Members can save when they jettison their junk

It might be the dead of winter, but it’s never too soon to start thinking of spring cleaning, and AAA members can take advantage of discounts in removing their unwanted items this spring or any time of year.

Getting rid of the unused items that clutter up your house or garage is essential to living a cleaner, healthier life, and it’s easier than ever with 1-800-GOT-JUNK? ready to help. AAA members save 10 percent on the junk-removal service year-round.

Founded about 20 years ago, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? will remove almost anything, including old furniture, appliances, garden waste and renovation debris. Customers are charged by volume, not by the time it takes for removal.

Environmental responsibility is important to the company. In fact, more than 61 percent of junk removed nationally by 1-800-GOT-JUNK? is diverted from the landfill and recycled or reused by local non-profit partners.

Appointments for estimates can be made by calling (800) 468-5865 or at AAA.com/1800GOTJUNK. Members must provide their AAA membership number when calling, and a AAA membership card must be presented at time of service. The service is not offered in every area, but you can enter your zip code online or call to find out if there is a franchise near you.

Sharpen your mind to reduce crash risks

More important than seat belts and air bags to driver safety is a sharp mind fit for the rigors of the road, so AAA is offering members an improved brain fitness program at a discount.

Introduced two years ago in partnership with the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and Posit Science, DriveSharp has been clinically proven to help drivers see more, react faster and cut their crash risk by up to 50 percent. The software program recently was updated to improve the user experience and to add a new visual processing and memory exercise.

The computer-based program is not a driving simulation. Instead, it’s a brain fitness software program with three computer-based exercises that are designed to improve reaction time, visual processing speed and useful field of view.

Several clinical studies have proven the program’s effectiveness. Users can increase their useful field of view by up to 200 percent and cut stopping distance by up to 22 feet at 55 mph. Users also will drive with greater confidence at night, in traffic and in new places.

While every driver can benefit from DriveSharp, it is particularly beneficial for drivers who are experiencing some effects of aging. Starting around age 30 and progressing over time, it begins to take the brain longer to process information and also makes it harder to ignore distractions.

These changes can hinder driving safety. Reacting to a situation while driving involves three steps: sensing, deciding and acting. Even if your brain is just milliseconds slower at taking these steps, it can mean the difference between having a crash and avoiding one.

Normally retailing for $89, DriveSharp can be purchased by AAA members at www.DriveSharpNow.com for $69 or the lowest available price from Posit Science. When visiting the site, enter AAA Missouri as your participating club.

Take steps to avoid heart disease, AAA encourages

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the nation, so to encourage members to get active and healthy, AAA Prescription Savings is offering a free pedometer during American Heart Month.

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease kills an estimated 630,000 Americans each year. Yet you can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease, including:

To help prevent heart disease, AAA is participating in American Heart Month. From Feb. 1–March 31, AAA members can receive a free pedometer when they call (866) AAA-SAVE (222-7283) and press #3. Members also will learn about the AAA Prescription Savings program, through which members save an average of 24 percent on medications at 59,000 pharmacy locations nationwide.

For program details, visit www.AAA.com/prescriptions. The offer of one pedometer per member per household is good Feb. 1–March 31 or while supplies last. AAA Prescription Savings is not insurance; discounts are only available at participating pharmacies.