Home Maintenance Musts This Spring

For most of us the warmer weather brings about the yearly ritual of spring cleaning.  For many of us we this has only included the interior of our homes however, that is a mistake.  Exterior and interior spring cleaning and maintenance are both equally important to the well being of your home as a whole.  It is during these times we are able to evaluate and plan for repairs and maintenance that will keep your home from disrepair.  Create a checklist for interior and exterior spring tasks where you can include notes on maintenance and repairs that are completed from year to year.  This will serve as a record from year to year for both you as the current homeowner and those who may own it after you.

Spring Maintenance for The Exterior of Your Home

The Roof

Your roof is an important part of the structural integrity of your home.  It creates a barrier between the elements and the structural base of your home.  The roof is a key element and therefore needs to be inspected and maintained on a regular basis.  If you are unable to get on the roof use a pair of binoculars to inspect the shingles or contact a local roofing contractor.  Any shingles that are showing signs of wear such as cracks should be replaced.  If you notice shingles missing it is important to replace them right away.  Pine needles and leaves should be removed as they will weaken the valleys of your roof. 

The Siding

No matter what material is used on the exterior walls of your home it is important to make sure that they remain damage free.  Siding contractors suggest doing a thorough inspect under the eaves, gutters, and downspouts.  If water stains appear it is a good indication that your homes gutters are not working properly and aren’t adequate in containing the roof runoff. For homes with wood siding check for damage from ants, birds, and other nuisance critters.

The Chimney

Masonry chimneys should be examined as well.  The joints between the stones and bricks of the chimney should be examined for fall out as well as the growth of vegetation.  These issues can be signs of water entry. If you notice a white deposit of calcium this is also a sign that your chimney needs repair and you should contact a contractor specializing in masonry.

The Foundation

Poured concrete should be examined for cracks.  If a crack exists in the foundation of the home, it will require more than just a routine caulk job.  If you notice cracking in your foundation it is time to call in an expert who specializes in concrete foundations.  They will fill the crack with a two-part epoxy that will chemically bond with the crack when injected.

The Windows

Check the windows throughout your home for leaks that could be letting air filter in or out of the home.  The caulk and weather stripping is important in ensuring that the cool air doesn’t escape during the summer and the heat stays put in the winter. Check for condensation between the glass if you have double or triple paned windows.  This could indicate that the seal is bad and that you should replace the window or possibly just the glass.

The Deck

Check decking for boards that are loose, warped, or splintered.  These should be replaced to avoid injuries.  Take time to sweep the build up of debris between the deck boards.  If left to accumulate it will prevent water from draining.  Wooden decks that have faded or become worn from the sun should be thoroughly cleaned, stained, and resealed.  If you have composite decking it is important to maintain it according the maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer.

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.

Springtime in Michigan Is the Perfect Time For LASIK

Spring has finally sprung here in Michigan, which means warmer weather, spring cleaning, and new beginnings.  We begin to look forward to outdoor activities of all kinds and how much simpler these activities would be without the hassle of glasses and contact lenses.  This spring might just be the start of your new beginning without the worries that come along with glasses and contacts. LASIK surgery has helped millions of Americans live a life free of correct lenses.  It’s possible it can do the same for you!

The benefits of LASIK are endless.  Here we will discuss just a few of the reason’s patients give us when looking into laser vision correction surgery.  Whatever your reason, don’t procrastinate any longer.  Spring is the perfect time for LASIK.  You will be enjoying a life free and clear of restrictive vision before you know it.

Allergies

Many Michigan residents suffer from allergies throughout the spring.  The trees are blooming, the flowers are popping up through the ground, grass is growing, and people are suffering from itchy, red eyes and constant sneezing and runny noses.  A lot of times over the counter medicine just doesn’t cut the severe effects that allergies can have. 

LASIK surgery can actually help improve your allergy symptoms! For many allergies suffers contact lenses intensify the symptoms people are experiencing.  A lot of LASIK patients experience a vast improvement after surgery.  Contact lenses are the worst when you are dealing with itchy eyes because the first thing you want to do is rub your eye and contacts make this a challenge. 

Outdoor Activities

When it comes to playing sports and outdoor activities, contact lenses and glasses can really hinder your enjoyment (and performance).  With LASIK surgery you no longer need to worry about breaking your glasses or losing a contact when you are in the heat of the game.  Even gardening is simpler with laser vision surgery; never again will you worry about getting dirt and grime caught between a contact and cornea.

Traveling

Michigan residents are known for travel throughout the spring season.  “Spring break” is basically a holiday for most families. Traveling as a family is hard enough without the added stress and worry that comes with packing extra glasses or the endless supplies needed for contact lenses.  LASIK eliminates this all together.  Laser surgery gives patients freedom to play without a concern.  You can enjoy all of your favorite activities from swimming to rollercoaster rides with ease.

Busy Summers

Let’s face it, the spring season is going to fly by.  Before you know it, summer will be here and so will the longing to spend your days camping, swimming, and enjoying friendly backyard barbecues. Having LASIK done in the spring allows eyes to heal properly before the enjoyment of the summer begins.

If you are considering LASIK and unsure if you are a candidate today is the day to find out.  Rohr Eye & Laser Center will provide you with a free LASIK consultation to determine if you are an ideal candidate for vision correction surgery.  Don’t eliminate yourself as a LASIK candidate, call our LASIK surgical coordinators today to schedule your free consultation.

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.

Solutions for Rust and Iron Prevention In Well Water Irrigation Systems

Throughout the year we spend a lot of time thinking about the water quality in our home.  We all desire high quality water in our homes which is why many of us will install a system to treat our water.  There are several different water treatment solutions available including water softeners, water conditioners, reverse osmosis filtration, iron filters, and water purification systems. Each available system serves a different purpose and meets the needs of homeowners differently.  Testing and analyzing the water from your home will determine what system or systems best fits your needs.

When warmer weather starts to move in, we quickly shift gears from the water in our home to the water outside of our homes.  Let’s face it, water is essential to create and maintain a healthy landscape.  When Mother Nature isn’t producing the water, we need for this to happen we turn to our irritation systems.  For many of us this is when we start to notice the unsightly effects of rust and iron within our irrigation systems.

There isn’t a whole lot treating your water will do for existing rust and iron stains however installing an irrigation stain control system can prevent further damage.  Rust and iron prevention and remover are two different aspects in preparing your home and irrigation system for the spring and summer seasons.  In order to remove existing stains on landscaping, siding, sidewalks, and more there are many safe, biodegradable options available to homeowners.  For irrigation rust and iron prevention, the experts at Reynolds Water Conditioning Company can help! 

There are three different water treatment systems that work well in irrigation applications.  The results of your well water analysis will better help to determine which system will best suit your specific need.  The most common option for irrigation systems using well water with a high density of rust elements is the installation of a system that combines specialized equipment and chemicals. 

The Reynolds Irrigation Stain Control System is a combination of the best equipment and chemicals available on the market today.  It is a system that has over 25 years of results to prove it is effective in preventing the rust stains that can be found on the outdoor surfaces around your home. This specific system works to prevent red water stains and rust from forming on patio furniture, siding, and more without the use of harmful chemical solutions. 

The specialized RC solution used in the Reynolds Irrigation Stain Control System is not only safe for plants and animals it protects against corrosion and pitting as well as being 100% bio-degradable and safe for the environment. This solution is added to a tank that includes a flow switch and an injection pump.  The solution is introduced to the water stream as it enters the irrigation system which prevents staining. 

Other options that are available to improve the quality of the water running through your irrigation system include the Reynolds ClearStream Iron-Rust-Odor Filter and Reynolds Chlorinator.  Both systems treat the amount of iron in well water.  When iron is removed for the water before it enters the irrigation system, outdoor staining can be prevented.  

.  Both systems treat the amount of iron in well water.  When iron is removed for the water before it enters the irrigation system, outdoor staining can be prevented.  

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://www.reynoldswater.com/irrigation-iron-removal.



What’s the Difference Between Computer Viruses and Malware?

Often the terms malware and computer virus are used interchangeably however they are in fact not the same.  A computer virus is just one type of malware that a computer can become infected with.  It is a commonly used term to describe an infection within a computer system.  The term malware is a broader term and refers to any and all malicious software that infects a computer, including a computer virus.  Two common types of malware that users are familiar with are spyware and adware.  It is crucial that users install protection software to fight off new malware as it occurs. 

Malware infections are infecting computer systems and mobile devices at growing rate.  Malware is a software program that has been created to cause damage and spread infection from a host system to systems the host comes in “contact” with.  Including computer viruses, malware includes various types of software including trojan horses, worms, adware, and spyware.  The most aggressive malware, known as ransomware, works to gain financially from computer users. 

Viruses:  As previously stated, a computer virus is one type of malware on its own.  A virus is infectious software code that is used to infect a host system and spreads when it runs.  Computer viruses are most often spread when software is shared between computers.  It is similar to a parasite in that the virus “feeds” off the host computer and spreads from the host.  Once the host shares the virus it then continues to spread to systems that it is shared with.   A lot of users with viruses end up with them due to receiving and opening an email that has a virus infection. The more the email is shared, the more systems ultimately become infected.

Adware: Infected software that comes through in the form of advertisements is known as adware.  This type of malware that provides advertisements in order to bring in revenue for the source.  The infected ad is shown to the computer user and when the ad is installed the system is infected.  Adware software is coded in a manner that it uses the sites that users often visit to create related ads.  Although all adware does not have the intent to harmful it becomes a problem because it slows down computer function and can be quite aggravating. 

Spyware: Software that spies on your online activity and tracks where you go on the internet in order to gather information on the user is known as spyware.  Users do not consent to the tracking and often do not know it is running.  Spyware is a difficult type of malware to detect.  Employers may install spyware programs to monitor the online activity of users.  Employer installed spyware software will not spread.

Worms:  A worm is a malware type that duplicates itself and annihilates the information and files that are saved on the pc including the operating and data files.

Trojan: Trojans are a virus that has been created in a manner that builds user trust by making them think they are about to tun a safe program.  They are designed to steal information and then take over the files within the computer system.  In larger commercial settings, Trojans can make network resources unavailable to users when they try to reach it.

Ransomware: The most malicious type of malware is known as ransomware.  Users are unable to access the system until they have paid a fee.  Often times a pop-up shows on the computer screen which states the user has been locked out.  It will state that a ransom fee needs to be paid in order to remove any restrictions that have been placed on the system.  Cryptolocker is the most well-known type of ransomware today. 

If you believe that your personal computer, server, or network workstation has become infected with malware it is critical that the system is shut down and immediately scanned by software that is specifically designed to locate and remove infections.  The professional IT specialists at Creative Programs and Systems can perform these scans via remote desktop, in person at your location, or on-site in our Brighton, MI location. 

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.

Creating An Outdoor Space With Purpose

There is a new trend in home improvement, and it doesn’t have anything to do with the interior of your home.  The creation of outdoor living spaces takes a boring green lawn without any dimension and turns it into a usable space the whole family can enjoy.  Not only can homeowners take their backyards and turn them into a functional space, many outdoor home improvement projects increase home value and outdoor safety.   

There isn’t a one size fits all project to choose when considering outdoor upgrades.  Consider your family, the size of the space, areas you want to highlight, and the overall purpose you want the space to serve.  If you aren’t sure exactly what you want but you know you are ready to take your lackluster landscape and turn it into something that inspires you consider some of the options below.

An Outdoor Living Area

One of the most common trends for homeowners in climates where the temperatures are consistently warm is livable outdoor spaces.  Common design elements for outdoor living areas include an outdoor kitchen, access to water, comfortable seating, a space for games, and some may include an area for television viewing.  For many this includes the creation of an outdoor covered patio area or a space that is partially covered. 

Outdoor living spaces require many of the same elements that are needed within the home such as plumbing, electricity, and gas.  Firepits are a popular feature that is often included in outdoor living spaces.  Firepits have changed a lot with the addition of outdoor living spaces.  Long gone are the metal rings and fires fueled by wood.  Instead many homeowners opt to use gas and glass to create a truly unique ambiance. 

A Landscape with Purpose

Your landscape should be more than just grass.  Create a landscape with a purpose.  Create spaces within the landscape using plants, trees, fencing, statues, seating, and such that give the space purpose throughout the yard.  This can be done with minimal maintenance required.  The last thing most homeowners want is to increase the amount of maintenance required around their homes.

Think about your current landscape.  Envision the space divided up into several usable spaces.  You don’t have to reinvent the space all in one day. Often landscaping with a purpose is done throughout an extended period of time.  A great place to start is to choose a space within your landscape to create a seating area that is sectioned off from the rest of the lawn.  Create a platform that sits under a canopy of shade trees.  Simple platforms can be created out of concrete or bricks, add comfy seating and tables for drinks and snacks, sit back and enjoy. 

A Vacation Oasis

The installation of a backyard swimming pool is another popular outdoor home improvement that is often considered when homeowners want to create an outdoor space that can be enjoyed by the entire family.  Swimming pools are a fabulous way to bring people together as well as enhance the visual appeal of your landscape.  When a pool is installed the sky is really the limit from waterfall features to diving boards there is something for every homeowners’ desires.

The most important element when having a pool installed is safety.  Inground swimming pools must have a fence and latching gate that encloses the perimeter of the space.  Not just any fence will do either, the fence must meet the standards in place by the B.O.C.A.  Aluminum fencing is the most popular option amongst pool owners because it is not only attractive but requires little maintenance to keep it looking as sharp as the rest of the landscape does. 

Aluminum pool fencing that meets B.O.C.A. standards can be found online at iFenceUSA.  Not only are there 18 different aluminum pool fence panels to choose from, homeowners can customize their fence with a number of ornamental features and décor options.  Classic black aluminum fence panels are a popular choice for pool owners however, homeowners have 9 different colors to choose from.  No matter what fence design is chosen homeowners are sure to make a bold statement with the addition of a beautiful backyard oasis.

An Impressive Entry

Another way homeowner can not only create an outdoor space that speaks volumes but also add security is through the installation of a gated entryway.  Driveway gates are terrific statement pieces that offer visitors a first impression like no other.  There are a number of types of materials used for entry gates however when looking for a material that is durable, long-lasting, and low maintenance, aluminum is once again your go to.  Aluminum driveway gates can be installed in a number of ways from attaching them directly to fencing or grand pillars.  Homeowners have a lot of options when enhancing their landscape with a driveway entry gate.

As you can see there are a number of ways to add purpose and increase the attractiveness of your landscape.  The exterior of your home doesn’t have to be boring.  With a little bit of thought your homes outdoor space can be turned into something special.

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/.

Software Development For iPhones and Android Using Cordova


One of the greatest challenges of a software development company working with iPhone and Android apps is time to develop on both platforms. While native programming these devices has its positives, rapid deployment of software is crucial in maintaining a profitable business model.  Using Cordova (PhoneGap) to achieve this, we have realized 200-300% reductions in time to market. Several of our apps run on Cordova and are available in the Apple Store, Google Play and Amazon.

Cordova allows you to keep one set of source code for both platforms, utilizing HTML and JavaScript.  This means you can simply develop your software one time for both devices and deploy.  Cordova comes with a breath of plugins from camera management, screen rotation, keyboard pop up, uploading file and more.  You install Cordova, add required plug-ins and develop.

Cordova is available here http://cordova.apache.org/

If you really want to speed up design time, you can actually develop your phone or tablet app on a website, using Chrome, FireFox or Edge.  Utilizing the CSS and HTML power of real time editing, you will see many apps can be produced in 1-2 days.  This allows for greater profit margins, less stress, and an ease on deadlines.

We have developed a technique to do just that.  By using the code below, you will disable Cordova (PhoneGap) in the browser view.  Then you upload the www project files to a website you have control of and can edit it right there.

var isApp = document.URL.indexOf( ‘http://’ ) === -1 && document.URL.indexOf( ‘https://’ ) === -1;

if(isApp){

                loadScript(‘cordova.js’, function(){  })

}

This code works by checking the URL of the device.  When running in app mode (on a device) the system does not use http protocol.  When in the browser we do.  This code simply checks to see if we are on a browser or not, then includes the cordova.js file.

This will allow you to program your app without the errors in the console on a website.  To continue to speed up development, we utilize jQuery.  If you are not familiar with jQuery, it’s a library of incredible useful shortcuts and tools for JavaScript.

jQuery may be downloaded here http://jquery.com/.

I highly suggest you rip out much of the default code that comes as a new project in Cordova.  The only thing you really need to include is the cordova.js file.  Using simple document ready function for the JavaScript replaces the cumbersome device ready code provided in the project.  Using jQuery $(document).ready() will fire when the page is loaded.

Using a combination of the process above, one should be able to rapidly deploy apps for home or business use, in a stable and reliable environment.  One of our big concerns when we first started this process was how Apple would react to an app not “natively” programmed in XCode.  The team at Apple will not reject your code because you used Cordova.  We have multiple apps in the Apple Store programmed using Cordova.  Give it a try, you will not be disappointed.

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.



FAQs On Selling and Servicing New and Refurbished Linear Accelerators and Parts


The biggest factors that haunt healthcare facilities and providers in today’s environment center around the expense and quality of varying capital investments.  How can facilities run at peak capacity, preserving patient care, and providing positive outcomes with the unavoidable expenditure involved in the service and maintenance of medical equipment? 

In order to maintain their cutting-edge facilities, healthcare providers must ensure their medical equipment is reliable, sustainable, and can produce the best patient outcomes today and in the future.  In order to provide patients top notch medical equipment without repair or maintenance delays facilities often enter into service contracts with either OEM, manufacturer provided, or third-party service provides. Often many OEM and manufacturer provided medical equipment service providers quickly try to claim that only they are able to provide proper post warranty services often bundling products, services, maintenance, and upgrades in packages to hold facilities hostage in using their service. 

What can healthcare facilities and providers do to combat the monopoly OEM and manufacturer provides service companies seem to dictate within the industry?  There are alternatives to these medical service providers known as third-party medical equipment service companies. Companies such as Acceletronics and Radparts are medical equipment service and part providers that guarantee the best value and service for equipment and facilities.  This is done through careful consideration of what medical facilities are considering when choosing a service provider. 

Careful consideration has been given in our service model to not only our reputation within the industry but our response time, access to parts, and performance.  Your service contract with a third-party medical equipment service provider is only one aspect of what you are purchasing, uptime, and performance are the others.  Your equipment is used to deliver patient care.  What you need is a guarantee that the medical service, maintenance, and repair provider of your facilities linear accelerators and CT scanners is in the best condition possible and that you are receiving the best value possible. 

Before you purchase any service contract for medical equipment it is important to consider what is most important.  When creating a model for equipment service, repair, maintenance, and part sales the professionals at Acceletronics and Radparts have considered various industry quality standards, short- and long-term sustainability, and the total cost of equipment ownership. 

Quality Standards – Superior patient outcomes rest on the quality of service.  One-way quality is measured is by using a standard put in place through the International Organization for Standardizations.  The ISO 9001 Quality Certification was developed to assist customers in making informed decisions when quality is vital.  The ISO 13485 is another quality certification however it is applicable exclusively to the medical device industry. 

Sustainability – Up to date information and new technology sustains your equipment thus service providers must be able to provide service personnel with on-going, proper training.  Before signing a contract with a service provider ask about training programs personnel are required to participate in.  It is important quality training occurs regularly to meet or exceed OEM standards to provide valuable services without downtime.

Total Cost of Ownership – Radiation departments experience great pressures to reduce expenses. Not only do facilities need to concern themselves with the purchase price but also maintenance expenses, and software upgrades.  Often facilities think bundling these services is the most appropriate choice however, this may not always be the best choice when negotiating.  It is important to pay only for those services that you will use. 

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/.



Electrical Distribution Equipment Failure – Keep or Discard


When dealing with electrical equipment and components it is inevitable that they will fail, and you will have to deal with the consequences.  The minute electrical equipment is put into place, from transformers to circuit breakers and panel switches and tap boxes, they start to decline.  Deterioration of electrical products happens for a number of reasons including:

  • Moisture Absorption
  • Differing Temperature Cycles
  • Dust and Particles Settling
  • Condensation Buildup
  • Fragile Operating Springs
  • Insulation Material Breakdown
  • Rusted Out Switchgear Enclosures
  • Dried Out Capacitors

When electrical components within distribution systems age vulnerabilities start to appear. With automation being what it is today, electrical technology can often run unassisted, without issue for years. Because of this maintenance on these systems tend to be ignored which can lead to unpredicted failures which lead to catastrophic failures; the most common being fire.  Thus, in order to keep electrical components operating at their peak and delivering consistent power renovations and maintenance are critical.

The two biggest nemeses of electrical equipment and the components within are moisture, condensation, dust, and loose particles. When equipment is installed outdoors or in spaces that offer no type of temperature or humidity control deterioration occurs more rapidly then in spaces where there are controls, just at a slower, more gradual pace. 

Based on the quality, maintenance schedule, and environment of electrical equipment and components that are installed the deterioration rate varies.  When planning for maintenance, upkeep, and refurbishment of electric components and equipment it is important to establish the age and overall condition of each piece. 

Electrical Equipment and Component Insulation

Components within each piece of equipment must be inspected individually.  Insulation is the component of electrical equipment that degrades the quickest.  Paper and solid synthetic insulation is used throughout equipment around motors, capacitors, cables, transformers, circuit breaker trip coils, operating coils of contractors, and reactors.  The breakdown of insulation depends a great deal on the temperatures that it is exposed to.  To increase longevity of equipment and decrease the breakdown of insulation it is important for equipment not to be operated above optimal temperature ratings.

Capacitors in Electrical Equipment

There are various types of capacitors used in both low and medium voltage distribution systems including:

  • Surge Capacitors
  • Power Factor Correcting Capacitors
  • Commutating Capacitors
  • Capacitors in Active and Passive Filters
  • Pole-Mounted Capacitors

The most common capacitor to use in ratings up to several hundred kVAR is power factor correction.  They are sealed in airtight, insulated units for protection.  The insulating material that is used is a metalized polypropylene film that is compressed in a thermal setting resin.  In the event of internal failure, pressure sensitive interrupters are used to disconnect the capacitor. Capacitors are always fused externally because their failure is most often due to circuit shorts.

There is a nonstop loss of power internally because of lag thus causing the insulating resin to dry.  This often goes unnoticed.  Most capacitors have an average life expectancy of about seventeen years when in continuous operation. This of course decreases depending on the environment in which it operates.  Many systems have a decrease in this average life expectancy due to being exposed to over use and variation in frequency.  To check measurements for capacitors, use clamp-on ammeter to test and detect disparity over time.  

In our next installment we will dive deeper into more electrical components and how they work, their longevity, usage, and testing.  Such components we will inspect will include transformers, circuit breakers, reactors, cables, relays, and more.

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



Reasons To Look Into Purchasing Refurbished vs. New

There are many reasons that health care facilities look into purchasing refurbished linear accelerators verse new.  Most assume that refurbished medical equipment is purchased solely because it is more affordable than new however that is not the only reason to consider. 

Look into refurbished LINAC systems when:

  • Treating fewer than ten patients a day

When medical facilities are not exclusively treating patients seeking radiation using a linear accelerator there may not be the funds to support the expense.  Health care centers that treat less than ten patients a day using a LINAC benefit from purchasing a refurbished system.  A previously owned, refurbished linear accelerator is less expensive and thus the monthly expense to lease/finance is lower.  What this means for your facility is that the payment is able to be covered by the few patients being treated daily.

  • You live in a location where reimbursement rates are low

When a medical facility is located in an area where facilities need to be profitable to continue running and compensation rates are low it is important to keep expenses low.  Public clinics don’t need to worry about being lucrative however that is not the same for all health care facilities. 

  • There is not a need for the latest technologies

When a medical facility is using a LINAC system and only requires partial use of its technologies then a refurbished linear accelerator is a perfect choice.  Many veterinarians choose to purchase refurbished linear accelerators to treat pets and animals.  They don’t require all the bells and whistles found in new radiation so refurbished equipment makes sense. 

  • You are just starting out

When a medical facility is just opening, they may not have the revenue base to purchase more expensive medical equipment with the newest technologies.  Healthcare facilities that are looking to upgrade to new technology in four to seven years but need to treat patients and generate funds benefit from purchasing refurbished medical equipment.  Health care centers often want to buy brand new equipment when starting out, but it is a huge risk to invest capital that is not guaranteed in such expenses.  Pre-owned, refurbished LINAC help to mitigate the risks while allowing facilities to effectively treat patients.

  • The facility needs to move locations

When a medical facility has one linear accelerator but intends to move locations and are unable to have down-time the purchase of a refurbished machine is a good idea. Linear accelerator relocation can take upwards of four weeks so many facilities choose to purchase an identical machine to install at the new center.  When the move has been completed the equipment can be sold or kept as a backup.

  • A backup machine is desired

When a medical facility wants to ensure they are always able to treat their patients a back up linear accelerator is necessary.  This is often the case when a facility has a large patient load.  When the main LINAC is down for maintenance or repair patients can still be treated using a back up machine.  Refurbished linear accelerators are a great backup solution. 

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/.

A LASIK Overview

LASIK is a delicate corrective procedure that is used to improve eyesight.  Not everyone is a good candidate for laser corrective surgery however for millions of patients, LASIK surgery is done with success. 

Basics In LASIK

Most people who wear glasses or contacts think about corrective surgery at one time or another. During the LASIK procedure a laser reshapes your cornea (the dome which is located at the front of the eye) to increase light rays focusing on the retina. 

Here are some things to consider before you schedule your Free LASIK, laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, surgery.  Consider the following:

  • LASIK can’t be reversed.  It is a complicated surgery to a delicate part of the eye.
  • Laser vision corrective surgery doesn’t come without possible complications or risks.
  • Eye surgery is not for everyone; however, LASIK has been performed successfully on millions of people throughout the United States.
  • Although many patients end up with near perfect vision but there is a chance that the LASIK procedure will not end up giving you perfect vision, it is possible to end up with slightly diminished precise vision.
    • 9 out of 10 patients end up with 20/20 and 20/40 vision – 20/40 vision is often not sharp enough for certain types of work.
  • LASIK is used to correct distance vision. It is likely that patients may still require reading glasses in their 40’s.  LASIK is not used for correction or prevention of presbyopia which is an age-related loss of the eye being able to focus on objects nearby. 
  • Nearsighted patients that don’t need reading glasses before the surgery might need them after.

LASIK benefits may decrease overtime.  In fact, more than 10% of patients may require a second surgery which is known as a retreatment.  This will restore the patients desired vision.  This process is more common in patients who had higher nearsighted or farsightedness or a higher degree of astigmatism. 

LASIK surgery is a procedure that is not covered under most insurance plans. For most candidates they can expect to pay up to $3,000 per eye for the LASIK procedure.

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.