Afternoons at the pool, family barbecues, outdoor sports and picnics all mean summertime has arrived. With the change in temperature comes additional exposure to the elements and the attendant skin scrapes, bites and burns.

(StatePoint) Afternoons at the pool, family barbecues, outdoor sports and picnics all mean summertime has arrived. With the change in temperature comes additional exposure to the elements and the attendant skin scrapes, bites and burns.

(NAPSI)—When mosquito season is here, Americans need to be vigilant about protecting themselves and their families. Not only are mosquitoes a terrible nuisance, they can carry West Nile virus, so it’s essential to do all you can to keep the bloodthirsty biters away.

(BPT) - Few things in life are as special as the unconditional love and loyalty a pet provides. With 78.2 million owned dogs and 86.4 million owned cats in the United States, according to The Humane Society, it’s obvious Americans enjoy having pets. What might not be so apparent is how best to care for them. When it comes to making sure your pet stays healthy and lives as long as possible, what steps can you take?

"Whether I'm at home or abroad, I see each new scene as a still life, a moment in time in a landscape: a tractor posing patiently in the sun, or a pattern of light in a mountain sunset," Jane Barton stated.

(StatePoint) In the warmer months your home’s outdoor space is just as important as the rooms inside, especially if your family spends a lot of time outside.

(BPT) - The backyard is more than just a lawn to mow or a place for the pooch to run around. Many homeowners are turning their backyards into an extension of their homes, bringing the indoors outside for additional living space.

(BPT) - Let’s face it: summer is the season when everyone wants to look and feel their best. Warm weather and long days mean everyone’s heading outdoors, hanging with friends and enjoying the best of the season. Even the guys are looking great – from relaxing at the beach, to putting down the golf greens, to walking the city sidewalks.

(StatePoint) One of the customary perks of getting older is growing a little wiser along the way.  You’ve most likely come to appreciate your “thicker skin” when dealing with life’s sticky situations. However, when you look in the mirror, all you seem to see is thinning skin -- your epidermis that is, not your ego. 

(StatePoint) Whether you’re a technophobe who is reluctant to make new purchases, or you warmly embrace every trend, you may be excited to hear about user-friendly innovations, such as touch screen computers, that can make life easier and more fun:

With daily specials, a tasty menu and good atmosphere, Jax Kitchen is definitely a place to return in Northwest Tucson.

(StatePoint) There are unlimited excuses you can make to skip cooking. But if lack of time or money is the reason you’re getting take-out yet again, consider this -- plenty of fresh, inventive meals can be prepared quickly and on a budget.

(BPT) - With milder weather finally here, it’s time to start planning your outdoor projects. Is your outdoor patio or deck looking a bit dated and dingy? Does it reflect your home’s personality? Whether you’re planning to host outdoor festivities with friends and family or just grilling up gourmet creations, a few changes can really liven up your outdoor space and add value to your home. Follow these simple steps for an updated look that will create a more enjoyable area.

Some say that travel is about the journey more than the destination. And for a growing number of travelers, it’s all about the experience - both on the journey and within the destination. Travelers focus on getting a deeper, more authentic look at well-loved destinations. Tuscany travel experiences figure on the vacation wish lists of many, but travelers can find ways to make each visit to the region one that is beyond the ordinary.

(BPT) - As you hit the road for this year’s vacation, you may see an increasing number of vehicles on the sides of the highway broken down either with mechanical problems or flat tires. Don’t derail your travel fun by being one of them. A few simple steps will help you avoid being stuck on the side of the road – or at least be prepared in the event it happens.

(BPT) - Whether it’s in the backyard or on a rooftop, summer is an ideal time to entertain outdoors. The long days and warm nights create the perfect backdrop for a relaxing get-together with family and friends.

(NAPSI)—Salmon is good tasting and good for you—rich in omega-3s and a good source of protein. Want to know how to find the best available? Here are hints on how from Keith Harris, the Whole Foods Market Port Buyer based in Alaska:

(NAPSI)Theres good news for those who love to snack. Snackingdone rightcan give you a quick energy boost and help curb hunger between meals without adding unhealthy fats and oils to your diet.

(NAPSI)—This summer, treat your skin to the ultimate hydration with Bio-Oil—the No. 1 best-selling, multiuse skin care oil in the U.S.

(BPT) - If current oil prices, motorist demand and refinery production trends continue, gas prices should drop to between $3.20 and $3.40 per gallon by mid-summer, according to AAA. This is good news for everyone, as the height of travel season quickly approaches. With the majority of travel being done using cars, there will be lots of rubber hitting the road.

When days are short and sunshine is scarce, it’s only natural to feel a little out of sorts. The sun is the body’s chief source of vitamin D, and for many Americans, clouds and cold temperatures can lead to deficiencies. Fortunately, there are other sources that provide this important vitamin – some of which come in a deliciously edible form.

(StatePoint) For many people, gardening is one of life’s greatest joys. But exercising your green thumb carries some risk.

(NAPSI)—Proper vehicle maintenance doesn’t only mean you and your car can spend many happy years together. It can also mean that when the time comes to sell, you may get a better price.