Merlino & Gonzalez - May 2025

PAW-SOME ADVENTURES

HEALTHY FAMILIES START WITH SMART HABITS

TIPS FOR FIGHTING GERMS YEAR-ROUND

Keep your hands clean. Focusing on everyday hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent illness, and it all starts with hand-washing. Soap and water are the go-to combo, but hand sanitizer is an excellent option for cleaning on the go. Teach kids to wash their hands before eating and after using the restroom, playing outdoors, and visiting crowded places. You can even turn this habit into a fun family ritual by having your little ones sing their favorite song while scrubbing for 20 seconds. Fuel up with healthy choices. A strong immune system is also key to illness prevention. Getting adequate sleep and eating a nutrient-dense diet provides natural immune- system support. The kids and adults in your family can boost immunity by loading up on fruits and vegetables; focus on those full of vitamin C, such as strawberries, citrus fruits, and bell peppers. Lean proteins like chicken and fish and fiber-rich foods like avocados and broccoli also support a robust immune system.

Stay on top of surface cleaning. Germs love high-contact areas like countertops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, and light switches. Cleaning these surfaces daily reduces germ exposure and complements frequent handwashing. If someone has been sick, more frequent wipedowns will help prevent others from getting sick. And don’t forget about phones, tablets, and remote controls. These devices harbor bacteria and viruses and come into contact with our hands and faces. See a doctor when symptoms linger. Unfortunately, even the best prevention habits can’t guarantee an illness-free household. If a family member has a fever lasting more than two days or cold and flu symptoms lasting longer than 10 days, it’s time to visit your health care provider. When in doubt, trust your instincts — early treatment can be key to ensuring quick recovery.

For families, “sick season” can seem never- ending. Just when it feels like the sniffles are gone for good, someone else comes down with a cold. Even though the weather’s getting warmer, germs have not taken a vacation. Keeping your family healthy requires extra precautions, no matter the time of year.

HOW TO BUILD A HOME THEATER FOR LESS Cinema Dreams on a Popcorn Budget

Lights! Camera! Couch!

the entertainment options most important to you and focus on those. Maybe a new game console is the top item on your wish list, so it’s worth spending money on that rather than a new streaming service. And if you already have excellent speakers or a wide-screen TV that will fit perfectly into your plans in other rooms, you can shuffle your furniture around and reduce your costs. Create Star-Studded Effects Proper lighting, sound, and other features can transform a TV room into an authentic theater experience. If you can afford it, add ambient lighting, spotlights, and blackout curtains to set the mood. While a big-screen TV can do the job, projectors can create a real cinematic view. They also tend to be more compact, allowing more room for additional seating or a

popcorn maker. Give your screening space the surround sound feel by installing a soundbar, a space-saving audio system that delivers rich, theater-quality sound. Set the Stage Complete your family theater by adding movie- themed decor and extra cinema comforts. Display movie posters of your family’s favorite films, and consider creating a mini concession stand. You can use a bar cart or inexpensive cabinet as a snack area, complete with a mini fridge with drinks. So, gather your crew to turn your living room into a movie lover’s paradise! Now, all that’s left is to push play and let the good times and tasty snacks roll!

Ready to reel in the perfect movie night without breaking the bank? You can bring the theater into your living room by building a budget-friendly cinema your family will enjoy. You don’t need a Hollywood actor’s salary to bring the magic of film to your favorite sofa. With some creativity and planning, you’ll be directing a screening room remodel in no time, saving you money on tickets and popcorn at the chain movie theater! Let’s get the credits rolling on the home theater of your dreams — no blockbuster budget required. Cast Your Dream Scene Is your family a fan of TV show binges or video game competitions that last for hours? Since you are working with a limited budget, choose

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