The Great Daylight Savings Debate

Adapted from TimeandDate.com

Daylight Savings Time, or DST, was first adopted to replace artificial lighting so they could save fuel for the war effort in Germany during World War 1, in 1916.  It was quickly followed by Britain and many countries from both sides including the United Sates.  Many countries reverted back to standard time post WWI, and it wasn't until the next World War that DST would make its return. 

DST caused widespread confusion from 1945 to 1966 in the US because many states and localities were free to choose when and if they would observe DST.  That ended when Congress established the Uniform Time Act of 1966 that stated DST would begin the last Sunday of April and end on the last Sunday of October.  However, states still had the ability to be exempt.  Following the 1973 oil embargo, a trial extension of DST showed a savings of energy the equivalent of 10,000 barrels of oil each day.  DST times were changed again in 1976, 1987, and most recently, 2005 and 2007.  Right now, DST is from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.  In the US, only Hawaii, most of Arizona, US insular areas of Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, American Samoa and Guam do not observe DST.

DST has been a controversial subject, so here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of DST.

The biggest argument in favor of DST is energy efficiency.  Some say that the extra hour of daylight in the afternoon is treasured for those that work so they can complete outdoor chores, exercise outside or have a meal outdoors.  For example, a Las Cruces, New Mexico newspaper reported that golfers came out later in the day and stayed longer into the evening.  Basically DST influences people to spend more time out of the house, thus reducing the use of artificial lighting or electrical appliances.

But, is this energy-saving method a myth?  The California Energy Commission published a report in March 2007 stating DST had little to no effect on energy consumption in California.  Research from the University of California showed DST would cost Indiana households about $8.6 million due to the offset of higher air-conditioning costs on hot afternoons and heating costs on cool mornings. 

Tourism industries across the world are in favor of DST because the extra hour of daylight could boost outdoor activities and bring in an estimated 2% in revenue from visitors. 

Of course time zones in general confuse travelers, so adding a clock change twice a year causes even more confusion. 

Other complaints about DST include safety fears in the dark mornings, especially for children going to school.  The biggest complaint in the US is certainly the required sleep schedule adjustment.  Parents of young children, plus 40 million Americans with chronic long-term sleep disorders struggle with each time change.

Regardless, it is likely the US will “spring forward and fall back” for many more years to come.

Feeling Out of Sorts? Maybe its Spring Fever

Growing up, I always thought Spring Fever was more of an "itch to get outside" after being cooped up all winter.  As it turns out, there are a bunch of physiological changes happening that cause a chain reaction to our minds and bodies.  There are reasons for feeling the way we do this time of year!

Spring in the northern hemisphere means the days start to get longer and we have more exposure to sun, which triggers changes in our bodies. Germans call it Fruhjahrsmudigkeit, which means "spring tiredness".  

Symptoms
For some, Spring Fever means more energy, vitality and increased sexual appetite.  For others, Spring Fever triggers sensitivity to changes in weather, dizziness, irritability, headaches, and sometimes aching joints and a lack of drive.

Causes 
Experts believe hormone balance may play a role in Spring Fever.  One hypothesis suggests the body's reserves of serotonin (happiness hormone) whose production depends on daylight, become exhausted over the winter.  This makes it especially easy for melatonin (sleepy hormone) to have its effect.  Then, when the days become longer in springtime, the body readjusts its hormone levels, and more endorphin, testosterone and estrogen are released.  These changes and adjustments taking place with hormones puts a heavy strain on the body, which responds with a feeling of tiredness.
In addition, we have greater temperature fluctuations in Spring.  When temperatures rise, blood pressure drops since the blood vessels expand. 
Food also plays a role.  In winter, one tends to consume more calories, fat and carbohydrates than summer.  But during the spring hormone adjustment the body requires more vitamins and proteins. 

To better cope with Spring Fever, get outside when you can, exercise regularly, keep a fairly regular sleep schedule and eat healthy.  Of course, always consult with your doctor.

Basic First Aid Every Home Should Have

According to the Dictionary, an emergency is a sudden, urgent, usually unexpected occurrence or occasion requiring immediate action.  If we are not prepared for even the most minor emergency, there can sometimes be bigger consequences to deal with.  
In an effort to minimize emergencies, here is a basic first aid list that every home should have.

The Good news is that we sell all of the items that are highlighted!  Simply click on them to shop now!

 

Basic First Aid:

-Airtight packages of moist wipes

-Alcohol wipes

-Antibiotic ointment

-Antiseptic ointment or wipes

-Bandages (several sizes)

-Medicine dispenser

-Cold pack

-Cotton tipped applicators

-Elastic wrap and closures

-Flashlight and extra batteries

-Paper and pencil/pen

-Roll of adhesive tape

-Safety pins

-Sterile gauze pads and roll of gauze bandages

-Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)

-Activated charcoal and syrup of ipecac (call Poison Control Center before using: 800-222-1222)

-Tweezers

-Scissors

-Disposable gloves

-Thermometer

 

Basic Medicines (can be found at your local pharmacy such as Walgreens or CVS):

-Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen and/ornaproxen sodium (for pain relief and fever reduction)

-Chewable aspirin tablets (for symptoms of a heart attack)

-Antacids

-Antihistamine tablets or syrup

-Anti-diarrhea medicine

-Cough medicine

-Decongestant tablets or liquid

 

Extra Items for Car and/or Boat:

-Clean, folded sheet and lightweight blanket

-Large flashlight and extra batteries

-Flares

-Large waterproof tarp or cover

-Plastic water bottles, sealed

 

Love for Your Hands and Feet!

Winter seems especially hard on our hands and feet, so here are a few products to help you pamper them all winter long!

Atrac-Tain Cream contains 10% Urea and A.H.A. to help relieve severely dry skin.  Specially formulated to provide intensive moisturization.  CO1814 - $13.78/5oz bottle

Sween 24 Cream is a highly effective cream that helps prevent and temporarily protects chafed, chapped, or dry skin.  eliminates the need for multiple daily applications and moisturizes for a full 24 hours.  Non-irritating and non-sensitizing.  CO7092 - $6.62/5oz bottle

Cotton Dermal Gloves made of 100% white cotton are for use at night with skin creams and lotions.  Softens skin with regular use.  Also can wear under latex or vinyl examination gloves as a liner.  Available in small, medium or large.  CXP75x - $3.27/pair

Grip-Ezy Clippers feature a large design that is easy to hold, and non-slip grip for maximum control.  Available in toenail version as well.  ED94687 - $11.64

Soapy Soles Elite Foot Scrub features 3 in 1 foot care!  1. Clean with a grass-like surface, 2. Massage with a tactile surface to increase circulation, 3. Center oval stimulates the heel and ball of foot.  Powerful suction cups hold in place, then hang on the shower wall to try dry.  SM03130 - $17.73

A Little Valentines Day Humor!

New and Classic Style Dansko Shoes

Did you know Dansko is accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association?  For those that spend a large amount of their day on their feet, Dansko shoes provide comfortable relief in addition to great style!  Check these out!

NEW!  Professional clog in Leopard Multi.  $131.99

NEW!  Professional clog in Scatter Floral.  $131.99

NEW!  Professional clog in Sketch Paint.  $131.99

CLASSIC!  Professional clog in Tooled.  $121.99

CLASSIC!  Professional Black Box clog.  $116.99

Better Living Corner: "I don't get out for exercise as much during winter."

Laura told us that she doesn't get out for exercise as much during winter because of the bad weather. 

With a few of our suggestions, she can exercise in her own home and keep up her strength and mobility during winter!

Here are our suggestions:

Theraband Exercise Bands come in minimal to maximal resistance and provide both positive and negative force to improve strength, range of motion and cooperation of muscle groups.  HN200xx - $13.43-$17.07

Pedlar Exerciser features a large display that records time, revolution count, revolution per minute and calorie count.  Use with arms or legs.  NO6002-R - $46.81

Pulley Exerciser works the upper body easily and safely using 2 handgrips.  Increase range of motion in arms.  Fits most standard doors.  DU660-2030-0000 - $19.34

To shop our complete line of exercise aids, click HERE

Reverse Mortgages: What You Need To Know

Reverse mortgages are increasing in popularity with seniors who have equity in their homes and want to supplement their income. 

A reverse mortgage is a loan against your homes equity that you do not have to pay back for as long as you live there, and are still living.  If you are 62 years or older and own and live in your own home, you are a good candidate for a reverse mortgage loan. 

All reverse mortgages become due and payable when the last surviving borrower dies, sells the home, or permanently moves out of the home. 

There are fairly standard “conditions of default” such as failure to keep your home insured, upkeep on maintenance and repair, and paying property taxes or special assessments. 

Other potential clauses to consider that can cause default on your loan are: declaration of bankruptcy, donation or abandonment of your home, fraud or misrepresentation, and eminent domain or condemnation involving your home.  Also, renting out part or all of your home, adding a new owner to the title, change of zoning classification, or taking out new debt against your home can cause default.

The only reverse mortgage insured by the US Federal Government is called a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM, and is only available through an FHA approved lender. 

FHA tells lenders how much they can lend you based on your age and home value.  The HECM program limits your loan costs, and the FHA also guarantees that lenders will meet their obligations. 

The amount of money you can get depends on the plan or program you select.  It also depends on the kind of cash advances you choose.  These options can include: single lump sum of cash; regular monthly cash advance; a line of “credit” that allows you to decide when and how much cash you want available; or a combination of these payment methods.

The older you are, the more cash you can get.  Also the more your home is worth, the more cash you can get. 

After closing a reverse mortgage, you have three extra days to reconsider your decision.  If for any reason you decide you do not want the loan, you can cancel it.  Your lender can provide you a form to execute the cancellation.   

Of course HECM loans also involve “financing” costs such as loan origination fee, third-party closing costs, a mortgage insurance premium, a servicing fee and, of course, interest.  A lender may require a cash application fee to pay for an appraisal and credit check. 

Reverse mortgages generally must be “first” mortgages (the primary debt against your home). 

The total cost of a reverse mortgage depends on these factors:  How long you live in your home and what happens to its value during that time. 

Three important questions to Ask:

How much would I get?

How much would I pay?

How much would be left at the end of the loan?

http://assets.aarp.org/www.aarp.org_/articles/money/financial_pdfs/hmm_hires_nocrops.pdf