Whether you witness a catastrophic event or discover that you must give an unprepared speech in the next 30 seconds, crises happens. And regardless of magnitude, the "recipe" for responding to any of them is the same. The first step is the most important - avoiding panic and emotional confusion by staying in the moment and focusing only on what is directly in front of you. This is easier said than done, because most crises instill immediate fear - fear of what's coming next. If you detach…

Influenza can lead to hospitalization, even death. Each year, on average 35,000 people die from flu in the U.S. The majority are over 65. Being healthy as an ox won't make you resistant to it. So the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting vaccinated. Concerned about the vaccine's risk, safety, makeup and side effects? Flu virus strains change, but did you know the most infective strain hit in 1918-19? It killed 40 million people rivaling the Black Death of Europe in…

Holiday drinking and driving don't mix. On average, a drunk driver will drive 80 times under the influence before his or her first arrest. One person in the U.S. is killed in a drunk-driving incident approximately every 35 minutes - about 40 people a day. Ninety percent of all drunk drivers had someone sober nearby who could have intervened to help prevent their getting behind the wheel. Fifty to seventy-five percent of people who have their license suspended due to drunk driving continue to…

Will you be using the holiday season to help a child learn about charity or volunteerism? The goal, of course, is helping a child grow into an adult who values the importance of helping others who are less fortunate. Your community is sure to have many opportunities, but even a simple craft gift made by a child can brighten the day of someone in need. Tip: Try discussing with the youngster the positive feelings of doing something beneficial for others. This small exercise in self-awareness will…

Start early to teach children leadership skills. It enhances their self-esteem and imparts a stronger sense of responsibility, giving them a proactive, solution-focused view of their world. Show them how to choose a goal, pursue it, stay on task, and mark progress. Help them understand positive and constructive feedback. Teach celebrating success - and also how to share credit with those who helped them achieve it. Contrast small goals with larger ones that have a life-changing impact. Teach…

Research shows that coworkers who witnesses bullying in the workplace are more likely to leave before the victimized worker does. This sheds light on one cost of bullying - turnover. Make it a rule to take appropriate steps to intervene or bring management's attention to a bullying situation. The talent drain you to help prevent might be your own. Be proactive when it comes to help discourage discrimination, harassment, disrespect, and bullying behaviors. It's called being a "change agent".…

If your first thought about budgets is "Eek"! Life will be miserable!" then it's time to clear up a few myths. Myth #1: "I can't live comfortably or have fun!" "You can find bargains, travel discounts, and special deals elsewhere if you look, even at the best places! Myth #2: "My spouse (partner) and I will fight over expenses." You may argue less if you take advantage of the free budget counseling services at a Consumer Credit Counseling Center. Myth #3: "Putting money aside is difficult."…