State's Medicaid program will be handled by managed care companies starting tomorrow

Update, Nov. 1: Kentucky Voices for Health, a coalition of more than 250 health care organizations, individuals and advocates, released its views on the move to managed care, which they said must be as much about improving the quality of health care as it is about saving money. "We want Medicaid managed care to be a positive move for both the fiscal health of Kentucky and the health of Kentuckians, so we must continually strive to ensure that all who are eligible have access to high-quality, affordable, effective health care regardless of poverty status or disability," said Dr. Rev. Marian McClure Taylor, KVH board member and executive director of the Kentucky Council of Churches.

The transition must also run smoothly, said Jody Mitchell, KVH executive director. "Our priority is ensuring that the 540,000 Medicaid members affected continue to receive the best health care possible, without interruption." (Read more)

About 560,000 Kentuckians on Medicaid will have a new way of getting health care starting tomorrow when the state switches to managed care.

So far, 68 acute-care hospitals, including some out-of-state facilities, have signed on to at least one of three of the managed care organizations chosen earlier this year by the state to run the program, reports Beth Musgrave of the Lexington Herald-Leader. Excluding the Louisville area, which has long been and will continue to be served by the Passport managed-care organization, there are 96 acute-care hospitals in Kentucky.

"A significant number of hospitals have signed in the last couple of weeks, and we anticipate that these numbers will continue to grow," said Jill Midkiff, spokeswoman for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. The state had delayed the switch to managed care, which had been scheduled to begin Oct. 1, by one month to give providers time to sign contracts.

Gov. Steve Beshear said today the federal Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services have approved the transition. "We have worked hard to make the transition as seamless as possible, and I appreciate the collaborative efforts that allowed us to reach this goal under aggressive deadlines."

Switching to managed care has been Beshear's answer to overcoming a Medicaid budget deficit. The program will be run by four managed care companies, which will be paid a predetermined per-patient, per-month amount regardless of what care is needed. Because they won't be paid using a fee-for-service model — believed to be more costly — and will try to streamline care, Beshear (right, photo by H-L's Pablo Alcala) said the move will save $1.3 billion in the next three years.

Delaying the move by another month could have cost the state $9.2 million in savings, Musgrave reports. (Read more)

Most beverage companies targeting kids, teens even more to sell sugary drinks, despite pledges; Pepsi an exception

A study analyzing the marketing practices for 600 products made by 14 companies found there is more advertising of sugary drinks to children, despite industry pledges to the contrary.

Child and teen exposure to TV ads for full-calorie soda doubled from 2008 to 2010. "This increase was driven by Coca-Cola and Dr. Pepper Snapple Group. Children were exposed to nearly twice as many TV ads for sugary drinks from these companies," the report by the Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity reads. "In contrast, children were exposed to 22 percent fewer ads for PepsiCo sugary drink products." PepsiCo makes Mountain Dew, so sugary and popular among youth in Eastern Kentucky that dentists have identified a tooth-decay syndrome of "Mountain Dew mouth."

Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group and Kraft Foods produce two-thirds of the 900 products analyzed.

Coca-Cola accounted for three out of four brand appearances seen by children and teens. Nearly two-thirds of all full-calorie soda or energy drink ads on TV included sponsorship of an athlete, sports league or teams, or an event or cause.

In 2010, black children and Hispanic teens saw 80 to 90 percent more TV ads than white children. Marketing on Spanish-language TV is also growing. In 2010, Hispanic children and teens saw nearly twice the number of sugary drink and energy drink ads as in 2008.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says highly caffeinated energy drinks "have no place in the diet of children and adolescents." But in 2010, teenagers saw 18 percent more TV ads and heard nearly twice as many radio ads for energy drinks than adults did. (Read more)

Get Pregnant Fast After A Miscarriage

Getting pregnant after a miscarriage can be difficult, many women find it a major emotional trauma to overcome. There are however several things to keep in mind in order to overcome this emotional trauma and get into a better frame of mind. Having a positive frame of mind will greatly help you to become pregnant again after your miscarriage; thinking in a positive way is the first step to looking ahead. Thinking of how perfect your baby will be once he/she is born, how happy you will be when this day arrives, is the best way to overcome your grief and look to a new and happier day.

Of course the main thing is make sure you are healthy, and no physical reasons exist to stop you from getting pregnant again. Once your doctor has performed a physical exam and clears you of any problems, you are free to get in the proper mind-frame that will help in getting pregnant again. Then it’s just a matter of making sure you stay healthy and keep your bad habits (if any) to a minimum. Treat your body as if you were already pregnant, then you won’t have any extreme adjustments to make when you are pregnant again.

Taking care of yourself physically is extremely important of course, the healthier your body is the faster you may see positive results for your new pregnancy. It only makes sense that you are mentally preparing for a new life, and must be in the best health in order to sustain this new life. Eating properly is really critical, and drinking plenty of water as most people will tell you as well. Since most women don’t get enough vitamins from the food they eat, taking a multi-vitamin is important as well. Especially folic acid and the usual calcium, two must-haves for women!

Keep in mind that most research that has been done concerning miscarriages does not lead doctors to believe that having a single miscarriage will statistically lead to others. If you are a healthy woman and in your prime child-bearing years, then it is not necessary to have any concern about having another miscarriage. In fact worrying is the last thing you should do, as it will not put you in the positive mind-frame to relax and let nature do it’s thing. Getting pregnant after a miscarriage is a most wonderful thing that can happen, and if you set this as your goal and visualize that it will happen, before long you may have a wonderful surprise. A new baby on the way! 

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Cyber predators have easier access to children because of phones, video games

Child predators have it easier than ever to entice their young victims, due to the ever-growing accessibility of the Internet. "It's a lot easier now than everybody has the Internet in their pocket," Lexington Police Detective David Flannery told Karla Ward of the Lexington Herald-Leader. "Every day that we think of a way to combat it, people are thinking of a way to get around us," Flannery said. "It changes every day, and you have to keep up with it."

Using the World Wide Web to lure children for sex acts has skyrocketed since 1998, when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received 707 reports of people trying to entice children via the Internet. In 2008, there were 8,787 reports.

"Computers and cell phones remain the primary means of communication, but game systems including Xbox 360, Nintendo DS and Wii also can be connected to the Internet, giving predators another way to gain access to children," Ward reports.

Though parents are becoming more aware, more education is needed, said Erin May Roth, an assistant U.S. attorney and the Project Safe Childhood coordinator for the Eastern District of Kentucky. "What they don't really think about is the fact that their kids are going to sleep with their phone," she said.

Flannery is the only police officer in Lexington assigned full-time to investigate Internet crimes against children. While he does not go into detail about his methods to track down predators, the concept involves pretending. "Anything that a kid can do, we can do," Flannery said.

Sometimes officers from several agencies and departments work together. The Kentucky State Police administers an Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the state attorney general's office has a similar unit, and, because cases can involve a number of jurisdictions, sometimes the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the U.S. Postal Service, the Secret Service and U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement are involved.

Mother Frieda Curry, right, discovered her 14-year-old daughter was entangled with a 38-year-old man who initially pretended to be 16. She contacted the Richmond Police Department and found more than 40 text messages and 10,000 pages of messages and videos on the computer. "I was frantic," she said. "I was in the worst state I've ever been in." (Photo by H-L's David Perry)

But Curry, whose daughter is now in college, dealt with the problem and the predator was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 10 years in prison. Thinking about the crimes can be difficult, but "only by shining a light on the problem will we ever hope to find a solution for it," said Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Lou Anna Red Corn. (Read more)

Brain-injured man disappeared when home staff wasn't looking

On the day of his disappearance, a resident of a personal-care home who was found dead four weeks later had not been checked on by staff for nearly three hours, reports Valarie Honeycutt Spears of the Lexington Herald-Leader, citing documents from a state investigation.

Additionally, Falmouth Nursing Home did not have a policy to make sure residents were under constant supervision and "the facility failed to establish" one, investigators found.

Larry Joe Lee, right, was a ward of the state and had a brain injury stemming from a childhood accident. He was "schizophrenic, bipolar and diabetic," Spears writes. He disappeared from the nursing home Aug. 4. His body was found Sept. 3 near the Licking River by bow hunters. The cause of his death has not yet been determined.

Spears' calls to the  home were not returned. It has since submitted a plan of correction to the state, which includes professional development for staff and new policies to keep track of patients' whereabouts.

"Since Lee's death, advocates and state lawmakers have been questioning whether personal care homes are the appropriate plate for people with brain injuries," Spears reports. Republican Sen. Jimmy Higdon, who comes from Lee's hometown of Lebanon, said he is on a fact-finding mission to see what changes need to be made to prevent a similar occurrence from happening. (Read more)

Low Sex Drive or Low Libido in Women

Low sex drive or low libido in women is a health disorder characterized by persisting or recurrent lack of interest in lovemaking. This disorder is influenced by both physical as well as psychological factors. Lifestyle changes like menopause, pregnancy and illness play vital roles in developing this hypoactive sexual desire disorder. You can easily diagnose low desire problem by performing pelvic exam. It helps in easier identification of problems like vaginal dryness, thinning of genital tissues and triggering spots. At present there are lots of cures available for treating low sex desire problem. Some among the best recommended drugs and treatments are given below.

Seeking counseling from a sex therapist is a best natural technique to cure low sex drive in women. It is a perfect treatment option prescribed for those females suffering from psychological issues. Undergoing therapy helps an individual to attain self understanding of their goals and values. It improves relationship and helps in finding a resolution to issues. Improving self esteem, managing anger, grief and depression are other highlighting benefits of undergoing therapy from a certified health practitioner.

Performing estrogen therapy is a widely prescribed treatment option to cure low sex drive in women. This is a technique to heighten the estrogen concentration of your body. Today, estrogen replacements are given in versatile forma like skin cream, vaginal ring, and estrogen patch. Apart from improving desire in women, estrogen therapy also helps in reducing hot flashes, relieving insomnia, reducing genital wall irritation and eliminating tooth decay.

Intake of saw palmetto is a safe treatment option available to cure low sex drive in women. Maintaining hormonal balance is an important advantage of using saw palmetto extract. It is well known as a rejuvenator and as an aphrodisiac. Regular intake of saw palmetto as per the guidance of physician improves desire and strengthens the functioning of reproductive organs. Treating impotence, stimulating breast enlargement, treating bladder inflammation and preventing thyroid inflammations are other advantages of using saw palmetto extract. Similar to saw palmetto, sarsaparilla is another natural cure used for treating low desire in women. It relieves the troubles of nervous disorders and helps in curing frigidity, infertility and impotence.

Kamni capsule is one of the best treatment options to cure low sex drive in women. This herbal supplement is a blend of ras sindhoor, bangbhasm, nagbhasm, lauhbhasm and abhrakh bhasm. It is found to be safe and very effective for the treatment of low desire problems. Improving lubrication of genital walls, increasing sensation, enhancing energy levels, intensifying orgasms and arousal are some among the key advantages of using Kamni capsules. Similar to Kamni capsule, Fantasy capsule is another safe remedy available to cure low desire in women. It is a composition of active herbal ingredients like shatavari, shilajit, musli safed, jaiphal and swarnapatra. Patients suffering from lack of desire are advised to intake this herbal supplement twice per day with milk or water. Treating PMS symptoms, curing leucorrhea, improving fertility, normalizing hormonal secretion and enhancing orgasm level are other advantages of using Fantasy capsules.

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Reducing Sugar Intake Can Make You Look Younger

In fact, almost every one of us wants to look young throughout his/ her life. As you grow older your skin becomes drier, wrinkles form more easily, and age spots make unwelcome appearances.

In order to look younger, firstly make some essential changes to your lifestyle and eating habits. As, we cannot stop natural aging, but we can still look younger if we want to work hard to slow down the aging process.

Did you know that if you want your skin to look younger that you’ve got to watch your sugar intake?

Excess Sugar intake speeds up the aging process of our body. And sugar is everywhere — not just in soda, candy, and desserts. It’s disguised in refined carbohydrates like bread, rice, and pasta, and even in beer and milk. It’s also been known to cause health problems such as diabetes and heart disease for some time now, but wrinkles and aging are the new kids on the list!

According the book 10 minutes/10years: your definitive guide to a beautiful and youthful appearance by dematologist Dr Fresric Brandt, reducing sugar in your diet can turn the clock back by 10 years and improve texture, tone and radiance of our skin.

The sugar leads to glycation process that makes sugar molecules bind to your protein fibres, which are flexible collagen and elastin fibres that form the base for a persons skin.

Imagine that your collagen is your skins mattress and the elastin fibres are the coils holding it together. The sugar attacks these fibres, making them less elastic and more brittle so they break. The result is that your once-youthful skin starts to sag and look old, he added.

The glycation process makes these proteins to mutate, creating harmful new molecules called Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs), which damage collagen and elastin. As glycation increases, the outward appearance of your skin will look older. Especially after you hit the age of 35, your skin will rapidly begin to age if you have a high amount of glycation within you!

Improve your diet today, you’ll work better on the inside and look better on the outside and those Eating the right foods, cutting out fast and junk foods. It can prevent premature aging skin and reduce the effects of dark circles under the eyes and bags under the eyes. In short it can improve your overall appearance to give you greater confidence and self esteem. Not only will you look better, you’ll feel better too!

12 Easy Ways To Prevent Yeast Infections

Yeast infections plague many women. It is estimated that 75% of women will have suffered from a yeast infection at least once in their lives. So it's important to know how to prevent them.

There are over 20 species of candida which is the scientific name for yeast. Candida albicans is the type of fungus that generally causes vaginitis. I'm sure you've heard the word thrush being used as well as yeast infection. Thrush is just a term used to describe a fungal infection caused by any form of Candida.

If you've ever suffered from a vaginal yeast infection, you know the uncomfortable symptoms that are associated with it:

- Itchiness

- Burning sensation

- Pain during urination and/or sexual intercourse

- A thick, cottage cheese like discharge

In this article I'm going to share with you some really simple ways to avoid yeast infections and all its irritating symptoms.

1. Don't use scented pads or tampons. It's really simple but effective.

2. Always wear cotton underwear. If that's too boring for you, just make sure the underwear has a cotton panel.

3. Avoid wearing nylon pantyhose or again make sure they have a cotton panel.

4. Adding a cup of yogurt to your diet could help prevent the growth of yeast. Just make sure it contains live cultures of lactobacillius acidophilus or it won't have the desired effect.

5. Don't douche. This can disturb the natural pH balance in the vagina.

6. Make sure to wipe from front to back while in the bathroom to prevent the spread of bacteria. This can be the cause of yeast infections in healthy women so make sure you take care when wiping.

7. Reduce sugar intake. This is especially important if you are diabetic. Increased sugar levels can help yeast grow faster.

8. Avoid wearing tight clothing. Tight clothing provides a warm environment for yeast to grow. Just wear looser jeans or wear more skirts/dresses.

9. Moisture offers an ideal environment for the growth of yeast so make sure to dry yourself off well after a shower or a bath.

10. Leaving on a wet bathing suit can really help the growth of yeast. Change out of damp clothes.

11. Don't use scented soaps, bubble bath solutions, or washes.

12. Manage your stress levels. It's harder to fight anything off when your stressed and run down. Studies have linked stress with aiding the growth of yeast so find ways to de-stress like exercising or taking yoga classes. Whatever works for you.

Kentucky court hearing more than 100 cases about drug that caused heart arrhythmia

More than 100 lawsuits filed by people who say they or their family members were hurt by Darvon, Darvocet or other drugs that contain the ingredient propoxyphene have been heard in U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Kentucky since August. So far, none of the cases originated in Kentucky, but stem from people living in other parts of the country.

The effort is the result of U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves being selected by a federal panel to handle all cases pertaining to the subject, reports Jennifer Hewlett of the Lexington Herald-Leader. "It's basically in the interest of judicial economy so that multiple judges aren't handling the same issue," said deputy U.S. District Clerk Susan Baker.

Last last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration asked Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals to withdraw Darvon and Darvocet from the market after receiving evidence propoxyphene can cause serious or fatal heart rhythm abnormalities. Now, thousands of suits are being filed by people who took the drug. "Our issue is people took a bad drug that hurt people and they want to have their day in court," said attorney Richard Schulte of Dayton, Ohio, whose firm is dealing with 2,000 cases or potential cases. "We're looking for justice for our clients. You're not supposed to die when you take a pill for mild pain." (Read more)

How to Get Bigger Buttocks Naturally

Many men all over the world like women with bigger buttocks. The simple question is ‘What do men do with those big back loads?’ The answer is that, men derive sexual appeal from them. Even, many married men whose wives have flat buttocks normally run after women with bigger buttocks outside their marriages.

This issue has made a lot of young, single and married women without this free gift to feel somehow cheated naturally and many of them are looking for ways to enlarge their buttocks so that men will like them. The truth is that, women suppose to have presentable buttocks.
Buttocks are sexy and seductive parts on a woman's body. They greatly add to the beauty of any woman. They enable women to put on any kind of trousers or dresses. A lot of women with flat buttocks cannot put on any kind of trousers because it would reveal the flatness of their buttocks.

The fact is that, woman's buttocks can only be sexy and seductive if they are bigger, rounder and well-shaped. Many men so much admire women with bigger buttocks.
It is now very clear that many women want to have bigger buttocks. Most women with bigger ones got them from nature while others achieve their by implementing some simple methods. These days, there are a lot of techniques that you can use to achieve this desire if you are somehow frustrated.

The following Are The 8 Ways To Get Bigger Buttocks

1. Increase water intake: Water has a kind of weight that can help to push out your buttocks.

2. Eat foods that contain protein: Foods that contain proteins will help you out in growing bigger buttocks.

3. Gain weight a bit: Small or flat buttocks may be as a result of your small body shape. You should not expect to have bigger buttocks if you are too slim. Try to add weight a bit and your buttocks will equally add weight.

4. Squatting: This is another method that you can use to make your buttocks to grow bigger. You can choose to squat while doing some domestic jobs at home.

5. Use bum developer pants: These are pants that are designed to help increase the size of buttocks as well as shaping the buttocks.

6. Doing bend and touch your toes exercise: This kind of exercise helps a lot in growing bigger buttocks. To do this exercise, you will first stand, your two hands stretched forward. Then continue bending and touching your toes with your both hands.

7. Doing bend and push exercise: This kind of exercise is helpful if it can be possible. You must have something heavy to push.

8. Use bum enlargement herbal pills: These are herbal pills that are
manufactured for buttocks and hips enlargement.

How to Exfoliate Lips at Home?

Exfoliating lips becomes necessary when lips become chapped or discolored. There are various reasons for dry chapped lips, out of which cold weather is one. Other reasons for chapped lips include, smoking, over-exposure to sun, dehydration, breathing with an open mouth etc. The major reason for discoloration of lips is excessive smoking. Over exposure to sun or frequent intake of coffee or tea can also cause discoloration. Now that we know why exfoliating of lips is necessary, let's learn how to exfoliate lips at home. If you exfoliate lips at home, you will never face the question, how to get perfect lips?

Exfoliate Lips With Sugar

Sugar being a natural abrasive, can remove dead cells easily and so, it is one of the best natural skin care exfoliant. To get best results, mix equal amounts of olive oil in sugar and stir till it forms a paste. Put the mixture on your lips and leave it for a minute. After a minute, wipe off the paste with a damp cloth. Repeat the procedure for a few days. Read more on exfoliate lips with sugar and get soft and beautiful lips!

Exfoliate Lips With Honey

Honey is one of the main ingredients in many cosmetics. The reason being hydrating capability of honey. Add a teaspoon of honey to two tablespoons of sugar. Stir the mixture till they form a paste. Apply the paste on clean lips, and leave it to dry. After the mixture dries up, wipe it off with a wet cloth. If you want some more flavor, you can add olive oil or rose water.

Exfoliate Lips With Toothbrush

What is the possible connection between toothbrush and exfoliate lips at home? Well, a toothbrush can be used as a remedy for exfoliating lips! All you have to do is, apply a thick layer of moisturizer on the lips, stand in front of the mirror, take a toothbrush and start brushing your lips in a circular motion, but very gently! You are trying to exfoliate lips at home, not scrape them! The moisturizer and the brush together will help to get rid of the dead skin, making the lips soft. Once the dead skin is removed, you do not need to repeat this method for skin care. You can use a baby toothbrush so that your lips don't hurt.

Exfoliate Lips With Baking Soda

Add baking soda to water and form a paste. Apply the paste on the lips in a circular motion, as it will help the mixture to penetrate inside the lips. Leave the mixture on the lips for a minute and then wipe it off. The baking soda won't moisturize the lips so remember to put lots of lip balm after this method.

Exfoliate Lips With Lemon Juice

Chapped lips can be treated best with lemon juice. Take a tablespoon of lemon juice and add one tablespoon of castor oil and glycerin in it, glycerin uses for skin are vast. Apply the mixture to the chapped lips and leave it overnight. Next morning rub off the mixture with a wet cloth. Lemon juice will remove the dead skin cells and glycerin will moisturize the lips. You can repeat this method to exfoliate lips at home, if necessary. Just like exfoliating lips at home, you can also exfoliate skin at home.

Exfoliate Lips With Rose Petals

Another way to exfoliate lips at home is to soak rose in milk, raw milk for a few hours. When the rose petals are completely soaked, make a paste out of it and apply on the chapped or dry lips. This will retain moisture and also add redness to the lips.

These were some of the easy ways to exfoliate lips at home. Along with the above remedies, also remember to follow simple things like, applying a sun screen to the lips while going out, drinking lots of water, avoid smoking etc. If you follow these rules, you will be blessed with healthy lips forever.

By Girija Shinde

Giuliani backs P'Pool, citing attorney general candidate's opposition to health-care reform law

Republican Rudy Giuliani, former mayor of New York City and presidential candidate in 2007-08, has endorsed GOP nominee Todd P'Pool in the race for attorney general, citing the candidate's "eagerness to join the legal fight against President Barack Obama's health care overhaul," reports Bruce Schreiner of The Associated Press.

"You've got to elect Todd as your next attorney general because you want to put Kentucky on the side of those states that say 'enough' with how far left our government has gone ... on health care policy," Giuliani said at a rally.

Twenty-six states are "challenging the law's requirements that people buy health insurance or pay a penalty on their taxes" starting in 2014, Schreiner reports. All of the attorneys general in the case are Republicans, except those in Iowa, Nevada and Wyoming. (In some states, attorneys general are appointed.) The case is headed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Conway, who is seeking a second term, has defended the basic approach of the law, bringing into coverage most of the uninsured who now use emergency rooms to get care, while saying parts of it need changing. Giuliani said, "Your attorney general has Kentucky in a position, by not opposing it, of supporting Obamacare." (Read more)

How To Avoid Stretch Marks During Pregnancy?

Some people may advise you that there is nothing you can do to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy simply because stretch marks are hereditary. Just the thought however of avoiding having to wear your bikini to the beach and hiding your skin for the rest of your life should motivate you to look for a way to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. 

Discipline Yourself

Stretch marks during pregnancy may be avoided if you watch your weight. This may not completely prevent stretch marks during pregnancy but it can result in fewer marks. The bigger your tummy grows, the more likely it will be for stretch marks to develop.

Thinking that it is perfectly alright to eat more since you're feeding both yourself and your baby is surely one sure way to increasing stretch mark. You should instead follow ideal diet requirements from your doctor that will not starve you or your baby but will also result in just gaining a little over 25 extra lbs. You can also perform pregnancy exercises to make sure that you keep to your ideal weight.

Never Scratch

Aside from disciplining yourself on the aspect of food and exercise, you should also discipline your fingers. Some doctors will not tell you that stopping yourself from scratching your belly can help prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. This is probably because there is no clear explanation why scratching can sometimes make stretch marks worse.

It is possible though that aggressively scratching your belly can promote further internal skin tissue tearing since your skin is already too stretched and already on the verge of tearing. You can prevent stretch marks during pregnancy by soothing an itch with some powder, oil or a gentle belly rub.

Keep Yourself Moisturized

Stretch marks can be prevented during pregnancy if you keep your belly adequately moisturized. Your inner skin can tear even more quickly if it is dry, rough and inelastic owing to a lack of moisture. You should drink a lot of water for natural moisture but you can also use a natural product to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy that is safe for pregnant women to use.

Use a Safe Product

Using safe and doctor-approved skin products such as moisturizers and lotions can also help prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. Simply list down the ingredients of products you want to use and show the list to your doctor before buying these. The safe products are often those that carry all natural ingredients. The logic behind natural based products is that they contain ingredients that are already naturally occurring in nature or in the body which therefore limits the chances of producing side effects.

Don't Always Go for Budget Deals

Be suspicious of cheap offers and deals on skin care products if you want to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy. Pick a product that is not too expensive but also does not have rock bottom prices. Prices are often a reflection of how much research effort and quality ingredients have gone into a product mixture

What would solve primary-care crisis, create jobs and help banks? Building community health centers, writer contends

The federal health-care reform law will mean a glut of new patients who will be newly insured and bog down the primary-care system. Thousands of construction workers are out of jobs as the economy remains stagnant. And the banking sector is still reluctant to lend. The answer to all three problems? Build more community health centers, writes Jeffrey Leonard in an opinion piece in The Washington Monthly. (Photo: Vista, Calif., Community Clinic)

"The way to meet the flood of new patients coming down the pike is to expand the nation's existing network of community health centers — nonprofit clinics that offer primary care to the medically under-served, often in rural areas or inner cities," writes Leonard, CEO of the Global Environment Fund and chairman of the magazine's board of directors. "But to get this done, there's no need to appropriate billions more in direct government spending. Rather, there is a way to lure skittish banks in lending private capital to finance a health-center construction boom in all 50 states, simply by tweaking the language of an existing federal lending program."

Though community health centers generally have difficulty raising their own funds to expand or build facilities, in part because they serve uninsured, low-income patients who can't donate to building projects, they are sound investments, Leonard contends, pointing out only "one or two" of the 1,200 community health centers in America today have ever defaulted on a loan.

Still, they have trouble getting loans from banks, even once they have been able to raise a chunk of funds, in large part because centers "in an economically distressed inner-city neighborhood serving a mixture of Medicaid patients and the uninsured, or one in a depressed heartland town where real estate prices are spiraling downward" are seen as a risk, Leonard explains.

Leonard suggests the centers be eligible for the Small Business Administration's 504 loan program, in which a small business asks a non-profit lender to issue "low-interest, fixed-rate, government-backed bonds to finance up to 40 percent of the project," Leonard writes. As of now, the loan program is only open to some for-profit businesses. But Congress could change that, thus opening up possibilities. Moreover, the loan program is "routine and efficient to process" and the "interest rates are among the lowest on the market," Leonard contends.

Another option would be for construction companies and real estate developers to put up the equity themselves, build the facilities and then rent them out to nonprofits "on a long-term lease or through various lease-to-own arrangements." "Indeed, hungry developers and construction firms would find any number of ways to get the hammers swinging," Leonard writes.

Overall, it's a win-win, Leonard argues."It's hard to imagine Congress appropriating any more direct spending to fuel the construction of health centers," he writes. "But there's no good reason why they shouldn't change a few words in a statute to achieve the same end. Not only would it quickly create much-needed jobs in the construction trades, it would also spark economic activity over the long run in some of the places in America that need it most." (Read more)

Boys should get HPV vaccine to keep from spreading virus

A federal committee has recommended that boys receive the human papilloma virus vaccine, already recommended for girls, to fight the sexually transmitted virus that is known to cause cervical cancer. The vaccine could also protect boys against genital warts and anal cancer.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices released its recommendation Wednesday. It is the first time there has been a public push for boys to receive the vaccine, though it has been licensed for male use for the past two years.

Dr. Baretta Casey, director of Cervical Cancer-Free Kentucky, applauded the move. "To stem the spread of the HPV virus and the many problems it causes is the best thing," she said.

The vaccine is usually given at the age of 11 or 12 and is only effective if it is given before a person becomes sexually active. As many as 80 percent of men and women are infected with HPV during the course of their lives, but most do not develop symptoms or illness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.

The vaccine has been met with reluctance by parents, some of whom fear it would encourage sexual activity. Last year, just 49 percent of adolescent girls nationwide had received at least the first of its three doses, and only a third had gotten all three. In Kentucky, only 25 percent of adolescent females had received the first dose, and fewer than 11 percent had received all three doses.

Casey attributed parents' hesitation to a fear that the vaccine is harmful, though research shows otherwise. "It's our hope that people understand that this is a vaccine that has been around for quite a while now," she said. "The effects of the immunization are similar to other vaccines that we currently give our children. And if I can give my child a vaccine that would prevent them from ever developing cancer, I'm for it." On average, 391 Kentucky women develop cervical cancer and 66 die.

The cost of the vaccine — about $110 for each of the three doses — is also believed to be a factor in the low vaccination numbers, though Casey said Medicaid covers it, as do major health insurance providers such as Blue Cross Blue Shield and Anthem. Though the numbers are low, Casey said she is seeing some boys being vaccinated in Kentucky "but it's not a widely done practice." (Read more)

PIkeville Medical Center agrees to pay $36,000 to settle claim that it improperly billed Medicare

Pikeville Medical Center has agreed to pay more than $36,000, but does not have to admit any wrongdoing, to settle a lawsuit that accused it of improperly billing Medicare.

The suit was brought by Dr. Michael Fletcher, director of the pain management clinic from May 2005 to July 2007. "The hospital used improper billing codes for the pain management clinic, which indicated services were provided in a private physician's office, rather than a clinic," reports Brett Barrouquere of The Associated Press.

Fletcher alleged the same was being done at the hospital's radiation oncology and medical oncology units and told hospital administration as much, but nothing was done. Fletcher will receive $7,228 as part of the settlement of the suit, filed under the federal False Claims Act. (Read more)

Jury tells nursing home to pay $1 million to former resident

A Fayette County jury has decided that Lexington's Cambridge Place Nursing Home will have to pay more than $1 million in damages to a former resident who fell and was found in an equipment storage room with broken bones in her face.

In January 2009, Irene Hendrix, who has Alzheimer's disease, was reportedly walking up and down a hall using a Merry Walker, which is a walker that has a seat. At some point, Hendrix, right, fell and was found with bleeding in her brain, a 4-centimeter cut on her forehead and the broken bones, the Lexington Herald-Leader's Valarie Honeycutt Spears reports. Hendrix's daughter and guardian filed a lawsuit against the facility later that year, alleging negligence.

After two hours of deliberation, the jury awarded Hendrix $1 million for physical pain, suffering and mental anguish. It also awarded Hendrix more than $27,000 for her medical bills. "A jury spoke today regarding the level of care they expect for their loved ones in nursing homes in Fayette County," plaintiff's lawyer Scott Owens said.

The Cabinet for Health and Family Services and the Office of the Kentucky Attorney General previously investigated Hendrix's case and a state adult-protection worker "determined that Hendrix was a victim of caretaker neglect and had been exposed to an extreme safety risk," Spears reports. "The protection worker told the attorney general's office that she thought Hendrix's injuries were the result of an accident." The attorney general's office closed the case in March 2009. (Read more)

USDA Certified 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate

JES Organics is now carrying USDA Certified 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate in 4 flavors. On sale now for a limited time. Save $1.50 when you buy 4 bars.

Choice of Flavors: Dark, Dark Mint, Coconut Almond Dark, Hot Habanero Mandarin Dark.

Enjoy Delicious USDA Certified Dark Chocolate with 70% COCOA. Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Kosher Chocolate. Chocolate made from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ Cocoa.  AND dark chocolate is good for your health.  Great way to have a little chocolate fix without the harmful effects of eating milk chocolate or chocolate high in sugar.  Great for gifts too!

Rainforest Alliance certification helps people and our planet, promoting a system that provides economic development while protecting the environment for future generations.

Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms support a healthy environment, promote the well-being of farm families and benefit from more efficient farming methods. Certification ensures the protection of ecosystems, including wildlife habitat, forests, water and soil. Farmers also learn better farm management practices that often help them improve their productivity and grow their incomes. By shopping for products bearing the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal, consumers are supporting a more sustainable future for people and the planet. Made from the finest Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa available.

What are The Causes of Underarm Darkening?

Those blackened underarms crying out loud for help, and making it even harder for you to wear sleeveless outfits, but you... you can do nothing but watch them grow blacker and blacker and blacker! Well, not anymore. Now wonder if there is a magical cure for those armpits. Sounds exciting? To me too. But before that, tell me one thing, why do you think your underarms darkened? Well, obviously, you aren't the only victim of this as there are countless people accompanying you for the same. However, did you go through the reasons behind it? If you haven't, let me tell you that, areas like underarms, inner thighs, and the genitals are the most exposed to sweat, pigmentation, bad odor, etc. This makes them prone to a number of problems, most prominent of which is dark underarms.

Okay, that's enough of beating around the bush, and I know, you're dying to know the solution to it. Well, the solution is brief and straightforward: Underarm Whitening Creams. Now, all of us are aware of what they are. They act against the darkness our arms have been prone to for long, and give away the gift of quick and easy underarm whitening. Quick? Yeah! So, before I tell you more about which is the best whitening cream for underarms, go through the small section below to know what actually causes underarm darkening.

Causes of Underarm Darkening

Dark armpits are an end result of a number of things you do to your underarms. To start with, shaving is the most common way for underarm hair removal acquired by women all over the world. However, with persistent shaving, the color of the underarms tends to become similar to the color of hair that grows there, thus, causing a dark stain. On the other hand, excessive usage of deodorants leads to underarm darkening too. The chemicals present in the deodorant tend to fuse with underarm odor, thereby, causing the skin to darken.

While the causes of dark armpits are many, here's is a solution that will defy all, in the nick of time. Let us have a comprehensive discussion on underarm whitening creams with respect to the current whitening cream reviews, to understand which is the best skin whitening cream for underarms for all intents and purposes.

Underarm Whitening Creams: A Review

So, if it's just impossible for you to raise your arms, underarm whitening creams is what you need. Today, a number of eminent consmetic brands like Nivea, Garnier, Meladerm, Olay, and Lakme have been long serving customers with their phenomenal beauty products dedicated to skin care. They, being cosmetic pioneers as they are, have introduced a number of underarm whitening creams for females who are just too shy to wear sleeveless outfits.

Some of the best underarm whitening creams are mentioned here just for you. Give a try to them. They are surely effective:

•     Revitol Skin Brightener Cream

•     Lucederm

•     GoDiva Skin Whitening Lotion

•     Gluta-C Skin Lightening Cream

•     Meladerm

•     SkinBright Skin Brightener

•     Nur76 Skin Lightening

However, be alert! There are countless fake skin creams that promise to give you results quickly, still, do nothing but darken the skin even more. So, it is always recommended to use a skin whitening cream from a recognized brand, and especially made to treat the highly sensitive area that surrounds the armpit. What's more, most of the underarm whitening creams these brands have put forth are comprised natural components which not only have quicker effects on armpit darkening, but also make it better with their benefits.

Some Dos and Don'ts

Even when you hear all good things about these underarm whitening creams, there are some drawbacks of using them. People often recommend going for natural home remedies for skin whitening, as these underarm creams, which drive you crazy by promising you effective skin whitening in as less as 15 days, are actually made up of substances such as Hydroquinone. This substance may be an effective attacker to the blackened armpits, but is questioned for its safety. Hence, it is highly recommended to you to go for whitening creams which are free from this substance, and contain mild ingredients which, though slower, but are a safer and satisfactory option.

So, this is all about using underarm whitening creams for saying 'goodbye!' to those awfully blackened armpits that have straightaway shattered your confidence. There are a number of skins whitening remedies to treat them too. For example, citrus juice, aloe vera, and Vitamins are a fool-proof solution to underarm skin whitening in a natural way. However, if you're keen about going for underarm whitening creams, make sure you try them out first. Buy a small pack, use it for a while, and then settle on whether they are really effective or not.

By Veethi Telang

Funds available for critical-access hospitals, rural health-care providers through new federal program

Critical-access hospitals, physician-owned organizations and rural health-care providers are now eligible for federal funds that will help them implement necessary infrastructure and information-technology systems, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced last week. The goal of the program, called the Advanced Payment Model, is to encourage participation in accountable care, one of the cornerstones of the health-care reform law.

Eligible participants must be either accountable care organizations "that do not include any inpatients facilities and have less than $50 million in total annual revenue," or ACOs in which inpatient facilities are critical access hospitals and/or Medicare low-volume rural hospitals and have less than $80 million in annual revenue, reports Karen Cheung in Fierce Healthcare.

An accountable care organization is a network of physicians and hospitals that share the responsibility to care for a group of patients. The organization's payment is tied to achieving health-care quality goals and outcomes. While ACOs are being heavily promoted in the new health care system, they were recently likened to "unicorns" because "no one has ever seen one," said William Hazel, Virginia secretary for Health and Human Resources, at the 2011 Howard L. Bost Memorial Health Policy Forum in Somerset. (Read more)

Almost $675,000 awarded to five facilities to improve health services, reduce disparities

Grants totaling nearly $675,000 will go from the Social Innovation Fund through the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky to help five Kentucky facilities improve access to health services, reduce health risks and disparities and prompt health equality in their respective communities. The recipients are:

• Meade Activity Center in Brandenburg — $250,000 for physical activity programs for children and families, including after-school and summer activities such as golf, tennis, swimming and trail hiking.

• King's Daughters Medical Center in Ashland — $124,548 for mobile health services to nearly 1,500 residents living in Elliott, Fleming, Floyd, Johnson, Lewis, Magoffin, Martin and Morgan counties.

• Oldham County Health Department in LaGrange — $100,000 for Hope Health Clinic for the uninsured. Will help about 1,200 residents each year living in Carroll, Henry, Oldham and Trimble counties.

• St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Edgewood — $100,000 for behavioral health consultations with mental health professionals for patients in Northern Kentucky who go to the emergency room to get mental health services.

• Norton Healthcare Centers for Prevention and Wellness in Louisville — $100,000 to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and increase access to care for 2,200 low-income and uninsured residents each year living in Louisville and metropolitan areas.

"The Social Innovation Fund grant recipients are committed to meeting specific health care challenges in their communities, thereby promoting lasting change in Kentucky's rural and urban communities," said Susan Zepeda, president and CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky. "These five grants are part of a $12 million total investment in initiatives to address Kentucky's health challenges through the Social Innovation Fund and required matching grants." (Read more)

Do You Get Bad Smell discharge after Period (MP)?

The post menstrual discharge can be of various types, firstly it could be an odorless white or transparent discharge, or it could be a smelly white or off-white, creamy discharge or it could be a smelly brown discharge. All of them have different meanings. Let us understand these odorless or smelly discharges in women. The understanding about it may help you deal with it better. The explanation goes with the help of the questions below:-


I have a weird white discharge a couple of weeks after my period ends. It isn't smelly, but it does make me uncomfortable. What is it all about? Am I unwell?
No, you are fine. Odorless discharge after period is normal for many women. However, there is a slight possibility that it is yeast candida albicans fungus. This happens when a hormonal change causes the natural bacteria in your vagina to lower their guard and allow the yeast Candida bacteria to multiply. Basically, your body-hormone balance is out of whack. So, you simply need to go see a gynecologist and take the medication that they prescribe. There is nothing to worry about odorless discharge. It often also happens due to lack of energy in the body. Keep a healthy and balanced diet, to keep the discharge at bay as far as you can.

I have a slightly smelly off-white creamy discharge. I heard that STD's cause this kind of discharge. I am sexually active. Will this make me infertile? Could this mean chlamydia?
Well, if the smelly discharge after period comes with a burning sensation in the vagina, then it could mean chlamydia. The best is to get the tests done at the earliest. If chlamydia is not treated in time, it could lead to infertility. Other than that, if your discharge is just smelly, creamy and not really that uncomfortable, then it could be vaginal candida albicans fungus or bacterial vaginosis. In this case get the tests done and take the medication requires. However, if there is a slightly greenish discharge and the smell is strong, then there is a possibility that you have trichomonas vaginalis. It is a potentially harmless amoeba infection. However, some doctors say that it could spread to the fallopian tubes. So, visit a doctor at the earliest and find the cure to your discomfort. Another possibility for causing this smelly vaginal discharge could be a forgotten tampon. Don't laugh, it happens to many. On the last day of the period women could forget to remove the tampon. After a point of time, the tampon festers. This causes the discharge and the smell. So, before you panic, track your steps, have you forgotten to remove a tampon?


I have a very uncomfortable brown smelly discharge after period. It happens every month, and lasts a couple of days.
Most probably the brown discharge is old blood. It is a possibility that it is smelly due to bacteria. There are several "feminine washes" available in the market that one may try to their benefit. However, getting a check up done at the gynecologist is the best plan of action to find the root cause of this smelly vaginal discharge. If this discharge happens a week or more after your period is over, then it could mean complications. Visit a doctor at the earliest to avoid any major health hassles due to this smelly discharge after period.


All these doubts about smelly discharge after period are normal for women. The fact still remains that we are a complex clan, and so is our anatomy. In case you feel alarmed at any phenomenon occurring to your body like smelly vaginal discharge, do not hesitate to meet a gynecologist and discuss it openly. This is where I sign off! Hope this article helped you out!


By Rashida Khilawala

Beshear may need to support meds-for-meth bill for it to pass, Conway says

Passage of a "meds-for-meth" bill next year could depend on how a re-elected Gov. Steve Beshear feels about the issue, on which he has not taken a position, Attorney General Jack Conway told Ryan Alessi on CN|2's "Pure Politics."

Conway is a supporter of such a bill, which would make pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient in the manufacture of methamphetamine, available only by prescription. Alessi noted that the Democratic governor has remained ambivalent about the issue and asked the Democratic attorney general, "Does the governor need to come out in order to get something like that passed?"

"This is an issue ... that just grabbed me, right here."

Conway replied, "He may need to. He may need to, and I know he's studying the issue." Bringing his hand to his chest, Conway continued, "This is an issue, Ryan, that just grabbed me, right here," adding that he had been wrongly blamed during his U.S. Senate race last year for an increase in meth labs during his term."We have seen an explosion of meth labs in this state for two reasons," he said. "One, it's still very easy to get your hands on pseudoephedrine, and . . . you now can do it in a mobile fashion ... called a shake-and-bake lab." He said U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, R-Somerset, begged him to support the bill partly because investigators for the UNITE anti-drug program Rogers started are having to shift from prescription drugs to meth.

Conway said he would be open to changing his position if drug companies and other opponents of the bill can come up with a way to control "smurfing," the use of surrogates to circumvent the electronic system that tracks pseudoephedrine purchases but is not even used by most pharmacies.

His Republican opponent, Hopkins County Attorney Todd P'Pool, opposes the bill and says meth manufacture should be controlled by tightening "the law to bar convicted drug dealers from being able to buy cold medicine with pseudoephedrine and cracking down on the amount someone can buy per month," Alessi reports. (Read more, view interview with Conway)

Twice as many kids are killed on roads and streets on Halloween as on any other day, but many parents fail to discuss safety

Only one-third of parents talk to their children each year about how to stay safe on Halloween, a study released by the Safe Kids Fayette County Program has found, even though on average, twice as many child pedestrians are killed during the holiday than on any other other day of the year. (Photo by zirconicusso)

"Given children's limited attention spans, repeated and consistent messages about safe behaviors are key to preventing injuries," said Sherri Hannan, a nurse and coordinator of Safe Kids Fayette County. "By following the basic safety tips provided by Safe Kids, Halloween can be a fun and safe night for children of all ages."

Of the 935 parents surveyed, most said they had talked to their kids at some point about Halloween safety but don't make it an annual conversation. The study also showed 40 percent of parents allow their children to use one or more unsafe items on Halloween, such as a mask, loose-fitting clothing and/or a sharp object.

The study found that 12 percent of children 5 or younger are allowed to trick-or-treat without an adult. "It is alarming to hear that children ages 5 years and younger are trick-or-treating without adult supervision," Hannan said. "If they are old enough and mature enough to trick-or-treat without an adult, parents should make sure children go out in groups and stick to a predetermined route with good lighting."

To keep children safe, Safe Kids recommends:
• Children under 12 should trick-or-treat and cross streets with an adult.
• Children and parents should always walk on sidewalks or paths. In the absence of those, they should walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
• Parents and children should cross at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
• Costumes and trick-or-treat bags should be decorated with reflective tape or stickers.
• Parents should check treats for signs of tampering before children are allowed to eat them. Candy should be thrown away if the wrapped is faded, torn or unwrapped.
• Drivers should slow down and be especially alert in neighborhoods.
• Drivers should anticipate heavy traffic and turn on their headlights early in the day.
• Drivers should reduce distractions while driving and pay attention to the road.

What Are The Basics to Female Personal Hygiene?

Personal feminine hygiene is a crucial part of any woman's daily routine. According to "Health Information Advisor," the female body produces hormones that secrete oil in the genital area and a milky discharge in the vagina that naturally cleanses and provides protection. The genital area is sensitive and any slight change such as menstruation, sexual activity and exercise can disrupt its natural balance. When this happens, women are likely to experience itching, redness, odor and possible infections. Proper feminine hygiene means cleaning thoroughly, which reduces bacteria, eliminates odor and contributes to overall good health.


Cleansing 
Use mild soap and water to clean your genital area. Clean between the folds of the labia, as well as the anus, and avoid perfumes and scented lotions. The "Health Information Advisor" reports that perfumes and scented lotions can break down the genitals' natural barrier, and douches can disrupt the acidic balance of the vagina.
Wiping
When urinating or having a bowel movement, always wipe from front to back. According to the Faqs.org article, "Personal Care and Hygiene -- Genital Care for Females," bodily waste can increase bacteria in the vagina and urethra, causing vaginal or urinary tract infections.


Menstruation
Wash frequently with mild soap and water when menstruating. Change your tampons every four to six hours, and change sanitary pads every two to four. Faqs.org reports that changing tampons regularly will help eliminate odors as well as reduce the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome.


Sexual Activity
Wash your genitals with mild soap and water after intercourse. Use protection to help protect against STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases), and make yearly appointments with a gynecologist.


Clothing
Wear undergarments with a cotton crotch and change them daily to help in pulling moisture away from the body. According to Faqs.org, you should avoid wearing tight jeans, pants or panties as they tend to hold in moisture, which creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Sleep without underwear to promote the natural drying of your genitals.

Start a Home Chocolate Business

Almost everyone loves chocolate. This is a home business that would be an excellent opportunity for a creative person to start. I suggest doing this at home first, as a hobby before you truly "become a business". Here are some tips on getting started.


Requirements

• Chocolate
• Molds
• Lollipop Sticks
• Curling Ribbon
• Plastic bags for your lollipops
• Time
• Various other things

One
MAKE CHOCOLATE FOR FUN
**Place chocolate melts in microwave, melt at 40 second intervals
**Cool chocolate back down (temper)
**Stir to make sure it's smooth
**Pour chocolate into molds
**Roll lollipop stick back and forth until covered.
**Eliminate air bubbles by lifting mold and checking, tap mold on counter
**Do not fill molds too full
**Freeze for 12 minutes, OR refrigerator for 35 minutes.
**REMOVE let chocolate get back to room temperature. (If the candy is too cold it will create a film from the condensation on the plastic)
**Place candy in bags and tie up with curling ribbon.
Two
IF YOU ENJOY MAKING CHOCOLATE
**Start buying little tins (usually at the dollar store, Target, or Wal-Mart) and stick your lollipops in styrofoam and top with shredded paper
**Start giving it as gifts in your office, to teachers, to coaches, to friends at church, for Bosses Day, doctors office and staffWhen they thank you for your kind gift, say something to the effect - "Chocolate started out as a hobby for me, but I'm starting to really enjoy it. Please let me know if I can ever make anything special for you to give to someone special." If your chocolate tastes good and is pretty - you will get some business.
Three
CONSIDER YOUR COSTS AND TIME AND SPACE-If your business is a hobby from home, take into account how much you spend on your products. You want it to be fun, but profitable. You don't want to be up until all hours of the night finishing an order of chocolate lollipops for a baby shower and only clear Tsh 23000/= $20. Figure your costs - down to the curling ribbon and lollipop sticks or bags. Take each of those into consideration. Also, think about the space you have to make your chocolate. The molds take up space.
Four
GET CREATIVE-To get people interested in your product, try making something different. Add some Oreo cookies into white chocolate, or crushed cashews into milk chocolate. Drizzle caramel in your candy molds. Cover pop corn with chocolate. Try to make chocolate without a mold. I made a chocolate lilly pad once - for a springtime baby shower. You want to know ALL ABOUT CHOCOLATE - what you can do and what it can do for you.
Five
YOUR MOLD, AN ADDICTION OR INVESTMENT-Molds are so fun and clever. But they do take up space. Before you go crazy and order a lot online make sure you can store your candy molds and get to them easily.When you are starting out - you can buy molds from a local store. But if you're going to go into business - you will need to find an online supplier so you can provide a unique product.
Six
IF THIS HOBBY SEEMS LIKE IT COULD BECOME A BUSINESS - Congratulations!!!You can start thinking about turning this small home business into a money making business outside of the home. You will want to follow the state guidelines for preparing food in your home, or find a space to make your chocolate creations. Once this is done, consider setting up a space at a local farmer's market or try selling your chocolates to a local gift basket business.


Tips

• Don't over commit yourself.
• Keep track of inventory, it's sad when you're making chocolate and run out of lollipop sticks OR milk chocolate.
• Do keep a list of people who have ordered from you so you can go back to them.
• Best of luck!!!
• Chocolate DOES NOT travel well in the heat or sunlight.
• Chocolate is dangerous to dogs. Don't let them eat any.