Wiper blades are one of the most neglected components on vehicles today. Many blades are cracked, split, torn, brittle, worn or otherwise in obvious need of replacement. Others may look okay, but do lousy jobs of wiping when put to the test.

Most experts say wiper blades should be replaced every six to twelve months for optimum performance and driving visibility. That’s because wiper blades don’t last forever. Exposure to sunlight and ozone causes the rubber to age, even if the wipers aren’t used much. 

As a set of blades age, they lose much of their flip-over flexibility and they’re less able to wipe cleanly. They may develop a permanent set (called “parked” rubber) or curvature which prevents full contact with the windshield. The sun bakes and hardens the rubber. Then when the wipers are needed, they streak and chatter because they’ve taken a set and won’t follow the curvature of the windshield. 

Cold weather can affect blade life, too. Freezing temperatures makes rubber hard and brittle, which increases the tendency to crack and split. The holders can also become clogged with ice and snow, preventing the holder from distributing spring tension evenly over the blade. The blade “freezes up” and leaves streaks as it skips across the glass. 

Heavy use can be hard on wiper blades, because dust, abrasives, road grime and even bug juice wear away the edge that the blades need to wipe cleanly. 

How well the wiper blades perform also depends on the condition of the wiper arms and holders. A blade’s wiping ability is affected by the amount of spring tension on the wiper arm, the number of pressure points or claws that hold the blade, and the design of the blade itself. If the springs in the arms are weak (which is more apt to be a problem in older vehicles), the wipers may not be pressed against the glass firmly enough to wipe cleanly. Replacing the blades won’t make any difference because the problem is weak arms not bad blades.

Ultimately, any blade that’s chattering, streaking or doing a lousy job of wiping is a blade that’s overdue for replacement. The same goes for any blade that is cracked, torn, nicked or otherwise damaged. 

If you have replaced your wiper blades and chattering or streaking persists, visit the Crown Kia Service Department in St. Petersburg to have one of our technicians inspect your wiper blades and wiper arms to ensure your continued safety on the road.

Source: [Yahoo Autos]

Kia Motors America recently unveiled an innovative and intelligent in-car communications and entertainment system, ‘UVO powered by Microsoft,’ to be available in select Kia vehicles in the US starting this summer. UVO provides consumer friendly voice- and touch-activated experiences for simple management of music files and hands-free mobile phone operation. Co-developed with Microsoft and based on Windows Embedded Auto software, UVO is an easy-to-use, hands-free solution that allows drivers and passengers to answer and place phone calls, receive and respond to SMS text messages, access music from a variety of media sources and create custom music experiences.

Understanding drivers want and need intuitive controls, Kia Motors and Microsoft designed UVO to enable a new level of voice recognition through Microsoft speech technology. UVO users will be able to access media content and connect with people through simple, quick voice commands without having to navigate through menus. By supporting complex grammar, UVO needs only short voice commands to connect drivers and passengers with their desired functions. An interactive system, UVO responds to inquiries such as ‘What’s playing?’ and provides audible answers and related functions, helping to keep drivers’ eyes safely focused on the road.

UVO also brings advancements to in-car technology through an immersive user experience. The interface features a 4.3-inch, full-color display that provides detailed information on media content, phonebook data and vehicle information; the screen also doubles as a rear-view camera when the shifter is put in reverse. UVO is an open platform that seamlessly integrates with a wide variety of mobile phones, music players and other devices, making it easy for drivers to quickly pair devices.

“UVO powered by Microsoft is a breakthrough for in-vehicle infotainment that helps allow drivers and passengers to safely and easily use all of their personal technologies to create personalized in-vehicle communications and entertainment experiences,” says Michael Sprague, Vice President, Marketing, KMA. “Collaborating with Microsoft, Kia Motors is able to offer drivers an experience that will provide our cars with a clear competitive advantage.”

“We are very excited with the customized approach Kia Motors is bringing to in-car infotainment,” says Kevin Dallas, General Manager of Microsoft’s Windows Embedded Business division. “Kia’s UVO system demonstrates how the power of Windows Embedded technology can keep consumers connected to the devices, information and entertainment that matters to them most.”

Based on the award-winning Windows Embedded Auto platform, UVO can be updated easily as new consumer devices continue to be introduced to the market.

UVO will debut this summer in the all-new Kia Sorento and will be extended to additional Kia vehicles as part of the brand’s technological evolution. Kia Sorento, Soul, Forte and Forte Koup already come standard and at no extra cost with Bluetooth wireless technology connectivity, iPod/MP3/USB connectivity, and a three-month SIRIUS satellite radio subscription. 

Key features of UVO, powered by Microsoft:

• Advanced Speech Recognition: Intelligent Microsoft speech technology is trained to the system operator’s voice, creating a personal profile and allowing for up to two different voice profiles in various languages. Support for large grammar commands and faster response time means the content is delivered when you ask for it. Kia Motors’ UVO system is the first in-vehicle solution to integrate full Microsoft speech engine technology.
• Natural Interface Advancements: A full-color, easy-to-use in-dash monitor allows occupants to quickly scroll through media and mobile device content through intuitive voice and touch-screen commands.
• Custom Media Experiences with MyMusic: UVO’s ‘Jukebox’ function features a 1GB hard drive for media storage, allowing users to rip music from CDs or an MP3 player into personal MyMusic folders and store up to 250 songs sorted by title and/or artist – all through voice commands. The system can shuffle through an MP3 player or AM/FM and SIRIUS radio stations and instantly identify what’s playing all through simple voice commands.
• Rear Backup Camera: When the vehicle is put in reverse, a built-in rear backup camera uses UVO’s in-dash display to provide clearer images of the environment behind the car assisting the driver to identify certain objects that otherwise may be difficult to see.
• Ability to Continuously Update Features and Services: Based on a flexible Windows Embedded Auto platform, updates and services can be delivered in a number of ways (over-the-air, over-the-Web) for Kia to continue to provide a superior user experience after the system enters the market. 

Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time contributing to the brand’s continued gains in market share. The launch of the all-new Sorento, the official vehicle of the NBA and the first vehicle to be built at Kia Motors’ first U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, will further enhance the Kia lineup.

Source: [Kia Global]

Kia Motors America has announced the arrival of the special edition Ignition Soul, the second of four special edition Souls to roll into dealerships. The 2010 Ignition Soul, named for its unique exterior color treatment, extends the youthful urban passenger vehicle’s radical styling even further and demonstrates Soul’s expansive list of personalization options.

The Ignition Soul joins all other Soul models as a 2010 “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This second special edition Soul offers consumers yet another opportunity to find a Soul as unique as their own personalities and is matched with impressive fuel economy figures and standard safety features.

Exclusive to the Kia Soul Ignition is a unique ignition orange exterior color, striking black 18-inch alloy wheels with machined accents, an athletic-looking body kit and rear spoiler found standard on sport trims, an alloy fuel door for an even more contemporary appearance and a bold off-set black racing stripe to complete the overall appearance.

Like the previously launched special edition Denim Soul, Ignition Soul is based on the Soul+ model and is fully loaded with the Audio Upgrade Package (center speaker, subwoofer, external amplifier and speaker lights that pulse to the beat of the music), an iPod connection cable for full functionality via the radio head unit and steering wheel controls, carpeted floor mats, moon roof, fender vents with side marker repeaters and fog lights. The special edition Ignition Soul starts at $17,500* with a five-speed manual transmission.

Building from the Soul+ model, the 2010 Kia Soul Ignition also offers standard keyless remote entry, privacy glass on the rear and rear side windows, body-color door handles and dual body-color power side mirrors. Soul+ offers additional standard features including cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, dual 12-volt power outlets and tweeter speakers, all enhancing creature comforts on the road, as well as a covered upper storage bin, dual visor vanity mirrors with covers and dual map lights. Black cloth seats are adorned with Soul logo inserts, further personalizing the cabin.

Source: [Kia World]

*Price plus tax, tag, title and destination fees.

Kia Motors America announced the arrival of the special edition Shadow Dragon Soul, the third of four planned special edition Soul models. Proudly showing design themes similar in nature to the Soul “Burner” concept that debuted in 2008 at the Geneva International Motor Show resulting in a slew of positive feedback from Soul forums and Internet chats, Shadow Dragon Soul wears black dragon graphics over its sinister black-on-black color scheme. Shadow Dragon Soul is the latest example the urban passenger vehicle’s unique ability to morph and transform, and joins all other Soul models as a 2010 “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

“Soul is a unique vehicle in that it lends itself perfectly to personalization based on consumer needs and desires,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. “With its one-of-a-kind paint and graphic treatments, the Shadow Dragon Soul could be the most distinctive special-edition Soul we’ve released so far, but still maintains the same value, convenience and safety features that consumers have come to know and expect from all Soul trim levels.”

From afar, Shadow Dragon Soul’s deep shadow black exterior color and matte black dragon graphics on the hood and tailgate give off a dark and menacing persona. Looking closer, the black-on-black theme continues with black 18-inch wheels and machined accents, a body-color wing-type spoiler and high-gloss black accents found on the front and rear bumper inserts. Inside, Shadow Dragon Soul features black leather-trimmed seats – the first leather seating available on any Soul model – and seat warmers for additional luxury and comfort. Like both previous special-edition Souls, Shadow Dragon Soul is based on the Soul+ model and is fully loaded with the Audio Upgrade Package (center speaker, subwoofer, external amplifier and speaker lights that pulse to the beat of the music), an iPod(R) connection cable for full functionality via the radio head unit and steering wheel controls, carpeted floor mats, moonroof, fog lights and fender vents with side marker repeaters. Shadow Dragon Soul starts at $18,195* with a five-speed manual transmission.

Building from the Soul+ model, Shadow Dragon Soul adds standard keyless remote entry, privacy glass on the rear and rear side windows, body-color door handles and dual body-color power side mirrors. Additional standard features such as cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, Bluetooth wireless technology with hands-free connectivity, dual 12-volt power outlets and tweeter speakers enhance creature comforts on the road, as do the covered upper storage bin, dual visor vanity mirrors with covers and dual map lights.

The Soul has won numerous accolades since arriving in dealerships, including two “Top Safety Pick” awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a “2010 Automotive Excellence Award” from Popular Mechanics, a “Super Value Award” by The Active Network, Inc., being named to Ward’s Autoworld’s “Interior of the Year” list for “Grooviest Interior, named to 2009 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 list by Kelley Blue Book’s Kbb.com,” among several others.

Available in four trims, Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport, pricing for the versatile five door begins at $13,300* for the base trim, while Soul+ starts at $14,950*. Enhancing to the Soul! or Soul sport offers a price beginning at $16,950*. For additional value Soul also offers impressive fuel economy, with the 1.6-liter manual coming in at 26/31 mpg (city/highway) while the 2.0-liter offers a thrifty, fuel-sipping 24/30 mpg for both the automatic and manual transmissions, better than the Scion xB.

Standard Kia Safety Features

Soul continues to offer the same high level of standard safety equipment as all new Kia vehicles, including front seat active headrests, dual front advanced airbags, front seat-mounted and full-length side curtain airbags. An Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist System (BAS) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) also are standard. Front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams, impact-absorbing steering column and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system also come standard on all Soul models, making for a wide-ranging list of standard safety features.

Industry-Leading Warranty

Like all new Kia models, Soul is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the comprehensive coverage program.

Source: [Auto Guide]

*Price plus tax, tag, title, and destination fee. See dealer for complete details.

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the world’s largest annual exhibition where the latest high-tech gadgets and goods are often unveiled for the very first time. Following our first appearance at CES in 2009, Kia Motors is unveiling its ‘UVO powered by Microsoft’ in-car infotainment system along with other cutting edge automotive technologies at this year’s show, which kicked off on January 7th in Las Vegas. Below are some technical details of the new innovations being shown at Kia’s CES booth.

The world’s most advanced in-car multimedia system

Kia Motors’ all-new “UVO” in-car infotainment system, which was created in collaboration with Microsoft, delivers voice recognition controls, enhanced hands-free Bluetooth connectivity and true, high- performance interactivity with mobile multimedia. 

The UVO unit, which features a jukebox, a five-disc CD player and an external amplifier, is fitted with a 4.3-inch display screen that can broadcast images from a vehicle’s rear backup camera (on all UVO- equipped Kia vehicles in the U.S.), as well as the regular program or mode related information.

UVO also features 1GB of embedded memory with CD-ripping and MP3-copying capabilities. Once saved to the hard drive, music files are searchable by track, album name, artist and genre through the intuitive and user-friendly menu system.

Also, Kia buyers will be able to add HD Radio to their UVO unit to further enhance their listening pleasure.

Revolutionary touch-panel transforms user feedback

Kia Motors’ all-new “UVO” in-car infotainment system will introduce a revolutionary touch-sensitive control panel that promises to deliver unique interaction with the user. Located across the bottom of the unit between the two main rotary controls, the touch panel employs Field Effect ASIC (with inner and outer electrodes), using a digital input signal that is triggered by finger contact to operate the audio system.

The panel can be manufactured in a variety of materials and with a ‘contour design’, allowing car designers much greater freedom to create fresh and dynamic design solutions for enhanced cabin architecture and ambience.

Haptic Steering Wheel Switch

Kia Motors is displaying a touch-sensitive and reactive “Haptic” control module for vehicle steering wheels at CES. Linked to a new LCD display within the instrument cluster, the technology helps users to fully exploit the potential of modern in-car entertainment systems – such as those featured in Kia Motors’ new UVO system – without the need for multiple buttons to be fitted to the car’s steering wheel.

Positioned for easy operation by the driver’s thumb, the active Haptic switch features seven modes of reactive vibration to help the driver navigate the system’s menus using touch alone. The switch can be employed to remotely operate the car’s systems, such as the HVAC, as well as the audio and communications systems.

Although visual information is presented via LCD graphics, Kia Motors expects users to quickly learn to monitor the car’s systems through touch alone – enabling them to keep their eyes on the road.

Full Telematics service facilitates better connectivity

Kia Motors Corporation is showcasing an all-new full Telematics service at CES, which operates through the car’s built-in audio system via hands-free Bluetooth. Telematics technology is expected to be increasingly important to new car buyers in the future, allowing a rapid transfer of key information to vehicle occupants to safely enhance their enjoyment of their cars.

The high-speed Telematics service features a 40 bytes-per-second data transfer speed and is compatible with GSM, CDMA and 3G mobile phones. The service is primarily designed to deliver driving information about traffic flow and congestion, current and imminent weather conditions, vehicle diagnostics and emergency service alerts.

The system will also enable the driver and passengers to enjoy multimedia navigation.

First opportunity to watch live digital TV in an automobile

Mobile digital television can now be streamed live into cars through a new system from Kia Motors. While North American satellite radio and limited paid-for video broadcasts have been available in-car since 2008, Kia Motors’ new technology enables live digital television channels to be watched on in-car entertainment systems for the first time. 

UVO will ensure occupants are fully entertained and also kept abreast of breaking news, and will help to keep rear-seat passengers occupied, reducing driver distraction.

Uninterrupted reception, at speeds up to 180 mph, produces dual band television transmission with a clear, high-quality picture to entertain and inform rear-seat occupants. 

All that Kia vehicle users will require to view the in-car live television screening is a rear-seat entertainment system, featuring a display panel of seven inches or more.

‘Widget’ framework creates an in-car wireless communications hub

Through the car’s idle mobile phone screen, Kia users will have access to the new application ‘widgets’ system and downloadable services, enabling at-a-glance automotive wireless communications. The main benefit of the widget system is that it affords users easier access to key services by removing some of the usual steps required.

These widget applications can include RSS news and financial feeds, traffic and weather reports and updates from networking SNS applications such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. The intelligent widget system can also check the car for faults, monitor fuel economy, as well as provide navigation services that can direct you to the nearest gasoline station.

Touch screen technology allows the user to navigate through the widget framework easily, until the system detects the car is running and it switches into driver mode, at which point it is controlled through buttons on the vehicle’s steering wheel.

Two world’s first technologies deliver better communications for Kia drivers

Connecting people to external information sources when travelling by car is becoming increasingly important, and with antennas necessary to support the various technologies available, Kia Motors has teamed up with Ace-Antenna to develop two all-new, cost-effective, multi-use antennas.

Unity External Shark Fin Antenna

The world’s first nine-band, shark-fin External Integration Active Antenna system reads both CDMA and GPS (voice and data communications) signals, and incorporates the vehicle’s conventional radio aerial.

Unity Internal Room Mirror Antenna

Another world first, born of the same collaborative program, is the six-band rear-view mirror-mounted Internal Integration Active Antenna system for other Telematics services. This new antenna, for telematics and ITS reception, is located within the mirror housing for optimum product performance and ease of installation. 

The new rear view mirror system can be applied immediately to any car in the world. An additional benefit of both systems is that, as the antennas are able to receive a number of different signals, the user is able to use their phone across international borders.

Source: [Kia Buzz]

Following six months of round-the-clock vehicle build-up and testing in preparation for the 2010 GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge season, Kia Motors’ first-ever U.S. motorsports program reaches the track later this week with two Forte Koups competing in the Fresh From Florida 200 at Daytona Speedway on January 29. KMA and racing partner Kinetic Group have built the No. 10 and No. 12 Kia Forte Koups, which are sponsored by Infinity Audio Systems, to campaign in the Street Tuner (ST) class.

The No. 10 car – representing Kia’s industry-leading 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty – will be co-driven by Andy Lally and Nic Jonsson, while the No. 12 car will be piloted by the 2007 GRAND-AM ST champions Trevor Hopwood and Adam Burrows.

“From the moment we announced Kia Motors was getting into racing we believed the Forte Koup would be a strong competitor in GRAND-AM, and the feedback we’ve received from Kinetic and Andy Lally and Nic Jonsson after their initial testing reinforces that belief,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA.  “Consumers have come to recognize the Kia brand for attractively designed and priced vehicles that are fuel efficient and have a long list of standard features, and we are looking forward to introducing Forte Koup and the Kia brand to a new audience of auto racing fans throughout the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge season.”

The Forte Koup’s performance-inspired styling and outstanding driving dynamics are a perfect fit for road racing, making Kia Motors’ first two-door coupe the logical choice for KMA’s initial motorsports efforts. KMA selected the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Challenge Sports Car Challenge series, which utilizes production-based race cars from the U.S., Europe and Asia, for its competitive nature and use of weight and intake restrictions to maintain a level playing field for all entrants.

As part of the motorsports program development, KMA partnered with the Kinetic Group to develop, build and campaign the two Forte Koup Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge race cars. Headquartered outside of Atlanta, Kinetic has competed in GRAND-AM racing since 2006 and added several specialists to its team of engineers, mechanics and crew for the Kia Motors racing program while also working closely with GRAND-AM to build the cars within strict series guidelines.  The two-door, front-wheel-drive race cars utilize the Forte Koup production car’s 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine.

Source: [PR Newswire]

Taxpayers who buy a new car or several other types of motor vehicles this year may be entitled to a special tax deduction when they file their 2009 federal tax returns next year. The tax break is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Here are seven things you should know about this new deduction:

1. State and local sales taxes paid on up to $49,500 of the purchase price of qualifying vehicles are deductible.
2. Qualified motor vehicles generally include new (not used) cars, light trucks, motor homes and motorcycles.
3. Purchases must occur after Feb. 16, 2009, and before Jan. 1, 2010.
4. This deduction can be taken regardless of whether or not you itemize other deductions on your tax return.
5. Taxpayers will claim this deduction when filing their 2009 federal income tax return next year.
6. The amount of the deduction is phased out for taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income is between $125,000 and $135,000 for individual filers and between $250,000 and $260,000 for joint filers.
7. The deduction may not be taken on 2008 tax returns.

Consumers who are considering buying a new car may find that this tax incentive means there may have never been a better time to buy.

For more information about the sales and excise tax deduction for motor vehicle purchases visit the official IRS web site.

Source: [IRS.gov]

Mimi Ausland’s parents never have to nag her to feed the family pooch. Mimi, a 13-year-old seventh grader, takes care of her own dog — and millions more.

Her Web site, FreeKibble.com combines trivia with charity, helping to feed shelter dogs across the country. Since Mimi began her work in April 2008, FreeKibble.com and a companion site for cats, FreeKibbleKat.com, have provided enough food for an astonishing 1.9 million meals!

How Free Kibble Works

Visit FreeKibble.com, and you’re invited to play Bow Wow Trivia. Mimi and her father research dog-related questions for the game and offer multiple choices that players can click on. Here’s a sample of recent questions:

“In their first few weeks, puppies sleep ____ of the day.” The correct answer is 90 percent.

“Which one of the following is the only dog breed whose evidence is accepted in a court of law?” The correct answer is bloodhound.

FreeKibble.com features a different question every day. Each day you play, your participation earns 10 pieces of kibble for a shelter dog. It doesn’t matter if you answer the question correctly or not. Kibble is currently donated to 70 shelters across the United States. The game itself attracts visitors worldwide, from 137 countries so far.

Mimi’s Inspiration

Mimi got the idea from another popular Web site, FreeRice.com, which raises money to feed hungry people through online multiple-choice games involving vocabulary, art and more.

“When we started, we were just planning on feeding our local shelter,” says Mimi, who also volunteers at her local animal shelter. “I’ve always loved animals since I was a little girl, and I wanted to do something more for them somehow.”

Free Kibble has now become a family project. The family found a Web designer to create the site, and now Mimi’s mother makes the whimsical, charming cartoons that appear on the site. Mimi devotes some time each day to important emails, then spends Friday afternoons catching up on her FreeKibble work.

How to Get Started

You might not be ready to feed millions of animals, but your smallest effort will be much appreciated by those who help animals. Here’s our experts’ advice on getting started:

• Check with your local shelter. Visit the shelter Web site to research volunteer opportunities and to review a wish list of needs, suggests Carol Shiveley, humane education manager for the Oregon Humane Society in Portland. Many shelters offer formal volunteer programs with education or training components. In return, they may ask for a regular time commitment. The Oregon Humane Society relies heavily on young volunteers, who often walk the dogs. “Our youths are our best resource for open minds, willing help and dedication to the OHS animals,” says Shiveley. 
• Collect goods. If you can’t give your time on a regular basis, consider a one-time drive to raise needed materials, such as food, paper towels, blankets, toys, leashes and collars. “If you’re having a birthday party, ask for money or toys for animals at shelters,” suggests Mimi. “It is fun to get presents, but it does make you feel good to get things for the animals.” 
• Consider fostering a dog. Many shelters offer fostering programs that allow you to make a short-term commitment to taking care of a dog or another animal in your home. At the Seattle Humane Society, foster volunteers attend an orientation, then agree to foster for a period of one to eight weeks. The Society provides supplies and any needed medications. “It just amazes me how generous our volunteers are with their time,” says animal care supervisor Virginia Dalton. “Many foster animals so that we can free up space to accommodate the incoming animals.”
• Stick With It.  Whatever you undertake, don’t get discouraged. The sense of need can be overwhelming in charity work. “One person can make a huge difference,” says Mimi. “I’m definitely going to keep this up. We’re just going to try to feed as many dogs and cats as possible and see where it goes.”

Source: [The Dog Daily]

Between career and kids, parents aren’t left with much time to keep their shape, let alone their head. We leave the noggin up to you, but we’ve found time for exercise when you didn’t think you had a moment to spare. Here, the ultimate in mom/dad multi-tasking:

Line up for Ab Exercises
In the age of instant gratification, nothing is more aggravating than waiting in line. So when they close the express checkout, instead of getting mad, use the time for an ab checkup. “Abdominal vacuums are a simple way to turn any moment into a chance to strengthen your stomach,” says Kendra Kessel, a Los Angeles-based personal trainer. Simply tense your midsection, hitting both the abs and the intercostals (the tie-in muscles to the side of the stomach), and hold for a five-second count. Don’t forget to breathe. With each repetition, hold for a little longer while resting less in between.

Don’t Call Them “Dumbbell,” Unless….
It’s never nice to call your children names, but seeing them as a dumbbell might be the smartest thing you ever do. The next time you’re sitting and your kid grabs hold of the front of your leg, slowly raise your foot straight out, shooting to get your calf parallel to the ground. You get a workout; your tot gets a ride. You can also strengthen your legs with squats while holding your child against your chest, then lifting him up and down above your head to hit your shoulders, advises Scott White, a personal trainer based in Scottsdale, Ariz. When squatting, keep it safe by lowering yourself only until your thighs are parallel to the ground — no lower. When lifting, keep your elbows slightly bent; don’t straighten your arms until your elbows are locked. With these simple moves, “you can have a whole workout just with your kids,” says White.

Couches Aren’t Just for Potatoes
When it’s time for family TV, ask for a little more room on the sofa and get a lot more workout. Leg raises work your hip flexors, providing stability for your whole body. While perched on the edge of the couch, begin with your feet together flat on the floor. Raise your calf until it’s parallel to the ground, then slowly lower to get the negative. Want to hit those hard-to-help lower abs? Lie down on the sofa, knees bent and together, then pull your knees toward your chest. When you feel your hips lift slightly off the couch, hold for a beat and then return to the starting position. Feel the burn while you belt out tunes with “American Idol.”

Way to Go, Coach!
When you’re going to be at your child’s sporting event anyway, offer to help out as an assistant coach. You can lead the sprints, hit ground balls or just sweat off calories with extra-loud cheering while working the sidelines, says White. “This is the best combination because you get in great shape and also get closer with your kids,” he says. Plus, you’re not letting them have all the fun!

Take Your Cell for a Walk
The next time you catch up with a loved one on the phone, test your cellular coverage with a long stroll, says Kessel. “When you talk on the phone, time flies by,” she says. “Imagine getting a workout done without even knowing it!” For an extra challenge, hold that water bottle as you walk, and switch between hands to create a makeshift hand weight. Now even your water is multitasking!

As great as it is to kill two birds with one stone, sometimes there’s no substitute for the gym. So if certain exercises feel better done by the weight rack, save them for the gym one day a week. Most people can eke out at least that much time, says White. “If you get up 15 minutes earlier and go to bed 15 minutes later, there’s half an hour to get it done,” he says. Now let the fitness begin! 

Source: [Live Right, Live Well]

When your children were young, you crawled on hands and knees to view your kitchen at toddler level. You plugged outlets, blocked the basement stairs, tightened cabinet knobs and always kept hot pot handles turned in toward the back of the stove, beyond the reach of probing fingers. Now that your kids are older, you may think your kitchen’s no longer a threat. Think again.

Here, a list of potential hazards and ways to keep your family safe:

Menacing microbes. There’s clean and then there’s microscopically clean. The kitchen is a haven for disease-causing bacteria, but you can ward off illnesses with several germ-fighting techniques. Pop wet sponges in the microwave for two minutes each day to eliminate bacteria, and replace the sponges regularly. Use disinfectant sprays or wipes on surfaces you touch regularly, from faucets to fridge handles to the phone — not to mention the table and chairs. Dedicate a different cutting board to each type of food you prep — and mark them to track which is for veggies, which for raw meat, and so on — and be sure to disinfect after each use. And reach for paper towels to dry your hands, particularly during cold and flu months. Sharing cloth hand towels virtually guarantees passing germs from one person to the next, says Neil Schacter, M.D., author of The Good Doctor’s Guide to Colds and Flu.

Careless cords. Kitchen gadgets and small appliances are a cook’s best friend, but every time you buy a new tool, you should ask yourself: Am I using and storing it safely? Safety expert John Drengenberg of Underwriters Laboratories (UL) cautions consumers to be watchful, particularly of the cords on small appliances — electric kettles, mixers, deep fryers, etc. — which can get caught on other objects or yanked by younger children. Keep them well out of reach and away from other appliances. Teach older kids about proper handling of appliances … and their potential dangers. Periodically check the cords to make sure the wires are not damaged, cracked or loose. If they are, stop using them immediately and take them to a professional repair shop, hire an electrician or replace with a new item, advises the National Fire Protection Association.

Plastics predicament. The potential health risk of plastic food-storage containers has been the subject of much debate lately, but the undisputed fact is that containers leach a small amount of plastics into food. Certain foods — particularly fatty, salty or acidic ones — increase the amount that’s transferred. So does heating. Just to be safe, check the condition of your containers and replace them when they are worn out or cracked. Whenever possible, use ceramic or glass.

Wave worries. Microwave ovens trump stoves when it comes to fast food prep but take care not to overheat. Just like you used to test the temperature of your baby’s bottle, you now need to test the temperature of microwaved food before giving it to your child. Just stick your (clean!) finger into the middle and stir before serving. Teach older kids to test it themselves and also tell them about basic microwave safety rules: Never use aluminum foil and metal pans, and only use glass, ceramics and plastics specifically labeled microwave-safe. The Harvard Medical School offers a few more tips:

• Packaged-food containers — like margarine and yogurt tubs — should not be used in microwaves. Neither should most takeout containers and water bottles. Put food in ceramic or glass before microwaving.
• Don’t microwave plastic storage bags or plastic grocery bags.
• Vent containers before putting them in the microwave.
• Plastic wrap can melt in the microwave, so don’t put it directly on the food. As an alternative, use wax paper, kitchen parchment paper or white paper towels to cover the food.

Source: [Your Family Today]