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    SAVINGS IN THE SKYHow to save on your next flight

    Go Onlineto view this

    section!

    BuyersGuide

    A SPECIALSUPPLEMENT TO

    July 18, 2012

    www.yourbg.com

    How To...CUT COSTS

    ON DATA PLANS

    BANISH PET ODORSWith Easy Steps

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    July 18, 2012 Buyers Guide2

    table of contents4

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    Make hiring ahousekeeper easier

    Did you know?Tarnish

    Banish pet odorswith easy steps

    How to chooseyour next television

    Make your homemore energy-efficient

    Save on yournext flight

    Cruising is theno work vacation

    Improve indoor lighting& mood

    From bland backyardto beautiful landscape

    How to askfor a raise

    Cut costs on dataplans

    Achieve perfect picswith tips from a pro

    Protect computer filesbefore its too late

    Dont have youridentity stolen

    Simple waysto reduce fatigue

    4 ways to makegetting fit more fun

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    Buyers Guide July 18, 2012 3

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    July 18, 2012 Buyers Guide4

    Homeowners sometimes lookto a housekeeper or maidservice to help with workaround the house. Ahousekeeper is a luxury many

    people cannot afford. For thosewho choose to splurge due to abusy schedule or an illness thatprevents them from doing thework themselves, it is importantto research a potentialhousekeeper before letting aperson have access to thehome.

    The U.S. Bureau of LaborStatistics says there are 1.5

    million maids and housekeepersacross the country. Around 30percent of those workers areemployed by privatehouseholds.

    Many housekeepers are self-employed, meaning they are notbacked by the reputation of aparticular company. There areothers who work for a companyand may come to the house witha team to get the work done

    more quickly.Considering housekeepers andmaid services will be enteringyour home, and sometimeswhen you are not around, it isimportant to find a reputableservice and diligently checkreferences. Even the bestresearch may not account for oruncover every issue, but it willhelp narrow down housekeeperswho do shoddy work or who

    cannot be trusted insideyour home.

    Before hiring a service, figureout what you expect of thehousekeeper. Standard

    packages often include athorough cleaning of the kitchen,bathrooms, floors and furniture.Other work, like moving furnitureand vacuuming underneath or

    washing the interior and exteriorof windows, may be an extraservice for an additional fee, orthey may not offer it at all.

    Other housekeepers do laundryor put away clean dishes. It isimportant to pinpoint just whatyou will need from thehousekeeper so you cancompare prices and services ofa few different maidsaccordingly.

    Its a good tip to get referralsfrom friends or neighbors as a

    jumping-off point to finding amaid service. Once you have afew names, check with theBetter Business Bureau to see ifthere are any complaints againstthe companies or individuals youare considering. Also, look for acompany that offers backgroundchecks on their employees.Select ones that offer insuranceagainst any broken items,flooding, on-the-job accidents,etc. Ask each company youreconsidering if it bonds itshousekeepers. This isessentially dishonestyinsurance and helps offer extraprotection against theft.

    Cost may also be a factor whenhiring a housekeeper. Costsvary among housekeepers,

    whose rates might be influencedby a host of factors, includingwhether or not you have pets,how frequently their services willbe required and the size ofyour home.

    Tarnish is a discoloration thatforms on silver and silver-plateditems. It occurs due to oxidationfrom exposure to air and skin.Tarnish remover is quiteexpensive and contains harshchemicals that can damage themetal. To remove tarnish, youcan mix a teaspoon of ammoniawith 2 teaspoons of liquid dishsoap and 14 cup of water. Mix

    the solution and apply to thetarnish with a cotton swab.Gently scrub until the tarnish isgone. Be sure to do the cleaningin a well-ventilated area becauseammonia fumes can be toxic.

    Animals are important members ofmany households. Although a petparent may love a wagging tail orthe sweet purr of love, he or shemay not enjoy the odors thatusually permeate from a pet.

    All animals give off some type of

    aroma. Humans have differentgrooming products that can helpthem smell fresh and clean. Petscannot control their own odor andmust rely on their owners toaddress any issues. There aredifferent ways to keep smells at bayand prevent new ones fromhappening.

    Identify the odor

    Pets emanate odors for differentreasons. Some aromas may belinked to the pet, while others mayinvolve the pets waste. Still othersmay be indicative of illness andshould be treated immediately.

    Once the source of the smell isidentified, it is easy to take action toalleviate it.

    Clean pets

    Naturally, a clean animal smellsmuch better than a dirty one. Dogsand cats may accumulate bacteriain their fur as well as organic matterthat gets stuck and decays. Whenanimals groom themselves, thesaliva applied to the fur throughlicking also may be prone tobacteria growth; and eventuallytheir fur can start to smell. Petowners with dogs or cats that havelong fur around the face may findtheir pets fur gets dragged throughthe water bowl and food dish,

    attracting particles that can end upleading to smells.

    Some pets also engage in scentcamouflage, according toveterinarian Janet Crosby. The pet

    Make hiring ahousekeepereasier

    After youve narroweddown the prospectsbased on security andcost, further shortenthe list by finding outanswers to some ofthese other questions:

    What types ofcleaning products areused? Are they eco-friendly? Do I have achoice of products?

    Will the housekeeperuse his or her ownequipment, such asa vacuum cleaner, ormust these itemsbe provided?

    Will the same maidcome every time or dothey rotate?

    Does the maidservice periodically doquality-control checks?

    Will the housekeepercome alone or withothers to help?

    How are complaintshandled?

    Setting rules andboundaries, as well ashaving all expectationsspelled out in a contract,can help alleviate

    potential problems.Finding a housekeeperthe right way will preventhaving to go through theprocess again.

    DID YOU KNOW?

    BANISH

    PET ODORSWITH EASYSTEPS

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    Buyers Guide July 18, 2012 5

    may roll around in the grass or

    something odoriferous to mask his ownscent, and this can also be a source offoul odors.

    Considering the fur can be a primesource of odor problems, it is adviseableto groom the pet as needed. Check witha veterinarian to find out how frequentlythe pet may need to be bathed. Dogsthat have oily skin may need frequentbaths. Cats may not need baths oftenbut can benefit from a thorough brushingto remove matting and any debris caught

    in the fur.If grooming is not something a pet ownerenjoys, he or she can sign up with aprofessional groomer for regularappointments for the pet. The groomermay be able to establish a schedule thatwill help control odor.

    Illness

    Certain pet illnesses elicit a certainsmell. If a dog has an ear infection, there

    could be an unpleasant scent emanatingfrom the ear. Pets that have tooth decayand gum disease will have poor breath.A pet with gastrointestinal upset mayhave flatulence or diarrhea. Skinproblems like mange may lead to opensores or abscesses that can smell foulas well.

    Dogs and cats also have anal glandsthat contain an oily, smelly substance.The glands are usually naturallyexpressed during a bowel movement.

    However, if the glands become impactedor fail to drain, this can lead to leakageand odor. The glands also may ruptureor become infected.

    If a pet smell doesnt go away withroutine bathing, it is adviseable to takethe animal to the vet for a checkup. If anunderlying medical issue is identified,the vet can prescribe a treatment thatwill make the pet smell and feel better.

    Waste

    It is well known that waste excreted fromthe body does not smell pleasant.Animals who are allowed to relievethemselves indoors, such as birds andcats, might create some unpleasant

    odors as well. To avoid suchunpleasantness, stay on top of cleaningwaste receptacles. Pets generally dontlike to use areas that smell poorly, either.Keep everything clean so the odors willbe limited and the pet may not strayelsewhere to do his or her business.

    Dogs, especially puppies, may takesome time to get acclimated to going tothe bathroom outdoors. Accidents canhappen indoors. It is essential to cleanurine and feces accidents quickly and to

    remove all traces of the odor. This waythe house will not smell and the animalwill not have marked his or her scent.Otherwise the dog may return to thesame area over and over.

    Pet odors can make a home interiorsmell unpleasant. Instead of covering upthe problem, pet parents can get to theroot of the problem and banish odors forgood.

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    July 18, 2012 Buyers Guide6

    Sale Ends August 16, 2012

    Whether its plasma, LED, LCD, HD, or 3D,all of the Ds of television technologyand terminology can have the averageconsumer scratching his or her head andwondering whats what?

    Gone are the days when you turn the knob of thetelevision set, adjust the rabbit ears antenna andhope the picture is clear. Television technologyhas advanced light years from what it was when

    most people were children. High-definitionpicture quality creates sharp images that makeviewers feel like theyre right in the show.Improved speakers and sound enhance theviewers the overall experience. And todaystelevisions come in so many shapes and sizes,theyll fit in just about any home or businesssetting.

    Other technology continues to shrink atelevisions size and weight so that they arelighter and thinner. Gone are the days of thoseultra heavy behemoth sets. As all of these

    changes take place, it can be difficult to stayabreast of the changes. Shoppers looking for anew TV can inform themselves of the differenttypes of TVs and the strengths and weaknessesto each.

    Direct View Direct view televisions, alsoreferred to as CRT, which describes its cathode

    ray tube technology, have been around fordecades. These are the TVs that were mostcommon before the high definition boom. CRT

    TVs use a specialized vacuum tube inside of theTV to create the picture. The black level on CRTsare among the best, and these TVs are muchlower priced than some of the newer technology.

    While the direct view televisions have a long lifeexpectancy, their bulk and weight deters many oftodays shoppers who prefer sleeker alternativesthan CRTs.

    LCD LCD, or liquid crystal display, is used onflat panel or rear projection televisions. LCDs arenot overly reflective, so theyre a good idea inbright rooms. They do not produce the burn-in

    effect, where an image is permanently imprintedon the screen, that other televisions might.

    The disadvantages to LCD flat-panel TVs is thatthey can be expensive. There is also a limited

    viewing area. Those sitting to the sides of thetelevision may have a darker, distorted view.

    choose your next television

    HOW TO

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    Buyers Guide July 18, 2012 7

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    Did you know that being greensaves money, especially around thehouse? Homeowners annually losehundreds of dollars to inefficient

    appliances and a drafty home.Making simple changes can benefitthe planet and your bottom line.

    Choose the rightappliances

    Appliances in your home as well ascertain behaviors can have aconsiderable impact on how muchenergy is consumed. The EnergyInformation Administration reportsthat the average home usesapproximately 1,000 kilowatt hours

    (kwh) each month. Kwh ismeasured by multiplying thenumber of 1,000 watts of electricityused by the number of hours thedevice is in use.

    Every appliance has a differentmeasure of electricity usage.

    Selecting energy-efficientappliances and using them in aconservative manner can reduceenergy usage and the cost of yourmonthly utility bill. Try to run high-wattage appliances during theevening or early-morning hourswhen energy rates may bereduced. Also, if the weather will bewarm, running these appliances

    during cooler hours prevents thehome from heating up even more possibly requiring the additional

    use of an air conditioner.Unplug appliances when theyrenot in use to avoid vampire drain.Many appliances still draw a smallamount of power even when turned

    off. Also, be sure to properlyinsulate and position appliances sothey can run at the highest level ofefficiency.

    Energy auditYou can request or hire individualsto conduct an energy audit orhome energy assessment.According to the U.S. Departmentof Energy, the audit will assesshow much energy your homeconsumes and evaluate whatmeasures you can take to makeyour home more energy efficient.

    If you prefer to do an energy audityourself, you can look at a few keyareas around the home wherethere may be air leaks or inefficientuses of energy. First, turn off anycombustible appliances, such aswater heaters and furnaces. Makesure the windows are closed, thenturn on exhaust fans in thebathroom and kitchen to suck theair out of the rooms. Feel aroundoutlets, doors, windows,baseboards, fireplaces, and attichatches for any apparent leaks.

    Use a stick of incense to easily seethe flow of air in the incensesmoke.

    If any leaks are found, addresseach one. This generally involves

    recaulking or sealing around pointsof entry. The DOE says thepotential energy savings fromreducing drafts in a home may

    range from 5 percent to 30 percentper year.

    Additional steps

    There are other steps you can taketo make a home more efficient.

    Install solar panels to drawpower from the sun.

    Plant deciduous trees or bushes onthe south- and west-facing areas ofthe home. The leaves will shadethe home during the summermonths and fall off to allow

    sunshine in during the wintermonths.

    Plant bushes by the front doorto act as a wind buffer.

    Use skylights to add light andwarmth from the sun to the home.

    Think about using motion-activated lights in the home.

    Install a new programmablethermostat.

    Check the insulation in atticsand basements and install new ifthe insulation you currently haveis no longer efficient.

    Save energy and money by makingeasy adjustments andimprovements around your house.

    Make yourhome moreenergy-efficient

    Here are some examples ofcommon appliances in thehome and how much energythey consume in one hour,

    courtesy of Bright Hub.

    Electric clothes dryer: 6,000 watts

    Washing machine: 425 watts

    Refrigerator: 188 watts

    Dishwasher: 200 watts

    Central AC: 6,000 watts

    Window AC: 1,300 watts

    Flat screen TV: 150 watts

    LCD TV: 213 watts

    Vacuum: 1,100 watts

    Freezer: 273 watts

    Water heater: 473 wattsToaster oven: 1,200 watts

    Coffeemaker: 1,200 watts

    Desktop computer: 95 watts

    DVD player: 25 watts

    Cable box: 20 watts

    Laptop: 50 wattsSealing aroundwindows reducesair leaks andsaves you money

    in the process.

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    July 18, 2012 Buyers Guide8

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    Buyers Guide July 18, 2012 9

    Whether its plasma, LED, LCD, HD, or

    3D, all of the Ds of television

    technology

    and terminology can have the averageconsumer scratching his or her head

    and wondering whats what?

    Gone are the days when you turn the knob

    of the television set, adjust the rabbit ears

    antenna and hope the picture is clear.

    Television technology has advanced light

    years from what it was when most people

    were children. High-definition picture quality

    creates sharp images that make viewers

    feel like theyre right in the show. Improvedspeakers and sound enhance the viewers

    the overall experience. And todays

    televisions come in so many shapes and

    sizes, theyll fit in just about any home or

    business setting.

    Other technology continues to shrink a

    televisions size and weight so that they are

    lighter and thinner. Gone are the days of

    those ultra heavy behemoth sets. As all of

    these changes take place, it can be difficult

    to stay abreast of the changes. Shoppers

    looking for a new TV can inform themselves

    of the different types of TVs and the

    strengths and weaknesses to each.

    Direct View Direct view televisions,also referred to as CRT, which describes its

    cathode ray tube technology, have been

    around for decades. These are the TVs thatwere most common before the high

    definition boom. CRT TVs use a specialized

    vacuum tube inside of the TV to create the

    picture. The black level on CRTs are among

    the best, and these TVs are much lower

    priced than some of the newer technology.

    While the direct view televisions have a

    long life expectancy, their bulk and weight

    deters many of todays shoppers who prefer

    sleeker alternatives than CRTs.

    LCD LCD, or liquid crystal display, isused on flat panel or rear projection

    televisions. LCDs are not overly reflective,

    so theyre a good idea in bright rooms.

    They do not produce the burn-in effect,

    where an image is permanently imprinted

    on the screen, that other televisions might.

    The disadvantages to LCD flat-panel TVs is

    that they can be expensive. There is also a

    limited viewing area. Those sitting to the

    sides of the television may have a darker,

    distorted view.

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    July 18, 2012 Buyers Guide10

    The cost of travel continues toincrease, especially for thosetravelers who prefer to travelby air. According to the Bureauof Transportation Statistics, theaverage round-trip flight in2011 cost consumers $362, a7.8 percent increase from theprevious year. Whats more,that figure does not includetaxes or additional costs paidat the airport, which caninclude potentially expensivebaggage fees.

    Its no surprise then that manywould-be travelers are

    somewhat reticent to fly,especially if those travelershave kids in tow. However,there are ways to save onflights; it just takes a littleflexibility and a willingness toshop around.

    Dont insist on nonstopflights. No one likes layovers,but they might just save you a

    substantial amount of money.Compare the cost of a nonstopflight to your desireddestination to one that has oneor even multiple stops.

    Save on your next flight

    People who arelooking for a laid-back and fuss-freevacation can turn to

    cruising.Cruising remains popularand that popularitycontinues to grow. Datafrom the Cruise LineInternational Association,Inc. market profile surveyfor 2011 found that cruisingranks second as the mostpopular vacation behindland-based nonresortvacations. Almost 71

    percent of the total vacationmarket has an interest incruising. Among pastcruisers, surveyrespondents said they willmost likely take anothercruise over the next threeyears.

    CLIA research indicatesthat cruisers tend to bemiddle-aged,predominantly married

    couples with a medianincome of $97,000. Thehigher household incomemay account for the abilityto cruise amid a floundering

    economy.

    Whats behind thepopularity of cruising? Oneof the main draws tocruising is its relative ease.

    From the moment a shipembarks, cruisers areaboard a floating hotel. Allof their needs are metwithin the confines of theship, and theres no hasslewith baggage or layoverslike there is for air travel.Theres also no traffic onthe open seas, and cruiserscan customize their daysand do as little or as much

    as they like.The all-inclusive nature ofcruising extends to meals.A popular factor of cruisingis that one neednt look farfor the next meal. Unlikeother hotels and resorts,theres no traveling far forbreakfast, lunch or dinner,and passengers dont haveto carry around extramoney for meal expenses.Cruise packages ofteninclude all-you-can-eatoptions. This can seem likea bargain, as the cost ofmeals on other vacations

    tends to be a significant.According to Ehow.com,vacationers spend upwardsof $600 in food for a week-long vacation. In

    comparison, cruising costson average $1,500 perperson, which covers theaccommodations, meals,some excursions, andonboard activities.

    Travelers who are notinterested in planning aday-to-day itinerary to keepbusy often like theamenities of cruising. Mostcruises have a cruise

    director who leads guestsin various activities duringthe day. Most modern-daycruise ships offer ampleentertainment options.From swimming pools toskating rinks to rock wallsto surfing simulators, thereare activities for most agegroups. For an additionalcost, cruisers can leave theship and go on specialized

    excursions at ports of call.Still, cruisers who just wantto sit on deck and relax cando just that.

    Cruising is theno-work vacation

    Cruising is one of the leastlabor-intensive vacations for travelers.

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    ALASKAwith Holland America Cruise Lines - The MS Oosterdam September 9 - 16, 2012 (8 days / 7 nights)including roundtrip air from Baltimore, transfers to/from ship, cruise, port charges & fees. Sailing fromSeattle, featuring Puget Sound, Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, & Victoria, Brit. Columbia

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    TRAVEL ~ The Only thing you buy that makes you richer!

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    Buyers Guide July 18, 2012 11

    There is often no denying how busy theweek can be for the average individual orfamily. Very frequently people eschewcooking dinner simply because they find

    the process takes too much time out oftheir already hectic days. Some peoplelook to fast food or dining instead, but thiscan be costly and potentially unhealthy.Though home cooking can be time-consuming, planning ahead for weeknightmeals can drastically reduce the time ittakes to whip up a good meal.

    While it may seem like people arespending more time eating out, statisticspoint to the contrary. In a 2009 surveysponsored by CBS News, 43 percent ofAmerican respondents said they cook 6 to7 nights out of the week, and 32 percentof the respondents said they cook 4 to 5nights out of the week.

    Individuals who are still dining out orordering in instead of cooking may benefitfrom the following time-saving tips.

    Make a meal schedule. Take a cue fromschools and office cafeterias and createa weekly or monthly meal calendar.

    Come up with items you enjoy eating andcombine them for meals. Use cookingmagazines for inspiration if necessary.Having a schedule of what you will becooking enables you to shop for theingredients in advance and to knowexactly what youll be serving each night two time savers.

    Create a detailed shopping list. Usethe meal calendar to make a list of theingredients you will need for each meal.Some ingredients will overlap (i.e. freshspices, like garlic and parsley), but theremay be some ingredients unique to aparticular recipe. Buying all of theingredients in advance enables you tohave them on hand when its time to

    cook, instead of running out forsomething that is missing.

    Do preparation work on the weekend.Spend a few hours prepping food overthe weekend for the upcoming week. Ifvegetables need to be diced, do so thenand store them in zip-top plastic bags.Meats that take a long time to cook canbe pre-cooked and simply reheatedbefore being served. Certain meals, likecasseroles and baked pasta dishes, canbe made entirely and stored in thefreezer. Having some of the work alreadydone may help to make weeknight mealseasier to cook.

    Invest in a slow cooker. If you prefer ahot meal right after walking in the door, aslow cooker can be an invaluable toolthat delivers meals-on-demand. Aslowcooker works by cooking ingredients at avery low temperature over a long periodof time. Ingredients can be added in themorning before you leave for work, andthe meal will be ready and hot by thetime you return home. There are dozensof different slow cooker recipes andcookbooks completely devoted to meals

    made in a slow cooker. It is a versatiletool and one that can be an asset in abusy persons kitchen.

    Think outside the meal box. Dinnerdoesnt necessarily have to consist ofdinner foods. Turn pancakes, eggs andsandwiches into heartier meals with theaddition of a few ingredients. Omeletscan be enhanced with cubed meats andvegetables. Top pancakes with fresh fruitand granola for a more substantial meal.Paninis are popular these days, so take

    an ordinary sandwich and make itgourmet just by pressing it and heating.

    Taking the time to plan ahead for mealsmeans that weeknight dinners can beless stressful to put together.

    PREP WORKmakes weeknightdinners easier

    Taking sometime to prep forweeknight mealsmeans you canenjoy deliciousfoods at homewithoutspending too

    much time in thekitchen.

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    Rice balls are frieddelicacies sold inmany Italian specialtyfood stores andmarkets. Often filledwith meat or cheese,rice balls can be bite-sized snacks orsoftball-sized meals.

    Due to someuncertainty abouthow to keep riceballs from falling

    apart, many homechefs shy away fromrecreating them intheir own kitchens.However, with a littleknow-how, anyonecan create deliciousrice balls.

    MAKE A RICE BALLHOW TORice Balls1 cup rice with a high starchcontent to make it sticky,like aborio

    2 cups water

    Salt for flavoring

    Homemade or preparedbreadcrumbs

    2 to 3 ounces mozzarellacheese, cubed

    1 to 2 eggs, whisked

    12 cup homemade orprepared tomato sauce

    Few sprigs parsley, choppedSalt and pepper to taste

    Vegetable oil for frying

    In a saucepan, bring waterand a pinch of salt to a boil.Add rice to boiling water andreduce heat to simmer. Coverpot and cook, roughly 15minutes, until all the water isabsorbed by the rice.

    Drain the water and put rice ina bowl. Add the tomato sauceand mix. Season with parsley,salt and pepper to taste. Allowthe mixture to sit and cool toroom temperature before

    handling.

    Have beaten eggs ready in ashallow bowl. Pourbreadcrumbs into anotherbowl and set aside.

    Take the rice mixture andgather some in your hand.(Wet hands between makingrice balls to keep the rice fromsticking to your hands). Cupand form into a bowl. Push apiece of the mozzarellacheese into the center of therice ball and reshape.

    Roll the rice ball into the eggsand then place into thebreadcrumbs to coat. Repeatthe process if desired for athicker coating.

    Repeat until all the rice isused. Place the formed riceballs into the refrigerator forseveral hours or overnight toset.

    Heat oil in a deep frying pan.Place a few rice balls in at atime and cook until golden on

    all sides. Place on rack todrain. Repeat with all riceballs.

    Serve and enjoy.

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    July 18, 2012 Buyers Guide12

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    The Mayo Clinic says that alack of adequate lighting canmake people feel depressed.

    Want to improveyour mood,productivity and

    general well-being?Consider turningon a light.

    The psychological effects oflighting have long been asubject of study. It has beendocumented that the intensityand quality of light can impactthe psychological andphysiological well-being of a

    person, affecting daily mood.The Mayo Clinic says that alack of adequate lighting canmake people feel depressed.Thats because lightdeprivation can affect theproduction of the hormonemelatonin, leading tophysiological imbalances. Anabundance of light can getbodily systems back in checkand also may be an

    alternative therapy forcommon emotional issues.

    Lighting is such an importantfactor in mood that evenstores and businesses study

    the impact certain lighting canhave on people and theirimpression of a space. Infact, lighting design is an artand a science. Lightingdesigners must have anunderstanding of the visualquality users of a space needfor their health, safety andenjoyment.

    The Illuminating EngineeringSociety of North America liststhe basic body of knowledgeon lighting in the IESNAHandbook. It includessummaries of recommended

    practices based on researchand consensus of successfullighting for specificapplications. But individualsdont need an extensiveknowledge of lightingprinciples to improve theirown interior lightingsituations. Instead, a cursoryunderstanding of what workscan do the trick. Here aresome things to consider.

    People are attracted to light.If lighting is necessary forsafety, brighter illuminationwill guide the way.

    Brightness focuses personalattention on a particularobject or area.

    To create a more pleasant

    atmosphere, use wall lightinginstead of overhead lightingin a space.

    In public spaces or areaswhere individuals need to bealert, overhead lighting is thebest option.

    Dim lighting is best forrooms in which relaxation isdesired. That is why tablelamps are often used with ashade to diffuse the light.

    Homes typically need acombination of lightingsources. An overhead lightpaired with ambient light andtask lighting can help mostpeople get things done.

    According to light bulbmanufacturer Sylvania, thinkin terms of layering light. Lightsources should be placed atdifferent heights throughout a

    room to supply adequateillumination as well as visualinterest.

    For those who want to boostmood, consider full-spectrum

    light bulbs that mimic thespectrum of outdoor light.

    Another easy remedy(during the day) is to simply

    let more outdoor light in.Keep blinds open wide,especially those that facewest and south. Bedroomswith windows facing the eastmay help people rise with thesun. Skylights can help lightshine indoors when the sun isdirectly overhead. There arealso sun tubes that helpdirect sunlight into roomsunder an attic where

    traditional skylights cannot beinstalled.

    Remember, bright light canenergize a person, so it isimportant to wind down froma long day by dimming thelights and preparing for sleepin the evening.

    Individuals often take light forgranted and only realizesomething is off kilter whentheir homes are not

    adequately lit. There aredifferent ways to remedyinadequate lighting situations.Speaking with a lightingdesigner may help.

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    Buyers Guide July 18, 2012 13

    Every person in the country is uniqueand has an identifying name andnumbers assigned to him or her thathelp regulate aspects of his or herprofessional and personal life. Whensome form of a persons identificationis stolen, this is known as identitytheft, and it can wreak havoc onfinances and personal credit. Thereare a number of steps men andwomen can take to avoid beingvictimized by identity theft.

    In the United States, a drivers license

    and a social security number areused to identify individuals. (InCanada, individuals are issued socialinsurance numbers.) Credit cards arealso issued in a persons name, andunique numbers assigned enableindividuals on the account to makepurchases on credit. From debit cardPIN numbers to other sources ofidentification, the average person hasa lot of information that separates himor her from others.

    Identity theft has become a prolificproblem. Having so many

    sources of identity aroundmakes it easier for identitythieves to target individuals. Ina largely digital society, thieveshave learned how to capturecredit card numbers andaccess social securitynumbers from correspondenceover the Internet or simply byreading magnetic-strippedcards right in a wallet. The

    identities of the deceased arealso being stolen thanks toinformation published online.

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    July 18, 2012 Buyers Guide14

    The best vacations lift us out of the frenzy of

    our lives, whisking us off to faraway places

    that relax and rejuvenate us.

    Yet a great vacation can also be a great

    financial strain as well -- and really, howrelaxing is that? Especially since once the trip

    is over, there's typically little to show for all the

    expense beyond a few snapshots you can

    post on Facebook.

    So how do you meet the pressing need for a

    stress-reducing change of scenery without

    wiping out your savings in the process? The

    solution may actually be simpler, and closer,

    than you think: Open your own back door, and

    begin imagining the leisure possibilities right

    beyond your doorstep!Instead of throwing a bunch of money at a

    short-term getaway, consider investing a

    portion of it into transforming your back yard

    into a personal relaxation oasis.

    Don't be put off by how big a task that

    sounds. Start out simple, making additional

    changes as finances allow, and inspiration

    strikes.

    Yet landscaping is really only setting the stage

    -- you still need some kind of show-stopper to

    complete your yard's transformation.

    Pools and decks are whopping financial

    commitments. There is, however, a less bank-

    breaking path to backyard-relaxation bliss:

    Invest in the very symbol of relaxation itself.

    Invest in a hammock and hammock stand.

    "Repeat customers are always telling me the

    best mini-vacation they've ever bought has

    been a hammock and a hammock stand,"says J.R. Pelletier, manager of

    TheHammockCompany.com, an international

    leader in hammock sales. "A good hammock

    can feel as if you've just caught a flight

    straight out of your stressful daily life."

    Plus, a quality fabric hammock can make your

    yard look as pretty as a vacation postcard as

    well. Recent advances in all-weather synthetic

    textiles have vastly expanded design and

    color options for fabric hammocks.

    "It used to be fabric hammocks were justdrab," notes Walter R. Perkins III, CEO of The

    HammockSource, the world's largest

    manufacturer and seller of hammocks.

    "Owning one meant watching what little color

    it had fade like a flower by summer's end. But

    today, a quality fabric hammock can be a

    show-stopper for your yard, for many seasons

    to come."

    Your favorite patch of yard is finally the primo

    spot for unwinding, a personal relaxation

    space for letting your mind wander to all those

    distant getaway places you might one day like

    to go. But for now, you're pretty content right

    where you are, aren't you?

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    Buyers Guide July 18, 2012 15

    Asking for a raise will go mucheasier if you arrive for the meetingprepared to sell yourself.

    As the economy has struggled over the last several

    years, many employees have felt happy to have ajob, no matter what it pays. However, for those whofeel they have been doing an exemplary job at work,they shouldnt let the economy prevent them fromasking for a raise they deserve.

    Chances are employers are not going to walk up toemployees and offer them pay raises. After all,bosses are in the business of having the companyoperate at the least possible cost. Men and womenwho want a raise should recognize that it is theirresponsibility to approach higher-ups about a payincrease.

    Asking for a raise can put employees on edge andraise a couple of questions. What is the best way toapproach the topic? What if the boss decides againsta pay increase? What is a reasonable salary?Preparing for a meeting with a supervisor is essentialfor men and women about to request a raise.

    Research what others in your position are beingpaid. There are a number of salary calculatorsavailable online that will provide a good indication ofthe regional pay rate for a particular job description.Compare a few of them and take the average. Printout these salary rates and bring them with you to the

    meeting.Calculate how long you have been working at thecompany. It generally costs more money for anemployer to replace an employee even if the new

    one will be paid less than you rather than justgiving you a raise. Thats because there is thepotential of lost business and productivity should youchoose to leave the company. Hiring and trainingtakes time. If you have been with the organization forquite some time, that should work in your favor, as itshows loyalty and the boss can review your lengthywork history. Be prepared to say how much youenjoy working for the company and indicate yourlong-standing record for getting the job done.

    Determine the financial position of the companyfirst. You can probably get a good indication of howwell the business is doing based on happeningsaround the office. If the employer has eliminated

    jobs, merged jobs, taken away incentives or other

    morale boosters like office parties, or done anythingelse that might be indicative of financial struggles,you may want to wait until things level out beforeasking for a raise.

    Practice your sales pitch. Sit down and go over allof the reasons why you deserve a raise. Think aboutwhat proof you can use to support your request. Ifyours is a sales-based job, offer a spreadsheet thatshows how many sales you have made. Forrecruiters, show how much new business you havebrought in. If you have any customer testimonials,present them as well. To get a raise you have to sell

    yourself. Dont think of it as making threats orultimatums. An employer is smart enough to realizethat, if you are asking for a raise, you could beunhappy with your current situation.

    Think about how you will react if the raise isturned down. Perhaps asking for a raise is the laststep before looking for a new job. You might stay ifyou get more money, but leave if your request isdenied. Maybe you have a comfortable enoughrelationship with your boss that you can ask whenmight be the right time for a raise, or when you canbroach the subject again. Also, there is the

    opportunity to negotiate: If I cannot get a payincrease, are there any other benefits I can receive,such as better health insurance, gym membership,covered child care expenses, or some other benefitthat isnt financial?

    Choose a good time for an appointment withyour boss. Wait until deadlines are over or afteryour supervisor has returned from a vacation. Youwant an uninterrupted time to sit down and presentyour case when there will be no distractions. After all,you want him or her relaxed and in a good mood,which will only improve your chances of getting what

    you want.Asking for a raise can sometimes be uncomfortable.However, for employees who think they are goingabove and beyond at work, they should state theircases for a raise.

    There have been a number of must-have trends throughout

    history. While in years past the hottest commodity was the in-demand toy or gaming system, today people cannot seem to

    get enough of their technological gadgets, most notablysmartphones and tablets.

    Evolving phones and handheld computers have revolutionized

    how people communicate. By the end of 2011, market

    research from Nielsen indicated that 50 percent of mobilephone users in the United States relied on smartphones over

    standard feature phones. Due to the numerous abilities of asmartphone, including the ability to browse the Web, send e-

    mails and texts, as well as play streaming video and games,smartphone users must sign up for a data plan to make

    everything possible. People may be unknowingly spendingmore than they have to for these plans.

    Consumer Reports says that the average cell phoneuser spends $600 per year on basic mobileservices. When texting and other smartphonefeatures are added in, the cost balloons to $1,800per year. There are ways to cut these costsconsiderably if you simply pay attention to details.

    Dont bundle up just yet. Regular voice service has latelybecome a cheap commodity. In an effort to make more

    money, phone companies are pushing higher-end

    smartphones that require data packages. Take inventory ofthe features you plan to use and see how the service plansfor those features add up. Instead of spending $100 for an

    all-inclusive plan, you may be able to buy it in piecemeal andsave some money.

    HOW TO

    ASK FORA RAISE

    HOW TO

    CUT COSTS ONDATA PLANS

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    July 18, 2012 Buyers Guide16

    Check out our new website...

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    There have been a number of must-havetrends throughout history. While in yearspast the hottest commodity was the in-demand toy or gaming system, todaypeople cannot seem to get enough of their

    technological gadgets, most notablysmartphones and tablets.

    Evolving phones and handheld computershave revolutionized how peoplecommunicate. By the end of 2011, marketresearch from Nielsen indicated that 50percent of mobile phone users in the UnitedStates relied on smartphones over standardfeature phones. Due to the numerousabilities of a smartphone, including the abilityto browse the Web, send e-mails and texts,as well as play streaming video and games,smartphone users must sign up for a dataplan to make everything possible. Peoplemay be unknowingly spending more thanthey have to for these plans.

    Consumer Reports says that theaverage cell phone user spends$600 per year on basic mobileservices. When texting and othersmartphone features are added in,the cost balloons to $1,800 per year.There are ways to cut these costs

    considerably if you simply payattention to details.

    Dont bundle up just yet. Regular voiceservice has lately become a cheapcommodity. In an effort to make more

    money, phone companies are pushing

    higher-end smartphones that require datapackages. Take inventory of the features

    you plan to use and see how the serviceplans for those features add up. Instead ofspending $100 for an all-inclusive plan, you

    may be able to buy it in piecemeal and savesome money.

    Take inventory of how much you use.

    When browsing the Internet or exploringdifferent apps, it can be difficult to keeptrack of just how many minutes, texts and

    megabytes you are using. But knowing whatyou use will help you determine the range inwhich you fall with regard to service. If you

    find you only send out $7 worth of text

    messages, do not pay for an unlimited textpackage that costs $15. Services likeBillShrink.com can analyze your cellphoneusage and make recommendations to cut

    costs.

    Reduce megabyte guzzlers. Certainfeatures require more bandwidth than

    others and can take more time to downloadand more megabyte data usage.Applications like YouTube work better when

    viewed on a computer hooked up to atraditional modem. According to the Onavo,which measures how data is being used, a

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  • 7/31/2019 221643_1342519796Panhandle EZ Liv

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    Buyers Guide July 18, 2012 17

    Photographs are the way many people

    document lifes special occasions, milestones

    and even the daily moments that are worth

    saving and sharing. Nowadays, its easy to

    take photos for granted since digital

    technology has made taking photos simpler

    than ever before.

    The U.S. Library of Congress says that the

    oldest known photograph in the world was

    taken by French inventor Joseph Nicephore

    Niepce in 1825. The photo depicts a man

    leading a horse. Niepces heliographs, or sun

    prints, were the prototype for the modern

    photograph.

    Although people have been taking

    photographs for nearly 200 years, some

    people still struggle to perfect their style andexecution. Professional photographer Laura

    Kyle Bruen, of Laura Bruen Photography,

    works across New York, New Jersey and

    Pennsylvania and shares her expert tips for

    creating visual photo perfection.

    Photo taker: My camera has automated

    settings, but Im interested in having more

    control over my photos. What are some

    things I need to know?

    Laura: Step one would be learning the three

    elements of creating a correct exposure. This

    involves finding the balance between: ISO,shutter speed and aperture setting. ISO is the

    measure of a digital cameras sensors

    sensitivity to light. Aperture is the size of the

    opening in the lens, which allows light to

    enter. It also controls your depth of field (how

    in-focus or out of focus the background is

    behind your subject). Shutter Speed is the

    amount of time the shutter open and closes.

    The most important thing to remember is

    once you change one of these settings it will

    directly affect the others. I highly recommendBryan Petersons book, Understanding

    Exposure, to learn about the balance of

    these settings and how it affects your images

    overall. Once you learn the rules of creating a

    correct exposure balancing these three

    settings, you can learn how to break them

    when deemed creatively desirable.

    PT: My photos seem great at first glance, but

    then I see something in the background that

    ruins the overall look. How do I remedy this?

    L: While the subject, not the background,should be your main focus, it makes sense to

    evaluate your surroundings when composing

    a shot, as an ugly background may distract

    from the subject. Training your eye begins

    with looking through the viewfinder and

    making some conscious decisions. Agood

    method of doing this is to mentally divide your

    frame into nine equal parts. Evaluate your

    frame: Does that large box of tissues need to

    be in the background? Are there any large

    obstructions, garbage cans? Is the lightbehind you? See any objects with clashing

    colors to your subject or other undesirables?

    If so, recompose your shot. Make it a habit to

    perform this exercise and when your eye is

    trained, you will compose images before you

    even put your eye up to the viewfinder.

    PT: How do I get my subjects to pay attention

    especially children?

    L: In addition to knowing your camera and thebasics of photography, depending on your

    subject matter you will either play director or

    documentary still photographer. If youre

    working with an adult in a portrait, engage him

    or her in conversation to relax the

    atmosphere. Getting your subjects relaxed

    results in great images. With children, life is

    silly Ill do anything to get the shot

    dance, hop around making silly faces, even

    mount things on my cameras to get a rise out

    of small children. Do not force your subjects

    to do things they are not comfortable doing or

    do not want to do. Keep it light, fun and

    comfortable.

    PT: How do I know when to use the flash?

    L: The correct answer to this question

    depends on the current lighting situation. Inevery environment you have to analyze

    whether or not flash is necessary to achieve

    your desired outcome. As you

    progress/advance youll learn techniques

    where you can add supplemental light to

    existing light. Some of todays best consumer

    digital cameras have very high ISO ratings

    that allow the photographer to shoot with

    relatively low light. On-camera flashes can be

    harsh. If you need to use your pop-up flash, I

    highly recommend purchasing a pop-up

    diffuser. It is a solid investment as it softens

    the light and subjects wont have that deer-in-

    headlights look.

    PT: Everyone has had a horror story with a

    photo that makes them look awful. I want my

    subjects to look their best. Are there any tips

    for achieving this?

    L: We can all use posing tips! Direct your

    subject to bend his or her elbows and lift arms

    slightly away from the body to avoid flat arms

    against the body which is not flattering.

    Shoot from above if your subject has a full

    face to eliminate any double chins. Make sure

    everyone is standing up straight! Have

    subjects cross one leg in front of the other to

    slim the thighs. Rotate the upper body of the

    subject slightly at the waist (slight twist) to

    slim the waistline. Tell subjects to relax their

    faces and to smile with their eyes it works!

    I also tell my clients to get a good nights rest

    the night before a shoot. They arrive well

    rested and fresh faced, and its amazing what

    a good nights sleep can do!

    PT: Are there times when portraits or other

    shots are better left to an expert?

    L: A professional photographer would be best

    documenting major milestones in life, such as

    a newly born baby, first birthday, communion,

    or wedding or for commercial purposes where

    a professional shot will sell you, your product,

    or your service.

    Learning photo basics is the first step in taking

    beautiful photos. Then photographers can

    experiment to achieve the photos they desire.

    Laura is a member of Professional Photographersof America (PPA) and Wedding & PortraitPhotographers International (WPPI), as well as theNational Association for Professional Women

    (NAPW). She regularly blogs about her creative

    life interests on her official blog, shoot-scoop.com.

    Achieveperfect picswith tipsFROM A PRO

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    July 18, 2012 Buyers Guide18

    The nightmare has happened to mostpeople: You are half-way throughcompleting an important file on yourcomputer when the program freezes orthe computer crashes, and you have justlost all of your hard work. Although losingcomputer files can cost you time and bea minor inconvenience, many times thelost data and productivity can cost much,much more. Protecting computer files isthe way to safeguard importantinformation from being lost forever.

    According to professors of computerscience at Georgetown University,computers crash due to an error in theoperating system, software or computerhardware. Software issues are morecommon, and hardware errors can bedifficult to diagnose. Errors are oftentransient and there is no way to predictwhen they may occur. That makesprotecting files even more important.

    There are different ways to safeguardfiles while working. Many differentcomputer programs have automatedsaving programming built right in. Thatmeans if you have not physically hit thesave function in the document, thesoftware will automatically save the file atpreset intervals. Usually help topics ofthe software or an IT professional willprovide the instructions to set upautomatic saving.

    Autonomy is also essential whenbacking up files. You may becomedistracted or fail to back up files atspecified times. This may result in lostdata. Instead, there is software that canbe programmed to back up select or allfiles to a particular location. Usually thisis an external hard drive that will storethe information. Should a computer

    crash occur, you can restore theinformation from the last automatic backup. In the event that a computers harddrive is unsalvageable, files can beimported onto a new computer from the

    external hard drive.

    Although crashes caused by hardwareare possible, most computer errors arecaused by glitches in the operatingsystem. Some errors are inherent at thetime of manufacture, but others may beintroduced thanks to the information youdownload or share. Viruses are commonand can take over a computer and makeit function abnormally. To safeguardagainst lost data, routinely scan anydocument downloaded or shared with avirus detection product. If an e-mail or fileis unknown, it is safer to ignore it thanrisk getting a computer virus. There aremany different virus protection programsavailable and different levels ofprotection that can be set.

    One of the most secure methods ofprotecting files is to upload them to an

    offsite back-up source. This service istypically offered by companies that havea remote vault server to which you cansave files. There may be a monthlyservice fee involved. It is important toverify that the remote server is encryptedso that files cannot be stolen duringtransit. Some services will also offer fileback-up and sync to multiple computers,keeping all data up-to-date. You alsomay be able to access your files fromany computer with your login

    identification.Now that digital information is theprimary mode of business and personalcommunication, protecting files shouldbe a priority.

    Backing up computerfiles is an importantmethod ofsafeguarding vitalinformation.

    Every person in the country is unique andhas an identifying name and numbersassigned to him or her that help regulateaspects of his or her professional andpersonal life. When some form of a

    persons identification is stolen, this isknown as identity theft, and it can wreakhavoc on finances and personal credit.There are a number of steps men andwomen can take to avoid being victimizedby identity theft.

    In the United States, a drivers license anda social security number are used toidentify individuals. (In Canada, individualsare issued social insurance numbers.)Credit cards are also issued in a personsname, and unique numbers assigned

    enable individuals on the account to makepurchases on credit. From debit card PINnumbers to other sources of identification,the average person has a lot of informationthat separates him or her from others.

    Identity theft has become a prolificproblem. Having so many sources ofidentity around makes it easier for identitythieves to target individuals. In a largelydigital society, thieves have learned how tocapture credit card numbers and accesssocial security numbers from

    correspondence over the Internet or simplyby reading magnetic-stripped cards right ina wallet. The identities of the deceased arealso being stolen thanks to informationpublished online.

    The Federal TradeCommission estimates that asmany as nine million

    Americans have theiridentities stolen each year.According to a McMastereBusiness Research Centrestudy, 6.5 percent of the totalCanadian population reportedbeing a victim of identity theftin 2007. Most identity theftcases involve fraudulent creditcard transactions.

    There are different ways to protect yourselffrom identity theft. The first step isidentifying the various ways thieves mightgather a potential victims personalinformation.

    Simple stealing: Thieves can get personalinformation and credit cards simply bytaking wallets or purses. Some take mail,including bank statements or newly issuedcredit cards, out of mailboxes. Somethieves take information from personnelrecords or bribe employees who may have

    access to this information.Trash hunting: They say one mans trashis another mans treasure, and someidentity thieves put this adage to the test.When individuals discard bank statementsor credit card bills without shredding them,the papers can be taken out of trash cansor bags. Anything thrown out with a form ofidentification on it can be stolen and used.

    Phishing, vishing and shmishing:Phishing is a term that describes identity

    theft tactics surrounding e-mail and Internetuse. With phishing, individuals are lured togive out personal information via an e-mailthat is thought to be from a reputablefinancial establishment. Anti-phishingtechnology has been developed to pinpointphishing e-mails, but hackers and phishershave developed their own methods tothwart it. Physically asking for informationover the phone is known as vishing.Information requested over texts or shortmessages is known as shmishing.

    Skimming: Thieves use special devicesattached to credit card readers to storedata for later use. There are also devicesthat can read credit card information whilethe card is still in a wallet.

    Pretexting: According to the FTC,pretexters use a variety of tactics to getpersonal information. For example, apretexter may call, claim hes from aresearch firm, and ask a person for hisname, address, birth date, and socialsecurity number. When the pretexter has

    the information he wants, he uses it to callthat persons financial institution. Hepretends to be the account holder orsomeone with authorized access to theaccount.

    Protect computer filesbefore its too late

    Dont haveyour identitystolen

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    Buyers Guide July 18, 2012 19

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    Fatigue can indicate a host of things. Menand women who are overworked feel fatigue,as do men and women whose diet is low onnutrition. Fatigue can also be the result of amedical condition, which only sheds light onhow important it is for men and womendealing with fatigue to speak to their

    physician about their condition.In addition to working with a physician to fightfatigue, there are steps men and women cantake reduce fatigue and start feeling moreenergetic.

    Get off the couch. A sedentary lifestyle willonly make it more likely that you will feelfatigued. But including daily exercise as partof your routine will not only boost your energylevels, but also improve circulation, increaseyour metabolism and relieve tension, anespecially valuable benefit for overworked

    men and women.Get some sleep. The notion that sleep canhelp fight fatigue might sound simple, but agood nights sleep can elevate energy levelsthroughout the day, helping the body rest andrecover. Failing to get sufficient sleep, whichmany people find is seven to eight hours pernight, can turn todays fatigue into tomorrowsfatigue, and so on.

    Address any sources of stress. Fatiguecan be a side effect of stress. Many men andwomen find work is their primary source ofstress, but finances and relationship issuescan be stressful as well. Whatever the sourceof your stress, address it and dont allow it tofester. If its work, then look for ways to makework less stressful, whether itstelecommuting more often or sharing moreresponsibilities. Exercise is a great way torelieve stress, but men and women fightingstress-related fatigue should address thesource of the stress as well.

    Reduce sugar intake. Sugar might providean initial burst of energy, especially for peoplebattling fatigue. However, once your bloodsugar levels begin to drop, which can happenrather quickly, you will notice a rather steepdecline in your energy level. To successfullycombat fatigue, avoid relying on quick fixesthat only offer temporary relief.

    Alter your eating habits. If youre aproponent of three large meals per day butare battling fatigue, then it might be time toalter your eating habits. Replace the largemeals with smaller meals, and snackthroughout the day to maintain high energylevels. Just be sure to consume healthysnacks, and dont forget to drink waterthroughout the day. Doing so will fightdehydration, which can also cause fatigue.

    Simple ways

    to reducefatigue

    1. Employ the buddy system.Having a partner to share the upsand downs of getting fit with can

    make the process go moresmoothly. This person canencourage you to stick with thefitness routine even if your interesthas waned. You can do the sameby motivating your partner to presson. Laughing and joking about yourfitness escapades can make themseem less like work and more l ikefun.

    2. Stop dieting. Nothing soundsmore boring than relegating

    yourself to tasteless food or no-fatproducts or eating only one item aspart of a fad diet. Diets dont soundfun, and oftentimes theyre not.Instead, continue to enjoy all ofyour favorite foods just reduceportion sizes. That means you cancontinue to enjoy a slice of pizza ora burger, provided you dontexceed portion sizes.

    3. Skip the gym. Very often peopleequate fitness with spending hoursat the gym. While there are scoresof people who find heading to thegym enjoyable, many others wouldprefer doing something else. Justabout any activity can be turnedinto a fitness activity. You can runaround the yard with your childrenor hop on a bicycle and find a paththrough the neighborhood. Avidgardeners get quite a workout byweeding and planting all thewhile enjoying themselves. Find

    out what you like to do and makethat pursuit your fitness activity ofchoice.

    4. Set fitness to music. A range ofdifferent musical tempos can rev-up energy levels and entice you toget moving. Start scouting outsongs to accompany your fitnessefforts.

    to makegetting fitmore fun

    4 ways

    Swimsuit season is just around the

    corner, which means that manypeople are gearing up to shed a fewpounds. This weight loss is oftenaccomplished through acombination of diet and exercise.

    Although plenty of individuals beginnew exercise regimens with highhopes, oftentimes their enthusiasmwanes as time goes on, resulting inless-than-stellar results. Themissing component of the fitnessequation could be fun.

    People gravitate toward thingsbecause they are enjoyable.Participation in sports can be fun,as it involves exercise as well assocializing with friends. Too oftenindividuals fail to make fitness funand thats why their efforts fizzleout. Here are four ways to makegetting in shape more enjoyable.

    Exercise and drinking plenty

    of water are two ways toeffectively combat fatigue.

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    July 18, 2012 Buyers Guide20

    VISIT US ON THE WEB AT WWW.PARSONSKIAOFWINCHESTER.COM540-667-8400 800-490-4447

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    *On Select In Stock Models. Parsons Kia and the Buyers Guide are not responsible for typographical errors. Ad must be brought in prior to sale. Sale price not valid after purchase. See Dealer for Details. Prices include owner loyalty/competitive and KIA financial incentives forqualified buyers with KMF 506 program. Prices do not include taxes, tags, freight, a $199 processing fee.

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