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FORD DELIVERS HEALTHY CARS FOR SUMMER TRAVEL

07.20.11

By Sheryll Alexander

Some new car buyers are considering Ford vehicles not just for design and performance, but also because Ford has the best infotainment technology and mobile apps of any car maker so far. Plus, Ford's 2011 and upcoming 2012 models are some of the most safe, most fuel efficient and most fun-to-drive cars, wagons, CUVs, SUVs and trucks in America.

Now, Ford is claiming that its new technology-rich vehicles are more healthy than other cars. How can a vehicle give you better health?

Ford says its SYNC and MyFord Touch-equipped vehicles really can bring you less stress and more health by helping you easily find more healthy alternatives. With the touch of just one button, drivers can locate places such as healthy fast casual restaurants, juice bars, organic vegetarian restaurants and even the nearest gym or yoga studio.

In fact, Ford calls its hands-free infotainment technologies an "in-car concierge." But does it really work? As a professional car reviewer and automotive journalist, I have tested Ford's infotainment systems with better-than-average results. Sure, there's still times when car infotainment technology is frustrating, but it is especially helpful for long road trips when you don't know where you are or how to find that hidden healthy neighborhood gem.

Ford Monitors Allergies, Asthma and Even Diabetes

How else do Ford vehicles keep you healthy? Ford is actually on the cutting edge of allergy control systems. Based on research and design in Europe, Ford has developed high-tech pollen traps built right into the car. Ford is so sensitive to allergy sufferers that the company is developing a voice-controlled allergy information center for allergy and asthma patients. Yes, just by saying "allergy forecast," drivers can get access to day-by-day pollen and asthma index level via GPS location. And, if you can believe it, Ford says it is also researching a technology to monitor diabetes and other chronic illnesses. Now that would be one healthy car, right?

Does Parallel Parking Stress You Out?

Do you really hate to parallel park and get super stressed out when you gotta do it? Or, do you have to park your car on the street every day or for work? Ford's "active park assist" claims that this technology can really park your car for you.

But does it really work? Yes! I was given the chance to drive a Ford Flex equipped with "active park assist" technology.

What did I discover on my real-world parking test?

Ford's "active park assist" really works! Yes, I ws able to roll up between two cars. The system let me know if there was enough space to park my rather long Flex ride. I pushed the "active park assist" button. I took my hand off the wheel. Using the brake and accelerator, I "drove" the car perfectly into the empty space without using my hands whatsoever. It was certainly a no-stress way to park!

Sheryll Alexander runs a news media agency based in Costa Mesa, California. She has a daily car column for Autotropolis/Autobytel titled Driving Smart with Sheryll Alexander. Follow her! @sheryllalexande

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Fashion

Wear to Where - Intimacy

Wear to Where: Are You Wearing the Right Bra Size?

07.20.11

Did you know that a 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size?  Most mistakenly believe they're a size they're not and over time this can cause huge problems.  Besides being uncomfortable, ill-fitting bras can contribute to migraine headaches, back pain, tingling in the arms, restricted breathing, abrasions, rashes and breast pain, especially during exercise. So, are you wearing the right Bra Size? Here are five signs that the bra you're wearing isn't your size, and tips for a better fit:

1. Spillage: If your breasts spill over the top or sides of your bra, increase the band and/or cup size.
2. Puckering: If cups wrinkle or pucker, choose a smaller size.
3. Riding up: A bra should fit snugly.  If it creeps up in the back, trade it in for one with a tighter band.
4. Jutting: The underwire isn't flush against your rib cage; it should be.
5. Grooves: If straps dig into your flesh, try a style with wider straps or a different cup size -- either bigger or smaller.

The best way to ensure a perfect fit is to go to a specialty bra shop; I love my ladies at Nordstroms or try the "Bra Whispers" at {Intimacy} the Bra Fit Specialists. But if you don’t feel comfortable with a professional all up in your business, you can fit yourself by following these simple directions.  Determine band size by measuring around the rib cage, just below your breasts, then add 4 inches if the measurement is even and 5 if the measurement is odd. To determine cup size, measure around the fullest part of the breasts (over the nipples), then deduct the rib-cage measurement from this figure.  A one inch difference between the measurements equals an A cup, 2 inches a B and so on.

Leslie Christen writes "Wear to Where" for pacific-creative.digital each week. She is the owner of Leslie Christen | LifeStyling a business that does personal shopping, fashion styling, closet edits and organization.  For tips on What to Wear and Where to Buy view her website at www.LeslieChristen.com and contact her at Style@LeslieChristen.com.

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