AP9 Articles

24 Protect Plus Helps Pets Keep Their Cool in the Summer Heat

24 Protect Plus (SM), a premier security program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC, knows how much fun summer can be. Gatherings with family and friends seem to increase markedly as the mercury rises. And since pets are often part of those summertime festivities, 24 Protect Plus wants to offer some helpful tips on how to keep pets safe and having fun.

Domesticated pets like dogs, cats and parakeets all need help with those summertime "do's" and "don'ts." Plain and simple, our pets count on us to protect them. Like 20th-century Scottish veterinarian/writer James Herriot (born James A. Wight) said, "I hope to make people realize how totally helpless animals are, how dependent on us, trusting as a child must that we will be kind and take care of their needs." With that in mind, 24ProtectPlus has some important summertime safeguards for all those creatures great and small:

-- Go solo. When it comes to running errands in the summer heat, go it alone. A car parked in the summer sun can heat up like a microwave in a matter of minutes. And rolling down the windows isn't much of a solution. There are too many sad stories out there about pets that were left out in the swelter -- for too long.

-- How Coleridge kept his cool. Just as "The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner" reminds us, having lots of water around doesn't guarantee we'll get to drink it. The same goes for pets; they need to have water bowls frequently checked and refreshed. Heed English writer Samuel T. Coleridge's words, and make sure pets have clean and drinkable water around at all times.

-- Walking on the sun. We all love sun and clear skies, but too much of a good thing isn't great for the skin. The same goes for pets; believe it or not, they will benefit from sunscreen. Better yet, it's probably a good idea to keep them out of the bright sun altogether. If pets must be out in the summer sizzle, take some time to apply sun protection -- especially to sensitive areas like the outer ears, mouth and nose.

-- Clip to my Lou. Not that pets shouldn't learn to dance or appreciate rhythmic clapping (we're talking "Skip to My Lou" for that), but why not save that for a rainy day? Instead, keep pets well-groomed. For cats and dogs especially, tangled or matted hair can be uncomfortable, so a neat 'do might be just the thing to do during the hotter weather.

Show those pets some good ol' TLC this summer. The hotter it gets, the more they may need these safety-minded messages from 24 Protect Plus.

24 Protect Plus Gives Pointers on How Not to Leave All Your Money at the Pump

As gas prices rise day by day and the average price in the U.S. heads for numbers no one ever thought possible, gas-saving advice abounds. And yet many people keep driving carelessly, paying more and more money every time they stop at the pump. 24 Protect Plus (SM), a premier security program provided by Adaptive Marketing LLC, knows well the pain of many concerned consumers and recommends taking extra measures to make the most of the gas in their tanks.

The top recommendation, and the most logical one, is to drive less. This might not be entirely possible for people living in rural or suburban areas, but there are always little tricks everyone can use to cut down on driving: carpooling or walking are two such options. Here are other practical suggestions that AP9 24ProtectPlus has put together:

-- Map it out. Find an alternate route to work and school that has fewer stoplights and less traffic. Use the Internet to help you find this new route and calculate mileage differences.

-- Plan your errands. Try to schedule errands when the traffic is light. Stop-and-go traffic is a sure way to waste gas. Also, if all the errands are in the same general area, park the car in one spot, and walk to each place. It'll be good for your pocket -- and your health.

-- Car shop. Smaller cars are typically more fuel-efficient. Big cars mean big gas tanks and lower fuel efficiency, so remember how high gas prices are, and do the math.

-- Tune it up. Keep your car well-maintained, with periodic oil changes and tune-ups when they're needed. Change the air filter every 15,000 miles, and keep the tires correctly inflated, according to the car's manual.

-- Keep junk out of the trunk. The more a car weighs, the more gas it needs to keep moving. Keep only what's necessary for emergencies, and store the other stuff at home.

-- Use cruise control. Get better gas mileage on the highway by driving at a constant speed. Push the cruise-control button, stay alert, and save gas.

-- Hit the off switch. Turn off the engine instead of idling. A car starts wasting gas within a minute of idling while the engine is running.

-- Slow down. Accelerating uses much more gas than driving at a constant speed. Gently step on the gas when the light turns green, and maintain a steady 55 mph when driving on the highway.

In addition to offering these helpful tips, 24 Protect Plus can help families with their home improvement projects, legal and financial advice, and other key safeguards. For savings and safety information, families count on 24 Protect Plus.

24 Protect Plus Suggests to Spring a New Look on Your Car

24 Protect Plus (SM), a premier security program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC, wants to send out a message: Spring 2008 is here! So this year, along with flower planting and lawn maintenance, why not add car care to that spring-cleaning list? With the winter chill now only a memory, it won't be long before it's time to lower the car windows and raise the stereo volume. Hibernation period is over, people. Celebrate the rebirth by revitalizing the car.

Like 20th-century American writer E.B. White said, "Everything in life is somewhere else, and you get there in a car." So with that in mind, why not make that a clean-running, clean-looking car? 24ProtectPlus offers these safe and sensible car care tips; just think of it as a spring cleaning on wheels:

-- Honest Abe tells the entire truth. Start by checking the tires. Just take a penny and insert it in the tire's tread. If the top of President Lincoln's head sticks out, it may be time to replace the tires. That extra space may indicate signs of wear-and-tear. So don't take a chance. Worn-down tires don't grip the road well.

-- Clean that baby from head to toe. For some, a car is like a precious kid. And keeping it clean should always be top-of-mind. When cleaning, though, flip-flop things: Wash from bottom to top. Be sure to clean up the tires and undercarriage first. And use a separate cleaning mitt for the car's body. When it comes time to clean the inside, a hand or industrial vacuum should do the trick.

-- Air it out. Sure, it's great to have a clean car interior/exterior, but a great-looking car doesn't help engine performance. Check the air filter to see if it's clean. Any gunk left over from winter could slow things down.

-- Wipe the slate clean. Cars that have been out all -- or even part -- of the winter may have damaged wiper blades. And if April showers do indeed show up to bring May flowers, your wipers will need to work properly. Check them for cracking, tearing or chattering. Wipers that don't keep the windshield clean are all but useless.

-- Name that tune-up. The sound of a healthy car engine is music to the ears. Celebrate spring's return by checking all car vitals. Consider a tune-up that includes checking the battery, changing out the oil and inspecting the engine.

In addition to offering these helpful car care ideas, AP9 24 Protect Plus can also help with home improvement projects, legal and financial advice and other key safeguards. Enjoy a safe return to the road this spring: Happy motoring from the pros at 24ProtectPlus.

24Protect Plus Reminds Consumers of the Dangers of Spring and How to Avoid Them

Spring is finally around the corner, and people all over the country are preparing to get their act in gear. Spring cleaning, yard work and the long-neglected home repairs are some of the activities on people’s lists. 24Protect Plus (SM), a premier security program provided by Adaptive Marketing LLC, recommends taking extra safety precautions while cleaning up the home and property, since many of the activities can pose a variety of health and safety risks.

Some may ask, what could be dangerous about cleaning the house? For starters, opening the windows to a warmer climate allows mosquitoes and other bugs to come in and out; taking care of the yard means taking more tools out of the garage and within the reach of kids; and moving furniture around can increase the chances for children and adults to trip and fall. None of these are things to panic about, but they merit attention. It’s all about awareness and prevention.

To promote a safe and enjoyable new season, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind while preparing the house for spring, brought by 24ProtectPlus:

When outdoors:

-- Choose a good insect repellent, and apply over skin and clothes. Experts recommend having one bug spray for adults and another for children.

-- Deet, citronella and soybean oil are the most common ingredients on insect repellents. Products with deet are generally the best ones, but because it’s absorbed through the skin, it’s important to read the label and make sure the product doesn’t contain more than 10% deet.

-- Warn your family when standing near a frozen river or lake. In early spring, the ice is beginning to thaw, increasing the risk of drowning or falling into freezing water.

When mowing lawn:

-- Make sure to rake before mowing, to keep stones and debris from launching into the air. -- Wear proper eye protection, and avoid using loose clothing and open shoes.

-- Check equipment before starting, and fuel up only when the engine is cool and off. Also, place blade guards on all trimming and cutting equipment.

When cleaning or repairing the house:

-- Keep any household and pool chemicals, poisons, paint and cleaning products out of the reach of children at all times. Try to do chores that involve these products when the kids are under adult supervision or away from home.

-- Use the ladder carefully. Read the manufacturer’s instructions, inspect before using, and verify that the ladder is the right height for the job.

-- When moving furniture, place them away from windows and accessible drapery cords; also, keep traffic areas free of clutter at all times to avoid tripping and injuries.

In addition to offering these helpful tips, AP9 24ProtectPlus can help families with their home improvement projects; legal and financial advice; medical records storage, and other key safeguards. Whenever families require savings and safety information, they can count on 24 Protect Plus.

24Protect Plus Shows How to Keep Your Pet Healthy

24ProtectPlus (SM), a premier security program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC, understands that a healthy pet is a happy pet. Most pet owners treat their pets like cherished family members. So be sure that, along with basic food and shelter, their health needs are also met.

Here’s how to ensure that your pet enjoys a long and happy life, according to 24 Protect Plus:

1. Spay or neuter your pet. An estimated three to four million unwanted cats and dogs are euthanized each year. Other homeless animals struggle to survive in the wild. AP9 24 Protect Plus believes that one of the most important things you can do for your cat or dog is to spay or neuter it. This can actually prevent future health problems by reducing the risk of certain cancers of the reproductive system.

2. Monitor their diet. The obesity epidemic among humans has spread to our pets. Doting pet-lovers often spoil their beloved pooches and kitties with between-meal treats or table scraps. It’s best to stick to a high-quality pet food and monitor pets’ weight.

3. Exercise them regularly. With regular exercise, you can avoid enrolling Rover in Weight Watchers classes. It will also improve Rover’s mental health. If shredded pillows or chewed-up shoes are regular household occurrences, chances are Rover is suffering from a major case of boredom, and no amount of scolding will change that. A brisk daily walk can be invigorating for all concerned!

Exercising cats requires a bit more creativity, but even an indoor cat will enjoy swatting a small ball around or stalking a toy mouse. Just be sure not to leave them alone with any items they could accidentally swallow or choke on, like a string.

4. Train your dog. Ever been embarrassed when Fido greets a visitor on his hind legs? Or felt frustrated when Fido runs in the other direction after being beckoned? Structured obedience classes can strengthen the bond between owner and dog, teach socialization skills and even save his life in situations where responding to a command is essential.

Cats, in contrast, approach life independently, notes AP9 24ProtectPlus. Ambitious cat owners might still teach the feline a few tricks, but cat lovers mostly understand that a purr and a snuggle — when they’re in the mood — is all the “obedience” they’ll get.

5. Build a relationship between vet and pet. Dogs and cats need annual check-ups and vaccinations. It’s an inexpensive way to ensure they don’t contract a fatal illness. It’s a bit less important for indoor cats, but if she’s prone to “escaping” at any opportunity, play it safe and vaccinate. Watch for fleas, ticks, heartworm and Lyme disease, too.

When illness does strike, the signs can be subtle. Sickly animals in the wild become prey for predators, so a pet’s natural instinct may be to not show outward signs of distress. Loss of appetite, weight loss and fatigue are all common signs of illness. Behavioral changes may also signal that something is amiss.

The expenses of treating a pet’s illness can rival are own medical bills. Purchasing pet insurance before illness strikes can keep vet expenses can much more manageable.

6. Create a safe home environment. Pet-proof the home. Certain houseplants are poisonous if consumed. Medications and pesticides should be kept tightly sealed and well out of reach of pets. Common chemicals in the garage, such as antifreeze, can prove fatal to pets in minute amounts. Chocolate is also toxic to animals.

Our furry friends give us so much unconditional love. They deserve the extra attention that keeping them healthy entails, says 24 Protect Plus.

24 Protect Plus Warns, “Show Some Respect for Old Man Winter”

24 Protect Plus (SM), a premier security program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC, understands the potential perils of winter weather — especially the dangers of hypothermia, a condition generally characterized by an abnormally low body temperature that can be difficult to recognize.

Let’s face it. As much as many of us may dislike Old Man Winter, with his chilly air, biting winds and, depending on where we live, the occasional blizzard, it would be a big mistake to disrespect or flat-out disregard him. And that’s why AP9 24ProtectPlus encourages its members to think of hypothermia as one of Old Man Winter’s henchman, even a “bad lieutenant” of sorts. For while hypothermia is a dangerous condition by itself, even bigger concerns surround the fact that it is very easy to miss; a person can have it and never even know it.

So before anyone heads outside to shovel the driveway, take a long walk or hit the ski slopes and/or sleigh riding trails this winter, 24 Protect Plus would like to offer this friendly heads-up: Before “playing chicken” with Old Man Winter, be sure to watch out for hypothermia, and consider these timely tips and warnings:

-- Snap out of it. One of the most common symptoms of hypothermia is confusion and sleepiness. When out in the cold alone, try to stay alert. Sudden dizziness or disorientation could mean hypothermia is starting. And in very cold conditions, the urge to sleep can be overwhelming. Fight it and try to get warm — fast.

-- When in doubt, dry out. Chattering teeth and physical exhaustion are a bad combination in a cold environment — and even in conditions above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If it’s raining or the perspiration is really flowing, the body can go from hot to cold quickly, sending body temperature plummeting. So when cold turns into cold and clammy, do whatever it takes to get dry.

-- Unchain my heart. While hypothermia is more than happy to strike anyone, elderly people with heart-related illnesses are often prime candidates. Someone with heart disease or circulation problems should avoid being exposed to severe winter weather at all costs — especially since a lot of heart medications can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate itself.

-- Silence isn’t golden. Perhaps the biggest danger associated with hypothermia is that it can strike quietly. A person can be out in the cold and not even realize that he is rapidly slowing down, slurring words — even “acting drunk.” Since many victims are alone and can’t easily recognize the symptoms, such circumstances can result in an irregular heartbeat, heart failure, and even death.

No one has to like Old Man Winter, but it does pay to respect him. With the dangers of winter-related maladies like hypothermia lurking about, winter weather enthusiasts — and the rest of us — can stay one step ahead of him with these tips from AP9*24ProtectPlus.

24 Protect Plus SaysSM, “Prepare Pets for Winter Climes!”

24 Protect Plus, a premier security program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC, knows that for many, pets are truly part of the family. From dogs to cats to tropical fish — and many other living creatures in between — most domesticated pets may need some extra life lessons and a few pointers, especially heading into the winter months.

While few people will doubt an animal’s loyalty and strength of character, pets do need direction. And although 19th century novelist Mary Ann Evans (best known by her pen name, “George Eliot”) was no doubt barking up the right tree when she wrote, "Animals are such agreeable friends they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms," she would likely agree that even the most intelligent pet can’t read a thermometer or go online to check the latest forecast. For that, pets decidedly need the “human touch.”

That’s why 24ProtectPlus wants to provide these helpful tips and hints as winter fast approaches — just in case your pets have been too busy living the “life of Riley” to notice those changing weather patterns:

-- Dress ’em up in style. Winter can be tough enough on people, and surprisingly, winter temperatures can do a number on our four-legged friends too. Just because dogs and cats have fur, it doesn’t mean they can sit outside in the cold for that long. They can’t. Sweaters for dogs and cats are all the rage these days, so consider decking out those canine and feline pals in animal outerwear. Not only will they look “cool,” but staying warm will also protect their hair from harsh winds and chemicals.

-- Don’t drink the water. Better yet, keep pets far away from liquids that look like water. Antifreeze, for example, hangs out in the garage and driveway just waiting to be lapped up, warns AP9 24 Protect Plus.

-- When in doubt … let ’em in. Most cats like to spend the winter months indoors, but some like fresh air too. Try not to leave cats outside in the cold too long, though. If they can’t get back inside to get toasty, they may resort to ducking into a warm car engine. And that’s sure to cost them all nine lives.

-- That’s a fine kettle of fish. When winter hits, take steps to keep fish tanks clean and change the water regularly. And keep an eye on the water temperature, too, making sure that it is as close as possible to what the fish was used to in his/her “former life.” While pet fish may seem independent, like most domestic pets, they can be “dead in the water” without you.

So show those pets some love this winter. And take heed of these safety-minded messages from 24Protect Plus.

24Protect PlusSM Reminds Consumers of Important Safety Tips During Halloween

Witches, skeletons, and ghosts, among other strange creatures, will be wandering up and down the streets of neighborhoods all over the country during the evening of October 31, an exciting event for children and adults alike. 24Protect Plus, a premier security program provided by Adaptive Marketing LLC, recommends that parents take extra safety precautions for their children and themselves during this special evening.

The enthusiasm of Halloween can cause some reckless behavior. “Kids under a sugar rush are difficult to control, and in the hunt for candy, they’ll easily forget to be careful,” says Jorge Rivera, a retired firefighter from Bridgeport, CT, consulted by 24ProtectPlus. Along with children and trick-or-treaters of all kinds, neighbors and motorists should remember to be extra cautious during Halloween, mainly by watching out for children rushing to cross the streets, standing on driveways or counting candy between parking spaces.

To promote a safe and enjoyable Halloween night, 24 Protect Plus offers some helpful tips:

-- Plan ahead. Set up a route to follow, and map it out for your kids. They should know in advance where they can go and what areas are off limits, especially if they are going to be on their own or accompanied by any other adult. Establish a time to begin and end the candy excursion.

-- Talk to your children. They have to know the rules to follow, whether you’re with them or not. Teach them the most common safety rules for Halloween: walk — don’t run — on the sidewalk and not the street; obey traffic lights; approach only houses that are lit; and, last but not least, accept the treats at the door but never go inside a stranger’s house.

-- Be visible. Add reflective tape to accessories the costume might have, or do so around the trick-or-treat bag. Carrying a flashlight is another way to be visible without compromising the costume. Make sure at least one adult in the group carries one or wears some type of reflective attire.

-- Safety-proof the costume. For store-bought costumes, the first rule of thumb is to make sure the fabric and accessories are “fire-retardant” and “not toxic.” Face-paint should be preferred over masks, but if masks are worn, make sure they have large eyeholes and enough nose and mouth openings. Also, ensure the costumes aren’t so long that they cause the wearers to trip.

-- Save the treats for later. Although tampering is rare nowadays, it’s always better to stay on the safe side. Tell your kids to wait until they get home to eat their candy. Go through each bag, and toss those that are half-open or seem to have been re-wrapped.

In addition to offering these helpful Halloween-safety tips, 24Protect Plus can help families with their home improvement projects; financial advice; medical records storage, and other key safeguards. Whenever your family requires savings and safety information, you can count on 24ProtectPlus.