Now the word is PREVENTION. Right? And I am not just talking about sunscreen. It’s also UV clothing, hats and sunglasses. There is even powder you can put in your hair to keep your scalp from being burned, just in case you aren’t wearing a hat.

My favorite lotion is the Coppertone Water Babies Foaming Lotion. I just discovered it this Spring! And I was thrilled when, as a Coppertone Water Mom, it was included in my kit. It shocked me the first time I used it, thinking it was the traditional spray. But instead it comes out like shaving cream! And then you lather it all over the kids (and yourself). They laugh and say it tickles.

I prefer to use the Water Babies line because it is the most comfortable on my skin and gentle on the kids’ eyes. No stinging, no greasy feeling. And by applying it 30 minutes before you go out and every few hours once you are out playing. You also need to reapply after heavy sweating and getting wet.

And it’s not just skin that gets burned. Remember to protect eyes from UV rays too! Sunglasses do more than protect against glare, they protect against sun-related damage, like cataracts, pterygium, skin cancer around the eyes, and macula degeneration.

Here are some links to some of my favorite sun protection items! Click around!

• Sunscreen for the whole family: Coppertone has sunscreens for a variety of needs and skin types. My favorite line is the Water Babies line. But they also have Sport Sunscreen, Oil Free, Sensitive Skin and other options.
• Children’s Sunglasses: If you are putting on your shades, the kids should be putting on theirs! Not just for style (although it’s a cute perk). You are protecting their eyes and surround skin from cancers and damage that can lead to blindness. Our kids sunglasses always come from EyesCreamShades – durable and well-made, they last for years.
• UV Shirts and/or Rash Guards: Once again, surfer style with sun protection! My favorite online store is UVSkinz. Their UV Skinz’ UPF 50+ sun protection clothing blocks out 98% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. Right now they have two fabulous deals going on.

1. First, they are giving away a FREE BABY “Skinz” with every order in the month of May!
2. Second, visit www.uvskinz.com and enter coupon code MELMON12 to SAVE 25% off your entire online order! With these kind of savings you could score a UV Skinz swim shirt for the price of a bottle or two of suncreen.

And if you see me ’round town, ask me for a Coppertone Water Babies sample! I’m passing them out at school, the playground and Disney … until they run out!

Disclosure Statement: As a member of the Coppertone® Water MOMS group, I received product samples and promotional items to share and use as I see fit.  No monetary compensation has taken place and any opinions expressed by me are honest and reflect my actual experience. I was a Coppertone fan BEFORE receiving my package and will remain one long after!

Bold, graphics-driven design and 3D elements set the collection apart in the bicycle helmet market. Utilizing the company’s patented 3D technology — a soft, rubber-based material — the KRASH collection draws inspiration from a number of sources. For guys, a helmet with ‘liberty spikes’ recalls the punk music scene of the ‘80s. For girls, the company looks toward current fashion and cultural trends to interpret into unique designs. Animal prints make a big statement in KRASH’s debut collection.

KRASH helmets are here for Spring/Summer 2012 at Target, Toys R Us, independent bicycle stores, toy stores and sporting goods retailers for $24.99.

This buzz was provided to theMomBuzz as a press release. She thought the info was fab for summer fun, so she shared it with you.

RELATED BUZZ:
Raskullz Bike Helmet Review

1. Maybe you are concerned about the safety of the neighborhood children, so you want a “Slow, Children Playing” sign. Under the Traffic Signs option you can find Children Playing signs under School Signs and you can further customize one under Custom Traffic Signs. When ordering from Custom Traffic Signs you choose the background design, the language you want used and can even suggest the MPH.

2. A fun idea that they do at my son’s school is make Street Signs to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and more. The parents order the sign and they’ll use the sign at the carline area. So when kids are picked up and dropped off, they can feel special. And when the month is over the parents get the sign back to hang in their child’s room. I plan to do this for both of my children. It is also a fun gift idea. Once again you can find these under Traffic Signs > Street Name Signs. They have 6 designs to choose from in red, blue and green. You can have a number on it or not. It would be fun to put up anniversary or birthday date on it.

3. Another cool idea for teens is to make a “Danger” sign for entering their rooms. You can customize it with shapes (skull or nuclear hazard) and a list of warnings of why or when to enter. You do this under the Safety Signs > Custom Safety Signs. The Generic Hazard option for images has the best images to do this creative custom sign. Background colors are orange, red, black, blue, white with red stripes, white, green and yellow.

Surprisingly, the signs are affordable! It doesn’t cost an arm and a leg for personalized sign. For example, the customized street sign starts at just $27 for one. Premade signs (no customization) start under $10 for 1.

So, these were just my top three reasons for ordering a traffic sign for me and my area. What would you need a safety or traffic sign for? And have you ever thought of ordering your own street sign?

LET’S TALK HELMETS:

That’s how I originally learned about Raskullz 3-D Character protective helmets. I saw their selection at Target and the family would always get goofy trying on the different protective helmets that look like gorillas, cats, bunnies, ponies, dinosaurs, sharks and more. I count 36 styles in all that will appeal to both boys and girls.

Now, at the time my boys already had Spider-Man Bike Helmets, so I didn’t feel pressured to purchase a new helmet – as cool as they were. But just a few weeks ago I received a grey Shark Attax helmet and green Ragdon for the boys to try. I wanted to wait to try them out, since our weeks are so busy with school and homework, but my youngest son spotted my box and pulled out Ragdon for himself and handed Shark Attax to his older brother. And then :gasp: they both immediately wanted to ride their bikes.

It’s not that unusual for my youngest (4.5 yo) to want to ride, but it can be a chore to get my oldest (5.5 yo) to ride since he is afraid of falling. But they were so eager to put on their helmets, it was a great incentive. And during our bike rides, we already had the chance to check out how well these 3-D helmets protect! My youngest fell twice, sideways, off the bike. And my oldest tumbled sideways and forward, actually hitting his head on the ground lightly. No scrapes on his head and no bruises. His head was perfectly protected in Shark Attax.

Overall, the features of Raskullz Helmets I love are:

• An incentive for children to ride their bikes
• An incentive for children to want to wear their protective helmets
• True protection in case of a fall
• Outer details are flexible and bend with a fall. (ie: The shark fin is sturdy but completely bendable, like swimming flippers)

Raskullz Helmets can be purchased online at Raskullz.com and I’ve also spotted a huge selection at Target. Retail prices start at $19.99.

LET’S TALK BIKES:

Now, if you are in love with the Raskullz line and are looking for a new children’s bike, consider their new selection of bikes. Currently there are two 16″ styles available – Cutie Cat and Shark Attax. Both bikes retail for $79.99 and are available online at Raskullz.com and Toys R Us, too. My favorite feature of these bikes is their 3-D character compartment for storing items. They also come with a bell, training wheels and rear coaster brakes.

One reader will win a Raskullz Helmet of Choice

FIRST: MANDATORY ENTRY:

What is your favorite Raskullz Helmet Style?

SECOND: EXTRA ENTRIES:

To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED/MANDATORY entry. But for extra entries, you can do the following – leave a comment for each:

Follow @themombuzz

• Share this contest on your Facebook page – Link it to @theMomBuzz – Here is the text:

Win a Raskullz 3-D Bike Helmet @theMomBuzz . Give-away ends 3.31.12 http://themombuzz.com/?p=21130

• Tweet the contest – can be done daily:

Win a @Raskullz 3-D Bike Helmet from #theMomBuzz . Give-away ends 3.31.12 http://themombuzz.com/?p=21130

• Follow Raskullz on Facebook – let them know your favorite style on their wall! (2 entries, leave 2 comments)
• Follow Raskullz on Twitter – tweet them your favorite 3-D Character Helmet Style. Leave me your tweet link in your entry below!  (2 entries, leave 2 comments)
• Add the Mom Buzz to your blogroll (Feed: http://themombuzz.com/feed/)

Contest ends 3/31/12. This is open to the USA. Please refer to complete contest rules. The entries listed above are the ONLY entries for this contest. Winners will be notified by e-mail (if supplied in the entry or on profile page), as well as on the Winner’s Wall.

This is solely the opinion of the Mom Buzz. Other people may have different experiences with the product. And don’t forget to enter my other hot contests so you can win and try buzzworthy products! The Mom Buzz was not compensated for this buzz. The Mom Buzz did receive a sample for review.

Do you worry about your daughters safety in high school or their college campus? Or maybe your wife (or you) work late at night or run an early morning jog through dark streets. We all know danger is out there when you least expect it. But with 5Star, if they fee they are in danger they simply press the device’s button and they will be in touch with highly-trained Certified Response Agents who can:

• Identify them and their location,
• Conference in family or friends,
• Dispatch 9-1-1 emergency service,
• Access a nurse;
• And provide any additional assistance, as needed.

You can also use the device to contact 9-1-1 directly if needed.

Already the 5Star Responder is getting a lot of praise online, receiving a 5 out of 5 rating. The 5Star Responder is a small, stylish, mobile communication device that’s available in silver and black.  Users can conveniently attach the GPS enabled Responder to a keychain, purse, or backpack. The 5Star Urgent Response service is also now available as a downloadable smartphone app for iPhone on iTunes.

Learn more from John Walsh:

5 Star is available for purchase now at www.greatcall.com or by calling GreatCall directly at 800-650-3946. The responder is $49.99. There is a one-time activation charge of $35. The monthly service is $15.

One reader will win a 5Star responder with 1 month of free service. (Prize given in the form of a gift certificate that can be redeemed) – $65 Value

FIRST: MANDATORY ENTRY:

Just chat to me about why you would like to win the 5Star Personal Security Sensor.

SECOND: EXTRA ENTRIES:

To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED/MANDATORY entry. But for extra entries, you can do the following – leave a comment for each:

• Connect with Great Call on Facebook
• Watch the Video from John Walsh above – tell me something you learned and liked from his video.
• Add theMomBuzz to your Twitter
• Share this contest on your Facebook page – Link it to @theMomBuzz – Here is the text:

Win a 5Star Personal Security Sensor @theMomBuzz from @GreatCall – Give-away ends 2.29.12 http://themombuzz.com/?p=20567

• Tweet the following – can be done daily:

#win a 5Star Personal Security Sensor from  at #themombuzz from @GreatCallInc – Visit http://themombuzz.com/?p=20567

• Stumble any review or post on theMomBuzz.com (Please don’t Stumble Give-aways). Let me know what you Stumbled!
• Leave a comment on any post here at theMomBuzz – let me know where you left a comment
• Enter any other contest at the Mom Buzz - let me know where you entered.
• Add the Mom Buzz to your blogroll (Feed: http://themombuzz.com/feed/)

Contest ends 2/29/12. This is open to the USA. Please refer to complete contest rules. The entries listed above are the ONLY entries for this contest. Winners will be notified by e-mail (if supplied in the entry or on profile page), as well as on the Winner’s Wall.

This is solely the opinion of the Mom Buzz. Other people may have different experiences with the product. And don’t forget to enter my other hot contests so you can win and try buzzworthy products! The Mom Buzz was not compensated for this buzz. The Mom Buzz will receive a Job Interview Success Kit for sharing the buzz.

1. Put Away the Smart Phones: Smart Phones increase the distraction thanks to using them to make calls, text and check all your social networks every time you are at a red light. And we know plenty of people try to do those same things when driving! My mom won’t even answer the phone when she drives. She just checks her messages when she reaches her destination, which is just minutes away. If the compulsion is too great, you can also put your phone in your purse (what I do) or even put it in the trunk of your car.

2. Don’t Turn Around When Driving: I know it sounds simple enough, but moms are so used to seeing to their children’s requests. From picking up a fallen pacifier, trying to soothe a fussy baby, getting snacks out, or when your child asks you to “look at this”. But taking your eyes off the road for just a second can cause an accident if the cars around you suddenly brake, come into your lane or a pedestrian crosses, thinking your eyes are on the road – not the child in the backseat.

3. Buckle Up: It was such a no-brainer, I almost didn’t think of it until I saw Esurance’s Driving Tips for Parent’s. But, they are totally correct! Even if you are driving a short distance within your neighborhood, buckle up yourself AND your children. Remember what they say, most accidents happen when you are almost at home. It’s amazing how many children I see improperly buckled, seated or babies in their parent’s laps in the front seat as the car is moving!

4. Leave the House 5- 10 Minutes Early: Or at least try to. If you think you need to leave the house at 2:30, leave at 2:20. Because without a doubt a child will want to run in for one last thing, someone will have to pee, or you’ll forget the cell phone and have to rush in yourself. So by the time you actually leave, 5 – 10 minutes have flown by. If you take into account those last minute extras, you won’t be rushing on the road. And if by some miracle everyone did get in the car the first time, you can enjoy a nice leisurely drive to your destination.

5. Follow the laws of the road: Obey the speed limit, follow the traffic lights, stop completely at a stop sign, and don’t try to race a slowing or stopping school bus. All of these laws are in place for your safety and the safety of those around you. The result is you can teach your children good driving habits and you can avoid paying a nasty traffic ticket yourself!

Those are my five top driving tips for moms, although all drivers can benefit from them. The difference is that moms easily place their children’s safety first, so when in doubt remember if you don’t want your children to be harmed, just keep your eye on the road, your foot light on the pedal and pay attention to your surroundings (not your phone) when driving.

Get more safety tips from Esurance on their blog (blog.esurance.com), Twitter ( @esurance ) or Facebook. You can like them right below!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Esurance blogging program for 8,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Well, lucky us! I was able to surprise my hubby with a wireless Panasonic Camera! (“Surprise! Now go install it!“) With a mixture of know-how and following the instructions, my husband was able to put the little robot eye (what my kids think it is) by our front window within an hour. You don’t want this OUTSIDE. This is a camera you keep indoors by a front window or elsewhere in the house to keep an eye on things. It is motion activated, so if  something goes by the camera it will start capturing video.

For example, right now I went online to my online control panel and typed in my log in and password. Then I chose the link for buffered image – and I can see my husband cleaning his car. He did that YESTERDAY. But the wireless camera captured it. I an keep watching and see when I came home, some random night shots, when hubby left for work and when I left for school and the doctor. And sure enough, I see that my husband came home when I was out … to drop something off and go on his way again. Nothing illicit going on. But I am glad I have an ability to keep an eye on things with my mobile phone with alerts and review things when I get home from my laptop.

Cat woman on the prowl.

So you can check out image quality, I have one picture of a “bad kitty” leaving paw prints on my husband’s car – see photo to the right. (Hey, we got to have fun, right?) And video of a nighttime boogie going on in our front yard. You can see the video above – via YouTube.

I wish I could tell you more, but it’s that easy to use once installed. You just set it down and either set it up for alerts or to record with motion detection using your online control panel. Then you can review the images and video as needed. Not only is it a great way to keep an eye on the front yard, but in the house too. If your house is being broken into, common around the holidays, set the camera up high in a corner of the room to get an alert and call the police ASAP. Want to see what your pets are doing during the day, set it up to watch the pets as they curl up (or you think they curl up) when you leave. You can also leave it on to keep an eye on a sitter when you are out on date night! Or maybe you want extra assurance when your kids come home and you are at work, you can set it up for an alert and video surveillance at that time too for their safety.

Oh – one cool thing is that you CAN control the “eye” remotely. So I can log on from another computer or my mobile phone and have the eye turn to watch another section of the yard. And the camera can detect body heat, sound and motion. You can use any of the sensors separately or simultaneously. They can also be set to be active at specific times of the day.

Since the camera is wireless, you don’t need to plug it into a computer to access the images. It sends the images wirelessly to the network. BUT, you do need to plug it into the wall for power. You can check out the camera we are using here: Panasonic Wireless Network Camera. It records 30 frames per second. You can get the Panasonic BL-C230A Wireless Internet Security Camera (See all Webcams & Network Cameras)
for just $199 and free shipping from Amazon. If you have trouble connecting it, I hear that customer support is helpful! But my husband did it on hos own without sweat or swears.

One winner will receive the Panasonic Wireless Network Surveillance Camera

(Retail $299.00, Model #BL-C230A)

FIRST: MANDATORY ENTRY:

• How would you use the Panasonic Wireless Network Surveillance Camera

SECOND: EXTRA ENTRIES:

To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED/MANDATORY entry. But for extra entries, you can do the following – leave a comment for each:

• Add theMomBuzz to your Twitter
• Share this contest on your Facebook page – Link it to @theMomBuzz – Here is the text:

Win a Panasonic Wireless Surveillance Camera @theMomBuzz – Give-away ends 10.12.11 http://themombuzz.com/?p=18140

• Tweet the contest. Here is an example – can be done daily:

#win a Panasonic Wireless Surveillance Camera #theMomBuzz – Visit http://themombuzz.com/?p=18140

• Leave a comment on any other post/contest on theMomBuzz
• On my Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/themombuzz) – leave me a comment telling me what YOU think happens in your house/frontyard/backyard when you aren’t at home. (In other words, what do you THINK you’ll catch on camera with this Panasonic Surveillance Camera?)
• Stumble any review or post on theMomBuzz.com (Please don’t Stumble Give-aways). Let me know what you Stumbled!
• Add the Mom Buzz to your blogroll (Feed: http://themombuzz.com/feed/)
• Put the Mom Buzz button on your site! See code for bottom on footer of theMomBuzz.com (2 entries, leave 2 comments)

Contest ends 10/12/11. This is open to the USA. Please refer to complete contest rules. The entries listed above are the ONLY entries for this contest. Winners will be notified by e-mail (if supplied in the entry or on profile page), as well as on the Winner’s Wall.

This is solely the opinion of the Mom Buzz. Other people may have different experiences with the product. And don’t forget to enter my other hot contests so you can win and try buzzworthy products! The Mom Buzz received a product sample. Panasonic is not responsible for choosing the winner or promoting this reader give-away.

Because sometimes a picture says it all.

Those two super heroes are protected as they play in their Superman UV 1-Piece Suit. Not just from cryptonite – but dangerous UV rays. Their one-piece sun-smart suits are around elbow length, have a comfortable collar and the length goes around mid-calve. That means I only have to have them stand still long enough for me to apply sunscreen to their faces and ears, arms and hands, and calves and feet. That makes me feel like a super mom, when I am not only saving my children from skin-damaging rays, but saving myself money from having to use a whole can of expensive sunscreen to keep them covered all day as they play at the playground, at the beach or in the pool.

The Superman UV Play and Swim Suit my boys were wearing came with a small towel cape, more for looks than drying capability. I love the added touch, but the real power is in the durability, stretch and style of the 1-piece suit. It comes in a huge range of sizes, so every boy in the family can have one. Sizing starts at size 0 to size 8 and it retails for $39. There is also a 2-piece Superman Swimwear option, long sleeve rash guard and short sleeve rash guard. You can see all Superman Sunwear Options here: Superman UV Children’s Wear

You can google swim shirts, but how do you find the right brand or style. My kids are almost 4 and 5 and my preference right now are the 1-piece suits. They also have board shorts that I pair with a UV shirt. But I just think they look super cute and cool in the one-piece suits, like little surfers. Their vulnerable skin is not only protected from UV rays, but also from gritty sand and little ocean critters as they boogie board and play in the sand at the beach. It has a zipper in the back, with a little cover at the top to keep the zipper tab from rubbing on their neck. The suits I received were a little large, since my boys are between a size 4 and 5 – here they are wearing a 6. But they work perfectly and comfortable, stretching with their bodies and not impeding their beginning swimming style. You can see them in motion here:

Where did these super swim suits come from? SEASONS-UV.com. They have a HUGE selection of cool UV Swimwear for children, tweens and women. They go further than just a wicked-popular design. They also carry color-changing options, helping to remind mom to reapply sunscreen as the day goes on. But the kids just think it’s cool that the shirts change color or design. Prices range from the $20′s for a shirt on up. They also have complementing swim bottoms, hats and other accessories.

SHOP NOW FOR YOUR UV SWIM AND PLAY CLOTHES: SEASONS-UV.com

SOCIAL NETWORKING: I’ve also been following Seasons-UV on Twitter and Facebook and noticed that they had other great give-aways open to follower and fans, as well as valuable Sun Facts that may surprise you. So be sure to follow them and learn more about playing safe in the sun.

One reader will win Summer Package from Seasons-UV.com. This package includes: UV SwimWear, Sun Hat, Sunglasses and Sunscreen.

FIRST: MANDATORY ENTRY:

• Check out Seasons-UV’s Sun Facts. What is a new one you learned, one that surprised you or simply your favorite one?

SECOND: EXTRA ENTRIES:

To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED/MANDATORY entry. But for extra entries, you can do the following – leave a comment for each:

• Add theMomBuzz to your Twitter and Tweet the contest. Leave your Tweet Link. (1 tweet per DAY is allowed)
• Like Seasons-UV on Facebook and tell them you saw them on theMomBuzz.com (2 entries, leave 2 comments)
• Share this contest on your Facebook page – Link it to @theMomBuzz and @SeasonsUV – Here is the text:

Win a Summer Prize Pack from @SeasonsUV & @theMomBuzz – Give-away ends 8.22.11 http://tinyurl.com/64736b4

• Follow Seasons-UV on Twitter
• Tweet the following – can be done daily:

#win a Summer Prize Pack from @SeasonsUV and @theMomBuzz – Visit http://tinyurl.com/64736b4

• Leave a comment on any other post/contest on theMomBuzz
• Stumble any review or post on theMomBuzz.com (Please don’t Stumble Give-aways). Let me know what you Stumbled!
• Add the Mom Buzz to your blogroll (Feed: http://themombuzz.com/feed/)
• Take this survey to help make this site better. All information is confidential. (3 entries, leave 3 comments)

Contest ends 8/22/11. This is open to the USA. Please refer to complete contest rules. The entries listed above are the ONLY entries for this contest. Winners will be notified by e-mail (if supplied in the entry or on profile page), as well as on the Winner’s Wall.

This is solely the opinion of the Mom Buzz. Other people may have different experiences with the product. And don’t forget to enter  my other hot contests so you can win and try buzzworthy products! The Mom Buzz will received the swimsuits shown above. The company is handling prize fulfillment.

Living in Florida, we always have to be on the lookout for Hurricanes and Tropical Systems during Hurricane Season. Hurricane Season officially runs from June 1st to November 30th. And this year might be a tough one, as weather watchdogs like Weather Services International are predicting 15 named storms in 2011, including 8 hurricanes. And hurricanes can spur additional weather emergencies including tornadoes and flooding.

One of the most common occurrences during storms, regardless of severity, is the loss of electricity. When I lived in Puerto Rico we had to go a few weeks without electricity after one hurricane. And in Florida, some of the smallest storms can cause the power to go out. Whether it’s a brief inconvenience or a prolonged outage, it’s good to have flashlights or lanterns that are easily accessible. One that I am trying out now is the Energizer Weatheready Lights that feature long-lasting LED technology. This flashlight line is designed to provide extended runtimes so your family has light where and when it is needed most.

My Weatheready Flashlight plugs into the wall, so it is charged and ready when you need it. When plugged in you can have it on, off or in nightlight mode. When in use, it can last for approximately 3 hours (2 hours and 45 minutes is the claim). And in a power failure, the flashlight will go on automatically in a power failure. When in use, the electrical prongs will fold in for a comfortable grip. The LEDs will never need replacing, use less energy and are virtually unbreakable.

Along with a dependable flashlight, here are other items you will need for your Emergency Preparedness Kit:

• Water: According to FEMA, each person should have a supply of one gallon of water per day for three days, as a normally active person needs at least one-half gallon of water daily just for drinking, in addition to cooking and sanitation.
• Nonperishable food and a manual can opener
• Antibacterial Hand Wipes for when soap and water are not available
• One change of clothing and footwear per person; toys and books for children
• One blanket or sleeping bag per person
• A first aid kit, including necessary prescription medication and eyeglasses
• Pictures of family memebers and pets, in the event of separation
• Pet Care items
• Extra set of Car Keys
• Vehicle fuel tanks filled
• Credit Card or Cash
• Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members

Other emergency preparedness tips include:

1. Develop a family plan so that everyone knows what to do in weather emergencies
2. Know where you will go
3. Secure your home whenever you have time to prepare
4. Have a pet plan to ensure the well-being of your animals.

Have these tips helped you out? Or do have some tips or items to include in an emergency kit not listed above? Let us know and one reader will win a Weatheready Flashlight from Energizer.

One reader will win a Weatheready Flashlight from Energizer.

FIRST: MANDATORY ENTRY:

• Do you have an emergency tip or want to add an item to our emergency kit not listed above? Or what is the most valuable tip that you can take away from the above post? Share in a comment below.

SECOND: EXTRA ENTRIES:

To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED/MANDATORY entry. But for extra entries, you can do the following – leave a comment for each:

• Add theMomBuzz to your Twitter and Tweet the contest. Leave your Tweet Link. (1 tweet per DAY is allowed)
• Leave a comment on any other post/contest on theMomBuzz
• Add the Mom Buzz to your blogroll (Feed: http://themombuzz.com/feed/)
• Share this contest on any other Contest Linky or Forum – let me know where you shared. (2 entries, leave 2 comments)

Contest ends 7/22/11. This is open to the USA. Please refer to complete contest rules. The entries listed above are the ONLY entries for this contest. Winners will be notified by e-mail (if supplied in the entry or on profile page), as well as on the Winner’s Wall.

Other people may have different experiences with the product. And don’t forget to enter my other hot contests so you can win and try buzzworthy products! The sponsor is handling prize fulfillment. The Mom Buzz received the costume for review. AnytimeCostumes.com is also supplying a second costume for the winner.

When the new smart phones came out, I thought they were just “another gadget”. But the more I use it, the more I love it. Mine doesn’t have video capability – but I love that I can take photos of my boys anywhere, deal with e-mail, stay in touch with different social networks … and don’t get me started on all the wonderful apps. There are educational ones for the boys, just time-wasting games that are great if you are stuck somewhere for a while, apps to let you know how long lines are at theme parks, when you can take a bathroom break at the movies, map out destinations and more. The apps range from entertainment to useful.

One app that is FREE and that is practically a must-have mommy app for summer is iTriage. This free app will give you medical information when you need it most. If you, your friend, children or family are having a medical issue that doesn’t require you to dial 911 immediately, you just grab your iPhone and start the iTriage app. There you will see a list of options:

• Call 911
• Find Medical Treatment (Emergency, Pharmacies, Outpatient Clinics and more)
• Find a Doctor (Allergies, Cardiology, Cosmetic, Dentistry, etc.)
• Look up your Symptoms (Abdominal pain, Blue Skin Tone, Confusion with Headache, Shortness of Breath, etc)
• Research Diseases (Ant Bites, Body Lice, Cat Bites, Cataracts – the list is EXTENSIVE!)
• Learn about Procedures (Allergy Testing, Biopsy, Carpal Tunnel, etc)
• Your Health Record (Requires Google Health Account)

Here is a cute video to learn more:

My husband commented on  how excellent this information would have been a few weeks ago, when they had to call for an ambulance at his office. I haven’t had to use it yet, but I’ve looked through the app for some possible summer issues that moms might be concerned about or run into. I found EVERYTHING I could think off.

Accidents Happen

1. Sunburn

2. Sun Poisoning

3. Ant bites

4. Bee Stings

5. Allergies

6. Motion sickness

7. Sprain

I located them under “diseases”. Once you choose your problem, it will lead you to find medical help, a description of the problem and symptoms, tests, images, videos and treatment. So for example, with sunburn it says the best treatment is prevention. But once it occurs (which is why you looked it up) to avoid further exposure to the sun, cool showers and bath, moisturizers and ibuprofen or acetaminophen. The app is THAT EASY to use!

WHY YOU SHOULD DOWNLOAD iTriage:

• It’s Free.
• It’s great to have  IMMEDIATELY when you need it. Don’t waste time downloading it when you are dealing with a minor medical issue.
• It doesn’t take up any room in a diaper bag/carry-on or purse. It’s on your smartphone, which you already carry with you.
• It’s great for traveling abroad, since then you have medical information ready in English.

More Reviews:

• Daily App Show – iTriage
• Healthagen in the News

To download iTriage visit here:

• Android Link: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.healthagen.iTriage&feature=top-free
• iPhone Link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/itriage-symptom-checker/id304696939?mt=8

This is solely the opinion of the Mom Buzz. Other people may have different experiences with the product. And don’t forget to enter my other hot contests so you can win and try buzzworthy products! The Mom Buzz was compensated for this review.