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Problem debts? - Think about the solutions

Rather than struggling to keep up multiple payments to multiple debts, some debtors decide to consolidate their debts - applying for a consolidation loan that’s big enough to pay all their smaller debts off. This means they’ll only have one payment to make per month, thus reducing the risk of missing a payment (and the charges and damage to their credit rating that can result).

Plus, a consolidation loan can come with a lower interest rate than many other forms of unsecured credit. It can also give the individual the opportunity to think about their financial circumstances and arrange to repay the debt consolidation loan at a rate they can afford - again, repaying a debt more slowly will mean it takes longer to pay off and can end up costing more, so it’s vital to weigh up the pros and cons before proceeding.

A form of insolvency, an IVA is a legally binding agreement between the borrower and their creditors. If you owe around £15,000 or more to more than two unsecured creditors, an IP can tell you whether an IVA might be the best way for you to deal with your debts. If they think it is, they can draw up an ‘IVA proposal’, detailing how much you can afford to pay towards your debts every month for the next (normally) five years, once you’ve taken your essential expenses into account.

If enough of your creditors to the IVA proposal, the IVA can start. You’ll agree to make those monthly payments (and usually free up some equity in your home, if you’re a homeowner), and they’ll agree to freeze your debt, hold off on any legal action (such as trying to make you bankrupt) and write off any outstanding debt once the IVA has successfully concluded. Please note: an IVA will have a serious impact on your credit rating, potentially making it harder to borrow money for the next six years.

Who an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is right for: people who are in debt to three or more unsecured creditors a total of around £15,000 or more and can’t afford their monthly repayments - but can afford regular smaller payments.

Fourth: Trust Deeds. A Protected Trust Deed is similar to an IVA, but only available to residents of Scotland. In most cases, a Protected Trust Deed will last for three years.

Who a Protected Trust Deed is right for: residents of Scotland who owe three or more unsecured creditors a total of around £10,000 or more and can’t afford their monthly repayments - but can afford regular smaller payments.

Finally, no debt solution is ‘right’ for everyone. If you’re in debt, it’s vital to talk to a debt adviser who understands all the available debt options and can help you choose the solution that’s right for you.

Heartburn is a common digestive complaint which affects an estimated 15 million Americans every day, and 60 million once a month. Relief of mild heartburn is typically achieved through diet and lifestyle changes, although medication (eg. antacids) is usually necessary if the heartburn is caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

What is Heartburn? What Are The Symptoms?

Heartburn is a digestive problem: it has nothing to do with your heart. It occurs when small amounts of stomach acid accidentally rise up the esophagus (the food canal running from the mouth to the stomach) causing symptoms like a burning pain in the chest which rises towards the throat. Sufferers may even taste the fluid in the back of the mouth, and this is called acid indigestion. In many cases the pain and burning sensation is relatively mild, but sometimes is so severe that patients think they are experiencing a heart attack.

What Are The Causes Of Heartburn?

In general, the immediate cause of heartburn is the acidic digestive juices which leave the stomach and rise up the esophagus. The acid burns the tissue of the esophagus causing inflammation and pain - a condition called esophagitis. Heartburn may also occur in pregnancy when the baby is pressing up against the underside of the diaphragm and squeezing the stomach. An occasional episode of acid-regurgitation or indigestion is quite normal. But persistent heartburn (eg. twice a week), is usually a sign of something more serious. The two most common underlying causes of heartburn symptoms are gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and hiatal hernia.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

GERD is characterized by a failure of the muscular valve, known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is located at the bottom of the esophagus. The function of this valve is to keep acid in the stomach and prevent it leaking back up the esophagus. When this valve doesn’t work properly, reflux (leak-back) and heartburn can occur. Factors that contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease include obesity, pregnancy, smoking and, in particular, hiatal hernia.

Hiatal Hernia

Hiatus or hiatal hernia is a condition in which part of the stomach herniates (protrudes) upwards into the chest through the hiatus (opening) in the diaphragm normally only occupied by the esophagus. This puts extra pressure on the LES valve preventing it from closing properly. As a result, stomach acid leaks into the esophagus causing heartburn. The underlying cause of hiatal hernia is unknown. Contributory factors include: obesity, pregnancy, constipation, abdominal muscle strain, and smoking.

Dietary Treatment For Heartburn

In cases of persistent heartburn, dietary improvements are not sufficient. So as well as advocating a digestion-friendly diet, your doctor is likely to recommend one or more of the following types of medication. Antacids to neutralize the acid in your stomach; H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors to reduce acid production; or prokinetics to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and expedite stomach-emptying. However, if heartburn symptoms are mild and occur only from time to time, usually you will be advised to make the following changes to your diet.

If Overweight, Switch To A Healthy Weight Loss Diet

Obesity, especially excess fat on the chest and abdomen, is a common contributory factor to GERD and hiatal hernia, and therefore to heartburn. So if you are obese (BMI > 30), take steps to normalize your weight and thus reduce your risk or symptoms of heartburn. Choose a healthy calorie-controlled diet and customize it by following the eating tips below.

Stop Eating Large Meals

A big meal distends the stomach and causes a rise in the production of stomach acid. Both these factors lead to an increased risk of heartburn. So opt for 4-6 small meals or snacks, and allow a maximum of 3 hours between eating. In addition, choose foods that are “easier on the stomach” and more more easily digested.

Avoid Acidic Food

Reduce your intake of very acidic foods by avoiding items such as: tomatoes, tomato-based sauces, citrus fruits, rhubarb, gooseberries, unripe fruit, vinegar and acidic pickles or relishes.

Cut Down On Fatty and Spicy Food

Fried or very fatty foods, including candy, encourage indigestion and should be avoided or eaten sparingly. So go easy on butter, mayo, sausages, salami, pate, meat pies, and full-fat cheese. The same applies to very spicy food such as: black pepper, chili peppers, curry, mustard and other hot spices, as well as raw onions and garlic.

Avoid Carbonated Drinks

Fizzy or carbonated soft drinks cause belching and upward pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), increasing the likelihood of heartburn. The best drinks include: water, herbal teas or diluted non-citrus fruit juices. Please also note that some soft drinks (eg. cocoa, coffee, orange juice) are not helpful for heartburn as they can over-relax the LES, thus encouraging the backward flow of acid from the stomach.

Eat More Fiber, Especially Soluble Fiber

Constipation can lead to extra strain on abdominal muscles and increase the risk of heartburn. To prevent constipation, eat more high-fiber foods such as: oats, apples, pears, dried apricots and vegetables. When increasing fiber intake it’s also important to increase your water intake by at least 40 fl oz a day.

Reduce Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol is not helpful to heartburn for several reasons. So take steps to reduce your intake to one unit a day, or avoid it altogether. Alcohol is also a source of non-nutritious calories and can contribute to overweight.

Other Digestive Tips

For digestive disorders like heartburn, some dietitians and alternative health experts recommend patients to eat (or cook with) digestion-friendly aromatic herbs like basil, camomile, caraway, dill, fennel, rosemary and thyme. They also recommend that you end each meal with a glass of herbal tea (eg. camomile, fennel) to reduce acidity and wind.

Lifestyle Improvements To Reduce Heartburn

There are several lifestyle changes that can help to reduce the symptoms of heartburn. One obvious one is to stop smoking, as tobacco smoke increases acidity in the stomach. Other recommended changes include:

Avoid placing extra strain on your abdomen or chest. Wear loose-fitting clothes, and do not overstretch or lift heavy weights.

Do not lie down after eating, and try not to eat anything for at least three hours before going to bed. The less there is in your stomach when you come to lie down, the lower the risk of heartburn.

To minimize night-time discomfort, raise the head end of your bed by about 3 inches by using bed-blocks or by placing a solid object under the bed-legs. This helps to prevent stomach acid from leaking backwards into the esophagus. Do not use extra pillows - you simply end up with a stiff neck as well as heartburn!

Heartburn symptoms can be caused by certain over-the-counter drugs, such as aspirin, or other pain-killers or anti-inflammatories. So if you take this type of medication regularly, check with your doctor or pharmacist that it’s safe to continue.

Linda Smith B.Sc., RD, aged 51, is a qualified dietitian and nutritional consultant. She is part of the editorial team at Diet-i.com which provides a range of information about diet, nutrition and weight management to more than 5 million visitors per year.

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For frequent travelers, it feels like you’re always on the road, on your way to the airport, or waiting in line at hotel registration. Most of all, it feels like you’re constantly packing and unpacking your luggage. Even those of us who travel less frequently - a trip home to visit our mother and father at the holidays, a quick trip to the mountains to enjoy the great outdoors, and an annual vacation - can find packing and unpacking a hassle. The good news is that, with a little forethought and a bit of discount shopping, traveling can be hassle free.

The first step in organizing your travel is to invest in good luggage. If you’re a frequent traveler, quality luggage will hold up well over the course of your journeys. If you’re a weekend or vacation traveler, your luggage will last for years and you won’t have to worry that the materials will crack or degrade.

The next step for smooth travel is to make a master list. Over the course of a week or two - and long before your departure - think about every item that you might choose to take along on your travels. Include different kinds of clothes (career, dressy, casual, sleepwear), shoes, toiletries, jewelry, perfume, cameras, and anything else that you might need or want while you’re away. Then make a similar list for every member of your family who travels. Include toys and books for the kids, magazines for you or your spouse, and anything else they may need while they’re away. You might even want to make a master list of instructions to leave for the person who will take care of your pets while you’re away. Keep your list on your computer in a word processing file. When it comes time to pack for a trip, you can make a copy of the list and delete anything you know you won’t need. What remains is the list of items you’ll take with you. When you keep a master list, you don’t have to reinvent the proverbial wheel every time you’re faced with an empty suitcase.

The final step in combating the challenge of packing and unpacking for a trip is to do some discount shopping. You can approach discount shopping in a number of ways. Frequent travelers find that discount shopping provides them with an opportunity to have a second set of clothes, toiletries, and even perfume that they then keep stored in their luggage. When it’s time to hit the road, more than half of their packing is already done. When the come home, the clothes get washed, folded, and placed back in their luggage.

For those who travel less frequently, discount shopping is a means for traveling light. You can buy travel-size toiletries so you don’t have to lug around large containers of your favorite products. You can also use discount shopping to stock up on clothes you use everyday, such as undergarments. More than one person has been known to purchase new underwear and socks prior to a trip, then pack their old items that needed to be replaced anyway, and throw them away - during their trip - after they’ve been worn. This gives them more room in their luggage for the souvenirs and gifts that they pick up on their trip.

A lonely heart could just be one of the important factors that causes high blood pressure. In fact, a recent study shows loneliness can be as bad for your heart as being over weight or inactive. Could spending time with friends be the answer to lowering your blood pressure?

How Is Blood Pressure Affected?

When the University of Chicago studied a group of 229 men and women between the ages of 50 and 68 … they found something interesting. After eliminating all other factors, they found that those who lacked comradeship were more likely to have high blood pressure.

The blood pressure of the loneliest people in the study was 10 to 30 mm Hg higher than those who had companionship. Compared to this … losing 10 kg of excess body weight can reduce your blood pressure by 5 to 20 mm Hg … physical activity has been shown to lower it by 4 to 9 mm Hg.

This shows the importance of social relations in our lives. A big part of living a healthy life is enjoying good relationships with friends and family.

My research on naturally lowering blood pressure showed … spending joyful time with friends is good for your health. Laughing with your comrades … joking with your pals … enjoying a fun time with your family … these times relax you and counter high blood pressure.

More Loneliness and High Blood Pressure

As our population ages and more people are living alone … loneliness and high blood pressure are on the increase. The first of the baby boomer generation are hitting 60 this year … a large group of people will retire and move away from their circle of workplace friends. Family and friends move, get sick, pass away … more and more elderly are feeling loneliness.

As household sizes decrease … as the number of people living alone increases … the risk of loneliness increases — and with it, the risk of heart disease.

Social relationships need to be replenished … you need to find new friends.

How To Avoid Loneliness

Get involved. Joining volunteer work and social groups allows you to make new friends. Getting out and about … being active in your community … it’s not only good for exercise, but also for social contact. It’s a great way to build your comradeship.

Join volunteer activities in your community. Help out with groups keeping parks clean … join in area patrols … take part in local blood drives … work on a campaign. Doing something for your community not only makes you feel useful … it brings you into close contact with others.

Take college night courses, join hiking groups, go on a tour … all are great ways to meet interesting people. Have fun and share a laugh.

Be open to new friendships … avoid being a lone wolf … avoid high blood pressure. Take this one step to protect your heart, today.

Kevin Riley reveals the factors that affect your blood pressure … discover more interesting facts at www.naturalbloodpressure.com

Recently there have been incredible advances in technology and manufacture that make using cloth nappies simple, cheap and environmentally sound. Some of the new nappy systems are made with hemp, flannelette, terry cotton and some are fitted and require no folding. Plastic pilchers have been replaced by breathable PUL fabric, wool or polar fleece.

Cloth nappies have the major environmental benefit of greatly reducing amount of rubbish going into landfill. Studies have shown disposable nappies take up to 500 years to decompose. A disposable nappy can take up to three times the energy to produce than a cloth nappy. One disposable nappy uses eight times the amount of landfill to create and dispose of compared to a cloth nappy. Disposable nappies take up to 500 years to decompose. This is certainly food for thought.

Hemp Nappies are usually neat and slim nappies. They are usually comfortable and long wearing. Hemp is extremely absorbant, which means nappies last longer and they are an excellent choice for overnight when babies tend to wet heavily. Hemp is environmentally friendly to grow as it can be cultivated without chemicals as it is very resistant to disease and tends to outgrow weeds whereas cotton will usually require a lot of spraying for both weed control and pests.

Flannelette nappies are slimmer-fitting and thus quicker to dry and are an excellent choice for a newborn baby, but flannelette nappies don’t have the absorbency to cope with a toddler. Flannelette is slightly cheaper than a traditional flat terry nappy. As both are so cheap, one might consider using flannelette nappies for the first few months and then using a a more absorbent nappy suited to an older baby.

Fitted nappies work like disposables do - they have an hourglass shape when folded out and once they are on they are in roughly the shape of underpants. Shaped nappies have extra layers of cloth sewn into the areas which require most absorbency, and are brief at the hips and thighs. Fitted nappies usually have elastication at back and waist which provides extra leakage protection. A good quality shaped nappy is an excellent alternative to using disposables. They require no folding and can be used with a PUL, wool or polar fleece nappy cover for added protection from leaks.

A PUL cover is made of cloth but the inside of the cover is laminated and looks like a wax waterproofing. This provides a high degree of water-resistance whilst in most cases maintaining breathe-ability. It wears well when cared for properly. They can usually be washed with the nappies and dry in minutes. They easily cope with very wet daytime nappies, and depending on moisture levels can be effective overnight.

Fleece and wool covers work quite differently from PUL. With PUL, the cover is supposed to contain the moisture, while still allowing air to circulate inside the nappy. Fleece and wool allow much more air in and out of the nappy and this air-flow causes evaporation of moisture from the nappy. Instead of just containing the moisture, fleece and wool covers work to get rid of some of it, which makes them particularly good for overnight use. The only time when fleece and wool covers are not very effective is when there is not much air-flow, (eg very long periods spent in a car seat or a pram) and the nappy cover could leak. This is due to lack of air circulation and therefore evaporation of excreted liquids. Wool and polar fleece covers are highly water resistant and can be used with great success overnight for babies who are heavy wetters.

Most good quality cloth nappy systems cannot be purchased in shops and will need to be purchased online or via mail order. As outlined above there are many types of nappy systems to consider depending on the age of your baby, washing frequency, cost and type of nappy that suits a family’s lifestyle. Cloth nappies are easy to use and more environmentally sound than disposables. They are comfortable for your baby and should be gentle on their sensitive skin. A nappy is the most used piece of baby equipment in your household and is the closest thing to your babies skin all day and night for years. Cloth is an alternative that is certainly worth considering.

I’m a mother of two boys, 5 and nearly 2 years old. Although parenting my two wonderful children is my main focus, furthering my understandings about how children learn and develop is something of great interest to me. I am interested in parenting, as a teacher, as a mother and a member of a wider community.

How we look after our children does impact on others in the world around us. I believe I have something valuable to share. I hope you find it interesting and useful.

For more information and articles please check out my website http://www.saneparenting.com

Many eye doctors believed until recently that if a child’s vision was impaired because of a “lazy eye,” the condition could not be corrected past the age of six or seven years. However, a study funded by the National Eye Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, has found that amblyopia or “lazy eye” treatment can be effective in children age seven through 17. In fact, many of the 517 children studied at 49 eye centers showed improvement in their vision.

“Age alone should not determine whether or not to treat,” said Michael Repka, M.D., a pediatric ophthalmologist at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center and a co-author of the study. Even teenagers benefit from treatment, said Repka.

Amblyopia is a common cause of vision loss in as many as 3% of children in the US. During infancy or childhood, the vision loss occurs when the brain favors one eye over the other. The other healthy eye does not receive brain input, limiting visual development. The most common causes of ‘lazy eye” are nearsightedness, farsightedness, or a crossed or wandering eye (strabismus).

The reason vision in the amblyopic eye improves is due to the brain’s plasticity, says Susan Cotter, O.D., a pediatric optometrist at the Southern California College of Optometry and co-author of the treatment study. Neuroplasticity means the brain can change with learning. By forcing the unused eye to work, the brain will process the sensory information and adapt. As a result, vision improves.

Children in the study were divided into two groups, randomly selected. One group wore only prescription classes. The other group either wore glasses and an eye patch or glasses, an eye patch and eye drops. The latter group was also instructed to read, draw, or do other close-up activities as well since “near-vision activities are visually stimulating,” says Cotter.

The patch, eye drops and close-up work forced the test subjects to use their amblyopic eyes. Children wore the patch for two to six hours per day. Children 12 years and less also used eye drops.

However, “eye drops blur the eye all day which is why the teenagers wore only patches, which could be removed while driving,” says Cotter.

If children in the study could read two more lines on the eye chart with the amblyopic eye, the treatment was considered successful.

According to the National Eye Institute, 53% of children in the study ages 7 through 12 who wore glasses and a patch for 2-6 hours per day, and did near-vision activities could read two or more lines on the eye chart after 24 weeks. But only 25% in this age group could do the same. Twenty-five per cent of children ages 13 through 17 who wore eye glasses and a patch had improved vision whereas 23% who wore only glasses improved. Of those children in this age group who had been previously treated for amblyopia, 47% who wore glasses and a patch and did close-up work had improved vision. On the other hand, only 20 % improved who were treated with only glasses.

“This study shows how important it is to screen children of all ages for amblyopia,” said study co-chairman Richard W. Hertle, M.D., Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

If children also have strabismus and will undergo surgery to correct the eye muscle imbalance, they should be treated first for amblyopia, says Cotter. “Surgery doesn’t help amblyopia. If the child has surgery and amblyopia still exists, one eye with 20/100 vision, for instance, will be blurry; consequently it will be difficult or impossible for the brain to fuse the two images together into one,” says Cotter.

Atropine eye drops may serve to improve compliance because the child doesn’t require monitoring. Adhesive patches are also used to increase compliance in young children as it is difficult for them to peek. “Children can’t be monitored all day,” says Cotter.

Although the adhesive patch is hypoallergenic, some children with sensitive skin experience irritation when the patch is removed. So some doctors allow their patients to switch to cloth patches. Cloth patches with side shields still block vision in the affected eye.

The number of hours that the children wore their patch was through self report. “This is a real world, treatment effectiveness study,” says Cotter. “I do the same clinically.”

A new study is planned to learn about the effects of near-vision activities on amblyopia.

Sources:

Article reviewed by
Susan Cotter, O.D.
Pediatric Optometrist
Southern California College of Optometry

Diana Clarke is a teacher and health educator. Her articles have appeared in newspapers and magazines, such as the San Jose Mercury News and the World of English.

Many credit card holders aspire for a higher credit card limit. The obvious reason for this is that a higher credit card limit enables the purchase of otherwise unaffordable merchandise.

First and foremost, credit card holders need to remember that to get a higher credit card limit, they must abide by the terms and conditions of the credit card company or bank.

Below are 7 other ways to get a higher credit card limit.

• The most important thing to do for getting a higher credit card limit is to prove your credit worthiness. This is the first thing that banks and companies look for when giving a higher credit limit.

• Attract positive attention from the credit card company or bank by paying finance charges once in a while. Obviously, this is not advisable on a repeating basis and should only be used as a last resort to increase your chances of getting a higher credit limit.

Proving to credit card companies and banks that you are good “borrower” can be a convincing way to get a higher credit limit. But be careful because this strategy also means that you will be paying finance charges which can accumulate in a hurry.

And always remember, a higher credit card limit means greater purchasing power, but it also increases the risk of your having to pay greater interest charges and other processing and late fees.

• Always spend within your credit card limit because doing so means that you are capable of controlling your expenses.

• Use your credit cards regularly. Don’t keep your cards for emergency use only. If you use your credit cards sparingly, banks and credit card companies will be unable to understand your spending and pay-back behavior. Under these circumstances, most banks and credit card companies will be reluctant to give you a higher credit card limit.

• Never make minimum payments. Instead, try to pay for the entire outstanding amount. This will usually give you a better chance of getting a higher credit card limit.

• Avoid late payments as much as possible. Not only will your increase payment increase, but you may also have to pay an additional fine for not clearing bills on time. This will also dim your chances of getting a higher credit card limit.

• The best and simplest strategy for getting a higher credit card limit is to use your credit card wisely. Always keep in mind that credit card companies keep a record of your transactions and payment patterns, so always pay on-time.

The bottom line is that your performance in the records of banks and credit card companies will determine whether you’ll get a higher credit card limit or not.

Article supplied by Baymaster.
For a complete and extensive guide to credit cards, please visit our web site at www.baymaster.co.uk/creditcards

The end of our 20th Century and the beginning of the 21st found me living in intentional community in Oregon. There, amongst socially responsible, if not cutting-edge innovators in sustainable living, I found myself having to deal with my own incredible lack of concern about things going on in the greater world around me. For five years, while living at a hub of activism, I let the world take care of itself, and continue to do so today. Some call that apathy.

It started with that impending nationwide glitch called Y2K. While so many of the people around me were stockpiling food and water and building networks of cooperation, not to mention paranoia, I went about the business of running the community’s conference center. Did I concern myself about the impending threat and rally with them? Not a whit. Around the same time, the WTO Seattle protests found busloads of my friends traveling about 150 miles to get suppressed by the Police State, and I didn’t blink.

Then, some guy named Gore did blink in a showdown with a guy named Bush, and it was all a big Ho-hum, business-as-usual thing to me. Shortly thereafter, the World Trade Center got slammed, and, of course, at first appalled, within a short period of time I came to the conclusion that the bigwigs were using the whole mess to set something up for something that I wasn’t in the know enough to understand, let alone affect. Sure enough, the Iraq war (?) sprung from those loins and then occupation came and continues, and, outside of a cursory wonderment, I have no cry of outrage in me.

These are things that happen like many other things that happen throughout the world that I choose not to concern myself with anymore. The list seems endless. Yet, apathy is a pretty strong word to use to describe myself. How then, knowing that my life is about activism, could I live with my apathy?

The world I was born into was in the grip of forces that were beyond my reach. At ten years old, the Cuban Missile Crisis occurred. Daily, for weeks on end, we’d “duck and cover,” practicing how to protect ourselves (!) in the event of nuclear attack. Once a week we’d have what I’d call “Hellfire Drills” where we’d be directed to silently file down into our concrete bunker-like basement and await an all-clear signal, which, depending upon the sadism factor of the nuns that day, would come quickly or excruciatingly slowly.

Every day for years, the noon air-raid sirens wailed and the radio regularly blared out an ominous tone, followed, at its cessation, by the message, “The foregoing was a test!” I’d have waves of apprehension commencing when I’d hear a plane overhead. The knowledge, drilled in to my bones, was that death would come from above. It doesn’t matter that with each report of danger there was an associated report of how our “resolve” would save the day, death was on its way. Period.

I fully expected the tension between Russia and my own country to explode in everyone’s face, much as I had been witness to countless explosions between my own parents. By the time I was six I figured out that adults, as a whole, were out of their minds and did not have the love in them to avoid destroying everything in my world, from top to bottom.

In my own home, Mother was poised to go berserk at any moment. At school, the Nuns laid in wait for me to do anything wrong as an excuse to whack the pointer on my butt. And then, in the news, Nikita Khrushchev armed with God-knows how many nuclear warheads was looking for any excuse to obliterate my neighborhood, which happened to be in Brooklyn, close enough to Manhattan for horseshoes.

When I was in my thirties, I started to really delve into my childhood experiences. The word that kept coming up for me was grief. It was personal grief, of course, but on the larger scale, grief about living in a world of moment-to-moment uncertainty. I really wasn’t gonna get to see a whole lot in my life because the USSR was out to get us and we were willing to retaliate unto total annihilation. History had brought us to the place where we were so well-armed that it was only a matter of time before we eradicated everything. I was convinced we truly were an experiment that failed.

As a child I was asked to make a decision that most people don’t face until they are adults. I had no doubt that the world was going to end, though I didn’t know when. So the central question of my life became, “How am I going to do this thing called life between now and when?

Next: A simple concept.

Russ Reina shares over 35 years of experience in the healing arts through his web site http://mauihealingartist.com It is a potent resource for those wishing to deepen their abilities in connection and develop their powers as healers. For a powerful free tool to explore your inner world, please check out his adjunct site http://thestoryofthis.net (Permission is granted to reprint this article, unedited, provided proper attribution is made and the signature line — the above resource paragraph — is kept intact)

With the cost of car repair going up, choosing the right repair shop is more important than ever. If you are paying a couple of hundreds of dollars to have your car repaired, you had better be sure that every dollar you’ve spent was really needed to repair your car and wasn’t just an inflated shop’s price or totally unneccessary repair.

Which shop is better? The dealership? A large repair shop? A small independent shop?

Each one has it’s positives and negatives…

Each one is under pressure to make money in order to survive…

The dealership has the latest diagnostic equipment and the factory trained technicians,
but the cost of labor, about $90 per hour, is not uncommon (not to mention the cost of parts…)

Large repair shop. Prices are better than at the dealership, but availability of latest
diagnostic equipment and factory trained technicians are in question…

Small repair shop. These shops simply can’t afford the investment needed to buy or
rent the expensive diagnostic equipment or expensive training.

Back to the original question - how to choose the right repair shop? There is no simple
answer….

First of all, the shop and repair area should be clean and the shop’s technicians should be
ASE certified.

There always be a question: how honest are shop’s employees? You always need
references from other people, who have used this shop before, and you always have to check
with local BBB (Better Business Bureau) for complaints against this repair shop.

If the nature of your car’s problem has been determined, and car doesn’t need any additional
diagnostic, like if you need a brake job, you can go to the small independent shop if you
know a good and honest mechanic there. They can do a good job and their prices are very
competitive.

If your car does need a diagnostic, its always better to go to the place that has the proper
diagnostic equipment (not necesserally the car dealer). Read following information before
you go and spend some money…

Most of the cars on the road today have the OBDII - on board diagnostic system. If you have
inexpensive scanner (code reader) that cost $50 - $80, you can connect this scanner to the
connector below the steering column and scan on-board diagnostic computer for so-called “trouble
codes.” If scanner shows any trouble codes, refer to the booklet that comes with the scanner.

In most cases, the booklet will give you an idea, which system is mulfunctioning.
Your benefit? If you know what system is mulfunctioning, and the service advisor at the
repair shop tells you that something completely different should be fixed, you know what is
going on…

Also, for example, if your scanner tells you that problem is your oxygen sensor. If problem is not
the wire, that connects the sensor to the car’s electrical system, you can call around, get
prices for the part and labor, and choose a place to replace the sensor. If, after repair is done,
your scanner doesn’t show the oxygen sensor related trouble code, the problem was fixed!

You can save a lot of money this way!

Like we have said before, the inexpensive scanner (code reader) is your first line of defence
against high auto repair prices and dishonest technicians…

Lastly, the proper maintenance will help to minimize unexpected repairs, which will save you
money!

Mr. Naum Levinson was born in Eastern Europe. He holds a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in automotive design. He has over 35 years of experience in vehicle research, development, maintenance, and repair.

On his website http://www.best-auto-repairs.com, he shares
his life experience with readers, and stresses the point
that the best repair is a preventive maintenance system.

His other interests are computers, travel, and maintaining a
healthy lifestyle. He lives with his family in La Mesa, California

Unfortunately, eliminating problem behaviors is one thing that most dog owners eventually face. Here we will focus on a few of the most commonly encountered behavior problems.

Problem #1 - Jumping up on people

One of the most frequently cited problems with dogs is that of jumping up on people. Unfortunately, this is one of those behaviors that is often inadvertently encouraged by well meaning owners. After all, it is cute and adorable when that little 10 pound puppy jumps up on you, your family members and your friends. Many people reward this behavior on the part of a small puppy with kisses and treats.

This is a huge mistake, however, since that cute little puppy may soon become a full grown dog who could weigh well in excess of 100 pounds. Suddenly that cute jumping behavior is no longer quite so cute.

In addition to being annoying, jumping up on people can be dangerous as well. A large, heavy dog, jumping enthusiastically, can easily knock over a child or an older or handicapped adult. In today’s litigious society, such an incident could easily make you, as the dog’s owner, the subject of an unwanted lawsuit.

The time to teach a dog that jumping up on people is unacceptable is when he is still young and easy to handle. Retraining a dog that has been allowed to jump up on people can be difficult for the owner, and confusing for the dog.

When the puppy tries to jump on you or another member of your family, gently but firmly place the puppy’s feet back on the floor. After the puppy is standing firmly on the floor, be sure to reward and praise him.

It is important for every member of the family, as well as frequently visiting friends, to understand this rule and follow it religiously. If one member of the family reprimands the dog for jumping and another praises him, the dog will be understandably confused. As with other dog training issues, consistency is the key to teaching the dog that jumping is always inappropriate.

When praising and rewarding the dog for staying down, it is important for the trainer to get down on the dog’s level. Giving affection and praise at eye level with the puppy is a great way to reinforce the lesson.

The reason puppies and older dogs jump on people is obvious - they are excited and happy to see them. Many people are reluctant to discourage this exuberant behavior, but it is important to redirect that happiness and energy in other ways. Many well meaning owners, family members and friends inadvertently encourage this jumping up behavior by picking the puppy up, kissing it or otherwise providing encouragement.

One way to redirect the dog’s happiness and excited ness from jumping is to teach him to lift his paw when greeting you. This “shaking hands” posture is an acceptable way for the dog to show his happiness and his respect. Many people even teach their dogs to do simple tricks, like rolling over, instead of jumping on people.

Problem #2 - Pulling and tugging at the leash

Pulling on the leash is another problem trait that many puppies pick up. Unfortunately, this behavior is also one that is sometimes encouraged by well meaning owners. Playing games like tug of war with the leash, or even with a rope (that can look like the leash to the dog) can unwittingly encourage a problem behavior.

The use of a quality body harness can be a big help when training a puppy not to pull, or retraining a dog that has picked up the habit of pulling on the leash. Try training the puppy to accept the body harness the same way it accepts the regular buckle collar.

When walking with your dog, try using a lure or toy to encourage the dog to remain at your side. A training collar, when properly used, can also be a good training tool for a problem dog. When using a training collar or choke chain, however, it is very important to fit it correctly, and to use a size that is neither too big nor too small for your dog.

When walking with your puppy, it is important to keep the leash loose at all times. If the puppy begins to pull ahead, the handler should quickly change directions so that the puppy fast finds itself falling behind. It is important to reverse directions before the puppy has reached the end of the leash.

The leash should stay loose except for the split second it takes the handler to reverse direction. It is important to use a quick tug, followed by an immediate slackening of the leash.

When training a puppy, it is important to never let the puppy pull you around. Training the puppy to walk properly while he or she is still small enough to handle is absolutely vital, especially when dealing with a large breed of dog. If your 150 pound Great Dane hasn’t learned to walk properly while he or she is still a 20 pound puppy, chances are it never will.

It is important not to yank or pull on the puppy’s neck when correcting him. A gentle, steady pressure will work much better than a hard yank. The best strategy is to use the least amount of pressure possible to achieve the desired result.

Problem #3 - Escaping and roaming the neighborhood

A responsible dog owner would never dream of allowing his or her dog to roam the neighborhood freely. Allowing a dog to roam on its own is irresponsible, dangerous (to the dog and the neighborhood), and probably even illegal. Most towns have ordinances which prohibit dogs from being allowed to roam around free, so you could be in legal trouble if your dog is found wandering the neighborhood unattended.

Of course sometimes that wandering dog is not the owner’s idea, and many dogs perform amazing feats of escape when left on their own. The temptations for unattended dogs are many, including passing bicycles, joggers, children, cats and other dogs. It is much easier to prevent escapes than to recapture a loose dog, so let’s talk about some preventative measures every dog owner can take.

Removing the motivation to escape is a big part of the solution. A bored dog is much more likely to spend his day plotting the great escape. A dog that is surrounded by everything he or she needs, like lots of toys, a soft bed, and plenty of fresh clean, water, is more likely to spend his or her day contentedly sleeping or playing with toys until the owner returns.

In addition, a dog with lots of pent up, unused energy is likely to try to escape. Try incorporating several vigorous play sessions with your dog into your daily routine. Make one of those play sessions right before you leave. If your dog has a chance to work of his or her energy, chances are he or she will sleep or relax much of the day.

Of course dealing with the dog is only half the problem. It is also important to make the property as escape proof as possible, through proper fencing and other measures. For dogs that dig, it may be necessary to extend the fence underground by placing metal stakes in the ground every few feet. For dogs that jump, it may be necessary to make the fence higher. And if none of these measures work, it may be necessary to confine the dog to the house when you are not at home.

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