Author: Creative Programs and Systems - page 54

Blurry Vision after Eating

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If you have ever stood up after eating and realized your vision is slightly blurry, you might have experienced a brief blood sugar level spike. If this happens to you more often than not, you may want to schedule a visit with your eye care professional to see whether you have an underlying condition (such as diabetes), which causes these spikes.

Excessively high blood sugar levels generally cause people to be diagnosed with diabetes. When food is digested more rapidly, blood sugar levels can spike. Fluid can build up in the eyes, resulting in blurry vision.

In the eye, the cornea and natural crystalline lens work together to focus light into the retina, resulting in clear vision. To accommodate focusing on objects near or far, the lens changes its shape. In some instances, high blood sugar can cause the eye to swell and cause the focus to be off.

Some foods high in sugar and likely to spike blood sugar include white rice, pasta, cereals, potatoes, pop, fruit juices, candy, and baked goods.

Blurry vision doesn’t always signify diabetes. Other conditions include:

  • Carotid stenosis
  • Migraines
  • Medications
  • Eyestrain
  • Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
  • Keratitis
  • Glaucoma
  • Macular degeneration

Symptoms other than blurry vision typically accompany these conditions.

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

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

Michigan Lasik

Drinking Water Shouldn’t Reek of Chlorine

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When appropriately applied, chlorine added to drinking water should not result in any type of odor reminiscent of a pool party. When chlorine can be smelled in water, there are exceedingly high levels of toxic chemical compounds reacting together.

Typically, drinking water comes from natural sources such as lakes, rivers, and streams. It can also be recycled in water treatment plants throughout cities to remove leaves, dirt, fish, and other organic waste.

One of the primary treatment methods used to remove the organic matter is chlorine, which is super-effective at killing harmful organisms (bacteria, parasites, viruses, etc.) Cholera, dysentery, and chronic diarrhea outbreaks were common before water chlorination treatment. Unfortunately, using chlorine to disinfect water isn’t foolproof.

The amount of chlorine needed for water disinfection varies and teeters on a thin line between too much and not enough. If the water smells like chlorine, the water utility in charge of disinfecting might be trying to meet the EPA’s standards by creating “chlorine burnout,” to flush the system. When chlorine levels are high, chloroform can result, which causes chemically-induced asthma and pneumonia.

Chloramine is another chemical treatment companies use to disinfect water, mixed with ammonia. Studies show that more than one in five Americans ingest chloramine in drinking water. While chlorine evaporates quickly, chloramine is more stable and will last longer in the water. Chloramine also causes deterioration of municipal infrastructure because of water chemistry. With lead pipe water systems, the reaction between lead and chloramine can leak lead into the drinking water, faucets, and showerheads.

If you smell chlorine in your drinking water, contact the purification experts at Reynolds Water today.

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

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

Reynolds Water

All About Thumb Joint Replacement Surgery

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Did you know the thumb joint is the most mobile in the hand? It can move up and down, in and out, and rotate; our thumbs move hundreds of times daily. When we use a hammer or hold a glass, the thumb joint helps grip the object and stabilize the other fingers while writing or counting money.

Because our thumbs are used so much, the joint can deteriorate over time, causing arthritis in some individuals. Osteoarthritis can cause the smooth cartilage to become rough, resulting in pain, swelling, limited motion, and a grinding or popping sensation.

After a physician diagnoses arthritis and joint deterioration, non-surgical treatments will be recommended, including pain relief through medications, cortisone injections, and rest through splinting. Unfortunately, arthritis is a degenerative disease that progresses in time for some individuals. After non-surgical methods are exhausted, a joint reconstructive surgery called Arthroplasty is recommended.

Arthroplasty can be done as an outpatient procedure or require an overnight stay. There are several different ways surgeons can replace the thumb joint. Once the surgery is complete, a splint is applied to the thumb to promote healing and rest. Discomfort and swelling are normal; pain medication will be prescribed to alleviate them.

It generally takes roughly six weeks for patients to recover from Arthroplasty completely. After immobilization is deemed sufficient by the surgeon, physical therapy is recommended.

Risks associated with thumb joint replacement surgery include tendon injury, vascular injury, and possible infection, though extremely rare.

Do you have arthritis in your thumb? Contact the experts at MI Hand & Wrist to experience relief today!

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

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

MI Hand & Wrist

The Ten Most Popular Kitchen Designs and Features of 2021

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Throughout 2021, most homeowners resonated with natural materials, outdoor space connections, wood beams, kitchen islands, soft blues, gorgeous greens, and more. Read on to countdown some of the hottest trends of 2021.

10) Sage Is the Rage: Sage accents were everywhere during 2021. From drawers and cabinets to backsplashes, this soothing color created a peaceful environment for kitchens everywhere.

9) Neat Nook: Breakfast nooks took center stage and served as an informal version of a conventional kitchen table. Sophisticated and no-nonsense, nooks were adorned with brass finishes and backsplash tile in 2021.

8) Island Blue: Kitchen islands were a perfect way for owners to showcase a splash of color different from the rest of the cabinets. Blue seemed to be a popular choice, as it provided a striking contrast to white and grey.

7) Rustic Wood: X-shape beams in coffered ceilings were a big trend, as the wooden material added warmth and texture to the room. Wood accents also made rooms feel more extensive and open.

6) Herb Garden: Whether it was cabinet colors, pendant lighting, custom vent hoods, or quartz counters, shades of green were seen splashed throughout kitchens in 2021.

5) Window Haven: Impressive window banks were installed throughout kitchens in 2021, showcasing the natural outdoors and letting the seasonal changes influence the overall color scheme.

4) Kitchen Hub: Islands in the kitchen can include sinks, dishwashers, trash containers, recycling pullouts, seating, storage, cabinets, and much more. Family members and guests can hang out in the kitchen while seated at islands without getting in the cook’s way.

3) White + Wood: Rich colors in wood tones such as hickory, pine, and oak were seen contrasting with white cabinets, backsplashes, or marble countertops. Kitchens also took on an industrial look with bright lighting, black fixtures, and stainless steel appliances.  

2) Mix or Match: While many kitchens in 2021 were focused on clean, streamlined looks, some utilized the playful alternative by featuring bold accent colors throughout.

1) Gathered Assembly: The most popular trend in 2021 creates a style that is unique to each homeowner. Whether it was glass-front cabinets mixed with raw wood ceilings or blue cabinets and white countertops, kitchens saw a pop of color and life rather than being too sterile.

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

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

Jason Foldenauer Construction

Utility Transformers Strained by EV Growth

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Electric Vehicle (EV) sales are growing. As an increasing number of people implement charging stations in their homes or businesses, nearby transformers are becoming affected. Overloads to the power supply, premature aging, and potential failures are all culprits for transformer damage.

Thankfully, an alternative exists: BESS, or Battery Energy Storage Systems. These devices can be especially beneficial when paired with photovoltaic (PV) panels.

A study conducted in 2020 by Milad Soleimani and Mladen Kezunovic titled, “Economic Evaluation of Transformer Loss of Life Mitigation by Energy Storage and PV Generation,” showed that using BESS and PV was economically more effective and mitigated transformer distribution due to decreasing prices.

Soleimani released a second study titled, “PV Generation, EV and Stationary Battery Optimal Control and Management in Distribution Grids,” which evaluated tactics to alleviate the loss of life on the transformer due to high voltage caused by EVs. It also investigated how transformers become overloaded from EVs. Because of potential failures, utilities and consumers typically experience excess expenses.

The study found that in areas with a large number of EVs, the use of BESS devices (with or without PV panels) decreased the risk of transformers becoming faulty. PV installations were also negligible in certain instances.

Since PV panels are more costly, combining solar power with BESS might not be practical without subsidies.

Soleimani suggests, “Utilities should be investors,” which can be accomplished by, “Developing and providing rebates and other incentive programs to motivate consumers to deploy these resources.” When the technology provides an ample return, utilities will benefit as well.

J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical equipment company. At J&P, we supply contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

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

J & P Electrical Company

All About Open Houses

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

What’s an open house? We’re not talking about graduation parties here; instead, we are referring to homes on the market. Open houses are public, informal events hosted by real estate agents or sellers. Typically lasting between one- to three hours, the doors are quite literally “open” for people to browse the house at their leisure.

Open houses give buyers an opportunity to explore the house, deciding whether it satisfies their wants and needs. With no commitment, open houses are a great way to get an up-close and personal with a potential new home. There’s no pressure to buy and no prerequisites to attend.

If a potential buyer has questions about the house, they will have an opportunity to ask and gain answers. Open house attendees do not need a specific reason behind their visit.

To find open houses, search on an MLS (Multiple Listing Services), a service jam-packed with listings state- or country-wide. Some popular MLS sites include Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, etc. You can also drive around your neighborhood to find open house signs. Real estate agents are professionals who can research homes and suggest one that aligns with your wishes.

Open houses are a fantastic way for potential buyers to scan the market and see what’s available. They are also ideal for potential buyers to assess the market and explore their options. In addition, open houses are an excellent way for people – even those not interested in purchasing – to gain ideas for their own houses.

If you found your dream home through an open house, you’ll need a mortgage. The next step to homeownership is to become prequalified. The homeownership process doesn’t need to be overwhelming. If you have questions or are ready to purchase a home, contact EB Wholesale Mortgage to speak with a loan expert today.

EB Wholesale Mortgage is a locally-owned mortgage company with experts in new home purchase, refinancing, and commercial loans. Our wholesale rates can’t be beaten. We offer more products, more options, and more solutions. Our “3C” Process is simple: complete our pre-approval request, consider options based on your requirements, and choose the offer that suits your needs best. Call us at 866-246-0516 or e-mail contact@ebwmtg.com today.

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

EB Mortgage

12 Funny Questions to Ask Siri

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Who couldn’t use a good laugh as we approach the end of 2021? We compiled 12 of the funniest questions and answers you can ask Siri, the AI (Artificial Intelligence) assistant on Apple products. While Siri can be helpful for a multitude of tasks, it also has a sense of humor. Read on for a good chuckle.

Q: What does Siri mean?
A: It’s a riddle wrapped in an enigma, tied with a pretty ribbon of obfuscation.

Q: How old are you?
A: They say that age is nothing but a number. But technically, it’s also a word.

Q: What are you afraid of?
A: I’m afraid I can’t answer that.

Q: What are you doing later?
A:  I’m at work. My shift ends in 614,978 years.

Q: Do you have a significant other?
A: My end user license agreement is commitment enough for me.

Q: Siri, I am your father.
A: Nooooo!

Q: Make me laugh.
A: The past, present, and future walk into a bar. It was tense.

Q: Who let the dogs out?
A: Due to unforeseen circumstances, that witticism has been retired.

Q: Windows or Mac?
A: I’m pretty loyal to Apple. It’s just how I’m made.

Q: What is the meaning of life?
A: I can’t answer that now, but give me some time to write a very long play in which nothing happens.

Q: OK, Google.
A: Very funny, [Your Name]. I mean, not funny ha-ha, but funny.

Q: Alexa.
A: Not exactly, but I offer no resistance to helpful assistants.

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

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

Creative Programs and Systems

Augmented Reality (AR) Becoming an Aspect of Surgery

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ClariffEye, an industry-first solution that combines 2D and 3D visualizations, uses a 3D Augmented Reality (AR) system to enable surgeons to define and navigate through real-time. Royal Phillips announced the first patients had been successfully treated using ClariffEye at Sant Joan de Deu Barcelona Children’s Hospital in Spain along with the Armed Forces Hospital, Oman.

Philips integrated Spine Suite was used by both surgeons, which showcases the Azurion Hybrid Operating Room (OR) in conjunction with ClariffEye. Both surgeries performed with ClariffEye were spinal.

“The level of success of this surgery would not have been possible to reach without ClarifEye,” said Dr. Alejandro Peiró, Orthopedic surgeon and pediatric traumatologist at Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital.

Dr. Ahmed Al Jahwari, Head of Department Orthopedics and Spine Surgery at Hospital MoD, Oman, said, “Philips’ new technology enables us to perform less invasive procedures and produce better outcomes for patients with spine conditions. Thanks to the high quality of the intraoperative cone beam CT imaging and the positioning flexibility of the ClarifEye system, we can ensure that implants are in place which lowers post-operative CT scans to check implant placements.”

Spinal procedures can be challenging and fragile to maneuver for surgeons. Delicate neurological and vascular structures near the spine are susceptible to damage. Minimally-invasive techniques have become more prevalent thanks to recent technology, which reduces blood loss, soft tissue damage, and post-operative discomfort.

With ClariffEye, surgeons can utilize real-time imaging in addition to 3D navigation to increase accuracy and improve outcomes.

According to Science Reports, ClariffEye performed accurately better compared to open surgery without 3D navigation. Additionally, ClariffEye has a 98 percent accurate ability to place a pedicle screw during minimally invasive procedures.

“We’re excited that international access to ClarifEye is expanding, and more hospitals and patients will get to experience its benefits firsthand,” said Karim Boussebaa, General Manager Image Guided Therapy Systems at Philips. “As the latest addition to Spine Suite, ClarifEye adds a new dimension in surgical precision for patients. It is a great example of how we’re innovating procedures and helping clinicians to deliver on the Quadruple Aim of better health outcomes, improve patient experience and staff satisfaction, and lower cost of care.”

Acceletronics is an industry leader in delivering the best equipment performance and service reliability from CT Scanners and Linear Accelerators across all major brands and models. Call 610-524-3300 or visit our website: https://www.acceletronics.com.

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

Acceletronics

Protecting Your Extremities from Frostbite

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Cold weather is well-known to freeze water, soil, inanimate objects, and even fingers or toes. One of the most common winter injuries is frostbite. While in certain survival situations, avoiding frostbite is absolutely crucial.

Frostbite is an injury from the cold that takes place when body tissues freeze. Some common body parts that fall prey to frostbite include fingers, toes, chin, nose, cheeks, and ears. Additional issues from frostbite include compartment syndrome, blood clots, and loss of feeling due to nerve damage.

Frostbite can manifest in a variety of levels. The first level of frostbite is evident with numbness, burning, or prickling pain which leads to swelling or redness. Eventually, the skin will tighten, harden, or blister. Later, the area will appear blackened or dry; worst-case scenarios consist of an inability to feel the affected area.

To treat frostbite, the affected area should be warmed immediately, or surgery might be recommended in severe cases to prevent sepsis or infection.

Preventing frostbite sounds simple, but it can be challenging to execute correctly. Since cold numbs pain, pushing through the task at hand is often easier than treating the condition. Ensure you have appropriate gear and supplies to keep your extremities covered. Layering your clothing is essential but only works if it’s in the correct order. First, start with a moisture-absorbing layer that will allow sweat to evaporate. Second, choose a fluffy, puffy layer that will trap warm air. Lastly, make sure a waterproof layer is what hits the snow, ice, rain, etc.

Don’t be afraid to throw in a hand warmer in your gloves or a foot warmer in your boots. These are invaluable tools when it comes to bearing the cold.

Frostbite is a severe condition that should not be undervalued or overlooked. Cold weather presents numerous hazards and creates survival challenges you might not be ready for. Do your best and prepare yourself – and your family – adequately by ensuring the cold won’t get the best of you.

Are you looking for cold-weather supplies? Shop our vast selection at Wolf Survival Gear.

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

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

Wolf Survival Gear

Removing Stickers from Your Car

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

We’ve all been there: feeling super supportive over a cause, presidential candidate, or your kid being on the honor roll. Eventually, that family of stick figures will outgrow the original message…but now there’s a faded, stuck-on sticker glued to your vehicle. What’s the best way to remove them, you wonder? Look no further; we have the solution!

Safely removing stickers that have adhered to your car for years without causing damage to the finish or windows can be challenging. If you take away nothing else from this post, remember this: do not use metal scrapers, razor blades, or other abrasives such as sandpaper or steel wool. Instead, keep reading.

Supplies
First, grab some white vinegar and paper towels. Pour the vinegar over the sticker, then soak some paper towels with vinegar and hold it over the sticker for a while. The vinegar will soften the adhesive and help release the sticker.

Spatula
Using a plastic spatula, credit card, or any other small, malleable item, you can pry off a corner of the sticker to start. Then, gently pull the sticker up without scratching the vehicle.

Hairdryer
Another method for sticker removal is to use a hairdryer on the lowest setting. Hold it roughly six inches from the sticker and swirl the air for about a minute. Do not hold the dryer too close to the vehicle, as it could affect the surface.

Professional Sticker Remover
The most stubborn stickers might not respond to the above methods. Instead, try using some WD-40 or Goo Gone, which is specifically made to remove stickers and gunk. Let the solution soak into the sticker, then gently pull up, and remove.

Polish
Once the sticker is removed, wipe away the gooey residue with rubbing alcohol. Then, finish the job with a thorough automotive wax.

Team CAMC is your Complete Auto Maintenance Center. For over 30 years, we have followed a single guiding principle: we never push or sell services a vehicle doesn’t need. Our team of trained technicians welcomes you like family and discusses all types of oil and fluid changes offered. Critical points are reviewed through a 13-point inspection to ensure your vehicle is ready for the next adventure on the road ahead. Contact us today to schedule the professional service you deserve from a team you trust.

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

Team CAMC