Despite heavy competition from the likes of Ford Ranger and Jeep Gladiator, Toyota’s Tacoma produced outstanding results and dominated the midsize pickup segment in the United States last year. The company sold a personal-best 248,000 Tacoma vehicles, showing off a 1.3% increase in the number sold in 2018. Experts predict the car’s dominance to continue in the coming years, with the all-new 2020 Tacoma expected to break further ground.
Launched in September 2019, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma is an engineering marvel equipped with sensational off-roading capabilities, next-generation technology, and an expansive list of standard amenities. The model is by far better than its predecessor, having a whole list of upgrades and features not found in the 2019 Tacoma model.
Next-gen Toyota Entune 3.0
Technology is one major differentiator between the 2020 and 2019 Tacoma. The next-generation Toyota Entune 3.0 touchscreen infotainment system replaces the Entune interface found in the 2019 model. The new system features a seven-inch touchscreen and provides access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and onboard Wifi Connect capabilities.
Entune 3.0 also brings Scout GPS Link with Full-Moving Maps, Dynamic Navigation, Remote Connect, and Safety Connect. The all-new Toyota Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) System and the Innovative Multi-Terrain Monitor (MVM) system provide a 360-degree view of the terrain above and below.
New front grilles
To set it apart from the 2019 Tacoma model, Toyota has added characteristic front grilles to the 2020 edition. Nearly, every trim has a different premium grille and wheel design. The Tacoma TRD Off-Road, for instance, has a horizontal weave pattern, which is very different from its vertical structure. The TRD Pro, meanwhile, features black Toyota grilles and black 16-inch alloy wheels.
10-way Power Seat
Almost every Tacoma owner is somewhat unsatisfied with the awkward positioning of the driver’s seat. Before the 2020 version, the driver’s seat was only four-way manually adjustable, adding further discomfort among Tacoma owners. Toyota resolutely addressed it in the latest edition, which has 10-way power adjusting in all trim levels SR5 and above. This will come as welcome news, allowing drivers of different sizes and heights supreme comfort.
LED Lighting
The addition of LED lighting is another differentiating aspect of the 2020 Tacoma. Almost every trim has this feature, including LED bed lamps, headlamps, and daytime running lights. The TRD Pro even has Rigid Industries LED fog lights and sequential lights.
New Tuning
The Toyota Racing Development division updated tuning on the Fox shocks of the 2020 TRD Pro trim. These are 2.5-inch internal bypass absorbers that are immensely helpful in off-road riding, handling, traction, and comfort. With the new tuning, the 2020 TRD is a powerful weapon in almost any condition and is miles ahead of the off-roading capabilities of the 2019 Tacoma.
-
Here’s what you need to know about osteoporosis tests
Read moreOsteoporosis is a form of arthritis that causes the bones to weaken, which makes them increasingly fragile and highly prone to fractures. It is estimated that around two million fractures are caused by this condition annually. Although osteoporosis can affect any bone, it is usually observed in body parts like wrist, spine, and hip. Almost 80 percent of the osteoporosis patients are postmenopausal women. This is because, during menopause, a woman’s body experiences a significant hormonal change. Therefore, it is essential for women over 65 to get osteoporosis assessments on a regular basis.
How often should you get screened for osteoporosis?
The osteoporosis testing frequency depends on multiple factors like age, gender, underlying medical conditions, medical and family history. For example, if you are a woman in your 60s in the post-menopause phase with vitamin D deficiency, then you should get osteoporosis testing done every year. On the other hand, if you are a healthy woman in your postmenopausal phase, then you should get osteoporosis testing done in every two years.Moreover, osteoporosis testing is not only valuable for identifying the condition but also for monitoring it. If you are already dealing with osteoporosis, then the doctor might ask you to get screened in every few months to keep an eye on the progress of the condition and how well are the treatments working against it.
What does osteoporosis testing involve?
After you have discussed your symptoms, medical and family history with the doctor, a physical exam will be performed. If the doctor suspects any anomalies, she or he will recommend you with the following two tests for osteoporosis.- Bone density evaluation Like the name suggests, the bone density evaluation (DEXA test dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) gauges if the mass inside the bone tissue has reduced.
- Urine and blood exam Such type of tests allow the doctors to verify if bone loss is occurring due to an underlying health condition.
Likewise, QCT (quantitative computed tomography) is typically used for assessing any changes in the spine, however, it can detect bone changes in any part of the body. QCT for bone loss is done to review the effectiveness of the osteoporosis treatments.
Do insurance companies cover osteoporosis testing?
Yes, insurance providers like Medicare will cover expenses for osteoporosis testing like DEXA in every two years for:- Women who are 65 years or above
- Men who are 70 years or above
For younger patients, any private insurance company will cover the screening costs if they:
- Have suffered a low impact fracture in past.
- Are battling a disease linked to bone loss.
- Have been taking medications associated with bone loss.
- Are already fighting osteoporosis.
- Are receiving cancer treatments.
- Are eligible for an osteoporosis treatment.
-
3 effective tips to quit smoking completely
Read morePeople pick up unhealthy habits due to a variety of reasons; it can either be peer pressure or some personal issue that forces them into developing this habit. One such addiction that claims 480,000 lives every year is smoking. Smoking is a highly-addictive habit that poses a great threat to the individual who smokes and those in the vicinity of smokers. In fact, passive smoking or secondhand smoking has resulted in about 41,000 deaths every year.
So, if a loved one is trying to kick the butt, they’ll need all they can get. Here are some handy tips that will help people quit smoking effectively.
Gear up before going “cold turkey”
One cannot quit smoking simply by throwing away the cigarettes out. Smoking is an addiction and it affects the brain as well. The brain becomes addicted to the nicotine, and without it, the individual will experience withdrawal symptoms. Which is why it is imperative to make arrangements in advance as the individual will need support to get through this phase. So, it is sensible to ask the doctor for ways to cope with the withdrawal symptoms, or join some quit-smoking classes, establish a solid support system, counseling, or opting for hypnosis or medication.Opt for nicotine replacement therapy
When someone decides to quit smoking, the nicotine withdrawal can give them headaches, fatigue, and mood swings. The craving will hit them hard, and the urge for “one last drag” will make all the efforts futile. If this is the case, opting for nicotine replacement therapy can help ease the withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine replacement therapy includes nicotine gum, nicotine patches, and lozenges, and these will improve one’s chances of quitting smoking successfully.Avoid alcohol and other triggers
Alcohol is known to weaken one’s resolve as people under the influence of alcohol aren’t capable of making sound decisions. It is harder to stick to the goal of quitting smoking if one consumes alcohol. So, it is imperative to try and limit the alcohol intake in the beginning, and stop it completely as the journey to quit smoking progresses. Instead of drinking alcohol, one can switch to tea for a few weeks and the urge to drink will subside eventually.Adhering to these tips to quit smoking will require a lot of conviction and willpower, and even if the individual fails the first time, the resolve to kick the butt should make them try harder the next time.