CAR QUESTIONS

Q: IF MY DEALER GOES OUT OF BUSINESS, WHERE SHOULD I SERVICE MY CAR?
A good independent shop that specializes in your brand should be able to handle routine maintenance and repairs. But you need a dealer for warranty and recall work. If there's no other dealer in your area, call the automaker's customer assistance number in the owner's manual to find out where to take your car. Often, warranty repairs can be performed at other brand dealerships linked to the same automaker. Sometimes an automaker will arrange for dealers of another manufacturer to handle the work.

Q: HOW DO I FIND A GOOD REPAIR SHOP?
Ask people you know for recommendations. Or go to www.cartalk.com and www.repairpal.com which have names and user reviews for local independent garages. Consider a shop that is approved by AAA and is a member of the Better Business Bureau. Its technicians should be certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence; go to www.ase.com for more information. Mechanics who specialize in your vehicle's make are more likely to have the proper training, equipment, and information. Try the shop with a small job to see how you like it.

Q: IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO LEASE?
Because of volatile resale values, some automakers have cut back on leasing. Over the long run, leasing typically costs more than buying, though monthly payments are lower. Don't assume the lease payments shown in an ad are locked in; negotiate the car's price as if you were buying before discussing the leasing terms. If you already lease, it might be a good time to negotiate the buy-out price. Many automakers don't want the cars back at the end of the lease.
Source: Consumer Reports

EXERCISE FOR A BETTER IMMUNE SYSTEM?

Recent studies show that moderate, regular exercise strengthens the immune system. During moderate exercise, protective cells circulate through the body more quickly to fight off bacteria and viruses. To help your immune system:

- Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week

- Strive for good nutrition and an appropriate amount of sleep

- Learn how to manage stress

- Avoid rapid weight loss which can weaken the immune system

- Wash your hands with soap frequently

- Avoid over training - too much exercise can weaken the immune system. More than 90 minutes of high intensity endurance exercise increases risk of illness for up to 72 hours. During long bouts of high intensity exercise, be sure to get enough sleep and eat a well-balanced diet to decrease risk.

-Rest and avoid intense exercise if you have fever, muscle aches, exhaustion, or swollen glands. Your body needs the energy to fight off the illness.
Source: Plus One Fitness

DO YOU KNOW A STRESSED OUT DAD? GIVE HIM A GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR MASSAGE AND AN EASY RELAXING MEDITATION CD FOR FATHER'S DAY (SUN. JUNE 21ST)!

PROTECT YOURSELF IF A RETAILER GOES BANKRUPT

With many businesses filing for bankruptcy, it's wise to take precautions. Here's how:

When buying:

• Use a credit card, especially when leaving a deposit. If the business fails without providing your merchandise, you can dispute the charge with the card issuer. You might also be protected if there is a problem with the quality of goods for which you have already been billed. You generally have less recourse if you paid with cash, a check, or a debit card.
• Spend gift cards. Use cards and certificates as soon as you can, even if there's no reason to suspect the retailer is having financial difficulties.

After a bankruptcy:

• Verify warranty coverage. Ask the store (or the provider of a third-party warranty) whether you are still covered.
• File any claim with the manufacturer or retailer. If a retailer fails, you still might be able to make a warranty claim with the manufacturer. If the manufacturer goes bankrupt, you may have similar rights with the retailer. Consult the Federal Trade Commission website for more information at www.ftc.gov.
• File with the bankruptcy court. Consumers are usually near the end of the list of creditors and won't recover much during bankruptcy proceedings. But some consumers, including gift card holders, might be able to move ahead by applying as priority creditors. Check online for the name of the court where the company filed for bankruptcy. If the company simply disappeared, ask your local consumer protection agency for advice.

Source: Consumer Reports

PREVENTING PAINFUL CONDITIONS

With the milder weather, many of us are increasing our outdoors activities such as walking, running, and tennis. Listed below are some common injuries. If you experience any symptoms, please see your medical professional immediately -- these conditions heal much more quickly if treated early.


1. Plantar Fasciitis - The band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes becomes inflamed producing pain in the heel and along the bottom of the foot

2. Achilles Tendinitis - Pain, tightness, and swelling in the muscles connecting the legs to the feet

3. Shin Splints - Tiny tears in the front lower leg muscles

4. Stress Fractures - Small bone breaks in the feet due to overuse

5. Illiotibial Band Syndrome - Inflammation in the outer thigh

6. Hamstring Injuries - Strains and tears in the muscles in the back of the thighs

7. Knee Pain and Swelling - May be caused by injuries to the cartilage, muscles, and ligaments

8. Toe and Toe Nail Issues - Swelling or discoloration may signal infection or the need for new footwear


Many of these problems can be prevented by starting with low level activity, slowly increasing exercise intensity, stretching and strengthening muscles, warm-up and cool-down, good footwear, and cross training. Adequate hydration, nutrition, and recovery time are essential. Therapeutic massage can prevent injury, eliminate pain, facilitate healing.

Source: Advance for Physical Therapists


DO YOU KNOW A MOM WHO NEEDS A RELAXATION BREAK? GIFT CERTIFICATES AND CDs ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR MOTHER'S DAY
(SUN. MAY 10th) !

SPRING CLEANING UNCOVERS TAX DEDUCTIONS!

It's a great time of year to clear the clutter in our homes and offices. Many items can be useful to others, especially now. Here is a guide with some helpful hints for recirculating and donating:



~ Most organizations can only use certain types of items - call or check the agency's website for a donation wish list.



~ Inquire as to whether an agency can pick up items or if they need to be dropped off at a certain location.



~ Ask for a receipt to claim a tax deduction.



Where to donate:



Big Brothers/Big Sisters http://www.bbbsmb.org/ 800-483-5503

Boomerangs http://www.aac.org/ 617-524-5120

Brookline Senior Center - gift cart items, used cell phones and iPods 617-730-2770

Coalition for the Homeless http://www.mahomeless.org/ 781-595-7570 x13

DVDs for Vets http://www.dvds4vets.org/

Goodwill/Morgan Memorial http://www.goodwillmass.org/ 617-445-1010

Got Books? http://www.gotbooks.com/ 978-327-7600

Rosie's Place http://www.rosies.org/ 617-442-9322

Salvation Army http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/ 800-958-7825

Second Step http://www.thesecondstep.org/ 617-965-3999

Solutions at Work http://www.solutionsatwork.org/ 617-576-0039



And another great resource for both giving and receiving: http://www.freecycle.org/





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DO YOU KNOW ANY STRESSED OUT OFFICE WORKERS? TREAT THEM TO MASSAGE GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS DAY (Wed. April 22nd)! Call me today to place your order - 617-738-8222

LET'S SLEEP ON IT!

Many people are having sleeping problems these days -- are you one of them?

The vicious cycle of stress and sleeplessness is very hard on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. When we don't get enough sleep, we are more likely to be forgetful, less productive, accident prone, short-tempered, and susceptible to illness. We all need to take special care of ourselves during periods of uncertainty. Here are some things that can encourage sound sleep, no matter what may be going on around us, so we can wake up with the energy to cope with whatever comes our way:

1. Although it may feel relaxing, drinking alcohol in the evening actually disrupts sleep cycles throughout the night. And, of course, caffeinated drinks are not sleep-inducing.

2. Vigorous exercise in the evening can boost energy levels, interfering with sleep. Try doing a session earlier in the day. Gentle stretching or yoga may help with relaxation before bed.

3. It is best to refrain from TV watching and computer use before bedtime, as the hormones released in response to the bright lights can keep you awake for hours afterwards.

4. Restful sleep requires a dark, quiet, and comfortable environment. Do what you can to make your bedroom feel like a safe and serene oasis.

5. Discuss with your doctor ongoing sleep concerns as well as any medications (including non-prescription) that you are taking. Sleep difficulties may be a symptom or cause of serious health problems. Some drugs and supplements interfere with sleep, and long-term use of over the counter sleep medications can produce significant side effects and medical issues.

6. Winding down for at least one half hour before bed with lowered activity in dim light can help. Also, brief periods of relaxation during your busy day will promote better rest at night.

DO YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HOW TO RELAX AND SLEEP BETTER? MY EASY RELAXING MEDITATION CD CAN HELP!

You can learn to meditate with the step-by-step instructions on this CD and begin to experience relaxation in just a few minutes. Not connected to any specific spiritual tradition - 65 minutes, $20.00 per CD includes shipping and tax. ($25.00 outside of US)

Please send your name, address, city, state, zip code, phone number, email, number of CD's requested, and check or money order to: Joan Hardy, 48 Dwight St. Suite 6, Brookline, MA 02446. Refunds available only for items that arrived in damaged condition. Please call me at 617-738-8222 with any questions.

6 TIPS FOR STAYING HEALTHY IN COLD AND FLU SEASON

1. Keep moving! Research shows that people who are more active get fewer colds - besides working out, activities such as walking, housework, and yard work are all helpful.

2. Keep it clean! Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with warm water and soap for as long as it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice.
Contact lens wearers need to be especially diligent with hand-washing - the eyes are another route for viruses to enter your body.
If you share a telephone with others, clean it at least once a week.

3. Stay calm! Stress raises cortisol, a hormone that depletes the immune system.

4. Drink up! Drinking lots of water helps flush out potential infectious substances from your body and aids recovery if you do get sick.

5. Healthy eating! Especially fruits and veggies which contain nutrients that stave off illness.
Avoid eating at your desk - it's loaded with germs!

6. Take a snooze! Sleep is your body's strongest repair mechanism, so be sure to get enough rest.

Sources: University of South Carolina, Ohio State University Medical Center