Jim Rossman | Tribune News Service (TNS)

I love to drive, which is good, because I get a lot of opportunities to review gadgets for drivers.

This week I’m looking at a handful of useful things to make your drive safer or more comfortable.

You’ll notice I have included two air inflators. I like them both and they each have their advantages. Pricing included is retail price, but you may find them cheaper.

The Laxon DR-6000 Vehicle Air Massage Seat. (Laxon/TNS)

Dr Well Laxon DR-6000 Vehicle Air Massage Seat

As I get older, a comfortable place to sit is becoming more important. I love driving long distances, but my hips and back start to get sore after about 90 minutes in my driver’s seat.

The Laxon DR-6000 Vehicle Air Massage Seat ($399.99, Laxon.us or Amazon.com) is designed to sit on top of your seat. It straps to the headrest and around the back of the seat.

The DR-6000 uses a small air compressor to quickly fill air chambers strategically placed on the back and bottom of the seat. There are different massage modes that provide differing levels of massage. I’m a big guy, so I liked the more aggressive settings.

The compressor is housed in a small pouch that hangs down under your knees. It is quiet and fills the air chambers quickly.

The DR-6000 also has a seat heater that I didn’t need in Texas this summer, but I’m sure it’ll be handy this winter.

The massage and heat levels are controlled from a small wired remote that tucks into a pocket by the compressor.

The TopdonV2200Plus. (Topdon/TNS)

Topdon V2200Plus Jump Starter

A small, battery-powered jump starter has replaced jumper cables in my vehicles for the last few years.

The Topdon V2200Plus ($149.99, topdon.us) can jumpstart your vehicle up to 35 times on a full charge.

It can jump up to 8-liter gas or 6-liter diesel engines, delivering up to 2,200 amps of peak current.

The clamps are smart enough to prevent you from doing damage to your vehicle or the jump starter if you’ve got them on the wrong posts.

The V2200Plus also has Bluetooth that can talk to an app on your phone that will give you a report on the health of your vehicle’s battery.

It also has an LED flashlight (handy) and it can charge your phone or other USB-powered devices.

I can’t tell you how many people I’ve helped with a portable jump starter. This is a good one.

HOTO Air Pump Master

Having a leaky tire is no fun. We’ve all been there. You see a little yellow low tire warning light on your dash and now you have to figure out which tire is low.

I also dislike hunting for a working air pump at a gas station, much less one that doesn’t require a credit card.

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The HOTO Air Pump Master ($169.99, hototools.com) is a cigar-box sized compressor with a slick LED screen in its control wheel.

It’s easy to set your desired air pressure and let the pump do its job. It’ll stop when the target pressure is reached.

The Air Pump Master has two hoses that attach for filling everything you’d want to inflate, from car and bike tires to air mattresses, inflatable tents, kayaks and paddleboards and sports balls.

The interface is really easy to use and the inflation is quick. It takes about a minute to inflate a car tire or kayak.

The rechargeable 7,500 milliamp-hour battery can get the job done, or you can plug into your car’s 12v port for working all day. HOTO says you can inflate up to 16 car tires on a charge.

It has a built-in LED light to make using it easy at night and the internal battery recharges through its USB-C port.

It includes a nice sturdy storage bag to keep the inflator and all the hoses and filler tips organized and ready to go.

The Pitaka MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 Qi2. (Pitaka/TNS)

Pitaka MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 Qi2

Everyone seems to have a phone mount in their car these days, and if you’re smart you have a charger built into that mount to keep your phone’s battery full.

The Pitaka MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 Qi2 ($59.99, ipitaka.com) is a 15-watt wireless fast charger for your compatible iPhone or Android phone. Your phone can charge from zero to 100 percent in 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Connect the included USB-C cable to the MagEZ and your phone’s battery will stay full as you navigate down the road.

This mount comes in two models, one for cars with horizontal or vertical air vents and one for Tesla Model3/Y.

It uses the Qi2 charging standard, adopted by Apple and various Android phone manufacturers. Its magnet is strong enough to keep your phone steady on the bumpiest roads.

If your phone doesn’t have a magnet in the back like my iPhone, you’ll need a compatible case to help your phone stick to the charger. Pitaka sells cases, but you can get them from other places as well.

The MagEZ has one interesting feature that is unusual. It has a three-position switch that activate NFC shortcuts.

Once you set it up the NFC, you can have your favorite music or navigation app launch automatically when the phone is placed in the charger. Slick feature.

The MagEZ uses a 17mm universal swivel ball mount, so if you don’t want to use the included vent mount, you can get a different mount to attach it to your dash or a window or whatever type you like.

The Syncwire Portable Inflator Air Pump. (Syncwire/TNS)

Syncwire Portable Inflator Air Pump

This is a tiny inflator that anyone can carry. I’d even recommend this one for e-bike riders or motorcyclists.

The Syncwire Portable Inflator ($79.99, syncwire.com) is about the size of a soft drink can and it can inflate car, motorcycle and bike tires or items like sports balls, air mattresses and inflatables. It has a maximum fill capacity of 150 psi.

The interface is quite simple. Press the power button, select the fill mode, set your desired pressure with the + and – buttons and attach the hose to whatever you want to fill. When connected, the display will show you the current pressure.

Pressing the power button starts the inflation and the compressor will stop when it reaches the desired pressure.

It has a 5,200mAh rechargeable battery that charges from a USB-C cable.

There is also a USB-A port that can charge your phone.

I tested this on my SUV. I deflated my tires down to 25 psi and it took about two and a half minutes to inflate them to 33 psi. I did note the inflator gets pretty warm during use, but it was manageable.

This inflator is inexpensive, easy to use and super convenient to stow in its included carry bag. It’ll fit in any trunk, saddle bag or toolbox.

Jim Rossman is a tech columnist for Tribune News Service. He may be reached at jrossmantechadviser@gmail.com.

©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Lezanne Winshaw | Bankrate.com (TNS)

Pet owners want the best for their furry friends, which often involves making decisions about their health care. One common dilemma is whether to invest in pet insurance or a pet wellness plan. In many cases, pet owners may want both.

Both pet insurance and wellness plans offer ways to manage your pet’s health expenses, but they serve different purposes. Understanding these differences will ensure you choose the right option for your pet’s needs.

What pet insurance is and how it works

Pet insurance is a financial product designed to cover unexpected veterinary costs that arise from accidents, illnesses and other unforeseen health issues. Like human health insurance, it provides a financial safety net for high-cost medical expenses.

How pet insurance works

Pet insurance policies typically involve paying a monthly premium in exchange for coverage of various medical expenses.

When your pet requires veterinary care, you pay the bill upfront and then submit a claim to the insurance company for reimbursement. The reimbursement amount depends on your policy’s coverage details, such as deductibles, copays and coverage limits.

Some insurers, like Trupanion, have a VetPay facility, meaning your insurance company pays the covered portion of your bill directly to the vet.

Pet insurance usually covers:

— Accidents and injuries (broken bones, swallowed objects)

— Diagnostic tests (blood tests, X-rays)

— Illnesses (cancer, diabetes, infections)

— Prescription medications

— Surgeries and hospitalizations

Some policies may also offer optional wellness care add-ons.

What pet wellness plans are and how they work

A pet wellness plan is designed to cover routine and preventive care. These plans help manage the cost of regular veterinary services that keep your pet healthy. Preventive care may help detect issues early before they become serious problems.

How pet wellness plans work

Pet wellness plans are offered as pet insurance add-ons or as stand-alone financial assistance.

They function on a subscription basis, where you pay a monthly or annual fee in exchange for a set of covered services. Unlike pet insurance, wellness plans usually do not involve filing claims and waiting for reimbursement. Instead, you receive discounted or fully covered services during your visit.

Not all pet insurance providers have wellness plans or preventive care add-ons. Some vet clinics offer wellness programs to help pet owners budget for routine pet healthcare. These may only be utilized at their clinic or network of animal hospitals.

Pet wellness plans typically cover:

— Dental cleanings

— Flea, tick and heartworm prevention

— Microchipping

— Routine blood work

— Routine check-ups and physical exams

— Spay/neuter procedures

— Vaccinations

These plans are ideal for budgeting regular veterinary care and ensuring your pet receives consistent preventive treatments.

Pet insurance vs. pet wellness plans

While pet wellness plans help to budget for routine pet care, pet insurance focuses on the unexpected.

When deciding between pet insurance and wellness plans, consider the following:

— Age and health: Young, healthy pets might benefit more from wellness plans focusing on preventive care, while older pets or breeds prone to health issues may need the comprehensive coverage of pet insurance.

— Budget: Evaluate your financial situation. Pet insurance can save you from unexpected, high medical bills, while wellness plans help manage routine care costs.

— Risk tolerance: If you prefer financial predictability, a wellness plan might suit you. Pet insurance could be the better option if you’re more concerned about potential high costs from accidents or illnesses.

— Vet visits: Consider how often you visit the vet. Regular visits for preventive care may justify the cost of a wellness plan, whereas infrequent visits might not.

Pet insurance pros

— Comprehensive coverage: Pet insurance provides extensive protection against unexpected and often costly medical emergencies.

— Financial safeguard: It helps manage large, unplanned for expenses that arise from serious illnesses or injuries.

— Peace of mind: Knowing you have a plan for crises can reduce stress and worry about your pet’s health.

Pet insurance cons

— Cost: Monthly premiums can add up, and there may be deductibles and copays to consider.

— Exclusions and waiting periods: Not all conditions are covered, and certain types of coverage may have waiting periods.

— Reimbursement process: You usually need to pay the vet bill upfront and wait for reimbursement, which can be a hassle.

Wellness plan pros

— Budget-friendly: Wellness plans allow you to spread out the cost of routine care over time, making it easier to manage your budget.

— Immediate benefits: There is usually no need to file claims or wait for reimbursement; covered services are provided during the visit.

— Preventive focus: These plans emphasize regular check-ups and preventive care, which can lead to early detection of health issues.

Pet wellness cons

— Limited coverage: Some wellness plans only cover a portion of the preventive care costs or only pay a maximum value per treatment or per year.

— Not customizable: Wellness plans often come as packages, which may include services you don’t need.

— Overlapping costs: If you already have pet insurance, adding a wellness plan might result in overlapping coverage and increased overall costs.

When to consider pet insurance

Pet health insurance is valuable for pet parents seeking financial protection and peace of mind in the event of unexpected accidents or illnesses. It covers emergency situations that demand immediate and often expensive veterinary care.

Some dog breeds have a higher chance of developing chronic illnesses such as diabetes or cancer. If you sign your pet up for insurance before signs of these develop, your pet’s policy can go a long way to helping cover the significant expenses that stack up for chronic medications and surgeries.

If you are one of the lucky ones whose four-legged friend gets through life without serious incident, paying monthly insurance premiums may seem like a waste of money. Contributing to a medical emergency fund may be a better use of your money. If something unexpected happens, you can always draw from your emergency account to cover vet bills.

When to consider a pet wellness plan

Pet wellness plans are ideal for pet owners who wish to prioritize preventive care and budget for routine veterinary services throughout the year.

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“Routine veterinary check-ups and preventive care can substantially lower the risk of expensive treatments for severe injuries and illnesses in the future,” says Melissa Meyer, veterinarian at Boksburg Animal Hospital, South Africa. “As a veterinarian, I understand how daunting a diagnosis can be, but I have seen significantly higher success rates when conditions are detected early. If a wellness plan can help you achieve this level of care for your pets, it is certainly a worthwhile consideration.”

A wellness plan can help puppies and kittens who undergo several vaccinations and other routine procedures in their first year or two of life manage these expenses. However, a wellness policy with these specific benefits may be excessive for older pets who have been microchipped, spayed or neutered.

With a little research, it is easy to budget for routine veterinary costs like vaccinations and annual check-ups.

However, if some of these happen in a short space of time, it may be challenging to have that amount of cash on hand. In this case, paying smaller, more regular amounts as a monthly wellness plan premium may be more manageable.

Next steps

Pet insurance is a financial safety net for unforeseen illness and injury that can lead to hefty vet bills.

The cost of pet insurance varies depending on your pet’s age, breed and location, as well as which policy parameters you select (reimbursement percentage, deductibles, maximum coverage). Plans for pet wellness help pet owners budget for routine pet care such as vaccinations, teeth cleanings and annual check-ups.

Deciding between pet insurance and a pet wellness plan depends on your pet’s specific needs and your financial situation. Pet insurance might be the right choice if you are concerned about covering the cost of unexpected emergencies.

On the other hand, if you want to ensure consistent preventive care and manage routine veterinary expenses, a wellness plan could be more suitable.

By understanding the differences between pet insurance and wellness plans, you can make an informed choice that best suits your pet’s health needs and your financial situation. Remember, the goal is to ensure your pet receives the best care possible, keeping them happy and healthy for years to come.

Frequently asked questions

— Can I have both pet insurance and a wellness plan? Yes, many pet owners choose to have both. Pet insurance covers emergencies and serious illnesses, while a wellness plan covers routine and preventive care. This combination can provide comprehensive coverage for your pet.

— What does pet insurance typically not cover? Pet insurance often excludes pre-existing conditions, routine and preventive care (unless added as an optional rider), and certain hereditary conditions. Be sure to read the policy details to understand the exclusions.

— How do I choose the right pet insurance policy? Consider factors such as coverage options, deductibles, reimbursement rates and customer reviews. Compare multiple providers to find a policy that fits your budget and meets your pet’s needs.

— Are pet wellness plans worth it? If you regularly take your pet for check-ups and preventive care, a wellness plan can be a cost-effective way to manage those expenses. Evaluate the services included in the plan and compare them to your pet’s needs to determine if it’s worth it for you.

— Can I switch from a wellness plan to pet insurance? Most pet insurance providers will allow you to switch from a wellness plan to an accident and illness policy or vice versa. However, be aware that switching may involve new waiting periods and potential exclusions for pre-existing conditions. It’s essential to time the switch carefully to avoid gaps in coverage.

(Visit Bankrate online at bankrate.com.)

©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

ALONG BIRCH LAKE — In an era when many small resorts are sold off for their waterfront land values and developed into condos or lake homes — Minnesota has fewer than half the “ma and pa” resorts it did 50 years ago — Sean and Jill Leary are bucking the trend.

The Learys are building North of North, a three-cabin resort on 11 acres of raw land at 12265 State Highway 1, 10 miles east of Ely, from scratch.

The first cabin was ready for guests last week, the other two were just about finished and their website went live this week to accept reservations.

“It’s taken a little longer than we expected, but we’re almost there,” Jill Leary said as she unpackaged steak knives from a box for one of the cabin kitchens. “There was nothing here before. No driveway. … The first time we came to the property, we had to come by boat.”

It’s been exhausting work and many trips back and forth from their home in Minneapolis. They cut a path from Highway 1 into the property and slowly figured out how the cabins would fit onto the landscape.

North of North Resort is located on Birch Lake near Ely, Minn. Sean Leary and his wife, Jill, are building the three-cabin resort on 11 acres of raw land, with 1,100 feet of shoreline, from scratch. It is designed to accommodate people with disabilities and gives them access to outdoor recreation. (Courtesy of North of North Resort)

North of North is an all-new destination for lovers of the Ely experience, the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness — just a stone’s throw up the Kawishiwi River. But it’s also perhaps unique in the Northland woods for being built, from the ground up, to be fully accessible for many people with disabilities.

It hasn’t just been Sean and Jill Leary on the job. It’s been a family affair with daughters Annika,10, and Britta, 7, helping along with the family’s sled dog, Freya.

The idea sprouts

The Learys were on their first post-pandemic family vacation to the Yellowstone National Park region a few years ago when they decided they wanted their own destination in the northwoods of their home state. Moreover, they wanted a place where others with disabilities — Jeff has been using a wheelchair for 23 years — could enjoy Minnesota’s “up north” like everyone else.

They had an idea to build a small resort using accessible design principles so people at any stage of their lives, from the elderly to families with infants and strollers, could get around. Even the waterfront lot they chose was picked because of its relatively flat topography, with easy access to the lake.

Britta Leary, 7, asks her mom, Jill Leary, to help open a box as they stock supplies in one of the new cabins at their resort, North of North. (Clint Austin / Forum News Service)

From the gentle slopes between the driveway to the cabins, and paths to the lakes, to the height of the cabin counters and tables, to the wheel-in showers and the 425-foot boardwalk and floating dock on the lake, everything about North of North is designed to be accessible under guidelines in the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Little things, like lower light switches and shower controls, and an opening under the sink so a wheelchair-bound person can wash dishes, are icing on the cake.

Even the doors to the barrel-style saunas have been widened to make way for wheelchairs.

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“People throw around ‘accessible’ pretty easily,” Sean said. “Everyone has a different definition. … Hopefully, we are there for most people.” He’s also been visiting Ely restaurants and other attractions to take note of accessibility and offer tips for his future guests.

It’s all about removing barriers, from thresholds of cabin and sauna doors to getting into a kayak on the lake. It’s the Learys’ goal to create a place that is not only welcoming and accessible for anyone to stay but also opens access to the great outdoors to people who haven’t always been able to get out.

“It really doesn’t take that much more thought to do this in a way that works for people in chairs,” said Sean, 41. “Yet, most of the time, people still don’t think of it when they are building something.”

Access to outdoor adventure

Sean Leary was 18 when he was driving home from a long day of work one night during his summer before college. He drifted to sleep and his truck left the road. The accident cost him the use of his legs and he has been in a wheelchair ever since.

But it didn’t take long for Sean to move on. An avid wilderness paddler and snowboarder before the accident, he adapted his outdoor pursuits to his newly defined abilities, including off-road hand bikes. He traveled across the U.S. and Europe and tried scuba diving and adaptive wilderness canoe trips. He met Jill when she was a canoe guide, and the St. Cloud natives married in 2010.

Sean’s theory is that if you build it right, they can and will come — meaning anyone with accessibility issues.

Building it right for people with accessibility issues also makes access easier for others, Leary notes. He calls it “the curb-cut effect.” Curb cuts on sidewalks allow people in wheelchairs to cross streets, but they also allow kids on bikes and trikes to cross, parents pushing strollers, senior citizens and people with other, less noticeable physical impairments.

Jill sees the resort as a destination for family reunions and group trips.

“We hope this becomes a place where families can bring grandma and grandpa back to the lake again,” Sean added. “But anyone can come here. … Do you think disabled people only want to be around other disabled people?”

The Learys have had to correct some confusion about the resort. Since they have more than $1 million tied up in a mortgage with their name on it, the resort itself is for-profit and has to pay the bills and at least break even.

“We don’t expect to make money off this,” said Jill, 39. “It (the resort) has to make it on its own, but we’re both going to keep our day jobs.” Jill is a teacher in the Minneapolis school system; Sean is an environmental project consultant.

“We’ve put everything we have into this,” Sean said.

The 1,100-square-foot cabins are not inexpensive. At $550 per night, they are competitive with the region’s nicer resorts and VRBO rentals.

One of the fully accessible cabins at North of North Resort. Each of the three cabins can sleep eight people and has a screen porch, deck and sauna. (Courtesy of North of North Resort)

And, they are first-class, including panoramic views of the forest and scenic Birch Lake; individual saunas (with lake views) for each unit; sleeping arrangements for up to eight people; screened-in porches; a deck with barbecue grill and campfire pit; a dishwasher, washer and dryer; televisions, high-speed internet and Wi-Fi.

Through the Learys’ nonprofit, Adaptive Wilderness Within Reach, they hope to set up people with physical disabilities in the cabins while they participate in various wilderness experiences like kayaking, canoeing, fishing, cycling, dog sledding and more.

To that end, AWWR (say it fast to sound like a wolf howling) already has received $16,000 from the Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation — with additional state money expected soon — to buy accessible kayaks and build an accessible kayak launch at the end of their unusually long boardwalk/dock, which is also fully accessible. Canoes and kayaks can be rented, and Sean said he hopes to go into accessible BWCAW outfitting in the future.

Motorboats and other watercraft can be docked at the resort for free and can also be rented and delivered to the resort by Ely outfitters.

Making local connections

The Learys are working with local guides and businesses such as Ely-based Piragis Northwoods (kayaking and canoeing) and Wintergreen (dog sledding) to provide instructional and guided opportunities for participants.

They’ve also arranged for a wild rice harvesting demonstration early this autumn by a member of the local Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe, noting their waterfront is packed with manoomin.

The Learys made an early choice to buy local as they built. Their general contractor, Reed Alan, has a place on Snowbank Lake nearby. Most of the contractors have been local. The Learys hired Dave Sugg, of Ely, to run the daily operations. Much of the wood was sourced from northern Minnesota sawmills.

When Jill needed an indoor place to stain wood paneling that would be going up in the cabins, their plumbing contractor offered his shop for free.

The effort has received financial backing from several sources, including Minnesota-based Sunrise Bank, the Northland Foundation, Lake Country Power and the Entrepreneur Fund.

“A lot of people are invested in this now. … We’ve had such great cooperation and buy-in from just about everyone in and around Ely,” Jill said. “I’m in the hardware store at least once every trip now. … They know me by name.”

Sean said the new resort and nonprofit’s missions have been just as accepted by the local community as the money they spend in town.

“People with accessibility issues really haven’t been able to take full advantage of the natural resources we have up here, the Boundary Waters, the lakes,” Sean said. “And I think people here are really behind the fact we’re trying to open that up, bring in new people who haven’t had the chance to experience all this.”

For more information on North of North Resort, or to make reservations, go to northofnorthresort.com. To find out more about the nonprofit Adaptive Wilderness Within Reach, go to awwr.org.

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