Spokane Tidbits

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August 1, 2008

Issue #574

Published By: John Ortiz & Assoc., LLC www.spokanetidbits.com ads@spokanetidbits.com For Advertising Call 509-270-6514

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• The blood type that we call “Oâ€? in the U.S. is referred to as “0,â€? or zero, in many other nations. It is believed that the original designation in the U.S. was zero as well, and was just mistranslated over time to read as a letter O. In 1901, researcher Karl Landsteiner discovered Fresh bulk spices, seasonings, rubs & BBQ sauces for your cooking pleasure.

We also carry Jerky and Sausage making supplies. that humans had different types of blood; the Ask about our Saturday sausage making classes. most universal type had zero antibodies, and Stop in and visit us or go to www.spokanespice.com was designated 0. As he progressively found differing antibodies in blood, he labeled them A and B (and later AB). • “That new car must’ve cost him upwards of 20 Gs!â€? When referring to thousands of dollars in those terms, the “Gâ€? stands for “grand.â€?

The use of the word “grand� to denote one YES! YOU CAN STILL thousand dollars first occurred around 1915, FILE BANKRUPTCY! at which time $1,000 was considered a lot of STOP Foreclosure, money. (Yes, it still is for most of us!) “Grand� garnishments, creditor calls! was used to describe something large, just FREE Initial consultation like a grand piano or a grand prize. Eventuwith an Attorney ally, “grand theft� entered our vernacular, in$300 Attorney fee-Chapter 7* (chapter 13: $450)* dicating many Gs worth of merchandise had been stolen.

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Tidbits® of Spokane Washington

Home &

Garden THIS IS A HAMMER

By Samantha Mazzotta

Misaligned Bolt Keeps Door From Locking Q: I have been unable to fully lock my front door for a while now because the door bolt will no longer go all the way into the frame.

I think the door is misaligned. How do I fix this? -- Gerard J., San Diego A: Definitely check the alignment of the door. You can do this by holding the end of a ruler or other straight item against the top of the frame to see if the crack between the top of the door and the frame is straight or has a slight angle. You also can check the sides and bottom this way. If the door is not hanging straight, work with a friend to remove the door from its hinges and place shims under the hinges.

A shim can be as simple as a thin piece of cardboard cut to the shape of the hinge.

When slid into place behind the hinge plate, it raises the profile of the hinge, which changes the angle at which the door is hung. You may need to re-hang the door a few times to get the proper width and placement of the shims.

If the door is straight or shimming doesn’t resolve the latch issue, check the alignment of the bolt with its strike plate (the metal plate set in the door frame). Make sure the plate is screwed tightly to the frame and not wiggling loosely.

The latchbolt itself can be raised or lowered slightly by shimming it in much the same way the door is shimmed. You can insert a thin piece of cardboard behind the bottom hinge to raise the latchbolt, or behind the top hinge to lower the latchbolt.

HOME TIP: Removing and replacing door hinges can gradually widen screw holes until the screws no longer tighten. Renew the screw holes by gluing wooden golf tees into the holes and cutting them flush with the surface.

Send questions or home-repair tips to homeguru2000@hotmail.com, or write This Is a Hammer, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 328536475. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

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LETTER PERFECT (continued): • Bradley, Voorhees and Day may sound like a law firm, but the trio is actually responsible for a different type of brief. The company, better known as BVD, was founded in 1876 as a manufacturer of both men’s and women’s unmentionables. By the 1920s, however, they concentrated solely on men’s undergarments, including their then-revolutionary one-piece “athletic underwear.”

• Why is the Republican Party sometimes referred to as the GOP? The abbreviation originally stood for “Gallant Old Party,” and first appeared in print in the 1875 Congressional Record. About a year later, other publications adopted the abbreviation, but changed it slightly to mean “Grand Old Party.” Historians are unable to pinpoint the person responsible for coining the phrase.

Besides, the Democratic Party was founded more than 20 years before the Grand “Old” Party.

• The “T” in T-shirt doesn’t really stand for anything. It got its name because when the shirt is spread out flat, it resembles a letter T. However, he “P” in P coat (usually associated with the Navy) does have a meaning. It stands for “pilot,” in reference to pilot cloth, the heavy style of fabric used to make the original jackets.

• The “W” used to designate different types of automotive oil doesn’t stand for “weight,” but for “winter.” In 10W-40, for example, the first number describes the oil’s low temperature characteristics, while the second number indicates its level of high-heat viscosity.

So 10W-40 oil acts like 10-weight oil at low temperatures, but performs like 40-weight oil at higher engine operating temperatures.

• Ingvar Kamprad of Elmtaryd, Agunnaryd – in Sweden – founded his first store in 1943.

Even for native Swedish speakers, the store’s full name was quite a mouthful, so Kamprad took his own initials (I.K.) and those of his birthplace (E.A.) and called it IKEA. • With gasoline prices at an all-time high, OPEC is constantly in the news. Founded in 1960, OPEC is the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. And why was OPEC formed? Prices had dropped too low, since too much oil was being produced. So the member nations joined together to help regulate the amount of oil offered to nonOPEC nations, thus controlling its value. turn the page for more!

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PAWS CORNER

By Sam Mazzotta

Dog Won’t Stop Jumping Up DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My dog “Farley” is a big, friendly Golden Retriever. He loves to jump up on people when they come in. Unfortunately, the people don’t like it very much, and I worry about him knocking down smaller kids. I tell him “no” each time, but he still does it. How can I get him to stop jumping up? -- Betty S., via e-mail DEAR BETTY: K.H. Scott, a reader who recently wrote in, offers some sound advice on teaching dogs not to jump up: “I found that if you hold its front legs up so it’s just standing on its hind legs for a much longer time than the dog likes, looking it in the eyes and saying ‘Don’t jump,’ works very nicely.

“I only had to do that twice with my neighbor’s dog before he learned what I meant. Now, when he comes toward me I just say, ‘Don’t jump.’

When he doesn’t, he gets a pat on the head, a scratch behind the ears, and ‘Good dog!’ I get a good licking and a wagging tail instead of being almost knocked over.”

So, give that a try. When Farley jumps up on you, hold his paws gently and keep him standing up -- usually 10 seconds is long enough for a dog to become uncomfortable. Then let him drop down onto all four paws. You also can instruct friends or frequent visitors to do the same. Be sure to praise him when he stays on all four paws at your command.

Send your tips, questions and comments to Paws Corner, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or e-mail them to pawscorner@hotmail.com. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

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LETTER PERFECT (continued): • When Wilhelm Roentgen discovered a new form of radiation in 1895, he could not identify the source of this mysterious energy. He used the standard scientific designation for an unknown property, X, and referred to his discovery as “X-radiation” in his reports. Eventually, this was shortened to “X-ray.”

• The practice of rating movies by letter codes (G for General Audiences, R for Restricted) began in 1968. An X rating was given to films with an age limit of 18, but soon, this rating became synonymous with pornographic films and little else. In 1990, a new rating of NC-17 (No Children Under 17) appeared. NC-17 films are, according to the industry, “edgy” or “sophisticated” movies that are stronger in content than those rated R. • Linguistically, if you ask someone to “RSVP, please” on an invitation, you’re being redundant. The letters are an abbreviation for the French phrase “répondez, s’il vous plâit,” or “respond, if you please.” Of course, the possibility of sounding repetitious doesn’t stop us from using similar redundant abbreviations like PIN number (Personal Identification Number number) and ATM machine (Automatic Teller Machine machine).

• U-boat is an Anglicized version of the German term U-boot, which is short for “unterseaboot” (undersea boat). And what is the difference between a submarine and a Uboat? Nothing, really. It has become the standard, however, that “U-boat” refers specifically to the underwater vessels used by the Germans during the two World Wars.

Undersea craft from other eras (and nations) are called submarines.

• Leo Gerstenzang was inspired to invent the Q-Tip while watching his wife carefully wrap cotton around a toothpick in order to clean their baby’s ears. The cotton swab seems like a simple invention, but Leo spent years perfecting a model that had sufficient cotton padding on each tip that didn’t shred or pop off during use. He called his creation Baby Gays, but soon changed the name to QTips, with the “Q” standing for quality.

• J.K. Rowling has gained worldwide fame for her Harry Potter book series. She submitted the first of the set to her publisher using her real name, JoAnne. While editors were excited about the book itself, the publisher’s marketing department worried that the target audience – young boys – wouldn’t accept a woman author in that genre. They suggested that JoAnne use her initials instead. Since Rowling has no middle name, she chose “K” to honor her paternal grandmother, Kathleen.

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getting another vehicle and was wondering, in my situation, if it would be better to lease, finance or pay cash.

Linda Dear Linda, I’m proud of the way you’ve handled your money. You’ve got the right attitude about wealth building, but the wrong idea about (making six figures and broke!) car buying.

There not a chance on the planet that I’ll tell Dear Dave, you to go pick up a “fleece” or payments on My husband finished dental school three a car. You’ve got a great thing going for you years ago. Recently, told me that he wants – a peaceful, calm and successful financial to go back to school to become a dental life. Why would you want to mess all that up anesthesiologist. He makes $100,000 a year with a lease or payments? right now but says this will give him the po- Here’s the deal. Consumer Reports AND my tential to double his income. We’ve paid off calculator both say that leasing a car is the five credit cards in the last year and a half, most expensive way to operate a vehicle. but we still have a $200,000 student loan.

It’s a rip off! Dealerships make more money We also just found out that I’m pregnant. off leases than they do from the sale of cars.

So, I’m feeling unsafe with this idea. What I’m okay with you buying a car. You’ve mando you think?

Shannon aged your money well, and you’re in great shape financially. But when it comes to the Dear Shannon, big shiny things, pay cash or don’t buy it!

This is not a wise move. You’re $200,000 in - Dave debt, and he brings in dentist money. You guys need to clean up your debt. * For more financial advice plus special This starts by living on nothing for a while. offers to our readers, please visit If he makes $100,000, then you guys need www.davesays.org or call 1-888-22-PEACE. to live on half that. We’re talking rice and beans and living on a VERY tight budget for a couple of years. Then, if he wants to go back to school after that – and save up money to pay for it – we can sit down and talk.

You have every right to feel unsafe right now, Shannon. I’m sure your husband is a great guy, and that he loves you very much.

But this is a ridiculous idea.

He needs to listen to his loving, pregnant wife. You’re right on this one, and he’s wrong. Period!

- Dave (which is the best of the three?)

Dear Dave, I’m 61 and on disability. My home is paid for, and I have about a million dollars in assets. I try to spend no more than four percent of the principal each year. My current car needs repairs, but the cost would be more than the car is worth. I’m looking at

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Tidbits® of Spokane Washington

Blood-Pressure Study Uses 21st-Century Tools If ever there were a reason to get Internet service, this is it: Having our blood pressure monitored from the comfort of home.

While this isn’t reality yet, the results of the Electronic Blood Pressure study by the Center for Health Studies are promising. The goal of the study was to bring blood-pressure rates down into the healthy range and maintain control. Reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association, study participants were divided into three groups: • Those receiving regular care at a doctor’s office, • Those who did self-monitoring at home, and • Those who did at-home monitoring with Internet communication with a pharmacist who helped with individual lifestyle goals and dose changes.

The results surprised me. The group with at-home monitoring did no better at lowering blood pressure than the group going to the doctor for care. The group that did especially

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well (twice the number of patients were successful) was the group who not only did at-home monitoring, but also had online communication with a pharmacist. More so, the group with the highest blood pressure had nearly three times the number of participants who brought their hypertension under control.

The special Web site where participants would go to log in has impressive capabilities, too. Those in the study could request appointments, get test results, refill prescriptions, access the health library and send e-mail to their doctors, as well as entering their blood-pressure data.

There’s no information on when this might be available to the general public, but it would be worth taking a computer class to get up to speed on using the Internet. While it’s true that it was the pharmacist addition to the study that brought the great results, being Internet savvy was a requirement of the study.

Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

New GI Bill Boosts Benefits After much haggling in Congress, it’s finally here: The newest incarnation of GI education benefits has been signed into law. The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act replaces the Montgomery GI Bill and nearly doubles the dollar amount of benefits.

This new benefits package guarantees full fouryear (36 month) scholarships at any public state university for those who’ve served for three years since Sept. 11, 2001. Additionally, there’s a monthly housing stipend (the amount will be tied to the cost of living in a given ZIP code) if attending school full time, and a book allowance of up to $1,000 per year. It also includes tutoring help and licensing/certification test costs.

Those who served less than three years would receive partial pro-rated benefits. For example, if you served 24 months after Sept. 11, 2001, your benefit would be 80 percent. Even three months of service will qualify for a portion of benefits.

If you attend a private school that costs more than the public colleges, the bill will add a dollar for every dollar that the school kicks in.

If you served for 30 days and were discharged for a service-related disability after Sept. 11, 2001, you qualify.

Benefits have to be used within 15 years. Under certain circumstances, veterans may be able to transfer unused benefits to a child or spouse.

The benefits are set to kick in beginning August 2009 (a fact bemoaned by the Department of Veterans Affairs, which is crying that it can’t be ready for at least two years). Those currently on the Montgomery Bill will see a 20 percent increase in benefit money.

For all the details and to see if you qualify, go to www.gibill.va.gov, or call 1-888-442-4551. Write to Freddy Groves in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 328536475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

GOT KNEE PAIN? Don’t take o.steoarthritis sitting down.

You may qualify to participate in a research study testing an investigational medication for pain relief of osteoarthritis of the knee.

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Traveling 3FDJQF PG UIF 8FFL Companion COMFORT FOODS We were in no particular hurry. We didn’t have to be anywhere at any certain time. We were on vacation. But I felt impatience creep in with each scheduled and unplanned stop along the train’s route.

Are we there yet? This question coming from me, a 40-year-old mother, rather than my 12-year-old travel companion, who seemed content with his Amtrak trip.

A train ride will be an adventure, we said as we planned our trip to San Antonio to visit the Alamo. We loaded our backpacks with books, playing cards, music and projects to keep us entertained on the scheduled 11hour trip. We knew we were preparing ourselves for a long ride.

Freight trains in this part of the country have priority over passenger trains. If you hear people complain about Amtrak not being time-efficient (as I seem to be doing), just know that most of the time whether you arrive promptly is really out of their control. Until you ride a passenger train, most people have no idea how many freight trains crisscross our countryside. When a freight train needs the track, Amtrak yields, and the estimated time of arrival is pushed back.

In our case, ETA was pushed back a couple of times. What was to be an 11-hour ride turned into a 13-hour trip. This type of delay causes me not only to bite my nails and fidget, but to compose petulant complaint letters in my head.

But when I looked over at my son, who was deeply engrossed in his book, I felt a little shame for my attitude. He was on vacation.

Don’t worry; be happy was written all over his face. “This is fun, Mom. I don’t want to travel any other way ever again,� he said.

This isn’t a complaint letter about a long, delayed train ride. Really, it isn’t. Rather this is an overscheduled, hurry-up-we-must-go mother’s realization that slowing down, even if forced, is a good thing. I vowed, once my head finally hit the pillow early that morning, to have a better attitude on the way home -- to be more carefree like my son.

On our return trip, I finished a book, worked on a project, and played several card games with my son, who beat me each time. I had moments of impatience, but remembered my vow to slow down. “What’s the hurry,� I heard a man say to a complaining passenger as the train once again yielded to a freight train.

What am I hurrying toward? Laundry, a stack of bills, schedules that take us in different directions. Right now, I have my son sitting next to me at a time in his life when he isn’t in too much of a hurry to play cards with his mother.

That’s a good question. What’s the hurry?

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No-Bake Lemon Dessert If you’re a lemon lover, you’ll certainly love this one.

12 (2 1/2-inch) graham cracker squares 2 (8-ounce) packages Philadelphia fat-free cream cheese 2 (4-serving) packages Jello-O sugar-free instant lemon pudding mix 2/3 cup Carnation Nonfat Dry Milk Powder 3 cups Diet Mountain Dew 1 cup Cool Whip Lite

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Evenly arrange 9 graham crackers in a 9-by- BC-208008 - 4/08 9-inch cake pan. In a large bowl, stir cream r i* MPWF UP XPSL JO cheese with a sturdy spoon until soft. Add UIF ZBSE BOE * BMXBZT dry pudding mix, dry milk powder and Diet XBTI NZ IBOET CFGPSF Mountain Dew. Mix well using a wire whisk.

DPNJOH JO * QVU B CBS Fold in Cool Whip Lite. Evenly spread filling PG TPBQ JOTJEF B QJFDF mixture over graham crackers. Crush rePG NFTI GSPN B QPUBUP maining 3 graham crackers. Evenly sprinkle TBDL BOE UJFE JU XJUI B graham cracker crumbs over top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Cut into TUSJOH * UJFE UIF TUSJOH UP NZ XBUFS GBVDFU PVUTJEF BOE OPX * DBO FBTJMZ XBTI NZ IBOET XJUI TPBQ CFGPSF DPNJOH JO ŃŽ F 8 servings.

TBDL LJOE PG XPSLT BT B TDSVCCFS BT XFMM u ' " JO 5FYBT HINTS: 1) A self-seal sandwich bag works great for crushing graham crackers. 2) Good r i8IFO * UBLF UIF LJET UP UIF QPPM * CSJOH NZ DFMM QIPOF XJUI NF * IBWF TUBSUFE QVUUJOH JU JO B [JQQFS UPQ QMBTUJD as is or with fresh fruit spooned over top CBHHJF BOE OPX * EPO U IBWF UP XPSSZ BCPVU JU HFUUJOH XFU (don’t forget to count the additional caloBDDJEFOUBMMZ * DBO TFF UISPVHI UIF CBH UP DIFDL NFTTBHFT ries).

PS UIF UJNF SJHIU PVU PG UIF QPPM UIFSF T OP OFFE UP ESZ NZ • Each serving equals: 198 calories, 2g fat, IBOET PĒ u : 8 JO .JTTPVSJ 11g protein, 34g carbs, 1,260mg sodium, 162mg calcium, 0g fiber; Diabetic Exchang- r i* GPVOE B SFBMMZ HSFBU ê Y GPS NZ CBTFNFOU TUBJST *U T B es: 2 Starch/Carbs, 1 Meat; Carb Choices: 2. CSJHIU SFÍ FDUJWF OPOTMJQ UBQF * VTFE B MPOH QJFDF BDSPTT UIF FOE PG FBDI SJTFS BOE * BN NVDI NPSF TVSF PG NZ GPPU Visit Healthy Exchanges at www.healthyJOH XIFO HPJOH EPXOTUBJST FTQFDJBMMZ XIFO DBSSZJOH B exchanges.com, or call toll-free at 1-800MBVOESZ CBTLFU "OE JU T FBTJFS UP TFF XIFSF UIF TUFQT BSF JG 766-8961 for more information about the UIF MJHIUT BSF EJN u / . JO 0IJP only national food newsletter for diabetics, heart/cholesterol concerns and healthy r )FSF T B HSFBU DPOWFSTBUJPO QJFDF (FU B CJH TIBMMPX CPXM weight loss.

PS CPY ĂŞ MM JU XJUI MPPTF TOBQTIPUT BOE TFU JU PO ZPVS DPÄ’ FF UBCMF 1FPQMF DBO U SFTJTU QIPUPT (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc. r i* IBWF B TPSF CBDL TP JU T IBSE GPS NF UP CFOE EPXO BOE QVMM PVU XFFET * GPVOE B XBZ UP EP UIJT XJUIPVU UPP NVDI CFOEJOH *G ZPV IBWF B QBJS PG MPQQFST BMM ZPV IBWF UP EP JT DVU B TFDUJPO PG HBSEFO IPTF JOUP UXP JODI QJFDFT BOE TMJU UIFN EPXO UIF TJEF ŃŽ FO TMJQ UIFN PWFS UIF FOET PG UIF CMBEFT ŃŽ JT XBZ ZPV DBO HSJQ UIF XFFE XJUIPVU NVDI FG GPSU u + , WJB F NBJM 4FOE ZPVS UJQT UP /PX )FSF T B 5JQ D P ,JOH 'FBUVSFT 8FFLMZ 4FSWJDF 1 0 #PY 0SMBOEP '- PS F NBJM +P"OO BU IFSFTBUJQ!ZBIPP DPN D ,JOH 'FBUVSFT 4ZOE *OD

Write to Taprina Milburn in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Tidbits® of Spokane Washington

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH

By Paul G. Donohue, M.D.

Children Need Calcium DEAR DR. DONOHUE: You have said that calcium is important for everyone, certainly for growing children and teens. I know people who will not give their children milk because of the hormones used in cows. They don’t give them calcium supplements either.

What is your feeling about this, and do you think these hormones bring about early puberty? -- E.H. ANSWER: Dairy products are the best sources of calcium. If people shun dairy products, then they must find alternate calcium supplies. In youth, bones are rapidly growing and storing calcium. Young bones that are shortchanged of calcium are destined for problems like osteoporosis later in life.

An 8-ounce glass of milk has 300 mg of calcium. One slice of cheese contains from 200 mg to 270 mg. Foods with this much calcium are hard to come by. Children’s daily requirement is 1,200 mg to 1,500 mg.

Alternate sources include: 3 ounces of sardines with bones, 325 mg; 1 cup of spinach, 138 to 240; half a cup of navy/lima beans, 50; 1 ounce of almonds, 70. Parents are not

going to get children to live on sardines and spinach.

As for the hormone controversy, I respect people’s concerns. I, for one, do not share those concerns. Parents who are adamant about banning dairy products for their children have to provide calcium for them in some other way, and often that way is calcium supplements. Not doing so is a great disservice to these children. *** DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I thought salt was salt. One soup manufacturer lists sea salt as an ingredient in its low-salt soup. Does this imply sea salt is better than ordinary salt? - Anon.

ANSWER: You’re right. Salt is salt -- sodium chloride, NaCl. No one can change that.

However, where salt comes from and how it’s processed make it taste somewhat different.

Sea salt, as the name implies, comes from bodies of saltwater. The water is allowed to evaporate, and what’s left is salt.

Sea salt is coated with other minerals found in saltwater -- magnesium, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc and iodine. Those min-

FITNESS

&

By Andrea Renee Wyatt, M.S.S., C.S.C.S.

Q: I have belonged to the same gym for the past five years. Each year my gym raises its monthly dues, and although I enjoy it and there are many amenities, the cost each month is pretty steep. Now a new gym has come to the area, and several members of my gym are canceling their membership and heading to the new gym because its monthly dues are cheaper for what seem to be the same amenities. How do you make a decision on which gym is better than another?

erals are present in small amounts, but they give sea salt a bit of a different flavor than salt taken from a salt mine. People might use less sea salt than regular table salt because of the additional zing that those minerals impart to it.

It still boils down to the amount of sodium that is in a product. The daily limit for sodium is 1,500 mg to 2,300 mg. Most of our salt intake comes from processed foods, so label-reading is essential for anyone on a low-sodium diet.

The facts on sodium and potassium are discussed in the booklet on that topic. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue -No. 202W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 328536475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery. *** Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.

Readers may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamall.com. (c) 2008 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

FROM START TO FITNESS

Time to Change Gyms? Maybe Not

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HEALTH

ber dues even as they increased. The overall gym environment, classes and programs offered, other members who belong to the gym, child care, security, cost, distance from your home or work, and knowledge and education of the staff are all reasons why someone may join or stay at a fitness facility. These reasons vary by person and are personal to the needs and wants of the member.

You can begin to decide if this new facility is A: The competition between fitness facilities worth leaving your current gym for by making for members is apparent in most cities. The a list of what is important to you and why you arrival of a shiny new club in town always joined your gym in the first place. Once you appeals to potential members and members have completed your list, make another list of other facilities who may be looking for a of what the new gym will offer, and compare change. Determining the right one for you them. If you find that what you enjoy most will depend on what is important to you in a in your current gym will not be offered in the new gym, then this should help with your defitness facility.

There must be something about your current cision. If your list comes out even, then the gym that you enjoy to have stayed a mem- deciding factor may come when you actually ber for visit the new club and see how you feel upon five years entering it. and paid Everyone has a different perception of what a the mem- “good” gym is, so you will have to check it out for yourself. Many PrivateStudio Drop pounds and save money new facilities, and even older ones if on meals with you ask, will offer a one-day or temporary guest pass for you to try out Free Consultation the gym for free.

If this is available, take advantage of this pass and use the gym to see how comfortable www.healthnutwa.com you are with the

staff, other members, classes and the overall environment.

Speak with the sales staff about membership options, enrollment dues and guest passes for family and friends. Take a tour of the facility and ask questions. Observe or speak with staff members and trainers to get an idea if this will be the place for you. Check out the children’s area, group exercise rooms, locker rooms and any other amenities available.

Choosing a fitness facility is a personal decision, which is why there are so many gyms throughout the country. If you have found a place where you are comfortable and able to workout effectively, do not feel pressured to change. Take your time and find the best fit for you.

Always consult a physician before beginning an exercise program. If you have a fitness or training question, write to Andrea in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475 (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

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NHRA Acts Quickly; Economy Slows NASCAR The NHRA’s announcement to shorten Top Fuel and Funny Car races to 1,000 feet following the Scott Kalitta tragedy is indeed a swift move in the right direction. The NHRA listened to all who wrote or publicly stated opinions, from journalists to fans to drivers. The end result is that we now have a nitro drag race that is “320 feet safer� at parachute deployment than it was a week earlier. I applaud the NHRA for its quick action.

Additionally, a 1000-foot nitro race will be just as exciting, if not more, as elapsed times will “drop,� as will “down time,� as most racers agree the final 320 feet of the previous 1,320 foot distance is where most problems occurred. *** ESPN presented a good program July 4 dealing with problems at NASCAR brought on by the present state of the economy. Although panelists agreed that the core fan will still support the races, they might do so by staying home and watching on television, as money spent

on entertainment and travel is in decline due to high fuel costs and other day-to-day, inflationary situations. It was accepted that the core fan’s inability to attend in person not only hurts gate revenues, it also impacts NASCAR’s fan growth negatively, as these core fans won’t be bringing new fans to the event if they are economically forced to stay home and view the tube. And, with shares of General Motors dropping below $10 recently, the lowest in more than 50 years (when a dollar was worth way more than it is today), this could be an omen of things to come.

A “planned GM bankruptcy� could be imminent, although some Wall Street pros say GM will never file bankruptcy. Others disagree, and on programs like CNBC, the GM stock plunge from a high in the $80-plus range not too long ago to where it is today is a constant subject of discussion.

Will all this bad economic news hit racing harder?

It already has. Just ask Chip Ganassi, who can’t find a sponsor for Dario Franchitti, an accomplished racer who also brings with him an accomplished and much loved actress, wife Ashley Judd. He shut down the team No. 40 car, released most of the full-time workers, and hopes a sponsor arrives so he can reopen the team.

Three or four years ago, they’d have a sponsor

www.spokanetidbits.com on that car for sure just for the right to have dinner with the trio a few times a year. Kyle Petty also pointed out on Speed Channel, and rightfully so, that star open-wheel drivers like Franchitti, Patrick Carpentier and Juan Pablo Montoya did not bring sponsors with them. *** Finally this week, I was wrong about Mark Martin running a full Sprint Cup schedule in 2009 for Rick Hendrick. I’m surprised, but sure would love to see Martin win a championship before he “really� hangs it up.

Write to Greg Zyla in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send an e-mail to gzyla@ptd.net. (c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

PHOTO CUTLINE: Dario Franchitti celebrates his 2007 Indy 500 victory as wife Ashley Judd looks on. Franchitti left Indy-car racing and went with Chip Ganassi for a full-time 2008 Sprint Cup effort, but the team closed its doors recently due to lack of sponsorship. (IMS/Firestone photo)

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