February 1982

EDITOR at large

You might notice as you go through the magazine this month that our old "He Cooks" feature has received a new name. We've decided to rechristen it "My Turn to Cook," a title that seems to me more appealing and less sexist. Also, this feature is appearing in color after slightly more than a decade of being confined to black and white.

How Is Work Affecting American Families?

Last June we published a questionnaire in this magazine to find out how our readers feel about work, and how their jobs are affecting their family living. In the past decade, we have witnessed a dramatic increase in two-job middle-income households in general, and in households with children under 18 in particular.

A Renaissance of CLASSIC ROSES

Look around and you'll see that old-fashioned garden roses are making a comeback. These romantic roses were popular before hybrid teas were introduced, and they're winning new fans for several reasons. They're beautiful and fragrant, and most are extremely resistant to pests and diseases. ...

Crafty Sewing Machine Techniques

Shine up your sewing machine and round up your stitchery supplies. We're about to teach you some intriguing new sewing tricks. We've taken four basic techniques-- machine couching, appliqué, cutwork, and embroidery-- and designed imaginative new projects around them. In less time than you think, you can stitch all sorts of treasures-- from pincushions to tablecloths-- that will brighten your home and make perfect gifts. And best of all, you can create all of our projects using a basic zigzag machine.

THE 1982 BH&G HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTEST

Want to make your 1982 remodeling project really pay off? Enter our 1982 Home Improvement Contest. In case you missed our announcement in the January, 1982, issue, here are the details.

Individual Retirement Accounts A TAX-SHELTERED NEST EGG FOR YOU

For millions of people, perhaps the biggest bonanza to come out of last year's tax bill is the opportunity to sock away funds systematically through a tax-deferred individual retirement account, or IRA. IRAs have been around since 1975, but only for people who were not covered by a pension or profit-sharing plan.

Gardener's log

"All seasons shall be sweet to thee/Whether the summer clothe the/General earth with greenness, or the/Redbreast sit and sing betwixt the/Tufts of snow on the bare branches/Of mossy appletree."

THE HAZARDS OF SWALLOWING

COMPUTER VDTs: ARE THEY SAFE?

It's estimated that from seven to ten million Americans are using computer-linked video display terminals (VDTs) on the job, at home, or at school.

LASER TREATMENT FOR BIRTHMARKS

Until recently, an irregular red birthmark on the face was considered a permanent disfigurement. But that's no longer the case for many adults. Today scientists say three out of four such birthmarks in persons over age 30 can be lightened, sometimes considerably.

GOOD NEWS ABOUT PREVENTING MENTAL RETARDATION

Youngsters with an inherited disorder in the way the body uses the amino acid phenylalanine once were doomed to mental retardation.

SPORTS-RELATED EYE INJURIES

Nine in ten eye injuries that occur during sports can be avoided by using appropriate eye protection, asserts the National Society to Prevent Blindness.

MEDICAL EXAMS: HOW OFTEN?

THE HIDDEN COSTS OF CARING FOR DISABLED YOUNGSTERS

Toothbrush Tips

Has your toothbrush had it? According to the American Dental Association, half the toothbrushes Americans use are worn-out. Next time you need a new toothbrush, do your teeth a favor and take time to select the one that's best suited to your needs.

IDEA KITCHEN With a Center for Every Activity!

What makes a good kitchen? That's the question Better Homes and Gardens editors and Whirlpool Corporation staffers have been brainstorming for over a year. And here are our answers, exemplified in this idea kitchen.

AIR-LOCK ENTRIES TWO DOCKS ARE BETTER THAN ONE

When you let the cat out tonight, some of your energy dollars will probably slip out, too, because the incoming air will make your furnace work overtime. You can't avoid opening the door, of course, but you can certainly minimize the adverse effects --and acquire some useful entry space-- by adding an air-lock vestibule.

The Charm of Country Collectibles Decorating With Americana

Once you collect your first piece of old china, stained glass, basketry, or whatever else catches your fancy, you're hooked. Before you know it, you've acquired a fascinating assortment of treasures-- and a classic where-to-put-it problem.

Guide to America's BEST FAMILY CRUISES

There's never been a better time for you and your family to vacation at sea. More cruise ships are sailing than ever before, itineraries are about as varied as they can be, and the new informality aboard ship is perfect for families. Best of all, prices are right for taking along the whole family.

Shopping editor's choice

Discover the ease and pleasure of shopping by mail. Order from the convenience of your own home with complete confidence. If not delighted, each company will happily refund your money.

The Man Next Door

Peg Pawley, who runs the card shop in the mall, says most of this year's valentines fall into one of two categories-- lacy or racy.