2019 Living Local

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Living Local

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July 2019

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Manistee News Advocate

Creative Ways To Cut College Costs The cost of college tuition continues to increase, and college graduates are feeling the burn of that trend when the time comes to begin repaying their student loans.

in Canada, where the 2015 Graduating Student Survey by the Canadian University Survey Consortium estimated the average member of the class of 2015 graduated with $27,000 in debt.

students do to avoid graduating without tens of thousands of dollars in debt? The answer might not be so difficult.

• Apply to tuition-free schools. Many students and parents might be surprised According to an analysis from higher Though many prospective college to learn that there are several tuitioneducation expert Mark Kantrowitz, students are beginning to question if free schools. Admittance to these publisher of Cappex, an online college degrees are worth taking on the schools is competitive, but students resource for students seeking college kind of debt many students must take on considering equally competitive, highscholarships, members of the class of to continue their educations after high tuition alternatives might make strong 2016 will graduate with an average school, statistics still indicate that college candidates for admission to tuition-free student loan debt of just over $37,000. graduates have far greater lifetime schools.

That projection, which was based on earning potential than men and women federal student loan data and variables who enter the professional arena with • Apply to fixed-tuition schools. If including tuition inflation, would be an only high school diplomas. tuition-free schools are not an option, all-time high. Things are not much better So what can prospective college students can save money by applying

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July 2019

for admittance to fixed-tuition schools.

Such schools guarantee that the tuition students pay in their freshman year will not increase during the ensuing three years. (Note: Tuition may increase if a student needs a fifth year of schooling.)

That can lead to considerable savings, as many schools’ tuitions increase dramatically in just four years.

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earning their associate’s degrees.

• Remain in-state for undergraduate degrees. In-state tuition at public universities remains a considerable bargain over out-of-state tuition or tuition at private universities. Students planning to do postgraduate work might benefit by enrolling in in-state public universities and saving their money to finance their • Begin at a two-year college. Two-year postgraduate educations. Students who colleges typically charge considerably hope to attend a public university in a lower tuitions than four-year colleges state that borders their home state may and universities. Students who want to be eligible for a border waiver, which save money may benefit by enrolling in a grants them in-state tuition even though two-year college out of high school and they attended high school outside of the getting all of their prerequisite courses state. out of the way at a more budget-friendly cost. When considering this option, Attending college has never been more make sure credits at the two-year expensive, but students and their parents college fully transfer to the four-year can explore various options that can help school students hope to enroll in after reduce the cost of college tuition.

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Did you know?

The terms “college” and “university” are often used interchangeably, but there are distinctions between the terms. Specifications may differ based on where a school is located, but generally speaking colleges offer only associate’s and bachelor’s degrees while universities offer those degrees as well as graduate degrees. Colleges may be private institutions that tend to have small student bodies, while universities boast more sizable enrollments. Universities also tend to be home to vast libraries and may feature teaching schools with major research projects being conducted at given times. According to the education resource CollegeRank, in order for a college to receive university status, it must first meet a few requirements. A university has the financial resources to support its graduate and professional programs and has the facilities and equipment required to meet the needs of students in those programs. The school also must be accredited and, depending on the location, possibly licensed and incorporated within that area. Despite the differences between colleges and universities, many students find they can achieve their academic goals whether they attend a college or university.

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July 2019

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Manistee News Advocate

Golf For Beginners Millions of people hit the links to play golf recreationally, and many young stars of the game are inspiring others to try their hand at this difficult sport.In its “U.S. Golf Economy Report,” released in 2018, WE ARE GOLF, a coalition of golf’s governing bodies, found there was a 20 percent increase in junior golf participation in the five years between 2011 and 2016. Plus, there were 2.5 million golfers who played for the first time in 2016, up from 1.5 million in 2011. Even more exciting for the industry is non-golfers interested in playing golf doubled to 12.8 million.There has never been a better time to play golf. However, to the uninitiated, golf can be complicated. There are many different rules and all sorts of equipment to learn and lingo to follow. In fact, the experts at Golf Digest say that some people can be scared off even before they hit the green. Fortunately, all it takes is a little research to get started on learning about and ultimately embracing the game of golf. Here are six ways to get started.

1. Start off on a practice range and not on the golf course.

The range is a great place to acclimate oneself to the game and practice your swings.

2. Hook up with someone who can show you the ropes.

Going it alone can tame feelings of embarrassment from being new to the game. However, having someone in your corner guiding you can make it easier to learn and love the game. Work with a local golf pro or enlist the help of a friend or family member with some golfing experience.

3. Learn all you can about the clubs, including which kinds are used for various types of shots. While a golfer is allowed to carry as many as 14 clubs in a bag, you will not need that many when first starting out, nor do you have to invest thousands of dollars in a set of clubs. It’s possible to find used clubs online if you want to try the sport before committing.

Spend as much time practicing with wedges and the putter as the driver to really tighten up all of your shots.

4. Lean toward more loft when selecting clubs. Look for drivers that have at least 10 degrees of loft and fairway 6. Learn the proper grip and stance by working with a woods that start at 17 degrees, offers Golf Digest. This will coach. Invest in a glove to avoid callused hands, as you’ll be make it easier for beginners to get the ball into the air and spending significant time practicing.With these tips, novice can reduce sidespin so shots fly more straight. golfers can get on the road to developing a great golf game 5. Pay attention to short shots as well as the long ones. relatively quickly.

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July 2019

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Did you know?

Professional sports teams, public and private golf courses and public parks rely on professional groundskeepers to maintain playing surfaces and park grounds. Golf course employees who maintain the grounds are often referred to as “greenskeepers,” but such employees do more than maintain putting greens. The responsibilities of greenskeepers and their staffs include mowing the greens, tee boxes, fairways and rough, and each particular area requires the use of a different mower. Golf course maintenance staff typically begin their workdays before the sun rises, ending their days sometime in early afternoon so golfers can play without distraction. Groundskeepers for professional sports teams focus the bulk of their efforts on maintaining the fields, which require significant watering and fertilization to withstand the heavy wear and tear they receive during the course of a season.

Professional sports team groundskeepers typically work very long hours during the season, often arriving many hours before game time and staying even after the game has ended.

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July 2019

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Factors That Impact Auto Insurance Premiums Auto insurance rates vary from person to person, even though it may seem like the offerings are the same. But no two drivers are the same, and certain factors may be affecting drivers’ auto insurance premiums without the motorists even realizing it.

Automotive insurance provider State Farm says most insurance companies consider several factors when calculating the cost of car insurance. Recognizing which situations can increase or lower costs can help drivers get the best rates and car thieves also may cost more to insure. Researching vehicles coverage needed. Although it can be tempting to reduce the prior to purchase and checking the rates for those cars or price of insurance by choosing lower amounts of coverage, trucks with insurance companies can help keep costs low. there are other ways to make insurance more affordable.

• Move. Insurers typically look at where a person lives when calculating rates. Those people who live in highly populated, urban areas likely will have higher premiums than others who live in more rural towns. That’s because greater population density often translates into more people on the road — and a greater chance for insurance claims due to fender benders or theft. By moving, a person may be able to cut rates.

• Gender and age are factors. One can’t step into a time machine, but it’s helpful to know that growing a little older can lower insurance premiums. The financial advice source Money Crashers say that young men usually incur higher rates than young women because statistically men get into more accidents. However, as a person moves into his or her senior years, the roles reverse. Older women may see higher rates than men the same age.

• Keep make and model in mind. The type of vehicle driven can affect insurance premiums. Certain insurance carriers will increase premiums on vehicles that are more susceptible to damage. Flashy sports cars or those that do not score as highly on vehicle safety ratings calculated by industry experts may result in high premiums. Vehicles that are desirable to

• Commuters may pay more. Individuals who use a car for business or frequent commuting may pay more than people who drive less because statistically there is a greater risk for an accident, says State Farm. Reducing commute times can lower premiums.

• Tie the knot. Insure.com says married couples have been found to be less of a risk to insurance providers statistically than those who are single. A study by the National Institutes of Health found that single drivers were twice as likely to be in an auto accident as married drivers. Combining policies also can help married people save.

• Follow the rules of the road. Drivers who have moving violations, drink and drive or engage in otherwise risky behavior behind the wheel may see their rates soar.

Insurance companies weigh factors such as driving record, age, locality, and more when assessing premium costs. Drivers have some room to get lower rates by knowing the factors that determine their premiums.

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July 2019

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July 2019

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3 Potential Trouble Signs For Driveways Though they are often easy to overlook, driveways are durable parts of a home that can greatly impact a home’s curb appeal. Driveways endure quite a bit of wear and tear over their lifespans, and homeowners who have not given their driveways much thought may want to start looking for potential trouble signs that indicate a need for some driveway maintenance.

According to the online home improvement resource HomeAdvisor.com, the average cost of a driveway installation in 2015 was just under $3,700. Those costs are influenced by a host of factors, including the size of the driveway and the material it’s made of. Damaged driveways do not necessarily need to be replaced, as some may just need minor repairs.

But homeowners who see any of the following trouble signs in their driveways may want to consult a professional contractor to determine what their next steps should be.

1. Potholes Potholes might be most often associated with heavily trafficked roadways, but even driveways are susceptible to potholes. As the ground beneath the driveway

driveway, which can cause bigger issues down the road.

When water is not absorbed into the ground or directed away from your home, it can then flow into the house, potentially making your garage or home susceptible to water damage.

expands and contracts, the pavement above that ground weakens and becomes more susceptible to damage.

That damage may ultimately lead to large chunks of the driveway breaking down, creating holes as a result.

Homeowners who live in areas that experience heavy snowfall may see their driveways develop potholes after they are shoveled or plowed. Potholes that are not fixed may damage vehicles

that drive on the pavement, and potholes may even expand over time.

2. Accumulation of water Puddles that form during a rainstorm may not be indicative of anything other than a rainy day. But water that pools or runs down the middle of the driveway may indicate drainage problems.

Such problems may be the result of structural problems with the slope of the

3. Cracks Cracking is one of the more noticeable issues that can plague driveways. Many driveways experience cracking as materials inevitably succumb to the elements. Driveway cracks may develop for various reasons, including poor initial installation. Tree roots that grow beneath the driveway surface may also contribute to cracking as the driveways ultimately succumb to the pressure created by the growing roots. Some cracks may prove less problematic than others, but homeowners should still speak with a contractor if they notice their driveway is starting to succumb to cracks.

Driveways may not draw the attention of homeowners too often, but damaged driveways that go ignored may ultimately lead to very costly problems.

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July 2019

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July 2019

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Manistee News Advocate

Manage Pain With Massage Therapy Addiction to opiates is a growing problem in the United States and Canada. Pain relief therapies, such as massage therapy, can be viable alternatives to the prescription pain medicines that often serve as a gateway to illegal drugs such as heroin.

Addiction to prescription painkillers is common. The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that 4.7 million people in the United States are dependent on painkillers, the sale of which has increased by more than 300 percent since 1999. Retail pharmacies across Canada dispensed 19 million prescriptions for opioids in 2016, which was up slightly from 18.9 million in 2015, according to the health data company QuintilesIMS. When prescriptions to oxycodone, hydromorphone and fentanyl run out, many people turn to heroin as a less expensive and more readily available means of pain relief.

NIDA says that up to 7 percent of people who are prescribed opiate or analgesic pain killers will become addicted. To help reduce the overprescribing epidemic and keep people from becoming addicted to pain meds, people can look for other ways to alleviate pain.

Massage therapy is a viable option that can work wonders to improve flexibility and offer relief from pain in different parts of the body. In addition to alleviating pain, massage therapy can promote relaxation, reduce anxiety and improve quality of life.

Research indicates that massage therapy can reduce the incidence and frequency of back pain, headache and leg pain and can even reduce stress and tension. Massage therapy can be an asset to those with myalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome and other conditions.

Researchers at McMaster University in Canada found that massage therapy affects the activity of certain genes, which directly reduces inflammation in muscles — the same results that would occur if a person took pain medication.

Researchers tested people who exercised and received massages afterward against a control group, discovering that “massage dampened the activity of proteins known as inflammatory cytokines, which cause inflammation and pain.

It also increased levels of proteins that signal the muscles to produce more mitochondria, the cell structures that produce

energy and help muscles recover from activity.”

A review published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice noted that moderate pressure massage can lead to decreased cortisol levels, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Massage may help stimulate serotonin products, improving mood and feelings of well-being. Also, according to AMTA, deeper massage stimulates blood circulation to improve the supply of oxygen and nutrients to body tissues while helping the lymphatic system to flush away waste products. It also eases tense and knotted muscles and stiff joints, improving mobility and flexibility.

Massage therapy can be a viable alternative for pain sufferers who are reluctant to take potentially addictive prescription pain medications.

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July 2019

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July 2019

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Manistee News Advocate

The Benefits Of Including Yoga In Your Exercise Routine Yoga continues to grow in popularity.

In a questionnaire administered every five years as part of the National Health Interview Survey, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health and the National Center of Health Statistics found that the number of people practicing yoga increased dramatically between 2002 and 2012, when approximately 21 million adults acknowledged practicing yoga. That figure equated to nearly double the number of people who practiced yoga just 10 years earlier.

The almost meteoric rise in popularity of yoga can likely be traced to many factors, including a growing awareness among the general public regarding the impact a healthy lifestyle can have on both shortand long-term health. An essential component of a healthy lifestyle involves taking steps to protect our bodies, and that can include making an effort to reduce the aches and pains that are often associated with aging.

“The relaxation techniques incorporated in yoga can lessen chronic pain, such as

lower back pain, arthritis, headaches and carpal tunnel syndrome,” explained Natalie Nevins, DO, a boardcertified osteopathic family physician and certified Kundalini Yoga instructor.

The American Osteopathic Association notes the benefits of yoga extend even further than relieving chronic pain. According to the AOA, yoga can help men, women and even children increase their flexibility as well as help them build stronger, more toned muscles.

Additional benefits of yoga include weight reduction, improved cardiovascular and circulatory health and

improved energy and vitality.

But the benefits of yoga extend beyond the physical to the mental. The American Psychological Association notes that several studies have shown that yoga can help strengthen social attachments, reduce stress and relieve anxiety, depression and insomnia. For example, a 2012 study from researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, found that a particular type of yoga that included brief, daily meditation reduced the stress levels of caregivers tasked with caring for people suffering from Alzheimer’s

disease and dementia.

One of the more attractive aspects of yoga is that it requires little or no financial commitment on the part of the people who practice it.

Unlike fitness centers that typically require members to commit to yearly contracts or even potentially costly month-to-month memberships, many yoga studies do not require longterm commitments, instead asking that customers pay a small amount each time they visit if they are hesitant to commit to memberships. In addition, yoga requires just a mat and some appropriate clothing, ideally clothing that’s conducive to flexibility but not so loose that it will prevent you from performing certain poses.

Before including yoga in your exercise regimen, speak with your physician. Once you get the green light, look for a beginner’s course, explaining to your instructor that you are just starting out. Many yoga studios offer introductory classes that help men and women acclimate their bodies to yoga and the various poses it entails before moving on to more challenging poses.

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Yoga Class Schedule: (thru August 2019) Monday:

9:30am Chair Yoga 10:30am Level 1

Thursday:

5:30pm

Gentle Yoga

Tuesday:

5:30pm 6:45pm

Gentle Yoga Level 1

Friday:

10:30am Level 1 Yoga

Wednesday:

9:30am 10:30am 12:15pm 5:00pm

Chair Yoga Level 1 Yoga Lunch Hour Yoga Vinyasa

Saturday:

9:00am

Level 1 Yoga

Upcoming Classes/Events:

• PHAT Dad Yoga - a class for dudes, taught by a dude. • Ashtanga Yoga - This invigorating practice of Yoga This class promises to be fun, informative, uplifting and involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive accessible to all. Join guest instructor Tom Stavrou on series of postures—a process which produces intense Thursday August 22nd at 6pm. internal heat and a purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. Join guest instructor Deanna McClain on Saturday July 27th & August 24th at 9:00am.

Book these events online to save your spot!

Space is limited. $12 for Drop in’s or use your yoga class package.

Yoga Fitness Center, Manistee’s only yoga studio, offers year round yoga classes, for all levels of ability, in downtown Manistee. Studio owner Diana Bradley, voted Manistee’s Best Yoga Instructor, has been teaching Hatha Yoga for 16 years in the Manistee area.

Yoga Fitness Center 358 River Street Manistee 231-398-9620

www.yogainmanistee.com

Visit www.yogainmanistee.com for full class schedule.

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July 2019

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Manistee News Advocate

Protect Vehicle Paint Finish

Perhaps nothing ages a car or truck more than a lackluster exterior finish. Even if vehicles are only a few years old, failure to maintain the paint, tires and chrome accents can make them look worn beyond their years, potentially affecting resale value.

The environment can be a vehicle’s worst enemy.

Protecting a car means being mindful of substances and habits that can compromise the exterior finish.

Seek shade Over time, the sun can damage a vehicle’s paint job through oxidation and premature fading. People who live in areas with especially warm climates may see the paint on their vehicles suffer considerable damage thanks to the sun.

One of the easiest ways to protect a vehicle from the sun is to use sheltered parking or

park in the shade whenever possible. This can help protect the paint, headlights and trim. Drivers should store their cars in their garages overnight and during daylight hours when they are home.

Wash and dry It’s important to routinely wash vehicles to protect their exterior finish. Use a mild cleanser designed for automobiles and a clean rag or sponge so as not to cause scratches that can cause further damage. Because minerals in tap water can be left behind through evaporation and may oxidize and damage the paint, it’s best to wipe away as much residual moisture as possible with a chamois.

Paint protection Waxing can prevent bird droppings, berries, splattered bugs, and more from sticking

to the paint and wearing down the finish. Waxes come in paste, liquid and spray.

Each type has a different reapplication schedule, so drivers should consult the product instructions.

Vehicle owners also can invest in spray films to further protect painted surfaces. Do-it-yourself products are applied like a spray and then dry to

an invisible, durable film.

This helps protect against insects, gravel, sand, winter salt, and even road grime.

Different manufacturers offer protection films.

It is important to safeguard the exterior of a vehicle to help it look newer longer, protecting the value of the car or truck while also protecting it against the elements.

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Manistee News Advocate

Maintenance Key To Functioning Farms The family automobile is not the only piece of equipment that requires routine upkeep to ensure it is operating properly.

Life on a farm can come to a screeching halt if farm equipment is not properly maintained. Farmers invest hundreds of thousands of dollars on agricultural equipment, such as tractors, tillers, hoppers, and dozers.

Adhering to maintenance schedules can prevent breakdowns and decrease the need for potentially costly emergency repairs.

debris. Titan iron suppliers recommend quickly washing equipment after usage so that substances do not have the chance to harden.

Learn the equipment Over time, it is possible to employ your senses of sight, sound and even smell to determine if equipment is working properly.

Familiarize yourself with the owner’s manual so you can troubleshoot minor problems.

Any unusual sounds, odors or responses from the gear should be noted.

Keep It Clean Cleaning the surface of equipment can go a long way toward keeping it operating smoothly. Use a pressure washer to remove caked-on mud and other

Routine Maintenance Checks Routinely inspect hoses, fittings, and seals to ensure they are in good working condition. Be sure fluids, such as coolant and oil, are at the proper levels. Check

and replace filters as needed.

Tires need to be properly inflated, and inspect the battery for corrosion or other signs that it may need to be replaced. Check belts for cracks. Tour the exterior of the equipment looking at signals and lights to ensure they are in proper working order. Hardware should be tightened and any missing pieces replaced.

Heavy farm equipment needs motor oil, hydraulic oil and filters changed more frequently than automobiles.

Such equipment also may need more frequent lubrication of chains and cables. Always check and inspect equipment prior to jobs requiring heavy and extended usage.

Expect Some Welding Have a knowledgeable welder on call to make repairs as needed, or develop your skills to a point where you feel comfortable making your own spot repairs. The experts at Miller, producers of welding equipment, say cleaning the surface area and removing any paint, oil or corrosion from the metal area that needs repairing can make for smooth, durable welds. Multi-process welding generators and accessories can ensure the right welds for repairs in the field or in the shop.

Maintenance on farm equipment helps keep operations running along and protects expensive investments.

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Navigating Tech Choices For School Use Technology is essential in the daily lives of students. Whether it’s kids learning their ABC’s or graduate students pursuing advanced degrees, technology has transformed the way lessons are taught and learned.

Statistics support the notion that technology in the classroom is irreplaceable. According to data from the tutoring resource PracTutor, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and various colleges, 98 percent of schools have one or more computers in the classroom. In addition, 77 percent of teachers use the internet for instruction, while 40 percent of teachers report students use computers during instructional time in the classroom.

Many instructors now assign homework that must be completed online. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development looked at computer usage among 15-year-olds across 31 nations and regions. Many students in high-performing nations reported spending between one and two hours a day on a computer outside of school. Because computers are so necessary in and out of the classroom, families and students may want to revisit their options before buying new devices.

Desktop computer Desktop computers used to be the go-to for families and students, and there are still many reasons why desktops make sense. In addition to their relatively inexpensive sticker price, desktop computers allow students to customize their packages according to their needs and get a powerful operating system in the process. New and advanced processing speeds also mean that many desktop computers can be relied on for educational purposes while also being fast enough to handle recreational gaming.

One of the main disadvantages of desktop computers is their lack of portability. Desktops are not easily moved, and if repairs are necessary, it can be a hassle to have them fixed.

Laptop computers Over the last decade, laptop computers have become more

popular than desktop computers, largely because of their portability. Laptops are designed to be taken from place to place, so students can use them for note-taking in the classroom and then studying at home.

Although laptop processors have just about caught up to desktop processors, they may be lacking the processing pop unless consumers are willing to pay more for laptops with high performance. Another shortcoming of laptops is that they generally have smaller screens than desktop computers, which can make working on fine details more challenging.

Tablets Tablets offer the most in terms of portability. They’re lightweight and small and offer a wealth of access in a compact package. Today’s tablets offer much more than the first such devices to hit the market. Some can run apps and equivalent programs that were once exclusive to desktop and laptop computers. Tablets also tend to be less expensive than desktops or laptops.

Where tablets may fall short is in the peripherals. It’s difficult to connect backup drives and other accessories to tablets.

However, with advancements in cloud-based storage, this may not be an issue. Also, note-taking on virtual keyboards may be more challenging, and working on tablets’ small screens can be tiresome over time. Convertible tablet/laptops are now emerging to bridge these gaps.

Shopping for a new computer can be complicated, but basing purchases on need rather than want can help guide the process.

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Secrets To Making Your Home Look Like You Hired A Design Pro Photo spreads in home design magazines can be awe-inspiring. Quite often homeowners wish they could lift the looks right off the pages of magazines and transform their own homes into picture-perfect retreats.

It takes an eye for design to pull a room together — even with inspiration — and make it both functional and attractive.

While hiring an interior designer is one way to go, homeowners can use some of the tricks and techniques the designers employ to do a remarkably good job of improving the interiors of their homes without such help.

are enhanced by pops of color. If you like a rich, royal purple, leave room for other colors as well. Add touches of purple in vases, throw pillows and other accessories.

Also, many designers work in shades of three for room colors. There may be one main color for walls, another color for larger accents, such as couches and chairs, and then a third color that pops in accessories such as flowers, pillows and collectibles. These can be any colors, but the most muted tends to be the more abundant shade.

Add A Bit Of Bling Glittery items and metallics can add a touch of luxury feel Embrace Texture to any space. A shiny table The colors used in a home lamp, mirrors, a sparkling can add impact, but designers chandelier, and the like are often utilize various textures easy ways to produce a highto create aesthetic appeal. A end feel. Reflective surfaces single color scheme can be also will cast light around the enhanced by various fabrics. room, giving the illusion of a Consider a leather sofa made larger space. more cozy with chenille pillows next to a rustic side Choose A Big Statement Piece table. Figure out ways to Many homeowners make incorporate a few different the mistake of filling a room textures to add depth to the with several small pieces of room. furniture that only contribute to clutter. Instead, look for a Be Careful With Color statement piece, which can be Many high-end homes a cabinet, armoire or chaise. showcase neutral shades that Mix and match large and

small elements for a sense of balance.

the pages of your favorite magazines.

Accessorize Finish the room with accessories and flowers.

When placing and hanging knickknacks and wall art, oddnumbered groupings often look the most cohesive and interesting. Experiment with different scales and heights for even more dimension.

When inspiration hits, take some cues from interior design pros to make spaces look like they belong on

Many high-end homes showcase neutral shades that are enhanced by pops of color. If you like a rich, royal purple, leave room for other colors as well. Add touches of purple in vases, throw pillows and other accessories. statement piece, which can be a cabinet, armoire or chaise.

Mix and match large and small elements for a sense of balance.

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Understanding Depression And Its Triggers And Symptoms Many people periodically have bad days when they just seem to be in a bad mood. When a bad mood isn’t short-lived, this might be a potential indicator of depression.

• Irritability • Restlessness • Loss of interest in things once deemed pleasurable, including sex • Overeating or appetite loss • Aches, pains, headaches, or cramps that won’t go away • Digestive problems that don’t get better, even with treatment • Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” feelings • Suicidal thoughts or attempts

Depression is a common mental disorder that, according to the World Health Organization, affects more than 300 million people across the globe. The WHO notes that despite the fact that there are known and highly effective treatments for depression, fewer than half of those suffering from depression receive such treatments. Furthermore, in many countries, fewer than 10 percent of people with depression receive treatment.

Learning about depression and how to recognize its symptoms may compel people battling it to seek treatment for this very common and treatable disorder.

Why do I have depression?

Everyone has a bad day here or there, but people with depression may wonder why theirs are more than just a bad day. The WHO notes that depression is a byproduct of a complex interaction of social, psychological and biological factors. Exposure

to adverse life events, such as unemployment, the death of a loved one or psychological trauma, can increase peoples’ risk of developing depression.

Depression also may be caused by physical conditions.

The WHO says cardiovascular disease can lead to depression.

What are the symptoms of depression?

The Mayo Clinic notes that one in 10 people whose depression goes untreated commit suicide. That only

highlights the importance of recognizing the symptoms of depression and acting once any have been identified or suspected. Symptoms can include: • Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions • Fatigue • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and helplessness • Pessimism and hopelessness • Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness or sleeping too much

Anyone who has exhibited any of the aforementioned symptoms or even those who haven’t but suspect they might be suffering from depression should visit a physician immediately.

The WHO notes there are a variety of treatments available to people who have been diagnosed with depression, and doctors will determine which might be the best for each patient. To make that determination, doctors may inquire about the duration and severity of symptoms as well as family history and whether or not the patient has a history of drug or alcohol abuse.

Depression is a common mental disorder that too often goes undiagnosed. Seeking help the moment symptoms are detected or suspected can help people overcome the disorder.

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Houseplants Can Clean Indoor Air Gardening is a rewarding hobby that can pay a host of dividends, both for the planet and the people doing the gardening. Healthy plant life can help clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and various air pollutants, while the act of gardening can help gardeners combat stress.

Published in 2011 in the Journal of Health Psychology, a study from researchers in the Netherlands found that gardening promotes relief from acute stress. In the study, two groups of participants were asked to complete a stressful task and then instructed to either read indoors or garden outdoors for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, the latter group had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and even reported being in a better mood than the group instructed to read indoors.

But gardening does more than just provide gardeners with a reason to spend some time relaxing outdoors in an effort to relieve stress.

Gardeners who raise certain plants may be able to bring those benefits with them when going inside as well.

According to an article published in the journal Environmental Health

Perspectives in October 2011, houseplants can work wonders when it comes to improving overall health, removing toxins from air, soil and water by metabolizing some toxic chemicals and releasing harmless byproducts while sequestering such toxins by incorporating them into plant tissues.

Clean indoor air is important for everyone, but especially so for those people who suffer from respiratory ailments like asthma. In fact, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology considers indoor air filtration an essential part of any strategy to improve respiratory health.

But filtration systems and air purifiers are often not enough, and those who want the air in their homes to be as clean as possible may benefit from introducing certain houseplants into their homes.

The following are a handful of plants that can help to improve indoor air quality.

• Aloe vera: Aloe vera might be most often associated with hand creams and hand soaps, but the aloe vera plant, a succulent that even novice gardeners should have no problem growing, can clear indoor air of formaldehyde and benzene, two common

byproducts of chemical-based cleaners many people use in their homes.

• Spider plant: Spider plants are resilient, and that makes them great houseplants for busy men and women who tend to be forgetful when caring for their plants. In addition, spider plants are pet-friendly and can be used to combat benzene, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde and xylene.

• English ivy: NASA researchers exploring the possibilities of long-term space habitation found that certain houseplants were more effective at cleaning air inside energy-efficient,

nonventilated buildings than others. One such plant was English ivy, which can effectively combat the formaldehyde found in certain household cleaning products.

• Bamboo palm: Bamboo palms also found their way onto NASA’s list. Bamboo palm plants thrive indoors, where they are especially effective at filtering out the chemicals benzene and trichloroethylene.

Gardening has been proven to be a soothing hobby that can help gardeners reduce stress. But the health benefits of gardening can extend indoors as well.

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Travel Can Be Fun And Eco-Friendly, Too Many people go to great lengths to adhere to eco-friendly lifestyles at home. That devotion to the environment may or may not continue when those same people travel, but it is entirely possible for travelers to take their eco-conscious behaviors with them on the road.

Whether traveling for personal or professional reasons, travelers can implement a handful of simple strategies to reduce their carbon footprints while away from home.

• Rent a hybrid or eco-friendly vehicle. If you will be renting a car during your trip, book a hybrid vehicle or a small, fuel-efficient model to cut back on fuel consumption. Many vehicles are now equipped with “eco mode,” a feature that

typically forces the transmission to upshift sooner than it normally would in an effort to conserve fuel. Cars in eco mode may seem somewhat sluggish, but that sluggishness is actually the eco mode doing its job. It might take some getting used to, but driving in eco mode can help travelers reduce their vehicles’ fuel consumption.

• Reuse towels at the hotel. Many hotels now ask guests to reuse towels in order to conserve water. Guests who want to make their hotel stays as eco-friendly as possible should work with hotels and reuse their towels for as long as possible. If visiting a resort, try to use the same pool or beach towel for as long as possible as well.

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• Patronize restaurants that offer locally grown foods. Another way to be eco-friendly when traveling is to eat your meals at restaurants that use only locally grown foods and ingredients.

Eating local reduces the need to transport foods across long distances, cutting back on fuel costs as a result. In addition, proponents of eating local foods insist that locally grown foods taste fresher than foods brought in from afar.

• Use mass transportation. When possible, use mass

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transportation rather than relying on taxis or car services.

Take a bus or train from the airport to your hotel, and ride the subway or just walk when sightseeing. Many travelers insist that riding mass transportation when visiting a city provides a much more realistic experience of life in that city than traveling by cab or driving alone.

Travelers need not leave their eco-friendly sensibilities at home when traveling.

Putting you first made us #1.

Did you know?

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas emitted through human activities. Carbon dioxide is naturally present in the Earth’s atmosphere as part of its carbon cycle, but human activity is altering that cycle by adding more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. In addition to adding more carbon dioxide to that natural cycle, human activity is influencing the ability of natural sinks, such as oceans, forests and plants, to remove carbon from the atmosphere. The combustion of fossil fuels for energy and transportation is the primary carbon dioxide-emitting human activity. In fact, the EPA notes that electricity, transportation and industry are the three main sources of carbon dioxide emissions in the United States. Electricity accounted for roughly 37 percent of total carbon dioxide emissions and 31 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions in the United States in 2013. Transportation, which involves the combustion of gasoline and diesel fuel to transport people and goods, was the second largest source of carbon dioxide emissions in 2013, accounting for 31 percent. In addition to automobiles, transportation-related sources of carbon dioxide emissions include airplanes, marine transportation and trains. Though much of the world has grown increasingly eco-conscious over the last decade or so, carbon dioxide emissions remain high, as such emissions in the United States increased by 7 percent between 1990 and 2013. However, the 2014 U.S. Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report, which tracked total annual U.S. emissions and removals dating back to 1990, indicated a 9 percent decline in greenhouse gas emissions between 2005 and 2013, suggesting that efforts to reduce emissions were beginning to bear fruit.

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