windowsills or terraces so they won’t blow away during strong winds. If plants are frequently exposed to inclement weather, they should be moved to a sheltered spot or protected using supports and cages.

Doing a Lot with a Small Space
Another important benefit of small-space gardening is the amount of room needed. Depending on the plant, almost any container is acceptable as long as it can hold eight inches of soil and has holes at the bottom for water to drain. Rocks can be put in the bottom to assist drainage if there are no holes. Containers also tend to dry out quickly, so paying attention to watering and feeding is critical. Avoid filling the container with ground soil that can contain bacteria or fungi. Instead use packaged potting soil that is supplemented with fertilizer and other nutrients. Be sure to look at the care instructions that come with the plants and follow the directions on the potting soil and supplements to ensure the best outcome possible.

Growing For Food and Fancy
Different types of flowers, fruits, vegetables and plants thrive in containers. Vegetables such as peppers, garlic and lettuce are all easy to grow in containers. Herbs are especially well-suited for pots, and are easy to maintain since most pests tend to avoid them and they’re not susceptible to disease.

As long as there is adequate sunlight, herbs can be grown outdoors or indoors. Many herbs, like basil, dill, oregano and parsley, grow easily from seeds, which are less expensive than seedlings. Plant height is important to keep in mind, as basil, parsley and dill can grow one foot or taller.

For a plant that’s a beauty and easy-to-care for, try miniature roses. Available in a multitude of colors and varieties, it is easy to find one for just about any small space. Other colorful and low-maintenance container flowers are geraniums, impatiens, begonias, marigolds and zinnias. During the summer, Moss recommends growing plants with tolerant dispositions that can stand up to heat, pests and stormy summer weather. Flowers like the crinum lily, nasturtium, trailing petunia and moss rose are all colorful, low-maintence and grow during the summer months.

“Many different plants grow well in containers, but depending on location, some plants will flourish where others will wilt,” says Moss. “Check with local nurseries for flowers that thrive in your area.”

For more tips and fun ideas on starting a container garden or growing in small spaces visit http://www.itsgrotime.com  and check out Moss’ page on the National Gardening Association Web site, http://www.garden.org/urbangardening/  .

ARA) – Are you finding yourself under a lot of stress these days? Whether it’s being brought on by tension at work, at home, or by concerns of how the higher gas prices will affect you, there’s a lot on your plate right now.

The last thing you want to deal with is a pounding headache, but unfortunately, tension headaches and stress go hand-in-hand. While there may be little you can do to eliminate the stressors in your life, there are a variety of things you can do to help reduce the severity and frequency of headaches.

Here are some good steps to consider:

* Take a long, hard look at your lifestyle.
Behaviors that promote general good health may also help prevent headaches. If you aren’t physically active, get up and get moving. Regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming or biking can help reduce the frequency and severity of tension headaches. If you don’t think you can get motivated enough on your own, sign up for a gym membership and use it often. You should also get into the habit of eating regular, healthy meals and getting plenty of rest.

* Make sure you’re drinking enough water.
What many people don’t realize is that dehydration is one of the most frequent causes of headaches, in both adults and children. If you’re not drinking the recommended 40 ounces of water per 100 pounds of body weight every day, give it a try. You’ll likely be delighted with the results.

* Find ways to relax
If you’re doing your best to live a healthy lifestyle and drink adequate amounts of water, but are still getting frequent headaches, the problem may be that your body is still having a tough time figuring out how to relax. There are a variety of relaxation techniques you can try including deep breathing and biofeedback. Many people also find that massaging their head, neck and shoulders with their fingertips, and pressing a cold compress onto their forehead helps.

“There’s just something magical about the combination of pressure, massage and coolness that makes a world of difference for me,” says Aurelia Koby, president of IMAK products, a California company that specializes in natural pain relief products. Koby often suffers from headaches, and used to rely on a washcloth wrapped with ice to get relief. “Now there’s something even better,” she says.
The IMAK Pillow/Pain Relief Mask was designed by medical doctor to provide relief from migraines, headaches, sinus pain and eyestrain. All you have to do is put it on your face and secure it in place with the attached elastic strap, then sit back and relax.

The secret to the pillow’s success is in its filling — ergoBeads create a gentle massaging effect around the eyes. While it can be used at room temperature and still feel cool, many people prefer to keep it in the freezer so when they put it on, they get the benefit of an extra ”cooling” relief and a massage at the same time. The Eye Pillow also blocks out light, which makes it even more soothing for pain and tension relief.

You can find the IMAK Eye Pillow/Pain Relief Mask at many online and retail drug stores. For a store locator, log on to www.imakproducts.com.

(ARA) – Is what used to be your office now the baby’s room? Have your desk and computer taken up residence in the formal living room? Are you running out of space to store your growing collection of stuff?

Now that summer is here, it’s a great time to reassess how the space in your home is being used. And if you’re looking for more creative ways to utilize the space you already have, look no further than the backyard deck – specifically underneath it.

“Expanding a home’s outdoor living space is a big trend, and so many newer homes have second or third level decks with space underneath that is basically lost. Utilizing this normally wasted space in the home is easier to do than you may think,” says Don Garrison of LockDry Decking.

While typical wood decks have gaps between the boards, providing no shelter from the elements for the area below, those that utilize a watertight aluminum decking system like the one offered by LockDry (www.lockdry.com), can create a beautifully finished and gapless deck that keeps the area under the deck dry, no matter what the weather.

Whether you need extra space for storage, a game room for the kids, a workshop or an entertainment room, the lower level is instantly transformed into usable space when you seal the deck above; and keeping the area dry isn’t the only benefit aluminum decking offers over wood and composites.

“Aluminum is the perfect material for decking,” explains Garrison. “It is able to withstand the most extreme outdoor elements. It does not rust, rot, warp, or splinter. It will not freeze and crack. It does not contain any chemicals that will leach. It also weights less than half of wood decking and is much stronger.”

Installation is simple, and since the decking surface is watertight, no water penetrates to the deck framing, protecting the wooden structure, and your house, from moisture. Kits, which are available directly from LockDry, include trim for a professional, finished looking deck.

Aluminum railing systems are also available to complete your deck. The various styles will complement just about any architectural style, from contemporary to traditional. Choose from cable, glass, picket and decorative styles. They are shipped in pre-assembled sections for easy installation.

In addition, the decking is maintenance free, so you’ll never have to replace a rotted, cracked or warped board again. You also won’t have to spend a perfect summer day waterproofing, staining or painting the deck. All it takes is periodic cleaning to keep the deck looking great. The aluminum decking stays cool to the touch, has a textured, non-skid powder coat finish, and is available in four beautiful colors, so there’s sure to be an option that complements the color scheme of your house.

Once your deck is finished, there’s no end to the ways you can decorate it. Add potted or hanging plants – the water runoff won’t harm your aluminum deck like it would wood. Add a table with an umbrella and comfortable chairs, and you’re set to enjoy the nice weather. The deck is also the perfect place for your grill, as most decks are built off the kitchen. Add some benches for extra seating, and you’re ready to entertain.

Each LockDry decking system comes with a limited lifetime warranty. For more information, visit www.lockdry.com or call (800) 711-1785 to request a brochure and decking samples.

Destination Clubs Offer Peace of Mind in a Risky Market

(ARA) – As we age, the lenses of our eyes thicken and our pupils shrink. This causes eyes to adapt more slowly to changing light conditions and increases the need for light. According to the Center of Design For An Aging Society in Portland, Ore., older people need three to five times more light than younger people for vision and to maintain health.

Many seniors don’t get outside enough, another reason to bring more natural light in. Studies show that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), evidenced by emotional depression, a drop in physical energy, increased appetite, and need for more sleep, is directly linked to a lack of sufficient daylight.

Some researchers conclude that light therapy may help to alleviate SAD symptoms faster than antidepressant drugs. In a review of clinical trials of light therapy, Dr. Daniel Kripke at the University of California, San Diego, reported that light therapy benefits not only SAD patients but also people suffering from other forms of depression.

Sunlight can enter our dwellings and be balanced through the use of windows, doors and skylights. According to Joe Patrick, senior product manager with VELUX America, studies conducted in Denmark show skylights admit 30 percent more light than vertical windows in dormers, and provide the drama of a sky view that can’t be achieved with vertical windows. And balanced natural light from multiple sources can help to reduce glare, a particularly disorienting nuisance for people of all ages with glaucoma or cataracts.

“Skylights also offer much more privacy than vertical windows without taking up valuable wall space that can be used for decorating or storage,” Patrick says, “a real benefit as seniors downsize living spaces.”

He points out that venting skylights can contribute to a healthier indoor environment by utilizing their natural chimney effect to exhaust rising, stale air containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other indoor pollutants to which older people are particularly sensitive.

“From an economic standpoint,” Patrick says, “Energy Star qualified venting skylights admit natural light from above and reduce energy costs while transforming living areas into bright, safer spaces. And they provide a dose of the medicine that daylight and fresh air offer.”

“It’s also a way to stretch fixed-income dollars,” Patrick says, “with a one-time purchase that pays benefits over time by reducing the need for artificial lighting and cutting energy costs.”

In areas where traditional skylights aren’t needed or won’t fit, cost-effective, passive light to further reduce energy cost is available with a tubular model like the VELUX Sun Tunnel skylight. These less expensive units can be installed in 2 to 3 hours and are particularly useful in hallways, closets, interior baths and other smaller, confined areas needing more natural light.

For free information on the benefits of natural light and skylight selection, or for free house plans incorporating skylights, call (800) 283-2831 or visit VeluxUSA.com. For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit EnergyStar.gov, and for independent agency information visit EfficientWindows.org. For senior housing information see http://www.SeniorResource.com  .

(ARA) – The most dangerous risk most people face at work is getting their tie caught in the copy machine. Not Bill Gratzianna. He and his wife Marci own the Chicago-based O’Hare Towing and Recovery. He knows first-hand that accidents happen and cleaning up isn’t for the faint of heart.

While most people are familiar with the tow truck if their car breaks down or if they’ve parked illegally, the towing and recovery business can be a very dangerous one. According to the Tow Truck Association of America, more than 60 operators are killed on the job each year. Some reports put the number as high as 100.

The crew from O’Hare Towing puts their lives on the line during each recovery–and they respond to more than 200 calls each day. “This is a very dangerous job,” says Bill. “We lose a lot of towing operators on a regular basis…every response is delicate and can be volatile.”

Calls may be as mundane as a flat tire on the side of the road or cleaning up the remnants of a major wreck. “Seeing teen bodies being pulled out of a wrecked car after drinking and driving will haunt me forever,” says Katie Gratzianna, Bill and Marci’s 16-year-old daughter.

Keeping a busy towing business functioning in the middle of chaos is in Bill and Marci Gratzianna’s blood. Their parents are in the business and Bill’s brother (who also happens to be married to Marci’s sister) owns a rival shop. The best thing about the job, says Marci, is working with her family.

A typical day at O’Hare Towing and Recovery includes 12-hour shifts filled with adrenaline, accidents, yelling and lots of coffee and doughnuts.

“This is a world similar in many respects to that of a major urban firehouse,” says Robert Ecker, vice president of programming for SPEED. “Until the phone rings and that emergency call comes in, there’s simply no way of knowing what any given day will bring and when it does come, lives can literally hang in the balance.”

Viewers can follow the Windy City’s toughest (and most colorful) towing family as their new show “Wrecked” debuts on SPEED July 17 at 10 p.m. Eastern/9 p.m. Central. The show is Bill’s latest pride and joy. “We gave them the ammo for the best tow show ever,” he says.

For more information or for a programming schedule, visit www.SpeedTV.com

(NewsUSA) – Advertising is telling the world how great you are, while publicity is having others tell the world how great you are. Companies and organizations that understand the importance of publicity are generally more successful than those who use advertising alone to reach their target audiences.

Newspapers, magazines and radio and television news programs are filled with stories about businesses and organizations. Those who know how to present materials professionally to the right people will get media coverage for free, while those who don’t understand how publicity works have to rely on large advertising budgets to reach their audiences, usually with less impressive results.

“If you can get a news organization to report about your event or praise something you’re doing, you have gained an enormous amount of credibility that simply couldn’t be generated through paid advertising,” said David Forman, a public relations veteran and author of “Publicity Professor,” a workbook that teaches business owners how to get free news coverage.

The first step in reaching out to media professionals is to create an appealing press release. Its main purpose is to get an editor or producer interested in what you have to say or in what you are doing. It should contain enough information, specifics and quotes that a writer can craft a story from it without ever having to call you.

A media alert is another tool for getting press coverage. Its purpose is to give news assignment desks the specifics about an event in a way that entices editors or television news directors to send a reporter or camera crew.

There are dozens of other ways to get news coverage, such as placing feature stories or writing pitch letters offering your expertise in a subject for quotes or on-air interviews.

Forman says you don’t have to hire outside help to get publicity.

“Nobody knows your business like you do,” Forman said. “You simply have to reach the appropriate person with your message, in a format that media professionals expect.”

Using real-world examples, “Publicity Professor” shows you how to give editors and producers exactly what they’re looking for to get your story covered for free.

The guidebook includes easy-to-follow templates of press releases, media alerts, feature stories and pitch letters; suggestions on creating newsworthy special events and awards programs; and resources for contacting local, regional and national media.

For further information on promoting your business, order a copy of “Publicity Professor” by calling toll-free (866) NEWS-400 or by visiting www.publicityprofessor.com.

(NewsUSA) – Consumers today are bombarded by a wide variety of anti-aging products for the body and face, whether they are simple cosmetics or surgical procedures. But the fountain of youth really just comes from better nutrition, one health expert says.

A survey by the American Academy of Dermatology found that 94 percent of women are confused by all the available anti-aging treatments (over-the counter and prescription) as well as the procedures available in a doctor’s office.

Yet according to Cherie Calbom, author of “The Wrinkle Cleanse,” you can look younger starting with your next meal. Her book outlines a four-step approach to getting softer, younger-looking skin, explaining that a diet rich in raw foods, vegetable juices, whole grains and lean protein can cleanse the body of toxins and protect it from the causes of wrinkles and other symptoms of aging.

The mention of vegetable juices might ring a bell: Calbom, who has a master’s degree in nutrition, is better known as “The Juice Lady” for her work with juicing and health. She has appeared regularly on the QVC channel for the last eight years and is the author of several books, including “Juicing for Life.”

Calbom stresses that several factors affect how our skin ages, including environmental toxins, sun exposure, free radical attacks on the cells, inflammation and a weakened immune system. Her approach to creating a better diet geared toward reduced wrinkling has four components:

* Step 1 involves quick cleanses with either an all-day vegetable juice fast or a two-day raw-food program, designed to help repair damaged cells.

* Step 2 introduces a low-carbohydrate diet for 14 days that has plenty of vegetables, sprouts, vegetable juices, low-sugar fruit, whole grains and lean proteins. One key aspect of this stage is lowering caloric intake overall.

* Step 3 is composed of cleaning programs for your intestinal tract, liver, gallbladder, kidneys and blood. Detoxification is key, according to Calbom, in the effort to fight wrinkles.

* Step 4 outlines the vitamins and minerals needed to fight the symptoms of aging and how they can be incorporated into your diet.

Calbom offers several nutritional guidelines and more than 75 easy-to-make recipes and menu plans. Her strategy emphasizes what she calls the “wrinkle fighters” – foods that are rich in nutrients to help strengthen collagen and elastin for better skin. Some examples include carrots, which add luster to the hair; artichokes for better energy; and almonds, a good source of vitamin B.

“The Wrinkle Cleanse” is published by Avery/Penguin Group USA. It’s available in bookstores now.

Author and prostate cancer survivor Robert Marckini.

(NewsUSA) – When Robert Marckini was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he had no trouble finding information about his disease. Instead, Marckini experienced a different kind of dilemma: The more information he gathered, the more confused and anxious he became.

Marckini resolved to help men experiencing a similar predicament. After receiving proton beam radiation therapy from southern California’s Loma Linda University Medical Center, Marckini wrote a book that he hopes will serve as a one-stop source for information about prostate cancer and the different steps in coping with it.

The book, “You Can Beat Prostate Cancer,” is a memoir-like account of Marckini’s cancer experience that additionally describes the specific facts about testing processes, diagnoses and available treatment options.

The book also includes helpful hints throughout its text as well as a list of 10 things that men can do to take control of the detection and treatment of their cancer. Here are a few of those suggestions:

* Have an annual digital rectal exam. Marckini writes that it’s unwise to rely solely on one test to diagnose prostate cancer. He suggests that men receive several tests, including annual DREs.

* Talk to others. Marckini suggests that prostate cancer patients speak with other men who have had each of the treatments they are considering. Marckini created a Web site, www.protonbob.com, that partly serves as a means for prostate cancer survivors and patients to interact.

* Personally choose your treatment. Weigh the pros and cons of each available cancer treatment and then make a decision based on your own criteria.

Marckini says that he chose to receive proton beam therapy for a variety of reasons, including the painlessness of the treatment and the 89 percent disease-free survival rate of patients.

By shaping a beam to match the specific shape of a tumor, proton beam therapy delivers high-energy particles to a tumor site while sparing healthy surrounding tissue. The facility at Loma Linda University Medical Center remains the world’s largest proton treatment center, treating 140 to 150 patients per day.

For more information on proton therapy, call 800-PROTONS (800-776-8667) or visit www.proton-therapy.org. To learn more about the book, log on to www.protonbob.com.

(ARA) – Whether you’re selling your home or planning to live there for years to come, you can add interest and value using architectural elements. Customizing your kitchen, bath or master bedroom is a simple way to set your home apart and increase the “wow factor” of those particular rooms, which real estate agents say sell houses.

Architectural elements are the unique details that form the architectural style of houses and buildings. These include anything from stairways and fireplace mantels to columns and ornaments. Examples of architectural details are found in every design style from intricate Victorian gables to modern clean-lined ceiling domes.

Here are a few easy design tips that use architectural elements to bring your kitchen, bath or master bedroom from ordinary to extraordinary.

Kitchen — From Lackluster to Luxury
* Stock cabinets can be plain and boring. Add decorative corbels (an architectural support bracket), panel and crown mouldings to create a high-end, customized appearance.

* Add a ceiling medallion above the breakfast bar or table. Whether simple or elegantly embellished, a medallion will enhance any light fixture and create a focal point.

* Build an “oven nook.” Using a shelf or fireplace mantel and some decorative corbels, you can create the look of a custom built-in cooking station found in model homes.

Bathroom — From So-so to Spa
* Switch out the simple wood trim around doors for elegant casings and add a chair rail at mid-wall height. For a look featured in four-star hotels, paint the wall below the chair rail a muted, relaxing color and use a slightly lighter shade of the same color above the chair rail.

* Add a decorative shelf or mantel for display of art, plants or your favorite fragrance bottles.

* Add to the height of the bathroom by installing a round or elliptical dome. A dome will allow for a larger, more dramatic light fixture while adding depth like a tray ceiling.

Master Bedroom — From Routine to Relaxing
* Trimming the bedroom with crown moulding shows attention to detail and complements rooms of any style.

* Add a niche to your wall for dramatic display space. Highlight special photos, keepsakes or a piece of art.

* Create a custom headboard using architectural plaques, ornate corbels and decorative swags. A custom headboard allows you to show your style and offers an elegant space to frame the room’s largest piece of furniture.

Adding architectural elements to customize the spaces in your home doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Lightweight, decorative mouldings and other elements are available through companies like Focal Point Architectural Products, which specializes in closed-cell polyurethane products that won’t rot or mildew. The pieces look like plaster and wood, but offer a cost-effective and time-saving alternative to traditional materials.

For more information or design inspiration, visit www.FocalPointProducts.com or call (800) 662-5550 to find a dealer near you.