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Making a family move easier Whether or not to relocate can be a difficult decision. Sometimes such decisions are borne out of necessity when a parent is relocated by his or her company. Other times it is a personal reason to try out a new neighborhood or upgrade to a larger home. Date from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates a stable annual rate of moving hovering at around 12 percent of the population since 2008.

Whatever reason is behind a move, it can take some time to adjust to both the idea of moving and the new living space — especially for children who may seem disconnected from the decision. The following tips can make the transition a little easier for families.

Talk about it

Do not blindside children with a move.

Begin having conversations as a family as soon as the possibility of moving arises. Involve the children in some of the decisions. Ask about the features they want to see in their new home. Explain that people, be it prospective buyers, real estate agents or movers, will be visiting your current home and that this may be a little disruptive. Talk about the reasons

for the move, such as a new job or that the family has outgrown the space. Kids can process much more than many adults give them credit for.

Discuss any concerns

Children may have concerns about the move that differ from adults’. Many of these may pertain to fears about making new friends or coursework at a new school. Let them voice their opinions.

Removing some of the mysteries by visiting schools or local hangouts before the move is made can assuage some fears.

Create some familiarity

Set aside boxes or bins that will house kids’ toys or things that the family recognizes. These may include photographs, games, throw blankets, or the creature comforts of home. Make these the first items that are unpacked upon moving into the new house.

Use the agent as a resource

Many real estate agents live in the towns where they make their living. Find out if the agent can set up a meet-and-greet or

if he or she knows of any clubs or leagues that suit your family’s interests. Making a few introductions ahead of time will give children and adults some familiar faces on their first days in their new home.

Families shouldn’t shy away from making their own introductions as well. Knocking on a few neighbors’ doors and letting them know a new family is coming to the street can pave the way for familiarity and friendships.

Stay in touch

Encourage children to stay in touch with their current friends. Video chat enables kids to see and speak with peers. When things settle after the move, arrange for a surprise play date where children can introduce their old friends to newer ones.

Stick to a routine

One of the ways to breed familiarity is to stick to the same routine. If a big Sunday family dinner was the norm, continue the tradition in your new home. Wake in the morning and go to bed at the same time. According to Vanessa Lapointe, a registered psychologist in Surrey, British Columbia, structure and routine are key

for children. Try to focus on one new thing at a time to minimize stress.

Moving can be exciting and scary at the same time. Children may be anxious about the process, but families can work together to iron out the kinks and settle into their news homes successfully.

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BEAUTY AND UTILITY:

Designing a functional, stylish home (BPT) - Spring is a time of renewal and home improvement. More and more, homeowners are looking for maximum practicality and durability from everything in their home. They won't, however, sacrifice style and aesthetic to achieve it. Fortunately, home products continue to advance, be it waterproof technologies or scuff-proof surface finishes, all while maintaining the on-trend style and beautiful details design-savvy homeowners seek.

Scuff and scratch resistant baseboards

Form and function of flooring

Countertops are another design centerpiece of the home, and beautiful products abound. Quartz brings the look of stone and the variation of granite, with less maintenance. Butcher block counters are on-trend, add warmth and dimension, and are easy to repair. A good varnish helps maintain the wood and prevent staining.

The most impactful way to refresh the home is starting from the ground up with flooring. Many homeowners are drawn to the beauty of wood floors, but worry about spills or kids and pets tracking messes through the house. Retailers like Lumber Liquidators offer an array of waterproof and water resistant flooring styles. Lumber Liquidators' new Dream Home Ultra X2O laminate comes in a variety of styles and a wide color spectrum, and X2O has twice the water resistance of standard laminate flooring.

Adding baseboards and moldings to walls creates a rich and custom look. However, these finishes are often the first to show the wear and tear of high traffic areas.

Baseboards treated with a high gloss, washable and stain-resistant paint are better able to withstand abuse, and they come clean with just a little soap in water.

Busy and beautiful kitchen countertops

Wallpaper makes a comeback

Wallpaper has seen a resurgence in design circles, with detailed patterns and bold prints that can bring whimsy to spaces. Many homeowners experiment with a bold pattern in a smaller space, like a powder room, but

worry about the suitability of wallpaper for rooms where moisture is common. More brands carry water-resistant wall covering materials. Vinyl wallpaper works best in bathrooms and kitchens that are prone to stains and water.

When homeowners see a look they love on Pinterest or in a design magazine, there's likely a product or material to help them achieve it while protecting their investment.

4 • Saturday, April 22, 2017

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ANTIQUES

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DOWNTOWN

BY LINDA AGEE You probably won’t find any Pokemons in downtown Shawnee’s antique stores, but you will definitely find treasures. You are limited only by your desire and imagination. You will find an eclectic assortment of furniture, glassware, artwork, toys, jewelry and literally thousands of other unique items you will never find in a department store.

Who doesn’t enjoy the mystique of a treasure hunt? Wasn’t it only recently that hordes of people throughout the country were frantically searching all hours of the day and night for “Pokemons”?

You can start out perusing the quality antique merchandise at Kathy’s Past and Present at 14 E. Main and work your way east. Right next door at 16 E. Main is the Fifth Element where you just might see yourself owning one of the beautiful crystal balls for sale. Your next stop to the east would be Reeve’s Antiques at 207 E. Main and then right across the street is Oklahoma Territorial Antiques where the history of the building is as colorful as the merchandise. Because of railway service provided by the Choctaw Coal and Railway Company beginning in 1895, John F. Leap built the building in 1903 to open a Feed and Seed business.

At this point, you might be ready for lunch. If so, you have lots of options downtown. You can enjoy a full meal in a relaxed downhome atmosphere or grab a burger, hot dog, or variety of soups, unique sandwiches, and desserts. A couple of restaurants even serve breakfast all day.

On the far, east side of town at 723 E. Main, you will find one of the newest and largest antique stores in downtown Shawnee. Formerly known as “Green’s Corner” for years, the store is now open under new ownership. The sign still bears the original name, but is also known as “Down the Rabbit Hole Antiques”.

Here you can “shop ‘til you drop” and still not see everything.

If you like antiques and would enjoy a relaxing day of shopping, eating, and sightseeing by yourself or with a friend, rediscover charming, historic downtown Shawnee.

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SENIORS AND EXERCISE:

Tips to avoid injuries, get healthy get more physically active should first consult with their physicians before beginning an exercise regimen. Certain medications may limit just how far seniors can push themselves, while preexisting conditions may make specific types of exercise off limits. After discussing their limitations with their physicians and developing a safe exercise routine, seniors can heed the following tips to avoid injury but still get healthy.

Exercise is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. Daily exercise can improve mood, promote an active lifestyle and reduce a person's risk for a host of ailments, including diabetes and heart disease.

Despite the importance of exercise, many people live sedentary lifestyles into their golden years. Seniors who want to embrace a healthier way of life and

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Pick a partner. Whether it's a spouse or a friend who is physically active or wants to be, try exercising with a partner, at least initially. Doing so can provide the motivation you need and partners can serve as safety nets should you need assistance completing an exercise or suffer an injury and require medical attention. Personal trainers can serve as your partner, and many gyms offer discounts to seniors on personal

training services.

Start slowly. Seniors who have not been physically active for some time should take a gradual approach to exercise. Instead of heading right for the treadmill, exercise bike or elliptical machine, start walking every day. When it rains, find a treadmill you can walk on.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends seniors begin by determining how many steps they can take in a day and then gradually working toward 10,000 to 15,000 steps per day. Utilize step counting apps on your smartphone to track your progress. Apply the same slow approach to strength training exercises, lifting only very light weights at first before gradually increasing weight as your body acclimates to the exercises.

time are inflexible, and lack of flexibility increases your risk for injury. The AAOS recommends that seniors warm up their bodies before stretching with five to 10 minutes of low-intensity activity such as walking. Then stretch gently, remembering to relax and breathe during each stretch.

Switch things up. When strength

training, do not work the same muscle group two days in a row. Muscles need time to recover. If you prefer circuit strength training where you exercise various muscle groups in one day, do not strength train on back-to-back days, leaving at least one day in between strength training sessions so muscles have ample time to recover. HM171742

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6 • Saturday, April 22, 2017

3 WAYS to quickly and economically SAVE BIG BUCKS on home heating and cooling costs

(BPT) - What would you rather do: Pay your utility bill or take a much-deserved vacation? With an endless stream of bills each month, you might wonder where you can find the money to jet off to the beach or mountain resort of your dreams.

Read on for the solution.

The average U.S. household spends more than $2,200 yearly on energy bills, with about half of that for heating and

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cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). As a large portion of that energy is wasted, making your home more energy efficient will pay big dividends.

With only a couple weekends of work, these three simple low-cost DIY projects can significantly reduce your home heating and cooling costs, freeing up money year after year so you can take vacations or do other fun activities. Best of all, the three actions work together to not only reduce your utility bills, but to make your home more comfortable year-round.

1. Add insulation

Chances are your home lacks sufficient insulation, despite when it was built. Some 90 percent of U.S. homes are under-insulated, reports the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA). Fortunately, adding

insulation is simple, with products readily available at your local home improvement store.

One of the most cost-effective and easiest types of insulation to work with is expanded polystyrene (EPS) rigid foam boards. EPS panels are simple to cut to size without creating a mess, are recyclable and can be installed throughout your home, including in walls, floors, ceilings and foundation walls. A similar material, graphite polystyrene (GPS), also is easy to work with, and provides even higher insulating power, according to manufacturers. One of the EPS and GPS brands available at home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowe's is R-Tech insulation from Insulfoam.

"R-Tech EPS and GPS insulations offer some of the highest insulating power per dollar," says Michael McAuley, Insulfoam general manager.

2. Seal air leaks

While inadequate insulation allows heat to pass out of your home in winter or to come in during summer, another path for energy loss is air leaks. Insulating your home and sealing air leaks can save you up to 20 percent on home heating and cooling costs, notes the DOE. Common

places to look for leaks include attic access hatches, around windows and doors and in crawl spaces. Readily available weather stripping, caulks and spray foams can help keep your home airtight.

For step-by-step instructions, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's "DIY Guide to Sealing and Insulating with ENERGY STAR."

3. Install a programmable thermostat

With your newly insulated and sealed home, a third step you can take to cut energy bills is to install a programmable thermostat. Today's sophisticated thermostats enable you to better manage your furnace when you'll be away from home at work or to lower the setting when you're already in your warm bed.

Either way, automatically turning down the heat can save you up to $180 every year in energy costs, says the DOE. That's enough for a one-night hotel stay or a fancy dinner out.

These three utility bill-busting tips are within the skill set of many homeowners, but if you want a little extra help, hiring a contractor is also cost effective, as these are not large projects.

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Saturday, April 22, 2017 • 7

THESE INSECTS CAN HARM YOUR HOME Homeowners looking to prevent their homes from becoming a meal or nesting site for potentially harmful insects may know to keep watch for termites during the year. But termites aren't the only insects that can damage a home. There are a few other pests that can bore through the wood of homes and structures, potentially causing considerable damage. People can familiarize themselves with these other wood-boring bugs and recognize the signs of infestation.

Carpenter ants: These insects get their name because they prefer to nest above ground in wooden structures. Unlike their smaller ant cousins, who make intricate colony systems underground, larger carpenter ants prefer tree stumps, lumber, subfloors, or even roofs. They don't use the wood for food, and can establish residence in just about any solid housing material, including rigid foam insulation.

Powderpost beetles: Though termites might have the most name recognition, according to LivingWithBugs. com, powderpost beetles are potentially more destructive to seasoned wood.

Wood boring powderpost beetles spend most of their lives as larvae (woodworms) in wood, where they tunnel in search of starch and other nutrients they need. They can cause all sorts of structural issues if they damage beams and other major components to homes.

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8 • Saturday, April 22, 2017

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SPIDERS:

ing reaction, as many species of spiders employ webs to entrap other animals for food.

It is a false impression that the bites of known dangerous spiders always cause a very serious condition or even death.

The truth is that fatalities from spider bites are rare, and the consequences of the bite may range from trivial to severe.

The severity of the reaction to spider venom is dictated by many factors. The amount of venom injected may vary from almost none to a full dose, depending on the site of the bite, the length of time the fangs are in the tissues, and the quantity of venom injected. Also, the reaction of different individuals to the same type and amount of venom may vary widely, since age, general state of the victim’s health, and differences in genetics would likely determine the severity of reaction.

In Oklahoma, only two spiders, the brown recluse and black widow, are considered dangerous to people. However, tarantulas, jumping spiders, wolf spiders, garden spiders, and numerous other species found in the State are frequently mistaken for venomous spiders.

These spiders may be formidable, scary or repulsive to some, but to most people their bite is less harmful than a bee sting.

Brown Recluse, Black Widow, and Other Common Spiders Richard Grantham | Entomologist

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Fact Sheets are also available on our website at: http://osufacts.okstate.edu

Russell Wright | Professor of Entomology

Spiders along with insects and their close relatives are members of the animal phylum Arthropoda. Spiders as a group are further separated and placed in the scientific ‘Class’ Arachnida (along with ticks, mites, scorpions, and similar animals that have 2 major body regions, 8 legs, and no antennae or wings).

Throughout recorded history spiders have been regarded generally as creeping, crawling, loathsome, and venomous beasts. Folklore, ignorance, superstition, and the bizarre appearance of the spiders themselves have contributed to these impressions.

Folklore would have some believe that all spiders are venomous. The facts are that, except for two very small groups (families), all spiders do possess venom glands which void through small holes near the tips of their fangs. However, most spiders do not bite humans, and with a few exceptions, spider venoms are not harmful to humans or other mammals. Spiders are important predators which help keep insect and some other arthropod pest populations in check. This beneficial role far outweighs the hazard posed by the few spiders that occasionally bite humans.

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Some people have a phobia of spiders (arachnophobia). Some of these fears of spiders are because people believe they are aggressive and will attack humans with little or no provocation. Nothing could be further from the truth. Only one spider in the world is considered aggressive—the funnel-web spider of Australia, Atrax robustus, which reputedly will attack without provocation. No other spider is overly aggressive unless cornered, injured, or otherwise overly provoked. It is true that many North American spiders will rush over their webs to investigate any disturbance. This is a natural hunt-

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egg case. Development is relatively slow and is generally influenced by weather conditions and the availability of food.

However, with adequate food and mild temperatures, the brown recluse spider can reach maturity in 10-12 months. The spiders are capable of surviving for long periods of time without food or water.

Female spiders may live from one to two years, but some have reached four to five years. During her life one to five egg sacs are produced.

Figure 1. Brown recluse spider

Brown Recluse (Fiddleback) (Loxosceles reclusa)

The brown recluse spider (Figure 1), also known as the brown spider or fiddleback spider, is a soft bodied, secretive species that is light tan to dark brown in color. The adult spider is about half an inch in length and has long, delicate legs which are covered with short, dark hairs. Distinguishing characteristics are the presence of three pairs of eyes arranged in a semicircle on the forepart of the head, a violin-shaped dark marking immediately behind the semicircle of eyes (Figure 2) (with the neck of the violin pointing towards the bulbous abdomen), and the characteristically long legs.

The immature stages closely resemble the adults except for size and often a slightly lighter color.

Life Cycle and Habits The eggs are deposited in off-white silken cases in sheltered, dark areas where the spiders live. The cases are approximately one-quarter to one-third of an inch in diameter. In the summer, spiderlings emerge from egg cases in 24-36 days. Forty or more spiderlings develop from each egg case. However, before leaving the egg case the spiderlings molt once and then abandon the

Figure 2. Eye pattern and fiddle markings on the brown recluse spider.

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of a bite, the victim should consult a physician immediately, and, if possible, the spider which caused the bite should be captured for positive identification.

As yet, specific antivenom is not available for treatment; therefore, both local and systemic reactions have been treated symptomatically. Corticosteroids are considered specific for combating hemolysis and other systemic complications, but they should only be administered by a physician.

Habitat The spider is most active at night when it comes out in search of food. During the day, it rests in quiet, undisturbed places. In homes, spiders may be found in bathrooms, bedrooms, closets, basements, cellars, and attics, as well as under furniture. Spiders are often found hiding in old clothes, in shoes, behind pictures, in storage boxes, in stacks of paper, on the undersides of tables and chairs, behind baseboards and floor facings, or in corners and crevices. Spiders also live outdoors under rocks and bark, and they are frequently found in barns, storage sheds, and garages. The presence of shed skins in and around residences may be indicative of infestations.

Effects of the Bite The brown recluse is not aggressive and normally bites only when pressure is applied to it. People are often bitten when they put on clothing or shoes in which a spider is hiding, when they roll over on a spider in bed, or when they clean a storage area that the spider is inhabiting.

Individuals react differently to the bite; some people may not be aware of the bite for two or three hours, while others may have an immediate painful reaction. A stinging sensation is usually followed by intense pain. Within eight hours, a small puss-filled blister usually rises, and a large area around the bite becomes red and swollen. The victim may become restless and feverish and have difficulty in sleeping. The local pain is frequently quite intense, and the skin area surrounding the bite remains red and hard to the touch for some time. The tissue affected locally by the cytotoxic venom is killed and gradually sloughs away, exposing the underlying muscle. Skin grafts are often necessary to repair severe damage.

Healing takes place slowly and may take six to eight weeks. Without prompt medical attention the end result of a bite can be a sunken scar, ranging from the size of a penny to a half-dollar. In case

egg sac contains from 25 to 900 eggs (300 to 400 common), and a female may construct 4 to 9 egg cases each summer; however, large numbers of spiders are not normally found because the population is curtailed by the cannibalism of the young. Thus, only 1 to 12 young normally survive from each egg case. Growth requires 2 to 3 months, during which the male molts 3 to 6 times and females 6 to 8 times. The older females usually die in summer or autumn after laying their eggs.

Habitat The female black widow normally hangs ‘belly’ upward and rarely leaves her web. She is frequently found near houses (under eaves); around trash cans and dumps or ash piles; under boxes, low growing shrubs, crates, stones, and wood piles; and outdoor restrooms. Black widows are also found in rodent burrows, underground water meter casings, and in gas meter housings. Cold and drought seemingly drive black widows into buildings.

Figure 3. Black widow spider.

Black Widow (Latrodectus mactans)

The female black widow spider (Figure 3) is slightly larger than the brown recluse and is glossy black in color. It is globular in shape and never hairy. It has eight eyes arranged in two rows. The overall length of the female (legs extended) is about 1 1/2 inches and the male is much smaller, about 1 inch long. The male usually has three light streaks on his abdomen but is recognizable by knob-like appendages on the front of the head. The female has slim, glossy black legs, but the best recognition mark is a reddish hourglass-shaped spot on the underside of her globular abdomen. The female spider is the important one to recognize since the bite of the female can potentially result in serious medical problems.

Life Cycle The female black widow is not aggressive unless she is confined or disturbed. She is more likely to bite when she is guarding an egg sac. The egg sac is grayish and papery in appearance. The eggs require 8 to 30 days to mature. Each

Effects of the Bite The black widow is generally considered the most venomous spider native to North America. The bite of the female injects a neurotoxic venom, which commonly gives rise to very severe symptoms. The bite itself is usually similar to a pin prick, but excruciating pain can begin within a few minutes and spreads from the point of the bite to arms, legs, chest, back, and abdomen. Within a few hours symptoms such as chills, vomiting, difficulty in respiration, profuse perspiration, delirium, partial paralysis, violent abdominal cramps, pains, and spasms may result. The pain can be so severe as to lead to frequent diagnosis as appendicitis, colic, or food poisoning. Reports indicate that mortality from black widow bites results in 1% or less of the cases, with very young or very old individuals at the greatest risk. More typically, recovery is complete in 1 to 5 days. In case of a bite the victim should consult a physician immediately.

Other Common Spiders Tarantula

The spider known as the tarantula in Oklahoma is a member of the hairy mygalomorph family in the genus Aphonopelma. These large spiders are brown to black, hairy and more than 3 inches Continued on page 10

10 • Saturday, April 22, 2017

SPIDERS

Continued from page 9

Figure 4. Tarantula

long when full grown (Figure 4). The females are larger than the males and have abdomens about the size of a quarter.

Females may live 15 to 20 years or more and usually molt at yearly intervals.

Tarantulas are nocturnal hunting spiders that spend the day under rocks, in abandoned mouse burrows, or in other sheltered areas. They may be seen along county roads or trails in the evening or late at night. Male tarantulas are sometimes seen in a major migration for a few weeks usually around June and September. The purpose of this migration is not known, but it may occur as males search for mates.

Tarantulas are sometimes kept as pets and sometimes become quite tame.

Although they can be handled, caution is advised since they can quickly become disturbed and pierce the skin with their chelicerae or fangs. They have venom sacs but their venom is not considered of major concern to humans. Tarantulas require a constant supply of water in a flat dish into which they can lower their mouths. Tarantula food consists of live crickets, mealworms, caterpillars, or other insects. They can go for several weeks without food and sometimes refuse to eat before molting. Tarantulas can crawl up glass and escape through small openings, so they must be kept in a container with a tight-fitting lid.

Bald spots on the top and rear of the abdomen are a result of a defense mechanism in tarantulas. Tarantulas can use the hind legs to eject or propel barbed hairs from the abdomen at a potential aggressor. These hairs have been found in the nose pads of dogs and various other mammals that have confronted tarantulas. The hairs are not reported to harm humans.

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Jumping Spiders

Jumping spiders, of the family Salticidae, come in many sizes, shapes, and colors. These spiders are active hunters during the day and have good eyesight, relying primarily on movement to locate prey. They stalk their prey before they attack in a fast leap. Jumping spiders put out a line of webbing when they jump and will sometimes dangle from that dragline after a leap that fails.

Jumping spiders are bold and stocky in appearance and often brightly colored (Figure 5). They often have conspicuous bands of black and white on their bodies or legs. Others have velvety red abdomens and some even have metallic colors on the chelicerae. They have eight eyes with one large pair in the front.

Phidippus audax is one of the most common and conspicuous of the jumping spiders. In Oklahoma, it usually has a red or white irregular spot on the back of the abdomen. However, in other states, it often has a gold spot on the abdomen which gives it the common name golden jumping spider. It can be found around the exterior of homes, in gardens, and sometimes within homes.

Jumping spiders, like most spiders, are not considered hazardous to humans and are not likely to bite unless cornered or handled.

Figure 5. Jumping spider.

veniently for humans. However, garden spiders are beneficial as they catch many pest insects around homes and gardens.

Control of Spiders

Figure 6. Wolf spider.

abdomens until after eggs hatch. The young spiderlings cling to the mother for a short time after hatching, and may be found on her abdomen as well.

Wolf spiders are frequently encountered but pose no hazard to humans.

Orb Weavers

Orb-weaving spiders produce the flat, circular webs usually associated with spiders. Orb weavers vary in shapes and sizes but the brightly colored Argiope are the largest and best known (Figure 7).

Argiope are marked with yellow, black, orange, or silver. The body of the female is more than 1 inch long, but the legs are much longer. The male Argiope is often less than a quarter the size of the female and sometimes can be found in the web with the female. These spiders are often called garden spiders but they may be found in fields, on fences, around the home, and in other locations. These garden spiders are generally harmless but are considered a nuisance by some since the webs are large and may be placed incon-

Wolf Spiders

Wolf spiders are nocturnal hunters in the family Lycosidae. They are usually somber brown and black in color and may have longitudinal stripes (Figure 6). These spiders are large and often seen under lights. They sometimes enter homes through cracks and crevices around doors and windows.

Members of the genus Lycosa are some of the most conspicuous wolf spiders.

They form webbing only to provide daytime shelter, and do not use it to capture prey. Females of most species of wolf spiders carry their egg masses below their

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Figure 7. Garden spider (orb weaver).

As a precautionary measure, become familiar with the appearance and habits of venomous spiders. Since spiders nest in quiet, undisturbed areas, frequent cleaning in closets, cellars, and other such areas helps keep spiders away. Use screening, weather stripping, and caulk to seal buildings to prevent spider entry.

Where possible, use a water hose to wash off outside areas, particularly under roof eaves. When chemical control is necessary, check the labels of products recommended for household pest control to see if they list spider control in the areas you intend to treat.

Treat outside under roof eaves, window ledges and porch and patio roofs.

Inside, treat around windows, door facings, baseboards, basements, attics, and storage places.

Note: Brown recluse spiders can be extremely difficult to control. If fiddleback spiders are commonly seen, it is suggested that a pest control firm be employed to make thorough treatment to all areas of the house. Control often requires more than one treatment.

First Aid

Relieve local swelling and pain by applying an ice pack or alcohol directly to the area of the spider bite.

In case of severe reaction, or if the bite is from a brown recluse or black widow, consult a physician immediately. If possible, take along the biting spider for positive identification. Specific antivenom is only available for black widow treatment.

Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Robert E. Whitson, Director of Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma. This publication is printed and issued

by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the Vice President, Dean, and Director of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and has been prepared and distributed at a cost of 62 cents per copy. 0604

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Key Facts and Statistics In 2013, 3,154 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.

This represents a 6.7 percent decrease in the number of fatalities recorded in 2012.

Unfortunately, approximately 424,000 people were injured, which is an increase from the 421,000 people who were injured in 2012.

As of December 2013, 153.3 billion text messages were sent in the US (includes PR, the Territories, and Guam) every month.

10% of drivers of all ages under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted.

Drivers in their 20s make up 27 percent of the distracted drivers in fatal crashes.

At any given daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving, a number that has held steady since 2010.

Engaging in visual-manual subtasks (such as reaching for a phone, dialing and texting) associated with the use of hand-held phones and other portable devices increased the risk of getting into a crash by three times.

Five seconds is the average time your eyes are off the road while texting. When traveling at 55mph, that’s enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded.

Headset cell phone use is not substantially safer than hand-held use.

A quarter of teens respond to a text message once or more every time they drive. 20 percent of teens and 10 percent of parents admit that they have extended, multi-message text conversations while driving.

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6 SIMPLE WAYS to greener living

Protecting the planet is a goal for millions of people across the globe. And that's a good thing, as the planet is increasingly in need of help.

Behaviors few people may give a second thought to can dramatically impact the planet in a negative way. For example, according to Worldwatch Institute, 100 billion plastic bags are thrown away each year, less than 1 percent find their way into recycling bins. The end result of that waste is the deaths of around 1 billion birds and mammals each year due to the ingestion of plastic.

If that information elicits deep emotions, perhaps this is the year to embrace a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Recycling and reusing is a good place to start, but there are other ways to embrace green-living practices in everyday life.

Plan a spring garden.

Explore the possibilities of a vegetable garden and planting some fruit trees.

Growing your own food can reduce reliance on commercially imported food products. Plus, the plants and other greenery will contribute to the environment in a positive way, by providing animal habitats and filtering the air.

Rely on fresh air and natural light.

To cool or even warm up a home, use outdoor air rather than turning on the HVAC system the moment you feel uncomfortable. Natural sunlight coming through windows can warm up a space and illuminate it adequately.

Reduce reliance on motor vehicles.

The organization TreeHugger says currently there are around 700 million cars on the road, producing 900 million tons of carbon dioxide each year. Bicycling or walking to the store or school, and carpooling to work can help reduce these

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emissions.

Use natural cleaning ingredients.

Vinegar, baking soda and citrus oils can be used to clean and deodorize, reducing reliance on harmful cleaning chemicals.

Opt for paperless whenever possible.

Reduce paper waste by signing up for paperless billing and receipts. Try paying bills electronically, which will cut down on the number of paper bills and envelopes that end up in the trash.

Conduct a home energy audit.

Find out if your home is hemorrhaging energy and money by conducting a home energy audit. A professional energy audit will check for water and air leaks, HVAC system efficiency, insulation levels, window quality, and much more.

Many people resolve to live more

eco-friendly lifestyles at the dawn of a new year, and such resolutions can produce positive results for years to come.

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Setting a curfew is as much about boundaries as it is about safety.

BIGSTOCK.COM

C A R L P I C K H A R D T, P H . D

curfew challenges Creating rules for kids

By Deena Bouknight More Content Now

T

he debate about whether it is more difficult to parent young children or teenagers may go on forever. But as a child inches toward adulthood, certainly more challenging scenarios arise. One of those involves curfew.

With the current school year ending and summer break looming, parents must discern how late is too late for teens to be out.

In an article in Alpha Mom, an online pregnancy and parenting resource, author Chris Jordan laments that not having a curfew results in sometimes daily and often lengthy negotiations.

Determining curfew on a caseby-case, friend-by-friend, circumstance-by-circumstance basis can be exhausting and stressful. Parents are caught off guard and make snap decisions because they have no time to truly

Regarding curfew times, as a general rule, many parents start out with 9 p.m. for a 15-year-old and increase the time by an hour each year.

consider the situation.

Carl Pickhardt, Ph.D., is a counseling psychologist who contributes to Psychology Today and has written the book “Surviving Your Child’s Adolescence,” published in 2013. He calls teens “nocturnal creatures” and suggests that a curfew is a contract in four parts: time, information, communication and future flexibility.

He explains that a curfew provides a chance for teens to show responsibility. If a time is agreed upon and respected time and again, parents might be willing to make reasonable concessions when a special event requires a somewhat later curfew.

The middle part of the

contract, however, is a teen’s willingness to honestly provide details about where he or she is going, with whom, and to do what. And, there should be clear understanding about how, when and why communication will take place between parents and teens.

Regarding curfew times, as a general rule, many parents start out with 9 p.m. for a 15-year-old and increase the time by an hour each year. Some cities and states have curfew laws; parents should check before establishing a teen’s curfew.

Setting a curfew is as much about boundaries as it is about safety, writes Pickhardt. More than 50 percent of deaths from alcohol occur in the early morning hours, typically between midnight and 3 a.m., according to a report by the National Highway Safety Administration.

Plus, teens are more likely to be involved in troubling circumstances when out too late.

In an April/May 2017 Focus on the Family publication, the main advice of a “Curfew Conflicts” article is to stay calm when curfews are broken. Yelling and threatening are counterproductive. When the teen returns safely home, quietly express that breaking curfew will be discussed the next day. That gives parents time to determine discipline or a revised curfew contract.

Regardless of the time constraint established, many parents get no rest until their teenagers are tucked safely in their beds.

Jordan expressed in Alpha Mom: “Do you think it would be OK if I locked my teenagers in a plastic bubble until they turned 30?”

Oh, if that were an option.

16 • Saturday, April 22, 2017

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Invisible injuries

Another issue, which Neylon said is just beginning to get attention, is traumatic brain injury among domestic violence survivors. Such injuries often go undiagnosed.

“It can certainly have an immediate impact, but it also can have a longterm impact on the brain,” she said.

Gur said health-care providers should ask women if they feel safe at home and help them find resources to get out of abuse situations. Women can become “frozen,” she said, and might have difficulty making changes on their own.

“The health-care system is uniquely poised to screen for domestic violence,” she said. “You have to ask; you can’t just try to guess.”

Complicating matters is that domestic violence victims often attribute ailments to something else, such as a fall or a car crash. And often their abuser is there with them.

While symptoms of injuries and illnesses caused by domestic violence could last a long time, many do recover, Gur said.

“Women are very resilient,” she said. “I’ve seen women overcome terrible traumas and live very rich lives, so it’s not a hopeless situation.”

Domestic violence victims’ medical problems often go unreported or undiagnosed

By JoAnne Viviano More Content Now

W

omen who endure physical, emotional or sexual violence at the hands of an intimate partner can be subject to a host of injuries and illnesses.

Many of them are invisible; some can last months or years. And many victims, terrified of their abusers, don’t seek the care they need.

“I think people look at domestic violence as a one-and-done incident ... as opposed to the incredible impact it can have on your entire life,” said Nancy Neylon, executive director of the Ohio Domestic Violence Network.

Efforts to help survivors have focused on encouraging health-care providers to ask women if they have been victimized, but more needs to be done to determine whether domestic violence is at the root of subsequent illnesses and injuries such as high blood pressure, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, Neylon said.

“Women who have longer-term health impacts because of domestic violence — that is not being diagnosed,” she said. “We don’t understand the full impact of domestic violence. If we truly started to understand that a little better, there would be a little more

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Lasting impact

[ZAK DENNIS/GATEHOUSE]ical

funding and services and resources for it. It’s an underserved issue.”

In the United States, about 27 percent of women (and 12 percent of men) are the victims of what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls intimate partner violence.

Health-care costs can remain higher for as long as 15 years after abuse stops, according to data collected by the CDC. Overall, the cost of caring for victims is several billion dollars each year.

Victims might experience injuries from physical or sexual abuse — bruises, knife wounds, broken bones, back or pelvic pain — but many of the health concerns are more difficult to diagnose.

The main abuse-related health concern local providers see is lack of med-

care.

“These women can be more hesitant to seek help, so if they have a medical issue, they just in general aren’t taking care of themselves,” said Dr. Tamar Gur, a psychiatrist at Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center. “High blood pressure, diabetes can become more significant.

“There is general suffering from the stress of domestic violence abuse.”

Domestic violence also can trigger psychiatric disorders, including heightened anxiety, depression, panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder, Gur said. Sexual violence can lead to sexual dysfunction and unplanned pregnancies. If a woman is pregnant, the violence can harm her fetus.

• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner.

• More than 1 in 4 women and more than 1 in 10 men who have experienced violence by an intimate partner reported significant short- or longterm impacts, such as post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.

• Men and women who experienced these forms of violence were more likely to report frequent headaches, chronic pain, difficulty with sleeping, activity limitations, poor physical health, and poor mental health than men and women who did not experience these forms of violence.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey

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TOPSKILLS your resume to list on

Tool proficiencies

By Caroline Zaayer Kaufman Monster.com

T

hink about it: Just by sheer numbers, your resume is a needle in a haystack. Your goal is to make your talents easily identifiable so that your resume is the one that gets a recruiter’s attention.

Coupled with the descriptions of your achievements, your skills will paint a clear picture of what you can do and how you do it, says Dawn Boyer, CEO of D. Boyer Consulting in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

When applying to jobs, it’s crucial to look at each job description, pick out the keywords and include those in your resume. Often, those keywords are the skills that employers want to see.

Industry-specific skills If you’re in accounting, for example, your skills should list financial reporting and analysis, forecasting and projections, and audit reviews. If you’re looking for a job as a sommelier, list your knowledge of wine fundamentals and food pairing, as well as your experience with inventory management.

Don’t assume that potential employers know you have these skills. List them prominently on your resume so that you undoubtedly pass a recruiter’s initial screening.

Soft skills

Some positions, such as in technology and health care, require a base set of skills for any applicant to be hirable, says Geoff Scott, a Reno, Nevada-based career adviser and resume expert at Resume Companion. Tool proficiencies are the programs or machinery you can operate that are important to the job you’re pursuing.

For example, as an interior designer, you need computer-aided design skills, and if you’re in radiology you need skills with X-ray equipment.

“These skills, as long as they are relevant to the position, can be immediately tallied as points in favor of you landing the job,” Scott says.

Hard skills Hard skills are those that can be proven or measured. They tend to be the things you’ve learned through schooling or training, and are often tied directly to your work experience or degrees and certificates you’ve earned.

Boyer says she advises her clients to describe the documentable hard skills that can be proved by past employers.

Fluency in a foreign language, proficiency with programming in C++ or a background in data analysis are examples of hard skills that should be included on your resume if they’re important for the job you’re seeking.

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Soft skills can be more difficult to quantify, but that doesn’t make them any less important. Some examples include creativity, analytical thinking, multitasking, verbal and written communications, time management and leadership.

Employers look at your soft skills to get a feel for your personality and values, and what you might be like to work with daily. The appeal of strong soft skills is universal.

“Soft skills are crucial for a candidate who wants to switch to a different industry, because these skills are often transferable,” Scott says.

Important soft skills are best expressed with examples that show how you excel at these things.

People skills

Many jobs out there require you to work in the presence of other people. Therefore, you need to be able to get along with all types of personalities. People skills are similar to soft skills; they speak to what it’s like to work with you, as a colleague or customer.

This includes having excellent verbal and written communication skills, the ability to rally co-workers together to focus on achieving a common goal, and the ability to calm an upset customer.

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Harbinger of

spring

Eastern redbud’s flowers emerge early in dramatic displays

By Betty Montgomery More Content Now

I

f you are looking for a dependable tree that is adaptable, look no further. Redbuds (Cercis canadensis) are one of the most appealing native trees. They now come with different colored leaves, different colored flowers and different shapes to add to their charm and appeal. It is a small tree that fills the gap between other flowering trees. It is known to some as the Judas-tree because it is believed that Judas Iscariot hanged himself from a branch of a European Cercis tree.

In early spring, the eastern redbud is strikingly conspicuous when in flower. It covers

itself with a profusion of pea-shaped blooms that are lavender pink to rosy purple. Redbuds appear when the other trees in the woods have bare branches, making the redbud flowers glow, filling the skyline with a majestic color.

Today, there are varieties of redbuds that have the same lovely flowers but have leaves that add interest to the landscape. One of these new varieties that I love is Rising Sun. It glows in the sunlight. Rising Sun has brilliant, golden tangerine colored, heart-shaped foliage all summer with no burning, even in full sun. Rising Sun is a vigorous grower with a full, rounded shape and holds its color into autumn.

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Hearts of Gold is another cervis with wonderful colored leaves. The leaves, which are a mixture of golden and green leaves, look like blooms themselves. The sturdy branches elevate masses of large, heart-shaped leaves that all appear pinned onto the tree in layers. It is a vision of beauty, standing out from a good distance. The maximum height of this tree is between 8 to 12 feet, making it perfect for a smaller garden.

Another new redbud is Carolina Sweetheart. It is a lovely tricolor variegated redbud that adds a wonderful touch to my garden. After the rosy purple flowers fade, the show continues when it’s graceful, heart-shaped leaves emerge. These variegated leaves open shades of pink, red, and white. Tom Ranney at Mountain Horticultural Crops Research & Extension Center for North Carolina State University in Mills River, N.C., developed this fantastic plant and says that few plants have pink in their leaves and this tree definitely has pink coloration.

Ace of Hearts is considered to be quite lovely. I do not have this one but from what I read, it is also a showstopper. It has a compact habit, making it ideal for small gardens. The heart-shaped leaves are on zig-zag stems with a dense dome-shaped canopy, requiring no pruning. It is typically grown as a single trunk and grows to about 12 feet. The dark green leaves turn yellow in the fall, making it a winner for color.

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If you want a redbud with white flowers, Royal White is for you. It is noted for pure white flowers and small growth habit. I have one called Texas Whitebud that I have had for many years and it is quite handsome. The white flowers are a treasure to have when other flowering trees are still in tight buds. I always get comments about this wonderful tree. It tends to bloom about a week later than other redbuds.

Whitewater is another hot new plant. This small, deciduous tree with beautifully variegated white and green leaves is a good choice to incorporate into your garden where contrasting foliage color is desired. Traditional magenta-pink flowers of the redbud emerge in the early spring on bare branches, followed by the intriguing white variegated leaves.

Some leaves appear to be splattered with paint, while others are blotchy in appearance, but all variegation is a bright white. Some leaves lose a little of their variegation in summer but the tree maintains its small weeping form.

As you can see, there are lots of different redbuds, and it is hard to choose which is the best one for a garden. There are even others that I have not mentioned, but these are ones I think are really worth planting.

— Betty Montgomery, a master gardener and author of a “Four Season Southern Garden,” can be reached at bmontgomery40@gmail.com.

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Saturday, April 22, 2017 • 19

Eastern redbud distribution Eastern redbud is a native, perennial, deciduous tree which grows 15 to 30 feet tall and spreads 15 to 25 feet. Older trees generally resemble a vase shape.

Flowering occurs in March to May before leaf growth. After bloom, the leaves begin growing and gradually turn dark green.

States where eastern redbud is found

Source: USDA/NRCS

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POST OFFICE LANDSCAPE

MAKEOVER

BY TOM TERRY

Regular patrons of the Shawnee Post Office have seen a major transformation of the landscaping at the 9th Street entrance. For several years a substantial portion of the shrubs on both 9th Street and Bell Street were dead with no foliage remaining on the plants.

A concerned postal patron offered funds to offset the cost of removing the dead shrubs and to replace them with plants appropriate for the building. After consulting with the Postmaster who manages the facility and getting her approval, members of the OSU Multi-County Master Gardeners accepted the challenge.

King Landscaping was contracted to remove the dead plants and haul them off. Following that a landscape plan was developed and after consulting with the Postmaster, work began.

For many years the post office bed has been graced with Iris plants that bloom in the spring. Later this summer some additional Iris will be planted in some

portions of the new bed.

Several years previously the Chamber Beautification Committee purchased three boxwood shrubs for the portion of the bed not affected by the dead shrubs.

Through a stroke of luck, three boxwood shrubs of the same type that had been removed from another site were available to be planted in the expanded bed.

Mr. Dennis Craig, a generous Harrah rancher, agreed to deliver several sandstone boulders from his ranch and place them at designated locations throughout the 9th street landscape.

Five ‘Fire Power’ Nandinas were grouped near one of the larger boulders with ‘Blue

Before: dead shrubs dominated the east end of the Post Office landscaping.

Spruce’ sedum installed in front.

At the east end of the bed, where there is an offset in the building two ‘Sky Pencil’ hollies are planted. These will grow taller and wider as they mature. Other plants in the bed include ‘Autumn Sage’ which will have dark pink blooms in the fall, a variety of sedum plants and several clumps of Mexican Feather Grass. The bed is flanked on either end with Miscanthus ornamental grass.

Two ‘Oklahoma’ Redbud trees will be

planted on either side of the Bell Street entrance to the Federal Building later.

These will be donated by Safe Events for Families.

The Master Gardeners will take care of watering and weeding the newly landscaped bed during the first year as the new plants become established. Following that this bed should require very little maintenance. It is gratifying to know that someone in our community saw a need and took action to remedy the situation.

Hours: M-F 8-6 Sat 8-12

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After: Dead plants were removed and replaced with new landscaping.

Owners: Danny & Michelle Barton

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Saturday, April 22, 2017 • 21

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on life insurance policies Few people want to face their own mortality when they are in the prime of their lives. However, thinking ahead and making advanced plans can save family members considerable heartache.

Life insurance policies can help men and women make things easier for their spouses, children or siblings. Life insurance provides financial security in the event of a person’s death. Such insurance is a key element of estate planning and something all adults must consider.

It’s smart to purchase life insurance at a relatively young age because the cost can be lower. Some people put off the process because it can be overwhelming. But Forbes magazine advises that once a person does a little research and learns the terminology associated with life insurance, choosing a policy is not so difficult.

Determine the amount of insurance you will need. Make

annual salary and multiply it by eight.

Decide on the type of policy.

Life insurance policies come in two broad categories: term and whole life. Term life insurance may be less expensive upfront, as it only provides coverage for a set number of years. It will only pay out if the policy holder dies during this “term.”

Whole life insurance, also called “cash value,” usually costs more, but accumulates a cash value that can be borrowed against, and it pays out whenever a person passes away.

According to the Insurance Information Institute in New York, consumers should ask themselves if they’re happy with the cost, service and coverage of their existing policies whenever it’s time to renew. If they are, they should stick with their existing policies.

However, if customers feel things can be better, then it’s a perfect time to see what’s available. Many driver advocates advise shopping for a new policy every two or three years.

When it comes time to switch car insurance companies, follow these steps and remember to avoid gaps in the coverage.

• Compare apples to apples. When shopping for new policies, consumers should compare the same features offered by various providers, including coverage types, deductibles and any limits. Keep a copy of your existing policy’s declarations page so that all quotes can be accurately compared to the existing policy.

• Research any cancellation fees. Before switching over, find out if there are any cancellation fees associated with an existing policy.

• Eliminate coverage gaps. Eliminate gaps in coverage by ensuring a new

policy begins the moment the existing one ends. This prevents potential financial ruin should a driver get into an accident without any insurance during a gap period.

• Take note of any lifestyle changes. Be sure to list anything that can

affect the cost of coverage, such as anti-theft devices on the vehicle, window etching or updated driving habits.

Choose among reputable companies. You want to ensure the

• Explore union or group affiliations. Drivers who are members of particular clubs, professional organizations or something similar may be eligible for special policies with certain providers. Make a list of any affiliations and contact the organizers to see if they have relationships with auto insurance providers. Law enforcement personnel or veterans may be eligible for certain discounts as well. Some insurance carriers only cover police officers or former military. It pays to look into these discounts.

Know the waiting period. Many

• Consider small companies. Just because they don’t advertise as much as some of the more well-known providers does not mean small insurance companies are not capable of providing sufficient, affordable coverage. There are plenty of reputable small companies that offer excellent rates to drivers willing to exercise their due diligence.

life insurance company you pick will be around for years and has a strong reputation, so give ample consideration to each company you explore before making a final decision. policies establish a period of time on policies wherein there is very little cash-out value and the company will not pay out the full death benefit. This may be a year or two after opening the policy. Discuss this information with the insurance agent.

a list of expected expenses after you pass away. These may include any residual mortgage payments, school tuitions, automotive payments, or funeral expenses.

In addition, approximate how much your family will need to live comfortably in your absence. Online calculators can help Life insurance can be a smart financial determine life insurance coverage needs. choice, helping men and women rest easy The New York Life Insurance Company that their families will want for nothing in says a quick way to figure out how much the wake of their deaths. LP173816 coverage you may need is to take your

• Check with the existing provider, too. Drivers can discuss their

current rates and coverage with their existing insurance company, who may offer suggestions on reducing coverage or even offer lower prices in an effort to hang on to customers. Consider these possibilities before switching.

Shopping around for a new automotive insurance policy may help customers cut rates and increase coverage. SC173812

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4 hot, high-tech upgrades to give your bathroom over-the-top luxury (BPT) - Americans love luxury and technology, so it's no surprise that the two are meeting and thriving in one of our favorite places - the bathroom.

Just as technology is transforming every other area of the house, inside and out, it's recreating our concept of what constitutes a luxurious bathroom.

The 2016 Houzz Bathroom Trends study found many homeowners renovating their bathrooms are incorporating technology into their plans.

From smart mirrors and medicine cabinets to showerheads with Bluetooth connectivity and self-cleaning toilets, technology's time has arrived in the American bathroom.

If you'll be designing or renovating a bathroom this year, here are four must-have technology items to incorporate into your plans:

The medicine cabinet of tomorrow Hidden speakers, high-efficiency task lighting with capacitive-touch dimming, integrated USB charging ports - clearly, this is not your parent's medicine cabinet! The modern medicine cabinet does far more than serve as a repository for aspirin and toothpaste.

Acknowledging that today's homeowners multitask constantly, even in front of the bathroom mirror, Robern's AiO collection of medicine cabinets also includes magnetic storage strips, accessory trays, adjustable shelving, a magnification mirror and integrated electrical outlets. The embedded, invisible speakers turn the entire mirror into an audio system that's compatible with most USB-enabled music-playing devices.

Robern, an independently operated subsidiary of bathroom fixtures giant Kohler, has been making innovative bathroom fixtures for nearly 50 years.

The AiO line is also fully customizable, and buyers can choose the size and shape that fits their design needs. Visit www.robern.com to learn more.

Fancy, user-friendly faucets Remember the days when touchless faucets were the wave of the future?

Modern bathroom faucets go far beyond the mere ability to turn them on or off without touching them. Faucets now marry high-tech functionality with leading-edge design to create a visual focal point for your bathroom vanity.

A variety of manufacturers offer a staggering array of features, including: * Built-in face recognition that automatically adjusts water temperature and pressure to the settings of the recognized user. * Internet connectivity and a display screen so you can see emails, your calendar and the weather report while you're brushing your teeth. * Patterned or shaped spray produced by special mechanisms within the

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faucet that create swirls in the water discharge or shape it into a thin sheet of water. * The ability to track water consumption while adjusting the temperature and flow to maximize efficiency.

Smarter toilets Seventy percent of the homeowners surveyed by Houzz said they had upgraded their toilets as part of their bathroom renovations. Today's toilets are far more than just a place to take care of business. From super high-efficiency models that flush with amazingly small amounts of water to self-cleaning bowls and motion-activated lids and seats, the toilet has gone high-tech.

You can find features that range from practical to decadent, including: * Heated seats and bidet functions * Dryers and deodorizers * Built-in music players * Illumination for nighttime bathroom visits * Remote controls for opening and closing the lid and seat * Hands-free flushing * Automatic self-cleaning

Modern mirrors From built-in TVs to task lighting and integrated USB ports, mirrors, like other bathroom fixtures, are now incorporating a variety of high-tech features.

Robern's AiO wall mirror collection offers numerous features, including the ability to wirelessly turn the entire mirror into a speaker. The mirror can communicate with any Bluetooth-enabled smartphone to stream your favorite music or news program into the bathroom.

Quality light is essential for everyone's bathroom routine, and the AiO wall mirrors allow users to customize light output for their needs. A capacitive-touch dimming switch controls the LED lights in the mirror, and LUM Lighting produces light in the 4000-4500 Kelvin range to provide brighter, fresher light that imparts neutral illumination to skin tones.

Whether you're renovating an old bathroom you just can't stand anymore or building a new home with the bathroom of your dreams, high-tech features can add enjoyment and usability to one of the most popular rooms in the house.

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