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OU R FI NA L IS SU E Sadly, ALL things must come to an end.
I looked on line for something poetic to say. Something suitable for 18 years of presenting this publication to you each month, but could not find anything suitable.
During these 18 years, I have seen many readers pass to the other side. I have been through a lot of changes in my own life. This publication came about as a recommend ation from my old friend Jim Murphey. While out playing golf I announced I had just retired. He suggested I do a newsletter for West Neck like I had done years prior for Broad Bay. I remember him saying “I even have a name. Call it Village News.” I liked the idea even though I had just retired two weeks prior, so I sat at my computer and proceeded with my idea for the magazine. Over the next month, I put together a full mockup including fake ads, articles and pictures. Once done, I took it to my friend in business, Dickie Foster of Baymark. I presented it to him. He said all in one breath, “This is beautiful!!! I’m not paying for it!” I replied, so you are saying I have to get it subsidized ? He nodded his head. That day I drove down the streets of Virginia Beach and came across American Mechanical. I stopped and boldly went inside to talk with their President. His reply? I love it. I’ll take a full page. The rest they say is history. I built a magazine that started at West Neck and expanded over the years to reach more than 104,000 upscale homes in Virginia Beach golf course communities and surroundin g areas of business. I’m proud of the contribution s readers made to the success of the magazine. It won two national awards of merit for its quality in reporting. For the good feelings it brought about and for the consistant look and feel. I give those props to our Graphic Artist - Tara Perrone. So here we are. The end of our magazine with lots of great memories and a wish for you and your family to have a wonderful and content rest of your lives. Best Regards - Peter
Culture Culture
Golf Golf Tips Tips 5 Golf Tips
Education Education 4 Fashion Trend 11 VBSPCA 6 NOW OPEN Soap Supply Shop 12 Computer Mandate 25 THE ART CORNER-American 19 Your March 2021 Horoscope 20 Ideas to save energy
7 Gourmet SELECTS 15 COCKTAILS On TheHouse: The Lucky Irish Girl 10 OMy! NEW STORE
Humor 5 Golf Humor
FEATURE FEATURE
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Head Scarfs Taking inspiration from the 50s and the 60s, this sleek fashion trend is coming back in a big way. Headscarves protect your hair and add a finishing touch to your outfit without overdoing it. Choose from a silky design with floral motifs or intricate patterns, or keep it simple with bold colors and block letters. When styling this accessory, you can wrap the fabric under your chin in a loose knot, or have it hanging off the back of your head – mix things up by wrapping it around your neck or let it dangle from your bag. Channeling your inner Grace Kelly has never been easier with this classic go-to item.
Folk Inspired Coats Go all out this season with these beautiful and intricate folk-inspired coats. When the temperature starts to drop, add some layers of delicate embroidery and lace to keep your outfit hot. The intricate tapestry on each piece of outerwear looks great with a monochrome black or brown ensemble, or choose it in a series of other colors for a bright and interesting choice. This trend is easy to style and looks fantastic on every body type.
White Knee High Boots Swing it back to the ’60s with this classic gogo dancers inspired item of footwear – white knee-high boots. Taking its inspiration from the Youth Revolution in the mid-century, this Nancy Sinatra-approved look is a chic way to elevate your outfit. Wear it with a patterned mini dress or skirt, a rollneck, or a funky pair of leggings. This season, opt for a slouchy style for an effortless feel or keep it sleek and tight for a sexy touch.
Yellow and Camel Color Styling Keep it neutral with yellow and camel color styling – the trend taken from the 70s has gotten a serious facelift. Mixing and matching these shades adds dimension and depth to your ensembles, no matter the clothes you prefer to wear. Try a light brown suit or coat with a mustard turtleneck for the cooler months or a sleek tan T-shirt and camel pair of flare pants. This subtle yet flattering combination is the hottest look to try this season.
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Golf Backswing Tips - Focus On Hands And Arms It's All In The Hands I have struggled with this for years, and now finally have a better understanding of what the hands should, and shouldn't do during your takeaway, that will insure a consistent position at the top, enabling you to come down into impact and hit the ball solid and powerfully every time. When you first take the club away,your hands stay very close to your body (legs). If they get away from your body (like mine use to do), you will then pick the club up, instead of rotate it back and to the top. A good tip is to make sure your right hand brushes your right leg early in the takeaway. This will let you know you are keeping them in close and to the inside early on. You can definitely overdo
this, but for most amateur golfers, I don't think this will happen, as the common move is away from the body. Secondly, the hands do NOT roll over in the takeaway. In fact, keep them in the same position, and just rotate your shoulders to start your swing. If you manipulate your hands, you will need a compensation to get them back to impact. This is no good! Thirdly,your grip pressure should be very light. On a 1-10 most likely a 3 at the most. This is another issue I had, and it caused all kinds of tension through my arms, which slowed down my swing speed, and ruined my sequence of motion.
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Need answers? Call us at 877-842-5478
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Ingredients 2 big potatoes 50 gm leeks 3 pods peeled garlic Salt to taste Crushed black pepper, to taste 1/2 cup processed cheese 2 cups vegetable stock 2 tbsp butter 1 tbsp parsley Method 1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into big cubes. Season with salt and pepper and bake at 200 degreesfor for 15 minutes. Remove and keep to a side. 2. Heat butter in a pan, add chopped garlic and saute for a couple of minutes. Add chopped leeks and cook till the leeks are soft. 3. Add in the baked potatoes and toss them together. Turn off the heat and let it cool down.
Dinner Good Enough to EAT! Not sure how to make it or what goes in it? No problem!
Remember you eat with your eyes first You should enjoy the food you eat.
4. Transfer to a food processor and blend to a smooth paste using a little vegetable stock if needed. 5. Heat butter in a pan and transfer the blended potato and leek puree to the pan. Add vegetable stock and stir well. 6. Season with salt and crushed black pepper. 7. Add in the cheese and let it simmer till the cheese melts. 8. Finish with chopped parsley. 9. Serve hot.
Here, Village News Shows You How.
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2404 Castleton Commerce Way, Suite 501 P:877-842-5478 X 200 E: Peter@Omybathandbody.com www.omybathandbody.com
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The Computer Mandate www.ExecTechVA.net
Dear Village News Readers, So you say you got a computer from your Valentine’s on that special day. Now what? So you’ve had the same old one you’ve been using since Windows first came out? No problem. Your new unit comes pre-loaded with software but you’ll have to get used to using it. It is different. Do you need help? Call us. We’ll be happy to assist you and advise you on what is now included and what you will be able to do with your new found information. So the fist thing we need to do is set a realistic password. Not 12345 or Password or something like that. With today’s more adapt hackers, you need something with upper and lower case letters and numbers and
!#%&* symbols. It should be something you can remember. It’s ok to write it down at home and put on your desk but don’t put in your contacts within your computer and certainly don’t list it as PASSWORDS. Next we need to move much of your files over from your old computer to the new one. This take a little doing but we know how. Then there’s those all precious pictures. You don’t want to lose any of them. We’ll get them moved over. Ready to start? Call us today. David always say: We're always available to Village News readers for a quick analysis of your equipment. Just give us a call at 497-1620. Remember our motto: David “Can-Do!”
COVID-19 has helped remind all of us just how essential our essential workers are. Whether you're a health care worker, child care provider, grocery store worker, farmer, teacher or delivery person - you have been on the front lines to keep our society functioning. We are grateful for you - you are essential. And so is your health. That's what makes a flu shot essential for you, too. Getting a flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of getting sick, being hospitalized or dying from flu. In 2019-2020, flu vaccination prevented an estimated 7.52 million illnesses, 3.69 million medical isits, 105,000 hospitalizations and 6,300 deaths due to influenza. This week is National Influenza Vaccination Week, and there's still time during the 2020-2021 flu season to get your flu shot if you haven't already so that you have one less thing to worry about.
* Your flu shot may help protect your loved ones - who may be at higher risk for serious flu complications - from infection, too.
For everyone, but especially for essential workers who may be at higher risk of exposure to flu or other respiratory infections from frequent interactions with the public, a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself from flu illness.
* For every child care worker, grocery store clerk and delivery person who is protected from flu, there is one person less likely to spread flu illness. The more people vaccinated against flu, the more people are protected from flu.
* Protections from a flu shot is especially important for those at higher risk of developing serious flu complications, which includes people who are 65 years of age and older, pregnant women and people with certain chronic medical conditions like heart disease, asthma and diabetes. It can prevent hospitalization and even be life-saving.
* Preventing flu illness also decreases the burden on the healthcare system at a time when it is already being tested by an unprecedented health crisis. As an essential worker, you are providing essential services to your community - but remember that your health is essential, too. Get your annual flu shot today. There's still time!
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Not only is this is the best St. Patrick’s Day cocktail, it’s the best cocktail for anytime, really. -1 oz Baileys -1/2 oz Kahlua -1/2 oz Frangelico -2 oz milk of choice (heavy cream, coconut or almond milk) -Spinach or green food coloring (optional) Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with a little ice. Shake it up! Strain, pour, and bottoms up.
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3 ideas for the perfect socially distanced road trip While it's hard to know what's around the corner, many travelers with wanderlust are thinking about heading for the horizon in 2021. And while travel may look different this year, there are lots of great socially distanced destinations on the map. Nokian Tyres is sharing some of the great places drivers plan to travel in 2021: Close the hood and head for Oregon Craggy coasts, vast volcanoes, lush vineyards, remote forests - it's hard to match the geographical diversity of Oregon, making the Beaver State a cherished road trip destination. Eclectic Portland is a great home base. In the Rose City, quirky meets classy in a delightful blend as rich as a Willamette pinot noir. From there, it's time to explore the Beaver State's wealth of environmental riches. Set your sights east toward towering Mount Hood, which presides over Northwest Oregon from its pulpit 90 miles outside town. Oregon's highest point stands at 11,250 feet. Head to Government Camp, a pocket-sized tourist town on the side of the slope. It's home to several shops, restaurants and boutique hotels; you can also hit trails that'll get you up the mountain. Volunteer for a jaunt through Tennessee For the best driving experience, install a set of allweather tires, which are designed to thrive in unpredictable weather, which is an Oregon specialty. Explore mountains of adventure in the Green Mountain State Vermont brushes the shores of Lake Champlain before gracefully rising into the clouds, shrouding a world of adventure and escape that'll make you glad you visited the Green Mountain State. Start in Burlington, the state's largest city. Stroll down Church Street for a socially distanced jaunt to immerse yourself in the city's eclectic culture - part college town, part New England village, part business capital. Then, it's time to head for the hills. Killington Ski Resort is 60 miles south of the capital city but feels like a world away. It's the largest ski area in the Eastern United States and boasts the biggest vertical drop in New England - more than 3,000 feet. If it's summertime and the slopes aren't frosty white, rent a mountain bike and tackle the hills on wheels instead.
If you live in the Eastern U.S., perhaps the mountains are calling. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited in the country - and for good reason. Carve your way from bucolic Gatlinburg up to Clingmans Dome, Tennessee's highest point, for stunning views - as long as the Smokies' namesake haze isn't shrouding the hills below. Dip your toes in a frigid mountain stream and dive into the trail map for thousands of hiking and backpacking options. And when your head is ready to hit the pillow, book a cabin on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies in Townsend, Tennessee, for a quiet escape. If you're headed east, rest at renowned Hemlock Inn in Bryson City, North Carolina for a bucolic bed-and-breakfast experience. For a list of tire safety tips that'll help protect you on journeys near and far, visit NokianTires.com/TenRules.
In the grip of a toothache? Seek out this pro to save your smile A stabbing toothache is a special kind of pain. It keeps you awake, inspires dread for your next meal and makes it darn near impossible to think about anything else. The mouth is a sensitive area, and those pain receptors are on high alert when it comes to infection and other maladies. If you're thinking you'd prefer to seek a root canal over a tooth extraction, you're in good company. Four out of five Americans feel it's better to go the root canal route than to get a tooth pulled. It's important to understand that it is far better to save your natural tooth whenever possible. Making an appointment with an endodontist, a highly skilled dental specialist, can be your best solution. "If you're suffering with a toothache that wakes you up out of a sound sleep at night, or because you're eating hot or cold food, you need an endodontist," says Dr. Alan H. Gluskin, president of American Association of Endodontists. "You should not delay treatment." Over eight in 10 adults in the U.S. (83%) say they have undergone some type of dental procedure (e.g. cavity filling, wisdom teeth removal, root canal, etc.). Knowledge is Power: According to the AAE, no one is better at saving your natural teeth than an endodontist. Endodontists can diagnose and treat tooth pain, and perform a root canal treatment, if needed. These root canal specialists receive two to three years of training beyond dental school, and they have a high level of precision and hand-eye coordination to complete these complex treatments. They also use specialized technology to treat tooth 18
pain and perform root canal treatments. Finally, endodontists are taking precautions to keep patients safe during COVID-19. Don't let the pandemic delay the treatment you need. When intense tooth pain rears up, do what you can to preserve your natural tooth by following these tips. Act quickly: In the face of excruciating tooth pain, don't put off making an appointment with a dentist or an endodontist. As Gluskin said, if it's waking you up at night, or it's triggered by mealtimes or by the heat or cold, it's time to get help. An untreated infection can lead to more pain and in the worst-case scenario, it can lead to sepsis. Choose the root canal: When your dentist offers the choice between tooth extraction and a root canal, always choose the root canal. As painful as that tooth feels in the moment, getting treatment will be well worth it in the long run. A bridge, a set of dentures, an implant will never look and feel like a natural tooth. Explore your options: So your dentist recommends tooth extraction. Now what? Be sure and ask about root canal treatment. If your dentist says that's not an option, ask why. From there, you can ask your dentist to refer you to an endodontist. Most endodontists will see patients on an emergency basis weekends included. When tooth pain flares up, get treatment and relief quickly. Find an endodontist working in your area by visiting FindMyEndodontist.com, and learn more about the benefits of root canal treatment at aae.org/patients.
Aries
If you were you born in March?
February 2021 - February arrives with a major focus on your finances, Aries. This is because your ruler Mars powers up this sector again this month. It could increase your expenses during this time but also give you the drive to make so much more. This would be an excellent time to look for a better paying job or, if you freelance, hunt down more clients. Venus, planet of pleasure, dances through your solar eleventh house from February 1 until February 25, bringing laughter, joy, and sweetness to your social life. With a new moon arriving in this same sphere on the eleventh, you will surely hear from many friends in the week that follows. You might even be invited to an event that holds both personal and professional opportunities for you. ✨Mark down the best dates for your zodiac sign with your Aries Monthly Horoscope! ✨ Take it slowly this month, though, especially because Mercury is retrograde until February 20. You may even hear from old friends or contacts during this time. To end the month, a full moon in your solar sixth house rises in the night of the twenty-seventh. This can make you extremely productive, and it may have you finishing up an important project for your employer. If you’re looking for a new job, you could see one appear at this time. This same luminary could instead turn your attention to your health, fitness, or diet, so if something pops up, handle it now. Some of you could decide it’s time to start a new exercise regimen that can energize your life.
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Cool gift ideas that save energy (and do a world of good) When checking your holiday list, you're searching for gifts that inspire joy and delight, and electronic items often fit that description. But what if that gift also happens to have a positive impact on the recipient's life and the world at large? In these difficult times, many of us have a greater appreciation for the things that protect the health of the planet for everyone. Whether you're shopping for a shiny new appliance or gadgets to make someone's life easier during quarantine, here's how your gift can do a world of good: Look for products that have earned the ENERGY STAR label. These are independently certified to use less energy than standard products, which means energy bill savings and a cleaner environment. To inspire you, here are a few holiday shopping list ideas: Cool savings on the hottest electronic devices: Did you know the average household owns 24 consumer electronics products? The more you invest in items designed to save energy, the more the savings will rack up. That's especially important now, as families use multiple electronics for work and school. For catching up on favorite shows during times of social distancing, tablets use four times less energy than streaming to a laptop and 15 times less than a desktop computer. An energyefficient sound bar offers a sleek solution to achieving that rich stereo effect, but uses 70% less energy than a conventional model. A smarter solution to save heating costs: Now that more people are spending time at home, they're spending less on dining and gasoline. However, home energy costs have definitely skyrocketed. Smart thermostats take the guesswork out of maximizing energy efficiency, and choosing an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat means savings you can trust. Were everyone to make the switch, we'd save 56 trillion BTUs of energy and $740 million a year, offsetting 13 billion pounds of annual greenhouse gas emissions. 20
Appliances with noticeable cost savings: Even when the purchase price is nice, don't overlook this hidden cost of owning appliances: The cost of operating the product. So, if you're eyeing a new washer dryer set as the perfect holiday gift, make sure it's energy efficient. You'll feel good helping your loved one realize more than 20% savings on their electric bill while using one-third less water compared to the standard models. A bright idea for stocking stuffers: Here's a small gift that can light up their lives and save some serious bucks. A single energy-efficient light bulb can save more than $50 in electricity costs over its lifetime. If each American home replaced just a single bulb to one that earned the ENERGY STAR certification, we'd prevent more than 7 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. Now that you know how ENERGY STAR-certified appliances and devices can do a world of good, for the recipient as well as our planet, be sure and check out the handy gift guide by visiting energystar.gov/holiday.
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Is your pandemic pet giving your eye allergies the blues? The pandemic has caused pet adoptions and sales to soar because who doesn't want a cute, furry friend for extra snuggles during this time? What some might be noticing is that those snuggles from a cute pup or kitty come at a cost - itchy allergy eyes. If you are experiencing irritated, itchy eyes since bringing home your furry friend, you might be allergic to pet dander and animal hair. Before you make plans to send your new best friend back to the shelter, there might be help. Dog owner and New York University Langone Health allergist-immunologist Dr. Tania Elliott understands these unpleasant allergy symptoms all too well and has some ideas on how to keep your allergies under control when you are sharing your home with a pet. "Eye allergies can either be seasonal or perennial and can be triggered by indoor or outdoor allergens. If you tend to get itchy eyes around the same time every year, you may be suffering from seasonal allergies," says Elliott. "Seasonal allergies are most common in the spring, summer and fall when the pollen count is higher and people tend to spend more time outdoors. Unlike seasonal allergies, perennial or year-round allergies may occur at any time of the year or last all year long." See a doctor to confirm if your pet is causing your symptoms Although you may think that your new pet is the culprit for your eye allergies, your long outdoor walks with your furry friend could also be exposing you to outdoor allergens, such as pollen or ragweed. "As soon as you bring a new pet home, it's important to monitor your symptoms and write everything down," says Elliott. "Once you've monitored your symptoms, you can make small changes to see if that helps with your itchy eyes. If your symptoms do not subside, then you should visit your allergist or eye doctor to determine the cause." Give your pet regular baths Pet dander is made up of tiny flecks of skin shed by animals with fur or feathers. These particles are so 22
small that they can end up airborne and may cause itchy, red eyes. To minimize the spread of pet dander, it is important to bathe your pet once to twice a month, if not more. "As a dog owner myself, I make sure that my dog is bathed at least twice a month to help minimize allergic triggers in my home," says Elliott. Look for over-the-counter options that help you find relief Avoiding exposure to the allergen that triggers you can keep eye allergies at bay, but Dr. Elliott knows that is not always possible. Luckily, for both indoor and outdoor allergy sufferers, finding relief from itchy allergy eyes can be as simple as heading online or to the store shelf. Pataday® Once Daily Relief and Pataday® Twice Daily Relief feature the ingredient doctors prescribed most for eye allergy itch relief without the need for a doctor's visit or prescription. The takeaway If you think your new pet is the cause of your itchy allergy eyes, try these tips to get relief. If your symptoms do not improve after making these small changes or trying Pataday®, then visit your doctor to determine the source of your symptoms.
The best smartphone for your personality The vast majority of Americans own some type of cell phone - and 81% own a smartphone, according to Pew Research. Smartphones are so ingrained in everyday life that some psychologists say they have become an extension of people's lives. With such a wide variety of smartphones available, it can be overwhelming to select one. However, with so many options, personalizing your phone to your preferences based on brand, needs and features can be a simple way to start. If you're in the market for a new smartphone and want to make sure it fits with your lifestyle and personality, here are some options to consider. For the busy multitasker If you're someone with fastpaced days who's always trying to accomplish many tasks at once, you need a device with space to multitask. LG WING looks and performs like a typical smartphone, but with one quick swivel, the entire front of the phone rotates clockwise 90 degrees to reveal a 3.9-inch second screen. Using this feature, certain apps can be expanded to both screens, or, two different apps can be displayed simultaneously, allowing you to do more at once. For the unique trendsetter As someone who's always on the cutting edge of the next trend, you need a device that can keep up with you. LG VELVET's unique personality, design, wide range of shimmering colors and premium features can help you chase all your pursuits with style - without burning a hole in your wallet. Featuring high-quality video, 24
audio and camera capabilities, being fully immersed in your viewing, gaming and photography has never looked and felt so sleek. For the creative on a budget If you're a person who's constantly writing, editing, doodling, sketching or jotting down quick notes, a smartphone with a stylus will make your life infinitely easier. The LG Stylo 6's built-in stylus pen, along with its three spectacular rear cameras, massive display and fast charging technology can help you keep your passions going. Whether it's creating content for the world or sharing it, infinite creative potential meets affordability, thanks to LG Stylo's modest price tag. For the techie with a need for (affordable) speed 5G is the next big thing in wireless technology, bringing faster speeds, better connectivity and new possibilities for what a smartphone can do. Most often than not, being among the first to get your hands on the latest and greatest can come at a hefty cost. If you're an early adopter who's excited about the arrival of 5G speeds but not so excited about the high price-tag, consider the LG K92 5G. With five cameras, an edge-to-edge vibrant display and huge battery, the K92 5G sports high-end features to give you the experience and benefits of 5G on a budget. Your mobile device can say a lot about your personality. Choose a phone that speaks to you and helps you do more of what you love.
American Gothic American Gothic is a 1930 painting by Grant Wood in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Wood was inspired to paint what is now known as the American Gothic House in Eldon, Iowa, along with "the kind of people [he] fancied should live in that house". It depicts a farmer standing beside his daughter – often mistakenly assumed to be his wife.The painting is named for the house's architectural style. The figures were modeled by Wood's sister Nan Wood Graham and their dentist Dr. Byron McKeeby. The woman is dressed in a colonial print apron evoking 20th-century rural Americana while the man is adorned in overalls covered by a suit jacket and carries a pitchfork. Do you have a favorite painting you would like us to display? Send me the information and we’ll do what we can the next go around. Peter@InsitePublishing.com. 25
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Start 2021 on a high note with these hacks While 2020 was a rollercoaster of emotions, this year doesn't have to be. These hacks will help you navigate the new norm this year - and make sure 2021 kicks off on a stress-free note.
by Amazon app to have packages delivered directly into your garage. myQ technology can be added to all leading brands of garage door openers in minutes via a myQ Smart Garage Hub.
1) Make your home cozy: Make your home extra cozy this season since everyone is still spending more time at home. Missing family members who can't visit? Incorporate their photos into your decor to invoke family memories and to feel closer. Cheery decor can improve your entire vibe - so whether you deck the patio with string lights, buy some new cozy candles or spice up your bar cart with festive beverages, embrace the at-home life.
3) Start a new family tradition: Since life is slowed down and everyone is snuggled in at home, consider making the most of the situation and putting some extra thought into starting a new family tradition for special days in 2021. Try experimenting with new delicious family recipes (perhaps spark some friendly competition with a bakeoff over Zoom?), having an online trivia party for your birthday or maybe even try building an ice-skating rink or putting green on your lawn.
2) Protect your packages with in-garage delivery: If you're planning to do most of your shopping online like the majority of Americans, it's even more important than ever to be prepared with a secure and contactless delivery solution like Key by Amazon In-Garage Delivery. Amazon recently expanded the service to millions more Prime members in more than 4,000 cities across the United States. Ensure your packages are protected against damage, theft and weather. All you need is a myQ smart garage door opener linked to Key
4) Entertaining and need extra space to spread out? Consider your garage: Your garage is an extension of your home and can be a great place this year to remain socially distant. If you're entertaining and need extra space to spread out, why not utilize your garage? The indoor/outdoor space lets in fresh air and creates additional room for hosting loved ones. Add space heaters, twinkling lights, some fun music and pour the hot cocoa!
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Survey: Americans don't follow through on crucial annual eye exams process over which they have no control. Another problem? Twentyfive percent consider their eye health less important than their other health concerns. The truth is, a single eye exam can help identify a wide span of lifealtering conditions, and the information gained can help preserve and protect your vision. Many people don't realize a comprehensive eye exam can also help detect some 270 different medical conditions including high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, or even cancer. If you've fallen behind in scheduling and keeping your regular eye exams, you're not alone. In fact, eye health is not an important enough priority for most people, according to a recent study by Johnson & Johnson Vision. That's a problem, since annual eye exams are the single most crucial step you can take to effectively protect your eyes. Alarmingly, the global survey reveals that 80% of people see eye exams as important for their overall health, yet only 46% actually get their recommended eye exam each year. Further, many can't give a reason for that lack of action. "It's worrisome that so many people understand the importance of annual eye exams, but don't make them happen," notes Dr. Carol Alexander, head of North America Vision Care professional relations for Johnson & Johnson Vision. "We need to find ways to help people push past the obstacles that keep them from taking good care of their eye health, which is a key to their quality of life." You may want to be aware of these other eye care facts revealed by the survey. People are misinformed about the need for check-ups Myths prevent some people from moving forward with eye exams. For example, 32% of respondents say they haven't scheduled an appointment because their vision hasn't changed in the past year. In total, 47% think they can prevent their own eyesight from deteriorating, while 46% think vision loss is a normal part of aging or a 28
People underestimate the impact of clear eyesight Our ability to see (or lack thereof) has a profound effect on our lives. However, 61% of survey respondents don't realize clear vision is key to learning and comprehension, and 75% don't realize it's critical for healthy development in children. People are deterred by the pandemic While COVID-19 has drawn attention to the importance of overall health and well-being, not everyone feels comfortable going in for routine doctor visits right now. You may be among the 16% of respondents who have been reluctant or unable to attend eye exams due to factors related to COVID-19. That's understandable; however, routine medical care is still necessary. About half of survey respondents look to their doctors or personal care providers to inform them of the importance of their eye health, but only 27% report that their providers have spoken to them about the link between their eyes and other illnesses. Clearly, people across the world under-prioritize the importance of eye health. That's why Johnson & Johnson Vision launched Prioritize Your Eyes, a worldwide effort to raise awareness about the importance of eye health and encourage everyone to take the single most important step in eye health - get an eye exam. You can find an eye care professional for your next comprehensive eye exam at JJVision.com.
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3 fresh trends to inspire your 2021 garden Home gardening offers plentiful benefits that support mental and physical health, and many people have decided to begin or expand their gardens during the pandemic. Whether you're a new gardener looking to learn or a seasoned green thumb who has been growing plants for years, you want inspiration for the upcoming growing season. Following expert-recommended top trends can help set you up for success and make your garden the envy of the neighborhood. The 2021 Burpee GardenCast forecast, found at www.burpee.com/GardenCast, is an inspirational resource based on industry trends and cultural insights, combining expertise from Burpee horticulturalists, registered dietitian Marisa Moore and HGTV star and lifestyle expert Kelly Edwards. The GardenCast trends for 2021 include: Immunity Garden Health is top of mind for people across the country. An abundant garden full of vibrant vegetables like winter squash, radishes and tomatoes can help you commit to a nutrient-rich diet that strengthens your immune system. A vegetable's color reflects the different phytonutrients and antioxidants inside, according to the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism. Growing a rainbow of vegetables allows you to create multi-hued meals with health and disease-fighting benefits. "Planting an Immunity Garden right in your own backyard will do a world of good," says Moore. "It offers unlimited access to nutrient-dense vegetables that help support your overall health and well-being. Tomatoes are a great example: they are rich in vitamin C, which plays a vital role in a healthy immune system." Garden of Joy Gardening helps you reduce stress, move your body and enjoy the outdoors. The psychological benefits of caring
for plants can support the mental health of people at any age. That's why individuals as well as families are planting gardens of joy, with blooms that are as pleasant as the process of gardening itself. The garden of joy is a flower bed full of bright "faces", including pansies and violas, that are sure to inspire many smiles of pure happiness. Every time you tend to these happy blooms you will feel a little lift in your day, plus it brightens your outdoor landscape in a cheerful way. World Herb Garden Experiencing international flavors in food is an important part of traveling and with so many people pausing vacation plans, the associated explorational eating has paused as well. Your palate is ready for something new and you can experience a world of flavors from your own backyard when you grow a world herb garden - no passport needed. Herbs like lemongrass, dill and cilantro are easy to grow and offer bright flavors to enhance your favorite recipes, no matter the cuisine. Whether you use them fresh, dry or in custom blends, you'll have a bounty of flavor at your fingertips to complement meats, vegetables, pasta and more. "We want to inspire all gardeners in 2021, which is why we launched the GardenCast," says Burpee Owner George Ball. "Through these trends, we're providing inspiration and creative ideas paired with techniques and product tips to give gardeners of all levels the tools they need to grow with confidence this season."