The madness has officially begun

Ahhh, nothing is like being caught-up in the middle of all the madness, the radio stations and television stations are well into their holiday line-up. You can't find a place to park at the mall, and you end up like vultures swarming the parking lots. You try to watch what you are eating but you can't resist all the snowman cupcakes and cookies...and swearing that your new years resolution will be to hit the gym. And of course, you'll be driving along watching people with trees strung so tightly to their automobiles...or at least you hope. Which means the Holiday season has officially begun.

December is labeled "Safe Toys and Gifts month." (Kind of ironic, isn't it?) But rightfully so. Here are some things to keep in mind, this holiday season...But maybe we should label it, December, let's be safe month!

Holiday lights are beautifully strung with care. Don't forget to wash your hands after touching those tree lights, unfortunately, California is the only state in the U.S. required to post lead warnings on the lights, and yes, they do have lead on them. I have yet to find a lead-free string of lights.

Save the world, don't destroy the trees. Pulling your tree out of storage this year? Again, wash those hands. Artificial trees may also have lead in them.

Oh mistletoe, how beautiful you are. Nope, no lead in this one, that I know of...but beware of your animals eating this very poisonous beauty. And mistletoe isn't the only one, so avoid these things to keep your furry friends safe.

Turkey for you, Ham for me. No lead here either. I could go on my tyrant about free range and kosher -- but I will spare you that rant, today. While Turkey is yummy for you and me, it isn't so for our furry pets. You should avoid giving the bones to your furry family members, the bones can break-down and get lodged in their throat or intestines...not only risking their health but who wants to fork out a couple hundred on vet bills right around the holidays?

Be sure to check out other Holiday safe tips on the PA Health's website, and check out these safety tips on toys.

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China Peepers

First it was Hershey and now this, Just Born Inc. (Bethlehem, PA) announced that it has tapped an overseas manufacturer to make its candies...in China.

If you don't know, Just Born is the maker of those yummy sugary marshmellowy peeps. And peanut chews, mike and ikes and hot tamales. They want to make sure that there is demand for the product before investing in the equipment to make them here? So, I am begging all you candy lovers...please oh please email Just Born and ask them not to go overseas, keep jobs here and keep our candy lead-free. Please oh Please!