How to Guide 2010

HOW TO...

Plant & Care for Rhubarb . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Choose a Chiropractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Choose an Internet Service Provider . . . . . .7 Choose a Floral Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Choose an Insurance Provider . . . . . . . . . .11 Choose a Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . .13 Choose an Obstetrician/Gynecologist . . . .15 Choose a Fitness Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Choose Effective Advertising Strategies . . .19 Choose a Mortgage Lender . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Choose a Red Wine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Grill with Charcoal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Grow Great Tomatoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Rhubarb is normally sold in garden centers as one year old plants (known as 'crowns') of a particular variety.

Rhubarb five years or more old can be lifted and split into three or more 'crowns' - see the later section on 'how to divide rhubarb'. Both types should be planted in the same manner.

Prepare the soil as described previously, and dig a hole a little bit wider than the plant. The depth should be such that the top of the plant is 2.5cm (1in) below the soil surface (see the diagram on the left). Fill in around the plant with soil, gently firming it down to ensure no air pockets remain. Water well if the conditions are dry. Spread a mulch (garden compost or other well-rotted organic material) around the plants, but not directly above where the crown will emerge in a month or so.

Three plants should be sufficient to meet most needs the spacing between plants should be about 75cm (2ft 6in) for varieties such as Cawood Delight, Victoria, Ruby and Canada Red. However, some varieties such as 'The Sutton' need a spacing of about 1.2m (4ft) - ask at your favorite garden center when buying any other varieties.

Rhubarb require very little care, but if you give them that care they will produce much finer stalks than neglected plants.

Every year after the leaves have died down, spread a new layer of garden compost or other well-rotted organic material around (but not touching the plants. This will conserve water and prevent weeds. In dry periods (normally only summer) give the plants a good watering, although this should only be required occasionally. In February , sprinkle a handful of general fertilizer (Growmore is fine) around the plants. Remove any weeds as they appear.

The only other attention required is to cut off flower heads which may appear in early spring as the new rhubarb stalks emerge. Do this as soon as possible - if the flower head is left to grow and set seed, the plant will never fully recover to good strength.

Rhubarb which is five years old or more can

be dug up and split into three or four separate plants.

Rhubarb plants should be divided every five years or so. This will give you more plants and at the same time keep them healthy and de-congested.

Some forward planning is required if you want to divide rhubarb. The best time to divide rhubarb is when the plant is dormant, any time between December and February. At this time of year the foliage will be dead and the location of the plant may be difficult to pinpoint. So mark where the plant is in late summer using canes, stones or whatever you have.

Dig the rhubarb up by using a fork to lever the crown. If the rhubarb is 5 years or more old, this will be difficult and will cause damage to the roots under the crown but that's not a problem.

Use a spade and the pressure of your foot to divide the crown into three. Don't be afraid, be brutal. Each third should have one or more white / pink buds on it. Most large crowns will have lots even if you can't see them.

Dig out a hole slightly larger than the divided rhubarb crown and place the crown in the hole, roots downwards.

The top of the crown should be roughly 2.5cm (1 in) below the surface of the surrounding soil.

Fill in around the rhubarb with soil and firm it down gently with your foot to ensure soil and plant are well in contact.

The soil will more than cover the rhubarb plant so mark where it is with a cane, stones or whatever is available. The rhubarb should appear above soil level in late February or March.

Today’s Chiropractic can help with a variety of chronic conditions such as:

• HEADACHES • CARPAL TUNNEL • LOW BACK PAIN • SCIATICA Many of these conditions are directly related to spinal nerve stress that can affect different parts of the body. At BROADWAY CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC we can advise you on how to effectively deal with the stresses in life as we dramatically improve your pain and physical health.

All new patients of BROADWAY CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC will receive: • Health History & Consultation • Orthopedic & Neurological Exam • X-Rays if needed

Dr. Deanna Rogge BROADWAY CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC 103 North Ave., Ste. 4, Council Bluffs, IA

322-8504

HOW TO CHOOSE A...

Chiropractor

Traffic Jams.

Paying bills.

Deadlines. Pesky neighbors. These unpleasant or challenging situations create stress in our lives. So why is it some people deal with these stress situations better than others?

The answer is complex and includes many factors from genetics to weather conditions, but an interesting study in The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics indicates that there is a relationship between chiropractic and the effect it can have on dealing with stress situations in your life.

This study revealed that nearly one in three patients viewed their lives as moderately to severely stressful, and more than 50% felt that stress had a moderate to severe impact on their health problems.

Additionally, 71% of the patients indicated that it would be helpful if their chiropractor offered advice to help them cope with these stressful situations.—Source: JMPT, July/August Popular press and scientific evidence continue to point to Chiropractic as a healthy choice.

In another study the chief of cancer prevention research at New York’s Preventive Medicine Institute and professor of medicine at New York University, Ronald Pero, Ph.D., measured the immune systems of people under chiropractic care as compared to those in the general

population and those with cancer and other serious diseases. In his initial three-year study of 107 individuals who had been under chiropractic care for five years or more, the chiropractic patients were found to have a 200% greater immune competence than people who had not received chiropractic care, and 400% greater immune competence than people with cancer and other serious diseases!

The superiority of those under chiropractic care did not diminish with age! (This study is in the process of being duplicated.)

Dr. Pero stated, “When applied in a clinical framework, I have never seen a group other than this chiropractic group to experience a 200% increase over the normal patients. This is why it is so dramatically important. We have never seen such a positive improvement in a group.”

Chiropractors as well as others understand that problems with your spine and nervous system come from at least 3 primary stresses: Physical, Chemical & Emotional.

The minute the body structure goes out of balance, a muscle becomes tense, or a portion of the spine becomes misaligned, there is a danger of pressure on , or irritation to , nerves since “the nervous system controls and coordinates all the functions of the body” (Gray’s 5

Anatomy, 29th ed., page 4), this can mean trouble anywhere in the body.

Patients are usually already aware of physical stresses like too much sitting or lifting. They know that slushy pillow or mattress, and fitness status affect their spine.

Frequently they are surprised to learn about chemical stresses like a breakfast of mountain dew and cigarettes, or even not drinking enough water can also affect the spine. Likewise the emotional stresses of rush hour and work pressures, or even worrying about a sick child, can throw off the alignment of the spine!

Pain caused by stress is usually what brings a patient to a chiropractic doctor in the first place.

Communicating with your chiropractor about dealing with stress is the starting point, and you might be surprised to find that your chiropractor is full of sound advice on ways to effectively deal with stress in your life. Improving nerve and spinal function has a dramatic impact on improving emotional, mental and physical function.

Getting the most out of your chiropractic care may include talking to your chiropractor about effective strategies to deal with the stress in your life.

Thank you Daily Nonpareil readers!

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HOW TO CHOOSE AN...

Internet Service Provider

The first step is to figure out how you will want to use the Internet in your home or in your business: E-mail, virtual gaming, online banking, large file downloads, information searches, streaming video/audio, all or some of the above?

The next step is to decide how much you want to spend on installation and monthly charges as there are several types of Internet access methods available.

Factoring into your decision will be desired access speed, method of delivery available, and not only what you plan to do online, but the number of hours that you plan to spend on the Internet.

WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU? Broadband Cable Cable modems link you to the Internet through your cable TV line. Many cable companies now offer Internet as well as TV service. This gives you faster Internet than dial-up and better streaming audio, video, and multimedia. Like DSL though, you’re connected all the time making it unnecessary to dial in and it doesn’t affect your phone line. Average speeds range from 256K to up to 9 Mbps download. This is much faster than dial-up or DSL, and good for multifaceted Web sites as well as downloading large files.

In addition, the Hybrid Fiber Cable (HFC) technology provides cable customers equal access to high-speed services.

Therefore, if you are serviceable for cable TV, then you should be able to order and receive the same level of Broadband Cable service wherever you live.

Many Broadband cable providers now offer their own ISP that includes a front page, search engine, security software and related favorites that customers have grown accustomed to as a part of their complete ISP service. Finally, the customer may choose from either professional installation or do-it-themselves to save money.

As users become more Internet savvy, they realize the limitations of a dial-up connection and migrate to the experience of a faster high-speed broadband Internet connection. The bottom line for many people is that the faster the connection; the more they can do on the Internet in less time. A broadband cable modem connection tends to have the fastest residential

download speeds.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) uses your standard copper pair wiring that exists in almost every home and office. It operates over normal telephone lines and can be used at the same time with the telephone so only one phone line is needed and there’s no boundary on how long you’re connected. DSL also has the convenience of an always-on connection making disconnects and dial-in busy signals a thing of the past much like a broadband cable connection.

Average speeds range from 256k to up to 5 Mbps, depending on the type of DSL you choose. It gives you full advantage of graphics and enhanced streaming audio, video, framing and multi-media. Some DSL providers offer the convenience of selfinstallation for quicker activation times making a technician visit unnecessary.

Unfortunately, not all customers that have a telephone can get DSL service due to the cost of deployment and/or the quality of the existing lines. In many cases, providing DSL to a specific location requires your local phone company to make costly upgrades to your existing line to allow DSL to work in your home or business. In addition, the consumer may have to make the decision of what ISP to accompany their DSL selection.

Satellite Broadband Two-way satellite broadband connection transmits high-speed information via satellite to a dish receiver at your home. With one-way satellite, you need a conventional modem and telephone link to an ISP for uploads, but the newer two-way satellite systems allow you to download and upload through your satellite dish.

It’s usually higher-priced than other Internet connections but may be the only fast option for people who are beyond the service area of DSL or cable providers. A clear line of sight to the south is necessary to aim the satellite dish. Speeds average about 400 Kbps download.

Wireless Broadband Some ISP’s are now offering unlicensed wireless Internet access. Unlicensed wireless service usually requires line of sight from an antenna installed at your home or business to the ISP’s centralized transmitter. Connection speeds and reliability vary widely, but a provider using state-of-the-art 7

equipment can offer reliable service with connection speeds and performance similar to cable.

New, wireless technology, often referred to as “3G” or third generation is expected to revolutionize internet access. This technology uses licensed frequency and provides very high download speeds up to 2400 Kbps, and on average between 300 Kbps and 800 Kbps in a mobile or stationery environment. With this technology, line of sight is no longer necessary. Once available in your area, you will have broadband access in virtually every location within an ISP’s coverage area. At this time “3G” is only available in very select major metropolitan areas.

INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS The number one thing you’ll need in an ISP, especially if you’re just beginning on the Web, is high-quality service and support. This means both a dependable, wellestablished company that uses reliable, updated technology and, just as importantly, patient and knowledgeable technical support that will answer your questions or walk you through any problems that may come up when you and your family are online.

All things being equal, there is little distinction between the technical operation of a good national company and a good local company. The prices for local providers are as comparative as national companies. Perhaps the largest variation between local ISPs and national ISPs is service: consumers are advised to compare plans carefully.

Make sure to research the enhanced services providers offer, such as filtered content options, web-based e-mail, junk email filtering, online tutorials and low cost global roaming. As you utilize the Internet more frequently, these services will contribute to your online satisfaction.

Most ISP’s offer pricing specials from time to time. Consumers should make sure they read and understand pricing terms for the long haul. Some providers offer extremely deep discounts for a short period of time to entice consumers to switch to their service. In some cases, this can be a good deal but be sure that once the discount period is over, the service is priced at a level with which you are comfortable.

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HOW TO CHOOSE A...

Floral Shop

Ready to buy flowers for a special occasion, or give your home or office a fresh look?

Flowers play an important part in nearly every major event in our lives. Having a florist you can trust to convey your feelings or make your surroundings more beautiful is important. Here is a brief guide that you might find helpful, whether you’re new to buying flowers, or have learned from experience the importance of choosing your flowers, and your florist, with care.

DEAL WITH REAL PEOPLE Of course, the simplest way to buy flowers is online, and hundreds of reputable florists have Web sites, but it’s always best if you can visit an actual shop to see the plants, flowers and people you’ll be dealing with.

With something as personal as flowers, it’s important to be able to speak to a human being about your ideas and choices. Let your florist know your preferences for style, color and price range. A good florist will be able to help you personalize your order to your specifications, instead of just selling you a picture.

A good florist will have a reputable design staff who can service your orders accurately and creatively.

GET ADVICE Ask friends and co-workers where they like to shop for flowers for special occasions and every day. When you see beautiful flowers, ask where they came from.

If you are planning a wedding, you might want to ask your photographer, baker or venue if they know of a good florist.

On the internet, look up online revues of local florists, where florists from many cities are rated by customers. You may be able to find information on bridal association or wedding vendor websites as well.

SHOP LOCAL If possible, get your fresh flowers from local, mom-and-pop type florists. Even if you are sending flowers out of town or out of state, try to find an actual florist in that city to service your order.

Many have websites, but be sure it is the florist’s site, not an order gatherer, you are using online.

Order gatherers are websites and 800 numbers that are not florists, but who charge you money to relay your order to an actual shop.

You will always get better service going directly to a florist, and save the service charges.

CHECK OUT THE STORE Stop by a few shops in your area. If you are planning a big 9

event, such as a wedding, it is a good idea to call ahead for an appointment with the shop’s consultant. Bring a list of what you will need, along with any photos and ideas you have. Brides should bring as much information as possible, such as fabric colors, dress styles, venue guidelines, delivery times, etc. You should visit your florist several months ahead of the wedding or event.

Take time to look around the shop. The store should be clean and inviting. Plants and flowers should look healthy and fresh.

Look for appealing displays that show artistic initiative on the part of the florist. Ask to see photographs of their work.

The staff should be friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. If you are sending flowers for a busy holiday, such as Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day, have the florist send them a few days early. The florist will be able to give your order more attention when there is less demand for product and delivery times.

MY FLORIST Once you’ve found a shop you consider a good choice, you can establish a mutually satisfying business relationship by becoming a repeat customer and recommending your florist to family, friends and co-workers.

A GOOD SIGN EVEN IN TIMES LIKE THESE.

Everyone’s looking for an encouraging sign in today’s economy. The fact is, they’ll see one in over 17,500 locations across North America. Because for over 86 years, State Farm® agents have been there helping people protect the things that matter most.

That’s why more people trust State Farm. And we consider that a very good sign.

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HOW TO CHOOSE AN...

Insurance Provider

Insurance agents and brokers can streamline your insurance purchases and become your ally if you run into insurance problems down the road.

be your advocate if you face a claims problem. Don’t be shy about asking for references – and following up on them.

The terms “agent” and “broker” are often used interchangeably, but is there a difference? Technically, an agent sells insurance from one insurance company, while brokers represent many carriers. An “independent agent” is unaffiliated with any particular insurer and represents a range of companies.

Work with insurers that are financially stable. Rating services such as Standard & Poors and A.M. best rank insurance companies based on financial stability and performance, and good brokers will discuss with you the financial status of the insurers they work with.

GETTING STARTED Do your homework before you set food inside an insurance agency.

First, identify what you want in auto, health, home, life, business and other insurance products. Write it down. This list of features becomes the summary plan that you will give to agents and brokers in exchange for price quotes.

When you are in the shoppingaround stage, you can go online to get price quotes and ball park figures for useful comparative rates. It helps you know what costs you are facing.

THE RIGHT AGENCY Look for strong service reputations and seek out testimonials from other satisfied customers. Use any contact you have in the insurance business to find out what agents are considered the most helpful.

Ask how long the agency has been in business and what insurers it works with. Longstanding agencies have clout with insurers and they can

Often, one agency can handle all of your insurance business.

According to the Better Business Bureau, one way to save money is to insure all your automobiles with the same company or agent and to buy your homeowner’s policy or other insurance policies from the same source. Multi-policy discounts are common. Ask about long-term holder discounts. Also, ask what other services the broker offers and at what costs.

Alternately, you can shop around based purely on price comparisons.

If you treat insurance just as a commodity, brokers might not appreciate it, but you have the right to shop until you are satisfied. However, watch out for low-ball quotes.

HERE ARE SOME WORDS TO KNOW WHILE SHOPPING FOR INSURANCE: • Conditions: Explanations in the policy of your and your agent’s responsibilities. For example, how claims are to be filed and what proof you must submit with your claim.

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• Coverage: Description in the policy on specific circumstances in which you can receive benefits.

• Deductible: The amount of a loss or claim you must pay before you can collect.

• Premium: The cost of the insurance policy.

RATINGS ARE IMPORTANT It’s also important to understand the ratings, especially in car insurance. The rating is the process by which the price of your insurance coverage is determined. Your insurance agent, in the case of car insurance, bases part of the price of your policy on the claims history of all the drivers it insures in your territory. Often, there are discounts related to age and household or martial status.

GET SMART According to a recent survey commissioned by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, 67 percent of Americans feel they have about the right amount of insurance coverage, although only 28 percent say they understand the details of the coverage “very well.”

Your state’s department of insurance can provide rate guides for both auto and homeowner’s insurance, which can help consumers shop wisely for the insurance they need.

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HOW TO CHOOSE A...

Recreational Vehicle

The open road is beckoning and visions of freedom from yard work, curious neighbors and all manner and mode of home hassles dance in eyes. That’s all good.

But the purchase and operation of a recreational vehicle can bring its own set of problems unless you buy smart. Here’s some help to get started: SHOPPING SMART Savvy consumers shopping for a recreational vehicle should look for the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association seal.

The oval-shaped seal, prominently displayed on the exterior of motorhomes, travel trailers, truck campers and folding camping trailers, means the manufacturer is an RVIA member. Such manufacturers self-certify compliance with more than 500 safety specifications for electrical, plumbing, heating and fire and life safety established under the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A119.2 Standard of Recreation Vehicles.

RVIA is a national association representing RV manufacturers and component parts suppliers, who together produce 95 percent of all RVs manufactured in the U.S. All RVIA member manufacturers, as a condition of membership, are subject to periodic, unannounced plant inspections by RVIA representatives to audit the manufacturer’s compliance with the (ANSI) A119.2 Recreation Vehicle Standard standards. Members who fail to maintain an acceptable level of compliance can be expelled form the association, prohibiting display of RVIA seals on their products.

CHECK WEIGHT LABELS RV shoppers should look for the vehicle’s weight label for important information on the unit’s gross and unloaded weight as well as carrying capacity. As another condition of RVIA membership, manufacturers must display a label in a conspicuous location that provides the following data: GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) means the maximum weight of the unit. The GVWR is equal to or greater than the sum of the Unloaded Vehicle Weight plus the Net Carrying Capacity.

UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) is the weight of the unit as built at the factory. This includes full fuel tanks, full generator fuel

tanks, engine oil and coolants. The UVW does not include cargo, fresh water, LP gas or dealer-installed accessories.

NCC (Net Carrying Capacity) is the maximum weight of all personal belongings, food, fresh water, LP gas, tools, dealer-installed accessories and other items that can be carried by the unit.

GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating) is the value specified by the motorhome manufacturer as the maximum allowable loaded weight of a motorhome with a towed trailer of towed vehicle.

CHECK OWNERS MANUAL The vehicle’s owners manual also includes weight information as well as other important data such as vehicle weight distribution, how to weigh the vehicle and towing guidelines.

CONSIDER THESE FEATURES Seasoned RV watchers know that every model year brings new designs, equipment, surprises and exciting variations on popular old themes.

Whatever your RV needs – maxi or mini, luxury or budget-wise, motorized or towable, there’s an RV sized and priced right for you.

Ready buyer’s guides, see local dealers, take in an RV show and you’re ready to make an informed choice. Here are some of the popular features to look for: • LCD control panels show at a glance the condition of all “house” systems including battery, propane and tank levels.

• Hydraulic leveling makes setting up camp a snap.

• No more pilot lights or matches!

Electronics light your appliances.

• Set one thermostat and central heat and air cater to your comfort zone.

• Bathrooms are bigger showers more spacious, bathtubs more common.

• Closed circuit TV gives you eyes in the back of your head. Back up with confidence.

• Look at those huge ‘basements’ and storage areas!

• Diesel pushers have become more affordable.

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• Zoom rooms: push a button and a room expands.

• Canny space utilization in wider bodies means spaciousness you have to see to believe.

• Telescoping travel trailers and pop-up truck campers are low and lean on the highway, towering and spacious in camp.

• Check out cute washer-dryer combinations that hide in a closet.

• Furnishings are more fashionable, surfaces more durable and storage more spacious than ever before.

• Entertainment electronics galore, from satellite dishes to sound-surround stereos.

For a growing number of RV enthusiasts and owners, RVing isn’t just an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and each other, but is a viable option for traveling and staying in touch with technology.

Getting away now comes complete with cellular phone, digital beeper, entertainment electronics, fax and modem. RVs are easily equipped to surf the Internet; campgrounds often offer necessary telephone lines and cable TV hookups in addition to the basic water, sewer and electricity.

TOWING OFFERS FLEXIBILITY FOR RV TRAVELERS Towing allows travelers to unhitch their trailer at the campsite and use their fan, pickup or car for sightseeing or errands.

There are no special licenses required, and with proper attention to the size, height and weigh differences when the RV is hitched to the tow vehicle, experienced drivers find it easy.

SELECTING A TOW VEHICLE Matching the right tow vehicle with an RV is easier than ever. Today’s market features a large selection of tow vehicles – conversion vehicles, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), light trucks, most full-size and many mid-size cars with sophisticated engineering packages providing greater towing power, superior maneuverability and braking

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WELCOME TO OUR TEAM Toby Marshall, board-certified OB-GYN Experienced, caring and dedicated to providing you with the best in care—Toby Marshall, MD, is the latest addition to the Methodist Physicians Clinic staff. Specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Marshall is located on the fourth floor of the One Edmundson Place building, on the Jennie Edmundson Hospital campus.

Dr. Marshall comes to Methodist Physicians Clinic from Creighton University Medical Center, where he was assistant professor and associate residency director for obstetrics and gynecology.

Call 396-7880 now to schedule your appointment.

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©2010 Methodist Physicians Clinic, an affiliate of Methodist Health System

HOW TO CHOOSE AN...

Obstetrician/Gynecologist

So you found out you’re pregnant, Congratulations! But what comes next?

Besides choosing a name or what color to paint the nursery, choosing an obstetrician, or ob doctor, will be one of the most difficult decisions you will make as a parent to be. For those lucky women who already have an ob/gyn they love, they will not have to conduct a search for one after they find out that they’re pregnant. With a little research and legwork, you should have no problem finding the right obstetrician for you.

An obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) cares for the health and medical needs of women and their reproductive systems.

Obstetrics is the practice of prenatal care and the delivery of babies. They help a woman manage pregnancy, labor and the first few months post-childbirth.

Gynecologists diagnose and treat medical problems associated with a woman’s reproductive organs, breast health, hormonal issues, urinary tract problems and those systems that are interrelated. Family planning services and the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases may also be included. Overall, the care provided by an OB/GYN may be preventive, diagnostic, treatment-oriented and/or surgical.

STARTING POINT Find other patients who have similar medical challenges or family situations as you. Ask them for names of primary care doctors they like to work with. Do a search of physicians in your area. Check with your insurance company for a list of doctors who work with your insurance. Compare these lists to find names in common.

Those will be the doctors you want to spend time learning more about by researching their credentials and capabilities.

TRAINING AND CREDENTIALS OF AN OB/GYN’S OB/GYNs complete medical school and a minimum of four years of training in a graduate residency program, first studying basic medicine and then specializing in women’s healthcare. Their education

requires time spent in classrooms, medical offices and hospitals, working directly with patients and other medical professionals.

There are two forms of residency programs in which an OB/GYN may participate: one leads to a Medical Doctor (MD) and the other leads to an Osteopathic Doctor (DO). Both designations require a similar amount of education but focus differently; a MD practices allopathic medicine, considered to be conventional medicine, and looks at the body as a series of separately functioning systems. An Osteopathic Doctor learns more about the human musculoskeletal system and approaches the body as a whole system.

After their first four years of training, some OB/GYNs begin the practice of medicine. Others continue their education beyond residency in fellowship programs, which allow them to concentrate in specialty areas, such as gynecologic oncology (cancer of female systems), maternal/fetal medicine (pregnancy complications), reproductive endocrinology and infertility (hormonal systems and pregnancy) and urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgery (a surgical subspecialty which deals with pelvic conditions and urinary tract problems).

Once a physician has completed these aspects of education, she may apply to be a certified member of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology or the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Board membership requires frequent recertification, and to accomplish that, the physician must complete annual coursework requirements and take a recertification test.

RESEARCH CREDENTIALS Using the list of names you have collected, look for most of the following information on UCompareHealthCare.com: A MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school and residency program.

Completion of a fellowship, if you seek help in a specialty area. Board certification from the board that makes sense for your needs. This may be the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the American 15

College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists or a subspecialty board. A master list of medical boards can be found through the American Board of Medical Specialties. The master list of osteopathic boards is located at the American Osteopathic Association. Licensure from the state in which you will seek care. The Federation of State Medical Boards provides a master list of licensing bodies. A review of possible disciplinary actions. This information can be difficult to find, but the most obvious will be listed here on the UCompareHealthCare.com website. Further information can sometimes be found by inputting the doctor’s name and location in to a search engine.

EVALUATE CAPABILITIES Once you have completed your research based on the criteria above, you’ll want to ask the following questions to determine which doctors are worth meeting: Is this doctor on the list of providers who work with my insurance? Does this doctor have admitting privileges at my choice of hospitals? Is this doctor’s location convenient for me? What are the office hours? Is the office nearby, located on a bus route or easy to access if I use a wheelchair? What happens if I call this doctor in an emergency? How quickly will I get a return call? If the doctor is not available, is there someone else who can help me when I make a phone call or need an appointment?

If you are satisfied with the answers, you’ll need to make an appointment, where you’ll want to consider these questions: Does the doctor see you and your child within a fair amount of time of your appointment time? Does the doctor listen to your questions and not interrupt you? Is the doctor respectful? Does the doctor explain the meaning of difficult terms and otherwise communicate effectively with you? Does the doctor spend enough time with you? Are you comfortable with this doctor?

Finding the right OB/GYN may seem like a long, involved process, however, knowing that this doctor may partner with you for your lifetime makes it worth your time and effort.

The Center. Live your life.

Where People 50 and Older Meet for Fitness & Fun!

FREE WEEK of Any Exercise Class!

Bring in this ad and take a full week of any one exercise class offered at The Center!

• Spinning • Aerobics • Step • Water Aerobics • Many More!

Check our website for a list of current classes and times offered.

www.thecbcenter.org (Excludes Pilates and T’ai Chi) Offer Expires 3/31/2009

• • • • • •

• • • • • •

State-of-the-Art Fitness Facility for individuals 50 years and older Individualized Fitness and Balance Assessments Cardiovascular equipment and strength training machines 40’ x 60’ Warm Water Pool with an average temperature of 92° Over 90 weekly fitness classes for all levels Golf Simulator Wii Bowling Leagues, Game Room, Art & Fitness Studios Fully equipped locker rooms with showers Arts /Crafts & Computer Classes Conference Room & Ballroom The Center Fall Prevention Programs has programs and Card & Book Clubs activities designed with older adults in mind. Classes and FREE Dances with live music activities include spinning, yoga, fall for members

Center Hours Monday - Thursday 5:00am - 9:00pm Friday 5:00am - 8:00pm Saturday 7:30am - 5:00pm Sunday 1:00pm - 5:00pm

prevention programs, water exercise, resistance training, swimming, dances, card clubs, travel, art classes, health fairs, holiday celebrations, computer classes and more!

714 S. Main Street • Council Bluffs IA 51503 • (712) 323 - 5995

HOW TO CHOOSE A...

Let’s say you want to get in shape...Now what? How do you maintain that drive to keep exercising?

The first thing to do is check with your physician before starting any kind of exercise program. Once you have received an OK from your doctor start slow to ensure you keep exercising. Don’t try and do more than you can realistically add to your daily or weekly schedule. A good general rule is to start out exercising two times a week for about 20 minutes.

HOW DO YOU FIND THE RIGHT PROGRAM? Finding the right program or facility for you and your schedule is vital. Find a place that is open when you can work out.

Trained and professional staff should be a top priority. At the Council Bluffs Senior Center we start all new members out with a fitness orientation, balance assessment, introduction to the equipment and an initial start up program. We then meet again with each individual in 6 weeks to re-evaluate their workout routine and make sure they are getting the most out of that workout. Keeping our members safe by modifying their workouts according to their specific needs is something everyone should look for when starting a program.

How do you know what type of exercise suits your personality? What choices are available for varying personalities?

The best way to find out what you like to do is try it all! Everyone has different likes when it comes to exercise. Some like water, some like to bike, some running and others walking. If you have knee, back or other physical issues it’s always a good idea to get direction in the proper type of exercise before you start, to get the most out of a workout without causing additional pain or problems.

Some like structure and need to be encouraged during exercise. These individuals usually like classes geared towards strength training or cardiovascular exercise. Others have the self discipline to do their workouts with no additional encouragement or direction. Get the help you need to make an educated decision on

Fitness Center

what type of exercise is good for you.

When looking for a program or facility always look for knowledgeable, friendly staff that offers great customer service to its members. At the CBS Center we encourage our members to ask questions or get help for with their workout. Our fitness staff is always available to assist with proper form or answer any questions members might have regarding exercise in general or personal fitness. Customer service and members needs are top priority for staff at The Center. We will do whatever it takes to help you reach your goals and help make your experience at The Council Bluffs Senior Center the best ever.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO ATTAIN YOUR GOALS? First set realistic goals. If you are trying to lose weight and want to keep it off, it’s recommended to not lose more than 2 lbs. per week. People who set unrealistic goals get discouraged when those goals aren’t met and lose all motivation. Get some help from a professional on setting goals. Keep track of your progress and be patient. Results will come it just takes time. At The Center we set all new members up with an initial appointment at joining to introduce equipment and develop a workout program to fit your needs.

We then meet with you again in 6 weeks to review your workout, make sure your form is good and maybe add in a few more exercises if you feel comfortable with the ones you have been doing. A third appointment is schedule again in 6 months to review your initial goals and reevaluate your fitness assessment and compare results to see how well your membership has been working for you. We have found this is a great way to begin exercise while we can help and guide you into a routine that is safe and effective.

WHERE DOES MOTIVATION COME FROM? Motivation is different for everyone.

For some it’s that big event to get ready for. For others it’s whether you have to start taking medication for a condition that has developed such as high choles17

terol or diabetes. Having a healthy, happy life is something everyone is motivated to accomplish and exercise is a vital part of good health. At The Council Bluffs Senior Center we offer activities and programs to address the body, mind and spirit. Everything from computer and art classes, dance lessons and dances, to social, card and book clubs along with fitness activities and classes. If exercise is not something you are comfortable with right now…we can help you find something that is fun for you and maybe exercise will become of more interest after getting to know members, the facility, instructors and staff at The Center.

WHAT’S THE BEST METHOD FOR LOS ING WEIGHT AND KEEPING IT OFF? A combination of exercise and controlling your diet is the best recipe for losing weight and keeping it off. Studies have shown that a combination of both can help individuals lose weight and keep it off better then one or the other alone.

Starting slow and slowly increasing physical activity will also keep you interested so you don’t burn out and quit altogether.

At the Council Bluffs Senior Center we offer over 90 exercise classes a week to keep you going. The Center has a knowledgeable and friendly staff to make you feel comfortable. Think of us as your support system. Since January 2, 2009 we have started a new program called “Scale Down & Shape Up” with 39 individuals participating and collectively have lost over 100lbs! We not only have individuals who want to lose weight but a few that look to gain. Others are interested in lower their blood pressure or improving their cholesterol numbers. Looking good is important but The Center and its staff concentrate more on feeling good and working on health from the inside out. evening. Just make sure to rev your heart rate up to 70 to 85 percent of its maximum during each session. This will help even those who say “I can’t find the time” to train. If you can’t cut out 30 minutes to stay healthy, at least you can accumulate 30 minutes in these little sessions.

The Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil has served a vibrant, dynamic, diverse and growing marketplace in the heart of the United States for over 152 years providing coverage of local news and events that readers and businesses rely upon. Our complementary website, www.nonpareilonline, is the most read website in southwest Iowa. Build your business with the Nonpareil.

Southwest Iowa’s number one newspaper and website!

535 W. Broadway, Suite 300 • Council Bluffs, IA 51503 • 712-328-1811

HOW TO CHOOSE...

Effective Advertising Strategies Good advertising is often defined as that which moves a prospect or client to action. Action can be picking up the phone, visiting a retail location, or requesting additional information.

Advertising is about selling. The point of your ad is to generate interest in your product or service.

To create ads that sell well requires a disciplined approach. Below are seven steps that can guide even a novice to create effective print ads.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT CREATIVE APPROACH Who are you selling to? What are they buying—really? Choose the angle that will attract customers’ attention, stimulate their interest, and “hook” them on what you offer.

Don’t be in a hurry to start writing your ad. There are several components to the creative approach that must be decided before creative work begins.

You’ll need to: • Identify the target market. Know as much about your audience as possible before writing or designing anything.

Only when you know who you are talking to can you design an ad that fits its intended audience • Define the offer—will you be promoting your overall brand, or a specific product or product line?

• Choose a benefit with emotional appeal. What problem are you going to solve? What disaster will you keep at bay?

• Support your brand. Consider how the tone or style of the ad reflects on the public image you’ve created so far.

• Be consistent.

Before you start writing, jot down a few words summarizing each of these components of your creative approach.

WRITE COMPELLING AD COPY Pick one message and one message only. Don’t try to cram everything into your advertising. Select one point, prod-

uct or offer in your ad and build the copy and design elements around it. Ads that try to be all things to all people usually fail to reach anyone.

Next, look for the action. Action is the heart of any good story. What activity best conveys the problem and the powerful way your offering solves it?

Copy, supported by photos or illustrations, must set up a believable context, describe benefits, and create a desire to take action. Imagine you are your target customer. Use the tools on this site to help you “get inside” their minds.

Regardless of the copy approach, your ad should follow the same “AIDA” formula that has proven to be effective in all print and broadcast advertising. This mnemonic reminds you to: A—get Attention I—arouse Interest D - create Desire A - stimulate Action Remember to write clearly and concisely in your copy. Avoid buzzwords, cliches and puns. Write to one person, not the masses—make your ads feel personal to your intended readership.

TEST THE AD COPY ON HUMANS Show the drafts to someone who’s familiar with your business, your market, and the publication in which the ad will appear. Take the reader’s seat for a moment and ask “why should I care?”

Then read your ad. Is it clear what you promise, and how you substantiate your claim? Is the benefit you promise one with plenty of emotional power? And finally, does the ad copy make it clear what you want the reader to do next?

The “call to action” is critical. Do you want them to call? Say so. To visit your Web site? Offer an incentive: A bonus or contest waiting for them there.

DESIGN A CLEAN, EASY TO FOLLOW AD LAYOUT Don’t go overboard with graphics.

Graphics should enhance your advertis19

ing and help draw people in to the ad, not overwhelm it.

Unless you are very capable, use the newspaper’s creative graphics department. They are professionals and this service is free.

TEST THE LAYOUT ON HUMANS Make a prototype of the ad that looks as much like the final ad as possible.

Place it in the venue where it will be seen. If it’s going to run in a magazine, tape your prototype into a magazine.

Then, test it on friends, colleagues, or better yet, typical customers.

USE ONLY QUALITY ARTWORK IN YOUR AD. When it comes to production, remember the old saying “garbage in, garbage out.” What you send to the publication determines what appears in print. If you send them your ad poorly prepared, there is very little they can do to make it better. Printed images require higher resolution (expressed as dots per inch, or DPI) than images prepared for display on Web pages. Make sure that the photos or logos you use weren’t simply borrowed from your Web site—the resolution of those files won’t be high enough to make a sharp printed image.

When in doubt, trust the publication to guide you— they’re professionals at this, and they have an interest in getting your ad right, thereby keeping you happy. Ask them to review your files for potential problems. Submit your ad well in advance of their publication deadline —no one’s going to hold the presses while you scramble to get your ad finished.

MEASURE YOUR RESULTS From the beginning of printed advertising, advertisers have kept records of inquiries produced by different ads, in order to learn what works. In your ad, ask for a specific behavior, such as calling for a free sample, then track how many calls you receive.

HOW TO CHOOSE A...

Mortgage Lender

Selecting a mortgage lender is a big step when buying or refinancing a home. Although the first thought is usually to find the lowest interest rate available, choosing a mortgage lender you can trust and work with should be an important priority as well.

When you are ready to shop for a loan, you can work directly with a lender or with a mortgage broker representing many individual lenders.

Please be advised that no one source is better than the other. Every company is different and individual borrowers have differing needs and preferences. There is never any substitute for shopping around, checking references and meeting loan officers face-to-face.

Direct Lenders are lending their own money, have in house programs, and make the final decision on your application. Direct lenders originate, fund and service your loan. They are generally larger organizations than mortgage brokers and are better capitalized. Direct lenders have fewer programs than mortgage brokers, but may have more knowledge of the details of their programs. The loan officer at a direct lender generally has better access to underwriters (the people who approve loans) than a mortgage broker. This may sometimes mean faster approvals.

DIRECT LENDERS MAY BE: Mortgage Bankers: Specialize in originating and servicing loans. They generally sell their loans to investors like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Their underwriting guidelines (rules to make loan decisions) are supplied to them by their investors. Mortgage

bankers may interpret these guidelines based on their own lending philosophy.

Credit Unions and Banks: Offer a wide range of financial services including mortgages. They generally offer a few select mortgage programs. Credit Unions and banks may keep loans in their portfolio or sell their loans. Credit Unions and banks may also work with other mortgage bankers to originate their loans.

Savings and Loans: Generally offer portfolio-adjustable loans which are easier to qualify for than most other loans. Many S&Ls offer reduced documentation loans that are ideal for self-employed borrowers.

Finance Companies: Generally specialize in B and C paper loans for poor credit borrowers, as well as second mortgages. They generally raise money by selling bonds or commercial paper on Wall Street.

Private Investors: Like to earn high returns-so they typically invest in riskier loans that banks/credit unions do not want to touch. Most of these loans are based on equity alone.

Mortgage Brokers: Act as intermediaries who represent many lenders and loan programs from which to choose. A mortgage broker obtains financing through the wholesale department of a lender.

OPTIONS AVAILABLE A variety of mortgage products are available in today’s market. A good lender’s responsibility is to match your needs with the appropriate mortgage product.

21

Most loan rates will not differ widely. However, differences in loan structure can result in large savings or costs for you. Loans may differ in such items as: term (length of the loan), prepayment options, penalties or processing fees.

Mortgage product types include fixed and floating rates, as well as interest only products. In addition, certain programs allow for up to 100 percent financing and some even include closing costs up to 103 percent.

While most mortgages are offered for terms of 15 and 30 years, other terms are available. Keep in mind that the shorter the loan term, the less you will pay for your house over the life of the loan. The downside is that the shorter the term, the higher your monthly payment will be. A good lender will help you decide which program is the best for you.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW...

1. Selecting a mortgage lender is the most important step in purchasing or refinancing your home.

2. Options are available. A good mortgage lender will match your needs with the appropriate mortgage product.

3. Understanding your price range through the pre-qualification process simplifies the house hunting process.

4. The loan process can be simplified by choosing a lender who is responsive to your needs.

5. How the process flows depends on the service and relationship your mortgage lender provides to you.

STEP 1 Red wines are made from different grape variations, and their flavor depends upon what the vines pull from the surrounding environment, region, soil, rainfall and surrounding vegetation, to name a few. Red wine may be sweet, dry or fruity. Each wine varies in consistency and flavors, but not one tastes the same. What you favor depends upon your palette's preferred flavors, both in wine and food. This is an effective way for a beginner to understand what type of wines he likes. I will explain in the next four steps the most common varieties of red wine.

Step 2

Pinot Noir:

If you are a lover of lamb, pork, turkey, soft cheese (such as Brie or Camembert), salmon and chicken, pinot noir pairs with all of these nicely. It is very silky on the tongue with a nice consistency. Scents vary from berries to deep spiciness, and the flavors can include truffles, fruits such as cherry, strawberry, plum and other jammy rich fruits; oak, chocolate, game, incense, damp earth, tea and leather. All of these flavors together might not sound appetizing, but a Pinot Noir can go from being a jammy wine with only a hint of leather, to combining all of these flavors for a complex, full-bodied red.

Step 3

Merlot: This red pairs well with most all meats (prime rib and steaks) and pasta dishes, and is known as a "beginner" wine for people trying to discover what they like in reds. It does not pair well with salads and fruit usually. It can come off as being quite heavy, but is thought to be less tannic than cabernet. If you want to explore complex flavors, merlots can possess a combination of dark heavy fruit such as black cherries, black currant, plums, as well as grass, herbs and mint.

Occasionally blueberry, chocolate and various spices are present.

Step 4

Cabernet: If you are a lover of red meats, cabernet is a good red for you. It also goes well with dishes such as stroganoff, steak, pasta dishes with red or white sauce, duck and salmon.

Pairing it with compliments can make an amazing and simple meal.

For example, pairing a spicy cabernet with a pepper-crusted steak would suffice nicely. Other flavors include black currant and chocolate, and its scents are woodsy, full of cedar and oak; with a touch of vanilla or coffee. It is silky on the tongue.

Step 5

Zinfandels range from blush-colored to rich ruby colored varieties. It pairs nicely with meals such as pasta with a tomato sauce base, pizzas, grilled meats, BBQ meats and salads, depending upon the heaviness of the zinfandel that you choose. The flavors can range from fruity to spicy, but always compatible for a person who longs for a little pepper and zest in their wine. Berry flavors are also usually prevalent.

How to Grill with Charcoal

During the summer months, grilling is a common feature of American life. The smell of food being grilled wafts through the neighborhoods and suburbs of nearly every town. There is, however, one bone of contention among these outdoor cooks: the use of gas or charcoal. Charcoal requires a little effort but is still relatively simple to cook with, and many believe it gives a better flavor than gas.

1 Pour the charcoal into the grill and form it into a pyramid. Spray a small amount of starter fluid. Light with a match and allow to burn until the coals are glowing red--at least 10 minutes.

2

Spread the charcoal out on the bottom of the grill. The type of meat you are cooking will establish how you distribute the charcoal. If you are cooking steaks, rake the charcoal in a flat, even bed so the heat is distributed evenly. If you are cooking chicken, move the coals to one side and place the chicken on the other side. If you are cooking pork, move the coals to one side, place the pork over the coals and sear both sides, then move to the side without coals.

3 Wipe the grill with oil and place the grill over the coals.

Oiling the grill will help keep the meat from sticking when cooking.

4 Place your chosen meat on the grill, following the guidelines in Step 2. The cooking time depends on the food you are cooking. If you are cooking steak and you want it to be medium, usually allow it to cook about five minutes on each side. This can vary depending on the heat in your grill. If you are cooking chicken, cover the grill with the top, allowing it to smoke. Do the same thing for pork. Covering will increase the smoke flavor and helps assure thorough cooking.

1 Bury tomato plants deeper than they come in the pot, all the way up to a few top leaves. Tomatoes are able to develop roots all along their stems. You can either dig a deeper hole or simply dig a shallow tunnel and lay the plant sideways. It will straighten up and grow toward the sun. Be careful not to drive your pole or cage into the stem.

2 Mulch after the ground has had a chance to warm up. Mulching does conserve water and prevents the soil and soil born diseases from splashing up on the plants, but if you put it down too early it will also shade and therefore cool the soil. Try using plastic mulch for heat lovers like tomatoes and peppers.

3 Once the tomato plants are about 3' tall, remove the leaves from the bottom 1' of stem. These are usually the first leaves to develop fungus problems. They get the least amount of sun and soil born pathogens can be unintentionally splashed up onto them. Spraying weekly with compost tea also seems to be effective at warding off fungus diseases.

4 Pinch and remove suckers that develop in the crotch joint of two branches. They won’t bear fruit and will take energy away from the rest of the plant. But go easy on pruning the rest of the plant. You can thin leaves to allow the sun to reach the ripening fruit, but it’s the leaves that are photosynthesizing and creating the sugars that give flavor to your tomatoes.

5 Water deeply and regularly while the plants are developing.

Irregular watering, (missing a week and trying to make up for it), leads to blossom end rot and cracking. Once the fruit begins to ripen, lessening the water will coax the plant into concentrating its sugars. Don’t withhold water so much that the plants wilt and become stressed or they will drop their blossoms and possibly their fruit.

6 Determinate type tomatoes tend to set and ripen their fruit all at one time, making a large quantity available when you’re ready to make sauce. You can get indeterminate type tomatoes to set fruit earlier by pinching off the tips of the main stems in early summer.