HACKENSACK, N.J. — Sand-filled dump trucks — up to 50 a day — rolled onto beaches along the Delaware Bay recently in a feverish attempt to restore shorelines that had been washed away by Superstorm Sandy.

The senses are a driving force for many, and none are more demanding than the sense of taste. It is the driving force that compels the young and young-at-heart to seek out new and exciting ways to satisfy their culinary desires. And Lodi and its neighboring areas are willing to oblige.

Let's face it. When it comes to graduation gifts, most students would probably prefer cold, hard cash. Or maybe a plane ticket for a European backpacking trip or a Mexican beach vacation.

Dear Pharmacist: I’ve had migraine headaches for 11 years and live on triptan drugs and ibuprofen. There must be something else I can do. Please lend some sensible “Suzy” insight, I’m desperate. — J.C.,  Tuscon, Arizona

(BPT) - Are you killing your pet with kindness? We’re not talking about the compassion that motivates us to vaccinate our pets, or keep them warm in cold weather. Kindness that can be harmful to pets comes in the form of an overabundance of food and treats. The all-too-common result is a pet that becomes overweight or even obese.

(NAPSI)If youre among the nearly 75 percent of menopausal women who suffer from hot flashes,¹ it can be tough to enjoy the sunny weather worrying about a sudden hot flash in summertime. And since hot weather tends to be a common hot flash trigger,² these sudden feelings of warmth can be exacerbated. But, with just a little planning and preparation you can get on the right track to an enjoyable summer.

There is an old saying: "You never miss what you have until you lose it." And that statement came to play in my life in April.

(BPT) - Even as the country moves out of the great recession, many Americans are still in a money-saving mode – looking to conserve wherever possible.

(BPT) - While children long for the lazy carefree days of summer, many adults view the season as a reason to be active and get healthy. Whether it's to look good for an upcoming beach vacation or simply to have the energy to enjoy the season to the fullest, setting health goals is a great first step.

Every spring during the 1950s, my Sicilian grandmother Nonna would host the entire California branch of the Guzzardi family to a home cooked Italian feast. More than a week in preparation, the meal included all the Italian favorites including pasta dishes, sausages, peppers and artichokes.

(NAPSI)—Just because gas prices go up, that doesn’t mean your driving has to go down.

(NAPSI)—Whether it’s a vacation road trip or your daily commute to work, when the temperatures climb higher on the outside, things are also heating up under the hood of your car.

(NAPSI)You can express your warm feelings for anyone you care about with something fresh and wonderful you baked yourself.

(NAPSI)—Superfruits—fruits that are exceptionally rich in vitamins and antioxidants—are popular ingredients in a variety of healthy foods.

(StatePoint) Whether you are motivated to help the planet or simply want to slash home energy and water bills, there are easy steps to reduce your home’s carbon footprint.

(BPT) - Winter lingered far too long this year. It was cold, it was blustery, and many of us were left wondering if it would ever end. Now summer is here - and it’s time to get outdoors.

American Association of University Women Co-President Pat Stump is a Master Gardener, in addition to all her many other accomplishments which include painting beautiful watercolors, playing the harpsichord, and birding the world including the Pribilof Islands with David Sibley. Larry Stump, her husband, describes himself as a “tag along” to Pat, although he is a pediatrician and avid gardener. They presented the AAUW April program which featured their adventures in gardening.

(BPT) - Warm weather offers many sweet delights, from trips to the beach and more free time, to seasonal foods and soirees with family and friends. Unfortunately, many of the foods we commonly associate with spring and summer are high in added sugars. Hidden sugar in summer foods can make it a challenge to regulate calories and stay on track with your health goals.

(BPT) - Simple, fresh and delicious – that’s summertime eating at its best. Less time in the kitchen means more time to enjoy the bright delicious flavors of just-picked berries, peaches, greens and other vegetables.

Though it’s not used to quench thirst, Brady Whitlow, president of Corto Olive Oil, looks at the product simply: as freshly squeezed juice.

(BPT) - Sunny days and clear skies are perfect for making exterior home improvements. Homeowners want to use their time and money wisely, so it’s important to choose projects that are low-maintenance and have a good return on investment. 

(BPT) - The weather’s heating up and that means one thing: road trips.

(BPT) - If you’ve ever felt sick or battled a bug, you may have asked your doctor for an antibiotic. Ever since the advent of these wonder drugs, these medications have one common goal: fight bacteria in the body to help maintain a healthy immune system. As new medical breakthroughs emerge, the role of antibiotics has also evolved and helped patients dealing with anything from ear infections to serious lung infections like pneumonia.

(NAPSI)The warmer months mean social gatherings, travel and an active outdoor lifestyle. Ensure that you take the appropriate steps to stay safe and healthy this summer so you can have fun with confidence.