Livingston Reporting

Effective Rodent and Pest Control: Safeguarding Your Business

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Pests in commercial spaces are more than just a nuisance—they pose serious health risks, damage property, and can tarnish a business’s reputation. Whether it’s rodents, bed bugs, ants, or cockroaches, businesses need proactive and effective pest control strategies to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. By addressing insect and rodent issues promptly and implementing preventive measures, businesses can protect their reputation and ensure long-term success.

The Role of Commercial Pest Control

Pest control is not just about keeping creepy crawlies at bay—it’s a critical part of protecting your business, particularly if you operate in industries like hospitality, food service, healthcare, or retail. Pest infestations can wreak havoc on multiple fronts, and the consequences can be severe.

First and foremost, rodents and insects can pose significant health risks. They carry bacteria and viruses that can easily contaminate food and surfaces, putting both employees and customers at risk of illnesses. No business can afford such hazards, especially those responsible for serving the public. There are also serious regulatory implications to consider. Non-compliance with health and safety regulations can lead to hefty fines or even forced closures. Businesses must meet strict standards, and pests are a surefire way to jeopardize compliance.

Pests may cause structural damage which can result in costly repairs. Rodents, for instance, chew through wires and walls, creating fire hazards and compromising building integrity. Similarly, ants and cockroaches can gradually damage property over time, leading to unexpected expenses. Beyond health and safety concerns, pests can severely damage a company’s reputation. Imagine the impact of a customer spotting a cockroach in a restaurant or receiving a bedbug complaint in a hotel. Word travels fast, and in today’s world of online reviews, a single pest sighting can result in negative feedback that tarnishes a brand’s image. A reliable commercial pest control program helps mitigate these risks, ensuring business continuity and customer satisfaction.

Common Pests in Commercial Settings and Their Risks

  • Rodents (Rats and Mice):
    • Risks: Contaminate food and surfaces with droppings, chew through wires causing fire hazards, and spread diseases like salmonella and hantavirus.
    • Signs: Droppings, gnaw marks, noises in walls or ceilings, and sightings of live or dead rodents.
  • Bed Bugs:
    • Risks: Known for infesting furniture, bedding, and upholstery, bed bugs cause itchy bites, are difficult to fully exterminate (including their eggs), and lead to customer dissatisfaction.
    • Signs: Red bites on skin, tiny rust-colored stains on sheets, and the presence of live bugs or shed skins.
  • Ants:
    • Risks: While some ants are simply a nuisance, others, like carpenter ants, can damage structures, and pharaoh ants can contaminate food.
    • Signs: Visible trails of ants, especially around food sources and water.
  • Cockroaches:
    • Risks: Cockroaches spread bacteria, cause allergic reactions, and create an unsanitary environment.
    • Signs: Fecal droppings, egg cases, a musty smell, and sightings of live cockroaches.

Effective Commercial Pest Control

Sanitation practices serve as the foundation of any pest control effort. Keeping your spaces clean—free of food crumbs, spills, and standing water—makes your property less inviting to pests. It’s equally important to clean often-overlooked areas like storage rooms, trash bins, and drains. A tidy environment is your first line of defense against unwelcome invaders. Also, regular inspections and monitoring are crucial to identify potential pest entry points, breeding areas, and early signs of activity. By being proactive, you can stop infestations before they take hold. Continuous monitoring tools, such as traps, cameras, or even advanced digital pest control solutions, provide ongoing vigilance to ensure no pest goes unnoticed.

To reinforce your efforts, regularly ensure that all cracks, gaps, and holes in walls, doors, and windows are properly sealed to keep rodents and insects at bay. Simple yet effective solutions like door sweeps, weather stripping, and mesh screens add an additional layer of protection, making it harder for pests to infiltrate your space. Additionally, having an informed team by training your employees to recognize the signs of pests and reporting them promptly is invaluable. Proper training encourages best practices like proper food storage and waste disposal, further reducing the likelihood of attracting pests in the first place.

An essential part of insect and rodent control includes utilizing the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a balanced approach that combines prevention with targeted treatments. It starts with non-chemical methods, such as baiting and traps, to address minor issues. For more severe infestations, environmentally friendly pesticides can be used judiciously, ensuring the safety of employees and customers alike. Partnering with professional pest control company like Northern Pest is a game-changer! Our licensed experts can evaluate your specific needs and implement customized solutions to address current issues and prevent future infestations. Routine maintenance schedules are also suggested to ensure long-term protection, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on running your business.

For discreet and prompt pest control services, contact Northern Pest today!

Northern Pest: Our family serving yours! We are licensed and insured to provide insect and wildlife pest control. Our crew has the expertise to track wildlife entry points and remove pests of all kinds, including our licensed builders, who can make any of the necessary repairs caused by wildlife. Northern Pest is a member of the MDAT and the NWCOA. We are certified by the IICRC to offer professional mold mitigation services caused by animal damage. At Northern Pest, we do it all!

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Northern Pest

Understanding Woodrats: Colorado’s Misunderstood Natives

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Woodrats, often called “pack rats” or ‘trade rats” are fascinating creatures that unfairly bear the brunt of common misconceptions about rats. In Colorado, the smallest species, the Desert woodrat, measures about 12 inches and weighs 4 ½ ounces, while the largest, the bushy-tailed woodrat found on rocky mountain sides and old mining camps, can grow over 16 inches long and weigh up to 11 ounces. These meticulous creatures have a rat-like appearance, with long tails, large ears, and large, black eyes. Their color varies from gray to blackish-brown, and reddish tan, and most have white to grayish bellies.

‘Pack rats’ earn their nickname from their curious habit of collecting and hoarding various objects found in their environment and bringing them back to fortify their dens. Intriguingly, if they stumble upon a more desirable item, they will drop their current load in favor of the new find. Their attraction to shiny objects has spawned numerous stories of these creatures trading mundane items like stones for sparkling jewelry or coins, hence the nickname ‘trade rat.’ 

Habitat of Colorado Woodrats

Woodrats are prevalent throughout Colorado, with six species inhabiting the state. The Eastern Woodrat resides in the Riparian Woodlands on the eastern plains, while the Gray Woodrat can be found in southeastern Colorado. The White-throated and Desert Woodrats are mostly found in the southwestern desert regions of Colorado. The Bushy-tailed Woodrat is native to the Grand Valley and commonly found in Canyon County, and the Cinnamomea Woodrat is primarily located in northwestern Colorado. These rodents prefer the rugged terrain of canyons and mesa walls on the Colorado Plateau, constructing their dens in protective niches among cholla cacti, whose spines shield them from predators.

Reproduction and Survival of Colorado Woodrats

Woodrats construct elaborate homes where they build grass-lined nests to withstand the cold and nurture their young. Female woodrats can produce up to four litters each year, with each litter consisting of one to six offspring after a gestation period of four to five weeks. Even with their fortified dens, woodrats are still vulnerable to predators such as owls, coyotes, gopher snakes, and rattlesnakes. Primarily herbivores, pack rats feed on cactus and mesquite beans, though their diet is quite varied. They derive necessary moisture from their food, eliminating the need for free-standing water sources.

Managing Woodrat Infestations

Like their smaller cousins, mice, woodrats may seek shelter in our homes and businesses. They can squeeze through openings larger than ½ inch and are skilled at breaching cracks, holes, or gaps at ground level. As excellent climbers, they can also gain entry via attics, rooflines, or chimneys.

Woodrats can cause significant damage to property by harming landscaping, gnawing on wiring, and contaminating food. They can also carry diseases and host other pests in their nests. To prevent a rodent infestation, it is essential to eliminate potential food sources inside and outside your property, such as pet food and bird feeders. Secure your trash cans, trim tree limbs overhanging rooftops by at least six feet, and clear out junk piles and yard clutter to reduce the risk of attracting woodrats.

Effective Mouse Control Strategies

Our pest control technicians begin with a thorough inspection to assess property damage and identify potential entry points. Addressing the conditions that attract rodents is crucial for effective elimination. This process involves sealing entry points and eliminating food sources. While preventive measures are essential, complete eradication often necessitates professional intervention.

We strategically deploy tamper-resistant rodenticide bait stations inside and outside the property. These stations allow mice to access the bait and then leave, typically resulting in dehydration away from the premises. The bait usually takes 3-5 days to be effective. Due to the proven effectiveness and sustained action of rodenticides, we recommend regular service visits to refill the bait stations and ensure continuous protection.

To protect your property throughout the year, consider enrolling in our maintenance program, which offers ongoing pest control and peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more!

Rodents are both a nuisance and incredibly persistent. Trust the pros at Front Range Pest for prompt and discreet service!

Front Range Pest is your trusted, family-owned pest and wildlife control company serving central Colorado and southern Wyoming. Our certified technicians have the expertise and credentials to ensure effective pest management for your home or business. As your all-in-one insect and wildlife specialists, we offer peace of mind by identifying wildlife entry points, removing nuisance pests, sealing access areas, performing cleanup, and making essential repairs. Schedule an inspection with us today.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Front Range Pest

Biophilic Design: Transforming Spaces by Integrating Nature

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Biophilic design is revolutionizing interior design by integrating nature into our daily environments, aiming not just to enhance aesthetics but to forge a deeper connection between our living and working spaces and the natural world. This approach goes beyond mere decoration, tapping into our innate affinity for nature to boost well-being and productivity, thus transforming spaces into health-supportive and serene refuges.

Core Principles of Biophilic Design

  • Embracing Natural Light: Utilizing natural light through strategic placement of windows and skylights not only invites brightness deep into our living spaces but also aligns with sustainable practices. Natural light enhances your mood, connects you with nature, and reduces your reliance on artificial lighting.
  • Integrating Natural Materials: Incorporating elements like wood, stone, and plants brings the outdoors inside, fostering a tangible connection to nature while promoting sustainability. Consider materials such as bamboo flooring or granite countertops for a tactile connection to nature.
  • Fostering Indoor Greenery: Indoor plants are living, breathing specimens of the natural world. Skillfully placing greenery throughout your home or office not only beautifies the aesthetics but also improves air quality, reduces stress, and uplifts your mood, enhancing a harmonious living space.

Innovative Architectural Elements

  • Living Walls and Vertical Gardens: These green features transform walls into vibrant tapestries that clean the air and visually break the barrier between indoors and out. Whether it’s a vertical garden or a moss wall, these living wall hangings will redefine conventional boundaries.
  • Atriums and Open Spaces: These features invite the outdoors in, creating breathable, open indoor spaces within our architecture. Often filled with natural light and greenery, these versatile areas encourage relaxation and daily interaction with nature.
  • Water Features and Natural Sounds: Integrating water elements within your home or office enhances your sensory experience. The soothing sounds and visual appeal of flowing water creates a calming element by masking background noise, thus helping to reduce stress. Choose a simple tabletop fountain or go big with an indoor waterfall!

Impactful Applications

  • Residential Spaces: Homes with biophilic designs are sanctuaries that connect residents with nature through elements like floor-to-ceiling windows and natural materials. By creating tactile and visual connections to nature, these designs enhance tranquility and well-being in daily life.
  • Commercial Spaces: Offices employing biophilic design principles, such as open atriums with native plants, promote productivity and a positive work environment. This demonstrates that biophilic design is pivotal in transforming contemporary work environments.

DIY Biophilic Design Tips

  • Start with Indoor Gardening: Choose plants that fit your living environment and understand their care needs to successfully bring greenery indoors. Suggestions for success involve selecting the appropriate soil, knowing the watering requirements of each plant, and situating them in locations where they can flourish, whether that’s a sunny windowsill or a shaded nook.
  • Use Natural Materials in Decor: Gradually incorporate natural elements like wood and stone to enhance warmth and texture until you find the right balance for your aesthetic preferences. Include items with various shapes and patterns to add dimension to your space.
  • Maximize Natural Light: Add warmth by arranging your living space to capture natural light. Use reflective surfaces such as mirrors to help distribute light, or install sheer window treatments, and consider installing skylights to maximize the effect.

Biophilic design is more than a trend; it’s a sustainable, wellness-focused approach that enriches our spaces and lives by deepening our connection to nature. As we look to the future, integrating biophilic principles offers a path to not only a more beautiful and pleasing aesthetic but also healthier and more fulfilling living and working environments.

If you’re looking to transform your living space into a serene refuge, contact JFC Remodeling. We are a licensed contractor committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services.

JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires improvement, repair, or is a new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call or email us to learn more.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Jason Foldenauer Construction

Navigating the Build America, Buy America Act: Implications for Construction Bonds and FHWA Compliance

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) has introduced significant changes to the procurement policies governing federal funding for state and local construction projects. As the most extensive domestic preference law in U.S. history, BABA mandates that all federally funded projects use American-made iron and steel, manufactured products, and construction materials. For those in the construction bond industry, understanding these requirements is crucial, especially with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) at the forefront of implementing these changes.

The FHWA’s adherence to BABA introduces a new category for compliance: “construction materials.” This addition requires careful attention from contractors to ensure their sourcing aligns with the new regulations. Furthermore, the FHWA’s traditional “manufactured products” Buy America waiver is set to expire, placing additional scrutiny on where and how materials are sourced.

Under BABA, existing Buy America provisions that meet or exceed new standards for iron and steel will remain effective. However, the act also allows for the review of existing waivers, signaling tighter controls and possibly altering long-standing practices within the construction sector. The FHWA has already indicated moves to eliminate its general waiver for manufactured products, requiring that more than 55% of a product’s cost come from U.S.-based components.

Moreover, the proposed FHWA rule introduces specific deviations for materials like precast concrete and electronic hardware systems. These deviations maintain the requirement for American-made iron and steel in these products, ensuring that even specialized materials comply with stringent domestic sourcing standards.

The broader implications of BABA extend to a new mandatory category: “construction materials” must now all be produced in the United States. The definition includes a variety of materials such as non-ferrous metals, various polymers, glass, and lumber. This extensive list underlines the act’s aim to bolster domestic industries, though it notably excludes aggregate and cement products.

For construction bonds, these changes mean heightened diligence from contractors and increased reliance on comprehensive compliance strategies. The industry must navigate these new rules effectively to avoid project delays and potential penalties. As the FHWA prepares to finalize its rules, stakeholders should stay informed and ready to adapt to these evolving regulatory landscapes. This proactive approach will not only ensure compliance but also support the broader goals of enhancing U.S. infrastructure and fostering domestic economic growth.

Learn more about the requirements and FAQs regarding the BABA Act, here. 

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At Construction Bonding Specialists, we work with new and experienced contractors to find the most satisfactory bond solutions. As a dedicated surety-bond-only agency with decades of bonding experience, we strive to discover surety solutions for all types of cases, ranging from routine to challenging. Contact us online or call us at 248-349-6227 to learn more.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Construction Bonding Specialists

Reviving Nuclear Power: The Palisades Plant’s Potential Comeback

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The Palisades nuclear plant, located in Covert Township on the shores of Lake Michigan, is slated for a potential reopening in October 2025. This move could mark the first time in the U.S. that a nuclear facility is brought back online after initiating decommissioning. Supported by both federal and state funding, this initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the nation’s nuclear power capacity as the U.S. strives to meet aggressive clean energy goals.

The push for reopening Palisades aligns with the Biden administration’s ambitious plan to significantly expand the U.S. nuclear power capacity by 2050. This plan includes upgrading existing facilities and, notably, restarting operations at dormant plants. Palisades, with its 800-megawatt capacity, embodies the potential resurgence of nuclear power as a viable and sustainable energy source, particularly as the country prepares to meet the increasing demands from new infrastructures, like data centers.

Holtec International, the current owner of the Palisades plant, has begun the complex process of reviving the facility. This includes a comprehensive training program for future operators and substantial logistical and regulatory preparations. The training facility, once quiet, is now bustling with activity, indicating a robust effort towards bringing the plant back to operational status.

The decision to invest in reopening Palisades reflects a growing recognition of nuclear power’s role in achieving clean energy standards. Michigan, along with other states, has set ambitious carbon neutrality goals, and nuclear energy is considered a key component in this strategy. This is underscored by state and federal financial backing, which includes funding from two Midwestern power companies committed to purchasing the energy generated from Palisades once it is operational.

However, the plant’s potential reopening is not without controversy. Local residents and environmental groups have raised concerns about safety and the environmental impact, particularly given the plant’s location on the shores of Lake Michigan. Despite these challenges, state and industry leaders argue that the benefits of nuclear energy—such as its reliability and zero carbon emissions—outweigh the potential risks.

As the debate continues, the revival of the Palisades plant stands as a significant case study in the broader discussion about the future of nuclear energy in America. With bipartisan support for nuclear power due to its clean and efficient nature, Michigan’s investment in Palisades could serve as a model for other states considering similar initiatives. This project not only represents a shift towards sustainable energy but also a potential economic boom through job creation and infrastructure development, demonstrating the complex interplay between environmental goals and economic realities in the push for a cleaner future.

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J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance.  

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

J & P Electrical Company

Understanding Mortgages & Mortgage Rates

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

A mortgage is essentially a loan used to finance the purchase of a home, similar to how auto financing is used to buy a car. When individuals want to make a large purchase but either lack the funds or prefer not to use all their cash at once, they opt for financing. This arrangement involves a lender providing the necessary funds, which the consumer then repays over time.

The unique aspect of a mortgage, compared to other types of loans, is that the home being purchased serves as collateral. This means if the borrower fails to make the agreed payments, the lender can repossess the home to recover their investment. This process, known as foreclosure, is more complex than repossession in auto loans.

Why Do Lenders Offer Mortgages?

Lenders are not driven by a simple desire to fulfill consumer loan requests; they provide loans as a business to make a profit. This profit comes primarily from the interest charged on the loan. While some loans, like certain auto loans, might offer 0% financing as a sales incentive, most loans, including mortgages, come with an interest rate. This interest represents the cost to the borrower for the privilege of using the lender’s money and is how the lender benefits financially from the deal.

In essence, mortgages make homeownership accessible to those who cannot afford to pay the full price upfront, benefiting both the borrower, who gains a home, and the lender, who gains through interest.

How Are Mortgage Rates Determined and Why Do They Vary?

Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors, primarily driven by investor demand and perceived risk. Similar to bonds, mortgages offer investors a more stable return, but they carry higher risks due to the unpredictability of consumer behavior, such as early repayment through refinancing or selling the property.

Key Factors Influencing Mortgage Rates:

  • Investor Demand: Mortgages are considered by investors alongside other fixed-income investments like bonds. When investors favor these types of assets, mortgage rates tend to move in sync with the bond market.
  • Credit Risk: Lenders adjust rates based on the borrower’s credit score and other risk factors such as down payment size. Higher risk typically results in higher rates.
  • Market Dynamics: Daily fluctuations in mortgage rates are largely tied to movements in the bond market, except when there are significant changes in the borrower’s financial situation or down payment.

Mortgages differ from other investments because they involve individual consumers rather than institutions or governments, adding a layer of unpredictability. Investors prefer not to be repaid early because they count on the interest accrued over time to realize a profit. Early repayment can lead to financial losses if the accrued interest does not cover the premiums paid for the mortgage.

Mortgage Investment and Securitization

Mortgage transactions often involve multiple loans rather than a single mortgage per investor. Investors typically purchase groups of mortgages, which helps mitigate the risk of early repayments. This collection of similar mortgages, when bundled together and sold, is part of a process called securitization. This strategy ensures that investors have a diversified portfolio, reducing the impact if some loans are settled ahead of schedule.

Understanding mortgages and their rates involves a complex interplay of market conditions, investor behavior, and individual borrower risk factors. Do your research and find a reputable broker, like EB Mortgage, to help you comprehend the primary elements needed to borrow or refinance your next mortgage loan wisely.

For experts in wholesale mortgage loans: new home purchases, refinancing, DSCR, and commercial loans, contact us today!  

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

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

EB Mortgage

FBI Advises iPhone and Android Users to Cease Text Messaging

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Last week, the FBI issued a warning to iPhone and Android users recommending the use of encrypted messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Signal, and Facebook Messenger instead of traditional texting. The advisory highlighted a security concern, emphasizing the need for these platforms to adopt “responsibly managed” encryption that allows legal access to data through lawful court orders.

The warning comes in the wake of cyberattacks linked to a group known as “Salt Typhoon”, a group related to the Chinese Ministry of State Security, affecting U.S. telecom networks and compromising data security. The FBI stressed the importance of using devices with up-to-date operating systems and robust encryption methods to safeguard against phishing and unauthorized access.

Despite these platforms being recommended for their encryption, the FBI criticized them for not being managed in a way that complies with legal standards. This type of encryption should balance privacy protection with accessibility for law enforcement under court orders.

Discussion continues as the FBI, alongside other law enforcement agencies, expresses concerns over “going dark”—a term used to describe the inability to access encrypted information despite having a legal warrant. This challenge hinders efforts to combat crimes in the digital realm, prompting calls for a reevaluation of encryption practices by tech giants like Apple, Google, and Meta.

As debates over digital privacy and security persist, the outcome hinges on shifting public opinions and legal pressures. The balance between protecting user privacy and ensuring community safety remains a contentious issue in the evolving landscape of technology and law enforcement.

New guidance was recently issued by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the National Security Agency, and the FBI to provide advice to healthcare and other vital infrastructure sectors on strengthening their network devices to protect against cyber threats.  

The bottom line is that the FBI is urging tech companies to modify their encryption practices to allow lawful access to encrypted messages, when necessary, while still protecting user privacy. This is to ensure that encryption doesn’t prevent law enforcement from accessing crucial evidence in criminal investigations. The ongoing debate focuses on finding a balance between safeguarding data privacy and meeting legitimate security needs.

For virus removal and protection, data recovery, and secure off-site data backups contact the experts!

Founded in 1994, Creative Programs and Systems delivers professional results for all your computer needs. We design, create, and code various custom software programs and websites. Additionally, we offer superior digital marketing services, including enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and paid advertising. We also repair and support commercial computer infrastructure, build custom systems and servers, and provide secure data backups. Need assistance or want to learn more? Call (810)224-5252 or email info@cpsmi.com us!

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Creative Programs and Systems

Prevention and Screening: Major Contributors to Saving Lives in Five Key Cancer Types

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

A recent study led by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and published in JAMA Oncology highlights the significant impact of prevention and screening in reducing mortality from five major cancer types over the last 45 years. The research focused on breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers, which collectively represent nearly half of all cancer diagnoses and deaths. This study underscores that while treatment advances are often viewed as the primary contributors to mortality reduction, prevention and screening have played a more substantial role in saving lives.

Co-lead investigator Katrina A. B. Goddard, Ph.D., from the NCI’s Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, emphasized that 80% of the deaths averted from these cancers since 1975 can be attributed to advances in prevention and screening rather than treatment. Particularly notable is the impact of smoking cessation, which alone accounted for 3.45 million lives saved from lung cancer. The study further found that prevention and screening were the predominant factors in reducing deaths from cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers, while treatment advances led in breast cancer mortality reduction.

The study utilized statistical models to analyze cancer mortality data between 1975 and 2020, revealing that 5.94 million deaths were prevented due to interventions in these five cancers, with prevention and screening accounting for 4.75 million of these. The breakdown by cancer type showed varying contributions of screening and treatment. For example, in lung cancer, tobacco control was overwhelmingly effective, accounting for 98% of the averted deaths. Conversely, in breast cancer, treatment was the major contributor, although mammography screening also played a significant role.

These findings underscore the necessity of a multifaceted approach to cancer reduction, combining effective prevention, screening, and treatment strategies. W. Kimryn Rathmell, M.D., Ph.D., director of NCI, stated that understanding which strategies are most effective helps guide future efforts to reduce cancer mortality further. The study also points to recent advancements like HPV vaccination and lung cancer screening, which could potentially enhance these effects even though they were not widely used during the study period.

However, the researchers acknowledge that the study’s focus on these five cancers, which represent less than half of all cancer deaths, means the findings might not apply to cancers without effective prevention, screening, or treatment options. Dr. Philip E. Castle, another co-lead investigator, emphasized the importance of optimizing and expanding access to proven interventions, particularly for underserved populations, and developing new strategies for other lethal cancers such as pancreatic and ovarian cancer.

The authors also noted limitations, including the study’s reliance on population averages and its exclusion of potential screening harms like false positives and overdiagnosis. These findings present a complex picture of cancer prevention and treatment, highlighting the critical role of integrated strategies in ongoing efforts to reduce cancer mortality across various populations.

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RadParts, a TTG Imaging Solutions Company, is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts. We specialize in low-cost parts for repairing linear accelerators and radiation equipment. Our mission is to provide high-quality, user-friendly, low-cost components and support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. Contact RadParts at 877-704-3838 to learn more.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

RadParts

Protect Your Pool Pipes During Winter & Other Wonderful Ways to Use a Pool Noodle!

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Pool noodles are surprisingly versatile tools that extend well beyond poolside fun. These foam tubes are not just ideal for floating or playful sibling tussles but also serve a multitude of purposes in DIY home projects. As Christmas approaches, we’ll explore some of the most innovative ways to incorporate these handy tools into your home decor and more!

Below are some cleaver uses for pool noodles:

  • Insulate Pool Pipes: In freezing weather, exposed pipes, particularly those connected to your pool pump and filter, are vulnerable to damage. Protect them by slicing a pool noodle lengthwise and wrapping it around the pipe, securing it with duct tape or zip ties. For extra insulation, consider adding layers of bubble wrap or additional foam.
  • Organize Extension Cords: Avoid tangles by cutting a slit in a pool noodle and sliding the cords inside. This keeps them organized and clutter-free.
  • Create a Holiday Wreath: Use a pool noodle as the base for a custom wreath. Bend the noodle into a circle, secure it with duct tape, and embellish it with seasonal decorations like garland, ornaments, and faux flowers.
  • Childproof Sharp Edges: When young children visit, use pool noodles to cushion the edges of coffee tables, fireplaces, and other sharp corners, creating a safer environment.
  • Boot Shapers: Keep your boots upright and in good shape by inserting a section of pool noodle into each boot. Cover them with scrap fabric and tie a bow for easy removal.
  • Paint Tray Helper: Cut a pool noodle to fit the width of your paint tray. Slice it lengthwise and attach it to the tray’s back edge to create a holder for brushes and other painting tools.
  • Door Safety: Wrap a pool noodle around a door to prevent it from slamming, protect fingers, or keep it slightly ajar.
  • Garage Wall Protector: Prevent car door dings and scratches by attaching a pool noodle to the garage wall with strong adhesive or screws where the door might hit.
  • Clothing Care: Insert pool noodles into hangers to prevent creases on garments or use them on drying racks.
  • Trampoline Safety: Cover exposed trampoline springs with pool noodles cut to size, choosing various colors for added fun and safety.

Pool noodles consist of polyethylene, a closed-cell foam filled with numerous tiny, compressed bubbles. This unique structure prevents water absorption, making them perfect for buoyant, flexible pool toys. This foam is also used in packaging and as pipe insulation, resembling the material of pool noodles. Although challenging to recycle, pool noodles can be repurposed in various ways throughout your home and garage.

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Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Pound Pool Plastering services residential and commercial pools in applying a wide variety of pool plaster finishes and complete renovations. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, and Marcite – and a great selection of tile choices and coping stones. Owner Dale Pound personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. Call or email us for a free estimate.

Pound Pool Plastering

10 Key Concerns to Know About Surety Bond Underwriting

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Surety bond underwriting involves the pre-approval and evaluation of two primary performance requirements. These requirements, determined by the principals, are assessed to evaluate their risk level. The underwriting process encompasses a variety of concerns. Here are 10 key underwriting concerns you should be aware of:

  1. Job Profitability
    Reflects a contractor’s ability to estimate accurately and manage projects effectively.
  2. Overhead Expenses
    The operational costs that impact the financial health of a project.
  3. Experience and Track Record
    A history of successfully completed projects adds credibility.
  4. Geographic Familiarity
    Knowledge of local markets and environmental conditions.
  5. Debt-to-Worth Ratio
    Measures the financial stability of a business.
  6. Bank Line Usage
    Surety companies prefer to see availability rather than full utilization of credit lines.
  7. Outstanding Tax Liens
    Surety companies generally require a payment plan to be in place.
  8. Pending Lawsuits or Disputes
    Legal issues can indicate potential risks.
  9. Underbillings
    Concerns arise with underbillings due to unapproved change orders, which may indicate a “profit fade” or loss on a job. Underbillings due to timing are typically not a concern.
  10. Overbillings
    While generally positive, high overbillings paired with a low cash balance can signal borrowing against the project and cash flow issues.

It is crucial to address these concerns before proceeding with the underwriting process of a surety bond to avoid potential issues. Working with an experienced Surety Broker who understands how to navigate these concerns with underwriters is essential. As a specialized agency focused exclusively on surety bonds, and with decades of bonding experience, contact Construction Bonding Specialists to explore bonding solutions for all types of cases, from standard to challenging.

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At Construction Bonding Specialists, we work with new and experienced contractors to find the most satisfactory bond solutions. As a dedicated surety-bond-only agency with decades of bonding experience, we strive to discover surety solutions for all types of cases, ranging from routine to challenging. Contact us online or call us at 248-349-6227 to learn more.

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

Construction Bonding Specialists