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  Travel

  Discovering America's Heartbeat: Traveling With Amtrak

  In an age of jet travel and interstates, there is something sorefreshing about the idea of traveling by train. If you want to see the United States at a slower, more immersive pace, however, Amtrak is a mode of transport that can also be an experience instead of simply a means of getting from point A to point B.Amtrak, our national passenger railroad service, is a lifeline woven through the fabric of America. Its routes crisscross the continent, carrying passengers from bustling cities to peaceful pastoral backroads, privy to the nation's soul. From the iconic Northeast Corridor, which runs in-turn from Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., to the expansive views of the Southwest aboard the Southwest Chief, every Amtrak ride is a story waiting to unfold.One of the best parts of traveling by Amtrak is the chance to slow down and enjoy the ride. Train travel, so different from the frenetic pace of flying, gives you the chance to watch the slow-change of scenery. As the train rattles along, you may sit up gazing out the window at the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, the arid, sprawling deserts of Arizona, or the dense, green trees of the Pacific Northwest. Each look is a moment in America's natural beauty, unfolding right before your eyes.You feel quite at home in the onboard ambiance, modern with a touch of timeless. Whether you're spending your hours shut up in a roomette or a bedroom, or in one of the open seating sightseeing cars alongside fellow passengers, the train's various interior spaces are all created to cater different forms of needs, from the public to the private. You'll also be able to look forward to a dining car, where you'll be able to enjoy a gourmet meal while the train glides across the countryside. Whether you are enjoying a homey breakfast as it rises over the Great Plains or a fine dinner under the stars in the sky above the Rocky Mountains, Amtrak dining is a culinary experience unto itself.Amtrak travel is also a social experience. In contrast to the forced solitude of a car ride or the cold indifference of flying, train travel invites communion. Passengers of all stripes come together, bonded by the shared experience of the journey. At these places, conversations come easily as strangers become friends, sharing stories about their destinations and the experiencesencountered along the way. It's not unusual when traveling to exchange advice with another traveler on the best things to do in Chicago or the historical significance of the Grand Canyon with another passenger.The most memorable part of Amtrak travel is the connection to America's past. A number of the train routes trace historic rail lines that once served as the arteries of the nation's westwardexpansion. One such trip is the California Zephyr, which follows pioneer trails westward in search of opportunities for fortune. When you visit small towns and across the rural hinterlands the remnants of the past will reverberate, the tales of the people who have gone or are going before or after you and the dreams that built this great nation.Overall, Amtrak is a way to experience America in its entirety.It gives you a window into the country's beauty, allows you to experience its pulse and meet its residents. In an era where everything races past, Amtrak allows us to slow down and savor the ride and helps us understand what it is that makes America the rich, varied tapestry that it is. So, the next time you're planning a trip across this great land, I can't help butrecommend the allure of the rails. Board an Amtrak train and let the journey unfold!
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  Health & Wellness

  Etiology of Hives

  The medical name for hives is urticaria, and they are a commonly occurring skin condition that involves sudden, itchy, red and swollen areas of skin, know as welts, on the skin. They can also vary in size and shape and often arise and subside multiple times in a short period. Hives are usually not life threatening, but can be painful and distressing. Once you know what is triggering it or treated the underlying causes of the hives, your hives will go away. Life history and co-morbidities have a debilitating impact affecting transition to adulthood, and the hive is one of them. Here are the reasons why you encounter the hives.1.Allergic ReactionsFirst and foremost, allergic reactions are among themost widespread causes of hives. When the body reacts to an allergen, the immune system is hyperactive and release histamine and other chemicals in the blood. This results in blood vessel dilation and the swelling and itchiness characteristic of hives. Several common allergens which may lead to the hives include nuts, eggs and dairy products. And if you are stung and bitten by some insects, you may also have the chance to get hives. Even exposure to latex or certain chemicals has made me break out into hives in some cases.2.Physical StimuliThese typesof hives occur for example might occur after physical stimulation of the skin. There are many sub-typeswithin each category which may have a different trigger. Dermatographism, or “skin writing,” is an example of this phenomenon in which, when the skin is lightly scratched or rubbed, raised welts appear.The cold hives can be obtained by the exposure to the low temperature, while the solar hives results from the exposure to the sunlight. Heat hives which is caused by heat, cholinergic hives which is caused by the increase in body temperature such as exercise or taking showers, are other common physical hives. What is more, hives can be caused by these physical triggers that make the mast cells in the skin histamine-producing cells.3.InfectionsOne more common reason that causes the hives is the infection by virus or bacteria. Other viral infections — like the regular flu and hepatitis — can stir the immune response so much that hives result. The hives also can happen during a viral illness, particularly from the common cold, and can occur when you are infected by bacteria, especially because of the streptococcus or staphylococcus. And hives can be caused by all sorts of conditions, including infections from parasites.Infections are thought to elicit hives through the same process, although the exact mechanism is not fully understood.4.Systemic DiseasesHives may also be thesymptom of an underlying systemic disease. Chronic urticaria is often associated with autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disease. Increased inflammation and rushing histamine are generated under these circumstances, causing the immune system to inaccurately attack the body’s own tissue. Certain cancers can also be behind hives, as part of the immune response the body launches to fight the malignancy, particularly lymphomas and leukemias. In some cases, hives can be a sign of an underlying endocrine disorder, such as diabetes or adrenal insufficiency.All in all, hives can have many different causes, with both allergic and nonallergenic sources behind the mechanisms that lead to this condition. The cause of what that will be individualized for what kind, however, will always have a foundation to the treatment and management of the eczema that person has. In several instances, recognizing and avoiding the trigger can greatly lessen the frequency and intensity of outbreaks. But chronic urticaria may require a more complex treatment plan that could involve antihistaminesor other medications to help manage symptoms. With further research, revealing the mechanisms behind hives, new and more targeted treatments are likely to come, and that driveshope who have to deal with thisproblem.
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  Home & Garden

  Furniture Worth Buying at Sears Furniture Outlets

  There is no a betterdestination than the SearsFurniture Outlets for smart shoppers looking for that nice and quality furniture at affordable prices. They are renowned and famous for their low prices, brandname items, and a large selection that includes all different types of furniture. Whether you’re furnishing a new home, upgrading your current space or simply looking for a statement piece, here are some furniture items toconsider at Sears Furniture Outlets.1.Living Room FurnitureSears Outlets have a wide selection of sofas, sectionals and recliners to fit everyone’s needs because a living room is the heart of any home. Look for solid, stylish offerings from good names, such as Craftsman or Kenmore. Leather sofas are relatively low-maintenance and madefor a classic look, so they are quite common, while fabric sectionals provide the comfort and ease needed for larger families. Since many pieces are available in a few colors as well as different configurations, though, you should be able to find what works for you.2.Dining Room SetsDining room and Built-in setsare the top furniture options at Sears Furniture Outlets, because Sears Furniture Outlets are a great locationfor dining room sets that will blend function as well as beauty. From traditional wooden tables to contemporary glass-top designs, there truly is something for every aesthetic. Many come with matching chairs, buffets, or hutches that you can combine fora coordinated look. If you need to watch your wallet, youcan find some sets onsale where the value is hard to beat without skimping on quality.3.Bedroom FurnitureA restful night of sleep begins with proper and appropriate bedroom furniture, and Sears Outlets don’t disappoint with their variety of beds, dressers, and nightstands. You can find options that suit your style, whether you prefer a sleek platform bed or a traditional sleigh bed. The coordinating pieces that come with many bedroom sets, like mirrors and chests of drawers, could make it easier to complete a cohesive retreat.4.MattressesSears is known for having high-quality mattresses, andthe outlets usually have the big brands — Serta, Simmons and Tempur-Pedic — at lower prices. Whether it’s a plush pillow-top for maximum comfort or a firm mattress for back support, you’ll discover several options to fulfill your sleep preferences. Most mattresses have warranties, so you are covered for the long haul.5.Home Office FurnitureWith remote work becoming more widespread, a functional home office is more important than ever. Sears Outlets has the desks, chairs and storage you need to set up a productive work space.These may be ergonomic chairs to keep you comfortable on long work days or desks that allow storage space to keep your work area clean.6.Outdoor FurnitureDurable and stylish furniture for youroutdoor space from patio dining sets to inviting lounge chairs, you’ll find designs built to endure the elements while elevating your outdoor living experience. Most outdoor furniture is constructed of weatherproof materials suchas wicker or metal, which prolong the life of the set and make it very easy to care for.Known for their unbeatable deals on floor models, overstock items and discontinued lines, Sears Furniture Outlets also often offer big savings. That does mean you can snap shop high-end furniture at a fraction of the price. Furthermore, Sears is known for its good customer service, which provides a seamless shopping experience.Finally, Sears Furniture Outlets is a gold mine for anyone looking to furnish their home with stylish, high-quality, and affordable furniture.Whether you’re in the market for a single piece or a complete set, you’ll surely find something that suits your needs and is above your expectations.Exploretheir offering and don't miss out on great deals.