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How Do I Know If I Need A Water Softener?

Are you experiencing any of the following?

Dry skin?

Yellowing clothes?

Stained bathtubs?

Non-stop issue with plumbing?

Spotted dishes?

Scale build up?

The above is commonly caused by the hard water in your home.  The good news is that each and every problem you are experiencing with your homes hard water can be fixed by having the correct water treatment system installed.  In order to determine what option is best for your homes water an analysis will need to be run to determine what type of hard water your home has.  From whole house iron water filters, reverse osmosis systems, and water softeners there is a solution for your problematic water.

Water softeners are the most commonly used appliance to assist homeowners in the removal of hard water and the issues it presents.  Not only does hard water have an effect on your skin and hair it can wreak havoc to the plumbing throughout your home which can become quite costly to repair.

As mentioned above, each and every household’s water contains more than just water.  The quality of water differs from each home and where your water source is delivered from: a private well, a city source, or private municipality.  All water contains minerals, which ones your water has will determine the level of hardness in your water. Calcium and magnesium are commonly found in water.  If a water softener is installed in your home, it will remove the hard minerals through a process of ion exchange.  This will make it easier to keep your home cleaner, your skin and hair healthier, and prolong your plumbing and household appliances.

What Happens During the Ion Exchange?

Water softeners remove minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and manganese, replacing them with sodium ions through a process known as an ion exchange.  Ions carry a positive or negative charge due to an imbalance of electrons and protons.

The hard minerals are trapped by resin beads or zeolite crystals during the exchange.  Resin and zeolite are negatively charged and has space that holds on to positive ions.  The weaker sodium ions are held onto as the hard water passes through the water softener tank.  The calcium and magnesium minerals are stronger and pulled to the media as a type of magnet.  With the hard minerals having a higher positive charge than sodium they know them off and take over their place.  The hard minerals will stay trapped in the tank and the water with a little sodium will be dispersed for use as the homes water supply.

The experts at Reynolds Water Conditioning have a solution to your homes unique water quality needs including: arsenic, bacteria, chlorine, rotten egg smell, fluoride, hard water, iron, lead, acid, tannins, radon, and more.  More information on our water treatment solutions including water softeners and conditioners, water filtration and purification, reverse osmosis drinking water, and iron & odor removal can be found online at https://reynoldswater.com.

 

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External Radiotherapy: Beating Cancer with Radiation

One of the most popular options in treating cancerous tumors is with the use of external radiotherapy.  There are several types of external radiotherapy options for doctors to choose from when treating each unique patient needs with the overall principal of the therapy being the same.  Radiation is delivered to the source of the cancer using a high-powered beam.

Linear accelerators are one type of machine that can deliver radiation to the source without causing severe damage to the healthy tissues surrounding the area. External radiotherapy is used to destroy cancerous cells and is administer by LINAC systems that deliver high energy x-ray beams known as photon beams.  Other systems deliver radiotherapy through particle beams, such as protons and electrons.  The principle is similar in both as the beam of radiation is aimed at an internal cancer source as treatment.

The DNA in cancerous cells is damaged through external radiotherapy.  DNA is either damaged directly or through particles called free radicals that damage them. This keeps the cancerous cells from growing or kills.  When the cells die they are broken down by the body and removed as waste.  Normal healthy cells surrounding the cancerous tumor are damaged slightly however they can usually repair themselves over time.

Treatment is not started until you have spoken to your doctor about possible short- and long-term side effects.  Most often side effects can be controlled with medication and are temporary.  The treatment is planned based off of the images that have been taken of the cancer via x-ray, CT scans, MRI’s, and/or PET scans.  The plan will ensure a higher dose of treatment to the cancerous tumor.  Treatment is given in the radiotherapy department of the hospital.  Machines in the radiotherapy department such as linear accelerators, are very big and can be a bit scary.

LINAC machines use electricity to create the beams of radiation that are delivered to the cancer.  During treatment the machine never actually touches you and nothing is felt during treatment.  There may be some side effects of discomfort and pain that can be managed with medication.  For the treatment to work well, the radiotherapy needs to cover all of the cancer and the border around it using the lowest dose possible to reduce any side effects.

When choosing the treatment that you will need your radiotherapy doctor will consider the following:

  • The type of cancer you have
  • The position of the cancer within your body
  • Treatments that you have had in the past, are currently having, and that are planned
  • Your general wellness, health, and fitness levels

Your external radiotherapy treatment is individualized to each and every patient.

The entire course of treatment can last anywhere between one to six weeks but can be longer.  This is determined by your doctor and how well you are responding to treatment.  The treatment that is put in place will be based on a personal routine that you can easily follow.

As an independent LINAC service company, Acceletronics is dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and services for linear accelerators and CT scanners across all major brands and models, as well as new and refurbished LINAC systems for sale.  More information can be found online at https://www.acceletronics.com/.

 

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Considerations When Buying Aluminum Fencing Online

The convenience of shopping online has left many of us wondering why we ever subjected ourselves to the hassle found with going to the store. Getting what you want, when you want it, all at the click of a button has changed the way consumers shop.  Consumers can shop for almost anything online including fencing.  In fact, now-a-days purchasing a fence the old fashion way may even be harder than it is online.

Not only do you not have to leave the comfort of your own home, online fencing companies are offering additional services to ease the process from the initial planning to the final installation.  As with any online purchase it is important to understand the process involved with getting exactly what you want.

A Guide to Purchasing Aluminum Fencing Online

It is Important to Know What You Want

If you have not chosen a type of fencing your first step is to figure out what you want.  Many online fencing companies will send free fence samples to allow customers the chance to see and feel exactly what they are buying.  With fencing you get to sample different grades and colors, so you can feel the weight and see the color; this way you know exactly what you are getting and aren’t surprised when your order arrives.

A popular preference for homeowners is aluminum as previously mentioned.  Black aluminum fencing being the most sought-after material and color.  If you don’t have any idea of what you want it is a good idea to get samples of several different materials, colors, and grades from online fencing manufacturers.  The visual element of a sample can really help solidify your choice.

It is Important to Measure Your Yard

Another matter that is important when ordering a fence online is that homeowners order exactly what they need for their space, not more, not less.   When you are in the planning phase it is crucial to get an exact measurement of the yard perimeter where the fence will be installed.  This measurement, along with a detailed sketch can be sent to online fencing specialists to help them assess your need as well.  Double and triple checking measurements prior to placing your online fence order will save you time, money, and a whole lot of aggravation.

Once homeowners have an idea of how much fence is needed (total linear footage) they will divide that by the length of the aluminum fence panels, most common sizes being 6- and 8-foot sections.  Some homeowners will need to customize some of the fencing panels as adjustments are needed for landscaping but overall most of the fence panels either 6- or 8- feet.

It is Important to Know the Reputation of the Retailer and Fees Related to Delivery

More often than not people are hesitant make a purchase online because they are unfamiliar with the reputation of the seller.  When you are looking to make a purchase online it is important to check out the reputation of the seller specifically:

  • How many years has the company been in business online?
  • Read online reviews and look into customer feedback.
  • Review their shipping and delivery terms and fees.
  • Work with a retailer that offers a warranty

 

iFenceUSA is an online distributor of wholesale aluminum fences and gates for residential, resort, commercial, and industrial installation.  As an industry leader in maintenance-free aluminum fencing products we have all your aluminum fence and gate needs covered.  More information can be found online at https://ifenceusa.com/.

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A Mobile CRM Benefits Your Business

The term CRM, Customer Relationship Management, is a newly coined term used to describe a system that allows companies to access and manage key elements of their business.  A mobile CRM is one that delivers the experience to users of smartphones, tablets, and other mobile internet-enabled devices.  Right away you can see the benefits a mobile CRM would have in the growth and development of any business big or small.  A custom CRM system, designed specifically for your business, employees and customers, will take you to the next level.

Let’s face the facts; we are not a generation filled with patience.  No longer is using a desktop to gain information good enough for us, we want information at the touch of a button anytime we want it.  Mobile device use went from .7% in 2009 to just under 53% in 2017, with numbers that will only continue to grow. Your business must have software to match.  Users of mobile CRM systems are able to access important business data no matter when they want it or where they are.

Mobile CRM systems are important to employees as they are no longer tied to a desk to work.  Employees are literally able to work no matter where they are when using a mobile CRM.  They can access vital information when meeting with prospects, allowing immediate decision to be made.  We all know how important an immediate decision is when closing a deal.  Custom CRM systems allow this to occur.

Jobs that were once considered “office jobs” where employees physical presence was thought to be required have since gone remote because of systems such as a CRM, leading to higher overall productivity.  With access via mobile technology, employers actually gain higher results from their employees. A recent study boosts that most mobile employees work an extra 240 hours annually.

Mobile smart devices give employees a freedom that is not experienced when tied to a desk.  Employees and employers alike benefit from having access whether they are in the same building or half way across the world.  Tying a workforce together with real-time, shared information allows data to be shared regardless of software compatibility, which leads to a more collective work atmosphere.

If you have questions on how a CRM platform can help you grow your company and improve the efficiency of your workforce, it is important to schedule an appointment today with a developer who is versed in both iPhone and Android app development.  They can assist in developing the right CRM system that will continue to develop and adapt to your ever growing company climate and personalized needs.

Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, is an all-inclusive IT solutions company offering a variety of services including: managed IT services, IT consulting, residential computer services, custom programming, website design, iphone & android app development, and more.  More information can be found at https://cpsmi.com.

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Different Types of Freight Shipping Options

Freight is shipped by a variety of different modes of transport from trucks to airplanes, boats to vans, and everything in between.  In large cities shipments can even be found transported via bicycle carrier.  When it comes to shipping freight for businesses however this is usually done using freight trucking companies that specialize in LTL, (less than truckload), TL, (truckload) or dedicated trucks.  The type of carrier and method of transportation your company chooses will on which service best fits the needs of your company and customers.

Less than Truck Load

The most popular option when shipping freight is less than truckload.  LTL shipping allows freight to be shipped by trucks to and from your location.  It is a reliable option that is affordable and timely.  Your shipment will share a truck with other shipments going to locations close to your designation thus sharing the expenses associated with transporting freight.

Dedicated Truckload

Another option that is popular is dedicated truckload shipping.  This is when an entire truck is dedicated to a certain type of commodity and makes the necessary accommodations needed to properly move the shipment from one location to another.  Often times, dedicated truckloads involve shipments that must be kept refrigerated, in a temperature-controlled environment, handled specifically because of hazards that are posed by the shipment, or those shipments that are oversized and require special support services to move the item from one spot to another.

Full Truck Dedicated

Another option is when your shipment requires a full truck dedicated specifically to your product. FTL shipping is often faster than LTL as it doesn’t require your shipment to be transferred to other smaller shippers for delivery but is not the least expensive option by far.  This freight shipping option is the best for cargo that requires refrigeration, controlled climate, a flatbed, is oversized, or unpackaged.

When it comes to which shipping method is right for your business and satisfies your customers needs it is important to take into consideration how much product you will be shipping, any special needs such as refrigeration needed to care for the shipment, the time in which you for it to be delivered, and other special requirements.  Utilizing the best shipping method for your freight will increase your customers experience with your company.

Matrix Transportation is the fastest growing freight transport company in the Midwest, founded in 2009.  As an up and coming industry leader in freight management including shipping, warehousing, and cross docking services with the highest quality transportation solutions for the manufacturing and automotive industries. More information can be found at http://www.matrixtransportation.com/.

 

 

 

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These Bad Habits Can Harm Your Eyes

Our eyes are arguably the most important of our five senses.  Even though we know this there are a few bad habits that all of us are guilty of that can severely damage our eye sight.  There are some bad habits that don’t really seem to pose a major threat like biting your fingernails but there are others like not flossing or smoking that can literally cause our teeth to fall out.  When it comes to these 4 bad habits that affect our eye sight it is crucial that we take the steps necessary to stop the impact they have on our vision.

Screen Time

It is hard in the world that we live in now to not spend a ton of time in front of a screen.  Whether its for work or pleasure, a cell phone, computer, or television the amount of time we spend focused on the screen can harm our eyesight.  Screens emit a blue light that has been known to be a contributor of eye strain.  To avoid the strain that screens put on your eyes it is advised to take frequent breaks throughout the day.  This will help your eyes rest and prevent the strain from causing permanent damage to your eyesight.

Eye Rubbing

There are several reasons that rubbing your eyes can be harmful to your vision.   First off, our hands are constantly touching surfaces that are covered with germs.  These germs are easily transferred from our hands into our eyes exposing them to god knows what we have picked up along the way.

Cornea damage is also possible from the constant motion of rubbing your eyes.  Damage done to your eyes cornea often results in the loss of vision.  If you are rubbing your eyes to rid them of debris, it is important to remember that your eyes will automatically produce tears if your eye needs to wash away foreign elements your eye is exposed.  To properly care for your vision, try to keep your hands away from your eyes as much as possible.  If you find this impossible keep your hands clean using soap and water or anti-bacteria hand wash.

Sleeping with Makeup On

It is inevitable that after a late night we accidentally fall asleep with a full face of makeup on.  Not only is this terrible for your complexion it can be incredibly harmful to your eyes.  It is important to make a habit out of removing all makeup from your face at the end of the day.  Makeup collects a wide range of bacteria throughout the day that transfers to your pillow case if not washed off properly.  This greatly reduces your risk of developing an eye infection.

Forgetting Sunglasses

We have all heard about how UV rays affect our skin but what about our eyes?  Sunglasses are a popular accessory that really are a necessity in protecting your eyes not only from the damaging UV rays but also to exposure of direct sunlight as well as wind.  Damage from exposure to UV rays can lead to cataracts and macular degeneration.

Play it safe and head these warnings from local ophthalmologists on the harmful effects of improperly caring for your eyes.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs.  As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses.  More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.

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What’s the Difference Between Reverse Osmosis and Water Softening

There are several options available to homeowners looking to improve the quality of the water in their homes but don’t know how to.  There is a lot of confusion when it comes to treating water because of the vast array of options available in the market.  In residential use the two most common treatments used are water softeners and reverse osmosis systems.

Determining what the right option for your household comes down to understanding what is accomplished with each treatment option.  The only way to really know what needs to be done to improve your homes water is to have it analyzed through thorough water analysis.  Often this process only requires a small sampling of water from each of the sources throughout your home.

Reverse Osmosis

Often reverse osmosis and filtration are lumped together.  A reverse osmosis system filters the water leaving it tasting better and healthier.  RO is especially popular for homeowners with wells.  This type of water treatment system is set up to remove contaminates and softened minerals by pushing them through an attached filter.  As with most water treatment systems you can install a whole-house or point-of-use RO osmosis system.

Benefits of Reverse Osmosis

Tasteless Water:  Often times tap water will have a funny taste.  You won’t be able to pin point what the taste is however, a RO system removes the source therefore the water will taste better.

Chemical Free:  RO drinking water systems do not use any special chemicals in the filtration of the water which makes its use environmentally friendly.

Softened Water:  Minerals in the water cause hard water.  A whole-house RO system creates softer water which leads to less pipe corrosion.

Odor and Color Removal: Many homeowners experience odors and colors in their tap water.  The odors and colors occur from contaminates and minerals in the water.  A RO system is used to take the pollutants out of the water which leaves you with higher quality drinking water.

Most often you see whole-house RO systems installed in homes with well water as it can benefit from the extra filtration.  If water from the tap tastes or smells funny and is from a city water source, then your water may benefit from a point-of-use RO system that is installed under the sink.

Water Softeners

Water softeners and water conditioners are often lumped into one category.  Instead of removing contaminants and minerals from the water like a RO system does, a water softener uses a process of ionization that replaces calcium ions and magnesium with salt ions.

Water that is hard has higher concentrations of minerals like magnesium and calcium.  When a water softener is installed your homes, water replaces the minerals that make it hard with a softer mineral, sodium.

Benefits of Soft Water

Better, More Natural Tasting Water

More Vivid Colored Laundry with Less Yellowing

Cleaner, More Sanitary Dishes and Flatware

Appliances That Last Longer with Fewer Repairs Needed

Fewer Clogged Pipes

There are many problems caused by hard water.  Installing a water softening unit can help lessen these issues.  These units do not remove contaminants within the water as they are not filtration systems however, they are perfect for homes that experience problems with pipe corrosion, iron, staining, and more.

The experts at Reynolds Water Conditioning have a solution to your homes unique water quality needs including: arsenic, bacteria, chlorine, rotten egg smell, fluoride, hard water, iron, lead, acid, tannins, radon, and more.  More information on our water treatment solutions including water softeners and conditioners, water filtration and purification, reverse osmosis drinking water, and iron & odor removal can be found online at https://reynoldswater.com.

 

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General Radiotherapy Machines

The most common machine used to distribute external beam radiotherapy treatment is known as a linear accelerator or LINAC for short.  LINAC systems generate high energy x-rays that are carefully aimed at the cancerous tumors.  This process is done with much care given to direct the rays in a manner that does as little harm as possible to the healthy tissue surrounding the tumor.  Linear accelerators are used to treat cancerous tumors on all areas of the body.

 

Some LINAC systems that are more advanced have the capability to deliver radiation on or near the surface of the skin.  In this type of treatment electrons are used in replacement of high energy x-rays.

 

Newer linear accelerators have the ability to deliver radiation using Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, IMRT.  These systems use multi-leaf collimators adjust the shape of the radiation beam to match the shape of the tumor.  Without these adjustments LINAC systems would only be able to shoot radiation beams in the shape of a square or rectangle.

 

Radiographers all have different methods that they use to make sure the radiation treatment is targeting the exact location of the cancerous tumor.  In its most fundamental form radiation is just a plain x-ray.  Most linear accelerators work through digital imaging where the bottom arm of the machine takes an EPI, electronic portal image, or PI, portal image.

 

The image is compared by radiographers, to images that were generated during the planning process of your treatment as a type of checks and balances before treatment is delivered.  The quantity of images that are taken to compare between depends on the departments protocol for imaging.  Different types of radiotherapy treatment machines have an On-Board Imager, OBI, that is comprised of a Kv x-ray and detector.  Higher quality images are obtained as a verification which allows for another radiotherapy technique known as Image Guided Radiotherapy, IGRT.  With IGRT the accuracy of treatment is improved as daily changes are accounted for such as changes in organ location which can in turn reduce unpleasant side effects.

 

Electrons are generated and speed up to almost as close to the speed of light using electrical fields.  The energy continues to increase until it collides with its intended target and then releases the photon energy.  These photons enter the patient in an attempt to break down the DNA cells in the cancerous tumor.  Healthy cells are most often able to mend themselves where as the cancerous tumors don’t and eventually die.

 

Radparts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts for Linear Accelerators and Radiation Oncology equipment.  Radparts provides high quality, user friendly, low cost parts support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. More information can be found at https://www.radparts.com/.

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Home Remodeling: Preparing Your Home for Sale

There is a major difference in marketing a fixer upper verse a move in ready home.  Each has its own unique market with fixer-uppers fetching less for sellers and most often taking longer to sell than similar turn-key properties.  If home improvement projects aren’t your thing but you are looking to sell your home quickly it may be beneficial to hire a contractor to help tackle some of those simple projects, you have been avoiding.  The money spent now on exterior home improvements and small renovations will come back ten-fold with the sale price of your home and quick turnaround.

 

Below is a list of minor home remodeling project ideas that will help to increase the sale price of your home and decrease the time it takes to sell it.

Fresh Paint –

Adding a fresh coat of neutral paint to your homes walls appeals to almost all home buyers.  Even adding in a fresh layer of paint on exterior trim and decking can add appeal and help sway buyers who are on the fence between two similar properties.

Curb Appeal –

Everyone knows that first impressions are everything.  No matter how hard we try not to judge a book by its cover, we just can’t stop.  This is true of your home as well.  Take time to ensure that your homes first impression will be a good one.  Freshen up the landscape, add welcoming elements to the porch such as lighting and seating, and perhaps even a new front door.

Updated Lighting –

The installation of more natural lighting can never hurt your homes chances of being sold quickly and at asking price.  Home remodeling experts recommend modern, energy-efficient options over track lighting and older outdated styles.

Replace Old Plumbing Fixtures –

There are just some stubborn stains that won’t come out of tubs and sinks.  This can be a real turn off to buyers.  Refinishing the tubs surface is just one way to add that sparkle back to your bathroom.  New, unsoiled plumbing fixtures is another, both really bring a new, cleaner appeal to your bathroom.  The same is true of fixtures in the kitchen and laundry areas.

New Flooring –

Although a bit costlier than some of the above-mentioned projects new flooring can really change the look and feel of a home.  Replace broken tiles, replace worn out carpet with new, and polish those hardwood floors.

There are many major home remodeling projects that should wait to be taken on by the new buyer as they require more personal touches and may not even be important to them.  Small, neutral updates don’t radically alter the appeal of a home therefore enhancing it without structurally changing it.

As a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan, Kearns Brothers, Inc. offers clients a wide range of services to meet their construction needs including: roofing, siding, window, masonry, chimneys, gutters, and insulation services.  More information can be found at www.kearnsbrothers.com.

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Trends in Kitchen Remodeling That Are Here to Stay

Just like avocado colored appliances the popularity of stainless steel will fade.  It’s true, most kitchen and bathroom remodeling trends eventually fade out of existence as quickly as they found their way in. There are however a few trends that will withstand the test of time in your kitchen and bath.

 

Kitchen Cleanliness

 

When it comes to cleanliness in the kitchen we are not talking about germs but instead the design of the space.  Kitchen design trends that stand the test of time work with clean lines.  Open shelving, cabinetry with glass doors or flat fronts, and overall simplicity is what keeps a kitchen from looking cluttered.  Kitchen designs should offer enough storage for unsightly, infrequently used appliances.  Counters should be clear of as much “stuff” as possible to promote this trend.

 

Neutral Color

 

Neutral kitchen spaces are something that never gets old.  What gets old is brightly painted cabinetry and colored appliances.  To create a kitchen that doesn’t show its age it is important to keep the colors simple.  White and black appliances are always in style and are easy to enhance as trends cycle in and out.

 

Dark Cabinetry

 

If you have ever had white cabinets or any light-colored cabinetry you will understand that it is difficult to keep them clean.  Unless you have hours on end to spend cleaning your kitchen it is best to stick with the ever-stylish look of dark cabinetry.  The use of exotic dark woods is another option that we find never seem to become outdated.

 

Appliances That Blend

 

It is important, especially in open kitchens that the appliances used blend into the entire space.  A home that flows from room to room never ages.  The more “hidden” appliances are, the more likely they will blend right in as another piece of furniture within the space.  No longer are large scaled ranges and huge steel refrigerators necessary.  Instead opt for long lasting pieces that conceal themselves within the design.

 

Ageless Designs

 

Once upon a time there was this fascination with moving from one home to another.  People didn’t want to live in the same home for more than five to seven years.   Today however, homeowners are looking into ways to keep their homes ageless.  They want to live in the same space forever, more commonly known as ageless design, universal design, or age in place renovations.   This means making sure your kitchen design is universal.  Layered lighting, counters of multiple heights, drawers that pull out, and kitchen cabinets hardware that is easily opened are all design options that will withstand the test of time.

 

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan.  Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodeling services.  More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.