Stay Safe When Roads Are TrickyWinter is far from over, and whether you drive on the

job, travel to see friends and family or drive to and from work, safety on the road is trickier on icy or slippery streets. Avoid becoming another traffic statistic by following these basic winter driving tips:✴ Slow down. Remember that you need more room to

stop when roads are slick or visibility is poor.✴ Check your engine. Make sure your battery is fully

charged so it can start easily in cold weather. Have us examine your ignition system, spark plugs, wiring, and other components.

✴ Get plenty of rest. Fatigue leads to accidents. Get a full night’s sleep before getting behind the wheel.

✴ Watch your exhaust. Don’t warm up your car in a garage or other small, enclosed space. The carbon monoxide buildup can be dangerous.

✴ Limit cruise control. Don’t rely on cruise control when driving on slippery roads. Be alert and ready to stop or change course in the event of anything unexpected.

✴ Clean up. Make sure your lights and windows are clean and clear so you can see everything on the road, especially at night. Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition.

A Free Monthly Newsletter From Your Friends At Harold’s Auto Service Maintenance Centre

February 2014

CONTACT US TO COMMENT, ASKVEHICLE MAINTENANCE QUESTIONS

OR BOOK AN APPOINTMENT403-329-4664 or toll-free 1-866-229-4664

email – haroldsauto@telus.netwww.haroldsautoservice.com

Six More Weeks Of Winter? Some True Facts About Groundhogs

In honor of Groundhog Day on Feb. 2nd, here are a few fun facts about groundhogs gleaned from the official site of the Punxsutawney groundhog club, groundhog.org, which celebrates the world’s most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil:

• The average groundhog is 20 inches long and normally weighs from 12 to 15 pounds. (Punxsutawney Phil weighs about 20 pounds and is 22 inches long.)

• Groundhogs are covered with coarse grayish hairs (fur) tipped with brown or sometimes dull red. They have short ears, a short tail, short legs, and are surprisingly quick. Their jaws are exceptionally strong.

• A groundhog’s diet consists of lots of greens, fruits, and vegetables and very little water. Most of their liquids come from dew on leaves.

• A groundhog can whistle when it is alarmed. Groundhogs also whistle in the spring when they begin courting.

• Insects do not bother groundhogs and germs pretty much leave them alone. They are resistant to the plagues that periodically wipe out large numbers of wild animals. One reason for this is their cleanliness.

• Groundhogs are one of the few animals that really hibernate. Hibernation is not just a deep sleep. It is actually a deep coma, where the body temperature drops to a few degrees above freezing, the heart barely beats, the blood scarcely flows, and breathing nearly stops.

• Young groundhogs are usually born in mid-April or May, and by July they are able to go out on their own. The size of the litter is four to nine. A baby groundhog is called a kit or a cub.

• A groundhog’s life span is normally six to eight years. Phil receives a drink of a magical punch every summer during the annual Groundhog Picnic, which is said to give him seven more years of life.

2014 Savings Opportunity 0-$200.00 Take 5% Off Labor$201.00- $350.00 ! Take 10% Off Labor$351.00 & Up Take 15% Off Labor

Don’t throw your money away!Must Present Coupon

Expires Feb 28/14Not Valid With Any Other Offers

Save With These Labor Discounts!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

Special thanks to clients & friends who graciously refer friends & neighbors to our shop. Those referrals & positive comments ensure our

continued success.

Darlene Galacia

New Medical Tools Offer Hope To A Variety Of Patients

Doctors have come a long way from leeches and amputations performed without anesthesia. The Cleveland Clinic recently highlighted these medical breakthroughs that doctors are already using to treat and cure their patients:• Bionic eyes. The Argus II wirelessly sends visual

information from a small camera built into sunglasses to implants in the retina. It allows people with visual impairments to perform such basic tasks as stepping off a curb and recognizing colors. Reading is still a challenge, however: Users can make out only one large word at a time on a Kindle.

• Seizure inhibitors. The NeuroPace uses sensors planted in the brains of patients to detect oncoming seizures. It then transmits electrical pulses that can counter the brain’s behavior during a seizure, cutting it off before it attacks.

• Anesthesia for the iPad. Anesthesiologists now have an app for their jobs—or at least, a touchscreen- based technological tool that can document every step of lengthy surgical procedures and warn surgeons of any sudden changes in the patient’s condition.

Don't Let One Binge Derail Your Diet

Despite the best intentions, most dieters fall off the wagon before reaching their goal. But, says Olympic track coach Richard Brown, don't let a big meal or a heavy eating day derail your efforts. "It's the number of calories you have for the week, not at one meal or day, that affects your weight," he says. "If you're planning on splurging at a new restaurant, eat lighter during the day or sometime during the week."

Talking Money With Parents: Keep Their Dignity Intact

If you’re concerned about an elderly relative’s ability to manage money wisely, you may want to take a guiding hand. Here’s how to do it without wounding his or her dignity:✦ Don’t wait for a crisis. Start talking before the

situation gets critical (a parent loses money in a shady investment scheme, for instance). Begin a series of conversations while your relatives are still in good health.

✦ Identify needed information. As you talk things over, develop a list of assets: bank accounts, insurance policies, deeds, wills, and so forth. Locate them and ensure their security.

✦ Prepare for emergencies. Set up a power of attorney for health care, and another one for finances. Find out the name of your parents’ accountant, tax attorney, and any other advisor, and talk about options ahead of time so you don’t have to frantically solve problems in the midst of a crisis.

✦ Keep them in the loop. Tell your parents or relatives what you’re doing so they don’t feel like you’re just taking over their lives. If you go shopping for them, show them receipts. If you balance their checkbook, go through it with them instead of doing it by yourself. They’ll feel more secure if they know what’s going on.

February EventsFebruary 2nd Groundhog DayFebruary 14th Valentine’s DayFebruary 25th World Spay Day

Quote“Immature love says: ‘I love you because I need you.’ Mature love says ‘I need you because I love you.” - Erich Fromm

Fluid Maintenance Savings Cooling System Service

Transmission Fluid ExchangeBrake Fluid FlushPower Steering Flush Expires Feb 28/14

Cannot Be Combined With Any Other OffersMust Present Coupon

10%OFF

Your Choice...

The material contained in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and is based upon sources believed to be reliable and authoritative; however, it has not been independently verified by us. This newsletter should not be construed as offering professional advice. For guidance on any specific matter, please consult a qualified professional. ©2014 RSC

“There is no chance, no destiny, no fate can circumvent orhinder or control the firm

resolveof a determined soul”

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Do You Want To Win A FreeLube, Oil & Filter Change?

Take the trivia challenge and you just might win!Enter this draw any time prior to print deadline, the13th monthly. One lucky winner will receive a Gift Certificate for a FREE standard oil change, filter, lube & visual inspection (maximum $55 value). Here is this month’s trivia question: What is a baby groundhog called? (Hint: the answer is somewhere in this newsletter)

a) cub c) babyb) calf d) kid

Call right now with your answer! Last month’s trivia challenge was, What vitamin do mussels provide a high level of? a) B12. Congratulations to last month’s lucky winner!

Harold Walker

Thanks For The Kind Words“H” Is for Honest & Helpful“A” is for Approachable“R” is for Reasonable“O” is for On The Job“L“ is for Leader in Vehicle Maintenance“D” is for Diagnosis & Repair“S” is for Service that is more than just part of their name” …by customer, Shawn Penny

A Lesson In FrustrationA little girl asked her father to explain the difference

between irritation, aggravation, and frustration. The dad, feeling mischievous, picked up the phone and dialed a number at random.

When he got an answer, he asked, “Hi, can I speak to Frank, please?”

The person on the other end of the line said, “No, there’s no Frank here,” and hung up.

“That’s irritation,” the father said. He dialed the number again.

“Hi, is Frank there?” he asked when the second call was answered.

“No! There’s no one named Frank here! Stop calling me!” And the phone was slammed down.

“That’s aggravation.” The father smiled. “And now …”He dialed, waited, and when the phone was picked up a

third time the father said, “Hi, this is Frank. Are there any messages for me?”

Make Better Decisions With This Technique

To make better decisions try this counterintuitive approach: Assume that whatever decision you make will be wrong. If you have a choice between several options, just ask yourself which alternative you would regret most.

This will help you identify the option that, even if wrong, would cause you the fewest problems. You may not arrive at the perfect answer, but you’ll at least identify the decision you can live with most comfortably.

We are legally authorized to fulfi l l maintenance obligations on all vehicles, even new ones. We use appropriate parts & procedures, the vehicle’s manufacturer is bound to honor i ts warranty obligations. Your vehicle’s care starts at 00001 kms.

The Warranty On Your New Vehicle Stays In Effect When Maintenance Is Performed Here.

This Newsletter Compliments of Harold’s Auto Service Maintenance Centre 3139 1 Avenue South Lethbridge, Ab 403-329-4664

Extra Gravy Please

“This is part of the involuntary bargain we make with the world just by being alive…experiencing splendor of nature, beauty of art, balm of love and sheer joy of existence always with the knowledge that illness, injury, natural disaster or pure evil can end it in an instant for…someone we love.” Jeff Greenfield. Pacing the ambulance bay at Calgary Children’s Hospital I was imploding; waiting, waiting, awful waiting until the ambulance finally arrived. The doors swung wide open and my breath became painful jagged gasps. With his clothing bathed in blood, my son’s eyes were barely visible under massive layers of bandages that encased and immobilized his head, neck and shoulders. This was no time for self-indulgent emotion and fear, my son needed me calm, rational and…”oh my god, oh my god, oh my god.” I heard shouting and it was my own.

Earlier on this sparkling, pristine winter day, I’d driven my 11 year-old son Clay to a school ski outing. I don’t ski so spent the afternoon reading until his close friend’s father offered to drive him back home to Calgary. I’d been home just over an hour, perhaps expecting the door to open…but the phone rang. Clay and his friends had been skiing half-way down one run, crossing over through a large gap in trees, then on to the bottom via the next run. As the boys took a supper break before heading back out to experience night skiing for the first time, ski staff made changes the boys couldn’t anticipate…until too late. Night skiing under man-made light modifies visibility, creates unfamiliar shadows completely altering conditions. Clay led his friends down the familiar route tucking down, turning to ski between the trees when over wind rushing past his ears he heard his friend John shout “look out!!” The instant he lifted his head in response Clay hit the 1/4” yellow nylon rope that ski-hill staff had tied between the trees to re-direct skiers. A nanosecond before his warning, a freak breeze moving (only) three six inch lengths of sun-bleached yellow markers spread across the 60’ expanse had caught John’s eye. The rope hit Clay’s throat, bounced once as his head snapped back then caught again under his chin as his body continued forward beneath the rope. Without that warning shout he might possibly have passed safely under the rope.

It’s been said “it’s not the number of breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away”. “Your son cut his face, the ambulance will bring him,” the nervous young girl’s voice said; her manager called it a “serious cut” saying little else. If it was just a cut, why the ambulance? As we moved to the trauma room I heard his muffled “it’s okay Mom”. I couldn’t stop shaking, couldn’t remember racing across the city. Nurses barred my way but I was determined to stay with Clay. “My son’s not going alone; you want me calm and quiet, I’ll be inside that room.” Nodding slightly the doctor motioned me behind Clay’s head so I could touch and speak to him. Having 10-12 people crowding around him was alarming. Suddenly a nurse menaced Clay’s ski pant-leg with scissors. Bolting upright his muffled but very indignant voice inquired “what’re you doing?” “I’m removing your pants.” “My mom just bought those pants - we can’t afford more. I’ll take them off!” Silence fell, bewildered faces turned to me. Bursting with pride I just shrugged, Clay was in our single parent finance loop. He knew the score. I helped him undress and then moved to his side so nurses could unwind the bandages. I had to see, needed to know but could never have been prepared. Strip after strip of gauze and blood-soaked pads plopped on the floor as “he cut his face” repeated through my mind, I couldn’t shake that voice…until my breath was taken away.

In 1862 Samuel Gross described shock as “A rude unhinging of the machinery of life.” As speed carried Clay under the rope it scraped over the contours of his neck and face until gravity won and he dropped to the snow. The rope had separated neck, chin and lip tissue like potato peel exposing almost the width of his throat. Barring actions of a stranger on the lift that witnessed the crash and immediately came to his assistance, he’d be gone. Jessica skied down to the carnage, dispatching Clay’s friends for help while pressuring tissue into place to minimize blood loss. He very nearly succumbed to traumatic shock but Ski Patrollers and EMT’s finally stabilized him for transport, a rapid 30 minute trip to hospital three hours after the crash. Clay’s memory is spotty; I recall things he swears didn’t happen but that’s how our minds try to protect us after traumatic shock. Gripping his hands tightly I watched the last bandages fall away, lip, face and neck tissue hung like grapes below fully exposed lower teeth; with his eyes glued to mine I couldn’t react, prayed my face didn’t. The surgical skills required meant waiting, ensuring Dr McPhalen was fully rested in the morning. Through the night I nodded in and out on a chair by his bed; waking twice with a start, I realized I was running, yelling for help in response to his IV machine alarm calling out for fluid refills. “It’s okay, I’m alright,” many times through the night Clay calmed me. Ashamed, I lectured myself that calming should be my job but I was an unqualified disaster. Next morning the surgery involved several hours placing lacework layers of micro stitches, rebuilding tissues. It was almost anticlimactic when he returned to his room, now filled with flowers, balloons, friends, his brother Chris and his dad from Lethbridge. Clay’s normal ravenous appetite became frustration turning to anger when the nutritionist refused to acknowledge internal throat swelling from the impact made sucking anything but light liquids through a straw extremely painful. She’d send only salt-free, starch rich, tasteless pureed mac and cheese or overcooked pureed vegetables. Seeing others’ meals, he sent me on a surreptitious quest for mashed spuds and gravy, all the gravy I could find that others weren’t using and we’d make a thin soup; she figured out our strategy. Calling me into her office to denigrate my parenting skills she was volatile, refusing to believe Clay actually ate meat, vegetables, fruit and grains at home…all while his loving supportive nurses happily joined the quest supplying us with all the potatoes and gravy they could find.

Clay survived his brush with fate with uncommon aplomb astonishing doctors, nurses, everyone who knew him. Demanding discharge after just six days he languished at home for three before insisting on returning to school, stitches visible, head and neck swollen like a little pumpkin. Brushing off my offer to join him he grabbed his stuff from the car, lifted his chin, pulled back his shoulders and marched into school…and into his future. The scars are permanent as is that uncommon aplomb with which he’s faced life’s challenges, achieving honors through grade school, Dean’s List residency through university, quickly climbing into management positions in his chosen field. My sons have both taught me much over their lives but I couldn’t have predicted that watershed moment 25 years back would turn out the way it has. Clay and his beautiful wife will now be exceptional parents to their brand new daughter; both have overcome enormous challenges that would have stymied lesser individuals.Harold’s Auto Service…..where service is more than just part of our name Beverly Kaltenbruner