Fact or Fiction? What Do You Believe About Reconditioned Electrical Equipment?

There are several common myths surrounding the use of reconditioned electrical equipment and components. Is it really true that with the purchase of refurbished manufacturing equipment and parts can truly save companies time and money while also meeting environment goals? It is our goal in this installment to debunk several myths that surround the use of reconditioned equipment and parts in the work place.

It is important to note that business decisions should always be based on facts instead of myths. Many times, myths are just handed down stories and experiences of one user that have been embellished upon throughout the years. In order to successfully navigate and grow your company it is crucial for companies to make decisions based on facts. When it comes to being competitive the goal is to find a solution that meets your needs. Purchasing high quality electrical equipment and components at a reasonable price with little to no down time should be of the highest priority.

Myth #1: Original Equipment Manufacturers Are the Only Ones That Can Properly Recondition Electrical Parts and Equipment

The biggest difference between public reconditioning companies and private OEM recondition services is the inspection process they must go through to be available for resale. This is why it is important that you only buy from reputable product reconditioning companies like J and P Electrical Company.

At J and P, you can rest knowing that we only sell the highest quality reconditioned electrical distribution equipment available. The standards set forth by the experts at J and P are in fact more stringent than any set-in place by OEM manufacturers. We disassemble each part, cleaning and inspecting each one, replacing parts that need to be replaced as we go along. They are then painted with high quality paints and acrylic enamel for durability. Equipment is reassembled and tested until it exceeds manufacturers UL certification standards.

Myth #2: Liability Concerns are Increased with the Use of Reconditioned Electrical Equipment and Parts

When you are purchasing a part does it make you feel better to know it is fresh off the line or that it has been rigorously tested over and over again to ensure its safety? When you purchase reconditioned parts and equipment from a company like J and P you can rest assured knowing it has been tested two times over, before and after reconditioning, each and every time. There is less liability involved in products and equipment that have gone through arduous testing.

J & P Electrical Company is a full-service electrical company that supplies contractors, end users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bud ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. More information can be found at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com

Event Planning DC Helps with Your Corporate Holiday Party Ideas

If you haven’t started planning for your company’s holiday party, it’s time to start! Our experts are on the job to assist in planning a bash that your crew will actually be excited to come to. Corporate events don’t need to live up to their stale reputation, it is 2018 and having a good time with your co-workers is trending! Here are some tips to create a corporate event that stands out to your employees for years to come.

Choose a Theme

Nothing turns a frown upside down faster than a party with a theme! Even your typical drinks and dinner event goes from ho-hum to something better when a theme is stuck to it. Think about it, you will be talking about how Donna from HR won the ugly sweater contest with her hideous, super flash, glitter, punk sweater for holiday parties to come. Here are some other ideas:

Create a wonderland with fake snow, twinkling lights, and all white décor
Have members of your staff vote on a decade and dress like they are from that era
Create a tropical resort or cozy cabin
Choose a color theme
Invite people of different cultures to share recipes pot luck style

Entice Them with Prizes

Winning something is always fun. Think about prizes that truly connect with your employees and budget. Consider the following ideas:

Gift cards
Gadgets
Paid time off
Tickets

Activities That Break the Ice

Games aren’t just for kids anymore. Plan an activity that helps loosen everyone up and get to know each other better. Activities where people have to work together are popular at corporate holiday events as it works as a team builder but in a non-formal setting. Try the following:

Charades
Scavenger hunts
Movie trivia
Assemble gingerbread houses
Decorate cookies

Some other fun ideas are:

Give back to the community by helping others or hold a toy/food drive.
Bring in some entertainment like a comic or hypnotist
Do a gift exchange or secret Santa
Do a group outing like to play laser tag, an escape room, or karaoke

Event Planning DC provides full event planning, partial event planning, month-of (day-of) event coordination, event styling/design and decorating services throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia, with access to local and national vendors who may provide additional services suitable for your event and budget. We pride ourselves on providing only the highest quality event coordination, giving you and your guests the perfect day, no matter what the occasion including exclusive corporate and non-profit events, weddings, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, community events and milestone celebrations. More information can be found online at http://www.eventplanningdc.com.

Is Your Fence Eco Friendly?

There are many areas where homeowners consider if their renovation is eco friendly however I bet when it comes to fencing most of us haven’t given it a second thought. Let’s get real, it isn’t the first thing that comes to mind like it may be when choosing decking materials, lighting, insulation, and so on but in reality, it is just as important. Not only will you find aluminum fencing to be a good choice for our environment there are many other advantages to choosing aluminum when looking into fencing materials for your home or business.

There are a number of home remodeling products that come with the eco-friendly label. In part this is done to offer a bit or reassurance to companies and clients alike that they are doing what is right for Mother Nature by making this exact purchase. Not only is important how your purchase affect the environment it is crucial that they are also useful to you and meet your needs better than other options available to you. There are a number of ways that are straightforward and simple to implement when it comes to eco-aware however, it can be a bit more difficult in larger investments for around your home such as the purchase of a new fence and gate.

There are a number of materials that fencing is created from. Popular options throughout history have included chain link, wood, vinyl, wrought iron, electric, and aluminum. Wood is an obvious eco-friendly material in fencing however, wood fences come with a number of drawbacks as well. Unlike aluminum or other metal fencing wood needs constant maintenance and is not known for longevity. Vinyl fence is far from eco friendly as it is created with a number of chemicals. Classic black wrought iron fencing is a popular and eco-friendly option however it can be quite costly. Aluminum is a less expensive, equal quality alternative.

What Do You Recycle?

One of the most recycled materials is aluminum. Aluminum is used in a number of applications because it is not only lightweight it is easy to manipulate. Although lightweight is not something most of us would equate with strength in fencing it is important to note the strength comes from the grade of aluminum used and not the overall weight of the aluminum fence panel. Aluminum fence grades have been established to ensure customers get a fence that will meet the environmental requirements of its environment. Residential aluminum gates and fences will not see the same amount of traffic as commercial gates and fencing therefore it does not need to be as heavy duty thus the four common grades of aluminum fencing: pool/resort, residential, commercial, and industrial.

Another benefit of aluminum vs wrought iron is the coating that is applied to keep it from oxidizing. Aluminum fence is powder coated which allows it to keep its look as it ages. A ten-year-old aluminum fence panel will look as good as a newly installed aluminum fence because of this unique powder coating. There will never be a need to repaint or stain your aluminum fence, this in itself is eco-friendly as well as consumer friendly. Less maintenance is always beneficial to busy homeowners.

Aluminum fence panels are a great alternative to fencing for homeowners and business’s alike not only because of the many benefits such as durability, easy upkeep, quick installation, and so on but also because it is good for Mother Nature. When your fence has reached the end of its life cycle it is simply recycled into something new.

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/.

Outsourcing IT Services Through a Managed IT Provider

There are a number of ways in which business of all sizes receive IT support. From in house IT techs, on call IT professionals, and managed IT providers, specialists exist in a number of capacities to ensure that the IT needs of your business, no matter how large or small your company is, are met. Many companies are switching to managed it services simply because it is one less thing on their plate to manage.

In order to choose an IT infrastructure for your business it is important to evaluate your current needs and future growth. Although the services of managed IT professionals allow you to take a hands-off approach it may include more services than you actually need. In this installment we will take a look into the general overview of managed IT plans. It is important to note that different companies offer different services, so it is crucial that you find an IT plan and company that would fit your needs without having to pay for services you do not require.

Vital Elements of Managed IT Contracts

Security

Security within your organization is important for a number of reasons and it truly the first area of concern for many business owners. It is crucial that company and client data is kept secure. A breach in data security not only costs companies millions of dollars to clean up from it puts critical data in jeopardy. Managed IT service providers must have a detailed outline on how they will secure your specific IT systems. Look for areas including intrusion detection and prevention, encryption, and firewalls to be addressed as well as how the services will be carried out.

Infrastructure

The infrastructure of your organization must be well cared for in order for your company to thrive and grow. No matter what size your company is the basics still apply, to run efficiently everything you need must be able to be performed on your systems network. This means that your managed IT service contract must include server & storage maintenance, network administration, backups, and basic services to issues arising within the network. You must work with your IT provider to develop a list of current and future IT services that are required for you business to continue to thrive.

Service and Support

The service and support of IT technicians can occur in a number of manners include over the phone, remotely, and in person. Does your company require 24/7 support to operate? If this is the case and your business will be dead in the water without 24/7 support, you will want to find an IT company that offers a managed IT service contract that supports your company no matter the time a day or day of the week. This type of support will come at a premium. Many IT companies support normal business hours and make accommodations for emergency support when needed. Support outside of normal operation times may require an additional fee above and beyond your monthly managed IT support.

Monitoring your Network

Monitoring your network is critical to successfully managing your IT services. An interruption within the network will mean downtime for your company. Managed IT services monitor every aspect of the network from in house, remote users, mobile devices, and virtual machines. Monitoring services should also include intrusion prevention and detection, firewall configurations, and 24/7 monitoring.

Data Backup and Disaster Recovery

Having a complete backup of your data is crucial. If disaster strikes it is important to know that the data that keeps your company up and running is accessible and up to date. Does the company provide on site backup, cloud backup, or is a private source used to backup crucial company data? Not only should you know where to look for important company backups it is important to have access to this information when you need it. Your managed IT support provider should also include a detailed disaster recovery plan when addressing backup needs. It is essential that this information is readily available to prevent any downtime if your company should encounter an unexpected issue.

There are many aspects to managed IT plans. This installment provides basics to expect when looking into providers of managed IT service plans. Further questions should be asked to help you determine if these services are right for your company. When interviewing IT specialists and different service plans available it is important to note exactly what is and isn’t covered in different managed IT plans. Communication is the key element when it comes to a successful IT solution for your company.

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.

Selling Your Home During the Holiday Season

The holidays are upon us! Some of us are seeing snow flurries, the cold temps have settled in, and you need to sell your house! While most of us are busy preparing for family gatherings, feasting on festive meals, and wrapping last minute presents some of us are preparing to relocate. Yep, you probably guessed it, the holiday season is not ideal to be selling or buying a home for most of us. Our plates are already too full and the last thing we want to be doing is having people trekking through our homes in wet boots. It is also not an ideal time due to the already abundant financial and emotional stresses that find most of us during the holidays.

This is how the experts at Century 21 Lady of the Lakes can help!

Asking Price – Price Your Home to Sell

If you are trying to sell your home during the madness of the holiday season it is not time to over price your home. Listen to your realtor, they know what they are doing when it comes to pricing your home to sell. Buyers often have the luxury of waiting until the warmer weather approaches if they think your asking price is too high. Buyers have the option to keep looking, do you have that same luxury? All sellers want to sell their homes for the highest price possible, however it is important, especially given the time of year that you listen to your realtor. They know what you can expect based on the current market, the sale price of other homes in your area, and the amenities your home has to offer.

Incentives

Create an environment that is open and inviting. Offer buyers incentives to buy your home and deal with moving in the winter. Consider updating the appliances in the kitchen or covering the buyers closing costs. Sellers concessions and improvements to the home are just some of the many ways that you can make your home more appealing to buyers.

Decorate – Festive Displays

Buyers want to be able to picture themselves living in your home, so create an environment that does this for them. Create the holiday spirit by staging your home with all of your very best décor. Create curb appeal with outdoor decorations, fill the house with festive smells, and create a space that buyers cannot resist. A space where they can totally immerse themselves in as their own.

Use the Weather to your Advantage

As miserable as it is to have people trampling through your house, think about the buyers who are trekking in and out of homes day after day. Of course, this would put even the jolliest home buyers in a bad mood, so it is your job to make sure that doesn’t translate into how they feel about your home.

You can help create a more positive vibe by creating a warm, welcoming space. Light candles, start a fire in the fireplace, provide warm beverages, and homemade treats. The longer they linger in your space, the more likely for it to feel like their space.

C21 Lady of the Lakes is a full-service realtor serving Livingston County and the surrounding areas with all their real estate needs. More information can be found at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com/.

Radiation Therapy: Everything There Is to Know About Radiation Therapy and More

There are several treatment options that are available to patients after a cancer diagnosis has been received. Radiation therapy is an option for treating cancer, thyroid disease, non-cancerous growths, and blood disorders. The benefit of radiation therapy is that it can be confined to specific areas where the tumor is. It is targeted treatment that has a devastating effect on its target.

Whether your treatment is curative or palliative, radiation is an effective option. It is important to understand that although radiation therapy is used in treating cancer it is also used for treatment to certain inflammatory conditions and benign tumors. In this installment we will focus more on the application of radiation therapy as treatment for cancer.

Quick Facts on Radiation Therapy

In order to stop cancer cells from growing and dividing, radiation therapy delivers intense energy waves to the targeted area. Not only does radiation therapy stop cancerous cells from growing, it works to kill cancerous cells, slow cancerous cells growth, and shrink cancerous tumors in order to allow surgical oncologists to remove left over tumor.
There are side effects to any cancer treatment including radiation therapy. One of the biggest side effects of radiation is the effect it has to the healthy tissues surrounding the areas around the tumor. Treatment to healthy tissues is minimized as much as possible however this does not mean that it will be left unaffected. Most of the side effects to the healthy tissue or local to the area and are short term however other side effects like fatigue can occur throughout your body.
In order to make sure that radiation is placed in the correct location, radiation therapy goes through a simulation process before it is actually administered to an actual patient.

Radiation Therapy Is…

A linear accelerator is the most common piece of equipment used to administer external beam radiation therapy. Linear accelerators deliver waves of energy in the treatment of cancerous and non-cancerous tumors. The form of radiation delivered using LINAC systems is known as ionizing radiation, a high-energy type of radiation. The radiation breaks up the DNA of the cells in a manner that disturbs their ability to cultivate, even causing complete destruction, death.

Radiation therapy can be used on its own or in combination with other forms of treating cancer such as chemotherapy. Only your cancer specialist can determine what option of treatment will be best for your specific type of cancer. Radiation therapy is used as a form of treatment in over 60% of patients that are being treated for cancer within the United States.

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/.

Recovering from Cataract Surgery

Recovering from cataract surgery should be relatively short and unexciting especially when your health is good and there aren’t any other major issues with your eyes. Based on statistics, once a cataract has been removed your chances of an excellent outcome and sharper vision.

Cataract surgeries without complications most often takes under ten minutes from start to finish. Right after surgery patients will rest in a recovery room until the affects of sedation and anesthesia wear off. Recovery usually lasts anywhere between a half hour to an hour. You will not be able to see clearly right away so it is important to have someone available to drive you home after cataract surgery. Patients are given a pair of sunglasses for the ride home to protect their eyes from the sunshine and light glare.

Once patients are at home they are advised to take it easy for the rest of the day. Your surgeon will tell when you can take off the protective shield that has been placed over your eye. This is usually possible after several hours however, it is important to follow the instructions that you are given for your unique situation. Remember that you will need to use the protective shield when you are sleeping for protection while your eye is recovering from surgery. This will need to be done for several days.

Recovery Time

Your vision will appear cloudy and distorted for awhile once you have removed the shield from your eye. Your vision can take some time to adjust after the removal of a cataract. Once your eye adapts to the intraocular lens that has replaced your natural lens the cloudiness in your eye will disappear. However, during this process some patients mention that their vision is a bit wavy and distorted. If you experience this, it is important to note that it should last only about an hour.

After cataract surgery you may notice that your eyes are redder and bloodshot. This is temporary because of damage to the blood vessels on the surface of the white part of your eye that can occur during surgery. As your eye heals from cataract surgery this redness will disappear.

Many cataract patients report that their vision is clear within hours after surgery. This however, varies from patient to patient. Each person heals at a different speed. It is crucial that you do not rush your recovery. Even though some patients see clearly within hours of surgery some take as long as a week or two before they see sharp images.

Cataract patients will most often see their surgeon the day after their surgery to look for signs of complications. After this period, it will be up to each patient individually to contact their surgeon if they have concerns or don’t feel the improvement in their vision is occurring how they thought it would.

Some people report dry, scratchy eyes right after cataract surgery however, as your eye begins to heal this will slowly fade. About a month after cataract surgery patients are considered recovered and their eyes should be completely healed.

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

Do I need to Install a RO System If I Have a Water Softener?

More often than not, a water softener will increase the quality of your homes water however, is it enough? The truth is that although a water softener will improve the quality of your water, impurities may remain in your drinking water. A reverse osmosis water treatment system can remove the impurities from your already softened water, to give you quality drinking water. RO systems are the perfect accessory to use with a water softener because it removes 98% of the sodium from the softened water. These aren’t the only reasons to use a RO in combination with a water softener.

Although a reverse osmosis system removes a lot of impurities in your drinking water they have a hard time removing and reducing calcium and magnesium, both which are known to be in hard water. This is one of the reasons that a water softener works perfectly when used in conjunction with a reverse osmosis water treatment system. When used together a water softener and RO system will create high quality drinking water by reducing the water hardness and removing impurities.

Many homeowners elect to install an under the sink reverse osmosis system as a point of use water treatment option. A water softener is used as a whole house water treatment system. It is important that hard water is softened throughout the home however, it doesn’t really matter if the water used in your appliances has run through a RO system. An under the sink RO can also be tapped into the lines leading into the refrigerator. This assures your drinking water is of the highest of qualities. When used together a water softener and RO are a perfect combination to give you soft water throughout your home, while allowing you the purest of water from your tap.

Another benefit that comes along with using a combination of a water softener and reverse osmosis system is the amount of money you will save in energy costs, increased lifespan of your appliances, and lower soap usage throughout. Let’s not forget the money you will save in bottled water as well. So not only will you have the best quality water, you will be saving money as well.

It is important that when you are working with a water treatment company to install a RO water system after a water softener has already been installed that they do not interfere with one another. Before making a purchase be sure to have evaluated the warranties between companies. It is important to know what is covered and for how long. Another evaluation should be maintenance and noise level.

The addition of a reverse osmosis system when installed in addition to your water softener will bring you the purest drinking water possible. A RO system removes the impurities found in tap water ensuring the highest quality water for your family, direct from the source.

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.

2019 Changes in Medicare

2019 is bringing on some big changes in the world of Medicare. If you are a Medicare enrollee it is important to take note of the changes. This will help make sure you are getting the coverage that you need. Medicare has been around for over 53 years but that doesn’t mean that it stays the same from year to year. Each year it is important to review your Medicare coverage.

Open Enrollment Changes

Medicare Advantage Plans will have an open enrollment period between January 1 – March 31. At this time participants will be able:

Drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare
Change from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another Advantage Plan
Enroll in or drop Medicare Part D, standalone prescription drug coverage

Closing the Gap in Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D, prescription drug coverage requires seniors with high prescription drug costs to pay more for medication once they have reached a certain dollar amount spent each year. There is a gap that occurs between when enrollees hit the initial spending cap and catastrophic coverage begins. This will no longer exist in 2019 for brand name prescriptions. In 2020 the gap will close for generics as well.

Telehealth Care

More consultations will take place between patients and caregivers will happen over the phone or via the internet. Participants in Medicare with end-stage renal disease and being treated or strokes will have access to this same telehealth care services.

Enhanced Handbook

Each and every year Medicare sends each enrollee a handbook that give the details of their coverage for the current year. In 2019 the handbook will also include:

In order to choose the right program checklists and flowcharts will be added
The online Medicare Plan Finder tool will be easier for seniors to access and use
The online coverage wizard will help enrollees to compare Medicare and Medigap costs and coverage

Removal of the Therapy Cap

Up until 2019 there have been limited coverage available for Medicare participants needing speech, occupational, and physical therapy. Congress has removed this cap in 2019.

The experts at eMedigap Plans, powered by Omega, have all the answers you are looking for when it comes to your Medigap Supplemental Insurance needs. More information can be found at http://emedigap-plans.com.

Key Considerations Now That Medicare Open Enrollment Has Begun

Medicare open enrollment runs from October 15, 2018 to December 7, 2018. Open enrollment is the period in which current Medicare enrollees can adjust their current coverage. Participants can move from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage or vice versa, change Medigap plan coverage, and more.

Many people believe the best thing about turning 65 is that they become eligible for Medicare. Obtaining health insurance without worrying about pre-existing conditions, your age, your overall health, and more is something that we all covet. It is important, when enrolling in Medicare, to be cautious of what you need to do and when to avoid some expensive pitfalls that can add to the cost of your premiums as well as medical expenses.

These pitfalls can be avoided by making smart decisions when it comes to your Medicare coverage. Right now, during open enrollment, participants are in the ideal position to ask questions, gather information, and make the vest decisions on their health care coverage.

Pitfalls to Avoid

#1 Pitfall – Not Covering the Gaps in Coverage

Medicare is medical insurance however it is not like the health insurance that is provided by your employer. With employer sponsored health care plan participants most often pay one premium for their comprehensive insurance plan. Once this is paid, the participant is then required, in most cases, to cover their yearly deductible and regular co-payments and that is as tricky as it gets. That is not the case with Medicare.

Medicare insurance is offered in a number of different combinations. Traditional Medicare, Plan A and B, cover hospital and outpatient services. Each has its own premium, own deductible, and own copayments.

Many enrollees assume this is all the health insurance coverage that they will need. This is however, not the case. Medicare Part A and Part B are not comprehensive medical insurance plans. There are gaps that need to be filled in such as prescription drug coverage, overseas medical coverage, and other out-of-pocket expenses. To fill in the gaps that are left by traditional Medicare Part A and Part B participants have the opportunity to enroll in additional insurance plans, Medigap.

Another major difference to note between employer sponsored health care and Medicare is the out of-pocket limits. With most employer-sponsored plans there is a limit to the amount of money, out-of-pocket, that participants will have to pay, a cap. This is not the case with Medicare. With Medicare coverage there isn’t a cap to the amount of money that participants are expected to cover.

Again, this is a pitfall that is easily taken care of with the purchase of additional Medigap coverage. Medigap, or Medicare Supplemental Insurance as it is also known, are plans that reduce the out-of-pocket costs participants are required to pay.

During open enrollment you are allowed to change plans if a different Medigap plan will better suit your situation or choose a Medigap plan to enroll in if you have not previously done so.

The experts at eMedicare Supplemental Insurance, powered by Omega, have all the answers you are looking for when it comes to your Medicare Supplemental Insurance needs. More information can be found at http://emedicare-supplemental-insuranc e.com/.