Your Family

By DANIEL S. LEVY

LOW VACATION INFLATION Getting ready to load up the kids and dog for that family trip? AAA last week released its 1999 summer-travel study, and the average daily cost for a vacationing family of four is $213, up only 1% from last year. The most affordable destinations are in Great Plains states like the Dakotas and Nebraska. No surprise: the most expensive spots are in Hawaii, New York and New Jersey.

BABY GOT BACH Many of those diaper bags that new mothers get when they leave the hospital now contain a Smart Symphonies CD, including works by Bach, Beethoven and other greats. It's a promotion sponsored by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Foundation and the maker of Enfamil baby formula. Why symphonies? Studies show that classical music can stimulate brain development in babies, helping them appreciate relationships of sequence and time that will prove useful later when they study math and science.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Last week brought encouraging news for older Americans who would like to stay in their homes but have difficulty getting around in them. A new study in the Archives of Family Medicine shows that simple household modifications such as installing ramps, lowering cabinets and removing throw rugs--along with the use of such support devices as canes and walkers--can let frail elders remain independent at home. And the cost of these changes can be as little as one-fourth the price of in-home assistance, or a move to a nursing home. --By Daniel S. Levy