Why Party Bus Hire Is Worth It On Your Big Day

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Benefits of Renting a Party Bus

Riding in a Party bus is not only fun but it also adds a touch of sophistication to your lifestyle. You can enjoy with your friends by traveling into the city or hopping into local clubs. Party buses are the perfect solution for the ultimate fun. Here are some of the benefits of renting a party bus which can definitely make you choose these while you plan your next special event.

Impress your Friends

Arriving in a party bus is definitely going to make all eyes fixed on you. And, who wouldn’t be impressed to see their friends riding around town in luxurious party buses. Do not think twice and ride around to go your special event in style and fashion.

Spacious

Party buses can are spacious enough to hold up to 32 passengers. As party buses come in different sizes, seating capacities vary. You can bring your entire crowd and travel together in style and comfort, making a dramatic entrance and exit from the event venue.

No DUI

The best part of hiring a party bus service is you can drink and party with your friends without having to worry about driving. You don’t need a designated driver when you hop aboard the party bus as there are professional chauffeurs to provide you a safe and fun ride.

Cost-effective

You can have a safe transportation as well as ample entertainment when you are on board. Moreover, it doesn’t cost you a fortune to experience this. If you happen to travel in a group of friends and divide the rates, the cost is even more affordable.

On board Amenities

Most Party buses are equipped with leather seats, 3D stereo sound system, custom bar, LCD plasma TVs and many more. These buses also allow you to bring alcoholic beverages, food and your own entertainment. This means you can turn the party into whatever you want it to be. It provides so much fun that you may never want to stop the ride!

 

You Can Keep Everyone Together

The problem with most vehicles is that they possess size limitations. After all, you can’t fit 25 people inside of a sedan.

Party buses don’t eliminate this problem entirely. However, they are much better at serving large groups. Whereas some party buses can hold up to 12 people at a time, others can hold as many as 35. As such, they do a terrific job of keeping the group together.

So, whether it’s a wedding, a bachelor party, or a special night out, a party bus will help to keep your group in one place. No need to pile 5 people into 5 different cars. Rent out a party bus and you’ll be having fun together the whole night through.

You’ll Get There Safely

Driving on a public road is never a given. There’s always a risk of accidents. However, generally speaking, party buses are safer than other modes of transportation.

This is so for a variety of reasons.

The first reason is that party buses are driven by professional drivers. These drivers take their jobs seriously and do everything they can to keep their passengers out of harm’s way.

The next reason is that party buses are big. As such, in the event that they do get into accidents, those inside of them feel less of an effect.

Finally, party buses prevent inebriated individuals from getting behind the wheel. Drunk driving is an extremely dangerous activity, one which can ruin the lives of drivers and those whom they come into contact with.

Don’t risk a tragedy on your fun night out. Rent a party bus and travel in safe hands.

 

The value of a party bus rental cannot be beat.

There is simply no way to match the value of a party bus. There is no other way to get you and all of your group where you want to go for the same price. If this is a situation where everyone is paying in, you may be surprised by what a bargain the party bus will be. This is a very affordable way to go.

Party bus rentals give you a lot of flexibility.

Your party bus will pick you up and drop you off where you want. There are a lot of ways you can get around but few will pick you up at your front door and deposit you back there when the night is over. If you are renting a party bus to take you to an event, the driver will be waiting for you when it is over. If you are using it to get around town and you will be hitting the hot spots, you get to pick how long you want to stay at each venue.

 

Group Size

Get an accurate headcount for your travel plans before deciding to rent a limo or party bus. Limos come in a wide range of sizes, some with room for up to 20 or 30, but the most common options have a smaller capacity of around 10 to 12 people. You’ll pay a lot more per hour for the larger limos with higher passenger capacity.

Party buses naturally hold more people. You don’t have to upgrade to a more expensive vehicle in the fleet to hold a larger party. The overall larger, more open design can also make a party bus more comfortable for larger parties compared to a limo with a similar capacity.

Available Space

Beyond the passenger capacity, consider how much space you want in the vehicle. A limo is designed for sitting on the available seats. You can’t move around much inside the limo.

If you want more room to dance, move around, and socialize, a party bus gives you more space. The higher ceilings let you stand up comfortably so you can move around without crouching. Most party buses offer open space in the middle of the seats where you can dance or do other activities.

 

You Won’t Have to Worry About Parking

When traveling into the city, parking is always a concern. In some cases, you might have to park half a mile away from your actual destination. Not to mention, you might have to pay a hefty price to do so.

Do you know the better option is? To rent a party bus and forget about parking entirely.

See, when you rent a party bus, you leave the responsibility of your transportation in the hands of your chauffeur. Your chauffeur won’t be going with you to your event. So, once he or she drops you off, he or she can just take off and park elsewhere until you’re ready to be picked up.

That sure beats having to pay $20 for parking or having to stumble around for half a mile just to locate your vehicle at the end of the night.

You’ll Have a Worry-free Experience

Party bus drivers know their stuff. They’ve driven through their geographical locations on more than a few occasions. So, regardless of where you want to go, they’ll be able to deliver.

What does this mean for you? It means that you can sit back and relax and enjoy a worry-free experience. No searching for addresses on your phone; no listening to GPS commands; just sitting back and taking in the experience.

On the day of a big event, you likely already have a lot on your plate. There’s no reason to put even more on it.

A Practical Unloading Moving Schedule

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Moving Policies & Procedures

Moving Procedures

The actual relocation of a Tenant office begins with a discussion with the management office of ideas and space needs and ends with the successful completion of the move. In between, there is planning, estimating and decision-making that must be accomplished within a defined time frame. The Management Team and Leasing Team will assist Tenants in every way possible to ensure a smooth and comprehensive relocation. Any arrangements for various trades such as telephone installation, copier installation, etc. should be set up through the Management Office.

Tenant Responsibilities Prior to Moving Out – Tenants are requested to follow the procedures listed below before moving out:

As soon as the tenant is aware of a potential move, they must contact the management office to schedule the freight elevator.

Contact the telephone company to discontinue service at this Building.

Turn in office keys and access building and/or parking cards to the Management Office.

Once all tenant items have been removed from the space, a walk-through must be scheduled with the Real Estate Manager and Chief Engineer.

Follow the “Moving Policies” described on this page.

Moving Polices

In order for building personnel to accommodate the Tenant and to protect the building property, the following policies should be followed. Contact the Management Office if there are questions

Special Requirements

The Management Office should be advised in writing of any special requirements in connection with the move. For example, if draperies, supplies, equipment, etc., are expected prior to the move, arrangements must be made for use of the elevator and for access to the tenant suite.

General Procedures

All items moved in or moved out must be taken to the loading dock and taken away immediately. There is not storing of items on the loading dock.

No items are to be moved across the main lobby floor.

Movers must contact the Dock Office prior to loading or unloading tenant materials or furniture. The mover will be required to provide identification and state the name of the Tenant being moved.

Only the freight elevator is to be used

 

Box Truck Unloading Procedures

A box truck is often used to transport large amounts of materials, and when you are in the process of unloading a box truck, there are safety strategies that you should employ to make sure there are no injuries and no damage to the product being unloaded. Establish safe habits when it comes to unloading a box truck, and make safety a part of your regular procedures. After a while, the ability to safely and efficiently unload a box truck will become almost become second nature to you.

Preparation

Make sure the truck is level prior to unloading it. If you have the truck at an angle, the contents may begin to move as you unload them, and this could cause a safety hazard. Make sure the back of the truck is as close as possible to the loading dock to allow easy and safe movement from the truck to the building.

If there is no loading dock, be sure to use a ramp that is securely attached to the back of the truck. Do not attempt to unload a box truck by handing heavy and large items down from the back of the truck. If there is ice on the ground, be sure to spread salt around the tires to allow them the chance to melt the ice and grip on to the pavement. put parking blocks behind the tires to hold the vehicle in place, and be sure the engine is turned off before you begin to unload.

Safety Gear

When you are unloading a box truck, it can be difficult to tell where the next danger may come from. That is why it is important to wear the proper safety gear before you get to work. Use thick leather safety gloves to protect your hands and goggles to protect your eyes. If you are unloading hazardous materials, follow the unloading instructions on the material handling sheet to find out exactly what kind of safety gloves and goggles you should be wearing. Wear steel-toed boots on to protect your feet, and make sure you are wearing a long-sleeved shirt and long pants to protect your skin. Wear a back brace if you will be lifting heavier items to help protect your back from injury.

Work Together

Always know where the other members of your team are when unloading a box truck. If you are using a crane or a forklift to unload, be sure a qualified person is operating the equipment and that everyone stays a safe distance from the equipment when it is in use. Communicate to each other constantly to be aware of what everyone is doing and where everyone is. Do not attempt to lift or move heavy items on your own; always ask for assistance to move larger items.

 

LOADING & UNLOADING TRUCKS

Some people are looking for load and unload help for loading their trucks when travelling long-distance. Particularly when they want to load a heavy item such as a piano into their trailers. In fact, they were looking for a crew of professionals who or hiring movers for 2 hours, for example, that assist them with loading and unloading.

Movers can help you if you need;

Hire movers to load and unload trucks or simply moving labour

Load and unload help

Hire movers for 2 hours (just movers without truck)

Uhaul unloading help

Can you hire movers to load a Uhaul?

And many other mover labour services.

HELPING YOU WITH LOADING YOUR TRUCK:

Now, you are looking to hire a moving house company to load and unload trucks. Our moving labour helps you know how to load to ensure a good balance of weight in all parts of your trucks or trailers. For example, placing too much weight at the front of your truck is dangerous and unsafe when travelling long-distance. On the other hand, you need to fit all your belongings in your truck as it is not economical to make the second trip.

After ensuring that all the items fit in the truck, they secure the load with tie straps. Strapping your own trucks in different parts is another aspect of truck efficiency when long-distance trips.

However,  household movers usually prefer to start with small items such as moving boxes. Later, when the house or apartment starts to be empty, they will focus on bigger furniture items. At the destination, they have a chance to start with installation and placing the big items and later put the boxes and small items between the larger items.

 

Loading & Unloading

Any Type Of Storage

Whether you’ve hired a small moving van, a huge moving truck or are using a moving container that will be shipped via a 3rd party, our moving labor team has the expertise to pack your goods. They not only optimize space in the truck or storage container but also load your goods with care to ensure they make it to whatever awaits at the other end of your move in one piece. Moving labor services make any move more carefree.

Save Your Friends The Hard Work

Sure, it’s fun to get your friends or family members together to help with a move, but wouldn’t you rather enjoy a day with your friends instead of putting them to work? Your friends might be generous with their time and effort but they aren’t expert movers like our team of load and unload movers. Better to save your friend’s backs the pain and invite them to your housewarming party instead!

Get The Move Done Faster

It’s a proven fact that professional help unloading is much faster than everyday people. They work every day to help people with their moves and know how to make things flow smoothly. You’ve been working on your move for a while. Perhaps you’ve been packing all week and simply planning things for a month or longer. Take a load off and let your first few moments in your new home be restful with the help of load unload movers.

Start With Organization

Loading unloading help teams place your items in the designated rooms. That way, you will start off fresh with some level of organization. This small detail makes it a whole lot easier to get settled in your new home!

 

Loading and Unloading Services

Loading and unloading your moving truck, storage unit or POD is often the hardest part of a do-it-yourself move. Why not hire an experienced team of packers and movers to help make your next local or long distance move easier? We are proud to offer professional move labor services nationwide to help make a successful local, long distance, or commercial move. When you schedule our team for loading and unloading labor assistance, you can rest assured that your move is in expert hands.

team of professional movers highly-trained in all aspects of loading and unloading your moving truck, storage unit or POD, so you never have to worry about doing it yourself. As seasoned veterans of the moving industry, we stand by our promise to treat your belongings with expert care every step of the way. We’ll make sure every item is properly packed, sealed, and loaded to ensure the utmost safety of your property, and maximize space in your moving truck or storage solution.

Loading and Unloading Services You Can Rely On

You don’t have to worry when hiring us:

All our movers are fully vetted, with company uniforms, identity cards and references, all available for you to inspect.

Each employee undergoes fitness and personality testing before he/she can become a part of our team and goes through intense training.

Electrical Upgrades Services For Home’s Electrical System Upgrades

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Electrical Upgrades For Your Home are Perfect for Summer Projects

Upgrade or Add Lighting Fixtures

If you’re looking for a simple way to upgrade your living space this summer replacing or adding new light fixtures is a great way to start. has been updating existing homes as well as new construction homes with new light fixtures such as chandeliers, pendant light, wall sconce, track lighting, and more. Our experienced electricians will ensure a timely and proficient and convenient installation.

Upgrade or Replace Electrical Outlets

For some living in older homes that were built 30 or more years ago, it might be time to consider upgrading the electrical wiring. Updating original electrical outlets that may be outdated for more modern appliances with increased electrical use is important to keep in mind considering we are using more electrical devices than ever. Upgrading outlets that may not be up to par or as energy-efficient as they could be can be an important step to keeping your home safe.

What are some signs your electrical outlets need to be upgraded or replaced?

The faceplate is broken, chipped, or cracked

The slots have loosened

The plastic of your outlet cover feels warm to the touch – Discontinue use immediately

The outlet produces electrical shocks – Discontinue use immediately

The outlet has gone dead

Consider GFI or GFCI Outlets

GFCI’s (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) are meant to protect you from electrical shock.They are typically installed in high traffic areas near kitchen and bathroom sinks. GFCI’s also detect unusual spikes in energy and almost instantly shut off the electricity to prevent you from getting shocked. If you have an older home there are several code requirements. Our certified electricians can help make sure you are up to code and living in a safe environment.

Upgrade or Replace Your Electrical Panel

If you are experiencing any of the following it might be time to replace your electrical panel:

Lights flicker on and off

Fuses blow frequently

Not enough electrical outlets

Outlets don’t support large appliances such as hot tubs

Lack of GFI grounded outlets

No empty spaces in the electrical panel for new appliances

Crackling noise in the panel box

 

Electrical Upgrades

handle all types of electrical upgrades, including ones that are critical and those that will save you money.

If there is one important tip that every homeowner should follow, it is to continually make upgrades to your home to preserve its value, make it more enjoyable, and prevent problems

Some electrical upgrades are critical if you want your home to be safe and in accordance with modern-day electrical building codes. For example, upgrading from a fuse box system to a circuit breaker panel system is a wise investment. This project also goes hand-in-hand with upgrading the home wiring, as it is likely not of a quality to hold up to today’s power demands.

Other electrical upgrades are designed to save you money, such as LED lighting upgrades and installing surge protection to keep your appliances and electronics safe. We can also make upgrades to provide sufficient power for home offices, media rooms, specialty appliances that require a dedicated circuit, and wiring so that ceiling fans can be installed.

If you would like to discuss electrical upgrades for your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. As fully insured and licensed electrical contractors, we are confident that you’ll be completely satisfied with the level of quality we offer. In addition, we back our workmanship with a lifetime labor warranty. Call today to learn more or to schedule an appointment for electrical upgrades that you have in mind.

Electrical Panel Wiring

Our electrical panel wiring ensures safety for the whole property. Electricity is something that we use so often and so regularly that we sometimes forget how much we rely

 

Electrical Upgrades

Electrical Services

Some electrical installations, though basically sound, may be in need of some upgrading. For example, a change in regulations could mean a circuit should have RCD protection, or additional circuits or socket outlets may be required.

Common types of upgrade work include the fitting of new consumer units, installing additional switches and socket oulets and outside lighting.

Each stage of any upgrade work will be carefully explained and before we start we will provide a fixed cost quotation. When works are complete, if required, we will register the work carried out to your electrical installation with Buildings Regulations. We will explain and demonstrate how to use any new equipment and issue you with a completion test certificate.

Full Installation Tests

Periodic inspection and testing of electrical installations and the issue of Electrical Condition Reports are recommended for all domestic properties. In particular if properties are rented out or used by the public, testing is strongly recommended to comply with the law.

Full and Part Electrical Rewires

Full rewires can be quite disruptive and they are usually best undertaken as part of a major refurbishment or redecorating project. However, with careful organisation and communication they can be completed whilst properties are occupied and in use.

 

Home Electrical Upgrades

It goes without saying that every home needs electricity. What isn’t always recognized is that many older homes’ electrical systems are either outdated, overloaded or underfed. An electrical upgrade can ensure your system is running smoothly without any threat of electrical hazard, while keeping up with increasing power demands from modern electronics. The picture to the right shows an old, outdated panel.

Does Your Electrical System Need Upgraded?

Its not very often that we think of our electrical box. Most of us don’t even really know what it does. Does it need service? Maintenance? Oil Change? (Just Kidding about about that one.) But Seriously, is the electric system in your home sufficient and in good working order?

Here are just a few things you should consider, ask yourself:

Do you still have a fuse box?

Are there several electrical boxes all connected together that make no sense?

Is your electrical box labeled?

Do you have the dangerous/fire-prone “Federal Pacific” panel that needs to be replaced ASAP?

Does your older home still have only 60amps of power?

Is your electrical system properly grounded?

Is your outside meter service (this feeds your inside panel) in good shape?

Do your lights ever dim or flicker?

Would your electrical system pass a home inspection if you decided to sell?

 

Electrical Upgrades/Convenience

WANT A STEP ABOVE THE STANDARD? SOME ELECTRIC SERVICE UPGRADE EXAMPLES WOULD BE:

Service Panel Upgrade

Residential rewiring

Ceiling Fans

Generators

Under and Over Cabinet Lighting

Dimmer Switches

Decora Switches

LED Recessed Lighting

Retrofit Lighting

Chandelier/Large Fixture Installation

Safety & Efficiency

LOOKING FOR WAYS TO MAKE YOUR LIFE A LITTLE EASIER OR JUST FEEL LESS CLUTTERED WITH CORDS?

Let us help make your life easier with some convenience options you may not be thinking about!

Floor Outlets

USB Outlets

Hidden Vanity Outlets

Flat Screen TV Installation

Fan Speed Controls

Child Proofing

Digital Timers

DO I NEED TO UPGRADE MY FUSE PANEL TO CIRCUIT BREAKERS?

When they first began wiring homes in the early 1900s, all electrical panels contained screw and cartridge type fuses. Breaker panels became the norm in the 60s.

Electrical panel boxes look the same, whether they use fuses or circuit breakers. A fuse panel in and of itself is just as safe as a breaker panel. There are two main problems with fuse panels though

The number of circuits: When fuse panels were prevalent homes did not have the modern conveniences of today. There were no microwaves, dishwashers, etc… These appliances require new circuits and more electricity to run. One major problem we see with fuse panels is that circuits are added where there is no safe room to add them. This results in multiple wires under one screw terminal (against code and unsafe), and/or over-fusing (see below). Fuse panels commonly had 8-12 spaces for circuits. Modern circuit breaker panels commonly have up to 42 spaces for different circuits!

How To Become A Car Accident Lawyer

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What Does A Car Accident Attorney Do?

What Does A Car Accident Attorney Do?

The stress that comes with the aftermath of a car accident can be overbearing. You probably have a million questions going through your mind about the legal process and how everything works. And for this reason (and many more), you need an experienced attorney who can guide you through the legal procedures.

In this article, we will fill you in on the specific tasks that a car accident attorney will perform. Along with providing you with the peace of mind in knowing that you have a legal expert on your side, there are various responsibilities of a lawyer that many people may not know about.

What It Takes To Win A Case

Let’s talk about some of the things that a lawyer will do for you after a car accident. For starters, a lawyer will provide knowledge of the law and procedural rules. Utilizing this combination of expertise and experience is will ensure that you are in position to win your case.

Maybe one of the most important things a lawyer can do is handle communications with these aggressive insurance companies. When you are going up against a big insurance company with vast resources, you need an experienced lawyer who knows how to deal with them. These insurance companies have been known to do whatever it takes to avoid a payout. Your lawyer is there to level the playing field so that you come away with the compensation that fits your situation.

Here’s a quick list of some of the legwork we your lawyer will complete for you:

  • Deal with insurance companies. We mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth repeating. There is a lot of back-and-forth with insurance companies after a car accident. This is a difficult task when these insurance companies are trying to avoid paying a settlement. Let your lawyer handle this.
  • Obtain evidence. This includes talking to witnesses, gathering and analyzing police reports, gathering medical records and evaluating lost wages (if necessary). These pieces of evidence are so vital to the success of your claim. Your lawyer will ensure to leave no stone unturned during this part of the process.
  • Prepare a settlement demand letter. This is a very important document that lays out all of the facts in a way that will lead to injury settlement negotiations.

File the proper paperwork to go to court. Even though going to court is rare, it’s nice to know that you will be in good hands with your lawyer if need be. Your lawyer will deal with the defense attorneys and build your case based on the facts that were gathered.

 

How can a car accident attorney help with insurance companies?

Your car accident lawyer will also help you pressure the insurance provider into getting you your deserved compensation. Insurance companies are notoriously stubborn when it comes to reaching fair settlements. As a result, they can come up with some pretty believable statements in an attempt to make you think you don’t deserve compensation.

Your car accident attorney will help you make the insurance company pay you what you deserve. Auto accident lawyers can cover a wide variety of issues, including wrongful death, property destruction, personal injury, and liability determinations.

 

What Should I Be Looking for in an Accident Attorney?

When you’re looking for a car accident attorney, there is a plethora of things you need to focus on. The lawyer’s fee structure, customer satisfaction, experience, and skill level are all critical components in finding a lawyer who is a good fit for you.

Your car accident lawyer should be knowledgeable about national and state transportation laws. They must be able to prepare and settle a case efficiently. A skilled attorney has the will power to handle greedy health care and insurance companies.

You should also carefully research the lawyer’s track record, references, and background. A good attorney usually works on a contingency fee. This means they don’t get paid unless you do.

 

When Should I Get an Accident Lawyer?

It is best to hire the auto accident attorney sooner rather than later. That way, you’ll be able to avoid any costly mistakes that might result if you tried to handle your case on your home. There are specific deadlines for filing any personal injuries vary from state to state. Because you’ll have to cover your lost wages or medical bills, the sooner you are able to gain the assistance of a lawyer the better. It is best to contact the lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. You shouldn’t wait any longer than a week or two before contacting the attorney, and you should speak with the lawyer before reaching any sort of settlement with the insurance company.

There are numerous ways in which you can find a high-class car accident lawyer. Researching online or getting referrals from family and friends is a great place to start. However, attorney referral services vary, and unless you have a virtually unlimited timetable, you may want to locate an auto accident lawyer in your area using a top-notch lawyer directory.

 

How Does The Car Accident Settlement Process Work?

When you are injured in a car wreck caused by another driver’s negligence, you are entitled to seek compensation for your damages through a personal injury claim. This compensation can cover your medical bill expenses, wages you were unable to earn due to being out of work during your recovery and your pain and suffering. How does the car accident settlement process work?

This process involves more than simply submitting a claim to the negligent driver’s auto insurance provider and receiving a check to cover your losses. It can – and often does – involve a lengthy investigation of your accident and negotiation between your attorney and the insurance company. If you cannot reach a car accident insurance settlement through negotiation, a lawsuit and an appearance in court may be required as well.

Your claim could be resolved fairly quickly, or it could become a long, drawn-out process that requires substantial court involvement. By working with an experienced Memphis car accident attorney, you can give your claim a better chance of resulting in a favorable settlement for you and your family.

The following are steps that go into the settlement process:

CAR ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

After you file your personal injury claim with the negligent driver’s insurance provider, the insurance company conducts an investigation of the accident. This is done by an insurance claims adjuster.

The investigation involves a review of every piece of evidence that you provide to prove your claim’s validity. When certain pieces of evidence are not available such as photographs of your car, the insurance adjuster might take them.

Pieces of evidence that the insurance adjuster reviews during the investigation of your claim include:

  • The official police report for the accident
  • Photographs of the accident scene, your car and the other driver’s car
  • Statements from witnesses to the accident
  • Your medical records if you have signed a release
  • The other driver’s testimony
  • The area where the accident occurred.

Other pieces of evidence that may be considered when investigating your claim include evidence of your financial damages and content on your social media accounts.

CAR ACCIDENT CONSULTATION WITH EXPERTS

Experts can provide critical insight to your accident and subsequent damages. This insight can be used to underscore your personal injury claim. Experts whose opinions might be considered during your claim’s settlement process include:

Your doctor – The physician can discuss your injuries, treatment and prognosis.

An accident reconstruction specialist – This expert can create a digital rendering of your accident, showing how the factors at play led to it.

A civil or mechanical engineer – These individuals may be called on when one of the factors at play was a vehicle malfunction or a geographical feature such as a partially complete road construction project.

REVIEWING INSURANCE POLICIES (THE AT-FAULT DRIVER’S AND YOUR OWN POLICY)

Tennessee is a “fault” state for car accidents. This means that when you are injured in a crash, you must seek compensation for your damages through the other party’s liability insurance provider. However, he or she may not have insurance or may have insurance that fails to cover all of your damages. As a result, you may be required to go through your own provider to make up the difference between his or her coverage and your financial needs.

NEGOTIATING A CAR ACCIDENT SETTLEMENT

Even if you file a lawsuit, it is possible to settle your claim out of court. Settlements are negotiated between an attorney and an insurance provider. In fact, some insurance providers will only speak with attorneys, which is why it is important that you work with an attorney who has experience negotiating this type of claim on behalf of his or her clients.

GOING TO COURT

Your lawyer can determine if going to court is the right choice for you and your case, and if so, the lawyer will walk you through the next steps involved in your case. The lawyer can explain what to expect during your trial.

In brief, both parties appear in court and present their claims to the jury. After both sides examine witnesses and present evidence, the jury will reach a verdict. The judge will read this verdict to the involved parties, who both have the option to appeal the judgment entered in the case.

Remember, settlement discussions can continue even if you file a lawsuit. They can even continue after the jury reaches a verdict for your case. Settling a claim out of court is often less expensive and less stressful for all parties involved, but sometimes, it is impossible.

Mold Remediation Allergy Remedies

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Mold Remediation and Restoration

Volatile organic compounds that can lead to health effects can often be enough of a reason for homeowners and business owners to act quickly when a mold colonization gets discovered.

Mold growth can also damage structural elements and degrade construction materials and contents, causing irreparable damages. With how quickly the organisms can spread throughout an affected area

Containment in:

  • 6-mil poly sheeting secured with painter’s tape, and tension poles when and where needed
  • staging area also separated from clean areas of the structure to prevent cross-contamination
  • air scrubbers, with HEPA filtration systems using negative air pressure to prevent the airborne circulation of spores and particles
  • seal HVAC systems including return registers during the remediation

With many IICRC-Certified Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT) on our team, we bring knowledge and confidence to move quickly where mold is found. We are also certified with ABRA for biohazardous control of unwholesome environments.

have abrasive media cleaning techniques

  • soda blasting
  • dry ice blasting
  • scrapers and fine sandpaper

inventory includes antimicrobial sprays, biocides, and fungicides for application to prevent the future growth of mold after the service has been completed.

 

Mold Remediation

It doesn’t take too long for mold or mildew to develop in your home. Sometimes when a water leak is not addressed right away mold can start to form in your home. Once mold starts to grow the health of you and your home can start to deteriorate. That is where we step in.

will send a certified Applied Microbial Remediation Technician and an assessment of the damage will be made. Also we will send out a third party mold inspector to come and take air and surface samples to see what type of mold that you may have and to check the quality of the air that you are breathing

The mold inspector will write up a protocol of what work needs to be done and we will follow that protocol to make sure the work is done properly. We use a third party mold inspector to do the sampling because if we were to do the sampling ourselves it would create a conflict of interest. Be careful of any mold remediation company who does the mold testing along with the remediation.

The first step into getting your home or business mold free would be to setup negative airflow with air scrubbers and containment so that while we are working no other area outside of the containment will be come contaminated with mold. Once containment has been set up we will box, sort and inventory any items that may need to be taken off site for cleaning or disposal if they have been damaged beyond repair by the mold. All of your contents will then be placed in a climate controlled off site secure storage facility until the mold remediation is complete.

have cleared and contained the working space the real remediation will begin. Carpeting will be taken out for cleaning or disposal and affected dry wall, ceiling and other floor types will either be taken out if the materials are too far gone or left in place for future cleaning. All of the debris that will be a part of the mold remediation process will be taken off site to be disposed of in a proper manner.

 

Mold Remediation

When a home suffers a water damage event, a mold infestation can quickly arise and spread throughout a home in 48-72 hours. Because mold can produce allergens and irritants, you will want a professional that has training and experience to properly resolve the mold infestation

Understanding Mold

Some restoration companies advertise “mold removal” and may even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy because removing all mold from a house or business is impossible; microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors.

Here are the facts:

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.

Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.

Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.

Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.

Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.

Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

The next step in the mold remediation process will be to dry ice blast away the remaining mold that the demolition part of the remediation left behind. All semi-porous materials will be treated in this fashion including wood, framing, plywood, brick, block and concrete. Dry ice blasting is the easiest and cleanest way to remove mold from these semi porous materials.

Once the affected area has been HEPA vacuumed and damped wiped with an anti-microbial our contractors will come in and replace any drywall or carpeting that needs to be put back. Our contractors will make all of the necessary repairs to put your home or business back to pre-mold conditions to make it look new again

 

Residential Mold Remediation

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU FIND MOLD?

Mold spores are everywhere. Outside, the mold growth plays an important role in the ecosystem. It is when those spores get into the home that problems creep up. Fortunately we live in a dryer climate, which means mold doesn’t grow as easily as those areas of the country with higher humidity – But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a problem when it grows inside your home.

Mold needs water and the proper temperatures to grow. If your home has suffered from water damage, or has high humidity (often in the basement), then it’s prone to mold growth. Excessive mold in the home can lead to some severe health effects, especially when you have underlying health issues.

If you discover mold, even a small amount, in your home, your first step is to do a little bit of investigation. Is there a possible leak near the growth? What is the source? the visible signs of mold are just what you can see on the surface; the real issues lie behind the walls where you can’t see without specialized equipment, or removing the wall itself.

Mold remediation requires a little more than just scraping off the visible mold and spraying the area with bleach (this is actually advised against, bleach can cause the spores to spread).  If you suspect your home has mold growth due to a water leak you just discovered, visible mold, or a damp musty smell, then get in touch with us; we can assess the damage and recommend if it is worthwhile to file an insurance claim.

If the mold damage is significant, then you will want to call your insurance company to review coverage. In many cases, mold remediation may not be covered in your insurance policy. Again, your insurance company, most likely your assigned adjuster, will confirm or deny coverage based on your policy. A restoration company cannot and should never tell you that you are covered by insurance.  From there we will work alongside your adjuster to ensure that everything is taken care of properly.

 

Mold Remediation

There is a formula for mold growth. Moisture. A food source (Wallpaper, drywall, etc.). Moderate Temperatures. And Oxygen. As soon as water damage occurs in your home or business, if not taken care of properly, mold can colonize within 48 to 72 hours.

you can find mold just about anywhere. With our high levels of humidity, the conditions are almost ideal for mold to grow. Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost anywhere. This can make it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level.

Understanding Mold

Some restoration companies advertise “mold removal” and may even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy because removing all mold from a house or business is impossible; microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors.

Here are the facts:

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.

Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.

Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.

Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.

Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.

Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

The Mold Remediation Process

Every mold damage scenario is different, and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same.

Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

Mold Containment

Air Filtration

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

Cleaning Contents and Belongings

Restoration

Small Business Tax Planning

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Tax Planning Strategies: What You Need To Know

Not only is it essential to have tax planning strategies in place, but it’s vital to have a trusted advisor to turn to for questions, accurate reporting, and detailed information on tax laws. This will be different for every person based on their business and goals, so make sure to have a good idea of what yours are.

Part of planning out your strategy should include knowing what your tax deductions, what taxes are due quarterly, and mistakes to avoid.

The most common tax deductions include vehicle expenses, insurance, and rent. If you are a new company, you may also qualify for a startup cost deduction. Depending on the accounting system your company has in place, you may also be eligible for inventory or business loan interest deductions. Arm yourself with information so you can capitalize on any deductions possible.

Knowing what strategies are to avoid is just as, if not more, knowledgeable that knowing what to execute. Below are some tax planning mistakes to steer clear from:

Failing to have enough cash

One of the most common mistakes we see businesses make is not having enough cash in the bank to cover their taxes when they are due. The company may then be assessed penalties, resulting in owing more than your business initially planned for and tapping further into your well.

Failing to report trackable income

Companies that employ or operate as independent contractors must report trackable income. If you have done more than $600 in business for a client, they are obligated to send you a 1099. And since this number also gets sent to the IRS, you are obligated to report it when filing your taxes. Don’t try to fudge numbers on how much you’ve made – the IRS takes this seriously.

Missing deductions

There is a fine line between maximizing your deductions and going overboard. With the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, fringe benefits like team outgoings, travel, and work-related entertainment are 100 percent non-deductible. The last thing you want is to owe the IRS more money or pay the penalty for any mistakes.

While claiming too many expenses can signal a red flag to the IRS, you don’t want to miss deductions that you are entitled to claiming. Here are some common examples of deductions that you don’t want to miss out on:

  • Startup costs: You can claim up to $5,000 for expenses related to getting the business up and running.
  • Lifetime Learning Credit: This allows you to deduct up to $2,000 a year based on 20% off the first
  • Education: $10,000 spent on education after high school. You don’t have to be working on a degree to claim a deduction – it can be for classes related to your business.
  • Business services: Anything that helps your business run, from PayPal to your Wi-Fi plan can be deducted.
  • Inventory: Owners can claim deductions for unpaid goods. This does not apply to services, unfortunately.
  • Loans and credit cards: If you rack up interest for business purposes, it can be deducted.

 

Things to Remember When Preparing Your Taxes

Tax season officially kicks off in January and if you haven’t started preparing your taxes yet, remember that it’s always a good idea to start sooner than later. You don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute to meet the filing deadline, after all. There are oftentimes questions and unknowns, so getting an early start can allow you enough lead time to ensure a timely filing.

There are a few key things you’ll want to remember when you are preparing your tax filing. Here are six things that can help you optimize your filing strategy and possibly even increase the size of your tax refund.

  1. Weigh Standard Deductions Against Itemizing

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act introduced higher standard deduction limits for tax filers. At the same time, it eliminated personal exemptions and reduced or eliminated several key deductions. For some tax filers, the standard deduction may result in a lower tax bill this year but it’s still worth it to consider itemizing. Review your tax filing to determine all the possible deductions you can legitimately claim. Then, compare your estimated tax liability with what you might owe (or get back as a refund) if you opt for the standard deduction instead.

  1. Provide Dependents’ Social Security Numbers

Whether you have children or file as ‘head of household’ with dependents, you’re going to need their Social Security numbers to claim any applicable tax credits, such as the Earned Income Credit or the Child and Dependent Care Credit. If you’re divorced and claiming a child, make sure that your ex-spouse isn’t also claiming the same dependent or your return could be delayed. If you’re planning to claim the child care credit, remember to review the IRS guidelines to make sure those expenses and your dependents are eligible.

  1. Organize Your Records and Documents

Being disorganized could cause you to lose out on significant deductions if you’re scrambling to find receipts and proof of expenses while filing your taxes. One way to avoid that type of headache is by using an expense tracking app to store digital copies of all your receipts. It’s a simple strategy, but incredibly effective. And, if your return is selected for an audit by the IRS you’ll have all the documentation you need to verify your deductible expenses.

  1. Contribute to Your Retirement Accounts

You may be filing for taxes incurred in 2019, but that doesn’t mean you’ve hit the deadline for contributing to your retirement accounts. You have until July 15 of this year to open and fund a traditional or Roth IRA account. Remember, with a traditional IRA your contributions may be 100% tax-deductible. An additional deduction can reduce your taxable income for the year. A Roth IRA wouldn’t offer such a deduction but you get the benefit of tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Additionally, you may be able to qualify for the Retirement Saver’s Credit when you contribute to an IRA.

 

Keep Your Estimated Tax Liability On Reserve

The tax due date is marked in red because it’s a business expense—all expenses are red and all revenues are green. Every business needs to keep the reserve for the estimated business tax liabilities after proper tax planning. Businesses can use qualified plans such as profit sharing and defined benefit plans to reduce their additional tax liabilities.

Examine Your Chart Of Accounts

As businesses grow, there are often new categories of expenses and income. It’s important to review your chart of accounts with your CPA at the end of each year and make sure you have categorized everything correctly so that you can take advantage of any deductions that are available to you.

Plan Ahead To Avoid Tax Liens

Before tax season, have your financials in order, but more importantly, thoroughly understand your tax liabilities to avoid surprises. If you can’t foot the bill because you put capital toward growth, you’ll have more time to obtain financing. Failing to pay could result in a tax lien, which adds a significant speed bump to getting either business or personal financing (though it’s still possible).

 

Get organized

Beyond saving receipts for expenses that could be tax-deductible (i.e., charitable contributions, business expenses) and keeping them organized throughout the year, there are other steps that lend themselves to better tax planning. In the survey, the top three ways identified by respondents to stay organized were:

  • Use separate bank accounts for personal and business funds (83 percent).
  • Keep your receipts in case your return is examined (81 percent).
  • Use a mileage log or smartphone app to record business miles driven (75 percent).

That could have tax implications. For instance, Gentner said, some taxpayers don’t realize that renting out their vacation home could result in tax deductions. Others might think income from a side gig is not taxable.

You also can ask your tax preparer in advance of the meeting for a list of exactly what documents and information you should bring so that your tax return can be prepared without a hitch.

 

Communication

While taxes might not be in the forefront of your mind when you’re not facing a filing deadline, it’s important to keep your tax advisor in the loop in certain situations. When you have a major life change — i.e., divorce, job change, birth of a child, house purchase — it’s worth sharing the information.

For instance, if the event would affect your tax burden (for better or worse), your preparer might have suggestions for changes to make to your W-4, which dictates how much tax gets withheld from your paycheck.

It’s also important to let your tax advisor know if you hear from the IRS about your tax return. And the sooner the better — the longer you ignore the issue, the more it could cost you in penalties and fees if you owe additional tax.

Yet don’t act so quickly that you pay the stated amount due without making sure it’s accurate.

Quality Residential Cleaning Services

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Ways to Clean Your House Like a Pro Housekeeper

Cleaning, like anything else, requires a certain amount of skill in order to be done right. Sure, you can haphazardly vacuum the floors and fold everything sans strategy, but all you’re ultimately doing is creating more work for yourself.

Use a pattern.

Don’t just clean your surfaces all willy-nilly. If you use a consistent pattern to clean things, you won’t waste time by having to go back and hit spots that you missed on the first pass. Pros go from left to right and from top to bottom to make sure they get the job done right the first time.

Apply products and walk away.

After you apply cleaning products, give them time to work. Most cleaning products don’t instantaneously disinfect, so leaving them on for a few minutes gives them time to kill germs and break down crud, meaning you have less work to do. And for more great cleaning tips

Clean your ceilings and walls.

Working from top to bottom, dust your ceilings and walls, making sure to get all the corners. A microfiber mop works great for this, but if you don’t have one, tying an old towel or T-shirt over a broom is also surprisingly effective. Doing this on a regular basis will prevent dust from collecting throughout the rest of your home and ultimately allow you to spend less time with a vacuum or mop in hand.

Don’t forget about your baseboards

It doesn’t matter how sparkling clean the rest of your house is—if your baseboards are dirty, your house will look dirty. If it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned them, you might need to use a damp microfiber mop; otherwise, they can simply be vacuumed clean.

 

THE ULTIMATE HOUSECLEANING GUIDE

Make a list

Before you start, take a 10-minute coffee break to note the chores that need doing. “We write lists before we go grocery shopping; we should write down the tasks we need to tackle at home, too. Having a game plan is key and will help get you to the finish line with ease,”. Keep the list as a guide for next time.

Do one task at a time

“We used to be taught to do one room at a time, but now, in large part due to the popularity of Marie Kondo, a Japanese cleaning consultant and bestselling author, the switch to cleaning and organizing by category is proving to be more efficient,”

Deep-clean twice a year

This will save you a lot of work during your regular weekly sessions. For example, “if you deep-clean the grease from your range in spring, you won’t have to worry about it later collecting dust and turning into a bigger project down the road.”

Break it up

To spare yourself the drudgery of a single jam-packed cleaning day on the weekend, check a few chores off your to-do list each weekday. Bingo: More time to enjoy with family and friends when it counts the most!

Upholstery

Vacuum furniture regularly, using the upholstery attachment. Clear pet hair with a rubber squeegee or collect it with rubber gloves. Spot-clean stains immediately with a store-bought product such as Spot Shot. For more delicate fabrics, such as silk, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. For nonsilk upholstery, test an inconspicuous spot with some mild clothing detergent such as Woolite or OxiClean on a damp cloth.

 

Your Outside House Cleaning Guide: How to Clean Your Home’s Exterior

Whether you’re getting ready to put your home on the market or you just want to spice up your curb appeal, the possibilities are endless when it comes to making your abode shine. Outside house cleaning isn’t something a lot of people think about, but when you get down to it, it’s the very first thing you or someone else sees when you pull up in front of your home.

Get Rid of Gunk with Pressure Washing

Pressure washing the outside of your home can do absolute wonders. This process involves using water at super-high pressure to get rid of mold, dirt, and other unsightly debris. You may need to contact a professional pressure washing service to ensure that the job gets done correctly. It’s important to note that if you try to do it yourself, you may cause damage to the exterior of your home.

Update Your Landscaping

Unsightly weeds and dead plants can look just that: unsightly. With an honest day’s work, you can easily pull weeds and get rid of old leaves and other organic debris. Once you’ve cleaned up the dead stuff, you can plant a few flowers along the front of your home. Most nurseries sell annuals and perennials at a reasonable cost and if you buy in bulk, you can save even more.

Do Some Outside House Cleaning on the Driveway

Weather, oil, and wear and tear can do a real number on your driveway. Whether it’s unsightly stains or cracks, cleaning and then sealing your driveway can make it look as good as new. Calculate the square footage of your driveway and then purchase a quality sealant at your local hardware store. It’s a good idea to buy around 10 percent more just to be safe. If you don’t use it, you can always return any unopened containers.

Wash Those Windows

You probably clean your windows from the inside, but odds are that the exterior part of your windows could also use a little TLC. If you have windows you can access from the inside by opening them and angling in, cleaning them is super easy. Even if your windows don’t allow for this type of access, you can easily clean them from the exterior.

 

Residential Cleaning:­ A Beginners Survival Guide

The most important part of residential cleaning has nothing to do with cleaning itself. It is communication. When you are trying to seal an account for residential cleaning, try to put yourself into the customer’s shoes.

They are hiring you to be in their home, likely when they are not going to be there. You will be in every room and every corner. This means that they have to be sold on you as a person and your company. Communicate any information that legitimizes your business: insurance, bonding, cleaning specifications, employee info and how you select employees, guarantees, experience, products used, and equipment are all great places to start.

Go to the home for an initial meeting dressed in corporate casual, like khaki pants and a polo shirt. Have a clipboard, bid specifications, (available at this site to be downloaded) and a business card.

Make sure that the meeting is not just a house tour. Ask them if they have had a cleaning service in the past. If they have, ask why they are switching. It is likely that they weren’t satisfied with the service. Ask specifically what was not done properly and what their biggest concern with service is. Resist bad-mouthing other cleaning companies. It is cliché and it makes you look like a desperate account grabber.

Before leaving, don’t forget to address the issue of gaining entry to the home when you start. Some will give you a key, some will hide a key, and some might leave the door unlocked for you. Make it their decision. People don’t like to be talked into giving away a house key.

 

Guide to Healthy Cleaning

Disclosure Scoring Update

Ingredient information found on the label is often missing or incomplete, hindering the public from making better choices while they shop has updated the Guide to Healthy Cleaning to reflect the increased company adoption of digital tools that offer the public access to more complete ingredient information on the go

Starting in February 2019, if a product label has a machine-scannable barcode or QR code that allows consumers to access further ingredient information at the point of sale, the website disclosure score is multiplied by 1.5 and it is calculated from a possible nine points.

conducting toxicity reviews and updating references to ensure we incorporate the latest science. The new data includes the most recently available chemical hazard information from the European Chemicals Agency based on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of chemicals, and may or may not affect ingredient and product scores.

Procter & Gamble, the world’s biggest maker of both household cleaning and personal care products, introduces the most sweeping fragrance ingredient transparency initiative to date.

Guide to Healthy Cleaning has been updated to include more products and brands. Search now to learn how your cleaning products rate and if there are healthier alternatives.

Relaxation Treatments For Pain Management

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Pain Management for Chronic Back Pain

What is Pain Management?

Pain management, also known as pain medicine, draws on many disciplines in science and the healing arts to systematically study pain, its prevention, evaluation, diagnosis and treatment, as well as the rehabilitation of painful disorders.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will examine your back and assess your ability to sit, stand, walk and lift your legs. Your doctor might also ask you to rate your pain on a scale of zero to 10 and talk to you about how well you’re functioning with your pain.

These assessments help determine where the pain comes from, how much you can move before pain forces you to stop and whether you have muscle spasms. They can also help rule out more-serious causes of back pain.

If there is reason to suspect that a specific condition is causing your back pain, your doctor might order one or more tests:

  • X-ray. These images show the alignment of your bones and whether you have arthritis or broken bones. These images alone won’t show problems with your spinal cord, muscles, nerves or disks.
  • MRI or CT scans. These scans generate images that can reveal herniated disks or problems with bones, muscles, tissue, tendons, nerves, ligaments and blood vessels.
  • Blood tests. These can help determine whether you have an infection or other condition that might be causing your pain.
  • Bone scan. In rare cases, your doctor might use a bone scan to look for bone tumors or compression fractures caused by osteoporosis.
  • Nerve studies. Electromyography (EMG) measures the electrical impulses produced by the nerves and the responses of your muscles. This test can confirm nerve compression caused by herniated disks or narrowing of your spinal canal (spinal stenosis).

 

Role of Pain Management for Chronic Back Pain

In spine and musculoskeletal cases, pain management serves a variety of purposes. Pain management is usually distinguished from surgical treatment.

Pain management and the techniques it uses may be employed as follows:

  • To help identify the source of a patient’s back pain
  • As an alternative to surgery, as part of an aggressive conservative (nonsurgical) care program
  • To help determine the areas to be addressed surgically
  • To help rehabilitate the patient after surgery
  • For patients after surgery to cope with residual or recalcitrant pain

Pain management uses a wide variety of techniques to address pain and painful disorders. The scientific basis for these approaches ranges from those that are completely without experimental support to those whose effectiveness has been well demonstrated in clinical trials.

In view of the diverse uses and methods of pain management and pain medicine, an overview of this fast-developing field is needed. The next page of this article highlights certain aspects of this diverse area.

 

Common Causes of Chronic Back Pain

Chronic back pain is usually age-related, but can also result from a prior injury. The most common causes include:

  • Arthritis of the spine —the gradual thinning of the cartilage inside the spine
  • Spinal stenosis —narrowing of the spinal canal that may lead to nerve pain
  • Disc problems, such as a herniated or bulging disc
  • Myofascial pain syndrome—unexplained muscle pain and tenderness

In some cases, it’s difficult to pinpoint the cause of chronic back pain. “If your doctor has exhausted all diagnostic options, it’s time to seek a second opinion from a back pain specialist,” recommends Nava. It’s important not to make rushed decisions or undergo extensive medical procedures until the origin of the pain is found. Not only may they not help; they could make the pain worse, warns Nava.

If the source of the pain is not known or can’t be treated, your best option may be to work with your doctor on reducing the flare-ups and making the pain manageable with nonsurgical treatments.

 

Ways to Manage Low Back Pain at Home

Perhaps you bent the wrong way while lifting something heavy. Or you’re dealing with a degenerative condition like arthritis. Whatever the cause, once you have low back pain, it can be hard to shake. About one in four Americans say they’ve had a recent bout of low back pain. And almost everyone can expect to experience back pain at some point in their lives.

Sometimes, it’s clearly serious: You were injured, or you feel numbness, weakness, or tingling in the legs. Call the doctor, of course. But for routine and mild low back pain, here are a few simple tips to try at home.

Chill it. Ice is best in the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury because it reduces inflammation. Even though the warmth feels good because it helps cover up the pain and it does help relax the muscles, the heat actually inflames the inflammatory processes. After 48 hours, you can switch to heat if you prefer. Whether you use heat or ice — take it off after about 20 minutes to give your skin a rest. If pain persists, talk with a doctor.

Keep moving. Our spines are like the rest of our body — they’re meant to move. Keep doing your daily activities. Make the beds, go to work, walk the dog. Once you’re feeling better, regular aerobic exercises like swimming, bicycling, and walking can keep you — and your back — more mobile. Just don’t overdo it. There’s no need to run a marathon when your back is sore.

Stay strong. Once your low back pain has receded, you can help avert future episodes of back pain by working the muscles that support your lower back, including the back extensor muscles. “They help you maintain the proper posture and alignment of your spine. Having strong hip, pelvic, and abdominal muscles also gives you more back support. Avoid abdominal crunches, because they can actually put more strain on your back.

 

Nonsurgical Treatments for Chronic Back Pain

Physical Therapy

Exercise is the foundation of chronic back pain treatment. It’s one of the first treatments you should try under the guidance of your physician and spine physical therapist. However, the same set of exercises doesn’t work for everyone, says Nava. The exercises have to be tailored to your specific symptoms and condition. Maintaining the exercise routine at home is also a big part of success.

Physical therapy for chronic back pain may include:

  • Retraining your posture
  • Testing the limits of pain tolerance
  • Stretching and flexibility exercises
  • Aerobic exercises
  • Core strengthening

Mindfulness and Meditation

Chronic back pain is straining both physically and emotionally. To manage the frustration, irritability, depression and other psychological aspects of dealing with chronic pain, you may get referred to a rehabilitation psychologist. This specialist may recommend meditation, yoga, tai chi and othercognitive and relaxation strategies to keep your mind from focusing on pain

Diet

Some diets are highly inflammatory, especially those high in trans fats, refined sugars and processed foods. Consult with your doctor to see if your diet could be contributing to your chronic back pain and how you could change it. Maintaining a healthy weight could also help lessen your back pain by reducing the pressure on your spine.

Lifestyle Modifications

When you have chronic pain, it’s important to accept your limitations and adapt. “Listen to your body and learn to pace yourself,” suggests Nava. Take a break when mowing the lawn, or make several trips when carrying groceries. Take note of the activities that worsen your pain and avoid them if possible. Not only could this help your back feel better, it could also prevent the underlying condition from advancing. Another important lifestyle change to try is giving up smoking. Nicotine is scientifically known to accentuate pain and delay healing.

Injection-based Treatments

Nerve blocks, epidural steroid injections, nerve ablations and other types of injection-based procedures are available for chronic back pain. They are used when the source of the pain is known and can sometimes help rule out certain causes if the treatment doesn’t work. Injections may stop or lessen pain for a certain period of time, but are not intended as long-term solutions and shouldn’t be used in isolation.

Alternative Treatments

Acupuncture, massage, biofeedback therapy, laser therapy, electrical nerve stimulation and other nonsurgical spine treatments can also make a difference for chronic back pain. Talk to your spine specialist about alternative treatments that could benefit you.

Pharmacologic Treatments

Analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants and other medications can be used to help control chronic back pain. However, most come with unwanted side effects and are not intended for prolonged use.

“Opioid medications generally shouldn’t be used as the first, the only or the long-term line of treatment for chronic back pain,” recommends Nava. Many of them are addictive and don’t address the underlying cause of your pain. Opioids should be prescribed only after a thorough exam by a specialist and if other drugs have failed to provide relief. If you find yourself relying on opioids to get through the day, it may be time to seek a second opinion.

Maintaining Giant Hissing Cockroaches Inside The Home

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GET RID OF COCKROACHES IN YOUR KITCHEN

They also like warm, dark, moist spaces. This adds up to your kitchen being a practically perfect insect habitat. But you really don’t want these beasts in your kitchen. In addition to simply being nasty, these insects carry a number of diseases, and their excrement can cause severe allergic reactions in some people.

Are you gagging yet? Pull yourself together and read on to learn how to prevent these vile beasts — also known as palmetto bugs — from taking up residence in your home.

PREVENTION IS THE BEST MEDICINE

The first step to keeping these icky bugs out of your kitchen is to keep them out of your garden, so they’re less likely to find their way into your home.

PLUG THE HOLES

Keep them out of your home by caulking cracks and crevices in your home’s foundation, in baseboards, and in walls.

Two of the most common types found in our yards and homes, the German and the American cockroaches, can crawl through incredibly tiny spaces — as thin as a dime — so be extra diligent about sealing up even the tiniest cracks or holes.

 

Cockroaches

Cockroaches, or “roaches”, are among the most important household pests. Indoor cockroaches are known as significant pests of public health, and outdoor species that find their way inside are considered serious nuisance pests as well as potential public health pests. Cockroaches range in size from less than 1/2 inch long to almost 2 inches long and are mostly nocturnal insects that feed on a wide range of organic matter

Most cockroaches harbor within moist, dark crevices when not foraging for food. They crawl quickly and may climb rough surfaces. A few species can fly short distances or glide as adults during warm nights, but most have no wings, reduced wings, or otherwise do not fly.

People are repulsed when they find cockroaches in their homes and other buildings. Indoor infestations of cockroaches are also important sources of allergens and have been identified as risk factors for development of asthma in children, especially within multi-unit housing environments. The levels of allergens present have been directly correlated to both cockroach density and the conditions that contribute to heavy infestations, such as housing disrepair and poor sanitary conditions.

IDENTIFICATION AND LIFE CYCLE

Cockroaches are medium-sized to large insects in the order Blattodea (superorder Dictyoptera). They are broad, flattened insects with long antennae and a prominent, shield-shaped section behind the head called the pronotum. Termites also belong to the Dictyoptera and are closely related to cockroaches.

Some people confuse cockroaches with beetles, but adult cockroaches have membranous wings and lack the thick, hardened forewings of beetles. Almost all cockroaches are nocturnal. They have a tendency to scatter when disturbed. Young or immature cockroaches, called nymphs, undergo gradual metamorphosis as they develop and grow into adults, which means they resemble adults and have similar feeding habits, but they do not have fully developed wings and are not reproductively active. Immediately after molting, cockroaches are white, but their outer covering darkens as it hardens, usually within hours. Nymphs are typically the most abundant stage of cockroach found in field populations.

 

Roaches Have Invaded My Home

People commonly look forward to fireflies, barbecue parties, picnics, fireworks, festivals and yukata in summer. But what people don’t look forward to is an uninvited house guest: the cockroach.

it also happens to be home to some species of roaches, and they just happen to be the ones that are disgustingly big and dark, and the ones that can fly. Typically, these nasty buggers come out during summer months (June-September), when the weather is warm, but some come out as early as April.

In my country, we have a saying that there’s no such thing as “macho” in the face of a flying cockroach—not even the toughest and biggest people want to deal with them

well, I’ve heard apocryphal tales of people taking up residence in nearby hotels when they see roaches in their apartment. That sounds like a tall tale, but in any case, it just goes to show that no one is happy to see even a single roach.

If you want to roach-proof your home, the first step is to make sure that your home is clean. Don’t leave litter scattered around, take out the trash regularly, don’t leave food waste in sinks, seal the cracks in your home, and spray your kitchen with one of those kitchen sprays that aren’t harmful to humans but make food waste less attractive to roaches and other pests.

 

Cockroach

There are more than 3,500 known roach species found throughout the world, many of which infest home kitchens, restaurants, hotels and grocery stores. More than $1.5 billion a year is spent controlling cockroaches in the United States alone. Their presence is so objectionable that roaches are considered among the worst of domestic pests.

Cockroaches consume human foodstuffs and contaminate them with saliva and excrement. They are responsible for transmitting diseases such as the bacteria which cause food poisoning and are a significant source of allergies indoors, second only to house dust

Identification

Adult house-infesting cockroaches are medium to large insects (1/2 – 2 inches long, depending on species) that vary in color from a light reddish brown to black. They have a broad, flattened shape, spiny legs and long, whip-like antennae. Roaches are active at night and will scatter quickly when disturbed by light. Immature stages (nymphs) resemble adults, but are smaller and have undeveloped wings.

Life Cycle

Adult female roaches produce egg capsules, which may contain up to 50 eggs. Some species carry them on their bodies until hatching takes place, while other drop the capsules in protected places that they frequent. After about 30 days young nymphs appear and begin their gradual development. As with all insects, roaches must shed their outer skin, or molt, to grow. Immediately after molting, they are white, but within hours their body becomes dark and hardens. Depending on the species, it may take a single cockroach as little as six weeks to become an adult or as long as a few years. There are several generations per year.

How to Control

Cockroach populations flourish where food and moisture are readily available. As a result, sanitation is an important step in prevention and management. Reduce the carrying capacity of your home by placing food and waste in sealed containers.

Reduce pest hiding places, like cracks and crevices, with caulk and paint.

Place glue traps along baseboards, near water pipes, behind refrigerators, in bathrooms and most locations where pests are found.

Wrap fine screen over vents and windows through which many crawling pests travel.

In a recent study, Orange Guard reduced roach populations better than Dursban, the toxic ingredient.

Dust Boric Acid lightly into cracks, crevices, wall voids and other insect hiding places. This fine powder clings to the legs, antennae and bodies of insects and acts as a stomach poison when consumed during grooming.

Food-grade diatomaceous earth contains no toxic poisons and works on contact. Lightly coat a thin layer over insect hiding places. Repeat treatment as necessary.

Shake moisture resistant Perimeter Ant Bait Plus around areas where insects are found. Results should be noticeable in a few days.

Least-toxic botanical insecticides should be used as a last resort. Derived from plants which have insecticidal properties, these natural pesticides have fewer harmful side effects than synthetic chemicals and break down more quickly in the environment.

 

Guide To Keeping Cockroaches Out Of Your Home

to treat for cockroaches quite often. These are dirty and pernicious pests that can poison food, taint food prep surfaces, and spread diseases and allergens throughout a structure. In fact, they are reported to spread six kinds of parasitic worms, over seven human pathogens, and at least 33 kinds of bacteria.

The roaches we see most are the American cockroach, the Oriental cockroach, and the brownbanded cockroach. But, while these cockroaches have different names, the pest control methods used to resist them are the same. Here’s what you need to know.

Before cockroaches come into your home, they come into your yard. Whether you already have a home infestation or you are looking to prevent one, these tips will help:

Seal exterior trash cans to keep smells in and cockroaches away.

Don’t leave any food around your home.

If you have compost, put it well away from your exterior walls.

Keep things as dry as possible. Cockroaches are moisture pests. Make sure your gutters are working and that you don’t have any areas of excessive shade that keep the sun from drying the ground after it rains.

Weeds and overgrowth will make cockroaches feel safe in your yard.

Lawn clutter is a playground for cockroaches and objects that clutter your yard will often hold rainwater cockroaches will drink from

Before cockroaches get into your home, they’ll find a hole in your walls. While there are many things you can do to seal up your exterior walls and foundation, you should know that this is not likely to fully exclude cockroaches. A complete barrier requires the use of pesticides, which can come with their own set of problems if not applied by a certified professional.

If you already have cockroaches inside your home, there is very little chance you’ll be able to get rid of them without assistance from someone with an education in pest control. Cockroaches have been living with humans since the dawn of time. They are skilled at avoiding all of our attempts to exterminate them. And, DIY control methods can be dangerous when the wrong products are used or applied in the wrong areas.

Transmission Repair & Replacement

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What Happens When Your Transmission Goes Out?

Transmission problems may put you and your passengers at risk if you do not know what to expect when your transmission goes out. The transmission controls the transfer of engine power to the drive wheels and allows the driver to change gears and control speed. When a transmission goes out, vehicle handling and performance may be affected. Learn how to identify transmission problems, the steps you can take for your vehicle now and how to prevent transmission problems in the future.

Causes

Overheating is one of the most common causes of transmission failure, which may occur because of a car pulling a heavy load (such as a trailer), driving in snowy conditions or stop-and-go traffic in excessive heat. When the transmission temperature rises, the fluid burns and begins to lose its lubricating qualities. When this happens, the transmission hardens and becomes prone to leaks, which cause transmission failure. Your transmission may also stop working because of poor automotive design, poor maintenance, wrong fluid type or harsh driving.

Leakage

If your transmission stops working, you may notice leaking under the car. Transmission fluid is a reddish transparent color, which makes it easy to spot. A faulty transmission may leak fluid that is cloudy, brown or has a burnt odor. To prevent further damage to your transmission, check your fluid level often until you are able to visit your local auto repair shop or transmission facility. Read your car’s manual to be sure on how to [check transmission fluid] levels. Typically, it will involve pulling out the transmission dipstick to get a reading on fluid levels. Make sure to have your transmission looked at before the fluid levels dip too low, or you risk further damage to your transmission.

Performance

When your transmission goes out, your car’s handling will be affected. You may experience vibrations, slippage (engine revs but vehicle does not accelerate as it should) or different shift patterns in your vehicle. The gear shift on your car will stop working when the transmission dies. This may be caused by a bad fluid pump in the transmission, which can lead to total gear breakdown. Typically, an automatic car should shift smoothly and soundlessly; if your car makes noises while shifting or you begin to feel a vibration, this indicates a transmission problem. Bring your car to your local mechanic or auto repair shop to have your transmission checked out or repaired.

Prevention

Prevent transmission failure by regularly checking your transmission for leaks. If you catch a problem in time you will be able to prevent complete transmission failure. Manually check or bring your car to a mechanic to have him check your transmission levels so your fluid levels are always maintained. Bring your car in for regular repairs to have the fluid changed when it becomes dark or cloudy in color. Make sure you are using the proper transmission fluid for your car, as specified in your vehicle owner’s manual. When driving, avoid frequent stopping and starting. Make sure the car has come to a full stop before shifting to the parking gear.

 

Transmission Maintenance

Before diagnosing a broken transmission, a Meineke certified technician will perform a computer diagnostic to find out if there is a problem in the control system. This can also help identify an electrical component that might need replacing.

The malfunction might be due to a sensor, instead of a mechanical problem. However, if you have a fluid leak, you may need to replace the pan bolts, drain plugs, seals, gasket and fluid lines. In other instances, the transmission fluid might need to be changed and flushed.

Fluid Flush

If necessary, having your transmission flushed can help get your car back to running as intended. A fluid flush is essentially a process that helps push out grime and sludge that has accumulated over time. First, the old oil is removed. Then, new oil and sometimes cleaning solutions are run through it to help remove the unwanted debris. Finally, the transmission is filled back up with new oil.

Fluid Replacement

Technicians will follow the guidelines recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer when performing the transmission fluid exchange, and if necessary, change the filter as well. The worst case scenario is that the transmission will need to be replaced or totally rebuilt. You should always have a technician change the fluid at regular intervals and avoid overheating.

 

Most Common Transmission Problems

Your car’s transmission is one of the most important parts of your vehicle, and transmission problems with your vehicle can result in rendering your vehicle completely undrivable. The transmission in your vehicle is the part of the car that directs the power from your engine to the driveshaft which in turn helps to turn the wheels on your vehicle. Following good preventive maintenance procedures for your transmission will always help your transmission perform better, last longer and require fewer repairs. However, in the event that your transmission does have problems, knowing what some of the more common types of transmission problems are can help you quickly diagnose and repair them. So, here is a list of the most common type of transmission problems.

Low Fluid Levels or Leaks

Low levels of transmission fluid or transmission fluid leaks are by far the most common type of transmission problem. Low levels of transmission fluid are usually caused by leaks in the transmission system itself. The seals in the transmission or driveshaft may become faulty and leak fluid. Occasionally, transmission gasket seals may need to be replaced to seal the leaks in the transmission. On some occasions, transmission fluid may be contaminated from coolant in the radiator. This is called cross-contamination and does occur on occasion.

Generally speaking, symptoms of low fluid levels or fluid leaks will include gear slippage or slow shifting. In the event fluid is very old or contaminated, the fluid will need to be changed or the transmission completely flushed and refilled.

Torque Converter Problems

Torque converters and transmission can be the source of several types of problems that can result in transmission damage or failure. One of the most common problems associated with the torque converter is worn or damaged needle bearings. If the needle bearings become warm, you will generally hear strange noises coming from the transmission while in driving gears. When the vehicle is in neutral, the transmission will probably not make any strange sounds, but when in a driving gear will make grinding or brushing sounds.

Solenoid Problems

The solenoid controls the flow of fluid throughout the transmission. Many times, the solenoid can become damaged because of insufficient fluid levels or other electronic problems with the solenoid. Problems with the solenoid are usually similar to those of inadequate fluid levels or fluid leaks. If your vehicle’s transmission is slipping and there are no leaks, the solenoid is the next item that you should check.

Clutch Problems

The clutch is located within the torque converter and can occasionally become jammed. When the clutch jams, the solenoid may become locked and the amount of transmission fluid in the torque converter may not be correctly calculated. These type clutch problems in the torque converter also appear very similar to low fluid levels. Clutch problems will also normally cause violent shaking underneath the vehicle and may produce very high heat levels in the transmission. You will normally also notice a very sharp drop in the power output of your engine.

 

Transmission Slipping

Transmission slipping is quite common, and can be caused by a variety of transmission issues such as low fluid levels, fluid leaks, worn out gears, or solenoid problems. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to identify transmission slipping, especially in an automatic car. Your engine will suddenly change in pitch – it may go from a low rumble to a high-pitched whine, and your RPMs will increase dramatically, even though you’re going the same speed. This happens if your transmission slips and downshifts at a high speed.

Conversely, you may find that your car is performing sluggishly and feels underpowered – this can happen when the transmission upshifts at a low speed. You’ll notice poor acceleration, and engine noise that’s more lower-pitched than usual. Transmission slipping can be dangerous, and can easily lead to accidents, or further damage to your transmission. Get your car check out by a mechanic right away if you’re experiencing this issue.

Rough Shifts

When your car shifts into another gear, it should be relatively smooth and easy – there should be no “clunking” or “thudding” noises when your transmission shifts.

If you do start to hear these noises when shifting gears, they are certainly a cause for concern. Low transmission fluid and worn-out gears can be the culprit – and computerized sensors and solenoids can cause clunking if they send the wrong information to your car’s gearbox.

It’s usually impossible to determine the cause of rough shifting until you take your car in to be repaired, so get your vehicle serviced as soon as you notice these issues.

 

Check Engine Light Is On

Don’t be fooled by its name. The “Check Engine” light in your vehicle’s dashboard can be turned on for a wide variety of reasons, including problems that have nothing to do with the engine itself. Problems in the electronics, brakes and transmission can all be indicated by a check engine light. If your check engine light has turned on, you’ll want to visit Archer Volkswagen. One of our technicians can connect a sophisticated code reader to the OBD-II port on your vehicle. We’ll take the data we get and use it to begin diagnosing your problem. If it’s a transmission fault that’s caused the light to come on, we’ll know as soon as we get the diagnostic data from your vehicle’s computer.

Shuddering, Surging Or Stalling When Changing Gears

Picture it: You’re sailing down the highway in overdrive, when suddenly you begin to head up an incline. You can feel the car shuddering beneath you, as if you were traveling down a bumpy gravel road. This can be a sign of a bad transmission. You might also experience a similar shuddering when changing from reverse into drive, or from park into reverse. Sometimes, a brief shudder will be followed by a sudden surge as the fluid pressure returns to normal. This is often caused by contaminated transmission fluid, but can be due to other problems as well. The proper fluid pressure must be maintained, or the transmission could slip and you’ll lose power.