All around the great wide world,
Columbus sailed the ocean
To prove the world was big and round--
That's real devotion!
(--Sung to the tune of “Pop Goes the Weasel”, by unknown author)

For many people, commemorating the US holiday Columbus Day is a way of both honoring Christopher Columbus' achievements and celebrating Italian-American heritage. The facts surrounding Columbus' discovery of the New World over 500 years ago still spark controversy.
 
Even one of the basic ideas that most of us learned in school—that Columbus wanted to prove that the world was not flat — is not true. Most educated Europeans did understand that the world was round; however they were unaware of the existence of the Pacific Ocean, believing instead that the Atlantic was the only ocean between Europe and the East Indies.
 
Here are a few bits of trivia about Columbus and Columbus Day:

• Records show that despite being sponsored by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, Columbus received no payment until 1493.
• Columbus was the captain of the Santa Maria. The captains of the Pinta and the Nina were the Pinzon Brothers. The youngest, Vicente Yáñez Pinzón, is considered by historians to have been the first to discover Brazil.
• Columbus Day is celebrated in Latin American countries as The Day of the Race (El Dia de la Raza), honoring the many different peoples of Latin America.

For more information, you can visit the History Channel and see what you can ‘discover.’

Although it isn't an official holiday, Child Health Day, celebrated the first Monday of October, is a day meant to focus on kids. While some local hospitals, schools, and government agencies may have some special programs on that day, these websites can offer helpful information to you anytime.
 
The Dr. Spock WebSite for Parents.  It's a rare parent who hasn't heard of Dr. Spock, the baby doc. Although Spock, author of the best-selling The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care, died in 1998, the doctors who write for the website are highly qualified, and have many articles about childhood nutrition.
 
Healthychildren.org.  If you've been dealing with issues such as fear of the dark or have questions about gender identity and children, this website by the American Academy of Pediatrics could prove invaluable. Be sure to check out the Tips & Tools links, which features a symptom checker tool.
 
KidsHealth is a great resource for health-related issues, as well as for school projects. It was created by The Nemours Center for Children's Health Media, and covers just about any topic.
 
MedlinePlus is a comprehensive source of information for the new parents. The section on infant and newborn care has guidance on everything from car seat safety to circumcision, from cradle cap to colic.
 
With skyrocketing medical costs, it’s sometimes a challenge to keep children’s health in the forefront. Child Health Day is a reminder of why we should, since many illnesses children face develop into larger problems in adulthood if left untreated. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

How do you feel about mobile banking? Do you find yourself worrying about identity theft or having your funds stolen somehow? Despite how uncomfortable you might be with online banking, most banks are pushing their apps and requesting that their customers go paperless.

Mobile banking offers several conveniences:

• No more hunting for an ATM. You can check your balance on your computer or other mobile devices.
• Save time, postage, and gas money by paying your bills online.
• No more waiting in line at the bank or drive-thru. There are many apps that allow you to deposit checks to your account.

Concerned about security? Here are some tips that can help keep you safe:

• Don't use public Wi-Fi. Not only is it easier for hackers to get access to your data, but some hot-spots allow the owner to monitor your activity.
• Avoid downloading third-party apps. Go to your bank's website and download the app there. Make sure you download updates to both the app and your phone when they are available.
• Log out when you're done. Most apps will time out, but on the off chance yours doesn't and your phone is stolen, don't make it easy for the thief to access your account. If your phone is stolen, notify your bank immediately.
• Remember that your bank will not be emailing you or texting you to ask for your account information. Never give out any personal information over the phone unless you are the one who has made the phone call.

Mobile banking is here to stay. Enjoy the perks, and keep your password to yourself!

If you've got kids, and the most romantic thing that's happened lately is your partner managed to save the last bowl of cereal for you —you might need a date night.

Once children enter the picture, it may seem difficult to set aside the time or expense of going on a date. Having a regular date night is not a frivolous activity, and is not only vital for parents, but children as well. As parents, it's important to show your children what a good relationship looks like.

Ask grandparents, friends, and other family members to help out with babysitting. You might know another couple who would be willing to trade play dates so you each have date night opportunities.

Here are some budget-friendly date night ideas:

• Picnics are always special—whether it's at a local park, beach, backyard, or even the bedroom.
• Split a dessert at a nice restaurant.
• Go bowling or play miniature golf.
• Build a fire outside, snuggle and roast marshmallows.
• Check out local events, or visit meetup.com to explore activities in your area
• Go to your local high school football games, or theatrical events.
• Date night doesn't have to mean “night”--go out to breakfast together.
• Explore flea markets or window shop.
• Visit local tourist spots. Are there any cheesy tourist traps nearby?

Be sure to take turns planning dates, and be open for new experiences. But don't feel like every date night has to be a wild adventure—remember it's all about having some alone time to feel like a couple again.

Romance is everything. ~Gertrude Stein

No matter what fitness program you choose: if your feet aren't happy you’re not likely to continue exercising for very long. The footwear you choose can also affect more than just your feet. Back problems and joint ailments often stem from inadequate shoes.

It can be overwhelming shopping for athletic shoes—there are countless choices, and it can be quite expensive. Here are some things to consider when you're deciding what to purchase:

Okay to go barefoot? There's been some recent popularity in exercising barefoot. If your exercise is low-impact like yoga, dance, or Pilates, and you haven't had any problems, by all means continue in your bare feet. Just be careful of rocks, glass, etc.!

Walking or running? For normal walking around your neighborhood, you can get away with wearing a regular running shoe, but if the ground is uneven, trainers recommend a high-top shoe for extra stability. Be sure to wear shoes that aren't too tight; feet often swell when running or walking. You'll also want enough cushioning to help absorb shock when your foot hits the ground.

What about the gym? Whether you're lifting weights or participating in an aerobics class, having a shoe with proper traction is critical to both comfort and avoiding injury.

It isn't necessary to have the latest and greatest in athletic shoes, or to spend a fortune on them, but having a good pair (or two) can make a big difference in how much you enjoy your workout.

“Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11.” –Barack Obama

Have you thought about how you and your family will be commemorating Patriot Day this year? This is the day our nation acknowledges those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Here are some ways you can honor the memory of those victims and heroes:

• Have a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. The North Tower of the World Trade Center was struck by the first hijacked plane on September 11, 2001 at 8:46 a.m.
• Search for “children's books about September 11” on Amazon. There are several appropriate for different age groups that are an excellent way to talk to your kids about what happened and how to deal with their fears concerning that event.
• Take homemade cookies to the local fire department or police station to thank them for keeping you and your family safe.
• Donate food to a local food pantry.
• Take CPR or first aid classes.
• Create care packages for a child at a homeless shelter.
• Have little ones color pictures or make greeting cards and drop off at the local assisted living facilities.

Remembering Patriot Day is a way to not only help out your community, but an opportunity to create memories with your family and show them how much they mean to you.