Chatham health department offers guidance on swine flu for children's summer programs
[Jun. 22, 2009] Even though it is summertime and the school year has ended, youth are still at risk of contracting the swine flu. The H1N1 flu doesn’t fall into the regular flu season, which usually lasts from November through March. This is why it is important for parents, vacation Bible school teachers, day and overnight camp employees, and other groups working with young people during the summer to pay attention to H1N1 symptoms to stop the spread of the disease. [In Health]

Chevrolet Traverse gets “very good” overall rating in Consumer Reports’ tests of midsized, luxury Suvs
[Jun. 22, 2009] With a “Very Good” overall test score, the new Chevrolet Traverse now ranks third in Consumer Reports’ ranking of 18 midsized SUVs with three rows of seats. The only other SUVs in that category that outpoint it are Toyota’s Highlander and Highlander Hybrid. [In Autos]

Consumer Reports digital camera tests reveal four standout brands for Point-and-Shoot: Canon, Casio, Panasonic and Samsung
[Jun. 21, 2009] Consumer Reports latest testing of 54 point-and-shoot digital camera models found four brands continue to perform better than others year after year, according to Consumer Reports first ever analysis of point-and-shoot brands regularly tested. Canon, Casio, Panasonic, and Samsung offer the best chance of getting a superior performer, even if the camera was not tested by Consumer Reports. By contrast, Olympus has been the brand least likely to be a top performer. [In Food]

Potato, corn and cherry tomato salad with basil dressing
[Jun. 21, 2009] If you need inspiration to find a dish that stands up to the heat, author Debbie Moose has a new book out called, simply enough, "Potato Salad: 65 Recipes from Classic to Cool" (Wiley Hardcover, $16.95). An easy and refreshing potato salad recipe to try, Potato, Corn and Cherry Tomato Salad with Basil Dressing, comes from Carol Reuss in Pittsboro, N.C., who got the recipe from a neighbor, Cynthia Jones. [In Food]

Consumer Reports best chain restaurant survey finds good eats at any budget
[Jun. 15, 2009] The tough economy has put diners in the drivers seat to find good meals, good deals and choices for every budget and taste according to Consumer Reports latest Restaurant Satisfaction Survey. The Capital Grille, First Watch, Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano, Maggiano’s Little Italy and McCormick & Schmick’s earned top marks among Consumer Reports ratings of 101 of America’s most popular chains. [In Food]

Consumer Reports top laundry detergent picks can save up to $140 per year
[Jun. 4, 2009] Consumer Reports’ latest tests of laundry detergents revealed that using top-rated detergents like Tide 2X Ultra for Cold Water in cold water cycles, can save people up to $140 per year. At 19 cents per average load, it costs roughly $80 per year less than the priciest detergents, and using cold water can trim another $60 in energy costs. [In Home]

Haggling for everything is new rule in a down economy
[May 30, 2009] Negotiating for everything in a lousy economy is the new rule, according to the latest money publication from Consumer Reports titled “Rebuild Your Finances.” Paying the sticker price for a product or service may be paying too much. In fact, a new poll by Consumer Reports found that more than 66 percent of Americans have tried to negotiate for a better deal in the past six months. [In Consumer]

Chatham Council on Aging hosts community forum about helping pay for prescription drugs
[May 28, 2009] The Chatham County Council on Aging is sponsoring a community forum for local seniors to identify resources to help pay for prescription drugs. The forum will be held Thursday, May 28, noon to 2 pm at the Western Chatham Senior Center in Siler City. [In Health]

Graduates of Central Carolina Community College’s Dental Hygiene program have a lot to smile about
[May 27, 2009] Graduates of Central Carolina Community College’s Dental Hygiene program have a lot to smile about. The 10 women and one man are the first in the college’s history to receive Associate in Applied Science degrees in Dental Hygiene. They were awarded during the college’s May 14 graduation exercises. [In Education]