(ARA) - CPR has come a long way since the early days when cardiac arrest victims had air blown into their lungs with fireplace bellows, were rolled over a wine barrel or strapped across the back of a horse that was sent galloping across a field.

This year, the American Heart Association is celebrating the 50th anniversary of modern CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation): the combination of breaths and chest compressions that can help keep a cardiac arrest victim alive.

(ARA) - From MP3 players to e-books, technology is an integral part of the modern home. However, when we think of technology and how we use it on a daily basis, entertainment is top of mind, not health and wellness. As a doctor and a mom, Jennifer Trachtenberg, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and pediatrician at The Mount Sinai Medical Center, recommends four household gadgets that will help make for a healthier home and family.

Air purifier: The EPA says levels of indoor air pollution can be between two to five times higher than outdoor air. Poor indoor air quality can negatively impact many people's health. In fact, some cold-like symptoms, including sneezing, sore throats and running noses can be triggered by indoor allergens such as dust, mold spores and pet dander which are commonly found in indoor air. One way to improve indoor air quality can be to use air purifiers. One such air purifier is the Honeywell HEPAClean UV Tower Air Purifier which is a new model that combines three air cleaning technologies: carbon zeolite pre-filter which can reduce common household odors, ultraviolet light which can reduce viruses, bacteria, fungi and mold spores and HEPAClean filters which can remove up to 99 percent of allergens from the air passing through the filter.

(ARA) - Spring is just around the corner. If you're like many American families, you're looking for new ways to have fun on a budget. Fortunately, there are more options than ever for the budget-conscious. From creating a movie theater at home to taking a day trip to a local attraction, there are affordable ways to find something fun for everyone.

* Research the Web.
Several big cities have Web sites strictly dedicated to giving people fun and cheap entertainment options. Visit Cities on the Cheap to find city-specific deals in towns like Charlotte, N.C., San Francisco and Miami. You'll get updates on everything from free concerts and films to restaurant specials and coupon offers.

(ARA) - Saving more for retirement is always a good idea, especially now. In 2009, the Employee Benefit Research Institute estimated that Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), a cornerstone of retirement savings, sank to a median value of less than $29,000 post-financial meltdown. That leaves many Americans working even harder to recoup their losses and stay on track to make retirement a reality.

The good news is that many people can increase their saving potential simply by learning more about IRA dos and don'ts. Saving as much as possible, handling rollovers correctly and avoiding costly penalties are the keys to success.