HOW TO вЂў HEALTH/MEDICAL вЂў HOME-MISC How to get a cleaner, healthier home this spring Springtime is the best time to get your home and outdoor equipment ready for the approaching warm weather, and the sooner you start the sooner you will be ready to enjoy the spring and summer months. Here are some suggestions to make your home as healthy and as clean as possible. MARCH 2012 EDITORIAL PACKAGE Themed Section: Spring вЂ¦ On the Road SC123A00 Warmer weather is just around the bend, and that means the return of spring road trips and fun in the sun. Loaded with advertiser tie-in opportunities, this section has all a reader needs to ready his or her ride to hit the open road in the months ahead. Begins on 10 Themed Section: All About Pets PE123A00 Families increasingly go above and beyond for their pets, and this section has everything a pet owner needs to ensure the family pet is as healthy and happy as possible. Advertisers wonвЂ™t want to miss this opportunity to run alongside a host of pet-themed features focusing on an array of topics, from pet adoption to pet health and much, much more. Page 16 Get rid of mold and mildew When the house is closed up tight for the winter, itвЂ™s easy for mold and mildew to take hold and grow, and such growths can adversely affect your respiratory system while potentially causing sinus congestion and eye irritation. Mold and mildew growth also creates unsightly stains, damaging paint and wall finishes as a result. Spray NineВ® Cleaner/Disinfectant is very effective at controlling mold and mildew, addressing not only existing mold and mildew around the house, but also preventing any future problems. Further prevent mildew by venting bathrooms or opening a window to dry out the room after showering. Also check for and remedy any leaks that can contribute to mold and mildew growth. In attics, basements and utility rooms, consider the use of a desiccant, which will remove moisture from the air. Protect against allergens, viruses and bacteria Effectively cleaning a home can involve several preventive measures to keep everyone free from viruses and bacteria. Spray NineВ® Cleaner/Disinfectant takes just 45 seconds to disinfect a surface of harmful bacteria, including those associated with food poisoning, whooping cough and even infections such as MRSA. Registered as a hospital grade disinfectant by the Environmental Protection Agency, the spray takes even less time to disinfect a surface against viruses, doing so in just 30 seconds while protecting a homeвЂ™s inhabitants from viruses including Influenza A2, Poliovirus Type I, a type of polio, and others that can cause the common cold and respiratory illnesses. Spray NineВ® can be a very effective first line of defense against flu viruses and other bacteria. Another way to redue the spread of illness is to make sure everyone in the household washes their hands when coming in from school, work or from shopping. Say вЂ�Au RevoirвЂ™ to Odor Readying a home for fresh, spring days also entails ridding its interior of odor. Spray NineВ® Brand Odor Eliminator neutralizes offensive odors on contact by вЂњcagingвЂќ their molecules so they are no longer detectable to the nose. Homeowners can eliminate odors in their kitchens, carpets and even their musty basements, ensuring the home is odor-free for the long winter months ahead. In lieu of smoke and pet odors, Odor Eliminator provides a fresh floral scent and can even be added to compatible cleaning solutions to freshen the home as you clean. Think about adding houseplants as well. Plants are natural air filters and can go a long way toward cleaning the air of contaminants and odors. Outdoor equipment The warm-weather season is also barbecue season. Spray NineВ® Brand BBQ Grill Cleaner does double duty as a heavy-duty cleaner and a hard surface disinfectant. It easily dissolves grease, fat and burned-on food for quick cleanup with less effort. The cleaner also kills foodborne germs that contaminate food preparation surfaces, including Salmonella and E.coli in just 45 seconds. It can also be used on propane tanks, countertops, stainless steel, painted surfaces, BBQ covers, and ceramic and tempered glass. Remember, when cooking food on the grill, do not reuse marinade after it has touched raw meat or poultry. Promptly scrape down the grill surface while the barbecue is still warm to remove most of the drippings and scraps of food for easier clean-up. Patio Furniture The warm weather enables people to venture outdoors and commune with nature. Prepping the patio furniture for a new season of use often involved a lot of elbow grease and time. But Spray NineВ® Brand Patio Furniture Cleaner cleans, kills germs, helps control mold and mildew and destroys bacterial odors in a matter of minutes while digging out grease, grime, fingerprints, bird droppings, suntan lotion, and other tough stains from outdoor and poolside furniture. The key benefit is its ability to kill harmful germs like Salmonella enterica, E. coli and AthleteвЂ™s Foot Fungus. Tackle spring cleaning projects with ease. More information is available at www.spraynine.com. SH122943 REAL ESTATE вЂў CONSUMER TIPS вЂў HOME-MISC Your dream home doesnвЂ™t have to be just a dream вЂў Think Green вЂ” Page 7 Consumers are eager to learn how to make their lives and homes вЂњgreener.вЂќ Give them timely and valuable info with an environmental focus and related advertisers with вЂњThink GreenвЂќ features each month. вЂў Bonus Weekly Features вЂ” Page 21 Bonus Weekly Features, which include KidsвЂ™ Corner, Horoscopes, Crossword Puzzles, and Prime Cuts recipes, offer even more ways to reach newspaper readers and make money through complimentary advertising. Access them, as well as daily sudoku puzzles and weekly word finds, through the Bonus Features menu of the MCC Editorial Library. Check it out today. вЂў Templated Special Sections Save time by getting these and every monthвЂ™s sections as fully-templated 24-page layouts. See MetroCreativeConnection for details or call Metro Client Services at 1-800-223-1600 for information and pricing. Coming Next Month: Lawn & Garden Time вЂў On the Water April Timely Features All features are copyright-free and accessible online to utilize in print publications or on your Web site: вЂў Online вЂ” Access current editorial material from MetroвЂ™s home page at www.metrocreativeconnection.com, where there is a link to log in to the Metro Editorial Library. Subscribers can search and download from a complete 13-month archive of features and accompanying photos and related imagery. Cover designs are located in the Spec Ads & Covers Library. вЂў e-Edition вЂ” View Metro editorial monthly packages as an online e-Edition by logging into any MetroCreativeConnection Library and clicking the Metro e-Edition link. The entire issue may be downloaded as a PDF file. Metro Editorial Services 519 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018 voice 800.223.1600 вЂў fax 212.967.4602 www.met rocreativeconnection.com The dream of owning your own vacation home is one shared by men and women all over the world. Who wouldnвЂ™t want their very own sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of every day life? According to Andrew Nadalin, President of Pace 2000 Inc., a leading custom home builder in Port St. Lucie, Florida, many people not only want their own vacation home, but they already know what it is they want from their home. вЂњWeвЂ™re finding that customers have very definite ideas of what they want in their dream homes,вЂќ says Nadalin. вЂњTheyвЂ™ve waited until just the right time to make that dream come true, and they donвЂ™t want to compromise the image they have in their mind of what their ultimate home will feature.вЂќ When it comes to finding a place to call home away from home, consumers tend to prefer somewhere that offers year round warm weather and unlimited games of golf, as well as proximity to local shopping hotspots and access to community activities. This puts a premium on warm weather locales such as Port St. Lucie, which was named one of the 10 fastest growing cities in the country, providing vacationers all the warm weather golf, shopping and nightlife they need. Located at the southern end of mainland St. Lucie County, in the southeastern part of the state, Port St. Lucie has been called the Jewel of the Treasure Coast. More than 300 years ago, several Spanish galleons carrying gold and silver are thought to have shipwrecked off the southeastern shore of Florida, dump- ing their vast treasures into the ocean. And the Treasure Coast was born. But locale likely wonвЂ™t be all thatвЂ™s on the minds of men and women shopping for a vacation home. Before shoppers start their search, Nadalin offers the following advice. вЂў Consider custom built. Many consumers might think custom built homes are beyond their price range, but such homes are growing in popularity. вЂњSometimes customers come to us with a lot already chosen, other times we help them find just the right lot,вЂќ says Nadalin. вЂњBut they always have definite ideas about what is going on the property.вЂќ Much of the benefit of a custom built home lies in the options a homeowner has as opposed to a resale where many of the decisions have already been made. Buyers who choose a custom built home can select the features and layout they want, instead of being forced to live with the design preferred by a homeвЂ™s previous owners. вЂў Work with someone you can trust. Because itвЂ™s a vacation home, chances COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT are buyers wonвЂ™t know any local builders or contractors they can trust. Nadalin notes that buyers should be comfortable with a builder and avoid those who arenвЂ™t ready and willing to discuss their history. вЂњItвЂ™s important to look for a builder that can deliver hands-on experience, dedication and commitment to the project,вЂќ says Nadalin. вЂњThe builder should have as much passion for fulfilling the quest for the dream home as the customer does.вЂќ Shop around for a builder, asking other residents of the community if they can recommend any professionals and if there are any to avoid. Once you have narrowed down the list, ask to see some past and current projects, and be as diligent as possible when doing your homework on a builder. If a builder is reticent about his company and work history, itвЂ™s best to cross him off the list. More information on how to find the right builder to make your dream home a reality is available at www.pace2000homes.com. SH122950 www.met rocreativeconnection.com 2 MAKE MONEY WITH METRO! e-SECTION MICROSITES AND PRINT TEMPLATED SECTIONS A COMPLETE ONLINE & PRINT SPECIAL SECTIONS PACKAGE Now you can get a complete, ready-to-sell special sections package for print and online вЂ” the ultimate combination you need to attract advertisers and readers. Each monthly package contains three timely and popularly themed e-Section MicroSites that are ready to sell and publish to your site, and two print templated special sections that coordinate with the e-Section themes. Plus, get Interactive media kits for prospects to review; Web promotional ads and print promotional ads to assist your sales efforts, and to announce your online sections to your readers and advertisers. 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If you have any ques tions concer ning M etr o editor ial or photo r ights , pleas e contact M etr o C lient S er vices at 1-800-223-1600 or s end em ail to s er vice@m etr o-em ail.com . UK Maple leaf symbol designates features applicable for the Canadian market. This symbol designates features applicable for the United Kingdom. MARCH TIMELY FEATURES вЂ™12 HEALTH/MEDICAL вЂў CONSUMER TIPS вЂў RECREATION/LEISURE HEALTH/MEDICAL вЂў FITNESS/NUTRITION How to find the right spa for you Minerals may promote a good nightвЂ™s sleep Few things are as relaxing as a trip to a spa. Once a spa visit is complete, men and women typically notice theyвЂ™re more relaxed, their bodies feel much better, and they now feel rejuvenated. Once upon a time, spa treatments were considered a luxury only the wealthy could afford. However, spas have become more affordable over the years, and though not necessarily inexpensive, spas can now be enjoyed by people regardless of which tax bracket they fall into. ThatвЂ™s especially true for savvy spa shoppers who know what they want and how to find the right spa for them. The following are a few tricks of the trade to ensure you find a spa that suits your needs without breaking the bank. вЂў DonвЂ™t assume the most expensive spa is the best spa. Regardless of what youвЂ™re buying, it never helps to assume the most expensive item is automatically the best. This same principle can be applied to spas. Fees for spas can range from very cheap to exorbitantly expensive, and a more affordable spa might just be equal to, if not better than, a high-end spa where a single treatment might cost as much as a monthвЂ™s rent. When researching where to go for a spa treatment, consider all options and you might just find an affordable diamond in the rough. A less expensive spa might not have the advertising budget of its high-end counterparts, as the proprietors could be looking to save that advertising money so they can make your treatment more affordable. вЂў Get a recommendation from someone you trust. Oftentimes, the best spas are so good their customers feel the need to spread the word. When shopping for a spa, ask coworkers, friends or family members if they can recommend a facility. When doing so, also ask if thereвЂ™s any particular spas to avoid. That latter question is important because even though spas can be a relaxing way to escape the daily grind, veteran spa customers all seem to have at least one horror story of a spa treatment gone awry. вЂў Use the Internet to your advantage. The Internet has done wonders for spa lovers looking to enjoy a treatment without going broke. Web sites like Groupon.com and LivingSocial.com offer daily discounts on a variety of things, including spa treatments. Sign up for such Web sites, which typically allow you to tailor your interests so you wonвЂ™t be inundated with e-mails for discounted products you donвЂ™t want. Spas pay attention to such Web sites and know if their competitors are offering special deals, so this is a great way to get a good price on a spa treatment. Spa treatments are more affordable than ever, especially for savvy shoppers who know what to look for in a good spa. вЂў Look for a spa that will work with you. When looking for a spa, discuss any issues you might have prior to booking an appointment. For example, if you have sensitive skin, inquire about the products that will be used during your treatment. Men and women with preexisting physical conditions, be it a back issue or muscle spasms, should inquire about the staffвЂ™s experience at dealing with such conditions and which techniques the therapist will use so injuries arenвЂ™t exasperated. Shoppers with preexisting conditions should look for spas that have a history of dealing with such conditions. Consider asking the physician who treats your condition for a recommendation. вЂў DonвЂ™t overdo it. Even if affordable spa treatment offers are flowing into your e-mail inbox at a breakneck pace, try your best to avoid overbooking treatments. A massage, particularly more intense treatments, can tax the body, and you donвЂ™t want to go overboard and end up with feelings of soreness or exhaustion. A reputable spa wonвЂ™t allow you to book more than two or three treatments per day, so be wary of any spa that allows you to book as many as possible on the same day. The soothing benefits of a good spa treatment are no longer a luxury strictly for the wealthy. Just be sure to choose a spa carefully before booking any treatments. TF123913 HEALTH/MEDICAL вЂў MEN вЂў WOMEN вЂў GENERAL INTEREST Recognizing the symptoms and risks for colorectal cancer As men and women know full well, cancer does not discriminate. Few and far between are the men and women whose lives have not been touched by cancer in one form or another. Be it a personal battle with the disease or a connection via a friend, family member, coworker, or other acquaintance, nearly everyone can cite someone in their life who has battled a form of cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, claiming the lives of more than 50,000 men and women in 2007, the most recent year for which statistics are available. In Canada, a country with roughly one-tenth the population of the United States, the Canadian Cancer Society reported that colorectal cancer was expected to claim the lives of nearly 9,000 Canadians in 2011. Such figures illustrate the importance men and women must place on educating themselves about colorectal cancer and its symptoms and potential risk factors. First, however, it helps to understand just what colorectal cancer is and why it is so deadly. What is colorectal cancer? Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in either the colon or the rectum, which make up the large intestine. Often referred to as colon cancer, colorectal cancer can begin anywhere in the large intestine and the majority of colorectal cancers begin as abnormal growths called polyps that develop inside the colon or rectum and become cancers over a long period of time. Who gets colorectal cancer? Colorectal cancer does not discriminate. In fact, of the roughly 53,000 cases of colorectal cancers reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2007, there was a nearly equal split of cases between men and women, with men accounting slightly less than 800 more cases than women over that time. Are there known causes of colorectal cancer? Despite its prevalence, colorectal cancer can rarely be traced to a specific cause. According to the CDC, roughly 75 percent of colorectal cancers occur in people with no known risk factors. However, the following may increase a personвЂ™s risk of developing colorectal cancer: www.met rocreativeconnection.com вЂў A personal or family history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer вЂў Inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or CrohnвЂ™s disease In a very small percentage of colorectal cancer cases, the cause is linked to a genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, also known as Lynch syndrome. Are there symptoms of colorectal cancer? Both colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer donвЂ™t always cause symptoms. This is especially true initially, when people could be living with polyps or cancer and not even know it. Such is the reason screenings for colorectal cancer, which should occur regularly when men and women reach age 50 are so important. But in some cases, the following symptoms may appear: вЂў Blood in or on your stool вЂў Persistent stomach pain or aches вЂў Inexplicable weight loss Though causes of colorectal cancer arenвЂ™t always known, studies have shown exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can decrease risk. More information is available at www.cdc.gov/can cer/colorectal. TF123916 ItвЂ™s 3 a.m. and youвЂ™re staring at the ceiling unable to fall asleep. Or, youвЂ™ve drifted off restfully only to awaken and not be able to fall back asleep. If these scenarios sound familiar, you could be experiencing insomnia. Millions of people suffer from insomnia and wonder if there is any treatment available. Statistics by the National Sleep Foundation and Better Sleep Council indicate that anywhere from 30 to 50 percent of people experience some degree of insomnia during their lifetime. Women are more likely than men to have bouts of insomnia. Age, genetics as well mental health play a large role in the risk factors for insomnia. It is estimated that 90 percent of people who are depressed suffer from insomnia. Those experiencing bouts of insomnia lasting more than a few days may grow anxious and concerned about the situation вЂ” further compounding the problem. Visits with general practitioners may yield a prescription for sleeping pills for the short term. While effective, sleeping pills are not typically a long-term solution and can become physically or mentally addictive. Global sales for all sleeping pills, called hypnotics, will top $5 billion in the next several years, according to pharmaceutical estimates. You may want to consider other methods for improving sleep quality. Most people experiencing sleep disturbances understand the benefits of employing good sleep hygiene. This includes going to sleep at the same time each night and waking at the same time. Alcohol and caffeinated beverage consumption should be stopped several hours before bed time. Exercise and some exposure to the sun can reset a sleep-wake cycle. For those who need a little more help, the use of vitamins and minerals may be all thatвЂ™s needed. Several research studies have shown certain minerals cab be effective at inducing sleep and helping people fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. Research indicates that taking the supplements magnesium and calcium can do more than just support strong bones. According to James F. Balch, M.D., author of вЂњPrescription for Nutritional Healing,вЂќ вЂњA lack of the nutrients calcium and magnesium will cause you to wake up after a few hours and not be able to return to sleep.вЂќ Lack of these nutrients also may prevent fast onset of sleep. Calcium and magnesium have both been referred to as natural sedatives. Calcium works best when itвЂ™s balanced in a 2-to-1 ratio with magnesium. That means for every 200 mg of calcium taken, 100 mg of magnesium should be taken as well. But not all forms of magnesium work best. It has been found that magnesium chloride has the highest absorption rate of many different kinds. Calcium lactate gluconate is also popular for its quick dissolution in water. In a study called, вЂњThe Role of Magnesium in Sleep,вЂќ magnesium was determined to be a possible method of combating insomnia. Researchers found that sleep was induced rapidly and was uninterrupted. Test subjects didnвЂ™t report any residual tiredness the next day, as is common with other sleeping pills. Also, the calming effects of the calcium caused anxiety and tension to be diminished during the day. вЂњCalcium helps the brain use the amino acid tryptophan to manufacture the sleep-inducing substance melatonin,вЂќ says William Sears, M.D. вЂњThis explains why dairy products, which contain both tryptophan and calcium, are one of the top sleep-inducing foods.вЂќ While itвЂ™s best to get nutritional content from foods, supplementation can be helpful if deficient in certain vitamins and minerals. Before adding any supplements to your diet, it is best to discuss your intentions with your doctor. He or she can determine if this course of treatment is safe or risky. TF123909 DID YOU KNOW вЂў GENERAL INTEREST Did you know? Blinded as a toddler, Frenchman Louis Braille would go on to change the world, overcoming his disability and making it easier for millions of others to do the same. Though not initially blind in both eyes after an accident in his fatherвЂ™s workshop at the age of three, the infection that resulted eventually spread to his other eye, blinding young Louis in both eyes before his fifth birthday. In 1821, at the ripe old age of 12, Braille learned a complex communication system devised by the French Army. Though the system was difficult, Braille was inspired to develop his own system for reading and writing. Within three years, BrailleвЂ™s system of six raised dots was largely complete. Sadly, his system was not officially adopted until two years after his death. TF123922 COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT 3 www.met rocreativeconnection.com 4 MARCH TIMELY FEATURES вЂ™12 HEALTH/MEDICAL вЂў CONSUMER TIPS HOME-MISC вЂў SAFETY/SECURITY вЂў PETS How to reduce prescription medication costs Rodent baits can poison more than just mice For the millions of people who rely on prescription medications every day, the day when a drug faces generic competition is one many circle on their calendars. ThatвЂ™s because generic prescriptions are often significantly less expensive than brand name medications, and consumers are able to save substantial amounts of money once a brand name drug faces generic competition. But many men and women currently taking a brand name prescription might be quick to point out that, while generic medications cost less, brand name prescriptions often rise in price in the months before they face generic competition. Such was the findings of a 2011 study from the AARP Public Policy Institute that examined the 217 brand name drugs most commonly used by people in Medicare. Prices of drugs facing generic competition in 2010 rose by an average of nearly 14 percent in 2009, an increase that was nearly twice the amount of all other drugs. So while drugs might be more affordable once they can be purchased generically, consumers can expect brand name drug manufacturers to drastically increase their prices in the months prior to facing generic competition, as the manufacturers are, in a way, looking for one last big revenue score before their patents expire. ThatвЂ™s a troublesome reality for anyone taking a brand name prescription, but especially so for older men and women living on fixed incomes. Though drug manufacturers arenвЂ™t likely to change their practices, there are still ways men and women can reduce prescription medication costs. вЂў Ask for generics. If there are generic alternatives to brand name medications available, always ask a physician for those medications instead of their more expensive brand name counterparts. DonвЂ™t just assume a physician will prescribe generics. Sometimes doctors prescribe brand name medications despite the availability of cheaper and equally effective generic medications. вЂў вЂњTest driveвЂќ a drug first. Just because a doctor prescribes a drug does not mean the patient will respond to that drug. Many men and women find they are too sensitive to a given medication and stop taking it after just a few days. Unfortunately, they paid for a full prescription and cannot return the pills they donвЂ™t plan to use. Individuals who have a history of sensitivity to medications should вЂњtest driveвЂќ a drug first, ordering just a few pills or asking a physician for samples to see how well the body handles them. This wonвЂ™t necessarily matter for people with flat-dollar copayments (you will essentially have to pay two copayments if the drug proves effective), but those without such a plan can save themselves some money if medication does not work out. вЂў Buy in bulk. Men and women who have been taking a certain medication for a long time and expect to keep taking it might want to consider buying the medicine in bulk. This can save money; just make sure pills purchased wonвЂ™t surpass their expiration date before you take them. вЂў Inquire about combination medications. Sometimes medications used to treat the same condition can be purchased as combination pills. This will only require one prescription instead of two. On a similar note, men and women taking medications for two different conditions might also be able to take just one medication that treats both conditions. For instance, some blood pressure medications have proven effective at treating other conditions as well. But donвЂ™t experiment on your own. Consult your physician about your medications and ask if any of them can be used to effectively serve double-duty and save you money. вЂў Look for programs that offer relief. There are programs that offer some relief with regards to paying for prescription medications. Discuss such plans with a physician to determine your eligibility, which might be determined by your age or current prescriptions. TF123890 HOLIDAYS-WINTER вЂў GENERAL INTEREST Ireland by the numbers 8: The number of top global technology companies that call Ireland home. 15: The number of medical devices firms located in Ireland. 30: Number Europeans, in millions, who enjoy beef due to exports from Ireland. 10: The number of the top-selling prescriptions made in Ireland. 16.4: Billions of premiums of cross-border life insurance policies across Europe provided by Irish insurance firms. 4,581,269: The number of people residing in Ireland. 360: The number of kilometers of IrelandвЂ™s one land border with Northern Ireland. 155: The amount, in liters, of beer consumed in the country per person per year. Ireland ranks No. 1 on the list. 495,000: The number of people residing in Dublin, the capital city. 120: The ranking of Ireland in terms of the most populated places on TF123861 Earth. Looking for more St. PatrickвЂ™s Day features? Search MetroвЂ™s cumulative Editorial Library of MetroCreativeConnection at www.metrocreativeconnection.com www.met rocreativeconnection.com Rats and mice are animals that most people would prefer remain outdoors and away from their homes. But as seasons and homes change, the likelihood that rodents will venture inside increases. This leaves homeowners looking for ways to alleviate the problem, and many choose poison to evict their unwanted guests. Though effective on mice, poisons can prove harmful to pets as well. Rodents, particularly house mice, can become quite adapted to living in a home year-round. As long as there is food and a water source, as well as shelter, a mouse can comfortably keep up residence. Although rats are feared much more than mice, mice can actually do more damage in a home. They breed prolifically, can gnaw through wiring and cause fires or electrical problems, contaminate everything they come across with urine and feces, and can carry a host of diseases. Anything from salmonellosis to Lyme disease may be transmitted by mice. The National Pest Management Association says that the house mouse is the most common rodent pest in most parts of the world. A female house mouse can give birth to up to a dozen babies every three weeks and as early as when the mouse is 2 months old. That can add up to 150 babies per year. Signs mice are present Mice leave many different signs in a home that alert homeowners to their presence. This includes small dropping pellets and urine. Mouse urine can have a unique smell. Signs of nests, including wadded pieces of scraps, insulation, paper, and other materials can signal a mouse. Also, sounds like scraping, squeaking or scurrying in the walls may be present. Mice may leave dirty smudge marks over routes they routinely take. A mouse that has ample food may nest very close to the food source, traveling only a few feet. Holes or nests might be around food or areas where food is routinely stored. Treating a mouse problem The common methods of handling mice is to put out baited suicide traps or place poison around the home in places where mice have been seen. Most people think that putting the poison where pet cats or dogs canвЂ™t reach it limits their risk for poisoning, but this is not always the case. According to veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker, even pet owners who hide the bait around their homes can wind up with a poisoned dog or cat. Most rodent poisons contain warfarin. This is an anticoagulant that prevents blood from clotting. The mice ingest the poisoned grain or pellets, and the warfarin gets into their bloodstream. The rodent will not be affected immediately вЂ” often it scurries away somewhere else where it essentially bleeds to death in 1 to 2 days. Dogs and cats can be poisoned in two ways. They may ingest the rodent bait outright and exhibit no immediate symptoms. Afterward however, there may be some bleeding from the nose or blood found in urine or feces. Blood may accumulate in the abdomen. Lethargy, pale gums and weakness can also be signs of toxicosis from warfarin. Some dogs and cats that like to hunt bait may consume a rodent that has been poisoned by warfarin. Even if you do not use it in your home, a neighbor may apply the poison. Since mice wander, it is not unlikely that a poisoned mouse could end up on your property or in your home, where a curious cat or dog may investigate. Some pets have been known to consume rodents. Both ways can be fatal if not caught early. Avoiding the use of poisons or relying on live traps can prevent warfarin toxicosis. Urge neighbors to do the same if you are very concerned about your pet. Make sure to supervise dogs and cats when outside and donвЂ™t allow them to consume rodents. Warfarin can also be deadly to small children. It is important to avoid using bait where a child may wander in its path. Children often put foreign objects in their mouths, and it is not unlikely that a mouse could track poisoned bait somewhere else in the home without your knowledge. Avoiding accidental pet poisoning can mean skipping poisoned baits and looking for other extermination methods. TF123923 SENIORS вЂў SAFETY/SECURITY вЂў TRAVEL Precautionary measures older travelers must consider Whether retired or simply an empty nester, older men and women often love their increased opportunities to travel and see the world. Without kids to cater to or college tuition to pay, men and women approaching retirement age, or those who have already passed it by, find themselves with more free time to take to the highways and skyways and experience other cultures. While traveling is a great way to make the most of oneвЂ™s golden years, traveling as an older adult isnвЂ™t the same as it might have been back when you were a carefree teenager or twenty-something backpacking through Europe. Before setting out to see the world, older travelers should consider a host of factors. Documentation Older travelers tend to travel abroad more than they do domestically, so be sure all documentation, including passports for each traveler, is up-to-date. If youвЂ™re traveling for an especially long period of time, be sure your passport is valid beyond the length of the trip. The United States Department of State also notes travelers must determine if the country they plan to visit requires a visa to enter. In addition to passports and any visas you might need, make sure your driverвЂ™s licenses and auto insurance policies are current and will remain so through the trip. This is important for travelers who plan on renting a car during their vacation. DonвЂ™t forget to bring your driverвЂ™s license and proof of auto insurance (as well as contact information for your insurance company should an accident occur) on your trip. Climate & Geography ItвЂ™s also important to consider geographical conditions before establishing any travel plans. Older men and women tend to have more health issues and might even be on prescriptions that can make it challenging to travel to certain areas. Before committing to a trip, consult your physician about the possible effects a certain climate might have on you personally. Some people might be sensitive to altitude and therefore unable to travel to high-altitude locations without putting themselves at serious risk. When considering climate and geography, donвЂ™t overlook a regionвЂ™s history or likelihood of natural disasters. If a given destination has a history of hurricanes, earthquakes or tsunamis, then consider that before making plans. ItвЂ™s still possible to enjoy such destinations, but youвЂ™ll want to travel when such storms or natural disasters are not in season. Luggage & Wardrobe When traveling, it might be comforting to overpack because it can give you the feeling youвЂ™re prepared for any situation that might arise. But donвЂ™t pack so heavily that your luggage COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT Traveling as an older adult might require more caution and planning than it does for young jetsetters, but such measures wonвЂ™t diminish the joy of your travels. becomes a nuisance to take from place to place. If youвЂ™re traveling to especially tourist-friendly regions, keep in mind such locales often have all a traveler needs should he or she have forgotten something or experiences an emergency. When packing your clothes for a trip, keep your wardrobe as conservative as possible. Anything too flashy could draw the attention of con artists or thieves, as tourists often make for easy marks. But donвЂ™t forget to pack some formal attire as well, as clothing that is too casual might make it hard for you to gain access to certain tourist destinations or restaurants. Contact Information While a vacation is an escape for many people, you donвЂ™t want to escape from the world entirely. Make sure loved ones back home have your itinerary and know where you will be staying should an emergency occur. If traveling abroad where you wonвЂ™t have cell phone service, choose resorts or hotels with Internet access and ensure friends or family members you will check in periodically via e-mail. While staying in touch might not be reminiscent of the carefree travels of your youth, doing so will help your loved ones rest easy and will prove invaluable should something unexpected occur. When traveling, older men and women should consider a host of factors before making plans and always make safety a priority. TF123875 www.met rocreativeconnection.com 5 MARCH TIMELY FEATURES вЂ™12 HEALTH/MEDICAL вЂў MEN вЂў WOMEN вЂў SENIORS HOLIDAYS-WINTER вЂў SPECIAL EVENTS Osteoarthritis affects millions of aging men and women Saint PatrickвЂ™s Day celebrations around While there are many benefits to getting older, few people associate the aging process with all the good things that occur as a person approaches their golden years. Instead, aging is more often associated with aches and pains than grandkids and trips around the world. Though such associations are unfortunate, they are rooted in the reality that aging often comes with a few ailments. One such ailment many older adults deal with is osteoarthritis, which, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, affects more than 12 million men and women over the age of 65 in the United States alone. In Canada, one in 10 adults has osteoarthritis, proving this most common form of arthritis does not discriminate based on geography. But as prevalent as osteoarthritis might be, the millions of men and women currently living with the condition are proof that it doesnвЂ™t have to ruin a personвЂ™s golden years. In fact, learning about osteoarthritis, its risk factors and prospective treatment options can help those men and women currently living with the condition or those concerned about developing it down the road. What is osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis, or OA, is also referred to as degenerative joint disease. The most common type of arthritis, OA occurs when cartilage begins to wear away. Cartilage is an essential part of each joint, helping to absorb shock and enabling the joint to move smoothly. OA most often occurs in the bodyвЂ™s weight-bearing joints, which includes the hips, knees and spine. When a person has OA, the cartilage in a joint stiffens and loses it elasticity, which makes it more susceptible to damage. Joints will be stiff in the morning, a stiffness that can last roughly 15 to 20 minutes. As the day progresses and the joints are used more and more, the pain can intensify and swelling can occur. This is typically because, as the jointвЂ™s cartilage continues to deteriorate, the tendons and ligaments are stretching and causing pain. Are there symptoms of OA? There are symptoms of OA, but these can vary greatly from individual to individual. Some people experience few symptoms of OA even if X-rays indicate their joints have undergone significant degeneration. In addition, the pain associated with OA isnвЂ™t necessarily constant, and some people can go years without experiencing any OA-related pain. Such instances are most common among people with OA of the hands and knees. Those who do exhibit symptoms of OA can do so in a variety of ways. Men and women with progressive cartilage degeneration in their knee joints might become bow legged or develop a limp, which will worsen as the cartilage continues to degenerate. OA of the spine often causes pain in the neck or lower back. Severe pain can be caused by bony spurs that form along the spine, and numbness and tingling of affected body parts can result as well. Men and women with OA of the hands can also exhibit symptoms, which are usually bony deformities along the joints of the fingers. HeberdenвЂ™s node is a bony enlargement at the small joint of the fingers that occurs because of bone spurs resulting from OA in that joint. A bony knob that occurs at the middle joint of the fingers, known as BouchardвЂ™s node, is also quite common among men and women with OA of the hands. While neither of these nodes is especially painful, they are associated with limited motion of the affected joint. Patients with OA at the base of the big toes might notice the formation of a bunion, something that researchers suggest is possibly genetic, as it can be found in numerous female members of certain families. The Arthritis Society in Nova Scotia notes that, early on, men and women with OA will find their symptoms are typically only triggered by high impact activities. However, eventually the pain can be triggered by daily activities and might not subside until men and women get adequate rest. Some people even feel pain for most of the day, including when they are attempting to fall asleep at night. Can OA be treated? OA can be treated, but men and women must recognize that it cannot be cured. As mentioned above, some peopleвЂ™s symptoms can disappear for years at a time. But they will return, and treatment, if it was ceased, must then continue. OA is most common among people who are overweight, so one of the most effective ways to reduce pain from OA is to lose weight and get regular exercise. This takes pressure off of joints that are being heavily taxed. To lose weight, choose a low-fat diet that features plenty of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole-grains. For a more specific diet, consult a physician. Though exercising when pain from OA is significant might seem counterintuitive, exercise is actually great for the joints. Each person is different, so consult a physician before beginning a new exercise regimen. However, donвЂ™t shy away from aerobic exercises, including walking, swimming or even riding a bicycle, or strength-training exercises like weightlifting, which makes the muscles stronger and more capable of supporting the joints. And as with any exercise routine, donвЂ™t forget to stretch. Another treatment option for joints hurting because of OA is the application of a heating pad or a cold pack. Cold and heat can be applied several times per day (always cover the skin with a towel prior to application to avoid skin damage). But those nursing an injury should only apply cold for the first few days. Medications are another treatment option for OA. Discuss medications, which can include over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pills, such as Advil, Aleve or Motrin, prescription medications, and corticosteroid injections, with a physician who can help determine the best course of action. While surgery is not a necessary course of treatment for the majority of OA sufferers, for some it is. Surgical options can be a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure, a joint fusion surgery wherein the joint is removed and bones are held together with screws, pins or plates, or a complete or partial joint replacement. Another surgical option is an osteotomy, a procedure where a section of the bone is cut and removed to improve joint alignment and stability. More information about OA is available at the Arthritis Society Web site at www.arthritis.ca. TF123878 BUSINESS/CAREER вЂў HOW TO вЂў GENERAL INTEREST A better work environment serves employees, company Many people spend more time in the office than they do at their own homes. As a result, the environment at the workplace is especially important, and businesses big and small should attempt to make that environment as enjoyable and supportive as possible. A positive workplace environment not only benefits the companyвЂ™s employees, but it also benefits the company. Numerous studies have shown a link between workplace environment and error rate, willingness to collaborate with other employees and even absenteeism. For example, a study by the United KingdomвЂ™s Commission for Architecture & the Built Environment and the British Council for Offices found that something as simple as good lighting and adequate daylight throughout the office can reduce absenteeism by as much as 15 percent. In addition to minor changes around the office, there are several other things companies can do to improve the workplace environment. вЂў Increase and improve communication. Particularly in the current economy, where uncertainty seems to be reigning over many businesses, open and honest communication with employees is especially important. As a result, communicate more frequently and effectively with staff. Let staff know the company is always open to suggestions, and respond to all suggestions to let employees know their opinions matter. вЂў Emphasize respect for others throughout the company. No one wants to come to work and feel disrespected. Foster a culture of mutual respect wherein everyone knows bad behavior between employees simply wonвЂ™t be tolerated. Workplace bullying is not that uncommon, and employees who feel bullied or disrespected at the office are bound to be unhappy and less productive. Make sure everyone from the company CEO to the summer interns are aware that they must respect others and that they deserve respect regardless of their position within the company. вЂў Involve employees when instituting changes. When attempting to improve a workplace environment, go straight to the source for ideas on improvement. Employees are on the ground floor every day, and they are an www.met rocreativeconnection.com invaluable resource as to whatвЂ™s working and whatвЂ™s not working with regards to the environment at the office. Use them to help institute positive changes, and the result will likely be an improved environment as well as employees who feel more valued. вЂў Show appreciation. A 2011 study from Massachusetts-based employee recognition solutions provider Globoforce found that 41 percent of workers studied are not satisfied with the level of recognition they receive at their jobs. Companies hoping to foster a more positive work environment should always show appreciation to their employees when a job is well done. Appreciation can come in many forms, but companies should never avoid expressing gratitude or appreciation simply because they expect their employees to perform their jobs well. While itвЂ™s important to set high expectations for employees, always give recognition and appreciation when employees meet those expectations. Fostering a better workplace environment can be done in a variety of ways and lead to happier, more productive employees. TF123924 the globe Saint PatrickвЂ™s Day is a day synonymous with celebration. Though Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, people of all ethnicities enjoy the festivities each March 17. The following are some of the more well-known Saint PatrickвЂ™s Day celebrations around the globe. вЂў New York City. Perhaps the most famous Saint PatrickвЂ™s Day parade in the world, New York CityвЂ™s annual PattyвЂ™s Day march down 5th Avenue has been around since 1762 and remains a must-see for all fans of Saint PatrickвЂ™s Day traditions. вЂў New Orleans, Louisiana. While New Orleans might be most famous for Mardi Gras and all the revelry that accompanies it, the city also hosts a unique and raucous Saint PatrickвЂ™s Day parade. Just like Mardi Gras, the Saint PatrickвЂ™s parade in New Orleans includes floats, jazz bands and, of course, costumed revelers. вЂў Florence, Italy. Saint PatrickвЂ™s Day celebrations in Florence are an ongoing event, with 10 days of music, food and drink. While Italian cuisine is loved the world over, during their Saint PatrickвЂ™s Day celebrations the Florentines offer their take on Irish food and drink, making this celebration one of the worldвЂ™s most unique. вЂў Oslo, Norway. Saint PatrickвЂ™s Day festivities in Oslo include a parade past the famed Oslo Cathedral. Revelers are encouraged to dress up, as parade participants dress up like famous Irish characters and people throughout Irish history, including Saint Patrick himself. вЂў Toronto, Canada. Though just a quarter-century old, TorontoвЂ™s Saint PatrickвЂ™s Day parade is now one of the largest in North America. Featuring more than 2,000 marchers representing 100 organizations, TorontoвЂ™s annual celebration of Saint Patrick covers roughly two miles and includes floats and lots of live music. вЂў Seattle, Washington. The city of SeattleвЂ™s Irish Heritage Club hosts its own Saint PatrickвЂ™s Day parade and, in fact, a week of celebrations officially known as Irish Week. A two-day Irish festival includes Irish music, singing and dancing as well as several contests and activities for kids. TF123867 CONSUMER TIPS вЂў HOME-INTERIOR Helpful hints for mattress shoppers When the time comes to buy a new mattress, consumers typically exercise due diligence, knowing full well that a bad decision could have lasting effects and lead to many sleepless nights. While shopping for a mattress, consumers can find themselves inundated with information, which can be confusing and make the process much more difficult. However, the following are a few helpful hints consumers should consider to make the process go more smoothly. вЂў Protect the mattress. Warranties are especially important to men and women shopping for a mattress, and understandably so. Shoppers want to know that they are protected by a warranty should their mattress not live up to expectations. Most mattresses come with a decade-long warranty, but consumers should know these warranties are voided if the mattress gets so much as a single stain on it. As a result, consumers should always purchase a waterproof mattress cover and immediately place it on the mattress once it arrives. вЂў Be patient. Chances are, many mattresses on the showroom floor will feel great, especially if your existing mattress is highly uncomfortable. But the goal is to buy a mattress that will feel comfortable over the long term. Discuss your preferences with a salesman, and he should be able to steer you toward the right fit. The process might not go as quickly as you wish, but the decision is one that will have positive or negative ramifications for years to come, so be patient and ensure you make the right call. вЂў You can negotiate. The price of a mattress is very negotiable, so COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT Consumers must stay patient and exercise due diligence when shopping for a mattress. donвЂ™t be discouraged by sticker shock. Manufacturers typically have very negotiable pricing, and mattress salespeople have lots of wiggle room when it comes to price. So donвЂ™t be afraid to haggle over the price to get the deal you desire. вЂў DonвЂ™t dwell on coil count. Confusion often enters the mattressbuying process when consumers start focusing on coil count. Many mistakenly assume more coils is always preferable. However, thatвЂ™s not necessarily the case. Innerspring mattresses typically come with interlocking coils or independent coils. Interlocking coil mattresses have fewer coils because the coils are tied together with wire, while independent coils are greater in number because each coilвЂ™s responsibility is greater. Which type of mattress is best for you wonвЂ™t depend on number of coils, but a host of other factors, so donвЂ™t overemphasize coil count. TF123921 www.met rocreativeconnection.com 6 MARCH TIMELY FEATURES вЂ™12 HEALTH/MEDICAL вЂў FITNESS/NUTRITION FITNESS/NUTRITION вЂў CHILDREN/TEENS вЂў FOOD/BEVERAGE Living with fibromyalgia Make fruits fun for kids Few look forward to getting older, and that is largely because of the toll the aging process can take on the human body. While certain conditions may be largely associated with the senior population, middle age women are paying more and more attention to fibromyalgia, a condition that affects roughly 4 percent of the American population and 1 percent of those living in England. Statistics Canada indicates that 390,000 Canadians have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. While those figures are considerable, there may be even more people living with fibromyalgia. ThatвЂ™s because fibromyalgia, despite its prevalence, remains somewhat mysterious. What is known is that the illness primarily affects women and is characterized by widespread pain throughout the body. Those with fibromyalgia experience pain in response to stimuli that for other people would not be perceived as painful. Experts surmise that elevated levels of a particular nerve chemical signal, called substance P, could be to blame for those who are affected. There is also evidence that more nerve growth factor in spinal fluid, as well as a decreased amount of the brain chemical serotonin, could be other influences. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease says that stressful or traumatic events, such as car accidents, illness, certain diseases, and repetitive injuries, could be linked to the onset of fibromyalgia. The pain of fibromyalgia may be widespread, and often affects the neck, shoulders, arms, upper back, chest, and buttocks. There may be tender points that elicit more pain than other areas, clues that the condition is in fact fibromyalgia. Other symptoms include fatigue, not enough non-REM sleep, anxiety, forgetfulness, and irritable bowel syndrome. To receive a proper diagnosis, it is important for individuals to discuss all of their symptoms with a physician. Each patient is unique, and the symptoms may come and go. The Mayo Clinic identifies certain risk factors that increase the liklihood a person will experience fibromyalgia. вЂў Gender: Females are diagnosed more than men. It is believed that female reproductive hormones may play a role in pain perception. Fibromyalgia can cause pain throughout the body. вЂў Rheumatic disease: A history of arthritis or lupus could increase the risk of fibromyalgia. вЂў Family history: Members of the family who have fibromyalgia may pass the condition on through genetics. Getting diagnosed may require a series of tests and questions. The American College of Rheumatology developed certain criteria for a diagnosis. These include widespread pain that lasts at least 3 months, in addition to 11 tender points on the body out of a possible 18. Some doctors will diagnose it with less stringent criteria. Treatment is a customized approach depending on symptoms and may include analgesics that reduce pain, antidepressants that help with fatigue and sleeplessness and anti-seizure drugs that may also reduce pain can be prescribed. Physical and mental therapy can also alleviate stress, which seems to exacerbate symptoms. Some people find success with the use of alternative therapies, such as yoga, massage and acupuncture, to alleviate pain. Although there is no cure for fibromyalgia, getting an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan in place can help alleviate the multitude of symptoms that seem to accompany the illness. TF123822 CRAFTS/HOBBIES вЂў HOLIDAYS-WINTER PaddyвЂ™s Day craft for kids With overflowing spirits, pub crawls and boisterous parades, St. PatrickвЂ™s Day celebrations are largely geared toward adults. Although children may experience a little bit of the festivities, they may not be able to participate fully in all of the activities. That is why parents, teachers and caregivers can develop child-friendly activities that will enable children to enjoy the festivities of the day but also to do so in a way that is safe and ageappropriate. One of the easiest ways to engage children for the holiday is to enable them to create hand-made decorations and games that can be displayed. With a few simple supplies, children can create a variety of festive items to share their enthusiasm. An idea to get them started is to construct a rainbow and pot of gold complete with leprechaun. To do so gather the following supplies: вЂў poster board вЂў clean, empty gallon milk container вЂў crepe paper in rainbow colors and in black вЂў gold foil circles вЂў construction paper вЂў glue вЂў scissors вЂў glitter, if desired 1. Draw and cut out a leprechaun using various shades of construction paper. Glue it to the posterboard. 2. Cut out half of the milk container to form a вЂњpot.вЂќ Use glue to adhere black crepe paper to it. Attach to the posterboard. 3. Stick gold foil circles to form the вЂњgold coinsвЂќ that will be filling the pot of gold. 4. Cut out pieces of crepe paper from the rainbow colors and attach to the posterboard to form the rainbow. Let the pieces end right near the pot of gold. 5. Allow kids to embellish further with glitter and any other things they may have on hand. Display the leprechaun with a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow in a prime spot during your St. PatrickвЂ™s TF123838 Day celebration. www.met rocreativeconnection.com Many parents can attest to the challenges in encouraging children to eat healthily, including incorporating plenty of fruits and vegetables into their daily diets. Children tend to become picky eaters for a number of reasons, according to the UCSF Benioff ChildrenвЂ™s Hospital. Some children are just naturally more sensitive to taste, texture and smell of some foods. Others may learn their picky eating from parents who pick and choose among their meals. Still other children learn to be selective through bribes and punishments around mealtime. However, there neednвЂ™t been fussing and feuding over food choices вЂ” particularly produce вЂ” when parents employ a few creative ideas to entice children to dig into healthy foods. 1. Ask for your childвЂ™s help: Have your child ride along to the grocery store and take an active role into picking out healthy foods that he or she may be willing to try. Most nutrition experts find that if children take in interest in what they will be eating, and are instrumental in making some choices, they will have a higher rate of eating those meals and foods. 2. Understand your childвЂ™s eating habits: Some children will eat the crown of broccoli but leave aside the stems. There are kids that will eat anything as long as itвЂ™s dunked in ketchup. They maye enjoy pears as long as they are cut up into pieces with the skin removed. Pay attention to how your child likes to eat the food and present it that way. It could mean fewer arguments at the dinner table. 3. Explore new flavor combinations: Oftentimes mixing certain flavor combinations can entice children to eat foods they may have never considered trying. Just think about the popularity of fruit juices mixed with vegetable purees. Some children have an inclination toward favorite flavors or just can benefit from a little variety, which can sometimes prove challenging when produce is out of season. Try GrappleВ® brand apples, which combine the fresh, familiar flavor of Washington apples Grapple slices for a mouth, a blueberry nose, or whatever you come up with. 6. Be patient with new foods: It can take a few attempts and repeated exposure to get children to try new foods, says the Mayo Clinic. Serve new foods along with childrenвЂ™s favorite foods, like Grapple slices added to a peanut butter sandwiches. More information is available by calling 1-800-232-2636 or visiting www.grapplefruits.com and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Grapplebrand apples. Grapple brand apples are available in many grocery stores nationwide from October through May. Here are more ideas about incorporating these apples in tasty snacks. Add a fun twist to a favorite fruit. with the aroma and taste of concord grapes. Through a patented process, premium Washington State apples are infused with grape flavor to create a product that вЂњCrunches like an Apple, Tastes like a Grapeв„ў.вЂќ The health benefits of Grapples are just the same as other variety of apples, and there are no artificial ingredients added or genetic altering. The process of making them does not add any extra sugar, calories, carbohydrates or anything else; in fact the apple maintains its natural supply of vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and fiber. Parents can rest assured that all ingredients have been approved by the USDA and the FDA. 5. Try creative presentations: Simply presenting the foods in a unique way can make them fun to eat. Try making fruit creations, such as вЂњsnowmenвЂќ out of stacked grapes, or orange and peach skewers. Children may be more inclined to drinking fruit smoothies mixed with yogurt, or giving foods fun names, such as banana bombs, which are just chunks of banana rolled in honey and granola. All it may take is creating a fruit face on a plate with different fruits resembling features. Try kiwi eyes, Crunch Grapple Slices Core, cut and slice 2 Grapples, crush 1 вЃ„2 c of your favorite cereal like Chex or Rice Krispies, mix 1 teaspoons packed brown sugar and 2 tablespoons peanut butter together. Spread the brown sugar and peanut butter onto Grapple slices and roll in cereal. Grapple Kabobs Core, quarter and cube a Grapple. Slice some cheese into similarly sized cubes. Skewer the apples and cheese alternately on toothpicks, adding a raisin or other dried fruit. If packing for school lunch, dip the apples into a little lemonade first to keep them from turning brown. Dried Grapples You can easily dry your own apples without any preservatives. Cut a Grapple into 1вЃ„4 inch thick slices. Dip them into a bowl of lemon water or lemonade. Spread out on a metal rack and set into a warm oven (180 F) for two or three hours. Turn off the oven and let them cool. Baked Grapples Place a cored apple in a buttered ramekin. Add 1 teaspoon of butter, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar and a 1вЃ„4 teaspoon of cinnamon into the center hole. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes. TF123946 MONEY/FINANCE вЂў HOW TO вЂў CONSUMER TIPS Live comfortably on a budget Seniors are one of the fastest-growing segments of the population, as medical advancements have increased life expectancies considerably. Many Baby Boomers have entered retirement age and are joining the ranks of other seniors on fixed incomes. This means theyвЂ™ll also have to implement strategies to live comfortably on less money. Statistics Canada states that as of a 2005 survey, the average net worth of individuals age 65 and older was roughly $303,000. This amount is characterized by money in savings, income provided by pensions and government assistance. In the United States, the average income of seniors in 2008 was around $29,000, well below the national poverty average, according to the Congressional Research Service tabulations of data from the March 2008 Current Population Survey. Upon retirement, many retirees are faced with quite a reduction in income and the stark reality of making ends meet with this new level of income. Those who are successful are often those who are adapting and are able to budget cleverly. Here are some ideas to do just that. вЂў Set priorities. What are the necessities that you absolutely cannot skimp on? These may include a mortgage or rent, utility bills and any other loan payments that have already been established. These amounts will have to be deducted from monthly income before you will discover just how much money will be leftover for other things. вЂў Downsize. There is the option to cut back on certain things to free up more money. Many people find it is wise to sell their home and move into a smaller condo or apartment. Not only will the expenses be less, thereвЂ™s a good chance the complex will offer maintenance вЂ” further saving you on unexpected expenses. Consider downsizing your car as well. Rather than making high monthly payments for a brand-new auto at the dealership, you may be able to get a preowned vehicle for a lower payment schedule. Or you may have enough in savings to pay for the used car outright, saving you the expense of a monthly payment. вЂў Consider shopping at consignment stores. Consignment stores are popping up in all different areas, including exclusive cities and towns. Shopping consignment stores no longer carries the stigma it once did. Many times the merchandise in consignment stores is brand new or has only been used once. This could be the ideal place to turn for housewares, clothing, accessories, and even gifts for COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT others. The prices are typically marked well below retail value, and you may find some well-known brands. вЂў Shop store sales. With the popularity of shows teaching others how to save big with coupons, many people believe this is the best way to save at grocery stores. However, the people doing the couponing are often capitalizing on buying in bulk and clipping mass amounts of coupons вЂ” not practical for senior households. It could be in your best interest to simply shop for the items you buy frequently at the store that is selling it at the lowest price. It may increase the number of stops on your shopping trip, but you can get a really good deal in the process. вЂў Get crafty. Sometimes things that are sold at stores for a high price can be replicated at home easily with just a few materials. From tufted headboards to curtains to decorative pillows, chances are with a little ingenuity you can make these items yourself. Or, enlist the help of a friend or family member to assist you in a project that is slightly beyond your level of expertise. Living on a fixed income can require reassessing priorities and making a few changes to the household budget. TF123858 www.met rocreativeconnection.com 7 MARCH TIMELY FEATURES вЂ™12 Home improvements eligible for tax breaks or rebates Homeowners often look to make improvements to their homes to improve aesthetics, save money or make their homes more energy efficient. What they may not know is that certain home improvements may qualify them for manufacturer or energy supplier rebates and even federal tax credits that can help a person save even more. Not all products are eligible each year, so itвЂ™s beneficial to know what tax incentives are out there regarding home retrofits. Here are some programs to keep in mind. In Canada, the ecoEnergy Retrofit вЂ” Homes program has been extended until March 31, 2012. Owners of most homes, including four-season recreational properties and low-rise multi-unit residential buildings of three stories or less with at least 50 percent residential space, might be eligible, according to Natural Resources Canada. Applicants can receive a federal grant for up to $5,000. Owners of multiple dwellings can receive up to $1,000,000. Eligible improvements include heating and cooling systems, ventilation systems, hot water equipment, insulation, air sealing, windows/doors/skylights, and water conservation products. U.S. residents who made home improvements in 2011 may be eligible for tax credits when filing a 2011 tax return. Installation and replacement of biomass stoves, HVAC systems, insulation, metal and asphalt roofs, nonsolar water heaters and windows/doors can earn a person up to 10 percent of the cost, up to $500, or a specific amount from $50 to $300. Improvements must have been done to an existing home and principal residence by December 31, 2011. Federal tax credits for 2012 include geothermal heat pumps. These are similar to ordinary heat pumps, but use the ground instead of outside air to provide heating, air conditioning and, in most cases, hot water. Use of small residential wind turbines and solar energy systems, including solar water heaters and photovoltaic panels, are Installation of insulation and other energy-saving products could make you eligible for a tax rebate. also eligible. These tax credits offer 30 percent of the cost of the renovation with no upper limit. Visit http://Energy.gov/savings to determine any additional rebate and savings programs that may be offered in your state. Canadian residents can log onto http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/corporate/1513 to find out about other grants and incentives in their province or territory. Homeowners looking to do improvements can go online or consult with a tax professional to determine which improvements may be eligible for tax credits or incentives. With the energy saved and the credit, it could add up to considerable TF123911 savings on the new product. Simple ways to improve fuel economy The economy might be slowly recovering, but saving money is still foremost on the minds of many people. Men and women have looked to save money in a variety of ways, including at the gas pump. While thereвЂ™s little drvivers can do to reduce the cost of a gallon of gas, there are ways they can make the gas last a little longer. Improving fuel economy is nothing new to many motorists, but some might still be surprised at the myriad ways they can get more bang for their buck with regards to fuel costs. вЂў DonвЂ™t break the law. Obeying the speed limit might save your life, and it can also save you money. Typically, fuel economy decreases rapidly as a car reaches and surpasses 60 miles per hour. According to the U.S. Department of Safety, drivers can assume that each five miles per hour they drive over 60, they are paying an additional $0.26 per gallon for gas. вЂў Empty the trunk. Though it might be more convenient to keep your golf clubs in the trunk of your car, extra and unnecessary cargo in a vehicleвЂ™s trunk drastically reduces fuel economy. An extra 100 pounds in a vehicle can reduce miles per gallon by as much as 2 percent, so keep a trunk free of items that arenвЂ™t absolutely necessary. вЂў Stop idling. Many people let their car idle for several minutes on cold mornings. But todayвЂ™s newer vehicles donвЂ™t really need to idle to warm up, and idling can be very taxing on fuel economy. Depending on the size of the car, idling can use between a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour. If you still insist on letting the vehicle idle, a few seconds of idling should be enough to warm the engine up. вЂў Embrace cruise control on long There are many different ways to incease fuel economy, including buying a hybrid car. drives without lots of stopping and starting. Maintaining a constant speed, which a vehicle does when drivers utilize cruise control, can help save fuel, as itвЂ™s less taxing on an engine to continue at one speed then it is to constantly switch back and forth between high and low speeds. вЂў Inflate the tires. Poorly inflated tires lower gas mileage and also pose a safety hazard. The DOE notes that properly inflated tires can improve gas mileage by as much as 3 percent. Ideal tire pressure is different for each vehicle, so check your vehicleвЂ™s ownerвЂ™s manual for recommended tire pressure. Some vehicle manufacturers also include the recommended tire pressure on the vehicle itself, be it in the driverвЂ™s side door jamb or in the vehicleвЂ™s glove compartment. Tire pressure printed on the tireвЂ™s sidewall might not be the ideal tire inflation for your particular vehicle, so always adhere to the manufacturerвЂ™s recommendation instead. вЂў Drive the car you need, not the car you want. Drivers who truly need to save money at the pump should consider the type of vehicle theyвЂ™re driving, and whether itвЂ™s the car they need or the car they want. For instance, office workers who own a pickup truck but donвЂ™t use it to haul items might want to consider a smaller vehicle that gets better gas mileage. Improving fuel efficiency is a great way for motorists to save money and reduce the expenses associated with vehicle ownership. SC123865 For Customer Assistance Please Call: 1.800.223.1600 www.met rocreativeconnection.com Photovoltaic solar panels can help power your home and your car. Never buy gasoline again? Solar panels revolutionized the way people power their homes, dramatically reducing the reliance on electricity. The sun is natureвЂ™s largest power plant, and it can provide more renewable energy to the earth in one hour than fossil fuels can produce in a year. The same solar panel technology is now being used on vehicles to run some of the components in the car. But powering an entire vehicle on car-mounted panels may still be years away. Right now, select models of cars have a solar panel on the roof of the car. The Audi A8 and the Prius have solar operated fans that can reduce cabin temperature. The Fisker Karma has a panel big enough to add extra solar-powered energy to the battery to fuel about 5 allelectric miles a week if the car is parked in the sun all the time. Auto manufacturer Fiat recently inked a deal with Irish solar manufacturer SolarPrint to add solar panels to some of its modelвЂ™s roofs. The manufacturer says that using low-cost photovoltaic material to offset drain from energy-hungry components, such as air conditioning and heating systems, is expected to reduce fuel consumption by up to 15 percent. On the other side of the coin, many other manufacturers have not jumped into the solar power game, saying that there simply isnвЂ™t enough roof or hood space to include enough panels to be able to make the car run entirely on solar power. Also, the aesthetics of the car can be reduced by the appearance of panels. PV power tends to be expensive as well. Because of the high manufacturing costs of PV cells and the large area needed to collect sunlight, solar power is one of the most expensive forms of generation methods. U.S. Energy Information Administration and Statistics Canada estimate that the amount of electricity generated in the U.S. and Canada from solar sources is between 0 and .01 percent as compared to other generation sources. But there are some people that say the larger picture for solar panels makes them advantageous in spite of the initial cost. Plus, there is a work-around for drivers interested in ceasing trips to the gas station altogether. Individuals can drive a plug-in electric car that is powered by PV panels mounted on a home roof. Not only can these solar panels run many electrical components of the house, but they can essentially fuel a car for the rest of the carвЂ™s life. Some PV systems can displace $90 worth of electricity every month. They can also generate enough power equivalent to $100 of gasoline in the same time period. Although PV systems may be costly up front, many vehicle owners say they pay for themselves in a few short years. And with gasoline prices continually on the rise, solar kits may make sense for drivers looking to save money in the long run. SC123905 Solar power misconceptions Solar energy, provided through various methods of harnessing the power of the sun, is something that interests many eco-conscious homeowners for its ability to cut down on the amount of electricity needed from another source. However, there are certain myths and misconceptions that surround solar power. вЂў Many people think that a northern climate or an area where there is not a lot of sun is incompatible with solar energy. However, you donвЂ™t need to live on the equator to benefit from solar energy. Germany is actually the world leader in solar photovoltaic energy with more than 9,000 Megawatts produced, even though Germany is not known for sunny skies or warm temperatures. вЂў Solar panels and solar collectors are not the same thing. Typically, solar panels immediately turn harnessed sunlight into electricity. Collectors will trap and store sunlight as heat, which can be used later. вЂў Many people avoid solar energy, feeling it is too expensive. While it can be a big financial investment, there are estimates that the cost of installment is recouped in 1 to 4 years, depending on the panels used. There also may be government incentives for using solar power. TF123920 COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT www.met rocreativeconnection.com 8 SPRING HOME вЂ™12 How to choose a builder Whether the kids have all grown up and moved out or if the kids are on the way and itвЂ™s time to expand a living area, building a new home is an exciting, yet often agonizing, experience. The reasons for building a new home are many, but regardless of the reason, the process of choosing a builder should remain the same. Andrew Nadalin, president of Pace 2000 Inc. and a fourth generation builder and craftsmen, offers the following advice to prospective homeowners with their eyes set on building a dream home to call their own. вЂў Look for a builder with a solid reputation. A builderвЂ™s reputation speaks volumes, but it doesnвЂ™t have to speak for istself. ThatвЂ™s because a builder who has spent years providing personal service, innovative design and quality workmanship will no doubt have a host of happy former customers ready and willing to offer their input. If during the interview process a builder appears reticent to share his work or experiences with previous customers, this should be a red flag. Reputable builders will be proud of their work and more than willing to show it off. вЂў Find a builder who is flexible. You will be paying to build your home, not the builderвЂ™s home. A builder should be flexible and ready and willing to meet your needs, no matter how unique they might be. вЂў Look for a builder who does more than build. A good builder should do more than just build. A builder should provide a network of qualified professionals to make the process go more smoothly. This network should include real estate and building consultants, interior designers, architects and engineers. Such connec- By: Carla Jordan tips thatвЂ™ll make your next gathering both tasty and stylish, plus, a family-fave recipe thatвЂ™ll put your home on the map as potluck heaven. Organize Participants Divide the meal by categories so guests will have a balance of appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts from which to choose. Cooks neednвЂ™t commit to a specific recipe but itвЂ™s helpful to know up-front that a well-rounded meal is in the making. Agree on Advance Prep All dishes should be cooked prior to arrival so only a quick re-heating is required. Everything should also hit your doorstep ready for presentation to avoid last minute searches for serving bowls and platters. tions can provide peace of mind and will also illustrate that a builder is both respected in the community and is intent on ensuring your home becomes the dream home you envision it to be. вЂў DonвЂ™t build on the cheap. Buyers who plan to build their own home are in the unique position to ensure their home is as safe and high-quality as possible. This isnвЂ™t always the case when buying a resale, so make the most of your opportunity and use only top-ofthe-line construction materials and features and choose a builder with experience in working with such materials and features. Building on the cheap could prove disastrous in the not too distant future, so donвЂ™t sacrifice on quality when building a new home. More information on selecting the right builder is available online at www.pace2000homes.com. SH122951 Easy way to clean up in a snap ItвЂ™s the season for spring cleaning, and homeowners no doubt have a slew of projects on tap in the weeks to come. Clothes will be sorted and donated and unnecessary items thrown in the trash. Sometimes, however, thereвЂ™s little time for a thorough cleaning, so a quick tidying up is done when guests are coming to visit. There are many ways to tackle the clutter and get a home presentable in no time at all. When youвЂ™re short on time, consider these ways to give living spaces the appearance of cleanliness. Kitchen вЂў Assess the kitchen sink and move all the dishes awaiting washing into the dishwasher. Wipe down the inside of the sink with a disinfecting wipe or a clean sponge. вЂў Wipe down the countertops quickly with a wipe or sponge. Wet a paper towel or rag and attack any errant spots on the stove and floor, which will become sticky and attract more dirt. вЂў Fold or hang dish towels in a way that camouflages any stains. вЂў Place a small pan of water on the stove with some nutmeg and cinnamon and bring to a simmer. This will disguise any smells lingering from last nightвЂ™s dinner. вЂў Take down magnets and notes stuck to the refrigerator and temporarily place them in a zipper-seal bag. вЂў Use a static-charged sweeper sheet to grab any hairs, dust or pet fur from the floor. Living Room вЂў Go to the sofa and turn the pillows to the side that is not often facing outward. PotluckвЂ™s Back вЂ” LetвЂ™s Eat! Consider this the вЂњcompany sideвЂќ that may not have any stains or mars in the fabric. Fluff the pillows to clear out dust. вЂў Use a handheld vacuum to clean up any crumbs or dirt on tables or in the sofa cushions. вЂў Wipe down coffee tables with a damp cloth to clear away dust and fingerprints. вЂў Wet the fingertips of rubber gloves and glide your hand over upholstery to rid furniture of pet hair. вЂў Keep a basket handy to neatly store newspaper, magazines or books. вЂў Dim the lights and light candles. ItвЂ™s harder to spot dirt in a dim room. Bathroom вЂў A premoistened wipe can quickly clean the sink and counters from driedon contact solution or toothpaste. вЂў The same wipe can be used to rid the mirror of errant spots of splatter. вЂў Use the same cloth to wipe down the toilet seat and the rim underneath. Use the toilet brush to scrub inside the bowl to remove any rings. вЂў Put new hand towels on racks or on the counter. вЂў Glide a lint roller over the bath mat to remove hair and fuzz. Bedroom вЂў If a childвЂ™s room is messy, close the door and make the room off-limits. вЂў Make your bed and fluff the pillows. вЂў Take dirty clothes to the hamper and put away anything left out. If desperate, pile it into the closet to attend to later. вЂў Neaten the night stands next to the bed, removing personal effects or storing it in the drawers. TF123925 www.met rocreativeconnection.com Choose Easy-Fix, Crowd-Pleasing Recipes To appeal to guests varying tastes, save the exotic for later and dust off momвЂ™s (or grandmaвЂ™s) cookbook. Traditional potluck dishes like casseroles, chili, soup, bread, and cakes are always popular and easy to make. Dress Up the Table Remember the special tablecloth mom used for Sunday dinner? Create some memories for your own family with a pretty fabric tablecloth, cloth napkins (pretty and ecofriendly!) and some candles. A few minutes is all it takes to create a festive look thatвЂ™ll make guests feel honored to have SH122948 gathered around your table. Bean Pot Beef Stew Photo courtesy of www.CelebratingHome.com A slow cooker (like Celebrating HomeвЂ™s Venetian Home Spice Bean Pot shown here) is potluck perfect. ItвЂ™s sized to feed a crowd and to go from kitchen to table without missing a stylish beat. Call it a sign of the times or just plain good luck for those of us yearning to swap fast food fare for some tasty home cooking. Potluck gatherings are back and one of this yearвЂ™s hottest trends in entertaining. Although these communal вЂњluck of the potвЂќ meals (where everyone brings their favorite dish) hearken back to the late 19th century, they found their footing in the mid-1950вЂ™s when it seemed like every mom in the neighborhood was filling casserole dishes for church socials and family get-togethers. вЂњThere are three primary reasons driving the return of potluck вЂ” our schedules, the economy and childhood memories,вЂќ says Chef Jeff Gillis, www.CelebratingHome.com. вЂњWe live such fast-paced lives that divvying up the cooking makes home entertaining more realistic than putting all of the burden on the hostess. Making one dish instead of several also helps stretch the budget вЂ” something weвЂ™re all looking to do these days. And, letвЂ™s face it вЂ” after years of dashing through the drive-thru, wouldnвЂ™t you like to sit down to some home-cooked food, even if itвЂ™s only once a week?вЂќ Got potluck fever but not a clue what to do? Here are four This twist on an American favorite yields a hearty, flavorful entree that takes less prep time because it slow cooks in the oven in a bean pot. Ingredients: 1 pound round steak, cut into bite-sized pieces 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 cloves garlic, chopped fine 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes 6 cups beef broth (or stock) 11вЃ„2 teaspoons dried thyme 3 bay leaves 2 cups potatoes, cubed 1 cup celery, diced 1 cup carrots, diced Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Rub steak with olive oil and coat with salt and pepper. Let steak sit at room temperature in bean pot while preparing all other vegetables. Chop and dice everything, then add to bean pot. Add beef broth (or stock), thyme, bay leaves, diced tomatoes and salt and pepper. Cover and bake in 375 F oven for 3 to 4 hours until meat is tender. *Recipe courtesy of www.CelebratingHome.com Things to look for when shopping for your dream home A dream home means different things to different people. To some, an ideal home sits atop a hill and has enough rooms to accommodate generations upon generations of family members. To others, a home small in stature but with views to die for is all a homeowner needs. While preferences may vary on the home itself, there are a few things buyers of all shapes and sizes prefer when shopping for the home of their dreams. вЂў Agreeable weather. Vacation home shoppers often prefer year-round warm weather so they know their respite from the cold is never too far away. For example, a locale such as Port St. Lucie, Florida boasts an average temperature of 73.7В° F, providing the ideal getaway to snowbound men and women stuck in the throes of winter. вЂў Affordability. A dream home stays a dream for many people because of the misconception that it is beyond their financial reach. вЂњWhile a seaside villa in Italy might never be a reality, there are places where it is still affordable to own and maintain a vacation home,вЂќ says Andrew Nadalin, President of Pace 2000 Inc. Compared to neighboring counties, St. Lucie County and Martin County represent the piece of South Florida that is still considered affordable. Endowed with the rich quality of life South Florida has to offer, both St. Lucie and Martin counties also offer and affordable cost-of-living vacationers will appreciate. вЂў Accessibility of activities. While an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life is great, no one wants to escape to a place with nothing to do. When shopping for a COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT place to buy or build your dream getaway, be sure thereвЂ™s plenty of accessibility to popular activities like boating, fishing, diving, surfing, canoeing, or kayaking. вЂў Proximity to other hotspots. Even if youвЂ™re looking for a place to simply unwind, a dream homeвЂ™s proximity to hotspots or other exotic locales never hurts. Port St. Lucie, for example, offers all a vacationer needs to relax and unwind, and itвЂ™s only 90 miles from the Bahamas by boat and a short drive to Miami, Palm Beach and Orlando. вЂў Proximity to major airports. Unless you plan on living in your vacation home year-round, youвЂ™ll want the home to be somewhere thatвЂ™s close to major airports. This makes it easier to get to your home and flights wonвЂ™t be as expensive. More information on finding your dream home can be found online at www.pace2000homes.com. SH122949 www.met rocreativeconnection.com SPRING HOME вЂ™12 9 Save money on energy bills Home is where the heart is, where families grow, and generally where the most of our leisure time is spent. Working with green technology for the best insulation will keep your house warm, welcoming, comfortable and cozy вЂ” and will save you money, all at the same time. Insulation advancements are on the horizon at all times, experts say. Take a look at innovation by Icynene, for example. Their soft, expanding spray foam insulation and air barrier material protects homeowners from the harmful outdoor environment and from energyrobbing air leakage. Icynene pioneered the spray foam technology and now leads in industry training. Why are homeowners turning to spray foam insulation? Experts tell us that older insulation types, such as fibreglass, will settle, compact and sag over time, decreasing their insulation properties. Spray foam insulation is energy efficient, says Icynene, and it has a high R-value due to its ability to seal and insulate at the same time. The spray foam solutions are created with water blowing agents and renewable and recycled content, which help reduce greenhouse gas emissions to support a healthier environment. Spray foam insulation can be used in new home construction or additions and insulation upgrades to existing homes (attics, crawlspaces) during remodeling projects. With spray foam insulation you can maintain healthy indoor air while reducing your HVAC equipment needs and saving on energy bills. In addition, homeowners can conserve construction materials without the need for excess sealing and still achieve optimal airtightness. Spray foam insulation doesnвЂ™t pass off gas over time, performs at peak levels for the lifetime of your home, and, because airborne moisture is controlled, the durability of the building remains unthreatened by the growth of mold and mildew. More information on this topic is available online at www.icynene.com. SH122952 Protect your roof from ice dams this winter Is there ice build up on the edge of your roof this winter? If you havenвЂ™t closed the insulation gaps, major damage can be caused to this part of the house by ice damming. This starts with air leakage and it is preventable. Experts at Decker Home Services tell us that as your heating system produces warm air, it spreads throughout the levels of your house and some of it can escape through the ceiling of the top floor. This air then comes into contact with the inside edge of the roof and, when melting snow falls onto that portion, it can slowly trickle down and freeze. As more ice builds, a dam is created on the edge, and this can cause water to leak into your house. If any portion of the home is made of wood, water is especially harmful to it. This can cause mold and unwelcome, costly repair bills. If ice damming sounds familiar, it is wise to fix the problem at once. Specialized insulation will do it, experts say. Products like the Icynene spray foam prevent air leakage and alleviate cases of ice damming. At the same time, high quality spray insulation increases your homeвЂ™s energy efficiency, reduces your heating bills and provides a more comfortable indoor environment. More information is available online at icynene.com. SH122953 pound or 2-pound spray foam insulation. Icynene specialists tell us that the energy efficiency of R-value in combination with the air barrier of spray foam is vastly superior to that of traditional methods. Simply adding extra layers of fiberglass or cellulose to the interiors of your walls will eventually prove ineffective. вЂњInsulation that is compressed will not provide its full rated R-value,вЂќ says data from the U.S. Department of Energy. вЂњThe overall R-value of a wall or ceiling will be somewhat different from the R-value of the insulation itself because some heat flows around the insulation through the studs and joists. Therefore, itвЂ™s important to properly install your insulation to achieve the maximum R-value.вЂќ Spray foam insulation requires less upkeep and lasts longer than traditional insulation. More information is available online at www.icynene.com. SH122958 New homes are getting smaller From the early 1990s to the beginning of this century, вЂњbigger is betterвЂќ certainly was the mantra of the homebuilding industry. All across North America buyers could browse among home developments boasting homes of 3,000 square feet or larger and multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. But according to new data, home buyers are seeking less space today but more in green amenities. Research by the Canadian Home BuildersвЂ™ Association has found that many people now desire smaller homes with multipurpose rooms and energy saving features. TheyвЂ™re not ready to trade in their two- and three-car garages just yet, though. Plus, a survey of International Furnishings and Design Association members forecasts that McMansions will become a thing of the past and more emphasis will be placed on smaller, more ecofriendly homes. Family rooms will grow larger, as will kitchens. Other rooms in the home will disappear, including the living room. Many homeowners and potential home buyers realize that with girth comes a cost. In todayвЂ™s fragile economy, the ability to cash in on the dream of homeownership may come at the compromise of a smaller, better-planned home. According to Tim Bailey, the manager of Avid Canada, a research and consulting firm for the building industry, вЂњWhile many consumers are willing to forgo space, they are not equating this with having to forfeit functionality. Design creativity is requisite to adapt to this changing preference.вЂќ If you worry about mold in your home and are trying to find solutions, you can take one simple step to help prevent it from happening. Mold is commonly found in houses that have poor wall insulation. As moisture builds up, the interior of the walls can slowly rot. This gives off a foul smell and reduces the overall stability and quality of a property. You may need to completely strip your walls to effectively repair them. Such a repair can be expensive, but in order to prevent this situation from occurring, you can choose an alternate kind of insulation for your home. Spray foam insulation, like Icynene, is a good choice, especially for preventing mold. Unlike other insulation, spray foam protects your walls against moisture by forming an air barrier. Prevention of mold, dust, dust mites and other common airborne irritants will improve the quality of the air in your home and ultimately the investment value of your house. More information on this topic is available online at icynene.com. SH122959 How to choose the most effective insulation The R-value of spray foam trumps traditional insulation If you keep topping-up your walls and ceiling in hopes of better insulation for your home, you're going about it the wrong way. Adding layers of conventional insulation is not effective, experts say. Your insulation is not effective in the short- or long-term if itвЂ™s not done by a reputable company and with the right material. In homes, heat (and money) flows in or out through convection вЂ” better known as air leakage. In fact, air leakage is the biggest source of energy loss in your home, accounting for as much as 40 percent. Insulations, such as fiberglass, allow air to pass right through, while spray foams (like those offered by Icynene) block air flow. Depending on your needs, a licensed installer will recommend either the 0.5- Spray foam insulation combats mold Here are some things that you will and will not find in newer homes moving forward. вЂў The dining room is becoming extinct, with larger, eat-inkitchen/entertaining spaces the norm. The kitchen will be the main room of the home and be renamed the вЂњkitchen lounge.вЂќ вЂў Separate rooms are evolving into spaces that serve many different purposes. вЂў Although the sizes of bathrooms may be scaled back, the amenities will not. Spa-style bathrooms with luxurious products, high-tech features and televisions will be on the rise. вЂў The master bedroom suite may not shrink in size, but it could be combined to form a home office and exercise space. вЂў Expect to see more high-tech offerings, such as voice- or motion-activation devices in the home. Lighting, entertainment gear, heating/cooling systems, and even blinds could be hooked up to a master control system. вЂў Thanks to an increasing number of people working from home, the presence of a dedicated home office is a given in newer homes. Nearly 40 percent of industry forecasters say that they expect one in every home. вЂў Home storage solutions will also be a vital component of new homes. Builders will create clever solutions for mixing storage into more compact spaces. вЂў With aging Baby Boomers comprising a larger segment of home buyers, expect to see more one-level homes, or at least homes where there is a master suite and the majority of SH122770 the living space on the first level. www.met rocreativeconnection.com If you canвЂ™t decide between spray foam and traditional insulation, such as fibreglass or cellulose, a brief overview can reveal the cost-effectiveness and reliability of each. Experts tell us that fibreglass and cellulose are dated insulation methods that have certain limitations. For instance, the large gaps and permeability of traditional insulation allows for significant heat loss in the winter and air conditioning loss during the summer. These products may have a cheaper up-front cost than spray foam, but in the long run, money is lost due to increasing energy bills as a result of air leakage. Additionally, traditional insulators have poorer sound barriers and are less effective against controlling airborne moisture. Spray foam, either open or closedcell, is now the leading insulation method. This innovation gives homes and buildings effective protection against air penetration, moisture buildup and sound penetration. The long- term benefits of spray foam trump fibreglass and cellulose. You can be assured that your energy bill will be reduced by as much as half when you replace a traditional insulation with spray foam. To find out if your project is ready for spray foam insulation, take a look online at icynene.com and contact a licensed dealer who will provide a free estimate. SH122955 Planning your renovation smartly As you tear apart the wallpaper, replace the cupboards and strip the floorboards, experts caution not to reach for that bucket of paint before investigating the innards of your walls. Insulation and infrastructure are significant to the foundation and value of your property, so bringing in a home inspector or appraiser allows you to make corrections early, before you've finalized the renovation plans. Common problems centre on air leakage and poor insulation issues, experts tell us. The latest research, for example, indicates that traditional fibreglass and cellulose insulation are less reliable than contemporary spray foam insulation. Foams, like those from Icynene, are known to decrease the presence of common airborne irritants, reduce air and water penetration and reduce energy costs. When you sell your home, spray foam insulation stands to give a better return on investment than dated insulation. COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT More information on this topic is available online at icynene.com. SH122957 www.met rocreativeconnection.com 10 SPRING вЂ¦ ON THE ROAD вЂ™12 Things to consider before buying auto insurance Tips for selling a car Selling a car is not always so easy. Vehicle owners are well aware that a new vehicleвЂ™s value is drastically diminished the moment it is driven off the dealershipвЂ™s lot. As a result, sellers often donвЂ™t know where to begin when the time comes to sell their vehicles. Vehicle owners typically put a car up for sale because they feel they can get more for it from a private citizen than they will get from a dealership as a trade-in. But before listing a car or truck for sale, owners should consider a few factors. Sale price Vehicle owners typically emphasize sale price more than anything when they decide to sell their car. Though sale price bears considerable weight, guides such as the Kelley Blue Book, which sellers and buyers can access for free online, will likely dictate the sale price, even if the seller feels such guides undervalue their vehicle. Buyers know all about these guides, and will be reticent to pay more than what these guides suggest is the value of the car. But there is always room to negotiate. Sellers should, if the car is in pristine condition, set a sale price above the suggested value so, if buyers do want to bargain, the sale price ends up being closer to the suggested value and not substantially below. Make the vehicle a better buy Particularly in todayвЂ™s economy, buyers are looking to get more and more for their money. This actually helps sellers, as buyers are now more inclined to buy a used vehicle because it might prove a better value than a brand new car that immediately diminishes in value the moment buyers sign on the dotted line. That said, there are numerous ways sellers can increase their vehicleвЂ™s curb appeal. First and foremost, sellers should always address any mechanical issues before putting a vehicle up for sale. For example, if the car is having transmission troubles or the brakes are wearing down, donвЂ™t put the vehicle up for sale until those things are taken care of. If you donвЂ™t want to fix problems, then you must disclose this information to prospective buyers, which will certainly reduce the amount of money you will get for the car. When addressing whatвЂ™s under the hood, change the oil, replace the air filter (which often improves the ride considerably), check tire pressure and inflate the tires as needed. Aside from mechanical issues, another big plus to potential buyers is a car that looks good. Home shoppers donвЂ™t want to buy a dilapidated shack, and car buyers donвЂ™t want to buy a car with a bad paint job and a cracked windshield. Such things suggest to prospective buyers that you didnвЂ™t care enough to maintain the vehicle, and they will certainly assume you neglected whatвЂ™s under Cleaning a vehicleвЂ™s interior is one way sellers can make their car more attractive to prospective buyers. the hood as well. Get the vehicle detailed and wash it at least once a week until itвЂ™s sold. In addition to addressing the exterior, clean the interior as well. Vehicle owners tend to live in their cars, and it shows. Clean coffee stains from cup holders and remove all trash from the vehicle, including anything that has accumulated under the seats, in the cushions and even in the trunk over the years. Remove all excess items from the trunk, as buyers are typically impressed by a spacious trunk. Once stains and trash have been removed, shampoo the carpets and seats and vacuum the car thoroughly. ItвЂ™s amazing how easily a vehicleвЂ™s interior can be transformed with a little elbow grease, and buyers are always impressed by a clean interior. And donвЂ™t forget to hang a pleasant вЂ” but not overbearing вЂ” air freshener from the rearview mirror. Prove your maintenance record Sellers who have diligently kept records of their vehicleвЂ™s maintenance should present these records to prospective buyers. This will indicate you were a responsible owner and give buyers a feeling of security about the purchase. If you did not keep records but strictly adhered to a maintenance schedule, contact the auto body shop where work was performed to see if they have any records. Most records are stored in a computer system, so this isnвЂ™t necessarily a long shot, especially if maintenance was performed at a dealership. Selling a car wonвЂ™t necessarily be easy in the current economic climate, but sellers can employ a host of strategies to make their vehicle more appealing to prospective buyers. SC123938 Did you know? According to Motor Trend magazine, the Toyota Corolla is the best selling automobile of all time. With more than 32 million units sold between its introduction in 1966 and 2009, the Corolla edged out the Ford FSeries, FordвЂ™s line of full-sized pickups that has sold 30 million units since its inception in 1948. Third on the list, which tracked vehicle sales through 2009, is the Volkswagen Gold, which has sold more than 25 million units SC123956 since 1974. www.met rocreativeconnection.com Auto insurance is necessary for anyone who drives. Though some places allow motorists to drive without insurance, doing so is an unnecessary risk, one that could prove costly should an accident occur. When purchasing auto insurance, many drivers hope to save as much money as possible. ThatвЂ™s understandable, as many drivers go years without ever filing a claim, giving some the feeling that theyвЂ™re paying for something they will never use. However, when an accident does occur, paying for those premiums proves well worth it. While itвЂ™s important to get the best rates and not overpay for auto insurance, thereвЂ™s more to shopping for auto insurance than simply finding the cheapest policy. The following are a few things drivers should consider when shopping for a new auto insurance policy. вЂў Determine the amount of coverage you need. How much auto insurance coverage a driver needs depends on what the local law requires. Some areas, including densely populated cities with more drivers on the road, tend to require more coverage than others because the risk of accident is greater. In addition, some places require all motorists purchase personal injury protection, or PIP, which pays for a driverвЂ™s medical expenses as well as any lost wages or additional costs that occur as a result of an accident. PIP is not required everywhere, but motorists should weight its pros and cons if they live in a region where PIP is not mandatory. The amount of coverage a driver needs is relative, but Consumer Reports recommends adequate coverage for bodily injury liability is $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, and an additional $100,000 for property damage. For drivers leasing or financing a vehicle, the leasing or financing agreement will typically spell out the minimum coverage required, and drivers can choose to increase that coverage if they feel itвЂ™s necessary. вЂў Explore payment options. Drivers who want to reduce their insurance costs without reducing coverage should explore their payment options. In many instances, drivers who choose to make annual or bi-annual payments instead of monthly installments can save some money is so doing. If your current insurance provider does not offer such an alternative, then shop around for a company that does. вЂў Re-examine your driving history. Speeding and traffic tickets might sting initially, but they will disappear from your record over time. When shopping for auto insurance, reexamine your driving record. In the United States and Canada, accessing these records can typically be done by contacting the local branch of the Department of Motor Using the Internet to shop around for auto insurance quotes is one way drivers can save money on their next policy. Vehicles. If an old speeding or traffic ticket is close to being removed from your record, wait until those disappear before purchasing a new policy. вЂў Shop around. Drivers often lament paying so much for auto insurance, a safety net few drivers use but all must pay for. Despite that, many motorists continue to overpay for their insurance because the popular misconception is that shopping for a better policy is inconvenient and tedious. But the Internet has made it much easier for consumers to shop for a better auto insurance policy. When shopping for quotes online, have your vehicle registration and identification number as well as your driver history on hand so the quote is as accurate as possible. Print out each quote and then compare them to find the best deal. If another company is offering a deal significantly better than your existing policy, discuss that with your current provider, who might match the rate to keep you as a policy holder. вЂў Shop for discounts. Another thing to consider when shopping for an auto insurance policy is the availability of discounts. Many companies reward policy holders for good behavior, such as driving without an accident and earning good grades in school. Other companies even offer a one-time accident amnesty, forgiving drivers for their first accident by not raising their rates when an accident occurs. These discounts can add up to substantial savings over the course of the policy, so do your homework. SC123830 Advice from the Pros: Do Not Neglect Auto Service The average age of a personal vehicle on the road today is more than 11 years, according to recent news reports. In tough economic times, itвЂ™s natural to rein in spending. But the experts at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) warn that putting off routine auto maintenance or ignoring service intervals is false economy. Small issues can morph into more expensive repairs. For example, failure to replace worn brake pads or a faulty oxygen sensor вЂ” both relatively easy services for qualified auto technicians вЂ” can result in expensive brake rotor service or costly replacement of the vehicleвЂ™s catalytic converter. Frequently neglected items include oil changes, tire and brake service, wheel alignment, air and fuel filters, and transmission service, according to ASE-certified auto technicians. Besides, a well-maintained vehicle gets better gasoline mileage, pollutes less, is safer to operate, and lasts longer than one thatвЂ™s neglected, notes ASE. To help consumers choose a repair shop that fits their needs, ASE offers the following checklist: вЂў Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays. вЂў Look for a courteous staff, with a service consultant willing to answer all of your questions. вЂў Look for policies regarding estimated repair costs, diagnostic fees, guarantees, and acceptable methods of payment. вЂў Ask if the repair facility specializes or if it usually handles your type of repair work. вЂў Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area, such as civic, community, or customer service awards. вЂў Look for evidence of qualified technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and certification by ASE. вЂў Look for the ASE sign or logo; it means the shop employs nationally certified technicians. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 as a nonprofit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact areas of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign. Visit www.ase.com for seasonal car care advice and more. SC123945 ThereвЂ™s more online вЂ¦ Visit www.metrocreativeconnection.com for weekly tips and the latest money-making ideas. COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT www.met rocreativeconnection.com SPRING вЂ¦ ON THE ROAD вЂ™12 11 How to save money on a new car purchase Buying a new car is one of the more expensive purchases a consumer can make. Aside from a home or paying for college, perhaps no purchase requires a bigger financial commitment than a new car. While purchasing a new car can be intimidating, there are ways buyers can take control of the car-buying process and save money as a result. вЂў Shop online. Much of the fear associated with buying a new car can be traced to the dealership. Consumers fear being taken advantage of by aggressive salespeople who work on commissions and are motivated by selling the car for the highest price possible. However, shopping online removes that fear and has made it easier for consumers to save when purchasing a new car. Unlike traditional automobile salespeople, Internet department sales staff often earn their bonuses on how many cars they sell, and not how much they sell each car for, which motivates them to get consumers the best price. Shopping online also removes the hassle of visiting the dealership and the often awkward and uncomfortable back and forth of the negotiating process on the dealerвЂ™s turf. вЂў Get preapproved for a loan. Another way to save is to shop around for the best financing deal before shopping for a car. Many people seek preapproval for a loan before shopping for a home, and the same can be done when buying a car. Shopping around enables you to get the best deal, which isnвЂ™t always the one youвЂ™ll find should you rely on the dealership to arrange for the financing. вЂў Negotiate everything. One of the more agitating things about buying a new car is the seemingly endless list of add-on fees that suddenly appear after the buyer and dealer have agreed on a vehicle price. Dealerships often want buyers to think such fees are non-negotiable, but that isnвЂ™t actually true. Even if the contract has already been drawn up and includes the fees, until you have signed on the dotted line, those fees are negotiable. вЂў Shop in a buyerвЂ™s market. Near the end of the year is typically the best time to buy a current model vehicle. Between August and October is a great time to find a deal, as dealerships are looking to move inventory to make room for next yearвЂ™s models. Some consumers, however, find it difficult to shop for a car at the end of the year, as the costs associated with the holidays make it tough to afford a new car. If thatвЂ™s the case, consider shopping for a vehicle at the end of the month, when salespeople and dealers might be motivated to sell cars to meet a monthly quota. вЂў Shop around your current vehicle. If you have a trade-in, donвЂ™t simply assume youвЂ™ll get the most money for it via a trade-in. You might earn more money selling it privately, or you can shop the vehicle around to several dealerships as a straight sale. Getting the best price for the vehicle, whether thatвЂ™s through trading it in or selling it privately, can lessen the financial blow of buying a new car. Buying a car no longer has to be an intimidating process where the consumer is fearful of getting fleeced. Nowadays, there are a variety of ways the consumer can take control of the process and make out financially. SC123866 Assessing your abilities as an aging driver When a person first earns a driverвЂ™s license, theyвЂ™ve earned more than just the right to legally operate an automobile. To many drivers, a driverвЂ™s license is symbolic of freedom and self-sufficiency. The significance of a driverвЂ™s license never truly dissipates, which makes it difficult for aging men and women to address their abilities as a driver and whether or not they can still safely share the road with other motorists. Though many drivers can safely stay behind the wheel well into their golden years, others begin to recognize their skills are starting to diminish as they approach senior citizen status. For those who want help gauging their abilities as a driver, some self-examination can help. Assess your eyesight Healthy eyes are essential to being a safe driver, and drivers can assess their eyesight in a number of ways. In addition to visiting an eye doctor for an eye examination, drivers should look for signs that theyвЂ™re having difficulty with driving. If signs and street markings arenвЂ™t so easy to read anymore, you might need a new prescription for eyeglasses. When the glare of headlights at night makes it difficult to see, your driverвЂ™s seat might need to be adjusted or you might want to consider antiglare eyeglasses that make it easier to see at night. Assess your comfort level Safe drivers are also comfortable drivers. To assess your comfort level as a driver, ask yourself the following questions before getting back behind the wheel. вЂў Is it troublesome to look over your shoulder and change lanes? вЂў Has steering become difficult? вЂў Has your reaction time when switching from the gas pedal to the brake pedal decreased? If you can answer вЂњyesвЂќ to any of the questions above, then it could be that youвЂ™re beginning to lose strength, coordination and/or flexibility, which can make it more difficult to operate a motor vehicle. Answering вЂњyesвЂќ doesnвЂ™t mean you have to give up your driverвЂ™s license. In fact, your doctor might be able to prescribe therapies or medicines or suggest a fitness regimen that can make it easier for you to comfortably drive a car. In addition, if youвЂ™re having trouble steering or operating a motor vehicle in any way, you might just want to find a vehicle thatвЂ™s easier to drive, such as one with an automatic transmission that has power steering and brakes. When assessing your comfort level, also examine your A long, monotonous trip could induce a condition called highway hypnosis. Highway hypnosis can be dangerous Road trips are a popular getaway once the weather warms up. People take to the roads in droves, whether for vacations or simply to enjoy the scenery along the way. With more people on the highways, there could be a heightened risk of accidents for a number of reasons. Though road rage, driving while intoxicated and other road dangers are well documented, many people do not know about something called highway hypnosis вЂ” which could be responsible for erratic driving on roadways. Think about a time when you were behind the wheel of a car on a long stretch of road, such as an interstate. Perhaps you lost track of the exits you passed or wondered how you ended up in a particular location when you donвЂ™t remember getting there. Maybe you actually fell asleep or drifted off of the road. According to the U.S. Department of TransportationвЂ™s Federal Highway Administration, the main cause of roadway departure crashes is driver drowsiness and inattention. Driver fatigue is often caused by highway hypnosis. Highway hypnosis, also known as вЂњwhite line fever,вЂќ occurs when someone has been driving a vehicle along a long stretch of roadway for an extended period of time. The monotony of a long drive can induce sleepiness or forgetfulness. It can lull the brain into a sort of trance, and the body is essentially operating on auto pilot while the mind is off somewhere else. Highway hypnosis is most common during the late-night hours when the time of day also plays a role in drowsiness. The concept of highway hypnosis is nothing new. In fact, engineers who created the Indiana Toll Road in 1957 designed curves every two miles on average to allow for a variation in the road conditions. Many other roadways are built with rumble strips or other variations in the scenery to reduce the monotony of the road. Highway hypnosis occurs more than people would like to believe. However, there are ways to help prevent highway hypnosis. вЂў Take frequent rests on a long trip to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. вЂў Try not to drive during the hours that you are normally sleeping. вЂў Bring a road trip partner along and make conversation. вЂў DonвЂ™t eat a big meal before beginning a long car ride. вЂў Open the windows and get circulation going. вЂў Keep your eyes moving between your mirrors and the road to improve conscious thought. вЂў If you are still unable to fend of feelings of drowsiness or some of the other symptoms of hypnosis, pull over and take a long rest until you feel more capable to drive. SC123817 What to do if a tire blows out Aging drivers should weigh a host of factors when determining if itвЂ™s still safe for them to be on the road. mental state while driving. If other drivers make you uncomfortable or traffic signs are confusing, this can make it difficult to safely operate an automobile. Such feelings when driving could also be a side effect of a particular medication, so discuss the issue with your doctor to see if thatвЂ™s the case and if there are any alternatives. Honestly address loved onesвЂ™ concerns Aging drivers are often the last to notice if their abilities behind the wheel are starting to diminish. Loved ones are often put in the position of talking to aging drivers about their abilities, and this can cause friction. If loved ones have expressed concern about your abilities as a driver, honestly address these concerns, even if itвЂ™s initially hurtful or embarrassing to do so. Your loved ones are sharing their feelings out of genuine concern for your well-being, so donвЂ™t look at it as an assault on your selfsufficiency. Some organizations, including the AARP and AAA, offer driving classes for mature drivers to help them more adequately handle the challenges aging drivers might face. Aging drivers face obstacles they may or may not be prepared for. When such challenges arise, that doesnвЂ™t necessarily mean itвЂ™s time to stop driving entirely. Instead, honestly weigh a host of factors before deciding if itвЂ™s still safe for you to be behind the wheel. SC123873 ThereвЂ™s more online вЂ¦ Visit www.metrocreativeconnection.com for weekly tips and the latest money-making ideas. www.met rocreativeconnection.com Accidents that occur on the roadways are unpredictable and can be caused by just about anything. Impaired or distracted motorists might heighten the risk of an accident, but even things like a squirrel running across the street and scaring a driver can lead to an accident. Tire blowout is another potential cause of accident, and such blowouts might be more common than motorists expect. For instance, a 2005 study from the French National Institute for Transport and Safety Research found that, between 1996 and 2002, nearly 61,000 vehicles were involved in crashes with property damage and/or injury on a particular stretch of highway. More than six percent of those accidents involved tire blowout, a problem many motorists might mistake as something that only happens in movies. But tire blowout can put motorists in a precarious position, especially if they donвЂ™t know what to do should one of their tires blow out. Surviving tire blowout can be done by adhering to the following tips. вЂў DonвЂ™t respond by hitting the brakes. It might be counterintuitive to squeeze the gas pedal when a tire blows out, but doing so puts drivers in control of the vehicle and keeps it going in the intended direction. Immediately slamming on the brakes will cause the vehicle to turn, possibly turning the vehicle into oncoming traffic, a guardrail or other cars traveling in the same direction. When squeezing the gas pedal, drive straight down the lane. Within seconds of pressing the gas pedal, slowly begin to release it. вЂў Coast to a slower speed. As the accelerator is released, allow the vehicle to coast to a slow speed, but not a speed so slow as to put driver and passengers at risk. Once the car is coasting between 25 to 30 miles per hour, use the turn signal and slowly turn toward the side of the road where the tire is blown. For example, if the front right tire is blown, turn toward the right shoulder. You want to turn toward this side because itвЂ™s always safest to limit your own exposure to oncoming motorists when changing the tire. вЂў Check tire pressure when you can pull into a parking lot. When you have safely made it to the shoulder and the tire has been changed successfully, find a filling station or other parking lot and check the tire pressure on the tires that did not blowout. A blowout is often the result of an underinflated tire, so if one tire blows out due to underinflation itвЂ™s quite possible the others might as well. SC123837 COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT www.met rocreativeconnection.com 12 SPRING вЂ¦ ON THE ROAD вЂ™12 Share the road safely Streets provide means of transportation for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. When so many different people come together on the roadways, particularly of varied shapes and sizes, thereвЂ™s the potential for safety problems if everyone isnвЂ™t working together. Although most drivers must pass a test and driver education classes, including practice on roadways, the same testing measures are not in place for cyclists. Even though bicycles are not powered vehicles, they are governed by the same rules of the road as trucks, cars and motorcycles. While there may be the potential for injury, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that it is relatively low when safety procedures are met. At the forefront of bicycle safety is wearing a helmet. Males of the age 9 to 15 cycling in the summer without a helmet make up the highest number of bicycle incidents in the United States, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Even with low incidences of bicyclerelated injuries, it may still be prudent for avid cyclists to take a class or refresh their knowledge of bicycle rules of the road. In most areas of North America, bicycles and tricycles can be operated on all roads unless otherwise prohibited. Areas where bicycles are often prohibited include bridges and tunnels. A driversвЂ™ license is not needed to operate a bicycle, but rules may vary if the bicycle is powered or has been modified with a small engine. It is best to check with the Department of Motor Vehicles to determine the rules where you live. Cyclists must ride on the same side of the road as vehicular traffic and in the same direction. Just like motorists, cyclists must obey all traffic control signs and signals. Both cyclists and motorists should yield the right-of-way to each other вЂ” one does not have preference in right of way. Many cyclists fail to signal their turns and ride in a predictable manner. This can be dangerous and lead to accidents. Hand signals can be used to indicate turning intentions if electronic signals are not installed. If riding at night or during dusk, a headlight and reflectors can help promote visibility, as can a rear, red flashing light. Riding on roads is not as safe as riding on sidewalks, but most cities and towns prohibit the riding of bicycles on sidewalks, particularly in urban centers. When any riding is done, a helmet should be worn for personal safety вЂ” it also may be the law. Avoid bicycle accidents by following the rules of the road. Because bicycles may be harder to see and hear than cars and motorcycles, there are some other safety precautions cyclists can take to avoid accidents. вЂў Do not ride in the blind spots of other vehicles. вЂў Do not assume you can overtake or pass a vehicle that has the power to go much more quickly than you. вЂў Do not follow cars too closely to allow for adequate reaction time. вЂў Wear light colored or reflective clothing so that motorists can see you on the road. вЂў Use a bell or horn for further indication that you are in the area. вЂў Do not assume that because you are on a bicycle you can dart in and out of traffic. вЂў Be aware of parked cars on the side of the road. SmartMotorist.com says that approximately 5 percent of bicycle accidents occur when someone opens a parked car door in front of an oncoming bike. Along the same vein, motorists can be more aware of cyclists on the road. вЂў Give cyclists a safe distance when passing. вЂў Slow down when passing a cyclist. вЂў Do not assume you have dominance over the cyclist. вЂў Do not try to goad the cyclist or scare him or her by veering in the direction. This cat-and-mouse game can be dangerous. Cyclists and motorists can share the streets safely when they use some common sense and follow the same rules of the road. SC123850 GPS usage tips TodayвЂ™s drivers rely heavily on GPS technology, or global positioning system devices. GPS has revolutionized the way people drive and use maps and directions. While there are no hard statistics on the number of people who own GPS devices, thousands of people have either a GPS device that comes preequipped in a car that they purchased or a stand-alone device that was bought after the fact. These devices come pre-loaded with maps that work with satellites in space. The GPS receiver figures out the distance to each and uses this information to deduce the location of the device in a process called trilateration. GPS devices have made paper maps obsolete for many people. While GPS devices can be very convenient, especially on road trips, there are some tips to keep in mind. вЂў Place the GPS device where it wonвЂ™t obstruct your vision or take your eyes off of the road for a good deal of time. вЂў DonвЂ™t treat the GPS as if it is infallible. Even with map updates and other accessories, a GPS can still make mistakes. Use common sense, especially where it would seem the GPS is guiding you in the wrong way. вЂў Do not play with the controls while operating the car. If you need to adjust something on the GPS, do so only after pulling over to a safe area. вЂў Have a general idea where you are going so youвЂ™ll know if the GPS is potentially guiding you in the wrong direction and can maneuver in advance. SC123818 Monthly Tips & Ideas Get tips & ideas delivered to your inbox each month www.metrocreativeconnection.com www.met rocreativeconnection.com Travel tips for a safe and successful road trip A good road trip can be the ultimate spring or summer experience. With the open road ahead, lifeвЂ™s troubles seem to melt and thereвЂ™s just the oneness of the driver and the road. For a road trip to be successful, itвЂ™s not just a matter of taking to the road and putting the pedal to the metal. There are a host of considerations to make, which can ensure safety and peace of mind when beginning your excursion. The hot sun that can bake the roadway вЂ” and your body вЂ” can also take its toll on your car, contributing to breakdowns. And there are other factors to be aware of. Maintenance should never be overlooked when it comes to prepping for a road trip. At the least, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that drivers have their tires, battery, belts, fluids, and air conditioner checked by a qualified mechanic prior to starting any long trip. But the list does not stop there. There are many other precautions to heed before taking to the road. вЂў Be sure to have all necessary documents on hand. Nothing can stall a road trip faster than getting pulled over by a police officer and being without your license, registration and proof of insurance. These are required documents to operate a vehicle, and itвЂ™s definitely worth a second check in your wallet and glove compartment to be sure they are where they should be. вЂў Get an oil change. Driving long intervals can be taxing on a car engine, as can the start-and-stops associated with getting stuck in road trip traffic. Do yourself and your car a favor by getting an oil change to ensure there will be proper lubrication of the engine and that thick, old motor oil wonвЂ™t contribute to a breakdown. вЂў Update your GPS. If you will be using a GPS device as your primary tool for navigation, update the deviceвЂ™s maps before departure. Roadways are always being changed, and without downloading the proper updates, you could end up driving in circles instead of moving on to your destination. In addition, many GPS models come equipped with pinpointing points of interest, or POI, such as restaurants, tourist areas, hotels, and rest stops, which should be update before beginning the trip. Follow the guidelines spelled out in the ownerвЂ™s manual that comes with your GPS unit. Consumer Reports also advises knowing the local ordinances regarding GPS use. For example, a windshield-mounted unit is not allowed while driving in Minnesota. вЂў Plan who will drive when. A long road trip вЂ” one that will be done primarily in one day вЂ” could necessitate splitting up the trip between two or more drivers. Not only does this banish boredom, it also reduces the risk of driver fatigue. NHTSA estimates that approximately 100,000 police-reported crashes in the United States each year involve drowsiness and/or fatigue. вЂў Protect your eyes. The weather and the position of the sun could change depending on where you are driving. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, be sure you have them with you. Keep a few pairs of sunglasses in your car to shield your eyes from sun glare. If the sun proves problematic, pull over for a little while or try an alternate route that prevents oncoming sun on the windshield. While you are packing sunglasses, also be sure to bring along вЂ” and wear вЂ” sunscreen, as the sunвЂ™s rays can be magnified through the window glass. On road trips, bring along a friend so that you can share driving responsibilities and fend off fatigue. вЂў Bring along refreshments. Frequent stops for bathroom breaks and simply to stretch your legs are adviseable, but limit rest-stop fare whenever possible. Not only do these foods tend to be unhealthy, they are often expensive. Keep your road trip budget down by packing healthy food and drinks that you can enjoy on the go. вЂў Keep on top of your carвЂ™s fuel level. Play it safe when gassing up the car. On rural roads or stretches of country with which you are unfamiliar, you never know how far away filling stations might be from one another. That means you should take the opportunity to top off the gas tank whenever you get the chance. This way you always will be confident you have enough gas to get to the next station. DonвЂ™t risk coasting into your destination on fumes, unless you want to arrive at your destination hitched to a tow truck. вЂў Be wary of hitchhikers. Although hitchhikers are few and far between nowadays, there is still the possibility of coming across someone thumbing for a ride on the side of the road. Do not pick up a stranger who is hitchhiking, no matter how reputable the person may seem. If you come across someone who has broken down, offer to call for help instead of allowing the person into the car. вЂў Use the bathroom at every stop. You never know how few and far between restrooms will be. Unless the idea of a road-side pit stop is high on your list of road trip excitement, play it safe and use the restroom whenever stopping. Few things can make a stretch of road seem more interminable than the pressure of a full bladder. вЂў Plan for sightseeing. Part of the enjoyment of a road trip is to actually take the scenic route and enjoy roads which you may have never traveled before. This is not a race and no awards will be given out at the end for making good time. Therefore, slow down and enjoy the scenery. IsnвЂ™t that why youвЂ™re driving, after all? Road trips seem to be an essential part of the spring and summer season. They can be all the more fun and safe when SC123819 you heed a few road trip rules of the road. Weighing the options of oil change locations The debate may continue as to whether a car still needs its oil changed every 3,000 miles or if motorists can extend that figure to more than 5,000 miles. In addition to how frequently oil needs to be changed, drivers also must decide where to go for an oil change. Customers have different choices when it comes to oil changes. Some donвЂ™t mind getting a little messy and choose to change their oil right at home. There are also lube stations that specialize strictly in oil changes. Then there is the option of having the oil changed at a dealership service station. As with any decision, it helps to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a final decision. According to the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act of 1975, routine service can be done anywhere and will not void your warranty. Regular warranty work only has to be done by the dealer. Unless a dealership can prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that damage was caused by a vehicle owner or a third-party lube station, then the warranty will remain valid. Dealership There are certain reasons a person may want to go to a dealership to have an oil change. It is typical of dealer service stations to train their mechanics in the specific design of the automobiles they are servicing. That means theyвЂ™ll have first-hand knowledge and be familiar with the design of the engine and the characteristics of the make and model of the car better than anyone else. This can ship. Quick lube stations typically have access to manufacturersвЂ™ data to ensure the correct type of oil and filter are used. Larger companies may have an extensive training program that goes over the latest technology and the models of cars. Another benefit to a lube station is that an appointment is not always necessary, which may not be the case with a dealership. With a number of service bays and substantial staff on hand, there also could be a shorter wait time, which is a boon to busy individuals. give drivers peace of mind that they are getting the right parts and that the service work is being done in accordance with their service warranty. Some dealerships also offer service plans that discount the cost of oil changes if done at the dealer service station. This service package might even be part of a finance deal, so the cost of the oil changes could already be paid for. The oil changes may be done in conjunction with other service work, including tire rotation. Third-party station One of the main advantages to using a private lube-type company is that they are usually less expensive than services provided by a dealer- COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT Self-service Doing an oil change at home is obviously the most cost-effective option. But itвЂ™s the most labor-intensive as well. You also will need to have specific tools for the job, as well as 5 to 6 quarts of motor oil on hand. Jacking up the car to have access to the underside of the engine will be necessary so that you can reach the engine pan plug to drain the old oil. Wrenches as well as buckets to drain the oil are other tools to keep on hand. Used motor oil is not something that can simply be tossed in the trash or poured down a drain. It must be carefully contained and recycled to avoid harming the environment. Because of the work involved in an oil change at home, many people opt to have it done elsewhere. Remember, while there are many places that are qualified, itвЂ™s up to the driver to decide where to go. SC123836 www.met rocreativeconnection.com SPRING вЂ¦ ON THE ROAD вЂ™12 13 How to maintain a healthy environment inside your vehicle Safe ways to take pets on the road Over the last several years, homeowners have increasingly emphasized clean air in their homes. The growing popularity of home air purifiers suggests todayвЂ™s homeowners want to make certain the environment inside their home is as healthy as possible. While protecting the environment in a home is important, itвЂ™s equally as important for motorists to maintain a healthy environment in their vehicles. The average American spends roughly 10 to 15 hours per week inside a car, where dust, odors, smoke and other potentially sour smells can make riding in a car rather unpleasant. In addition, air pollution and allergens inside a vehicle can pose a significant health risk to drivers and their passengers. Fortunately, there are several steps drivers can take to maintain a healthy environment inside their vehicle. вЂў Improve air quality. Perhaps the best way drivers can ensure their passengers have a healthy environment while traveling in a car is to improve the air quality within the vehicle. The GoPure Automotive Clean Air System from Philips quickly and effectively purifies the air inside a vehicle by eliminating harmful gases, dust, pollen, smoke, odors, and bacteria. Employing a 3-stage filtering process, the GoPure system, which can be easily placed beneath a seat, in the rear of the vehicle or on a seatback, captures big particles, such as human hair and pet hair, during the pre-filter stage before the HEPA filter removes these particles and others, including pollen and pet dander. In the final stage, GoPureвЂ™s advanced HESA filter removes harmful gases and even bad odors, such as those caused by smoke, ensuring the vehicleвЂ™s interior is not only healthy, but also pleasant for drivers and passengers alike. вЂў Clean the vehicleвЂ™s interior. Many automobile owners pay particular attention to the appearance of their vehicleвЂ™s exterior. However, those same drivers donвЂ™t spend nearly as much time, if any, tending to the vehicleвЂ™s interior. But a neglected interior doesnвЂ™t just fall victim to spills and dirt or other particles brought in from the outside. Over time, a neglected interior might begin to grow mildew, which is both unhealthy and unpleasant. In general, clean the vehicleвЂ™s interior once a month to prevent mildew growth and the buildup of dirt and grime. вЂў DonвЂ™t fall in love with the вЂњnew car smell.вЂќ Few consumers can resist the famed вЂњnew car smell.вЂќ Though enticing, the new car smell is actually an outgassing of toxic chemicals from newly formed plastics, and the chemicals in these gases have been linked to birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, premature births, and early puberty in laboratory animals. Though this doesnвЂ™t mean consumers The GoPure Automotive Clean Air System from Philips purifies air within a vehicle, creating a healthier environment for drivers and passengers alike. should avoid buying new cars, it should inspire consumers to address the new car smell immediately. GoPureвЂ™s HESA filter can easily and effectively remove the harmful gases that stem from the new car smell, while continuously removing additional odors as the car ages. вЂў Vacuum carpets, floor mats and between seats. Carpets and seating are another collection point for dirt and pollutants and need to be vacuumed thoroughly. Make sure to get the floor mats, the floor under the floor mats and all the way under the seats. Pound your seats with something large like a baseball bat to loosen and knock out all the dirt and soil that has settled into the creases and stitching. вЂў Protect newer vehicles on hot days. Hot weather can take its toll on drivers, and it can also wreak havoc on their vehicleвЂ™s interior. Heat from the sun can cause the vehicleвЂ™s plastics, vinyl or leather parts to emit volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, which, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, can produce both short-term and longterm adverse health effects. Whenever possible, park in the shade or use a sun shade on the windshield. In addition, slightly opening the windows in spring and summer promotes air flow through the cabin, helping reduce the risk of VOC buildup inside the vehicle. More information about the GoPure Automotive Clean Air System from Philips is available at www.philipsgocure.com or 800-257-6054. SC123941 Let these films satisfy your need for speed Car guys and gals love their vehicles, but they also love their movies about cars. When not tooling around in your ride this spring and summer, the following car movies should satisfy your need for speed. Bullitt (1968): Steve McQueen stars as the San Francisco cop looking to find the kingpin who killed the witness under his protection. The actor did much of the driving of the вЂ�68 Mustang in this movie, leaving only the riskiest maneuvers to his stunt double. American Graffiti (1973): A coming of age movie set in the 1960s about four teenagers going off to college. They spend one last summer cruising the Sunset Strip and getting into trouble. Starring Richard Dreyfuss, Harrison Ford and Ron Williams, this classic was directed by George Lucas of вЂњStar WarsвЂќ fame. The Cannonball Run (1983): Eccentric competitors engage in an illegal cross-country car race. A whoвЂ™s who of stars, including Burt Reynolds, Jackie Chan, Farrah Fawcett, Dom DeLuise, and Dean Martin star in this action-packed flick. Gone in Sixty Seconds (2000): A retired car thief must get back into the business, stealing 50 cars in one night to save the life of his brother. Stars Nicholas Cage and Angelina Jolie. The Fast and the Furious (2001): An undercover cop infiltrates the underbelly of Los Angeles street racers. This movie spawned a series of sequels with more automotive special effects than substance. SC123967 Transitioning to a booster seat The World Health Organization notes that nearly one million children die each year across the globe as a result of unintentional accidents. Car crashes are the leading cause of unintentional accidents, annually causing 260,000 fatalities and around 10 million injuries. Though invented in 1921, child seats were rarely used in the ensuing decades. When child seats were used, their function was largely one of transportation and not safety. It wasnвЂ™t until roughly 40 years later that child seats became more prevalent and their focus shifted toward protecting children. In 1962, DenverвЂ™s Leonard Rivkin invented seats aimed at protecting a child. Tennessee became the first American state to require use by law. Many safety seats on the market today are designed to keep children safe at different age and weight levels. However, for many parents this can be misleading, considering the purpose of some seats is to raise up a child to a height where the child is able to use the vehicleвЂ™s safety belts in proper position, as is the case with belt-positioning booster seats. A booster seat is designed to sit a child who is roughly four years old and weighs at least 40 pounds, though height isnвЂ™t factored into the equation. Some children exceed the weight or height of a convertible or standard five-point-harness seat, but may not be mature enough or of the age to move into a booster seat. Parents are often left with questions of how to remedy this situation. It is important to keep a toddler or preschooler in a forward-facing harnessed seat as long as possible. Today there are many safety seat manufacturers that have realized the health benefits that these seats provide, including their capacity to prevent injury. There are seats available that can accommodate children up to 80 or 100 pounds and may be an option before moving to a booster seat. If a child is mature enough, meaning he or she doesnвЂ™t try to escape the seat or wriggle around and slump, the child may be ready to move into a booster seat. A high-back booster seat is one that can be used if the car has low seat backs or no head rests. It helps to properly align the shoulder strap of a lap/shoulder strap combination, which may also prevent slouching. Booster seats may start at a minimum weight of 30 to 33 pounds. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends waiting until the child is 40 pounds and four years of age before w w w. m e t ro c re a t i v e c o n n e c t i o n . c o m transitioning to a booster seat. That is unless the child has simply outgrown the car seat, meaning the straps donвЂ™t fit correctly, shoulders are higher than the harnesses, and feet dangle too far over the edge of the seat. The American Academy of Pediatrics also says it is best for children to ride in a seat with a harness as long as possible, at least to four years of age. If your child outgrows his seat before reaching turning four, consider using a seat with a harness approved for higher weights and heights. They also say that all children whose weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for their car safety seat should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached four feet in height and are between eight and 12 years of age. In Canada, children under the age of eight who weigh 18 kg or more but less than 36 kg (40-80 lbs.), and who stand less than 145 cm (57 inches or 4 feet, 9 inches) must travel in a booster seat that meets the requirements of Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Understanding safety seats can be confusing to some parents. When in doubt, check with a hospital, pediatrician or even a police station for determining the right seat for use. SC123876 To those who feel a vacation isnвЂ™t complete unless the family pet comes along, youвЂ™re not alone. The U.S. Travel Association says that 49 percent of Americans feel the pet is just another member of the family and 18 percent of U.S. travelers plan to take their pets along the next time they travel. Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States have softened laws regarding international travel with a companion animal. With the Pet Passport Scheme, or PETS, individuals may travel freely with their pets to member countries on approved carriers. Some procedures include certification of rabies vaccination and the animalвЂ™s microchip or tattoo number. Car trips are common forms of travel with a companion animal in tow. While many pets are easygoing, there are some who are unaccustomed to traveling with their owners and may even balk at riding along. Acclimating and protecting your pet for travel will require a little patience and some pointers. Secure the pet Just as you would buckle up when entering the car, so should you buckle up a pet. It is important to ensure the animal is not a moving target around the car should an accident occur. Not only could you risk injury to the pet, but you also risk injury to yourself if the animal becomes a projectile. Even if an accident does not occur, a jittery pet, or one who is content to jump from back seat into the front, could prove a distraction while driving. He or she could also bump into the gear shift or get stuck under the gas or brake pedal. It is much better to keep the pet secured. Pets may travel in a well-ventilated carrier. Larger dogs may need to be belted into the car with a special dog harness. There are also barrier screens and gates that can be installed, typically in SUVs, to restrict the pet. Acclimation Some pets just do not enjoy being placed in a carrier or riding in a car. They may need some coaxing and practice to become comfortable if a trip is planned. The ASPCA suggests getting the pet used to a longer trip by taking a series of short trips first over the course of a few days or weeks. With each trip, gradually increase time spent in the car. It may help to bring along a pet toy or blanket that is soothing to the animal, so he or she associates the car with a safe place, just like home. Even after several attempts to acclimate your pet to the idea of a car trip, the animal may still not be happy about the idea. Talk to a veterinarian about other strategies or whether a mild sedative could make the travel easier. Safety tips Although many pet owners are aware of certain dos and donвЂ™ts when it comes to traveling with a pet, many still engage in behavior that could be dangerous to the animal. One of the common offenses is letting the pet ride with his or her head outside of the window. While this may seem like heaven to the dog or cat, this puts the pet at risk of being injured by flying objects, including debris in the eyes. It can also Stashing your toy-sized pooch in your purse is not a safe way to travel with a companion animal. increase the risk of the animal falling out of the moving vehicle. Another mistake many people make is leaving the pet inside of a car вЂ” even for a short duration of time. The ASPCA warns that even with the windows open, a parked car can rapidly heat up and heatstroke can occur. A similar thing takes place in the winter with the car getting much too cold. If you anticipate having to make stops, be sure to go where you can take the pet out and along with you. Comfort and care An animal out of his or her environment or element could become skittish. Try to keep a petвЂ™s feeding schedule as close to normal as possible. This will minimize the chances of discomfort or even digestive aggravation. Bring along bottled water or tap water from home because drinking water from an unfamiliar area could result in unwanted digestive distress, which could prove uncomfortable for pet and owner alike. As an added precaution, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, says the ASPCA. This helps if the animal gets carsick or has an accident. Removable seat covers can also prove advantageous for collecting fur and keeping the interior of the car less messy than need be. Identification It is important to always carry proper identification for your pet, as well as documentation of vaccinations. For those who have not yet microchipped their companion animal, now may be the time to do so. The microchip is a very small device implanted under the skin of the pet, usually by the scruff of the neck. It will transmit contact information when a specialized transmitter is waved over the microchip. ThereвЂ™s also the old-fashioned method of having your dog or cat collared with an ID tag. Using this in conjunction with a leash and harness will help reduce the chances of losing your pet while on the road. SC123820 Credit history and car loans Consumers know that a credit score can have a great impact on the ability to make purchases, even finance a car. Although it is essential to have a good credit score to achieve a low interest rate and be able to finance a vehicle, many shoppers fail to consider what financing a car can do to their credit scores afterward. If the person makes all payments on time and has a good financial history with a financing company, a car loan can be a boon to oneвЂ™s credit score. However, if payments are routinely missed, the vehicle may be repossessed and the infraction can have long-standing effects on a personвЂ™s credit score, even making it more difficult to buy a car in the future. SC123926 COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT w w w. m e t ro c re a t i v e c o n n e c t i o n . c o m 14 SPRING вЂ¦ ON THE ROAD вЂ™12 Improve vision for a safer ride Asphalt driveways tend to be less expensive to install than concrete. Concrete vs. asphalt driveways Many homes come with a driveway. Whether leading to a garage or not, the driveway is a convenient place to park one or more cars. If a driveway is in need of repair or replacement, owners often choose between asphalt or concrete. There are certain factors that come into play when making a decision. More often than not, cost is a main consideration and frequently the driving force behind any driveway decisions that are made. Until you realize all of the subtleties behind these materials, you may not be able to make an informed decision. Cost According to the Do It Yourself Web site, concrete can cost up to 45 percent more than asphalt to install generally. But if the price of crude oil is high, and crude oil is a component of asphalt composition, then the asphalt could be more expensive. The best way to compare prices is to get a few estimates for each material. Depending on climate, both asphalt and concrete can be prone to cracking. In many cases, it is more expensive to mend cracks in a concrete driveway than in one made from asphalt. Weather compatibility If you live in a very hot climate, you may want to choose a concrete driveway. Asphalt tends to get soft in the heat, which can contribute to grooves and dents in the surface. Whereas concrete driveways work better in warm climates than cold ones. Salt used on roadways can damage concrete, and cold-weather shrinkage can lead to cracks in the concrete. Rate of repair Despite the cost, some people choose concrete driveways because they tend to have a longer life with less maintenance required. A concrete driveway can last as long as 50 years. Asphalt driveways can last around 30 years, but if theyвЂ™re not properly maintained, may start deteriorating after just a few years. ThatвЂ™s because asphalt is petroleum-based and very elastic. If left to dry out without adequate sealing, the driveway can become brittle and start to wear away. Concrete driveways can be sealed to preserve their quality, but most people associate sealing with asphalt. This should be done every 5 years or so to prevent the breakdown of the oils in the asphalt. The first application of sealant should be applied no sooner than 8 to 12 months after installation to allow the asphalt to properly cure. Asphalt that is ready for sealing will start to take on a grayish hue. Staining A light-colored concrete can be stained easily from fluid leaks from the underside of a car or leaves. It may take powerwashing to remove the stain adequately. However, stains are much less visible on dark asphalt. But asphalt can do its own type of staining. The oils released from the asphalt can stick to the undersides of shoes and be carried indoors. If you donвЂ™t remove your shoes upon entering, these oils may eventually discolor vinyl or tile floors or get imbedded into the carpeting. Variety What you see is what you get with asphalt. There really are no decorative options вЂ” itвЂ™s merely a simple and practical driveway material. On the other hand, concrete can be colored or stamped to provide designs and aesthetic appeal. If you desire a higher-end driveway, then concrete may be right for you. Both driveway materials will do what theyвЂ™re supposed to вЂ” providing a durable surface on which to park your car. If youвЂ™re looking for low installation costs, then you may want to choose asphalt. For the utmost in durability, perhaps concrete is best. SC123908 Did you know? Space is often at a premium when transporting children in a car. Safety seats tend to be cumbersome and take up a lot of the seat room in a vehicle. In most areas, law mandates some sort of safety seat is necessary until a child is 8 or 9 years old and meets a certain weight maximum. That can mean many years of squeezing the kids into the car, or missing out on carpool opportunities due to safety seats. But a new category of inflatable safety seats could change the way many drivers view car and booster seats. Products like GoBoosterВ® and BubbleBumВ® were the invention of innovators in Europe who have now brought their creations to North America. There are also many other brands still being produced in Europe, including the LuftikidВ®. Inflatable booster seats are lightweight and durable. They often weigh less than 2 pounds. Plus, they inflate and deflate quickly, making these seats the ultimate in portable options. ThereвЂ™s no need to worry about safety, either. In ordered to be sold in the United States and Canada, any type of child safety seat must be rigorously crash tested to comply with strict vehicle safety standards. With a smaller profile, these seats can also save room in a vehicle, preventing the SC123907 need to upsize to a larger truck or van. www.met rocreativeconnection.com As the motor vehicle industry continues to evolve, the emphasis drivers and manufacturers place on safety continues to increase. But even though technological advancements have vastly improved driver safety, accidents still happen. One of the more concerning trends with regards to traffic accidents is when they occur. In spite of the fact that there are five times as many motorists during the day, statistics indicate that one-third of all accidents and roughly half of all traffic fatalities occur at night. Though that might seem counterintuitive, this peculiarity can largely be traced to a driverвЂ™s visual acuity, which is reduced by 70 percent at night. Simply put, the human eye is not adapted for nocturnal vision, so drivers must take steps to improve their vision and visibility within their vehicle. The following are just a few of the ways drivers can do just that. вЂў Replace headlight bulbs every two years. Addressing automobile lighting is one of the most underperformed vehicle maintenance tasks. In fact, many drivers do not even consider replacing their headlight bulb until it fails. But as a bulb ages, its light output is drastically reduced by a host of factors, including humidity, electrical resistance and filament fatigue. Industry experts recommend replacing headlight bulbs every two years, and motorists should add bulb inspection and/or replacement to their list of routine maintenance tasks. вЂў Upgrade your headlight bulbs. Perhaps the best way drivers can improve nocturnal vision is to upgrade their headlight bulbs. Philips, a leading innovator of automotive lighting, makes a series of upgrade headlight bulbs that put out more light and create longer beam patternsВ than the standard halogen bulb found onВ many of todayвЂ™s vehicles. Philips even produces a special headlight bulb for motorcycles that not only improves vision but creates a unique orange reflection that helps distinguish the motorcycle from other vehicles on the road. вЂў Inspect and replace wiper blades when necessary. Similar to headlight bulbs, wiper blades are often overlooked when it comes to vehicle maintenance. But many motorists would be shocked to discover that industry experts recommend wiper blades be replaced at the change of each season or on three month intervals. ThatвЂ™s because the longer a wiper blade is on the vehicle, the more brittle and ineffective it becomes, putting drivers and passengers at risk. Drivers can also purchase inexpensive treatments Philips X-treme Power headlight bulbs put 80 percent more light on the road, which helps increase reaction time to avoid accidents. designed to make the rubber more pliable and extend the life of the wipers. In addition, when inspecting or replacing wiper blades, top off the windshield washer fluid as a precautionary measure. вЂў Install daytime running lights, or DRLs. While many drivers will admit to having trouble driving at night, just as many, if not more, might also concede they struggle with visibility at dusk or even during the day. But DRLs operate whenever the vehicle is moving, helping to increase visibility during the day and at dusk. While most DRLs are based off the carвЂ™s headlights, causing the headlights to wear down over time, the new LED DayLight DRLs from Philips operate on their own and use high powered LEDs which draw less power from the vehicle. These LEDs are incredibly bright for maximum visibility in daylight and have a much longer life expectancy than headlight bulbs. вЂў Clean interior glass and mirrors. Another way to improve visibility is to clean interior glass to remove any film buildup that can reduce vision and create a hazy reflection from the sun. This is especially important for motorists who smoke in the car, as this film is typically thicker. When addressing interior glass, take the time to adjust all side and rearview mirrors properly to cover all of the views around the car, especially the blind spots. More information about Philips Upgrade Headlight Bulbs is available at: www.philips.com/automotive. For Philips LED DayLight Daytime Running Lights go to: www.daylight-led.com. SC123942 Oh, вЂ�deerвЂ™: Get the facts about this road hazard Deer can be found all over the country, and healthy deer populations are increasingly creeping into residential and urban areas seeking food and mates thanks to developments encroaching on deer habitats. This increases the chances of motorists having run-ins with deer on the roadways around their homes and places of business. State FarmВ® estimates that 2.3 million collisions between deer and vehicles occurred in the United States during the two-year period between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2010. That number marks a 21.1 percent increase in the number of incidents from statistics gathered just five years earlier. West Virgina and Iowa rank first and second, respectively, as the states where a driver is most likely to collide with a deer. Vehicular crashes can cause serious damage to a car and even be fatal. According to National Geographic, the average white-tailed deer can stand at 6-feet-tall and weigh between 100 and 200 pounds. That animal stands as a formidable foe should a collision with a car occur. It may seem like one is hitting into a barrier or an impenetrable object. There are certain tips that can reduce the chances of a deer and vehicle collision. вЂў Keep in mind that deer are most active between 6 and 9 p.m. At dusk, they may be harder to see. вЂў Take note of posted deer crossing signs. These are erected in places where deer are most actively crossing. вЂў Deer generally travel in herds. So drivers who see one deer should expect to see others nearby. вЂў Use highbeams when driving at night to better illuminate rural areas. вЂў Drive slowly in areas where deer are likely to be, such as by open fields. вЂў Car-mounted deer whistles are not a reliable deterrent вЂў Do not swerve erratically to avoid a deer collision. This can result in a collision with another car and increase risk of injury and damage. In areas where deer collisions are prevalent, extra insurance coverage may be needed on vehicles. Therefore, drivers should SC123827 speak with their insurance providers. Learn the proper way to rotate tires Rotating tires is something that many people do religiously while others put off the task until they notice a problem with the carвЂ™s performance. An important component of vehicle upkeep, rotating tires not only extends the life of the tires, but it also helps ensure safer driving. There are some who are unfamiliar about how and when to rotate the tires and the benefits this routine maintenance can provide. This also could be a factor in why people procrastinate on tire rotation. One may not realize that the front tires often bear the brunt of the work in vehicle operation. Making turns or parallel parking requires the force of the front tires. Vehicles that are front-wheel-drive have front tires that supply the main motive power for the vehicle, according to Edmunds.com. The frequent use and requirements of the tires produces friction on the road, and eventually heat. The front tires wear more quickly than the rear tires. In order to extend the life of the tires, drivers must periodically rotate them. Tire rotation essentially means moving the front tires to the rear and vice-versa. This means the front passenger side tire will be moved to the back passenger side position. The same thing will occur on the driverвЂ™s side. ThereвЂ™s a reason for this. Tires have unique wear patterns that are related to the suspension and COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT the alignment. Should you switch the tires in a criss-cross pattern, it could affect the alignment and lead to a bumpy ride. These scenarios can depend on the vehicle and the tire, however. Certain vehicles have tires of different sizes in the rear and front, which prevents front-to-back rotation. There are also cars that have tires that are unidirectional, where they are specific to one side of the car and asymmetrical, with a tread pattern that changes from the inside of the tire to the outside. Though these tires are rare, you canвЂ™t rotate them at all. Tire rotation is adviseable to preserve balanced handling, traction and even outer tire wear. But how often should it be done? Many tires should be rotated every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, even if they donвЂ™t show signs of wear. Some service stations will do tire rotation at the same time that oil changes are done because the car is already on a lift. DonвЂ™t expect tire rotation to correct wear problems due to worn mechanical parts or as the result of improper inflation pressure. Rotation is not the only tire maintenance task to do to ensure safe tires. Consult with a service station to determine the best pattern for rotating your tires and the ideal time interval between rotations. SC123904 www.met rocreativeconnection.com 15 SPRING вЂ¦ ON THE ROAD вЂ™12 On the road again Ready your car for spring and summer travel The return of warm weather marks the return of road trips for millions of motorists across the country. Whether going to the beach or heading off to parts unknown, hitting the open road with the windows down is a time-honored tradition for drivers of all ages. But such road trips can prove disastrous if drivers donвЂ™t take the right steps to prepare their vehicles for spring and summer travel. The following are a few ways motorists can ensure their car is ready to tackle the open road. вЂў Tighten things up. Loose parts, such as exhaust clamps, license plates, and interior trim panels, can create rattles and cause parts to get damaged or fall off. WhatвЂ™s more, rattling sounds can be a noisy nuisance for drivers and passengers alike. Permatex Threadlockers can be used to keep the nuts and bolts from coming loose and save parts replacement costs. They also have a threadlocker for plastic fasteners, which vehicle manufacturers have grown to rely on more and more. вЂў Wash your car. A newly washed car not only looks good, but itвЂ™s often much safer as well. Take your car to a car wash a few days before the trip and have the vehicle thoroughly cleaned. A thorough cleaning will remove dirt and grime from the vehicleвЂ™s undercarriage, not to mention unsightly bird droppings and water spots or salt stains leftover from winter. вЂў Fix foggy headlight lenses. Many spring and summer road trippers travel at night so their days can be spent soaking up some sun at the beach or lake. Before heading off for parts unknown, motorists should inspect their headlight Motorists should perform routine maintenance before beginning a spring or summer road trip, such as fixing windshield nicks (l.) and restoring cloudy headlight lenses. lenses to reduce risk of accident. If the lenses are yellowed and foggy, thatвЂ™s likely because salt, ozone and road debris has dulled them to a point where vision can be impaired, placing drivers and their passengers at risk. But foggy lenses donвЂ™t mandate an expensive headlight replacement. In fact, The Permatex Lens Renew Kit makes it easy to clean up and polish dull headlight lenses and restore them to like new condition, improving your carвЂ™s lighting and driver visibility. вЂў Check the battery. Over time, battery terminals and cables will start to corrode. Such corrosion will eventually eat away at the batteryвЂ™s parts, creating a bad connection that sooner or later will require the battery be replaced. Check the battery before your trip and remember to clean the battery periodically as part of routine vehicle maintenance. вЂў Address windshield nicks and bullseyes. Nicks and chips in the windshields are a common problem regardless of the season. But such damage is most prevalent in the winter because of the extra debris thatвЂ™s on the road. These nicks and cracks need to get fixed as soon as possible to prevent them from spreading and resulting in the need for a windshield replacement. Oftentimes, motorists can address nicks and bullseyes in their own driveways in a matter of minutes. For example, the Permatex Bullseye Windshield Repair kit is tailor made for do-ityourselfers, requiring no heating or mixing while ensuring each repair is virtually undetectable. More information on easy repairs that you can do yourself can be found at www.permatex.com. SC123944 Higher safety ratings for compact cars Increased demand for small, safe and affordable vehicles has driven manufacturers to develop compact cars that are safer than in years passed. Smaller cars getting safer Data from the 2012 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety top safety picks show that mini and small cars are increasingly showing up on the list for high crash ratings in terms of frontaloffset crash, side-impact test that mimics a collision with an SUV or pickup, a rollover roof-strength test and a rearimpact evaluation test. The testing measures vehicles on a rating from good to poor. Top picks on the list earned вЂњgoodвЂќ in all categories. Because manufacturers realize that people are largely gravitating toward smaller cars for their lower price tags and fuel efficiency, they are putting the effort into designs that boost safety. Larger cars still win on safety. Although much has been done to improve small carsвЂ™ safety, the fact remains that they often canвЂ™t compete head to head with a large car. A carвЂ™s weight and resistance to roll over are key factors in the safety of a vehicle. Small cars do not roll over often, but they do have a less substantial curb weight. Therefore, physics will prevail. If a small car comes in contact with a large one, chances are the smaller car will be subjected to more damage. IIHS findings on average say that the type of car with the least amount of driver deaths per million registered passenger vehicles is a very large car. The next safest car is a midsize SUV. Small cars come in with a high number of deaths. Small pickup trucks have the highest rate of fatalities thanks to their high propensity for rollover. Despite higher test crash ratings, smaller cars cannot compete with larger cars receiving similar ratings. However, they can still offer ade- Giving a car as a gift or charitable donation Despite what the holiday commercials will have you believe, very few people can afford to wrap up a car with a big bow, park it in the driveway and wait for the surprised recipient to вЂњooh and ahhвЂќ over the gift. While this type of auto gifting is rare, people do give cars on a regular basis. Usually it is an older car that they are donating or giving to a friend or family member. There are certain things you need to know when giving a car away. These things include potential tax-related issues and the proper way to go about signing over the car to another person, which could vary depending on where you live. A trip to the motor vehicle department could shed some light on where you need to begin. The first step often begins with a bill of sale. A bill of sale is usually required for any transfer of your car that is not to a direct family member. In this instance, a hand-written вЂњsalesвЂќ note may be adequate. In other cases a more formal bill of sale is generally needed, which will also require some other things: вЂў A recent appraisal of the vehicle to determine its value. вЂў The original title of the car. вЂў The price you would be asking for the car that is being waived. вЂў An indication of the mileage. вЂў Any other requirements as spelled out by motor vehicles where you live. The same process applies for donating a car to a charity, and a copy of the bill of sale can be used to deduct the gift properly when it comes time to file your taxes. When filling out the bill of sale, expressly indicate that the car is granted as a gift. Keep in mind that the car вЂњbuyer,вЂќ the person to whom you are donating the vehicle, also may still have to pay sales tax on the car. The sales tax varies by state or province, or the DMV may exclude the tax or charge a straight tax based on the Kelly Blue Book value of the car. While a bill of sale is usually required, itвЂ™s also likely that, when donating a car to charity, you need to sign the back of the title and give that title to a representative of the charity. Again, this is something that is best verified by the DMV to ensure you are doing it correctly. Though not a donation or gift, assuming the payments on another personвЂ™s car also comes with some guidelines. Assuming payments often occurs because the existing owner can no longer afford the vehicle payments or are looking for a new car and simply want to help out another person in the process. There are situations where people take over the payments of a car from another, assuming the lease or loan. While not a gift in the traditional sense, it is a way to help a person out who may not be able to afford a new car in another manner. Before beginning, the person who will be assuming the payments will need to contact the financing company to find out if they will agree to this scenario. A down payment may be necessary. A credit check and verification of a credit score is usually on the list of things that will be verified. As with a regular loan, the financing company may require an approval period, which could take some time. If the recipient is approved, the existing owner will have to sign paperwork that transfers the car lien into the recipientвЂ™s name. Giving the gift of a car to another person or as a charitable donation requires navigating the proper channels of paperwork and procedure. The best resource is to speak to someone who works at the Department of Motor Vehicles directly to guide you through the process. SC123824 Tips for motorcycle beginners The Toyota Scion xB is one of the top safety picks for in small cars. quate safety for good drivers. For those in the market for a new vehicle. Here the IIHS top picks for 2012 in a variety of categories. Mini Fiat 500 Ford Fiesta Honda Fit Toyota Yaris hatchback 4-door Small cars Chevrolet Cruze Chevrolet Sonic Chevrolet Volt Ford Focus 4-door Honda Civic 4-door Honda CR-Z Honda Insight Hyundai Elantra Kia Forte sedan Kia Soul Lexus CT 200h Mazda 3 Mini Cooper Countryman Mitsubishi Lancer Nissan Cube Nissan Juke www.met rocreativeconnection.com Nissan Leaf Scion tC Scion xB Scion xD Subaru Impreza Toyota Corolla Toyota Prius Volkswagen Golf 4-door Volkswagen GTI 4-door Midsize cars Audi A3 Buick Verano Chevrolet Malibu Chrysler 200 4-door Dodge Avenger Ford Fusion Honda Accord 4-door Hyundai Sonata Kia Optima Subaru Legacy Subaru Outback Toyota Camry Toyota Prius v Volkswagen Jetta sedan Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen Volkswagen Passat Volvo C30 SC123906 Men and women who ride motorcycles often insist thereвЂ™s nothing quite like riding. Riding a motorcycle not only can be exhilarating and provide a feeling unlike any other, but it also requires patience and discipline for beginners and veteran riders alike. Riding a motorcycle carries a certain stigma of being dangerous, but thatвЂ™s only the case for inattentive riders who forget their responsibilities while on the road. The following are some tips that beginners can put to use when hitting the open road. вЂў Gear up and stay geared up. Beginners often donвЂ™t have a problem gearing up, as many are understandably nervous and therefore less likely to leave necessary equipment in the garage. Always wear a helmet, motorcycle jacket, riding gloves, riding boots and motorcycle pants when riding. Many riders fall into the trap of wearing less gear once they become more acclimated to their bike. But gear should be worn whether you have been riding for 50 days or 50 years. вЂў Prepare, prepare, prepare. ThereвЂ™s no such thing as too much preparation when riding a motorcycle. Motorcycle training guides are valuable tools of information for beginners. These instructional videos or reading materials provide insight into all aspects of riding a motorcycle, and no beginner should get on a motorcycle without first watching or reading a motorcycle training guide. вЂў Practice away from other motorists. DonвЂ™t start riding on a freeway until you have grown accustomed to riding the bike at slow practice speeds youвЂ™ve honed away from other motorists. Empty parking lots make COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT ideal training grounds. Once you feel comfortable in the parking lot, gradually move to roads without heavy traffic, such as residential neighborhoods. Once youвЂ™re truly comfortable on the bike, then you can hit the highway. вЂў Go to class. A motorcycle safety course might be a requirement in some areas but not required in others. Regardless of whether or not itвЂ™s required, take the class anyway. Such classes might cost a few hundred dollars, but their value far exceeds that cost. A safety course prepares riders for anything they might encounter on the road. Just be sure to enroll in a class that teaches accident evasion. вЂў Get the right size. Some riders envision themselves at the helm of a big hog, while others see themselves tooling down the highway on an ultralight bike. But donвЂ™t go to extremes in either direction, at least not with your first motorcycle. A heavy bike might be more stable, but itвЂ™s also harder to control. A lighter bike might feel easier to control, but itвЂ™s best to wait until you have had a year or two of experience before buying bikes often referred to as вЂњcrotch rockets,вЂќ which are sporty and fast. SC123927 www.met rocreativeconnection.com 16 ALL ABOUT PETS вЂ™12 Dogs and diabetes How to recognize if your dog has diabetes Exotic pets are often not a safe choice for the average pet owner. Exotic animals donвЂ™t make great pets Many people have a fascination with owning a wild, dangerous, exotic pet. Maybe itвЂ™s bragging rights among friends, or simply having something that few other people have. Too often injuries or fatalities occur at the paws of an exotic animal, and in many countries, including the United States and Canada, it is illegal to own exotic animals as pets outside of a wildlife facility or without special licensing. Despite their popularity, the following pets can also be dangerous. Turtles Outlawed exotic pets donвЂ™t always have big claws and fangs. Turtles, for example, are banned as pets because of their propensity to carry salmonella bacteria. Since 1975, the FDA has placed on a ban on the sales of turtles at a size of 4 inches or smaller. Prior to the ban, researchers linked an estimated 250,000 cases of salmonellosis in children and infants to pet turtles. ThatвЂ™s because the small turtles are irresistible to children, and the smaller the size the higher propensity the child may try to put the turtle in his mouth. Salmonella can also be contracted when handling a turtle and then putting fingers in the mouth. Big Cats Despite being well trained and experienced in tiger handling, illusionist Roy Horn of the long-running partnership Seigfreid and Roy was mauled by one of his show tigers in 2003. Big cats can be very dangerous to people, thanks in large part to their unpredictability. Also, the sheer size of a big cat can cause injuries to a person even if the cat is simply playing. The size of a big cat also makes it a challenge to find a cage or enclosure to house the animal. In addition, feeding the animal is no small task, as larger cats need substantial amounts of food to remain healthy and strong. Cats routinely engage in territory marking with urine and engage in combative behavior to defend their space. They produce a lot of waste that will also need to be cleaned. Pet tigers have been involved in several fatalities and maulings throughout the United States and Canada in recent years. Snakes Constrictors and venomous snakes are generally outlawed due to the propensity for injury or death. Constrictors, as their name suggests, are equipped to constrict, or squeeze their prey to death through suffocation. Anacondas and boa constrictors can reach 13 feet or more in length and several inches around in body width. At this size, they can easily subdue a pet, child or even an adult caught by surprise. In the summer of 2009, a 9-foot albino python owned by a Florida man got out of his cage and strangled his girlfriendвЂ™s 2-year-old daughter to death. Venomous snakes have powerful venom that can cause anything from neurological problems to paralysis and extreme pain to death. These snakes are formidable foes in their natural environments, and with the high chance of biting an owner, they are not safe to have as pets. Too often snakes that become unmanageable are simply let out into the wild where they can become neighborhood menaces. Monkeys and chimps With a close resemblance to humans, and the frequency with which chimps are used in movies or trained for shows, people think that these animals are safe to own. In reality, chimpanzees can engage in pack hunting behavior. They have been known to be very aggressive, feeding on other monkey species and even turning cannibalistic to earn a higher social standing. Monkeys have large fangs and have been known to attack people and humans. Some species also throw feces and spray urine, something many people would not look for in a pet. In 2010, Charla Nash from Connecticut was mauled by a 200pound chimpanzee. Nash lost much of her face and her two hands in the attack. She no longer has eyes because they were removed due to infection. Reptiles Crocodiles and alligators start out as small, almost cute hatchlings, which are attractive to pet owners. But these animals grow very quickly in a short period of time. They can reach several feet in length and hundreds of pounds. These animals have very powerful jaws capable of doing quite an amount of damage. It is not beyond reason for a croc or gator to drag a person into the water, where survival is difficult. They participate in a вЂњdeath roll,вЂќ where they spin like a top in the water, ripping and tearing flesh apart from prey. Despite their size, these reptiles can charge rather quickly on land. In water they ambush hunters and can quickly surprise an animal or person. Exotic animals might seem like a potentially interesting pet but the safety risk associated with these animals is simply too great to welcome such pets into a home. www.met rocreativeconnection.com PE123877 The family pet is typically a beloved and cherished member of the family, one whom no one wants to see succumb to sickness or illness. But just like their human counterparts, pets can get sick, and it might surprise some pet owners to learn their pets arenвЂ™t immune to diseases most commonly associated with human beings. One such disease is diabetes, which is a common disease in dogs regardless of breed. Just like with human beings, diabetes in dogs does not discriminate. However, females with the disease outnumber males by three to one, and Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Miniature Schnauzers, Keeshonden and Poodles have the highest incidence of diabetes. When a dog gets diabetes, itвЂ™s because of inadequate insulin production by the islet cells in the pancreas. For some dogs, this inadequate insulin production is due to a genetic predisposition. Insulin is essential for dogs, as it allows glucose to pass into the cells, which metabolize the glucose for energy. When a dog is insulin deficient, it will develop high blood sugar, known as hyperglycemia, as well as a high urine sugar, a condition also known as glycosuria. When glucose is present in its urine, a dog will urinate more frequently, which sets off a chain reaction that includes dehydration and an urge to consume large amounts of water. In addition to those symptoms, some additional signs a dog might have diabetes include: вЂў Weight loss вЂў Increased appetite вЂў Recurrent infections вЂў Intolerance of exercise While any of the aforementioned symptoms can be indicative of diabetes, their presence does not necessarily mean a dog is diabetic. For example, a dog that cannot hold its urine might be suffering from a bladder or kidney infection instead of diabetes. When a dog is exhibiting issues with regards to urination, the best thing an owner can do is consult a veterinarian immediately. If diabetes is not diagnosed early on, then a dog might Even manвЂ™s best friend is not immune from diabetes. exhibit different symptoms once the disease has begun to advance. Cataracts, for instance, are common in diabetic dogs, so if a veterinarian determines a dog has cataracts, then he or she might want to test a dog for diabetes if no such test has been conducted already. Symptoms of advanced diabetes include: вЂў Lethargy вЂў Loss of appetite вЂў Vomiting вЂў Dehydration вЂў Weakness вЂў Coma If left untreated, diabetes in dogs can be devastating to the animal. Diabetes affects all organs, and dogs who arenвЂ™t receiving treatment for diabetes are more susceptible to infections and are likely to develop neurological problems as well. Enlarged livers are also common in dogs who have diabetes but arenвЂ™t receiving treatment. More information about canine diabetes is available at www.caninediabetes.org. PE123900 Is a pet right for your home? Nearly half of all households in the United States and Canada have a pet. Sometimes a pet can be just what a family needs, but other times families soon discover their households simply donвЂ™t make an ideal place for a pet. Pets end up in shelters for a number of reasons вЂ” most through no fault of their own. Moving is the primary reason family pets are relinquished, according to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy. Other top reasons include the cost of pets, animals given as gifts, lack of time to care for the animal, or an animal that grew larger than expected. One way to avoid this scenario is to accurately assess if a pet is right for the home. Prospective pet owners who carefully analyze the pros and cons of pet ownership are more likely to keep their pet for the long haul. Certain animals require more care than others, and knowing about this can prevent the heartache of having to give away a pet. Here are some questions to ask yourself. вЂў What type of pet am I considering? A horse has different needs than a hamster. Learning about what each pet requires can narrow down the choices. For example, if you live in an apartment, horse ownership may be out of the question, unless you can afford to rent a stall at a nearby stable. If a landlord does not allow a dog, but accepts a cat, that further eliminates your options. Also, think about if you want a pet that will be affectionate or one that will just be fun to watch and low-maintenance. вЂў Why do I want a pet? Some people get pets for misguided reasons, such as itвЂ™s the thing all their friends are doing or itвЂ™s trendy. Others get pets to replace a pet lost to illness or simply because they desire companionship. Make sure the reasons you are getting a pet are the right ones and you are more likely to have positive outcomes. Otherwise you could be setting yourself up for a poor situation. вЂў Do I understand the responsibility associated with pet ownership? Getting a pet is not like getting another piece or furniture or the latest gaming system. This will be a new member of the family that will impact all the other members living in the house. They need to be involved in the decision. Depending on the pet, there will need to be daily care, such as providing food, changing litter boxes, taking the pet for walks, and providing affection. If you have a busy schedule that keeps you away from home for much of the day, a higher-maintenance pet, like a dog, may not be the best idea. It wonвЂ™t be fair to the animal or yourself. Perhaps a bird or small companion animal would be better. COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT вЂў Am I financially capable of having a pet? Just like having a child or another dependant, pets cost money. If you are currently facing a money crunch, itвЂ™s probably best to put off getting a pet. Expenses include food, veterinarian visits, gear, cages, and grooming. вЂў What is home life like? If your home is especially boisterous or on the small size, this should eliminate certain pets from the discussion. Many animals are skittish around crowds and may scatter and hide. They may also act out and bite or scratch if they feel overwhelmed by a lot of people. As for the space in the home, is it enough to fit a pet comfortably? вЂў Do you prefer a young animal or one older? Many people flock to puppies and kittens or young rabbits. While there are advantages to raising a young animal, an older pet has advantages as well. These include an animal that may have had prior training and housebreaking. Also, their personalities are developed and youвЂ™ll know the adult size of the animal. Older animals are likely past the mischief stage and may be less likely to chew furniture or cause damage around the house. Taking care of a pet is not a decision to make lightly. Asking important questions will enable you to make informed choices. PE123902 www.met rocreativeconnection.com 17 ALL ABOUT PETS вЂ™12 Finding a reliable pet sitter YouвЂ™ve booked your next vacation or trip to visit family living far away, and have made all of the arrangements necessary. Except for who will watch your pet. Millions of people across North America are pet owners. Although hotels and restaurants are increasingly amenable to pets, a good number of people prefer the convenience of leaving their pet home. Pets also seem to thrive in their familiar home environments. Keeping a pet home will require the services of a pet sitter to care for the animal. At one time pet owners had limited options when it came time to arrange care for their animals while they were away. The choices were between asking a friend or family member to take on the task or dropping the pet off at a nearby kennel. Today, however, trained professionals are available to watch your pets, some of whom will even come directly to the house. Hiring a pet sitter is nothing to take lightly, as it requires finding reputable sitters who are thoroughly vetted. When the time comes to hire a pet sitter, you want to ensure the person is trained and professional. After all, this person will be coming into your home and caring for your pet. Develop a series of questions you want answered, including a list of references, proof of bonding and insurance coverage, and fees. You also want to ensure that the pet and the sitter will get along together. If you donвЂ™t know where to begin the search, you can hire a National Association of Professional Pet Sitters pet sitter. These individuals have been trained in various pet sitting scenarios and should prove more than capable. Once you choose a sitter, there are ways to make the experience easier for all involved. вЂў Make a list of the things your pet enjoys and does not enjoy. вЂў List any food allergies or problems with the animal. вЂў Provide recent veterinarian check-up information and a basic health history. вЂў Communicate your needs and wants about the animal. вЂў Establish rules for the home. Set up the home for the arrival of the sitter, including leaving out any necessary supplies for the pet. вЂў Clean up the house to prevent any hazards to the pet, including unplugging wires from outlets, and closing doors to rooms that are off-limits. вЂў Leave a radio on to simulate comforting noises in the house and keep the pet calm. вЂў Be sure the garbage is empty so that curious pets donвЂ™t get inside and eat something they shouldnвЂ™t. The most important thing is the connection you have with the pet sitter and how well you both communicate about the needs of the animal. If you feel comfortable with the person, this improves the chances of a positive pet sitting experience. PE123899 Common hamster illnesses Many children cannot resist the cute, furry faces of hamsters, and these lovable rodents are often the first pet a child is allowed to have. However, in some pet stores, hamsters are raised in close proximity with others and, if not properly cared for, can be susceptible to illness. ItвЂ™s only after the pet is brought home that symptoms may appear. Responsible pet owners must be aware of any behavioral changes a hamster exhibits, as such changes might be indicative of illness. This can be challenging, as hamsters are largely nocturnal and only awaken after children go to bed at night. Hamsters are susceptible to colds. A swollen nose and fluffed fur around the nose from wiping nasal discharge on bedding are some symptoms of a cold. The hamster may also be constipated or suffer from diarrhea. Just like cats and dogs, hamsters also may host fleas and lice, which they often catch from other pets in the house. You may have to look carefully to determine if the hamster has these pests. One of the biggest concerns of hamster owners is a condition called wet tail. Potentially fatal, wet tail is a highly contagious bacterial disease that causes extreme diarrhea. Stress is a big contributor to the onset of wet tail, which is why it is common among young hamsters getting acclimated to their new homes. Changes in diet, habitat and unsanitary living conditions also contribute to wet tail. Wet tail is best handled by a veterinarian who can offer medical advice for the best treatment possible. Not all diarrhea is indicative of wet tail. A diet heavy in fruits and vegetables those foods might cause diarrhea. If the diarrhea disappears when these foods are removed from the hamsterвЂ™s diet, wet tail is likely not the culprit. To those who have never crated or even owned a dog, the idea of crate training often comes off as cruel and unusual punishment. In reality, many dogs have a natural need for a denlike enclosure, and a crate satisfies that need, improving the animalвЂ™s life as a result. Crate training can also help dog owners housebreak a puppy. Dogs are reluctant to soil their sleeping places, so it can be easier to housebreak a pet that is crated than one that isnвЂ™t. In addition, crating prevents destructive behavior and helps owners rest easy when they leave the home, knowing that their pet is safe in its crate and not likely to be exposed to harmful items around the house, be it household cleaning products or electrical wires. While the benefits of crating are numerous for owner and dog alike, that doesnвЂ™t mean the process will be easy. In fact, many dog owners struggle to get their best friends acclimated to their crates. When starting a dogвЂ™s crate training, owners should consider the following tips. вЂў Crate the dog from the get-go. The earlier crate training begins, the more successful it is likely to be. Dogs who are crate trained when young often see their crates as a respite or a place to relax and hangout throughout the rest of their lives. So the earlier owners get started the more likely pets are to enjoy their crates. вЂў Never use the crate as punishment. A dog will likely never grow accustomed to or comfortable with its crate if the crate is used as a punishment for bad behavior. Owners are not buying the crate to act as a jail cell, but rather a comfortable and safe place for dogs to spend time during the day or sleep in at night. Using a crate as punishment, even if itвЂ™s only done once, could make it impossible for owners to ever acclimate their pets to a crate. вЂў Make the crate a place the dog will want to be. A crate doesnвЂ™t have to include just a bed and some bowls. A crate can be furnished with some of the dogвЂ™s favorite toys and treats so the crate is a place the dog loves. When placing such items, place on the opposite side of the door opening. Because dogs will spend most of their time in the crate when their owners are away, itвЂ™s best to only place larger toys that cannot be swallowed to prevent choking and illness. Inspect the crate daily to ensure no items have been chipped or broken and become choking hazards as a result. вЂў DonвЂ™t isolate the crate. A crate should not be isolated from everyone in the home. When home, move the crate so the dog and crate are near you. If watching television in the living room, carry the crate into the room with you. This makes the crate more attractive and wonвЂ™t instill feelings of isolation in the dog when itвЂ™s in the crate. In addition, the dog wonвЂ™t associate the crate with feelings of isolation when youвЂ™re not home. At night, place the crate near your bed to further ensure the dog does not feel isolated when in its crate. вЂў DonвЂ™t place the dog in the crate unless absolutely necessary. A dog should want to enter the crate. Owners who push or pull their dogs into the crate may find their dog will always be reluctant to enter the crate. If bed time arrives and the dog is genuinely reluctant to enter the crate, then owners might want to gently place the dog inside the crate. In such instances, make sure the crate is close to your own bed so the dog does not mistake being placed in the crate as punishment. When crate training a dog, owners can easily grow frustrated. However, the more a dog associates the crate with positivity, the easier the process becomes. PE123901 PE123879 How to litter box train your bunny Rabbits can make wonderful pets. If you want a pet but cats and dogs arenвЂ™t for you, a rabbit can fill the void. Although rabbits may need less interaction than a dog, they still require a lot of responsibility and commitment. The task of caring for a rabbit is made easier by training your rabbit to use a litter box. Many people have pet rabbits, and after a little training, these animals can roam the house just like other pets. Contrary to popular belief, rabbits arenвЂ™t dirty. In fact, this reputation often stems from inattentiveness and lack of cleaning on the part of the pet parent. In reality, rabbits are вЂњpreyвЂќ animals who will instinctively keep a clean home to prevent the build up of odor that would reveal the location of their dens to potential predators. Rabbits can be raised as social animals that like to interact with human handlers. Whether a rabbit is sociable is not breed-specific. This is largely dependent on the care and handling from the owner. Raised from a kit, rabbits can be accustomed to handling any human interaction and be very companionable pets. What deters many people from rabbits is unfamiliarity with one as a pet and the prospect of many droppings being left around the house. Unlike other mammals, rabbits and other lagomorphs produce two types of droppings. Fecal pellets are the commonly found ones that are round and dry. These can be seen in piles and can number in the dozens. Rabbits will also produce cecotropes, which are formed in a region of the rabbitвЂ™s digestive tract. These cecotropes contain important nutrients and healthy bacteria and fungi, which are essential to the health of a rabbit. Rabbits will eat the cecotropes as they exit the body. Fecal pellets are not usually eaten and are the droppings that will need to be contained. It has been said that rabbits can often be litter box trained and seldom have accidents outside of the box. Rabbits prefer one or two places to put their waste. To start the process you will need patience. вЂў Buy a litter box that the rabbit can easily access. Standard cat litter boxes often work well. вЂў Confine the rabbit to one room and place the litter box in the cage with the rabbit. вЂў Observe where the rabbit likes to relieve itself. If itвЂ™s in the litter box, this is a great first step. If not, simply move the litter box where the rabbit is doing its business. вЂў Once successful, give the rabbit a little bit of freedom at Tips to make crate training your puppy easier a time. Try letting the rabbit out of the cage in the confined room with the litter box nearby. вЂў Gradually give the rabbit more freedom, luring it to the box with treats and praise. Make sure the pet is aware of the litter boxвЂ™s location. вЂў If the bunny continually makes mistakes, it could be a signal that the rabbit would like the litter box moved to a different spot closer to where the accidents are occurring. вЂў It may take locating a few boxes around a large space before a rabbit grows acclimated to using the litter box. Then you can gradually reduce the number of boxes. Rabbits can take time to catch on to litter box training, and even when youвЂ™re fairly certain the training is complete, you may still find a few pellets left near the box. Some people overlook rabbits as pets because of fear of the unknown and the idea of droppings all over the home. However, rabbits can make affectionate and agreeable pets for families that have the time to devote to training. Rabbits can be trained to use a litter box, making it PE123912 easier to care for this cuddly pet. www.met rocreativeconnection.com Pets can coexist peacefully Despite cartoon caricatures of dogs preying on unsuspecting cats, and cats hunting down birds and small rodents, these stereotypical adversaries can, and often do, live quite peacefully together. Many different types of animals can live together in one household, but it is up to the pet owner to ensure each animal gets his or her share of attention and proper care. In 2009, a shelter dog named Lily made headlines in Iowa when she accepted a litter of orphaned kittens and began nursing them and mothering them as if they were her pups. There have been tales of a baby horse raised by a goat, and even a leopard caring for a baby baboon after having fed on the baboonвЂ™s mother. Although few might advocate welcoming a baboon and a leopard into a family residence, this tale does illustrate that the misconception of survival of the fittest, or animosity among species, may be somewhat unfounded. With this in mind, individuals who are worried about commingling pets in the house may not need to fret so much. This is especially true if they pay attention to some pointers about making the household peaceful for all. вЂў The unifying force in peaceful coexistence is the establishment of boundaries among animals. In the wild, certain species accept a dominant or COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT submissive place within the social order. In the household, things may get out of hand if two animals are trying to exert their dominance over territory. It is important to establish yourself as the pack alpha or leader. If pets view you as the one in charge, they may be less likely to fight for position with another pet. Establish your dominance early on and reinforce it from time to time. вЂў Although all animals have the potential to be territorial, males, particularly those intact, are more likely to exhibit territorial aggression. Therefore, for the health and safety of your pets, consider neutering. You may also want to consider females of the breed, particularly because females tend to be less territorial than males. вЂў Ensure each animal has his or her own sleeping and living areas so that they will feel safe. вЂў Always supervise animals that are commingling. Even if they are getting along at one point, they may not always be so friendly. вЂў Wash your hands in between handling one pet or another. Sometimes the scent of another animal can trigger aggression. вЂў Keep your pets in separate rooms when you are out of the house, unless they have a proven track record of behaving among one another. Remember the adage ... вЂњWhile the catвЂ™s away, the mice will play.вЂќ PE123915 www.met rocreativeconnection.com 18 ALL ABOUT PETS вЂ™12 Top-rated vacuums to clean up pet hair To ensure the health of aquarium fish, it is vital to prevent overgrowth of algae in the fish tank. Controlling aquarium algae Budding aquarium enthusiasts crop up every day. TheyвЂ™re anxious to head to the pet store and pick out a tank, accessories and the fish they hope will thrive in a new environment. While itвЂ™s important to know which fish can cohabitate and the proper pH and temperature to keep the tank, one important lesson all people who have an aquarium should know is how to keep algae in check. Algae is a naturally occurring plant life that creates a green film on the inside of tank walls and on plants and decorations inside the aquarium. Just like any other plant, algae requires a few things to thrive, including light, water and food. Although a certain amount of algae in the water can be a beneficial food source for some species of fish, an overabundance can be unsightly and take over the aquarium. There are a few reasons why algae can grow unchecked. вЂў Algae needs light to survive. Leaving a fluorescent aquarium light on too long or placing the tank in the path of direct sunlight can cause algae to bloom. вЂў Introducing new live plants to a tank, which already may have algae spores hitching a ride on them, can introduce more algae to the tank. вЂў Overfeeding fish can provide extra food sources for algae, as can failing to frequently clean the filter. вЂў Water with a high level of nutrients will provide a lot of food for algae. Understanding why algae forms will help you control it effectively. To start, get in the habit of cleaning the tank frequently. Once a week may be acceptable, depending on size. Scrape the walls of the aquarium down and remove the artificial plants and other accessories and routinely wash in clean water. Change the filter cartridge when it has become overly soiled. Perform water changes. Change 10 to 15 percent of the water in the aquarium every week, which will remove toxins and algae spores. When you change the water, use a suction tube to вЂњvacuumвЂќ out debris lodged in the gravel. Limiting the food sources for algae can also keep it in check. Feed a scant amount of food to fish, only enough that they can eat in 5 minutes or so. If there is extra food floating around, remove it. The food contains phosphates and other nutrients that can be a delicious meal for algae. Keeping live plants in the tank is another way to limit nutrients. Live plants will use many of the nutrients that algae thrive on. Having less present means less algae and healthy aquarium plants. Routinely test the levels in the water and know what the proper levels should be. In addition, know what your water levels are right out of the tap. Test for phosphates and nitrates. Use phosphate removers or another water source, if necessary. Make sure to include algae-eating fish in the aquarium. Those like the Plecostomus (Pleco) will scour the tank for algae. Position the tank out of direct sunlight, which will just fuel algae growth. Also, go sparingly on the use of an aquarium light in the tank. Algae often grow in warm temperatures, as is common with tropical aquariums. Keep the temperature of the water at the minimum level allowed for the breed of fish, and be sure the tank is not by a radiator or additional heat source. Keeping aquarium fish can be an enjoyable hobby and a nice focal point for a room. To ensure the health of the tank, be sure to manage the amount of algae in the aquarium. PE123898 Bathing cats the right way One of the main reasons people are drawn to cats as pets is the felineвЂ™s selfsufficiency. In many respects, cats can take care of themselves and be very content with minimal pampering from their owners. Many cats do not require bathing as a dog would. They are very capable of grooming themselves and keeping clean. In the rare instance a cat gets very dirty or gets a substance stuck in its fur that it cannot remove, then the cat might need a bath. Few have escaped the dramatic stories of attempting to bathe a cat, where the cat usually escapes, not before scratching or biting the person trying to do the bathing of the animal. Many cats are skittish around water, or anything like a bath is foreign to them. But there are ways to minimize the stress of bathing a cat вЂ” both to the animal and the person doing the bathing. Here are a few pointers. вЂў Brush the catвЂ™s fur before bathing to remove any tangles or matting. вЂў Place something that the cat can grip with its claws into the bottom of the bath or sink. An old piece of window screen or something similar could provide traction. вЂў Fill the sink or tub up with warm water before handling the cat to minimize skittishness. вЂў Place cotton in the catвЂ™s ears to prevent bath water from entering. вЂў Slowly lower the cat into the water and watch for his or her response. Soothing words and some petting could calm nerves. вЂў Wash the cat with a gentle shampoo designed for cats, starting at the neck and working backward. Thoroughly rinse all of the shampoo, otherwise it can cause skin irritation. вЂў Use a towel to pat the cat dry. Avoid vigorous rubbing or new matting may occur. вЂў Place the cat in a warm room until he or she is dry. Keep the cat away from other pet cats until the bathed cat is calm and once again ready for social interaction. PE123864 www.met rocreativeconnection.com People regularly welcome pets into their homes. While they may love the affection and companionship the animal provides, they may not enjoy the fur and dander left behind inside the house. Around 65 percent of American households have one or more pets, according to the American Pet Product Association. while Statistics Canada notes that around half of all Canadian households have a pet. New generations of pet owners are willing and able to pay top dollar for premium services and products. They may be more interested in a vacuum that is designed for pet fur than previous generations. It can take no time at all for fur to accumulate on a rug or upholstered furniture. The nature of pet fur allows it to get stuck in the fibers and it is not easily removed, and it can be time-consuming to use sticky rollers to clean up pet hair. Some pet owners actually have resorted to running a wire slicker brush or shedding blade over rugs and furniture to collect the hair. Many find that pet fur is more easily cleaned with a vacuum designed specifically for that purpose or one that boasts strong suction power. Several vacuums get high ratings for their ability to clean up pet fur and smaller debris easily and efficiently. For those in the market for a new vacuum, consider these brands and models. вЂў Dyson Animal, various models: Dyson claims to be an innovator in vacuum design, with cyclonic power that ensures the vacuum will not lose suction. Based on the popularity of their regular upright vacuums, Dyson created a line of vacuums specifically designed for pet hair. Most generate the strongest suction at the turbine head and feature a brush bar for capturing and sucking up fur and dander. The one downside to these products is the price tag. Dyson vacuums are on the high end of the cost spectrum at around $500. вЂў Hoover Platinum Collection Bagged and Bagless: Hoover didnвЂ™t specifically set out for this to be a pet fur vacuum, but through personal use, many people found it to be one of the more effective vacuums at collecting pet hair. Ranging between $200 and $300, these vacuums are moderately priced. вЂў Eureka Boss Smart Vac: This vacuum was designed with strong bristling action and powerful suction that will go Your precious pooch may be leaving unsightly fur behind on your carpet. a long way toward trapping pet fur. It is also lightweight and easily maneuvered. At around $200, it is also among the more affordable options. вЂў Miele Bolero Upright Vacuum Cleaner: This product features an Active HEPA filter and spring-loaded, selfsealing dust bags that are ideal for those hoping to keep dust and dander out of the air. Air passes through a multi-layered HyCleanв„ў bag and a secondary electrostatic filter. This is the most expensive vacuum on the list, at around $800. вЂў Hoover Tempo Widepath: At around $80, this is one of the least expensive vacuums, and also very lightweight. A powerful, 12 amp motor provides ample suction and doesnвЂ™t leave anything behind. The smaller profile makes the vacuum easy to maneuver under and around furniture. Removing pet hair can be easier when you invest in a powerful suction vacuum. Comparison shop retailers to find the PE123897 best deals on these highly rated vacuums. Did you know? In North America, horses are largely companion animals and diligent workers. But thanks to a quietly lifted ban on funding horse meat inspections, horse meat could now be more readily available for consumption. In November 2011, U.S. Congress lifted the ban, which was initiated in 2006, in a spending bill President Barack Obama signed into law to keep the government afloat until mid-December. Although there currently are no horse slaughter operations in the United States (the last one closed in 2007), the lifted ban makes it possible for start-up operations to begin, albeit amidst protests from animal activists. In a statement, the USDA said that if a slaughterhouse were to open, the agency would conduct inspections to make sure federal laws were being followed. PE123914 How to reduce bird cage messes Birds are a popular pet among individuals who want a low-maintenance, self-sustainable pet. A pet bird can add ambiance to a home with its chirping and whistling. After their initial purchase price, birds are relatively inexpensive pets, with a monthly feeding cost of less than $5 in many cases. Birds are less susceptible to parasites than other animals, and they require much less personal space than a dog. Birds also live long depending on the species. Large macaws can live up to 70 years. But as soothing as a birdвЂ™s sounds can be and easy as such birds might be on the pocketbook, few people enjoy the cleanup required when a bird makes a mess in its cage. Birds tend to make a significant mess around their cages. But this factor neednвЂ™t detract from the joy and companionship of having a bird. Understand that many species of birds play a role of distributing seeds in their native habitats. That means that they are prone to dispersing seeds through uneaten food supplies and droppings. While you cannot change natural habit, you can employ a few strategies for minimizing bird messes. вЂў Purchase a cage with ample room. Give your bird ample space to flutter around or hop from perch to perch. This may encourage him from sticking to the perimeter of a small cage, which could mean more errant spilled seeds or feather debris. A comfortable bird is less likely to suffer from stress and additional feather loss. Some people prefer creating a multi-room bird вЂњapartmentвЂќ for their birds. This is essentially one large and one smaller cage that the pet can travel between, providing a change in environment. вЂў Look for a cage with traps for messes. Some cages have metal skirts around the base and extend out to catch debris that escapes the bars of the cage. ItвЂ™s also possible to retrofit your birdcage with a few supplies from the hardware store. Clear plastic can be purchased and cut to size to cover the sides of the cage. Attach with a stainless steel S-hook or other hardware that will be nontoxic to the bird. These barriers will prevent a lot of mess but also allow plenty of visibility. вЂў Line the bottom of the cage. From newspapers to sandpaper-type liners, there are many materials to line the bottom of the cage. Stack several on top of one another, so you need only slip out the top sheet and eliminate a good portion of the mess. You also may want to consider a flexible, thin, plastic cutting board to put in the bottom. This liner can be rinsed off and even run through the dishwasher for sterilization. COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT вЂў Protect the floor. Some of the debris will still escape the cage regardless of an ownerвЂ™s preventive measures. Place a piece of vinyl carpet runner under the cage and include extra material around the perimeter. This way you can simply pick up the mat and clean off or sweep off the mess. They also can be hosed off outside and allowed to dry. вЂў Invest in a carpet sweeper. A nonmotorized carpet sweeper can pick up any seed hulls and feathers that are on the carpet. The noise wonвЂ™t frighten the bird into making an even bigger mess. вЂў Stock up on extra food and water dishes. This way you can simply take out the soiled dishes and replace with fresh food and water, so you can wash the dirty ones on your own time. The same concept can be applied to wooden perches, which may take a while to dry after washing. Rotate toys and wash them frequently, ensuring theyвЂ™re sanitary and that the bird will not get bored with the same items. вЂў Look for a contained feeder. Buy a clear, acrylic box feeder that keeps hulls contained, eliminating seed scatter so you have less wasted seed and less mess to cleanup. De-hulled varieties of seed are also available. Birds can make wonderful companion animals, especially when pet owners take the extra steps to minimize messes in and around the bird cage. PE123903 www.met rocreativeconnection.com ALL ABOUT PETS вЂ™12 Benefits to pet adoption Finding a dog-friendly play space By: Jeanette Smerina More than 11 years ago вЂ” ready to become a pet parent вЂ” I stepped into the local animal shelter and perused the cages to find a new companion animal. The shelter was filled to capacity, mostly with pit bulls and other large, abandoned dogs. In one cage I saw a mound of mismatched fur and realized I had found вЂњthe one.вЂќ It was difficult to describe the dogвЂ™s appearance. He looked like a cross between an Ewok and Gizmo the gremlin. He was around 3 months old and had been found wandering the streets alone. His cage was marked вЂњterrier mix,вЂќ so there was no way to fully know the breed or how large the puppy would get. Despite the way he started his early life, the dog wagged his tail and was very affectionate to me. I decided to take the plunge and adopt him. Eleven years later, my dog Happy is still a part of my family. I can say IвЂ™ve never met a more laidback, well-behaved and relatively trouble-free dog вЂ” and that comes with a history of many pet dogs growing up and my father even having owned a pet shop at one point. If I ever choose to welcome another dog into my home, IвЂ™m certain IвЂ™d go the adoption route. Pets in shelters According to the ASPCA, many of the shelters operating nationwide are independent organizations, and there is no reliable means of tabulating just how many dogs enter their shelters every year. It is estimated that anywhere between 5 to 7 million companion animals enter a shelter every year. Approximately 3 to 4 million are euthanized, and only 15 to 20 percent are returned to their owners due to microchip or tag identification. The National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy says most of the pets are destroyed simply because there is no one available to adopt them. There are a number of reasons that dogs end up in shelters. Many times, a family moves and may not be allowed to have pets in their next residence. Sometimes older people can no longer take care of a dog, especially if theyвЂ™re moving into a nursing home. Some individuals simply misjudge the size or the responsibilities of having a dog and surrender the animal. Dog adoption Despite the vast numbers of available pets in shelters, there are many people who continue to think a better dog is one that comes from a pet store or private breeder, especially if a pure breed is desired. Keep in mind that 25 percent of dogs who enter local shelters are purebred, according to the NCPPSP. There are actually many benefits to choosing the adoption route. вЂў Save a life. There may be no better incentive to adoption than knowing you are saving the life of a dog that would probably be on its way to being destroyed. You are also saving the life of another animal that can then fit into the shelter and get a chance for a forever home. Even pets that are in no-kill shelters may not have the quality of life that they deserve. Often they are kept in cages, and some actually develop personality ticks due to the lack of exercise and confinement. вЂў Save money. Purchasing a pet can cost a substantial amount of money. Depending on the breed, some dogs can cost hundreds of dollars, or even thousands of dollars for designer breeds. When adopting a pet, fees help Adopting a pet can be both beneficial to the animal and to the family. shelters mitigate the cost of feeding, housing and providing healthcare for shelter animals. Your adoption fee, in part, helps all of the animals in the shelter. Furthermore, the shelter often vaccinates and neuters the animals prior to adoption, helping to save you the cost of these procedures. вЂў Get a healthy dog. Some dogs at shelters do have special care requirements, but the majority of them are healthy pets. The shelter will have a veterinarian examine and treat the dogs, helping to ensure you start out your life together on a healthy note. This is not always the case with dogs purchased from a breeder. Some pet stores get their dogs from high-turnout puppy mill breeders, where overbreeding may result in genetic problems with puppies or illness from overcrowding. вЂў Get a dog thatвЂ™s already trained. Shelters house animals of all age groups; therefore, if a housetrained pet is desired, or one that has learned some commands, you may be in luck. Older dogs may not need the same amount of preliminary training that can make puppies frustrating. Older dogs may have outgrown boisterous behaviors, making them ideal for quiet households. вЂў Get a pet that is already socialized. Having spent some time in a shelter interacting with other animals and people may offer a measure of socialization to the pets. It may be easier to acclimate the dog to a new environment. He or she also may be very grateful for having been adopted and be especially devoted. There are many advantages to adopting a pet from an animal shelter. To find area shelters, look in the classified section of your local newspaper. National Web sites, such as PetFinder.org, can also help men and women narrow down the list of available pets. PE123917 Technology might help keep tabs on your dog Bruce SpringsteenвЂ™s lyrics, вЂњBaby we were born to run,вЂќ may be just as applicable to dogs as it is to people. Some dogs simply are born to run and have a tendency of getting off the leash, escaping a fenced-in yard, and eventually getting lost. There are a number of reasons why dogs may run, including boredom, reproductive drive, predatory drive, and even rewards like discarded food in a neighborвЂ™s trash can. For dogs that are prone to running away, the results can be getting hit by a car, ending up in a shelter or being taken in by a neighbor or someone else. You may never be reunited with the dog. Many people use tattooing or an imbedded microchip to track down errant pets, but there also may be another option. Dog and cat owners are increasingly turning to GPS technology to help locate their pets should they become lost. The dog wears a special collar with a homing device that feeds information to the pet ownerвЂ™s computer, smart phone or another device. The location of the animal can be shown on a map, and the device even provides directions, if necessary. Then the person can keep track of the animalвЂ™s whereabouts. The devices also may be able to send alerts should the pet go outside of the target zone established. While these devices can help locate a dog or cat thatвЂ™s on the go, there are ways to help reduce the risk for roaming in the first place. вЂў Neuter your pet to reduce his www.met rocreativeconnection.com 19 propensity for roaming to find a new mate. Neutering dogs also helps reduce the pet population at kennels. вЂў Have a sturdy fence to contain the dog. Dog runs and chains are not as effective. вЂў Provide stimulation for the dog so that he or she will not be tempted to roam out of boredom. PE123919 When people welcome a dog into the home they try their best to offer proper care to the new pet. Food, companionship and veterinary visits are important components of dog care, but exercise must also be a priority. Finding a dogfriendly park or safe area for pets to play is essential to ensuring your fourlegged friend is as happy as possible. Dogs, particularly young dogs, need exercise to ward off any potential bad behavior. Dogs that have not had a chance to run or play and get their energy out may engage in destructive behavior, such as digging holes in your prized garden, chewing at the arms of the sofa, or barking and whining. The amount of exercise a dog needs depends on breed and age. Some sporting breeds that are used to being on the move all the time may need more than a guard dog who has grown acclimated to less time on the go. Puppies will generally need more exercise than geriatric dogs. In general, most dogs need 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day, so that 5-minute jaunt around the block isnвЂ™t adequate. Therefore you have to plan for exercise another way, like taking a dog to the park or another place for socialization and exercise. Some of the best exercise a dog can get is to run around freely in an open space. Add in the opportunity to frolic with other dogs and you can have a day made in doggy heaven. The trouble is, not all places allow pets, and if they do, they usually have leash laws. YouвЂ™ll have to find out which, if any, parks in the area allow off-leash fun for your pet. For people with access to the Internet, finding a dog park or play space could be a few clicks away. Web sites like www.dogpark.com, www.doggoes.com and www.dogfriendly.com enable you to search your specific area to find locations that allow dog fun in the U.S. and Canada. Also, word-of-mouth tips from neighbors and friends can yield options on the best places to take dogs for exercise and play off-leash. Another option is to investigate offseason beaches. The open space by the shoreline is a prime place to let dogs run. While dogs may not be allowed on the beach during peak beach season, once the season ends the restrictions may lift. Check with the parks authority or another official before bringing a dog on the beach. You donвЂ™t want to risk a fine. Busy, working pet parents are increasingly turning to doggy daycare options for their pets. These facilities enable you to drop off your pet for the day where they can exercise and socialize inside of a contained indoor or outdoor space. These facilities may have strict requirements for dogs, including proof of updated vaccination records before a dog is allowed inside. They also arenвЂ™t free. But with different activities and courses, plus the opportunity to play with other dogs, many people rave about doggy daycares. If you cannot find an off-leash place near your home, think about other ways to exercise your pet. Take him or her along when you bike ride or go for a run. Hiking trails can provide a variety of sights and varied terrain that can stimulate a dog in many ways. Some dogs are water-lovers and will enjoy a day splashing around in the pool, lake or stream. Tossing a ball around the backyard is another way to exercise your pet. Keep in mind some guidelines when exercising a dog. вЂў DonвЂ™t go out in extremely hot or cold weather or you risk injury or illness. вЂў Good exercise will use both mental and physical capabilities. вЂў Having a smaller dog does not necessarily mean the dog needs less time to exercise. Many toy breeds risk obesity because of lack of exercise in the home. вЂў A tired dog is often a well behaved dog. вЂў If a dog is not prone to good behavior around other dogs, itвЂ™s best to avoid these social situations. Otherwise you can end up in a fight with another dog owner. вЂў Some dogs excel at agility training, which also can be a good form of exercise. DonвЂ™t underestimate a dogвЂ™s need for exercise. Finding a safe place for your pet to run free is an essential component of good health. PE123910 Get the facts about FIV Cats are delicate animals that make great pets. Individuals who choose to open their hearts to feline companions should know many things about how a cat operates. In addition, cat owners should know about potential diseases that can affect cats, including feline immunodeficiency virus. or FIV. FIV is commonly referred to as feline AIDS because it is a condition very similar to the disease that afflicts humans. Essentially, FIV is a widespread viral infection that preys on the immune system of cats. It is caused by the same type of Lentiviruses that trigger AIDS in people. FIV devastates a catвЂ™s immune system, making the animal unable to combat other common diseases and infections. It is often these secondary diseases that prove fatal. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, approximately 1 to 3 percent of healthy cats are infected with FIV in the United States. The virus is passed most often through bite wounds and scratches. Therefore, outdoor cats have a greater risk of infection than indoor ones. Stages of Infection FIV has a few different stages it goes through before the cat may become visibly ill. 1. After the virus enters the bloodstream, it can cause infections, fever and swollen lymph nodes 2. Stage 2 is generally the dormant stage, and many cats appear as if theyвЂ™re completely healthy. This stage can last for months or years. COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT 3. The final stage is the вЂњterminalвЂќ stage. The cat may suffer from diseases that are often chronic and turn out to be fatal in on e y ear. Complications may include anemia, infections of the gums and mouth, cancer and skin disorders. The cat may also suffer neurological problems that cause seizures, problems maintaining balance and dementia, as well as behavioral changes like inappropriate elimination. Prevention There is no cure for FIV, so the best way to keep a cat healthy is to prevent initial infection. It is important to keep the cat inside with other FIV-negative cats. Before introducing a new cat to the household, it should receive a diagnostic test. Kittens can contract FIV from an infected mother through birthing or from drinking its motherвЂ™s milk. So kittens should not be exempt from FIV testing. Testing Vets will conduct an initial test to see if there are any positive FIV antibodies. False positives are common, so the vet may conduct a separate test later on to try to confirm the results. There are some medications that can help treat the secondary illnesses that result from FIV. As the catвЂ™s immune system deteriorates, more aggressive treatment may be needed. Vets often engage in a long-term management plan for dealing with FIV. To learn more about FIV, consult with your veterinarian. PE123918 www.met rocreativeconnection.com MCC EDITORIAL LIBRARY вЂ™12 MetroвЂ™s Online Editorial Library 20 You are reading this monthвЂ™s Editorial package, filled with ready-to-run, copyright-free features that relate to specific monthly themes as well as popular general interest categories. Now see additional offerings at www.metrocreativeconnection.com ... Retrieving Content There are many ways to search within the MetroCreativeConnection Editorial Library. This basic primer should be of valuable assistance to those new to the site. If youвЂ™re a longtime user, perhaps this will serve as a refresher or enable you to discover a new tip. Here are the items located in the Editorial Library and the various ways to search for them. Editions Editions are themed subjects that provide a sectionвЂ™s worth of material. There are one or two editions published each month. For example, September's edition is Fall Home Improvement, while October provides Careers & Business and Fall ...On the Road. Use the Edition pulldown to view two yearsвЂ™ worth of articles with the same theme. Retrieve cover ideas in the Spec Ads & Covers Library. Timely Features Timely Features present articles geared to specific events and holidays within a month, as well as general interest features for popular subjects such as health and fitness, parenting, recreation, environment, and just about any subject imaginable. For your convenience, Timely Features is listed under the Edition menu. Use the Edition pulldown to choose Timely Features and type a month and year into the Issue Date box to view a specific month. Category Category searches through the pulldown menu scan the entire database, regardless of Edition or Timely Features, to cull related material. There are categories for the most popular types of features requested by editors. Use category searching when you want the most results to browse. Bonus Features Bonus Features are provided free of charge, exclusively to Metro subscribers. Use the Bonus Features pulldown menu to access weekly crossword puzzles, horoscopes, KidsвЂ™ Corner material, Prime Cuts recipes, word searches and Metro Sudoku. There is a sudoku puzzle in varying degrees of difficulty for each day of the month. Keyword Keyword searches are always an option. Use them alone, in combination with other keywords, or along with any of the pulldown menus for Edition, Category or Bonus Features. MicroSite Use the MicroSite menu to retrieve a sectionвЂ™s worth of materials that match the Timely Features MicroSites. Cover Designs Get a complete cover for each themed section give your supplement immediate visual impact. Locate covers in the Spec Ads & Covers Library. Promotional Ads Promote sections to advertisers and readers. Locate promotional ads in the Spec Ads & Covers Library. www.metrocreativeconnection.com Bonus Weekly Features Give You More Ways to Make Money With Metro! March Bonus Features March plays host to numerous events. HereвЂ™s a sample of whatвЂ™s inside the Bonus Weekly Features that correspond to a number of those events: вЂў National Craft Month вЂў NatвЂ™l Nutrition Month вЂў March Horoscopes Bonus Features вЂў KidsвЂ™ Corner Puzzles Get a direct connection to the youth market in your area with informative and entertaining features. A Canadian version is also available through the pulldown selection. вЂў Prime Cuts Recipes Offer readers seasonal and timely meal ideas and capture advertising from food-related businesses. вЂў Crossword Puzzles Appeal to the puzzle enthusiasts in your readership with weekly crosswords. вЂў Horoscopes Entertaining and popular features that can highlight birthday greeting pages. вЂў Metro Sudoku Puzzles Get one feature for each day of the month to enable sustained sponsorship for your entertainment pages. вЂў Word Search Puzzles For adult puzzle enthusiasts. вЂў March Birthdays вЂў Saint PatrickвЂ™s Day Plus, visit the Editorial Library of Metro CreativeConnection to download daily Metro Sudoku puzzles and solutions. Puzzles are provided in three levels of difficulty. DonвЂ™t miss all-new Word Search puzzles as well! March Bonus Idea: Put some color into all of your publications вЂ” even your weekly or monthly puzzle pages. Metro now offers KidsвЂ™ Corner and Horoscopes in full color. Subscribers can simply download resizable EPS images and text files for these puzzles from the Bonus Feature pulldown menu in the MetroCreativeConnection Editorial Library. KC123201 to KC123207 KC123101 to KC123108 HS123100 HS123200 CW123110 CW123210 Subscribers can dowload the art and text files of KidsвЂ™ Corner, Crosswords, Horoscopes and Prime Cuts from the Editorial Library of MetroCreativeConnection. Subscribers can also download the art for Canadian KidsвЂ™ Corner, tailor made for editors catering to Canadian markets, by selecting the вЂњcanada kids cornerвЂќ from the Bonus Features pulldown menu. KC123401 to KC123407 KC123301 to KC123307 HS123300 CW123310 HS123400 CW123410 Ad# N1203A00006C HELPFUL HINT: When searching for Metro Sales Events in the Spec Ads & Covers Library of MetroCreativeConnection, type salesevent or MMM as keyword shortcuts. Teamed with headings and art from the Metro Newspaper Service, these Timely Features become even more valuable as ready-to-sell layouts! Give them to your sales department for an immediate revenue opportunity. Find both the color and black & white versions of these tabloid-sized directories online in the Spec Ads & Cover Library of MetroCreativeConnection. Search by keyword, or enter MMM as a shortcut, choose Metro Newspaper Service from the Service menu and type the month and year in the Issue Date box to view each monthly selection. Ad# N1203A00007C NEW! Each month get two directories with the same themed subject, with different articles! This will allow you sell the directories as campaigns for multiple runs to please your advertisers, yet change out the text centerpiece to please your readers. Give advertisers the chance to change their message between the two runs, or sell them the same ad for both runs вЂ” the choice is up to you. Metro Sales Events now give you even more ways to make money with Metro! Ad# N1203A00008C HELPFUL HINT: When searching for Metro Sales Events in the Spec Ads & Covers Library of MetroCreativeConnection, type salesevent or MMM as keyword shortcuts. Teamed with headings and art from the Metro Newspaper Service, these Timely Features become even more valuable as ready-to-sell layouts! Give them to your sales department for an immediate revenue opportunity. Find both the color and black & white versions of these tabloid-sized directories online in the Spec Ads & Cover Library of MetroCreativeConnection. Search by keyword, or enter MMM as a shortcut, choose Metro Newspaper Service from the Service menu and type the month and year in the Issue Date box to view each monthly selection. Ad# N1203A00009C NEW! Each month get two directories with the same themed subject, with different articles! This will allow you sell the directories as campaigns for multiple runs to please your advertisers, yet change out the text centerpiece to please your readers. Give advertisers the chance to change their message between the two runs, or sell them the same ad for both runs вЂ” the choice is up to you. Metro Sales Events now give you even more ways to make money with Metro! MARCH PRIME CUTS вЂ™12 24 Corned beef and cabbage a staple of Saint PatrickвЂ™s Day Soup makes the perfect meal on a cold day Few foods provide instant relief from the great outdoors like soup. The effect a hot bowl of soup can have on an icy day include instant warmth and a fully stomach. Two benefits that help provide energy for a person. Those who need some culinary assistance to brave the winter weather should consider the following recipe for вЂњSweet Potato and Peanut SoupвЂќ from The Culinary Institute of AmericaвЂ™s вЂњBook of SoupsвЂќ (LebharFriedman Books). Chicken Broth Makes about 2 quarts 4 3 1 1 1 5 3 1 1 11вЃ„2 Sweet Potato and Peanut Soup Makes 8 servings 3 1 1 1 1 вЃ„2 11вЃ„2 1 3 1 вЃ„4 11вЃ„4 2 3 вЃ„4 tablespoons unsalted butter celery stalk, coarsely chopped (about 1вЃ„2 cup) onion, coarsely chopped (about 11вЃ„4 cups) garlic clove, minced (about 1вЃ„2 teaspoon) leek, white and light green parts, coarsely chopped (about 3вЃ„4 cup) sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1вЃ„3-inch thick (about 3 cups) quart chicken broth (see box) tablespoons creamy peanut butter cinnamon stick cups heavy cream, divided tablespoons molasses Salt, to taste Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste cup peanuts Preheat the oven to 325 F. Melt the butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the celery, onion, garlic, and leek. Stir to coat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened, 4 to 6 minutes. Add the sweet potatoes, broth, peanut butter, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fully tender, about 25 minutes. Meanwhile, spread the peanuts in a single layer in a pie pan. Toast the peanuts in the oven until light brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Shake the pan occasionally and watch carefully (nuts can burn quickly). Let the peanuts cool, chop coarsely and set aside. Remove the cinnamon stick and discard. Puree the soup and strain it. Return the soup to the soup pot and place over low heat. Add 1вЃ„2 cup of the cream. Season with salt. Keep warm, but do not boil. Combine the remaining cream with the molasses, nutmeg and a pinch of salt. Whip until stiff peaks form. pounds stewing hen or chicken parts or meaty bones, such as backs and necks quarts cold water large onion, diced (about 11вЃ„4 cups) carrot, diced (about 1вЃ„3 cup) celery stalk, diced (about 1вЃ„2 cup) to 6 whole black peppercorns to 4 parsley stems bay leaf sprig fresh thyme teaspoons salt, or to taste Place the chicken and water in a large pot (the water should cover the chicken by at least 2 inches; add more if necessary). Bring the water slowly to a boil over medium heat. As the water comes to a boil, skim any foam that rises to the surface. Adjust the heat once a boil is reached so that a slow, lazy simmer is established. Cover partially, and simmer 2 hours, skimming as often as necessary. Add the remaining ingredients. Continue to simmer, skimming the surface as necessary, until the broth is fully flavored, about 1 hour. If using hen or chicken parts, remove them and cool slightly. Dice or shred the meat, and reserve to garnish the broth or save for another use. Discard the skin and bones. Strain the broth through a fine sieve or cheeseclothlined colander into a large metal container. Discard the solids. If you are using the broth right away, skim off any fat on the surface. If you are not using the broth right away, cool it quickly by transferring it to a metal container (if itвЂ™s not in one already) and placing the container in a sink filled with ice-cold water. Stir the broth as it cools, and then transfer it to storage containers. Store in the refrigerator, up to 5 days, or in the freezer, up to 3 months. Label and date the containers clearly before putting them into the freezer. Serve the soup in heated bowls, garnished with the whipped cream and chopped nuts. PC123894 Adding a tasty twist to traditional long-grain rice Enjoy experimenting with different cuisines at the dinner table? This recipe for вЂњChicken and Vegetable Clay Pot RiceвЂќ from Andrea NguyenвЂ™s вЂњInto the Vietnamese KitchenвЂќ (Ten Speed Press) allows home chefs to bring a taste of Vietnam into their homes. Chicken and Vegetable Clay Pot Rice Serves 3 or 4 1 вЃ„2 вЃ„4 1 вЃ„2 2 2 3 вЃ„4 1 5 1 2 вЃ„3 2 вЃ„3 5 1 вЃ„2 2 22вЃ„3 teaspoon salt teaspoon white pepper teaspoon sugar teaspoons light (regular) soy sauce tablespoons oyster sauce pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1вЃ„2inch cubes tablespoons canola or other neutral oil small yellow onion, finely chopped cup chopped celery (pea-sized pieces) cup chopped carrot (pea-sized pieces) to 6 dried shiitake mushrooms, reconstituted, trimmed and chopped into pea-sized pieces cup frozen peas, preferably petite peas, thawed cups long-grain rice cups chicken stock 1. In a bowl, stir together the salt, white pepper, sugar, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Add the chicken and use chopsticks to mix well. Set aside. 2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sautГ© for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the celery, carrot and mushrooms and continue to sautГ© for about 3 minutes, or until half cooked. Add the chicken and sautГ© gently for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove from the heat, stir in the peas and set the pan aside. 3. Rinse the rice and let it drain for 10 minutes in a sieve positioned over a bowl. Meanwhile, bring the stock to a near simmer in a small saucepan and then cover to keep it hot. 4. In a heavy-bottomed 5-quart Dutch oven or similar pot, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Firmly shake the sieve, holding the rice to expel any water, and then add the rice to the pot. Stir constantly with a large spoon for about 3 minutes, or until the grains are opaque and feel light. Add the stock and expect dramatic boiling. Immediately give the rice and stock a big stir, then lower the heat to medium so the contents simmer and cover the pot. Put your ear by the pot and you will hear gentle bubbling. 5. During the next 5 minutes, encourage the grains to absorb the stock and cook evenly. To do this, periodically remove the lid, give the rice a big, quick stir, and then replace the lid. Stir the rice 3 times, usually about 30 seconds after the steam plumes begin shooting from under the lid. The rice will first swim in stock and then progressively become less easy to move. Small craters will form on the surface, too. When you stir the third time, the rice should stick a bit to the pan and most of the stock will have been absorbed. 6. Uncover and add the vegetables and chicken and any juices from the skillet, distributing them evenly over the rice. Replace the lid and continue cooking for 10 minutes longer. Uncover and stir the contents, scraping the bottom to combine all the ingredients. Replace the lid, remove from the heat and let the rice sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. 7. Fluff the rice with chopsticks or a fork and then spoon it into 1 or 2 serving bowls or platters. If a little crust has formed on the bottom of the pot, scoop it out and serve the shards separately for anyone who enjoys the crisp, nutty taste. PC123895 www.met rocreativeconnection.com Saint PatrickвЂ™s Day is rife with tradition. Community parades, Irish music and, of course, a few adult beverages are just a few of those traditions, each of which helps make Saint PatrickвЂ™s Day a beloved holiday for men, women and children regardless of their heritage or religion. Another Saint PatrickвЂ™s Day tradition is cooking and enjoying Irish cuisine, including Corned Beef and Cabbage. For those entertaining a few friends this PattyвЂ™s Day, consider the following recipe for вЂњCorned Beef and Cabbage in GuinnessвЂќ courtesy of Food.com. Corned Beef and Cabbage in Guinness Serves 8-10 4 1 1 3 1 1 вЃ„4 1 вЃ„8 1 вЃ„4 вЃ„4 1 1 6 1 pounds flat cut corned beef brisket 12-ounce bottle Guinness draught (do not use Guinness stout as it will turn bitter) medium yellow onion, peeled and cut into wedges garlic cloves, minced bay leaf teaspoon ground cinnamon to 1вЃ„4 quarter teaspoon ground cloves (to taste) teaspoon ground allspice teaspoon ground black pepper head cabbage, cut into wedges, rinsed and drained medium white potatoes, peeled and quartered to 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 3-inch pieces 1. Rinse corned beef under cold water and pat dry. 2. In a Dutch oven, or other large pot with cover, brown corned beef well on all sides over high heat. 3. Pour Guinness over the meat and add enough water to just cover the brisket. 4. Add the onion, garlic, bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and pepper to the pot. 5. Bring pot to a boil and skim off any foam. 6. Reduce heat to a simmer. Cover pot and simmer for 3 hours. 7. Add carrots, then potatoes and then the cabbage wedges to the pot. 8. Cover pot, and continue cooking until meat and vegetables are tender (about 20 to 30 minutes). 9. Remove meat and vegetables to warm serving platter/dishes, leaving the cooking liquid/sauce in the pot. 10. Over high heat, bring the cooking liquid to a boil, and cook until the amount of liquid is reduced by half (about 10 minutes). 11. Slice the corned beef; serve with the vegetables and the sauce on the side. Note: Corned beef should always be sliced across the grain. PC123816 ItвЂ™s always the right time for pizza Few people have yet to fall in love with pizza. For those who want to try their hand at this beloved dish, consider the following recipe for вЂњItalian Sausage, Potato and Ricotta DoubleCrust SfincuineвЂќ from Maxine ClarkвЂ™s вЂњPizza, Calzone & FocacciaвЂќ (Ryland, Peters & Small). Italian Sausage, Potato and Ricotta Double-Crust Sfincuine Makes 1-double crust pizza 1 2 7 2 1 8 1 2 4 recipe Sicilian pizza dough (see below) tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to glaze ounces potatoes, peeled and finely diced onions, finely chopped teaspoon dried oregano ounces fresh Italian sausage, peeled teaspoon fennel seeds tablespoons chopped fresh sage ounces ricotta Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper rim around the edge. Dot with the sausage and cheese. Season. Brush the edge with water and lay the remaining circle on top. Pinch and roll the edges to seal. Brush with a little olive oil. Make 2 slashes in the center of the pie, then slide onto the rimless baking sheet. Working quickly, open the oven door and slide pizza and paper onto the hot baking stone or baking sheet. If you are brave, try to shoot the pizza into the oven so that it leaves the paper behind вЂ” this takes practice! Bake for 10 minutes, then carefully slide out the baking parchment. Bake the pizza for a further 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is puffed up and golden. Remove from the oven and brush with a little olive oil. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Eat hot, warm or cold. Sicilian Pizza Dough Makes 2 thin-crust pizzas 1 вЃ„2 2 вЃ„3 2 вЃ„2 1 1 1 Place a testo, baking stone or a large, heavy baking sheet on the lower rack of the oven. Preheat the oven to 425 F for at least 30 minutes. Heat the oil in a skillet and add the potatoes and onions. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes until the onion starts to color and the potato is soft. Stir in the oregano. Season, then transfer to a bowl to cool. Fry the sausage briefly in the same skillet, breaking it up with the back of a fork. Add the fennel seeds and sage and fry for a couple of minutes вЂ” but not too long or the meat will toughen. Season well, then let cool. Uncover the dough, knock out the air and divide into two. Roll each piece into a thin, 12-inch circle directly onto baking parchment. Spread the potato and onion mixture onto one circle, leaving a 1вЃ„2-inch COPYRIGHT-FREE EDITORIAL CONTENT cake compressed yeast Pinch of sugar cup hand-hot water cups fine Semolina flour teaspoon fine sea salt tablespoon olive oil tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice In a medium bowl, cream the compressed yeast with the sugar and beat in the hand-hot water. Leave for 10 minutes until frothy. Sift the flour and salt into a large bowl and make a well in the center. Pour in the yeast mixture, olive oil and lemon juice. Mix until the dough comes together. Add more water if necessary вЂ” the dough should be very soft. Editors: Download this recipe in its entirety by typing вЂњPC123896вЂќ into the search engine and choosing вЂњprime cutsвЂќ from the Bonus Feature pulldown menu at metrocreativeconnection.com. PC123896 www.met rocreativeconnection.com NOTE: This ad has been specially designed to help you promote Spring ... On the Road to your advertisers. NOTE: This ad has been specially designed to help you promote Spring ... On the Road to your readers. Ad# N1203A00002C Ad# N1203A00003C NOTE: This ad has been specially designed to help you promote All About Pets to your advertisers. NOTE: This ad has been specially designed to help you promote All About Pets to your readers. Ad# N1203A00004C Ad# N1203A00005C Access promotional ads and cover designs, in color or black & white, in the Spec Ads & Covers Library of MetroCreativeConnection (MCC). These ads are designed as PASS 2-column size widths based on a 1.833 inch column. 519 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018 Voice 800.223.1600 вЂў Fax 212.967.4602 www.metrocreativegraphics.com Copyright В© 2012 Metro Creative Graphics, lnc. вЂў 519 Eighth Avenue вЂў New York, NY 10018 вЂў (800) 223-1600