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Today we’re sharing a fun car post about tips and tricks to help you drive better on the roads and keep a few extra dollars in your pocket.  These hacks and suggestions will instantly improve your driving experience!  Feel free to leave your own in the comments and let us know your convenient and money saving hacks for car maintenance. more A DIY Car Air Freshener - Looking for a long term air freshener on a budget?  The local dollar store has several items that can save you time and money!  Grab a few packages of wax melts in your favourite scent, and a small mason jar that fits in your cupholder.  Place the wax melts inside the jar and replace the lid.  Using a hammer and nail or a small drill, create several small holes in the lid.  Put the jar into your center console or cupholder, and on a warm or sunny day the wax will melt and release its scent, and it’ll harden and cool at night or in chillier weather. Toothpaste Headlight Restoration - This simple household item can take your headlights from foggy to fresh and clean in minutes!  Choose a toothpaste meant for whitening and fighting tartar build up for your best results.  Apply the toothpaste to a clean microfiber towel, then wipe the headlight casing in a circular motion.  Let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe with a clean, damp microfiber cloth and douse with clear water. Your headlights will appear good as new!  Remember to add a thin coating of protective car wax to the outside to prevent further fogging and damage. In-Trunk Bungee Cord Paper Towel Holder - It’s always handy to have some paper towels readily available to clean spills, wipe down your dashboard, and clean off gunk from your windshield.  With this helpful hack, you’ll slide a bungee cord through the paper towel roll’s center, and affix it to the inside of your car trunk.  It’ll stay secure, clean and easily accessible in a pinch! Clean Your Wiper Blades Quickly and Easily - A bottle of isopropyl rubbing alcohol will go quite a long way on your car. Everything from tree sap removal to glass cleaning to wiper blade cleaning!  Your car’s wiper blades can accumulate quite a bit of dirt, dust, and grime as they clear the glass for visibility. You can pour a little alcohol on the wiper blades and gently rinse with clear water to remove the outermost layer of dried rubber and gunk buildup. Vinegar and Baking Soda for both Stain and Odor Removal - Everyone loves a good family road trip and making memories to last a lifetime.  However, many hours on the road means more potential for fast food spills, mess and muck from the kiddos, and even fur and accidents from dear ol’ fido. But there’s good news!  Those stains and smells don’t have to stick with you in the memory books.  Pour some vinegar into a spray bottle and soak your car’s stained upholstery, then follow up with a spoonful of baking soda and scrub with a nylon cleaning  brush or toothbrush.  Wipe it off with some hot water and clean it up with a wet-dry vacuum!  For stubborn, lingering odors, sprinkle the baking soda directly on the fabric or carpet and leave it to sit at least 15 minutes or overnight.  The longer it’s left on the surface, the more it will absorb!  You can then vacuum it up and spray it with a fabric refresher to reinvigorate the clean car aroma.  Want to keep it fresh for the long haul? A small bowl or mason jar of baking soda in the cupholder can help!

The Kia EV6 received the 2022 Winter Vehicle Award for Best Electric Vehicle from the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA). The EV6 was recognized for its all-around engineering excellence and durability in the harshest climatic conditions by the journalist guild representing internet, radio, television, newspapers, and magazines from the New England region. more “Kia’s new logo sums up its new EV6,” said Clifford Atiyeh, Vice President, NEMPA. “It’s a clean-sheet design that lives in the present and promises an exciting future. The EV6 is a fast electric car that looks like a spaceship, but it’s also practical for all seasons. Kia’s Winter Mode helps maintain the battery’s performance in cold weather while the heat pump is more efficient than resistive heaters. The all-wheel drive system varies torque almost instantly. These features are critical for New England drivers who need to maximize range and performance in the coldest conditions.” The EV6 earned the award following extensive, year-round product testing by seasoned NEMPA members in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Following days of testing in October and February, including a multi-vehicle test, NEMPA members vote to determine the winners in each category. The EV6 continues to rise in popularity. To date, more than 14,000 EV6 models have been sold throughout the United States, including 1,716 vehicles sold in July 2022, contributing to 86-percent year-over-year growth in sales of Kia’s electrified vehicles. The EV6 delivers jaw-dropping performance, ultra-fast DC charging, vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, and a flat-floor interior that utilizes sustainable-friendly materials throughout the cabin. The EV6 offers a wide array of advanced driver assistance systems, adding an unprecedented level of connectivity and safety, as well as Kia’s latest-generation energy-efficient heat pump, which scavenges waste heat from the car’s coolant system. 2023 EV6 GT Kia America : Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrified vehicles sold through a network of nearly 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America. New England Motor Press Association: The New England Motor Press Association is a united guild of more than 50 working journalists in six states and a committed partner to every major automaker. NEMPA members, who live among the most densely populated and diverse markets in the country, deliver trusted content to millions of car shoppers in New England and nationally on the internet, radio, television, newspapers, and magazines. For 35 years, NEMPA has supported the automotive industry with access to vetted, ever-expanding media outlets, exclusive events, and awards that reflect the group’s rigorous vehicle testing and constant recognition of the people making it all possible. For more information, please visit www.nempa.org. Press Release Information Accuracy Disclaimer: Information posted in press releases on the Kia Media website was accurate at the time of posting but may be superseded by subsequent releases or other information.

We love things that go bump in the night and give us a chill of fright!  That’s why we’re exploring even more fun haunted road trip destinations.  Today, we’re traveling to nearby  Michigan.  Why stop at exploring haunted sites like graveyards and theatres when you can book a stay with a surprise ghost as an extra guest?  We’ve got plenty of haunted hotels, inns, and resorts that are still open to the public today.  Check it out on today’s blog and see for yourself! more Doherty Hotel in Clare This 1924 redbrick hotel once housed the town’s library, a soda shop, and even a barber shop!  It was a notorious hangout for infamous gangsters of the 1920 and 1930s.  And, as is the case with so many unsavory personalities in one place, it became synonymous with illegal gambling and even murder.  Numerous visitors to the location have reported seeing the ghost of Isaiah Leebove, of the former Purple Gang, wandering the halls.  Other ghostly apparitions have been seen locking and unlocking doors, and knocking on doors and walls with no other possible explanation. Henderson Castle in Kalamazoo Often touted as one of the top ten haunted places in Michigan, you’ll find no shortage of spectral shenanigans here!  Step through its doors and you may be greeted by the castle’s original owners Frank and Mary Henderson.  Wander its halls and you may find Calre Burleigh, a Spanish-American War veteran who served alongside Hendersons’s son in battle.  Other apparitions include that of an unidentified little girl, and even a rogue dog!  You may find opening and closing doors, disembodied voices, figures at the top of the stairs, and other ghastly activities.  You’ll just have to come investigate for yourself! The Landmark Inn in Marquette If you’ve ever wanted to book a room in a haunted hotel, we think you’ll really get your jollies from a stay in the Lilac Room, one of the Inn’s most reportedly haunted rooms.  You may catch a glimpse of the Librarian who lost her one true love to a shipwreck at sea who peers out the window waiting for her betrothed’s impossible return.  Or perhaps you’ll find unexpected trinkets nestled in the sheets or blankets that weren’t there at check in, such as one guest who reportedly requested housekeeping remove screws from the sheets.  Even the front desk has experienced unexpected happenings such as phantom phone calls from the Lilac Room even without guests lodging! Spooky…. The Terrace Inn in Petoskey Michigan This historic inn offers 38 rooms to choose from, 1 restaurant on site, and at least 2 resident ghosts.  Book a stay at the Terrace Inn and you may encounter the Lady in White or the Man in Tweed.  Wander downstairs in this Victorian Era hotel and you may even bump into the Boy from the Basement!  Rumor has it, there may even be more aloof apparitions to be found if you keep your eyes open.  Ask the front desk and they will gladly share with you the book of Ghost-Tales from past guests and visitors! Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island, Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island…and more Mackinac Island is such a special place it’s known to be a paranormal activity hotbed, so many, in fact, that some speculate there may be more specters than residents at this point. Check out these videos from MattsRadShow on Youtube to learn more about a few of the haunted happenings on this iconic resort island: Masonic Temple in Detroit The Detroit Masonic Temple is the largest Masonic Temple in the world. This impressive and quite imposing piece of Gothic Architecture has more than 1,000 rooms as well as a cathedral, multiple chapels, 2 ballrooms, lodging facilities, a library, and even a 4,000 seat auditorium.  Visitors report seeing the specter of George Mason himself going up and down the stairs, but that may just be a Halloween Tale of Terror.  You’ll just have to see for yourself! Mary Mayo Hall in Lansing The oldest residence hall on campus is located on the West Circle are aof Michigan State University’s northern end.  It was built in 1931 and named after Mary Anne Mayo, a leading member of several organizations on campus, and a thoughtful leader with progressive views on womens’ education.  Though rumors swirl that her death was caused by murder, ill-will, or even self-inflicted injuries, she actaully passed away of illness in 1903off-campus.  Nevertheless, after years of campaigning for womens’ equal access and housing on campus, students report seeing her ghost wander the halls of the dorm. Other areas of note for ghost hunting in Michigan: South Manitou Island in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, H ell’s Bridge near Grand Rapids Rockford, Calumet Theater in Calumet, Felt Mansion in Saugatuck Holland, David Whitney House in Detroit, Fayette Ghost Town in Fayette, Holly Hotel in Holly, Fort Shelby Hotel in Detroit, Bowers Harbor Inn in Traverse City, Seul Choix Point Lighthouse in Gulliver, White River Light Station in Whitehall

October is National Car Care Month!  Let us help you prepare your vehicle for the change in seasonal weather conditions with the helpful hints and tips from our service center.  Feel free to give us a call and schedule your appointment today for your monthly and seasonal maintenance needs. more Our service professionals are available to get your vehicle service and in tip top shape before blustery rainstorms and impending winter weather arrive. Check the fluids and change your oil. Be sure to top off all fluids such as antifreeze and oil, and get your systems flushed and changed as needed.  As you’ll be running your car idle more frequently to warm it up on chilly mornings, you don’t want anything to seize up while doing so!  Our maintenance and service technicians can help guide you on what needs to be flushed or pencil you for an oil change appointment as part of your regular maintenance schedule. Inspect the tires. Keep yourself and your passengers safe, as well as other vehicles on the road, by ensuring that your tires have proper tread depth and show no signs of extreme wear and tear.  Bring your car into the service center for a tire rotation, wheel alignment, and replace any tires that appear overly worn or close to their end of life.  Your tires provide significant stopping power by gripping the road in slippery conditions. We recommend considering a really good all-weather or winter tire in the next few weeks. Make sure all of the lights work. Sunset is creeping up earlier and earlier over the next few weeks. It’s important to make sure all of your headlights and brakelights are fully functional.  You’ll need them for those foggy, blustery evenings!  Especially important to have working headlights for trick or treating to make sure you can see the kids wandering around in costumes.  Additionally, you don’t want to get a ticket for improperly working headlights, nor get into any serious accidents because you missed something in the roadway and were unable to stop in time. Thoroughly inspect the brakes. There are few things more dangerous than wet, slippery leaves or black ice on the roadways, and both are common foes in the mid to late autumn weather.  Inspect the brakes and rotors and be sure to test them out to ensure they are not squeaking, squealing, or grinding.  If you suspect that your brakes are not stopping as quickly as usual, or are less responsive to pressure, bring your car in immediately for a service or replacement brakes. Make sure the heater and defroster are working properly. With the temperatures dropping rapidly, especially in the evening, frosty windows are a common occurrence in the mid to late fall.  You’ll want to double check that all heating vents and defroster elements are working, and do so before the need arises! It’s very important to visibility that your car has an adequate defroster and defogger, so call for a maintenance appointment if either of these features is not functioning properly.

It’s time for another installment of Classic’s YouTube Car Vlogger Roundup!  We’re gathering our picks for great videos from some of our favorite subscription channels. Whether you like to watch people rebuild or customize, take their car to the limit on the test track, adventure off road, or just nerd out about fun facts, we’ve got something for everyone.  Let’s take a look at some of the most fun uploads from the gearhead greats! more Donut Media is bringing us a super fun breakdown of the Most Expensive Cars from Every Car Company across the decades.  You’ll find vintage favorites, good ol’ classics, and some fascinating obscure and obsolete rides.  There’s over 100 cars on this list, and we’re absolutely fascinated by the sheer volume and variety!  Check it out: If that’s not enough to wet your whistle, this Donut Media update is covering The Fastest Car from Every Car Company!  They’ve done their research and found 100 cars from 100 companies that are top speed in their brand.  It’ll really get your engines revving! Check it out: TikTok has become ubiquitous in online culture, and one of the most-used social media apps ever.  You’ll find all kinds of videos on there from cooking to book reviews to history lessons and more!  And you’ll even find lots of tips and tricks from Mechanics and automotive enthusiasts. But have you found yourself wondering how to discern what’s fact from fiction? Curious to know if some of those “tips” are going to cost you more than you’d save in the long run? Donut Media is back again with a professional mechanic who is weighing in on the do’s-and-don’ts of TikTok Car advice. Check it out: Love looking at unique, interesting, and vintage cars? You’ll love this video from Collecting Cars that’s all about the 1963 Meyers Manx Beach Buggy.  This wild ride is an iconic and original beach friendly vehicle with plenty of pizazz.  It looks like it drove straight off the set of Austin Powers or the Barbie Movie, if you ask us!  Check it out here: If you’re a fan of pop culture, we think you’ll have a really  fun time taking a deep dive into the history of one of MTVs hit shows “Pimp My Ride.”  Aside from becoming a “meme-able” series in recent years, and the cars making their way into the lives of other car vloggers, this show has a potentially questionable past and plenty of controversy.  The Media Pastimes channel is raising a magnifying glass to this street racing inspired customization reality series. Check it out here:

With Halloween just around the corner, we thought it would be fun to explore some of the strange haunted happenings across the state.  What could be better than an autumnal road trip to chase down the ghosts of days gone by?  It’s a perfect way to spend the weekend or enjoy a late-night exploration. more We love exploring as much as the next, but be mindful, please.  Make sure to adhere to any posted signage as some areas may be off limits or be part of private property.  We recommend doing additional research to find out which sites offer tours or are open to the public and when.  We do not condone trespassing! Your Guide to Haunted Sites in Illinois The Englewood Post Office and H. H. Holmes True Crime aficionados will be fascinated to know that this modest post office branch sits on the site once home to serial killer H.H. Holmes and his infamous “Murder Castle” Postal workers at this location have reported hauntings throughout the building.  The basement area especially is noted to fill visitors and employees with an intense fear of dread, and it is advised any tasks in that room be quick and timely to avoid anxiety. The Chicago River and the SS Eastland In 1915 the SS Eastland passenger ship was docked along the Chicago River when it suddenly capsized.  Sadly, 844 people lost their lives in the incident.  Today, visitors to the area and patrons of local restaurants have reported looking out from the windows or down from the Clark Street Bridge and report seeing the ghostly faces or bodies of people in the water, reaching out for help. The Couch Tomb in Lincoln Park Chicago Lincoln Park sits on the former grounds of City Cemetery, with the Couch Tomb the only remaining tomb surviving the Great Fire of 1871. The tomb was sealed for decades, leaving many to speculate what may lie buried there.  In 1998, a team of workers and researchers opened the tomb and discovered around 80 bodies entombed within!  Visitors to the area often claim to see and hear strange apparitions and experience strange occurrences in Lincoln Park, but especially near this tomb. Resurrection Cemetery in Justice This is one of the largest cemeteries in North America, sprawling across nearly 540 acres with 152,000 graves and 5,300 crypts in the mausoleum.  Consecrated as a cemetery burial ground in 1904, it officially opened to the public in 1912.  This site is purported to be hte site of Chicago’s infamous “Resurrection Mary” who haunts these grounds, the surrounding highway, and the nearby Willowbrook Ballroom.  You may catch a glimpse of her dancing at the foot of the Resurrection of Christ monument next to the on site chapel.  Keep your eyes peeled for a lithe woman in a flowing white dress and blonde locks! McPike Mansion of Alton The McPike Mansion, sometimes referred to as Mount Lookout, is a historic and haunted property on the former 15-acre estate of Henry Guest McPike.  The 16 room mansion features a vaulted wine cellar in an Italianate-Victorian style.  In 1994, the home was purchased at auction by Sharyn and George Luedke, with plans to restore the mansion to its former glory!  Sharyn herself has reported ghostly sightings of servants and residents or guests of the mansion while removing items from the home, making repairs, and restoring the house.  She and George have also caught a whiff of lilac perfume wafting through the hallways of the third floor.  Some people claim the house was built on hallowed grounds, still others report the happenings only began after McPike and later owners’ passings.  Either way, this is a truly special site for otherworldly occurrences! The Woodstock Opera House in Woodstock This beautiful historic performing arts venue and opera house is the reported site of local spectral visitor, Elvira.  Elvira’s tale is a sad one, with big dreams of making it big on the stage and landing the lead in an upcoming ballet perfor. Unfortunately, she was passed over for the part which was handed to another girl in the company.  In her grief of shattered dreams,, she leaped from the Opera House’s highest tower, and fell to her death on the streets below.  Visitors have reported sights of a forlorn young woman with long, golden hair wandering the halls and aisles.  Some have even caught a glimpse of her in seat 113, and those who sit near it report the seat lowering on its own and sad sighs in the air.  Additional reports include props falling down with no one nearby, and even things disappearing from the stage and backstage areas.  Book at ticket and see for yourself! Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet The Rialto Square Theatre opened its doors in 1926, and a parade of spirited guests have wandered in and out of its halls and auditorium over the years. That’s right, it’s haunted!  We won’t spoil the backstory here.  Why? Because this vaudeville venue and movie theatre turned performing arts center offers Paranormal Tours of the theatre where you can spend two hour learning about the lost souls of the Rialto!  Come see a show and book a tour.  You can bring your friends and your family along for the fun and may even have some unexpected guests join your party. Other notable places with real spirit include: Haunted Abingdon Middle School in Abingdon, The Old Milton School in Alton, Robinson Woods in Chicago, Haunted Tours at the Museum of Science and Industry German U-505 Submarine, The Haunted Glessner House Museum, The Haunted Red Lion Pub in Chicago, Greenwood Cemetery in Decatur, Ridge Cemetery in Williamsburg, Aux Sable Cemetery in Alton

This week is prime leaf-peeping season and we’re here with an updated fall foliage report and some great places to check out across the state for prime autumnal activities.  In Northern Illinois near the Wisconsin border, fall foliage is beginning to make an appearance and will reach its peak by the 24th/25th.  In the Chicago area a little further south, peak fall-foliage viewing will arrive beginning the 24th of October and last through Halloween on the 31st. more We’ve already shared some great places in Illinois to take fall photos on our “Celebrating the Autumnal Equinox with Great Places in Illinois and Wisconsin to See Fall Foliage and Take Wonderful Family Portraits” blog article, but here are some other fantastic fall photo-op suggestions for families to enjoy in Wisconsin. Check out this fall foliage report of Wisconsin to figure out the best places to visit each location on our list for maximum Autumnal Enjoyment! Let’s plan a mini getaway and take some scenic drives across Wisconsin in search of some lush fall scenery: Marinette County’s Waterfall Tour - This 125 mile scenic loop drive takes you through 15 waterfalls and cascades in the area.  You’ll have ample opportunity to stop off in county parks to stretch your legs and take a scenic hike, walk your furry pals, and take plenty of photos of your family and friends.  The trail includes places such as Veteran’s Falls, Strong Falls, T welve Foot Falls Park, and many more gorgeous vista points. Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive - This 115 mile trip will take you through a stunning array of woodlands with ultra gorgeous views of the changing oak, maple, and aspen trees as you wind your way through the Kettle Moraine State Forest. You’ll cover ground across 6 different counties in Wisconsin, and have lots of waterfront to explore from ponds, lakes, and rivers as well as sweeping views of the hills and valleys.  Take a day to experience some rowing, fishing, and hiking trails in the area. Hilltop Color Tour of Central Wisconsin - Taking you through Wausau and Ogema and Neillsville, this central Wisconsin drive will take you to peak seasonal adventures!  Your best views will be from the 60 foot observation tower in Rib Mountain State Park, the observation tower in Timm’s Hill, and The Highground memorial nearby to Neillsville.  Each of these stop-offs will afford you some outstanding views of autumnal scenery, and are great destinations for family outings, and plenty of nature photography opportunities and great family photo backdrops. Black River State Forest and Black River Falls - With nearly 68,000 acres across West Central Wisconsin, you’ll find yourself lost in the beauty of nature in the pine and oak forests and glacial beds with vista points from the sandstone hills, 30 foot bluffs, and millions-of-years-old buttes.  You’ll also find unparalleled views of the Black River Falls Cranberry Bogs which are incredible just before the seasonal harvest time.  And be sure to make your way through the Dike 17 Wildlife Area where you’ll have an exciting opportunity for some serious bird watching as waterfowl and other species migrate and settle in the area.  Families can enjoy hiking, offroading on ATVs, and plenty of mountain biking trails. And last but not least we recommend a wonderful trip to Door County and all that the area has to offer! Set along the edge of Lake Michigan, you’ll fall in love with the nearby state parks of Potawatomi, Peninsula, Newport, and Whitefish Dunes as well as the scenic Washington Island.  It’s one of the region’s top attractions for fall travel, and you won’t want to miss out! Here are some fun videos to inspire your travel plans:

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. First recognized in October of 1985, Breast Cancer Awareness month aims to increase early detection of this disease and help vulnerable populations by sharing resources to care and prevention techniques. more Many people wear pink articles of clothing or add pink ribbons to their outfits, bags, and even digital profiles in honor of those fighting breast cancer, lost to the disease, and also to support progress we’ve made in breast cancer research and treatment options. Now more than ever, it is important that we expand our conversation to include more demographics so we can work together as a community and empower as many people as we can with accurate information and care. Unfortunately, many breast cancer awareness narratives have historically left out critical talking points inclusive care options.   Although breast cancer is most commonly associated with cisgender women, with statistics showing 1 in 8 cisgender women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, but nonbinary individuals, the transgender community, and cisgender men also are affected by breast cancer.  In fact, many transgender women show increased risk of breast cancer after several years of hormonal treatments, while transgender men show slightly lower risk than cisgender women ac cording to a study from BMJ in the UK. Because we care about our friends, family, and our community in general, we have created this helpful gender inclusive guide to help learn more about Breast Cancer prevention and diagnosis. Reminder: It is important to be gender inclusive when speaking about the issues of breast cancer, to help avoid triggering feelings of dysphoria, or preventing individuals from receiving lifesaving care and cancer treatments.  If you are seeking gender inclusive care for medical and non-medical services, Apicha CHC may be able to help. Mammographies are the best method of early detection, but self-exams are also an important part of screening for breast cancer that you can do at home regularly. Medical professionals encourage you to do a self-exam of the chest region once per month, to check for any signs of abnormality.  Understanding how your body feels and looks on a regular basis can help you recognize abnormalities for your body, and when there might be a change that warrants a visit to your physician. Here is a resource for a proper self-examination procedure. Recommended guidelines for Breast Cancer Screening for Cisgender Women at Average Risks All cisgender women should be performing self-exams at home on a regular basis. Mammograms or Breast Tomosynthesis (3D Mammography) are recommended: Every year starting at age 40-54 for as long as a woman is in good health With doctor’s approval, every 2 years starting ages 55-74. Clinical Breast Exams are recommended every 1 to 3 years from ages 25 through 39, and yearly starting at age 40. If you have implants, it is important that you tell the technician prior to your mammogram. The machine must be adjusted to get the proper imaging of the natural breast tissue, and special positioning may be required. Mammography images will also be increased to four views of each breast instead of two. Please consult with your doctor if there is a history of breast cancer, as your provider may wish to start exams earlier or with greater frequency as a precaution. Recommended Guidelines for Breast Cancer Screening for the Transgender Community Transgender women often have a high prevalence of dense breast tissue, which is a risk for breast cancer, and may also lead to increased rates of false negative mammograms. Transgender women over the age of 50 who have been receiving hormonal treatments for 5+ years should receive an annual mammogram. If you have implants, it is important that you tell the technician prior to your mammogram. The machine must be adjusted to get the proper imaging of the natural breast tissue, and special positioning may be required. Mammography images will also be increased to four views of each breast instead of two. Transgender men receiving hormonal treatments may be at increased risk of breast cancer due to estrogen levels; excess testosterone can be converted to estrogen, therefore presenting an increased risk.  Even if the patient has received top surgery, the remaining breast tissue is susceptible to cancer. Transgender men who have received chest reconstructive surgery should receive annual chest wall and axillarty exams starting at age 50.  Transgender men who have received chest reductions may still wish to have annual mammograms at 50 as well, and should consult with their physician.  Transgender men who have not had any top surgery or chest reconstructive procedures should follow the same guidelines as cis gender women. Please consult with your doctor if there is a family history of breast cancer, as your provider may wish to start exams earlier than age 50 as a precaution. Click here to learn more about Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer Risks in the Transgender Community. Recommended Guidelines for Breast Cancer Screening for Cisgender Men In general, a man’s average risk for breast cancer is very low, however the following things can increase a man’s risk: Family history of breast disease or genetic mutation Ages 65 and up Elevated levels of Estrogen Lifestyle factors such as obesity, lack of physical activity, alcoholism, etc. Like women, men should also be performing breast exams to become familiarized with the feel of the breast and chest wall tissue.  Mammograms for men are not routine, and may be difficult to perform due to general lack of tissue, but a doctor may recommend the procedure for men with the genetic mutation. In addition to a physical exam, doctors may wish to perform the following procedures if breast cancer is suspected in cisgender male patients: Clinical breast exam Mammography Ultrasound Biopsy For a full and extensive list of Breast Cancer resources for all genders, nationalities, ethnicities, and religious groups - click here.

Today is National Farmers’ Day.  Without the efforts of these hardworking farming professionals, we would not have access to so many resources or such abundant food sources.  Farming is an absolutely essential part of the American economy.  In fact, agricultural and food industries support more than 20 million jobs nationwide and account for nearly 10% of all US Employment (USDA.)  It’s vital that we continue to do our part to support family owned farms and agricultural businesses.  Family farms also make up about 99% of the 2million plus farms over more than 895 million acres across the country, according to USDA. more Small-scale farming, as opposed to industrial agriculture, also has a beneficial impact on the biodiversity of our environment.  A variety of farming methods and crops/livestock can lead to better soil, healthier and more vigorous crops, healthy pollinators, promotion of a healthy lifecycle in the local environment, less land erosion, efficient water conservation and better quality of life overall.  Let’s all do our part to support efforts for a greener tomorrow and increase access to affordable foods through agricultural support. Check out our list of fun farming facts about Illinois, and then call your friends and family and invite them out to a day on the farm for an up-close-and-personal experience with agriculture and local businesses! Fun Facts About Farming in Illinois Impress your friends and family on the road trip to your favorite apple picking or pumpkin picking farm and entertain them on the drive with these great fun facts. There are more than 75,000 farms in Illinois! Nearly 75% of the land in Illinois is farmland, covering close to 27 million acres Illinois has very versatile soil with 1,500 different types which can accommodate a wide variety of crops, and thanks to minerals deposited by glaciers and abundant prairie growth, Illinois has some of the world’s most fertile topsoil Farm operators account for around ~75,000 out of the 1,000,000 people employed by the food and fiber industry across Illinois More than 90% of Illinois farms are still family owned and operated businesses Iroquois County in Illinois has the most farms in the state with a total of 1,516 farms Illinois is one of the top leading producers of soybean, corn, and swine In 2022, the average value of farmland real estate was $8,900 per acre, up more than 12% from 2021 The average size for a farm in Illinois is about 375 acres Best Nearby U-Pick Farms and Orchards (in Alphabetical order!) Get down and dirty at these U-Pick farms and orchards which offer berry picking, flower picking, apple picking, pumpkin picking and much more!  Grab your locally grown produce and ready-made meals at their farm stands so you can enjoy a fresh made family meal to end your fun day outside! Abbey Farms in Aurora, IL All Seasons Orchard in Woodstock, IL Apple Holler in Sturtevant, WI Berryville Farm in Racine, WI Creuziger’s Land of the Giants Pumpkin Farm in Sturtevant, WI Didier Farms in Prairie View, IL Goebbert’s Farm & Garden Center in South Barrington, IL Hafs Road Orchard in Genoa City, WI Heinz Orchard in Green Oaks, IL Homestead Orchard in Woodstock, IL Kuipers Family Farm in Maple Park, IL Prairie Sky Orchard in Union, IL Richardson Farms in Spring Grove, IL Royal Oak Farm Orchard in Harvard, IL Rustic Road Farm in Elburn, IL Stade's Farm and Market in McHenry, IL The Farm at Westmont, IL Thompson’s Strawberry Farm in Bristol, WI

Compact Crossovers Earn IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK Status The 2023 Sportage and Sportage Hybrid have been awarded the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 2022 TOP SAFETY PICK (TSP) award. The designation applies to the Sportage and Sportage Hybrid when equipped with LED projector headlights, and also makes the Sportage the ninth Kia vehicle to earn either a 2022 TSP or TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) award. more "Kia’s longest running nameplate continues to evolve into something greater with each generation, with the fifth generation delivering more of everything – especially safety – for today’s savvy, adventurous, and eco-conscious compact SUV buyers,” said Steven Center, COO and EVP, Kia America. “These latest TSP designations are proof positive of that.” For 2023, the Sportage is underpinned by Kia’s all-new third generation N3 platform and delivers a wealth of standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) with Cyclist detection capability, Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA). The Kia Telluride, Sorento, Seltos, Carnival built after March 2021 (with specific headlights), Sportage, Sportage Hybrid and Soul (with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights) also received TSP awards for 2022 earlier this year, while the Kia K5 and Stinger sedans qualified as TSP+ winners. To receive a TSP rating, a vehicle must earn “Good” ratings in six crashworthiness tests – driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength and head restraint tests – as well as an “Advanced” or “Superior” rating for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention evaluations.  In addition, the vehicle must have at least one available headlight system that earns a “Good” or “Acceptable” rating. Kia America: Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrified vehicles sold through a network of over 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America.* * The K5, Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride (excludes HEV and PHEV models) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. Press Release Information Accuracy Disclaimer: Information posted in press releases on the Kia Media website was accurate at the time of posting but may be superseded by subsequent releases or other information.

Today is Manufacturing Day, a time when manufacturers open their doors and educate the general public in their processes, foster career growth in the industry, and provide insight into the positive potential of modern manufacturing to improve conditions globally.  Over the next decade, it’s expected that manufacturers will seek to fill nearly 4 million jobs! more This annual initiative is hosted by The Manufacturing Institute with partnership from Fabricators & Manufacturers Association to not only grow the industry but diversify its ranks through skills training, community building, and support for women, veterans, students, and workers. Let’s take a look at some interesting facts about the automotive industry and related manufacturing: By 2030, it’s anticipated that the automotive industry will achieve nearly $9 trillion in revenue/sales. In 2020 the US Motor Vehicle and Retail Parts trade revenue was $1.25 trillion The United States produced 8.8 million vehicles in 2020, which is 19% less than in 2019 In 2021, nearly 15 million vehicles were sold across the United States In 2021, the global automotive manufacturing market was more than $2.8 trillion USD As of 2021, the automotive industry manufacturing market in the US was valued at $82.6 billion In 2022, the global automotive manufacturing market is expected to grow to nearly $3 trillion USD In 2022, the current revenue of the car and automotive manufacturing industry is an estimated $100.9 billion USD (ibisworld) In 2022, it is expected that the US Car and Automotive manufacturing industry will increase in growth by nearly 3% (ibisworld) Due to increasing demand, it’s anticipated that 26% of net car sales will be electric vehicles in 2030, with 58 million new self-driving cars hitting roads by the same year according to Statista. An estimated 923,000 US residents work in motor vehicle and parts manufacturing and the average automotive production worker salary in the United States if $31,000 annually The automotive industry employs more than 1.7 million people who are all involved in the design, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, assembling, and sales/service of motor vehicles Some of the best paid positions in automotive manufacturing include: Automotive Designers, Automotive Engineers, Coordinate Measuring Machine Technicians, Mechanics, Process Engineers, Process Technicians, and Production Supervisors Only 15% of automotive production workers are women, as opposed to 85% which are men; the industry is seeking to improve these statistics and diversify the workforce and promote equal employment opportunities Here’s some great videos that detail the process of manufacturing and assembling vehicles from factory to the consumer: Behind the Scenes at Vodafone and Automotive Manufacturing Tools and Tech UpSkul Explains the Car Manufacturing Process Car Parts Explained by Car Manufacturing Channel on YouTube Inside Lake County Manufacturing New Kia Sportage Production Plant 2022

Kia America returns to the iconic all-women off-road navigational challenge for third consecutive year Returning teammates Verena Mei and Tana White determined to outdo their outstanding performance from last year 2023 Sportage X-Pro outfitted by LGE-CTS Motorsports will compete in X-Cross class more Rebelle Rally 2022 IRVINE, CA, Sept. 28, 2022 – Kia America is headed to the iconic Rebelle Rally for the third year in a row, this time with a 2023 Sportage X-Pro that has been modified to handle the harsh topography that makes up the 1,500-mile navigational challenge. Teammates Verena Mei (driver) and Tana White (navigator) return this year for redemption in the X-Cross class after placing second in the Sorento PHEV last year. “Kia’s longest running nameplate has a storied past of off-road desert racing with impressive results to boot in the Paris-Dakar rally and Baja 1000 race,” said Steve Center, COO and EVP, Kia America. “An incredible off-road contender back then, the latest iteration of the Sportage will build upon its legacy by tackling the arduous Rebelle Rally with finesse, especially with such a fierce team at the helm.” Rebelle Rally 2022 To help further the success of the team out on the trail, Kia partnered with Theresa Contreras and Sara Morosan, the powerhouse-sister team and owners of LGE-CTS Motorsports and Baja Forged off-road products, to prime the 2023 Sportage X-Pro for the rally. Wearing a wrap inspired by Kia’s new slogan, “Movement that Inspires,” the Sportage dons custom Baja Forged front- and rear bumpers complete with tow points and a custom roof rack. Skidplates in the front, rear and underbody will help protect the Sportage’s underbelly, while 17-inch Rhino wheels are wrapped in BFGoodrich® All-Terrain T/A K02 tires, sponsored by Michelin. Rebelle Rally 2022 This treatment enhances the already capable Sportage X-Pro, which is powered by a 187-hp 2.5-liter I-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Made for outdoor adventures right out of the gate, the X-Pro comes standard with an Active AWD system and multi-terrain drive modes with Normal, Sport, Smart, and Snow. In 2021, two 2022 Sorento PHEVs earned podium spots in the X-Cross class with second- and third place finishes. The previous year, a 2020 Telluride narrowly missed first place in the X-Cross class. Follow this year’s team on RebelleRally.com from Oct. 6-15. Kia America Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrified vehicles sold through a network of over 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America.* * The K5, Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride (excludes HEV and PHEV models) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. Press Release Information Accuracy Disclaimer: Information posted in press releases on the Kia Media website was accurate at the time of posting but may be superseded by subsequent releases or other information.