Articles written by Joanne LaSpina

Nearly everyone has unwanted cell phones lying around. It makes good sense to donate them to a charity, but be sure to clean it out first.

Feb 6, 2012 - Joanne LaSpina

Massachusetts has had its first case of human rabies in over 70 years. Rabies is treatable if caught early. For those who wait, though, it is usually fatal.

Jan 5, 2012 - Joanne LaSpina

From building to creating to reading or just goofing around, there are many great toys for boys between the ages of 6-12.

Dec 6, 2011 - Joanne LaSpina

If you've got bags of unwanted trick-or-treat candies sitting around your house, give them a new home by donating candy to a charitable organization.

Nov 6, 2011 - Joanne LaSpina

There are numerous religious, secular, patriotic, international, legal and uniquely American holidays. Find the dates of many of these observances for 2012.

Oct 6, 2011 - Joanne LaSpina

If your family is looking for a scary good time this Halloween season, the greater Philadelphia area offers haunted woods, prisons, motels and mountains.

Oct 6, 2011 - Joanne LaSpina

Recent research into youth sports head injuries shows the importance of recognizing the signs of concussion and how best to treat them.

Sep 10, 2011 - Joanne LaSpina

Parents of tweens face begging and pleading as kids at younger ages "need" a cell phone. Consider your child's needs, as well as your own, before giving in.

Aug 15, 2011 - Joanne LaSpina

From food allergy to seasonal allergies and asthma, there is much to be excited about following last week's AAAAI conference in San Francisco.

Mar 25, 2011 - Joanne LaSpina

After several weeks of re-runs, viewers are looking for new episodes of old favorites and episodes of brand new shows. Find these new ABC midseason shows

Jan 4, 2011 - Joanne LaSpina

There are numerous religious, secular, patriotic, international, legal and uniquely American holidays. Find the dates of many of these observances for 2011.

Dec 26, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

From retailers to message boards, everyone's got their own idea of the most popular toys for the holidays. Check out this selection when shopping this year.

Dec 10, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

Traditionally, the day after Thanksgiving was the U.S. start to holiday shopping. With many retailers promoting early November sales, find deals online now.

Nov 3, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

While the late night TV wars escalated last spring, the fervor has settled down over the summer. Will Conan's November return spark up the old battles?

Oct 14, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

The toy giant, Toys R Us, currently sells merchandise in 1560 retail stores around the world, as well as through their online e-commerce sites,

Oct 6, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

CBS features several new shows this fall, but retired and canceled series abound. Find out which of your favorites will be back and which are gone forever.

Aug 31, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

Many NBC television shows have been renewed for the upcoming season, but retired and canceled series abound. Find out which of your favorites will be back.

Aug 29, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

For autumn 2010, ABC airs new episodes of old favorites, cancels over a dozen shows and debuts nine new dramas and comedies.

Aug 29, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

Packing a school lunch should be a cost saver, but one-time use plastic and paper bags add up to wasted dollars and increased trash in landfills.

Aug 12, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

Many people embrace the notion of eliminating meat from the diet. The Great American Meat Out offers free help with recipes and starter kits.

Jul 20, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

To definitively diagnose a food allergy, doctors use an in-office challenge test. Learn more about what a food challenge is and how to prepare for one.

Jul 19, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

For expectant parents, a baby planner can take the guesswork out of the numerous decisions new parents need to make.

Jul 19, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

The Washington Monument provides a spectacular backdrop for Independence Day fireworks. Visit the U.S. capital for a memorable 4th of July.

Jun 28, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

Searching for some family fun this summer? Movies, at the theater or at home, are a great way to bring the family together.

Jun 24, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

What better place to celebrate Independence Day than Philadelphia, the birthplace of the American flag? Check out the many July 4 celebrations in the area.

Jun 23, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

From ears to navels to tongues, people of all ages are piercing various parts of their bodies. Proper care for new piercings is important to overall health.

Jun 21, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

There are many resources for parents and teachers to talk to food allergic children, as well as their friends and classmates, about food allergy.

Jun 21, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

Chicago is the first American band to have top 40 albums for five consecutive decades. They continue to appeal to multi-generations of music lovers.

Jun 13, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

Show teens who think they've outgrown the Disney parks that there is much available at Walt Disney World for their age group.

May 27, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

Inner Harbor offers families a variety of attractions. Don't miss these five family sites when visiting Baltimore's Harbor.

May 14, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

Warmer days signal the start of barbecue season. From no frills charcoal grills to fancy gas grills, the right tools make cooking out easy.

May 12, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

Choosing to nurse a baby can be a lonely road unless there is a strong support system in place. Seek out information and resources for breastfeeding help.

May 6, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

Create a memorable homemade gift for mom on her special day this year.

Apr 29, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

Planning to see a show in New York City? There are many ways to purchase tickets.

Apr 28, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

The second Sunday in May marks Mother's Day in the United States. Other nations honor mothers on different dates. Find the perfect gift this year.

Apr 21, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

Oprah Winfrey's unauthorized biography will be available for the general public this week. Author, Kitty Kelley faces criticism during publicity tour.

Apr 12, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

Jamestown Virginia is a living history museum with opportunities for families to enjoy hands-on fun while stepping back into the early days of Colonial America.

Apr 6, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

The number one cause of car accidents in the US today is distracted driving.States are passing laws banning drivers from texting or talking on a cell phone while driving.

Mar 22, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

Concerns about children and pets playing on chemically lawns and reports of chemical fertilizer run-off leaching into the water system have many seeking other options.

Mar 17, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

As the buds begin to form on trees after a dormant winter, the problems caused by blowing pollen are not too far behind for those who suffer from spring allergies.

Mar 17, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

Easter is filled with dangers for children allergic to milk, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts. There are safe alternatives to help all children enjoy the holiday.

Mar 16, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

Looking for some family fun in the great outdoors? Try geocaching, a high tech version of hide and seek that leads to treasured memories.

Mar 16, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

School science fairs offer rich learning opportunities. Find out the requirements and then choose a topic of interest for a successful experience.

Mar 16, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld is back in prime time with a show that pits comedian host Tom Papa and a panel of celebrity judges against couples with quirky marital issues.

Mar 4, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

The film industry shines at the annual Academy Awards. The 2010 ceremony has several changes in store for those who watch and participate.

Feb 26, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

As Lent draws to a close and Easter approaches, prepare this easy cake in the shape of the Easter Bunny for parties and celebrations.

Feb 22, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

Saving for higher education costs can be a daunting task. Use a tax-advantaged system like 529 Plans to set aside funds needed for future college costs.

Feb 15, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

"Undercover Boss" premiered immediately following Super Bowl 44. This new reality show has presidents and CEO's of large companies do the grunge work of their employees.

Feb 9, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

Get television listing information and ways to catch all the news or favorite sporting events in this year's Winter Olympics. Plan ahead to avoid missing anything.

Feb 5, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina

Athletic programs in middle schools must offer an opportunity for adolescents to develop confidence and skills.

Jan 27, 2010 - Joanne LaSpina