GRANDVILLE, Mich. –– It is undeniably winter in West Michigan. This means snow, wind, and bitter cold air are making it difficult to even go outside for a short amount of time. As hard as it is for us, the same goes for our pets! They may love to play in the snow and make it seem as if they're not affected by the cold weather, but it's your responsibility to ultimately care for them and keep them safe. Take a look at our tips for keeping pets safe during the winter and cold weather, and take any necessary precautions when the temperatures take a dip!

• Keep the Basics Plenty: Pets who spend lots of time outdoors use lots of energy to keep warm. Make sure they have fresh water in a freeze-safe plastic bowl, and have eaten enough food. A little more food than normal during the winter months can help with the energy deficiency. 
• Protect Paws Before and After Going Outside: Pets going outdoors, even if it is a short walk, can be affected by the salt and ice on their paws. Using petroleum jelly or another type of pet-safe moisturizer will help protect their pads before going out. It's also a good idea to wipe paw pads with a damp towel to rid them of salt that can dry them out and irritate the pets mouth if they lick them. Pay attention to in-between the toes and remove any snow clumps or salt. You might consider boots sold at pet stores if temperatures or ice conditions are bad. Your pets might have trouble with boots at first (see the funny video below), but they'll get used to them. Make sure to also keep your pet from licking or eating any road salt, which can cause excess water consumption and vomiting. 

• Avoid Bathing if Possible: If you can get away without a bath, do so to let the essential oils do their job. Just like us, pets will get dry, flaky skin because of the cold which can be irritating and itchy. Running a humidifier inside your home will help. If you do need to bathe them, use a good moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. 
• Keep Them Inside: If it's too cold outside for you, it's too cold for your pets. Your pets are happiest and the safest inside on unbearably cold days. It's also a good idea to provide a warm blanket and pillow or bedding so they can keep warm during their downtime inside. You can make them even more comfortable, and help their dry skin, by running a humidifier throughout the day - this is a good thing to do for the humans in your home, too! 

We love our pets like family, so we treat them like family! There are plenty of things you can do together during the cold weather that'll keep your pets healthy and active. Let them try their paws at a puzzle toy, train them on new or old tricks, and play their favorite game (like fetch or tug) indoors when you can. Make sure to keep pets safe during the winter and cold weather by following the tips listed above. Just as a reminder, never leave your pup(s) in the car for long in any extreme temperatures.

You can keep your family safe in the winter, too with a Honda like the CR-V or the brand new 2018 Honda Accord that comes standard with the most advanced suite of safety features, Honda Sending,  It's no secret Honda is one of the most awarded brands on the market. If a new Honda isn't in your budget we have plenty of safe and winter friendly options in our used inventory we'd love to show you.

Give RiverTown Honda a call at (877) 236-9113, or visit us at 4260 Kenowa Ave. Grandville, MI 49418, one mile west of RiverTown Mall.

Visit Us Online: RiverTownHonda.com

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GRANDVILLE, Mich.––We live in West Michigan, which is a place that unfortunately experiences the worst of winter conditions. The lake effect snow and bitter cold temps can take a toll on our roads and our safety. At RiverTown Honda, we truly care about your and your vehicles well-being. Since the weather is finally here, we've got some driving tips to get you through the winter season safely. If there is any auto service you need that'll help keep you safe on the road, we'd love to help!

1. Pack Your Winter Emergency Kit

Your winter kit should definitely include an emergency kit (with first aid items) and an ice scraper. You can pack other things like extra clothing, gloves, a snow shovel, hand and foot warming packs, etc. While we never want anything bad to happen to our customers on the road, we do want them to be prepared for any situation, especially in inclement weather.

2. Properly Clear Off Your Vehicle

We understand that it might be easier to clear only the space you need on your windshield when you're in a time crunch, but properly clearing your vehicle  is necessary for your safety. When the weather is bad, your clear vision of the road is so important. This also helps avoid snow from falling onto your windshield from the roof, and from snow flying into others' windshields on the road.

3. Slow Down

This is a no-brainer, but it's worth mentioning because of the high level of importance. If it's snowing, hailing, sleeting, etc. slow down past the speed limit. Slowing down can help improve your stopping distance and allow you to focus on what's happening on the road, especially if visibility is bad.

4. Start Slow and Leave More Room to Stop

When the roads get slippery from snow and ice, it can be difficult for your vehicle to get going. Instead of stepping on the gas like you normally would at a stop sign or red light, slowly press the pedal and work your way up to the speed limit from there. Also make sure to leave more room for stopping than you normally would, as your car might not have the traction it needs on the slippery surface of the road.

5. Keep Your Lights On 

Even if it's not dark outside, your lights still serve a purpose. They allow you to see the road better, but more importantly, allow others to see you! If it's sunny outside (we wish) you probably don't need your lights, but if it's overcast, foggy, snowing, etc. keep your lights on so others know where you are and where you're headed.

6. Take Care of Routine Maintenance

7. Consider Investing in Winter Tires 

Winter tires aren't necessary, but we think they're well worth the cost for your safety! West Michigan winters can get pretty nasty, cold, and snowy. Winter tires are built to be more flexible in temperatures under 45 degrees, providing more traction on the cold roads. They're also designed to better channel slush and snow for easier driving. And not to mention, they can help a FWD vehicle perform better than an AWD vehicle with all-season tires. Check out our guide to winter tires for more information.

Our Honda and non-Honda customers are important to us, so use these driving tips to get you through the winter season safely, and come see us at RiverTown Honda for Winter Car Care services! Our team of Certified technicians will help you stay safe with tire rotations, winter tire installations, oil changes, wiper blade installations, full vehicle inspections, and more at our Service Center or Express Service Lane. Make sure to check out our Winter Car Care tips online for more information on what to do to keep your vehicle running well throughout the winter season. Remember, you're not that far from the best dealership experience of your life! We're located only 12 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids off I-196 in Grandville.

Give RiverTown Honda a call at (877) 236-9113, or visit us at 4260 Kenowa Ave. Grandville, MI 49418, one mile west of RiverTown Mall.

Visit Us Online: RiverTownHonda.com

Follow Us on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +, YouTube

driverecruiting.com

Oct, 2017  Truck drivers suffer from diabetes at a rate almost 50% higher than the rest of Americans because they have more risk factors, physicians note.

A truck driver's life is a recipe for diabetes, and the statistics prove it. In the U.S., about 9.4% of the population has diabetes according to the Centers for Disease Control. For truckers, that number is 14%.

Why do truckers suffer from diabetes at a rate almost 50% higher than the rest of Americans? They have more risk factors, physicians say. Drivers smoke more – about half of truck drivers smoke compared to 19% of other adults – they rarely exercise and their diet is high in calories and fat. Also, almost 70% of truck drivers are obese, which is more than twice the nation average. "See Obesity and other risk factors: the national survey of U.S. long-haul truck driver health and injury."

Physicians like Dr. Albert Osbahr who treat truck drivers among other patients, say they’re taken aback when drivers are surprised when they're disqualified. "They have numbers that are high and wonder why we might give them short cards or might actually, in some cases, disqualify them when their numbers are 450 or 500. They'll look at me in disbelief and say: 'Why would you do that?' I say, 'This is not stable. This is not safe.'"

The American Diabetes Association recommends aiming for a blood sugar level between 70 to 130 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter) before meals and less than 180 mg/dl one to two hours after a meal. Fasting before a blood test gives the most accurate reading.

"If we don't find ways to improve this we'll have more guys with eye problems, heart problems, kidney problems, stroke-like symptoms or sensation problems because of diabetes," noted Osbahr, who is the medical director of occupational health services at Spartanburg (SC) Regional Healthcare System and a Board of Trustees Member of the American Medical Association.


"Weight loss is very crucial to diabetes control,” he added. “I've seen dramatic control of diabetes Type 2 when people lose weight. The two key issues in terms of weight – as long as there's not something else in the way like another disease such as thyroid or a medication that is causing extra weight – are exercise and diet."

About 90 to 95% of people with diabetes have Type 2, a condition in which your body doesn't use insulin properly, a malady also known as 'insulin resistance.' Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that allows your body to produce sugar from carbohydrates in food. This sugar (glucose) gives you energy which is why one of the first signs of diabetes is fatigue. Type 1 diabetes is rarer and usually presents itself in children as the pancreas may be dysfunctional from birth and not produce any insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day, usually by injection. Contrary to what some people believe, Type 2 diabetes cannot become Type 1 diabetes. They are different diseases.

Because of how well medications work on Type 1 diabetes, The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has proposed that drivers who use insulin may no longer need a medical waiver to drive but instead can get certified annually by their health care provider that their diabetes is well controlled by insulin.

Osbahr repeats what he says to every trucker with diabetes. "When I see guys in the office and they raise the issue [of how to lose weight] I say, 'Add a little extra to your regular activities. Any little bit of extra exercise, walking, even doing some flexibility calisthenics for 15 minutes while you're getting ready to sleep or getting up in the morning can help. Probably the biggest thing is parking farther away from the truck stop [building], making that walk in and out and do that [extra walking] with any other kind of activity."


The other thing I say is 'you guys have to inspect your trucks. Why don't you make multiple trips around your truck in your inspection, but make it like a walk? You don't need a gym or a running track. You can add some jumping jacks if you can. You can do some knee-ups if you can. You can do some running in place if you want to, but everybody is probably able to at least walk and that does not require any additional equipment.'"

As for diet, Osbahr concedes that truckers have fewer healthy options on the road than most workers. "The foods that are offered on the road are not very good; they're also high caloric. You have to work to find the right ones. And I tell a lot of the guys, 'How many fat vegetarians have you seen?' Most of the guys will laugh and say, 'You're right; there are not too many of them.' I tell them, 'Yeah I've seen a few, but not that often.' There is something [healthier] about eating vegetables and fewer starches, breads and meats, even though I love them. There's something to be said for eating more vegetarian foods. You probably would lose more weight, but we don't always see those options on the road…. In general, the lifestyle of a trucker does not lend itself well to losing weight. There's no question about that."

Dr. Adrian Vella, who studies Type 2 diabetes at the Mayo Clinic and sees patients about 40% of his time, said that if he had to choose one thing for truckers to do that would prevent or handle diabetes it would be diet. "To me, the most important thing is the amount of calories you eat compared to the amount of energy expended during the day. The second most important thing is what those calories consist of. In general, it would be a good idea to avoid high-fat, calorie-dense foods."

"Nine times out of 10 they're [patients] are doing bad things,” he added. “They are not compliant or following recommendations, and I understand that this is difficult for truck drivers. The other issue is what physicians face when they're trying to choose medications for their patients. They want to avoid hypoglycemia at all costs for obvious reasons."


Some diabetes medicines cause hypoglycemia or low blood sugar which is deadly for drivers as it can cause blurry vision, poor coordination, tiredness and confusion.

Both Vella and Osbahr say that most doctors would prefer not to prescribe medicines for diabetes if it can be controlled in other ways, but often they have no choice as many patients are non-compliant when it comes to diet and exercise.

Osbahr knows that treating diabetes, especially in truckers, is an uphill battle. "The biggest problem I find is a lot of guys not taking care of themselves… It is hard for us as humans to stay disciplined in a way to take care of ourselves and truckers are no different than the rest of us non-truckers. Motivation seems to come only when bad things happen to our health. Plus, most of the truckers are men and we, as men, do not keep up on our health like we should."

Unfortunately, he sees truck drivers and diabetes as indicative of our nation's future. "We're not talking about just truckers who are a window into what our culture is doing. Our culture has gotten heavier and truckers are at the extreme."

Just last week, we marked the official beginning of summer in the state of Tennessee, as well as right here in the Memphis metro. Barbecue will be simmering, live bands will be playing on into the night, and the children of the area have a delightful reality ahead of them: they are out of school for a few quick months. This is the time when drivers have to be more careful than ever, as any of the neighborhood kids may pick the driveway perch right behind your vehicle to get some playtime in.

The majority of backover accidents happen because the driver does not properly take in their surroundings before lurching out of the driveway, and the U.S. Department of Transportation claims that 40 percent of severe crashes occurred in residential areas. 24 percent of these crashes occurred in driveways, and undoubtedly drivers were in a hurry.

It is hard to slow it down when you may be late for work or an appointment, and leaving from home is that danger zone where children may be lurking behind you. Fortunately for the many Memphis area drivers that are looking to boost safety on their commute, Surround Vision Technology is available! For now, it's integrated into the all-new 2018 Equinox, and provides a 360-degree bird's eye-view around the vehicle.

Intended to help assure safety when coming in or out of the driveway, Surround Vision acts as multiple sets of eyes that will scan the area for you. There are four cameras working for you here simultaneously: the standard Rear Vision Camara, a forward-looking camera placed in the front grille, and two side-looking cameras under each left or right mirror.
When drivers shift into reverse and get ready to roll, the birds-eye view is displayed neatly on the center stack instrument panel. Situated right here are also images from the forward and rear looking cameras, so you can quickly scan the entire area before departing. We want to assure you that the safest way to clear the area is to WALK around the car before leaving: some toddlers are small little tykes, and may need to be spotted by the human eye!

The Surround Vision feature is available on the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV, Equinox, and Traverse. Rear Vision Cameras can be found on the 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV, Camaro, City Express, Colorado, Corvette, Cruze, Equinox, Express, Impala, Malibu, Silverado, Silverado HD, Sonic, Spark, Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, Trax, and Volt. We are proud as a dealership to offer numerous ways that you can feel safe on the road, and part of the Chevy promise is to uphold a longstanding tradition of above average safety features.

Keep in mind that pets and toys left strewn about are some of the biggest lures for small children, and that if you know you have a cute puppy or bikes in the yard, kids may follow. Other activities in the driveway like sidewalk chalk and lemonade stands are abundant in the Memphis metro during the summer: stay safe and keep your eyes open during the longest and most savored days of the year!

Reprinted from NCDOT: http://www.ncdot.gov/travel/safetytips/default.html





Winter Weather Driving

If travel is absolutely necessary, motorists should use the following precautions:



·  Clear windows and mirrors;

·  Reduce speed and leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles;

·  Maintain a safe following distance behind brine application trucks, and plow and spreader trucks;

Reprinted from NCDOT: http://www.ncdot.gov/travel/safetytips/default.html


Wet Weather Driving

Heavy rain and flash flooding create hazardous driving conditions, thereby increasing the likelihood of an accident. To help improve safety and reduce the likelihood of a crash, motorists should take the following precautions:


Allow more travel time and keep vehicle tires and brakes in good working