Livingston Reporting - page 128

Preventive Maintenance Increases the Lifespan of LINAC Systems

LINAC systems are just one of the methods that facilities use to administer radiotherapy to patients with cancer. The high cost of this technology necessitates that preventive maintenance be routinely undertaken to extend the life span of linear accelerator parts and other radiation oncology equipment. Linear accelerator parts should be serviced to ensure high quality service delivery to patients. This will go a long way in helping cancer patients to access quality treatment.

The main parts of LINAC systems consist of linear accelerator wave guide and the beam defining system. Other parts include: handle control, couch with controls, touch guard and wall panel to hide stand. Being that it is electrical equipment and it’s in continuous use, the systems will breakdown if not cared for properly which will lead to system breakdown. Therefore, preventive maintenance should be regularly done to ensure that the system works effectively and efficiently. A complex system such as linear accelerators and ct scanners depends on electrical connections, once there is poor connection the machine will malfunction. All parts work in cohesion and if one of them is faulty it will affect other parts.

Linear accelerator parts are expensive and the cost of purchasing a new one is prohibitive.  Proper preventive maintenance should be carried out from time to time. Most LINAC systems use water cooling because a constant temperature need to be maintained to ensure harmonious operation.  However, there is advanced air-cooled chillers for LINAC cooling. This cooling system is expensive but once it is replaced the system works as if it is a new one.

LINAC parts can be procured from the original equipment manufacturer or through local dealers. There are many advantages to buying parts through companies that offer several parts (and services) instead of a more expensive OEM dealer.  Often these companies offer less expensive, refurbished options and OEM parts with warranties.  If the parts should malfunction within the period of coverage of warranty, they can help.  However, one important decision one must make is that whether one should buy refurbished parts or new OEM parts. Refurbished parts are suitable for repairs and maintenance and the cost is lower than buying new ones. This decision is often mostly decided because of your budget however, just know that refurbished parts are just as reliable and as effective so either way you are getting quality parts.

A lot of factors need to be considered when servicing or maintaining LINAC system. One of such considerations is the response time of maintenance company versus original equipment manufacturer. The response time of maintenance companies tend to be quicker than that of the original manufacturer. Therefore, procuring the service of maintenance company will shorten the downtime of the medical equipment. Associated with this is the high level of expertise of engineers working with servicing and maintenance companies.

In most cases, these engineers were trained by original equipment manufacturers hence, the quality of service delivery. Another advantage of servicing and maintenance of linear accelerator parts is that servicing companies have favorable and flexible contract agreement, and this ensure that servicing of equipment is done comprehensively with minimal costs. This contract agreement includes periodical preventive maintenance without extra costs. Routine service and maintenance of LINAC parts are necessary for optimal functioning of the system and it greatly reduces the amount of downtime of the equipment and elongate its lifespan.

Learn more about Radparts and the variety of services and parts they offer to repair medical equipment including: linear accelerators parts, CT scanners parts, linac parts, and radiation oncology equipment at www.radparts.com.  To contact one of our medical equipment repair specialists for parts or service call toll free 877.704.3838 for 24/7/365 support.

What to Consider When Buying Aluminum Fencing Online

Before purchasing an aluminum fence, you will need to research your options carefully; after all, it is an investment that last for many decades to come. Your choice will affect the value of your property and it won’t easily be changed. When you are purchasing an aluminum fence, there are certain factors you need to consider before making your choice.

Some of the factors includes:

Choose an Online Retailer with Good Warranty

When you decide to buy an aluminum fence online and know what you desire then the next step is to locate a trustworthy online retailer. A reliable retailer is always going to offer the warranty of the products that they are offering. Generally, there is a bare minimum, but keep in mind that the first year will most likely go smoothly. It is with time that you will notice problems like chipping, peeling, discoloration, and other damages.  This is when you will need the warranty. Hence, a warranty should cover your aluminum fence for more than one year.

Quality Ingredients and Construction

You can’t build a high-quality fence with inferior materials. Before you purchase a fence, study the materials that create it.  Learn about the construction of the fence to be sure it is solid and well designed. It should have thick posts, rails and top-notch hinges, screws, and other hardware. If you select first-rate aluminum fence, you won’t have to worry about continuous maintenance.

Strength of Design

Aluminum fencing is available in different grades that vary in weight, such as residential, resort, commercial, and industrial. Although lighter, residential-grade fences are perfectly adequate for most homes, heavy-duty applications sometimes require heftier products. For example, a fence designed to contain horses should be heavier and stronger than a decorative residential fence.

Aesthetics

Fences come in many different heights and styles from the basic 2 rail fence to the more ornate, decorative 3 and 4 rail styles. Some are simple, others are more ornamental while others have matching posts, panels and gate options. Most online retailers allow you to choose from a variety of decorative options. In addition, aluminum fences are available in several different colors: classics like white and black and natural shades like brown, speckled tan and dark green. Powder coatings, which are incredibly protective and durable, allow for this color versatility.

Easy installation

Whether you wish to install the fence yourself or you plan to hire professionals for the job, you will benefit from selecting a product that is easy to install. If you do it yourself, the process is simple, especially with the detailed instructions that online retailers like www.iFenceUSA.com offer.

Price

You will need to find a fence within your budget. However, it is important to note that cost isn’t everything. A price that seems cheap may reflect inferior materials and poor design. If you’re wondering what to look for in an aluminum fence, search for a quality, affordable product.

iFenceUSA is an online manufacturer and distributor of wholesale aluminum fencing. With over 18 styles of aluminum fence panels and gates to choose from, we have aluminum fences that will meet your wants and need.  Choose from custom aluminum fencing options including: Commercial Grade Aluminum Fencing, Residential Grade Aluminum Fencing, Pool Grade Aluminum Fencing, and Industrial Aluminum Fencing all at https://ifenceusa.com/.  For more information contact one of our aluminum fence experts toll free 800.762.2907 or via email at info@ifenceusa.com.

Computer Maintenance: Everything You Need to Know

Computers have become a vital item that everyone needs to use on a regular, if not daily basis.  While many people, especially the younger generations, thrive with technology, some of us simply need to take things slow as we learn about each aspect of these devices.  Thankfully, the basics are extremely easy to learn about, which means that you can take care of some of your own minor computer needs and repairs.

One of the first things that you will want to ensure is completed on your computer is the installation of an anti-virus software.  Of course, once you have this software installed, you will want to make sure that it is scanning your computer for viruses frequently and that you keep the software up to date.  These scans can be set to automatically run in the background.

If you are noticing that your computer is running slower than usual or that you are having issues with certain websites, you may think that it is time to take your computer in for updates.  However, you may be able to solve these issues on your own by simply clearing the cache on your browser.

We know that you are grabbing snacks to devour as you are working on your computer, and while there is nothing wrong with that, you will find that your keyboard and computer can get a little dirty after a while.  A buildup of crumbs underneath the keys of your keyboard can also prevent you from typing the way that you want to, which is why we recommend keeping all these areas clean.  A damp cloth will keep surface stains away, while compressed air can eliminate all those crumbs and the dust that has become stuck to them.

Many people are tempted to keep their laptops plugged into the outlet for long periods of time, or forever, but it is not something that we recommend that you do.  The reason for this is that you will find that after a while, your battery will not be able to hold a charge for any length of time, which means that you will not be able to use it unless you have an outlet nearby.

One of the best things that you can do to prolong the life of your computer is making sure that you turn it off each night, or when you are done using it for the day.  This is one of the most important computer services that we recommend, and you will find that your computer will last months or even years longer than any of the ones that you have owned in the past.

It doesn’t take a certified technician to complete certain computer services or computer repairs, which is why we are confident that you can take care of the items above, as well as a few others.  Of course, there are certain computer repairs or computer services that only a person well-versed in computers should tackle, and those are the ones that you should steer clear of at all times!

Learn more about Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, and the IT solutions they provide including IT consulting, computer consulting, network consulting, networking, server installation, IT disaster recovery, computer repair, virus removal, malware removal, computer tune ups, data backup systems, computer troubleshooting, structured cabling, low voltage wiring, website design, graphic design, logo design, website hosting, search engine placement, iphone app programming, android app programming, and custom programming at www.cpsmi.com.  To contact one of our IT experts, call 810.224.5252 today or via email at info@cpsmi.com.

 

 

The Ins and Outs of Radiation Oncology Equipment

Radiation oncology occurs through the use of ionizing radiation to treat/cure disease such as cancer.  It can also be used to assist in the relief of symptoms when a cure or treatment is no longer a viable option.  Most often radiation is most frequently associated with cancer however can be used in treated in a limited range of benign or non-malignant illnesses.  Some of the equipment that is used within the radiation oncology department is linear accelerators, simulators, and CT scanners.

Linear Accelerator

Linear accelerator, LINAC systems are sophisticated pieces of medical equipment that are used to distribute radiation therapy treatments for patients with cancer. Linear accelerators can be used to treat most types of cancers.  During radiation therapy, treatment is provided by directing the beams on to the cancerous tumor.  Targeting the cancer and encompassing area to annihilate the main cancerous tumor and close cancer cells without causing undo harm to the healthy tissue around it.

Patients are placed on a treatment couch that moves, with the help of specifically planned out lasers and X-ray imaging panels, are manipulated to ensure that the beam is in the right position for treatment. The couch can be maneuvered in many planes with sub-millimeter accuracy. This occurs in sync with the LINAC gantry allows the radiation to be directed from any angle to reach the cancerous tumor from any angle.

Simulators and CT-simulators

A simulator is an advanced diagnostic x-ray unit that enables the localization of the tumor site.  The radiation beams are employed in the treatment process.  In addition, the simulator provides a component of the permanent record (verification) of the treatment plan. It is named as so because it has been fabricated to mimic several of the treatment positions that are possible within radiation treatment units.

Servicing and Repairing Linear Accelerator

Problems LINAC System Face

Linear accelerators are built by joining numerous small parts and sending very small radiation particles at very high speeds towards designated targets. Each part has its own function and in the grand scheme of things isnt linked to adjacent parts. This makes the LINAC a very fickle machine since any faulty part can lead to the entire machine going out of order. Hence, the LINAC is an unsustainable machine that can require very intricate maintenance. Therefore, the debate about whether to install spare parts or to change the machine entirely holds a lot of weight and is something that many professionals in the health industry constantly talk about.

Repairing LINAC system

Medical equipment parts used for repairing linear accelerators can be quite expensive especially if you choose to buy new OEM parts over refurbished. Instead of spending your valuable budget on new parts to repair equipment, there are a number of firms in the market that offer refurbishing of parts for radiation equipment. The refurbished parts are often returned very quickly, and this efficient process saves you half the money you would spend on a new part. Therefore, it is best to find a good servicing company for your LINACs to extend the lifespan of the equipment.

Acceletronics is an independent service company dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models. Learn more about Acceletronics and their selection of new and refurbished linear accelerators and CT scanners today at http://www.acceletronics.com.  To contact one of our LINAC experts call 610.524.3300.

 

Health Insurance Plans Available Through Medicare

Medicare and Medigap are health insurance plans sponsored by the federal government.  Being regulated by the government means that there is not a lot of leeway.  Much of Medicare is standardized and is the same throughout the United States however, Florida is unique.

The state of Florida is one of four states that allows the pricing of Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans to be based on the age of enrollees.  “Issue Age” standard states that your Medicare Supplement rates cannot increase every year as you age.  The price can fluctuate because of normal inflation which on average is between three to four percent each year.

Medicare enrollees also have the option to enroll in Medicare Advantage instead of Original Medicare and the addition of supplemental insurance.  Only 3 out of 10 Medicare participants choose Medicare Advantage.  Most participants choose this option especially when they are on a limited, fixed income.  The state of Florida has a rate higher rate of enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans.  In fact, two out of five Florida enrollees participating in Medicare choose Medicare Advantage.  The insurance coverage with Medicare Advantage is often not as comprehensive as what participants would have with Medicare and Supplemental Insurance Plans however, it is a more affordable option.

As mentioned previously, Supplemental Insurance Plans are standardized throughout the United States.  Thus, meaning no matter what insurance company the insurance is purchased through or what state it is purchased in the coverage of the plans remains the same.  Unlike with Medicare Advantage, Supplemental Insurance Plans do not limit the doctors and specialists you can visit.  Another major difference is that Medicare Advantage Plans are not standardized, although they are regulated.  With Advantage Plans you are limited to doctors and specialists within your network.  There are higher co-pays and deductibles than with Supplemental Plans however the premium each month is lower.

Unlike other states, Florida has a different pricing structure on their Medicare Supplemental Insurance Plans. The plans that are priced the best are those with the best coverage.  These plans include, Medigap Plan F, Plans N and Plan F-HD.  If you are new enrollee within Medicare in Florida it is vital to investigate these three different supplemental plans before committing to a Supplemental Insurance Plan.  Medigap Plan F covers one hundred percent of your Medicare expenses; other than your premium enrollees do not have to cover out-of-pocket costs.  So, although the initial policy can be quite expensive it can pay off in the long run.

Learn more about Medigap plans and rates at http://emedigap-plans.com.  Medigap Insurance brokers will help you compare Medigap Insurance rates and plans.  To talk to an expert in Medigap coverage call toll free 888-452-7949!

Costly Mistakes When Enrolling In Medigap

There are many mistakes that can be made when enrolling as a first time Medicare participant.  The instructions aren’t always so clear on exactly what is provided, what needs to be covered out of pocket by the enrollee, and how to find the coverage that is needed.    It is important that when participants come of age to be enrolled in Medicare they seek out advice from a Medicare Supplemental Insurance Broker to help them with the ins and outs of Medicare Plan A and Plan B along with helping compare the coverage of Supplemental Insurance.  A broker can help to make sure that participants don’t make costly mistakes and ensure that in the end they have the coverage they need for their unique situation.

Common Mistakes Made with Medicare

Often it is assumed that you are automatically enrolled in Medicare when you turn 65.  This is not the case however unless you are already enrolled on Social Security before you turn 65.  If you are not it is important that you begin the Medicare enrollment process at least three months before you turn 65.  This will help to ensure that you get the coverage you need when you need it.

Another mistake people make is to assume because all the paperwork has been completed with the Social Security office that your Medicare enrollment is all set.  Never assume that you are covered under Medicare until you know for sure that your paperwork is processed, and you see that you are showing up in the system. If you don’t you make sure that your coverage is in place you may find yourself without Medicare coverage.  When errors are not caught you can find yourself without insurance and paying a penalty to get your coverage instated.

Another misconception is that you need to be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B.  This is not the case when you are continuing your employer-sponsored health plan.  If you are enrolled in outside health insurance coverage, then you can put off enrolling in Medicare Part B.

Participants are often confused about when they need to enroll in Medicare Supplemental Plans.  Know that Medigap Insurance is guaranteed to Medicare Part A and Part B enrollees, guaranteed coverage, without penalty for the entire 6-month period after you have enrolled in Medicare Part B.  After this period is complete you no longer have guaranteed coverage.  Therefore, we say if you are enrolled in an employer plan you delay enrollment in Medicare Part B until this coverage runs out.  It prolongs the time you have guaranteed to enroll in Supplemental Insurance.

To avoid making mistakes when it comes to coverage within the Medicare program your best option is to meet up with a Medicare Insurance Broker who can help you with the ins and outs of the program.

Learn more about Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans, rates and more at http://www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com.  Medicare Supplemental Insurance brokers will help you compare Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates and plans.  To talk to an expert in Medicare coverage toll free 877-202-9248 today!

Traits of a Superior Medical Equipment Service Company

There is substantial growth within the medical care industry.  The population of aging citizens is growing as well.  As this is occurring it is our responsibility as professionals to make sure we are keeping up with technological advancements which often means more complicated medical equipment and devices throughout a variety of care centers including radiation oncology departments.  It takes a unique person, with the right skill set, and work ethic to ensure facilities are successful in keeping linear accelerators, CT scanners, and other oncology equipment up and running to ensure on-time treatment.

Superior medical equipment repair providers all seem to posses’ similar qualities which allow facilities to maintain a high level of care without downtime due to equipment failure.  Some of these traits include:

Lovers of Technology: Repairing large scaled medical equipment is not quite like anything else.  Linear accelerators and other machines found in the radiation oncology department are complex and involve very complicated and detailed computer software and mechanical components.  Most often companies that perform these detailed tasks use computers to troubleshoot issues with equipment as well as being capable of performing hands on tasks that involve the nitty gritty nuts and bolts.

Detailed Oriented: Medical equipment performs jobs that humans are not capable of performing including pin pointing laser treatments for cancerous tumors while keeping healthy tissues safe.  When these machines breakdown the entire facility often comes to a stand-still.  This means it is crucial that a complete diagnosis and repair is completed the first time.  Good medical equipment technicians provide repair solutions efficiently and can identify even the tiniest thing is out of whack on medical equipment throughout the radiation department.

Solvers of Problems: Imagine having to solve a problem that has never been solved before.  These are the mysteries that medical equipment repair specialists deal with daily.  The problems and repairs that need to be done are usually a first of there kind and need to be able to be diagnosed properly and remedied quickly as not to affect downtime and patient care.

Reliable: When working within the medical industry in any capacity it is crucial that you are reliable, on-time, and ready to get down to business when needed. Other people’s lives are dependent on you being able to complete yours.  Even if you are not in the direct line of patient care your job is of critical importance.

Acceletronics is an independent service company dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models. Learn more about Acceletronics and their selection of new and refurbished linear accelerators and CT scanners today at http://www.acceletronics.com.  To contact one of our LINAC experts, call 610.524.3300.

Invest In Home Improvement To Boost Your Home’s Value

When it comes to spending money on home improvements there are renovations that are done to boost a homes value while other remodeling projects are done only to bring more enjoyment.  In this installment on home improvement we will discuss ways to increase the value of your home.

  • Curb Appeal/Front Yard Makeover

So many updates can be done on the exterior of the home from major home improvements such as the installation of new siding or windows to smaller renovation such as the installation of new pavers to create a walkway or some colorful planters.  People do judge your home based on their first impression, so it is important to take pride in it, allow it to stand out from the others, and add some bright colors with the addition of flowers.

  • HVAC/Furnace Replacement

No one really thinks about furnaces or central air conditioners when considering ways to improve their homes but truly it is a great way to add value while offering new home buyers’ peace of mind upon seeing new systems in place.  There are several rebates on energy saving heating and cooling systems, not to mention the rebates and tax savings.  This is an improvement to consider making especially if you plan on being in the home for a while.

  • Adding Insulation

If your home doesn’t have enough insulation adding blow in insulation to the attic helps to keep your home warm in the winter and cold in the summer.  Adding in insulation to your homes attic can be relatively inexpensive while offering you energy savings.  Attic insulation and updating caulking around doors and windows can save you a bundle of cash over the course of a year.

  • Bring in The Light

An easy way to brighten up a space is with the addition of lighting.  The addition of recessed lighting with a dimmer switch is a great way to make a dramatic change without adding too much of a good thing.

  • Renovate Plumbing and Electrical

Improving the guts of your home is always a good investment.  If the home has rusty old iron pipes, then replace the plumbing.  New flexible tubing makes replacing plumbing easier than ever.  It is true that there is no reason to put money into a home when the mechanics are faulty.  New homeowners always fret at the scary thought that the electrical or plumbing needs updating.

Learn more about Kearns Brothers, a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan’s construction needs by visiting their website at www.kearnsbrothers.com or contact a remodeling expert at 888.355.6700.

PC Repair: Is Your Computer Ready for A Trip into The Shop?

Your personal computer contains a great deal of personal and private information.  When it needs to go in for service there can be a great deal of anxiety with leaving it in the hands of a computer repair technician.  Not only will they have access to your password-protected accounts, technicians will be performing complicated procedures that can often include your computers hard drive.  Thus, it is important to take necessary precautions to ensure that your computer and its data are protected before it is services to avoid any unnecessary disasters resulting in lost data.

Preparing Your PC for A Trip into The Computer Repair Shop

  • Store Important Information on The Cloud: Many people cannot live without their personal computers or the information on them, so it is inevitable that you will more likely than not need to access to the info on the PC while it is in for repair. To be able to accomplish this it is vital to add current projects into a folder on the cloud such as Dropbox or OneDrive.  This allows the files to be accessed from another source at any time.
  • Backup: A backup of your PC is always important but never as much as when your computer is going in for repairs, just in case something was to happen that damages the hard drive. This ensures that the data files can be restored, and your computer returned to its original state. When a backup is restored it is important that the original image was not the cause of the initial need for service.
  • Protection of Sensitive Materials: For most of us there is information stored within our PC’s that we don’t want people to see or have access to. Some of this could include bank statements, credit card information, tax forms, or anything that is potentially “embarrassing” to you or those to stumble upon it.  These files should either be removed, after you have securely backed them up to an external source or encrypted.
  • Be Prepared for An Unexpected Diagnosis: Many times, over we self-diagnosis our computer problems without much to go on.   Even after talking with the PC repair technician we often have a false sense of what is wrong based on their best guess given they have yet to dive in to the system for a proper diagnosis.  It is vital to be prepared for a diagnosis that is different than what you had anticipated; also meaning the time frame for fixing said issue could be significantly different.

Often the trip to have your computer worked on will go smoother than anticipated but it is always important to be prepared for the inevitable.

Learn more about Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, and the IT solutions they provide including IT consulting, computer consulting, network consulting, networking, server installation, IT disaster recovery, computer repair, virus removal, malware removal, computer tune ups, data backup systems, computer troubleshooting, structured cabling, low voltage wiring, website design, graphic design, logo design, website hosting, search engine placement, iphone app programming, android app programming, and custom programming at www.cpsmi.com.  To contact one of our IT experts, call 810.224.5252 today or via email at info@cpsmi.com.

Understanding Reverse Osmosis Solutions

Nothing says freshness the same way a glass of clear glass of tap water does.  Many homeowners seek a solution to bring clean, fresh water to their homes drinking water and with the right water filtration system it is possible.  Every single drop of water that exits the faucets throughout your home can be used as pure quality drinking water when the right water treatment system for your homes water is used.

Choosing a water treatment system is not something most homeowners know enough about to make an educated purchase.  It is crucial to meet with a water quality expert, such as the ones that can be found at Reynolds Water Conditioning who can test a sample of your homes water.  This will allow them to do an analysis on the quality of the water coming from each faucet and find the perfect combination of water treatment solutions to ensure a clean, clear glass of quality tap water each time. One popular option that offers high quality drinking water from your sinks tap is a reverse osmosis water treatment system.

How does reverse osmosis work?

The reverse osmosis water treatment systems operate by forcing water through a filter and eliminating impurities within the water.

How is reverse osmosis water treatment different?

Standard reverse osmosis water treatment systems work by filtering water through one of three or more filters to remove impurities such as chlorine, contaminants like metal and nitrates, and another to eliminate compounds that often result in foul odors and tastes.  Additional filters can be found on RO water treatment solutions with the water in your home requires further filtration.  These additional filters can include filtration of arsenic, pesticides, organic compounds, and percolates.  Filters can even be added to put important minerals back in to the homes water that aren’t necessarily good for your homes plumbing.  This again depends on the original quality of your homes water.

What are the benefits of treating water through reverse osmosis?

The smell and taste of a homes water is what usually is what triggers homeowners to have the water tested.  However, there are quite a few other containments that can be hiding in your water that would be better for you not to consume.  RO systems offer you a certain comfort in your homes drinking water, free of contaminants unseen with the naked eye.  Reverse osmosis water treatment solutions save homeowners money overtime by allowing them to adequality use the water within their homes rather than purchasing bottled water.

At Reynolds Water Conditioning Company, we are here to help make sure our clients don’t buy water treatment systems that they don’t need.  We are here to make sure you find a water softening system that gives you the results you are looking for, whether it is to remove iron or odor from you water; we have a solution that will help!  For more information contact our experts at 800.572.9575 or at our website https://reynoldswater.com.