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4 July-August 2016 | cbsmiami.com

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Contents July-August 2016

FEATURE

pg.10

14 The Zika Virus 18 Cocoa Cure Health

pg.24

24 Food for thought 28 Slimming Supplement life

pg.44

44 Travel & Save 48 Pet Danger real estate

pg.62

62 Would You Rather: Rent in the City or the Suburbs? 70 Markets where buyers, sellers have negotiating power Home

pg.74

76 Storage Shed Buying Guide 98 Organize your kitchen Auto

pg.116

123 The Pros and Cons of Run-Flat Tires

10 Lucid Dreams

New Tech May Help You Master Your Dreams

lu c

a m e s r d id New Tech May Help You Master Your Dreams

As you get ready to go to sleep tonight, think about what you want to dream about. With new technology it just might be possible to dream that dream, and even control the action as a dream master. “You think of a purple cow, you turn a corner, and there’s a purple cow,” dream expert Thomas Piesel explained. Piesel uses a new type of sleep mask to conjure imagery in his dreams. “Anything we can imagine we experience directly,” he said. It uses a programmable light pattern designed to turn on when you’re in a semi-wakeful state to control what you see and do in your dreams. It’s called ‘lucid dreaming.’ “You can walk through walls, you can even talk to the dream itself,” he said. Piesel has written about dreams and has volumes of dream journals. Now, he’s added a technology to his dream control arsenal. “It’s a sleep mask designed to allow people to enhance their dreams to have better dream recall, have more vivid dreams,” dream mask developer Duncan Frazier said. Frazier and Steve McGuigan developed the dream mask called Remee. They said the sleeping mind can recognize the color and brightness of the embedded lights, allowing the wearer to be more conscious of their dreams. “We’re kind of pinging your waking mind with these patterns so at the very least you’re getting a little more attention to your dreams,” Frazier said. Sleep expert Dr. Daniel Erichsen said this is illustrated in these brainwave patterns where there is little difference in a sleeping and waking mind. “Lucid dreams are an overlapping state between sleep and wakefulness,” Dr. Erichsen said, “Dream sleep which you see here is very similar to wakefulness.” He’s not convinced that light patterns will affect the lucid dreaming state. “There’s no harm in it, but there’s no evidence that it works,” he said. The developers and Piesel all claim that understanding and controlling dreams can help address issues with creativity, personal problems and even confronting nightmares. “A good dream can actually carry you through a day. You have a terrible nightmare and you wake up and you ruined your entire day,” McGuigan said. Dream experts said the way to confront nightmares is head on, to be bigger and bolder in your dreams and take control. If you need a dream mask to help you get there it will cost you about $100. FEATURE cbsmiami.com | July-August 2016 11

Cont rol your Bills App could save hundreds on credit card bills

Rudabeh Shahbazi • rshahbazi@cbs.com re you still paying for online subscriptions that you don’t even use or don’t even remember signing up for? There’s an app for that! Truebill is a free app that identifies and unsubscribes you from subscriptions you are paying for, but not using. Before he began utilizing Truebill, Eric Siu said he was wasting money when it came to his digital marketing business and his personal spending. Siu used Truebill to wipe out eight monthly charges that added up to nearly $400 dollars a month. That’s more than $4,600 a year. “To not even know that I was giving that away in the last couple of years, it’s really frustrating,” he said. Yahya Mokhtarzada founded Truebill in November and says it’s completely free for users. Here’s how it works: Truebill connects to the user’s bank or credit card statements but doesn’t have full access to those accounts. Rather, it scans them using an algorithm and then shows the user everything they’re paying for on a recurring

basis. The user will then simply click on what they want to ditch. Mokhtarzada says the service even goes so far as to sit on the phone with those services to get subscriptions canceled, if need be. “We don’t want our users to go through that experience so we actually absorb that headache for them,” he said. He says most users forget about subscription charges because consumers are writing fewer checks to pay bills. Siu says his savings were spread across four credit cards. “You have bigger things to worry about as a business owner,” he said. “Small things like this you shouldn’t be concerned about.” Truebill hopes to make money in the future by recommending services to its users.

FEATURE cbsmiami.com | July-August 2016 13

The Zika Virus

Meet The Man On The Front Line Of Stopping Zika In Miami-Dade

By David Sutta • dsutta@cbs.com

n June, the number of Zika cases in Miami-Dade climbed past 50. It’s the most of any county in the entire United States. So far all the cases have been travel related. Experts worry though it’s just a matter of time before someone contracts the virus from a local mosquito. CBS4’s David Sutta took a look at who’s on the front line of trying to stop Zika before it’s

too late. As Sutta talked with Chalmers Vasquez, who is the manager at Miami-Dade Mosquito Control, he felt a bite on his hand. Vasquez pointed over to it almost at the same time. “That’s what we are talking about here?” Sutta asked him. “That’s what we are talking about. That’s the Zika mosquito,” Vasquez responded. Sutta said his stomach flipped for a moment. On his hand was one of the most feared pests in the world today. And yet with a flick of his finger, he could wipe the little nuisance away. Yet it would do nothing to eliminate the risk you and Sutta and everyone else faces when it comes to Zika in South Florida. Vazquez explained to Sutta how this certain kind of mosquito works. “It will bite you in the ankles. It will bite you in any exposed areas that you have,” he said. “But it’s very, very careful.” Since Zika made headlines in the United States, Vazquez has been a busy guy. He’s lost count of the number of interviews he’s done. “No less than 50,” he said – confident he’s underestimating. He’s been on TV in Germany, Russia, Singapore and a few other places he’s never heard of. When asked if that’s normal to have so much attention on MiamiDade County, he paused. “In 2004, we had 20 cases of West Nile virus in our county, even two people died. And we did not have this kind of interest that this is generating now,” he said. He thinks technology may have something to do with it. There is a lot of interest in Zika, particularly the defects it causes on newborns. The pandemic swept South America and is pushing north. ►

FEATURE cbsmiami.com | July-August 2016 15

Vasquez, with a staff of less than 20 inspectors, is the front line in trying to stop Zika’s spread. Can Vazquez beat back Zika with 18 people and some seasonal employees? “No, even if we have 100. The name of the game is to eliminate. Remember the Brazilians have 200,000 soldiers in Rio de Janeiro eliminating mosquitos. So you can tell what you need to eliminate this problem,” he said. When you think of mosquito control, you likely think of trucks where they spray off the back as they cruise a neighborhood.

Sometimes they will deploy airplanes to do aerial spraying. But Mosquito Control believes both techniques are ineffective against the mosquitos that carry Zika. Instead, it’s more of a hand-to-hand combat situation. The mosquitos stay in shaded areas, under cover and often are missed by the falling chemicals. This means inspectors must go from yard to yard spraying, poking and checking for standing water. When they find it, they often find little mosquito larvae flopping around.

Sutta watched as an inspector checked a rain barrel. It was loaded – a literal barrel of mosquitos. The inspector knocked the rain barrel over and then placed the container upside down, thus killing the habitat. “What really works in this case is that we come out and we eliminate the mosquitos, the containers breeding mosquitos,” Vazquez said. It’s an overwhelming task though. With 240-square miles of residential neighborhoods, his work is impossible. The best chance to beat back Zika, from

his perspective, is for homeowners to eliminate standing water around their homes. “This is the responsibility of the homeowner,” he said. The mosquitos that carry Zika usually only come out at dusk and dawn. They are considered sneaky – the kind that bite your ankles or sneak up from behind. Mosquito Control recommends you cover up or wear DEET. They also recommend you spray Mosquito Bits or Altosid on plants in your yard. The two products can be found at your local hardware store.

“No, even if we have 100. The name of the game is to eliminate. Remember the Brazilians have 200,000 soldiers in Rio de Janeiro eliminating mosquitos. So you can tell what you need to eliminate this problem.” FEATURE cbsmiami.com | July-August 2016 17

ocoa

Cur Cocoa Could Help Reverse Memory Loss By Decades

all them delicious discoveries: the idea that some seemingly sinful foods, like red wine and coffee, are actually good for us. New research shows a component of cocoa may actually help reverse memory loss associated with aging by decades. Sixty-two year old Rachel Yarmolinsky was so concerned about her fading memory that she went back to school to try to stimulate her brain. “When I was younger, I did have a photographic memory,” she said. “I know exactly what I mean, who I mean and I can’t say the name — it’s very frustrating.” Dr. Scott Small of Columbia University said it occurs in all of us starting at the age of 30. That’s right, at the tender age of just 30 we start the initial slide into frustrating and inevitable forgetfulness. “Some people call it a cognitive epidemic as more and more of us are living longer,” Small said. Small is a professor of neurology at Columbia University Medical Center and said there may actually be a simple and effective cure for this cognitive aging. “Cocoa flavanols,” he said.

Flavanols are antioxidants found in raw, unprocessed cocoa beans that studies show improve memory in mice. Small and his team decided to put that finding to the test in humans using special drinks created by the chocolate company Mars. The result? “We actually showed a reversal in memory loss in older individuals, which was remarkable to us,” he said. Dr. Richard Sloan, a professor of behavioral medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, said what’s even more remarkable is how much the flavanols turned back the “cognitive clock.” “Participants improved several decades worth,” Sloan said. The study looked at 40 healthy adults ages 50 to 75 over the course of 12 weeks. Not only did participants report a boost in memory, but neuro-imaging actually showed improvements in the part of the brain that correlates with memory. “Yes, it was pretty amazing and yes, we’re all excited,” Sloan said. But as encouraged as the researchers are, there are still a number of unanswered questions like how long results will last and can flavanols also improve the memory of those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease? “My mother did have dementia,” Yarmolinsky said. Rachel is now participating in a larger, more stringent clinical trial also being conducted by Columbia University to hopefully get to the bottom of this tantalizing connection between cocoa and the brain. “That’s a question that remains outstanding,” Small said. Now before you reach for a candy bar, what the cocoa doctors are talking about has been specially processed to extract highly concentrated flavanols and is not quite as tasty. You can buy it in powder form which you can mix in your coffee. Or you take it in a capsule. If you are between the ages of 50 and 75 and interested in volunteering for the clinical trial, please visit the Columbia University Medical Center website or call (646) 774-8952. FEATURE cbsmiami.com | July-August 2016 19

Running the world

omen are outnumbering men in races and it’s not just for the health benefits. Donna Briganti laces up her shoes and runs almost every day and says her favorite part of running is the solitude. She’s certainly not alone. More women than ever are running and their average age is 39. “You have a finish line that you cross every day. So, if you can do it this way, it’s empowering,” said Briganti. In present day, more than 60 percent of halfmarathon finishers are women. Many became addicted by first finishing a charity 5k which is a little more than three miles. Briganti did her first 5k run for Hurricane Sandy relief in 2013. “Three months after I started running, I was told, ‘if you can do a 5k, you can do a 10k. Piece of cake, you’ll love it. Mmm hmm.’” Tish Hamilton is the executive editor of Runner’s World magazine. She calls the 5k a “gateway drug.” “It sort of spurs you on and you do another one, and another one and then you say, ‘ok, maybe I can go a little bit farther,” said Hamilton. Hamilton says the health benefits and the explosion of colorful, comfortable running gear, sells the sport and her magazine. “We put men on the cover because we feel like we ought to, and they rarely sell as well as women do,” said Hamilton. For Briganti, a former smoker, it’s not about what’s popular. Her race is personal. “I race against myself,” said Briganti. “Someone will say, ‘did you win?’ Yes, I win every time I go out!” Briganti completed her first 10k about three months after her first 5k race and just last month, she finished her first full marathon.

FEATURE cbsmiami.com | July-August 2016 21

Look Before You Lock: It Can Save Your Child’s Life It’s important to understand the health effects our weather can have for children. Did you know that heat strokes are one of the leading causes among children? Along with the Children’s Services Council of Broward County, would like to remind you of a few simple tips on how to keep your child safe. • Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle. Vehicles heat up quickly; if the outside temperature is in the low 80s, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach deadly levels in a few minutes. • Always make a habit of looking in the vehicle—front and back—before locking the door and walking away. • Create reminders to ensure that no child is accidentally left behind in the vehicle. Place an item that is needed at your final destination in the back of the vehicle next to the child or place a stuffed animal in the driver’s view. For more information on how to keep your child safe or learn more about the risks factors, please check our website at http:// neighbors4neighbors.org/ Help A Child Start The School Year Off Right Each year, thousands of students in South Florida start the school year without the resources they need to be successful in class. And in many cases, teachers, with limited budgets, pay out of pocket to provide basic tools to their students. With a small donation of $35 to Neighbors 4 Neighbors can ensure a child will start the new school year with supplies like pencils, notebooks and even uniforms. In partnership with the Children’s Services Council of Broward County and Project Upstart, the money collected will help thousands of South Florida students who have been identified in unstable housing. To make a donation or find a drop off location near you, please go to our website www. http://neighbors4neighbors.org/ back-to-school.

Volunteering is a great way to learn more about your community. Neighbors 4 Neighbors volunteering website, www. helpingfeelsgood.org, is a collaboration of the many different agencies in South Florida, who have varied opportunities where they need help. Register on our site today and learn about the many ways you can help improve your community and the lives of those who live in it, through volunteering. Neighbors 4 Neighbors is generously supported by the Herbert Hoover Foundation, Children’s Services Council of Broward County, CBS4 and My33. Protecting and Preserving Our Aquatic Treasure Did you know the largest coral reef and the longest stretch of mangrove forest in the US lays right off our shores? These are just parts of an extensive ecosystem, filled with life that is part of one of our most valued resources, Biscayne National Park. In partnership with the Herbert W. Hoover Foundation, Neighbors 4 Neighbors will be sharing the history and mystery of this aquatic treasure that many South Florida residents have been too without even knowing it. From Elliot Key to Boca Chica and the famous Stiltsville, Biscayne National Park spans over 172,000 Acres and includes 10,000 years of history, including some of the oldest shipwrecks ever found. Log on to our website www.neighbors4neighbors.org for more information and stay tuned to on air as share with you more about this magnificent park and its importance to our community. FEATURE cbsmiami.com | July-August 2016 23

health

f o o d for t h o ug h t

H e a lt h y F oo d F o r Y o u r B r a i n

ere’s some food for thought. With the aging of America, the number of cases of Alzheimer’s disease is expected to triple by mid-century, affecting more than 100 million adults. Now there is growing evidence that there may be a way to slow the development of dementia. When Krysta Stasi shops, she tries to make healthy choices. “I’m just really trying to make the effort to eat more greens and grains,” said Stasi. Greens and grains are on the list of foods that have been linked to lower rates of cognitive decline. “I would be happy to know I’m doing the right thing,” said Stasi. Leafy green vegetables, blueberries, nuts & seeds, fatty fish and olive oil have all been associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s. So have whole grains, lentils and legumes. “These foods all have different components in them that are either neuroprotective, they help protect our brain, or they give our brains fuel,” said registered dietitian Alissa Rumsey. These so-called brain foods are also elements of the Mediterranean diet, which includes less red meat and processed foods. Nine out of 12 recent studies found a link between that diet and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association has evaluated the evidence and says it does point to a link between heart healthy foods and a lower risk of cognitive decline. Rumsey said those foods are an easy addition. “It’s about trying to take those refined carbs, and the higher sugar foods and saturated fat out of your diet slowly and adding those other foods,” said Rumsey. So it turns out, what’s good for the body may also be good for the brain. The Alzheimer’s Association said a healthy diet should go along with other lifestyle guidelines including education and strategic challenges for the brain.

HEALTH cbsmiami.com | July-August 2016 25

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Slimming Supplement Makers Of All Natural Supplement Promise To Make You Celeb Slim

hat’s the slimming secret of celebrities these days? Hollywood is supposedly swearing by an allnatural, appetite suppressant. But could it really help you lose weight like a star? “It’s the most popular weightloss supplement worldwide right now,” said nutritionist Lauren Slayton.

It’s called Garcinia Cambogia. “The claim is that the active ingredient decreases our appetite and decreases the amount of fat we store,” Slayton said. The active ingredient is called hydroxycitric acid, also known as HCA, and the one-two punch it supposedly delivers has many people saying they’re effortlessly shedding the pounds. Some say they’ve lost as much as 20 pounds over a single month. “I’ve been seeing a really big difference in the way clothes are fitting me,” one user said. Another said they’ve lost 47 pounds. Others claim different benefits. “I’ve been seeing more definition in the shoulders, the pectorals and the arms,” another said. Manufactured by a variety of supplement companies and sold just about everywhere now in pill form, Garcinia Cambogia actually comes from a tropical fruit grown in Southeast Asia. For best results, directions indicate to take three pills a day; one before breakfast, lunch and dinner. “By the time we are ready for our meals, we don’t really feel very hungry,” a user said. But before you run out and buy a bottle, Slayton said the research on whether it actually works is mixed. “There are some studies that show it’s more effective than a placebo, a couple of pounds,” she said. But about half the studies show no results at all. “And those are studies using an exact precise amount so it’s not necessarily effective,” Slayton said. “You need to be really suspicious,” Tod Cooperman, of Consumer Lab, said. Cooperman said his company tested 13 different Garcinia Cambogia products and that more than half barely contained any of the actual active ingredient. “We don’t always know exactly what else is in there, probably just filler,” he said. “Garcinia Cambogia, did it for about a week and gained weight people,” another review read. Reported side effects include dizziness and nausea. Experts say there really is no “magic pill” and that the best way to lose weight is through diet and exercises, but they do have some tips. “What we suggest is matcha, which is a powder form of green tea and research shows it improves your metabolism and decreases your fat storage,” Slayton added. Several studies show matcha improves metabolism and decreases fat storage, something Slayton say has yet to be proven with Garcinia Cambogia.

I’ve been seeing a really big difference in the way clothes are fitting me.”

I’ve been seeing more definition in the shoulders, the pectorals and the arms.”

HEALTH cbsmiami.com | July-August 2016 29

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Healthwatch: Staring At Screens Leads To Eye Strain

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of Americans use digital devices for two or more hours a day

of Americans look at their digital devices in the hour before going to sleep

early 60 percent of Americans use digital devices for five or more hours each day and most of us use two or more devices at a time. How we use our eyes in this technology-driven world can have a serious effect on our vision. Kay Bauer is an occupational therapist and relies on her contact lenses to keep her going throughout her day. “I see patients at home. I do home health,” said Bauer. “So that’s why I’m constantly in and out of the car.” By the end of her day Bauer says she feels the strain on her eyes. “On the cell phone, for sure, texting a lot,” she said. “I’m on the computer a lot. I do a lot of eye straining.” The vision council reports 90 percent of Americans use digital devices for two or more hours a day and 76% of Americans look at their digital devices in the hour before going to sleep. Dr. Barry Kay says we all have a natural blink rate that replenishes the tears in our eyes — when we star at digital devices we don’t blink as often and that causes our eyes to dry out and strain. “It’s become a very visual world,” said Dr. Kay. “More people working at closer distance can create eye strain and tired eyes.” Dr. Kay says for those who wear contacts there is a solution. “This new Acuevue is called oasis with hydrolux. And what they’ve done with this lens is they actually made it much smoother. Kind of like going to a 100-count thread sheet to maybe a 1000-count,” he said. Acuevue is a one day contact lens – Bauer has been using it for two weeks and says has seen a major difference. “I don’t even feel like I have contacts in,” Bauer said. If you don’t wear contacts Dr. Kay says there is a way you can protect your eyes. He recommends an eye stretching exercise of sorts. “One of the things I tell my patients because computers are so stressful,” explained Dr. Kay. “Is something we call the 20-20-20 rule. And the rule is this every 20 minutes look at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.”

HEALTH cbsmiami.com | July-August 2016 33

Study:

Caffeine Shampoo May Help Treat Baldness

By Lauren Pastrana • lpastrana@cbs.com

ome of Hollywood’s hottest leading men have embraced baldness. LL Cool J, Jason Statham and Vin Diesel make scalps look sexy but for some men, hair loss can be devastating. “Hair equates confidence,” said one man who didn’t want to be identified. As many as 80 percent of men will experience thinning hair, receding hairlines and bald spots at some point in their lives. Some will go to great lengths to get it to grow back, using lotions and creams, or drugs originally designed to treat serious illnesses. Others will turn to something call scalp micropigmentation– tiny ink dots that look like fake stubble tattooed onto a man’s head.

But now, there’s a new possible solution. Small concentrations of the “drug” we enjoy in our coffee every morning might be the next big thing to reverse baldness. Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo was recently tested in the lab. A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology revealed the caffeine shampoo stimulated hair growth when applied to hair follicles taken from men. “First time I actually hear of it,” one man said. “I would probably try it.” “I would be skeptical,” said another man. No one we talked to had heard of caffeine shampoo. Alpecin, which is made in Germany, won’t be available in the U.S. until later this year, though you can buy it online. In fact, there are only one or two caffeine-containing shampoos on U.S. shelves right now, and there aren’t any published studies

on those products. “I still think we need more well designed studies to test this concept,” said Dr. Maria Miteva, a dermatologist with the University of Miami Health System. She says results achieved in the lab with the shampoo might not be duplicated in real life. “Right now, I cannot recommend it and for you to buy it and expect it to grow hair,” she said. We’ve heard from some men, and an expert, but perhaps a South Florida woman says it best. “I think confidence comes from the inside, not the outside,” said Aleida Lanza. “So whatever makes somebody happy, I’m all for it.” The study found the caffeine shampoo did have a beneficial effect in the lab for women, but only when used in a more diluted form than was used for men.

HEALTH cbsmiami.com | July-August 2016 35

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Feeling Life’s Choices Can Zap Your Energy

By Vanessa Borge • vborge@cbs.com

ot enough sleep and working too much, both really obvious reasons for feeling tired. But it turns out, there are also some less obvious ones. You might be surprised to learn all the ways we actually sabotage ourselves by doing things that zap our energy. Let’s start with water. Do you drink as much of it as you should? Most of us do not. “If somebody does not have enough fluid, it’s actually very taxing for the body,” said Leslie Bonci, a registered dietitian Dietitians say you will notice a difference if you just drink more water. “The good news about that, even slight changes in increasing the fluid and ‘oh my gosh, who knew’, there’s a little burst energy that’s there,” said Bonci. Do you have a messy desk?

A study from Princeton University found a cluttered desk can lead to mental exhaustion and difficulty processing new information. Experts say a messy desk may also be a sign of an overactive mind and that’ll keep you from getting a good night’s sleep. Do you have alcohol right before bed to help unwind? It will make you fall asleep quicker. But it’s what happens a few hours later that can backfire on you. As your body begins to metabolize alcohol, you either wake up or just don’t sleep as soundly as you normally would. Energy drinks may not help as much as you think. While you’ll get a boost of energy, some say it could backfire later. Bonci said the caffeine in some of them can actually cause fatigue. “Somebody might find themselves needing to reach for another one, or even being

tired? overly hungry, or even having to take a nap, which sounds ridiculous. But you put your body through some degree of stress without necessarily giving it the substance it needs and the body is not happy,” said Bonci. You might also get a boost from a sugary breakfast, but you crash too soon. Bonci said it gives you nothing in the tank for the long run. Greek yogurt with bran or a banana are better choices. Do you have “toxic” friends? Negative people who seem to take something out of you? Some experts believe these people can really take a toll on you. “Toxic” friends could prevent you from a getting a great night’s sleep. Exercise helps us feel more energized, however, if you exercise way too much some studies show it can disturb your sleep or even impair your ability to handle stress. But don’t think you can use this an excuse

not to exercise. In general, exercise will help boost your energy levels. Fatty foods can make you feel tired. Here’s why: fried chicken and French fries take longer to digest. “All the blood is diverted to your gut to help you digest and at that point you’re just ready to have a nap,” said Bonci. Finally, checking your cell phone or laptop before bed, even for a little bit, can actually hurt your sleep and may leave you sluggish the next day. The light that’s emitted by phones, iPads and televisions is a short wavelength called blue light and it inhibits melatonin. Melatonin is what help us fall asleep. Apple unveiled a new “night mode” for devices earlier this year to cut down on blue light and hopefully allow you a better night’s sleep. HEALTH cbsmiami.com | July-August 2016 39

THE CENTER FOR REGENERATIVE MEDICINE A NON-SURGICAL TECHNIQUE TO FIGHT AGAINST ARTRTHRITIS AND SPORTRTS INJURIES

The Knee Diaries: SJ is a 60-year-old male with the chief complaint of knee pain who visited The Center for Regenerative Medicine over a year ago. He was diagnosed with bone-on-bone osteoarthritis of the left knee, causing much pain and discomfort; at that point he was told only a total knee replacement could help him. He is otherwise healthy. On exam he had point tenderness to the medial side of the left knee (medical lingo: inner side). An X-ray showed severe arthritis of the knee (X-ray on the left). Patient started receiving treatments at The Center for Regenerative Medicine. Today he is feeling better (X-ray on the right). This is how it works: The physician introduces Cell Therapy into damaged, arthritic cells by means of a precise injection. This process is followed by several other modalities, including Collateral Artery Flow Exercises (C.A.F.E.), in order to accelerate the process. Depending on tissue damage, severity of the condition and the size of the joint that needs to be injected, people usually need a series of 1 to 6 treatments to improve. There is usually no downtime, and people can go back to their usual activities or work immediately. The treatments can help most musculoskeletal problems such as low back pain, neck pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, whiplash, sciatica, tendinitis, sprain, strains, torn ligaments and cartilage damage. Located in Miami, Florida, The Center for Regenerative Medicine includes a team of professionals that are dedicated to improve your quality of life, paving the way to enhance the science of non-surgical orthopedic medicine. World champions, sports legends, professional and amateur athletes, dancers, and people with just plain pain and arthritis go to The Center for Regenerative Medicine for nonsurgical orthopedic care. Using the facility to improve their condition, thousands of successful cases have been treated over the past fifteen years.

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You may not be allergic to

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By Michael P. Pacin, M.D.

think so. My grandmother told me I was allergic to penicillin.â&#x20AC;? Doctors hear this answer in the examining room almost daily. Approximately ten percent of Americans relate a history of penicillin allergy, but after evaluation and testing, ninety percent of them end up able to tolerate the drug. Less than one percent of the population is in fact truly allergic to penicillin. They

may be able to take penicillin without any adverse reactions, either because they were never allergic, or because their allergy has been resolved. BROAD-SPECTRUM ANTIBIOTICS VS. PENICILLIN

It is important for all patients being treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics to avoid them as they are more expensive and cause more severe side effects and instead choose penicillin,

one of the most vital antibiotics prescribed by doctors for a variety of conditions like skin, sinus, throat and ear infections. Penicillin is part of a family of antibiotics known as beta lactams, and are very commonly used because it is often the best drug to treat infections, safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, safe for children, and less expensive than similar drugs. WHO SHOULD GET TESTED

CDC recommends physicians to test patients for a true penicillin allergy before prescribing broad-spectrum antibiotics, the frequently used alternative to penicillin. By skin testing patients who may be allergic to penicillin, problems can be avoided. Even a patient testing positive for penicillin can be treated if the drug is given gradually by an allergist: this is called “desensitization”. Penicillin skin testing is used to predict a potential allergy that occurs almost immediately after ingestion of the drug. If the test is administered using proper technique, it is safe; also, serious reactions are extremely rare. It is preferred to test electively rather than when an urgent need for its use arises. Over time, patients who have been truly allergic to penicillin in the past can lose that sensitivity. Some who show rashes may turn out to have had a viral or bacterial infection, or an interaction between the antibiotic and the bacteria or virus. Others may not even realize they weren’t on penicillin while some may have reactions such as diarrhea or virginities which are not “allergic” reactions. Allergic symptoms to penicillin range from a mild skin rash to a severe reaction called “anaphylaxis”, which can be fatal if not treated in time.

Two types of techniques are used: (1) scratch/prick tests on the surface of the skin and (2) intradermal tests in which a small needle penetrates under the skin. Two ingredients are used for testing. Any testing procedure must be done correctly and in the right order. It is best to have tests done by a professional allergist who has medical training for the procedures. Lastly, tests must be done in an environment where a severe reaction (although rare) can be immediately treated. Researchers differ on the need for an oral challenge the next day because testing skin for penicillin allergy isn’t totally predictive. Florida Center for Allergy & Asthma Care has 17 convenient locations throughout Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. To schedule an appointment call 1-877-4-ALLERGY or visit www.florida-allergy.com

SKIN TESTING

It is most important that skin testing for penicillin be done properly. business spotlight | July-August 2016 43

Life

travel save Best Summer Travel Apps To Save You Time & Money

By David Sutta • dsutta@cbs.com

hether you have plans to hit the road with the kids or are looking for a little adventure for yourself, there are apps to help you save time and money from your phone. Enrique Ortiz travels a lot. In fact, he says he’s logged nearly 3 million miles on American Airlines alone. He books a majority of those flights using a single app on his phone. “This is wonderful. I love it,” Ortiz said. The app Enrique uses is called Hopper and it is our top pick when it comes to booking a flight. Ortiz explained, “I would say on a typical trip to Latin America you will save at least $200, $250 per person. So if you go with your significant other and yourself, you are saving between $400-$500 per trip! That’s marvelous!” The app takes the guesswork out of finding the cheapest tickets by scanning 200+ airlines. But where it really shines is its predictions. You enter in where you want to go and when. The app will tell you whether you should buy the ticket now or wait. It’s all based on historical data. For those looking to hit the road this summer, Gas Buddy is a great resource to save at the pump. Drivers enter in prices daily so you can find the lowest prices wherever you are. Just open the app, search and save. As an added bonus you can enter in gas prices as well. Perhaps it’s something to keep the kids busy in the backseat! Disney goes by the slogan the happiest place on Earth, but waiting in line in the summer sun is not so much fun. If you are Disney-bound, you will want to download the Disney World app. You can book fast passes to get to the front of the line on rides. You can make dining reservations, see and share photos from the theme parks and best of all you can see which rides have the shortest lines in real time. Our last app recommendation is for those traveling with friends and family who need to split expenses. Whether it’s gas, groceries, or dinner. Simply snap a photo of the receipt and enter the details into Splittr. The $2 app will keep track of it all. At the end of the trip you can email a full breakdown of expenses and what each person owes. Save yourself the hassle and paying for everyone else’s trip at the same time with Splittr. When it comes to hotels there are plenty of apps out there. We found some of the greatest savings that can be had are those who book rooms last minute. There are great apps out there that let you find rooms up to 50% off when booking them the same day. Click here to check out Hotel Tonight or here for Overnight that is used to find Airbnb-style accommodations.

LIFE cbsmiami.com | July-August 2016 45

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By Eliott Rodriguez erodriguez@cbs.com

sweetener in some sugar-free gums is raising concerns with dog owners. It turns out the ingredient, which can also be found in other products, is so toxic that it can kill your beloved pet. At a popular Coconut Grove dog park, pets are like family. Their parents watch their every move. But pet owners can’t watch their pets all the time. And some have no idea that the sweetener called Xylitol can cause poisoning and even death for pets. Xylitol is safe for humans but for dogs it can be fatal. If you have one of those dogs who eats anything that falls on the floor of the kitchen, it can be a deadly mistake. Dr. Liz Cepero of the Pet Emergency Room says pet owners should take the warning seriously “Low blood sugar, seizures, sometimes it can be vomiting and liver failure if you let it go long enough,” she said. “Usually if you get them within four hours you can make them vomit it and it comes up and they don’t have any signs.” That’s exactly what happened to a dachshund named Coco who ate one stick of sugarless gum and ended up in the ER. The ASPCA American Poison Control Center reported more than 37-hundred Xylitol related calls in 2014. That’s because Xylitol can be found in some types of candy, baked goods, chewable vitamins, peanut butter, and toothpaste. Of course, it’s only in some brands. That’s why veterinarians say it’s so important for pet owners to read labels in case your pet takes a deadly bite. “It only takes a stick of gum, it’s very potent,” Dr. Cepero said. Luckily Coco was okay but it could have been a lot worse. In case your furry friend ends up ingesting anything with Xylitol but you’re not sure, vets say always treat it as a worst case scenario and remember time is of the essence.

LIFE cbsmiami.com | July-August 2016 49

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Riviera Focacceria Italiana

Flavors Of Italian Coast Line Come To Life In Heart Of Midtown By Lisa Petrillo

lpetrillo@wfor.cbs.com

here’s a coastline area of Italy known as Liguria – home to Genoa and Portofino, that is as well-known for its natural beauty as it is for its wonderful and unique cuisine. Welcome to Riviera Focacceria Italiana, a hidden gem in Midtown, now known as one of the few places in the U.S. that makes a traditional dish originated from Liguria. “We have a special dish that’s originated from a small village close to Genoa where they created Focaccia al Formaggio. The trick is it’s a particular cheese we import every week by air from Italy,” said owner Fabio Domenichini. Two very thin, yeast-free layers of dough covers the precious lumps of strachinno cheese that can only be bought in Italy. “It’s a little piece of heaven on your plate. It is! It’s light crispy and the cheese is to die for,” I said after biting in. Another key component to Ligurian cuisine is pesto, which means “to pound or crush.” It’s all about the special ingredients that’s pounded into the pesto sauce. That pesto sauce is served over the handmade mandilli pasta, known as the silk handkerchief pasta. “At the end, the dishes are easy, just simple ingredients and good

Liguria

recipes mostly recipes of grandmothers,” Fabio said. “It’s like a warm hug. “ I said immediately after tasting. “The handkerchief mandilli pasta is thin and envelopes your mouth the pesto is not too strong. It’s super soft,” Every pasta, dessert, everything on the menu is made from scratch, like the final tasting dish – the Tuna Verde. It’ slightly seared sushi-grade tuna with fennel and olives, pesto, basil and lemon and oil dressing. “This puts any tuna tartar away. There’s lemon, basil, pesto and tuna is fresh. It’s like a dessert tuna tartar dish,” was my immediate response after the very first bite. Riviera Focacceria Italiana -where the flavors of the Italian coast line come to life in the heart of midtown. Riviera Focacceria Italiana is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. For more info: www.rivierafocacceria.com

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LIFE cbsmiami.com | July-August 2016 53

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Email Lauren’s List:

How Rude ! Words To Avoid In Emails

By Lauren Pastrana • lpastrana@cbs.com

oughly 205 billion emails are sent each day. That’s a lot of communication! But did you know certain words, when used in emails, could send the wrong message and even make the sender sound rude. This Lauren’s List focuses on words to avoid when trying to maintain email etiquette; it was compiled by the company Outsource Philippines. First, leave out the word “fine” if you can. People in relationships probably know when your significant other says he or she is “fine” chances are there’s more to it than that. It’s all about tone and context, but that’s often difficult to read online unless you’re adding emojis to each message. So it’s best to be clear so there’s no confusion as to whether something is actually “fine” or not. Try to leave the word “actually” out when you can. Turns out, some people find the word insulting and annoying when read in an email. For example, if you say “your presentation was actually very good” it gives the receiver of your message the impression you doubted it would be good in the first place.

The next word to avoid may seem strange. That seemingly innocent “thanks” you put at the end of each email runs the risk of sounding unprofessional or insincere. Experts say you should opt for the more complete “thank you”. Finally, and this one might be tough, don’t use the word “no” in an email. Obviously, you can’t avoid the word all together, but you should steer clear of using “no” when correcting someone via email. For instance, don’t say “No, the meeting is at 10 o’clock, not 9.” Simply say, “The meeting is at 10 o’clock.” That way you don’t sound like you’re reprimanding someone for their error. And here’s a bonus tip. Lay off the exclamation points. I’m guilty of this, but simply one will suffice and most of the time you don’t need one at all. It’s an email, not a pep rally. What are your rules for email correspondence? Tell me on Facebook.com/laurenpastrananews or on Twitter @LaurenPastrana. Send future Lauren’s List ideas to me at lpastrana@cbs.com.

LIFE cbsmiami.com | July-August 2016 55

ullying is a serious epidemic in the U.S. which can have some negative impacts on your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s physical health as well as their emotional well-being. A new report from the National Academies of Sciences Engineering and Medicine states itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to finally recognize bullying as a serious public health issue. Bullying should no longer be dismissed as merely a matter of kids being kids. According to the report, being bullied has obvious mental and emotional repercussions including depression and anxiety. Physically it can lead to gastrointestinal issues and headaches. Bullies themselves are also negatively impacted by their own behavior. They are more likely to struggle with depression and move on to criminal activity like vandalism and theft. Many schools have a zero-tolerance policy, suspending or even expelling bullies. The report says this policy does not work and may actually do more harm than good because it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t provide the skill training or replacement behaviors for youth who are suspended or expelled. Instead, the report states, schools should help bullies change their behavior through continual education and positive feedback. This will help them build emotional intelligence.

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LIFE cbsmiami.com | July-August 2016 57

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Study: Miami Rent Among The Nation’s Least Affordable

iami rent remains among the nation’s least affordable, according to a new study. While rent in the nation’s 25 biggest rental markets have fallen slightly since last year, real estate site Trulia says Miami along with New York and San Francisco are home to the nation’s least affordable rental markets with sky-high rents. With a median rent of $1,950, only about 6.9 percent of Miami’s rental properties are considered “affordable” in relation to income levels. That’s a drop from the 8.8 percent considered affordable just a year before. The newly reported numbers from Miami are worse than in New York and San Francisco where wages are generally a bit higher. In New York, median rent is at $2,354 but 19.6 percent can afford it. In San Francisco, about 22.2 percent can afford the median rent at $2,354. Despite the high rents, the study says , rent in the 25 areas they studied declined about 1.6 percent from 2015 to 2016 but based on historical pricing, rents are still very high.

LIFE cbsmiami.com | July-August 2016 59

Unlikely Pairing Ends Up At Local Brewery

By Vanessa Borge • vborge@cbs.com

n unlikely pairing is making its way into local breweries – yoga and beer. Around the country, yogis are jumping up from a downward facing dog and hopping onto a bar stool. Jesse Morris owns the Concrete Beach Brewery in Wynwood. It holds yoga classes among the tanks and barrels every Wednesday night. He has his own unique take on why the two work together. “You would never think the two go hand in hand. The way I like to think about it is you get to come here. You get this metaphysical fulfillment, this spiritual fulfillment, all this feel good and then you get to do yoga for exercise too,” said Jesse. Some might typically associate beer with men and yoga with women. So the “hoppy” beverage gets the male gender in the door and hopefully willing to take a class. Morris’ wife, Erin teaches the yoga classes.

“I know a lot of guys who would like to try a yoga class but they think oh it’s just pants and stretching and girls who associate beer drinking with frat parties and beer pong,” said Erin. This will erase all your pre-notions. Breweries are catching onto the trend. Beer maker Dogfish Head created a Namaste beer and Lululemon – the athletic apparel line – partnered with a brewery on a limited-edition style. While traditional yoga tends to encourage a focus on oneself all in a quiet meditative environment, this form of yoga, Erin says is “more of a spectator sport at this point. It’s not your usual setting to do a yoga brewery class.” She believes the pair do share something in common. “I find that with both yoga and beer you have this tendency to cultivate camaraderie and I think this is a really good opportunity to combine the two communities,” said Erin.

LIFE cbsmiami.com | July-August 2016 61

Real estate

Would You Rather:

Rent in the City or the Suburbs? Content provided by zillow.com BY LINDSEY SCHOBER Imagine your dream rental home. Are you transported to a roomy 4-bedroom home with a big backyard nestled on a quiet street? Or are you in a sleek townhouse right in the thick of a big city’s hustle and bustle? Living in the city versus the suburbs is an age-old debate. There’s the convenience, culture and cool factor of living in an urban area, but then there’s the serenity, superior schools and space of the suburbs. Decisions, decisions. To be sure, there are pros and cons to each living situation. What matters most is that you pick the best neighborhood for you. If you need some help, here are some factors to consider when making the choice between renting in the suburbs and renting in the city.

The cost of rent every month City living is so hot right now. And while rent may seem more expensive downtown, average suburban rents nationwide are actually slightly higher than urban rents, currently averaging around $1,695 per month compared to $1,640 per month in urban areas. Of course, it depends on which city/suburban comparison you’re making. Some cities, such as San Francisco, buck the trend in rent costs. Indoor and outdoor space You get more bang for your buck in the suburbs. Per square foot, urban rents are higher by $0.18 than rents in the suburbs, which average $1.04 per square foot. Cost aside, think about how much and what kind of space is important to you.

Inside, do you need one bedroom or four? Do you want a chef’s kitchen or would a small cooking space be sufficient? Can you handle having neighbors on all sides of your home, or are you looking for a place where you don’t share a wall (or ceiling or floor)? Determine what suits your lifestyle. And then there’s the outdoor space to consider. Suburban apartment communities are usually large with a ton of outdoor amenities, while urban communities may have a rooftop deck and a smaller pool. If you’re looking to rent a single-family home or a townhouse, are you drawn to the idea of lounging in the privacy of your big backyard on a Saturday afternoon? Or does sitting on a balcony and taking in the sights and sounds of your busy street sound like more fun? While you may not have a big private

Today’s rental landscape offers dream homes for city slickers and suburbanites alike. You just have to figure out which scene suits you best.

space in a city home, you do have all the public parks, art exhibits and lively public spaces — and you don’t need to weed or mow those.

the beauty is, you don’t need a car most of the time. Most metropolitan areas offer public transportation options that are quicker and less expensive than driving.

Transportation and commute Do you have a car? How important is being able to walk to the grocery store, coffee shop or local watering hole? Those are key points to consider when looking at the city versus the suburbs. If you live in the suburbs, you’ll likely need a car. You’ll have to factor in the cost of insurance and gas, as well as the time it takes to drive to your job or the local train station. However, parking is likely free or relatively less expensive compared to what city dwellers get. If you have a car in the city, parking (and parking tickets) can get costly. But

Schools If you have a family and children of school age, this is a huge consideration. Typically, suburban schools are considered to be better than city schools, but it’s different in every area. And, if you have the dough, private school is an option in both areas Lifestyle This comparison isn’t as cut-and-dry as it once was. New suburbs today are less strip malls and more urban and cultural centers. To be sure, the white picket fence dream is still out there. But there is a larger trend

for suburbs, especially those closer to large cities, to fashion themselves into hubs of restaurants, shopping and activities. It just depends what you’re looking for in your living situation and lifestyle. Do you want to be a quick bus ride away from worldclass museums and late-night music venues? Then the city is probably your thing. But if you’re looking for an occasional dose of culture with more focus on restaurants and nightlife, then don’t count out the suburbs. Just be sure you’re comfortable with the safety of wherever you choose. Whether you’re looking to live under the bright lights of a big city or amid the street lights of a tree-lined suburban lane, you have a number of considerations to ponder. Bottom line: Determine your wants and needs, and you’ll find the place that fits your urban or suburban lifestyle. REAL ESTATE | July-August 2016 63

Recently Sold Content provided by zillow.com

8320 SW 152nd St, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 1969 Sold: 5/23/2016 for

$375,000

Size (sq. ft.)

beds

1,923 3

baths

rice just reduced on this must see cozy home for sale in the highly-desirable Village of Palmetto Bay. A family home in a family neighborhood, this three bedroom, two bath ranch-style home also boasts a large screened-in patio. With a 19,200 sf lot, the property provides ample room for your enhancements. A park, great schools, restaurants, and upscale shopping centers are located nearby.

888 S Douglas Rd, APT 604, Coral Gables, FL 33134 CONDO | Built in: 2007 Sold: 6/2/2016 for

$520,000

Size (sq. ft.)

1,351

beds

baths

3 2

combination of great style, views & sophistication make this the perfect setting in Puerta de Palmas; one of Coral Gables most beautiful complexes. This is one of a select few 3 BR units in the property; boasting a split floor plan, new stainless kitchen appliances, freshly painted, a full laundry rm., 2 parking spaces & a private air conditioned storage rm. This corner unit has fabulous views of the Biltmore Hotel & downtown Coral Gables. Gracious amenities include: a pool, gym & a fabulous comm. room.

Recently Sold Content provided by zillow.com

7575 SW 134th St, Pinecrest, FL 33156 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 1960 Sold: 5/27/2015 for

$565,000

Size (sq. ft.)

beds

2,720 4

baths

reezeway home nestled on a builderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s half acre featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, gourmet kitchen with wood cabinets and granite counter tops, master bedroom with French doors opening to private deck with top-of-the-line Sundance Jacuzzi, living/ dining room with sliding glass doors leading to a domed screen patio and swimming pool, 2 new 16 seer air conditioning systems, separate guest and family room, accordion hurricane shutters, storage shed, fenced yard, sprinkler system and a lushly landscaped lot.

5501 SW 63rd Ct, Miami, FL 33155 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 1970 Sold: 6/16/2015 for

$680,000

Size (sq. ft.)

beds

3,300 7

baths

ubstantial home, perfect for a family to make their own. Large 17,424 sq. ft. lot with sparkling screened-in pool and patio. Split bedroom plan with a bonus of an independent but attached in-law or guest suite. Impact windows, barrel tile roof, security system, large eat-in kitchen with island and breakfast bar. Features include: formal living and dining areas and ample family room. Walk out to the pool and patio from dining, kitchen and family rooms. Near to University of Miami and Miller Drive.

REAL ESTATE | July-August 2016 65

Recently Sold Content provided by zillow.com

6868 Corsica St, Coral Gables, FL 33146 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 1965 Sold: 6/13/2016 for

$940,000

Size (sq. ft.)

beds

3,129 5

ery beautiful, charming and elegant home with open layout, lots of light and private courtyard. Remodeled with wood floor throughout. 2bed/2bath downstairs and 3 beds/2 baths upstairs with vaulted wood ceiling. Perfect for entertaining. Across from Sunset Elementary. Different from tax roll, has permits.

baths

14521 SW 67th Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33158 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 1964 Sold: 6/15/2016 for

$1,210,000

Size (sq. ft.)

beds

baths

3,947 4 5

f you can imagine a beautiful one-story Coral Gables home with a stunning garden that pleases both family & friends; a perfect setting for indoor & outdoor entertaining where you share meals, play, swim, gather & relax, it is here. Generous grounds, resplendent with hand-selected plants & flowers are awash in color; the waterfall & pond soothe & delight. This home is about balance, harmony & a little bit of bliss! For more fun you have access to Kings Bay marina & boat launch.

Recently Sold Content provided by zillow.com

6245 Dolphin Dr, Coral Gables, FL 33158 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 1981 Sold: 5/23/2016 for

$1,940,000

Size (sq. ft.)

beds

2,984 3

baths

O BRIDGES TO BAY...Waterfront opportunity with 125 FT. Concrete Dock on deep water lagoon overlooking the amazing Deering Bay Marina. The Key West house sits on a 17,300 sf lot which was designed as an entertainment paradise. The living area and spacious master suite overlook the beautiful lagoon and marina. The home features an open floor plan, high ceilings, fireplace, walls of glass and an oversized fully furnished attached 2 car garage. The beautiful pool area also overlooks the dock and water.

6195 Rolling Road Dr, Pinecrest, FL 33156 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 2014 Sold: 6/6/2016 for

Size (sq. ft.)

$3,300,000 9,699

beds

baths

ew construction designed by renowned Brito Ruiz Architects,this sophisticated contemporary Mediterranean estate exudes superior quality throughout. Welcoming water feature leads to the front entrance that opens to wide foyer w/ breathtaking pool view. Amenities include Crestron sys. formal dining/living rm. wine cellar, elevator, state of the art chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen that opens to expansive family rm and outdoor kitchen w/ cabana bath,Tiled 3 car garage his home is perfect for entertaining.

REAL ESTATE | July-August 2016 67

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Markets where buyers, sellers have negotiating power Inventory is down across the country, giving sellers an advantage. Here are the markets where buyers have it worst, and where they have the upper hand. Content provided by zillow.com By Emily Heffter

ight inventory is making it tough out there for home buyers. There were 8.6 percent fewer homes on the market in January 2016 than a year ago, according to the January Zillow Real Estate Market Reports. Zillow looked at price cuts and the average number of days homes sit on the market to identify places where either buyers or sellers have the upper hand. We found that sellers have more negotiating power in competitive cities, mostly in the West, where job markets are hot and demand for housing is heavy. The top 10 sellersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; markets are:

On the other end of the spectrum, we looked at markets where buyers have more control, because there are more price cuts and homes are on the market longer. The top 10 markets for buyers are:

1. San Jose 2. San Francisco 3. Denver 4. Seattle 5. Nashville 6. Portland 7. Sacramento 8. Raleigh, NC 9. Salt Lake City 10. San Diego

1. Philadelphia 2. Chicago 3. Baltimore 4. Hartford, CN 5. New York/ Northern New Jersey 6. Miami 7. Indianapolis 8. Jacksonville, FL 9. Virginia Beach, VA 10. Orlando, FL

REAL ESTATE | July-August 2016 71

home

Paint a Wall Accent

Make neutral walls pop with color by adding painted accents. Use them to complement furniture in matching colors or showcase artwork. Content provided by lowes.com

Skill Level Beginner Estimated Time 1 day Estimated Cost $$$$$ Tools Painting supplies Painter’s tape 3-foot (or longer) level 6-foot (or longer) straightedge

Materials Valspar Signature paint, gallon, Vivid Blue (#4006-10C)

Instructions A color accent can be sized to a piece of furniture, expanded to cover an entire wall or, as with this project carried over onto the ceiling. When sizing an accent for your room, remember that narrow patterns make the ceiling feel higher. Size your accent to avoid overwhelming the room with color. Then choose bold colors that attract attention by themselves or more subtle colors that direct your eye to art displayed on the wall. To see a video on creating zones, click here.

Step 1 If the wall accent will be narrower than the width of a fall, mark the vertical edges at the ceiling. On each mark, place a level or a combination of level and straightedge and mark the vertical boundaries of the accent.

Step 2 Apply painter’s tape along the pencil lines so that you can paint over the lines. Then mask off the ceiling and baseboard if you want to retain their original color. For an entire wall, apply painter’s tape at the corners. Good to Know: Use a moist paper towel to wipe the baseboard clean before taping for a tight seal.

Step 3 With a paint roller, apply the first coat of accent color. Allow it to dry according to the label directions, and then roll on a second coat. Allow the paint to dry before removing the painter’s tape. Good to Know: If you’re adding the accent to a freshly painted wall, first apply the room color along the tape edge inside the accent area. That way, any paint that seeps beneath the tape will blend with the neutral areas and create a crisp line for the accent color you’ll apply afterwards.

Step 4 To gauge how artwork will look on a small accent wall, lay out the various pieces on a section of floor the same size as the accent area. After you settle on an arrangement, transfer the measurements to the wall and use nails or wall hangers to display the artwork.

HOME | July-August 2016 75

Storage Shed Buying Guide

Is the garage so packed with stuff that you have to park your car in the driveway? Or is the attic so full that the ceilings are starting to sag? If this sounds like your home, a storage shed is just the space-expanding solution you need. Content provided by lowes.com

Material Choices Metal: Whether galvanized steel or aluminum, metal storage sheds are usually coated with a tough, baked-enamel finish to prevent scratches and rust. These sheds come in a variety of colors and offer years of maintenance-free service. Vinyl: Vinyl sheds are built with double-wall vinyl panels to resist dents. The panels are made to exact standards for a snug fit and solid construction. Many come with paintable steel doors for extra security and long service life. Best of all, the entire structure can endure practically all weather extremes and is virtually maintenance-free. Wood: Wooden barns are the most familiar and offer several different styles to match any setting. Solid lumber framing, multiple designs and stylish siding options make these sheds seem more like small houses than storage buildings. Sizes Sheds come in a variety of sizes to accommodate your needs. Refer to the diagram to see which one would work best for you. Small: Small sheds are anything under 80 square feet. These outdoor units are good for hanging tools and storing lawn and garden supplies including a push mower, pots, bags of fertilizer and gas cans. Medium: These sheds are approximately 90 to 120 square feet in size. They can hold larger garden equipment such as riding mowers, snow blowers and bulky equipment. Large: These sheds typically range from 144 to 288 square feet. Large sheds can handle anything from large pieces of lawn equipment to recreational vehicles. If you’re feeling creative, turn your shed into a workshop or hobby space. Accessories If there’s something you want to add to your storage shed, chances are it’s available as an accessory. Here are a few examples: Ramps: A sturdy set of ramps is a must for moving wheeled power equipment or hand trucks into or out of your shed. Windows and Skylights: Natural light increases visibility and makes the space more user-friendly.

In most cases, you can even order shutters and window boxes to accompany your windows and further enhance the aesthetics of your shed. Lofts: Increase the useable space in your shed with a loft. It allows you to park the mower underneath and still have a solid storage platform overhead. Shelves: Organize your tools and materials on handy shelves designed by the manufacturer specifically for your shed. Work Benches: If you plan to use the shed as a gardening or hobby shop, a good workbench is an essential. Beyond Outdoor Storage Barns and sheds are great storage solutions for everything from mowers to motorcycles. However, their spacious design, high durability and easy assembly make them excellent choices for some other uses you might not have considered. Playhouse: You can order windows and partitions to add to most outdoor storage. Paint them bright colors and use your imagination to make a garden shed the perfect playhouse for children of all ages. Hobby or Craft Hut: No matter what your hobby is, you’re sure to find a barn or garden shed that’s just the right size for your needs. Just think, you could have a room to spread out all your materials and a private work space all your own. She Sheds: Similar to a Man Cave, the She Shed is where a woman can get away from it all. Take one look on social media to see the creative ways that sheds are being used. Beautiful windows and French doors are added, as are window boxes, Dutch doors and even front porches with twinkling lights. Some are turned into mini-greenhouses, writing nooks or simply used as a calm oasis away from the chaos of everyday life. Installation DIYers: All Lowe’s barns and sheds come with easy-to-follow, step-by-step assembly instructions. Professional Installation: If you’d like to customize your shed or you’d prefer to let someone else do the installation, contact a store associate for details.

HOME | July-August 2016 77

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Causes of Lawn Damage Foliar and root diseases can affect both warm- and cool-season grasses. Diseasecausing fungi are almost always present in the soil, waiting for a time when conditions are right to attack. The most common times are when the host (turfgrass) is under stress. Examples of environmental stress are excessively wet or dry weather and exceptionally hot or unseasonably cool temperatures. In addition to being a reaction to environmental changes, lawn diseases can also be signals of soil problems. Any part of a lawn can be affected. Slopes, depressions, high traffic and shady areas are vulnerable. Improper mowing or watering habits,

too much or too little fertilizer, thatch and compacted soil all increase the chances of disease. Diseases often start as yellow, tan or brown areas of varying sizes in the lawn. But before you assume you have a lawn disease, make sure it isn’t something else. Injury, stress or deficiencies can produce similar symptoms and also set the stage for infection. These are often things that you can control, so it’s wise to recognize and remedy these situations. Dormancy in the grass is a natural occurrence and is another factor that can cause discoloration. To help identify whether the problem is injury, stress or a deficiency, here are some examples and solutions:

Injury to Grass • Pesticide, fertilizer or gasoline spills: Spills can cause lawn damage quickly, resulting in yellow or brown spots. Refill spreaders, sprayers and outdoor power equipment carefully. Use a funnel or a “no-spill” container. You can rake up dry products and collect them for use later. Flood the area with water to dilute. You need to remove liquid spills with an absorbent product and dispose of the liquid and absorbent properly. Repair and reseed the area as needed. • Dog urine: These spots show up as a dead area with a green ring around it. Flush the area with water as soon as possible after the occurrence (within the

Wellestablished turfgrasses are quite resilient. But even the best-kept lawn can be vulnerable. Learn to recognize, prevent and treat lawn damage and diseases. Content provided by lowes.com

hour is best). Work with your dog to use a less conspicuous area. • Foot traffic: Aerate to relieve soil compaction and reseed. Redirect the traffic. If that proves impossible, install a walkway. • Mowing too close: Raise the mower blade to the proper cutting height for your variety of turfgrass. Fix high spots in the lawn. • Dull mower blade: A mower blade that is not properly sharp can produce a ragged cut and discoloration. Replace or sharpen the blade according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent ongoing damage. • Compacted soil: Aerate to relieve soil compaction. Add organic matter and reseed.

Grass Stress • Too much or too little water: If the lawn is not getting enough water, the turfgrass begins to resemble straw. Walking on the lawn leaves footprints in the turf. Water only when needed to prevent overwatering. Do it as early in the day as possible to allow evaporation from grass blades. Be sure to follow any watering ordinances or restrictions for your area. • Too much or too little fertilizer: Too much fertilizer causes excessive growth. Too little does not provide enough nutrition to promote the strong roots, crowns and leaves needed to withstand disease. Follow the proper feeding schedule for your turfgrass. • Excessive pesticide use: Applying too much insecticide or herbicide can “burn” turfgrass and lead to yellow or brown grass. Follow the manufacturer’s specifications on amount and frequency of application. • Hot and cold temperature extremes: Wait for a change in the weather. Keep your eyes open for early signals of lawn problems. Nutrient Deficiencies in Grass • Nitrogen: Lawns that are not getting enough nitrogen (the key component of lawn fertilizer) will begin to change to light green and then yellow. The color change usually begins to show first in the lower leaves. Reduced growth is also a sign of nitrogen deficiency. Normally the entire lawn is affected. Adding nitrogen will help restore the green color if you fertilize properly. Applying too much at the wrong time can do more harm than good. Follow the package instructions carefully. Grass cycling - leaving grass clippings on your lawn after mowing - adds nitrogen naturally to the lawn. • Iron: Another reason for discoloration could be lack of iron in your soil. Some of the more common areas of the yard that you might find turning yellow from iron deficiency are those adjacent to things made of concrete. Driveways, sidewalks and concrete planters can be the culprits. The high alkaline content in concrete tends to absorb the iron found in soil,

reducing the amount of iron your lawn or garden receives. Iron deficiency appears in patches. Blades may yellow but the veins retain their green color. Iron deficiency may not affect growth. Alkaline soils (such as those in the midwestern and western states) are especially susceptible to iron deficiencies. You can add iron as a soil supplement to neutralize alkalinity and help replenish the iron that occurs naturally in the soil. Apply as directed on the package. Remove the product from masonry or concrete surfaces before watering to avoid staining. When using lawn treatments or lawn care products, always follow package directions regarding proper clothing, protective equipment, application procedures and safety precautions. Other Lawn Conditions In addition to injury, stress and deficiencies, there are other things that may be making your lawn look less than picture perfect. • Damping off is a fungal infection that is usually limited to newly seeded areas. When seeds are sown too densely and then receive too much fertilizer and water, the crowded young seedlings collapse and die. You’ll need to rake and reseed the area. • Dormancy is a natural occurrence. Cool-season grasses will turn brown when the weather gets hot and/or dry. Warmseason grasses go dormant when cooler temperatures arrive. They will return to normal conditions when the weather changes. If dormancy occurs late in the growing season, they will remain dormant until the next growing season arrives. Before taking any type of action to solve discoloration, make sure your lawn is not turning yellow or brown because it’s going dormant. Dormancy is a resting period – do not fertilize during dormancy. • Insects are another possibility. Signals are holes in the leaves and chewed-off spots. If the turf can be pulled up easily, grubs are the likely culprit (diseased grass remains firmly rooted). Other lawn-harming insects include billbugs, chinch bugs, nematodes, mole crickets, mites, leafhoppers and various larvae. Upon close examination you can see many of these bugs. HOME | July-August 2016 81

Identifying Lawn Diseases When you have eliminated the afflictions mentioned above as possible causes of lawn discoloration, it’s time to review the possibility of disease. Warm season grasses are most susceptible when temperatures are cooler than normal. Cool season grasses are at risk when weather is warmer than normal. Other weather patterns to look for are excessively wet or dry weather and cloudy or overcast skies (which inhibits the ability of grass to dry out sufficiently and means that dew is unable to evaporate). If any of these conditions prevail, then disease is likely. Identify the problem, find the solution, control the problem and take steps to prevent future occurrences. • Anthracnose: Affects any turfgrass, but primarily bluegrass and centipede. Occurs in summer and fall. You’ll see irregularsized tan, brown, reddish-brown patches of grass ranging in size from several inches to several yards. Spots may also be present on grass blades. Anthracnose can kill turfgrass if left untreated. • Brown patch: Affects fescue, bluegrass, centipede, ryegrass, St. Augustine, bentgrass, and zoysia. Occurs in spring and fall. Circular areas of dead grass appear in a circle that may be small or large. The outer portion may be a “smoky” color. The leaves can be easily pulled from the stem. Affected areas may have a sunken appearance. Brown patch does not usually cause permanent damage. • Dollar spot: Affects bentgrass, Bermudagrass, ryegrass, bluegrass and fescue. Occurs in late spring, summer and fall. Small (silver dollar-sized) spots of tan/brown grass appear over the lawn. The spots may merge into large affected areas. Grass blades will have tan/brown areas on them. Dollar spot does not usually cause permanent damage. • Fairy ring: Affects all turfgrasses any time of the year. Underground fungi cause a dark green circle or semi-circle of grass caused. The area next to it may be a lighter-colored area of dying grass. Mushrooms may or may not be present. The entire affected area must be dug up and reseeded. • Fusarium blight: Affects bluegrass. This blight is prompted by hot, dry weather; grass color transitions from light green to

brown to tan before dying. • Fusarium patch/snow mold: Affects coolseason grasses and zoysia. Occurs in fall, winter and spring. Fusarium patch (or pink snow mold) usually occurs after snow melts but can be caused by cold, wet weather at other times. It starts as greenish yellow but turns a distinctive pink shade. A gray color indicates another snow mold variety that matures under snow layers during colder winters. It also starts with a yellow tint but turns grayish white. As temperatures start to rise with the approach of spring, snow mold will likely go away on its own. If not, simple reseed the area. • Leaf spot: Affects all turfgrasses. Occurs in spring, summer and fall. There are leaf spot infections that attack warm- and cool-season grasses. Grass begins to appear gray, tan or brown. Upon closer

examination, tan, red or purple spots are evident. Can severely thin or kill turfgrass. • Necrotic ring spot/summer patch: Affects bluegrass, bentgrass, Bermudagrass and fescue. Occurs in spring, summer and fall. Round, sunken areas of reddish-tan grass that resembles a bull’s eye. The very similar summer patch takes a more oval or irregular shape. • Powdery mildew: Affects bluegrass, Bermudagrass and zoysia. Occurs in spring, summer and fall. Common in shady areas, the infection resembles white dust. Blades eventually turn tan to brown. The damage can be permanent. • Pythium blight: Affects all turfgrasses. Occurs in spring, summer and fall. Also called grease spot due to the brown slimy areas it produces. White patches may also appear. Can spread and kill grass quickly.

entire lawn. Alternate fungicidal products to maintain efficiency. Some fungicidal remedies can be applied only by a licensed pesticide applicator. Caution: When using plant-care or lawncare products, always follow package directions regarding proper clothing, protective equipment, application procedures and safety precautions.

• Red thread: Affects fescue, bluegrass, ryegrass and bentgrass. Occurs in spring and fall. Red or faded patches, reddish or pink threads reach from leaf tips to adjoining leaves. Damage is usually not permanent. • Rust: Bluegrass, Bermudagrass, St. Augustine and ryegrass. Occurs in summer and fall. Distinctive orange rustlike appearance. The spores will attach easily to tools and clothing. Rust is not usually harmful. • Slime mold: Affects all turfgrasses. Occurs in summer and fall. Patches of white/gray/black deposits appear on leaves. Slime mold may appear powdery in early stages but forms tiny balls as the infections mature. Slime molds will not cause permanent damage, but they can inhibit growth if the infestation is heavy. Remove with a rake, broom or by spraying

with a garden hose. • Smut: Affects bluegrass and bentgrass. Occurs in spring and fall. Yellowing blades turn to black and begin to curl. The entire plant is affected and is likely to die. Controlling Lawn Disease To prevent disease from spreading, remove grass clippings from infected areas. Avoid walking through the area and clean any tools you have used before they come in contact with other parts of the lawn. Apply fungicides when needed. Make sure you choose one that’s formulated for the specific disease that’s affecting your lawn. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Frequent applications of fungicide can have an adverse effect - over time, many diseases will develop a resistance to them. Spot-treat affected areas rather than the

Preventing Lawn Disease General lawn care practices create a healthy stand of turf. To achieve that goal: Feed regularly, following the correct fertilizing schedule for your turfgrass type. A wellfed lawn is able to fend off disease, pests and weeds better than one that is undernourished. Water deeply and infrequently to promote deeper root systems. Water early in the morning to allow evaporation during the day. Mow at the correct height for your grass, as frequently as necessary to maintain that height. Mowing too short weakens the grass plant, making it more susceptible to infection. Mow often enough so that you remove no more than 1/3 the height of the grass blade at one time. Maintain your mower properly - a sharp blade prevents ragged cuts. Mow when the grass is dry and change the mowing pattern each time you mow to avoid establishing a grain. Maintain your lawn year-round: • Grow the proper turfgrass for your region and environment. Plant disease-resistant turfgrass varieties. Use a suitable turfgrass variety in shady areas. • Do regular soil tests (every 3-5 years) and follow the test recommendations. • Aerate your lawn to increase availability of oxygen, nutrients and water to the root zone. Aerating also relieves soil compaction. • Remove thatch when it becomes over 1/2 inch thick. • Increase sunlight or improve air circulation by thinning (but not topping) trees and shrubs. • Eliminate low areas in your lawn. These allow water to accumulate and disease to flourish. • Remove high spots and improve drainage in the lawn. • Fallen leaves can provide a home for disease and pests. Keep lawns free of leaves and other debris. Caution: Be sure to observe any watering ordinances or restrictions for your area. HOME | July-August 2016 83

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Gulf Coast Gardening:

Growing Succulents in a Humid Climate Content provided by lowes.com By Keri Byrum

Succulents are beloved for their beautiful colors and textures. Learn how to incorporate these low-maintenance plants into your garden. It seems that everywhere you look, succulents are part of the latest trends in home decor, gardening, and DIY projects. These plants are colorful, require little maintenance, and are easy to grow under the right conditions.

Low-water needs With special water-storing capacities, succulents are some of the few plants that thrive on neglect and infrequent watering. Plants such as these flapjacks (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora) are well adapted to handle our heat and humidity. They have the added benefit of blushing to a rose color during the winter months, thanks to lower temperatures and shorter days. If you aren’t sure when to water your plants, softly squeeze a leaf. If the leaf is firm, it needs no water; if there’s a little squish, it’s time to water. The humidity and frequent rains in the Gulf Coast mean your succulents need little to no supplemental water.

New uses Take advantage of succulents’ low water needs by replacing high-maintenance plants with these drought-tolerant varieties. I planted succulents in this window box to add color to a boring fence. The mix of succulents is quite beautiful, and it adds a point of interest. Unlike most other plants in hot locations that have to be watered several times per week, these succulents thrive with only occasional watering.

Small spaces Succulents need little space to have healthy root systems. Take advantage of this by using succulents in unique containers or unexpected places. Once plants get large, break off small pieces for propagating, and try sticking them directly into pots, or even small pockets of soil in rocks. Regular potting soil works just fine for growing healthy succulents.

Handling humidity Unlike those growing in the West, daily summer rains and high humidity can be a challenge for succulents in the Gulf Coast. A few that thrive include flapjacks, mentioned earlier, along with most sedums, aloes, and agaves. Echeverias are also a good choice. They are especially colorful, and you can find many varieties of these rosette-shaped plants, with a wide range of textures and sizes. One warning: Growing succulents is extremely addictive! Enjoy the colors and textures of succulents and make the most of the possibilities. There is a reason these tough plants are so popular! Your biggest challenge is finding new ways to incorporate them into your home and garden.

HOME | July-August 2016 87

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Install a Towel Bar Add new sparkle to your bathroom with updated hardware to store your towels in style.

Content provided by lowes.com

Tools Drill and Bits Electronic Stud Finder Hammer Level Screwdrivers

Materials Towel Bar Painter’s Tape Wall Anchors

Know Before You Shop • You’ll likely need at least one pair of wall anchors, even if you manage to screw one of the brackets into a wall stud. We’ll show how to mount them both ways. • If you need a custom size towel bar to fit a specific space, buy the next larger size and cut the bar to fit using a hacksaw. • Even the best towel bar isn’t meant to be used as a grab bar. Good to Know: If you need to cut the towel bar, use tape where you’ll make the cut to keep the saw from slipping as you start. Use a Stud Finder to Choose Your Location Bath towels seem to get bigger all the time, so fold one of yours in half and measure its length to get the minimum height to mount your towel bar. Hold the towel bar in position and use an electronic stud finder to check for wall studs. If you have the space, see if you can

shift the bar holders slightly to align at least one bar holder with a stud. Then mark the center of just one bar holder. Remove the mounting brackets from the bar holders and press one against the wall where you marked the mounting location. (You can rest it on a level to ensure it’s straight.) Use the two holes to mark the mounting screw locations. Good to Know: Install the towel bar at a comfortable height for those who will use it. Make sure it keeps your largest towel off of the floor. Mounting heights of 30 inches for spaces used by children and 48 inches for those used by adults are common. You may want to match the towel bar height to the height of a vanity or sink top to extend horizontal visual lines. Mount the bar in a location where it can be reached easily and won’t be mistaken for a grab bar. Mount Your Towel Bar Step 1: Now you’ve got two options for attaching the mounting brackets. If there’s a stud behind your mark, drive two long panhead screws (the ones that are flat on the underside and threaded along their length). If there’s no stud, you’ll need to drill and insert wall anchors. Step 2: Measure the distance between the centers of the bar holders and mark that on

painter’s tape on the edge of a level. Place one tape mark beneath the first bracket, center the level’s bubble, and place the other bracket on the wall above the other tape mark. Then pencil in the mounting hole locations. Good to Know: If you don’t have a 2-ft. or 3-ft. lever, you can tape a short torpedo level to the face or edge of a yardstick or some other straightedge. Step 3: Chances are you’ll need to mount at least one bracket using wall anchors. At the mounting hole locations, first drill two holes sized for the wall anchors you’re using. Good to Know: Drywall anchors may seem like a hassle, but so is having your new towel bar fall off the wall. Once you screw into drywall, you turn that little area around the screw into loose gypsum powder, and screws soon lose their grip. Step 4: Insert the wall anchors into the holes according to the instructions. Then screw the second mounting bracket in place. Step 5: Attach one of the bar holders to its bracket using the set screw and hex wrench provided. (Placing the screw on the underside helps hide it.) Slide the bar in place and mount the second bar holder. Test the installation by lightly pushing the bar up and down to make sure the bar holders catch on the brackets. Now you’re ready to hang up your towels. HOME | July-August 2016 91

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Make a Fire Escape Plan Making a fire escape plan and practicing monthly helps keep your family safe. Let us help you create a fire escape plan with a few helpful tips. Content provided by lowes.com

A Plan Means Protection When a fire breaks out at home, time is of the essence. A small flame can get out of control in less than 30-seconds. Within just a few minutes, thick black smoke can consume a space, making it impossible to navigate. This is why a practiced escape plan is essential for protecting your home and family. • Create a map of your home that includes all windows and doors. With the help of your family, mark a first and second option for escape in each room. This keeps kids involved, engaged and aware of the exit strategy. • In homes with infants, persons requiring special assistance or family pets, identify a primary and secondary family member to assist in their exit. • Designate a family meeting place outside of the home, as well as a primary and secondary family member to dial 911. Family members are not to return to the home, under any circumstance, once they reach the meeting place. If someone is missing, notify the firefighters – they are equipped to perform rescue safely. • Now, practice! Run through a couple of scenarios with your family so everyone becomes familiar and comfortable with using the fire escape plan. Fire officials recommend practicing monthly. Things to Remember Remember this helpful advice from fire officials for a safe and speedy exit from your home in the event of emergency. • Before exiting through a door, feel it for heat at

the top, doorknob and crack. If it’s hot, use your secondary escape route. If not, open with caution by bracing your shoulder against the door. If heat or smoke roll in, slam it shut and leave another way. • If you must escape through smoke, cover your nose and mouth and stay low to the ground. Toxic gas disorients and overcomes people in a fire. • Teach children not to hide from a firefighter who may enter the home. Often, children hide under the bed. Help them understand that firefighters are there to help them. • Don’t waste time gathering belongings. Things are replaceable . . . people are not. Fire Prevention Fire prevention is essential for creating a safe home. • Store lighters and matches out of reach of young children. • Buy at least one fire extinguisher per floor and place them near fire prone areas, like the kitchen, basement or garage. • Make sure that every level of your home has at least one working smoke detector. • Replace the batteries in your smoke detector at least once a year – immediately if your detector starts chirping. • Make sure all of your windows and screens open easily. • Buy and store fire escape ladders next to windows for easy access in the event of fire.

HOME | July-August 2016 95

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Organize Your Kitchen Organizing your kitchen - which most likely is packed with too much food and cookware - can be quite the challenge. To clear your space and your mind, just follow these pointers on storage and kitchen layout. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll help you find a place for everything so youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have easy access when you need it most. Content provided by lowes.com

Getting Started Your first step is to get everything out of the cabinets. Next you’ll sort it all into groups according to where it is used. While sorting, ask yourself if there are things you haven’t used in the last few years. Decide if you’ll throw them away, donate them or store them in a less-used area. The key to cabinet storage is to avoid stacking and to make everything accessible. There are several specialty organizers available for cabinets. Lazy Susans give you easy access to items in corner spaces. Step shelving in cabinets will help you organize canned goods, different-sized dishes and small appliances and their accessories. Wire baskets on slides will make your deep cabinets easily accessible. Keep in mind while you’re organizing that there are three basic work areas in the kitchen: 1. Preparation area 2. Cook-and-serve area 3. Sink area Creating Separate Kitchen Areas Prep Area To make working more convenient, determine where you want the prep area to be. Place any basic ingredients, mixing equipment, bowls and measuring cups here. Cook-and-Serve Area Put pots, pans and cooking utensils near the range so they’ll be handy when you’re cooking. Store silverware and tableware close by so you don’t have to run all over the place when putting away dishes. Also, keep your plastic ware for leftovers here. Kitchen Work Triangle The kitchen triangle connects the three work areas in your kitchen. The distance between the areas should be no less than 4 feet and no larger than 9 feet. Don’t let the sides of the triangle total more than 26 feet. Good to Know: Try not to let any traffic patterns violate the triangle. If two people are going to be working in the kitchen at the same time, allow more than the usual 4 feet between opposite work centers. Storing Pots and Pans Pots and pans can take up a lot of your storage space, but they can easily be stored so they are organized and convenient. Hang a decorative wrought-iron rack on a kitchen wall or suspend one from the ceiling. Store pot lids by adding shallow bins to the back of the cabinet doors. If you have a deep drawer, divide it into compartments. Cookie sheets and other pans can be stored by adding horizontal dividers. Good to Know: You can also use tension rods to create dividers between pans.

Storing Your Spices It’s easy for your spice cabinet to become a jumbled mess. In order to clean it up, there are several ways to organize them. Drawer Storage Add a spice organizer to an empty drawer. It’s best to use a drawer close to your range so they’re in close proximity as you’re cooking. Under-the-Shelf Magnetic Storage Make the most of unused space beneath your shelves. Affix magnets to the tops of your spice jars and under the shelf where you’d like to store your spices. Built-in Shelves Put up a small shelf to hold your spice collection. Spice bottles don’t take up a lot of room so wasted spaces can easily be converted. Wall-Mounted Magnetic Storage Affix a sheet of metal in the area where you want your spice rack. Purchase a set of matching, clear-glass spice jars and glue magnets to the lids. You can also add these jars to your fridge. Back-of-the-Door Solution Mount a small shelf on the back of a cupboard or pantry door. Consider using acrylic to build these shelves, so you can easily identify your spices. Planning Kitchen Upgrades Whether you’re modifying an old kitchen or envisioning a new one, planning is very important. Cabinets, appliances and pantries must be laid out to fit your family’s needs. Start planning by drawing a basic floor plan of your kitchen. Measure as close as possible — within an eighth of an inch. Include dimensions of walls, windows and doors. Indicate where cabinets, lights and appliances currently are if you’re remodeling. This sketch will be the basis for developing your new kitchen. Learn From Professional Kitchen Designers Professional kitchen designers have seen it all and they know how to deal with the most common problems. Here is some of their best advice to make your kitchen function more smoothly: • Position the dishwasher within 36 inches of the sink. Leave about 21 inches of standing space between the side of the dishwasher and cabinets. • Leave space near the cooking area for smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. • Leave room for more than one waste container: one for trash and another for recyclables. • Leave 15 inches of counter space on the latchside of the refrigerator. If you have a side-by-side model, leave 15 inches on each side.

HOME | July-August 2016 99

You can easily upgrade your curb appeal with a fresh coat of paint on your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exterior. Use this helpful how-to guide to learn about priming the outside of your home, application techniques and problem-solving

Paint , Your Home s Exterior Content provided by lowes.com

Paint Primer A primer will help paint adhere to the surface, providing a more uniform appearance. Use a primer when painting over new wood, bare wood, or repainting over existing bright or dark colors. Getting Started Complete exterior repair and preparation. See Prepare Your House for Exterior Painting. Check the weather forecast before starting the job. Rain or high wind can cut a day of painting short and ruin what’s already been applied. Exterior latex is fast drying, but it still needs time to dry before it gets hit by rain. Oil-based paint definitely needs curing time; check the manufacturer’s recommendations. Paint when temperatures are above 50° and below 85°. Heavy rain or high humidity on a newly painted uncured surface can cause blistering. Set the ladder up on flat ground. Cover bushes, flowerbeds, decks and sidewalks with drop cloths. Tie back shrubs to prevent them from rubbing against fresh paint. Avoid painting in direct sun. Paint the westfacing side in the morning and the east in the afternoon. Paint Application Paint the siding first. Start at the top, painting horizontally as you work your way down. Use a scaffold if possible, or move the ladder regularly. Over-reaching on a ladder is dangerous; plus the paint application will be uneven if you can’t see the lap marks well. Paint the windows and trim next. Don’t close the windows completely after painting to prevent sticking. Leave a very small strip of paint around the edges of the windowpanes to seal out the weather. Paint the foundation last. Potential Issues Sunlight and UV radiation. Sunlight and moisture can cause chalking and tint loss; however,

latex paint tends to resist the effects of direct sunlight better than oil-based or alkyd paints. Water and moisture. Wood expands and contracts due to changing moisture levels and can cause paint to crack and flake under this stress. Permeable or breathable latex paint allows water to vaporize and escape before damage can occur. Moisture can cause blistering, which leads to mildew growth. Paint additives keep mildew from forming but will not kill existing mildew. Change in temperature. Superior adhesion and flexibility in paint helps prevent cracking and flaking caused by the expanding and/or contracting of the substrate (wood, plywood, or hardboard). Top quality acrylic latex paint is an excellent choice for areas with freeze/thaw cycles. Siding Aluminum and vinyl siding present special challenges when painted. Aluminum siding frequently suffers from excessive chalking and may contain dents and imperfections. Pressure wash or handscrub to remove chalk and rinse afterwards. Satin or low luster paint is the best choice for aluminum siding because it hides dents and makes the imperfections less noticeable. A spray application gives the best appearance. Vinyl siding has the same problems with one additional limitation. Vinyl siding has a tendency to buckle or warp irreversibly from hot, direct sunlight. Darker colors will absorb more heat, so select a paint color no darker than the original color of the original vinyl. Paint Storage and Disposal Clean paint from the rim of the can. Seal container lids tight by tapping with a hammer and a block of wood. Store solvent-based paint cans upside down to prevent a skin from forming. Avoid extreme heat or cold. Disposal methods vary by community. Check your local environmental, health, and safety laws. Always follow label instructions for additional storage information.

HOME | July-August 2016 101

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Clean Bath Surfaces

Even a cleanlooking surface can harbor bacteria, and the bathroom is an area in your home that can be prone to growing mold and mildew. Follow these simple tips to keep your bathroom safe for your family.

Content provided by lowes.com

Control Mold Humidity levels in your bathroom encourage mold and mildew to grow. Mold in your home can provoke allergies, asthma episodes and other respiratory problems. Controlling the moisture in your bathroom using a humidifier or dehumidifier will help you master your mold. Watch out for standing water or condensation in your bathroom, as these can indicate that your home has too much humidity. Run ventilation fans in your bathroom when they are available to help keep the air moving. Wash and Replace Shower Curtains Another area where mold, bacteria and more can thrive is on your shower curtain. Soap scum and a bathroomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s humid conditions make the shower curtain an ideal breeding ground for many nasty bacteria, so it is important that you keep your shower curtain clean. Use plastic or vinyl shower curtains that can be washed in your machine with bleach and laundry detergent, and then hang it back up on the rod to dry. Adding a few towels to your washer while you are cleaning your shower curtain can help you to clean it more effectively, and using the warm cycle on your washer will prevent hot water from damaging it. Some shower curtains also are treated to be mildew-resistant, so if you are shopping for a new shower curtain, consider upgrading to this type. Bathroom Surface Care While the humidity in the bathroom encourages the growth of mold and mildew, flushing the toilet can spray germs around the room. Keeping the surfaces in this room clean and disinfected can help prevent your family from getting sick. Try to incorporate some of these tips into your daily cleaning practices: Have bathroom disinfecting wipes on hand, and ask family members to wipe the sink after they use it. Shut the lid of the toilet when you flush it. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the easiest way to keep your bathroom healthy. Ensure that your bathroom is well-ventilated to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Faucets, handles and toilet flush levers should be disinfected three times a week. Disinfect the toilet itself at least once a week.

HOME | July-August 2016 105

YOUR ELECTRIC BILL COULD LOOK LIKE THIS Your electric statement

Account number:

For: Jun 02 2014 to Jul 01 2014 (29 days) Customer name: RAUL VERGARA Service address: 8301 SW 184TH LN

Statement date: Jul 02 2014 Next meter reading: Aug 01 2014

Amount of your last bill

Payments (-)

Additional activity (+ or -)

Balance before new charges (=)

New charges (+ )

Total amount you owe (=)

341.11 CR

0.00

341.11 CR

8.67

$332.44 CR

Meter reading - Meter ACD088N

100% LESS ENERGY USED FROM PREVIOUS YEAR

Current reading Previous reading kWh used Energy usage kWh this month Service days kWh per day

12557 -11658 0 Last Year

This Year

2421 28 86

0 29 0

**The electric service amount includes the following charges: Customer charge $7.57 Fuel $4.18 (First 1000 kWh at $0.029470) (Over 1000 kWh at $0.039470)

Non-fuel:

(First 1000 kWh at $0.060770) (Over 1000 kWh at $0.071590)

$8.64

New charges due by

Amount of your last bill Balance before new charges

341.11CR $341.11CR

New charges (Rate: RS-1 RESIDENTIAL SERVICE) Electric service amount Gross receipts tax Franchise charge Utility tax

7.57** 0.19 0.12 0.79

Total new charges

$8.57

Total amount you owe

$332.44CR

- Payments received after November 24, 2014 are considered late; a late payment charge, the greater of $5.00 or 1.5% of your past due balance will apply. Your account may also be billed a deposit adjustment. - 650 kWh were sent to the grid this period. 650 kWh were applied to reduce your bill. Your kWh reserve increased by 0. The kWh in your reserve is 0

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What is Better Living Design?

Learn the definition of “Better Living Design,” its history and its application in your home to maximize accessibility and usability for all people in your family. Content provided by lowes.com Introduction to Better Living Design Better Living Design is a phrase coined in 2012 to help consumers identify products that conform with the standards of Universal Design. In the 1970s, the late Ron Mace, an architect and founder of the Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University, combined the words universal and design to describe what would become a standard of usability for people of all ages and abilities. Better Living Design describes products and environments meant to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialization. The intent of Better Living Design is to simplify life for everyone by making products, communications and the built environment more usable by as many people as possible at little or no extra cost. Better Living Design benefits everyone. True Better Living Design is unobtrusive, even invisible. If you’ve ever been through an automatic door, you’ve experienced a version of Better Living Design. A ramp or curb cut is just as welcome to someone with a baby stroller as it is to someone in a wheelchair. In addition to those whose mobility is limited, the design is intuitive to those who cannot read or hear or those who read or speak a foreign language. Ironically, the “conspicuousness” of a person having to deal (often awkwardly and unsuccessfully) with the barriers of most built environments is what brings attention to their dilemma. “We” have created the handicap and disability. The handicap is the structure itself. The disability comes from dealing with it. In addition to access and inclusion, Better Living Design brings with it an extra margin of safety. However, Better Living Design isn’t about ramps and grab bars, although devices such as these remain necessary for assistance. It isn’t a clinical, “special” look. This article is intended to introduce the concept of Better Living Design, not to provide specific construction advice. While many design features are simple,

others require an experienced contractor. When in doubt, always consult a professional. What Does Better Living Design Mean to Me? Statistics show that you or a family member will undergo a physical transition at some point in your life. Whether it’s a temporary impairment, like a broken bone, or a permanent disability, we or one of our loved ones will be faced with change. The simple process of aging naturally increases our dependency on others. Better Living Design features allow us to move through these changes and still enjoy equal opportunities, self-determination, selfrespect and quality of life. When building or remodeling, it’s more cost effective to add many Better Living Design features during the planning stage. There are a number of design features that can be built for little or no cost. Their addition at the beginning saves the need for future retrofits. Instructions You may already be using Better Living Design concepts and didn’t realize it. Here’s a quick list: Lighting • Additional task lighting is needed for “older” eyes. • Added lighting is also advised in areas to increase safety, such as for stairs. Kitchens • Push/pull lever faucets for those with limited hand strength or dexterity. • Side-by-side refrigerators. Doors • Lever style entry or interior door handles. • Wide swing hinges allow use of the entire doorway. Baths • Barrier-free showers. • Add reinforcement into the wall substructure now in the event the addition of grab bars is needed later.

HOME | July-August 2016 109

Repairing a

Sticky Door As your home settles over the years, doors sometimes rub on their trim and stick. Use your woodworking skills to fix a sticking door. Content provided by lowes.com

Tools Belt Sander Paint Brush Palm Sander

Materials Carbon Paper Sandpaper Varnish

You only need a few tools and a little time to get started on this project. Several sanding tools may be used: a belt or palm sander, sandpaper with a sanding block, a rotary or oscillating tool are all options. Step 1 First determine the limits of the binding area. To do this, place a sheet of carbon paper over the area with the inky side facing the door and shut the door. The ink will transfer to the door and show you the places that need to be sanded. Step 2 Remove the door if necessary (especially if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sticking at the bottom). Carefully sand the area, extending the sanded area well past the area that is binding. Wipe door clean of debris. Step 3 Seal the door edge by applying several thin coats of varnish or paint to match the original finish. Let the varnish dry thoroughly before rehanging the door. The varnish protects the edge and prevents the wood from absorbing moisture and swelling during humid weather. HOME | July-August 2016 111

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2017 Fiat 124 Spider Elaborazione Abarth

Offers Sportier, More Responsive Driving Experience for Performance Enthusiasts content provided by media.chrysler.com

ince the introduction of the Fiat 500 Abarth at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, the DNA of Abarth has connected with driving enthusiasts in search of a sharp, wicked, fun-to-drive machine. Continuing the legacy of Karl Abarth’s performance-inspired vehicles known for their rich racing heritage, the 2017 Fiat 124 Elaborazione Abarth will debut at this year’s New York International Auto Show. The Fiat 124 Elaborazione Abarth is the heir of the roadster that drove Fiat to its first European Rally Championship win in the 1970s. Applying the Abarth formula, the new 124 Spider is designed and built for thrills and performance. Key Abarth features include rear-wheel drive, a sophisticated suspension and a four-cylinder turbocharged MultiAir 1.4 Turbo engine with best-in-class 160 horsepower that is available with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shift. The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Elaborazione Abarth is the latest addition to the Fiat 124 Spider lineup, offering added performance features for a sportier, more spirited driving experience. While all Fiat 124 Spider models deliver responsive handling and excellent power-to-weight ratio in a robust rear-wheel-drive package, the Elaborazione Abarth model builds on the Spider’s engaging driving dynamics to offer even more fun for performance enthusiasts. “Our new Fiat 124 Spider is an iconic roadster that combines classic Italian styling with modern performance and technology,” said Olivier Francois, Head of FIAT Brand, FCA – Global. “The addition of our new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Elaborazione Abarth further enhances the driving experience and offers yet

another head-turning, fun-to-drive vehicle to our customers.”

Performance characteristics The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Elaborazione Abarth features the proven turbocharged 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder engine, delivering 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque and is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The Elaborazione Abarthexclusive Sport Mode changes the calibrations of the engine, automatic transmission, electric power steering and dynamic stability control system to ensure a sporty, responsive and performance-oriented driving experience. A mechanical limited slip differential, featuring a low torque bias ratio, provides improved traction and handling, as well as improved launch performance and power delivery during cornering. The Elaborazione Abarth’s unique sport suspension includes mono-tube Bilstein front and rear shock absorbers for increased traction and more precise handling. The available Brembo braking system with 17-inch alloy wheels offers monoblock aluminum calipers with four pistons, allowing for improved braking.

Aggressive appearance With a streamlined silhouette and a stretched bonnet, the Fiat 124 Spider Elaborazione Abarth has an aggressive appearance, with unique front and rear fascia, black side sills, 17-inch Gun Metal aluminum wheels and a sport-tuned, chrome quad-tip exhaust with a unique exhaust sound. The Gun Metal header, mirror cover and roll bar complement five available paint colors: Bianco Gelato (White

Clear Coat), Rosso Passione (Red Clear Coat), Nero Cinema (Jet Black Metallic), Grigio Argento (Gray Metallic) and tri-coat Bianco Perla (Crystal White Pearl). The interior design reflects the performanceoriented details for which cars sporting the Scorpion badge are famous. There is Rosso (red) stitching throughout, including on the leatherwrapped steering wheel, wrapped instrument cluster hood, lower instrument panel and parking brake. A matte black instrument panel bezel, unique instrument cluster, aluminum-accented sport pedals and unique gear shift knob help to differentiate the Elaborazione Abarth model. Unique Nero (black) leather/microfiber seats are standard, while leather seats in Nero (black) or Nero/Rosso (black/red) are available. For true performance enthusiasts, leather and Alcantara Recaro seats are also available in Nero (black).

2017 Fiat 124 Spider The all-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider revives the storied nameplate, bringing its classic Italian styling and performance to a new generation. Paying homage to the original 124 Spider nearly 50 years after its introduction, the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider delivers the ultimate Italian roadster experience with driving excitement, technology and safety combined with iconic Italian design. The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider lineup also includes the Classica and Lusso models. To celebrate the return of the classic nameplate, the first 124 vehicles will be offered as a limited-edition Prima Edizione Lusso, featuring an exclusive color combination and commemorative badging. The all-new Fiat 124 Spider will arrive in FIAT studios in North America beginning in summer 2016. AUTO | July-August 2016 125

Three Steps To Trading in Your Used Car The Do’s and Don’ts of the Trade-In Process

Content provided by edmunds.com

ou’re getting ready to buy a new or used car. The car you currently drive is in good enough shape and may have some value to it. Should you sell it yourself or trade it in? Simply put, if you want the most possible money for your vehicle, you’re better off selling it yourself. However, this takes time and perhaps more effort than people are willing to invest. Forty-eight percent of all car purchases in 2013 included a trade-in, according to Edmunds data. Trade-in offers are typically less than you’d get in a private-party sale because the dealership must factor in the cost to recondition the vehicle and make a profit when it resells it. The plus for car shoppers is that trading

in your car can be very convenient. If you follow these tips, you can get the most for your trade-in. Step 1: Appraise Your Car’s Trade-in Value To determine if you’re being offered a reasonable price on your trade-in, you first must know what your car is worth. Use the Edmunds car appraisal tool and look for the trade-in True Market Value® (TMV®). Read “How Much Is My Car Worth” if you need tips on how to appraise your car. Print out the results page and take it with you to the dealership. You also can pull up the trade-in value on the Edmunds smartphone app. It is important to accurately take stock of

all the car’s options and to be honest about the condition level. Note that only a small percentage of cars will actually be in “outstanding” condition. Most cars that are well maintained will be in “clean” condition. When in doubt about the condition level, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Step 2: Get a CarMax Estimate or a Dealership Quote We recommend taking your vehicle to CarMax for its first appraisal. Show up early and you can get in and out in about 30 minutes. CarMax will give your vehicle a detailed inspection, along with a written appraisal that’s good for up to seven days. At this point, you can either take the Car-

Max offer or go to other dealerships to see if they’ll make a better offer. In our experience, we’ve found that CarMax offers more for your trade-in. If you are “upside down” or “under water” on your car loan, however, you’ll have to pay CarMax the difference between what you owe and what the vehicle appraised for. If you’re not prepared to do that, trading in at a dealership might be a better option. Don’t have a CarMax nearby? Call the used-car manager of your local dealership to set an appointment for an appraisal on your vehicle. Timing is critical here. Whereas CarMax might have at least two appraisers, most dealerships will only have one person appraising potential trade-ins. If you show up on a Saturday afternoon, you could be waiting for a while. Try to schedule the appraisal for a weekday in the morning, when things are less hectic. Keep in mind that the trade-in price you’re offered at the dealership (or CarMax, for that matter) can vary depending on a number of factors, including the car’s condition level, the dealer’s current inventory and how likely it is that the car will sell. There may also be special promotions around trade-ins. More about that later. If you have a CarMax appraisal, you will already have a reference point to compare the dealer’s offer. If not, you may want to try to get two dealers’ appraisals. Here’s a good strategy you could try: Take your car to a dealer other than one that sells your car’s brand. For example, take your Toyota Camry to a Chevrolet dealer. This way, your car won’t be competing with six other Camrys on the lot. A non-Toyota dealer (which is very likely to sell used cars of other brands) may offer you more for the Camry than the Toyota dealer would. Step 3: Negotiate or Close the Deal Once you have appraisals, you have a couple of options. You can either take one of the offers you have, or negotiate (not an option for CarMax) for a better price. If the CarMax offer is the highest, sell it there. If you have your paperwork in order, you could be done in 30-40 minutes. If you are upside down on the car and need to fold the loan balance into your next car’s financing, however, the dealership is the best place to do so. If you’re deciding between two dealerships

with similar offers, you may want to lean toward the one at which you intend to buy your car. This gives you some leverage, since you’re giving the dealership business on both the trade-in and the car purchase. The first trade-in offer at a dealership is often on the low end, so there’s room to negotiate. Say something like this: “I intend on buying a car from you today, so if you can improve on the trade-in price, I’d love to give you my business.” Another strategy is to use Edmunds TMV as a guide. Say something like this: “I’ve done some research on this car and it looks like the Edmunds trade-in value is slightly higher than your offer. I realize it’s an average, but can you beat this price?” Sometimes this will work, sometimes it won’t. But if you’ve solicited more than one offer, you should have some options. If you keep getting the same offers for your trade-in and none of them seem to be what you had in mind, you may have to temper your expectations. This may very well be the market value of the car, no matter what you think it should be worth. At this point, you can either bite the bullet and take what you’re being offered, or try to sell the car yourself. Some people may even choose to keep the car as a daily driver, rather than pile the miles on the new car. You may be able to make timing work to your advantage. Target the end of the month, when the dealer may be more willing to give you an attractive offer, or look for special promotions, such as when the dealership may offer extra cash as part of a trade-in event that’s meant to beef up the used-car inventory. Keep negotiations for the new car and your trade-in separate. The trade-in amount should be written in the contract as a credit against the purchase price of the car. In some states, you only pay sales tax on the difference between the new car and the trade-in. This means that on top of what you receive for your trade-in, you are paying less sales tax on your new car. This tax advantage is a net savings for you and could make you decide that trading in is worth it. Common Trade-in Mistakes We’ve just gone over the steps on handling the trade-in like a pro, but the truth is, there are some fairly common mistakes that people

make when they’re trading in a car. Here are some and how to avoid them. Bringing a freshly cleaned car: A former car salesman told us that there’s no better way to spot a person who will be buying a car that day than to look for someone who arrives with a sparkling-clean car. You might be thinking, “Don’t you want the car to be clean so it can make a good impression?” The truth is, a little bit of dirt won’t change the value of the car. That’s not to say that you should bring in a car with a bunch of fast food bags and soda cans strewn about, but don’t feel the need to have the car detailed beforehand. This way, you can play your cards close to the vest about whether you really intend to buy that day. Repairing the car: People sometimes try to fix dents on their cars or throw on a new set of tires, thinking it will substantially add to the value of their trade-in. This seldom works. The dealer can usually fix flaws and put on new tires for substantially less than you can. Overestimating the value: People tend to get sentimentally attached to their cars and often think they’re worth more than they actually are. They look for the car’s highest value on an appraisal site and treat it as though it were set in stone. The truth is that appraisals are averages, meaning some people are offered less and others more. Rather than fighting over the car’s value, your efforts might be better spent on negotiating the price of your new car. Hiding information: Some shoppers fib about a trade-in offer they’ve received in the hopes that the dealer might try to beat the imaginary offer. This rarely works. An experienced appraiser will either see right through the inflated offer or call the bluff by asking to see the estimate in writing. If your offer is for real, display it proudly. This is where the CarMax in-writing offer comes in handy. Also, some shoppers wait until the last minute to mention that they have a trade-in as part of the car-buying deal. This is one of the top Car Buying Myths out there. It’s best to be up front about the trade-in from the very beginning. If you follow these steps and sidestep the common pitfalls, the trade-in process will run smoothly. The key is to know what your car is worth, shop around and be realistic about the offers you get. AUTO | July-August 2016 127

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The Pros and Cons of Run-Flat Tires

There Are Trade-Offs to Convenience

flat tire often happens at the most inopportune moment or location. Most people may call roadside assistance, but they’ll likely be waiting about 45 minutes to an hour. If you know how to change the spare, it’s a dirty job and chances are you’re not properly dressed for it. Worse yet, your car may have no spare and you don’t know how to use the tire repair kit. Enter the run-flat tire. Run-flat or zeropressure tires can support the weight of a vehicle for a short time, providing the driver with roughly 100 miles of range to find a repair shop. While it may sound like the perfect solution, car owners and car shoppers should know about the trade-offs. Run-flat tires are standard on 12 percent of new vehicles, according to Edmunds data. Traditionally, carmakers have used run-flat tires on sports cars, but in recent years they have started to use them for other cars, too. Cadillac and BMW, for example, have made run-flat tires standard on a number of their sedans. Self-Supporting Tire The most common type of run-flat tire in use today is the self-supporting tire. The tire’s sidewalls are heavily reinforced to support the vehicle when the air pressure is low or even when the tire has lost all its pressure. Pros: • You can drive on a flat tire: The primary benefit of a run-flat tire is that it allows you to keep driving about 100 miles after all the air has gone. This means that a person doesn’t have to get out of the car in the cold, or the rain, or onto a busy highway or on the street in a sketchy part of town. Drivers will usually have to reduce speed to about 50 mph to get the maximum range. The owner’s manual will have exact figures for each tire/ vehicle application. • Better stability after a blowout: Because this tire can support the vehicle without air, a sudden deflation results in less weight transfer and tread destabilization. Steering

and handling will remain near normal. • Lower vehicle weight: With the spare and tire repair tools eliminated, vehicle weight should theoretically go down. But it’s not as much as you might expect, since run-flat tires weigh more than regular tires, due to the added sidewall reinforcement. Cons: • No spare: Vehicles equipped with run-flat tires carry no spare, which means they don’t have the jack or tools either. In fact, eliminating the spare and reallocating that space to some other purpose (styling, thirdrow seat, interior room, etc.) is a big reason why carmakers offer run-flats. • Reduced tread wear: A recent study by J.D. Power found that people were replacing their run-flat tires an average of 6,000 miles sooner than owners using standard tires. Opinions differ on why this is, but one theory is that tiremakers put a soft tread compound on a run-flat tire to counter the hard ride. A side effect of the softer compound is a shorter tread life. • Blowouts are still possible: If a driver fails to heed or notice the run-flat warning and drives beyond the zero-pressure range or above the speed limitation, the tire can begin to disintegrate, with the same destabilizing effects. Additionally, if the puncture occurred on the sidewall or if the tire hits a large object, the driver would have to call a tow truck. The J.D. Power study found that “customers with vehicles equipped with run-flat tires are nearly twice as likely as those with vehicles equipped with standard tires to have to replace a tire due to a flat or blowout.” • Hard to tell if it is low on air: A side effect of the stiffer construction is that the sidewalls do not bulge if the air pressure is low. This means that it is critical to have a tirepressure monitoring system and check your tire pressure frequently. • Harsher ride: The stiff sidewalls that make a run-flat work also result in a harder ride.

If the vehicle came with run-flat tires from the factory, the automaker usually tunes the suspension to offset the harsher ride. • Cost: Run-flat tires are more expensive to replace. A 205/55R16 run-flat tire at a local shop in Santa Monica, California, costs $239. The standard tire equivalent costs about $174, a $65 difference per tire. Also, many run-flat tires cannot be repaired and often need to be replaced in pairs. • Less on-shelf availability: Because run-flats aren’t a big-selling tire, drivers shouldn’t expect to roll into just any tire store and buy one. It may be easier to do so in larger cities, but if you’re a run-flat user on a road trip and get a flat near a small town, you’ll probably have to make a detour to find a suitable tire dealer. Or worse, you may have to stay there overnight, waiting for the tire to be shipped. Self-Sealing Tire The self-sealing tire isn’t a run-flat tire in the sense that it can operate without air. Instead, it has a layer of sealant inside the tire that can maintain the air pressure in the event of a puncture. If you get a nail in the tire and remove it, the sealant will fill the puncture, as long as it is not larger than 5mm and is near the center of the tread. The biggest advantage of the self-sealing tire is that it resembles a traditional tire. It can be mixed and matched with standard tires and the tread life is the same. The downsides are the higher cost and lower availability. This type of tire isn’t standard on new vehicles, but is worth mentioning since it is available as a replacement tire. Continental and Pirelli are two tiremakers that produce self-sealing tires. Make an Informed Purchase Run-flat tires seem to have more downsides than upsides, but many people swear by them. Take the time to read customer reviews and know what tires come standard on a car before making your decision. AUTO | July-August 2016 131

Chrysler, Jeep® Most Improved Brands in J.D. Power 2016 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM

content provided by media.chrysler.com

hrysler and Jeep® are the most improved brands in J.D. Power’s 2016 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) with both brands improving their initial quality scores by 20 percent from last year’s study. For a third consecutive year and for the fourth time in six years (2011, 2014-16), Dodge Challenger ranks at the top of the Midsize Sporty Car segment. FCA US minivans also performed well in the study. Chrysler Town & Country ranks highest among Minivans in initial quality with Dodge Grand Caravan taking second place in the segment. “Our commitment to quality is starting to show results as Chrysler and Jeep make strong improvements in initial quality, but there is still much work to do,” said Scott Garberding, Head of Quality, FCA – Global. “My colleagues and I are focused on continuing the positive momentum created so far as we look to earn and maintain the trust and loyalty of customers across all our brands.” IQS is based on responses from more than 80,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2016 model-year vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study asks customers to identify issues with their vehicles’ design, as well as defects. “Dodge Challenger continues to impress new owners year after year with the muscle car now leading the Midsize Sporty Car segment

in initial quality for the third straight year and the fourth time in six years,” Garberding added. “Chrysler and Dodge minivans continue their leadership position in the segment by taking the top two spots in initial quality.” The Dodge brand’s Challenger musclecar arsenal for 2016 is reloaded as the most complete model lineup with 10 trim levels, ranging from the 707-horsepower SRT Hellcat to the 305-horsepower, 30-mpg, 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6-powered SXT model. All 2016 Dodge Challenger models are designed and engineered for world-class precision and outstanding performance. Challenger previously achieved the highest IQS ranking among Midsize Sporty Cars in 2011, 2014 and 2015, as well as being named a segment leader in the J.D. Power U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM in 2014 and 2015. The IQS study, now in its 30th year, is based on a 233-question survey conducted between February and May 2016. About the 2016 Chrysler Town & Country As one of the leading innovators in the minivan segment since its creation back in 1983, the Chrysler Town & Country has spent more than three decades delivering versatility, functionality and innovation. With exquisite styling, a beautifully crafted interior, 55 available safety and technology features, smart, cutting-edge entertainment features, and clever seating and storage options, the Chrysler Town & Coun-

try delivers on the Chrysler brand promise to provide every owner a vehicle that satisfies their desires. For 2016, the Chrysler Town & Country is available in the United States in six different models: the Town & Country LX, Town & Country Touring, Town & Country S, Town & Country Touring-L, Town & Country Limited and Town & Country Limited Platinum. About the 2016 Dodge Challenger The Dodge and SRT brands offer the most complete lineup of muscle cars in the market, including the 2016 Dodge Challenger SXT with its standard powerful and fuel-efficient Pentastar V-6 engine combined with the TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission that delivers 305 horsepower and an estimated 30 miles per gallon on the highway; the 2016 Dodge Challenger R/T with the high-torque 5.7-liter HEMI® paired with the TorqueFlite eight-speed or six-speed manual transmission; and the 6.4-liter HEMI Challenger R/T Scat Pack that delivers 485 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque (the most horsepower and torque available for less than $40,000) with the TorqueFlite eight-speed or six-speed manual. The 2016 Dodge Challenger SRT 392 adds six-piston Brembo® front brakes, adaptive damping suspension and SRT Drive Modes to the same 6.4-liter naturally aspirated HEMI powerplant, while the Challenger SRT Hellcat with its 707-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 engine is the most powerful and fastest muscle car ever.

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