For almost a full year now, families have had to change the way they celebrate special occasions. Some pared down their dinner guest on Thanksgiving. Others decided to skip trick-or-treating on Halloween. And now, health officials are warning everyone against travelling for the winter holidays and hosting family gatherings.

Experts have noticed that case patterns tend to spike directly after holidays and long weekends, so it makes sense that they’ve asked that no one burst their small social bubble and invite more connections inside.

But of course, that does put a damper on holiday spirit! Here are a few ways you can still safely celebrate with your loved ones: [Read more…]

Winter weather always means making some changes to the daily routine. Like most people, the first snowfall finds me digging out winter boots, putting away bicycles and other outdoor gear, changing my furnace filter, and doing some other general winterizing.

And in recent years, I’ve learned just how important it is to go through that same winterizing process on my car! Colder temperatures can cause more wear on a vehicle, and slippery roads can make issues like worn brakes or tires more obvious. A bit of proper winter maintenance can go a long way towards ensuring a smooth ride all winter!

Wondering where to get started? Prepare your car for winter driving by following these seven tips:

1. Check Your Battery

Car batteries often die during the cold winter months because of the extra strain put on them due to the weather. Thicker car oil makes the engine harder to turn over, and a cold battery has reduced cranking power. Check the battery to ensure that there is no bulging in the casing, and no corrosion on the terminals. A quick cleaning of the terminals if needed can go a long way to ensuring a smooth winter start! If there are any visible issues, check with a professional to see if a new batter is needed. [Read more…]