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Do You Have What It Takes To Volunteer This Year?

For a high schooler thinking about going to college, the process of applying to colleges, visiting those colleges, getting the last SAT or ACT test under their belt, and writing those essays to send to prospective colleges can be daunting, especially if this is the first time for them and their parents. 

To attend some colleges and/or universities, the SAT or ACT scores matter.  School grades do matter as well.  The scores they get reflect whether they are capable students, able to meet deadlines and able to work with other peers.  The extracurricular activities show the college admissions office who they are and what they are interested in pursuing.  That’s why it is so important to choose extracurricular activities that really speak to them.

If you are thinking about signing your freshmen son or daughter in every extracurricular activity you can think of, think again.  An undergraduate admissions officer at Yale University, warns parents that your son and daughter should do the extracurricular activities they enjoy, NOT what they think looks good on paper.

Five factors to consider when signing up for an extracurricular activity at their school or in their community:

  1. Do an extracurricular activity they enjoy
  2. Do NOT choose an activity because everyone else is doing it
  3. Do an activity that they can be good at or have a talent to do
  4. Do NOT try to outguessed the college admissions office  to see what activities they are looking for
  5. Sign for an activity that will teach them about the person they are, or at least try to find out what it is they are good at

If your son or daughter enjoys volunteering, this Christmas season is a great time to start.  Volunteering at your church, at a homeless shelter, or volunteering for the Red Cross is a great first step.

Volunteering at their local animal shelter can bring them many enjoyable surprises.  Working with animals can teach them responsibility, and hopefully a work ethic they may not get anywhere else.

How can you get started?  Depending on what kind of activities you prefer, the school bulletin board or announcements board at your school can be a great start. Check your local Girl or Boy Scouts of America, your local community theatre, animal shelter, Red Cross or YMCA.

Some local libraries can use the help of young volunteers for after-school reading programs to help small kids, check with them and find out if they are in need of more volunteers. 

How about volunteering in retirement homes? There are many senior citizens that enjoy having a young person help them with their electronics or just enjoy a conversation. Talk about the latest book you read or what you did at school.  Conversation is sometimes all they need to have a good day.

Need any more ideas?  Why don’t you check this link to find out whether you want to do some volunteering this year? I hope you think about it and decide you do have the time and willingness to do something.

Does Your Cat Need To See The Vet?

Cats can be great pets.  Less fuss and often fairly hands off.  But how do you know when they need to go to a veterinarian if they are not obviously sick?  We went to a local Medina veterinarian to find out what to look for.  Here is what he had to say.

These are the signs your cat needs to go to the vet:

1. If your cat is experiencing chronic weight loss. (in older cats, could be a sign of kidney disease or thyroid disease)

2. No longer grooming itself.

3. Hiding, sleeping in strange places

4. Not using the litter box

Dr. Steve Hicks - Akron Medina Veterinary HospitalChanges in a cat's patterns can be cause for alarm. Your cat should be very predictable and you will notice changes in behavior.

Dr. Steve Hicks - Akron Medina Veterinary Hospital

5. Increased amounts of urine in litter box (occurs with diabetes and kidney disease)

6. Increase in vomiting (most cats vomit occasionally, especially hairballs, but an increase in the pattern could be a sign of a bigger problem)

7. Decreased appetite

8. Drooling, rubbing face (could be a sign of dental disease)

Our cat has done some of these things for years and it is often not a sign to panic.  For example, our cat stopped using the litter box for a bit, we took it to a vet in Kent and it turned out to be because we changed which litter we use.  I learned that cats are very picky about changes and something as small as changing brands can cause this.  We switched back and the problem was solved.

Our cat also has always liked to go up in the basement ceiling when it gets sick of us and wants to get away.  Now that she is older she has stopped, but it was an issue for years but never meant we needed to take her to the vet.  Just her personal space I guess.

The key is being aware of the signs and not hesitating to take your cat to a veterinarian if you notice these kinds of issues arising and worrying you because they are not a one-time thing.

Potentially Life-Saving Self-Defense Techniques

Walking alone, especially at night, can be worrying for some. In Ohio, over 200 victims of human trafficking were identified in 2017, according to the Ohio Attorney General Office’s annual report. Although men and women can both be victims, one in three women will experience a violent attack in their lifetime. These self-defense strategies will improve confidence and may make the walk home safer for everyone.

Self-defense is considered using reasonable force to protect oneself or their family from physical harm inflicted by an attacker. The defender must believe they are in danger of the assailant and cannot excuse excessive force. Other ways to feel safe besides using physical force is keeping pepper spray in your hand while walking, or putting keys in between your fingers. Staying on the phone with someone while walking alone can help ensure your safety, and staying aware of your surroundings helps. Everyday items like phones, keys or umbrellas can all be used as a weapon if someone was to attack you, making them more likely to run away.

If the purpose of the attack is to rob you, it’s safer to hand over what they want than to refuse. The best course of action is to defuse the situation as quickly as possible. Money, wallets and phones can all be replaced, but your life can’t. Getting out and away from the situation is far safer and easier than blocking such an attack. More importantly, trust your instincts. If you get a gut feeling that your normal route home seems “off” that night, or if someone is giving off creepy vibes, go another way.

While you are walking out alone, think about presenting yourself with confidence. According to Black Belt magazine, attackers focus on those who look confused, scared or distracted. These individuals are looking for someone they can easily overpower, and by presenting yourself with your head up and shoulders back, you are less likely to become a target. If someone attempts to engage with you, respond back just as confidently. This could be an attacker assessing how you may be feeling, so don’t allow them to throw you off guard. Avoid freezing up and respond with confidence and stay calm. Appear non-confrontational, but don’t allow them to get too close either and try to keep a safe distance between you and the other person. If they enter your personal space, tell them to back off, and if they don’t, push them away from you.

As soon as you are touched by someone, shout as loud as possible and fight back against them. There is no time for compassion in this situation and it’s important to act fast. The most effective parts of the body to hit are the eyes, nose, ears, neck, groin, knee and legs. Always maintain your distance, and don’t move closer to land a hit. When attempting to hit, leverage your weight into the swing to make your strike land with more force.

The first effective self-defense move is the heel-palm strike. Shove your hand with an open palm quickly and strongly upwards into the bottom of the nose. The second move is striking the eye, which can help you prepare for another attack. The eye strike is simply jabbing your hand into the eyes of the assailant, and whether the hit lands or not, the attacker will probably recoil. The last simple move is the knee strike: driving your need upward into your attacker’s groin, which could potentially end the fight quickly.

To make these moves even more powerful, consider incorporating the use of everyday objects, like keys. Also use your elbows, knees and head when trying to fight back, which are strong parts of the body. If you’re ever knocked down to the ground, remember the heel-palm and eye strike, which are just as effective from the floor. If the attacker is standing, kick at him, as your legs will keep them at a distance. Even on the ground, attempt to aim for the groin with a kick or a knee, and remember to always look for an opportunity when there’s an opening.

Don’t be afraid of what’s out in the dark, simply be prepared. Be aware of your surroundings when walking alone, and always keep something in your hand for a makeshift weapon or a phone call. Try to get out of a situation before it turns physical, but remember that using your body for defense can save you.

LynAnne Vucovich is a journalist who studied at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University. She has a passion for culture, community and cats.

How To Find A Good Mom’s Group

Becoming a mom is a wonderful experience. It’s also a complete life changer. All of a sudden, your priorities and interests completely change since you’ve got a baby to care for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As you make the transition into motherhood, you might consider joining a mom’s group.

Why Are Moms Groups So Great

The beginning of parenthood comes with all sorts of fun experiences and challenges. So, spending time with other moms gives you a peer group to celebrate with, and also a support group to help you get through trying times.

Mom’s groups are also a great way to share tips and information. Looking for the best stroller for the beach or a battery operated bottle warmer? Just ask the moms in your group for their favorites (and the ones to avoid)!

Where To Meet Other Moms

These days, the easiest way to find a moms group is on Facebook. Check the “Groups” feature and there is a good chance there is a group in your area. Facebook is great since you can post questions to the entire group and often get good answers pretty quickly.

Beyond Facebook, there are plenty of other online venues for moms groups.  Check out The Bump, Meetup, and BabyCenter just to name a few.

Then, there are your offline ways of finding moms groups. Believe it or not, it is possible for these groups to exist without the Internet. Check for bulletins at pediatrician’s offices, daycares, preschools, libraries, and other kids related places.

Start Your Own Mom’s Group

If you’re having trouble finding a moms group in your area, you might try starting your own. After all, you’re probably not the only one that wishes there was a local group. While starting a moms group won’t be the easiest thing in the world, it only takes a few people to join before you’ll start to get momentum.


Try starting a Facebook page, and putting up some bulletins around town. Then, plan a fun family event or two. Maybe it’s a picnic at a park or just going for a scenic walk with strollers in tow. Before you know it, you’ll have a core group of moms getting together regularly.

If you’re interested in learning more, check out this longer article on how to find a good mom’s group on Smart Parent Advice.

Author Bio: Cristin Howard runs Smart Parent Advice, a site that provides parenting advice for moms and dads. Cristin writes about all of the different ups and downs of parenting, provides solutions to common challenges, and reviews products that parents need to purchase for babies and toddlers.

7 Ways to Build Your Confidence and Reduce Your Anxiety

This article is a guest post by Stan Popovich.

Many people struggle with their confidence throughout their life. It can be challenging to find the courage to be yourself in today’s society.

As a result, here are 7 suggestions on how to increase your self-esteem and reduce your anxiety in your life.

1. Know your weaknesses and strengths: It is important to know what skills you have in your life. Taking a skills assessment test is a great way to determine your strengths and weaknesses. Once you realize your skill sets, the next step is to focus on your talents.

2. Accept who you are: Do not get into the habit of comparing yourself to others. You are unique in this world and it is important that you realize that you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it.

3. Remember your successes: Some people downplay their successes and focus on those things they struggle with. Always remind yourself of your past accomplishments no matter how small they may be.  Stop focusing on the negative parts of your life and remember your past achievements.

4. Think about your future: Take time to think about what you really want out of life. Do not live your life for others. Once you determine what you want to accomplish, the next step is to develop a strategy that will help you to accomplish your goals.

5. Create goals: Set achievable goals on a regular basis and then take small steps to accomplish them. Make sure your goals are measurable and monitor your progress. Don’t get upset if you don’t accomplish all of your goals. You can always change your goals so that you can be more successful.

6. Talk to others: It is important that you talk to other successful people in order to get a better perspective of your life. Listening to other people’s challenges and accomplishments can go a long way in feeling better about yourself. You can also learn how to overcome the obstacles in your life.

7. Be persistent: Do not give up in achieving your goals in your life. Learn from your mistakes and try to improve on your situation. Do not make excuses on why you should quit or give up. Sometimes it takes a lot of effort to be successful. The key is to keep at it until you get what you want.

Guest Post Author Bio

Stan Popovich is the author of the popular managing fear book, “A Layman’s Guide To Managing Fear”. For more information about Stan’s book and to get some free mental health advice, please visit Stan’s website at http://www.managingfear.com.

Akron Today does not endorse or recommend guest post authors, interviewees, or other people appearing in the site. Our information is general and does not represent professional advice or opinions.

Study Tips for College – Learned The Hard Way

By time classes start, we are expected to know how to study, who knew right? We are expected to work, study and play, and do everything splendidly. We are adults now.  We make good decisions, and we are responsible (you may laugh now). So, how are you doing?  Have you applied for freshman forgiveness yet?  Second year, and don’t have the credits to show for?  Do not worry, you are not alone. There is a reason why every university offers freshman forgiveness to their students, and why thousands of them do it. Many freshmen have to do an all over the second year, and that means good business for the school. Plus, everybody deserves a second chance, right?

So, if you are just heading out, or this is your second year, here is a list of five things you should try to do this time around.

  1. Ideally don’t drink. Really.
  2. If you do, schedule your drinking for the week-end only.  And I mean Friday and Saturday. By Sunday you should try to recover a bit, so you can do your homework, study and get ready for Monday.  If you cannot control yourself at least this much, you are going to have issues.
  3. Going to classes with a hangover won’t help your studies.  According to The National Center for Biotechnology, if you are suffering from sleep deprivation-If you have a hangover you probably are-It can influence attention and vigilance.  In other words, your attention to the material covered that day in your classes will  go unnoticed.
  4. Tell your best buddy “Procrastination” you can’t be exclusive.  Maybe break up the relationship for good.  It is in your best interest.
  5. An all-nighter is not a good thing.  That means your best buddy Procrastination and you were hanging out too much.  Preparation is the key to get good grades.  You may pull an all-nighter, but you probably won’t retain much.
  6. Diet matters. If you are eating too many Ramen Noodles because you are spending your money buying alcohol, that might explain why you are getting the grades you’re getting. Eat something that will help your body, and your mind. Fruits and vegetables will start your body in the right direction.

College is supposed to be fun, it is supposed to enable you to form long lasting relationships. But the reason to go to college is for you to prepare for life. Passing classes then is an important part of the college experience.

This article written by a college student and based on learning things the hard way.

Hidden Signs Your Dog Is Sick

There are obvious times your dog may be sick.  It is vomiting repeatedly.  It is not eating at all.  It is sleeping a lot more.  It is whimpering when you touch them or they get up.  But often times there are more subtle signs your dog needs to be taken to the veterinarian’s office.  Remember they cannot talk to you so you need to keep an eye on them for obvious, and less obvious signs of problems.

We talked to Dr. Steve Hicks of Akron Medina Veterinary Hospital, located in the Medina, Montrose, Fairlwawn area to find out 10 hidden signs your dog may need to go to the veterinarian.

    1. Eating Less – If your dog is eating less than usual for more than a day or two it could be a sign of something more serious.
    2. Eye / Vision Change – If you notice the eyes changing or notice your dog is having trouble finding treats or food, it is time to see a vet.
    3. Change in Exercise – If your dog is not interested in the same level of exercise it is time to go to a vets.
    4. Signs of Aging – Just because a dog is getting older and exhibiting signs of aging does not mean the dog cannot bounce back with some medical care or treatment.  Often people think this is not treatable but at the very least dogs can be made more comfortable.
    5. More Frequent Urination – Dogs that start urinating more could have a kidney problem and should be looked at by a veterinarian to check for kidney disease.
    6. Low Grade Cough – One sign that is often overlooked is a low grade cough.  It does not have to be a loud cough.  Even an infrequent cough can be a sign of heart disease and should be checked out.
    7. Not liking hard food anymore – If your dog seems to no longer like harder food and treats this is often a sign of gum disease.  Poor dental health can lead to losing teeth and other issues and should be treated by a vet.
    8. Slower Movement – If your dog is moving more slowly it could be a sign of arthritis.  There are over the counter and prescribed treatments for this and you should not let your dog suffer when there is a treatment that can relieve the pain.

Dr. Steve Hicks - Akron Medina Veterinary HospitalDogs can have thyroid problems just like people do. Any weight gain or loss without change in diet should be checked.

Dr. Steve Hicks - Akron Medina Veterinary Hospital

  1. Panting More – A dog that is panting more but otherwise still looks happy might be in pain.  This is one of the ways dogs exhibit pain or stress.
  2. Any Change In Habit – Ultimately, being on the look out for any change in habit is important.  Losing weight could be serious.  Gaining Weight could be serious.  Not responding to sounds like before could be serious.  Changes should always be taken seriously and discussed with a veterinarian.

If you are not sure, you can always give your veterinarian a call and ask about worrying symptoms and see if they think your dog needs to be seen.  Catching a problem early can save you and your dog more serious problems later on.  And saves you the uncertainty and worry when you notice something just not right but at the same time not an obvious sign of distress.

Transitioning From Outdoor Fit to Indoor Fit

With the cooler weather coming soon, it is time for Ohio residents to start planning their transition from outdoor fitness activities to indoor. Northeast Ohio has a wealth of bike trails, hiking, beaches, swimming, outdoor sports and other ways to stay outside (for free) in the Summer.  But once it dips below 50 degrees, those outdoor activities seem a bit less appealing and eventually only are options for hard core outdoorsy people.

So what are some of your options this Winter to stay in shape?

Join  a Gym.  This is obvious, but one nice thing that has changed in the last few years is you can join gyms month to month and only use them in the Winter months.

Buy limited fitness equipment to stay fit at home.  A tread mill and some kettle bells might be all you need to stay beach body ready in your home.  Look for used kettle bells to save some money.

Join Indoor Sports.  We recently covered options of Indoor Tennis and Indoor Soccer.  Basketball would be another obvious one.  Maybe you can even find adult dodge ball.  There are plenty of indoor sporting opportunities for kids and adults.

Do Winter sports.  Cross country and downhill skiing are great workouts.  Snow shoe hiking?  Sure.  You can also simply hike snow trails with some extra preparation.

Watch what you eat.  There is the issue of paying close attention to your Winter diet.  Do not start eating more at night because you are spending more time in front of the television.  Do not cut back on fresh fruits and vegetables just because they cost a little bit more.  Do not stop grilling healthy lean meats just because you have to push some snow off the grill cover first.

With some advanced planning and careful attention being paid to how your habits change, you can stay fit and firm no matter how long the ground is covered in permafrost.

 

Akron Hiking Trails

Spring and summer are possibly the best seasons to start exercising, or exploring new places with your family. Fall in Ohio, with its beauty, makes it almost impossible not to wander about, or finding new places to enjoy. Trails in the Northeast Ohio area are wonderful places to spend the day with your family, while exercising, and breathing clean air. Here then is a list of trails
you will certainly enjoy in the Akron area.

1.Cascade Valley Metro Park / North
1690 Cuyahoga St,
Akron, OH 44313
(330) 867-5511

2.Cascade Valley Metro Park / South
Akron, OH 44310
Phone:(330) 867-5511

3.Sand Run Metro Park
1750 Sand Run Pkwy
Akron, OH 44313
Phone:(330) 865-8065

4. Botzum Trailhead Park
2928 Riverview Rd, Akron, OH 44313

5. Summit Metro Parks
975 Treaty Line Rd, Akron, OH 44313
Phone:(330) 867-5511

6. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm
1828 Smith Rd, Akron, OH 44313
Phone:(330) 865-8065

7.Gorge Metro Park
160 Front St, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
Phone:(330) 867-5511

These are a few of the many parks and trails you will find around Akron. Pick one and re-discover nature with your family.

5 Reasons To Cook More At Home

I get a little concerned when I hear that Americans do not cook. I get it if you both have professional jobs working 50+ hours a week and long commutes. I also get it if you live alone and it is easier and sometimes cheaper to go out to eat.  But if you have two or more people and you are not making a bunch of money working crazy hours, going out to eat should be more of a treat and not a twice a day occurrence.

From what is reported in the media, it seems like many people did not learn cooking growing up and decide this means it is too late to learn.  In fact, it is just a matter of building up your comfort level with different ways to cook and different ingredients.  You can do trial and error, starting with easier stuff and building up your competence over time.  You can watch cooking channels and try things you see.  You can take cooking classes.  You could offer to buy ingredients and cook with a friend who is a better cook than you but let them know you want to cook with them and learn.

Here are five very good reasons to cook at home – even if it is going to take you a while to get good at it.

  1. Healthier Food – The top reason is that you know what is going in your food and you can make it healthier.  The reality is that it might not taste as good as that unhealthy stuff, but it can be very good and be much better for you.  For example, I make Chipotle burritos at home and they are not as good because I put 25% of the cheese and no sour cream.  I just can’t bring myself to glob on huge portions like they do in the restaurant (even though it is delicious.)
  2. Less Fried Foods – You can also cut back on fried foods when you eat at home.  It is easy to order a side of fries but a pain in the but to heat up the fryer and fry things just for an unhealthy side.
  3. Show Off a Skill – As good cooks get more rare, it is even more impressive when you meet one.  The only way you become a good cook is by cooking regularly and experimenting with new recipes.  Once you get there you can amaze your friends and family, impress a date and act like a snob know it all in restaurants.  So much fun.
  4. Save Money – Sometimes you might spend MORE on a meal than you would have getting the same thing in a restaurant.  But what you might not factor in is that you have a lot more food than you would have by going out.  So you may get 3 meals for roughly the same spend.  Alcohol is one big bonus when it comes to saving money as you buy your bottle of wine or case of beer for what two glasses would have cost in that dinner out.
  5. Get Sick Less – I am not anti-restaurant, but we do notice we get sick more when we eat out more.  When you have a restaurant kitchen full of people cooking and prepping your food, it only takes one person with a cold to get the whole family sick.  Restaurants do not want employees to come sick, but since the employees most likely do not get sick pay, they need to work when they are feeling under the weather.  This results in people working while sick more then you would like to think.

I am not suggesting not eating out anymore.  Far from it.  But also you do not want to get into the habit of eating out all the time and eating prepackaged stuff at home that you only need to microwave.  It is so much healthier, cheaper and more rewarding to learn how to cook nice meals.  Start slow and build up your skills until you are an Iron Chef of Akron.