Sunny

My mother suffers from S.A.D. seasonal affective disorder. Her moods are greatly affected by the weather. She lives in Minnesota where the winters are brutal. Sunlight therapy and extra vitamin D are suppose to help, but they don't. Winters harshness has effected many this season. I wonder who else has SIDs but doesn't realize it. What's more, I believe we broadcast to many with some type of undiagnosed illness, be it mental or physical.

I remember taking the 42 street subway home to Queens after viewing The Silence of the Lambs. That movie really freaked me out, and I wondered who else on that subway car could dream of a human meal with lava beans. Only in New York, kids? I don't think so.

Let this reminder empower and remind you that you are a friend to many who struggle, some who are on their way to surgery, healing from a past hurt or planning a celebration. Women in labor, mothers driving a child to therapy or a wife on her way to another marriage counseling session; all are listening at any given time. You provide free relief without the hassle of insurance claim forms. No co-pay, just your dazzling personality and their favorite music. Sweet!

She Buzz Words

• Prepaid
• Sliders
• Overdue
• Worthwhile

She Could be a

• Hospital Administrator
• Nurses Aid
• Director of Customer Services
• Rental Car Agent

Right now she could be...

• Planning to skydive
• Journaling the food she's eaten that day
• Recuperating from her son's wedding
• Planning for spring break
• Organizing her yarn stash
• Putting away her holiday decorations
• Waiting on a pregnancy test
• Training her puppy
• Preparing a brief
• Writing a script

She Health

• You need to wash your hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds or more to kill the germs, bacteria, and viruses. If there's no hot water handy, she can use a hand sanitizer. A humidifier in the bedroom helps keep the air clear of viruses, and it's not too late to get a flu shot.
• Prevention magazine found that 60 percent of those polled have never been to the dermatologist for a skin check. She should make this a priority.
• Google.com/health has a free program that stores all medical records and allows you to print a wallet-size version of your profile.

She vent...

• "Waiting for a prescription to be filled is like being in a cloud of germs!"

She tips...

• Keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure will improve gas mileage.
• Soak sliced onions in water for 20 minutes before adding to salads; it mellows the taste.

She's loving...

• Decaffeinated Coffee Shop Blend: Entenmann's new 99.7% caffeine-free coffee.
• Michael Season's Cheese Puffs: with less than half the fat of regular cheese snacks

She's feeling sick...

• Log onto www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu for flu updates.

She Phone Starters

• What is her dream work scenario?
• Where would she like to live?
• How far has she ever been from home?
• What period of time would she have liked to live in? (1930s, 1950s, etc)
• How many bottles of salad dressing are in her refrigerator?
• How does she feel about the current state of air travel with security issues and extra fees?

She's in the know

Snail mail is still working. She can fill out a calendar and get birthday and holiday reminders, along with cards to send, at www.Jackcards.com.

This site will deliver cards stamped, addressed, and ready to be signed and sent before each big day.

She Money

Experts agree these measures or products save money in the end:

• Hybrid car
• Laser printer
• Extended warranty for a computer
• Energy-saving front-loader washer and dryer
• Mortgage refinance
• Credit card balance transfer

• Get more She Prep at www.ShePrep.com