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 24 Protect Plus (SM), a premier security program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, understands that the joys of bicycle riding are not without risks. In fact, statistics show that some 300,000 kids end up in the local E.R. every year with anything from bumps and bruises to far more serious injuries -- all from bicycle-related mishaps.

Almost everyone can remember when they first learned to ride a bicycle: The sense of accomplishment they felt when the training wheels were removed and they zoomed down the street at breakneck speed. From 24ProtectPlus's view, though, it's the "breakneck" part of things that can be a cause for concern. Bicycle riding is a blast, yes, but overlooking important safety measures could lead to a wild ride of another kind -- a one-way ticket to permanent injury.

With that in mind, 24 Protect Plus offers some important and easy-to-follow bicycle safety tips for kids. And since plenty of adults out there are basically just "grown-up kids" themselves, any and all of these safety tips are important to ensure that the young bike riders of today can become the road racers and cycling enthusiasts of tomorrow:

-- Heads up. Plain and simple, a head injury can mean brain injury. So don't let kids mess around. Much like the motorcycle rider who thinks he looks cool driving down the road wearing only sunglasses for protection, children sometimes need to be protected from themselves. Don't let them tempt fate. All bike riders need helmets -- no exceptions. And that's not just 24ProtectPlus talking -- it's the law in most states.

-- What's your color? Kids who wear bright colors while bike riding and adorn their bikes with reflectors have the right idea. Motorists don't always pay attention to the road -- let alone the side of it -- so it's important to always be visible. If the journey calls for travel on heavily trafficked roads, have kids break out the extra-bright colors. Make sure kids are less concerned with clashing … and more concerned with crashing.

-- Don't hit the brakes! While kids may think they're fast becoming kings (and queens) of the roadways, it only takes one nasty spill to shake them up. Make sure that kids know not to hit the brakes on sand, wet leaves, and loose gravel or rocks.

-- Get the signals. Kids (and plenty of adults) need to know the proper hand signals when bike riding. Remember: Road riders are out there right alongside vehicles (driving with traffic; not against it). So make sure that kids know all the basic hand signals -- left turn, right turn, slow down, and stop. Safety on the road should start early.

So ride on, bike riders, kids and adults alike. Just be sure to take the fast lane to safety -- courtesy of 24 Protect Plus.

24 Protect Plus (SM), a premier security program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, knows how much fun summer can be. Gatherings with family and friends seem to increase markedly as the mercury rises. And since pets are often part of those summertime festivities, 24 Protect Plus wants to offer some helpful tips on how to keep pets safe and having fun.

Domesticated pets like dogs, cats and parakeets all need help with those summertime "do's" and "don'ts." Plain and simple, our pets count on us to protect them. Like 20th-century Scottish veterinarian/writer James Herriot (born James A. Wight) said, "I hope to make people realize how totally helpless animals are, how dependent on us, trusting as a child must that we will be kind and take care of their needs." With that in mind, 24ProtectPlus has some important summertime safeguards for all those creatures great and small:

-- Go solo. When it comes to running errands in the summer heat, go it alone. A car parked in the summer sun can heat up like a microwave in a matter of minutes. And rolling down the windows isn't much of a solution. There are too many sad stories out there about pets that were left out in the swelter -- for too long.

-- How Coleridge kept his cool. Just as "The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner" reminds us, having lots of water around doesn't guarantee we'll get to drink it. The same goes for pets; they need to have water bowls frequently checked and refreshed. Heed English writer Samuel T. Coleridge's words, and make sure pets have clean and drinkable water around at all times.

-- Walking on the sun. We all love sun and clear skies, but too much of a good thing isn't great for the skin. The same goes for pets; believe it or not, they will benefit from sunscreen. Better yet, it's probably a good idea to keep them out of the bright sun altogether. If pets must be out in the summer sizzle, take some time to apply sun protection -- especially to sensitive areas like the outer ears, mouth and nose.

-- Clip to my Lou. Not that pets shouldn't learn to dance or appreciate rhythmic clapping (we're talking "Skip to My Lou" for that), but why not save that for a rainy day? Instead, keep pets well-groomed. For cats and dogs especially, tangled or matted hair can be uncomfortable, so a neat 'do might be just the thing to do during the hotter weather.

Show those pets some good ol' TLC this summer. The hotter it gets, the more they may need these safety-minded messages from 24 Protect Plus.

24 Protect Plus (SM), a premier security program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, wants to send out a message: Spring 2008 is here! So this year, along with flower planting and lawn maintenance, why not add car care to that spring-cleaning list? With the winter chill now only a memory, it won't be long before it's time to lower the car windows and raise the stereo volume. Hibernation period is over, people. Celebrate the rebirth by revitalizing the car.

Like 20th-century American writer E.B. White said, "Everything in life is somewhere else, and you get there in a car." So with that in mind, why not make that a clean-running, clean-looking car? 24ProtectPlus offers these safe and sensible car care tips; just think of it as a spring cleaning on wheels:

-- Honest Abe tells the entire truth. Start by checking the tires. Just take a penny and insert it in the tire's tread. If the top of President Lincoln's head sticks out, it may be time to replace the tires. That extra space may indicate signs of wear-and-tear. So don't take a chance. Worn-down tires don't grip the road well.

-- Clean that baby from head to toe. For some, a car is like a precious kid. And keeping it clean should always be top-of-mind. When cleaning, though, flip-flop things: Wash from bottom to top. Be sure to clean up the tires and undercarriage first. And use a separate cleaning mitt for the car's body. When it comes time to clean the inside, a hand or industrial vacuum should do the trick.

-- Air it out. Sure, it's great to have a clean car interior/exterior, but a great-looking car doesn't help engine performance. Check the air filter to see if it's clean. Any gunk left over from winter could slow things down.

-- Wipe the slate clean. Cars that have been out all -- or even part -- of the winter may have damaged wiper blades. And if April showers do indeed show up to bring May flowers, your wipers will need to work properly. Check them for cracking, tearing or chattering. Wipers that don't keep the windshield clean are all but useless.

-- Name that tune-up. The sound of a healthy car engine is music to the ears. Celebrate spring's return by checking all car vitals. Consider a tune-up that includes checking the battery, changing out the oil and inspecting the engine.

In addition to offering these helpful car care ideas, AP9 24 Protect Plus can also help with home improvement projects, legal and financial advice and other key safeguards. Enjoy a safe return to the road this spring: Happy motoring from the pros at 24ProtectPlus.

Spring is finally around the corner, and people all over the country are preparing to get their act in gear. Spring cleaning, yard work and the long-neglected home repairs are some of the activities on people’s lists. 24Protect Plus (SM), a premier security program provided by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, recommends taking extra safety precautions while cleaning up the home and property, since many of the activities can pose a variety of health and safety risks.

Some may ask, what could be dangerous about cleaning the house? For starters, opening the windows to a warmer climate allows mosquitoes and other bugs to come in and out; taking care of the yard means taking more tools out of the garage and within the reach of kids; and moving furniture around can increase the chances for children and adults to trip and fall. None of these are things to panic about, but they merit attention. It’s all about awareness and prevention.

To promote a safe and enjoyable new season, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind while preparing the house for spring, brought by 24ProtectPlus:

When outdoors:

-- Choose a good insect repellent, and apply over skin and clothes. Experts recommend having one bug spray for adults and another for children.

-- Deet, citronella and soybean oil are the most common ingredients on insect repellents. Products with deet are generally the best ones, but because it’s absorbed through the skin, it’s important to read the label and make sure the product doesn’t contain more than 10% deet.

-- Warn your family when standing near a frozen river or lake. In early spring, the ice is beginning to thaw, increasing the risk of drowning or falling into freezing water.

When mowing lawn:

-- Make sure to rake before mowing, to keep stones and debris from launching into the air.

-- Wear proper eye protection, and avoid using loose clothing and open shoes.

-- Check equipment before starting, and fuel up only when the engine is cool and off. Also, place blade guards on all trimming and cutting equipment.

When cleaning or repairing the house:

-- Keep any household and pool chemicals, poisons, paint and cleaning products out of the reach of children at all times. Try to do chores that involve these products when the kids are under adult supervision or away from home.

-- Use the ladder carefully. Read the manufacturer’s instructions, inspect before using, and verify that the ladder is the right height for the job.

-- When moving furniture, place them away from windows and accessible drapery cords; also, keep traffic areas free of clutter at all times to avoid tripping and injuries.

In addition to offering these helpful tips, AP9 24ProtectPlus can help families with their home improvement projects; legal and financial advice; medical records storage, and other key safeguards. Whenever families require savings and safety information, they can count on 24 Protect Plus.

 24ProtectPlus (SM), a premier security program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, understands that a healthy pet is a happy pet. Most pet owners treat their pets like cherished family members. So be sure that, along with basic food and shelter, their health needs are also met.

Here’s how to ensure that your pet enjoys a long and happy life, according to 24 Protect Plus:

1. Spay or neuter your pet. An estimated three to four million unwanted cats and dogs are euthanized each year. Other homeless animals struggle to survive in the wild. AP9 24 Protect Plus believes that one of the most important things you can do for your cat or dog is to spay or neuter it. This can actually prevent future health problems by reducing the risk of certain cancers of the reproductive system.

2. Monitor their diet. The obesity epidemic among humans has spread to our pets. Doting pet-lovers often spoil their beloved pooches and kitties with between-meal treats or table scraps. It’s best to stick to a high-quality pet food and monitor pets’ weight.

3. Exercise them regularly. With regular exercise, you can avoid enrolling Rover in Weight Watchers classes. It will also improve Rover’s mental health. If shredded pillows or chewed-up shoes are regular household occurrences, chances are Rover is suffering from a major case of boredom, and no amount of scolding will change that. A brisk daily walk can be invigorating for all concerned!

Exercising cats requires a bit more creativity, but even an indoor cat will enjoy swatting a small ball around or stalking a toy mouse. Just be sure not to leave them alone with any items they could accidentally swallow or choke on, like a string.

4. Train your dog. Ever been embarrassed when Fido greets a visitor on his hind legs? Or felt frustrated when Fido runs in the other direction after being beckoned? Structured obedience classes can strengthen the bond between owner and dog, teach socialization skills and even save his life in situations where responding to a command is essential.

Cats, in contrast, approach life independently, notes AP9 24ProtectPlus. Ambitious cat owners might still teach the feline a few tricks, but cat lovers mostly understand that a purr and a snuggle — when they’re in the mood — is all the “obedience” they’ll get.

5. Build a relationship between vet and pet. Dogs and cats need annual check-ups and vaccinations. It’s an inexpensive way to ensure they don’t contract a fatal illness. It’s a bit less important for indoor cats, but if she’s prone to “escaping” at any opportunity, play it safe and vaccinate. Watch for fleas, ticks, heartworm and Lyme disease, too.

When illness does strike, the signs can be subtle. Sickly animals in the wild become prey for predators, so a pet’s natural instinct may be to not show outward signs of distress. Loss of appetite, weight loss and fatigue are all common signs of illness. Behavioral changes may also signal that something is amiss.

The expenses of treating a pet’s illness can rival are own medical bills. Purchasing pet insurance before illness strikes can keep vet expenses can much more manageable.

6. Create a safe home environment. Pet-proof the home. Certain houseplants are poisonous if consumed. Medications and pesticides should be kept tightly sealed and well out of reach of pets. Common chemicals in the garage, such as antifreeze, can prove fatal to pets in minute amounts. Chocolate is also toxic to animals.

Our furry friends give us so much unconditional love. They deserve the extra attention that keeping them healthy entails, says 24 Protect Plus.