Home

Category: Lifestyle

  • Tired all the Time? You Might Not be Getting Enough Quality Sleep

    Tired all the Time? You Might Not be Getting Enough Quality Sleep

    Do you find that you’re always yawning? Do you doze off whenever nothing stimulating is happening? Are you generally just tired all the time? If these things are the case, you might not be getting enough sleep. Or, you might be getting enough sleep, but not enough quality sleep. Here’s the thing: you shouldn’t need a cup of coffee every morning to have enough energy for the day. You should have that naturally. Here’s how.

    How to Make Sure You Get Enough Quality Sleep

    What Happens When I Don’t Get Enough Quality Sleep?

    A number of things happen when you can’t get enough quality sleep. The first and most noticeable thing is that you find it hard to roll out of bed in the morning. People who suffer from sleep deprivation often hit their alarm multiple times in the morning, sleep in to the last minute and find themselves very groggy and unresponsive for half an hour to an hour after waking. Generally, people suffering from sleep deprivation have high caffeine dependencies to help them throughout the day.

    Those experiencing sleep deprivation often doze off when they aren’t being directly stimulated. For instance, when in a meeting or watching TV, they might simply nod off. More dangerously, some people with extreme sleep deprivation symptoms may find themselves nodding off behind the wheel on their way to work or back.

    Additionally, those who don’t get enough quality sleep are often in miserable moods. They tend to be irritable, easily distracted and more prone to getting depressed. In short, being sleep deprived puts you in a terrible mood.

    What is Quality Sleep?

    If you’re not getting enough quality sleep then you’re going to feel drowsy and groggy all day. That’s no way to go through your life! But, you may ask, what constitutes quality sleep? Generally speaking, quality sleep is sleep that is uninterrupted for 8 straight hours or so. Sleep tends to be more restorative in a quiet, cool, dark room. Constant interruptions, extreme hot or cold in the room you sleep in, or flashing lights (such as televisions) can make your sleep lower quality.

    You might be saying that many of these things are unavoidable. However, we’re here to help you figure out how you can make your sleeping space better for your quality of life. Take bake your sleeping space so you can regain your waking hours!

    How to Get Better Sleep

    Firstly, you should try to stop drinking as much caffeine and alcohol. If you already avoid those substances, good on you! If you don’t, however, it’s time to cut back. Many people find they need a cup of coffee or an energy drink to keep going throughout the day. These drinks are downright terrible for your body and you should avoid them altogether. They can also interrupt your circadian rhythms and make your sleep much more troubled.

    Likewise, alcohol is terrible for your sleep schedule. If you often drink heavily, it could be having profound negative effects on your liver and heart, as well as your intestines and brain. If your sleep is fitful and you find it hard to stay asleep through the night, try cutting back on alcohol.

    Other Tips

    When you lay down for bed, cut off the TV and all lights in the house. In fact, consider taking the TV out of your bedroom. Your bedroom should be a place designed for sleep, exclusively. When it’s bed time, cut your phone off and put it across the room. If you live with noisy neighbors or roommates, invest in some earplugs or a white noise machine to help you tune out the distractions.

    Shut your door to block lights or sounds from outside your room. Consider investing in large, blackout drapes to hang over the windows for when you sleep to keep outside lights out and to dampen outside sounds. While these aren’t foolproof methods, they are steps in the right direction.

    Lifestyle Changes

    If you do shift work for a living, such as working alternating nights, opening shifts and closing shifts, consider changing your line of work. Shift work is terrible on your body, causing you to interrupt your own circadian rhythms and typically resulting in overreliance on caffeine to maintain unhealthy sleeping patterns.

    Remember, your quality of life isn’t worth a few dollars. Try to find work with a company that cares more about you than one that will put your health on the line for a quick buck. You’re worth more than that.

  • Boost Your Metabolism with these 12 Foods

    Boost Your Metabolism with these 12 Foods

    I could never understand the phrase “you are what you eat”. It isn’t until you are looking at 40 that you really can grasp the nature and relationship of nutrition and health. By the time you reach 30, you’re finally getting your house in order. At this point, you probably have a career path, a disposable income, a comfortable home and a stylish wardrobe. It seems like you’re at the height of your powers, and things are really going your way. Then, quite suddenly, it happens.

    You notice that the winter weight doesn’t come off as easily in the springtime. That your pants are a little snugger. That a few drinks on a Friday night can ruin most of your Saturday. Metabolism is responsible for how the body converts what you eat and drink into energy, therefore a healthy metabolism is necessary for weight loss. Although the speed of your metabolism is partially determined by your genetics, certain foods have been shown to naturally speed it up.

    Instead of envying 20-somethings for their ability to seemingly keep weight off with zero effort, follow these tips to help speed up your metabolism.

    Grapefruit

    Grapefruit can reduce insulin levels. Lower insulin levels after eating can help your body process food more efficiently. With less insulin, you burn more calories and store less energy as fat.

    Salmon and Tuna

    High levels of leptin are associated with slower metabolisms and weight gain. Eating fish is a good way to lower leptin levels. The omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and tuna cut leptin levels and help your body process foods more effectively. Omega-3 fatty acids are also found in anchovies, sardines, mackerel, and flax seed oil.

    Tuna, along with salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines, contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help stimulate the production of  hormones that regulate metabolism and appetite.

    Eggs

    Eggs are no longer just an impeccable source of protein. In fact they are quite the metabolic booster and one of the best ones at that. Because they are so protein dense, this will help you build more muscle mass which is great for speeding up your metabolism: the more muscle mass, the faster the metabolism.

    This is especially helpful if genetics let you down and you don’t naturally have the metabolism of your dreams. Some would call this an egg-cellent way to improve your digestive powers, but don’t scramble your brains over that.

    Black Coffee

    The shot of caffeine you get from coffee increases energy and concentration. If consumed in moderation, coffee can cause a short-term boost in your metabolic rate. This common brew allows for a brief spike in your metabolism after drinking it. Okay, with this you HAVE to only sip small amounts of coffee. Consuming too much coffee can be detrimental to your adrenal glands and cancels any effort at improving your metabolism.

    But at two cups a day, (400 mg of caffeine) it is a great metabolism booster. Though the effects of black coffee aren’t permanent, they can be sustained by drinking on a daily basis.

    Machia

    Yup, that’s just a fancy word for green tea. It not only packs a bit of caffeine, which speeds up your heart rate and thus your metabolism, but it also has norepinephrine-stimulating EGCG, a nutrient that helps boost your metabolic rate.

    Avocado

    Avocado is rich in essential fatty acids, monounsaturated fats, B vitamins, and antioxidants that are known to keep metabolism working and your inflammation in check. Avocado is also abundant in fiber, which helps you to burn even more calories.

    Spinach

    A major deliverer of iron, magnesium, vitamin C and potassium, spinach is perfect for muscle repair. It also can prevent free-radicals (oxidation crashes and dangerous fluctuations in your body which have the potential to cause cancers) and keep your metabolism at a healthy and consistent level.

    Because your muscles are repaired, you retain your muscle mass, which keeps that metabolism in a safe and high place. So take a page out of Popeye’s book and gulp down on these leafy greens by themselves or in smoothies, salads and stir fry’s.

    Celery

    Celery might not seem like it has any superpowers, but it’s blandness can be beneficial. It doesn’t have much taste on its own, but chomping on the super low-calorie food stimulates digestion, keeps your body hydrated, and has plenty of fat-burning fiber- all of which amp up your metabolism.

    Strawberries

    A great source of anthocyanins (antioxidants of the totally awesome variety) which prevent fat cells from growing while simultaneously causing them to release adiponectin- a chemical that reduces inflammation, blood sugar, and reverses your body’s resistance to insulin.

    They also reduce your digestive system’s ability to absorb some starches and fats. This berry is easy to work into your diet at any meal, and they are approved by picky eaters worldwide; so next time you have a fruit fix, think back to your humble friend the strawberry. Consider your metabolism boosted.

    Carrots

    These orange veggies are high in fiber, and fiber forces the body to work harder during digestion, burning more calories in the process. Herb-Roasted Zucchini and Carrots and Balsamic Roasted Carrots are tasty additions to any weight loss menu.

    Asparagus

    Asparagus is known as a negative calorie food since it requires more calories to chew and digest it than it contains. It’s also loaded in nutrients and tastes great. Eat them alone as a snack, chopped up in a salad or asparagus makes an amazing side next to some lean meat.

    Apples

    Like grapefruit, this low-calorie snack is high in fiber, which your body must burn calories to break down. Plus, since apples help you stay full for longer, you’ll eat less.

    The Final Thought

    The best part is all of these foods are easy to eat and come by, also cheap. You can effortlessly eat all 12 in one day in 3 cheap and delicious meals. I’m looking forward to salmon and asparagus for dinner already.

  • Got the Jitters? It Could be Your Beverage of Choice

    Got the Jitters? It Could be Your Beverage of Choice

    Coffee is a magical brewed potion of pure ambition. It’s natural and beneficial effects on the body are endless. Most types contain caffeine, a substance that may boost your mood, metabolism and mental and physical performance. But what if you have too much? Jitters, shakes and anxiety can all come flooding in. It’s the caffeine – it is a drug, and you need to know how much you are getting and what it will do to you.

    Research has shown that your genes have a major influence on your tolerance to it. Some can consume much more caffeine than others without experiencing negative effects. What’s more, individuals who aren’t used to caffeine may experience symptoms after consuming what is typically considered a moderate dose. Coffee is “the most commonly used psychoactive drug,” and drinking more than 5 cups a day can have you hearing things.

    Coffee is basically the modern version of the Holy Grail. This life-restoring elixir makes red-eye flights bearable, sleepless nights melt away, and honestly, goes great with dessert. So it’s understandable, then, that you might drink a little too much from time to time. (It tastes so good! And I’m so tired!) But combine all those grande lattes with other foods that contain caffeine, like dark chocolate, and you could wind up with a serious case of the jitters. Lets talk about the effects of too much coffee and caffeine, and the benefits of the right amount.

    The Damages of Too Much Caffeine

    It can damage your liver, according to studies by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, while moderate amounts of coffee can help the liver to detoxify the body, too much can have to opposite effect and hinder your liver’s function. This is especially true if you’re taking high doses of common over-the-counter pain medication. It can make you irrational and irritable.The shallow breathing caused by too much caffeine can stymie oxygen’s flow to the brain, which in turn harms the decision making process. As well as heartburn/reflux. Caffeine has been shown to relax the esophagus, contributing to gastroesophageal reflux. This can either cause or exacerbate heartburn in susceptible individuals.

    You can start to notice rambling thought and speech. Along with many of your other senses, speech and thought speed up in response to the stimulant effect of caffeine. While this can be very useful for concentration, too much can cause confusion and stuttering. Then there are the heart palpitations. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system. It speeds up the heart rate and can cause the heart to flutter or palpitate. Even hallucinations,  they are believed to occur when an overdose of caffeine causes the body to become stressed. This is a result of high adrenaline levels.

    It can take up to nine and a half hours for caffeine levels in your bloodstream to even decrease by half. But just because you accidentally went overboard doesn’t mean you’re totally screwed. First, start drinking water. Staying hydrated can ease some of the symptoms caused by an overdose and help the body efficiently eliminate it. Mild exercise to help your body metabolize the caffeine faster. Eating foods with potassium or magnesium (like bananas) is also helpful. Caffeine wipes out your body’s potassium and magnesium, which can cause the tremors and jitters of caffeine overdose

    Here is Why You Want the Right Amount of Coffee and Caffeine Each Day

    A cup of coffee in the morning may provide more than just an energy boost.The potential health benefits associated with drinking coffee include protecting against type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, liver disease, liver cancer, and promoting a healthy heart.

    For Starters, two cups of coffee can cut post-workout muscle pain by up to 48%. A cup of brewed coffee represents a contribution of up to 1.8 grams of fiber of the recommended intake of 20-38 grams. Also studies show, Those who consumed 6 or more cups per day had a 22% lower risk of diabetes. And there is considerable evidence that caffeine may protect against Alzheimer’s disease. Get me some of that delicious black gold now!

    Worried about Parkinson’s? Researchers in the U.S. carried out a study that assessed the link between coffee consumption and Parkinson’s disease risk.The study concluded that higher coffee and caffeine intake is associated with a significantly lower incidence of Parkinson’s disease. In addition, caffeine in coffee may help control movement in people suffering from Parkinson’s.

    Then there is cancer. The worst enemy of mankind. Did you know coffee consumption lowers the risk of liver cancer by about 40%. In addition, some of the results suggest that if you drink three cups a day, the risks are reduced by more than 50%.7? And in another recent study appearing in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute looked at the coffee-drinking habits of more than 447,000 people over 10 years. The researchers found that those who drank four or more cups of caffeinated coffee each day had a 20 percent lower risk of developing melanoma than people who drank decaffeinated coffee or no coffee.

    The Final Thought

    Coffee is great, It is great for you. Listen to your body and enjoy. I wish all things in life could be this simple, but at least we have coffee.

  • Save Money by Buying a Boat this Winter

    Save Money by Buying a Boat this Winter

    Is there anything quite as relaxing as taking a boat out on the lake to fish on a quiet Winter morning? The only thing better than spending time out on the water is saving money on the boat. If you’ve ever rented a boat you know just how expensive it can be. In order to save money this year, consider buying a boat instead.

    We’re going to go over a few of the best options you can get for fishing boats for personal use. Stop overspending by renting boats and buy one of your own to save money and relax all at once.

    Save Money by Buying a Boat

    Ranger VS 1680

    The Ranger VS 1680 is a great pick for those who want to fish for bass and muskie. Specifically, the stable casting platform and storage space make this an excellent boat for use on the lake. There are lots of high-tech accoutrements built in to the boat, making it a great companion for new and veteran fishers alike.

    The boat is 16 feet long and rated for motors as strong as 90 horsepower. The boat is durable and sleek, constructed mainly of aluminum. It’s durable and elegant in equal measure, so not only will it look good out on the water, but it’ll last you for years.

    If you love to fish on the lake this is the boat for you. New models of this boat start around $22,000. If you’re looking for a used Ranger VS 1680, however, you can probably find one for as low as $15,000.

    Clackacraft Steelhead Deluxe

    The Clackacraft Steelhead Deluxe is consider one of the best driftboats on the market. With its flat, open design and ample seating, this is a great boat for hitting the lake with friends. The best thing about this boat is how easy it is to pilot for newcomers. If you’ve never owned a boat before, start with this one!

    There are a few different lengths available, though the 16-foot variation is a great pick for most folks. If you’re looking for power, though, this isn’t the boat for you: it’s only really rated for about a 10-horsepower engine. That said, the boat is also quite light, weighing a little under 300 pounds. That makes it easy to take out of the water and carry elsewhere even without a lot of towing capacity on a vehicle.

    If you’re new to the hobby of fishing then you should strongly consider this boat to introduce yourself to it. It’s a versatile, inexpensive and easy-to-pilot craft. Whether you’re looking to kick back under the sun with friends or head out on a frosty morning to catch fish, this is a great pick for you.

    If buying the boat new you can expect to see it for around $6,000. However, if you find it being sold used you could probably find it for as low as $3,000 or so. This makes it an ideal pick for newcomers when you consider how beginner-friendly it is!

    Klamath Center Console

    If you want to go saltwater fishing or crabbing you might consider this boat over the others on this list. The Klamath Center Console was created with a huge variety of fishing styles in mind. The stand-up helm allows the pilot to freely move about the deck and the focus on safety is top-notch. The safety features of the boat include grab rails and a bowed design that makes it harder to be flung overboard.

    Options for the boat include rod holders and baitwells that make ideal companions for any fisherman. Other features include suites of fish-finding tech you can upgrade with and optional safety feature upgrades. These types of features make the boat an ideal vessel for fishing in bays or even on the open ocean.

    When compared to lake fishing, ocean fishing can seem much more dangerous. The ocean swell is much stronger and harder to predict than the gentle waves you typically find on a lake. That said, with the right craft and a seasoned fisherman at the helm, ocean fishing can be a blast.

    As for the price, new models of this boat tend to sell for around $8,000 or so. As with any fishing boat, looking for a used model can be a great way to save money. Sites like Boat Trader and BD Outdoors often have sellers listed from the local area so you can try to find a deal. Typically, used Klamath Center Console boats sell for around $5,000.

  • There are Worse Chefs than You: Avoid these Food Abominations

    There are Worse Chefs than You: Avoid these Food Abominations

    There are worse chefs than you, no matter how bad you think your cooking is. How do we know? There seems to be a lot of nostalgia for the 1960’s that floats around above pop culture. Unfortunately, a lot of it is way overblown. The time period that brought us the Vietnam War, rampant cigarette use and mass-marketed processed foods might not be the best one to romanticize.

    What does that have to do with food abominations? Trust us, we’re getting there. You see, there are worse chefs than you out there: 1960’s era cookbooks make that plainly clear. If you’ve ever wondered what dishes were popular in the middle of the 20th Century, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the worst food abominations from the 1960’s.

    There are Worse Chefs than You

    Prune Whip

    One of the nastiest-looking things we’ve seen in a 60’s cookbook is prune whip. So, get this: start with raw whipped egg whites and then fold them into a prune puree. Now, let’s think about this: we’ve got uncooked eggs that could cause salmonella and we’ve got prunes, pureed, which have well-known laxative-like properties.

    How did anyone survive the 60’s eating crap like this? What’s next, guys, steaks with cigarette butt garnish? No wonder people used to keel over in the mid 50’s.

    Asparagus Macaroni Loaf

    Any food item that ends in the word “loaf” goes straight into the garbage can. This particular dish was a popular choice in the 60’s among suburban moms and macaroni lovers. Whoever told them that asparagus belonged with macaroni in a congealed loaf mess was absolutely wrong, but, hey, what can you do.

    At least this dish is a bit better than meat crammed into loaf form. Meatloaf is also a perennial favorite of this era and we still don’t understand who exactly enjoys that dish.

    “Circle Pups”

    Dishes that include hot dogs were really, really popular in the 60’s. The companies who produced these processed foods had a really good marketing department, because just looking at dishes like the “Circle Pups” dish from Better Homes and Gardens Meals in Minutes makes us lose our appetite.

    The Circle Pup in particular is a pair of hot dogs on a slice of bread with rice and mustard. Which is just… why? What’s wrong with the hotdog bun? Why is there rice in the mix? Well, what can you expect from the era that brought us American “cheese.”

    Dad’s Denvers

    This heart-stopper is created by spreading deviled ham on a French roll. Oh, you haven’t heard of deviled ham? Good, it’s terrible. Avoid it like the plague. Next, make an omelet in bacon fat and add green onions. But this on top of the French roll and top it with sliced tomato and broil the whole mix.

    Okay, if you survived cooking this thing without dying of a heart attack then you can now attempt to eat this monster. You’ll probably get a few bites in before you start to black out from the amount of trans fats flooding into your blood stream.

    Pickle-Stretcher Salad

    In the 60’s there was a weird trend of making tons of salad that didn’t include fresh vegetables. Let that sink in. Macaroni salad? Cool. Potato salad? Awesome. Caesar salad? Absolutely not, throw that to the animals.

    One of the most nauseating “salads” from this era is the Pickle-Stretcher salad. It was so named because it allowed the maker to stretch a few pickles into a meal that could help the whole family projectile vomit. This monstrosity has olives of both green and black varieties mixed in with diced dill pickles and probably with a heaping on vinegar just for good measure.

    Do you want acid reflux? Because this is how you get acid reflux.

    Jellied Chicken

    I don’t really know what else to say about this dish that the name doesn’t already give away. It’s like Jell-O but with chicken. The cookbook this particular nightmare is from is entirely based on cooking with blenders.

    I mean… guys. I know it was the 60’s, but it wasn’t the dark ages. Why was anyone cooking with exclusively blend-able recipes?

    Conclusions

    Take it easy on the fried food, the processed stuff and the canned foods. If your meat comes out of a can, if you can’t name what part of the animal it’s from and you can’t imagine it served in a nice restaurant, maybe you should avoid it. And thank goodness the 60’s were fifty years ago, because some of these dishes are giving me diabetes by proximity.

  • Tips for Healthier Grocery Shopping in 2019

    Tips for Healthier Grocery Shopping in 2019

    Your life is fast-paced and busy, and it’s hard to find the time to hit the grocery store and shop healthy. It seems easier to simply go through the drive through of a fast food place or just ordering take-out. The issue with that is that eating processed, fast-food items all the time is quite bad for your body. In order to help you get healthier grocery shopping habits established in 2019, here are some tips to get you started.

    Remember: it might seem like a drag to get into the grocery store and buy produce to then head home and prepare a meal. However, it’s well worth your time and energy to look out for your dietary health. After all, it’s easy to fall into the habit of eating junk food all the time, but that’s a surefire way to put on the pounds and increase your odds of diabetes.

    Tips for Healthier Grocery Shopping in 2019

    For Starters

    Before we get started, let’s get into some myths regarding healthy food. For one thing, it’s not hard to find healthy foods. All you need to do is head into the grocery store and pick up items that aren’t processed, sugary or high in fat. It’s simply your palette that needs to change! If you can’t imagine any foods that aren’t fatty, surgary or processed then you’ve been eating far too much junk food.

    Secondly, healthy food isn’t expensive. In fact, it’s often cheaper to eat healthy than it is to eat fried, high-fat meals. If you get a selection of produce, a bag of rice and some side items you can make a meal for a family for under $20. If you buy for the week and plan out your meals you can really get that cost down and spend less than $100 in the grocery store to stock up for the week.

    Why is it so Difficult?

    You’re probably asking yourself: if it’s so darn easy to get healthy foods, why does it seem so difficult? Everyone always talk about how hard it is to eat healthy foods! Well, there are a few reasons. For one thing, fatty, processed foods just taste really good. Foods that are quite bad for you often have chemicals in them that make them addictive, too.

    It can be difficult to break oneself of the habit of eating junk food. However, if you follow a few simple steps then you can start shopping, eating and living healthier.

    Make a Plan

    First, make a plan before you head to the store. Get a selection of healthy meals set aside for the week and plan to make them. Set aside time with your loved ones (or, if you’re single, make it “you” time) to cook meals every night. You’ll find that you not only stress less at the store, but also shop more efficiently when you come with a list of what you want.

    Stick to your shopping list when you hit the grocery store. Don’t be tempted to make last-minute junk food purchases. Trust us, you won’t regret leaving those cookies on the shelf. Opting for healthier foods will make you feel better in the long run and save you money in the short run.

    What to Buy

    Produce, produce, produce. Fruits, veggies, mushrooms and beans. Load up on these, as you literally can’t go wrong. Don’t go too deep on starchy vegetables, as they can be fattening, but go as hard as you want on other forms of produce. It’s seriously difficult to get too many vegetables. Squash, carrots, peas, artichokes, shallots, eggplants, cauliflower and more are all fantastic choices to keep your pantry full of.

    Your weekly plan should include recipes, so when you head to the grocery store you should have an idea of what you need. You’ll also want a load of staples like spices, olive oil and the like to round out your pantry so you can make full dishes whenever you want. Loading up on spices you love, nut butters and vinegars for cooking and other staples makes it so you can always spice up your ingredients into a tasty meal.

    Final Tips

    A good tip to help you avoid unhealthy foods is to cut back on meat. Skinless chicken, lean meats and fish can be good for you in small quantities, but generally speaking, you should avoid red meat altogether.

    Finally, keep in mind that you need to make a concentrated effort to stick to your healthy habits. Nothing worth having ever came easily!

  • Make Travel Easier With the Best Wheelchair Vans

    Make Travel Easier With the Best Wheelchair Vans

    A wheelchair-accessible van is a vehicle that has been modified to increase the interior size of the vehicle and is equipped with a means of wheelchair entry, such as a wheelchair ramp or powered lift, to allow access. There are many different options and possibilities with handicap accessible vehicles; the most common option is a wheelchair accessible minivan.

    This type of van is modified to allow a wheelchair van or scooter user to drive their mobility equipment directly into the handicap accessible vehicle with no assistance. Featuring a 10-11″ dropped floor for easy entry and exist (with headroom up to 58″!) and removable front seats that allow the user to ride safely in the front passenger area or even drive from their wheelchair.

    Finding the Right Wheelchair Van

    To get started with your hunt for the right wheelchair van, create a list of features you want and need, so you can accurately access the cost differences. Take into consideration how you’re going to transport the whole family. Consider the adaptive equipment that needs to be transported. Will it change over time? What is the age of the user and caregivers? Having a budget in mind is very important.

    Check with a Mobility Consultant to obtain all information including 10-year financing options and rebates available. They can also help explain features and benefits, and guide you through the wheelchair van conversion buying process. Rent and try before you buy.  Buy for today, and tomorrow! It’s a big investment that should last you many years.  Now that we have that checklist done, let’s take a look at the best wheelchair vans on the market.

    Chrysler Town & Country

    The Chrysler Town & Country is a storied minivan, known as much for its luxurious appointments as for its practical versatility. Chrysler (Town & Country) was one of the first automobile manufacturers to make minivans, and they instantly caught on with the American consumer. Naturally, handicapped vehicle manufacturers quickly made accessible modifications to these minivans that continue to be popular today.

    There are 8 different conversions available for the Chrysler Town & Country. Braun CompanionVan, CompanionVan Plus, CompanionVan Plus XT, Braun Power, Power XT, and Power Infloor, VMI Northstar and VMI Summit.  Chrysler Town & Country conversion is discrete: from the outside, it doesn’t even appear to be an accessible vehicle! It earns points for style as well as functionality, especially since it’s equipped with a 30” or 34” ramp that can be either automatic or spring-assisted according to your preference. This model is available in an ADA-compliant configuration with optional driver or passenger transfer seating.

    Dodge Caravan

    Another classic in the world of Wheelchair Vans. The Dodge Grand Caravan minivan remains one of the best mobility ramp vans in America. By sliding out of a space between the floor, the  mobility ramp maximizes space inside the accessible vehicle. There are so many benefits of an in-floor wheelchair ramp, it is easily understood why its so popular.

    The Dodge  Caravans feature a power in-floor ramp and power door. Many customers prefer the rugged look of the Dodge Grand Caravan over more urban styled handicap van conversions.

    Ford Minivans

    Minivans designed by Ford are known for their full-size and compact features. These include: a raised roof, lowered floor, and power doors specifically tailored for the driver. Maybe more importantly, they have a wide variety of price ranges to fit any customer’s budget. The van also has retractable shoulder belts, a reverse sensing system, high quality seating, and a three-year warranty.

    Whether you’re looking for comfort, accessibility, luxury, or performance, the vehicles mentioned above will satisfy your every need. Make sure to determine your budget and major concerns before making a decision, in order to ensure you’re purchasing the right vehicle for you.

    Honda Odyssey Wheelchair Van

    The Honda Odyssey handicap van is very popular and for good reason. It has a long history of performance. This model features in-floor and folding ramps, and has side and rear entry for easy access. The Honda Odyssey also has superior safety features, such as electronic brake distribution and anti-lock brakes. These features show Honda has one of the top minivans on the road. Conversions of the Honda Odyssey include the Braun, and VMI wheelchairs.

    The Honda wheelchair van comes available as a side-entry or rear-entry. A rear-entry vehicle’s low-angle ramp makes it easy to access the interior through the rear door. The unique design of this mobility upgrade makes it possible to use standard parking spaces when accessible parking is unavailable. Depending on the number of passengers you need to accommodate, a variety of seating options can be installed in your Honda Odyssey wheelchair van. Safety always comes first with this brand. Their Honda wheelchair vans are built on a state-of-the-art assembly line, ensuring consistent quality you can rely on day in and day out.

  • Top ATVs, Your Next Toy Could Be a Winter Workhorse

    Top ATVs, Your Next Toy Could Be a Winter Workhorse

    ATVs are multi-purpose vehicles that can be used for towing large loads or tearing through snow, dirt, and dunes. ATVs have helped revolutionize hunting by making difficult locations easier to access and exit. They have become a well sought-out resource for hunters. Comfort, handling, and size all play a role in choosing the right ATV for you. After all, you don’t want to arrive completely exhausted from a rough ride to your hunting location.

    Are you in the market for a new 4×4 ATV? Whether you’re looking to buy or finance your first or your fifth, buying a new ATV is something that takes a lot of thought and research. There’s a lot to consider when buying an ATV. It is easy to get overwhelmed with all the information that is out there. It is important to figure out what your priorities are. Ask yourself what you will be using the ATV for.

    Almost 230,000 ATVs are sold within North America every year, and 4×4 ATVs, also called “quads,” are by far the most popular. This means that there are tons of different models and brands to choose from. So how do you narrow it down? Start with the brand. The top ATV brands are familiar names within the traditional motorcycle industry. These brands don’t mess around and have a serious passion for anything with an engine and a sense of adrenaline.

    Honda Recon 250

    This manual shift ATV continues to be a favorite among riders and is a similar platform to the Honda TRX250 with a utility body including racks and floor boards. The rugged features, stylish looks, and get-it-done attitude along with its 229 cc OHV engine are truly amazing. Honda has a strong stake in the motorcycle industry and an even more firm grasp over the ATV sector.

    They’ve really created some great options that can be trusted, and also don’t hurt the wallet as much as some other brands. And you don’t even have to be an ATV person to recognize the 2018 Honda Recon 250 looks like one heck of a ride. Honda’s got a heart, and they’re killing this industry.

    Polaris Sportsman 570 EPS ATV

    This ATV probably has one of the best engines in the entire lineup of Polaris; the 570cc has been used in several other model line-ups including their ATV, Ace, Ranger and RZR. The Sportsman is compact, powerful, and offers a serious amount of power for the tough trails and hills. This is the first time one of their ATV’s is so powerful, though in a small package with a great starting price. This model also comes in the “touring 2-seat” configurations.

    When motorcycle lovers hear this name, what also comes to mind is “Indian.” We have tons of Indian motorcycle lovers out there, and we can thank Polaris for giving Indian that extra shot they needed. But Polaris isn’t just known for the stylized Indian motorcycles. They’re a personal crowd favorite when it comes to anything side-by-side vehicle and off-road related, and that’s for a good reason.

    Take a look at the Polaris Sportsman 570, and I dare you to tell me that it doesn’t have “fun” written all over it. It’s a comfortable ride for all ages, and those tires are ready to eat up all the mud you throw its way.

     Yamaha YFZ450R

    The high performance of this ATV combined with its race-ready engine makes it fly past the competition. Often in the First, Second or Third place podium standings with popular off road racing circuits like GNCC and others, this machine is built to win with its Advanced Frame, Fuel Injection and Assist-and-Slipper clutch.

    Note: ATVs are recommended only for use by those age 16 years and older. YAMAHA recommends an approved training course.

    Here’s another crowd favorite in the motorcycle industry. And if you’re not a personal lover of the brand, you can at least admit they do a damn good job of providing affordable bike options. Let’s be honest, not everyone can afford the price associated with a Harley, and Yamaha is always there in the wings trying to urge you over to try one of their rides.

    But when it comes to their ATVs, they’re a top name in the industry and aren’t waiting in the shadows for anyone. Yamaha is one of the most reliable brands, all without expecting the soul of your firstborn son as comparative payment. Have you seen the YFZ 450R? It’s a more matte-looking option than a lot of its shiny competitors, and it’s got an engine that just won’t quit.

  • Foods to Avoid over the Holidays

    Foods to Avoid over the Holidays

    No one likes having gastrointestinal issues at family gatherings over the holidays. If you’re going to a Christmas or New Year’s party, there are some foods to avoid. We’re going to break down some of the foods that can be the hardest on your gut and why you should avoid them when you’re trying to enjoy time with family.

    No one wants to be bloated, gassy or in the bathroom the entire time they’re visiting family. So, if you’re hosting, consider not having any of these foods out. If you’re visiting, consider just avoiding these foods altogether. Why risk getting sick on a snack when you’re trying to enjoy the holidays?

    Foods to Avoid over the Holidays

    Acidic Foods

    Acidic foods, like soda pop, tomatoes and tomato sauce, citrus fruits and the like can all cause stomach problems. If you’re prone to acid reflux or heartburn, consider avoiding these foods. Whether it’s in the form of a snack or a major part of the meal, consider taking it easy on these foods. Acidic foods impact your stomach more when it’s empty, though, so maybe grab a few orange slices or a bit of grapefruit after the main course!

    The worst part is, tomatoes and citrus fruits are really quite good for you. It’s unfortunate that their high acid content makes them rough on an empty stomach. However, if you eat them in moderation and make sure you don’t have them before a meal you should be okay over the holidays.

    Dairy Products

    A lot of people have a really hard time digesting milk. If too much lactose gets into your large intestine, it can even lead to diarrhea, which is a surefire way to ruin your holiday party. If you’ve got a history of lactose intolerance, avoid ice cream, milkshakes and the like as much as you can.

    If you really, really want your dairy fix, consider hard cheeses or yogurt. Thanks to the way these are made, they actually have no lactose content. That goes for most types of frozen yogurt, too! So, if you’re really hankering for some dairy but can’t handle lactose, these are your best bets. Alternatively, you could also just carry Lactaid pills and take them before eating dairy products.

    Alcoholic Drinks

    Everyone loves eggnog around the holidays, right? Well, maybe you should take it a bit easy on the ‘nog. See, not only is it high in dairy content (see our previous paragraph), most people like to enjoy it spiked with rum. Drinking alcohol has been shown to have toxic effects on your stomach lining, as well as many other health complications.

    The metabolic processes of your liver can be thrown off by alcohol consumption, too. This means that ingesting too much alcohol can cause serious stomach issues. That’s not to mention the risk of dehydration and other complications that can occur in the short term with alcohol consumption. In the long term it can even lead to increased risk for liver and heart disease.

    Fatty Foods

    Foods that are very high in fats, like potato chips, ice cream and red meat can upset your stomach. High-fat food items have a tendency to cause serious issues with the speed at which your intestines move food along. If slowed down too much, this can result in constipation. If sped up too much, this can instead result in diarrhea. In either event, you’ll experience significant discomfort in your abdomen as your intestines deal with the high-fat foods. Just take care to eat these foods sparingly, or avoid them altogether!

    Spicy Foods

    Peppers, curry powders and garlic can all cause your stomach to become upset. This goes double if you’re going from an empty stomach to chowing down on something spicy or heavily seasoned. In small quantities, spicy foods can be great for digestion. They help to kick your digestive system into overdrive and really add some zest to your meals!

    However, if you have a sensitive stomach or eat too much spicy food, you might find yourself with an upset stomach. Also, be careful not to eat too much spicy food for fear of the discomfort that you could endure when you pass it. It may still be spicy after you digest it, if you catch our drift!

    Artificial Sweeteners

    Make sure you avoid diet sodas and other foods with artificial sweeteners. Not only are they bad for you in the long term, they can also cause your stomach lining to become irritated. Sorbitol, in particular, has been shown to cause bloating, diarrhea and nausea in some people. Just avoid it and save yourself the trouble!

  • Take a Unique Winter Vacation with a Northern Lights Tour

    Take a Unique Winter Vacation with a Northern Lights Tour

    There’s something really magical about the Northern Lights, or the Aurora Borealis. Northern Lights Tours allow visitors to experience the stunning natural beauty of this phenomenon first-hand while also enjoying a unique and breathtaking winter vacation. If you’ve been looking for a new winter tradition, you should consider taking a Norther Lights tour. It’s time to set out for the adventure of a lifetime!

    Northern Lights Tour

    Types of Tours

    There are Northern Lights tours in Iceland, Finland, Alaska and Lapland. They are available for as little as $800 or as much as $2000, depending on what you’re looking for. Whether you’re married with kids, single or anything in between, there are a variety of types of tours you can go on. In order to help you narrow it down, we’ll go over some of the more popular types of tours.

    Finnish Tours

    One of the most popular Finnish tours is the Northern Lights Finland tour. The tour is based around the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort and offers some stunning amenities. Visitors stay three nights in traditional cabins, allowing them to enjoy the rustic beauty of the region. One of the four nights during their stay, though, they get to sleep in a heated glass igloo from which they can view the stunning Northern Lights. Talk about an adventure!

    The tour also provides four breakfasts and four dinners, snowmobile rides and more. If you’ve ever wanted to take a dazzling winter tour of Finland, this is the way to do it. It’s hard to overstate just how wonderful the sights and sounds of this region are.

    Did we mention the cross-country skiing? Because this tour totally includes cross-country skiing. Yeah, we figured that would get your attention. Who doesn’t love racing downhill on the snow while the sunlight shines down on your ski gear?

    This five-day adventure is $2,195 per person, making it a little on the high end. However, the number of awesome amenities that come with it make it quite worth it.

    Icelandic Tours

    Icelandic tours are rather popular among visitors to the region. The Golden Circle Classic is a four-day tour that leaves out of Iceland that is incredibly popular. It takes visitors through stunning landscapes that include volcanic rock, geysers and waterfalls. Of course, during the course of the tour you also see the Northern Lights. If you’ve been itching to take in the natural beauty of Iceland, the Golden Circle Classic is a great choice.

    Reykjavik is a stop on the six-day Golden Circle as well, allowing travelers to take in the beautiful Icelandic capital and enjoy the local culture, cuisine and sights. After all, when visiting a new place, it’s only right to sample the local customs! This tour also includes guided sightseeing through the breathtaking regions of natural beauty in and around Iceland.

    The four-day tour is priced at $1,016, while the six-day version is $2,349. This makes them a bit on the higher side, but comparable to most luxury vacations.

    Alaskan Tours

    Starting from Anchorage and lasting eight days, the Arctic Circle Tour offered by Pursuit is one of the best American Northern Lights tours. This tour takes you along the path of the Iditarod Dog Race, through glacier hikes, and, of course, lets you see the Northern Lights. If you want to enjoy a Northern Lights tour without leaving the US, here’s the tour for you!

    After starting in Anchorage, the Arctic Circle tour also goes through  Talkeetna, Fairbanks, and Coldfoot. Finally, there is a brief jaunt into Denali National Park, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic park firsthand. The tour is $1,843 per person.

    Another popular Alaskan tour is the Northern Lights Activity Tour offered by Go Alaska. This particular adventure is a really reliable way to catch the Northern Lights in all their glory. This journey, which starts in Fairbanks, lasts for six days and five nights. For those looking to stride down the historic Dalton Highway, this is the tour for you.

    The Northern Lights Activity Tour also goes farther north than most tours into the region, allowing travelers a stunning look at the Northern Lights. After their trip, visitors are given personalized authenticity documents to show they personally journeyed to the Northern Lights. It’s a fun activity for any visitors to the frosty north.

    Anyone who wants to enjoy this tour only needs around $800 for some of the starting packages, though some of the higher ones go up to $1,285. In any event, you’re sure to have fun out there!