Spring Preview

SP

March 2013

pring

review

A Special Publication of The Punxsutawney Spirit and Jefferson Couunty Neighbors

©2013 The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors

Home Improvement Lawn & Garden Food & Recipes Health & Fitness Car Care • Outdoors

Five must-haves for your new truck (BPT) – With a brand new truck decorating your driveway, you’ve probably got plenty of ideas of how you’re going to use it for towing a boat, transporting large and heavy loads and conquering rugged terrain. Or maybe you just want to feel powerful while driving it down the road.

But before you get too comfortable, think about what could make your truck even better. What can you add that will help your truck last longer, handle more tasks and look even stronger? Here are the five must-haves for all new truck owners to add to their vehicle.

1. Mud flaps – This detail is both a decoration item – show some style with a powerful diamond plate pattern or cheer on your favorite sports team everywhere you drive – and a safety item.

Mud flaps help prevent your truck from throwing moisture and rocks back at vehicles following you, and they also help to keep the back end of your truck cleaner – so other drivers can see you in inclement weather.

2. Protective bedliner coating – A spray-on truck bedliner will give the bed additional protection from corrosion and abrasions, resist damage from chemicals and water, and keep objects stored in the bed from slipping and sliding around during travels. The LINE-X PREMIUM is a spray-on bedliner that provides UV protection to prolong the life and look of your truck bed. With this protective coating, your truck bed will look good

for years to come.

3. Tie-down equipment – What is a truck better for than transporting large and heavy objects?

Equip your new truck with tie-down anchor points and straps or ropes so they’ll be handy whenever you need them. Be sure to attach the anchor points at strategic places in the bed or along the bed rails so you can secure both large and small loads.

4. Tool box – Just like the tie-down equipment, you never know when you’re going to need a tool while you’re out and about with your truck.

Sometimes the tools are for the truck itself - lug nut wrench, jack, screw drivers, etc. - but a wide assortment of tools can come in handy for many other uses as well. Store these tools in a box in the bed of your truck, and consider lining the box itself with LINE-X PREMIUM to keep the tools from sliding around and becoming damaged.

5. Cover – For better fuel mileage with your new truck, install a hard or roll-up cover over the bed to help give the truck better aerodynamics, and to help protect what’s stored in the bed from the elements. Some covers are lockable, allowing you to securely store more valuable equipment as well.

With these five must-haves, your truck is now ready to handle any task you assign to it, with plenty of power. By adding a cover, LINE-X PREMIUM bedliner and mud flaps, you’re also helping to extend the life of your truck.

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Many drivers pumped up about them of air. In addition to the mobility aspects, there are financial positives as well. If pressure is lost with a conventional tire, wheel damage can occur, which can be very expensive.”

Drivers often ask how they’ll know whether they have a flat if they have runflat tires on their car. “Runflat tires can only be installed on vehicles with a tire pressure monitoring system, or TPMS,” Briggs says. “The TPMS will alert drivers about the air loss, and because of the way runflats are constructed, drivers can feel confident they can reach their destination without having to change the tire.”

Along with TPMS, more car makers, such as BMW, Lexus and Mini are switching to runflat tires on new models. “Besides being handier for consumers, they save vehicle weight and space,” says Briggs. “There’s no longer the need for a spare tire, a jack and tools.”

According to Briggs, consumers will see more high-tech runflats and other types of tires in the future. “Tire technology is always evolving,” he says.

“As an example, we’re currently using the oil from orange peels in some of our compounds to improve gas mileage and handling. Point being, we’re always working to make tires better, last longer and, yes, continue to perform even after loss of air pressure.”

Briggs says whether you have runflats or traditional tires, maintaining them is important and can save money at the gas pump. Here are some of his tire tips: • Keep your tires properly inflated. Once a month, when the tires are cold (at least three to four hours after the vehicle has been driven), check tire pressure with a reliable tire gauge.

Be sure the valve stems have a Large enough for extended cabs, quad plastic or metal cap to keep dirt cabs with 8 ft. beds and duallies out and seal against leakage.

• Tires must be replaced when Credit Card Machine In All Manual Bays the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch to prevent skidding and hydroplaning. An easy Owned and Operated by Mark Neal test: place a penny into a tread groove. If part of Lincoln’s head is covered by the tread when placed head-down into the tread, you’re driving with the proper amount of tread. If you can see all of his head, you should buy a new tire.

• Tire alignment should be Battery Company GENERAL checked once a year. Misaligned REPAIRS tires can cause the car to scrub, which lowers mileage and cre- 24 HOUR TOWING ates unnecessary tire wear.

• Drivers should use extreme WE DO WHEEL ALIGNMENT caution when driving at zero pressure and should avoid agon everything from trailers, cars gressive handling actions and and motorcycles to tractor trailers any unusual service condition, OVER 500 TIRES IN STOCK such as trailer towing or hauling READY TO SELL TO PUBLIC and heavy loads.

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2 - Spring Preview, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, March 2013

(BPT) – The last thing any driver wants is a flat tire. It’s also the last thing tire manufacturers want to happen. Even though tires are a lot more high-tech than the average consumer imagines, tire makers are well aware that flats can deflate the public’s opinion of a tire. That’s why tire engineers have been working overtime to make tires stronger and more resistant to road hazards. Unfortunately, though, sometimes the nasty nail in the road still wins … until now, thanks to runflat tires.

“A runflat tire is essentially designed to carry the load of the vehicle when the tire’s punctured and enables the vehicle to continue to be driven at a reduced speed for a limited distance,” says Andrew Briggs, director of product planning for Yokohama Tire Corporation, makers of a variety of truck and car tires, including runflats. “Thanks to runflats, consumers can have peace of mind and don’t have to worry about being stranded on the road because of a flat tire.”

Although runflats have been around since the 1990s, the technology has taken quantum leaps in the last few years, says Briggs. “For example, our AVID ENVigor -ZPS (Zero Pressure System) delivers high-performance and security. Because of the tire’s reinforced sidewall, it can be driven up to 50 miles at 50 miles per hour after the loss

Things to know about motor oil When it comes to taking care of their vehicles, many motorists prefer to be overly cautious.

While that’s not necessarily a bad thing, there are times when being too cautious can unnecessarily cost you money.

Motor oil, and when to change that oil, has long been a point of contention. Many drivers grew up being told that motor oil should be changed every 3,000 miles. However, that myth has been debunked for many of today’s vehicles, which should come with suggested intervals between oil changes.

According to Edmunds.com, in 2010 the average interval for oil changes was 7,800 miles.

In addition to changing a car’s motor oil less frequently, there are other things drivers should know about motor oil.

• Oil does not necessarily need to be changed before a long trip. Taking a trip? While it’s good to have your car examined before embarking, if the recommended oil change interval is not up, then you do not need to preemptively change your

oil. Such a change is likely unnecessary and will not improve the performance of your vehicle during the trip.

• Black oil does not necessitate a change. Conventional wisdom once suggested if the oil on the dipstick is black then it needs to be changed. But nowadays automotive professionals are noting that black oil is doing its job and different additives might be changing the oil’s color, which means the oil doesn’t need to be changed.

• You can use petroleumbased oil after using synthetic.

Another longstanding myth regarding motor oil was that once you use a synthetic motor oil instead of a petroleumbased oil you have to continue using synthetic oil, which is often more expensive than more traditional motor oil, in order to avoid harming the vehicle.

However, automotive professionals have noted that these two types of oils are now often blended, meaning switching back and forth from one to the other is not likely to cause any

damage to your vehicle. Just be sure to use motor oil that meets the standards set forth in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

• Consider an earlier oil change after buying a new vehicle. Sometimes a new vehicle will need an oil change after its first 3,000 miles. However, this does not mean your vehicle will need one every 3,000 miles.

According to Blackstone Laboratories, who study motor oil, oil samples taken from engines during their initial 3,000 miles of driving had elevated metal levels from the camshafts and pistons. These elevated levels will not necessarily be harmful, but some auto manufacturers recommend a shorter initial interval just to be safe. Honda, however, includes an anti-wear additive in their break-in oil and advises against changing their oil early. Consult your owner’s manual to determine if it’s best to change your oil after the initial 3,000 miles or to let it go until the recommended interval.

value purchases, there are few that compare to buying a used car over a new one, since new cars begin to depreciate the minute they are driven off the lot. If you are able to find a used car that still has plenty of life, you can save thousands from what you would pay for a new car.

While buying used can net you the best deal on a car purchase, it also requires you to do your homework to make sure you truly are getting good value from your purchase.

Here are six steps to help you rest assured that your used car purchase is a good one: • Start by identifying the type of car you want to buy. Consider expanding your search to similar car models that offer the same types of benefits. For example, though the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain are different in name, they are nearly identical mechanically.

• Use online resources like Edmunds.com and car enthusiast forums to identify any red flags around given models or years. Focus less on reported reliability when the car was new and more on the car’s reliability today. Minor problems in the first year are much less important than major problems that might show up a few years down the road.

• If you discover that a particular model might contain

it doesn’t necessarily mean you should avoid the car. If it’s a widely known issue that has damaged the reputation of that type of car, but can be easily fixed, you may be able to find a bargain. Aftermarket part manufacturers often create good solutions for original problems. Again, it pays to do your research. Auto parts retailer RockAuto.com allows you to quickly check the availability and cost of replacement parts.

When you use Rock Auto’s Repair Index tool, you can also compare any two models you are considering to get an idea of which one might cost more to maintain.

• Once you have identified a specific car, use the car’s VIN number to buy a vehicle history report from Carfax.com or one of its competitors. Simply googling the VIN number can also pull up free auction records and sales histories that may be helpful. If the history report is different than what the owner has told you, there’s plenty of reason to proceed with caution.

• Next, develop an inspection checklist to go over yourself as you test drive and examine the car. Check to make sure the license plates are current and verify the vehicle recently passed an emissions test if they are required in your area.

Check brakes, hoses, belts, the

of wear or damage – a dealer should be more than willing to put the car on a lift for your inspection if you are serious about buying the car. Make sure the heat and air conditioning work.

• Do not worry if you are not a car expert and have no idea how to evaluate some systems on the car. Even if the car passes your personal inspection, you’re not done yet. Take the car to a trusted professional mechanic for an inspection.

“I have been a car nut since I was a pre-teen and I only buy used cars, but I would still take any car I was considering spending a lot of money on to a professional mechanic for an inspection,” says Tom Taylor, engineer and vice president of RockAuto. The mechanic will almost always find something you overlooked. His inspection may tell you to avoid a car or help you negotiate a fairer price. Use RockAuto. com on your smartphone and the mechanic’s report to immediately show the seller how much it will cost to replace needed parts.

If you’ve done your research and followed these precautionary steps, you’ll feel informed as you negotiate a selling price and can rest assured that you’re getting a quality vehicle. All that’s left is enjoying your new purchase.

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How to take the stress out of teaching teens to drive from the get-go, there are ways parents can make the process of teaching their teen to drive less stressful and more likely to be a success.

• Utilize an empty parking lot as a classroom. Empty parking lots are great places to teach teens to drive. In an empty parking lot, teens can practice skills like turning or braking without the risk of running into another driver. This gives kids the feel

of a vehicle and an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the vehicle’s controls, including those for turn signals and headlights. Find an empty parking lot that is large, such as one outside a closed grocery store or a nearby school when school is not in session.

• Find a less-traveled road to practice more subtle driving skills. Once your teen has become familiar with the vehicle,

Road trip tips for spring drivers Spring is a season of rebirth for many people, who welcome the warm weather with open arms, especially those who just endured a harsh winter. Spending time outdoors when the weather warms up is a popular pastime for many people each spring.

Road trips taken by college kids or high schoolers hitting the road for spring break or professionals and parents packing up the car for a weekend getaway have become synonymous with spring. A road trip is a great way to get outdoors and make the most of a warm day, but there are a few tricks of the trade drivers can employ to ensure their road trips are as enjoyable as possible.

• Give your car a good wash.

Drivers who live in areas with heavy snowfall should give their vehicles a thorough cleaning be-

Origin of the drive-in The drive-in movie theater was the brainchild of Richard Hollingshead, Jr., an auto products sales manager at his father’s Whiz Auto Products store. Hollingshead wanted to combine his passion for automobiles with his love of films. After testing different parking configurations and imitating weather conditions in his own driveway to simulate the drive-in movie experience, Hollingshead filed for a patent for the drive-In theater. He received the patent on May 16, 1933. The first drivein was opened on June 6, 1933, in Camden, N.J. The price of admission was $.25 for the car and each person inside. Drivein theaters peaked in popularity in the 1950s, when there were roughly 5,000 drive-ins operating across the United States and Canada. According to Drive-Ins. com, currently there are about 365 drive-ins remaining in the United States and 55 in Canada

fore hitting the road for a spring road trip. Salt and sand can build up on a vehicle over the course of a snowy winter, so a power washing will help remove excess salt, sand or dirt and help the car run more smoothly.

• Get the vehicle a tune-up.

A tune-up, including an oil change, should be part of your pre-trip planning. Make sure winter hasn’t caused any damage to the vehicle’s body and ask your mechanic to perform a thorough inspection of the vehicle’s suspension and brakes.

If any problems arise, address them before embarking on your road trip.

• Subscribe to a roadside assistance program. Roadside assistance programs, whether it’s AAA or a program offered through your insurance company, provide a measure of security to road-trippers. Many roadside assistance programs provide variety of emergency assistance for members, including: – towing service if your vehicle cannot start or operate safely, – battery service if your car’s battery needs a jump, – flat tire service if you get a flat tire and don’t have a spare or cannot change the tire yourself, – fuel delivery service if your car runs out of gas, and – lockout service if you lock

your keys in the car.

These services can act as a safety net should an issue arise when you’re on the road and far away from home or far away from a service station. Keep your membership card in your wallet and store their customer service number in your cellular phone should you accidentally lose your membership card or lock it inside your car.

• Bring cash as well as credit cards on the trip. When embarking on a road trip, don’t assume you will have ready access to an ATM on your trip or at your destination. This means you may reach a point when you have no cash on hand. While it’s a good idea to bring some cash along on the trip, bring a credit card or cards as well should you find yourself with no cash.

A major credit card, such as a Mastercard, American Express or Visa, is likely to be accepted at most filling stations.

• Invest in a road navigation system. A road navigation system can be your best friend, helping you find your way in places with which you are unfamiliar. Road navigation systems can alert you to traffic conditions while providing directions and alternate routes. Some systems will even alert you to nearby filling stations, lodging or restaurants.

a good next step is to find a back road or a road without heavy traffic where he or she can learn more subtle driving skills that might be difficult to learn in a parking lot. Coming to a stop, maintaining a safe distance between vehicles, accelerating and decelerating on roadways and learning to share the road with pedestrians and/or cyclists are all valuable lessons that can be learned on a back road without heavy traffic.

• Some lessons are best learned on the freeway. Some skills, including changing lanes and merging into traffic, are best learned on the freeway or highway. Teens will eventually take to the highway once they get their driver’s license, so it’s best to teach them how to handle using on and off ramps and learning to yield when entering a highway so they’re comfortable with such driving and don’t have to teach themselves.

• Teach kids to anticipate other drivers. Anticipating other drivers is a lesson even some veteran adult drivers must learn, much less teen drivers with little or no experience driving. When teaching teenagers to drive, emphasize how difficult it can be to anticipate other drivers’

maneuvers and how defensive driving techniques are designed to help drivers predict what other drivers will do in order to protect themselves from drivers who might be unpredictable. Teach teens to keep an eye out for drivers routinely switching lanes without signaling and tell them to be mindful of other drivers when they pull up to a stop sign.

Teens who will become good drivers will eventually find such techniques are second nature, but initially parents should instruct them in the ways to anticipate the behavior of other drivers so the teens can stay safe on the road.

• Practice driving at different times of the day. Taking teens out to drive at different times of the day can teach them that road conditions, even when the weather is nice, vary depending on the amount of light.

Driving at dusk and dawn, for instance, can be difficult because glare from the sun can decrease visibility and headlights might not provide much help. Like learning to drive on the highway, learning to drive at various times of the day is a valuable lesson that kids should learn with their parents in tow and not on their own after they have received their driver’s license.

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4 - Spring Preview, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, March 2013

Few parents look forward to the day when they must teach their teenager to drive a car.

Handing over the keys to a teenager and then riding shotgun as he or she learns the basics is hardly a recipe for a stressfree afternoon, but it’s a part of life many parents must endure sooner or later, and it’s a rite of passage for their children.

While it’s likely your son or daughter will not be a great driver

Extend your car’s longevity with these spring cleaning tips (BPT) – The open road lies in front of millions of drivers who are ready to lower the windows and feel the warm breeze. Nothing curbs the excitement of a spring drive more than car issues that could have been avoided by simple maintenance to combat the lasting effects of driving through winter.

Many people consider spring the perfect time to clean their homes, but it is also important not to forget the vehicle. The average vehicle stays on the road nearly 11 years, according to a study by Polk Research. This trend of consumers holding onto their vehicles longer than usual continues to grow.

To help protect what is typically the second largest investment for any consumer - your vehicle - here are simple tips to make sure you are ready for a successful spring travel season.

• Seasons change ... so does tire pressure: As temperatures change, so can tire pressure. Proper tire inflation is essential for increased automotive safety, optimum driving performance and significant cost savings, including better fuel mileage.

Tires should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations printed on the vehicle door placard or in the glove box, and should be checked at least monthly. Over-inflation can lead to premature or irregular tire wear and under-inflation reduces a vehicle’s fuel efficiency by an average of 3.3 percent, according to fueleconomy.gov.

• Keep hydrated: Many fluids require attention, including the engine oil, transmission fluid and

power steering fluid. Spring is the perfect time to make sure they are all clean and at the proper levels.

Additionally, to help ensure maximum engine life, change the oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles, or as directed by your owner’s manual.

• Breathe free: Replacing a dirty air filter can increase a vehicle’s life expectancy and fuel efficiency by reducing the strain on the engine, especially during warmer months. Over the winter months, salt, sand and other impurities may build up in a vehicle’s air filtration system, and replacing this air filter can improve acceleration time by around 6 to 11 percent, according to fueleconomy. gov.

• April showers bring May flowers, and wet roads: Many times, consumers postpone tire purchases, but after enduring a harsh winter and looking ahead to the wet spring weather, it is not the time to have low tread on your tires. The lower the tread depth, the less traction you will have on wet roads, and the greater the distance you will need to stop. For drivers in need of “new shoes” for their vehicle, every tire in the Goodyear Assurance family offers confident all-season traction plus a relevant benefit that enhances the driving experience – ultra traction, refined handling and comfort, and fuel efficiency.

For more helpful car care advice or information on tires for cars, light trucks, SUVs and more, visit your local Goodyear retailer or go online to www. goodyear.com.

Things to look for on a vehicle history report

Spring Preview, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, March 2013 - 5

A vehicle history report can be a used car buyer’s best friend.

Whereas in the past buyers bought used cars and hoped for the best, today’s used car buyers can rely on a vehicle history report to tell them all about the vehicle while helping buyers make more informed decisions.

When shopping for a preowned vehicle, you should always ask for a vehicle history report, regardless of whether you’re buying from a dealership or a private citizen. If the seller refuses, it’s time to look elsewhere. When a seller eagerly provides a vehicle history report, buyers should examine a few things on the report so they can be more comfortable should they ultimately purchase the vehicle.

• Number of previous owners: All vehicle history reports list how many owners a vehicle has had in the past. In general, the more owners a vehicle has had, the more risk you’re assuming as the buyer. Vehicles that tend to change hands often are less likely to have been well maintained.

In addition to how many owners a car has had, look at who those owners were. Vehicles that were once owned by a rental car company, for instance, were likely not treated very well, as

few people care how much abuse their rental car endures. However, a car once owned by a rental agency likely has lots of highway miles on it, and such driving is less taxing on a vehicle than city driving where the vehicle’s engine is stopping and starting more frequently.

• Specifics: Just because a seller provides you with a vehicle history report does not necessarily mean that report matches up with the vehicle you might be buying. A dishonest seller might try to pass off the history report of another vehicle of the same make and model as his own.

This is done to hide a suspect vehicle history or even when thieves are selling a stolen car to an unsuspecting buyer. Check the vehicle identification number, or VIN, on the vehicle to ensure the car you’re looking at matches the car on the history report. In addition, each vehicle history report describes the car, so if the description does not match you might be holding an inaccurate report.

• Location: The vehicle history report will show where the car has lived over the years.

Vehicles that have spent ample time in harsh weather, such as Alaska or another region with

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Men and women with an eye on shedding a few extra pounds might feel as though dining out is a luxury their waistlines simply cannot afford. But many restaurants recognize their customers’ growing desire for healthier fare. People can expect to find a host of nutritional items on the menu at their favorite local restaurant, making dining out both a viable and healthy option for those who want to put money back into their community while enjoying a night out on the town.

Of course, diners who want to ensure their next night out is healthy can take a number of steps before hitting the town with friends, family or that special someone.

• Peruse the menu ahead of time. Many restaurants now post their menus to their Web sites, where prospective diners can get a feel for the restaurant while examining the menu for foods they can feel good about eating. Look for low-calorie meals and choose a few candidates that you might want to eat when you arrive at the restaurant. Some restaurants may

count the calories for you on the menu or explain where and why they buy their ingredients in an attempt to ensure their customers’ meals will be both delicious and healthy.

• Consider ordering off the menu. Ordering off the menu was a practice once reserved for bigwigs or restaurant regulars. But nowadays many restaurants recognize that some customers might be on restricted diets for medical reasons and are willing to work with their customers who still want to enjoy a meal out without putting their health in jeopardy. Ordering off the menu does not necessarily mean ordering a dish that isn’t on the menu. Ordering off the menu can refer to asking that ingredients like salt not be used to prepare your meal or asking that a dish is baked or grilled instead of fried. Many restaurants are amenable to such requests, but it’s up to the customer to ask.

• Ask for smaller portions.

Smaller portions can help men and women maintain a healthy weight, and some restaurants even allow customers to buy

half-portions for less money.

If that option is available, take advantage of it. If not, skip the appetizer and dessert courses, and don’t be afraid to leave some food on your plate at the end of the meal. You can always have your meal wrapped.

• Share your meal. Out on a date with your special someone? Then order one entree and let your server know you plan to share the meal. You might have to pay a little extra to share the meal, but you won’t be eating as much and the added cost of sharing will still be less than purchasing two entrees.

• Don’t forget to eat before you dine out. If you miss meals throughout the day before dining out at night, you’re far more likely to overindulge once you get to the restaurant.

Be sure to eat a healthy breakfast and lunch and a healthy snack of fruits or vegetables before going out to dinner at night. If so, you won’t be as hungry when you arrive at the restaurant and you won’t overeat to combat that hunger.

Pancakes a favorite the world over

Pancakes are a staple in households all around the world. Easily prepared from a few basic ingredients, pancakes can be served throughout the day because of their versatility. The question of who invented pancakes has frequently been posed. No one person can take credit for the pancake, as they have appeared throughout history in various civilizations and cultures. Historians say that the first pancake-type food may have been eaten by prehistoric people. According to the Food Timeline, Ancient Romans enjoyed “Alita Dolcia,” or “another sweet.”

This early version of the pancake included milk, eggs, flour, and sometimes honey and fruit bits. Some of them resembled omelets and contained cheese and meat. Many different peoples have created and consumed their own versions of a pancake. Native

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Americans created course cornmeal “Indian cakes,” the French have very thin crepes and Germans still enjoy thick potato pancakes. Some people enjoy pancakes as a breakfast food, while for others they’re a savory dish served for lunch or dinner. Pancakes also may be topped with sweets and served as a dessert. In North America, pancakes are served large and small and go by different names, including silver dollars that are bite-sized. In New England pancakes are made thick and called flapjacks. Others refer to them as griddlecakes. Whatever the name, pancakes have thrived through many centuries and are still consumed by millions year-round. By combining the simple ingredients of eggs, flour, milk and a leavening agent, anyone can whip up a batch of pancakes in mere minutes.

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Trends among mom food shoppers Comparison shopping is a way of life for many consumers. In an effort to save a few dollars here and there, shoppers take many routes to get a deal, including utilizing some digital help.

A recent report shows women, and mothers in particular, are increasingly turning to social media and store Web sites as a means to making food shopping decisions. According to the report “Moms as Food Shoppers: Grocery Store and Supercenter Patterns and Trends,” which was produced by Packaged Facts from data compiled by the Experian Simmons National Consumer Study, mothers are 43 percent more likely to go online to gather coupons and 38 percent more likely than other shoppers to look at store Web sites.

Mothers also are using social media and store Web sites to plan their grocery store trips. They will scope out which stores are offering particular sales and plan shopping routes accordingly. With so many people relying on smartphones for myriad reasons, comparison shopping between stores and checking sales and coupons are a few other reasons women are turning to their phones.

The number of apps that are geared to food shopping and meal preparation have increased in response to this developing trend. Several shopping list apps, such as Grocery IQ, Green Grocer, Shopper, and Grocery Gadget, have grown increasingly popular over the years. Some of these apps are integrated with major retailers and can use GPS positioning to match shoppers up with a nearby store.

Some Web sites even make it easier for shoppers to prepare their favorite recipes. Certain recipe sites enable consumers to create a shopping list with a click of the mouse so that all of the necessary ingredients can quickly be added to a shopping list.

In addition to identifying that Web site food browsing is an important component of the shopping process for many moms, the Experian study narrowed down some other preferences.

• Organic foods: Thirty-one percent of moms now desire organic/ natural foods, but not necessarily locally grown foods.

• Convenience foods are still popular. Mothers are more inclined than others to use convenience foods, such as frozen waffles, pancakes, and complete packaged dinner mixes. Snacks and desserts are also bought and consumed in high volumes in family households.

• Store brands: Moms are interested in value and will purchase store brands to save money.

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6 - Spring Preview, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, March 2013

Dining out can still be healthy

Use food to maintain a healthy weight Maintaining or adopting a healthy lifestyle involves a host of factors. Getting off the couch to be more active is one such factor, as is taking control of your diet so it’s helping you and not hurting you.

While adopting a more active lifestyle is a relatively simple step for many people, modifying a diet is oftentimes a much steeper hill to climb.

Dietary habits can be hard to break. But altering your selections so the food you consume is helping you instead of hurting you is possible, and you won’t have to abandon your favorite foods, either. The following are a few tips aimed at helping you make your diet work for you.

• Choose the right foods.

Many people feel the culprit behind their unhealthy weight is the portions they consume.

While portion size might have something to do with it, the foods you’re eating are likely the primary suspect. If your diet is devoid of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and the dairy products you choose are not fat-free or low-fat, then this could be why you have difficulty maintaining a healthy weight. Choose low-fat or fat-free, formerly known as “skim,” milk and dairy products instead of whole milk for your morning cereal or when preparing

recipes that call for cheese. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains each day.

Choose lean meat when buying red meat, but don’t overdo it even if you are buying lean meat. Red meat once per week might be enough to satisfy your craving, so enjoy poultry and fish for dinner on other nights of the week.

• Alter your recipes. Many of the foods you enjoy may not be unhealthy. But how you prepare those foods could be compromising their nutritional value or unnecessarily adding calories and causing weight gain. For example, fried foods are typically loaded with salt and contain more calories than foods that are baked or grilled. Foods that are fried are typically fried in oil, and that oil undergoes changes to its molecular structure during the frying process. The molecules become harmful free radicals that can damage the body’s cells while negatively affecting your cholesterol levels and your body weight.

Instead of frying foods like fish or chicken, grill or bake them instead. It’s alright to occasionally indulge in some fried chicken or other popular fried foods, but keep such indulgences to a minimum.

Another way to alter your recipes is to replace potentially harmful ingredients with lower-calorie alternatives.

When preparing a meal that calls for butter, choose a more heart-healthy alternative such as a low-calorie butter spread.

You likely won’t be able to taste the difference, but your body will feel the difference.

• Plan your snacks. Many people run into trouble when they find themselves hungry in the hours between lunch and dinner. Healthy snacks that are rich in nutrients do not seem as readily available as snacks like potato chips or cookies that provide little or no nutritional value. But snack time does not have to be a daily sacrifice of discipline in favor of convenience.Plan ahead for snack time just as you do for meal time, packing items like fresh fruit, diced-up vegetables or low-fat yogurt when you leave for work each morning. These foods can satisfy hunger just as successfully as their less healthy alternatives, but they won’t do so at the cost of your waistline.

Food is too often seen as the enemy for men and women looking to maintain a healthy weight. But when you choose nutrient-rich, low-fat foods, then maintaining a healthy weight becomes a lot easier.

The scoop on frozen foods Spring Preview, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, March 2013 - 7

Freezing food for storage is an ideal way to stretch budgets and plan ahead for meals when time is of the essence. Storing foods in the freezer also saves money by reducing spoilage and the amount of food that ends up in the trash.

Putting food on ice has been a popular storage method for centuries. Despite myths that abound about frozen foods, nutritional content in most food is not lost during the freezing process, and frozen produce is just as healthy as fresh items. Some other foods may not taste as good or retain their distinctive texture when frozen, but knowing how and when to freeze is the key.

Seafood Most of the seafood available at markets undergoes a process called “twice freezing,” an acceptable and cost-saving measure. Fish caught at sea is immediately frozen for shipping. It is then thawed, cleaned and processed, after which it is frozen again and sent to market locations. Once frozen fish has been thawed for use in meals, it is unadvisable to refreeze leftovers. The same can be said for meat or poultry that has been previously frozen. Otherwise you may notice the taste and texture are quite different from fresh foods.

Watery foods Fruits, soft cheeses and water-rich produce like celery or cucumbers should stay out of the freezer. While they may freeze well and fast,

upon thawing you can be left with mushy, limp and watery results.

Eggs Do not freeze eggs in their shells. During the freezing process, the eggs will expand and the shells will crack. This can pose a food-storage issue. It is better to eat eggs fresh.

Fried foods Fried foods will not retain their crispiness after freezing and thawing if they are already cooked. If you must prepare fried foods in advance, coat the uncooked foods in a breading material and then freeze. When you’re ready to fry, remove the items from the freezer and cook.

Dairy Milk will freeze and thaw well, but other dairy products may not hold up as well. Some dairy products may separate upon thawing and curdle. Cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise will lose their smooth consistency after being frozen. Stick to harder cheeses, such as cheddar, for freezing. And if you must freeze cheese, use it in foods that will be cooked, like casseroles or pasta dishes, instead of being served on its own.

When freezing any foods, keep in mind that liquid will expand. Leave adequate room for expansion in the storage container. Unless the original container (such as a milk carton) has enough room, you may need to transfer foods to another container before freezing.

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Clever alternatives to traditional dyed Easter eggs can be used to tint Easter eggs in various colors. Because you’re controlling the materials you use, you can ensure they are safe to use.

• Experiment with papier mache. This ancient paper crafting technique uses recycled paper and a paste to create a hardened mold. Turn excess scraps of paper into delightful eggs put on display for the holiday.

• Purchase corn starch eggs. Corn starch is used in everything from packing materials to children’s craft products.

Corn starch can be molded into solid forms or foam-type consistencies. Egg kits are sold with this green material. When Easter is over, the corn starch eggs can be put out for composting. Foam-type eggs may be dissolved with water.

• Make edible eggs. Traditional Easter eggs can be wasteful if the eggs are boiled and used entirely for display.

Rather, make eggs that will be enjoyed and are not at risk of spoiling too soon after being on display. Gelatin-dessert eggs is one way to use the eggs after

Celebrate special spring days If there weren’t enough reasons to celebrate the spring season, all of the holidays and special days of remembrance that take place during this time could provide reason enough. In addition to budding flowers and warmer weather, spring ushers in several major (and minor) holidays that can provide reasons to get together with friends and family.

• Passover: A time of reflection for Jewish people.

• Easter: The holiest day of the year for Christians.

• April Fool’s Day: Celebrate April by fooling a few friends.

• Arbor Day: Plant a tree on a warm, spring day.

• Earth Day: Pay homage to the planet with some environmental activities.

• Cinco de Mayo: Celebrate the Mexican victory over the French army.

• Administrative Professionals Day: Show that coworker you appreciate his or her work.

• Mother’s Day: Give thanks to Mom for all she’s done through the years.

• Armed Forces Day: Honor the military personnel who keep the country safe.

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Easter, and creative people can try crafting eggs out of meringue as well.

• Dough eggs: Have the children get out their favorite modeling dough and craft multicolored eggs as a fun, rainy-day

project. Those who want the eggs to last can purchase actual clay from the craft store or whip up their own medium at home.

After drying, the eggs should be ready to paint.

• Drained eggs: Those in-

terested in using the yolks and albumen from the eggs for cooking can poke small holes into the eggs and drain them.

Then the remaining eggshells can be decorated and put on display.

A healthy pet is a happy pet, and responsible pet owners know that their beloved pets’ health rests largely on the owners’ shoulders. Ensuring a pet is healthy over the long haul can be quite simple. While some pets may develop medical conditions that require more attention, the following are a few simply ways pet owners can keep their pets healthy.

• Don’t skip visits to the veterinarian. Unlike humans, pets can’t speak for themselves, so it’s quite possible that a pet could be hurting or dealing with a medical condition while its owner has no idea. Annual veterinary checkups can help avoid such situations, and the vet might notice a developing condition before it becomes anything serious. If a pet’s behavior suddenly changes, then schedule a veterinarian visit as soon as possible, as this behaviorial change could be indicative of a medical issue.

• Prioritize vaccinations.

Vaccinations can protect a pet from a host of ailments, including rabies, distemper and Lyme disease. New pet owners who adopted a pet from a rescue organization should get documentation about the animal’s past vaccinations (certified kennels typically provide such documentation at the time of adoption). If there is no such documentation or if there are documents showing the pet received certain vaccinations but not necessarily all of its vaccinations, take the pet to the veterinarian and have the animal receive those vaccinations that

aren’t documented.

• Spay or neuter the pet.

The ASPCA notes that spaying or neutering a pet is a preventive measure that can help a pet in the long haul. Spaying, or removing the ovaries and uterus of a female dog or cat, can prevent diseases, such as breast cancer and pyometra, as well as infection and keep the animal from going into heat.

Neutering a male a dog or cat before it reaches six months can reduce the likelihood that the animal will behave aggressively while helping to prevent testicular cancer, diseases of the prostate and hernias.

• Help the pet fight heartworm. Heartworm isn’t easy to treat, but it is easily prevented.

Cat owners should speak to their veterinarian about heartworm and the best course of action, as cats are less likely to develop heartworm than dogs,

who are natural hosts for the infection. Dogs should be tested for heartworm annually in the early spring, and the veterinarian might prescribe a preventive medication the dog will take once per month. How long the dog must take the medication depends on the dog and the veterinarian, but dog owners should heed the vet’s advice.

• Get your pet off the couch.

Humans should not be couch potatoes, and neither should their pets. Regular exercise burns calories while increasing muscle mass and improving cardiovascular strength. Dog owners should know that how much exercise their dog needs depends on its breed, age, sex and physical condition, so discuss a proper exercise regimen with your veterinarian. Cats need exercise, too, and cat owners should also discuss the specifics with their vet.

Simple ways to keep your pet healthy

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Easter is a time when Christian families gather to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Religious customs abound on Easter, but a number of secular traditions have emerged as well. Perhaps the most popular secular tradition associated with Easter is the coloring of Easter eggs.

Easter egg dyeing kits emerge in early spring. Consumers have a variety of alternatives to these kits at their disposal. There are some people who desire more environmentally friendly Easter eggs, so here are some creative and greener ideas for coloring eggs this year.

• Wooden eggs: Visit a craft store and purchase wooden eggs that can be painted and decorated however you desire. The wooden eggs will be durable and can be stored away for use each and every year. Because they are made of wood, a naturally recyclable material, they are easy on the environment.

• Consider natural dyes.

Use different food items to create all-natural dyes for the eggs.

Tea, fruit and vegetable juices – even packaged drink mixes –

Pros and cons of a kitchen island

Homeowners planning a kitchen remodel are no doubt considering whether to include a kitchen island in the new design.

When the space allows, an island can be a fine way to enhance the look of a kitchen and impart an upscale appeal.

Interest in kitchen islands has grown steadily for the past several decades. Introduced in the 1970s, islands became a popular place for guests to congregate and provided extra counter space for meal preparation and entertaining. The suburban migration led to bigger homes with larger kitchens. Through the 1980s and 1990s, homes grew even larger, and islands became a popular feature of kitchens across the country.

The increase in food-based programming on television has also contributed to the popularity of kitchen islands. As more people dabble with preparing their own gourmet meals, kitchen islands have become more convenient.

Although there are many benefits to an island in the kitchen, there are also some disadvantages to kitchen islands. Weighing all the options can help homeowners design a kitchen layout that is functional, affordable and practical for the space they have.

Pros Arguably the most significant advantage to having a kitchen island is the added space it provides. Many times islands are built with cabinetry that matches the rest of the kitchen design, and those cabinets provide storage space for pots, pans and other kitchen tools. Islands may double the storage space available in the kitchen.

Kitchen islands are also advantageous when preparing meals. Kitchen counter space can be easily gobbled up by toaster ovens, rotisserie cookers, microwaves, coffee makers, and various other countertop appliances. These appliances can take up valuable real estate that’s sorely missed when preparing meals. An island can be used solely for cooking and preparation, and some homeowners have incorporated cutting boards and a prep sink into the design of the island.

Islands also can be customized according to a homeowner’s needs. Instead of simply having cabinetry beneath the counter, some opt to have a wine cooler or even a bookshelf for keeping cookbooks within reach. An additional small dishwasher or beverage refrigerator may be tucked into the design of the island. For others, the island

may be a makeshift kitchen office space.

Cons Expense is a leading negative factor with regard to a kitchen island. The additional material necessary and the labor involved in installation may bust some homeowners’ budgets. Stationary islands can cost several thousand dollars to install, and this is money a homeowner may be better off investing elsewhere.

In smaller kitchens, an island may be impractical because of the space limitation. Islands are typically at the heart of the kitchen and may interfere with walking space or cause clearance issues when the refrigerator door or cabinet doors are open. For homeowners who find space is at a premium in the kitchen, an island may not be the best idea.

However, a rolling island that can be moved into position when needed, then stored in a convenient, out-of-the-way location might be a viable option.

Depending on the complexity of a kitchen island, its installation may extend the amount of time required to complete the kitchen renovation. This can prolong the length of time needed to complete the work. Running a gas or electric line and plumbing to the island may require a major overhaul and demolition.

Tips for a flawless painting project

Spring Preview, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, March 2013 - 9

(BPT) – Did you know spring is the best time to sell your home? And now that the housing market is bouncing back, there’s never been a better time to do it. But even if you’re planning to stay put for the long haul, chances are there are some much-needed touch-ups you could be doing to keep your home in tip-top shape. And you don’t have to break your back, or the bank, to do it. In fact, adding a new coat of paint is a quick, affordable, and possibly the most impactful, way to get your project done.

Prep, prime and primp Misusing color can be a surefire way to turn people off from your home. For a more inviting look that nearly everyone can enjoy, opt for neutral paint colors. A subtle beige, slight grey or even white can do the trick.

First, move furniture out of the room and place drop cloths to protect the floor. Remove any picture frames, outlet covers and wall decor. Then, gently scrub the walls with a mild detergent and water mixture using a soft sponge to remove any dirt, grime or lint. Don’t forget to prime your walls before applying color to ensure the best

end-results.

Paint like a pro For an ultra-smooth finish, try Purdy’s line of Ultra Finish roller covers. These premium microfiber roller covers, available in 9-inch lengths and varying nap thickness, provide an even release of paint and deliver a consistent application from start to finish. Plus, they work great with any kind of paint and finish, including satin, semi-gloss and gloss, taking the guesswork out of the DIY equation.

When applying paint, start at the top and work your way down. For superior results, you’ll want to fill the well of your roller tray with paint, dip the roller in half-way and then roll it back onto the tray’s angled platform to easily remove excess paint. This will reduce dripping and improve overall paint cover. The best approach for applying paint?

Use your roller cover to make an overlapping “W” pattern in a 2-foot by 2-foot area; then fill in and repeat.

For smaller interior paint projects or tight spaces, Purdy also has a variety of innovative mini roller choices that are

versatile, lightweight and can quickly and easily deliver a perfect finish with smooth rolling action. These combined features make them the ideal applicator for a variety of projects like painting doors and cabinets, to freshening up tables, chairs and even bedroom furniture.

Keeping your color conviction If you’re still feeling deprived of color after your painting project is complete, never fret. There are several ways to add a pop of color throughout your home without slathering the walls with offensive paint colors. Try incorporating fun accent pieces in your favorite colors – think lamps, frames, pillows and rugs. You can even include larger focal pieces like royal blue armchairs or a patterned couch to make a bolder statement. By keeping the overall aesthetics of your home neutral and inviting, and enhancing them with a few sight-provoking embellishments, house guests will be asking you for home decorating tips. And if your end goal is to get your home sold, consider these minor improvements a step in the right direction.

Recycle yard waste into valuable compost quickly. Aerobic bacteria need oxygen and a certain amount of moisture to survive. Therefore, it is important to include materials in the compost that will achieve these conditions.

Composters frequently refer to “greens” and “browns” in a compost mix. Greens are fresh leaves and grass clippings and kitchen scraps. These materials will have an abundance of moisture as well as nitrogen. Browns are older, dried out plant material and wood.

The browns help create air cushions in the compost that facilitate aeration and also contain carbon. Without aeration, the compost will compact down too quickly, which could slow down the decomposition process. This may result in a foul odor.

Avoid the use of bones, meat or cheese in a compost bin. This will only attract scavengers and may rot faster than it can be decomposed by the bacteria. Also, avoid pet waste or any lawn trimmings that have been treated with pesticides.

Turning the compost will help keep it aerated and will also distribute the bacteria.

This can help speed along the composting process. Avoid adding weeds to juvenile compost because it may not be hot enough to kill the seeds and then you’ll be stuck with weeds in the compost – and wherever you place that compost.

Moisture is essential to the compost. Each time you add new material to the compost bin, dampen it. It should be moist but not dripping. Adding a balance between greens and browns should help regulate the moisture level as well.

Remember, during warmer months, the compost may dry out more, so you will need to be on top of the moisture levels.

The composting process works best at temperatures between 120 and 150 F. The compost will generate its own

Benefits of landscape fabrics Landscape fabrics are used to prevent weed growth while still allowing air, oxygen and water to flow to and from the soil. Landscape fabrics are a chemical-free way to prevent weed growth, endearing them to eco-friendly homeowners.

Landscape fabrics, once laid, also are a far less labor-intensive method to prevent weed growth, as they can be effective for several years, during which homeowners can expect to perform little or no maintenance. In addition, many homeowners prefer landscape fabrics because they can help the soil effectively maintain moisture during dry periods, when gardens might otherwise be highly susceptible to drought.

Once put down, landscape fabric can be covered with mulch to add aesthetic appeal.

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10 - Spring Preview, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, March 2013

Composting may be a person’s first foray into an ecofriendly lifestyle. Compost is a nutrient-rich natural fertilizer that some people refer to as “black gold.” It can be made from most types of lawn and garden waste as well as some discarded items from the kitchen.

Many people have renewed interest in composting because they understand the environmental ramifications of over-reliance on chemical fertilizers. Ground water may become contaminated and certain fertilizers may have adverse effects on wildlife.

Compost, a living organism of sorts, comprised of beneficial bacteria, insect life and nutrients for plants, is on the other side of the plant food spectrum. Because it can be generated for little to no cost, compost is not only environmentally responsible but economical as well.

A home landscape can provide a wealth of material to use in a compost heap or bin.

Rather than putting fallen leaves or lawn clippings to the curb or in the trash, they can be turned into beneficial material to help keep your garden selfsustained.

To begin, you will first need to determine the composting method that will work for you. Compost can be generated from a pile of material placed in an out-of-the-way corner of the yard or be created in a specially designed, expensive compost bin. Many homeowners fall in between these two methods with their compost systems. Most create their own bins from wood and chicken wire or even use a trash container to contain the compost.

Once the container or pile location is established, it is time to start the compost recipe. In order to function optimally, compost should have an abundance of aerobic bacteria, which will compost the waste

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How to conserve water and benefit the environment Eco-conscious men and women have many options at their disposal when it comes to protecting the environment. One such way is to conserve water.

Conserving water can be done in a variety of ways, many of which won’t require much effort at all. The following are a handful of ways men and women can conserve water to benefit the environment.

• Upgrade your home’s water features. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, toilets, showers and faucets account for two-thirds of all indoor water use. If you haven’t upgraded these items in recent years, chances are they’re not very eco-friendly. In the past, toilets used between 3.5 to 5 gallons of water per flush. But today’s low-flush toilets use 1.6 gallons of water or less per flush, significantly reducing the average home’s water consumption.

Older showerheads may also be unnecessarily wasting water.

EPA estimates suggest that showers account for roughly 20 percent of total indoor water use.

Older showerheads typically consume about 4.5 gallons of water per minute, while newer, low-flow showerheads consume just 2.5 gallons of water per minute. Such showerheads are

inexpensive and can drastically reduce your monthly water consumption, helping the environment while saving you money.

• Change your landscaping practices. Homeowners with a green thumb can employ a more eco-friendly approach to tending to their lawns and gardens without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. One way to do so is by watering in the early morning hours or during the evening, especially during the hot summer months. Doing so means less water will be lost to evaporation, which means you won’t have to over-water to make up for the water lost to evaporation that’s common when a lawn or garden is watered during the hot and humid daylight hours.

How often you cut the grass can also contribute to excessive water consumption. Allowing the grass to grow taller will provide more shade for the lawn’s roots. This makes for stronger roots and more water retention in the soil, which translates to less watering.

Another way to conserve water when landscaping is to strategically locate plants based on their water needs. Group plants with similar water needs next to one another and, if planting a garden for the first time, look for plants that do not

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Five environmentally friendly ways to keep your lawn looking great that include string trimmers, hedge trimmers and leaf blowers, making it possible to take your entire arsenal of lawn care tools off gas for good.

• Be wise with your water. With a few strategic adjustments, you can significantly reduce the amount of water you use to keep your lawn healthy. Water less frequently with a good soaking each time, the water you use will go further.

Watering in the morning will also help your lawn soak up the water, rather than having it evaporate before it makes it into your soil. Installing a rain barrel is also a great way to reuse the water that runs off your house without ever having to turn on the spigot.

• Buy a discerning fertilizer. Chemical fertilizers might offer quick results, but organic fertilizers often provide more staying power as they focus more on improving soil quality rather than the quick fix of applying nutrients directly to the plant. To make sure you are effective with your fertilizer use, take a soil sample to a local garden store to analyze it and they’ll recommend the best fertilizing mix for your lawn.

• Allow your lawn to protect itself. Mowing too short is a key mistake many people make.

A good rule of thumb is to never cut more than one-third of the current height. This will ensure that your grass can develop deep enough roots to thrive and won’t get scorched when summer temperatures arrive.

You can have a beautiful, green lawn without putting extra stress on the environment. For more information on environmentally friendly lawn tools that offer gas-comparable performance, visit www. greenworkstools.com.

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12 - Spring Preview, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, March 2013

(BPT) – Maintaining the perfect lawn is easier than you think and with the right tools, you can be both efficient with your yard work and ecoconscious. If it’s lush green turf that you’re after, but you also care about your carbon footprint, there are a few tools and practices that can help you have it both ways.

Many of the tips for maintaining a truly green lawn can also save you money and time. As you’re gearing up to enjoy your outdoor space this season, here are a few suggestions to follow for a healthy lawn you can feel good about: • Give back to your lawn. One of the best treatments for your yard is to let a layer of lawn clippings settle on the top of your turf after mowing. The clippings decompose and replenish your soil, encouraging positive growth. A common misconception is that leaving the clippings on top of your lawn leads to the development of thatch, when in fact it’s usually caused by other conditions.

Leaving your clippings only helps your lawn, and lessens the amount of work you have to do.

• Go green with battery-powered mowers and lawn tools. Gas mowers’ engines don’t run nearly as clean as more thoroughly engineered car engines and contribute significantly to air pollution, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. If you make the switch to a battery-powered mower, you can start it easily every time without having to worry about polluting the air. With a mower like the GreenWorks Twin Force Mower, you can get the same great performance as a gas mower with up to 70 minutes of run time. The rechargeable 40 volt lithium-ion batteries that power this mower can also be used other GreenWorks lawn tools

Set your home up for a perfect season (BPT) – As temperatures warm, many of us can’t wait to get outside and rediscover the joys of our outdoor spaces.

One of the best ways to ensure the enjoyment of your space all season long is with some spring cleaning and upkeep of your yard and outdoor living spaces.

• Take the time to prune.

Before the season heats up and the first leaves start to appear, it’s the perfect time to shape up your trees and shrubs.

Doing so before the growing season is less stressful for your plants, easier to clean up and will promote the type of growth you envision to keep your greenery looking great all season. Make sure your tools are sharp, as cleaner cuts are easier on plants. The new Fiskars DuraSharp pruners and loppers feature fully hardened steel blades making cutting and pruning that much easier. You can find these at Lowe’s.

• Clean up leftover leaves.

While you probably spent much of the fall raking and mulching fallen leaves, stragglers collect throughout winter, clogging gutters and drains.

In addition to cleaning areas of your yard blanketed with

leaves, rake your lawn to rid it of matted leaves that can inhibit healthy growth. Break these chores into separate days so you don’t have to do it all at once. Using a blower also helps you clean up your yard in short order.

• Bring out the power washer. Winter tends to leave its mark, and the exterior of your house, deck, sidewalks and driveway can all show grime once spring rolls around.

A pressure washer is a convenient way to clean these surfaces. The Generac OneWash gas pressure washer makes this easy for homeowners as it can be conveniently wheeled around the outside of your home to meet all your pressurewashing needs.

• Check in on your deck.

Once it’s been pressure washed, it’s time to see if you need to reseal it. If you drizzle water on your deck boards and it beads up, your seal is still effective.

If not, it’s time to apply another coat of sealant. Pleasant spring days are ideal for re-sealing and staining and once you’re done, you can enjoy the whole season without worry.

• Design your dream outdoor room. Once you’ve

cleaned up your space, you might realize there’s more that could be done to enhance it. Spring is the perfect time to consider a new patio set, or even a patio extension using decorative pavers. Dress up existing patio furniture by staining wood furniture or buying fresh new covers or cushions.

This is also the perfect time to buy that new and improved grill you’ve had your eye on.

Vi s i t w w w. l o w e s c r e ativeideas.com for more inspiration on how to make your outdoor space great this year.

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Spring Preview, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, March 2013 - 13

RAGLEY’S HARDWARE 248 N. Findley St. • Punxsutawney 814-938-4510

Pick your driveway paving material require much maintenance, though cracked bricks will need to be replaced.

Cobblestone Cobblestone can be very pleasing to the eye, but that aesthetic appeal won’t come cheap. Among the more expensive paving materials, cobblestone can also be a handful to maintain, as weeds can penetrate the cobblestones rather easily. Loose or missing stones can be unsightly and will need to be replaced.

Many homeowners who love the look of cobblestone choose to use it along walkways or on their patios, as these areas won’t require as much materials, saving both money and the time it takes to maintain the cobblestones.

Concrete Concrete is perhaps the ideal paving material for the homeowner who wants to express his or her individuality. That’s because concrete driveways can be laid in a variety of colors and designs, adding a touch of personality in a place many homeowners likely thought such expression was impossible.

Though affordable, concrete can fall victim to the elements, as extremely cold temperatures can cause the concrete to shift and ultimately crack.

Concrete pavers can remedy this problem, though that will add to the overall cost of the project.

Gravel A gravel driveway can give a home a historical look that few of today’s homes can boast. Gravel is an affordable material that requires little maintenance, though weeds can grow through gravel and must be removed to maintain the driveway’s appeal.

Washout is a concern for some who want a gravel driveway, but edging the driveway with a material like timber or bluestone can prevent the gravel from washing away should heavy rains fall.

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Garage organization 101

Garages are coveted by homeowners across the country, offering a space to park a car and protect it from the elements.

But many people do not park a car in their garage, only to find the garage become a home to clutter.

Garages tend to become the official catch-all of a home. When an item cannot be crammed into a hiding space elsewhere, it often ends up dumped into the garage, where it joins the long list of other abandoned items. It can be easy to let garages become a wasteland because everything put inside a garage is behind a closed door. That mess can quickly build up, and reclaiming your garage requires energy, time, organization, and a plan.

Organizing a garage will take some time. An entire weekend or two consecutive days may be necessary depending on the level of disarray. Taking everything out of the garage and going through the sorting process may take the most time. When sorting, separate any broken items, which can immediately be put at the curb for trash pick-up. Examine things that you have not used in some time. If you haven’t missed it, there’s a good chance that you

can discard the item or donate it.

Create separate piles for donations and trash.

Move the items that will be kept into a separate pile. After all of the trash and donations are removed from the premises, then you can look at what is remaining and begin planning out a more organized storage system.

There may be things in the “keep” pile that are simply out of place in the garage and may be better stored elsewhere. Think about which items can be moved to a basement or attic because of their infrequency of use, such as holiday decorations, suitcases, and collectibles. You may prefer to move lawn and garden items out of the garage and into a shed in the backyard.

After completing the sorting process, look at the garage as a blank space and measure out the room that you have. This will provide an empty canvas as a starting off point. To maximize the amount of space you have as a work area or a place to park your car, invest in as many tools as possible to utilize vertical space. Shelving, hooks and cabinetry will take things off of the floor, while storage units with doors can hide items that lack

aesthetic appeal. Rolling tool caddies and cabinets can keep all tools neat and in organized drawers so you’re never hunting and pecking for a tool again. A cabinet that has a lock and key can be utilized for dangerous chemicals that need to be kept out of the hands of children and away from pets. Think about how the garage will appear from the curb when the door is raised and create a design that will be functional and neat.

Take the opportunity while the garage is empty to give walls and floors a fresh coat of paint and improve the lighting in the garage. A brighter garage makes for a better work station.

For those who can use a little extra help, there are professional garage organization companies that can come in and install custom cabinetry and work surfaces.

This is an option if you desire a high-end garage.

When putting items back into the garage, label where everything is stored until you become accustomed to the new organization. This way you’ll be able to find everything easily.

Organizing a garage can be tedious, but the reward is ultimately worth the effort.

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14 - Spring Preview, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, March 2013

When renovating a home, many homeowners look to increase the home’s curb appeal. “Curb appeal” is a term used to describe how the home’s exterior appears to buyers the moment they pull up to the curb. A home that impresses prospective buyers before they even go inside is said to have a strong curb appeal, and that curb appeal can add significant value to a home.

Homeowners looking to improve the curb appeal of their home can do so in a variety of ways.

One often overlooked yet effective way to make a home’s exterior more appealing is to revamp the driveway. Driveways may not be high on a homeowner’s renovation totem pole, but a cracked or unsightly driveway can give prospective buyers the impression that a home has not been properly taken care of. When addressing a driveway, homeowners have a host of paving materials at their disposal.

Asphalt Asphalt is an affordable paving material, which likely plays a role in its popularity among homeowners. Asphalt is also easy to install and requires little maintenance, two additional benefits to homeowners who don’t have much time to install or look after their driveway. Asphalt is made from a combination of concrete, gravel and tar, and though it’s easy and affordable to install, asphalt, as any kid can tell you, can get awfully hot under the summer sun. Asphalt can also crack rather easily, so homeowners must weigh its immediate affordability against the likelihood that perhaps it will need to be replaced sooner than other materials.

Brick Brick is among the more expensive paving materials, as brick is a labor-intensive material to install. But brick allows homeowners to create distinctive patterns that can add quite a bit to a home’s curb appeal. Once installed, brick driveways don’t

No need to buy new – a simple update will do (BPT) – If you’re like most homeowners, you have several furniture and decor pieces around the house that have seen better days. And while the natural response is to throw away outdated items and buy something new, even lackluster home objects deserve a second chance. You can easily transform your trash into treasure with a little creativity and some elbow grease.

Follow these quick and easy makeover tips and before you know it, those worn out and uninspiring pieces will be looking great again.

Endless possibilities Because of its resilience, plastic is a popular choice both around the house and the yard.

From furniture, to kids’ toys, even coolers, plastic surfaces are everywhere. And although these pieces are inexpensive and durable, they often can look a little worse for wear after a few years of use.

Luckily, it’s easy to make over what you already have with the new Indoor/Outdoor Plastic Primer from Krylon. Plastic

Primer is made with Krylon’s innovative Fusion for Plastic paint technology to offer lasting durability and improved adhesion. Simply apply the primer to any outdated or lackluster plastic surface and then paint with any Krylon product you want, including one of the 85 colors in Krylon’s Indoor/Outdoor paint line. You’ll be able to truly customize any plastic surface to fit the theme you’re looking for.

Even if the object is brand new, sometimes improvements still need to be made. Plastic storage drawers and cabinets are the perfect example of something new – and yet still boring. They often come in clear or are limited to a few, select colors that never quite match your decor theme.

And unless you want to keep them hidden, re-painting is a must. By using Krylon’s Indoor/ Outdoor Plastic Primer, you can paint the drawers in any color to match the rest of the room. Now, those inexpensive storage units will look like real furniture you can show off.

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Spring Preview, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, March 2013 - 15

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transformation Do you have an old furniture piece that just doesn’t fit in with your decor? Chances are you do.

But instead of going through the hassle of getting rid of it, breathe new life into it and transform the piece into something completely new.

Take for example, an outdated or unsightly chest of drawers you may have hidden in the attic or in the corner of the room. Instead of hiding it – give it a new outlook on life. Simply sand it down and give it a fresh coat of paint that will coordinate with the rest of your room. Add a few embellishments, such as new knobs or paint accents and voila – you have a new nightstand or end table.

You can also use the same creativity to transform an old vanity into a chic desk or an armoire into a stylish potting bench and garden center on your patio.

Picture this Picture frames are a great way to display family portraits and your favorite memories while also adding a little style to a blank wall. Repurpose old frames you already have lying around the house to create a gallery wall with some pizzazz.

With a few coats of spray paint, you can take frames from mismatched to mesmerizing. Spruce them up a bit more by using patterned papers as mats. Instead of white or cream, use dramatic colors and bold prints. Simply cut an opening the size of the photo, and you’ll have an unexpected pop of style and color in your new photo gallery.

With a few simple and easy ideas, your outdated and boring pieces can find a new spot in your home, instead of on the curb.

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Increase storage possibilities ter. Compiled of modular racks and shelving, the positioning can be customized depending on the size of the closet. Oftentimes, the addition of shelving or another rack for hanging clothes can solve some storage issues.

These closet systems also are ideal for renters because they can be installed with minimal damage and be removed when a lease expires.

Homeowners may have to think vertically to solve storage solutions. Wall space may be abundant in a home where closets are not. Therefore, shelving and cabinets can be places to keep items neatly off the floor. A series of shelves can be installed next to a washing machine to keep laundry supplies organized. In children’s rooms, build bookcases the height of the room so children can store frequently used reading material and toys on the lower levels, and adults can put collectibles and mementos near the top. Hang hooks to hold hats and robes.

Whenever possible, look to store items on the walls where they will keep clutter off the floor.

Storage can even be created in the bathroom, where the space over the toilet can be used to

hang a cabinet to store hand towels and other toiletries if the space under the sink has already been claimed.

Many apartment dwellers recognize the advantage of having items that serve doubleduty in their living spaces. For example, a convertible sofa can be used for sitting and then turn into a bed for overnight guests. Ottomans that have a storage compartment can house anything from throw blankets to magazines. An armoire may house the television but also have a pull-out shelf that can hold a laptop computer.

In the kitchen, move food items out of cabinetry and into a “pantry” you create elsewhere in the house, such as a laundry room or garage. This frees up more room for pots and pans.

Cabinets that have pull-out shelving help maximize tight recesses of cabinets and keep things organized and in sight.

For those with limited cabinets, pots and pans can be hung from a pot rack suspended in the kitchen.

Even when there is a small amount of storage space, individuals can find clever ways to neatly store items.

Reducing energy usage is a good way to help the environment and save money along the way. Saving energy can be done in a variety of ways, many of which do not require significant effort can lead to significant savings.

• Stop using the dishwasher to dry the dishes. A dishwasher is a modern convenience few people feel they can live without.

While you don’t need to give up the dishwasher entirely to save money, it’s important to note that many dishwashers use more energy to dry the dishes than to wash them. If your dishwasher does not automatically dry the dishes, turn the knob to the off position once the dishes have been cleaned and open the door to allow the dishes to air dry.

• Go with a more traditional refrigerator-freezer combination.

Side-by-side refrigerator and freezer may be combinations may be more fashionable, but such units can use as much as 20 percent more energy than their traditional counterparts. If you must purchase a side-by-side unit, be sure to buy only those with an Energy Star label.

• Do laundry less frequently.

Whether you live in an apartment or a home, having an in-unit washer and dryer is a great con-

venience. But frequently doing small loads can be wasteful, as it takes roughly the same amount of energy to clean a small load of laundry as it does a full load.

Limit yourself to only full loads of laundry as much as possible.

• Do your drying all at once.

When using the dryer, try to dry one batch of clothes right after another. Many dryers require a significant amount of energy to heat up, but drying consecutive loads won’t require as much energy to get the dryer up to operating temperature as the dryer will need if you allow a significant amount of time to

pass between loads.

• Don’t go to extreme temperatures. Arriving home to a house that’s especially cold or warm inspires many people to turn their thermostats way up or down in an effort to heat or a cool the home more quickly.

This forces the unit to work harder and use more energy. Instead of taking such an extreme approach, invest in a heating or cooling system that allows you to set the temperature in advance so the temperature inside your home is pleasant when you walk through the door.

Simple ways to save energy

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16 - Spring Preview, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, March 2013

What homeowner has not lamented that they have many more belongings than they have storage space? In some homes, particularly in older homes, closet space and other areas to store items may be lacking.

Apartment dwellers often find they’re lacking in storage space as well. But savvy homeowners can find both permanent and temporary solutions to their home storage problems.

One of the easiest ways to create storage space is to simply remove some belongings from the residence. Go through closets around the house and pick through the attic and/or garage to see if there are any items that can be discarded or donated. Items that are broken can be discarded, while those things that still have utility can be donated or sold.

The next step is to maximize the space of your existing closets. Many closets are equipped with just a shelf and a clothing rack, greatly limiting the storage potential. Investing in a closet organization system is one way to transform a poorly utilized space. These systems can be purchased, often inexpensively, from a home improvement cen-

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Spring Preview, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, March 2013 - 17

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From golf to fishing troyer’s (BPT) – The word “vacation” means different things to different people. For some, it’s lounging poolside and sleeping until noon. Others, however, savor the opportunity to get outside, try some new activities and indulge in their favorite pastimes for days on end. If you’re one of the latter group, there are few better places to travel than right here in the United States.

Across the 50 states, there are countless opportunities to revel in natural beauty and explore new places, all while pursuing your favorite activities. But whether you envision yourself teeing up on a spectacular golf course or hiking through a rocky canyon, there are a few destinations among the pack that stand out as being the best.

As travel high season looms on the horizon, set your sights on these exceptional active travel destinations. All have opportunities for beginners to try their hand at a new activity, but they’ll also satisfy those who have long-established passions for their favorite pursuit.

Golf: Wisconsin Settled into the rolling landscape not far from Lake Michigan, The American Club resort in Kohler, Wisc., provides golfers with the vacation of their wildest dreams. The resort is home to Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run, championship golf courses that have been featured in Golf Digest’s 100

Greatest Rankings, one of the most respected rankings in the sport. The Straits course at Whistling Straits leads the way, coming in No. 2 among the 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses. Both Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run feature two 18-hole courses. For golfers, the opportunity to play courses that are host to major championships like the U. S. Women’s Open, The PGA Championship and the 2020 Ryder Cup, is an opportunity that can’t be passed by. The resort also features luxurious accommodations and amenities like spa treatments, fine dining and other seasonal activities, from horseback riding to archery.

Fly fishing: New York Reputed to be the birthplace of American dry-fly fishing, New York’s Catskills are still prime territory for anglers who love a bit of tradition – and a lot of brook, brown and rainbow trout. Quaint and charming Roscoe, N.Y., bills itself as “Trout Town USA” and the nearby Beaverkill River and Willewemoc Creek number in the ranks of the best streams in the country.

Canoeing: Minnesota The upper Midwest – predominantly Minnesota and Wisconsin – is famed for its canoeing opportunities, but in Minnesota’s far north, the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) is a true paddler’s paradise. With more than a million acres, 1,200

Rules of the road apply to cyclists, too Riding a bicycle is beneficial for many reasons. Not only does riding a bicycle reduce the number of cars on the road, but such an activity is also great exercise. However, when riding bicycles, cyclists must keep in mind that the rules of the road that apply to cars do also extend to bicycles.

In many areas of the country, bicycles are subject to the same rules as other two- and four-wheeled vehicles. That includes yielding to pedestrians and obeying signage. Other rules include: • riding on the correct side with traffic; • when turning, always using the turning lane; • obeying traffic signs, lights and road markings; and • using correct hand signals.

Not every cyclist obeys the rules. In many major cities, cyclists routinely ignore traffic lights while repeatedly failing to make proper hand signals. That’s especially disconcerting in cities like New York, where special bike lanes have become the norm on some of the city’s busiest streets.

Sharing the road safely remains a concern for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. If bicycle riders do their part to obey the rules of the road, fewer altercations and accidents may occur.

miles of canoe routes and 2,000 campsites, you can go as far as your paddle – and ambition – will take you. The fact that this is some of the most pristine wilderness in the United States is another draw for those who truly love to be immersed in the great outdoors.

White water rafting: Idaho With raging rivers and dramatic scenery, Idaho is the place to go when you want a wild ride. The state is home to Hells Canyon, the deepest canyon in the entire United States, and the best way to see it is a rafting excursion down the Snake River. You’ll go through thrilling rapids and still have enough smooth spots to get a good look at your surroundings. Idaho’s other star rafting attraction is the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, which boasts 100 frequent rapids over 100 miles.

Hiking: Utah Utah’s abundance of national parks and monuments speaks volumes about the beauty of its landscapes. The spectacular red rock formations, canyons and arches that are the calling cards of Utah’s parks draw adventurous visitors year after year.

Favorites include the Narrows at Zion National Park, Devil’s Garden at Arches National Park and the Needles district within Canyonlands National Park.

Whether it’s the best round of golf you’ve ever played or the most beautiful hike you’ve ever done, a great active vacation will pay you back in memories that will stay with you for a lifetime. For more information on active travel, from golf to fishing and beyond, visit www.AmericanClub.com.

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18 - Spring Preview, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, March 2013

America’s ultimate destinations for active travel

Kids can play safely when participating in sports The spring sports season is a popular time for school-aged children. After a few months of being cooped up indoors, many kids are ready to spend time in the fresh air. Organized team sports are one way they can burn energy and learn lessons in camaraderie and problemsolving.

Spring sports season presents a host of opportunities for athletic youngsters. But the secret to a successful season has little to do with wins and losses and a lot to do with making sure children have fun and take the necessary precautions to reduce their risk of injury on the playing field.

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, nearly 40 million children and adolescents participate in organized sports across North America each year. Although sports are an ideal way to socialize and get much-needed exercise, they also can increase participants’ risk of suffering a sports-related injury.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that millions of children age 15 and under are treated in hospital emergency rooms for sports-related injuries every year. Some of the more common injuries include sprains and strains, growth plate injuries, repetitive motion injuries, and heat-related illness.

Certain sports go hand-inhand with the spring season.

Here is a look at some popular spring sports and how to reduce a child’s risk of suffering some of the more common injuries associated with those sports.

Baseball/Softball The start of the spring season coincides with the commencement of the professional baseball season. Therefore, many schools and towns have baseball and softball leagues that also begin once the weather warms up.

Baseball and softball are popular sports. However, each sport involves sliding, running, fastmoving balls, and long hours out in the elements. Each of these activities can cause injury, and some of the more common injuries associated with baseball and softball include soft tissue strains, fractures after being hit by a ball, sunburn and heat fatigue.

Children who are playing baseball or softball should always wear the recommended safety equipment. This includes a batting helmet, shin guards, athletic supporters, sunscreen, mouth guards, and eye protection. Proper stretching and warm-ups can make muscles and tendons limber before play.

Soccer Soccer has long been a popular sport around the world, and interest in the sport has grown considerably in the United States. Soccer is ideal for developing hand-eye coordination.

The constant running involved also makes it one of the best spring sports for kids in terms of overall exercise.

Due to the constant movement involved with soccer, players should regularly rehydrate.

Shin guards can prevent injuries and bruising to the legs, while wearing sunscreen will protect kids from sun exposure.

Track and Field Some athletes excel in track and field. Although less combative than other sports discussed and with little or no risk of contact-related injury, there are still some dangers inherent to track and field. Strains and sprains from falls or rolling ankles are common.

Safety precautions for track and field competitors revolve heavily around the athlete’s conditioning. Allow for ample warm-up periods and make sure athletes always wear supportive footwear. Players should always consume a good deal of water or other fluids to remain hydrated, and take sufficient breaks when the weather is warm.

Spring sports are popular for children of all ages. When the weather warms, the desire to get out on the field and engage in play increases. Adults can safeguard their children by ensuring the rules of the game are met and that the proper safety equipment is always used.

Spring Preview, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, March 2013 - 19

Create the perfect sleep environment (BPT) – Everyone, including moms and doctors, can agree that a good night of sleep is necessary for good health, high energy, and an individual’s overall well-being. Not getting enough good sleep – or rapid eye movement sleep – can affect the mind and body’s ability to react appropriately to outside factors, the National Sleep Foundation reports.

Creating the perfect sleep environment is the first step toward ensuring a good night of sleep.

March, the first month of spring, is also National Sleep Awareness Month, and it aims to remind everyone why a good night of zzz’s is so important.

One in four adults in the United States experience occasional sleepiness, difficulty falling asleep, or waking up feeling un-refreshed at least a few times per week, according to the National Sleep Foundation.

Fortunately, you can implement these tips this spring, and create a comfortable sleeping environment in your home for both you and your family.

• Eliminate distractions – Electronics. Noises.

Lights. Many items, such as laptops, TVs and cellphones, commonly found in bedrooms can cause distractions and prevent a person from entering REM sleep. Remove these items from the room. Also, consider running a fan or white noise machine to create a soft sound barrier, which will help muffle unexpected sounds like a person flush-

ing the toilet or an engine rumbling loudly on the street outside.

• Establish comfort – Creating a sleep-conducive environment is an important factor in making the most out of every minute you sleep. Cuddle up each night with soft linens and create a calming atmosphere in the bedroom. To do this, try adding Downy Infusions Lavender Serenity liquid fabric softener when washing your sheets and sleepwear this season, to make your linens and sleepwear silky, soft and soothing. It will help lull you right into bed.

With Downy you can wake up to a great scent and start the day off on the right side of the bed.

• Be routine – The human body reacts favorably to familiar and repeated movements. So consider following a routine every night, whether it’s taking a warm bath, reading a chapter in a book or journaling. The National Sleep Foundation advises against watching TV or using electronics as part of this routine because electronics can hinder quality sleep.

• Stay active – Sleep is needed to give the body energy to get through its daily activities. Conversely, daily activities are needed to tire the body out for a good night of sleep. Consider adding physical activities into your daily schedule so you can settle into bed between the covers each night, tired and ready for a good night of sleep.

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Exercise is an essential element of a healthy lifestyle.

When coupled with a healthy diet, exercise puts men and women on a path toward optimal health while reducing risk for a host of ailments, some of which can be deadly.

But many people find they simply don’t have the time to exercise regularly. Commitments to career and family can be demanding and time-consuming, and exercise is often a casualty of a hectic schedule.

Though getting to the gym every day or even making use of exercise equipment at home on a daily basis may not be feasible, that doesn’t mean people still can’t find ways to incorporate a little exercise into their daily routines. The following are a few simple ways to fit more exercise into your day no matter how busy you may be.

• Avoid the elevator, and attack the stairs. The elevator may be inviting, but it’s also somewhat of an enabler. Instead of taking the elevator up to your office each day, take the stairs,

and take them with more gusto than you’re used to. Rather than taking one step at a time, take the stairs two by two, lifting your legs high as you scale each pair of steps. This helps build your leg muscles and makes the daily climb up the staircase a little more strenuous.

• Turn TV time into treadmill time. Watching a little television at night is how many people relax and unwind, but it can be a great time to squeeze in some daily exercise as well.

Opinions as to what’s the best time of day to exercise vary, and no definitive study exists to suggest one time of day is better than another. People who like to relax with a little television time at night should make the most of that time by hitting the treadmill, elliptical machine or exercise bike instead of just plopping down on the couch.

Add a television to your home’s exercise room or purchase a gym membership where the cardiovascular machines are connected to televisions. You will still get to enjoy your favor-

ite shows while simultaneously getting the benefit of exercise.

• Park far away when shopping. It’s tempting and almost human nature to hunt for the parking spot closest to the door when shopping at the mall or even the grocery store. But for those who want to include more exercise in their daily routines, parking far away from the entrance to your favorite store is a great way to incorporate more walking into your life.

Walking is a simple yet effective cardiovascular exercise, one that the Mayo Clinic notes can lower your blood pressure and manage your weight while lowering your low-density lipoprotein, which is commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol.

In fact, research has indicated that regular, brisk walking can be just as effective at lowering a person’s risk of heart attack as more vigorous exercise, including jogging. When parking far away from the entrance, just make sure you park in a well-lit area where others can easily see or hear you.

Poison prevention starts at home (BPT) – It’s a serious problem with a simple solution.

Nearly 1 million children under the age of 5 are exposed to potentially poisonous medicines and household chemicals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There is no better time than now to learn more about preventing accidental and unintentional poisonings.

“Parents know to keep household cleaners and other chemicals out of a child’s reach, but in my experience as a pharmacist, I’ve seen that they don’t always think about prescriptions, overthe-counter medications and vitamins,” says Paul Reyes, Express Scripts pharmacist and host of Ask the Pharmacist radio series.

The CDC reports that more than 60,000 young children end up in the emergency room each year from wrongly ingesting medicines; but it’s not only parents who need to be aware of the risks. Many of these incidents occur outside of the child’s home. In fact, in 23 percent of the cases in which a child under 5 mistakenly ingests an oral prescription drug, the medication belonged to someone who did not live with the child.

“Medications can keep us healthy, but can be extremely dangerous if taken by the wrong person or in the wrong amount,” says Reyes. “Add in a child’s

insatiable curiosity, and you have the ingredients for a very serious and dangerous situation.”

Reyes offers these tips for preventing accidental and unintentional poisonings, and what to do if you suspect your child or teen has ingested a potentially poisonous substance: • Be cautious of colors: Medications are colorful and attractive to children, and can be mistaken for candy. For example, Tums look like SweeTarts, and Advil and Ecotrin resemble Skittles or M&M’s.

Parents should not encourage children to take their medicine by comparing it to candy, as this may lead to improper use.

• Lock it up: Don’t leave your next dose out on the counter where a child can reach it. Lock up all medicines and vitamins in a cool, dry place.

Tightly secure caps and keep medicines in their original labeled containers so if there is an emergency, you can tell medical personnel exactly what the child ingested.

• When not to share: Be sure to remind children that they should never share their medication. When playing “doctor,” friends and younger siblings of those taking a medication are often the recipients; this can lead to accidental poisoning.

• Know your numbers: If

the child has collapsed or is not breathing, dial 911 immediately. If the child is awake and alert, call the Poison Hotline at 800-222-1222 and follow the operator’s instructions. If possible, have available the victim’s age and weight, the container or bottle of the poison, the time of the poison exposure and the address where the poisoning occurred.

• Know the signs: Reactions to ingested medications or household products may vary.

Look for signs such as vomiting, drowsiness and any residue odor in the child’s mouth and teeth. But know that some products cause no immediate symptoms, so if you suspect that your child has ingested a potentially hazardous substance, call the poison hotline immediately.

• Keep calm: It’s important to remain calm so you can effectively communicate with emergency personnel. If the child ingested medicine, do not give anything to the child by mouth until advised by the poison control center. If chemicals or household products have been swallowed, call the poison control center immediately or follow the first aid instructions on the label.

For more information and additional tips on preventing prescription drug abuse at home, visit lab.express-scripts. com.

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20 - Spring Preview, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, March 2013

Exercising outside the box

Health benefits of caffeine could outweigh negatives The pitfalls of caffeine consumption are well known, but the various health benefits of caffeine are often overlooked. Excessive caffeine can make a person jittery and unable to fall asleep. However, caffeine can also prevent disease by boosting the immune system.

Caffeine is a bitter, white crystalline xanthine alkaloid that acts as a psychoactive stimulant drug. It is a naturally produced plant product that is most often found in coffee beans, tea and cocoa. Whether caffeine addiction is real or not is open for debate; however, regular coffee drinkers who stop drinking coffee have experienced caffeine withdrawal symptoms. In the last 60 years, researchers have conducted thousands of studies on caffeine and they’re continuing to study whether or not it’s addictive.

Though few might be willing to say with certainty that caffeine is “good” for you, caffeine does have its strong points.

• Fights damage-causing free radicals: Free radicals are molecules in the body that can attack healthy cells and cause damage that precipitates disease.

Antioxidants are substances that eliminate free radicals in the body.

Recent studies have shown that caffeine’s antioxidant activity actually fights free radicals quite well. In a study published in The Journal of Physical Chemistry B, the different chemical mechanisms of caffeine were studied in relation to free radicals. Researcher Jorge

Rafael Leon-Carmona of Mexico found that a mechanism called radical adduct formation, or RAF, was the main reason caffeine can protect against damage from free radicals.

• Improves memory and brain function: Harvard University researchers have determined that men who drink four cups of caffeinated coffee a day are half as likely to develop Parkinson’s disease as those who don’t. The results are believed to be linked to caffeine’s stimulation of dopamine production in the body. Dopamine is a brain chemical that is responsible for alertness, problem-solving capabilities and feelings of pleasure. An Austrian study says caffeine can boost cognitive abilities for about 45 minutes, which means it may help individuals score better on tests or perform better in business meetings. There is also evidence that caffeine can delay or prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. That’s because caffeine can block adenosine receptors in the brain. Adenosine slows down the neurological system so that the body can relax. However, adenosine may also contribute to the buildup of amyloid-beta, a toxic brain plaque that’s associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

• Helps the heart: Although caffeine can cause blood pressure to rise because it constricts the arteries, caffeine does not appear to contribute much to the development of heart disease. In fact,

scientists at Brooklyn College found people who drank four cups of caffeinated coffee daily had a 53 percent lower risk of dying of heart disease than those who didn’t consume a cup of Joe. Individuals who do not already have hypertension can tolerate moderate coffee drinking, and over time their bodies actually may become accustomed to the temporary rise in blood pressure.

• Aids with type 2 diabetes risk reduction: More than 125,000 participants were studied in a 20year look at coffee consumption and its potential relationship to type 2 diabetes. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health and Brigham & Women’s Hospital have found individuals who drank caffeinated coffee lowered their risk for type 2 diabetes considerably. Men saw a 50 percent reduced risk, and women saw their risk reduced by 30.

• Alleviates headaches: Caffeine is often a hidden component of analgesics. Working in conjunction with the pain medication, caffeine helps the body absorb the pain reliever more efficiently. This requires a smaller amount of the drug and brings relief faster. Some other people surmise that since caffeine is a natural mood booster, it also helps the body to feel better faster. Following this line of thinking, caffeine may help to prevent other pain associated with exercise, fibromyalgia and arthritis.

New techs offer hope for treating tinnitus Spring Preview, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, March 2013 - 21

(BPT) – If you experience a constant ringing in your ears that’s bothersome at best and debilitating at worst, you are far from alone. Tinnitus affects roughly one in five Americans and about 16 million people have serious tinnitus that requires medical attention. It’s also the most common disability for military veterans, since it can be caused by extended exposure to loud noise.

While tinnitus is a common condition, it’s one that can affect each person differently. While the general description involves a ringing in the ears audible only to the person with tinnitus, sufferers also report hearing a hissing, buzzing, whistling, roaring or chirping sound. It also varies in severity – merely an unwelcome distraction for some but completely debilitating for others.

Those who have tinnitus often report trouble sleeping, an inability to concentrate or complete tasks and changes in cognitive ability. If left untreated, tinnitus can lead to extreme stress for sufferers, and can present challenges both at work and at home.

No cure, but treatment available Tinnitus is often related to hearing loss, although it can also be associated with earwax, head injuries, medications and other conditions. Much like hearing loss, there’s no known cure for tinnitus, but there are treatments available.

Counseling and sound therapy are often used to provide relief for those with tinnitus, and the hearing

aid industry has also recently developed products than can help alleviate the problems caused by tinnitus. For example, Xino Tinnitus from Starkey is an innovative, nearly invisible, behind-the-ear device that provides relief for tinnitus sufferers.

The device has adjustable features designed to allow the wearer to experience a maximum level of relief, including volume and memory controls that can be controlled with the touch of a finger. The device can help offset the irritating sounds and thus many of the problems caused by tinnitus. This device can also be used as a hearing aid for tinnitus sufferers who also have a hearing loss and could benefit from amplification. More information can be found at www.starkey.com.

What to do if you think you have tinnitus Tinnitus is a condition that can often be treated by a hearing care professional, although certain conditions might require medical treatment from a physician or ENT. A specialist can help you develop a treatment plan and determine if a tinnitus treatment device can help alleviate your symptoms.

If you’re suffering from tinnitus, the time to get help is now. While there is no cure for tinnitus, the right treatment methods can help you manage your condition and prevent it from reaching a debilitating level. Visit www.tinnitushearing.com to learn more about this condition and find a hearing care professional near you.

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A healthy diet plays a significant role in a person’s overall health. Without a healthy diet, men and women are more susceptible to disease and other potentially harmful ailments.

But when many people think of a healthy diet, a lack of flavor is often one of the first things to come to mind. That’s a common misconception, as a diet that’s healthy and full of nutrients can simultaneously be flavorful. In fact, it’s easy to enjoy many of your favorite dishes in a way that makes them much healthier. Oftentimes, a few minor alterations to a recipe is all it takes to turn the dish from high-risk to healthy.

• Trim the fat. No one wants to eat fat, but fat isn’t entirely bad for you. Fat can help your body absorb vitamins A, D, E and K, and replacing fat with something like carbohydrates decreases how much these valuable vitamins are absorbed. In addition, dietary fat releases chemicals in the brain that make you feel full, reducing the likelihood that you will overeat.

Those are just a few of the benefits of dietary fat, which is an essential element of a healthy diet. But overconsumption of

dietary fat can be dangerous, and many people simply need to trim some fat from their diets.

One way to do that is to reduce how much butter, shortening or oil you use when cooking. For some recipes, you may be able to cut suggested portions of such ingredients by half without replacing them; however, for others, especially those for baked goods, these items may have to be replaced. In the case of the latter, find a suggested alternative to high-fat items, and only use half of the high-fat item listed in the original recipe.

Chances are you won’t taste the difference, but your body will be better for it.

• Substitute healthier fare.

Substituting items is another way to turn a favorite dish into a healthier dish without altering the flavor dramatically, if at all.

For example, instead of cooking with enriched pasta, purchase whole-wheat or whole-grain pastas, which are higher in fiber and lower in calories. If a recipe calls for using milk, choose fatfree milk instead of whole milk.

Doing so reduces your fat intake by nearly 8 grams per cup.

Recipes can even be made healthier by simply cutting back

on the main dish and adding more vegetables. Instead of using the recommended amount of meat or chicken, scale back and make up for it with additional vegetables, which reduces your caloric and fat intake while adding more vitamins and minerals to your diet.

• Change your methods.

Certain cooking techniques are healthier than others. Frying foods or cooking with fat, oil or salt is not the healthiest way to prepare a meal. Some of your favorite dishes that call for frying or cooking in oil can be just as flavorful if you opt for healthier methods like braising, broiling, grilling, or steaming.

When recipes call for basting foods in oil or drippings, forgo these unhealthy options and baste foods in vegetable juice or fat-free broth instead.

What you use to cook can also be healthy or unhealthy.

Nonstick cookware won’t require you to use oil or butter to keep foods from sticking to the pan. This reduces the amount of fat and calories you will consume, and you likely won’t notice a difference with regards to flavor.

Proactive ways to reduce your risk of developing cancer

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be a devastating moment in a person’s life. While many cancers are treatable, a cancer diagnosis is still a life-changing moment that leaves many people asking themselves if there was something they could have done to prevent getting cancer.

It’s easy to take a reactionary approach to a cancer diagnosis, but many people might not know they can take a proactive approach to reduce their risk of developing cancer in the first place. Though the following tips can’t guarantee you will never receive a cancer diagnosis, they can help you reduce that risk considerably.

• Maintain a healthy weight. Numerous studies have indicated that being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing certain cancers.

Uterine, breast, prostate and colorectal cancers have all been linked to being overweight or obese.

Speak to your physician about a plan to help you lose weight and then maintain that weight. Your doctor should be able to provide insight on nutrition and how you should approach exercise if it’s been awhile since exercise was a part of your daily routine.

• Avoid tobacco or quit smoking. Cigarette smoking is responsible for a majority of cases of lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Smoking causes about 90 percent of lung cancer deaths in men and roughly 80 percent of lung cancer deaths in women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Men who smoke are nearly 23 times more likely to develop lung cancer than men who don’t, while women who smoke are 13 times more likely to develop lung cancer than women who avoid smoking tobacco. Smoking

also increases a person’s risk of developing other cancers, including cancer of the larynx, mouth and throat, kidney, esophagus, bladder, and pancreas.

Smokers who quit smoking will see their cancer risk reduce dramatically the longer they go without smoking.

• Steer clear of secondhand smoke. Even if you don’t smoke you might be putting yourself at risk if you allow others around you to smoke in your presence. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, exposure to secondhand smoke can increase a person’s risk of developing lung cancer by as much as 30 percent.

That’s because the concentration of many toxic and cancer-causing chemicals is higher in secondhand smoke than the smoke inhaled by smokers.

• Reduce alcohol consumption. A 2007 study from the World Health Organization revealed that daily consumption of 50 grams of alcohol, or about 1.8 ounces, doubles or triples a person’s risk of developing mouth, voice box or throat cancers.

In addition, many studies have linked alcohol consumption to a heightened risk of primary liver cancer and an increased risk of breast cancer. Also, a variety of studies have linked alcohol consumption to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

• Take precautionary measures when spending time in the sun. Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays has been linked to skin cancer, which is the most common form of cancer in the United States. When spending time in the sun, always apply adequate sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor, or SPF, of 15. In addition, wear appropriate clothing, including sunglasses, and seek out shaded areas when spending a significant amount of time in the sun.

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22 - Spring Preview, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, March 2013

Make your favorite recipes healthier

Frequent spring allergy questions answered Frequent spring allergy questio(BPT) – Spring is in the air – and that means pollen, mold spores and other airborne allergens are going to bring on sneezing and wheezing for an estimated 40 to 50 million Americans.

The spring season can be especially bothersome with so much conflicting information on how to find relief. To help you better understand spring allergies and combat symptoms this sneezing season, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), has answered some of the most frequently asked questions.

1. Why does it seem like more and more people have spring allergies?

This is likely due to increased awareness and more people taking the steps to being properly tested and diagnosed. According to a recent study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, pollen counts are gradually increasing every year, which can cause heightened symptoms.

2. Do spring allergy symptoms only last during the spring months?

The length of the season can

help determine the severity of symptoms. For many areas of the country, spring allergies begin in February and last until the early summer. Mild winter temperatures can cause plants to pollenate early. A rainy spring can also promote rapid plant growth and lead to an increase in mold, causing symptoms to last well into the fall months. Allergists recommend starting medications to alleviate symptoms two weeks before they begin. If you have a history of prior seasonal problems, start your medication at the first sign of any symptoms.

3. Will eating local honey cure allergies?

A common myth is that eating a spoonful of local honey a day can build allergy immunity. The idea is that bees pick up pollen spores from flowers, transfer them to their honey and help you better tolerate pollen. Seasonal allergies are usually triggered by windborne pollen, not pollen spread by insects. There is no scientific evidence that honey will provide any benefit or reduce allergy symptoms. Your best bet?

Talk to your allergist about ways to avoid allergy triggers, the best

Are expired medications safe?

Spring Preview, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, March 2013 - 23

It is 2 a.m. and that cough and stuffy nose you have been battling is still keeping you up. You reach for the nighttime cold relief medicine only to find it expired a few months ago. If you take a dose to ease your symptoms, will you be putting yourself at risk?

This situation is a relatively common occurrence. Many medicine cabinets are stocked with over-the-counter drugs as well as prescription medications that may be past their expiration dates. It is a good idea to routinely discard expired medicines, but if you happen to take a drug that has passed its expiration date, you will most likely suffer no ill effects.

According to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide, the expiration date on a medicine is not the dates when a drug becomes hazardous. Rather, it marks the period of time after which a drug company can no longer guarantee the efficacy of the medication.

Since 1979, drug manufacturers selling medications in the United States have been required by the Food and Drug Administration to stamp an expiration date on their products. This is the date until which the manufacturer can still guarantee full potency of the drug.

Expiration dates also may be a marketing ploy. Francis Flaherty, a retired FDA pharmacist, has said drug manufacturers put expiration dates on products for marketing

purposes rather than scientific reasons. It doesn’t make financial sense to a company to have products on the shelves for years. Therefore, most drug manufacturers will not do long-term testing on products to confirm if they will be effective 10 to 15 years after manufacture.

The U.S. military has conducted their own studies with the help of the FDA. FDA researchers tested more than 100 over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Around 90 percent were proven to still be effective long past the expiration date – some for more than 10 years. Drugs that are stored in cool, dark places have a better chance of lasting because the fillers used in the product will not separate or start to break down as they might in a warm, humid environment. Storing medicines in the refrigerator can prolong their shelf life.

Although a pharmacist cannot legally advise consumers to use medication past an expiration date, most over-the-counter pain relievers and drugs in pill form should still be fine. Certain liquid antibiotics and drugs made up of organic materials can expire faster than others. For those who still want to err on the safe side, routinely clean out medications from cabinets once they expire. However, if an expired medication is taken by mistake, there’s little need to worry about potentially adverse effects.

medications to treat symptoms and whether immunotherapy (allergy shots) could be beneficial.

4. Is there such a thing as spring asthma?

Allergies and asthma are often worse during different times of the year due to environmental allergens. An estimated 75 to 85 percent of asthma patients have allergies. These allergic responses in the lung can lead to symptoms of asthma. If you have spring allergies, this can be why you have more asthma symptoms during the season. Those that believe they may have symptoms of nasal

allergy or asthma can find a free screening program in their area by visiting www.acaai.org/nasp.

5. Can you suddenly develop seasonal allergies in adulthood?

Yes. Although allergies are common in children, they can occur at any time and any age.

Sometimes allergies go away, but they also can come back years later. If you suspect you have an allergy, you should keep track of your symptoms with MyNasalAllergyJournal.org and see an allergist to find relief.

“By understanding what aller-

gens trigger your symptoms and how to avoid them, you can find relief from spring allergies this season,” says Dr. Richard Weber, an allergist and ACAAI president.

“An allergist can help you find the source of your suffering and stop it, not just treat the symptoms.”

Allergies and asthma are serious diseases during every season of the year and that’s nothing to sneeze at. Misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment can be dangerous. To learn more about these conditions, and locate an allergist in your area, visit www.

AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org.

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