Ways to save water—and money

An American family can use 400 gallons of water per day - and about 30 percent of that is used outdoors.

Tips for a family day trip

If an expensive getaway isn't in the budget, however, day trips can be just as fun and give families the opportunity to explore more.

America's pastime for the whole family

Spring is here, and that means it's time to play ball.

Rain barrels put free water to good use

If you want to save money on your water bill and provide your plants with cleaner water, getting a rain barrel might be the perfect addition for your home.

Grow in small spaces: Container gardening perfect for compact areas

Growing fruits and vegetables doesn't have to be reserved for those who have a large outdoor space.

Shoes relieve burdens on your soles

Your feet bear the full weight of your body, so it should be of no surprise when many foot disorders are directly tied to poorly fitted shoes and the abuse of feet.

Technology makes family travel easier

Here are some tips that will help keep your family happy - and help you keep your sanity - while planning and enjoying your next vacation.

Proper foot care can prevent disease

Most people believe "out of sight, out of mind" when it comes to their feet.

New South Shore Arts classes offer learning and fun

Sometimes all it takes to brighten a gray day is a colorful palette of paints.

Kid-friendly recipes to beat the cabin fever blues

Cold, rainy days are the perfect time to crank up the oven and tackle that recipe you've always wanted to try.

What does the Affordable Care Act mean for you?

These next two years are important years in health care, with several provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act taking effect.

Baum's offers spa-inspired weight loss treatments

Losing weight can be a long process and often involves eating better and exercising. But a local store is making weight loss more interesting by offering unique methods to help shed the pounds.

Angina a symptom of underlying heart issues

Angina isn't a disease; it's a symptom of an underlying heart problem, and physicians say if left untreated, it can turn into a fatal problem.

Apps can track heart health

Just a download away are hundreds of apps on your iPhone or Android that can help save your life.

No age limit in searching one's history

Family histories can be full of surprises, with mysteries and secrets that lay dormant for decades unlocked nowadays by the click of a mouse.

Heart Health: Quick emergency tips

Every year, about 935,000 Americans experience a heart attack.

Local businesses promote heart health

Although New Year's usually means making a resolution to get fit, several companies in the region have already made it a priority to keep their employees healthy.

Heart healthy foods can be delicious and nutritious

Eating a heart-healthy diet is essential in maintaining good health, dietitians say, and by following some easy tips, is entirely possible.

Heart Health: Quick emergency tips

While physicians say prevention, a healthy diet and exercise is the best way to prevent a heart attack what do you do if you start to feel chest discomfort or pain?

Local stores offer high tech options

Although many stores are preparing to display their spring merchandise, there’s still time to get your hands on winter gear that allows you to keep your favorite electronics nearby.

Hit the slopes: Nearby ski resorts offer programs for all ages

Within a two-hour drive of Northwest Indiana are several ski parks that offer programs and slopes for all ages, and help you maintain your fitness level during the winter.

Holiday activities can be educational as well

Many of the activities families already do over the holidays are the ideal occasions to incorporate lessons taught during the school year and keep kids' minds sharp while out of the classroom.

SMALL-BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Bath Planet, Valparaiso

VALPARAISO | Valparaiso University basketball fans likely will recognize his name.

Survivor Spotlight: Minor checkup reveals cardiac arrest

Paul Zlamal, for the most part, is the picture of good health.

Meditation relaxes the mind, helps the body

Once known as spiritual discipline practiced in Eastern cultures, meditation has now found itself in the mainstream, with many touting its health benefits.

Auction raises funds for greyhound rescue group

Greyhounds are known for their lightning-fast speed, but a group of rescuers in the region want more people to know about a greyhound’s ability to win your heart as well.

Vision loss treatment with a new drug therapy

Charlotte Moorehead had no idea she even had a problem until she went for a routine eye checkup.

Music festival brings communities together

Bringing people together through music – that’s what event organizers hope to accomplish during a first of its kind music festival this weekend in Hobart.

Girl Scouts: Celebrating 100 years of preparing girls for the future

It can be difficult for parents to imagine their 5-year-old daughters as women in their 30s, ready to take on the world.

SMALL-BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Get the Scoop on Poop

HEBRON | Rich Popp may be one of very few people who doesn’t mind poop.

Vital Injection Medical Missions provides medical assistance, medications to Third World countries

When traveling on mission trips to Third World countries, Dr. Brent Jacobus says it takes a day to adjust to life without the luxuries most take for granted — including a hot shower.

Griffith man loses 155 pounds in weight-loss journey

New Year’s resolutions are easy to make. Keeping them is another story.

Rowing offers a low-impact workout with high results

Those looking to spice up their cardiovascular workouts might want to think about rowing.

Scribbleband gives kids wearable art

Dave Bullock, a teacher at Chesterton Middle School, frequently noticed his students would write on their skin with ink pens. That’s when the idea hit him – create a wristband students can write on, keeping the ink off their skin.

Magical invention helps cerebral palsy patients in pool

Clinical occupational therapist David Blaski has created the Aquatic Stabilizer Apparatus to help cerebral palsy patients swim better.

SMALL-BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Day care goes to the dogs

Who says vacations are only for humans? While pet owners are away enjoying their trips, a boarding facility in Westville wants dogs to have just as much fun.

SMALL-BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Day care goes to the dogs

WESTVILLE | Who says vacations are only for humans?

Ask the Expert: Sleep disorders have a neurological root

At least 40 million Americans suffer from chronic, long-term sleep disorders, and 20 million more experience occasional sleeping problems, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. One of the most serious types of disorders is sleep apnea, in which breathing i…

Survivor spotlight: A Munster woman recuperates from a cardiac procedure

At 73, Munster resident Geraldine Roman is looking at life now as a promising new start. Less than a year ago, however, life looked anything but promising.

SMALL-BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Custom benches add flair to outdoor areas

VALPARAISO | Retirement isn't for Steve Davis or his wife, Diane.

Westville dog boarding facility hosts grand opening May 5

WESTVILLE | Dawg Paradise will hold a grand opening event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 5.

MADE IN NORTHWEST INDIANA: Homemade flavor

HIGHLAND | Fernando Gutierrez likes to joke that he used to fix teeth, now he exercises them.

Your Family's featured events for April 2012

The Great Cloth Diaper Change

SMALL-BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: C.P. restaurant has Chicago-style feel

CROWN POINT | It's every business owner's dream to implement his own ideas in his own store.

Pet briefs

PIZZA PARTY | LaPorte

Gary native writes memoir about her abusive marriage

Barbara Boatright wondered whether she or her husband would commit suicide first.

Calumet City woman reunited with her lost dog after two months of searching

Two months ago, Lupe Llanes never thought she would see her 7–year–old Chihuahua mix again.

A changed outlook on life

Tinley Park resident Sally Smolen, 63, suffers from Parkinson's disease, a debilitating condition more than 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with every year.

Survivor Spotlight: Tinley Park woman fights Parkinson's disease

Making her way through the grocery store, Sally Smolen struggled to walk straight.

St. John pet store sponsors second annual fundraiser

A pair of Boxer mixes left tied to furniture at the curb like pieces of garbage. Two pugs whose owner was diagnosed with cancer and can no longer care for the dogs. Two sibling Chihuahuas taken into a pet store and left behind.