A Helpful Guide to Pool Opening

You can’t see us, but we’re jumping for joy! Pool season is almost here, and after a dreary winter, you might be just as excited as we are…but not so fast. It takes more than skimming the water or removing the pool cover to “open” your pool for the season. Read on for suggestions.

Timer Settings
Ensure your pool timer is set to the correct season to run the most efficiently. You can waste money and energy by letting it run too long or too little.

Clean Debris
Skimmer baskets and the pump should be emptied of debris. Even though this might sound like a no-brainer, letting debris (like leaves) sit too long can clog the plumbing/filtration systems, damaging the pool pump. If the basket is cracked, make sure you replace it as soon as possible to avoid future issues. Also make sure you dislodge debris from the walls and floor by brushing around the pool.

Pressure Gauge
While the pump is off, the pressure gauge should be at zero. If it’s running above zero, it’s time for a replacement. This gadget is critical for understanding whether the rest of your pool equipment is functioning properly.

Sanitization
If your pool uses a chlorine float, fill it and replace it if cracked. The steady supply of chlorine (or sanitizer of your choice) will help your water handle heavy usage, animals, leaves, etc.

Check for Leaks
Look around the pump, filter, valves, and other equipment to ensure there are no leaks. Small leaks might not seem drastic, but they can eventually cause a disaster. Try to isolate any issues and contact a pool technician if you see any leaks.

Balance Water
Last but not least, get ready to hop in your pool by using chlorine, shock, or other pool chemicals to neutralize the pH. Use your water test results as a guide to determine what is needed.

Pound Pool Plastering offers free estimates and complete pool renovations. Dale Pound, owner, personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, Marcite, Pebble finishes, Bead Crete, tile choices, coping stones, etc. We are pool renovation experts – contact us today at 248-476-4544 or poundpool@sbcglobal.net.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Common Household Items Used for Survival

Having a complete survival kit in your home can bring you peace of mind, but did you know your house already holds lots of life-saving tools? You’d be surprised just how valuable your everyday items can be in a pinch from the kitchen to the bathroom. So, if you want to be prepared for whatever comes next, let’s look at some common household items you can use for survival.

  • Duct tape: As one of the most versatile tools, duct tape has countless uses. A person can repair clothing, structures, tools, and more. Another great use is to waterproof your shoes. Alternatively, you could use the tape as a rope or assist in building a shelter.
  • Nail polish: Nail polish is a flammable product that can help you start fires quickly. A great alternative use can be to seal holes in tents and tarps or as paint to color-code your tools.
  • Coconut oil: Self-care will still be necessary at the end of the world, and this is where coconut oil comes in. It can be used as a moisturizer for your skin or as an energy booster when you drink it. You can use it for cooking and healing small knicks and cuts.
  • Dental floss: Dental floss is pretty strong and can be used in nearly any situation you would need string in a crisis. Use dental floss to create a fishing pole or tripwire. You can use it to tie items together or stitch up a wound.
  • Pantyhose: A durable, stretchy, and lightweight material, pantyhose makes for a great food bag or fishing net.
  • Salt: Use salt to preserve your food, melt snow, or help remove rust from pots and pans.

Unexpected emergencies can happen at any time and any place. Even the most well-prepared individual can find themselves without proper survival equipment. Adapting to the supplies you already have in your home with some basic survival knowledge can give you an advantage over others and could someday even save your life. 

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for your prepping and survival needs. We are your trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you’ll need it later. Visit our website for more information.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

The Best Whole House Generators

Seasonal storms, downed trees, and computer malfunctions can all cut off your connection to the energy grid, sometimes for days. Investing in a backup energy source for your home can make a big difference when the power goes out.

Depending on where you live, losing power could leave you without heat or air conditioning and threaten the food you have stored in your freezer and make it difficult, if not impossible, to work from home. The answer is a backup whole house generator that will supply your home’s energy needs until you get back online.

A whole house generator differs from portable generators in that this type of system kicks on automatically when your power goes out, even if you’re not home. In addition, it doesn’t need cans of gasoline to keep it running.

An article in Forbes advises that the best time to get a whole house generator is before you need it. We agree! Stay ahead of the never-ending fluctuating prices of gasoline and supply demand – when a storm or other crisis is looming, you can’t risk the variables.

Read on to learn who Forbes gives top five honors to as the 2022 best whole house generator:  

1. Generac Guardian WIFI-enabled Standby Generator

This system is powered by either liquid propane or natural gas, has an automatic switch to turn on the minute you lose electrical power, and allows you to monitor the system’s status from any WiFi-enable device. We like it because it’s quiet, affordably priced compared with similar units, and has an automatic high-temperature shutdown function.

2. Briggs & Stratton 12,000-Watt, Automatic Air-cooled Standby Generator

This unit packs a big punch in a small package. It has an automatic voltage regulator, smartphone app control via WiFi, and an efficient alternator. We like that it requires little room in your home and has a durable engine from one of America’s premium engine makers.

3. Champion 14kW aXis Home Standby Generator with 200-amp Whole House Switch

This generator is the most expensive option on our list, but it’s also the most powerful at 14,000 kW. It has an automatic switch and performs automated self-diagnostic tests to keep it running smoothly, even in extreme temperatures. In addition to its power, we like this one because it’s the quietest on our list.

4. Generac PowerPact 7,500-watt Standby Generator

The PowerPact generator is a good choice for a cabin or small home. It can power up to eight circuits in your home and have an automatic turn-on switch. This unit has the smallest footprint of the generators on our list, so virtually every home has room for it. We like it because of its lightweight, compact size and relatively affordable price.

5. Generac Guardian 3-phase 20kW, Automatic Standby Generator WIFI-enabled

This unit is one of the most advanced 3-phase, air-cooled generators available. It generates enough power for a large home or a small business. We like its capacity, and it’s reasonably quiet for the amount of power.

For professional and safe installation of automatic backup generators, call State Electric Company today!

State Electric Company is a leader in the electrification of the nation. Our highly educated and experienced team of professionals uses industry-leading software technology and has partnered with manufacturers to deliver affordable solutions for all your electrical needs. State Electric Co. is also an exclusive distributor for Enel X JuiceBox EV chargers for residential and commercial use. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to install charging stations for homes, offices, hotels, and more. With our extensive knowledge in renewable energy, our team provides customers – large or small – with efficient electrical solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can safely and affordably meet your energy needs.Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Can Cataract Surgery Protect Against Dementia?

This article might make your decision more straightforward if you question getting cataract surgery. Not only can the correction of cataracts improve your quality of life, but new studies suggest cataract surgery may help protect you against dementia.

A study published in Jama Internal Medicine found that developing dementia was 29% lower for individuals who’ve had cataract surgery versus people with similar traits who didn’t have the surgery. While this information sounds remarkable, it’s important to note that more research is required to say definitively whether or not cataract surgery helps with dementia.

Other studies have taken a look at why cataract surgery may help with dementia. One study explores the idea that impaired vision caused by cataracts can lead to reduced sensory input to the brain. Reduced input means reduced simulation, leading to a loss of brain function. Additionally, a vision loss due to cataracts could lead you into a depressive state. Depression could increase the chance of developing dementia.

We do not know enough about the link between cataract surgery and dementia, and future studies will continue. However, there are some other exciting factors and benefits to consider in the meantime. For example, did you know that cataract surgery has also been thought to help with depression, encourage a longer life span, and reduce the risk of falling?

If you’re struggling with vision, don’t wait until it worsens. Talk to a doctor or medical professional about the benefits of cataract surgery today.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to provide personalized and extraordinary care to our patients. Whether your goal is to maintain or improve your natural vision, we are here to help you. Call us at 877-579-0202 or visit https://www.michiganlasik.com/ to schedule an appointment today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Dealing with Michigan Water Quality Issues

One of the most attractive aspects of Michigan is the five Great Lakes and its abundant interior waterways. While freshwater is plentiful in our area, environmental issues constantly threaten its health. Read on to learn of some recent examples. 

The Flint Water Crisis

The water crisis that began in Flint, Michigan, in 2014 reminds us of what happens when pollution gets out of control, and no one intervenes to stop it. Water for drinking and household use from the Flint River contained lead, bacteria, and chemicals that caused illness, developmental delays in children, and death. Yet, even after the lessons learned from Flint, there are still threats to Michigan’s water supply.

Microplastics

We hear so much about plastic pollution in the ocean, but plastic also pollutes the Great Lakes and Michigan’s inner lakes, rivers, and streams. Microplastics are plastic pieces less than 5 mm long and form when larger plastics break down over time. Microplastic’s tiny size makes them a danger to fish and other aquatic life that may swallow them.

Humans take in microplastics when they eat fish contaminated with the substance. Microplastics can slip through water filtration systems, posing an additional danger to humans and animals. In addition, clothing can shed plastic during laundering, adding microplastics to the water supply.

Lake Erie Algae Bloom

Runoff from manure and fertilizers creates Lake Erie algae bloom. The algae can pollute water, making it toxic to fish. It also pollutes drinking water and prevents people from enjoying water recreation.

PFAs

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), known as forever chemicals, have threatened Michigan’s water supply for decades. PFAs are found in food packaging, household products, the workplace, fish, and humans due to constant exposure. PFA’s pose several health risks, including liver damage, thyroid disease, and hypertension during pregnancy.

Septic Systems

In rural and suburban areas, failing septic systems can pollute groundwater with bacteria such as E. coli. Illegal septic systems that discharge wastewater into streams and creeks also contribute to a contaminated water supply.

No one wants contaminated water for drinking, cooking, or bathing. Water treatment products and systems can remove undesirable substances from your water, making it safer for drinking and household use. Take control by learning what you can do to prevent exposure to polluted water.

Reynolds Water Conditioning was established in 1931 and is Michigan’s oldest water conditioning treatment company. Still owned and operated by the Reynolds family, we take pride in providing the highest quality products at a cost-effective price. If your tap water lacks the quality you deserve, contact us today at www.reynoldswater.com or call 800-572-9575.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Wrist Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, & Prevention

The wrist comprises several joints that help you perform many essential functions like cooking, self-care, computer work, and much more. Pain in the wrist can interfere with your ability to perform day-to-day tasks and should be addressed immediately. Read on to learn more about common wrist problems, symptoms, treatment options, and prevention.

 Common Causes

There are quite a few reasons for pain in the wrist. These can range from simple fatigue to an injury. Some of the most common reasons you may experience wrist pain include:

  • Carpel tunnel syndrome
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • De Quervain’s disease
  • Triangular fibrocartilage complex injury
  • Ganglion cyst
  • Wrist tendonitis or bursitis
  • Repetitive strain injury
  • Wrist sprain

Visit your physician to get a thorough examination and diagnosis so you can pursue the correct treatment path.

Symptoms

Pain is the most reported symptom of wrist problems, and it can range from dull to sharp or achy, depending upon the cause. Other symptoms are:

  • Bruising
  • Swelling
  • Stiffness
  • Numbness
  • Weakness
  • Tingling
  • Clicking sounds
  • Difficulty gripping

If the wrist isn’t treated, pain often increases in intensity and frequency. Always contact your doctor if the pain makes daily activities difficult, causes a limited range of motion, or if you experience worsening weakness, numbness, or tingling.

Treatment Options

Your doctor will examine your wrist and ask questions about your symptoms to reach a diagnosis. Possible treatments include:

  • Home treatment with rest, ice, and pain-relievers
  • Splints to immobilize the wrist
  • Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
  • Exercises to manage pain, stretch, and strengthen the wrist
  • Surgery for more severe problems

You may require imaging, arthroscopy, or nerve conduction studies in addition to an exam to pinpoint the problem.

Preventative Measures

Protect yourself from trauma by taking measures to prevent wrist pain and injury. You can do this by using good posture while working at your desk, investing in a keyboard that reduces wrist strain, and taking regular breaks. It also helps to learn and use tools and equipment properly to limit stress on the wrist and wear guards when engaging in sports or high-impact activities.

Michigan Hand & Wrist was founded in 2001 with the mission to provide the highest-quality care for patients seeking surgical or non-surgical hand or upper extremity relief. Our goal is to exhaust all non-operative measures before discussing or moving on to surgical interventions. We offer on-site physical therapy from therapists committed to improving your quality of life. Our individualized treatments are modern, progressive, and exceptional. Contact us today at www.michiganhandandwrist.com or call 248-596-0412.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Home Remodeling Dos and Don’ts for Resale Value

You’ve decided to sell your home and want to maximize its resale value. Remodeling is an excellent way to do this. But what works and what doesn’t? These decisions are critical, so we’ve provided a few pointers for you on do’s and don’ts when remodeling your house for resale.

Remodeling Do’s

Remodel Your Kitchen

A tired, worn kitchen is not going to help sell your house. This home area is one of the more obvious places to start, but you should be cautious.

  • Try not to tailor changes too much to your specific taste—potential buyers may not share it.
  • Keep to the existing layout. Knocking out walls and moving plumbing will add to the cost and offset any gains you make on resale value.
  • Use neutral colors. Clean, neutral colors accentuate the kitchen’s space and appeal to buyers.

Add Extra Living Space

Knocking external walls down and building new rooms may seem expensive, but it can be worthwhile. It’s a sure way to add value beyond the cost of the remodel, but you need to take care that you are adding functional space that’s big enough to appeal to potential buyers. Conservatories are an excellent option.

Remodel the Primary Bedroom

The primary bedroom is one of the top rooms that buyers consider. New flooring or a new en-suite can be a great way to add value here.

Revitalize Your Bathroom

Potential buyers will always consider bathrooms, especially the main ones. A new bathroom suite and flooring can boost your chances of getting your asking price. Also, think about remodeling secondary bathrooms if you have the budget.

Remodeling Don’ts

You might be tempted to do a few things that don’t offer a great return on your budget. These include:

Pools

Although pools are attractive to some buyers, they are costly to install and maintain. The maintenance costs alone may put off some buyers.

Kids rooms

Every parent wants to put their kids’ personalities in a space, so don’t waste your budget going crazy with these rooms. Some buyers might not even see additional bedrooms as kids’ spaces.

Specialist rooms

A wine room or a games room might appeal to you, but it won’t to every buyer. Outside of the core use rooms, keep additional spaces plain and neutral so buyers can look at them and imagine their preferred room use.

No matter the size or expense of a home renovation, the personal joy and functionality of the space for you and your family should be the ultimate deciding factor for any home project. The decision is always yours alone to make and will need to decide the actual value of the remodel not only from a resale standpoint. Keeping these ideas in mind may help you choose where to spend each dollar wisely during a project.

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JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires an improvement, repair, or is a new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call: 810-923-1123, e-mail: jfcllc@comcast.net, or visit us at: www.jfcremodeling.com today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Securing an Energy-Efficient Mortgage

There are plenty of reasons to have an energy-efficient home, one of which includes lower electrical bills. The Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) program from Fannie Mae, titled HomeStyle®, is a great way to go green, but what does it consist of, exactly? Read on to find out.

Energy-Efficient Mortgages are used to finance houses that are already energy-efficient (Energy Star-certified) or those that need energy improvements. These loans allow borrowers to qualify for a larger mortgage than they would otherwise.

Energy-efficient mortgages can be for purchasing or refinancing and allow approved borrowers to buy energy-efficient homes or pull cash out of their equity to fund energy-efficient repairs or updates to the landscaping.

Some energy-efficient improvements include:

  • Water efficiency devices
  • Renewable energy sources (solar panels, wind devices, geothermal)
  • Storm surge barriers
  • Earthquake foundation retrofitting
  • Brush and tree removal in fire zones
  • Mud and water retaining walls
  • Air sealing, insulation, windows, doors, etc.
  • Radon remediation

Energy-efficient mortgages can be financed for up to 15 percent of the appraised property value. There are a multitude of advantages when it comes to energy-efficient mortgages, including lowering monthly mortgage payments, decreasing utility bills, and offsetting your initial investment through the years.

Looking for loan options to meet your needs? Contact the experts at EB Mortgage today to learn how we can help you go green.

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EB Mortgage is a locally owned mortgage company with experts in new home purchase, refinancing, and commercial loans. Our wholesale rates can’t be beaten. We offer more products, more options, and more solutions. Our “3C” Process is simple: complete our pre-approval request, consider options based on your requirements, and choose the offer that suits your needs best. Call us at (616) 228-8797 or e-mail contact@ebwmtg.com today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Servers Become More Climate Friendly

Danish researchers from the University of Copenhagen recently developed a novel algorithm that can substantially reduce the carbon footprint of computer servers. The green transition for computer servers is an urgent matter, as they are more taxing on the climate than global air traffic. The massive amount of electricity consumed by computer servers is expected to double in a few years.

Professor Mikkel Thorup and his fellow UCPH researchers have perfected a new algorithm that solves a fundamental server issue. Some servers become overloaded as they receive more requests from users than they can handle. As consumers stream the same Netflix film or a specific video, systems need to shift users around to achieve a balanced server distribution.

He said, “We have found an algorithm that removes one of the major causes of overloaded servers once and for all. Our initial algorithm was a huge improvement over the way industry had been doing things, but this version is many times better and reduces resource usage to the greatest extent possible. Furthermore, it is free to use for all.”

The mathematical calculation to achieve the extraordinary balancing act is immensely challenging. Up to a billion servers can be involved at one time; as new clients and servers join, congestion and server failure is inevitable. This resulting resource consumption significantly influences the climate. Cisco, an American IT firm, says internet traffic is projected to triple between 2017 and 2022, with online videos making up to 82 percent of traffic.

Thorup said, “As internet traffic soars explosively, the problem will continue to grow. Therefore, we need a scalable solution that doesn’t depend on the number of servers involved. Our algorithm provides exactly such a solution.”

The new algorithm safeguards servers by segmenting them as evenly as possible, while moving them around as little as possible, and retrieving content as locally as possible.

Do you need a server for your business? Contact the IT experts at Creative Programs and Systems today.

Founded in 1994, Creative Programs and Systems provides professional results for all computer needs. We design, create, and code an array of custom software programs and websites; offer top-notch digital marketing services including enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and paid advertising; repair and provide support for computers of both residential and professional nature; build custom systems and servers, and offer secure data backups. Need assistance or want to learn more? Call us at 810-224-5252 or e-mail info@cpsmi.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Understanding Ground Trapping

It’s now March, which means that the sap has begun to run in the maples, the squirrels can be heard chattering in the trees, and the intermittent snow of a Michigan winter is replaced with showers of rain. The smell of spring in the air may be something else, perhaps the musky scent of a skunk family as they wander your yard throughout the night. They’re not the only mammals to become active this time of year. From now until fall, you can have visitors from groundhogs, raccoons, opossums, rabbits, and sometimes even foxes, depending on where you live. While none of these animals are really all that dangerous to humans, it can be disconcerting to see them roaming in “your” yard, especially if you have domesticated animals.

Ground trapping, the entrapment and removal of wildlife pests at ground level (opposed to those in an attic or other elevated space,) doesn’t generally seem like a complicated process. Therefore, DIY ground trapping appears to be the go-to, attractive option. It does, however, present some unique challenges that no other area of wildlife control has, thus, requiring a call for professional help.

In the first place, the targeted animal may not be localized to a specific area. Squirrels and raccoons that break into your attic are more easily trapped through a process called exclusion because we know exactly where they are going to be. Ground trapping, not so much. The groundhog you see every morning might be living on your property, or he might have a den several yards over. Skunks are even worse; they can range for miles in a single night, which means that locating the shelter and setting a trap could be impossible.

The second challenge can be even more annoying than the first, off-target captures. Even if the den of whatever animal you’re trying to trap is physically on your property, unless there’s an option for placing a trap right over the entrance (and sometimes there isn’t), we’d be setting a free-standing ground trap of some kind. This means that we can try as hard as we want as far as location and bait used, but there’s always a risk that we’ll trap something other than what we’re aiming for. Not only can this be dangerous, but it’s exasperating as well! If you’re looking to trap an opossum and you get a skunk instead (as often happens, based on the number of calls we get,) you’re looking at a high risk of getting sprayed. Or an unexpected raccoon can also be an issue if you don’t know how to release the trapped animal safely.

Of all the wildlife problems to have, a large rodent running around your yard is probably the best one. You likely can take care of the pest yourself; however, if you run into either of the above problems, or perhaps one that we don’t foresee, give our office a call at 800-441-1519, and we’ll see what we can do!