Recipe | Warm and wonderful, Pastrami-Spiced Veal Burgers

Photo: NAPSI

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NAPSI - Whether you are feeding your family or entertaining guests, a delightful way to keep things cosy yet special during the cold weather season is with a delicious dish such as this one, made with Trusted Veal from Europe.

Pastrami-Spiced Veal Burgers

Yield: 6 servings

12 slices Smoked Gouda, sliced thinly
2 cups Sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
3/4 cup Mayonnaise
1 oz Fresh breadcrumbs
4 oz Milk
2 tsp Salt
2 lbs Ground veal
2 tsp Black peppercorns
2 tsp Coriander seeds
1/2tsp Mustard seeds
1 tsp Sweet paprika
1 tsp Onion powder
1/2 tsp Garlic powder
1 tsp Brown sugar
1/2 cup Whole grain mustard

How to make it

Place the breadcrumbs, milk, and salt in a bowl and soak the breadcrumbs until softened. Mix the veal with the breadcrumb mixture and combine to form six patties. Toast the peppercorns, coriander, and mustard seeds in a dry pan. Let cool and grind them with the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Coat the burgers with the spice mixture. Heat a grill on medium-high heat. Grill the burgers to desired doneness but at least 71°C (160°F) for food safety, adding a slice or two of cheese to each burger towards the end, to slightly melt. Spread the bottom of the bun with the mayonnaise, and top with whole grain mustard. Place the burger on the bottom, top with sauerkraut, and top with the bun.

As easy to make as they are enjoyable to eat, one reason these burgers are better is that they're made with genuine European veal. Desired for its light color and delicate taste and texture, European veal has long been held in high regard among chefs around the world. What's more, European Union (EU) Legislation means high animal welfare standards are practised and enforced so consumers worldwide can feel confident about Trusted Veal from Europe, considered simply the best in taste and tradition.Â

Fortunately, a wide selection of high-quality European veal is available throughout Canada. Ask your local retailer for European veal.

Learn More
For further facts about enjoying and purchasing Trusted Veal from Europe plus terrific recipes, visit www.trustedveal.com.

More Ways to Keep Cosy
In addition to cooking a comforting meal, there are other ways to keep your spirits up when the thermometer falls.

1. Exercise your option to keep moving. Try hot yoga. Or embrace the cold and go out and ski, skate or build a snowman. You’ll warm up while you’re out and appreciate the heat indoors even more.

2. Love a lamp. If the dark days get you down, an LED full-spectrum light may cheer you up as well as warm you up.

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Making space:Freestanding units are a popular choice for people who want more room

NAPSI - If you are like many homeowners seeking to enhance your property and support your lifestyle interests, adding a freestanding hobby shop, home office, vehicle storage building, or recreational facility can be a great idea.

Photo: NAPSI

Building a freestanding unit on your property versus renting a retail location might be advantageous for a small business owner or an avid hobbyist. While renting commercial space offers more immediate flexibility and lower initial investment, generally it is better for small businesses with limited access to capital or needing a shorter rental commitment. On the other hand, owning a freestanding building might be a much better option.

Owning a freestanding structure does comes with challenges, including higher upfront costs, responsibilities for maintenance and repairs, and potential zoning or permitting issues if used for a business operation. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your current and projected financial position and long-term goals. The first step is to talk with a financial advisor, an insurance carrier, and your attorney to make an informed decision.

There are several advantages to having your own building on property you already own.

A freestanding building can provide you with increased equity over time. As the property value appreciates, it will increase the overall value of your land with the improvement. Since you own the property, you have control over how and when it is used. No more worrying about negotiating new leases, rent increases, security deposits, or restrictions imposed by landlords. From a profit/loss perspective, this can be crucial for long-term business planning.

While the initial investment for building a structure might be higher, in the long run, you may save money when comparing the aggregate rent paid over a three-, five-, or ten-year period. Plus, once the building paid off, your business becomes more profitable almost overnight with no mortgage or rental expenses.

Another advantage is you can customize your space just the way you want it. Constructing your own building allows you complete control over its aesthetics, creating a unique and distinctive space. Building on your property provides flexibility in terms of size and functionality. You can design the space to meet your specific business needs.

While in the planning stages, one should also allow for future expansion or modifications if you can not afford to build your dream space right off the bat.

Don't need space for your side gig or business, but need space to pursue your passion? What can be better than having an MMA or CrossFit gym just a few feet from your backdoor? Need a space to restore and maintain vintage vehicles? How about a space for your band to rehearse? A freestanding building is just the ticket.

For hobby enthusiasts, freestanding building projects range from a small garage to an elaborate workshop to support a wide range of interests, such as woodworking, classic car restoration, various collections, or simply for storage of equipment and tools, said Andy Brown, Morton Buildings suburban product line manager. Also popular are man caves and she sheds, which offer a place to get away to relax and unwind, enjoy hobbies, and spend time with friends.

"Our customers have used their Morton buildings for such diverse interests as an art studio, a family game room, a space for music and instruments, doing meditation and yoga, brewing beer and exercising," Brown noted. "Some couples split the space in their hobby building so they each have separate areas for their own interests."

Many owners of boats, RVs, and other recreational vehicles, such as motorcycles and ATVs, he added, want an attractive, well-designed storage facility to protect and enhance the enjoyment of those assets. Many of these vehicle storage facilities also have amenities such as an office, kitchenette, lounge, bathroom, and space for hobbies. 

"Homeowners want a building that will not only support their hobby and recreational needs but is also stylish and can be customized to complement the existing structures on the property with design features such as brick and stone, cupolas and porches," he said.

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7 reasons to get started with your fitness program

Movement is medicine. Active movement is the best way to prevent and improve chronic disease says Dr. Jaynie Bjornaraa.

Photo: Kampus Production/PEXELS

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NAPSI - Because physical activity and healthy aging go hand in hand, getting started with a fitness program included in your health plan can do more than help you maintain your health as you age.

"Movement truly is medicine," says Dr. Jaynie Bjornaraa, physical therapist, fitness professional, adjunct professor, and senior vice president of rehabilitation services and digital fitness solutions at American Specialty Health (ASH).

Dr. Bjornaraa oversees the Silver&Fit® Healthy Aging and Exercise program for ASH, ensuring that its members get evidence-based recommendations when starting their fitness routines. She helped develop the program's onboarding feature, which sets members on individual fitness journeys based on their needs. Fitness levels, exercise goals, and personal preferences all factor into a tailored 14-day workout plan.

"Research has shown that active movement is the best way to prevent and improve chronic disease. And the great thing about exercise is that it benefits your cognitive health 'memory and mood' as much as it affects your physical well-being," according to Dr. Bjornaraa.

She offers this short list of other benefits a thoughtful fitness program can provide:

1. Improved Health Being physically active can reduce your risk of disease, strengthen your bones and muscles, help you manage weight, and boost your mental well-being.

2. Preventive Care Physical fitness can help prevent certain high-risk scenarios such as serious injury from falls, which is the leading cause of accidental death in older adults.

3. Social Interaction Some programs offer links to connect with clubs and free group fitness classes online for various types and levels of workouts.

4. Health Rewards Incentives for tracking your activity though a fitness program can earn various awards as well help you work with your medical provider to better manage any chronic disease.

5. Personal Coaching Connecting with a health coach during regularly scheduled sessions through a fitness-focused plan can help you achieve a variety of wellness goals.

6. Cost Savings Fitness-focused plans often include low-cost access to fitness centers and exercise videos for a wider variety of workout choices.

7. Quality of Life A thoughtfully designed program will help members develop a workout plan, which can help you stay mobile and maintain their independence.

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The benefits of a regular exercise program shows up almost immediately, especially if you stay committed to the lifestyle change.

Photo: Mikhail Nilov/PEXELS

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Even for individuals who don't currently engage in fitness activities, Dr. Bjornaraa says it's never too late to start.

"You can be 80 years old," she said. "Whenever you decide to start an exercise routine, you'll notice the health improvements quickly add up. However, starting slow and staying consistent is the key to building fitness levels and a good program can help you steadily reach your goals."

It's important that your health plan supports your long-term health and fitness. If you're considering adding fitness to your routine, be sure to work with doctors before starting any new exercise regimen.

Finally, once you've started a fitness plan, make the most of it. Stay committed to a lifestyle of fitness. Regular attendance in exercise classes and engaging in your wellness will go a long way to help you maintain and improve your health.

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Save money on trips with latest travel trend

Photo:Brodie/Burst

NAPSI - A recent trend in travel is taking many people far—and you can be among them. Here’s what’s going on:

Subscription travel is increasingly popular.

According to recent research, 55% of American travelers belong to a travel subscription club or are interested in joining one.

Saving money is the primary reason for joining. For example, members of Travel + Leisure GO, part of the world’s most influential travel brand, save on average 25% on bookings and up to 60% off at 600,000+ hotels and resorts, car rentals, tours, excursions and more—with no waiting on cash back or points.

A World Of Perks For Savvy Travelers

Adventure seekers in that travel club get expert advice from the editorial team at Travel & Leisure magazine, preferred pricing and big savings on travel, members-only perks and access to a personal concierge to help take vacations to the next level. Each member’s personal concierge can help travelers create the vacations they’ve only dreamed about, build itineraries, book airfare and rental cars, as well as make hard-to-get dinner reservations at 1,500 restaurants around the world, provide exclusive access to popular sporting events, concerts, culinary VIP and wine events and more.

With savings on every trip, members quickly earn back their membership fees after booking just one or two getaways.

Members also get 110% Best Price Guarantee on cruises with up to $1,500 onboard credits, and savings on parks, shows, and attractions. Plus you can get inspired for future adventures with a subscription to Travel & Leisure magazine, included with membership.

A vacation planning and booking gateway lets you explore curated travel itineraries on featured destinations and then build and book your next dream vacation with a quick call. You can choose from thousands of destinations around the globe or design your own trip with recommendations, activity ideas, and tips from the experts.

Cutting Costs

You can preview savings with a trial membership, and sign up for the platform when you’re ready to book an itinerary, says Fiona Downing, Chief Membership Officer Travel & Leisure GO.

Four more ways travelers can save money and have fun:

1. Travel during “shoulder season”, the less popular travel times such as early autumn at the beach and winter in Europe.

2. Find free things to do. Look for concerts in the park and museums that are free on certain days of the week.

3. Eat like a local. Visit local markets and food stands for a taste of the area’s cuisine.

4. Keep souvenirs to a minimum. Take lots of photos instead.

Seeds online; just because they're easy to buy doesn't mean they’re safe

NAPSI - Online shopping and e-commerce have opened new doors for gardening enthusiasts, offering unprecedented access to rare and exotic plants and seed products from around the world at the click of a button. But before you buy plants or seeds online from overseas sellers, you should know they could pose a significant risk to U.S. agriculture and natural resources, because they can carry harmful plant pests and diseases.

It’s The Law

It’s illegal to import plants and seeds from overseas into the U.S. without the appropriate paperwork indicating they’re pest-free. Just because it’s easy to buy them online, does not mean they’re safe and you, the buyer, are responsible for checking the origin and import requirements.

The Problem

Invasive pests and plant diseases are often not visible to the buyer and, if left unchecked, can easily and rapidly spread. Plant diseases, for example, can be carried in common garden staples grown outside the U.S., such as tomato and pepper seeds. Not only do invasive pests cost the U.S. an estimated $40 billion a year in damage to trees, plants, crops and related eradication and control efforts, they can have a significant effect on America’s food supply.

An Answer

Fortunately, the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has put together clear guidance on the steps online buyers should take to protect U.S. gardens, landscapes, agriculture and forests from this threat.

Six Steps To Safe Seeds And Plants

Here’s what you need to do when buying plants or seeds online from another country:

1.Check whether you need an import permit for the plants or seeds you wish to bring in. If required, apply for and get an import permit from APHIS, which specifies the import requirements before the plant or seed species is allowed entry into the country.

2.Request shipping labels from APHIS, if required under the permit conditions.

3.Inform the seller about the labeling and shipping requirements detailed in the permit.

4.Instruct the seller to include an invoice detailing the scientific name and quantity of plants or seeds in the shipment.

5.Ensure the seller has a phytosanitary certificate from the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of the country of origin. This means the NPPO has inspected the plants or seeds and found them free of plant pests and diseases.

6.Instruct the seller to use labels provided by the buyer to ensure plants or seeds are delivered to an APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine Plant Inspection Station.

Everyone plays an important role in protecting U.S. food, gardens and trees. If you’re planning to buy plants or seeds online from foreign sellers, take the appropriate steps to make sure you are following U.S. import laws.

Learn More

For questions about importing and exporting requirements, call APHIS at (877) 770-5990 or e-mail plantproducts.permits@usda.gov. To discover how to stop the spread of invasive plant pests and diseases, visit www.HungryPests.com.

Are you itching to get out and run the snow thrower?

Photo provided/NAPSI

NAPSI - With a total accumulation between two and four inches expected by this weekend and blowing snow until Sunday morning in our area, it is time to rev up the snow throwers and blowers to clear sidewalks and driveways for the holiday celebrations at your house.

Just like predicted precipitation from snow flurries and winter storms can be unpredictable, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) encourages home and business owners to be prepared in advance before they tackle the first snowfall of the season tomorrow or on Saturday.

OPEI, an international trade association, represents manufacturers and suppliers of outdoor power equipment, small engines, battery power systems, portable generators, utility and personal transport vehicles, and golf cars.

"Outdoor power equipment such as snow throwers can make quick work of a big job," says OPEI President and CEO Kris Kiser. "Just remember: When getting out your snow thrower, review your owner’s manual. You should know how to correctly operate controls and quickly shut it off if necessary."

 Questions to ask before firing up your snow thrower

Have you read your owner’s manual? Know safe handling procedures and how to operate the controls of your machine. If the manual cannot be found, look it up online and store a copy on the computer. 

Have you checked your equipment? Equipment should be powered off when checking it. Adjust any cables and check the auger. If you forgot to drain the fuel before storing your equipment last year, empty the gas tank. 

Have you purchased the right fuel? Be sure to use the fuel recommended by the equipment manufacturer. Fuel that is more than 30 days old can phase separate and cause operating problems. Buy gasoline ahead of a storm. For more information see LookBeforeYouPump.com. 

Is gasoline used safely? Never add fuel to a running or hot engine. Store gasoline in a fuel container and label with date purchased and ethanol content. Make sure fuel is stored safely and out of reach of children. 

Are batteries charged (for battery-powered equipment)? Make sure batteries are fully charged before a storm, in case electricity goes out.

Is the yard clear of obstructions? Snow can hide objects. Doormats, hoses, balls, toys, wires, and other debris should be removed. When run over by a snow thrower, these objects may harm the machine or people. 

 Operating snow throwers safely

Are you dressed properly? Wear safety glasses, gloves and footwear that can handle cold and slippery surfaces. 

Is your clean-out tool ready? NEVER put your hands inside the auger or chute. Use a clean-out tool to unclog snow or debris. Always turn off the snow thrower and wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop before clearing any clogs.

Is your snow thrower operated only in visible conditions? Never operate the snow thrower without good visibility or light. 

Will you use extreme caution clearing slopes and hills? Never attempt to clear steep slopes. Use caution when changing directions on slopes or inclines. 

For electric equipment, do you pay attention to where the cord is? Use an extension cord designed for outdoor use. Be aware of where the power cord is at all times when using the machine. Avoid tripping. Do not run over the power cord.

 Are pets and children inside while the snow thrower is operating? It’s best to keep kids and pets indoors and supervised while a snow thrower is operating. Do not allow them to play in the snow as it is tossed out of the chute. 

A college education is gift we can give to children of our American heroes

Ashley Audo, a student at Eastern Illinois University, poses with a photo of her father U.S. Army Major David Audo, who died while serving in Iraq in 2009. Audo is a recepient of a scholarship from the Children of Fallen Patriots.

Photo provided

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NAPSI - While the holiday season is generally a time of joy and celebration, military families can often experience a very different range of emotions. Active service members and veterans returning home for the holidays might struggle to participate in family gatherings or even find the season particularly distressing. And, for the families of those service members who do not return, the holidays can be an agonizing reminder of a loved one’s absence. 

In the spirit of the season, honoring the sacrifice of all men and women who proudly served in our armed forces through charitable giving can make a big difference, especially for students like Ashley Audo.

"It means that he was willing to put his life on the line for his country, as well as his family," Ashley Audo, a student at Eastern Illinois University, said in her student spotlight on the Children of Fallen Patriots website. "My Dad loved what he did, and I am proud that he was able to find happiness in life."

Audo added: "Receiving this scholarship from Children of Fallen Patriots has impacted my life because, without it, I would not be able to reach my goals and achieve my dreams of being a nurse.".

Children of Fallen Patriots, a foundation that honors the sacrifices of fallen military heroes by helping ensure the success of their children through college education, has outlined several ways that showcase how charitable giving ensures strong futures. 

Support Veteran-Serving Organizations

Tens of thousands of non-profits exist in the United States dedicated to serving veterans and their families. With so many different veteran-serving organizations in the States, it’s crucial to ensure donations are doing the most good for heroes in need. 

A good way to evaluate an organization is to use Charity Navigator, a renowned nonprofit evaluation site. The site rates charities on the cost-effectiveness and overall health of their programs on a four-star scale, evaluating their measures of stability, efficiency, and sustainability. 

Care for Military Families in Need

Service members selflessly put their own lives on the line to ensure better lives for all Americans, but their families sacrifice much as well. While many organizations offer support directly to veterans, the family back home can get lost in the shuffle. 

Children of Fallen Patriots provides college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who lost a parent in the line of duty. Studies show that almost 25,000 children have lost a parent in the line of duty over the last 35 years. A college education is a significant financial burden, and the majority of surviving military spouses make less than $50,000 annually. 

Since 2002, Children of Fallen Patriots has provided over $61 million in support to over 2,700 children, including over 1,300 graduates. Additionally, the Gold Star family-focused nonprofit earned a perfect rating from Charity Navigator—an accomplishment less than 1% of the 200,000 rated charities have earned. 

"The best way to honor the sacrifice of our service members is to ensure better futures for their children," said David Kim, co-founder and CEO of Children of Fallen Patriots. "A college education is the single most important gift we can give to the children of our fallen heroes, especially during the holiday season—a particularly difficult and stressful time for Gold Star families."

Generosity Goes Beyond The Wallet

Making a donation is one of the easiest ways to support veteran-serving organizations, but plenty of options exist. 

More and more people give their time by coordinating fundraising events, such as bake sales and 5k runs. They also spread the word on social media so the country’s veteran community is supported and speak up about the issues that adversely affect them. 

For more information on how you can support the foundation, visit www.fallenpatriots.org. 

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Update: This article has been updated to reflect that Maj. Audo lost his life in a non-combat related incident as reported by Military Times. Press release at the time of his demise indicate that Audo, 35, of St. Joseph, died on October 27, in Baghdad, from injuries sustained while assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment of the 22nd Military Police Battalion, 6th Military Police Group.

Tips to avoid an unhappy holiday season

NAPSI - With just six days until Christmas, the United States Postal Service urges customers to be vigilant to avoid mail fraud and theft. Tis' the season for scammers and theives looking to ruin your holiday cheer.

By now, you have seen dozens of videos of "porch pirates" - brazen theives who steal packages from doorstep in broad daylight - thanks to the door and security cameras. Mail and packages delivered to homes in nice, upscale neighborhoods, such as this one shown in this news report and this one on the other side of the country, are not spared from the most unlikely looking dispicable criminals.

Here are some of the common mistakes people make during the holidays that lead to a lot of frustration for you and pure delight for the bad guys:

1. Get swindled. Scammers use bogus charities and underhanded tactics to fraudulently take money from you and away from legitimate charities, especially at the holidays. Before you donate, check out the charity and look carefully at the name. Be sure to make your check payable to the organization and not to an individual. And don’t let them pressure you to give money on the spot. 

2. Advertise your vacation. A visible pile of delivered mail and packages in front of your home is an invitation for the bad guys to help themselves. If you will be out of town or away for an extended period, have your mail held at your local Post Office. Use the HOLD MAIL feature on the USPS.com website or choose the HOLD FOR PICKUP option when shipping. 

3. Give away cash. Cash is untraceable. It’s easy to steal, making it a tempting target for thieves. Send money another way, such as with a check or USPS money order. 

4. Start a fire. Sending hazardous items can spark a fire in the mail system or cause someone harm. Check to see if your items are prohibited or restricted before going to your local Post Office location. 

5. Neighborhood (un)watch. Large volumes of mail and packages make postal employees tempting targets for crooks. Keep an eye out for the safety of your mail carriers. If you see something suspicious or someone following your carrier, call the police immediately.

6. Ignore your doors. If you don’t keep an eye on your door and porch, you can be sure the bad guys will. If you have a camera system, make sure it’s focused on capturing activity at your front door or mailbox. 

7. Keep secrets. When you do not report a mail theft or fraud, the crook gets away with a crime. Report it! Call 1-877-876-2455. You can also report mail crime by visiting USPIS.gov/Report. 

8. Mess with the mail. Mess with the mail and you could go to jail. 

For more great tips you can use not just during the holidays, but all year long, visit the website at uspis.gov/holiday-2022. 

Four tips to selling your home in today's market

Photo: Francesca Tosolini/Unsplash

NAPSI -- The real estate market is cooling down: Home inventory rose 9.6% between May and June. Interest rates are up. Thirty-year mortgage rates rose to 6.29% a week ago to their highest level since October 2008. And, inflation is still a problem for much of the country.

"The housing market in Illinois is showing signs of a return to normal conditions," Daniel McMillen, Head of the UIC Stuart Handler Department of Real Estate (SHDRE) said in a housing price forecast for the state to Illinois Realtors. "Prices have declined since their peak in June, sales are declining, and foreclosures are increasing. Our prediction is that house prices will continue to decline modestly over the next few months, while the number of sales will show its usual late-year slowdown."

Consequently, potential buyers are delaying their searches and home sellers are facing some daunting challenges.

But the good news is that these challenges are not insurmountable. Amanda Zachman, founder and executive director of MV Realty in Delray Beach, Florida, offers four guidelines to help you sell your home quickly—in any market.

1. Don’t overprice your home. Many homeowners hope to capture the attention of a single buyer willing to pay an inflated listing price but they end up scaring away potential buyers. And if you do attract a buyer at the inflated price, you’ll limit your negotiating power because the buyer has no competition. A better strategy is to list your home at a price equal to or slightly below market value; homeowners who do so often start a bidding war.

The lesson: "You will likely end up with a higher sales price if you begin with a lower list price," says Zachman.

According to Redfin, last month just 37.3% of homes in Illinois sold below asking price.

2. Find a good agent. Yes, you can sell your home without an agent. But should you? The answer is a decisive “no.”

Homeowners offer 6% less than the asking price of an FSBO because they believe they are entitled to a built-in discount since no agent is involved. A seasoned, licensed agent has comprehensive knowledge of the local market and will make the selling process as lucrative, painless and surprise-free as possible.

During a recent sale, for example, Zachman noticed a charge of $6,000 from a title insurance company on the closing statement. She realized that since the sellers had purchased the home less than three years ago, they could use their last policy. Her catch eventually saved the sellers $2,000.

"It’s unlikely that an inexperienced agent would have noticed this," she remarks. To assess the experience of potential agents, Zachman recommends careful research: "Do they know your area? Have they sold other homes in your area? What customer ratings have they earned? These seem like obvious questions, but they’re easy to forget when you’re eager to start the listing process."

3. Take your time. Speaking of eagerness, don’t rush to put your home on the market if it’s not ready. "Don’t list a messy or cluttered house," Zachman cautions. "You want to make sure that it’s orderly, show-ready and professionally photographed. Cellphone photos just won’t cut it."

She adds that the listing should contain all relevant information and that homeowners are prepared to respond to an offer. According to Zachman, "the most important timeframe for a listing is the first 14 days. You need to put your best foot forward so that the listing doesn’t get stale.”

4. Prepare for short-term inconveniences. Bad news for those who hate vacuuming: Your home should stay clean throughout the listing process.

“If you’re pricing your home appropriately, you can expect many showings and some will be at the spur of the moment,” Zachman points out. “But the right price leads to a fast sale, so you won’t be inconvenienced for long. Any effort you put toward mopping floors, washing windows and making beds will be well worth it.

"There are still ample opportunities for both buyers and sellers in this market," Zachman concludes. "If you follow these guidelines, you can successfully navigate through all kinds of market cycles. So, list at a reasonable price, work with an agent experienced in your market, remember that preparation is key, and expect a few inconveniences that shouldn’t last too long. Good luck!”

Don’t list a messy or cluttered house.

~ Amanda Zachman
MV Realty

You have a new business idea, here is how to finance your dream job

Photo:NAPSI

Aaron Mulherin, owner of AM Glass, goes over company financial details with his SCORE mentor John Brockhardt. There are many options for financing a new or existing business, and a mentor can help guide you.

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NAPSI -- If you’re wondering how to finance your startup, you’re not alone. Depending on your business, financing it can either be relatively simple, such as drawing on your personal savings, or more complex, perhaps requiring you to seek loans or investors.

Here are some common ways to finance a business, along with pros and cons to keep in mind:

Personally Finance Your Startup

In the digital age, many small businesses can be up and running with little to almost no capital, which can make financing your business with your own money more realistic.

Personally financing your business has some distinct advantages—you retain full control over your company, take on zero debt and have no loan payments to worry about.

On the flip side, you could lose money if the business doesn’t work out.

The bottom line is that if you’re willing to take on personal financial risk, using your own money is one of the most straightforward methods of funding your startup, while maintaining full control.

Ask Friends and Family For Financial Support

Help from friends and family is another common method for financing a business. This could look similar to personal financing or a private loan.

The advantages depend on the terms of the contributions. You might retain full control over your company and not have to take on debt or you may have to relinquish some control and agree to repay what you’ve received plus interest.

Take Out a Bank Loan

Banks and credit unions are another financing option. However, you’re taking on debt and will need to make regular payments on the loan, which can cut into cash flow. On the plus side, financing your business with a loan means that you retain full control of your company.

Be prepared to show a bank a business plan, expense sheets and financial projections, often for the first five years.

Securing a bank loan is a challenging process. A mentor can help you prepare a loan application, so you have the best chance of securing the loan you need.

Bring in an Outside Investor

Bringing in an outside investor is typically not a realistic option for most businesses. The experts at SCORE found that only about 2% of businesses have a business model that would interest investors.

Most often, equity investors require not only a percentage of ownership in the company but an “exit plan”—otherwise known as your plan for how they’ll recoup their investment and see a healthy return.

With an investor, though, you get relatively quick access to capital without periodic loan payments, potential access to business expertise, and connections you might lack.

If your startup requires a significant capital investment, bringing in an outside investor may be a smart option.

Rally Support Through Crowdfunding

Once considered an unconventional way to finance your business, crowdfunding is now a common method for raising startup funds.

The structure of a crowdfunding campaign depends on your platform host. The idea is to encourage small contributions from a large pool of people. Funders receive gifts for their support which usually includes the product or service you sell.

The downside to crowdfunding: it takes a lot of effort and money and failure is very public, unlike with private ventures.

Choosing the Right Financing Option is Key

As you develop your startup, connect with a SCORE mentor. They can guide you toward the right financing options for your needs and lead you on the pathway to success.

Learn more about traditional and creative ways to help your business by visitig www.score.org.

If you want that side gig to be a success, you need a solid plan

Photo: Desola Lanre-Ologun/Unsplash

NAPSI -- Congratulations! You’ve decided to start a business — you’re about to embark on an exciting and challenging journey. Before you dive in headfirst, however, it may pay to take time to understand how to start a business the right way and what it takes to make your new gig, be it a side one or fulltime, a total success.

Here’s Everything You Need To Know About How To Start A Business

Whether your startup is creating something new in the marketplace, improving upon an existing product or anything in between, founders need three key elements to get started. When you’re ready to kick off your startup, be prepared with the following:

1. A Clear Understanding of Your Purpose: Why are you embarking upon this business venture? And why now? Get clear on your WHY. It may seem obvious but if you don’t understand why you’re starting your business, neither will your customers.

Your WHY should reflect your business’ purpose—its reason for existence. For example, maybe you recognized an unmet need in your community or perhaps you improved upon an existing product. It’s important to be clear about the intention of your business and the value you provide to customers.

2. A Business Plan: Would you go on a road trip without a map? The answer is probably no. You need directions to get where you’re going. The same rule applies when starting a business.

With a business plan, you can plot a course from startup to success. Plans typically include:

A summary of your business, including the product or service you’re selling, your mission statement and current team members.

A breakdown of your product or service, including what makes it viable in your market.

Market research that demonstrates an understanding of your industry and your competition. Research your biggest competitors to understand what makes them successful.

A SWOT analysis that delineates your business’ strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

A compelling marketing strategy that illustrates how you’ll attract and retain customers.

Financial projections that show potential investors the viability of your business. Include a financial forecast for the next one, five, or even ten years.

As you work through your business plan, check out SCORE’s Startup Roadmap. It offers a step-by-step online guide to help you create a thorough plan for your new business.

3. A Strong Support System: Your business is more likely to be successful with a support system. Surround yourself with people who can offer guidance, encouragement and constructive criticism.

That may be friends or family who have a strong understanding of your market, experience running a business, or members of your professional network willing to give you their time and perspective.

Identifying a mentor is one of the best moves an entrepreneur can make. And the reasons are well-founded. Small business clients who receive more than three hours of mentoring report higher revenues and increased business growth, according to SCORE data.

Mentors are often business professionals with experience operating a healthy business who can guide you through your entrepreneurial journey. They act as a sounding board as you grow your business, connect you with resources and provide advice when you hit bumps along the way.

As you prepare to launch your business, SCORE can connect you with a mentor to help you along your journey. With expertise in all aspects of starting and growing a business, SCORE mentors can guide you to resources and tools that can help you succeed.

To learn more or find a find a mentor, visit www.score.org/find-mentor.

Federal Affordable Connectivity Program offers low-cost internet to eligible citizens

Photo:NAPSI

NAPSI -- A fast, reliable Internet connection has become a critical part of our daily lives. From remote learning and working to networking and searching for jobs, Americans everywhere felt an online shift during COVID-19. 

And, while the country gradually recovers from the pandemic, the collective need to stay connected remains stronger than ever. 

Enter the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

ACP extends and makes permanent the Internet subsidy for families in need that began under the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program. Falling under the $1.2T bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the ACP is part of a $65 billion broadband Internet initiative designed to bring affordable or even free Internet service to families who qualify.

Eligible households can save up to $30 a month, or up to $75 if they reside on tribal lands.

So, who qualifies? Here’s a glance at the different criteria from the FCC of which one or more is required:

Household is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline.

Participates in tribal-specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.

Participates in the National School Lunch or Breakfast Program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision.

Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.

Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income Internet program.

Visit fcc.gov/acp for more details and call 844-844-WIFI (844-844-9434) to find a participating provider nearby.

New AI technology detects sleep apnea while you snooze

NAPSI—- Roughly 20% of U.S. adults have sleep apnea, and as many as 90% of those cases go undiagnosed. The condition occurs when people stop breathing periodically throughout the night, potentially leading to severe health issues.

Conventional methods for diagnosing sleep apnea can get expensive and are known to be uncomfortable, requiring medical professionals to administer tests at a doctor’s clinic or hospital or needing the patient to purchase at-home monitoring devices. 

With this knowledge, Mintal—a wellness-focused technology brand—developed Mintal Tracker (available to download for free on iOS and Android), an AI-driven sleep analysis app that doesn’t require any hardware or external devices to generate thorough sleep reports and detect warning signs for sleep apnea. 

Detect Sleep Apnea From Home, Free

Leveraging industry-leading AI technology, the Mintal R&D team developed a sophisticated deep learning model that can maintain high accuracy with low hardware performance and storage requirements. Mintal Tracker can analyze your sleep sounds in real time, accurately identifying when you snore and/or display signs of OSAHS (Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome) to generate analysis reports in seconds and enable you to quickly understand your sleep habits.

Setup is easy; you just need to place your phone by your bed, and the app will record and analyze your sleep sounds throughout the night. Through testing, the app was found to be highly accurate in diagnosing moderate to severe sleep apnea, offering a starting point for further medical diagnosis. As such, users call this app “life saving”:

•“An excellent app. Did not expect the level of diagnosis provided. I was really impressed. I will be recommending this app to family and friends. I will also make sure my PCP is aware this app exist. Thank you for a very useful and possibly life saving app.”—Phillip M**, 12/05/2021, Google Play

•“This app help me see that I have issues when I sleep, especially with snoring, that I may have sleep apnea. This is a great app to have if you worry about why you are still tired when you wake up, you may not be getting a good quality of sleep.”—Nay N**, 12/06/2021, App Store

• “I love this because it is the alarm that has worked for me. It really knows when to wake me so I’m less moody... My sleep has only improved in all this time.”—Foran E** 12/23/2021, Google Play

After a night of sleep tracking, the app generates a summarized sleep report highlighting key metrics including how long and how frequently you snored and sleep talked, your risk of apnea and provides sleep cycle analysis and personalized sleep tips, which gives you or your doctor a whole picture of your sleep conditions. Moreover, you can listen to your snoring, dream talking and environment noises in the report.

Finally, Mintal Tracker goes beyond sleep tracking and sleep apnea detection—the app offers users hundreds of soothing sounds, anxiety relief exercises, a sleep encyclopedia and personalized advice for developing healthier sleep habits.

Are you eligible to claim the IRS saver’s credit?

NAPSI -— Here’s good news, for a change, from the IRS: It offers an incentive to lower your tax bill when you save for retirement. With pandemic-related employment disruptions last year, more taxpayers may be eligible to claim the Saver’s Credit but may not even know this tax credit exists. Also referred to as the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit, the Saver’s Credit can reduce federal income taxes for eligible taxpayers who save for retirement through a qualified retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). 

The 22nd Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey finds that fewer than half (48 percent) of workers are aware of the Saver’s Credit. 

"People who are saving for retirement may be able to claim the Saver’s Credit and reduce their federal taxes," says Catherine Collinson, CEO and president of nonprofit Transamerica Institute and its Center for Retirement Studies. "Perhaps people are confusing the tax credit with the tax-advantage treatment of retirement accounts. The idea of a double tax benefit may sound too good to be true but both are available to retirement savers."

What Is the Saver’s Credit? 

The Retirement Savings Contributions Credit is a non-refundable tax credit for contributions an eligible taxpayer makes to a 401(k), 403(b) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan, a traditional or Roth IRA or an ABLE account. In this context, "non-refundable" means the credit cannot exceed a person’s federal income tax for the year. The maximum credit is $1,000 for single filers or individuals and $2,000 for married couples filing jointly. 

Tips for claiming the Saver’s Credit

1.Check Your Eligibility

To be eligible, the maximum Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for single filers is $33,000 in 2021 and $34,000 in 2022. For the head of a household, the AGI maximum is $49,500 in 2021 and $51,000 in 2022. For those who are married filing jointly, the AGI maximum is $66,000 in 2021 and $68,000 in 2022.

You must be 18 years or older by January 1 and cannot be a full-time student or be claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return. Consider using the IRS’s online tool to help determine if you are eligible for the Saver’s Credit.

2.Save for Retirement

To claim the Saver’s Credit for 2021, you must have contributed to a 401(k), a 403(b), a similar employer-sponsored retirement plan or an ABLE account during 2021. Contributions to traditional or Roth IRAs are also eligible and you have until April 18, 2022 to make an IRA contribution for tax year 2021. Roll-over contributions are not eligible for the credit.

3.File Your Tax Return and Claim the Saver’s Credit

Let the IRS help you file your federal taxes with its Free File program. The program’s eight partners offer online tax preparation tools free to taxpayers with an AGI of $73,000 or less. More at www.irs.gov/FreeFile. 

•When using an online tax preparation tool, be sure to answer questions about the Saver’s Credit, also referred to by the IRS as the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit and Credit for Qualified Retirement Savings Contributions.

•If you prepare your tax return manually, complete Form 8880, Credit for Qualified Retirement Savings Contributions, to determine your exact credit rate and amount. Then transfer the amount to line 4 on Schedule 3, which is used with Forms 1040, 1040-SR, and 1040-NR. 

•If you use a professional tax preparer, be sure to ask about the Saver’s Credit.

"Consistently saving for retirement is fundamental to helping achieve financial security in retirement,” says Collinson. “Another way to help boost your retirement savings is to directly deposit any tax refund into an IRA. Saving more now could help you reap more later."

Remember, this important tax credit may help reduce what you owe in federal taxes or increase your refund. Check your eligibility, particularly if you had pandemic-related employment impacts in 2021. Help spread the word about the Saver’s Credit by telling family, friends, and colleagues.

Learn More

For more details and resources on the Saver’s Credit in English and Spanish, visit Transamerica Institute at www.transamericainstitute.org/SaversCredit or the IRS at www.irs.gov. 

Reach your 2022 goals with an ‘anti’ resolution list

Photo: Brodie Vissers/Burst

(NAPSI) —- As the world celebrates the new year, many will make an annual list of resolutions and goals, which often include improving overall health and fitness.

As we continue to weather the COVID-19 pandemic, improving overall health is front and center, more so than usual. However, according to the U.S. New Year’s Resolutions 2020 study conducted by YouGov, over half of those who set New Year’s resolutions can’t follow through. 

Luckily, exercise physiologist and Bowflex fitness advisor Tom Holland has a new approach to setting and reaching your health and fitness goals this year.

Focus on Anti-Resolutions 

Holland recommends turning the typical New Year’s resolutions list on its head by creating “anti-resolutions” to focus on what you’re not going to do. For example, instead of saying “I’m going to work out every day” or “eat only healthy foods,” resolve to not make excuses. This can take the focus off the broader goal and onto in-the-moment actions. The next time you plan to go the gym or cook a healthy meal, and you start to come up with reasons today’s not the day, you can remember your resolution to not make excuses. If you set unrealistic resolutions to transform your entire lifestyle all at once, it’s more difficult to take the necessary steps to get there. 

Most people have made excuses for not making a workout or sticking to a routine. This anti-resolution approach changes the focus from overly ambitious goals to a more subtle mindset shift.

To help you continue or take those first steps on your fitness journey, Holland also recommends connected fitness services and apps, such as the JRNY digital fitness platform. With the JRNY app, you can easily fit exercise into your schedule with a wide range of personalized, trainer-led workouts. JRNY is integrated with Bowflex cardio equipment, including stationary bikes and treadmills, and features off-product workouts such as HIIT, strength, yoga, stretch and Pilates, which can be accessed from a mobile device or tablet via the JRNY app. So many options means no more excuses. No matter your fitness level, goals or lifestyle, JRNY has exercise programs to help you stay motivated and active so you can make exercise a habit in your life. 

Determine What Works Best for You

Often people struggle to get started working out because they think they need to go to the gym all the time or sacrifice privacy, comfort and entertainment to see results. Holland notes that it’s important to not let trends, other people’s opinions or even your own preconceived notions get in the way. 

It’s easier than ever before to find a workout routine that aligns with your lifestyle. If going to the gym isn’t your speed, you could pick up a versatile fitness product such as a set of Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells or download the JRNY mobile app for access to hundreds of video workouts that can be done from the comfort of your own home—no expensive gym membership or commute required. 

If you find your motivation is dwindling, the Bowflex Max Total 16 is a great option that lets you do high-intensity, interval workouts at home while streaming your entertainment subscriptions including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and Disney+. 

This new year, try a different approach to health and fitness resolutions by kicking the overly ambitious goals of the past to the side in favor of setting anti-resolutions instead. At the same time, take advantage of what today’s fitness technology has to offer to improve your odds of success and make this your year. 

Easy Sweet Potato Minestrone soup—California style

(NAPSI) — Everyone needs delicious recipes with heaping servings of veggies. Whether you’re thinking about overall health or trying to lose a few pounds, maintaining a balanced diet throughout the year is key to success.

Easy California Sweetpotato Minestrone fits the bill. A riff on the classic Italian soup, it takes a favorite that’s already loaded with veggie- and legume-goodness and makes it even better by adding superfood sweetpotatoes. California Sweetpotatoes are a great source of vitamin A, plus they’re full of heart-healthy potassium and fiber and antioxidants like vitamins C and E. 

Photo provided

Easy California Minestrone Soup

(Serves 8)

2 Tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 lb orange- or yellow/white-fleshed sweetpotatoes, cut into 1/2-in dice (about 3 c)
2 stalks celery, diced
3 Tbsp tomato paste
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp salt, or more to taste
1 1/2 tsp pepper, or more to taste
8 cup chicken or vegetable broth
One 28-oz can diced tomatoes
One 15-oz can garbanzo beans, drained
One 15-oz can kidney beans, drained
3/4 cup uncooked elbow macaroni pasta
3/4 cup fresh or frozen peas
2 Tbsp chopped fresh oregano
1/2 cup grated, shredded, or shaved Parmesan cheese

In a large saucepan or small stockpot over medium-high heat, warm the oil. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes. Add sweetpotatoes, celery, tomato paste, garlic, salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes.

Add broth, tomatoes and beans and bring to a boil. Add pasta and peas, reduce to a simmer, and cook until vegetables and pasta are tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in oregano and more salt and pepper to taste. Serve sprinkled with cheese.

For more recipes and information about California sweetpotatoes, visit www.casweetpotatoes.com.

Queens Of The Road: Women motorcyclists inspire new updated riding wear design

(NAPSI) — The number of female motorcycle riders are on the rise. In growing numbers, millennial women riders all across the country are driving a demand for better riding gear. These motorcycling enthusiasts are leaving their days as passengers in the dust, ushering in a new era of biker style.

According to a recent national survey by the Motorcycle Industry Council in 2018, women represent almost 20 percent of motorcycle owners, a marked increase from the 8 percent reported just 10 years ago.

With this demographic change, protective riding gear and accessories—and especially helmets, jackets and riding boots—are getting a second look by major brands. More and more, as motorcycle-savvy brands pick up on the trend, they’re creating riding gear designed for the anatomy and unique fit needs of the female rider.

Wolverine Worldwide, the manufacturer of Harley-Davidson© footwear and performance riding boots and shoes, has seen an impressive sales surge in women-specific riding boots in recent years.

"From 2016 to 2018 we saw women’s riding boot sales jump by 40 percent," said Jenna Ludeman, Wolverine’s marketing manager for the Harley-Davidson© product line. "It’s clear to us that women are getting out to ride on their own and their adventures require riding footwear that provides performance, protection and a comfortable fit designed just for them."

Recent materials innovations and the advances in performance technologies have created this next generation of performance riding footwear. Today’s riding styles incorporate materials that help to keep feet cooler in direct sunlight, dryer in rain and snow and, in some cases, better protected from impact.

For those looking for a style that transitions well from the open road to the city streets, women riders now have options including riding sneakers like the new Harley-Davidson© women’s Mackey, a waterproof riding sneaker featuring XRD® Impact Protection, a lightweight and flexible open-cell foam material that provides extreme impact protection.

For women riders looking for a more traditional riding style, the Harley-Davidson Brinser engineer boot is also rich with modern performance features. Waterproof full-grain leather helps in the wet conditions and a cooling mesh lining and TFL COOL SYSTEM® technology act to reflect the sun’s rays and ultimately keep the inside of the boot up to 54° cooler than traditional leather.

"Today’s female riders are connecting with the sense of adventure and community that motorcycling naturally brings," said Ludeman. "And we’re interested in connecting the rider to a better riding product for a better riding experience."

5 ways for your pet to have a spooky, safe Halloween

by Darris Cooper, CPDT-KA

(NAPS) — It's no secret that pets are like family—holiday traditions included. This Halloween bring your pups in on the spooky fun by decking them out in a scary cute costume and training them to be the most polite trick-or-treater on the block.From fun costumes to virtual and in-person dog training, Petco has everything a pet parent needs to make Halloween a howling good time for the whole family.

Photo provided

Whether your family is planning to trick-or-treat or celebrate at home, here are five surefire ways to help prep your pet:

• Plan Your Pet's Look: Petco’'s latest "Bootique" collection features an array of ready-to-wear Halloween apparel, accessories, matching costumes and more. Dogs can play a different role in the animal kingdom as a shark or cow or even twin with their human as tigers. From easy-on options to full-body costumes, the "Bootique" is full of costumes designed with care so all types of pets and preferences can find their match.

• Take Precautions: Once the whole pack has picked their costumes, have a pre-Halloween dress rehearsal so your pup can get used to the outfit and accustomed to everyone else’s.

Before any festivities begin, triple-check your pet's costume for any hazardous materials that could be chewed or cause choking. To stay safe after sundown, every Halloween look should also include reflective gear and proper pet identification.

• Learn the Training Basics: Basic skills such as "sit" and "stay" can make all the difference for dogs when it comes to safely interacting with trick-or-treaters and helping your pet navigate the Halloween commotion. "Drop it" or "leave it" are additional key training cues in case your curious pup sniffs or picks up any human treats—such as chocolate—that could be toxic to dogs. Preemptive Petco positive dog training can be helpful to teach your pet proper Halloween etiquette and keep the holiday fun for all.

• Offer Treats in Moderation: Although it's tempting to indulge pets around the holidays, it’s important to remember that no more than 10% of a pet’s daily calorie intake should be from treats. Help keep pets energized for the Halloween festivities by giving them protein-packed treats, such as Wholehearted stick treats for dogs or new freeze-dried treats for cats, or find other ways to celebrate the season with them through fun seasonal toys such as a plush pumpkin spice latte or rope toy. To help keep pets feeling their best year-round, give them the ultimate treat of Vital Care for just $19 a month to enjoy savings on grooming, vet exams and more.

• Create a Spook-Free Safe Haven: Between constant doorbell rings, unknown trick-or-treaters and spooky costumes, Halloween festivities can add to pets’ anxiety. The best way to help your pet is by learning to identify their anxious behavior and which calming tactics work best for them. Petco offers an array of calming aids, chews or oil diffusers to help keep pets at ease. Background noise from either music or the TV can help drown out unusual sounds, but it's also a good idea to give pets a quiet room away from the action.For more tips on how to safely celebrate Halloween with the whole family—cats, bearded dragons, and guinea pigs included—check out a Petco pet care center or petco.com/halloween.

About the author - Darris Cooper, CPDT-KA, is the National Dog Training Manager at Petco. He has worked in the industries of animal training and behavior, pet lifestyle and broadcast journalism, and has been a professional dog trainer for more than 10 years.

Are you ready for when your power goes out?

With people still working, learning and shopping from home, everyone must prepare earlier for outages that accompany severe weather.

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(NAPSI) -- More Americans suffered extended power outages in 2020 than any year since Superstorm Sandy struck the New York area in 2012, according to Generac, owners of Power Outage Central, a real-time outage tracking service that monitors outages throughout the United States.

Earlier this month, there were three areas in Champaign-Urbana without electrical service thanks to a set of Mylar birthday balloons that came in contact with power lines.

Photo: Artem Podrez/Pexels

Mylar balloons are metallic and conduct electricity, resulting in surges and shorts that can create power outages, start fires, and cause significant damage to the electric grid. Approximately 1,200 Ameren customers were without power for three hours.

Back in November of last year, power was out for about three hours in the south part of Champaign and another area covering Campustown. In eastern Urbana, about 180 customers were without power at the same time. Over 1,500 customers were without power during the incident.

"In 2020, more than one out of three Americans experienced a power outage, and the U.S. power grid suffered more outage hours than it has in years," said Russ Minick, chief marketing officer for Wisconsin-based Generac. "With people still working, learning and shopping from home, everyone must prepare earlier for outages that accompany severe weather."

Outages are statistically much more common than many other threats to the home, according to Generac’s data. In fact, while about 12% of homes are at risk of flooding according to the First Street Foundation’s flood database1, every home is at risk of losing power. Unlike with floods, however, there are multiple ways to safeguard against loss of electrical power.

"There are three key paths to protecting power supply, said Simon Allen, president of Allied Energy, a backup power solution provider in San Diego, Calif. "These include portable generators, which are a short-term solution; home standby generators; and solar energy storage systems. Solar energy storage systems and home standby generators are permanently installed and can provide secure sources of power for longer periods."

Each system requires advance planning, including local permitting and installation, said Allen, but secure power is worth it.

"Life gets very primitive and dangerous when the power is out. With outages lasting longer and occurring more often, all against the backdrop of people working and learning from home, our customers are turning to Generac home standby generators and PWRcell battery storage systems. Effectively, they’re making their homes a sanctuary against Mother Nature’s threats."

Picking the correct solution varies for every homeowner, said Stephen Cruise of Generator Supercenter, a Texas-based provider of power solutions. "A generator will run nearly indefinitely on propane or natural gas," he said. "With correct power management, a solar energy storage system can also power the whole home for extended periods. It comes down to preference, local codes and budget. The best place to start is finding a great local installer who can help make the decision easy."

"Authorized dealers and installers know local codes and are factory trained," said Minick. "They’re experts in local needs and can provide a one-stop solution for every homeowner."

All the resources needed to acquire and install backup power are available at www.generac.com. Prices fit most budgets and vary depending on factors such as the size of home, the electricity needed for backup and preference for solar or generator-based options.

Gentle on the joints and fun, rebounding is a great way to get fit

NAPSI Photo

(NAPSI) -- The COVID-19 pandemic has not only resulted in more people working out at home, it has underscored the tremendous value of regular exercise in staying healthy and boosting your immune system. If you’re looking to start exercising or want to add some variety to your fitness routine, now may be a great time to try rebounding, where you bounce on a mini-trampoline to build stamina, burn calories and shape up.

What is Rebounding?

Rebounding is a low-impact, high-intensity exercise on a fitness trampoline with elastic cords. It’s intuitive, gentle on the joints and, users say, a whole lot of fun. From different ways to jump, to strength and balance work, to flexibility moves, exercisers enjoy the ease, rhythm and freedom of rebounding, along with energizing music that drives workouts and helps endorphins flow.

“We perform workouts to the beat of the music, which allows people to get out of their minds and focus on their bodies and movement,” explains Jacey Lambros, co-owner of Jane DO, a fitness brand with four studios in the greater New York City region. “Our trampoline class is a total-body workout designed to lift both the body and the spirit.”

Benefits of Rebounding

Here are some more reasons to consider rebounding:

1. Accommodates all fitness levels. Beginners can go at their own pace and use a handlebar attached to the trampoline, while advanced exercisers can accelerate their pace and intensity for greater challenge. Both benefit from this low-impact modality, which minimizes joint stress.

2. Burns calories. Studies have shown that rebounding for 20 minutes is comparable to running for 30 minutes—without all the jarring on the body. Another study indicates that rebounding is 50 percent more efficient at burning fat than running. Plus, because workouts are low-impact, they don’t feel as taxing, so you can exercise longer for even better results.

3. Develops balance. The unstable surface of trampolines means your body has to work harder and constantly engage the core to remain balanced and in control.

4. Improves the lymphatic system. Rebounding stimulates the lymphatic system, which functions to help the body get rid of toxins and is essential for immunity and overall health.

5. Builds bone mass. Jumping on a trampoline strengthens the skeletal system to enhance bone density and help stave off osteoporosis.

6. Is compact and cost-effective. Mini-trampolines are compact and can fit anywhere (some even fold), are reasonably priced, facilitate a variety of workouts and deliver long-lasting performance over years.

How to Jump In

Get a quality trampoline from an expert such as JumpSport at

www.JumpSportFitness.com. You can choose among different models for various preferences and budgets. Then take advantage of on-demand and live streamed workouts, or hit a rebounding boutique. There are more than 20 fitness studios in the Tri-state area keeping exercisers bouncing with in-person and virtual rebounding sessions.

In the greater NYC area, Jane DO offers its trampoline workouts, along with weekly live streamed classes, at www.janedo.com/livestream and on-demand workouts, via its custom app in the Apple Store or Google Play.

"Rebounding gives you a full-body workout on a singular apparatus, in a small space, and in a way that won’t bother your neighbors," says Dani DeAngelo, co-owner of Jane DO.

PERSPIROLOGY, a boutique fitness center in Sea Bright, New Jersey, also offers a wide variety of Bounce classes in studio and online that motivate and challenge exercisers.

"We have hundreds of workouts on our site that allow exercisers to get familiar with rebounding and work hard in the comfort of their own home," says Katy Fraggos, owner/creator of PERSPIROLOGY. You can check out a free seven-day trial of the Workout At Home library at www.perspirology.com.

Rebounding can be a great way to put more of a spring in your step all year round.